The Investment Issue
Care for the whole you, in Waconia
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The Investment Issue
Investment, by definition, is the act of devoting time, effort, energy, or finances to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. We can invest in a lot of things, such as our community, our relationships, our finances, and our health, with the hope that the effort will have a positive impact.
We can invest in our community by supporting our local businesses, schools, and local organizations. We can serve the community through volunteerism and investment in future generations. On a larger scale, we can participate in public surveys and stay educated and involved with future city planning. Investing in our finances helps create wealth, meet long-term financial goals, and secure our retirement. On a personal level, we can invest in our families and enrich relationships by giving time and effort to the people in our lives who mean the most to us. This type of investment has the most meaningful impact to not only ourselves but to the people closest to us.
Perhaps the easiest way to invest in our families, friends, and community is how we treat others. Treating everyone with patience and kindness in everyday interactions is arguably the best investment one can make. It takes no extra effort, no extra time. Going out of your way to acknowledge good service at a restaurant, thanking someone for being so pleasant at a drive-through window, complementing a young athlete on their drive and commitment — all simple examples of how we can invest in and continue to build our community up.
Investing in ourselves, our relationships, our community, and our finances looks different for everyone, but at the end of the day, we all want the same thing— to make a difference and a meaningful impact.
In this issue, we wanted to share some of the ways that we can invest in our community, our finances, and with those that we love. We hope you enjoy!
MATT SHAEFFER, PUBLISHER
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Matt Shaeffer | matt.shaeffer@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Lauren Beaubaire | lauren.beaubaire@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Emily McKeever, Lutie Ronglien, and Jen Fortner
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Alicia Schroeder, Spacecrafting
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Quality Meets Comfort
How
Waconia’s
Waconia
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1—7: Those brave enough took the Polar Plunge in Waconia! They raised an incredible $192,077 to support Special Olympics Minnesota.
Photography by Alicia Schroeder
Invest in Fresh and Local with Gongoll Beef
When you purchase beef from Gongoll Beef, you’re doing more than feeding your family meat from grassfed and corn-fed, farm-fresh Angus beef cattle, you’re supporting local and investing in a healthier food system. Call this father-son team or text them directly when you’re ready to order. From there, they'll send you to longtime butchering partner, Alsleben Meats, to discuss your custom packaging options with their friendly staff. Visit Gongollbeef.com for more information.
Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery Wins Big in California!
Congratulations to Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery on a big win in San Francisco! This team recently participated in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition — the largest for North American wines — and received medals for all the wines they entered! To show how they measure up to vinifera varieties internationally, they submitted their Minnesota grape wines currently listed on their menu. Visit Schram to try one (or a few) of these award-winning wines! https://www.schramvineyards.com/
Get Your Yard Spring-Ready with Clean-Cut Lawn Care
Now’s the time to schedule your spring maintenance! Clean-Cut Lawn Care is ready to make your lawn flourish so you can head outside and soak up every sunny moment this summer. They handle debris removal, dethatching, mowing, trimming, fertilizing, weed and crabgrass control, and more. Be sure to check out current special offers on their website, clean cutmn.com, and contact Derek at derek.bargmann@cleancutmn.com to get started and book your Spring Clean-up!
Photography by Gongoll Beef
Photography by Schram Vineyards
WHERE
ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER
You might think that a well-run air conditioner, smoothly flowing plumbing, and peak-performing heating are all about comfort — and you’d be right, but only partly. In 1993, Tom Kurtz, owner of Waconia Comfort, left his job at a large HVAC company to start one of his own, driven by his desire to focus more on the individual customer. Specializing in service and installation, his passion for fireplaces and providing personalized comfort solutions ignited.
“Once I started, I knew I eventually wanted to open a fireplace showroom. I love witnessing how excited a customer gets about a product that allows them to customize to fit their home and lifestyle.”
In 2001, Tom opened the doors to Waconia Comfort’s fireplace showroom—formerly known as Statewide Gas Services—right in the heart of downtown Waconia, also known as the “hottest” spot in town! But their passion for home comfort doesn’t stop there. Tom and his team are dedicated to providing more than just heating, cooling, and fireplaces. In 2021, they expanded their services by welcoming Jon Quast, Master Plumbing and HVAC Project Manager, to launch their plumbing division. This addition has allowed Waconia Comfort to better serve its customers and has further solidified its reputation as the town’s go-to for
all plumbing, hearth, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning needs—truly “Raising Comfort to a New Level.”
Yes, the experts at Waconia Comfort are there, every season to raise your comfort to the next level, but what sets them apart from the competition? “Experience and relationships,” Tom shares. “We have decades of ties to our local vendors where we get endless support when it comes to keeping our products in stock and keeping up with the latest technology.”
Tom also attributes their repeat customer rate to professional, personable customer service and skilled, detail-oriented work built on integrity. Not sure when to call Waconia Comfort and experience high-quality service firsthand? Here’s when to call:
Above: Owner Tom Kurtz and his wife, Pam.
Owner Tom Kurtz and his wife, Pam.
A CUSTOMER GETS
“I LOVE WITNESSING HOW EXCITED
ABOUT A PRODUCT THAT ALLOWS THEM TO CUSTOMIZE TO FIT THEIR
HOME AND LIFESTYLE.”
HEATING SERVICES
Furnace Services: Furnace repair, replacement, and maintenance to ensure your home stays warm during the colder months.
Heat Pump Services: Repair, replacement, and maintenance services for heat pumps, providing energy-efficient heating solutions.
Boiler Services: Boiler repair, replacement, and maintenance, ensuring efficient and reliable heating for your home.
AIR CONDITIONING SERVICES
AC Services: Comprehensive air conditioning services, including repair, replacement, and maintenance to keep your home cool and comfortable.
Ductless Mini-Split Installation: Installation of ductless mini-split systems, offering flexible cooling solutions for various spaces.
PLUMBING SERVICES
Water Heaters: Repair, replacement, and maintenance of water heaters, ensuring a consistent hot water supply.
Sump Pumps: Installation and services for sump pumps to protect your home from water damage.
Water Softeners: Installation and maintenance of water softeners to improve your water quality.
Sinks & Faucets: Installation and repair of sinks and faucets.
Showers & Tubs: Installation and maintenance services for showers and tubs, enhancing your bathroom’s functionality and aesthetics.
FIREPLACE SERVICES
Gas Fireplaces, Inserts, and Stoves: Assistance with the selection, installation,
and maintenance of gas fireplaces, inserts, and stoves.
Electric Fireplaces: A variety of electric fireplaces to choose from.
Wood Fireplaces: Installs and services wood fireplaces.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY SERVICES
Ventilation: Provides ventilation solutions to improve indoor air quality, ensuring a healthier living environment.
Another guiding principle of this group of experts is that investing in top-tier heating and cooling systems is always worth it. “Highquality units are typically the most efficient, offering the best tax rebates and federal tax credits — often bringing the cost down close to standard equipment. They also provide the highest level of comfort. However, a system is only as good as its installation.”
That’s why the staff at Waconia Comfort apply their specialized knowledge to enhance existing parts and equipment, ensuring the new systems run at optimal efficiency. But guaranteeing systems run at their full potential is just one way Waconia Comfort goes above and beyond, they also strive to exceed customer satisfaction. “There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing how a new high-efficiency furnace keeps a family warm during the coldest Minnesota nights or how a whisper-quiet AC unit helps someone sleep peacefully through the summer.”
The team loves receiving feedback from their customers, especially when they hear, “We’ll never go anywhere else.” And it’s a recurring theme. The community keeps coming back for the second-to-none experience they get from Waconia Comfort, where the name says it all. https://www.waconiacomfort.com/
Vintages of Value
How to collect and age wine like a pro from the experts at Schram Vineyards
Wine: It’s always a good idea. Who doesn’t enjoy a nice glass of wine after a long work week? But have you considered it as an investment?
Ashley Schram, co-owner of Schram Winery in Waconia, says collecting wine can be not only an investment but also a fun hobby and an amazing gift.
Buy a few bottles for the year a child was born and gift it to them on their wedding day, or purchase bottles of the year someone is married and give it to them for a milestone anniversary. There are so many fun things to do with a wine collection.
She suggests that if people want to collect wine, they start small.
“Determine your budget, goal, and passion,” Ashley says. “The world of wine is large, and it can be overwhelming where to start. Start small and gain confidence as your collection grows.”
Remember that not all wine is meant to age. Although we’ve all heard wine gets better with age, it’s not necessarily true. General manager Andrew Carriger says that 95% of white wines are not meant to age and that most affordable wines are meant to be drunk at a young age.
ARTICLE BY LUTIE RONGLIEN
“All wines have a point where they’re past their prime,” says Andrew. “The wine will still remain delicious but may not be as amazing as it could have been.”
Minnesota wines are complex and delicious, thanks to the cold-hardy grapes.
“It’s still so interesting to see how some of these fairly new varieties age over time,” Ashley says. “We have aged our Marquette wines since our first vintage in 2012 and have opened bottles over the years for library tastings to see how they age. We’ve had some really great years of grape growing, and it shows in the wine over time.”
If you’re interested in collecting wine, Ashley recommends buying multiple bottles of the same wine.
“Four to six is a good number to start with,” she says. “Then you can open a bottle every couple of years and see how the wine continues to develop.”
It’s important to know how to store wine if you’re keeping it over a period of time. This is why some people have wine cellars.
“The area should have little exposure to light,” Andrew says. “Temperature should range from 50-65 degrees and the humidity level of 40-60%. You don’t want your wine to fluctuate in temperature or have the cork dry out.”
Speaking of corks, does it really matter if a bottle of wine has a cork or a screw top?
“Studies have shown that screw caps and glass caps allow wines to age with minimal oxygen exchange,” Ashley says. “A cork is definitely not necessary to enjoy a nice bottle of wine.”
Buying wine can be a little overwhelming. Walk into a liquor store,
and you’re faced with aisle upon aisle of wine options. Red or white? Bubbly? Where to begin?
Going to a winery is a great place to start. Visit Schram and try either their Bonfire, Marquette, or Cabernet. These are the most popular of their varieties, and the Marquette blend is a repeat award winner. Schram just released a Smokey Vines Red Blend that’s meant to pair with a cigar.
“It’s a blend of cabernet and merlot with notes of leather, dried roses, tobacco, and caramel,” Ashley says.
Schram is also bringing back a light-bodied red blend this spring - Barnstormer - which they retired many years ago.
“If you’re keeping wine in a cellar, you’ll want to spend at least $40 per bottle as a general rule of thumb,” Ashley recommends. “But only buy wine as an investment if you have a passion for it. No one collects wine to be a millionaire, just to drink like one. There’s always a reason to celebrate.”
https://www.schramvineyards.com/
What’s New in Waconia
A CONVERSATION WITH CHRISTINE FENNER ABOUT THE POWER OF COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER
Sister Saturday Event
Nickle
Dickle Day in Waconia
If you want to learn what matters most to a person, just take a look at where they invest their time, money, and heart. One glance around Waconia, and it’s evident that there’s an overwhelming number of us on team Most Devoted Community Supporters. You could say that for many living in our charming, thriving town, the community isn’t just where we live; it’s where we give, and that’s because we know doing so builds a foundation for everyone’s success. Christine Fenner, president of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce, agrees. “Investing in the community creates a stronger place to explore, connect, and unwind. It results in economic strength and prosperity, creating jobs and boosting the local economy." So, we connected with her to take a deep dive into why community involvement matters.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO INVEST IN YOUR COMMUNITY?
Being actively involved in your community creates a strong connection to where you live and a sense of ownership and pride in it. A thriving community attracts visitors and new residents, builds a network of support and belonging, and gives it a unique identity. A well-supported community will have bigger opportunities, better schools, infrastructure, and business growth, ultimately making it a more attractive place to be.
WHAT ROLE DOES THE CHAMBER PLAY IN STRENGTHENING THE COMMUNITY?
The Waconia Chamber is a member-driven nonprofit that supports and celebrates the business community through visibility, networking opportunities, advocacy, and access to information and professional development to foster growth and success. The Chamber also hosts community events such as Sister Saturday, Divas Enjoying Awesome Retail (D.E.A.R. Day), and Nickle Dickle Day, not only to support local spending and a thriving local economy but also to strengthen community bonds and create shared experiences.
WHAT ARE
SOME OF THE MOST IMPACTFUL WAYS PEOPLE CAN VOLUNTEER IN THE COMMUNITY?
Support local events! Join a Chamber committee or volunteer with Waconia Chamber signature events like Nickle Dickle Day, the Scarecrow Tour, or the Waconia Tree Lighting. Join a community group – volunteer with organizations like local service clubs, church groups, or school committees. Lend your talents to a local charitable non-profit that’s doing important work in the community.
Many community organizations are also members of the Chamber and play a vital role in the Waconia area. Find one that aligns with your passions and skills and contribute your time or resources to support its mission. Every effort creates a lasting impact and builds a stronger community.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WANTING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITY?
1. Support and promote local business!
2. Join the Chamber! There are an abundance of ways to get involved and stay engaged in the Chamber and/ or community.
3. Mentor youth and young adults. Help them navigate their way into the workforce. I’m very passionate about connecting students with area businesses to better understand our town and to showcase future jobs in the community.
4. Volunteer with an organization that aligns with your passions and supports local businesses. Your contributions create a ripple effect of positivity.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD ABOUT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT?
Don’t be afraid to simply show up! Every effort, big or small, makes an impact. Community involvement can be as simple as shopping at a local business, leaving a positive review, attending a local event, or lending a helping hand. A more connected community where businesses thrive benefits everyone. “A rising tide lifts all boats” is a very fitting phrase for our lake town community.
LEARN MORE: To learn more about the Waconia Chamber of Commerce, upcoming events, and the many ways you can make a lasting impact, visit https://www.destinationwaconia.org/
HOME, IMPROVED
Transforming your home with ease and precision starts with J.L.C Remodel
Consulting & Interior Design
ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER
When you feel perfectly at home on your quiet cul-de-sac, next door to your fun neighbors, but your family is growing — or, let’s face it, those dilapidated cupboards have to go — moving is only one solution. Another is to renovate your current space and update your home’s aesthetic.
“Everyone deserves to love where they live and good design is a huge part of that equation.”
Giving your home a facelift not only feels like a refreshing reset and lets you breathe a little easier — figuratively and literally — but it’s an investment… in more ways than one. The key to this kind of refined shift in your home is to work with a creative professional and someone with a keen eye for design and a knack for transforming spaces. J.L.C. Remodel Consulting & Interior Design is that someone.
“I founded J.L.C. Remodel Consulting & Interior Design 15 years ago with the belief that everyone deserves to love where they live and the knowledge that good design is a huge part of that equation,” owner Jessica Cook shares. To help carry out these core values, Jessica, who was the only girl in her
high school who signed up for every woodworking class available, works closely with her clients to understand their needs, preferences, and budget, then develops design concepts that align with those requirements. With a professional foundation in interior design and a passion and love for revitalizing living spaces, she has designed an efficient and innovative process.
“I provide 3D modeling and detailed construction documents for bidding, ensuring clarity and accuracy in project execution. Additionally, I facilitate the selection process, ensuring that finishes are not only aesthetically aligned with my client’s vision but also suitable for their intended use and within budget.”
Photography by Spacecrafting
At a minimum, she says, hiring an interior designer for space planning ensures that a professional is assessing your options and is providing creative solutions you may not have considered, maximizing your space’s functionality. She points out that extending that expertise through the decision-making process helps with confidence and efficiency when finalizing choices, along with ease in navigating construction terminology — ensuring the final result meets or exceeds your expectations.
Why remodel your home instead of finding more square footage and a few more bells and whistles somewhere else? “Many homeowners today like where they live, who their neighbors are, or at a minimum, they like the interest rate they’re locked in at. To buy new, they’ll have to sacrifice some or all of these considerations and pay more for a home that, while appealing, was still designed by someone else — not tailored to their unique vision.”
Remodeling is messy and inconvenient, yes, but Jessica suggests thinking of it as your sweat equity.
“Enduring the short-term disruption means you’ll enjoy a space you truly love while also increasing your home’s resale value at a lower cost than upgrading to a new home.“ Plus, she adds, the hassle of remodeling is minimal compared to the stress of moving. And if you’ve ever moved, well… you know.
Jessica explains that the best way to ensure your home never feels behind the times is to make design choices that reflect your style. “The popularity of home improvement shows has led to a mindset focused on mass appeal and future resale value. While that’s worth considering if you intend on moving in the next 2 to 3 years, it shouldn’t overshadow your preferences, especially if you plan to stay for 5 to 20 years.”
Top: Photography by Spacecrafting
Bottom: Photography by Spacecrafting
Opposite: Photography by Spacecrafting
“The most cost-effective way to add value to your home is by finishing existing unfinished spaces, such as a basement or a bonus room above the garage. This increases your square footage, offering the highest return on investment.”
Mixing metals and finishes is one way Jessica says you can create a timeless space. “Homes built before the early 2000s often had a uniform look with matching wood tones across floors, cabinetry, and millwork, which made them feel dated all at once when styles changed.” She says the same applies to hardware, lighting, and plumbing. By incorporating a variety of finishes, you allow for easier updates over time without needing a complete overhaul. Ensuring your home adapts to your evolving needs while staying within your budget, Jessica emphasizes the importance of starting with a well-thought-out long-term strategy. This includes prioritizing investments that enhance the foundation elements of your home — a place where Jessica excels.
“The most cost-effective way to add value to your home is by finishing existing unfinished spaces, such as a basement or a bonus room above the garage. This increases your square footage, offering the highest return on investment.” Beyond that, she adds, kitchen and bathroom renovations continue to be top priorities for maximizing value. Redoing floors now just because it fits your current budget may not be the best choice if you want to remove walls later.” She stresses the importance of considering the bigger picture to avoid unnecessary costs and rework. Trends may come and go, but the support and expertise clients receive from J.L.C. Remodel Consulting & Interior Design stays the same. When you’re ready to bring your vision to life, connect with Jessica at jlcinteriordesign.com/contact
Pictured: Bryan Haasken
I recently read a story about a painting that sold in Minnesota for $50 at a garage sale. It is reputed to be a long-lost Van Gogh. There is debate in the art world over whether or not it is an authentic Van Gogh because if so, it would be worth $15 million.
Life Minded
A garage sale find for the history books. I can’t say I’ve ever seen anything that compelling at a garage sale. Plus, had I been there, I doubt I would have plucked out the painting of a bearded fisherman smoking a pipe and thought — I have just the spot for this.
As a rule, I do not enjoy garage sales, and I have no eye for hidden gems. They usually remind me of the items I most need to get rid of at my own house. Also, often people are selling very bizarre items. Do I want to closely examine their used set of used crutches selling for $15? No. I think anything that falls under the umbrella term medical or personal care should be banned from the resale market. I have even seen used hairbrushes at a garage sale. I’m nauseous just thinking about it again. But sometimes, I appreciate the walk down memory lane past items that remind me of my childhood home. Brass swing arm lamp? We had one. Giant ceramic frog? We had one. Copper Jello mold? We had one. Campaign style dressers? We had three. But the value people place on these used items from yesteryear is typically overly optimistic.
The unfortunate truth is almost everything I own right now will be at a weird little tag sale in the future, hoping to find a second life. The dishes. The furniture. The art. I’ll make sure I toss the hairbrushes before I depart. A handful of things will be passed down, but after a generation or two, things lose their sentimental meaning, and all that is left is aesthetic or monetary value. Alas, there are no Van Goghs tucked away in my garage. Perhaps I can entice someone into buying some harshly abused sports equipment?
In 1999, I took my Grandma’s oak clawfoot table to be refinished. It was the table my dad ate at for every childhood breakfast. It was the table I sat at when my Grandma taught me to paint. It’s the table where we play cards now. When I took it to the refinisher, he was very excited about it. He said, “I’ll give you $1500 for this table right now.” I called my Grandma and asked her if she wanted to sell. She declined and said, “Wow. I can’t believe he’d offer that for that old thing, but I’d rather it be nice for you. I like thinking it will be in your house.” She then added that I
should not tell my cousins I would be the future owner. It’s still in my house, and I’m so glad she kept it for me. Too bad, so sad, cousins.
But I am wary of collecting things nobody will want. Growing up, I knew a family that collected Precious Moments figurines. Another who had Hummels. So many Hummels. Another who collected Department 56 Christmas village pieces complete with the mirrored skating rink. There seemed to be a thought that these collections would be “worth something” someday. I guess occasionally, this proves to be true. More often, it seems there are stories of people who throw away the *one* Beanie Baby that would have financed a family trip to Fiji. The factory-sealed Batman comic gets jam on it. The rarest coin gets lost in the junk drawer. Using our things to create memories seems the best-guaranteed investment.
I hope someday my kids fight over who gets the clawfoot table. Maybe none of them will want it. Or maybe I’ll give it to my most nostalgic grandchild and simply have them lie to all of their cousins.
Minded
COLUMN BY JEN FORTNER
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 the Southwest Metro with her husband, three children and the most spoiled dog.
WACONIA’S THEATRE DEPARTMENT OPENS THE CURTAIN TO COMMUNITY-WIDE PRODUCTIONS
Taking the Stage Together
ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER
Daniel Golden (WHS 2024) as Lord Wessex and Claire Kerber (WHS 2024) as Queen Elizabeth I during “Shakespeare in Love,” spring 2024.
“Every show establishes a sense of belonging and community, giving everyone involved a feeling of pride and purpose.”
Dorothy Gale is whisked away in a tornado to a magical land where she must follow a path full of challenges, triumphs, and nightmare-inducing flying monkeys. In the Land of Oz, the yellow brick road leads Dorothy and her friends to the Emerald City, where things aren’t quite what they imagined. In the Land of Waconia, Theatre Directors Melissa Ricard and Bailey Willhite and a wealth of community members are hopeful it will lead the award-winning theatre program on a new adventure, one that begins with its first community-wide production of The Wizard of Oz this summer, and from there… who can say what the crystal ball will reveal? Unlike The Great and Powerful Oz, members of the theatre program are proud to step out from behind the curtain, ready to take the next step and prove that there’s no place like Waconia.
Running on donations and dreams, Melissa and Bailey are putting on the first community-wide musical production in decades, hoping to inspire ages 8-adult to give theatre a chance. The program will run through Community Education, and all are welcome to be a part of theatre history, whether behind the scenes, in the orchestra, or as actors on stage. The Wizard of Oz will rehearse Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings in June and July, with performance weekend July 18-20 at Waconia High School.
Opposite Left: Cast of “Beauty and the Beast” during rehearsal, fall 2023.
Opposite Right: Oliver McKeever (WHS 2026) as Jack Kelly in the 2024 fall production of “Newsies.”
“In my eyes, there are no downsides to theatre,” Melissa shares. “We have flourishing marching band and show choir programs, so the greater Twin Cities area already knows that we have talented instrumental and vocal musicians, not to mention a state-of-the-art auditorium. We have a burgeoning speech team at Waconia High School and multiple dance programs, so why NOT theatre?” She goes on to say that no matter if you’re assuming a leading role or managing props, being involved in the theatre program builds confidence, strengthens organizational skills, cultivates teamwork, and grows interpersonal skills of people of all ages. “Theatre has been around for thousands of years. That speaks volumes about its joy and impacts across cultures and centuries.”
Another aspect of theatre that Melissa and Bailey appreciate is the welcoming atmosphere it fosters and the shared experiences it creates for all. “Every show establishes a sense of belonging and community, giving everyone involved a feeling of pride and purpose. Lifelong friendships are forged, and you learn so much about yourself and general life skills.” She also emphasizes that theatre is inherently an interactive art form, though, at times, it may seem obsolete with the implementation of technology. “You still have to show up, work hard, and collaborate with others
without burying your face in your phone.” And if you’ve ever been to a Waconia High School production, you’ve seen these core principles come alive on stage.
All this talk about the collective begs the question, how will an expansion to community-wide productions impact the well-being of the community? Melissa jokes – well, half-jokes – that she and Bailey single-handedly keep the local restaurant economy afloat during the fall and spring shows, and the kids’ Door Dash order count during Tech Week is always quite impressive. “And who doesn’t want to do ‘dinner and a show’? If people are already coming out for the production, why wouldn’t they try a local restaurant or wander the shops downtown?”
Introducing a fresh initiative also sparks excitement, an energy that’s always in demand. “Even those who admit they’re not “theatre people” have had a hand in helping our productions. From buying furniture, props, and costume pieces to organizing fabric and lumber drives for extra supplies to Waconia Brewing Company letting us have a newspaper donation box in their business so our Newsies had something to carry last fall – every contribution has made a difference. The community engagement and support have been heartwarming, to say the least.”
So, why is now the right time for a community-based production in Waconia? “There aren’t a lot of adult arts opportunities in Waconia. The community band isn’t together anymore, and we don’t have a community
choral program outside of church congregations, so besides throwing ourselves into our kids’ activities, there’s no true place for artistic expression for adults.” Last summer’s week-long camp of Frozen Jr. was a smashing success, and this dynamic duo partly attributed that accomplishment to the unconditional support from parents and community members. Once the last snowflake fell and the kingdom warmed, they knew that in the very near future, they wanted to involve the broader community.
If you find yourself humming “Ding-Dong the Witch is Dead”, or you’re starting to wonder if the Cowardly Lion really is as soft as he looks, Melissa and Bailey want you to know that there’s a place for everyone in the production. “From pit orchestra and ticket sales to seamstresses and Munchkin Wranglers (trademark pending), we hope that families go out for the show together!” That’s how these things get done in Waconia, together, and though, in the end, Dorothy’s adventure was only a dream, the passion behind this shared effort is very real.
You can visit their website waconiatheatrecompany. my.canva.site/ to be added to informational email lists and sign up for auditions beginning April 1. Auditions are slated for May 19-21 at Waconia High School. Rehearsals begin June 2, and the community is invited to four performances July 18-20 in the WHS Performing Arts Center. You can reach Bailey and Melissa at waconiathreatrecompany@gmail.com.
From left, Elizabeth Eldred (WHS 2026), Loren Olstad (WHS 2024), Kora Paulson (WHS 2026), and Shane Zimmerman (WHS 2025) during rehearsal for “Shakespeare in Love”
Spring Into Your Dream Home!
The flowers are blooming, and so are new opportunities to find your perfect home! Whether it’s your first house or your forever home, let’s make this season a fresh start for you. Get in touch today and let’s make your Spring dream a reality!
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
APRIL 4TH
Experience Crown College with an Overnight Visit
Crown College | 9:30 AM
Waconia HS Juniors and Seniors! Come experience Crown College with the last overnight visit event of the academic year. Pack your overnight bag and spend your Friday on campus learning all things Crown College! The day starts with a presentation by Crown Admissions. You’ll be able to sit in on a class, hear a student and professor panel, enjoy Late Night Live (their version of Saturday Night Live), and more! https://www.crown.edu/admissions/visit/#upcoming-events
APRIL 5TH
Waconia Wine Hop
Parley Lake Winery, Schram Vineyards, & Sovereign Estate | 12:00 PM
Hop your way around Waconia Wine Country for a special spring tasting at three award-winning wineries — Parley Lake Winery, Schram Vineyards, and Sovereign Estate! Each winery will offer a wine tasting of 4 different wines, special wine deals, live music, and great food! Visit all three wineries and be entered into a drawing for a Waconia wine basket! Get tickets and more info: https://www.exploretock.com/ schram-vineyards-waconia/event/527686/waconia-wine-hop
APRIL 12TH
Victoria Home Show
Victoria Recreation Center | 10:00 AM
Planning a home, lawn, or garden project? The Victoria Home Show is the perfect place to get started! 120 home professionals come together under one roof for this 1-day only event! From 10am-4pm enjoy giveaways, show-exclusive project savings, find your next project inspiration, and get all your questions answered by the pros. No ticket needed - it’s FREE to attend. Learn more: https://minnesotahomeshows.com/2025-victoria/
APRIL 19TH
Shop Hop
Downtown Waconia | 9:00 AM
Come out to Waconia on Saturday, April 19th from 9am-4pm for eggstra-special deals all over town with a grown up egg hunt! Participating businesses will have plastic eggs filled with great deals. Hop from shop to shop and enjoy a day of fun and shopping in Waconia. Get more info and check out the participating businesses at: https://www.destinationwaconia.org/events/chamber-hosted-community-events/shop-hop/
APRIL 25TH
Ridgeview Foundation's Pins for a Purpose
Bowlero Eden Prairie | 4:30 PM
Join community members and health care supporters for a fun-filled evening of strikes, spares and community spirit to support Ridgeview Foundation at Pins for a Purpose! All funds raised go to support Ridgeview’s Pediatric program. Bring family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy two hours of unlimited bowling, shoe rental, bowling bingo with prizes, unlimited soft drinks and a bowling-inspired buffet. Get your tickets and more info: https://www.ridgeviewmedical.org/foundation/
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