Mark Poppendeck. Photos: Chris Emeott
Our Editorial Advisory Board members share their stories of Plymouth.
At Plymouth Magazine, we’re driven to share local stories that celebrate the community. And what better way to source these stories than asking community members themselves? Our Editorial Advisory Board is composed of individuals from various backgrounds and fields, all sharing the goal of helping Plymouth Magazine better reflect the stories and topics readers want to read.
Over the course of 2022, we refreshed our board members to bring in fresh perspectives and new ideas. Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to Plymouth Magazine’s Editorial Advisory Board.
Special thanks to the team at the Plymouth Community Center for our beautiful backdrop.
Mark Poppendeck
Poppendeck, whose beekeeping was profiled in our August/September 2022 issue, moved to Plymouth with his family in 2000. As a “semi-retired” oil geologist, Poppendeck continues to work on projects in the field. In his spare time, he keeps bees in Medina and uses the proceeds to fund grants with his family through their Beez N’ Treez Foundation.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Plymouth?
Probably run and bike. We like to do that as much as we can. We also go around the lake with the bike quite a bit. [It’s] an 18-mile trip, which is part of the Luce Line [Trail] actually.
What’s your favorite memory of Plymouth?
I would say Music in Plymouth. When my kids were little, it was a big deal. Every year, we could go there early and get a spot. [My kids] used to see all their friends there. I’d say Music in Plymouth is a really big draw.
Brian Rosemeyer
Currently the communications coordinator for the City of Plymouth, Rosemeyer has worked for the City of Plymouth’s communications division since 2014 and worked at the Plymouth Sun Sailor for two years prior to his current role.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Plymouth?
Exploring new areas of the city. Through my time in Plymouth, I’ve been able to get out to many parks, neighborhoods and businesses—but there are still many more. It’s fun to go somewhere in the city and see something new. The community has so much to offer.
What’s your favorite memory of Plymouth?
We have special events through all seasons, and residents come out and enjoy them whether it’s the height of summer or the middle of winter. In the same year, it can be below zero at Fire & Ice and nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit at Music in Plymouth. Either way, you’ll see smiling faces and the community coming together.
Meghan Milovich
Milovich, her husband and three children moved to Plymouth from San Francisco in 2017. Milovich is an 11th grade American literature, journalism and publications teacher at Providence Academy. “This is my first year back to teaching full time, after taking a break to raise my three little ones,” Milovich says.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Plymouth?
My favorite thing to do in Plymouth is get ice cream at Honey & Mackie’s with my husband and children. Their creative flavors make it easy to try something new each visit.
What’s your favorite memory of Plymouth?
I don’t have a specific memory to share, but I want to add that I love that our children are growing up here. There is much Plymouth offers for families, and we moved away from California to raise our children in a safe place with great schools and family-oriented activities.
LuAnn Svendsen
Svendsen and her husband moved to the Schmidt Lake Hills neighborhood of Plymouth in the spring of 1985. “By December, we had a Bunco group established,” she says. A few years later, Svendsen says they started a women’s book club. “Both groups still meet monthly, and my goal of making my neighborhood feel like a small town was launched.”
The Svendsens owned an insurance agency in Plymouth for 41 years before retiring. Never losing their strong need for purpose, both spend much of their time doing volunteer work. Svendsen is the current chair of Plymouth READS, an annual community read and series of events that take place every spring. She has also been on the board of Friends of the Plymouth Library since 1995, wearing various hats including president, vice president and treasurer.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Plymouth?
My favorite thing to do in Plymouth is explore parks with my grandchildren, who also live in Plymouth.
What’s your favorite memory of Plymouth?
My favorite Plymouth memory is of the Four Seasons Mall being built … Unfortunately, my second favorite memory of the mall is of its recent tear down. It was painful to look at that vacant, deteriorating place at the front door of the city of Plymouth for so many years.
Kelley Giancola
Giancola is a lifelong Twin Cities resident and has lived in Plymouth since 2015. She is the fundraising communications manager at Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners, a human services nonprofit based out of Plymouth.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Plymouth?
Check[ing] out new (or favorite) parks with my kids or [shopping] at the local thrift stores.
What’s your favorite memory of Plymouth?
The first day I moved in with my family, we saw the nearby cul-de-sac of parents and young children sitting there in the sun, just talking and playing. That was exactly what brought us to Plymouth. It was such an idyllic, welcoming moment—I immediately ran over and introduced myself to all of them!
Zach Nelson
Nelson has worked in Plymouth in the Wayzata School District since September 2019. He and his wife live in Maple Grove, so Nelson says they find themselves in the Plymouth area from time to time outside of work.
“Growing up in Wisconsin, I wasn’t familiar with the Twin Cities or specifically the west Metro,” Nelson says. “Working in [Wayzata Public Schools] has given me the opportunity to meet a lot of great people in the area and truly understand the value of the greater Plymouth community, specifically the connection to the schools.”
What’s your favorite thing to do in Plymouth?
My favorite thing to do in Plymouth is spending time outside on the trails or at the parks. The Luce Line Trail is wonderful. Clifton E. French Park around Medicine Lake is great, as well. And we always like bringing our dog to the Plymouth Dog Park.
What’s your favorite memory of Plymouth?
My favorite memories in Plymouth are riding my bike at sunset on Luce Line Trail. Nothing beats a good summer evening outside in this area.
Get Involved: Our Editorial Advisory Board members are chosen by the editor to serve a two-year term. During the term, members support the magazine by connecting us with local stories and sources, offering feedback and lending their own experience to the magazine. If you’re interested in becoming a member, please contact madeline@localmedia.co.
