SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
The Class of 2025 is full of dedication, leadership and creativity
20 YEARS CELEBRATING
EVERY INJURY. EVERY CONDITION.
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PHYSICAL THERAPY
Edina PEZZO • 324 Southdale Center • Open Daily 11am - 8pm
AUGUST 2024
“You will always meet someone who is going to be better than you or doing more than you. But the second you stop focusing on other people and start focusing on you, you will find the thing you are good at. You’ll become the student you used to compare yourself to, and you won’t even realize it.”
—Vihaan Shah, Edina High School student (page 26)
Photo: Chris Emeott
Brett and Ken Johnson, page 40
from the PUBLISHER
Welcome, Readers, to our 20th anniversary as Edina’s premier community lifestyle magazine. We couldn’t be prouder of our longstanding roots in and commitment to this community. A lot has changed over the course of two decades, but we look back with pride and joy at the friendships we’ve made, the community we’ve built and the stories we’ve told.
Over the years, we’ve met residents who are the cornerstone to the success of this community and others who are enthusiastically leading Edina into the future. Our pages have been filled with deeply-rooted businesses, ventures that have leaned into evolving alongside the community and newcomers who are striving to make their mark. Residents, business owners, creatives, educators, health and wellness providers and a host of others have all shared their wonderful stories within our pages.
As we’ve watched Edina grow and evolve over the years, Edina Magazine and its sister publications have done their share of growing, too. I fondly recall the excitement in 2004 when the premiere issue of Edina Magazine landed in your mailboxes. And that same enthusiasm has expanded over the years. From launching three magazines 20 years ago to now publishing eight thriving lifestyle magazines and operating growing websites and social media platforms, we stay true to our original mission: focusing on local residents, businesses and services while shining an appreciative light on what makes this community a great place to live, work and play.
Editor and Edina-based Feroza Mehta is eager to continue our legacy and proudly offers original, engaging and elevated content, written exclusively by our team of writers. Alongside her, our committed and talented Art, Editorial, Production and Sales team members work month after month—illuminating the spotlight that glows from within Edina. We can’t thank them enough.
Most importantly, thank you—dear Readers and advertisers—for your continued interest, loyalty and support of Edina Magazine. Some of you have been with us from the beginning, and we look forward to walking into the next 20 years with you and welcoming more readers and businesses to our pages.
With appreciation,
On the Cover
See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town! Edina Magazine @edinamag @edinamag
Kat Mulgrew , Photo by Chris Emeott, page 26
Photo: Susan Isay
Susan Isay Publisher
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Re-imagining your NEXT
VOL. 20 NO. 1 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 and Sherri Hildebrandt
STAFF WRITERS
Kelly Cochrane, Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Daniel Huss, Jennifer Pitterle and Rachel Schuehle
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Heather Bergeson, Sarah Davis, Taylor Ellingson, Megan Maynor and Jasmine Brett Stringer
DIGITAL INTERN
Zoe Baden
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Findlay Drabant and 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 ; and 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
Mimi Coz
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Cynthia Hamre, Mary-Catherine Hartel, Sara Johnson, Abbie Kinn and 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.
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
Photo: Chris Emeott
CHEERS TO 20 YEARS
EDINA MAGAZINE celebrates its 20th anniversary this month. This image features some of our iconic covers from the last two decades. Nestled in the middle is our first issue from August 2004. Thank you for your readership over the last 20 years. We strive to always capture the essence of Edina’s vibrant community and culture.
—Feroza
Mehta
Splish, Splash
To celebrate the last full month of summer, what could be better than a trip to Our Pool? This bright and joyful picture book by author/illustrator Lucy Ruth Cummins is a celebration of community, family and keeping cool.
Our Pool captures the fun of swimming in a big pool when you’re a small person. You can hang onto your mom and float behind her like a cape, swim beneath each others’ legs like dolphins or dive down and put your toes in the air. And of course, you can lie back, and float.
Characters are not named, but all kinds of bodies and families are included and highlighted— dads and kids, moms and kids, older kids and little babies. Fun neon colors pop off the pages against bright blue hues with beautiful swirling linework.
Of course, this day ends on a sweet note with a stop for ice cream on the way home—and sweet dreams for another day at the pool.
Happy swimming, and happy reading.
Megan Maynor is a children’s book author. Read more at meganmaynor.com.
TASTE
Back to School
With school nights upon us, we all could use a few easy but crazy-delicious recipes in our back pockets. This recipe is a home run every single time.
Garlic and Herb Baked Pasta
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
• 2 pints grape tomatoes
• 1 large shallot, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• ½ tsp. salt
• 2 5.2 oz. rounds of gournay cheese
• 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
• 16 oz. spaghetti noodles
• ¾ cup pasta water
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Taylor Ellingson’s blog, Greens & Chocolate, can be found at greensnchocolate.com. READ
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Add grape tomatoes, shallot and garlic to a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper (to taste). Toss to combine. Add the cheese rounds to the baking dish, nuzzling them among the grape tomatoes. Cover with foil tightly, and bake for 35 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions, and reserve a half a cup of the pasta water for the sauce. Remove the tomatoes and cheese from the oven, and add the chopped spinach by stirring in a little at a time. Cover again with the foil, and bake for another 10 minutes. After baking, add the cooked pasta and pasta water, and toss well to combine. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve, and enjoy.
Help Prevent Overuse Injuries in Youth Sports
Here’s a staggering statistic: About half of youth sports injuries are caused by overuse of a specific part of the body. The good news is that by changing mindsets and behaviors, most of these injuries can be prevented. Here are my top three tips.
1. Focus on the fun—especially when they’re young.
Your child isn’t ready to specialize in a sport until they’re 13 or 14 years old. Before then, the role of sports should be fun, fitness and friends. Support your child, let them try new things, and make sure they know that their happiness is more important than points on the scoreboard.
2. Avoid early sports specialization.
Early sports specialization is a main driver behind youth sport injuries. If your athlete is always using the same joints, muscles and ligaments, it can lead to injury. I generally recommend kids play a different sport each season. They’ll be able to stay in the game while lowering the chance of overuse injuries—they may even find a new sport to love.
3. Set aside time for rest.
In order to stay healthy, your athlete’s body and brain need time to rest. A good rule of thumb is that a child shouldn’t play sports more hours per week than they are years old. I know this can be tough to enforce, especially if your child is self-motivated. But it’s important, so do your best.
When to see a sports medicine doctor: Your child should have a sports physical each year with their primary provider. Also, see a doctor if your child has symptoms for more than a week. Persistent pain should never be a part of sports.
Heather Bergeson, M.D., is a pediatric sports medicine physician at TRIA Orthopedic Center in Bloomington.
As we move forward in the postCOVID-19 world, my travel schedule was the last thing to take off (yes, the pun is intended). After reacquainting myself with life on the road, I took some time to evaluate how it was going. I soon realized that something essential was missing: genuine connection.
While I certainly connected with audiences through my speaking engagements, I found myself missing the chance to strengthen relationships with friends, family and colleagues through personal interactions. At the close of 2023, I decided that in 2024, whenever I found myself in a city where I have connections, I would make a concerted effort to schedule time with them. This meant moving beyond the lastminute texts or calls of, “I’m in your city tomorrow. Let me know if you can grab dinner or breakfast.” Now I am planful and intentional with reaching out before a trip.
This shift toward intentional connection while traveling has been transformative. It has allowed me to reconnect with people I haven’t seen in over four years, filled with moments of laughter—which I firmly believe is good for the soul and keeps one young at heart. Surprisingly, it has also allowed me to revisit and celebrate the progress of shared hopes, aspirations and plans with those I’ve dreamed alongside over the years.
For your next trip, I encourage you to be intentional about connecting in person with a friend, family member or colleague. It could profoundly enrich your travels.
Jasmine Brett Stringer is the founder of Carpe Diem with Jasmine. Find her on Instagram at @carpediemjbs.
GROW
Be the Best Host
It’s a great big party and your plants are the guests. How do you meet their needs? On a large scale, basic water, food and nutrients can go a long way to keep them happy.
Individuality
If you want to be a first-rate gardener, treat your plants like individuals with unique dietary needs and preferences. Just like people, plants thrive when their basic needs are met. However, each plant may also have specific requirements for optimal growth and health. Evergreens like acidic fertilizer, and annual flowers love food high in phosphorus.
Seating Arrangement
Deciding who goes where can be tricky when dealing with personalities. Some plants might prefer more sunlight, while others thrive in the shade. Understanding these preferences can help you arrange your garden in a way that maximizes the well-being of each plant.
Kick out the Riff-Raff
Keep your eyes out for trouble makers like molds and leaf-eating larva. If you see trouble, talk to a professional who can prescribe the best methods to eliminate unwanted guests.
Party On
By taking the time to get to know your plants and their individual needs, you can create a vibrant and healthy garden that’s full of life.
Sarah Davis is the general manager of Sunnyside Gardens. Grow more at sunnyside-gardens.com.
LIFE’S BET TER WHEN YOU’RE PROTECTED UNDER OUR ROOF.
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Making an Impact
Edina Give and Go celebrates its 10th anniversary.
By Meredith Heneghan
ONE OF EDINA’S most impactful organizations, Edina Give and Go, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. “Small needs, big impact,” is how co-founder Meg Rodriguez distills the Edina Give and Go mission. The group works with families in Edina to ensure equitable access to academic and enrichment opportunities for public school students.
“I was frustrated that our system in Edina was built on perception—perception that everyone has plenty,” Rodriguez says of the moment she realized it was time to make a difference. As a basketball and lacrosse captain’s parent and theater mom, Rodriguez
realized that some simply couldn’t afford fees for activities. As of 2024, almost 20 percent of Edina Public Schools students live in households that qualify for free and reduced-priced meals. For the 2023–24 school year, 1,621 students qualified for free and reduced lunch.
With such a need, Rodriguez saw that with some organization, the whole Edina community could make an impact for good.
“All the random acts of kindness in support of these kids would get evened out if we formulated a systematic approach,” she says. “A kid who’s unseen would have a place to go just
Edina Give and Go celebrated its 10th anniversary in April. The organization awards grants to Edina Public School students who are unable to pay fees for arts, academics or athletic activities. Its goal is to make programs accessible to all students.
as much as the kid who has the guts to call the captain’s parent and say, ‘I don’t have a stick.’”
Without much hesitation, Rodriguez alongside her friend and co-founder Idith Almog started Edina Give and Go.
Photo: Edina Give and Go
A decade later, the organization has supported 2,500 students with $1.5 million in grants for sports, driver’s education, tutoring, theater and more.
“I’m not just thinking about the kids. I’m also thinking about the parents— what it means for parents to be able to say, ‘Yes,’ to their kids. The parents themselves stand on those sidelines, and so much community building happens on the sidelines or at the cookie reception after the concert,” says Sarah Hardy, Edina Give and Go’s board chair. “I’ve only seen generosity and eagerness. I think sometimes people are surprised when I tell them there’s a need in Edina,” she says. Part of Edina Give and Go’s work is to educate the community about poverty statistics in a community that’s often perceived as entirely affluent.
“We have different types of families, families that have lived here for many generations in Edina—families that just arrived to Edina and families that just arrived in the country,” says Catalina Carrasco, outreach and student granting coordinator for Edina Give and Go.
“Sometimes, kids just need to be involved in activities where they can meet peers and engage—it’s a place where they can create relationships.
Sometimes, they need help to continue a sport that they are really good at or to help them explore new opportunities with music, with academic support,” Carrasco says. She has seen students improve in school after getting the opportunity to participate in an extracurricular activity. “It’s like a little seed that we plant for them to get better at school,” she says.
“Some families have to choose between paying rent or registering their kid in an activity,” Carrasco says. “We bring hope.”
Edina Give and Go hosts a used gear swap each September. Community members can bring donations—everything from musical instruments to sports equipment. It’s a way to directly support affordable access to families in the community. This year’s gear donation day is September 7, and the shopping day is September 8.
edinagiveandgo.org Edina Give and Go
Anything but Conventional
Beloved diner reopens, mixing classic comfort foods with new surprises.
By Feroza Mehta
CONVENTION GRILL is an Edina staple. When it shuttered its doors during COVID-19, the restaurant’s cult following eagerly anticipated its reopening. It took awhile. The beloved diner is known for its classic American fare and retro ambiance. It has been a staple in the community for decades,
serving up delicious burgers, malts and other delights. After years of waiting, it finally reopened in May.
“It’s an institution, really,” says Cate Gold, a Morningside resident of Edina. It’s so much of an institution that it’s ingrained in her life. She grew up two blocks away from Convention
Grill and dined there at least monthly.
“I’ve been going my whole life,” Gold says. “This is our family favorite. As we had kids and grew as a family, it was an easy comfortable place to be, and I kind of like how it has never changed. It always feels welcoming, and the food is always great. It’s just a special spot.”
THE MENU
The California Cheeseburger with bacon and a side of fries. Convention Grill is known for its wide variety of malts, such as this Wild Blueberry Malt.
The building’s art deco exterior is a local landmark and has been welcoming customers for decades.
Gold particularly missed Convention Grill’s malts. Her favorite is the hot fudge, while her husband likes to mix and match flavors.
Tony Rimarcik, one of the owners of Convention Grill, says he is humbled by his devoted customers. During the pandemic and even while they were closed, he would go into the restaurant to check that the heat was running on a cold day.
“There will be people commenting on Nextdoor [the neighborhood app] that they saw the lights on and ask if anything is happening. It’s very humbling to see that kind of following,” Rimarcik says.
Pamela Diedrich is one of those followers. The Morningside resident has frequented the restaurant for almost a decade. It is her family’s celebration spot for birthdays and welcoming out
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of town guests. Diedrich says she loves the ambiance of the restaurant.
“It’s the old diner. Everybody is in their white uniforms. It’s a throwback. The menu is simple. You don’t have to think too hard about it. You’re going to get burgers and fries,” she says.
Specifically, she adores the cheeseburgers. “They are the best cheeseburgers I’ve ever had anywhere. I don’t know what their secret ingredient is,” she says. “They use this smokey cheddar with lots of pickles. Everybody has their own way they like to eat it, but that’s my favorite way.”
Diedrich also likes the Egg Salad Sandwich. Gold’s go-to order is also along sandwich lines. “It’s the double decker grilled cheese,” she says. “They use smoked cheddar instead of standard issued cheddar. It’s extra crunchy. It’s phenomenal.”
Rimarcik is proud of Convention Grill’s menu and is excited for some updated sandwiches and even added a few vegetarian items, such as falafel and smoked, deep fried tofu. He is overjoyed
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with the response from the community.
“I look forward to seeing all the neighbors and longtime regular customers. I love seeing the kids grabbing some crayons and a page from a coloring book,” he says. “It might seem like a superficial relationship to see someone for a very short time every month, but when you have that relationship over years and years and you know their family and you know their difficulties and they also know yours. It becomes a bond that is part friendship and part family.”
Convention Grill, 3912 Sunnyside Road; 952.920.6881; conventiongrillmn.com
Top left: Tony Rimarcik
Bottom left: Staff members in their white uniforms.
Top: Convention Grill’s classic diner interior is reminiscent of the 1950s.
VENTURES
Clearing the Air
Local scientist co-creates innovative technology to combat climate change.
By Daniel Huss
IN A WORLD plagued by pollution, Edina’s Andrew Jones is using science and ingenuity to transform carbon dioxide emissions into something unexpected—charcoal.
“Carbon dioxide levels in the preindustrial age were 0.03 percent [of the Earth’s atmosphere]. In the last 50 years, they’ve increased to 0.04 percent. The way to get back to 0.03 percent is to suck out 1 trillion tons of carbon equivalent from the air and either hide or store it,” he says.
The vast majority of climate scientists agree that heat-trapping gasses have allowed global average temperatures to increase by nearly 2 degrees F since the late 19th century.
Jones, who completed his Ph.D. at University of California-Berkeley, started brainstorming with University of Minnesota professor Paul Dauenhauer. The two founded Carba Inc., and Linda Hofflander joined the company shortly thereafter. Carba could be an answer to the carbonremoval problem. Its mission, using proprietary technology, is to extract premium carbon from low-value natural waste. The capture, in the form of
Top: Andrew Jones, CEO and co-founder of Carba.
Bottom: Solid carbon, or carbon charcoal, created by Carba, a company that takes carbon emissions from the air and turns them into a coallike substance, which is then buried underground. Call it reverse mining.
Photos: Leslie Plesser at
charcoal, is then used in carbon-neutral products or permanently stored underground.
Following the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, the U.S. set a goal of achieving net-zero emissions from government operations by no later than 2050.
“The carbon-removal market is worth $3 billion,” Jones says. “Companies have plans to be net-zero by 2030 or 2050. They’re doing this for branding, and they’re doing this to be altruistic.”
Think Globally, Act Locally
Carba’s first real-world venture into carbon transformation is currently operating at the Waste Management Burnsville Sanitary Landfill.
Using a reactor Jones and Dauenhauer designed, biomass waste (tree trimmings and trees damaged by emerald ash borers) is being transformed into purified carbon.
Tree waste is a perfect fuel. The upside to trees is that they’re near perfect in capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide. The downside is that when trees die, they decompose and release captured carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. Carba’s reactor serves as the middleman. Via heat, Carba captures carbon before it’s released into the air. The capture results in carbon charcoal.
“The beauty of the charcoal is that it makes a wonderful filter,” Jones says. “In Burnsville, we’re mixing the charcoal with soil and spreading it over the landfill, reducing odors and toxins. Legally, they have to cover it daily.”
The Burnsville reactor can transform 1 ton of carbon per day. A bigger reactor, slated to debut later this year, is capable of 45 tons. The bigger reactor is being built to fit into a 20-foot shipping carton. In theory, thousands of these reactors could remove millions of tons of carbon.
“While we need to get to billions, the real goal is a trillion,” Jones says. “If you liquify the carbon, the volume would fill Lake Erie. A solid is half that.”
Either way, that’s a lot of carbon.
carba.com
EDINA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Over 50 locations to choose from
is a dynamic learning community delivering educational excellence and preparing all students to realize their full potential.
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. For each and every
Written by Feroza Mehta — Photos by Chris Emeott
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
THE CLASS OF 2025 IS FULL OF DEDICATION, LEADERSHIP AND CREATIVITY.
Our Senior Spotlight is a cherished tradition that celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of exceptional students in their final year of high school. This year, we asked schools in our area to nominate students who are exemplary in dedication, leadership and creativity. We honor these seniors for their unwavering commitment to excellence. This is just a snapshot of these talented individuals.
Join us as we showcase the extraordinary talents and contributions of these bright stars, illuminating the path they’ve forged toward a future filled with promise and possibility—all in their own words. For their full stories, go to edinamag.com.
ANOUSHKA
JHA, 16
Edina High School (EHS)
Nominated by Lisa Burnham, EHS counselor
What high school achievement are you most proud of?
Shakti International. I am a co-founder alongside my sister, Aditi, and friend Indra Khariwala. Our mission is to eradicate period poverty and foster menstrual equality in underserved regions in the United States and abroad. We aim to achieve this by providing access to hygienic menstrual products and comprehensive menstrual education to women and girls … Women in some rural villages are shunned, forced to sit separately from their family and barred from doing daily activities when on their period. For young girls, this means missing several days each month of school, sports, work and socializing. After researching and traveling to India, we decided to adopt a residential school for orphans, Kasturba Gandhi Schools for Girls in rural Palghar. We installed pad dispensers and incinerators in the bathrooms. We arranged for a health official to educate the girls about feminine hygiene … The need is equally great in our backyard, and we have supplied hygiene products to Minneapolis schools. This work is dear to my heart, and I plan to continue it throughout my life.
NATALIE MOSAKOWSKI, 17
Edina High School (EHS)
What high school achievement are you most proud of?
Being a teacher’s assistant (TA) for Unified Physical Education at Edina High School. The Edina Unified program breaks barriers and bridges gaps between students who have physical and/or mental disabilities and students who do not. I have been in the Unified program for three years, and it is such an honor to be a TA and deepen my connection to the Unified community. As a TA, I am able to spend more time in the program and assist the teachers, paras and students in the classroom as well as being a friendly face and a place of warmth and trust for my peers. I have made some of my best friends in the Unified program. Unified sports, arts and education are often overlooked, and there is nothing more important to me than making sure all members of the community, regardless of their ability, feel important and loved.
“Natalie is a remarkable student who brightens up every room she walks into and works hard to acknowledge and work with those around her. She is a natural leader … You can see her love of theater by her involvement in Stages and at EHS. Natalie has not only showcased her talents as a performer, but has also taken on leadership roles as a stage manager and valuable member of the technical crew ... Beyond her involvement in theater, Natalie is actively engaged in our Unified programs, demonstrating a deep commitment to inclusivity and community involvement. Her participation in Theater for All and Unified PE highlights her compassionate nature and desire to make a positive impact on those around her.”
—Angela Kieffer, EHS counselor
VIHAAN SHAH, 17
Edina High School (EHS)
How would you encourage younger students to find their own paths to success?
You can’t be worried about what other people are doing. When you’re too worried about what other people are doing, you’ll think you are not doing enough or good enough. Even the top people who are at those amazing schools, even then they don’t think they’re doing enough. You will always meet someone who is going to be better than you or doing more than you. But the second you stop focusing on other people and start focusing on you, you will find the thing you are good at. You’ll become the student you used to compare yourself to, and you won’t even realize it. Just slow down. You’ll find what you need to do.
“Vihaan’s impact is on the total school. From athletics to robotics, Vihaan has strived to do his best for the benefit and empowerment of others. His biggest passion is volunteering in the community. He focuses his volunteering in the youth sector. Since COVID-19, Vihaan has worked at the elementary schools to lead youth to get back in the flow of things. Even in the summer, Vihaan does youth campus. Vihaan leads the Investment Club, and they are striving to grow the club this year and are trying to expand it to be a co-curricular. In Robotics, they have qualified for worlds for the past few years, and he was a leader on the varsity ultimate team to take state.”
—Julie Block, EHS counselor
DREW DILLON, 17
The Blake School
What is something that your peers may not know about you?
I really enjoy art. I love photography, painting and drawing ... In my freshman year, I picked up a photography class and fell in love. Then sophomore year and junior year, I took drawing class and two painting classes. My school has really reignited my connection with art, and I’m forever grateful for that. I now take photos for sports teams at Blake.
“Drew is known as a generous, inclusive classroom leader. As his French teacher reflected, ‘I am grateful to you for your patience and positivity. You are such a kind individual and a great collaborator.’ Drew is an outstanding athlete and captain in two varsity programs, baseball and basketball, and a gifted artist who explores his creativity in both painting and photography. As a standout member and captain of Blake’s baseball team, Drew has earned honors at both the conference and section level and was named the team’s MVP as a sophomore. He and two friends started a pre-tryout youth baseball skills clinic to help young players become more confident leading up to tryouts and raise money to benefit local nonprofit [Edina] Give and Go. [Visit page 16 to learn more.] He is a volunteer at Edina Give and Go’s Gear Swap event, which helps give kids access to sports gear. Friendly, compassionate and talented, Drew is a terrific young person.” —Karen Phillips, The Blake School advisor and upper school science teacher
KATHERINE “KAT” MULGREW, 17
Benilde-St. Margaret’s (BSM)
What high school achievement are you most proud of?
Placing at state for public forum debate. I feel like it encapsulates how much I’ve grown as a debater and the growth of our whole team. I joined the Benilde-St. Margaret’s debate team in 7th grade, and I haven’t had a free weekend since. My partner, Audrey Howell, and I spent countless hours working on our case, re-writing arguments and gathering research. As co-captains, we’d spend the season focusing on our team’s success, and it was rewarding to see how much the team has developed. Making it to state has been especially rewarding for me because our team is on the smaller side, and we’ve had to compensate for having fewer resources. When we were preparing for state, the team was just Audrey, our coach and me, but we were still able to compete against much larger teams. It really feels like our success, something we did almost entirely on our own.
“Kat joined mock trial this year and constantly improved. She also is a committed member of speech and debate, which both require a lot of time and dedication. Kat takes AP Spanish Literature and Culture and consistently participates in class and challenges herself to incorporate advanced concepts in class in regard to historical events, art, music, theater, literature, culture and Spanish. She struggles with dyslexia, but she doesn’t let that stop her from achieving her goals. As a debate captain, Kat leads her teammates, and her team and is responsible for keeping the debate topics up to date and relevant.” —Mary Murray, BSM world language teacher
AUDREY CASTRO, 17
Academy of Holy Angels (AHA)
Who or what has been your biggest inspiration leading up to this moment?
My mom, Rosalba. She came to the United States from Mexico many years ago. She raised three kids as a single mom while working and attending school … To this day, she works hard and finds ways to support me and my brothers. She came out to support me at my performances and showed up in support of my two older brothers at their games or meets. She is very proud and continues to find ways to show that with every little sacrifice she makes for me and my brothers. We are each others’ shoulders to cry on during hard days and the first person I tell the biggest news to. She is my best friend and has been through thick and thin.
“Audrey Castro is a really special young woman. She is curious about the world around her, she is deeply empathic, reliable, understanding and she is open to trying new things. Audrey has so many gifts it can be hard to identify her greatest strength, but I think it would be her compassion and care for her family, friends and community. She is passionate about music and theater … She is incredibly supportive of her friends and peers both day-to-day and through her work in social justice and diversity clubs. I look forward to seeing her creativity even more as a senior when she takes AP Studio Art and, hopefully, gets to delve more deeply into her passion for painting.”
—Ann Kjorstad, AHA college counselor
GEORGE RERAT, 17
Edina High School (EHS)
What high school achivement are you most proud of?
Being appointed to the Zephyrus editorial board as a multimedia editor is one of my most proud moments in my high school career. This achievement represents a lot of hard work that I put into Zephyrus and serves as proof to my dedication for sharing news and stories within the Edina community. In Zephyrus , I found a community that shared my enthusiasm for news and sharing the truth that isn’t often found in high school communities. As a multimedia editor, I’ve been able to help shape how Zephyrus shares our content and discover new ways to reach our audience, which I find incredibly rewarding.
“George has made an impact on both students and staff at EHS. The whole counseling department asks him for technology help, and he is always willing to step in and teach us. When the counselors all received new computers, George helped each one of us get it set up and printers installed. George takes the majority of his classes through the PSEO program at Normandale [Community College], but he comes to the high school for one class, Zephyrus, where he leads their technology department. George is well-liked by his classmates, he works well on a team and he is always willing to take the lead ... George is a peopleperson and is active in his volunteer role with the Edina and Eden Prairie Police and Fire departments.” —Sandy Schmidt, EHS counselor
Edina Magazine extends its appreciate to the team at Mr. Paul’s Supper Club for its use of the restaurant as a backdrop for our Senior Spotlight feature photo shoot. Mr. Paul’s Supper Club, 3917 Market St.; 612.259.8614; mrpaulssupperclub.com @mrpaulssupperclub
WORLD OUT OF THIS
Edina students’ projects blast off with NASA and SpaceX.
“I WANT TO LIVE ON MARS,”
Kaydence Chen announces abruptly and without jest. Kaydence may be young, but the fifth grader from Creek Valley Elementary School lives in a world where that possibility gets more probable each day, thanks in part to science experiments like the one her group designed last fall.
Kaydence, along with fellow group members Fallon Smith, Marit Western and Nithini Weerakkodi Arachchilage, had their experiment about raspberry growth in microgravity chosen to be conducted in space as part of the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP). It was the second experiment selected from Edina since 2022 when the district became the first community in Minnesota to participate in the program.
Edina High School students Josh Cram, Colin Shaw and Grayson Irons had their project on mung bean growth in microgravity selected in 2022, with the actual experiment conducted during Mission 17 on the International Space Station in late 2023.
SSEP was launched by the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education in 2010. The program gives participating students in grades 5–12 a chance to “design and propose real microgravity experiments to fly in low Earth orbit.”
Each year, thousands of projects are submitted, but just one is selected from each of the participating communities.
The Raspberry Experiment
Cody Ellis introduced SSEP to his fifth graders last fall as part of a unit on space. Ellis says he set the stage by telling the kids that living on another planet could be a “real possibility” in the future. That led to their driving question for experiment design: What is an experiment that would benefit people living on another planet?
“It was a science project for the entire class to figure out what astronauts needed, what we would need to live in space,” Fallon says.
While other groups pondered the effect of microgravity on things like
basil seed growth, concrete formation and the shelf life of nutritional yeast, Fallon’s group opted to focus on raspberries. “I noticed neighbors growing raspberries in their backyard,” Marit says, who went on to successfully suggest the idea to her group.
They liked the idea of studying raspberries because of the vitamins and nutrients they provide, so they proposed an experiment designed to test if raspberries would be able to germinate in microgravity.
“We had to do a lot of research on raspberries,” Kaydence says. For two months, the students worked on their proposal, studying raspberries and designing an experiment. They even had to come up with a mechanism that could both transport and conduct the experiment. The students chose a small tube with three sections that could hold the seeds, dirt and water necessary for germination along with acid to stop the
Written by Mollee Francisco
Left: The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying the Dragon spacecraft, lifts off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on November 9, 2023.
Bottom: A surprise assembly was held to announce the SSEP winners at Creek Valley Elementary School in late 2023. From left to right: former assistant superintendent Randy Smasal, Nithini Weerakkodi Arachchilage, Fallon Smith, Kaydence Chen, Marit Western and superintendent Stacie Stanley.
plant growth at the experiment’s end.
The girls’ winning experiment was announced at a school assembly in the fall. “I was surprised,” Marit says.
“When we won, I was in a daze,” Kaydence says. “Our experiment is actually going to go into space.”
“It was improbable, but it did happen,” Fallon says.
Ellis says that the simplicity of the experiment and the well-worded proposal were among the reasons the girls’ experiment stood out to the judges. “This group was able to come up with a well thought out plan, with materials that are completely possible to fit in the required space,” he says. “They did so by submitting a perfectly worded, grammatically correct proposal. When it was all said and done, it looked like it
came from the high school.”
By the end of August, the girls’ experiment could be headed to space. Then, they should be able to interact with the astronauts conducting the experiment, ask questions and follow the progress while someone will be charged with germinating raspberry seeds on Earth.
The girls are all anxious to see how their experiment will fare in microgravity. Fallon wonders, “I think they will grow but how much compared to Earth?”
In the meantime, their win has brought plenty of well-deserved, positive attention to the school. “This group of bright, capable, motivated and hardworking girls is what our world needs now,” says Kari Dahlquist, former principal at Creek Valley Elementary. “Our
The SpaceX Dragon cargo craft approaches the International Space Station in November 2023, carrying an experiment created by Edina High School students.
CODY ELLIS, 5TH GRADE TEACHER AT CREEK VALLEY ELEMENTARY
“I learned never to underestimate young minds, and that when given the right tools and the right opportunity, these kids can do great things.”
future is hopeful with go-getters like them leading the way.”
“The sky is the limit—literally,” Ellis says. “I learned never to underestimate young minds, and that when given the right tools and the right opportunity, these kids can do great things.”
The Mung Bean Experiment
Cram and Shaw know what the girls at Creek Valley Elementary School are going through. Their experiment on the effect of microgravity on mung bean growth was the first project selected from Edina to be conducted in space.
“When our experiment was selected, it was really cool,” says Shaw, who is heading into his sophomore year at Purdue University. “Knowing that something that we had thought of would travel so far away is crazy.”
Cram and Shaw were seniors at Edina High School when they teamed up with now senior Grayson Irons to develop a project proposal for SSEP.
“We spent a fair amount of time during fall semester on the experiment,” says Cram, now a sophomore at Colorado School of Mines. “Experiments had to be small, done in a short amount of time and focused on microgravity.”
“We studied mung beans in biology the year before, so we were curious how would they grow without gravity,” Cram says. “What other factors take over? Would they grow in a straight line?”
The group reached out to Simon Gilroy, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a special interest in how plants sense and respond to their environment and how these signals regulate plant development. “He gave us a burst of motivation, so we could go for the gold,” Cram says.
The team learned their experiment had been selected in December 2022. “We were all so happy,” Cram says. “It felt like our work paid off.”
Jodi Ramirez teaches engineering and computer science at the high school. “In the two years that I have been working with students on SSEP at Edina High School, I feel that the successful experiments are ones that are creative, not overly complicated, haven’t been done already and show that the students really have a vested interest in the experiment,” Ramirez says.
After being delayed twice, the
Joshua Cram, Grayson Irons and Colin Shaw’s experiment looked at how roots grow in space. While astronauts conducted the experiment on the International Space Station, Irons simultaneaously ran the same experiment on Earth. They compared their results to see the difference between how roots grow on Earth and in space. This will help future astronauts and space colonists.
high schoolers’ experiment finally launched from Kennedy Space Center on November 9, 2023, aboard SpaceX CRS-29. “I had a watch party with some of the friends I have made at college,” Shaw says. “It was really cool to have them support me with this project.” Cram also caught a live stream of the launch.
Once the experiment began, Irons was charged with conducting a parallel experiment on Earth to compare with the space station version. When the experiment returned, Irons was also responsible for analyzing the data.
“Something that I am personally excited for is how the 3D printed shell we designed held up,” Shaw says. “With a rocket’s acceleration so high, we had to account for structural integrity … I want to see how the patterns we used held up.”
As an electrical engineer major,
Shaw says things he learned working on SSEP have already given him a leg up at college. “One thing Edina does really well is the STEM classes,” he says. “I noticed in a lot of my classes they are teaching me things I was taught at Edina.”
That’s music to Ramirez’s ears. Through this project, she wants students to get excited about learning, whether it’s about space or more simply, the experiment process on a real, hands-on level. So far, so good. “Overall, their passion for space and the scientific experiment process has grown significantly,” she says.
Student Spaceflight Experiments Program; ssep.ncesse.org
Putting on a Show
Theater director focuses on transformative student experiences.
Regina Neville
Written by Mollee Francisco
For the last five years, Regina Neville has been at the helm of Edina’s Valley View Middle School (VVMS) Thespians. She has steered students through the choppy waters of adolescence, stage fright and even COVID-19. This spring, Neville oversaw her last VVMS Thespians production, The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition.
“The plot is kindness saves the world,” Neville says.
It was a fitting theme for her to say goodbye as she prepares to tackle a new role, this time as grandma. “It was a very difficult decision,” Neville says, of retirement. “But I need to be present for a different set of kids.”
Neville, who previously taught in the Edina Public Schools District and served on the Edina School Board until December 2023, leaves the middle school theater program in good shape, but the bar appears to be set incredibly high for her successor. There is no end to the accolades for what Neville has done in her time with VVMS Thespians.
“Even if you are Background Character No. 15, Mrs. Neville will never let you forget how important you are to the show and how amazing you are as an individual,” Clara Johnson says. Now a 10th grader at Edina High School, she worked on five productions with the VVMS Thespians and had the lead role as Belle in the 2023 spring musical, Beauty and the Beast Jr.
“Mrs. Neville has taught me … that it is not the size of the role that matters, but it is the person playing it,” says Evan Le, a 10th grader who also appeared in five productions. “[She] taught me to strive to be the best in any
role and to leave it all on the stage.”
Tony Matthes had just retired from 21 years as Edina High School’s theater director when he was lured back into the theater world to work as Neville’s assistant director. “She’s wonderful,” he says. “She focuses on the experience for the student. Serve the students, serve the audience … She’s a champion for the middle school child.”
BROADWAY BACKGROUND
Neville first became involved with VVMS Thespians when her three children got into theater. “It was a great experience for them,” she says. “I volunteered quite a bit.” She got the call to lead them in 2019. Her kids, remembering their own positive experiences, encouraged her to take on the role.
Theater is something Neville has loved since she was a little kid. “Theater and education are two things I’ve been drawn to,” she says.
The Iowa native double majored in theater and education while at the University of Northern Iowa. She went on to get her MFA in stage management from the Yale School of Drama, which led to a role as assistant stage manager for Broadway productions of A Walk in the Woods and Ah, Wilderness!.
Neville later worked with the PlayMakers Repertory Company at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and was the managing director for the Marin Theatre Company in the San Francisco Bay area for seven years. As a result, she strongly believes that every role, both on and off stage, is critical to a production’s success. Neville focuses just as much on the technical aspects of the show as she does on the acting.
“She puts more emphasis on tech than anyone I’ve seen,” Matthes says. “Those kids in tech feel seen.”
A PLACE TO GROW
Creating an environment that makes the students feel like part of a community has been key to Neville’s success. “Theater family is definitely the goal,” she says. “Everybody matters. Everybody makes a difference.”
She says students who have ownership in the production make for a
Gabby
Ava
successful show and a great overall experience. “Once we get to the show, students are running it,” she says. “They have support, but they are running it.”
And the results linger long after the show closes. “She taught me how to fill a space,” Danyal Choudhry says. The ninth grader worked with Neville on five productions and was most recently cast as the lead role in The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition. “The more I was on stage, the more I came out of my shell. I felt like I could be myself,” Danyal says.
“She is a great leader and is excellent at bringing out the best in each actor,” Milo Deets says. The 10th grader spent three years with VVMS Thespians.
“She has taught me how to improvise, how to think on my feet and most importantly, how to work with a variety of people,” Milo says.
“The most important thing I was taught was how to be an exceptional human,” Clara says. “She teaches every student what it takes to be a great thespian and a great person, too. The passion she has for what she does is unmatchable.”
VALLEY VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL THESPIANS vvmsthespians.com
Top: John Schenk as Mr. Krabbs, Danyal Choudhry as SpongeBob and Julia Farah as Pearl in The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition at the Edina Performing Arts Center.
Bottom:
Mackey as Karen and
Mehta as Plankton in The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition.
TASTEMAKERS
ENDURING FLAVOR
The Hilltop blends tradition with reinvention.
Written by Kelly Cochrane —
Chris Emeott
“OF COURSE I know The Hilltop. I’m there at least once a week, sometimes twice, depending on the season,” Jim Nunn says. In fact, Nunn has been a regular patron of the restaurant since it was the Eden Avenue Grill, the restaurant’s previous name.
“We went to the Eden Avenue Grill after my son’s sports events. Now, my wife and I go to The Hilltop, and we never fail to run into people we know,” Nunn says.
The Hilltop restaurant is a mainstay of the Edina community. It’s a place that brings people together for more than just a dining experience.
“We have people who come in and have real relationships and genuine friendships with our staff,” says Brett Johnson, owner of The Hilltop. His father, Ken, founded the Edina location in 1978 and believed in the area. Initially, when The Hilltop opened its doors in 1978, it was named The Pantry. After all these years, some things have stayed the same, while others have continued to evolve. A prime example is the now famous Newberry, a sandwich served open faced with turkey, cranberry sauce, jack cheese and bacon. There are also daily specials. A local fan favorite is its Wednesday offer.
“Growing up, Wednesdays were always pot roast night,” Brett says. To this day, the weekly specials remain the same and carry on the traditions put in place on day one.
In 1985, Ken hired chef Bruce Bjorkman directly out of culinary school into The Pantry family. In fact, Bjorkman is still with the company. “He has always been an anchor of the consistency of our menu and a core piece of our culture,” Brett says.
In 1998, The Pantry became the Eden Avenue Grill and added a liquor license. This restaurant served breakfast, lunch and dinner all under the guidance of
Photos by
Brett and Ken Johnson
Chicken Chop Salad
the last
Ken and Bjorkman. It was here, in 2008, that Brett decided to join his father in the business.
“Going into the family business is tricky, but the coolest part about working with dad is he lets me do my thing, and he is really supportive,” Brett says. Ken is still plugged into the business and comes by The Hilltop every day. “My dad created this really cool thing, and it’s my job to keep it going,” Brett says.
In 2016, the decision was made to rebrand the Eden Avenue Grill to become The Hilltop. So, the Grill closed down for two months while the restaurant was not only rebranded, but renovated. Despite the new look and name, several things stayed the same. First off, the Newberry is still front and center on the menu, pot roast remains the special on Wednesday nights and the people-centric focus is still going strong, as experienced by Nunn.
“I go to The Hilltop for three reasons. The service is great, the food is great and it’s a community meeting spot,” Nunn says. “Meaning, you don’t even have to plan to go out with friends. You just know you are going to find someone you know at The Hilltop, and if you don’t, you will by the time you leave.”
“Our strength is how we make people feel when they walk through the front door,” Brett says. “The coolest part is that everyone is comfortable here no matter who you are. It couldn’t be truer than here at The Hilltop. I’m so proud of that culture we’ve created.”
The Hilltop, 5151 Arcadia Ave.; 952.925.5628; hilltopedina.com
Top left: Newberry Sandwich
Top right: Baked French Onion Soup
Bottom: Enjoy
days of summer on the Hilltop’s newly remodeled patio.
ENSURING YOUTH HAVE THE TOOLS TO SUCCEED
BACK TO SCHOOL shopping can be overwhelming, especially if a caregiver cannot afford to fill their student’s backpack with everything they will need for the year. That’s where the Seventh Annual Edina Resource Center (ERC) School Supply Drive comes in.
“The need is across the board. We provide supplies to students in the Early Learning Center all the way to 12th grade,” says Krista Phillips, ERC manager. “Your support helps us ensure every student has the proper tools to start school.”
Donations can be dropped off at ERC, located at
Door 3 of the community center. All items must be new. Desired items include markers, crayons, pencils, highlighters, colored pencils, two-pocket folders, spiral and composition notebooks and more. For the full wish list of supplies or to sign up to volunteer to sort donations, visit edinaresourcecenter.com.
—Feroza Mehta
Edina Resource Center School Supply Drive through August 19. Edina Community Center, 5701 Normandale Road; 952.848.3936; edinaresourcecenter.com
Compiled by
Findlay Drabant and Grace Knapp
LOCAL
EVENTS
Farmers Market
08/01–08/29
Purchase produce directly from farmers at the Edina Farmers Market, occurring every Thursday in August. All ages. Free. 3–7 p.m. Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave. S.; 952.927.8861; edinamn.gov
Wendy’s Wiggle, Jiggle and Jam!
08/01
Wendy Baldinger, the creator of Wiggle, Jiggle and Jam!, an entertainer, storyteller, musician, artist and educator, will put on a free children’s concert. All ages. Free. 10 a.m. Maetzold Amphitheater, 7499 France Ave. S.; 952.927.8861; edinamn.gov
Fun on the Plaza
08/03
Join Morningside Theater for a live performance and interactive games. All ages. Free. 10 a.m. Nolan Mains, 3945 Market St.; 952.491.0001; 50thandfrance.com
Fix-It Clinics
08/10
Experience free guided assistance to repair household items, small appliances, clothing, electronics, mobile devices and more. All ages. Free.
Noon–4 p.m. Southdale Library, 7001 York Ave. S.; 612.348.9195; hennepin.us
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.
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GALLERY
Arendelle in Edina
South View Middle School’s annual musical was Frozen JR. This song-filled adaptation of the popular Disney movie ran from April 11–13. The sold-out show captivated audiences with breathtaking music, dazzling costumes and unforgettable moments. South View Thespians’ next show is Roald Dahl’s The Fantastic Mr. Fox, which will grace the stage in October. For more information, go to southview.edinaschools.org.
To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos, contact information and a brief description of the event to edinamag@localmedia.co.
Photos: Molly Andresen
Taking the Cake
A peek at one winning creation.
With a passion for baking that rivals even the most seasoned pastry chefs, Marielle Meyer won the Edina Education Fund’s CAKE-Off Home Edition in the Edina High School category.
“I wanted to do something that would look great without forfeiting the taste and texture,” Marielle says. “So I came up with my answer: chocolate everything!”
The 15-year-old poured her creativity and skill into crafting a five-layer, two-tiered chocolate cake with ombre ganache frosting. The cake was dripped with melted dark chocolate and edged with a chocolate
sprinkle skirt. The teen baker also topped the cake with strawberries hand dipped in milk chocolate and drizzled in white chocolate. The finishing touches were an assortment of chocolate candies. The cake took 12 hours to complete.
CAKE stands for Community Action in Kids Education, which took place on February 2. The annual event is one of the Edina Education Fund’s largest fundraisers of the year. —Feroza Mehta
Edina Education Fund; edinaedfund.org
Photo: Marielle Meyer
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