Lake Minnetonka - June 2024

40 AND FABULOUS

Celebrate the General Store of Minnetonka— a beloved shopping and dining destination for three generations of customers

MINNETONKA SCHOOLS

Impressive 5 bed, 5 bath model home set just outside DT Excelsior with easy trail access. Completed in 2021, it exudes a thoughtful design, distinctive features & unsurpassed craftsmanship offering everything you need and nothing you do not.

The Hermann Group 612-460-1220

2.5 ACRES NEAR DT WAYZATA

This private, idyllic retreat showcases the ultimate blend of privacy, luxury and convenience. The expansive walkout rambler features a extensive remodel & addition in 2006, high-end detail, 4 bedrooms on the main level and a variety of gathering areas.

The Hermann Group | 612-460-1220

Stephanie Adams | 651-398-7215

LAKE MINNETONKA ACTIVE LUXURY LIVING

Custom contemporary with stunning views of Crystal Bay through floor to ceiling windows. Seamless transition between indoor and outdoor splendor. Truly a rare find on Lake

Lezlie and Les Bork 612-396-3887

Fantastic location with easy access to trails, parks and DT Victoria and Excelsior.

The Hermann Group 612-460-1220

PENDING

METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED

Absolutely inviting, 4 bed, 4 bath two-story featuring expansive gathering areas filled with natural light through walls of oversized, south-facing windows.

NEW BUILD -WATERFRONT- ONE LEVEL

Recently finished new home in superb location and 90’ of frontage on peaceful inlet off Carman Bay. Walkout rambler with alluring layout on large private lot with gentle slope to the 40’ covered dock. 4000 sq. ft.

Tim Berg 612-250-2255

The Hermann Group 612-460-1220

GORGEOUS ½ ACRE WITH POOL

Surrounded by parks, trails and only 5 minutes from everything in & near Ridgedale, this beautifully updated twostory offers 4 beds, 4 baths, several open, several gathering areas inside & out and a refreshing pool. Wayzata Schools.

Inviting two-story 5 bed, 4 bath home set on a cul-de-sac! Bright, open & spacious floor plan, main floor office, family and entertaining lower level & great outdoor space. Relax on oversized deck with spa or at pool and patio! Easy access to everywhere – Clear Springs elem. MINNETONKA SCHOOLS!

Janet Banken 952-930-0330

Minnetonka!

Urgent Care

Walk in 8 - 8

Ready to serve Excelsior and the surrounding community.

Set to be your first stop for sudden, unexpected injuries. Go for more of what you need to keep your body moving. No referral or appointment necessary.

Ready. Set. TCO. Get

taste the difference.

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

The OB-GYN care you need, when you need it – it really should be that simple. Whether you need pregnancy care and planning, birth control options, or menopause treatment, you’ll find the right OB-GYN within HealthPartners’ connected care system. Plus, you can get convenient virtual care. And it’s all designed to give you an easy, streamlined experience.

healthpartners.com/obgyn

Photo: Lafayette Club

from the EDITOR

Our June issue is built around the themes of family, pets and senior living—about all of which we care deeply. We’ve woven articles throughout the magazine that touch on those topics. Before you dive into this issue, let’s get serious for a moment.

By now, readers, we’re well into the boating season, which attracts anglers, watersport enthusiasts and those just out for some freshwaterinspired fun or respite. While most know the importance of boat safety when it comes to alcohol consumption, boat lights, life jackets and waterway buoy (navigation) signals, let’s remind everyone about a silent threat to boaters—carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, colorless gas that is produced when a fossil fuel is burned.

Sophia Baechler was only 7 years old when she died from CO poisoning while boating on Lake Minnetonka. Today, Minnesota enforces Sophia’s Law, which addresses potential CO emissions from enclosed occupancy compartments.

What does this mean for boaters? As a reminder, the law states that “all motorboats (regardless of fuel type) with an enclosed accommodation compartment must be equipped with a functioning marine CO detector system installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. All gasoline-powered motorboats with any enclosed occupancy compartment must display the three CO warning stickers as directed by law.”

Enclosed accommodation compartments include designated sleeping accommodations, a galley area with a sink and a toilet compartment. Additionally, gasoline-powered motorboats with any enclosed space surrounded by a boat structure intended for a person to enter, must have three CO warning stickers displayed. (Additional details can be found at dnr.state.mn.us or by calling 651.296.5400.)

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning include: chest pain, confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting and weakness. People who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning before experiencing symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Call 911 if you suspect CO exposure/poisoning. As with all medicalrelated issues, contact emergency personnel or your healthcare provider for guidance. For additional information, visit cdc.gov, or call 800.232.4636.

Be safe,

On the Cover

Matt Bollis, Gail Bollis, Jenny Putnam and Christopher Bollis Jr.

by Chris Emeott, page 34

Renée Stewart-Hester renee@localmedia.co

See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town! Lake Minnetonka Magazine @lakeminnetonkamag @lmtkmag

Photo: Chris Emeott

Photo

Brittni Dye Production

director

Q: What’s the best part of your job?

A: I absolutely love working with every single one of my coworkers. We work together really well, and we all take pride in everything we create. All the encouragement and support makes for a wonderful work environment.

Q: How do you like to unwind?

A: I love going camping with my family in our 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon camper van. The North Shore of Minnesota or the Upper Peninsula of Michigan are some of our favorite destinations.

Q: What’s currently sparking your interest?

A: I have been expanding my collection of cookbooks, especially ones having to do with baking. Trying out new dessert recipes and sharing with people is something I love to do.

VOL. 19 NO. 2 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, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Daniel Huss, Jennifer Pitterle, Rachel Schuehle, Josie Smith, Kristie 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

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

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

Ecker Dermatology offers comprehensive care and experience.

The importance of a mentor — is not lost on Phil Ecker, M.D., owner of Ecker Dermatology in Wayzata. He learned early on the value of the tenet: The patient always comes first.

“My mentor and father of a childhood friend, John Bergman, M.D., an amazing retired dermatologist, instilled this in me at an early age. “People who know me, know that I can be counted on to always do the right thing.”

Dr. Ecker, the Minnesota Twins’ dermatologist, specializes in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. He graduated from Washington University, St. Louis (undergrad) and Stanford University (medical school). His residency program was at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester.

The practice is staffed by a highly trained team, including a physician assistant, an aesthetician, a radiotherapy technologist and several nurse and office members. “We pride ourselves on our teamwork and honest focus on the individual patient,” he says.

“Our goal is to maintain services under one roof and provide an excellent dermatology center of care for all skin care needs in Wayzata and beyond,” Dr. Ecker says. “While Ecker Dermatology is a new clinic, many of us have worked together for years—some over a decade. Together, we are honored to serve our patients.”

The commitment to care also includes educating the public. This time of year, Dr. Ecker reminds sun-, beach- and water-loving folks to wear photoprotective clothing, broad-brimmed hats and use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least a 30 SPF. “The whole goal is not to burn,” he cautions. “We know very clearly from the literature that the number of skin cancers one will get in a lifetime is directly proportional to the number of burns a person has experienced.”

Dr. Ecker’s commitment to his patients is equal to that toward the community. As a longtime local resident, he and his family support community events and local businesses and have been active in organizations, including Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, the Melanoma Research Foundation and the Orono Foundation for Education.

THE RUNAROUND

IT MIGHT NOT BE A BAD IDEA to give your dog the runaround. Thanks to Indoor Zoomies, an indoor dog park in Minnetonka, there’s a local option that provides smaller dogs a chance to exercise in a safe, designated space.

Indoor Zoomies opens its doors to vaccinated, small-breed dogs under 30 pounds. (Dogs over 1 year old must be spayed or neutered.) A daily pass costs $10, or five passes are available for $45 and 10 passes for $80.

The 3,600-square-foot venue, owned by Annelise Brown, contains more than an open space for dogs to expend energy. It also offers a variety of toys, a dog treadmill and a bridge for dogs to run across to stimulate agility.

Per the business’s name, most dog owners are quite familiar with zoomies or Frenetic Random Activity Periods as the American Kennel Club (AKC) refers to them. They can be caused by a buildup of energy, certain times of day (first thing in the morning or in the evening after being cooped up), after a bath or during stressful situations, according to the AKC website. “Zoomies are a natural dog behavior that is most

often no cause for alarm, so long as your pup has room to run without injuring themselves,” it says.

In addition to exercise, Brown also acknowledges the importance of routine for dogs. Indoor Zoomies stays open on holidays, allowing dogs to maintain their regular exercise schedule. The venue also hosts events, including dog birthday parties (during open or after hours), spa days (for nail trimming) and adoption events (partnered with local animal shelters).

As a dog owner, Brown understands the important role pets play in a person’s life. “I believe when I meet a dog, I’m meeting someone’s best friend,” Brown says, adding, “I make dogs happy for a living. That gives me so much pride.”

—Findlay Drabant

Indoor Zoomies, 10924 Greenbrier Road, Minnetonka; indoorzoomiestonka.com Indoor Zoomies @indoor_zoomies

With it being National Martini Month, it seems only fitting that we toast one of the drink’s most famous onscreen versions. Author Ian Fleming provided character James Bond with a taste for Vesper Martinis— shaken, not stirred. Enjoy this take on a classic.

Vesper Pinetini

» 3 oz. Vikre juniper gin

» 1 oz. Vikre vodka

» 1/2 oz. Lillet Blanc

» lemon peel, garnish

» pineapple cube, garnish

» umbrella skewer, garnish

Add ingredients over ice into a shaker; shake. Pour into a glass, and garnish with a lemon peel and a pineapple cube with an umbrella skewer.

Dan Keegan owns Glenlake Wine and Spirits in Minnetonka. Sip more at glenlakews.com.

Dress up Healthier Burgers

Grilling seems to be a go-to option when celebrating Father’s Day. This year, how about serving a different option of the classic burger? With plenty of spices and fresh veggies, this recipe goes from ho-hum to yum.

Turkey Burgers (4 servings)

» 8 strips bacon

» 1 1/2 lbs. ground turkey

» 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

» 1/2 tsp. Tabasco sauce

» 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

» ¼ tsp. onion powder

» 1 egg, beaten

» 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

» 2 Tbsp. fresh chives, chopped

» 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

» 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

» ¼ tsp. course ground black pepper

» 1 Tbsp. grapeseed oil

» 4 slices white cheddar cheese

» 4 whole wheat buns, toasted

» 1 tomato, sliced

» 1 red onion, sliced

» 1 cup arugula, loosely packed

Find directions for the Turkey Burger online at lakeminnetonkamag.com.

Blackberry Barbecue Sauce:

» ¼ cup smoky barbecue sauce

» ¼ cup seedless blackberry jam

» 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar

To make the Blackberry Barbecue Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix the ingredients until incorporated.

To assemble the burgers: Place a grilled burger on the bottom of a toasted bun and top with 2 strips of bacon, a slice of tomato, sliced red onions, a pinch of arugula and 2 Tbsp. of barbecue sauce.

If you want to serve a literary-inspired cocktail, visit lakeminntonkamag.com for Lunds & Byerly’s Wilde Oscar recipe.

Katie Tomsche is the content manager for Lunds & Byerlys. Taste more at lundsandbyerlys.com.

Flour Power

Kitchen connections create more than sweet treats.

By Kristie Smith

sharing a meal or standing side by side baking or cooking new or tried-andtrue recipes. The sense of belonging and touchpoints to family history are often associated with food. For Zhinus Vafai, part of her history was written in her childhood kitchen.

In Medina, the floral cupcakes from cottage bakery Zhinus Delights speak volumes. “Baking was something my

changed for me. His multiple food allergies meant I had to create cupcakes with substitutes for wheat flour, dairy and eggs.”

Vafai started creating her specialized baked goods at the request of neighbors and friends who needed something similar for their own celebrations. And that’s how she became a cottage baker, starting Zhinus Delights in March 2022

Photo: Chris Emeott

Cup by cup, petal by petal, Zhinus Vafai creates beautiful desserts to share—or treat yourself!

and becoming a local sensation thanks to allergy-sensitive cupcakes, adorned with her floral frosting creations.

Vafai’s mission is: “To spread the joy of delicious indulgence without limits.” She started by creating her allergy-sensitive cupcakes through trial and error, substituting ingredients while maintaining the delicious flavor everyone has come to expect in a cupcake.

Next, Vafai turned her attention to the frosting. “Floral frosting has to be firmer than traditional frosting,” she says. For an allergy-sensitive option, it’s best to make it yourself. “American buttercream [recipes] don’t have eggs like many grocery store frostings,” she says. Vafai began refining the techniques that enable her to create daisies, roses, hydrangeas and carnations, just to name a few of the frosted flowers her cupcakes are famous for showcasing atop the divine cupcake creations.

In looking at her stunning creations, one can be tempted—beyond the inclination to take a bite, but to create for themselves such a lovely, sweet confection. For do-it-yourselfers, Vafai shares some tips to create a floral cupcake basket for special people or occasions that come your way this spring and summer. (Think: baby or bridal showers, birthday celebrations or “just because.”)

Icing on the Cup cake

1. Choose a basket for six to seven cupcakes. Fill the bottom with florist foam or something firm to serve as a base. Wrap folds of tissue paper around the base to support the cupcakes.

2. Vafai suggests rosettes or hydrangeas for beginners. Pastry tips and pastry bags can be found at hobby shops.

3. Create petals, flowers and leaves to decorate each cupcake. Make sure the buttercream frosting has set for about 15 minutes before transferring the cupcake into the basket.

4. Place the cupcakes in the basket, pulling the paper up along the sides to hold them in place.

5. Share the love.

If creating isn’t your thing, Vafai can make a basket for you!

Zhinus Delights; 612.913.1709; zhinus-delights.square.site Zhinus Delights @zhinus.delights

Encouraging Independence

Senior Community Services strives to empower older population.

By Rachel Schuehle

BY 2030, a quarter of this state’s population will be 60 years or older, which means we need to equip and be equipped to support the senior population. Thankfully, many families are already receiving support through a local organization.

The mission of Senior Community Services in Minnetonka is: “To empower people as they age.” Its multifaceted approach includes broad caregiver support, direct services and senior outreach programs. The underlying goal of all services, however, is to support older generations in living the life they envision.

“Regardless of our age, we should be able to choose how we live, where we want to live … allow people to make decisions that are right for them,” says marketing and outreach coordinator Becky Baskett.

Broad caregiver support is aimed toward those taking care of an older adult, whether neighbors, friends or family. “Caretaking can be incredibly rewarding but also extremely stressful,” Baskett says. “This service provides an outlet for caregivers, including support groups, one-on-one consultations and resource guidance.” Deep diving into specific situations and familial dynamics has proven to be an effective way to avoid burnout and share new perspectives.

Direct services focus on household and outdoor maintenance, including chore services, lawn care and home maintenance. In addition, a robust technology education program supports seniors in their technology awareness, knowledge and skill development. Run by volunteers (often by their peers), electronics presentations, one-on-one support and in-home guidance are all available.

Aside from just being “tech-savvy,” having a good understanding of technology can positively impact those trying to remain independent. From

SPECIAL EVENT

Each year, Senior Community Services hosts an annual conference. This year’s theme is Reimagine Aging and is set for September 27 at the Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center. The direction of the event is focused on core technology services: access, devices and usage.

BY THE NUMBERS

In 2023, over 1,000 seniors were assisted through the outreach program, 900 seniors received tech support and 2,000 seniors participated in the home program. Along with staff, social workers and family members, nearly 3,000 volunteers donated 33,000 hours to support the work of Senior Community Services.

Are.... Backyards Healthy StressFree!

scheduling doctor’s appointments, refilling prescriptions, managing funds and paying bills electronically to finding social opportunities and remaining in touch with loved ones, all are important aspects of life.

Senior outreach programming is directly focused on supporting adults who need additional help navigating a significant life change, such as losing a loved one, facing a medical diagnosis or experiencing a shift in finances or other circumstances. Social workers connect with those in need to understand their unique situation and provide resources in the area and community.

Aside from the myriad of support options, Senior Community Services spreads awareness about ageism and combats common stereotypes and assumptions. “We are all, hopefully, going to be an older person down the road,” Baskett says. “So part of it is to remind and educate people that the life experience and value older people bring is truly unique.”

Senior Community Services, 10201 Wayzata Blvd. Suite 335, Minnetonka; 952.541.1019

Senior Community Services MN @seniorcommunityservicesmn

Your yard can inspire imagination and wonder. Whether it’s keeping your trees safe, your lawn thriving, or your property free of biting and stinging pests, the Twin Cities’ finest homes trust the care of their valuable assets to Rainbow.

Fill the Bowl

Healthier pet food options require some considerations.

By Renée Stewart-Hester

THERE WAS A TIME when the pinnacle of dog food featured a mini horsedrawn chuck wagon screaming across the TV screen in an advertisement for “soft meat-like chunks or brown crunchy bits” or burger-shaped pet food that were all the rage. That was then; this is now.

An increasing number of dog owners are turning away from conventional pet food and toward fresh or homemade meals to fill their pets’ food dishes and tummies.

We asked Sarah Habas, co-owner of Fido’s Pantry, featuring a gamut of pet products, about what owners should be aware of when purchasing or making pet food. After all, only the best will do!

Do you have more customers leaning into fresh pet food?

Sarah Habas (SH): Yes! Pet parents continue to care more and more about what we are feeding our pets, and it really shows. Our fastest growing category of food in our store is raw food, and number two is fresh/gently cooked food.

Why do you think this is the case?

SH: I think people are starting to see the health benefits of feeding their pets healthier options. Pets have better energy and are having to see their vet less due to a healthier diet.

What are the benefits of going that route?

SH: There are so many benefits to going to or adding a raw, fresh, freezedried or gently cooked diet. We always say some raw or fresh food is better than none. The first things you’ll see when switching to a diet like this is an extremely healthy skin and coat, a big reduction in dander, whiter teeth

“I absolutely love helping animals, and that’s the best way we can do that through our store.”

Sarah Habas, co-owner of Fido’s Pantry, who successfully addressed her dog’s autoimmune disease through better nutrition.

and just overall a happier pet. A huge bonus is there will be less mess in the backyard for you to pick up.

The fresh food appears to be more soft in texture. Don’t dogs need a little “crunch” in their regular diet to help with tartar control?

SH: That is a common misconception. Pets’ teeth are actually healthier on a raw or fresh diet. Raw and fresh food have natural and good bacteria in it to help prevent tartar and promote a healthy gut.

What should an owner look for when choosing fresh food?

SH: When looking at fresh food, we

always recommend frozen versus refrigerated. Refrigerated commercial dog food, generally, has larger amounts of preservatives in them, which go against feeding fresh food. Another thing to keep an eye out for is making sure the food is formulated to be fully balanced, meaning it has all the vitamins, minerals, etc. in the food to make sure your pet is getting everything they need.

What about making homemade dog food?

SH: While the thought of knowing exactly what your dog is eating is wonderful, we always caution people when making their own pet food. Pet food is extremely hard to formulate. Too little

of something, as simple as zinc, can be harmful to our pets. We always advise people to add fresh foods to an already balanced diet, such as blueberries, pumpkin, etc.

What else should our readers know about these topics?

SH: Not all raw, freeze-dried, fresh or gently cooked food is created equally. Do your research, and talk to someone who is knowledge or qualified about pet nutrition.

Cottagewood USA! Step into the Coastal Cottage by the lake.  Custom-designed by the renowned Landschute Group to seamlessly blend within the picturesque neighborhood.  Modern floor plan adorned with exquisite details, including the tongue-and-groove wood ceilings, intricate custom moldings, and stunning pine flooring. Close to parks, tennis courts, Sandy Beach, the historic Cottagewood Store, and more!

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.

Fido’s Pantry, 2473 Highway 7, Excelsior; 952.474.9383; fidospantry.com

Fido’s Pantry @fidospantry

Anniversary x Two

Lafayette Club marks its 125th anniversary and the centennial of its historic clubhouse.

It is a monumental year for Lafayette Club, celebrating the 125th anniversary of the private club and the golf course and marking the 100th anniversary of the iconic Spanish Mission-style clubhouse located on the shores of Lake Minnetonka.

At more than 800 members strong, the club continues to thrive. “Throughout all of the eras, Lafayette Club never seemed to fall out of fashion because it’s adapted to the changing tastes of its members without losing its essence of easygoing collegiality, warmth and fellowship,” says Steve Doyle, president of the Board of Governors, club archivist and member since 2000.

“I always feel like there is a special vibe when you walk through the doors at Lafayette Club. Our members feel the same enthusiasm about being at the club. When we are together, rooms are filled with great conversation and laughter,” says Rita Howarth, chair of the Anniversary Celebration Committee and member since 2011.

Not only does the club embrace local families, friends and memories, it is steeped in history. “Lafayette legacy will always be inextricably linked to James J. Hill, the railroad magnate,” Doyle says. “He built his Saint Paul, Manitoba and Pacific Railroad [later Great Northern Railroad] to Wayzata in the 1867 and further west for harvesting timber in the Great Woods around Lake Minnetonka. Later, he extended the line to a narrow peninsula between Crystal and Holmes (later Lafayette) bays and built a palatial hotel, designed by William S. Buffington.” This was the Hotel Lafayette, which opened in 1882, and was billed as the grandest hotel west of the Mississippi River. It welcomed some notable guests, including several U.S. presidents, members of royalty and beyond. Unfortunately, the hotel burned down in 1897.

In summer 1898, a group of residents was determined to rebuild the hub of society and sporting events, to which many had become accustomed. On April 10, 1899, Lafayette Club was incorporated in the state of Minnesota. Hill sold the 34 acres of hotel property to the club, and architect William Channing Whitney went to work on the first clubhouse, created in the Dutch Colonial Revival style.

Written by Kelly Cochrane

Meanwhile, William Watson was hired to design the club’s nine-hole golf course, which was officially opened in 1900 with a gala celebration. Once again, the Lafayette property was the center of summer society on Lake Minnetonka and hosted President Howard Taft during his summer visit in 1911.

Due to the popularity of the club and its links, a daily “golf train” allowed its members and guests to commute to Minneapolis for work and make it back home in time for a few holes of golf before dusk. Unfortunately, in June 1922, the clubhouse burned down.

Within a week of that setback, the Lafayette board members voted to rebuild the clubhouse and hired Hewitt & Brown to design a fireproof building. On June 21, 1924, the current clubhouse opened—just 500 yards from where the hotel and previous clubhouse once stood.

Top: The first Lafayette Club as it stood from 1900 to 1922.

Bottom: Imagine what occassion, match or round brought everyone to the Lafayette (ca. 1926).

Time, as it does, marched forward. The club stood strong, and members continued to call it home for social and sport activities—with some changes.

“As a family, we appreciate our time together at the club, especially in the summer months. There is no better backdrop than Crystal Bay!”

Amanda Engler, member since 2022

“Members’ tastes and traditions gradually, but markedly, evolved from the more stilted and formal mores of their parents’ and grandparents’ generations to a more informal, lake-casual, familyfriendly lifestyle,” Doyle says.

The club evolved to meet these changes. A member dining area and bar were built on the ground floor in the 1950s, an indoor pool arrived in 1974 and an adjoining outdoor pool added in 2000. A fitness club opened in 1998, a new formal dining room (Layfette Room) and Arcola Grill were created in 2000, and a new members bar arrived in 2015.

What will the future hold? The club

conducted an extensive examination of the next phase of its life. Ultimately, the historical structure will remain while additional amenities will be added for the newer, younger members.

In the meantime, it’s time to celebrate, and events are planned for the week of June 16. “Our members really appreciate our club history, even the quirkiness of it,” Howarth says.

Plans include golf and racquet sports, family-focused events, history-sharing programs and some fun surprises along the way—all leading up to the June 21 gala with dinner, prepared by chef Shawn Lowman and his team, dancing and spectacular fireworks, according to Howarth.

And who will be among those celebrating? “We have so many great memories that have been created at the club,

Photos: Lafayette Club

Hopefully, none of the practice shots go into the drink!

There are plenty of front-row spots within the club that showcase lovely lake vistas.

5 Bedroom / 5 Bath

3,653 Finished Sq. Feet

$960,000.00

This stunning 5-bedroom custom home embodies luxury and sophistication amidst nature’s embrace. Enjoy a gourmet kitchen boasting top-of-the-line Thermador appliances, and a beautiful great room with gas fireplace, and private backyard views. Seamlessly blending style with functionality, a flex room that can be enjoyed as a main floor o ce or playroom and an open-concept layout create the perfect ambiance for e ortless entertaining. The upper level o ers an opulent primary suite plus three generous bedrooms , while the lower level beckons with entertainment amenities including a home theater, stone fireplace, and wet bar area. Outside, a meticulously landscaped oasis awaits. Located in the Minnetonka School district with easy access to downtown Excelsior, parks and the LRT Trail.

from friendly or competitive rounds of golf to hosting our daughter’s wedding reception there, to the annual Easter, Mother’s Day, Gingerbread House, Santa brunches and birthday celebrations with our family,” Doyle says. “Our grandchildren grew up learning to swim and play golf at the club.”

Howarth echoes Doyle’s appreciation of the legacy the club brings to generations of families. “It’s very special to me,” she says. “It’s my second home.”

LAFAYETTE CLUB

2800 Northview Road, Minnetonka Beach; 952.471.8493; lafayetteclub.com

• Awarded top producer and established expert in the Lake Minnetonka community

• In-depth understanding of today’s market and trends

• Experience and creativity for all real estate needs

• Unmatched service and results

Written by Emily Gedde — Photos by Chris Emeott

Mallory’s Message

National All-American Miss Pre-Teen uses platform to speak out about a rare autoimmune disorder.

Mallory Habstritt

Adecorated pageant winner, a seasoned speaker and a children’s book author are only a few of the accomplishments Mallory Habstritt has under her belt. Her story is powerful, her message is inspiring and she’s only 14 years old.

The Benilde-St. Margaret’s eighth grader thrives on inspiring others, spreading the message that true beauty comes from within. Last fall, the bubbly teen earned the title of the National All-American Miss Pre-Teen at the National American Miss National Pageant in Orlando, Florida. She uses her platform to speak out about living with vitiligo, a rare autoimmune disorder that attacks the pigment of her skin. “I am wonderful and beautiful just the way I am,” a confident Mallory says. “But seeing that and understanding that was hard.”

Mallory was diagnosed with vitiligo when she was in first grade. Following the diagnosis, she began her journey with not only understanding the phrase “everyone is different,” but embracing it, too. “I wore tights to cover up the white spots on my legs,” Mallory says. “I felt ashamed of this new and different thing

Photos: Annalee Habstritt; Video Memories

Top: Mallory Habstritt was a speaker during the 2022 World Vitiligo Day Conference in Minneapolis.

Bottom: At the I AM Powerhouse 2023, Mallory Habstritt shares a special moment with her parents, Annalee and Brett, and sister, Meredith.

happening to me. Plus, I had never met anyone who was like me. I felt so alone, and that was tough.”

Fortunately, those feelings didn’t stick. Shortly after her diagnosis, Mallory began competing in pageants. She was immediately surrounded by a community of young women who taught Mallory about self-love and acceptance. “Everyone has differences, and I was accepted because of who I am, not any differences I might have,” she says. “These other pageant sisters showed me through example how to love who I am.”

Mallory’s parents, Annalee and Brett Habstritt, say they embraced their daughter’s diagnosis and called it an opportunity to raise awareness and inspire others. “She uses her voice to raise awareness that any seen or unseen differences anyone has is what makes them beautiful and unique,” Annalee says. “She celebrates people for who they are and encourages them to celebrate, too ... We’re so proud of her.”

While winning pageant titles has allowed Mallory a literal stage to spread her message, she raises awareness at school, too. She serves as an ambassador and leader for Where Everyone Belongs, which promotes belonging and inclusivity. “I feel that embracing differences and recognizing them as special and unique is an important lesson for people to learn and truly understand early on and what better way to do that than at school?” Mallory says. “I’m so grateful for vitiligo because it taught me a lifelong lesson that our differences are beautiful and wonderful and allowed me to be more inclusive toward others.”

Mallory says having inspiration come full circle is meaningful. She is now able to help others along with their journey of acceptance—just as her pageant sisters did and continue to do for her. In 2022, she spoke at the World Vitiligo Day Conference

“I am wonderful and beautiful just the way I am ...”

Mallory Habstritt, 14

in Minneapolis, where she was honored to be surrounded by others who looked like her. “People came up to me afterward and told me I inspired them,” Mallory says. “That was so powerful and meant the world to me.”

She’ll get a chance to spread her message even further as Mallory tours the country this summer under her National All-American Miss Pre-Teen title.

As Mallory speaks to different groups on the tour, Annalee says it isn’t

just her daughter’s peers listening to what she has to say. Parents are paying attention, too. “Sometimes as parents, we get so preoccupied with different societal expectations of ourselves or of our kids, and we need to be reminded of Mallory’s message,” she says.

“Hopefully, if we can reach the parents, kids will hear it from two places— Mallory and again at home.”

Mallory agrees. “My goal is to be able to provide to others what was given to

me as far as inspiring others,” she says. “They may not have vitiligo, but they have their own differences, and I want to cheer them on and encourage them to see they’re beautiful just the way they are.”

@thenamaapreteen @be_brave_with_mallory @iammalloryhagen @nationalamericanmiss

A Dog’s Tale

If Mallory Habstritt didn’t already have enough going on, she also has a children’s book coming out this year.

Angel’s Big Splash tells the story of Angel, a dog that is joining a new school. Angel has vitiligo, and she is feeling all the emotions heading into the first day of school. Thankfully, Angel meets Dolly and Chleo, and the trio become fast friends.

Angel finds out she has to wear a swimsuit for the swimming section of gym class and gets nervous about revealing her differences. Dolly and Chleo are encouraging and remind her of how beautiful she is, giving Angel all the confidence she needs.

Angel’s journey is based on similar feelings that Mallory says she experienced following her diagnosis. While she didn’t have a swimming unit like Angel, she felt uncertainties with vitiligo and how it would be received by others. “It was fun to write ... I’m so excited to share it,” she says of her book.

Angel’s Big Splash comes out this year and will be available on amazon.com and at local bookstores.

Written by Jennifer Pitterle — Photos by Chris Emeott

40 and Fabulous

Celebrate the General Store of Minnetonka—a beloved shopping and dining destination for three generations of customers.

Amid the office buildings and residential neighborhoods that dot Highway 7 in Minnetonka, one friendly looking building on the south side of the road has been welcoming curious shoppers for 40 years. The General Store of Minnetonka, a family-run business, featuring all sorts of sundries, is part boutique, part café and all fun. We spoke with co-owner Jenny Putnam on the occasion of the General Store’s 40th anniversary about what makes her family’s mercantile such a beloved destination (and whether we can get the recipe for the café’s famous popovers).

“My mom, Gail Bollis, was a maker and artist way back in the ’70s,” Putnam says. “She was creating items to sell at art fairs around the Twin

Cities, and she made friends with the other artisans.” Soon, Gail had created a one-stop boutique in her own home, featuring her work and that of other makers. It was so successful that, in 1984, Gail and her husband, Chris Bollis Sr., opened the General Store of Minnetonka in its current location—and the rest is history. “It’s really grown organically,” Putnam says. The store now includes 20,000 square feet of shopping and dining areas and is still run by the tight-knit Bollis family.

When her parents retired, Putnam took over co-ownership with her two brothers, Christopher Bollis Jr. and Matt Bollis. “We do whatever needs to be done,” she says. “When we aren’t working behind the scenes, you can

see us bussing tables in the café or carrying packages out to customers’ cars. We’ve grown up in the business, and we all work well together.”

Gail is still involved with the store (where she works with three generations of the family, including Putnam’s daughter, Ellie). You might also spot Gail’s sister, Liz Mugford, a longtime buyer with a keen eye for what customers love. “My aunt Liz has been part of the store since day one,” Putnam says. “And I still get to work with her every day.”

Plenty of staff members are needed to keep the gears turning, as the store is organized into mini boutiques or vignettes—from the kitchen area with gadgets and gourmet foods to the

Left to right: The hearts and souls behind the magic of the General Store include: Matt Bollis, Jenny Putnam, Ellie Putnam, Gail Bollis, Liz Mugford and Christopher Bollis Jr.

children’s zone with games and toys. There’s a jewelry and clothing boutique and a pop culture section, brimming with giftable items, featuring items giving nods to everyone from Bob Ross to the cast of Friends to Taylor Swift.

The Minnesota-themed items at the General Store are always popular, Putnam says. Some shoppers love the T-shirts, local artwork and Minnesota books because of their hometown pride. While others, visiting from afar, shop to take a beloved piece of Minnesota culture home with them.

“We also have an area dedicated to retro items, from Raggedy Ann to Gumby to Mister Rogers ... I think those make us smile. They remind us of being a child,” Putnam says.

Putnam and her fellow buyers travel to trade shows around the country, including Atlanta and Las Vegas.

“We’re always looking for the latest and greatest products that our customers will love,” she says. “We have three buyers from three different generations, so I feel like we get a great cross-section of things.” The Bollis/Putnam family makes it a point to get to know its longtime customers and is adept at picking out items that will resonate each year with shoppers.

Like many retailers, the General Store pivoted to more online sales during COVID-19, which Putnam says has turned into a boon for the store and customers. “Customers who discovered us while they were visiting from Iowa or California can relive their experience through our website,” she says. “We also have longtime customers from elsewhere in the Metro who can’t easily make it in to shop, so they can take a look at what we have online.”

While they’ll continue to expand the e-commerce footprint, the General Store team doesn’t have plans for major shifts in the way it does business—and for good reason. “We’ve been in business for 40 years,” Putnam says. “We have a really good sense of what our customers want and need.”

Top to bottom: Jenny Putnam models jewelry and clothing from the store; and the pop culture section leans into the what and who is trending—including Taylor Swift bracelets and Seriously? mugs.

Top to bottom: When Pumpkin Squares taste this good, order them no matter the season; The General Store’s Popovers need no introduction. Legendary!

CAFÉ CRAVINGS

Shop ’til you drop? When your feet are tired from browsing the seemingly infinite wares of the General Store, you can stop for a rest and a bite to eat in the café. “Food has always been important to our family, and when we decided to expand the store in 2000, we thought a café would add to the whole shopping experience,” co-owner Jenny Putnam says. “It allows customers to have some more leisurely time. They can come in the morning, take a break for lunch and continue with their shopping.”

In the early 2000s, staff offered popovers as a daily special, and they were a huge hit. Around 2013, the popover recipe was packaged and sold at the store. Of course, the popovers transport diners to another iconic Twin Cities institution. “Today, we enjoy the daily comments that our popovers and creamy wild rice soup are reminiscent of Dayton’s downtown restaurant,” Putnam says. The café’s best-selling dessert is Gloria Wartman’s Pumpkin Squares. Wartman was Gail Bollis’s mother and a greeter at the General Store for many years.

A series of General Store cookbooks is also available to ensure shoppers can take home every last bit of deliciousness, featuring recipes from the café and staff members over the years (including Wartman’s Pumpkin Squares recipe). “You always put your best recipes forward when you’re contributing to a cookbook,” says Putnam with a smile.

Top left to bottom right: Who doesn’t get a giggle from a Jellycat Toy?; Feed the midcentury modern vibe; Minnesota-themed gifts are on deck; and Geometry towels make ideal hostess gifts. (It’s cabin guest season!)

THÉN AND NOW

We asked co-owner Jenny Putnam to take a peek at the General Store’s archives: What have been some of the most popular items sold, and what top the list today?

From then ...

• Beanie Babies (1990s): “We’d have release parties in tents outside, and lines would wind around the store— all to get the newest edition!” Putnam says.

• American Girl Doll Clothes (1990s): The iconic dolls could be dressed to the nines by a local artist, who sewed beautiful outfits to fit them. “She’d bring in clothes several times a week, and we had customers waiting at the doors to get their first choice,” she says.

• Dept. 56 Holiday Villages (1990s–2000s): When Dept. 56 announced which pieces would go by the wayside on its annual “retirement day,” shoppers flocked to get the pieces they needed to complete their collections.

• Christopher Radko Ornaments (2000s): The artist visited the store for an ornament signing in 2001, and customers came and waited for hours—in the middle of a giant snowstorm.

• Italian Charm Bracelets (2000s): “The first collector jewelry line that we sold had customers lining up to choose special charms,” Putnam says.

To now ...

• Minnesota Gift Boxes: Customers send them to friends who have moved and give them as holiday gifts.

• Jellycat Toys: “This fun collection of stuffed toys ... have really gotten popular this last year,” Putnam says.

• nora fleming Kitchenware: “These are great basic, functional kitchenware pieces that have interchangeable mini knobs you can change with the season or theme,” she says.

• euroSCRUBBY: This colorful dish scrubber is a long-standing General Store favorite.

• enewton Jewelry: “This is my latest prediction of a future top-10 product,” Putnam says, calling it, “A great new line of waterproof, affordable gold bracelets that’s making its way to the Midwest.”

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Anchored in Success

Jay and Jenna Soule

History continues to unfold for Al & Alma’s.

Written by Renée Stewart-Hester

Photos by Chris Emeott

MANY LOCAL BUSINESSES

utilize “the lake” as an enviable backdrop, but how many can say that Lake Minnetonka is a “business partner?” Al & Alma’s Supper Club and Charter Cruises embraces the lake’s stunning vistas through its dining and cruising ventures.

Marking five years as owners of the business, which has its origins as far back as the 1920s, Jay and Jenna Soule are at the helm, but the story starts much farther back.

Jay grew up on the lake’s Enchanted Island, and being on the water was a way of life. “I have been driving boats since I was 6 years old,” he says. “My first (unpaid) captain job was for my dad, who worked in south Minneapolis. His commute could be cut in half if he [drove] in from my grandparents’ house on Smithtown Bay. When the weather was right early in the morning, I would give him a ride in a 13-foot Alumacraft with a 9.8 Mercury outboard and drop him off at the Smithtown dock where his car was parked. My grandmother would call my mom at home to let her know I was leaving [back for home], and she would confirm my arrival because, well at age 6, I wasn’t quite strong enough to pull the [motor’s] starter cord hard enough in the event the engine would quit.”

Many of Al & Alma’s captains and crew have similar stories of growing up on and around the lake. “Being able … to combine their lifelong love of the lake with a job that allows them to introduce our guests to the area they love is what makes our staff truly unique,” Jay says. “Our captains have logged thousands of hours on the water and are some of the most experienced on Lake Minnetonka.”

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STAY CONNECTED AND CELEBRATE LAKE MINNETONKA

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showcase local people, places and events.

Al & Alma’s Supper Club serves up open views, allowing diners to soak up the lakelife atmosphere.

“I love boating. I love people, and I love having a safe and fun time. Boating comes naturally.”

Jay Soule, co-owner of Al & Alma’s

Jay began his tenure as a captain during summers throughout college and returned full time after college as the general manager, serving in that role for over two decades. In 2019, Jay and Jenna bought out Daryl and Merritt Geyen, becoming the fourth family to own Al & Alma’s. For Jay, 2024 will mark his 31st year with the business. Jenna, who has worked in marketing for local and national corporations and served in volunteer capacities on nonprofit boards, supports the business through her marketing expertise, assists with philanthropic causes and even tends to front-of-the-house details.

It really is a family affair with their son, Connor, serving as a captain, while their daughter, Alli, is part of the boat crew and working on her captain’s license. Jay says staff is made up of legacy “key employees” who run generations deep. “Some of our team members are great-great-grandchildren of Al and

Alma Quist, and on any given night, there is likely to be a mother-daughter or uncle-nephew team serving guests,” he says. Vice president of operations Jamie Geyen, also a licensed captain, started in 1999 as a busser in the supper club during high school and worked literally every job in the business throughout the years.

“Running a legacy business like Al & Alma’s is a challenge,” Jay says. “Not only are you serving guests that have been coming for 65 plus years, you are also trying to stay relevant to trends sought by younger guests.” Executive chef Trevor Thoelke and sous chef Michael Stromberg create longtime and new menu offerings. “We have more than 10 items that have been on our menu since the day we opened in 1956, including our tender-to-the-bone Al’s Famous BBQ Pork Ribs, Campstyle Walleye, Browned Potatoes and Hand Cut Steaks,” Jay says. Newer favorites include Braised Short Ribs, Salmon Florentine, Ahi Tuna Crisps and

The nautical vibe carries through this boat’s interior, matching Lake Minnetonka’s salute to blue hues.

Cook’s Bay or Tonka Bleu burgers. The bar features a variety of handcrafted cocktails (including the bestseller Old Fashioned), and nonalcoholic beverages and mocktails.

While the initial popularity of supper clubs took hold years ago, there’s a whole new generation of diners who are embracing the vibe. “We love that there is a resurgence in popularity for the supper club,” Jay says. (The original dining room has been expanded and remodeled, and the outdoor dining patio space opened in 2023.) “I think that people love reflecting back to the days of their youth where memories of great food and service were the key ingredients to having a great time,” he says.

For guests who want an on-the-lake experience with a cruise, the fleet includes five express yachts (10–80 guests) and three motor yachts (up to 149 guests). “We are constantly improving our yachts, as well as maintaining them to the highest standards

“Trends are not our niche,” Jay Soule says. “We make entrees that taste good and [include] big portions that are fun to serve ...” Consider the Key Lime Pie, Al’s Signature New York Strip and Salmon with Super Food Salad.

with the goal of keeping everything shipshape,” Jay says.

The supper club’s chefs also make the cruise meals. “We think sometimes the art of service has gone by the wayside in the restaurant business and is often exchanged for fads and fleeting trends,” Jay says. “Trends are not our niche. We make entrees that taste good and [include] big portions that are fun to serve, like our amazing Lobster Mac and Cheese, Southwest Chicken Egg Rolls, Campstyle Walleye or homemade desserts, like the decadent Snicker Brownie Bar Sundae and Key Lime Pie.”

While offering a full complement of menu items is important, that isn’t always enough when it comes to satisfying customers. “Guest expectations

are always rising, and with people’s easy access to the world through internet reviews, a positive experience is paramount in every way,” Jay says. “The trick about delivering a great experience is to really mean it. We believe that, as we serve each other as a team, we are better equipped to serve our guests because we are living out what we believe.”

Having the lake as a focal point certainly doesn’t hurt the cause. “Lake Minnetonka is an exceptional place. Due to its size, depth and location to a thriving Metro area, we are able to enjoy an amenity not available to many across the nation,” Jay says. “For some of our guests, our cruises are the primary way they get to enjoy Lake Minnetonka, and we take that very seriously as we steward our role as providers of ‘public access’ to majestic Lake Minnetonka.”

Al & Alma’s Supper Club and Charter Cruises, 5201 Piper Road, Mound; 952.472.3098; al-almas.com

Al & Alma’s Supper Club & Charter Cruises on Lake Minnetonka @al_and_almas

ANNUAL ART FESTIVAL RETURNS TO WAYZATA

WAYZATA USHERS in its 20th annual celebration of the beloved Wayzata Art Experience on June 22–23. The festivities are set to unfold along Lake Street in the heart of downtown Wayzata (10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday). Over 20,000 attendees are expected.

The weekend’s main event will be the fine art fair, where, while enjoying live music, festival-goers can browse and purchase paintings, jewelry, pottery, photography and more from over 150 different artists from around the country. The following categories of art will be showcased: ceramics, drawing/printmaking, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, recycled/green, sculpture and wood.

Kids can get crafty with hands-on art projects in the Activity Zone. Be sure to explore the varied options at the food trucks and the artisan food market. Festival-goers will also have the opportunity to set sail from Broadway docks across Lake Minnetonka for free, courtesy of Wayzata Sailing.

“It’s a beautiful lakeside celebration of art, music, food and community. There’s something for everyone, and it brings out the art lover in all of us. The incredible talented artists who come to the show are amazing,” says Brooke Beyer, director of community events and marketing. “I encourage attendees to ask questions and get to know these artists … It’s fascinating, and, who knows, you might just end up going home with a treasure.”

Additional information is available at artexperience.wayzatachamber.com. Also check the website for the list of sponsors, including Lake Minnetonka Magazine —Findlay Drabant

LOCAL EVENTS

Paint the Port 06/07

Showcase your chalk drawing skills on your very own 10-by-10-foot square of sidewalk at the third annual Paint the Port. All ages. Free. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Water Street, Excelsior; 952.686.6046; excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com

Excelsior Art on the Lake 06/08–06/09

Enjoy live music while shopping the creations of over 120 artists. All ages. Free. 10 a.m. Water Street, Excelsior; 952.686.6046; excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber.com

Roger Miller Golf Classic 06/10

Golfers of all skill levels are invited to the 65th annual celebration of this tournament, which will be followed by a post-play dinner. All ages. Prices vary. 11:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Burl Oaks Golf Club, 5400 N. Arm Drive, Minnetrista; 952.472.7017; wayzatachamber.com

WAAMFEST

06/21–06/22

Wayzata Art and Music Festival, held in conjunction with the Wayzata Art Experience, features big name DJs. Act fast. Last year’s event was a sellout! All ages. Prices vary. Wayzata Beach, 294 Grove Lane E., Wayzata; waamfest.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.

Photo: Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce

Compiled by Findlay Drabant and Grace Knapp

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.

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

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

Comfort Keepers 5798 Lincoln Drive 763.273.4207

comfortkeepers.com

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

Top Shave Lounge has got you covered. Book your appointment online or stop in for quality products. Wayzata Bay Car Wash 143 Lake St. E. 952.473.4033

The Top Shave Lounge 12993 Ridgedale Drive Suite 134 612.284.7227 thetopshavelounge.com

wayzatabaycarwash.com

Lens on Lake Minnetonka

As day comes to an end, nature conspires for the perfect backdrop.

Sarah Happe appreciates the beauty of local lakes and found creative cause to snap this beautiful image. “I was inspired by the setting sun with the green trees on the shore, reflecting in the water that created the golden glow,” says the Minnetonka resident.

What does she see in her photo? “I love the colors of sky, land and water mixing to create the color palette—and the stillness of the moment,” she says. —Renée Stewart-Hester

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

Photographer: Sarah Happe

Title: In Golden Pond

Equipment: iPhone 12 Pro Max

Location: Lake Minnetonka

Category: Pets

Award: Second Place

The Cedar Roof Man

STRAIGHT TALK FROM STEVE KUHL

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

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

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

I started this company in 1987. Since that time we have worked on thousands of homes around the Twin Cities. My approach to business has never wavered. Be honest, be

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

Owner, Dad, Wood Roof Geek

life. at your summit.

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

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