BECOMING ANN
Polar explorer and educator Ann Bancroft on discovering your path, spreading hope and embracing the adventure outside your door
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS
DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025
This issue explores themes of giving back, entertaining, wellness and embracing the delights of winter. “There is joy—you just have to go out the door.” —Ann Bancroft, Becoming Ann (page 18)
Winter Whimsy, page 26 DEPARTMENTS 12
Healing Art
For breast cancer survivors, three-dimensional areola restorations uplift and empower. 14
Santa’s Helpers
Gary and Richelle Jader respond to hundreds of letters each holiday season.
16
Cool for (Art) School
A St. Croix Falls couple expands their reach from a successful gallery to a new art school.
FEATURES 18
Becoming Ann
Polar explorer and educator Ann Bancroft on discovering your path, spreading hope and embracing the adventure outside your door.
26
Winter Whimsy
Florists share how they make wreaths that stand out and how you can, too. TASTEMAKERS
Say “Cheers!”
Toast the holiday season with uplifting cocktails.
Photo: Chris Emeott
from the EDITOR
Winter is here again. As this issue goes to press, the snow has not yet fallen—which gives me a romantic take on this season that I’m all too happy to share. I’m already pining for the slower season of life: cooking my favorite comfort foods, gathering with friends and family, tucking in early with the sun and feeling the first fluffy snowflake hit my tongue.
If you need any more encouragement to embrace the season, look no further than our cover star, Marine on St. Croix resident and trailblazer Ann Bancroft. You won’t find Bancroft balking from the cold. She’s pushed through temperatures as cold as 70 below on her way to the North Pole and has an inspiring story to share (page 18). Her best tip for enjoying cold days? Bundling up and finding the magic in your own backyard—oh, and eating a candy bar.
This is our giving back, entertaining and wellness issue— so within these pages, you’ll find stories of heart and excitement. Don’t miss Daniel Huss’s conversation with Gary and Richelle Jader, a couple in Hudson, Wisconsin, who are giving back to neighborhood kids by responding to their letters to Santa (page 14). Then, hear from a local breast cancer survivor who found a path to healing through a Lake Elmo medical tattoo artist (page 12).
We’re also excited to share that 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of St. Croix Valley Magazine, an exciting milestone we’ll celebrate with some special throwbacks in our upcoming April/May issue. Have an update to share? Reach out to zoe@localmedia.co.
See you in the new year!
Zoe Yates zoe@localmedia.co
On the Cover
Bancroft , Photo by Chris Emeott, page 18
and around town!
St. Croix Valley Magazine @stcroixvalleymag @SCVmag
Photo: Chris Emeott
Ann
YJWhen you put as much food on as many tables as we do, you learn a thing or two about giving thanks.
Thanks to our customers for choosing us.
Thanks to our employees for sharing your talents with us.
Thanks to our partners for producing amazing products for us to sell.
Thanks to all for your friendship and loyalty. It is an honor to be your grocer at this time of year and all year long.
In all the ways that you make us part of your lives, thank you.
May your holiday season be full of happiness, kindness and, most of all, the joy of good food.
PUBLISHER
Susan Isay
EDITOR
Zoe Yates
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
Vanessa Christensen, Alexandra Eve, Rachael Johnson, Ben Thietje and Alauna Yust
DIGITAL INTERN
Alexandra Tostrud
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Tia Benson, Findlay Drabant, Amy Holmberg and Mikayla Vo
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Emily Iannazzo, The Goodery ; Heather Logelin, St. Croix Valley Foundation ; Melissa Parkos, The Goodery ; Stacey Robertson, Bellmont Partners ; and Jennifer Sayers, Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
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
Dr. James Erlandson
Dr. Marc Roehrich
Stillwater’s Sandhills Shores offers an elevated 62+, active living concept.
Consider living in a well-appointed 62+, active living abode with enviable views of Sinnits Pond or the natural expanse that stretches throughout the surrounding area and access to local art, dining, entertainment and retail amenities.
Sandhill Shores welcomes residents to its elevated and beautifully developed 62+ active living community with 70 luxury apartment homes, ranging from one-bedroom, onebedroom plus a den and two-bedroom layouts—all which either have a balcony or a patio—ideal for those stunning views.
The location sits on the greater campus of The Lakes at Stillwater, which features The Lodge (independent, assisted living and memory care) and Birchwood Landing (independent lake homes). The campus includes walking paths and lakefront views and access; an outdoor amphitheater; and patios and decks for gatherings. “We are proud to be a part of the Stillwater area, honoring our St. Croix River heritage and culture,” says Ann Shimeall, Sandhill Shores property manager.
The apartment homes are equally as stunning with kitchens styled and equipped with granite islands and peninsulas; stainless steel, full-size appliances; luxury vinyl plank flooring; soft-close drawers; and timeless subway tile. Most apartment homes come appointed with fireplaces and wine fridges.
The Sandhill Shores team understands the importance that pets play in the well-being of its residents. “We see pets
as part of people’s families,” Shimeall says. “We even have a dog wash station in our heated underground garage.”
Public spaces include gathering spots—a lovely veranda with a fire ring and a heated pool, an outdoor grill and a pergola, and two ideally situated community rooms for hosting family and guests.
Supporting an active-living culture and environment is paramount. Two miles of walk/bike paths cross campus, allowing for fitness endeavors. (For those with ebikes, there are charging stations and storage facilities.) When it comes to planned activities, the on-site concierge coordinates lifestyle programming with educational, entertainment and fitness classes and organizes opportunities for residents, encouraging gatherings for various common interests.
“Creating a holistic, vibrant community is important to who we are at Sandhill Shores,” Shimeall says.
YOU’RE INVITED …
WELCOME, READERS, to 2025 and our annual Best of St. Croix Valley Readers’ Choice Poll, which celebrates life in this beautiful river valley. 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 now through January 31 at stcroixvalleymag.com, where you can vote for your “best of the best” in a plethora 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 St. Croix Valley 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.
An Artful Season
With nearly 40 events in a typical season at The Phipps Center for the Arts, we’re often asked, ‘How do you choose?’ Although it’s not a simple process, I’ll do my best to explain.
The Phipps takes much of its direction from a group of volunteer arts councils. Dance, drama, children’s theater, music and visual arts are all represented by their own groups of volunteers who are tasked with various responsibilities, including programming. These different arts councils meet several times each year to discuss what they’d like to see at The Phipps.
Take the Drama Council, for example. This group of volunteers meets and chats about which theater offerings might work best for the upcoming season. Those ideas then move to the Program Committee, where they are discussed further. Once the Program Committee has its list of approved theater events, it goes to the Board of Directors for final approval and is then included in the next season.
It’s a wonderfully collaborative process that brings together many voices from all over the Valley. Art is for everyone, so at The Phipps, everyone gets a say in it!
Ben Thietje serves as the executive director of The Phipps Center for the Arts. Learn more at thephipps.org.
Some of David Palmer’s earliest lessons in giving came from odd teachers: venison steaks and chicken—the payment his father received for the medical care he provided when his patients in northern Minnesota could not afford it.
“I learned concepts of philanthropy and giving and stewardship from my mom and dad,” says Palmer, who along with his wife, Marilyn, has further instilled a love of giving in his children and grandchildren. Those early concepts in philanthropy certainly stuck.
The committed Rotarian and former St. Croix Valley Foundation (SCVF) board member became an orthopedic surgeon, serving patients up and down the St. Croix Valley in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He then took that expertise abroad, volunteering
on medical missions in Afghanistan, Bhutan and Tanzania. He is also a generous SCVF donor, including co-founding the endowed Palmer-Rathert Medical Scholarship Fund, providing generations of students with a financial boost through medical school.
“I think philanthropy is largely an osmosis kind of thing from your family, mentors or teachers,” Palmer says. “It’s also a learned experience, and once you start doing it, you want to do more to your ability. I think the world would be a lot better off if we were all of that mind.”
Alauna Yust is the marketing communications manager at St. Croix Valley Foundation. To learn about more ways to give where you live, visit scvfoundation.org.
Photos: The Phipps Center for the Arts; St. Croix Valley Foundation
Wrapped Up
Make your Christmas presents stand out this year with these creative and unique wrapping ideas.
» Pick a theme: Choose a cohesive theme, like rustic, vintage or modern, to tie all your gifts together, so they look pretty under the tree.
» Start simple: A versatile base like brown kraft paper allows you to add personalized touches and decorations.
» Mix it up: Select a few different wrapping papers within your theme for a vibrant and eclectic look.
» Introduce textures: Use various ribbons, such as twine, lace or fabric scraps, to add depth and interest. Decorate with pine cones, sprigs of holly or dried orange slices for rustic charm. Add fun and whimsical elements, including tiny ornaments, bells and candy canes.
» Go interactive: Wrap smaller gifts within larger ones for a fun surprise.
» Personalize: Attach handwritten notes or photos to make each gift extra special.
With these ideas, your wrapping will be as memorable as what’s inside!
Alexandra Eve is a local stylist and wardrobe consultant. To learn more or for help shopping this season, visit alexandraeve.net.
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WHEN JENNIFER TURNQUIST
WELLNESS
Healing Art
For breast cancer survivors, threedimensional areola restorations uplift and empower.
By Zoe Yates
found out she had breast cancer in early 2023, her world shifted. “I had a long history of abnormal mammograms and had always been fine. But this time I wasn’t,” she says.
With a family history of breast cancer, the Stillwater resident moved forward with a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Turnquist was ready to fight, and she did. But what she didn’t realize until much later was the emotional toll of being left with a body that didn’t feel like hers anymore.
“Everything moves really quickly,” Turnquist says. “You don’t really, as a woman, have time to process the physical changes that are going to happen to your body because … you’re worried about getting the cancer out.”
Due to risks associated with surgery, about 75 percent of mastectomies
involve a removal of the nipple and areola, says Lisa Hamilton, M.D., FACS, a breast surgeon at Minnesota Oncology.
“You don’t think that’s a big deal, until it’s gone,” Turnquist says. “… I just felt like my breasts just looked like blobs, and that was a lot harder for me to deal with than I expected.”
In January 2024, Turnquist opted for a three-dimensional areola restoration, a medical tattoo that recreates the natural look of a nipple and areola with a 3D effect. Her research led her to Susan Grothe, a cosmetic and medical tattoo artist and the owner of Lasting Impression in Lake Elmo.
Grothe is one of few trained medical tattoo artists in the state who focus on 3D areola restoration. She describes the two-hour, minimally painful procedure as “life-changing” for women recovering from breast cancer, as well as those
Photo: Chris Emeott
Susan Grothe and Jennifer Turnquist
who have received a breast reduction or preventative mastectomy or who have seen a loss of pigmentation due to menopause.
“[When] you get diagnosed with cancer, the rug is pulled out from underneath your feet,” Grothe says. “... The oncologist is removing the cancer. Next in line is the plastic surgeon reconstructing the breast, but neither of them are really concerned with the aesthetics.”
Dr. Hamilton notes that very few plastic surgery clinics offer medical tattooing. “Many [plastic surgeons] only offer a tissue-based reconstruction, where they take skin from somewhere else to create a mound that looks like a nipple,” Hamilton says. “... The advantages of going to someone that that’s all they do, like Susan, is that they have a better eye for it, and it’s a little more artistic than medical.”
Grothe is an artist who works with a not-so-blank canvas—a human with a completely unique skin tone and shape, a beautiful landscape with scars and contours. Her goal is to create a restoration that’s perfectly imperfect, using color swatching, shading and blending techniques. She works with tools and pigments that are specific to 3D areola restoration, making the finished result both realistic and permanent.
With the knowledge that 1 in 8 women born in the United States will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, Grothe and Turnquist are passionate about spreading awareness about 3D areola restoration.“I’ve never been able to do anything that really gave back something at such a personal level. And that’s when it started to [feel like] a calling,” Grothe says.
“We were both in tears after she was done,” Turnquist says. “She was so excited about how good it looked, and I was excited because … I was starting to feel a little bit more like my old self.
“I felt like I got something back that I had lost,” she says.
Lasting Impression, 11200 Stillwater Blvd. N., Lake Elmo; 952.207.4899; lastingimpressionpmu.com
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Santa’s Helpers
Gary and Richelle Jader respond to hundreds of letters each holiday season.
By Daniel Huss
SIX YEARS AGO, a Hudson, Wisconsin, couple was asked a simple question with significant impact: Would they promise to write back?
Gary and Richelle Jader thought long and hard before agreeing to take on their next-door neighbors’ Santa Mailbox—a holiday fixture on historic Third Street.
Each year, neighborhood kids drop off letters to Santa at the candy cane red mailbox with the hope of a merry Christmas. And every child receives a response from Santa’s helpers, imbued with that same spirit of the season.
So when Santa’s original helpers decided to move, the future of the mailbox weighed on their mind. “The neighbors were moving and didn’t want their box to leave the street,” Richelle says. “They put a lot of thought into it before offering it to us.”
The mailbox appears like many extraordinary things, in the dark of night. Neighborhood children will wake up to see the colorful box on the curb on the day after Thanksgiving, the same day downtown Hudson is lit for the holidays.
Letters pour in throughout December,
and families often turn dropping off this precious mail into photo opportunities. Standing beside a lamp post, the red mailbox channels the spirit of the season. A century-old Victorian home, dressed in all its Christmas splendor, stands in the background.
The letters, which have totaled as many as 300 over a single Christmas season, are all addressed to a bearded man wearing red. “There isn’t another being in the world that matches Santa,” Richelle says. There are lots of lists, as kids hope Santa’s bag is heavy with toys—and puppies. There are also
Santa’s Mailbox has recieved up to 300 letters in a single year.
Photos: Gary and Richelle Jader
letters that serve as a reminder of what Christmas is all about.
“One letter writer said they didn’t need a gift, and that their best friend had cancer and that they just wanted her to have a good Christmas,” Richelle says. “Another said his best friend’s parents were getting a divorce and that he might not see his friend again, ‘Santa, can you make sure he has a good Christmas?’
“Oh, there are tears,” Richelle says. Often, the letters are accompanied by a note from a parent. “They mostly come from moms, and they write about their kids in the coolest ways,” Richelle says.
Richelle’s responses are meant to be inspirational. The letters talk about being active listeners, good siblings and kind friends. Helping around the house gets mentioned, as does helping out one’s parents. Mostly, Richelle’s responses spread hope. “The kids’ level of belief has me believing,” Richelle says. “That allows me to manifest Santa as I write back.”
Gary Jader doesn’t help with writing the letters. He’s not allowed. “I don’t want anyone to be freaked out by my handwriting,” Gary says. “If you see it, you think something is terribly wrong.” Richelle hears this and laughs. “I want the voice to be consistent,” she says.
While Gary doesn’t write responses, he’s most definitely one of Santa’s helpers. “The letters are so heartfelt,” he says. “When you tear and well up reading some of them, you know they have power.”
The Jaders self-published a book about their Santa mailbox experience. They say it “gives voice to the light, the spark, the magic that children inspire through their letters to Santa.” The Santa Mailbox, with visuals by Anita Jader, is available at thesantamailbox.com, Amazon and Chapter2 Books in Hudson.
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ARTS & CULTURE
Cool for (Art) School
A St. Croix Falls couple expands their reach from a successful gallery to a new art school.
By Jennifer Pitterle
IN THE HEART of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, a new chapter in the town’s artistic evolution is about to unfold. Husband-and-wife team AJ Meadows and Beth West are expanding WHAT Art Gallery, their vibrant art space, into an exciting new venture: an art school. West and Meadows hope the school— set to open its doors officially in May with classes beginning in March—will provide a hub for current regional artists and inspire beginners, too.
The couple met in 2017 at Franconia Sculpture Park, where West was attending an event and Meadows was a site manager. Art connected the pair immediately. They married and moved to St. Croix Falls, and in 2021, realized their shared dream.
“We had always talked about opening our own gallery,” West says. They transformed their garage into a gallery space, offering socially distanced exhibits and informal art talks during the pandemic. Later that year, they opened WHAT Art Gallery in the restored bank vault of the Vincent House Commons building downtown.
WHAT Art Gallery was a perfect location for exhibits and intimate
The historic Clayton’s Hardware building on North Washington Street will soon be WHAT Art School.
Photos: Chris Emeott
Beth West and AJ Meadows
artist talks, but trying to add classroom space there—including the inherent mess that comes with creating art—wasn’t feasible. Enter a new project: WHAT Art School, where they could offer classes and help make art (and especially art-making) accessible to anyone, from experienced creators who need studio space to beginning adults and kids who want to try their hands at something new. “I taught ceramics several years ago, and I really loved it,” West says. “We want people to feel some ownership over the art school as well.”
West and Meadows found an ideal location in the historic hardware store building on North Washington Street and have hosted various fundraisers—including a rummage sale last summer—to raise some of the capital needed for renovations. “We’ve had to deal with structural issues, a new roof and lots of demolition,” West says. “But when we posted on Instagram about entering the purchase agreement, we had friends and acquaintances call us offering their support.”
WHAT Art School will offer diverse classes, including basket-weaving, drawing, painting, pottery, printmaking and textiles. “We’re working closely with Jim Shoop, an artist in the area, to develop a sculpture program,” West says. “One of the first classes we’ll offer is a bas-relief class on portraiture in clay.”
The art school’s opening will not just be a personal milestone for West and Meadows, but also a significant addition to the St. Croix Falls art scene. “We want to see people connected and engaged with the arts,” West says. “Our goal is to collaborate with established organizations and create a space that adapts to what the community needs. I’ve already spoken to a few other arts leaders, and I think everyone is on board and super excited to do collaborative events, art tours and classes that blend the performing arts with the visual arts.”
To learn more about WHAT Art School and how to sign up for classes when it opens this spring, visit whatartschool.com.
@what_scf
— Jim
BECOMING ANN
POLAR EXPLORER AND EDUCATOR
ANN BANCROFT ON DISCOVERING YOUR PATH, SPREADING HOPE AND EMBRACING
THE ADVENTURE OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR.
Written by Zoe Yates
There’s a kaleidoscope of color waiting at the edge of the world. Through sheets of ice and a blanket of snow, guarded by intense winds and biting cold—the North Pole holds a magic that not many will witness.
Ann Bancroft, an educator and polar explorer residing in Marine on St. Croix, is one of the few to experience the North Pole. “I thought it was kind of a gray and blue and white world,” Bancroft says, recalling her expedition to the North Pole in 1986. But at the very top of the planet, where the sun seems to hang on the horizon, Bancroft says, “That light goes through all the ice crystals and refracts out, and you’ve got every color in the rainbow dancing around. And it’s like, ‘Who sprayed the glitter, man?’”
It’s a colorful comment befitting a person whose very essence is laced with wonder. Bancroft’s remarkable story—of becoming the first woman in history to trek to the North and South Poles—has been shared globally. But it’s how she’s used that platform to uplift girls and encourage them to pursue their dreams that has made her a hero to many.
The St. Paul native founded the Ann Bancroft Foundation (ABF) in 1997, which has awarded more than $2 million to 6,000 Minnesota girls.
Yet, you’ll often find this explorer entirely at home in Marine, shoveling her driveway, breathing in the crisp winter air and embracing the beauty of her backyard through the seasons. Her advice for enjoying the winter? “I think you have to be willing to let that 10-year-old girl out, even when you’re 69, because that’s where the magic is,” Bancroft says.
Photos by Chris Emeott
In autumn of 2000, Ann Bancroft and Liv Arneson began a journey to cross Antartica. They skied and sailed for 94 days, traveling 1.717 miles with 250 pound sleds.
AT HOME IN THE WORLD
Bancroft settled in the Valley in 1991, familiar with the area from family trips spent swimming, paddling and climbing. “In a way, it felt like coming home,” she says. Her little slice of Marine isn’t unlike the farmhouse in Mendota Heights that she grew up in—full of opportunity. “My mother would say that right from the get-go I was on my way. She couldn’t contain me,” Bancroft says. “... It was adventure right out the door.”
Her enthusiasm for exploration was deepened by long winter nights sleeping in the orchard. “I always call that my first expedition,” Bancroft says of her first snow camp at the age of 8. “And they just got longer and longer and further and further away from home. But, for me, it was idyllic because it fit my personality. I didn’t feel lonely, but I had plenty of time alone and in my imagination.”
When Bancroft was in fifth grade, her family moved to Africa for two years to volunteer. The experience broadened her sense of the world. “[My parents] had a sense of adventure, a sense of travel—and they let their kids free,” she says. “... They had a huge impact on all of us following our own adventures and our own path in the way it’s best expressed for us.”
Through her childhood, college years at the University of Oregon and early adulthood, Bancroft continued to explore farther and higher. “I always was finding opportunities to learn more skills, see more wilderness,” she says. “I used to joke … ‘I’m an expert at none, average at everything.’ I’ll kayak. I’ll canoe. I’ll climb. I’ll ski. But I’m more voracious for all of it. I’m not a singular climber or a singular polar explorer. I’m just hungry about seeing the wild parts of our world.”
BLAZING A TRAIL
In 1985, Bancroft left her job as an elementary school teacher in the Twin Cities to join the Steger International Polar Expedition. It was the realization of a lifelong dream. The eight-person
Photos: Bancroft Arnesen
team, co-led by Will Steger of Ely, sledge-hauled its way to the North Pole with a dog team. “It’s always the hardest thing of your life. It’s the hardest thing you’ll do, but it’s the best thing,” Bancroft says.
Becoming the first woman to trek to the North Pole, “wasn’t even a kernel of a thought,” Bancroft says. A week before the team arrived at the pole, she was pushing a sled with expedition co-leader Paul Schurke when he said to her, “You’ve got to get ready. You’re going to be the first woman to the top of the world across the ice.”
“I didn’t know what that meant, even, to get ready,” Bancroft says.
“Nobody knew us when we left … like 20 people in St. Paul said goodbye, and
we came home to thousands.”
The next few years were a whirlwind. Bancroft became a public figure overnight. “I felt very undeserving of all the attention,” Bancroft says. “… It was much harder than the trip.”
A turning point came when she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1995. As Bancroft walked into the church in Seneca Falls, New York, where Alice Paul helped secure women’s right to vote in 1920— surrounded by women of various backgrounds and disciplines— she questioned her place in it all.
“And then I realized, I am standing on the shoulders of women that have gone before me—not in polar exploration, but in sports and in politics and
literature and education and science. It’s a stew, and I think what I learned from that afternoon, of beginning to feel fraudulent and then listening to their stories, is we’re all effecting change for each other,” Bancroft says. “If you don’t follow your passion and do the thing that you’re best at, we’re not going to make the inroads that we need. I’m best suited to do what I did on the ends of the Earth. That’s where I shine the best … I’m doing my thing, and when I do my thing with my heart and my head, it changes the world around me a little bit.”
Rather than squander the platform she had discovered—Bancroft knew she could use it to benefit the world around her. So she did.
Ann Bancroft after crossing Antarctica. She and Norwegian explorer Liv Arnesen were the first women to do so.
A PLATFORM FOR GIRLS
Bancroft’s efforts in exploration and public speaking have brought attention to the importance of preserving wild places and empowered women and girls to pursue their dreams. She organized and completed an educational expedition to Antarctica alongside three other women in 1992. The educational component involved a curriculum that reached more than 350,000 students in the United States.
Back in Minnesota, ABF has remained a strong source of support for girls. Inspired by her experience in Africa as a girl, Bancroft and the ABF board honed the foundation’s focus to a grant and mentorship program early on. Those who identify as female or are nonbinary in grades K–12 may apply for a $1,000 grant to fund activities in areas such as art, sports, leadership and culture. Last year, ABF helped fund 140 Minnesota girls’ dreams.
Bancroft continues to explore with her long-time skiing partner, Liv Arnesen of Norway. Their latest project is Access Water, a seven-continent multiyear journey to bring attention to the world’s freshwater issues via expeditions on every continent. This February and March, they’ll be in New Zealand on a series of excursions with an international team of women, amplifying stories along the way.
Her greatest hope is that the world stays hopeful. “I think that’s the old person’s job, quite frankly. We’ve been at life for so long, you realize, regardless of what gets thrown at you—what else is there to do but just have a giggle and keep going?” she says. “… I’m on my way out, so I need [young people], and I need them engaged and I need them hopeful. It’s not gonna be easy, but you can be hopeful. And there is joy; you just have to go out the door.”
Ann Bancroft Foundation; 612.338.5752; annbancroftfoundation.org
Ann Bancroft Foundation
@abfdreamers
@abfdreamers
Ann Bancroft Foundation
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The Oral Surgery Center and The Periodontal Center offer a full suite of specialty dental care.
In 1985, Steve Rodenburg, D.D.S., had a vision: offer the highest standard of care while maintaining a personalized approach. Four decades later, The Oral Surgery Center, a doctorowned practice, has provided expert care to generations of patients.
As the needs of the communities grew, The Oral Surgery Center expanded to serve the area, with doctors bringing their expertise and shared commitments for patient care. After recognizing a growing demand for periodontal services, The Periodontal Center was established in partnership with Jason Johnson, D.D.S., M.S. a respected Eau Claire periodontist. “Both centers support our mission of providing exceptional and compassionate care and serving the dental needs of our communities,” Dr. Rodenburg says.
Increasingly, patients are advocating for their health care in search of
services they need and deserve. “The Oral Surgery Center has a fantastic team of professional, friendly and caring staff,” Jacob H. says. “Yesterday was my first in-person experience with them for surgery, and they were amazing.” Cole C. says, “I had such a kind, respectful and positive experience at The Periodontal Center. Whether it is being greeted by your first name as soon as you walk in the door to quick phone responses, the staff just provides an overall personalized experience.”
Not everyone knows how to navigate the health care space. The Oral Surgery Center and The Periodontal Centers’ teams recognize this and are committed to educating the public about the importance of oral care and the scope of services they provide.
“There is a significant link between oral health and physical health; our mental well-being can benefit from a
healthy smile, too,” says Greg Burns, D.D.S. “Good oral health is a lifelong commitment, and one common issue people face in their teens is the development of third molars or wisdom teeth. Most people lack space for these teeth, which can undermine the results of orthodontics by causing crowding. There are significant advantages to having wisdom teeth removed when young, and we recommend seeing your dentist regularly to monitor wisdom teeth and scheduling a consultation with our practice to determine optimal timing for removal.”
When it comes to periodontists, they focus not only on treating gum disease, but preventing it. “Many people don’t realize that periodontal disease, if left untreated, can have serious implications beyond the mouth,” says David Paulson, D.D.S., M.S. “Research has shown strong connections between
Standing (left to right) Regan Brown, D.D.S., Christopher Shearen, D.D.S., Steven Rodenburg, D.D.S., Luke MacMenamin, D.D.S., Gregory Ramirez, D.M.D., M.S.,
Sitting (left to right) Gregory Burns, D.D.S., Michael Capp, D.D.S., Kyle Tyler, D.M.D., Jason Johnson, D.D.S., M.S., David Paulson, D.D.S., M.S.
gum disease and systemic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.”
“Signs of periodontal disease may include bleeding, receding or swollen gums, loose or painful teeth and bad breath. We understand patients may be apprehensive about periodontal treatment. That’s why we make it our priority to keep you comfortable and supported from the start,” says Greg Ramirez, D.M.D., M.S. The Periodontal Center provides a full suite of services, including laser periodontal therapy and anesthesia options that fit patients’ preferences.
While the centers provide a full breadth of services, the teams are also committed to the community in a broader sense. “Our connection to our communities runs deeper than our professional commitments,” says Luke MacMenamin, D.D.S. “Our team doesn’t just work here; we live here. There’s a special sense of pride that comes from caring for the people we know and love.”
That community commitment includes supporting scholarship programs and area school art and athletic extracurricular activities; partnering with area colleges to provide internships; and donating dental services and needed resources in collaboration with local organizations.
With so much professional success over the years, what does the future hold for The Oral Surgery Center and The Periodontal Center? “As we look to the future, we remain committed to the values that have guided us since 1985,” Dr. Rodenburg says. “Our goal is not just to be health care providers, but to be trusted partners in the well-being of our patients and our communities.”
THE PERIODONTAL CENTER
Woodbury, MN: 651.272.2120 Hudson, WI: 715.690.3050
ThePeriodontalCenter.com
THE ORAL SURGERY CENTER
Cottage Grove, Stillwater and Woodbury, MN: 651.233.2140
Eau Claire, Hudson and New Richmond, WI: 715.690.3040
TheOralSurgeryCenter.com
WRITTEN BY MEREDITH HENEGHAN PHOTOS BY CHRIS EMEOTT
Winter Whimsy
Florists share how they make wreaths that stand out and how you can too.
In this festive time of year, what livens up the season more than decorating your home in a celebratory and personal way? We connected with three local florists who specialize in wreaths about their distinct style and approach—and got their tips on how to create your own whimsical front door decor for the holidays.
Alison Bakke
Wildly Grounded Botanical Art Stillwater
Alison Bakke calls herself a “speakeasy floral designer,” meaning that most people find her via word of mouth. Her approach to wreaths is grounded in her personal commitment to reducing waste. “Part of why I got into wreath-making was because when I bought my first house, I bought a cute little wreath from a big box store to put on my front door. As it faded, I realized I had to throw it in the trash, and that made me crazy,” she says. “It changed my perspective on being wasteful.”
Bakke took it as a personal challenge to create seasonal works of art that aren’t destined for a landfill. She shares that the commercial floral industry can rely on wasteful materials, from floral foam to various plastic products. Bakke’s wreaths are made with grapevine bases that she forages and makes herself. “Usually, I work with the natural bend of the grapevine, so my wreaths
are all different shapes,” she says. “You can go hiking, and you can find wild grapevines on the trail, snip a few and you’re in business.”
The natural materials in her wreaths showcase her spunk and style. “I love funky, unexpected surprises,” Bakke says. She uses bits of fruit, tomato vine and even allium onion toppers. “ ... Anything that’s kind of unexpected, I love it,” she says.
By Bakke’s standards, anyone can make a cool wreath. She says, “My number one rule is that if you think it looks pretty, add it and see!”
Wildly Grounded Botanical Art and Pink Moon Farm; wildly-grounded.com Pink Moon Farm @wildly.grounded
Alison Bakke
Jenn Hovland
Jenn Hovland
Studio Louise Flowers
Stillwater
Jenn Hovland likes to tell people that working with plants and flowers makes her heart sing. “I love observing nature,” she says. “My design style really reflects that. I like to design with textures and shapes mingling together, as if the arrangement is growing together.”
She agrees that winter wreaths don’t need to be confined to certain colors or themes. “I just go out and harvest different evergreens, even bark,” Hovland says. “I love to tuck in branches and stems for the winter designs, any seed heads that are left. I want to really enjoy and celebrate those small details that are happening in nature right at that moment.”
Hovland’s approach involves being in nature and finding things that are unique and personal. She says, “If it speaks to you and your eye catches it or you are drawn to it with your heart, it’ll be beautiful no matter what. Just do it.”
Studio Louise Flowers; studiolouiseflowers.com
Studio Louise Flowers @studiolouiseflowers
JESS BREHMER, MD, FAAOS
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON
Dr. Jess Brehmer is originally from Apple Valley, MN. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Brehmer worked as a mechanical engineering intern at Boston Scientific for two summers but then decided to pursue medical school. He graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 2008 and then completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Minnesota in 2013.
Professional Interests:
Dr. Brehmer’s professional interests include total knee and total hip arthroplasty including fracture care, and hand surgery.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!
CALL NOW - 715-684-1111
1100 Bergslien Street - Baldwin, WI
* PERSONALIZED CUSTOM DESIGN
* EXCEPTIONAL REMOUNTS CREATING GENERATIONAL HEIRLOOMS
* EXPERTLY DETAILED FINE JEWELRY REPAIR Welcome to Diamonds on Main... Where women get into trouble and men out of it! Woman Owned and Trusted Since 1985
Robin JoAnn
Visit these florists’ websites to register for holiday wreath-making and floral workshops.
Mellifera Flowers
Shafer
Elle Sullivan came to wreath-making about as naturally as any flower farmer could—there were flowers left in the field but nowhere to put them. “It was just born out of a desire to not let all the beautiful, ephemeral things fade and go to waste,” she says.
Sullivan adorns her wreaths with “different elements that represent the holistic ecosystem our flowers are grown in, the ecosystem I’m walking through on my way to the garden— feathers, mushrooms, bones,” she says. “I want to incorporate all the dragonflies and butterflies that get trapped in the greenhouse and die. How can I bring those into wreaths?”
If you’re making a wreath for yourself, Sullivan says a metal wreath form and some floral wire are a great place to start. “Notice what you already end up with in your pockets after a walk, or notice what plants you are happiest to see every time you do your favorite hike or when you’re at your grandparents’ house,” she says. “You’re going to be happiest with what you made if the ingredients are already inspiring to you.”
For Sullivan, wreath-making in the wintertime takes the flower farm beyond the typical rhythm of production. She says, “Wreaths feel like the place where I can just make weird art or art that maybe feels particularly personal, and then hopefully that is inspiring and speaks to other people, too.”
Mellifera Flowers; melliferaflowers.com
Mellifera Flowers @mellifera_flowers
Elle Sullivan
Elle Sullivan
TASTEMAKERS
Say “Cheers!”
Toast to the holiday season with uplifting cocktails.
Written by Hailey Almsted and Tia Benson
There’s so much to love about seasonal cocktails. These winter mixed drinks can stir nostalgia and holiday spirit in just a sip. Made with seasonal flavors like gingerbread, nutmeg or peppermint—everyone is sure to find something to love from one of these many local establishments.
Enjoy a taste of peppermint with the Candy Cane Cocktail, made with candy cane-infused vodka, white creme de cacao and cream. Southern Social, 1424 Weir Drive, Woodbury; 651.493.6804; southernsocialmn.com
Escape the weather with another snowstorm: mountain edition. The Colorado Snowstorm has the perfect balance of flavors—with coffee, ice cream, cola and vodka. Black Rooster Bistro, 516 Second St., Hudson, Wisconsin; 715.808.0560; blackroosterbistro.com
Almost like eating a slice of apple pie, the Crosby cocktail encapsulates apple and cinnamon flavors with Buffalo Trace bourbon and ground allspice. Matchstick Restaurant at the Hotel Crosby, 232 N. Main St., Stillwater; 651.571.0111; matchstickgrill.com
Nutmeg is a key ingredient in seasonal favorites—the Desperado from Marma included. Made with mezcal, orgeat syrup, nutmeg, egg whites and just a hint of lime. Marma, 11127 Stillwater Blvd., Lake Elmo; 651.370.1342; marmamn.com
A cookie in a cocktail—the Gingerbread Cookie White Russian is made with vodka, Kahlúa, gingerbread-cinnamon
syrup and cream. Tamarack Tap Room, 8418 Tamarack Village, Woodbury; 651.330.2889; tamaracktaproom.com
Sip on an Oasis Old Fashioned near the frozen St. Croix River. This warm drink is made with bourbon, rich demerara syrups, black walnut liqueur and Angostura bitters. Oasis Cafe, 806 S. Main St., Stillwater; 651.439.0928; oasiscafemn.com
Christmas is served in the Ornamentini— a cranberry Martini inside a clear ornament that is poured over sugar cranberries and rosemary. The Tavern Grill, 772 Bielenberg Drive, Woodbury; 651.578.3000; thetaverngrill.com
A sip of paradise—the Roman Holiday is perfect to escape the chill of the North. On the sweeter side, with hints of orange, pineapple and lime, rum, Cappelletti and St. Paradiso aperitifs, and garnished with grated cinnamon. Olio, 338 Fifth Ave. N., Bayport; 715.964.3205; oliobayport.com
Warm yourself up this season with the Sweater Weather Martini from Mad Capper. A blend of Fireball, Baileys Irish Cream and butterscotch, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon sprinkles. Mad Capper, 224 S. Main St., Stillwater; 651.430.3710; madcappermn.com
If there’s an extreme chill in the air or the roads are just too icy, stay in and whip up your own beverage. Rachel Sitko from Kowalski’s Markets shares an inspired cocktail that is great for an evening indoors. Cheers!
Twinkling Holiday Lights
Makes 8
» 2 Tbsp. water
» 1 Tbsp. sugar
» 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
» 1 cup pomegranate juice, cold
» 3 oz. orange-flavored liqueur (such as Cointreau), cold
» 750 mL dry sparkling wine, chilled
» pomegranate seeds, to taste
In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar over mediumhigh heat; bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add rosemary; remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes. Remove herbs, and cool for 30 minutes. In a 2 quart pitcher, combine juice, liqueur and rosemary syrup; stir to combine. Slowly add sparkling wine, taking care to minimize fizzing. Pour evenly into 8 wine flutes. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and rosemary sprigs.
Kowalski’s Markets, 5801 Neal Ave N., Oak Park Heights; 651.439.9161; kowalskis.com
CELEBRATE THE SEASON
IT’S BEEN FOUR YEARS since Stillwater became the home of the World Snow Sculpting Championship, an international event that draws thousands of visitors annually. This year, the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Stillwater, is taking the event up a notch.
The sculpting competition will headline the first-ever World Snow Celebration, a two-week winter festival set to include new events like a snow run, ice skating, ice carving, candlelight hikes, a curling competition and a snowman-making contest. “It’s not just about Stillwater; this is really about the region,” says Chamber president Robin Anthony-Evenson. “It’s about the Midwest putting on a world event. It just happens to be in our backyard.”
Starting January 15, visitors can watch the sculptors at work and enjoy an interactive snow sculpture slide along with educational and cultural opportunities. An indoor market and warming house will be open from January 17–19 in the ballroom at Water Street Inn.
The closing ceremony will take place on the evening of January 18. Stay to celebrate the winners at the World’s Coolest Block Party at Lowell Park from 5–9 p.m. with a live DJ and fire dancers.
Also new this year is the Youth Snow Sculpting Championship on January 19. Art students from Stillwater Area Public Schools will work with professional sculptor and three-time U.S. Snow Sculpting national champion Bob Lechtenberg.
The event is free to the public with a suggested donation. This year, free tickets for the World Snow Sculpting Championship are required and can be reserved online. Weather permitting, the sculptures will be viewable through the end of January. —Zoe Yates
Stillwater’s World Snow Sculpting Championship to headline new winter festival.
Compiled by Amy Holmberg, Mikayla Vo and Zoe Yates
LOCAL EVENTS
The Stillwater Nutcracker 11/29–12/01
The St. Croix Ballet presents a familyfriendly version of The Nutcracker. This 33rd annual production follows Clara and her Christmas dreams. All ages. $24/person. Times vary. Stillwater Area High School, 5701 Stillwater Blvd. N., Stillwater; 651.439.2820; stcroixballet.com
Cookies with Santa!
11/29–12/22
Bring your little ones for an exclusive experience where they can meet Santa, share their holiday wishes and take memorable photos in a cozy, festive setting. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. Miracle at Big
Rock, 1674 WI-87, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin; 715.501.8172; miracleatbigrock.com
A Christmas Carol 11/29–12/22
Celebrate the holidays with a classic tale. St. Croix Festival Theatre’s Jaclyn June Johnson adapts a new stage script from the Charles Dickens novel. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. The Historic Auditorium of St. Croix Falls, 210 N. Washington St., St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin; 715.483.3387; festivaltheatre.org
Village Holiday in Afton 12/06–12/07
Ring in the holidays with an oldfashioned celebration in Afton. Festivities include Santa sightings, kids activities, carolers, shopping, a historic walking tour and more. All ages. Free. Times vary.
Downtown Afton, 3418 St. Croix Trail S., Afton; 701.269.4639; exploreafton.com
Twinkling Tree 12/07
Head to Chestnut Street Plaza for the Twinkle Party Celebration. Organizers will hand out twinkle lights in preparation for Santa’s arrival and the lighting of the Christmas Tree. All ages. Free. 4–6 p.m. Downtown Stillwater, Chestnut St. W., Stillwater; 651.439.4001; greaterstillwaterchamber.com
A
Vintage Christmas Party 12/08
Enjoy an evening of live music, dancing, a cash bar, fun contests and plenty of opportunities to show off your best vintage attire. All ages. $30 adults, $15 students. 4–7 p.m. Historic Marine Village Hall, 121 Judd St., Marine on St. Croix; contact@frostedglasscreative.com; frostedglasscreative.com
Holiday Tea 12/17
Spend an afternoon enjoying holiday refreshments, music and community with the Hudson Women’s Club. Ages 18 and older. $30 adults, $15 students, nonmembers are requested to RSVP. 1–3 p.m. The Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust St., Hudson, Wisconsin; callen.sandy@gmail.com; hudsonwomensclub.com
Winter Solstice Bonfire 12/20
Celebrate the longest night of the year in community with Belwin Conservancy. The evening will include guided night hikes, music and a prairie labyrinth. All ages. $10–$35 per car, sliding scale. 5–8 p.m. Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields, 15601 Hudson Road N., Lakeland; events@belwin.org; belwin.org
AREA EVENTS
European Christmas Market 11/29–12/17
Take a trip across the globe and experience
European Christmas Market
Christmas in Europe. This 10th-anniversary market inclues live music, crafts for kids and more. All ages. Free. Times vary. Union Depot East Plaza, 240 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; stpaulchristmasmarket.org
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
Enjoy musician Ginger Commodore,
bringing the holiday season to life with soul-infused renditions of timeless Christmas classics. All ages. $44 concert only, $66 dinner and a show. Times vary. 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 stcroixvalleymag@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.
“I am genuinely passionate about helping my patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. This is the philosophy of our entire team at Art & Science Family Dentistry and everyone here is committed to that.” - Dr. Renee Kinney
Cookies with Santa
Ski Team Athlete, patient of Dr. Renee
Dr. Allison Kassen & Dr. Renee Kinney
Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue
2024 Hoedown Gala
On October 5, volunteer-driven nonprofit Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue held its annual hoedown gala in Somerset, Wisconsin. The event featured a concert under the stars by the Jake Nelson Band, dinner, beverages, a live auction and raffle.
To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos, contact information and a brief description of the event to stcroixvalleymag@localmedia.co.
Photo: xxxxxxxxx Photos: Michael Herrem Photography
GALLERY
Budget Blinds of Stillwater/ Lake Elmo can transform your windows into beatiful views. With 1000’s of options available to us, including: motorization, shutters and drapery, we are sure to transform any room or window in your home!
Budget Blinds of Stillwater/Lake Elmo 651.351.7620 budgetblinds.com/stillwater
Schedule a complimentary consultation now. We love smiles!
A Rainbow in Winter
A hobby photographer captures an award-winning image at the World Snow Sculpting Championship.
A snow sculptor at the World Snow Sculpting Championship in Stillwater is the subject of this colorful image, taken by area resident Maribeth Lundeen. “I was attracted to the detail in the carving,” Lundeen says, adding that she spent a long time speaking with the sculptors, an all-women team from Canada. “They were used to working in very cold weather.” she says. Lundeen is a hobby photographer and has taken photography workshops across the globe. She focuses on travel and landscape photography. —Zoe Yates
To view other Lens on St. Croix Valley photo contest winners, visit stcroixvalleymag.com.
Photographer: Maribeth Lundeen
Title: Snow Carver
Equipment: Olympus mirrorless camera with a 12–40mm lens
Category: People Award: Third Place
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