Lake Minnetonka - April 2024

Landschute combines Old World design philosophy with today’s lifestyle

ARCHITECT. BUILDER. SCULPTOR.

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APRIL 2024

As we welcome another April: “Let your mind be quiet, realizing the beauty of the world and the immense boundless treasures that it holds.” —Edward Carpenter, English poet and philosopher

DEPARTMENTS

18

Mystery and Mayhem— Minnesota Style Wright County provides inspiration for local novelist.

20

Rooms With a View

Kelly Olsen’s latest development project will welcome lakeside guests.

22

Housing With Heart

Orono Woodlands joins Living Well in its mission to serve those with disabilities.

FEATURES

24

Homemade Donations

Historical organizations recommend ways to declutter and donate.

26

Architect. Builder. Sculptor. Landschute combines Old World design philosophy with today’s lifestyle.

40

Pick up Artist Resident creates mandalas from natural finds.

TASTEMAKERS

46

Be Still Our Melty Hearts Discover tips to create (or order!) a beloved grilled cheese sandwich. IN EVERY ISSUE 8

Photos: Chris Emeott

Lobster Bisque, page 46

Christine Husom, page 18

OUR FAMILY PROUDLY SERVING MINNESOTA’S 10,000 LAKES

Since 1992

BOAT SALES | PRO SHOPS | STORAGE | SERVICE | FIBERGLASS REPAIR | BOAT TRANSPORTATION | MOBILE SERVICE

SALES LOCATIONS EXCELSIOR

FROM THE EDITOR

Renée Stewart-Hester —

If you come over to my house, don’t go into the lower level. I beg of you. There’s a room down there that if you asked me what color it is, I’d ask you what color represents procrastination with a hint of overwhelmingness. While a game table stands at the ready in “that room” to serve up some fun, none of us can play. Why? Because there are plastic bins on nearly all four sides of the floor around the table. Those bins are filled and I mean filled with items from my late father’s senior living apartment. The items are things none of his five daughters (I’m in that group!) had the heart to toss or donate or wanted take home. (The poor cabin has become the “Let’s just put it up there” space, but even that has its limits.) So here we are. The leftovers. Guess who is in charge of figuring out what to do with years of slides, a stamp collection (Some of the stamps are secured in books, but most are floating around loose.), high school yearbooks, newspaper clippings (Every good flood or natural disaster needs to be documented with yellowing newspaper clippings!), Life magazines and photos upon photos for both sides of our family? The answer: She’s pictured above this note.

It’s a lot. So much so that I don’t know where to start. I will—eventually—get it all done, and I hope I’ve made a great deal of progress by the time this issue runs. Am I the only one out there facing this dilemma? Of course not! If you’re in the same conundrum or know someone who is, turn to page 24. I reached out to some local historical societies to ask what those organizations take and don’t take when it comes to items with local ties. After learning about what they consider of value, I know I need to make a call to my hometown historical society. After all, it might need more details about the flood of 1978!

Happy sorting,

On the Cover

Photo: Chris Emeott

Landschute, photo by Chris Emeott, page 26

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VOL. 18 NO. 12

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, Sherri Hildebrandt

STAFF WRITERS

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

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Hollie Blanchard, Laurel Famigletti, Alison Feik, Tracy Hvezda-Lehtola, Sarah Jackson, Dan Keegan, Spencer Olson, Kirsten Pardoe, Aaron Person, Raela Schoenherr, Lisa Stevens, Katie Tomsche, Liz Vandam

DIGITAL INTERN

Zoe Baden

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Findlay Drabant, Grace Knapp, Morgan McFadden

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Brooke Beyer, Wayzata Area Chamber ; Laura Bray, Friends of the Excelsior Library ; Mary Cornelius, Minnetonka Schools ; David Decker, House Novel ; Kelly Olsen, Olsen Global ; Michele Phillips, blogger, writer, photographer ; Amanda Zielike, House Novel

SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR

Sarah Dovolos

ART DIRECTOR

Allison Nolden

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR

Jamie Klang

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Yaz Lo

LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris Emeott

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Brittni Dye

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Lisa Stone

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Mimi Coz

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

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

PRESIDENT Pete Burgeson

TEASE

In honor of Earth Day, celebrated each April 22, this issue features a piece about Bonnie Bohn Hector (page 40). The Orono resident discovered ways to capture natural beauty through artistic creations. Perhaps, her artwork will inspire readers to celebrate Earth Day (and days moving forward) by discovering their own ways to incorporate nature into their creative living. —Renée Stewart-Hester

lakeminnetonkamag.com

Photo: Chris Emeott

GROW

TASTE CRACK OPEN A HEALTHIER OPTION

Many springtime gatherings call for brunchtime offerings. Change up a classic recipe with The American Diabetes Association’s version of Eggs Benedict (diabetes foodhub.org)

Eggs Benedict Florentine

» nonstick cooking spray

» 1 tsp. olive oil

» 4 cups baby spinach

» 1 clove garlic, minced

» 4 eggs, poached

» 1 egg yolk

» ½ tsp. lemon juice

» 2 Tbsp. low sodium vegetable broth

» 1/4 cup fat-free plain yogurt

» 1/4 tsp. salt, optional

» dash of ground black pepper

» 2 whole-wheat English muffins, split and lightly toasted

Add the cooking spray and oil to a sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté the spinach until wilted. Stir in the garlic; sauté for an additional minute. Prepare a double boiler with a heat-proof bowl. Add the egg yolk, lemon juice and vegetable broth, whisking constantly until hot but not curdled. Remove from heat; whisk in yogurt, salt (optional) and pepper. Top each English muffin half with 1/4 of spinach mixture, one poached egg and 2 Tbsp. sauce.

Renée Stewart-Hester

Prepare for the Solar Eclipse

The last total solar eclipse happened to pass over my brothers’ homes in Wyoming. People, including me, came from across the country and globe to this narrow band of totality.

Wearing the protective “eclipse glasses,” I watched the sliver-size view of the sun become increasingly narrow while the moon passed in front of it. The sky was still bright with just a fingernail of sun visible. All at once, it slipped into darkness like the turning of a page; the temperature dropped. We could take off our shades and look up at the corona of the sun, dancing around the jet black circle of the moon.

This April 8, the solar eclipse’s totality experience will be twice as long as the one in August 2017, and the phenomenon can be seen for 4 minutes and 27 seconds. The cosmic coincidence of the sun and moon being the exact same size to our eye, despite being wildly unmatched sizes in space, is humbling.

The next total solar eclipse that can be viewed in the United States will be August 2044. I’m already planning a road trip east to catch a glimpse of this rare natural wonder.

Alison Feik of Excelsior has a degree in landscape architecture and holds a wealth of knowledge about local plants and gardening. Grow more at beingstronginnature.com.

Photos: Alison Feik

In honor of spring and Earth Day, A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poison by Kate Khavari is a historical mystery about a female botanist, who uses her knowledge of plants to help clear the name of her favorite professor, who’s been wrongfully accused of murder.

As a female scientist in academia in 1923 London, the heroine, Saffron, faces many barriers in her chosen field and in solving the murder. Khavari’s incorporation of botany makes this murder mystery unique, and as readers are swept away in finding out who done it, they may find themselves absorbing fascinating facts they never knew they wanted to know about plants and their vast uses.

Currently a three-book series, if you enjoy this book, you can look forward to more to come with this intrepid 1920s British heroine and her knack for solving mysterious botanical murders.

Raela Schoenherr works in marketing at a publishing company and is a lifelong lover of books and reading.

DISCOVER

Heritage Homes

Lake Minnetonka has many historical homes to appreciate—both large and modest in size.

Area homes listed in the National Register of Historic Places include:

» Allemarinda and James Wyer House (Wyer/Pearce), Excelsior*

» Crane Island Historic District, Minnetrista

» Peter Gideon Farmstead, Shorewood

» Schmid Farmhouse Ruin, Minnetrista

» Thompson Summer House, Minnetonka Beach

» Wayzata Section House, Wayzata

*The Wyer/Pearce house, built ca. 1887 at 201 Mill St., was long one of the largest homes in Excelsior. It was owned by Allemarinda and James J. Wyer II and later by Fred Pearce, owner of the Excelsior Amusement Park. Repurposed many times over the years,

it has held apartments, a gallery, offices and a bed and breakfast, and it is now restored and remodeled into condominiums.

The newly consolidated Lake Minnetonka Historical Society Research Archives has a large collection of property records, maps, directories and photographs available for area historical home research with knowledgeable volunteers ready to help homeowners dig into their homes’ pasts. Visit the archives in the lower level of the Wayzata Library, 620 Rice St. E., Wayzata. For additional information, including hours, go to lakeminnetonkahistory.org.

Kristen Pardoe is a member of the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, which tells the story of Lake Minnetonka by collecting, preserving and sharing its history. Discover more at lakeminnetonkahistory.org.

LISTEN INSPIRED GARDENING

From the moment the snow flies, I count down the minutes until I can plant my garden. I assess the millimeters of snow melt with scientific precision—all in anticipation of starting my gardening.

This year, I sorted through dozens of podcasts and found one that helps me bide the time over winter and fits my gardening needs until planting season begins—Growing Together: A Gardening Podcast. Each episode starts with a gardening “dad” joke and just gets better from there with words of wisdom, practical knowledge and backstories all related to Minnesota gardening (Zone 3).

The podcast is presented by host John Lamb (a novice gardener) and Don Kinzler (lifelong gardener), who both have a way of making spring feel not so far away with their lighthearted energy that draws in gardeners of all levels.

I made it through winter with the help of my new podcast friends and their “thought” gardening. It’s a process that helps gardeners visualize and plan for the coming of spring. Let me tell you, my garden looks fantastic in my mind. I will say that I—for the first time—have my arms wrapped around what I need to and want to do for my spring planting season.

New episodes are released every week or two, last almost an hour and are worth every minute. Learn more at sites.libsyn.com/461421/site.

—Kelly Cochrane

Photo: Lake Minnetonka Historical Society

Mystery and Mayhem—Minnesota Style

Wright County provides inspiration for local novelist.

By Mollee Francisco

Christine Husom

CHRISTINE HUSOM was born a storyteller. “I was creating stories before I could write or read,” she says. Husom remembers seeing the alphabet on the walls of her first grade classroom and realizing those letters were the key to unlocking her future. “I told myself, ‘I’m going to learn to read, so I can write those stories,’” And she did.

The Buffalo resident is the author of 14 books, including her prolific Winnebago County Mystery Series. Husom specializes in mystery novels, many of which take place in central Minnesota. She says Winnebago County is a thinly veiled version of Wright County, where she currently lives and once worked as a member of the Wright County Sheriff’s Department. (Wright County is part of the Lake Minnetonka Magazine readership area.)

Husom’s background in law enforcement serves her well when writing mystery novels, but she says it was the suspicious circumstances surrounding her father’s death that got the proverbial ball rolling on her writing career. Husom says her father was in the hospital when, one night, he left his room, exited the hospital and was later found dead after he drowned in a nearby holding pond. His death was ruled an accident, Husom says, but she couldn’t stop thinking about it. “I obsessed about it for a year,” she says. “What if it wasn’t an accident? Who would have done it?”

Husom sat down and began to write Murder in Winnebago County. It was published in 2008. “Halfway through the book, I fell in love with the characters and had ideas for a second and a third book,” she says.

Characters are at the heart of Husom’s books. “One of my favorite things are creating characters,” she says. “When I’m writing, I feel like I’m with my characters. I hear their voices and see their expressions.”

Husom’s Winnebago County Mystery series follows Sgt. Corinne “Corky” Aleckson and detective Elton

Photo: Chris Emeott

BOOKS—SO FAR—BY CHRISTINE HUSOM:

Winnebago County Mysteries

» Murder in Winnebago County

» Buried in Wolf Lake

» An Altar by the River

» The Noding Field Mystery

» A Death in Lionel’s Woods

» Secret in Whitetail Lake

» Firesetter in Blackwood Township

» Remains in Coyote Bog

» Death to the Dealers

» Deputy #714 is Down

Snow Globe Shop Mysteries

» Snow Way Out

» The Iced Princess

» Frosty the Dead Man

» Cold Way To Go

“Smoke” Dawes as they work cases for the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department. She draws from her experience with the Wright County Sheriff’s Department, as well as news stories to generate ideas for her books. “One time, my brother asked if I’d heard about the couple found in a car at the bottom of a lake,” she says. “He said they figured they’d been there for 20 years. I said I hadn’t heard about it and thanked him.” That news story became the premise for Secret in Whitetail Lake, the fifth book in the Winnebago County Mystery Series.

When Husom is working on a book, she says she can write for 12 to 16 hours a day. “The writing process is intense,” she says. “I don’t outline. I know who the bad guys are, and I know the start and end and some key points along the way. The whole creative process is about discovery,” Husom says.

Husom, who once thought she didn’t have the patience to sit down and write a book, now takes about six months from start to finish to pen a book. (The editing process can take up to a year.) Along the way, she’s ever mindful of her next story. “I’m always thinking ahead of what to write,” she says.

Husom isn’t worried about running out of material. “There are 300 lakes, three rivers and a swamp in Wright County,” she says. “Lots of places for a body to turn up.”

Discover more at christinehusom.com. Christine Husom @christinehusom

Rooms With a View

Kelly Olsen’s latest development project will welcome lakeside guests.

By Meredith Heneghan

MANY MINNESOTANS know how wonderful and magical it is to live it up on the lake—even if it’s for only an overnight visit. Starting this summer, guests will have the opportunity to share in that experience right on the shores of Lake Minnetonka

The Shoreline Hotel in Spring Park is the latest project from real estate developer and creative Kelly Olsen. Olsen is a local, and when she got the opportunity to purchase the building and propose a boutique hotel, she couldn’t let it pass her by. Her latest project will offer 27 guest rooms (23 of which face the lake and feature private decks!), a restaurant (serving meals throughout the day), an event space (Think: private gatherings and special

events, meetings, group morning yoga and more.), a spa and plenty of comfortable, relaxing outdoor space along the water, including a marina with 32 slips.

Doran Special Projects out of Bloomington is helping transform the space that was built in 1996 and once served as office building, which was only at 53 percent capacity when Olsen purchased it. With an enviable and prime spot on the shore, the property was ideally suited to welcome in more than half its capacity.

Enter Olsen and her team of investors. Turning away from office-centric interiors and toward the natural, water-focused vibe is a driving tenet. Naming the boutique hotel The Shoreline Hotel is reflective of the

design focus. “… Our real intent is to just bring the lake in—natural, relaxing environment,” Olsen says.

Repurposing and sustainable practices are also at the forefront of decision making. “We did have to take a large oak tree down that was rotted, and we shipped it up to Brainerd to be milled and turned into various elements in the hotel,” she says. The work is being done through Big Wood Timber Frames, owned by local Mike Nicklaus. Possible uses could include flooring, furniture, shelving elements and other unique pieces that will be a part of the hotel’s design story.

The outdoor space will also feature a sundeck with loungers. “We’ve got a sandy beach that we’ll be enhancing as we move forward,” Olsen says. Guests could also find paddle boards, waterfocused rental options and wakesurf lessons with Spring Park’s Alexa Score, TV host/personality and former wakeboard professional.

Olsen says the hotel will be a great place for a host of events. “Just about anybody could come for the weekend and experience the lake lifestyle, or you could rent out the entire hotel if you’re doing a wedding. Get married on the beach, and have all of your people stay

This room rendering highlights the stunning views of Lake Minnetonka, which are likely to be a big draw for guests.

Rendering: The Shoreline Hotel

WELCOME BACK

Local historians know that The Shoreline Hotel is the first hotel located on the lake since the Hotel Del Otero, 4050 Shoreline Drive. It was built by James J. Hill and burned down in 1945. Almost 80 years later, this newest hotel is bringing more hospitality excitement to the Lake Minnetonka community. As Kelly Olsen says, “We’re feeling the buzz.”

at the hotel,” she says. Local residents, who live in condos or smaller homes, might feel a space pinch when guests come to town for extended stays. Enter The Shoreline, which can serve as the ultimate “guest room.”

Locals should know that the area’s newest neighbor is more than a hotel. When getting community input, Olsen says many neighbors expressed their desire for a go-to spot. “I would love for our restaurant to feel like that gathering place for the community. Come for breakfast, lunch or dinner; meet up with your friends, grab a coffee, sit out on the deck and look at the lake. I would like for this to be a hub,” she says.

Olsen is working with some of the same team members, who developed The Guest House in Excelsior. (Visit lakeminnetonkamag.com to read more about the venue.) Olsen says, “The Guest House is great for a large group, but this is the other hole in the market—meant for staycations, staying for the night, coming in from out of town and really experiencing the lake lifestyle.”

The development of The Guest House was filmed for a TV series called Miss INNdependent, which aired on KSTP-TV and followed nine female entrepreneurs as they transformed the property into a unique vacation destination. The Shoreline project is being filmed, too, and will be available to stream soon.

The Shoreline Hotel, 4165 Shoreline Drive, Spring Park; info@shorelinehotel.com; shorelinehotel.com;

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Housing With Heart

Orono Woodlands joins Living Well in its mission to serve those with disabilities.

THROUGHOUT THE TWIN CITIES , 36 homes thrive on a foundation of stability and glow with the warmth of friendship. For more than 50 years, Living Well Disability Services strives daily to embody and reflect the nonprofit’s mission, which is: “to transform the lives of people impacted by disabilities through the delivery of exceptional services.”

Living Well owns and operates homes that span 20 surrounding

neighborhoods, in addition to serving others outside the permanent home locations. The nonprofit reaches over 300 people, supported by a staff of over 500 and a volunteer base of over 1,000. With a person-centered focus, details like the house’s aesthetic, enrichment activities and daily care routines are customized to serve each of the residents, who have intellectual, developmental or physical disabilities.

Whether it’s an art project, attending

Left: Family Fun Day at Living Well brings residents and families together in active, supportive ways.

Right: Making gifts for Valentine’s Day at Orono Woodlands is one way to bring crafts to the residents.

a performance or learning a new board game, making choices allows for individual expression and empowerment to impact their own environment.

In 2020, Living Well brought another home under its wing and welcomed Orono Woodlands as the newest addition to its roster. April Stevens, program manager of the Orono location, has worked at the location for over 20 years, including many years prior to it being a part of the Living Well system. Stevens has seen and learned a lot over the years in the Orono location, including how to build trust with residents and how to pivot when the pandemic halted many activities and visitors and impacted staffing levels.

“I think the Orono Woodlands and the people here have framed my entire life into what it is today,” Stevens says.

Orono Woodlands is fortunate to have Trinity Lutheran Church as a neighbor. “The church has been a backbone for many, many years,” Stevens says. “They call and check on us, bring over leftover food from events [and] ask if the residents have wish lists to add to their giving tree around holidays. They know us by name. They’ve embraced Orono Woodlands, and it’s amazing having that support right next door.”

In addition to the ever-blossoming relationship with the church, Orono Woodlands also gained a wealth of support when it came into the Living Well network. Stevens says, “There are 30 plus other managers [of the other Living Well homes], who can be thought partners and people to lean on. We’re all part of an organization of people, who all have the same heart that you have, same goals, same hurdles. I couldn’t imagine a more mission-driven group for this population.”

Many of the houses also welcome volunteers to play games, interact and converse with residents, make a few meals for the freezer or even participate in garden therapy and other activities. The opportunities for engagement are endless. Living

TAKING DESIGN TO THE NEXT

TAKING DESIGN TO THE NEXT

TAKING DESIGN TO THE NEXT

the

out of

out of your

remodel and see what the finished product will look like before we even hammer a nail.

will look like before we even hammer a nail.

NOW SERVING THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA

Home made Donations

WRITTEN BY RENÉE STEWART-HESTER

Historical organizations recommend ways to declutter and donate.

Photos: Chris Emeott

What are you going to do with that? Does anyone in the family want this? Where can I put all of those? The questions can be overwhelming; the decisions can feel endless. When decluttering or emptying a home, deciding what to keep, give away and do with the “leftovers” can be challenging.

While some items are destined to donation centers or recycling venues (maybe even the county dump), there is a category of items that have historical significance and should be saved and displayed for the public to enjoy. Who or what has space for all this? We know—historical societies.

Lisa Stevens, a board member with the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, and Stephanie Herrick, collection manager for the City of the Minnetonka Historical Society, highlight which items to offer these and other similar organizations.

WHAT ITEMS ARE A “YES?”

Stevens: We accept any items that we can preserve and share with the public to tell the story of Lake Minnetonka, including photos, documents and three-dimensional artifacts. Herrick: We accept items that help us preserve and share the history of Minnetonka. Think items like a butter churn used on a Minnetonka farm in the 1880s, a Christmas card sent by a Minnetonka family in the 1940s or a dress worn to a Minnetonka High School prom in the 1980s—items that help us tell the stories of Minnetonka and its residents.

WHAT ITEMS ARE A “NO?”

Stevens: We usually decline anything that is in extremely poor condition, could pose a health hazard or endanger our collection due to mold or pest infestation, etc., but there are exceptions. The item also needs to be able to fit in one of our museums or archives. We’ve had to decline a fire engine and large business sign in the past.

Herrick: We decline general antique items that do not have a clear connection to Minnetonka, photographs in which the subjects are not identified, duplicates of items already in our collection and items that are too big or otherwise difficult to store, such as furniture.

WHAT ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOKS, NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS OR PHOTOS?

Stevens: We have a collection of yearbooks from local schools, and we would love to have full sets from every part of the lake. We usually do not take newspaper clippings or newspapers unless they are exceptionally old, rare or unusual, but we’re happy to take a look. We love historic photos and postcards of the lake area ... Not ready to part with a photo? We’re happy to scan and return them, so we can add them to our digital collection. The public can view [over] 14,000 images scanned from our collection at mncollections.org … We also accept local photo albums, scrapbooks, letters and phonebooks about the area and more.

Herrick: We typically do not accept yearbooks or newspaper clippings, as those are readily available in other archives … and we simply do not have the space to store

See Into the Past

Lake Minnetonka Historical Society

Museums are located in Excelsior, Mound and Wayzata, and a Research Archives in Wayzata houses photos, documents and books. Visit lakeminnetonkahistory.org for hours and locations.

The City of Minnetonka Historical Society

Check out the Burwell House and Museum, 13209 E. McGinty Road, in Minnetonka. Free tours are available on a limited basis. For more information, visit minnetonkamn.gov. View collections at mncollections.org, with more items being added all the time.

them. As far as photographs, we are always interested in original photos, as long as the people and places pictured have been clearly identified.

WHAT TIME FRAME IS DEFINED AS HISTORICAL?

Stevens: We collect all eras of Lake Minnetonka history. The present is tomorrow’s past, so when in doubt—ask.

Herrick: For our purposes, history is anything that happened even five minutes ago! We are as interested in preserving the recent past as we are the more distant past … That said, our collection as it currently stands primarily consists of items from the 1880s to the early 1900s … as well as a large number of items from the mid-20th century.

WHAT ABOUT INTERESTING DONATIONS?

Stevens: We’ve received half of a large propeller found buried in the sand of Shady Island in the 1930s, likely thrown there by the 1879 explosion of the steamer May Queen. We’ve also received various original streetcar boat parts, from cane seats to a ship’s wheel, which are now part of the restored streetcar steamboat Minnehaha.

Herrick: … a bustle dress and matching umbrella, a set of antique kitchen gadgets, a child’s toy wagon, maps of early Minnetonka and a hand-painted mural.

DO YOU REQUIRE DONATION APPOINTMENTS?

Stevens: We prefer that people contact us at info@lake minnetonkahistory.org or 952.474.2115, so we can make certain that a qualified volunteer can assist them with their donation. People can also fill out a donation form on our website at lakeminnetonkahistory.org.

Herrick: We ask that anyone interested in donating an item first reach out to me at stephanie.herrick@cityofminnetonka history.org.

Captions for images on opposite page: This W.W. Kimball and Co. reed organ, early 20th century, is part of the City of Minnetonka Historical Society’s collection. It was in St. John’s Chapel (operated from 1858–1918) in Minnetonka Mills. It was in St. John’s where notable early resident Louise Burwell played on this reed organ.; A bustle dress, estimated to be from the 1880s, was donated to the City of Minnetonka Historical Society by Pati Kortum in 2020.; A steamboat Minnehaha wheel, constructed in 1906, was donated to the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society by Eric Sayer Peterson in 1990 in an effort to restore the Minnehaha.; A childhood wagon, circa 1889–1890, that belonged to Dana Frear, who was Minnetonka’s first town historian, was donated to the Minnetonka Historical Society by Chuck Kloster in 2022.

lakeminnetonkamag.com

Landschute is known for timeless homes on the shores of Lake Minnetonka.

ARCHITECT. BUILDER. SCULPTOR.

Landschute combines Old World design philosophy with today’s lifestyle.

Written by Jennifer Pitterle

“I think architects are born to be architects,” says Jon Monson, founder of Landschute, an Excelsiorbased architecture and building firm. “It’s kind of a genetic makeup that includes that creativity and problem-solving gene.”

Monson has been designing timeless homes around Lake Minnetonka since the early 1990s, and his philosophy—that architects should be involved in every phase of the building process— developed during a trip to Europe in 1975. As part of the University of Minnesota’s School of Architecture program, Monson and his classmates traveled abroad to study the historical buildings of small-town Germany. “I was part of a group that studied the old Renaissance town of Landshut,” Monson says. Every Friday, the various groups met at a local rathskeller for beer and exchanging updates. “We were never on time,” Monson says with a laugh. “The place was always filled with students, so the German professor would stand on a table and shout, ‘Where’s the Landshut group?’”

In addition to the name of his firm—which was Americanized to “Landschute” to help with

Photo: Landschute

pronunciation—Monson also brought home the concept of the master builder. In Medieval and Renaissance Europe, “There wasn’t really a professional designation as ‘architect,’” Monson says. “The master builder was the architect. The continuity that I saw there was not what I saw in the profession back in the U.S.” In modern architecture practice, the architect would do his/her work and hand it off to a contractor. “That resulted in a huge loss in translation from the architect’s head to reality,” he says. Monson wanted to do both. “I wanted to be the designer and the one who executes the vision,” he says.

After beginning his architectural career in the Minneapolis Warehouse District in the early ’80s, Monson realized his passion was for being both the architect and builder of custom homes. Since 1988, the Monson family

Landschute is known for its ability to utilize construction and design details to extract the best out of a lakeside home. “The more we did in the area, the more people looked at our classic, historic style and would hire us to do something in the same vein,” Jon Monson says.

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minnetonka beach

OFFERED AT $4,895,000

5 BED, 4 BATH, APPROX. 5,857 FSF

Minnetonka

OFFERED AT $789,000

4 BED, 3 BATH, APPROX. 3,258 FSF

has designed and built more than 150 homes in the Lake Minnetonka area. Monson says, “My goal was to go by boat to as many projects as I could.” Landschute was born. Monson built the business with a boutique feel, focusing on just a handful of projects at a time, so he could be involved in all of the details.

“He’s a sculptor,” says Hayley Monson Stoen, Landschute’s marketing director and Monson’s daughter. “He cares very deeply about his work and his artistry.”

Landschute is known for timeless homes on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, and that’s no coincidence. Monson’s wife, Mary Gray Monson, is a fifth-generation member of the Gray family, who settled on the easternmost side of the lake (You guessed it: Grays Bay.). “I had a real affinity for the lake from a historical context,” Monson says. “I did a lot of research on Mary’s great-grandparents.” In fact, one greatgreat uncle, Jesse Gray, was a builder, who constructed a number of homes and commercial buildings on the lake.

Mary herself has been an integral part of the business. “She’s looking over my shoulder and making sure it has a balancing of ideas,” Monson says.

“She’s always thinking about the livability and functionality of a space,” Monson Stoen says. “She picks out sinks and hardware and lighting fixtures. She’s a lighting genius.”

This chic oasis sits in a quiet neighborhood in coveted Minnetonka Beach on approximately 1.2 acres with approximately 150 feet of lakeshore. Close to parks and trails the landmark property oozes with character and features worldclass landscaping. Renovated and updated throughout with the perfect contemporary touches, the home is classic, yet stylish and hip.

minnetonka

OFFERED AT $1,199,000

5 BED, 4 BATH, APPROX. 4,344 FSF

This handsome home is immaculate, and pride of ownership is everywhere. Deephaven Elementary. Ideal location close to elementary, middle, and high schools, Lake Minnetonka, Carson Bay boat launch, swimming beaches, Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail, shopping, restaurants, and more!

Located in the coveted Highgate/Sparrow Road neighborhood, this charming ranchstyle home has three main floor bedrooms and sits on .61 acres. Convenience and tranquility coexist in this location which is private, but close to the elementary, middle, and highschool, shopping, and downtown Excelsior and Wayzata.

deephaven

OFFERED AT $1,295,000

4 BED, 4 BATH, APPROX. 3,524 FSF

Set two blocks from Lake Minnetonka and two blocks to Deephaven’s flagship Thorpe Park this charming home was designed, crafted, and lovely cared for by the current owners. Huge windows flood the space with natural light; a perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and natural beauty. Just a short distance to downtown Excelsior and Wayzata!

TRUSTED REAL ESTATE EXPERT

612.382.4952

MARKGRIEGER@ CBREALTY.COM

GRIEGERGROUP.COM

Photos: Landschute

“A lake house has two fronts,” Jon Monson says. “We want you to think you’re always in a primary orientation, regardless on which side of the house you’re on.”

From the start, Landschute’s knack for lake homes was apparent. “The more we did in the area, the more people looked at our classic, historic style and would hire us to do something in the same vein,” Monson says. That style is “anti-trend,” he adds, focusing on quality materials and details like cedar shingles, stone masonry and wraparound porches. Then, there’s Landschute’s expertise in framing lake views. “A lake house has two fronts,” Monson says. “We want you to think you’re always in a primary orientation, regardless on which side of the house you’re on.”

Monson even includes landscaping plans in each design. “We’ll work with the homeowners and landscaper to develop a plan that brings the home to another level, without having landscaping that competes with the home,” he says. Landschute often designs around mature trees and preserves natural settings. “It’s incorporating what’s there and making this beautiful picture,” Monson Stoen says.

One recent Lake Minnetonka project incorporates Monson’s trademark textures. “If you look at the interior of this home, you’ll see a certain amount of texture,” he says. “In the stairwell, there’s wainscoting and a ceiling treatment with beams that have a dimension to them.” Those details give a home life and layers. “I’ve had many clients say, years after they moved in, ‘I just noticed this one detail,’” Monson says. “That provides interest and delight. There’s always something I hope they’ll notice that they hadn’t noticed before.”

Photo: Landschute

HOME & GARDEN Collection

USING ART + SCIENCE TO CREATE YOUR UNIQUE OUTDOOR SPACE

Yardscapes, Inc. has been designing and installing custom residential outdoor spaces for the past 50 years! We combine art + science to create a unique project for every client. Our designers will take a project from its conceptual phase, through landscape construction and to its completion. Each project can be constructed with a combination of natural stone and other hardscapes elements, a variety of plant material, water features, patios, retaining walls, lighting, custom pools, outdoor kitchens and fire features. With the proper combination of natural elements, your personal natural environment can be created.

BOYER BUILDING CORPORATION A LEGACY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP FOR 70+ YEARS

Taking your kitchen (and other areas of your home) to a new level of luxury.

Our years of experience has allowed us to design and expertly craft whole homes and/or remodel spaces that bring you joy, purpose and value to your lives.

Check out our galleries at boyerbulding.com, and contact us for a consultation in making your home one that connects with your heart and soul.

BOYER BUILDING CORPORATION, 3435 COUNTY ROAD 101, MINNETONKA; 952.475.2097; BOYERBUILDING.COM

BOYER BUILDING CORPORATION

@BOYERBUILDINGCORPORATION

BOYER-BUILDING-CORPORATION

@BOYERBUILDING

BOYERBUILDING

WE TURN YOUR HOUSE INTO THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS

At J Brothers, we go above and beyond for our clients. Our hands-on, collaborative process assures you J Brothers was the right choice long before the projects completed. Backed by over 40 years of new custom home building and remodeling expertise, we provide a stressfree experience, turning your investment into a home you love. Our crews always show respect for the home, keeping it clean, protected and comfortably livable during construction.

Clients work with one of our in-house interior designers to make product and material selections. We provide professional guidance for maintaining your style and budget. To help visualize how it will look, we also provide 3D renderings of your space.

When you trust us to bring it to life, we dedicate ourselves to making your vision a reality. We prioritize your satisfaction every step of the way, from our initial meeting to the final walkthrough.

DESIGN AND BUILD YOUR FOREVER HOME

Do you love beautiful spaces but find that the feel and function of your home are out of sync? At MA Peterson, we have a reputation for seeing space differently. With our award-winning design team, we put our creativity to work throughout the entire process. When it’s time to start building, we get things done the right way—with unrivaled craftsmanship. When you work with us, you work with a premier remodeler who will be here for years to come.

MA PETERSON DESIGNBUILD, 6161 WOODDALE AVE., EDINA; 952.925.9455; MAPETERSON.COM

DON’T SETTLE FOR AVERAGE WHEN YOU CAN HAVE EXTRAORDINARY

Roofing, siding and windows are more than just functional components of your home—they define its aesthetic appeal and protect it from the elements. With Hoffman Weber Construction, you can trust that every aspect of your project will be handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Whether you need a roof replacement that guarantees long-lasting durability, new siding that adds elegance and curb appeal or windows that enhance energy efficiency and beauty, our team is here to bring your vision to life.

Why choose Hoffman Weber Construction?

• Unmatched craftsmanship and attention to detail

• Superior quality materials for lasting results

• Dedicated team of skilled professionals

• Transparent communication and exceptional customer service

• Commitment to community involvement

Now Serving Brainerd Lakes Area!

Roofing Siding Windows Storm Restoration Award-Winning Designs

THE FINE ART OF CREATING EXCEPTIONAL EXTERIORS

For more than 45 years, builders, remodelers and homeowners have counted on Allstar Construction for all their exterior construction needs. We specialize in:

• New Construction: Single & Multifamily

• Remodel: Exterior Renovations & Additions

• Storm Damage & Insurance Claims Management

It’s our mission to set the industry standard in terms of outstanding value, uncompromising quality, continuous innovation and exceptional client experience. We want to provide you with the right service at the right price at the right time—every time.

ALLSTAR CONSTRUCTION, 6500 CARLSON DRIVE, EDEN PRAIRIE; 952.295.3425; ALLSTARTODAY.COM

AD SALES DEADLINE: JULY 19, 2024

YOUR LOCAL HOME EXPERTS

GRADY STEPHENS

Chief Executive Officer

What are architectural shingles?

1. Also called dimensional shingles, architectural shingles offer more design options than standard 3-tab shingles.

2. Decorative in nature, architectural shingles come in ornate shapes, cuts and colors, featuring additional layers of granules and asphalt.

3. They can also be used to mimic the appearance of other, more expensive, roofing materials, such as shake, tile and slate.

4. Although architectural shingles cost more than standard 3-tab versions, they last longer, are more resistant to wind and harsh weather, increase curb appeal and may even boost property value.

5. Some insurance companies offer discounted premiums for home owners who install architectural shingles.

Allstar Construction, 6500 Carlson Drive, Eden Prairie; 952.295.3425; allstartoday.com

DAVID KOPFMANN

Landscape Designer + President

What elements are trending in landscape projects?

Wellness and entertaining elements:

1. Fire features such as gas/ wood burning elements, next to the ice rink

2. Outdoor kitchens with pizza ovens

3. Composite kitchens that won’t deteriorate over time and are cost effective

4. Pool/spa combinations with auto covers

5. Metal pergolas with levers that help regulate our erratic outdoor temperatures

6. Pickleball combination courts

With all these items combined, they create a great place to entertain!

Yardscapes, Inc. , 8609 Harriet Ave. S., Bloomington; 952.887.2794; yardscapesinc.com

Yardscapes, Inc. @yardscapes

Yardscapes, inc.

Bonnie Bohn Hector (at right) starts with a plan, but her ideas often morph into different creative outcomes.

The use of color, size and texture comes into play. Elements can take up to two hours to assemble.

PICK UP ARTIST

Resident creates mandalas from natural finds.

Written by Renée Stewart-Hester

Photos by Chris Emeott

While much of the world was becoming physically and emotionally stagnant during the early days of COVID-19, her creativity was flowing. Then and now— long runs take the former marathoner around Lake Minnetonka and along the Dakota Rail Trail, where she finds her running rhythm among the natural treasures she collects in the wildness of the rail corridor. The outcome: beauty transformed into mandalas.

“I was looking for something uplifting to do,” says Orono’s Bonnie Bohn Hector. Inspired by a blogger, who used floral and other natural elements to create designs, Bohn Hector gave it a try by placing petals, seeds, twigs and the like on pieces of fabric. The first attempt turned out well enough that she decided to commit to making one a week. “It felt like therapy to me. It was helpful,” she says.

Bohn Hector photographs the mandalas, giving the prints to family and friends—gratis—so they can enjoy the

“… people sometimes ask what I’m doing, I like to tell them that I run with the goodness of nature in my hand.”

Bonnie Bohn Hector, Orono

Once the mandalas are photographed, they are disassembled. How does Bonnie Bohn Hector feel about that part of the process? “I don’t feel anything bad about that. I have these photos, and that is captured forever,” she says.

designs in their states of full color and texture before time recaptures hues and moisture as its own. “The material I use is a snapshot of a particular day,” she says.

As a member of the Minnesota Herb Society, Bohn Hector has plenty of elements to choose from right at home. “I don’t buy anything for my designs,” she says. “I just use what I have in my gardens or things I can forage [from public spaces]. Once in a blue moon, I’ll ask my neighbors if I can use something from their garden [or] yard, but that rarely happens.”

Bohn Hector has foraged bark, branches, crabapple berries and blossoms, Kentucky coffee bean pods, feathers, maple tree blossoms, mulberries, seed varieties, Siberian squill, sumac, wild grapes, wild thistle and even more. “I think most of all, I look for unusual things to incorporate in the designs,” she says. “For example, my brother has some apple trees on a piece of land he has. The trees have been untended for a number of years. I was back in the grove and found a weathered, craggy piece of apple wood, so I took that for a design. [And] rhubarb seed head, interesting bark, etc., are all things that are of particular interest to me. The craggier it looks, the better.”

For Bohn Hector, foraging for mandala elements can also include taking her 94-year-old father on car rides in southern Wisconsin. He grew up on a farm and was a gardener. He knows— exactly—what to look for, including the nuts and bark from hickory trees.

While much of nature is resting,

Bohn Hector finds beauty in winter’s frozen offerings. “I’ve made several ice balls for the center of designs ... [and] I saw the berries on a tree that were frosted over,” she says. “I didn’t have a bag with me and knew that if I held them, the frost would melt, so I drove back later in the day, placed the frosted berries in a bag and hung them out my car window to drive home, so they’d remain cold and frosted.”

As warmer days invite us to venture out to local trails, one might see Bohn Hector gathering treasures. “A lot of people recognize me from the Dakota [Rail] Trail, as I’ve been running it for about 11 to 12 years,” she says. “When I pick up stuff on the trail, I have to run back to our house with it, and people sometimes ask what I’m doing, I like to tell them that I run with the goodness of nature in my hand.”

Bonnie Bohn Hector’s 88-year-old mother had beautiful flower gardens. “I feel that I gathered a strong appreciation for the beauty of flowers and plants from her gardens,” Bohn Hector says. “Between her love of flowers and my dad’s knowledge of the natural world, well, I think that’s what my pieces are all about— a combination of both.”

Photos: Bonnie Bohn Hector

HOMEGROWN PICKS

Bonnie Bohn Hector boasts an extensive bounty of herbs in her garden.

Sources for her art include, artemesia, baptisia, basil, bee balm, borage, calendula, cayenne pepper, chives, echinacea, dill, ginger, lavender, lemon balm, lemon verbena, lovage, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, scented geraniums, sweet Cecily, sweetgrass, sweet woodruff, turmeric, thyme, winter savory and yarrow.

Did you know? Coreopsis, lilacs, peonies and viola are all herbs.

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

TASTEMAKERS

Be Still Our Melty Hearts

Discover tips to create (or order!) a beloved grilled cheese sandwich.

Written by Kelly Cochrane — Photos by Chris Emeott

IT STARTED with a slice of bread topped with grated cheese that was served to the troops during World War II as part of the government-issued cookbook. The open face sandwich didn’t receive its lid until 1949—and the grilled cheese sandwich that we know and love was born.

Gradually, it’s moved from the lunch table to the dinner menu, even sneaking a spot at appetizer lists and as a member of the Bloody Mary accoutrement crew. The grilled sandwich has foodies and kids of all ages searching for their favorite combo and has even started

Delight in the Grilled Cheese with Lobster Bisque from Gold Nugget Tavern & Grille.

the great ingredient debate—does one use butter or mayonnaise to cover the bread slices before grilling or toasting? Regardless of where you stand, did you know that April is National Grilled Cheese Month? Celebrate by creating your own version (with some help!), or lean into the month by visiting some local restaurants, featuring today’s version of the classic sammie.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Are there ways to create the ideal, most sublime cheese-centric sandwich?

According to the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, yes! Take note:

• Shredded cheese not only melts faster, but it also melts more evenly.

• Explore cheese varieties for different flavors. Semi-soft cheeses, including Gouda, fontina and Monterey Jack, and semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar and Swiss, are excellent choices for melting. Crumbly cheeses, namely feta or blue, are great for adding a burst of flavor. Spice things up with a flavored cheese, including pepper jack, dill, havarti or chipotle Gouda.

• If using butter, spread it all the way to the edges of the outside of the bread for an evenly toasted color and buttery flavor.

• Use day old bread. The firm texture will support the cheese and other ingredients for a better eating experience.

• Speaking of bread, rather than using white or wheat, consider brioche or cinnamon-raisin for a touch of sweetness.

• A skillet with a cover will lock in the heat for faster melting. Don’t keep it covered for too long and risk the sandwich getting soggy.

FLAVOR FLIP

Try new takes on the old standard, thanks to the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. Its recipe for Bananas Foster Grilled Cheese uses mascarpone, vanilla extract and banana liqueur or brandy to elevate the flavor. The Nacho Grilled Cheese sandwich calls to the table crushed tortilla chips and pickled jalapeño pepper slices for texture and heat.

For complete recipes, visit lakeminnetonkamag.com.

ORDER LOCAL

If you aren’t hankering for a homemade bite, visit area restaurants for their takes on grilled cheese sandwiches. Here are just a sampling of Lake Minnetonka area spots to visit:

Benedict’s: The Sourdough Grilled Cheese goes way beyond what the name suggests. Benedict’s uses a brioche bread, American cheese and an herb butter, which is the key ingredient. Served for all three meals, most diners find the breakfast potatoes to be the perfect complement. 845 Lake St. E., Wayzata: 952.923.1903; benedicts.com

Duke’s on 7: The Brisket Grilled Cheese is filled with slow smoked brisket, which cozies up between buttered Texas toast with barbecue sauce, sautéed onions and provolone and cheddar cheeses. It’s a local delight and would make any Texan proud. 15600 Minnesota 7, Minnetonka; 952.767.2320; dukeson7.com

Gold Nugget Tavern & Grille: Come for the Grilled Cheese. The name is basic, but when the chef adds bacon and carmelized onions to the classic sandwich, goodness abounds with American and Swiss cheeses. 14401 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka; 952.935.3600; gntag.com

Haskell’s Port of Excelsior:

Try the Grilled Cheese & Prime Rib. It all starts with a slow cooked prime rib piled on sourdough bread with melted cheese and is served with au jus and horsey sauce. Diners can also ask for a more traditional Grilled Cheese Sandwich with sliced tomato. 1 Water St., Excelsior; 952.474.0937; haskellsport.com

Order the Sourdough Grilled

The Brisket Grilled Cheese from Duke’s on 7 is a must.

Cheese from Benedict’s.

What side of the aisle do you sit? When it comes to crafting the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich, are you a mayonnaise fan or a butter devotee?

Consider that mayonnaise is easier to spread from edge to edge on the grill-facing side of the bread. Since it’s oil based and has a higher burning temperature, it is easier to achieve that perfectly grilled sandwich. But then there is butter, which supports that classic grilled cheese sandwich flavor in the most delightful way.

What’s your vote?

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

THE RINK

Theater production is on a roll with this musical masterpiece.

THE MINNETONKA THEATRE , a premier high school program in the Midwest, is set to present its spring production, The Rink, which highlights the complicated relationship between a mother and her daughter and how the decaying family roller rink brings them back together.

The production is expected to have about 100 to 110 students involved, with 55 to 60 of those participating as actors and the remaining in the crew.

Trent Boyum, artistic director, will direct, and the show will begin performances on April 27 and carry on through May 12.

The performance is set at the rink, located in

a town along the Eastern seaboard, where the mother-daughter duo’s complex relationship is examined. Theatergoers can expect to be treated to the score of John Kander and Fred Ebb with Colored Lights, We Can Make It, What Happened to the Old Days, All the Children in a Row and The Rink! —Morgan

McFadden

Visit the website for showtimes and dates and ticket information.

Arts Center on 7, 18285 Highway 7, Minnetonka; 952.401.5898; minnetonkatheatre.com

Complied by Findlay Drabant and Hailey Almsted

AREA EVENTS

Finger Crochet and Finger Knitting for Families

04/02

Bring the whole family and learn how to knit and crochet using just your fingers and string. Ages 6 and older. Free. 1–2:30 p.m. Wayzata Library, 620 Rice St., Wayzata; 612.543.6150; hclib.bibliocommons.com

Nautical Trivia with Wayzata Sailing

04/16

Brush up on your nautical knowledge at Back Channel Brewing with Wayzata Sailing. All ages. Free. 5:30–7:30 p.m. Back Channel Brewing, 4787 Shoreline Drive, Spring Park; 952.855.9385; allevents.in

Spire Wine Collection Seminar

04/17

Enjoy an evening sampling various Spire Collection wines paired with hors d’oeuvres. Ages 21 and older. $25/person. 6–8 p.m. Haskell’s Minnetonka, 12900 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka; 952.544.4456; haskells.com

Power Up! Professional Development

04/23

This session will delve into topics relating to professionals and business owners. All ages. Free. 9–10 a.m. Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka; 952.686.6046; excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com

LOCAL EVENTS

Art Club

04/04–04/25

Every Thursday, Walker Library invites you and your creative kiddos to its Art Club where it hosts new activities every week. Ages 4 and older. Free. 5–9 p.m. Walker Library, 725 Vineland Place, Mpls.; 612.375.7600; walkerart.org

Goldy’s Run 04/07

Comprehensive Healthcare Services for Every Woman

When it comes to your health needs, Premier Women’s Health of MinnesotaOBGYN West is your dedicated partner. Our comprehensive gynecological, obstetric, and specialty care services are designed to meet you wherever you are in your life—whether you’re starting a family, switching birth control methods, entering menopause, or anything else. Request an appointment with one of our providers today to discuss the services that are right for you.

952.249.2000

premierwomenshealthmn.com/locations

Join everyone’s favorite gopher for this fun run around the University of Minnesota campus. Participants can choose between running 10 miles, a 5K or Goldy’s Gallop, a kid’s race around Huntington Bank Stadium. All ages. $20.50–$69.50. 8 a.m. Huntington Bank Stadium, 420 SE 23rd St., Mpls.; 612.412.4378; goldysrun.com

Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival 04/11–04/25

The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul is back with its annual film festival, showing over 250 films from filmmakers around the world. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. The Main Cinema, 115 SE Main St., Mpls.; 612.331.7563; mspfilm.org

April Music and Mindfulness 04/18

Take time for yourself with the Minnesota Orchestra as it explores the intersection of music and mindfulness through performance, presentations, meditation and discussion. All ages. This event is chooseyour-own-price, with a minimum price of $5. 7 p.m. Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.; 612.371.5600; minnesotaorchestra.org

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.

Aquacide Company

Serving Minnesota Lakeshores 800.328.9350

killlakeweeds.com

LMSS offers excellent sailing instruction for sailors of all ages and abilities with recreational sailing programs, Learn to Race classes, Advanced Race Teams and Middle/High School sailing.

Lake Minnetonka Sailing School 19802 Minnetonka Blvd. office@lmss.us lmss.us

Library, 620 Rice St., Wayzata; 612.543.6150; hclib.bibliocommons.com

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.

Top Shave Lounge has got you covered. Book your appointment online or stop in for quality products.

The Top Shave Lounge

12993 Ridgedale Drive Suite 134 612.284.7227

thetopshavelounge.com

We pride ourselves on our exceptional services; a pre-power wash, a soft-touch tunnel and a manual towel dry. Become Unlimited starting at just $28 per month.

Wayzata Bay Car Wash

143 Lake St. E. 952.473.4033

wayzatabaycarwash.com

APRIL

PowerHouse Luxury Conference

Raad Ghantous, CEO & creative director of Raad Ghantous & Associates, headquartered in Southern California, and Duane Draughon, owner, VizX Design Studios, based in Illinois, spoke to attendees of the PowerHouse SMART MN Luxury Conference, where leaders in luxury design, build and real estate came together at an event hosted in showrooms at the International Market Square.

Lake Minnetonka Magazine was one of the proud sponsors of the conference, which featured national and local speakers, expert moderators, cutting-edge education and relationship building.

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

New Local Businesses

1. Reve Studios

In February, the fitness studio celebrated its Wayzata location during a ribbon cutting event and is ready to welcome clients.

2. Spavia

With a new second location conveniently situated within Minnetonka’s Westridge Shopping Center, Spavia hosts its ribbon cutting ceremony in December.

Q:

A:

Q:

do you like to unwind?

A: With a glass of wine and video games.

Photos: Chris Emeott; Rêve Studios; Spavia

Allison Nolden

Art Director

Lens on Lake Minnetonka

Home construction is brought to new heights.

“I was watching the orioles searching for nesting materials and noticed one particular area of interest for them,” Joe Syfko says. “This allowed me an opportunity to get close but not interfere with their activities.”

“I love the colors of this shy bird—never realized they were so beautiful,” the Minnetonka resident says.

For those interested in photographing wildlife, Syfko recommends going out in the morning to take advantage of the early light and notes that a bit of patience can also go a long way in securing the best image.

—Renée Stewart-Hester

To view other Lens on Lake Minnetonka photo contest winners, visit lakeminnetonkamag.com.

Photographer: Joe Syfko

Title: Oriole

Equipment: Canon EOS 60D with 200mm lens

Location: Near the Minnehaha spillway on Grays Bay

Category: Wildlife

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 reliable and do great work. As a result our list of happy clients grows daily.

Giggle

Steve Kuhl’s Motivation Task Force

Owner, Dad, Wood Roof Geek