August 2019

We go back to school this month with our annual education issue of the magazine, including our special Senior Spotlight feature. Happy August!

St. Ambrose of Woodbury Catholic School hosted its annual spring shindig party and fundraiser in May, which included dinner, drinks and live music. 

 
A bird rests on a reed in this 2018 Focus on Woodbury photo contest winner.

This shot by Liz Ducept took first place in the Wildlife & Nature category of our 2018 Focus on Woodbury photo contest.

 
Spencer Venancio, a teen chef who has cooked at Travail, Bardo, Spoon and Stable and other restaurants.

Spencer Venancio has worked at Spoon and Stable, Travail, Bardo and more.

 
Two children play with a dog at Coco's Heart Dog Rescue Academy.

Cocos Heart Academy offers kids the chance to learn about dog rescue and care.

 
New Life Academy student Kavin Muhil Ramesh, a member of the 2019 Senior Spotlight

New Life Academy's Kavin Muhil Ramesh sees a future for himself in STEM.

 
Woodbury High School's Marta Struve, a member of the 2019 Senior Spotlight

Woodbury High School's Marta Struve wants to go to a college in a big city.

 
East Ridge High School's Dipali Arora, a member of the 2019 Senior Spotlight

We put the spotlight on Dipali Arora, an East Ridge High School student who is planning a future in neuroscience and international affairs.

 
East Ridge High School Senior Jack Lowe, a member of the 2019 Senior Spotlight

Jack Lowe is a part of Project Lead the Way, a unique STEM program offered at East Ridge.

 
Math & Science Academy student Lily Swanson poses in front of Target. She is a member of the 2019 Senior Spotlight

Inspired by her teacher, Math & Science Academy Senior Lily Swanson plans to continue her science education in college.

 
Amy Marotz teachers her children, who are both homeschooled. Marotz formed a nonpublic school in Minnesota to teach her and other children.

Homeschooling isn’t for everyone, but these Woodbury families are proving that a homeschool life can be a wild success—and full of joy.

 
John Pohl and Krissy Wendell-Pohl hug each other.

Catching up with Woodbury residents and state of hockey royalty John and Krissy Pohl.

 
A Project Lead the Way student at East Ridge High School works on an engineering project.

Project Lead the Way courses at East Ridge High School give students skills for a head start in the engineering field.

 
Woodbury sisters Ellie and Ava Wagner dancing on NBC's "World of Dance"

Ellie and Ava Wagner, who dance and work at the Larkin Studio, wowed the judges on NBC’s "World of Dance."

 
Emily Bowman, publisher of Macaroni Kids SE Metro, MN, plays with her kids at Colby Lake Park

Woodbury's Emily Bowman publishes the southeast Metro Minnesota edition of Macaroni Kids.

 
A woman enjoys a glass of water in the Woodhouse Day Spa - Woodbury waiting room

Woodbury’s new Woodhouse Day Spa will change the way you view self-care.

 
UrbanIRON Fitness owner Dena Smith works out with an exercise band.

UrbanIRON Fitness wants to put fun back into fitness in Woodbury.

 
Exercise shoes, a free weight and a schedule tracking fitness goals.

Getting real fitness results can be tough. These habits can help you get there.

 
A dog on a dock. Summer pet safety tips help your pup stay cool in warm weather.

Sunny weather brings humidity and heat that can be dangerous for pets. Here are our picks for helping your dogs stay cool and safe this month.

 
A vet examines a dog, attempting to answer the question, When is a dog considered old?

Woodbury pet expert answers a question about senior dogs.

 
"Educated" by Tara Westover

"Educated" is the true story of a sheltered childhood and finding a way out.

 
Two men meet at a support group for men's mental health

Our senior living columnist has a suggestion for overcoming the stigma of men’s mental health.

 
A girl goes to back to school with her backpack and books.

Sylvan Learning brings us back-to-school with a by the numbers breakdown.

 
A variety of apples and citrus fruits, the main flavor profiles of verdicchio, vermentino and vernaccia wines.

Meet verdicchio, vermentino and vernaccia.

 
Amy Goetz doodles in a sketchbook

Amy Goetz, FoodE Expert for Lunds & Byerlys Woodbury, will be earning another degree in marketing communications technology.

 
Woodbury High School's Jonathan Torrence, a member of the 2019 Senior Spotlight

Woodbury High School senior stresses the importance of a balanced schedule, "so you don't go crazy."