8 minute read
Noteworthy
READ
Do you have a Float Plan?
Advertisement
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.
Raela Schoenherr is an editor at a Minnesota publishing company. Find her on Twitter at @raelaschoenherr.
TASTE Kids in the Kitchen
Teaching kids to cook can be an enjoyable, educational and tasty way to spend time together.
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.
Keeping seniors safe. At home.
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.
(763) 273-4207
MapleGrove-424.ComfortKeepers.com
© 2020 CK Franchising, Inc. Most offices are independently owned and operated. 1120
Proudly serving
Maple Grove and the surrounding communities DISCOVER
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.
Scott McGinnis is a retired historian and volunteer for the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society.
SIP
Refreshing cocktail “looks just like the sunset.”
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
Minnetonka
Modern hilltop two story! 4 bed, 4 bath, 2 car. Beautiful brick, lots of natural light, private setting.
Alex & Ben Dzurik
Team@DzurikPropertyTwins.com 612-500-6929
www.DzurikPropertyTwins.com
—MIKE WILHELM & rick BURNTON
FOuntain real estate capital
When Mike Wilhelm and Rick Burnton launched Fountain Real Estate Capital in the middle of the pandemic they needed a bank with a vision as bold as their own. They found that partner in Crown Bank.
To read more stories like this search news at crown-bank.com.
What can we make possible for your business? Visit us at crown-bank.com
EverGreeneJewelers.com 952-473-7655 ORGANIZE
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
VIEW
Artist uses centuries old decorative style.
“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 PILATES | GYROTONIC METHOD® YOGA | TRX® | MAT FUSION
Let us help you fi nd your Strength, Length, and a whole new YOU!
Offering classes and lessons –both private & semi-private– for all ages, abilities, and experience levels.
