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DECEMBER 2024/ JANUARY 2025
“You’d be surprised what you find when you’re not just running the same old routes.”
Keri Traub, Lakeville runner (page 28)
Photo: Chris Emeott
Keri Traub, page 28
12
Strength in Numbers
The Moxy Foundation brings together women in the field of data science. 14
Altruistic and Engaged
The Prior Lake High School Junior Optimist Club is the world’s largest.
16
Heroic Gifts
The Lakeville Public Safety Foundation pairs first responders with kids in need to make their holidays brighter. FEATURES 18
To Gather
Plan a meaningful event to bring friends and family together. 28
On the Map
Runner Keri Traub is exploring every mile of Lakeville and neighboring cities, one street at a time. TASTEMAKERS
Baking a Legacy
Micah Zupke shares her grandma’s cherished recipe.
from the EDITOR
We’re gearing up for the season of giving, but these past few months I’ve had to focus my energy on receiving. A running injury had me negotiating the world on crutches as I healed from a stress fracture in my hip. I couldn’t bear any weight on my right side, which meant I got a humbling crash course in asking for assistance.
I am more than happy to give of my time and resources to help a friend in need, yet it pained me to ask my husband to carry my hot coffee from the kitchen to my office or to ask a friend to help with picking up my kids from school on a rainy day. I cringed as I thanked strangers for opening doors for me, and I’m embarrassed to admit that my mom helped me clean my house. Yet, I am so very thankful for my patient husband, my supportive network of family, friends and co-workers, and the strangers who willingly offered help.
While I wouldn’t choose this injury, it’s helped me become more empathetic to others and taught me to be gracious about receiving support. The more help I accept, the better able I am to give what I can.
As you navigate this season of giving, there are plenty of ways to help others. We’ve even highlighted a few of the amazing helpers in our community for inspiration—read about the Prior Lake High School Junior Optimist Club, the largest junior optimist club in the world (Altruistic and Engaged, page 14), as well as the Lakeville Public Safety Foundation (Heroic Gifts, page 16).
But in the midst of all this giving, don’t forget that receiving (i.e. self care) is important, too. Whether that means authentically connecting with friends (Find our guide for planning a meaningful event in To Gather, page 18.)or getting some fresh air and exploring a new corner of your world like Lakeville runner Keri Traub (On the Map, page 28).
Since I’ve gotten so much practice asking for help lately, I am going to ask you all for a quick favor: Please vote in our annual Best of Cities South Readers’ Choice Poll. Our second annual survey features new categories, and voting is live on our website from December 1–January 31. (Find details on page 9.) We’ll publish the results in our June/July issue, and I can’t wait to see what you all pick!
Liz Potasek liz@localmedia.co
On
the Cover
See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town! Cities South @citiessouthmag @CitiesSouthMag
Photo: Chris Emeott
To Gather, Photo by Chris Emeot, page 18
VOL. 2 NO. 6 citiessouthmags.com
PUBLISHER
Susan Isay
EDITOR
Liz Potasek
MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Renée Stewart-Hester
MANAGING EDITOR
Hailey Almsted
DIGITAL EDITOR
Madeline Kopiecki
COPY EDITORS
Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt
STAFF WRITERS
Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Daniel Huss, Jennifer Pitterle and Rachel Schuehle
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sarah Lang, Karen Mackey, Michael Moody and Katie Tomsche
DIGITAL INTERN
Alexandra Tostrud
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Tia Benson, Findlay Drabant, Amy Holmberg and Mikayla Vo
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Melissa Ferlaak, Valleyfair ; Sandi Fleck, Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce ; Stephanie Goldfarb, The Divine Living Space ; Eve Heeralall, City of Apple Valley ; Michelle Sharp, Meet the Minnesota Makers ; and Tina Goodroad, City of Lakeville
SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR
Sarah Dovolos
ART DIRECTOR
Allison Nolden
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR
Jamie Klang
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Yaz Lo
LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Emeott
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Brittni Dye
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Lisa Stone
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Mimi Coz
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Laura Bjorgo, Cynthia Hamre, Mary-Catherine Hartel, Sara Johnson and Lauren Warner
PRESIDENT
Pete Burgeson To subscribe to Cities South Magazines , please visit localmedia.co. For customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co, or call 612.208.6248. ©Local LLC 2024. All rights reserved.
Smart Planning Winter Planning is
Most landscaping projects take time to plan and require building permits. ‘Tis the season to get started. You’ll beat the spring rush and avoid frustrating permitting delays. Call (651) 203-3000 to meet with a landscape architect or designer.
YOU’RE INVITED …
AS WE BID our good-byes to 2024 and welcome a new year, we’re hoping that you, dear Readers, will help us with our annual Best of Cities South Readers’ Choice Poll, which celebrates life in and around Apple Valley, Lakeville and Prior Lake. We don’t know of a better way to step into 2025 than by showing support and appreciation for local businesses, service providers and much more!
Our contest is live December 1 through January 31 at citiessouthmags.com, where you can vote for your “best of the best” in a number of categories. While some of your favorite selections return for another year, our Editorial Team has included a few more categories that highlight additional retail and business communities. Curious? Go online to vote!
To have your vote successfully entered and counted, follow these rules*:
1. One entry is allowed per person; each ballot needs to include an email address.
2. Voters need to vote in at least five categories.
3. Ballots must be completed by 5 p.m. January 31.
The top three finalists will be announced online on March 1. Our June/July issue and website will reveal the Best of Cities South winners and runners up—along with special features, including the Editor’s Picks and a host of other community highlights.
—Editorial Staff
*Any rule not adhered to may result in entire surveys being discarded, and all results are subject to editorial discretion.
TASTE
Family Dinner
Introducing kids to global cooking at a young age can make a dramatic difference in limiting picky eating. But sometimes, it’s not easy! When we make food a fun, family affair, kids notice their family trying and enjoying new things together.
Curry is a delicious blend of flavors to introduce to kids. It has been an integral part of Indian cuisine for thousands of years. Each region of India has its own variation that highlights local ingredients and flavor
preferences. Curry powder is typically a blend of coriander, cumin, chili powder, cardamom and other spices. For this recipe, I like a yellow or madras curry powder, though you can experiment with any type.
Sarah Lang is a personal chef, cooking teacher and author of The Passport to Cooking Cookbook (available on Amazon). Taste more at asimplekitchenmn.com.
Curry Roasted Veggies
» 1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets
» 1 lb. carrots, peeled and chopped
» ¼ cup olive oil
» 1 tsp. ground cumin
» 2 tsp. curry powder
» salt and pepper, to taste
» ¼ cup golden raisins
» parsley, chopped, for serving
» Greek yogurt, for serving
Preheat oven to 450 F. Place chopped veggies in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, cumin, curry powder and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Pour oil mixture over the veggies and mix well. Pour onto a baking sheet, and roast for 25 minutes, until soft and lightly charred. After roasting, pour hot veggies back into the bowl, and immediately add golden raisins. Serve sprinkled with parsley and a dollop of Greek yogurt, if desired.
Gift for Gardeners
If you’re searching for a thoughtful gardening gift, consider the Fiskars 4-Claw Stand Up Weeder. This tool has truly transformed my gardening routine. Its long handle allows you to stand upright while tackling weeds, sparing your back from bending and kneeling. The ergonomic design ensures comfort and control, making it easy to maneuver. The weeder’s four serrated claws are adept at grabbing weeds by their roots, preventing regrowth and minimizing effort. It’s incredibly effective and saves time, making garden maintenance a lot more enjoyable. Plus, its durable construction means it’s built to last, with a lightweight design that makes it easy to handle. It’s a thoughtful, practical gift that will surely be appreciated by anyone who enjoys a beautiful, weed-free garden.
Michael Moody, aka The Humble Gardener, is an avid gardener from Apple Valley. Grow more with Moody on Instagram @humble_ gardener or YouTube at The Humble Gardener.
Photo: Sarah Lang
Big Characters
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
Despite humble beginnings in Michigan, Marjorie Post, heiress to her father’s Post Cereal Company, lived a life of luxury. This historical novel spans from the 1890s to the 1960s, including (and these are just highlights) Marjorie’s four marriages, three daughters, expansive properties, life abroad in Russia and a personal yacht. She lived the high life but was generous with her new-money fortune, too. Pataki’s use of first-person narrative makes this read like a memoir, and readers will be taken in both by the twists and turns of Post’s life events and by the well-researched writing itself.
EXPLORE
Celebrate Christmas Past
Step back in time to Christmas in the 1900s at the Dakota City Heritage Village in Farmington. Taking place the first two weekends in December, the village will be decked out with holiday decor, as visitors enjoy caroling, horse-drawn trolleys, firepits and the opportunity to meet St. Nicholas.
The festivities begin with a tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. December 7 in the village gazebo square. Musicians and singers will perform sing-along Christmas carols in the church and while walking through the village. Visitors can explore the lit-up village to tour the carpenter shop, Harris House, McMenomy House, blacksmith shop and other buildings. Children who bring stamped and addressed letters to St. Nicholas to mail at the village post office will receive a reply in the mail.
The village drug store will sell food and hot beverages, such as apple cider, apple cider donuts, cocoa, cookies and soup. Tia Benson
All ages. $5, children under 5 free. December 7, 8, 14 and 15. 3–8 p.m. Christmas in the Village at Dakota City Heritage Village, 4008 220th St. W., Farmington; Tickets are available at the gate, online at dakotacity.org or by calling 651.460.8050.
Through No Fault of My Own: A Girl’s Diary of Life on Summit Avenue in the Jazz Age by Coco Irvine
This little diary is just the thing for readers looking for a short, entertaining story with local connections. Coco Irvine received a diary for Christmas in 1926, and as a young teen, she filled it with stories of her adventures, scrapes and first glimpses of romance. Tales of her siblings and parents are lively and dramatic (“Bossing me around, really!”) and capture her childhood on St. Paul’s Summit Avenue and at the family’s summer home in White Bear Lake a century ago. Coco’s writing style showcases her big personality, and it all adds up to a sweet, giftable nonfiction gem!
Karen Mackey is the adult services librarian at the Wescott Branch of the Dakota County Library. Read more at dakotacounty.us/library.
Photo: Liz Potasek
The school lit up for Christmas in the Village at Dakota City Heritage Village.
VENTURES
Strength in Numbers
The Moxy Foundation brings together women in the field of data science.
By Liz Potasek
ON THE FIRST Tuesday of every other month, about 30 women gather for dinner to talk data, share career tips and offer support in a male-dominated field. She Talks Data, founded by two women in Lakeville, has met every other month at Lela in Bloomington since 2016— and there’s often a waitlist. “There’s no shortage of women doing this work,” says Laura Madsen, a data consultant
and co-founder of the Moxy Foundation and Moxy Analytics. “We just tend to be a little bit more in the background.” Madsen started She Talks Data with Serena Roberts, a former coworker, with the intention of creating a supportive environment to discuss everything from asking for salary raises to defining professional attire for women. Every meeting had a
featured speaker with time allotted for questions and networking. Every other month, they filled the room at Lela. “We were just so tired of feeling alone,” Roberts says. “We thought there’s got to be other women that we can connect with, so we can feel less alone. Not so gaslit. And it turns out, there were lots of other women.”
While they celebrated the success
Photo: Jenn Cress
In spring 2024, more than 160 tech professionals gathered at the Sistech conference.
of those bimonthly meetings, their consistent waitlist provided evidence that there was a larger audience for these gatherings.
In 2019, Madsen and Roberts started their own data consulting company, Moxy Analytics. As they worked to launch their company, they decided to bring She Talks Data to a larger audience through a conference: Sistech, a sisterhood of tech professionals. They started The Moxy Foundation, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, to support Sistech and She Talks Data.
Then COVID-19 hit. In 2021, they held the first Sistech conference with a hybrid model—some attendees in person and others on Zoom. In spring 2024, the second Sistech conference attracted 160 participants. “It was really quite phenomenal,” Madsen says.
Working on She Talks Data together is what inspired them to start their own company. “When we started, I had been at this for 18 years, and I could tell you on one hand how many other women I knew that did what I did,” Madsen says. “We just didn’t have that network or community … It was just a lot of validation that I wasn’t alone in what was a very lonely career up to that point.”
Building a network through those meetings has helped Madsen and Roberts to blaze their own trail, while sharing the tools of success with their industry peers. They don’t charge a fee for She Talks Data because they don’t want to create any barriers to entry. “We get people from all different walks of life,” Roberts says. “You know, it’s been an amazing way to build this incredible network of incredible women.”
ENLIGHTEN
Altruistic and Engaged
The Prior Lake High School Junior Optimist Club is the world’s largest.
By Daniel Huss
CONFIRMATION CAME from the Junior Optimist Club International conference held this July in St. Louis, Missouri: Prior Lake High School (PLHS) is indeed home to the world’s largest Junior Optimist Club.
PLHS’s club boasts a membership of more than 300 students. A typical school’s membership is about 30 students.
The Junior Optimist International Club’s calling is to “use a passion for making a difference to reach out to other people wishing to make a difference
too.” PLHS’s club is definitely making a difference—locally and internationally.
“We do about 100 service projects per year,” says PLHS Junior Optimist Club president Gabrielle Thompson. “That averages out to about two per week.”
The membership requirement is to commit to two hours service time per quarter and eight hours per school year. “We have a lot of members who do 50 to 60 hours per year,” Thompson says. “Last year, we had one member donate 120 hours.”
Advisor Dan Steger is only mildly
surprised. “When I started, I thought we’d have to motivate the students, but we’ve never had to,” Steger says. “We provide an opportunity, and they’ve come at it full blast.”
It gives him hope for the future. “Gen Zers are an idealistic bunch,” he says. “They don’t just talk the talk; they roll up their sleeves and go to work.”
PLHS Junior Optimist Club members are regulars at Feed My Starving Children, serve meals for Catholic Charities and help/contribute to the Ronald McDonald House.
Photos:
Prior Lake High School
Junior Optimist Club
The Prior Lake High School Junior Optimist Club participates in service projects throughout the community.
They’ll dress up as Disney princes and princesses for the annual Daddy/ Daughter dance, and they’ll cheer runners and award medals at the local 5K. Members make a lot of tie blankets and write and send greeting cards to longterm care residents.
Additionally, members held a bake sale for Ukrainian refugees and collected and sent books to Africa. “It’s really cool to touch people that far away,” Thompson says.
There was a time when program advisors started/recommended the service projects. That time is no more. “The kids bring the projects forward,” Steger says. “Once that started, it snowballed.”
Thompson has been a Junior Optimist Club member since ninth grade. “The Junior Optimist Club helped me become the person I am today,” she says. “I can’t imagine what it’s like to not be involved.”
Thompson attended the Junior Optimist International conference in July. When asked for her biggest takeaway, she talks of leadership discussions. “One speaker talked about the difference between fitting in and belonging,” she says. “I get it.”
Thompson has belonged to the club since her start. As club president, she hopes her clubmates feel the same way about this growing student group. The club picked up more than 20 students last summer, making the world’s largest Junior Optimist Club even larger.
Prior Lake High School Junior Optimist Club; Friends of PLHS Junior Optimists @pl_junioroptimist
“Gen Zers are an idealistic bunch. They don’t just talk the talk; they roll up their sleeves and go to work.”
Dan Steger, Prior Lake High School Junior Optimist Club advisor
Heroic Gifts
The Lakeville Public Safety Foundation pairs first responders with kids in need to make their holidays brighter.
By Jennifer Pitterle
First responders volunteer their time to help kids buy presents for thier families in 2023.
EVERY DECEMBER , local police officers and firefighters are paired with middle and high school students in need of an unforgettable shopping experience. Shop with a Hero is a one-day event that gives the kids an opportunity to shop for holiday gifts for their families (and, of course, something for themselves).
“Shop with a Hero is such a special event because it allows us to connect with the community in a very personal way,” says Shanen Corlett, founder of the Lakeville Public Safety Foundation (LPSF). “It’s about more than just giving gifts; it’s about showing these kids that they’re cared for and that their stories matter.”
For a decade, LPSF has supported the firefighters, police officers and other first responders who serve the city. Founded officially in 2015, the nonprofit
organization primarily writes grants to help fund nonessential safety equipment, support training initiatives and organize community programs. To date, it’s given more than $600,000 for initiatives like a drone program for the fire department, a mobile crime scene trailer for the police department, community picnics and more. “What can we do that might make the job a little bit easier or a little bit safer?” Corlett says.
But this time of year, the first responders volunteer to give a little more. School resource officers help identify kids who would benefit from Shop with a Hero, while other participants are referred by their families or community members. Tweens and teens are eligible if they live or attend school in Lakeville.
Lakeville Fire Department’s fire chief Mike Meyer, who’s been involved with
“The time spent shopping with kids is not just about shopping for a gift for a family member, but also a time for them to share their stories about their family."
Mike Meyer, Lakeville Fire Department’s fire chief
Photo: Shanen Corlett
the program since its inception, says Shop with a Hero is about togetherness—and listening. “The time spent shopping with the kids is not just about shopping for a gift for a family member, but also a time for them to share their stories about their family that no one else may know, and that’s OK,” Meyer says.
The day of the event, participants typically gather at Target; Corlett and the LPSF work with the local store to coordinate the shopping sprees. The kids meet “their” firefighter and police officer and get to hang out together in the break room after shopping to share a meal and wrap their gifts. The program serves around 50 students annually—that's more than 500 since it formally began a decade ago.
And Meyer notes that the kids most in need are often the first to offer generosity. “Every year I have gone shopping, the kids are always thinking of others before themselves,” Meyer says. “Their own gift is always the last one we get.”
Corlett says that funding Shop with a Hero is the easy part, with plenty of support from community businesses and individuals who are quick to jump in with fundraising and sponsorships. “Our community is beyond generous when it comes to this program,” Corlett says. “And the first responders are so generous, because they’re volunteering their time.” She estimates that around 100 volunteers are needed throughout the day to coordinate, serve food, wrap gifts and more.
“We are fortunate to have such great support from our community and LPSF to help facilitate events like this,” Meyer says.
To learn more about LPSF and find out how you can get involved or help with Shop with a Hero, visit lpsfmn.org. Corlett says financial donations—which can be made online—are one of the best ways to support their work.
Lakeville Public Safety Foundation; lpsfmn.org
Lakeville Public Safety Foundation @lpsfmn
CREATE. LAUGH. LEARN.
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TOGather
Plan a meaningful event to bring friends and family together.
Written By Liz Potasek
Photos by Chris Emeott
Balancing packed schedules with the need to connect with family and friends can be difficult— especially during this busy season. When we go through the effort of planning and executing a party, we want to feel like we’ve actually attended and enjoyed the event.
With that in mind, we chatted with two seasoned party professionals, Katrina Post, founder of On Point Parties & Events, and Kristin Lauerman, owner of Petite Fête Event Decor Rental, to get inspiration for planning our next gathering with a focus on making it meaningful. “This might be a little radical, but something that pops into my head is simplification,” Post says. “With an overcomplicated event, the host can just get lost in the details and the execution … Simplification does not necessarily equate to cheapening the event or cutting corners.”
Instead of getting lost in details, focus your attention on the three things Post and Lauerman agree that guests remember most: Food, drink and connection.
FOOD
Plan a menu that’s simple to execute and won’t take you away from conversation with guests.
Charcuterie boards are popular for a reason: They’re prepped in advance, can be constructed to serve guests with different dietary restrictions and they
foster conversation by creating a communal place to graze.
Along those same lines, fondue or a hot pot give guests a focus as they chat while preparing their dinner, Post says.
Entertaining doesn’t have to be a sit-down
dinner; consider focusing on small bites or appetizers. Lauerman suggests a potluck dessert buffet.
For holiday meals, don’t hesitate to order a premade meal from a local restaurant or grocery store. Heat the food, and plate it on your own serving ware.
Elevate a potluck dessert buffet by creating a beautiful tablescape and setting up serving dishes for guests to fill with sweet offerings.
DRINK
Create a self-serve drink station, so guests can easily help themselves, and you’re not spending the night worried about drink refills, Lauerman says. Find a specialty drink you think most guests will enjoy, and make a big pitcher—or dust off the punch bowl. “Anytime you can set a self-service bar area, so that you don’t have to worry about whose cups are full, that’s always advantageous,” Lauerman says. “Especially, if you can batch a drink.”
Find an existing recipe you like, and rename it to fit your theme, Lauerman says, noting that she picks a new signature drink each year for Christmas with her family.
Think beyond the booze with mocktails or herb or fruit-infused water. “We always do a big hot chocolate bar with all the fixings,” Lauerman says. She makes the hot chocolate in a large crockpot, and lets guests ladle the drink into cups and top it off with biscotti, cinnamon sticks, marshmallows, peppermint sticks, whipped cream and more. She also recommends offering alcohol for adults who want to spike their hot chocolate.
Spend the night chatting instead of monitoring cups by creating a beverage station.
A hot chocolate bar delights guests of all ages.
CONNECTION
Once the food and beveragse are ready, focus on fostering connection. The easiest way to do this is to plan a lowkey game that allows people to chat.
For a kid-focused gathering, an oversized coloring mural poster can be hung on a wall or set at a large table with a selection of crayons or washable markers.
If you’ve got a smaller group, Post remembers her mother’s New Year’s tradition of going around the table and making predictions for the next year. The family would spend time reflecting on last year’s predictions and making predictions for the new year.
Serving fondue encourages guests to linger and chat as they eat.
Plan it Out
As you start to prepare your party, here are some tips from the pros:
1. SET YOUR INTENTION . Before you plan the menu, decor or entertainment, think about your guests and how you want them to remember the night.
2. KNOW YOUR GUESTS. Guests’ schedules and dietary preferences should come into play when planning everything from the party time and location to the menu. Find ways to make the party feel personal to them.
3. CREATE A TIMELINE. You’ll want to set up a timeline of tasks leading up to the party, including cleaning, decorating and meal prep, but don’t forget to create a loose timeline for the party, as well. Make a plan for how you’ll handle the early guests (Save a few easy tasks to keep them busy, like setting out utensils, Post says.), as well as the late ones, so everyone can feel connected, and the party doesn’t drag out or feel too rushed.
ON POINT PARTIES & EVENTS onpointpartiesandevents.net On Point Parties & Events, LLC onpointpartiesandevents
PETITE FÊTE EVENT DECOR RENTAL petitefetedecor.com
Petite Fête Event Decor Rental petitefeteeventdecor
Written by Merritt Bamrick
Look inside the latest projects from Homes By Tradition , where a layered approach to building and design begins with a strong understanding of the site.
OUTSIDE IN
For a homebuilder, Dean Nelson finds invaluable insight in the outdoors. The owner and president of Homes By Tradition begins every project by walking each potential home site, quite literally turning over every stone to uncover all the information before concepting a plan. “Defining the building pad is where real imagination and creativity come in,” says Nelson, who notes that a strong understanding of property is fundamental to the award-winning homes his team creates. With a naturally analytical mind, Nelson seamlessly shifts into “engineering mode,” focusing on topography, grading and permits, simplifying the process so his clients and designer can focus on look, feel and function. “The sequence of what we build is so important,” punctuates the builder.
Homes By Tradition has a penchant for designing on large acreages across the Twin Cities, composing estates with outbuildings or commercial structures alongside family homes. On a unique project in Minnetrista, two sisters tapped the design and build team to create each of their dream homes on side-byside lots, including dedicated pasturelands and space for a future equine center. “Harmony between the two houses was essential,” remarks Nelson, a hobby farmer of his own. The structures differ architecturally – one sister gravitates toward modern farmhouse while the other prefers coastal cottage – but are relational in scale, complementing each other without feeling overly coordinated. Navigating these types of nuanced projects is second nature to the team, who guides its clients from concept through completion so no detail is missed in between.
One recently completed home in Edina highlights a unique blend of a more traditional exterior with a modern, highly functional floor plan. Interior designer Danielle Srock created “special moments” throughout the house, curating rooms with extra character to give the abode a more lived-in vibe. One such moment is the walk-in bar – an auxiliary prep and storage space off the great room – that gets special treatment: hunter-green cascades from crown molding to cabinetry, while a vintage tin ceiling and mercury glass details turn what could’ve been an afterthought space into one that feels both inviting and appointed. Srock finished the space in a semi-gloss to give the bar a bit of sheen among its wooded backdrop.
Building deftly in woods as on water, a Lake Marion home boasts a coastal aesthetic, while evoking a hallmark of contemporary design: connection to nature. A step inside reveals panoramic lake views, framed in black floor-to-ceiling windows, that soak the interiors in natural light. Every part of the architecture beckons you in, as the great room, kitchen and dining room seamlessly connect and flow out to the terrace and pool. Srock took her cues from nature, too, curating a palette of serene blues and muted whites for the interiors. The hues enhance the coastal elements of the home, including a grand white oak staircase topped off with a creamy, woven wool runner and oversized box mule posts and balusters. In these more neutral settings, Srock looks to artwork and lighting for splashes of color and
PHOTO BY LANDMARK PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO BY LANDMARK PHOTOGRAPHY
texture. “It’s a fun place to push boundaries because they’re easy to add and they further articulate the aesthetic of the home,” she says.
Nelson’s keen prioritization of form and function versus square footage results in homes that cater to the unique traits of each client. In one striking example, a three-story octangular library anchors an abode in Rosemount. This magical space, with its hidden bookshelf door, wall-to-wall bookcases and lofty turrets, feels like stepping into another world. Mindful that magic can be met with practicality, more common spaces in the home – like the kitchen – were thoughtfully designed to accommodate the hustle and bustle of three young kids and two dogs. Srock curated a material palette that could take on wear and tear, putting only the best selections in front of the owners. She selected a combination of natural white oak for cabinet bases, with upper cabinets painted in cream. White quartzite backsplash was a nobrainer due to its easy livability, but it also carries through as a design motif, wrapping around the perimeter of a 12-foot black Marquina marble island. The stunning focal point packs a ton of functionality, with a 48-inch Fisher & Paykel range and stacked dishwasher drawers within arm’s length to make
the island the ultimate meal prep station. “If it adds personality and purpose, then I say go for it,” says Srock of her design method.
With such a tailored approach to each home, catching the common thread among them may not be apparent at first. Nelson says that’s because it’s more of an underlayer – an end result that feels effortless – because the path laid out by the team is effort-filled. The intention is felt in totally seamless transitions as you move from room to room, from indoors to out, and throughout the concept-to-completion process with Homes By Tradition.
PHOTO BY LANDMARK PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO BY LANDMARK PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO BY SPACECRAFTING
ON THE MAP
Keri Traub
Runner Keri Traub is exploring every mile of Lakeville and neighboring cities, one street at a time.
Keri Traub, a Lakeville IT professional and mom of three, has been a runner since college. “Running has always been my time to clear my head, to think things through,” Traub says, noting that the almost-daily practice has seen her through all kinds of transitions, including the recent arrival of more free time as her kids get older and busier with their own activities. Several years ago, she joined the Lakeville chapter of the popular Moms on the Run organization, which connects women for workouts and fellowship.
way,” Traub says. One of the funniest elements, she notes, is needing to run or walk to the very end of every cul-de-sac in order for the CityStrides app to count it, which has led to some bemused looks from local residents.
Then, in spring 2023, Traub found a new “tool” that added another dimension to her neighborhood runs. CityStrides is an app that tracks users’ progress as they run (or walk) every single street in a city. A cousin in New Jersey had started using the app and got Traub hooked pretty much right away. “It combines my love of running with my love of exploring new places,” Traub says.
Within just five months, she’d finished running or walking every single street in Lakeville. “Every run became about checking off new streets, exploring neighborhoods I’d never been in and just seeing the city in a whole new
Traub says learning new things about her home city has been an unexpected delight. “You’d be surprised what you find when you’re not just running the same old routes,” she says. “I’ve seen beautiful houses, interesting yard art and parks I never knew existed. You really get to know a place when you’ve run every street.”
After completing Lakeville, Traub moved on to Farmington and Empire Township, including newly built roads in brand-new subdivisions—sometimes with the only scenery a cornfield or a construction site. In addition to the physical challenge, Traub says her CityStrides runs are also about the sense of accomplishment and discovery. “There’s something so satisfying about finishing a city,” she says. “You can look at the map and see all those lines filled in—it’s proof that you did it.”
And as Traub has tackled more cities, she developed strategies to make her
Written by Jennifer Pitterle — Photos by Chris Emeott
GETTING IN GEAR
As she’s traversed multiple cities on foot, Keri Traub has become something of an expert on running gear and safety. “I’ve run in all kinds of weather—rain, snow, extreme heat,” she says. “Good shoes are a must, and I always carry water and a phone. You never know what you might need out there.” Here are some of her tips.
Dress light for winter runs. “I usually wear fleece leggings and then a thin winter coat,” she says. “As long as my skin is covered, I’m usually warm.”
Find the right shoes. In the winter, Traub wears winter-specific, waterproof running shoes with extra traction. “And keep your feet dry with wool socks,” she says.
Wear bright colors. Even if it’s daylight, says Traub, avoid black and green, and opt for neons that are visible to drivers. A running cap is a great spot to employ bright colors, especially in heavy-traffic areas.
Know your comfort level. “When I’m by myself, I don’t run when it’s dark,” Traub says. She also notes that city streets often feel safer to her— because they’re more populated—than parks or trails that tend to have more wooded areas.
Learn more and find the app download at citystrides.com. CityStrides @citystrides
runs more efficient. “Planning is key,” she says. “I look at the map ahead of time, figure out the most efficient route, and try to hit as many new streets as possible in each run. It’s like a puzzle— figuring out how to make everything connect.” In Lakeville, she couldn’t start every run from her house, so she’d drive to a strategic starting point—often a city park—and go from there.
Although she doesn’t know of many other local folks who are using CityStrides (at least not yet), “people have been so encouraging,” she says. “I’ve had neighbors stop me and ask what I’m doing, and when I explain, they think it’s the coolest thing. Some have even joined me for a run or two.”
Now, as she makes her way through her latest city—Apple Valley—Traub reflects on her running journey. “It’s been an amazing experience,” she says. “I’ve learned so much about the area, but I’ve also learned a lot about myself. It’s about perseverance, setting goals and just enjoying the process.”
Lakeville resident Keri Traub has run every street in Lakeville, Farmington and Empire Township. She’s currently working on Apple Valley.
HolidayGift Guide
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Baking a Legacy
Micah Zupke shares her grandma’s cherished recipe.
Written By Liz Potasek — Photos by Chris Emeott
MICAH ZUPKE is the legacy baker in her family. She’s the one who provides her family with the taste of her grandma’s distinctive sugar cookie recipe each holiday season. But even as she keeps a legacy alive, she’s also creating a new one. She opened Uniquely Me Bakery— a home bakery, specializing in peanutand tree nut-free baked goods—when she was still in high school, and she’s often dreaming up new recipes—like the one for Malted Milk Ball Cookies. “I love experimenting with new things, and I can do that in baking,” Zupke says.
Zupke’s love of baking started young—she remembers baking in the kitchen with her grandma and mom, but it wasn’t until she was in sixth grade that a casual interest blossomed into a full-blown passion. It all started when she was watching a Cake Boss video on YouTube. “I got hooked,” she says. “And for probably like three years straight, I just watched Cake Boss and different decorating videos. And then in ninth grade, after baking for a while, I [realized] I want to start my own bakery.”
Zupke was inspired by the creations she saw on Cake Boss, but she wanted to add her own perspective. “When I was watching Cake Boss, I liked what he does, but I wanted to do it my way,” she says. “And that was also allergen friendly. Because for me going into a bakery or anywhere that has desserts, it’s hard, because I don’t know if there’s major nuts involved or there’s high cross-contamination.”
She started experimenting with peanut- and tree nut-free baked goods and began filling special orders for family and friends throughout high school. “I loved seeing people’s reactions when
Micah Zupke
Chocolate cookies with peppermint frosting are a holiday tradition at Uniquely Me Bakery.
I brought their idea to life,” Zupke says, noting that it’s part of what inspired her to pursue baking.
During her first year in college at North Central University in Minneapolis, her professor encouraged her to get a cottage food license and build a website to promote her bakery. She earned her degree in entrepreneurship and went to St. Paul College for a baking and pastry certificate. She started working at Edelweiss Bakery in Prior Lake as a part of her baking and pastry certificate program, and she’s continued working there full time as a baker and pastry chef as she slowly builds her own baking business.
Her menu includes bars, brownies, cookies, cupcakes, custom cakes and cupcakes. Zupke is also open to taking special orders for other allergens and dietary restrictions, including dairy, eggs, soy and gluten.
The bakery offers a specialty cookie of the month, and Zupke also incorporates flavors that change seasonally into the menu, like peppermint cookies (chocolate cookies with peppermint frosting) that are featured during the holidays. Because of her full-time job, Zupke usually needs
a few weeks’ notice for baking orders because all her orders are baked fresh. Zupke only remembers baking sugar cookies with her grandma once, but the not-too-sweet flavor and soft texture of the cookies are inextricably linked with the holidays for her family. “We make it every Christmas,” Zupke says, adding that she knew it was going to be a staple for her bakery when she was creating the menu.
While she spends hours working on intricate frosting for the cookies in her bakery, her family urges her to be more casual. “Of course, my family’s always like, ‘You don’t have to go all out; just slap some frosting on it,” Zupke says. “I can’t do that. Once I start, I have to just decorate it in the most fun way possible.”
And even though Zupke can’t stop her creativity when it comes to topping the cookies, she’s never been tempted to play with the recipe. “I’ve never tweaked it because it’s perfect,” she says. “It’s perfect how she made it.”
Uniquely Me Bakery; uniquelymebakery.com
Uniquely Me Bakery @uniquelymebakery
Grandma’s Sugar Cookies
• 1 cup milk
• 1 Tbsp. vinegar
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. baking powder, heaping
• ½ tsp. nutmeg
• 4 cups flour, enough to make stiff dough
Preheat oven to 350 F. Curdle the milk by adding vinegar; set aside. Cream sugar and butter, and add eggs and sour milk. Mix well. Stir in the remaining ingredients, and mix until combined. Do not refrigerate. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, and cut into preferred shapes. Bake for 10-12 minutes, depending on cookie size. Cool, and decorate. (Micah Zupke uses buttercream frosting to decorate the cookies at Uniquely Me Bakery.)
and Rick Nelson’s The Ultimate Minnesota Cookie Book (University of Minnesota Press), released last month. The book covers 20 years of winning recipes from The Minnesota Star Tribune’s holiday cookie contest. It has 102 cookie recipes and features 11 additional cookie recipes that are favorites of the coauthors. Find it at amazon. com, barnesandnoble.com, startribune.com and where books are sold.
Micah Zupke is one of 95 bakers featured in Lee Svitak Dean
FRIENDLY RIVALS
Lakeville’s high school matchup brings the hockey community together.
LAKEVILLE NORTH versus South is arguably one of the biggest Minnesota hockey rivalries, and that spirited opposition is the focus of the seventh Annual Hockey Day Lakeville. The “day” is part of a two-day, rivalry-filled weekend, filled with games from high school boys to Squirts, Mites and Bantams.
On the evening of January 17, the high school boys’ North versus South game will take place. Then, all day January 18, the Lakeville community comes together and sets the rivalries aside for some Hockey Day Lakeville traditional pond hockey games. Proceeds from the event benefit Hockey Helps.
Hockey Helps is a nonprofit that focuses on raising money for the Hendrickson Foundation, which strives to “enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families through the game of hockey.”
“Hockey isn’t cheap,” says Hockey Helps director Brian Peterson. “Our goal is to use hockey as a means to give back to the greater community. Whether it’s our community or the hockey community, our vision is to grow Hockey Helps to other communities.”
The Saturday event features food, drinks, live music and more to raise money for the hockey community. There will also be a showcase game highlighting special hockey teams, a youth coaches rivalry game and the Minnesota Warrior hockey showcase game. —Tia Benson
Hockey Day Lakeville;
All ages. 3–11 p.m. January 17 and 8 a.m.–11 p.m. January 18. Hasse Ice Arena, 8525 215th St. W., Lakeville; lakevillehockey.org
There are plenty of opportunities to watch hockey at Hockey Day Lakeville on January 17–18.
Since 1986, we have been serving students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. We offer a rigorous curriculum in a safe environment with no hidden agenda, building leaders with a heart to serve their community.
Christian Heritage Academy
7320 175th St. W., Lakeville 952.953.4155 chacademy.com
LOCAL EVENTS
Holiday on Main 12/07
Spend a day in winter wonder and enjoy crafts, live music, sleigh rides and opportunities to snap a photo with Santa. Downtown stores will also be open with many holiday shopping discounts to check out. All ages. Free. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Historic Downtown Lakeville, Holyoke Avenue; downtownlakeville.com
A Minnesota Nutcracker 12/13–12/15
Experience the winter magic of the classic Nutcracker ballet with a Minnesota twist performed by the Twin Cities Ballet. All ages. $35–$59. Times vary. Ames Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville; 952.452.3163; twincitiesballet.org
Chad Johnson Music
01/18
Enjoy live music from Chad Johnson. From a mix of original songs to familiar
DECEMBER 6
DECEMBRRR DAZZLE
Celebrate the glow of the holiday season with a fun-filled night, beginning with a tree lighting ceremony and continuing on with professional ice carving demonstrations, a giant bonfire and opportunities to take a picture with Santa. All ages. Free. 5–8 p.m. Lakefront Park, 5000 Kop Parkway SE, Prior Lake; 952.447.9800; priorlakemn.gov
Photo: City of Prior Lake
covers, this band’s performance is not one to miss. All ages. $25. 7:30 p.m. Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville; 952.985.4640; lakevillemn.gov
Tommy Ryman: A Night of Comedy 01/25
Prepare for a night filled with laughter and comedy from Tommy Ryman. All ages. $24 balcony, $28 table seating. 7 p.m. Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville; 952.985.4640; lakevillemn.gov
Bingo With the Lakeville Lions 01/28
Enjoy playing bingo with local community members. Ages 18 and older. $20/package. 6:30–9:30 p.m. Carbone’s Bar and Grill, 7670 160th St. W., Lakeville; 952.997.2900; carboneslakeville.com
AREA EVENTS
European Christmas Market 11/29–12/17
Take a trip across the globe, and experience Christmas in Europe. This 10thanniversary market will have something for everyone, from live music to crafts and more. All ages. Free. Times vary. Union Depot East Plaza, 240 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; stpaulchristmasmarket.org
Guatemalan Holiday Market 12/01
Clothing, chocolate and food, art and fun return to La Doña Cervecería for a second year. Browse a unique selection of handcrafted goods straight from artisans in Antigua, Guatemala. Every purchase supports Common Hope families and local artisans. All ages. Free. Noon–5 p.m. La Doña Cervecería, 241 Fremont Ave. N., Mpls.; 612.315.4613; dameladona.com
Christmas in Germany 12/07–12/08
Hosted by the Germanic American Institute (GAI), guests are invited to enjoy the thoroughly decorated venue with music, beer, Glühwein, homemade soup, German cake and more. Seasonal goods will be available for purchase. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–
DECEMBER 29
HOLIDAY MUSIC FESTIVAL
A family-friendly festival will fill your days with holiday cheer, featuring live music performances from talented local and national artists. All ages. Free. Times vary. Huntington Bank Rotunda Mall of America, 60 E. Broadway, Bloomington; 952.883.8800; mallofamerica.com
4 p.m. GAI Haus and grounds, 301 Summit Ave., St. Paul; 651.222.7027; gaimn.org
Twin Cities Holiday Princess Ball 12/15
Enjoy performances, photo opportunities and the chance to meet and greet favorite familiar characters. All ages. $20–$30, infants under 12 months free. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan; dreampartyforyou.com
Christmas With a Whole Lotta Soul 12/15–12/16
Get ready to enjoy the performance of musician Ginger Commodore. bringing the holiday season to life with soul-infused renditions of timeless Christmas classics. All ages. $44 concert only, $66 dinner and a show. 7 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Monday. Chanhassen Dinner Theater, 501 W. 78th St., Chanhassen; 952.934.1525; chanhassendt.com
Q: What’s currently sparking your interest?
A: I am currently interested in waxcasting jewelry and am excited to be taking classes this year.
Q: How do you like to unwind?
A: I like to unwind with cuddles with my kitty and cooking dinner.
To have your event considered: email citiessouthmags@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.
Q: What’s the best part of your job?
A: The best part of my job is coming into the office and learning something new every day. No days are the same, and the Art department is such a supportive group to be a part of.
The Path Forward
Christopher Knipe enjoys the view with an eye toward what’s around the bend.
“The peaceful stillness of the setting slowed my walk to a stop,” says amateur photographer Christopher Knipe, who describes himself as more of a walker than a photographer. “As I stood motionless and took in the scene, I was struck by the interplay of the brown and white of the trees and the brown and white of the path. They seemed to echo each other … I didn’t want to leave this idyllic spot but couldn’t resist the lure of the path ahead, pulling me onwards.” —Tia Benson
To view other Focus on Cities South photo contest winners, visit citiessouthmags.com.
Photographer: Christopher Knipe
Title: First Snowfall
Equipment : iPhone 7
Location: The Wilds Golf Course in Prior Lake
Category: Seasons Award: Third Place
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