DESIGN A LIFE
Texture and color are key in creating a house you call home
Texture and color are key in creating a house you call home
For some of our patients, the goal is playing on a winning team. But you just want your back pain to go away so you can keep your business on track. At TRIA Orthopedics, we’ll treat your back so you can be there for your team. When that happens, it feels like we all win. It’s why you’re treated and how you’re treated by TRIA.
“When people come and see me, it’s never treated as a transaction. It’s treated as you’re in my home, and I’m here to serve you.” —Nameer Ameen, owner of Cravings Wine Bar & Grille (page 38)
Welcome to our spring homes issue—where we dive into the latest trends in interior and exterior design, share inspiration on how to make your house a home and explore the opportunities of a new abode.
Do you ever feel as though your home lacks character? Have you thought that you may have fallen prey to the lackluster greige (gray + beige) trend? I found myself in a similar situation just a few months ago when, after taking down all of my colorful holiday decor, I was left with a color palette that didn’t include much color or character. My home, which had just been full of iridescent lights and comforting colors, felt bland and more like a showroom than anything else.
I took tips from home experts, including Kim Boothe of Willow Lane Interior Design and Sarah Olsen from Merriment Interior Design. On page 20, Boothe shares how she incorporates texture and color into homes to create a comfortable and chic environment. Boothe also touches on how personal taste and trends might not work together. Next, I looked toward the colorful home that we feature on page 34. In this local home, designed by Olsen and her team, pretty pinks, magentas and bright blues partner with lively patterns and pieces with character.
Both of these stories implored my husband and I to explore how we can incorporate more of our personalities into our living spaces. Our home is now filled with pale pinks, baby blues and touches of greenery—plus, a colorful floor-to-ceiling bookshelf filled with my favorite titles.
Readers, I encourage you to take a look around, and see how your home plays off your personality. Hopefully, you will find a reflection of yourself in your humble abode.
Design a Life, photo by Kendra Denault, page 14
VOL. 19 NO. 9 woodburymag.com
PUBLISHER
Susan Isay
EDITOR
Hailey Almsted
MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Renée Stewart-Hester
MANAGING EDITOR
Hailey Almsted
DIGITAL EDITOR
Madeline Kopiecki
COPY EDITORS
Kellie Doherty, Sherri Hildebrandt
STAFF WRITERS
Kelly Cochrane, Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Daniel Huss, Jennifer Pitterle, Rachel Schuehle, Josie Smith
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mathias Baden, Megan Koren, Amy Leferink, Gretchen McNaughton, Manali Shah
DIGITAL INTERN
Zoe Baden
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Findlay Drabant, Grace Knapp
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Matthew Johnson, Anew Real Estate Group at Keller Williams, Woodbury Lions Club, Woodbury Community Foundation, Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce ; Marni Kanne, South Washington County Schools, SoWashCo Community Education ; Elizabeth Kriel, Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce; Elizabeth Owens , City of Woodbury ; Margaret Wachholz, Woodbury Heritage Society, Woodbury Community Foundation
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
Cynthia Hamre, Mary-Catherine Hartel, Sara Johnson, Abbie Kinn, Kathie Smith
PRESIDENT
Pete Burgeson
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WHEN SPRING ROLLS AROUND, my inbox fills up with people asking what care they should give their plants. And no other plant gets more questions than hydrangeas. To jumpstart those questions, here’s a quick guide on caring for hydrangeas in the spring:
» Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) have smaller, ball-shaped blooms that grow on a woody stem. If you’re familiar with Endless Summer® Hydrangeas, those are all bigleaf hydrangeas. In the spring, only prune dead or damaged stems above the last green bud, and fertilize with a bloom-boosting fertilizer.
» Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) have distinctive cone-shaped flowers that bloom white and eventually age to pink, red or even lime in the
fall, depending on your variety. My favorite is First Editions® Berry White® Panicle Hydrangea with its striking dark pink fall color. In early spring, prune them back by around a third or a half to help strengthen the stems.
» Smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) are known for their huge white or sometimes pink blooms. You most likely know them as Annabelle hydrangeas. They only bloom on new growth, and the blooms can sometimes be as large as a basketball. If you didn’t already in the fall, all you need to do is cut them back to the ground in the spring.
Gretchen McNaughton is the communications and content specialist at Bailey Nurseries. Learn more at endlesssummerhydrangeas.com.
Would you like to get involved in your community, meet some new folks and help out? With that simple thought, Jacques Peulen started the Woodbury Champions program to gather more volunteers for the Woodbury Community Foundation (WCF). “In the last year, we have had 80 great new members in our Champions program of which six or seven are new board members for the foundation,” he says. Peulen realized the need for new volunteers when he saw the same people volunteering with many organizations and events around Woodbury.
Peulen plays a vital part in organizing Friends’ Fest, WCF’s annual fundraiser. This year’s event is on April 26 and the goal is to raise $100,000. The funds gathered will help the WCF give grants to other organizations and help meet the needs of underserved families in the city. The Derby Day-themed event will be a chance for women to dress up in their fine hats and furs and be escorted by gentlemen in tails and tux. It promises to be a memorable event with derby-themed games and live auctions for fun experiences, including a stay at a hunting lodge. Find tickets at wcffest2024.givesmart.com.
Manali Shah is with the Woodbury Community Foundation and is an active volunteer in Woodbury and Washington County for over 20 years. Find more at
woodburycommunityfoundation.org.
Step into the latest trend in interior design: Granny Chic. For us at Interior Impressions, it’s not just a trend; it’s a timeless approach we’ve embraced for years. The secret? Embracing vintage finds.
Sustainability is key, and opting for vintage pieces is a stylish way to reduce environmental impact. By shopping at places like thrift stores, attending estate sales and exploring antique shops, you not only find treasures, but also contribute to a greener planet. Each piece has a story to tell and adds a unique flair to your space—a far cry from mass-produced items. Vintage shopping is a journey, and the thrill lies in discovering one-of-a-kind gems that you won’t find in
mainstream stores. It’s about curating a home that reflects your personality and tells a story. Estate sales unveil hidden treasures, and antique shops are treasure troves of history waiting to be rediscovered.
So, ditch the cookie-cutter trends, and join us in celebrating the enduring charm of Granny Chic. Make your space a reflection of your individuality, just like we’ve been doing at Interior Impressions for years.
Amy Leferink is the founder and principal designer for Interior Impressions, and Megan Koren is its marketing director. Find out more about them at interiorimpressions.org.
What would Woodbury’s first European settlers think of us now? I think they would be proud of what they started. For example, let’s take one boy’s journey.
At age 17, with his mother’s inheritance in hand, William Middleton set sail with his neighbors from a small village in Ireland to New Orleans, St. Louis and Stillwater before his family joined him as early settlers in Woodbury.
Surely their dreams were realized in religious freedom, fertile soil for farming and a new life. How could they imagine Woodbury as a vibrant center for jobs and shopping that it is today? They did, however, strive for a better life in the United States.
The booming city of Stillwater was the perfect source for lumber and other building materials for Middleton’s settlement in Woodbury. Two years of searching led him to 200 acres near what is now Cottage Grove Drive and Bailey Road, where beautiful oaks, fertile soil and a lake completed his homestead.
Upon receiving Middleton’s letter, James and Sara Middleton joined their son with his seven brothers and sisters. As the late great local historian Inez Oehlke once imagined their arrival: “They were all singing and happy. They were coming to their new home in Woodbury.”
Progressive as their family was, their land housed the first school where their Scottish neighbors attended and got along with the Irish settlers. You may have seen the historic school on a Woodbury Heritage Societysponsored History in Our Backyard tour.
The Middletons had a great relationship with the Dakota and are known to have shared meals and rest with the Indigenous people under the big oak tree on the homestead.
We have much to learn from the hard work, sacrifice and service of our elders, the Middletons. Yet, I think they would be proud to see their names on the current Middleton Elementary School as well, honoring their first one-room schoolhouse in our—and their—beloved town.
Mathias Baden is a member of the Woodbury Heritage Society and a Realtor at Edina Realty. Find more at woodburyheritage.org.
home environment, an East Metro design firm has the tips and tricks.
Willow Lane Interior Design prides itself on making clients love the house they call home. Understanding that each homeowner’s likes and desires are different, the firm takes time to get to know clients’ style and preferences.
Kim Boothe, owner and interior designer, has always enjoyed making her home a space where her family can make memories. Memories created in a beautiful and functional home make them even sweeter, she says.
“Our lives are so busy. When we’re at home, we want reprieve from that,” she says. And to achieve that, many people turn to nature-inspired interior design. Boothe has seen a shift from the gray tones toward warmer tones, including shades of brown and taupe.
“Sustainable design is key,” Boothe says, noting it’s “in” to add finishes, fixtures and furnishings that are environmentally friendly and can improve indoor air quality.
“Plants are going to continue to be very popular to increase oxygen and improve the air quality, while getting the calmness of nature,” she says. “And natural materials like wood that is harvested sustainably also helps with that environmentally friendly element.”
Boothe says design often follows fashion trends, and right now, coziness has been a hot commodity. “... Many people turn to nature-inspired interiors to achieve a cozy feel,” she says.
When considering combining nature
and design, Boothe says to think of features like natural stones, handmade tiles and warmer woods. “White oak has been having a moment, but we’re starting to see richer stains, and we return to more natural vibes,” she says. “I’m also seeing a lot of fluted details in cabinetries—so narrow ridges with a softer, rounded edge to elevate the space but still have a softness to it.”
Wallpaper continues to be popular, with floral and botanical prints on the rise. “Adding in softness with natural textures like wool, cotton and linen helps achieve that vibe, too,” she says.
Boothe says major paint companies have identified blue as the color of the year. A soft pale blue gives off a serene vibe. And blue violet helps add a pop of color. (Benjamin Moore’s color of the year is Blue Nova, a soft blue-violet; Sherwin-Williams’ is Upward, a blissful blue; Valspar offers Renew Blue, a bright recharging blue-green.)
Speaking of pops of color, while the earthy tones continue to dominate, vibrant colors have also been sneak ing their way into design features. “I’m even seeing pink being used,” Boothe says. “I think some of that can be attributed to the Barbie movie.”
Ultimately, Boothe says trends come from how people feel and how they want to feel in their home. “We want to feel more serene and calm but with some vibrance,” she says.
While trends can be important when working to design a home, they aren’t always the driving feature.
“Trends are great and can be important and have their place, but I want my client’s home to reflect their life and style,” she says. “Oftentimes, I’m not always thinking about what the trends are but who my client is and what they are going to love.”
Boothe says design projects can take time, and urges everyone to trust the process and think about what interests them and how they want to feel in their home. “It’s a journey, but seeing the end result is the best reward,” she says.
willowlanemn.com
Willow Lane Interior Design
@willowlaneinteriordesign
“ONE whole month. 30 whole days that we have lived in our new house. Sometimes I still need someone to pinch me! I’ve been trying to come up with the words to thank our amazing realtor, Hyounsoo Lathrop, who worked so hard to make our dreams come true. She really is exceptional at what she does but she is an even more incredible human being. She puts her entire heart and soul into the buying/selling process and treats her clients as if it’s her house that she is selling/buying. She is a true professional in every way and surrounds herself with only the best team of people. She is absolutely honest with you from the start and a great communicator. She is with you every step of the way and always has your best interest in mind. She knows how to get stuff done and is so incredibly respectful with everyone involved. It has been such a blessing to have her in our lives and now look to her as a good friend! We highly recommend Hyounsoo Lathrop-Coldwell Banker Realty and her team. We will be forever grateful for her leading us through this exciting journey.”
- Ryan & RebeccaHYOUNSOO LATHROP, Realtor
C: 651.233.8527 O: 651.333.2116
HLathrop@cbrealty.com
HyounsooLathrop.com
WE ALL GO THROUGH transitions throughout our lives. Some are easier than others. Most transitions are thoughtfully planned out, and others come in an instant. One of those which many of us are not prepared for is the transition into an assisted living community. The process can be time consuming and extremely confusing, not to mention, emotionally draining.
St. Paul residents Cathe and Woodie Wilson found themselves in a situation where time was of the essence to find a new forever home. The couple, married for over 40 years, were no strangers to solving problems together, but with a health crisis for Woodie in front of them, it was up to Cathe to take the next steps and find a new place to call home. Cathe was contacted directly by Sarah
Hallmark-Brower, eldercare advisor and owner of Assisted Living Locators. “I wouldn’t have known where to start until I met Sarah, and then the road was right in front of me,” Cathe says.
At Assisted Living Locators, the service is free of charge to the client, nobody is turned away and the client sets the pace of the search. There is no hard sell, just gentle guidance. “Advice
is given as if it were my own family,” Hallmark-Brower says. The company is focused on providing seniors with a trustworthy, knowledgeable source for residents of Woodbury and its surrounding cities.
Assisted Living Locators is usually contacted by a son or daughter who are “stressed beyond belief because they simply don’t know where to start,” Hallmark-Brower says. “Unfortunately, there comes a point that people are no longer safe in their own homes.” The most common challenge is knowing where to begin. This is the point where Hallmark-Brower and Assisted Living Locators get involved and work closely with the families to help provide a solution.
At the first meeting, HallmarkBrower evaluates assets and budgets, plus locations, interests, care needs and values. All of which are used for optimal placement. Because she is in and out of the communities frequently, and generally on a first name basis with several of the staff, she considers herself knowledgeable of the local communities she is recommending and well versed on the happenings within the communities themselves. All of which lead to a more successful placement. She also has a deep knowledge of VA Aid and Attendance Pension benefits available to both veterans and their spouses; and memory care, assisted living and hospice are all a part of placements made on a regular basis through Assisted Living Locators.
As Hallmark-Brower helps people navigate the often-confusing system, she focuses on building relationships with the clients with whom she works. Since meeting with Hallmark-Brower, the Wilsons have found a new community that perfectly fits their needs. They are moved in with only a few boxes left to unpack. The Wilsons credit their current happiness directly to Hallmark-Brower. “We are doing great. We [attribute] that to the move, and we [attribute] that to Sarah,” Wilson says.
Assisted Living Locators; 651.262.4550; assistedlivinglocators.com
BRENDA OSELAND has been sewing since she was 8 years old, but the Stillwater resident never found friends that shared her enthusiasm for sewing until she joined the American Sewing Guild (ASG). “I needed to find my tribe,” Oseland says. “I certainly found my people at ASG.”
Oseland has been a member of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter of the ASG for 15 years. The ASG is a national organization of sewing enthusiasts that provides opportunities for activities, communication and networking surrounding sewing. In addition to the national organization, there are local chapters, neighborhood groups and specialty groups. The Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter is one of the nation’s largest ASG chapters; within that chapter are 14 neighborhood groups including the Stitch and Chat Woodbury, which Oseland has been a member of since its inception.
Pam Zimmerman is the leader of all of the Twin Cities neighborhood groups, including the Stitch and Chat Woodbury group. She learned about the group from a local sewing shop seven years ago. “I went, and I really liked the group,” she says. “They welcomed me.”
Stitch and Chat Woodbury meets the third Friday of every month at Jerry’s Foods on Hargis Parkway. There, members work on their individual projects, pick up tips and tricks, learn new techniques and make lifelong friends along the way. The group has around 25 members ranging in age from their 30s to their 80s. “We’ve expanded a lot in the last year,” Zimmerman says.
The diversity of the group is a great asset. There are garment makers, quilters, embroiderers, bag makers and upcyclers among their group members. With everyone bringing different
interests and skills to the table, the group is an excellent resource for those looking to learn something new, solve a problem or take their own projects to the next level.
Meetings often feature a Show and Tell segment, where members can highlight their current sewing project. “It’s very inspirational,” Zimmerman says. “You get to see a lot of what people are working on.”
All abilities are welcome, but Zimmerman says it helps to have some basic sewing skills. From there, members are happy to help others expand their skill set. “I have never been a quilter,” Oseland says. “But I made my first quilt top in a Mystery Quilt class offered by ASG.”
Oseland has also been inspired by the upcyclers in their group. “They help
me see new possibilities to recreate what I already own or items from thrift shops,” she says. “A bedspread can become a fabulous coat or dress.”
Mary Lou Morris joined Stitch and Chat Woodbury two years ago. The White Bear Lake resident says she wanted to connect with fellow sewing enthusiasts in the area. “I was also interested in their service sewing projects,” she says.
“We do a lot of charity work,” Zimmerman says, noting that they donate items that they make, including mittens for schools, bags for the homeless and flannel pieces for NICU incubators.
Never were they busier than at the outset of COVID-19 when face masks were at a premium. Oseland says that their chapter stitched more
than 32,000 masks to donate to medical facilities and nursing homes. “Our members are givers,” Oseland says.
With more than a dozen neighborhood groups, there are plenty of options for those interested in joining ASG. Oseland says the ASG encourages potential members to check out several neighborhood groups to find a good fit. Members pay a national fee but enjoy many benefits, including access to online classes and project libraries and discounts for sewing products and services.
“It is a great thing to carve out time for the things that give us joy,” Oseland says. “That is what joining ASG has given me, sewing joy.” asg-mpls-stpaul.org SEW.ASGMSP @asgmsp
Rebecca and Rob Kohler live in an idyllic Lake Elmo home— a spacious interior and a backyard filled with wildlife set in the perfect location. However, the Kohlers knew it was time for upgrades to the exterior of the home, which featured outdated light blue paneling, cookiecutter window shutters and a bright red front door.
“I kind of wanted classic [and] simple,” Rebecca Kohler says. “We live in Lake Elmo on some acreage, and we have wildlife, so I wanted farmhouse but not modern farmhouse that everyone is leaning toward. I wanted a more simple, clean, timeless feel.”
The Kohlers connected with Custom One, which launched its exteriors branch in July 2023. “Custom One is predominantly known for being a homebuilding company,” says Todd Polifka, president and owner of
Custom One. “We’ve decided to diversify the brand, and we’ve created multiple business units: Home, Renovation, Landscaping and Exteriors.”
Custom One Exteriors has a wide range of exterior renovation options, including siding, roofing, windows, gutters and storm damage repair. “Switching out siding [or] windows makes a huge impact … You have beautiful curb appeal,” says Maddie Ricci, Custom One brand and marketing manager. “It makes you love driving up to your home and adds to the resale value and curb appeal. It enhances your [overall] experience.”
The Kohlers used just about every service provided by Custom One Exteriors. “We started with the roof. They replaced all the windows in the entire house, which also required new siding,” Rebecca says. “It was everything from the roof on down.” Rob Kohler adds, “Also new
exterior lights and gutters.”
Their home now features timeless James Hardie white lap siding with gable peaks and James Hardie board and batten; black Anderson windows with white wood interior and white hardware (sans shutters!); a black standing seam metal roof; gorgeous farmhouse lighting; and IKO Dynasty shingles.
At Custom One, each branch of the business works together to serve its clients to the best of its ability. Whether that means the interior team is working with the exterior team, or the renovation team is working with the landscaping team, the business presents a unified front, and all communication stays in-house.
“We have many clients that are using multiple services of Custom One,” Polifka says, recalling a project where Custom One was updating the landscaping when a summer storm
Custom One Exteriors brought a Lake Elmo home back to life with updated white lap siding, a black standing seam metal roof, modern windows and new lighting fixtures.
destroyed the roof, so the homeowner hired Custom One for some exterior work, too. “When we build trust and repertoire with them, we make it seamless for them to get work done on their home.”
Although the Kohlers started with the exterior of their home, they also brought the renovation to the interior. With a major kitchen remodel and updates to the family room, main floor bathroom and dining room, the Kohlers now feel that the inside of
their home is just as beautiful as the new exterior elements.
“I really felt fortunate that the exterior team and the interior team communicated. Everyone was on the same page,” Rebecca says. “I could call anybody at anytime, and a question [or concern] was answered almost immediately.”
Nearly nine months later, the Kohlers are still loving the remodel. “I felt like my project was really important to them,” Rob says. “It was a really nice team approach they have … It was fun.”
To learn more about Custom One’s podcast, Roof to Curb, which discusses topics such as interior design, renovating and landscaping, visit woodburymag.com.
Custom One, 5097 Woodlane Alcove; 651.371.9296; customonemn.com
Custom One Homes
Custom One Homes
@customonehomesmn
Custom One Homes
Local golfers say the sport is their connection to good health and quality family time.
Written by Josie Smith Photos by Chris EmeottGrowing up in Woodbury, avid golfer Eric Rislove was your typical high energy, sports-loving kid. Summer days were spent playing baseball, hanging out with friends and watching his dad, veteran golfer Jerry Rislove, excel out on the green.
“[My dad] was a very, very accomplished player and very highly regarded in the state as a player,” Rislove says.
While it took a few years before Rislove developed an interest in the sport, he always held an appreciation for his dad’s golfing abilities. “Observing his swing has been the most impactful. The tempo is noticeable, so that’s something that I’ve pulled in and absorbed,” Rislove says.
During Rislove’s senior year at Woodbury High School (1991–1992), he signed up to join the golf team. After graduating, he went on to play for Winona State University.
“They were just great, great times. We had so much fun going to golf tournaments. I was more of a once-in-awhile contributor, but I got to go along for the ride and pitch in from time to time,” Rislove says.
Once he entered his early 30s, he had more time to dedicate to the sport and began playing competitively.
Rislove, a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Woodbury, turned 51 this past fall and says he’s finally playing his best game yet. Last summer, he won two tournaments, the 2023 MPGA Senior Public Links Championship and the Twin Cities Senior Championship.
“Winning is hard in golf. You gotta beat a lot of players, and there’s a lot of good players in Minnesota,” he says. “To come out on top was very satisfying.”
In the meantime, it’s practice, practice, practice for Rislove, who trains about four or five days a week during the summer. Whether it’s short-game practice, time on the driving range or putting green practice, Rislove says he dedicates a significant amount of time to improving his game.
“Golf is medicine for me. It scratches the competitive itch and, probably,
Looking to improve your game?
Eric Rislove and Kip Pendleton share their advice.
Rislove says some golfers make the mistake of playing too aggressively. “To lower an average golfer’s score is not about making more birdies, it’s about reducing doubles, triples and bogies. So, to play what seems like way more conservatively is going to reduce the average golfer’s score,” he says.
Meanwhile, for the less experienced golfer, who may be struggling to improve their score, Pendleton’s advice is to remember that golf is a game, and it’s meant to be fun.
“Regardless, if you have a good or bad shot, have fun and just go hit the next shot better. I think sometimes people over think it or over press, so focus on the ball, hit the ball and keep moving,” he says.
Equipment Picks:
• Rislove recently purchased a few Srixon irons and Ping woods.
• Pendleton uses Ping 425 woods, Ping i525 irons and Titleist wedges.
Clothing Picks:
• Rislove often goes for Johnnie-O and G/FORE shoes.
• Pendleton also gravitates toward Johnnie-O and Rhoback shirts.
Srixon irons, a go-to for Eric Rislove.above all else, you get so many lessons,” he says. “There’s always a metaphor that golf can provide for in life.”
And while his dad loves watching his son play his all-time favorite sport, he’s careful not to offer too much unsolicited advice.
“He’ll sometimes offer reflections of his own experiences just to share that situational experience. At this stage in both of our lives, I think he’s just enjoying the ride,” Rislove says.
Rislove is a member of Prestwick Golf Club in Woodbury but also frequents nearby courses, such as Eagle Valley Golf Course in Woodbury, StoneRidge Golf Club in Stillwater and Troy Burne Club in Hudson, Wisconsin.
“The conditions [at Prestwick] are always great. The staff does a great job with members, and the community of members is fun and welcoming,” he says. “Eagle Valley Golf Course is a great city course, and my other favorites in the state are Northland Country Club in Duluth and Interlachen Country Club in Edina.”
Similarly, making friends out on the course comes easily to golf fanatic Kip Pendleton. Known for playing hundreds of rounds each year, the Woodbury resident is often found socializing with fellow golfers that he’s meeting for the first time.
“Golf is my physical health program and social outlet, and I try to play each day. I make a note of who I play with, and I played with 150 ‘new friends’ last year,” Pendleton says.
With a reputation for being a goodnatured, friendly and all-around good guy, Pendleton is the organizer for what’s become known as the Sunday Morning Group. Pendleton says it’s a regular group of about 20 men, and they all make a point of texting each other year-round about golf, family and life.
Pendleton’s longtime friend Roger Green is a member of their Sunday morning group, too.
“Kip often shares accomplishments by any of the group with the entire list of 20 golfers. While this typically involves a golf trip or a great round, he also shares events in a person’s life like a wedding or death in the family,” Green
says. “He’s a caring guy in addition to being extremely sociable and fun.”
Last year, Pendleton played 241 rounds at 20 different courses, with 183 of them at Eagle Valley Golf Course in Woodbury.
“It was a great year, and I was thrilled to get my first hole-in-one on hole 13 on July 20 and shoot a best ever 67 on October 26,” he says.
A self-proclaimed farm kid, Pendleton grew up in Champaign County, Illinois, where he loved sports. In college, he played hockey for the University of Wisconsin. Golf didn’t really spark an interest for him until he took his first job at an agriculture company in Illinois, where nearly everyone on staff golfed.
“They told me to join the country club. It was $160 a year for a junior membership, and I could pay quarterly,” Pendleton says. “It was also the best place to eat in town. Thus began my love of the zen of golf.”
Pendleton and his wife, Annie, are empty nesters now, but he says all three of their kids grew up golfing at Eagle Valley Golf Course.
“Eagle Valley is a Woodbury treasure. I don’t think you can play a better value in less time than Eagle Valley,” he says.
Pendleton says that Prestwick Golf Club is another excellent choice for folks searching for a great golfing experience. “I love Prestwick. Tom Wohl has a great team, and there is no better post round spot for food or drink than the back deck at Prestwick,” Pendleton says.
He’s even been known to get bested by his wife out on the golf course.
“My wife, Annie, is the better golfer in the house and got a hole-in-one in 1995 at River Oaks in Cottage Grove. We have always loved Saturday night golf dates, nine holes and a burger and a beer,” he says.
Eagle Valley Golf Course, 2600 Double Eagle Lane; 651.714.3750; eaglevalleygc.com
Prestwick Golf Club, 9555 Wedgewood Drive; 651.731.4779; prestwick.com
CASE STUDY:
Chris and Sara needed more space; their first home together was lovely but just not big enough... Great! Let’s build the
of a new
We were able to get well over asking price. Angela also helped us immensely throughout the construction of our home. She helped us with the builders and title company. I highly recommend her as an agent.”
-Chris and Sara
The first thing we learned when we moved Preferred Kitchens to White Bear Lake almost 30 years ago was that its residents were deeply rooted in their community. The Northeast Metro area in general shares a high level of “team spirit” in supporting local schools, community resources and business.
At Preferred Kitchens, we are on the same page. Our success is dependent on being a valued asset to this community, and that is top of mind every time you call, visit or email us.
OK, we are on the roof standing in our solar garden harvesting “green” energy as part of our commitment to being responsible neighbors of our community and the planet. We are real life renovations for your real life. Thanks for your support.
PREFERRED KITCHENS, INC., 4706 HIGHWAY 61 N., WHITE BEAR LAKE; 651.429.1212; PREFERREDKITCHENS.COM PREFERRED KITCHENS, INC. @PREFERREDKITCHENS
Your yard is a personal extension of your home, and each customer and property we serve is unique. Green Oasis specializes in providing customized lawn care and landscaping services by listening to your needs. Our experts get to know you and how you envision your outdoor spaces to look, feel and function. Our designers are trained to accommodate your requests and exceed your expectations by delivering complete satisfaction. With over 45 years of experience, we have seen it all! Trust the experts at Green Oasis to create and maintain your oasis.
GREEN OASIS , N8232 945TH ST., RIVER FALLS, WISCONSIN ; 715.832.0800; GREENOASIS.CO GREEN OASIS SERVICES @_GREENOASIS
Roofing, siding and windows are more than just functional components of your home—they define its aesthetic appeal and protect it from the elements. With Hoffman Weber Construction, you can trust that every aspect of your project will be handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Whether you need a roof replacement that guarantees long-lasting durability, new siding that adds elegance and curb appeal or windows that enhance energy efficiency and beauty, our team is here to bring your vision to life.
HOFFMAN
Why choose Hoffman Weber Construction?
• Unmatched craftsmanship and attention to detail
• Superior quality materials for lasting results
• Dedicated team of skilled professionals
• Transparent communication and exceptional customer service
• Commitment to community involvement
Now Serving Brainerd Lakes Area!
A Woodbury homeowner makes her new home into a bright, serene refuge after her life changes course.Written by Jennifer Pitterle — Photos by Alissa Coddington
Sometimes, a person and a home find each other in some kind of fated moment. That’s what happened with a new home on Woodbury’s Bailey Lake, with interiors designed by Sarah Olsen, owner and principal designer of Woodbury-based Merriment Interior Design, and Sam Wittich, interior designer at Merriment.
In 2020, the now homeowner had experienced the loss of her spouse and was seeking a transition out of their former home. “I happened to be driving through this neighborhood and came across this lot,” the homeowner says. “It backs up to Bailey Lake, and it was during sunset, and it took my breath away.” She went right to the sales office and asked if she could put a deposit down on the lot.
The rest is history. She enlisted Olsen’s help with designing the interior and furnishing her new home,
which needed to be imagined from the ground up. “I had to talk myself into going into the old house,” the homeowner says. “I decided not to take anything with me other than the pieces that I really loved. And that wasn’t much.”
Olsen was the right designer for the task, tending to her client’s emotional needs and offering a guiding hand through what seemed like endless decisions.
“What she needed from an emotional base in the home was peacefulness and serenity,” Olsen says. They chose white and off-white colors as a foundation, and layered accents in black, light aqua and fuchsia. The light blue— which Olsen calls “ocean”— was the homeowner’s idea.
“She really has a color eye,” Olsen says. “I would show her pieces of fabric or rugs, and if the blue was off a little bit, she could tell. She was our guide.”
The dining room typifies the elegant blend of modern and traditional design found throughout the home. Chairs, featuring traditional nailhead trim, are upholstered in fabric that marries serene white and the homeowner’s favorite ocean blue. A modern light fixture presides over the long table, recently refinished in black.
“That was the dining room table I grew up with,” says the homeowner, and it was full of memories. When the craftspeople were working on refinishing it, they found old etchings in the corners, likely where someone’s pencil had pressed through the paper during homework time. “Some of it is my late sister’s writing,” says the
homeowner. There’s part of a name (“Sarah,” incidentally), parts of math problems and even a few scratches from the homeowner’s childhood cat, Keeper. “They asked if I wanted them to smooth it out, and I said, ‘Oh, my God, no. I want that.’ So there’s a pretty big story to the table,” the homeowner says.
Some of the art pieces the homeowner brought to her new abode were traditional oil landscape paintings, which had to find their place in the new design. Olsen highlights one in the foyer, set in a gilded frame over a shallow, pearl-white table with unique raw edges. “Those pieces were very meaningful,” Olsen says. “It’s all about balancing that love of ornamentation and detail.”
The pièce de résistance of the living room is a sectional sofa covered in a rich, vintage-looking velvet in light blue. “It has a quality of movement, that refraction of light and dark,” says Olsen. The dark wood chairs feature traditionally turned legs and sit next to a more modern, bright tulip-style side table.
The home’s sunroom, which sits just off the dining area, is lightfilled and airy. It features some of the fine details the homeowner loves: rich tufts on the ottoman (upholstered in a bright cheetah print), beautifully inlaid side tables and accent pillows that pop with floral and butterfly designs. “We
were so excited to find the sunroom rug,” Olsen says. Wittich, an expert in finding needle-in-a-haystack furnishings, was the one who plucked it from a catalogue. “It’s punchy with color,” Olsen says. “But it doesn’t come off too loud in the room. It’s playful.”
The sunroom is also home to some
vases and pottery from local artists. “I had a few favorite art pieces, but there’s a lot of new local art that we’ve incorporated throughout the project,” says the homeowner.
“There are so many wonderful local artists near Woodbury,” Olsen says. “We get something that’s one of a kind for our client.”
The homeowner says the bedroom was the first room to come together in her imagination and included the easiest decisions to make. “I knew I wanted it to be peaceful and serene,” she says. One of the first furnishings she chose was the lush, tufted headboard. The nightstands and dresser feature a pearlized, off-white finish and dark handles, and gold-framed mirrors hang on either side of the bed. “If you’re sitting in the living room, you can actually see the reflection of the lake or the sunset in the bedroom mirrors,” the homeowner says.
“Gold really fits with the elegance of the home,” Olsen says. “It brings the formality level up a little bit. It has warmth to it. The gold on the mirrors has that Old World quality to it.”
Bright accent pillows on the bed feature fuchsia trim, which is echoed on a bench in the walk-in closet.
Merriment Interior Design, 520 Commons Drive Floor 2; 651.219.4597; homeatmerriment.com Merriment @homeatmerriment
Black and white are in harmony in the kitchen, which includes black cabinets, pearly white backsplash tiles and even a subtle zebra print on the barstool seats. “I thought the zebra might be too much,” the homeowner says. “But it’s like it was meant to be. There isn’t anything in the house that I don’t love-love.” Guests often comment on the unique waterfall island, where the marbled stone cascades all the way to the floor.
NAMEER AMEEN credits his parents for teaching him one of life’s most important values: Being of service to others. He’s used this value as the backbone of his life and of his business, Cravings Wine Bar & Grille.
At 20 years old, Ameen immigrated to the United States from Pakistan to study at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where he received a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management and a master’s of science degree in training and development. Ameen then began his career at Darden Restaurants, where he quickly rose to a senior leader. “I was hungry, and I delivered results,” Ameen says.
In 2014, when the company was undergoing corporate changes, Ameen made the decision to pursue his own dreams. His initial idea included a restuarant in the Woodbury area that served traditional Pakistani food. “I wanted a nice, fast-casual concept,” he says. “I worked really hard on it for a year, but I couldn’t get it off the ground ... I struggled with that.”
After Ameen’s original idea of creating a Pakistani restaurant didn’t take off, he discovered Cravings Wine Bar & Grille—a Woodbury mainstay that had been open since 2008. In November 2016, Ameen purchased the already-established restaurant, and he, alongside his family, dove into the business.
Ameen’s three children, Shahan, Haaris and Armaan, all worked side-by-side with their father in the business. “It gave me an opportunity to spend time with them,” Ameen says. Just a few years later, in September 2019, Ameen and his family suffered a loss when his middle child,
Haaris, passed away at the age of 18. “I never experienced something of that magnitude,” Ameen says. “I had realized that the community and my guests that knew me were extremely supportive. They all stepped up to comfort me, [and] the community comforted me. It gave me a renewed sense of purpose that you can go through a massive tragedy in life, and the community that you serve can be a beacon of hope.”
When COVID-19 emerged just a few months later, Ameen felt that the restaurant was bound to close down due to the style of business. “The kind of concept I have isn’t well perceived as ‘to-go’ … It is a fine dining [establishment] where people enjoy a glass of wine, different courses,” he says. Although challenging, Ameen again credits the overwhelming support of the community for keeping Cravings afloat. “Here we have another turning point and a renewed sense of how the community loves [Cravings], and how the community stands behind it,” Ameen says.
In 2023, road construction shut down many of the roads near the restaurant, making it difficult for customers to access. Around the same time, Ameen heard from locals that the restaurant needed to revamp its offerings and menu options. “Only those who give you feedback deeply care about you,” he says. Ameen took that feedback to his executive chef, Randy Vogel, and implemented a “youngsters” menu, introduced mocktails with the assistance of his bar staff and decreased menu prices across the board.
“I personally think if you’re not listening to your customers, you can’t survive, no matter
how good you think you are at the end of the day,” Ameen says.
Cravings is still home to freshly prepared, contemporary American cuisine, featuring locally sourced seafood, meat, small plates, salads, pasta and burgers. And now, the new youngsters’ menu includes typical picks, like cheeseburgers, chicken fingers or cheese pizza, plus pappardelle pasta and mac and cheese. Mocktail selections include a Cucumber Lime Splash (muddled cucumber and fresh lime with sweet ’n’ sour soda) and the Woodbury Breeze (cranberry and orange juice, topped with ginger beer).
Ameen notes that customers can expect to see more affordable options across the
menu without changing the portion sizes or quality of ingredients. “We had to ask ourselves, ‘Can we do this?,’ and the answer is yes. We can do it,” Ameen says. “It’s something I felt we [needed] to do.”
With a freshened-up menu and renewed sense of purpose, Ameen is excited and hopeful to welcome customers into the new Cravings. He says, “When people come and see me, it’s never treated as a transaction. It’s treated as you’re in my home, and I’m here to serve you.”
Cravings Wine Bar & Grille, 755 Bielenberg Drive Suite 108; 651.528.6828; cravingswinebar.com Cravings Wine Bar & Grille @cravingswinebar @cravingswinebar
The Woodbury Community Expo welcomes a new location and new hours.
ONE OF WOODBURY’S MOST BELOVED CITY EVENTS is celebrating a big anniversary this year. Laurie Staiger, president of the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce, says the 15th annual Woodbury Community Expo is sure to be a great event. “We’re really excited [about our] long history of being in the community,” Staiger says. “Woodbury is still such a young community. We’re still growing and expanding and so is the Expo.”
The Expo welcomes Woodbury residents to learn about all different types of vendors and businesses in town. “We have so much business growth and revitalization in the business community, and it’s a great
opportunity to come out and see new and improved businesses in the community,” Staiger says, noting this includes anything from child activities and senior care to home renovations and interior decorating. It also includes food vendors, family activities and entertainment.
—Hailey AlmstedThe location and time are new this year. The Expo will be held April 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Woodbury High School, 2665 Woodlane Drive, to better accommodate parking for attendees and vendors. More information is available at woodburychamber.org.
Complied by Findlay Drabant and Hailey Almsted
Memory Café
04/09
Those with memory loss and their caregivers are invited to the monthly Memory Café, which includes facilitated conversations and community resources. Ages 18 and older. Free. 1–2 p.m. R.H. Stafford Library, 8595 Central Park Place; 651.439.4840; familymeans.org
Under the Tuscan Sun
04/11 and 04/13
Join Total Wine in experiencing the taste of the Tuscan countryside. Explore the history of Tuscany’s beverages, and sample hand-picked red and white wines. Ages 21 and older. $20/person. 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Total Wine & More, 7150 Valley Creek Plaza Suite 210; 651.735.0910; totalwine.com
Chamber 101
04/18
If you are interested in joining the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce, attend this session to learn more about its programs, events and other activities. Ages 18 and older. Free. 9–10 a.m. Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce Conference Room 145, 700 Commerce Drive; 651.578.0722; woodburychamber.org
Hailey James at Carmine’s 04/20
Enjoy live music from Hailey James, a fourtime Midwest Country Music Organization award winner. All ages. Free. 6 p.m. Carmine’s Restaurant & Bar, 9900 Valley Creek Road; 651.730.4500; haileyjamesmusic.com
The Princess King 04/21–04/29
Princess Genevieve looks to marry Henry, a chef. However, she doesn’t receive a blessing from the king, who decides to hold a contest to find the next king. This children’s play is filled with comedy, over-the-top characters and more. All ages. Prices vary. Showtimes vary.
The Black Box at East Ridge High School, 4200 Pioneer Drive; merrillartscenter.org
At
At Woodbury Senior Living, we serve seniors and their families by encouraging them to thrive – by o ering a wide variety of wellness-focused services and activities while empowering them to live as independently as possible
Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy
Woodbury Senior Living is pleased to o er a variety of Integrative Therapies to enhance your well being. Integrative therapies, also known as complementary therapies, are a wide array of healing practices that fall outside purely pharmaceutical or surgical treatments but are intended to complement medical care.
Woodbury Senior Living is available in both
O ered for those who need to regain strength and independence after surgery, injury or illness and are in transition from home or hospital. Our experienced clinical team provides a spectrum of rehabilitation and therapy services on-site to restore individuals to their fullest potential. Also included in transitional care are customized integrative therapies, wellness and spirituality programs, including social activities, educational and intellectual programs, physical wellness activities, vocational programs and spiritual services. Visit our website for a full list of services and special features included in rehabilitation/therapy!
Due to their proven results, their use is growing rapidly around the country.
The following therapies are free of charge.
• Guided Imagery: Using your imagination to direct your thoughts towards healing.
• Energy Based Healing Modalities: Gentle, non-invasive treatments that work to restore the natural ow and balance of the body’s energy system. In times of stress, injury or illness this energy system can become congested, blocked or unbalanced.
Woodbury Senior Living is pleased to o er a variety of Integrative Therapies to enhance your well being. Integrative therapies, also known as complementary therapies, are a wide array of healing practices that fall outside purely pharmaceutical or surgical treatments but are intended to complement medical care. Due to their proven results, their use is growing rapidly around the country. The following therapies are free of charge.
• Essential Oils: Extracts of plants that are used to restore balance to the body and emotions primarily through the sense of smell. The essential oils used at Woodbury Health Care Center are extracted from high quality, organically grown plants and blended by a certi ed aromatherapist.
• Guided Imagery: Using your imagination to direct your thoughts towards healing.
• Energy Based Healing Modalities: Gentle, non-invasive treatments that work to restore the natural ow and balance of the body’s energy system. In times of stress, injury or illness this energy system can become congested, blocked or unbalanced.
Memory Care at Woodbury Senior Living is available in both Woodbury Estates and Woodbury Health Care Center.
unique needs of the memory and resident and their family members to customize a personal plan self-motivation and functional independence.
• At Woodbury Estates, this living option o ers comfortable, specialized care for individuals with memory impairments such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, while giving their families support and peace of mind.
• Gives the resident control in a situation
• Enhances attention, memory, speech,
• At Woodbury Health Care Center, this living option o ers comfortable, specialized care for individuals with memory impairment as well as complex medical needs. It includes the same level of support found within our skilled nursing care, with the added bene t of customized activities tailored to memory care individuals.
• Essential Oils: Extracts of plants that are used to restore balance to the body and emotions primarily through the sense of smell. The essential oils used at Woodbury Health Care Center are extracted from high quality, organically grown plants and blended by a certi ed aromatherapist.
Each memory care unit is located in a monitored area within the building. Our licensed sta is trained to understand the unique needs of the memory and work with each resident and their family members to customize a personal plan to maximize both self-motivation and functional independence.
• Creates an outlet for emotional expression
• Alleviates pain, stress, decrease symptoms of depression, enhances overall well-being
• Motivator and reward for physical activity
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• Facilitates positive socialization
• Creates an outlet for emotional expression
• Alleviates pain, stress, decrease symptoms of depression, enhances overall well-being
• Motivator and reward for physical activity
• Addresses spiritual needs
• Decrease disruptive behavior
Erin
APRIL 16
Join the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce for a morning of networking and coffee. Ages 18 and older. Free. 7:45–8:45 a.m. Associated Bank, 1835 Radio Drive; 651.458.8334; cottagegrovechamber.org
Every Thursday, Walker Library invites you and your creative kiddos to its Art Club, where it hosts new activities every week. Ages 4 and older. Free. 5–9 p.m. Walker Library, 725 Vineland Place, Mpls.; 612.375.7600; walkerart.org
Join everyone’s favorite gopher for this fun run around the University of Minnesota campus. Participants can choose between running 10 miles, a 5K or Goldy’s Gallop, a kid’s race around Huntington Bank Stadium. All ages. $20.50–$69.50. 8 a.m. Huntington Bank Stadium, 420 SE 23rd St., Mpls.; 612.412.4378; goldysrun.com
local
04/11–04/25
The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul is back with its annual film festival, showing over 250 films from filmmakers around the world. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. The Main Cinema, 115 SE Main St., Mpls.; 612.331.7563; mspfilm.org
04/18
1000 Radio Drive, Suite 220 Woodbury, MN 55125 651 739-1555 2850 Curve Crest Blvd, Suite 230 Stillwater, MN 55082 651 439-8909 Orthodontic treatments for all ages • Comprehensive corrections as well as cosmetic improvements • Complimentary consultations • hkortho.com CHANGE RENEW TRANSFORM 651-230-4059 novare-renovationdesign.com 1800 Wooddale Dr Suite 206 Woodbury MN BC# 637798
The Woodbury Lions Club hosted its annual Veterans Day Commemoration on November 11, 2023, at the Woodbury Lions Veterans Memorial on City Hall Campus.
“... East Ridge [High School] was playing against Champlin Park [last June]. The player jumping for the ball is Keria Limpert. Interestingly enough, I coached Keira in lacrosse for several years and am good friends with the family. To be able to capture this moment was an inspirational memory that I will carry with me for a long time,” says Pat Donaghy, hobby photographer and team photographer for East Ridge sports.
“This photo was taken at a draw control … Two players square up, and the ball is placed between their sticks and, on the referee’s whistle, the players push the ball up in the air and compete for possession,” Donaghy says. “... Lacrosse is one of those sports that highlights athleticism, so it is my favorite sport to watch and take photographs.” —Hailey Almsted
To read more about Draw Control Jump and to view other Focus on Woodbury photo contest winners, visit woodburymag.com.
Photographer: Pat Donaghy
Title: Draw Control Jump
Equipment: Canon R3 with EF 100–400 f4.5–5.6 II lens, shot at 1/1250 with 250 ISO
Location: 2023 Minnesota State High School League Lacrosse State Tournament
Category: People
Award: First Place
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