LAST GLANCE

from Maple Grove January/February 2021

by Tiger Oak Media

NOTEWORTHY

SECOND PLACE Wildlife & Nature

Whoo is this?

Eagle Lake is home to a watchful raptor.

BY RENÉE

STEWARTHESTER

PHOTO BY ROD SMOLIAK

WE’RE PLEASED TO GREET 2021 with a fresh round of photos from our annual Focus on Maple Grove photo contest, which was held in August. To start off, Rod Smoliak’s Eagle Lake Great Horned Owl, placed second in our Wildlife and Nature category.

“As a wildlife photographer, owls of all types are some of my favorite things to spot, which is why I specifically go out searching for them,” Smoliak says. “Occasionally, I get lucky enough to see an owl fly and land in a viewable position, or crows harassing something is another good indication an owl might be in the area. Most of the time, it’s up to me to spot a stationary owl in a tree, which is a special feeling because they blend in so well.”

This photo was taken in the woods along the west side Eagle Lake. “Like most birds, owls will fly away if a person gets too close, which is why it’s always important to give them and all wildlife space,” Smoliak says. “For this photo, I was using a large telephoto lens, 600mm, on a Sony a7r4 camera.”

Speaking of great horned owls, did you know there’s a reason to be … … surprised by them?: Apart from crows and raccoons stealing their eggs and nestlings and fellow great horned owls, they have very few predators. … grateful for them?: They eat more than 4,000 mice a year. (Voles are on the menu, too.) … impressed by them?: The owls have adapted to the presence of humans and may have become more common than they were in pre-settlement times. … jealous of them?: They have long eyelashes! MG

A Place to Feel Safe Put your trust in Grove Health Dental.

Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is on everyone’s mind right now, but even a pandemic can’t put your other health care needs on pause. To ensure Maple Grove residents are getting the oral health care they need, Grove Health Dental is taking precautions to make each visit as safe as possible.

“I truly feel safer at the office than I would be going to the grocery store,” says founder Dr.

Ryan Francis.

That sense of security is thanks to new protocols and a staff that takes safety seriously.

Patients are screened extensively before their appointment – temperature checks and contact tracing are standard. Staff wear N95 masks and a new air purification system has been installed.

Even patient communication and check-ins have been made safer.

“The things that we’ve been doing have been working really well,” Francis says.

Their efforts have clearly paid off, because

Grove Health Dental is gaining new patients and garnering strong reviews. In August, the clinic had a record number of new patients, and more are joining each week.

“More than anything, I attribute our success and perseverance to our amazing dental team,”

Francis says. “I feel so lucky to be a part of this dedicated, caring team.”

Patients feel like they can trust the doctors and staff at Grove Health. That trust begins with Dr. Francis. He’s not just the local dentist— he lives just two miles from the clinic and is heavily involved in the community. He coaches multiple local sports teams and has three kids in local schools.

“I really enjoy being a part of the social and professional community,” Francis says. “My goal is people continue to trust that our team has their health and well-being at heart.”

Grove Health Dental’s experienced team uses state-of-the-art technology to offer services that go well beyond your average clinic.

You can schedule your first appointment now knowing you’re safe in their hands.