January 2016 St. Croix Valley Magazine

In the January issue local coffee shops offer the perfect winter warm-ups, Dr. Paul Wuinn battles the stigma associated with Alzheimer's disease and LOLO American Kitchen offers a creative take on street food and cocktails.

[Arts]
Marine on St. Croix Artist Tom Maakestad Paints Local Landscapes

Tom Maakestad seemed destined to become an artist. He grew up on a farm in Northfield as the son of Barbara and the late John Maakestad, who had been an art professor at St. Olaf College. Tom had always noticed the scenery around him, even during bus rides to and from school.

 
[Restaurant Guide]
LoLo American Kitchen + Bar Owners Innovate with High-end Street Food and Cocktails

Standing behind the handsome marble bar in LoLo American Kitchen & Craft Bar in downtown historic Stillwater, co-owner and bar program director Joe Ehlenz chats with customers and mixes cocktails while his business partner, culi

 
[Going Out]
Stories from Our Past: the “Scandia Cemetery Tour”

In October, visitors attended the Scandia Cemetery Tour at Elim Cemetery to hear stories about some of the town’s past residents, as told by reenanctment volunteers. Some of the volunteers told the stories of their ancestors.

 
Afton Art Fair 2015

The annual Afton Art Fair was held in September as part of “Take Me to the River,” two weeks of art festivals and other events in the St. Croix River Valley.

 
[Outdoors]
Willow River State Park in Hudson is a Destination for Snowshoeing, Hiking, Skiing and More

For those looking to enjoy the outdoors, Willow River State Park in Hudson is the place to be this winter. With more than five miles of multiuse trails for hiking and snowshoeing, and 14 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, the park has something for everyone.

 
[Food & Drink]
Local Caffeinated Hotspots in the Valley

Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a steaming mug of coffee. With so many wonderful coffee shops to visit all along the St. Croix River Valley, we stopped by four venues in Stillwater and Hudson this month to chat with the owners and find out what they have brewing this winter.

 
[Sports]
Stillwater Native Maureen Bausch Leads the Minnesota Super Bowl LII Host Committee

Some of Maureen Bausch’s fondest football memories have taken place at Pony Stadium.

 
[Health & Wellness]
Winter Water: Staying Healthy and Hydrated During the Winter Months

The cold, harsh Midwestern temperatures are hard on exposed skin during the winter months. By January, our energy, digestion, mental health and skin can feel the effects of our cold climate.

 
[Health & Wellness]
Stillwater Physician Paul Quinn Strives to Remove the stigma of Alzheimer’s Disease

As A physician retired from family practice in Stillwater and the U.S. Navy, Dr. Paul Quinn was aware of the common signs of Alzheimer’s disease and its prognosis.

 
[Education]
School-linked Mental Health Program at Stillwater Area High School is One of Many in State

Childhood and adolescence should be a time of joy and adventurous spirit. But life isn’t always easy. Fortunately, during times of struggle, our local schools are there to help students and their families navigate through mental health issues in order to reclaim their joy.

 
[Reviews]
Books: Big Magic

Ah, the new year, when everyone’s thoughts turn to new beginnings, life changes and optimism for the future. Instead of sharing a book about resolutions such as diets and healthy cooking, I’m recommending something different: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.

 
[Community]
Travel Log: Literature Lovers

Bill and Carole Hamilton of Lake St. Croix Beach visited the home that inspired the setting of Anne of Green Gables during their trip to Prince Edward Island, Canada.

 
[Around Town]
Hudson on the Small Screen

Offering a glimpse of the year-round destination town of Hudson, the television program Discover Wisconsin—Hudson: Beauty on the St. Croix is airing for a second time on January 9.

 
[Around Town]
Ice, Ice Baby

For hearty Midwesterners, there’s never a bad time of year to indulge in an ice cream treat while outdoors. In fact, people have been enjoying Stillwater’s annual Winter Ice Cream Social at Mulberry Point in Lowell Park since the event began in 1950.

 
[Around Town]
Everyone Can Play

Youth Advantage has been helping connect Stillwater-area students in need with extracurricular activities since 2010.