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Don
Photo: Chris Emeott
FROM THE EDITOR
With pen in hand and a postage stamp at the ready, how many of us write and send letters—regularly or otherwise? I’ll be the first to admit that, while I write letters, they are more often sent via email. I might have to rethink this.
In grade school, I had a friend who would regularly trade the same card with another friend. Taking turns, the girls would add to and resend the card that they’d been passing between them since one of the girls left our southern Minnesota town (and moved all the way to Minneapolis, no less!). This continued for years.
Their ritual inspired me, and I started something similar when I was in college. At the time, three of my sisters were scattered across the country, and another lived in Mexico. To help keep our sisterly bond thriving, I began The Sister Letter. Once it arrived in her mailbox, each sister had one month to remove her previous letter and add in her newest newsy post, photos or anything of interest and send it off to the next sister, who would repeat the process. This lasted for a few fun years, but marriages, moves and life in general got in the way—sadly.
All of this came back into view when I wrote about Don Shelby and Nancy Nelson (page 16). While it’s always an honor to catch up with lake area talent, including this amazingly talented duo, the article was initiated by their return to Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in Love Letters, which tells the tender tale of childhood friends, tethered by way of lifelong correspondence—letters. I won’t spoil the plot, but maybe the play can serve as the impetus for us all to return to letter writing in its most purest, wonderful form—with pen in hand and a postage stamp at the ready.
See you at the post office,
Renée Stewart-Hester renee@localmedia.co
On the Cover:
Nancy Nelson and Don Shelby, page 16
Photo: Chris Emeott
Photo by: Chris Emeott
VOL. 20 NO. 9
January 2026
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, Emily Carriveau, Alison Feik, Stephanie Herrick, Jessica Hilde, Lynette Kalsnes, Emily Maxson, Spencer Olson, Rima Parikh, Molly Rivard, Raela Schoenherr, Lisa Stevens, Katie Tomsche and Mariah Wise
DIGITAL INTERN
Claire Krieger
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Diane Meyer and Avery Vrieze
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
Now in its third season, the Ahoy, Minnetonka! podcast from Minnetonka Public Schools features conversations with the people who make the district such a strong asset to our community and is hosted by Minnetonka Schools executive director of communications JacQui Getty.
Guests include alumni, board members, district administrators and staff, parents, students and volunteers. Episodes highlight the voices and stories of community members as they work together to pursue student-centered excellence and build
schools where all are connected, empowered and inspired.
Previous episode topics have included literacy; spotlights and student panels about experiential learning opportunities; student and staff well-being and mental health; and more.
Episodes are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Mary Cornelius is a communications specialist with Minnetonka Schools. Learn more at minnetonkaschools.org.
Your Community, Your Vote
Let’s start the year with some exciting news. Best of Lake Minnetonka is moving—to February! We think it’s a perfect fit. After all, February is the month of love, and we all adore our local businesses and service providers.
Our 2026 annual readers’ choice poll will be better than ever, featuring an all-new, voter-friendly platform
at lakeminnetonkamag.com and an entire month for readers to make their selections for their favorites in more than 70 categories, including our inaugural wedding section.
Start making your lists of favorites now. Vote in February, and watch for the list of finalists on our website on March 16. Find additional details and rules online. —Editorial Staff
Photo: Minnetonka Public Schools
Packaged With Care
I’m excited to kick off 2026 with Lake Minnetonka Magazine and its readers. As a stay-at-home mom turned social media influencer, I love sharing pieces of my life with followers—and now readers. My pages are filled with everything from fashion to crafting and decorating to everyday chaos. While my content, including what I’ll share here, features a bit of everything, it all has one thing in common: It’s laced with joy. And speaking of joy, let’s spread a little to college kids who are just returning for their second semester. This fall, I sent my middle kid off to college, and I’ve been putting together fun boxes of goodies to send him each month. These are not just care packages; they are reminders to my son that I’m thinking of him. And if that package puts a smile on his face, then it was a success.
Let’s get started on curating your own surprise box:
» Amazon gift cards are perfect for those must-have items.
» Calming drink powder helps quell anxiety and facilitate sleep.
» Cough drops and over-the-counter medicines are a must because ’tis the season for colds and other maladies.
» Cozy throw blankets are ideal since Minnesota winters run long … and cold.
» DoorDash cards offer a welcome break from dining hall fare.
» Energy drinks help with late-night study sessions.
» Favorite candies never disappoint.
» Gum helps some students concentrate while hitting the books.
» Lottery tickets give hope for a chance to temper those college costs.
» New clothing comes to the rescue when wash has to wait … again.
Remember to include a handwritten card because supportive words mean the most!
Find Emily Carriveau on Instagram and Facebook at @smalltownme or on TikTok at @emilycarriveau.
A Cuppa Cozy
Make this easy-to-assemble powdered hot chocolate mix to have on hand for a quick warm treat. This recipe is rich and creamy with a kick of spice from the cinnamon and cayenne.
Dairy-Free Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix
» 1 cup coconut milk powder
» 1 ½ cups coconut sugar
» ½ cup cocoa powder
» 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
» ⅜ tsp. cayenne
» 3 oz. bar of dark chocolate
» 1 cup almond milk
» marshmallows, optional
Sift the coconut milk powder, coconut
sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon and cayenne through a mesh strainer into a large bowl. Chop the dark chocolate bar into tiny pieces; add it to the powdered mix. Mix the ingredients well, and place them in an airtight container. To serve, warm 1 cup of almond or other plant-based milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. When the milk is hot, add 2 ½ Tbsp. of hot chocolate mix, and stir until well combined. Pour into a mug. Serve with marshmallows if desired.
Emily Maxson is a Medina recipe developer and author of Emily’s Fresh Kitchen Cookbook and Real Food. Every Day. For more recipes, visit emilysfreshkitchen.com, or follow her on Instagram @emilysfreshkitchen.
Ready, Set, Camp
It really is time to start preparing for summer adventures.
By Renée Stewart-Hester
Preparing kids for summer camp includes more than packing lists and stocking up on sunscreen. Campers’ health and well-being at day or sleepaway camps takes priority before they hop in the car or on the plane to camp. Starting points often include a visit to a health care professional for a camp physical and communication with camp staff to get an overview of health and wellness protocols.
Knowing what to ask—and to whom—can be confusing. We turned to local and national sources to initiate the discussions. Roger Aronson, M.D., is a family medicine physician, pediatrician and medical director at Park Nicollet Clinic and Specialty Center Shakopee, part of HealthPartners. He answers some important questions.
Are day camp physicals required?
Depending on the activities, some day camps will want proof of a recent physical exam to make sure the child is OK for full participation. That being said, not all camps require a physical examination.
Do camp physicals differ from sports or regular physicals?
… most regular pediatric physicals will cover everything needed for a camp physical as well as a sports physical.
What should be evaluated? It certainly makes sense to make sure the
camper is healthy and doesn’t need to be evaluated for infections. It’s also good to make sure vaccines are current as some camp injuries would require proof of current tetanus vaccination. Being in a group setting, it’s good in general to have all your vaccines current to minimize the risk for infectious exposure and subsequent illness.
What about prescription medications?
Most camps will have a person who manages meds for campers, especially the younger campers. There generally are medications that should be taken on a daily basis or as needed. Most camps will allow campers ages 12 and older to administer their own albuterol. Epinephrine should always be given by camp staff in the event of an allergic reaction.
Let’s discuss dietary issues.
The biggest dietary concerns would involve allergic reactions to foods, such as peanuts or eggs. There would also be considerations for vegetarian or vegan diets. Notify camp
BE PREPARED
Taking into account last summer's tragic events in Texas, camp safety is receiving additional examinations. “Parents should ask if the camp is [American Camp Association (ACA)] accredited and talk with camp directors about any potential concerns they may have, especially about preparation and plans for extreme weather and natural disasters,” says Henry DeHart, ACA interim president and CEO. “Parents may want to ask about a camp’s proximity to first responders as well as the camp’s practices around communication and collaboration with their local emergency response providers prior to camp season.”
For more of DeHart’s interview, visit lakeminnetonkamag.com.
staff of the need to avoid gluten if a child was diagnosed with celiac disease.
What about health and well-being?
[Start] with a conversation with your child to ask if there are any thoughts, feelings or concerns they have about going to camp … It’s good to acknowledge that it’s normal to have feelings and emotions at camp, such as homesickness, loneliness or not knowing how they fit in … It’s also important to remind them they should speak up if anything seems wrong or inappropriate. Encourage your child to speak with camp counselors at any point if they have concerns or are feeling uncomfortable, sad or lonely … review general safety topics and peer pressure … practice how to respond in a situation that feels uncomfortable or unsafe.
When should a child should be retrieved early?
Signs that a child may be struggling at camp may include difficulty regulating or expressing their emotions. Other signs include struggling with social interactions and a lack of resiliency related to stress, feeling unsafe, sad or lonely. You may see difficulty engaging or general fatigue as well as significant changes in appetite. Any of these may be an indication that your child may need additional support or to be picked up from camp.
HealthPartners has locations throughout the Metro, including Park Nicollet clinics in Minnetonka and Wayzata
HealthPartners
healthpartners.com @healthpartners
Word Perfect
Kay Tutoring helps students find their voices through college essays.
By Emily Gedde
When brothers Wilson and Quintin Schaefer began working on their personal statements and supplemental essays for college applications, they were putting in the work to get accepted to a top-tier school but also to find their voices.
The 2025 graduates of Edina High School credited the support they received from tutors at Kay Tutoring, a one-on-one academic tutoring and test prep center based in Minnetonka, with guiding them to their acceptance of Northwestern University in Chicago and Boston College, respectively.
“It’s a very daunting essay,” Wilson says of the 650-word personal statement. “You not only have to find some sort of topic, but you also must construct a deeper meaning from the subject to connect to yourself.”
Like his brother, Wilson received help with the essays from Kay Tutoring’s Alex Burchfield, someone they grew to trust and admire. “The essay is so important, and [Burchfield] was good at helping to guide me and set my essay apart,” Quintin says.
Abhik Pramanik, director of college counseling at Kay Tutoring, says most college admission officers spend 60 seconds on an essay, deciding if they want to continue reading or not. Kay Tutoring works to increase that.
“Even if the topic may seem mundane, we want to structure it in a way that people
Top: “Our tutors are doing real meaningful work and have a lasting impact on a lot of lives,” says Andrea Kay McFarland, founder of Kay Tutoring. Here, a tutor connects with a student during an online session.
Bottom: Kay Tutoring offers students an opportunity to hone their writing skills and so much more.
Photos: Emma Hoffman
can’t help but read it,” he says. Pramanik says before a student embarks on the 10 to 12, one-hour long sessions to write a personal statement, they fill out a six-page profile that asks them to reflect on challenges, personal characteristics, activities they’re involved in and more.
“This provides insight to a student’s life that won’t show up on a resume,” he says. “We start looking for what’s unique about them.”
In addition, the profile allows tutors to assess the students’ writing and vocabulary capabilities. “The most important thing is that the essay they write is something they’re capable of,” Pramanik says. “We push them to their personal limits … They don’t have to be a strong writer, but we’ll help students write essays that are strong, polished and something they’re proud of.”
What about students who haven’t had a seminal life moment or impactful experience? That’s Kay Tutoring’s specialty. “Students don’t need a homerun story,” Pramanik says, recommending students seeking essay support to contact Kay Tutoring the summer between their junior and senior years of high school. Because the common application for many colleges goes live August 1, the goal is to have the personal statement complete by then. “We want to space out the writing as much as possible between June and July,” Pramanik says. “Because every time you look at something, you can make it better than what it was before.”
Andrea Kay McFarland, founder of Kay Tutoring, sums up the student and tutor experience. “Tutors become part of families,” she says. “Our tutors are doing real meaningful work and have a lasting impact on a lot of lives.” The Schaefer brother’s mother, Tracy Schaefer, agrees. “I was extremely pleased that Kay Tutoring provided my children guidance to write their essays, but my children were responsible for their essay content, ideas and writing in their own voice,” she says. “Although both boys had strong academics and extracurricular activities, without a doubt their essays helped them secure admissions at two extremely selective universities.”
Visit lakeminnetonkamag.com for additional tips for writing personal statements and supplemental essays.
Kay Tutoring
kaytutoring.com @kaytutoring
Don Shelby and Nancy Nelson retake the stage, but first, we have questions.
SHARING THE SPOTLIGHT
Written by Renée Stewart-Hester — Photos by Chris Emeott
Don Shelby and Nancy Nelson are venerable veterans behind the TV camera and on local stages, including Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT), where they make a return engagement (and final run!) February 4–26 at the Playhouse Theatre in Love Letters. “Nancy and Don are also our dear friends, which makes this project so meaningful and personal for all of us and our audiences,” says Tamara Kangas Erickson, CDT artistic director.
A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters brings Shelby to the stage as Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Nelson in the role of Melissa Gardner. (Read more about the play below.) After each show, guests are invited to stay for a short Q&A with Shelby and Nelson.
Why wait? While Excelsior’s Shelby and Nelson, who has a family cabin on Lake Minnetonka, have question-asking in their DNA, Lake Minnetonka Magazine flipped the script and asked the duo some Proust Questionnaire-inspired queries about their thoughts on broadcasting, theater and life— near and far.
LOVE NOTES
Love Letters, a Pulitzer Prizenominated play by American playwright A.R. Gurney, has graced stages on Broadway and around the world. It was first performed at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT) in 1993. “Our audiences have loved this show every time we’ve presented it,” says Tamara Kangas Erickson, CDT artistic director.
Don Shelby and Nancy Nelson made their first appearance in a CDT production of the play in 2022, returning last September and next month to recapture their performances.
The two-character play tells the story of Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner, born into wealth and position, who begin a string of lifelong correspondence. “It is told through their personal letters to each other from second grade through adolescence, maturity and into middle age, spanning over five decades of their lives,” says Kris Howland, CDT public relations director.
NANCY NELSON
What’s your first love—acting or broadcasting? So hard. I love both. Wouldn’t want to be without either. Perhaps by a hair—broadcasting.
Who would you most like to see sitting in the first row of a stage performance? My husband, Bill [Billy] Carlson, [and] my parents Willis and Florence Nelson
What was your first theater role? At MacPhail Drama School—Snow White—8 years old
What’s on your acting bucket list? What I can never have—I always wanted to be a singer/dancer in musical theater. I don’t have the talent.
What’s your greatest on-stage fear? I have never been afraid to go on stage. I am always afraid of disappointing the audience.
As an audience member, what was your favorite theater performance? There are so many for different reasons. Most charismatic: Hugh Jackman The Boy from Oz
What are your most overused words when describing a great performance? Moving, joyous, intelligent, remarkable—but I mean them whenever I say them.
Who is the greatest stage actor? Impossible. So many. Comedy? Drama? Musical? I love actors. I’m a huge fan. I always think the greatest is the one I’ve just seen!
What’s your favorite play? The theater is powerful. I like plays that stir emotions, cause me to reflect and think. There have been a few of those. They are personal to me—private, because of how they changed me.
What production deserves a revival? The Boy from Oz
Who is your admired broadcaster? Barbara Walters. She fought the battles, forged the path for every woman in broadcasting today.
How about your most memorable broadcast? Covered live: Citywide funeral of fallen L.A. police officers, a Space Shuttle landing, a spacecraft launch at Cape Canaveral, a political presidential convention [and] the red carpet at the Academy Awards
Can you share a humorous on air blooper? I was anchoring the news live from Dodger Stadium opening day. For a segment, they put me in a bat boy baseball outfit. It was a little big. Interviewing one of the players, standing on the mound, the pants fell down!
What’s the greatest achievement of your career? Surviving, being able to move through changes and remain on the air, on stage for decades. I’ve been so lucky.
Do you have a treasured career possession? Every new TV/radio show/stage production, my Billy sent a telegram and a love note of support. I have every one.
Who do you most wish you had the opportunity to interview? Susan B. Anthony, Thurgood Marshall, Cesar Chavez, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Harriet Tubman, Abigail and John Adams, Martin Luther King Jr., Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Robinson [and] Golda Meir
What is your current state of mind when it comes to the Twin Cities’ news scene? I am very grateful I was anchoring news at the time I did.
What are you curious about? Everything I don’t know about—everything. I just want to learn and grow always.
Is there something you still want to learn? On a small personal level, play the piano and the guitar
What is your favorite journey? Every time Billy and I got in the car or got on an airplane to go anywhere together
What’s been your biggest life challenge? Learning to get up every day and make life joyful and meaningful without my Billy
What’s your favorite way to stay physically active? Pilates, water aerobics, especially walking my little Yorkie Buddy Boy 2 miles a day
Name six ideal dining companions. Bill Carlson in all six chairs
What is your greatest extravagance? I’m not at all extravagant, but I will spend more on a ticket than I should to see someone or some production on stage.
What’s on your reading list? Huge list of biographies and autobiographies of people who changed human and social conditions, historical happenings and events
What’s your TV-watching guilty pleasure? Binging The West Wing, The Tudors, The Newsroom, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
What is your favorite Lake Minnetonka area spot to dine, shop or relax? The tiny front deck of the tiny cabin my parents bought on the lake when I was 8 years old. I still have it.
DON SHELBY
What’s your first love—acting or broadcasting? Journalism
Who would you most like to see sitting in the first row of a stage performance? My Mom and Dad
What was your first theater role? Ali Hakim in Oklahoma!
What’s on your acting bucket list? Richard III
What’s your greatest on-stage fear? Going up (forgetting my lines)
As an audience member, what was your favorite theater performance? Mark Twain Tonight! with Hal Holbrook
What are your most overused words when describing a great performance? Silence. Unable to explain the force.
Who is the greatest stage actor? Lord Laurence Olivier
What’s your favorite play? Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? [Edward Albee, playwright]
What production deserves a revival? South Pacific
Who is your most admired broadcaster? Three-way tie: [Walter] Cronkite, [Edward R.] Murrow, Dave Moore
How about your most memorable broadcast? The Iron Crib (orphaned children of Romania)
Can you share a humorous on-air blooper? I once had trouble with the word organism, and I said, orgasm. Worse, I corrected the mistake by saying, “I mean, orgasm.”
What’s the greatest achievement of your career? Never being found out
Do you have a treasured career possession?
The Emmys and Peabodys pale in comparison to a single sheet of paper, awarding me first place in national reporting by the American Academy of Pediatrics for the best journalism that year in furtherance of the welfare of children.
Who do you most wish you had the opportunity to interview? [Former President] Barack Obama
What is your current state of mind when it comes to the Twin Cities’ news scene? Without direct criticism, generally across the country, we have fallen into the trap of giving people what they “want” to know as opposed to giving people what they “need to know.”
What are you curious about? Everything, all the time
Is there something you still want to learn? A hundred times a day, I am confronted with material I do not know of. Multiply that by 78 years. I want to learn everything I don’t know.
What is your favorite journey? Toward enlightenment, leaving ignorance behind
What’s been your biggest life challenge? Overcoming my naive stupidity
What’s your favorite way to stay physically active? Being in the woods
Name six ideal dining companions. Ben Franklin, Sir Isaac Newton, Jesus Christ, W.E.B. Du Bois, Hedy Lamarr and Marie Curie
What is your greatest extravagance? Gear. I must have equipment, tools, gadgets.
What’s on your reading list? Currently reading Ron Chernow’s biography of Mark Twain. Any book by Ashley Shelby
What’s your TV-watching guilty pleasure? YouTube instructional videos. I’m currently learning the geology of gold mining.
What is your favorite Lake Minnetonka area spot to dine, shop or relax? Relax by the lake; eat at Old Southern BBQ in Excelsior; shop at Ace Hardware in Shorewood
Learn more about Nancy Nelson and Don Shelby at lakeminnetonkamag.com.
Written by Paige Udermann — Photos by Chris Emeott
Some people notice when a room just doesn’t feel right, and Kanika Babal, owner of Heaven and Earth Feng Shui, has always been deeply attuned to the energies around her, and she has an innate gift for shifting them. In 2012, she felt a strong pull toward exploring this further and became a certified feng shui practitioner.
At first, she just wanted to expand her understanding, but after completing her training, she found herself helping friends and family and making positive impacts in their lives. Babal was inspired by this experience and felt driven to use her passion and skills to help even more people.
This led her to start Heaven and Earth Feng Shui that same year. “I thought that if I really wanted to help more people,
Left:
Feng shui practitioner Kanika Babal believes small, intentional shifts in a space can lead to incredible life transformations and infuse each day with more flow and balance.
Right: Kanika Babal
I could start offering my services,” she says. “It was very organic. It wasn’t something I necessarily decided was my path; it came to me.” Since then, Babal has helped countless Minnetonka residents, along with clients throughout the Metro, country and world, to transform their homes or businesses into spaces that help bring their goals to life.
Feng shui is all about how every element in a space affects the flow of energy, called chi. When a space is arranged thoughtfully, it can lead to wonderful transformations because smooth chi flow leads to positive change. Babal explains that many feng shui principles
help to make this happen. The bagua map shows which areas of a home influence various aspects of life, including health, relationships and wealth. The five elements—earth, fire, metal, water and wood—bring the right energy to each area. Yin and yang promote balance and harmony throughout a space, and command positions guide the placement of objects, like a bed or desk, to create a sense of safety and security.
Clearing clutter is a basic principle that can make the most significant difference by removing stagnant energy. Bringing nature into a space, such as increasing natural light
and adding plants, can help keep things feeling alive. These principles work together to foster chi and transformation.
When clients reach out to Babal, the process begins with an initial meeting to assess a client’s goals. “After that initial meeting, I request a blueprint of the client’s house,” she says. “I study the blueprint and align it with the bagua map.”
Next, Babal visits the space in person and practices what she calls intuitive feng shui. Rather than making changes that strictly adhere to feng shui rules, she considers the client’s emotional needs, lifestyle and spiritual
aspirations. During her walk-through, she keeps in mind what feels right for the people living there or using the space.
Following this visit, Babal prepares a detailed final report, filled with personalized recommendations. Many clients continue to work with Babal, inviting her to assist with design ideas, organization or sourcing products that foster chi.
Over the years, Babal has seen the difference feng shui can make in people’s lives. Many clients have shared that they have calmer spaces, improved well-being and a sense of alignment with their goals. She has also worked with clients who are seeking relief from migraines, poor sleep and anxiety, and has assisted those with ADHD, teens suffering from depression and adults addressing career, health and relationship issues. Babal has found that even the smallest changes in their spaces make a significant difference.
The importance of her work has been recognized beyond her client base and is valued by business professionals, like Realtors, who recognize how feng shui can influence a buyer’s experience. “In today’s market, where buyers are not only looking for a home but also harmony, balance and positive energy, [Babal’s] insights are truly remarkable and much needed,” says Tasha Soundara, Realtor and president of the Twin Cities chapter of the Asian Real Estate Association of America.
For Babal, feng shui is so much more than changing spaces; it’s about transforming lives. “My goal is to help people understand how small shifts in their surroundings can create powerful transformations,” she says. “Whether it’s improving the energy of homes, offices or community spaces, I want to make feng shui accessible to everyone and help demystify it for those who may not know much about it.”
Heaven and Earth Feng Shui heavenearthfengshui.com
@heavenearth_healing
The bagua map shows which areas of a home influence various aspects of life, including health, relationships and wealth.
Top Dog Country Club app get it on Apple App
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Camp Guide The Summer
Ahh, the idyllic days of a childhood summer—meant to savor and relish as summer can quickly fold into fall and the return of school days and the obligations (assignments!) that come with them. While the freedom from schedules certainly has its place, it is just as important to keep kids academically, creatively, physically and socially engaged throughout the summertime.
The National Research Council and Institute of Medicine (2002) found that “exposure to positive experiences, settings and people, as well as opportunities to gain and refine life skills, supports young people in the acquisition and growth of [their] assets,” and summer can be a prime time for children to have these experiences, according to Elizabeth Fogarty, assistant professor with the University of St. Thomas School of Education.
Summer camps play a key role in fortifying those experiences and exposing children to new opportunities not typically found in a classroom. “Campers can try new activities and discover that they really enjoy them,” Fogarty says. Participation can also help children learn how to make and build friendships, an important skill that can last a lifetime.
Camp Lincoln and Camp Lake Hubert have a strong history of building lifelong memories, friendships and legacy campers. Nestled amid 800 acres of towering pines in Nisswa, each camp features more than 40 land and water activities and promotes leadership opportunities for campers from 40 states and 12 countries—all along the beautiful shores of spring-fed Lake Hubert. Connection, self-discovery and a shared purpose are the foundation of Birchwood Wilderness Camp in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. To focus on those values, the camp is limited to between 35 and 45 campers, ages 7–17. “Birchwood is where my son has learned not only independence, but confidence in new situations with new people, hard work … and a love for animals and nature,” one parent says.
The importance of downtime shouldn’t be understated and is an essential consideration for families when planning how to spend the summer months. Striking a balance between scheduled camps or programs and nonscheduled time can be a challenge. “Relaxed summer schedules often provide respite from busier school days,” Fogarty says. “An extended lack of structured time, however, can create restlessness for kids and caregivers alike. Camps and summer programs not only provide childcare options for working families, but they provide opportunities for summer enrichment.” —Renée Stewart-Hester
• One beautiful K-12 campus and Environmental Learning Center in Long Lake
• Early childhood and preschool programs at the Discovery Center in Maple Plain
• Every child is known! Focus on Scholarship, Character, and Connectedness
• Small in size… BIG in achievement!
Submit K-12 open-enrollment applications by January 15, 2026
The Summer Camp Guide
A Measured Approach
Intuitive cooking can lead to a full course of creativity and freedom.
Written by Renée Stewart-Hester — Photos by Chris Emeott
Have you ever taken a road trip without a map or embarked on a home project without instructions? How about making a dish without a traditional recipe? How confident are you in the kitchen to take a preset list of ingredients and measure them with your heart or gut—instincts or otherwise?
Some home cooks are held captive by recipes, following them by the letter and measuring to the precise amounts. And that’s all OK, and some recipes, especially when it comes to baking, require precision. But not all dishes are created equal, and using just a list of ingredients and brief instructions to start a culinary creation can be freeing and confidence building.
The Grocer’s Table in Wayzata not only offers dine-in options, it’s also a place to shop for ingredients, kitchen and home décor, and cookbooks, including The New York Times Cooking No Recipe Recipes by Sam Sifton. This isn’t the only publication
of its sort out there, but it certainly got our cooking wheels spinning.
Since he arrived as the executive chef at The Grocer’s Table and its next-door sister, Eloise, Sam Gilman has immersed himself in menu development for both venues, bringing his inspired dishes to diners. With this in mind, Lake Minnetonka Magazine connected with Gilman to procure some no-recipe recipes to inspire home cooks to elevate their creative culinary game and start the year with fresh ideas to make, plate and enjoy. Gilman also offers guidance to navigate cooking without a traditional recipe.
What do home cooks need to keep in mind when cooking without measurements and detailed instructions?
The first step is to have some fun and taste everything at every stage of the process. Before adding any ingredient, taste what you have. Ask yourself, “What does it need?”
The final touches on Grilled Brassicas serves as a flavor exclamation point.
Chef Sam Gilman shares how home cooks can trust their culinary instincts to find success in the kitchen.
“Think about classic flavor combinations. Lean into them. They work, and it’s natural. Or get weird and have some fun!”
Sam Gilman, executive chef
Often, it comes down to personal preference. Aim to make it taste great but also tailor it to what you’re in the mood for.
What are some common missteps?
[The] biggest mistake would be following a recipe to an absolute T. A recipe from a magazine, online article or word of mouth could vary with an ingredient. Take peppers, for example: Their heat level can fluctuate, depending on the season, growing conditions or where they’re sourced. The same type of pepper might be milder or spicier than expected, especially if it’s out of season. And if you’re substituting with a different variety, the heat level and flavor profile could change entirely. So, if you’re aiming for a spicy salsa and the peppers aren’t bringing enough heat—or are too overpowering—it can throw the whole dish off balance. That’s why it’s so important to taste as you go and adjust as needed.
Are there any absolute “nos” when it comes to this process?
Yes. Don’t forget to taste the food along the way when you are making it. You could be disappointed at the end if you didn’t. Lean into your preference of what you’re making.
Is using one’s heart and palate as guides freeing, and does it allow for creativity? Absolutely! You may have an idea in your head about a certain recipe or dish, but with what you’re given, you may need to pivot or rethink.
Does every recipe have a formula?
Yes and no. There are so many classic combinations that work beautifully. At the same time, work with what you have.
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CREATIVE FREEDOM
Executive chef Sam Gilman offers starting points with no-recipe recipes for dishes he enjoys making at home.
Rosemary-Sage Salad Dressing
» Dijon mustard
» EVOO
» garlic clove
» maple syrup
» rosemary
» sage
» salt and pepper
Add ingredients into a blender, and blend to fully emulsify.
Grilled Brassicas
» Use whatever vegetables you have, including:
• broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• kale
» salt and pepper
» neutral oil
» chili flakes
Toss vegetables in a bowl; season with salt, pepper and oil. Place on a grill, roasting until charred and cooked. Toss with chili flakes and Rosemary-Sage Salad Dressing or vinaigrette of choice.
Whole Roasted Chicken
» whole chicken
» garlic head, halved
» 2 lemons, 1 for the chicken and the other for seasoning
» thyme
» rosemary
» chicken stock
» flour
» butter
» salt
Stuff the chicken with garlic, lemon, thyme and rosemary. Season heavily with salt and pepper. Bake at 450 F until the skin is brown; reduce the temperature to 350 F. Cook chicken until its internal temperature is 157 F. Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before carving. Make a pan sauce with the drippings. Add some chicken stock; simmer. Add a little flour to thicken the pan sauce. Add butter; season with lemon and salt.
Visit lakeminnetonkamag.com to learn more about executive chef Sam Gilman.
Eloise eloisemn.com @eloise.wayzata
The Grocer’s Table thegrocerstablemn.com @thegrocerstable
Laura Rockhold
Art Takes Root
Local poet and painter shares her inspiration, creative practice and original poem form.
Written by Jennifer Pitterle — Photos by Chris Emeott
Long Lake’s Laura Rockhold finds inspiration for her poetry and visual art just about anywhere. “Reading, discovering poets and artists, [and] visiting museums and galleries are central to my practice,” Rockhold says. “I follow my intuition, change mediums [and] play.”
Rockhold is currently focused on sculptures and paintings—on canvas, paper and wood—some other mixed media and poetry. The Lake Minnetonka area, where she and her husband have lived for 11 years, now with their daughter, is a reliable source of creative spark. “I find inspiration everywhere,” Rockhold says, from her wooded backyard and the Luce Line State Trail to hiking in Wood-Rill (Orono) and Wolsfeld Woods (Long Lake) Scientific and Natural Areas or sitting in the at Noerenberg Gardens, overlooking Lake Minnetonka.
Rockhold’s work engages with themes of
nature and wilderness; family and motherhood; identity and belonging; and, she says, “the restorative powers of art, hope, beauty and healing.” Her first book of poetry, Thunderroot, was a finalist and semifinalist for several awards, and her poems have been published in places like Open Rivers (University of Minnesota journal) and RockPaperPoem (literary magazine).
As for many artists, Rockhold’s path to pursuing art full time was circuitous. She studied child psychology and art at the University of Minnesota and then worked in corporate roles. After a decade as a communications director, Rockhold shifted to art consulting and became the director of a Minneapolis art gallery. Then, COVID-19 offered a pivot—staying home with her then-kindergartener, guiding remote schoolwork and finding time to rededicate
We Took It All
by Laura Rockhold
We went mid-morning, under a clear sky, to walk and listen as we do in the woods.
First, we saw two trumpeter swans gliding on the lake, holding themselves as sacred as their other, we said, loves for life. In the marsh, we saw four great white egrets wading, each on their own path.
And three garter snakes sunning their creative sides in the tall, yellow grass.
We saw six bass spawning by the bridge, giving up something they think they love, for something they really do love.
We saw one bald eagle ascending from the lowest to the highest point.
And on the lake again, we saw two loons and their reflections as still as reawakening dreams.
We started on the path for home, and took it all as a sign of something good.
herself to painting and writing. Since 2020, she’s been doing art and poetry full time.
Rockhold has even created an original poetry form, the golden root, where the first and last word in each line are taken from a source poem to which the writer is paying tribute. Her first golden root was an homage to Lucille Clifton, one of Rockhold’s favorite poets. At the time, Rockhold was working with a form by Terrance Hayes, the golden shovel, when this new form emerged as she wrote. “To make a golden root, I have to feel a connection to the source poem—which happens instantly. And when it does, it’s magic,” she says. In addition to Clifton, Rockhold counts Ada Limón and Emily Dickinson among her favorite poets.
She’s taken her practice on the road, teaching poetry to fourth graders at Orono Intermediate School (OIS) during last April’s
Laura Rockhold is focused on sculptures and paintings—on canvas, paper and wood— some other mixed media and poetry. “I find inspiration everywhere,” she says.
National Poetry Month. OIS media specialist Maria Nellis coordinated Rockhold’s work with the fourth graders. “This experience opened students’ minds to a new form of creative expression that combined poetry with art. They truly enjoyed working with a poet and artist to create their own original pieces,” Nellis says.
In particular, they worked on ekphrasis, poems that are based on detailed descriptions of other existing works of art. “I brought art books from home and guided the children in a writing exercise, and they had the opportunity to read their original poems aloud to their class,” Rockhold says. Does she think it’s trickier to teach kids about poetry in an age of intense digitization? “No—the opposite, actually,” Rockhold says. “I think they crave it, to express their creativity in words and to use their unique voices.”
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Laura Rockhold sits before the painting RENEWAL. Minneapolis’ Veronique Wantz Gallery will exhibit some of her original poetry and paintings.
BREATHE IN
Laura Rockhold opens an exhibition of her original painting and poetry, (IN)HALATION January 17 to February 28 at the Veronique Wantz Gallery 901 N. Fifth St., Minneapolis. (The opening reception is set for 4–7 p.m. January 17.) The show includes paintings, mixed-media work, light, sound and poems. “Everything in the universe is made up of energy and vibrates at a certain frequency,” Rockhold says. This body of work associates specific color/light frequencies with specific sound frequencies used by ancient Egyptian and Tibetan musicians to promote healing. For Rockhold, all art has the power to open and heal.
Minneapolis Integrative Medicine Center
Founded in 2017 with a mission to transform how people experience health care, Minneapolis Integrative Medicine Center has grown into one of Minnesota’s largest and most innovative women-owned, womenled integrative medical practices. “We care for patients from early childhood through older adulthood, supporting health at every stage,” says founder Cassie Wilder, N.M.D.
Integrative medicine blends the rigor of conventional diagnostics with the depth and personalization of holistic medicine. Providers use advanced lab testing, imaging and medical assessments in tandem with nutrition, lifestyle guidance, targeted supplementation and prescription medications. “It’s a whole-person approach that focuses on symptoms and methods to help patients attain overall wellness and longevity,” Wilder says. “We playfully call ourselves health detectives, collecting the clues to crack the case.”
Minneapolis Integrative’s providers have a wide range of specialties, including
cardiovascular and metabolic health, complex cases (chronic Lyme’s disease, Long COVID, MCAS and POTS), gut health, integrative oncology, longevity medicine, mental health, pediatrics and men’s and women’s health and hormones. It also features a nutrient infusion suite, offering IV therapies and injections.
The Wayzata-based clinic serves patients throughout Minnesota and the country. “Many people come to us after years of feeling unheard, seeking answers they haven’t found anywhere else,” Wilder says. “Education is at the heart of our philosophy.” Every appointment is a collaboration, empowering patients with an understanding of their bodies and health. Our greatest success is when patients leave not just feeling better but feeling equipped.”
1120 E. Wayzata Blvd. Suite 110, Wayzata 952.222.7670 mplsimc.com
“Our team’s motivation has always been the same: to give people back their dignity, confidence and hope through a model of care that digs deeper and treats the whole person rather than just their diagnosis,” Wilder says.
Orono Dental Care
The new year encourages many of us to prioritize our health and wellness goals, which is a primary focus at Orono Dental Care. Dr. Mike Skramstad states, “There are more than 50 major medical conditions that are influenced by the condition of our mouths, and our team is passionate about making a positive impact on the oral-systemic health of each patient through education and targeted treatment.”
Orono Dental Care has always prioritized cutting-edge technology. This past year, the practice incorporated technology that changes and enhances dental cleaning appointments. Guided Biofilm Therapy uses medical-grade dye and air polishing to ensure cleanings are thorough while simultaneously showing patients how to maintain the results at home.
“We also now utilize salivary diagnostic testing to identify and target the specific causes of dysbiosis and inflammation in the mouth. This helps us individualize treatment planning to a higher level than we have ever been able to achieve,” Dr. Megan Pint explains. Saliva testing benefits patients by avoiding
wasted time and money by treating disease with the wrong tools or assuming the wrong causes. It also provides information about other full-body health issues that should be evaluated outside the dental office, and patients are encouraged to share a copy of the results with their physician.
Technology has also expanded within Orono Airway Wellness Center, the dental sleep medicine department at Orono Dental Care. “We partner with local and telehealth-based sleep physicians to offer at-home sleep testing. Once a diagnosis is made, we comprehensively assess the upper airway clinically to customize a plan that improves sleep and snoring,” Dr. Brianna Hammer says. The practice’s new soft tissue laser works by boosting and tightening collagen fibers in the back of the throat, helping to decrease snoring and reduce airway collapsibility.
“As a team, we are passionate problem-solvers, inquisitive and very detailoriented,” Dr. Mike Longlet shares. “We prioritize getting to know our patients and helping them achieve their dental goals.”
Preschool Particulars
Families are invited to learn about programs at the Minnetonka Community Education Center.
Community members are encouraged to attend the Minnetonka Preschool open house from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. January 31 at the Minnetonka Community Education Center, 4584 Vine Hill Road, Deephaven.
Navigating preschool and childcare options can be a big step for families, and the open house offers a plethora of resources. Families can learn about various preschool and Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) programs and what and how these programs teach young learners from birth through kindergarten. Kim Carlson, executive director of Minnetonka Community
Education, will be present at the open house along with the coordinator of the district’s preschool, ECFE and Junior Explorers Molly Bahenman; DireSpecial Education director Angie Kleinedler; and Junior Explorers site supervisor Sarah Davis. Teachers, paraprofessionals and representation from the Minnetonka Preschool and ECFE PTO/Advisory Board will also be on hand.
Children are welcome to attend the open house, and face painting activities and open gym time will be provided. Additional information is available at minnetonkaschool.org. —Diane Meyer
01.03
Family Storytime
Every Saturday, the Minnetonka Public Library invites children of all ages and their caregivers to a morning of playful storytelling and fun from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. hclib.bibliocommons.com
01.14
50 and Older Ski Lessons
Brush up on your ski skills and learn basics from noon to 3 p.m. at Hyland Park Reserve. mnthreeriversweb.myvscloud.com
01.16, 01.26
Adult Ski and Snowboard Night
Bring your partner out to the Hyland Hills slopes for a fun night of skiing or snowboarding, and end the night with a complimentary beverage at Wooden Hill Brewing Company. mnthreeriversweb.myvscloud.com
01.18
From Screen to Stage
The Wayzata Symphony Orchestra welcomes the community to an afternoon of music from fan-favorite film soundtracks from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Hopkins High School Auditorium. thewso.org
01.25
St. Olaf Choir Performs
See the renowned St. Olaf College Choir in concert from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Wayzata Community Church in advance of its upcoming 2026 National Tour. wp.stolaf.edu
01.29
Annual Snowball Open
It’s never too cold for ice golf! Birch’s on the Lake hosts a happy hour from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with live DJs, bonfires and s’mores, as dedicated golfers take on the 18-hole course on Long Lake for the Orono Lions’ 39th annual event. birchsonthelake.com
Compiled by Diane
Meyer and Avery Vrieze
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 may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.
and
Excelsior Halloween Parade
Despite light rain, hundreds of Excelsior elementary students and teachers paraded down Water Street in festive costumes much to the delight of family, friends and community members who lined the street. Excelsior fire fighters and South Lake Minnetonka Police officers accompanied parade-goers and provided street safety for the annual community event.
To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos, contact information and a brief description of the event to lakeminnetonkamag@localmedia.co.
Photos: Jim Douglas
Dr. Mitchell Schroeder, Dr. Shawn Sailer, Dr. Caroline Brost-Sailer, Dr. Ryan Elton, Dr. Tyler Knutson
A Shared Moment
Nature’s winter handiwork can artistically move us through the season and unlock creative minds. Local resident Gundula Behbahani spent several hours at Wayzata Beach, taking many photographs, including this submission to our annual photo contest.
“[The] first thing I saw were these huge ice blocks blown to the shore,” Behbahani says. “I was instantly mesmerized by not just their enormity but also by the colors and shapes. The surprise was finding this beautiful crystal flower formed by the ice with the most delicate details imaginable.”
Behbahani lives in the Lower Lake area, ideal for photo taking, and says, “I love to capture the magic of the moment in the moment and share it.”
—Renée Stewart-Hester
Photographer: Gundula Behbahani Title: Winter Wonderland Equipment: iPhone 12 Pro
