Something that has stood out to me during my two years overseeing White Bear Lake Magazine is the closeness of this community—a dedication of service and spirit that finds its way into each and every story we share. In this first issue of 2024, the stories, even more than usual, are tied to community and friendship. Many of the locals featured in these pages are using their passions to uplift others and create opportunities for meaningful connection and learning.
For centuries, saunas have provided a hub for conversation and cleansing. I spoke with Eric Simmons about his newly launched portable sauna tent business, Ox Sweat Sauna, and how his product (and the making of it) has helped him reconnect with longtime friends. Simmons shares how the opportunity to “meet on the bench” is like none other.
We also met up with Lisa Najarian, a Grant resident and the founder of Twin Cities Lyme Foundation, to talk about her newest passion project: You Go Girl. The brand is devoted to encouraging women to develop and maintain their friendships. Najarian talks girl trips, aligning priorities and the upcoming release of her memoir.
Have a story to share? You can find me at zoe@localmedia.co.
Happy New Year!
-Zoe Yates
