EE FR DECEMBER 2013
Merry Christmas!
Shaping the minds and the hearts of the people who will change the world. PLEASE JOIN US AT ONE OF OUR JANUARY 2014 ADMISSION EVENTS. Tuesday, January 14, 2014 Lower School Information Evening Grades K–5, 6:30–8 p.m. 1150 Goodrich Avenue, St. Paul
Thursday, January 16, 2014 Middle/Upper School Open House Grades 6–12, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 1712 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul
BUSING AVAILABLE FROM NORTH OAKS, WOODBURY, EDINA, AND MINNEAPOLIS For more information please visit www.spa.edu/admission or call 651-698-2451.
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Coming Soon: A new event space at our Spa for reunions, small weddings, parties, corporate outings and other activities. Become a Just For Me Spa member or purchase a membership as a gift and receive two Hand Relief stocking stuffers. Offer valid now through Dec. 31.
Just For Me the Spa
See our website for details!
Gift Cards Spa Packages Spa Accommodations Spa Memberships Massage Body Treatments Facials Nail Treatments Hair Salon Fitness Club Personal Training 110 S. Greeley Street • Stillwater WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 1 651.439.4662 • justformespa.com
LORD, GRANT ME THE COFFEE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN nate Compassio
, excep
tional ca
re for your pets.
and the wine to accept the things i can’t “Coffee and Wine” by Tim Nyberg
This fun art break was brought to you by: online gallery, map and more info at:
funartstudio.com
open anytime by appointment 612.240.6679
same day appointments are just ne • special art events quarterly
Warmest Holiday Wishes from the Dock Cafe! Please remember us for your Holiday Parties, Gift Cards, Wedding and Groom’s Dinners and Business Entertainment.
dock cafe 425 East Nelson Street • 651-430-3770 • dockcafe.com 2 STILLWATER LIVING
DECEMBER 2013
Voted BEST Veterinary Clinic!
Now open for evening appointments.
651-430-2229 www.rivertownanimalhospital.com Bring in this ad for $25 off your first exam. New clients only.
a Great Place for your Holiday Party and overnight guests!
Gift Certificates Available
Charlie’s Restaurant & Irish Pub at the Water Street Inn 101 Water Street South • 651-439-6000 WWW.WateRStReetInn.uS
contents Features
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December 2013
HOME FOR CHRISTMAS BY SHAD VORK
THE LOFT AT STUDIO J BY GEOFFREY BISHOP
Departments
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EDITOR’S NOTE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR MAINSTREET News and Views from the Valley
Judd Sather & Josh Koosmann - The Loft at Studio J
FRESH LOOK Keep On Keeping On With Style BY JIM REYNOLDS
INCOGNITO Coffee, Bliss and Wine After Work BY KIRSTEN STILLMAN WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 3
editor’s note
Merry Christmas!
VOLUME 9, NUMBER 10 DECEMBER 2013 EE FR
Whenever I say “Merry Christmas” I find myself smiling. It is a joyful phrase and I tend to utter the words when I’m feeling upbeat. Sharing that sentiment only enhances the already convivial atmosphere. It works well for folks who focus on Santa and the giftgiving aspect of the season every bit as well as those who view the season as being all about the miracle of Christ’s birth. I’m sure that many among us fall partially into both camps. Offering someone good will can have a ripple effect that permeates your immediate community.
DECEMBER 2013
Peter McNiff
New this issue is a department that takes another look at subjects from a past issue. Fresh Look examines Nancy Haugen’s Main Street shop “Forget Me Not in Stillwater” at her new location on the corner of Main and Myrtle. The grace and style that she shares with us now has a much larger footprint. Julie Bourman
Merry Christmas!
GEOFFREY BISHOP JIM REYNOLDS KIRSTEN STILLMAN SHAD VORK
For several years we have included a message from a member of local clergy in our Christmas Issue. Shad Vork, leader of Grace Baptist Church was up to the task of putting thoughts to written word on a subject that he knows well. His unique perspective of this magical season is inspiring. He also made our “nice” list for meeting his deadline. Judd Sather’s business card says “awesomer” in bold face type, a phrase that is more than an indication of what to expect from him. “Awesomer” certainly is the essence of Stillwater’s newest event setting – The Loft at Studio J. This second floor loft-style event venue is located right smack in the hot-zone of downtown Stillwater. Most publications give new writers somewhat pedestrian assignments as they cut their teeth. Around here when we like someone, we send them off to the spa or to a salon, or, as is the case this issue, we send them to a hot new café. Tin Bins is the subject of our Incognito department and to say that newcomer Kirsten Stillman enjoyed this assignment would be an understatement.
Kirsten Stillman
Curtis Dale
It seems that smiles come a little easier this time of year in spite of the readings on our thermometers. Be sure to share that joy with your fellow man over the coming weeks – maybe even into the New Year. Real Good Then Peter McNiff Publisher and Editor peter@stillwaterliving.net
4 STILLWATER LIVING
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JEFF BAGGOT STEVE (SHOWCASE) SKALMAN HAWK
Copyright 2013 Watershed Publishing, Inc. all rights reserved. Stillwater Living is published by Watershed Publishing, Inc. P.O. Box 2302 Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-3143 inquiry@stillwaterliving.net
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Teas made from many plants, using not just the leaves, but also the flowers, roots, bark and seeds.
Huaimin Spa & Super Tea 117 S Main Street • Stillwater • 651-342-0559
WWW.SPASUPERTEA.COM
Affordable & Easy Boating “Family Time” on the Water Training Provided
The Perfect Family Gift 651-439-9000
www.stillwaterboatclub.com WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 5
letters to the editor
Hurray For Stillwater P.D. Nice work on the Stillwater Police Department story last issue. I think it is a story that was long overdue – Chief Gannaway and his staff do a great job in Stillwater and their work largely goes unnoticed. I thought the ride-a-long part of the story was a little boring and it seemed that the writer was pretty green, but I’ll take whatever coverage of our men and women in blue that we can get.
1060 Delano Court Live Well in Stillwater! A home offering the perfect space for everything… movie time in the home theater, work time in the home office, party time on the maintenance free deck, primping time in the awesome owner’s suite bathroom, dinner time in the huge updated kitchen. Truly a must see property! $399,900 CherylLarson.com 651-270-0213 6 STILLWATER LIVING
DECEMBER 2013
Thanks again, Bobby D.
A (W riter With ’s) Brush the L aw By Kir st Photos en Stillm an by Aim ee Chr is
tenson
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Since When? When did Stillwater Living become available around town for free? I used to get this magazine in the mail and I love it. Last month I saw a stack of magazines at the Lake Elmo Inn and I grabbed one… when did you change this format? Please understand that I am not complaining – I’m happy to pick it up when I’m out and about. Doris J. Lake Elmo
LAW OFFICE
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NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE VALLEY
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Just Hear Those Sleigh Bells Jingling Outing Lodge at Pine Point 11661 Myeron Road • Stillwater Adults: $15 reserved; $20 at the door Children: $10 reserved; $15 at the door 651-439-9747 www.outinglodge.com …and ring-ting-tingling too! Brush up on the lyrics because it’s time for an old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snows of Pine Point Park. They’re sure to be a treat for everyone, but we hear that they’re really special for the little ones and for lovers. 8 STILLWATER LIVING DECEMBER 2013
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The nearly 300 acre park is in rolling hills and has a pine plantation, hardwood forest, lakes, and agricultural lands. The equestrian trail runs along the entire perimeter of the park and winter brings a softened landscape that those on horseback never see at other times of the year. Rides begin with hot chocolate and cookies at Outing Lodge, just a little north of Stillwater. Better yet it ends there too! A spot near the massive fireplace is the perfect place to wind down from the excitement of the ride and bring everything up to room temperature. P.S. Ask about their Christmas Dinner!
Hometown for the
Holidays
Dec. 13 - See and hear Victorian
carolers strolling through downtown Stillwater, 7-9:30 pm.
Dec. 14 - Bring the youngsters to
Creating VALUE
Building and Remodeling unique Twin Cities homes since 1977 Lic. #BC006077
see Santa with his sleight and live reindeer at the Pedestrian Plaza, 1-4 pm. Drop in for the open house with refreshments right next door at Valley Bookseller. Just up Main Street you’ll find the Warden’s House Museum holiday open house that runs from 1 to 5 pm. There’s also *Brunch with Santa at Water Street Inn from 9 - 1; *Lunch with Santa at the Dock Cafe at 11, *Victorian Tea at the Lowell Inn from 2 to 4; Strolling Victorian carolers from 1 to 3, and *Biercycle caroling tours, at 2 and 3 pm.
Dec. 15 - Strolling Santa, 1-5 pm;
*Breakfast with Santa at the Water Street Inn, 10 am; *Lunch with Santa at the Dock Cafe, 11 am.
Dec. 20 - Strolling Victorian carolers, 7-9:30 pm.
Dec. 21 – Free carriage rides, 12-4
pm; strolling Santa, 1-5pm; Victorian carolers, 1-3 pm; *Victorian Tea at Lowell Inn, 2-4 pm; *Brunch with Santa at the Water Street Inn, 9 am - 1 pm; *Biercycle caroling tours, 2 and 3 pm.
Dec. 22 – Free carriage rides, 12-4 pm; Strolling Santa, 1-5 pm.
Troy Thies Photography
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* There is a charge for starred events; payable at the event venue. WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 9
Phipps Pics
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! This funny and heartwarming perennial unveils the efforts of Mrs. Bradley and her husband to put on the annual church pageant despite having to cast the Herman kids - “probably the meanest, nastiest, most inventively awful children in the history of the world” in the lead roles. They’re “guilty of every unmentionable childhood crime and have thought of more than a few original ones. The pageant is full of surprises for everyone, including the miscreants. Ultimately, they come to understand the Christmas story and help everyone else rediscover its meaning.
The Phipps Center for the Arts 109 Locust Street Hudson, WI 54016
For ticket information, call 715-386-8409 or visit www.thephipps.org
Like most of the best writing for young audiences, this piece runs on two levels. The kids get the main message on their level, but the adults take in more from their broader view. Both leave with something to ponder. And like much of the best writing for holidays, viewing this piece has become a tradition repeated through the years for many families.
Scrambling for unique, last minute gifts?
We’ve got you covered. www.rivermarket.coop 10 STILLWATER LIVING
DECEMBER 2013
The Shadows Band
Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Big Bopper, Roy Orbison, and Bobby Vee have another thing in common that you might not know about. All are represented by members of The Shadow Band. And like their famous inspirations, sellouts are a familiar outcome for The Shadow Band too. In the last four years 100% of their unique, small venue performances haven’t had an empty seat. Bobby Vee and The Shadows filled in for Holly, Valens, and Big Bopper at the Moorhead Armory back in ‘59 on February 4, 1963, the day after “The Night the Music Died.” From that exposure, Bobby Vee went on to be
one of the biggest singing stars of the 60’s, selling 13 million records. The Shadows band, with Bobby Vee’s brother Bill on lead guitar, were his touring and recording group until 1964. Dick Dunkirk revived the band after they were elected to the Mid-America Music Hall of Fame in 2005. Jeff Boxell, who starred in the musical theatre production of “Buddy” performs as Buddy Holly. Wayne Luchau, who has an incredible vocal range, performs as Ritchie Valens and Roy Orbison.
Be happy with your smile.TM
www.stenbergorthodontics.com WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 11
Art Pops Up!
Now through December 21
ArtReach St. Croix opened ArtReach Downtown, a “popup” art gallery where you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while refreshing your memory of just how much artistic talent resides in the Valley. And like many other of our downtown shopping venues it will be open during evening hours on several days each week. Drop in to browse the expanded selection of art and handcrafted gift items made by St. Croix Valley artists. With jewelry, pottery, blown-glass, paintings, stationary and so much more, you won’t want to miss this once a year collection of artists. It would be good to also pay a visit to 45 Degrees located just next door. Owners Jeff and Jennifer Anderson made it all possible by donating use of the space. ArtReach St. Croix is one of those special non-profits that help shape the high quality of life we enjoy here in the Valley. The current exhibit at their home base up the hill next to City Hall is timely for the season. “Winter Reflections” in their St. Croix Galleries contains work from Denise Bunkert, Leah Peterson and Richard Vincent. These artists have chosen work that reveals the often overlooked beauty of Winter in the Upper Midwest.
Noon - 7 pm Wednesdays through Saturdays Noon - 5 pm Sundays www.artreachstcroix.org
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413 E. Nelson St • 651-342-0799 12 STILLWATER LIVING
DECEMBER 2013
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Lodge
179
Give Back When You Buy the Best Christmas Trees
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Head on down to Lilly Lake tennis courts just off of Greeley Ave in Stillwater to find the best Christmas Trees in the area. 100% locally grown, certified Minnesota Christmas Tree Association grown trees fill the tennis courts this month. Once you have a Fraser Fir in your home for Christmas you’ll never want anything else. These trees are cut just days before being delivered to the Elk’s 179 Christmas Tree Lot - which means that you will have at least six weeks (if you water them at home) of soft aeromatic needles. Not to mention how much fun you will have interacting with the Elk’s volunteers. These Minnesota grown trees look great, they fill your house with the sent of Christmas and all of the money generated at the Elk’s 179 Christmas Tree Lot will be used to help the greater Stillwater community. You have the opportunity to spend your Christmas tree dollars in support of your neighbors in need when you buy from the Elk’s Club. Do it, enjoy it, LOVE Christmas!
Find
Your
Balance Let us show you how.
Hill-Murray School Open House: Monday, January 6 2014
WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 13
Get Wild and Hit the Slopes Whether you’re a pro on the slopes, or barely able to tumble down the bunny hill, skiers, snowboarders, and snow tubers of all ages and skill are welcome at Wild Mountain/ Taylors Falls Recreation. With 26 trails that include four terrain parks for novices and experts, grab your friends, family, or that special someone to spend some quality time with and explore the outdoors. Not very experienced and in need of some lessons? No problem. The Snowsports School offers all the learning you can handle outside of a traditional classroom for beginners and experts alike. With special tubing lanes, don’t miss out on an exhilarating afternoon that is so much better than the backyard hill. You don’t even need to worry about the long trek back to the top; a conveyor lift will shoot you right back up there so you can repeat the adrenaline-laced ride. And the best part about snow tubing at Wild Mountain/Taylors Falls Recreation is that you don’t need any experience or special equipment, just hop in and enjoy the ride.
For more information on hours, daily snow reports, and prices, visit http://www.wildmountain.com
Problem Solver. Optimist. Real Estate Agent.
tomobrienrealtor.com
14 STILLWATER LIVING
DECEMBER 2013
Ice Cream
Social
1st week free
yoga for everyone
www.studiooneyoga.com 24 Hour Airport Service
weddings~funerals~special occasions
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6188 Beach Rd. N. - Stillwater 651-439-0611 valleyfloralcompany.com
1953 ice cream social in Stillwater’s Lowell Park. (Courtesy of the Washington County Historical Society)
Saturday, January 18 Lowell Park 12 noon – 4 pm Free Ice Cream Chili available for purchase Because we’re Minnesotans and don’t notice the cold no matter what, celebrating Winter with ice cream and coffee it just comes naturally. Even newcomers to the Tundra warm up to the idea after a while. Dress in warm layers and head for free ice cream and coffee in north Lowell Park. Sponsored by Leo’s Malt Shop, River Moon Coffee, and the Stillwater Visitors Bureau, this event has 64 years of history behind it so let’s keep the spirit alive and well. Melt the weather out of your bones by the bonfire as you enjoy live music, or bring your ice skates to join others in the fun. When you get a bit hungry you can buy some chili to fill your tummy and help support the Washington County Historical Society. Chili and ice cream, that’s another Minnesota specialty , don’t you know!
www.discoverstillwater.com WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 15
ur community is fortunate to have a handful of people walking among us who have made the decision to use their powers for good rather than evil. The average consumer moves from shop to shop without knowing much about what has gone on behind the scenes. What do you suppose that little house/ garage in Marine looked like before Robyn and Deidre envisioned a new home for St. Croix Chocolate? How about that old VFW in Lake Elmo? Before John and Christine took the leap and invested mightily in that space to create what we now know as the Lake Elmo Inn Event Center, the building may have been razed. Nancy Haugen is one of a small group of downtown retailers that have brought somewhat of a renaissance to Main Street, Stillwater. Who didn’t love Will Rogers and his Christmas themed “Seasons Teaque” store on Main Street? When Jeff Anderson bought the building and renovated, who would have guessed that it would turn out to be such a successful face lift. We can thank Mike Hoefler and company for fillingin the alley next to 45 Degrees and Marx with a touch of class. It’s a beautiful building and it fits in wonderfully. Greg Gartner has taken a couple of deteriorating downtown structures and, like Anderson and Hoefler, he handed Main Street gems that we can all be proud to have as our own. You may remember meeting Nancy Haugen in our pages of the March/April 2012 issue. There is no need to restate our introduction, here is what we had to say about her then – “She has the soul of an artist and the graciousness of an inn keeper. No event in your life is too small for Nancy to give you the 16 STILLWATER LIVING
DECEMBER 2013
By Jim Reynolds Photos by Aimee Christenson
very best of what she has to offer, and what Nancy has to offer is considerable. Step into her shop and you will be rightfully impressed by her design sense. An air of quality supports her home accent pieces and the aroma of fresh cut flowers is delightful. With her interior design degree, floral business history and artistic sensibilities she is a gem to have on Main Street. I would imagine that she has regular visitors to her shop that show-up just to absorb the ambiance. One might say that her style is somewhat traditional with contemporary surprises, but I’d hate to pigeon hole her – take a look for your self.” Nancy did the whole “buy a building and painstakingly renovate the space” thing at the corner of Main and Nelson. Now, it seems, the rest of the Joseph Wolf building (which surrounded Nancy’s old space) is headed for a major renovation. Far be it for Nancy to stand in the way of progress. “A luxury style boutique hotel could be great for Stillwater” Nancy says with a smile, “I am happy to move a few blocks to the North.” 102 Main Street North is on the corner of Myrtle and Main – Forget Me Not in Stillwater’s new home. Once again Nancy has taken a space that left much to be desired in the past and, with her midas touch, infused a sense of class and elegance. So much more space to enjoy than Nancy’s old space. As you can plainly see in these photographs, Nancy’s protraction has not caused her to sacrifice quality. Her tail is an inspirational one, her commitment to the community is apparent in her offering and the “soul of an artist” that we wrote about a few years ago is well intact. Stay in touch with Nancy, you’ll be better off for the Stillwater Living March/April 2012 experience.
BY PETER MCNIFF ; PHOTO BY AIMEE
in person
CHRISTENSON
Class and Ele gance With A Flair
T
he intersection of downtown Stillwa Main and Nelson is somew hat of a southe ter. Two, four blur – many of them too busy and eighteen wheeled vehicle rn gateway to Those of us lucky to slow down s and absorb their wiz past in a notice that there enough to be pedestrian surroundings traffic of that has been a changi . busy intersection Wolf building. ng of the guard have taken in one corner of the old Joseph Nancy Hauge n brings us her thoughtful creatio experience culmin n, Forget Me ates in this one-of high quality Not in Stillwa -a-kind offerin flowers and plants ter. Her life g which combines only is the case with with unique the and many person ality driven boutiq hard to find home accent freshest, our Main Street pieces. or any other As that offers quite ues, you won’t find anothe r what Forget Me Not in Stillwa store on As a young mother of two ter does. in Warren, MN business comm Nancy was a unity. She was hard charger advantage of active with her in the local other networ king opportunities chamber of commerce walking in the and took full grand . “I was proud so hard to produc march at their Prom to see all of wearing the the girls e the night before very floral busine creatio ” says Nancy ns that I worked ss for nearly with a warm a decade, workin local funeral smile. She directors and g big weddin experiencing gs, dealing regular ran her service oriente the ebb and d retail field. ly with flow of a small Working with accompanies business in a Valentine’s Day, brides-to-be and handling Easter and Mothe the rush that r’s Day is no Life handed Nancy small feat. a change that for the family business, a manuf caused her to close the flower shop but one that acturing compa and go to work provided well ny. Not a great for her childre to the cities and outlet n. for During creativ visit her sister ity, that time she vistas of the Dock Carol. The two would often regularly sat Café; the calmin come felt a connec together and g influences tion. Nancy’s enjoyed the first visit to Stillwa of the St. Croix were quite her sister Patty. a draw ter was in 1974 The small town atmosh two walked Main Street, when she came — she browsing shop to visit pere. Thank 2004, she decide windows and fully, Nancy d to relocate, remembered enjoying that she came home again to Stillwa connection when, in With that move ter. came a new career, Nancy of interior design went to school . why not formal She has an innate ability to learn the ins and outs to make things ize around her look for her. Nancy that skill and work in a field that comes fabulous, natura designer before spent a handful of years working at McCor lly and is rewarding deciding that lives and works she would like to have her own mack’s as an interior on Main Street been a good in Stillwater. place again. day, I just love Nancy sums She now being downt it up well, “every own.” day has When asked if she always knew that she says matter of would be a florist factly “no, I thought I was or interior design when I was young, mostly going er, Nancy fashionable figures to be an artist. I enjoye and art.” This d might begin to explain Nancy . I guess my mind was sketching neatly into one on fashion category. One ’s design aesthet contemporary might say that ic which doesn’ surprises, but I’d hate to pigeon her style is somewhat traditio t settle sure that you’ll enjoy the experie hole her – take nal a look for yourse with nce. lf. I’m We all owe Carol and Patty a big thank you architecture will for drawing Nancy only downtown experie bring us so far, for it is Nancy and people to Stillwater. Historic nce so unique like her that make and coveted. our WWW.STILLWAT
ERLIVING.NET
WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 17
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By Shad Vork Photos by Aimee Christenson
I
n the last century, Bing Crosby popularized the song “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” The song, still heard in stores today, goes like this:
I'll be home for Christmas you can plan on me Please have snow and mistletoe and presents on the tree Christmas Eve will find me where the love light gleams I’ll be home for Christmas if only in my dreams 18 STILLWATER LIVING
DECEMBER 2013
Crosby sang about a sentimental, nostalgic, memoryfilled view of Christmas. And certainly Christmas is a time when businesses close, people take vacations, and families gather. But how many people come to Christmas longing for something called “home” and come up empty? Some have no home, others have a very broken home, and still some simply have a home that feels lonely.
I grew up in a broken one. My parents divorced when I was eight and my mom moved my two sisters and me from the cold of Minnesota to the blazing heat of Texas. I lived in many “homes” during those years, and at one point, the number of different schools I attended equaled the total years of my education. My earliest memories of Christmas centered more on getting Spiderman or cars, but as I grew into young adulthood, the true message of Jesus Christ as the heart of Christmas began to take shape in my thoughts and affections. I became a Christian shortly after arriving in Texas. I was raised in Baptist churches and continue in that tradition today. Two years after college I began to prepare for full-time ministry. One of my riveting Christmas memories happened around the turn of the millennium. As I finished seminary and attended a church in St. Paul there was a tragic accident. A young couple from my church were driving in icy conditions just before Christmas and died instantly in a head on collision. They never made it home to their two children. I experienced my first Christmas Eve service on my honeymoon, visiting a Lutheran church in Wisconsin. To that point, I had never heard of a Christmas Eve service in my Baptist experience. Interestingly, both churches that I served in since celebrate this tradition, and I continue it my current ministry “home” Grace Baptist Church of Stillwater. When I came to Stillwater in 2008, I never imagined some of the wonderful people to whom I would minister. Let me introduce you to four who are finding a “home” in Grace Baptist Church; let's call them Donna, Dave, Sue and Mike. None were a part of the church when I first arrived. Rather, while they were searching for a home of sorts that they found one, not simply in the church, but in the very Source of the church’s existence. Donna is a single mom with an adult special-needs son living with her. A few years ago she came to us looking for a church that would love both her and her son. She also wanted a place that would teach the Bible as true and authoritative for life. Another is Dave. My first contact with him came almost two years ago when he called me at church. He was homeless and looking for some help with gas for his truck. I invited Dave to church and we began a wonderful friendship. Last winter he parked his truck in the church lot each night and plugged a
Shad Vork
space heater into one of the outside outlets. On the coldest nights he sometimes slept in the church. The third person is Sue. She called one day looking for a study that would help her to better understand the Bible. The reason: she had been approached by another religious group that denies that Jesus is God, one of the very foundations of Christian teaching. She felt confused beyond measure. We began meeting and her thirst for God’s Word continues. Lastly I met Mike last August. He was convicted of murder and has been in the Stillwater prison for 13 years. We have been meeting regularly ever since some friends of his contacted me. Why do I mention these four individuals, and what do they have to do with being home for Christmas? These four people, along with my family and every person in the world are a big reason why there is such a thing as Christmas. Here is a short summary known as "the Gospel," a word that means "Good News." In the beginning, God made humanity without sin. But the first couple, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God and brought sin into the world. As a result, the Bible says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). It also says, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). In other words, sin earns death, which means being separated from God. People have through the ages tried to get to God in their own ways. They have tried to do it through being good, through making up their own ideas WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 19
about God, through all kinds of strange ways of worship that God never prescribed, and even through trying to work very, very hard. However, the Bible tells us that all these efforts fail. But God did not leave us without hope. He had a plan all along. Because we could never get to Him by means of our own, God came down to us. He did this through Jesus Christ. Jesus is God in the flesh. The gospel of John calls Jesus “the Word,” and John writes, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). So Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the coming of God in the flesh. However, Jesus did not come simply to be remembered and celebrated as a baby. Yes, there was a tremendous amount of joy surrounding His birth in Bethlehem. The angels rejoiced, the wise men worshipped Him, the shepherds praised God, and all rightfully so – this baby was God. But Jesus came for a great purpose, which was ultimately to take our place in paying for our sins. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” As some have put it, Jesus was born to die.
Another writer penned it this way: O God our help in ages past Our hope for years to come Be thou our Guide while life shall last And our eternal home God is the “home” pictured in the second hymn. He is the destination for all who come to Him on His terms. Jesus is the only way for us to go home, which brings me back to the four friends I mentioned. Donna put her faith in Jesus Christ as the One who died for her sins. She has come home to God through the gift of His Son. We have had her in our home, sometimes for special holidays, and she has commented, “No one has ever done something like this for us before.” The Christ of Christmas came for Donna.
Why did he die? To pay for our sin that separated us from God so that we could be reconciled and live with Him forever. This truth comes across clearly in the familiar words of John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” After His death, Jesus rose from the grave and later ascended to heaven where He abides with God the Father. Just before His crucifixion, He made a promise to His followers. He said, “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” So we celebrate Christmas because Jesus left His home in heaven to make it possible for us to go to that eternal, heavenly, delightful home. That home is the very presence of God. One hymn writer put it this way:
Amazing grace how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost but now am found Was blind but now I see 20 STILLWATER LIVING
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Through many dangers toils and snares I have already come ’tis grace has brought me safe thus far And grace will lead me home
Dave now has an apartment and sleeps in a real bed. He has seen the love of Christ from a church family that has loved him, and he has heard the true meaning of Christmas. By his own admission, he is still skeptical of the good news of Jesus, but he still comes to church, invites others to come, and calls me to meet for Bible studies. The Christ of Christmas came for Dave. Sue continues meeting to study and understand the Bible. She has embraced the good news of Jesus Christ. The Christ of Christmas came to earth for Sue. Mike came to faith in Jesus Christ while in jail after committing his crimes. A man who led Bible studies in the jail shared the good news with Mike, and Mike embraced the gospel. He admits his guilt, knows his punishment is just, and yet has found grace and mercy for all of his sins through the Savior. Mike may never get out of prison or enter the doors of our church, but like another Christian once said, he has learned to be content in every situation of life. Since entering prison, Mike was able to connect with a seminary and benefit from nearly every DVD course they offered. He studies the Bible with
other inmates, works to promote peace in the prison, and engages in restorative justice. The Christ of Christmas came to earth for Mike. Yes, Jesus came to earth to save sinners. If we are honest, we realize that includes each of us. He offers each person the gift of eternal life, but never forces it on anyone. As I think about Christmas I realize that it has everything to do with the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ. The message of Christmas has been ignored, people have tried to change it, changed, and it is lost upon many in our culture, but in me and a multitude of others it has deepened over the years. Christmas is not about being home at a certain time of the year. Rather, it is about how to get home for all eternity. Because Jesus left his home, one day, all who trust in Him will go to the home He has prepared for them. Because that young couple who crashed years ago at Christmastime trusted in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior they actually did "make it “home� that day. Do you have that confidence? Shad Vork is the leader of Grace Baptist Church
WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 21
We had a chance to sit down with Judd Sather. His new event space “The Loft at Studio J” is a phenomenal new event option downtown Stillwater.
SL – How did you get started on this project? Judd - I have been a photographer in Stillwater since 2001 and moved my company (Studio J, Inc.) from a homebased business to 317 Main Street South (across from The Daily Grind) in 2007 to 214 Main Street South in 2009. “Judd Sather Photography” is the signature brand of Studio J, Inc. used for weddings only when I’m shooting. With over 7,000 sq ft of photography space to shoot within, clients started asking the our staff if they could rent out the studio for parties and thus began the vision of the event center – the market research was already there.
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SL – I can only imagine how much effort went into this renovation. Tell us about that. Judd - Major renovations needed to happen to bring the 1895 building up to current public safety codes including new structurally sound floor joists, 70’ weight bearing wall, bathrooms, wheelchair lift (limited access elevator), grand staircase, and fireproof exit stairwell. Architectural drawings began in September of 2012 exploring the feasibility of using the space as an event center. There were many variables that came along with the decision-making process. After much deliberation, permits were received from the City of Stillwater on July 5, 2013 and finishing touches were still being applied to the Loft in late November, 2013.One of those final details include a curved grand staircase featuring a newel post from a home built in 1875 on the south hill owned by Trevor and Julie Cronk. The event center had an aggressive 3-month timeline from the first walls being demolished to opening event on October 4, 2013.
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Studio J photographers still operated during the renovation shooting families, high school seniors, and weddings amongst all the dust and debris that came with a complete gutting of both the upstairs and downstairs of the studio. The dedicated staff operated out of a 500sq foot room on the second floor at times running 5 computers on a generator with only one small light and no air
conditioning for three weeks! There were many late late late nights and early mornings throughout the summer. Special thanks to all of our downtown neighbors who put up with all the construction noise! Especially Fun Sisters, Our Shop, and The Mad Capper. SL - Did you find a use for the old materials found during demolition? Judd - Carpenter Mark Morsching took great pains to reclaim and repurpose about 75% of the sub-floor, flooring, and joists.
SL – It is great that you were able to reuse so much material. Did you have fun with that process? Judd - It’s funny that you say that because the centerpiece of the bar is a lather’s axe with the initials “J.P.” on it. We think that it was dropped behind a partially completed wall by the craftsman during the building process in 1895. Interestingly enough, shortly after we took the axe out of the wall during demolition to add to the bar, one of our contractors some how lost a sawzall tool in the floor. We’ve concluded that the building wanted a modern tool in return for the tool taken! It makes you wonder what the carpenters of 2113 will think when they see an ancient sawzall tool in the floor! SL - So the bar holds all of the booty?
Old flooring = stair treads, high top tables around the columns, base trim in stairwells, and door trim, base and trim for the epoxy bar.
Judd - The “see-through” bar required twenty-seven gallons of epoxy to cover over 100 objects found during demolition including old screwdrivers, square headed nails, and the joist hanger that was the only hardware holding up the front of the building. Artist and Collaborations shop owner, Angela Hudson, spearheaded the application of the epoxy. Mixed in with the old items is some of my black and white photography of Stillwater and also some old newspaper articles with headlines like “We Don’t Hire People with Halitosis”. The bar is equipped with a keg cooler, ice well, wine fridge, and two sinks for client use.
Old studs = door and decorative trim, shooting backgrounds.
SL -The Loft at Studio J looks great Judd, we wish you and the staff here the best and we look forward to talking with you again on your 10th year anniversary.
Here is a short list of turning old into new:
Old subfloor = white washed shooting background in grand stairwell, mixed wood paneling around elevator shaft, stair risers, coat hooks, bar trim. Joist = wall rails, top trim around elevator shaft, shooting backgrounds, bar trim. Broken beam = corner of the bar the whole renovation needed to happen due to a snapped support beam near the large front windows. Only one fragile joist hanger and an old water pipe held up the cracked beam. Ceiling Tin = bar lights, bar panels and shooting backgrounds. Pull chain toilet seat and tank = decorations near the bathrooms.
Left to right- Judd Sather, Jen McCormick, Taylor Curley, Josh Koosmann WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 25
incognito By Kirsten Stillman, Photos by Aimee Christenson
Coffee, Bliss & Wine After Work
M
y visit to Tin Bins was my first time ever inside a decommissioned grain elevator. Feeling a little hesitant, I made sure that I was at the right place and entered with what I hoped was an air of confidence. Once inside I received a warm welcome and ordered a latte from the counter tucked off to the side in the middle of the room. Watching the barista make my latte by hand was an unexpected joy. It’s definitely not a sight seen in a chain coffee shop where machines do everything. There was no mechanical whirring and no ominous clunks -- just a warm, full-flavored beverage created with craftsmanship. The next surprise was the cocktail bar beside the coffee counter. That's where I learned about keg wine. The keg excludes oxygen and thereby prevents the wine from
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acquiring that slightly off flavor found in bottles left open to the air. Tin Bins is the only place in the valley that sells it. When you visit you'll discover that you can choose a barrel table for a rustic experience. But you can pick a smaller, cozier table or a comfortable free-standing chair if you prefer. To the right of the counter there's a little space that just feels special. Maybe that's because the windows allow a warm glow to seep into everything. To me, it felt like being kissed by the sun despite the clouds and gray skies outside. This was my spot the second time I visited Tin Bins. To describe my blissful experience simply: it was blissful. I didn’t get a chance to sit in the small secluded room by the counter that holds a few tables for those who want a little more privacy, but maybe you will. It affords a view into a room with a fireplace.
Near the fireplace there are bigger tables for groups of 4+ to meet and a few comfortable-looking chairs for groups of 3 to 4. What's more? There is live music from 6 to 8 pm on Friday nights, but if you'd rather perform than listen, the microphone is open from 6 to 9 pm on the second Thursday of each month. Overall, the warmth and cheery atmosphere that radiates from Tin Bins makes it the perfect place to meet people, curl up with a book, write, look out at a beautiful view of the river and the bridge, or simply enjoy a wonderful coffee or cocktail. Owners Sherri Hopfe and Mike McGuire have created something special, a chic and upcoming place with a family friendly atmosphere. It is already becoming a favorite for locals and visitors alike. I didn't want to finish my coffee and rush out without striking up a conversation with one of the managers, Lars. He summed it up the Tin Bins experience by saying "one of the best things about Tin Bins is that it feels like it has the heart of Stillwater in it." Kirsten Stillman is a frequent contributor to Stillwater Living magazine.
We’ve got your truck right here
651-439-4333 • STILLWATERMOTORS.COM WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 27
perspective DO YOU RECOGNIZE THIS LOCATION? Win a dinner for two! Email the correct location to
PHOTO BY CURTIS DALE. IF YOU LIKE HIS WORK GO TO WWW.CURTISDALE.COM
inquiry@stillwaterliving.net by the end of this month. A lucky winner will be drawn from a pool of correct answers. Each month we will run a new Perspective, so don’t get discouraged if this one stumped you. Congratulations to last month’s winner, Jessie Swanson of Bayport. When your curiosity overwhelms you, visit curtisdale.com or facebook.com/CurtisDaleCreations each month to discover the location of this month’s picture.
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At the Outing Lodge
E-mail: info@outinglodge.com Call: 651-439-9747 Visit: www.outinglodge.com 11661 Myeron Rd N Stillwater, MN 55082 15 STILLWATER LIVING
OCTOBER 2005
O No p w en !
Respiratory Relief: cold and flu, allergy, asthma, COPD, bronchitis, sinus infection, sinusitis, rhinitis, hay fever, emphysema and cystic fibrosis.
How Salt Therapy Works:
Some of the many benefits you’ll receive from The Salt Room therapy include… • Abatement of bronchial inflammation • Removal of airborne pollen particles from airways • Strengthening of immune system that decreases allergic reaction to pollens • Cleansing and sanitation of the airways • Prevention and treatment of common cold and flu • Improvement of dermatological disorders such as acne, dermatitis and psoriasis • Reduction of snoring • Better sleep
Salt is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and helps with mucus clearance by decreasing the thickness and allowing it to be expelled. The Salt Room, simulates the effects of salt mines and brings a once inaccessible, natural, healing element from the earth to the doorsteps of our community. In our cozy, spa-like rooms, you can relax, enjoy music, read, or practice yoga while breathing in microscopic salt particles.
Yoga Room • Relaxation Room • Children’s Room
Learn more at
www.saltroomwoodbury.com 2110 Eagle Creek Lane, Suite 350 • Woodbury, MN 55129 • 651-436-1725