Woodbury people

Let me hear you CHEER! For a sport that was once, well, relegated to the sidelines, cheerleading has seen a major growth spurt over the last 10 years in Woodbury. Thanks to a dedicated and talented group of coaches, the cheer programs at Woodbury schools have grown into some of the most successful in Minnesota, and even in the country.
   
We chatted with Woodbury’s cohort of coaches to learn more about cheerleading’s growing popularity, their passion for the sport and what it takes to create a top-notch squad. Ready? Okay!
Read more about Woodbury Cheerleading Catches On

A harrowing flight in a blizzard on January 17, 1960 almost wiped out the NBA’s Minneapolis Lakers franchise. Harold Gifford of Woodbury, the co-pilot of that DC-3 flight hampered by an emergency failure who helped land the plane in a Carroll, Iowa cornfield, has written a book, The Miracle Landing, recounting the events of that flight and the landing of the plane. Read more about Woodbury Resident Harold Gifford Authors the Miracle Landing

The popular tune, "A Whole New World," from the movie Aladdin, generally features a male and a female singer. That is until Nick Pitera, formerly of Woodbury, stepped in. With a voice that reaches soprano and baritone levels, he gave the song new life in 2007. The video went viral, garnering over 31 million views, skyrocketing Pitera into YouTube stardom.
    Read more about Woodbury Native Nick Pitera Lights Up Youtube

Click here to view photos from the 2014 Best of Woodbury celebration at the Sheraton St. Paul Woodbury Hotel.

Raindrops on roses? You can find those at Warner’s Outdoor Solutions. Whiskers on kittens? Plentiful at Hudson Road Animal Hospital. Bright copper kettles? Check out the kitchen at The Tavern Grill. And what about warm woolen mittens? In stock at A Whimsical Place. Read more about The Best of Woodbury 2014: Your Favorite Shops, Restaurants, People and More

Imagine flying an airplane in a rough Midwest snow storm with no heat, no defroster, no lights, no radio, no fuel gauge and no navigation system.
   
Harold “Giff” Gifford, a Woodbury resident with a stellar flying career, was co-pilot on a famous 5 hour, 40 minute flight that experienced those daunting challenges. “Though it all occurred over 52 years ago, the events are etched in my memory vividly,” says Gifford, 88.
    Read more about Woodbury's Harold Gifford Recalls Carroll, Iowa Cornfield Airplane Landing

Penny Shefland always knew she wanted to be a bus driver, despite her husband’s disbelief. When they first met, she mentioned, “One of these days, I am going to be driving a school bus.” He simply laughed.
    Read more about Woodbury School District Bus Driver Penny Shefland

It all started six years ago at the Woodbury Dance Center. That’s when Zach Manske fell in love with dancing. Recognize the name? 13-year-old Zach is one of the stars of the Tony Award-winning show, Billy Elliot the Musical, which opens October 9 at The Ordway Theater in St. Paul. Read more about Woodbury's Zach Manske's Passion for the Stage