THE MANE EVENT Dressage riders gain confidence, focus and fitness
The Sign of Success. Your Lake Minnetonka Area Experts. Wayzata - (952) 475-2411 • Minnetonka - (952) 938-1900 Chanhassen - (952) 934-5000
CONTEMPORARY TREE HOUSE
DEEPHAVEN SOLD $1,275,000
Streeter Stinson, 4 BR, 4 BA home in Minnetonka near Carson Bay. Nestled in the trees for privacy and beautiful views. Large spaces and open floor plan for entertaining. Luxurious owner en-suite on the main level.
A Deephaven Park gem. The trees, the winding roads, the paths, the beaches and the sense of community. This modern cottage uses space thoughtfully and keeps sustainability in mind. 3450 Deephaven Ave. on over .70 acres.
Debra Perry 651-707-5857
INVITING WALKOUT RAMBLER
This updated rambler with million $ views is a piece of up north – in Deephaven. Privacy on ½+ acre. High level finishes throughout w/dual fuel Wolf range, subzero, crown molding, flat ceilings. The perfect location at 3465 Deephaven Ave.
Enjoy sun-filled main level living with 3 beds, 3 baths, office, formal & informal gathering spaces, spacious owners’ ste, walls of windows, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, as well as solar power & fenced backyard with hot tub. Easy access to trails, parks & Lake Minnewashta.
612-865-8533
Pete Ice
The Hermann Group 952-475-4912
1 ACRE PRIVACY IN MINNETONKA
ONE-LEVEL LIVING TOWNHOME Maintenance-free living in a convenient location, minutes from everyday amenities. Open floor plan with spacious rooms, inviting sunroom, deck with stairs to the yard. Lower level features a family room with bar, add’l bedrooms & tons of storage. N’hood Pool.
S
612-865-8533
DEEPHAVEN 350 FT. LAKE LOUISE
Pete Ice
!
D OL
The Hermann Group 952-475-4912
You’ll love to entertain with great gathering areas inside & out of this welcoming 5 bed, 4 bath home situated in an incredible setting with wooded privacy and inviting pool oasis! Rich cherry finishes, high-end kitchen, inviting sunroom & more! Hopkins Schools.
The Hermann Group 952-475-4912
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Inspiration Begins in Our Dign Showr L E T ’ S C R E AT E Y O U R D R E A M S T O D AY
MN LIC. BC627402
EDINA DESIGN SHOWROOM 5009 FRANCE AV S | 952 999 • 7720 | ISPiRI . com
STUDIOMDESIGNCENTER.COM Plymouth | Lake Geneva
EXPLORE Lake Minnetonka 65 summers. 7 magnificent yachts. 1 Enduring Legacy of Delicious Food, Great Memories, Beautiful Sights.
Cruise planning and dining reservations online at www.Al-Almas.com or 952.472.3098
The Fine Art of Creating Exceptional Exteriors. Replace. Repair. Restore. Roofing Siding Windows Gutters Decks 8
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For your complimentary consultation, connect with us: 952.295.3425 www.allstartoday.com
lakeminnetonkamag.com
Sophisticated Hamptons Inspired Lake Minnetonka Masterpiece 630 Locust Hills Drive, Wayzata MN 5 BD | 6 BA | 7,111 SF Price Upon Request
Mimi Morrison Bendickson Founding Executive Agent 612.695.8321 mimi.bendickson@compass.com Mimi Bendickson is a real estate licensee affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.
M AY 2 0 2 2 “If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” —Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman statesman, lawyer, scholar and philosopher
PAGE 28
22 — Glow Up Face Foundrié provides tips to maintain healthy summer skin.
24 — Quiet Reflection Feature serenity and calm in your garden.
26 — Come Sail Away Transition program fosters independence for students.
28 — A Big Legacy Group works to restore Big Island park and its history.
IN EVERY ISSUE 14 17 48 50 56
— — — — —
Editor’s Letter Noteworthy On the Town Gallery Last Glance
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Photo: Josh Hild
DEPARTMENTS
Family owned & operated in the Twin Cities since 1951. 50th & France
◆
Highland Park
◆
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FEATURES
TASTEMAKERS
32 — The Mane Event
52 — Picnic Proposal
Dressage riders gain confidence, focus and fitness.
The Wayzata Library lawn is transformed into a memory-making spot.
41 — The Guest House
Photo: Chris Emeott
PAGE 41
Restored Victorian home puts out a new welcome mat.
lakeminnetonkamag.com
980 Heritage Lane
Orono
2020 built estate on 2.19 acres is situated on Lake Minnetonka’s most exclusive bay with 220’ of east-facing lakeshore. An exceptionally thoughtful design to maintain an everyday relationship with the lake while ensuring privacy for the owners. The transitional style embraces the natural light and views with warm yet modern design accents. A perfect blend of indoor & outdoor living amenities geared towards a year-round experience. Security gate, 6 car garage, full smart home technology, permanent dock, Orono schools! Avoid the new construction nuances, start enjoying the lake life this summer!
T.Cody Turnquist • TSRE Group 612.801.7580 • tcody.turnquist@compass.com
Matt Johnson • Minnetonka Matt Team
Andrew Spilseth • TSRE Group
612.801.7580 • Matt@MinnetonkaMatt.com
612.396.2951 • andrew.spilseth@compass.com
MinnetonkaMatt.com
TSREgroup.com
TSRE Group and Minnetonka Matt Team are teams of real estate agents affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions
2020 Built Estate on Tanager Bay in Orono
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PO Box 10748, DEPT 57H White Bear Lake, MN 55110-0748
T
his issue greets the month with a nod to gardening and landscaping, which is top of mind for so many of us as we plan and plant our garden beds and containers and create welcoming outdoor living spaces. With shade the predominate fixture in my own backyard, hostas and other shade-loving perennials revisit our garden beds each year. My favorites include Jack-in-the-pulpits, which win for best floral architecture. My everexpanding crop of lilies of the valley also tops the list, and I treasure them for their brief springtime appearance and bouquets of gentle scents that fill a room with fresh sweetness. Both varieties arrived way of transplants from my childhood backyard, so there’s an element of nostalgia with each springtime growth. Turn to page 20 for our Noteworthy section, where contributor Laurel Famigletti highlights the physical benefits of gardening and eating homegrown harvests. “When you feel a connection to the food that you grow, you will consume it more frequently and in higher quantities than if you just bought it at the store,” she says. On page 17, Kira Vanderlan writes, “My success, albeit limited, when it comes to gardening is being organized.” This comes as no surprise, and the organizing expert gives us tips to keep our gardening tools and elements in perfect order. Writer Staci Perry Mergenthal offers a look at a landscaping trend that is taking hold—peace or zen gardens are finding their ways into local landscapes as a way for homeowners to find a new type of respite right in their own backyards. That sounds lovely to me! Read more on page 24. What are your gardening and landscaping plans this year? Tag us on Instagram with photos of your outdoor spaces—I know we’ll be inspired!
See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town! LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM
LAKE MINNETONKA MAGAZINE
@LAKEMINNETONKAMAG
@LMTKMAG
On the Cover Orchard View Stables, photo by Chris Emeott
May 2022
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Photo: Chris Emeott
FINE HAIR EXTENSIONS TOPETTES & WIGS SALON & SPA SERVICES
Renée Stewart-Hester, renee@localmedia.co
VOL. 17 NO. 12 lakeminnetonkamag.com
publisher Susan Isay
editor Renée Stewart-Hester
managing creative director Renée Stewart-Hester
managing editor Hailey Almsted
copy editor Kellie Doherty
staff writers Ava Diaz Dan Amundson Daniel Huss Madeline Kopiecki Staci Perry Mergenthal
contributing writers Hollie Blanchard Laurel Famigletti John Farrell III Rachael Perron Raela Schoenherr Kira Vanderlan
SOLD
SOLD
D E E P H AV E N
MINNEAPOLIS
OFFERED AT is $995,000 4 Bed, 5 Bath, Approx. 5,600 FSF
OFFERED AT $559,000 3 Bed, 2 Bath, Approx. 2,080 FSF
Set in coveted Amesbury North is this charming, architecturally significant, custom-built home. An easy walk to Cottagewood USA general store, parks, beaches, trails, dock, and Lake Minnetonka!
Complete luxury renovation with masterful workmanship & high-end finishes throughout. Smart home technology provides security, comfort, & energy efficiency! Superb location steps to Minnehaha Parkway & Lake Nakomis.
editorial interns Emily Deutscher Hanna McDaniels
editorial advisory board Mary Cornelius, Communications Specialist, Minnetonka Public Schools Laura Bray, board member, Friends of the Excelsior Library Michele Phillips, blogger, writer, photographer Jenny Bodurka, Minnetonka Community Education Natalie Webster, chief creator at Webster Effect Mike Polis, Realtor and YouTuber Things|People|Places
senior managing art director Sarah Dovolos
art director Allison Nolden
lead staff photographer Chris Emeott
production director Brittni Dye
production manager Lisa Stone
senior account executives Brooke Beise Katie Freemark Cynthia Hamre Sara Johnson
LAKE MINNETONKA MAGAZINE 1125 BUCHANAN ST. NE MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55413
SOLD
SOLD
D E E P H AV E N
EDINA
OFFERED AT $1,297,500 5 Bed, 4 Bath, Approx. 4,500 FSF
OFFERED AT $995,000 5 Bed, 3 Bath, Approx. 4,300 FSF
Modern home design in a fantastic Deephaven location! Deeded boat slip on Carsons Bay, high-end kitchen, updates throughout, and multiple entertaining areas. Oversized 4 car garage, multiple decks, and a firepit are just some of the highlights this home has to offer!
Welcome to this sprawling walkout rambler in the coveted Parkwood Knolls neighborhood. Knoll Drive is lined with handsome homes set well off the street and where pride of ownership is obvious. Perfect as it is, this home also offers endless customized possibilities for enhancement.
president Pete Burgeson
SUBSCRIPTIONS Lake Minnetonka Magazine is published 12 times a year. Rates $18 for 12 issues. Back issues $5.95. For subscription and customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co or call 612.208.6248. ©Local, LLC 2022. All rights reserved.
T R U S T E D R E A L E S TAT E E X P E R T
612.382.4952 M A R KG R I E G E R @ C B B U R N E T.C O M G R I E G E R G R O U P. C O M
Search for homes on our mobile app: Lake Minnetonka Homes
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A 70+ Year Legacy of Cra�smanship Remodel | New Build
3435 County Rd. 101 | Minnetonka | (952) 475-2097 | boyerbuilding.com
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Subject to credit approval. Bank ID 405612 NMLS ID 458038
N OT E WO RT H Y
lo c a l tip s, tidb its & insights
ORGANIZE
PLANT WITH PURPOSE
iStock.com/perfectlab
I’ LL BE THE F IR ST TO A D M I T that I don’t have
a green thumb, but I sure love trying to create beauty in the garden each spring. My success, albeit limited, when it comes to gardening is being organized. There is a lot to keep track of, such as tools, seeds, bulbs and soil. Once things start to grow, we need to prune, divide or harvest. If you are planting fruits and veggies, start by knowing your growing season by adding key dates to your calendar. I usually reference Minnesota Grown (minnesotagrown.com). It has a great list that details average and peak seasons for top produce. Next, organize your seeds, making sure the container
May 2022
lakeminnetonkamag.com
is stored in a cool, dark and dry place. A plastic photo case with a handle is ideal for categorizing and transporting seeds to your garden. Print labels, and organize by vegetables, fruits, flowers, trees, plants and herbs. Keep gardening tools accessible in your garage or shed by creating a workstation. Attach a pegboard with S hooks on the wall, and hang trowels, pruners, weed pullers and hand shovels. If you are growing multiple items, use metal markers, which can be reused, to designate growing rows. Kira Vanderlan operates a decluttering, organizing, staging and design company. Learn more at zestfuldesign.com.
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N OT E WO RT H Y
TAST E
Cheesemonger There’s more to cheese than meets the cracker, just ask Gabby Lasersmith, specialty cheese manager at Kowalski’s Market in Excelsior. “I love cheese because it is so nuanced,” she says. “There’s thousands of different kinds. They come from all over the world, the science behind it is fascinating and it is ultimately a sustainable agriculture.” Lasersmith loves cheese so much that she decided to become a bit of an expert at it. After passing an extensive test through the American Cheese Society, the four-year Kowalski’s veteran is a certified cheese professional. She demonstrated her knowledge in a wide range of areas: cheese varieties and regions; milk types, animal breeds and how milk differs from breed to breed and season to season; production; cheese history; regulations and recipes upheld by the Protected Designation of Origin, a European entity that protects the heritage of cheeses and other products that originated in various European countries; sanitation and food handling; importation laws and practices; merchandising; principles of pairing and terroir and more. Lasersmith’s desire to expand her knowledge hasn’t ended with her certification. “I would love to visit the Basque region, located [near the western end of the Pyrenees mountain range between Spain and France],” she says. “Not only is it absolutely gorgeous there, they produce some of the best sheep milk cheeses around. Basque region cheeses produce some of my favorite flavor profiles, which range from mild and sweet to piquant and tangy, but they all seem to share a quality of fruitiness and nuttiness.” Elevated profiles aside, cheese inherently can be a guilty pleasure. Does Lasersmith have one? “Tillamook sharp cheddar—It’s my go-to sandwich cheese,” she says. “Sometimes, I just want a regular ol’ sandwich, nothing fancy.” —RENÉE STEWART-HESTER Turn to page 54 for Lasersmith’s recommendations for the best cheese varieties to invite to your next next picnic.
Kowalski’s Market, 440 Water St., Excelsior; 952.229.8300; kowalskis.com
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S IP
SUMMER SECRET Memorial Day weekend is the official kickoff of the Bootleg cocktail season. Bootlegs are Minnesota’s version of a Mint Julep/Mojito (favored by the Kentucky Derby crowd) and one of our state’s best kept summer cocktail secrets. The recipe varies from place to place, as does the actual origin of the drink. Many country clubs in town sell bottles of their own Bootleg mix, and these vary in color from swampy (fresh mint) to bright green (food coloring), but the basics are lime/lemonade, fresh mint and simple syrup. I put one can of limeade in a blender with as much fresh mint as I can fit. (Remove the bitter stems.) As I blend, I add a bit of water until the blender is about 80 percent full. I add about ½ cup of simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar, simmered until the sugar blends in) to smooth it out. I store this in the refrigerator and refill it as summer goes along.
Bootleg Fill a tall glass with ice. Add 1.5 oz. of your favorite rum, vodka or gin. Add Bootleg mix to about ¾ full. Fill the glass with club soda or 7UP. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Photos: Chris Emeott
John F. Farrell III is vice president; sales and merchandising with Haskell’s The Wine People. Find more at haskells.com.
19
N OT E WO RT H Y
VIEW
For the Love of Nature “But for one’s health as you say, it is very necessary to work in the garden and see the flowers growing.” —Vincent Van Gogh There is nothing better than to get your hands dirty by planting some seeds and experiencing the bounty a garden offers to our soul. I love how artist Richard Merchán takes Irises (circa 1889) by Van Gogh and incorporates it into his own work Rachel’s Room. You can feel her love of nature as she is transfixed by the splendors this painting offers. It really is miraculous to experience the beauty that grows from the tiniest of seeds. Merchán has a prolific body of work and resides in the Minnetonka area. Reach out to The Art Girls for a complete catalog showcasing his paintings and sculptures. Artist: Richard Merchán Title: Rachel’s Room Scale: 48x60 Medium: Original Acrylic on Canvas
Contributed by Hollie Blanchard of The Art Girls. View more at ++artgirlsmpls.com. Art Girls Minneapolis @artgirls_mpls
MOVE
THE GIFT OF GARDENING Gardening is one of spring’s
pressure, reduce cholesterol
grams of fiber. Use them as a
greatest gifts to health and well-
and prevent disease, such as
snack with hummus, or with
ness. It is well-known that plant-
diabetes and osteoporosis.
your stir fry vegetables.
ing and eating your own veg-
In addition to providing a con-
to) your water intake.
Green Beans: Delicious and filled with healthy nutrients, in-
Lettuce Mix: Nutrients differ
cluding vitamins A, C, K, manga-
etables can be highly nutritious,
nection to nature, gardening can
with each variety, but most
nese, potassium, folate, iron and
but gardening’s physical and
be a creative outlet that stimu-
provide vitamins A, C, K and
fiber, green beans are the perfect
mental health benefits extend far
lates the senses, reduces anxiety
folate. Keep ample lettuce on
summer snack or side dish.
beyond what’s on your plate.
and relieves unwanted stress.
hand to make salads that can fill you up with fiber.
According to WebMD,
Cucumbers: Although they do
gardening can burn between
Consider planting these
200–400 calories per hour and
easy-to-grow vegetables:
not have a lot of nutrients, they
give all major muscle groups
Snap Peas: Consuming one
can be refreshing and hydrating.
a workout. When practiced
cup provides one third of your
Cut up a cucumber, and keep it in
regularly, it can lower blood
daily vitamin C intake and three
the fridge to supplement (or add
20
Laurel Famigletti is an area resident and owner of EndorP.H.I.T, where she provides virtual group fitness classes, in-home personal training and virtual nutrition coaching.
May 2022
lakeminnetonkamag.com
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series will appeal to more than just lovers of mystery. Donovan is a newly-divorced single mother, who also happens to be a suspense author on her last chance to
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fulfill her publishing contract. When a real-life encounter with a suspicious man, who ends up dead, leads to a last-ditch book idea, Donovan’s life takes a crazy turn. Everyone she knows gets involved, including her new snarky best friend, her ex-husband, her detective sister and two men, who seem to have just as much interest in her as in the case. Donovan is an endearing main
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character and the secondary cast of characters surrounding her add a lot of entertainment value. The mystery propels the story and characters forward, and readers will be glad to know the second book was already released in February 2022.
Raela Schoenherr is an editor at Minnesota publishing company. Read more on Twitter @raelaschoenherr.
(952) 388-3113 | INFO@LIVEVIVELY.COM
www.livevively.com 1133 WAYZATA BLVD E, WAYZATA, MN 55391 VIVELYBODYSCIENCE DOWNLOAD OUR APP 21
STYLE
Glow Up Face Foundrié provides tips to maintain healthy summer skin. By Ava Diaz
WITH WARMER DAYS SHINING FROM ABOVE, it is tempting to point
our faces to the sun and soak up the rays while we can. But that can come at a cost to our skin. We turned to the team at Wayzata’s Face Foundrié, founded in Edina in 2019, to learn how we can take care of our skin while enjoying outdoor activities along the beach, on the water or wherever else we find ourselves this summer. Cheyanne Thurston, chief operating officer, provides tips and hints to keep in mind, especially during the warmer months.
What does it mean to “practice good sun?”
You should wear your sunscreen all yearround, especially in the summer as you are outside more frequently. Make sure that you are using a sunscreen and reapplying to make sure that you are taking care of your skin. Changing your skincare routine for the summer, you need to be a little less harsh with your skin because you are exposing it to more things. Calm down your retinol use, for sure not using it in the day and maybe slowing it down to once or twice a week. If you are going to continue to use that in the summer, definitely apply sunscreen regularly because it (retinol) does allow your skin to burn a little bit easier. How should we hydrate our skin?
Both drinking water and utilizing physical hydration with a moisturizer are very important. Hydrate your skin from the inside out. Having dry skin and being dehydrated are two different things. While moisturizer can help with dry skin, it is never going to totally solve everything. Are skincare tools worth the hype?
The facial cup essentially provides a vacuum-type motion [to help] move that
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lakeminnetonkamag.com
Photos: Face Foundrie, Love Big Live Small Photography
fluid down your lymphatic system to then detox your body properly. The ultrasonic skin scrubber uses ultrasonic frequency waves to implode the pores with water or infuse with different serums. So, with extractions for example, it is going to flood the pores with water to completely lift everything and rid of all of the gunk and debris out of the skin to leave your skin [very] fresh and clean, allowing your products to then penetrate deeper and more efficiently. What Face Foundrié services are best to utilize in the summer months?
All of our services are great, but I think something that is really popular in the summer is the Cryo Queen, which uses cryo technology or cool therapy. It helps tighten the skin and close the pores, and it promotes blood circulation to help fine line and wrinkles, and assist with acne concerns. The collagen mask is also great yearround as it helps with dryness in the winter, but in the summer when your skin is a bit more sensitive from experiencing the sun, it can help heal your skin and keep it healthy and strong. Face Foundrié, 643 Lake St. E., Wayzata; 952.479.7151; facefoundrie.com Face Foundrié
@facefoundrie
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Quiet Reflection Feature serenity and calm in your garden. By Staci Perry Mergenthal
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May 2022
lakeminnetonkamag.com
iStock.com/blew_i
BE WELL
IF YOU LONG FOR moments of peacefulness beyond the limits of your home, an outdoor zen garden could be the ideal space for quiet reflection and spiritual connection without venturing too far from home. Meditative gardens are typically small, enclosed or dedicated spaces with minimal landscape and maintenance, natural elements, muted colors and few plants. Sue Thurber, assistant garden center manager, and Zara Wirkus, landscape design assistant, for Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscaping share tips for creating your own zen garden. The retreat should connect you to nature and allow you to be mindful, calm and present. “Determine a location with the most
privacy to allow your mind to relax. Screening the area may help,” Thurber says. She recommends picking a few elements that please you. This includes a focal point, such as a statue, lantern, small fountain, houseplant, grass or sedge. Situate a comfortable bench or chair with a view of the garden. “Add a light if you’d like to use the space in the evening or want to enjoy the view from inside your home,” she says. Plants should be low to the ground and neutral in color, and flowers should be sparse. “The best plants include bonsai, topiaries, dwarf conifers, Korean maples, azaleas, sedges, creeping groundcovers—especially sedum— ferns and mosses,” Thurber says. Wirkus suggests less is more. “This achieves a quiet, meditative state of mind,” she says. “Our plantings have included various evergreen varieties, Japanese forest grass, pachysandra, basically anything that is green. We’ve added a Louisa crabapple tree for its softer texture and pale pink spring flowers, as well as a Japanese maple for its warm fall colors.” Use light colored pea gravel to represent water and ocean waves when raked in a pattern. Position rocks and boulders in and near the gravel to signify islands and mountains. Are there considerations when hiring a design team? Thurber says, “[Consider] the team’s experience with zen gardens or clean, simple designs. Ask to see gardens they have installed and if you may contact the homeowner with questions. Know your budget and the scope of space you can dedicate to the garden, as well as the complexity of your desired elements and maintenance—waterfalls and ponds require more time than a fountain or birdbath. More plants in the garden increases time watering, weeding and fertilizing.” Not all elements are necessary to restore mood and promote energy. Just be intentional, be in the moment and welcome the serenity. (No yard? Try forest bathing or shinrin-yoku, which was featured in the March 2021 issue of Lake Minnetonka Magazine. Find it at lakeminnetonkamag. com/forest-bathing.)
3365 Hill Lane Deephaven, MN 55391
5 Bedroom / 4 Bath $1,260,000 - Under Contract Nestled in the heart of the enchanting Deephaven community, this charming rambler is a rare find! A short walk to Robinson’s Bay - home of the local’s favorite beach. Lovely curb appeal, with a paver walkway, nice landscaping, pretty window boxes, and circular driveway. Meticulous move in condition with upscale amenities with cottage style influences. Gourmet kitchen with spacious center island and top of the line stainless steel appliances. Main floor family living room and family room with nice architectural details and access to large deck. Tons of windows overlooking the large open wooded yard. Spacious Owner’s suite with double walk-in closets and a spa-like Owner’s bath + laundry. Second main floor bedroom also enjoys and ensuite and walk in closet. Generous lower walk out level has a 2nd family room, a game/amusement room, 2 bedrooms plus an office. Cork floors, built-ins, and a gas fireplace, large, screened porch and 2nd laundry room are also on this level. •
Awarded top producer and established expert in the Lake Minnetonka community
•
In-depth understanding of today’s market and trends
•
Experience and creativity for all real estate needs
•
Unmatched service and results
KR I S T I W E I N S TO CK REALTOR® C. 612.309.8332 kdweinstock@cbburnet.com weinstockgroup.com 19400 Highway 7 Excelsior, MN 55331
Otten Bros. Garden Center & Landscaping, 2350 W. Wayzata Blvd., Long Lake; 952.473.5425; ottenbros.com Otten Bros. Garden Center & Landscaping @otten.bros @OttenBros
Otten Bros
The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2021 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. 2125C5-DC_MN_12/21
25
ENLIGHTEN
Come Sail Away Transition program fosters independence for students. By Daniel Huss
School Board approved the purchase of the Shorewood Professional Building, once home to a Park Nicollet clinic. “Six months later, we started,” says Christine Breen, executive director of special education for Minnetonka Schools. Started what? Minnetonka’s Students Achieving Independent Life (SAIL) transition program grabbed a wind and set sail. Prior to the 2020–21 school year, Minnetonka’s transition students (young people ages 18–21 with special needs) shared a program with students from Hopkins and St. Louis Park. “That program had existed for roughly 17 years,” Breen says. Now operating on its own, Minnetonka’s SAIL program provides young people with special needs life lessons, career training and guidance to achieve the program’s goal: for all of its students to be successful after high school. “We only have some of these students for two [to] three years, and we want to capitalize on their time with us,” Breen says. Carolyn Anderson had a son take part in the shared transition program. “The biggest change is that the kids get to stay within the district,” she says. “That means they stay close to their teachers, and that means they stay in their community.” Anderson has nothing but good things to say about Minnetonka’s Special Education program, its leadership, staff
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Photos: Mary Cornelius
IN JANUARY 2021, the Minnetonka
Your Residential & Lakeshore Specialists
Alex & Ben Dzurik Top: SAIL student Reilly Hawley shampoos a wig with Taylor, a Carolyn Anderson Salon and Wig Studio employee. Bottom: Carolyn Anderson Salon and Wig Studio employees pose with Reilly Hawley, who works with them two days a week as part of the SAIL program.
and outcomes. “My son is independent,” she says. “He’s married, he has a house and he has his own business.” While her son is long out of the program, Anderson still plays a role in it. Her salon, Carolyn Anderson Premier Salon and Wig Studio, is one of a number of local businesses to partner with SAIL. Others include the Bernard Group and Trouvaille Memory Care. “One of the best things about our community support is that it allows for individualized and unique experiences,” Breen says. “As a new program, they’re doing what they say they were going to do,” says Jen Hawley, whose daughter, Reilly Hawley, 19, is a SAIL participant. “They’re finding jobs that meet our kids’ cognitive needs.” Reilly works in Anderson’s salon, folding laundry, washing mirrors and prepping wigs that are being donated at no cost to women battling cancer. “Reilly is driven to be important, and what she’s doing makes her feel important,” Jen says. But it’s more than that. “After dinner one night, Reilly looked at me and said, ‘Mom, I’ll do the dishes,’” Jen says. “Believing she can is coming from the program, and it’s eye-opening. In the end, it’s a little bit of them teaching us,” she says. “Our kids can do more than we think they can. And you know what? That’s pretty cool.”
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Overhead view of the new pavilion and trails
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FRESH AIR
A Big Legacy Group works to restore Big Island park and its history.
Photos: Josh Hild
By Dan Amundson
IT’S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE to think of Lake Minnetonka without considering Big Island. A popular gathering spot in the summer for boats and other recreators, the island has witnessed many changes and recently saw another as a group has worked to restore the island for the next generation of visitors. First inhabited by the Dakota and other indigenous tribes, the island ended up being divided into parcels, one of which was owned by the Twin City Rapid Transit Company (TCRT). By 1906, the TCRT completed Big Island Park, featuring an amusement park, concert spots and more. The TCRT shuttled people (locals and visitors from around the country) to the island via steamboats, one of which was named The Minnehaha. “My grandfather explained to me how awestruck he was to go out there in 1907,” says Dennis Libby, Big Island Legacy board member. The amusement park made it only five years. It was then turned into a game farm, which was later developed into the Big Island Veterans' Camp. The camp served as a getaway for veterans and their families until 2003, when the city of Orono purchased the camp. In 2019, the Big Island Legacy organization decided to turn the area into a more visitorfriendly site. “The park was a diamond in the rough,” Libby says. “It just needed the time and effort to bring it back.”
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New historic graphic markers
Big Island Nature Park Port and Public Docks 30
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MEMORIAL PLANS If you’re looking for Memorial Day weekend plans, exploring Big Island Park is a great way to spend the day. “I invite people to go and see what an extraordinary place it is,” Libby says. “Between the natural beauty and the history, it is just really cool.” Additional information is available at bigislandlegacy.org.
With private donations, a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources grant and city funding, the Big Island Legacy group went to work. A new concert pavilion was built in the same place as the old one. The trails were made ADA compliant as best as possible, and historical markers were placed to show where parts of the veterans’ camp and amusement park were once located. “People can enjoy this park just like any other park,” Libby says. “But they can also see these markers and imagine what used to be there.” In addition to the markers, there are still some remnants of the amusement park and the veterans’ camp throughout the park. There are also markers that explain the history the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community had on the island. Tribal representatives reviewed the materials for accuracy. The park features boat docks for visitors to use while on the island. There are hopes that The Minnehaha will be brought out of retirement to shuttle people to and from the island. For now, it’s only accessible by personal boats. While there will always be necessary upkeep and attention for the Big Island Park, the Big Island Legacy is going to turn its focus to all area parks in hopes of restoring some more beauty in the region.
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Story by Renée StewartHester Photos by Chris Emeott
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t h e mane e ve nt D re s s age riders gain confidence, focus and fitness.
Photo: (top right) Isabelle Gallagher
M
ay brings baskets and posies of flowers to our doors. Mothers are honored and treasured with gifts galore. But there’s another tried and true tradition that happens in this glorious month—the greatest two minutes in sports—the Kentucky Derby, held this year on May 7 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. So that got us thinking about equine themes. While this band of the Metro might be best known for the life aquatic, there are several horse stables throughout the area. Orchard View Stables (OVS) in Watertown is owned by Heather Salden-Kurtz and July Hugen. The stable boards 35 horses and trains upwards of 60 students through Heather Salden Training. Horse racing is not the name of the game at this stable, but horses are, and that counts in our book. “We specialize mostly in dressage, but we do have a handful of jumpers as well. It’s called combined training or eventing; these riders show both in dressage and jumping,” Salden-Kurtz says. The sports of horse racing and jumping are self-explanatory, but we’re laying heavy odds that most people don’t know a lot about dressage. Isabelle Gallagher, 22, agrees. “How I explain it is first by saying, ‘Do you know that thing in the Olympics where they are riding the horse but not going over the jumps? Yeah, that’s what I do.’ Or I say, ‘I make the horse dance,’” she says. “I love dressage because you can never be perfect,” Gallagher says. “I can have
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the best ride of my life but know there is still something to inspire me to be better at. The ability to constantly learn and connect with your horse is inspiring.” The Long Lake resident has been riding since she was just 4 years old. “Horses have been there through everything in my life. I was lucky enough to begin riding dressage at a young age, although I was not super-competitive in the sport until I began riding with [Salden-Kurtz].” Gallagher competes each summer. “My grandma is my show buddy and comes with me to every show,” she says. “She is a positive ray of sunshine at the shows, no matter how my ride goes.” Working toward her competition goals takes work. “Dressage is complex beyond anything I have ever done before. The whole point of the sport is to make it look effortless, which, let me tell you, [it] is not,” she says. Gallagher trains one to three times a week. “The barn is my happy place,” she says. “It grounds me. If I am having a bad week, I know I can go there, and it will bring a smile to my face.” Ribbons and awards aside, Gallagher points to other rewards that she’s gained from the dressage experience. “Riding has taught me to be a problem solver and be positive. You are working with a partner that does not speak the same language, so when you nail something and understand each other, it’s magical,” she says. “I also have learned so many life lessons from the inspiring women around me at the barn. Each and every one of them is so supportive and helps me grow as a human.”
Isabelle Gallagher trains up to three times a week and has gained valuable lessons through dressage experiences.
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“One of my favorite things about the sport is you can do it at any age,” Gallagher says. “I am a senior at the University of St. Thomas and have seen multiple of my friends have to say goodbye to their sports from high school or even college because they have finished playing … Sports are such a huge part of us, and you see the sadness on these young adults’ faces as they say goodbye to something that meant so much to them throughout their [lives]. I would be truly heartbroken if I had to say goodbye to riding, but, in this sport, you can be competitive at any age.” Case in point: Linda Anderson, in her early 70s, is a dressage rider. “I have always loved horses and rode Western as a young teen—pleasure, barrel racing, pole bending, tandem bare-
back and a ton of playing around and trail riding,” says the Mound resident. “I first heard of dressage much later in life and started weekly lessons [in] about 1996. I was hooked on it quickly, and it became my most cherished endeavor.” Anderson tries to ride four or five times a week. “My favorite thing is just being around the horses and working on an endless list of ways to improve my riding and communicating with my horse,” she says. “The challenges are endless. It keeps me moving … and challenges my mind, trying to improve awareness and focus.” Like Gallagher, Anderson has gleaned life skills through the sport. “I would say confidence is a big benefit of the sport and fitness comes along with it,” she says. Anderson began competing eight years
Photo: xxxxxxxxx
Linda Anderson
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H i s tor y Les son According to the United States Dressage Federation, dressage can be traced back to classical Greek horsemanship. The sport was developed by the military, and, during the Renaissance, European aristocrats showcased their trained horses in equestrian pageants. “The Imperial Spanish Riding School of Vienna was established in 1572, and dressage training today is based around many of the principles from this era,” it says. Dressage’s Olympic debut was during the 1912 games in Stockholm, Sweden, but only military officers were eligible to compete. This changed in 1953 when civilian men and women to were allowed into competition.
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ago. “I love going to the shows being with the team from OVS, supporting each other and caring for my horse,” she says. “I am not that crazy about being in the ring, and my nerves really get in the way. I have met my goal for showing and now am looking at new goals, perhaps a pas de deux or freestyle as music soothes me.” On the other end of the age spectrum is Victoria’s Juliana Streeter, 11, who began riding more than two years ago. “I liked the style because it is so pretty and fancy,” she says. Take note: Don’t confuse those descriptors as easy and leisurely. “It’s very exciting but can be hard at times,” she says. “It’s a lot of work.” Hard work has translated into some personal gains. “It has helped me with confidence,” Juliana says. “I’m shy, and riding each week is something I look forward to … It has taught me to be more assertive and confident because I’m telling the horse what to do and where to go. It’s a huge animal!” The downside? “You have to be OK with falling off and also be OK with the stinkiness and how large horses are,” she says. Fair enough.
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LEARNING A BOU T T H E TEACHER Salden-Kurtz is a United States Dressage Federation (USDF) certified instructor/ trainer and a multi-winning USDF medalist (including gold). Her path in the sport began at an early age, and she started riding when she was 13. “I rode my bike two miles to a barn that was being built outside of town,” she says. “I asked for a job, and after a few years of caring for the horses, I began working for the trainer. I learned a ton from handling horses and watching lessons and training sessions, and I eventually began riding the young horses and working with horses that were considered problem horses. Earning a horse’s trust and creating a real partnership is such an honor, and I’ve been hooked ever since.” Tell us more about the sport. Dressage is basically about training the horse to use their bodies in a proper way to build strength and longevity. Think about it like yoga. It builds suppleness, flexibility and strength, so the horses stay healthy as they age. If you’ve seen the Olympics, dressage is the “fancy prancing” in the traditional black and white uniforms. Horses can be trained to do some pretty amazing things. Why focus on dressage as a career? I love spending time with the horses and learning each of their personalities. They all learn differently, just like children, so when you find a way to communicate with them individually and they have that aha! moment, it’s fun and fulfilling. I enjoy working with horses over the long term to see where training can take them ... I also find teaching my students incredibly gratifying. What about your riding career? I got my first horse when I was 14 years old and competed him in jumping and eventing. I also enjoyed trail rides and spending time with him … I’ve had many horses since then, and I typically train them through the levels of dressage or jumping until they reach their potential. Some
Orchard View Stables, 2830 Rose Ave., Watertown; 612.360.0848; saldentraining.com
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horses are more talented than others, and I absolutely respect that at some point, they may not be able to excel further. Do you still compete? I have an active competition life encompassing both my horses and my students. Our barn attends at least 15 shows every summer, sometimes with up to 15 horses at a show. We have great success, and even more importantly, great fun and camaraderie. Our last show of 2021 was the United States Dressage Finals in beautiful Lexington, Kentucky. It is the national championship show, meaning only the top riders/horses that qualified in each region are invited to participate. I brought two of my horses last year, as well as three students. It is surreal to show at the legendary Kentucky Horse Park. Everything is immaculate and prestigious. It is one of my favorite places. I ended up finishing sixth in the nation on my young horse, as well as National Champion on one of my student’s horses. My students also did well, finishing in the top 10 in the country.
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Is it ever too late to begin dressage? Many of my students didn’t start riding until later in life and have found a wonderful riding “family” at OVS. We are all drawn together by our love for the horses, and this common language creates a magical world for us here at OVS.
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THE GUEST HOUSE
Deep navy was chosen for the exterior’s new paint color..
Photo: Northern Pine Productions
Restored Victorian home puts out a new welcome mat. Nine women are transforming the face of travel in Excelsior with the help of one historic Minnesota home. Purchasing the former Bird House Inn Bed & Breakfast on Water Street, the women revamped the 1858 (the same year Minnesota became a state) venue to create The Guest House, a vacation rental for larger parties and groups to house weddings, retreats, reunions and
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other special events or travel excursions. Though maintaining the historical integrity this Victorian structure was an important focus, the group also strived to create a more cohesive aesthetic— indoors and out. Experiencing a variety of renovations throughout the years from different owners, co-designer Kurt Weber describes the former home as a “hodgepodge” of elements. “You could
almost go by the generation in each room of when they were updated … from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s,” he says. Refreshing the space, the team swapped out the dated wallpaper, mismatched wood tones and overworn carpet for clean line elements that accentuate its traditional features, including refinished maple and oak floors and ornate crown molding. “I love to see
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Photos: Chris Emeott
The property’s carriage house offers extra guest space.
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a space transform into what it could be. It is like I just walk in and see the potential and cannot wait to see it get to that next step and realize its potential,” says co-owner Kelly Olsen. “I love every part of it.” In addition to the cosmetic updates, other changes included the addition of one and a half bathrooms and the removal of a wall that separated two kitchens, creating a unified space. In all, the entire property can host 14 guests and features 11 bedrooms and nine bathrooms between the main structure and the additional carriage house, which is a 2,000-square-foot duplex with two bedrooms, one bath, a full kitchen and exterior spaces. Holding true to the original nature of the home, Weber says the exterior renovations embody the Victorian aesthetic. The home was repainted from a light bubblegum pink to a deep navy to accentuate the ornate detailing. The color was chosen from a list provided by the Excelsior Heritage Preservation Commission to ensure historic integrity. To continue this approach, Weber says they used natural woods to make the outdoor fixtures, such as the former white vinyl fence and iron arbors, more aesthetically on point. Attention to landscaping was important, as well. During blooming months, guests can expect to find classic rose bushes lining the walkway, and other areas boast shade-loving hostas and the outstretched, welcoming stems of day lilies. The yard will also be home to a variety of entertainment spaces, including a large grassy area, two shaded arbor spaces (one for additional seating), a paved firepit venue and a hot tub. “The ability to have a house or place to stay in downtown Excelsior is huge, but the ability to use the yard for whatever you please, like to play, socialize, party or host events, gives so many added benefits,” Weber says.
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Left to right: Jorie Wilkinson, Kari Nokken, Kelly Olsen and Trisha Raich
Photos: Chris Emeott
This space, one of the original rooms, was entirely custom painted to fit the previous bird cage theme.
DOWN T O BU S INE S S For Olsen of Mound, this is not her first business venture, including owning for seven years Hans’ Bakery (with four locations) before selling last year. Always searching for new investments, she came across the bed and breakfast and reached out to the listing agent, but Olsen was told she couldn’t see the property for another week and a half because guests were staying at the inn. Seeing the potential of this historic home, Olsen wrote an offer for the venue—sight unseen. She turned to her monthly women’s networking group, The Power of She, to see if anyone would join her in the business endeavor. Eight women stepped up to the plate, including Maria Anderson, Jennifer Dierkhising, Joanna Kelzenberg, Mandy Meisner, Karri Nokken, Trisha Raich, Jorie Wilkinson and Michelle Young. “I thought this would be a great project to do with other business owners because we could all learn from each other, and we have large networks with unique people in each circle,” Olsen says. Spending time and working with people she cares about is important to Olsen. After her first husband was killed by drunk driver in 2008, she found herself searching for ways to reconnect with those around her. “After he passed away, I had this overwhelming desire to get people to just slow down and spend time with the people they care about,” she says. “So that is a huge driver for me in this project, to be able to create a place where people will go and create these lasting memories.” Speaking of memories, the owners documented the renovation process of The Guest House for their TV show Miss INNdependent, which they were encouraged to create by a producer
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for Olsen’s husband, Ben Olsen, a host for the Discovery Channel’s Operation Outdoor Freedom. Airing locally (the channel was not determined at the time this article was written), they hope to have the show picked up by larger networks for national exposure and plan to pitch the show this summer. With most of the renovation taking place last winter, Olsen thought it would be a great opportunity for the show to also bring attention to what makes Minnesota unique. “We want to highlight Excelsior and highlight Minnesota in general,” she says. “It is really easy to book up properties around the lake in the summer months because people really have an understanding for lake life and the vibe and the energy, but it is kind of a
closely kept secret how fun this area can be in the winter months.” To illustrate that point to viewers, Olsen and the other women ventured out for ice fishing, the Polar Plunge and Excelsior’s Klondike Dog Derby, which were all set to be filmed for the show. “We are just trying to give an additional perspective, and if we are trying to reach a national audience, it would be great for people … say down in Texas, to see some of the fun things that we may have,” she says. To highlight these and other experiences and underscore other activities and dining spots that The Guest House guests could enjoy, Olsen says the team created an Excelsior Passport, which features a variety of businesses, restaurants, sites and activities for tourists to do and see.
Back row: Mandy Meisner, Joanna Kelzenberg, Michelle Young, Kelly Olsen; Front row: Maria Anderson, Trisha Raich, Jorie Wilkinson, Jennifer Dierkhising, Kari Nokken; Photo: Northern Pine Productions
The Guest House, 371 Water St., Excelsior; 952.474.0196; theguesthousemn.com
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The Guest House
May 2022
@theguesthousemn
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O N T H E TOW N
th in g s to se e a n d d o aro und Lak e Minne to nk a
CELEBRATE MEMORIAL DAY Legion Post plans annual commemorations. Memorial Day marks the end of the school year or the beginning of summer. But for veterans, their families and a host of others, the day stands as a time-honored tradition to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of fallen service members and their families alike. Wayzata’s chapter of the American Legion Post 118 once more plans to hold Memorial Day commemorations on May 30. The post’s Color Guard will pay tribute to our country’s fallen service members with events at 10:30 a.m. at Summit Hill Cemetery on Old Highway 12 and Wayzata Boulevard and 11:30 a.m. at Heritage Park cemetery on Wayzata Boulevard and Central Avenue. Wayzata Mayor Johanna Mouton is scheduled to give her annual memorial speech at both events, followed by time to talk with attendees and a small free lunch with those in attendance. Donations for the American Legion post are encouraged but not required for this event. For additional information, visit the legion’s Facebook page at Wayzata American Legion. —Emily Deutscher
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iStock.com/JanaShea
Compiled by Emily Deutscher and Hanna McDaniels
See all that your community has to offer. State Fair food. All ages. $5–$20. Times
vary. Minnesota State Fair Grounds, 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul; info@twincities autoshow.com; twincitiesautoshow.com
Stars on Ice Tour 05/15 The tour is back. Witness the per-
Check out our Community Directory! All of the best resources at your fingertips. lakeminnetonkamag.com
formances of Olympic figure skaters, including Nathan Chen, Alysa Liu and Jason Brown. All ages.
4 p.m. Prices vary. Xcel Energy Center, 199 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; 651.265.4800; xcelenergycenter.com
Momboss 5K 05/16 Enjoy this beautiful 5K walk/run around the scenery of Medicine Lake. After the race, participants are invited to experience a retreat-style celebration inside the historical Hutton House. All
ages. $55–$65. 8:30 a.m.–noon. Hutton House, 10715 S. Shore Drive, Medicine Lake; 608.514.2683; coveyevents.com
Can Do Canines Open House 05/21 This event connects potential clients, volunteers or those in need of a service dog to specially-trained service dogs. All
ages. Free. Can Do Canines, 9440 Science Center Drive, New Hope; candocanines.org
To have your event considered: email lakeminnetonkamag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Due to the fluidity being experienced in the current environment, please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.
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G A L L E R Y — Photos by Michelle Wirth
Hopkins Education Foundation (HEF) Hybrid Royal Bash Royal Bash, HEF’s largest annual fundraiser, was in-person for the first time since 2020 and drew 243 attendees to the plaid-themed event at the Marriott Southwest in Minnetonka in February. A livestream of the program allowed viewers at home to enjoy the entertainment, too. Jim Hebeisen, principal of Tanglen Elementary School, and his son, Adam Hebeisen, a paraprofessional at Alice Smith Elementary School, wowed attendees with a song and more. HEF’s Pathways to a Healthy Future, an initiative at Hopkins
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schools that addresses students’ and staff members’ wellness and mental health needs, was highlighted at the event. Dani the West Junior High School’s resource dog, a product of a HEF grant, was on hand to help choose raffle winners. To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos, contact information and a brief description of the event to lakeminnetonkamag@localmedia.co.
May 2022
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The Cedar Roof Man KUHLS CONTRACTING: 1515 SOUTH 5TH STREET, HOPKINS, MN • 952.935.9469
www.kuhlscontracting.com
STRAIGHT TALK FROM STEVE KUHL
Five signs your cedar roof may need some TLC 1
Let’s face it. Cedar roofs look great but owning one is a little scary. “Has it been damaged by hail?” “Will it blow off in a storm?” “I hear something chewing up there!” But despite what you may hear, your cedar roof is still one of the most beautiful and long-lasting products on the market. The only catch is you have take care of it.
Owner, Dad, Wood Roof Geek
That’s where I come in. My free, written estimate includes a thorough analysis of your roof. Bringing over 25 years of experience to the table, I will evaluate its’ condition to determine whether or not maintenance, repairs or replacement is the best option for you. Worst case scenario you get a free inspection from a true expert. Best case, we work our magic on your roof and add years to its lifespan.
Loose Nails & Staples
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In fact, Kuhl’s Contracting is looked to for the evaluation and restoration of cedar roofs by more insurance companies, home inspectors, realtors and architects than any other company in Minnesota. Not to brag, but we are pretty awesome. Don’t take my word for it. Check out our talents at www.kuhlscontracting.com. Or ask around. We have probably done work for someone you know. I started this company in 1987. Since that time we have worked on thousands of homes around the Twin Cities. My approach to business has never wavered. Be honest, be reliable and do great work. As a result our list of happy clients grows daily.
Cupping & Curling
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Before Moss & Algae
4 Call us today to schedule your free estimate:
952-935-9469 Steve Kuhl’s Motivation Task Force
Giggle Manager
Inventory Princess Hungry Hound
After Evil Critters
Other KUHL Capabilities:
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•Asphalt, Cedar & Flat Roofing •Chimney & Masonry Repairs •Ice Dam Prevention •Siding & Carpentry •Remodeling Missing Shakes
TA S T E M A K E R S
Picnic Proposal The Wayzata Library lawn is transformed into a memory-making spot. By Madeline Kopiecki
T H E WAYZATA LIBR A RY HOL DS A LOT OF GREAT STOR I ES, but
the area in front of the local bibliothèque was the scene of a special love story. As with any good tome, let’s start at the beginning: In March 2021, local event planner Courtney Smallbeck, like many of us, found herself with a fairly empty calendar. Thanks to a friend, she was intro-
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duced to a trend already sweeping the West Coast: boho-style luxury picnics. “I, of course, loved it because it channels so many of the things that I enjoy about event planning and also dining outside,” Smallbeck says. She launched Perfect Picnic Co., thinking that the newbie business would do a few picnics to start. Not so! “By the end of summer, I’d booked over a hundred picnics,” she says.
For the setups, Smallbeck focuses on layering beautiful items, from unique tableware and fresh flowers to knotted napkins and etched-glass goblets. “It feels like it shouldn’t be in a park,” she says of the picnicscapes. “It feels too elevated to be part of a picnic, which just makes the experience very magical.” Smallbeck also coordinates with clients, drawing from a wealth of décor elements
Photos: Oscar Salinas/Sotahboy Productions, LLC.
to match color schemes and various themes her picnickers have in mind. The basic picnic includes delivery and setup, including a large rug, a custom wood picnic table, plentiful pillows and cushions in various colors, a throw blanket, a table runner, boho décor, candles, fresh flowers and table settings. Food options are equally open to collaboration, from bring your own to catered eats. Smallbeck recommends inspired charcuterie boards, and the team also offers picnic or tea sandwiches, salads, cake balls and more. Smallbeck says the best part of her work is seeing people’s reactions when they walk up to the picnic. “I think they somewhat know what to expect because we have a lot of photos on our website and social media, but photos cannot capture the magic of a luxury picnic,” she says. There is a looming question when it comes to any outdoor activity: What happens if it rains? For light sprinkles, Smallbeck sets up a clear bubble tent over the picnic, which she says ultimately makes for a cozy and intimate vibe. If the weather turns completely uncooperative or the group is larger, the team will bring the picnic to a client’s home. Here’s where the story takes a romantic turn. Last October, Ben Rorvick reached out to Smallbeck to arrange a picnic— AKA a marriage proposal venue. “His soon-to-be fiancée really wanted to be engaged looking out on Lake Minnetonka,” she says. Given that a large portion of the lake is owned privately, Smallbeck and Rorvick did some research, and Rorvick discovered a space in front of the Wayzata Library that included a view of both the lake and the city. (Smallbeck secured the necessary permits.) “It was absolutely stunning,” Rorvick says. “The picnic that Courtney set up was more than I imagined it would be, and the setting was incredible overlooking Wayzata and Lake Minnetonka.” “We did a picnic for two, and we also set up our lace teepee, which they sat inside of while seated at the table,” Smallbeck says, noting the structure was carefully aligned to look out on both the city and the lake. Smallbeck also brought in a photographer, who surreptitiously sat at a nearby bench when the couple arrived. “When the groom proposed, our photographer subtly and secretly took all these photos of the proposal,” Smallbeck says. After the couple had a chance to privately take in the moment, the photographer took additional photos with the newly-engaged couple.
May 2022
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“It feels too elevated to be part of a picnic, which just makes the experience very magical.” COURTN EY SMA LLB ECK, OWN ER OF PER FECT PI CN I C CO.
perfectpicnic.co
Perfect Picnic Co
@perfectpicnics.msp
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TA S T E M A K E R S
SAY CHEESE
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times of the year, so, too, does cheese. Lasersmith shares her recommendations for warmer weather offerings. Harbison: a soft-ripened cheese from Jasper Hill Cellars “This luscious, spoonable cheese is wrapped in spruce bark to keep it all in,” she says. “Cut around the edge of the cheese, peel off the top rind and voila! With notes of lemon and spruce, this cheese is rich and sweet, pairing perfectly with fresh raspberries and crusty bread or hot pepper jelly and dried apricots.” Tea Rose: a chèvre covered in dried flowers and herbs from Capriole Cheese “Along with floral and herba-
ceous flavors, Tea Rose is light and tangy. Pair it with light honey and a fresh clementine or citrus marmalade on a shortbread cookie. As the name implies, it also goes great with a nice glass of iced tea.” Wild Stag: an aged cheddar from Deer Creek that is exclusively available at Kowalski’s “[This is] well balanced in tanginess and nuttiness with notes of toffee and butterscotch. Fresh cherries, chocolate, peanuts, pretzels and caramel corn are absolutely delicious with this cheese. Just put them all in a cup together, and eat as a finger food. Great addition to an outdoor movie.” —Renée Stewart-Hester
May 2022
Kowalski’s Market, 440 Water St., Excelsior; 952.229.8300; kowalskis.com Kowalski’s Markets @kowalskis_markets @kowalskismarket
lakeminnetonkamag.com
Photo: Chris Emeott
When packing cheese for a picnic, Gabby Lasersmith, certified cheese professional with Kowalski’s Market in Excelsior, recommends keeping two things in mind: ease of eating and the outside temperature. “Go for cheeses that are spreadable or spoonable [ricotta, soft-ripened cheeses, chèvre and cheese spreads],” she says. “They can withstand the heat for a couple of hours, and all you need is a dull knife. Another good pick would be hard cheeses like ParmigianoReggiano, aged Goudas and aged cheddar. They also do well in the heat, but I would cut them up beforehand.” Just as fruits and vegetables lend themselves to certain
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Alaina, Hockey Captain & D1 Athlete
LAST GLANCE
By Renée Stewart-Hester
FIRST PLACE: CITY LANDMARKS
Lens on Lake Minnetonka “We live in a great area for photography …” —Eduard Melnik
“I REALLY L I KE T HE SOL IT UD E SPI R I T of this boat and its bravery to be the first on the lake. The weather was just reinforcing the feeling ... I got [interested in] photography fairly recently. It has been very interesting and engaging journey. You have to approach it with [an] open mind and not be afraid to make mistakes and try new things. Learning never stops ... We live in a great area for photography, especially if you are into sunsets and sunrises.” —Eduard Melnik, Minnetonka
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Photographer:
Eduard Melnik
Title: Lonely Ranger
Canon 90D Wayzata Yacht Club, Wayzata Bay
Equipment: Location:
To view other Lens on Lake Minnetonka photo contest winners, visit lakeminnetonkamag.com.
May 2022
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EST. 1992
BOAT SALES • PRO SHOP • SERVICE • STORAGE • FIBERGLASS REPAIR
MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE SINCE 1992 EXCELSIOR SALES / 720 GALPIN LAKE ROAD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 TWIN CITIES SERVICE CENTER / 260 STATE STREET NEW GERMANY, MN 55367 BAXTER SALES & SERVICE CENTER / 15779 EDGEWOOD DRIVE BAXTER, MN 56425