Senior spotlight students are ready for their next chapter
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AUGUST 2025
“Foraging
Alan Bergo, a Twin Cities chef and foraging expert (page 33)
Photo: Chris Emeott
by:
from the EDITOR
As I write, I’ve just returned from New York City after a whirlwind weekend of family memory-making and lengthy walks throughout the city.
While near South Street Seaport, a historic waterfront district along the East River in Lower Manhattan, I had a moment of clarity while considering why this diehard Minnesota gal feels such a deep connection to New York City—one of the country’s birthplaces of innovation and creative thinking. But that’s not why I love the city. Apart from having family living in Manhattan, it’s the historic areas that draw me close.
Uneven stone and brick streets: Who once traveled these roads? What purpose took them from here to there? Early homes: Who first lived within? How did they make a living? What did a typical evening entail? Did my relatives once live in any of the waterfront homes? Historic bridges or buildings: Who designed and constructed them? While visiting an apartment building that once served as a large bank, my mind saw employees and customers of yesteryear, walking with business purpose and waiting at the Art Deco-inspired, silver elevator doors (Gorgeous!). I wanted to step alongside them—just for a brief time.
And my favorite place to dip in and sit awhile—Fraunces Tavern, a historic landmark and said to be the oldest bar in the city, tops my list. It is known as the watering hole for many founding fathers, and George Washington gathered his officers there to bid them farewell after the British Army skedaddled at the end of the Revolutionary War. (Don’t miss the reenactment! I’m obsessed.)
That day’s revelation while looking cityward from the East River was not just that I’m curious, which I already knew, but it underscored my inquisitiveness wrapped around early American city and family life—community lifestyle in an earlier sense!
So what does my curiosity have to do with these pages? In this Education issue, we feature local high school seniors, preparing to close an academic chapter. But one’s education should never end with a diploma or a certificate of completion. Rather, education grows from learning, and learning stems from curiosity. And that is my hope for the Class of 2026: Be forever learners, fortified with a healthy spirit of curiosity.
Until next time,
Renée Stewart-Hester renee@localmedia.co
Photo: Chris Emeott
Photo
Mycah Bain Photography
VOL. 20 NO. 4 lakeminnetonkamag.com
PUBLISHER
Susan Isay
EDITOR
Renée Stewart-Hester
MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Renée Stewart-Hester
MANAGING EDITOR
Hailey Almsted
DIGITAL EDITOR
Madeline Kopiecki
COPY EDITORS
Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt
STAFF WRITERS
Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Jennifer Pitterle and Paige Udermann
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Andrew Akhaphong, Hollie Blanchard, Alison Feik, Stephanie Herrick, Jessica Hilde, Lynette Kalsnes, Spencer Olson, Rima Parikh, Molly Rivard, Raela Schoenherr, Lisa Stevens and Katie Tomsche
DIGITAL INTERN
Taylor Hamilton
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Ellie Heyerdahl and Emma Souza
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Mary Cornelius, Minnetonka Schools ; David Decker, House Novel ; Sue Gartner, Crown Warehouse & Delivery Service ; Kelly Olsen, Olsen Global ; Michele Phillips, blogger, writer and photographer ; Anna Skemp, Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce ; and Amanda Zielike, House Novel
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Deephaven School, shortly after completion in 1938.
DISCOVER
History Lesson
In December 1936, Deephaven received a federal Works Progress Administration grant to help build a new school. After two years of construction and only a few feet from its predecessor, the stately yellow brick building, overlooking Vine Hill Road, opened as Deephaven School.
At 15,616 square feet and employing
nine teachers, it was ready to meet the community, serving grades K–12. With C.D. Peterson as superintendent, the school was dedicated in 1939.
By 1941, Deephaven was growing rapidly, necessitating more classroom space. The village voted for a sizable eight-room addition in June, but with the United States joining World War II, there was a significant delay, and students would not use the space until January 1947.
In March 1949, there was a vote with other area districts to merge, forming Minnetonka School District 7. It passed
overwhelmingly. In 1952, the high school students moved to present-day Minnetonka High School. The Deephaven School building would continue to serve as Deephaven Junior High, Deephaven Intermediate and Chapel Hill Academy and today houses the Minnetonka Community Education Center.
Sarah Dibble is a volunteer with the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, which tells the story of Lake Minnetonka by collecting, preserving and sharing its history. Discover more at lakeminnetonkahistory.org.
Creative Learning
Necessity is the mother of invention, and when Bryanna Schuette, a mother of four children, saw a need for quick and easy activities for her family, she created Notes for Mama, a seasonal home learning and craft brand designed to engage children in hands-on learning through play. “My goal is to help caregivers feel confident and connected with their littles—without the stress of planning or hunting down supplies,” the Excelsior resident says.
Notes for Mama offers 10-week seasonal, themed activity packs, which are organized, clearly labeled and include stepby-step instructions. “It’s designed so caregivers can jump right in whether they have five minutes or an hour [or] whether they’re
naturally crafty or not at all. It’s about creating sweet, stressfree moments together—without the prep, pressure or Pinterest overwhelm,” she says.
Schuette develops the themes by drawing from parenting moments, seasonal inspiration and “… what I know kids naturally love to explore,” she says. “Being a mom of four, I’m constantly tuned into what sparks curiosity, imagination or giggles—from holidays and nature to colors, textures and sensory play.” For the fall pack, think: apple orchards, fall, Halloween, harvest, pumpkins and Thanksgiving.
Activities are designed to support early learning and development, building fine motor skills, exploring sensory play, practicing early literacy and expressing creativity. “It’s simple, fun and developmentally rich—disguised as play,” Schuette says. —Taylor Hamilton
@notes.for.mama
READ Small and Mighty
From Sharon McMahon comes The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, From the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement.
Dubbed America’s government teacher, McMahon also happens to be a Minnesota author and host of the podcast Here’s Where It Gets Interesting. This book beautifully does just as its subtitle says; it tells readers the stories of 12 Americans who left a lasting impact on the country.
Expertly and naturally woven within is a course about the larger context of our country’s history that is simultaneously stirring, sobering and inspiring. This book can leave readers more informed about this country while also giving hope for and motivation to work toward its ongoing progress in small ways that—when added together—can leave a mighty legacy.
Raela Schoenherr works in marketing at a publishing company and is a lifelong lover of books and reading.
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CHEER
Fan of Fashion
As Ally Kubalak’s school-aged sons started playing sports, the Minnetonka resident found herself on the sidelines, cheering them on while simultaneously scanning the crowds for school gear that she actually wanted to wear. “There were not a ton of options, mainly for us moms,” she says.
Kubalak took matters into her own hands—bought a heat press, downloaded an app and launched 15.20 Apparel, a custom apparel business, designed to offer moms school fan gear that meets their style.
Since launching, Kubalak has created apparel for more than a dozen Metro schools, including Benilde-St. Margaret’s, Breck, Minnetonka, Orono, Providence Academy and Wayzata high schools.
“I’ve always been into that classic preppy look,” Kubalak says, pointing to Ralph Lauren’s aesthetic as a strong influence. “Once I settled on a crest emblem, I just played around with that.” The crest provides the basis for Kubalak’s custom designs for button-down shirts, hats, sweatpants, sweatshirts, T-shirts, tote bags and more.
In addition to being found in cheering sections, her creations are available at various art fairs and markets, and Kubalak dreams of opening a brick-and-mortar location. “I’d love to get my boys involved and make it a family thing,” she says.
For now, she’s in learning mode. “I’m always looking for pieces that haven’t been done yet,” Kubalak says. So far, so good. “I feel like I found a niche,” she says. —Mollee Francisco
Shop more at 1520apparel.myshopify.com, and visit Instagram at @15.20apparel.
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SuperCoaches connects students and athletes with tutors and coaches.
By Emily Gedde
When it comes to finding a solution to an issue, Jennifer Shawgo is all in.
Last fall, the Excelsior resident launched SuperCoaches, a website charged with connecting students and athletes with experienced local athletic coaches and academic tutors, who have completed thorough training and background checks. The platform simplifies scheduling and securing payments while assisting parents with identifying the perfect match to help their child excel.
“We created a process that people can trust when they’re looking to hire
someone as a tutor or a sports coach,” Jennifer says. “We want to make it easy for people to connect.” The scope of the coaching and tutoring is vast. Even parents who are hesitant to enroll a child in an organized sport team can hire a local athlete to, for example, kick around at a soccer field or open space to see if the child has interest in the sport before joining a team. Older and more serious athletes can also get the extra coaching they need, and the same goes for varied academic needs.
The 1998 Woodbury High School
graduate says the idea came from her own experiences. Jennifer often found herself in search of a tutor for school or some extra hockey coaching for her sons, Tucker, 18, Tyler, 16, and Beckett, 13. “I would be given a name and a phone number for a tutor, but I didn’t know what they charged, if they’ve been background checked, what their availability is or how I would pay them,” she says. “It got frustrating.”
Jennifer majored in entrepreneurship at the University of St. Thomas, and as a natural connector and fixer,
Photo: Chris Emeott
The theme of SuperCoaches’ website took on a superhero look to match its motto: Strike change in your community. “When you are hiring a tutor or a coach, you’re striking change in lives—just like superheroes do,” says Excelsior’s Jennifer Shawgo, owner and founder.
she combined her skills for the concept for the SuperCoaches website. In addition, her husband, Tom Shawgo, offered expertise on the technical side of her brainchild. “This website helps parents with what I struggled with, and it helps teachers and coaches who could use a side income,” she says.
While still in its infancy, Jennifer says the website is generating excitement from users on both sides. She has been busy meeting with local school counselors, who are especially appreciative of the background check process. “Background checks are a huge peace of mind. We complete a background check both federally and locally,” she says, adding the checks are run annually. Coaches and tutors must be at least 16 years old, and one tutor is 85, has Ph.Ds. in math and physics and was a former physics professor at the University of Minnesota, Concordia College and The Ohio State University, so the breadth of experience runs wide.
Tutoring or coaching can be in person or virtual, depending on the preferences of both parties. Each coach or tutor fills out a biographical form, which can be favorited by users for future reference. Once a meeting time is established, text reminders are sent out to help streamline the process even further. “After the session, parents are asked to rate the coach or tutor, and the coach or tutor is asked to give feedback to the students on what they need to work on,” Jennifer says.
Future business goals include incorporating specialized coaches. Jennifer says she recognizes the importance of offering support for clients who have special needs, for example. She is also paying attention to philanthropic opportunities to help students and athletes who need financial assistance for tutoring or coaching sessions.
When it comes to numbers, Jennifer aims to grow the coach and tutor inventory to 250 individuals within a year. “That means we successfully figured out the recipe here,” she says. “But I am very flexible with expectation. We’re just really excited about this and looking forward to striking real change in our communities.”
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Turning Pain to Purpose
Wayzata resident uses personal story to shed light on pain management.
By Emily Gedde
Josh Leddy’s journey is full of resilience, transformation and pain. The author, entrepreneur and now podcast and YouTube host has a story worth sharing.
The Wayzata resident’s athletic career was marred by injuries, including a broken back, three torn anterior cruciate ligaments, multiple concussions, a separated shoulder and more. Kickstarted during a hockey injury when the 41-year-old was only 11 years old, Leddy has lived in pain for as long as he can remember. Charging through a lifetime of challenges, he’s combined his experiences and brought in experts for a new podcast/YouTube show, Get Sweaty with Leddy, creating a wellness platform that focuses on pain management and avoiding invasive surgeries and medications.
The program, available on Spotify, has inspired listeners, who share how Leddy’s story and content have impacted them. “It’s not just a short clip; this is long-form content meant to provide knowledge and let you feel what’s going on,” he says.
Discussing his history with pain, Leddy becomes vulnerable, shedding light on experiencing more than just physical pain from his injuries but struggling mentally too. While attending the University of Minnesota, Leddy wrote about his story for a philosophy of sports class assignment. His professor, Tommy Valentini, Ph.D., encouraged him to develop the concept, which led to the eventual 2024 release of Leddy’s book, Pain Management: My Pain, Your Gain. “I wanted to keep the narrative going, and because I had met so many incredible
people along my journey, I wanted to highlight them,” Leddy says.
This desire led to the inception of the podcast that Leddy says has a goal of helping others with pain through different modalities and discussions, fostering a space for healing and vulnerability. “You hear a lot about mental health, which is a form of pain,” he says. “We’re kind of conditioned not to talk about it. It’s all intertwined. We’re going to talk about it.”
Leddy’s connections have been a lightning rod for him, allowing him to bring together a diverse group of people. The
Photos: Josh Leddy
Get Sweaty with Leddy is recorded in a sauna built by Excelsior Saunas, and host Josh Leddy teams up with the company to run a sauna experience at the brewery he owns, Back Channel Brewing Co. in Spring Park. “The brewery promotes an active lifestyle, so this just fits,” he says.
podcast launched in January and has been well received. “When I ask someone to be a guest speaker, they’re not just blowing me off by saying they’ll try to fit it in; they’re telling me, ‘Hell, yes,’” he says.
Among those answering the call to sit in the guest chair are: Carrie Drinkwine, a pioneer in regenerative health and worldwide speaker; Isaiah Franzen, a breathwork expert with an extensive resume that includes working with Minnesota Vikings players to improve performance; and Alexa Score, a TV personality, diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia at 16, who has been living and thriving with cancer.
Looking ahead, Leddy hopes to grow his audience and continue to normalize discussions about pain. He wants to break down barriers and provide examples of natural healing methods. “I’d love to be considered a main source for people seeking information about pain management, specifically natural processes and noninvasive methods to fight pain,” he says. “My goal is to prevent people from getting stuck in the trap of doctor visits, prescriptions and even surgeries. I want people to be proactive instead of reactive about their health.”
Leddy encourages audience members to reach out with topic suggestions. He says if there is something people want to learn, he’ll put in the work to find a guest. The best way to stay connected is by following him on Instagram or subscribing to his YouTube channel, where Leddy has a team helping him communicate with viewers.
Leddy’s journey from an injured athlete to a wellness advocate is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience and the human spirit. “It’s become my destiny to provide avenues for people to enjoy life,” he says. “My true calling is to share experiences I’ve been through and continue to develop the connections I have to create this platform of wellness information that will only continue to grow.”
Back Channel Brewing, 4787 Shoreline Drive, Spring Park; 952.855.9315; backchannelbrewing.com
Back Channel Brewing @backchannelbrewing
Josh Leddy @leddyjosh
Get Sweaty with Leddy
Get Sweaty with Leddy
Turning the Page
Senior Spotlight students are ready for their next chapter.
Written by Renée Stewart-Hester — Photos by Mycah Bain Photography
If there is any year that brings with it a whirlpool of emotions, memories and questions about the future it has to be the senior year of high school. It’s also a time to recognize our area graduates and their unique places in the Class of 2026. As we do each year, this issue highlights a selection of students, who were nominated by their schools for leaving a positive imprint and exemplifying the best of their school communities. Please welcome to our pages Edward “Teddy” Bower, Zoya Aghamirzai, Aiden Albin Zapzalka and Layla Chakhvashvili.
Edward “Teddy” Bower
Blake School
“Teddy Bower exemplifies kindness, respect and mindfulness. He is polite, considerate and inclusive of both peers and teachers. As a highly accomplished and driven student, Teddy embodies excellence both in and out of the classroom. Teddy serves as captain of the Blake Sailing Team and co-captain of the Chess Club, demonstrating exceptional leadership through mentoring and leading by example. Outside of school, he actively participates in prestigious sailing organizations, competing in various regattas. Academically, Teddy has excelled at The School for Ethics and Global Leadership, where he co-authored a policy document presented to the U.S. State Department. His dedication to global issues earned him the Blake Dean’s Award, and he has achieved significant success in chess, including top 10 placements at the Minnesota State Scholastic Chess Championship and a victory at the National Scholastic Chess Championship. Teddy’s sailing accomplishments, such
as victories at the Great Oaks National Invitational and the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association High Point Award, highlight his athletic talent. His leadership, academic excellence and extracurricular achievements make him a standout student both within our school
community, the Lake Minnetonka area and in our state.” —Pachao Yajcherthao, instructor and advisor, Blake School
A high school experience you’re most proud of: I am especially proud of winning the Great Oaks National Sailing
Adventure and sailing are at the fore in Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome, writing, “It was like exploring a place that you have seen in a dream, where everything is just where you expect it and yet everything is a surprise.”
Edward “Teddy” Bower
Regatta … I was able to anticipate, strategize and execute maneuvers while maintaining speed across the course. My pride was amplified by my little brother, Olly, who sailed the regatta with me. He was an excellent crew, and his hard work led to our shared achievement. It was an honor to represent Blake and the Lake Minnetonka community at the national level, be coached by Gordy Bowers and add our names to trophies previously won by Orono and Minnetonka teams.
What your peers might not know about you: I really enjoy making paper airplanes, as they lend themselves well to experimentation. Adjusting things like wing size to see how it impacts stability or altering the center of mass by shifting the folds can transform the plane’s flight path. For me, it’s rewarding to see each small tweak I make result in more air time or interesting flight dynamics …
Dream graduation speaker: Benjamin Franklin
The soundtrack to your high school career: The Planets by Gustav Holst
Favorite childhood book: Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome
Your future in three words: Persistence, discovery and transformation
Zoya Aghamirzai
Minnetonka High School (MHS)
“Zoya challenges herself academically at the highest levels at MHS. An IB Diploma Candidate, Zoya has undertaken one of the most, if not the most, difficult pathways that Minnetonka offers. While academically successful, Zoya also wants others to succeed too. She works with the Writing Center as a peer writing coach. She helps other students with their writing skills, not by correcting grammar or spelling, but actively engaging with the message of the student’s writing, making sure that what they want to say comes across succinctly and understandably. In the past, she has been active in the K-pop Club at school.” —Brad Burnham, MHS counselor
A high school experience you’re most proud of: I’m really proud of
Zoya Aghamirzai
my experience so far as an IB Diploma Candidate. I’m glad to be a part of a community of such unique and diverse thinkers, and I’ve been so happy to take classes that are just as much challenging as they are fun.
What your peers might not know about you: … I really enjoy hiking, camping and the outdoors. I go up to the Boundary Waters every chance I get in the summers. I’m really looking forward to my trips coming up this year. Last year, I did some really memorable hiking on Mount St. Helens.
Dream graduation speaker: Mozart
The soundtrack to your high school career: dreamin dreamin by Capsule
Favorite childhood book: The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan
Your future in three words: Completely not sure.
Aiden Albin Zapzalka Minnetonka High School (MHS)
“Aiden is a quiet leader who works hard inside and outside of the classroom. He is a student who teachers describe as a gem because of his thoughtful classroom commentary, relentless pursuit of excellence academically and his consistent care for his classmates and teachers. His academic record shows how hard he works in the most challenging coursework we offer at MHS. You would be hard-pressed to find a student who has achieved more academically the last three years.” —Dave Bierly, MHS counselor
“Aiden is a natural leader who inspires those around him through his positivity and dedication. He leads by example, striving to improve and pushing himself to be better. His genuine care for younger teammates fosters a supportive, encouraging team culture, helping them grow on and off the field. Aiden consistently excels in everything he
Author Rick Riordan’s fantasy series has engaged the minds and imaginations of readers from all over the world. Closer to home, Zoya Aghamirzai calls it one of her favorite childhood reads.
Aiden Albin Zapzalka
takes on, proving that hard work, resilience and passion are keys to success.”
—Taylor Moon, MHS strength and conditioning coach
A high school experience you’re most proud of: Making it to the Prep Bowl provided the opportunity to step into U.S. Bank Stadium as a [football] team with unwavering support from the stands. Also, having my teammates vote me captain means they trust me to lead them into the next season. This means more to me than any one of my own individual accomplishments.
What your peers might not know about you: I am a fisherman! Fishing teaches
me patience and determination … Being on the water allows me to escape the reality of my routine where I feel connected with nature, God and myself.
Layla Chakhvashvili
Blake School
“Every time Layla Chakhvashvili picks up the violin, it’s clearly about more than just music. It’s a passion, a means of connection and community, and a way for her to express more than can be said with words. Layla has distinguished herself at Blake as an active member of the music department through her involvement in orchestra, chamber ensembles, choir and the musical, as well as an integral member of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony. She leads multiple ensembles in and outside of Blake and is often invited to perform before Minnesota Orchestra and Minnesota Public Radio concerts and events. What truly sets Layla apart from her peers in these groups is her ability to bring people together. In every interaction, she fosters a positive and collaborative environment and has helped shape a community at Blake where every musician feels heard, supported, challenged and inspired. Layla’s excellence doesn’t end when she leaves the music department. She excels in high level academic courses and is a member
Your future in three words: Eventful, wondrous and promising
Books can inform and reflect a person’s life and interests, so we asked this year’s featured seniors about their favorite childhood books. Aiden Albin Zapzalka’s choice isn’t suprising if you know about one of his interests, found on this page.
Dream graduation speaker: Charles Darwin
The soundtrack to your high school career: Live Like You Were Dying by Tim McGraw
Favorite childhood book: The Young Man and the Sea by Rodman Philbrick
With relatable humor and universal themes of growing up, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and its series have engaged millions of young readers, including Layla Chakhvashvili.
of the Blake robotics team and multiple state championship fencing teams. Layla personifies Blake’s core values as a student, leader, mentor and musician.”
—Brian Lukkasson, instrumental music teacher and advisor at Blake School
A high school experience you’re most proud of: The thing I am most proud of from my high school career is my ability to transform my passion for music into countless opportunities. By the end of my high school career, I will have traveled with orchestras to France, Spain, Greece, New Zealand and Australia, performing at halls, such as the Palau de La Musica and the Sydney Opera House … I’m able to learn so much about the music and culture from all around the world. These learning experiences have been incredibly rewarding, for I am able to find success in what I love doing most.
What your peers might not know about you: … some people are surprised to discover that my interests extend beyond classical music. (Right now, my top genre is actually jazz!) In my spare time, I love exploring math and science, learning about how the world works, drawing and making jewelry. I also enjoy solving
Rubik’s Cubes, with my fastest time on a 3x3 being around 8 seconds.
Dream graduation speaker: Leonard Bernstein
The soundtrack to your high school career: Infernal Dance from the Firebird Suite by Igor Stravinsky
Favorite childhood book: Diary of Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Your future in three words: Sky’s the limit.
To learn more about our Senior Spotlight students, visit lakeminnetonkamag.com.
Layla Chakhvashvili
CLATTERING SPARROWS
A MINNETONKA COMMUNITY EDUCATION MAH JONGG INSTRUCTOR BRINGS PLAYERS TOGETHER OVER A SHARED LOVE OF THE GAME.
Written by Jennifer Pitterle — Photos by Chris Emeott
A few years ago, actor Julia Roberts was a guest on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, and she mentioned her love of Mah Jongg. “The concept of it is to create order out of chaos based on the random drawing of tiles,” Roberts explained to Colbert. “It’s like life— we try to make a little bit of order out of the chaos of life, just with our random acts of wisdom and kindness.”
Roberts’s words about the game resonated deeply with Melinda Colwell, a Deephaven resident who’s been teaching Mah Jongg at the Minnetonka Community Education Center and other local gathering places for five years. “It’s a social game,” Colwell says. “I’m a huge believer in community and gathering people ... I hear more and more that people are coming [to Mah Jongg class] because they want to meet people and fight against this loneliness epidemic that we have.”
Colwell began learning Mah Jongg many years ago when she worked at The Marsh in Minnetonka and overheard the sound of tiles being moved and stacked—the “clattering sparrows” sound. (In many Chinese dialects, Mah Jongg loosely translates to clattering sparrows.) “I walked over to figure out what the noise was and saw people playing this game,” Colwell says. She gathered a few friends to learn Mah Jongg with her, and they mostly taught themselves, using a few books. “I started teaching friends and then friends of friends, and it just kept going,” she says. In mid-2020, a recreation director at the Chanhassen Recreation Center asked Colwell if she’d teach a Mah Jongg class there—and the rest is history.
Today, Colwell teaches Mah Jongg classes, most lasting five or six weeks, via city recreation or community education departments for Chanhassen, Cottage Grove, Eden Prairie,
Left: There is a real sense of community while playing Mah Jongg, including at the beginning of a game as players flip tiles and through plenty of table talk.
Above: Melinda Colwell, coaching players, says the face of the Mah Jongg is changing as younger players, including her 9-year-old grandson, are picking up the tiles and learning the game.
Minnetonka Community Education offers Mah Jongg for beginners ($85 with sets provided) and open play sessions ($5 per set; players encouraged to bring their own sets). Register and find details at minnetonka.ce.eleyo.com.
Minnetonka and White Bear Lake. “It has a bit of a perception as an old ladies’ game, but that’s just not true,” she says. Her students range in age from their 20s to their 80s, and her 9-year-old grandson is learning. “The demographic has really changed and become a lot younger,” Colwell says. “That’s been fun.” She provides the tile sets for each class and has honed a teaching style that’s enjoyable and effective for her students of all ages.
“It did take five weeks to learn,” says Teja Grandstrand, who took Colwell’s Minnetonka Community Education class almost a year ago. “But Melinda is such a patient, funny and meticulous instructor that she makes it very easy and enjoyable to learn the game.”
Colwell assures that, although it sounds complex, learning how to play Mah Jongg is “doable” and requires a pleasant mix of patience, strategy and luck. “It’s sociable,” she says. “People can play for hours; they eat and talk and laugh.” Her students find that Mah Jongg offers the right amount of challenge, allowing them “to focus on something completely unrelated to everyday concerns,” she says. Colwell provides nametags, so her students can easily get to know each other, and many forge friendships that last long after the class finishes.
Grandstrand has appreciated the social aspect of her continued Mah Jongg playing. “In general, my hobbies are more solitary ... so it has been fun to gather with other people [who] are excited to learn and play Mah Jongg,” Grandstrand says. “We laugh, and we celebrate each other’s wins, and we always make sure we have another date on the calendar to play again.”
Minnetonka Community Education, 4584 Vine Hill Road, Excelsior; 952.401.6800; minnetonka.ce.eleyo.com Minnetonka Community Ed
THROUGH HISTORY
Mah Jongg originated centuries ago in China with lots of variation in rules by region and era. In the early 20th century, an American businessman, stationed in Shanghai, noticed the game’s popularity and started sending Mah Jongg tile sets back to the United States. In 1937, the National Mah Jongg League standardized a set of rules for the American version as it took off all over the country.
NITTY GRITTY
One Mah Jongg set includes 152 tiles and serves a table of four players, who use racks to hold their tiles and the annual score card published by the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL). The goal of the game is to be the first player to match tiles to a specific hand on the score card by choosing, discarding and passing tiles among the players at the table. Because the scoring changes each year based on the NMJL card, the game feels fresh even to longtime players. “I play Mah Jongg at least once a week. I love the intellectual challenge of the game,” says Smitha Abbott, who took a class with Melinda Colwell through Minnetonka Community Education. “It’s completely different; the game changes every year.”
WILD HARVEST
Written by Jennifer Pitterle
Chef and author Alan Bergo discusses mushroom hunting in and around the Twin Cities.
If you’ve ever been on a woodland hike and noticed a cluster of interesting shapes or colors at the base of a tree—and maybe gotten down for a closer look—you already know the thrill of discovery that comes with spotting wild mushrooms. “Foraging teaches you about where you live,” says former local Alan Bergo, a Twin Cities chef and foraging expert. “It gets you outside, and it forces you to learn and become an amateur mycologist.”
Bergo’s website, foragerchef.com, is a trove of information on mushrooms, wild plants and how to get started foraging; he also wrote The Forager Chef’s Book of Flora and is a vocal advocate for foraging in Minnesota and the region. “The interest in foraging for mushrooms is exploding,” Bergo says. “There’s an entire world growing under the surface, literally.”
So how to begin? Start close to home. In Minnesota, you can
Alan Bergo, with his harvest of edible native plants that he grows at home, appreciates earthly bounties.
find at least a few mushroom varieties on most wooded land. Novice foragers should seek out credible websites or books—or take a class—to practice identifying what they find. Although there’s some risk involved, Bergo says, we tend to underestimate our instincts. “Every single person on this planet is descended from a forager,” he says. “Are there poisonous mushrooms? Absolutely. But can you get E. coli from eating fast food? Absolutely.”
After you’re comfortable with your initial research (maybe identifying two or three common types of mushrooms), head into the woods. Foraging on private land where you have permission is ideal, but some public parks allow visitors to pick mushrooms in limited quantities or without leaving main trails. “It’s tricky because foraging regulations are under-standardized,” Bergo says. (Be sure to carefully check the rules or ordinances before you venture out.)
Mushroom season typically begins in spring with early varieties—like morels—popping up by mid-May. “I’ve never seen a year where we couldn’t pick morels on Mother’s Day,” Bergo says. “Then June is a quieter time before we get the summer rains.” By July and August, the season is again in full swing. “You should be able to pick 10 or 15 different types of mushrooms in a single place until the snow falls,” Bergo says. There’s no “right” place to look for mushrooms: Watch for fallen logs and dead trees,
where decomposition feeds the mycelium, the fungal network under the soil.
Once you’ve got your foraged haul back to your kitchen, properly clean and store your mushrooms. “Mushrooms are more closely related to meat than they are to plants,” Bergo says. “They must go in the fridge.” Gently swish your mushrooms in water to rinse off dirt and debris, and store them in a large plastic bag. “Think of it like a terrarium,” Bergo says, intended to keep the mushrooms in a humid environment. Generally, you should pick mushrooms when they’re ready to eat and consume them within a few days.
Bergo’s best advice is to seek out credible information from experienced educators. His favorites include Alexis Nicole Nelson (@theblackforager on Instagram); in-person forays with the Minnesota Mycological Society (minnesotamycologicalsociety.org); local classes with Four Seasons Foraging (fourseasonforaging.com); and Samual Thayer (foragersharvest.com).
Visit foragerchef.com for Alan Bergo’s detailed expertise on local mushrooms and how to start foraging. The Forager Chef’s Book of Flora can be found on his website or on amazon.com. ForagerChef @foragerchef
Photos: Chris Emeott; Alan Bergo
“The
interest in foraging for mushrooms is exploding. There’s an entire world growing under the surface, literally.”
Alan Bergo
Into the Woods
Alan Bergo didn’t set out to become a nationally known foraging expert—he just loved food and great ingredients. During his junior year at Wayzata High School, Bergo worked as a busboy at Wayzata’s Portofino (now closed) and nurtured an early love of cooking even during business school at Hamline University, working full time in a kitchen and logging experience.
Bergo worked his way around Twin Cities kitchens and was mentored by farm-to-table pioneer Lenny Russo, introducing him to wild mushrooms, plants and fruits. One day, while playing disc golf, Bergo stumbled upon a mushroom that he’d put on the restaurant menu the previous day. “A light went on,” he says. “I understood that these ingredients were right here. We paid more for nettles than any kind of heirloom lettuce. We paid more for wild mushrooms than any kind of meat. Finding something special was so exciting.”
Bergo continued learning and launched foragerchef.com, sending out a weekly email newsletter for 13 years. During COVID-19, he appeared on the 2022 James Beard Award-winning The Wild Harvest, won his episode of Hulu’s Chefs vs. Wild and started working in earnest on his book. “I will always be a chef,” Bergo says, “But now, I’ll also give a speech about foraging or work on a TV series and pursue whatever creative stuff I can.”
Meet the Mushrooms
Alan Bergo offers a primer on a few common local delicacies. GOLDEN CHANTERELLE
“Chants” have a fruity aroma like fresh apricots and are a distinct egg-yolk yellow. They grow symbiotically with oak trees in the summer, starting around mid-July through October. Look-alike to know: The poisonous Jack-o’-Lantern is pumpkin orange, lacks a fruity aroma and grows in dense clusters while chanterelles appear as single mushrooms.
HEN OF THE WOODS
One of the best (and most delicious) mushrooms for new foragers to discover, they grow at the base of oak trees in the fall. They’re always gray or brown and can look like a large bird roosting. These can be 10 pounds (or more!) and have a few look-alikes that are all edible.
MOREL
Minnesota’s state mushroom has one of the shortest seasons—just two to three weeks in May. Morels grow in disturbed areas where trees have been struck by lightning, fires, floods or disease. Find them with elm, ash and young aspen trees. Look-alikes to know: Gyromitra and Verpa species are filled with a cottony pith on the inside. Half-free (or “early”) morels are edible but have a longer, thinner stem and appear a week or two before typical morels.
PHEASANT BACK (DRYAD SADDLE)
Growing on dead elms and box elders, these are “shelf” mushrooms with a brown, feathered pattern on their caps. They have a distinct cucumber, melonrind aroma. Only harvest young mushrooms: The pores underneath the cap should come off easily when scratched. Look-alikes are edible, but none have the cucumber aroma or feathered pattern.
Photos:
Alan Bergo
RockBridge Counseling offers a full suite of mental health services.
As a guiding principle, the team at RockBridge Counseling believes that every person is created to thrive— not just survive.
“We’re not just about offering services but about nurturing hope and facilitating healing through meaningful mental health counseling,” says Jen Brink, vice president of marketing and communications. “We believe in the inherent dignity and worth of every person as a unique individual. Our mission is to offer compassionate, professional mental health counseling that reflects love and care for all people, regardless of one’s background or beliefs.”
RockBridge, founded in 2023, is motivated and guided by the Christian faith, but clients of all faiths are welcome to receive treatment. “At the heart of our work is a commitment to love our neighbors as ourselves, fostering healing, growth and wholeness for everyone who seeks our services,” says Dave Runion, executive director. The team of 25 therapists has the unique ability to integrate faith into mental health counseling and care if the client is looking for that specialty, but the team is also well versed in all evidence-based practices.
With three locations, including in Minnetonka, RockBridge was founded by Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge with the knowledge that people need caring, loving mental health counseling. It addresses a wide variety of mental health
areas, including adolescent counseling, anger management, anxiety, disappointment and depression, family and relationship counseling, grief, transitions and empty-nesting, and trauma.
Counselors provide a wide range of modalities, including individual, family or group therapies. For clients who are uncomfortable in social situations or physically or geographically unable to attend in-person sessions, Telehealth is a great option.
Taking the step to seek mental health support can be difficult. Runion encourages clients to reach out, sooner rather than later. “In general, people wait too long,” he says. “They should reach out earlier for help and support and not wait for a situation to get to the point that they’re barely surviving. Afterall, we all deserve to thrive!”
TASTEMAKERS
If You Give a Kid a Cookie …
… they’ll probably want it served warm.
Written by Renée Stewart-Hester — Photos by Chris Emeott
Food, whether it’s a full meal, a dessert or a snack, often goes hand-inhand with important life events. This time of year, students begin returning to classrooms as the academic year swings into gear. And you know what that means. When kids go to school, they come back home at the end of the day. And when they return after a full day hitting the books and navigating their world outside of home, they’ll probably want a snack. What’s a better home-from-school treat than a nice, warm cookie?
Oven Fresh Cookies’ (formerlyknown as Tank Goodness) cookie jar is filled with a variety of cookies, including staples Chocolate Chip (signature), Double Chocolate Chunk, Oatmeal Raisin, Salted Caramel, Snickerdoodle and White Macadamia Nut. Watch for seasonal stars too.
Wayzata’s Oven Fresh Cookies (formerly known as Tank Goodness) focuses its business on serving and delivering warm cookies. Thanks to special packaging, the team can deliver up to 200 dozen cookies in one fell swoop. But there’s room for small orders too! “These make perfect gifts for celebrations, birthdays, sporting events, get togethers, club meetings [and] study groups; the list goes on,” says J Sisk, operations manager. The cookies also make appearances at community events; you might have seen (or tasted!) them at James J. Hill Days in Wayzata.
The family-owned and operated business was launched in 2004 by husband-and-wife duo Dennis and Anne Tank in south Minneapolis. Allison (Sisk) Bellomy bought the company from the Tank family and ran it for about nine years, selling to Jeff Sisk (her father) and J Sisk (her brother). “Having a family business fills your heart with joy,” Jeff says. “We both learn from each other,” noting that he mentors J, while J keeps his dad updated on “what’s new,” including technology. Plus, there’s just the connection factor. “You can never see your kids enough, at least me,” Jeff says.
“It doesn’t feel like a [traditional] boss relationship,” J says. “It’s just an easy relationship.”
While familial ties might be a secret ingredient for Oven Fresh Cookies, serving the cookies warm certainly plays a starring role. “We take lots of care in keeping our
Working around cookies every day can go one of two ways: Either one tires of the circular wonders of goodness, or, in J Sisk’s case, “I have to hold myself back,” he says. “I limit myself
cookies warm and gooey,” Jeff says. “They are baked to perfection, then allowed to slightly cool, allowing the edges to firm up enough to not damage the cookie with our tapered spatula.” The warm cookies are placed in specially designed boxes (The shape and thickness of the box help retain heat.) and like a hot pizza in a warming bag, utilize Oven Fresh Cookies’ heating technology. For those who want to send care packages to college students, for example, or need to store them after an event, there is something to keep in mind. Once the cookies cool (and if there are leftovers), they stay good for up to two weeks, so be mindful of time. “We do not add any preservatives like a lot of store-bought cookies, so I wouldn’t give it a shelf life of over two weeks,” Jeff says. So, what’s on the order list? Every season, a couple new cookies are featured, but the staple six include: Chocolate Chip (signature), Double Chocolate Chunk, Oatmeal Raisin, Salted Caramel, Snickerdoodle and White Macadamia Nut. “We are looking to add a gluten-free option to the menu, along with a couple other secret noncookie side projects,” J says. Any hints? The project is centered around something for “the athlete in the family,” Jeff says. Think: hearty, less sweet!
Oven Fresh Cookies- Tank Goodness @ovenfreshcookiesllc
Students hunkered down for study sessions or midterm and final review sessions might appreciate a special delivery cookie care package by way of new partnerships with DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Featured Artwork: Detail
Surveillance by Anne Landreman
NIGHT TO UNITE
Minnetonka annual event builds community across the city.
Minnetonka’s Night to Unite is planned for 5:30 to 9 p.m. August 5 throughout the city. For more than 20 years, the event continues to promote uniting the community through neighborhood gatherings.
Sponsored by the Minnetonka Police Department and the Minnetonka Crime Prevention Association, the event features gatherings across Minnetonka neighborhoods and range from neighborly potlucks to celebrations with bouncy houses and other family-focused attractions.
Additional features include visits from members of the Minnetonka Police Department to encourage civic engagement between residents and first responders, according to Jessica Case, Minnetonka’s Police Department communication specialist. There can also be a philanthropic element to the events. Last year, Night to Unite held a ResourceWest Back to School donation contest. With more than 140 different parties, community members collected nearly 1,300 school supply items. Find information about this year’s philanthropic effort at minnetonkamn.gov. —Ellie Heyerdah
Compiled by Ellie Heyerdahl and Emma Souza
LOCAL EVENTS
08.02
Tour De Tonka
Get ready to ride with Tour De Tonka for its 20th annual event. Routes range from 16 to 100 miles with over 3,500 participants. Viewers are welcome to check out the action along the route. All ages. $39–$109. Rides begin at 7 a.m. Minnetonka High School, 18301 MN-7, Minnetonka; 952.401.6800; minnetonkaschools.org
08.05
Young Leaders Board Event
Make plans for fun with a worthy cause. Join the Young Leaders Board in raising money for A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation. For each pint purchased, $1 will be donated to the foundation. Ages 21 and older. Free. 6–10 p.m. Unmapped Brewing Co., 14625 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka; 952.500.9622; allevents.in/minnetonka
08.07
Annual Boat Cruise
Partake in informal networking with the SouthWest Metro Chamber while on a cruise around stunning Lake Minnetonka. Ages 21 and older. Members $70 and nonmembers $80, registration required. 3–5:30 p.m. Paradise Charter Cruises, 2 Water St., Excelsior; 952.474.3233; business.swmetrochamber.com
08.09
Summer in Ridgedale Commons
Bask in some outdoor summer fun with yard games, food, entertainment, music and more. All ages. Free. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Ridgedale Commons, 12590 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka; 952.939.8390; minnetonkamn.gov
08.26
Music in The Park: Brio Brass Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and
Photo: Minnetonka Police Department
enjoy the final performance of this season’s Music in the Park. Attendees will be treated to music by Brio Brass at the outdoor amphitheater in Civic Park. All ages. Free. 6:30–8 p.m. Minnetonka Civic Center Park, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka; 952.939.8200; minnetonkamn.gov
AREA EVENTS
08.07–08.17
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Gather at the Orpheum Theatre for its production of Disney’s classic production of Beauty and the Beast: The Musical. Ages 6 and older. $95+. Times vary. Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.339.7007; hennepinarts.org
08.08–08.10
Irish Fair of Minnesota
Celebrate Irish heritage, culture and community in this two-day, annual family-friendly festival, featuring a full slate of food, activities, music and dance. All ages. Ticket prices vary, registration required. 3–11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Sunday. Harriet Island, 175 W. Water St., St. Paul; 651.461.4990; irishfair.com
08.09–08.10
Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival
Admire unique chalk and spray art, murals and amazing performances. Event goers can also find plenty of food items for purchase at the artistic event. All ages. Free. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Downtown Minneapolis, 803 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.; mplstreetartfest.com
Longevity | Functional | Regenerative Medicine Medicine Medicine
Take Control of Your Health and Thrive.
At Accelerate Wellness, we deliver elevated, personalized care for those who expect more.
ADVANCED CARE YOUR WAY
Visit us at our new Edina satellite clinic—or experience concierge-level care virtually from home or work. Our expert-led services include advanced lab testing, hormone optimization, GLP-1 weight loss, PRP therapies, and personalized longevity plans. For the ultimate convenience, we can even send a phlebotomist to your home or office.
To have your event considered: email lakeminnetonkamag@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.
Register by October 1 and we’ll waive your application fee if you choose to apply!
Where Passion Meets Possibility
Join us on Wednesday, October 15, for Experience SSM, a dynamic, immersive event designed to help prospective students and families get to know our campus, programs, and community.
From signature Centers of Excellence to world-class athletics and arts, Shattuck-St. Mary’s is where students in grades 6–12 and postgraduate can thrive.
Sioux Falls • Edina • Omaha
In Gratitude
The community gatheres on Memorial Day for a full slate of activities, including a parade through downtown Excelsior, programming at the Excelsior Elementary School and a procession through town to Oak Hill Cemetery. The event’s conclusion features the playing of taps, laying of wreaths and conducting a flag ceremony to honor those who served the nation.
To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos, contact information and a brief description of the event to lakeminnetonkamag@localmedia.co.
Photos by Jim Douglas
Aquacide Company Serving Minnesota Lakeshores 800.328.9350 killlakeweeds.com
Improve your water quality, restore water oriented activities and increase the value of your property by controlling aquatic nuisance weeds this year. Aquacide products will help manage your recreational lake or pond to make the most of your property’s potential. The
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!
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comfortkeepers.com
Top Shave Lounge has got you covered. Book your appointment online or stop in for quality products.
LENS ON LAKE MINNETONKA
Which End is Up?
The Minnetonka Yacht Club is a frequent subject for Christine Neff Kojetin’s drone photography “as it creates a great foreground visual point of interest when doing lake photos, especially sailing or sunset photos,” she says.
“It was a very warm December, and the lake hadn’t frozen yet; the sun was setting, the clouds were plentiful and the lake was perfectly still,” Neff Kojetin says scene for Minnetonka Yacht Club in the Clouds. “The clouds reflecting on the calm water created this illusion, which wasn’t as obvious until I started to view and edit the photos after the shoot. It reminds me a bit of a floating island from the movie Avatar.”
The Deephaven resident enjoys all areas of photography, including floral, macro, people and wildlife. “Landscape and travel photography are my favorites—both traditional and drone, which I’m doing more of,” she says. —Renée Stewart-Hester
To view other Lens on Lake Minnetonka photo contest winners, visit lakeminnetonkamag.com.
Photographer:
Christine Neff Kojetin
Title: Minnetonka Yacht Club in the Clouds
Equipment: DJI Mavic Air 2 drone
Location: Over the Minnetonka Yacht Club
Category: Seasons Award: Second Place
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
and do great work. As a result our list of happy clients grows
