by Ava Diaz | Nov 1, 2022 | Local Makers, Recipes
Explore how one holiday cookie brings people together. Baking has always been in the cards for Maple Grove’s 16-year-old Kate Ross of Kate’s Little Bake Stand. Creating a plethora of sweet treats (cakes, cookies and macaroons), Kate says she enjoys experimenting with...
by Ava Diaz | Nov 1, 2022 | Uncategorized
Thanksgiving brings loads of festivities, and of course, food. Each November, my immediate family heads to Illinois to spend time in my great-uncle’s basement. A space that is essentially a 1970s-time capsule. Wrapped in chocolate brown paneling and adorned with...
by Lindsey Swan | Nov 1, 2022 | Noteworthy, Wellness
“Everything needs maintenance,” says Lindsey Swan, professional organizer and Maple Grove mother of four. “When you have systems in place that work well, getting them back in order is much easier and quicker and more functional.” We asked Swan for organizational tips...
by Daniel Huss | Nov 1, 2022 | Giving Back, Senior Living
In-home care extends independence. The U.S. population is growing older. According to the U.S. Census Population Projections, by 2030, one in every five Americans will be of retirement age. By 2034, U.S. Baby Boomers will outnumber children for the first time in...
by Ava Diaz | Nov 1, 2022 | Arts, Interior Design
The Knotty Elm delivers handcrafted wood pieces for home décor. Whittling away at his next masterpiece in the comfort of his own garage is Maple Grove’s Chris Pashina, owner of The Knotty Elm. Handcrafting a variety of unique wood items from bowls to cutting boards,...
by Paige Schuller | Nov 1, 2022 | Giving Back, Noteworthy
The Knights of Columbus is making the community a warmer place through the Coats for Kids winter drive. The annual fundraiser, led by Knights co-chair and Maple Grove resident Paul Greninger, has provided winter coats and snow pants to 13 elementary schools in the...
by Hanna McDaniels | Nov 1, 2022 | Giving Back, Shops
Six inspiring women turn their businesses into a change for good. Women-owned, empowered and driven—the Six For Good team has opened its new location in Maple Grove. The store is made up of six different brands run by six different women: Urban Undercover, Hagen and...
by Laurie Stieg | Nov 1, 2022 | Book Club, Noteworthy
Up-and-coming Black classical violinist Ray McMillian receives a $5 million dollar ransom note for the return of the Stradivarius violin he inherited from his great- grandfather. The violin was stolen from his hotel room in New York City on the night of the...
by Ava Diaz | Nov 1, 2022 | Drinks, Local Makers
OMNI Brewing is brewing more than just beer. Omni translates to “of all things.” Through its beer and comfortable atmosphere, Omni Brewing is a space where craft beer lovers and newbies alike can come together as one. For the owners, it’s all about making a...
by Ava Diaz | Nov 1, 2022 | Photo Contest
Local captures the city’s natural glow. “This was taken shortly after sunrise with the colors still dominating in the sky. I was also fortunate that birds were standing on the lights, which adds to the photo,” Rod Smoliak says about his image taken at the top level of...
by Ava Diaz | Nov 1, 2022 | Interior Design, Renovate
A local kitchen receives a bold new makeover. Raised by her grandma, Bobbi Croshaw, owner of Kitchen Tune-Up in Maple Grove, recalls watching her grandma put together outfits and style her home. “She had a passion for making everyone and everything she came in contact...
by Nikki Steele | Nov 1, 2022 | Noteworthy, Style
Fashion is particularly fun to think about around the holidays because there are plenty of social gatherings to dress up for. This holiday season, a trend to consider incorporating into your holiday attire is feathers. Feathers bring plenty of added value to any style...
by Madeline Kopiecki | Sep 1, 2022 | Photo Contest
It’s time to celebrate! This August, we asked you to share your images of Maple Grove with us. In September, we asked you to pick your favorite for Readers’ Choice. Now, we’re pleased to celebrate the winners of our annual Focus on Maple Grove photo...
by Ava Diaz | Sep 1, 2022 | Uncategorized
In the pile of plushies in my family’s former basement playroom, lay my older sister’s cherry-red Tickle Me Elmo, an iconic toy box staple for children in the mid to late ’90s. I recall the screws of his hidden battery pack having a faint dusting of orange rust over...
by Hillary Streitberger | Sep 1, 2022 | Interior Design, Renovate
A bathroom space gets a timeless, clean and chic update. A Brooklyn Park bathroom underwent a modern transformation with the help of Kaitlyn Stokes, a former designer with Crystal Kitchen + Bath, and now designer at Belle Kitchen. Her creativity helped transform this...