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Volume 30, Issue 777 • March 6-19, 2025
EDITORIAL
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OUR LAVENDER | FROM
BY
NOAH MITCHELL
Out Of The House, Still In Your Comfort Zone
I’m writing this column from an Airbnb in Mexico City. I know, not the Midwest. We’ll get there, I promise.
A great friend of mine, after a youth spent lifting heavy weights and damaging his spine, has taken up mountain climbing. Less stressful on his back than lifting weights? Sure. Less stressful overall? Definitely not, at least according to either of our mothers.
After conquering Mts. Kilimanjaro and Rainier, my friend had his eyes set on Pico de Orizaba, North America’s third-tallest peak in southern Mexico. He asked me, his long-time friend and training partner, to join him.
One problem: I have never in my life climbed a mountain. However, I’ve always wanted to visit Mexico City, I had plenty of time to train between when he asked and when we were going to climb, and my friend could use my workable but far from fluent Spanish (compared to his Spanish experience, absolutamente nada). So, here we are.
I’m writing this on a Monday. We climb the mountain Friday or Saturday. If the next issue is missing a From the Editor column, welp, you know what happened.
“Pico de Orizaba is far away, but we have Pico de Gallo at home” :) Photo courtesy of BigStock/bhofack22
OUR LAVENDER | A WORD IN EDGEWISE BY E.B. BOATNER
My first couple of days in Mexico have been wonderful, filled with lovely weather, delicious food and fascinating cultural experiences. Not a lot of 900-year-old temples in Minneapolis.
However, and this is where we get back to the Midwest: it has also been stressful. Trying to find food and a way home on unfamiliar streets in a language I’ve been describing my abilities in as “more or less okay” is exciting, but does put a noticeable stress on an already-anxious brain.
Thankfully, it is not necessary to leave your comfort zone and the country, or even our little corner of it, to find beautiful scenery, delicious food and fascinating cultural experiences. Notice how I swapped “lovely weather” for “beautiful scenery” — it is February (at time of writing), and I’m not going to lie to you.
We have several exciting, not-at-all stressful getaways in this issue, and I hope you check at least one of them out. ¡Buen provecho!
Learning, Friend by Friend
This issue’s “Books” column includes “The Old Man and the Queer,”a non-fiction account of whose subtitle, “The Transformative Story of a Retired Mayor and the Barber Who Freed Him From Bigotry,” gives a clearer indication of what you’ll find within.
It all started in 2021, explains the “old man,” Jeff Comerchero, when he and his son were given a surprise Father’s Day gift certificate for an afternoon at a men’s hair spa; a concept itself foreign to the pair, that promised the ministrations of a “Certified master barber, beard shaping and trim, and hot towel with a steam shave.” On arrival, father was handed over to an older gentleman, his son whisked away to another location, presumably into the hands of a similar, mature practitioner.
Comerchero admits the experience was relaxing, even pleasurable — something he might repeat. But coming upon his son, things turned topsy-turvy. This barber looked even younger than his son, was covered in tattoos, sported a nose ring and other piercings, and, most disturbingly, was of an indeterminate gender. Comerchero’s immediate reaction to this young person’s personal style was, “Repulsive.” But, focusing next on his son, had to
admit that “whoever or whatever this barber was, he or she was certainly good at their craft.”
Back home, Comerchero had misgivings; “I never thought of myself as biased in any way,” he admits, “but my initial thoughts at the hair salon made me question that. Lying is a terrible personality trait, and lying to yourself is even worse.” And that is the focus of this book.
To contemplate any sort of change, one first has to be honest with oneself, to assess with a clear eye, and to be willing to change if not pleased by what one sees. Comerchero, a conservative, successful businessman, a retired City Mayor in his mid-70s, did just that. Then he returned to meet the young barber.
E.J. Radford, 23, Master Barber, also strove to put aside their biases and preconceptions about older, straight businessmen and what assumptions such a person might or might not hold about them. Raised in a strict Christian family, they had been scorned by relatives and bullied by schoolmates since childhood. At this point, they had no rosy expectations of this old man’s intentions upon his return to the salon.
Their back stories, hopes and misgivings unfold in their own words in alternating chapters, from childhoods to current lives. Comerchero had married (twice), had children, succeeded in various businesses, and then became mayor of their city; the younger, then known as Eli, struggled to find their way but persisted, continuing to study and train, achieving their goal of Master Barber.
Response at their book signings has been encouraging.
“What struck us as surprising,” Comerchero wrote me, “was that almost everyone at our signing events had some connection to the issue. It was gratifying that these mostly over-50 folks felt comfortable enough with the environment created at the events to tell personal stories. So many [shared] about a child, friend, a niece/nephew, etc., who had recently come out. They wanted to support them but didn’t know how. [These events led] to some wonderfully productive discussions.”
“Our purpose in writing this book,” concludes Comerchero, “was to touch people’s minds and hearts. Also, to give those in the LGBTQ community a sense of hope, in that there are many who care.”
BY LINDA RAINES
Seth Tryninewski
Where did you grow up? A small town in central Pennsylvania
Where do you live? St. Paul’s Highland Park
Who do you live with? My husband Matt, Dilly, our retired greyhound racer and Jake, a beagle-wiener mix rescue. And a bunch of plants.
What is your occupation? I’m presently on a “health sabbatical.” In January 2023, I was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer. My current treatment plan is bi-weekly chemo, so I joke that’s my new full-time gig (I’m coming up on round 40!) Prior to cancer, I was an attorney in government relations helping to manage large contracts for my employer. Sounds dry, but was a ton of fun and allowed for lots of travel and meeting cool people.
When did you come out? Officially? When I was about 16 years old in 1998. My closet was made of glass though, so it was not much of a surprise to anyone. I think I heard some “Finally!”s.
How’d that go? My family and friends were all supportive and, as mentioned above, not the least bit surprised.
When do you wake up? Generally around 8 a.m.
Phone alarm or old-school alarm? No alarm actually. I let my body get the rest it wants and I wake up naturally. (I’m lucky I can do that!)
What’s the first thing you do in the morning? Coffee and the news!
Breakfast? Plain yogurt with a banana Coffee? Any organic dark roast
Cream or no? Totally need the half-and-half
How do you spend your commute? Well, with my “sabbatical,” my commute is now a biweekly trip from St. Paul to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester for my chemo and various appointments. My husband Matt is a much better driver so he handles that part for me. Shout out to Matt for going with me to every single appointment, chemo day, surgery and scan. Shout out also to the fabulous care team at Mayo who are moving mountains to help me return to health.
What do you nerd out for (gaming, music, history, etc.)? I love history. Ancient history. Recent history. I find it so fascinating. Books. Documentaries. It’s so neat to look at how other humans navigated their times. We can learn so much from their experience and it can make our present feel less overwhelming. And “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” I love all the seasons and all the Queens. They are so creative and resilient. To steal Anne Hathaway’s quote, “I love drag because it’s a transgressive act of joy.”
What music have you been digging lately? Chappell Roan and Troye Sivan Is your work space tidy or a hot mess? Cleanliness is next to Godliness; I get nothing done if my workspace is out of order.
What’s been your favorite job? My role prior to my “sabbatical” was so cool. I would travel into Washington, D.C. quite a bit as the contracts I supported were between my employer and various agencies in the federal government. There are some really smart people working on really cool projects that I got to be part of. Despite the luxurious wake-up time I now enjoy during this “sabbatical,” I really do miss working and hope to return in the future.
Favorite weeknight meal: Go out, take out or cook in? I love to cook. This summer it’s been a lot of salmon grilled on cedar planks with lemon and dill, brown rice and a baby greens salad tossed with homemade vinaigrette. Sour Patch Kids for dessert.
On a usual weeknight, you are doing what? Walking the dogs, cooking dinner, catching up from the day take up most of our evening hours. Trixie and Katya or Drag Race clips play in the background.
Bedtime? Closer to midnight. Again, I let my body decide when it wants to rest.
Favorite weekend activity? In the summer, reading on the patio. In the winter, reading by the fireplace. Of course, with the dogs and Matt. Regardless of season, each weekend includes an Adventure Walk: a multi-mile walk with the dogs in which they (within reason) get to pick which way we go. We end up just following their noses through St. Paul.
What are you most proud of, and why? Matt and I have been together 17 years. During that time, we have rescued five dogs and one cat and made them part of our family. Each one is/was so deserving of love and a good home and they returned that love in spades. I am so proud to have been able to make good homes for these animals and along the way, hopefully encouraged others to consider pet adoption.
Words of wisdom to share: I’m 18 months into a diagnosis that, at present, is incurable [eyeroll] … there is a lot that has resonated lately. Believe in magic. Never give up. Gratitude is a superpower. Have faith in a greater power. If I had to pick only one to share, it’s make sure you tell your loved ones that you love them and you know that they love you back.
And stay vigilant for cancer! I was 41 and healthy when I learned that I had it. My first symptoms appeared about two weeks before my actual diagnosis. Get your regular checkups, do the self-exams, pay attention to your body and become your health’s best advocate.
Seth and Dilly. Photo courtesy of Seth Tryninewski
BY CARLA WALDEMAR
Queen of Sweets, Sovereign of Savory
Ever experience buyer’s remorse? That’s what I’m suffering after my dinner at Diane’s Place. My big regret is that I failed to hide under the table and simply reappear for brunch.
Foodies have long worshiped pastry chef Diane Moua, who helped put Spoon & Stable on the culinary map with her sublime desserts. She launched her own café as a breakfast/lunch magnet back in 2023. And now, dinner, too.
The Queen of Tarts has created a menu showcasing her savory skills in a menu that illuminates her Hmong heritage, which includes her now-legendary Hmong sausage, served with sticky rice and sauces ($19), in her slice of this Northeast food hall (which includes a neighboring site where the sausage is fabricated). Seven dishes later, we realized we’d missed it. Next time (and There. Will. Be. A. Next. Time).
The dining area itself offers a choice of atmospheres — a crowded, gregarious canteen plus a more serene alcove simply paved in white plaster below a ceiling sporting husky beams. Added bonus: Diane herself often patrols the rooms during the dinner hours, stopping to chat and (in our case, lucky us) send over an order of her already-legendary scallion mini-croissants, served with garlic butter and sea salt ($15). These beyond-flaky, butter-based marvels could put those made in Paris out of business.
But time to order more, more, more. The menu provides 14 additional temptations ($16-$32). We began with an order of sauteed eggplant, a celebration of the veggie’s near-lascivious, jelly-like texture, here brightened with cilantro, Thai pepper and garlic. Perfect way to start.
Hmong Sausage.
Next, a sharing plate of sour pork short ribs — satisfyingly muscular, rich and meaty — livened, sparingly but fittingly, with lime leaf (that’s the “sour”) and garlic. We followed up with a saucer of bamboo and cabbage sliced into soldiers, laced with a simpatico coconut curry broth, mainly on our server’s recommendation — but I’d skip this in the future, purely because other options proved more enticing.
Such as the Hmong pulled pork — solidly savory, even more robust and salt-kissed than those short ribs. Ginger, sour bamboo and scallions abetted the arrangement, served with sticky rice. We skipped the beef laab carpaccio, highly recommended by our server, in favor of the duck stew — a hearty leg quarter of the tasty bird partnered with Thai eggplant, a breeze of lemongrass and hearty scent of garlic, also served with rice. No regrets, indeed.
Next time: the papaya noodle salad laced with a tamarind vinaigrette and/or the glass noodle salad, wherein shrimp and bok choy star, or the eggroll-stuffed chicken. Also, dessert!
On that final list, we spotted a corn waffle ($14). What?? Who cares what, just order it. Two waffleettes appear, which eases sharing. They do indeed bear a sweet, corn-y flavor, which pairs nicely with their Diane-only topping of squash ice cream (mildly savory) and candied sorghum. For traditionalists, there’s also chocolate custard, Thai tea affogato or ice cream.
From Diane’s list of cocktails, I chose the Shady D ($14), melding bourbon, tamarind and Averna, which carried me through multiple courses — not too sweet nor aggressive, yet intriguing. Or choose wine BTG from a short but well-curated list, $11 up. Beer too, natch.
Excellent, well-trained and patient servers who are willing to course the meal add to the pleasure of discovering the savory side of Diane’s many talents. BTW, she’s nominated (again) for a James Beard award. Here’s hoping!
Diane's Place 117 14th Ave. NE (612) 489-8012
www.dianesplacemn.com
Diane’s
Photo by Mike Hnida
TU Dance Celebrates 20 Years
St. Paul-based TU Dance hits a significant milestone this year. Founded in 2004 by Toni Pierce-Sands and Uri Sands, TU Dance is now celebrating its 20th year in operation. The dance company has been a mainstay of the Twin Cities arts scene for the last two decades. TU Dance is renowned for its dedication to meaningful storytelling and to building up dancers and choreographers, highlighting the work of Black artists and other communities of color. I had the chance to chat with Pierce-Sands as she looked back on the legacy of TU Dance. She also offered our readers a sneak peek at the upcoming 20th Anniversary Celebration.
“Reaching this 20-year milestone is both humbling and exhilarating,” Pierce-Sands says. “I’m reminded of those early performances at the Barbara Barker Center for Dance and later at the Southern Theater when we officially became TU Dance.” The company shortened its name early on, changing from Space T.U. Embrace to TU Dance.
The time between 2004 and 2025 has been eventful. “There have been so many incredible highs,” Pierce-Sands says. “Milestone performances, touring opportunities, and the growth of our school and community programs. Performing at the Ordway for the first time, collaborating with renowned choreographers and witnessing our dancers evolve as artists have been deeply rewarding moments.”
There have also been difficult times: the pandemic-related uncertainty of 2020 chief among them. “The enrollment at The School was impacted, and
like many organizations, we faced moments of uncertainty,” Pierce-Sands explains. “The disruption to in-person instruction, the closure of spaces and the shift to virtual formats made it difficult to maintain the same level of connection and momentum with our young dancers.”
As public spaces began to open again, TU Dance rededicated itself to its mission. “We’re doing the hard work to reinvigorate,” Pierce-Sands says. “Our focus now is on the next generation of dancers, ensuring they have the training, mentorship and opportunities to grow into the artists they are capable of becoming. We are committed to investing in their development and nurturing in new ways.”
This work can be seen in multiple capacities. “Our CULTIVATE Trainee Program is in its third year, and we’re incredibly proud of how it has evolved,” Pierce-Sands explains. “It was developed in relationship to the continual evolving of the dance landscape; providing dance artists with a space to create and have financial sustainability, real-world experience and an intersectional approach that weaves their artistry and their humanity.”
TU Dance remains committed to introducing people to dance. “Since the inception of TU Dance, we have always extended an open invitation to dance — whether through training, performance, choreography or community engagement,” Pierce-Sands says. “That invitation continues through all of TU Dance’s work, creating spaces for artists and audiences to connect, grow and be inspired.”
The 20th Anniversary Season opened in December. “Our annual performance at the Southern Theater in December was with our upper-level PreProfessional students and the CULTIVATE, Trainee Program,” Pierce-Sands says. “Returning to the Southern Theater in this anniversary season felt like a full-circle moment, marking our growth while honoring our roots.”
The show was well received. “The energy in the theater was electric, making it the perfect way to launch this celebratory season with warmth and enthusiasm,” Pierce-Sands says. “Audience members were deeply moved, shar-
Photos by Michael Slobodian
ing how the performance brought them joy and lightness — something many felt they had been missing. For those of us dedicated to carrying TU Dance’s mission and legacy forward, it was incredibly rewarding to witness the School and CULTIVATE artists merge sensitivity, vulnerability and strength on stage.
There are two shows left in TU Dance’s 20th Anniversary Season: “TU Dance Celebrates 20 Years” (April 24-26) and the 2025 Student Showcase (May 16-18). So far, only the dates for the student showcase have been finalized, but the planning for the anniversary celebration is well underway.
“Our team is deeply immersed in preparations, making sure this performance reflects the richness of our artistic legacy,” Pierce-Sands says. “We wanted to honor some of the choreographers who created work that has been integral in TU Dance’s evolution.” These choreographers include names that might very well be familiar to our readers: Alvin Ailey, Camille A. Brown, Alonzo King, Ronald K. Brown and Yusha-Marie Sorzano.
TU Dance’s anniversary show aims to highlight the skill and creativity of each choreographer while celebrating TU Dance as a whole. “Each [choreographer] bring[s] a unique style and sensibility, and part of the beauty of this process has been weaving their distinct voices into a cohesive and powerful performance,” Pierce-Sands says.
There is a lot to look forward to in the 20th Anniversary show. “A TU Dance alumni, now a professional dancer, will perform an iconic Alvin Ailey solo; our CULTIVATE trainee dancers will take part in a celebrated work by Camille A. Brown; two former Alonzo King LINES Ballet artists will perform a duet by Alonzo King, bringing his signature choreographic vision to the program; Ronald K. Brown’s Four Corners will unite TU Dance alumni, current students, CULTIVATE trainees and local professionals; and Yusha-Marie Sorzano’s commissioned work for the Whitney Museum adds another profound layer, offering a vision of dancers carrying the world forward.”
The 20th Anniversary Celebration has been lovingly planned and choreographed to showcase TU Dance as a whole. “These works not only showcase
the breadth of movement and storytelling but also highlight the ongoing legacy and evolution of TU Dance,” Pierce-Sands says.
“TU Dance Celebrates 20 Years” will be at The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University at 7:30 p.m. on April 25 and 26. Tickets are $40, and there are senior and student discounts available. There is an educational performance on April 24 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets can be found on The O’Shaughnessy website or by phone, both of which are listed below.
Ultimately, this celebration of where TU Dance has been and where it is going is focused on the humans at its heart. “This milestone is about all of us. We wanted to create a celebration that not only honors our journey but also welcomes those who may have never experienced dance before,” Pierce-Sands says. “Our hope is that this anniversary performance serves as a tribute to the audiences who have grown with us, embraced our artistry and become part of the continuous growth of TU Dance.”
There is a lot to celebrate, given the length of TU Dance’s history and the breadth of its impact. “It’s incredible to reflect on the journey — how the company has grown, the artists who have shaped it and the communities we’ve touched,” Pierce-Sands says. “More than anything, it’s a celebration of the joy, resilience and artistry that have carried us through two decades. This season feels like both a tribute to our past and an exciting step into the future.”
TU Dance is always looking forward. “We will keep our finger on the pulse,” Pierce-Sands says. “With love and dedication, we remain committed to this promise: to nurture, uplift, evolve and ensure that dance remains an accessible and deeply impactful force in the community.”
TU Dance
Tickets: oshag.stkate.edu/events/ O’Shaughnessy Box Office: (651) 690-670 www.tudance.org
Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus’ ‘Out of the Closet and Into the Burbs’ brings visibility for Queer Youth in Rural Communities
From the cities to the suburbs, queer culture brings joy, acceptance and belonging to all identities. However, outside of a city, it can be difficult to find visibility in one’s own community, and there are often fewer welcoming and accessible spaces.
In an effort to bring visibility to rural areas, the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus heads to the burbs with their spring concert, “Out of the Closet and Into the Burbs,” this March. They will perform at Apple Valley High School on March 15 and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New Prague on March 16.
The concert’s title is about advocacy and visibility for younger communities outside of the city, according to Gerald Gurss, the choir’s artistic director. As someone who grew up in rural Kansas, he says his experience seeing a gay men’s chorus and over a hundred examples of what being an out gay man looks like, versus the two from his small town, had a big impact on him.
“‘Out of the Closet’ is about going outside literally of the Twin Cities metro and giving people kind of that visibility and support in the ‘burbs where finding spaces isn’t as accessible or isn’t as frequent,” Gurss says.
While their two smaller groups, OutLoud and Borealis, have been the driving forces for outreach, the group aims to broaden their reach to rural areas for performances from the full 180-person chorus, according to
Gurss. The choir’s audience also requested more outreach at the end of their last season.
The music for the concert was built from members’ recommendations as well as songs that surround hope and validation, Gurss says. The genres range from traditional Western classics like “My Soul has been Anchored in the Lord” to Broadway songs from “Shucked,” a musical about corn, as well as a piece called “Survivors.”
“There was some forethought to what we might want or have to sing in this concert being the first concert after the election,” Gurss says. “The theme about survival is also there and what we do to survive and persist and come together as a community.”
Another piece they’ll sing that Gurss says the singers are connecting with is called “Not for Me,” an original piece written by member Brian Foy. The song discusses how there’s not one way to be queer, and for him that looks like just existing and shying away from the spotlight in comparison to people who want to be out at parades, clubs, marches, et cetera. He sends the message that it’s okay to find advocacy in other ways, specifically through music.
Many of the suburbs, and even the outer rings of the metro, need this kind of visibility, but that lack of acceptance as well as lack of a large enough physical space to hold the choir can make outreach difficult, according to Gurss. Performing in the suburbs is new for the full chorus and they’re hoping to reach as many places as they can, but their OutLoud and Borealis will continue to be the primary vein for outreach.
“There are places where we’re invited, and there are places where we need to go,” says Dennis Whipple, the chorus’ executive director. “When we have a community partner it’s always great, but also just going where our message maybe needs to be heard for someone.”
Some of the choir’s members had the experience they’re hoping to provide others when they were younger, where this kind of visibility in their town, from a concert or even social media, saved their lives or made them feel like they weren’t alone, Whipple says.
The impact of performing in these communities goes beyond just those who attend. Gurss says showing up in these spaces can help someone know that people in their school or church cared enough to host the chorus and spark a sense of belonging and acceptance, even if they don’t feel comfortable enough attending quite yet.
“We’re just trying to be there to provide some visibility for people, and being seen is often the biggest thing you can do for someone,” Gurss says. “It’s just to be a space where they’re allowed to be who they are, or even think about exploring who they are.”
Even though there’s no theatrical lighting or professional sound systems when performing in smaller communities, there is a stronger sense of purpose and connection with the community due to the intimate and vulnerable setting, Gurss says.
“You don’t leave thinking it was the most glitzy glamorous thing you’ve ever done, but you leave knowing that it could have saved somebody’s life, and that what you did really mattered,” Gurss says.
Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus presents “Out of the Closet and Into the Burbs” www.tcgmc.org
Apple Valley on Saturday, March 15 at 2:30pm Apple Valley High School, 14450 Hayes Rd., Apple Valley, Minn. 55124
New Prague on Sunday, March 16 at 2:30pm
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1300 Main St. E., New Prague, Minn. 56071
BY NOAH MITCHELL
The Minnesota Wild’s Pride Night: Getting Better Every Year
The Minnesota Wild will host their fourth annual Pride Night on March 13, featuring some special guests — and it’s not just the visiting New York Rangers.
Four-time WNBA champion, four-time WNBA Coach of the Year, two-time WNBA Executive of the Year and Olympic gold medal-winning Team USA head coach Cheryl Reeve will be at Xcel Energy Center to make the “Let’s Play Hockey” call and kick off Pride Night 2025, according to Wayne Petersen, Minnesota Wild Senior Director, Community Relations & Hockey Partnerships.
Along with Reeve, Pride Night will feature Emma Dufalt and Brandon McCauley as the game’s Community Heroes, Petersen says. Dufault and McCauley are co-chairs of the Wild’s Pride Employee Resource Group.
The Wild’s Pride ERG has been around for a couple of years and has already become the Wild ERG with the most members, according to Petersen. The group includes both LGBTQ+ community members and allies, and meets about every two months to discuss how the Wild can best serve the LGBTQ+ community, both within the organization and in the Twin Cities community.
The relationships the Wild have built with LGBTQ+ community organizations will be on display at Pride Night, with several organizations having tables on the Xcel concourse, Petersen says. Those organizations include Team Trans, Stonewall Sports, Twin Cities Queer Hockey Association, Twin Cities Quorum and Twin Cities Pride.
Petersen highlights the strength of the Wild’s relationship with Twin Cities Pride in particular.
“When we publicly announced our DEI mission, this was shortly after George Floyd was killed, we wanted to identify five DEI partners,” Petersen says. “Twin Cities Pride, in my opinion, had to be one of the five, and they are. Of the five, we work just as closely with them, if not more, than the others.”
That relationship includes offering ice time, suites and tickets to Twin Cities Pride, as well as adopting LGBTQ+ families during the holidays, according to Peterson. Piper Otto, the youngest daughter of Twin Cities Pride Executive Director Andi Otto, will even be the Pride flag-bearer for 2025 Pride Night.
In addition to their work with Twin Cities Pride throughout the year, the Wild also participate in the annual Pride Parade. Wild defenseman Jon Merrill returned to the Twin Cities during the Wild’s offseason to join the parade, and that’s just the start of what he and his family do to support the LGBTQ+ community in the Twin Cities and around the NHL.
“The fact that [Merrill] raised his hand and wanted to serve on the NHL’s Player Inclusion Committee speaks volumes,” Petersen says. “And there’s, I believe, a member of his wife’s family who’s gay, and he’s seen firsthand the obstacles, the challenges that they face in their daily lives … It doesn’t matter if you’re Black, white, straight, gay, we need to be inclusive for everybody, in life as well as in the game of hockey.”
“And so he’s been a very outspoken critic of those people who are homophobic, and he, his wife and his kids do a wonderful job of promoting the Pride community, inviting them to play, encouraging them to play the game of hockey, [and affirming] that yes, the game of hockey is for everyone,” Petersen continues. “I know he’s a big supporter of Team Trans, TCQHA. It’s not always the easiest thing to do, but he’s done it and he’s all in, which is great to see. It’s not just showing up for a five-minute photo op and leave, he’s totally invested into this and we’re there to support him when we can.”
Jon Merrill and his wife, Jessica, have provided tickets to Pride Night games to queer youth, arranged meet-and-greets afterward, donated to Twin Cities Pride’s Rainbow Wardrobe and Jon has volunteered to referee TCQHA games, according to an article on the Wild’s website. Jon and Jessica Merrill were named Twin Cities Pride’s 2024 Allies of the Year in recognition of their efforts.
Merrill, along with his teammates, will have Pride tape available to use on their sticks on Pride Night, according to Petersen — a representation on the ice for one night of the work Merrill and the Wild have done year-round to support the LGBTQ+ community.
“[Pride Night] has gotten better every year,” Petersen says. “When you hear it directly from people of Andi Otto with Twin Cities Pride, and from people from Twin Cities Queer Hockey Association or from Team Trans, just how they feel it’s gotten, and it’s grown, and they’re happy with how things are going … we have a Pride Night once a year, but this isn’t the only time.”
Photo courtesy of BigStock/Soifer
Over the St. Croix Hills and Through Taylors Falls We Go: The Homegrown Story of Dancing Dragonfly Winery
to ensure that every bottle of wine is not only produced and full of flavor but also environmentally responsible.
The connection between Wisconsin and Minnesota lies between Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls — 15 minutes up the road from Dancing Dragon Winery, an independent winery that builds on sustainable practices while cultivating nature’s abundance. Lavender Magazine had the distinguished honor of learning more about the area through caretakers Caroline, Jori and Kirsten.
We learned that it’s not just the warmth of the community involved in the process of harvesting the grapes but also the unique hybridization of vines that makes them resilient during the cold weather months in the Midwest. Wine lovers and enthusiasts of the same would be in awe of experiencing this 52-acre winery dedicated to coldclimate grape harvesting.
The story behind the name came when the founder, Bill Bluhm, went on a solo canoe trip in the Boundary Waters. The heavy storms in the area forced him to quickly find shelter. The next morning, he was greeted by a family of dragonflies that looked as though they were dancing. The beautiful connection between Dancing Dragonfly’s origin story and its daily operations is that there are moments when dragonflies visit the winery.
Bluhm and his wife Christine’s passion for winemaking encouraged them to expand from 13 acres to the current 52 acres. With this growth came 15 different types of grape varieties: nine white options and six reds that are all hybridized to sustain harvest in cold and warm weather.
The unique features of Dancing Dragonfly Winery continue with a strong commitment to sustainability. Every aspect of their daily operations is clear through their choice of a naturally grown vineyard that does not have irrigation installed, main communal areas that are heated and cooled using geothermal energy and the dining area with a wood-fired pizza oven fueled by wood cleared from the property itself! It’s in the winery’s philosophy
Cold-climate wines are a niche that sets Dancing Dragonfly Winery apart from traditional wineries. The hybrid grapes they use are tailored for the cold. The results are that the wines are less tannic (bitter) and more acidic, which insinuates freshness. Many in Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls have become patrons of Dancing Dragonfly Winery due to the unique flavor profiles they offer. There are also a variety of experiences that visitors can enjoy while at Dancing Dragonfly Winery, such as guided tours, barrel tastings, wine pairings and other types of special events. The tasting room has an option to “Choose Your Own Adventure.” This feature encour-
Photos courtesy of Dancing Dragonfly Winery
ages guests to sample five wines from the extensive offerings — a curated experience for those who are curious to pair featured wines with amazing food from the culinary options onsite. There are also art classes, comedy nights and grape-stomping festivals that span the hub of community and creativity offered with memberships.
In the spirit of community, the winery also supports numerous charitable causes, including the Ronald McDonald House and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, reflecting its commitment to giving back.
Dedication and passion fuel the success of Dancing Dragonfly Winery. From the winemakers and vineyard staff to the event coordinators and other guides, everyone shares a deep love and appreciation for what they do. You can feel comfortable and assured that your experience at the winery is hosted with you in mind. The stunning landscape, innovative wines and 360 commitments to sustainability make Dancing Dragonfly Winery an industry leader.
“Everything that we grow, we try to grow for better wines and for better efficiencies throughout our facilities,” Caroline says.
The next time you find yourself between St. Croix, Wisc., and Taylors Falls, Minn., stop by Dancing Dragonfly Winery. Share a glass of their signature Disco Rosé or unique sparkling wine Christine’s Twist, made via the Méthode Champenoise, and toast to the magic of nature, the beauty of community and the art of winemaking! You can learn more about Dancing Dragonfly Winery by visiting their website, dancingdragonflywinery.com.
We Deem this Trail to be Superior: Bean and Bear Lakes
If you’re like me, impatiently waiting for fall foliage to return, tentatively mark your calendars for early October and have your Minnesota DNR Fall Color Finder at the ready to plan a trip to Bean and Bear Lakes. Near Silver Bay, Minn., Bean and Bear Lakes Loop is a 6.6-mile loop and is considered moderately challenging due to some mild elevation and rocky terrain. On average, it takes just over three hours to complete. I think we took four hours to ensure we had enough time to stop and gaze at the breathtaking views.
This hiking loop is gorgeous all year round. Check out AllTrails for more photos of the loop hike in all seasons. I am biased in thinking that fall is the superior time to visit the area due to the colors, but you really cannot lose. Depending on the season, wildflowers bloom on this route throughout the lush forests.
The trail takes you to Bear Lake and Bean Lake via the Superior Hiking Trail as part of the North Country Trail. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. There are plenty of wonderful places to stay, whether that be camping, glamping or other lodging like the Black Beach Inn or the Tettegouche Lodge for larger groups of ten to eighteen. When we went just after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, camping became extremely popular during that time of isolation, and we could not find any open campsites in Minnesota. Therefore, we camped just across the border in Wisconsin and mostly hiked in Minnesota.
There are other great parks and trails nearby, including but not limited to Palisade Head, Tettegouche State Park and the Split Rock Lighthouse. You can’t miss the picturesque black sand beaches. There are also plenty of fun activities to check out in Silver Bay and nearby towns like the North Shore Adventure Park. At the North Shore Adventure Park, adults and kids seven and up can challenge themselves to fun high ropes courses and ziplines. There are six treetop high ropes courses and ten ziplines with five levels of difficulty. There is a playground for kids ages three to six featuring similar obstacles to the high ropes course, but they are easier and lower to the ground. There is also a fun sit-down zipline.
For those interested in fishing, check out Fugitive Charters near Silver Bay. They offer half-, three-quarter- and full-day trips. Rods and bait are provided along with license, ice and fish cleaning. For those with other interests in nature and wildlife, look no further than just a short trek north. About six miles north of Silver Bay is the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, where the classroom is a 2,000-acre campus bordered by the Baptism River. This land boasts creeks, two lakes, two high peaks, 18 miles of trail, and a mixed forest of birch, spruce and maple. The wildlife is abundant and diverse, including but not limited to pine marten, eagles, moose, black bears, white-tailed deer, foxes, wolves, beavers, peregrine falcons and loons. Their buildings are fully accessible, and most of their trails are suitable for all-terrain wheelchairs. They have family camps, Split Rock Kayak tours, Boundary Waters day trips, overnight naturalist-guided wilderness trips, adult workshops, K-12 school programs, summer youth camps, naturalist training and a retreat center. It sounds like Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center is the perfect place for nature lovers to thrive.
For those of us interested in rock climbing, the Silver Bay area has some of my favorite climbs in the Midwest. Palisade Head is a can’t-miss spot for climbers and anyone looking to watch a sunrise or sunset. If you are into rock climbing but don’t know where to get started outdoors, check out the Mountain Project app by REI. It is an interactive map to show you where to climb outdoors. Before you get too excited, ensure that you are properly trained on how to climb safely outdoors. I highly recommend the outdoor climbing safety courses put on by Vertical Endeavors staff all across the Twin Cities and in Duluth. That is where I laid the foundation for most of my outdoor climbing education, and I still recall these memorable and useful safety courses every time I put on my helmet.
Overall, Silver Bay is an exceptional choice for nature lovers to spend their time, whether or not they choose to check out one or more of the aforementioned attractions. If you end up enjoying your time at any of my recommendations, please let me know your thoughts by sharing your experiences with elise@elisemaren.com. Happy hiking!”
Elise Maren shrugging because her bouldering pad led two children to shout, “What does that guy have on his back?!” while she searched for places to rock climb at North Hartley near Duluth. Friends Carly Rasmussen, Elise Maren, and Joey Rasmussen at Bean Lake. Friends and community members Elise Maren and Carly Rasmussen at Bean Lake. (Page 20) Bean and Bear lakes along the Superior Hiking Trail. Photo courtesy of BigStock/Melissa Kopka.
In the Dogs’ Houses – Buck ‘n Beam’s Social House Makes Campers Happy
It wouldn’t be right, wouldn’t be accurate, to say the place has gone to the dogs — the opposite is truer: it’s a place that dogs have gone to … and continue to go to. In fact, it’s a place that’s so darned dog-able, it’s named after dogs. It’s thirty sites, mostly occupied by travel trailers and motorhomes, spread over seven acres of northwest Wisconsin’s Northwoods pines, carefully crafted to minimize the impact of dogs’ best friends on nature.
It’s Buck ‘n Beam’s Social House and Campground.
“Buck and Beamer are the names of the original owners’ Basset Hounds,” the establishment’s website explains. “Their names played an integral part in the naming of the business. Dogs are a big part of their, and the current owners’, lives. We love our four-legged family members, which is why the campground is dog friendly.”
The canine-themed reprieve was founded in the Spring of 2012 by married couple Bob and Vicky Bowerman. Buck ‘n Beam’s (fairly) recently passed into the human paws of just-as-married couple Greg Symbal and Chip Bell. “Greg is the son of the previous owners, Bob and Vicky Bowerman,” the website elaborates. “Chip is Bob and Vicky’s son-in-law. Family is important to us and remains the core of our business.”
The non-prodigal son elaborates still further. “My mom was looking to retire and was ready to sell,” former Twin Cities resident Greg Symbal remembers. “She knew there was a lot of growth potential but had taken it as far as she wanted. The timing was perfect, and she really liked the idea [of selling to her son and son-in-law] so that she could still keep her influence on the place. We were sick of city life and the corporate gigs.”
For years before this inter-age transaction, escape from that life and those gigs came in days-long dribs and drabs. “We did the typical camper progression,” Symbal recalls. “We camped in a tent for years.”
The family’s camping practices proved to be a work-in-progress … much like the family itself. “Once we adopted our sons, we upgraded to a small camper,” Symbal says. “We quickly learned what worked and what didn’t. Having kids sleeping on the couch and fold down table doesn’t work when dads want morning coffee. We soon upgraded to a larger camper with bunk beds for the kids and dads’ bedroom on the other end.”
Photos courtesy of Greg Symbal
Such humbling hijinks gave Symbal and Bell hard-won insight into which campground features might best benefit their own guests once they took over, might best realize the growth potential cited by the previous owners. The technical term for these benefits is “amenities.”
For the aquatically inclined, the Red Cedar River, less than a mile away from Buck ‘n Beam’s, offers float-oriented options such as tubes, kayaks or canoes. All other water options are likewise provided by the not quite-as-nearby Chetek Chain of Lakes.
The website offers choices to the “I just got a new haircut and want to show it off” crowd: “On-site event pavilion available to rent for weddings, grad parties, memorials, birthday parties, company events and more! We also use the pavilion and our back patio for live music!”
Symbal and Bell’s field experience becomes useful in all sorts of ways. “Having been campers, we know what fellow campers are looking for when we think about upgrades or put in new sites,” Symbal reflects. “We can also help when a camper isn’t experienced at backing a camper up.”
Of course, all of the above only transpires during the greener half of the upper Midwest year. “The campground is open May 1 to October 1,” reports Symbal. “The bar is open to the public year-round.”
Ah, yes — the bar, also known as the Social House, serves as the throbbing heart of the campground … even when the campground hibernates. Entices the website, “From your favorite cocktail to homemade pizzas, Philly sandwiches, burgers, elevated appetizers, and our daily specials such as our Friday fish fry, we’ve got your taste buds covered!”
Taking charge of the Buck ‘n Beam’s Social House was, for Symbal, something like a Basset hound being summoned to a rabbit hunt. “I have worked in the food service and hospitality industries since I was fifteen years old,” Symbal asserts. “Some people are just made for it, and I am one of them.”
A Social House hospitality sub-division is the kid-friendly game room, which is, naturally, just as available during the green months as it is during the white months. “We do this for our customers,” Symbal insists. “Repeat customers are the best indication that we’re doing something right.”
These repeat customers also contribute to the growth potential that’s been part of Buck ‘n Beam’s since the very beginning. Perhaps that potential will cross generational lines yet again. The family business has already passed from mom-and-pop to son-and-son-in-law. Might Buck ‘n Beam’s one day fall into the coffee-blocking hands of Symbal and Bell’s own sons?
Greg Symbal hasn’t ruled it out: “We want our kids to do what makes them happy. If they want to take over, that’s great, but if not, that’s fine, too.”
Buck 'N Beam's Social House & Campground
1277 20th Street
Cameron, WI 54822
(715) 458-2990
www.bucknbeams.com
A Little Slice of Gay Heaven Right Here in the Midwest
If you were asked to list off queer-friendly cities in the United States, Douglas, Mich. probably wouldn’t even make your top 10 — but there’s a true queer gem tucked away in those dunes! Dunes Resort, lovingly called ‘The Dunes’ by regulars and staff alike, boasts over 22 acres of resort, with 81 hotel rooms and six bars, western Michigan’s largest gay dance bar, a cabaret with live entertainment, a super cool game room and a massive pool. And it’s all for the LGBTQ+ community to enjoy!
Who would have thought this gay paradise was hidden away right here in the Midwest? The Dunes has been a gay safe haven for 44 years, providing an inviting and fun place for queer couples, singles, friends, and strangers to relax, meet and unwind.
Mike Jones, one of the three owners of the Dunes Resort, along with Danny Esterline and Greg Trzybinski, says, “The Dunes can be a lot of different things for a lot of different people. To me, it’s a little slice of heaven in the middle of western Michigan where it’s traditionally pretty conservative.”
Jones, Esterline and Trzybinski took over ownership of The Douglas Dunes, renaming it The Dunes Resort, on May 26, 1999.
“We were at points in our lives where it just seemed right,” Jones says. “Maybe you shouldn’t eat pizza, drink margaritas and try to plan your life, but you just never know what’s going to happen.”
And thank goodness for those margs and pizzas, because today The Dunes is a cultural icon, attracting queer guests (and straight allies!) from all over the U.S., especially the Midwest.
There are so many fun things to do at The Dunes that just one vacation isn’t enough. That must be why so many guests come back to The Dunes year after year after year.
“You get to leave the real world for a little bit. You can hear fantastic music or come to the cabaret for a great show,” Jones says. “Sing karaoke or watch strippers. You can be gay, straight, old or young and feel comfortable here. It doesn’t matter who you are; everybody is welcome.”
When The Dunes says it offers a little something for everyone, they truly mean it, too. Whether you’re looking for a quiet weekend with your person, you’re single and ready to mingle with sexy parties and events or you just want a nice place to unwind, The Dunes welcomes everyone.
“Everyone who comes here feels good and feels comfortable,” Jones elaborates. “You can be sitting at the bar with lesbians on one side, a cross-dresser on the other side, and everyone is just having fun … This is a very welcoming place, regardless of what you like, what you don’t like, how much money you make, how much money you don’t make, what you’re wearing, et cetera.”
The Dunes is more than just a fun place to take your vacation, though. It’s chock-full of queer history, too. The massive gay institution we know and love today actually started out much, much smaller. In 1981, The Douglas Dunes, which would eventually become The Dunes, was opened by Carl Jennings and Larry Gammons to welcome curious gay men and women to Douglas (Saugatuck), Mich. And before that, there stood the tiny drive-in Amity Motel, with just 22 hotel rooms, a restaurant and a lobby bar with summer-only outside dancing.
All of its history, hard work, and dedication and love to the queer community is what makes The Dunes into the little piece of paradise that it is today. Jones reminisces about his first summer at The Dunes, saying, “At the end of our first summer, I got emotional. I was looking around, everyone was having fun, and then I thought, ‘Wow, this is ours.’ That was a little overwhelming.”
How beautiful, to have a place right here in the Midwest where you can come exactly as you are — wearing what you want, expressing yourself as you want and loving yourself, exactly the way you are.
This summer, book your trip to this queer paradise in Douglas, Mich. And who knows? It might even become your personal happy place to return to every year!
You can learn more about The Dunes Resort on their website dunesresort.com or give them a call at (269) 857-1401.
OUR AFFAIRS | BOOKS
BY E.B. BOATNER
Books
“Are You Happy?”
This seemingly innocuous question Ostlund (“After the Parade”) poses has as many cunningly hidden pitfalls as a jungle tiger trap. If “Yes,” then at what cost? If “No,” the same gauge applies. Characters may be straight or queer, suffer from a lack — or presence — of a partner. An airplane crash survivor may find the path to freedom while a settled nighttime Adult Ed teacher draws a stalker. Ranging from California to New Mexico to Minnesota, most of these individuals strive to create a happier future, although others choose willfully to remain mired in the past. Ostlund’s genius is not in describing inevitable gloom but illuminating the mantle of indecision over any decision. One blurb claimed the reader “couldn’t put this book down.” Nor could I.
“The Old Man and the Queer”
One, a successful straight businessman, retired City Mayor of Temecula, Calif.; another, young, queer, non-binary, richly tattooed. Father’s Day gift to a men’s hair spa brings the Old Man into the young Queer’s world; not the elder’s cup of tea, but he rethinks his bigotry. A later conversation blossomed into friendship, each accessing the personhood of the other. Having gained personal healing, they decided to reach out together to others, then to write this book. In their literary collaboration, each narrates their life in their own words in alternating sections. The result is neither opposition nor competition, but an exploration of how each human plays the hand they’re dealt and how opening to empathy and compassion can heal. Now they routinely share healing with others as well.
“Anoxia”
How do we negotiate our time here on Earth? How do we deal with those who have departed? Grief can be nearly solid or subtly infuse itself within the grief-stricken as intangibly as a puff of smoke. For Dolores Ayala, it’s been a decade since the death of her husband Luis, with whom she had run a photography shop, and she has retreated from much of life. Suddenly, she’s requested to take a portrait the day of the subject’s funeral. This leads to her association with an elderly man who wishes to bring back such mortuary photography. They start such a business project, and Dolores must face not only her reentry into life but also darker secrets about death and grief she’s kept buried for 10 long years.
“Paris in Ruins: Love, War, and the Birth of Impressionism”
Summer 1870 through spring 1871 was truly a “Terrible Year” for Paris. While warring with Germans, French troops and citizens retreated into the City confines where they were trapped; besieged, starved to the point of consuming horses, domesticated pets, vermin and, finally, the denizens of both zoos, until reaching a final surrender. No surcease even then, as internal strife erupted, radical republicans creating the Commune, including bloody street battles and central Paris consumed in flames. Against this chaotic background, Smee describes the artists of the time, particularly the careers of young Édouard Manet, Edgar Degas and the indomitable Berthe Morisot. Not merely history, nor yet pure art critique, but more a biological treatment of Impressionism as it evolved from ruin and rubble into splendor.
BY RANDY STERN
Experience Matters
When a vehicle remains in the market with minimal changes over time, one would assume that it may be aging gracefully and has been seasoned well to be strongly considered by consumers.
The current Mazda CX-5 was introduced for the 2017 model year. In 2022, Mazda did a mid-cycle refresh that only required a few changes. For 2025, the only changes in the CX-5 are some shuffling of trim levels.
The CX-5 has appeared on these pages before. The last one was for a trip up to Door County, Wisc. with my then-partner. At this point, I’ve lost count of how many CX-5s I reviewed throughout my automotive media career.
Why talk about the Mazda CX-5? For starters, a lot of the automotive press have praised it ad nauseam. Leading consumer testing publications call it a best-in-class vehicle. The reasons are many — practicality, proven reliability, high equipment levels, great build quality and a solid set of drivelines to choose from.
For those reasons, I happen to have one. The gray 2021 CX-5 Touring was purchased as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. It came with an upgraded package that added a few more luxuries than expected in a low- to mid-grade model. So far, it has racked up beyond 33,000 miles on the odometer and has been just one solid machine.
When a 2025 CX-5 Turbo Signature arrived recently for its routine workflow, I attempted to compare this newer, more powerful and luxurious version with the older non-turbo one, it was a matter of noting how much this popular model has evolved over the years. By doing so, I used my CX-5 as a measurement to confirm the reasons why it still attracts customers today.
Looking at the basics, the 2025 CX-5 has not changed over the years. The design is contemporary with its tall profile, modern face, and wideopening doors and liftgate. The LED lighting units — front and back — came about in the 2022 model year. As have different wheel designs. Still, the essence is there.
The Signature tester sits at the top of the 2025 Mazda CX-5 lineup. Aside from the badge on the liftgate and the brightwork on the grille, the only true distinction among all trim levels is its 19inch alloy wheels. There is no air of pretension or snobbery when you approach this specific CX-5. Being low-key is a thing, right?
Photos by Randy Stern
It is when you step inside the CX-5 Signature that you truly find what this SUV is all about. There are higher-quality materials all around. The soft leather seats are extremely comfortable while offering plenty of support and bolstering. The front seat space is exceptional. You will also love the rear seat room that the CX-5 offers. Four six-footers of various body types will enjoy the space inside without discomfort.
Before I go on, let me say that you cannot go wrong with any of the eight trim levels Mazda offers in its CX-5 lineup. Plus, these materials will hold up. A prime example is my 2021 CX-5, where the leather is aging nicely without any rips or cracks. Durable floor mats were added from the front seat wells
to the cargo hold. Just a tip from me: Adding durable floor mats will help in dealing with winter and wet weather, as well as add resale value to your CX-5.
The driver also gets easy-to-read analog and digital instrumentation, a head-up display, the knob-based Mazda Connect infotainment system with a wide screen on top of the center stack, a great climate control system, and various other tactile and logical controls.
Cargo space is more generous than you think. It starts with 29.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats. This expands up to 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats down — all accessible from a power-operated liftgate that opens wide and high.
Continued
Community Connection brings visibility to local LGBTQ-friendly non-profit organizations. To reserve your listing in Community Connection, email advertising@lavendermagazine. com.
ANIMAL RESCUE
Second Chance Animal Rescue
Dedicated to rescuing, fostering, caring for, and adopting out dogs and cats into forever homes.
P.O. Box 10533 White Bear Lake, MN 55110 (651) 771-5662 www.secondchancerescue.org
BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS
Quorum
Minnesota's LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce working to build, connect, and strengthen for a diverse business community. 2446 University Ave. W., Ste 112 St. Paul, MN 55114 (612) 460-8153 www.twincitiesquorum.com
ENVIRONMENT
The Nature Conservancy
TNC is an environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature thrive. 1101 W. River Pkwy., Ste. 200 Minneapolis, MN 55415-1291 (612) 331-0700 minnesota@tnc.org www.nature.org/minnesota
EVENT VENUES
Landmark Center
A classic venue, with a grand cortile and beautiful courtrooms, accommodates celebrations of all sizes. 75 W. 5th St. St. Paul, MN 55102 (651) 292-3228 www.landmarkcenter.org
GRANTMAKERS/FUNDERS
PFund Foundation
PFund is the LGBTQ+ community foundation that provides grants to students and grants to non-profits. PO Box 3640 Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 870-1806 www.pfundfoundation.org
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Aliveness Project
Community Center for individuals living with HIV/AIDS – on-site meals, food shelf, and supportive service. 3808 Nicollet Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55102 (612) 824-LIFE (5433) www.aliveness.org
Family Tree Clinic
We're a sliding fee sexual health clinic and education center, now in Minneapolis. 1919 Nicollet Ave. Minneapolis MN 55403 (612) 473-0800 www.familytreeclinic.org
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
NAMI Minnesota
(National Alliance on Mental Illness) Providing free classes and peer support groups for people affected by mental illnesses.
1919 University Ave. W., Ste. 400 St. Paul, MN 55104 (651) 645-2948 www.namimn.org
Red Door Clinic
HIV and STI screening, treatment, education, and referrals. Doxy PEP, nPEP, PrEP, and Reproductive Health. 525 Portland Ave., 4th Fl. Minneapolis, MN 55415 (612) 543-5555 reddoor@hennepin.us www.reddoorclinic.org
LIBRARIES
Quatrefoil Library
Your LGBTQ+ library and community center. Free membership, events, and e-books/audiobooks. Check us out!
1220 E. Lake St. Minneapolis, MN 55407 (612) 729-2543 www.qlibrary.org
MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS
Radio K
Radio K is the award-winning studentrun radio station of the University of Minnesota.
330 21st. Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612) 625-3500 www.radiok.org
MUSEUM
Minnesota Historical Society
Create your own adventure at MNHS historic sites and museums around Minnesota. www.mnhs.org
Minneapolis Institute of Art Enjoy masterpieces from all over the world & every period of human history.
Free admission daily!
2400 3rd Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 870-3000 www.artsmia.org
PERFORMING ARTS
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
The nation's largest professional dinner theater and Minnesota's own entertainment destination.
501 W. 78th St. Chanhassen, MN 55317 (952) 934-1525 www.ChanhassenDT.com
Children’s Theatre Company
Children’s Theatre Company excites the imagination with world-class family-friendly theatre for kids, teens, and adults.
2400 3rd Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55404 (612) 874-0400 www.childrenstheatre.org
Guthrie Theater
Open to the public year-round, the Guthrie produces classic and contemporary plays on three stages. 818 S. 2nd St. Minneapolis, MN 55415 (612) 377-2224 www.guthrietheater.org
Minnesota Opera
World-class opera draws you into a synthesis of beauty; breathtaking music, stunning costumes & extraordinary sets. Performances at the Ordway Music Theater - 345 Washington St. St. Paul, MN 55102 (612) 333-6669 www.mnopera.org
Minnesota Orchestra
Led by Music Director Designate Thomas Søndergård, the Minnesota Orchestra, one of America’s leading symphony orchestras. 1111 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 371-5656, (800) 292-4141 www.minnesotaorchestra.org
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Leading performing arts center with two stages presenting Broadway musicals, concerts & educational programs that enrich diverse audiences. 345 Washington St. St. Paul, MN 55102 (651) 224-4222 info@ordway.org www.ordway.org
Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus
An award-winning chorus building community through music and offers entertainment worth coming out for! 1430 W. 28th St., Ste. B Minneapolis, MN 55408 (612) 339-SONG (7664) chorus@tcgmc.org www.tcgmc.org
RELIGIOUS & SPIRITUAL
All God’s Children Metropolitan Community Church
A welcoming, inclusive, safe place to explore and discover God’s love for ALL God’s children. 3100 Park Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55407 (612) 824-2673 www.agcmcc.org
Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church
Everyone is welcome at Hennepin Church! Vibrant Worship. Authentic Community. Bold Outreach. 511 Groveland Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 871-5303 www.hennepinchurch.org
Plymouth Congregational Church
Many Hearts, One Song; Many Hands, One Church. Find us on Facebook and Twitter. 1900 Nicollet Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 871-7400 www.plymouth.org
St. Philip's Lutheran Church
We invite and welcome those of every spiritual background, ethnicity, gender orientation, or economic situation. 6180 Hwy 65 Fridley, MN 55432 (763) 571-1500 www.splcmn.org
University Baptist Church
Creating safe and inclusive spaces for 175 years, UBC stands proudly with our LGBTQ+ family. 1219 University Ave. SE Minneapolis, MN 55414 (612) 331-1768 www.ubcmn.org
Westminster Presbyterian Church
An open and affirming congregation, welcoming persons of all sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities. 1200 Marquette Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403 (612) 332-3421 www.westminstermpls.org
SENIOR LIVING
Lyngblomsten Community Services
Empowering older adults to live well at home through caregiver support, memory-loss enrichment, & wellness education. 1415 Almond Ave. St. Paul, MN 55108 (651) 632-5330 www.Lyngblomsten.org/CServices
Senior Community Services
Providing non-medical services that meet the changing needs of older adults & support their caregivers. 10201 Wayzata Blvd., Ste. 335 Minnetonka, MN 55305 (952) 541-1019 www.seniorcommunity.org/lav
SOCIAL SERVICES
Friends & Co
Fostering meaningful connections for older adults for 50+ years. Offering quick drop-in chat line, phone & visiting companionship services.
2550 University Ave. W., Ste. 260-S St. Paul, MN 55114 (612) 721-1400 www.friendsco.org
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Serving all Minnesotans with personcentered services that promote full and abundant lives.
lssmn.org | (651) 642-5990 | (800) 582-5260 Employment Opportunities | lssmn.org/careers PICS (Partners in Community Supports) | picsmn.org
Pooled Trust | (888) 806-6844
Supported Decision-Making | (888) 806-6844
TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
Westopolis Minnesota’s Sweet Spot! St. Louis Park & Golden Valley offer exceptional dining, attractions, shopping, hotels and event space.
1660 Hwy 100 S., Ste. 501 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 (952) 426-4047
www.westopolis.org
Estimates 7am-4:30pm
Let me be honest here. I do not mind the performance of my 2021’s non-turbocharged 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine. It does a fine job dealing with everything from crowded Minneapolis streets to long journeys at highway speeds for my annual work obligations. However, it is the turbocharged version of this same engine that I appreciate even more. This is what motivates this Signature tester — and it is a solid unit.
The turbocharged engine puts down up to 256 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on tap. It is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission and, in our tester, the all-wheel drive system. Performance is superb, making the turbocharged engine a perfect match for the CX-5. For fuel economy, I averaged 22.8 mpg. Mazda recommends that you use premium fuel to get the maximum performance from this engine.
Then ride quality was smooth, but it could tend towards the firm side on occasion. When the road gets rough, the CX-5 finds a way to manage it. It also handles quite well with very limited lean and roll through the corners. It is extremely competent when it comes to dealing with evasive maneuvers.
Turning the CX-5 is solid. On-center feel is quite good, as is the action and response from the steering wheel. You can add more weight to the steering system by switching the CX-5 into Sport mode. Plus, braking was quite good with solid stops in normal and panic situations. You will find the brake pedal feel is just right.
For 2025, Mazda offers eight trim levels for its CX-5, three of which are powered by the turbocharged engine. Pricing for the 2025 CX-5 lineup starts at $28,570. This Turbo Signature tester came with a sticker price of $42,155.
No matter which trim level or engine you choose, know that the 2025 Mazda CX-5 is still considered the best vehicle in its class. You can throw arguments (and shade) my way, but there is a track record that backs it up — including my own.
