Maple Grove - March 2025 by Local

MARCH/APRIL 2025

“We’re inspired by successful efforts to bring communities together, so we wanted to capture a little of that community-oriented energy when we opened Grackle.” —Becky Ahlstrom, Grackle co-owner (page 26)

Photo: Chris Emeott

Migrating to Maple Grove, page 26

from the EDITOR

Spring is the season of new beginnings, and this year, my husband and I are embarking on one of our own: searching for our first home. It’s an exciting (and slightly overwhelming!) journey— open houses, endless inspiration and Pinterest boards and the anticipation of finding the place where we’ll build our future.

As we dream about how we’ll decorate—imagining walls lined with bookshelves, cozy nooks and an inviting atmosphere— I can’t help but think about how homes truly reflect the people who fill it. In these pages, we’re celebrating just that: the spaces we create and the lives we build within them. In this, our homes, family and senior living issue, I welcome you to make your life a little brighter.

From expert advice on refreshing your decor (page 12) to creating a community welcome to everyone—regardless of age—(page 14), this issue highlights the many ways that a house becomes a home and a city becomes a community.

One such story that demonstrates our wonderful community is our Tastemakers (page 26), where writer Rachel Schuehle connects with Justin and Becky Ahlstrom. As the owners of Grackle, an elevated, from-scratch restaurant, the Ahlstroms aimed to bring a slice of Justin’s childhood community to Maple Grove— in which they’ve greatly succeeded. If you haven’t already tasted the flavors of Grackle, I highly recommend making a reservation.

And for those, like my husband and I, who are just beginning their journey, I hope you find ideas that spark excitement for what’s ahead.

Here’s to new chapters and the beauty of home.

Hailey Almsted hailey@localmedia.co

Be sure to visit maplegrovemag.com to view the Best of Maple Grove finalist list in our annual Readers’ Choice Poll, starting March 1. The winners will be announced in our July/August issue and on our website.

Photo: Chris Emeott

BeeHive Homes offers thoughtfully designed memory care suites and individualized care.

When creating their business, the founders of BeeHive Homes envisioned residences brimming with activity, warmth and love. Today, in name and practice, owners and team members continue to provide those ideals to all its thriving residents.

BeeHive Homes is a national senior living franchise, spanning more than 20 states. In Minnesota, homes are located in Duluth, Elk River, Lakeville, Moorehead and Maple Grove. BeeHive expertly offers assisted living and memory care services, striving to be the next best place to home.

Offering 41 memory care suites, BeeHive Homes of Maple Grove opened in 2019 under the ownership of Joe and Ioana Childs, who have spent their entire careers serving seniors. BeeHive living is thoughtfully designed to closely resemble residential homes, emphasizing natural light, incorporating large windows, using well-appointed décor and featuring a beautiful outdoor courtyard, inviting residents to enjoy the serene open-air environment. All of which caters to those who prefer smaller, more intimate spaces, compared to larger apartment-style living.

Finding the right fit when it comes to memory care can be challenging. “When families inquire about our services, we focus on discovering the person they are now and the person they were prior to being affected by dementia,” Ioana says. While guiding potential residents and their families through

the decision-making process, BeeHive team members view themselves as advisors and care partners.

“Being owner-operated makes a big difference,” Joe says. “Our goal as owners is to partner with families and advocate for their loved ones to have the highest quality of life possible, while preserving their dignity and showing them love, care and compassion.”

Residents are supported as a whole person, not just in terms of their physical needs. To that end, BeeHive embraces seven dimensions of wellness as a cornerstone of its care philosophy, including emotional, environmental, intellectual, physical, social, spiritual and vocational principles.

“I am so happy we stumbled upon BeeHive,” says Tara, a resident’s family member. “They have truly been a lifeline for us. Thank you, BeeHive, for caring.”

VOL. 19 NO. 4 maplegrovemag.com

PUBLISHER

Susan Isay

EDITOR

Hailey Almsted

MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Renée Stewart-Hester

MANAGING EDITOR

Hailey Almsted

DIGITAL EDITOR

Madeline Kopiecki

COPY EDITORS

Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt

STAFF WRITERS

Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Meredith Heneghan, Daniel Huss, Jennifer Pitterle and Rachel Schuehle

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Gabrielle Clark, Sharon Noble, Nikki Steele, Laurie Stieg, Katie Tomsche, Kira Vanderlan and Kate Wodtke

DIGITAL INTERN

Alexandra Tostrud

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Anne Anderson, Experience Maple Grove ; Abbigail Ciesynski, I-94 West Chamber of Commerce ; Roee Hecht, City of Maple Grove ; Carol Morris, City of Maple Grove ; and Kate Wodtke, Maple Grove Historical Preservation Society

SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR

Sarah Dovolos

ART DIRECTOR

Allison Nolden

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR

Jamie Klang

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Yaz Lo

LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris Emeott

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Brittni Dye

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Lisa Stone

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Mimi Coz

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Laura Bjorgo, Cynthia Hamre, Mary-Catherine Hartel, Sara Johnson and Lauren Warner

PRESIDENT Pete Burgeson

LOW-ABV BERRY LEMONADE COCKTAIL

This drink is as refreshing as they come. Lemony and tart with complex undertones and a delightful pucker, it goes down swimmingly. It’s perfect for any gathering.

» 1 cup seedless raspberry jam

» ¾ tsp. kosher salt

» ¾ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed

» 750 mL Amontillado sherry

» 1 cup blanco tequila

» ice

» 1 pint raspberries, for garnish

» 1 lemon, thinly sliced, for garnish

» ½ English cucumber, thinly sliced, for garnish

» 10 fresh mint leaves, for garnish

» 1 liter tonic water

In a large pitcher or beverage dispenser, add the raspberry jam and salt. Slowly pour in the lemon juice, stirring constantly to incorporate the juice into the jam. Add the sherry and tequila, and stir to combine. Fill the pitcher halfway with ice and garnish with raspberries, lemon slices, cucumber slices and mint leaves. Top off the pitcher with the tonic water, stir to combine and serve immediately.

Katie Tomsche is the content manager for Lunds & Byerlys. Sip more at lundsandbyerlys.com.

READ

The Stranger in Her House

You won’t be able to put down this psychological thriller by John Marrs. It is about the “helpers” of Gwen, who lives alone despite having dementia. As I read, I became increasingly outraged by the inappropriate crossing of boundaries. Why doesn’t anyone do more to stop it? Who’s scamming whom?

Themes of caregiving and elder exploitation are relevant to our aging population. Don’t let the quaint English town setting and amusing British phrases let your guard down! The fear and suspense gradually build. The multitude of plot twists will keep you guessing until the very end.

Sharon Noble is a librarian at Maple Grove Library. Read more at hclib.org.

A Place to Call Home

Today’s home designs differ from Maple Grove’s homes built before 1920; of the 12 remaining, three stand out.

Our most familiar historic home is that of the explorer Pierre Bottineau. Compared to the log structures of many immigrants, Bottineau’s classic clapboard home is an example of prairie affluence. Built in 1854, the Greek Revival-style house was relocated to its current location in Elm Creek Park Reserve in 2009. A visit to the park isn’t complete without pausing to admire one of the finest homes of its time. (For more information, see our March/April 2024 issue at maplegrovemag.com.)

Featuring the wrap-around porches, prominent front-facing gables and decorative woodwork characteristic of the popular Queen Anne style, the next two homes have been lovingly cared for. The stately home at 9239 Lawndale Lane N. was built in 1861 and has been meticulously maintained. The 1901 home at 8858 Comstock Court N. is notable for its

asymmetrical façade, multiple roof lines and the gabled dormers that allow for more usable space in the upper floors. Restored to pristine condition, both farm homes are outstanding examples of architecture popular in the post-Victorian era.

Today’s unique designs offer environmentally friendly “smart” homes, cheflevel kitchens, spa-style bathrooms, personalized landscapes, perhaps an indoor sports area and much more. Yes, the housing industry has changed, but the purpose of a home hasn’t. A home is a shelter, a safe place, a place to put down roots and a place of community. Maple Grove was that for families in the past, and it remains that place for families today.

Kate Wodtke is a research and inventory specialist with the Maple Grove Historical Preservation Society and a Minnesota Author Project judge. Discover more at maplegrovehistory.org.

Photo: Maple Grove Historical Preservation Society

This historical home, standing at 9239 Lawndale Lane N., was built in 1861.

DESIGN

Preparing to Downsize

The children are grown, the house is large and maintenance has become a burden. You find yourself daydreaming about warmer weather or transitioning to a more manageable home. Well, it may be time to downsize and move to your next chapter in life.

Whether you have lived in your home for decades or long enough to know it is time to move on, here are some tips to consider when preparing to downsize.

1. First, prepare well in advance of your move. It takes a considerable amount of time to go through the decades of items that have accumulated throughout your life, and the more time you have, the less stressful the moving experience will be for you.

2. Budget for updates and repairs to your current home prior to listing it. Do you need to remove wallpaper, refresh the carpet or paint? Updating your home will add value when you go to sell.

3. Letting go of personal possessions is difficult because they are often connected to special memories. When downsizing, it is important to know where your items are going. Donating is a great way to give your possessions a new life and help those in need.

4. Be realistic about what you will need in your new home. For example, can you sell your gardening equipment now that your new place is maintenance-free? Also, consider what will reasonably fit into your new home. It may be time to let go of excess furniture, knick-knacks and underutilized hobby supplies.

Kira Vanderlan owns Zestful Design, a home organizing, staging and interior design company based in Maple Grove. Design more at zestfuldesign.com.

A Blend of Old and New

An area boutique offers retail and workshop experiences.

By Emily Gedde

Women have busy lives—think of the perfect way to relax and calm the noise surrounding everyday life. Perhaps it’s some retail therapy, a cup of coffee or a fun do-it-yourself activity. What if all those things could be found in one location? That’s where Mama’s Happy comes in.

Mama’s Happy, a popular Twin Cities boutique formerly known as Mama’s Happy in the City, is at a new location under new ownership. Nestled on Maple Grove’s Main Street, the original version of the store for 14 years has offered a

space where women can work, create and feel inspired. And while the staples of what made the store popular for so many years will continue, owners Ashley Houck and Ashley Lindquist have ideas to bring fresh, new offerings to the store.

“We love this store and have been longtime followers of Mama’s Happy [in the City],” Houck says. “We know it has a strong following and are looking forward to growing that.”

Lindquist says for years, she felt a lot of pride and love for the store owned by

Amanda Ficek. She served as a furniture vendor for the shop and grew to love it as a familiar, welcoming space. When Ficek decided to sell the business, Lindquist says she opened her mind and heart to different possibilities.

“Ashley [Houck] and I got to know each other and instantly discovered we had almost everything in common,” Lindquist wrote on the Mama’s Happy website. “Over the next two years, we were constantly daydreaming about decorating, creating and combining our

Ashley Houck and Ashley Lindquist

Photo: Chris Emeott

talents and passions. After sharing with her the news about Mama's Happy In The City, it was only a matter of time before she, too, was on board. How amazing is it to get to share a business with one of your best friends.”

Mama’s Happy features clothing, home and seasonal décor, restored furniture, vintage finds, a gift shop and many oneof-a-kind pieces. To add to the retail experience, the duo is expanding services within the store to create a feeling of community by offering classes, workshops and events. In addition, Mama’s Happy has partnered with Flora 67 Coffee to have a pop-up coffee cart available in the store.

“We want to offer the ideal experience for mamas—or anyone, really,” Houck says. “We want people to feel comfortable when they come into the store.”

The friends, neighbors and now business partners have the perfect mesh of backgrounds to continue the legacy of Mama’s Happy in the City. Lindquist brings her history of working as a vendor and longtime customer of Mama’s Happy In The City to the table. Houck comes with more than 15 years of experience in the corporate retail world, with vast knowledge of merchandising and product development.

“I’m excited to partner with Ashley [Lindquist] on this,” Houck says. “She has such an eye for the art of this world and refinished furniture. I think we offer a great mix of both of our backgrounds to come in and bring this to Maple Grove.”

Lindquist agrees. She says the store will be the perfect blend of old and new, both literally and figuratively.

“When you come through our doors, you can find a brand-new outfit or discover ways to give new life to your grandma’s old dresser that you love, but it doesn’t match your vibe,” she says. “I love the concept of reusing and am passionate about cleaner living and salvaging what we can ... We want to help others do that, too.”

Mama’s Happy,

7804 Main St. N.; mamashappymg.com

Mama’s Happy @mamashappy

The Next Level of Life

Age-Friendly Maple Grove works to meet the needs of modern aging.

By Hailey Almsted

With a growing population of aging adults, Maple Grove has a plan to adapt to its residents and change the way aging is perceived. “In 1990, 6 percent of Maple Grove was 55 or older. In 2022, it was 28 percent,” says Lydia Morken. “Modern aging is changing … Our communities need to adapt to the demographic, and there are so many opportunities there.”

It began nearly a decade ago when resident Goytree Hawkim started meeting with City of Maple Grove staff to see if the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Age-Friendly Cities framework could work within the community. Kris Orluck, senior coordinator for the City of Maple Grove, who was with 55 Forward at the time, worked alongside Hawkim to build out the program; in 2016, AgeFriendly Maple Grove (AFMG) was officially launched. It has since joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, part of WHO’s AgeFriendly Cities, and has developed a new action plan for the coming years.

“[AFMG] is designed to elevate aging in the city of Maple Grove and to deliberately include older adults at a new level across all facets of the community,” says Morken, a consultant for AFMG. She posed a question: “Why is there not one place to bring together all these kinds of resources and information you need— whether related to yourself getting older or someone in your family that you care about—for all aspects of our lives that are important and interconnected?”

Morken says AFMG is part of the answer to staying connected. The organization features a collection of curated resources tailored to aging in Maple Grove. Topics vary from transportation and housing to health and wellness, civic engagement and employment to social involvement. “We are service recipients when we get older, and sometimes we need things, and that’s OK; that’s true at every age,” she says. “But there’s an opportunity for communities to empower us as we age.”

Since its launch, AFMG has completed a five-year action plan and an 18-month community needs assessment. In 2024,

it launched a new three-year action plan. “It’s based on what we heard from the community, including residents, local government and key partners,” Morken says.

As a part of the new plan, AFMG launched the File of Life program in Maple Grove last December as a part of its emergency preparedness and community services domain. The pamphlet, held in a magnetic sleeve that belongs on the refrigerator, includes critical information, such as one’s illnesses, medications and emergency contacts. “If something happened to you and emergency services had to come to your home, they can access

the information about you,” Morken says. This is one of the efforts brought forth by AFMG—and Morken says there is more to do in coming years.

“We’re trying to do a cultural shift, not just in Maple Grove, but in general of how our society perceives aging and what aging looks like,” Morken says. “We’re trying to be more deliberately inclusive of aging, elevate aging and dismantle negative perceptions of aging.”

Age-Friendly Maple Grove, 12951 Weaver Lake Road; 763.494.6524; agefriendlymaplegrove.org

Nearly 30 percent of Maple Grove residents are 55 and older—and the city is determined to create opportunities and services to meet this growing population.

ABODE

Community Living

A new Artessa Development project appeals to people seeking a simpler life.

By Emily Gedde

At 78 years old, Lynda Fischer is looking to step back from the upkeep and maintenance that comes with a four-bedroom home and a large wooded lot. So, when Artessa Development announced that a new maintenance-free living community is making its way to Maple Grove, the Rogers resident jumped at the opportunity.

"I’ve been considering a single-level home for quite some time,” she says. “I’m in Maple Grove all the time, and [Artessa] was just ideal.”

Fischer will be a future resident of Artessa Maple Grove at Rush Hollow, a maintenance-free co-op, located off Maple Grove Parkway and Highway 81. Available for people ages 62 and older, the development will offer a dynamic cooperative housing and lifestyle choice with robust amenities for people seeking a simpler life.

Dena Meyer, president of Lifestyle Communities, which Artessa Development is an affiliate of, says Artessa Maple Grove is a unique ownership model that brings financial advantages similar to traditional homeownership, plus membership in a

Artessa Maple Grove at Rush Hollow will include amenities similar to other Artessa Development properties, such as Artessa Mound Harbor, located on Cooks Bay and the Lost Lake Harbor in Mound, seen here.

Top: Artessa Maple Grove will offer 74 one-level floor plans ranging from 1,002 square feet to 1,772 square feet in the main community, plus six villa homes at approximately 1,600-square-feet. Middle: Communal areas, such as selfserve coffee bars, are designed for gathering and socialization.

Bottom: Members can host family and friends in spacious gathering areas featuring full kitchens and ample seating.

Photos: Artessa Development

like-minded community, a built-in social network and finance options crafted to fit various price points.

“Essentially, you’re under one roof,” she says. “This is for people to have a really great housing choice and find connections and community within their lifestyle."

That is exactly what appealed to Fischer. “I’m looking forward to meeting new people,” she says. “This lifestyle community offers incredible, affordable living.”

The demand for cooperatives is a growing trend. Members own and control the community, buying a share in the cooperative corporation, which owns the land, building and common areas, Meyer says. Members receive the exclusive right to occupy a specific residence and enjoy all the maintenance-free living benefits, as repairs, replacements and outdoor upkeep are covered by shared community costs.

“We take a lot of pride in our communities, and each one keeps getting better and better,” Meyer says. “This is not just a housing choice; it’s a lifestyle component that really gives people the ability to pursue their active lifestyle in a low-maintenance community ... all in a location where people want to be.”

Dena says 60 percent of the 80 residences must be presold before construction of Artessa Maple Grove begins. Then, the construction period can take about 16 months from start to finish. Realistically, Meyer says the community will most likely open in 2026. And while it may seem like a long way away, Fischer says the timeline carries a great advantage.

“It gives me a chance to downsize and sell off some possessions that other family members don’t want,” she says. “It gives everybody time to get ready to move in a stress-free environment.”

Both Fischer and Meyer expressed excitement about the community coming to Maple Grove. With Elm Creek Park Reserve next to the property and many other favorable amenities, the women spoke highly of the area and the appeal it will bring to Artessa Maple Grove residents.

“Maple Grove has a lot to offer,” Meyer says. “We really pride ourselves on finding unique locations that are not far out from where people want to be.”

A Culture of Caring

Andrea Hollingsworth teaches compassion to business leaders.

Written by Mollee Francisco

For Andrea Hollingsworth, showing compassion isn’t a soft skill; it’s a power skill. The Maple Grove woman has created a leadership development program designed to help business leaders foster a culture of caring in the workplace. Last fall, she released the accompanying book, The Compassion Advantage: How Top Leaders Build More Humanizing Workplaces—it’s the culmination of a journey that began in earnest during COVID19 and was nurtured by a close-knit group of women she met through a yoga class at Life Time Fitness in Maple Grove.

Giving Back to the Community

Hollingsworth has long been interested in the science and psychology

of compassion. She began speaking and publishing on the topic in 2008 as she worked toward her Ph.D. at Loyola University Chicago. By 2015, Hollingsworth landed her dream job as a tenure-track professor at Boston University, but just one year later, she would walk away from academia. Hollingsworth was burnt out and in need of some compassion for herself.

She moved back to Minnesota, joined a yoga group and welcomed her son, Bennett Hollingsworth. During the height of the pandemic, Hollingsworth found herself navigating the challenges of lockdown with a toddler. She turned to her yoga group for support. “I felt closest with them,” she says. As they propped her up, she wanted to do something in return. “I thought I could put together a class on compassion for my friends, so I did. It was a hit.”

“They were wonderful,” Fern Braam says of the classes. “She has an amazing talent for expressing herself.”

“Her Zoom class on ‘How to Be More Compassionate’ was life-changing for me during that time,” Cindy Vollmer says. “Her weekly Zoom classes provided an avenue of connection and deep learning. Andrea demonstrated her knowledge of the topics, technical and organizational skills and her ability to present information with clear and usable daily strategies each week in our class. She led us all to dive deep into compassion, including such topics as self-compassion, mindfulness practices, emotional resilience, dealing with our fears and challenges and how to better communicate with others.”

Afterward, Vollmer told Hollingsworth that she had “grown in awareness of being open to being truly human in real connections.” She says, “I’m learning how to be present in not only the good times, but

Andrea Hollingsworth’s workshops utilize The Compassion Advantage framework, alongside data, stories and actionable tips.

Andrea Hollingsworth

in the challenging times and experiences.”

The yoga group readily lent itself to the ideas of compassion and mindfulness. “Yoga is all about tending to what you need,” Hollingsworth says. “Pay attention to yourself and modify, modify, modify. Mindfulness is built into the yoga sequence.”

Braam agrees with this sentiment. “Mindfulness and yoga walk hand in hand,” she says. “It’s all about focusing on what’s happening in the present moment, and the outside world fades away. It teaches you to block out distractions."

“We need these tools,” Braam says. “You can see how powerful that is in any part of your life.”

Not content to keep Hollingsworth’s expertise to themselves, the yoga group encouraged her to think bigger. “There were a couple of business-minded women that said, 'You could really do something with this; bring it to the business world,'” Hollingsworth says.

The timing couldn’t have been better as the “Great Resignation”—a trend where large numbers of employees voluntarily quit their jobs—was underway, and many were evaluating their own workplace culture. “There was a humanizing of work that needed to happen,” Hollingsworth says. “There was an opening for leaders to be more open, more empathetic.”

With the support of her yoga group— called The Beautiful Optimists— Hollingsworth began to pull together pieces of her leadership development program. “We seeded her interest to bring that to the marketplace,” Braam says. “You could see the whole thing happening from the beginning.”

Working with Compassionate Leaders

Hollingsworth’s neighbor, Robin Downing, was one of the first to call on Hollingsworth to share her expertise at

the workplace. Downing, the vice president of human resources at City and County Credit Union, had just created a manager development program for the credit union when something on Hollingsworth’s website caught her eye. “Andrea had a workshop she was working on titled Compassionate Leadership," Donning says. “Knowing what 2020 and 2021 brought to all of us, there was the realization that as everyone tries to do their best after the last two years, I wanted to continue to incorporate empathy and compassion into my leaders for themselves, as well as how they lead their departments/teams, with accountability still intact and making sure the work is getting done.”

Downing says her managers appreciated and valued Hollingsworth’s workshop, learning how to apply the tools of compassion both at home and work. “My managers enjoyed discussing and hearing other managers regarding these

Andrea Hollingworth’s book, The Compassion Advance: How Top Leaders Build More Humanizing Workplaces, is available for purchase online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

topics, [understanding] they were not alone on struggles as a manager and wanting to be better for themselves, as well as their employees.”

Hollingsworth has heard the testimonials time and time again. “Just the fact that top leaders hired someone like me speaks volumes,” she says. “There’s a business case for compassion. The difference compassion makes in the workplace is tangible. Employees are more engaged, more productive.”

And leaders are grateful. “They say, ‘You’ve given me permission to care. Thank you,’” Hollingsworth says.

Birthing a Book

“It was Fern that said, ‘Andrea, I think you have a book in you,’” Hollingsworth recalls.

The yoga group agreed. At that point, the group was not only doing yoga together, but had also started a book club, also called The Beautiful Optimists. “It’s an intellectual and gifted group,” Hollingsworth says. “They’re just a bunch of nerds, and they wanted the research so I said, ‘Let’s do it.’”

Hollingsworth got to work pulling together content for the book and enlisted Braam as her accountability partner. “Every month, she would deliver a chapter, and I would read it,” Braam says. “She stuck to it.”

Before long, the book was finished. “She’s an amazing researcher,” Braam says. “Everything in the book is backed up with real research.”

The Compassion Advantage was released September 24, 2024, and Braam would be surprised if it’s Hollingsworth’s last. “I keep telling her there’s more books in her,” she says.

Hollingsworth isn’t ruling it out, but right now she’s relishing all she’s accomplished with the help of her yoga class. “They helped me birth this book out into the world,” she says.

And they’ll do it again if need be. “We’re a force, a support system,” Braam says. “We’re a very tight group of yogis.”

Big City Talent, Small Town Vibe

Home, Reimagined

A first-floor transformation showcases modern design and practical upgrades.

Written by Hailey Almsted — Photos by Spacecrafting

As a designer with Crystal Kitchen + Bath, Mary Maney knows just how transformative home design can be. When she looked at her Maple Grove abode, she realized it wasn’t quite what she and her husband, Bill, envisioned. “Being in the business, it didn’t look like what I wanted it to look like,” Maney says. “And it didn’t function super well.” With a passion for hosting family and friends—and a home that comfortably accommodates 20 to 30 guests—the couple knew selling wasn’t an option. Most of their family lives in Maple Grove, so staying in the neighborhood they’ve called home for the past 24 years was a top priority.

Armed with a degree in interior design from the University of Minnesota, as well as a certificate in kitchen and bath design from Century College, Maney took on the project herself, alongside her team at Crystal Kitchen + Bath.

Learn more about Maney’s home and Crystal Kitchen + Bath at maplegrovemag.com.

Crystal Kitchen + Bath, 3620 Winnetka Ave. N., Mpls.; 763.544.5950; crystalkitchen.com

Crystal Kitchen + Bath @crystalkitchenbath Crystal Kitchen + Bath

The Study

The redefined home office blends elegance with functionality with rich walnut cabinetry and brass accents for a timeless, sophisticated look. “It’s the first room in the house that you come into, and I wanted it to look nice,” Maney says. Soft lighting from the black and gold sconces illuminate the space. The small portion of open shelving dons curated items, while the closed cabinetry makes room for the necessities. A Gustav Klimt print—The Kiss—adds an artistic touch that rounds out the study.

The Kitchen

The driving force behind the kitchen was the backsplash above the range. “I’d looked at it for years, and I always liked it,” Maney says. “I made everything coordinate with that.” Her long-standing admiration for walnut guided the remaining design choices throughout the space, influencing the island, range hood, light fixtures and the interior shelving of the glass cabinets. “With all the wood flooring that flows throughout most of the main level, and the [other design elements], it ties together,” she says.

The Foyer

As a focal point of the foyer, Maney envisioned a bold staircase. “I wanted to do the two-tone on the staircase, but we couldn’t do it with what was existing there,” she says. “We took the whole thing apart and put it back together.” The end result beautifully incorporates the walnut accents seen throughout the home.

The Powder Room

The charming powder room pulls inspiration from vintage elements with a twist. Maney saw the William Morris wallpaper online. “I love it, and I wanted to use it,” she says. “We happened to have a cabinet color in our line that matched [the wallpaper] perfectly.” Brass ring pulls, a round, brass-framed mirror and a trio of wall sconces top off the space.

TASTEMAKERS

MIGRATING TO MAPLE GROVE

Grackle features from-scratch and allergy-safe recipes.

Written

Schuehle

by Rachel

Photos by Chris Emeott

Ensalada Del Caesar

Justin Ahlstrom recalls fond childhood memories of sitting in Lyle’s Cafe in Winthrop, Minnesota. The small cafe opened in 1950 and was owned by his grandparents, Lyle Saxton and Margie Lindstrand (formerly Saxton), who successfully ran it for 15 years before Lyle passed away at 46. Margie forged on, dedicated to providing her community with good food and even better company. Visiting his grandmother’s restaurant became a core memory of Justin’s childhood. “I always loved being there as a kid,” Justin says. “I thought it was the coolest place in the world.” Not to mention the first-hand account Justin witnessed, watching as a widow-owned business thrived in the ’60s and ’70s.

These memories set the stage for Justin and his wife, Becky Ahlstrom, self-proclaimed “foodies,” to open their first restaurant in Andover in 2020. Margie’s Kitchen is a tribute to Margie, now 96. Although it was tough to start a business during COVID-19, the Ahlstroms persevered and found community and connectedness on the other side. “As we got into things, we realized it was a great experience and wanted to do it again,” Becky says. After a year, the couple opened a second business. “We are community-oriented people,” Justin says. “We think about what we are able to add to the community.” So when a location in Maple Grove became available in June 2023— the old Wahlburgers location—they knew it could be an opportunity. They signed the lease in May 2024 and opened that following October.

The Ahlstroms’ newest adventure is Grackle, named after the city of Winthrop. Known for its farming community, Winthrop residents often look toward wildlife for seasonal changes. When the grackle—a type of bird— returns each spring, it’s a telltale sign that farming season is approaching. As a nod to this migratory bird, locals have celebrated Grackle Days every year since 1985, which Justin recalls attending as a child—and now he’s bringing a piece of that to the community here. “There’s even a photo featuring young Justin on our newspaper archive wall art in the lobby at Grackle,” Becky says. “... We’re inspired by successful efforts to bring communities together, so we wanted to capture a

J’s Old Fashioned

Creamy Serrano Pasta

“WE WANT TO UPHOLD A LEVEL OF HOSPITALITY THAT WE, AS LIFELONG AMATEUR FOODIES, APPRECIATE BEING TREATED LIKE WE ARE AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN THE EXPERIENCE. THAT’S CERTAINLY THE GOAL.”

Becky Ahlstrom, co-owner of Grackle

Grackle Mule

Justin and Becky Ahlstrom

Top Left: Ensalada Del Caesar

Top Right: Creamy Serrano Pasta Bottom: Cheesy Elote Dip

little of that community-oriented energy when we opened Grackle.”

Grackle features an elevated yet approachable dining option to Maple Grove. Guests can feel comfortable leveraging the space for a special event or stopping in after work for happy hour. Larger, unique booths are perfect for hosting more expansive groups while providing togetherness, and greenery— assembled by Justin, Becky and their circle of friends—encircle guests for a moody atmosphere.

The restaurant prides itself on fromscratch cooking and allergy-safe recipes. “Because everything in our kitchen is scratch-made, we’re more able to accommodate a lot of allergies and understand where those risks may be,” Justin says. Many dishes are gluten-free and allergysafe as is, but its menu makes it easy to understand each dish’s ingredient list. “We work hard to be a place where people with allergies can feel safe to dine at,” Becky says. Leading the menu development for both restaurants is culinary director Diego Chalco, who infuses Latin American flavors into recipes, such as Cheesy Elote Dip, Ensalada Del Caesar or Creamy Serrano Pasta. Justin says, “We aren’t afraid to challenge our guests a little to try new flavors and ingredients, but we want enough on the menu that feels like home.” Regarding cocktails, guests can anticipate a myriad of options unique to Grackle, as well as a seasonally rotating menu. Its classic cocktails include the Grackle Mule (Tightline vodka, Tattersall Blueberry, Limoncello, lime juice and ginger beer); J’s Old Fashioned (Four Roses bourbon, Angostura bitters, Tattersall Rye and Tattersall Sour Cherry and brown sugar syrup); and the French Vanilla Espresso Martini (vodka, Du Nord Coffee Liqueur, vanilla syrup and cold pressed coffee).

Open for lunch and dinner, guests can migrate back to Grackle as often as they please. “We want to uphold a level of hospitality that we, as lifelong amateur foodies, appreciate being treated like we are an important factor in the experience,” Becky says. “That’s certainly the goal.”

Grackle, 11852 Elm Creek Blvd.; 763.898.3140; gracklegrove.com

Grackle @grackle.grove

ROCK YOUR SOCKS

Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with an evening of fun.

Join the City of Maple Grove for World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 at the Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road. Rock Your Socks includes carnival games, music and brightly colored, mismatched socks.

“Our mismatched socks are a symbol, not only of the chromosome shape, but the importance of celebrating the diversity and differences that make our lives full,” says recreation program specialist Crystal Anderson. “This is an event full of joy and fun!”

The event, which takes place on March 21 annually, celebrates those with three sets of chromosomes of their 21st chromosome. “Rock Your Socks for World Down Syndrome Day is one of my favorite events of the year,” Anderson says. “We come together to show our unconditional acceptance of the diversity of our community. It reminds us of the beauty of diversity and strength of inclusion.” —Hailey Almsted

Compiled by Editorial Staff

LOCAL EVENTS

03.12 and 03.19

Community of Crafters

Join the community at Maple Grove Library in creating a craft. Bring your work in progress, or start a new craft with provided materials. Ages 18 and older. Free. 2:30–4 p.m. Maple Grove Library, 8001 Main St. N.; 612.543.6450; hclib.org

03.15

Maple Grove Home Show

This annual show is back with up

Photo:

Joey

C Photography

The annual Rock Your Socks event includes carnival games, music and, of course, mismatched socks.

to 120 home professionals, ranging from remodeling to landscaping. Meet professionals, find resources and savings and learn from experts. All ages. Free. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road; minnesotahomeshows.com

03.27

Advocates Show Reception

The Maple Grove Art Center’s annual Advocates Show gives back to current advocates and features all types of art with different themes. The show will be exhibited from March 18 to May 2. Ages 18 and older. Free. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Maple Grove Arts Center, 11666 Fountains Drive; 763.370.3003; maplegroveartscenter.org

04.19

Easter Bunny and Baby Animals

The Woods hosts its 26th annual spring celebration, featuring the Easter Bunny, Sweet Clouds & Cones food truck, baby animals, gourmet food demos, prize drawings and more. All ages. Free. Time TBA. The Woods, 15825 95th Ave. N.; 763.416.9663; thewoodsgifts.com

04.26

Arbor Day Celebration

This annual event includes information from tree care advisors, master gardeners, the Department of Natural Resources, Elm Creek Watershed and more. Attendees will learn about invasive species and tree diseases, plus there will be demonstrations, giveaways and more. All ages. Free. Time TBA. Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road; maplegrovemn.gov

04.26

Food Truck Spring Fling

Kick off spring with a variety of food trucks with options ranging from street tacos to barbecue to sweet desserts. Fourteen food trucks will be in attendance. All ages. Free. 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m. 15800 Grove Circle N.; eggrollqueenfoodtruck@gmail.com

AREA EVENTS

Through 03.23

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

The Guthrie Theater brings

Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream to the Wurtele Thrust Stage. Ages 12 and older. $32–$92. Times vary. Guthrie Theater, 818 S. Second St., Minneapolis.; 612.225.2224; guthrietheater.org

03.07–03.09

Romeo & Juliet: A Rock Ballet

Twin Cities Ballet of Minnesota presents the world premiere of Romeo & Juliet: A Rock Ballet, a classic tale set to the music of Queen performed by Mark Joseph’s Dragon Attack, a Queen tribute band. All ages. $46.50–$65.50. Times vary. Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St., St. Paul; 952.452.3163; twincitiesballet.org

03.10 and 03.17

Kickin’ It Irish

The production features talent led by Dublin native, Cormac Ó Sé, from the original company of Riverdance, and the O’Shea Irish Dancers. The program highlights traditional and contemporary Irish step dancing and music. All ages. Prices vary. Dinner at 5:30 p.m. and show at 7:30 p.m. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 W. 78th St., Chanhassen; 952.934.1525; chanhassendt.com

03.17

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Celebrate Irish heritage during St. Paul’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, starting in Rice Park and ending at Mears Park. All ages. Free. Noon. Downtown St. Paul; stpatsmn.org

03.22

Spring Tea

Enjoy a three-course tea party and learn about the history of hats, courtesy of fashion historian Jessica Cygan. From 1840–1960, Cygan will explore how hats have evolved from practical accessories to symbols of individuality and status. All ages. $40. 1–3 p.m. Dupuis House, Sibley Historic Site, 1357 Sibley Memorial Hwy., Mendota; 651.452.1596; dakotahistory.org

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

TruBlue is ready to help with any handyman or home modification services. We strive to be your most trusted, accessible home ally in protecting and maintaining your home.

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TruBlue Home Service Ally Plymouth & Maple Grove

763.400.3748

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A Spring Sunrise

A hobbyist photographer captures a morning in Maple Grove.

Rush Creek Golf Course assistant superintendent Betsy O’Donnell enjoys seeing the sunrise from the course each morning. “Every day, I get to enjoy the sunrise and the beauty of the course,” she says. On this particular spring day, O’Donnell says she was capturing that moment—taken from Hole 1 on the course. “It takes a few seconds to stop and capture a great moment in time,” she says. —Hailey Almsted

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

Photographer: Betsy O’Donnell

Title: Spring at Rush Creek Golf Course

Equipment: iPhone 14 Pro

Location: Rush Creek Golf Course

Category: Seasons

Place: Third Place

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