Maple Grove - May 2023

PICTURE THIS

A local photographer and entrepreneur starts a business out of her home

out of her home

More urgent care ready to go.

Ready with more doctors. Set with more specialty services and orthopedic urgent care locations open 8 — 8 daily.

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“Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

Photo: Max Haynes

DEPARTMENTS

10 — Hit the Paw-Tio Dine with your dog at these local restaurants.

12 — Dip Your Toes In Test the waters this summer with Swimply.

14 — Gearing up for Adventure

Pack smart for a day on the trails.

FEATURES

16 — Picture This

A local photographer and entrepreneur starts a business out of her home.

20 — Birds of a Feather

These companion animals are growing in popularity.

TASTEMAKERS

30 — Farmers Market Flavors

Kick start grilling season with picks from local vendors.

Your Care. Your Choice.

We are a community of care – dedicated to you.

As the Twin Cities’ largest and most experienced cancer treatment provider, we know that treating cancer calls for more than compassion. It means giving our patients access to more than 100 cancer care experts, evidence-based treatment paths, close-to-home locations and comprehensive services to support the whole person.

Our compassionate team works tirelessly towards one common goal –fighting cancer.

FROM THE EDITOR

MALENA LARSEN — MAPLEGROVEMAG@LOCALMEDIA.CO

My love for the outdoors started when my dad took me on our first father-daughter camping trip when I was a kid. It ended up becoming our summer tradition. We camped in must-see Minnesota spots, from Stillwater to Alexandria to Taylors Falls. Now, I can’t imagine a life where being outside isn’t a focal point. That’s why I’m so excited about this month’s themes: outdoor living, pets and travel. Whether you’re traveling to that national park you’ve always wanted to check off your bucket list or you’re camping on the North Shore with your four-legged friend, I think we can all agree that these themes go together better than peanut butter and jelly. Personally, there’s not much I enjoy more than planning a vacation around my next outdoor adventure. If you don’t want to travel far, prepare for a day out on the Maple Grove trail system (page 14), or visit these local dog-friendly restaurants (page 10). Not a dog person? Learn about the benefits of having a pet bird (page 20).

No matter what your adventure may be, the weather’s warming up, summer break is around the corner and we’re trading in rain boots for sandals. Let’s get outside.

mnoncology.com

On the Cover

Rachel Kathleen Gordon, photo by Chris Emeott, page 16

Cheers and happy trails, See what we’re doing

behind the scenes and around town!

Maple Grove Magazine

@maplegrovemagazine @maplegrovemag

Photo: Chris Emeott

publisher

Susan Isay

editor

Malena Larsen

managing creative director

Renée Stewart-Hester

managing editor

Hailey Almsted

digital editor

Madeline Kopiecki

copy editors

Kellie Doherty

Sherri Hildebrandt

staff writers

Jody Carey

Zoe Deal

Mollee Francisco

Emily Gedde

Daniel Huss

Hanna McDaniels

Josie Smith

Kristie Smith

contributing writers

Sharon Noble

Lise Spence-Parsons

Nikki Steele

editorial interns

Nicole Berglund

Clare Greeman

Megan Hegenbarth

Nandini Parikh

editorial advisory board

Grace Becker , Osseo Area Schools

Kiley Meyhoefer , City of Maple Grove

Heidi Nelson , City of Maple Grove

Amy Seeman , Mezmira

senior managing art director

Sarah Dovolos

art director

Allison Nolden

junior designer

Jamie Klang

lead staff photographer

Chris Emeott

production director

Brittni Dye

production manager

Lisa Stone

production coordinator

Mimi Coz senior account executives

Cynthia Hamre

Mary-Catherine Hartel

Sara Johnson

Abbie Kinn

Kathie Smith president

Pete Burgeson

Follow us on Instagram where we

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MAPLE GROVE

@MAPLEGROVEMAG

showcase local people, places and events.

Look Cute and Comfy En Route to your Next Destination

ARE YOU SOMEONE who feels your traveling style can only be comfortable and not cute or cute and not comfortable? What if I tell you that you can travel and be both? You’ll be a believer once you read these four quick style tips:

Layers are a Must

When traveling, always choose layers. In airports, planes and your destination, temperatures can vary widely, so it’s important to be able to adjust at a moment’s notice. Lucky for you, layers aren’t just sensible; they are great for styling.

Matching Sets

Choose a matching set to wear over a tank top or a T-shirt. Matching sets are all

the rage. What is a matching set, you ask? Think of a matching top and bottom in the same fabric and color. Since comfort is also key, consider a matching set of joggers and a zip-up hoodie. Pick a neutral colored set, so you can mix and match the top and bottoms with other items packed in your suitcase. Plus, having a head-totoe color palette will automatically make you look stylish and put together.

Casual is Cool

Find your favorite ball cap and pair of sneakers, and style them with your matching set. If your sneakers or hat are looking a bit ratty, now is the time to invest in something new.

The Final Touches

These final steps are crucial in being both cute and comfortable at the airport. Push those sleeves up on your jacket, unzip your jacket a third of the way, so you can see your tank top or T-shirt and scrunch up those joggers just a few inches to show off your sneakers. If you get hot, tie that hoodie around your shoulders or waist, and pop on a hat if your hair is looking less than its best.

Nikki Steele is a Maple Grove resident and the owner of Nikki Steele Style. Find more online at nikkisteelestyle.com.

VIEW Pets and Art

Someone wise once said that travel broadens the mind. After traveling throughout Europe and parts of Australia, I would have to agree. The upside is that you see so many other cultures and experience many new foods and customs. The downside is that you can never get enough. Once traveled, you’ll be smitten.

Since I came to the United States back in 2001, I’ve seen that pets play a huge part in people’s lives in Maple Grove. Owning a pet is good for your health, if not your wealth, as they bring stress relief and can encourage social engagement.

At the Maple Grove Arts Center, we offer many art classes, and while I write this article, a few of the summer camps spring to mind. Several are pet-based and one takes children traveling the globe through artistic expression.

Lise Spence-Parsons, a local artist and author, is the president and treasurer of Maple Grove Arts Center. Find out more at maplegroveartscenter.org.

Taste of the South

A big batch beverage—punch—offers an easy, serve-yourself option to any adult gathering. This recipe has long been served at our family events, and it’s been a consistent crowd pleaser. Note: With the growing market of nonalcoholic spirits, consider swapping out the Southern Comfort with a spirit-free bourbon or rum. Cheers.

Southern Punch

• 6 lemons

• 4 oranges

• 12 oz. frozen lemonade

• 6 oz. frozen orange juice

• 2 liters lemon-lime pop

• 1 liter Southern Comfort

Slice fruit into thin rounds. Place them on a plastic-lined baking sheet; and place in the freezer until fruit is frozen (at least 2 hours). Just before serving, add frozen lemonade and juice, pop, spirit and several handfuls of ice to a punch bowl. Gently stir. Top the punch with frozen fruit rounds, and serve.

—Renée

Stewart-Hester

Photo: Barbara Lance Alldaffer, iStock.com/martiapunts

READ

Fly Girl

Ever wonder about the lifestyle of a flight attendant? Stories of excitement and glamour of flying to exotic places, the jet lag and drudgery of serving unruly passengers can be found in Ann Hood’s memoir.

Hood grew up in Rhode Island, dreaming of adventure and the possibility of seeing the world. She also wanted to be a writer. Her memoir, Fly Girl, is about her first career after college. The book describes how becoming a flight attendant helped her achieve her dreams.

After a very competitive application process, Hood recounts Trans World Airline’s intense six-week training program where she learned everything from charm to safety.

The first stewardesses were required to be petite, yet expected to load baggage and mail, refuel and push the airplane into the hangar at the end of the day. Even in the 1980s, flight attendants had weight limits, and sexism was acceptable.

Follow Hood’s transformation from naïve student to sophisticated traveler as she learns from mistakes, meets celebrities, dates passengers, deals with bizarre behaviors and encounters life and death situations.

Hood is the author of seven novels and three other memoirs.

Uncertain times call for stable relationships.

Even in uncertain times, growth isn’t something you hope for, it’s something you plan for. And the best growth plans are based on what’s possible - to anticipate, to create, to achieve. At Crown Bank we specialize in partnering for what’s possible. What can we make possible for your business?

Sharon Noble is a librarian at Hennepin County LibraryMaple Grove. Read more at hclib.org.

Hit the Paw-Tio

Dine with your dog at these local restaurants.

By Malena Larsen

FEELING THIRSTY but you don’t want to leave your furry friend behind? Whether you’re craving a coffee or you have an ice cold beer on the brain, Maple Grove has pup-friendly spots where you can quench your thirst. Here are three area businesses with some bark.

Daily Dose Cafe and Espresso

With a menu ranging from espresso to paninis to wine, Daily Dose Cafe and Espresso has a little something for everyone, including dogs. According to owner Ben Havn, not only does the cafe

have a dog friendly patio, but it hosts adoption events as well.

“During nice weather months, we host monthly adoption events for Healing Hearts Rescue,” Havn says. “It is really fun to see dogs that got adopted out of those events on our patio later on.”

Havn shares that the Daily Dose staff loves dogs. “I love bringing my own dogs with me,” he says. “And I look for [other] places I can bring them.”

Daily Dose Cafe and Espresso, 15517 Grove Circle N.; 763.657.0919; dailydosemn.com

Daily Dose MN

@dailydosemn

Omni Brewing Company

Not only are dogs allowed on the patio at Omni Brewing Company, they are also welcomed in the taproom. Founder and CFO Justin Walsh shares the reasoning behind why Omni Brewing Company is dog friendly.

“We believe in being dog friendly as a convenience to our guests who may want the company of their furry companions during their visit,” he says. “We also have policies in place to

Photos: Elm Creek Brewing Co., Healing Hearts Rescue

Daily Dose Cafe and Espresso

Elm Creek Brewing Co.

ensure those dogs are well behaved and not interrupting other guest experiences as well. Both fit into our mission of being a welcoming environment for all.”

Omni Brewing Company, 9462 Deerwood Lane N.; 763.424.6664; omnibrewing.com

OMNI Brewing @omnibrewing

Elm Creek Brewing Co.

Rain or shine, pups are allowed at Elm Creek Brewing Co. “With being dog friendly on our patios, we encounter a handful of different patrons,” says Molly McGough, taproom manager and event coordinator. “These patrons can be young, old, families who all bring their puppies, older dogs and sometimes even cats to be included in the fun.”

Elm Creek Brewing Co. is close to the dog off-leash area in Elm Creek Park Reserve. “People always stop by after to enjoy a beverage on our patio,” McGough says.

According to McGough, the space also has heated igloos on the patio that are “comfy and cozy for furry friends during the cold months.”

The brewery is also involved with Sidewalk Dog, an online website that features a beer booklet offering free beverages to patrons who bring their dogs into the taproom.

Elm Creek Brewing Co., 11469 Marketplace Drive N., Champlin; 763.208.3623; elmcreekbrewing.com

Elm Creek Brewing Co. @elmcreekbrewing

Test the Water Swimply offers another way to dive into pool life.

By Renée Stewart-Hester

THE LAND OF 10,000 LAKES. We’re well-versed in one of our state’s most-used taglines. Minnesotans certainly embrace their water lives—but not everyone enjoys swimming among aquatic life and, at times, invasive species. And even fewer folks own home pools.

There are approximately 10.7 million swimming pools in the United States (about 10.4 million of the pools are residential and 309,000 are public), according to the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance. While those figures might appear to

be high, note that they equate to about one pool for every 31 people in the U.S. What is everyone else doing when they want to take a dip, host a pool party or need some quality float time?

Swimply, best described as the Airbnb or VRBO of the pool set, offers an option for those willing to pay the price for pool time privacy. For an average of $45 an hour (costs vary), renters can secure the use of a pool in over 125 markets across the U.S., Canada and Australia.

At press time, home pools available

for rent around the Metro include sites in Maple Grove. For those willing to drive a bit farther, there are spots in Eagan, Edina, Lake Elmo, Lakeville, the Lake Minnetonka area, Osseo, Prior Lake, Stillwater, Woodbury and more. (Availability fluctuates, so check the website before making plans.) Take note: One of top 10 rented indoor pools on the platform is in Minneapolis, according to Asher Weinberger, Swimply co-founder and COO.

Similar to booking short-term

MAKING A SPLASH

The company, based in Los Angeles, was cofounded in 2019 by Weinberger and Bunim Laskin, who met during an entrepreneurship event and discovered they both were on a mission to provide pool access to those who wanted to swim at a home-based pool without the cost of ownership, according to Weinberger. On the flip side, they also were in search of a way for pool owners to maximize the use of their pools while offsetting the costs of ownership.

With the help of Google Earth, the enterprising duo located homes with pools and went straight to the sources—knocking on doors to inquire if the owners were interested in renting out their pools. It worked. Within a few weeks of launching the website, thousands of bookings were made.

What does the future hold?

While pickleball and tennis courts have limited availability, they are not fully scoped at this point and remain in beta, as do other types of rental elements, including sport courts, home gyms and more.

homestays, parties search the website for indoor/outdoor pools in the desired locations. Sites include amenity information and stipulations. In this pandemic-influenced world, Swimply mandates time between bookings, so hosts can sanitize the pool and adjacent areas before the next renters arrive.

Once renters arrive at a pool, does the homeowner stick around? Weinberger says, “We find that some hosts choose to be home during rentals and others don’t. This is completely up to the host as they are not forced to leave their home.”

Psst. One more thing. What about, you know, where to go to the bathroom?

Swimply hosts aren’t required to provide a bathroom and/or changing area, but the company notes that more than 80 percent of the sites do offer them.

swimply.com

Swimply @swimply

@swimply

Gearing

up for Adventure

Packing smart for a day on the trails.

By Mollee Francisco

WITH MORE THAN 55 MILES of trails in Maple Grove, what better place to get out and explore. Whether you’re looking for the peace and solitude of a bike ride through the woods or planning a hike with a lakeside picnic lunch, Maple Grove has plenty of options. But how can you keep your load light while enjoying a day of adventure in the great outdoors? Alex Tadt can help answer that question. “I tend to pack just what I need,” Tadt says.

The Maple Grove resident started making bags for his bike during the pandemic, but what began as a hobby soon turned into a business: Bags by Alex. Today, Tadt offers a wide range of bags designed for adventure from biking to hiking to travel and beyond.

Tadt says it all started with a “weird obsession” to find the perfect half-frame bag to use on his long-range bike races. After a series of unsuccessful searches, he ran across a how-to article on the Internet and decided he’d try making his own. “The only way I can describe it is a blob,” he recalls of his first attempt. Tadt remained undeterred, and, though he had never sewn before, he quickly picked up on the skill.

Tadt spent about a year just making bags for fun. “I was challenging myself,” he says. “I had a lot of fun doing it.”

Then in July 2021, Tadt opened an Etsy shop. “I didn’t have a lot of business at first,” Tadt says. Fast forward six months and business began to grow.

Photos: Alex Tadt

By May 2022, Tadt had left his full-time job to focus on growing his bag business. These days, there are no more blobs.

Tadt has upgraded his sewing machines and can produce cleaner, tighter lines. “I take a lot of time and make my bags with intention,” he says. His bags are solid and sturdy. They come in a variety of colors and materials, including lightweight nylon and 100 percent recycled ECOPAK, a waterproof fabric made from 100 percent recycled polyester fiber and film. “We offer options to support adventure,” Tadt says.

The collection also includes the EDC pack, a Feedbag and a Handle BarBag. Tadt recommends his EDC pack for a day of hiking the trails. It can hold all of the essentials: water, snacks, phone, cash, ID and an extra layer of clothes.

When hitting the bike trails, Tadt recommends that bicyclists carry a spare tube, tools to change and inflate the tube, water, food, an extra layer of clothing, a spare battery pack and phone, cash and ID. His favorite place to ride in Maple Grove is the Elm Creek Park Reserve area. “It’s easy to spend an entire day on their 20 miles of trails,” he says, noting an optional stop at Omni Brewing Company afterward. For biking, Tadt makes frame bags and handlebar bags to accommodate just about any bike and any length ride. (Tadt has used his own bags for 200-mile-plus bike races.)

While you can’t prepare for everything, Tadt says that’s part of the adventure. “I followed something that challenged me,” he says. “I learned that you never know what’s going to happen.”

bagsbyalex.com

@bagsby_alex

“It’s easy to spend an entire day on their 20 miles of trails.”

Alex Tadt on Elm Creek Park Reserve

Photos: Rachel Kathleen Gordon, Chris Emeott

Picture This

A LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER AND ENTREPRENEUR STARTS A BUSINESS OUT OF HER HOME.

WRITTEN BY KRISTIE SMITH

Facebook Marketplace, a 3-year-old, an inspiring lunch with a friend and the rise and fall of the sun. All of these elements helped Rachel Kathleen Gorden turn her love of photography from a hobby into a thriving business.

The Maple Grove entrepreneur was a registered nurse at North Memorial Hospital, working in the gastroenterology department. She loved her work but, eventually, the department was shut down.

“I came from the thinking that you had to go to college and follow one path,” Gordon says. “But along the way, I met a photographer friend for brunch, and I realized I could make a career out of taking portraits.”

Gordon had been taking photographs as a hobby since nursing school. She started her full-time business, Rachel Kathleen Photography and RK’s Luxury Studio, in November 2021.

“If you lean into a gut instinct, something we tend to push aside, you may be surprised at what transpires,” she says. “My nursing career gave me perspective. I thought, ‘If I can do that, I can certainly own my own business.’”

Along with her passion for her work, Gordon loves showing her now 6-yearold daughter, Clementine, that women can do anything.

“We can create together. [Clementine] thinks the studio is her dance and art space, and she’s loving having her photo taken. We learn by what is modeled in front of us. Somewhere, there are seeds that I am planting for her,” Gordon says.

According to Gordon, starting her business heavily relied on determination and out-of-the-box thinking. She also credits her then-3-year-old with inspiring her. As Gordon tried to think of ways to entertain Clementine during the

pandemic, she noticed the sun rise and set through the three large windows of her living and dining rooms. That’s when she realized that her home could be a beautiful photography studio.

Gordon sold her furniture from those spaces on Facebook Marketplace, painted the entire space white, bought a backdrop and created an eclectic 1920s Victorian style feature wall. The wall has what she describes as a “modern Paris

Rachel Kathleen Gordon

Smile Like Nobody’s Watching

Here are Gordon’s tips on getting the most out of your next photo shoot:

Plan ahead. Think about your goals for the shoot and the looks you’d like to include. If you have specific locations in mind, think about the surroundings to complement your pictures. But remember, you are the focus of the photo.

Ask for advice on what to wear. Don’t be too “matchy-matchy.” And maybe leave the jeans for a farm or outdoor shoot.

Practice your look. Hair and makeup prep helps you feel confident on the day.

Get comfortable with your photographer. Communicate in a way that makes you feel trusted and understood. So, spend a little time getting to know the person behind the camera.

Eat, drink and rest before your photo shoot. Simple distractions can show up on a photo, so minimize the little things.

Have fun! It may sound obvious—and easy to do—but this is one time when you really want to showcase your beautiful you. “You’ve invested time and money. It’s a moment in time you will never get back,” Gordon says. “Someday, years from now, a picture can take you right back to that time in your life. It’s a precious way to share who you are for generations to come.”

feel” and is “posh but not snobby.”

Gordon rents her space out to other photographers. She also sets her studio up for specific seasons and events. For example, she creates holiday and spring installations and set designs for her clients. She also photographs bridal parties, boudoir sessions and elopements.

Her spring set design includes a flower installation with a swing and vintage chair. This installation is created out of lush florals, periwinkle and creamy soft tans and blues—a setting reminiscent of a Parisian garden. “I do something different every time,” she says. Last year, her spring design included peaches and pinks.

She plans her studio time around family sessions in January and bridal parties in the summer, and keeps space open for photographers working with newborns. Her favorite subjects to photograph are mothers with their kids. “I had a knack for capturing femininity before

becoming a mom, but suddenly, I feel part of a different species, and I look for those moments with other moms in the photos that I take,” she says.

Above all, Gordon wants to encourage others to go after their own business ownership dreams. Her ideas have already helped two photographers start their own home studios. “Whatever your gift is that you’re not doing is denying the people who need that gift. We all have the tools,” Gordon says. “As soon as I picked up a camera, there was something being sparked unlike anything else. And it turns out you can actually get paid to do what you love.”

rachelkathleenphoto.com

Rachel Kathleen Photography @rachelkathleenphoto

Photos: Rachel Kathleen Gordon, Chris Emeott

• Photos by Chris Emeott

Written by Zoe Deal

Sometimes, a bird picks you. That’s what happened to Metro area resident Karen Anderson on a day she least expected. It was 1994, and Anderson was a few years from an early retirement, visiting an exotic pet store in Burnsville with absolutely no intentions of buying a bird. She was chatting with a cluster of young cockatiels, when one singled her out.

“The one detached itself from the main flock and came over … I was there for a few minutes, and then I said, ‘Well, bird, I’ve got to go,’” she recalls. “And I started to walk away, and the bird just screeched and screeched and was running along on the inside of the [cage] after me.”

That’s when a pet store employee came over and opened the enclosure. “The little bird jumped out and ran up my arm and snuggled under my neck,” Anderson says. “And I thought, ‘Oh, man.’”

When she left the store, Anderson was $600 poorer and one white-faced cockatiel richer. The 10-week-old bird was later named Alfalfa for its protruding crest of head feathers. It was Anderson’s introduction into the world of parrots. But it wasn’t long until parrots became her world.

Nearly two decades later, Anderson lives alongside nine parrots and three canaries and is a staple in the Minnesota avian community. She now serves as president of the Minnesota Companion Bird Association (MCBA) and is the owner of Avian Suites, a Minneapolis avian boarding facility. One might consider her an expert at this stage, but it’s a title she will likely never accept.

“I’m not sure that in the world of companion birds there are experts,” she says. “Every time I turn around, I learn something new.”

Finding a Flock

MCBA was founded in 1977 and is an educational, social and commercial network of more than 70 bird owners and professionals across the state and region. Meetings took place in Maple Grove prior to COVID-19 and now occur virtually, alongside informative events and occasional in-person conferences.

When Anderson became connected with MCBA as a part-time employee at Avian Suites, she says it “opened [her] whole world because you have all these people who otherwise look normal, who

love their birds … It’s an interesting culture. There’s an old joke that says, ‘The only thing that the dog people and the cat people can agree on is that the bird people are crazy.’”

Regardless of, or perhaps due to, the unique characteristics of many bird lovers, Anderson has embraced it all, joining a growing group of Americans who own and love companion birds. A recent survey published in 2022 found that 8 percent of households have pet birds and almost half of new owners cite the pandemic as a factor in purchasing a companion bird.

“I don’t know that anybody has done any studies of why some of us are such freaks [about birds], but they’re very compelling. If you observe a bird or you sit with one and watch what they do, they are curious and they are funny … and there’s an intelligence or some sort of a spark in those bird eyes that lets you know there’s something going on back there, and that’s fascinating,” Anderson says.

While Anderson admits that not all people are bird people, she says those who are will find a spectacular companion in a pet bird.

“If I am not feeling particularly upbeat, I can go into my bird room and one of my grey parrots will ask, ‘Are you OK?’ They are empathic,” Anderson says.

For the millennials and Gen Zs that make up two-thirds of pet bird owners nationwide, some species have the potential to be lifelong companions. While many smaller parrots, such as parakeets, lorikeets and lovebirds, are likely to live for longer than 10 years, larger species like the African grey parrot, cockatoo or macaw can live more than 50 years.

Caring for Companion Birds

Lifespan is one of the many reasons why Anderson encourages potential bird owners to educate themselves and avoid impulse buying. Each species will suit a different lifestyle, age and budget— all important factors to consider as the disparity between the easier and what’s considered a more affordable bird is worlds from that of the expensive species that require more space, attention and stimulation. (An average macaw owner could spend $200 per month on toys alone just to keep the bird occupied, Anderson notes.)

Before jumping in, Anderson suggests

THESE COMPANION ANIMALS ARE GROWING IN POPULARITY.

Illustrations: Jamie Klang

Pepper, a 5-year-old female English budgie.

Even the smallest pet bird requires a great amount of attention and care, leading to greater expense—especially as you look into the bigger parrots. Each species has specific requirements for diet, enrichment toys and cage size. Bird professionals also recommend annual veterinary check-ups, which can be costly. Though a parakeet may be more affordable than a macaw, like any household pet, there is a cost to keep your companion bird happy and healthy.

Geronimo, an 18-year-old female sun conure (pronounced con-yer), is required to wear a collar due to extensive feather plucking, which can break the skin. The collar prevents her from reaching the trouble spot.

While ascribing human characteristics to animals is common, Anderson says it should be avoided with birds. “Birds are total aliens as related to us,” she says. “We’re mammals; they’re avian species. And we cannot possibly comprehend how they process things.” This feeds into the human propensity to cuddle animals, something many species of pet birds will not understand. Cockatiels are known to snuggle with their owners and enjoy head and neck scratches, but too much physical touch can cause issues as they get older, Anderson says.

Chirping, whistling, chiding and mimicry are normal for most pet birds, but consistent screeching and squawking is a cause for concern. Reacting to loud noises from a bird could reinforce the behavior, so it’s important to get informed about how to care for pet birds and meet their needs before purchasing one.

Birds use their beaks for more than just eating. While climbing and playing, a beak is an extra hand—and when a human finger is put out to “step up,” birds will often use their beaks to climb on. Jolting and shrieking in response to this can cause problems down the line, as they learn that grabbing causes an exciting reaction, Anderson says. While it’s likely any bird owner will get bit occasionally, consistent biting is a behavioral concern that should be remedied. Anderson suggests giving birds your whole hand to step on, so they see a safe platform rather than a precarious perch.

Cleo, a female double yellow head Amazon parrot. She is estimated to be 20 years old.

Ajax, a 23-year-old male Congo African grey parrot.

that people ask themselves questions to gauge whether a pet companion is the right fit. Do I have time for this? Can I realistically care for this species for its entire lifespan? Do I have the funds to purchase a quality cage and setup for routine veterinary care and to feed it the vegetable-rich diet it requires? Where can I bring the bird when I need help or go out of town?

Pet birds and parrots (this includes parakeets, cockatoos, cockatiels and macaws), specifically, are very intelligent animals capable of speech, utilizing tools and reacting to situations. And it’s not just the large parrots that show the most character and aptitude. Even the smaller species, like the parakeet, are capable of speech. In fact, Puck, a parakeet from California, was recorded in 1995 to have retained an estimated 1,728 words.

In the right environment, parrots will thrive, play, learn and sometimes mimic or speak. And while the “right” environment varies depending on the species, birds who don’t have the diet, enrichment and space they need can become psychologically impaired and ill.

“Education is the biggest problem for people in the bird world because even people who think they know a lot of stuff get surprised. I was dumbfounded and then terrified when I found out what I didn’t know, and I spent 25 years trying to fix that,” Anderson says.

All that being said, Anderson hopes people are not dissuaded from owning a pet bird. Just like any animal, the rewards are bound to outweigh any challenges. Anderson encourages people with questions or who are looking for a fellow bird loving community to get involved and reach out to MCBA, Avian Suites or a parrot welfare organization.

“[Birds] are fantastic companions,” Anderson says. “A day does not go by that something [they do] does not make me laugh my fanny off.”

Minnesota Companion Bird Association; mnbird.org Minnesota Companion Bird Association (MCBA)

Dr. Heidi Cohen

Dr. Patrick Harlan

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CHALKFEST RETURNS

Creativity spills off the page and on to the pavement at Arbor Lakes’ annual art festival.

SINCE 2016, a specific stretch of Maple Grove streets have erupted in a celebration of color, creativity and a bit of optical trickery over a stretch of two days during the summer. This year, on June 10 and 11, Chalkfest Maple Grove returns to Arbor Lakes for its eighth annual festival.

In the first few years of Chalkfest, most of the professional artists were brought in through invitation. “We also opened it up to local artists and amateurs and students,” artist and organizer Shawn McCann says. These days, there’s an application process open to amateurs and professionals from all over the world.

“One thing that I love about the festival is [that] we intermix the artists amongst everybody,” McCann says. “An amateur can be in between two profes-

sionals. And the professionals are always willing to answer questions and show them how to do something if they’re struggling with it. It’s great to have that camaraderie where you can see an amateur progress year after year.”

McCann says that a number of the amateur chalk artists have returned yearly to the festival. “We’ve had a few that have actually started traveling themselves now because of what they’ve learned from their chalkmates on the sidewalk next to them,” he says. “That’s been amazing.” —Madeline Kopiecki

For more information on this year’s Chalkfest, visit maplegrovemag.com.

Photo: Max Haynes

LOCAL EVENTS

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

05/03, 05/10, 05/17, 05/24

Join instructor Amanda Wirig in learning how to draw with the right side of your brain, a technique that helps anyone learn to draw, even the less creatively inclined. Ages 18 and older. $250 for four classes. 6:30–8 p.m. Maple Grove Arts Center, 11666 Fountains Drive; 763.370.3003; maplegroveartscenter.org

Baby Storytime

05/11, 05/18, 05/25

The Hennepin County Library invites babies and caregivers to read, sing, play and spend time together in a community environment that fosters learning and creativity. Newborns to ages 2 and their caregivers. Free. 9:30–10 a.m. Maple Grove Library, 8001 Main St. N.; 612.543.KNOW; hclib.org

Maple Grove Half Marathon, 5K and 10K

05/13

Walk, run, jog and everything in between during this marathon through the beautiful suburbs of Minneapolis, presented by Maple Grove Senior High School. All ages. Tickets begin at $30. 6:30 a.m. Maple Grove Senior High School, 9800 Fernbrook Lane N.; 763.391.8700; mgsh.district279.org

Mom’s Day Out

05/13

The Woods invites moms to shop 20 percent off all clothing and jewelry and to receive a giveaway with each purchase. There are also hourly drawings for free merchandise. All ages. Free. 9 a.m.–8 p.m. The Woods, 15825 95th Ave. N.; 763.416.9663; thewoodsgifts.com

Compiled by Hailey Almsted and Clare Greeman

Todd Micheal Jameson

06/16

Enjoy local brews and the solo acoustics of Todd Micheal Jameson, a seasoned artist who plays anything from the Eagles to Ottis Redding. Ages 21 and older. 6 p.m. Omni Brewing Co., 9462 Deerwood Lane; 763.424.6664; toddjamesonmn.com

Maple Grove/Plymouth

Sewing Group

06/19

Show and share sewing projects, get tips from experts, group mentoring and chat about all things sewing. Ages 18 and older. Free. 6–8 p.m. Maple Grove Library, 8001 Main St.; 763.227.1375; asg-mpls-stpaul.org

ABCs of Estate Planning

06/21

Mundahl Law explains the basics of estate planning, incuding wills, trusts and helping to plan for the expected and unexpected. Ages 18 and older. Free.

6:30–8 p.m. Mundahl Law, 6499 Sycamore Court N.; 763.575.7930; mundahllaw.com

AREA EVENTS

Kavakos, Bach and Brahms

05/11–05/12

Renowned violinist Leonidas Kavakos returns to the Twin Cities, playing Bach’s Violin Concerto No. 1 and conducting the Minnesota Orchestra though Brahms’ grand First Symphony All ages. Tickets starting at $30. Times vary. The Minnesota Orchestra, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.; 612.371.5600; minnesotaorchestra.org

Wild Symphony

05/14

The Encore Wind Ensemble will play Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony All ages. Free.

3–4 p.m. Messiah United Methodist, 17805 County Road 6, Plymouth; encorewinds.com

Maple Grove/Plymouth Sewing Group

Women Run the Cities 05/20

Join one of the premier women’s racing events in the Twin Cities for an empowering 5K with a brunch bar complete with mimosas waiting at the finish line. All ages. Prices vary. 8:45 a.m.–noon. Minnehaha Park, 4801 S. Minnehaha Drive, Mpls.; 651.281.7700; tcmevents.org

Disney Animation: Immersive Experience Through 06/11

Step inside the world of new and old Disney stories; sing with Elsa and go on an adventure in Zootopia inside of this immersive exhibit. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. Lighthouse Immersive, 1515 Central Ave., Mpls.; 1.844.307.4644.; lighthouseimmersive.com

An American Tail the Musical Through 06/18

The heartfelt and fun musical tells the tale of Fivel Mousekewitz fleeing Russia, being separated from his family and encountering friends and foes as an immigrant to New York. All ages. Prices vary. Times vary. Children’s Theatre Company, 2400 Third Ave., Mpls.; 612.874.0400; childrenstheatre.org

To have your event considered: email maplegrovemag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication.

Due to the fluidity being experienced in the current environment, please note that some events/dates and even some business operations may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

The Maple Grove Farmers Market opens on May 11. Learn more online at maplegrovefarmersmarket.com.

Farmers Market Flavors

Kickstart grilling season with picks from local vendors.

Written by Hanna McDaniels • Photos by Chris Emeott

AS THE SPRING season brings in the warm breeze, you might have to start up your oven for an even warmer aroma. Our friends at the Maple Grove Farmers Market have helped us put together local recipes you can bring to your table this spring and summer.

The farmers market has a wide range of vendors to complement many taste buds and dietary needs. Add new, flavorful

spices to wings and burgers or upgrade fish dishes that go hand-and-hand with the lake-loving Minnesotan. Be sure to check out these vendors at the farmers market— and don’t miss other vendors, including baked goods, plants and specialty products.

Ruter Farm is a local produce farm located in Hanover. It offers a wide selection of farm fresh produce, depending on the season, including, but not limited to fresh eggs, sweet corn, green onions, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, carrots, beets, peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, green beans, cabbage and watermelon. ruterfarm.com

If you are interested in buying local meat, check out Grillin Meats, which offers quality, tender and healthy United States Department of Agriculture approved meat from farm to table. Consider the grass-fed beef, pastured pork and pastured poultry that is always corn and soy free. grillinmeats.com

For fish lovers who want the perfect sushi grade salmon caught straight from Alaska, look toward Oxford’s Wild Run Salmon. On its website, it has YouTube tutorials to help you cook up your next fish dish. wildrunsalmon.com

Spices are important when it comes to the flavor of your dish. Here’s the Deal Spice Co. enhances the taste experience with every bite. heresthedeal.co

Here’s the Deal Spice Co. provides a recipe perfect for your next barbecue.

BBQ Rib Rub Elote

Courtesy of Here’s the Deal Spice Co.

Yield: 4 cobs

» 4 sweet corn cobs, shucked

» ½ cup mayonnaise

» ¼ cup sour cream (or Mexican crema)

» 1 cup cotija cheese, split into separate ½ cup containers

» 1–2 oz. Here’s the Deal Spice Co. BBQ Rib Rub

» 2 fresh garlic cloves, grated

» 2–3 limes, microplained and juiced (reserved)

» 3 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, stems removed, leaves roughly chopped

» salt and pepper, to taste

Light charcoal in a chimney, or fire up the grill at 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, add mayonnaise, sour cream, ½ cup cotija cheese, BBQ Rib Rub, grated garlic, lime (microplained), juice from 1–2 limes, 1 Tbsp. chopped cilantro, salt and pepper. Mix well, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Once grill is hot, place the shucked corn cobs on the grill, allow to lightly char. Rotate frequently until desired doneness (5–9 minutes). Once cooked, place on a clean plate.

Use a pastry brush to apply the mayonnaise/cheese mixture evenly to the cobs. Place back on the grill for 2–5 minutes. Shake 1 Tbsp. of Here’s the Deal Spice Co. BBQ Rib Rub on top, followed by a sprinkle of cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. Serve with a side of the mayonnaise/cheese mixture.

SECOND PLACE: WILDLIFE & NATURE

A Hungry Pelican

Rod Smoliak captures a unique bird gliding on the water.

MAPLE GROVE PHOTOGRAPHER Rod Smoliak took this award-winning photograph as a pelican caught its meal in the water. Over 100 pelicans had taken up residency at Rice Lake last summer, and Smoliak had been visiting often in hopes of being able to photograph a pelican catching a fish. “I had positioned myself to have the sunlight behind the pelican in order to be able to see the fish in the pelican’s throat pouch,” he says. “This pelican didn’t disappoint.”

Photographer: Rod Smoliak

Title: Pelican With Fish

Equipment: Sony Camera with 200–600mm zoom lens

To view other Maple Grove photo contest winners, visit maplegrovemag.com.