Maple Grove January/February 2022

RESIDENTS OPEN THEIR HOME TO 44 ANIMALS

Redemption Road Rescue

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IN NEED

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R.F. MOELLER

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Jeweler

Family owned & operated in the Twin Cities since 1951.

50th & France

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Highland Park

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J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2 “Having grown up in Maple Grove, I’m proud to run a local business that changes lives by overcoming obstacles ... We want to create incredible athletes but even more importantly, we want to help grow good humans.” —Jen Sexton Voigt, owner of Ninjas United

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DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

10 — Dedicated Spaces

18 — Pucker Up

Resident finds new way to expand existing homes.

Tips to keeping your lips supple this winter season.

4 — Editor’s Letter 6 — Noteworthy 26 — On the Town 32 — Last Glance

Ninja training and recreation facility strengthens families.

14 — Redemption Road Rescue Residents open their home to 44 animals in need.

20 — Darling’s Salts & Rubs Local chef turns passion project into a thriving brand.

Photo: Chris Emeott

12 — Overcoming Obstacles

TASTEMAKERS 28 — Grain Elevators Add a touch of history, new flavor profile and textures to your menu.

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ADVERTISEMENT

Get More Hair. Get More Life!

The Hair Restoration Institute of Minnesota provides multi-therapeutic treatments.

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ounded in the Twin Cities in 1995 and attracting a nation-wide clientele, the Hair Restoration Institute of Minnesota (HRI), is clear in its mission: to alleviate the suffering caused by hair loss and help people to “get more hair and get more life.” The bottom line is this: People don’t have to accept hair loss, especially when HRI’s multitherapeutic treatments are available.

“Our difference is that we are not a single-therapy clinic offering only one kind of treatment. As one of the only multi-therapeutic clinics in the country, we customize treatments to patients and solve their hair loss using every means available,” says Nate Bruschi, HRI’s care coordinator.

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and after treatment. Each surgical procedure includes free laser treatments to promote healing, and every patient is provided with HRI’s own medically-formulated shampoo and conditioner to give them the best long-term result.

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FROM THE EDITOR Ava Diaz, maplegrovemag@tigeroak.com

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Photo: Chris Emeott

In this issue, we highlight individuals whose interests also fuel their lifestyles. Writer Madeline Kopiecki brings a bit of spice to the table with Darling’s Salts & Rubs, an online seasoning business started by Maple Grove resident Kyle Darling (page 20). Combining his love for bold flavor with his desire to craft a delicious meal, he shares how his passion project turned into a thriving business.

Writer Staci Perry Mergenthal takes a look at how Jen Sexton Voigt opened her own American Ninja Warrior training facility right here in Maple Grove (page 12). Inspired by her two high-energy kids, Voigt wanted to provide a fun, yet effective way to stay physically active.

I take a look inside how a Maple Grove family opens their home to cats and dogs in need. Striving to provide temporary resources for the most vulnerable, their mission is to better the lives of the animals and their future owners. Learn more about Redemption Road Rescue on page 14.

See you next month, readers!

new year brings new opportunity. So, let me introduce myself. Marking my third year with Tiger Oak Media, I am honored to have the opportunity to represent Maple Grove as the editor of your community magazine. Starting my journey as an intern and writer, I have grown to appreciate the power of storytelling.

As one who has always tapped into the creative side of things, I take pride in the artistic form of expression. Whether its journaling, painting or busting a move in dance, I have always valued how personal interests can encourage individuals to make their dreams a reality.

After graduating with a communication and journalism degree and a minor in English from the University of St. Thomas, I packed my bags to move to Manhattan. Attending the Summer Publishing Institute at New York University, I was able to learn the ins and outs of magazine publishing. In the city that doesn’t sleep, I was provided with the perfect environment to learn, observe and grow as a content creator.

See what we’re doing behind the scenes and around town!

MAPLEGROVEMAG.COM

MAPLE GROVE MAGAZINE

@MAPLEGROVEMAGAZINE

@MAPLEGROVEMAG

On the Cover Redemption Road Rescue, photo by Chris Emeott

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January/February 2022

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VOL. 18 NO. 1 maplegrovemag.com

publisher SUSAN ISAY

editor AVA DIAZ

managing creative director RENÉE STEWART-HESTER

managing editor HAILEY ALMSTED

copy editor KELLIE DOHERTY

staff writers DAN AMUNDSEN AVA DIAZ MADELINE KOPIECKI STACI PERRY MERGENTHAL

editorial interns BRYCE HELMBRECHT-LOMMEL GRACE MASUDA

editorial advisory board Kate Becker, Kate Becker Photography, owner Lise Spence-Parsons, Maple Grove Arts Center, president/executive director Heidi Nelson, City of Maple Grove, city administrator Birgit Gruess, writer and editor

senior managing art director SARAH DOVOLOS

art director ALLISON NOLDEN

lead staff photographer CHRIS EMEOTT

print production director BRITTNI DYE

digital production director DEIDRA ANDERSON

project coordinators ADRIANNA BLACK BULL, LISA STONE

senior account executives BROOKE BEISE KATIE FREEMARK CYNTHIA HAMRE SARA JOHNSON

circulation and marketing KATIE RINGHAND

credit manager APRIL MCCAULEY

chief operating officer SUSAN ISAY

chief financial officer BILL NELSON

Maple Grove Magazine 9877 AIRPORT ROAD NE BLAINE, MN 55449 612.548.3180 SUBSCRIPTIONS: Maple Grove Magazine is published 6 times a year. Rates $12 for 6 issues.

Back issues $5.95.

For subscription and customer service inquiries, please contact customerservice@tigeroak.com or call 1.800.637.0334. ©Tiger Oak Media Inc. 2022.

All rights reserved.

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NOTEWORTHY local tips, tidbits & insights READ

Our Malady: Lessons in Liberty from a Hospital Diary

Prior to the pandemic, Yale historian Timothy Snyder fell gravely ill.

Our Malady: Lessons in Liberty from a Hospital Diary, is his account of a near death experience and follow-up treatment he received in five hospitals within three months. Paying a visit to the emergency room for a baseball-sized abscess in his liver from an overlooked burst appendix he suffered from in fall

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2019, Snyder’s writings waver between explanations of his unresolved medical condition, his reflection on his past life experiences and thoughts of how his family would be without him.

Providing a firsthand glimpse into his experience with the U.S. healthcare system, his diary offers valuable insight to facing emergencies, making decisions and recovery in what he describes as a

broken system. Using historical documentation, data and statistics to support his claim, he makes a case for fixing it.

Readers will be drawn to his compelling story and challenged to consider the prospect of confronting a similar healthcare event.

Liz Menigo is an associate librarian at Hennepin County Library: Maple Grove.

January/February 2022

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ORGANIZE

Decluttering can help reduce stress MESS EQUALS STRESS

Without question, disorganization in our homes and workplaces create a number of burdens. In fact, numerous academic studies link a cluttered environment to high levels of anxiety, depression and guilt, which can inhibit creativity, productivity and overwhelms our minds with excessive stimuli.

TELL ME SOMETHING I DON’T KNOW

Generally, the burden of items out of place is a fairly obvious stressor, for some more than others. At a very basic level, our brains need order. Our biological and neurochemical systems are set up to operate in an orderly fashion. When we live and work in a mess-free environment, our brains do not have to work as hard, and our physical and mental health improves greatly. As a professional organizer who has worked with countless clients on home and business organization projects, I can say unequivocally that my favorite part of the job is witnessing the positive physical and mental effects of decluttering.

Photo: Chris Emeott

WHERE TO START?

When improving your overall physical and mental health, remember that small steps like removing clutter can lead to big improvements in your daily life. To start, place four boxes labeled with “donate, sell, recycle and toss” in each room throughout your home. As you move through each room, slowly fill each box with items accordingly.

Once they are filled, plan to take these bins to local donation sites, consignment stores or recycling centers. An alternative way to tackle clutter is to spend just 15 minutes each day organizing a problem area in your home, such as stacks of paperwork or an overflowing closet.

Kira Vanderlan operates a decorating, decluttering, staging and home organization company. zestfuldesign.com

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advertise with

MAPLE GROVE MAGAZINE

@

Contact Sara Johnson

612.927.3008 sara.johnson@tigeroak.com

Larry Marsh

Founder and CEO Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning

Lisa Perlman

Vice President, Crown Bank

There are no supply chain shortages when it comes to possibilities.

From the pandemic to staffing, supply shortages, and funding issues, small businesses will face new challenges in the upcoming year.

But they also face untold possibilities. At Crown Bank we can help identify those possibilities and make them a reality.

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VIEW

Day Dreaming Immerse yourself into a world of bliss.

“Beauty is inner and external, but when you feel grounded in your thoughts and who you are, there really isn’t anything more beautiful.” Marking the beginning of the new year, this mixed media piece by artist Mary Catherine Solberg captures a blissful state of mind as the subject is surrounded by healthy cherubs protecting her in deep thought and meditation.

Artist: Mary Catherine Solberg Title: Day Dream III Scale: 30x30 Medium: Original Mixed Media on Canvas

Contributed by The Art Girls; artgirlsmpls.com, Art Girls Minneapolis @artgirls_mpls

To see how we are helping our customers succeed, search news at crown-bank.com.

What can we make possible for your business?

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EQUAL HOUSING LENDER

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VCA Animal Wellness Center

SIP

Join us in celebrating our recent recertification as a Fear Free Practice!

Simply entertain I love to entertain, whether it’s for a planned dinner or an impromptu gathering of friends. Here are my rules and some go-to wines that make this really easy.

Always have something ready. I keep a bottle of good sparkling wine in the fridge—just in case.

(Consider: Louis Bouillot sparkling rosé) I also like to keep good inexpensive wine on hand— just some good under $15 a bottle reds and whites.

(Consider: Louis Martini cabernet sauvignon, Fog Mountain cabernet; Fortant chardonnay; or Folie a Duex chardonnay) Keep the food simple, too.

Think: chips and hummus, cheese and bread, fruit and maybe chocolate.

Enjoy the company, and don’t let the wine or food be in the way! Simple is always better.

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1918 University Ave NE Minneapolis

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Story by Renée Stewart-Hester

DWELLING

Dedicated Spaces

A HOME DESIGN TREND is turn-

ing homeowners toward creating more dedicated spaces within their houses.

YardHomesMN is taking this concept to another level.

Based in New Brighton, the company provides accessory dwelling units (ADU), which, in YardHomesMN’s case, are detached from a home, placed above a garage or created as a single unit or part of a cluster.

Founder and CEO Nichol Dehmer of Maple Grove launched the business in January 2020. The idea started to take form in 2019 when, as Dehmer says, “a construction revolution happened in the Twin Cities.” She attended a conference, which highlighted new ways in which the

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rest of the nation was viewing the home construction space. “Out of that came the discussion of what kind of housing is Minnesota missing?” she says. “There was [an innovative] project here or there, but nothing systematic.”

Dehmer’s background includes serving as a bank COO and president. “I [also] ran the Minnesota Multi Housing Association (MHA), which is where I started thinking about this concept, because I was focused on innovation at MHA.” Typically ranging from 300–800 square feet, people are using ADUs for a variety of reasons, including fitness areas, guest spaces, home offices, living units for adult children with various abilities and more.

Minnesotans love their cabins, and YardHomesMN can help expand an existing cabin’s livable footprint or create cabin clusters around a central space.

Think: a unit or more for kids and one or more for adults. “You can get really creative when it comes to the creative cluster idea,” Dehmer says.

Speaking of, some clusters could be developed for those sharing a common interest or living situation (seniors, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD], women getting out of difficult relationships, youth moving away from being houseless and more).

Even cities could develop neighborhood clusters around a central space or element. “There are all different ways to put

January/February 2022

Photo: YardHomesMN

Resident finds new way to expand existing homes.

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in digital format!

Get free, anytime access to Maple Grove Magazine via our digital editions. Full screen viewing on your digital device allows easy cover-to-cover reading. Plus, it’s even easier to share your favorite Maple Grove Magazine stories with friends and family.

Learn more at maplegrovemag.com

people together in independent living while creating community and support for one another,” she says.

The pandemic has shown a brighter light on another situation—multigenerational living. Dehmer speaks to families’ desires to keep their elderly family members closer to home in a post-lockdown world, which offers another way to utilize ADUs. To date, YardHomesMN has sold 12 units in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth. There are also some proposals out for sales in the Twin Cities suburban areas. The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans is considering them as options for affordable housing.

This brings up the question: What about permits? Depending on the city, Dehmer said it varies in terms of what type of building or zoning permit is required. She says Maple Grove doesn’t have an ADU ordinance, so a variance exception would come into play.

Despite this state’s slower move toward ADUs, Dehmer sees a strong future for YardHomesMN. “Minnesota is always behind the curve,” she says.

“We’re slow adopters to change.” Other parts of the country have been quicker about embracing ADUs, especially on the West and East coasts. “There’s a need for cities, especially [those that are] landlocked, to accept this type of housing,” she says. “I think we’re right at the cusp of the explosion.” MG YardHomesMN, 475 Old Highway 8 NW, New Brighton; 612.460.8631 yardhomesmn.com @yardhomesmn

YardHomes MN @MNhousinggirl

MORE RESULTS GET YOUR FIRST CLASS FOR FREE* You are faster here. You are stronger here. And you get more results here.

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8121 Wedgewood Ln N | Maple Grove, MN 55369 | 763-657-1313 *Offer limited to first-time visitors to Orangetheory Fitness and local residents only. Certain restrictions apply. $28 minimum value. At participating studios only. See studio for details. Orangetheory® and other Orangetheory® marks are registered trademarks of OTF IP Holder, LLC. © Copyright 2021 OTF IP Holder, LLC and its affiliates.

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Story by Staci Perry Mergenthal — Photo by Chris Emeott

Blake Voigt

SCENE

Overcoming Obstacles Ninjas United provides training and recreational space to help strengthen families.

IT BEGAN WITH A DARE. Jen Sexton Voigt found Ninjas United while searching for an outlet for her two high-energy boys. “It transformed our lives,” Voigt says. “I could send them to school, then bring them to Ninja and they were able to focus on their homework after.”

Benjamin and Blake, then 5 and 8 years

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old, dared their mom to try the obstacles.

Voigt was reluctant. Battling autoimmune disorders, she hadn’t exercised in 10 years. She eventually tried and found it challenging and rewarding. “I fell in love with it,” Voigt says. It was therapeutic— her body started to heal, and her autoimmune diseases went into remission.

Hers wasn’t the only family to overcome obstacles. Voigt became the gym manager and observed members gaining strength and confidence, overcoming physical, social and emotional weaknesses, even selective mutism, in the safe, nonjudgmental environment. “After I saw everything it was doing for these kids and

January/February 2022

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Age-Appropriate Obstacle Proficiency

Ninjas United trains clients ages 3 and up through upper and lower body obstacles like balance, strength, endurance and agility. “We teach kids how to get through it in the most efficient way,” Voigt says.

“They build their strength, and the entire time they feel like they’re playing, which is really cool.”

The gym offers classes for all ages and abilities like competitive teams, fundamentals, Wiggly Warriors, all-girls youth team, homeschool and summer camps.

Voigt describes Ninja as a humbling sport. “You will fail a lot, and it takes an encouraging environment for kids to want to get up and try again,” she says.

Along with more than 50 obstacles and five warped walls, the coaches influenced Drew Levan and his three children to become members. “The coaching and the energy they bring is what kept us coming back,” Levan says.

Levan participates in open gym with his kids and adult classes. “It’s really proprioceptive, and gets your whole body involved,” he says. “As a kid, if you liked climbing trees or swinging really high, there’s sort of that extra risk factor that is exciting. It’s a safe facility, but the ability to fly through the air is an incredible feeling. Some obstacles give an incredible sense of accomplishment and the rush of a big dynamic movement.”

“Having grown up in Maple Grove, I’m proud to run a local business that changes lives by overcoming obstacles,” Voigt says. “We want to create incredible athletes but even more importantly, we want to help grow good humans.” MG Ninjas United, 8752 Monticello Lane N.; 763.575.8188; ninjasunited.com Ninjas United Gyms @ninjasunitedgyms

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families, I knew I wanted a bigger role,” Voigt says. “That’s when I moved to ownership.” Voigt purchased Ninjas United, a recreational and competitive American Ninja Warrior training facility, in May 2021. The former elementary school teacher and mom of three boys is now a Ninja coach and a competitor in North Central Ninja Series.

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Story by Ava Diaz — Photos by Chris Emeott

PETS

Redemption Road Rescue Local couple opens their home to 44 cats and dogs.

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January/February 2022

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This is our home.

Let us help you make it yours.

Maple Grove 763-420-2424 WITH HEARTS OF GOLD and an

endless love for cuddly creatures, Maple Grove residents Barb and Tim Swenson have dedicated their lives to caring for animals in need. Fostering 44 cats and dogs in the last 15 months through Redemption Road Rescue, a Minneapolisbased organization, the Swensons say this was their natural calling.

Founded as a way to provide safe homes for animals facing the risk of euthanasia, Redemption Road Rescue prides itself in being the next step to a better life (for both the animal and their future owners). “It’s the fact that many of these animals wouldn’t have had a chance if we didn’t foster them,” Barb says.

What started as a way to get involved with their community has since turned into a lifestyle. As empty nesters, the Swensons were in need of something to fill their free time. Beginning their journey nine years ago, Barb says they have volunteered in a variety of ways but have primarily focused on fostering and transporting of the animals, and, of course, adopting a few of their own along the way to which Barb refers to as “foster fails.”

“We had no intention of getting a dog, [but] they kind of put their paw print on your heart, and it’s over,” Barb says about one of their foster fails Daisy, a puppy who was sick with canine parvovirus, which they housed from transport and

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January/February 2022

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Barb and Tim Swenson

ry Christmas r e M

“For to us a child is born...... and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6 nursed back to health. “You connect with them on a whole different level, and you can’t imagine there being another home for them. You just know that they are yours.”

Though the Swensons go where the need is—from welcoming new animals into their home or meeting animal advocates to transport rescues from harmful environments and overflown shelters— Tim says the only restriction they have is how many dogs they have in their home at a time. Taking no more than two, he says this is because of the varying personalities of different breeds and the fact that they already have a cat and dog of their own.

Still, with open arms, the Swenson’s home is a space for animals in need until they find their forever homes. “We just want the animal to be happy and healthy and for the people [potential pet owners] to be happy and healthy,” she says.

As for the future of Redemption Road Rescue, director Carol Brekke hopes to continue providing secure homes for animals and urges others to get involved.

“I would just encourage people to rescue animals and do what they can,” she says.

“Animals are just so fulfilling; you’ll never be lonely with them, and you will always have a companion.” MG To learn more about volunteering, visit redemptionroadrescue.rescuegroups.org.

Redemption Road Rescue P.O. Box 28084, Crystal; 612.978.1284; redemptionroad.mn@gmail.com

Heritage Christian Academy, Pre-k - 12th grades All-School Open House 7pm, January 11.

RSVP admissions@myhca.org

CHEERS TO 2022!

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH YOUR NEW HOME AT SILVERCREEK ON MAIN!

APARTMENTS AVAILABLE – VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR FLOOR PLANS & VIRTUAL TOURS! 8200 Main Street North Maple Grove MN 55369 763.955.1750 WWW.SILVERCREEKONMAIN.COM

Redemption Road Rescue INDEPENDENT LIVING + ASSISTED LIVING+ ENHANCED ASSISTED LIVING DEMENTIA CARE + RESPITE 17

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Pucker Up

Tips to keeping your lips supple this winter season.

Story by Staci Perry Mergenthal Photo by Chris Emeott

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Simonson’s Salon and Spa, 13950 Grove Drive Suite 300; 763.494.4863; simonsons.com

Simonson’s Salon and Spa

Did you know that lips are the thinnest skin on the human body? With up to three times fewer cellular layers than facial skin, lips also lack natural body oils to protect and maintain a smooth texture. Without proper daily nourishment, the frigid cold and dry winter air can cause the fragile skin to crack or split.

The most common reason for chapped lips is a lack of moisture. For preventative measure this winter season, consider these three helpful tips: • Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

• Combat the dry winter air with the help of a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air of your home.

• Block the sun. Even in the winter, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using SPF 30 or higher to keep sun rays from diminishing your supple lips.

Professional Recommendations We talked to Simonson’s Salon and Spa aesthetics educator and advanced practice aesthetician Vivien Rommes about how to protect and maintain luscious lips this season.

What are your tips for lip care, healing and prevention in winter? Look for healing ingredient, such as hemp or jojoba seed oil, beeswax and vitamin E. In any skincare routine, an SPF is essential for prevention of sun damage. I love the Glo Mint Balm SPF 15, a mineral formula that can be applied throughout the day over or under your lip color of choice. It provides protection from the dry weather on winter walks or the ski slopes.

The colorless, lightweight, nongreasy formula is packed with soothing ingredients that penetrate deeply for continuous healing and protection. Use a collagen supplement. We recommend withinUs TruMarine Collagen, which promotes more radiant skin, hair and nails. This tasteless collagen is simple to add to your daily coffee or water regimen and will help build collagen internally. It’s good for joints, too.

Vitamin C is touted as a good face product.

Does it work for lips, too? Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps stimulate collagen production resulting in beautiful smooth lips.

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maplegrovemag.com

@simonsonssalonandspa

I recommend using products formulated for the lip area since facial serums could be too active for the lip area.

Are there ingredients we should avoid using on our lips? Avoid exfoliating treatments formulated to use on the face. Certain acids or scrubs can deplete the lip area, causing increased dryness, cracking or a possible cold sore flare up.

What are your favorite home care products that you recommend to your clients? The Environ Cosmetic Focus-CIT is a home needling device that helps stimulate collagen production in the skin.

Why do we want more collagen? Naturally occurring in the body, collagen loses its plumpness as we age, and the surface of the skin becomes laxer. Adding needling prior to applying your evening serum around the lip line, lips or any small area on the face where fine lines and wrinkles have settled will enhance the penetration of your home care and stimulate natural collagen production. Consult your aesthetician before applying a serum following needling to ensure it is safe for post needling.

Wrinkles Schminkles Mouth and Lip Smoothing Kit is a 100 percent medical grade reusable silicone mask that visibly softens wrinkles and fine lines while increasing firmness and hydration to the lips and lip line while you sleep.

• 90 percent firmer skin • 92.1 percent more hydrated skin How can we prevent wrinkles from happening or deepening in the skin around our lips?

When not masking, I have found the Rhonda Allison Eye and Lip Renew Serum does double duty for eyes and lips. A powerful must-have, the pro-youth treatment serum will reduce wrinkles and plump tissue for serious age-reduction.

Tell us about lip services you offer and how they benefit your clients. Our deluxe or advanced HydraFacial service is by far our most popular service and includes exfoliation and deeply penetrates nourishing ingredients over all areas of the face, maximizing hydration throughout. LED lights are the finale and will promote healing and additional cell stimulation. Your home care products are more effective following a HydraFacial treatment. MG

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January/February 2022

maplegrovemag.com

11/30/2021 3:53:42 PM

Darling’s Salts & Rubs; 763.516.0304; darlingsmeats.com

@darlingsmeats

STORY BY MADELINE KOPIECKI . PHOTOS BY CHRIS EMEOTT

Photo: xxxxxxxxx

Darling’s Salts and Rubs

When COVID restaurant closures forced chef Kyle Darling out of the kitchen, the Maple Grove resident decided to work toward his dream of opening his own butcher shop. “Nobody knew what was going to happen,” Darling says about the initial restaurant closures. Rather than sit idyl during that spring, he started to learn the ins and outs of entrepreneurship and began the process of designing his own brand, Darling’s Salts & Rubs.

“My long-term goal is I want to open a butcher shop where I would sell these spices anyway, so I was like, ‘Why don’t I just put some time and effort into it now? I’ll need it down the road anyway,’” Darling says.

What started as a way to sell salts and rubs to friends and family quickly became a startling success. “Once I made the website and the Instagram, things took off like crazy,” Darling says.

“It was just nuts. I could hardly keep up.”

Provided with the opportunity to test run his salts and rubs, Darling had the chance to sell his product at a butcher shop he worked at in St. Bonifacius.

Allowing Darling to season some of the specialty cuts with his own mixes, customers began to rave about the flavor and would come back for their own tin of Darling’s Salts & Rubs.

Though specialty rubs and salts are generally designed for smoking meats, Darling says he has adapted his recipes to work in a variety of ways. “People

have used them all differently,” he says, noting there’s really no right way or wrong way to use his products. For example, he likes to use his buffalo dry rub that was designed for chicken wings for the seasoning mix on his onion rings. Or for his lemon ranch blend, his friend enjoys it on pork chops while Darling prefers to use it for a seasoned sour cream.

Although visitors on his website are from all over the country, Darling has kept a local focus when it comes to creating and selling his salts and rubs by purchasing his seasonings from Midwest Rubs in St. Michael. Instead of buying in bulk, Darling can order 10 pounds of his various recipes at a time to ensure freshness of his product.

Similarly, he partnered with a St. Cloud-based coffee roaster, Kinder Coffee Lab, to locally source the coffee grounds used to create his coffee dry rub. Darling says the difference between his first batch using store-bought grounds and the second batch using Kinder Coffee Lab was mind-blowing due to the freshness of the beans.

In addition to his website, Darling’s Salts & Rubs can also be found at Fox Run, a Minnesota maker’s market located in The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove. As for the future of his business, Darling says he hopes to introduce his products to more Minnesota-based stores and own his own butcher shop.

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Salt is a ubiquitous seasoning at many tables, but sometimes the mineral gets a bad rap. So, what are some salt myths that we can put to rest, and how can we enjoy this seasoning in a healthful way?

We turned to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to help demystify sodium chloride, otherwise known as table salt.

Myth: We should cut all salt out of our diet.

While too much salt in a diet can result in heart disease, high blood pressure and increase the likelihood of a stroke, the mineral is actually an important nutrient for the human body.

Salt balances fluids in the blood and can help regulate healthy blood pressure.

It can also help the body conduct nerve impulses and contract and relax muscles.

While you may want to avoid overly processed meals with high sodium counts, sprinkling a little salt on a steak or some veggies is A-OK.

Learn how to spice up your meals with Darling’s Salts & Rubs from these fresh and tasty recipes by the chef himself.

CRUNCHY CHICKPEAS • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. • Drain and rinse one can of chickpeas.

• Let air dry and spread onto a small baking sheet.

• Bake for 45 minutes, regularly stirring the chickpeas every 15 minutes.

• When crisp and still warm, lightly toss the chickpeas in one teaspoon of Darling’s Butchers Salt.

• Let cool for several minutes before devouring this salty treat.

SALMON QUINOA SALAD • Generously season the salmon

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with Darling’s Butchers Salt.

• Cook the salmon until it is pan seared, or grill the fish until it reaches the desired temperature.

• While the salmon is cooking, combine three ounces of spring lettuce mix, three ounces of cooked quinoa and three ounces of roasted cauliflower into a mixing bowl.

• Squeeze the juice from half of a lemon, and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture for a refreshing twist.

• Pair the seared salmon with the quinoa salad and enjoy!

For an elevated twist on classic favorites, add Darling’s Truffle Salt to french fries, popcorn, steak and pasta. for an earthy and savory bite. MG

Myth: Natural salts are better for you.

Those pretty pink and enchanting black grains may look great, but natural salts like Himalayan, sea salt and black salt are not any healthier than standard table salt or kosher salt.

Though these larger-grained varieties are touted as products that contain beneficial minerals, the concentrations of iron, potassium and zinc aren’t high enough to create a nutritional benefit.

However, they can add a unique taste to a dish.

January/February 2022

maplegrovemag.com

11/30/2021 3:53:44 PM

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11/30/2021 3:53:45 PM

ON THE TOWN

Compiled by Bryce Helmbrecht-Lommel and Grace Masuda

JANUARY 5

7 P.M.

LOCAL EVENTS

Toastmasters Club Meeting 01/06 Spend your Thursday evening becoming a better speaker and leader. Brooklyn Park’s Toastmasters Club invites its community members to a virtual learning environment to improve communication skills and foster personal growth in a safe and supportive space. Free.

6–7:30 p.m. Call for Zoom information; 763.566.2085; brooklynpark.org

The Self Identity Show Through 01/21 The Maple Grove Arts Center presents its new gallery, the Self Identity Show.

This exhibition includes both 2D and 3D art expressing the identity and individualistic creativity of each artist. Masks

OSSEO FIDDLE FEST

are required. Free. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Maple Grove Arts Center, 11666 Fountains Drive; 763.370.3003; maplegroveartscenter.org

Four district orchestras join together for the love of music.

BY AVA DIAZ

Coffeehouse Evening

Inspired by his experience as a member of an Irish fiddle band, Maple Grove High School orchestra director Matt Caron decided to further share his passion with his students. Creating an after-school Fiddle Club, Caron would teach them new tunes and styles to fiddle. Upon brainstorming new ways to encourage collaboration among students, the district orchestra teachers came up with a district-wide Fiddle Festival to blend the middle and high school students together.

“The goal of the day is to share music and make connections between the high school and middle school musicians across the district and share that music with our community,” says Christa Saeger-Dean, the Osseo Senior High School orchestra director. Combining the students from Osseo Middle School, Maple Grove Middle School, Osseo Senior High School and Maple Grove Senior High School, fiddlers from all over town are banning together to jam out.

Teaching all the schools the same five tunes prior to the big day, the students arrive knowing the content and then intermix with the other schools to rehearse before the public performance that evening. Practicing in smaller sectional groups led by high school students, the musicians can share their knowledge with one another and have the opportunity to learn in new ways.

Sharing responsibilities for hosting and conducting, the three district orchestra directors work together to put on the event. This year the Fiddle Fest will be conducted by Saeger-Dean and Mary Gagnon of Park Center High School.

01/25 Join fellow writers at the Maple Grove Arts Center’s Coffeehouse Evening.

Guests can drink coffee, socialize and share their work in this creative space.

All ages. Free. 7–9 p.m. Maple Grove Arts Center, 111666 Fountains Drive; 763.370.3003; maplegroveartscenter.org

Polar Plunge 02/05 Are you ready to take the plunge for a good cause? Jump into Minnesota’s frigid waters or take a virtual polar plunge all while supporting Special Olympics Minnesota. Be sure to bring an extra pair of clothes to this extreme winter event. All ages, 18 and under

All ages. Free. 7 p.m. January 5; Enid Norstead Audiotorium at Osseo Senior High School, 317 Second Ave. NW, Osseo

Photo: District 279

must have a parent or guardian present. Must raise $75 in donations.

Registration is required. Begins at noon.

Fish Lake Regional Park, 14900 Bass Lake Road; 763.270.7119; plungemn.org

To have your event considered: email maplegrovemag@tigeroak.com 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.

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January/February 2022

maplegrovemag.com

11/30/21 9:35 PM

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TASTEMAKERS

Grain Elevators Add a touch of history, new flavor profiles and textures to your menu.

Story by Renée Stewart-Hester Photos by Chris Emeott

W HY DOES PASTA G ET SO MUCH OF THE C UL IN A RY GLORY ? Granted, it transforms dishes,

comes in shapes galore and has “comfort food” written all over it. As we’re in the middle of hygge cooking season (think all things cozy, comfy and warm.), let’s take a closer look at grains—including some emerging trend-makers and recipes to keep you ahead of the grain game.

Who better than Caroline Sluyter, the Oldways Whole Grains Council program

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director, to clear up some grainy questions?

What constitutes a whole grain?

A grain that is whole contains all three edible components (bran, germ and endosperm) in their original proportions.

What are refined grains? Grains that are missing some portion of their original kernel are considered refined grains.

Typically, when grains are refined, some or all of their bran and germ are removed.

Since most of a grain’s nutrients and flavor are found in the bran and germ,

refined grains are both less nutritious and less flavorful than whole grains.

Is there such a thing as “faux grains,” meaning not from the Gramineae family? Quinoa, amaranth

and buckwheat are pseudocereals.

While they are not in the Poaceae (or Gramineae) botanical family, they are generally considered grains alongside true cereal grains because their nutritional profile, preparation and use are so similar.

Is there an emerging grain trend we

January/February 2022

maplegrovemag.com

11/30/2021 3:53:52 PM

… There are five clear frontrunners when it comes to growing popularity. Perhaps the most illustrious of all is quinoa … [It] is now included in more than 10 percent of all [Whole Grain] Stamped products. Sorghum has also made impressive gains with its prevalence increasing more than threefold in 10 years. The other top contenders are millet, amaranth and teff.

should know about?

What are the top five grains that offer the most nutritional benefits?

There is no “healthiest” grain, just as there is no healthiest vegetable. You’ll never hear a doctor tell you to stick to carrots and spinach, even though they both have great nutritional attributes.

Just as variety is key when eating fruits and vegetables, the best way to take advantage of the health benefits of whole grains is to eat a wide variety.

Every grain has a little something different to offer.

Which grains serve as protein and fiber powerhouses? ... Most whole

grains qualify as a good source of protein (providing at least 10 percent of the Daily Value for protein per serving).

The pseudo-cereals (quinoa, buckwheat and amaranth) are all “complete” protein sources, which means they contain significant amounts of all nine essential amino acids.

Whole grains are somewhat famous for their fiber content. Again, you’ll find that almost every grain variety qualifies as either a good source of fiber (providing at least 10 percent of the Daily Value for fiber per serving) or excellent source of fiber (providing at least 20 percent of the Daily Value for fiber per serving).

How can we incorporate more grains into our diets? Making easy swaps, by

substituting in whole grain versions of foods you already eat, is certainly one of the easiest ways to increase your whole grain intake without having to think too hard about it. Use whole grain bread instead of white bread, brown rice (or farro and quinoa) instead of white rice, and whole grain pasta instead of white pasta. When baking, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour in your recipe with whole grain flour. Many consumers new to whole grains are pleasantly surprised at the wonderful depth of flavor you get by using whole wheat or whole spelt in place of white flour.

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TASTEMAKERS

Teff

S o rgh u m Amaranth

M il l et

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January/February 2022

maplegrovemag.com

11/30/2021 3:53:59 PM

FO UR TO K NOW Information is provided by the Oldways Whole Grains Council. Recipes can be found at wholegrainscouncil.org.

A marant h: Technically a pseudo-grain, it’s a staple of the Aztecs, with a long history in Mexican and Peruvian cuisine (later becoming

WEEKDAYS 9AM

WEEKDAYS 3PM

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popular in Nepal, India and other countries).

It’s typically served as breakfast porridge throughout Latin America and Southeast Asia. In Mexico, it’s also served popped with honey as a sweet snack called allegria.

Flavor Profile: Peppery with a sweet, grassy aroma and pairs well with squash, corn, sesame, cinnamon, vanilla and chocolate.

Gluten-free M ille t : This is one of the leading staple grains of India and was also used in ancient Chinese noodles before wheat was domesticated. Nutritious millet is also important to the cuisines of South America, Russia, the Himalayas and Africa.

Flavor Profile: Buttery and pairs well with mushrooms, herbs, warm spices, scallions and squash. Gluten-free So rg h u m: Also called milo, it is believed to have originated in Africa, where it remains an important cereal grain. It is naturally drought tolerant, making it a good

Hey you. We’re glad you’re here.

We’re putting wellness in good hands. Yours.

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choice when keeping in mind ones environmental footprint.

Flavor Profile: Sweet with hints of corn or wheat flavor and pairs well with Southern ingredients (bananas, berries, bourbon, dates, figs, ham, peanuts, pecans and warm spices). Gluten-free Te ff: This tiny (less than 1mm) grain is native to the Horn of Africa, where nomads could carry enough teff seed in their pockets to sow an entire field. Its name may come from the Amharic word for “lost” because the seed is so tiny.

Flavor Profile: Slightly sweet taste with undertones of cocoa and hazelnut and pairs well with chocolate, dark fruit, nuts, pumpkin and seeds. Gluten-free

*Wild Rice: You’ve had in hotdishes.

You’ve eaten it in salad or as a pilaf, but have you ever in your wildest rice dreams ever considered—popping it? Yes, you can pop wild rice like popcorn. Just heat it in a little oil, and shake it until it pops. Salt to taste. Movie time? (thespruceeats.com) MG

WE’RE OPEN! 7881 Main Street in Maple Grove 651.650.0400 | thegoodclinic.com 31

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LAST GLANCE

Story by Ava Diaz — Photo by Rod Smoliak

F I R S T P L A C E : W I L D L I F E & N AT U R E

Lens on Central Park Majestic swans receive first place.

R OD SM OL I A K says that a part of capturing wildlife is luck; however, with a little patience and preplanning of the environment one can photograph something remarkable. “Composition is an important element of photography. The subject of the photo can be enhanced by what else you can include in the photo or how it is framed,” he says.

“In this case, the sunrise reflection becomes just as important of an element as the two swans are.” MG

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Photographer: Rod Smoliak Title: Swan Sunrise

Equipment: Sony A7R4 camera and Sony 200600mm lens

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

January/February 2022

maplegrovemag.com

11/30/2021 3:54:00 PM

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Shoveling can be a real pain.

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(651) 968-5201 summitortho.com/care

11/30/2021 3:54:01 PM