Tonka Living Magazine (2024)

26/01/2024

This weekend is a perfect time to try some of these amazingly delicious hot cocoa inspired recipes!!

24/01/2024

Anglers surrounding the Lake Minnetonka area are finding success on crappies, sunfish, and walleye. In the back bays of Lake Minnetonka, lots of anglers are having success in the morning for numbers of bluegill and crappie using “wonderbread” colored jigs from Macula Tackle tipped with glow or white colored plastics, such as Billy Rub Baits Tornado. A surprise largemouth bass targeting these fish back in the bays is also very common this time of year, and in lots in the 3-4 pound range.

For walleye, anglers are finding most success finding schools of fish using custom Garmin Livescope Shuttle systems found at Waypoint Angler Supply. Once they see fish on their live sonar, fish are being caught in both numbers in size using lipless rattle baits such as the Jackall TN50 and Acme Hyper Rattles. A popular rod choice for maximum sensitivity is the 32” Reelist Co. Walleye Rod. These custom rods are locally made with premium components and the perfect action and power for larger baits and the ability to drive the hook. Fish are being found best during sunset but are also being caught at night; a lure that glows and rattles is always best.

22/01/2024

A 1998 grad from Minnetonka High school and an Excelsior native races sled dogs in Alaska! 🐺 At a young age Brent was instilled with love for dogs. His grandpa had hunting dogs, anywhere from 5 to 30 dogs at a time. Brent hunted and fished with his grandpa throughout his childhood. That love for the outdoors and dogs only intensified when he decided to go to college at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Brent’s first racing experience was the Quest 300 in 2006. Not only did he conquer Eagle Summit in one of the worst storms ever recorded, but he and the dogs won the race in convincing fashion. Since that first race season, the Wild and Free team has raced in eighteen 1,000 mile races. This includes winning the 1,000 mile Yukon Quest in 2015, 2019 and 2020 as well as the 50th Iditarod running in 2022! Along with the 1,000 mile race, he has competed in countless other mid-distance races and was very successful!

Read the full article in your issue of TONKA Living!

19/01/2024

Meet our TONKA Living Pet of the Month, Skye! 🐶🐾

About four years ago before Christmas, I found a rescue dog on Facebook. I'd always loved huskies, so I wanted the girls to grow up with one. The girls instantly fell in love with her... and me. She is spunky, well-behaved, and has a sassy personality that everybody loves! One of her favorite things to do in the morning is wake the girls up for school. She gets on their beds, snuggles and kisses them for a minute, then moves on to the second sissy. She LOVES being outside, running on the trails and especially on the ice in the winter time. Her love for the summer is evident as she will fall asleep on a deck while sunbathing and loves swimming. She is the best thing to ever happen to us, and we love her very much!

17/01/2024

Looming for something to do while its so cold, try the sport of curling!🥌 Nestled just “down the hill” in downtown Chaska, you will find a world-class center offering lessons, leagues, and company outings to play one of the world’s hottest team sports. Chaska Curling Center has been open for 8 years now and the fun continues!

The Curling Center has made quite an impression since opening in 2015. It hosted Curling Night in America; served as a training ground for international curlers, including members of the U.S. National Curling teams, and was the home-base for more than 900 members.

The real joy for the folks at Chaska Parks and Recreation though, has been seeing the growing interest from the younger crowd. Juniors have their own program on Saturdays starting in January. A junior curler can even earn a varsity letter through Sub Zero Curling as a club sport through the local school district.

With curling’s increased popularity following the winter Olympics, now might be the time to try this historic sport. You can book a family/group/single learn-to-curl session or just stop by the Crooked Pint to have a sandwich and watch. Either way, if you haven’t been “down the hill”, it is worth the trip!

17/01/2024

It's January and it's COLD!❄️ It's time to start embracing this cold season and what better way than to immerse yourself in the stress-melting experience of Located on the shores of Lake Minnewashta at Camp Fire Minnesota in Excelsior, Sauna Camp provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life, and ensures you are optimizing your health and wellness all winter long. Whether you're a seasoned sauna aficionado or a first-timer, our camp staff is here to ensure your outdoor sauna & cold plunge experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

After basking in the warmth of the sauna, take the plunge into the icy waters of Lake Minnewashta for an exhilarating contrast that will leave you feeling refreshed and alive. Make it a quick dip to cool off or a couple minutes to push your expectations of what you are capable of. The frozen lake experience is not just a challenge; it's a badge of honor and a story to share around our communal bonfire.

Sauna Camp is open 7 days a week through the end of March, and you can buy a day pass, 5-pack, 10-pack, or season pass. You can even book a private sauna with just your friends & family. It's like summer camp for adults, but all winter long! For more information or to book your pass, go to www.saunacamps.com

15/01/2024

North Coop conveniently located on Hwy 7 & 41 in Excelsior is a locally owned full service restaurant featuring a full bar and scratch kitchen offerings. Owners Shannon and Roger Burks wanted to create a welcoming restaurant for any occasion including a great place to catch the big game with the vast array of big screen TV’s! Don’t forget about the dog friendly patio in the summer too!

North Coop is a southern-inspired restaurant, but I can tell you the variety on their menu for this picky eater was plenty. The options are excellent, the burgers are ground right there in the kitchen, they have gluten-free products, and the bar is spacious to gather with friends or family. It truly is the perfect neighborhood establishment where you can relax, eat, watch sports, and dabble in some pull tabs if you choose. Looking to stay in? Order online for curbside pick up or delivery and even catering for you when you need it! A great option for your upcoming Super Bowl party! North Coop is perfect for any occasion!

14/01/2024

Ice is finally here! You ready for ice fishing!? Support Local while ICE Fishing!
By, Matt Bergmann, Co-Founder of

Waconia company ReelistCo founded by 3 local residents are now making custom ice rods for all of your catching needs this ice season!

The weather sure has been wonky to say the least but the Ice is now finally ready for you anglers and ReelistCo is too! Six different ice rods handmade in Waconia, MN are ready to catch your favorite species including two carbon rods in 28” and 32” for walleye, and 28” for perch. They also have two fiberglass rods for panfish such as crappies and sunnies in 26” and 28” lengths, as well as a catch-all 30” “Reelist” rod, with unbreakable recoil guides that will catch everything from small panfish to hefty northern pike.

The company has employed a master local rod builder to handcraft these rods with only the most discerning methods and care. Each rod is hand tested and tuned, and more information can be found on their website www.reelistco.com as well as purchased at In Towne Marina on Lake Waconia, in Spring Park on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, and Cabin Fever in Victoria! Support local this ice fishing season! Happy catching!

12/01/2024

The Polar Plunge is Special Olympics Minnesota’s largest annual fundraiser and in 2023, 18,000 plungers raised over $5 million dollars to support inclusive opportunities in sports, leadership, education and health.

The Lake Minnetonka Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Minnetonka returns for its 6th year and we are so excited to be back! The Polar Plunge wouldn’t be the Minnesotan tradition it is without hosting it at one of Minnesota’s most famous and popular lakes…Lake Minnetonka! In its 5 year history, the Lake Minnetonka Polar Plunge has raised $377,895. Just last year, 265 Plunges raised $63,558! This plunge wouldn’t be possible without the support of the local committee that includes representatives from the Mound Fire Department, Orono Police Department, Westonka Community and Commerce and other local business owners.

We’d love to invite all those winter warriors who are looking for a fun activity to join us at Surfside Park in Mound on Saturday, January 27th. All ages are welcome. It may be cold but we guarantee it’s more fun than cold and we do our best to take care of our Plungers with heated registration and changing tents and docking that guides Plungers to the hole. If you haven’t been to a Plunge make this year the year!

For more information or to register visit https://www.plungemn.org/events/mound

12/01/2024

As the winter chill envelopes Minnesota this week, homeowners seek the right blend of luxury and comfort to combat the biting cold. In this pursuit, electric in-floor heating under tile, wood, and luxury vinyl planks has emerged as a hallmark of opulence and practicality. This innovative heating solution not only elevates the ambiance of homes but also offers an array of benefits tailored to the unique demands of the Minnesota climate.

Beyond the obvious allure of stepping onto the heated floor, let's not forget about the showers and benches we sit on. Electric in-floor heating provides efficient and consistent warmth that permeates the entire living space. Radiant heat eliminates cold spots and drafts, creating an unparalleled sense of coziness throughout the home. Moreover, the even distribution of heat minimizes dust and allergen circulation, promoting a healthier indoor environment for residents.

Electric in-floor heating prevents the discomfort of walking on cold surfaces, preserving the natural beauty and integrity of these premium materials. For tile, a heated floor mitigates the shock of stepping onto a frigid surface. For wood and luxury vinyl planks, it helps maintain structural stability by preventing warping or cracking caused by temperature fluctuations.

The installation of electric in-floor heating under tile, wood, and luxury vinyl planks is a testament to homeowners' commitment to both opulence and practicality. As the winter frost settles in, this innovative heating solution offers an enticing blend of comfort, efficiency, and sophistication. This ensures that every step taken in a Minnesota home is a step into warmth and comfort.

10/01/2024

Now that we finally have some snow, it's time to remember your safe winter driving skills. The South Lake Minnetonka Police Department is here to ensure the safety of all our residents and visitors. With your help we can keep everyone safe on the roads during these winter months.

1. Please slow down: It’s simple, reduce speed in icy or snowy conditions.
2. Maintain Distance: Increase the following distance for safer braking.
3. Winter tires: Equip your vehicle with winter tires.
4. Clear Visibility: Remove snow and ice from windows, lights, and mirrors.
5. Brake gently: Apply brakes smoothly to avoid skidding.
6. Stay informed: Check weather and road conditions before you travel.
7. Emergency Preparedness: Carry essentials like blankets, a charged cell phone, and a shovel.
8. Plan Ahead: Inform someone of your travels and an expected time of arrival. A simple text message before you leave works great!
9. Avoid Distractions: Focus on driving without distractions. Put down the phone!
10. Use headlights: Increase visibility by using headlights, even during the day.

08/01/2024

Experiencing happiness and feeling inspired in your own home! Our expert, Kristen Stokes, owner Simplified by Stokes has some great advice.

Are you tired of the ‘New Year, New You’ articles already? I know I am! What about ‘New Year, Same You, just better? Let's simplify our lives in 2024! Organizing and simplifying your spaces is a worthy goal in and of itself, but there are also some practical reasons for it.

Save Time – When your home is not in order, it becomes easy to get into the habit of tossing items in random places. Rather than enjoying your cup of coffee in the morning, you scramble to find car keys, kids’ homework or matching mittens! With simple routines and organization - systems, you will save yourself time and effort as you move through your daily routines.

Save Money – Have you ever purchased something you already own because you couldn't find it in your home? Do you ever wonder how much money is sitting in your home right now in the form of useless things? By having a place for everything (and everything in its place) and workable systems, you can eliminate frustrations and double buying and put that money back in your pocket!

Reduce Stress & Boost Energy – When your home is in order, your mind, body and spirit are free from the stress of living in chaos. It's much easier to keep up with the never-ending laundry or keep the mudroom clean and tidy when you have the right systems in place. Instead, you can devote your time and energy to doing what you love.

Experience Happiness – Imagine what it would be like to walk into your beautifully organized home. You cross the threshold and you don’t trip over shoes and coats on the floor, you move into the kitchen and the mail is in its place and not spread over the kitchen island the counter tops are clear of clutter and dishes, your dinner is prepared and planned and when you finally sit down at the end of the night with a glass of wine in your hand, you know exactly where the remote control is. Sounds like happiness to me!

Remember, your home is a place to feel inspired, to feel comfortable and a place to feel joy.

30/11/2023

Are you looking for the perfect cocktail to serve this Holiday season? Look no further! Our friends at .bbq
have just the drink for you!

APPLE BRANDY OLD FASHIONED
Lairds Bonded Apple Brandy, Old Forester Rye, Felix Bigallet China China Amer, Il Mallo Nocino, Spiced Cider Syrup, Smoked Cinnamon Bitters

SUGAR PLUM
J Carver Premium Vodka, Pomegranate Wine, Kamoizumi Plum Sake, Cinnamon Clove Plum Syrup, Soda, Lemon Juice

Visit Buddy Boy's Fine BBQ just this Holiday season to try our new Specialty Sips!

29/11/2023

Our expert contributor, Patriot Exterior Solutions believes in giving back. And they love the outdoors! They are very passionate about the foundation they support and are involved in, the Chard Family Youth Foundation Founded by Tom and Miranda Chard.

The foundation's mission is to help provide youths with access to land, equipment, and mentors to get them involved with all aspects of hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. We desire to teach them about these less mainstream sports to inspire a lifelong hobby built around a supportive community. We want to grow passion around taking care of our natural habitats, encouraging gun safety and enriching education related to these activities. Growing up in a rural community we have been avid hunters/fishers all our lives but realize there are barriers to these outdoor sports such as access to the equipment, land, and mentors so we'd like to help remove some of these barriers for youth that want to just do try something new without a huge investment.

28/11/2023

In our upcoming December issue, we highlight Humanity Alliance located in Victoria, MN. They are a non-profit that started in 2018 to help the most vulnerable populations in our community.

The Humanity Alliance is radically changing the way we serve our most vulnerable populations. We are restoring love and dignity to our community through access to nutritious food and holistic housing. Our Weekend Meal Delivery program provides families with fresh-prepared meals to cover Friday-Sunday.

In 2023 alone, we have prepared and delivered over 290,000 meals, rescued 81 tons of ingredients, and our community has donated over 14,000 hours to help make all of this happen. Our housing program, the Unitē Lodge, provides access to supportive housing. We have 5 rooms with 10 beds, and we’ve served 23 people since our doors opened in 2021. We are so grateful for all of the volunteers, donors, and community partners that lift us up each week so we can continue on our mission together!

Humanity Alliance is always looking for volunteers for food rescue, meal prepping and packing, and Friday meal deliveries. Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are welcome Visit www.humanityalliance.org for more information.

Submitted by Samantha Lange

22/11/2023

EXCELSIOR CHRISTKINDLSMARKT TO TAKE PLACE THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

The 20th annual Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt is modeled after the traditional German, open-air Christmas markets. This immensely popular festival features German holiday foods, decor, gifts, and entertainment for the entire family and is festively decorated for Christmas. It is the family event of the season taking place in downtown Excelsior in the parking lot behind the East Water Street shops.

The festivities begin with the Grand Opening Parade on Saturday, down Water Street, led by Father Christmas, and the Christkind Angel.

Guests can also take a horse-drawn buggy ride down Excelsior, take the North Pole Trolley, pet real Alaskan Reindeer and Alpacas, and so much more. This year we have added a stage featuring music, storytelling, balloon artists, and the popular Frozen Princesses

Visit www.ExcelsiorChristmas.com for details.

Submitted by Myrle Mackenzie

21/11/2023

Ragnow's Touchdown Dip

INGREDIENTS
2 cream cheese blocks
2 cans cream of chicken soup
2 cans chicken or rotisserie chicken
2 cans diced chilis
Tortilla chips

Add all ingredients into a crock pot and turn your crock pot to either LOW or HIGH heat and cook until the cheeses are melted and the dip is smooth. You'll want to stir the dip once or twice while it's cooking. Once melted together either transfer the dip to a serving bowl or turn the crock pot to WARM & recover the dip. Give another stir before serving.

Enjoy!

20/11/2023

Meet Pumpernickel. She likes to live life to its fullest. Whether it’s going on motorcycle rides around town or taking long road trips to “glamp” in Zion - she’s in! She loves snuggles, getting her teeth brushed, going on adventures, and eating juicy apples from the U of MN AppleHouse. Pumpernickel was lucky enough to be chosen to race at the Vikings halftime show a couple of years ago after racing so well at Canterbury Park. Way to Go Pumpernickle and representing our area!

Submitted by Bailey Gustafson

17/11/2023

The Minnetonka Football team is off to a great start to the season. The team has overcome some adversity with major injuries, but this has allowed other players to step up. The highlight of the season so far has been a 17-16 homecoming win over Prior Lake with over 8,000 in attendance. The Skippers are led by a strong senior class with a strong mix of young talent. Head Coach Mark Esch, in his fourth year, said, “These young men have done everything we’ve asked them to do all year. We will continue to get better each week. It’s our goal to peak at playoff time.

16/11/2023

Holy Family has a lot to be thankful for:
More than just Football
By Dan O’Brien, Holy Family Football Head Coach

As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey I’ve embarked on in my first year of coaching at Holy Family. I’m grateful to be rebuilding the Fire football program with two MN Football Hall of Fame coaches, Jeff Ferguson and Dave Nelson, and for the first time, my son Casey. Our shared motto “be thankful, be humble, be on time, and outwork people” is the foundation upon which we can build a successful program and better young people.

First and foremost, I am thankful for the amazing kids and families in our program. Their unwavering support and dedication have been the driving force behind the remarkable growth we’ve seen. In just one season, we’ve almost doubled our player numbers, and it’s all thanks to their commitment.

But it’s more than just the numbers. The Holy Family community’s support has been a game-changer. Breaking our losing streak and securing a few wins has given our athletes a taste of victory and reinforced the importance of resilience and hard work. This school family never quit believing these kids could do it; I’m incredibly thankful to be a part of it.

11/11/2023

Happy Veteran's Day. Thank you to all our veterans that served our country. This year, we honored three local veterans in our November issue of Tonka Living.

10/11/2023

Twelve unwavering years in the Air National Guard, coupled with four tours in the sandy terrains of the Middle East, have carved Zach Husted into a paragon of dedication and valor. His mastery in overseeing the weapons system of the F-16 is not just a testament to his technical prowess, but a clear indication of his fierce commitment to the safeguard of our nation.

Yet, the uniform only tells part of Zach's story. Beyond his military accolades, he emerges as an indomitable force of good in the community. With a heart set on service, he breathed life into Pillars Of Valor coffee - not just a brand, but a movement, passionately channeled towards supporting veterans.

Pillars of Valor is committed to transparency regarding the impact of giving back to the veteran community. With the purchase of coffee from Pillars of Valor, a portion of your order will be donated to a nonprofit to help support veterans. Our long-term goal is to put the keys to a new home in the hands of 1 veteran a year, generate resources to support veterans with mental health issues, and provide them resources to re-establish harmony and balance in daily life.

You can find coffee at Mackethuns, Scheels, and Red Bench Bakery in Excelsior and Chaska, or you can order online at www.pillarsofvalor.com

07/11/2023

This time of year is filled with joy and magic. As we prepare for Christmas around the corner, I wanted to bring you some inspiration to make your home feel warm and inviting. I wanted to share our 3 favorite Christmas decoration ideas.

1. Experiment with Simple Festive Accents: Garlands, golden bells, and velvet ribbon are Mallori's top three Christmas decor ideas – but how does she style them in her household? The key is in the textures.

Alongside garlands, bells, and ribbon, you can add festivity to each vignette with textural mini trees and soft furnishings that hint at the holidays. ‘Switching up your throws and pillows for more seasonal ones can go a long way. However, they don’t have to be embroidered with reindeer and Santa Clause to feel festive,’ Mallori explains. Instead, she suggests ‘incorporating velvet, wool, and knit textures to add a pretty, streamlined look.’

2. Balance Big Statements with Small Furnishings: While bells, garlands, and velvet may sound transformative, Mallori adds that ‘small moments’ are essential for creating a balance between the larger focal points.
For example, you can add ‘a small tree in a playroom’ – to create a whimsical feel over the holidays. This is the most magical season, after all.

3. Dress a Staircase With Faux Garland: We love to begin with 'faux, mess-free garland for draping on everything from mantels to stairwells,’ as seen below. Secondly, I suggest picking up ‘velvet ribbon [that adds] character to a tree, staircase, or styled in a vignette.’

If you’re looking for help decorating for the holidays, I’m here to help! We are offering a Holiday Decor Custom Package from now until December 15th. This package is totally customizable! Prices start at $300. Contact Mallori at [email protected], or call 218.730.7216.

30/10/2023

Meet Ranger our Tonka Living Pet of the Month for October!

Hi I’m Ranger! I am a 3 ½ year old chocolate lab. I love spending time at my cabin on Lake Mille Lacs and of course hunting for ducks, geese, and pheasants. I also enjoy fishing on the Ranger fishing boat, which is where my name comes from.

Submitted by: Kathee Gehrke

25/10/2023

October is Fire Safety Month! The Excelsior Fire Department has some ways to prevent the top causes of fires and fire injuries where you live, play, and work.

Unattended Cooking: DON’T LEAVE COOKING FOOD ON THE STOVE TOP UNATTENDED. Keep a watch on food cooking in the oven or microwave. Enforce a 3 foot kid-free, combustible, and clutter zone around the stove top and oven.

Heating: GIVE SPACE HEATERS SPACE. Space heaters must be kept 3 feet from things that can burn. Space heaters should be plugged directly to an outlet and not an extension cord, surge protector, or multi-plug adapter.

Open Flame: CANDLES SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT IN A ROOM UNATTENDED. Blow them out before you go out or go to sleep. Keep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn.

And remember in an event of a fire. It's your job to GET OUT and our job to GO IN.

23/10/2023

Our expert at Custom Installations wants to educate our readers about a healthy shower. One of the biggest misconceptions in the tile industry is that tile is waterproof. Tile is a hard dense material, but it is a decorative surface. This misconception has led to many years of tiled shower failures and if not resolved early on can progress into an extremely unhealthy environment in your home.
After the shower has been used for a year or two it is inevitable that the conditions will be conducive to mold. We are not talking about surface mold that can be cleaned easily. We are talking about systemic mold. This mold will continue to be a problem within the system until it is fully resolved. You may have dealt with or seen this in your own home. In the grout joints around the drain or even at the floor-to-wall intersection behind and around the caulk joint, moisture is trapped in the grout.

In today’s tile installation practices, there are a multitude of surface mount waterproofing systems available to eliminate any potential for saturation promoting MOLD growth. These systems take the waterproofing layer from under the mud bed and place it on top directly beneath the tile layer. Once the shower is completed properly, the only material capable of becoming saturated is the grout joint. This is exposed to air and will dry before MOLD ever has a chance to start!

As a consumer it is important when deciding on a tile contractor you qualify their method to include these waterproof systems. Tile will last forever if installed properly, or at least until you are tired of looking at it as design trends change.

03/10/2023

Who doesn't love a kitty that LOVES the water?! 🐱

Meow, my name is Missy. I live on Phelps Island and I am well-suited to outdoor living as well as indoor living. I’m not afraid to get my paws wet when my humans take me boating on Lake Minnetonka. My buddy Ben “The Dancing Fisherman” likes to take me out to Cov Wayzata where I enjoy a steak dinner. Other places you’ll find me are at Goose Island, there’s always plenty of enjoyable company there and it’s my favorite island to swim at, hope to see you there! 🐾

Submitted by Resident, Ashlyn Freude

02/10/2023

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas: It’s never too early to Holiday Prep with !
🎅🎄☃️
If you're thinking about having professional lights installed, here is how it works. You get to pick what gets decorated, what colors you wish to use and then we custom build those lights for your home. How fun does that sound? Not only do you have custom lights but you also get installation and teardown, free replacement of any bulbs or stands that may become faulty, and peace of mind knowing that you will have a stunningly decorated home without having to climb up on your roof. With all that being said, we start installations the second week of October and wrap up installations two weeks before Christmas. 🎄

When it comes to ordering lights we would like to make certain we have enough for everyone's home. If you're interested please be sure to get an early estimate from our team. We want to make sure we can fulfill 100% of everyone's needs when it comes to their home looking its best this Holiday season.

Trust us, it’s never too early to plan ahead. We are ready to schedule a fast quote with our team! Call us at 612-260-5485 to ensure you are on our calendar!

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