Lake Minnetonka August 2021

LAKE MINNETONKA MAGAZINE

Plus: Couple reimagines its island dream home

AUGUST 2021

The Flying Chef Lo ca l teen lan ds a spot in t he blo gosphere

LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM

Edina Realty

Wayzata - Lake Minnetonka Office 1000 Superior Blvd, Wayzata 952.475.2411

Wayzata.EdinaRealty.com

RUSTIC CHARM & MODERN

LOVELY LIBBS LAKE MINNETONKA

REFINED HOME NEAR EXCELSIOR

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Restored and updated 1880’s farmstead on 1-acre corner lot inside 494 beltway with 4BRs/ 4BAs and a 3-Car garage. Huge chef’s kitchen and upper level recreation room. Situated in a neighborhood of $1MM+ homes. $780,000.

South facing 5 bd/5bth home on Libbs Lake that channels into Lake Minnetonka. .63 acre, 100’ of lakeshore with natural light and lakeviews throughout home. Upper level primary bedroom suite with jetted tub, walk-in shower and closet.

This amazing home is wonderfully updated and in a superb neighborhood, Mtka SchoolsMinnewashta Elem, Excelsior zip. 5+brdm including main floor master and luxuriously finished lower level. 945 Iris Circle. $1,299,000

Mike & Lindsay Strand • 612-840-8561

Lezlie Bork • 612-396-3887

Tim Berg • 612-250-2255

HUNTINGTON MANOR | ORONO

WATERFORD DREAM HOME | SHOREWOOD

LAKE LIFE | GREENWOOD

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This prestigious 3.37 acre estate offers exceptional architectural elements throughout. The home was constructed from limestone, steel and white oak sourced onsite. 835 Hunt Farm Road, Orono $7,495,000

Introducing 19585 Muirfield Circle in the coveted Waterford neighborhood of Shorewood. An entertainer and sports enthusiast’s dream home!

Quality spaces inside and out. Award-winning Minnetonka Schools. $950,000.

Introducing 4945 Sleepy Hollow Road in beautiful Greenwood. Situated on a fantastic half-acre lot with seasonal views of Lake Minnetonka, this one story home offers wonderful remodel potential.

Award-winning Minnetonka Schools. $690,000.

Sarah Polovitz & Matt Johnson • 612-743-6801

Sarah Polovitz • 612-743-6801

Sarah Polovitz • 612-743-6801

STUNNING WAYZATA CONDO

4021 PIPEWOOD LN, EXCELSIOR, MN

VICTORIA CHARMER

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Gorgeous Waypoint Condo in the quaint town of Wayzata walking distance to shops and restaurants. This home features 2 beds/ 2baths, den and large kitchen. Amazing rooftop deck with views of Lake Minnetonka. $1,000,000

The Hermann Group • 952-475-4912

Breathtaking Colson Custom Built Rambler located in top ranked Minnetonka Schools. Built in 2004 w/3200 finished sq feet, 4bd/3ba, gourmet kitchen, main floor bedroom/office, 2 gas fireplaces, 3bd in the lower level, creek view & more. Come fall in love today! $725K

Mary Pat Nydahl • 952-239-4420

Welcome home! This Savannah Valley beauty features 4 beds, 4 baths, and over 3400 square feet of living space. Walking distance to multiple parks, trails and vibrant Downtown Victoria! $505,000

Mary Beth Burgstahler • 909-273-4768

EVERY ROAD BLOCK. EVERY GREEN LIGHT. We’re always nearby.

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AUGUST 2021 “Ever since I was a young child, I’ve been interested in cooking. My mother set up a little table in the kitchen, and I’d do little kitchen tasks and help out.

I then got interested in [chef ] Emeril Lagasse … He’d shout, ‘Bam!’ when adding various ingredients, and I’d followed suit in making my own cooking videos when I was very young.” —Spencer Olson, food blogger, page 44

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AUGUST 2021

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OFFERED AT $1,050,000 5 BED, 5 BATH, APPROX. 6,100 FSF*

PRICE UPON REQUEST 5 BED, 5 BATH, APPROX. 5,990 FSF

Custom-built in 2013. Welcoming oversized front porch, fabulous floorplan, inviting entry, two main floor offices, and tons of storage throughout. 4 bedrooms up, sport court, and community association pool & clubhouse.

Exclusive family compound. Soaring vaults and 27’ bi-fold doors that effortlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces. Bonus detached matching 4-car garage with the ability to hold eight cars with lift.

*Sport court included in square footage.

IN EVERY ISSUE

Editor’s Letter 8 Noteworthy 11 On the Town 41 Tastemakers 44 Last Glance 48

DEPARTMENTS Taste 16

Dig In

Wayzata restaurant offers fast-food fare with a twist.

Be Well 18

Rhythm for Your Soul Chakradance encourages personal growth and self-discovery.

PHOTO: CHRIS EMEOTT

Enlighten 20

Post-Pandemic College Admissions

SOLD

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deephaven

tonka bay

OFFERED AT $1,850,000 4 BED, 6 BATH, APPROX. 4,600 FSF

OFFERED AT $2,695,000 4 BED, 6 BATH, APPROX. 5,400 FSF*

Jyland custom-built cedar shake cottage in Cottagewood USA! Private main floor master suite, executive office, gorgeous chef style kitchen, soaring stone fireplace. Lower level rec room that walks out to the pool and spa, and much more!

Entertainers dream home on Lake Minnetonka.

Approximately 100ft of lakeshore, an indoor pool, spa, sauna, exercise room, and home theatre; this is the complete package! *Pool room not included in square footage.

TRUSTED REAL ESTATE EXPERT 612.382.4952 M A R KG R I E G E R @ C B B U R N E T. C O M G R I E G E R G R O U P. C O M

University applications may look a bit different in 2021.

Pets 22

Adventure is Barking Trainer works with owners and pets in real world settings.

Search for homes on our mobile app: Lake Minnetonka Homes

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co-host

Elizabeth

Ries

co-host

Steve

Patterson

FEATURES

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Looking Forward Local nonprofit turns stumbling blocks into stepping stones.

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More Enchanted Evenings Couple reimagines its island dream home.

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AUGUST 2021

PHOTO: CHRIS EMEOTT

WEEKDAYS at 3PM

R.F. MOELLER Jeweler

Family owned & operated in the Twin Cities since 1951.

50th & France

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Highland Park

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RFMoeller.com LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM

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Love Lake Minnetonka Magazine?

FROM THE EDITOR Get Connected & Find • Upcoming local events • Web exclusive articles • Editors’ and writers’ blogs • Submit story ideas to Lake Minnetonka Magazine

Renée Stewart-Hester, lakeminntonkamag@tigeroak.com

W

e’re well on our way through summer with fall in our sights. Typically, this issue would include our annual Prep Elite article. Each year, we ask area high schools to nominate incoming seniors, who exemplify the schools’ standards of excellence in a multitude of areas. Our editorial team then highlights four or five of the students in our pages.

This year is different—because last year and much of 2021 have been “different.” Under regular circumstances, it’s difficult to feature only a handful of the nominated students because they all are amazing in unique and admirable ways.

This year, we felt it would be downright impossible to choose Prep Elites.

This time around, let’s salute all our high school seniors for what they’ve missed, endured, accomplished and overcome as they navigated the end of their high school educations and beginning of their “what’s next.” We’re proud of Lake Minnetonka area students—from the littles to the seniors.

This issue does, however, stay true to its education theme, and Madeline Kopiecki shares on page 26 how Sara Swan of Looking Forward Life Coaching educates and encourages clients of all abilities to make successful transitions.

On page 20, Olivia Rivera sheds light on how the recent pandemic has impacted the college application process. Turn to page 22 as Samantha DeLeon explores how Adventure is Barking teaches dogs real-life skills through some enviable social interactions.

There’s so much more for you to learn about in this issue, so let’s get started.

Until next time,

Visit us online for even more about Lake Minnetonka.

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

LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM

LAKE MINNETONKA MAGAZINE

@LAKEMINNETONKAMAG

@LMTKMAG

On the Cover Spencer Olson, photo by Chris Emeott

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AUGUST 2021

PHOTO: TATE CARLSON

lakeminnetonkamag.com

VOL. 17 NO. 3 lakeminnetonkamag.com

publisher SUSAN ISAY

editor RENÉE STEWART-HESTER

managing editor ANGELA JOHNSON

associate editor HAILEY ALMSTED

copy editor KELLIE DOHERTY

staff writers SAMANTHA DELEON, AVA DIAZ, MADELINE KOPIECKI

editorial interns MEGHAN BISHOP, LAUREN FOLEY, OLIVIA RIVERA

editorial advisory board Jacqueline Getty, Minnetonka Public Schools Tracy Hvezda-Lehtola, Hennepin County Library-Excelsior Michele Phillips, blogger, writer, photographer Jenny Bodurka, Minnetonka Community Education Natalie Webster, chief creator at Webster Effect Mike Polis, Realtor and YouTuber Things|People|Places

senior managing art director SARAH DOVOLOS

art director ALLISON NOLDEN

lead staff photographer CHRIS EMEOTT

print production director BRITTNI DYE

digital production director DEIDRA ANDERSON

project coordinator ANGELA BEISSEL

senior account executives BROOKE BEISE, KATIE FREEMARK, CYNTHIA HAMRE, SARA JOHNSON

circulation and marketing KATIE RINGHAND

credit manager APRIL MCCAULEY

chief operating officer SUSAN ISAY

chief financial officer BILL NELSON

Lake Minnetonka Magazine 9877 AIRPORT RD NE BLAINE, MN 55449 612.548.3180 SUBSCRIPTIONS: Lake Minnetonka Magazine is published 12 times a year. Rates $18 for 12 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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901 NICOLLET MALL - MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55402 JBHUDSON.COM

NOTEWORTHY local tips, tidbits & insights

R E AD

Do you have a Float Plan?

TAST E

Kids in the Kitchen Teaching kids to cook can be an enjoyable, educational and tasty way to spend time together.

Anyone who’s missed traveling will enjoy vicariously exploring the Caribbean through the pages of this novel. Float Plan’s heroine, Anna, struggled with grief since the death of her fiancé and desperately needs a change.

She sets out alone on the sailing trip through the Caribbean, which the two of them had planned to do together. After swiftly realizing she’s ill-equipped to do the entire trip on her own, she takes on a crew member, who’s journeyed through his own loss.

Author Trish Doller is an experienced sailor in the Caribbean, and it shows in the realistic portrayals of life at sea and each of the island stops. While the experiences of loss are at times heavier than the cover portrays, Anna’s slow growth toward healing and a new life with each leg of her trip is hopefilled and rewarding.

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Raela Schoenherr is an editor at a Minnesota publishing company. Find her on Twitter at @raelaschoenherr.

Start teaching your kids to cook early and slow with safe, confidence-boosting challenges before progressing to more complicated or hazardous undertakings.

You know your child best; use your comfort level and their confidence and ability levels as guides.

Preschoolers are especially curious about food. Tap into their interest and developing motor skills by giving them jobs that promote both. Tiny fingers make little ones particularly adept at pulling leaves off herb stems. As they grow, they can move on to mixing, stirring and pouring pre-measured ingredients. Focus on short, simple tasks— nothing hot, heavy or sharp for these kiddos.

Grade schoolers are great culinary students because they can read! Have them practice reading recipes, ingredient lists and nutrition facts panels. As their math skills improve, teach them to use kitchen thermometers and dry and liquid measuring glasses, cups and spoons. Help them use small appliances, like toasters,

and introduce them to small paring knives.

Rolling and cutting cookies, scooping cupcakes and skewering kabobs are great techniques to learn at this age.

Preteens aren’t satisfied with simple tasks—they want real responsibility. Help them make pancakes, eggs and grilled cheese on the stovetop and bake cookies or brownies in the oven. With supervision, they can also begin to use bigger knives and other cutting tools, like pizza wheels, vegetable peelers, box graters and can openers.

Older teens and new drivers love grocery shopping or at least driving to the store, so introduce them to value concepts, food costs and budgeting. Have them help with meal planning and cooking full meals. When they leave the nest, they’ll be happy they know how fend for themselves.

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

LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM

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Keeping seniors safe. At home.

N OT E WO RT H Y »

At Comfort Keepers®, we provide in-home care that helps seniors and others live safe, happy and independent lives in the comfort of their own homes.

© 2020 CK Franchising, Inc. Most offices are independently owned and operated. 1120

Proudly serving Maple Grove and the surrounding communities

School building has its own history lesson.

In March 1915, ground was broken for the construction of Excelsior High School on the corner of what is today Highway 7 and Oak Street.

The red brick building with white stone belting was designed by LeRoy Kinport of Manitou. Construction of the two-story building was completed in September 1915 at a cost of about $48,000.

On March 9, 1928, a fire broke out while the majority of the town, including most of the fire department, was in Hopkins cheering on the Excelsior High School basketball team in the district finals. The building was left in ruins, and the 200 students were given an impromptu vacation.

Repairs and expansions were completed by architects Stebbins, Haxby and Bissell of Minneapolis.

The Standard Construction Company of Minneapolis seamlessly matched the old brick for repairs, the new construction of an auditorium and gymnasium and 12 additional classrooms at a cost of $167,000.

In 1952, the building was converted into Excelsior Junior High School with the construction of Minnetonka High School. Junior high students left in March 1964 for the new East and West junior high schools, and the building was converted to elementary use in the fall of 1964.

revolutiondesignbuild.com MN LIC BC631863

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AUGUST 2021

Scott McGinnis is a retired historian and volunteer for the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society.

PHOTO: EXCELSIOR-LAKE MINNETONKA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

(763) 273-4207 MapleGrove-424.ComfortKeepers.com

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Your Residential & Lakeshore Specialists

Alex & Ben Dzurik

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Refreshing cocktail “looks just like the sunset.”

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Modern hilltop two story! 4 bed, 4 bath, 2 car.

Beautiful brick, lots of natural light, private setting.

I’ve chosen another novice-level cocktail for the Dog Days of Summer, and I thought it’d be good to hang onto the last bit of the season with a rum-based cocktail.

EL PRESIDENTE • 1.5 oz. light rum (I like Don Q, Puerto Rican rum.)

• ¾ oz. orange curacao • ¾ oz. dry vermouth • dash of grenadine

The dryness of the vermouth keeps this from being too sweet, so you can vary it based on preference. Pour all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice; shake well, and strain.

Pour the mixture into a martini glass, and garnish with an orange twist.

Kevin Castellano is a lake area wine and liquor expert. wayzatawineandspirits.com

“With Crown Bank behind us we know we can jump on opportunities at a moments notice.”

—MIKE WILHELM & rick BURNTON

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N OT E WO RT H Y »

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Help aging parents prepare for moving from their homes.

There comes a time when we may need to help our parents downsize and move from their homes. Being well organized can make this process much easier.

Ideally, start six to 12 months in advance to limit stress and ensure a smooth transition to a new home.

Find a reputable real estate agent to represent your parents, and begin the process of preparing for the move.

Next, consider the amount of space at the new location, and work to reduce clutter and unnecessary items by donating, selling or recycling. Set aside items for home staging, and pack anything (like holiday decorations) that will not be needed prior to the move.

Labeling boxes is important. On the top and side of each box write your parents’ last name and the contents.

Downsizing is an excellent time to review and consolidate paperwork.

Nerdwallet (nerdwallet.com) has a handy list detailing which documents to keep and for how long. Shred papers, which include personal information, that you do not plan to keep. Place remaining paperwork in a waterproof container, and label it. Be sure medical documents are readily accessible.

If you need to get rid of knickknacks and small collectables, research their value before selling, or donating them is a good option. For highly sentimental items, consider taking a picture of them to create a physical memory.

Two months prior to the move, consult with a professional stager to help put the finishing touches on the home. He/she might recommend painting and making minor updates or repairs, so be sure to allow enough time for these projects. (A real estate agent can also make recommendations.)

With proper planning, you’ll be able to celebrate this next step with your parents by reminiscing and looking forward.

Kira Vanderlan operates a decluttering, organizing, staging and design company. zestfuldesign.com

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AUGUST 2021

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Artist uses centuries old decorative style.

Let us help you find your Strength, Length, and a whole new YOU! Offering classes and lessons –both private & semi-private– for all ages, abilities, and experience levels.

“I used to dream about opening a floral shop with vintage curated clothing,” says Art Girls co-founder Hollie Gaines. “For me, it was a recipe crafted with aromatic scents and a sweet nod to creating a signature style. This oil painting stopped me in my tracks. I love the way the artist mixes the blue and white porcelain, a decorative style that dates back to ninth century, along with the bounty of new blooms. Gardens are ripe with beauty, so don’t forget to stop and smell the roses.”

Artist: Evan Abrahamson Title: Untitled From series: Eulogy for Beauty Scale: 20x20 Medium: Oil on Metal

For more information about this or other local artists, contact the Art Girls at artgirlsmpls.com; hollie@ artgirlsmpls.com @art_girls_mpls Art Girls Minneapolis

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D E PA R T M E N T S » TA S T E

Dig In Wayzata restaurant offers fast-food fare with a twist.

BY MADELINE KOPIECKI

AN ENTIRELY PLANT-BASED RESTAURANT is fresh on the Wayzata scene, and while vegetarians, vegans and plant-based diet devotees may rejoice, we get the feeling more than a few curious omnivores are going to explore STALK & SPADE’s burger and shake fare and find a favorite or two.

We talked with STALK & SPADE executive director Haley Gates for more details about this new concept on plantbased fast-food.

What does the name STALK & SPADE represent?

STALK refers to the actual plants used to make up our plant-based menu, and SPADE signifies the shovel used to harvest the plants. We want to communicate that everything in our restaurant is plant-based, dairy free and completely free of animal products.

Can you give us an overview of the menu?

Our menu is really made up your classic favorites. Burgers, chick’n sandwiches, chick’n nuggets, fries, shakes and other frozen treats. In addition to your classic burger and chicken sandwiches, we will also offer specialty items curtesy of our executive chef like the ‘Shroom Burger, Spicy Sriracha Chick’n and Smiley Shakes (shakes with premium mixed-

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PHOTO: STALK & SPADE

What’s the ethos behind the restaurant?

Our goal is to provide an exceptional tasting product that is 100 percent plantbased, without you ever tasting the difference. It’s “everything you never knew you always wanted.” We believe eating plant-based is much more than a trend; it’s the future. [Founder and CEO Steele Smiley] created this brand to provide communities with the option to do so with your classic fast-food favorites. We want our brand to be accessible and inclusive for everyone to eat plant-based.

in ingredients). [The complete menu is on its website.]

What’s an item on the menu that has you most excited?

Tough to pick just one, but the Spicy Sriracha Chick’n sandwich is unbelievable. It pairs great with sweet potato fries and a Rocky Road Smiley Shake.

When people hear “plant-based restaurant,” they rarely think of classic American fast-food fare, like burgers and shakes. Why did the restaurant go in this direction?

[Smiley] truly believes this is the future way of eating. There is nothing in the market like STALK & SPADE, and we couldn’t be more excited to be the first to bring this concept into communities around the country.

Quality That Lasts “Thank you for allowing us to provide you with 40 years of quality roofing that lasts.

We are looking forward to serving you 40 + more years”

Why Wayzata as the flagship location?

[Smiley] has been a part of the Wayzata community for many years. [He] opened CRISP & GREEN on Lake Street back in 2016 and has felt nothing but support from the Wayzata community.

Do you plan to open more locations?

Absolutely! In Minnesota, we already have a few locations picked out that are set to open end of 2021. It does not stop there—since announcing our concept in March, we already have had an interest from different franchise partners across the nation. It’s been very exciting to see people wanting to get involved in our plant-based concept.

STALK & SPADE, 740 Lake St. E., Wayzata; 952.222.5499; stalkandspade.com STALK & SPADE @stalkandspade

l e s j o n e s ro o f i n g . c o m | 9 5 2 . 8 8 1 . 2 2 4 1 LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM

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D E PA R T M E N T S » B E W E L L

Rhythm for Your Soul Chakradance encourages personal growth and self-discovery.

BY AVA DIAZ

CREATING A DYNAMIC SPACE for individuals to discover themselves through active movement, Minnetonka Community Education’s (MCE) Moving Meditation with Chakradance program connects participants’ bodies to internal energies sourced from their aura, spirit, intellect and emotions.

With a goal of embodying the soul, Chakradance fuses ancient meditative wisdom with modern music to encourage healing and self-improvement through movement. As a healing movement practice, Chakradance encourages the body to spontaneously resonate and connect with different sounds. Using music that targets each of the seven chakras or energy points, individuals can rearrange

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their internal energy systems through individual interpretation.

“It is awakening the soul within oneself, that passion, that dream and that purpose for life,” says Amanda Boots, MCE Chakradance instructor. “It is really just a sense of coming home no matter where you go or what you do, you will always have that physical body as your home, and you can feel safe and secure in that body.”

Discovering it in 2016, Boots says this practice was exactly what she was longing for. As a child, she loved dancing, even sneaking out of her bedroom window on summer nights to embrace the serenity of freely moving her body under the stars. Allowing movement

to take over, Boots found that this form of expression made her feel alive.

Fast-forward to 2018, she became a Chakradance facilitator through a program by Natalie Southgate, an Australian, who developed Chakradance in 1998 and eventually brought the practice to Minnetonka.

“The beautiful thing about Chakradance is that it is about selfawareness and self-love, and I think that is so important right now,” says Mercedes Scott, MCE’s adult programs manager. “We are looking to give our community lots of options and things to help deal with life.”

The hour-and-a-half MCE class begins with group discussion, followed by indi-

PHOTOS: CHAKRADANCE.COM, RACHEL SMAK PHOTOGRAPHY

Amanda Boots

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Seven Chakra Journey

Base Chakra: Earthy, tribal music that connects with instinctual self Sacral Chakra: Sensual, flowing music that connects with nurturing, passionate self

Solar Plexus Chakra: Fiery, fast-driving beats that connect with inner strength, will and confidence

Heart Chakra: Light, lyrical music that brings forth a sense of love, compassion and peace

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Throat Chakra: Subtle vibrations connecting with the inner truth and self-expression

Third Eye Chakra: Trancing, hypnotic music that encourages the intuitive mind to surrender to guidance and solutions to personal conflicts

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Crown Chakra: High frequency, heavenly-sounding music connecting to the soul

viduals covering their eyes to encourage a fully immersive experience. Connecting with each chakra, class-goers freely move across the room, with guidance from the instructor, to each of the seven sounds.

After going through each chakra, participants remove the eye coverings and color in a mandala with pastels as a way to anchor their experience and document their self-discovery.

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D E PA R T M E N T S » E N L I G H T E N

Post-Pandemic College Admissions University applications may look a bit different in 2021.

BY OLIVIA RIVERA

PLANNING FOR COLLEGE CAN BE AN EXCITING TIME for families. But, like many other situations, the pandemic has changed the way students find their perfect university. No need to worry, local certified educational planner Kate Malczewski from College Connectors in Edina shares some tips to help ensure students and parents understand the new playing field.

Standing out from the pack: As admission requirements have shifted and colleges are looking more at a students’ overall body of work, a well-rounded application can help students stand out from the crowd. Malczewski points out that interviews, essays, recommendations and extra components of an application are measured to holistically evaluate a student’s abilities. She suggests looking into what each prospective school requires and focusing on those elements for each application.

Lauren Taylor of Shorewood is set to attend the University of Notre Dame. She was this year's valedictorian at Holy Family Catholic High School.

Minnestrista's Carver Kasper, who graduated from Holy Family, signs his National Letter of Intent to play baseball for Rockhurst University.

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PHOTOS: HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Not all change is bad: The ACT and SAT exams have been used as common standardized college admission tests for many years. During the pandemic, some universities dropped standardized testing as an admission requirement, and since there had already been much debate about the fairness and reliability of these tests, these changes may be here to stay.

Malczewski says, “What we’re hearing is that [standardized college admission tests like the ACT and SAT] are optional … I don’t think it’s a passing fad. I think COVID jumpstarted [this trend], which allowed schools to realize they can admit a successful class without a test score.”

“Reflect on who you are as a student and what would be the best fit for you. Don’t try to fit into a specific school; instead, look for a place where you know you can thrive for four years.”

Kate Malczewski, College Connectors

Don’t skip class just yet: Grades still play a key part in any application.

According to Malczewski, there is a renewed interest in students’ overall grades to determine the kind of college student they will become, and by and large, transcripts, coursework grades and academic rigor are what schools evaluate to determine whether to admit a student.

But Malczewski points out that applicants need not worry about the way COVID may have affected transcripts through many schools’ use of pass/fail grading or altered scheduling from hybrid and distance learning since virtually all students’ applications will reflect these changes, and colleges are aware of these situations.

Making up for lost time: One of the biggest concerns for many students and parents has been the loss of activity time, volunteering and other extracurricular activities due to the pandemic.

Malczewski says, “Some of the students I have worked with have written about how they have been able to participate in activities in a different way by rethinking the way in which they can connect with people through this season of distance.

This is one approach to reworking your application in light of COVID by demonstrating your ability to adapt well to change.” Malczewski also suggests writing about a hobby students may have picked up during quarantine or something they discovered about themselves during this unique time of reflection.

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14401 Highway 7 in Minnetonka (952) 935-7131

www.generalstoreofminnetonka.com LAKEMINNETONKAMAG.COM

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D E PA R T M E N T S » P E T S

Adventure is Barking Trainer works with owners and pets in real world settings.

BY SAMANTHA DELEON

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AUGUST 2021

MOST T RUST ED HOME WATCH COMPAN Y IN MINNESOTA At Elite Home Professional, we;

PHOTO: SARA SPEVACEK

• Schedule and monitor maintenance services while you’re away • Provide you with detailed home updates weekly • Protect your housing investment

WHO SAID LETTING THE DOGS OUT WAS A BAD THING? With Adventure is Barking, there is no limit to what you and your pet can do together; whether it’s dining out, shopping, outdoor adventure seeking or even participating in weekly training.

Adventure is Barking helps dog owners train their pets through “real world” situations, so dogs are prepared and trained for any number of settings. Sara Spevacek, owner and certified professional dog trainer, uses a variety of tools to find the best way to train each dog and owner. Her training philosophy is focused on the idea that “every person and dog learns differently, just like kids in school. So, we adapt our training styles to fit the individual,” says Spevacek of Mound.

All of its services are individualized to work with client needs and offer opportunities to train dogs outside of the traditional classroom, including private lessons in dog-friendly stores, venues and parks. Furthermore, Spevacek says it offers group training classes in those same environments to guarantee owners are ready to bring dogs to various settings.

Speaking of settings, Spevacek has a few favorite dog-friendly spots, including Back Channel Brewing Co. in Spring Lake Park. “We all know the patio life is big in our area, especially in the summers, but nobody enjoy the stressors of ill-behaved or ill-trained dogs in those settings, so we help prep you for that,” she says, also pointing to Wayzata’s CōV (her favorite dog-friendly patio) and The Hotel Landing as spots to visit.

Beyond meeting initial training goals, addressing the relationship between owner and pet doesn’t stop there.

Absentee homeowners partner with Elite Home Professional to help prevent problems that could arise during unoccupancy. Elite Home Professional is a licensed, bonded, insured and accredited member of the National Home Watch Association (NHWA).

CONTACT MICHAEL FREY AT 952-426-5445 | elitehomeprofessional.com mfrey@elitehomeprofessional.com

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PHOTOS: AVA BROSCOFF

PETS » CONTINUED

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AUGUST 2021

Sara Spevacek and her dog, Kayak, keep the vibe calm while sharing a paddle board ride.

•In depth understanding of today’s market and trends •Experience and creativity for all of your real estate needs •Unmatched service and results •Awarded Top Producer & established Expert in the Lake Minnetonka Community Spevacek offers her clients weekly, morning pack walks that include training lessons and weekend getaways, such as the planned Duluth retreat in September. “We hike by day and do yappy hours at night,” she says. “[It’s] a great opportunity to escape with your dog and meet other dog lovers.” She also regularly offers opportunities to try a new activity with dogs, such as paddle boarding and skijoring.

“Dogs have always been a passion, but it wasn’t until after college that I realized that I could turn my passion for teaching and my passion for dogs into a career,” Spevacek says. After graduating with a degree in teaching, she felt that a career within a school system wasn’t exactly for her. She began working as a receptionist for a large animal boarding business and, eventually, worked her way up to running its training facility. “It was truly the best of both worlds—dogs and teaching,” she says.

Client Carole Leomporra trains her goldendoodle, Rosie, with Adventure is Barking. “Sara is knowledgeable, savvy and has a wonderful way with dogs and human beings,” she says.

KRISTI WEINSTOCK | REALTOR® | COLDWELL BANKER REALTY 612-309-8332 | KDWEINSTOCK@CBREALTY.COM | WEINSTOCKGROUP.COM

ADVENTURE IS BARKING 612.751.7277; adventureisbarking.com Adventure is Barking @adventureisbarking

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written by MADELINE KOPI E C K I

photos by CHRIS E ME OT T

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AUGUST 2021

LOC A L NO NP R O F I T T U R NS ST UMB LING B LO CKS INTO ST E PPING STO NE S .

While Sara Swan has over two decades of experience in special education, she initially didn’t have plans to turn a one-off mentorship into a full-fledged organization. But, she ended up developing Looking Forward Life Coaching (LFLC), a nonprofit mentorship program that works alongside people who could use some assistance in a variety of ways.

Swan recalls that, while working at a local preschool, she had a conversation with one of her coworkers about the coworker’s son, who had difficulty in high school and was struggling in college. The coworker, who knew about Swan’s background in special education, asked if Swan could help.

Swan agreed and started meeting with Nate, and the two began setting goals, which they worked toward for about 20 months. “I turned to his mom and said, ‘Do you think this could ever be a profession for me?’” Swan says. It was Nate’s response that moved her forward. “He said, ‘Listen; there are so many people like me that are falling between the cracks that you need to help.

Yes, you have to make this a business’” Swan says.

“He’s been my inspiration ever since.”

With an office on the west side of the Metro, Swan says staff meets clients in their homes, coffee shops, restaurants, parks or virtually. “Honestly, if you name the suburb, I know where the Caribou and

Starbucks are located. I have been to them all,” she says, illustrating the business’s geographic reach.

During her time working in the education system, Swan found that schools were very systemcentered, emphasizing a collegiate-focused model that might not be right for everyone. In 2001, Swan discovered an approach to challenge the formulaic strategy when she took a training course on person-centered thinking.

“It was like a light-bulb moment,” Swan says. “It takes an entirely different approach, where you’re looking at the person and seeing all the incredible, great things that the person has, does, is working toward, instead of focusing on the ways to put that person into a system. Some systems don’t work for people … they need different ways of support.”

While Swan wasn’t able to fit this approach into her teaching career at the time, this person-centered approach is now the mantra of LFLC. “We are able to tailor it to whatever the client needs,” Swan says. Topics include tutoring to prepare for the SAT/ACT, learning how to travel internationally, obtaining a driver’s license, honing interpersonal skills and more.

Nate has been working with Swan for 10 years.

“She’s helped me get through college, find a career, prepare me to rent my first place and become independent,” Nate says. “Together, we turned what worked for me into Looking Forward Life Coaching.”

Another client, Jason, connected with LFLC two years ago when he decided he needed to find health-

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AUGUST 2021

ier ways of dealing with everyday struggles. “In my life prior to seeing her, I came up with my own coping that wasn’t helpful or productive in moving my life in a forward direction,” he says.

Jason continues to work on dealing with conflicts, both perceived and real. “[I’m] working to interpret my interactions with others correctly and then have the correct proportionate response,” he says, adding, “This comes out in my marriage, as well as other daily interactions.”

Swan says that the reason the organization is called Looking Forward is because mentors and clients spend their time together doing just that— looking forward. “We’re not therapists, we’re not social workers or anything like that, so we’re not focusing in on the past per se,” Swan says. “It’s more, ‘What are the tools that we can put into their tool box of life that can be beneficial to take them to the next steps in life?’”

In particular, Swan recalls a young woman, who wanted to move to North Carolina to be with her boyfriend. Working on a nine-month timeline, Swan and the client broke down the move step-by-step, including searching for an apartment, applying for identification and renewing her driver’s license. Up to the week before the move, Swan and the client worked to get everything ready.

Nearing moving day, Swan took the client out to lunch, bringing a box with her. “Our theme is changing stumbling blocks into stepping stones,” Swan says. “I gave her this box. In this box, I had taken rocks and on each one of the rocks I had written

each one of those different goals: find an apartment, renew driver’s license, save up money, so on and so forth … I said, ‘Listen, this was you; you did this. I came alongside you and encouraged you, but this was you. You changed all these things that were once stumbling blocks into stepping stones, and, look, you get to get on the airplane tomorrow, and you’re moving to North Carolina.’”

About two weeks later, Swan connected with the client’s mom, who asked her about the box. When getting ready to fly off to her new life, her daughter couldn’t have cared less if she had her phone, iPad or luggage. “’She had to get on the airplane with that box of rocks. It had to be under her arm at all times,’” Sara recalls the mother saying. “And I said, ‘Well, that was her journey, and that’s a visual reminder that she did it. She got to that point.’”

Swan says she’s amazed at the reception LFLC has received, across the state and federally as a nonprofit. With 11 part-time staff members, serving communities throughout the Metro, Swan says an even broader, multistate online program is in the works. “I’m very humbled and in awe of that, and the fact that no matter what, every day we grow in one way or another, and that’s exciting and scary and wild to know that there is a need out there,” she says.

Looking Forward Life Coaching; 3222 Birch Place, Hopkins; 612.503.7414 Looking Forward Life Coaching lookingforwardlc.org

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MORE ENCHANTED EVENINGS

PHOTO: EMILY JOHN PHOTOGRAPHY

Couple reimagines its island dream home.

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AUGUST 2021

PHOTOS: CHRIS EMEOTT

BY RENÉE STEWART-HESTER

Forty-five years is plenty of time to put down roots. Deep within a family. Deep within a community.

In 1976, Bob and Karen Morgan found an ideal space to grow their family and foster community friendships, and they owe it all to a bit of happy happenstance.

“Actually, we were lost when we stumbled into our lot purchase when we were 26 years old, and we have never regretted one moment,” Bob Morgan says of their Lake Minnetonka home on Enchanted Island. “[We] have been truly blessed to live here not only in this unique environment, but also in this very special community,” he says.

Since those early days on the lake, time marched on, and so did the Morgans’ lifestyle. With two grown daughters finding their own homes in the Twin Cities, the Morgans, like many other empty nesters, began to contemplate their “what’s next?”

That question can often circulate around the family home, where children were raised, family life was lived and memories were built. But as couples move into the next phase of life, there can be a dilemma— renovate or relocate to set a fresh course. The Morgans faced that quandary. In the end, those roots, established in the 1970s held firm, and renovation it was.

“Enchanted Island may be one of the most precious hidden gems on Lake Minnetonka,” Morgan says.

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“When you come over the bridge onto the island, it feels like you have just transitioned into an Up North environment. The interior of the island is a beautiful wetland with large ponds and a channel that is adjacent to the main road.”

The Morgans turned to Magney Architecture to design the home of their reimagined dreams. “I realized early on that I wanted to team with interior designer Lindy McClure at Lindy McClure Design because the details, finishes, furnishings and

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AUGUST 2021

fixtures were going to be important elements of this remodel,” Tammy Magney says. Boyer Building Corporation rounded out the team.

“Boyer was the perfect complement to our team, adding their excellent carpentry skills, attention to detail and problem-solving expertise as it relates to the unique challenges of remodeling a home. They were awesome team players,” she says. “[The Morgans] love sailing and boating, sunsets and moon rises, and most importantly, sharing lake life

with family and friends ... Taking this as our primary vision guidelines, we were able to open up the existing plan to make it better for entertaining, both inside and outside,” Magney says. In a nutshell, the plan for the 1,620-square-foot main floor and 825-square-foot upper level was to create an open concept punctuated with a Nantucket-style décor—no space was left untouched, including replacing windows and doors “to emphasize our magnificent views and bring inside the beauty of

PHOTOS: CHRIS EMEOTT

our environment,” Morgan says.

Once design concepts were ready to be put in motion, the entire project was divided into phases. Bob Boyer says work was done during four winters while the Morgans were wintering in Arizona. Because of the project’s scope, it was probably best that the couple relocated while work commenced. “We planned on working within the footprint of our existing house, but we wanted to open up the living and entertaining

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AUGUST 2021

PHOTOS: EMILY JOHN PHOTOGRAPHY

spaces to fit our present lifestyle,” Morgan says. “Removing three walls in and around our kitchen remodel required a depth of experience and creativity to deal with the mechanical implications that Boyer handled beautifully.”

When asked to pinpoint a favorite element of the home, Morgan says there is more than just one, including the show-stopping bar area. “Following our nautical theme, we crafted the lower level to look like the inside of a boat, and we came up with the idea of creating a small bar that replicated the bow of a classic wooden boat [a la Chris-Craft],” he says. A custom builder from New Hampshire crafted the unique and beautiful component. Made of Honduras mahogany, the bar serves as a stunning conversation piece and practical entertaining element.

The space also features boat bench seating, multiple port-style windows, nautical lighting and accessories—all wrapped in tony mahogany paneling.

Morgan also points to another standout element. “We also created possibly the most innovative skylight on the lake by constructing a lighthouse over our three story staircase,” he says. “We incorporated the lighthouse in the design to change the architecture from the ‘80s modern to the Nantucket look,” Magney says. “… With the main entrance to the house being up a full flight of steps, the lighthouse element is also a way to bring your eye up and kind of support the upper level entry.”

The land on which the home rests is embraced by Lake Minnetonka, and it clearly served as lifestyle and design inspiration for the Morgans. To underscore this, local artists Mary Henderson and Marla Mullaney created custom paintings for the new décor.

Henderson’s oil work for the home (sailboat themed) includes Regatta, an original designed for over the home’s living room fireplace. She also painted Sunset for the Morgans, who also purchased

We support small local businesses because we know what it’s like to be one.

For 38 years we’ve made it a top priority to support local growers and businesses. As a small business ourselves, we understand the importance of being supported by the community. It’s always been important to our family to partner with our hardworking neighbors who, like us, maintain the highest standards and always go the extra mile to ensure the very best quality products for our customers.

The joy of locally made.

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other previously painted pieces.

Mullaney’s commissioned work depicts the Morgans and their beloved dogs riding along Lake Minnetonka in a vintage ChrisCraft boat. The work’s placement is most fitting, as the oil on canvas painting hangs in the bar area.

With walls and windows removed and replaced; architectural and built-in elements in place; and décor and artwork on point, the Morgans were ready to take the helm of their home and Minnesota life. “As you walk through the home, you get the feeling you are already on the water,” Boyer says.

“The use of blue and white contrasts in the cabinetry and the trim, give a fresh and whimsical feel to the home.”

Those fresh and whimsical touches welcome family and friends to the Morgan home—just as the couple had hoped—all while maintaining its status as a secluded get-a-way. “Some of our friends remark that it is a long way to get here, but part of its appeal, at least for us, is defined by what we refer to as its ‘conveniently remote’ setting,” Morgan says.

BOYER BUILDING CORPORATION 3435 County Road 101, Minnetonka 952.475.2097; boyerbuilding.com Boyer Building Corporation @boyerbuildingcorporation @boyerbuilding MAGNEY ARCHITECTURE 540 Lake St., Excelsior 612.701.7117 magneyarchitecture.com Magney Architecture LINDY MCCLURE DESIGN 952.484.9911 @lindy.mcclure.design MARLA MULLANEY ART & DESIGN marlamullaneyart.com MARY HENDERSON Mary K Henderson

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AUGUST 2021

PHOTOS: CHRIS EMEOTT

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CALEY PAVILLARD, MODEL FOR GUESS AND VICTORIA’S SECRET —Smile Design by Dr. Holger Meiser

COMPLETE HEALTH DENTISTRY Dr. Holger Meiser, DDS MAGD • Dr. Rochelle Akradi, DMD Minnetonka: 17601 Highway 7, Suite 200, SW Corner Of Highway 7&101 • 952-217-5201 Downtown MPLS: 825 Nicollet Mall, Suite 1427, Medical Arts Building • 612-333-8988 holgerdentalgroup.com

FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR HOME AGAIN! Visit us on the Luxury Home Tour

August 13-15 Friday-Sunday

Home #13 — 2200 Platwood Road, Minnetonka

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12-6 pm

DESIGN • BUILD • REMODEL

www.NewSpaces.com 952-715-6972

SCAN to request a DESIGN CONSULTATION

in digital format!

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

Learn more at lakeminnetonkamag.com 38

AUGUST 2021

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

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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.

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Before Moss & Algae

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

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

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BOAT SALES • PRO SHOP • SERVICE • STORAGE • FIBERGLASS REPAIR

OUR FAMILY PROUDLY SERVING MINNESOTA’S 10,000 LAKES SINCE 1992 EXCELSIOR SALES / 720 GALPIN LAKE ROAD EXCELSIOR, MN 55331 TWIN CITIES SERVICE CENTER / 260 STATE STREET NEW GERMANY, MN 55367 BAXTER SALES & SERVICE CENTER / 15779 EDGEWOOD DRIVE BAXTER, MN 56425

ON THE TOWN things to see and do around Lake Minnetonka

Bike Ride Ready

COMPILED BY MEGHAN BISHOP, LAUREN FOLEY AND OLIVIA RIVERA

Minnetonka plans the return of Tour de Tonka.

BY LAUREN FOLEY

PHOTO: MINNETONKA COMMUNITY EDUCATION

ST RAP ON YOUR HEL M ETS, and load up your bike racks—Minnetonka’s

16th annual Tour de Tonka returns after being canceled last summer and replaced by the smaller Fall de Tonka ride in the autumn.

The cycling event will kick off on August 7, with most routes opening at 7:30 a.m. and starting at Minnetonka High School. For those opting for the 71-mile route, the path will begin at the Minnetonka Community Education Center. For the 100-mile route, the path will open at 7 a.m. at Clear Springs Elementary School. There will be seven different routes, starting with the family-friendly, 16-mile option and advancing to the 100-mile professional route.

Regardless of which path cyclists choose, Minnetonka Community Education organizers have planned plenty of fun, engaging pitstops for riders to take a break, rehydrate and participate in exciting activities along their routes.

For detailed route information, COVID guidelines and registration information, visit tourdetonka.org.

Minnetonka Community Education 4584 Vine Hill Road, Excelsior; 952.401.5000; minnetonkaschools.org Tour de Tonka @TourdeTonka @TourdeTonka @TourdeTonka

LO C A L E V E N TS

2–6 Tanadoona Day Camp Hosted by Camp Fire Minnesota, this week-long day camp boasts a collection of classic camp activities, like canoeing and archery. Some scholarships are available. Register

online. Ages 5–14. $300 early bird, $315 regular. 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. daily. Camp Tanadoona, 3300 Tanadoona Drive, Excelsior; 612.235.7284; campfiremn.org

10 Fall in Love With Your Home Again Hosted by building and remodeling company New Spaces, this free

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Otten Bros. can make your outdoor dreams a reality...

O N T H E TOW N »

Big Island & Back

Garden Center & Landscaping

2350 West Wayzata Blvd., Long Lake, MN 55356 952-473-5425 | ottenbros.com

Otten Bros. professional, talented landscape designers, architects and installers are ready to give your landscape project the attention it deserves. We can craft a custom outdoor space that reflects your personality and at a value you will appreciate.

AUGUST 7

9AM–3PM

Strap on your life vests for a 10K paddle across Lake Minnetonka.

Participants can canoe, kayak or paddleboard to Big Island, then will join Excelsior Brewing for a celebration, featuring food, drinks, music and more. icafoodshelf.org

Zoom consultation offers tips and tricks, investment plans and next steps in completing your dream home redesign. Email Bjorn Freudenthal of New Spaces to register. Ages 18

and up. Free. 5–5:45 p.m. 952.898.5300; bjorn@newspaces.com; newspaces.com

This course covers the basics of houseplant care and how tweaking water, soil and light affect plants’ growth and health. Participants will receive a plant list and information about insect control, and special focus will be given to caring for plants in particular conditions, like low lighting or high humidity. Ages 18 and up. $19. 6:30–

7:30 p.m. Minnetonka Community Education Center, 4584 Vine Hill Road, Excelsior; 952.401.6800; minnetonkacommunityed.org sarahpolovitz.com | 612.743.6801 42

AUGUST 2021

PHOTO: TOM PALM

11 Caring for Houseplants

LIMITED TIME OFFER

BU Y 1 SE S S ION FOR $74 , GET 3 FRE E !

27 Movies in the Park

$296 value. Offer for new clients only; expires 9/15/2021.

Enjoy a movie under the stars. Friendly for all ages, The Goonies will start in the outdoor amphitheater at sunset.

Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair for comfort. All ages.

Free. Starts 8 p.m. or sunset. Minnetonka Community Center, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd.; 952.939.8200; minnetonkamn.gov

AREA EVENTS

6–8 Uptown Art Fair Jewelry, paintings, chalk art and more—all nestled in the heart of Minneapolis’s Uptown neighborhood. With approximately 350 artists slated to join, the 57th annual Uptown Art Fair is sure to have something to catch anyone’s eye. All ages. Free.

Friday noon–8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.– 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Corner of Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue, Mpls.; 612.823.4581; uptownminneapolis.com

“

I saw a sign that read ‘20 Minutes 2x per week’ and thought of that were true, it would be perfect. I don’t have any more time than that. I started two years ago and the efficiency is as advertised!

—Jim C, Client

Call/Text 612.470.2010 or visit MYOSTRONG.com Minnet onka - Minneapolis - D assel

21 Arts in the Park With goods from all over Minnesota this a great spot to find unique art and gifts. All Ages. Free.

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Purgatory Creek Park, 13001 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie; 952.949.8304; mnartists.walkerart.org

22 Lakewood Walking Tours Take a stroll through local history on this walking tour of Lakewood Cemetery. All Ages. $10. 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

Lakewood Cemetery, 3600 Hennepin Ave. Mpls.; Eventbrite.com

To have your event considered: email lakeminnetonkamag@tigeroak.com by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication.

Due to the fluidity being experienced in the current environment, please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

advertise with

LAKE MINNETONKA MAGAZINE

@

Contact Katie Freemark 952.270.9339 katie.freemark @tigeroak.com

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TA S T E M A K E R S »

The Flying Chef LOCAL TEEN LANDS A SPOT IN THE BLOGOSPHERE.

BY MADELINE KOPIECKI

44 AUGUST 2021

PHOTOS BY CHRIS EMEOTT

Excelsior aspiring chef Spencer Olson may only be 18 years old, but he’s already packed in three years of culinary training.

“The first job I was able to get was a senior living place,” Olson says, where he received plenty of work experience.

While there may be some stigma around the menu options at some senior living communities, Olson says there are many instances where well-trained, professional chefs spend their days working at such locations, as they provide job security and stable hours.

Case in point: It was at the senior living center where he worked that Olson met his first mentor, a pastry chef, who now works at the Grocer’s Table in Wayzata. From there, Olson embarked on part-time work that took him around the area. “I worked at a restaurant in Chanhassen as a line cook,” Olson says.

“That [allowed] me to get the experience of working in a professional restaurant, working fast, dancing around a kitchen.”

He served as a bread baker at Red Bench Bakery’s Chaska location. “That really got me interested in the finer details of cooking,” he says. “I also work at [Olive’s Fresh Pizza Bar in Excelsior], so over a couple years here, I’ve had multiple restaurant jobs. It’s been really exciting.”

But in his downtime between fulltime school (At the time the article was written, he was a senior in high school.) and sometimes a 50-hour work week, Olson embarked on a new venture— The Wooden Spoon blog. “It’ll have more of my recipes as it grows, but it’ll have industry secrets and articles about gadgets that many foodie blogs don’t always offer,” he says.

Olson’s inspiration for his culinary blog was borne out of a private chef business he had planned before the pandemic struck. “It was set and ready to go in a matter of weeks,” he says. “But I noticed that there’s not a lot of people who know the details of the culinary industry and the background behind it.”

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Whereas many blogs focus on recipes, Olson wanted to give his readers a peek into the restaurant industry, bringing tips and tricks from restaurant kitchens to the fore. “My goal is to bridge the gap between methods used in the restaurant and methods you can use in your kitchen to become a better cook or chef or baker,” he says.

Olson also hopes to start building a community around food and resources for improving followers’ kitchen knowhow. “I’ve had the privilege to ask any chef around me that I work with—if a recipe doesn’t turn out, ‘What went wrong here? What can I change?’ Not everyone has that [opportunity].” To that end, Olson included a “groups” feature on The Wooden Spoon blog. The groups include a general discussion board, a crowd-sourced recipe book and a recipe troubleshooting resource, where Olson will recreate a recipe or culinary technique that went poorly for a reader, fine-tune the details, and recommend improvements.

“I hope to grow my blog into something more than a blog [that is] centered on a community of like-minded foodies,” Olson says, adding, he wants The Wooden Spoon to be “a place where everyone can contribute and bounce ideas off of [one another]. Somewhere people can share their own recipes and use my trusted recipes and learn a thing or two on how to become better chefs.”

Olson signs off on his blog posts with the moniker, The Flying Chef. “When I was 14, I [attended] a flying camp.

I started out wanting to fly and finding it really fascinating. My neighbor was like, ‘You know what? I think your nickname should be The Flying Chef’ …” says Olson, who now has his private pilot’s license.

Olson hopes to combine his interests, melding a career as a commercial pilot with the opportunity to cook for private clients around the world. His immediate plans include attending the University of North Dakota this fall to study commercial aviation.

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TA S T E M A K E R S »

WHAT’S FOR DINNER?

Humble Potato and Leek Soup (Soupe à La Bonne Femme) “It’s a light, humble French country soup [that] ties in with Escoffier, one of my inspirations for cooking,” Olson says. (Auguste Escoffier was a well-known French chef, active from the mid19th to early 20th centuries.)

Court-Bouillon • • • • • • • • •

750 ml white wine 3 1/4 cup water 1 white onion, diced 1 celery rib, diced 20 (~25 g) parsley stalks 2 sprigs thyme 1 bay leaf 3/4 tsp. (10 g) salt 1 ½ tsp. (5 g) whole peppercorns

Soup • 1 3/4 cup (250 g) white leek, shredded • 5 1/2 Tbsp. (75 g) butter • court bouillon plus additional water to equal 7 1/2 cups • 3 1/4 cup (500 g) russet potatoes, peeled and diced • 4 (160 g) strips of thick bacon, diced • 1/8 cup whipping cream (optional) • 1 strip of bacon for garnish (optional) • parsley, chopped for garnish (optional) • French bread, toasted Place all of the court-bouillon ingredients, except for the peppercorns, in a Dutch oven or large stock pot. Let simmer for 20 minutes before adding the peppercorns. Simmer for another 10 minutes, and pass liquid through a fine sieve or cheese cloth. Add additional water to make the court-bouillon equal 7 ½ cups, and let it sit covered. Cook leek and bacon with 4 Tbsp. (50 g) of butter in the bottom of a Dutch oven or large stock pot for 15 minutes over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally. Add the potatoes and court-bouillon

thewoodenspoonchefs.com 46 AUGUST 2021

together into the stewed leek.

Simmer gently until potatoes are cooked through, about 45 minutes. After fully cooked, add in the remaining 1½ Tbsp. butter and 1/4 cup of cream if using.

Season with salt to taste. Quickly dip parsley in ice cold water, dry and finely chop. Finely chop up one strip of bacon and fry on high heat until crispy. Sprinkle the parsley and bacon over the soup, and serve with lightly toasted French bread.

Poached Pears Through his website, Olson reaches out to his readers for ideas on what recipes to cover in his blog. “It’s through this, from a simple post about a poached pear, that I’ve met numerous people … It just goes to show that food has the power to bring people together,” he says.

• 4 pears • 750 ml red wine • ½ cup (150 g) firmly-packed brown sugar • 4 whole cloves • 3 star anise • 2 cinnamon sticks • 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp. vanilla paste Peel the pears, and remove the bottoms. In a heavy-bottomed stock pot, place the pears at the bottom, and completely cover in red wine. If the pears aren’t completely covered, add a touch of water. Add the remaining ingredients, and simmer gently for 30 minutes. The pears should have a deep red color and should be just soft enough to poke a knife through and remove with ease. After the pears are soft, pour half of the wine mixture into a small sauce pan, and boil until a syrup consistency is reached, about 15 minutes. (Leave the pears in the remaining wine to gain more color.) To serve, place a pear at the center of a small plate, and spoon the syrup at the base of the pear. Serve warm.

@the_wooden_spoon_chefs

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LAST GLANCE SECOND PLACE People & Families

Sibling Smiles Family finds joy on Lake Minnetonka.

BY RENÉE STEWART-HESTER

“T H E P URE JOY on their

PHOTO BY TRACIE BEA DAUM

faces,” says Tracie Bea Daum when asked what she appreciated about her photo of her children, Ava, 12; Elias, 9; and Penelope, 8 (at the time of the photo). “With such a tough year and missing out on so much, it filled my heart to see them just having fun.”

The Minnetrista resident’s What COVID? photo placed second in the People & Families

48

AUGUST 2021

category of our annual Lens on Lake Minnetonka photo contest. It was taken on Lake Minnetonka’s Halstead’s Bay with a Canon (70-200L and 6D).

The family spends most of its summer on the lake, “… just floating on the big mat or zipping around on the tube,” she says. But Daum can also be found taking professional photos at her hobby farm studio in Minnetrista.

2021 Lens on Lake Minnetonka Photo Contest Rules & Details Submissions are accepted at lakeminnetonkamag.com between August 1 and August 31.

Entrants must live, work or attend school in the Lake Minnetonka area.

Readers’ Choice voting takes place at lakeminnetonkamag.com in September.

Entrants may submit up to five photos, with no more than three in any category.

Photos should be taken in the Lake Minntonka area within one year of the submission date.

CANDI & SCOTT STABECK YOUR LAKE MINNETONKA AREA SPECIALISTS SINCE 1987.

5TH generation

Contact us for a complimentary, no obligation market analysis of your home.

It might just be worth more than you think.

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Lake Minnetonka residents

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WWW.THESTABECKGROUP.COM CANDI STABECK candistabeck@edinarealty.com | 612.987.4801 SCOTT STABECK scottstabeck@edinarealty.com | 612.747.5863 SUE RODELIUS Client Services Manager 952.475.4906

Make “the perfect new home for us” happen Michael Sluis Home Mortgage Consultant 612-667-3743 michael.a.sluis@wellsfargo.com michaelsluis.com NMLSR ID 400516

New neighborhood. Bigger house. Closer commute. Whatever your reason for buying your first or next home, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

You’ll have personal support, low down payment options, and online resources to help you find the right loan — and enjoy your new home for years to come.

Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2019 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801.

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