St. Croix Valley Magazine - August 2022

SENIOR SPOT LIGHT Celebrate excellent soon-to-be graduates from around the Valley

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A U G U S T/ S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” —Malcolm X

DEPARTMENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE

12 — World of Possibilities

6 — Editor’s Letter 9 — Noteworthy 29 — On the Town 40 — Last Glance

A Hudson backyard transforms into an immersive classroom for kids.

14 — Inclusive Play New Heights School looks to add an inclusive playground to the school grounds.

Photo: HOPE Grove

PAG E 12

16 — Life Changing Opportunities The women of the Valley support one another.

stcroixvalleymag.com

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FEATURES

TASTEMAKERS

18 — Keeping Anna Alive

34 — Branching Out

Kristin Rohman Rehkamp and her daughter are turning family emergencies into children’s mental health advocacy.

A local family apple orchard expands its business to hard ciders.

Photo: Chris Emeott

PAG E 3 4

22 — Senior Spotlight Celebrate excellent soon-to-be graduates from around the Valley.

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rowing up, back to school season was one of my favorites. As a “Type A” person, I reveled in buying new pens, pencils, folders, notebooks and planners—don’t get me started on my love for a fresh planner! This back to school season is a little more special for my family, as my younger brother is off to start his senior year of high school, and will soon be a graduate and off into the world.

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of chatting with a few other soon-to-be high school graduates, and they offered a glance into what high school looked like during the pandemic, how they overcame challenges and what they’re looking forward to during their senior year of high school.

St. Croix Preparatory Academy 12th grader Violet Redstone says, “... I’m most looking forward to exploring what I’m pursuing. I’m excited to have more freedom with myself and explore what I may end up doing.” Ava Roots, Stillwater Area High School 12th grader, shares that sentiment through her advice for incoming ninth grade students. She says, “... Try things. Find ways to engage with people around you … Enjoy it, and do the things you love to do, and the rest will follow.”

Meet more graduating seniors on page 22.

We’re also taking a peek at other classrooms—namely New Heights School, which is looking to add the first inclusive playground in the Stillwater area in conjunction with the Madison Claire Foundation. The playground, currently in the funding stage, will feature rubber flooring, ramps, accessible swings and more.

Read about the inclusive playground on page 14.

Readers, we’d like to see your #BackToSchool status. Tag us on Instagram with #StCroixValleyMagazine to share your new school year look. Until next time!

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On the Cover Ava Roots, photo by Chris Emeott

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staff writers Ava Diaz Daniel Huss Madeline Kopiecki Staci Perry Mergenthal Hillary Streitberger

contributing writers Alexandra Eve John F. Farrell III Rachael Johnson Rachael Perron

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N OT E WO RT H Y

lo c a l t ip s, tidb its & insights

TAST E

Air Fried Everything SIP

Sip and Learn Here’s the secret to wine education: Drink wine. It is that easy.

There are two rules to follow.

1. Drink what you like.

Someone might tell you how special, elite, unique or expensive a wine is, but if you don’t like it, you don’t like it.

2. Try new things. Even if you say, “I don’t like chardonnay,” I bet you have not tried all of the thousands of types from around the world.

Chances are, you will I recently moved and, in the course of pack-

right—but I don’t care. I bought one for my

find one you like. One

ing, went through the process of cleaning

office and became so obsessed with it that

of my favorite sayings

out my kitchen cabinets. I was particularly

I ended up buying the exact same one for

is: “Travel the world of

focused on weeding out small appliances.

home. Just about everything I’ve thrown in

wine, and your cork-

it has been incredible.

screw is your passport.”

I like a lot of clear counter space for

Photo: Kowalski’s Markets

working, and when there’s an Instant Pot

And I do mean everything. I’ve put ravioli

on your counter, it sure doesn’t feel “small.”

in there, and meatballs, salmon, taquitos,

Evaluate your wine

Because most of my small appliances don’t

empanadas, hand pies, tater tots, chicken

education: Try some of

get daily use, I relegate all but the essen-

tenders, wings and pork chops. I also cre-

these varieties: tempra-

tials (espresso machine and toaster) to the

ated the most delicious Air Fried Garlic

nillo from Spain (El Circo);

pantry. I keep it pretty lean, but in nearly 20

Butter Pork Bites. Needless to say, the air

rosé from Croatia (Korta

years in one place, one tends to accumulate

fryer secured a spot in my new kitchen, the

Katarina rosé or plavac

at least a few items that don’t deserve a

bread machine and vacuum sealer, on the

mali and zinfandel grapes);

spot on the moving truck. Packed away on

other hand, did not.

and white wines from the

a back shelf I found a breakfast sandwich maker I’d never used and an electric skillet that I received as a wedding gift. I parted ways with both.

One appliance I had no question about was my air fryer. You know, this machine-ofthe-moment isn’t truly “frying” at all? You know, it’s really just a small convection oven,

August/September 2022

Rhône region of France,

Rachael Perron is the culinary and brand director for Kowalski’s Markets, where she specializes in product development and selection, culinary education and communications. Find her recipe for Air Fried Garlic Butter Pork Bites on our website at stcroixvalleymag.com.

stcroixvalleymag.com

including Chapoutier blanc.

John F. Farrell III is vice president of sales and merchandising with Haskell’s The Wine People.

Find more at haskells.com.

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N OT E WO RT H Y

STY L E

Family Photoshoot Styling Tips

Dr. Marc Roehrich Dr. James Erlandson

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3. Don’t match the outfits perfectly. For

it’s time for those soft knits, cozy layers,

example, don’t have the whole family

moody colors and, for a lot of families, a

in the same color or a specific outfit

fall photoshoot. Coordinating outfits for the

theme. You will want some coordinating

whole family can feel overwhelming and like

and complementary colors, but not the

a lot of work, so I have rounded up a couple

exact same colors or fabrics. Mixing in

of my go-to family styling tips to help you

neutrals with your seasonal colors will

with this task.

help you achieve this.

4. Add texture—in apparel, this adds visual

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1. Consider the season and location of your photoshoot. You want the outfits to be appropriate for not only the weather and season, but the location. The colors you

interest to your photos. This can be done through items with lace, silk, tweed, chunky knits or suede.

5. Keep it simple. Avoid graphic and logo

choose shouldn’t match the background

tees that can be distracting from your

perfectly. For an outdoor fall photo-

family photos. It’s great to mix in a subtle,

shoot, think cream, navy, rust, olive,

soft pattern, but avoid too many or too

gray and maroon.

large of patterns. Less is more when it

2. Decide on an outfit you love first and

comes to these types of distractions.

build around this. Maybe you found the perfect maxi dress or a skirt and sweater

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option you feel great in. Once you have a starting point, it is easier to coordinate the rest of the outfits.

Alexandra Eve is a local stylist and wardrobe consultant. To learn more or for styling help with your family photos, visit alexandraeve.net.

August/September 2022

stcroixvalleymag.com

Photo: Alexandra Eve

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Pacific octopus. We all deserve a friend like Marcellus, who is a balm for Tova’s loneliness and who holds the key to the disappearance of her son many years ago. Tova and Marcellus are each searching for something, and I was cheering them on the whole way.

Delightful and unique, especially the chapters written from the point of view of curmudgeonly Marcellus, I finished this book with a very full heart and a little bit of a lump in my throat. This is Van Pelt’s first novel, and it’s an absolutely lovely surprise.

Rachael Johnson is the assistant manager at Valley Bookseller. Find this novel or more to read in store or online at valleybookseller.com.

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DOING GOOD

World of Possibilities A Hudson backyard transforms into an immersive classroom for kids.

AMID A FIVE-ACRE FOREST lies a

custom jungle gym, climbing trees and a world of possibilities for growing kids.

The ground for this adventurous playground is none other than the classroom for Hudson-based learning initiative, HOPE Grove. “It is kind of a magical space,” says Kari Chaffin, mother of 4-year-old HOPE Grove student.

HOPE Grove (which stands for Healthy Opportunities for Play and Education or Habits, Occupations, Purpose and Environment) is an inclusive free-play and therapeutic naturebased enrichment program for children ages 0–12. Operating out of the comfort of founder Angela Mann’s yard, the space provides the perfect unrestricted, sensory-rich playground for individuals to meet new people, practice communi-

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cation skills and move their bodies. She offers weekly seasonal programs, as well as a writing enrichment program, with kids of all ages. “Our goal is to provide some time and space to reclaim the wonder of childhood,” Mann says.

With a passion for working with children, Mann always longed to own her own business where she could combine this element with her background as an occupational therapist. As a mother of four children, she also longed for naturebased programs for her kids, but the offerings weren’t compatible with her family’s schedule. Mann was drawn to books that focused on children’s instincts and ability to naturally learn without structured methods. “Children are curious and motivated and learn best through free play,” she says.

Time at home due to COVID-19 only encouraged her kids’ curiosity outside.

Not wanting to return to work in fear of putting one of her son’s health in jeopardy, she began developing her own free-play program to provide a resource for families to better utilize the great outdoors.

For 8-year-old Rufus, who is diagnosed with Down syndrome, HOPE Grove provides the perfect environment for him to disconnect from the digital world, learn without restrictions and just be uniquely himself. “He’s getting exercise, fresh air, he is making friends … Some with Down syndrome and some without, but regardless, he feels welcome and safe and is always really excited to go,” Todd says about his son, Rufus. “There are only a few things that he asks for by name, and HOPE Grove is one of them.”

August/September 2022

stcroixvalleymag.com

Photo: HOPE Grove

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Inclusive Play New Heights School looks to add an inclusive playground to the school grounds.

By Hailey Almsted

Dana Millington of the Madison Claire Foundation, with Thomas Kearney and Christie Hogan of New Heights School.

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August/September 2022

stcroixvalleymag.com

Photos: Chris Emeott; New Heights School

FOR NEW HEIGHTS SCHOOL,

paving the way for education comes naturally. In 1993, the Stillwater-based school opened the first K–12 charter school in Minnesota—and was the third overall charter school in the state. Now, New Heights is raising funds to create an inclusive playground for the community.

“We developed into a program that is really safe for Stillwater’s impoverish population,” principal Thomas Kearney says. “Fifty percent of our students are on free and reduced lunch; 44 percent is special needs. It’s really a safe space.”

Enrollment varies between 120 and 140 students, and teacher Christie Hogan says it’s because of the variety of students with needs that the initial plan began.

A high percentage of students are diagnosed with ADHD or are on the autism spectrum, Hogan says. “Our playground, while it’s a nice playground, isn’t serving them as well as it should be. We thought about the community, and this one doesn’t have an all-inclusive playground.” Though the plan started with just inclusive swings, it turned into more when Hogan connected with Dana Millington, president of the Madison Claire Foundation, the organization behind the inclusive Madison’s Place playground in Woodbury.

Hogan says, “... My [manufacturer] contact mentioned someone who is passionate about inclusive playgrounds. She introduced us to [Millington] who saw the need for a community playground [and] what we wanted to do for our students … She’s been very supportive and has moved us forward.”

When Kearney and Hogan pitched the idea to the City of Stillwater in February 2020, it was received warmly and the city was excited. However, when things shut down the following month, so did the

A NEW WAY TO PLAY

Through Every Stage, We Are Here.

The New Heights School inclusive playground will contain more components than ever.

Here are just a few: • A roller slide that provides a tactile and auditory experience.

• An assisted swing that gives every child a secure seating option.

• Sensory play toys, including a ball maze, chimes panel, color splash panel, musical drums, a xylophone and more.

• A merry-go-round designed so children in wheeled mobility devices can enjoy it.

plan. More than two years later, Kearney is excited that the core group behind the pitch has grown from five members to 12, and that the community is just as enthusiastic as it previously was.

“Last May, we needed to get our pitch out there again. We got onto a virtual city council meeting, and they were excited about it again,” Kearney says. “What we’re now seeing is that we have leadership in the Valley, and the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce is lending their talents to this mission.”

The inclusive playground will incorporate rubber flooring for wheelchair and walker accessibility, ramps to all play decks, accessible swings and ground level play components, sensory-rich play equipment and more. “It’s not just for children but for adults who may not be able to get on the playground with their able-bodied children,” Hogan says. “We’re thinking about our community members like adults or grandparents who want to play side-byside but may have limited mobility.”

The project is still in the support phase but hopes to have significant movement in the next six–12 months.

Friends of Stillwater Parks, the Stillwater Rotary and the Manitou Fund have donated to the project, but Hogan says there’s still more funding to raise.

To learn more, go to givemn.org/ organization/new-heights-school, or contact Hogan at chogan@newheightsschool.org.

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Life Changing Opportunities The women of the Valley support one another.

By Hillary Streitberger

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WHAT STARTED AS a simple act of kindness, blossomed into an organization of hope. Power of 100+ is an organization run by women for women in the St. Croix Valley. During a lunch in 2006 in Jackson, Michigan, Karen Dunigan was inspired by the Center for Family Health to assist new mothers in need with cribs and sleeping materials. The total cost of the project? $10,000. Determined, she figured she could reach out to 10 individuals she knew and gather the necessary funds to meet the need. Her idea

August/September 2022

stcroixvalleymag.com

Photos: Power of 100+

ENLIGHTEN

expanded. “I could get 10 friends who could get 10 friends,” she says. “If all 100 friends donated $100, we would get the $10,000 needed.” From there, 100 Who Care was born. After Dunigan’s death in 2014, word of mouth sparked a continuation of her legacy.

Founder and board member Lucia Bell discovered the organization while overseas with her then-husband. “When you are married to a military member, the spouse is the backbone of the base,” Bell says. “I was involved in supporting military families.” It was during that time, a friend introduced her to Dunigan’s story and her powerful organization. With the help of research, community organization and networking, Power of 100+ was formed in Hudson, Wisconsin, alongside founding board members Darcy Kealy, Heidi Gilbert and Laura Foster.

Four women, including Bell, came together to form a purpose: To foster awareness of community needs and unite to make a powerful, financial impact.

“Twice a year, the board members host an event, gathering 100+ women, for one hour, with a donation of $100 a piece.

It is that simple … Everyone walks away with some funding that night,” Bell says.

“But the biggest platform is awareness.”

Not only does this group of women raise funding for their community and beyond, but the group also makes sure to promote local organizations, as well.

With its diligence and compassion, its board has continued to grow, adding current board members Shelli Erck, Michelle Johnson, Bridget Mayer, Sarah Tostrud and Shawn Trebnick. “The first board did not run in the same circles.

We just brought our networks together,” Bell says. “Our new board does not run in the same circle either. A diverse group is valued among this team, as it helps to reach a broader audience. Branching out is something these women value. While the board services the whole valley, they do not plan to stop there.

All women are welcome to attend the events. However, to become a member, you must fall under the category of a 501(c)(3) organization, such as charitable, literary or educational organizations, to name a few.

Power of 100+; powerof100.org Power of 100+ | Women of St. Croix Valley @powerofonehundred

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Kristin Rohman Rehkamp and her daughter are turning family emergencies into children’s mental health advocacy.

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KEEPING ANNA ALIVE Written by Staci Perry Mergenthal Photos by Chris Emeott Two years ago, Kristin Rohman Rehkamp was at the height of her career, having held vice president and management positions at Target, Optum and Nelson.

Her daughter, Anna, had lots of friends, was a competitive dancer and an A-student in accelerated classes. Kristin and her husband, Tom, were raising Anna and their two younger children in a nice house in a friendly and safe Lake Elmo neighborhood.

On September 16, 2020, at a routine 11-year-old well-child check, Anna suddenly experienced a panic attack that triggered acute anxiety and severe panic disorder. Her body never recovered from it. She showed no precursors for mental illness.

“From that point on, she was terrified of having another panic attack, and that terror created panic attacks since her body and sensory system went into this malfunction that she couldn’t get out of,” Rehkamp says.

Within two weeks, Anna was incapacitated—she could no longer do school or dance; she couldn’t leave her room, and she talked about wanting to die.

Rehkamp says, “It wasn’t dying because, ‘I hate my life and want to end it,’ it was, ‘What is happening to my mind and body?

I am so scared, and no one seems to be able to help me.

I would rather die.’”

Since, it’s a cycle of rushing Anna to the ER, extended hospital stays, doctor appointments, counseling, medications, panic attacks, suicide watch, crying, scream-

August/September 2022

ing and desperation of a family being plunged into the terrifying unknowns and unpredictability of living with a mental illness.

“It is an illness,” Rehkamp says.

“People don’t choose it. It’s not about a demographic or financial background.”

Sleeping with her daughter to prevent suicide, she says, “I pulled my laptop out one night and Googled, ‘How do we make sense of this? How do I make this beautiful? How do I find happy again?’

And I found la vie est belle, which means ‘life is beautiful’ in French.

It’s about choosing your path to happiness and inspiring others.”

Pivoting from her corporate career to care for Anna and her other children, Rehkamp pulled herself from the low she was feeling by redirecting her interior design and retail expertise to open her online boutique, La Vie Est Belle, with a mission of inspired giving and beautiful living. Offering meaningful gifts, home décor, jewelry and complimentary local delivery and gift wrap, she donates 20 percent of net profits to PrairieCare Fund, a nonprofit that fosters mental health and well-being among youth and families.

Rehkamp is a member of Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and participates in Women’s Business Bridge, the chamber’s business networking group. The family moved to Lake Elmo from St. Louis Park three years ago. “The St. Croix Valley community is amazing,” she says. “They have wrapped

stcroixvalleymag.com

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES According to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 20 percent of youth ages 13 to 18 experience severe mental disorders each year and an estimated 13 percent of ages 8 to 15.

The Surgeon General says early diagnosis and appropriate services for children and their families can make a difference in the lives of children with mental disorders.

• Washington County Sheriff’s Office Coordinated Response Team: Responds to active mental health crisis calls; 651.430.7824; matthew.ohara@ co.washington.mn.us.

• Washington County Crisis Response Unit: Mental health professionals respond 24/7 to crisis calls, and law enforcement responds if the situation involves a risk of safety to the person in crisis or family members; 651.275.7400 • Sexual Assault 24-Hour Crisis Number, Washington County: 651.777.1117 • Crisis Text Line: Text “MN” to 741741 • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call, text or chat 988, or call 1.800.273.TALK (8255)

19

A Message from Anna

Anna shares excerpts of a Q&A session between her and Rohman Rehkamp in Finding Us. What has been the hardest thing to understand as it relates to your mental health?

I changed from “normal” (a word we no longer often use in our home) to someone with a severe panic disorder over the course of a few days. I am confused about why my body and mind will no longer let me do things I could easily do in the past. My panic disorder sometimes will not let me go to dance (for example). I love dance. I cannot always control my body’s reactions, which are often different than how I feel. It can be so frustrating and overwhelming. I literally cannot control my behavior or my body’s physical responses … I am often embarrassed and understand my behavior is not always OK. I often end up in tears. Not being able to control your body and your feelings is frightening.

Most people do not understand or can’t relate to the irrational nature of it all.

Has it taught you to appreciate other things/people differently?

20

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

I now know what it feels like to feel “different” and have a disability or something that can be disabling in some situations. My tolerance for friends/ family/people treating others unkindly or unfairly is low. My mom tells me this is one of my superpowers, and it makes me feel strong. I often will say something or step in to help. I am not shy because I know how it feels to have something you cannot control or choose to have. I know how those being unfairly mistreated feel.

I want to be a voice for them.

And I guess … despite the really hard year … a year I never want to repeat … one year later … I do know I am a stronger version of me.

August/September 2022

stcroixvalleymag.com

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

The Rehkamps raised $15,000 through GoFundMe to design a stuffed bear for a Brooklyn Park hospital. Every child admitted to pediatric mental care receives a bear with a note from Anna attached. It starts by saying, “I walked in your shoes. Do not be afraid …”

themselves around our family, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Next, she started blogging. “I’m a mom whose heart was breaking,” she says.

“I started telling the story for others like me because I had wished there was a resource—just to not be alone.”

Wanting to change the paradigm for youth and families with mental illness, Rehkamp has started public speaking and authored a book titled Finding Us: A Mother’s Memoir of Braving Mental Illness with Her Young Daughter, which will publish this fall. “[It’s about] how I had to find myself as a woman and a mom in the messiness of Anna’s mental illness to give and show my daughter courage and tenacity—and yet she showed me just as much,” she says.

“Together, we empower each other and hope to inspire change so badly needed for others that brave the same journey.”

Rehkamp hopes people lead with empathy and stop shaming children

with mental illness. “They have the same hopes, dreams and aspirations as any child who might have a cold, broken leg or cancer,” she says.

“We tell our story to empower our daughter first,” she says. “Yes, we hope people find empowerment and inspiration from our story to get help, to not be ashamed but at the end of the day, the reason I do all of this is to keep my daughter alive. I do it to show her to be brave. I do it to empower her. I do it to give her a voice and purpose in this.

And she does have purpose in this.”

La Vie Est Belle lavieestbelle.live La Vie Est Belle Gift Shop @lavieestbellegiftshop La Vie Est Belle, LLC PrairieCare Fund prairiecarefund.org

21

Senior Spotlight: Give a nod to these stellar soon-to-be graduates.

Ava Roots

22

Writte n by Haile y Alm s t e d — Ph o t o s b y Ch r i s Eme o t t

For students of the graduating class of 2023, it’s their ability to adapt that’s propelled them forward. From a twoyear-long “spring break” to distance learning, plexiglass barriers and cancelled events, these students have had a high school experience like no other.

I admire their strength, resilience and courage—and for that, I say congratulations on your well-deserved success to the entire class of 2023.

AVA ROOT S

Stillwater Area High School Ava Roots says there’s always more that can be done. “Through my experience at my high school, I felt like we could be doing more to help students in different ways,” the Stillwater Area High School senior says. “Whether we’re framing education or the availability of resources in school differently … It’s really pushed me to become a voice for change.”

And change she’s created. Ava led the student discussion on what the future of the school looks like and how to address issues of inequity, mental health and what students would like to see in the incoming superintendent. “It was exciting to hear feedback from students,” she says. “And that’s why it’s so fun to hear and speak with others and create these platforms of change.”

She’s passionate about being a voice for change, which she’s expressed during her time on the student leadership council and the speech team. “[The Minnesota Youth Council] has been online the past year … But I’ve had an amazing time so far,” she says. “Being able to offer advice on issues in legislature, advocate for change and increase the number of teachers of color, being able to dive into more of that work and coming back as a returner and not a ‘newbie’ will be a lot of fun.”

Though Ava has certainly discovered her passion, she says she came into high school not knowing what she wanted to do. “My challenge has been myself …

Through getting to know people on my teams, it’s helped me to challenge this idea that there’s only one thing I can do or that I’m confined to things. Now,

August/September 2022

I think it’s fun to try random things,” she says. Baking and sewing are a few of those “random” activities that she’s tried—and loved!

Ava would recommend incoming students to try new things, much like she has. “Find ways to engage with people around you,” she says. “There’s so much of this idea that young people can’t make change or can’t create these meaningful and powerful movements, but when you look at the wonderful things that young people have done in our state, it proves that it’s possible.”

Though she doesn’t have a specific university in mind, Ava is hoping to study political science and “the legislative side of it,” she says.

What is her advice to her peers and incoming students? “Enjoy it all, and do the things you love to do,” Ava says. “And the rest will follow.”

MAX SHIKENJANSKI

AVA R O OTS Favorite song: Anything from Living Room by AJR Favorite TV show/ movie: Star Trek: Discovery and Picard.

My favorite movie is the Creed series.

Favorite hangout spot: The library. It’s a pleasant space to be.

Extracurricular activities: Student leadership council, speech team, United States Senate youth program, moderator of Voices of Change, Minnesota Youth Council

Stillwater Area High School

“I’ve been playing sports since I can remember,” says Stillwater Area High School’s Max Shikenjanski. The senior plays football and basketball for the high school, baseball until his 11th grade year, AAU basketball for Minnesota Fury and St. Croix Valley Athletic Association football.

It doesn’t come as a surprise that Max’s high points in high school is breaking sports records—11 records, to be exact. “It feels amazing, knowing your hard work is paying off in many different ways,” he says. “It all comes together, and it doesn’t [get] any better.” Meeting new friends as well as continuing long-term friendships are also high points.

Though he’s a sports star, Max says balancing everything can be difficult.

“Balancing basketball and school or leaving [to go] out of town for a week and missing school/getting caught up … That is all tough,” he says. “[Also] a big challenge for many people is fans talking to you or the opposing team talking smack to you, but I think that’s the best part of sports. It’s what makes it fun …”

Max says he’s grateful and inspired by his parents, who have been his big-

stcroixvalleymag.com

23

gest supporters. “They have got me to where I’m at right now … I can’t thank them enough. I love them with everything I have in me,” he says, noting that post-graduation, he hopes to play college basketball or football, where he wants to give back to his parents for the tremendous support.

Looking toward his senior year, Max says he’s excited to play one last year of high school sports, trying to get the coveted state titles and making the most of his last year in high school. For students who are just coming into high school, Max says, “Just be yourself … Meet as many friends as you can, and make memories because it will be one of the fastest four years of your life you’ll ever have … Go hang with friends. Go have fun because it will fly by like you don’t even remember it.”

VIOLET REDSTONE

St. Croix Preparatory Academy St. Croix Preparatory Academy’s Violet Redstone has lived all over the world– from New York and Utah to the United Kingdom. However, even with the dreaded Midwest winters, Violet says Minnesota has been her favorite home.

“I love the people here. Everyone is so friendly, and I love how there are big cities nearby and small towns, too,” she says. Stillwater’s cozy setting sure fits the bill, and Violet has spent her years at St. Croix Prep enjoying a multitude of things. She’s a member of the Fine Arts Society (previously known as the National Arts Honor Society), works with Prep Quarterly, the school’s newspaper, and performs with St. Croix Ballet.

Earlier this year, Violet was selected to give a speech to her entire class on the topic of animal sentience and their ability to feel. “I’m pretty shy, and giving [the speech], which was about eight minutes, was challenging,” she says, noting that she’s experienced work in the veterinary field through her grandfather, who is one of the most influential people in her life.

“I really enjoy researching animals and, unfortunately, the mistreatment of them.

It was interesting to hear people’s reactions,” she says.

Violet says the most challenging part of high school thus far has been not realizing when she’s needed to ask for help. “This year, I was formally diagnosed with ADHD, but prior to this year, I never asked for help even though I

24

Max Shikenjanski

August/September 2022

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"The financial advice we give at Ballast Advisors is the same as we give our own family" STEVEN SCHMIDT, CFP®, APMA®, ChFC®, CLU® & Partner (Left) PAUL PARNELL, APMA®, CRPC® & Partner (Center) RICHARD GERCZAK, CFP® & Partner (Right)

MAX SHIK EN JA N SKI Favorite song: In A Minute by Lil Baby, Martin & Gina or Partin Ways by Polo G, Young, Wild and Free by Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa Favorite TV show/ movie: The Simpsons or iCarly. (Call me weird, but iCarly is one of the funniest shows I’ve watched.) My favorite movie is either Step Brothers or Grown Ups. Favorite hangout spot: Stillwater Bowl, downtown Stillwater to walk around and eat or the high school because you can do anything there. My friends and I play basketball, throw the football around [and] play spike ball.

Extracurricular activities: AAU basketball for Minnesota Fury and high school basketball, St. Croix Valley Athletic Assocation football and high school football, baseball

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VIO L E T REDSTONE Favorite song: Me and Your Momma by Childish Gambino Favorite TV show/ movie: Gilmore Girls and Edward Scissorhands Favorite hangout spot: In the summer, it’s a nearby beach.

When it’s colder, downtown Main Street.

Extracurricular activities: Prep Quarterly, diversity and inclusion club, Fine Arts Society, classical ballet with St. Croix Ballet

Violet Redstone

couldn’t focus,” she says. In her senior year, she’s hoping to combat the diagnosis and become more comfortable with those around her, branch out and create relationships with her peers.

“I’m excited to have more freedom with myself and explore what I may end up doing … [and] letting loose a little and focusing on my relationships with people,” she says.

When asked what people might not know about her, Violet says, “Maybe that I’m a Canadian. I have dual citizenship.” Though she’s never visited Canada, she’s interested in potentially attending the University of Toronto,

26

other Canadian universities, Loyola University in Chicago and, of course, the University of Minnesota. “I plan on going to college, and right now my goal is to become a psychiatrist,” she says.

“I would love to work in child psychology or as a forensic psychiatrist. That’s what intrigues me.”

For those coming into St. Croix Prep, Violet says, “Don’t be afraid to get involved, and don’t be afraid to branch out from your group. People want, for the most part, to be friends.

And branching out, exploring clubs, getting involved in any way, would be my advice. That’s what I wish I did.”

August/September 2022

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We source logs from local communities, turn them into kiln dried live edge lumber products and sell to the DIY person or make fully finished creations with the guidance of our clients.

From tree to table, it’s covered!

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Find a welcome change of place at Saint Therese!

ISOLATION & LONELINESS AREN’T NORMAL PARTS OF AGING BUT THEY ARE THE MOST COMMON CONCERNS.

The effects have a devastating impact on well-being including: depression, malnutrition, impaired mobility, high blood pressure, cognitive decline and dementia.

Aging-in-place is the biggest cause of senior isolation.

Shrinking social circles, poor health, life changes and transportation challenges can confine older adults.

SAINT THERESE IS FOCUSED ON HELPING SENIORS STAY ACTIVE, SOCIAL, INDEPENDENT & HEALTHY.

That’s why we’ve taken even the smallest of details into consideration to ensure every day living at Saint Therese is extraordinary.

Whether looking for a relaxing, quiet lifestyle, one with endless entertainment and social opportunities or something in-between, at Saint Therese, you’ll find home.

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in digital format!

Never miss an issue of St. Croix Valley Magazine with free, anytime access to our digital editions. Full screen viewing on your digital device allows easy cover-to-cover reading. You can zoom in on text or images as well as share your favorite St. Croix Valley Magazine stories with friends and family.

Learn more at stcroixvalleymag.com 28

O N T H E TOW N

th in g s to se e a n d do in and aro und St. Cro ix Valle y

SEASONAL SPIRIT Celebrate the end of the season with an art festival.

Photos: Hudson Area Chamber

SEPTEMB ER MA R KS THE EN D of summer and the transition to cooler fall—which also means the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau is hosting the annual Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival once again.

The festival, which is hosted in partnership with The Phipps Center for the Arts, is set for the first weekend of fall and is held at Lakefront Park in Hudson. Mary Claire Olson Potter, president of the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, says, “We invite visitors to experience a variety of creative talent, including the original artwork of over 80 juried artists, hands-on demonstrations, a variety of live music and creative activities while sampling an assortment of fall food and beverages.”

Different art forms include painting, clay, wood, glass, fiber, jewelry, photography, metal and mixed media. Olson Potter says she’s looking forward to “locals and visitors enjoying the beauty of art in a variety of forms along the banks of the beautiful St. Croix River in Hudson, Wisconsin.” —Hailey Almsted

Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival 10 a.m.–5 p.m. September 24; 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. September 25. Lakefront Park, 505 First St., Hudson, Wis.; 715.386.8411; hudsonwi.org

August/September 2022

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29

O N T H E TOW N Compiled by Emily Deutscher and Hanna McDaniels

CARPENTER ART FESTIVAL Carpenter Nature Center for the seventh annual Carpenter Art Festival. Art director and local artist Steve King says, “The intent of this festival is to draw attention to the Wisconsin Carpenter Nature Center, to inspire people to enjoy this beautiful Midwestern landscape, to learn about the importance of this particular habitat and support superb local and regional artists.”

Nature-oriented artists and vendors will be at the festival, plus music performances by Thea Ennen, live birds and reptiles for viewing and handling, beverages from Cracked Barrel Winery and Rush River Brewery, food and more.

“This will be the seventh year of the Carpenter Art Festival, and it’s already shaping up to being the best one yet,” King says. “In the pre-pandemic 2019 Carpenter Art Festival, we had 50 different high-quality artists and vendors participate, and I expect the same this year. That year, we had approximately 1,800 people attend the art festival.”

To learn more about the Carpenter Art Festival, go to carpenternaturecenter.org. —Hailey Almsted

H E A D TO HUDSON ’ S

All ages. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. August 20. Carpenter Nature Center Wisconsin Campus, 300 East Cove Road, Hudson, Wis.; 651.437.4359; carpenternaturecenter.org

Flea and Crafter Market

Grape Stomp Festival

08/27–08/28

09/10–09/11

Join the Stillwater Flea and Crafter

At this annual, family-friendly event, you’ll

Wicked Wine Run

Market for its ninth year with over 100

have the opportunity to win prizes and

08/13

vendors offered. Shop local from any

compete for the best grape-stomping

Reward yourself with wine and good

item you can imagine—antiques, clothes,

style. Listen to great music while tour-

music as you race through the stun-

art and food will be offered. All ages.

ing the winery, and enjoy its award-

ning vineyards of Stillwater. After you cross the finish line, there will be an after party with, of course, more wine.

Ages 21 and over. $30–$45. 5:30–9 p.m.

Saint Croix Vineyard, 6428 Manning Ave. N., Stillwater; wickedwinerun.com

Free. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Washington County Fairgrounds, 12300 40th St. N., Stillwater; 715.557.1785; rsgdevelopment.com

Hudson Hometown Music Festival

winning wines and tasty food trucks.

All ages. Free. Noon–4:30 p.m. Saint Croix Vineyards, 6428 Manning Ave. N., Stillwater; 651.430.3310; exploremn.com

Stillwater Boom Site Log Run

09/10

09/17

Yellowstone Trail Heritage Days

Enjoy tunes at this free event all day

This is the course to beat your per-

08/13

with live music from a variety of bands.

sonal record alongside other speedy

Engulf yourself in the rich history of

There will be a silent auction, games,

Minnesota racers, with a 12K and 5K

Hudson along the old Yellowstone Trail.

food, beer and wine. Vendors include

offered. Push yourself and finally reach

Enjoy this time by appreciating every-

Kona Ice of Stillwater and The Eggroll

thing historic from old cars, to why the

Queen, plus bands showcasing an

Yellowstone Trail is so iconic to the city

array of music. All ages. Free. Noon–

your goal time in this fall race. All ages. $50–$65. 8 a.m. St. Croix Boom Site, Stillwater; runstillwater.com

of Hudson. All ages. Free. Hudson Arch,

First Street, Lakefront Park, Hudson, Wis.; 715.386.8411; travelwisconsin.com

30

11 p.m. Lakefront Park Bandshell, 505 First St., Hudson, Wis.; hudsonwi.org

August/September 2022

stcroixvalleymag.com

Photo: Steve King

LOCAL EVENTS

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AREA EVENTS

IS THIS YOU? National Night Out at Union Depot

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08/02

• Arm Pain • Bone Spurs • Carpel Tunnel • Canal Stenosis • Decreased Motion • Degenerative Joints • Disc Herniations • Dizziness (vertigo) • Fatigue • Fibromyalgia • Headaches • Low Back Pain

This year, celebrate National Night Out at the Union Depot. Enjoy delicious food, create your own murals with chalk, spinthe-wheel for a variety of prizes. All ages.

Free. 4–7 p.m. Union Depot, 214 St. E., St. Paul; 651.202.2700; uniondepot.org

Riffs, Rails and Cocktails 08/04 The Union Depot has partnered with the Twin Cities Jazz Fest to create an entertaining night full of music. Special

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pricing will begin at 5 p.m., and live music begins at 6 p.m. Ages 21 and over. Prices vary. 5–7 p.m. Union Depot, 214 St. E., St. Paul; 651.202.2700; uniondepot.org

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08/04 Channel your inner Sherlock, and help solve this mystery. When several men

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claim to be Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson is forced to figure out if any of them are imposters, or if the true Sherlock Holmes is among the crowd. Ages 18 and over. $40. 7:30–9:30 p.m. Park Square Theatre, 20 W. Seventh Place, St. Paul; 651.291.7005; parksquaretheatre.org

Grape Stomp Festival

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O N T H E TOW N

ROYAL CREDIT UNION IS YOUR

TRUSTED COMMERCIAL LENDER!

Drinks for Dogs 08/04 This unleashed, fenced event is for dogs and pups alike to socialize with other pooches and have a day out on the

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town with their owners. All food and

Fully amortizing loans, no balloon loans

beverage sales go to Grey Face Rescue & Retirement to support other dogs

Flexible loan terms and low rates

like your own. All ages. Prices vary. 4–

8 p.m. Unleashed Hounds and Hops, 200 E. Lyndale Ave. N., Mpls.; 612.439.5060; unleashedhoundsandhops.com

“Royal helped us with real estate and equipment loans. Working with Royal is easy!”

Shrek the Musical 08/04

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See local talent put their spin on an Oscar-winning movie with everyone’s favorite green-ogre play in a quirky fai-

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rytale about the importance of friend-

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ship and self acceptance. All ages. Ticket

prices vary. 5–9 p.m. Artistry, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington; 952.563.8877; artistrymn.org

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Fringe Festival 08/04–08/14 Enjoy the beautiful talents of performing arts, and watch multiple artists perform different acts and abilities to engage

WI N N

creatives in a unique way. All ages. Prices

E

BESTR OF

’ 21

vary. Times vary. 79 13th Ave. NE #112, Mpls.; 612.872.1212; fringefestival.org

Uptown Art Fair 08/05–08/07 Since 1964, the Uptown Art Fair has given an opportunity for artists and browsers alike to connect while emphasizing the importance of art in the community. Funds produced by this event go directly back to the community and its projects. All ages.

18

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Free. 2815 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.823.4581; uptownminneapolis.com

St. Paul Food Truck Festival 08/06 Sample a variety of over 45 delicious local food vendors—from crispy pork belly to gourmet donuts. Craft beer will also be offered, and there will be live music all day long. All ages. Free.

11 a.m.–9 p.m. Union Depot Lot C, 392 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; 763.220.2380; uptownfoodtruckfestival.com

August/September 2022

Eagan Food Truck Festival 08/12 Dive into something new as you taste your way through the Eagan food truck festival. There will be 23 different food trucks with a variety of food, beers and drinks available. All ages. Free. 4–9 p.m. Eagan Festival Grounds, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan; 651.675.5000; cityofeagan.com

Nershfest 08/13 If you love music, support local Minnesota artists at Nershfest, sponsored by Inbound Brew Co. Find your new favorite artist, enjoy music you’re already a fan of or immerse yourself in new tunes. All

ages. Free. Noon–10 p.m. Inbound Brew Co., 701 N. Fifth St., Mpls.; nershfest.com

Open Streets East Lake 08/13 Vehicles will be prohibited to access the neighborhoods, so you’ll be able

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to walk and browse through with your family and friends—this street festival allows a unique experience to tour your community in new and fun ways. All ages. Free. 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Second Ave. S. to 22nd Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.424.0485; openstreetsmpls.org

Minneapolis Mile Car Show 08/20 At this annual celebration, weave your way through a selection of foreign, customized and muscle cars—there will also be a showcase of motorcycles and other automobiles. All ages. $15.

11 a.m.–5 p.m. Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S., Mpls.; info@themncec.com; minneapolismile.com

To have your event considered: email stcroixvalleymag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication.

Due to the fluidity being experienced in the current environment, 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.

stcroixvalleymag.com

33

TA S T E M A K E R S

Branching Out A local family apple orchard expands its business to hard ciders.

WRITTEN BY MADELINE KOPIECKI

IT WAS A R OU N D 2 A . M . when the moment of truth arrived for the nine guys gathered around a five-gallon keg in Christopher Aamodt’s kitchen. Six months before, Christopher had bottled his first batch of hard cider using the season’s surplus apples. Now he, his brothers and friends were at the precipice of an entirely new venture for the Stillwater-based orchard.

“Looking back on it now, at how excited we were, it was for a good reason,” says Geoffrey Aamodt, one of the three Aamodt siblings that work at Aamodt’s Apple Farm, which has been in their family since 1948. But the brothers weren’t aware of how sweet Thor’s Hard Cider’s success would be in that kitchen at two in the morning. For that first batch, things were actually a bit sour.

“We opened it up, and it smelled horrible. It was just like vinegar,” Geoffrey says. “After that, everything eventually came together beautifully. But I’ll never forget our first time trying it.”

August/September 2022

stcroixvalleymag.com

PHOTOS BY CHRIS EMEOTT

As a healthy apple orchard, Aamodt’s Apple Farm’s success came with a yearly downside—a surplus of apples that would soon go bad. Although they gave many apples away to charities and schools, sometimes that method simply wasn’t realistic. “You can only give so many apples to a school or fundraiser and be like, ‘All right, everyone has to eat eight apples for the next six days before they go bad,’” Geoffrey says.

Around 10 years ago, Christopher thought of a new solution. He bought a small grinder and started making juice.

“I was around when [Christopher] was experimenting initially,” says Logan Luebke, assistant cider maker at Thor’s Hard Cider. “I mean, it was a good eight years of experimentation, different varieties, different yeast.” Without prior knowledge about home brewing, Christopher had an uphill battle ahead of him, but Luebke says he hit the ground running to figure it out for himself.

In 2017, Thor’s Hard Cider started with

35

TA S T E M A K E R S

Keeping It in The Family Aamodt’s Apple Farm has passed through four generations of Aamodts, each adding their own special twist to the company and the goings-on onsite. What was originally a retirement plan for Geoffrey and his brothers’ great grandfather, Thor, grew from a few saplings to over six thousand apple trees in roughly 70 years.

“It’s kind of grown and expanded and then condensed as well over the years,” Geoffrey says.

“My brothers and I started [Thor’s Hard Cider] up in 2017.

We also have the winery that’s onsite and that’s been here since 1992.” The winery, Saint Croix Vineyards, shares a rustic 1800s barn taproom with Thor’s Hard Cider and was started by Geoffrey’s father Chris and two other founders.

“We love using pretty much every foot of property,” Geoffrey says. “I think that’s what makes us unique over other taprooms in the area, is you can come regardless of planned events.

You can come, get the cider, get food and just stretch your legs, just walk around the orchard at any time of year.”

This is the first year Aamodt’s Apple Farm will be open all 12 months, and it has a host of events to keep it busy throughout the seasons, from local music to seasonal events.

For a list of activities, visit

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aamodtsapplefarm.com

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August/September 2022

stcroixvalleymag.com

Agave Kitchen 501 2nd St, Hudson, WI 715-381-0099

Open Daily 10:30am – 2:00 am

Agave 2 GoGo 606 Brakke Dr, Hudson, WI 715-749-3333

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Open Daily 10:30am – 9:00 pm

two core flavors, Dry and Semisweet, as well as Ginger Fizz. “The Dry is 7 percent ABV and the Semisweet is 5.5,” Luebke says. “The only difference between the two is, for the Semisweet, we add some fresh juice back into the dry cider that’s been completely fermented to give it a bit of sweetness and take a little bit of the edge off the Dry.” With these two base ciders as the backbone, Thor’s Hard Cider has developed over 100 different varieties, which rotate seasonally at its onsite taproom. “We brainstorm all the time,” Luebke says.

“We take one of those two platforms and flavor it accordingly with fresh juice, fresh spices, different herbs, all sorts of stuff.”

This creativity has led to some of their more experimental flavors, such as the Norse Berry and El Thoro. “Our El Thoro has a huge following,” Geoffrey says, explaining its flavor profile as cilantro, jalapeno and lime. “It’s one of those ciders where we tell people, ‘It’s there for everybody, but it’s not for everybody.’ It’s got a little kick to it.”

Over the last few years, Geoffrey says its Norse Berry has also gained popularity for its notes of dark cherry and raspberry.

“But again, nothing’s ever too sweet because we don’t use any sugars. We don’t use any artificial sweeteners,” Geoffrey

It’s more than just a cookie... it’s a first job experience.

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TA S T E M A K E R S

says. “I’ve heard Andreas—we have another older brother who’s a partner too—and Christopher [explain it], we’ve all kind of explained it this way too: It’s the difference between drinking apple juice and honestly just taking a bite out of a Honeycrisp. Our cider represents that light sweetness but crispy.”

Thor’s Hard Cider has set itself apart by focusing on the purity of its ingredients, resulting in a hard cider that stands apart from its mass-produced counterparts.

“When you start with a concentrate or a

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juice that you have to add a ton of sugar to prefermentation, that’s when you end up with that really syrupy [taste] that gives you the feeling of consuming something that’s not real,” Luebke says. “Some people call it gut rot.”

From the get-go, Luebke says the team at Thor’s Hard Cider knew it wanted to avoid causing that sickly-sweet sensation.

The answer was in its Minnesota variety apples. “Every variety of apple has a different sugar content inherently,” Luebke says. “So, we found a way to combine these

different varieties to the sugar content that we were looking for before we fermented anything.”

What results is a taste you’re only going to find in Minnesota.

Thor’s Hard Cider Taproom, 6428 Manning Ave. N., Stillwater; thorshardcider.com Thor’s Hard Cider @thorshardcider

August/September 2022

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For the pork: • 3 lbs. center cut pork belly (~1 ½ inches thick) • 1 cup kosher salt • ¼ cup freshly ground black pepper Dry the pork as much as possible with a paper towel. Score the belly fat cap. Generously rub the belly with the salt and pepper mixture. Sear, fat side down, on medium heat until fat is properly rendered and golden brown all the way to the muscle layer. Flip over and cook for an additional 10 minutes on the other side. Transfer to and then wrap in brown butcher paper. Roast in oven at 400 degrees F until there is an internal temp of 205 degrees F. Let rest for about 30 minutes.

Slice or cube with a slicer.

For the Honey Crisp and Fennel Slaw: • 1 small green cabbage, julienned • 1 large fennel bulb, shaved on a mandolin • fennel fronds • zest of 1 lemon • 1 large Honeycrisp apple, cored and julienned • ¼ cup walnut oil • ¼ cup vegetable oil • ¼ cup El Thoro Hard Apple Cider • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar • 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard • ½ cup fresh honey • salt and pepper to taste Take first five ingredients, mix and set aside. Blend the remaining ingredients together while slowly adding the two oils.

Then combine. You can add a few tablespoons of mayo for a creamy slaw. Char some of your favorite Corn Street taco shells, add pork belly and enjoy!

Plan your financial legacy Contact the Pink Wealth Management Group about creating a customized investment strategy for you.

Thomas Pink, CFP®, AAMS® Senior Vice President – Financial Advisor Senior Consulting Group (651) 430-5550 thomas.pink@rbc.com Investment and insurance products: • Not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency • Not a deposit of, or guaranteed by, the bank or an affiliate of the bank • May lose value © 2022 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, registered investment adviser and Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. All rights reserved.

22-WQ-00917 (04/22)

© UNICEF/UN0546708/VERA

Th o r ’s C r is py Po r k Be lly Taco w ith Ho n ey C r is p a n d Fen n e l Slaw

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T A E S R E H E V SA EEP GIRLS HELP KOOL. IN SCH Over 11 million girls who left school due to COVID lockdowns may never return. Help now at unicefusa.org/LOCAL 39

LAST GLANCE

By Hanna McDaniels

SECOND PLACE: ACTIVITES & EVENTS

Fishing in the Mist Photography as an art form in nature.

SARAH LILJA has an immense passion for nature. Her favorite photos to take include landscape, flowers and anything that buds organically from Earth. When she saw the sun peeking over the bluffs one morning on the St. Croix River, she seized the opportunity to capture the pink sky kissing the fog.

Lilja says, “I’m a huge science, plant and outdoor nerd, so when I saw the sky’s brightness that morning, I rushed to capture it.” When this was taken, Lilja was staying at Pine Needles, an artist residency to enhance her artistic abilities.

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Sarah Lilja Fishing in the Mist Equipment: Canon Rebel SL2 Photographer: Title:

To view other Lens on St. Croix Valley photo contest winners, visit stcroixvalleymag.com.

August/September 2022

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URGENT CARE OPEN 8-8 DAILY. Walk-ins welcome at TCO Stillwater.

At Twin Cities Orthopedics, we make it easy for patients to take control of their health. Our Stillwater location offers walk-in urgent care open 8-8 daily. You don’t need a referral or appointment. And, we accept all major health insurance.

99% Patient Recommended TCOmn.com