Edina - February 2024

COMMUNITY LEADERS SHOWCASE EFFORTLESSLY CHIC WINTER FASHION

Clothed in Collaboration

SPORTS INJURY

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5509 Park Place – Edina $2,238,000 **

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5705 Ayrshire Blvd – Edina $2,050,000 *

5004 Nob Hill Dr – Edina $1,662,000 *

5737 Zenith Ave S - Edina $1,625,000 *

5208 Ridge Rd – Edina $1,350,000 ***

4600 W 58th Street – Edina $1,110,000 **

4241 Valley View Rd – Edina $1,166,013 **

5142 Hankerson Ave – Edina $1,050,000 **

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FEBRUARY 2024 “It’s hard to imagine a more memorable experience than taking in jaw-dropping natural scenery with your loved ones as you celebrate another trip around the sun.” —Ellen Hunter Gans, on celebrating her husband’s 40th birthday in Utah’s national parks (page 34)

Photo: xxxxxxxxx Photo: Stephanie Thomas

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February 2024

edinamag.com

We hope you will join us for

D E PA RT M E N TS

14 Celebrating Three Decades of Dance Victoria McNamara helms long-loved school, family legacy and inspiration.

18 Quilted Memories Artisans turn precious family keepsakes into cherished masterpieces.

GALA 2 0 2 4

Promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

20 Slope Savvy Eric Iberg shares his love for skiing through film and on the hills.

F E AT U R E S

26 Award-Winning Novelist’s Passion for Writing Shines Bright Discover the drive behind a rising star in the world of fiction.

28

Saturday, March 2, 2024

6:00 pm Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel • The Depot The evening will include a cocktail reception, dinner and program, live auction, Fund-a-Need, delectable desserts and dancing.

Clothed in Collaboration Community leaders showcase effortlessly chic winter fashion

34 Celebrating With Nature Marking milestone birthdays in awe-inspiring national parks.

TAST E M A K E R S

40 Super Bowl Goodies Quick and easy recipes to give the big game big flavor.

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

IN E V E RY ISS U E

6 11 44 48

Editor’s Letter Noteworthy On the Town Last Glance

For more information about sponsorships or to

purchase tickets, please visit: arcminnesota.org/gala2024

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Considering a Lifestyle change?

New Luxury Living COMING SOON 50th & France.

FROM THE EDITOR Feroza Mehta — feroza @loca lm edia .co

begin 2024 Please contact us for more information 612.703.5130

ZDERCHUK + SMITH

On the Cover Kelly Condit-Shrestha, photo by Chris Emeott, page 28 Find more stories & photos online. Plus, tag us in your Edina pics!

Edina Magazine @edinamag @edinamag

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February 2024

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Photo: Chris Emeott

Construction to

Ah, February—the month of love, coinciding with one of Minnesota’s chilliest months. I find solace from the frigid temperatures by fully immersing myself in the enchantment of Valentine’s Day. Heart-shaped wall decals and window clings? Absolutely. Red garlands with delicate hearts embellishing the staircase? Without a doubt. Baking tiny heart-shaped cupcakes? Most definitely. However, I must confess that I draw the line at the plethora of tiny cupids. (That would be excessive.)

As I and others are swept into this month’s romantic embrace, Edina Magazine is here to ignite your passion for fashion and travel. We have an exciting blend of content to keep your heart warm and your wanderlust engaged. Explore the beauty of celebrating milestone birthdays at national parks. Whether it is to enjoy the scenery or embark on a challenging hike, discover how these natural wonders provide the perfect backdrop for making memories that last a lifetime (page 34).

We’ve also shone a spotlight on the remarkable women in our community who are leading various organizations. Their stories are nothing short of inspiring and serve as a testament to the incredible impact that women have in our world (page 28). These extraordinary women also take center stage in modeling the latest in winter fashion. With some expert help from Bumbershute, they reveal how to stay warm and elegant all season long.

And to add a dash of spice to your February, we’ve enlisted the culinary prowess of none other than famous chef Andrew Zimmern. He shares mouthwatering Super Bowl recipes that are sure to elevate your game day gathering (page 40).

Enjoy this celebration of fashion and travel. We hope to inspire and uplift.

Happy Valentine’s Day,

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PUBLISHER Susan Isay EDITOR Feroza Mehta MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR Renée Stewart-Hester MANAGING EDITOR Hailey Almsted DIGITAL EDITOR Madeline Kopiecki COPY EDITORS Kellie Doherty, Sherri Hildebrandt STAFF WRITERS Jody Carey, Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Daniel Huss, Jennifer Pitterle, Rachel Schuehle, Josie Smith, Kristie Smith CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tina Bohrer, Taylor Ellingson, Maureen Millea Smith, Jasmine Brett Stringer, Laura Westlund EDITORIAL INTERNS Morgan McFadden, Emma Mehl EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Alison Perrier Briggs, Edina Community Foundation; Daphne Edwards, director of marketing and communications, Edina Public Schools; Shelly Loberg, Edina Chamber of Commerce; Jasmine Brett Stringer, Carpe Diem with Jasmine; Erin Zosel, Sloane’s Beauty Bar and Zosel & Coleman Real Estate Group 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 Cynthia Hamre, Mary-Catherine Hartel, Sara Johnson, Abbie Kinn, Kathie Smith

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH A’BULAE, ST. PAUL

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lo c al tip s, tidb its & insi ght s

N OT E WO RT H Y

TA S T E

Photo: Greens and Chocolate

THE ULTIMATE VALENTINE’S DAY COOKIE

Looking for a fun, pink treat to make

» 2 large eggs

Cream Cheese Frosting

your sweetheart? Try this delicious

» 1 egg yolk

» 8 oz. cream cheese,

and easy-to-make bakery-style cookie

» 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

room temperature

in your home.

» 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

» 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter,

» 1/2 tsp. baking soda

room temperature

Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies

» 1/2 tsp. salt

» 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

» 1 cup unsalted butter, cold

» 1 box strawberry cake mix

» 1/4 tsp. salt

and cut into 1 Tbsp. chunks » 1 cup granulated sugar

(I prefer Pillsbury.) » 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

» 4 cups powdered sugar » 2 Tbsp. milk

Continued on page 12

February 2024

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11

N OT E WO RT H Y

HEAL

Mindful Together

TA S T E - C O N T I N U E D

The Cookies Preheat the oven to 375 degrees

When you first think of meditation, you probably think of it as a solo endeavor.

F. Line two baking sheets with

Perhaps, images of sitting quietly in the solitude in your home, carving out that time

parchment paper. In a large bowl

just for you come to mind. But have you ever considered meditating with your partner?

with an electric mixer, beat the

Mindfulness is a great way to turn your gaze inward, reflect and slow down.

butter until slightly creamy, about

Plus, it has been shown to increase empathy, compassion and connection to those

one minute. Add the sugar, and

around you. When you meditate together, you are not only connecting to yourself,

beat another minute, until well

but you’re increasing your capacity to connect with one another and open your

combined. Add the eggs and egg

hearts to your relationship.

yolk one at a time, scraping down

One of the easiest ways to do a meditation practice with your partner is to listen to

the edges between each addition.

a guided meditation together, and end your meditation practice by saying something

Add the vanilla. Beat to combine.

you appreciate about each other.

Add the baking powder, baking

You could also try sitting close together and gazing into one another’s eyes. Look

soda and salt. Beat to combine.

past the eye itself and directly into your partner’s soul. Consider taking a few min-

Add the cake mix and flour, beat-

utes to breathe quietly together as you reflect internally on things you appreciate

ing until combined. Spray a ⅓

about your partner.

cup measuring cup with cooking spray (This keeps the dough from

If you’re up for something new, give partner meditation a try for a fun, free activity to foster closeness and calm with your loved one.

sticking.), and form the dough into ⅓ cup balls. Place 3 dough balls on each baking sheet.

Kelly Smith is the founder of Yoga For You, author of Meditation for the Modern Family and You Are Not Your Thoughts, and hosts the podcast Mindful in Minutes.

(You will need to do this in two batches.) Bake for 9–10 minutes in a preheated oven. The edges should be slightly golden and the middle set. Cool on the baking sheet for five minutes; transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting In a separate bowl, add the cream cheese and butter, and beat until well combined. Add the vanilla, salt and powdered sugar, and beat until well combined. Add milk, and beat until combined.

Spread on cooled cookies.

12

iStock.com/fizkes

Taylor Ellingson’s blog, Greens & Chocolate has recipes ranging from healthy dinners and sides to desserts and drinks. Find her cookbooks on Amazon.

Greens and Chocolate @greensnchocolate @greenschocolate

February 2024

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l o ca l t i p s , t i d bits & in sig h ts

ANNETTE FERDINANDSEN

READ

LOVE IS IN THE AIR It’s a wedding extravaganza, and you’re invited!

This anthology for young adult readers is packed with romance across eight short stories of Desi weddings—colorful, fabulous, multiday marriage celebrations of people of Bangladeshi, Indian, Nepali, Pakistani or Sri Lankan descent.

The stories take place around the world, from Mumbai to New Jersey. Readers will find themselves in lavish hotels, cozy homes, community centers, ballrooms and even a courthouse. These huge family celebrations turn out to be the perfect backdrop for drama and romance.

Each story, like each wedding, has its own beauty, energy and swoony moments.

Most have a contemporary setting, with characters facing familiar teen pressures, like rival classmates, family expectations, Instagram drama, freshly broken hearts and dreams for the future. A couple of the tales dip into fantasy, featuring literally fated soulmates or vampires—who are still young adults at 120 years old, after all.

Contributing authors to this vibrant collection include Edina’s Payal Doshi, author of the recently published middle grade novel Rea and the Blood of the Nectar.

Read more about her on page 26.

Perfect for teens (and adults!), who already know they love to read romance— or for readers, who would like to sample the genre. The variety of love stories means there’s a happy ending here for everyone.

Contributed by Megan Maynor, children’s book author and Star of the North picture book award nominee.

Read more at meganmaynor.com

13

A R T S & C U LT U R E

Celebrating Three Decades of Dance

Photo: Chris Emeott

Victoria McNamara

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February 2024

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Dental care just down the street

Victoria Dance Productions longevity comes from its legacy of family and inspiration.

By Meredith Heneghan

RISE BY LIFTING OTHERS is the

motto of Victoria Dance Productions (VDP), which celebrated three decades in business in fall 2023. From pirouettes to hip hop beats, this local dance studio has been a rhythmic heartbeat in the community, nurturing talent and crafting unforgettable moments on the dance floor.

“We create a family atmosphere,” says Victoria McNamara, founder and owner of VDP. “We are all about life balance.”

That life balance is the driving force behind her school. McNamara believes that dance shouldn’t be restrictive. She offers a variety of options that suit her students’ needs—from casual weekly classes to the more time-intensive competitive levels.

That dedication to flexibility and options is what drew Lindsay Newton to VDP. She was one of McNamara’s first students. She says McNamara’s personable nature is what has kept people around for the last 31 years. “There’s no place like home,” Newton says.

As a kid, Newton’s favorite class was tap, and she still remembers the first time she had McNamara as a tap teacher. “We all fell in love with her,” she says. This was in 1989, and McNamara was teaching at a different studio at the time. When the time came to open VDP, Newton says many families followed.

Lindsay’s mom, Alyne Murphy, fondly remembers those early days.

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February 2024

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Top: Lindsay and Reese Newton Bottom left: Victoria working with Reese Newton.

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Photos: Chris Emeott

Bottom right: Reese Newton

“She came in like a breath of fresh air,” Murphy says. “I made incredibly good friends, and I felt so at ease there because it was all about family.

It wasn’t about a certain section of the community—it was everybody.”

After dancing at VDP as a child, Newton returned once her daughter, Reese, 14, expressed interest in dance at age 4.

“I love dancing at VDP because I have always felt like I am part of a family there,” Reese says. “I also love knowing my mom’s favorite teacher growing up was Victoria, and now I get to experience her, too.”

McNamara collects signatures and graduation years of dancers, who come back to visit as a celebration of this momentous anniversary. Alumni sign a banner in the back hallway that says, “Tradition never graduates.”

“So many alumni have come back and are telling their stories,” she says and mentions that the studio’s success comes from mutual support.

“The longer I’ve done this and the more people go away and come back, our sense of pride grows, watching these people become amazing humans,” McNamara says.

Victoria Dance Productions, 7109 Amundson Ave.; 952.835.7497; victoriadance.com Victoria Dance Productions @victoriadanceproductions

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17

VENTURES

Quilted Memories Artisans turn precious family keepsakes into cherished masterpieces.

By Kelly Cochrane

adorned with intricate designs dating back to the 1920s. As Carrino became more familiar with the items, she noticed that when putting them together, these pieces told the story of how Nonni’s artistry evolved.

“I wanted to make something out of this, but I didn’t know where to begin,” Carrino says. For almost 20 years, Carrino thoroughly searched for a solution. She went to art shows, posted flyers in fabric stores, reached out to quilting classes and searched online.

Then on a bitter cold night in December 2022 as she left a gallery showing, she

saw a tiny sign for Quiltables.

“I couldn’t have found two more perfect partners in making this piece happen,” she says.

Quiltables is run by mother-daughter team Pam Johnson and Katie Kofoed. Together, they have 80 years of quilting experience.

“Quilting has always been important to both of us,” Johnson says. It was this mutual interest that brought them to create Quiltables after Johnson retired in June 2021. When starting the business, the duo thought the majority of their business would consist of

Left: Tapestry created from Nonni’s handstitched designs from the early 1900s.

Right: Quiltables created a flap in the tapestry for Nonni’s photo. It is surrounded by a freeform rose pattern in the quilt stitching.

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February 2024

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Photo: Quiltables

IN MANY FAMILIES, heirlooms are a way to tie generations past and present.

Often, these treasured items are carefully placed in boxes, to be visited from time to time. For Connie Carrino, her special box included a collection of embroidery and crocheted pieces from her cherished grandmother, Rose Russo Carrino.

The younger Carrino would take time to look through the box and admire the intricate designs her grandmother, who she affectionately calls, Nonni, had created throughout her life.

There was a collection of pillowcases, sheets, linens and handkerchiefs,

JIM KIDD Real Estate Professional® “I wanted to make something out of this, but I didn’t know where to begin.”

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Connie Carrino, on her 20-year quest to find a talented artisan

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finishing other people’s quilts with their state-of-the art robotic long arm quilting machine. As it has turned out, this is only a part of their business.

They have turned many quilts into wall hangings, taking heirlooms and creating works of art out of pieces. They also specialize in finishing projects often started generations ago.

Each of them have specific aspects of quilting they bring to the table, which makes them a perfect balance to each other. Johnson does the hand work and applique, while Kofoed enjoys creating custom patterns, such as the roses on Corrino’s piece. Johnson made her first quilt in high school and has continued throughout her life. As a child, Kofoed saw her mother quilting and thought, “I wanted to do it, too.”

Creativity flows for the two of them with an eclectic group of “awesome customers, who help with the process,” Johnson says. The artistry of quilting has changed and encompasses “a huge range of people rather than just for the older generations,” Kofoed says.

Carrino says the duo did an amazing job of telling the story of Nonni’s life and evolution of her artistry. Together, the three of them laid out a beautiful show piece, which weaves together the pieces from Nonni along with the creative talents of both Johnson and Kofoed. After several meetings and emails, the final design was created and included not only the heirloom pieces, but also custom rose pattern stitching throughout and a photo of Nonni. “It is very customized and personal,” Carrino says.

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19

PORTRAIT

Slope Savvy Eric Iberg shares his love for skiing through film and on the hills.

By Emily Gedde

20

February 2024

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Eric Iberg, now of Excelsior, is shown at Mount Hood in Oregon in 2002 while filming his second movie, Stereotype.

Photo: Philippe Larose

MINNESOTA AND WINTER go hand

in hand. While known for its seasonal changes, all things winter likely come to mind when thinking about this northern state. Embracing winter helps make what can seem like a never-ending season full of low temperatures and high snow piles more bearable—Eric Iberg is a prime example of this tenet.

The Edina native loves skiing. Iberg refers to local ski hills as his babysitters while growing up. Going from school to the slopes was a winter routine and something he looked forward to doing.

Eventually, skiing is what he made his career out of, and he strives to inspire others to get involved in the sport.

Iberg is co-founder of Armada Skis, a company with a mission “to support the pioneering athletes and build the products that would redefine skiing,” according to its website. He is also a co-founder of Inspired brands, which include music and video production, and is working to organize Midwest ski events for youth.

“I’m working with the governing body that oversees youth development for freestyle skiing,” he says. “My goal is to bring the best in the skiing industry to come meet these kids.”

Iberg knows firsthand the possibilities that exist in the professional world of skiing. Growing up, he loved the sport but ultimately saw a future in baseball.

He left Minnesota to play baseball at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, choosing a college near mountains, so he could ski in his free time. The baseball dream was cut short just about a month into college due to an arm injury.

Around the same time, skiers were performing some incredibly challenging tricks on skis. He started viewing ski movies in his spare time. “I always loved ski movies, and only a few people make them in the whole world,” he says. It didn’t take long for the college freshman

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WHAT ARE TWIN-TIP SKIS? Twin-tip skies are modified versions of their alpine counterparts and are designed to enable a skier to take off and land backward while jumping and to ski backwards (switch) down a slope with curved tips and tails. The name comes from the dual shape

Top left: In 1996, Eric Iberg takes to the air at Hyland Hills Ski Area in Bloomington.

22

Top right: Eric Iberg with the original Armada Skis team during the summer of 2003 on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

Bottom: Skier Phil Larose from Quebec hits the rails in front of the Minnesota state capitol while filming Eric Iberg’s movie Royalty in 2000.

February 2024

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Photos: Eric Iberg; Matt Levinthal

of the ski.

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to quit school and buy a camera to commence filming his own movies.

At 21, Iberg made his first ski movie, Royalty, and positive feedback spurred him to explore starting a ski company.

“I was working with a lot of people who weren’t being listened to by their ski companies,” he says. “Looking back, all these kids left these big budget salaries and joined forces with a lot of people who started our ski company.”

Now, 20 years later, after traveling the world, taking part in more than 20 ski films and working with some of the best in the business, he and his family are back in Minnesota. His next career goal is presenting opportunities in the ski industry to youth—whether it’s participating in skiing, filming it, judging or more. “There aren’t a lot of opportunities in Minnesota to take twin-tip skiing to the next level,” he says. “I want to help change that … I want kids to be able to go somewhere like Duluth or Brainerd to see what’s out there. They need direction and need to be nurtured to take it to the next level.”

Iberg says skiing adds value away from the sport of it. “Skiing is what has brought me my best friends from all different parts of the globe,” he says.

“Skiing has introduced me to different cultures and allowed me to bring different cultures together.”

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Written by Kristie Smith

Payal Doshi

AWAR D -W I N N I N G NOV E L I ST ’S PASS I O N F OR W RI T I NG S H I NE S B R I GH T

From debut novelist to 2022 Juvenile Fiction IPPY Gold Medal Award Winner a year later, Edina author Payal Doshi is turning the publishing world upside down and bringing adventures to young readers everywhere.

“I had looked for an agent for two years with a lot of interest in the book,” Doshi says of pitching her first novel, Rea and the Blood of the Nectar. “I had no clue about what publishers wanted from cultures of color, so I just wrote about what I love.”

Doshi’s childhood was spent in Mumbai, India, where she says she

26

was never without a book to read.

Her first fictional work captures the spirit of a young girl from the hills of Darjeeling, India, but her character is nothing like Doshi’s experience growing up with a family who valued education and independence.

After getting her master’s degree in the United Kingdom and returning home to work for Vogue India, she wrote two paragraphs that would eventually become book number one.

“I sold Rea without an agent,” she says of her experience pitching her work.

“Publishers were saying it was not

Indian enough. A couple of agents said they had just signed another South Asian fantasy writer.” Eventually signing with an agent, Doshi says she was encouraged to be intentional about weaving South Asian culture into the fabric of her stories.

The critical acclaim of her first book resulted in an invitation to collaborate on a new genre and writing style. A Confluence of Fates is a young-adult, short story in My Big Fat Desi Wedding, an anthology of romantic stories due out this month.

“I booked myself in a Bloomington

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Photo: Chris Emeott

Discover the drive behind a rising star in the world of fiction.

“Each of our stories are important. If there’s something pushing you, compelling you to put a story down into words, the world needs to see it.”

Photos: The Wedding Salad

Payal Doshi, author

hotel room and got 10,000 words written,” she says about accepting the offer to write just before her parents came to visit her and her family in May 2022.

The anthology is a collection of stories from eight different authors; each story is about the traditions of a Desi wedding, the food, fashion, drama, nosey aunties, and the inclusive language of love. This time, she draws from experience in the funny details of her own courtship and marriage to create her story.

Doshi says she enjoys writing in the young adult space because stories are allowed to dig deeper into big emotions and can explore a deeper understanding of love. However, she says she loves fantasy and writing for the middle grades.

She credits a lot of her success with the help she gets from her family. Her husband often takes their daughter on outings to give her time to write.

She says her parents have been there through the rejections and the successes as well. “My dad is Rea’s most passionate salesman, making sure anyone he meets buys the book, from the milkman to a company CEO,” she says.

For others considering taking a stab at their own writing project, she encourages them to start. “Write that draft.

Each of our stories are important. If there’s something pushing you, compelling you to put a story down into words, the world needs to see it,” she says. “To anyone hesitating, wondering whether their story is interesting enough or important enough, the answer is a resounding, unequivocal, ‘Yes.’” payaldoshiauthor.com Payal Doshi - Author @payaldoshiauthor @payaldwrites

Top: Payal holds the hand of her husband, Rohan Moradian, during the Ara Antar portion of their Indian Zoroastrian wedding. Their hands are joined by seven (an auspicious number in the religion) loops of a sacred thread. Payal’s story, A Confluence of Fates, takes place at a Zoroastrian wedding.

Bottom: Rohan and Payal exchange rings under the loving gaze of their parents.

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C LOTHE D I N C O L L A B O R AT I O N Community leaders showcase effortlessly chic winter fashion.

Written by Josie Smith — Photos by Chris Emeott

As the frosty breath of winter envelops us, it’s time to embrace not just the chill in the air, but also the warmth of winter fashion. From cozy knits to stylish layers, this season invites us to redefine our wardrobe with a touch of frosty flair.

So bundle up in your favorite scarves, and let’s explore the enchanting world of winter style where chilly meets chic. And what better boutique to guide us through winter wardrobes than Bumbershute? Owner Kathryn Paulsrud offers a uniquely curated collection of your favorite contemporary brands. Think Rag and Bone, ATM, Cotton Citizen and L’agence.

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With Paulsrud’s mother at the helm, the very first Bumbershute opened in 1970 in Fargo, North Dakota. Later, her mom moved the boutique to Minnesota before Paulsrud brought Bumbershute to Edina in 2008.

Paulsrud says since COVID-19, there’s been a shift in fashion, with people enjoying a more relaxed style.

“It’s really cool because the contemporary brands, even the elevated couture brands, are cutting clothes for work, but they’re comfortable,” she says.

Whether it’s a soft feminine blazer or a comfortable, yet delicately stylish sweater, Paulsrud has given us

several looks to step up winter style.

Cardigans, turtlenecks, bodysuits and basic tees are plentiful. When it comes to trousers, she says it’s all about finding a pair of pants that are gorgeous, yet immensely comfortable.

Meanwhile, Edina feels like home for this forward-thinking fashion maven. “I enjoy that this community enjoys fashion. I enjoy that they will go out of the box a little bit. I think that’s fun, and I like it when people allow me to dress them,” Paulsrud says.

Here are some custom looks Paulsrud has put together, and we have several community leaders, who have graciously modeled for us.

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As president of the Morningside Woman’s Club (MWC), Sonia Sahgal says the club provides a sense of belonging.

“My parents moved to the U.S. before I was born, leaving our family in India. Our ‘new’ family in Minnesota was built from lasting friendships, which I have cherished,” Sahgal says.

Founded in 1937, MWC is a multigenerational, nonprofit organization. The group meets monthly and is open to women in all neighborhoods. Sahgal says she gains insight and inspiration from the programs the club offers to its members.

“A local chef taught us the benefits of Sri Lankan spices, and we had a lecture/ demonstration with a professional jazz dancer from Zenon Dance,” she says.

The club contributes financially to the community by donating a portion of its yearly dues, as well as profits from fundraising events, to fund scholarships for Edina High School graduates. The largest fundraiser is the MWC Holiday Market, held every November. The club also offers support to the city of Edina by providing volunteers to collaborate on service.

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Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Tillana Chakraborti is the president and founder of South Asian Women’s Network (SAWN).

“Like every big adventure, SAWN started with the question, ‘What if ?’ What if professional South Asian women in the Twin Cities had an inclusive space where they could foster meaningful connections,” Chakraborti, an Edina resident, says.

Founded in 2019, the organization welcomes the unique voice and experience each person brings and celebrates in each other’s successes, she says.

A critical pillar of SAWN’s mission is to partner with local organizations to empower women from disadvantaged backgrounds. Its board of directors is working on setting up a mentoring program to benefit girls from lowincome families in India.

“I am incredibly proud to see how SAWN has nurtured a community of women leaders that inspire and support each other—from executives and entrepreneurs to workforce returnees and students,” Chakraborti says.

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Kelly Condit-Shrestha, who has a doctorate in history, is one of the founding members of the Edina Asian American Alliance (EAAA).

EAAA was formed in April 2022 and is an intergenerational, grassroots coalition of students, parents and community members allied in deep commitment to Asian and Asian American youth in Edina Public Schools and the broader Edina community.

“Our Asian Edina community is incredibly vibrant, diverse and involved,” Condit-Shrestha says. “To be part of EAAA means helping to bring together, build and highlight our community, which I love so very much.

At its core, EAAA serves as a vehicle to build relations, create community, and support a safe and inclusive Edina.”

EAAA’s first annual Asian American Pacific Islander Month Festival was held in May 2023. Longtime community members expressed that they felt truly seen and included for the first time, Condit-Shrestha says.

“I am so very proud of the meaningful impact that EAAA has made in the short time we’ve been an organization,” she says.

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Shelly Loberg is the new president of the Edina Chamber of Commerce. After nine years with the chamber, she was recently promoted from her role as vice president to president.

The Edina Chamber of Commerce is responsible for promoting, connecting and advocating for the business community.

“The standout thing for me is the Edina Fall Into the Arts Festival, which we took over the administration of in 2022,” Loberg says. “The very first year, we more than doubled the sponsorship sales and the activation of local businesses in the event. All that money goes back into the community.”

Loberg is also the new president of the Rotary Club of Edina.

With a mission to provide service to others, Rotary is the largest humanitarian service network in the world.

Loberg says she is very passionate about the work they do in developing countries.

“Our club has authored Rotary grants that have supported clean water and sanitation projects and maternal and child health projects,” she says.

“Another thing that I’m very passionate about is elevating other women in leadership. I think that’s so important—for women to lift each other up and support one another.”

Bumbershute: 3811 W. 50th St.; 952.475.2684; bumbershute.com Pretty Creative Events @prettycreative.events South Asian Womens Network (MN) South Asian Women’s Network: sawnmn.org South Asian Women’s Network-SAWN Morningside Woman’s Club: morningsidewomansclub.org Morningside Woman’s Club @edinaasianamericanalliance Edina Asian American Alliance: edinaasianamericanalliance.org Edina Asian American Alliance @edinarotary Rotary Club of Edina: edinarotary.org Rotary Club of Edina @EdinaChamber Edina Chamber of Commerce: edinachamber.com Edina Chamber of Commerce Edina Morningside Rotary Club: emrotary.org Rotary Club of Edina Morningside

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Afira Hasan, an optometrist,

stepped into her role as president of the Edina Morningside Rotary Club in July 2023.

“I was first introduced to Rotary when my husband, an ophthalmologist, was asked to perform a surgical eye procedure for a child from Kenya. I saw the ability of Rotary to connect people from Minnesota all the way across the world,” Hasan says.

Later, when she started her own business, Insight Vision Care, she wanted to connect with a community that understood that world.

“We are an organization known for its service, vocation and social activities,” she says.

The Edina Morningside Rotary club gives back to the community through service projects, including an annual hats and mittens drive, a biannual cleanup of a section of Highway 100 and a monthly donation to Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People, the largest food pantry in the Twin Cities.

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Afira Hasan, Sonia Sahgal, Tillana Chakraborti, and Kelly Condit-Shrestha’s makeup done by Sal Rodriguez at Cos Bar Edina @winniehouston Shelly Loberg’s hair done by Jill Bergerud @jillionaire_612

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Photo: Stephanie Thomas

C e l e b rat i n g w it h N at u r e

Marking milestone birthdays in awe-inspiring national parks.

Written by Rachel Schuehle

Death Valley

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Rich mouthwatering cake, brightly colored candles or a deliciously decadent meal. These are all traditional considerations when celebrating a birthday. For the lucky ones, a birthday may even consist of a live musical concert, mani- pedis with Champagne or a transatlantic vacation.

Edina resident Stephanie Thomas has never been big on festivities that land her in the spotlight. But when her 60th birthday approached, she reconsidered how to honor and celebrate the milestone. Leaning into her love of the outdoors and incorporating her sense of humor, Thomas decided to visit a place full of light and life—Death Valley National Park in California. Although quite clever, Thomas’ family didn’t initially take to her ironic play on words, but onward she went.

Visiting a national park was nothing new to Thomas or her family. As strong believers in accessible, preserved and protected parks and avid fans of stunning landscapes, it was a perfect plan.

“I’m obsessed with national parks. Being in nature is so energizing and rejuvenating to me,” Thomas says. The family has visited Acadia, Badlands, Blue Ridge Parkway, Hawai‘i Volcanoes and Yosemite national parks. They’ve also visited Custer State Park among others.

Once in Death Valley and surrounded by nature, Thomas was able to reflect on the artistry in every direction. Gazing out at the unique rock formations doting the vast landscape, she says she was in awe.

On the morning of her birthday, Thomas and her husband arose at 4:30 a.m. to get a head start on hiking into the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes to watch the sunrise. Although it was pitch dark, the determined couple stumbled across the dunes until the

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Follow photographers on social media to uncover the best kept secrets when it comes to the national parks. They always know the premier spots.

Grand Canyon 36

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Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Thomas’ hot tip:

Grand Canyon

Westin’s hot tip:

Photos: Ellen Westin

Commit. Decide that you’re definitely doing it, and find someone to do it with you for encouragement for training. It’s nice to have a partner in it. It helps you keep going.

sun started its ascent over the hills.

It was then that Thomas felt the transcendence of it all. The way the emerging light manipulated the dunes was an “incredible display of light and shadow that changed every second,” Thomas says. It was at that moment that she felt ready to greet the dawn of a new decade.

For Edina’s Ellen Hunter Gans, being “outdoorsy” has always been in her blood. From growing up on road trips and camping, to taking her own family to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and beyond, there’s no shortage of adventure.

As a nod to her husband’s 40th birthday, Gans, her husband and kids (6 and 8) decided on a two-week road trip to several national parks, including Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef,

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Zion and more. What made the trip family friendly was the ease of it all. “I loved that we could hop out of the car and do hikes that were manageable for a 6-yearold and yet took us to jaw-dropping places,” Gans says. A few early mornings even included solo hikes at Pike’s Peek and the Zion’s famous Angel’s Landing before the kids began to stir awake.

Up next for the family? They’re hoping to get to Acadia, Glacier, Grand Tetons and Yellowstone national parks.

And although Gans welcomes any excuse to visit a national park, she says, “Celebrating a milestone birthday as part of the experience makes it even more meaningful. It’s hard to imagine a more memorable experience than taking in jaw-dropping natural scenery with your loved ones as you celebrate another trip around the sun.”

Ellen Westin has conquered four marathons, countless half marathons and completed a RAGNAR race, yet over the years, athletic training has stepped aside to make way for other priorities like her career and three children. But as she also approached her 40th birthday, Westin wanted to do something big. “I wanted to prove to myself that I can still do it, put in the training and accomplish something that was a huge challenge,” she says. That huge challenge? The Rim-To-Rim, a 25-mile hike across the Grand Canyon.

Training became Westin and her husband, James’, focus for the next four months, as they balanced weightlifting, running, doing stairs and endless rolling ski hill hikes (sometimes in pouring rain). “I thought training for a 25-mile hike would be easier than training for a marathon … I have been proven wrong,”

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Yosemite

“ I co u l d n ot t h i n k o f a b e tt e r way o r p l ac e to c e l e b rat e t h i s m i l esto n e b i rt h day. ” Ellen Westin on celebrating her 40th birthday by completing the Rim-To-Rim hike at Grand Canyon National Park

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Gans’ hot tip:

Photo: Stephanie Thomas

The America the Beautiful annual pass offers access to as many national parks as you want in a calendar year. “We are so fortunate to have such an incredible, diverse array of national parks in the U.S.,” she says. “Even if you’re not super outdoorsy, I think there’s something for everyone.”

the Edina resident says. Along with the physical training, Westin was prepared for the voyage by understanding the importance of drinking water, eating often and replenishing electrolytes to avoid altitude sickness.

All her training paid off when October came and it was time for the trip. The day of the hike, a shuttle took them to the trailhead to begin their journey at 4 a.m, led only by their headlamps. Hikers first descend 14.3 miles and 6,000 feet to the bottom, and although a brisk 38 degrees F at the starting line, the bottom of the canyon (The Box), is

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often quite the opposite, at 91 degrees F. Despite the heat, Westin and her husband found many of the treasures the hike has to offer, including a waterfall called Ribbon Falls, which is only accessed by walking through Bright Angel Creek.

After a full day of hiking, Westin approached the Devil’s Corkscrew— a relentless trek through switchbacks up the canyon. The final 4,500-foot-ascent out of the canyon is 9.6 miles. “The amount of elevation going down and back up was so much,” she says. But with the sun setting around them, headlamps on once more, the serenity

of the hike set in. “The last mile and a half with headlamps, you can’t see the top of the canyon, so you don’t know how far you have to go. But you look up and you can’t tell what’s a headlamp and what’s a star because they’re that bright.

It’s very peaceful,” she says.

Coming out the other side of such a rigorous experience, Westin and her husband needed a few days to recover.

However, there is zero regret. “My favorite thing to do is hike and be in the outdoors,” she says. “I could not think of a better way or place to celebrate this milestone birthday.”

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Andrew Zimmern prepares Sweet and Sour Meatballs.

TA S T E M A K E R S

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

SUPER BOWL GOODIES Quick and easy recipes to give the big game big flavor.

Written by Mollee Francisco

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February 2024

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Photos: Madeleine Hill

THE BI G G A M E is fast approaching, and if you’re planning a Super Bowl party, it’s time to talk about the menu.

We reached out to some of our favorite local food and beverage personalities for some quick and easy recipes to dazzle your guests on game day.

Chef Andrew Zimmern needs little introduction. The Food Network and Travel Channel host is best known for his show Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern in which he traversed the world, trying some of the most fascinating and cringeworthy foods. You won’t find any of those recipes here, but the former Edina resident does offer his scrumptious take on hot artichoke dip as well as some tasty meatballs.

He says that when preparing to entertain guests on game day, one should “keep in mind what works best—one pot and one batch cooking for a crowd.” Look for dishes that can be kept warm easily or made ahead of time and reheated.

“Remember, you don’t want to be cooking while the game is on,” Zimmern says. “I put my soups, chili, etc., on small induction burners set to low, so that they stay hot through all four quarters. Hot dips are mandatory, and I place them in front of the fireplace to stay warm.”

Taylor Ellingson, our Edina Magazine Taste columnist, has churned out more than 1,000 recipes over the last decade on her blog Greens & Chocolate.

Ellingson prides herself on creating recipes that can be made in any kitchen like White Turkey Chili and the Bacon Blue Cheese Cheese Ball—complete with cheese laces.

Alexa Jade Fitzpatrick is the brainchild behind Jayded AF, a Minnesotaowned and operated ready-to-serve Gin Martini brand. Fitzpatrick jokes that when life gave her lemons, she made a martini. Make your own game day cocktails with her recipes, including the End Zone Elixir and the Half Time Highlight.

• 1 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, freshly grated

• 1/3–1/2 cup coarse bread crumbs, toasted • 1/3 cup shallots, minced

• 3 Tbsp. parsley, minced

• 3–4 Tbsp. buttermilk

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp. sea salt

• 2 Tbsp. Madeira

• 1/2 tsp. ground white pepper

• salt and white pepper

• 1 cup vegetable oil

• dash of paprika

• 1 cup pineapple juice

• several pinches of cayenne

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• sliced bread, toasted

• 1/2 cup rice wine (sake is great) • 1/2 cup brown sugar

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a

• 3 Tbsp. soy sauce

mixing bowl, combine the crab, artichoke

• 1/3 cup tomato ketchup

hearts, mayonnaise, cheese, parsley, garlic

• several pinches of chili flakes

and Madeira with a fork. It should be thoroughly mixed but lumpy. Season with salt

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork,

and white pepper to taste. Put the mix-

veal, chicken, eggs, breadcrumbs, shallots,

ture in a flat casserole dish large enough

buttermilk, salt and pepper. Let the meat-

so that the mixture is no deeper than 2

ball mixture sit in the fridge for 15 minutes.

inches. Top with paprika and cayenne.

Roll the meat mixture into small, golf ball

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bub-

shapes, and pan fry gently on medium

bly. Serve with toasted, sliced bread.

in a very large skillet. Roll them to lightly

—Courtesy of Andrew Zimmern

brown the outside, and tip away all the oil.

Add the pineapple juice, vinegar, rice wine

SWEET AND SOUR MEATBALLS

or sake, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup

• 1/2 lb. ground pork

and chili flakes. Let the sauce reduce to a

• 1/2 lb. ground veal

glaze around the meatballs, simmering for

• 1/2 lb. ground chicken • 1 egg plus one egg yolk, beaten

about 15 minutes. Serve with toothpicks.

—Courtesy of Andrew Zimmern

Hot Crab and Artichoke Dip

HOT CRAB AND ARTICHOKE DIP • 8 oz. lump crab meat • 14 oz. canned artichokes hearts packed in water, drained and coarsely chopped • 2/3 cup mayonnaise

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WHITE TURKEY CHILI • 1 lb. ground turkey • 2 Tbsp. butter • 1/2 white onion, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 3 (14 oz.) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed • 4 cups chicken broth • 4 oz. canned diced green chiles • 2 tsp. ground cumin • 1 tsp. dried basil • 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional) • 1 Tbsp. chili powder • 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (cheddar works, too) • 8 oz. sour cream • corn chips, for topping In a large soup pot, cook the ground turkey on the stove top until browned and cooked through, about eight minutes. Add the onions and 2 Tbsp. butter to the pot. Cook for about five minutes, stirring frequently, until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for one minute. Add the beans, chicken broth, chiles, cumin, basil, cayenne pepper, red chili flakes and chili powder. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. After simmering, remove 1 cup of the broth and transfer to a medium bowl. Add the sour cream to the broth, and whisk until well combined. This step will ensure the sour cream doesn’t curdle/separate once added to the chili. Add the broth/sour cream mixture back to the soup pot, and stir to combine. Stir in the shredded cheese, and cook until melted.

Serve topped with more sour cream, green

onions and corn chips. —Courtesy of Taylor Ellingson, Greens & Chocolate

BACON BLUE CHEESE BALL • 1 lb. bacon, cooked and chopped • 16 oz. cream cheese, room temperature • 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese *save a few shreds for the football laces • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese • 1/4 cup green onion, chopped In a bowl, mix together approximately half of the bacon with the cream cheese, white cheddar, blue cheese and green onions.

Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. This will make it easier to shape the football cheese ball.

When ready, shape the mixture into a football. Press the remaining crumbled bacon on the outside of the cheese ball, and use the white cheddar shreds to make “laces.” Serve with crackers and veggies.

—Courtesy of Taylor Ellingson, Greens & Chocolate

Photos: Greens & Chocolate

Top: White Turkey Chili Bottom: Bacon Blue Cheese Ball

End Zone Elixir

END ZONE ELIXIR • 2 oz. Jayded AF Lavender Martini • 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice

The party is just getting started.

Go to edinamag.com for more Super Bowl recipes.

• chilled Champagne • fresh lavender sprigs (for serving) Combine 2 oz. of Jayded AF Lavender Martini and 1/2 oz. lemon juice in a

Andrew Zimmern

Champagne flute. Top with chilled

Readers can subscribe to Zimmern’s

Champagne, and garnish with a sprig

weekly newsletter Spilled Milk at

of fresh lavender. Tip: Chill your bottle

andrewzimmern.substack.com for

of Jayded AF ahead of time for the

exclusive content, including recipes, travel

best-tasting End Zone Elixir.

blogs, opinions and a downloadable

—Courtesy of Jayded AF

cookbook. Zimmern donates a portion of the subscription to the World Central

HALFTIME HIGHLIGHT

Kitchen and other organizations.

• 4 oz. Jayded AF Lemon Drop Martini

andrewzimmern.com

• 1 1/2 tsp. honey

Andrew Zimmern

@chefaz

• 4 oz. chilled Pilsner

Andrew Zimmern

@andrewzimmern

• dash of Angostura bitters (optional) • lemon slice (for serving)

Jayded AF jaydedaf.com

Pour 4 oz. of Jayded AF Lemon Drop

Your Care.

Your Choice.

We are a community of care – dedicated to you.

As the Twin Cities’ largest and most experienced cancer treatment provider, we know that treating cancer calls for more than compassion.

It means giving our patients access to more than 100 cancer care experts, evidence-based treatment paths, close-to-home locations and comprehensive services to support the whole person.

Our compassionate team works tirelessly towards

one common goal – fighting cancer.

@jayded.af

Photo: Jayded AF

Martini into a pint glass, along with the honey, and stir vigorously until honey is

Greens & Chocolate

dissolved. Fill the glass partway with ice.

greensnchocolate.com

Top with 4 oz. of beer (or until glass is

Greens and Chocolate

full), and stir gently to combine. Top with

@greensnchocolate

bitters, if using, and garnish with a lemon

Taylor | greens & chocolate

slice. —Courtesy of Jayded AF

@greenschocolate

mnoncology.com February 2024

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O N T H E TOW N

RING IN THE LUNAR NEW YEAR February 10 marks Lunar New Year.

the Year of the Dragon at Southdale Library on February 11.

“Lunar New Year is such an important occasion for so much of the Asian and Asian American diaspora,” says Kelly Condit-Shrestha, one of the founders of the Edina Asian American Alliance (EAAA).

Expect to enjoy arts, crafts, games, food and beverages at the colorful

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event, which is organized by the Edina Asian American Alliance, Edina High School (EHS) Chinese Club and the EHS Asian American Pacific Islander Student Union.

Photo: Kelly Condit-Shrestha

CELE BRATE Lunar New Year and

All ages. $5/person. 2–4 p.m.

February 11; Southdale Library meeting room, 7001 York Ave.; edinaasianamericanalliance.org

February 2024

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lo c al things to se e an d do

Compiled by Morgan McFadden, Emma Mehl and Hailey Almsted

Family Full Moon Snowshoe

LOCAL EVENTS

Movie Night in the Amphitheater 02/09 Join Edinborough Park for a movie night.

The featured movie is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-Mutant Mayhem. All ages.

Ticket included in playpark admission fee. 5:30–7 p.m. Edinborough Park. 7700 York Ave. S.; 952.957.8861; edinamn.gov

Valentine’s Day from Provence 02/15 Treat yourself and someone special to a five-course meal this Valentine’s day, along with rose from 100-year-old vines. Full menu available online. Ages

21 and older. $220 per meal. 6:30 p.m.

Westin Edina Galleria, 3201 Galleria; 952.567.5000; edinaweekendwonders.com

Family Full Moon Snowshoe 02/24 Bring your family to the Braemar Golf Course for a snowshoeing under the full moon. This trail is self-guided. All ages.

Tickets $20 for a family of four. 6–6:30 p.m.; 6:30–7 p.m. Braemar Golf Course, 6364 John Harris Drive; 952.903.5750; edinamn.gov

AREA EVENTS

Luminary Loppet 02/03 Traverse the frozen Lake of the Isles, accompanied by candlelit walkways and cross-country ski trails in support of the Loppet Foundation. After your journey across the ice, join in for the luminary

iStock.com/wanderluster

party back at the start. All ages. Prices vary. 6–10 p.m. Locations vary around Lake of the Isles, Mpls.; 612.604.5330; loppet.org

Mamma Mia! 02/6–02/11 The beloved musical Mamma Mia! is visiting Minneapolis this February. Run time is 2 hours 40 minutes with one intermission.

Ages 10 and older. $39–$149. Times vary.

Orpheum Theater, 805 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.339.7007; hennepintheatertrust.org

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lo c al things to se e an d do

O N T H E TOW N

CANDY HEARTS PARTY Come create a candy heARTs-themed project at the Edina Art Center. This event is for parent/child pairs to celebrate the many different types of love this Valentine’s Day. Ages 2 and

older. $10. 10–11:30 a.m. Edina Art Center 407 W. 64th St.; 952.903.5780; edinamn.gov

FEBRUARY 10

Disney on Ice Presents Magic in the Stars

Wirth Park, 1339 Theodore Wirth Parkway Mpls.; info@loppetcup.co; loppetcup.com

02/09–02/11 more for a stunning show of dreams unfolding live on ice. All ages. $20+.

02/21–02/25

Times vary. 600 First Ave. N., Mpls.; 612.673.0900; targetcenter.com

ies and more hailing from all over the country. Music, food and other attrac-

Minneapolis Home and Garden Show

Join Mickey, Minnie, Anna, Elsa and

Fairgrounds to discover breweries, cider-

tions will also be available. Ages 21

and older. Prices vary. 2–6:30 p.m. 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul; beerdabbler.com

For 90 years, the Minneapolis Home and Garden Show has been bringVisit exhibitors, watch guest speakers

To have your event considered:

02/17–02/19

and get inspired for your home. Prices

email edinamag@localmedia.co

For the first time in 20 years, the world cross-country skiing cup will be held in the United States at Theodore Wirth

vary. All ages. Times vary. Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave., Mpls.; 612.335.6000; homeandgardenshow.com

Park. There will be various sprint and

by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Please note that some events/dates and even some business operations

distance races where the best skiers in

Winter Beer Dabbler

may have changed since these

the world compete for the cup. All ages.

02/24

pages went to print. Please visit

Head out to the Minnesota State

affiliated websites for updates.

Prices vary. Start times vary. Theodore

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iStock.com/mediaphotos

ing some warmth to the cold winter.

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LAST GLANCE

Turning Imagination Into Reality Photographer goes the extra mile to get the ideal shot.

On a day with new snow in Bredesen Park, Stephanie Thomas found the perfect scenery. The sun was just warm enough for falling snow to thickly coat the trees, and its angle in the sky was just right to make the snow sparkle in its winter rays.

“I knew it would be glorious,” Thomas says. “As I was crossing the bridge … I wondered what the bridge would look like from a distance, so I crept down the embankment next to the bridge, and after a bit of trudging through the deep snow along the creek, I eventually got the view I’d been imagining.”

Thomas captured the moment, freezing the frozen scenery in a picture that would outlast the season. —Emma Mehl

Photographer: Stephanie Thomas

Title: A Winter Wonderland in Bredesen Park Equipment: Sony Mirrorless camera Location: Bredesen Park Category: Places

Award: Runner up

To view other Images of Edina photo contest winners, visit edinamag.com.

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February 2024

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