As time passes, it’s beautiful to recognize the moments that become memories. I think it’s one of the most brilliant parts of aging, collecting core memories and recalling them with friends and loved ones. As we put together this issue—in which music is very much a key theme—my memories returned to a special day of fifth-grade choir. While our class was singing Bill Withers’ Lean on Me, we put our arms over each other’s shoulders and began to sway. Smiling, our voices rose to a shout as the song reached the bridge, “We all need somebody to lean on.” We ended the song in a fit of laughter (and maybe a few misty eyes).
Our community is tied together by these small moments and shared memories, and it’s a wonderful feeling to be a part of sharing some of these stories. Don’t miss our update on the McNeely Music Center’s opening—I’m sure that it will be a place where many musical memories are made in the years to come. I’ve always enjoyed sharing book recommendations with the people in my life—and what could be better than gifting these tomes? Renée Stewart-Hester shares a curated selection of book recommendations, which are ideal for gifting this holiday season.
I’m sure many of us in this community have memories of visiting Kowalski’s Markets through the years! For the business’s 40th year in White Bear Lake, we connected with co-founder Mary Anne Kowalski and her daughter, Kowalski’s Markets CEO Kris Kowalski Christiansen, both North Oaks residents. The family opens their home and hearts to us in this issue, sharing insights into the opening of the White Bear Lake location of their specialty grocery business and recipes from their holiday table.
I encourage you to take a mental snapshot of moments you love this holiday season. Sometimes, it’s as easy for me as saying, “I want to remember this moment.” Still, being present and living in each moment fully is more than enough.
