December 2019

December is as good as month as any for a twist. In our Noteworthy section, we decided to offer our regular contributors a month off and turned to some of our Advisory Board members, who fill the space with some of their favorite holiday traditions and recipes. 

Nearly 600 participants and community members gathered for the 9th Annual Reading is Fun 5K Run/Walk, hosted by the District 279 Foundation

 

Nonprofit organization Love Conquers Violence hosted the annual Bags for Nat gathering to raise awareness and funds to prevent domestic violence.

 
The skyline of Yokohama, Japan.

When it comes to family vacations, the paths not typically taken can lead to the most interesting and fulfilling excursions.

 
A girl looks out a plane window on a family vacation.

Traveling with kids doesn’t need to be a crying game.

 
A grandfather holds his grandson in this Focus on Maple Grove winning photograph.

True Happiness placed second in our Focus on Maple Grove photo contest’s People and Families category.

 
Aperitifs and digestifs sit on a bar cart.

Learn about aperitifs and digestifs from knowledgeable purveyors.

 
Residents celebrate New Year's Eve at the Maple Grove Community Center

Top off the season’s celebrations with a New Year’s Eve party from 2-6 p.m. at the Maple Grove Community Center. The special event has become an annual tradition, which offers residents a family-friendly option to bid adieu to the year and celebrate new beginnings.

 
The cast of the St. Lucia concert at the American Swedish Institute

December is a busy time at the American Swedish Institute.

 
A woman holds a crown of candles for the St. Lucia concert at the American Swedish Institute

Learn how the Twin Cities community celebrates this Swedish folk holiday.

 
Maple Grove resident Steffany Fleming, founder of Inspire and Flourish

Passionate about empowering youth and giving back to the community, Maple Grove resident Steffany Fleming founded Inspire and Flourish in 2007.

 
The Kelly family prepares bags of supplies to offer to the homeless.

Helping others has brought one family even closer together.

 
Angie Sunde, a stylist at leela & lavender, helps a woman try on a pair of boots.

Angie Sunde from leela & Lavender offers stylish tips.

 
A woman models clothing from leela & lavender.

Boutique helps customers find their style and build a modern wardrobe.

 
Jessica Van Kirk, affiliate leader of I Support the Girls' Twin Cities Metro location.

I Support the Girls collects personal items for those who can’t afford them.

 
Participants cycle during a class at Surge Cycling in Maple Grove.

Keep resolutions, lower stress and build strength at local cycling gym.

 
A wrapped Christmas present sits near a string of lights

Maple Grove Arts Center CEO/founder Lorrie Link was born on Christmas Day, and her sister was born on Christmas Eve.

 
Someone hangs an ornament on a Christmas tree

Advisory board member Jennie Zafft shares a heartwarming Christmas tradition.

 
Homemade Twin Bing candy bars

Enjoy this homemade version of the Twin Bing candy bars, made in Iowa.

 
Homemade Swedish meatballs

Swedish meatballs are the perfect comfort food for the holiday season and make great leftovers to help ring in the New Year.

 
Rinderrouladen

Advisory Board member Birgit Gruess shares the best of her holiday.

 
A creme de menthe holiday cocktail called a Mistletoe Kiss

Our editor has two requirements for a holiday cocktail: It has to taste good AND look the part.