Saint Croix Valley December 2020/January 2021 by Tiger Oak Media

The Spirit of

Stillwater Forge and Foundry Distillery opens on Main St.

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CONTENTS DEC ’20/JAN ’21 “To many people, holidays are not voyages of discovery, but a ritual of reassurance.” -Phillip Adams

in every issue 4 EDITOR’S LETTER 7

NOTEWORTHY

ON THE TOWN

26 GALLERY 28

TASTEMAKERS

LAST GLANCE

departments 1 0 ENLIGHTEN

That’s a Wrap 1 2 DOING GOOD

Help is Here

Small volunteer-led program expands to meet increased needs.

1 4 FRESH AIR

Family Trees PAGE 10

Lake Elmo Christmas tree farm marks 65+ years in business.

feature 16

The Spirit of Stillwater

Forge and Foundry Distillery opens on Main St.

PAGE 28

2 | DEC 2020/JAN 2021

TATE CARLSON, COURTESY OF KELSEY HEIMERL

Green alternatives to wrapping paper.

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from the EDITOR

Dr. Marc Roehrich Dr. James Erlandson

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

Where visiting the dentist feels like visiting a friend. Inside our practice, you may forget you’re at the dentist. We love to laugh and have fun, while still providing high-quality care customized to meet your needs. You’ll feel among friends here.

stcroixvalleymag.com St. Croix Valley Magazine @scvmag @stcroixvalleymag

don’t know about you, but I’ve never been so enthusiastic to see a year end! 2020 has been a wild ride, and I’m more excited than ever to celebrate the holiday season with an overwhelming sense of gratitude that “we made it.” December is a month for feasting that leads up to the ushering in of a new year, fresh starts and renewed hopes. Let the celebratory vibes in this issue begin with our story about the Board Loon, a local custom charcuterie board company that knows our Wisconsin style weakness for cheese. And, you may also want to raise a glass to celebrate the season with spirits distilled locally by one of Stillwater’s newest businesses, Forge and Foundry Distillery. We share the backstory of how this family-owned company came together and its vision for being a mainstay in the future of the Valley. From beginning to end, this issue focuses on fortitude, forward-thinking and the generous spirit of the incredible people in the St. Croix Valley. It also focuses a lot on food … so go ahead and snack, sip and savor your way into the new year. It’s a celebration and we’re here for it.

Angela Johnson, editor stcroixvalleymag@tigeroak.com

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ON THE COVER Andrew Mosiman and Christie Wanderer page 16 TATE CARLSON

The Spirit of

Stillwater Forge and Foundry Distillery opens on Main St.

PHOTO BY LISA BUTH

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SUSAN ISAY ANGELA JOHNSON ANGELA JOHNSON HAILEY ALMSTED ANTHONY BETTIN AVA DIAZ MADELINE KOPIECKI RENEE STEWART-HESTER SAMANTHA DELEON ANITA STASSON HANNAH TIERNEY

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NOTEWORTHY W H A T ’ S G O I N G O N I N T H E VA L L E Y

Meeting Needs

“Feeding families is the first step forward.”

he mission of Stillwater based Valley Outreach over the past 37 years has been to help people move their lives forward through basic needs, services and personalized support. Originating in 1983 as St. Croix Valley Food Shelf, it was initially a collaboration of several local churches. As the organization expanded its size and services to include a clothing program, the newly expanded StyleXchange and support from licensed social workers, it has evolved into a wide-reaching provider of services. Between 2018 and 2019, Valley Outreach provided over 1 million meals and 68 thousand clothing items to people in need, with the help of almost 27 thousand volunteer hours provided by community members. Although it has recently limited the number of volunteers due to the Covid19 pandemic and CDC guidelines, there are still opportunities for community members to help. Most needed are condiments, canned goods, grains, spices and oils, cereal, personal care products and baby supplies. Financial donations are encouraged as well. Clothing items are accepted year-round. Valley Outreach currently offers drive-up food services on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30- 11:30 a.m. and on Tuesday, Thursday from 4:30- 6:30 p.m. To find out more about programs and how to help, visit valleyoutreachmn.org.

—Katelyn Storch

VALLEY OUTREACH 1901 Curve Crest Blvd. West Stillwater, Minn. 651-430-2739 // info@valleyoutreachmn.org JANEL HUTTON FOR VALLEY OUTREACH

STCROIXVALLEYMAG.COM | 7

N OT E WO RT H Y

HOME

Welcome Winter Scarves can be more than a wardrobe accessory.

Just as we change our wardrobes from season to season, we should also change our home decor to reflect the cooler weather. It needn’t be complicated and it certainly need not cost much money. There are simple ways to welcome winter. Scarves can come in handy around the house. Because of their various sizes, color, shapes, prints and the fact that they’re usually quite inexpensive, a scarf here or there can easily become a go-to move for home decorating. Drape a simple silk scarf around a candle with feathers. Pair with wooden accents to create a soft yet sophisticated centerpiece. It really is that simple. Use what you have, add a few accent pieces, a candle or nature inspired elements. Do what speaks to you. —Contributed by Kelli Kaufer, interior designer/owner of Kelli Kaufer Designs; kellikaufer.com

8 | DEC 2020/JAN 2021

SNAPSHOT

Trust your smile to the specialists… right here in the St. Croix Valley! Save $300 Remnants of Christmas by Rachael Johnson was submitted to our Lens on St. Croix Valley photo contest in 2019. We love the view and the nod toward the joy of the holidays. But we also look forward to that January thaw.

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RACH THE BOOKSELLER RECOMMENDS …

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman The bulk of Backman’s newest novel, published on in September, takes place at an apartment viewing where eight anxious people from various walks of life accidentally become hostages of a very reluctant bank robber who comes looking for an escape route. Surprisingly funny and poignant (or perhaps not surprising if you know and love Backman), this book has all the elements we’ve grown to love from his novels. It’s a sweet soliloquy that will make readers laugh and cry, sometimes within the same paragraph, sometimes at the same time. But it’s also so much more. Backman perfectly illustrates our anxious lives and reminds us that we’re not alone. This beautiful novel overﬂows with so much love and a deep understanding of the human condition. Pick up a copy for yourself and for someone you love at Valley Bookseller; 217 Main St. N., Stillwater, Minn.; 651.430.3385; valleybookseller.com

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ENLIGHTEN

WISE WRAP

D E PA R T M E N T S

The furoshiki method of wrapping items (gifts to groceries) is steeped in Japanese tradition. Use bandanas, bedsheets, cloth napkins, fabric scraps, tablecloths, tea towels and more to wrap gifts in a more economical and Earthy-friendly way.

That’s a Wrap Green alternatives to wrapping paper.

BY RENÉE STEWARTHESTER

KEEPING A LID ON REFUSE over the holidays takes extra and creative efforts with the increased volume of mailing boxes, packaging and giftwrap. It’s easier than you think to come up with green alternatives to traditional giftwrap and boxes.

PHOTO BY TATE CARLSON

• Reusing gift or mailing boxes is a no brainer, but have you thought of giving a second life to food containers?

10 | DEC 2020/JAN 2021

Tip: Cereal boxes, especially ones adorned with holiday themes, are ideal packages for kids’ gifts. • Don’t toss out outgrown or no-longer-used holiday jammies or outfits. Trim them down to reuse as wrapping for smaller items. • For gardening-theme gifts, tuck items inside a clay

flower pot. Top it with the drain base, and festoon it with a holiday ribbon around the pot to secure the lid. • When giving cozy mittens/gloves/hats, wrap them up in a coordinating scarf. • Get the artists in your family to decorate paper grocery bags, and use them as wrapping paper. Tip: Decorate with holiday-themed riddles, poems, song lyrics or trivia. • Dish towels are cuter and cleverer than ever. Use them to wrap up cooking and baking tools for your favorite home cook.

Celebrating

HAVE YOUR SMILE READY!”

• Speaking of cooking, how about filling a large stock pot with pasta and ingredients for your favorite homemade sauce? Tie repurposed cloth in a bow to keep it all together. • If your fisherman’s tackle box or creel is getting a little too, well, fishy, buy a new one, and fill it with bobbers, fishing line, lures, a stringer and more. Tip: Don’t forget a little container of Bactine and bandages. It can get rough out there on the water or in the boat. • Remember maps?—You know, the kind that were improperly refolded and tucked (jammed) into cars’ glove or side door compartments. If your maps have been replaced by phone apps, give them new life as wrapping paper, especially for travelers, who no doubt, are chomping at the bit to get driving, flying or however they get going! Tip: Travel cubes aren’t just a trend; they’re a necessity for anyone on the go. Fill them with travel-size goodies, and use the map to wrap.

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• Who doesn’t love giftwrap with a purpose? Gather or print out coloring contest forms from local newspapers, businesses or towns. Wrap up a kid’s (or kid at heart) gift, and the wrap can be used later as an art project. • On a similar note, grab the sports section of your favorite newspaper (or magazine!) to use for any athlete’s perfect present. Tip: Fold the paper into an envelope for a gift card to a local sporting goods store.

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D E PA R T M E N T S

DOING GOOD

Help is Here ST. CROIX VALLEY ORGANIZATION OPERATION HELP was born of the altruism of the yuletide spirit.

BY MADELINE KOPIECKI

“The organization was started by a couple, Bob and Mary Nasvik, they started the Christmas program and operated it out of their church,” say executive director Tim Puffer. The pair were aware of some families in the area that were struggling financially, and they wanted to pitch in and help provide a Christmas experience for the children of these families. From there, the organization has expanded into other areas of need in the St. Croix Valley. Now, Operation HELP focuses on two year-round programs. The first is an emergency financial assistance program that helps families in the St. Croix Valley with rent, utilities and car repair. “The reason we do this is to keep people in their homes and keep people in their jobs,” says Puffer. The second area of focus is a resource center that supplies essential items such as toiletries and vouchers for gasoline, laundromats and food. “Before COVID-19, our resource center was a walk-in service,” says Puffer. “Now, there are limited walk-ins but we encourage calling ahead. We speak with people over the phone and

12 | DEC 2020/JAN 2021

put together the vouchers and items that they need for a pick-up.” Daily operational changes aren’t the only differences the organization has seen as of this interview conducted in August. They’re also working double-time to meet demand. “Since March, we’ve had a lot of ups and downs. At this point in August, we’re running about 30 percent or more ahead of what we do in a typical year,” says Puffer. Before COVID-19, Operation HELP assisted six to eight families a week in the St. Croix Valley with emergency financial assistance. From the end of July to midAugust, that number jumped to an average of 15 to 20 families per week. Puffer says the organization expects this trend to continue through the end of the year. But even as the need has risen and the future uncertain, the generosity of the community has been outstanding. “At this point in time, we’ve been lucky; the support has increased with the demand,” says Puffer. “The community is tremendous. Businesses and churches have risen to the demand. And the St. Croix Valley Foundation has provided grant support to a number of organizations, including ours.”

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Small volunteer-led program expands to meet increased needs.

PIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

“At this point in time, we’ve been lucky; the support has increased with the demand. The community is tremendous. Businesses and churches have risen to the demand. And the St. Croix Valley Foundation has provided grant support to a number of organizations, including ours."

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TIM PUFFER

While the current outpouring of support has made a crucial impact on Operation HELP’s ability to assist families in the area, there are some concerns that people might be unaware that the needs continue “The COVID-19 pandemic has been going on for some time, and people are getting fatigued,” Puffer says. Although the 2020 Christmas program fundraising will have ended by the time this article is printed, there are still ways you can support your community. “Right now, the biggest thing for Operation HELP is that we’re making financial grants to people who are having trouble paying their utilities and rent,” says Puffer. He also notes the organization has seen a jump in families experiencing financial hardships for the first time. “Overall, there are a lot of resources for people in the St. Croix Valley. In addition to Operation HELP, there’s the United Way's 211 referral service, which helps you find information for what’s available.” Puffer says what’s most important is for families to ask for help and know there are resources out there.

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D E PA R T M E N T S

FRESH AIR

"Our emphasis on the farm is education and environmental stewardship." - Deb Krueger

Family Trees

Lake Elmo Christmas tree farm marks more than 65 years in the business. BY HAILEY ALMSTED

THOUGH THE KRUEGER'S CHRISTMAS TREE FARM is on its second

location, the passion for growing the festive trees remains untouched. Neil and Deb Krueger, alongside their son John, are proud to practice sustainable farming and environmental stewardship, and they work year-round to ensure the farm offers the best of the best Christmas trees. The current Lake Elmo farm has been in the family for more than a century, but the land wasn't originally used as a Christmas tree farm. Dating back to 1916, Neil’s grandparents used the land for cattle grazing and dairy farming, but after his grandparents retired in the 1940s, the land was sold to Neil’s uncle. The farm again became purchasable real estate in the 1980s, and though Neil and Deb were Stillwater residents, it was a no-brainer to purchase the land and continue the family’s farming legacy. The couple officially purchased the farm in 1983 and began planting Christmas trees right away—while still managing Neil’s childhood Christmas tree farm in Stillwater. Growing up on a Christmas tree farm in the 1950s, Neil describes it as tedious work. “When I was young, we worked on the tree farm, planting, shaving and selling trees,” he says. “I didn’t like it at the time, but as I got older, I realized it’s nice.” Although the original tree farm location in the St. Croix Valley is now retail space, his birthright, as some may say, continues in Lake Elmo at Krueger’s Christmas Trees. “Our emphasis on the farm is education and environmental stewardship,”

14 | DEC 2020/JAN 2021

BOTTOM PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE KRUEGER FAMILY

PHOTO BY TATE CARLSON

FUSION FITNESS AND NUTRITION Helping the East Metro Live a Healthy and Fit Life! Results-Driven Personal Fitness Training and Precision Nutrition Coaching Deb says. “How we farm, what we farm and being organic is important.” The Krueger farm offers tours for grade schools and donates to different organizations each year. In 2019, the Krueger’s donated over $4,000 to Save the Boundary Waters. They’ve also donated to the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and Wilderness Inquiry. “It’s always very successful,” Deb says. “We’re concerned about the environment. It’s not just about planting a single crop, but about the entire environment: the land, the animals and the crops.” Each season, the Kruegers rotate the crops to enrich the soil, mulch using the chipped-up Christmas trees from the previous season and plant several thousand new Christmas trees. A typical tree takes 8–10 years to fully grow, and, if lucky, will have a 90 percent survival rate. And because the farm uses few to no chemicals, most of the work is done by hand, including mowing, trimming and mulching. “Since we’ve been growing trees, we’ve never used pesticides,” Neil says. “It’s because of the diversity of our land, we have ponds and wetlands, and the variety brings in more animals and birds.” “We live on the land, and it’s a gift. It’s sacred,” Deb says. “We have a Native American burial ground on our land, so we’re very respectful to the animals. We and the land are very interconnected.” The Kruegers are happy to welcome customers into the fields to cut their own tree or to select pre-cut trees. “Shaking, wrapping, tying it to your car, a fresh cut and the tax is all included in the posted price,” Neil says. The farm usually also welcomes guests into its warming house for cider and visits with Santa, evening shopping and artist-made Christmas ornaments, along with free wagon rides. For seasonal hours, visit kruegerschristmastrees.com. Check the website for updates regarding COVID-19.

KRUEGER’S CHRISTMAS TREES 10970 43rd Street North, Lake Elmo, Minn. kruegerschristmastrees.com Krueger’s Sprucegate Christmas Tree Farm

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STCROIXVALLEYMAG.COM | 15

The Spirit of

ST I L LWAT E R Forge and Foundry Distillery opens on Main Street.

t seems to be a common theme that people who grew up here and move away are often drawn to return with a transplanted spouse in tow. That’s what happened to local Forge and Foundry Distillery owners Andrew Mosiman and Christie Wanderer of Stillwater. Mosiman is a Stillwater native who joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed in San Diego, Calif. While living there, he met Wanderer of Los Angeles. The couple married and Mosiman convinced Wanderer to move to his hometown. But we can’t yet say “the rest is history,” because they are still making some history with the recent opening of their downtown distillery.

written by Angela

16 | DEC 2020/JAN 2021

Like many entrepreneurs, the path to their profession is not a linear one. Wanderer is a creative director for a medical device manufacturer and Mosiman has been a stay-at-home dad since the couple’s twin boys were born 12 years ago. But, once their boys started school, Mosiman found himself wanting something more to do. “I contacted Target,” says Mosiman, “and they were great.” He enjoyed the flexible work offered on evenings and weekends but says he had an itch to make something. In college and in the Navy, Mosiman recalls taking kegs of Milwaukee’s Best Light beer and distilling it down to make powerful alcohol for the guys in college and on ships.

Johnson

photos by Tate

Carlson

STCROIXVALLEYMAG.COM | 17

18 | DEC 2020/JAN 2021

THE SCIENCE OF SPIRITS

Distilling begets clear liquors first, so intital offerings include rum, vodka and gin.

“It’s kind of like being a chemist, or the professor on Gilligan’s Island,” jokes Mosiman. But all joking aside, he did seriously begin to ponder starting a distillery. The couple decided to pursue the idea by taking business classes and enlisting the help of a mentor who reviewed their business plans and finances. Then, they traveled to Seattle, Wash. to take a couple of additional courses. “The tax breaks and use of local grains encouraged [the growth of ] local distilleries [in Seattle],” says Mosiman, adding “We learned to distill there, how to navigate federal paperwork and what to look for when buying a building.” Afterward, the couple locked in some financing and began their hunt for a Stillwater location. Mosiman says, “We wanted to employ people here and make something here, and have it say, ‘made in Stillwater.’” But distilling requires certain specifications like high ceilings to accommodate equipment and preferably cement floors with drains, something many available historic Stillwater buildings lacked. But their search led them to what they believe to be the perfect location on Main St., complete with the requisite high ceilings and concrete floors. Even better, the building has a second level with flooring solid enough to accommodate the distillery’s aging booze barrels, not to mention an upper level deck area with spectacular views of the St. Croix River. The space was secured in December of 2019 and the couple spent Christmas break with their kids demolishing everything inside what was once Northern Vineyards Winery. If you’ve been in the space before, you’d hardly recognize it now. An entire wall has been removed along with a drop ceiling. A hammer drill was used to remove floor tiles. A bar, tasting room and distillery area were installed, along with an additional bathroom for added capacity. Everything was repainted and a super cool mural was added by local artist Jared Tuttle. Naming the business was another hurdle the couple managed to overcome with a solid landing. Their initial thought was to incorporate Wanderer’s last name. But that likely would have caused some brand confusion with a Minneapolis distillery. “We’d rather collaborate than be competitors,” says Wanderer. They also wanted to establish a brand that is local but not so local that it inhibits any potential nationwide growth. Stillwater’s lumberjack history wasn’t as meaningful to them personally, but further archival investigation turned up a historic local company called Twin Cities Forge and Foundry, a business that made ammunition and metal products used during the World Wars, sort of a match for Mosiman’s military background. Wanderer says, “that company seemed to represent a rebirth of Stillwater … providing jobs … that resonated with us.” An “FF” sub-logo on their bottles is meant to represent friends and family. “We want this to be a place for people to hang out with family and friends, and make new friends,” says Wanderer. The business has hired

STCROIXVALLEYMAG.COM | 19

SPIRIT OF STILLWATER

Forge and Foundry owners asked local artist Jared Tuttle to create this impressive mural.

20 | DEC 2020/JAN 2021

Come Home To Comfort SCHEDULE Your Clean & Tune TODAY four employees, whom the couple views as an extension of their family. They opened their doors on August 7th months after their desired opening date, delayed due to covid-19, which they are vigilant to monitor and help prevent through limiting capacity and requiring face masks whenever patrons aren’t drinking. Mosiman notes that distilling begets clear liquors first. So, their initial offerings will be rum (molasses based), vodka (wheat based) and gin. Whiskey needs to be barreled for 2-4 years, so any whiskey cocktails offered on site will be outsourced while Forge and Foundry ages its own. What’s cool is patrons can sample the distillery’s whiskey during the aging process to see what it tastes like along the way. Along with its own creative cocktail menu, Forge and Foundry offers locally sourced sodas from Northern Soda in Arden Hills, housemade cola, ginger beer, shrubs, and draft kombucha from Bootlegger Brewing in Apple Valley. “We’re also partnering with the co-op next door for charcuterie platters and bleu cheese stuffed olives,” says Wanderer. So, drop in. Say “hello.” And order a creative cocktail. The holiday season will likely bring new cocktail menu options at Forge and Foundry but classics like rum daiquiris, vodka mules and rum and colas are tasty standbys for any purists. And be sure to take a bottle home for mixing up your own drink recipes this season. Your Forge and Foundry bottles will be great conversation starters that will hopefully encourage more local support for this budding business. Cheers!

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ON THE TOWN W H A T ’ S G O I N G O N I N T H E VA L L E Y

BIRD WATCHING Get outdoors and enjoy nature.

TAKE A PEEP Bird hike at Lake Elmo Park Reserve

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Take part in a guided bird hike at a Washington Country Park! Experience the outdoors, listen to the sounds of nature and learn how to identify birds that live in the area. You will also have an opportunity to contribute to the citizen science data collection though a bird count survey. This survey will assist the Natural Resources team and related work in conjunction with the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund. This hike/ birder experience is open to both beginner and expert bird watchers and everyone in between.

DECEMBER 19 (meet at the south side of the Nordic Center, park in the Nordic Trailhead lot) Free with vehicle permit $7/daily or $30/annual. 9 – 10:30 a.m. Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N., Lake Elmo; 651.430.8370; co.washington.mn

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LOCAL EVENTS

3–5 Pleasant Valley Orchard Christmas Barn Sale

Stock up on your Christmas favorites, including one-of-a-kind items, pies, caramel apples and other gourmet foods. These make great gifts for the holidays, and it’s the last chance to stock up on your favorite goodies. 10 a.m–4 p.m. 17325 Pleasant Valley Road, Shafer, Minn.; 651.257.9159; pleasantvalleyorchard.com

4–19 Holiday Tea at Historic Lowell Inn

Time for some tea. Relax and take in the season at the Historic Lowell Inn. Decorated and ready for the Christmas season, offerings of a full course tea menu available! 2–4 p.m. $17.99 per person. 651.439.1100; 102 Main St., Stillwater, Minn.; lowellinn.com

19 Bird Hike at Lake Elmo Park Reserve

Take to the outdoors and take a guided bird hike at Washington County Parks. With all levels of bird watchers out for the opportunity to get up close with nature and help contribute to bird count surveys. 9–10:30 a.m. Free with parking permit ($7 daily). 1515 Keats Ave. N., Lake Elmo, Minn.; 651.430.8370; co.washington.mn.us

19 Radio River Virtual

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ROYAL CREDIT UNION MEMBER

Easy online account opening at rcu.org/NewChecking

Live local news! Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson go live from the Marine Community Library to report on local news, business, expert guests and national speakers. Free. 9–10 a.m. 312.626.6799; marinecommunitylibrary.org

Insured by NCUA

24 | DEC 2020/JAN 2021

at Norway House. From local bakeries and baking enthusiasts to families and first-time gingerbread makers, all are encouraged to enter their tasty cookiecreations. All ages. By appointment only. $10 general admission, $5 members, seniors and children, ages 4 and under free. Norway House, 913 E. Franklin Ave, Mpls.; 612.871.2211; norwayhouse.org

3 Virtual Vietnamese Conversation Group

Gather online with the Saint Paul Public Library for an hour of conversation led by a Vietnamese speaker. Whether you are a native speaker, practicing or looking to learn Vietnamese, this fun and welcoming Skype meeting is right for you. All ages. Free. 6–7 p.m.; sppl.org

4 European Christmas Market

Shop for unique, handmade holiday gifts and decorations from local vendors, based on festive Christkindlmarkets that pop up in Germany, Austria and other European countries during advent season over three full weekends starting December 4. Virtual Market information coming soon. All ages. Free. 4–9 p.m. Union Depot East Plaza, 240 E. Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul; 651.647.6250; stpaulchristmasmarket.org

7 Virtual Art Practice Circle

Share your passion for art in a virtual community space hosted by the Minnesota Center for Book Arts. Discuss your work and spark new ideas with teaching artist, Regula Russelle, and fellow artists. Enjoy this evening of creativity and encouragement. $10, $5 for BIPOC participants; register online. 6–7:30 p.m.; mnbookarts.org

AREA EVENTS

1–31 Gingerbread Wonderland

The sixth annual Gingerbread Wonderland returns to the Gallery

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COMPILED BY SAMANTHA DELEON, ANITA STASSON AND HANNAH TIERNEY

TO HAVE YOUR EVENT CONSIDERED email stcroixvalleymag@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 stcroixvalleymag.com for updates.

Personalized, Complete Care at Carlson Dental Group Dr. Sarah Carlson takes over her hometown practice, continuing a tradition of comprehensive care.

hen Dr. Sarah Carlson purchased a dental office in Stillwater from Dr. Ned Windmiller in 2018, she fulfilled a dream. Raised in Bayport and a graduate of Stillwater Area High School, Dr. Carlson couldn’t be more grateful to care for her neighbors, family and friends. Dr. Windmiller operated the dental office for 40 years before Dr. Carlson took the reins. Now leading her own practice, she’s excited to continue doing what she’s done throughout her 15-year career: providing careful, complete dental care to her patients. Two years in, Carlson Dental Group is already expanding. Dr. Michael Rohlf, an award-winning Midwestern dentist, joined the practice this summer. Dr. Rohlf and Dr. Carlson are aligned in their goal of keeping their patients’ teeth healthy and functioning well, in addition to looking great. “We take the time to talk with the people who come to see us to learn how they would like to be helped and then share options with them that may not have been offered elsewhere,” Dr. Carlson says.

Carlson Dental Group offers comprehensive cosmetic and functional care. The office uses modern imaging and digital planning tools so patients can envision the end result of their care before they even begin the work. “We take function and mechanics into consideration prior to cosmetic procedures,” says Dr. Carlson, “which helps patients conserve as much healthy tooth material as possible and increases the longevity of the dental work.” A full range of services is on offer at Carlson Dental Group, including whitening, Invisalign, dental implant tooth replacement, crowns, veneers, bonding, smile design and more. The clinic is dedicated to providing careful, complete dentistry for all in a comfortable setting. “We are a friendly, conscientious group of dental practitioners who provide all aspects of dental care in an extra COVID-safe manner,” Dr. Carlson says. “We’re always happy to meet new people.”

CARLSON DENTAL GROUP

1701 Curve Crest Blvd, Stillwater 651.439.8840 • www.stillwaterbeautifulsmiles.com

GALLERY

RYAN SHAVER - TCO

TCO Groundbreaking

Twin Cities Orthopedics broke ground on a new 60,000 square foot facility in Stillwater that will feature walk-in orthopedic urgent care and physical therapy, as well as 8,000 square feet of sports performance turf and training space. Set to open spring 2021.

To view more pictures from these events, as well as others, visit stcroixvalleymag.com. To have your event considered send date, time, location and contact information to stcroixvalleymag@tigeroak.com.

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A Healthier Future Closer to Home Western Wisconsin Health provides complete care with cutting edge technology and a community feel.

ou may not think of Baldwin, Wis., as a health and wellness destination. Western Wisconsin Health is changing that. With an approach to healthcare that combines cutting edge medical care with a holistic approach to health and wellness, Western Wisconsin Health offers all the care you need and want with the warmth and convenience of a small-town facility. Western Wisconsin Health started in 1936 as a hospital for and by the community, and it continues to operate according to that ethos. A healthy community is made up of healthy people, and Western Wisconsin Health offers great care right in your backyard. From allergies and asthma to urology, Western Wisconsin Health is well-equipped to handle whatever care you need. They employ a full range of specialists and combine modern and traditional care models to serve every patient’s needs.

The staff offers personalized and comprehensive care, seeking to identify the root cause of why you’re feeling unhealthy and offer concrete ideas for improving your overall health. Facilities like a world-class fitness center, a new surgical robot and more ensure care at Western Wisconsin Health equals, and in some cases even surpasses, the care you would receive at a big city hospital. “Even though Western Wisconsin Health is the premier health care facility in the area, we are always looking to add new services, state-of-the-art technology and progressive wellness programs to better serve the people of our communities,” says Alison Page, CEO. Western Wisconsin Health is waiting to help you imagine and build your healthier tomorrow. Why not start today?

WESTERN WISCONSIN HEALTH 1100 Bergslien Street, Baldwin 715.684.1111 • www.wwhealth.org

TA S T E M A K E R S

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s All In the Presentation HOW A BORED MINNESOTAN TURNED INTO A WISCONSIN CHEESE HEAD. BY ANGELA JOHNSON

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PHOTOS BY KELSEY HEIMERL AND CAITLIN ANNE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Kelsey Heimerl of Hudson, Wis. was once a leasing agent in Woodbury, Minn. and frequently hosted wine tasting events for residents living in the community where she worked. She’d invite a wine expert from Haskell’s, and she would assemble a cheese board as a complimentary snack for guests. Little did she know that being put in charge of these events would eventually lead to her own business selling her mouth-watering charcuterie boards. Here’s how it all came together … Heimerl was returning with friends from a weekend away in Duluth, Minn. She’d already been regularly creating cheese boards for her work-related events and mentioned during the car ride home that she was in search of a particular cheese for an upcoming event. Off the cuff, her friend suggested her charcuterie board making could be a business. Her other friend agreed, saying the proposed business should have a name that’s cool and catchy. The trio spent the remainder of the drive brainstorming names for Heimerl’s hypothetical business venture. “We were bored and having fun,” says Heimerl. The naming exercise revealed that she wanted the word ‘board’ in the name so people would know what it was. “And, I also love up north and anything related to the Northwoods … I love that cozy vibe,” she says. With the help of friends, Heimerl settled on The Board Loon … and her business was hatched … well, almost. “I started with a name,” Heimerl says. “But then, I started to check into what I needed to do to be legal. That took forever. States have different laws … it turned into a whole year of research.” Heimerl had been living in Stillwater, Minn. but she and her fiancé were planning a move to Hudson. After the move, she contacted the county health department to proceed with the necessary steps to get established. Now, The Board Loon was ready to take flight. Heimerl attributes the inspiration behind her creative and delectable

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TA S T E M A K E R S

boards to a good vibe and flow, often motivated by whatever’s playing on her music playlist … like Frank Sinatra. In a perfect world, she would pour a glass of wine and casually create a board. She likes to take her time, but the popularity of the business means an occasional time crunch. “Some days I’m feeling more creative than others,” says Heimerl who adds that she often tries to work within a color scheme or to incorporate certain products. She says, “I really

30 | DEC 2020/JAN 2021

pride myself on sourcing local, like honey and Wisconsin cheese, including items most people don’t necessarily go out and find themselves.” She shops locally at places like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Kowalski’s Markets and the County Market in Hudson. “I do get some vendor products sent directly to me to sample,” Heimerl says. If she likes those products, she can buy direct. “I once bought a whole wheel [of cheese] from Deer Creek Cheese [in Sheboygan,

Wis.],” says Heimerl. “It’s fun to buy direct and try stuff out.” When we asked about the most unusual item she’s tried on her boards, Heimerl says, “Guava paste! I’d never had it before. It was sent to me to try. It looks like a little cube of cheese and it’s good paired with white cheddar.” She serves it on skewers. Heimerl has learned a lot about building charcuterie boards from other creators she’s met online. There is a whole entrepreneurial category online known

“I do get some vendor products sent directly to me to sample. I once bought a whole wheel [of cheese] from Deer Creek Cheese [in Sheboygan, Wis.]. It’s fun to buy direct and try stuff out.” KELSEY HEIMERL

as graze businesses. Of her group, she says, “We call ourselves the ‘cheese chicks’” and the women connect from as far as California and New York. They discuss things that pair well together as well as how to cut, fold and shape foods to look appealing on the board. A lot of the tips and tricks she’s learned from these connections are offered by Heimerl in her board making workshops. “People who take my workshops get the best tips from my over 5 years of effort,” says Heimerl. A signature item Heimerl often incorporates into her boards are fruit stars. She’s perfected how to cut them and teaches her technique in her workshop. She says, “Once you learn, you’ll be cutting all of your fruit this way because it looks so cool.” COVID-19 has caused Heimerl to get even more creative with serving tricks like using more skewers and adding in snacks served in cups and cones. “An Instagram influencer labeled them corona cones. I didn’t want to call them that,” says Heimerl, “but they are individual and fun.” COVID-19 has also increased The Board Loon’s orders for Heimerl’s picnic boxes, which she says can make wonderful consumable gifts for housewarmings, birthdays, bridal showers and holiday get-togethers. To learn more about workshops or to order, visit theboardloon.com.

THE BOARD LOON

www.theboardloon.com The Board Loon @theboardloon

LYNN PETERSON DESIGN INTERIOR DESIGN, LLC STILLWATER lynnpetersondesign.com • 612.986.1255

in digital format! Never miss an issue of St. Croix Valley 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 St. Croix Valley Magazine stories with friends and family.

Learn more at stcroixvalleymag.com

STCROIXVALLEYMAG.COM | 31

LAST GLANCE FIRST PLACE City Landmarks

Serene Scene Local landmark on ice.

WE REGULARLY FEATURE PHOTO SUBMISSIONS

from our Lens on St. Croix Valley photo contest in the pages of St. Croix Valley Magazine and online. This month, we asked Michael Huber to tell us about his photograph titled “Winter at the Falls” which won in the City Landmarks category of last year’s contest. WHERE WAS THE PHOTO TAKEN?

Willow River Falls at Willow River State Park in Hudson, Wis. PHOTO BY MICHAEL HUBER

WHAT INSPIRED THE SHOT?

It was a foggy February morning with lots of frost

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on the trees and I thought it might be worth taking a hike in the park. The falls is always a favorite spot, so I made my way down the path hoping for a frosted tree backdrop. WHAT’ YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS IMAGE?

It was magical with the frost everywhere including the rocks and cliffs. The cliffs were literally white. Other frequent visitors that morning also said they had never seen it look that way before. WHAT KIND OF CAMERA DID YOU USE?

I have a Canon 7D Mark II with a wide-angle lens, a 10-22mm.

A little cheer to end the year.

asked carolers singing s ix f e et a pa rt,

Sports seasons over before they could start. No teasing the mall Santa about his beard, No office holiday parties, it’s weird.

But home we can safely spread holiday cheer With fewer guests gathered ‘round tables this year. Video chatting with family and friends An d wo nd e ring when 2020 will end. Though miles away, and in spite of the weather, The holiday season still brings us together. With merrier memories to lighten our mood, We’ll sit back an d savor the JOY of good food.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours.

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7:30am - 9:00pm 8:00am - 9:00pm 9:00am - 9:00pm 9:00am - 9:00pm

715-531-6800 | HudsonPhysicians.com