May 2020

We’ve spent weeks at home trying to protect the most vulnerable among us. We are hopeful that May flowers will indeed spring forth from the showers of April challenges. 

Editor's note: This issue was finalized as our community, nation and world were in the early stages of the coronavirus outbreak. It was our editorial staff’s sincere hope that, by the time this issue landed in your mailbox, the virus would be contained, and we would have eased back into our daily routines, ever mindful of the lives lost and impact felt by so many around the world. However, due to the quickly evolving circumstances in our community during the creation of this issue, please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. As your community magazine, we will continue to spotlight residents—the cornerstones of this area—and focus on the importance of local businesses around Lake Minnetonka.

Early in March generous supporters of St. David’s Center celebrated 31 years of hosting its annual gala event which helps provide opportunities for children of all abilities to shine their brightest.

 

Over 400 Hopkins Public Schools patrons connected at the Marriott Minnetonka Southwest ballroom in February for Hopkins Education Foundation Royal Bash 2020. The event raised $301,600 to benefit students through grants and district-wide endeavors.

 
A gazebo at Noerenberg Gardens.

Winning photographer captures an idyllic scene at Noerenberg Gardens.

 
A bloody mary from Benedict's in Wayzata.

Take a sip of some of the best bloody marys in the Lake Minnetonka area and beyond.

 
Peonies at Swenson Gardens

Becky and Keith Swenson grow acres of blooms on their Wright County farm.

 
Maddy Graupmann teaches a ballet clss.

The story of a South Lake Minnetonka police officer.

 
Players from the South Shore Softball League

South Shore softball leagues provide comradery and competition.

 
Jules Meyer cooks a dish in her kitchen.

When Jules Meyer completed her cookbook titled Passion: My Journey through Food, she realized she'd written her life story.

 
Hannah and Brady Rein, founders of Financially Engaged

Local business helps young couples take the fight out of financial planning.

 
Bella Buenting

Minnetonka High School senior—and NCAA Division II triathlete recruit for New York's Daemen College—Bella Buenting has devoted most of her life to her passion.

 
A glass of zinfandel.

What you can expect is what a good zinfandel should taste like: loads of brambly berry fruit, a touch of American oak, a healthy ABV, and a rich array of spices.

 
The Minnehaha, a streetcar steamboat on Lake Minnetonka

The streetcar steamboat Minnehaha is one of the most iconic symbols of Lake Minnetonka’s heritage.

 
Cooked mushrooms

May brings the hunt for morels, the most coveted of Minnesota mushrooms. With their honeycombed caps and hollow stems, morels are easy for even a beginning forager to recognize.

 
A stepmother sits with her stepchildren

Local media maven Natalie Webster shares what being a stepmother has taught her.

 
Ann Patchett's "The Dutch House"

Ann Patchett's latest novel explores the complicated dynamics of families.

 
The Toronto Botanical Garden

Incorporate gardens and nature into your travels.

 
Fans gather in front of the Nautical Bowls food truck.

Minnetonka’s Nautical Bowls launches a mobile spot for acai goodness.