June 2022

“In early June, the world of leaf and blade and flowers explodes, and every sunset is different.” —John Steinbeck, author

Lake Minnetonka Magazine June 2022

In addition to being the focus of this month’s issue, what do kids, families, seniors and pets have in common? If you’re anything like me, you take (lots!) of photos of them all.

 

“I often go there to see how the seasons are celebrated in the garden, and I always think what a beautiful and generous gift the Noerenberg family has given us. I love the pavilion.

 

Let’s raise a glass—self-serve wine dispensers are soon to be a thing in the west Metro thanks to Top Ten Liquors and its novel concept—Wineside.

 

Since 2004, artists from around the state and country have gathered to showcase their artistic acumen at the Wayzata Art Experience, organized by the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce. The event is set from 10 a.m.–7 p.m. on June 25 and 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

 

Photographs document significant moments in our lives—pregnancies, births and birthdays; first days of school and graduations; engagements and weddings; and others. But there can be a very important part of life that goes mostly undocumented.

 

Take to the sky, and you’ll never know who or what you’ll meet. “I’ve had eagles off my wing, just checking me out,” Alex Peterson says. “Actually, they’re really good guides. On one flight, I met three turkey vultures at 500 feet.

 
Filmmaker Alia Tarraf at St. Brigid's Well in County Clare, Ireland

Some kids dream about growing up and moving across the country to make movies. While these dreams don’t always become a reality, former Minnetonka resident Alia Tarraf made it happen.

 
A young child using the Anger Workbook for Kids

After 12 years practicing as a mental health clinician specializing in children, Christina Kress says she noticed a lot of parents were bringing their children to Minnetonka Counseling with the same dilemma: Their children didn’t know how to process their anger.

 
A golden retriever using a Doggie Bunk Bed

Plenty of dog owners share their sleeping space with their four-legged companions. Even though the bed is for the humans in the house, dogs tend to be, well, bed hogs when it comes to sleeping space. Thankfully, Patti and Pete Stoddard (former Minnetonka residents) have a solution.

 
The cover art for novel A Night Divided

A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen is one of those novels that is an excellent read for students in upper elementary school and above, as well as adults. It skillfully brings history alive and makes it relatable to readers of any age.

 

While cleaning out my spice cabinet, I came across more than a few bottles of lesser-used, but once-treasured seasonings. Turmeric, cloves, cumin, coriander, cardamom, sumac and fennel were each purchased for a reason before being buried far back on my shelves.

 

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska is one of the best places in the Twin Cities to take kids who need to burn off a little energy. (Children ages 15 and younger can visit for free.) Discover these activities geared toward children:

 

For anybody who is over the age of 65, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 150 minutes a week of physical activity that includes a mix of cardio, strength and balance exercises.

 

It’s the weekend. You have friends coming over, and they are bringing their kids. You have food and cocktails planned, but what are you giving the kids? How about something other than pop?

 

There can be an unconditional bond when it comes to our pets. For centuries, dogs have been coined as “man’s best friend” as the bonds of unfailing love, devotion and loyal companionship deepen with time.