pastry
PERFECTION
Our pastry selections aren’t just stunning, they’re scrumptious! That’s because our experienced bakers and pastry professionals make them with classic pastry creams, real fruit and premium chocolate – by hand – every day. Check the Pastry or Cake Case for scratch-made mini pies, cream puffs, éclairs, tarts and many more tantalizing treats in a variety of sizes. Pick up a little something special for yourself, or ask for an assortment to wow guests at your next gathering. That’s the joy of good pastry!
Selection and availability may vary by market.
Long Live Loving Local
We are already into the month of love! For our team, it means putting together the annual Love Local issue. Here at Edina Lifestyle, we show our love for community in as many ways as we can through articles, social media, and events. We also give back several times a year by highlighting local non-profits, businesses, and residents. Local love is what this publication is all about.
This month we talked to Carissa Carroll, founder of Jack’s Basket, and how her son inspired her to start a support network for families in the Twin Cities, throughout Minnesota and beyond. Carissa’s non-profit, Jack's Basket, strives to provide support, joy, and acceptance for babies born with Down syndrome.
Sometimes it just feels nice to walk into a brick and mortar store, talk to a human, and browse product in person rather than trying to decipher photos and measurements online. If you’ve ever tried to buy a lamp shade, the in person portion can save a lot of time and frustration. For 52 years, Michael’s Lamps has been catering to customers all over the metro. Michael’s advice is to bring your lamp with you because “buying a lamp shade without your lamp is like buying a hat without your head!”
There are so many wonderful businesses in the Twin Cities who make philanthropy a part of their mission. Standard Heating and Air Conditioning makes giving back a priority. As a resident of Edina, Claire is connected to community and continuing the legacy built by her previous generations.
Lastly, we asked Edina Mayor Jim Hovland to share what he loves most about Edina and how things have evolved over the 40 years he has lived here. One thing is for certain, Mayor Hovland loves the people who live and work in Edina.
With the hustle and bustle of today’s fast paced everything, sometimes it is hard to remember the little things. Personally, I am taking this month as a reminder to get back to the basics and show support and gratitude for what makes this community a special one.
Happy Valentine’s, Galentine’s, and long live loving local!
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Kassi Miranowski | kassi.miranowski@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Sarah Knieff, David Scheller
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lucy Hawthorne, Andrew Vick
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
ALEXANDRA PATTY, PUBLISHER @EDINA_LIFESTYLE
Markets, indexes, interest rates, inflation…they all go in two directions, up and down. But there is only one direction a business can go to remain successful – forward. Your Crown Bank team can be the partner that helps make your plans to move forward possible. It’s what we do best.
What can we make possible for your business?
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
The community celebrated the annual 50th & France tree lighting ceremony sponsored by Gateway Bank.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
“Petunia the Perfectionist” Named A Best Indie Book
"Petunia the Perfectionist," a heartfelt and empowering children’s book by local author Marissa Bader, has been honored as one of Kirkus Reviews’ Best Indie Books of 2024. This prestigious recognition places the book among the most distinguished independently published titles of the year, celebrated for its compelling story, relatable message, and vibrant illustrations. Bader is truly honored by this and "wrote the book to help children—and adults— see mistakes not as failures but as opportunities to grow, learn, and shine." marissabader.com.
business monthly
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Edina Theatre Launches Retro Film Series
Edina Theatre recently launched its retro series, including movies starring Sandler, Greta Gerwig and Harry Dean Stanton. "You asked. We listened," the theatre team wrote in an announcement. "The new Rewind Film Club will have a themed monthly block of programming revisiting arthouse, classic, international, and contemporary films that shaped the landscape of cinematic history." February's theme is The Colour Red. For more information, visit manntheatres.com/theatre/89/Edina-4.
Planet Fitness Opens in Edina
Planet Fitness, the budget-friendly gym franchise, has opened its newest location in Edina. The "Judgement Free" spot is now located at 3441 Hazelton Rd. It features 64 pieces of cardio equipment, two massage chairs, four HydroMassage units, 75 pieces of strength equipment, three tanning rooms and a red light therapy room, according to a Planet Fitness announcement. A standard membership costs $15 per month with $1 down and annual $49 fee. planetfitness.com.
BY SARAH
CELEBRATING LIFE'S UNEXPECTED JOY
Every child deserves to be celebrated. This belief fuels the mission of Jack’s Basket, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization devoted to supporting families of babies with Down syndrome. Founded by Carissa Carroll—a mother of three whose own journey unexpectedly transformed at the birth of her son, Jack—Jack’s Basket strives to ensure that new and expectant parents receive the resources and community support they need to welcome and celebrate their beautiful children.
The inception of Jack’s Basket began in March 2013, a pivotal moment for Carissa and her husband. After a tumultuous emergency C-section, Carissa received the life-altering news about Jack’s diagnosis, delivered coldly and abruptly by a nurse. Left with confusion and heartbreak, Carissa and her husband had to navigate this uncharted territory, grappling with emotions that no new parent should have to endure alone.
ARTICLE
As Carissa reflected on her own early experiences, it became clear to her that the way in which a diagnosis is shared can profoundly impact a family's ability to accept and celebrate their child. This realization ignited a fire in her heart to change the narrative surrounding Down syndrome diagnoses, transforming fear and sorrow into joy and acceptance. Inspired to impact future families positively, she set out to ensure that every new parent would hear “Congratulations!” instead of “I’m sorry,” or “I have bad news.”
On Jack’s first birthday, Carissa delivered the first “Jack’s Basket” to families in the very hospital where Jack was born. Each basket was a heartfelt package containing newborn gifts, vital resources, and a personal letter from her
family, sharing the lessons they learned in their first year with Jack. These baskets communicated a powerful message: life is filled with unexpected joy and love, and every child is a precious gift to be celebrated.
Since that momentous day, Jack’s Basket has blossomed into an organization that has touched the lives of over 10,000 families across all 50 states and more than 50 countries. With the dedication of 179 parent volunteers (a few from Edina), including a remarkable volunteer in Singapore, and a team of seven employees, Jack’s Basket continues to spread hope and support.
"I never could have imagined Jack's Basket would be where we are today, but I'm immensely grateful and proud of it," Carissa says. "This is my passion."
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Carissa Carroll and Baby Jack. Photo by Jana Wick.
In addition to providing baskets, the nonprofit is committed to equipping medical providers with the tools necessary to deliver Down syndrome diagnoses in a compassionate and unbiased manner. By emphasizing the importance of how information is communicated, Carissa’s mission is to create a ripple effect of positivity that echoes through the community, empowering families to embrace their journey.
“I NEVER COULD HAVE IMAGINED JACK’S BASKET WOULD BE WHERE WE ARE TODAY, BUT I’M IMMENSELY GRATEFUL AND PROUD OF IT. THIS IS MY PASSION.”
Underpinning all of this is the “You Make Me Better” campaign, celebrating the profound impact that individuals with Down syndrome have on everyone around them. Each story shared reflects the consensus among parents, friends, siblings, teammates and others: the presence of a person with Down syndrome enriches their lives in immeasurable ways. In Carissa’s words, “Jack has made our lives better in so many ways,” and this sentiment resonates deeply with every family touched by the nonprofit.
The journey of Jack’s Basket is more than a personal story; it is a movement to reshape perceptions and promote acceptance. As more families discover the gift of support through Jack’s Basket, the hope is that society will come to celebrate every child for who they are. Carissa’s unwavering belief is clear: “I would not change him for the world, but I will change the world because of him.”
Join Carissa and her team in spreading awareness, providing support, and celebrating the lives of children with Down syndrome. Together, everyone can create a world where every child, like Jack, is celebrated, cherished, and fully accepted for who they are.
jacksbasket.org.
BRIGHT ideas
GREAT SELECTIONS AND SERVICES FOR ALL YOUR LIGHTING NEEDS
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCY HAWTHORNE
Michael’s Lamp Studio has been illuminating homes in the Twin Cities for 52 years. With 200 to 300 lamps and over 3000 shades, the store has grown exponentially over the years.
“It was my father-in-law, Edward Settevig, who had the vision with the lamps,” says the owner, Michael Misewicz. “When I first married his daughter, I would go over to their house and see him working on lamps in his workshop. These lamps were used in the furnished apartments he owned - that’s where he got the idea.”
Shortly after, Michael found a store in a multipurpose building. His father in law bought it and divided the space into two, and rented out the other half. “I started with a truckload of broken lamps, about 30, and fixed them up and sold them,” he says. “That was Mr. Settevig’s idea – to start small and grow.”
“In the beginning, most of the department stores were in the lamp and shade business, and then in the late 70s and early 80s they started to get out of it because it’s a service business,” says Michael. “As they got out of it, our shade business grew extensively. Now I believe we’re the only lamp shade business in the Twin Cities.”
Michael always likes to state, “Buying a lampshade without your lamp is like buying a hat without your head.” Obviously, he also has a good sense of humor.
Today, Michael’s Lamp Studio encompasses two whole floors of the building. His youngest son, Josef, who was born the same year the store opened and hopes to take over the store one day, works alongside him. Also working in the store is TR Sarp, who has been there for the past 30 years. “TR does everything in the store,” says Michael. “He’s friendly and loyal and I’m very happy and very proud to have an employee for that long.”
In addition to lamps and lamp shades, services include lamp restoration and repair. “People mostly bring in lamps from the 20s and 30s, but now there are a lot of things coming in from the late 40s to mid-60s, what they call mid-century modern,” he says. “Younger people generally between 25 and 30 are seeking these lamps from that period, but most of them don’t have shades, so they come to us to re-shade them. They’ve picked up old pieces of furnishing or they’ve been handed down, and this lighting looks good with that period of furniture.”
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Michael
He said many of these old lamps have missing parts, or the bases have been chipped or broken. The main thing they do is a complete rewiring so the lamps work well and are safe to use.
“Manufacturers are actually starting to go back to the designs that were available in the 40s and 50s, even using the ceramic pottery pieces that are very similar to what was available then, which is pretty interesting,” says Michael.
Another service they offer is to take people’s memorabilia and turn these into fun one-of-a-kind lamps. “We can make a lamp out of anything,” he says. “People have brought in things such as hockey boots, pucks and skates, which we can mount on bases. They bring in their vases and crystal to make into lamps, and others have brought in their champagne bottles from their weddings. They can have them not only as art pieces but also to give them the lighting they need.
“Years ago, we used these unique wine bottles from Pracna on Main. I put layers of five or six different colored bird seed inside each one. In a four year period, we sold about 4000 of them.
“Wagon wheels also make great chandeliers, and the hubs of the wheels always make very nice lamps,” he adds.
Old copper fire extinguishers are also popular items to turn into lamps. “I have probably made hundreds of
those,” says Michael. “I bought about 50 from a hotel in Chicago about 40 years ago and they were all brand new. They sold very well, but they are very hard to find now. Some people still bring them in though.”
The store also has a very good selection of incandescent bulbs, which for a while, he says, were hard to find. “Incandescent bulbs offer a much warmer light than LEDs, which give off a blue light that’s not always attractive.”
After being in business for so many years, he’s had generations of families shopping at the store. “One customer and his family would always come in after every Thanksgiving for a new lamp,” says Michael. “Now their children come in.”
Because of his great selection and friendly and knowledgeable customer service, he gets a lot of business through word-of-mouth. He also has many designers coming in on a regular basis. Pickup and delivery are also available in Southwest Minneapolis, Edina, and Eden Prairie.
The corner where Michael’s Lamp Studio is located in Southwest Minneapolis is referred to as “Antique Corner,” he says, because of all the antique stores there. “It’s a good area to shop for those and other things.”
For all your lighting needs, visit 3101 W 50th St., call (612) 926-9147 or email michaelslampstudio1@gmail.com
“One customer and his family would always come in after every Thanksgiving for a new lamp. Now their children come in.”
Standard Heating & Air Conditioning
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW
VICK AND THE STANDARD HEATING TEAM
The troops. The first responders. The teachers. Anyone who drives an ice cream truck through your neighborhood. These are all great heroes. But if you live in the Midwest – where it can be hot as Hades and cold as Pluto over the span of a couple of weeks – then you might want to add HVAC technicians to your list of everyday heroes.
Few Twin Cities HVAC companies offer the depth of experience that Standard Heating & Air Conditioning brings. Founded in 1930, it has stood the test of time through economic challenges and the unpredictable Midwestern climate. Tony Ferrara started the business, which has since grown into a third-generation, woman-owned company under the leadership of his granddaughter, Claire Ferrara.
KEEPING THE TWIN CITIES COMFORTABLE SINCE 1930
Standard Heating team participating in a turkey drive.
“YOU’RE NOT JUST MAKING BUSINESS DECISIONS. YOU’RE TRYING TO MAKE YOUR ANCESTORS PROUD.”
“I wasn’t blessed with an opportunity to get to really know my grandpa,” said Claire. “He passed when I was very young. Even so, I often ask myself what grandpa would think about the choices I’m making. That’s the mindset that sets a legacy business apart from a startup or franchise. You’re not just making business decisions. You’re trying to make your ancestors proud."
The team at Standard Heating & Air Conditioning shares these values, striving to represent a name the community can trust for reliable heating and cooling solutions. Their commitment to service goes beyond comfort. They are also creating opportunities for employees to thrive in rewarding careers, and giving back to the community in meaningful ways.
“Our commitment to service, integrity, character and expertise does much more than keep people comfortable,” said Claire. “It creates a work environment where our team members can foster rewarding careers in an important trade.”
She continues, “It has also built a company that can afford to give back. We make monetary donations in support of our community. We mentor up-and-coming technicians at local trade schools. We provide furnaces and air conditioners to families in need, free of charge. And thanks to our ‘5 for $25 Drive,’ we donate $25 to any charity of our client’s choosing so long as they take five minutes to leave a review of our services.”
On a personal level, Claire – a local Edina resident – also finds time to give back on her own.
“I’m an active Board of Trustee Member at Dunwoody College of Technology and am also a Board Member with Nexstar, a large best-practices group for home services that has members nationwide and is based right here in MN.”
When she isn’t giving back or working, Claire loves spending time with her nice neighbors, eating at Mr.Paul’s Supper Club and being active at local recreational spaces.
Claire Ferrara
Standard Heating's Northern Char event.
Reliable Heating and Air Conditioning When You Need Them Most
Trust the highly trained technicians at Standard Heating & Air Conditioning to keep your home comfortable through every season. With advanced tools, dependable HVAC systems, and a commitment to serving your needs, they're here to ensure your home is always at its best. Call (612) 824-2656 or visit standardheating.com today to schedule service!
VALUABLE SERVICES
• Furnace - Is your furnace failing to fulfill its only function? Let Standard Heating & Air Conditioning restore it to its best condition – or replace it with a far more efficient model.
• Air Conditioning - Whether you’re preparing your AC for sultry days ahead – or swapping it out with an environmentally friendly substitute – Standard Heating & Air Conditioning will make sure you keep your cool.
• Indoor Air Quality - According to the EPA, air pollution is up to seven times more concentrated indoors than it is outside. Standard Heating & Air Conditioning can help you breathe easier.
• Duct Cleaning - Breathe cleaner air. Help your HVAC system last longer. Don’t shudder to imagine what kind of filth lurks inside your ducts. Request duct cleaning today!
• Boiler - Don’t get steamed up over a broken boiler. If you hear, smell, see or feel something off, Standard Heating & Air Conditioning is on the job.
• Garage Heating - An always-cozy car, and comfortable tinkering all year long. That’s the promise behind every Standard Heating & Air Conditioning garage heating solution.
• Ductless Mini Split - Is your HVAC system underserving one part of your home? Or are you building a new addition? A ductless mini split is perfect for one or more rooms.
• Smart Club Maintenance - Save big on service, and rest assured your HVAC system is regularly maintained by the best. Visit standardheating.com to learn more!
A Glimpse into Community and Leadership
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
In the heart of Minnesota, Edina has a unique charm that draws residents and visitors alike. At the helm of this delightful community is Mayor James Hovland, a dedicated leader with deep roots in the area. Recently, we had the opportunity to ask Mayor Hovland about his experiences living in Edina, his passion for community engagement, and the exciting events that shape the fabric of this vibrant town.
WHAT IS YOUR HISTORY WITH LIVING IN EDINA?
I have lived in Edina for approximately 40 years and we have had wonderful living experiences in different parts of our town, from Blake Road to the County Club neighborhood, and then onto southwest Edina. Each home was a project involving remodeling, which I liked to do, especially when I was younger. Buying a home, giving it an architectural turnaround and enjoying it was something in which I had interest. We have had great neighbors in the places we have lived and I believe my range of living experiences in different parts of town have been beneficial in understanding our various charming neighborhoods.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY?
We have loved the people we have met over the years living in Edina. From the neighborhoods in which we have lived to being involved in local government, where you get a chance to meet so many people with so many varied interests in our community, it has been a pleasure to get to know so many of the residents of our town and be able to greet people you know on a daily basis. It helps give our community that distinctly small-town feel. Edina, though
Q&A WITH EDINA MAYOR JAMES HOVLAND
Mayor James Hovland
part of a large metropolitan area, has been able to carve out its own individual sense of identity and that is very important to people – as everyone wants to have a sense of community where they live and work, and you can find that strong sense of belonging here.
WHAT LOCAL EVENTS DO YOU ATTEND EACH YEAR?
I could not begin to count the number of events or meetings attended per year on behalf of our community. I have matters daily that require mayoral attention and all of those matters involve the hopeful betterment of Edina and the lives of people in our town. Things that come to mind that are important to our town in which I participate from an organizational basis include serving on the Edina Chamber of Commerce Board, participating in the morning Rotary Club, supporting organizations like the Edina Community Foundation, Edina Ed Fund, Edina Giveand-Go, NC Little Hospice, the ABC house, the Edina Pubic Schools, the 4th of July Parade, and newer organizations like the Edina Asian American Alliance. There are so many organizations supporting our community that help make it the special place it is for all of us to live and experience, and we are richer for those experiences.
AT WHAT EVENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE PARTICIPATION?
The first thing that comes to mind is the State of the Community. I would like to see greater participation in that event, held annually, to talk about where we have been and where we are heading, in the town and in our school system. It is such an important annual event. Also, the newer events like Juneteenth, celebration of the Chinese New Year and the celebration of Diwali, sponsored by
“...as everyone wants to have a sense of community where they live and work, and you can find that strong sense of belonging here.”
Mayor James Hovland on a walk with community members.
“Developing a greater understanding of and appreciation for all the cultures that are a vital part of our community is a wonderfully enriching experience.”
the Edina Asian American Alliance, are wonderful events at which I would like to see a broader level of community participation. Developing a greater understanding of and appreciation for all the cultures that are a vital part of our community is a wonderfully enriching experience.
WILL “WALKS WITH THE MAYOR” RESUME?
Yes, I think we are planning to have the Walks With the Mayor resume in February. The walks were suspended during the fall election cycle but watch for information on their resumption. We will be indoors in different locations through the winter months.
For more information about the city of Edina, please visit www.edinamn.gov.
Mayor James Hovland on a walk with community members.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 1ST - MARCH 23RD
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Guthrie Theater
In this beloved tale of mischief and merriment, four stories are cleverly woven together: the marriage of the Athenian duke to the Amazon queen; a spat between the fairy king and queen; the follies of four lovers; and the hilarious antics of amateur actors staging a play. guthrietheater.org
FEBRUARY 1ST - 2ND
Loppet Winter Festival
Bde Maka Ska and Theodore Wirth Park
The City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival is a two-day festival that includes the Luminary Loppet, which is the most magical night of winter; a variety of point-to-point Cross-Country Ski, Fat-Tire Bike, Skijor, and Snowshoe events, both competitive races and recreational touring events through Theodore Wirth Park; and a number of unique events, such as the Captain Ken's Kubb Tournament – plus much more. loppet.org
FEBRUARY 14TH - 15TH
A Sinatra Valentine
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres | 7:30 PM
On the weekend of cupid’s holiday, Andrew Walesch and His Orchestra will take you on an unforgettable journey through the career of one of the most romantic voices of all time, Frank Sinatra. Leading his all-star big band packed with local sidemen favorites, showman Andrew Walesch kidnaps the Blue Eyes tradition and makes it his own in his jazz-bent Sinatra revue that jams venues all over the Midwest and beyond with a uniquely cross-generational audience. chanhassendt.com
FEBRUARY 14TH
Candyland Trail
Edinborough Park | 6:00 AM
Bring the kids to explore the Candyland Trail. They'll go through a life-size version of the popular game, finding surprises along the way. They'll finish at the Candyland Bounce House, brought in special for this annual event. No registration required. edinamn.gov.
FEBRUARY 22ND
Winter Beer Dabbler
Minnesota State Fairgrounds | 3:00 PM
The Midwest’s biggest and best winter beer festival will make its triumphant return to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The Winter Beer Dabbler team is beyond excited to welcome you all back to the Mighty Midway to sample great beer from breweries all over the United States while enjoying music, food trucks, and other thrilling attractions. beerdabbler.com.
FEBRUARY 28TH - MARCH 2ND
Disney On Ice Presents Into The Magic
Target Center
Hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse bring audiences on an expedition across raging seas, snow covered mountains and the marigold bridge in Disney On Ice presents Into The Magic. This action-packed extravaganza, produced by Feld Entertainment, Inc., features Disney’s Moana, Frozen, Coco and Beauty and the Beast with other beloved Disney characters returning to be featured in seven fun-filled performances. disneyonice.com.
