December 2019

This issue shines some festive light on a few of the great things folks are doing all around Edina. Kudos to you! It is our hope that these stories might resonate like the Japanese proverb that says, “One kind word can warm three winter months.”

Local middle schoolers were recognized by the Edina Community Foundation’s Bold New Idea initiative earlier this year.

 

The grand opening of this elaborate retail space in Edina drew the attention of local celebs and community members. The event showcased three levels of showroom and dining space for guests who sipped champagne and enjoyed hors d'oeuvres while a  DJ kept toes tapping.

 
The skyline of Yokohama, Japan.

When it comes to family vacations, the paths not typically taken can lead to the most interesting and fulfilling excursions.

 
A girl looks out a plane window on a family vacation.

Traveling with kids doesn’t need to be a crying game.

 
An overhead shot of a sculpture and benches in Centennial Lakes Park in Edina

We got the details on Christopher Refsland's drone shot of Centennial Lakes Park.

 
A bottle of Dampfwerk pear brandy sits alongside a glass on pink satin.

Bridgit Loeffelholz from Dampfwerk Distillery gives us a crash course on aperitifs and digestifs.

 
A child looks at a Christmas tree at Our Lady of Grace men's club Christmas tree lot.

From the day after Thanksgiving to the week of Christmas, Our Lady of Grace men’s club hosts its Christmas tree lot to ignite holiday cheer and raise funds.

 
The wide open great room in the Donnays' accessible home.

Chad and Kate Donnay of Traditions by Donnay Homes gave their daughter Emilia the greatest gift they could, a house designed especially for her.

 
The cast of the St. Lucia concert at the American Swedish Institute

December is a busy time at the American Swedish Institute.

 
A woman holds a crown of candles for the St. Lucia concert at the American Swedish Institute

Learn how the Twin Cities community celebrates this Swedish folk holiday.

 
A man models a navy suede jacket blue chambray shirt from CircleRock

CircleRock's goal is to create top-quality, made in the U.S. menswear at accessible prices.

 
Contractor Jessica Dolezal of Dolezal Creative Design + Build

Jessica Dolezal is one of the few female contractors in the state of Minnesota.

 
Youth Frontiers founder and CEO Joe Cavanaugh.

Changing society for the better is the goal of Youth Frontiers, a nonprofit organization working to inspire character in young people.

 
A woman goes through high-intensity interval training at Basecamp Fitness in Edina.

Basecamp Fitness brings its version of high-intensity interval training.

 
Edina AA Bantam youth hockey coach Ryan Ebling speaks to his team.

Edina youth hockey coach Ryan Elbing goes above and beyond the game.

 
"Chances Are..." by Richard Russo

Richard Russo's "Chances Are..." explores the regrets that fray men’s souls.

 
A mother holds hands with her children on a beach.

Experiential gift ideas from a local travel advisor.

 
Three cups of homemade Irish cream.

It’s December, and we’ve got a homemade Irish cream recipe that you can say you totally made up all on your own.

 
A home holiday gift wrapping station.

Creating a gift wrap station is easy and doesn’t require much space, even if it’s just temporary for the holiday season.

 
Roasted Red Pepper and Whipped Goat Cheese Crostini with Super Kale Pesto Sauce

This festive and delicious appetizer is the perfect solution to entertaining during a busy holiday season!

 
A yellow door decorated with a wreath on a home ready for a holiday sale.

A holiday home sale doesn't have to be a struggle.

 
A lit menorah.

Do you know the story behind Hanukkah?