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A New Chapter for a Century-Old Home Molly Theno brings her historic house back to life

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CONTENTS 8 A Sense of Wonder Science teacher Jim Lane inspires students in the classroom and beyond.

10 Baby Love Activate grandparent mode when the family tree begins to grow.

12 A New Chapter for a Century-Old Home Molly Theno brings her historic house back to life.

18 Senior Spotlight Area students are showing up to make a change.

22 From Fighter to Pie Maker Ben “The Baker” Neumann has a winding journey to baking success. Editor’s Letter Noteworthy On the Town Last Glance

Photo: Chris Emeott

4 6 30 32

From Fighter to Pie Maker, page 24

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F R O M T H E E D I TO R

I recently ran into my favorite high school teacher at an area event. It’s remarkable when an important figure in your life reenters your orbit, and it simultaneously felt as though I was entering a past life—and like no time had passed at all. What surprised me in our conversation was the reminder that I was important to him too. He even recalled a letter I had written to him upon graduation— a testament of his impact and my gratitude. As I read Emily Gedde’s story on Mahtomedi High School science teacher Jim Lane, the 2025–26 Mahtomedi Teacher of the Year, I found parallels in Lane’s singular dedication to his students and the significance of their gratitude in return (page 8). It’s a beautiful reminder. There are so many people in our community whose passion and work lie in giving; sharing our thanks to these people in even small ways can make a lasting difference. It’s our education issue, and we are excited to share our annual Senior Spotlight feature (page 16), where three fascinating local high school students share a glimpse into their world, including a nod to an educator who has had an impact on them. We adore this tradition that asks area school administrators to nominate students from their halls whose curiousity, drive and passion have truly made a mark. And speaking of gratitude, White Bear Lake resident Molly Theno shares that positive feedback from neighbors on her recent historic home renovation has meant the world and even encouraged new friendships. Theno is a wonderful example of a shifting culture in home renovations that preserves the distinctive characteristics of old houses; her remodel was completed just as her home celebrated its centennial (page 12). As the weather cools and life settles into the sweet swing of fall, I encourage you to consider how you can practice gratitude in your own life. Who has made an impact on you, and do they know that? Whether you offer a quick compliment, send a letter or share a gift, there are infinite ways to extend positivity to the people around you. I hope you’ll consider sharing these stories with me. My inbox is open at zoe@localmedia.co. Until next time,

Zo e Yates zoe@localmedia.co

On th e Cove r: A New Chapter for a Century-Old Home, page 12 Ph oto by : Mary Lukas Pierce

Photo: Chris Emeott

C E L E B R AT I N G T H E W H I T E B E A R L A K E A R E A S I N C E 2 0 1 2 .

Fin d u s on lin e: White Bear Lake Magazine @whitebearlakemag @whitebearlakemag

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VOL. 14 NO. 1 September/October 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 Kassondra Burtis, Ashley Cardona, Findlay Drabant, Emily Gedde, Maura Keller and Alexandra Tostrud CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Angie Hong, Cynthia Maya, Rachael Perron, Amelia Reigstad, Katie Tomsche and Kia White DIGITAL INTERN Danielle Gallus and Kate Overend EDITORIAL INTERNS Catherine Chapman, Isabella Kunc, Abigail Larson and Kate Thompson EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Staci Andro, Hazel & Goose; Greg Bartz, White Bear Rotary; Gloria Drake, White Bear Rotary; Nathan Reed, Hammer & NER; and Alice Seuffert, Mahtomedi Public Schools 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 To subscribe to White Bear Lake Magazine, please visit localmedia.co. For customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co, or call 612.208.6248. ©Local LLC 2026. All rights reserved.

N OT E WO RT H Y

Outdoor Education It’s a sunny day in October, and a throng of exuberant sixth graders is spread out along the St. Croix River shoreline, gathering water samples, searching for aquatic macroinvertebrates and filling the air with a loud and joyous sound. Since 2021, Carpenter Nature Center and the South Washington Watershed District have collaborated to provide watershed education for students at South Washington County Schools. Through this program, the kids participate in five hands-on lessons at school and then enjoy a capstone visit to the nature center, where they put their learning into practice. Research shows that nature-based education promotes creativity and problem solving, improves academic performance, reduces ADHD symptoms, encourages physical activity, reduces stress, and improves social relations and selfdiscipline. Carpenter Nature Center is one of several local nature centers that offer school and public programming. Looking for fun, family-friendly nature experiences this fall? Check out one of these nearby destinations: » Carpenter Nature Center in Hastings and Hudson, Wisconsin » Belwin Conservancy in Afton » Dodge Nature Center, Shepard Farm in Cottage Grove » Sally Manzara Nature Center in Lake Elmo » Tamarack Nature Center in White Bear Lake

Angie Hong coordinates the East Metro Water Education Program. Find her on social media @mnnature_awesomeness.

Empathy is the ability to recognize and understand the feelings of others, a key to building and establishing relationships, and a necessary tool to add to our communication toolbox. Here are a few strategies to build empathy: Listening to understand, not to reply, is difficult for many of us. To become a more empathetic communicator, practice putting yourself in another’s shoes, and look to connect with the person you’re communicating with.

We can’t always know what people are going through at any given time, so it’s critical to acknowledge experiences, and listen with intention. When conversing with someone, it’s essential to consider your response, as it can have an impact in ways that either help or hurt. Listening intently, responding with empathy, avoiding assumptions and allowing oneself to be vulnerable when communicating are

all factors to consider when focusing on our relationships. Communicating with empathy helps us connect and build rapport with the important people in our lives.

Amelia Reigstad, Ph.D. is a communication consultant, best-selling author and founder of The Women Collective, a curated retail experience in downtown White Bear Lake. Learn more at thewomencollective.com.

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Practicing Empathy

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A New Milestone White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation (WBLAEF) has played a vital role in supporting area educators, families and students. This year, the foundation has officially surpassed $3 million in total distributions since its inception in 1993. As an independent nonprofit that supports ISD 624, WBLAEF (wblaef.org) goes beyond traditional school funding to meet needs that might otherwise go unmet. Along with scholarships and grants, initiatives like The Angel Fund assist qualifying families in the school district with costs such as baby supplies, emergency needs, household items and other basic needs. This fund also supports The Closet, a dedicated space for district families to shop for free clothing. It served over 180 families last year. Other programs provide financial assistance with driver’s ed classes, school-sanctioned travel and sports fees. “We’re not able to do this without community support,” says Lori Arnold, WBLAEF executive director. The organization’s primary fundraising events include a golf tournament in early summer and a breakfast in the winter. These events help raise critical funds to support WBLAEF’s mission and strengthen community connections. “We are a village, and we are strong because of that,” Arnold says. —Abigail Larson

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Jim Lane, a science teacher at Mahtomedi High School and 2025–26 Mahtomedi Teacher of the Year, was recently named a semifinalist for the Minnesota Teacher of the Year award, honoring his dedication to students in the classroom and beyond. “For me, it really comes down to hands-on engagement. Getting students to feel a sense of wonder and truly marvel at the complexity of the natural world is what I hope to help accomplish,” Lane says. Lane’s journey to becoming one of Minnesota’s most admired teachers started when he was in elementary school, facing an unexpected loss. When his elementary school science teacher passed away during the school year, Lane struggled to cope. “It really hit me hard,” he says. “That kind of loss was tough to process at that age, and I completely checked out of school, especially science.” When Lane got to high school, his science teacher, Jim Tuchscherer, reignited his passion for the subject. Tuchscherer’s energy and joy for teaching was contagious. “That’s when it clicked for me that teaching high school biology is what I wanted to do,” he says. With 17 years of teaching under his belt (13 at Mahtomedi High School), Lane has developed a teaching style that encourages

A Sense of Wonder Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Science teacher Jim Lane inspires students in the classroom and beyond. By Emily Gedde

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Left: Jim Lane has taught science at Mahtomedi High School for 13 years.

Photos: Chris Emeott

Right: Jim Lane handles his classroom’s pet snake, Tephra.

curiosity. Instead of asking questions and focusing on answers, he prompts students to engage in critical thinking and exploration. “If students get the chance to ask their own questions, that is what creates lifelong learners,” Lane says. “Too often, we ask kids to answer questions they’ve never actually wondered about.” Lane says his role is to give students freedom to explore; he steps in to guide them when they need support. It’s a hands-on and energetic approach that works, whether students are aware of it at the time or not. “Every year, I get emails from former students who tell me they didn’t realize it at the time, but now they understand what I was doing,” he says. “That to me is validation. While awards and recognitions are great, it’s those emails that tell me I did something right … I love seeing a student who didn’t believe in themself realize what they’re truly capable of.” He recalls a day outside with his class where they silently watched a bear cub from a safe distance. “That shared sense of wonder is what really sticks,” he says. “It was a really special moment.” As the years pass, Lane says the role of teacher continues to evolve—whether it’s with the rise of technology or teaching through a global pandemic. Whatever happens, he plans to adapt and continue to learn. “If I teach the same way two years in a row, I’m probably not doing my job,” he says. And for new teachers, his advice is simple: Focus on relationships first. “If you don’t build trust and community, the content won’t matter,” he says. “But when you do, that’s when the real learning begins.” That’s who Jim Lane is: a lifelong learner, hoping to make a difference for generations to come.

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Mahtomedi High School highschool.mahtomedi.k12.mn.us Minnesota Teacher of the Year educationminnesota.org

Baby Love Activate grandparent mode when the family tree begins to grow. By Renée Stewart-Hester

Becoming a grandparent is the threshold into a new stage of life. Who doesn’t relish the cherub baby stage or the out-of-themouth-of-babes younger years? As grandchildren get older, deep bonds can form as life experiences and perspectives flow between grandchildren and grandparents. And watching one’s children become parents can be life-affirming. There are starting points to this stage, one being when the newborn comes home from the hospital. Getting off on the right foot is vital to establishing a healthy relationship between parents and grandparents. If grandparents have the honor of being asked to assist the freshly minted family, 10

there are some points to keep in mind to navigate the flood of emotions and concerns that can overwhelm new parents— and newbie grandparents. While every family, pregnancy and adoption is different, these guidelines serve as gentle reminders for those important early days. • Before the baby arrives, let the parents know if you’re available to assist them post-delivery. • If you don’t live in the same town, have the new parents determine the length of the extended stay. • When it comes to sharing the birth or adoption story, everyone has different comfort

levels. Avoid asking too many questions. If the couple is ready to share details, they will. • During the visit, refrain from acting like a guest. Offer to cook meals, especially dinners. Inquire about recipe preferences or if the new mother has postpartum or nursing dietary needs. (It’s probably not the time to cook with shovels of garlic, salt or spicy ingredients.) • Ask if the couple wants extra food to freeze for meals when they are on their own. • Resist the temptation to clean or organize. Ask first. Are there any chores you’d like me to do? If the answer is no, sit with that. Quell that urge to dust, vacuum and tidy up. whitebearlakemag.com

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• Offer to run errands for baby supplies, food or anything else that is running low. Ask if the family wants any backstock items, so there aren’t any emergency runs to the store after helping hands depart. • If the holidays are approaching, inquire if there are cards to address and mail, gifts to order and send, or goodies to bake and freeze, etc. • Read the room. If the vibe feels a bit tense or emotionally crowded, step away for a bit to another part of the home, outside or to the store. Getting away for a certain time each day gives everyone a regular chance to reset. • Parents are bonding with their baby; don’t dominate the newborn. Snuggle time is great, but watching young parents step into parenthood can be just as gratifying. • Refrain from statements, including: I’m going to … and I want … The family’s needs take priority. Would you like … and How can I … inquiries can feel less intrusive or controlling. • While it’s tempting to share photos of a new grandchild on social media, ask the parents if it’s OK to post images. • If there are older siblings, give them loads of attention and love. Their world just changed, and it can leave them wondering where their place is in the family dynamic. • Before departing, change the guest bedding; ask if you can launder sheets and towels. • Offer advice—when asked. What was common practice isn’t necessarily being done now. Parenting and medical recommendations evolve. Now, it’s time to evolve into sitting on the sidelines unless asked to “get in the game” or if there’s an urgent need. • Make supportive comments to the new parents, who might feel unsure in this new territory. I’m proud of you. You’re doing so well. The baby is so lucky to have you as parents. I’m here for whatever you need. • Remember those care packages you sent when your child was in college or living away? Send the new parents a special package with some of their favorites, including gift cards for local take-out restaurants, healthier snacks, massage/spa certificates, quick reading materials and best of all: a certificate good for grandparent babysitting services—no expiration date!

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A New Chapter FOR A CENTURY-OLD HOME

Molly Theno brings her historic house back to life.

Left: The exterior received a facelift with a new clay barrel tile roof and a fresh coat of paint.

Right: A light blue La Cornue range is a focal point of the kitchen.

Growing up on the peninsula in Dellwood, Molly Theno decided early on that she would live in the area for the rest of her life. “I’ve always been a White Bear kid,” Theno says. “[I] just don’t ever want to leave.” The Mahtomedi High School Class of 2014 alum took that mission to heart and began house hunting just two years after graduating from the University of St. Thomas. After touring many viable options, nothing felt right. “I remember going for a drive with my dad, trying to talk through it … and we were driving up and down the streets of downtown White Bear just trying to clear my head,” Molly says. They pulled over to continue their conversation—directly in front of a white stucco house with pretty blue shutters. Theno remembers thinking, “I would totally love to bring a house like this back to life.” The Theno family’s small-town connections paid off, and Molly purchased that very same home a few months later from Lura Jensen, who had lived in the home with her husband, Andrew Jensen, for 48 years. Though Theno initially planned to renovate the home little by little, the scale of renovations needed became immediately apparent. She demolished 90 percent of the home’s interior on her own and spent months deciding what to keep, replace or add to the 1922 home. “I tried to understand what made the home special before making any changes. Instead of erasing its past, I tried to highlight it—restoring what I could and letting those details guide [my] decisions,” Theno says. “The goal wasn’t to make it brand new but to make it feel like it had naturally evolved into the next chapter of its life with us.” Husnik Homes oversaw the installation of modern electrical and a clay barrel tile roof, and the construction of a new two-car garage and laundry room that blend seamlessly with the existing home. New hardwood floors were carefully selected to match the damaged original flooring. The home’s updated interior and exterior doors have the same look, style and material as their predecessors—complete with the same style of glass doorknobs. whitebearlakemag.com

Written by Zoe Yates — Photography and Styling by Mary Lukas Pierce

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Left: Molly Theno returned a closet to its original purpose as a breakfast nook, refreshing the space with paint and new fixtures.

Whenever possible, Theno kept historic elements and items. “ I tried to not touch anything I didn’t have to,” she says. A breakfast nook—long used as a storage closet— was refreshed with a new coat of paint and gold sconces. The home’s original fireplace still features three ceramic tiles in shades of blue and pink that depict a heraldic shield. A wood clawfoot desk, left by the previous owner, is now a prominent feature in Theno’s office with a minor change. “Just to be funny and fun, I painted the toenails … baby pink,” Theno says. The window shutters with fleur-de-lis 14

accents stayed, though in a more muted shade that is repeated in the kitchen, where a light blue La Cornue range and matching hood are “the heart of the home,” Theno says, adding that she knew the French range would be the perfect fit for her French European-style home. Theno moved into her home in 2022, two years after beginning this journey. The timing was fitting, as the home celebrated its centennial. “I thought that was kind of a fun thing. A hundred years after the house was built, it got a revamp,” Theno says. The finished result feels “happy and light,”

Theno says. “Even on the gloomiest day, this house carries so much beauty and brightness. It has such a warm and inviting energy.” Theno shares that the most rewarding part has been realizing what the home means to others. Every time Theno’s mom comes to visit, “She sits down on her designated chair in the living room and takes a deep breath and says, ‘I just love it in here.’” Theno has gotten to know many neighbors from her yard, where she’s following in Lura’s footsteps of keeping the property lush with plants and flowers. They’ll often stop by and share praise about the remodel. “I didn’t realize until I moved in how many people followed the renovation for years and appreciated it not being torn down. When people tell me that it is their favorite house in the neighborhood and thank me for restoring it to its glory, it makes it all worth it,” Theno says. One of these neighbors is Mary Lukas Pierce, an area photographer with a passion for documenting the homes and gardens of White Bear Lake. The two became friendly, and Theno invited Lukas Pierce into her home to style and photograph the finished space. “You can tell certain houses have soul, and that one has soul,” Lukas Pierce says. “That’s why I was interested in photographing it.” The home has already been the setting for many special moments and memories with its new caretaker. Theno’s now-husband, Andrew Kangas, proposed right on the front lawn. Theno recalls him saying, “‘I knew it was the only place that I could surprise you, and there was no better place to do it than the home you created.’” The pair recently tied the knot on August 22, just a few blocks away at St. Jude of the Lake Catholic Church, followed by a reception at her uncle’s property on Lake Avenue. Theno says that she could see herself owning this home for the rest of her life. “This is a very special home that holds over 100 years of love in it,” Theno says. “It is an honor to be able to make memories here and add to the next chapter of this home’s story.” Husnik Homes husnikhomes.com Husnik Homes, Inc.

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT Area students are showing up to make a change. Written by Zoe Yates — Photos by Chris Emeott

The White Bear Lake area is home to a collection of incredible schools, with halls filled with exceptional young people already making their way in the world. Each year, we invite area school administrators to nominate some of these outstanding students, of which three are selected by committee for this feature. These students are community volunteers, dedicated leaders and passionate learners who are already making an impact in their schools and broader communities—and there’s more to them than their academic and extracurricular achievements. This year, we gave these rising seniors an opportunity to showcase their personalities, interests and hopes for the future. We wish them all the best as they begin their final year of high school! Visit whitebearlakemag.com to learn more about these students.

Danielle Rose Miklas HILL-MURRAY SCHOOL

“Danielle Rose Miklas works hard, leaving her mark on our Hill-Murray community in a way that is not always seen in the highlight reel or spotlight … Her academic ambition is evidenced by her acceptance into the Harvard Pre-College Program and her recognition as a Flaherty Scholar, a distinction reserved for students defined by exceptional resilience and work ethic. As the co-captain of Mock Trial, Danielle translates these skills into action, leading her peers with a blend of logic and empathy. In the classroom, Danielle’s leadership is transformative. Integrating her training through the Rooted Philanthropic Leadership Institute with her natural kindness, Danielle doesn’t just study leadership, she lives it. She is a compassionate communicator dedicated to making a positive impact, an ideal representative of our Pioneer community.” —Jenny Vinck, school counselor What is something that your peers might not know about you? My closest friends often tell me that, before they knew me, they didn’t know that I could be loud, dramatic and opinionated. To me, it seemed like these traits were obvious parts of my personality. When I heard this, however, I saw that people who didn’t know me thought I was quiet and reserved.

Over the course of my three years in high school, I have learned to be loud and strong in my core beliefs, allowing me to present myself as who I truly am. Which educator had the biggest impact on you and why? My history teacher and Mock Trial coach, Mr. Misenor, has impacted my experience at Hill-Murray positively by consistently offering me support. Over the past three years, Mr. Misenor has given up many of his weekends in order to support the Mock Trial Club and the students in that club. Before I became one of the captains, I didn’t realize just how much work he was doing and how much time he was sacrificing. Mr. Misenor’s dedication to his students makes HillMurray a more welcoming place. What is your favorite day of the year? The first day of summer because it gives me a view of something new and new opportunities to come! What is your favorite motto? “Accept the things you cannot change.” —The Serenity Prayer What is your dream job? A lawyer focused on criminal law.

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Photo: xxxxxxxxx

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Eddie Hanson LIBERTY CLASSICAL ACADEMY

“Throughout my 15 years of teaching, I have known a lot of students who are personable, friendly and respectful. However, Eddie Hanson has the rare quality of being able to make a genuine connection with literally anyone … Eddie pairs his interpersonal skills with a driven work ethic and an innate curiosity about the world that leads him to ask deep questions that enhance class and inevitably lead to meaningful discussions in class. This curiosity and work ethic consistently translate into high academic achievement. All of these abilities make Eddie a natural leader who his peers look to and respect.” —Jon Vaala, history department head and teacher Which educator had the biggest impact on you and why? My history teacher, Mr. Jonathan Vaala, has definitely had the most significant impact on me. His classes have shown me how the victories and failures of mankind in the past have shaped the modern world. I’ve learned how my generation doesn’t have to make the same mistakes humanity made in the past. His American history class, which is my favorite, has taught my peers and I to appreciate history and to take pride in our exceptional American heritage. What is something that your peers might not know about you? I actually have a deep fascination with history, and I love learning about the past and new archaeological discoveries. Taking Mr. Vaala’s classes definitely helped stoke my fascination with history. In my spare time, I enjoy watching history documentaries, and I even have an old U.S. coin collection. I also enjoy learning and reading about the latest in space, astronomy and biology. Also, I think a lot of my peers don’t know that I am an avid angler, and I spend much of my free time fishing both on ice and open water.

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Describe yourself in three adjectives. Affable, aspiring, adventurous What is your favorite quote? “If you don’t play to win, don’t play at all.” —Tom Brady What is your dream job? Astronaut 20

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Makayla Xiong WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA HIGH SCHOOL

“Makayla Xiong has worked significantly to promote diversity and inclusion within our school community. Recognizing a need for change, Makayla took the role of president of our school’s [Asian American Pacific Islander, AAPI] Affinity Group … I’ve seen Makayla in action, advocating for students and her peers and speaking with students of color about how to improve the school environment. At a time when the inclusion and diversity of others is often questioned, Makayla has remained steadfast in her commitment to celebrate the uniqueness of others. For example, Makayla hosts weekly Affinity Group meetings to teach members about other cultures within our community. In fact, Makayla has made the importance

of member involvement clear, adopting a leadership style that seeks advice from students, staff and parents.” —Sadie Johnson and Katherine Marsh, junior class co-advisors What is something that your peers might not know about you? From my maternal side, I am the oldest grandchild. There is a great amount of pressure being the oldest grandchild, to lead by example and that giving up is not an option. Balancing between setting precedent and carrying family hopes has taught me to be more patient and persistent. I know I have younger siblings and cousins looking up to me—which is the ultimate reward! Which educator had the biggest impact on you and why? Mr. Tyler McCormick! Mr. McCormick is my [American Sign Language] teacher; he has not only taught me the language, but connection, helping

students engage with the Deaf community and understanding different perspectives. Mr. McCormick’s influence extends beyond the classroom, definitely shaping how we students connect with others and appreciate diversity in everyday life. What fictional character or celebrity do you identify with? Remy from the film Ratatouille. I love cooking with bold flavors! I’m always in the kitchen experimenting with new ingredients and new techniques. I feel most at peace when I’m in the kitchen. Where is your happy place in White Bear Lake? Grabbing breakfast or lunch with family and friends at Cobblestone Café, Brickhouse [Food & Drink] or Young’s is something I always look forward to! What is your dream job? Pediatrician 21

From Fighter

to Pie Maker

Ben “The Baker” Neumann has a winding

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

journey to baking success.

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Written by Kassondra Burtis — Photos by Chris Emeott

At first glance, Ben Neumann’s resume might not look like the background of a bakery owner. The White Bear Township resident holds a degree in computer science, has served in the Army National Guard and Army Reserves, was deployed to Iraq, and has taught and competed professionally in mixed martial arts (MMA). But when Ben discovered a passion for baking in his 20s, he never looked back. Ben’s first attempt at baking, during a training period for MMA, was for a church potluck. While his healthy dessert was a flop, he noticed the dessert platters of the church ladies surrounding him were empty. For the next event, Ben decided to make a sweet he knew would be a hit—a three-tier, black forest cake covered in whipped cream frosting. “The whole thing was devoured,” he says. Following that experience, Ben tried new recipes weekly, bringing his desserts to Bible studies, church events, family gatherings and weddings, and working his way through baking books. Over time, he found a specialty in pies, thanks in part to his Grandma Neumann. “I remember my grandma making pies from scratch and having us help,” Ben says. “You make the little cinnamon strips with the extra pie crust. It was a big part of our family get-togethers.” Another reason for the pies? Opportunity. Ben couldn’t find a quality homemade pie anywhere. “Cakes were all the rage in the early 2000s,” he says. “But in my mind, it’s really hard to get a really, really good pie.” After years of keeping his baking a hobby—all while teaching MMA classes and competing under the moniker “Ben

The Baker”—Ben’s first sales came in 2016, after he posted on Facebook to see if anyone was interested in buying homemade pies for Thanksgiving; the post attracted orders for more than 100 pies. He called in reinforcements, and his mom, Joan Neumann, and aunt, Diane Neuman, helped him peel 300 pounds of apples and buy an extra freezer to store the pies. That experience proved to Ben that people are willing to spend more on a quality, homemade pie. In 2017, Ben and his wife, Hannah Neumann, converted their home garage into a licensed bakery and officially opened Ben The Baker. Sales soared through family, friends and word of mouth. Now, Ben The Baker offers nearly 40 pie flavors, from fruit pies and cheesecakes to savory pot pies and mini pies, and homemade ice cream. Customers can stop in to see what “take-and-bake” or “thawand-serve” pies are in the freezers and pre-order their favorite pie or “Pie of the Weekend” through an online order form. Specialty pie flavors are sold fresh by the slice every weekend. While many of his customers live in and around White Bear Lake, some will drive from across the Twin Cities to get their Ben Neumann favorite pies. During the holiday season, demand for Ben The Baker’s pies skyrockets; the bakery sold 1,800 full-size pies, 1,500 mini pies and 600 pints of homemade ice cream last November and December. Mary Helmerick first tried Ben’s pies after he became a vendor at the White Bear Lake Farmers Market. She has since been diagnosed with celiac disease and returns to Ben The Baker for the many gluten-free options. “The flavor is there; the quality

Ben The Baker offers more than 40 varieties of pie, including (pictured) Raspberry Pretzel Pie, Mini Fruit Pies, Chicken Pot Pie and Caramel Pecan Cheesecake.

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Top: Ben The Baker offers savory and fruit “take and bake” mini pies that take only 30–40 minutes to bake at home. Bottom: The creamy and tangy Caramel Pecan Cheesecake is topped with homemade sea salt caramel and toasted pecans.

is there,” Helmerick says. “If you compare apples to apples, you’re going to pick Ben’s every time. It’s like when you … have a fresh tomato out of the garden and then you buy a tomato at the grocery store. You can taste the difference.” Area resident Emily Witter calls Ben and his creations the “backbone of our family celebrations.” Whether she’s grabbing a Tigerstripe Chocolate Cream Pie—her personal favorite—a Raspberry Pretzel Pie or a Caramel Pecan Cheesecake, anything from Ben The Baker is sure to satisfy the whole family’s cravings. “We get them for everything—birthdays, holidays,” Witter says. She even grabs a couple of savory pies when her in-laws visit—one to share and one to send home with them. “[Ben’s] personality and meeting him and his family over the years make me feel like I’m really supporting a family business, and that’s what I love,” Witter says. Regular customers have been able to watch the growth of Ben’s family, as his daughters, who are 18 months old and 3 years old, spend time in the bakery beside him. He notes that his eldest, whom the Neumanns adopted and brought home from the NICU at 4 pounds, can now have full conversations with customers. “People get to see her grow up,” Ben says. “That’s the fun of being a family business.” The current at-home business model is well suited to the family’s lifestyle, as the Neumanns can split time being at home with their children. “The whole reason we’re doing this is so we can raise our kids through fostering and adoption, to be able to help some kids through this avenue and give them a better start … There’s no way we could have made it work without having the bakery,” Ben says. “We’re really appreciative that people spend a little more to come to us.” Ben The Baker benthebaker.com BenTheBaker

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WB MONTESSORI MS MS WHITE BEAR SCHOOL

Est. 1969

wbms.org

Preparing Children for Life AMI Accredited Montessori Education Proudly serving children and their families since 1969

ENROLLING

16 months–6th grade 25

Written by Elizabeth Millard

SIGHT SELECTION Explore a vision correction option that may have you ditching reading glasses for good.

hile grocery shopping, Kathleen Forrester was about to read a nutrition label when she sighed and put the can back on the shelf—her reading glasses were in the car, she remembered. But that frustration suddenly turned into elation. “It was just a few days after my surgery, so I didn’t expect big results, but I went back and grabbed that can again,” she recalls. “I could read everything perfectly. It was an incredible change.” The procedure Forrester had is called Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), done at OVO LASIK + LENS in St. Louis Park by Mark Lobanoff, M.D., founder and medical director. Dr. Lobanoff built OVO LASIK + LENS to be one of the most advanced centers in the country with cutting-edge technology and has been named a Top Doctor in ophthalmology. A perfect example of that is RLE, which is considered a groundbreaking outpatient vision correction procedure that replaces the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one—called an intraocular lens—and it can treat astigmatism, farsightedness, nearsightedness and presbyopia, conditions which are usually addressed with contacts or glasses. Here are some key facts about this innovative procedure.

RLE IS DESIGNED FOR LONG-TERM VISION CORRECTION.

Because RLE permanently replaces the dysfunctional lens in the eye, it’s meant to be a lifelong correction, and may even prevent the need for cataract surgery later in life, says Troy Loomis, O.D., optometrist and optometric director at OVO LASIK + LENS, who has had the procedure himself. “Because I had RLE a few years ago, I know what it’s like to say I’m done with glasses, I know the relief that comes with better vision,” he says. Due to its similarity to cataract surgery—one of the most commonly performed procedures in the world—RLE is a highly established and trusted procedure that requires experience and precision. That’s exactly what Dr. Lobanoff provides, Forrester says. “When you’re thinking about a procedure affecting your eyes, it’s natural to be a little uneasy,” she says. “That’s why I went with Dr. Lobanoff, who came highly recommended, and he earns his reputation for being thorough, patient-centered and accomplished.”

White Bear Lake - September 2026