Three East Ridge High School alumnae guide older adults through the digital landscape with patience and compassion
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This month celebrates the heart of what truly matters: family. “Life is beautiful. It’s about giving. It’s about family.” —Walt Disney
Summer Safety
Keep Fido cool in the water and during high heat and humidity. 16
Let There Be Light
beem Light Sauna offers infrared sauna and red-light therapy all in private suites in a spa-like setting.
18
Healing Through Connection
A book penned by local authors strives to provide support to family and friends.
20
Young at Heart, Active for Life
The Woodbury YMCA’s ForeverWell programming helps older adults stay healthy and connected. FEATURES 22
Clicks and Connections
Three East Ridge High School alumnae guide older adults through the digital landscape with patience and compassion. 26 A Dancer’s Debut
Area students prepare for the performance of a lifetime.
Cody Kaye pursues growth, innovation and joy.
by: Chris Emeott
As we dive into this issue, focused on family, pets and senior living, I’m reminded of how important it is to make time for those who matter most. It resonates with me, and I’m excited for the opportunity to spend more time with my own family in the coming months as my husband and I move closer to our hometown.
I’m looking toward the small but mighty moments— impromptu visits, quick catch-ups, dog walks—and being able to share more time without the rush. Whether it’s enjoying simple moments together or making new memories, there is always something special about being closer to the people you care about.
In these pages, we’ve gathered stories that celebrate those connections and the ways that family shapes our lives. In Healing Through Connection, meet a mother-and-daughter duo who penned a book about loving and caring for those with a mental illness (page 18). Next, three East Ridge High School alumnae assist their grandparents and older adults in the area through the digital landscape in our first feature story, Clicks and Connections (page 22). Turn the page to A Dancer’s Debut to learn about the generational Bharatanatyam performance with Suchitra Sairam, instructor and owner of Kala Vanadam Dance Company (page 26).
This month, I hope you find inspiration to cherish your own relationships, near or far, and to make the most of the time you have together. Here’s to more moments with the ones who make life brighter.
hailey@localmedia.co
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Healthier. Here, There, and Everywhere.
VOL. 20 NO. 11 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 and Sherri Hildebrandt
STAFF WRITERS
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 INTERN
Taylor Hamilton
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Ellie Heyerdahl and Emma Souza
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Shawn Hogendorf, South Washington County Schools ; Michele Magistad, Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce ; Sue McKeown, South Washington County Schools Community Education, SoWashCo CARES ; and Shelly Schafer, City of Woodbury
SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR
Sarah Dovolos
ART DIRECTOR
Allison Nolden
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR
Jamie Klang
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Yaz Lo
LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Emeott
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Brittni Dye
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Lisa Stone
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Mimi Coz
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Laura Bjorgo, Cynthia Hamre and Sara Johnson
PRESIDENT Pete Burgeson
Cycling Without Age is a movement started in 2012 by Ole Kassow. Ole wanted to help the elders get back on their bicycles, but he had to find a solution to their limited mobility. The answer was a trishaw and he started offering free bike rides to the local nursing home residents. He then got in touch with a civil society consultant from the City of Copenhagen, Dorthe Pedersen, who was intrigued by the idea and together they bought five trishaws and launched Cycling Without Age, which has now spread to all corners of Denmark, and since 2015 to another 50 countries around the world.
Volunteers (pilots) sign up for bike rides with the elderly as often or as rarely as they want to. It’s all driven by people’s own motivation. At present more than 2,200 chapter locations around the world offer Cycling Without Age from well over 3,000 trishaws – and the numbers are still growing. More than 33,000 pilots ensure that the elderly get out of their nursing homes, out on the bikes to enjoy the fresh air and the community around them. They give them the right to wind in their hair.
“We dream of creating a world together, in which the access to active citizenship creates happiness among our fellow elderly citizens by providing them with an opportunity to remain an active part of society and the local community. We do that by giving them the right to wind in their hair, the right to experienece the city and nature close up from the bicycle and by giving them an opportunity to tell their story in the environment where they have lived their lives. That way we build bridges between generations and we reinforce trust, respect, and the social glue in our society.”
Can you give up a couple of hours a month?
You can make a real differenece by becoming a trishaw pilot- and you don’t have to be an expert cyclist! We are looking for Volunteer Pilots!
June is the season of connection—gathering with family, enjoying time outdoors and appreciating the simple joys of home. For many, that home includes multiple generations under one roof, four-legged friends at their feet and a space that evolves with their needs.
Designing for senior living doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Thoughtful touches like zero-threshold showers, lever-style door handles and well-placed seating areas make daily life easier while maintaining a beautiful aesthetic. Openconcept layouts with wider pathways enhance mobility, and cozy, layered lighting ensures visibility and warmth.
Pets bring companionship and energy to a home, but they also require design consideration. Washable, durable fabrics, built-in feeding stations and pet-friendly flooring (Hello, scratch-resistant luxury vinyl!) keep spaces looking
fresh while making life easier for both pets and owners. Even a window seat or a sunny nook can become a pet’s favorite spot.
For families juggling multiple generations, flexible spaces are key. Murphy beds in home offices, dual-purpose guest rooms and adaptable storage solutions create a home that works for everyone. After all, the best designs aren’t just about how a space looks—they’re about how it feels, functions, and brings people together.
At the end of the day, home is where love, laughter and tail wags make every moment special.
Amy Leferink is the founder and principal designer for Interior Impressions, and Megan Koren is the marketing director for Interior Impressions. Design more at interiorimpressions.org.
With Father’s Day on June 15, we got to thinking: Mothers aren’t the only ones who deserve a decadent breakfast in bed or a lovely brunch, served at home. While egg bakes have long been a recipe staple, Mediterranean Egg Bake offers an elevated take on a classic and combines sheet pan roasted veggies with buttery layers of dough and custard.
For the complete recipe, visit woodburymag.com.
Katie Tomsche is the content man ager for Lunds & Byerlys. Taste more at lundsandbyerlys.com.
Cindy Shanley was introduced to the Woodbury Community Foundation (WCF) about two years ago. Shanley is in charge of Friends Fest, WCF’s annual fundraiser, and the Community Academy. Her smiling personality and natural ability to bring people to work together have tremendously benefited the WCF.
Community involvement comes naturally to Shanley. Previously, she was the school
board chair for St. Pascal Regional Catholic School in St. Paul. She joined Northwest Airlines (now Delta) in 1973 as a flight attendant, progressing to training flight attendants, and later moving into a management position in human resources for hiring.
Shanley is active in her church, Cathedral of Saint Paul, and is one of three wedding coordinators, advising couples on wedding planning and appropriate attire and is available on
the wedding day to help in any way. The community is like a wheel with many spokes. It’s fascinating how all things come together. To achieve desirable outcomes, Shanley says, “Communicate! If you have a problem, talk together, and work things out. That is the key!”
Manali Shah is a board member of the WCF and has been volunteering in Woodbury and Washington County for over 20 years. Find more at woodburycommunity.org.
From the author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Malibu Rising and Daisy Jones & The Six comes a new historical fiction novel: Atmosphere
Joan Goodwin, a physics and astronomy professor, has always had a soft spot for the stars. When a position to join NASA’s Space Shuttle program opens up, Goodwin applies and is selected in the summer of 1980. She begins training alongside other new astronauts, who become unlikely friends preparing for their first flight. Four years later in December 1984, one mission changes everything in an instant. I sing praises for the writing of Taylor Jenkins Reid, and I have no doubt that Atmosphere will live up to expectations when it’s released June 3.
—Hailey Almsted
Learning to read can feel overwhelming, but reading aloud for an audience can feel equally, if not more, daunting. In 2009, Hardwood Creek Library in Forest Lake recognized this struggle and created Dog Gone Reading, a program that provides an audience of certified therapy dogs to children reading aloud. The program has since expanded to R.H. Stafford Library in 2014, and now welcomes anywhere from four to eight Woodbury families weekly to teach children to associate reading with a positive, nonjudgmental
environment, says librarian Liz Gonzalez. Dog Gone Reading’s certified therapy dogs are trained to be calm and great with children, making for engaged listeners and a seamless transition into reading independence. The most popular books are Early Readers, designed for kids just starting to read on their own. The program is intended for children from kindergarten through seventh grade and is free to attend. Interested participants can view the program schedule or register online at washcolib.org. —Emma Souza
Keep Fido cool in the water and during high heat and humidity.
By Hailey Almsted
Summer—endless sunshine and hot weather. Some of us live for a Midwestern summer, but others (like our pets!) can get exhausted during high temperatures or humidity. Over the next few months, keep your four-legged friends safe with
these tips from Jodene Beck, a veterinarian at Hudson Road Animal Hospital.
“Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions that can occur in dogs, especially during hot weather or after intense exercise,” Beck says. “Recognizing the signs early is crucial for prompt intervention.” She notes that signs include collapse; bright red or pale gums; drooling; elevated heart rate; excessive panting; vomiting or diarrhea; unsteady gait; or weakness or lethargy. “If any of these signs are observed, it is essential to move the dog to a cooler environment, provide water and seek veterinary care as soon as possible,” she says.
Providing access to fresh, cool water is key. While on outings, Beck says to bring a portable water bowl to encourage regular drinking. Moreover, keep your pup cool by swapping your midday walk for
morning or evening activity; ensuring a shaded area is available during your activity; using frozen treats; and utilizing cooling products to lower body temperature. “Keeping dogs cool during summer activities is essential for their health and comfort,” Beck says. She adds that paw wax, cooling paw pads, and protective sprays and balms are good choices. “Each option has its pros and cons, depending on your dog’s tolerance and activity level. Booties provide the best protection while waxes and sprays are easier for dogs who dislike wearing shoes,” she says.
If your dog loves a day on the lake, make sure to check the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (dnr. mn.state.us) and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (pca.mn.state.us) for updates on algae. “Toxic algae blooms, often found in freshwater bodies like
Surfaces such as sidewalks, sand and artificial turf are prone to high temperatures. Jodene Beck shares several precautionary measures to assess whether these surfaces are too hot for a dog’s paws.
• Hand Test: Place your bare hand on the surface for about 7 seconds. If it is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
• Foot Test: Walk barefoot on the surface for a short distance. This can help determine if it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
• Time of Day: Surfaces are hottest midday, so plan walks during cooler hours such as early morning or late evening.
• Shade and Wind: Check if the area has shade or is exposed to wind. Shaded areas may be cooler, while direct sunlight increases surface temperatures.
• Use a Thermometer: Use a surface thermometer to check the temperature of the ground. A pavement temperature of 85 F may be too hot.
• Observe Your Dog: Pay attention to your dog’s behavior. If they hesitate to walk, lick or lift their paws frequently or show signs of discomfort, it’s too hot for them.
lakes and ponds, can pose serious health risks to dogs,” Beck says. Symptoms of toxic algae poisoning include: gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting; neurological problems, including confusion, difficulty breathing, lethargy, tremors and weakness; skin reactions such as irritation or rashes; excessive salivation; and jaundice, yellowing of the eyes or gums. If you suspect exposure, remove them from the contaminated water, rinse your dog with clean, fresh water and seek veterinary care if they show signs of illness. Owners should also take action for themselves, to ensure they’re not in contact with the algae.
Hudson Road Animal Hospital, 8154 Hudson Road; 651.739.0117; hrahvet.com
beem Light Sauna offers infrared sauna and red-light therapy all in private suites in a spa-like setting.
By Emily Gedde
Although saunas are often associated with winter, don’t miss out on beem Light Sauna just because it’s summertime. There are countless health benefits waiting for you inside.
The Woodbury business opened in December and is already creating a buzz in the area. Owners Haley and Joshua Mitchell are passionate about the health benefits the business provides and have enjoyed sharing them with the community.
“We want to educate the community on what our sauna studio offers and how it can improve their health and overall well-being,” Haley says.
The couple have lived in Woodbury for about three years and were looking to lay some roots in the area.
“Josh and I met in high school in
Gainesville, Florida, when I was 14 and he was 15, and we’ve been inseparable ever since,” Haley says. “We’ve lived in Charlotte, North Carolina; Boise, Idaho; and now in Woodbury, where we hope to settle.”
Part of settling included the desire to open a business. Josh began researching existing businesses and what opportunities were available in Woodbury, and Haley says it was important they did something they were passionate about. The pair came across the beem Light Sauna franchise, which uses light therapy to take saunas past a simple sweat to a complete cellular revitalization.
“We were sold,” Haley says. “We are very health conscious, and this was exactly what we were looking for.”
Unlike a traditional sauna, which is a
small room or building designed for dry or wet heat sessions, beem Light Sauna offers infrared light therapy; red, blue and green light therapy; and chromotherapy private suites with a spa-like setting.
Light therapy works by clients lying down for a 15-minute session under a panel that hovers over the entire body to offer numerous benefits to skin.
Haley says a common myth is that red light therapy is only cosmetic, especially because it’s often associated with facials. However, it also helps with inflammation and pain.
The chromotherapy component allows users to change the color within the sauna. Haley says different wavelengths of color can have an impact on mood. Red can promote energy, and dark blue is associated with calmness.
Haley Mitchell outlines the six core benefits of an infrared sauna, all of which include chromotherapy:
1. Detoxification: beem’s clients are in the infrared sauna for 40 minutes. It takes about 20 minutes for your body to start sweating, during which your heart rate increases, and your core temperature rises. In the last 20 minutes, you’ll experience a good sweat, which helps with detoxification.
2. Ignite Metabolism: While using the sauna, you’ll burn up to 600 calories. Again, that can be attributed to your heart rate and core temperature increasing.
3. Stress Reduction: Being in the sauna and having some time alone helps reduce stress levels. Haley adds that goes hand in hand with your overall mood too.
4. Pain Relief: The pain relief component is Haley’s favorite part of infrared saunas. It offers recovery after a workout or relief of chronic pain. “We’ve heard some incredible stories from customers who have noticed pain relief and are more mobile after one session,” she says.
5. Immune Boost: Through improved blood circulation and cellular oxygenation, toxins are flushed out of your body to help boost your immune system.
6. Healthy Skin: As sweat clears your pores, toxins exit your body, leaving your skin with a glowing appearance. The infrared rays penetrate deep into in the skin to help heal and repair it.
beem Light Sauna Woodbury, 7030 Valley Creek Plaza Suite 102; beemlightsauna.com Beem Light Sauna Woodbury @beem.woodbury.mn
A book penned by local authors strives to provide support to family and friends.
By Meredith Heneghan
Mother-daughter duo DeAnne and Michelle Sherman have teamed up to write their third book, Loving Someone With a Mental Illness or History of Trauma: Skills, Hope, and Strength for Your Journey. The duo lends their personal and professional experiences to the topic with the goal of supporting family/ friends of adults experiencing mental illness or trauma, who are often overlooked in these tricky family situations. “Our mission is that we see, hear, support and offer resources to families,” Michelle says.
Michelle is a psychologist who has dedicated her career to supporting families and developed a deep understanding of the challenges related to providing care for a loved one who is experiencing mental illness or trauma. “There continues to be stigma and shame, so we really wrote it with families in mind,” Michelle says. “Families in this situation have been ignored and neglected for far too long ... We tried to put everything I’ve learned into an engaging and interactive setting.”
“We want to say that it’s important to care for your loved one, but that we want to focus on you and make sure that you’re looking at all those emotions you’re feeling, too,” DeAnne says.
DeAnne is a longtime Woodbury resident who has been a choreographer at Woodbury Community Theater for over 40 years. She was also a French teacher and owned the first dance studio in
Woodbury. She brings her background in education and interpersonal skills to the book-writing process. “She helps me put things in language that people can understand and connect with,” Michelle says.
“My most important goal is if we could just move the caregiver just a couple inches to a different perspective: That it’s essential that you take care of yourself,” DeAnne says. This might look like keeping one night a week to yourself for book club, going for a walk or run or simply taking a deep breath.
The Shermans are trying to fill a gap in the literature that’s available specifically for family and friends. It’s important to acknowledge the experience of being a spouse, parent or sibling of an adult experiencing mental illness or trauma—this caregiving role is often not explicitly chosen or given but assumed because of love for the family member and loyal obligation to provide the required support. “We know that there’s a public health epidemic of loneliness, and caregivers feel alone due to stigma, time and being isolated. If your adult child is diagnosed with leukemia, your support system brings cookies, flowers and casseroles. But what if your adult child has a manic episode and needs to be hospitalized or attempts suicide? Your community usually doesn’t say anything or distances from you,” Michelle says.
The book includes stories and quotes from family and friends. It’s not meant to be read front-to-back but used as a resource with information presented both in writing and visually. “... We took the research, what we learned from families, what some of the skills are that they really need and put it into a journal form,” Michelle says. “It’s just not pages upon pages of text. There are exercises and activities, and stories from people with experiences.”
The Shermans’ books are available on Amazon or wherever books are sold.
seedsofhopebooks.com
The Woodbury YMCA’s ForeverWell programming helps older adults stay healthy and connected.
By Jennifer Pitterle
For many seniors, staying physically active and socially engaged can be a challenge, but the Woodbury YMCA’s ForeverWell programming is designed to change that. Aimed at adults ages 55 and older, ForeverWell offers a wide range of classes, programs and social events that help older adults stay connected, healthy and thriving.
Tara Monack, executive director of the Woodbury YMCA, says the focus of most ForeverWell programs is the spirit-mind-body connection. “As we age, our bodies tend to not work as well as they did when we were younger,” Monack says. “It’s important to keep our strength, keep moving and keep our
minds healthy—continuing to interact with different activities that help the body and brain.”
In addition to the mainstream YMCA fitness classes that are available to all members, ForeverWell participants have access to senior-focused classes, educational talks, a grief support group, a book club, board and card game groups and plenty of social events—like the 60 and Solo meetup group and opportunities to connect with the youngest members of the Woodbury community at preschooler-and-ForeverWell gatherings. There are educational sessions on dementia; classes about coping with Parkinson’s disease; senior-specific CPR trainings;
fitness classes from yoga to line dancing; pickleball; and plenty of pool-based offerings, like water aerobics, WaterBall and salsa splash.
Research shows that social isolation is a growing health concern for seniors, something programs like ForeverWell want to address. “We have so many people who live alone, and as they age, they’ve lost friends. It’s really hard to make friends at an older age too,” Monack says. “They appreciate being able to come here, get involved and they’re leaving the Y and making plans and continuing to get together.”
Monack says most ForeverWell members find the Woodbury YMCA in one of
The ForeverWell programming at Woodbury’s YMCA offers classes and social events for adults ages 55 and older such as board and card game groups, a book club, a grief support group, line dancing and more.
three ways. Some are longtime Y members who start attending ForeverWell classes as they age. Others seek out a Y membership for the first time as they become eligible for insurance reimbursement programs like Silver Sneakers. Many show up at the recommendation of friends or family members.
One of the great things about Woodbury’s ForeverWell offerings is how member feedback informs them, Monack says. “We did a trial of a balance study last year,” she says. “We’d offer a baseline balance assessment, give participants ideas of things they could do at the Y to improve balance and then have them come back 60 days later for a retest.” The trial was so successful the team launched several senior strength and balance classes. “People noticed a huge difference,” Monack says. “They found techniques they could use to increase their balance.”
Similarly, the ForeverWell grief support group was born from a few members’ initiatives. “A couple of members kind of put it together on their own, and it started with two or three people. It’s grown to 15 or 20 people, and they meet every week,” Monack says. “They’re very welcoming of new people coming in and are making a huge difference. We have people come to ForeverWell initially just because they’ve heard about the grief group.”
Monack and her team intend to keep ForeverWell programming evolving along with its membership. “We really want everyone to feel comfortable coming here and feel a sense of belonging,” she says. “We want everyone to feel like family when they come in.”
YMCA memberships for individual adults start at $77. Many insurance plans cover part or all of that cost, and the YMCA offers financial assistance. For information about ForeverWell programming, contact the Woodbury YMCA.
Woodbury YMCA, 2175 Radio Drive; 651.731.9507; ymcanorth.org
Three East Ridge High School alumnae guide older adults through the digital landscape with patience and compassion.
Written
In the ever-evolving world of technology, older adults (those not in a “digital native” generation) can feel left behind. But a group of three recent East Ridge High School (ERHS) graduates are determined to bridge that gap and empower seniors, by teaching them how to use technology to improve their lives and connect with loved ones. Together, Emily Zhou, Mirella Janssen and Eliza Kubicek—2025 ERHS graduates—founded SavvySeniors, an organization designed to provide handson tech education to seniors in local senior living communities and through virtual lessons.
Janssen, Kubicek and Zhou first connected in their 10th grade AP chemistry class, though they’d known each other a little bit before then, and started chatting about their personal experiences with seniors and technology. “My grandparents are all the way in China, so I had to get on regular [virtual] calls with them,” Zhou says.
“And my grandparents live in Hungary,” Janssen says. “It was hard to communicate with them and to be there to assist them with their technology.”
“My grandma actually lived with us for a while,” Kubicek adds. “I helped her with tech when she struggled. We realized that not everyone has people near them to help them—like Emily’s and Mirella’s grandparents. We thought we could help seniors who didn’t have family members to connect them to technology.”
In December 2023, the trio spent hours in coffee shops and libraries, designing their signature technology curriculum for seniors. Their game-based lessons covered topics like two-factor authentication, cybersecurity, texting and even emojis. “We [are making] translatable videos,” Zhou says. “Because many people, like our grandparents, speak different languages.”
They spent the summer developing more programming and called and emailed local senior living communities to see if there was interest in having them host a few educational or “help desk” sessions—and there was. Last fall, SavvySeniors offered sessions at Stonecrest in Woodbury, Norris Square in Cottage Grove and Arbor Glen in Lake Elmo. “The first couple of times we went in, it was hard—we were trying to help build connections,” Kubicek says. “We played bingo with the residents a few times. And now that we’ve gone a bunch of times, we’ve really built a community. There are people who come down every Saturday morning to talk to us—even if they don’t have any technology questions.”
Robert Wiese, a Stonecrest resident, has been an ambassador for the SavvySeniors team. He keeps a schedule of its visits and reminds neighbors to come with their questions. “I could give you a long list of people who rave about their demeanor as they help them,” Wiese says. “One comment is, ‘We never feel like they are talking down to us.’”
Sydney Larson, the life enrichment director at Stonecrest, echoes that sentiment. “It is wonderful to see the dedication of these students in giving their time to help the residents of Stonecrest expand their knowledge of technology. On weekends, these students voluntarily contribute their time to empower the community with essential skills. We are extremely grateful for their care and knowledge,” Larson says.
Each of the SavvySeniors founders brings her own skills and strengths to the organization. Zhou is the technology maven, and she has a deep knowledge of programming. She built the team’s website and is passionate about designing educational materials. Janssen is an expert
communicator and enjoys speaking with each resident. And Kubicek, who hopes to pursue engineering, loves to understand how things work—and how to help others understand, too. Going forward, although SavvySeniors isn’t officially affiliated with ERHS, the team hopes to keep local senior tech education going even as they move on to college. “Our goal is to get more students to come in and to provide more technology education, using our presentations and techniques now that we’ve graduated,” Kubicek says.
One thing they agree on is how enjoyable it is to meet with their clients—now friends—and make conversation while they teach about tech. “We really go with the flow,” Janssen says. “People typically have very specific questions for us. So some days we help people fix their printers. Other days we’re helping people with Candy Crush. It’s really random little things, but we really enjoy doing all of it.” They’ve helped people connect their hearing aids to their smartphones, create emergency contacts, set up iPhone basics and more. Zhou even loves to get into deeper, more philosophical discussions with her seniors—like when they want to talk about the rise of artificial intelligence.
“I think our main goal is to try to help them not just understand how to use specific buttons to get this specific thing to happen but to really understand how their phone works,” Kubicek says. “So even when we’re not there, they can use the principles we’ve taught them to figure
Top: Mirella Janssen works with a resident at Stonecrest.
it out themselves. We want them to get to a point where it’s intuitive.”
The SavvySeniors group notices a trend in technology that’s further alienating older users: a dearth of traditional manuals. “They feel like there’s nothing they can reference when they have questions,” Zhou says. “They’re afraid to get on the internet and tap around because they’re afraid of some cybersecurity risks. So we want to help them be cautious online but also give them the right tools.”
In addition to the regular sessions at Stonecrest, Norris Square and Arbor Glen, the SavvySeniors team has hosted a booth at Woodbury Days to raise awareness of the program and wants to continue finding new avenues for outreach. Zhou dreams of building out its website with even more virtual lessons, downloadable brochures and other resources that seniors can access from anywhere in the world.
That, of course, is the grand promise of technology: to connect people from all over the globe to their friends and loved ones. “One of the first times we went to Arbor Glen, I met with a woman who had a flip phone,” Kubicek says. “She couldn’t get it to take calls or make calls, so she had no communication with the outside world. We were troubleshooting and problem solving, and, eventually, I figured out how to reset her phone. By the end of us working together, she was able to get those connections with her family and her far-away friends again.”
“I’m just very proud of us and what we’ve been able to do,” Zhou says.
Wiese sees hope for the future in SavvySeniors. “I could not think of three more competent ladies to help us,” he says. “They are a tribute to our young people today. We are in good hands in the future if these ladies are in it.”
To learn more about SavvySeniors and find its technology education resources, visit emzhou16.github.io.
We all have roots—the foundational pieces of who we are, built from life experiences, personal values, beliefs and traditions. These roots, in part, define us as people and often guide our decisions.
Suchitra Sairam, founder of Kala Vandanam Dance Company in St. Paul, honors her cultural roots through the art of dance. As the sole teacher at the studio, Sairam educates her students on Bharatanatyam—one of the most recognized and practiced Indian dance styles. Culturally, this style of dance has a deep connection to Indian history, religion and music. And although Bharatanatyam pays homage to India’s past, Sairam knows that
many women before her were not offered this same opportunity to dance. At the pinnacle of her career, she’s truly created a place for young women to honor their past and embrace their future.
As a young girl, Sairam disliked Indian dance class, quitting after a few short months to explore her other interests, such as tap dance and soccer. It was fate when her family moved to San Antonio, Texas, and many other girls her age were enrolled in Bharatanatyam classes, convincing her to return to the studio. Sairam quickly picked it back up and rigorously trained for her Arangetram—a two to three-hour-long solo debut performance,
one that marks a qualified Bharatanatyam dancer. “I was very serious about it,” Sairam says. “If I take something on, I’m going to do it to the best of my ability and work hard.” Now an experienced teacher of over 60 students in her own dance studio, Sairam’s hard work has paid off.
Sruthika Ramu, a junior at East Ridge High School, spends hours each week at Kala Vandanam, working toward her very own Arangetram. Last March, Ramu performed her Salangai Pooja—the hour-long performance that precedes the Arangetram in difficulty and maturity. “When a student is able to sustain good technique and expression for multiple
Photo: Chris Emeott
Written by Rachel Schuehle
pieces, the teacher may determine they can begin preparing for their Salangai Pooja or introductory solo concert where they wear ankle bells for public performance for the first time,” Sairam says. “After that milestone, gaining more proficiency and experience, the teacher may determine the student has the capability, capacity and desire to present their Arangetram or formal solo professional debut. After the Arangetram, students continue to train in advanced repertoire, begin to explore choreography and further their performing pursuits if desired.”
Ten years into her time with Kala Vandanam, Sruthika continues to focus
on dance because of its connectivity to her religion and culture. “I practice Hinduism, so learning this form of art is a different way to experience religion,” Sruthika says. “I’ve learned a lot of new stories about Hinduism that I hadn’t learned on my own, so it teaches me about Indian history and culture.” Sruthika feels in tune with her roots when dancing. “This art form originated there,” Sruthika says. “I feel free when I dance, and it connects me back to my culture.”
When students first come to Kala Vandanam, Sairam focuses on the subtleties that the style of Bharatanatyam requires. “When we start training, we
start with body awareness because we use every part of our body when we dance,” Sairam says. “We communicate with our eyes, facial expressions, intricate hand gestures and complex movements.” Then students move on to master adavus or basic units of movement, while
Left: Suchitra Sairam’s student, Mahati Rayadurgam, showcases details of hand movements and Bharatanatyam costumes.
Right: Sruthika Ramu performed her Salangai Pooja in March 2024. This solo stage performance is where she was presented with her ankle bells.
Bottom: A moment from Kala Vandanam’s 20th
continuing to work on fundamental techniques. Finally, as dancers progress and are deemed ready to train for their Arangetram, the focus shifts to creating a collective of adavus that challenge the dancer physically and mentally. Sairam says, “A large part of the choreography is finding the balance of highlighting their strengths but also pushing them to elevate their entire artistic ability. Finding the right complexity of pieces, themes and tones are very important.” Creating an original work of art that, once complete, is an hourslong performance, is a lot to demand from a young artist. “It’s a lot of a mental game and working on stamina,” Sruthika says. Training for the Arangetram typically lasts 12 to 15 months.
Another aspect that Ramu appreciates about Kala Vandanam is the high expectations—not that every practice is perfect or the speed at which skills are developed, but rather, the focus and attention students put toward their craft. Even the apparel worn during class is intentional, as Sairam asks her students to dress in traditional Indian attire for rehearsals, including a kurta and dupatta for women. Hair should be tied back in respect of the dance and to avoid distractions. “How we dress and appear in class and on stage influences our mindset,” Sairam says. Stage attire, on the other hand, takes months of planning and sourcing. Sairam hand picks her students’ saree—the six feet of fabric, often made of silk and some sourced directly from India—that will elegantly envelop the dancer during the Arangetram performance. “There’s a connection between the dancer and the costume,” Sairam says. “It’s a representation of your journey of investing in your art, yourself and your culture.”
Although focused on individual dancers’ skills and performances, Kala Vandanam has created a community of support for students of all ages and experience levels. “You’re not pursuing your excellence at the cost of someone else, because we are all supporting each other,” Sairam says. “We come together to create things as an ensemble that you can’t do as an individual.” The collective passion and dedication of this group of dancers is what sets them apart and what brings them back to the studio week over week. “The biggest joy for me has been this group of students I’ve had for many many years. These are long-term relationships,” Sairam says. “It’s not unusual to be with me for eight to 15 years. I see them grow up and am part of that process. I’m grateful.”
kalavandanam.com
Kala Vandanam - St. Paul @kalavandanam
Kala Vandanam @kalavandanam
Written by Rachel Schuehle
We’ve all heard that the best things in life take time. From an aged barrel whiskey to ripe cheddar cheese, patience and perseverance are the keys to success—and Cody Kaye is a seasoned expert.
After an all-terrain vehicle crash at the age of 17 left the Afton resident nearly paralyzed, Kaye took a close look at his life, thankful for the chance to reassess and focus on what truly matters. For him, that meant returning to his roots and pursuing a meaningful project. The result: Yellow House Vineyard is a business all of his own, situated on the same land as the colorful home where he grew up.
After recovering from the 2012 accident, Kaye gathered a group of close friends and returned to his family’s land to plant a vineyard. “I had no idea what I
was doing at the time,” Kaye says. “Before that, I was in charge of clearing the field of trees, prairie grass and buckthorn. I learned about proper upkeep of prairies, and it was just fun.”
Once the vineyard was planted, it was time to research, tend and wait for fruit. In the seven years it took for the vines to bear fruit, Kaye devoted himself to learning and building skills. In 2017, he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in applied economics.
“Anything you can experience, and the more time you can spend doing it, the more you will learn,” Kaye says. He also received valuable support from growers at Brickhaven Vineyard in Prior Lake and Larry Headrick of Marquette Vineyards in Afton. “It’s just a really small industry.
It’s kind of like family at the end of the day,” Kaye says.
When Yellow House yielded its first grapes, Kaye was ready. But he didn’t anticipate the sheer amount of grapes that came from the property’s 2,000 vines. “It’s just a massive amount of fruit,” Kaye says.
As fruit production increased, Kaye challenged himself to think outside the box to maximize the product. His inventive mindset led him to create something unique: wine jelly. “I used to make jellies with my mom growing up, and [wine jelly] was one of a bunch of different things I tried to do with the fruit,” Kaye says.
He fine-tuned the recipe and experimented with new variations. Along with Marquette and Frontenac blanc wine jellies, Kaye also created habanero versions.
Cody Kaye has given out more than 75,000 wine jelly samples and paired his jellies with more than 50 types of Kowalski’s Markets cheeses. But cheese is just the start of pairing possibilities. Hoping for something sweet? Kaye suggests partnering the Marquette Wine Jelly with brownies or “anything chocolate.”
To elevate the main course, pair Marquette Wine Jelly with steak or any red meat. The Frontenac Blanc Wine Jelly goes well with chicken, salmon, scallops and shrimp.
For something out-of-the-box, add a twist to pizza night with the addition of Frontenac Blanc Wine Jelly. Kaye has been having fun at home with some new combinations too. “I’m doing candied bacon with the Marquette Wine Jelly,” he says. “That’s absolutely fantastic. The flavor is unreal.”
To add a kick of spice to all of the above, simply select the habanero versions!
Find your perfect pairing at Woodbury’s Kowalski’s Markets or Lunds & Byerlys.
Kowalski’s Markets, 8505 Valley Creek Road; 651.578.8800; kowalskis.com Lunds & Byerlys, 7050 Valley Creek Plaza; 651.999.1200; lundsandbyerlys.com
The flavor profile of the wine jellies allows the product to be multi-use, pairing deliciously with a variety of cheeses, desserts and meats.
The wine jelly is sold across the region at Kowalski’s Markets, Lunds & Byerlys and other boutique stores. To date, Kaye has given out more than 75,000 samples through in-store demos and has paired his jellies with more than 50 types of Kowalski’s Market cheeses.
Now, Kaye has his sights set on releasing a recipe book, which will include more wine jelly pairing ideas. Yellow House Vineyard also plans to release bottled wine in the future.
“I just have the most respect for [area] growers. It’s a whole unique flavor profile, and we can definitely compete with some of the best wine in the world,” Kaye says. “... I want to create a need for Minnesota grapes beyond just wine. There’s so many possibilities.”
Through city and state regulations, production hiccups and tricky weather, Kaye’s tenacity and passion motivate him to continue moving forward. “I want to stay in Afton forever. I want to stay there. I want to raise kids there. I want to have them experience the land and the area the way that I did,” Kaye says. “... I’d love to create a lot more vineyards in Afton to preserve the land but also create an environment, an ecosystem, that’s gorgeous.”
At Yellow House Vineyard, there’s a legacy being built that’s worth the wait. “It’s amazing what I learn from the vines,” Kaye says. “Every year, I learn something new, and, from the vineyard, it’s always positive.”
Yellow House Vineyard; yellowhousevineyard.com
Yellow House Vineyard @yellowhousevineyard
MN 55082 651 439-8909
1000 Radio Drive, Suite 220 Woodbury, MN 55125 651 739-1555 2850 Curve Crest Blvd, Suite 230
Explore magical worlds through Woodbury’s traveling Puppet Wagon.
Transport yourself to a different world with the Puppet Wagon’s interactive storytelling experience, bringing joy and laughter to the Woodbury community since 1980. The Puppet Wagon stories explore desert safaris, moon landings, ocean plunges and treasure hunts with a crew of felted friends. At the same time, it promotes movement and laughter while children learn about important themes and lessons, such as creativity or nature, through silly stories, props, songs, music and, of course, puppets.
“This cherished program attracted over 7,700 visits across the community in 2024,” says Michelle Okada, Parks and Recreation director for the City of Woodbury. “Many families attend each weekly performance while others join us for a one-time experience.”
Each show runs approximately 6–7 minutes. After most performances, guests are welcome to attend a puppet playtime to learn how puppets work by interacting with them. The Puppet Wagon performs at various parks around the Woodbury area. The shows are free to attend, and registration isn’t required—just show up! To find the Puppet Wagon’s schedule and more information, visit woodburymn.gov.
Emma Souza
Top: Children are welcome to meet the puppets up close.
Bottom: Puppet Wagon shows are entirely free for families to attend.
CELEBRATING 15 YEARS!
JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT NETWORKING EVENT
FOR FREE!
Women’s networking opportunity—meets on the third Friday of each month from 8–9:30 a.m. at the Cottage Grove City Hall Training Room. Email laurie@cottagegrovechamber.org for more info.
Women in Business 12800 Ravine Parkway, Cottage Grove 651.458.8334 cottagegrovechamber.org
Sliced fresh, served fresh—Port of Subs in Woodbury delivers crave-worthy Subs with quality meats and cheeses. Locally owned and always here to Sub-port our neighbors!
Port of Subs
8362 Tamarack Village #112
651.478.4187
portofsubs.com/locations/mn/ woodbury/243/
Compiled by Ellie Heyerdahl and Emma Souza
06.07
Kids Adventure Mud Run
With over 20 obstacles to navigate, kids climb through nets, hurdle over rock walls and slide in the mud throughout this 1-mile course, created by the City of Woodbury. Ages 6–12. $23, registration required. 9–10 a.m. Hamlet Park, 8883 Hamlet Ave. S., Cottage Grove; 651.714.3583; woodburymn.gov
06.10
Lunch & Learn: Canva
Spend an afternoon learning how to use Canva, a graphic design app, with instruction by John Anderson, a digital marketing expert. All ages. Free, registration required. Noon–1 p.m. Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce, 700 Commerce Drive; 651.578.0722; woodburychamber.org
06.13
Storytime at Ojibway Park
Enjoy a morning of reading, learning and singing along in this interactive storytime at Ojibway Park. Ages 0–5. Free. 10:30–11 a.m. Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Drive; 651.714.3583; washcolib.org
06.27
Community Blood Drive
M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital and Memorial Blood Centers hosts a community blood drive. Ages 18 and older. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital, 1925 Woodwinds Drive; 888.448.3253; woodburychamber.org
06.27
Carver Lake Campout
Spend the night on the shorefront of Carver Lake, participating in various activities through the evening and sleeping until the sun comes up.
11
Experience a night of puzzles and tricks in this magic show as a part of Woodbury’s Performance in the Park series. All ages. Free. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Ojibway Park Band Shell, 2695 Ojibway Drive; 651.714.3583; woodburymn.gov
Dinner, breakfast and treats are provided. For families, ages 4–12. $20 per person, registration required. 5 p.m.–10 a.m. Carver Lake, 3175 Century Ave. S.; 651.714.3500; woodburymn.gov
06.03–06.08
The Ordway Presents: Mystic Pizza
Follow the love lives of three waitresses in Mystic, Connecticut, in this musical. Recommended ages 12 and older. Prices vary. Times vary. Ordway, 345 Washington St., St. Paul; 651.224.4222; ordway.org
06.04–06.07
Comedy Festival
Let out laughs with over 90 comedians at the third annual Loons on the Lake Comedy Festival. All
ages. Prices vary. Times vary. Crooners Supper Club, 6161 Hwy 65 NE, Mpls.; 612.220.6515; loonsonthelake.com
06.07
Frozen The Musical
Enjoy Disney’s Frozen on stage performed by the Children’s Theatre Company. All ages. $20–$80. 3 p.m. The Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.874.0400; childrenstheatre.org
06.14–06.15
Stone Arch Bridge Festival
Take a stroll along the Mississippi River while exploring art from over 200 vendors across the United States, enjoying live music and tasting good food. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. June 14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. June 15. West River Parkway, 11th Avenue S. to N. Fourth Avenue, Mpls.; 952.473.6422; stonearchbridgefestival.com
06.20–06.21
Twin Cities Jazz Festival
Enjoy two days of outdoor jazz performances across multiple stages and celebrate the beauty of jazz with local musicians. All ages. Free. Times vary. Mears Park, 221 Fifth St. E., St. Paul; twincitiesjazzfestival.com
06.21
Art Play!
Experiment with ink at the Minneapolis Institute of Art’s Art Play. From permanent markers to quills, see what you can create. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls.; 888.642.2787; new.artsmia.org
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.
The 16th annual Woodbury Community Expo welcomed more than 150 local businesses to showcase their offerings and connect with the community. The event also included family-friendly, high-energy shows; a vehicle fair with police cars, a fire truck, city trucks and the bloodmobile; the kids’ area, featuring a bounce house, face painting, science experiments and an animal zone; a food area; and giveaways.
To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos, contact information and a brief description of the event to woodburymag@localmedia.co.
“Angela and her team were both friendly and professional. They walked us through a process we hadn’t been a part of for over 18 years. There was never any pressure to make a decision we weren’t comfortable with. Angela’s tie to the community was very helpful when we needed references to other services (moving, home repair, loan o cers, etc). We highly recommend this team and would use them again!”
~ Rachel and Joel
Hobbyist photographer and art director Nora Franey-Anelli says that her cat, Blanco, has had puppy tendencies since getting him at 2 months old. “He’s a funny fellow, a natural comedian,” Franey-Anelli says, noting Blanco’s owl-like position on the sunroom cat tower. “He has a rambunctious, mischief-maker personality. Very lovable and playful. Follows me around like a puppy and purrs constantly.”
—Emma Souza
To view other Focus on Woodbury photo contest winners, visit woodburymag.com.
Photographer: Nora Franey-Anelli
Title: The Kitten That Thought He Was an Owl
Equipment: iPhone 14 Plus
Category: Pets
Award: First Place
Providing the highest standard of care in sports injury
