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whitebearlakemag.com EmeottChrisPhoto: “As bees gather honey, so we collect what is sweetest out of all things and build.” —Rainer Maria Rilke, Austrian poet and novelist SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022 IN EVERY ISSUE 6 — Editor’s Letter 9 — Noteworthy 31 — On the Town 40 — Last Glance FEATURE 22 — Student Spotlight Meet the next generation of local leaders. TASTEMAKERS 34 — Sweet Success Neighbors share their passion for beekeeping just in time for National Honey Month. DEPARTMENTS 12 — A Legacy of Caring Matoska International educator selected as a finalist for 2022 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. 14 — Crafting your Dream Life What to know before starting your next home renovation project. 18 — Leadership Tomorrow Local initiative cultivates a community of leaders. PAGE 34
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6 September/October 2022 whitebearlakemag.com
See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town.
The dual themes of this issue are education and home, and they truly go hand-in-hand in the stories you’ll find in these pages. On page 12, I speak with Minnesota Teacher of the Year final ist Kendall Gonzalez on how she’s found her happy place teaching kindergarten at Matoska International. Later, on page 14, writer Kira Schukar dives into home renovation basics with the help of Jordan Willaby of White Bear Lake design company Willaby Way. Each autumn, we feature outstanding seniors from our local high schools. On page 22, you’ll meet four students nominated by their schools for excellence in both academics and extracur riculars. Their interests, dreams and passion for giving back are inspiring to behold. There’s so much more to discover in these pages. Above all, I hope that you find something new in this issue about yourself, your community or your world that, in the words of Socrates, “is the kindling of a flame.”
FROM THE EDITOR
Zoe Deal, zoe@localmedia.co
Happy learning,
WHITEBEARLAKEMAG.COM WHITE BEAR LAKE MAGAZINE @WHITEBEARLAKEMAG @WHITEBEARLAKEMAG
On the Cover Dhruva Pingale, photo by Chris Emeott EmeottChrisPhoto: W hat does it mean to be a lifelong learner? I’ve heard it mentioned before (I’m sure you have too) and, just two years out of school, I have in fact missed the clarity of learning within a classroom setting. But I’ve come to see learning as not just confined to taking a course, seeking an expert or even reading a magazine article on a new topic. While I’m not a professional on the subject, I’ve found that having an open mind to the world and to other people has been the most fruitful learning style in my adult life. Oh, and embracing learning little by little, as it comes within my interests and needs.
7 VOL. 11 NO. 5 whitebearlakemag.com publisher Susan Isay editor White Bear Lake Magazine is published 6 times a year. Rates $18 for 6 issues. Back issues $8.95. To subscribe, please visit: localmedia.co For customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co or call 612.208.6248. ©Local, LLC 2022. All rights reserved.
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IT’S NO SECRET that more and more people are finding themselves working from home. Whether you see this evergrowing trend as a burden or a blessing, we have a few tips to help make your home office space productive, energetic and inspiring.
Don’t just put a desk in a room and call it a day. Get creative with your layout and inspire new ways to be productive. Face your desk toward a window or give it a fun background. This can be helpful with your video conference calls. Or try centering your desk in the middle of your room to anchor the space.
9 InteriorsLynnChristinaPhoto:
Max Out Storage With a calm and clean space comes a productive mind. Set yourself up for success by including bookshelves, baskets and cabinets to keep your area organized. The quickest way to avoid a cluttered office is to get organized ahead of time. Get Creative With Your Layout
DWELL INSPIRE PRODUCTIVITY WITH YOUR HOME OFFICE DESIGN local tips, tidbits & insights NOTEWORTHY September/October 2022 whitebearlakemag.com
Be Bold Your office is where you spend eight hours a day, so why not make it inviting? Strive to create a place where you truly enjoy spend ing time. Have some fun with a bold color on the walls or even the ceiling. Try out a standing desk and barstool. Make your space feel alive by adding plants and create a sense of comfort with a cozy rug. Whatever you decide, be sure to make your space your own by giving it a design that reflects your personality.
Christina Miller is the founder and owner of Christina Lynn Interiors, a boutique interior design studio based in White Bear Lake. Find more at christinalynninteriors.com.
FoundationCommunityLakeBearWhiteGreaterPhoto:
Local legend Bill Foussard is a business owner and enthusiastic booster of our great commu nity. From making sure we have funding for a firework display every year to supporting our local arts scene, promoting tourism and many other community efforts, Foussard provides boundless energy to many local causes. Along with his role as owner of Rudy’s Redeye Grill and the Best Western Plus White Bear Coun try Inn, Foussard can also be found serving as a member of the White Bear Rotary Club, Explore White Bear, White Bear Events and more. He was also the 2017 recipient of the J. Stanley and Doris Hill Legacy Award for service to the community. Foussard was a founding member of the Greater White Bear Lake Community Founda tion in 2015, joining other community leaders who envisioned an organization based on a community of donors, grantees and volunteers serving the communities that share the shores of White Bear Lake. That vision has grown to become a thriving community foundation that has made over $2.6 million in grants and man ages more than $4 million in assets. You can find Foussard all over town at events, Rudy’s, the White Bear Country Inn or perhaps even aboard a vintage fire truck—and always ready with a smile. In celebration of the dedicated volunteers that uplift this community, the Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation spotlights a noteworthy citizen of the White Bear Lake area in each issue. Learn more at gwblcf.org.
READ BETWEENWORLDS
10 September/October 2022 whitebearlakemag.com NOTEWORTHY
FACES
Set in the fictional River Valley School for the Deaf, Sara Novic’s coming-ofage novel True Biz intro duces you to the world of deaf students, their teachers and their families through the intersecting stories of students Charlie and Austin and their head mistress, February, who is a child of deaf adults (CODA) and navigates the world between the hearing and the Charlie,deaf.who struggles with cochlear implants and doesn’t know ASL, is new to attending a school for the deaf. Austin is the popular boy in school. This is an unforgettable book on the human and political side of the deaf community. Have patience as you learn the writing style, which parallels the cadence of sign language as the story unfolds. With its similarities to the Acad emy Award-winning film CODA, you’ll love this book and the lessons it teaches. Therese Sonnek is the branch manager of Ramsey County Library - White Bear Lake. Visit rclreads.org to learn more about RCL programs and locations. Spotlight on Community
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11 iStock/com/Prostock-Studio MOVE MOVEMENTLEARNINGTHROUGH
For many, education connotes sedentary activity, such as sitting in a classroom or at a computer. But learning can take many other forms—like downward dog or squats and lunges. Learning through fitness classes is a powerful combination that yields double the benefits. Learning new ways to exercise at home or in classes can not only help to build muscle strength, stamina and flexibility— it also fires synopses in your brain, helping to build intelligence and strengthen mem ory. Cardiovascular exercise, for example, can actually create new brain cells. The process, called neurogenesis, can improve overall brain performance. Heart rate increasing cardio classes have also been shown to prevent cognitive decline and memory loss by strengthening the hippo campus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. In this season of learning, you may try giving your brain and body a double dose of good through exercise. So, instead of heading to the library or a local university to take a class, remember there’s always one waiting for you at a local fitness center. Brittany Tobin Mrkvicka is a certified fitness instructor and owner of Zen Fitness & Wellness. at zenfitmn.com.
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KENDALL GONZALEZ always knew she wanted to teach. As I chatted with the 2022 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award finalist on a gray afternoon, her demeanor was just as bright as her color ful kindergarten classroom, and it was clear that she’s exactly where she belongs.
Exceptionally humble, Gonzalez speaks with a sunny, learned confidence that she would likely attribute to her “amazing” colleagues and mentors at Matoska International IB World School.
The Shoreview native and daughter of two local educators has taught at Matoska for over a decade. In 2021, she was chosen by White Bear Lake Area Educators (WBLAE) as their Teacher of the Year. From there, WBLAE nominated her for the state honor, where she was EmeottChrisPhoto: FACES A Legacy of Caring Matoska International educator selected as a finalist for 2022 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. By Zoe Deal
Through many weeks and months of interviews, surveys and applications for the local and state awards, Gonzalez says she’s most enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on her approach to teaching. “A lot of the process is really just asking you to look at what you’re doing in your classroom and your beliefs on certain educational policies,” she says. “It’s been a really good chance to just reflect on what I do and why I do it.” One of the main values Gonzalez has recognized in herself is embracing a play-based approach to learning that focuses on “the whole child.” “When you leave college, they’ve taught you so many strategies to teach the kids how to read and write and do math. But then you get into this space and you see it’s really [about] the whole child,” Gonzales says. Gonzalez has spent nearly her entire career teaching kindergarteners at Matoska. Amid such a “close group of educators,” Gonzalez says she has felt more comfortable sharing ideas and stepping into some of those more leadership positions. And she doesn’t see herself leaving the classroom—or Matoska—anytime soon. “People who have grown up [in White Bear Lake] talk about this all the time, about how everyone stays. And I think that same mentality is also true for the teachers. They come, and they stay,” Gonzalez says. “That community feel is what’s really special about White Bear.”
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selected from dozens of teachers across Minnesota as one of just 11 finalists. “It’s very exciting and a little overwhelming. I wasn’t expecting to be here at all,” Gonzalez says of the experience. “Truly, I just feel that [this honor] is representative of all the people that I’ve learned from and not just one person.” With her hair tied back and a rainbow lanyard around her neck, Gonzalez certainly looked the part of a beloved kindergarten teacher as we spoke over Zoom. But it’s the way her laughter spills into heartfelt words that says the most about what fellow educators see in her. “She is a very genuine, caring, loving, kind person,” says Abby Kath, WBLAE Teacher of the Year committee co-chair. Kath says that she admires “how passionate [Gonzalez] is about being a steady presence for her students in all aspects of their lives and her commitment to building long standing relationships outside of her classroom walls.”
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14 September/October 2022 whitebearlakemag.com WayWillabyPhotos: ABODE Crafting Your Dream Life What to know before diving into your next home renovation project. By Kira Schukar
Planning your design in detail from the beginning of the project keeps the renovation on track and helps homeown ers budget out their must-have items. Willaby recommends planning every thing—from flooring and back splashes to subcontractors and layout—before start ing any project. One way that Willaby Way does this is through 3D renderings that consider design choices and structural needs. With a 3D rendering, you can (virtually) walk through your new home or redesign before a demo or groundbreaking. Work with Professionals Whether you’re hiring a contractor or managing the project yourself, Willaby recommends working with profession als to fill in the gaps—for some, that’s a designer. For others, a plumber. Enlisting professional help means “you have someone else looking over things,” Willaby says. Designers keep the project cohesive, can recommend materials and other building professionals and have an eye for legal considerations, like permits Every woman deserves a pregnancy and birthing experience that’s extraordinary, distinctive, and personal. Our Pampered Pregnancy Care is exactly that. We are here to listen, respond to your individual needs and wishes, and make this a most satisfying prenatal experience. This is your care, your way. We want you to feel empowered with our thoughtful care and childbirth classes and comforted by our exclusive amenities. Pampered Pregnancy
FOR HOMEOWNERS looking to revamp their space, starting the reno vation process may seem overwhelm ing. Simple choices like color and tex ture may be more difficult than at first glance, not to mention logistics like utilities and building structure. The good news is, with the right plan and people in your corner, the process can be more fun than stressful.
We spoke with Jordan Willaby of White Bear Lake design company Willaby Way about keeping projects fresh and manageable. With Willaby’s background in 3D renderings, interior design and remodels, she has some great tips and tricks to start your home renovation off on the right track. Make a Plan As Willaby puts it, having a plan “not only saves time, but it saves money.”
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It’s no secret that interior design styles come in and out of fashion. To keep a home looking up to date, Willaby suggests picking a few ways to add a pop of style, such as with paint, light fixtures and cabinet hardware. More per manent fixtures—such as counter tops and floorings—should stay neutral and durable. But not every trend is shortlived. One style that Willaby thinks will stick around? Wallpaper. “Wallpaper has been around for years and years,” she says. And today, “it’s not like every single room [is wallpapered] like back in the '80s … It’s like one wall or a bathroom.” Just because you start small with one wall doesn’t mean you can’t go big with color and print. Willaby’s own office features an accent wall with a delicate, leafy wallpaper from The Home Depot.
17 and building codes—all things that keep the renovation running smoothly. DIY-ing your renovation may seem like an easy option, but just make sure you have the know-how to get the job done. And you may want to leave things like plumbing and electricity to the pros. Balance Lifestyle with Design When beginning a renovation, homeown ers should think through how to best remodel a home for their lifestyle. For example, Willaby says, people with kids or pets might consider vinyl plank floor ing over hardwood floors because it’s waterproof and easy to clean. Homeowners may also consider if they want to sell their house in the future. People who are planning to sell might “make choices [that are] a bit more neutral,” instead of customizing the space to a more bold taste. But in the end, Willaby says, “You’re the one [who’s] going to be living with this choice, so I want you to like it.”
18 September/October 2022 EmeottChrisPhotos: SCENE Leadership Tomorrow
Local initiative cultivates a community of leaders. Ava
Diaz
By
WHAT DOES IT MEAN to give back to one’s community? And how does one even begin? The answers to these questions and more can be found at Leadership Tomorrow, a 10-month program run by the Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation that prepares current and emerging leaders to make an impact. In partnership with White Bear Lake Rotary, White Bear Country Inn, Rudy’s Redeye Grill and IX2 Consulting, Leadership Tomorrow provides targeted learning opportunities for an annual handpicked cohort. Its financial representative, Craig Drake, says the program aims to help participants “commit to lifelong learning, [gain] confidence to step into leadership roles and develop an understanding for the inner workings of local businesses, government and nonprofit organizations.” With community at its core, the program goes beyond the classroom.
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During a monthly meeting at Katherine Abbott Park, participants took a guided tour, planted a tree and utilized the park's indoor classroom.
Monthly half-day sessions occur at vari ous locations (including city hall and White Bear Center for the Arts) with a goal for participants to connect with organization leaders, create relationships with peers and explore ways to step into local leadership roles to fill the needs and challenges in the community. “It gave me the opportunity to learn more about and appreciate the resources, organizations, culture, challenges and opportunities in the greater White Bear Lake community as well as gain contacts and networking partners,” says Sarah Shore Anderson, a former program par ticipant, who works as a functional medi cineEachpharmacist.sessionhas a two-part focus: leadership and community. Participants whitebearlakemag.com
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In addition to the regular in-person meetings, program goers are also provid ed with a variety of textual materials and resources, such as one-on-one leadership coaching and a motivational assessment. “The outcome is increased leadership ability and passion and an increase in overall capacity to make our community the great place it is to live and work,” AndersonUtilizingsays.the skills honed through the program, Anderson says she has since joined the parent teacher organization at her son’s school, assisted the Medical Reserve Corp to help provide COVID-19 vaccinations at local vaccine clinics and has begun planning a local scholarship to recognize students who give back to the White Bear Lake area community in areas of social justice and equity. “You may surprise yourself and find that your leadership vision or roadmap looks different from the current path you are on and allow you to open doors you didn’t know existed,” says Anderson. Leadership Tomorrow takes 18 to 20 participants each year. To learn about its 2023 program, including applications, tuition and scholarships, visit gwblcf.org. Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation; 651.408.5412; gwblcf.org Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation After all these years. Look to us for your building and remodeling needs.
21 are introduced to a variety of roles within the community and discuss workplace topics pertaining to diversity, educa tion, civic engagement, arts and culture, human services, environmental steward ship and economic development. “Once a month for five hours, I turned off my phone and was inspired, I was fed, I was intrigued and I was learn ing,” says former program participant Jane Schneeweis. “Those opportunities are very rare nowadays because we are always so busy,” By day, Schneeweis is a mediator, facilitator and consultant at Focused Solutions. Though already a leader in many aspects, she emphasizes the pro grams role in fine-tuning her abilities. “If you want change to occur, you have to put structure around it,” Schneeweis says. “[Leadership Tomorrow] helped me focus on the kind of leader that I am and the kind of leader that I want to be.”
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Written by Zoe Deal Photos by Chris Emeott
SPOTLIGHTSTUDENTMeetthenextgenerationoflocalleaders.
Students are the leaders of tomorrow. And in an area chock-full of passion ate leaders and volunteers, our local high schools are no different. For more than a decade, White Bear Lake Magazine has taken a moment each year to highlight just a few of these outstanding students, and we are ecstatic to return to the practice after taking a pause during COVID-19. We asked administrators from four local high schools to nominate students who have stood out and made an impact on their schools and communities. Selecting our standout seniors from a plethora of deserving students was no picnic, with each stu dent just as inspiring and determined as the last. Suffice to say, our local future is in good hands. Without further ado, it’s our plea sure to shed the spotlight on four bright young leaders: DHRUVA PINGALE White Bear Lake Area High School
A driven and respectful student, Dhruva Pingale has been on the “A” Honor Roll since his freshman year, all while participating in a variety of extracurricular pursuits, includ ing NASA SparX, cross-country and track and field. Now captain of the cross-country team and a leader of the Environmental Club, Dhruva is setting his sights on becoming an aerospace engineer. DHRUVA IN HIS OWN WORDS: What has been the highlight of your academic career so far? The highlight of my academic career so far has been the course load that I have taken the (last) ongoing school year. After taking one AP class in my sophomore year, I decided to take on a course load of one College in the Schools (CIS) class, in addition to four AP classes, as well. I was especially surprised by my ability to keep up in AP Physics, a class that required me to self-study math that was ahead of the curriculum for my math class. This increase in coursework, paired with increasing commitments for out-ofclass activities, has taught me about my limits, but they have also taught me a lot about how resilient I can be. What is something people would be surprised to know about you? People might be surprised to learn that a lot of who I am as a person is influenced by my experiences with the cross-country team that I have been on these last few years. I have met some of my best friends and the people that I look up to the most within the three years that I have been with the team. Being in an envi ronment filled with camaraderie, bal anced with equal amounts of willing ness to work hard, pushed me not only to see how much I could truly achieve, but also to work toward that goal.
What’s important to you?
One of the most important things to me is to never give up, regardless of how bad things look in the moment. My motivation to do so is largely scientific: As long as the chances of something happening are above zero, that thing will come to pass, given enough time. Most things that we wish for are plausible and therefore, given enough time and effort, they must come true at least once.
22 September/October 2022 whitebearlakemag.com
What are your plans after graduation? After graduation, I am planning to go to college, although I have not decid ed where I am going to be going yet. I feel like for the career that I want
PINGALEDHRUVA
ANDERSONELEANOR
25September/October 2022 whitebearlakemag.com to pursue, it would benefit me sig nificantly to attend college, so that I can contribute to society rather than just being an observer.
ELEANOR IN HER OWN WORDS: What has been the highlight of high school so far? The highlight of my high school career so far has been making con nections with various teachers. I’ve felt very lucky to have had at least one teacher each year that I’ve been able to ask any question to or go to when I need help with something school-related or personal. What is something people would be surprised to know about you? Something that I think [people] would be surprised to know about me is that I am an avid Spider-Man fan. It all started in 2020 when my family tried to find something we could all enjoy watching while stuck in lockdown and quickly spiraled into binge-watching every Spider-Man movie and ordering copious amounts of Spider-Man paraphernalia. What brings you happiness? My happiness often stems from the simplest part of my life: my parents. I feel very fortunate to have such a strong relationship with both of my parents because their endless sup port and unconditional love ensures that our home is always a safe and comforting place. Without them by my side, pushing me to try new things and making sure I never feel alone, I doubt I would feel as happy or successful as I do today.
What are your hopes for the future after graduation? After graduation, I plan to attend col lege and, while nothing is set in stone, I’m thinking about studying political science and government. I’m interest ed in schools both in and out-of-state and am very excited to see what this next step holds for me.
Through various athletic and aca demic pursuits, Samuel Johnson has shown himself to be a caring and kindhearted human capable of great things. When he’s not crush ing it on a field or mountain as soccer team captain or ski team
VIVIAN IN HER OWN WORDS: What has been the highlight of high school so far? My highlight of high school has been through the club Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA). This year for my project, I worked with the Children’s Cancer Research Fund to plan a children’s cancer awareness week at my school, and we qualified for finals at the state level. At my school, I am a DECA officer, and I recently quali fied for the international competi tion in Atlanta.
ELEANOR ANDERSON Mahtomedi High School Described by her advisors as a “bold volunteer” in the Mahtomedi commu nity, Eleanor Anderson has devoted her time in high school to helping others. Through her roles as a student representative on the Staff Equity Leadership team and a member of the Building Awareness Surrounding Equity student club, Eleanor works to promote an inclusive learning community at Mahtomedi High School. She’s also involved in various extracurricular activities, including National Honors Society (selected as president for the 2022-23 school year), Model United Nations, Zephyr Press, Human Rights Club, tutoring at Solid Ground and coaching volleyball and gymnastics.
VIVIAN GACEK Hill-Murray School Cross-country MVP and DECA proj ect winner Vivian Gacek is a high performing student who continues to give back to her school communi ty. Alongside her pursuit of extensive honors and College in the Schools (CIS) courses, Vivian is involved in peer ministry, tutoring and CARE, a peer empowerment group.
SAMUEL JOHNSON Liberty Classical Academy
What is something about yourself people would be surprised by? Something people would be surprised to know about me is that during my first year of cross country, I broke the school record five consecutive times. I also was runner up at the conference championship. A fun fact is that I also do shotput in track. What advice would you give someone just starting high school? Get involved freshman year. Joining clubs can help you find long lasting friends and build relationships with teachers and mentors. Clubs are a great way to find what you’re passion ate about and possibly give you some ideas of what you might want to do with your future. What are your hopes for the future after graduation? My hopes for the future are to major in biology, pre-med. I am not sure what college yet, but I am hopeful to attend college down south to get away from the cold winters.
September/October 2022 whitebearlakemag.com VIVIANGACEK
SAMUEL IN HIS OWN WORDS:
White2555info@bruggemanexteriors.combruggemanexteriors.com651.426.8176CountyESuite104BearLakeMN55110 GuttersWindowsSidingRoofing
MVP, Samuel loves working with groups and friends in classroom settings and volunteering in kids’ ministries at Eagle Brook Church.
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What has been the highlight of high school so far? High school has been full of several different highlights, but perhaps the one on the top of my list is growing in deep friendships with my classmates. Being in a smaller-sized class has enabled me to get to know each individual on a much deeper level. I’ve grown up with several of the boys in my class since second grade, and it has been really special to be able to build lifelong friendships. What is something people would be surprised to know about you? Most people probably wouldn’t have guessed that I’ve played three varsity sports and two club sports. School can be very demanding at times, but you always can make time for what you love, and for me, it’s athletics. I enjoy volleyball, soccer, running track, Nordic skiing and playing basketball on the side. What’s next after graduation? After graduation I hope to play Division I soccer. I’ve played soccer almost all my life, and this has always been a dream of mine. Furthermore, I plan to major in landscape architecture and hope to one day start my own landscape and design company. What advice would you give someone just starting high school? To someone just starting high school, I would simply tell them that high school is going to be four of the
28 September/October 2022 whitebearlakemag.com best years of your life, so don’t waste it. High school is full of new opportunities to meet friends, try new activities and begin learning real life skills. Most importantly, I would say to have fun. Having balance is important. Be diligent in your schoolwork, but don’t let yourself be so caught up in studying that you can’t ever go hang out with friends. JOHNSONSAMUEL From kitchens and bathrooms, to all of your exterior finishes, we are your local home remodeling contractor. Bald Eagle Construction 5131 Long baldeagleconstructionsite.com651.357.6599Ave.
29 We are able to achieve the above by making sure that our patients always come first! Call us, and experience the White Bear Smiles difference! White Bear Smiles 4778 Banning whitebearsmiles.com651.426.8998Ave. Whether you are a famous celebrity or a “regular” person, everyone needs a good estate plan. Let me help you put together a plan that suits you and your family. Sheila J. Kelly Law Firm, LLC 4856 Banning sheilakellylaw.com612.568.8758Ave. Discover your true potential! We are experts in holistic health who empower individuals to heal disease at its root and live abundant lives. Secoya Health 7650 Currell Blvd. Suite 330 secoyahealth.com651.738.7800 Extra virgin olive oils, thick balsamic vinegars, fresh ground bulk herbs and spices, pasta, sundries, gifts. The Olive Branch Oil & Spice Company 4770 Banning theolivebranchmn.com651.653.2207Ave. Building Strong, Confident Leaders through Small Class Sizes and Individual ScheduleGradesAttentionK–8aTourToday! Magnuson Christian School 4000 Linden magnusonschool.org651.478.7317St. Vintage Curatedmodernmid-centuryfurniture.vintagedecor.Well-designedmodernhomegoods.Followus@haustheoryonInstagramforupdates+sneakpeeks! Haus Theory 2182 Third haustheory.com651.429.0963St.
A local practice with national respect. Scholar Club Member of the Dawson Academy & Faculty Member of the Spear Institute for Dentistry Oak Ridge Business Centre 4801 Hwy 61 Suite 301 White Bear Lake, Minnesota 55110 Call for your Complimentary Consultation 651.762.8474 www.lakeareadentalpa.com Recognized in America’s Top Dentist by Consumers Research Council of America 2003-2022 Minnesota Monthly Top Doctor America’s Best Dentists Teeth are restored to correct aesthetics and Beforefunction Find out why breathing and how long you live is a dental issue. See our website on why we are different. The practice that understands function, esthetics and airway for long term health.
OCCASION to show off your cos tume and get your boo-ty moving this spooky season? Check out the annual Scare in White Bear run.
—Emily Deutscher
FUN 5K
Celebrate Halloween with the annual Scare in White Bear run.
The race features two distances: the Fun Run (0.5 miles) and the traditional turnaround 5K with a water stop. The top overall athletes in each age division will be awarded special Halloween-themed prizes. After the race, all participants are invited to the Halloweenie roast and can expect a fun bag of spooktacular swag to take home. Scare in White Bear is open to participants of all ages and abili ties. Dogs are welcome to tag along, as well. Be sure to dress up your pooch for the puppy costume con test for the opportunity to win a gift basket. The event will be held from 5–8 p.m. on October 22. It will start at Memorial Beach in White Bear Lake. Registration is required for this event. For more information, visit mmraces.com.
things to see and do in and around White Bear Lake ON THE TOWN
September/October 2022 whitebearlakemag.com
A FRIGHTFULLY
31 MinnephotoPhotos:
LOOKING FOR A SKELE-FUN
Compiled by Hanna McDaniels and Paige Schuller
North St. Paul Friday Night History Cruise 09/16 Located in the historic North St. Paul, this annual event has been serving Minnesotans with free fun for 29 years. There will be live music, food and cars with a family-friendly feel. All ages. Free. 6–10 p.m. 2660 Seventh Ave. E., North St. Paul; octaneroad.com
Last Day to attend the Farmers Market 10/28 Don’t miss the last opportunity to shop at the farmers market. For over 50 years, the market has supported local farmers LOCAL EVENTS Singin’ in the Rain Premieres 09/09 Lakeshore Players kicks off another season with an adaptation of cinema classic, Singin’ in the Rain. The show runs until 10/02. Check out the web site to stay updated on other show times. All ages. $30. 7:30 p.m. Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave.; 651.478.7427; lakeshoreplayers.org Autumn Fall Fest 09/25 Get crafty at the Autumn Fall Fest. The event will be packed with a variety of unique vendors. Items will be available to purchase from local artists, confec tioners and upcyclers. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Hippodrome Ice Arena, 4855 Bloom Ave.; 651.444.9907; Facebook: Perfectly Unique Craft & Gift Expo Township Day 09/27 Don’t miss the 14th annual Township Day celebration, a family-focused event To have your event considered: email whitebearlakemag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Due to the fluidity being experienced in the current environment, please note that some events/dates and even some busi ness operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates. Run and Walk for the Apples and has been a great place to get your hands on delicious produce. All ages. Free. 8 a.m–noon. Downtown White Bear Lake, on Clark Avenue between Second and Third Streets.; 651.747.3650; whitebearlake.org
Selby Avenue Jazz Fest 09/10 Groove on over to Selby Avenue for a day dedicated to celebrating community and jazz. Enjoy performances from local, regional and international musicians. Food, art booths, family fun activities and a health and wellness village will also be options to check out. All ages. Free. 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m. intersection of Selby and Milton Avenues, 934 Selby Ave., St. Paul; 651.645.1340; selbyavejazzfest.com
with fun for all. Enjoy music, food-truck treats, a car show and a local business market. The day ends with a spectacular firework show. All ages. Free. 2–8 p.m. Polar Lakes Park, 1280 Hammond Road, White Bear Lake Township; whitebeartownshipevents.org612.250.4991; Run and Walk for the Apples 10/22 Could there be a more scenic loca tion for an autumn jog than Pine Tree Apple Orchard? Join in for a 5-mile race through apple trees and pumpkin patch es. The orchard has a variety of fall fes tivities you will not want to miss. All ages. Registration fees vary. 9–11 a.m. Jacobson’s Pine Tree Apple Orchard, 450 Apple Orchard Road; pinetreeappleorchard.com
32 September/October 2022 whitebearlakemag.com ON THE TOWN
iStock.com/Jules_Kitano
AREA EVENTS Minneapolis Art Bike Tour 09/13 Join Greg Ingraham, landscape archi tect and artist, on a bike tour around Minneapolis. The 8-mile tour will start and end at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. All ages. $20. 10 a.m. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, 726 Vineland Place, Mpls.; bikemn.org
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TASTEMAKERS September/October 2022 whitebearlakemag.com34
ANDY SORENSON didn’t know much about bees when he decided to start beekeeping in his backyard. Ten years in, he’s still learning. “The bee world is as deep as you want to go, and it’s filled with as many characters as you can imag ine,” Sorenson says. While many of us have a straight forward approach to honey, picking up a bear-shaped jar at the local grocer or farmers market, a growing group of passionate beekeepers is cropping up across the county, cities and suburbs. On urban roofs and in modest backyards, people are finding purpose (and delicious homegrown honey) through supporting the local beePaulapopulation.Johnson, outreach coor dinator for the Minnesota Hobby Beekeepers Association, said her organization has a membership of more than 800. “That’s probably only a fraction of the beekeepers in the state,” she says. In the White Bear Lake area, Sorenson and his neighbor Mary Wingfield are two of many. On any odd day, you can find Sorenson out in his backyard sitting beside his hive, watching the bees come and go. He says it’s one of his favorite things to do, especially observing the varying shades of their filled pollen pockets as they sneak back in. He says, “One day, they might be orange; the next day, bright yellow.”
Pick the right colors: Did you know bees can’t see red? Because many flowers have ultraviolet nectar guides for bees, try violets, blues and yellows for best results. Let your garden flower: When you’re done har vesting, allow your veg gies and herbs to flower. The bees will be happy, and you’ll get seeds for the next year.
Sorenson’s journey into backyard beekeeping began differently than most. When his brother was injured and unable to continue caring for his lone hive, Sorenson stepped up “to honor his hobby.” Now a figure in White Bear Lake’s beekeeping com munity, Sorenson has no regrets. “It’s one of the dumb things I do in life, but I really enjoy it,” he says. Wingfield got into beekeeping more than 40 years ago. “I had a friend whose father kept bees,” Wingfield says. “When I was 7 or 8, we used to pass their place on the school bus. I remember asking my friend why his father kept dressers out in the woods.” The dressers, containing thousands of bees, were hive boxes. Eventually, Wingfield became a beekeeper on her own, though it happened by accident. Growing up, Wingfield wanted an animal to tend to, but her parents weren’t interested in adding an animal to the family. “When I suggested bees, they didn’t say no,” Wingfield says. “I thought to myself, ‘Oh, my God. They called my bluff.’” Wingfield’s response was hardly measured. “I ordered bees that January,” she says. Not long after, Wingfield enrolled in a four-credit beekeeping class. Her grade was a sticky success. “Life was good back then,” Wingfield says. “As a beekeeper, you couldn’t do anything wrong.”
Sweet Success Neighbors share their passion for beekeeping just in time for National Honey Month.
TIPS FOR BACKYARDBEE-FRIENDLYA Avoid chemicals and pesticides: Work to become a safe place for bees and other beneficial insects. Grow fruit trees: The bounty of flowers in one location allows bees to save energy.
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Written by Daniel Huss Photos by Chris Emeott
Today’s beekeepers are faced with all kinds of challenges, with climate and habitat changes being two of the biggest. There are also pesticides, mites, ants and moths. And long Minnesota winters. Johnson estimates that about 50 percent of hives successfully overwinter, with preliminary studies showing a 31.6 percent loss rate in the state. “Some are lost because of the weather,” she says. “But most are lost because of pests, varroa mites in
36 September/October 2022 particular. If bees are lost each year, you’re starting from scratch.”
Wingfield can’t quantify all of the challenges a modern-day beekeeper faces, but she knows they’re out there—and their impact. “In the olden days, you might get 1,000 pounds of honey [per hive],” she says. “Now, you might get 300.” So why be a beekeeper? “It’s part of who I am,” Wingfield says. “I’ll never quit. It’s life, and I want to see Sorensonit.” calls the honey-making process satisfying and gratifying. But it’s sharing the product with loved ones that brings him the most joy. Sorensen says he enjoys watching “the kids sneak into the yard and peek at the bees” and then, later, “giving them honey after the harvest.” Sorenson guesses that last year’s bees produced 15 gallons of honey. He gave it all away. “I take out what I think [the bees] can share,” he says. A brood frame refers to the eggs, larvae and pupae of honeybees.
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Swarm: At its most basic level, a swarm is a group of insects flying together. When bees swarm, how ever, they’re flying or gathering with a purpose. The root of a bee swarm is reproduction. To be precise, they’re splitting away from the home hive in order to start a new one.
whitebearlakemag.com
BEE SMART Bee’s knees: Some believe that the term bee’s knees refers to the fact that a bee carries its pollen in pockets (corbiculae) on its legs. A bee’s knee, therefore, references the highest quality or concen tration of something. Corbiculae: These are pol len pockets or the places bees store the pollen they collect. To fill its pocket, a bee might visit 100 flow ers. Pollen is then deposited into the hive, where it is eaten and broken down by other bees. Honey: This sweet and sticky substance is cre ated when nectar is broken down and stored by bees as a simple sugar. The color and flavor changes depend ing on the nectar source.
Learn more at
Nectar: The fluid secreted by plants contains sugars, vitamins, salts and oils and encourages animals and insects, like bees, to assist in the pollination process.
whitebearlakemag.comNevermissanissueof White Bear Lake Magazine with free, anytime access to our digital editions. Full screen viewing on your digital device allows easy cover-to-cover reading. You can zoom in on text or images as well as share your favorite White Bear Lake Magazine stories with friends and family. in digital format!
Pollen: The powdery sub stance discharged from male plants contains protein, along with fat and other nutrients. As they move from plant to plant, bees help the plants by fertilizing and cross-pollinating.
• 2 Tbsp. sherry vinegar Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. In a large bowl, toss the root vegetables with the oil, honey and thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Line the pans with parch ment paper to ease the clean-up.
• 1/2 cup honey • 6 sprigs of thyme
Note: The vegetables can be cooked early in the day and kept at room temperature before rewarming. Find Drake’s recipe for Fennel-Honey Granola whitebearlakemag.com.at
Divide vegetables between two large, sturdy rimmed baking sheets. Cover with foil, and roast for 40 minutes, shifting the pans once, until the vegetables are tender. Remove the foil, and roast for 10 minutes longer, until glazed. Return them to the bowl, and stir in the vinegar. Serve right away.
• 1 1/4 pounds parsnips (and/or turnip), peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick
38 September/October 2022 whitebearlakemag.com
• 1 1/4 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 1 1/4 pounds golden beets, peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 1 1/4 pound celery root, (Sometimes I use fennel.) peeled, quartered and sliced 1/2 inch thick
RECIPE: Honey-Glazed Roasted Root Vegetables
Contributed by local beekeeper Gloria Drake “This is my go-to fall side dish. The secret for success in this rec ipe is the tangy sherry vinegar. I use whatever vegetables that are in season.” —Gloria Drake
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• dash of salt and freshlyground pepper
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Sailing at Sunset
IN TERRY WARD’S A Scow at Sunset, the setting sun casts a glowing halo on a serene sailboat on White Bear Lake. Ward captured this image while touring the lake on his jet ski, looking west toward Memorial Beach Park. Ward describes himself as an “amateur who appreciates interesting photos” and used his Canon 35mm camera with a Canon EFS 18-135mm lens to capture this winning shot. By Emily Deutscher
40 September/October 2022 whitebearlakemag.com THIRD PLACE: ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
LAST GLANCE
Winning photo captures sails and sun. Photographer: Terry Ward Title: A Scow at Sunset Equipment: Canon 35mm Canon EFS 18-135mm lens To view other Lens on the Lake photo contest winners, visit whitebearlakemag.com.
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