WOODBURY MAGAZINE
South Washington County School immersion program paves a way for student success
AUGUST 2021
Language of Opportunities WOODBURYMAG.COM
It’s the sticks and stones of everyday life that bring you to TRIA. Like the handstand that gave your wrist the twist. Whether you’re a professional athlete or living room gymnast, you’ll receive the same expert orthopedic care and attention you need to get back in the game. It’s why you’re treated and how you’re treated by TRIA. ORTHOPEDIC URGENT CARE Open 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily
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CONTENTS
AUGUST 2021 “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” —Nelson Mandela
IN EVERY ISSUE
Editor’s Letter 6 Noteworthy 9 On the Town 37 Gallery 42 Tastemakers 44 Last Glance 48 DEPARTMENTS SCENE 14
Next Generation Heroes The HERO Center is a stateof-the-art public safety personnel training facility. BE WELL 16
Level Up
Transform the way you look and feel both in and out of the gym. FACES 18
Lightbulb Moment Woodbury High School teacher Jacquelyn Bock wins Educator of the Year. DOING GOOD 22
Mental Health Matters South Washington County Schools receive a grant dedicated toward student mental health. FEATURES
24
Looking Forward Local nonprofit turns stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
A Language of Opportunities
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AUGUST 2021
The South Washington County Schools immersion program paves way for student success.
PHOTO: CHRIS EMEOTT
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FROM THE EDITOR Hailey Almsted, woodburymag@tigeroak.com
O
Never miss an issue of Woodbury Magazine with free, anytime access to our digital editions. Full screen viewing on your digital device allows easy cover-to-cover reading. You can zoom in on text or images as well as share your favorite Woodbury Magazine stories with friends and family.
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On the Cover Trey Edgerton, photo by Chris Emeott
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AUGUST 2021
PHOTO: RACHEL NADEAU
in digital format!
ur annual education-themed issue is always a special one to me. As a child, shopping for back-to-school goodies was one of my favorite times of the year—whether I got a new backpack that year or stocked up on the best school supplies, I always looked forward to checking off that school supply list. Nowadays, instead of the excitement of back-to-school supplies, I cherish the excitement of preparing this issue, where our writers and I get to talk with those who are a true inspiration to kids—the teachers, principals, district staff and more who support our schools. And as a Woodbury High School alumna, highlighting the unique experiences and opportunities that the South Washington County Schools offer is heartwarming. This month in Woodbury Magazine, writer Samantha De Leon takes a deep dive into South Washington County School’s Spanish Immersion Pathway program on page 30. Nuevas Fronteras Spanish Immersion Elementary School principal Cynthia Maldonado says, “We want them to be bilingual, biliterate and bicultural in the fact that they’re very open to other cultures, are globally aware and that they can work in the current world.” And on page 22, I highlight the new tools and resources that the district is using to combat student mental health issues, due inpart to a grant from the Woodbury Rotary Club. Also in the August issue of Woodbury Magazine, I talk with Woodbury Days Council president Amy Lombardi about the changes to expect at the annual event (page 37); and we take a look back at the cherished Woodbury Community Gala in our photo gallery on page 42. Happy back-to-school season, readers! See you next month!
VOL. 17 NO. 12 woodburymag.com
Discover the Difference *See website for details
publisher SUSAN ISAY
editor HAILEY ALMSTED
managing editor ANGELA JOHNSON
associate editor HAILEY ALMSTED
copy editor KELLIE DOHERTY
staff writers SAMANTHA DE LEON, AVA DIAZ, MADELINE KOPIECKI
contributing writers DONNA CHICONE, NATALIE EIERMAN, RENÉE STEWART-HESTER, RACHAEL PERRON, MARGARET WACHHOLZ
editorial interns MEGHAN BISHOP, LAUREN FOLEY, OLIVIA RIVERA
editorial advisory board Pepe Barton, South Washington County Schools Tanner Ignaszweski, Woodbury High School Mike Lewis, 3P Boxing 24/7 Laurie Mordorski, Woodbury Lakes Stacey Morgan, Belay Creative Michelle Okada, City of Woodbury Public Safety Margaret Wachholz, Woodbury Heritage Society, Woodbury Community Foundation, Woodbury Senior Living Sarah Sorenson-Wagner, South Washington County Schools
senior managing art director SARAH DOVOLOS
art director
Infant/Crawler • Our all-inclusice approach to care includes infant formula, diapers, baby wipes and wholesome infant purees freshly prepared by our on-site chef. • Baby rooms are the perfect environment for little ones to discover their physical abilities as they learn to roll over, crawl, pull up and eventually walk. We focus on your babies’ growth and development by creating strong bonds and learning through play. • Screened-in porch designed specifically for getting infants and crawlers outside to enjoy new sights, sounds and fresh air. • Over-sized rooms include full sized cribs for each child, gross motor equipment and large windows for maximum amounts of natural light. • Procare Connect parent app allows for notifications of diapering, naps, meals and daily photos of your child to be sent directly to your mobile device.
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
Waddler/Toddler • Our all-inclusive approach to care includes diapers, baby wipes and wholesome meals and snacks freshly prepared by our on-site chef. • Sign Language, Spanish, Character Education, LANA & Music enrichment classes included in tuition. • Individual attention and caring teachers encourage hands-on exploration and social interaction in a safe and engaging environment. • Our Waddlers & Toddlers progress naturally because they’re constantly encouraged to be creative and curious, to learn and to have fun learning. • Procare Connect parent app allows for notifications of diapering/potty, naps, meals, curriculum and daily photos of your child to be sent directly to your mobile device.
Preschool/Kindergarten Readiness • Our all-inclusice approach to care includes STEAM, yoga, Spanish, LANA nutrition and music enrichment programs; as well as wholesome meals and snacks freshly prepared by our on-site chef.
chief operating officer SUSAN ISAY
chief financial officer BILL NELSON
Woodbury Magazine 9877 AIRPORT RD NE BLAINE, MN 55449 612.548.3180 SUBSCRIPTIONS: Woodbury 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.
• Character development, community outreach and off site field trips round out our academic curriculum. • Proprietary curriculum designed to nurture the whole child provides a strong academic introduction to literacy, science, math and social sciences while combining social, emotional and physical aspects of developemnt. • Procare Connect parent app allows for notifications of naps, meals, curriculum, enrichment programs and daily photos of your child to be sent directly to your mobile device. • Real time notifications for diapering, naps, meals and other daily activities • Receive daily photos of your child exploring exciting new topics and curriculum • Convenient options to submit tuition payments online • Keep up with school events and news with messages pertaining to your child’s classroom
(651) 998-1661 | www.steppingstoneslearning.org 11253 Eagle View Blvd. Woodbury, MN 55129 WOODBURYMAG.COM
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NOTEWORTHY local tips, tidbits & insights
Shay, 5, and Layla, 11, (pictured left) served as the inspiration for the characters in The Cloud Book of Wonder (pictured above).
HEAD IN THE CLOUDS Let your imagination run free with The Cloud Book of Wonder.
PHOTOS: CHRIS EMEOTT; CHRISTINA BRANDT
BY HAILEY ALMSTED
STRATUS, C I R R U S, C I R R OC UM ULU S .
There are many types of clouds, but for local author Christina Brandt, cloud gazing is more creative than their scientific terms. “I’ve always been a cloud lover [and] have always taken many pictures of clouds,” Brandt says. With an intriguing imagination, Brandt says she has always dreamt up different cloud shapes with her children and grandchildren. On rainy days, she would have them draw pictures and tell the kids to share the story of the drawing. “When I was raising my kids, I would lay with them in bed and make up stories,” she says. “Now I do this with my grandkids, Layla and Shay, so it become a project that we decided to do.”
The Cloud Book of Wonder, Brandt’s first book, creates an interactive experience for children and grownups alike. The book, co-authored by Layla (11) and Shay (5), combines Brandt’s photography with Layla and Shay’s imagination to inspire others to daydream, imagine and tell the stories seen in the clouds. Brandt says, “The Cloud Book of Wonder is for all ages, not just kids, since we all like to imagine what clouds are.”
Shop The Cloud Book of Wonder on christinambrandt.com or amazon.com.
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N OT E WO RT H Y »
SI P
S’mores Cocktail August 10 marks National S’mores Day, and I don’t know about you, but I’ll be celebrating the wacky holiday with a s’mores-flavored cocktail. This is the perfect cocktail to celebrate the day, as well as the end of summer. Cheers! »» 1 oz. vanilla flavored vodka (marshmallowflavored vodka works, too!) »» 1 oz. RumChata »» 2 oz. chocolate milk »» Mini marshmallows »» Graham cracker crumbs »» Chocolate syrup Break up the graham crackers into small crumbles and set aside on a plate. Coat the rim of your glass with chocolate syrup; dip the chocolate rim into the graham cracker crumbs. You can also add chocolate syrup to the inside of the glass. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, RumChata, chocolate milk and ice. Shake and pour into glass. Top with mini marshmallows—and toast with a cooking torch. —HAILEY ALMSTED
RE AD
Solo Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator and Newbery medal-winning author. In his New York Times bestseller novel Solo, he writes of love, loss and the depth of family ties. Blade Morrison is the teenage son of a decrepit rockstar. As Blade navigates the trials and tribulations of young adulthood with his girlfriend Chapel, he is frequently embarrassed by his dad’s impetuous, juvenile desire to be front and center. Blade never asked to be famous, nor does he want to be linked to his dad, Rutherford Morrison. It doesn’t help that Chapel’s parents forbade her to date Blade, either. The one commonality Blade enjoys sharing with Rutherford is his talent of songwriting. When Blade embarks on a journey to find someone important in his life, he is forced
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far outside of his comfort zone. He turns to soul searching through songwriting and his search to identify himself is authentic. Alexander writes in prose, which makes his characters jump off the pages. The flowing nature of his writing allows us as readers to see the most intimate thoughts of his characters. I recommend Solo if you’re looking for a change, a challenge or a chance for something new to break open.
Margaret Gardner is the senior library manager at R.H. Stafford Library in Woodbury. Gardner lives in the Twin Cities with her husband who bakes bread, daughter who is nearly crawling and her dog who occasionally eats books. washcolib.org
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Add this New York Times bestseller to your must-read list.
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AUGUST 20-22
PE TS
Puppies and Socialization
oJIbwAy PArK
With the pandemic restrictions gradually lifting, we now can interact more with other pets.
D ogs need to be socialized to other dogs and humans to build their social confidence—whether with other pets and pet parents on walks or outdoor playdates. Socially confident dogs are fun to be with for humans and other dogs. Fearful or anxious dogs often need to be protected from these interactions.
Pet Parent Question: “My dog loves to meet other dogs. Once in a while he will not show interest in the other dog. Is that something I should be concerned about?” Answer: Not all dogs like or have an interest in other pups. Every dog has a unique personality and has different preferences— and some might not have an interest in certain dogs. A dog can read another dog’s scent from a distance, and may have decided not to greet the oncoming dog long before the dog was physically present. When dogs do have an interest in meeting, there are some helpful guidelines: 1. Don’t let your dog approach another dog without permission; 2. Both dogs need to be on a leash; and 3. Keep the greeting short and sweet. Watch closely to ensure both dogs are comfortable with the experience. If one dog becomes uncomfortable, stop the interaction.
Donna Chicone is an awardwinning author, TedX speaker and advocate for dogs. She lives in Woodbury. You might find her engaged in pet-assisted therapy work. superpetparent.com
THANK yoU SPoNSorS
Woodbury Days would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors. We know this past year has not been easy for many and we are grateful for your partnership in bringing our community together again! Thank you for your generosity and for supporting our event. We hope to see you again next year!
• Culver’s • Big Frog • Jerry’s Foods • Alma Flor Ada • CorTrust Bank • Northwest Eye • Premier Banks • Creative Homes • Linn Companies • Kid Create Studio • The Urgency Room • Ideal Credit Uninon • Tradition Companies • Paramount Auto Service • M.R. Danielson Advertising • Minnesota Eye Consultants • Woodbury Smiles Dentistry • Primrose School of Woodbury • King of Kings Lutheran Church
STAy CoNNeCTed:
Learn More!
Volunteers, WE NEED YOU! This year we are celebrating our 43rd year and we need your help greeting guests, checking in vendors and parade participants, and much more! Register online at: WoodburyDays.com/volunteer Questions: Support@WoodburyDays.com
Learn More & Volunteer at
www.woodbUrydAyS.CoM WOODBURYMAG.COM
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TAST E
The Most Important Oatmeal of the Day Back to school means back to a good, healthy breakfast.
Rachael Perron is the culinary and brand director for Kowalski’s Markets, where she specializes in product development and selection, culinary education and communications.
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CHOCOLATE GRANOLA »» ¼ cup honey »» 2 Tbsp. canola oil »» 2 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped »» 1 tsp. vanilla extract »» 4 cups regular oats »» ½ cup brown sugar »» ⅓ cup flax seeds »» ½ tsp. salt »» ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon »» ½ cup chopped raw cashews or other chopped raw nuts (optional) »» 1 cup chopped dried cherries (optional) »» 1 cup dried cranberries (optional) »» ½ cup raisins (optional)
Serves 6 In a microwave-safe mixing bowl, warm honey and oil for 30 seconds. Stir in chocolate until completely melted and smooth (if necessary, return bowl to the microwave and reheat in 10 second increments). Stir in vanilla; set aside. In an extra-large mixing bowl, combine oats, nuts, sugar, seeds, salt and cinnamon. Pour chocolate mixture over oat mixture; stir until well coated. Pour onto a large, rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper; bake in a preheated 325 degrees F oven until granola is dark at the edges (20–30 minutes), stirring two to three times. Cool on pan for 45 minutes; stir in fruit, if desired. Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to three weeks. Serve alone or with milk or yogurt.
PHOTO: KOWALSKI’S MARKET
For many of us, some form of cereal is a staple in the morning meal rotation. Boxed cold cereals and precooked grains are convenient and can be particularly nutritious when done just right. The darling of the internet, overnight oats, makes oatmeal easier than ever because you prepare it the night before. It’s a simple, versatile and healthful recipe that’s portable, too! Another make-ahead idea for oatmeal-on-the-go is granola. Chocolate granola combines bittersweet chocolate, flax seeds and honey and is customizable with your choice of dried fruits and nuts. On its own or with a bit of yogurt or splash of milk, it’s a delicious and decadent way to start your day. But oatmeal isn’t the only grain worthy of breakfast status. Amaranth, barley, quinoa, bulgur, buckwheat and sorghum each offer unique textures and flavors, as well as special health benefits. They can be cooked ahead of time and allow for a lot of variety in breakfast bowls. A good ol’ box of cereal is not to be discounted. This fast breakfast-onthe-fly can get a health boost in a number of ways: • Add flavor, texture and boost nutrition with a few toss-ins, like fresh or dried fruit and nuts or seeds. • Mix flakes with granola or biscuit-like cereals, O’s with bran buds or puffed grains with checkered grain squares. • Make a cereal smoothie by blending 1 cup each cereal, frozen fruit and dairy or non-dairy milk or yogurt.
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OVERNIGHT OATS Serves 1 »» »» »» »»
½ cup old-fashioned oats ½ cup skim or low-fat milk ¼ cup 2 percent plain Greek yogurt 1 tsp. maple syrup or honey (or more to taste) »» ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon or vanilla extract (optional) »» Berries of choice In a single-serve container, stir together oats, milk, yogurt and syrup. If desired, stir in cinnamon or vanilla. Fold in or top oatmeal with a handful of berries. Cover and store in the refrigerator overnight (eight–18 hours). Enjoy cold or gently warmed in the microwave.
BASIC BREAKFAST BOWL Serves 2 »» 1 ½ cups cooked grains, pearl barley, bulgur, farro, freekeh, quinoa or brown rice »» ½ cup unsweetened almond milk, vanilla soy milk or skim milk »» 1–2 Tbsp. sweetener, such as maple syrup, brown sugar, molasses or honey »» ¼ cup dried fruit or ½ cup fresh fruit »» ¼ cup nuts or seeds or 2 tbsp. nuts or seeds and 2 tbsp. toasted coconut (optional) »» Spices, to taste, such as ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
Anne LUCAS
REALTOR®
YOUR HOME IS MY PRIORITY! 651.800.6922 ANNE.LUCAS@CBREALTY.COM
In a small saucepan, combine grains and liquid. Bring to a boil over medium heat; stir in sweetener and dried fruit. Reduce heat to low and simmer five minutes or until liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir in fresh fruit, nuts and spices. Serve immediately.
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D E PA R T M E N T S » S C E N E
The HERO Center serves as a regional training facility for law enforcement, fire departments and EMS agencies.
Next Generation Heroes The HERO Center is a state-of-the-art public safety personnel training facility.
OPENING ITS DOORS IN JANUARY 2020, the HERO Center is a top-notch public safety training facility designed to help meet the needs of law enforcement, the fire department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies in both the Woodbury and Cottage Grove communities. Breaking ground in 2011, the project was initially conceptualized by police captain Greg Rinzel of the Cottage Grove Police Department and Woodbury Police Department commander Chris Meinert
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as a way to create a convenient space for trainees. With everything under one roof, individuals save time and money on travel, and are provided with necessary equipment and space to sufficiently perform their duties. “We really want our first responders to have the opportunity to experience good training because we want them to impact their communities by being the best that they can be,” HERO Center's Dan Anselment says. Funded partially by the state through an
$11 million bond, the remainder $10 million for the project was supported through a joint-power agreement by both communities. The facility includes a padded room for response-to-resistance training and defensive tactics, outdoor houses for crime scene and tactical SWAT training, fire pumps and standpipes for water access for fire trainees, an outdoor canine training area and more. In addition to professional training, the HERO Center also provides courses and services to the public. Course
PHOTO: THE HERO CENTER
BY AVA DIAZ
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SITTING ON NINE ACRES OF LAND, THIS 47,500 SQUARE FOOT FACILITY ALSO FEATURES: • A 16-total-lane shooting range • Three classrooms and a locker room • Hufcor: A modular wall system that allows trainees to practice building search methods • An interactive training simulator that focuses on verbal de-escalation training and shoot-don’tshoot scenarios • 1.5 acres of fenced-in land for traffic enforcement and outdoor scenario training
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• A rescue balcony and four-story stair well • Mock structures that can be filled with smoke and low lights for search and rescue exercises • A helipad that allows hospitals to stage mass casualty drills • Mock jail cells
offerings include handgun training, permit to carry, CPR and health training. In addition, citizens are welcome to rent a shooting range lane by the hour every weekend. “This is a great opportunity for us to reach out to the community,” Anselment says. “We can help citizens get top-level training in the area and better equip them.”
EXCEPTIONAL CARE conveniently located Specialty care for children, adolescents and adults, including: Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, Endodontics, Periodontics and Prosthodontics.*
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Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping helps individuals transform the way they look and feel both in and out of the gym. BY AVA DIAZ
PROVIDING EXTREME SUPPORT, encouragement and results in a judgement free zone, Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping is a boutique gym that works to empower individuals—both physically and emotionally. Offering personal training, group sessions, nutritional guidance, kickboxing classes and motivational 10-week challenges, there is a plan for any and every body.
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“The goal is to create structure for people to get a holistic, full circle program that involves physical movement, mental growth and nutrition so that they can live their best lives and see body transformations,” co-owner of the Woodbury and White Bear Lake Farrell’s locations Jillian Faber says. As a part of a franchise that began in Iowa over 20
PHOTOS: FARRELL’S EXTREME BODYSHAPING
D E PA R T M E N T S » B E W E L L
Level Up
FARRELL'S EXTREME BODYSHAPING extremebodyshaping.com 960 Donegal Drive Suite 10 651.207.8471 FXB Woodbury, MN @farrells_extremebodyshaping
years ago, the gym has since expanded nationwide, with the Twin Cities as the largest concentration of studios with over 15 locations. Woodbury and White Bear Lake location owners Faber and Justin Gordon, opened Farrell's as a way to create a community where individuals could reach their fullest potential. After spending several years as members at other gym facilities, Faber and Gordon said they not only lacked a sense of connection with other likeminded individuals, but also the motivation it takes to maintain consistent habits on your own. Upon discovering Farrell’s in Blaine, the two instantly made the switch and sought to provide the same positive gym space for the Woodbury community. “Our focus is to get the community healthy again, [to] get the community living what we call their lives a ‘Level Ten,’” Faber says. Gordon says learning these lifestyle and fitness skills in the gym helps members to realize they are capable of more than they thought, both in and out of the studio. “When you have a community of people that all have that same vision, that same drive and that same desire, I think that’s what really makes it different,” Faber says. Translating this mindset into an everyday lifestyle, Faber and Gordon give back in ways that resonate with their members’ hearts. “The people who come to the studio are obviously from this community ... Our members are our most important thing to us,” she says. Prior to the pandemic, Farrell’s scheduled a quarterly philanthropic events, since then the gym has provided a tip of over $2,000 to a food delivery worker, created a sit-and-shop Zoom event, where over 60 people helped support local small businesses and raised over $2,000 through the MS150, a 150-mile bike tour. “It is important, as a business owner, to be involved in the community,” Gordon says. “[Giving back is] just what we do, we don’t even think about it.”
Helping small businesses. As a community bank, we helped nearly 500 businesses with PPP loans during the pandemic. We continue to be committed to our community businesses. • SBA Loans • ACH Origination • Remote Deposit • Merchant Processing
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D E PA R T M E N T S » FAC E S
PHOTO: CHRIS EMEOTT
Lightbulb Moment
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AUGUST 2021
Greg Foote Jewelers Personal Jewelry Services Jewelry for All Occasions Jewelry and Watch repair done on the premises
BY MADELINE KOPIECKI
Woodbury High School teacher Jacquelyn Bock wins Educator of the Year.
651.227.7324 Mon. through Fri.: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
1075 Hadley Ave. N, Suite 100, Oakdale, MN 55128 gregfootejewelers.com • footeprints@q.com
"Hunsue...? Kyunsue...? Heeunso...?"
HYOUNSOO LATHROP A name that is hard to say but easy to trust
THE ANNUAL COMMUNITY AWARDS GALA, first held by the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce in 2012, recognizes the individuals and nonprofits in the community that make Woodbury a great place to live, work and play. “You can’t be an outstanding community without outstanding people,” says chamber president Laurie Staiger. “We really wanted to have a platform where we could recognize an educator of the year, a nonprofit of the year, a volunteer of the year and a business of the year.” This January, the winning nominee for 2020’s Educator of the Year award was Jacquelyn Bock, a math teacher at Woodbury High School. Staiger says the chamber members had a difficult time choosing between the three nominees for 2020. Ultimately the two things put Bock over the edge as the winner were the nomination letter from a student’s parent and Bock’s own story about her teaching experience. “[The letter] could not have been more heartfelt,” Staiger says. “It painted a clear picture on the positive impact Jacquelyn [Bock] had in this student’s life.” The parent who wrote the letter recommending Bock as Educator of the Year was Woodbury resident Mary WoodleyDouglas. Woodley-Douglas explains that her daughter Lucy always had difficulty with math. “It just never really clicked with her,” she says. From tutoring to study programs, nothing helped. “Every day [Lucy] came home from school, we spent probably an hour where I would reteach the math assignment to
Hello Neighbors! I love hearing, "Oh, you are the realtor who sings and plays piano, right?" Yes, I live here in Woodbury, and I'm passionate about helping people with their real estate needs or lifting their spirit with music whenever possible. Please say "Hi" if you see me around town or at an open house!
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help her get it done,” Woodley-Douglas says. It wasn’t easy on the family, especially with her nightshift job starting at 7 p.m. But when Lucy started ninth grade, she abruptly stopped needing help with her math assignments. “I was shocked, like, ‘Are you sure?’ I couldn’t believe it,” Woodley-Douglas says. Ninth grade is the first year Lucy had Bock as her math teacher. “Before I had [Ms. Bock] it was kind of hard for me because I didn’t quite understand,” Lucy says. “When I met her, she made math easier because she did a lot of visuals and helped explain it more than other math teachers.”
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Woodley-Douglas says that for the two years that Lucy had Bock as her math teacher, she didn’t have to assist with any homework. “Lucy felt comfortable going to school if she needed help with it,” Woodley-Douglas says. “Everything just clicked, and it was really nice.” As it turns out, this lightbulb moment of understanding is exactly the reason Bock got into teaching in the first place. “I remember when I was a student and I just got it, and everything came together,” Bock says. “And my absolute favorite thing about being a teacher, specifically in math, is that I
get to relive all of my students’ lightbulb moments every single day.” Bock’s aspiration to become a teacher started early. “I, like many kindergartners, was in awe of school,” Bock says. “When I was 4, I wanted to be a ballerina but as soon as I turned 5, I was going to be a teacher. And so in kindergarten, I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. In first grade, I wanted to be a first grade teacher. And that pattern followed me all the way up through high school.” In her high school days, another pivotal experience influenced Bock’s choice to become a math teacher. Her
PHOTO: JACQUELYN BOCK
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pre-calculus teacher, Paula Dietzsch, who is also a teacher at Woodbury High School, sat Bock down to try to convince her to go into engineering. “I was like, ‘But I don’t want to be an engineer,’” Bock says. “And she said, ‘Jackie, you’re too good at math, you need to be an engineer.’” This was when Bock had a lightbulb moment of her own. “I was like, ‘Oh. I want to be a teacher, what if I was a math teacher?’ And she thought about it and said, ‘Yeah, that would work. I’m okay with that,’” Bock says, laughing at the memory. “And here I am as her coworker now.”
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D E PA R T M E N T S » D O I N G G O O D
Mental Health Matters South Washington County Schools receive a grant dedicated toward student mental health.
“MENTAL HEALTH has really become a basic need. It’s a foundation for kids being able to learn,” says Cheryl Jogger, South Washington County Schools community engagement coordinator and founder and chair of the South Washington County Community Action Reaching Every Student, or SoWashCo CARES, board. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, also known as NAMI, one out of six children ages 6–17, or 16.5 percent, experience a mental health disorder in 2016. For students in Minnesota, that number is slightly higher—according to the Minnesota Department of Health, in 2016 one in five students showed signs of depression. For South Washington County Schools, mental health has always been a priority, especially given the circumstances surrounding COVID. “Many students and families are struggling more
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due to the pandemic,” Jo Park, special services supervisor, says. In March of this year, the Woodbury Rotary Club raised funds for student mental health in the district. All-in-all, the club raised $20,865 for SoWashCo CARES through several primary sources of funding, including through community citizens and organizations, other Rotary Clubs and the Rotary District matching grant. Woodbury Rotary Club members Alan Henaman, director of public image, and Larry Propst, director of grants applications, say the relationship between the Rotary Club and SoWashCo CARES has been strong through the years; so, donating toward these efforts was the clear choice. “We wanted to become more involved with the school district, since it was such a direct link to the youth in [South Washington] County,” Henaman and
Propst say. “And the best was to do this was through SoWashCo CARES …” Prior to the nearly $21,000 grant, the Rotary Club initiated a mental health program with SoWashCo CARES in February 2020, where $2,500 was donated to the program. When the Rotary Club learned the program needed additional funding, the club stepped up to the plate. The grant is being allocated toward mental health services, mindfulness tools and supply training for district staff. “The training is for clinical social workers to increase their skills and give them more tools in their tool bag,” Park says. The two classes include social thinking— understanding how we think and express ourselves with other people—and yoga calm—moving your body to reduce stress, increase attention and engage your brain. Grant and wellness coordinator Jodi Witte says student mental health has been an ongoing concern for the district.
PHOTO: SOWASHCO CARES
BY HAILEY ALMSTED
“We’ve heard for years that some kids would fall through the cracks, and sometimes that was due to financial issues, but sometimes they just needed more support, help and treatment,” she says. “We worked at it, and that’s when the Rotary Club stepped up …” “Basically, there was no reason for us to do anything other than support additional programs and services [that] SoWashCo CARES could develop.” Henaman and Propst say. “They are, and will continue to be, very successful and insightful about what is needed.” Witte explains that bettering student mental health begins with understanding what the needs are, and Park agrees, noting how finances play a large role. “Students may lack transportation, or their lives are too busy—students with families who work at night [or] households where students have other commitments— to receive therapy outside of school and it’s hard to consistently go to therapy,” she says. That is where the districts three community agency partners, the Youth Service Bureau, Family Innovations and Ellie Family Services, step in. “[Those partners] are providing therapists in our schools, so we can support kids right within the school day,” Park says. “Students are allowed to attend therapy during the school day [and] receive support and function better and access learning easier.” To assist with financial burdens, a large sum of the Rotary Club grant is going toward families who are unable to access therapy. With the grant, the district can assist families with filling out paperwork, learning how to apply to programs, referrals and help find insurance. “So many social and mental health issues in our schools is where ground zero is. We don’t usually have funds to help directly, but this is pulling our community together to work with providers and fill the gaps,” Witte says. “… That’s the really important piece here. When we come out of this, in some capacity, we can better serve our kids and understand their needs.” Regarding SoWashCo CARES programs, Jogger says, “All programs are community driven, student-centered and designed to help the district help the students. It’s our community helping our community.”
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LOOKING LO C A L N O N P R OFIT T URNS ST UMB LING B LO C KS I N TO 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 to meet 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 Twin Cities metro, Swan says staff meets clients in their homes, coffee shops,
FORWARD WOODBURYMAG.COM
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Swan says she is 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 Twin Cities 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.
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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 system-centered, 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 personcentered thinking. “It was like a lightbulb 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 ACT/SAT, learning how to
travel internationally, obtaining a driver’s license, honing interpersonal skills and more. Swan’s first “client,” Nate, has been working with her 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 healthier 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,
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Looking Forward Life Coaching 612.503.7414 lookingforwardlc.org Looking Forward Life Coaching
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 until the week before the move, Swan and the client worked to get
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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 said, ‘She had to get on the airplane with that box of rocks. It had to be under her arm at all times,’” Swan says. “And I said, ‘Well, that was her journey, and that’s a visual reminder that she did it. She got to that point.’”
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e g a u g n A La s e i t i n u t r o of Opp T H E S O U T H WA S H I N G T O N C O U N T Y S C H O O L I M M E R S I O N P R O G R A M PAV E S T H E WAY F O R S T U D E N T S U C C E S S .
written by Samantha DeLeon photos by Chris Emeott
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“In this moment in the world, where we try to understand people, it’s really nice to try to bridge this world by learning someone else’s language,” Cynthia Maldonado, principal of Nuevas Fronteras Spanish Immersion Elementary School, says. By learning another language, it helps people to try and understand another person’s perspectives and experiences; it also might change someone’s worldview. That is why students at Nuevas Fronteras Spanish Immersion are becoming prepared to be global citizens through Spanish proficiency and cultural awareness. With more than 450 students, the elementary school serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade and is part of the South Washington Country Schools district. Being one of 16 elementary schools in the district with a Spanish immersion program, Nuevas Fronteras is the just the start of South Washington Country Schools’ K–12 Spanish Immersion Pathway. The Pathway begins in elementary school, continues on at Woodbury Middle School and ends at Woodbury High School, where students complete two immersion classes a day: Spanish
language arts and social studies. Once students reach high school, students can complete a capstone and, if eligible, can receive a bilingual seal on their diploma. According to South Washington County Schools, Nuevas Fronteras has had quite the journey. The program began at Bailey Elementary School in 2003 and later moved to Crestview Elementary School. A grant from the Minnesota Department of Education supported the creation of immersion schools and provided funding to repurpose Oltman Middle School as Nuevas Fronteras. So, in 2015, the Woodbury community welcomed the repurposed building for a dedicated pathway school: Nuevas Fronteras. Construction of Nuevas Fronteras didn’t begin until 2018, and ensured flexible learning spaces for teachers to provide students with personalized learning. Many classrooms in the school open up to larger learning spaces, and the school also has a media center that features a variety of workspaces for students. In addition, there are several devoted spaces for the arts and athletics, along with a 300-seat auditorium, art classroom and spaces for groups. At the elementary school, students are
Cynthia Maldonado, Nuevas Fronteras Spanish Immersion Elementary School principal.
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Trey Edgerton, Spanish Immersion Pathway 2014 alumni.
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“I loved Spanish immersion. It was an experience like no other.” —Trey Edgerton, alumni fully immersed in the Spanish language while learning the same curriculum as traditional elementary schools. In the classroom, students learn about global cultures with teaching assistants from Latin America and Spain. (Though not all teachers are native-born speakers.) The teachers personalize learning for students by building relationships and they meet with each student before the start of the school year. With 20 classrooms and 25 teachers, students are not only taught by bilingual and certified speakers, but they develop better communication skills and gain awareness of other cultures. Because of the school’s popularity among the Woodbury and surrounding communities, getting your student in the school can be somewhat challenging. “There are a lot of parents that don’t get in the first year. There’s always a waiting list,” says Maldonado. To make the admissions process fair, South Washington County Schools offer two programs: Multiage Choice and Spanish Immersion. Interested families apply for the programs and acceptance is determined by a lottery process. Maldonado says if future students continue to work on their Spanish, there generally are spaces that open up by lottery.
In the four years of being with the school, Maldonado has enjoyed every second. Reflecting on her students who are in the program, Maldonado says, “In immersion, they learn to read, write and speak in a second language. Often, they are more engaged about global issues because they are speaking another language; so, they’re more interested in Spanish speaking countries.” Maldonado says this year and last has been different because of COVID19, since students would typically celebrate cultural celebrations, including Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), dance and sing in some classes. But even through COVID-19, students are never without their community of peers and teachers who help them through their Spanish immersion journey. Maldonado says, “We want them to be bilingual, biliterate and bicultural in the fact that they’re very open to other cultures, are globally aware and that they can work in the current world.” She believes her students are more aware of the whole world by learning another language and, in doing so, it teaches them how to empathize with someone of another culture. “You really get to know who they are if you speak their language.”
Trey Edgerton, a 2014 Spanish Immersion Pathway graduate says, “I loved Spanish immersion. It was an experience like no other.” His most memorable experience was the annual Festival de las Culturas (Festival of Cultures), an end-of-the-year festival where students experience the different Spanish-speaking cultures intertwined through dance and poetry. “Just being able to see the different influences and countries of Spanish speakers and how different their cultures are in one night, really speaks to the diversity within the Spanish speaking community,” Edgerton says, noting the event was also a great night for the community to experience. Edgerton says the pathway program has been helpful in numerous ways, including on his study abroad trip to Spain in 2020. In addition to interacting with the local community, he says the community was impressed with his ability to navigate the country. “It gave me that sort of ease and feeling of security in a place I’ve never been to,” says Edgerton. Maldonado adds that each student in the pathway program is diligent and dedicated to the program—and she is excited for a long future with the pathway.
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The effects have a devastating impact on well-being including: depression, malnutrition, impaired mobility, high blood pressure, cognitive decline and dementia. Aging-in-place is the biggest cause of senior isolation. Shrinking social circles, poor health, life changes and transportation challenges can confine older adults. SAINT THERESE IS FOCUSED ON HELPING SENIORS STAY ACTIVE, SOCIAL, INDEPENDENT & HEALTHY.
That’s why we’ve taken even the smallest of details into consideration to ensure every day living at Saint Therese is extraordinary. Whether looking for a relaxing, quiet lifestyle, one with endless entertainment and social opportunities or something in-between, at Saint Therese, you’ll find home. Data excerpted from Keeping Seniors Socially Connected. ASHA 2019.
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AUGUST 2021
ON THE TOWN things to see and do in and around Woodbury
BACK IN ACTION The annual Woodbury Days celebration takes place August 20–22.
PHOTO: WOODBURY DAYS
BY HAILEY ALMSTED
A FTER A YEA R A N D A HA L F of pandemonium, the city of Woodbury is ready to celebrate the community. “We missed bringing our community together in 2020,” says Amy Lombardi, Woodbury Days Council president. The cherished community event was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19; but plans to be held this year, with a few updates. “Our main plan is to follow all state and local recommendations in regards to safe practices,” Lombardi says. This includes encouraging attendees to wear masks and distance from attendees outside of your group; the council will also be sanitizing and cleaning regularly.
As for the Woodbury Days events, Lombardi says, “I’m happy to say visitors will be able to experience many of the activities they have loved in the past!” Amusement park rides, the annual parade and car show, beer and bingo tents, Taste of Woodbury and local businesses will all be in attendance over the weekend. “[We] are so excited to see everyone come together again for Woodbury Days 2021,” Lombardi says.
Woodbury Days | August 20–22 Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Drive woodburydays.com
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O N T H E TOW N »
Compiled by Meghan Bishop, Lauren Foley and Olivia Rivera
AUGUST 5
7PM
22 Woodbury Days Grande Parade With over 100 units, the Woodbury Days Grande Parade is one for the books. Come early to grab a spot, enjoy the variety of floats and entertainment, then stay to enjoy the fun all day at Woodbury Days.
All ages. Free. 11 a.m. Ojibway Park, 2695 Ojibway Drive; woodburydays.com
28 Markgafs Lake 10K Take a jog or sprint around the beautiful Markgaf Lake neighborhood on this 10K run. The run will start near the Colby Lake Park ice rink. Free running shirts will be available to runners. All ages. 7–10 a.m. Colby Lake Park,
9715 Valley Creek Road; runsignup.com
A R E A E V E N TS
1 You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown
Grab your favorite picnic blanket and some bug spray! Ojibway Park’s outdoor cinema will present Raya the Last Dragon as its final movie of the summer season. The evening’s premovie activities kick off at 7 p.m. with hula hoop and trivia contests. The whole family can enjoy painting, photos on the red carpet, games and crafting. All ages. Free. 7–10 p.m. Starlight
Cinema, 2659 Ojibway Drive; 952.240.9316; starlightmn.com
LO CAL EVEN TS
4–25 Woodbury Farmers Market Put on your sunglasses and head out to the market on a Sunday morning! Find all your locally grown and homemade household products, produce and maybe some paeonies too in Woodbury’s Central Park, every Sunday this summer.
All ages. Free. Sundays, 6 a.m.—1 p.m. Woodbury Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place; stpaulfarmersmarket.com
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21 Bridges, Bikes and Brew It’s 3rd Act Craft Brewery’s Second Annual Bridges, Bikes and Brew to support the PKD Foundation! There are biking tours that span up to 100 miles in distance. Depending on the length, the tour can cross through over 20 cities and townships. Join with other cyclists at the beginning and end of the race with some brews at 3rd Act. There will also be pizzas, jumbo pretzels, hot dogs and brats. Ages 21 and over.
7 a.m.–noon. 3rd Act Craft Brewery, 4120 Radio Drive; minnesotabreweries.com
All Ages. Ticket prices vary. Stages Theatre, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins; 800.362.3515, stagestheatre.org
6–8 Uptown Art Fair Jewelry, paintings, chalk art and more—all nestled in the heart of
Woodbury Farmers Market
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Taco & Margarita Festival
Friday noon–8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.– 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Corner of Lake St. and Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; 612.823.4581; uptownminneapolis.com
7 Taco & Margarita Festival There may not be white sand under your feet, but this taco crawl’s live music, margarita bar and wide variety of Minneapolis’s best restaurant and food truck taco vendors will transport you to a sunny day at the beach anyway. Ages 21 and up. $10–35.
11 a.m.–6 p.m. Cabooze Plaza, 917 Cedar Ave., Mpls.; 612.338.6425; cabooze.com
8 Yoga Flow at Utepils Brewery
21 Eden Prairie Arts in the Park
Start your Sunday morning off right with some stretching and a nice brew. Join yoga teacher Annie Hayes at this European-style brew house for good drinks and yoga. Ages 21 and over. $10.
Support local artist at this one-of-akind craft show. With goods from all over Minnesota this a great spot to find unique art and gifts. All Ages. Free.
12 Walking with the Woods—Forest Therapy at Fort Snelling State Park
22 Lakewood 101 Walking Tours
10 a.m. Utepils Brewery, 225 Thomas Ave. N. Suite 700, Mpls.; utepilsbrewing.com
Deeply connect with nature by trying the Japanese practice of shinrin yoku, or forest bathing. Take a guided journey through beautiful trails of Fort Snelling and experience this revitalizing practice. Adults. $28. 9 a.m.–noon.
Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center, Fort Snelling State Trail, St. Paul; mnhs.org
10 a.m.–5 p.m. Purgatory Creek Park, 13001 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie; 952.949.8304; mnartists.walkerart.org
Take a walk through local history on this walking tour of Lakewood Cemetery. Explore the beautiful architecture and gardens on this educational journey through time. All Ages. $10.
11 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Lakewood Cemetery, 3600 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.; eventbrite.com
To have your event considered: email woodburymag@tigeroak.com by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Due to the fluidity being experienced in the current environment, please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.
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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.
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GALLERY
COMMUNITY AWARDS GALA PHOTOS BY TOM DUNN PHOTOGRAPHY
The Annual Community Awards Gala featured a community awards presentation to deserving Woodbury area recipients. Pictured are the 2020 award recipients, who were celebrated at the Denim and Diamonds Virtual Gala this past January. 1 Public Safety: Woodbury Public Safety Department First Responders 2 Business: Angelina’s Kitchen 3 Nonprofit: Woodbury Community Foundation; pictured: Jodi Ritacca, board chair 4 Educator: Jacquelyn Bock, Woodbury High School 5 Citizen: Donna Stafford 6 Public Safety: Woodbury Public Safety Department First Responders 7 2020 board chair Eric Rislove, Edward Jones Investments, passing the gavel to 2021 board chair Pat Fritz, Seasons Market Holiday
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To have your event considered: send date, time, location, photos and contact information, and a brief description of the event, to woodburymag@tigeroak.com.
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TA S T E M A K E R S »
Mixing Things Up THE MIX OFFERS A NEW TAKE ON NUTRITION SHAKES, PROTEIN COFFEE, TEA AND MORE. BY HAILEY ALMSTED
44 AUGUST 2021
PHOTOS: CHRIS EMEOTT
For many households, an aloe vera plant is just like any other houseplant. For others, it is a medicinal plant, containing vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. But for Kat Chirhart, aloe vera comes in the form of a healthy, nutritional drink. “An aloe vera-based drink helps to aid digestion, acid reflux, things like that,” she says. Chirhart, a Woodbury resident and owner of The Mix, a Woodbury-based nutrition club, says the aloe vera-based drinks are just one part of the experience at The Mix. With a three-part menu—a shot of aloe, an herbal tea and a shake—these meal replacement combinations are endless. “The aloe is your digestive aid, the tea gives you an energy boost, and includes more antioxidant properties, and the shake is your meal replacement, which is very nutritious,” Chirhart says. The first part of the meal, the aloe shot, is the favorite part for many customers, says Chirhart. It comes in three flavors: mango, cranberry and mandarin. “It’s just such a refreshing shot,” she says. However, the aloe vera shot is more than just a refreshment. Some science behind drinking aloe vera in its pure, uncolored form shows an abundance of health benefits. Not only can it prevent
or help treat dehydration, but its antioxidant properties and enzymes can aid liver function, reduce the appearance of acne, psoriasis and dermatitis, relive side effects from heartburn and help keep the digestive system running properly. “It’s also really refreshing and soothing,” Chirhart says. An herbal tea is the second part of the meal— and with three “levels” and over 40 varieties of herbal teas, there is a flavor for everyone. “There’s different levels of tea. Some have a healthy energy boost, some have collagen,” Chirhart says. Level one offers a thermogenic boost (leading to increased metabolism), level two offers a boost of vitamin B as well as extra energy and focus, and level three includes a boost of collagen. Teas can also be customized to include immunity essentials or a relaxing herbal blend. “My favorite tea is our regular raspberry lemonade tea,” Chirhart says. “But, out of our most popular level two tea bombs, I like the mixer (our signature drink), the royal and the palm bomb.” The last part of the meal is the meal replacement shake, which has over 80 flavors ranging from Vanilla Vibes and Chocolate Lovers to Tutti Fruity and Peanut Butter Perfection, according
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to The Mix’s menu. “The meal replacement shake is very nutritious,” Chirhart says. “We have flavors like wedding cake and brownie batter, but all the shakes are still healthy.” Protein coffee and bites, plus meal bars, also dominate the menu, and fitness classes are just another leg of the business. “Our most popular class is cardio drumming, but we also do dance fitness (essentially a Zumba class), boot camp and yogalates,” Chirhart says, noting every participant receives the aloe/tea/shake meal with the class. Although the menu is large, so is Chirhart’s plan to give back locally. “We really do like to recognize different businesses
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for services in our area,” she says. “It’s our way to give back to the community. We can give a healthy breakfast or lunch, good nutrition and a gentle energy boost, which is great, especially when times are difficult for a lot of people.” Even before the grand opening in April 2021, Chirhart and her team were already donating meals to businesses and causes around town, including Birdi Golf, Salute Dental, StretchLab, Patina, Woodbury Elementary School and more. “We feel very blessed to be in this community. People have been so welcoming every day,” she says. “We can’t wait to get out to more businesses and impact the community even more.”
PHOTOS: THE MIX
TA S T E M A K E R S »
At Hearing of America, patients receive elite personalized hearing care, in treatment of hearing loss and/or tinnitus to enjoy life to the fullest.
(651) 528-7868
THE REVIEWS ARE IN!
Jerry Zhou, PhD Hearing of America
“Absolutely beautiful and inviting space. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Everything was efficient and speedy even though it was grand opening and very busy. I loved everything about it. 10/10—I can’t wait to meet up with my girlfriends here.” —Tara D., Facebook “There are so many flavors and all are so yummy! Great staff, great location, beautiful space.” —Teri F.Y., Facebook “This new nutrition club in Woodbury is amazing!!! The healthy shakes and teas are delicious. Staff is so friendly, welcoming and healthy. And the décor is beautiful and inspiring!!” —Kim S.R., Facebook
Up to $1,000 off retail price on rechargeable smart hearing aids. It cannot be combined with other offers. Expires on 8/31/21.
Dr. Dan Ehrmanntraut, DDS
Thank you for making us Minnesota’s Best Hearing Center!
1075 Hadley Ave N. #107 Oakdale, MN 55128 service@hearingofamerica.com
www.hearingofamerica.com
We are a family dentistry practice and have been serving the community for over 30 years.
Services Include: • Preventative • Restorative • Cosmetic • Invisalign Braces
Dr. Steven Setterstrom, DDS
www.preservedentistry.com
651-739-7888 | 7582 Currell Blvd Suite 210 | Woodbury, MN 55125
“The Mix has great teas and meal replacement shakes!! Haven’t had one I don’t like! Staff is FANTASTIC!” —Angi S., Facebook “This fantastic new nutrition club in Woodbury is full of healthy options for coffee, teas, protein shakes, snacks and more! Great location! Amazing team!” —Jessica H., Facebook
co-host
Elizabeth
THE MIX
1740 Weir Drive Suite 26 The Mix @themixmn
WEEKDAYS at 3PM
Ries
co-host
Steve
Patterson
WOODBURYMAG.COM
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LAST GLANCE
Summer Snorkeling Hobby photographer captures summer fun. BY HAILEY ALMSTED PHOTO BY BETHANY NORDMAN
E AC H MO N TH , we feature one of the photos from our 2020 Focus on Woodbury photo contest. This month, we asked hobby photographer Bethany Nordman to tell us about Submerged, which took second place in our Activities & Events category.
Tell us the story behind the image. We have three elementary-aged boys in our family who all love to swim, so we spend as much time as we can in or near the water. This was a pretty typical July afternoon spent by the community pool with my son trying out his snorkel. What kind of camera did you use? This photo was simply taken with my iPhone in portrait mode. What struck you about the scene and inspired you to take the photo? My favorite thing about this image is just how it captures my son in a moment of determination that was both candid and memorable. What’s your photography background? I know that my love for photography has grown out of my grandfather’s passion. I distinctly recall watching him develop his own film in a closet that he converted to a dark room. I have always found photography to be a fun hobby and a fantastic way to document and later relive our moments.
2021 Lens on Woodbury Photo Contest Rules & Details Submissions are accepted at woodburymag.com between August 1 and August 31. • Entrants must live, work or attend school in the Woodbury area. • Readers’ Choice voting takes place at woodburymag.com in September. • Entrants may submit up to five photos, with no more than three in any category. • Photos should be taken in the Woodbury area within one year of the submission date.
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AUGUST 2021
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