SUGAR and SPICE
Discover the perfect recipe for creating a holiday treat tray that dazzles
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“People
Tasha Frey, Plymouth resident
Photo: Chris Emeott
All in the family
Heidi Capozzi came to love the University of Minnesota through her mother’s and grandmother’s stories.
The University had always been part of Capozzi’s life. Growing up in the Twin Cities, she remembers trips to campus: taking flute lessons from U of M professors, going to concerts, and bringing family pets to the Veterinary Medical Center.
opportunities for internships … It set me on a path for success just like it did for my sister, my mother, and my grandmother.”
That path led her to major corporations, as well as a start-up.
Today, she serves as Chief People Officer for CVS Health.
Her grandmother, raised by immigrant parents who placed a high priority on education, earned a degree in education in 1931 and taught school for many years. “At a time when women weren’t getting educated, she had a degree, was a professional, and was a single mother of two children. I found her to be quite an inspiration,” Capozzi says.
Her mother got a master’s in education from the U and also taught. Capozzi and her sister graduated from the University on the same day in 1998. Capozzi earned a master’s in human resources and industrial relations (HRIR) from the Carlson School of Management (CSOM); her sister received a doctor of veterinary medicine degree.
Capozzi says she felt “incredibly prepared” heading into the work world. “The respect the U of M had in the realm of major employers gave me lots of
Capozzi credits her mother, Norma J. Baker, with inspiring her to give back to the University. Baker made a gift in her will that will support students studying education.
“She wanted to give someone else the opportunity to have a great education,” Capozzi says.
After getting involved in CSOM’s strategic advisory board, she began to think about ways she could give back as well. In 2021, she and her husband established the Heidi and Brian Capozzi Scholarship for undergraduates studying business at CSOM, funding it with current gifts, including grants from a donor-advised fund and appreciated securities, and an estate gift.
By naming the University of Minnesota or M Health Fairview in your will or other estate plan, you will have a tremendous impact on students, faculty, research, and outreach efforts well into the future.
A bequest to the University of Minnesota is a belief in tomorrow. Visit give.umn.edu/giving/future-giving, email us at plgiving@umn.edu, or call us at 612-624-3333.
from the EDITOR
If there’s one word to describe my family’s Christmas cookie traditions, it’s “putzy.” The chocolate coated haystacks of chow mein noodles? Putzy. The cornflake wreaths with green marshmallow fluff and cinnamon candy ornaments? Putzy. The disks of dough that chill in my grandma’s fridge overnight? A way to make things less putzy. The Spritz cookies that break the press annually? My grandpa actually had a few different choice words for that one.
And what is all this putziness for? It is for the festive trays we assembled and distributed to neighbors and family friends. After all, sometimes it’s easier to take pains for others that we wouldn’t take for just ourselves.
I think a Christmas cookie tray says a lot about the family that makes it, which is why it’s so fun to see what others bring to the table. On page 30, writer Mollee Francisco connects with Lunds & Byerlys content manager Katie Tomsche to learn more about Tomsche’s cookie tray traditions (and glean a few new recipes to boot).
In my family, the Kopiecki cookie production line has become more streamlined with time. Here’s a not-so-putzy classic we make to this day.
Happy Holidays,
Swedish Ginger Snaps
» 3/4 cup butter
» 1 cup sugar
» 1/4 cup molasses
» 1 egg
» 2 cups flour
» 2 tsp. baking soda
» 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
» 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
» 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
» 1/2 tsp. salt
» pearl sugar
On the Cover
Sugar and Spice, Photo by Chris Emeott, page 30
Madeline Kopiecki madeline@localmedia.co
Mix together all ingredients except for the pearl sugar. Refrigerate the dough until chilled. Roll the dough into walnut sized balls. Roll one side of the dough balls in the pearl sugar. Arrange on cookie trays, pearl sugar side up. Bake at 375 F for 9–12 minutes.
THE PLYMOUTH AREA SINCE 2004. See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town! Plymouth Magazine @plymouth_mag @plymouthmag
Photo: Chris Emeott
JESSICA SERVAIS 2024 MN Super Lawyer
612-344-0336
jservais@schwebel.com
KOJO ADDO “Rising Star” by MN Super Lawyer
612-344-0304 kaddo@schwebel.com
CODY SCHARPF “Rising Star” by MN Super Lawyer
612-344-0334 cscharpf@schwebel.com
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. 612-377-7777 schwebel.com
VOL. 20 NO. 3 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
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, Findlay Drabant, Amy Holmberg and Mikayla Vo
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
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Yaz Lo
LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Emeott
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Brittni Dye
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Lisa Stone
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Mimi Coz
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Laura Bjorgo, Cynthia Hamre, Mary-Catherine Hartel, Sara Johnson and Lauren Warner
PRESIDENT Pete Burgeson
Reflections Dental Studio: A luxurious dental studio in Medina
Consider being treated— to aromatherapy, a cooled cucumber eye mask, a heated neck wrap, noise reducing headphones, sparkling water and don’t forget the weighted blanket. This has all the makings of a luxurious day at the spa, but Reflections Dental Studio offers this and more—all in the name of making patients feel welcome, relaxed and ready to receive expert dental care.
“In today’s fast-paced world, visiting the dentist can often be a source of anxiety,” says Hetal Gatecha, clinic director. “We combine the essential aspects of oral health care with the calming and restorative environment of a spa—all while emphasizing the highest standards of care.”
By allaying patients’ fears, patient-provider communication is enhanced. “We want patients to share their expectations without any fear or anxiety,” Gatecha says. “The spa amenities encourage patients to relax and share any concerns with us.”
Reflections Dental Studio is backed by solid health care and the inclusion of leading-edge techniques, such as Cone Beam X-ray, intra-oral scanners, AI-powered software for diagnostic X-rays and more. “We cover a wide range of services, addressing cosmetic, endodontic, preventative, orthodontic and restorative issues and are a one-stop resource for all your dental care needs,” Gatecha says. “[The]
Reflections Dental Studio team is tremendously exceptional. The commitment to patient care and comfort is unparalleled,” says a patient.
The services extend beyond the dental practice with a strong commitment to patient education. “We are known for our ethical dentistry, so when it comes to patient education, it is very crucial,” Gatecha says. “Educated patients are more likely to adopt healthier habits, such as regular check-ups, which contribute to long-term oral health and overall wellbeing.” The use of digital materials, interactive technology and visual aids help simplify what can often be complex information.
Supporting patients and the community is pivotal. The team has supported Give Kids a Smile Day, Mission of Mercy and Project Homeless Connect, along with volunteering countless hours to brighten the smiles of many community members.
872 Highway 55, #100, Medina 763.363.1006 • reflectionsdentalstudio.com
@reflectionsdentalstudio
Vote YOU’RE INVITED …
WELCOME, READERS, to 2025 and our annual Best of Plymouth Readers’ Choice Poll, which celebrates life in and around the Plymouth community. We don’t know of a better way to step into the year than by showing support and appreciation for local businesses, service providers and much more!
Our contest is live December 1 through January 31 at plymouthmag.com, where you can vote for your “best of the best” in a number of categories. While some of your favorite selections return for another year, our Editorial Team has included a few more categories that highlight additional retail and business communities. Curious? Go online to vote!
To have your vote successfully entered and counted, follow these rules*:
1. One entry is allowed per person; each ballot needs to include an email address.
2. Voters need to vote in at least five categories.
3. Ballots must be completed by 5 p.m. January 31.
The top three finalists will be announced online on March 1. Our June/July issue and website will reveal the Best of Plymouth winners and runners up— along with special features, including the Editor’s Picks and a host of other community highlights.
—Editorial Staff
*Any rule not adhered to may result in entire surveys being discarded, and all results are subject to editorial discretion.
A Touch of Texture
Building a holiday ensemble goes well beyond color palette. As you assemble, consider your desired effect. How different textures complement or contrast will enhance the overall impact.
Luxe Look
Velvet’s rich sheen brings an element of elegance to the table. Consider: constructed blazers and wide-legged pants.
Faux fur adds warmth and a touch of sophistication. Consider: vintage collars, fluffy cuffs and cozy stoles.
Glitz and Glam
Sequins catch the light beautifully and embrace the festive spirit. Consider: show-stopper dresses and sparkly tops.
Beaded accessories also add a glittering effect. Consider: beaded clutches and bejeweled headbands.
Modern Edge
Metallic fabric catches the eye and introduces a contemporary feel. Consider: blouses and skirts.
Leather adds edgy and stylish contrasts to softer textures. Consider: well-worn jackets, midlength skirts and high-rise pants.
Timeless Touch
Tweed and plaid are holiday classics for a reason. Consider: fitted blazers and pleated skirts.
Plymouth’s Grant Whittaker is a seasoned fashion insider, specializing in style consulting and production. Style more at grantwhittakercreative.com.
Sumptuous Holiday Salad
This Roasted Grape and Burrata Salad is delicious and has a festive flair. The roasted grapes are dark, warm and sweet, pairing well with the creamy burrata and peppery arugula. The toasted walnuts add an earthy crunch and balance out the other flavors. I love to serve this on Christmas Eve with Roasted Beef Tenderloin and Potatoes.
Roasted
Grape and Burrata Salad
» 3 cups seedless black grapes
» 1 Tbsp. olive oil
» 1 Tbsp. honey
» 1/4 tsp. salt
» 2 tsp. fresh thyme
» ⅔ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
» 6 cups arugula
» 8 oz. burrata
» walnut or olive oil
» 1 lemon, halved
» coarse sea salt
Preheat the oven to 400 F. Toss the grapes with olive oil, honey, salt and
thyme. Place the grapes on a parchment-lined sheet tray, and roast for 40 minutes, stirring halfway through. While the grapes are roasting, heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the walnuts to the hot pan, stirring frequently until they start to brown and smell toasted. Transfer the walnuts to a plate, and set aside. Spread the arugula on a large platter. Divide the burrata with a spoon and place on top of the arugula. Take the grapes out of the oven, and let sit for 5 minutes. Spoon the warm grapes on top of the greens and burrata. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts on top of the grapes. Drizzle the salad with walnut or olive oil. Squeeze the lemon halves over the salad, and finish with a sprinkle of coarse salt.
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.
Photo: Belén Fleming of Belu Photography
Grab your hot cocoa and a warm blanket. These snow-bound books will keep you snug all winter long.
Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra
This nail-biting, locked-room thriller will make you think twice about staying home alone in the dark.
The Funeral Ladies of Ellerie County by Claire Swinarski
When a hotshot chef arrives in their small town, a group of Wisconsin church ladies come together to create their own cookbook.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
A local midwife knows the truth behind the body found entombed in ice, but it is the 1700s and women are seen, not heard.
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Evie is a swindler deep in the depths of the perfect con, but she begins to suspect that she might be the one being deceived.
Amy Sundet and Katie Timcho are local book reviewers. They can be found @overbookedmoms on Instagram.
WELLNESS
Paradigm Shift
Nurse practitioners share a primer on the transitional period before menopause.
By Mollee Francisco
FOR MANY WOMEN entering their perimenopausal years, it can feel like their body has gone haywire. From loss of libido and anxiety to memory problems and vertigo, there are a host of symptoms associated with the changing hormone levels of perimenopause.
“It can be a confusing time for women to understand what’s going on with their health,” Ivy Emery says.
Emery is on a mission to normalize conversations about women’s health as it pertains to perimenopause. Together with fellow board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner Andrea Zimmerman, the duo started Harmoni Wellness in Plymouth. The clinic is focused on filling the gaps in women’s health care, including perimenopause. Emery and Zimmerman share their knowledge about perimenopause. (For more information, visit plymouthmag.com.)
What is perimenopause?
At its most basic level, perimenopause means “around menopause.” It is the period of time in a woman’s life during which her body begins its transition to menopause and the close of the reproductive years. “It’s not a light switch,” Emery says. “There’s a complicated journey before that.”
What are the symptoms?
One of the first perimenopause symptoms many women might experience is a hot flash or a flush. As early as in their mid-30s, women might also begin to notice irregularities in their menstrual cycles. Other symptoms of perimenopause include anxiety, brain fog, depression, ear ringing, heart palpitations, loss of libido, memory problems, mood swings, painful intercourse, panic attacks and vertigo.
What is the typical age range for women in perimenopause?
Perimenopause can start “easily 10 years before menopause,”
Photo:
Women’s health nurse practitioners Ivy Emery and Andrea Zimmerman of Harmoni Wellness.
Zimmerman says. With the average American woman going through menopause at 51, it is not uncommon for women to begin perimenopause in their early 40s, though some women will start noticing symptoms in their mid-30s. African American and Latina women tend to experience symptoms earlier than average, as do people who have had an ablation (such as a partial or full hysterectomy) and people who smoke. According to Emery and Zimmerman, the best indicator for when a woman can expect to go through menopause is to determine when her mother began to experience symptoms.
What can women do to help their bodies navigate it?
Attention to diet is important for perimenopausal women. Increasing protein and fiber while decreasing the intake of alcohol, processed foods and sugars can help ease symptoms and manage weight. Women should also focus on getting regular exercise, practicing good sleep hygiene and seeking sunshine. “Being outdoors is good for us,” Emery says.
When should someone seek treatment for perimenopausal symptoms?
“As soon as they begin to feel that they’re not themselves or that the symptoms are becoming a problem,” Zimmerman says.
To this end, Emery says Harmoni Wellness is developing a resource page to help women understand what’s happening to them. “There is a lot of information out there, and new information that keeps coming,” she says. They also recommend The New Menopause by Mary Claire Haver, M.D. “Finding someone that they trust to be able to get good information that’s current is really essential,” Emery says.
Consult your primary care physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.
Harmoni Wellness, 3021 Harbor Lane N. Suite 214; 612.887.2186; harmoni-wellness.com
Harmoni Wellness @harmoniwellnessmn
Do Good. Look Good. Feel
GENERATIONS
Joyful Noise
Vintage Voices shines a spotlight on seniors.
By Daniel Huss and Madeline Kopiecki
IN LATE NOVEMBER, residents of Plymouth’s Trillium Woods Chorale gathered together to usher in the start of the holiday season through song.
“It puts parents and grandparents in the limelight,” says chorale conductor Rob Graham.
The audience for the November concert was composed of fellow Trillium Woods residents as well as family members and friends, gathered together to enjoy the gospel songs, Christmas standards and folk tunes sung by the 35-person chorale.
The Trillium Woods Chorale is one of three Vintage Voices programs in the Twin Cities, along with the Sabathani Community Center in South Minneapolis and Keystone Community Services in St. Paul. “We see a wide range of experience,” Graham says.
“We get singers who are still active in their church choirs, and we get singers who have never formally sung in a choir. What they have in common is that they love to sing, and they love to be around others.”
The group at Trillium Woods started eight years ago. “We have at least half of the group who have been in it since the beginning,” Graham says. “A lot of those folks are fierce advocates of inviting new folks to join the choir. Each year when we welcome new singers, I’ve found they’ve stuck with it.”
The Trillium Woods Chorale meets two semesters per year. Each semester consists of 10 weeks of rehearsals, which culminate in an end-of-semester performance at the end of November and then again at the end of May.
Graham says he likes to get input
from the singers each year when he’s selecting the nine to 10 songs they’ll be performing. “Especially at Trillium Woods, they really enjoy doing arrangements of familiar folk songs or American standards like The Way You Look Tonight. A lot of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, too,” he says. Rehearsals, which last 90 minutes, begin with physical stretching. Next, Graham leads the choir through a series of breathing and vocal exercises. “We learn by rote,” Graham says. “I’ll sing, and they’ll sing it back.” Singers are also provided with large-print sheet music and lyrics. For those who aren’t comfortable reading sheet music, recordings can help jump-start the process.
The concerts, like the rehearsals, are mindful in their structure. “We stand
Photo:
Tonia Swennes, Trillium Woods
WELCOME CHRISTMAS
Vintage Voices is an offshoot of the Minneapolis-based performing arts nonprofit VocalEssence, which highlights the choral art form. “Our tagline is ‘Together we sing,’ and that embodies what we are,” Rob Graham says.
Each year, all three Vintage Voices programs are invited to participate in the Welcome Christmas concert at Northrop on the University of Minnesota campus. “All of the singers under the VocalEssence umbrella can participate in [the concert],” Graham says.
This includes the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers as well as the youth program, Singers of This Age. “They all talk about what an awesome experience that is, to sing in this mass choir setting in a state-of-the-art performance hall,” Graham says.
Welcome Christmas is scheduled from 4–5:30 p.m. December 7 and 8, with tickets open to the public. Find out more at northrop.umn.edu.
when we sing, but we can’t stand for 90 minutes,” Graham says. He incorporates breaks throughout the show. “It gives our singers an opportunity to share fun tidbits about the music or a poem that ties in thematically with the music,” Graham says. “It also gives our singers an opportunity to take a break and catch their breath.”
Visit plymouthmag.com to learn more from Trillium Woods Chorale member Jean Spong.
Trillium Woods, 5855 Cheshire Parkway; 763.744.9400; trilliumwoodslcs.com
Trillium Woods
VocalEssence, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls.; 612.547.1451; vocalessence.org VocalEssence @vocalessencempls
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Serving Those Who Served
Nonprofit helps veterans connect to programs.
By Daniel Huss
Some of the organization’s efforts include the Sponsor a Family program. PHILANTHROPY
“I THINK IT’S THE PERFECT name, and I wished I would have thought of it,” says Paul Davis, executive director of Project Got Your Back (PGYB). “It’s descriptive and matches what we do.” The nonprofit, based in Bloomington, connects veterans with services. As Davis says, “Resources are available, but not everyone knows what’s available.”
What are our Minnesota veterans looking for when it comes to resources? Employment opportunities top the list. Davis notes the topics of mental and physical health concerns are real, as are needs for legal services. Questions regarding navigating the Veterans Administration are commonplace. “We don’t have all the answers, but we’re really good at directing and navigating,” he says.
PGYB is a rebranding of the Veteran Small Business Foundation, an organization founded in 2013. “It started as an organization that helped veterans start their own businesses,” Davis says. Veterans seeking other types of help altered that focus. “We had to do more and rebranded in 2020–21, just before the pandemic,” he says.
Plymouth resident Ben Eby, a former member of the U.S. Air Force and an active member of the Air Force Reserves, initially found out about PGYB online. “Just like any veteran that gets out of the military, the first thing that you miss is your military camaraderie, and I wanted an opportunity to give back,” Eby says. As a navigator
since 2022, Eby says he felt like the position was an opportunity to continue to serve.
The PGYB model works by pairing navigators, like Eby, with clients (veterans), including some in the Plymouth area. This professional relationship lasts for an entire year, during which time the navigator connects clients with resources they might have otherwise been unaware of. You don’t know what you don’t know, which is why Eby finds PGYB so helpful. “It’s connected me to so many veterans that are outside of the military now and have found a way to be successful,” he says, adding that those connections expedite how quickly veterans joining the program can achieve success themselves.
Funding has to come from somewhere to keep the nonprofit on its feet. Programming is funded by sponsors and fundraisers. “We’re self-supporting and don’t charge for services,” Davis says. Last year, PGYB’s primary fundraiser resulted in a Guinness World Record for the number of individuals simultaneously floating on pool noodles. The memorable event, preceded by a boat parade, was held on Lake Minnetonka’s Browns Bay in front of a contributor’s home. “We smashed the old record,” Davis says. “We needed 235 [floaters] and finished with 330. It was so much fun … ”
This year’s main event, which happened in September, was billed as R&R on the Ramp. Held in south St. Paul, the day’s activities featured teams of four to six PGYB supporters, hand-pulling a B-25 bomber down a runway. This is not an easy feat—empty B-25 bombers weigh 21,100 pounds.
There are multiple donors from the area, and Davis is grateful for their contributions. “Support from the local community is the single most critical component in being able to provide our life-changing services to local veterans and their families for absolute zero cost,” he says. “We truly appreciate their participation and support.”
To learn more about receiving services, volunteering or donating, visit projectgotyourback.org.
Project Got Your Back, 5123 W. 98th St., Bloomington; info@pgyb.org Project Got Your Back
DESIGNED TO GATHER
A first-floor remodel takes a home to new heights for day-to-day living and elaborate dinner parties alike.
When Tasha Frey and her husband, Greg Frey, moved into their 1984 Plymouth home in 2013, they envisioned a space where family and friends could gather for dinners and parties. But as it does for so many homeowners, life happened.
“You think you’re going to do everything right away, but then the babies come and the busyness of life happens,” Tasha says. Appliances broke down, the layout felt cramped and hosting even small gatherings became a challenge. “We loved having people over, but we didn’t want to anymore, because it was so hard to do that and be able to cook for a lot of people,” she says.
It was time for a change. Tasha ran into an old high school friend who’d recently worked on a remodel with Amber Weekley Elioff, designer and general manager at Crystal Kitchen + Bath, and Tasha reached out to set up a meeting. “I just really connected with Amber,” Tasha says. “She seemed to
understand what we needed.” The goal was clear: to create a space that wasn’t just beautiful but functional, both for the Frey family, including Greg and Tasha’s two daughters, and for hosting family and friends.
Although rooted in the kitchen, the transformation—which wrapped up in early 2024—encompassed the entire first floor of the home and has made previously unused spaces welcoming. “We never used the dining room before,” Tasha says. Now, with widened doorways that allow for more light and movement among the rooms—entryway, kitchen and dining—the space has become a central gathering place, with a large table, a built-in sideboard and tiled accents. Tasha and Weekley Elioff call the style “Scandifornian,” a blend of Scandinavian simplicity with warm, bohemian touches. In addition to the natural wood finishes and calm white, Weekley Elioff and Tasha chose various
WRITTEN BY JENNIFER PITTERLE PHOTOS BY CHRIS EMEOTT
green hues for an earthy vibe.
“My favorite view is standing in the front doorway, looking into the dining room,” Weekley Elioff says. “The light fixtures are beautiful, the table and chairs Tasha picked are perfect and everything about that whole view when you walk in is so pretty.” The retro Chicago brick around the living room fireplace got a mod makeover with black paint, and colorful wallpaper highlights smaller spots like the entryway and the powder room. A custom niche for the Freys’ record player
makes it easy to set the mood with music for parties.
The kitchen, once cramped and difficult to navigate, was redesigned with functionality in mind. “We often were all in the kitchen at the same time, running into each other,” Tasha says. “Now, we have this great layout where all four of us can be in the kitchen, doing something or getting something we need, without stepping on each other.” A white waterfall-style countertop elevates the space, which has easy access to the outdoor grill (one
of Greg’s favorite spots). The Freys’ daughters, now 10 and 12, love to cook, bake and host their own friends, so the kitchen now accommodates them, too.
Tasha says one of her surprise favorite features is the new beverage center, strategically placed between the kitchen, dining room and living room. It includes a hidden coffee bar, a beverage fridge and space for wine and glassware—all easily accessible. Tasha loves how it has transformed their day-to-day living and entertaining. “Functionally, the beverage center
Season’s Greetings
The Frey’s home received a dash of holiday magic thanks to event stylist Callie Cecka. Learn more about Cecka and her business, Northern Urbanity Events, on page 24.
Photo:
“People always felt welcome around us, but I wanted our house to envelop people and make them feel like they could stay as long as they wanted,” Tasha Frey says. “And I think we have that now.”
is one of my favorite things, because we house so many things right there, and it’s so central to everything we do throughout the day,” she says. “I didn’t realize how much we needed that until we had it.”
The induction stove has also been a game-changer for the family. “It feels safer than gas, and I don’t worry about the girls cooking on it because with induction, the heat stays in certain places on the stove,” Tasha says. “It’s super easy to clean, too, and always looks great.”
The remodel has ultimately allowed the Frey family to do the hosting they’ve always wanted. “It feels like it’s nice that guests don’t want to go home,” Tasha says. “My kids love having friends over, and we’re very close with a lot of their parents. So we do everything from barbecues to hosting our first Thanksgiving. We have space now for all of us in my family to come.” In addition to casual gettogethers, the Freys also love to host intimate dinner parties with just a few friends.
Crystal Kitchen + Bath, 3620 Winnetka Ave. N., Mpls.; 763.544.5950; crystalkitchen.com
Crystal Kitchen + Bath @crystalkitchenbath
Crystal Kitchen + Bath
Written by Madeline Kopiecki
Photos by Chris Emeott
Callie Cecka doesn’t do things halfway. When she was put in charge of her best friend’s baby shower, she invested thousands of dollars on the décor. When she got the idea to repurpose that décor for a luxury picnic business in 2020, she built out a corresponding website and Instagram account. When the COVID-19 fervor behind picnic rentals cooled down, Cecka ramped up to bigger events.
“I only really know how to go all out,” Cecka says. Now, she and her husband, Dan Cecka, run Northern Urbanity Events, a Plymouth-based event styling company.
“I would say that we’re most known for our luxurious children’s birthday parties,” she says. But her team also specializes in corporate holiday parties, intimate bridal and baby showers, custom backdrops and styled dinner parties.
And because Cecka doesn’t know how to do things halfway, Northern Urbanity Events has launched a YouTube channel with a series called Inside Northern Urbanity Events that shows viewers how to create their own professional events at home.
The inspiration behind the channel is just that: sharing inspiration. The Ceckas got the idea from watching HGTV. Although the renovations and design projects might be out of the average viewer’s budget, “It’s
A local event planner shares her tips for creating a festive tablescape.
giving them inspiration on how they can do something like that themselves, at their scale,” Cecka says. The same applies to her channel. “It’s like, ‘What tidbits of that design … could we incorporate at home with things that we already have? How can we do it ourselves?’” she says.
In that spirit, we asked Cecka to share her tips for creating a professional caliber holiday tablescape at home. She uses the home of Tasha and Greg Frey as the backdrop. (Read more about the Frey home and its recent renovations on page 18.)
FINDING INSPIRATION
“Instagram and Pinterest can get super overwhelming and not always very narrowed in on a theme,” Cecka says. Instead, she recommends looking at seasonal catalogs to get a finger on the pulse of what’s fresh. Such catalogs, she says, are “... always very on point with current themes and the vibe or the color of the season.”
RENTING INVENTORY
The broader Metro has plenty of party rental companies, offering accoutrements that range from basic linens to bar cart rentals. Such businesses can also be a good stopgap for supplying place settings for hosts with a larger guest list than their own dinnerware or cutlery can accommodate.
“It really depends on the client’s preference on how much they want to be rentals or how much they want to incorporate their
Finish the Sentence
A tablescape isn’t complete without … “A placemat and/or charger,” Callie Cecka says. “I think having just a singular plate or just the silverware set makes it feel so naked and almost potluck, whereas if you have a placemat and a charger, it’s like, ‘OK, this is where I’m supposed to be.’”
A tablescape should avoid … Real candles, depending on the age of the guests. “Steer away from real flames or exposed flames if children are around or if the table is chaotic,” Cecka says. Look toward battery-powered candles with faux flames or unlit taper candles instead.
own inventory,” Cecka says. If using heirloom china is part of tradition, perhaps that stays, “But then everything else we can rent—the chargers, the glasses, silverware.”
Locally, Northern Urbanity Events works with Après Event Décor and Tent Rental and Collected & Co., and Cecka says hosts can do so too.
TABLESCAPING
Cecka favors a full look when it comes to designing a dinner party. “Layers help create that more inviting, luxury feeling,” she says. She recommends adding chargers, placemats and table runners. Incorporate varying heights in the centerpiece with candles and candle holders. Play with texture through items like ornaments and bells.
CUSTOMIZING PLACE CARDS
“I love the aesthetic of a place card,” Cecka says, but notes that it’s a love/ hate relationship. On one hand, she sympathizes with guests who want to pick their own neighbors around the table. On the other hand, “It’s so fun to tie it into the personality of [the event] by using a pine cone or a feather or a bell or something that [guests] can take home,” she says.
Cecka’s family uses customized items, such as ornaments, as place card holders. Not only does the design look beautiful, it creates a memento that carries the memory of the event.
CURATING GREENERY
Certain greenery has a longer shelf life than others. “If you’re using something
like eucalyptus, you really only have a day or two to use it before it dries,” Cecka says. There’s a bit more leeway with Christmas greenery but not much. “Christmas greenery, you could purchase a week plus in advance if you plan to just set it and forget it,” she says.
To eschew the issue altogether, Cecka invested in high-end faux greenery for her spread. “What I like about that is that it costs maybe 25 percent more up front, but now I can use it every year. It’s mess-free, and it looks so real,” she says.
Northern Urbanity Events; northernurbanity.com
@northern_urbanity_events
Northern Urbanity Events
Northern Urbanity Events
HolidayGift Guide
Extensive array of stones for your ideal jewelry piece.
Single or stacked will light up her smile and sparkle.
1. PLATINUM DIAMOND RING AND ETERNITY BAND
Exquisite diamond ring and eternity band made by Wayzata Jewelers.
2. PREMIUM DIAMONDS AND GEMSTONES
3. DIAMOND BRACELETS
for THE ADVENTURE ENTHUSIAST
1. URBAN AIR GIFT CARD
Available in any amount to be used at Urban Air Adventure Park Plymouth.
Urban Air Plymouth, 3580 Holly Lane N., Plymouth; urbanair.com/minnesota-plymouth
2. WINTER VILLAGE GIFT CARDS
Available in any amount to be used toward events at The Westin Edina Galleria during Winter Village.
The Westin Edina Galleria, 3201 Galleria, Edina; edinaweekendwonders.com
3. ENEWTON BRACELETS
Create your own stack! Designed for everyday wear. Starting at $36.
General Store of Minnetonka, 14401 Highway 7, Minnetonka; generalstoreofminnetonka.com
CARD
Linzer Cookies
TASTEMAKERS
Sugar and Spice
Discover the perfect recipe for creating a holiday treat tray that dazzles.
Written by Mollee Francisco — Photos by Chris Emeott
ON A WORN and yellowing piece of paper lies the recipe for Katie Tomsche’s great grandmother’s Christmas Cookie Cutouts. “We make them every single year,” Tomsche says.
While the decorations have become more intricate, and their collection of cookie cutters has grown, the core of the tradition remains the same. Tomsche’s mom sets a date, and her sister travels up from Chicago.
The cookies are a coveted commodity among Tomsche’s family and friends, and she often incorporates them into the cookie boxes and platters she distributes around the holidays. “It’s a fun way to bring joy to others,” she says. “Cooking and baking is how I show love.”
And though Tomsche loves the traditional Sugar Cookie Cutouts, she also loves to try out new recipes for holiday treats. As a content manager for Lunds & Byerlys, Tomsche can often be found combing through its blog for intriguing cookie recipes to test out. “I think about it all year long,” she says.
Variety is the key when putting together a treat spread for
the holidays, Tomsche says. “You want different flavors, sizes, textures and colors,” she says. “The variety allows everyone to find something they like and to try new things that might not be in their family’s repertoire.”
Tomsche says she likes to include at least one treat that’s chocolate, one that’s spiced, one fruit and one peppermint or nut-based cookie.
Last holiday season, in addition to her traditional cutouts, Tomsche tried out simple Chewy Molasses Cookies, Rich Caramel Bars and tiny Confetti Shortbread Cookies. “They were small, so you could grab a handful and sprinkle them around,” she says. “They added so much shape and texture.”
While Tomsche loves the chance to get together with family and friends to make goodies around the holidays, she understands that not everyone has the time to devote to such endeavors. Tomsche says it’s perfectly fine to buy something and even to claim it as your own. “You’ve got to leverage your resources,” she says. “The holidays are stressful enough as is. Feel free to buy stuff to supplement what you have.”
Lunds & Byerlys
3455 Vicksburg Lane N.; 763.268.1624; lundsandbyerlys.com
Lunds & Byerlys Plymouth @lundsandbyerlys
Pistachio Shortbread
Christmas Cookie Contenders
Katie Tomsche shares her short list for new recipes she’s adding to this year’s holiday repertoire. Visit plymouthmag.com for recipe ingredients and instructions.
Linzer Cookies
With its crisp white cookie halves, bright red center and dusting of snowy confectioners’ sugar, the Linzer Cookie looks like it was dreamed up by a wizard of holiday marketing. It tastes as good as it looks, too. The cookies are buttery and biscuit-like, and the center is tart and jammy; the sugar on top is lightly, electrically sweet.
36 cookies
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Peanut Butter
Oatmeal No Bake Cookies
This recipe comes from former FoodE Expert Rosie Anderson at our Lunds & Byerlys Chanhassen store. It’s an easy, breezy, no-bake recipe that’s naturally gluten-free. It’s also a kid-friendly recipe for little helpers.
24 cookies
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Pistachio Shortbread
This recipe calls for shelled pistachios and uses a food processor to form the dough, so everything comes together in just a few minutes. They look quite elegant, too. Serve them at a holiday dinner party, or treat yourself to a cozy night in. Our dream is to pair them with a strong cup of chai and enjoy them in front of the fireplace while watching The Grinch.
20 cookies
Preparation time: 10 minutes
(plus 2 hours refrigeration)
Cook time: 20 minutes
Hot Cocoa Cookies
These gooey chocolate cookies from Martha Stewart have a surprise in the middle!
24 cookies
Cook time: 45 minutes
WAYZATA HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE PRESENTS ...
Romeo and Juliet is on the docket for the winter season.
WHEN THE HOUSE LIGHTS DIM and the curtain rises at Wayzata High School’s (WHS) Black Box stage on January 16, it will be a moment that has been months in the making.
WHS’ theater department has been hard at work since November preparing for its winter season. “We’re always looking for a show that has a large number of characters or the right kinds of roles that would really stretch and grow the current students that we have so that we’re always offering rich opportunities,” says theater director Justin Spooner.
This winter’s play is William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, which was picked by guest director Ben Gansky. Aside from being a self-professed Shakespeare nerd, “[Ben is] super passionate about the text,” Spooner says. “It’s also a text that is in the curriculum here at the school; the students are familiar with it. It’ll be a fun show to dig into.”
WHS thespians have been collaborating for the play’s three-day run, and that encompasses more than the student actors appearing on stage. “As much as possible, all the creation and production work for each show is done by our student team,” Spooner says. “Our scene shop and technical teams do amazing jobs.”
Opening night is at 7 p.m. January 16 with subsequent evening performances at 7 p.m. on January 17 and 18. There will also be a matinee at 1 p.m. on January 18. Tickets are available at the door and at whstheatre.com. —Madeline Kopiecki
Wayzata High School Theatre, 4955 Peony Lane N.; 763.745.6600; whstheatre.com
Wayzata High School Theatre @whs.theatre
Photo:
Wayzata High School students performing their fall play production of Tartuffe
Compiled by Amy Holmberg and Mikayla Vo
Pain relief without addictive drugs!
LOCAL EVENTS
Holiday Bingo
12/05
Coffee and snacks will be provided as you compete for fun prizes, sweet treats and gift cards. Two cards max per player, per game. Ages 55 and up. $5 resident, $7 nonresident. 10 a.m.–noon. Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Ave. N.; 763.509.5000; plymouthmn.gov
Merry Market
12/07
Shop a unique selection of handmade goods from local vendors, showcasing creativity and craftsmanship. Enjoy festive treats and hot chocolate as you browse, and don’t forget to stop by Santa’s Mailbox to send your letters to the North Pole (self-addressed stamped envelopes required). All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Plymouth Old Town Hall, 3605 Fernbrook Lane N.; 763.509.5229; plymouthmn.gov
Christmas with Lori Line
12/21
Spend an intimate evening with Lorie Line around the piano as she shares heartwarming stories and celebrates the true meaning of Christmas. Ages 10 and up. $65. Providence Academy, 15100 Schmidt Lake Road; 952.474.1000; lorieline.com
Shawn Sailer D.C., Caroline Brost-Sailer D.C., Ryan Elton D.C., Barbro Brost D.C., Tyler Knutson D.C., Aarti
BRICK OVEN BUS
Get ready for a unique pizza experience with a Minnesota-born food truck serving wood-fired pizza from a converted school bus. This distinctive truck, with its 4-foot tall brick chimney, might be cruising near you soon. Ages 21 and older. Prices vary. 3–8:30 p.m. Luce Line Brewing, 12901 16th Ave. N.; 952.855.8282; lucelinebrewing.com
AREA EVENTS
European Christmas Market 11/29–12/17
Take a trip across the globe, and experience Christmas in Europe. This 10thanniversary market will include a mixture of offerings such as live music, crafts for kids and more. All ages. Free. Times vary. Union Depot East Plaza, 240 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; stpaulchristmasmarket.org
Guatemalan Holiday Market 12/01
Art, chocolate and food, clothing and fun return to La Doña Cervecería for a second year. Browse a unique selection of handcrafted goods straight from artisans in Antigua, Guatemala. Every purchase supports Common Hope families and local artisans. All ages. Free. Noon–5 p.m. La Doña Cervecería, 241 Fremont Ave. N., Mpls.; 612.315.4613; dameladona.com
Christmas in Germany
12/07–12/08
Hosted by the Germanic American Institute (GAI), guests are invited to enjoy the thoroughly decorated venue with music, beer, Glühwein, homemade soup, German cake and more. Seasonal goods will be available for purchase. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. GAI Haus and grounds, 301 Summit Ave., St. Paul; 651.222.7027; gaimn.org
Twin Cities Holiday Princess Ball 12/15
Enjoy performances, photo opportunities and the chance to meet and greet favorite familiar characters. All ages. $20–$30, infants under 12 months free. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan; dreampartyforyou.com
Christmas With a Whole Lotta Soul 12/15–12/16
Ginger Commodore takes the stage, bringing the holiday season to life with soulinfused renditions of timeless Christmas classics. All ages. $44 concert only, $66 dinner and a show. 7 p.m. December 15; 7:30 p.m. December 16. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 W. 78th St., Chanhassen; 952.934.1525; chanhassendt.com
Holiday Music Festival 12/29
A family-friendly festival will fill your days with holiday cheer, featuring live music performances from talented local and national artists. All ages. Free. Times vary. Huntington Bank Rotunda Mall of America, 60 E. Broadway, Bloomington; 952.883.8800; mallofamerica.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.
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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.
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Celebrating the Sisterhood
Firefly Sisterhood held its second annual Celebrate the Sisterhood event last spring at Rock Elm Tavern. Being diagnosed with breast cancer can shake your world, but 16 women showed how to bravely step forward with grace, strength and hope after diagnosis. This group of women is a small representation of the hundreds of women who seek comfort and find connection within Firefly Sisterhood each year. Learn more at fireflysisterhood.org.
To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos, contact information and a brief description of the event to plymouthmag@localmedia.co.
Photos:
Meet
Sarah Dovolos Senior Managing Art Director
Q: What’s the best part of your job?
A: I enjoy getting an inside look at all the various businesses and lifestyles within our communities.
Q: How do you like to unwind?
A: I enjoy spending time outdoors whether I’m sitting outside reading a book, roller skating at the skate park or going for a walk.
Picture Plymouth
A fresh perspective on the Hilde Performance Center.
“The overnight snow made the outdoors look amazing!” Scott Anderson says. “I was just running errands and decided to stop at Hilde to see what it looked like, and it did not disappoint. I’ve always enjoyed taking pictures, but the view from the air just gives a fresh perspective on the world.”
—Madeline Kopiecki
To view other Picture Plymouth photo contest winners, visit plymouthmag.com.
Photographer: Scott Anderson
Title: Snowy Stage
Equipment: DJI drone
Location: 120 feet above the Hilde Performance Center main stage
Category: Seasons Award: Third Place
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