Edina - January 2026 by Local.

The Galleria Edina

Photo: Chris Emeott

FROM THE EDITOR

I love to stay indoors during the winter. Even after growing up in Canada, enduring the lake effect snow of upstate New York and 18 years of Minnesota winters, I’ve never fully embraced the cold. Yet, The Legend of Gord the Green is why I still venture outdoors. Gord was a fellow student at Carleton University in Ottawa. Our campus buildings were connected by heated underground tunnels (similar to the University of Minnesota). One day, Gord accepted a dare to not step outside from January through April. It is said that when he finally emerged into the sunlight, his skin had turned green. To this day, whenever I realize I’ve barely been outside, I make myself get out and explore. Last year, I discovered a cornucopia of activities that will wow even the most dedicated of homebodies. Added bonus? Not all of them are outdoors, because sometimes we have to embrace our inner Gord, but not indulge him (page 16).

On one of those days where my indoorsy self refused to leave the house, I picked up The Satapur Moonstone by Sujata Massey, a murder mystery set in 1920s India. In it, the protagonist of the book is the country’s first female lawyer. While researching a case, she encounters a man practicing yoga and is surprised when he invites her to join, remarking that it’s something only men do. That stood out to me, since almost every yoga class I attend is packed with women. It was delightful to hear from YogaFit’s Ashok Dhariwal that more and more men are joining classes. Writer Jennifer Pitterle talks to one of the students and finds out why yoga calls to him (page 12).

Speaking of calling, what adventures and experiences bring you meaning? I’d love to hear from you. Send an email to edinamag@localmedia.co or tag us on Instagram at @edinamag. May the year ahead be filled with joy, prosperity and contentment. Happy New Year!

Feroza Mehta feroza@localmedia.co

On the Cover: Bring Joy to Your January , page 16

by: Michelle Tanner, City of Edina

Photo: Brittany Link Photography

Photo

VOL. 21 NO. 6

January 2026

PUBLISHER

Susan Isay

EDITOR

Feroza Mehta

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, Jennifer Pitterle and Paige Udermann

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alison Perrier Briggs, Sarah Davis, Emily Deutschman, Taylor Ellingson, Daniel Green, Gregory Rich, Twila Singh, Kelly Smith, Maureen Millea Smith, Jasmine Brett Stringer and Laura Westlund

DIGITAL INTERN

Claire Krieger

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Diane Meyer and Avery Vrieze

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Daphne Edwards, Edina Public Schools ; Greg Hoyt, Gather Venture Group ; Shelly Loberg, Edina Chamber of Commerce ; Nicole Meehan, Edina Education Fund; Rebecca Sorensen, 50th & France Business Association ; Kelly Vickers, Zimmer Design ; and Annette Wildenauer, BIG Innovation Lab

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 and Sara Johnson

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Rochita Chatterjee and Gina Neumann

PRESIDENT Pete Burgeson

A Century of Healing

The Cadillac, reformer, trapeze table, tower … Pilates equipment may seem complex, but this movement philosophy has encouraged good health for 100 years. Joseph Pilates created his exercise program, originally called Contrology, to help wounded soldiers after World War I regain mobility and strength. His complete attention to the body, including breath and balance, was adopted by midcentury leaders of American dance, such as George Balanchine and Martha Graham

In Edina, that legacy continues. Former professional dancer Cari Stemmler opened Paragon Pilates in 2009. “Our bodies respond to what we do to them,” she says, underscoring how Pilates’ principles still apply even as modern lifestyles evolve.

At Club Pilates Edina, owner Molly Buckley frames it in personal terms. “I ask our members, ‘What’s your why?’ For some, it’s flexibility; for others, it’s strength, recovery or stress relief,” she says.

A century after Joseph Pilates theories of deep stretching and the unity of breath, mind and movement are as relevant for our bodies today as when he experimented with springs and straps to help soldiers heal a century ago.

Your Community, Your Vote

Let’s start the year with some exciting news. Best of Edina is moving— to February! We think it’s a perfect fit. After all, February is the month of love, and we all adore our local businesses and service providers.

Our 2026 annual readers’ choice poll will be better than ever, featuring an all-new, voter-friendly platform at edinamag.com and an

entire month for readers to make their selections for their favorites in more than 70 categories, including our inaugural wedding section.

Start making your lists of favorites now. Vote in February, and watch for the list of finalists on our website on March 16. Find additional details and rules online. —Editorial Staff

Photo: Brian Stemmler

Laura Westlund is a writer and editor in the Twin Cities.

Murder in the Library

A good mystery is a great read any time of year. Most mysteries are written as a series, and it is helpful to begin at the beginning. North Carolina librarian Nancy Lingle recommended The Unkindness of Ravens by M.E. Hilliard. It is the first in a series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

From her childhood reading days, librarian Greer Hogan loved sleuth Trixie Belden more than Nancy Drew. Like Trixie, Greer sees herself as a detective (one with a laptop), finding out answers for her patrons at the Raven Hill Village Library.

When Greer finds the body of Joanna Goodhue, president of the Friends of the Library, dead on the stairs of the library, she feels sick. Greer forces herself to think like Trixie. She calls Helene Montague, the library director, who calls the Raven Hill Police.

Who would want to kill Joanna? She was known to challenge the status quo of the staid community. Her husband is the first person the police investigate, along with Greer, finder of the body. Greer decides that she will investigate the murder herself, though she has been warned to stay out of it. Instead, she jumps right in. Like Trixie, Greer is a great detective, and this is a suspenseful piece of cozy fiction.

Maureen Millea Smith is a retired Hennepin County librarian and Minnesota Book Award winning novelist.

All Eyes on the Dots

January 22 is National Polka Dot Day. It’s the perfect excuse to bring some playful charm into your home. Whether you’re drawn to bold, oversized dots or subtle, tone-on-tone patterns, polka dots can add personality without overwhelming your space. We asked local designer Heather Fox of Foxwell how to make this classic pattern feel chic, fresh and modern.

What’s your favorite way to incorporate polka dots into home décor? I love using polka dots in subtle, textural ways, like tone-on-tone dotted fabrics, textured rugs or ceramics with a hand-painted dot pattern. When the palette is sophisticated and the scale of the dots is varied, they feel playful yet grown-up.

What’s your go-to tip for someone who loves polka dots but is nervous about going too bold? Start small! Try throw pillows, a dotted

vase or even a throw blanket in a neutral palette. These pieces will add a hint of fun without taking over the room.

Are there color combinations that help polka dots feel modern or elevated? You can pair creamy neutrals with muted sage, pale blue or terracotta … a fresh pale blue with a deep wine combo. Mix that with the right stripe or floral and you’ve got a winner!

What’s one small way a reader could celebrate National Polka Dot Day in their space? A playful polka dot dining table to celebrate National Polka Dot Day: Bring in bold napkins, plates and add a dotted vase with fresh flowers to bring a cheerful, celebratory vibe without a big commitment.

For our full interview, go to edinamag.com. —Feroza Mehta

Finding the Flow

More men are stepping onto the yoga mat.

By Jennifer Pitterle

When Edina’s John Buckentine first stepped into a yoga class, he wasn’t sure what to expect. “I felt a bit out of place. I wasn’t coordinated like everyone else. But it didn’t take long [before] I could keep up, and I felt proficient at it,” Buckentine says.

That first class, more than 10 years ago, came by way of a buddy pass with his wife, Laurie Wien. She was attending classes at YogaFit’s Linden Hills location, and convinced Buckentine to give it a try. “I’ve been going ever since,” he says. Now in his 50s and still an avid runner, yoga has also become a central part of his fitness routine.

The benefits, he says, go far beyond exercise. “It really has noticeably made me more balanced, stronger, definitely more agile and flexible. And I don’t know if it’s just my imagination, but I think I’m taller,” Buckentine jokes. He also points to his mood. “I always feel like I’m in a good mood, and especially after I go [to a yoga class],” he says.

Even small improvements in his well-being surprised him. “One thing I noticed is I don’t mind being barefoot,” Buckentine says. “I just feel like my feet have really good traction.”

Still, he admits that starting out wasn’t easy, especially as one of the older folks in the class—and still sometimes the only man.

Below: Ashok Dhariwal of YogaFit.

Left: John Buckentine demonstrates the Warrior II pose, also known as the Virabhadrasana II.

“It really has noticeably made me more balanced, stronger, definitely more agile and flexible. And I don’t know if it’s just my imagination, but I think I’m taller.”

John Buckentine, yoga enthusiast

“It can be kind of daunting,” he says. “But everyone is really accepting … Everyone’s really friendly, so it doesn’t take long, and you feel at home.”

His advice for beginners is simple. “I’d start out slow,” he says, and choose a gentle flow designed for newcomers. Instructors at local studios are always happy to talk through the options if you call ahead and ask for their recommendations.

Buckentine still practices at YogaFit Studios, a local studio owned by Edina’s Ashok Dhariwal that is part of a larger chain. “We definitely have more and more men coming into our studios,” Dhariwal says. In the United States, yoga had trended as more popular with women over the past several decades, and for some men, they might still feel a stigma that the practice isn’t as “intense” as other workouts.

That hesitation is common. One thing Dhariwal often hears from men? “‘I’m not flexible enough.’ I hear that especially from older men,” he says. “And I ask, ‘How do you think you’re going to get more flexible?’” The answer, of course, is to get started with yoga, which is designed to gradually improve flexibility.

Dhariwal also emphasizes the mental benefits. “The common theme between yoga and fitness classes is really clearing your mind,” he says. “We set up everyone’s intention, and it just kind of puts some grounding in what you’re doing … it gives a person some time to focus on something they can’t focus on during the day.”

For Buckentine, the practice is one he’ll keep recommending. “I highly recommend it to anyone of any age or background. It’s been really beneficial to me,” he says. YogaFit

yogafitstudios.com

@yogafitstudios_mpls

The Root of the Issue

Holly Strack helps women uncover the causes of hair loss.

By Alexandra Tostrud

While hair loss is often seen as a concern primarily affecting men, an increasing number of women are experiencing it, too. Trichologists like Holly Strack are helping to change the conversation by offering expertise and expanding options for treatment. Though not medically licensed, trichologists are certified professionals trained to address hair and scalp issues. “I’m basically a liaison between a hair stylist and a dermatologist,” Strack says The broad medical term for hair loss is alopecia, but the condition can manifest in a myriad of ways. Strack says people tend to write off their hair loss as genetic, but the loss may be a result of hormone imbalances, nutrition or—most commonly in recent years—stress. She urges people not to blame their hair loss on genetics or specifically on their mother’s father, a common misconception. Hair loss, when genetic, can come from anyone in the family, skip a generation or manifest at different points in life. Both men and women can begin losing hair as early as their teen years.

To uncover potential causes, Strack conducts a detailed examination of the hair and scalp using a dermascope during first appointments, which collects data on the hair follicles and the condition of the scalp. Clients can also opt to receive an ALO test, a cheek swab that takes a sample of their DNA to look at 26 genetic markers for hair growth. She also offers an epigenetic hair follicle analysis, which looks at how overall health is affecting the hair. Before any appointment, clients fill out an intake form about their lifestyle and medical history. Strack schedules long

“You’re not alone. Talk to somebody about it. Tell a friend; they can help you. If it’s bothering you, there’s something you can do about it.”

Holly Strack, trichologist

Photo:

Holly Strack and a client talk through a personalized plan to combat hair loss.

appointments to discuss treatment plans and adjustments to lifestyle, so people have space to discuss their experiences.

One of Strack’s clients, Kendra, has had thick hair for most of her life, and the prospect of losing it was scary. “It’s so reassuring to know I have Holly in my corner when it comes to doing all I can to maintain and improve my hair and scalp. She’s incredibly knowledgeable, easy to talk to and someone I trust,” Kendra says.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for alopecia. Kendra’s journey has included topical products and mindfulness of her physical and mental health. She has also done three TransEpidermal Delivery (TED) treatments, which allow topical hair growth applications to penetrate deeper into the follicles without needles, as well as a low-level laser therapy cap. TED uses sound waves and air pressure to infuse amino acids, peptides and other growth factors into the hair follicles.

Some clients continue treatment with Strack, but she arms her clients with the knowledge, practices and tools to tackle hair loss on their own without her services if desired. Nonsurgical hair loss recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, and takes time, she says. Strack uncovers the likely causes and advises on next steps—whether that’s TED treatment, microneedling, lifestyle adjustments or visiting a dermatologist for a prescription, biopsy and next steps.

Hair benefits from preventative care, just like skin, and Stack says people do not have to wait for hair loss to visit a trichologist. “Your hair is the first signal that something is off. We can do these types of treatments regardless, to help remind the body what to be doing,” she says.

Above all, Strack urges people to break their silence on hair loss fears. “You’re not alone. Talk to somebody about it. Tell a friend; they can help you. If it’s bothering you, there’s something you can do about it. Don't wait,” she says.

Holly Strack Trichologist hollystrack.com @hollystrack

BRING JOY TO

Photo: Michelle Tanner, City of Edina

YOUR JANUARY

Move more and live better this winter by overcoming the urge to hibernate.

Written by Feroza Mehta

When the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s easy to cozy up on the couch underneath a warm blanket with a cup of tea in hand instead of braving the cold outside. For all the indoorsy people out there, winter doesn’t have to be a time of hibernation. Break up with your inner bear, leave the den and discover all Edina has to offer during the cold months that will lift your body, spirit and mind—all without a gym membership.

GIVE YOUR BOOTS THE BOOT

Start small by leaving the house for indoor pursuits. Lace up those sneakers and head over to Braemar Field. While the artificial turf in the dome is used in the winter for sports, such as baseball, golf lessons, lacrosse and softball classes, it’s also home to a quarter-mile walking track that is free and open to the public. The track is available 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays from November through April. City representatives encourage people to check the field’s schedule in case it is closed for sports practices. If that happens, do not fret. It’s not the only indoor track in town. Edina High School’s indoor track is available from November through early March. For those who require more sensory stimulation, the Galleria and Southdale Center are open to mall walkers. Braemar Field, edinamn.gov; Galleria Edina, galleriaedina.com; and Southdale Center, simon.com

MAKE IT A FAMILY AFFAIR

Braemar Field keeps boredom at bay with its Family Night and Open Dome. People are encouraged to walk, run laps, play in the field or take turns in the batting cages. There is also Tot Time where kids ages 1–5 can run and play with balls, a bounce house and toys. There are options for lively activities for the whole family. If you want to brave the outdoors, Family Full Moon Snowshoeing at Braemar Golf Course is a guided adventure along established trails underneath a twinkly night sky. It’s an ideal magical winter workout. Braemar Field, edinamn.gov; and Braemar Golf Course, braemargolf.com

SKATE THE SEASON

Centennial Lakes Park turns into a 10-acre winter wonderland. Edina Parks and Recreation grooms the ice and monitors the ice’s thickness to make sure it’s safe to skate on. A favorite family activity is to skate underneath the many overhead bridges along the way. Hughes Pavilion is located in the middle of the park and is the ideal warming house. It has cubbies and lockers for storing any extra items while skating, skate rentals and a snack bar. For those who don’t want an outdoor skating experience, Braemar Arena has open skating sessions for the public. Braemar Arena and Centennial Lakes Park, edinamn.gov

SCHEDULE A SERIES OF SMALL JOYS

The post holiday lull of January can feel anticlimactic. Instead of waiting for the spring, what if the month could be filled with intentionally chosen small indulgences? These weekly mini experiences create events to look forward to and uplift our spirits. Nurture your mind, body and spirit.

Week One: Sweet Beginnings

Visit the Droolin’ Moose for a decadent treat. Be sure to try A Bushel and a Peck (milk chocolate caramels). Breadsmith also has delicious mini scones, pretzel buns and sweet rolls.

Week Two: Time for Yourself

Enjoy a light breakfast with no interruptions. Silence your phone, and leave your laptop at home for a recharge. Bellecour on 50th & France is a cozy spot for coffee and pastries. Raag’s Corner Café has coffee from Spyhouse and sweet and savory delights from Rustica. For those who want a longer sit-down meal, try Oh Crêpe on 44th and France.

Week Three: Mindful Movement

Book an introductory class to an exercise you’ve always wanted to try. Whether it’s Pilates, cross training or swimming lessons, crossing off this item from your “someday” bucket list will be rewarding.

Week Four: Nature Reset

With all the above indoor adventures, a gentle outdoor expedition is a perfect way to close out the month. A walk around Bredesen Park is a breathtaking experience. For an extra scenic walk, go after a snowfall. The way the freshly fallen snow sticks to the branches is a sight to behold.

Sprinkle in Bonus Mini Treats

Throughout the month, surprise yourself with spa appointments, express manicures or massages. If connection is more of your love language, stop at a stationery store to pick up letter writing sets or notecards. Send them to a loved one and friends.

Photos: Stephanie Thomas; Sarah Corder

Top: Bredesen Park’s trails are perfect for walking and cross-country skiing.

Bottom:

Try French toast at the new Bellecour on 50th & France.

Mary Meighan, MD

Brian Zelickson, MD

Jennifer Biglow, MD

David W. Groth, MD

Kyle Rudningen, MD

Written by Emily Gedde

WHERE HORNETS BUILD CHAMPIONS

Photo: Izzie Clausman

From neighborhood rinks to Friday night lights, Mason West is ready to play.

For many young athletes, there’s likely a time they played draft day while growing up, imagining what it would be like to hear their name called to play at a professional level. Mason West of Edina had that dream come true last summer after being drafted 29th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2025 National Hockey League entry draft.

The 18-year-old described the moment as surreal. “It was a dream come true,” Mason says. “There’s times I still can’t believe it.” Mason is quite an athlete both on the ice rink and on the football field. In addition to playing with the Fargo Force, a team with the United States Hockey League (USHL), he is also quarterback for the Edina High School football team.

As someone who enjoys living in the moment, Mason says he enjoyed a final run on the turf as the football team’s quarterback before fully committing to hockey and his future with the Fargo Force, then college at Michigan State University. What makes Mason’s story stand out isn’t just that he’s a twosport athlete, it’s that he excels at both. And it’s not just his athleticism that is so remarkable, it’s his ability to balance the demands of both sports while staying grounded in things that matter most: faith, family, friends and fun.

“I’m going to be completely honest; I just like to have fun,” Mason says. “I love playing both sports. I feel like I could play another. I just go out there, practice or play and then go home and hang out with my friends.”

SOMETHING SPECIAL

Mike West, Mason’s father, knew his son might have a special gift very early on. “Mason was the type of kid who loved to be involved in anything athletic,” Mike says. “Whether it was

Mason West (in jersey No. 9) at the 6A Prep Bowl State Championship at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Edina Hornets won against the Moorhead Spuds on November 21. It was Edina’s first football state championship since the 1970s.

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“ There’s something special about being a Hornet. I’m extremely proud of where I came from and am looking forward to eventually playing for the [Chicago] Blackhawks.”

Mason West

inside or outside, he always had a ball in his hand. He didn’t love to sit down very much.”

Mike speaks highly of his son—as any proud father would—and says he noticed Mason also had the ability to anticipate parts of a game or plays differently than a lot of kids. “As time went on and he grew, that kept getting more pronounced,” he says. “It was clear he had a gift.”

And Mike isn’t biased. Jason Potts, Edina High School’s varsity football coach, has coached Mason throughout his football career and also pinpointed the teenager’s talent. “He sees passing lanes in hockey like he sees passing lanes in football,” Potts says. “He’s really successful at seeing the field and delivering passes with timing and accuracy. He thrives when the game is on the line.”

Mason says being competitive is part of the

“His competitive edge drives everything he does. When things get tough, Mason runs towards it. ”

Jason Potts, Edina High School varsity football coach

season, he still throws the football to keep his arm in shape. He has a great plan with his nutrition, sleep and working out,” Potts says. In addition to Mason’s physical growth, Potts says he has also watched Mason mature emotionally and commends him for his ability to be in the spotlight and take on the pressure to perform at a high level.

When asked to describe Mason in one word, Potts chose competitor.

“His competitive edge drives everything he does,” he says. “When things get tough, Mason runs towards it. He loves to compete, and because of that, it makes it so much fun to coach him.”

MEANINGFUL MENTOR

As Mason’s journey unfolds, he has also connected with Anders Lee, an Edina alum and current New York Islanders left wing. “I couldn’t believe it at first when he texted

Photos: Izzie Clausman

me,” Mason recalls of the initial connection with the professional hockey player who, like Mason, also played football and had to choose between the two sports. “Having him to talk to has really helped.”

As a father, Mike says he is extremely grateful for Lee’s mentorship. “It’s one thing for Mason to talk to his parents, his friends or his coach, but none of us have gone through the pressures he’s facing,” Mike says. “Anders could relate.”

Lee offered guidance and perspective dur ing pivotal decision points in Mason’s journey, especially when it came to choosing to pursue hockey or football. “He was there to be a voice of reason,” Mike says. “That says a lot about Anders and the type of person he is.”

Mason agrees. “We were able to talk unfiltered. I was able to be real with him … and we both wore No. 9,” he says. “That’s pretty cool too.”

THE NEXT PLAY

Mason’s goal for the football season was to win a state championship. The team won on November 21, defeating Moorhead 42–35 at U.S. Bank Stadium. “I don’t set individual goals. I believe in team success,” he says, adding he hopes to create a legacy at Edina that encourages young athletes. “I hope kids look up to me and work hard.”

Mike says he and Julie continue to be impressed by their son and are hopeful Mason continues to stay humble while working toward his dreams. “The thing people don’t see is the amount of work that goes behind all of this,” Mike says. “What we’ve come to appreciate about him is he loves the work and the process.”

And above all, Mike says he’s grateful to everyone in Mason’s corner.

“We love this community,” he says. “It’s been an incredible part of Mason’s journey.” Mason agrees. “There’s something special about being a Hornet,” he says. “I’m extremely proud of where I came from and am looking forward to eventually playing for the [Chicago] Blackhawks.”

Top: Jason Potts, Edina High School’s varsity football coach, during the 6A Prep Bowl state championship game.

Bottom: Mason West powers downfield as Abou Diabate of the Moorhead Spuds moves to intercept.

Written by Mollee Francisco

Photos by Chris Emeott

Left: The interior of Brim Café & Coffee was created by Christian Dean Architects and Design. Customers are greeted by limewashed walls and earth tones that give the restaurant a warm and inviting ambiance.

Right: Brim Benedict

Brimming With Goodness

A gluten-free café brings its organic and locally sourced cuisine to Southdale Square.

Step inside Brim Café & Coffee’s new Southdale Square location and you’ll find sunlight streaming through tall windows and bouncing off limewashed walls. This greenhouse area has stone tiles underfoot and leafy, green plants soften the space. “We wanted a connection to nature while dining in a café,”

says Kate Sidoti, owner and operator of Brim. Here, customers can settle in over gluten-free bowls and toasts, crafted with locally grown and organic ingredients. This is Brim’s newest location, and it’s already carving out a niche as a neighborhood spot where good food and connection come together.

Sidoti says a fateful meet-cute spurred her to open Brim’s first location in Minneapolis.

“I went for a run around Bde Maka Ska, and I saw [my now-husband Patrick Sidoti] at a stoplight,” Sidoti says. “We started talking and ended up running the lakes together.” The timing was just right. After nine years

as a private chef, she was tired of traveling and ready for a shift in her career. Sidoti got married and moved to Uptown where her culinary venture began. “I wanted to positively impact more people,” she says. “I saw a space there that I thought would be a really beautiful café.”

As a private chef, Sidoti had amassed a healthy cache of recipes and knew just the concept she wanted to bring to the Twin Cities—thoughtfully crafted dishes made in a gluten-free kitchen with locally grown organic ingredients and no seed oils. “The main goal was to make really fresh, flavorful food.” As someone with a gluten allergy, Sidoti knew the importance of having a place diners can trust to be gluten free. But she wasn’t content with putting out gluten-free

food alone. She wanted to wow her customers. “We just want to make good food that happens to be gluten-free. Food can really impact tremendously how you feel,” she says.

In 2018, Brim opened at the corner of Lake and Knox avenues with a view of Bde Maka Ska, just seven months after the space had first caught Sidoti’s eye. “We opened with seven bowls,” she says. “I’m proud of how we’ve evolved. It’s been a slow distillation.” Today’s Brim menu has hash, salad and warm bowls alongside a selection of broths, brunch items, sandwiches, soups and toasts. Ingredients are sourced largely from Minnesota and Wisconsin, including cherry tomatoes (StrongHeart Farms in Marine on St. Croix), chicken and eggs (Larry Schultz Organic Farm

Right: Linda’s Bowl is Brim’s most popular dish. It’s also quite colorful. This edible rainbow features beets, black lentils, local greens, Norwegian salmon, Red Lake Nation wild rice, rosemary sweet potatoes, seared turmeric cauliflower, spiced zucchini broccoli and a cashew dill sauce.

Below: Kate Sidoti, owner and operator of Brim Café & Coffee.

Left: Brim Café & Coffee has a large coffee menu as well as “noncoffee” drinks such as its Iced Turmeric Ginger Latte. It also has a variety of seasonal items such as this past autumn’s Iced Maple Sea Salt Matcha Latte.

Below: The first thing customers will see upon walking into Brim’s Edina location is this counter which brings a cafe atmosphere to the space.

in Owatonna), gluten-free breads and donuts (Sift Gluten Free in Minneapolis), grass-fed beef (Grass Run Farms in Spring Grove) and red cabbage (Featherstone Farms in Rushford). “We choose and prioritize locally grown,” Sidoti says. She also works with the Hmong American Farmers Association to identify farms that practice organically. “It’s rewarding that we can be part of the food circle,” she says.

Sidoti says the most popular dish also happens to be her favorite. “It’s called Linda’s Bowl. Linda is the biggest cheerleader of

Brim,” she says of her frequent customer. The dish features local greens, Norwegian salmon, Red Lake Nation wild rice, rosemary sweet potatoes, seared turmeric cauliflower, spiced zucchini broccoli, beets, black lentils and a cashew dill sauce.

While Brim’s Uptown location has a distinctly Scandinavian feel, Sidoti says the Edina location is earthier. “I want each location to stand out and match the community,” she says. “We were looking for a year before the (former) Red Pepper space opened up. It felt right with the community.”

Sidoti is planning to launch grab-and-go family meal options—perfect for picking up after work or swim class, she says. “I want to make it easy for families,” she says. “I feel a responsibility for engaging the community.” She also hopes to add more Brim locations. “I really want to keep expanding. Having people eat real food is rewarding,” she says.

Brim Café & Coffee brimcafeandcoffee.com @brim_cafeandcoffee

Written by Feroza Mehta and Renée Stewart-Hester

Ready, Set, Camp

It really is time to start preparing for summer camp adventures.

Preparing kids for summer camp includes more than packing lists and stocking up on sunscreen and bug spray. Campers’ health and well-being while away from home—at day or sleepaway camps—takes priority before they hop in the car or on the plane to camp.

Starting points often include a visit to a health care professional for a camp physical and communication with a camp’s staff to get an overview of its health and wellness protocols. Knowing what to ask—and to whom—can be confusing. To clarify, we turned to local and national sources to initiate the discussions.

Lori Skallerud, M.D., is a pediatrician at Southdale Pediatrics in Edina. She answers some important questions.

Do camp physicals differ from sports or regular physicals?

A camp physical should accomplish several things:

1. Is the child healthy enough to be away from home?

2. Are immunizations up to date? This is important because of the close quarters that campers share and the outdoor activities they experience, they are at a higher risk for vaccine preventable diseases.

3. Determine a medical plan to be shared with camp if there are any chronic medical needs such as ADHD, asthma, diabetes [and] food allergies to name a few. Other topics that may need to be addressed are how to manage bed wetting while at camp, safety issues related to sleep walking and tick/insect protection.

What should be evaluated?

Parents should ask if their child is up to date on all vaccinations. Most summer camps will require an immunization record for the child. Working together, parents and the physician should be sure to determine if a camp can meet the medical needs of a child. Some camps are not prepared to deal with anything beyond a sore throat or a cold, and some have staff that can provide quite complex medical care. There are some camps that are specifically for children with autism, asthma, diabetes and other medical conditions that are a great, safe opportunity for kids to experience camp without parents having to worry that their child will be safe and well cared for.

What about prescription medications?

For most camps, parents must provide medications in their original bottles from the pharmacy and should be checked in with the camp nurse or physician upon arrival to camp. Campers should not have medications in their tents or cabins for safety reasons.

BE PREPARED

Taking into account last summer’s tragic events in Texas, camp safety is receiving additional examinations. “Parents should ask if the camp is [American Camp Association (ACA)] accredited and talk with camp directors about any potential concerns they may have, especially about preparation and plans for extreme weather and natural disasters,” says Henry DeHart, ACA interim president and CEO. “Parents may want to ask about a camp’s proximity to first responders as well as the camp’s practices around communication and collaboration with their local emergency response providers prior to camp season.”

For more of DeHart’s interview, visit edinamag.com.

However, some camps will allow adolescents 12 years and older to manage their albuterol inhaler on their own. There are some summer camps that require that prescriptions be sent to the camp, and they are filled through the camp’s affiliated pharmacy.

Let’s discuss dietary issues.

If there is a serious dietary issue, such as celiac disease or a serious food allergy, then parents should call and directly discuss with the camp director and or the food service director as to what protocols are in place to be sure that safe food can be provided. Parents should also directly speak with their child’s camp counselor when they move their child into camp and empower their child to speak up if concerns arise at meals.

What about health and well-being?

It is important to share with kids that it is normal to feel a little homesick, sad or anxious as they adjust to life at camp. Discuss strategies that may help if they feel homesick or sad, such as taking a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, a book or photo. It is often helpful to look at photos, videos and information on the camps website or social media feed with your child so that they can start to get comfortable with where they will be and what to expect. Don’t be afraid to ask your child what they are worried about. If there is a specific concern, often you can problem-solve together. It is also helpful to discuss the fact that there will be many camp counselors and staff that are there to help if they have a problem.

When should a child be retrieved early?

Camp counselors and staff are trained to help children adjust to camp—they will typically try hard to assist a camper before calling a parent. If the camp director feels that you should retrieve your child early, then trust that they have tried everything in their power to alleviate your child’s distress, and unfortunately, they are just not ready at this time for camp. If your child experiences severe separation anxiety and has to leave camp early, you may want to follow up with your child’s physician to determine if a referral to a child psychologist would be helpful.

Southdale Pediatrics southdalepeds.com

CREATE. LAUGH. LEARN. Your child will grow and develop through a research-driven, relationship-oriented, play-based learning curriculum. Serving infants through Pre-K children. Family- and Locally-owned since 1976.

www.EspeciallyforChildren.com | 952.857.1100

Edina Early Learning Center

An excellent education with Edina Public Schools begins with our littlest Hornets. Our vision is for Each and Every Student to Discover their Possibilities and Thrive.

Learn to support your child and their unique self at the start of their educational journey. At the ELC we encourage creativity, foster curiosity, help develop critical thinking skills in a safe, and inclusive environment.

Registration Begins January 21. Email us to schedule a tour today.

earlylearning edinaschools org

early learning@edinaschools org

(952)-848-3908

5701 Normandale Road Edina, MN 55424

Camp Guide The Summer

Ahh, the idyllic days of a childhood summer—meant to savor and relish as summer can quickly fold into fall and the return of school days and the obligations (assignments!) that come with them. While the freedom from schedules certainly has its place, it is just as important to keep kids academically, creatively, physically and socially engaged throughout the summertime.

The National Research Council and Institute of Medicine (2002) found that “exposure to positive experiences, settings and people, as well as opportunities to gain and refine life skills, supports young people in the acquisition and growth of [their] assets,” and summer can be a prime time for children to have these experiences, according to Elizabeth Fogarty, assistant professor with the University of St. Thomas School of Education.

Summer camps play a key role in fortifying those experiences and exposing children to new opportunities not typically found in a classroom. “Campers can try new activities and discover that they really enjoy them,” Fogarty says. Participation can also help children learn how to make and build friendships, an important skill that can last a lifetime.

Camp Lincoln and Camp Lake Hubert have a strong history of building lifelong memories, friendships and legacy campers. Nestled amid 800 acres of towering pines in Nisswa, each camp features more than 40 land and water activities and promotes leadership opportunities for campers from 40 states and 12 countries—all along the beautiful shores of spring-fed Lake Hubert.

Children can also build lifelong skills at Coder’s Clubhouse, where they can experience hands-on tech adventures. With a variety of camp themes to choose from, including 3D printing, AI projects, game development, Micro:bit gadgets, Minecraft building challenges and Rubik’s Cube speedsolving, campers can develop their interests into skills they can build upon for future learning and fun!

JANUARY 9TH

“Summer camps provide campers with opportunities to interact with kids who are not in their schools or usual social circles,” she says. “These new friends can provide encouragement to try something new or step outside one’s comfort zone.”

There are plenty of opportunities around the Metro to try new experiences and fine-tune current interests. Saint Thomas Academy has a wide range of camps, including athletics (basketball, fishing, hockey, soccer and more), specialized academics and college prep for kids in grades three through 12. Campers receive hands-on learning through STEM programs, including Engineering Fun, LEGO Stop Motion and Robotics.

Visitation School offers fun-filled, academically enriched camps for kids in preschool through 12th grade with half- and full-day options. The program provides a friendly, relaxed and supportive environment for creativity, enrichment and learning. Offerings span a wide range of interests, including arts, athletics, cooking, science, sewing, STEM and many more handson experiences.

Additionally, The House of Dance Twin Cities, the official dance studio partner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx professional basketball organizations, embraces students of all abilities and interest levels. It offers breakdance, hip hop and locking and popping classes that add fun and energy to summertime.

The importance of downtime shouldn’t be understated and is an essential consideration for families when planning how to spend the summer months. Striking a balance between scheduled camps or programs and nonscheduled time can be a challenge. “Relaxed summer schedules often provide respite from busier school days,” Fogarty says. “An extended lack of structured time, however, can create restlessness for kids and caregivers alike. Camps and summer programs not only provide childcare options for working families, but they provide opportunities for summer enrichment.” —Renée Stewart-Hester

houseofdancetwincities.com

Three full day summer Hip Hop Dance Camp for youth ages 7–16 years of age! Performance opportunity and medal awarded upon completion!

House of Dance Twin Cities

Open the wonders of the world around you through hands-on projects. Licensed teachers lead 12 different themed weeks. Come for a week or stay all summer.

a2dacademy.com/programs/summer-camps A2D Academy

Igniting a passion for the lifetime sport of sailing in individuals of all ages, abilities and experience levels through adaptive sailing, adult classes, learn to race, race teams and youth camps.

lmss.us

Lake Minnetonka Sailing School @minnetonkasailingschool

Introducing Coder’s Clubhouse, Edina’s newest tech and makerspace for kids! Summer camps include 3D printing, Minecraft, robotics, Rubik’s Cubes and electronics that build creativity and confidence for ages 10–15.

codersclubhouse.com/camps Coder’s Clubhouse

Premier summer camps for Pre-K through Grade 12 girls and boys, offering academics, arts, athletics and more at Saint Thomas Academy and Visitation School. Build skills and confidence, and have fun!

cadets.com/summer and visitation.net/summer Saint Thomas Academy @allthingssta Visitation School @visitationschoolmn

The Summer Camp Guide

A Sweet New Spin

Beloved annual fundraiser moves to the evening.

Home bakers and professional pastry chefs will feature their talents at the annual CAKE-Off (Community Action for Kids’ Education), a fundraiser for the Edina Education Fund. Traditionally an early morning event, the education fund decided to make this year an evening occassion. The celebration of creativity and community spirit is 5:30 to 8 p.m. January 29 at the Mahon Center. The CAKE-Off features lively silent and live auctions of bakery-

Delectable creations

made cakes, culinary experiences and decadent desserts. This year, one of the cakes on auction is sponsored by Edina Magazine Another fun element is that home bakers can channel their inner Great British Baking Show dreams by submitting their showstopping cakes online. Attendees can admire the designs and vote for their favorites.

To view the cake contest rules and to register for the event, go to edinaedfund.org. —Feroza Mehta

Photo: Skye Shrader

such as this crêpe cake are available in the CAKE-Off silent auction.

01.08–01.22

Español con Arte

Enhance your child’s understanding of the Spanish language and artistic expression through this art class taught by a native Spanish speaker. Attend the class, for children ages 7–12, from 4:45 to 6 p.m. every Thursday at the Edina Art Center. edinamn.gov

01.11, 01.18, 01.25

Festive Afternoon Tea

Relax and enjoy a glass of Champagne, tea and traditional snacks at the Edina Westin’s Winter Village. Reservations can be made for either 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m., and each ticket is $81. edinaweekendwonders.com

01.14

Wellness Bingo

Start your year off right with a fun game of bingo from 10 to 11 a.m. and wellness-related prizes provided by Edina Modern Dentistry at the Edina Senior Center’s Fireside room. Adults 55 and older are welcome. edinamn.gov

01.24

Cupcakes and Canvas

Enjoy time with your family through this step-by-step painting class from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Edina Art Center. Plus, have a delicious cupcake while your painting dries. edinamn.gov

01.28

Women’s Progressive Luncheon

Join the Edina Chamber of Commerce for a discussion on mental toughness and connect with other women in business from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Green Acres Event Center in Eden Prairie. edinachamber.com

952.843.8268 | cynthia@localmedia.co

Compiled by Diane Meyer and Avery Vrieze

To have your event considered: email edinamag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Please note that some events may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

Above It All

Liam Hart always takes the window seat when he flies so he can snap panoramic views of the world from a bird’s-eye view. “I like to use my phone to take pictures out the window and capture some of the beauty of flight,” says Liam, a 10th-grader at Edina High School. “I saw Southdale, and I knew how lucky I was. So I took lots of pictures, and I was so happy that I got a picture of Edina from above and was able to capture a part of the city that’s not often seen in this way.” —Feroza Mehta