St. Croix Valley - June 2026 by Local.

Best of 2026

Stronger Together

Kari Goeden organizes a bimonthly walking club to foster community.

Celebrating 30 Years

St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity has a legacy of generosity and innovation..

Best of St. Croix Valley

Our annual readers’ choice poll is a guide to community staples.

Seasonal Abundance, page 32

Photo: Chris Emeott

FROM THE EDITOR

Summer is the best time to celebrate a milestone, though I am definitely biased. I was born at the tail end of strawberry season, and picking the vibrant fruits at local farms was a birthday tradition throughout my childhood. I have fond memories of kneeling in the sun-drenched rows, navigating the ternate leaves to find rosy fruits, and picking and sampling until my hands were sticky and lips stained red—the quintessence of summer.

Our area is chock-full of berry and flower farms, and we’ve compiled a list on page 32 of area destinations. Whether you’re aiming to catch strawberry season starting in mid-June, blueberries and cherries in late July or raspberries and blackberries in August, we hope you’ll visit local farms to find the freshest produce from passionate growers.

Berry picking tops my summer bucket list, and there’s a plethora of “bests” to find in our Best of St. Croix Valley readers’ choice poll. The all-new, streamlined voting process went live in February, and we shared the finalists on our website in March. We’re excited to share the results of your votes on page 18. Thank you for participating and celebrating the people and businesses that make this community shine!

On that note, I hope you’ll visit my Editor’s Picks on page 26 to hear from five fantastic community members who are bringing light and beauty to our region with their passions. These humans come from diverse backgrounds and generations; in reading their stories, I hope you can see how important it is to find common ground—to root ourselves alongside those who are different from us, so we can share our strengths and support each other. It’s a lesson that nature teaches us, Chrystal A. Odin of Osceola, Wisconsin, shares. It’s up to us to listen.

I hope you have a summer of abundance!

Zoe Yates zoe@localmedia.co

On the Cover: Best of St. Croix Valley , page 18

Photo by:

Chris Emeott

Photo: Chris Emeott

VOL. 11 NO. 2

June/July 2026

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

Burtis, Ashley Cardona, Findlay Drabant, Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde and Alexandra Tostrud

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sarah Eral, Angie Hong, Rachael Perron, Lori Schaefer and Ben Thietje

DIGITAL INTERN

Danielle Gallus

EDITORIAL INTERNS

Abigail Larson and Kate Thompson

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Heather Logelin, St. Croix Valley Foundation ; Rosetta Peters, Brookside Bar & Grill ; Kristin Rohman Rehkamp, La Vie Est Belle ; and Margie Schmid, Sprout Nutrition and Coaching

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 and Sara Johnson

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Rochita Chatterjee and Gina Neumann

PRESIDENT Pete Burgeson

Kassondra

Any time of year is the right time to enjoy the comfort, convenience, and peace of mind that come with independent living at Saint Therese of Woodbury. Nestled in one of Minnesota’s most vibrant communities, our campus is a welcoming retreat where seniors can focus on what matters most, without the burden of home maintenance.

Step outside your door and into a vibrant community offering:

• A warm saltwater pool and fitness center

• On-site bistro, library and Club Room

• Chapel and spiritual support

• Salon, barber shop and boutique

• Serene gardens and a therapeutic labyrinth

If your health needs change, a full continuum of care is available within the same familiar campus.

Come see for yourself why Saint Therese of Woodbury has been a trusted choice for 10 years.

tured alongside articles highlighting other premier wedding industry members and more about how you can submit wedding galleries for consideration.

Photo: Tayler Dumas Photography

area residents.

As a winner, how do I purchase a framed cover?

Winners can request a complimentary digital copy of the Best of St. Croix Valley cover design, indicating the winning category and the business’s or organization’s name. Winners can purchase a 14x17-inch black, wood-framed award certificate. The cost is $195 per item, including shipping and handling, and can be ordered at localmedia.co/ bestofwinner. Note: The Local team does not sell awards, plaques or trophies associated with the Best of St. Croix Valley. Editorial Staff

Photo: Kristina Lynn Photography & Design

Stronger Together

Kari Goeden organizes a bimonthly walking club to foster community.

By Findlay Drabant

On a crisp day last autumn, 68 women huddled shoulder-to-shoulder, smiling brightly as they posed for a picture in front of the Stillwater Historic Lift Bridge. The moment marked the first official gathering of the Wise Womxn Walking Club.

Club founder Kari Goeden, a walk-andtalk therapist, birth doula and co-host of the This is Not Therapy podcast, relocated with her family from Minneapolis to Marine on St. Croix last August, seeking a slower way of life. “We wanted to raise our girls in some wide open spaces,” Goeden says.

In her therapy sessions, Goeden noticed loneliness was a common theme. “Humans are meant to do life together, but most of us live very individualistic, isolated lives,” she says. Goeden wanted to create a space that could foster meaningful connection, not only for her clients but for other area women. Because she had already seen how strongly her clients responded to walkand-talk therapy, Goeden thought a similar model could be successful on a larger

Kari Goeden (center) with her sister Katrina Dombrowsky (left) and niece Nicole Recke (right). The trio runs Wise Womxn Wellness.

scale. “People are loving moving their body without the pressure of looking you directly in the eye,” she says.

Enter the Wise Womxn Walking Club.

The group meets on two Sundays each month at Lift Bridge Cowork’s Forum space above Mon Petit Chéri. Gatherings begin with an optional get-to-know-you activity followed by a group photo in front of the lift bridge. The group then embarks on a 60-minute walk along Brown’s Creek State Trail.

Stillwater native and St. Croix Valley Magazine editorial advisory board member Margie Schmid has participated in multiple Wise Womxn walks. “As a wellness coach, I’m so inspired and happy to see people moving their bodies,” she says. The positive energy and the opportunity to meet new women keep Schmid coming back. She recalls connecting with multiple women on a deep level during that first walk and has continued to meet new faces on each walk since.

The group is open to women of all ages. “We’ve had people anywhere from 20 to 70,” Goeden says. “Maybe somebody needs a mentor or a pseudo-grandma for their kids; there’s a wisdom exchange between the age groups.”

Photo: Jess Bentley Co

Goeden says she leaves every walk with a full heart. “I’ve heard so many vulnerable conversations on these walks [between] women that met for the first time right there at walking club,” she says. Countless women have approached Goeden to express their gratitude for this space.

That first walk—and the image they took to mark the occasion—is still vivid in Goeden’s mind. “[Seeing] all of these women with their bright smiles, bunched up, who had never met each other, [I thought], ‘Look how many of us there are who want the same things,’” Goeden says. “We’re stronger together. Better together.”

Wise Womxn Walking Club wisewomxnwellness.com @wisewomxnwalkingclubstillwater

The Wise Womxn Walking Club starts in downtown Stillwater before embarking on a 60-minute walk on Brown’s Creek State Trail.

Celebrating 30 Years

St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity has a legacy of generosity and innovation.

By Kassondra Burtis

Three decades of providing affordable housing to families is an accomplishment to be celebrated. Throughout 2026, that’s exactly what St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity (SCVHFH) is doing. In March, it hosted its Foundations of Hope Gala. In July, it will relaunch a home repair initiative. To cap off the summer, it will host an inaugural golf tournament in August.

The local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1996 to help fill a need in Pierce and St. Croix counties. In the 30 years since, the organization has helped nearly 100 families in 11 communities through affordable home builds, neighborhood revitalization and repair programs. Seven builds kicked off last year alone. “Housing is a basic need, and it’s a foundation of longterm stability,” says Mike Steblay, a Lake Elmo resident who serves as SCVHFH board treasurer and vice president of finance at Renewal by Andersen.

Through decades of change, success hasn’t always been easy. As the housing shortage deepens and building costs rise, SCVHFH has adapted by downsizing its ReStore and developing new building strategies, Steblay shares.

One major initiative that bridges the gap is modular homes, which are built in

It takes a community of volunteers to support St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity’s mission. Construction volunteer shifts are typically 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Wednesday through Friday and some Saturdays.

Photos: St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity

Time for wisdom teeth removal? We're here for you.

Board-certified oral surgeons. Exceptional and compassionate care. Doctor-owned.

a manufacturing plant and pieced together on-site. This method decreases SCVHFH’s costs and shortens build times from one year to as quickly as six months. This summer, SCVHFH will begin construction on the Post Mill Flats, a modular triplex in Baldwin, Wisconsin, made possible by a land donation from Western Wisconsin Health. One of these homes will be made available specifically for a healthcare worker. “We’re excited to see how these modulars are helping us impact younger buyers [and] bring in younger families,” says Kristie Smith, SCVHFH executive director. “We all need a safe place to call home.”

Western Wisconsin families with a household income of up to $120,000 can qualify to purchase a Habitat build. Homes are not given away for free. “Our homes are sold to help people afford a mortgage of 30 percent of their income,” Smith says. SCVHFH supplements that with a second mortgage made possible by local grants and donations.

Steblay credits much of SCVHFH’s longevity to generous donors and volunteers. A future homeowner of a Habitat build will put in about 100 hours of sweat equity per adult, but it takes a community of volunteers to place the 150 pounds of nails and 400 twoby-fours that the average house contains.

Hudson, Wisconsin, resident Curt Larson, a Navy veteran and retired 3M inventor and engineer, has been volunteering for SCVHFH for 24 years. At 80, Larson encourages others to avoid seeing age or experience as a limitation. “A lot of people think they don’t know enough to volunteer,” Larson says. “There’s always something to do. It isn’t about your skill level; it’s about your desire to contribute.”

Larson urges anyone interested to get involved. While working at a build site is one way to participate in the Habitat mission, it’s not the only way. Financial donations are appreciated, as are donations to the ReStore. SCVHFH can always use volunteers to work at the ReStore and with project support at the office.

St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity scvhabitat.org

St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity

BEST OF ST. CROIX VALLEY

To be in a community is to belong, a feeling that centers on the people we love, the places we return to and the traditions we hold close. After months of anticipation, it’s time to share the results of our reader’s choice poll, an annual mainstay of the destinations, businesses and service providers that make the St. Croix Valley so special—as decided by you, Readers!

From voting in February, announcing finalists in March and finally sharing the winners of St. Croix Valley Magazine’s readers’ choice poll, we hope you’ve enjoyed this journey to bring attention to some of this community’s brilliant members in over 70 unique categories. With insight into the community’s favorite things—from barbershops and pet grooming to financial services and interior design—this poll (and our website!) is your guide to all that’s new and treasured in our communities.

Welcome to your Best of St. Croix Valley 2026! Zoe Yates

Our annual readers’ choice poll is a guide to community staples.

Photos by Chris Emeott

DINING

Best Bakery

1. St. Croix Baking Company

2. Keys Cafe & Bakery

3. Brueske’s Bread

Best Breakfast or Brunch

1. Keys Cafe & Bakery

2. San Pedro Café

3. Main Plate by Lock and Dam Eatery

Best Brewery or Distillery

1. 45th Parallel Distillery

2. Lift Bridge Brewing Co.

3. Oliphant Brewing

Best Burger

1. Barker’s Bar & Grill

2. Black Rooster Bistro

3. Agave Kitchen

Best Dessert

1. Knoke’s Chocolates and Nuts

2. Nelson’s Ice Cream

3. Keys Cafe & Bakery

Best International Cuisine

1. San Pedro Café

2. Miko Thai Kitchen

3. Sapporo Japanese Restaurant

Best Locally Owned Coffee or Tea Shop

1. Ember and Bean Roasting Co

2. Joe to Go

3. Earth Apple Cafe

Best Outdoor Dining Space

1. Pier 500

2. San Pedro Café

3. Urban Table (formerly Urban Olive & Vine)

Best Pizza

1. Bricks Neapolitan Pizza

2. Pedro’s Pizza Lounge

3. Melt Pizza Company

Best Plant-Based or Vegan Menu

1. Urban Table (formerly Urban Olive & Vine)

2. ProteinHouse

3. The Wild Hare

Best Restaurant

1. LoLo American Kitchen & Craft Bar

2. Phil’s Tara Hideaway

3. Olio

Best Winery

1. Rustic Roots Winery

2. Dancing Dragonfly Winery

3. Belle Âme Vineyard

ABODE

Best Blinds or Window Treatments

1. Twigg + Lu Design Co.

2. Viking Blinds

3. Shade Tech, LLC

Best Carpet and Flooring Store

1. Carpeting By Mike

2. Hamernick’s Flooring Solutions

3. Abbott Paint & Carpet

Best Custom Home Builder

1. Hartman Homes

2. Wittstock Builders

3. Bruce Lenzen Design Build

Best Garden Center

1. Willow River Company

2. Rose Floral and Greenhouse

3. Farrill’s Sunrise Nursery and Garden Center

Best Home Décor or Furniture Store

1. The 715

2. H & F Home Furnishings

3. Simonet’s Furniture

Best Interior Design Firm

1. Twigg & Lu Design Co.

2. Bobbie Peterson Interiors

3. Brick + Linen

Best Landscape Design

1. Willow River Company

2. Stone & Leaf Landscaping

3. Myhra Design Group

Best Remodeler

1. Bruce Lenzen Design Build

2. W3 Construction

3. Petta Building & Design LLC

Best Senior Living Residence

1. Christian Community Homes & Services

2. Boutwells Landing

3. Vista Prairie at Red Cedar Canyon

SERVICES

Best Electrical Services

1. JWC Electric

2. Crown Electric

3. Precision Electric Inc.

Best Family or Senior Portrait Photographer

1. Rose and Oak Photography

2. NP Design & Photography

3. Lisa Buth Photography

Best Financial Services

1. WESTconsin Credit Union

2. Lifetime Wealth Advisors

3. Royal Credit Union

Best Heating and Cooling Services

1. Anderson Heating

2. Countryside Heating and Cooling Solutions

3. Hurlburt Heating, AC, Plumbing & Electrical

Best Home Cleaning

1. Cleaning with Meaning

2. Girl Friday Cleaning Services

3. Dunn Right Cleaning Services

Best Law Practice

1. Galowitz Olson PLLC

2. Mudge Porter Lundeen & Seguin, S.C.

3. Lakefront Law, LLC

Best Lawn Care or Snow Removal

1. Willow River Company

2. Fitzgerald Lawn Care

3. P&K Lawn Care

Best Plumbing Services

1. Countryside Plumbing and Heating, Inc.

2. Johnson Brothers Plumbing

3. Boldt’s Plumbing and Heating

Best Roofing Services

1. Becker Roofing & Construction

2. Bohl Home Services

3. Krumm Exteriors

SELF CARE

Best Barbershop or Salon With Men’s Services

1. Tangled Salon & Spa

2. Haus of Fades

3. Prohibition Barbers

Best Boutique Fitness or Yoga Studio

1. Light House Yoga + Fitness

2. Tie: Fit PT; Lift Bridge Yoga + Fitness

Best Hair Salon

1. Tangled Salon & Spa

2. Al’s & Company

3. Hudson

is courtesy of LILIA Flower

known for its exceptional arrangements, beautiful bouquets, design workshops and curated gifts. We extend our sincere appreciation for the stunning florals that grace our cover and pages.

LILIA Flower Boutique liliaflower.com @lilia.designfloral

Best Manicure and Pedicure

1. 21 Nails

2. INails & Spa

3. Turbo Nails Oak Park Heights

Best Med Spa

1. St Croix Skincare

2. Northern Allure Aesthetics

3. Stillwater Skin Medspa

Best Spa

1. Just For Me “The Spa”

2. The Calla Lily Day Spa

3. Woodhouse Spa

WELLNESS

Best Chiropractic or Holistic Wellness Practice

1. ChiroWay of Hudson

2. Move•Well Chiropractic and Sports Therapy

3. Croixview Family Chiropractic

Best Dental Practice

1. Smiles in Motion Pediatric Dentistry

2. Dentistry on Vine

3. Tie: Kell Dental Arts; St. Croix Family Dentistry

Best Dermatology Practice

1. Tareen Dermatology

2. Dermatology Consultants

3. Advanced Dermatology Care

Best Family Medicine Practice

1. Hudson Physicians

2. HealthPartners Clinic Stillwater

3. Hudson Hospital & Clinic

Best Massage

1. River Bend Massage Therapy

2. Just For Me “The Spa”

3. The Calla Lily Day Spa

The Best of St. Croix Valley floral design

Boutique,

Best Mental Health Services Provider

1. Hudson Counseling Services

2. Family Therapy Associates, LLC

3. Jill Anderson, Collaborative Counseling

Best OB-GYN Practice

1. Hudson Physicians

2. Hudson Hospital & Clinic

3. Western Wisconsin Health

Best Orthodontic Practice

1. Kristo Orthodontics

2. Orchin + Orchin

3. Brettin Orthodontics

Best Physical Therapy Practice

1. Twin Cities Orthopedics

2. Fit PT

3. Velocity Physical Therapy

Best Vision Care Practice

1. Associated Eye Care

2. Christensen Vision Care

3. Pearle Vision

LEARNING

Best College Prep or Tutoring Center

1. Bright Star Tutoring

2. Learning Rx–Hudson

3. Mathnasium of Stillwater

Best Dance Studio

1. Helmer Dance Studio

2. The Dancing House

3. The Phipps Center for the Arts

Best Driver’s Education

1. Bumper to Bumper

2. Northwood Technical College

3. Kinni Driving School

Best Music Lessons or School

1. Chris Ashwood

2. Brickhouse Music

3. The Phipps Center for the Arts

Best Preschool Program

1. Saint Patrick Catholic School

2. St. Anne Catholic School

3. Bethel Highland Preschool

Best Private School

1. Saint Patrick Catholic School

2. St. Anne Catholic School

3. Trinity Academy

LEISURE

Best Beach, Open Space or Park

1. Willow River State Park

2. Perch Lake

3. Lakefront Park

Best Golf Course

1. St. Croix National Golf and Event Center

2. White Eagle Golf Club

3. Troy Burne Golf Club

Best Place for Family Activities

1. Willow River State Park

2. White Pine Berry Farm

3. Eagle Eye Farm

Best Place for Kids’ Birthday Party

1. Caffeine Chaos & Crafts

2. St Croix Lanes

3. Hudson GNG

PET CARE

Best Pet Boarding or Daycare Service

1. Paws and Claws Pet Resort

2. K9-Playtime

3. Valley Boarding Kennel

Best Pet Grooming Service

1. Angel’s Pet World

2. Diggity Dawg Grooming

3. Emerald Green Grooming

Best Veterinarian Practice

1. Croix Valley Veterinary Hospital

2. Hillcrest Animal Hospital

3. Animal Care Center of Hudson

SHOPS

Best Florist

1. Hudson Flower Shop

2. Rose Floral & Greenhouse

3. 44 Blooms and Greens

Best Gift Shop

1. The Bees Knees

2. Smith + Trade Mercantile

3. The Purple Tree

Best Jewelry Store

1. The Jeweler’s Bench

2. Stokes Jewelry

3. Diamonds on Main

Best Men’s or Women’s Apparel Boutique

1. La Rue Marche

2. One:Nine Boutique

3. My Happy Place Boutique

Best Specialty Food or Kitchen Store

1. Grand Fête

2. Urban Table (formerly Urban Olive & Vine)

3. Hudson Grocery Co-op

WEDDING VENDORS

Best Alterations or Tailoring Service

1. Sew For U

2. St Croix Cleaners

3. Tom’s Tailor

Best Bridal Hair and Makeup

1. BB Makeup Aesthetics & Cosmetics

2. Amanda Schaffer Makeup

3. Makeup by Mindie

Best Bridal or Formal Wear Store

1. Bella Bridal Boutique

2. Our Shop Bridal

3. Raffiné Bridal

Best Catering Service

1. Big Guys BBQ Roadhouse

2. N8’s PL8s Catering

3. Plate By Kate

Best Wedding Photographer or Videographer

1. Ashley Foster Photography

2. Rose and Oak Photography

3. Shania Leeanna Photography

Best Wedding Planner or Coordinator

1. Oehme Oasis Wedding & Events

2. Coordinating by Casey

3. AK Events

Best Wedding Venue

1. Oehme Oasis Wedding & Events

2. Belle Âme Vineyard

3. St. Croix National Golf and Event Center

EDITOR’S PICKS

The Light of Generations: Meet individuals who are spreading hope and heart.

Written by Zoe Yates

In each Best of St. Croix Valley issue, I have the opportunity to share a piece of my world in my Editor’s Picks. Last year, I took you on a tour of my favorite destinations in Western Wisconsin, the place I call home. (Read the story at stcroixvalleymag.com.) This year, I’m exploring a topic that has been on our team’s mind of late: the significance of intergenerational collaboration. Each person in our community—from Gen Alpha to the baby boomers—has a unique story, perspective and background. Through these differences, we strengthen this enduring river valley. Without further ado, meet a few humans who are spreading light and love in our communities.

GENERATION X Paul Creager

Filmmaker, educator and event organizer Paul Creager, 50, has dedicated his life to creating community through storytelling. In 2002, he founded the Square Lake Film & Music Festival (squarelakefestival.com) on his family’s property in May Township; it has since become a cornerstone event in the St. Croix Valley. “I have witnessed the power of bringing people together through events. Especially in this age, when we can be very polarized through our online life; in person, we find overlaps, and we will navigate differences,” Creager says.

With the Square Lake Film & Music Festival on an indefinite hiatus, Creager is pursuing new avenues to build community through film. He’s the co-founder of the Marine Documentary Night series, produced by the Marine Film Society. Last October, Creager and his collaborators experimented with a film showcase on the Stillwater River Boats. The success of that event, along with a Stillwater Area Community Foundation Great Idea Grant, is fueling the inaugural Stillwater Film Festival.“It’s been an idea for years,” Creager says, adding that he hopes this festival can become a tradition that is “nationally recognized and locally loved.”

Thank you to City of Marine on St. Croix (marineonstcroix.org) for the use of Marine Village Hall and its historic mural.

GENERATION Z

Amelia Kozlowski

To Amelia Kozlowski, 17, being young is a superpower. “There’s so much passion in being young, about the world around you, because it’s new to us,” Amelia says. The Stillwater Area High School (SAHS) rising senior has pursued her passions for fashion and sustainability into various leadership roles in her community. As a co-leader of Youth United, a youth-directed group with United Way of Washington CountyEast (UWWCE), Amelia has helped organize events, fundraise and volunteer with area nonprofits. She also serves as a student board member with Sustainable Stillwater MN and as president of the SAHS Sustainable Fashion Club.

Amelia is not just looking ahead—she’s already looking behind her and finding ways to support and encourage the youngest members of the community. Last August, she served as a guide at UWWCE’s You R You Leadership Camp, where she supported incoming middle school students. (Read more in the August/September 2026 issue.) “There’s kind of a fearlessness around youth … that I think is so vital in creating actual change,” Amelia says. “We don’t have the tools, but we have the ambitions. And I think it’s all about teaching younger generations to keep those ambitions and then giving them the tools.”

GENERATION ALPHA

Ray LeMay

Ray LeMay is proving that it’s never too early to pursue your passion. The 11-year-old has built a thriving business around his favorite animal: chickens. At Ray’s Hen House, Ray raises chickens, ducks and quail, and sells eggs from his backyard farm stand.

Last fall, Ray was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and spent two days in the ICU fighting full diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication. “Ray is the most resilient child,” says Billie LeMay, Ray’s mother. “He has stayed positive through this whole experience beyond what we ever could have imagined … he’s not sad at all about being diabetic. He just took it on as part of who he is right away.”

The River Falls community responded by raising funds to support Ray’s healing journey and help him adopt a service dog. “I’m just really shocked at how much people have come together,” Billie says. Though Ray took a break from his egg business over the winter, he has big dreams for his backyard flock. “I want to make my own type of chicken that I can breed and sell to people,” Ray says.

Photos: Billie LeMay; Georgia Lickness

Georgia Lickness

Many years ago, Georgia Lickness, 75, was encouraged by a mentor to listen deeply, live generously and ask others a simple question, “How can I help you?” This advice has guided her community work through the decades. A longtime resident of Lake St. Croix Beach, Lickness grew up in foster care in St. Paul, apart from her eight siblings and Anishanaabe culture. Helped by kind mentors in adulthood, she began the slow process of learning “what it was like to be an Indian woman in the community,” Lickness says. She enrolled in White Earth Nation and devoted much of her career to nonprofit work, including a stint on the board of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council. “I’ve been all over the United States representing the Native community,” Lickness says.

In 2012, Lickness joined the Stillwater Area Public Schools’ (SAHS) American Indian Parent Advisory Committee to build cultural programming and a support network for Indigenous students. Her grandson, Theodore “Teddy” Lickness, is now a rising senior and president of the Native American Student Alliance at SAHS.

Lickness finds joy in nature and through sharing food, especially wild rice. She encourages others to listen deeply to people of all backgrounds and experiences. “Find love and peace in one another, and ask how you can help someone,” she says.

BABY BOOMER

MILLENNIAL

Chrystal A. Odin

To educator, flower farmer and visual artist Chrystal A. Odin, 42, flowers aren’t a luxury. “They’re the feelings of the earth … the expression of emotion,” Odin says. With evidence of Neanderthals being buried with flowers, Odin shares that humans have always had a relationship with flowers. “There isn’t a race, a class, a gender, a religious boundary that people may have against one another that a flower can’t cross for you. They just are universally understood across all cultures and all people as being free from that,” Odin says.

Odin serves as a lead flower farmer, resident and interim adult family home manager at Philadelphia Community Farm (PCF) in Osceola, Wisconsin. PCF is a nonprofit farm and private residential community diverse in ability, age, culture, ethnicity and gender, offering educational immersions, cultural events and farm products. “Homogeny is actually not sustainable, and I know that from farming. If you [grow] any single thing … you’re inviting disease and past pressure,” Odin says, sharing that embracing differences builds resilience.

In 2024, Odin developed a spring floral subscription program at PCF. This August, PCF will also offer an autumn floral subscription, featuring dahlias, gladiolus, heirloom chrysanthemums, sunflowers and more. Learn more at phillyfarm.org.

Vista Prairie at Red Cedar Canyon offers residentcentered care, customized to your needs. Whether you’re fully independent or need a little support, we’re here to help you live your best life!

Contact us at 715.381.7333 or visit vistaprairie.org/red-cedar-canyon for more information or to schedule a tour! 3001 Hanley Road, Hudson, WI 54016

Dr. Cara Syth provides comprehensive obstetrical and gynecological care with a strong commitment to patient education, compassionate care, and shared decision-making.

Professional Interests:

• Obstetrics

• Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse

• Gynecological disease evaluation, treatment and surgical care

• Menopause symptom management

• Family planning and birth control counseling

• Sexual health

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY! CALL NOW - 715-684-1111

Seasonal Abundance

Satisfy summer cravings with you-pick berries and blooms.

Each month of summer arrives with new delights in the fields and farms across the East Metro. Rows of fragrant flowers and succulent fruits paint the rolling hills with color—ripe for the picking but only for a little while. Make the most of this seasonal abundance by visiting a you-pick farm. These area growers make it simple to participate in your food system and enjoy a memorable family outing.

Romanticize your seasonal table with a display that highlights the bounty of a St. Croix Valley summer—featuring berries, blooms and locally made art and home goods.

Pottery by Maggie Jaszczak, maggiejaszczak.com Candles by Hilltop Handmade Goods, @hilltopgoodsmn

Written by Hailey Almsted and Zoe Yates

Photos by Chris Emeott

Afton Apple Orchard

Hastings

Since 1989, the Femling family has grown Afton Apple Orchard to more than 250 acres, making it one of the largest you-pick orchards in Minnesota. From June to early July, guests can pick strawberries, followed by blackberries in July, raspberries in August, and apples and pumpkins in the autumn. The Flower Festival, where guests can pick sunflowers and zinnias, is slated for late August. aftonapple.com

Arcola Trail Flower Farm

Stillwater

Susan Rockwood began growing cut flowers on her property as an encore career. A decade

on, the flower farm supplies retail customers and florists with 75 varieties of organically grown flowers and foliage. Rockwood opens the farm up for private and public you-pick events on select dates from July to October. arcolatrailflowerfarm.com

Blueberry Fields of Stillwater

Stillwater

At this peaceful 2-acre farm, owner Summer Kuehn is dedicated to growing fruits without the use of herbicides, insecticides or pesticides. The fields are open based on crop availability during the growing season. Updates are shared on the farm’s Facebook page and voicemail box. blueberryfieldsofstillwater.com

Blue Ridge Growers

Troy, Wisconsin

Three decades ago, Jill and Dennis Berke planted 150 blueberry bushes on their 40-acre farm. Now, Blue Ridge is the oldest blueberry you-pick in St. Croix County with more than 800 high-bush and low-bush blueberry plants, plus tart cherries. The farm embraces organic (noncertified) growing practices, and customers can visit with the farm’s mixed herd of sheep and donkeys. blueridgegrowers.net

Pine Hill Flower and Garden Stand Woodbury

Theresa and Ben Gulsvig started offering you-pick flowers at their Dale Road

Berries add beauty, color and flavor to all our favorite summer desserts. For an easy crowd-pleaser, top a sheet cake with whipped cream and an assortment of in-season berries.

We’re proud of the relationships we’ve developed over the years. We’re committed to our customers, employees, and communities now and far into the future. We didn’t just move into this community we have spent 115 years helping to build it.

Know Your Seasons

It’s always a good idea to add a you-pick farm to your summer bucket list! Timing and crop availability vary year to year; make a plan to check in with your favorite growers, so you don’t miss out.

Berry picking will begin with strawberries in mid-June—these summer fixtures are only available for a few short weeks and provide a beautiful introduction for children to learn how to pick fruits. The plants are low to the ground, with easy-to-find ripe fruits and no thorns.

July brings lush blueberries, with plants often at their fullest in late July and early August. Blueberry picking goes quickly, as the small fruits grow in clumps and readily pop off the plant when ripe. Note that blueberries taste sweeter when picked in the morning and on cooler summer days, and some fields close when temperatures rise above 90 F. This month also brings fresh cherries, currants and early raspberries.

By August, the flower fields are in full bloom. This is a beautiful time to visit a flower

farm for a you-pick bouquet. The end of summer will also bring blackberries and raspberries—and the prospect of ripening apples by the end of the month.

Keep in Mind: The abundance and availability of you-pick farms, like any agricultural operation, are dependent on weather conditions and happy pollinators. Some seasons will be more fruitful than others. It’s always smart to read up on each farm’s operations and rules, check social media for updates and call before heading out.

There’s nothing better than a breakfast spread featuring local berries and blooms. Start your day off with mouthwatering waffles topped with berries and whipped cream, or a berry parfait.

Bowl and vases by Olivia Jenson, oliviajenson.com; Candles by Hilltop Handmade Goods, @hilltopgoodsmn

property in 2024 and added a roadside stand in 2025. Previous cut flowers include cerinthe, cosmos, dahlias, feverfew, sedum, snapdragons, strawflowers, sunflowers, zinnias and various native flowers. The Gulsvigs offer fresh garden produce, premade bouquets, How to You-Pick classes and more. Pine Hill Flower and Garden Stand

Two Bees & A Bud

New Richmond, Wisconsin

Friday and Saturday mornings throughout summer and fall, this 40-acre property is open for you-pick flowers and picnics, along with classes, community and private events, and venue rentals. The property will also be open for moonlight you-pick on Friday evenings starting in July. A $5 admission fee allows visitors to explore the grounds, which, along with the flower fields, feature beehives, a forest, a Flower Barn shop and a picturesque pond. twobeesandabud.com

White

Pine Berry Farm

River Falls, Wisconsin

The Zwald family decided to grow berries in 2012 after four decades in the dairy business, starting with strawberries. They’ve since expanded to offer an array of produce and flowers, including blueberries, cherries, currants, pumpkins, raspberries, sunflowers and zinnias, which are available seasonally for you-pick in a charming country setting. The farm also hosts many events and festivals throughout the season. whitepineberryfarm.com

Wyatt’s Strawberries

Hastings

Veteran Greg Wyatt grew up farming strawberries, and now that small-scale farm features 8 acres of strawberries. From midJune through early July, guests are welcome to bring their own containers or purchase a waxed box at the you-pick patch, and pre-picked berries are available if ordered in advance. Call for patch conditions.

Wyatt’s Strawberries

Carpeting by Mike

A business’s foundation is stronger when it’s built upon a lasting family legacy. The late Michael Faust opened Carpeting by Mike in 1973 and is now owned by his daughter, Typhannie Harker. “I started working with him around age 7 or so, getting paid in Dairy Queen ice cream cones,” she says.

When Harker was 24, she began working full time alongside her father, starting with retail sales support and moving to director of operations. Once she became the owner in 2018, Harker remained committed to Faust’s legacy. “I have focused on my dad’s core values: ethics, integrity and the Golden Rule,” she says.

Carpeting by Mike is a full-service flooring store, selling Mohawk’s top-of-the-line products—backed with professional CFI-certified installation and service. Customers choose from an assortment of luxury vinyl planking, waterproof laminates, hardwoods and carpet designs. “We stand behind our installation warranty and fix flooring concerns for the first 10 years at no charge,” Harker says.

It’s important to have reliable flooring, free from lingering water damage, stains or wear and tear. Knowing when the time is right to purchase replacement products can be difficult, and the Carpeting by Mike

team is ready to assist. “Homeowners deserve flooring they can live on and not worry about,” Harker says. “We offer flooring that they can make memories on—not worry about damaging.”

The value of lasting business relationships is not lost on the team at Carpeting by Mike, and that goes for their partnership brands. “We have been with Mohawk Industries for 35 years and have a unique relationship with the professionals and staff throughout the company,” Harker says. “Every relationship is special to me because the people at Mohawk are the best in the world.”

405 Laser Drive, Somerset, Wisconsin 715.247.3244

carpetingbymike.com

Proudly, the Carpeting by Mike family legacy continues with Harker’s daughter, Bella, who has been part of the business since she was 3 months old, serving as a postcard model for SmartStrand Carpet Fiber, starring on social media platforms and attending flooring conventions. Today, she takes online high school courses while assisting with training new employees and helping customers, who she proudly tells, “My Grandpa Mike started this company.” Offering customers the best in service and the best product lines remains the mission—from one generation to the next … and the next!

TRIA Orthopedics at HealthPartners Clinic Hudson

Since opening in 2024, TRIA Orthopedics at the HealthPartners Clinic in Hudson, has proudly provided convenient, high-quality orthopedic services to residents across Western Wisconsin. The clinic offers a full range of nonsurgical and surgical orthopedic care, including ankle, foot, hand, joint and spine care; physical therapy; and sports medicine—under one roof.

Orthopedic care at TRIA is for everyone: adults managing joint pain, weekend warriors, young athletes or anyone interested in maintaining lifelong healthy movement.

Kevin Klementz, RN, is the site’s clinic manager and played an important role in bringing the clinic to fruition, beginning with participating in planning conversations—all the way through site design discussions. “Together, we worked to ensure that TRIA’s presence fits naturally within the Hudson Hospital environment and supports the broader HealthPartners vision for whole-person care,” he says. “I’m here to make sure every patient who walks through our doors experiences compassionate, seamless care.”

For many families in Hudson and surrounding communities, TRIA is the first stop for orthopedic needs. The highly qualified team includes Chad Griffith, MD (sports surgeon), Marcus Fearing, MD (sports medicine) and Allie Sherwood, MD (hand surgeon). “Even though Hudson is connected to the Twin Cities, having the same level of orthopedic expertise available in Western Wisconsin is vital,” Klementz says. “It reduces barriers to care, whether that’s travel times, scheduling challenges or simply not knowing where to go.”

“As part of HealthPartners, we’re proud to contribute to a system that offers comprehensive, head-to-toe care. TRIA represents the orthopedic expertise, and we’re committed to delivering exceptional care that helps our community stay active, healthy and supported,” Klementz says.

Continuity of care is central to TRIA’s approach. Physicians, physical therapists and specialists collaborate and stay aligned on each patient’s goals. This leads

to quicker diagnoses, more personalized treatment plans and better long-term outcomes.

Positive outcomes begin by seeking care. “Our orthopedic clinicians see how early attention can prevent long-term problems,” Klementz says. “Many people assume pain, stiffness or loss of function will ‘just get better,’ but delaying care can allow minor injuries to progress into chronic conditions that are harder to treat and impact long-term mobility.”

Seeking orthopedic care early gives patients the best chance at restoring function, preventing complications and staying active. “Our goal at TRIA is to help people get back to the activities they love,” he says. TRIA also provides a connection with primary care, urgent care and all the specialties offered by HealthPartners. “By staying part of the same care system, the providers within HealthPartners can see, be updated and have a complete view of the total care that any patient is receiving,” Klementz says.

As a community member for more than 20 years, it means a great deal to Klementz to have TRIA services supporting his fellow community members. “Knowing I can guide friends, neighbors and community members toward care they can trust gives me tremendous pride,” he says. “It’s rewarding to see people I know walk into a clinic where I’m confident they’ll receive high-quality treatment and support close to home.”

TRIA Orthopedics is part of HealthPartners, a nonprofit organization with a mission of improving health and well-being in partnership with its members, patients and community. A leader in orthopedic, sports medicine and physical therapy, TRIA brings together exceptional clinical and surgical expertise with world-class research and innovative programs, including the Twin Cities’ first orthopedic urgent care walk-in clinic and TRIA GameFace, a premier sports performance offering. TRIA’s sports medicine specialists have served as official team physicians for Minnesota’s professional sports teams for more than 30 years. With multiple locations across the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin, TRIA provides convenient access to comprehensive care for patients of all ages and activity levels.

Western Wisconsin Health

With established roots in the community for 90 years, Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) offers expert health care, meeting patients’ health and wellness needs as part of its dedicated, longstanding commitment to the residents of Western Wisconsin and beyond.

WWH prides itself on its staff of more than 200 medical professionals, collaborating to ensure patients receive comprehensive care. Among them is Desiree Scholl, DPM, FACFAS, who has proudly served as a podiatrist at WWH since 2019. Dr. Scholl is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and treats a wide range of foot and ankle conditions through surgical and non-surgical care, having special interest in fractures; heal pain; sports and overuse injuries; trauma and wound care/limb-salvage.

Graduating with honors from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago

(no relation) and completing residency at St. John Providence Hospital in Michigan, Scholl enjoys podiatry for its focus on a variety of foot and ankle conditions while having the ability to establish important patient-provider connections.

Podiatric care is not just about treating conditions. It is about the relationships one can build when getting patients back to full health.

1100 Bergslien St., Baldwin, Wisconsin 715.684.1111 wwhealth.org

Scholl is proud to serve her community and connect with patients through shared interests like athletics, running, horses and her role in international sighthound rescue. “I feel a sense of ownership and pride in this practice, getting to know the people of the community and their families,” she says. “I hope to continue to build relationships with patients I’ve seen throughout my tenure with WWH and previous patients who followed me here.”

Crimson Valley Construction

Choosing the perfect remodeling firm is the first step in bringing your vision to life. Look to Crimson Valley Construction to transform any part of your home, including whole home remodels, room additions or reimagining baths, kitchens and lower levels.

The Crimson Valley team has more than experience under its belt; industry leaders recognize its excellent design and craftsmanship. The nationally recognized remodeling firm won the 2023 WBA Badger Craftsman Award for Best Remodel Room Addition, and 2025 brought the NAHB Best in American Living Silver Award for Best Remodel Home Addition.

“We partner with homeowners who love their homes to give them a great remodeling experience,” says Bill Brinkman, owner. “We love the St. Croix Valley, and helping our neighbors with their homes is the cornerstone of our business.”

In addition to Bill and Taylor Brinkman, the team includes design partners, offering clients personalized, creative and up-to-date designs based on their years of experience. “We also have a great team of trade partners,” Bill says. “They provide quality work, on time, at fair prices.”

While projects vary from client to client, they all begin with solid communication. “We start by listening to our client’s dreams and goals,” Bill says.

“We set a realistic budget and move into design. Construction begins with a schedule, a completion date and a plan for how the home will function during the remodel. Communication is ongoing during construction and through completion.”

Clients appreciate the client-forward approach. “Bill took the photo ideas we sent him and made our vision a reality,” say Anne and Jeremy. “The finished product was exactly what we hoped for. We are so happy we chose Crimson Valley.”

A Bowl of History

Pea Soup Days celebrates Wisconsin town’s heritage.

Since the 1940s, Somerset, Wisconsin, has honored its FrenchCanadian heritage with an annual celebration. Featuring all the mainstays of a great small-town get-together, Pea Soup Days (peasoupdays.com) features a carnival, games, a parade and, as the name suggests, an abundance of one very green comfort food.

But why pea soup? Pea soup was a go-to meal for FrenchCanadian voyageurs who settled in Somerset, as it is made from a few easily preserved ingredients. The meal remains a beloved symbol of the town’s history.

This year’s event will take place from June 4–7 at various locations and is spearheaded by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, Somerset Fire/Rescue Department and the Somerset Lions Club.

These organizations, along with sponsors and volunteers, are responsible for all that Pea Soup Days has to offer: beanbag tournaments, bingo, fireworks, food concessions, golf, live music, a medallion hunt, a pancake breakfast, a petting zoo, softball tournaments and more. Boy Scout Troop 144 oversees the pea soup, making large batches on-site with carrots, ham, peas and spices.

David Bracht, president of Somerset Lions Club, says one of the major draws to Pea Soup Days is the Friday night fireworks. But his favorite part comes just before they begin, as thousands gather on a hill overlooking the carnival to wait for the big show. “There’s just a buzz, and everybody’s in a good mood,” Bracht says. —Abigail Larson

Pea Soup Days is a weekend-long community celebration that has been going on for more than 75 years. The streets of Somerset, Wisconsin, are filled with fun and revelry as locals and visitors enjoy a carnival, fireworks, parades, sporting tournaments and more.

Crazy about Strawberries

C’mon out... is is the place to make you smile. Fresh apples and pies

651.429.7202 | www.pinetreeappleorchard.com North of White Bear Lake oﬀ East Hwy. 96

06.06

Sketch Outing

Join illustrator Vera Ming Wong for a free group sketch from 1–4 p.m. at Franconia Sculpture Park. Participants must bring their own materials, and there will be no instruction provided. franconia.org

06.13–06.14

Kite Building

Enjoy a free concert at 7 p.m. in the height of summer as the Opera on the River Festival expands to Lakefront Park. scvopera.org ON THE TOWN

Come build and fly kites at Treehaus Studio while learning about the history and science behind this popular toy. The adult workshop will be held Saturday from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. The youth workshop is on Sunday from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. treehausstudio.org

06.27

Lift Bridge Road Races

Run a half marathon, 10-mile, 10K or 5K and see the most scenic parts of Stillwater. No matter the race, all finish at Lift Bridge Brewing Co. on Tower Drive, the event’s sponsor. The half marathon and 10-mile races begin at 7 a.m., and the 10K and 5K races begin at 7:15 a.m. runstillwater.com

06.27–06.28

Strawberry Festival and Marketplace

Explore the history of strawberries growing in the area since the 1800s. There will be artists and vintage vendors, live music and more. The festival will be held from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday in Afton Town Square Park. exploreafton.com

07.10

Plein Air Hudson Kick-off

Twenty artists converge on Hudson to capture the beauty of a St. Croix Valley summer. Join the opening of the exhibition from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. at Seasons Gallery. seasons-gallery.com

07.16

Hudson Bandshell Concert

07.18–07.19

Stillwater Flea and Crafter Market

From 9 a.m.–3 p.m., visit the Washington County Fairgrounds to experience the 13th annual market. Featuring up to 200 vendors, there will be art, collectibles, jewelry and more. Admission and parking are free. rsgdevelopment.com

07.20

St. Croix Valley Golf Scramble

Carpenter Nature Center is hosting its annual fundraising golf event from 10:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. at Hastings Golf Club. Enjoy contests, lunch and dinner, prizes and, of course, golf. carpenternaturecenter.org

Compiled by Abigail Larson and Kate Thompson

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 may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

Strawberry Festival and Marketplace

Bring Our Community Into Frame

Look through your photo files. What do you see? Whether it’s a candid moment, an iconic area landmark, a brush with nature or something in between, odds are it captures a glimpse of what it’s like to call the St. Croix Valley home. From June 1–July 31, our annual Lens on St. Croix Valley photo contest is open to photographers of all ages and experience levels. Explore your shots from this past year, and share what the spirit of this community looks like through your lens. Categories include: Abstract, People, Pets, Places, Seasons and Wildlife.

The Details:

• Submissions are accepted between 8 a.m. June 1–5 p.m. July 31 at stcroixvalleymagmag.com.

• Entrants must live, work or attend school in the St. Croix Valley.

• Photos should be taken in the St. Croix Valley.

• Generally, photos should have been taken within a year of the submission date.

• Entrants may submit up to five photos, with no more than three in any category.

• Judges reserve the right to recategorize submissions if they feel the photographs are better suited to a different category.

• Readers’ Choice voting is open August 15–31 on our website.

• Winning images could be featured in our magazine, website and social media platforms.

• The results of the contest will be posted on our website on September 1.

Visit stcroixvalleymag.com for additional rules and information. —Editorial Staff

Stillwater resident Greg Schulz of Pictures Over Stillwater was leaving a preproduc tion meeting for the Opera On The River event when he spotted some hot air bal loons taking off. With the help of a visual observer and familiarity with the area’s skies and obstacles, Schulz launched his drone and took this award-winning image, which he feels captures “the essence of a St. Croix River Valley calm summer eve ning.” —Zoe Yates

Photographer: Greg Schulz

Title: Summer Balloons

Equipment: Autel EVO II Pro drone with a 6K camera

Location: Stillwater Historic Lift Bridge

Category: Places Award: First Place