by Paige Udermann | Jan 1, 2026 | Entertain, Weddings
A marriage is a lifelong commitment that deepens throughout the years, and a vow renewal is a meaningful way for couples to celebrate their journey together and reaffirm the promises they made on their wedding day. Whether it’s in honor of a milestone anniversary,...
by Claire Krieger | Nov 12, 2025 | Giving Back, People
Thousands of members offer aid to the community. The holiday season is known as a time to give back to your neighbors and community, but volunteers at the Maple Grove Giving Connection (MGGC) understand the importance of tackling this goal all year round. The...
by Hailey Almsted | Nov 1, 2025 | Uncategorized
The months of November and December are all about celebrating—from sharing gratitude to ringing in the New Year, there’s so much to be thankful for. This season, I’m particularly thankful for you, dear Readers. I have made many wonderful connections, discovered hidden...
by Hailey Almsted | Nov 1, 2025 | Shops
Discover a new scent, or shop current favorites at this annual event. Maple Grove-based Illume is hosting its annual Warehouse Sale on November 7 and 8 at 10501 Elm Creek Blvd. N. The event includes candles, home and personal fragrances made for retailers such as...
by Gabrielle Clark | Nov 1, 2025 | Book Club, Noteworthy
This cute romance novel by Adele Buck is a fun read for the holiday season and provides a good look into our social media world. Additionally, one of the main characters is a librarian, so naturally I’d like to think of it as a list topper. You’ll be charmed by the...
by Kate Wodtke | Nov 1, 2025 | History, Noteworthy
In the early 1920s, Victor-Radio (later renamed RCA Victor-Radio) introduced the snappy phrase, “The gift that keeps on giving,” in an ad campaign, promoting its latest radio. A few years later, Hotpoint Appliances borrowed that same phrase to encourage buyers to,...
by Jennifer Pitterle | Nov 1, 2025 | Local Makers
Let’s Dish celebrates two decades and expands its ready-to-bake options. When the holiday season kicks into high gear, the heat is on—especially in the kitchen. Meal preparation can feel like it’s on a never-ending rotation. Cooking food for a celebration here or...
by Teri Iverson | Nov 1, 2025 | Arts, Noteworthy
“Painted entirely by emotion, mostly frustration, I smeared acrylic paint, and I wet down my canvas in an angry fashion. I worked quickly,” says fine artist Stefanie Schmidt. “When I took a step back, I saw Banff National Park. I have never been there, nor have I used...
by Mollee Francisco | Nov 1, 2025 | Drinks, Entertain, Local Makers, Recipes
When it comes to cocktails for hosting a party, Grant Lavrenz recommends shopping your home bar first. “Use stuff you have at home,” he says. “Just open a cupboard, and play around with what you have.” He recommends freezing fruits or vegetables and making infused...
by Hailey Almsted | Nov 1, 2025 | Arts, Education, Noteworthy
For Olivia Rocha, an 11th grader at Maple Grove Senior High School, stepping on to the stage with youth choir Angelica Cantant (angelicacantanti.org) fuels her purpose. The choir will celebrate its 45th season at the Ordway at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. December 7. In her own...
by Hailey Almsted | Nov 1, 2025 | Photo Contest
“I took this photo in my backyard this past winter,” says Debra Bernard. “It was during a pretty big snowfall, and this beautiful pheasant was just perched in our tree! I quickly grabbed my camera and took a few shots.” Photographer: Debra Bernard Title: Backyard...
by Katie Tomsche | Nov 1, 2025 | Entertain, Ingredients, Noteworthy
This recipe is light and fluffy, filling the kitchen with the dreamy scent of maple syrup. And that buttery Maple-Rum Glaze? It forms a golden, almost butterscotch-like crust, taking this cake to the next level. It’s an outstanding make-ahead hostess gift that can be...
by Mollee Francisco | Nov 1, 2025 | Drinks, Local Makers, Restaurants
The Maple Grove mixologist explores how to mix and match cocktails this holiday season. Grant Lavrenz describes himself as “the world’s okayest bartender,” but don’t let his humility fool you. Lavrenz is always reaching for the stars in his quest to give his customers...
by Renée Stewart-Hester | Nov 1, 2025 | Book Club, Gift Guides
Open up a world of experiential gifting, learning and living. Make gift giving easier this season by leaning into a specialty theme or carefully curated focus. With experiential gifting maintaining its holiday footing and the inclination to eliminate clutter remaining...
by Mollee Francisco | Nov 1, 2025 | Book Club, People, Restaurants
Media personality Jason DeRusha discusses taking on new challenges and expanding his audience. Jason DeRusha laughs as he recalls how clear his career path always was. “I was obsessed with game shows, local news and talk radio,” he says. “I was walking around the...
