COMMUNITY MEMBERS CELEBRATE AND GIVE BACK
What a Whirlwind
In the famous words of Ferris Bueller…"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
2024 was the fastest year that I can remember. Am I the only one? We certainly packed in the community news each month and highlighted a lot of great people and businesses.
Our final issue of the year is centered around giving. Even though our lives are full of moments and memories, it always feels good to pay it forward or give to one another. Whether it is buying a coffee for the person behind you, donating to local organizations or volunteering your time, the holidays are oftentimes when others need it the most.
Nationally, City Lifestyle gives back to families across the country who are nominated locally through individual publications. In this issue, you will read an article that talks about the Giving Campaign and how raise awareness for local people who could use a helping hand.
We chatted with some of our own partners and community members about what they are celebrating this year. Sam Sand of State Farm shares a bit about insurance, how important a local presence in the community is, their team, and how supporting the The Best Christmas Ever in Minnesota helps local families who have fallen on hard times.
Our team at Minneapolis Lakes Lifestyle tries to give back with complimentary editorial space for local non-profits to highlight their story and raise awareness in the community. Our publication is small with limited pages, but we’d like to think every little bit counts. This December, we chose Open Arms of Minnesota. Open Arms believes that food is medicine, and no sick person should have to go without a nourishing meal. They are a nonprofit organization that prepares and delivers medically tailored meals at no cost to critically ill Minnesotans and their loved ones. Their registered dietitians and in-house chefs create delicious, medically tailored menus using fresh and organic ingredients whenever possible. Through the support of a loving community of donors and volunteers, they harvest, cook, and deliver nutritious, made-from-scratch meals directly to people in need.
Sending love and hope to the Minneapolis Lakes community this holiday season and beyond,
ALEXANDRA PATTY, PUBLISHER @MINNEAPOLISLAKES
December 2024
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
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Amy Anderson, Lucy Hawthorne, Erin Johnson, Rob Thompson, Erik Westra
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
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WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN DECEMBER
city scene
The team at Bûcheron restaurant in South Minneapolis recently celebrated the launch of local author Mary Jo Hoffman’s book “STILL: The Art of Noticing” with a beautifully inspired tasting menu.
business monthly
Red Nose Room Pop-Up Holiday Experience
Join us at the Red Nose Room, located at Red Cow Uptown, for unforgettable holiday celebrations and festive fun! Experience specialty holiday cocktails and food, crafted from classic holiday favorites. Make the memories last with the decked-out photo booth. #followtheherd to the Red Nose Room! Dates include November 20th to December 31st. 612-767-3547.
Linden Hills Dentistry Welcomes Dr. Carter Lukenda
Dr. Carter Lukenda graduated with distinction from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Afterwards, he completed a post-doctorate General Practice Residency program at the VA Hospital in Salt Lake City. Dr. Lukenda strives to create a positive experience for every patient through open communication and a high standard of care. When he is not at the office, Dr. Lukenda avidly enjoys sports, the outdoors and traveling. He is thrilled to join the team at Linden Hills Dentistry and can’t wait to meet you! lindenhillsdentistry.com
Mothership Pizza Paradise Opens in Minneapolis
Bringing wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas to Minneapolis. Mothership Pizza Paradise is now open, serving delicious grub in a family-friendly atmosphere. Come on in, sit down and enjoy! 5057 France Ave. mothershippizza.com
A LEGACY OF COMPASSION AND NOURISHMENT
Open Arms
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY ANDERSON, ERIK WESTRA AND ROB THOMPSON
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“With volunteers donating hours equivalent to 34 full-time staff members last year, the collective effort is a testament to the power of community support.”
Since 1986, Open Arms has been a beacon of hope and support for individuals facing life-threatening illnesses. Founded by Bill Rowe during the AIDS pandemic, Open Arms emerged from a profound sense of compassion and a call to action. As a teacher, Bill witnessed firsthand the isolation and suffering of his friends and students who were grappling with AIDS. Eager to provide more than just sustenance, he began cooking meals in his kitchen and delivering them to those in need, offering not just food but a message: “Someone cares about you.”
In the early days, the meals were calorically dense— laden with cheese and butter—designed to combat the wasting syndrome that many faced during that challenging time. However, as the organization evolved, so too did its mission. Today, Open Arms serves individuals living with a variety of severe health conditions, focusing on meals medically tailored to each client’s specific needs. It’s not just about filling bellies; it’s about providing essential nourishment that enhances health and well-being.
With a humble yet impactful vision, Open Arms continues to deliver hope alongside every meal, serving between 2,000 to 4,500 clients each year and producing over 1.5 million meals. Each delivery reflects a personal touch—a volunteer or staff member connects with clients, reinforcing the notion that they are never truly alone.
This simple act of kindness, according to current CEO Leah Hébert Welles, “transforms meals into meaningful interactions, ensuring that each recipient feels valued and cared for.” Hébert Welles has been the CEO for 11 years and “loves being able to make a difference in the health of the community.” She continues, “we are a big family at Open Arms and this is very dear to my heart.”
The non-profit’s referral process for clients often originates from healthcare or social service professionals who recognize the profound impact that proper nutrition can have on health outcomes. Each client, whether battling HIV, cancer, heart conditions, or other serious illnesses, receives a weekly delivery of meals, typically amounting to 14 nutritious offerings. Furthermore, each client benefits from personalized counseling with registered dietitians, reinforcing the importance of nourishing both body and soul.
At the heart of Open Arms is not just a dedicated staff of 90—many of whom work tirelessly in the kitchens—but also a vibrant community of volunteers. In both the Minneapolis and St. Paul locations, hundreds of volunteers contribute their time and energy, facilitating meal preparation, packaging, and delivery.
“We could not do it without our amazing community and volunteers,” Welles says. “With volunteers donating hours equivalent to 34 full-time staff members last year, the collective effort is a testament to the power of community support.”
Open Arms thrives on a diverse funding model, relying on contracts for meal services, generous individual and corporate donations, and community sponsorships. With an annual budget of approximately $13 million, the organization is profoundly grateful for the continued generosity of the community, which fuels its mission to provide life-affirming meals to those in need.
The recent establishment of the St. Paul kitchen has allowed Open Arms to expand its reach, ensuring it can serve clients across the entire metro area. This expansion, which opened about 18 months ago, not only increases capacity for meal preparation but also enhances the organization’s ability to ship meals throughout Minnesota, reaching individuals who may otherwise face barriers to accessing healthy food.
“We could not do it without our amazing community and volunteers.” “ ”
As Open Arms continues to grow, there remains a dedicated desire to innovate and serve even more people battling life-threatening illnesses. The commitment to satellite programs, where meals are stored and delivered from partner sites like hospitals and churches, exemplifies the organization’s determination to meet clients where they are.
In a world where isolation can be overwhelming, Open Arms stands as a powerful reminder of the impact
that nourishment and human connection can have. Each meal delivered is a reaffirmation of care, proving that no one needs to face their health challenges alone.
For those looking to join this meaningful mission, Open Arms welcomes individual volunteers, groups, and corporate sponsors to help continue their legacy of compassion. To learn more or to get involved, visit openarmsmn.org or call 612-872-1152. Together, we can nourish bodies and uplift spirits, one meal at a time.
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A STATE OF GIVING
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCY HAWTHORNE
Sam Sand and team.
HOW ONE INSURANCE AGENT IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN HIS COMMUNITY
When Sam Sand was teaching and coaching high school wrestling, he watched many of his family and friends go into the insurance industry, and when he was ready to change careers, he followed them. “I feel like there are a lot of parallels with education and coaching in this job,” he says. “I have a large team so I do a lot of training with them, and then I’m also educating my clients.”
After working as an agent for State Farm for five years, Sam’s been running his own agency with the company for the past six years. Initially based in South Minneapolis, the award-winning Sam Sand State Farm Insurance Agency is now in Bloomington.
For him, teaming up with this particular insurance company was an easy decision. “I believe State Farm is the best,” he says. “I spent time talking to people and looking at a lot of different options, and no one had a bad thing to say about State Farm. It actually insures one out of every four cars in the country.”
He enjoys being able to have a large team and give them the opportunity to follow in his footsteps. “I also like having a local presence in the community. I come from a small town of about 1,200 people in North Dakota, where it seems everybody knows everybody. So, I’m just trying to create that small town feel in a really big city.”
Sam also strongly believes in giving back, both on his own and with his team. “I feel really lucky and grateful that I have a job that I can make a good living at, and a lot of people have helped me out, trained me and given back to me.”
A wrestler when he was in high school, he now volunteers as a wrestling coach at Edina High School. He’s also involved in Best Christmas Ever, a nonprofit organization that helps families who have fallen on hard times through no fault of their own.
The organization was founded in 2010 by Don Liimatainen, a dad living in Minnesota who was battling ulcerative colitis. One year, looking at the empty space under the Christmas tree, he didn’t know how to tell his young son that Santa wasn’t coming. When his mother and other relatives showed up on Christmas Eve with bags of gifts, he was deeply touched and immensely relieved, and this unexpected blessing turned their family’s possibly worst Christmas ever into their best Christmas ever.
Don then wanted to pay that feeling forward, and with the help of family and friends, the number of families they have touched has expanded all across the United States, Canada and even to Costa Rica.
“This will be our fourth year working with Best Christmas Ever,” says Sam. “In my office, we pick a family local to the area that gets nominated by this organization, and then we raise money and surprise them around Christmastime.”
Since there weren’t any families nominated in Bloomington last year, the team chose one in Hastings. “It was a young married couple with a two or three-year-old son and the dad was in a motorcycle accident and became disabled,” he says. “We ended up raising about $10,000 for them and around ten toys for their child.”
They’ve stayed in touch, and are happy to say the father is now back to working part-time and doing fairly well.
Raising the money for these families is a group effort. “We ask our clients for donations and we also set up a Christmas tree in the office with gift tags of items needed,” says Sam. “The other businesses we work with like our bank donates and other State Farm agents help out too.” The agency also hosts charity golf events to raise funds.
“Basically, instead of just selling insurance in December, we're trying to sell the fact that these families need help. I think it's a nice way to give back to the community, and it's also a way for us to step back, slow down and make sure we're helping someone else out rather than just trying to chase a number all day.”
Wrapping the presents collected has become a holiday tradition for him and his wife, Caroline. “We have a gift-wrapping party every year with my team, and our family and friends, and we play holiday games,” he says. “It’s been a lot of fun.”
For the couple, getting together with family is also a big part of the holidays. “But probably our favorite thing is getting our stockings on Christmas morning,” says Sam.
If people are interested in getting involved with Best Christmas Ever, they can contact Sam at the office at 612-351-3848, or go to his Instagram page @statefarm_sam for a link to donate. Information can also be found at BCEMovement.org.
8714 Lyndale Ave. S | 612-351-3848 Statefarm.com/agent/us/mn/bloomington/samuel-sand
Sam Sand
cheers!
LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF
ERIN JOHNSON, LUCY HAWTHORNE AND PROVIDED
This holiday season local business owners are celebrating everything they are grateful for. Whether it’s watching Die Hard (the ever debated Christmas movie), helping pups stay with their families or enjoying traditions with loved ones, these four owners are excited for it all. As they reminisce on the new and old, raise a toast for everything there is to be thankful for.
CHRIS AND JULIE HANSON OF OWL OPTICAL
This holiday season will be very different for us. We are moving into our new home near Minneapolis’ Cedar Lake in December. It will be a year of new traditions mixed with old. We try to make the holidays as special for our kids as possible. It will be exciting to see how this plays out in our new home. We will have to figure out where the tree goes, where to hang lights outside and all the other decorations that were purchased for our old home of 20 years. Christmas Eve always has one tradition that we love besides taking the day off and opening a few select gifts. We all watch Die Hard. Yes, it is a Christmas movie. When Hans Gruber falls from Nakatomi Plaza, we know the season is in full swing. Time for another eggnog. Owl Optical will be lightly decorated with an odd holiday song playing now and again. We try not to overdo it. It seems people are bombarded with holiday music and it can be a bit too much. Our hope is that this is the best holiday season ever. We love Minneapolis and all our neighbors in the Twin Cities. Happy Holidays!
RACHEL MAIROSE OF THE BOND BETWEEN
This holiday season we are looking forward to keeping families together! Last holiday season, we were lucky enough to pioneer our respite foster program, empowering people to keep their pets during times of hardship.
One of our respite foster families was a mom with three young kids who were living in their car with their beloved Dachshund. The weather was getting colder and they were running out of options. Not only did an amazing foster home open their home to this adorable little weiner dog, but they ended up inviting the whole family over for a holiday meal - and to see their pup. Fast forward a year and this family has been reunited and are getting back on their feet.
Social services for pet owners are often an afterthought, but we are hoping to change that! Through our plentiful respite partnerships, including domestic abuse victim-survivors, unhoused veterans, and just recently the Ronald McDonald House, our pet food shelf, which distributes hundreds of thousands of pounds of dog and cat food annually, and our tribal veterinary partnerships throughout the state
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Chris and Julie
of Minnesota, we are able to say YES to keeping people with their pets when things get tough. I am personally looking forward to seeing our community rally behind these programs. Without the support of our community, these programs would not exist. But I know our Minnesota animal lovers will come together for the animals - and their people, too.
STACIA AND JEREMY OF DRIVER GROUP AT COMPASS REALTY
For us, family gatherings, whether large or intimate, form the heart of holiday traditions. We relish in the joy of hosting and welcoming many family and friends into our home over the holiday season. These moments remind us of the bonds that tie us together, offering a sense of belonging and love. Whether it’s sharing a festive meal, playing board games with our kids, planning our holiday donations or simply enjoying each other’s company, these gatherings create lasting memories that we treasure throughout the year.
Alongside celebrating with family, we remain grateful for home. To us, home means love, comfort and stability. Home can provide comfort during tough times, and shared laughter in moments of happiness. We feel an especially deep gratitude for home, where the spirit of the season comes alive. It seems our traditions are woven into the fabric of our home. We are grateful for the evenings spent with loved ones, sharing stories and making memories. Our home continually reminds us of what truly matters. Wishing everyone the comfort and joy of home this holiday season!
MEAGHAN MOAKLEY OF AZALEA ACUPUNCTURE & AESTHETICS
This holiday season I am celebrating being in the now! I have an intense desire to enjoy and cherish each season of life that I am in. It’s so easy to get caught up and get excited for the next thing, especially this time of year – I see this in myself and with my patients. We then look back wishing we could relive those special moments. This holiday season, I am committed to staying present (the best I can) and enjoying each moment as it comes. Getting
Rachel Mairose
Stacia and Jeremy
acupuncture is an amazing way to ground and reconnect with yourself. It’s also a great way to support your nervous system, which usually needs extra support around the holidays (hello extra sweet treats and social obligations). I will be embracing the winter weather, bundling up and walking the lakes with my
friends and family throughout the holidays! I love getting outside first thing in the morning and seeing how nature changes throughout the seasons. This is another practice that helps me feel rooted in the present moment. I wish you and yours a warm and wonderful holiday season!
Meaghan Moakley
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS DECEMBER
ALL MONTH
Winter Lights
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens decked out with light displays highlighting flowers, trees and the beauty of nature on a one-mile, self-guided walk. arb.umn.edu/winterlights.
ALL MONTH
Santa Claus Lane
Camp Fire MN
Nestled between 103 acres, one can find the man-in-red at Santa Claus Lane. This magical destination captures the enchanting spirit of the holidays and offers visitors the chance to partake in special events, shopping, and memory-making. The setting will transport you to the whimsical world of the North Pole. Located in Camp Fire, this destination is just 30 minutes from the Minneapolis Lakes area. santaclaus-lane.com.
ALL MONTH
Candlelight Christmas Tours
Alexander Ramsey House
Experience the Alexander Ramsey House like never before. You’ll be guided by candlelight through the decorated 1872 mansion exploring unique holiday artifacts and hearing excerpts from the Ramsey family papers. mnhs.org.
ALL MONTH
Minneapolis Christkindl Market
350 N 5th St.
Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, this outdoor wonderland transports you to a world of twinkling lights, alpine style wooden huts, and the cozy aroma of mulled wine. Whether you’re looking for unique, handcrafted gifts or simply want to soak in the enchanting atmosphere, the Christkindl Market has something for everyone. minneapolischristkindlmarket.com.
DECEMBER 11TH
Art & Dining After Dark
Minneapolis Institute of Art | 6:00 PM
This entirely unique, completely delicious way to enjoy Mia includes an intimate dining experience, and after-hours in the galleries, inspired by Mia’s special exhibition. The evening features a multi-course, salon-style dinner from Jamie Malone and Paris Dining Club; wine pairings by acclaimed sommelier Bill Summerville; and a private, curator-led tour of the exhibition. new.artsmia.org.
DECEMBER 20TH & 21ST
A Minnesota Nutcracker Northrop
Experience the beloved holiday classic with a Minnesota twist! A Minnesota Nutcracker maintains the essential traditions, story, and music beloved by so many—but adds Minnesota flair, brought to life by the powerful athleticism and artistry of Twin City Ballet’s dancers. northrop.umn.edu.
J
YWhen you put as much food on as many tables as we do, you learn a thing or two about giving thanks.
Thanks to our customers for choosing us.
Thanks to our employees for sharing your talents with us.
Thanks to our partners for producing amazing products for us to sell.
Thanks to all for your friendship and loyalty. It is an honor to be your grocer at this time of year and all year long.
In all the ways that you make us part of your lives, thank you.
May your holiday season be full of happiness, kindness and, most of all, the joy of good food.
