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THE WAYZATA DESIGN DISTRICT
Lake Minnetonka Dry Stack Storage
The Thankful Issue
In this season of giving thanks, we often find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings in our lives. The true spirit of Thanksgiving encourages the conscious expression of gratitude. Its focus is spending time with those that you love and encourages giving back in a meaningful way. While ambition, competition, and attaining goals can be very healthy, forgetting to place importance on being present, enjoying the ride, and appreciating those around us who have helped us along our journey can leave us missing out on what truly matters. We’ll never be content if we look outside ourselves and at our possessions or titles to determine if we are fulfilled. True contentment comes from within and from fulfilling who we were made to be.
On a personal note, I have so much to be thankful for at this point in my life. Both Sara’s and my parents are still in the mix and lead full and vibrant lives. Our five kids continue to enrich us as they navigate the various stages they are in as adults and students. Two are married with their spouses adding to the family in so many wonderful ways. We have grandchildren. Aurora is five, Liam is two, and a new granddaughter is expected this month! My wife has a wonderful career as a leadership coach, and my magazines are thriving. Through it all, though, my faith sustains me, and that, to me, is the best blessing of all.
Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, gratefulness, and giving back to our community. We are so thankful for the residents and businesses in our community who support so many wonderful organizations and help make Lake Minnetonka the vibrant community that it is. We are especially thankful to our advertising partners who help bring this magazine to your doorsteps each month. They are part of our vision and purpose of bringing inspiring stories and the good news of the community directly to you.
This holiday season, as we prepare to gather with our loved ones and in the true spirit of Thanksgiving, let’s set time aside to consider what truly makes life meaningful and stop to reflect on those blessings.
Blessings to you and your family,
DAVE ROBERTSON, PUBLISHER @LAKEMINNETONKALIFESTYLE
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Dave Robertson | dave.robertson@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lauren Beaubaire | lauren.beaubaire@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Kristin Schuette | kristin.schuette@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kendra Johnson, Hannah Harms, Lauren Beaubaire, Kimberly Blaker, Angela Broockerd, and Jen Fortner
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Emily John Photography, Anna Ko Photography, and Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: It was a great turnout for the Doggy Olympics and Dog Park Activities at this year’s James J. Hill Festival! Along with pups competing in fun events like the Longest Sit-Stay Contest and Musical Beach Chairs, a pet caricature artist offered owners great memories with an entertaining caricature of their dogs, and the Wayzata PD K9 with Officer Gehrman and his SAR team came out for a fun demo with their talented K9 team.
KRISTIN SCHUETTE
KRISTIN SCHUETTE Photography by Anna Ko Photography
BUYERS LOVE MY SELLERS’ HOMES
RARE OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD IN DOWNTOWN EXCELSIOR!
Rare opportunity to build a modern home in historic Excelsior Village! Located in the heart of Excelsior Village just one block from Excelsior Commons Park and Lake Minnetonka, this property boasts walkable access to everything Excelsior has to offer! This is an open build so bring your builder of choice to make this modern design a reality! This proposed house, per plans, features over 3,000 sq ft with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms with unfinished space in the lower level that could add an additional bedroom, bathroom, and family room. ALTUS Architecture + Design, a local Excelsior architecture firm, has brought this specific house plan through preliminary HPC Planning Commission and City Council meetings with positive feedback. Final HPC meeting and approval to occur after buyer has made any changes or selections. No residential design review required for this proposed property. The proposed lot will be 60’ x 130’ and adjacent to the proposed Arts and Music Center. Make this rare opportunity yours today!
WORK WITH A RESULTS-DRIVEN REALTOR
CHRIS DENNIS, ASSOCIATE BROKER
Lakes Area Realty Excelsior 37 Water Street, Excelsior, 55331 (612) 229-9322
Chris@ChrisDennisGroup.com LakesAreaExcelsior.com
Elevate Your Style for the Holidays with J.H. & Sons
Get ready for the holiday season in style with J.H. & Sons Men’s Clothier at the Galleria in Edina. Whether you're attending holiday gatherings, office parties, or winter outings, their expert team is here to help you craft a wardrobe that combines comfort and sophistication. From cozy knits to tailored pieces, they have everything you need to look your best this winter. Visit J.H. & Sons, and let their experts help you elevate your look for the holidays!
Photography by Maria Claire Photography
Schedule a FREE In-Home Consultation with the Closet Factory
Donating your older and unused clothes during this season of giving? As we clear out our closets, it's the perfect time to reorganize and design a closet you truly love. Closet Factory in Plymouth has been doing just that for over 40 years. Schedule a FREE in-home consultation, and one of their designers will measure your space, inventory your storage needs, and help you create the perfect system of organization that’s been 100% customized to your needs, style, and budget!
Photography by Closet Factory
18|8 The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes 12063 Elm Creek Blvd. N Maple Grove, MN 55369 763-400-9124
18|8 The Promenade of Wayzata 340 Engel St Wayzata, MN 55391 952-693-4024
Holiday Deals at Lakeshore Interiors
The season of style has arrived at Lakeshore Interiors! Whether you're hosting family gatherings or out-of-town guests, their team is ready to help you get your home holiday-ready. And don’t miss out on an exclusive offer from Hunter Douglas—enjoy special rebates now through December 2nd. Get your home looking its best this season. Call Lakeshore Interiors today at 952-471-8446 to learn more and take advantage of this limited-time deal!
Photography by Lakeshore Interiors
Photography by Savvy Photage | V @savvyphotage
A LEGACY OF GIVING BACK
The Canopy Group with their jumbotron they lend out to help support great causes.
Helping others is second nature to The Canopy Group. They’re a team deeply rooted in giving back to the community, not only being there as an insurance broker for their clients when they’re experiencing the worst moments of their lives but also as a huge supporter and participant in countless important causes, organizations, and events in our community. “There are so many wonderful organizations and volunteers doing really great work in the community, giving their time and effort, and we want to always step up to do the same and give back to our community,” says Paul Borchert, managing partner at The Canopy Group.
HOW THE CANOPY GROUP IS MAKING A MEANINGFUL IMPACT IN OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH COMPASSION AND GENEROSITY
ARTICLE BY LAUREN BEAUBAIRE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY JOHN PHOTOGRAPHY
“In insurance, our team sees a lot of people who go through hardship, whether it’s a catastrophic event or property damage,” shares Cara McCann, marketing communication manager. “While we bring money to help solve the problems, we also bring empathy and caring, ensuring everything gets put back together in the right way. And that’s why we love supporting what these amazing non-profits and organizations in our community are doing — helping people in their worst moments.”
“We partner with the ICA Food Shelf, Tour de Tonka, and we participate in Giant Days in Le Sueur, the Excelsior Parade for the 4th of July, Apple Fest in Minnetonka, and BBQ Days in Belle Plaine,” says Paul. “We also donate and volunteer with the Rotary Club’s Backpack Program and partner with the Cars & Caves event at the Chanhassen AutoPlex, lending our 11-foot wide and seven-foot-tall jumbotron to display information about the charity Cars & Caves promotes each month. It’s a simple way we can help get more awareness about a great cause.”
“There are so many wonderful organizations and volunteers doing really great work in the community, giving their time and effort, and we want to always step up to do the same and give back to our community.”
And the list of ways Canopy continues to give back just keeps going. Many of the causes Canopy supports are inspired by their own employees and clients.
“One organization we’ve supported for 10 years is near and dear to one of our team members who lost a close friend,” shares Cara. “It is the Mitch Thune Golf Classic “Pooh Bear Open,” which helps others with the same affliction that Mitch lost his life to and also provides scholarships to graduating seniors at Le Sueur – Henderson High School.”
While Canopy’s impact throughout the community is felt all year round, this season of giving marks one of their biggest give-back events, the WCCO Hunger Mission Radiothon. WCCO partners with Union Gospel Mission to raise funds for those served by the Mission who are experiencing homelessness, hunger, and addiction.
“We’ve been participating in the Radiothon for six years now,” says Paul. “They broadcast live from the Mall of America rotunda, and members of our team are there to answer
phones and take donations. Along with our time, we also pledge each year, matching $2 for every $1 donated up to $9,500. It was amazing to help them raise over $300,000 this past year, supporting such a great cause.”
“The calls that come in who want to make a difference, whether it’s a $5 or $5,000 donation, are individuals who have been touched by someone,” says Cara. “It’s everything, seeing how compassionate someone is to help and hearing the life-changing stories from people who were helped by this organization.”
The Radiothon will take place on Tuesday, November 19th, from 6am to 6pm, where you can join the Canopy team answering phones, or you can call in and make a donation.
“Whether it is a financial donation or lending our jumbotron for an event, in the end, it’s about giving back and what we can do to help and give back to our community,” says Paul.
Sign up to volunteer at the Radiothon here: https://www.ugmtc.org/wcco-radiothon-2024/
Learn more about The Canopy Group here: https://www.thecanopygroup.com
The Nimbus Commuter series is ideal for fall boating, offering comfort and performance in cooler weather. Its enclosed pilothouse keeps you warm, while the deep-V hull handles choppier fall waters smoothly. The boat is versatile, perfect for scenic cruising, fishing, or weekend trips. Overall, the Nimbus Commuter series is a reliable, all-weather boat for enjoying the fall season on the water!
To learn more about the Nimbus brand, visit nimbus.se
November often inspires an attitude of gratitude. As we sit around the table and think of what we are grateful for, the lists are long. It’s easy to pick out the big things. Many would say they are grateful for family and friends. Some would
GRATITUDE
say health. Food. Shelter. Safety. Then, we can drill down on the specifics. Personally, I am grateful for almond croissants, the newest season of Only Murders in the Building, and TSA PreCheck. Those three things (sometimes enjoyed simultaneously) have brought me a lot of joy in recent months. And this time of year always takes me back to 1993 and my thankfulness for a most unexpected gift.
Life Minded
In 1993, I was a poor college student. I had registered to take a one-monthlong short story class at Holden Village in Chelan, Washington, between semesters. I attended a college where nearly everyone went abroad for a semester, and to say I was envious is an understatement. While others jetted off for five months to Italy to study the art and boys of Rome, I could afford one month in Washington in January. Let me interject how grateful I am for not having social media back then because photos of my peers eating gelato in front of the Trevi Fountain would have ruined me. Luckily, I did not see in real time what I was missing.
Nonetheless, I was excited to go to Holden Village. It is located in the Cascade Mountains, a stunning landscape, and is a very unique experience to live at this isolated retreat center. Plus, the thought of spending a full month reading by a fire while some of my peers took organic chemistry in
Minnesota made me feel like I was winning at something. As I packed up my things, I realized I didn’t have the right footwear. Holden Village is described as a “remote wilderness community”. That is putting it mildly. It cannot be accessed by car. We would take a train to a ferry, and from there, we would travel via bombardier snow coach. I had boots but not serious boots, so I would have to make do.
A few days before I left, three of my friends surprised me with a gift. A pair of winter boots from Eddie Bauer. Off white. Waterproof. Ice blue laces. These were boots that needed to be worn on a snow coach. I was stunned. It didn’t just feel like a gift. It felt like a miracle. They were all poor college students as well. I knew they had all sacrificed to give them to me. My gratitude was overwhelming.
So I stomped around in those boots all over those Northern Cascade Mountains. I wore them snowshoeing,
hiking, porch jumping into twenty feet of snow, and on trips to and from the sauna. After college, I wore those boots until they split at the seams and the soles peeled away. By then, it was not because I didn’t have other boots but because of what they represented. I cried when I finally gave them up.
Some gratitude is fleeting. But sometimes, it lasts for decades. I miss that collegiate sense of community. It was easy and comfortable to share what you had or ask to borrow what you needed. There was a strong awareness of “we are all in this together.” Hopefully we take a moment to feel grateful for the large things but also the tiniest kindnesses. In 1993, it wasn’t the boots. It was the kindness. People in my proximity noticed the need, and they cheerfully filled it. May we be lucky enough to have those observant friends in our lives and luckier still to be the wish granters in the lives of others.
Minded
Jen Fortner is a freelance writer who enjoys asking friends and strangers far too many questions. She spends her spare time sitting in inclement weather watching youth sports, traveling, cooking, and searching for the very best baked goods. She lives in Shorewood with her husband, three children and the most spoiled dog.
COLUMN BY JEN FORTNER
FROM Lemonade TO Leadership
ARTICLE BY HANNAH HARMS
The Sunshine Stop is a non-profit that employs students with disabilities in the Minnetonka area. The business first came to fruition in March when Ty Bricker met with special education teacher Bailey Hanson to discuss her business idea. A few months later, the idea came to life, and nearly 20 students were employed for the summer.
“After our first meeting, it was full speed ahead,” says Ty. “We didn’t let perfect get in the way of progress.”
The idea behind the Sunshine Stop is to give every student an equal opportunity. While many children have jobs throughout the summer, others aren’t given the same chance.
“SEEING our employees RECEIVE THEIR FIRST PHYSICAL PAYCHECK AND THE pride ON THEIR FACES IS BY FAR THE best part OF OUR JOB. WE HOPE TO CONTINUE PROVIDING THEM A workspace THAT THEY love TO COME BACK TO.”
“Every year, we have students who head back to school and are asked what they did for a summer job. We want to allow everyone to answer that question,” says Bailey.
Throughout this past summer, the Sunshine Stop sold lemonade and snack boxes at the Excelsior farmer’s market. Each shift hosted between four to 12 employees, two managers, and numerous volunteers who provided one-on-one training to each employee, empowering them to do their jobs to the fullest. The shifts were typically two days per week with a two-hour shift per person.
Sunshine Stop’s goal is to have their employees do as much work as they can independently. However, if an employee is unable to perform a specific task, the managers will rework the system to cater to their needs.
“Regular jobs aren’t built on an easily modifiable structure,” explains Ty. “We want to create a system that can accommodate everyone’s needs, allowing each employee to be independent within the job setting.”
To help their team become independent, the non-profit hosts socials on a bi-weekly basis. At the socials, the employees and volunteers work together on a specific skill set, such as arts and crafts. Some of the team’s favorite socials include snowcone creation, water bottle making, and team bonfires.
“The socials are a fun gathering that enables us to see if we can hone specific skills differently and utilize them in our business in the future,” says Ty.
Although the business just got up and running for the first time this summer, the Sunshine Stop is looking forward to going beyond summertime work. “We hope to employ more individuals with a disability and provide them with meaningful employment,” says Ty. “Seeing our employees receive their first physical paycheck and the pride on their faces is
by far the best part of our job. We hope to continue providing them a workspace that they love to come back to,” says Bailey.
You can find the Sunshine Stop at Excelsior Brewing this fall on Friday, November 8th. The threehour event from 6:30 - 9:30pm will include live music, food, beverages, and a silent auction. All of the proceeds from the evening will go toward the salaries of the employees at the Sunshine Stop.
Learn more and see how you can get involved on their Instagram page @ thesunshinestop or on their Facebook page: The Sunshine Stop.
•
GIVING YOUR TIME, Treasure, & Talent
THREE WAYS TO GIVE BACK THIS SEASON
ARTICLE BY LAUREN BEAUBAIRE
Find farms that will take your old Halloween pumpkins with the website: https://pumpkinsforpigs.org/
Looking for ways to give back?! The great news is there are countless ways to make an impact through your time, treasures, and talents, and we share a few great local opportunities where you can get involved!
GIVE YOUR TIME
Spend an afternoon with the Lake Minnetonka Excelsior Morning Rotary Club, volunteering your time tutoring, meal prepping, gardening and maintaining our beautiful parks, and more! You’ll also find great volunteer opportunities for all ages through Tonka Serves, which partners with more than 30 area non-profits.
DONATE YOUR TREASURES
A food or monetary donation to the ICA Food Shelf for their Turkey Drive or giving gently used furniture and household goods to the non-profit Bridging are great ways to donate your treasures. You can even donate your old Halloween pumpkins to local farms like Alternative Roots Farm in Madelia and they’ll use it as a source of food for their livestock instead of it being wasted in a landfill.
SHARE YOUR TALENT
Turn your passions into purpose and use one of your hobbies or talents to give back. Whether you’re a great cook, gardener, artist, or athlete, you can share those skills with others. For example, the Hope House, which provides a safe place for youth in crisis, is always looking for great writers to help with grant writing.
WHERE TO START?
Here are some great local non-profits where you can give your time, treasure, and talent!
• ResourceWest: https://resourcewest.org/
• Hammer & NER: https://hammer.org/
• Hope House: https://openhandsfoun dation.com/hope-house/
• ICA Food Shelf: https://www.icafoodshelf.org/
• MATTER: https://www.matter.ngo/
• Bridging: https://bridging.org/
• Tonka Serves: https://www.minnetonka schools.org/activities/districtwide/ tonka-serves
• Lake Minnetonka Excelsior Morning Rotary Club: https://excelsiormorn ingrotary.org/
ARTICLE BY KENDRA JOHNSON
HOW ONE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS EMPOWERING GIRLS TO CHANGE THE WORLD
LIGHT OF HOPE
“When women and girls rise, their communities and countries rise with them” (Michelle Obama). That’s true of the girls in Naivasha, Kenya, where Light of Hope Kenya, based out of Plymouth,
That year also saw the first high school graduates who benefited from a purified water system and expanded library.
The last decade has seen the most significant developments at Light of
LIGHT OF HOPE IS ABOUT COMMUNITY. IT’S ABOUT CHANGING FAMILIES AND PROVIDING HOPE.
Minnesota, has been working to provide a loving home and quality education since 2005.
When co-founders Boni and Sandy Karanja met in 1998, they quickly discovered a shared calling for helping oppressed, abused, and abandoned girls. Together, they launched Light of Hope Kenya to provide Refuge, Restoration, and Redirection, for young girls who often face overwhelming barriers to education — most often related to gender inequality.
What exactly does that look like?
In 2005, it looked like a small dormitory and temporary classrooms for six young girls. That grew into an enclosed campus with electricity, a well, and a music program for 40 girls.
Then, in 2011, after a playground, sports amenities, and organic gardens were added, the first high school dorm and four new classrooms were built. In 2013, generous donors provided for the Wokovu kitchen and dining hall.
Hope, including a new dormitory that houses 160 girls, modern computer and STEM labs, a wifi tower, laundry facilities, a medical building, and a junior high school.
Today, Light of Hope has about 180 girls in their care.
Nearly 20 years after taking in those first six girls, Light of Hope has been fortunate enough to see the dedication of their constituents, which led to the success of many girls who have pursued college educations in nursing, political science, teaching, and more. One of Light of Hope’s ongoing success stories involves an entire family.
Several years ago, Light of Hope was contacted about a mom who was desperate to find support for her starving children. Several of her boys were taken in by a different school, and Light of Hope took in Hannah, who was about five years old at the time.
Not long after taking in Hannah, Boni and Sandy returned to Kenya to
visit the school. Sandy was approached by a young woman who turned out to be Hannah’s mom, who had been given a job tending to the gardens. As a result, she was able to not only see Hannah every day but also take food home for her other children.
“Light of Hope is about community. It’s about changing families and providing hope. It’s about desperation and helping truly to save lives. And Hannah — she’s in third grade now — she’s so awesome. She’s so smart. She’s beautiful, and her smile is just incredible,” says Erin Quinn, director of marketing, development, and donor relations at Light of Hope.
While Light of Hope has grown exponentially over the last 20 years, there’s still so much the organization hopes to accomplish.
Being supported entirely by voluntary donations, Light of Hope hosts three fundraising events a year: a spring gala, a summer golf tournament, and a fall luncheon.
This year’s fall luncheon was on October 10th, hosted at the Hutton House in Medicine Lake. The event fittingly coincided with International Day of the Girl. The entire community was invited to attend and enjoy a complimentary luncheon, offering a fantastic opportunity to learn about their mission and goals, and to get involved.
WHEN CO-FOUNDERS BONI AND SANDY KARANJA MET IN 1998, THEY QUICKLY DISCOVERED A SHARED CALLING.
Another opportunity to support Light of Hope is through their Friends of Hope program. This program includes a monthly commitment to cover the expenses of a girl and write letters as she grows. It’s a wonderful pen pal-like program that the whole family can partake in.
If, instead of a monetary donation, you’d rather offer your time and expertise, there are opportunities for that as well. “We have the land and are starting some land prep for a vocational school. So if anybody has knowledge in that department or building skills and has a heart not necessarily for the younger girls but a heart for older girls as they become independent and self-driven, that would be a great opportunity,” Erin says.
By providing a proper education, medical care, and a loving environment, Light of Hope is changing not only the lives of these young girls but the lives of their families, communities, and countries. It’s something we’d all be fortunate to be a part of.
Learn more: https://lightofhopekenya.org/ Join Light of Hope for their annual gala on April 25, 2025: Register at LOHgala2025.givesmart.com
Boni and Sandy Karanja
Selina Martire Ins Agcy Inc
Selina Martire, Agent www.selinamartire.com selina@selinamartire.com Bus: 651-776-8328
State Farm Bloomington, IL 2001875
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Gathering with Gratitude
YOUR GUIDE TO PLANNING AN UNFORGETTABLE
FRIENDSGIVING WITH YOUR CHOSEN FAMILY
Even if you don’t have family around for the holidays, you don’t have to spend it alone. In fact, many people opt to spend the day with friends to avoid the hot political climate that all too often erupts at family Thanksgiving gatherings.
Chances are, you’re not the only one without family plans for Thanksgiving. Your friends, co-workers, neighbors, or acquaintances might also be spending the day alone. So, why not bring everyone together and hold a Friendsgiving?
Even if you spend Thanksgiving with family, Friendsgiving is so popular that many people have made Friendsgiving a new yearly tradition on Friday or Saturday so they can enjoy the holiday with some of their chosen family.
There are a lot of ways to do your Friendsgiving, which might depend, in part, on the size of your guest list. If it’s only a couple of you, split the grocery list, then plan to cook together that day. You could also skip the hassle and enjoy dinner out at one of your favorite eateries. If you choose the latter for Thanksgiving day, make reservations well in advance.
If you’re celebrating with several friends, a potluck might be best. Just plan everything ahead so the day will be a success without a ton of work and stress on your part. As the host, you might offer to do the Turkey or meat yourself. Then, ask each person to bring one or two specific types of sides, like a veggie dish. Ask them to let you know in advance what specifically they plan to bring so you don’t have multiples of the same. You can assign a couple of other guests to bring dessert and another to bring dinner rolls and snacks.
In addition to the day’s main event – delicious food –you could also plan for some form of entertainment.
For beverages, you could offer to supply soda. But ask everyone to bring their own alcoholic drinks. Or, if you know everyone likes beer or wine, ask each person to bring something to share so you can all enjoy tasting and a variety.
In addition to the day’s main event – delicious food – you could also plan for some form of entertainment. Put together a variety of music to fit everyone’s tastes. You could also play cards or games. If all your guests are football fans, it couldn’t get any easier!
Whatever way you choose to spend your day this year, gather with gratitude and know the most important thing is you’re in good company celebrating together.
Tablescape: LeAnn Parker with @Silvertoothhome Charcuterie Board: Sarah Juenemann with GrazingKC Wine: Amigoni Urban Winery
giving dip -
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD I PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack to share.
fig & honey brie
The perfect cheesy fall dip that is both savory and sweet. The chopped pecans add a subtle crunch that makes this irresistible.
ingredients:
• 8 ounce brie wheel
• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam
• ¼ cup pecans
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
directions: Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
garlic herb feta dip
This savory dip is quick and easy to assemble and is perfect to serve with fresh veggies or crackers of any kind.
ingredients:
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted
• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
directions:
First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in an oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
2024
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 2ND
Tonka Brew Fest
Gale Woods Farm | 3:00 PM
Come thirsty for the annual Tonka Brew Fest! From 3pm - 6pm enjoy food, live music, and of course, great beer from Minnesota craft breweries. You'll also take home a commemorative tasting glass. Always a sellout crowd, Tonka Brew Fest raises funds for MW Rotary Club who uses donations for numerous community projects like the Eli Hart Foundation, Westonka Food Shelf, and more.
NOVEMBER 6TH
Locally Crafted Sip & Shop
Schram Vineyards | 4:00 PM
The holidays aren’t complete without a visit to Schram’s Locally Crafted Sip & Shop. Get an early start on those gift lists during this two-day experience, November 6th and 7th. Local vendors will be selling handcrafted items, decor, accessories, treats, and more, plus Schram gift packages will also be for sale - all while you sip on their famous mulled wine.
NOVEMBER 6TH
Wine & Dine for Hope
The Whim Minneapolis | 5:30 PM
Wine & Dine for Hope is a spectacular multi-course seated dinner and wine pairing event where the proceeds help support and provide immediate financial support (housing, transportation, utilities, groceries, adult/childcare) to breast cancer patients living in Minnesota. This intimate evening includes culinary delights, sophisticated wine pours, silent and live auctions, raffle, a digital photo opportunity, wine and spirits pull, breast cancer patient stories, and more! https://hopechest.com/event/winedine24/
NOVEMBER 29TH
Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt
Downtown Excelsior | 10:00 AM
Celebrate the holiday season at Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt! The 3-day festival will delight your senses with German/Alpine Christmas traditions such as German sausages and potatoes, sweet & savory strudel, and “Gluehwein’’ (a warm, sweet spiced wine). Enjoy music, shop vendors for handcrafted goods, a grand opening day parade, and more! Get the full schedule here: https://www.excelsiorchristmas.com/
NOVEMBER 29TH
Santa Claus Lane
Camp Fire MN in Excelsior | 10:00 AM
Santa Claus Lane is a magical destination, bringing the spirit of the North Pole to Camp Fire MN in Excelsior every weekend through December 22. Enjoy interactive experiences, heartwarming activities, and festive shopping amidst a winter wonderland. Visit Santa, walk a llama, be awed by a magician, experience a fire show, learn a new skill in Santa’s Workshop, or enjoy a Santa Brunch on Sundays.
NOVEMBER 29TH
Light Up the Lake
Downtown Wayzata | 4:30 PM
Light up the Lake is back on November 29 in Wayzata! Head to Lake Street from 4:30pm - 7:00pm for holiday refreshments, horse-drawn wagon rides, reindeer, holiday music, candy cane hunt for the kids, a tree lighting ceremony, winter market, and the spectacular parade of lights with local fire departments. This year’s festival promises to be another magical holiday evening in Wayzata. https://wayzatachamber.com/
Your Boat Club:
We boating! are
These late-model, meticulously maintained fishing boats, ski boats, and pontoons have served our members well. Most of our boats have been in service for only three years and are regularly detailed and refurbished. It is simply time to replace them with brand-new models and find them a new home!
The average age of our fleet is 1.5 years old- meaning our members- and you- get to experience the newest boats in the market. Because our boats are in service, they are cared for better than the average boat.
Especially after the initial depreciation, boats tend to hold their value extremely well. If you are considering buying a boat, why not eliminate the risk of overpaying and save all of that expense?
When it comes to your family’s next great adventure, you can trust Your Boat Club. With decades of experience and an unmatched love for boating, you can rely on us. We are boating! Find out more at www.YourBoatClub.com/buy-a-boat today!