Plymouth - October / September 2024

C E L E B R ATI N G 20 Y EARS

Twelve years of training culminates in a solo concert

Dancer’s Debut

Urgent Care Go to TCO

Walk in 8 - 8 Ready with more locations. 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.

View urgent care locations and wait times

O C TO B E R / N OV E M B E R 2 024 “Each year, the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch that he thinks is the most sincere. He’s gotta pick this one. He’s got to. I don’t see how a pumpkin patch can be more sincere than this one. You can look around and there’s not a sign of hypocrisy. Nothing but sincerity as far as the eye can see.” —Linus, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Photo: Drew Gray Photography

Living room designed by Eminent Interior, featured in White Glove Service, page 20.

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

D E PA RT M E N TS

12 Pumpkin King Resident spreads the Halloween spirit, one gourd at a time.

14 Home Sweet Home Nonprofit offers specialized care for people with disabilities.

16 Paintbrush Pedagogy Artist turns her passion for education into her own studio and teaching space.

F E AT U R E S

20 White Glove Service There’s more that goes into a turnkey experience than meets the eye.

33 Dancer’s Debut Twelve years of training culminates in a solo concert.

TAST E M A K E R S

38 Skol for Spice One local man launches a line of tailgate-inspired seasoning blends to enhance any pregame party.

IN E V E RY ISSU E

4 9 44 48

Editor’s Letter Noteworthy On the Town Last Glance

3

from the EDITOR

This summer, I finally set out to do something I’d been considering for a few years now: planting a vegetable garden. In July, I stocked up on young pepper plants, cucumber vines, herbs and more from both the farmers market and Bachman’s. By now, I suspect the season is well-past for most of my plants, but there are two that might still be growing strong: a spaghetti squash and a pumpkin.

I have culinary designs for the spaghetti squash, but the rationale behind the pumpkin is a bit more whimsical: I want to see if I can grow a pumpkin large enough to be carved into a clever jack-o’-lantern. I’d have to agree with Quinn Schomburg, Plymouth’s own Pumpkin King (page 12)—I think all pumpkins inherently have jack-o’-lantern aspirations.

As I write this Editor’s Letter, I have two kohlrabis, five cucumbers and an unmentionable number of jalapeños in my refrigerator. The spaghetti squash has grown exuberantly. The cilantro has given way to coriander, and the Italian parsley has drowned out the dill. My pumpkin vine hasn’t had a strong start, but there’s a bud or two yet. In any event, it’s been sweet to enjoy the literal fruits of my labor.

Right about now, I’d guess Schomburg is doing just that.

After all, he has his own crop of pumpkins that need to be transformed. I hope I end up having just a fraction of his success in my own modest pumpkin patch.

Happy Fall,

Madeline Ko p ieck i madeline@localmedia.co

O n t h e C o ver Mahati Rayadurgam, Photo

by Chris Emeott, page 33

4

Photo: Chris Emeott

C E L E B R A T I N G T H E P LY M O U T H A R E A S I N C E 2 0 0 4 .

See w hat w e’ re do ing b ehind the scenes and aro und to wn!

Plymouth Magazine

@plymouth_mag

@plymouthmag

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

Designing spaces where life unfolds.

952.925.9455 | Edina, MN | MAPeterson.com | License #BC006704

@mapetersondesignbuild Interior Design by Brown Cow Design | Photography by Spacecrafting Photography

5

Meet VOL. 20 NO. 2 plymouthmag.com

PUBLISHER Susan Isay EDITOR Madeline Kopiecki MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR Renée Stewart-Hester MANAGING EDITOR Hailey Almsted DIGITAL EDITOR Madeline Kopiecki COPY EDITORS Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt STAFF WRITERS Kelly Cochrane, Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Daniel Huss, Jennifer Pitterle and Rachel Schuehle CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Douglas Broman, Emily Maxson, Ashley Meyers, Amy Sundet, Katie Timcho and Grant Whittaker DIGITAL INTERN Alexandra Tostrud EDITORIAL INTERNS Tia Benson and Findlay Drabant

Jamie Klang associate art director

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Kelley Giancola, Interfaith Outreach; Meghan Milovich, blogger and fundraiser for Children’s Hospitals; Zach Nelson, Wayzata School District; Mark Poppendeck, Beez ‘N Treez Foundation; Brian Rosemeyer, City of Plymouth; and LuAnn Svendsen, Plymouth Reads chair and community volunteer SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR Sarah Dovolos ART DIRECTOR Allison Nolden ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Jamie Klang

Q: What’s the best part of your job?

A: I love that I’m able to be creative and work with creative people. I’m always getting inspired and learning new things from my coworkers.

Q: What are you reading right now?

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Yaz Lo LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Chris Emeott PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Brittni Dye PRODUCTION MANAGER Lisa Stone PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Mimi Coz

A: I’m currently reading Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology. It’s a collection of horror and mystery stories written by various Indigenous authors.

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Laura Bjorgo, Cynthia Hamre, Mary-Catherine Hartel, Sara Johnson and Lauren Warner

Q: What’s currently sparking your interest?

PRESIDENT Pete Burgeson

A: Because I spend so much time looking at a computer screen, I’m trying to express my creativity through other mediums like drawing, painting and knitting. I also want to get into pottery.

6

To subscribe to Plymouth 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.

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

Twin Cities Health Insurance Solutions secures the best coverage options for its clients.

Shopping for Medicare, individual, family or business health insurance is an important process, which is why it’s crucial to work with an agency that understands your coverage needs. Twin Cities Health Insurance Solutions Inc. is a family-owned insurance agency with 20 years of combined experience.

This local agency of licensed health insurance advisors, specializing in Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, Medicare prescription drug plans, individual health and small group insurance, represents many national and local carriers.

“We provide clear, easy-to-understand information through personalized consultations to help consumers find the right plan that fits their needs,” says Jill Mudd, agency owner. It’s important to note that there are no costs or fees to consumers for using their services.

“Shopping for health insurance can be challenging and confusing,” Mudd says. “There are rules and sometimes penalties if you make the wrong choice or delay getting coverage. We take the guess work out of it for consumers by providing guidance and solutions.”

Educating clients about insurance options begins with agents being properly trained and certified. “Our

agents hold health insurance licenses with the State of Minnesota and are certified with the Medicare companies we represent,” Mudd says. “We stay up-to-date on industry and plan changes, enrollment periods as well as compliance regulations to make sure that we are providing accurate information and guidance to our clients,” Mudd says.

Twin Cities Health Insurance Solutions is a local, family business of health insurance experts. “Anyone can help you enroll. What sets us apart is that we provide ongoing service throughout the year by answering your questions and conducting annual policy reviews to ensure our clients are always on the plan that fits their needs,” Mudd says.

“We are passionate about helping people feel confident in their health insurance decisions.”

7044 E. Fish Lake Road, Maple Grove 763.280.8882 • tchealthsolutions.com 7

Find Everything Your Smile Needs • COSMETIC DENTISTRY Veneers, Bonding, and Whitening

Award-Winning Smiles for 45 Years

• SEDATION DENTISTRY Oral and Conscious Sedation

• GENERAL DENTISTRY Implants, Crowns, Bridges, Fillings, Dentures, Gum Disease Treatment and Cleanings

Boger Dental, the top office in Plymouth, is here to help you feel confident in your smile.

We care for every kind of dental need, including Our award-winning team is committed to enhancing your lives and helping you to have the best smiles in our community! cosmetic, implant, and general dentistry.

2720 Annapolis Circle N., Plymouth | 763-546-7707 | BogerDental.com 8

lo c al tip s, tidb its & insi ght s

N OT E WO RT H Y

TA S T E

A FALL FAVORITE Photo: Belén Fleming of Belu Photography

IT CAN B E difficult to find good substitutes for

baked goods when following a grain-free diet. I love pumpkin bread and was determined to create a grain-free and refined-sugar-free recipe that would satisfy my memories of fall treats. I baked many loaves before landing on the perfect combination of ingredients that produce a similar texture and taste to a loaf with traditional ingredients. Even if you are not following a grain-free or gluten-free diet, you might just love this healthier pumpkin bread.

Grain-Free Pumpkin Bread » 2 1/2 cups almond flour » 1/4 cup coconut flour » 1 tsp. baking soda » 1/4 tsp. sea salt » 1 Tbsp. cinnamon » 1/2 tsp. ginger » 1/2 tsp. cloves » 3 eggs » 3/4 cup canned pumpkin » 3/4 cup pure maple syrup

Emily Maxson is a Plymouth food blogger and author of Emily’s Fresh Kitchen Cookbook. For more recipes, visit emilysfreshkitchen.com or follow her on Instagram @emilysfreshkitchen.

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

» 2 Tbsp. melted butter or coconut oil Visit plymouthmag.com for the full recipe and directions.

9

N OT E WO RT H Y

STYLE

Costume Party

HEAL

Send in the Subs

Halloween is the perfect time to get creative

Costume Swap: Organize a party where

and have fun with costumes, but it’s also an

everyone brings costumes they no longer

opportunity to be environmentally conscious.

want. It’s a fun way to find something

Here are some of my sustainable style tips for

new-to-you without buying a thing.

a successful ensemble.

Thrift Shop: Visit your local thrift store

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the things you

Reuse Costumes: Mix and match elements of

(I’m partial to Plymouth’s Turnstyle.) to find

are grateful for, but let’s be

old costumes and accessories to create some-

unique pieces that can be used for your cos-

honest … It’s mostly about

thing new. Last year’s Zorro whip can be this

tume. It’s a treasure hunt that’s good for the

the food. However, for

year’s Lasso of Truth. Restyling a red wig can

planet and your wallet.

someone with food aller-

turn Ariel into Daphne from Scooby Doo. Rent Instead of Buy: Consider renting a cos-

gies, safely navigating a Thanksgiving dinner could

Shop Your Closet: Look for everyday items

tume instead of purchasing one. It’s a great

be more stressful than

that can be transformed into a costume. That

way to get a high-quality costume without

celebratory. If your guest

little black dress can become Breakfast at

the commitment.

list includes someone with

Tiffany’s. A peasant blouse and leather boots

food allergies, here are tips

are halfway to a complete pirate look.

to help you prepare a delicious—and safer—meal that

Upcycle Clothes: Take old, worn-out clothes

everyone is sure to enjoy.

and turn them into something new. A few rips

There are eight foods

and some fake blood can turn a normal shirt

that cause the majority of

into zombie garb.

Plymouth’s Grant Whittaker is a seasoned fashion insider, specializing in style consulting and production. Style more at grantwhittakercreative.com.

allergic reactions: eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soybeans, tree nuts and wheat.

If your recipes contain any of these items, look for allergy-free substitutions.

For example, if you need to use an egg in a recipe, you can use a packaged egg replacer, or mix 1 Tbsp. of ground flax seeds with 3 Tbsp. of water. If dairy is the problem, replace cow’s milk with nondairy milk. Just make sure that the replacement does not also contain iStock.ocm/Aleksandar Jankovic

an allergen.

Ashley Meyers represents Hy-Vee as a nutrition expert, promoting healthy eating throughout the community. Learn more at hy-vee.com.

The information is not intended as medical advice.

Consult a medical professional for individual advice.

10

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

l o ca l t i p s , t i d b its & in sig h ts

READ

Books That Go Bump in the Night

This Halloween, ensure your little trick-ortreaters have both their book bags and candy bags brimming with our selection of Halloween-themed books suitable for kids of all ages.

Board Books • That’s Not My Bat by Fiona Watt • Peekaboo: Pumpkin by Camilla Reid • Booook! A Spooky High-Contrast Book by duopress labs Picture Books • The Goodnight Train: Halloween

by June Sorbel • Pete the Cat: Trick or Pete

by Kimberly and James Dean • Pop-Up Haunted House by Sam Taplin Early Reader/Chapter Books • Crimson Twill: Witch in the Country

by Kallie George • Eerie Elementary #1 The School is Alive!

by Jack Chabert • School of Monsters: Bat Boy Tim Says Boo by Sally Rippin Middle Grade • Goosebumps House of Shivers #1: Scariest. Book. Ever. by R.L. Stine • The Girl Who Drank the Moon

by Kelly Barnhill • The October Witches

by Jennifer Claessen

Amy Sundet and Katie Timcho are local book reviewers. They can be found @overbookedmoms on Instagram.

11

Quinn Schomburg

PORTRAIT

Pumpkin King Resident spreads the Halloween spirit, one gourd at a time.

By Daniel Huss

Regardless of color, size or shape, Schomburg’s jack-o’-lanterns are nothing but smiles.

A Typical Workday

Mark Twain once said if you find a job you enjoy doing, you will never have to work a day in your life. Twain’s message fits Schomburg’s life like a pair of favorite work gloves. He works at Knapton’s Raspberries, Pumpkins & Orchard in Rockford and Pleasant View Gardens, which operates out of the Maple Plain area.

Gabe Knapton, co-owner of Knapton’s, remembers the Schomburg family visiting the farm years ago. “They were regulars,” he says. “Quinn liked pumpkins, among the other things.”

Photos: Carol Schomburg

Quinn Schomburg is right at home in a pumpkin patch.

QUINN SCHOMBURG arrived for our interview sporting a sweatshirt decorated with pumpkins. The T-shirt underneath was pumpkin-orange and featured the face of a perfectly carved jack-o’-lantern.

A couple of years ago Schomburg’s girlfriend, who was away from home on a family trip, fretted over missing the opportunity to carve her own pumpkin.

Schomburg jumped into action, carving a jack-o’-lantern for her and 100 additional grinning gourds to line the sidewalk of her house.

Schomburg, 25, is nonverbal and utilizes text-to-speech technology, as well as drawings, imagery and photos, to communicate. Evidence of his early infatuation with the orange gourd dates back to 1999 when Schomburg was first photographed with a pumpkin at 10 months old. His interest carried through to his preschool days where he could be found drawing jack-o’-lantern faces on construction paper. Since then, his passion has only continued to grow.

Schomburg believes that all pumpkins are happy—and that all pumpkins strive to become jack-o’-lanterns one day. He helps them reach their full potential.

Music in Plymouth Eventually, the visits turned into an opportunity. “We had an agreement,” Knapton says. “We gave Quinn a chunk of land to grow pumpkins, flowers, potatoes and tomatoes. In exchange, he would pull weeds and help with the harvest.”

Knapton guesses Quinn’s garden plot measures 100 feet wide by 200 feet long. “And it keeps getting bigger,” Knapton says.

Today, Schomburg is a Knapton’s employee. He works with raspberries, apples and vegetables in spring and summer and pumpkins in the fall.

Schomburg started working at Pleasant View Gardens when he was a senior in high school. “It’s his fourth year already,” says owner Anita Volkenant. “He started in the greenhouse, and plants, weeds and waters.”

During the fall, Schomburg’s focus is on the Pleasant View pumpkin patch.

“We harvest 1,500–2,000 pumpkins and gourds,” Volkenant says.

As a team-building exercise, Volkenant initiated an employee photo contest. Schomburg won his first contest with a photo of orange tulips. He would win another with a photo of a pumpkin. “He almost always wins,” Volkenant says.

Rumor has it Schomburg entered hundreds of images per day. “He is tough to compete against,” Volkenant says.

Schomburg’s images can be found framed on the Pleasant View Garden walls. They can also be purchased as greeting cards. He sells his cards at Pleasant View, the Plymouth Farmers Market, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and on his own online Etsy shop under the name PumQuinns.

Proceeds, in part, go toward seeds, which makes perfect sense since The Baker Creek Seed Catalog is a Schomburg favorite.

Harvest Time

Fall does not culminate with a pumpkin harvest for Schomburg but rather a jack-o’-lantern carving extravaganza.

Schomburg’s favorite design is a smiley face. In truth, it is his only design. His rationale is straightforward: “Pumpkins are happy, and pumpkins make me happy,” he says.

PumQuinns Quinn Schomburg PumQuinns @pumquinns

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

Wine

Tasting Scan to purchase tickets

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

Plymouth Community Center 14800 34th Avenue North, Plymouth, MN 55447 Annual event featuring a vast array of wines, craft beers and spirits to taste, live music and delicious hors d’oeuvres - all in support of Music in Plymouth!

MUSICINPLYMOUTH.ORG/MIPEVENTS Tickets $40 in advance, $45 at the door.

New Clients: New TakeClients: $40 Off Take Your $40 FirstOff Your Exam!First Exam!

We love seeing new faces

come through front We love seeingour new faces doors book your first come through our front appointment online or call doors - book your first us today! Reference this ad appointment online or call us today! Reference this ad Our doctors and staff are excited to meet Our doctors andyou! staff are excited to meet you!

763-559-7554 rrahospital.com 763-559-7554 rrahospital.com 3900 Vinewood Lane Suite 16 Plymouth, MN 55441 3900 Vinewood Lane Suite 16 Plymouth, MN 55441

DRIVEN TO PROVIDE DRIVEN TO PROVIDE YOUR FAMILY WITH YOUR FAMILY WITH PERSONALIZED AND PERSONALIZED AND COMPASSIONATE COMPASSIONATE VETERINARY CARE. VETERINARY CARE.

Now Now Seeing Seeing Exotics!

Exotics!

Attention all rabbit and Attention all rabbit and rodent owners! rodent Rockford Roadowners!

Animal Rockford Hospital isRoad now Animal seeing Hospital isWellness now seeing pocket pets! or pocket pets!

Wellness or medical, we welcome you! medical, we welcome you!

Call us today to get Call us first today to get your exam yourbooked! first exam booked!

13

PHILANTHROPY

Home Sweet Home Nonprofit offers specialized care for people with disabilities.

FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T BE IN THEIR OWN HOME , Homeward

Bound is the next best thing—high-level specialized care in a home-like setting.

“These are people who were dealt a bad hand,” says Lori Merriam, former director of development for Homeward Bound who retired this past May. “They need help. They need people to love and appreciate them.”

The Plymouth-based nonprofit was founded in 1973 and is licensed to serve children, teens and adults. “We started with 64 kids in New Hope,” Merriam says. “We serve just under

14

100 now. They all happen to be adults at the moment.”

Homeward Bound operates 22 homes in 10 Twin Cities communities, the majority of which are located in the West Metro. “We operate like a home hospital,” Merriam says. “We’re in neighborhoods like yours and mine.”

And while the houses may blend into their suburban neighborhoods, they are customized for their high-needs occupants. Most recently, Homeward Bound partnered with a Minnetonkabased custom builder, Boyer Building Corporation, to build three homes in

Brooklyn Park. It is the third time the two organizations have teamed up on a project. “They get us,” Merriam says of Boyer. “They understand; they care.”

“We like the partnership,” says Tom Henjum, Boyer president. “We feel good about working with them.”

The new homes are each four-bed facilities and include kitchen and office space for staff. Merriam says each home features wide hallways and extra-large doorways with specialty doors that can easily accommodate the removal of a patient bed. “To be able to wheel a bed out is so much less

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

Photo: Homeward Bound

By Mollee Francisco

in digital format!

Never miss an issue of Plymouth 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 Plymouth Magazine articles with friends and family.

Learn more at plymouthmag.com One of Homeward Bound’s residences in Brooklyn Park.

disruptive and comfortable for everyone involved,” she says.

In addition to reinforced hallways to protect patients during storms, Homeward Bound homes are zero-entry and can accommodate handicapped vans. “These are the kinds of solutions Boyer offers us,” Merriam says.

“We have the ability to do whatever kind of work they need,” Henjum says.

Homeward Bound and Boyer worked with architect Steve Lanak on the building plans for the homes. “Steve is a wonderful architect who has worked with Homeward Bound for over 30 years,” Merriam says. “He asks the right questions: ‘What would make life easier for patients?’”

The results are both functional and attractive. “Our staff can do a better job in these homes,” Merriam says. “They’re built to our needs, and they’re beautiful.”

“These are places that look like houses, feel like houses,” Henjum says.

For Merriam, being able to offer individuals a home-like environment means a greater sense of dignity. “You would want them to live in a home like ours,” she says.

It also means that individuals can live in a traditional neighborhood.

“We get to know our neighbors, and our neighbors get to know us,” Merriam says. “Friendships develop. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Homeward Bound, 12805 Highway 55 Suite 400; 763.746.4821; hbimn.org Homeward Bound, Inc.

Looking to Buy, Sell or Build a Home?

WE WOULD LOVE TO HELP Featured Properties

875 Lake St N #212 | Wayzata 2 Bed/2 Bath | $1,125,000

124 Chicago Ave N | Wayzata 5 Bed/4 Bath | $2,185,000

511 2nd St #4 | Excelsior 2 Bed/3 Bath | $1,950,000

935 Lake St N, #209, Wayzata 2 Bed/2 Bath | $1,225,000

Call Beth Ulrich For Your Next Real Estate Move 612-964-7184 | UlrichRealEstateGroup.com

New Construction Remodel • Additions Custom Build in Wayzata Walk Out Lots Now Available 207 Benton Ave N Pkgs Starting at $2,825,000

124 Chicago Ave N

Spec Home Under Construction Pkgs Starting at $2,125,000 Lori Serum and Beth Ulrich

224 Chicago Ave N

Lot Size: .19 / Pkgs Starting at $1.9

Visit BLVdevelopment.com or call 612-964-7184 or 763-438-1030 for more info.

@homewardboundmn Boyer Building, 3435 County Road 101, Minnetonka; 952.475.2097 Boyer Building Corporation @boyerbuildingcorporation

15

Ashm Verma

A R T S & C U LT U R E

Photo: Chris Emeott

Paintbrush Pedagogy Artist turns her passion for education into her own studio and teaching space.

By Jennifer Pitterle

16

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

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

ASHM VERMA has never questioned

that art is her calling. “It was always my passion. I started learning art at age 4,” says Verma, who grew up in India and has called Plymouth home for five years, along with her husband and two kids.

Even when she was a pint-sized artist, Verma had a supportive family and the space to develop her talents.

“My dad was an artist,” she says. “He used to paint, and he painted when he was a child. I got a lot of skills from him and learned from him.” Her dad also helped her discover that she especially wanted to branch out from traditional paintings.

“He bought me some mediums, and I used them to create some threedimensional sculptures,” Verma says.

“Then I wanted to sculpt, more than just two-dimensional paintings. It stimulated more imagination. Threedimensional paintings push the boundaries of conventional art and offer more connectivity.” The figures reaching out from her signature canvases—an elephant in sunlight or the figure of a woman in water—are lively and textural. “I love capturing the sense of movement in 3D space,” she says. She works with everything from Plaster of Paris to clay to oil paints.

Although she never had any formal training, Verma has exhibited and sold her work in galleries and shows in the U.S. and India. Even while she completed multiple degrees in microbiology, she kept making art. During her doctoral work, focused on biotechnology and cancer research, Verma would often encounter kids in the local park on her walks home. She started talking with them about art, and it reminded her how much she loved it.

CONGRATULATIONS! Achieving the title of Super Lawyer is a mark of excellence, awarded to attorneys who have reached the highest standards in their field and earned the respect of both peers and the public. We’re so proud of Plymouth residents Jessica, Kojo and Cody to have been honored with this distinction.

JESSICA SERVAIS

KOJO ADDO

CODY SCHARPF

2024 MN Super Lawyer

“Rising Star” by MN Super Lawyer

“Rising Star” by MN Super Lawyer

612-344-0336

612-344-0304

612-344-0334

jservais@ schwebel.com

kaddo@ schwebel.com

cscharpf@ schwebel.com

612-377-7777 | schwebel.com

17

AT THE ART-ORIUM Ashm Verma’s ART-orium studio in Medina offers a variety of art classes for kids, usually on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings. There’s a sculpting camp, textured painting and knife painting classes, one-day workshops, birthday parties and classes for grandparents and parents with their little ones. “I also offer custom, private classes for kids and adults,” Verma says. Interested artists can contact her to talk about what they’re hoping to learn.

18

Photos: Chris Emeott

A painterly technique adds texture to the peacock feather on the left. In the painting on the right, the woman’s skirt is sculpted, adding an additional dimension to an otherwise two-dimensional painting.

Soon, Verma found that what she really craved was sharing the artmaking experience with others. “I dropped everything in 2009 and started teaching art,” Verma says. “I wanted to enhance the inner talents and hidden creativity of each child.” She now teaches art classes full time in her Medina studio, ART-orium, mostly to kids, although she also offers some parent-child and adult-only classes.

Her philosophy puts each student’s creativity at the fore. “I want kids to imagine on their own and just use the skills and techniques I’m teaching as tools,” she says.

Verma offers classes on fundamentals like sketching and sculpting, as well as seasonal, project-oriented classes. She’s developed her own stepwise curriculum, so returning students can progress as they learn new techniques.

Her own daughters, ages 13 and 10, love art, too, and often attend their mom’s classes. “I love teaching, especially smaller kids,” Verma says. “They feel so proud when they create something on their own.”

We turn your house into the home of your dreams!

ART-orium, 825 Meander Court, Medina; 763.607.7480 Ashm- ART orium

@ashmverma_art

J Brothers Design l Build l Remodel 763.732.8731 • JBrothersRemodel.com • MN LIC #BC326186

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

19

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Sue Gartner

20

WHITE GLOVE SERVICE There’s more that goes into a turnkey experience than meets the eye.

Photo: Chris Emeott

Written by Madeline Kopiecki

The high point of most HGTV home shows is in the last few minutes. The mess and stress of remodeling is resolved, the music swells and the homeowners are welcomed back to a new, sparkling space that turns their design dreams into reality.

“I tell clients, ‘Delivery day from Crown is the only day that is anything like HGTV,’” says Brandi Hagen, owner and principal designer of Plymouth’s Eminent Interior Design. “Delivery day is super important to us, and that’s what Crown does. They make delivery day happen.”

Crown Warehouse and Delivery Service, Inc. is the 48,000-square-foot warehouse off Berkshire Lane in Plymouth that receives and delivers furniture for hundreds of interior designers across Minnesota and beyond.

“It is a specialty that, unless you’re in the industry, you maybe didn’t know existed,” Hagen says. “But a good receiving warehouse, a white glove receiving warehouse for an interior design firm, is mandatory.”

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

21

22

furniture in every day,” Gartner says.

“And then we open it, inspect it, tag it and receive it into our warehousing program. Then we store it until the home is ready for it. Sometimes things come in at all different times, so a project could take up to a year—even longer—for everything to arrive.”

These behind-the-scenes services keep design projects running smoothly. Besides avoiding a chaotic, piecemeal approach for large projects, the team at Crown also intercepts any imperfections at the jump. Hagen estimates that someone from her team is at the Crown warehouse every couple of weeks inspecting a new arrival. If it’s not up to snuff, “We can either

send it back to the manufacturer, or Sue can help us with who’s going to repair it to make it look great before the client sees it,” Hagen says.

When it’s time for the big day, Crown loads its deliveries into a truck and alerts the design team that it’s on the way. “Every day, we’re pulling product that’s going to be going out on a truck the next day,” Gartner says. “We deliver all over Minnesota and [to] outlying areas.”

Hagen says that sometimes, if it’s a smaller delivery, she’ll send a sketch of where it goes. “I trust the Crown guys to go into the home and to do it,” she says.

But, when the project requires additional attention, Hagen says the Eminent team also goes out to meet the

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

Photos: Drew Gray Photography

Crown has been operating out of Plymouth for the past 20 years, with current owner Sue Gartner taking over in 2020. “I, myself, am an interior designer,” Gartner says. She speculates that her background has made her more relatable to the hundreds of designers who use the space and services.

“On delivery day for an interior designer, I can relate to them,” Gartner says. “Delivery day is a scary process.

It’s like, ‘... Is everything going to fit?

Is it going to work out? Is it going to look good? Is it going to be okay?’ And so I think they understand that I know what they’re going through.”

But delivery day is just the culmination of Crown services. “We receive

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

A single room design can incorporate numerous vendors from all over the world. For this recent living room and kitchen project by Eminent Interior Design, everything from the curtains and lamps to the sofa and coffee table are new.

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

23

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

24

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

“Part of being a warehouse is you have to be very organized, very lean, just make it super easy for all the employees to know the process.” Sue Gartner, owner of Crown Warehouse and Delivery Service, Inc.

delivery crew. “It’s the best part of my job, and it’s also the most nervewracking, right?” Hagen says, echoing Gartner’s sentiment. “The clients have been waiting for the furniture and waiting. You just want it to look exactly like they thought it was going to look.”

Every install is as specific and unique as every client—and every designer, for that matter. “We have all different kinds of designers,” Gartner says. “Sometimes people get stuff in and they want to just onesie-twosie it over to their client.

Others want to wait until everything comes in and have the big moment.”

When the stars align, Crown delivers an as-seen-on-TV moment for Eminent and other designers. “We try to make sure [the homeowners] aren’t home. We send them out for dinner,” Hagen says.

Is Hagen on site for the initial client reaction? “It really depends on the client. Sometimes, I love being there and walking through with them, so they can see it all,” she says. “Sometimes, I just set it all up and walk out. They should see it for themselves. They don’t need me standing there watching them.”

Either way, Hagen finds delivery day rewarding. “I mean, that doesn’t always happen, right? There’s many projects where I deliver one thing at a time [because] the homeowner needs it or wants it or it’s late,” she says. But the grand reveal appeals just as much to this designer as it does to the HGTV audience. “I’m not interested in selling a client one piece of furniture,” Hagen says.

“I’m interested in designing their room, and Crown helps us do that. I don’t know how to do it without them.”

Crown Warehouse and Delivery Service, Inc., 1000 Berkshire Lane N. Suite 8–11B; crownwds.com Photos: Chris Emeott

Crown Warehouse & Delivery Service, Inc. @crown_warehouse_and_delivery Eminent Interior Design, 11140 Hwy 55 Suite C; eminentinteriordesign.com Eminent Interior Design @eminentinteriordesign

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

25

HOME & GARDEN Collection

W H E R E E V E R Y D E TA I L T E L L S A STO RY Your home is more than just a place to live—it’s a canvas for life’s cherished moments. From hosting your first dinner party to watching your family grow, every first experience is a milestone we are proud to help create. Each project we undertake is a unique narrative, created with precision, intention and craftsmanship. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in every detail, from the first sketch to the final touch.

M A P E T E R SO N D ES IGNBU ILD M A P E T E R S O N D ES IGN BU ILD, 61 61 WO O D DA L E AVE ., ED INA, 952.925 .9 45 5 M A P E T E R SO N .CO M

SPONSORED CONTENT

W E T U R N YO U R H O U S E I N TO T H E H O M E O F YO U R D R E A M S 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.

J BROTH ERS D ES IGN BU ILD REMODEL, 1 0025 COUN TY R OA D 1 1 6, COR COR A N ; 763.732. 8731 ; JBROTH ERS REM O D EL.CO M

J B R OTHER S DESI GN - B UI LD- R EMODEL, I N C.

@JBROTH ERS _ D E S IGN_ BU ILD_R EMODEL

J B R OTHER S DESI GN | B UI LD | R EMODEL

B OY E R B U I L D I N G C O R P O R AT I O N A L E G ACY O F C R A F TS M A N S H I P FO R 70 + Y E A R S A N D W I N N E R O F T H E 2 0 24 B E ST O F L A K E M I N N E TO N KA M AG A Z I N E B U I L D E R C AT E G O R Y A N D F I N A L I S T I N T H E R E M O D E L E R C AT E G O R Y.

Taking all areas of your home to a new level of luxury.

Our years of experience has allowed us to design and expertly craft entire homes and/or remodel spaces of all sizes 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.

B OYER B UI LDI N G COR POR ATI ON , 3435 COUN TY R OA D 1 01 , MI N N ETON KA ; 952. 475. 2097; B OYER B UI LDI N G.COM B OYER B UI LDI N G COR POR ATI ON @B OYER B UI LDI N GCOR POR ATI ON B OYER -B UI LDI N G-COR POR ATI ON @B OYER B UI LDI N G

B OYER B UI LDI N G

SPONSORED CONTENT

LANDSCAPE, I R R I G AT I O N A N D L AW N It may be your property, but we treat it like it’s ours. With our personalized approach, the experts who design your outdoor space also install and maintain it. Families all over the Twin Cities depend on Barrett to create beautiful and alluring landscapes that embrace every season.

C U S TO M C O N C R E T E P O O L S A N D F O U N TA I N S Trust our dedicated craftsmen to customize a pool, plunge pool, swim spa or fountain to elevate your outdoor space to an oasis. We build the highest-quality pools in Minnesota and help our customers create stand-out designs with sun shelves, spas, water features, lighting and more. Call us today to design your backyard dream.

SI GN ATUR E POOLS, B A R R E T T L AWN C ARE, 1 41 5 F IF T H ST. S . S U ITE E, H O P K INS ; 61 2 . 8 6 6 .752 2 ; BARRETTLAW NC ARE.CO M

1 41 5 FI FTH ST. S. SUI TE D, HOPKI N S; 952. 474.0702; SI GN ATUR EPOOLSLTD.COM SI GN ATUR E POOLS MN @SI GN ATUR EPOOLS_MN

Roofing Siding Windows Storm Restoration Award-Winning Designs

D O N ’ T S E T T L E F O R AV E R A G E W H E N Y O U C A N H AV E E X T R A O R D I N A R Y 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 the Brainerd Lakes Area!

H O F F M AN W E BE R CO NSTRU C TIO N, 2155 OLD HWY 8 N W, N EW B R I GHTON ; 763. 333.1 776; H WCO N STRU C TIO N.CO M

H O FFM AN WEB ER CON STR UCTI ON

@HOFFMA N WEB ER CON STR UCTI O N

SPONSORED CONTENT

YOUR LOCAL HOME EXPERTS

PETE CARLSON Executive Chairman

T H E F I N E A R T O F C R E AT I N G 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 and Multifamily • Remodel: Exterior Renovations and Additions • Storm Damage and 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.

“What is the highest class of Impact Resistant Shingles?”

1. Class 4 roofing shingles have the highest impact-resistance rating, making them least susceptible to hail damage and tested to withstand a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet multiple times.

2. Most manufacturers offer Class 4 impact-resistant shingles in various styles, including standard architectural, slate look and cedar shake look, to fit your home’s design.

3. These shingles qualify for discounts with most insurance providers due to rising premiums.

4. Although more expensive, Class 4 shingles provide peace of mind by protecting your home from major hail events and reducing roof replacement and high insurance deductibles.

A L L STA R CO N ST R U C T IO N, 6 5 00 C A R L SO N D R IVE , E D E N P RAIRIE ; 952 .2 95. 3 4 2 5; A L L STARTO DAY.CO M

SPONSORED CONTENT

A llsta r Con stru ction , 6500 Car lson Dr ive, Eden Prair ie; 952. 295. 3425; allst ar today.com

DANCER’S DEBUT Twelve years of training culminates in a solo concert.

Written by Madeline Kopiecki Photos by Chris Emeott

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

33

Plymouth resident and dancer Mahati Rayadurgam.

Suchi Sairam and Mahati Rayadurgam at Rayadurgam’s arangetram, which was held at Wayzata Central Middle School.

34

based on their years of training,” Sairam says. “This debut is a major milestone for a dancer, to publicly demonstrate their high level of competence in the art form. It is also considered to be a launching point as an artist.”

Sairam says that, as the teacher, she makes the judgment call if she thinks a student is ready for the immense undertaking of the arangetram. “It’s not solely about dancing,” she says. “It is about your mental toughness. It’s about fitness. It is about resilience. It is about your desire and passion because none of this should be forced. It’s a beautiful experience. You learn and grow so much, but also it requires such an immense commitment from that student [and] from their family.”

Once a student is ready to commit themselves to arangetram, Sairam sets to work choreographing a performance specific to the student. She explains that there is a set framework for arangetram performances. “Then within those [categories], you have hundreds, maybe thousands of compositions that you can choose from,” she says.

“We had a conversation beforehand about what type of dances I wanted

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

Photo: Kala Vandanam Dance Company

On June 29, 2024, Wayzata High School graduate Mahati Rayadurgam entered into a lineage of artistic practice that traces its roots back nearly 3,000 years. Her arangetram—a solo dance performance, spanning two-anda-half-hours—is a graduation in its own right, marking her debut as a qualified bharatanatyam artist.

Bharatanatyam is one of the most widely practiced styles of classical dance in India. “I think that the best way to describe it is that it’s a dance vocabulary and style that encompasses both a very emotive, personal storytelling as well as abstract movement to complex rhythms,” says Suchi Sairam, founder of Kala Vandanam Dance Company in St. Paul.

Sairam has been Rayadurgam’s dance teacher for the past 12 years and has been working closely with the 18-year-old over the course of a year to prepare her for this performance. “In this debut concert, the dancer must be able to perform all of the fundamental aspects of the [bharatanatyam] repertoire in a suite of eight to 10 dances,

“Dance went from being a hobby for me to just being a passion … something that’s so integral in my life that it guides me through all aspects of my life. I’ve learned so many skills— commitment, dedication, how to grow myself within the art—which I carry through for all my other hobbies and passions.”

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Mahati Rayadurgam, dancer

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

35

“You automatically see a beautiful sincerity in [Mahati’s] dancing as soon as you see her. It’s very, very sincere, very authentic, and you can automatically see that she loves doing what she’s doing.”

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Suchi Sairam, founder of Kala Vandanam Dance Company

36

October/November October/November 2024 2024

plymouthmag.com plymouthmag.com

Photo: Kala Vandanam Dance Company

Mahati Rayadurgam performed to an audience of family and close friends, accompanied by five live musicians.

to do, what type of dances my parents wanted to see, what was important to us in our family history,” Rayadurgam says. “[Suchi] does a very, very good job of including all those things and also knowing where to challenge me and what pieces play to my strengths and can help me improve my weaknesses.”

Sairam makes a point to include pieces from her teachers and her teachers’ teachers. “Some of these pieces were choreographed in the 1930s and ’40s,” she says. “Some of the compositions go back several hundred years or even a thousand years. Some of the poetry goes back to the fourth century.” She also choreographs at least one new piece for each student. “It’s a way to carry on tradition but also a way to create new and keep it as a living art form,” she says.

With compositions spanning different centuries and languages, Rayadurgam says one of the things she’s been working on during her study is, “learning to really understand and develop the stories that I’m telling through my dancing, both personally and the way that reflects the intentions of the poet or composer who wrote it.

Those are conversations that we have a lot in the studio. I have to understand both what I’m trying to convey and how to personalize that to me as a dancer.”

There is, of course, the physical

demands of a two-and-a-half-hour performance, but dancers also require mental stamina and resilience for their arangetram. “I think a lot of it is being in the moment when I dance, being concentrated on the one thing that I’m doing and then developing the muscle memory to go along with that,” Rayadurgam says. “Then there’s also the other part of it; if I do make a mistake, if I do forget what I’m doing, being confident in my skills to be able to adapt in the moment.”

Four weeks out from her arangetram performance, Rayadurgam says, “I think I’m most looking forward to the contrast in the pieces, different emotions that I will be portraying to my audience that day and showcasing the breadth of all of my skills that I’ve developed in dance for 12 years.”

Although the performance marks a culmination of Rayadurgam’s skills up to that point in time, she says her arangetram will mark the beginning of a new chapter, not the end. “I will be dancing for as long as I can,” she says.

Kala Vandanam Dance Company; kalavandanam.com Kala Vandanam - St. Paul @kalavandanam

Kala Vandanam

37

38

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

TA S T E M A K E R S

Skol for Spice One local man launches a line of tailgate-inspired seasoning blends to enhance any pregame party.

Written by Jennifer Pitterle — Photos by Chris Emeott

BEN T HEIS describes himself as a diehard

Minnesota Vikings fan—and that includes every element of Game Day, from watching the action at U.S. Bank Stadium to enjoying the tailgating festivities with his family and friends. Theis, who lives in Plymouth, says, “The reason I love football so much is because of my dad. Going tailgating with him and having those traditions—celebrating the wins and processing the losses— we’re still able to have that together today.”

Those “game before the game” memories of gathering around a grill or a minivan tailgate are at the heart of football season for many Americans. “It’s a great time to come together and share food, share drinks and share the optimism we have for the game,” Theis says.

After many years spent perfecting their own tailgating activities and recipes, Theis and a few friends brainstormed something new: Could there be a market for spice blends designed for tailgate food? The answer was yes. Theis and two business partners launched Tailgate Spices almost four years ago in Plymouth, focusing on a core group of gourmet cooking blends they developed in their home kitchens. The blends complement classic tailgate dishes

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

like chicken wings, steaks and burgers and are mixed and bottled by a local copacker, Theis says.

The punny spice blend names—like Intentional Grounded Beef and Kale Mary— were originally inspired by a tailgate fumble.

“One of my friends tossed someone else a chicken wing, and he dropped it,” Theis says with a laugh. “Someone else joked that it was a ‘personal fowl.’”

Theis and his partners wanted to create spices that were not only flavorful but that had recognizable ingredients. “A lot of spices have fillers in them and extra glucose,” Theis says. “All of our formulas are gluten-free and with no MSG. Most of our flavors also have no sugar.” The spices have launched successfully into the foodie scene—and they’re available online and at more than 60 retail stores locally.

Tailgate Spices arrived on the scene at the same time as a cultural high point for tailgating, when technology and inspiration from social media are making pregame gatherings bigger and bolder. Gone are the days of cans of beer and a few hot dogs on a portable grill; 21st-century tailgaters bring elaborate setups to their parking lots of choice, hauling expensive smokers, from-scratch Bloody

39

40

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Tailgate Spices seasoning blends pay homage to their tailgating roots with double entendre names like Red Zone, Personal Fowl, Intentional Grounded, Get Blitzed and Pigskin.

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

FREE FIRST EXAM*

Mary ingredients and even hookups for big-screen TVs. “Tailgating is much more extravagant than it used to be,” Theis says.

“My friends and I will even create themes for our menus based on who the Vikings are playing. If it’s a ‘bird’ team, we’re having chicken wings. If we’re facing the [Chicago] Bears, we’ll sometimes actually bring in bear meat. If we play Philly, we’re having Philly cheesesteaks.”

Theis notes that, for some fans, the tailgate is even more fun (and often more affordable) than the game itself. “It really enhances the experience for some people,” he says. “It’s morphed into its own thing.”

For a stellar tailgate, Theis recommends having enough of the essentials: drinks, food and games.

In Minneapolis, he and his crew tailgate near U.S. Bank Stadium, but he says nearby venues like The Corner Bar and Crooked Pint Ale House offer great Game Day experiences, too.

VETERINARY CARE

Get to know our professional and friendly team with a free first exam!

FREE FIRST EXAM INCLUDES: • Full physical exam • Status check on weight, nutrition and general health • Dental exam • Vaccination overview • Free new patient kit • A first free dose of parasite prevention

BOARDING AND DAYCARE

*For new clients only. Offer good for up to two pets (dogs or cats) per household.

Diagnostics, treatments, vaccines, labwork, medications or retail items not included.

Not to be combined with any other offer. No cash value. Cashier code 700.500

All of our staff are certified as Fear Free Professionals and will help to create a Fear Free experience for your pet (and for you!)

GROOMING

VCA Animal Wellness Center of Maple Grove

763.420.7958 7000 E. Fish Lake Rd • vcamaplegrove.com CareClub members receive

10% discount

$25 OFF

On Boarding & Daycare Services.

YOUR FIRST BOARDING STAY

Expires October 31, 2024.

VCA Animal Wellness Center of Maple Grove

Expires October 31, 2024.

VCA Animal Wellness Center of Maple Grove

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Shop Online.

Same Day Delivery or Pickup.

C R E AT E Y O U R L I S T A N D S H O P T H O U S A N D S O F I T E M S L U N D S A N D B Y E R LY S . C O M

3 4 5 5 V I C K S B U R G L N N , P LY M O U T H , M N 5 5 4 4 7 | L U N D S A N D B Y E R LY S . C O M

41

Bloody Mary Salsa

42

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

Game Day Spread Tailgate Spices founder Ben Theis shares some of his favorite game day recipes to make with the popular spice blends that are a parking-lot success story. Visit plymouthmag.com for Theis’ recipes for Buttery Pulled Chicken and Shaved Steak French Dips.

Bloody Mary Salsa » 4–5 ripe tomatoes » 2 stalks of celery » ¼ cup onion, sliced

Providing MEMORY CARE with a LOVING KINDNESS

that respects the dignity of each resident.

» 2 scallions » 2 jalapeño peppers » ¼ cup Spanish pimento olives » juice of 2 lemons » 1 tsp. lemon zest » 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce » 1 Tbsp. Get Blitzed Bloody Mary seasoning » 1 shot vodka Dice vegetables or blend in a food processor to desired chunkiness. Add lemon juice, zest, Worcestershire sauce, Get Blitzed seasoning and vodka. Mix well. Serve as a dip or as a topping for tacos or sandwiches.

Memory care that celebrates each moment.

Minnetonka & Plymouth Tailgate Spices; tailgatespices.com Tailgate Spices

@tailgatespices

www.GIANNAHOMES.org

Serving individuals with memory loss including Alzheimer’s Disease, Lewy body dementia, FTD, and Traumatic Brain Injury Contact Cari at

952.443.6113

or cari@giannahomes.org

Mind. Body. Spirit. At Gianna Homes we lovingly care for them all.

43

O N T H E TOW N

l o ca l t h i n g s to se e a n d d o

Pain relief without addictive drugs!

Voted Lake Minnetonka’s BEST Chiropracitc Clinic for 10 consecutive years!

1421 East Wayzata Blvd. Wayzata, MN 55391 Shawn Sailer D.C., Caroline Brost-Sailer D.C., Ryan Elton D.C., Barbro Brost D.C., Tyler Knutson D.C., Aarti Goyal D.C.

MADE WITH LOVE

952.473.9637 • TheBrostClinic.com

Get a head start on holiday shopping.

Photos: City of Plymouth

THE A RT ISA N M A R K ET is return-

ing for its second year to the Plymouth Community Center on November 23. Local makers will be selling a variety of giftable goodies that showcase their creativity and craftsmanship. “It’s a great way to shop local during the holidays,” says Plymouth recreation supervisor Alyssa Fram.

It’s estimated that 50 vendors will sell handmade items, including baskets, fiber art, fine art, jewelry, pottery, photography prints, soaps and more. —Findlay Drabant

Follow us on Instagram where we

S TAY CO N N EC T E D A N D C E L E B R AT E P LY M O U T H @ P LY M O U T H _ M AG showcase local people, places and events.

All ages. Free. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. November 23. Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Ave. N.; 763.509.5280; plymouthmn.gov

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

45

O N T H E TOW N

Compiled by Tia Benson and Findlay Drabant

Halloween at the Lake

listen and connect with one another.

10/25

All ages. Free. 10–11:30 a.m. Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Ave. N.; 952.767.7899; trellisconnects.org

Celebrate spooky season at Parker’s Lake Playfield, where you can expect food trucks, pumpkin bowling, pumpLOCAL EVENTS

Farmers Market

kin golf, an apple launcher and lots of

Parents Night Out

treats. All ages. Free. 5–8 p.m. Parkers

11/30

Lake Playfield, 15500 County Road 6; 763.509.5000; plymouthmn.gov

10/02

Parents, enjoy a well-deserved night off while your kids have a fun-filled evening at the Opus Music Academy. They’ll be enter-

Sink your teeth into farm-fresh produce

Veterans Drive-Thru Breakfast

tained with games, music and more for

harvested locally. All ages. Free. 2:30–6:30 p.m.

11/07

three hours. All ages. $15–$25. 4:30–7:30 p.m.

Opus Music Academy, 12800 Industrial Park Blvd.; 612.217.0415; opusmusicacademy.com

Parkers Lake Playfield, 15500 County Road 6; 763.509.5000; plymouthmn.gov

Veterans will receive a drive-thru break-

Music in Plymouth Wine Tasting

11 a.m. Veterans Memorial, 3400 Plymouth Blvd.; 763.509.5000; plymouthmn.gov

10/10

fast, letters of appreciation and a small gift at this free event. All ages. Free. 9:30–

AREA EVENTS

Sip on wine, beer and spirits while enjoying live music at the Plymouth

Caregiver Support Group

Community Center. Ages 21 and older. $40–

11/20

Guided tour of Cedar Lake

Senior Community Services offers this

10/02, 10/04, 10/09, 10/11, 10/16

support group for caregivers to share,

Explore the most hidden of the

$45. 6–8 p.m. Plymouth Community Center 14800 34th Ave N.; musicinplymouth.org

Minneapolis Chain of Lakes with this guided tour through trails and secret pathways. Ages 13 and older. $65. 8 a.m. Cedar Guided tour of Cedar Lake

Lake South Beach, 3500 Cedar Lake Parkway, Mpls.; 612.440.8303; hiddencedar.com

BT5K Run and Walk 10/05 Run or walk a 5K through Como Park to help raise funding for brain tumor research. All ages. $15–$45. 8 a.m. Como

Regional Park, 1199 Midway Parkway, St. Paul; 773.577.8750; give.abta.org

Music in the Chapel 10/06 Enjoy the musical stylings of singer song-writer Amanda Grace in the gorgeous Lakewood Memorial Chapel. All

ages. $20 advance, $30 at the door. 3–4 p.m.

Lakewood Cemetery, 3600 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.822.2171; lakewoodcemetary.org

Twin Cities Film Fest 10/17–10/26 11th annual Twin Cities Film Festival. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. Marcus West End Cinema, 1625 West End Blvd., St. Louis Park; 612.615.8233; twincitiesfilmfest.org

Star Party 10/25 Enjoy an evening of wonder at the Bell Museum. Look at the evening sky through high-powered telescopes and attend free

46

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

iStock.com: LMaru; Milko

Witness magic on the silver screen at the

l o ca l t h i n g s to se e a n d d o

Women-owned law firm with over 45 years.

Helping your family focus on the future!

Farmers Market

Mundahl Law, PLLC 6499 Sycamore Court N. 763.575.7930 mundahllaw.com planetarium shows on a first-come-firstserved basis. All ages. Free. 7:30–9 p.m.

Bell Museum, 2088 Larpenteur Ave. W., St. Paul; 612.626.9660; bellmuseum.umn.edu

Halloween Spooktacular 5K 10/26 Nine Mile Brewing hosts a Halloween weekend run—for beer. Those who are ages 21 and older will receive a finish line craft brew, a collector’s pint glass or swag item from the Brewery Running Series, a chance to win prizes and more. All ages. $35–$50. 11 a.m. Nine Mile Brewing, 9555 James Ave. S., Bloomington; 952.681.7493; breweryrunningseries.com

To have your event considered: email plymouthmag@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.

TruBlue is ready to help with any handyman or home modification services. We strive to be your most trusted, accessible home ally in protecting and maintaining your home.

License# BC807459 TruBlue Home Service Ally Plymouth & Maple Grove 763.400.3748 trublueally.com/plymouth-maple-grove

Making people feel beautiful from the inside out. As a company, our hope is that when you walk through our salon doors you feel completely seen, heard and cared for.

Urban Eve Salon & Boutique 190 Westfalen Trail #300, Medina 763.478.8100 urbanevemn.com 47

LAST GLANCE

Picture Plymouth An autumn sunset brings Plymouth’s labyrinth to life.

“Labyrinths have been around for millennia and can still be found in modern-day cities,” Larry Paulson says. “They are symbolic of a meditative journey or pilgrimage toward enlightenment. Plymouth has its own labyrinth at the Millenium Garden. I like the geometric spiral patterns and how they are reminders of the distant past. I made many visits (my own pilgrimage) to this labyrinth to capture it with just the right light.” —Madeline Kopiecki To view other Picture Plymouth photo contest winners, visit plymouthmag.com.

48

Photographer: Larry Paulson

Title: The Labyrinth in the Plymouth Millenium Garden Equipment: Nikon Z6ii with a wide-angle lens Location: Millennium Garden Category: Places Award: First Place and Best in Show

October/November 2024

plymouthmag.com

Overwhelmed by finding the right builder? For over 30 years, Gonyea has guided clients in turning their visions into reality.

We listen to your needs, design for your lifestyle, and build with exceptional craftsmanship. Ready to create a home that’s truly yours? Start your journey today. Your Vision. Our Expertise.

Visit gonyeahomes.com of call 763.432.4500.

#BC002459

life. at your summit.

At the core of our care lies the profound understanding that you are on a journey to reach

IMMEDIATE CARE AT OUR

your full potential, to realize your goals and

ORTHOPEDIC URGENT CARE

dreams, to reach your summit——no matter what

LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE METRO

that summit may be. It is this understanding that drives us to provide the highest standard of excellence through every injury or aching joint and muscle that may stand in your way.