Edina - June 2024

Debut novel is an intricate love letter to childhood and heritage

JOINT PAIN

For some of our patients, the goal is hoisting the trophy. But you just want your joint pain to go away so you can hoist your grandkids. At TRIA Orthopedics, we’ll treat your shoulder so you can be there to lift them up. When that happens, it feels like we all win. It’s why you’re treated and how you’re treated by TRIA.

taste the difference.

This isn’t just a peach. It’s a Lori Anne peach. Planted, grown and cared for in South Carolina and left on the branch longer to ensure it’s ultra-sweet and tender. Better in Every Sense

JUNE 2024

“We encourage each other. It’s not about winning. It’s about doing what you can.”

—Dale Borgeson, Edina Senior Center fitness class participant (page 18)

Photo: Chris Emeott

Oscar, page 26

from the EDITOR

Welcome to our family, pets and senior living issue. I’m thrilled to present to you a curated collection of stories that capture the essence of taking care of our loved ones, both human and animal alike.

My orange tabby, Pumpkin, was the apple of my Crazy Cat Lady eye. He thought he was a dog or what I like to call a “puppy kitty.” He would play fetch, snuggle and even jump through hoops. But for all his talents, what he couldn’t do was groom himself very well. My veterinarian recommended taking him to a cat groomer. It worked so well that he became TikTok famous. (His most popular video got 1 million views.) We speak to local cat parents about how their feline friends adore their kitty spa days (page 26).

For our seniors, we’ve explored the vibrant landscape of exercise classes tailored to their unique needs. I got the idea for the story when my mom, who is 76, excitedly told me about her local fitness class and how after sessions are over, she and her classmates stop for coffee and pastries at the Italian market nearby. I wondered if a class like hers existed here—something that was low impact, gentle, fostered camaraderie among participants and forged a sense of community. By no means is it a comprehensive list of everything available, I do hope this snapshot offers a window into the possibilities that exist (page 18).

And for our families, we have a delightful story about the Edina Soccer Association’s 50th anniversary (page 32). Its legacy in youth sports is tangible. Some families are second and third generation participants. This issue is a fitting tribute to family, friendships and the companionship of pets.

Feroza Mehta feroza@localmedia.co

On the Cover

Edina Magazine @edinamag @edinamag CELEBRATING THE

See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town!

Update: Edina Magazine takes pride in creating our semiannual homes issue, which ran in April. The kitchen featured in Putting a Spring in Your Decor on pages 18–19, was built by City Homes with the interior design expertise of The Sitting Room. The updated version can be found at edinamag.com.

Photo: Chris Emeott

Pallavi Sharma Dixit , Photo by Chris Emeott, page 20

Urban Oasis on Minnehaha Creek!

4437 Brookside Terrace Edina

Completely renovated, this urban sanctuary o ers captivating views of Minnehaha Creek. Bathed in sunlight from its south-facing windows, this home is filled with ample natural light. Make this your next home.

$1,000,000 4 BED 3 BATH .55 ACRES 89 FT OF CREEK FRONTAGE

VOL. 19 NO. 11 edinamag.com

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

Kelly Cochrane, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Daniel Huss, Jennifer Pitterle, Rachel Schuehle, Josie Smith

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

DIGITAL INTERN

Zoe Baden

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Findlay Drabant, Grace Knapp

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Alison Perrier Briggs, Edina Community Foundation ; Daphne Edwards, Edina Public Schools ; Greg Hoyt, Rustica Bakery ; Shelly Loberg, Edina Chamber of Commerce ; Rebecca Sorenson, 50th & France Business Association ; Jasmine Brett Stringer, Carpe Diem with Jasmine

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

Please contact us for more information. ZDERCHUK + SMITH 612.703.5130

Mimi Coz

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Cynthia Hamre, Mary-Catherine Hartel, Sara Johnson, Abbie Kinn, Kathie Smith

PRESIDENT

Pete Burgeson

To subscribe to Edina Magazine , please visit localmedia.co. For customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co, or call 612.208.6248. ©Local LLC 2024. All rights reserved.

Tina Bohrer, Sarah Davis, Taylor Ellingson, Megan Maynor, Kelly Smith, Jasmine Brett Stringer

The Cedar Roof Man

STRAIGHT TALK FROM STEVE KUHL

Let’s face it. Cedar roofs look great but owning one is a little scary. “Has it been damaged by hail?” “Will it blow off in a storm?” “I hear something chewing up there!” But despite what you may hear, your cedar roof is still one of the most beautiful and long-lasting products on the market. The only catch is you have take care of it.

That’s where I come in. My free, written estimate includes a thorough analysis of your roof. Bringing over 25 years of experience to the table, I will evaluate its’ condition to determine whether or not maintenance, repairs or replacement is the best option for you. Worst case scenario you get a free inspection from a true expert. Best case, we work our magic on your roof and add years to its lifespan.

In fact, Kuhl’s Contracting is looked to for the evaluation and restoration of cedar roofs by more insurance companies, home inspectors, realtors and architects than any other company in Minnesota. Not to brag, but we are pretty awesome. Don’t take my word for it. Check out our talents at www.kuhlscontracting.com. Or ask around. We have probably done work for someone you know.

I started this company in 1987. Since that time we have worked on thousands of homes around the Twin Cities. My approach to business has never wavered. Be honest, be reliable and do great work. As a result our list of happy clients grows

Owner, Dad, Wood Roof Geek

GARDENING FOR LIFE

GARDENING can be a form of intentional movement and can help people of all ages stay in shape. To bend, stand, lift, dig, carry and pull are basic human movements that can help keep you healthy and feeling strong.

Small garden plots or even patio container gardens with flowers and vegetables are great ways to keep yourself gardening. Establishing routines of watering, weeding, feeding and harvesting help to give your day purpose and allow a connection with the outdoors. Turn up some toe-tapping tunes, and reach for the

gardening tools this summer. Arm yourself with a sun protective hat, kneeling pads and sturdy hand tools that feel good to hold. Raised beds and lifted containers can help make growing plants and vegetables more accessible. Turn your attention to the outdoors, and bring some friends and family members along with you. It’s never too late to get started gardening.

Sarah Davis has been the general manager at Sunnyside Gardens for 20 years. Grow more at sunnyside-gardens.com.

SIP

Summer Delight

When the weather turns warm, patio happy hours start calling my name. I love a refreshing craft cocktail at a local establishment, but I also enjoy hanging out on my backyard patio. Rosé Margaritas are my go-to summer cocktail to make because they’re so easy but taste like a bartender made them. Made with only four ingredients, this just might be your drink of the summer too!

Rosé Margaritas

Two Drinks

» 3 oz. lime juice, freshly squeezed

» 3 oz. tequila

» 1 1/2 oz. agave

» 6 oz. rosé wine

Fill wine glasses with ice. In a Mason jar, combine lime juice, agave and tequila. Shake well to combine. Evenly distribute the cocktail among the wine glasses. Top with rosé wine, and stir to combine. Garnish with strawberry and limes.

Large Batch

» 1 ¼ cups lime juice, freshly squeezed

» 1 ¼ cups tequila

» ⅔ cup agave

» 3 cups rosé wine

Add all ingredients to a pitcher, mix and then serve over ice.

Contributed by Taylor Ellingson of Greens & Chocolate. Find her cookbooks on Amazon.

Photo: Taylor Ellingson

Nature Brings Fairytale to Life

Finding Family: The Duckling Raised by Loons

By Laura Purdie Salas,

Illustrated by Alexandria Neonakis Millbrook Press, 2023

Who can resist a duckling on a book cover? Not this reader! But this is an unusual duckling indeed. Finding Family: The Duckling Raised by Loons tells the charming true story of loons parenting a mallard duckling. Loon researchers first observed this duckling riding piggyback on a loon in a Wisconsin lake in 2019, and local author Laura Purdie Salas has captured the story for children and families in this picture book illustrated by Alexandria Neonakis. How did the loon parents end up with a mallard duckling? As the book tells us, “Nobody knows.” But we do know a lot about how this trio spent the summer. While relaying facts about loons and mallard ducks and their typical behavior, the lyrical text also highlights the mystery of this situation in a way that beautifully blends nonfiction with wonder.

Finding Family has been recognized with a Charlotte Zolotow Award for best picture book text and named a Minnesota Book Award Finalist, among other honors. As ducks and loons begin their return to our lakes, Finding Family is a perfect family read.

Contributed by Megan Maynor, children’s book author, Minnesota Book Award Finalist and Minnesota Youth Reading Awards Nominee. Find her at meganmaynor.com.

Is there anything more beautiful than a spring day in Minnesota? You know the ones, perfect temperature, green grass with tulips in full bloom. Now that spring has finally sprung, I want to share my favorite mindfulness practice— a walking meditation. Walking meditation is essentially turning a walk into a mindful meditation practice. Take slow, purposeful and deliberate steps and open yourself up to your surroundings. Experience those spring days through your senses. With each step, focus on what you see, hear, feel, smell and even taste. Just be present with the sensation of walking. It’s a great way to unplug and be present in nature, which has a whole list of benefits in and of itself. If you have children, walking meditation is a fun family activity.

Contributed by Kelly Smith, founder of Yoga For You, and author of You Are Not Your Thoughts: An 8-Week Guided Meditation Journal

TRAVEL

Fashionable Flying

A few months ago, a children’s book author sparked an intriguing discussion on Instagram with a travel-themed query. Her engaging post read, “Ladies (and gentlemen, feel free to join in), when you travel, do you opt for a special ‘cute’ outfit for the plane ride, or do you reserve your stylish ensembles for the destination itself?”

This question immediately resonated with me because last summer, I was given the coziest sweater I’ve ever worn, which inspired me to rethink my travel attire. As an entrepreneur, work-related travel accounts for around 70 percent of my flights. I firmly believe you never know who you’ll meet, so be prepared to network anywhere. Moreover, my childhood travel memories include “dressing up” for flights, a tradition so ingrained that I didn’t wear jeans on a plane until my college years. Comfort is also a priority for me, and I’m always on the go and coming in hot.

The game-changer was a sweater, the AirEssentials Cocoon by SPANX, to be precise. Discovering its perfect blend of comfort and style led me to purchase a matching jumpsuit online. This ensemble has since become my go-to travel outfit. What I love most about it is its versatility—it seamlessly transitions from casual to business casual as needed and, most importantly, it features pockets.

In response to the initial Instagram question, I shared, “Cute travel outfit. I have a go-to cute plus comfortable outfit that I wear for 85 percent of my travels.” Now, I’m curious about your travel wardrobe choices. What do you wear when flying? Tag us on social media @edinamag.

Contributed by Jasmine Brett Stringer, author and founder of Carpe Diem with Jasmine Find more at carpediamwithjasmine.com.

Photo: Jasmine Brett Stringer

MOVE

INITIATIVES OF EDINA

Nurturing the Next Generation

Meal with a Mentor is the Edina Community Foundation’s (ECF) newest program. It connects adults established in their vocations and careers with young people ages 15–20. Community members voiced a desire to give youth guidance with a manageable time commitment. Meal with a Mentor is a single lunch—although mentors and mentees can meet more than once.

Edina Morningside Rotary president Afira Hasan volunteered to launch the program by dedicating a breakfast meeting to the networking event. “Vocation was a foundational part of Morningside Rotary, so it was a natural fit to host a mentorship program,” Hasan says.

Hasan collaborated with Edina Business Club leaders Jack Meagher and Marcos Lenehan-Nissen and Edina High School Career and Tech co-leader Shannon Seaver. They recruited business club and Edina High School students, surveying them about their career interests. Hasan organized Rotary members into groups by profession or areas of experience, assigning teens to tables of adults with matching backgrounds. “We had students interested in marketing, entrepreneurship, engineering, education, law, health care, finance and accounting,” she says. “The students had a good time, and one Rotary member subsequently attended their engineering student’s robotics competition.”

Edina Morningside Rotary plans to repeat the networking event, and ECF is building a database of adults willing to mentor teens. “We strive to create valuable programs that include volunteer opportunities for community members,” says Alison Briggs, ECF’s executive director. “The Meal with a Mentor program is structured to offer volunteers a low-time-commitment opportunity to give back.”

Adults from all backgrounds, education and fields are invited to participate.

Contributed by Tina Bohrer of the Edina Community Foundation.

Learn more at edinacommunityfoundation.org.

LIFE’S BET TER WHEN YOU’RE PROTECTED UNDER OUR ROOF.

Save up to 23% when you bundle auto and home*

burnettagency@amfam.com

First Aid For Your Four-Legged Friend

Quick answers for your pet’s medical needs.

By Kelly Cochrane

ANNIE TROPPLE is prepared.

The Edina resident has her hands full with a couple of youngsters, including a 13-year-old goldendoodle, Sophie, and her 4-year-old doll face Persian cat, Bodhi. Sophie and Bodhi are apt to get into some trouble every once in a while.

“I keep first aid kits on hand for each of them,” Tropple says.

The other day, Sophie had a bit of trouble with her tail. It turned out to be a hot spot she’d been tending to. But Tropple didn’t have to run to her veterinarian because she had a first aid kit from MySimplePetLab.

“Because I had the first aid kit, I was able to clean it out and wrap it up,” she says. “I was nervous because I wasn’t sure that I would understand how to use the kit and that I wouldn’t be able to help. However, the kit was so easy to use. The directions are clear, and there aren’t a ton of steps.”

Edina’s Jen Hagness is MySimplePetLab’s president and CEO. The company was founded in 2019 by two veterinarians, Nancy Willerton and Dennis Chmiel, with Hagness joining during COVID-19. “During the pandemic, we have seen a dramatic rise in pet ownership,” Hagness says. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 70 percent of households currently own pets, a 20 percent increase in the last 40 years. However, it's estimated there will be a shortage of about 24,000 veterinarians by 2030. This is due to a high rate of veterinarians retiring during the pandemic coupled with not enough students graduating from veterinarian schools.

“We are really supporting the gap with not enough vets and vet techs to care for them,” Hagness says.

In addition to the first aid kits, MySimplePetLab also offers an array of testing and care kits for stomach, skin, ear troubles and much more; plus, all instructions are written by veterinarians. Pet owners can register

Photos: Annie Tropple; MySimplePetLab

Isla Tropple, dog Sophie, cat Bodhi and Luca Tropple.

their kit online to keep their veterinarian updated.

The care kits came in handy for Tropple, when she woke up on a Saturday morning and discovered Sophie’s illness. “I was really worried for her. She wasn’t acting like herself. She wasn’t really eating or drinking,” she says.

Because it was a weekend, the Edina resident says her veterinarian’s appointments were already filled. After researching, Tropple found the MySimplePetLab products online as a way to ease Sophie’s lethargy and illness until she could get her in to see her vet.

“I was able to use the MySimplePetLab care kit in the interim, and it seemed to solve the problems. It took one to two days, and Sophie was feeling better,” she says. “For me, the care provided by the kit was the most important part. I found the time saving aspect priceless.”

While MySimplePetLab kits can be a helpful tool for monitoring and navigating pet health at home, pet owners should consult and establish care with a veterinarian for comprehensive care and guidance.

mysimplepetlab.com

Jen Hagness, president and CEO of MySimplePetLab

Enjoying Every Moment of Movement

A look at wellness programs for seniors.

By Feroza Mehta

EXERCISE CAN BE INTIMIDATING at any age. Edina’s Christy Zilka has made it her mission to empower people above the age of 55 to give themselves grace, go at their own pace and view exercise as movement a body needs.

“Exercise and movement is difficult to get started,” Zilka says. “But once you get started, it’s hard to stop.”

We took a look at different programs in Edina that encourage participants to go at their own pace and will adjust exercises to an individual’s needs.

Edina Senior Center

Zilka teaches the Edina Senior Center’s Agility, Balance and Core Strength (ABC) class. In addition to balance, posture and strengthening exercises, she also teaches seniors how to get up from a fall and other safety lessons.

“As far as a workout, we do something different every class. It could be working on balance exercises, seated or standing. We always work with a chair. If we’re standing, we are behind the chair,” she says.

The key aspect is the opportunity for participants to socialize. That sense of belonging and camaraderie is important to Dale Borgeson, a longtime Edina resident who now lives in Bloomington.

“She’s so kind. She makes everyone laugh. She makes exercise fun,” Borgeson says. “You make friends. We encourage each other. It’s not about winning. It’s about doing what you can.”

The senior center also offers Tai Chi and gentle yoga. RuthAnn Metzger has been in Wendy Anderson’s gentle yoga class since 2015. “It works the whole body, but it does it in a gentle way,” Metzger says. “I can’t do strenuous stuff,

but I need movement for my whole body. We sit in the chair; we stand up.” Unlike ABC, participants can get down on the floor but they have the option of doing a half class, which only involves standing and using a chair.

Life Time Fitness: ARORA

Tory Quiggle says she was in the worst shape of her life after chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer left her with a wide range of side effects, including limited shoulder mobility.

“My body had just had it,” Quiggle says. “I had to take a slow approach to recovery.” The Linden Hills resident joined Life Time’s ARORA program—a social, educational and fitness program for older adults—two years ago. It offers

a variety of classes and activities such as pickleball, coffee hangouts, aquatics, group classes and much more. Quiggle found success with Pilates.

“The concept is for people over 55 and for those that are a little more deconditioned,” Kristin Wallner, an ARORA Pilates instructor, says. “Pilates is extremely customizable to the individual and is highly adaptable.” Wallner adds Pilates helps with bone building, strength and balance, hip hinging and mobility, shoulder mobility and alignment of the body.

“Some of my clients have had knees and hips replaced, and I have had special training for that as well,” she says. And that special training and added care is what made all the difference, Quiggle says. “It saved me. It was just

“We

encourage each other. It’s not about winning. It’s about doing what you can.”

Dale Borgeson, Edina Senior Center fitness class participant

this regular, gentle approach to building strength, stability. I have full range of motion in my shoulder,” she says. “Having a program like ARORA, it motivates people to keep moving no matter what’s going on with my life. I’m 62, and I feel stronger and more centered and more well rounded physically and mentally than I probably did 10 years ago."

For more information, visit edinamag.com.

Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Square Suite 101; 952.833.9570; edinamn.gov

Life Time Fitness, 250 Southdale Center; 952.257.7100; lifetime.life

Follow us on Instagram where we showcase local people, places and events.

STAY CONNECTED AND CELEBRATE EDINA @EDINAMAG

At Crown Bank, every client relationship comes with our commitment to understand the client’s needs, their goals, and their concerns. That unwavering commitment serves as the foundation for the journey toward success that we take together. Because from there anything is possible. What can we make possible for your business?

Pallavi Sharma Dixit

THE S T OR Y T E L L ER

Debut novel is an intricate love letter to childhood and heritage.

Written by Kelly Cochrane — Photos by Chris Emeott

Edison, New Jersey, is a borough 30 minutes outside of New York City. It’s famous for being the home of the Thomas Edison Museum. But it’s also known as Little India, with 1 mile of shops stretching down Oak Tree Road, selling food, clothing and books and more. This is where local author Pallavi Sharma Dixit grew up, and she used it as the backdrop for her debut novel, lovingly called, Edison

“My goal was to create a Bollywood movie in a novel and tell the story of Edison,” Dixit says. Bollywood, the Indian version of Hollywood, was one of her obsessions in high school. The novel is sprinkled with stories of her life and loves, along with those passed down from her family. The main character, Prem, is obsessed with Bollywood, as is Dixit. Readers will find themselves immersed in a beautiful story about Prem, who eventually falls in love with Leena, but he is faced with a challenge when her father gives Prem an almost impossible task to achieve before they can marry. Throughout the novel, readers meet an improbable cast of characters, glean bits of Bollywood history and follow the relationship between Prem and Leena from 1987 to 2003.

FINDING INSPIRATION

Dixit watched one tiny Indian grocery store morph into more than a mile of Indian-based shops, restaurants and even a movie theater that serves samosas while showing a Bollywood film. “I found it interesting how hard people worked to make Edison what it is now,” she says. Throughout her childhood, she would visit relatives in Jaipur, India, where she solidified her ability to move seamlessly between the two cultures. She became an American citizen when she was in high school. But no matter which country she was in, Indian

culture was deeply ingrained in her daily life, from the newspaper her parents read on a daily basis to the summers she spent in India and the grocery store down the road from her Edison home.

“Usually, you find these kinds of ethnic enclaves in cities. So, I found it so interesting that this little India developed in the suburbs,” Dixit says. She took that interest with her when earning her degrees in history.

“Writing Edison was a journey,” Dixit says. There have been multiple versions of the manuscript since she first defended her thesis of the same name back in the early 2000s.

BRINGING EDISON TO LIFE IN EDINA

As Edison developed in the suburbs, so too did Dixit’s novel. She moved to Minneapolis 20 years ago after marrying her husband because, “It felt like home and was the perfect place to raise children,” she says. Now, with two children, ages 9 and 12, a majority of her days play out in the Edina area from groceries to doctors, from school to coffee. While her kids were in preschool, she wrote her book at Caribou Coffee at 50th & France, Starbucks and at The Reserve. Writing for hours, draft after draft, it would be prudent to take note of where she was sitting because she could always be found in the best place to plug in a laptop should the battery go low.

Dixit’s writing wasn’t always as easy as heading to the

local coffee shop and pounding away at the pages of her novel. She worked hard to hone her craft. She strategically connected with other Minnesotan writers to create a strong group of peers that she considers her writing group. With bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history and a master’s of fine arts in creative writing, Dixit had the beginnings of what she needed to fulfill her dream, but it was the true determination and intrigue that made Edison a reality. She taught at The Loft in Minneapolis, which is one of the most renowned writing centers in the country, and was part of its mentorship program.

“I felt immediately that I had a writing community here,” Dixit says. In fact, not only did she find a writing community, she found notoriety. She received multiple grants and awards from the Jerome Foundation, the Minnesota State Arts Board and others. But it was Dixit’s win from the Asian American Writers Workshop’s Pages in Progress Prize and the First Pages Prize in fiction that made Edison more than a concept. Dixit’s goal is to create characters who have the ability to draw in readers and have Edison come to life on the page.

Edison comes out on June 4 and is available wherever books are sold.

Pallavi Sharma Dixit @pallavidixit

Pallavi and her mom at a park in Edison, New Jersey.

Dixit immerses herself in the creative flow of her home office, penning her latest masterpiece.

Lily, Melisa Choudhry’s cat, gets a teddy bear plush cut every 16 weeks.

GNITSUB

Written by Meredith Heneghan

by Chris Emeott

H E MYTHS BEH IND CATS AN D GNIMOORG . Cats Need Self-Care Days, Too

Melisa Choudhry is no stranger to the world of cats. They’ve been a part of her life since she was 5 years old. When she first got her Siberian cats, Lily and Oscar, she never expected to end up with regular cat grooming appointments on her calendar. None of her previous cats had needed it.

“It doesn’t seem like something a regular person would do. Who thinks about grooming a cat?” Choudhry, an Edina resident, says.

Grooming cats may sound unusual, but Choudhry says it’s been a helpful and healthy way to keep her furry feline friends happy. Because Siberian cats’ fur can get up to 6 inches long, Lily and Oscar are more likely to have trouble grooming themselves and, as

a result, are more prone to problems with matting and hairballs. Choudhry says she began to have issues with Lily early on. “Lily was matting in the armpits, which is common,” she says. Her first instinct was to take Lily to the veterinarian for some help.

“I took her to the vet to get her tummy shaved,” she says. Her vet hires a groomer once a month to come into the practice. It was here that she learned not all groomers are equal. “She came out all different lengths. It was a mess.” Choudhry needed a long-term solution. It was after this vet visit that Choudhry began searching for grooming options for Lily.

Finding a groomer that exclusively serves cats is difficult, but since many

cats struggle getting along with dogs and other pets, it’s something that cat owners like Choudhry prioritize. Choudhry was thrilled to discover The Cat’s Meow, Minnesota’s first cat-exclusive groomer.

“Cat grooming is fairly new, and people don’t have the knowledge that there’s someone out there that can even do that for them,” says Jennifer Anderson, owner of The Cat’s Meow.

The Cat’s Meow has held a firm place in the community for cat owners since it opened a decade ago in Richfield. It has many clients from Edina, with some people driving in from as far away as Woodbury. Choudhry has been a dedicated client for seven years.

“They are so skillful,” she says.

Photos

“Every time I drop them off, they go over all the services needed for each cat, so that you’re not doing more than you need to or missing something.”

After getting groomed, she says her cats are not only happier, but healthier, too. “Lily gets a teddy bear plush cut every 16 weeks, and she doesn’t get sick anymore. She doesn’t get hairballs,” she says. “Doing that four times a year has [improved] her health. I haven’t had to take her for X-rays this year, where previously I was in to the vet five times in one month. Stress made her sick. But the way that they do it, it’s not stressful for her.”

At The Cat’s Meow, staff take a holistic handling approach to grooming. There’s no rush—cats are given plenty

“Cat grooming is fairly new, and people don’t have the knowledge that there’s someone out there that can even do that for them.”

JENNIFER ANDERSON, OWNER OF THE CAT’S MEOW

of time to relax in between steps in the process, and there’s even a custombuilt dryer that creates a more chill environment for the cats, in which they do not have to be held down during the drying process. Gentle methods and plenty of time for each appointment (around two and a half hours) makes each grooming visit relatively stressfree for cats like Lily and Oscar and also for their owners. Choudhry says, “The hardest part of getting the cats groomed—getting them in the carrier.”

Anderson has some ideas about why cat grooming is more important now than it used to be and why people are seeking it out more readily. She says, “Cats have become much more of a cherished pet, more of an indoor animal now. They’re a family member, so a lot of people are really motivated for them to be cleaner, in better condition, and shinier.”

Anderson began grooming pets 28 years ago as an apprentice and realized a few years into her career that there was a market for a cat-only grooming business. While some told her it was a risk, her instinct paid off, and she’s been running The Cat’s Meow successfully ever since. The demand for services is there, but it’s a highly skilled profession.

Because of the lack of cat grooming schools, Anderson apprentices everyone who comes through her door. The process takes a year. She loves having apprentices and sharing this world with others who are interested in building a profession.

So, if you have a cat at home and are wondering if you should consider grooming, think about the things you commonly observe in your feline friend. Are they struggling with hairballs? Do you often find their skin to be irritated or flaky? Is your furniture and clothing covered in your kitty’s fur? Perhaps it’s time to consider grooming. Anderson makes the point that

Left: Oscar, Choudhry’s cat, licks his lips as he spies a bird outside the window.

Top right: Ichigo being groomed at The Cat’s Meow.

Bottom right: Jennifer Anderson, owner of The Cat’s Meow.

“It doesn’t seem like something a regular person would do. Who thinks about grooming a cat?”

MELISA CHOUDHRY, CAT OWNER

not all cats need professional grooming—if your cat can handle it and you’re gentle, many cats can be groomed at home. However, if your cat is anxious or struggles with you when you attempt to groom it, it might be time to seek help.

Choudhry is glad that she found a cat groomer to help her and her pets cohabitate comfortably and happily. “It’s not something I had ever thought about when I owned a cat before, until I needed it,” she says. “Just knowing it’s an option is great … Staying on top of the maintenance makes your cats a little more chill.”

She also says her friends are always amazed that she lives with two longhaired cats, but there’s no fur clinging to everything in their home. It’s a tidier cohabitation.

Anderson says that consistently attending to your cats’ needs is key, instead of waiting until there’s a problem. “In the best world, we’d be doing only preventative grooming instead of reactive grooming, like shaving off all these mats and taking care of the nails in the paws,” she says. The sweet spot for most clients is four grooming visits per year, Anderson says. Choudhry takes her cats in about that often, and she and her cats are always happier afterward. Plus, she says, “They smell really great when they’re done, too! Fresh lavender, not like a litter box.”

She is contemplative as she remembers the cat she had before Lily and Oscar came into her life. Her name was Baily, and she was an 8-pound spitfire who was a mix of Persian and Maine Coon. She had fur that was almost as long as Lily and Oscar’s. “Baily used to get matting, and I would have to try and pick apart the mats or very gently cut them, which is a risk with long-haired cats if you nick their skin. And as she aged, she needed a lot more care with regards to grooming,” she says. “I wish I would’ve known about grooming at the time.”

The Cat’ s Meow

6410 Nicollet Ave., Richfield; 952.582.4429; thecatsmeowgrooming.com

The Cat’s Meow Grooming & Suites @thecatsmeowgroomingandsuites

Subscribe to your community’s magazine or purchase additional copies at localmedia.co

SOCCER ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

Edina youth find community in soccer programming.

Written by Rachel Schuehle — Photos by Chris Emeott

David Beckham, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are all household names for those who follow and admire the sport of soccer. In Edina, however, one name comes to mind while listing soccer powerhouses— Edina Soccer Association (ESA).

Fifty years ago, ESA was founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the overarching goal “to provide all kids of the community an equal opportunity to participate in the game of soccer” while building skills such as good sportsmanship, discipline and teamwork. Edina resident Peggy Mitchell, who is now in her 90s, had five kids go through the program. As one of the original board members, Mitchell recalls the importance of soccer for youth. “It teaches them far more than you can preach to them,” Mitchell says. Now, after five decades and generations of players, ESA has

grown to be the largest youth recreational soccer program in Minnesota.

In 2023, over 4,300 athletes participated in programming, with the support of 500 volunteer coaches, 80 youth contractors and 14 board of directors members. ESA provided 120 scholarships last year to those seeking financial assistance, upholding the promise of accessible soccer for all. With an imprint this size, it comes as no surprise that ESA is highly regarded as a backbone of the community.

Starting as early as Pre-K, kids can join their peers on the turf to learn the basics by running drills and playing short games. From there, leagues are offered for every grade level through 12th grade. And year-round programming allows athletes to remain active even during the off season and to stay connected to teammates.

GENERATIONAL ATHLETES

Pete Kostroski is no stranger to soccer, his early years filled with memories of the sport, including with his dad as his coach. “That was the start of the love of the game for me,” Kostroski says. “Some of my fondest memories are playing soccer.”

Growing up in the ESA program, Kostroski says he was well-equipped to play soccer for Edina High School and in college. And now with four daughters of his own, three of whom participated in ESA, Kostroski carries on the legacy of soccer enthusiasts. “My mom was born in Holland, so maybe it’s that European soccer obsession in my blood,” he says, “I feel proud for continuing that tradition with my daughters.”

As with most sports, Kostroski says ESA gives youth of all ages the opportunity to build life and character skills, many of which are naturally intertwined with the game itself. “It’s about building a well-rounded individual,” he says. “What does it mean to be a good teammate? How do you work toward a common goal? How does the team tackle obstacles? These are all important life lessons kids can learn on the field.”

LEADERSHIP LEANS INTO FLEXIBILITY

In 2020, ESA leadership had its own obstacles to face with COVID-19 surging across the country. Laura Heinmiller, M.D., played soccer in college, and her five kids have all played on teams in ESA. Heinmiller took her involvement a step further when she was elected vice president of the board of directors and assumed the role of president in January 2020. “It was my

Photos: Dave Jenson

From inspired beginnings to today, Dave Jenson has been an integral part of soccer in our community since ESA started in 1974. He has also been head coach of Edina High School’s varsity boys soccer for 39 years.

“What does it mean to be a good teammate? How do you work toward a common goal? How does the team tackle obstacles? These are all important life lessons kids can learn on the field.”

PETE KOSTROSKI

Maggie Ligon (9), Marie Heinmiller (8) and Max Dunkel (6) are all smiles on the soccer field.

job to usher the program through the bulk of the pandemic and really try to utilize resources to make it as sustainable and safe as possible,” she says.

With thousands of kids playing soccer, she had to consider not only the players, but their families, the coaching staff and spectators. Decisions were not taken lightly. As a physician, Heinmiller leveraged her knowledge of and access to the state’s Department of Health recommendations to lead decisions for ESA. “It was so important that people still had a physical outlet but in a controlled and safe way,” she says. “So we sent soccer to them instead.”

New programming called Soccer in a Box offered Zoom classes and individual ball work ideas at home, plus one of the brightly colored, widely recognized ESA jerseys. (If worn to Edina Soccer Night, the shirt gets you free entrance, pizza and cookies.) Although quite different from previous seasons, the tenacity and dedication of the Edina youth was a bright spot in a turbulent time. Heinmiller was presented with the Mayor’s Service to Youth Commendation in 2023 for her originality and perseverance as a leader throughout the pandemic.

CHAMPION OF COMMUNITY CONNECTEDNESS

Krista Gresham has a long history with ESA (19 years), but her current role as executive director is her most fulfilling yet. What started as an administrative role, continued expanding as her involvement in and affection for the organization deepened.

Behind the scenes, Gresham works meticulously to put together a registration process that is easy to navigate and a curriculum that delivers on ESA’s core beliefs and promises. A massive undertaking, Gresham thoughtfully plans details, such as teams, coaches, field times, uniforms, player fees, social events, community support, scholarships and more. “We try to keep things local when we can,” Gresham says. “The soccer balls are sourced through an Edina company called EKIN, LLC. Same with the uniforms. Our go-to photography company continues to be Linhoff Photo. At events, we welcome food trucks like Thumbs Cookies or Frozen Loon, both owned by women with kids in ESA.” In addition, ESA donates gently used and new soccer balls every year to Edina elementary

Joyful celebrations abound. ESA prides itself on community, collaboration, teamwork and the love of the game.

The City of Edina applauds Accredited Investors Wealth Management for being a Green Business!

In addition to helping more than 550 families shepherd their personal wealth, the Accredited team is committed to safeguarding our natural resources for the next generation. The business shifted to non-aerosol and environmentally friendly cleaning products, non-disposable kitchenware, water dispenser with refillable bottles and a native prairie planting in place of its grass lawn. They also made investments in renewable energy, including a solar array for the roof and electric vehicle charging ports in the parking lot.

schools and abroad to Guatemala through Edina Rotary.

Edina High School junior varsity and varsity soccer players often help at events like ESA’s season kickoff and uniform distribution event, Super Soccer Saturday. On occasion, older players will work with younger players one-on-one to hone certain skills and further their mentor/mentee relationship. When it’s time for high school soccer games, you can find younger players in the stands, cheering for those they admire on the field. The symbiotic relationships are undeniable in full circle, heartwarming moments like these.

“When people move to Edina, they always hear through the grapevine that a great place to start and get connected is through ESA,” Gresham says. Because when it comes down to it, woven seamlessly into the fabric of the city is the sport of soccer, for everyone. And that’s something worth cheering for.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, ESA is collecting memories, photos and messages from those impacted by the program. Send yours to: edinasoccer50@gmail.com.

Edina Soccer Association; edinasoccer.org

Edina Soccer Association @edinasoccerassociation @EdinaSoccerAssn

The City of Edina is committed to reaching its Climate Action goals and is interested in recognizing businesses like Accredited Investors doing their part. For more information or to apply to be a Green Business, visit BetterTogetherEdina.org.

Apply by June 17!

Over 50 locations to choose from

Our experienced team is dedicated to your oral health and well-being.

Park Dental offers two Edina locations for your convenience.

Schedule an appointment today.

Teens develop organic dog treats.

Written by Rachel Schuehle

— Photos by Chris Emeott

TASTEMAKERS

Entreprenu- HERs

THE SUMMER OF 2017 was like any other until five Edina friends gathered for what they thought would be routine playdates with neighbors. What they didn’t realize was that these imaginative interactions would become the platform of a business soon to take off.

At 10 years old, twin sisters Kate and Elli Johnson gathered at their aunt Susan Johnson’s house with three of their neighborhood friends—Lauren Seim, Emery Engelsma and Rylie

Nelson—for fun-filled and creative activities. From painting canvases to designing T-shirts, Johnson led this inseparable group into endeavors that allowed them to think outside the box. “Our mantra is: ‘Think big and believe in yourself,’” Johnson says.

As confidence and skills grew, the girls set their sights on starting a business together. At first, they considered running a lemonade stand, but Johnson challenged them to stretch their horizons and be imaginative.

Photo: Luca & The 5 Girls

Left: Emery Engelsma, Elli and Kate Johnson, Lauren Seim and Rylie Nelson. The 17-year-old Edina High School students are the founders of Luca & The Five Girls, an organic dog treat company.

Right: The girls at age 6 during their first summer camp with Susan Johnson.

“Dogs were a common interest, so it made sense to start there,” says Kate, now 17. Her aunt’s dog was the original mascot for the group, inspiring the company’s first naming iteration, Luca’s Dog Boutique. The small but mighty team got to work on researching recipes to bake and test in Johnson’s kitchen.

When reviewing initial research, the team discovered the lack of organic pet treats across the market. “We saw that organic food was becoming more popular, and we wanted to create a dog treat that matched the quality of food we consume,” Rylie says. “We looked at lots of dog treats on the market and saw

they contained lots of preservatives and sludge, so we decided to create a treat that was healthy, organic and high in protein.”

“We are really proud of our ingredients,” Lauren says. “We think it’s important to feed our dogs healthy food, just like we feed ourselves.”

They knew they couldn’t be alone in their sentiment. Ahead of the curve, the girls saw the opportunity for organic treats and went with it. “We found that people who tend to prefer organic food want that option for their pets, too,” Kate says.

Next came the packaging. “At first,

we went to Paper Source and got bags and ribbons,” Johnson says. “We would hand draw dogs on the tags, personalize them, give them names,” Kate says. At 5 a.m. the first morning of selling, the girls were out on Sunnyside Road, treat bags in tow, ready to make a mark on the community. Very early on, the girls learned to overcome obstacles. Instead of turning away cashless customers, the girls provided a self-addressed envelope for the customer to mail payment when they were back home. Soon after, the brand became Luca & The Five Girls. Their treats, called Nummers, come in unique and traditional flavors.

“We think it’s important to feed our dogs healthy food, just like we feed ourselves.”

LAUREN SEIM

Besides chicken and beef, there is peanut butter and pumpkin among others. Along with organic ingredients, the girls focused on human-grade, high protein and grain-based recipes to help keep pets satisfied for longer. They use organic bases, such as peanut butter, eggs, milk, chicken and beef broths. Many of the ingredients are sourced from Minnesota suppliers.

Each bag of treats features a playful profile of Luca and an avatar of each of the girls swinging, jumping or lounging on Luca’s soft black and white fur. The partnership with the packaging designer has been a fruitful one

Luca, the mascot of Luca & The Five Girls.

“We wanted to keep the brand our own.”

KATE JOHNSON

Luca & The Five Girls lucaandthefivegirls.com

Luca’s Dog Boutique @lucaandthefivegirls

throughout the entire design process. “We had many meetings, and the packaging would go through evolutions,” Emery says. “Every session we had, it would get closer to what we were looking for. We were a huge piece of what it looks like now.”

Fonts and colors were only pieces of the puzzle. “We wanted our personalities to show on the packaging,” Lauren says. Kate adds, “We wanted to keep the brand our own.”

While the girls continue to have affection for dogs (and each has their own furry roommate now), their dedication to community is what stands above all else. When first starting out, the company hired seniors and people with disabilities as bakers. They continue to donate part of their proceeds to support organizations, such as the Animal Humane Society, People and Pets Together Food Shelf, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, Highlands Elementary and many more.

“I love that we have been able to create a name for ourselves and build our company into something that is known across multiple Midwest states,” Rylie says. “I hope that Luca & The Five Girls will be a well-known international brand in five years.”

Luca & The Five Girls dog treats are available in local stores, such as Lunds & Byerlys, Jerry’s Foods and Ace Hardware. The team also makes appearances at pop-up shops, farmers markets, fundraisers, the Edina Art Fair and the Edina Car Show. And they never stop innovating.

“We’ve gotten a ton of requests for cat treats, so we may have to add more products,” Kate says.

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.

Two Edina locations. Now open SW Minneapolis.

www.EspeciallyforChildren.com | 952.857.1100

Never miss an issue of Edina Magazine with free, anytime access to our digital editions. Full screen viewing on your digital device allows easy cover-to-cover reading. Share your favorite Edina Magazine articles with friends and family.

CELEBRATING JUNETEENTH

Freedom, fun and festivities.

CENTENNIAL LAKES PARK will come alive with music, performances and food to celebrate our nation’s newest federal holiday. The family-friendly Juneteenth Celebration features a live performance from Carolyne Naomi and children’s book author Isaiah Allen will be reading from his acclaimed work, A Smile

Featured food vendor, Lutunji’s Palate, brings its famous Harriet’s Escape Peach Cobbler and Seasons Red Velvet Brownie among other delicious desserts. Juneteenth marks the historic announcement of emancipation for enslaved African Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865. This came two and half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President

Abraham Lincoln. Union Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced General Order Number 3, which proclaimed the total emancipation of slaves in Texas. Juneteenth celebrates this day as the end of slavery in the United States.

Edina’s event promises to be a memorable experience that honors our shared history and inspires hope for the future. It’s an opportunity to come together, learn and celebrate the quest for civil rights and equality.

—Feroza Mehta

Juneteenth Celebration, 4–6 p.m. June 19.

Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave. S.; edinamn.gov

Photos: City of Edina

Carolyne Naomi performs at the 2023 Juneteenth event in Edina.

Compiled by Findlay Drabant and Grace Knapp

LOCAL EVENTS

Edina Art Fair

06/01–06/02

Enjoy artwork by local artists and food at local restaurants during Edina’s annual art fair. All ages. Free. 10 a.m–7 p.m. 50th & France, 3902 W. 50th Ave. Suite C; 952.491.0001; 50thandfrance.com

Paint Your Pet

06/03

Turn your favorite pet picture into a paint-by-number piece. Ages 21 and older. $75. 6–8:30 p.m. Wooden Hill Brewing Company, 7421 Bush Lake Road; maddy@grayduckart.com; grayduckart.com

Art Together

06/12

Enjoy community-enriching art activities and snacks with Edina police, firefighters and public safety officials. All ages. Free. 5–7 p.m. Fred Richards Park Playground, 4400 Parklawn Ave.; 952.927.8861; edinamn.gov

2024 Green Tie Open Golf Tournament

06/17

Play in a 12-hole scramble tournament and six holes of competitive games for prizes to benefit the Edina Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy lunch and social hour with members of the community. All ages. $160. 8:30 a.m–1:30 p.m. Braemar Golf Course, 6364 John Harris Drive; 952.806.9060; edinachamber.com

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/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

A local, women-owned small business!

Barre3 is an efficient + effective workout that combines strength, cardio and mindfulness.

Get your first class free!

barre3 Edina 2952 W. 66th St. 612.353.4535

barre3.com/edina

The Goddard School’s safe, flexible and caring environment gives your child the space to take chances, make connections and experience authentic learning so they can become school-ready, career-ready and life-ready.

The Goddard School in Edina 7201 Washington Ave. S. 612.438.2288

goddardschool.com/schools/mn/edina/edina

Comfort Keepers® is here to help seniors thrive safely while living independently at home. Our empathetic caregivers are specially trained to provide uplifting care and support. We’re here to help!

Comfort Keepers 5798 Lincoln Drive 763.273.4207 comfortkeepers.com

Mainstream Boutique is known for a unique apparel and styling experience. Our mission is to love, strengthen and celebrate women— lifting them up and helping them feel beautiful.

Mainstream Boutique of Edina 7523 France Ave. S. 952.303.4530

mainstreamboutique.com/pages/edina

An Abundance of Talent

We are blessed in Edina to have so many local theater groups. Here is a quick look at the plays and musicals that graced our city’s stages in March.

Top row. Morningside Theatre Company performed Beauty and the Beast Jr.

Bottom row: The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition was Valley View Middle School’s annual musical.

To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos, contact information and a brief description of the event to edinamag@localmedia.co.

Photos: Morningside Theatre Company; Melisa Choudhry; Dulce Torres

Soccer Stars

Local photographer captures the beauty of sportsmanship.

It’s fitting in an issue that recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Edina Soccer Association (ESA) (page 32) that we feature a photo that celebrates the beauty of the countless moments ESA gives to the community.

“I’ve always been drawn to photos that convey emotions and make you feel something,” Leah Steidl says. The Edina photographer has graced these pages many times with her talent of always being able to photograph the ephemeral.

“In this moment, Ava had scored a goal and my daughter, Etta, is giving her a high five in congratulations,” she says of this soccer game from last summer.

“One thing I love about this particular photo is that it’s a friend cheering and supporting another friend. Also, girls supporting girls. I love that.”

Steidl is a frequent entrant to the Images of Edina contest and some of her winning photos have been featured on this Last Glance page. Would you like to join her ranks? Go to edinamag.com for contest rules and an entry form. Images of Edina is open through June 21. —Feroza Mehta

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

Photographer: Leah Steidl

Title: High Five

Equipment : Mirrorless Canon

Category: People

Award: Runner Up

life. at your summit.

In those crucial moments following an injury, the immediate attention of a skilled orthopedic professional can make all the difference in getting you back to your goals and ambitions. We are always ready with the right treatments at the right time to get you back to living life at your summit as quickly as possible.

IMMEDIATE CARE AT OUR ORTHOPEDIC URGENT CARE. NOW IN EDEN PRAIRIE.