Plymouth Magazine - April 2022

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A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 2 “A dog doesn’t care if you’re rich of poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart, and he will give you his.” —John Grogan, Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog

DEPARTMENTS 12 — To the Rescue Plymouth pet rescue champions local pets.

16 — Saddle Up Business owner shares her journey from jockey to stylist.

FEATURES 20 — The Wedding Planner Resident redesigned her career to create Rustic Elegance.

25 — Green Thumb Springtime gardening tips from master gardener Michelle Ugurlu.

TASTEMAKERS 36 — Pop the Cork on Crémant

IN EVERY ISSUE

PAGE 20

6 — Editor’s Letter 9 — Noteworthy 33 — On the Town 40 — Last Glance

plymouthmag.com

Photo: Jeannine Marie Photography

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F R O M T H E E D I TO R Madeline Kopiecki, plymouthmag@tigeroak.com

C New Name.

New Look.

FORMERLY CHERRYWOOD POINTE OF PLYMOUTH A Senior Living Community with Care Services

larence is my 4-year-old, all black cat with one white armpit. He has a penchant for windowsills when his favorite perch, a supine human chest, isn’t available. For attention, Clarence stretches onto his hind legs and raises a lone operatic paw toward the ceiling. In his spare time, he serenades unoccupied rooms with his chirps and meows. Before starting this issue, I didn’t know Clarence. If it weren’t for this issue, I still wouldn’t.

For our homes, gardens and pets issue, I knew I wanted to feature a locally based pet rescue. When I found myself on The Rescue Crew’s website, I did what I’d been doing on other pet rescue sites lately and clicked “adopt.” At the time, I was still browsing. I knew I wanted a cat in a vague, future sense but, after a few missed connections, I was content to keep lurking on Pet Finder and the like.

Months later, when I was writing To the Rescue (page 12), I visited the adoption page again. Clarence was still there, pictured in a white feather boa. When I met rescue founder Chris Maddox in person, in the insulated pole barn that serves as the crew’s foster cat emporium, I learned Clarence had been with The Rescue Crew for around half a year. Black cats are difficult to get adopted, Maddox told me. Aside from long-lingering superstition, he said the fact of the matter is it’s hard to make their photographs stand out.

The Rescue Crew specializes in hard to adopt pets that are most at-risk for euthanasia. This includes black cats as well as older pets, pets with health problems and dogs that fall under the bully breed umbrella. I’m not sure how long another rescue would’ve been able to house Clarence before he was put down.

What I am sure of is how glad I am he’s with me now.

As our Minnesota snowscape gives way to slush and gray, in this April/ May issue, we’re turning our attention toward the new life that awaits us this spring. From greenery poking through thawing garden beds to pets overrunning our homes and our hearts, for me the stories in this issue represent hope and new beginnings.

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On the Cover French Bulldog Hank, photo by Chris Emeott

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April/May 2022

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Photo: Chris Emeott

CALL FOR A TOUR.

VOL. 19 NO. 1 plymouthmag.com

publisher SUSAN ISAY

editor MADELINE KOPIECKI

managing creative director RENÉE STEWART-HESTER

managing editor HAILEY ALMSTED

copy editor KELLIE DOHERTY

staff writers DAN AMUNDSON AVA DIAZ DANIEL HUSS MADELINE KOPIECKI STACI PERRY MERGENTHAL

contributing writers HOLLIE BLANCHARD JOHN F. FARRELL III AMY SUNDET KATIE TIMCHO KIRA VANDERLAN

editorial interns EMILY DEUTSCHER BRYCE HELMBRECHT-LOMMEL GRACE MASUDA HANNA MCDANIELS

editorial advisory board Elizabeth Cohen, Studio M Ann Marie Grocholsk, AMG Photography Deb Sakry Lande, Interfaith Outreach Emilie Kastner, City of Plymouth Amy Parnell, Wayzata Public Schools Luann Svendsen, Plymouth Reads member and community volunteer

senior managing art director SARAH DOVOLOS

art director ALLISON NOLDEN

lead staff photographer CHRIS EMEOTT

production director BRITTNI DYE

production manager LISA STONE

senior account executives BROOKE BEISE KATIE FREEMARK CYNTHIA HAMRE SARA JOHNSON

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N OT E WO RT H Y

loc a l t ip s, tidb its & insights

TH E M O N TH O F MAY

SI P

JULEP, WITH A TWIST

is a very special time here in Minnesota. Memorial weekend is the official kick off of bootleg season! Bootlegs are Minnesota’s twist on a mint julep by way of a mojito. Whether you’re looking for something to sip on during the Kentucky Derby or simply want a refreshing beverage to pair with some time on the patio, bootlegs are a delicious Minnesota treat!

The recipe varies from place to place, as does the origin story of the drink. Many country clubs in town will sell bottles of their own bootleg mix—which vary in color from swampy looking (true mint) to bright green (food coloring)— but the basics are the same: lemon or limeade, mint and simple syrup.

I personally put one can of limeade in a blender with as much fresh mint as I can fit. Be sure to remove as many of those bitter stems as you can. As I blend, I add a bit of water until the blender is about 80 percent full. I then add about 1/2 cup of simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar, simmered until the sugar blends in) to smooth it out.

I store this in the fridge, and refill my pitcher as summer goes along.

Bootleg » Fill a tall glass with ice » Add your favorite rum, vodka or gin (1.5 oz.) » Add bootleg mix to about 3/4 full » Add club soda to top (or 7UP if you like it sweet) » Garnish with a mint sprig

Photo: Chris Emeott

John F. Farrell III is vice president in sales and merchandising with Haskell’s The Wine People.

Find more at haskells.com.

April/May 2022

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9

N OT E WO RT H Y

READ

April Showers VIEW

A COLORFUL HOPELESSNESS

“There’s no place like home,” proclaims Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz. Our homes are the foundation of all of our hopes and dreams while also very real places that exude a warmth created by the people that inhabit the space. They are a reflection of our hearts, our personalities, our travels, our furry friends and our treasured memories. I love how local artist Ky McDonald exquisitely captures the architectural elements of a space

Reading offers catharsis for some of the

inconsequential as a full stop at a stop

as it unfolds with drama upon

most difficult situations in life. A well-told

sign change the trajectory of one’s life?

the canvas. My imagination

story can alleviate our own troubles by of-

takes off with anticipation as I

fering catharsis through crisis. This month’s

story of two Black twin sisters, Stella and

dream about who will gather

reading list doesn’t shy away from torrents

Desiree, growing up in the South during seg-

to share a story at this table

of emotion, but you’ll find those springtime

regation. At age 16, Stella vanishes to secretly

that McDonald paints with a

showers also bring May flowers.

build a new life for herself while Desiree stays

colorful hopefulness.

Bart, Cole and Teddy are hired to build

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett is the

in their hometown. This book focuses on the

a breathtaking home nestled on a private

interconnectedness of home and family; each

Artist: Ky McDonald

Wyoming acreage in the novel Godspeed by

step we take is like a pebble in a pool with the

Title: Set Me Free

Nickolas Butler. If they meet the almost unat-

ripples continuing even after the stone has

Scale: 36x48

tainable completion deadline provided, they

settled at the bottom.

Medium: Original oil

will each receive a financial windfall. What

on canvas

lengths would you to go to change your

a raw, beautifully written novel that focuses on

financial future?

postpartum depression and family secrets. As

Contributed by Hollie Blanchard of The Art Girls.

Find more at artgirlsmpls.com.

Art Girls Minneapolis @artgirls_mpls

The People We Keep by Allison Larkin is

Truths I Never Told You by Kelly Rimmer is

her father’s time on earth is ending, Beth vol-

a coming-of-age story following April who,

unteers to clean out his home only to discover

at age 15, sets off on a nomadic life. Over

a secret her parents had been hiding. Was

the course of her journey, April makes fast

Beth’s mother a victim of the legal system or

friends with people whom she abruptly

did she suffer from a lack of spousal support?

leaves to avoid getting hurt again. This novel

Grab your tissues because The Art of

is a reminder that home is not a building,

Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein will pull at

friends can also be family and opening one-

your heartstrings. This story is told through

self up to developing honest relationships is

Denny’s dying dog, Enzo, a pup who has more

worth the risk of loss.

insight into people than most people do. Enzo

Picture the young adult novel The Sister-

tells the harrowing story of Denny, an aspiring

hood of the Traveling Pants but more compel-

race car driver, and his family dynamics up to

ling and geared toward adults. A Fall of Mari-

when Denny speaks the fateful words to Enzo:

golds by Susan Meissner is a split-time story

“If you need to go now, you can go.”

in which a scarf brings two women together, each of whom experienced a tragedy that left them wondering, “What if?” Can something as

10

Local bookworms Katie Timcho and Amy Sundet run a book blog. @overbookedmoms.

April/May 2022

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Whether it’s pairing down the closet or tidying up the playroom, home organizing is a to-do we all have to, well, do. “I just don’t know where to start,” is a sentiment I hear frequently. In these instances, I like to offer up the straightforward HOME: H: To begin, hone down your possessions.

Did you know we typically only use 20 percent of what we own? Start reducing by pulling outdated, expired, worn, ill-fitting and damaged items. Next, move toward items you have multiples of or do not use. Finally, pull things that no longer “spark joy” as coined by home organizer Marie Kondo.

O: Optimize all space when organizing. Look up to be sure you are making use of all vertical space, and don’t be shy about adding another shelf in the closet or installing ceiling racks in the garage.

M: Finding the right materials to organize your items is key. Once you’ve pared everything down, you’ll start to have an idea of the types of organizing products you’ll need.

Determine if you would like clear bins to see the contents or opaque to obscure it. Next, be sure to properly label each bin so that you can easily identify what’s inside. Pro tip: Invest in quality products—you’ll likely have these items for quite a while.

E: Ask an expert! If you’re still feeling stuck, consider working with a professional home organizer. You can call them in for a couple hours of advice or to take on the entire project. I recommend working with organizers associated with the National Association of Productivity and Organizing because they go through extensive training to earn their credentials.

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

Find out more at zestfuldesign.com.

Zestful Design @zestful_design

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Mindy Jones and Hank

PETS

To the Rescue Plymouth pet rescue champions local pets.

By Madeline Kopiecki

12

April/May 2022

plymouthmag.com

Y O U R N E I G H B O R H O O D R E A LT O R Plymouth Paul’s Promise Honesty, Open Communication and Results Paul Gilliam 612-322-2257 PAUL@HOMEGUYSMN.COM “Paul is a realtor who makes it a point to meet your desired outcome.” -Sam F. Minneapolis

Photos: Chris Emeott

WHEN FRENCH BULLDOG HANK

first arrived at Maple Grove’s Pets Under Police Security (PUPS) animal holding facility, the staff immediately knew there was something wrong. “When we were alerted of his status there, [PUPS staff ] had told us he seemed to have an injury to his front right leg,” Mindy Jones, Hank’s current foster, says.

The injury progressed rapidly to the point of Hank not being able to stand, walk or eat. He was also exhibiting signs of neurological damage, which was one of the factors that prompted PUPS to contact the team at Plymouth-based animal rescue and nonprofit The Rescue Crew for emergency placement.

“The day that we went to pick him up, I could tell that his neurological problems were more severe than we thought,” founder Chris Maddox says. “He was probably going to be too much for the foster that had stepped up.”

The Rescue Crew is a foster-based rescue specializing in dogs and cats that are otherwise in danger of euthanasia.

These include big dogs, old dogs and pitbull breeds. A French bulldog normally makes the list of what Maddox refers to as the "small, highly-adoptable fluffies" that have no problem with placement, but Hank’s case was different.

“He was immediately brought to the vet for an exam, and it was determined he had some severe neurological issues,” Jones says. Although she has volunteered with The Rescue Crew as the vetting manager since the rescue’s inception in November 2017, she preferred to work behind the scenes and had never fostered a dog before. That is, “until Hank came along,” she says.

Jones says she initially had reservations about taking Hank on. The tiny French bulldog was diagnosed with a severe and often fatal form of meningitis, which meant he’d need around-the-clock care.

But when Jones met Hank for the first time, she says it was love at first sight.

“When he came home to me, he was able to walk on his own but was still very emaciated … [he] couldn’t eat well on his own …

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but he had a huge personality.”

Hank rules his new roost in a typically talkative Frenchie way, but he’s also undergoing a grueling medical regimen to try to get his health back on track. “He definitely has the personality of a regular dog, but his body doesn’t act like a normal dog,” Jones says. “His quiet and tired times are

14

when his disease stands out the most.”

The Rescue Crew has spent approximately $15,000 on Hank since first taking him on in February 2021, making him its most expensive case to date. Jones lists a demanding treatment schedule, which includes five medications twice a day and one medication three times daily, mul-

tiple vet appointments every month and full-day chemotherapy treatment every four weeks. But although it’s taxing for Hank and his foster family, his medical care is also taxing on The Rescue Crew, which has grown exponentially since it started five years ago.

“When we started … we had to identify

April/May 2022

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how many animals we expected to take in within the first 12 months,” Maddox says. “Conservatively, we thought maybe 40 … and it was over five times that.”

The rescue’s subsequent growth spurts have made some long-term infrastructure goals—such as a brick-and-mortar location—difficult to say the least, but throughout it all, The Rescue Crew has stayed true to its founding mission.

“The reason we wanted to start The Rescue Crew [was] to focus on the local shelter animals,” Maddox says. Although there are a number of shelters and animal impounds in Minnesota, many of them don’t have the staffing to allow for public adoptions. Even in instances where they do, many still prefer to place special cases ranging from medical to behavioral issues through rescues only.

“Our focus is really on those most urgent animals in the shelters that would be facing an imminent risk of euthanasia without the help of a rescue organization,” Maddox says.

Without rescues like The Rescue Crew, Hank’s story probably would have ended at the animal holding facility. Instead, he’s experiencing the best quality of life he can and changing his foster family’s lives for the better along the way. “I never knew how much taking care of a hospice animal could change you,” Jones says. “He has so much love to give and has such a great spark and love for life. They say everyone has their one soul mate in an animal.

I truly believe Hank is mine.”

The Rescue Crew, rescuecrew.org; info@rescuecrew.org The Rescue Crew @rescuecrewmn @RescueCrewMN

15

FA C E S

Saddle Up Business owner shares her journey from jockey to stylist.

By Ava Diaz

16

April/May 2022

plymouthmag.com

“Crown Bank propelled us to year three of our business plan in our first year.”

—MIKE WILHELM & rick BURNTON FOuntain real estate capital

Photos: Chris Emeott; Jude Cady

FOR PLYMOUTH SALON OWNER JUDE CADY, horses are her muse. As

a professional horse jockey in her early years, her life has been fueled by her passions. To launch her unconventional career, this Minneapolis native moved to Texas in her 20s to work at a dude ranch—a type of ranch that’s geared toward tourists or visitors. It was there she developed a passion for riding and caring for animals.

Near the ranch, there was also a breed and training farm for 2-year old thoroughbred racehorses owned by American oil company executive Nelson Bunker Hunt. Bringing in 200 colts and fillies at a time, the farm was the place where Cady got more familiar with riding both young and mature racehorses, but it wasn’t easy going.

Practicing riding on young, inexperienced horses can be tricky, and Cady had higher aspirations. Wanting to ride on the oval, the close-circuit racetrack where jockeys ride professionally, Cady says she began to seek more mature options for horses that, “weren’t full of games.”

After learning the ropes, Cady eventually competed in her first race at Harare’s Louisiana Downs. Gaining traction in her career, she continued to search for new opportunities to learn, work and train with horses. Her travels brought her to the East Coast, but Cady says she didn’t like the cool weather that came with it.

With no plan in mind and her riding gear in hand, Cady moved out west to California and began working and train-

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ing under Triple Crown winning trainer for 35 years, Laz Barrera, who is also her father-in-law. Learning from the best, she became one of the greatest female jockeys of her generation. “It was very rare for a female to be riding and have a Hispanic father-in-law,” she says. “It was really unheard of, but I was quiet on the horse, and he really appreciated the abil-

18

ity that I brought to the stable.”

After becoming pregnant with her first child, Cady traded her saddle for a pair of sheers. Inspired by her dad, who was a barber, she brought her secondary passion to life and began training as a hair stylist. “I always knew I wanted to do hair,” she says. “I had a lot of sisters (five to be exact) that would run

from the barber and have me do it.

I would just start cutting by nature.”

Studying and working in Los Angeles, she learned the ins and outs from professionals and eventually landed a role assisting celebrity stylist Kit Rogers in Minneapolis. Training under his wing, Cady says he made a huge impact on her life. “It was memorable forever because

April/May 2022

plymouthmag.com

Photos: Chris Emeott; Jude Cady

Jude Cady and Alicia Barrera

he is no longer with us … I really learned everything from him,” she says.

After working alongside Rogers for four years, Cady decided to open her own salon, the Alibi, out of the North Loop near downtown Minneapolis. It was this decision that solidified her career in the Twin Cities community. Practically raising her kids out of her salon for nine years, she eventually had to fold up shop and move due to COVID-19. Searching for a new location, her daughter and now business partner Alicia Barrera found a new studio suite space in Plymouth.

Together mother and daughter specialize in all things hair, from cut and color to weddings. However, Cady’s true specialty is custom extensions. With experience in styling wigs, she learned that there was a stronger need for custom hair and wanted to be the resource to provide these desired looks.

Using extensions to add depth and length, Cady found that she would help many, especially those suffering from alopecia, regain their confidence. “We can make it enough to make them feel fresh … to a happy-go-lucky person that can brush their hair and not worry about anything,” she says about the power of a makeover.

“It is [shockingly] true: if you look good, you feel good. It is life changing.”

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THE WEDDING PLANNER Re si d e n t re d e s i g n e d h e r c a re e r to create R us tic E legance.

Over the course of nearly a decade, Kellie Heinen has assisted with more than 800 weddings. While some of us might blanch at the thought, this Plymouth resident relishes the opportunity to be a part of the beginning of so many marriages—so much so that she made it her business.

In 2012, Heinen launched Rustic Elegance, which specializes in backyard and barn wedding coordination. It also offers a carefully-culled rental décor collection, including furniture, tabletop elements, dessert stands, beverage vessels, chalkboards, easels and more. (The website’s vintage mix-and-match dinnerware has us swooning.)

Heinen didn’t set out to be a wedding planner.

With a graphic design degree from the University of Minnesota, she had sketched out a career. But a conversation with her mother, Jean Heinen-Felling of Plymouth, changed the trajectory of Heinen’s path.

“After working in design for 10 years, I was starting to feel lifeless and uninspired, and I hated sitting at a desk in an office all day,” Heinen says. “I knew there had to be something more for me out there.

That was when my mom suggested starting my own wedding planning business that specializes in tent, barn and backyard-type weddings. This would bring together my passions for weddings, events and

design, as well as my love of the outdoors. They say moms always know best, so I took her idea and ran with it and have been loving it ever since.”

The wedding space, while specific in nature, really does include a broad scope of planning options. While Rustic Elegance bills itself as specializing in backyard, barn and tent weddings, it can also assist with weddings at traditional venues. There are options when it comes to how a couple utilizes the services.

“As soon as they book with us, they have full access to our online planning tools, and we are here for them to consult with as needed,” Heinen says.

CONSI DER THI S

Hosting an event at home clearly has its upsides, but there are elements that should be addressed when making the decision to forgo another venue. Heinen shares her thoughts.

“There are definitely things to consider before deciding to host a wedding at a more nontraditional venue, especially home weddings where a venue is being created from scratch,” she says.

Layout and logistics: Is there enough room for guests? Don’t forget space for vendor set up, parking, bathrooms and more. Consider logistics needed for lighting and power sources.

Décor and rental items: Every chair, table, table linen, dish, utensil, glass and more will need to be sourced for the event. “This is a great way to truly customize the space to fit the desired look and needs, but it is also a bit more work to source and pull together from different vendors,” Heinen says.

Vendors: Hire vendors experienced with working in this type of setting. “Good vendors with experience will make all the difference,” she says.

And last, but certainly not least—the weather: “You can never predict Mother Nature,” Heinen says. “It could be too hot, too cold, too windy, too rainy, etc., but planning ahead can ensure a perfect day no matter what.”

Story by Renée Stewart-Hester

Photos by Jeannine Marie Photography

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plymouthmag.com

April/May 2022

Weddings, while traditional in theory, can bend to the trends.

“Boho weddings and neutrals are going to continue to trend into 2022,” Heinen says. “You’ll continue to see things like traditional pampas grass, colored pampas grass and spray painted dried florals. Elaborate hanging floral installations have been popular along with hanging greens. Balloons are also making a comeback, and we are seeing these used in creative and fun installations as well. We are also seeing more and more backyard weddings. Big and small, people are liking the flexibility to create their own space and tailor their wedding to reflect who they are as a couple.”

plymouthmag.com

@rusticeleganceweddings

April/May 2022

@rusticeleganceweddings

Wedding plans can be set in motion long before a couple entertains the notion of the proverbial walk down the aisle. Dreams are imagined, ideas are pinned and look-book pages are carefully torn and saved. For the lucky ones, all or parts of their celebratory visions come true.

Once her parents moved into their Lake Minnetonka home, Caitlin Amoroso realized she wanted to get married in the backyard of the family home. And, truly, for many Minnesotans, celebrations on or near a lake are just part of our DNA. “Home is where the heart is,” Amoroso says.

“I have so many happy memories at my parents’ house, and the view of Lake Minnetonka from their backyard is one of a kind. I couldn’t think of a better place to tie the knot.”

With the help of Rustic Elegance, Caitlin and Ryan Amoroso held their wedding and reception in 2021 at the bride’s family lakeside home. “Rustic Elegance assisted us in a broad spectrum of wedding details from figuring out the logistics of the tents and tables to the placement of silverware on the tables,” says Wendy, Amoroso’s mother. Prior to the wedding day, the Rustic Elegance team toured the property and developed a layout for the tents and helped book rental items (tent, tables, chairs, lighting and more).

As with any outdoor celebration, the landscape had to be considered. The yard proposed certain challenges, and the space and slope down to the lake weren’t conducive to having the entire event in that area. With a little brainstorming and creative thinking, the team came up with a plan—move to the front yard for cocktail hour and dinner and use the lakeside for lounging and dancing.

With so many decisions and ideas vying for a

Rustic Elegance / Coordination + Decor

T H E RE ’S N O P L A C E L I K E HO ME

wedding day’s attention, there are bound to be a few that, well, just need to be sidelined. “One of the things I appreciated most … was, if we had a bad wedding plan idea, Kellie told us and explained why,” Wendy says.

With the wedding planning team working out the details and logistics of the ceremony and reception, attention also must be directed toward landscaping and gardening details well ahead of the event. For those living in this area, buckthorn and sumac are oft unwelcome guests, and Wendy relied on Sarah Windland from Windland Fields (Maple Plain). “They have helped us transition our yard over the years from a yard with a lot of buckthorn and itchy sumac to a great yard with low maintenance but beautiful plants,” she says. Prior to the wedding, the Windland Fields team removed undesirable vegetation from the lakeside hill and planted over 250 bush honeysuckles. “Our yard looked wonderful for the wedding,” Wendy says.

Come wedding day, three Rustic Elegance coordinators were on site. “Weather played a bit of a role in the day with the threat of storms … We were constantly opening and closing the [tent’s] sidewalls based on what the weather was doing,” Heinen says.

After the vows were exchanged, guests enjoyed butler-passed appetizers, a charcuterie display and cocktails. Lake Minnetonka hosted a featured activity as guests were invited to take a pontoon ride along the shore.

During dinner, Heinen and the team transformed the ceremony space, turning the lakeside ceremony tent into a lounge and dance area. “We used our décor and rental furniture to create a soft seating vignette for guests to casually mingle,” she says.

“When creating this space, we thoughtfully designed the tent to have the chandeliers hanging in a position where they would work for both the ceremony and the lounge space.”

The team also utilized a rustic bar, placing it in front of the ceremony arch to create a focal point.

“This was my favorite part of the day, watching this space be transformed and be perfectly useful for both the ceremony and then the lounge tent,” Heinen says. The team also incorporated its rental décor items, such as wine barrel cocktail tables, whitewashed ceremony doors, dessert stands, an antique buffet hutch for desserts and more to add to the aesthetic of the day.

“My favorite part was feeling truly comfortable,” Amoroso says. “Our guests could go down to the lake, play bag games or dance. It had a very low-key, fun and casual vibe.”

“Looking back on the wedding, we were able to enjoy the day and all of our guests because Rustic Elegance took care of all ‘the day of’ coordination,” Wendy says. “Hiring a day-of wedding coordinator was one of the best wedding decisions we made.”

612.875.5357; rusticeleganceweddings.com

T R E ND A L E RT

23

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By Dan Amundson

green t h umb

Photos: Rachel Nadeau; Michelle Ugurlu

Springtime gardening tips from master gardener Michelle Ugurlu.

The trees are starting to bud, and warmer temps are on the horizon. Spring is here, and for those who sport a green thumb, the best time of year has begun.

Now is the time to start preparing for the upcoming gardening season. Regardless of what you grow, there are tasks to be completed.

For master gardener and Plymouth resident Michelle Ugurlu, this is the time to start unpacking and assessing her garden. “I put leaves over my perennials in the winter,” Ugurlu

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says. “Now is the time to take those leaves off and clear out any weeds so there’s good air circulation and sunshine.”

Ugurlu will also use this time to clean all of her pots and gardening tools, making sure there is no old soil or plant materials that could interfere with this year’s plants. She recommends spraying everything down with a solution of 90 percent water mixed with 10 percent bleach.

For those who are anxious to start growing

25

before it’s warm enough outside, it is possible to start certain plants inside with the right setup. Ugurlu says proper light is a must, whether it’s a plant light or a south-facing window. She recommends the plant light over the window as it guarantees plants can get enough light. Ugurlu also recommends annual flowers for starting inside but says just about anything can grow if it’s cared for properly.

Plants started inside need to be conditioned to the outdoor climate before being planted in the ground.

Bring them outside for periods of time, so they can get acclimated to real sunlight, wind and other outdoor elements. Remember to keep flowers inside when there’s a risk of frost and to make sure the ground is warm enough to handle the plant. “Ground temps should be somewhere around 70–80 degrees F,” Ugurlu says. “But always refer to the seed package for specific directions and tips.”

Because this is Minnesota, it’s almost a guarantee there will be a cold night or two late in the spring after plants have been put in the ground. Certain plants, such as green vegetables, can withstand cold temps and frosts, and annuals in pots tend to do better in the cold as well because the soil warms faster, but others will need some attention. The 45–50 degree F range becomes the danger zone for gardens.

When this happens, Ugurlu recommends covering your plants. Garden centers sell a specific plant covering for that scenario, but she just uses bedsheets.

“Make sure to take [the] coverings off right away in the morning, so the plants can get air,” Ugurlu says.

“Covering is not ideal.”

Ugurlu says one mistake she sees a lot of gardeners make early on in the season is trying to rush things and making decisions based off the time of year instead of the weather. Just because someone planted something last year and it did well doesn’t mean they can plant it at the exact same time this year and have the same results. She urges everyone to follow the directions that come with the seed or plant, and watch the temperatures and forecasts carefully for any danger zones. “If you’re going to plant flowers,

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Photos: Michelle Ugurlu; Emily J. Davis

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Photo: Emily J. Davis

SPRING PLANT SALE The Master Gardeners are planning to hold its annual plant sale in early May at the Hopkins Pavilion. Ugurlu says this is a great opportunity to pick up plants for the upcoming gardening season. (Keep an eye on its Facebook page and events page on the website for more information on the sale.)

always be prepared to cover them,” Ugurlu says.

Spring is a fun time of year for Ugurlu, who’s been gardening her entire life. She started when she was little with her grandfather and mother and has been at it ever since. “We moved around a lot, and I always kept gardening,” Ugurlu says. “When we moved to Plymouth, we really had a lot of space to go nuts.”

After getting settled into the Plymouth area, Ugurlu decided to apply for the Master Gardener Program and was accepted. The program, a University of Minnesota extension, is made up of people passionate about gardening. The Hennepin County program is the largest in the state with about 450 members. As part of the membership, master gardeners are required to put in volunteer hours at community and youth gardens or work different booths and answer questions at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. “I love having all of the resources the program has to offer at my fingertips,” Ugurlu says.

It’s never too late in life to start gardening. With a little research and some dirty work, a successful garden can be had by anyone. It’s important to know your goals when starting a garden. Is the goal to have something nice to look at or is it to have something to eat? With that in mind, the right plants can be chosen for the desired end result. “Figure out your goal,” Ugurlu says. “Then do some research on some of the easiest plants to grow.”

Regardless of someone’s experience level, there will be something new every year. Mother Nature never does the same thing two years in a row. Ugurlu says it’s helpful to keep records of what you try each year to help you better understand what does best in different conditions. Even with good records, things will still end up differently than planned, which can lead to some irritation. “Trust the process,” Ugurlu says. “It might be frustrating, but that’s how it goes.”

The frustrations can stress Ugurlu out, but she loves it. Going out and seeing the progress and growth makes the stress worth it. She says she’s not a very outdoorsy gal, but that all changes when she’s working with plants. “I don’t like bugs or being dirty at all, but I don’t mind it in the garden,” Ugurlu says.

“I become a different person when I’m in the soil.”

Whether this is your first or 50th season, enjoy the sights and smell of fresh plants, and good luck in the garden this year!

Hennepin County Master Gardeners hennepinmastergardeners.org UMN Extension Hennepin County Master Gardeners 29

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Right at Home provides best-in-class home care services for seniors and elderly adults who may be facing medical or nonmedical home care services needs.

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Using only durable materials, the business won’t sacrifice its standards of good building practices in order to win a job. Once a project begins, the team drives a smooth remodel process, assigning each job a project manager, who is in daily communication with the homeowners and manages the job site’s day-to-day activities.

Two inhouse interior designers creatively orchestrate the design process from start to finish. First meeting with homeowners, they listen to their wants and dreams for their space. With the aid of 3D rendering software, a plan is developed that excites the homeowners and inspires the team.

Whether it’s for remodeling or building a new house, clients have imagined, saved and planned for their projects, and J Brothers truly enjoys transforming houses into the homes of their clients’ dreams.

Real success is measured in repeat customers. Katie and Paul Dean look forward to working again with J Brothers: “They listened attentively to our needs and made our dream a reality. J Brothers stuck to deadlines and made

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Laura Anderson echoes their sentiment: “J Brothers was the best choice for our remodel! They worked with us, listened, were on time and had great subcontractors who always showed up. As stressful as a whole house remodel can be, they made it as easy as possible. We would choose them all over again.”

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O N T H E TOW N

th in g s to se e a n d do in and aro und Ply m o uth

Douglas Nimo: Sotto Voce, Wood Sculpture (Adult Awards of Excellence 2021)

Patrick Brantseg: Bluescape, Acrylic on Wood Panel

Photos: Plymouth Arts Council

WHAT’S NEW WITH PLYMOUTH’S PRIMAVERA FO R LO C A L A RT ISTS AND ART- LOVERS ALIK E, Plymouth’s Primavera festival has offered a chance for the community to come together and enjoy a wide variety of artistic works, from mixed-media sculptures to traditional watercolor paintings. This year, Primavera celebrates not only its 26th anniversary, but also the establishment of a brand-new community center art gallery with its first-ever month-long exhibition.

The event, hosted by the City of Plymouth in partnership with the Plymouth Arts Council, showcases the works of both professional and student artists. Visitors can enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, as well as the annual venue awards show.

This year, Primavera will also offer the option for virtual gallery viewing.

Beginning on April 22, visitors are welcomed to attend this free event at the Plymouth Community Center, located at 14800 34th Ave. N., or online through the Plymouth Arts Council’s Facebook page. —Emily Deutscher

Compiled by Emily Deutscher and Hanna McDaniels

LOCAL EVENTS

Bach to Rock Open House and Easter Egg Hunt 04/03 Learn more about the Bach to Rock Music School and search for prize-filled eggs at its Easter egg hunt and open house event. Live music and snacks will be provided for guests at this free event. All ages. Free. 2:40–4:30 p.m.

Bach to Rock, 4345 Nathan Lane N.; 763.208.7847; plymouth.b2rmusic.com

Plymouth Arts Council

Discover Plymouth

plymouthartscouncil.org

04/23

messenger@plymouthartscouncil.org

Connect with Plymouth’s nonprofits,

Plymouth Arts Council

April 2022

plymouthmag.com

locally owned businesses and commu-

33

O N T H E TOW N

Plymouth Pie Day

Plymouth Pie Day 05/18 Who doesn’t love a delicious slice of pie? Support local senior programs by enjoying pie and ice cream at Plymouth Pie Day for a good cause. A variety of pies and ice cream will be offered, and both single slices and whole pies will be available for purchase. All ages. $5–$25. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Northwest Greenway Pavilion, 5250 Peony Lane N.; 763.509.5200; plymouthmn.gov

AREA EVENTS

Inver Grove Heights Home Show 04/02 This home show is one day only, so make sure to head to this event to meet builders, designers, interior designers and more. This is a great opportunity to connect with a variety of home improvement companies to spark ideas for your own home. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Veterans Memorial Community Center, 8055 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights; 952.232.765; minnesotahomeshows.com

Spring Arts and Crafts Festival 04/03 nity organizations at Discover Plymouth,

Kids Garage Sale

Looking for new handcrafted, one-of-

a showcase hosted by the city of

05/01

a-kind décor and gifts? Come visit the

Plymouth’s Parks and Recreation depart-

For kids, by kids: Come by to either

Spring Arts and Crafts Festival to see

ment. Look around the marketplace,

shop or sell at this year’s Kids Garage

the works of more than 500 artists

featuring local homemade goods, or

Sale. Be it toys, games or clothes, the

and crafters from more than 30 states.

explore the health and wellness exhib-

Kids Garage Sale has it all. Shoppers of

its at the Plymouth Community Center.

all ages are welcome but must be ages

All ages. Free. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Ave. N.; 763.509.5200; plymouthmn.gov

6–13 to rent a table at this event. All ages. Free to attend, $15 for table rental.

Plymouth Community Center, 14800 34th Ave. N.; 763.509.5200; plymouthmn.gov

All ages. Tickets start at $9. 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. Canterbury Park, 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee; hpifestivals.com

04/09 Take a sip of the best beer from brewer-

Walk with the Mayor

ies around the Twin Cities under one

04/29

05/02

roof. There will be over 130 brewer-

Come see the debut performance of

Take a stroll to support the Step to It

ies attending and over 500 beers to

Big Love, directed by Sandra Struthers,

Challenge with mayor Jeff Wosje. Walk

at Wayzata High School. Big Love fea-

with the Mayor is an annual event to

tures a large cast of student actors and

encourage people of all ages to be more

actresses who have come together to

active in the month of May and includes

bring this comedic drama to life. All

enjoy. Ages 21 and up. $44 and up.

1–5 p.m. Minneapolis Convention Center (Hall B + C), 1301 Second Ave. S., Mpls.; minnesotacraftbeerfestival.com

a 1.5-mile trail loop walk at the Northwest

ages. Ticket prices vary. Wayzata High School Auditorium 2, 4955 Peony Lane N.; 763.745.6600; whstheatre.com

34

Greenway Pavilion. Snacks-to-go will

Minneapolis Vintage Market

be provided at no cost. All ages. Free.

04/10

Northwest Greenway Pavilion, 5250 Peony Lane N.; 763.509.5200; plymouthmn.gov

The Minneapolis Vintage Market is back.

Enjoy two levels of vintage clothing,

April/May 2022

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iStock.com/AnastasiiaKrivenok

Big Love Debut Performance at Wayzata High School

Minnesota Craft Beer Festival

MARK GEIER R E A L T O R

Spotlight On Results Plymouth’s #1 Homeseller

goods, music and food. All ages. $10.

11 a.m.–4 p.m. Machine Shop, 300 Second St. SE, Mpls.; mplsvintagemarket.com

Donut Fest Minneapolis 04/10 Indulge all your cravings in sprinkles, frostings and ... beer! Donut Fest will be a fun event to satisfy those taste buds. General admission includes one free beer ticket and donut samples from every station. All ages. $20–$45.

1–5 p.m. Utepils Brewing, 225 Thomas Ave. N., Mpls.; breweryrunningseries.com

Star Wars in Concert

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Wars and experience the movie come to life with a live screening of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and an accompanying live performance of John Williams’ Oscar-nominated original soundtrack played by the Minnesota Orchestra.

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All ages. Tickets start at $22. 7:30– 9 p.m. Minnesota Orchestra, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.; minnesotaorchestra.org

Outdoor Adventure Expo 04/22–04/24 Connect with fellow climbers and outdoor adventurers at this year’s Outdoor Adventure Expo. This event features more than 37 programs and includes speakers like Emily Ford of Ice Age Trail and Arctic explorer Lonnie Dupre.

All ages. Free. Times vary. Midwest Mountaineering, 309 Cedar Ave., Mpls.; outdooradventureexpo.com

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To have your event considered: email plymouthmag@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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TA S T E M A K E R S

Pop the Cork on Crémant Let’s lift a glass to spring entertaining and celebrations.

BY STACI PERRY MERGENTHAL

36

PHOTOS BY CHRIS EMEOTT

April/May 2022

plymouthmag.com

PO P P ING THE CORK on a bottle of

bubbly can fill a room with celebratory spirits. As we move into brunch season and springtime celebrations, let’s take a closer look at a Champagne’s lesserknown cousin.

With the same richness and body of Champagne, crémant (pronounced kruhmaant) brings party vibes just the same— at a fraction of the price. To learn more about the sparkler, we spoke with The Wine Shop’s wine buyer Gary Seelen, who has Level 3 certification from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust.

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What is crémant?

Crémant is the name used for sparkling wine made in the same method of Champagne—often called traditional or méthode champenoise in other parts of France. [It is made in France and Luxembourg.] The term Champagne can only be used for sparkling wines made in the Champagne region of France.

Crémants often use the same grapes as Champagne, however, the grapes or blends differ by region. Single varietal or blend rules are set by the regions. The two most well-known [varieties] crémant d’Alsace … and crémant de Loire [sometimes] blend in different grapes than those allowed in Champagne …

What’s the production process?

The traditional method was discovered in Limoux, France, more than 100 years before Dom Pérignon in Champagne.

Crémant is made in the same method as Champagne. [Briefly, the process includes fermenting still wine, usually in a barrel, followed by bottling the wine and inoculating it to start a second fermentation.] As the second fermentation occurs, the creation of alcohol releases [carbon dioxide], but it cannot escape the bottle, thus creating the bubbles.

Sparkling wines will age in the bottles on the dead yeast cells over time, where the bottles are partially turned in the racks called riddling, creating the creamy texture you taste in traditional method crémants. After aging on the dead yeast cells … the necks of the bottle are frozen, the yeast cells disgorged, and a small amount dosage—either sugar and still wine or more sparkling wine—is added back to top off the bottles.

How many crémants are there?

Too many to count. [Many of them don’t make it to the U.S.]

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TA S T E M A K E R S

WHE RE TO LO O K We asked John Farrell III, vice president in sales and merchandising with Haskell’s The Wine People, for local crémant recommendations.

“There are crémants from Bordeaux, Loire and, I think the best, Burgundy. Why are [Burgundy crémants] the best? Well, Champagne is made mostly from pinot noir and chardonnay grapes … and the best chardonnays and pinot noirs in the world come from Burgundy, so it only makes sense that they would produce great crémants,” he says.

“Some of my favorites are: Louis Bouillot [Perle D’Aurore Brut] rosé and [Henri de] Villamont Crémant [de Bourgogne Brut] rosé. If you want a dryer style, try the Louis Bouillot [Perle de Vigne] brut. These are very good as far as quality goes and are a fraction of the price of Champagne,” he says.

Find all three at the Plymouth Haskell’s.

38

April/May 2022

plymouthmag.com

Does crémant run sweet or dry?

It can be either. It depends on the amount of sugar added during dosage. The driest crémants will be topped with wine, no sugar added.

Does crémant differ from Champagne?

[It is] generally lighter, less PH, less acid and usually less time on the lees [the dead yeast cells].

How does crémant compare to prosecco?

Proseccos are made in large, sealed tanks with [carbon dioxide] added in [the] tank to help create bubbles.

Crémants, similar to Champagne, are richer, creamier, less sweet and have a higher concentration of bubbles.

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Does crémant have the ability to age?

They are meant to be [consumed] young; they will not age like Champagne, but three to five years is generally OK. What is the optimal temperature for crémant?

All sparkling [wines] should be served around 45–50 degrees F [the same temperature as Champagne].

How about food pairings?

I always want to demystify it, make it accessible to everyone. People should drink what they like with what they like, however, there are some classic pairings. Oysters are usually number one in people’s minds, but other shellfish work well—lobster, scallops, crab. [Consider] non-stinky cheese and salty foods, even potato chips.

Why isn’t crémant as well known?

Marketing—follow the money. The different regions that make crémants are more known for their still wines that can age and [be sold in] large quantities …

A few of your favorite crémants?

Alsace is number one for me— creamy and fresh with excellent rosé …

How do we shop for a crémant?

Ask your wine merchant for recommendations on what they carry. You can get great crémants between $15 and $25.

Haskell’s The Wine People, 4130 Berkshire Lane N.;

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9200 49th Ave N | New Hope, MN 55428 phph.net | 763.544.4141 39

LAST GLANCE

By Madeline Kopiecki

THIRD PLACE: CITY LANDMARKS

Picture Plymouth A golden opportunity for a winning photograph.

“T H E P HOTO IS CO M P OSED around the strong diagonal formed by the stepping stones. The stones invite the viewer to cross the creek and continue on toward the sunset. I like how the golden hour light and the slightly skewed stepping stones add warmth and charm to the scene. I’m always on the lookout for opportunities to make pleasing images from everyday subjects, and this seemed to fit the bill.” —Larry Paulson of Plymouth

40

Photographer:

Larry Paulson

Title: A Plymouth Creek Crossing

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Plymouth Creek Disc Golf Course

Equipment: Location:

To view other Picture Plymouth photo contest winners, visit plymouthmag.com.

April/May 2022

plymouthmag.com

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