Woodbury - October 2024 by Local

ON YOUR SLEEVE

Menswear boutique Jaxen Grey brings “digitally native” brands and an elevated shopping experience to Woodbury

SPORTS INJURY

For some of our patients the goal is winning a national championship. But you just want your wrist pain to go away so you can skate for state. At TRIA Orthopedics, we’ll treat your broken wrist and get you back on the ice. When that happens, it feels like we all win. It’s why you’re treated and how you’re treated by TRIA.

OCTOBER 2024

Happy October, Readers. “There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October.” —Nathaniel Hawthorne, American novelist

Emily Roberts, page 30

DEPARTMENTS

Let’s Face It

Heyday Skincare opens its first Minnesota location.

Spooky Reads

Catch up with author Allan Evans about his latest crime thriller, a new paranormal YA novel and his writing inspiration.

A Forever Statement Treasure your jewelry for the rest of your life.

FEATURES

On Your Sleeve Menswear boutique Jaxen Grey brings “digitally native” brands and an elevated shopping experience to Woodbury.

30 For Goodness Snake

The perfect mix of knowledge and humor, Emily Roberts makes learning about exotic animals fun.

Photo: Chris Emeott

RIVER OAKS GOLF COURSE

NOV 7, 2024 | 8AM - 4:30PM NOV 7, 2024 | 8AM - 4:30PM

SPONSORS RECEIVE AN EXCLUSIVE TICKET DISCOUNT CODE!

UP YOUR LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL!

JOIN US FOR THE INAUGURAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS SUMMIT, A DYNAMIC EVENT DESIGNED TO INSPIRE, EDUCATE, AND EMPOWER WOMEN IN OUR COMMUNIT Y.

HOSTED BY THE COTTAGE GROVE AREA CHAMBER AND THE WO MEN IN BUSINESS ORGANIZATION, THIS SUMMIT OFFERS A WEALTH OF LEARNING OPPORTUNITI ES, INSIGHTFUL SPEAKERS, AND VALUABLE RESOURCES!

summit schedule

SPEAKER

Elevate your leadership, gain insights, and connect with like-minded professionals—this event is your gateway to growth and success. Don’t miss out on something extraordinary.

Photo: Hope Breakfast Bar

Carrot Cake Pancakes, page 38

S afety t

S to take the fright out of Halloween night

Halloween isn’t nearly as spooky as it used to be. Instead of expecting visits from goblins and ghosts. We now wait for superheroes and princesses. For some senior citizens, Halloween can be scary.; it’s a night where masked strangers knock on your door. HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR KEEPING SENIORS SAFE ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT:

• keep your lights on

• be smart about decorations

• coordinate with the neighbors

• keep trick - or - treaters outside

• get a halloween helper

Halloween may be thought of as a children’s holiday, but it can also be great fun for adults of all ages – including seniors! Saint Therese of Woodbury invites you to discover the many ways we provide fun-filled activities that will lift your spirits, keep you engaged, and help you feel safe, loved, and less alone.

Have a safe & fun Halloween!

•

Call today for a personal tour: 651.209.9128 www.saint

from the EDITOR

Happy October, Readers! This month, I’m trying my best to get into the spirit—although I’m not typically one for all things spooky, one of the stories inside these pages has inspired me to face my fears. Writer Emily Gedde connects with Woodbury native Emily Roberts, owner of Snake Discovery, who educates her in-person and online audience about reptiles and amphibians. Roberts’ knowledge and experience encourages me to overcome my own fear of slithering snakes. (Though, unlike Roberts, you’ll be hardpressed to find me draped with snakes across my shoulders!)

For more scary stories, turn to page 18 to learn about Allan Evans’ newest book releases, including Spook Squad, slated for release on October 8. Writer Jennifer Pitterle follows up with Evans four years after Woodbury Magazine’s first article about the author—Thrill Seeker (Read the article on woodburymag.com.)—to chat about the upcoming release and what is yet to come.

For something a little less eerie and a little more tasty, be sure to check out our Noteworthy Taste column, where contributor Katie Tomsche shares the recipe for Spooky Squash and Goat Cheese Pizza, sure to be a hit among kids and adults alike. Yum!

Lastly, don’t forget to meet the winners of our annual Focus on Woodbury photo contest by visiting woodburymag. com. Congratulations to all of our winners and runners-up!

See you next month,

On the Cover

On Your Sleeve, Photo by Chris Emeott, page 22

See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town!

Woodbury Magazine @woodbury_mag @wburymag

Photo: Chris Emeott

Hailey Almsted hailey@localmedia.co

To Advertise

PUBLISHER

Susan Isay

EDITOR

Hailey Almsted

MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Renée Stewart-Hester

MANAGING EDITOR

Hailey Almsted

DIGITAL EDITOR

Madeline Kopiecki

COPY EDITORS

Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt

STAFF WRITERS

Kelly Cochrane, Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Daniel Huss, Jennifer Pitterle and Rachel Schuehle

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Megan Koren, Amy Leferink, Gretchen McNaughton

Manali Shah, Patty (Stutzman) Paulus and Katie Tomsche

DIGITAL INTERNS

Alexandra Tostrud

EDITORIAL INTERN

Tia Benson and Findlay Drabant

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 ; and 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

Laura Bjorgo, Cynthia Hamre, Mary-Catherine Hartel, Sara Johnson and Lauren Warner

PRESIDENT

Pete Burgeson

Hey America,

All over America, strangers with different political views are coming together, two at a time, to talk about their lives—not debate politics—and discovering they actually have a lot in common.

Let’s talk... for a change.

All over America, strangers with different political views are coming together, two at a time, to talk about their lives—not debate politics—and discovering they actually have a lot in common.

Let’s talk... for a change.

All over America, strangers with different political views are coming together, two at a time, to talk about their lives—not debate politics—and discovering they actually

If you’re among the 9 out of 10 Americans who are tired of our country’s divisions, check out One Small Step, where you can listen to these meaningful conversations and sign up to participate.

If you’re among the 9 out of 10 Americans who are tired of our country’s divisions, check out One Small Step, where you can listen to these meaningful conversations and sign up to participate. Let’s talk...

If you’re among the 9 out of 10 Americans who are tired of our country’s divisions, check out One Small Step, where you can listen to these meaningful conversations

FRIGHT NIGHT

CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN all month long by visiting one of the East Metro’s haunted attractions. (Visit each website for upto-date information.)

Inver Grove Height’s Nowhere Haunted House employs scare actors and detailed sets, waiting for you to be frightened like never before. Actors are not allowed to have physical contact with attendees, and the recommended age for the haunted attractions is 12 and older with parental judgment. For a more startling evening, visit during the 18-plus nights, where actors will engage with attendees more intensely. 5300 S. Robert Trail #300, Inver Grove Heights; 651.340.8651; nowherehauntedhouse.com

Get your heart pounding at The Haunting Experience on Highway 61 located in neighboring Cottage Grove. Home to the longest-running hayride in Minnesota, this haunted house is filled with monsters and scare actors that lurk along the tractor trails, the haunted forest and more. Visit during the daylight during select days for family fun, including free hayrides, pet goats, pumpkin painting and more. And don’t miss Fall Fun Fest, slated for 11 a.m.–3 p.m. September 12–13, 19–20 and 26–27, which includes over 30 rooms of frights. 10900 E. Point Douglas Road, Cottage Grove; 651.459.3001; hauntingexperience.com

—Hailey Almsted

LET’S DO MEDICARE TOGETHER

— Katie, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Medicare Advisor

Join us for a Medicare workshop

Learn what Original Medicare covers, how and when to enroll, and Medicare plan options available in your county.

Our Blue Cross Medicare experts are with you every step of the way, from helping you understand benefits and coverage to selecting the right plan to meet your needs.

Reserve your spot today. Call 1-844-306-6527, TTY 711 or visit bluecrossmn.com/Workshop9

Beginning in October, we’ll present 2025 plan information. Workshops cover individual Medicare plans. If you’re Medicare-eligible and covered under the Federal Employee Program® or a Blue Cross group employee or retiree plan, talk with your employer. You may be able to get better coverage than an individual Medicare plan. Blue Cross offers PPO, Cost and PDP plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment in these Blue Cross plans depends on contract renewal. Plans are available to residents of the service area. For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings, call 1-844-306-6527, TTY 711.

Y0138_062024_P01_M

October Book Pick

One of my most anticipated reads this fall is The Pumpkin Spice Café, the first in the Dream Harbor series and a cozy romantic debut by Laurie Gilmore.

Jeanie jumps for a chance at a fresh start when her aunt gives her the Pumpkin Spice Café in the town of Dream Harbor. Logan, a local farmer, avoids the Dream Harbor gossip train the best he can—but when Jeanie’s arrival disrupts his routine, he finds himself drawn toward her with unexplainable behavior. Everyone loves Jeanie and her bubbly personality, but will her and Logan, the town grump, get on the same page?

Fans of Gilmore Girls will enjoy this quickpaced, small-town series. The entire Dream Harbor series also includes The Cinnamon Bun Book Store, recently released at the end of August, and The Christmas Tree Farm, slated to be released at the end of this month.

—Hailey Almsted

Spooky Squash and Goat Cheese Pizz a

Move over candy and caramel apples. Halloween has a new favorite treat, and it’s ghoulishly good! This pizza is packed with rich fall flavors and better-for-you ingredients, like butternut squash, fresh herbs, crispy kale and pumpkin seeds. The tangy goat cheese perfectly balances the lightly sweet squash and prep is spookily simple, too—15 minutes

and a handful of ingredients are all you need to make this homemade pizza. (And it has mozzarella ghosts!) Visit woodburymag.com for this recipe.

Katie Tomsche is the content manager for Lunds & Byerlys. Taste more at lundsandbyerlys.com.

Photo: Lunds & Byerlys

Something Different

As autumn brings crispness to the air, I get excited about what that means for the plants around me. Here’s a list of just a few of my favorites that provide unforgettable fall foliage views in the garden:

Aster: I love the unexpected in the garden, and that’s why aster makes the list. We’re all so used to reds and oranges during this time of year, so planting these around the garden brings some excitement. My pick is Little Carlow Aster, a native shrub to North America that features violet-blue flowers that provide a fun contrast to those classic fall hues.

Birch Trees: While I love a deep red leaf, there’s something about yellow birch leaves that makes me swoon. If you need extra privacy and want to add fall views to the garden, consider planting a row of birch trees to get the job done.

Panicle Hydrangeas: Once the evening temperatures start to dip, panicle hydrangeas start their bloom transformation. I’ve talked about panicles a lot, you may remember my favorite Berry White®, but another one to add to the list is White Diamonds®. It has more of an open panicle shape and ages to a stunning parchment pink in the fall.

Ninebark: These shrubs are true multiseason wonders, and fall is no exception. With a wide range of hues to pick from, you have countless options. Looking for something dark and moody, go with Fireside®, which features dark purple, almost black leaves. Hoping for something to provide fabulous shades of orange? Go with Amber Jubilee™ Ninebark.

Gretchen McNaughton is the communications and content strategist at Bailey Nurseries. Learn more at firsteditionsplants.com.

White Diamonds® Panicle Hydrangea, Fireside® Ninebark and Little Carlow Aster in the fall garden.

Let’s Face It

Heyday Skincare opens its first Minnesota location.

By Rachel Schuehle

Woodbury resident Leah Huxtable, who has prior entrepreneurial experience, first stumbled across Heyday Skincare a few years ago, and the potential business opportunity piqued her interest instantly. Heyday Skincare, founded in 2015 in New York City, has since expanded to 35 locations

network of people I know will love this company and will support me along the way.” She is also leaning into Woodbury demographics, noting, “... We are serving 18 to 65 year olds, both women and men. Everyone has skin, so everyone needs a facial!”

Expect clean, minimalist spaces

Heyday Skincare facials run 50 minutes in length, and enhancements, such as gua sha seen here, are available to boost your glow.

and a refreshing, welcoming energy at Heyday Skincare. Velvet curtains separate treatment alcoves while high ceilings reverberate the low din of conversation. Lobby shelves are lined with fan-favorite products from beloved brands—and, with winter approaching, Huxtable’s recommendations shift with cold weather in mind. “Hydro wand infusion or nano infusion would be great during colder months, to help hydrate parched skin,” Huxtable says. Both treatments target areas needing extra nourishment and improve circulation for a post-facial rosy glimmer.

At the beginning of all services, the esthetician completes an in-depth skin analysis to provide a customized facial targeted toward the client’s skin needs. Then the facial starts, and throughout the 50 minutes, the esthetician explains each step, making recommendations for continuing the regime at home.

Heyday Skincare also offers membership-based services. Members receive one monthly facial, as well as discounts on retail products and enhancements, such as LED light therapy, dermaplaning, diamond tip microdermabrasion, professional peel, microcurrent, gua sha and more. “The idea is that people come in for a monthly facial, but it’s not time-consuming and it’s cost-effective,” Huxtable says. “It’s affordable, relaxing and easy to elevate their skincare without a deep pocket cost.” Let’s face it—we all have skin, and we’d all benefit from a little pampering now and then.

Heyday Skincare, 7030 Valley Creek Plaza Suite 102; 651.363.4440; heydayskincare.com

Heyday @heydayskincare

Heyday Skincare @heydayskincare

PORTRIAT

Spooky Reads

Catch up with author Allan Evans about his latest crime thriller, a new paranormal YA novel and his writing inspiration.

By Jennifer Pitterle

WOODBURY AUTHOR Allan Evans published his debut novels—a paranormal YA adventure and a crime thriller— in 2021 to much success. By then, he was already hard at work on a sequel to Killer Blonde, his Twin Cities–set crime novel about detective Cade Dawkins. Then came the death of George Floyd and the subsequent unrest in the city, and Evans shelved the sequel. “I had no idea what to do with it,” Evan says. “So I went on to some other projects. Then one day, I was on the treadmill at the YMCA, and I got this idea, and it gave me goosebumps. I think in life, if you get goosebumps, you need to write about it.”

That treadmill epiphany shaped Killer Smile, the latest entry in the Cade Dawkins series, which was published last October. In the book, Dawkins meets with a computer science professor at the University of Minnesota who’s been researching the dark web. Evans says, “The professor tells Dawkins that his success in solving the Killer Blonde case created such a buzz that a new challenge has been issued: Come to Minnesota, and kill here.” Evans himself works in copywriting and marketing, and says research is one of his favorite parts of the writing process. “It brings a lot of authenticity to the story,” he says. He’s done ridealongs with various local police departments and met with the former head of security for former Govs. Jesse Ventura and Tim Pawlenty. He even spent time with a Minnesota State Patrol traffic reconstruction specialist. “He walked

me through the entire process of when they come upon a crime scene and how they handle it,” Evans says.

Despite all of the darkness in the Cade Dawkins crime series, Evans’ readers find plenty of levity in the pages, too. “I think the key to life in general is balance. I don’t want to go too dark,” he says. “Using humor offsets that darkness. And a lot of people, me included, deal with trauma or scarier moments sometimes with humor. It’s a deflection

mechanism, a coping mechanism, so I always try to work that in.”

Readers might be surprised to know that Evans is a prolific brainstormer— he’s almost always working on more than one new project at a time, and he loves exploring new genres. His newest book, Spook Squad, will be released this month and is the third entry in his Abnormally Abbey YA series. Abnormally Abbey and the sequels follow 14-year-old Abbey Hill, who is

Allan Evans

“If you let yourself embrace some boredom, your mind starts to make connections between different ideas, and that’s often what sparks that lightbulb.”

Allan Evans, author

pestered by ghosts and routinely finds herself in the middle of paranormal mysteries. “My daughter’s name is Abbey,” Evans says. “I decided I wanted to write something that she and her friends would be interested in reading.”

The books Evans is currently working on run the genre gamut. There’s a domestic thriller about a Minnesota couple visiting Paris; a White Bear Lake–set novel about a 15-year-old boy whose search for answers about his DNA turns mysterious; and a romantic comedy about two ad agency colleagues who begin as enemies and end up finding love as they coach middle school soccer. “I bring some of my own experiences to every book,” Evans says. “I’ve worked for ad agencies; I also coach middle school soccer.”

In addition to weaving in his real-life experiences, Evans says simply letting his mind wander provides plenty of inspiration. “If you let yourself embrace some boredom, your mind starts to make connections between different ideas, and that’s often what sparks that lightbulb.”

Find Allan Evans’ books and information about upcoming releases at evanswriter.com.

Allan Evans, author

Photo:

STYLE

A Forever Statement

Treasure your jewelry for the rest of your life.

By Hailey Almsted

HAVE YOU EVER had a cherished piece of jewelry end up with a broken clasp? What about a treasured family heirloom, passed down for generations, that perhaps isn’t holding up as well as it once did? Permanent jewelry may be the answer to creating long-lasting pieces that won’t break or fall off.

“Permanent jewelry is basically a claspless bracelet, anklet, necklace or even a ring,” says Chelsea Vadnais. “It’s [created with] a welding machine. You connect the two ends of the jewelry you’re wearing with a jump ring, and you weld that piece together with the intention of never taking it off.”

The Woodbury resident offers permanent jewelry pop-ups, parties and more through her business, chelsea rae & co. Vadnais, who graduated from Woodbury High School in 2011, began the company after getting her own permanent jewelry on a family trip to Arizona two years ago. After the trip ended, she wondered why there weren’t options for permanent jewelry in Minnesota.

“When I first started out, I wanted to get into it right away. I did a pop-up event at my salon,” she says, noting that she is a full-time hairstylist at Chelsea Rae Vadnais Hair, located in Chez Chevaux Studio Salon in Woodbury. Now, Vadnais offers permanent jewelry for bachelorette or birthday parties, girls’ nights and more. She can also be

Permanent jewelry, such as the bracelets seen here, are a great option for making your pieces long-lasting.

Photo: Chelsea Vadnais

found at art festivals and local community events, such as Woodbury Days or the Washington County Fair.

Vadnais welds all types of jewelry, though bracelets and anklets are the most popular. Options include gold-fill and gold-fill premium, sterling silver and sterling silver premium, as well as charm additions, such as birthstones, initials and crosses. The process takes anywhere from 15 minutes to one hour, depending on the type of jewelry and customizations requested.

“It’s for anyone: Men, women, best friends, mother and daughter,” Vadnais says. “It’s really popular among friends, and getting something matching is so fun.”

Vadnais can even take a piece of your own jewelry and make it permanent. She recalls a client who had a beloved anklet that broke. “The thing with anklets with a regular clasp is that it can stretch out and break,” Vadnais says. “She could feel that it was stretching ... She asked if I could make it permanent … It’s super awesome, especially if a piece of jewelry is important to you.”

Vadnais answers a popular question: What happens if you need to remove the jewelry for an MRI, CT scan or another emergency? Vadnais says it can be cut off at the jump ring site, then placed into a bag to get rewelded on at a later date.

“When I first got [permanent jewelry], I fell in love with it,” Vadnais says. “Putting a bracelet on, even if you’re not fully ready, makes you feel more ready. It makes you feel good.”

@chelsearaeco

“As a father of 3 children and a husband navigating a challenging "quiet firing" from a Minnesota company, I found myself in a tight spot. Thankfully, I secured a new job in Georgia, but with just 3 weeks to relo cate and limited savings, the prospect seemed daunting.

Hyounsoo stepped in like a member of the family, ta king care of my two houses. All I had to focus on was packing and moving, as sh e and her exceptional team handled everything else.

Hyounsoo is the epitome of a DREAM realtor, demonst rating meticulous planning, flawless execution, and open communicatio n throughout. Her foresight and ability to tailor negotiations for th e best outcome for all parties involved, whether buyer or seller, were truly remar kable. Above all, it's her character that sets her apart. She embodies profess ionalism, integrity, and genuine care.

Thanks to Hyounsoo's efforts, my family is embarkin g on a new chapter with confidence. I wholeheartedly recommend her without reservation.

Hyounsoo, thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

- Woong & Min

On Your Sleeve

Menswear boutique Jaxen Grey brings “digitally native” brands and an elevated shopping experience to Woodbury.

Written by Jennifer Pitterle

Photos by Chris Emeott

In the modern menswear space, there seem to be two shopping paradigms: Visit an old-school boutique for staples, like dress shirts, ties and tailored trousers, or take your chances ordering from an online brand.

For the owners of Jaxen Grey, a decidedly 21st-century menswear store that recently opened a location in Woodbury, those two options weren’t enough. They wanted to fill the gap. “When we opened our first location in 2019, everyone was shopping online and on social media,” says Adam Bevis, co-owner and fashion director. “You couldn’t touch or feel the clothes; you were buying something blindly and hoping that when it showed up, it fit and felt good.” Founder Michael Druskin decided to launch a brick-andmortar home for “digitally native” brands, where customers could visit to try on pieces from their favorite Instagram-worthy companies and get expert advice.

Now with locations in Minneapolis’s North Loop, Edina’s Galleria and Minnetonka’s Ridgedale Center (plus one in St. Louis, Missouri), the tastemakers at Jaxen Grey have curated a collection of popular, contemporary brands and offer a welcoming shopping experience. “We want to create memorable experiences where people can try new things and push themselves,” Bevis says. “We want to help you find new things you might like.”

The decision to open a new store in Woodbury just made sense, Bevis says. “We have a lot of presence in the western suburbs,” he says. “We saw an opportunity to offer something new in the menswear space, especially on this side of the river.” Woodbury’s growth as a burg with dining, entertainment and retail offerings was appealing to the Jaxen Grey team, too.

Here, Bevis walks us through some looks for four categories of shoppers. Whether you spend your days on the pickleball court or in a window office, there’s something for everyone.

The Executive

The Executive spends most of his day at the office and wants clothes that help people see him as a leader. Whether he’s in an informal brainstorming session with peers or a buttoned-up board meeting, he needs looks that are effortless but structured. “Since the pandemic, we see these guys still want to be comfy even when it’s more formal,”

Bevis says. “We also see more crossover, so they can go from the boardroom to happy hour, for example.” He suggests brands like Public Rec, which makes sleek polos and chinos that are breathable and soft. For dressier denim that can go to work, Bevis recommends Citizens of Humanity, featuring jeans that are dark-washed and slim-fitting for a more tailored silhouette.

The Athlete

For an active, sporty customer—the Athlete—Bevis goes to a fall trend that’s eminently wearable. “An oversized hoodie,” he says. Customers who spend lots of time on the soccer field or at the gym want looks that can transition easily from activity to downtime and a matched set— sweatpants plus a sweatshirt—are an easy way to accomplish that. Add a cool shirt jacket and a hat, Bevis says, and you’ve got a comfy outfit that can “take you anywhere you need to go as an Athlete.”

The Artist

The Artist is creative and unafraid to take some risks. He wants to put his own stamp, even if it’s subtle, on his clothing choices. He might add an unexpected or one-of-a-kind accessory or layer to a more basic ensemble and enjoys pops of color and texture. For this archetypal guy, Bevis suggests pieces from Jaxen Grey’s selection of international vendors. “We have some great shirts from Kardo, an Indian brand, that are hand-painted,” Bevis says. Wax London is another brand that offers interesting prints and patterns, including florals, for both pants and shirts. To amp up the layers, the Artist can check out Jaxen Grey’s curated crop of accessories— such as a soft wool beanie.

TRENDING TO AUTUMN

We asked Adam Bevis to turn his fashionable eye toward the fall scene and let us in on some current trends in menswear. What are customers looking for when visiting Jaxen Grey this season? Perhaps, an autumnal staple like a cable sweater? “Well, there’s always a place for a sweater,” Bevis says. “But we’ve actually seen a lot more traction with more casual lounge looks.” While sweaters walk the line between casual and dressy, Bevis says this fall is seeing looks that are more intentionally one or the other: elevated casual (like athleisure) or consciously dressy. He also notes that Jaxen Grey has seen demand for dresswear pieces such as blazers.

Denim is a classic for fall. Bevis says, “Not only your classic jean, but also a dressier denim that can go to the office. Lots of people are asking for that.”

The Everyman

Woodbury Senior Living

For guys who are reluctant shoppers—or who need easy day-to-day looks that don’t require a lot of prep or coordination—Bevis recommends stopping into Jaxen Grey to chat with a stylist who guides you through the shopping experience. “We just want to make it fun,” he says. He also assures newcomers that asking for comfort no longer relegates you to gym shorts and T-shirts. COVID-19 showed clothing manufacturers that most shoppers want—and expect—comfort, even at work. Gone are the days of starched work pants, itchy collars and heavy denim. “A lot of what we carry is extremely soft and stretchy material that looks nice but also feels really nice,” Bevis says. Brands like Vuori and 7 Diamonds capture that aesthetic, with pieces from joggers to T-shirts to blazers in performance fabrics and a range of colors.

A full spectrum of care options in a campus setting for 37 years.

At Woodbury Senior Living, we serve seniors and their families by encouraging them variety of wellness-focused services and activities while empowering them to live

Transitional Care

Physical

Transitional Care

Integrative erapies to Support the Healing Process

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy

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!

Memory Care

Memory Care at Woodbury Senior Living is available in both Woodbury Estates and Woodbury Health Care Center.

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!

• 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.

Memory Care

• At Woodbury Health Care Center, this living option o ers comfortable, specialized care for individuals with memory impairment as well as complex medical needs.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

Jaxen Grey, 9040 Hudson Road Suite 208; 612.399.9973; jaxengrey.com Jaxen Grey @jaxengrey_official

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.

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.

Healing Music erapy

Memory Care at Woodbury Senior Living is available in both Woodbury Estates and Woodbury Health Care Center.

• 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.

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.

FOR GOODNESS SNAKE

The perfect mix of knowledge and humor, Emily Roberts makes learning about exotic animals fun.

Written by Emily Gedde

Photos by Chris Emeott

Emily Roberts isn’t typically seen wearing fancy jewelry around her neck. Instead, the owner of Snake Discovery can be found at her zoo with a variety of snake species draped around her shoulders or online during one of her fun, informational YouTube videos.

Located in Maplewood, Snake Discovery is home to 75 exhibits, featuring more than 150 reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. The organization also has several rescue animals available for adoption and a retail storefront.

It all started with a girl who loves animals. Roberts, who grew

up in Woodbury, is the perfect mix of knowledge and humor, making learning about exotic animals more intriguing and less intimidating.

“I’m allergic to dogs and cats, so because I couldn’t have any of the furry pets, I got a feathered one instead,” she says.

Roberts was in 5th grade when she got her first bird, a yellow parakeet named Sonny. While Sonny had a bit of an attitude, Roberts still became a self-proclaimed “bird nerd.” Then, to help pay for college at the University of Minnesota, Roberts worked at the Woodbury PetSmart. She became the go-to employee for customers who had bird-related questions— including her future husband, Ed, but he’ll come into the picture later.

OWNING A REPTILE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO CONSIDER

BEFORE BRINGING YOUR NEW PET HOME

If you’re thinking of owning a reptile as a pet, Emily Roberts says she highly recommends researching the species before bringing it home.

“Each reptile’s care requirements are different, as you are essentially trying to replicate their natural habitat and diet in captivity,” she says. “Some reptiles are more desert-dwelling, whereas others are more tropical.”

To set up their habitat correctly, Roberts says expect to pay $300–$900, depending on the species. A proper aquatic turtle habitat will likely be even more expensive due to their space and water requirements, which is why Roberts and other Snake Discovery staff don’t recommend turtles be kept as pets.

Additionally, some reptiles are nocturnal, and others are diurnal. “This may not seem like a big deal, but it affects the activity levels of the animal throughout the day,” Roberts says.

For example, both leopard geckos and bearded dragons make excellent starter lizards, however, leopard geckos are nocturnal and therefore aren’t often visible during the day. Bearded dragons are diurnal, so they can be viewed and handled throughout the day when they’re naturally awake and active.

Potential reptile owners should also consider whether they’re able to provide the correct diet for the reptile. Roberts says some reptiles, like crested geckos, eat a simple powdered diet mixed with water. Others, like bearded dragons, need a variety of live insects and mixed green salads for a healthy diet.

“Surprisingly, snakes, in my opinion, are the easiest reptiles to care for because most only need feeding once a week,” she says. “However, their meal consists of an appropriately sized rodent. Don’t worry; you get used to a snake’s diet faster than you think. Before you know it, you’ll be casually storing frozen rodents in the freezer next to the leftover lasagna.”

Left: Emily Roberts, owner of Snake Discovery, holding a ball python aptly named Banana Bread.

Right: This lizard, a blue-tongued skink, is named Oprah Skinkfrey.

SNAKE DISCOVERY AT NIGHT

During October, Snake Discovery offers extra night hikes where the zoo reopens at 9 p.m. During the pre-registered event, participants enter the pitch-black zoo equipped only with a red flashlight and a UV flashlight. Different animals come out at night, and some species glow under UV lights to create an entirely different experience.

Keep an eye on snakediscovery.com for dates and registration information.

“I started teaching myself about the care of all exotic pets, so I could provide proper information for customers,” Roberts says. “That’s what introduced me to reptiles.”

After college, Roberts got a seasonal job with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as a naturalist, where she created different programs, teaching people about geology, birds, trees and “just about anything,” she says.

Eventually, Roberts blended her love of animals and teaching into a traveling reptile show called Snake Discovery.

Laughing at her own use of words, Roberts says the show wasn’t like a magic show, but

rather a hands-on educational presentation. Roberts quickly found success with customers wanting her to bring the experience to libraries and nature centers. “I was doing about 300 reptile programs a year,” Roberts says. “It got me thinking I could teach more people about reptiles in video format.”

Roberts launched her YouTube channel in 2017 and has been making videos ever since. At the time of writing, the channel now has 3.17 million subscribers. In 2019, the income from the channel allowed Roberts to open Snake Discovery in Maplewood, that is now home to Snake

“EXCITEMENT IS CONTAGIOUS WHEN IT COMES TO SNAKES.

THE MORE YOU TEACH SOMEONE, THE LESS SCARY THE ANIMAL IS ... AND THAT’S WHY I LOVE WHAT I DO.”

Emily Roberts, Snake Discovery owner

Tegus, like this one named Haui, is a type of lizard native to Central and South America.

Emily Roberts with Banana Bread, a ball python—a great type of snake for a firsttime snake owner.

CHECK IT ONCE, THEN CHECK IT TWICE

Thinking of getting your first reptile?

Emily Roberts says a ball python or corn snake are great starter snakes. Here’s a checklist of everything you’ll need before bringing your snake home:

• A habitat large enough for the snake to fully outstretch

• Proper substrate: Semi-tropical substrate like cypress mulch for ball pythons and aspen fibers for corn snakes

• At least two caves for hiding

• A water dish big enough for soaking

• Various branches, plants and other enrichment for climbing

• A basking bulb to provide a heated area of 90 degrees on the warm side

• A thermometer to monitor temperatures inside the enclosure

• Feeding tongs and frozen rodents

S NAKE DISCOVERY FUN FACTS

• Many of the reptiles at Snake Discovery are rescues.

• There are two free-roaming tortoises in the zoo.

• Garter snakes often have babies in the zoo.

• Snake eggs are kept in an incubator for guests to see them hatch.

• Snake Discovery’s alligator, Rex, loves playing with her toys.

• There are two rattlesnakes in the zoo.

• Frog Island consists of frogs from around the world, including bird poop frogs that really do look like bird poop.

• Snake Discovery’s reticulated pythons eat an 8–10-pound rabbit once every eight weeks.

• The largest snake at the zoo is an 18-foot, 130-pound python named Baby Spice.

• The smallest snake at the zoo is a 6-inch DeKay's brown snake native to Minnesota.

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Snake Discovery, 831 Century Ave. N., Maplewood; 612.642.2960; snakediscovery.com Snake Discovery: Reptile Store & Zoo @snake.discovery @SnakeDiscovery Snake Discovery

Emily Roberts holding Sheeka, a Burmese python—one of the largest species of snakes.

Discovery, a 10,000-square-foot zoo and retail space that employs 20 people.

“It’s been a dream come true,” Roberts says. Her husband, Ed, quit his full-time job in 2020 to work at Snake Discovery. “We can drive to and from work together every day. Ed is the information technology guy at Snake Discovery but also a jack of all trades and can fix anything. I’m in front of the camera, and he’s behind it. We make a great team.”

Roberts says one of the most rewarding parts of owning Snake Discovery is watching the transition of fear to fascination by kids during an educational program.

“When you first take out that snake, they scoot way back, but by the end of the 45-minute program, they can’t get close enough to these really cool creatures,” Roberts says. “Excitement is contagious when it comes to snakes. The more you teach someone, the less scary the animal is ... And that’s why I love what I do. These are incredible creatures, and I love getting to work with them.”

“Angela and her team are fantastic. Quick responders, good educators, and an overall joy to work with. Angela helped us ﬁnd the perfect house for us and helped us sell our home quickly. Highly recommend.

Update as of 8/21/24: Angela has helped us with three home purchases over the last 12 years and we couldn’t be happier with her service or her guidance. Would still highly recommend.”

-Ben and Courtney

A hognose snake named Violet.

TASTEMAKERS

Mission Inspiration

Brian Ingram

Chef Brian Ingram whips up meals like you’ve never seen before at Hope Breakfast Bar.

Written by Hailey Almsted

—

Photos by Chris Emeott

New York City. Las Vegas. San Francisco. Chicago. These are just a few of the lively cities containing kitchens that Brian Ingram has worked in. From Michelin-starred restaurants and MGM Resorts to international cuisine in Singapore and Paris and local cuisine right here in the Twin Cities, Ingram has had his fair share of plates around the world.

How Ingram landed in Minnesota out of all places, however, is the question at hand. “When I met my wife, Sarah … We really fell in love right away. She is this third-generation, sweet Norweigan with a huge family,” Ingram says. “I found that, at her family functions with 60 to 70 people, they would literally laugh and act things out. It became so contagious and cool.”

Ingram, who originally hails from a small town in Alaska, began to fly back and forth between Las Vegas, where he was working at MGM Resorts, and the Twin Cities, where Sarah lived; however, the two ended up making the full-time move to Nevada in 2017. But Ingram says, “I wanted to move back. I never thought in a million years I would fall in love with [Minnesota].”

The couple made the full-time move back to their quaint St. Paul neighborhood in 2018. Ingram quickly delved into the Twin Cities food scene and became friends with some of the most notable chefs in the area, such as David Fhima, Gavin Kaysen and Justin Sutherland. Between 2013 and 2019,

he worked to open several concepts across the Twin Cities, including New Bohemia, Seventh Street Truck Park and The Freight House. “Everyone lifts everyone up and is rooting for each other,” Ingram says. “It’s a bizarre thing for me to see that chefs care about each other and want to work together.”

It was 2019 when Ingram discovered the first location of Hope Breakfast Bar at St. Paul’s historic Hope Engine Co. #3, the oldest firehouse in Minnesota’s capital city. “It was slated for demo, [and] we saw the story of people chaining themselves to the building to stop the developer,” Ingram says. “We looked at it, [and] we loved it … It was the third firehouse in Minnesota built by volunteers and one of the first racially-integrated firehouses. It had so many amazing stories, and we fell in love with it.”

Although Ingram says they started with a “shoestring budget,” he and his team worked endlessly to restore the building. One day, out of the blue, Ingram recalls a phone call he received from a gentleman who wanted to sell them restaurant furniture. “We didn’t have two nickels to rub together,” he says. Regardless, the man showed Ingram around a woodworking business, featuring beautiful furniture— which Ingram loved, but it was out of his budget. “He gave it all to us. Every single piece of furniture, and had it delivered the next day … We wouldn’t exist without the people that stood with us in the beginning,” Ingram says. And that’s what Hope Breakfast

Sarah Ingram creates the Unicorn Mimosa—which is prosecco poured atop cotton candy.

Purpose Restaurants

Hope Breakfast Bar is a part of the Ingrams’ larger business, Purpose Restaurants, which is also co-owned by their partner, Jeff Bornmann. Feeling burnt out by the corporate world, the Ingrams worked to start Purpose Restaurants to create an environment where all types of people can flourish. “So many people in hospitality are battling things like mental health, addiction, substance abuse. We do things differently here,” Brian Ingram says. Much of their staff are going through personal journeys, and Ingram says his mission is to support them in every situation. “[We work to

create a] safe and inclusive work environment,” Ingram adds. “We want to make sure we have a place they can thrive and be healthy.”

Visit Purpose Restaurants’ other concepts by visiting the locations below:

• The Apostle Supper Club, 253 Kellogg Blvd., sits in downtown St. Paul, near Xcel Energy Center, and serves up gourmet supper club service, pregame bites and more inside the 1960s Palm Springs-inspired spot. Diners will also find The False Eyedoll bar located inside the supper club. apostlesupperclub.com

• The Gnome Craft Pub, 498 Selby Ave., is a modern gastro pub featuring over 60 beers on tap, unique dishes and a oneof-a-kind location in St. Paul’s Cathedral Hill neighborhood. thegnomepub.com

• Hope Breakfast Bar has several locations around the Twin Cities. Visit its Eagan, Edina, St. Louis Park-West End and St. Paul locations for exclusive, locationspecific offerings. It also has a smaller location, Hope Express, at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, where patrons can buy a meal for families in need, alongside other offerings. hopebreakfastbar.com

Breakfast Tostada

Brian and Sarah Ingram

Bar is all about: Giving hope back to the community. With locations across the Metro, including its newest spot in Woodbury, which opened in July, Ingram says he’s working toward starting each day with optimism and bringing people together to make the community a better place.

Open for breakfast and lunch, Hope Breakfast Bar offers one-of-a-kind savory and sweet plates, starters and sides, and essential sips. Ingram notes its Carrot Cake Pancakes are a huge hit, as well as the Red Velvet Waffles, Pimento Cheese Scramble, Breakfast Tostada and the Hot Chicken and Stuffing Waffle. “So many people thought, ‘You’re a breakfast place, and you don’t have omelets or eggs Benedict?’ But there are a million restaurants you can get those, so we do something different,” Ingram says.

In the evening, Hope Breakfast Bar is open to the community for events— free of charge. Ingram recalls recently opening its Eagan location to a group of first responders and veterans with PTSD for a painting night. “It’s who we are. For us, we want to be there for the long term, and sharing a meal is such a cool thing to do,” Ingram says. He hopes to discover how to serve Woodbury in a purposeful way—in a way to inspire hope, you might say.

“Take a little step, and once you do it, it changes how you interact with the world,” Ingram says. “Once you see what action can do, and once you see other people, it’s contagious when you see that over and over, and see people show up. It’s pretty powerful.”

Hope Breakfast Bar, 1390 Donegal Drive Suite 100; hopebreakfast.com

Hope Breakfast Bar @hopebreakfastbar

NOW PRESENTING

Charlotte’s Web makes its debut this fall.

The Merrill Arts Center welcomes you to its fall MAC Education production, Charlotte’s Web, October 26 through November 3.

“We are excited to be up and running again after the shutdowns and excited to welcome more children on stage and behind the scenes in this classic tale led by a beloved Twin Cities director,” says executive director Barbe Marshall Hansen.

The stage play, adapted by Joseph Robinette, includes beloved characters such as Wilbur, an irresistible piglet who is avoiding the butcher; Fern, a girl who can understand animals; Templeton, a rat who can be talked into doing something good; the Zuckerman and the Arable families; and Charlotte, a spider who is a “true friend and a good writer.”

Featuring lively costumes and colorful sets, Charlotte’s Web is by kids, for kids and directed by freelance director Dayna Railton. —Hailey Almsted

For ticket information and showtimes, visit merrillartscenter.org.

Compiled by Tia Benson and Findlay Drabant

LOCAL EVENTS

Live Music at 3rd Act Brewery Fridays in October

Join the locals every Friday for live music, featuring local guitarists and singers. All ages. Free. 5:30–8:30 p.m. 3rd Act Brewery, 4120 Radio Drive; 651.998.2337; 3rdactbrew.com

Rightsize Your Home 10/11

Professional organizer Aimee Olson shares how to look toward the future, rethink the space in your home and how to function moving forward after a life transition. Ages 18 and older. Registration required. 2–3:30 p.m. R.H. Stafford Library, 8595 Central Park Place; 651.731.1320; washcolib.org

Halloween Hoopla 10/12

Enjoy an afternoon of family fun, where kids are invited to search for pumpkins to decorate, trick-or-treat, make crafts and play games—don’t forget your costume! Ages 3–12. $15. 3–5 p.m. Ojibway Park; 651.714.3500; woodburymn.gov

Business After Hours 10/15

Join in for an informal social networking in an open-house setting with munchies and cold beverages, available to purchase. All ages. Free for members. 4–6 p.m. Southern Social, 1424 Weir Drive; 651.578.0722; woodburychamber.org

Woodbury Fall Bonanza 10/26–10/27

Over 150 vendors will sell hand-crafted items, clothing, jewelry, home decor, wood crafts, candles, children’s items, flea market items, paintings, food and more. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Sunday. HealthEast Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive; woodburymn.gov

Let Alloy Acupuncture help you to take charge of your health! Our licensed acupuncturist provides a variety of therapies to help reverse and prevent pain and disease, naturally.

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WINE TASTING

Swirl Wine Bar hosts free wine tasting every Friday. If looking to dine, reservations are recommended. Ages 21 and older. Free. 6–8 p.m. 3291 St. Croix Trail S., Afton; 651.436.2010; swirlmywine.com

FRIDAYS IN OCTOBER

AREA EVENTS

Guided tour of Cedar Lake 10/02, 10/04, 10/09, 10/11, 10/16

Explore the most hidden of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes with this guided tour through trails and secret pathways. Ages 13 and older. $65. 8 a.m. Cedar Lake South Beach, 3500 Cedar Lake Parkway, Mpls.; 612.440.8303; hiddencedar.com

Twin Cities Film Fest 10/17–10/26

Witness magic on the silver screen at the 11th annual Twin Cities Film Festival, where there will be over 70 screenings, red carpet interviews and photos, filmmaker Q&A’s and more. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. Marcus West End Cinema, 1625 West End Blvd., St. Louis Park; 612.615.8233; twincitiesfilmfest.org

Star Party 10/25

Enjoy an evening of wonder at the Bell Museum gazing at the evening sky through high-powered telescopes. Attend free planetarium shows on a first-come-first-served basis.

All ages. Free. 7:30–9 p.m. Bell Museum, 2088 Larpenteur Ave. W., St. Paul; 612.626.9660; bellmuseum.umn.edu

Halloween Spooktacular 5K 10/26

Nine Mile Brewing hosts a Halloween weekend run—for beer! All participants ages 21 and older will receive a finish line craft brew, a collector’s pint glass or swag item from the Brewery Running Series, a chance to win prizes and more. All ages. $35–$50. 11 a.m. Nine Mile Brewing, 9555 James Ave. S., Bloomington; 952.681.7493; breweryrunningseries.com

To have your event considered: email woodburymag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

East Metro Miracle League 2024

For the 12th year in a row, the East Metro Miracle League welcomed youth with cognitive and/or physical challenges to a safe and lively baseball program on its opening night, May 29. The Woodbury Rotary Miracle Field plays at the Jeff Hanson Memorial Ballpark, and sees athletes, parents/guardians, grandparents, supporters and organizations enjoying games three nights a week during the summer months. The Woodbury Rotary Club is currently raising funds to build a shelter over the field. Learn more at woodburymnrotary.org.

To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos, contact information and a brief description of the event to woodburymag@localmedia.co.

Photos: Margaret Wachholz

Roaring for Halloween

A local mom shows off her son’s love for trick-or-treating.

“I was trying to get a photo of my son before we went trickor-treating,” says hobby photographer Sarah Butters. “He was running all over the yard with his cheesy smile … He has such a contagious smile, and it brings so much joy to everyone around.”

—Tia Benson

To view other Focus on Woodbury photo contest winners, visit woodburymag.com.

Photographer: Sarah Butters

Title: Halloween

Equipment: iPhone XR

Location: Woodbury Home

Category: People

Award: Third Place

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