White Bear Lake May/June 2021

Spring Forward PLUS:

Solid Ground makes dreams come true with Bezos Day One Fund award

Primp shares this season’s most stylish trends

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THE BACCHUS-ECKLIN GROUP 651-592-8932

JOHN MONETTE 612-720-0545

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DENISE LARSON 651-271-8560

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TAMMY SODERLUND 612-554-1774

KATHY & LISA MADORE 651-592-4444 | 651-216-1335

Agent image and info area.

612-750-1215 | 651-587-7562

LINDA & RICK GUY 651-247-7895

PAT FRUCCI 651-470-7807

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651-214-2964 | 612-499-5744

DOUG DONOVAN 651-261-5544

MARY NELSON 651-335-7260

LINDA POWERS 651-315-4119

JOHN LUDWIGSON 651-285-4939

TOM BECKER 651-402-1398

LAURA WHITNEY 612-387-3052

XIQING (SHIRLEY) LI 612-910-4877

ERICH YOUNG 612-220-1191

BRYAN PELTIER 651-353-0388

JIM KRAMER 651-247-7484

JENNIFER TILLGES 651-442-5662

JASON BROWN 612-834-9229

TERRI WYKLE 612-619-5425

BEN STEWART 651-271-0877

AMY DOWNEY 651-242-1586

TRAVIS PELTIER 612-708-2296

White Bear Lake Office | Hwy. 61 & 4th St. | 651.426.7172

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CONTENTS

M AY/J U N E 2 0 2 1 “It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside.”

—Maud Hart Lovelace

IN EVERY ISSUE

12

Editor’s Letter 4 Noteworthy 6 On the Town 28 Tastemakers 30 Last Glance 32

DEPARTMENTS Beauty 10

Take the Beauty Plunge We clear up confusion on injectable beauty treatments.

Wellness 12

Glow Up

Bella Virtu Organics’ facial care products help you put your best face forward.

Giving Back 14

On the Road Again White Bear Mitsubishi partners with communitybased Wheels for Women program.

FEATURES

16

Wesley Uthus from Primp shares this season’s most stylish trends.

22

Home Is Where the Heart Is Solid Ground makes dreams come true with $1.25 million Bezos Day One Fund award.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF BELLA VIRTU OGANICS

Spring Forward

WHITEBEARLAKEMAG.COM

3

White Bear Lake Area Schools Serving the communities of Birchwood, Gem Lake, Hugo, Lino Lakes, Little Canada, Maplewood, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, and White Bear Township.

FROM THE EDITOR Nancy Eike, guest editor, whitebearlakemag@tigeroak.com

I

The mission of the White Bear Lake Area School District, the community at the forefront of educational excellence, honoring our legacy and courageously building the future, is to ensure each student realizes their unique talents and abilities, and makes meaningful contributions with local and global impact through a vital system distinguished by: • Students who design and create their own future • A culture that respects diverse people and ideas • Safe, nurturing, and inspiring experiences • Exceptional staff and families committed to student success • Abundant and engaged community partners

651-407-7500 isd624.org /isd624 4

MAY/JUNE 2021

See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town!

WHITEBEARLAKEMAG.COM @WHITEBEARLAKEMAG

WHITE BEAR LAKE MAGAZINE @WHITEBEARLAKEMAG

On the Cover Dakota Vandeberg, photo by Chris Emeott

PHOTO BY TATE CARLSON

our Mission

remember my first car. It was a yellow and black 1973 Plymouth Duster, and I remember saving the $866 to buy it from Suburban Chrysler Plymouth on Suburban Ave. in St. Paul. I was in awe of the freedom it brought me—driving to my friends’ houses, cruising around downtown North St. Paul, and driving it to work in the summer of 1980, with Boston, or something like it, playing on the radio. I also remember, on one particularly icy January evening, slip-sliding on a patch of ice and hitting a fire hydrant, knocking it over; luckily, the water didn’t come gushing out. No one was hurt, and even though I was learning, the value of having that car and those experiences cannot be overstated.

I know how important cars are to get around, to navigating life and its many responsibilities. And so, when I heard about the “Wheels for Women” program and how Richard Herod III, owner of White Bear Mitsubishi, helped single moms get cars, I knew we’d have to include a story about them in this issue; you can find it on page 14.

You’ll also find a fun story on White Bear Meadery, a spring fashion primer from Primp, a super uplifting story about Solid Ground and a huge grant it received from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund and much more.

Here’s to the promise and wonder of spring!

VOL. 10 NO. 3 whitebearlakemag.com

publisher

SUSAN ISAY

editor NANCY EIKE

managing editor ANGELA JOHNSON

associate editor HAILEY ALMSTED

staff writers

AVA DIAZ

MADELINE KOPIECKI

contributing writer editorial interns

RENÉE STEWART-HESTER MEGHAN BISHOP

LAUREN FOLEY OLIVIA RIVERA

editorial advisory board KEN GALLOWAY, Galloway Culinary ASHLEY FILIPP HARNESS, White Bear Area YMCA LAUREN ROBBINS, Wild Tree Psychotherapy ELISHIA ROBSON, Lakeside Floral

senior managing art director SARAH DOVOLOS

art directors ALLISON NOLDEN

EMILY HANDY

lead staff photographer CHRIS EMEOTT

print production director production coordinator digital production director project coordinators senior account executives

BRITTNI DYE ALEX KOTLAREK DEIDRA ANDERSON ANGELA BEISSEL BROOKE BEISE

KATIE FREEMARK CYNTHIA HAMRE SARA JOHNSON

circulation and marketing

KATIE RINGHAND

credit manager

APRIL MCCAULEY

chief operating officer chief financial officer

SUSAN ISAY BILL NELSON

White Bear Lake Magazine ONE TIGER OAK PLAZA 900 SOUTH THIRD STREET MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55415 612.548.3180 SUBSCRIPTIONS: White Bear Lake Magazine is published 6 times a year. Rates $12 for 6 issues.

Back issues $5.95.

For subscription and customer service inquiries, please contact customerservice@tigeroak.com or call 1.800.637.0334. ©Tiger Oak Media Inc. 2021.

All rights reserved.

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5

NOTEWORTHY local tips, tidbits & insights

THE ART AND STYLE OF SUPPER As an art form, food has a lot to offer.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF KOWALSKI’S MARKETS

IF THERE IS ON E T HIN G SOC IA L MEDIA HAS SHOWN U S, it’s that

food is a very visual medium. Unlike other types of art, however, food plays to all of the senses—it has sound, texture, aroma and, most uniquely, flavor.

As art director for At Home with Kowalski’s, I spend a lot of time thinking about how to make food beautiful, but my interest in making food look as good as it tastes extends beyond my job. In the same way I think about what shade of lipstick might complete my look, I also consider the last touches on the meals I make. Even the most rushed family fare always gets these three final considerations: I start with deciding on a serving dish.

Food can look very different depending on the size, shape and color of the dish on which it’s served. I tend to favor white plates with no pattern, and choose a “canvas” that will allow for the composition I’m looking for; it’s never good for food to look crowded, but neither do I want to see more of my plate than my meal.

I select a garnish or two. Even something as simple as a bit of lemon zest, finishing salt or a sprig of cilantro can turn dinner into dining. Garnishes can provide visual interest, but also textural or temperature contrasts which can heighten the overall experience of a dish.

And just as I don’t leave the house before checking to see if my mascara has migrated, I don’t serve supper without checking for spills. I never fail to wipe any splatters or drips from the edges of a plate before taking them to the table.

Find Rachael’s recipe for Whitefish Tacos with Chipotle Lime Crema at whitebearlakemag.com.

Rachael Perron is the Culinary & Brand Director for Kowalski’s Markets, where she specializes in product development and selection, culinary education and communications.

TRAIN DAYS JUNE 5 & 6 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Chug over to Union Depot for a weekend of train-inspired activities including tours of locomotives, model railroads, family activities, vendor marketplace and special events for all ages.

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N OT E WO RT H Y »

SI P

FROM MIMOSA TO ‘MOM-OSA’ Just add champagne to take Mother’s Day Brunch to a new level with this twist on an old favorite.

Looking for a quick way to celebrate mom on Mother’s Day? How about this “mom-osa,” a fruity and creamy twist on the classic mimosa.

Just take a few dollops of her favorite sherbet, drop them in a fluted glass, add a bit of champagne and voila! Don’t forget a pretty fruit garnish— after all, think of all the wonderful things she’s done for you.

If you prefer a nonalcoholic version, just substitute the champagne with her favorite bubbly water or lemon-lime soda.

You can find all ingredients, among other places, at Lunds & Byerly’s, 4630 Centerville Road, White Bear Lake; lundsandbyerlys.com

PHOTO BY CHRIS EMEOTT

Written by Nancy Eike. Inspired by The Cookie Rookie, thecookierookie.com.

GROW

A TASTE OF SPRING Herbaceous perennials offer early-season bounty.

Spring is finally here! There’s nothing quite like seeing those first furls of green making their way up through the soil and bursting into leaves. I’m continually astonished by the jump start my perennials offer for eating from garden as early as possible— with as little work as possible.

A perennial is any plant that comes back year after year, including trees and shrubs.

Here, we’ll focus on herbaceous perennials, plants that die back to the ground every winter. Some of my favorite perennials for Northern food gardens: Asparagus: Planted as bare roots, these are a great addition to any food garden.

They will take 2-3 years to establish as plants before you can start harvesting, but the wait is worth it. They will continue to crop for more than a dozen years.

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Chives: Being able to add the fresh zing of chives to eggs in early May is one of the joys home gardeners look forward to.

Chives are a very easy plant to grow and keep alive year after year. They have almost no pests or diseases. One plant (or pack of seeds if started by early April here in zone 4b) will last for years, eventually growing large enough to split.

Rhubarb: This is one of the first plants to emerge each spring and is technically a vegetable though we prepare it as a fruit.

The plants will produce well for at least a decade, and side shoots can be transplanted to keep growing. Make sure to only eat the stems, as the leaves are poisonous.

For the adventurous souls, there are some spring edibles worth foraging for: stinging nettle, ramps, fiddleheads, cattails, lamb’s quarters.

Full articles on growing asparagus and spring foraging can be found on my website, forksinthedirt.com. You can also sign up for my virtual classes happening now.

Dig In!

Michelle Bruhn is a writer, educator and community organizer focused on helping neighbors dig local food through her Forks in the Dirt online presence, classes and farmers markets.

We help you get back to living.

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Call today to schedule a tour: 651-232-1847 1900 Webber St. White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CerenitySeniorCare.org WHITEBEARLAKEMAG.COM

9

D E PA R T M E N T S » B E A U T Y

Take the Beauty Plunge We clear up confusion on injectable beauty treatments.

EVEN THE BEST BEAUTY CREAMS CAN’T DO IT ALL. A more effective way to reduce wrinkles or plump sagging skin might be injectable beauty treatments. Many people don’t realize how commonplace injectable treatments have become and sometimes fear injections will have them looking frozen or artificial. So, we set out to clear up any confusion by chatting with Angie Donna, owner of The Dermatory in White Bear Lake. Donna is an injection

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specialist, CLT, LSO and advanced practice esthetician who's been professionally licensed for 31 years.

The most common beauty injectables are known as neurotoxins and there are multiple brands on the market. You’re most likely familiar with the brand name Botox. Neurotoxin injectables relax muscles that create the lines in your face. The creases between your brows when you frown or furrow are the most common place Donna’s clients request this type of

treatment. Results can range from a softened appearance to the disappearance of certain lines for up to three months.

But when clients want to smooth the line that goes from the corner of their nose down to the corner of their lip, that is done using a hyaluronic dermal filler like Juvederm (although there are also several other brands). Fillers add volume for a more youthful look and can last up to 18 months. “As we age, we lose tone in the cheek area,” says Donna. “It’s the

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DERMATORY

BY ANGELA JOHNSON

w her e qua lit y

first place we see volume loss and that’s where we want to build [with an injectable filler] before injecting those marionette lines, because if you add volume without support, the results won’t be as good within the proper dimensions of your face.”

Donna points out the value of having a good injector with lots of experience and who has access to more than one brand of injectable. It’s important to remember that these are prescription medications, and thus, each person can experience different results. “Metabolism can have a lot to do with [results],” says Donna. “I have one patient whose body doesn’t respond at all to a particular brand,” so she uses an alternative. Dosing and the corresponding expense depend on whether you’re seeking prevention, maintenance or reversal.

We’ll take this moment to remind you that this is your face, the thing you put forward to the world, and so we discourage the temptation to shop for injections based solely on price. Talk to friends.

Trust us, some of your friends are injecting. Find out how long a provider has been injecting. Get a complimentary consultation and ask to see before and after photos. Make sure you get your questions answered and that your injector has lots of training.

It’s also helpful to give your injector time to get familiar with your facial anatomy so you can achieve your desired results. Try not to bounce around to a bunch of different providers. Your injector needs to learn your face and how it responds to treatment. This is part of what’s great about these non-permanent but very effective beauty treatments; follow up tweaks or adjustments can get you closer to your desired look.

finds a home

18 651-429-8032 • PrattHomes.com

thedermatory.com @thedermatory The Dermatory

WHITEBEARLAKEMAG.COM

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D E PA R T M E N T S » W E L L N E S S

Glow Up Bella Virtu Organics facial care products help you put your best face forward.

AFTER 25 YEARS in the corporate marketing and product development world, Claire Powell, who originally hails from London but now resides near White Bear Lake, thought it was time she created a business of her own.

Having happened upon Bella Virtu Organics and its two organic and clean skincare products she just couldn’t get enough of—the first was an antioxidant eye serum and the second was a vitamin C facial serum—she knew she had found her path.

“I really wanted it to feel like something that represented me, and that could be a way of bringing joy and a self-care message to people,” says Powell. “And I thought the products were just fantastic. I felt so much better putting them on my skin; it’s like eating healthy food and how that makes you feel.”

So, she took on the business, created the luxury handmade brand, and added five additional facial care products, which she developed with her partner who has spent decades in the organic skincare business. The brand and the logo are based around the helichrysum flower (also known as immortelle), a

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long-lasting, golden-yellow flower known for its healing, soothing and anti-aging properties. And she did it all during a pandemic.

Want to know what the products are like? Take a moment and conjure the delightful aromas of lavender, of rosehips, of sage, sweet orange and chamomile. And if you’ve been lucky enough to have experienced a facial at a salon or spa, you know that delightfully dewy glow your skin gets after having that facial…that’s what the products feel and look like on your skin.

The skincare line that Powell helped catapult into existence, is made in small batches in Utah, and sold online; she hopes to expand to retail sometime in the future.

But to Powell, it’s more than just looking good.

“It’s not just about outer beauty; it’s about inner beauty, as well,” says Powell. “It’s about feeling confident with your skin no matter what your age. And to realize that we need to take time to nurture ourselves; not because we don’t care about others, but because it will help us stay strong so we have the strength and resilience to keep going.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF BELLA VIRTU OGANICS

BY NANCY EIKE

bellavirtuorganics.com

Claire Powell

CREATE A NEW SKINCARE REGIMEN AT HOME: Antioxidant Eye Serum: one of the original products, a drop or two of this will hydrate the tender skin around the eye and help reduce crepiness. $32 Moisturizing Radiance Facial Serum moisturizes the skin, balances oil production, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and calms inflammation. $32 Rosemary & Lavender Cleansing Bar: Yes, it smells as divine as it sounds. And with no chemicals, it’s a great way to wash the day off your face, makeup or no. $18 Helichrysum & Lavender Intense Hydrating Cream: This emollient cream will moisturize and soothe your dry skin. $38

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D E PA R T M E N T S » G I V I N G B AC K

On the Road Again White Bear Mitsubishi partners with communitybased 'Wheels for Women' program.

BY MEGHAN BISHOP PHOTOS BY ZOE SINGER

SEVERAL SINGLE MOMS WITHOUT RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION—some of them from White Bear Lake—recently received a much-needed gift thr ough Newgate School’s “Wheels for Women” program so they have one less thing to stress out about. The gift? A car.

The program began in the 90s with families donating vehicles to the school, which is located in Minneapolis. Newgate takes in donated cars, low-income young adult students work on the cars to gain highly desirable auto mechanic skills in their tuition-free school, and a few cars are then donated to single moms so they have reliable transportation. The school is dedicated to repairing and giving away at least two cars per month.

“When moms have to take the bus to have their kids go get ice cream, hearing stories like that, I’m like, ‘Wow,’ I want to do something about that,” says Richard Herod III, owner of White Bear Mitsubishi.

Herod was first inspired by a dealership working with a similar program in Iowa, then searched for one locally and found Newgate and “Wheels for

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MAY/JUNE 2021

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Women.” He suggested the school partner with local car dealerships to increase the number of donated cars per year.

Newgate loved the idea, and in 2019, kicked off the program with a “12 Days of Christmas” celebration that December— the school gave away 12 cars.

More than 10 local dealerships are now working in partnership with the program to help increase the number of cars donated to the school. Not all of the donated cars are part of the “Wheels for Women program, but for two years in a row, the dealerships and Newgate have collectively donated 12 cars to mothers in need.

Attention was first drawn to the issue of unreliable transportation when the school started receiving phone calls from mothers about why their kids were unable to get to school on time. “It was difficult for them to maintain employment, to get their kids to school, to do all sorts of daily activities that we all take for granted,” says Blythe Severson, director of Newgate School.

In recent years, the school has been getting 20 or more “Wheels for Women” car applications a month.

“When I learned about them, their mission and their program, I definitely wanted to partner with them, says Herod.

"And I love the mission of helping moms get to work."

3625 Talmage Circle, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110 • citiescu.org • 651.426.3773

Crazy about Strawberries

STRAWBERRY SEASON STARTS MID JUNE TO EARLY JULY

C’mon out... This is the place to make you smile.

Come to Pine Tree’s Strawberry Heaven and enjoy Minnesota grown strawberries. Call for harvest update after June 10. And those fresh strawberry pies and other treats from our own bakery ... Oh my!

Pine Tree Apple Orchard

651.429.7202 | www.pinetreeappleorchard.com North of White Bear Lake off East Hwy. 96 Fresh apples and pies available in August.

Open for Business. Dreaming of Beaches.

If you’re interested in donating a car, or know of a single mom in need of reliable transportation, head to newgateschool.org for more information.

WHITE BEAR MITSUBISHI 3400 Highway 61 N.; White Bear Lake whitebearmitsubishi.org

During challenging times, we’ve remained open to meet your eye care needs.

But we’ve also dreamed about walking the hottest beaches, wearing the coolest shades. Whatever your needs, our experienced doctors and stylish eyewear can make it all a reality. Call today to schedule your appointment for a comprehensive eye examination and eyewear styling by appointment only.

651-429-3379 • whitebeareye.net

NEWGATE SCHOOL 2900 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis 612.378.0177; newgateschool.org

4750 Washington Square • White Bear Lake, MN 55110 WHITEBEARLAKEMAG.COM

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story NANCY EIKE

photos CHRIS EMEOTT

talent DAKOTA VANDEBERG

S P R I N G F O R WA R D WESLEY UTHUS FROM PRIMP SHARES THIS SEASON’S MOST STYLISH TRENDS. 16

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Ivory dress with shoulder pads: $40; Nude croc combat boots: $38.50; Hat: $26.50; Sunglasses: $10

Fashion, you may say, has taken a back seat for many of us this past year.

We’ve donned our favorite sweatpants or leggings and that well-worn top on a very regular basis—probably too regularly. And if a Zoom work meeting was on our books, well, we may have grumbled a bit as we pulled on that “dressy” sweater. Yes, the lived-in look has definitely been the name of the game.

But now it’s time to put some style back in your day; maybe even slip on a pair of pants with, wait for it, a zipper. Coordinate an outfit. Try a new style of jeans. Add a little color.

So, in an effort to help amp up your style game, we chatted with fashion guru Wesley Uthus, owner of Primp, and asked her to share spring trends she’s excited about and stocking in her stores.

Black and ivory printed crop top: $36.50; Black and ivory printed shorts: $48; Black quilted mules: $28.50

FUNCTIONAL FOOTWEAR Known for their sturdy, grunge aesthetic, lug-sole combat boots are also very chic and trendy—and they’ve been updated, with new colors and new details, to meet today’s fashion styles. “People are really investing in their footwear right now,” says Uthus. “And combat boots are both comfortable and can be worn with many things.”

WHITEBEARLAKEMAG.COM

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ARM CANDY Voluminous, embellished, peasant, puff and balloon sleeves are just some of the bold sleeve details that are front and center this season.

FORM AND FUNCTION In a myriad of styles, from casual to elegant, bodysuits are endlessly versatile—you can dress them up or keep them casual. And you never have to worry about tucking in your shirt.

“I really love a great bodysuit paired with a high-waisted bottom,” says Uthus. “It’s a very flattering look.”

Green stripe bodysuit: 42.50; Girlfriend jeans with raw hem: $54.50; Heels: $48.50 Cream shacket: $50; Denim cutoff shorts: $46.50; Sweater tee: $30; White sneakers: $46.50

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CROP IT UP They’re baaacckk.

Cropped tops are a huge part of this year’s spring trends, from cropped sweaters to cropped button downs to cropped T-shirts and more, these shorter-than-average tops are a must-have. “Pairing these tops with highwaisted bottoms can be worn by most everyone,” says Uthus. If you’re still a bit hesitant, try a cropped jean jacket to still enjoy the trend but keep covered up.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS We’re not telling you to give up your beloved skinny jeans; just maybe broaden your horizons and try a little something new. “Raw edge jeans is my favorite denim trend right now,” says Uthus.

“It’s different than the skinny jeans, which are still popular, but I really just love the straight leg crop, it’s a little more of a classic style, with raw edges. Almost all of the denim we have in the shops right now have that raw edge.”

WHITEBEARLAKEMAG.COM

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PASTEL PERFECTION Springtime is often synonymous with those light, cheerful colors, such as luscious lavenders, buttercup yellows, peony pinks and sumptuous sages, and they are a perfect palette on which to build a fashion trend. “Pastel pieces are the perfect way to add a touch of spring to any outfit,” says Uthus.

HIT THE HIGH NOTE Whether they be leggings, paper bagstyle, tailored trousers or wide-leg jeans, in flowy fabrics or in the perfect denim, highwaisted bottoms are the quintessential spring staple.

PRIMP 4766 BANNING AVE. WHITE BEAR LAKE 651.340.4717 primpyourself.com Primp Boutique @primpboutique

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One shoulder taupe sweater: $28.50; Salmon leather-look pants: $54.50; Heels: $40; Sunglasses $10; Crossbody handbag $34.50

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W R I T T E N B Y AVA D I A Z

P H OTO S BY C H R I S E M E OT T

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

Solid Ground makes dreams come true with $1.25 million Bezos Day One Fund grant.

In an effort to create a strong foundation for families to emerge from homelessness, Solid Ground provides safe, affordable housing and supportive programming to those in Ramsey and Washington Counties.

And in an area where the rental costs are the highest in the state, executive director of Solid Ground Trisha Kauffman explains that the number of families experiencing housing instability in the community is growing at an alarming rate. “It is beyond exciting to be recognized for the work that we are doing and to have those kinds of resources come into the organization to help increase the impact that we can have on the community is huge,” Kauffman says.

The Bezos Day One Fund awards additional funding to organizations that strive to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the community.

Composed of two sectors, the $2 billion commitment is split among nonprofit organizations that either help

families experiencing homelessness (the Families Fund) or provide schooling to children in low-income communities (the Academies Fund). In 2020 alone, the Bezos Day One Fund provided $105 million for food and shelter support to 42 different organizations across 24 states.

Encouraged to apply for the grant, the Bezos Day One Fund team invited Solid Ground to fill out an application and explain how they would use the funds if they received the award.

Within a month, the organization received news that would forever change the landscape of their services. Granted one of the Families Fund annual leadership awards, Solid Ground was recognized for its compassionate work toward providing shelter and services to address the immediate needs of families. “Our ability to serve more families using these Day One funds means a lot for us and hopefully will mean a lot to the community as well,” Kauffman says. “Being able to broaden our reach in the community can help us get the word out about our organization, what we do and how we help.”

With such a large sum, Kauffman

Mobile Food Market helps Solid Ground families.

Photos, top row: Volunteers Kate Bastian and Gil Hartley help bag and distribute food.

Volunteer program manager, Dylan McDonough, keeps the volunteer program running smoothly. Middle row: Volunteers Beth Gehring and Betty Gladfelter, who have been volunteering for 10 and 11 years respectively, help receive, sort and distribute household essentials and food.

Bottom row: Gil Hartley and volunteer Nancy McCarty bag food. From March 2020 to February 2021, Nancy and Gil traveled weekly to the White Bear Area Food Shelf to collect food for Solid Ground families; they continue to volunteer at Solid Ground. In February 2021, Solid Ground established its own Mobile Food Market.

WHITEBEARLAKEMAG.COM

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BY THE NUMBERS

97%

45%

88%

97%

families housed

by Solid Ground that sustained their housing

families that increased their household income from program entry to exit

families that secured permanent housing after exiting Solid Ground

school-age children that attended school regularly

SOLID GROUND 2020 OUTCOMES

explains how they will allocate the funds across three projects over the course of three years. Focusing on three primary purposes, Solid Ground will work to expand its scattered housing programs, partner with Washington County to develop a shelter diversion program and they will hire a mental and chemical health counselor to provide service to all clients.

Scattered Housing Program Expansion

Working with school districts 621, 622, 623 and 624, Homework Starts with Home is a new program aimed at providing rental assistance to homeless students (grades K-12) and their families to encourage and administer success in school.

Shelter Diversion Program

This program works to help families avoid and prevent losing their homes to eviction. Through financial support for up to two months and career guidance, parents can work to create an effective plan to maintain the roof over their heads.

Mental and Chemical Counselor

An on-site counselor will make

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healthcare more accessible to clients and will provide a safe place for them to grow as individuals.

Solid Ground Programs

Believing that housing stability is fundamental to the healthy development of a child, Solid Ground works with parents to build the strong foundation for family’s needs by providing resources, support and a chance for opportunity. “A lack in housing can have a long-term effect on individuals therefore they can have long-term effects on communities,” Kauffman says. “When people have a range of housing options and can afford it, they are better able to focus on work, school and being better community members.”

Home to six different programs, Solid Ground offers rapid rehousing (12-18 months), transitional housing (24 months) and permanent supportive housing for more than 500 women, men and children annually.

Helping families address and achieve their goals, Solid Ground is comprised of 20 transitional units, 14 permanent supportive units, two units for single adult military veterans and additional services like tutoring, employment and educational assistance, parental

classes, budgeting and tenant training, Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills training, parental support and, recently, a mobile food market. “The programs are designed to help people become stable behaviorally, spiritually and physically,” Solid Ground program director Jazi Foreman says. “All of those things that come to making you a whole.”

Aiding families for almost 30 years, Solid Ground hopes to continue implementing innovative solutions to help end housing insecurity. “I hope to continue to grow this organization to meet the need in the community and to continue to partner with all of the great people,” Kauffman says. “We would love to work ourselves out of a job; that is our ultimate goal.”

SOLID GROUND EAST METRO PLACE 3521 CENTURY AVE. N. WHITE BEAR LAKE 651.773.8401 SOLIDGROUNDMN.ORG @SOLIDGROUNDMN SOLID GROUND @SOLIDGROUNDMN

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in digital format!

Never miss an issue of White Bear Lake Magazine with free, anytime access to our digital editions. Full screen viewing on your digital device allows easy cover-to-cover reading. You can zoom in on text or images as well as share your favorite White Bear Lake Magazine stories with friends and family.

Learn more at whitebearlakemag.com WHITEBEARLAKEMAG.COM

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Before

Teeth are restored to correct aesthetics and function

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Our cosmetic and family dental practice is for the patient who appreciates competency, professionalism, and a friendly environment with reasonable fees. It matters who you choose to treat your family. Visit our website to learn more and why your neighbors are switching to Lake Area Dental.

Our biggest responsibility is protecting the community. Call for an appointment.

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ON THE TOWN things to see and do in and around White Bear Lake

WHERE COOL MEETS COMFORTABLE Nostalgia-inducing Father’s Day gift ideas from The Minnesotan.

BY MEGHAN BISHOP

H O N O R I N G TH OS E M E MO RAB L E MO M E N TS and time-honored

traditions are the backbone of The Minnesotan. And this Father’s Day you can get dad a gift that really hits home.

The store prides itself in bringing customers back to their good ol’ days, whether that be memories of a family trip to the lake or grabbing a drink at their favorite watering hole.

“We’re a nostalgia brand in many respects,” says Corey Roberts, owner of The Minnesotan, who notes the shop’s sweatshirts, graphic T-shirts, polos and hats are comfortable apparel for whatever adventure awaits.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MINNESOTAN

Here’s the rundown of The Minnesotan’s top gift ideas for dad.

Polos: Dad can hit the golf course in the morning and hang out on the dock in the evening.

Tech performance gear: Give dad the gift of comfort while still stoking his inner outdoorsman.

Graphic tees: If you’re on the hunt for some vintage-style apparel, look no further than the Old School T-shirt collection. You can also find graphics of local restaurants and venues.

Hats: The Minnesotan believes dad can never have too many hats. Each hat has its own style, from college logos to Hamm’s beer to dad’s favorite team.

THE MINNESOTAN 2186 Fourth St., White Bear Lake; 651.755.6401; theminnesotan.com

The Minnesotan

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O N T H E TOW N »

Compiled by Meghan Bishop, Lauren Foley and Olivia Rivera

JUNE 14

22 Power Animal and Allies Workshop One of the oldest spiritural practices, Shamanism, shares rich beliefs in spirit and connection to the environment. At this workshop, explore allies and power animals in your life. All ages. $20. Enchanted Awakenings Event Center, 2020 County Road F East, White Bear Lake; 651.600.3769; enchantedboutiquemn.com June

20

Trans Mni Sota Wheel Race 2021

Join this solo, single-stage 1,200-milelong bikepacking challenge. Starting and finishing in White Bear Lake, the race will be capped at 50 participants.

Ages 18 and over. $35 registration fee, plus additional tracking and trail fees.

Railroad Park, 4752 Highway 61, White Bear Lake; mnisotawheelrace.com

Over the past 29 years, the Children’s Minnesota Golf Benefit has raised more than $2.1 million. The 30th annual Children’s Minnesota Golf Benefits supports the Family Needs Fund at Children’s Minnesota, which provides basic needs resources to families while their child receives care at Children’s Minnesota. Ages 18 and over. Prices vary. White Bear Yacht Club, 56 Dellwood Ave., Dellwood; 952.992.5500; childrensmn.org/childrens-events/golf/register/

1–2 The Minneapolis Home + Garden Show The perfect way to start your spring off right is with a little inspiration for your home. All Ages. Prices vary. May 1, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. May 2, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.330.3001; homeandgardenshow.com

2

LO CAL EVEN TS

May

A R E A E V E N TS

9 a.m.–3 p.m. Otter Lake Elementary School, 1401 County Road H2, White Bear Township; 651.747.2750; ci.white-bear-township.mn.us

15 Household Hazardous Waste Day

22

Drop off household hazardous waste at Otter Lake Elementary School for safe disposal. Accepted items include antifreeze, batteries, fluorescent lamps, paint and paint stripper/ thinner, old cell phones, pesticides, propane tanks and more. Free.

The Lakeshore Players Theatre hosts an intimate evening of acoustic classic rock with Mike Massé—playing for the first time in Minnesota. All ages. $40. Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake; 651.478.7427; lakeshoreplayers.org

Mike Massé in Concert

Bud Break Run, Walk, 5k

Spend time in nature and support the upkeep of the beautiful Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

This family friendly event will also be holding a 1K for the kids race, as well as a virtual race option.

All Ages. Prices vary. 8:30–11 a.m.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3210 W. 82nd St., Chanhassen; 612.624.2200; budbreak.umn.edu

7–9

Mother’s Day Tradeshow

Head to the Minnesota State

To have your event considered: email whitebearlakemag@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.

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ISTOCK.COM/BYRDYAK

Children’s Minnesota Golf Benefit

Charming house on Bald Eagle Lake with romantic wrap around sleeping porch. Th is 1910 home has been completely renovated maintaining its historic character. Backyard studio house added in 2015. Enjoy 100 feet of your own private beach.

Visit www.baldeaglelisting.com for more photos and information. laurel@krebsbachrealestate.com krebsbachrealestate.com • 651-808-4999

The Ninth Annual Grillfest MAY 1-2 1PM–5PM

Learn about the latest grilling tips and tricks, all while enjoying some amazing grilled food. grillfestival.com

Fairgrounds for the Mother’s Day Tradeshow. This event features annuals and perennials, climbing plants and more. All ages. Free. 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul; mnstatefair.org

advertise with

WHITE BEAR LAKE MAGAZINE

@

Contact Katie Freemark

612.270.9339 katie.freemark@tigeroak.com

Discover the Difference

8

Bach, Cuong, Frank and Mozart

Join the Saint Paul Concert Orchestra for a relaxing live-streamed concert, including a worldwide premiere of a new cello and oboe duet by renowned composer Viet Cuong.

Concert can be streamed online or on the free SPCO mobile application. All ages. Free live stream. Begins 8 p.m. 651.291.1144; thespco.org

ISTOCK.COM/SMITT

15–23

Twin Cities Auto Show

Rev your engine for the 48th annual Twin Cities Auto Show. Great for car enthusiasts, casual drivers and curious kids alike, this auto show features more than 600 different vehicles and a variety of familyfriendly attractions. All ages. Prices vary. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul; twincitiesautoshow.com

Infant (6 weeks - 16 months) Preschool (3 years - 4 years)

Toddler (16 weeks - 36 months)

Pre-Kindergarten (4 years - 5 years)

Before & After School Care (K-4th)

School-Age Summer Camps (K-4th)

Full-Time & Part-Time Schedules Accepted Monday-Friday, 6:30 am - 6:15 pm

Little Canada 651.484.4931

•

Vadnais Heights 651.653.9871

WHITEBEARLAKEMAG.COM

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TA S T E M A K E R S »

If the word “mead” has you conjuring images of raucous Norsemen consuming the honey wine from hollowed-out bull horns after a day of battle, well, your insightful ideations would be correct. You’d also be correct if those ideations traveled a bit further back, say, to Neolithic China, to ancient Greece, to medieval Europe.

Shakespeare consumed it. Tolkien lauded it. And Game of Thrones helped make it cool.

Joshua and Dana Eckton, who opened White Bear Meadery in June of 2019, have brought the millenias-old drink into the modern era and straight into our mead-loving souls. Yep, turns out, we really love it. Since that first pour of golden-hued mead in their Gem Lake location, they’ve expanded their mead offerings from a few varieties to more than 20—and have recently procured a larger space in Maplewood (1320 County Road D Circle) and will relocate sometime this summer. This growth happened despite a pandemic.

“It’s been wonderful to talk to our customers about mead, to share with them what goes into it and how it’s made,” says Joshua Eckton. “It’s not a very common beverage compared to wine or beer, with almost 200 breweries and a few dozen wineries in Minnesota alone. There are wineries or cideries that make mead, but we’re the only place with “mead” in its name.”

Eckton has a degree in food science and fell in love with mead the first time he and Dana tried it. “It was something different, and we weren’t really into the other beverages at the time,” says Eckton.

“We had a hard time finding it, so we decided to open up our own meadery so we could share it with everyone.”

From Honey to Mead

Nectar of the Gods WHITE BEAR MEADERY’S SUCCESS PROVES WE’RE MAD ABOUT MEAD.

BY NANCY EIKE

30 MAY/JUNE 2021

PHOTOS BY CHRIS EMEOTT

In a roomful of shiny fermenters (mostly 80-gallon, but a few 50 and 110 gallon), Eckton adds Minnesota-grown honey, water and yeast, and lets the fermentation process take place; sometimes he’ll add other ingredients such as fresh fruit, coffee, hot peppers, hops, apple cider, , root beer (yes, root beer!), etc., depending on the variety he’s making.

WHITE BEAR MEADERY 1595 E. County Road E; Gem Lake; 651.352.9552; whitebearmeadery.com

“It takes about three weeks to ferment,” says Eckton. “And then we let it age for a while so the flavors can mellow; the whole process takes about two-tothree months.”

hopeful about the future and spreading the word about this age-old beverage.

“It’s looking good for us,” he says.

“We’re trying to make it work.”

Spreading the Word

In addition to sipping the age-old libation, you can also use mead when you’re cooking and baking. Here, Joshua shares a drool-worthy recipe from food.com; you may want to double or triple the recipe to ensure you have plenty on which to nosh.

Eckton and White Bear Meadery attended their largest event, the Winter Beer Dabbler, just before the pandemic in February 2020 and he was thrilled with the feedback and response.

“It was wonderful for so many people to be able to taste our meads,” says Eckton.

“It helped a lot with name recognition.”

Eckton has hopes he can one day bring his mead to the Minnesota State Fair and to the Renaissance Festival. And he also hopes to one day sell his mead in liquor stores.

“You can find lots of beer and wine, but if you ask for mead, the clerk sometimes won’t know what it is, or they’ll only have a few to choose from,” says Eckton.

But almost two years in, Eckton is

Mmmmm for Mead

CHICKEN IN MEAD SAUCE To gather:

• • • • • • • • •

4 chicken wings and/or thighs 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Tbsp. butter 1 small onion, chopped 4 oz. mushrooms 1 tsp. lemon juice 5 oz. mead Fresh parsley, finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste

White Bear Meadery

@whitebearmeadery

To make:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Fry chicken in oil and butter until browned. Put in casserole dish and set aside. To make sauce, add chopped onion to oil and butter; fry for 2-3 minutes. Add mushrooms, parsley, lemon juice, mead and seasonings; stir well. Cook for additional 3 minutes and pour sauce over chicken. Cover and bake in oven for 1 hour.

Taproom hours:

Sunday: noon-8 p.m.

Monday: by appointment Tuesday: by appointment Wednesday: 4-10 p.m.

Thursday: 4-10 p.m.

Friday: 4-midnight Saturday: noon-midnight

Head to whitebearlakemag.com to read an extended version of this story.

WHITEBEARLAKEMAG.COM

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LAST GLANCE

Circling the Sailboat Swirling, sun-kissed clouds make for a serene, award-winning photo.

BY MEGHAN BISHOP

JEA N AUGER CO N SI D ER S HER SEL F a “photographer for fun.” She regularly gets up before the sunrise each morning to check if there are any photo-worthy sights.

And nature photos are her expertise.

“You get this compulsion, you have to see what’s going on,” Auger says. “It gets you out of bed.”

Auger’s photo titled, “Circling the Sailboat,” was taken this last July, as she was out in her kayak on White Bear Lake. Her camera? An iPhone 11. She finds that with the new iPhone’s camera quality, there’s no need for any more complex gadgets.

“In the summer you have to get up pretty early,” Auger says. “If I see something that’s pretty interesting and there are good clouds, I’ll hop in my kayak.”

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PHOTO BY JEAN AUGER

As she waited in her kayak, the clouds began swirling and changing to bright colors overhead. At first, she was directing her photographer’s eye at the multiple sailboats on the lake, but then saw the focal aspect to be the clouds.

“I didn’t like the way the clouds kept moving because they’re not static,” Auger says. She found the hardest part of capturing the photo to be the rapid movement of the clouds, yet wouldn’t have framed the photo she did without their spiraling motion.

Auger typically posts one photo a day on social media— mostly on Facebook where she posts photos from her outdoor adventures.

“That’s my little gift to the world,” Auger says. “How I can make the world a little bit better maybe for somebody by taking their mind off something else.”

All of her favorite stuff in one place.

The joy of saying “Thanks, mom.”

Show Mom how much you care this Mother’s Day with a gift from Kowalski’s. From chic to stylish, you’ll find a wide selection of make-her-day choices in the Gift Department. It’s the stylish shopper’s go-to for gifts of good taste. Part art gallery, jewelry salon, fashion and accessories boutique and beauty and wellness market, Kowalski’s is the place to find unique gifts both funky and fabulous, including a wide selection of gifts made in Minnesota.

Don’t forget Mom’s favorite tasty treats and foodie indulgences, too!

And, of course, nothing shows how much you care quite like Kowalski’s unique selection of stunning quality floral designs.

11 Twin Cities Locations |

W W W. K O WA L S K I S . C O M