Edina Magazine - May 2022

Local gardeners share the benefits of getting outside and into the garden

Digging Into Gardening

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Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only.

Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

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M AY 2 0 2 2 “I think [the cycles of nature] are deeply embedded in humans, but we often forget about it because we work in indoor environments and ... don’t have as much time for nature as we should.”

—Mary Yee, member of the Edina Garden Council (page 16)

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

16 — Digging into Gardening

26 — Buzzworthy Lawn Care

Local gardeners share the benefits of getting outside and into the garden.

With the environment in mind, more people turn to organic landscaping and bee-friendly lawns.

8 — Editor’s Letter 11 — Noteworthy 39 — On the Town 48 — Last Glance

18 — Citizen of Edina Get to know the vice president of the Edina Chamber of Commerce and Explore Edina.

20 — Taking a (Golf) Swing at Cancer

32 — They Dig It Pop Culture Preservation Society strikes a retro chord.

Edina resident writes book about his experience battling cancer.

TASTEMAKERS

22 — Cultural Exchange

42 — Growing Green

Bringing awareness and cultural understanding about the South Asian community.

Edina resident shares the secret behind achieving the perfect veggie garden.

edinamag.com

Photos: Karen Platt; Chris Emeott

PAG E 16

PAGE 22

specializing in

CURB APPEAL Landscaping the Minneapolis lakes area SUNNYSIDE-GAR DENS. COM • 6 12-9 26 -26 5 4

Left: North Star Lily Society garden at Arneson Acres Park Right: Edina’s Chinese Club students practice writing characters while learning about Chinese culture from teacher Zhou Wang.

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MORTGAGES DESIGNED WITH YOUR

financial wellness IN MIND

TONY SMITH

F R O M T H E E D I TO R Amy Overgaard, amy@localmedia.co

I

have this piece of art hanging above my fireplace by an artist I love, Whitney Schlander. It’s a print of her original painting, Winter Wrestles Spring. Shades of pinks and greens cover the canvas in a beautiful mess of abstract swirls and scribbles.

For me, this print embodies what the world is going through this time of year— a beautiful mess of new life erupting in the form of budding trees, fresh shoots of grass and unfurling leaves. But the messiness is also a reminder that this rebirth every spring isn’t an easy one. These plants must endure the cold deadness of winter, the loss of leaves and the loneliness of bare branches before reemerging in the spring, full of splendor.

It’s this push and pull between death and life—this idea of winter wrestling spring—that makes May one of my favorite months. It’s so hopeful! Each day, there are more blades of fresh green grass emerging from the mud. More buds turning into leaves, more tulips and daffodils showing up seemingly overnight.

And then there are the lilacs, my personal favorite, in all their fragrant glory.

There are so many ways to enjoy the splendor of spring—many of which we explore in this issue. You can go on walks and admire all the blooming vegetation (perhaps at Arneson Acres Park), enjoy the fresh spring air while playing a round of golf or give gardening a try. Whether you have a green thumb or not, anyone can plant a veggie or herb garden—find tips for that on page 42. You can even explore the joy of communal gardening with the Edina Garden Council (page 16)! Doesn’t it all sound grand?

Now, excuse me while I go plant an herb garden of my own and hunt down some early spring flowers!

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On the Cover Peonies, photo by Chris Emeott Company NMLS #286998 | Individual NMLS #938947 8

May 2022

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Photo: Chris Emeott

tony.smith@traditionllc.com

VOL. 18 NO. 9 edinamag.com publisher Susan Isay

editor Amy Overgaard

managing creative director Renée Stewart-Hester

managing editor Hailey Almsted

copy editor Kellie Doherty

staff writers Ava Diaz Dan Amundson Daniel Huss Madeline Kopiecki Staci Perry Mergenthal

contributing writers Laura Westlund Maureen Millea Smith Taylor Ellingson Tina Bohrer Izzy Wagener

editorial interns Emily Deutscher Hanna McDaniels

editorial advisory board Jeanne Anselmo, JJ Designs Tina Bohrer, Edina Community Foundation Sarah Dulong, Ron Clark Construction Cheryl Gunness, Edina Community Education Krista Johnson Elizabeth Kriel, Jerry’s Foods Jeff Ohe, Cahill Financial Rebecca Bell Sorensen Jasmine Brett Stringer Erin Zosel, Sloane’s Beauty Bar

senior managing art director Sarah Dovolos

art director Allison Nolden

lead staff photographer Chris Emeott

production director Brittni Dye

production manager Lisa Stone

senior account executives Brooke Beise Katie Freemark Cynthia Hamre Sara Johnson

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N OT E WO RT H Y

loc a l t ip s, tidb its & insights

SUBMISSIONS OPEN FOR 2022 IMAGES OF EDINA PHOTO CONTEST Visible Breath of the Wren Song won Best in Show in 2021’s photo contest.

C A P TU R E

WA N T TO S E E YO UR P H OTO G R A P H Y in our

magazine? Submit a photo (or a few!) to the 18th annual Images of Edina photo contest. Through the photo contest, we’re able to spotlight local photographers—giving us the opportunity to see our community through their lens. This photo contest, presented by Edina Magazine and the city of Edina, showcases so much of what you love about this city you call home.

We’re looking for photos that show off the core values of Edina in five categories:

• Activities & Events • Businesses • People • Places in Edina • Plants & Animals

Photo: Martin Freeman

We’ll accept Images of Edina photo contest submissions through our website from May 1–June 30, and Readers’ Choice voting will take place throughout the month of July. A panel of judges from the city of Edina, Edina Magazine and the community will select the best in each category and announce the winners in early September.

So, look back at the photos you took around town this past year and select some favorites to submit. Be sure to read the Images of Edina FAQs and our official Rules and Guidelines at edinamag.com before submitting your photos.

—Amy Overgaard

May 2022

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11

N OT E WO RT H Y

VIEW

For the Love of Nature “But for one’s health, as you say, it is very necessary to work in the garden and see the flowers growing.” —Vincent Van Gogh There is nothing better than to get your hands dirty by planting some seeds and experiencing the bounty a garden offers to our soul. I love how artist Richard Merchán takes Irises (circa 1889) by Van Gogh and incorporates it into his own work, Rachel’s Room.

You can feel her love of nature as she is transfixed by the splendors this painting offers. It really is miraculous to experience the beauty that grows from the tiniest of seeds.

Merchán resides in the area and has a prolific body of work. Reach out to The Art Girls for a complete catalog showcasing his paintings and sculptures.

Artist: Richard Merchán Title: Rachel’s Room Scale: 48x60 Medium: Original Acrylic on Canvas

Contributed by Hollie Blanchard of The Art Girls. View more at artgirlsmpls.com.

Art Girls Minneapolis @artgirls_mpls

R EA D

A Meditation on Love, Loss and Survival

explores the last two years of her son Andrew’s life. An early childhood educator in Boulder, Colorado, Andrew was diagnosed with terminal cancer at the age of 27. After his diagnosis, both of his parents relocated to Colorado to help Andrew through oncological treatments.

Love Pain chronicles that time from both Lynn’s journals and Andrew’s. Their words bring to life the beauty of the American

In 1968, Congress made Memorial Day a

Southwest, with its vast high plains, moun-

national holiday to be celebrated on the last

tains in the distance and the migration of

Monday in May. Originally, it was a day set

butterflies. But they also tell the journey of

aside to clean and decorate the graves of

Andrew’s life. This memoir is a fitting read

Civil War dead. Well into the next century,

for a time of remembrance and travel.

it continued to honor lost service members— but it has since expanded into a time of remembering the passing of all loved ones.

The memoir Love Pain: Stories of Loss and Survival by Edina writer Lynn Jaffee does just this. In her book, she honors and

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Contributed by Maureen Millea Smith, a librarian and reader’s advisor at the Edina Library and a Minnesota Book Award-winning novelist. You can find her books at maureenmilleasmith.com.

May 2022

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Lemon Poppy Seed Mini Muffins The flavor combination of lemons and poppy seeds is so bright and cheery; they beautifully complement the bright and sunny weather of springtime. One of my favorite ways to combine these flavors is in mini muffins, a delicious addition to any spring breakfast or brunch.

They’re light and fluffy—and absolutely delectable with the lemon drizzle on top!

Lemon Poppy Seed Mini Muffins Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 12 minutes Makes 24 mini muffins • 2/3 cup granulated sugar • zest from 1 lemon • 1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled • 2 large eggs • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract • 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, divided • 2 tsp. baking powder • 1/4 tsp. baking soda • 1/2 tsp. salt • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds • 1 cup powdered sugar Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, lemon zest and butter with an electric mixer until well combined. Add the eggs, yogurt,

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vanilla and 2 Tbsp. of lemon juice, beating until combined. Add the baking powder, baking soda and salt, and mix to combine.

Fold in the flour and poppy seeds, mixing until just combined. (Don’t overmix!) Spray a mini muffin pan with cooking spray, then divide the batter between the muffin cups.

Bake for 12–14 minutes, until the tops are rounded and edges slightly golden. Let them cool before glazing. To make the glaze, combine the powdered sugar and remaining 1 Tbsp. of lemon juice. Drizzle the glaze over the muffins, and enjoy!

Contributed by Taylor Ellingson, a local cookbook author and food blogger at greensnchocolate.com. Find her @greensnchocolate on Instagram.

JOHN MCWHITE (612) 805-1577 JohnMcWhite.com

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N OT E WO RT H Y

EX P LORE

Garden Quilt Reflects the Stories and Patterns of Edina 8988 English Turn Eden Prairie, MN 55347 Extraordinary soft contemporary rambler in the coveted Bearpath community with a comfortable open floor plan, paired with dramatic high ceilings and an abundance of natural light. This stunning fully renovated home features 5 bedrooms/4 baths, SubZero & Wolf appliances, granite countertops, Sonos speakers throughout, screened porch, lower level gym, and so much more! Ideally situated on nearly half an acre on the 15th green, surrounded by beautifully manicured grounds with breathtaking views.

Whenever you pass the intersection of

came clear we had the need to tell

France Avenue and Market Street, you’ll

a story as well.”

see Garden Quilt, an installation on the east

Garden Quilt displays images of vari-

side of the North Parking Ramp at 50th and

ous aspects of our community. Some of

France. It brightens my day with its vibrant

the visuals are inspired by the City of

colors, which are also lit at night to radiate

Edina’s logo, which include a clover and

these dynamic patterns in the dark. The 18

thistle, and some by architectural details of

unique pieces of the sculpture unite differ-

Edina’s Grange Hall. All these details come

ent characteristics of Edina, like squares in

together to create one beautiful piece.

a patchwork quilt.

“Our differences work well when they come

Twin Cities artist and environmental designer Heather Novak-Peterson en-

Jacob Smith Managing Broker 612.867.5667 Jacob.Smith@LakesMN.com www.SothebysMN.com 14

together,” Novak-Peterson says.

She describes her artistic method as

gaged nearby business owners and Edina

“digital lasagna.” What does this mean? She

residents in workshops and surveys to

says the separate pieces of Garden Quilt

determine the content of this public art

were created in a collage of drawing, pho-

installation. “We originally envisioned

tography and painting, with layers involving

the project fulfilling a decorative need,”

printing and technology. For the artwork’s

Novak-Peterson says. “But it soon be-

fabrication and installation, Novak-Peterson

May 2022

edinamag.com

Photos: Heather Novak-Peterson

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collaborated with Sign Source, a commercial exterior signage company that prepared the art for the weather and other outdoor challenges.

Garden Quilt is three stories high, yet its towering presence is not unusual for Novak-Peterson. She has designed

When you value the relationship, you create the success.

murals and interior spaces for several buildings in downtown Minneapolis, including the Foshay Tower and The 15 Building. Many of her projects, like Garden Quilt, combine environmental graphics and architectural storytelling in a splash of local color.

Contributed by Laura Westlund, a tour guide at the Weisman Art Museum and an art hound for Minnesota Public Radio.

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15

FRESH AIR

Digging into Gardening Local gardeners share the benefits of getting outside and into the garden.

By Ava Diaz

Esther Haskvitz working in her garden.

GARDENING IS A WAY of beautifying our yards and the surrounding community. However, what is often overlooked are the benefits that come with it beyond the pretty foliage and blooms. Digging past the surface of their beauty, gardening is an activity that provides a variety of physical, social and mental benefits.

“We have to get away from the concept that if we want to be gardeners, we have to work really hard and have a show place that people admire,” says Mary Yee, an Edina resident and Edina Garden Council member. “It is much more than that.”

We turned to Yee and Edina Garden Council treasurer Esther Haskvitz to find out more on how gardening contributes to their overall well-being.

A “Coral Charm” peony in the backyard of Elizabeth Franklin, Edina Garden Council member.

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Gardening can make you feel happier and more relaxed, from the sense of stress release you get by simply getting outside to the extra intake of vitamin D you get from the sun—which both Haskvitz and Yee can attest to. Not only that, but some microbes found in soil may also activate serotonin production—making the very act of getting your hands in the dirt beneficial.

To make the most of your experience, Yee suggests just simply paying attention—taking a second to take in and admire your natural surroundings, even if it isn’t spectacular. Something as simple as a pollinating bee on the center of a flower or a dandelion in the lawn could spark a shift in mindset.

“The garden has been a solace and a refuge; it has really sustained me as I try to deal with … illness, difficult feelings and a sense of loss,” Yee says. “I can’t be grateful enough for how gardening has allowed me to feel better, heal and really restore my health.”

The Physical Benefits

As a physical activity, Haskvitz notes that

May 2022

edinamag.com

Photos: Jeanne LaBore; Elizabeth Franklin

The Mental Benefits

Mary Yee with one of the 80 peony varieties in her garden.

gardening emulates an unintentional workout. This manual labor from consistent lifting, squatting and digging can provide a tremendous amount of cardiovascular movement to help burn calories and strengthen the heart. And it can also increase overall strength and flexibility.

Gardening can also offer the physical benefit of fueling the body if you choose to grow fruit or vegetables. Haskvitz, who has been a vegetable gardener most of her life, enjoys how you can keep active and build strength while producing something at the same time. “There is something really gratifying about growing your own food,” she says.

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Photo: Janee Wieser

The Social Benefits

For both Haskvitz and Yee, gardening has provided them a safe place to bond with like-minded people. Finding herself connected within the Edina gardening community, Yee enjoys the friendships and the opportunities to visit the gardens of these friends and to learn from each other. She is also a member of both the Minnesota and American Peony societies. Growing upwards of 80 different varieties of peonies in her own garden, Yee says it is organizations like these that remind her that there are others out there who share the same passion as her.

For Haskvitz, it is the friendships she has made along the way. Joining the Edina Garden Council to get involved with the community (and learn more about gardening), she says she has also developed a strong network of pals both professionally and socially as a result.

Edina Garden Council; 952.826.1620; edinagardencouncil.org Edina Garden Council

CARL E. SCHNEIDER, DDS AND STEVEN J. VEKER, DDS

3925 W 44th St. Edina 952.922.2159 www.44thStDental.com 17

FA C E S

Citizen of Edina Get to know the vice president of the Edina Chamber of Commerce and Explore Edina.

By Izzy Wagener

18

May 2022

edinamag.com

Photo: Chris Emeott

ON CHRISTMAS EVE 2020,

Shelly Loberg, a member of the Edina Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Relief Fund Committee, drove through a snowstorm to deliver $500 disaster-relief checks to struggling restaurant workers.

A late infusion of donations enabled the committee to focus on direct relief, zeroing in on local restaurant workers who had weathered two shutdowns since March of that year. Through her role as vice president of the Edina Chamber of Commerce, Loberg identified 21 local kitchen staff, dishwashers and servers to receive grants on Christmas Eve. Despite the realities of Minnesota weather, the culmination of Loberg’s work on the committee was, to her, “a bright spot in a bad time,” when her own workplace was struggling amid the pandemic.

In addition to her role at the Chamber of Commerce, Loberg is also the vice president of Explore Edina—the visitor bureau portion of the chamber that focuses on marketing Edina as a travel destination. In both roles, she helps to promote local businesses through marketing efforts and events.

“The first thing I noticed when I [started this job] is that our retail entities in Edina were not doing anything cooperatively,” Loberg says. “So I figured, once a year, to promote the city as a shopping destination, we should do an event that celebrates all of the great fashion here.” In pursuit of this idea, Loberg launched the Style Edina fashion event with local stylist and producer Jodi Mayers. What began as a small luncheon with a walkway fashion show in its first year eventually expanded to include a stage, lighting and many pop-up vendors hosted at the Westin Edina Galleria. “[Style Edina is] a great way for me to network and get to know the retail community, as well as demonstrate to them what Explore Edina is doing for them,” Loberg says.

Beyond networking and supporting local businesses, Style Edina serves as a fundraiser for local nonprofits. The Edina Community Foundation is one of the recipients, and Loberg says their Connect

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Card program particularly resonates with her. Through this program, the foundation helps under-resourced Edina kids gain access extracurricular activities in the community. “As a single mom, I connect with that a lot,” Loberg says. “Kids should be able to do whatever activity they are passionate about—regardless of what the resources are like.”

Outside of work, Loberg serves on the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Edina and has committed to serving as president during the 2023–2024 term. Within the club, her focus has been authoring global grants. Her most recently approved project allowed her to send refurbished medical equipment to a hospital in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, as well as to construct a nutrition garden on its grounds to feed patients and educate them on good nutrition.

“It took me about two years to get it all put together,” Loberg says. “There’s just a lot of different moving pieces—a lot of assessments, memorandums of understanding and fundraising that’s involved in the global grant process … It was a tremendous learning opportunity.”

Whether it’s by organizing funds to aid Edina community members or authoring international grants, Loberg strives for purpose. “I am a person that needs to find meaning in my work and that is why I find myself in the nonprofit world— because I love being part of a community of people that’s making an impact.”

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Contributed by Izzy Wagener, a senior at Edina High School, on behalf of the Edina Community Foundation.

Edina Chamber of Commerce, 3300 Edinborough Way Suite 650; 952.806.9060; edinachamber.com Edina Chamber of Commerce @edinachamber Explore Edina, 3300 Edinborough Way Suite 650; 952.806.9064; exploreedina.com @explore_edina

Explore Edina @exploreedina

19

ENLIGHTEN

Taking a (Golf) Swing at Cancer Edina resident writes a book about his experience battling cancer.

THE BEST COMPLIMENT an author

can hope to receive is when readers say they couldn’t put a book down.

“I had people tell me that they had planned to read the forward and then pick it up later,” says Edina’s Doug deGrood, author of The Right Side of the Fairway: What Golf Can Teach Us About Living with Cancer. “Instead, they said they’d lose track of time and finish the whole book.”

As it happens, the time it takes to read deGrood’s 114-page book is roughly equivalent to the time it takes to play nine holes of golf.

“As a copywriter, I’m a writer by trade,” deGrood says. “I process my thoughts by pouring them into my laptop.” And in 2015, deGrood had a lot to process. After

20

being diagnosed with bladder cancer, he underwent Balcillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy. “Typically, BCG treatment has a 70 percent response rate.

Unfortunately, I was part of that 30 percent,” deGrood says.

“I still wasn’t worried,” he says. “When I was at Stage 2, I thought they’d remove the bladder and that would be that.”

Bladder removal surgery was followed by neobladder reconstruction (new bladder). However, while the cancer weakened, it didn’t go away.

“I needed something to occupy myself, and the writing was cathartic,” deGrood says. “After looking it over, I thought I had something useful. I even thought it could help someone.”

He showed the manuscript to a handful of people, and they encouraged him to finish it. “I knew it couldn’t just be another cancer memoir,” deGrood says.

“I’m a marketer, and I needed a hook.”

So, he intertwined his cancer journey with his love of golf.

“There were lot of parallels between golf and what I was dealing with,” deGrood says. You can see those parallels being drawn, even in the chapter titles.

One is titled, That’s the Way the Ol‘ Ball Bounces. Another reads, When in Doubt, Loosen Your Grip Pressure. A third simply states: Rain Makes the Grass Grow.

“Loosening your grip pressure is a fundamental of life and good golf,” deGrood says. “Don’t take things too seriously, and

May 2022

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Photos: Doug deGrood

By Daniel Huss

advertise with

EDINA MAGAZINE

@

Contact Cynthia Hamre 952.843.8268 cynthia@localmedia.co

don’t hold the grip too tight. Learn to let go.”

Rain is also a fundamental of life and golf. “If you’re a golfer, there’s nothing worse than having a round rained out,” he says. “On the other hand, rains make the grass grow. Wisdom can come from suffering, and the rains in my life have made me a wiser person.”

DeGrood’s book came out in the worst of times for a first-time author: January 2020. As a result, there were no tours and no signings. “You couldn’t do much of anything,” deGrood says. Though you could read—and people have certainly enjoyed reading his book, if the notes he gets from readers are any indication.

And these notes—personal responses to deGrood’s story and wisdom—are why he wrote the book in the first place. “The first time we met, my publisher asked me about my objective,” deGrood says. “Was it to get on Oprah? Was it to become a New York Times bestseller? I looked at him and said that if one stranger had read my book and then reached out to me after reading it, I would consider that, in itself, a home run.”

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At left: Sayali Amarapurkar

DOING GOOD

Cultural Exchange Bringing awareness and cultural understanding about the South Asian community.

By Madeline Kopiecki

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MAY IS ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER (AAPI) HERITAGE MONTH, which is a time

to celebrate the contributions of Asians and Pacific Islanders to the history and culture of our country. In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, we want to highlight the contributions of two Asian-American community members who are creating cultural inroads in Edina.

Providing Hope for South Asian Communities

Sayali Amarapurkar has lived in Minnesota for over 20 years since moving from India with her husband in 1999.

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Photos: Chris Emeott; Sayali Amarapurkar

At right: South Asian seniors gather for AshaUSA's monthly HUM Group, one of the most popular programs the nonprofit runs.

The Cornelia Park warming house was the site for the annual picnic.

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During that time, she has seen the South Asian community double. “We have an increasing South Asian population here in Minnesota,” Amarapurkar says. “And as more and more people are coming in, we’re seeing a lot of issues.”

These issues are shared by many immigrant communities and encompass aspects such as health, youth development and family dynamics, all of which can become strained during the process of acculturation. (Acculturation is the assimilation to a different culture, typically the dominant one in the area.)

Amarapurkar and her friend Kamala Puram identified the need to create culturally specific programs for the rapidly growing community; in 2014, they put their experience of volunteering for nonprofits to work, launching AshaUSA. “We thought there can be a place where people can get resources and get help before anything becomes a crisis— whether it’s anything related to health, family issues, parenting, whatever it is, all the issues immigrants face when they come to this country,” Amarapurkar says. The name, AshaUSA, conveys the pairs’ ambitions. “‘Asha’ in Hindi means ‘hope,’” Amarapurkar says. And although AshaUSA was started in Edina, both Amarapurkar and Puram want to see the organization grow to a national scale.

“Right now, our work is in the Twin Cities,” Amarapurkar says. “As a research [organization], we have collaborated with the University of Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Health and other organizations that do research with the South Asian community.”

Amarapurkar’s holds a PhD in family social science from the University of

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Zhuo Wang Past EHS Chinese Club student leaders: Lily Nygard, Cata Madrinan and Sarah Mashaal

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Another program that’s growing in prominence is Mental Health Matters, which holds events and programming aimed at increasing awareness and fighting the stigma associated with mental illness in the South Asian community.

Amarapurkar notes that, historically, discussing mental health issues is a cultural taboo in the South Asian community. But over the years, AshaUSA has done different types of programming and panels to attract community members.

Aside from working within the South Asian community, AshaUSA looks to bring cultural awareness to the broader community, too. Members of the nonprofit are invited by various school districts, universities and healthcare providers to discuss South Asian culture and lay the groundwork for cultural understanding.

One of these hosts is Edina Public Schools, which hired Amarapurkar as a part-time South Asian cultural liaison in 2018, where she acts as a bridge between students and their parents, staff and teachers. She helps educate and train teachers whose backgrounds

differ from their students, helping them understand student needs and making sure those needs are met.

As a result of her contributions to the Edina community, Amarapurkar was awarded the 2021 Tom Oye Human Rights Award.

Introducing Chinese Culture as a Way to Abate Asian Hate

Amarapurkar isn’t the only one sharing cultural awareness in Edina schools and the wider community. Chinese teacher Zhuo Wang, who immigrated to the United States in 2008 from northern China, uses Edina High School’s (EHS) Chinese club to introduce Chinese culture to students throughout the school.

“We do different activities every month, including celebrating Chinese holidays,” Wang says. “We do some activities, like calligraphy writing. We’re also making bubble teas, making Chinese dumplings; we do different sections every month introducing the Chinese culture.”

Over the past two years, Wang says she started noticing a very disturbing trend.

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Photos: Zhuo Wang; Chris Emeott

Minnesota, and her research experience has helped to contribute to the robust library of resources on AshaUSA’s website, as well as its collaborative research reports. But along with the research aspect of the organization, there’s a social aspect as well.

“Our most popular [program] is called HUM Group, which is a monthly senior group for South Asian seniors,” Amarapurkar says. Founded in 2015 with eight seniors, the program has grown to over 40 members who are usually either visiting family longterm from countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, or else immigrants themselves who are looking to connect with others.

“They really love to meet once a month,” Amarapurkar says. “It’s getting together, bringing food, like a potluck, celebrating birthdays or anniversaries or any festivals—whatever’s happening around that time.” She notes that loneliness, especially during the winter months, is one of the main issues affecting South Asian seniors.

The HUM Group gives them a chance to circumvent that.

“There was a lot of Asian hate crimes happening around the country,” Wang says. “It just broke my heart ... From there, I start to think, ‘What can I do to stop Asian hate?’ and, ‘What can I do for my community?’”

Wang says last spring her colleague and fellow Chinese teacher at EHS was designing a T-shirt for the Chinese program at the time, and Wang had the idea to combine the two projects to create a fundraising event. But before she and her class leaders could get to work, Wang had to figure out a way to address the topic of Asian hate with her high school and middle school students.

When she started looking into how she could broach the subject, Wang learned that May was AAPI Heritage Month. “I [thought], ‘Oh, why not start with that?’” Wang says. “So, we looked at the history and how Asian Americans contributed to the country and the good things they did.” After exploring the positive, Wang’s classes turned their attention to the negative. “From there, we talk about why there [is] so much Asian hate now,” she says. “We do not think we should link COVID with a certain group of people.”

Wang then worked with the Chinese club to put together a fundraiser to raise awareness more broadly. She wanted students to be involved in every step of the process, from designing the shirt themselves to deciding which organization to donate the fundraised money to. Ultimately, the students chose to donate the $545 they raised the Coalition of Asian American Leaders.

Wang says the event was a surprising success given its newness. “The fundraiser could not run successfully without the three Chinese club presidents [who are now EHS graduates]: Catalina Madrinan, Lily Nygard and Sarah Mashaal,” Wang says.

Although the May 2021 fundraising event was virtual due to quarantine restrictions, Wang says it’s her goal to continue the fundraiser as an annual event. “I also hope to promote our Chinese program in Edina, so more students are interested in learning the language and culture,” Wang says.

“The more we can understand each culture, the less [misunderstanding] and hate people shall have.”

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Buzzw ort h y L awn C a r e

When Betty Goodman moved into her current home in Edina in 2017, she knew she wanted to be very intentional about the landscaping. Her property is across the street (and uphill) from a wetland, and she didn’t want any lawn care to disturb the wetland ecosystem.

Beyond her personal concerns, Goodman is also an environmental lawyer and has more awareness than the average person on the impact of pesticides and chemicals. “I talked to some [lawn care companies] that do a lot of work in our neighborhood, and I told them my concerns about not putting anything on my lawn that would in any way harm the environment there,” Goodman says. “And I was given answers like, ‘Oh, our artificial fertilizers wouldn’t go down into the wetland because they’re granular, and they stick to the ground.’” Goodman was dissatisfied with these responses.

After several dead-end conversations, she came across Minnehaha Falls Landscaping. She invited Russ Henry, the company’s president, over to discuss her lawn. “He came over, and I realized that … his standards are even higher than mine,” Goodman says. “I hired him, and he’s been working for me ever since.”

What was different about Henry and his team’s approach is a commitment to lawn care without chemicals or pesticides—including herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and more. “Any of the

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‘-icides’ are not invited to our garden party,” Henry says.

Henry is trained in soil microbiology and, for three years, studied under Elaine Ingham, M.D., one of the world’s leading soil microbiologists who helped create the organic standards for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Henry has also spent the past five years being mentored by Chip Osborne, one of the world’s leading experts on organic turf transitions.

Henry took all this studying and expertise and wanted to give it a practical outlet, through local landscaping and education. So, in 2005, he established Giving Tree Gardens, an organic gardening company, and in 2017 launched Bee Safe Minneapolis, an advocacy and education organization that focuses on bee-safe landscaping practices. Also in 2017, Henry and his wife bought Minnehaha Falls Landscaping, a 65-yearold Minneapolis-based company.

The company’s focus on organic landscaping and bee-friendly lawns attracts those looking to maintain their yards and mitigate weeds without chemicals and pesticides. (Additionally, Minnehaha Falls Landscaping has a landscape architect on staff, and they build walkways, patios, decks, retaining walls and fences in addition to whole-yard landscape re-design.)

“For us, organic management is a commitment to the health and safety of our clients and staff,” Henry says. “As

iStock.com/JJGouin

written by Amy Overgaard

With the environment in min d, m ore people turn to orga nic l s. and wn a l scapi ng and bee-friendly

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thrive—and that a thriving, abundant lawn naturally pushes weeds out.

“When I talk about healthy soil, I’m talking about a collection of living organisms … [and] having a balanced community of living microscopic organisms in the soil,” Henry says. “A healthy soil system is based on fungi and bacteria.

They are the predominant life forms in a healthy soil system.”

“Fungi and bacteria are very much responsible for creating soil structure,” Henry says. “And soil structure is what

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iStock.com/wingbeats551

well as a commitment to the health and safety of the ecosystem.”

And how do they achieve beautiful lawns, naturally? “First and foremost, we focus on growing a thick, healthy turf,” Henry says. “So, we’ll use aeration, over-seeding and organic fertilizer, as well as liquid compost extract.” They also do some hand-pulling and mechanical weed removal. But Henry says what it truly all comes down to is developing and maintaining soil health. He notes that healthy soil microbiology helps turf

allows soil to act like a sponge for water to soak up the rainwater … Fungi and bacteria are also responsible for cycling the nutrients that plants need.”

Soil health has been a huge focus for Goodman’s lawn. When she purchased her home, she did some significant updates and renovations, which involved digging a foundation for an addition in the backyard. “When they did that work … they didn’t segregate the topsoil from the under soil,” Goodman says, noting that in her area of Edina, the undersoil is very sandy. During the digging and renovation work, this sandy undersoil got mixed in with her topsoil, impacting the quality of the soil in her yard and gardens.

“The soil in my gardens and yard in the backyard, it’s extremely thin,” Goodman says. “There’s not any organic matter in it.” She says she wasn’t “smart enough at the time” to realize that or the impact it would have longterm. She had bushes put in after her renovation and they “just didn’t thrive as much as I wanted it to.

And I was kind of puzzled. And then I started realizing how sandy the soils were,” she says.

To help improve the quality of the soil in Goodman’s yard and gardens, Henry and his team put a mulch/compost mixture on her garden several times a year, as well as applying liquid compost and organic fertilizer to her lawn. This brings organic matter (those essential bacteria and fungi) back into the topsoil.

While it can take months (and in some cases, years) to fully achieve healthy soil, Goodman says after each application, she sees improvement. “The next day, or after the next rain, I can tell an immediate difference.”

Through these mulch and compost applications, Henry and his team are rebuilding the soil health in Goodman’s yard from the top down—all without chemicals and pesticides. “I have a dog, so I’m particularly happy that the dog is not running around in chemicals,” Goodman says.

But it’s not just her dog who gets to enjoy the fruit of Henry’s labor.

“Because of the wetland, there [are] a lot of butterflies and bees and birds— it’s a very wildlife-ridden neighborhood for being on top of the city. So [my garden and chemical-free lawn] just supports them,” Goodman says. “I can see the things that I’ve planted that they come and use those plants to eat. And in the course of eating, they pollinate.”

Wha t is a p o l l ina t or o r b ee- friend l y la wn ?

lawn) and it doesn’t require any fertilizer, herbicides or irrigation.

So, what plants are in a bee-friendly lawn? Just four simple ingredients.

Dutch White Clover: This flowering plant feeds 57 species of native Minnesota bees. They’re drought tolerant and can bring nutrients to your soil, which reduces the need for fertilizing.

Creeping Thyme: This plant spreads in an underlayer under the other plants to help create a multi-layer canopy and helps mitigate weeds.

Fine Fescues: The only grasses in this four-plant mix, fescues are Minnesota-native grasses that grow six to eight inches tall. In a bee lawn, there are typically four varieties of fine fescues in the mix.

While it might seem like a big undertaking to transition your lawn from “normal” grass to this fourplant mix, the state of Minnesota actually offers a grant program for homeowners to make this transition.

The Lawns to Legumes pilot program offers a combination of workshops, coaching, planting guides and individual support grants for installing pollinator-friendly native plants in residential lawns.

Prunella Vulgaris: Commonly known as “self-heal,” this Minnesotanative perennial blooms throughout the summer, producing lavender or white flowers. It’s known for its many medicinal qualities—plus, it helps feed 24 species of native bees.

Minnehaha Falls Landscaping, 4549 41st Ave. S., Mpls; 612.724.5454; minnehahafallslandscape.com Minnehaha Falls Landscaping

iStock.com/EvgeniiKorneev

At Minnehaha Falls Landscaping, Henry and his team not only focus on organic landscaping but also developing pollinator-friendly lawns and gardens.

In 2018, the University of Minnesota released standards for creating and maintaining beefriendly lawns. A bee-friendly lawn involves low-growing flowers mixed in with turfgrasses that provide food (nectar and pollen) for pollinators.

According to Henry, this is a simple set of plants that create turf that’s a friendly environment for pollinators but also makes a great family-friendly lawn. He says bee lawns are “essentially a very simple set of plants that create a turf that you can walk on, that you can lay around on, play, kick the ball on, that you can have a picnic on.” Bonus? You don’t have to mow it if you don’t want (though choosing not to mow does mean you’ll have a six-to-eight-inch

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P o l l in at o r Garden s

Butterfly Weed (ASC L EP I AS T UB EROSA)

Common Milkweed (ASCLEPIAS SYRI ACA )

Little Bluestem ( SCH I ZACH YRI U M SCOPA RI U M )

Purple Prairie Clover

Whorled Milkweed

(G EUM T R I F LORUM)

(DALEA PU RPU REA )

( ASCL EPI AS VERTI CI L L ATA )

Photos: The Plant Conservation Program at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Prairie Smoke

Not ready for a full lawn overhaul? You can still use your yard to create a pollinatorfriendly environment. By planting a pollinator garden—which can be anywhere from a couple of square feet to hundreds—you can create not only a beautiful landscape of native grasses, plants and flowers, but you can also create an environment for bees and butterflies to get their daily meal. The Plant Conservation Program at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum recommends these six Minnesota-native plant as a starting place for home gardeners—and Henry adds a few more favorites to the list. Once established in the right conditions, they need little water or fertilizer to thrive.

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Milkweed is the primary home and food of the caterpillars that eventually become monarch butterflies.

Milkweed plants grow to be about 2 to 4 feet tall and produce both clusters of flowers and pods, which split open as the plant matures each year, releasing fluffy white seeds. Butterfly weed, common milkweed and whorled milkweed are all species of milkweed.

Little Bluestem is an ornamental perennial grass that forms in dense mounds. The slender blue-green stems grow up to 3 feet tall by September, then transition to a reddish-bronze with white seed tufts in the fall—providing a great backdrop for prairie flowers.

Prairie Smoke gets its name from the appearance of its wispy seedheads. Its clusters of reddish-pink, maroon or purple flowers sit atop 12–18-inch stems. This perennial blooms in late spring and early summer—one of the earliest bloomers in this collection of plants.

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Purple Prairie Clover features thimble-shaped flowers that sit atop a stems with delicate foliage.

This herbaceous perennial grows 1 to 3 feet tall.

Bee Balm is an herbaceous, longblooming perennial that produces bright, vibrant flowers which grow 2 to 4 feet tall. Part of the mint family, its leaves are also highly aromatic.

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Joe-Pye-Weed is a perennial wildflower, which is in the sunflower family and grows 4 to 8 feet tall.

It produces clumps of tiny, sweetsmelling purple and pink flowers at the top of its stalky stems.

Meadow Blazing Star features purple stalks that grow over 4 feet tall, making a bold textural statement in your garden.

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Story by Renée Stewart-Hester .. Photos by Chris Emeott .. Hair by Sitha Kim .. Makeup by Makeup Savvy

THeY DiG iT

P o P C U LT U r e P r e S e r vA T i o n SoCieTY STriKeS A reTro CHorD.

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, movies, crushes, toys and even the Sears Wish Book. Over 6,000 followers hit the Instagram account, where they query followers about anything from their favorite Yacht Rock songs to gym class horror stories.

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, all born in the ’60s, obviously 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 nos-

talgic 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 Michelle, 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 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.”

But it’s more than nostalgia that pulls these women back into the days of banana seat bikes and push-pull fashion struggle between mini and maxi skirts. Newman points to “the groovy clothes, the fun toys, the people we crushed on, the amazing music, the fabulous TV [and] the inappropriate movies we watched. They all just

At left, Carolyn Cochrane (in black top and maxi skirt), Michelle Newman (in pink dress) and Kristin Nilsen (in printed dress), all enjoying their favorite ’70s memorabilia.

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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.”

Speaking of joy: “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 a 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 middle of caring for aging parents and our own kids are moving out.”

“We had so little to worry about when we were kids,” Nilsen says. “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]. 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 first-hand 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,” Cochrane says. “Nostalgia really seems to be a balm for so many.”

These women not only have collective memories they love to share but

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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

they also have collections—collections that are growing, thanks to some 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 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.”

But for Nilsen, it’s not just records.

“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.”

As for Newman, she says, “I still have all of my Fisher-Price Play Family sets and my Weebles sets from my childhood.

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I’m currently collecting vintage FisherPrice from the ’60s and am always on the lookout for pieces.” Also a recent fan of vintage vinyl, she says she’s “searching for complete collections of The Carpenters and Barry Manilow.”

Cochrane enjoys dipping into countless antique stores, looking for everything from K-Tel albums to ’70s Tiger Beat magazines and Holly Hobbie lunchboxes. And she’s absolutely 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.

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

poppreservationists.com Podcast: Pop Culture Preservation Society

Love, and everyone enjoys a final snifter of brandy.

Pop Culture Preservation Society @popculturepreservationsociety @PopCulturePres1

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th in g s to se e and do in and aro und Edina

PLANTING TREES FOR ARBOR DAY The city of Edina participates in this 150-year tradition.

the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day. You might be thinking—wait, didn’t Arbor Day already happen? Yes, in fact it was on April 29.

However, the city of Edina is publicly observing it on May 6—and you’re welcome to join.

At 10 a.m., citizens can join city forester Luther Overhold and the park maintenance staff at as they plant trees at Rosland Park. Participants will get a demonstration of how to properly plant trees, with guidance and tools provided through a partnership with the Tree Trust, a nonprofit in St. Paul. Overhold’s goal is for the group to plant 200 trees (22 different species)—his biggest Arbor Day planting to date.

May 6 is also the official kickoff to the NextGen Trees planting program funded by the city of Edina’s American Rescue Plan Act dollars. Through this grant, Overhold will oversee the planting of 1,000 trees in the city of Edina over the next year. His goal is to diversify Edina’s urban forest, make it more resilient and climate adaptable while also planting trees where they’re most needed around the city.

Arbor Day was first observed in 1872 in Nebraska. Today, Arbor Day is celebrated in all 50 states, with National Arbor Day being observed the last Friday in April. (However, individual states vary their dates based on the best treeplanting weather.) On a local level, the city of Edina commemorates Arbor Day each spring through the planting of trees around the city. —Amy Overgaard

Photo: Emily J. Davis

THI S YEA R MA R KS

All ages. Free. 10 a.m., May 6. Rosland Park, 4300 W. 66th St.; 952.927.8861; edinamn.gov

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O N T H E TOW N Compiled by Emily Deutscher and Hanna McDaniels

May Tea Day

Kentucky Derby Day 05/07 Don your Kentucky Derby best while sipping wine and bidding on artists. This event, put together by the Functional Food Foundation, will offer an array of activities—including the opportunity to meet miniature horses, Great Danes and bunnies. Ages 21 and over. $100-$600. 2:30–6:30 p.m.

Minneapolis Club, 729 Second Ave. S., Mpls.; functionalfoodfoundation.com

Minneapolis Bridal and Wedding Expo 05/15 Find your dream wedding dress at the Minneapolis Bridal and Wedding Expo.

Browse through stunning gowns while meeting industry professionals like photographers and DJs. Tickets sold online.

Intro to Poetry Session 05/26

All ages. Free. 12:30–5 p.m. St. Paul RiverCentre, 175 West Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul; 888.560.3976; bridalshowsmn.com

May Tea Day

Pick up a beautiful new hobby in the

05/01

written word of poetry. In this intro-

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

The Edina Parks and Rec Department

duction class, you will learn to write

05/18–06/5

and the Edina Historical Society are

an array of poems and lyrical prose

Moulin Rouge! The Musical is in

teaming up to serve tea, hors d’oeuvres

while learning about its history. Ages

Minneapolis and will be sure to dazzle

and share history. As you’re sipping tea, Mary Agnes Ratelle will showcase the history of women’s wear. This event is in the Fireside Room. Ages 16 and over. $40.

11–1:30 p.m. Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave.; 952.927.8861; edinamn.gov

Minneapolis Police Band

18 and over. $160. Times vary. Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Square 101; 952.833.9570; edinamn.gov

AREA EVENTS

and electrify with this celebration of beauty and love. Ages 12 and over.

Prices vary. Times vary. Orpheum Theater, 910 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.339.7007; hennepintheatretrust.org

Kickoff to Summer at the Fair 05/26–05/30 Enjoy all your State Fair favorites

Join the Minneapolis Police Band—

Virtual Spring Orchestra Concert

the official marching band of the police

05/01

ping, food, trivia and games. All ages.

department—as it performs a con-

Join the Minnesota Youth Symphonies

cert consisting of a swing band and a

for an online concert, which will fea-

marching band. All ages. Free. 6–7 p.m.

ture the 2021–2022 Symphony Solo

05/15

this May at an event filled with shop-

$12.50. 4:30–9:30 p.m. Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul; 651.288.4400; mnstatefair.org

Edinborough Park Amphitheater, 7700 York Ave. S.; 952.833.9540; edinamn.gov

Competition Winner. All ages. $10.

2 p.m. minnesotaorchestra.org

Teen Art Escape

Circus Juventas Spring Show

To have your event considered: email

05/24

05/01–05/08

edinamag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the

Teens can practice their artistic hobbies

Enjoy the glitz and glamor of old-school

month three months prior to publication.

and passionions among their peers at

Hollywood and Broadway at this year’s

the Art Center. This open studio session

Circus Juventas Spring Show: Showtunes!

Due to the fluidity being experienced in

is guided by a teacher and offers oppor-

A throwback to bygone eras, it will be full

the current environment, please note that

tunities for painting, drawing, digital

of flying acrobatics and heart-stopping

some events/dates and even some busi-

artwork and more. Ages 13–18. $90. 4:30–

showtunes. All ages. $25–$40. Times vary.

ness operations may have changed since

6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Edina Art Center, 407 W. 64th St.; 952.903.5780; edinamn.gov

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Circus Juventas, 1270 Montreal Ave., St. Paul; 651.699.8229; circusjuventas.org

these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

May 2022

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iStock.com/SergeyNazarov

LOCAL EVENTS

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hat started in 1998 with one employee and one truck is now a trusted local lawn and landscaping business with 35 design and maintenance experts and countless referrals. Barrett Lawn Care is owned by Edina-resident Steve Mura who understands this community, its climate and the simple desire of customers: to have a beautiful outdoor living space.

“We meet with clients who want to lean on our experts entirely and some who have a few ideas of their own,” Mura says. “Our end goal is to create outdoor spaces built on quality craftsmanship that give our clients curb appeal pride while also allowing for relaxing and entertaining. By working with our experts when the snow flies, we are shovel ready when the ground thaws to implement their outdoor vision for relaxing, hosting family barbeques or holding graduation parties, come spring.”

When it comes to Barrett’s services, sustainability is a priority as evident in its Greenr initiative, which includes battery-powered, no-emission and no-noise lawn mowers; smart irrigation control; and organic mosquito control and fertilizers. “The program reflects our commitment to operating a company

that is environmentally conscious by working daily to reduce emissions and keep chemicals out of our water supply,” Mura says.

Barrett’s success continues to grow from the quality of its work, which is underscored by praise from clients. “From the very beginning, they consistently went above and beyond,” says a client.

“They provided a fair quote, answered our questions in a timely manner, and the team that worked on our project was diligent, hardworking, detail-oriented, as well as friendly. If you want high quality, time-efficient, fairly-priced work done to your yard, this is where you want to be,” says another satisfied client.

“We simply love what we do, and our passion is visible in our commitment to our research, work and, most importantly, our customers,” Mura says.

BARRETT LAWN CARE

7524 Lyndale Ave. S., Richfield 612.866.7522 • barrettlawncare.com

TA S T E M A K E R S

Growing Green

BY AVA DIAZ

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PHOTOS BY CHRIS EMEOTT

Edina resident shares the secret behind achieving the perfect veggie garden.

S O ME P EOP LE naturally have a

green thumb—like Edina resident Mark Campbell. He realized his passion early on. In his second-grade science class, his teacher was passing around a lily of the valley plant, and he was so mesmerized by the fragrance of it that he had his mom buy one for their backyard.

“I would go out and lay by the plant for hours, just smelling it,” he says.

Harnessing this passion for nature in his adult years, he began gardening on his own, gravitating toward vegetables and growing anything from tomatoes and greens to herbs.

He eventually started selling his herbs and edible flowers to local restaurants in the ’80s, which was unheard of at the time, Campbell says.

Transitioning into the restaurant

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world, he tried his hand at working in the kitchens he was sourcing for. It was these experiences that developed his love for creating meals from wholesome ingredients.

With an inclination to learn more, he set off to the University of California in Santa Cruz for an apprenticeship in sustainable agriculture. Continuing his work in the food industry, he landed a job working for a 360-acre organic herb farm before he headed back to Minnesota to spend more time in restaurant kitchens.

He landed as the chef at Beaujo’s Wine Bar & Bistro (now Bojae’s) on 50th and France for a time. Today, he’s back to the farming world as the general manager at Ame Farms, where he oversees honey production.

Though a love for gardening was instilled in him from an early age, Campbell says that acquiring a flourishing garden is obtainable, no matter a person’s level of expertise. Sharing a bit of his knowledge, Campbell delves into a few tips and tricks to turn your yard into a veritable produce aisle.

Campbell’s Quick Tips on How to Start a Veggie Garden

Campbell suggests doing research on what you want to grow, so you know what you are getting into and how you can properly care for each plant.

From there, analyze the space you have for your plants, whether indoors or outdoors. This will help you with your research on what care the plant requires—from climate and soil to the

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TA S T E M A K E R S

amount of sunlight and water it needs.

Campbell also suggests growing plants that are “off the wall” and unique from what you see in a typical the grocery store. This will not only provide you with a wider variety of food to choose from, but it will also entice you to experiment with new recipes and learn more growing techniques. “It is so much more rewarding,” Campbell says.

His final advice? Plant plenty. To make the most of your garden, plant more seedlings, and preserve the excess by pickling or canning to then eat in the off months.

The Best Leafy Greens for Minnesota’s Climate

Some of Campbell’s favorite vegetables to grow are leafy greens. Though many people might gravitate toward the simplicity of romaine lettuce and spinach, Campbell says they’re among the trickiest greens to harvest. Finicky with their growing conditions, they tend to bolt faster (stop leaf production and grow a flowering stem instead) due to the fluctuation of Minnesota weather in the late spring to early summer months. For a hardier alternative, he suggests planting chard,

kale or select Asian varieties of cabbage and spinach, like amaranth.

The same species as a beet, chard is a reliable biannual crop that is easy to grow. Yielding tasty, vitamin A-packed leaves from spring through late summer, it is not day-length sensitive and will not flower until the plant makes it through the winter season. Doing best in cooler climates, it is still capable of producing product in the summer if the soil remains moist.

Tolerant to the cold, kale is a resilient plant that can withstand conditions as

For some fresh flavor, pair your garden’s leafy greens and herbs with a hint of citrus.

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chilling as the first frost of the season.

Though not fussy, the conditions they grow in can alter their flavor profile.

Tender, nonbitter leaves result from moderate warmth and minimal moisture stress, whereas acidic flavors can develop if the plant is exposed to too much heat.

Growing an Herb Garden

You don’t have to stop at veggies when planting your garden. Campbell personally loves growing his own herbs. “They truly grow anywhere, are hardy and easy to grow without requiring a lot of care.”

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TA S T E M A K E R S

sage thyme

rosemary

cilantro

Taking minimal amounts of space, herbs can grow in small pots on the windowsill, on the patio or on your kitchen counter.

“When you’re starting in gardening, I always tell people to grow [herbs] as close to your house as you can because you are not going to walk all the way in your lawn for a pinch of parsley,” Campbell says.

“Save the big stuff for the yard.”

According to the University of Minnesota Extension, the more popular culinary herbs that are grown here stem from two plant families: mint and carrot. The mint family includes herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage. With aromatic leaves, these bushy species are resilient and can survive in tougher conditions such as intense heat and dry soils. The carrot family consists of herbs like parsley, cilantro and dill. These slender plants thrive in moist conditions.

The size of your plant depends on the type, Campbell says. For annuals like parsley, you can get a decent amount of product for the short amount of time they are in bloom. However, perennials grow larger in size each year, providing more over a prolonged period.

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PREFERRED SBA LENDER. parsely dill

Despite the varying types, they all share a common need for sunlight and water. Typically, most herb plants require a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight—though all-day sun is the most ideal. Watering is only necessary once a week. Soaking the soil thoroughly to a depth of eight inches ensures the roots are receiving the correct amount of moisture. To maintain the perfect moisture level, make sure the top layer is not dry, but don’t saturate it too much because soggy conditions can lead to root rot. Find the sweet spot in between for optimal growth!

While herbs are most commonly used for culinary purposes, they also have many other benefits. For Campbell, the scent they give off is the greatest asset.

“That, to me, is why herbs are so amazing, the fragrance is just so powerful … it’s a mood changer,” Campbell says. He adds that nothing compares to his favorite, lemon verbena. Its stronger scent makes it a common source for a variety of flavored teas, scented potpourri or perfumes. “It almost smells more like fresh lemons than actual lemons,” he says.

Advancements in healthcare and other sectors are accelerating at an exponential rate. Join industry experts and thought leaders to explore the possiblities for Minnesota’s wellbeing future.

The Best.The Brightest.

THE FUTURE OF W E L L B E I NG MINNESOTA LEADING THE WAY May 12, 7:30 am-10 am with Breakfast The Westin Edina Galleria 3201 Galleria, Edina The Future of Wellbeing: Minnesota Leading the Way Foresight research results presented by David Beurle and a panel of experts.

To reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/3qjoWWc

47

LAST GLANCE

By Hanna McDaniels

RUNNER UP: ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Capturing Memories Hobbyist photographer captures the little moments of life.

48

Photographer: Leah Steidl

Title: Soccer Nights at Pamela Park Equipment:

Canon R6 Mirrorless

To view other Images of Edina photo contest winners, visit edinamag.com.

May 2022

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Photo: Leah Steidl

WH EN LEAH STEID L —a hobbyist photographer of eight years— had her little girl, she knew she had to capture the little moments life has to offer. “I picked up photography because my daughter grows too fast,” Steidl says with a smile. “I wanted to capture her in the moment.” She says she loves capturing not only the authentic pictures of childhood but also the candid moments of everyday life.

This particular photo, which received runner up in the Activities & Events category of the 2021 Images of Edina photo contest, does just that. It was taken at Pamela Park last summer, during an Edina youth soccer game.

The photo opportunity struck her when the girls began to hug. “They’ve been friends since kindergarten,” Steidl says. “They’re just so sweet.”

The Cedar Roof Man KUHLS CONTRACTING: 1515 SOUTH 5TH STREET, HOPKINS, MN • 952.935.9469

www.kuhlscontracting.com

STRAIGHT TALK FROM STEVE KUHL

Five signs your cedar roof may need some TLC 1

Let’s face it. Cedar roofs look great but owning one is a little scary. “Has it been damaged by hail?” “Will it blow off in a storm?” “I hear something chewing up there!” But despite what you may hear, your cedar roof is still one of the most beautiful and long-lasting products on the market. The only catch is you have take care of it.

Owner, Dad, Wood Roof Geek

That’s where I come in. My free, written estimate includes a thorough analysis of your roof. Bringing over 25 years of experience to the table, I will evaluate its’ condition to determine whether or not maintenance, repairs or replacement is the best option for you. Worst case scenario you get a free inspection from a true expert. Best case, we work our magic on your roof and add years to its lifespan.

Loose Nails & Staples

2

In fact, Kuhl’s Contracting is looked to for the evaluation and restoration of cedar roofs by more insurance companies, home inspectors, realtors and architects than any other company in Minnesota. Not to brag, but we are pretty awesome. Don’t take my word for it. Check out our talents at www.kuhlscontracting.com. Or ask around. We have probably done work for someone you know.

I started this company in 1987. Since that time we have worked on thousands of homes around the Twin Cities. My approach to business has never wavered. Be honest, be reliable and do great work. As a result our list of happy clients grows daily.

Cupping & Curling

3

Before Moss & Algae

4 Call us today to schedule your free estimate:

952-935-9469 Steve Kuhl’s Motivation Task Force

Giggle Manager

Inventory Princess Hungry Hound

After Evil Critters

Other KUHL Capabilities:

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•Asphalt, Cedar & Flat Roofing •Chimney & Masonry Repairs •Ice Dam Prevention •Siding & Carpentry •Remodeling Missing Shakes