by Liz Potasek | Dec 1, 2023 | Giving Back, Noteworthy
What was once a family joke—Grandma Lucy’s annual Christmas gift of socks and underwear—became a call to action for one Eagan family. After Grandma Lucy passed away in 2000, family members began bringing socks and underwear to Christmas and donating them to nonprofit...
by Renée Stewart-Hester | Dec 1, 2023 | Entertain, Local Makers, Outdoors, Sports
Think outside the (gift) box when planning holiday experiences. When visitors come to town over the holidays, hosts can be hard-pressed when it comes to planning “things to do.” And a similar situation can be had when adult children return home for the holidays. While...
by Jennifer Pitterle | Dec 1, 2023 | Pets, Wellness
A South Metro equine therapy organization serves first responders and military personnel, using the power of animal empathy to heal trauma. Editor’s Note: This story includes mentions of disordered eating and suicide. Lakeville resident Taber Akin usually has a lot on...
by Liz Potasek | Dec 1, 2023 | Outdoors, Sports
The Cleary Lake Winter Trailhead provides a great opportunity to explore winter sports. Once there’s enough snow on the ground, the golf course at Cleary Lake Regional Park in Prior Lake becomes a multi-use winter trail, offering an ideal place for snowshoeing,...
by Macy Berendsen | Dec 1, 2023 | Arts
The Twin Cities Ballet offers an updated, distinctly Minnesota twist on the classic ballet with a sensory-friendly performance. Remember that scene in the Nutcracker ballet when Mother Ginger comes out with a bunch of clownish children dancing out from under her...
by Stacy Price | Dec 1, 2023 | Book Club, Noteworthy
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell What causes people to join groups with dangerous or troublesome outcomes? Author Amanda Montell argues that it is the power of language through words, phrases and mantras that are used not only in “cultish” groups...
by Rachel Schuehle | Dec 1, 2023 | Giving Back, People
Sanya Pirani has spent her childhood giving back to other children. At age 7, Sanya Pirani knew what she wanted to do with her life: help others. “It’s always been my dream,” she says. “I was immersed in philanthropy, volunteerism and charity at a young age.” Sanya...
by Madeline Kopiecki | Nov 3, 2023 | Noteworthy
Learn more about Nuka and Denali and their road to recovery. On October 27, the Minnesota Zoo announced via press release that two abandoned Northern sea otter pups will begin receiving 24/7 care behind-the-scenes at the Apple Valley zoo. Originally from Alaska, the...
by rachael-perron | Nov 1, 2023 | Entertain, Noteworthy, Recipes
I’m hosting Thanksgiving for the first time in a very long time. Despite my years of culinary experience, I’m a little nervous. It’s likely there will be a few new dietary concerns to maneuver. One of my favorite holiday mainstays—Turkey Day Quinoa—can be enjoyed by...
by rachael-perron | Nov 1, 2023 | Ingredients, Noteworthy, Recipes
There’s a myriad of ways to enjoy cranberries this season. Here’s the differences between a few favorites: Cranberry relish is raw, fresh and tart. It’s typically eaten on its own as a side dish with roasted turkey. Its bright, tangy flavor is a nice counterbalance to...
by Liz Potasek | Oct 1, 2023 | Uncategorized
Despite all of the elaborate holiday plans I start dreaming up this time of year, some of my best memories of family are just sitting around the table sharing a snack or a meal. The random Wednesday night when a game of telephone leads to laugh-crying or the...
by Liz Potasek | Oct 1, 2023 | Local Makers, People, Restaurants
Apple Valley native and James Beard Award-winning chef Ann Kim creates common ground with global flavors. To say Ann Kim is an accomplished restaurateur is an understatement. The James Beard Award-winning chef owns three popular restaurants in Minneapolis—Pizzeria...
by Liz Potasek | Oct 1, 2023 | Giving Back, Noteworthy
As a new transplant to Lakeville, Erin Lemke was hoping to meet people and get more involved with the community when she signed up to volunteer with the Messiah Community Food Shelf about three years ago. The food shelf in Lakeville is one of five local food shelves...
by Josie Smith | Oct 1, 2023 | Local Makers, Restaurants
The De Leon family finds success serving up flavorful tacos (and more) inside an Eagan gas station. There’s something absolutely delightful about finding treasure in an unexpected place. So it’s not surprising that news of the delicious tacos served from a kiosk in an...
by Jody Carey | Oct 1, 2023 | Giving Back
Food pantry serving Dakota County relocates to Eagan. Poverty hides in the suburbs, especially for seniors and children. The Open Door food pantry serves over 14,000 Dakota County residents each month because hunger is an issue in our community. A new facility makes...
