L A K E M I N N E T O N K A M AGAZ I N E FEBRUARY 2022
T H E Y D IG I T: PO P CULT URE PR ESERVAT I ON SO CI ETY ST R IKE S A RETRO CHORD
FEBRUARY 2022
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Embrace Valentine’s Day—with a twist
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FEBRUARY 2022 There’s a lot to celebrate this month, and this issue takes a closer look at travel, food and wine. Wherever you wander, whatever you offer at your table, cheers to February!
DEPARTMENTS 16 — A River Runs in the Family Duo achieves the world record for fastest paddle down the Mississippi River.
18 — In Plain Sight Wine cellars continue to move up to new heights.
20 — Gee! Haw! Mush! Klondike dog derby returns to Excelsior.
22 — Honor Students Caring Youth award ceremony returns to live event.
FEATURES 24 — Cubism Travel takes shape with organized style.
30 — They Dig It Pop Culture Preservation Society strikes a retro chord.
TASTEMAKERS
PAG E 16
42 — Be My Galentine
IN EVERY ISSUE
PAGE 20
8 — Editor’s Letter 11 — Noteworthy 39 — On the Town 48 — Last Glance
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Embrace Valentine’s Day—with a twist.
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F R O M T H E E D I TO R Renée Stewart-Hester, lakeminntonkamag@tigeroak.com
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On the Cover Kristin Nilsen, photo by Chris Emeott
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February 2022
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Photo: Chris Emeott
in digital format!
ur lovely February issue is devoted to travel, food and wine, and you’ll find articles and nuggets of information on these topics sprinkled throughout the magazine. Right off the bat, our Noteworthy section includes sip tips for wine pairings, packing ideas and ways to maintain a fitness routine while traveling. Move deeper into the magazine, and you’ll find articles about a “record-worthy” travel endeavor, an anticipated “trip” down the center of Excelsior, new takes on wine cellars, stylish packing cubes and bags and even a way to celebrate Galentine’s Day with swoon-worthy entertaining, beverage and food ideas. Being mindful of our health and wellness is important regardless of what activities we’re engaged in, our dining pursuits or beverages of choice. Beginning with this issue, our Noteworthy section will feature Move by Laurel Famigletti, an area resident and owner of EndorP.H.I.T, where she provides virtual group fitness classes, in-home personal training and virtual nutrition coaching. Famigletti says, “I believe that anybody can be successful at building a healthy lifestyle if they’re willing to establish consistent daily habits [water intake, sleep habits and food diaries] are small things you can do that make a big impact ... While working out is an important and necessary component of good health, I believe that it is ultimately the choices you make the other 23 hours of the day that you’re away from the gym that will determine how successful you’ll be at achieving your goals.” In her role with Lake Minnetonka Magazine, Famigletti will provide practical nutrition and fitness tips. “At home workouts, meal prepping and planning, seasonal eating advice and simple recipes are all topics that we will explore,” she says. “I am very passionate about all things health and wellness, and there is nothing I find more fulfilling than to watch people transform their lives by establishing better habits.” Cheers to good health. Until next time,
VOL. 17 NO. 9 lakeminnetonkamag.com
publisher SUSAN ISAY
editor RENÉE STEWART-HESTER
managing creative director RENÉE STEWART-HESTER
managing editor HAILEY ALMSTED
copy editor KELLIE DOHERTY
staff writers DAN AMUNDSEN AVA DIAZ MADELINE KOPIECKI STACI PERRY MERGENTHAL
editorial interns BRYCE HELMBRECHT-LOMMEL GRACE MASUDA
editorial advisory board Mary Cornelius, Communications Specialist, Minnetonka Public Schools Laura Bray, board member, Friends of the Excelsior Library Michele Phillips, blogger, writer, photographer Jenny Bodurka, Minnetonka Community Education Natalie Webster, chief creator at Webster Effect Mike Polis, Realtor and YouTuber Things|People|Places
senior managing art director
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N OT E WO RT H Y
lo c a l tip s, tidb its & insights
Get in step with travel packing. SMOOTH T R AV EL S BEG I N W IT H organized lug-
space), pack efficiently by using compressible packing
gage. Saving space, packing efficiently and preparing in
sacks. Small, compartmentalized pouches are handy for
advance can provide the freedom to enjoy much-deserved
a variety of items when traveling. [Visit page 24 for ad-
time off—wherever travels lead.
ditional ideas for packing cubes and sacks.] Pro Tip: Tuck the smaller pouches inside shoes as a
Whether your destination is a sandy beach, woodsy camp-
space-saving measure.
iStock.com/Kostikova
ing grounds or destinations abroad, many trips require a pair of good shoes. I recommend packing footwear in travel
Disconnecting from work and school during vacation is
shoe bags, which will help prevent other clothing items and
desirable, but let’s be honest, leaving electronics at home
necessities from getting soiled or absorbing odors.
just isn’t realistic. Don’t forget to pack charging cables
Pro Tip: Place bags near the top of the suitcase, so they
and cords. Soft-sided travel organizers with a reasonable
can be easily removed from the luggage should the case
amount of pockets, slings and holders are ideal.
weigh over the allotted 50 pounds at airline check ins.
Pro Tip: If flying, keep these items in your carry-on luggage.
Traveling can be costly, especially when flying, and bag-
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gage fees can add to the cost. To save on expenses (and
February 2022
lakeminnetonkamag.com
11
N OT E WO RT H Y
TASTE
Buddha bowls offer easier way to pack mealtime nutrition.
(SMART): to appreciably up
across a 2017 Centers for
the number of “green” foods
chockful of healthy choices, are
Disease Control and Preven-
I consume daily.
now a recurring dinnertime play-
At home, Buddha bowls,
tion colorful, way to benefit my whole household.
er. Not only are they nutritious
Find Perron’s recipe for
only one in 10 adults meets the
guide, I began keeping fresh
and tasty, but the components
Easy Buddha Bowls and
federal guidelines of one-and-
snacks on my desk all day
are also easy to make in advance
additional tips at
a-half to two cups of fruit and
(mangoes, grapes, bell peppers,
(great for weekly meal prep-
lakeminnetonkamag.com.
two to three cups of vegeta-
etc.), whatever looked good at
pers!) and simple to customize.
bles per day. Considering how
the time. I naturally found that
I load up on mushrooms, pep-
I typically eat, that didn’t come
one of the great things about
pers, onions and sweet potatoes.
as a shock to me. I decided
adding more produce to my
My son prefers broccoli but no
to start eating more fruits
diet is that I find myself organi-
tomatoes. My husband started
and vegetables. My goal was
cally eating less processed food,
eating beets. I love that what
specific, measurable, achiev-
sweet treats and meat. And I’m
started as a personal goal has
able, relevant and time-based
okay with that.
become a delicious, not to men-
tion (CDC) report stating that
12
Using my appetite as my
Rachael Perron is the culinary and brand director for Kowalski’s Markets, where she specializes in product development and selection, culinary education and communications. Find more at kowalskis.com.
February 2022
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iStock.com/Foxys_forest_manufacture
A few months ago, I happened
MOV E
Pack up fitness on the go. Travel is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves, and the benefits go well beyond taking a break from our lives. It opens us to new environments, cultures, cuisines and experiences. Staying active should be an important
Better Together
part of any vacation as it helps elicit dopamine, the feel-good hormone, to drive up our energy levels and keep us motivated. It can also help keep you accountable and make it easier to transition back into your daily regimen post vacation. Here are my top five healthy tips for your next vacation: 1. Pack workout gear. Set aside room in your suitcase for sneakers and two sets of workout clothes. If you pack it, your workout gear will be staring at you every day, making it hard to say, “no.” 2. Check out the hotel gyms. Go online before you go, so that you know if there are gym options. Take into consideration the hours, rules, equipment and if any classes are offered. 3. Track your steps. Wear a fitness tracker, and set a daily goal. Aim for 12,000 steps per day. This will push you to get out and explore. 4. Bring a band. Mini resistance bands will not put your suitcase over the weight
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limit. They pack a big punch and offer similar resistance to weights. 5. Explore the area. Being somewhere new brings on a sense of adventure. Check out a new workout that you have always wanted to try, or find out what is popular in the area and give it a go. Keep in mind that vacation workouts do
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not need to be as intense as your workouts at home. Give yourself permission to have fun, and aim for 40–50 percent of your normal intensity level. Let’s be honest, you need to save energy for pool, beach or mountain time!
Laurel Famigletti is an area resident and owner of EndorP.H.I.T, where she provides virtual group fitness classes, in-home personal training and virtual nutrition coaching.
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N OT E WO RT H Y
VIEW
See all sides of beauty. “[The artist’s] original work captures a calm vibe as the subject seems to be in a blissful state surrounded by the healthy cherubs protecting her as she goes deep in her thoughts,” says Hollie Blanchard of the Art Girls. “Meditation is a practice to use mindfulness to train your awareness and achieve a mentally clear state. Beauty is inner and external, but when you feel grounded in your thoughts and who you are, there really isn’t anything more beautiful.“ Title: Day Dream III Artist: Mary Catherine Solberg Medium: Original Mixed Media on Canvas Scale: 30x30
Contributed by The Art Girls; artgirlsmpls.com Art Girls Minneapolis @artgirls_mpls
S IP
February is the month for pairings. Once in a while, moons align,
steak. The deep fruit of a Château
and sea salt chocolate caramels—
and the right wine matches with
d’Aigueville Côtes du Rhône (around
decadent, and sometimes you
great food.
$14) with beef and veggies off the
deserve this.
I hope you enjoy some of my favorites for food and wine pairings. Côtes du Rhône and the grill:
grill is—awesome. Chocolate and red wine: Is there anything better? I did a tasting and
Consider any food with a char or
accidently came across this combo—
sear marks—grilled veggies to a big
Vina Robles cabernet (around $20)
14
John F. Farrell III is vice president; sales and merchandising with Haskell’s The Wine People. Find more at haskells.com.
February 2022
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FRESH AIR
A River Runs in the Family Duo achieves the world record for fastest paddle down the Mississippi River.
THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. The Father of Waters. Old Man River. Whatever name it goes by, the mighty river holds a unique place in this nation’s history. Today, by some, it’s seen as a pathway for cargo ships and commercial fishing vessels. While others view it as a playground for boaters and sportsmen. For KJ Millhone of Wayzata and his daughter Casey Millhone, who attends school in Colorado, it’s seen as a record waiting to be broken. In 1980, KJ and his friend Steve Eckelkamp set the Guinness World Record for fastest time canoeing the entire length of the Mississippi River, completing the run in 35 days and 11.5 hours. Eckelkamp passed away in 2017, and his nephew decided he wanted to try to break the record and asked KJ to be a part of the team. While they didn’t break it at that time, KJ realized his body was still in good enough shape to make
The original wooden paddle used by KJ Millhone in 1980 is notably heavier than the modern paddles that were used during his last trip.
16
February 2022
lakeminnetonkamag.com
Photos: Chris Emeott
By Dan Amundson
the trek down the river again. It also intrigued Casey. “When they got back, I told him, ‘If you ever decide to do this again, I want to be on the team,'” she says. The next few years were spent preparing Casey for the trip. On April 22, 2021, KJ and Casey, along with fellow team members Rod Price and Bobby Johnson, set off from the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca in an attempt to break the then-current record, and 17 days, 19 hours and 46 minutes later, the team reached the end of the river, breaking that record by nearly nine hours. A trip like this doesn’t happen without complications. Tornadoes, blizzards and sleet squalls are just a few of the weather-related challenges the team faced on its journey. At one lock and dam, the team members had to persuade the lockmaster to let them through despite the 40 mile-per-hour winds during a thunderstorm on the other side. “I told him I’d write him an email releasing him of any liability if anything happened to us,” KJ says. “If he didn’t let us through, we were done.” The team had to paddle nonstop in order to break the record. Three members paddled at a time while the other rested. This strenuously pushes a body to the limit, making it unable to replenish all of the calories it burned. “Your body literally starts eating your muscles, and hallucinations set in,” KJ says. “We found out when I hallucinate, I see small animals and talk to dead presidents.” Despite the challenges, the team beat the record, and it was verified by Guinness through GPS tracking and a 470-page application. Along with the record, KJ and Casey have a lifetime of memories from completing the journey together. “It was a relief and a little anticlimactic when we finished,” Casey says. “Maybe I’m still waiting for it to set in that we beat the record.”
17
In Plain Sight Wine cellars continue to move up to new heights. By Renée Stewart-Hester
18
WINE CELLARS continue to move their ways up from homes’ lower levels and onto main floors and into spotlighted sightlines. Over the years, Jeff Hagen has witnessed the change in how wine lovers store and present their collections. “The primary difference has been the advent of the ‘showcase’ cellar, a cellar whose primarily reason for existence is the look, rather than the proper storage of wine,” he says. Interest in building personal wine cellars has increased over the last two decades. “Twenty years ago, it was exclusively for serious wine collectors, which is a tiny percentage of the population,”
says Hagen, owner of VinGrotto, which opened more than 15 years ago. The Minnetrista business offers a niche service. “I started VinGrotto to build wine cellars and do custom wine racking,” he says. “A person could buy component racks and hire a contractor to build out the room, but no contractor truly knew how to build a proper wine cellar.” What about just using wine cooling systems? “A wine fridge is for shortterm storage,” Hagen says. “A wine cellar is for aging. A person can age wine in a wine fridge, but it is definitely not ideal. You have to be very diligent about keeping the little sponge moist [used
February 2022
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Photo: VinGrotto
TA S T E
Your Residential & Lakeshore Specialists PRO SIP TIP “[There are] lots of truly great wines from every corner of the world … but to most of us, anything from one of the First Growth (French) chateaux’s can’t be beat, and each makes several wines. There are 100 point wines from all over the world, and they truly are fantastic. Anybody who likes wine, would love any one of them, but there’s still something about First Growth that hits a person.” —Jeff Hagen, VinGrotto
to keep the inside of the wine fridge at a higher humidity], and any vibration from the condenser is not going to do your wine any favors.” Having an expansive or expensive home isn’t a prerequisite for adding a wine cellar. “My first home had one, as did several of my friends at the time,” Hagen says. “They were very modest homes.” There is, however, the other end of the spectrum, and Hagen has worked on wine cellars that cost north—very far north—of $100,000. For that kind of money there must be some unusual or high-end elements. “Depends what you mean by unusual,” he says. “Unusual and wine cellar don’t really go together ... People have introduced some unusual decorative features that can be expensive. And, of course, a true/real wine cellar is literally a cave, and they can be expensive to dig. I know a guy who lived on the side of Camelback Mountain in Arizona. He dug into the side of it for his wine cellar. It was brilliant.” One can assume that Hagen has toured his fair share of wine cellars. Favorites? “Caves,” he says. “You can’t beat France, but my favorite is Pride Mountain Vineyards in [California’s Napa Valley], where the winery is built into the side of the mountain. You walk through a maze of aisles stacked with barrels and bottles [and] then all of sudden, you come to a big door. It opens to a tasting room/conference room with a big table reaching out to a terrace that looks out over one of their vineyards. Magical.” VinGrotto, 1015 W. Cove Lane, Minnetrista; 612.501.2193; vingrotto.com
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FRESH AIR
Gee! Haw! Mush! Klondike dog derby returns to Excelsior.
WATER STREET IN EXCELSIOR will have drivers of a different sort when it welcomes back to town The Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby, set for February 4 (vet checks, Hug a Husky and Meet the Musher events) and February 5 (race day). The event also hosts the Klondike Village, located near Water and Lake streets. It will be open from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. February 5 and will include a beverage garden, food trucks, s'mores station, fire pits, family-friendly games and official Klondike merchandise. The race route will be finalized a few weeks prior to the race (which is after this issue goes to press). Planners are considering running the race closer to downtown Wayzata, opening additional
20
viewing opportunities near Wayzata Bay. It will launch from Excelsior, and the Excelsior Commons will provide a great vantagepoint to watch 35 mushers begin racing, according to Dale Kurschner, event board member (communications) and Excelsior City Council member. While the race takes only a few hours (The 2020 winning musher finished the course in two hours, 41 minutes and 52 seconds. Last place came in at five hours, 11 minutes, 15 seconds.), Kurschner says it will take about 100 hours to prepare the trail on the frozen lake. “This includes charting the course; working with others internally and public safety officials; ordering, leasing and shipping special equipment; and nearly a dozen rounds of
packing the snow and creating the trail, so that it is both hard packed and easily recognizable for the dogs on the flat, open lake,” he says. In addition to the organizing committee, the event comes to life thanks to more than 400 volunteers. Kurschner notes that most of volunteers come from the Twin Cities, northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. In 2020, some hailed from Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Texas and West Virginia. And the mushers travel a distance, too. This year’s event includes mushers from around the U.S. and Canada, including the Northwest Territories. “Many of our 2022 mushers have won races previously,” Kurschner says. “Our 2020 champion, Dave
February 2022
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Photo: Josh Hway/Dynamic Photowerks
By Renée Stewart-Hester
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Great care is taken to ensure the health and safety of the racing dogs. Veterinarian Jackie Piepkorn, DVM, co-owner and operator of the Lake Minnetonka Pet Wellness Center, is the chief veterinarian for the Klondike Dog Derby. For more than 20 years, Piepkorn has served as veterinarian for many sled dog races in the Lower 48 states, Alaska and Canada, according to Kurschner. “In her role, [Piepkorn] assembles a vet team for the prerace vet check of the dogs in the race,” he says. “This consists of about 20 veterinarians and veterinary technicians, who are experienced with racing sled dogs, including Shane Smith, DVM, an associate veterinarian, who also works at Lake Minnetonka Pet Wellness Center.” The vet team is also available during the race in the event any dog needs care. “Everything we do is focused on providing the best care possible for these incredible canine athletes,” Piepkorn says.
Photo: Klondike Dog Derby
Hochman, will be returning. We will also be hosting mushers, who have competed in the John Beargrease [Sled Dog] marathon and mid-distance races multiple times, as well many other Midwest races.” What are the mushers racing toward? Victory, bragging rights and a $40,000 purse. Parking is available at Minnetonka High School and Minnetonka Middle School West, and a free shuttle service to the event is offered between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. February 5. For event times, race route and other information, visit klondikedogderby.com. Lake Mtka Klondike Dog Derby @klondikederby
21
ENLIGHTEN
Honor Students Caring Youth award ceremony returns to live event.
THE NOMINATIONS ARE IN, and
soon the recipients of the 2022 Caring Youth Awards will be announced by the Hopkins and Lake Minnetonka school districts. “The event has been going on many years,” says Jen Kopischke, Hopkins Community Education’s Enrichment
22
supervisor. “It’s a way to recognize students that have been doing great work in our communities, specifically high school students.” To be considered a Caring Youth, student nominees in grades seven through 12 must first identify a need within their community and volunteer to help address
It is the hope that the awards ceremony for this year's Caring Youth Awards can be held in person, as it was in 2018 as highlighted here.
February 2022
lakeminnetonkamag.com
Photos: ElizabethH ayward
By Madeline Kopiecki
that need. But rather than calling it a day at that point, this is where a Caring Youth is just getting started. As part of the guidelines, nominees’ passion for their service or volunteer project should push them to go above and beyond. Over the years, students’ interests have led them to volunteer across Hopkins, the Lake Minnetonka area and Golden Valley with projects that run the gambit from beautifying local parks with cleanup efforts to volunteering time with the ICA Food Shelf in Minnetonka. “People in the community nominate students they know either through volunteering with them, being a part of their project or for the good work that they’ve been doing with them,” Kopischke says. As part of the event’s stipulations, students must be nominated by a member of the organization at which they volunteered or someone closely involved with the student’s volunteer project. (And although you may be a proud parent of a local kid doing good, you cannot nominate your own family members.) Once all the forms have been collected, a committee—including Kopischke and Jaleeza Smith-Breedlove, Hopkins Community Education’s Youth Programs coordinator—reviews the nominations. “They’ll be selected by the committee based on their personal commitment and their positive impact on the community,” Smith-Breedlove says, noting that there’s no set number of winners that the committee can decide to honor. After the recipients are announced, it’s time to celebrate. This year’s award ceremony will be held February 24, and after 2021’s virtual event, Kopischke says that they are looking forward to an in person award ceremony at the Minnetonka Community Center. “We’re expecting somewhere around 100 to 150 [guests],” Kopischke says. The crowd is made up of student nominees, their parents and the community members who nominated them. “There’s usually city council representatives, staff from schools and organization members who have students who were nominated,” Smith-Breedlove says.
Stay Connected & Celebrate Lake Minnetonka FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
where we daily showcase local people and places @LAKEMINNETONK AMAG
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DELIVERY AVAILABLE WITHIN 7 DAYS! Schedule a free consult today! We offer interior design, home staging services, and have a retail showroom in Wayzata!
Learn more about the nomination process at minnetonkaschools.org. For a list of this year’s winners, check our Instagram @lakeminnetonkamag after the award’s ceremony.
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WWW.CHAZININTERIORS.CO 1250 E Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata MN 55391
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STORY BY RENÉE STEWART-HESTER
PHOTOS BY CHRIS EMEOTT
Trav e l take s s h a p e wi t h o rg a n i z e d s t y l e .
CUBISM
W
Photo: xxxxxxxxx
inter has gone weary in the minds of some eager travelers, who are ready for destination warm with opportunities to shed winter fashions in favor of sporty togs and snazzy resort wear. Others, who embrace the season’s snow show, are pointing their skis and snowboards due north and west for more elevated endeavors. No matter the itinerary, organization is a must-have travel companion. Currently, two of the oft spoken words in travel packing are “travel cubes.” While one can procure them just about anywhere, including from most discount retailers, not all are created equal. For cube sets and individual packing bags, Julia Moss Designs offers lovely collections that make organizing easier and prettier. With black and white as their color story, these sporty-chic travel accessories wink with a Chanel vibe. Bon voyage!
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TIP:
Julia Moss Designs offers a simplified equation for organizing travel outfits: one cube = one outfit. Pack one outfit and coordinating accessories for each day of your trip in one cube.
Packing is as easy as un, deux, trois. Order the
PACKING CUBE SET
in classic black or sporty
gingham. Made from 100 percent linen, the cubes come in small, medium and large. $55/set
MY VANITY CASE
includes an off-white bow and
a handle on the lid for an easy grab-and-go. $45 Avoid a bad hair day on vacation, thanks to the
HAIR STUFF CASE with a heat-resistant lining. $39 Save getting wet for the pool or an après-ski hot tub with the
WET STUFF BAG,
featuring a waterproof
interior lining. $42
MY LOTIONS & POTIONS CASE,
which comes
lined with a waterproof striped fabric, will keep mixes and quick fixes in place. $39 Don’t forget to use the
JEWELRY CASE TRIFOLD ,
which can be rolled up or unfolded, for your favorite accessory pieces. $39 The darling
BEAUTY BOX with an off-white bow is
an ideal size for those little extras that you just can’t leave at home. $39
MY MAKE-UP CASE is ideally suited to travel from your suitcase to a carry-on to a handbag. $31 Small whatnots need a spot, too. Try the SMALL LETTER BAGS with initials printed on the front. $14
PRIVATE STUFF
is ideal for keeping track of, well,
private stuff! $23
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WISH LIST: For those in the market for a shoulder bag for day, evening or come what may during their travels, the Julia Moss Designs’ Vintage Vault carries this Chanel quilted lambskin medium Leo Bag. The classic bag features a pewter chain link shoulder strap threaded with leather and a Mademoiselle turn lock in the form of a lion with the ubiquitous Chanel CC. $2,500
JULIA MOSS DESIGNS 647 LAKE ST. E., WAYZATA 612.444.8682 JULIAMOSSDESIGNS.COM JULIA MOSS DESIGNS @JULIAMOSSDESIGNS @JULIAMOSSDESIGNS
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CALEY PAVILLARD, MODEL FOR GUESS AND VICTORIA’S SECRET —Smile Design by Dr. Holger Meiser
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T H E Y D I G I T : P O P C U LT U R E P R E S E R V A T I O N SOCIETY STRIKES A RETRO CHORD.
Story by Renée Stewart-Hester Photos by Chris Emeott Hair by Sitha Kim Makeup by Makeup Savvy
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If you played with Fisher-Price toys, watched The Brady Bunch on Friday nights or almost took out yourself or a sibling with a set of groovy Clackers, you could qualify to be a member of the Pop Culture Preservation Society (PCPS), dedicated to honoring, relishing and downright diggin’ all things from the ’70s. As the founding members recall, the group’s formation was less of an idea and more of a compulsion. Michelle Newman (Medina), Carolyn Cochrane (Edina) and Kristin Nilsen (Minneapolis) are the hearts and souls behind PCPS and its weekly podcast (their “precious baby”), which covers ’70s music, TV shows, movies, crushes, toys and even the Sears Wish Book. Nearly 6,000 followers hit the Instagram account, where discussions circulate around anything from favorite Yacht Rock songs to gym class horror stories. Numbers of followers aside. Amount of listeners be darned. We all know success is measured by whether or not you’re selling “merch.” And they are. “We had no idea people were going to react likes this,” Newman says, while noting that people asked for the group to sell themed merchandise. Popularity has its perks, and in less than a year after launching the podcast in December 2020, the trio began offering a membership platform (via Patreon) with special benefits and access to events. “Our number one goal was to bring joy to people and share memories,” Newman says. The women were all born in the ’60s, and certainly lived through the ’70s, but when did the devotion to the time period emerge? For Newman, it wasn’t until the last decade or so. “I think when we are in our young adulthoods and busy being new wives and moms, we don’t care to be nostalgic as much … But as we age, we find comfort and joy in the memories of our past in everything from the music we listened to, to the shows we watched, to the toys we played with,” she says. “I’ve always been drawn to the bright colors and fashion of the ’70s. Give me a fun floral Lilly Pulitzer shift dress any day,” Cochrane says. “Like [Newman], my love of the ’70s really blossomed over the last few years as I discovered kindred spirits, who fondly recalled plot lines from The Waltons and characters from Judy Blume books. The joy of these shared nostalgic moments made me want to seek them out.” “I’ve always had a strong ’70s vibe even though I wore a Mallory Keaton [Family Ties] costume for most of the ’80s,” Nilsen says. “I unleashed the vibe for the public when I found friends in college who knew all the words to Conjunction Junction, just like
Michelle Newman
Kristin Nilsen
Carolyn Cochrane 31
“The bright, bold colors and the feelings of optimism and possibility— I believed I could marry Shaun Cassidy or be the next Nadia Comaneci. Revisiting those hope-filled memories can be such a balm during hard times.” Edina’s Carolyn Cochrane explains her love of the ’70s
I did. And when Andy Gibb died, we all held on to each other and sort of claimed this mantle of ’70s Kids Unite! We used somebody’s mom’s credit card to order a set of ’70s soft rock cassette tapes off of a TV infomercial, and I never looked back” There has to be more than nostalgia that pulls the women back into the days of banana seat bikes and the push-pull fashion struggle between mini and maxi skirts. Newman says, “The groovy clothes, the fun toys, the people we crushed on, the amazing music, the fabulous television, the inappropriate movies we watched—they all just bring back such feelings of joy. Even if we didn’t have totally stable childhoods, these artifacts, if you will, of this time in our lives were a constant and spark such fun and indelible memories.” “The crush culture in our childhood was on fire—David Cassidy, The Monkees, Shaun Cassidy, Andy Gibb, Scott Baio, the Bee Gees, Leif Garrett. Remember the Shaun versus Leif debate of 1978?” Nilsen says. “I’m fascinated by our ability to feel real and true love at such a young age for people we had never even met, but that was how we learned about love, so those crushes, those magazines (Tiger Beat), those records, they all helped us grow up. And, yes, I totally dug the clothes. My husband once told me I looked like I was on my way to a Partridge Family concert; I said, ‘Thank you.’ He said, ‘It wasn’t a compliment.’” Their interest in the era certainly mirrors their memories, but it also is a reflection of the times we live in—uncertain, tenuous and bit frightening at times. Nostalgia has long served as a comfort mechanism—a Linus blanket if you will. “We are seeing it everywhere—from the reboots of old TV shows to the retro toys and clothing on the shelves in Target,” Newman says. “People [don’t want] to go back in time per se. They are just finding such connection, fun and joy in the memories from their childhoods. It calls back a simpler, more innocent time, especially right now when not only are we in a very turbulent time, but when our generation is smack in the
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Given a Choice
MICHELLE NEWMAN
CAROLYN COCHRANE
KRISTIN NILSEN
TV show: Happy Days and Little
TV show: Eight is Enough
TV show: Dance Fever
House on the Prairie
Singer/group: Barry Manilow
Singer/group: Andy Gibb, Bee Gees
Singer/group: Donny and Marie
and Carpenters
and Donna Summer
Dinner item: Salisbury steak TV
Candy: Sugar Daddy
Dinner: Franco-American
Movie: Star Wars
spaghetti and Steak-umm
dinner with the little brownie
Candy: Marathon Bar
Candy: Bottle Caps
Clothing: Red half-zip
Movie: Ice Castles
ribbed turtleneck
Movie: Grease
Clothing: Hang Ten satin jacket
Toy: Barbies
Clothing: Ponchos and gauchos
Toy: Fisher-Price Play Family sets
middle of caring for aging parents, and our own kids are moving out.” “We had so little to worry about when we were kids. When we’re burdened and overstressed and everything feels so unpredictable, we just want to revisit that space, when the biggest thing we worried about was who shot J.R. [Ewing],” Nilsen says. “Studies actually show that a full 50 percent of the population admitted to binging content from their childhood during the pandemic. If we can connect with our childhood selves and let go of our adult worries for just 22 minutes, life gets a little more manageable.” “We’ve seen it firsthand with the messages and comments we receive from listeners and followers—people sharing the joy we are bringing to them simply by rekindling long forgotten memories,” Cochran says. “Nostalgia really seems to be a balm for so many.” Speaking of joy, the women aren’t opposed to out-of-state field trips. They’ve flown to Chicago for Shaun Cassidy’s concert, went to Palm Springs, Calif., to see Barry Manilow perform and hope to see a Donny Osmond show in Las Vegas sometime in 2022. They can also be found in local vintage haunts. “I’ve been a record collector for a long time, and record stores are my primary place to connect to that very
Toy: Magic 8 Ball
Dinner for Six is Served In another universe and given the opportunity, Cochrane, Newman and Nilsen host the dinner party of their pop culture dreams.
Theme: A singer/songwriter-themed dinner party, so they can sing around the piano.
Guests: Barry Manilow, Karen Carpenter and John Denver
Menu: A catered meal (They don’t cook.) of fondue and a buffet of TV dinner selections (Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, corn, fried chicken, cobbler, brownies, etc.) Everyone gets a TV tray.
Background Music: Chuck Mangione, Henry Mancini, Sérgio Mendes and Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass
Post Dinner Entertainment: Barry Manilow will lead the group to the piano, where all will gather—arm in arm— for a sing-along of Mandy, Rainy Days and Mondays and Country Roads. After snacking on Hostess treats, dancing will commence to the tunes of The Jackson 5, Bee Gees, Bay City Rollers and P-Funk.
Evening Closure: Karen Carpenter serenades them with Goodbye to Love, and everyone enjoys a final snifter of brandy.
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This or That The Pop Culture Preservation Society has some decisions to make. ANDY GIBB or Rex Smith SHAUN CASSIDY
or David Cassidy Bobby Sherman
or DAVY JONES The Jackson 5
or THE OSMONDS
special time in my life,” Nilsen says. “I’ve replicated a good chunk of my childhood collection, but I also like to collect the records that dominated the shelves in the record department at Dayton’s—the ones I couldn’t buy but knew intimately because the album cover was everywhere, and the songs were transistor radio staples.” Cochrane dips into countless antique stores, looking for everything from K-Tel albums to ’70s Tiger Beat magazines to Holly Hobbie lunchboxes. This illustrates that they not only have collective memories, the women also have collections! “I still have all of my FisherPrice Play Family sets and my Weebles sets from my childhood,” Newman says. “I’m currently collecting vintage FisherPrice from the ’60s and am always on the lookout for pieces … I recently got into collecting vintage vinyl and am searching for complete collections of The Carpenters and Barry Manilow.”
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“I still have a lot of my albums and books,” Nilsen says. “I’m going to be buried with my copy of Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself by Judy Blume. And I recently found my clock radio, the one that introduced me to Casey Kasem, on eBay. I had to have it. It sits on my nightstand now, just like it did in 1977.” Cochrane is devoted to her collection of books from Parents Magazine Press. “These were the books I remember most from my childhood, and I want to have them all to share with my future grandchildren,” she says. That’s the thing about nostalgia—it never gets old.
JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS or The Archies Carol Brady or SHIRLEY PARTRIDGE RHODA or PHYLLIS
(Apples and oranges! Cannot choose; they are too different!) THAT GIRL or Alice Fisher-Price airport or FISHER-PRICE GARAGE LIP SMACKERS or Stick Pins
poppreservationists.com Podcast: Pop Culture Preservation Society Pop Culture Preservation Society
BEVERLY CLEARY
or JUDY BLUME (Oh, come ON! Ramona or
@popculturepreservationsociety
Margaret? Please don’t make
@PopCulturePres1
us choose!)
February 2022
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We build long-lasting relationships with our business and personal clients for tax, accounting, bookkeeping, bill pay, financial planning and additional family office needs.
Visit us for traditional Argentinian food such as empanadas, lomitos, desserts, or attend futbol matches, monthly tango and other special events in our beautiful community room. Call us to schedule your next gathering!
Established in 2003, Evergreen is your tested Minnesota restoration and remodeling expert. Call today to schedule a visit at our Wayzata exteriors showroom.
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O N T H E TOW N
th in g s to se e a n d do aro und Lak e Minne to nk a
SNOW MUCH FUN Wayzata’s favorite winter event returns. THE 37TH A N N UA L WAYZATA CHI LLY OPEN
returns in full force this year on February 11 and 12 on frozen Wayzata Bay. The annual event is a fundraiser for the Wayzata Chamber of Commerce. The Chilly Open is known for its frozen golf tournament, which has three nine-hole courses. Hundreds of people flock to the bay to compete in the event with golf clubs, hockey sticks, baseball bats or whatever else they can find to help them make an elusive hole in one. If you aren’t a fan of golf, there are plenty of other funfilled and family-friendly activities to enjoy. Cinema & Skates features an ice-skating loop as well as a movie on the big screen. Snowga, or yoga out on the ice, is a great way to get active with family and friends. Local restaurants also compete in a chili cook-off, alongside live music entertainment. How did this long-standing festival fun begin? Many years ago, a small group of business owners looked for a fun way to embrace winter. What started off as just one golf course and some chili and has grown immensely over the years. —GRACE MASUDA To purchase tickets or find more information about the event, visit wayzatachillyopen.com.
Compiled by Bryce Helmbrecht-Lommel and Grace Masuda
LOCAL EVENTS
Pond Hockey Championship
@wayzatachillyopen
02/10–02/13
Minnetonka Winter Farmers Market
Spend your weekend out on the ice
02/12
at the North American Pond Hockey
Explore vendors of all kinds at this
annual fundraiser for charity. Besides
event and enjoy the best local shops
the traditional pond hockey tourna-
that Minnetonka has to offer. You can
ment that takes place, you can expect
shop in-person or preorder from cer-
an outdoor bean bag tournament,
tain vendors for pickup. All ages. Free.
three live concerts and other win-
Photo: Wayzata Chilly Open
Wayzata Chilly Open
9 a.m.–1 p.m. Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd.; 952.939.8301; minnetonkamn.gov
Kids’ Fest
ter games. Performing is The Rolling
02/06
Stoners, The Johnny Holm Band and
Get ready for a day full of winter activi-
Viva Knievel. Tickets for each con-
ties. The Minnetonka Community Center
cert are $25 and all proceeds go
Family Winter Adventure Day
is hosting the 26th Annual Kids’ Fest.
to the Minnesota/Dakotas Chapter
02/19
The event features dog sledding rides,
of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
What’s better than a day of winter fun
ice sculptures, crafts, horse-drawn car-
and the ALS Association (MN/ND/
with your whole family? The Family
riage rides, s’mores and more. All ages.
SD Chapter). All ages. Prices vary.
Winter Adventure Day at Tanadoona
Free. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd.; 952.939.8390; minnetonkamn.gov
February 2022
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Times vary. Maynards Restaurant, 685 Excelsior Blvd., Excelsior; 612.747.3030; pondhockeylakeminnetonka.com
includes snow art, a snowshoe hike, winter games, shelter building, crafts and exploring the frozen Lake
39
O N T H E TOW N
Love Lake Minnetonka Magazine? Get Connected & Find • Upcoming local events • Web exclusive articles • Editors’ and writers’ blogs • Submit story ideas to Lake Minnetonka Magazine
Minnewashta. Afterward, there will be hot cocoa and a bonfire to warm up after a long day. Dress in layers for this event. Recommended for children ages 5–14 and their families. $8. 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. Tanadoona, 3300 Tanadoona Drive, Excelsior; 952.474.8085; campfiremn.org
Clue Various Dates Everyone’s favorite murder mystery is coming to the Minnetonka Theatre. The production of Clue, based on the classic whodunit board game, follows six guests who gather for a mysterious dinner party. The performance is thrilling, comical and will leave you at the edge of your seat. All ages. $15–$23. Times vary. Minnetonka Theatre, 18285 Highway 7; 952.401.5895; minnetonkatheatre.com magical event is a great way to get outAREA EVENTS
side and spend time with your family. Afterward, there will be a bonfire with s’mores, hot chocolate and hot dogs.
Into the Woods Wednesdays–Sundays 02/02–02/20 With characters such as Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack, The Baker and
All ages, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. $25. 6–9 p.m. Oakdale Discovery Center, 4444 Hadley Ave. N., Oakdale; 651.747.3860; ci.oakdale.mn.us
others, take a trip into the woods in search of magical items and friends.
Accordo
This musical is a great experience for the
02/14
whole family. All ages. $17–$49. Times
Accordo is a collective of present and
vary. Artistry, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington; 952.563.8575; artistrymn.org
former principal players of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and Minnesota Orchestra who enjoy playing chamber
lakeminnetonkamag.com
music together. Accordo has been per-
02/11–02/27
forming since 2008 to enthusiastic audi-
Embrace the cold this winter at Detroit
ences in packed venues. All ages. Prices vary. 7:30 p.m. Sanctuary at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Marquette Ave., Mpls.; 651.292.3268; schubert.org
Lakes’ 10-day Polar Fest. The festival includes winter activities of all kinds, including a polar plunge, ice fishing, snow sports and vintage snowmobiles. The celebration also features a 5K run, crafts, fireworks and more.
All ages. Free. Times vary. Detroit Lakes City Beach, Washington Park, Detroit Lakes; 218.234.2501; polarfestdl.com
Cocoa Cuddles Craft and Gift Show 02/19 The Cocoa Cuddles Craft and Gift Show is back for the second year. Explore unique crafters and vendors from all around the
Family Moonlight Snowshoe
Midwest. Shop one-of-a-kind art, food,
02/12
clothing pieces and handmade gifts at
The Oakdale Discovery Center is hosting
this family-friendly event. Free admission. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Cottage Grove Armory, 8180 Belden Blvd., Cottage Grove; 651.444.9907
an educational snowshoe walk through a lit-up trail in the nature preserve. This
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February 2022
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Photo: Todd Bauer
Visit us online for even more about Lake Minnetonka.
Polar Fest
Globally Inspired Modern Cuisine
LUMINARY LOPPET
4016 Shoreline Drive | Spring Park | vannrestaurant.com
February 5 Make the most of the cold weather by spending your night at the magical outdoor Luminary Loppet. Participants can walk, ski or snowshoe down a candlelit path on Lake of the Isles. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available. The event also includes unique ice sculptures, music, fire dancers, food trucks and a REI Luminary Party for guests 21 and older. Ticket costs for the event go to the Loppet Foundation. All ages. Ticket prices vary.
6 p.m. Lake of the Isles, 2500 Lake of the Isles Parkway E., Mpls.; 612.604.5330; loppet.org
To have your event considered: email lakeminnetonkamag@tigeroak.com by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Due to the fluidity being experienced in the current environment, please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.
Shop with us! In-Store or Online
14401 Highway 7 in Minnetonka (952) 935-7131
www.generalstoreofminnetonka.com 41
TA S T E M A K E R S
Be My Galentine Embrace Valentine’s Day— with a twist.
42
February 2022
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advertise with BY AVA DIAZ PHOTOS BY CHRIS EMEOTT
LAKE MINNETONKA MAGAZINE
@
Contact Katie Freemark
952.270.9339 katie.freemark@tigeroak.com
AM OUR, W HETHER YOU’R E S INGLE OR N OT, is worth celebrat-
ing. Since love is the cornerstone of more than just romantic relationships, why not take this time of year and celebrate Galentine’s Day? This unofficial holiday is truly as sweet as it sounds. Conceptualized by character Leslie Knope of the popular television show Parks and Recreation, the celebration is explained by Amy Poehler (aka Knope). “Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it breakfast style,” Knope says in the episode. “Ladies celebrating ladies.” Whether you’re bonding over a spa night, gearing up to watch some rom coms or putting on a fantastic brunch like Knope and her crew, there is truly no wrong way to celebrate. Galentine’s Day is simply about gathering with your closest gal pals or female family members to embrace each other’s presence. While we realize that the main ingredient in any successful gathering is the guests, we also know that success also rests in the decor and food options. We spoke with area lifestyle blogger Rana Monet about ways to plan a memorable Galentine’s Day celebration. Food is the focal point for any occasion.
Start with a potluck-style spread that incorporates anything from charcuterie boards (sweet or savory) and dips to inspired salads and entrees. To ensure no two dishes are the same, Monet recommends creating a spreadsheet to keep track of what items are being brought to the event. Also, provide a resource for those with any dietary restrictions. If potluck style isn’t for you, create a tea party-inspired spread, equipped with a variety of pastries and cupcakes from a local bakery and fresh seasonal fruits.
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TA S T E M A K E R S
Top off the menu with a signature cocktail. Think: strawberry Bellini or cosmopolitan for a flirty, festive touch. Decorations can embrace the classic heartfelt red and bubblegum pink shades, or take Galentine’s Day quite literally and opt for an utterly girly route with a gradient of pink tones. If Valentine’s Day really isn’t your thing, Monet suggests taking the anti-approach with Gothic elements and all black décor. Once the color theme is decided, gathering décor and dining pieces is the next step. Considering the uniqueness of this event, Monet says the best way to approach décor is to find pieces that are multipurpose, so you don’t sacrifice too much from a cost perspective. She
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also suggests looking for vintage pieces, including funky vases, lacy linens and festive dishware. Remember: Everything doesn’t have match to make it wonderful. Just be sure items have a common thread (color, pattern, texture, etc.). “It makes it feel more special than your standard themed paper plates,” Monet says. Tablescapes are a key factor in show-
casing your theme. “I focus on place settings and the decorations to set the tone for the event,” Monet says. When dressing the table, she utilizes a linen tablecloth, unique dishware, floral arrangements and candles to create a chic and inviting experience. When considering candles, it’s worth noting that they are wonderful sources
February 2022
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of ambient light, can add visual interest through various heights and can serve as an easy way to invite the color scheme to the table. Activities can encourage individuals to interact with one another and create a festive vibe. Get crafty and create a photo booth backdrop, decorated with colorful streamers, balloons and garland. Include different props like boas, funky eyeglasses and snazzy hats to spice up the photos. Organize a card and gift exchange, similar to Secret Santa, where guests are randomly assigned one another to anonymously give a gift at the party. (You could even plan a Yankee Swap with silly, self-care or other gift themes.)
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TA S T E M A K E R S
Sho p Lo c al Check out these vendors to source some of your Galentine’s Day items.
Sweet Treats • Wuollet Bakery, 795 E. Lake St., Wayzata; 952.473.8621; wuollet.com • yum! Kitchen and Bakery, 6001 Shady Oak Road, Minnetonka; 952.933.6001; yumkitchen.com
Decorations and Party Favors • Festivities, 10701 Red Circle Drive, Minnetonka; 763.682.4846; festivitiesmn.com • Party Safari, 1159 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata; 952.476.0176
Secondhand Treasures • The RAK (Random Acts of Kindness), 3610 Highway 101, Minnetonka; 612.594.0047; rakthrift.com • Wabi Sabi Shop, 3620 County Road 101 S., Wayzata; 763.404.8499; wabisabishop.com
C HEERS! Strawberry Bellini 8 oz. strawberries 2 tsp. sugar 6 oz. prosecco Blend the strawberries until they are smooth. Make sure that the strawberries are ripe but not overripe. This will give the best flavor. Strain the strawberries through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Divide the strawberry puree between two glasses, filling up to a little under halfway. Slowly top the glass with prosecco, and gently stir. Tonka Bottle Shop, 17616 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka; 952.473.5469; tonkabottleshop.com
Lorrie’s Cosmo 4 oz. fresh lemon juice 4 oz. Grand Marnier 7 oz. vodka (I use Tito’s.) 7 oz. cranberry juice About 20 minutes before preparing, lightly rinse four glasses with water, and place them in the freezer. If you have a cocktail Photo: xxxxxxxxx
shaker, add ice, and shake the ingredients. If using a pitcher, stir the ingredients for about one minute. Remove the glasses from the freezer, and pour in the mixture. Haskell’s, 12900 Wayzata, Blvd., Minnetonka; 952.544.4456; haskells.com
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February 2022
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LAST GLANCE
S E C O N D P L A C E : P E O P L E & FA M I L I E S
Lens on Lake Minnetonka “I got lucky with the position of the sun’s reflection …” —Lisa Tomassen “A FA M I LY T R A D IT I ON of going on springtime ice breaking missions started when my kids were 2 and 4 years old. We’d venture out in our canoe and chop away at the chunks of floating ice. It’s our way of ‘urging’ winter to release its grip on the lake. In this photo, my son (8 years old at the time) saw a fresh, thin sheet of ice had developed overnight one November morning, and he thought it was the perfect opportunity for some ice breaking before the lake froze over for good ... I love that it’s not immediately obvious that he is kayaking through a thin sheet of ice. It takes a moment to realize what the angled shapes floating in the water are. I got lucky with the position of the sun’s reflection, which provided a beautiful backdrop for my young adventurer.” —Lisa Tomassen of Excelsior
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Lisa Tomassen Title: Ice Breaker Equipment: iPhone Location: Lake Minnetonka near Tonka Bay Photographer:
To view other Lens on the Lake photo contest winners, visit lakeminnetonkamag.com.
February 2022
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