Living In Carver County Minnesota

Dr. Kamruz Darabi didn't take the obvious path. Trained in Germany, New York, and Ohio, fluent in four languages, he could have practiced anywhere. He chose Chaska — and then chose to go out on his own. In this conversation, Greg Anderson talks with the founder of Darabi Dermatology about what that journey actually looked like, and what Carver County residents should know about their skin health. In this episode: Dr. Darabi has been named Best Dermatologist in Carver County by Sun Patriot readers four consecutive years and Top Doctor by Minnesota Monthly. His practice, Darabi Dermatology, serves patients in Chaska and surrounding Carver County communities. Living In Carver County — connecting friends, building community.

If you drive Highway 5 between Chanhassen and Victoria — or you own property anywhere near that corridor — this is the episode to listen to before construction season shifts into full gear. Carver County is in the middle of a $116 million Highway 5 overhaul. A 3.5-mile stretch from Highway 41 in Chanhassen to downtown Victoria is going from a two-lane rural road that was already carrying over 20,000 vehicles a day to a divided four-lane highway. Greg Anderson, Carver County REALTOR® since 1985, sat down with Public Works Director and County Highway Engineer Lyndon Colebrook-Robjent to unpack what's happening, when, and why it matters — both for your daily commute and for the long-term value of real estate in Chaska, Chanhassen, Victoria, Waconia, and the surrounding communities. They cover what's already underway on the ground, which roads close in 2026 and what the detour picture looks like, the full Highway 5 closure coming in 2027, the engineering challenge of building a four-lane road through the Lake Minnewashta wetlands, why the trees had to come down in February before any road work started (it involves an endangered bat), the roundabout strategy and why Carver County keeps building them, and the connection between this level of infrastructure investment and where Carver County real estate is headed. Lyndon also makes a point that transportation investment and land use go hand in hand. When you build the infrastructure right, the communities around it get stronger. Victoria is proving that right now. Public open house: Wednesday, March 25th, 5–7 p.m., University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska. If you live near this corridor, go. More at HelloIamGregAnderson.com ———

What does it actually take to keep a community's most vulnerable families from falling through the cracks? In this episode, Greg sits down with Molly Koivumaki, the first Executive Director of Beyond New Beginnings — a supportive housing program in Chaska that provides safe, stable homes for young moms and their children as they work toward independence. Molly brings nearly 25 years of Chaska roots, a background in municipal government and affordable housing, and a front-row seat to one of Carver County's best grassroots stories. It started with a Rotary meeting in 2019, when local businessman Russ St. John heard a presentation by New Beginnings High School teacher Sue Schmidt about the housing struggles facing young moms after graduation — and decided to do something about it. A few years later, that conversation has become a thriving program serving families in a beautifully rehabbed historic building in downtown Chaska, with a brand new fourplex on the way thanks to developer Dave Pokorney and Community Asset Group. Greg and Molly talk about what it actually looks like when a young mom walks through the door at BNB, why this program earns support across every political line, and what the community's response has revealed about the character of Carver County. Spoiler: it's not what Molly expected — and her answer might surprise you too. If you caught Greg's earlier episode with Sue Schmidt about the New Beginnings High School program, this is the next chapter. And if you haven't, this one stands completely on its own. Beyond New Beginnings is community-funded, volunteer-supported, and always looking for people who want to get involved — whether that's teaching a class, bringing a Monday night meal, or making a financial contribution. Learn more at beyondnewbeginnings.org

Chaska City Manager Matt Podhradsky returns to the podcast to talk about the city's brand-new $48million Public Safety Center, set to open in just weeks. Greg got a privatetour of the facility and sits down with Matt to unpack the full story — fromwhy the old buildings couldn't keep up, to the historic Chaska elements builtinto the design, to the decontamination zones protecting firefighters fromcancer-causing carcinogens. Matt explains how Chaska is transitioning its 165-year-old volunteer fire departmentto a modern duty crew model, why the police station built for 11 peoplecouldn't serve 32 officers fielding 13,000 calls a year, and what the buildingimprovement program means for the city's future — including a new municipalservices building and a downtown library. They also talk about the real cost to homeowners ($8/month for the averagehousehold), how data drove the decision to build new rather than remodel, andwhat Matt hopes residents feel the first time they walk through the doors. This is Living IN Carver County — connecting friends, building community. Host: Greg Anderson | RE/MAX Advisors West Newsletter: HelloIamGregAnderson.substack.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gregoryranderson

What do you do when your parents have 40 years of stuff in a 4,000 square foot house and they need to move to a 1,200 square foot assisted living apartment? Most families are paralyzed by this question—and Ernise Beckel has spent her career solving it.Ernise is a registered nurse with 20 years of experience who kept walking into seniors' homes and seeing the same problem: people discharged from hospitals into houses filled with clutter, creating fall hazards and overwhelming situations that nobody was addressing. Now she co-owns Caring Transitions of Eden Prairie with her mom, serving families throughout Carver County and the southwest metro.In this conversation, we get into the actual mechanics of how this works:THE PROCESS• Free consultation: 30-60 minutes, includes walkthrough and density assessment• They measure the new space and tell you exactly what will fit• SOD method: Sort, Organize, Donate, Dispose• They photograph everything and recreate familiar arrangements in the new home WHERE THE STUFF GOES• CT Bids online auction platform reaches 300,000+ registered shoppers nationwide• About 75% of household items can be sold• Revenue split: 65% to homeowner, 35% to Caring Transitions• Items ship nationwide—not limited to local buyers like estate sales TIMELINE & PRICING• Full liquidation (selling everything): 3-4 weeks• Cleanout only (donate/dispose): approximately 1 week• Cost: $3-5 per square foot depending on density• Recommended lead time: call at least one month before you need completion WHY IT'S DIFFERENT FROM ESTATE SALES• No strangers walking through your house• No cars parked on curbs (HOA friendly)• Online bidding reaches national market• They handle ALL remaining items—nothing left behind• Items are shipped to buyers, not picked up on-site THE EMOTIONAL SIDEErnise talks about why she insists on meeting mom (not just the adult children), how to handle situations when the senior doesn't want to move, and why patience is essential. Her nursing background shapes everything about how she approaches these transitions. PRACTICAL ADVICEFor families avoiding the conversation: bring it up when multiple family members are present (holidays can work), focus on benefits like being closer to family or having built-in social connections, and give them time to process—this usually takes months, not days. SERVICE AREA: Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Chaska, Waconia, Victoria, and surrounding Carver County communities CONNECT WITH CARING TRANSITIONS: Website: caringtransitions.com ABOUT THE HOST: Greg Anderson has been selling real estate in Carver County since 1985 with over 3,000 homes sold. Living IN Carver County is his podcast connecting friends and building community through conversations with local business owners, nonprofit leaders, elected officials, and community members. Substack: HelloIamGregAnderson.substack.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gregoryranderson

From social worker to sourdough entrepreneur—Elaine Dubbe turned a friend's encouragement and a 106-year-old sourdough starter into Hello Simple; a business teaching hands-on sourdough classes across Minnesota. Elaine moved to Cologne, Minnesota in December 2023 and started by simply posting in the local Facebook group asking if anyone wanted to learn sourdough. Twenty-five people said yes. Now she's teaching sold-out classes at wineries, breweries, and venues from the Arboretum to Sapsucker Farms in Mora.In this episode, we talk about the realities of building a business while raising two young daughters, how western Carver County has been "wildly supportive" of small business owners, and why keeping things simple is at the heart of everything she does.WHAT WE COVERThe winding path from Upper Peninsula Michigan through Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Nebraska, and finally to Cologne, Minnesota. How her sourdough starter has been passed down for 106 years and why that matters for beginners. What you actually need to start a food-based business in Minnesota, including the cottage food producer license, forming an LLC, and getting insurance coverage. The trial-and-error of pricing creative services when there's no established market. Building community connections as a newcomer through Oakwood Community Church, local schools, and Logan Pass coffee house. Why she's chosen Facebook and Instagram over TikTok and YouTube to stay focused on real human connection. Structuring a business around young kids and leaning on your village of support. What happens at a Sourdough 101 class and what participants take home. Her dream of a brick-and-mortar location with a teaching kitchen and boutique.Elaine's advice for anyone thinking about turning a hobby into a business: start small, take the chance, and follow where the business wants to go rather than forcing it in a direction.ABOUT COLOGNE, MINNESOTACologne is part of western Carver County along the Highway 212 corridor, about 35 miles southwest of Minneapolis. Elaine describes it as a mix of old and new—the original Cologne, established neighborhoods south of 212, and newer developments to the north where young families are putting down roots. It's a small town with a strong sense of community that's proven to be welcoming to newcomers and supportive of local entrepreneurs. ABOUT THIS PODCASTLiving IN Carver County is hosted by Greg Anderson, a Carver County real estate professional with RE/MAX Advisors West who has sold over 3,000 homes since 1985. This podcast features conversations with the people who make Carver County the best place to live, work, and raise a family—from Chaska and Chanhassen to Victoria, Waconia, Cologne, Carver, Mayer, and Norwood Young America. CONNECTHello Simple (Elaine's business): hellosimple.comHost: Greg Anderson, RE/MAX Advisors WestSubstack: HelloIamGregAnderson.substack.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gregoryranderson Living In Carver County—Connecting friends, building community.

Melodie Bridgeman from the Carver County Community Development Agency pulls back the curtain on programs most residents don't know exist. We dig into the CDA's down payment assistance offering up to $50,000 in forgivable loans for first-time buyers, break down how Community Land Trusts let families purchase $400,000 homes at $250,000 price points, and Melodie tells the full story behind Chaska Yards—a decade-long project involving a yellow brick house moved at half a mile per hour, an accidental fire caused by a gecko heat lamp, and archaeologists excavating 1,900 artifacts from a historic outhouse pit. We also cover Section 8 and rental assistance (and clear up some misconceptions), resources for homeowners facing financial hardship, and Next Stage—the free entrepreneurial support program that helped 50 Carver County businesses secure nearly $3 million in financing last year. Whether you're a first-time buyer wondering how to afford Carver County, a landlord curious about voucher programs, or someone with a business idea you've been sitting on, this episode has something for you. CarverCDA.org | NextStageMN.org

Seventy-five million Americans are caregivers. That's one in four adults—and the media is calling it our nation's largest mental health crisis. But what does caregiving actually look like behind closed doors? In this raw and candid conversation, Michael Boylan shares his 20-year journey caring for his son Connor, who was diagnosed with Williams syndrome at age three. Michael walked away from a thriving career training Fortune 500 executives alongside Tony Robbins and Stephen Covey. He lost his home. He struggled with anger, depression, and a crisis of faith. And through it all, he developed a framework that's now helping caregivers across the country. Michael is the author of the upcoming book "The Caregiver Principles" and founder of the Reach for Me Network. In this episode, he breaks down the two distinct populations of caregivers (and why one group gets overlooked), the financial and emotional costs nobody prepares you for, and practical first steps for families who are overwhelmed. If you're caring for a special needs child, an aging parent, a spouse with dementia, or a veteran with PTSD—or if you love someone who is—this conversation is for you. RESOURCES:- Reach for Me Network: reachforme.com- "The Caregiver Principles" available October 2025- Free Caregiver Awareness Sessions: May 2025, Minneapolis area CONNECT WITH GREG:- Substack: HelloIamGregAnderson.substack.com- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gregoryranderson- RE/MAX Advisors West — Carver County Real Estate CONTENT NOTE: This episode includes candid discussion of mental health challenges, family strain, and financial hardship. If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7.

Estate planning attorney Karl Tsuchiya pulls back the curtain on the legal decisions families face when a loved one starts declining or when life throws unexpected curveballs. This conversation gets real about capacity issues, protecting vulnerable adults, and why every family needs certain documents in place regardless of their net worth. Karl's a partner at Helmuth & Johnson with deep experience in estate planning, elder law, guardianship, and conservatorship. He explains the practical differences between a power of attorney and a guardianship, walks through what actually happens when an adult child has concerns about a parent's mental state, and gives straight talk about the costs and emotional toll of going through the court system. We also tackle timely questions about immigrant families navigating uncertain times. What documents should be ready and accessible? What happens to property and children if someone is suddenly unavailable? Karl shares strategies that range from straightforward to unconventional, all while being honest about the tradeoffs involved. The bottom line: a little planning now prevents a lot of heartache later. And that one thing you can do this week? Check your beneficiary designations on every account you own. Topics covered: mental capacity and the gray area, guardianship vs. conservatorship, power of attorney basics, healthcare directives and living wills, elder abuse warning signs, protecting assets during detention or deportation, mixed-status family planning, the five-year look-back for medical assistance, compensating caregiving children fairly, and why trusts aren't just for wealthy families. Disclaimer: General information only. Not legal advice for any specific situation. Consult an attorney for guidance on your circumstances. CONNECT:Guest: Karl Tsuchiya, Partner, Helmuth & Johnson Law FirmHost: Greg Anderson, RE/MAX Advisors WestPodcast: Living IN Carver County – Connecting friends, building community

Why does downtown Chaska look the way it does? How did a small river town of 8,000 people become one of the most sought-after suburbs in the Twin Cities metro? This is the first episode of "Origins"—a new series exploring the backstory of things Carver County residents take for granted. And there's no better place to start than with Dave Pokorney, who served as Chaska's city manager for 25 years. In this conversation, Dave walks us through the strategic decisions that transformed Chaska: a $49 million flood control project that removed downtown from FEMA flood maps, a municipal electric utility that still saves residents 10% on their bills, a community center that won national awards, and a golf course deal partly negotiated at a bar in Colorado. We dig into the relationship with the Bernardi family (who owned 80% of Chaska's future development land), the Cloverfield neighborhood's innovative school partnership, and why the city council's simple filter—"Will this help us be the best small town in Minnesota?"—made all the difference. Whether you're a longtime Chaska resident curious about the history under your feet, or someone considering a move to eastern Carver County, this conversation provides context that no real estate listing ever could. Topics covered: Guest: Dave Pokorney, Chaska City Manager 1984-2009 Host: Greg Anderson, RE/MAX Advisors West | 3,000+ homes sold since 1985

Carver County Commissioner Lisa Anderson explains how your property taxes are calculated, why growth doesn't automatically lower your tax bill, and how residents can influence local decisions before they're made. What does a Carver County Commissioner actually do? How are your property taxes calculated? And why doesn't all that new construction in Chaska, Victoria, and Waconia automatically lower your tax bill? Commissioner Lisa Anderson represents District 1 on the Carver County Board. She brings 13 years of school board experience and one year on the county board, and she's refreshingly honest about what she's learned about the "hidden layer" of government that affects your daily life. In this conversation, we cover: The two pieces of your property tax bill and how the 2026 levy affects the average Carver County home. Why Carver County's 2.5% growth rate doesn't fully offset rising costs. Minnesota's property tax lag and why your 2025 remodel shows up on your 2027 bill. The state funding squeeze and what an $8 million cost shift could mean for 2027 taxes. Met Council's role in controlling growth through sewer and water expansion. The Highway 5 widening project from Chanhassen to Victoria starting in 2026. How Highway 212's expansion to Norwood Young America came together as a bipartisan effort. Orderly annexation and how cities like Victoria and Carver actually grow. Mental health services including First Street Center in Waconia. The new Chaska Library project and reimagining libraries as community spaces. How to get involved in county government before decisions get made. Lisa describes county government as "a mile wide and a foot deep" compared to her school board days. Her memorable phrase: "The federal government makes their rules, the state government makes laws, the city makes their plans, and we just sort of have to deal with it. We take lemons and make lemonade." Whether you live in Chaska, Chanhassen, Victoria, Waconia, Carver, Cologne, Norwood Young America, Mayer, or anywhere in Carver County, this episode gives you the insider perspective on how local government actually works. Guest: Lisa Anderson, Carver County Commissioner, District 1Host: Greg Anderson, RE/MAX Advisors West The Living in Carver County Podcast: Insider conversations with the people who make Carver County the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Connect with Greg:Substack: HelloIamGregAnderson.substack.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gregoryranderson

Food insecurity is surging in Carver County—and it doesn't look the way you might think. In this powerful conversation, Bountiful Basket Executive Director Patti Sinykin reveals why demand has jumped 72% in just one year, who's really walking through their doors, and what it takes to serve 9,615 people annually with dignity and compassion. You'll discover: Patti shares heartbreaking and hopeful stories: the teacher who drove to another city so his students wouldn't see him, the woman who lived in Chaska 30 years before learning help existed, the family that went from stable to struggling in just one month. With locations in Chaska and Cologne, Bountiful Basket isn't just feeding people—they're building community, restoring hope, and proving that kindness matters. RESOURCES MENTIONED:Bountiful Basket Food Shelf: bountifulbasket.orgPhone: (952) 448-9117Chaska Location: 1951 Park Place BoulevardCologne Location: 125 Village Parkway TOP NEEDS: Cereal, hearty soups, crackers, volunteers (especially in Cologne) Living in Carver County Podcast - Connecting friends, building community through conversations with the people who make Carver County the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Host: Greg Anderson, licensed real estate professional serving Chaska, Chanhassen, Victoria, Waconia, and Carver County since 1985. Subscribe for weekly conversations with local business owners, community leaders, educators, and changemakers. #CarverCounty #FoodInsecurity #CommunityService #Chaska #Chanhassen #Minnesota #Nonprofit #Volunteer #FoodShelf #LivingInCarverCounty

Heather Tran, co founder of "The Better Society"

In this episode of the Living in Carver County Podcast, host Greg Anderson talks with David Brecht, Director of Finance & Operations for Eastern Carver County Schools (District 112), about the upcoming November 4th school funding referendum. They discuss Minnesota’s state funding gap, how local referendums support classrooms in Chaska, Carver, Chanhassen, and Victoria, and how the proposal could affect homeowners’ property taxes. You’ll learn how housing growth, student enrollment, and inflation shape the district’s financial outlook. It’s everything voters need to make an informed choice this fall. Learn more at eccsvote.org, call 952-556-6107, or email eccsvote@district112.org

Taylor Hubbard is the new Mayor of Chaska after years on the city council and time on the board of the Chaska Human Rights Commission. We talk about municipal projects underway as well as upcoming commercial development happening in Chaska. She has a huge heart for service, a sharp mind and commitment to the community. Please refer to the City of Chaska's web site for information about new developments in Chaska at www.chaskamn.gov/174/Proposed-Developments

The South West Chamber of Commerce serves the cities of Chaska, Chanhassen, Victoria & Carver as well as the broader Carver County area. Since combining the chambers several years ago, the combined efforts have been a force multiplier and enabled business to expand, network and collaborate across city boundaries to promote local business and commerce. Steve has brought a breath of varied work experience along with a renewed sense of enthusiasm. Steve shares the exciting events they have on the horizon.

Welcome back to Living In Carver County, the podcast that dives deep into the people, places, and stories that make our corner of Minnesota so vibrant. In this episode, we are spotlighting a powerful force in local journalism—one that’s bringing news back to the heart of our community. Joining me is Mike Huang, board chair of Carver County Local News, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a bold mission: to restore a dedicated news operation to Chanhassen, Chaska, Carver, and Victoria. In an era where local reporting is vanishing, this grassroots effort is stepping up to keep our residents informed—covering everything from city council meetings and school updates to sports scores and neighborhood events. Fueled by volunteer subscriptions and community donations, Carver County Local News isn’t just reporting stories—it’s building a civic lifeline. In this episode, Mike shares the vision behind the organization, the challenges of launching a nonprofit newsroom, and why local journalism is essential to the health of our towns. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s explore how one group is rewriting the narrative for local news—right here in Carver County. To scribe: http://cclocalnews.org To donate: http://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_id=2GMD9J9LAM54S

Welcome to the 1st episode of SEASON 7! :-) If you've been around for a while, you know I like to start with Chaska community champion Bob Roebke and we like to discuss the latest comings and going in Chaska and Eastern Carver County. Bob is a champion for building community and is the "OG" of this podcast agreeing to be interviewed before anyone knew how this would unfold. He is always pitching in and helping out for anything that brings the community together. That is our mission. "Connecting friends, building community" and that in Carver County Minnesota means giving people good information so they can make up their own minds and also giving them a place, chance to contribute to making this; "The Best Place to Live, Work and Raise a family" Welcome back :-)

Erin Rathke is the new superintendent for Eastern Carver County school district 112. She gets to flex about the great things happening in the district and also addresses some of the challenges of late. We talk about what is is like to be in the fastest growing county in MN.

Have you ever wondered how your brain works? Why do you respond a certain way when something that you don't like happens? Is there a way to train your mind to be more intentional? This interview was very fun to do and I learned a lot and connected several dots in my head. Bhante is on a mission to help people be more mindful or intentional about how they engage with the world. For additional information visit www.triplegem.org