February 2014

We're devoting the February 2014 issue of White Bear Lake Magazine to that time-honored part of our lives: romance! Meet three White Bear Lake couples who have spent their entire lives together, and you'll get a bit misty-eyed as they share their secrets to lasting romance and devotion. You'll sample the best decadent chocolate desserts and find out about plenty of Valentine's Day-themed events around our area. Plus, get a guide to our local private schools and look inside the ever-classy Chez Arnaud. Pick up a copy today!

[Around Town]
A Look Back at White Bear Lake's Gazebo

The historic Erd-Geist Gazebo was designed and built in 1883 by summer visitor Thomas Erd for his daughter Annie and her husband Emil Geist. Erd built many grand structures, including downtown St. Paul’s Assumption Church.

 
[Reviews]
Restaurants: Best Chocolate Desserts in White Bear Lake

Chocolate—there’s nothing like it. For some, it’s their one guilty pleasure. For others, it’s the perfect antidote for a bad day. No matter what your level of chocolate-loving is, we tend to think its divine in all of its variations and forms.

 
[Health & Wellness]
Skating Spectacular

Spectators watched as skaters from the White Bear Lake Skate School twirled, jumped and spun their way to victory in the White Bear Lake Holiday Open. All photos by Sharon Person.

 
[Arts]
A Celtic Celebration

Abigail Lennox and the Beggar Boys brought their unique sound and holiday spirit to St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church on December 7 and 8. All photos by Todd Wildenauer.

 
[Events]
White Bear Lake Sweetheart Runs Return

Lace up your sneakers and bust out your windbreaker: it’s time for the annual Sweetheart Runs, an outdoor racing event that inspires people to get outside and run in even the chilliest weather.

 
[Education]
Discover Private School Education Options in White Bear Lake

Your child’s private school education is a valuable investment, but with many private school options in the area, it can be a tad overwhelming on which one to choose. So we’ve done the groundwork and put together a quick guide on some of the local schools to consider.

 
[People]
Three White Bear Lake Couples Share Secrets to Long-Lasting Love

We often hear stories of those fleeting marriages that last a few years, or in a rather well publicized case, 63 days. But what of the couples who made their commitments and stuck to them? Meet three couples that have each been married more than 60 years.

 
[Giving Back]
Matoska International School Partners with H2O for Life

In 2010, Steve Hall embarked on a three-week trip to Kenya and Uganda. There, he witnessed a tragedy. Those he met along the way had no access to a vital resource that so many Americans take for granted: water.
   

 
[Giving Back]
Matoska International School Partners with H2O for Life

In 2010, Steve Hall embarked on a three-week trip to Kenya and Uganda. There, he witnessed a tragedy. Those he met along the way had no access to a vital resource that so many Americans take for granted: water.
   

 
[Food & Drink]
Inside Chez Arnaud with Arnaud de Rambures

If there's one word that's synonymous with Valentine's Day, it's chocolate—or chocolat, as the French say. If your Valentine has a sweet tooth (and who doesn’t?), hightail it to Chez Arnaud, White Bear Lake’s favorite French bakery.

 
[Wellness]
Tips for a Couples Massage from White Bear Lake Experts

Massage has skyrocketed in popularity in the past two decades. National Institutes of Health studies, among others, indicate massage can have a dramatic positive impact on physical and mental well-being. And in February, it’s more important than ever.

 
[Arts]
Poetry Tips from Birchwood Poet Kathy Blegen-Huntley

As a published poet, Kathy Blegen-Huntley has plenty of experience writing verses for loved ones. Here, she shares some tips for writing a romantic Valentine’s Day poem like a pro:

 
[People]
Mahtomedi's Jay Christensen Sells Support for Team

It takes more than a great defensive line for a high school football team to succeed; it also takes resources.

 
[Arts]
White Bear Lake Author Nancy Schumacher's Romantic Reads

Nancy Schumacher is always in search of a happy ending. Turns out, that’s exactly what appeals to the White Bear Lake romance novelist most about her genre. “I have difficulty reading books that don’t have them,” she says.

 
[Education]
Mahtomedi's Virginia Mancini Receives Teaching Award

Virginia Mancini knew she wanted to be an English teacher by her senior year in high school, and that passion for teaching has only grown since.

 
[Arts]
The Art Shanty Projects Inspire Works of Art on White Bear Lake

This month, shanties will be set up all over White Bear Lake—but not for ice fishing.

 
[Around Town]
White Bear Lake Florists Bloom with Ideas

It’s that time of year—lace, hearts and chocolates are in abundance—and nothing says “I love you” quite like the perfect flowers for Valentine’s Day. White Bear Lake florists are ready to help, and have shared some of their top picks and ideas.