David's Blog

Maple Grove Days July 10-13, 2008

2008-06-21T19:58:37Z

"It's A Classic"

That's the theme of the 2008 Maple Grove Days celebration! Once again, the Maple Grove Community Organization has many popular events planned for this year's festivities which run from Thursday July 10, through Sunday, July 13. Also, look for businesses throughout the community participating in sidewalk sales and special promotions during the four-day celebration. Get ready to put your chairs and blankets out along 89th Avenue to start things off right with the Pierre Bottineau Parade on Thursday, July 10. The parade will start at 6 p.m. There will be over 100 entries marching along the parade route on 89th Avenue from Zachary Lane to Elm Creek Boulevard. This year's Grand Marshals are representatives from the Maple Grove Historical Society. Friday, July 11, will include a wide variety of competitive events for all ages - bridge, tennis, volleyball, pool, basketball and golf tournaments. The evening will hold challenges for the younger set with a diaper derby and children's parade. Topping off a fun Friday will be the Maple Grove Ambassadors coronation. Saturday, July 12, starts off with the annual Rice Lake Classic and the North Arbor Lake Children's Fun Run, and the activities and festivities are non-stop all the way through to the evening's fireworks!

Look for exciting things all around Maple Grove: Art Fair on Main Street, fishing clinic at Weaver Lake Park, and, new to the entertainment lineup and competition are Bed Races with all profits going to the "40 Winks Foundation." Of course, don't miss the excitement of the festival at the Maple Grove Community Center (12951 Weaver Lake Road). Here you'll find the Business Expo, Classic Car Show, Big Truck Show, lots of fun food to eat, music, exciting games, inflatables and pony rides.

From morning to night - there are many free, fun events and entertainment for all ages to fill the entire day. For your convenience on Saturday, take advantage of the offsite parking facilities of the Maple Grove Transit station and ride the FREE shuttle bus to the events.

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

Maple Grove Adult Fitness Choices

2008-06-18T22:43:04Z

Adult Fitness - Providing Healthy Choices to the Community

The Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board offers a variety of fitness classes for adults throughout the year. All programs are held at school facilities in Maple Grove. Classes offered include: Pilates, Stability Ball Training, Cardio Kick Fitness, Cardio Boot Camp, Beginning Yoga, Slow Flow Yoga, Tai Chi, Low Impact Aerobics and Strength Training and Toning. Classes that begin mid June are featured in the Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Summer Brochure which can be viewed online at: www.ci.maple-grove.mn.us

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

Garden Volunteers Needed

2008-06-18T22:37:41Z

Reap the benefits of being outside and knowing that you have given back to your community through these special volunteer opportunities.

Calling All Gardeners: Volunteers are needed to assist Colleen Hazen, Gardener for the City of Maple Grove, at the Banquet Garden/ Community Center, West Arbor Lakes Garden and Arboretum. Throughout the summer, volunteers will weed a garden and trim fading flowers at their own convenience (minimum of two hours for one week). Garden tools are available, and training is provided. Please call 763-494-6535 to volunteer.

Explore Our Wonderful Wetlands: Ever wonder what's inside your nearby wetland? Have you wanted to wade in, get your hands wet, and discover the plants and animals that live there? Then we have the opportunity for you. Maple Grove has partnered with Hennepin County Environmental Services to implement the Wetland Health Evaluation Program within our City. Adult volunteers work on a team to study the biological health of Maple Grove wetlands. Training and equipment are provided. Become a citizen biologist! For more information visit http://www. mnwhep.org or contact Mary Karius at 612-596-9129 or mary.karius@ co.hennepin.mn.us

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

Arts Council Offers Arts Classes Open to All!

2008-06-18T22:32:26Z

The Maple Grove Arts Council (MGAC) is offering a program of summer art classes for students of all ages. Students may choose from Saori weaving, poetry, animation, sculpture, and creative photography. Registration information is available on the MGAC website (www.maplegroveartscouncil.org) and also at The Studio at Rush Creek and area schools. The new MGAC Jazz Ensemble is rehearsing and planning public performances. Rehearsals are Monday nights, and new musicians are being auditioned. Anyone interested should contact the director, Paul Mazzacano at ptmano@msn.com or 763-566-5150. More information and Mazzacano's resume are on the MGAC website. KidStock, a children's activity area at The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, will take place on Saturday, July 12. The Council will host its 8th annual Maple Grove Art Fair on Saturday and Sunday, September 20-21, with 80 fine artists coming to The Shoppes. For more information on this nonprofit organization, check the website or e-mail the council at MapleGroveArts@aol.com

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

Farmer's Market Again This Year - Gets Better Every Year!

2008-06-18T22:26:11Z

You'll find much more at the Farmers Market!

Food and fun will be in abundance this season at the Farmers Market. It had kicked off on June 12th when the 2008 outdoor season started at the Community Center.

The Market runs every Thursday (rain or shine) through October 23rd. Hours from June to September are 3 to 7 p.m., and then starting October 2nd hours are 3 to 6 p.m.

More than 50 local vendors have signed on and will be offering their own grown/produced items including produce, flowers, herbs, bedding plants, meat products, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, candies, salsa, jams, jellies, and much more! Come visit with many of the returning favorites as well as some new vendors who are very excited to meet you and share their products. Products and selection vary throughout the season, so I recommend frequent visits!

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

More Maple Grove Days Events

2008-06-18T22:19:29Z

Events Around Maple Grove*

Thursday, July 10 Pierre Bottineau Parade - Parade begins with political units at 6 p.m., followed by the rest of the Parade at 6:30 p.m., along 89th Avenue from Zachary to Elm Creek Boulevard Tennis Tournament - Maple Grove Senior High tennis courts Friday,

July 11 Junior Golf Tournament - French Lake Golf Course Tennis Tournament - MG Senior High Tennis Courts Adult Golf Tournament - Sundance Golf Ambassador Steak Fry - Osseo Maple Grove American Legion Maple Grove Ambassador Coronation - MG Senior High School Gala in the Grove - Osseo Maple Grove American Legion Saturday,

July 12 Rice Lake Classic 3.7 Mile Run - Freedom Field Fishing Clinic - Weaver Lake Art Fair - Main Street Sunday,

July 13 Garden Tour Art Fair - Main Street

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

Maple Grove Days Events

2008-06-18T22:16:12Z

Events at Maple Grove Community Center *

Thursday, July 10 Farmers Market

Friday, July 11 Teen Sports Marathon Children's Parade & Activities Seniors Bridge Tournament

Saturday, July 12 Lions Corn Roast & Other Fair Foods Battle of the Bands Free Kids Events, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo & Inflatable Rides, Classic Car Show, Big Truck Show, Business Expo, Senior Pie Shop, Bingo & Much More...

Saturday Entertainment, July 12 Radio Disney, Children's Performers & Live Bands All Day:

Duct tape fashion show

Battle of the Bands Street Dance - The Dweebs performing;

Fireworks

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

2008-06-18T22:10:30Z

The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes again host a Summer Concert Series

Thursdays, July 10 - August 21 Enjoy live performances from some of the Twin Cities' best vocal and instrumental talents. Bring your lawn chair or a blanket! Shows are appropriate for all ages. 2008 Concert Schedule* Concerts are held from 6:00-8:00 pm

July 10: Tim Mahoney (alternative-pop rock)

July 17: Dazy Head Mazy (pop, rock)

July 24: Backtrack (semisonic vocal rock)

July 31: Boyd Lee and Joe Cruz (folk, pop, rock & bluegrass)

Aug. 7: Aimee Fischer (rock, blues)

Aug. 14: Mick Sterling (rock, R&B)

Aug. 21: Bella Diva (pop, R&B, disco, rock, jazz)

See you there!

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

Maple Grove Busienss Expo is Coming! July 12th

2008-06-08T13:28:32Z

The Business Expo is held during Maple Grove Days. It provides a great opportunity for businesses large to small to mke themselves known to the community. The Expo has attended by over 6,000 people, and the 2008 event will take place on Saturday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. inside the Maple Grove Community Center. Vendor information and application to participate are available at: http://WWW.MAPLEGROVEDAYS.COM or by calling: 763-420-5745.

Get the Summer 2008 Newsletter Maple Grove Days "It's A Classic"

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

Farmer's Market Opens Soon

2008-05-25T19:15:42Z

Make sure not to miss the 2008 Maple Grove Farmers Market. The season opens on June 12th and runs every Thursday (rain or shine) from 3 to 7 p.m. through October 23rd. There's plenty of free parking and easy access to the Market site located in the Maple Grove Community Center parking lot.

You will also find:

• More than 50 vendors offering their own grown/produced items including produce, flowers, herbs, bedding plants, meat products, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, candies, salsa, jams, jellies, and much more!

• Items are brought fresh every week.

• Product availability and selection varies throughout the season, so visit often!

Visit www.maplegrovefarmersmarket.com for all the details, events listing and sign up to receive Farmers Market e-mail updates on what's in season, vendor info, and much more! No e-mail, no problem - just call 763-494-6002 with your mailing address. 2008 is your year to get "Good Food from Great People" at theFarmers Market! The CALICO BARN is Open Seasonally

March 5th - April 13th & September 3rd - December 14th

All Handcrafted Seasonal, Decorative and Holiday Items.
Since: 1977

116 County Rd. 81 • Osseo • ph #763.420.2754

Hours: Wed. Thurs. Fri. & Sat. 10-5 Sun. 11-5
Come find quilts, clothing, wood, antiques, jewelry, dolls, floral & much more!

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

Discover Hometown Health

2008-05-25T19:07:58Z

Discover Hometown Health is about fi nding new ways to get active and learn more about current health topics. It is about you and your family making healthy lifestyle choices. Most of all it is about having fun and enjoying life. Discover Hometown Health is presented in partnership with the Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board and North Memorial.

Motivation to Get Moving

Have you been hibernating all winter long from the cold and snow andlooking for some motivation to get out and get moving again? Maybe a change in attitude would help get you going. Try a shift in thought from, "I hate to exercise" to "I love seeing and hearing the sounds of spring." Put on your shoes and walk to the neighborhood park to listen for the sounds of robins building their nests or see if you can see a peek of a tulip or daffodil. Laughing children, fresh air and sunlight all can lighten the mood. Before you know it, you have walked a block or two or even a mile, relaxed a little and exercised without even knowing it.

Would a new route be the inspiration to dust off the tennis shoes? Stop by the Community Center and pick up a new parks and trail map. This map has 13 routes identifi ed throughout the City; some shorter routes around 1 mile and some longer routes between 2.5 miles and 5 miles. Sometimes a change of scenery will get you going again.

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

Why Buy Now?

2008-04-01T21:58:35Z

In this short video, Dave Kosmecki explains why now is the time to buy. This is the best time in many years to buy that new home. Based upon my 27 years of experience, this type of buyer's market only comes around once every ten to fifteen years. Get in now while this opportunity exists.

If you want more information, check out my website at: http://www.americanstar.com

or my You Tube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/1211dave

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

http://wwww.americanstar.com

Mortgage Insurance 101

2008-04-01T21:55:02Z

In this short video, Dave Kosmecki explains the basics on Mortgage Insurance. What is it? Why is it necessary? Who pays for it? Based upon my 27 years of experience, I see so much confusion about mortgage insurance. I also see people doing everything possible to avoid it. Mortgage insurance now being tax deductible does not have to be feared.

Check out my website at:

My You Tube channel at:

http://www.youtube.com/1211dave.

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

What is an REO?

2008-04-01T21:50:22Z

In this video, Dave Kosmecki explains what an "REO" is. He describes the advantages and disadvantages to purchasing an REO. REO or bank owned property can be a real value but buyer beware! When you consider this type of purchase, be sure to get expert advice on condition. Based upon my 27 years of experience, I consider this type of property a real value BUT that does not mean it is the correct option for every buyer.

When you have more questions,

visit my website at: http://www.americanstar.com

or my YouTube Channel at: http://www.youtube.com/1211dave

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

Closing Costs and No Cost Loans Explained

2008-04-01T21:43:50Z

In this short video, I explain the confusion about "NO COST LOANS". All mortgages have closing costs. The "no cost" option really refers to who pays the closing costs. No Cost Loans can be a "good deal" in some cases. In other cases, it's a bad deal. The question that determines what's right for you is How Long Will I Keep This Mortgage?

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

http://www.americanstar.com

Maple Grove Wellness Program Wins Awards

2007-10-14T16:57:16Z

Maple Grove's Fit For Life Wellness Program won the "Corporate Achievement in Health Care Award," presented by Twin Cities Business and Medica in their joint effort to present Minnesota's first annual "Health Care Heroes" awards. These awards recognize and honor organizations and individuals whose efforts advance the quality and enhance the value of health care in their community and beyond. As an award winner, we were also featured in a special supplement in the June 2007 issue of Twin Cities Business, and there was a breakfast event to honor the City and seven other recipients who received awards in various categories. These awards were judged by a panel of health care professionals and community leaders.

The Fit For Life Wellness Program also won the 2007 Hennepin County "Wellness by Design Award" at the "Gold" level. The program was among a select group honored for promoting safe and healthy lifestyles among employees and serving as a model for others in the county and elsewhere. Maple Grove was also selected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is the lead federal agency spearheading national efforts to identify and disseminate information about model worksite health promotion programs, to participate in their new SWAT project - for Swift Worksite Assessment and Translation. The City's worksite was one of only nine selected from across the United States, and we were identified by a panel of experts as having an innovative worksite health promotion program that shows promise in helping employees maintain or attain a healthy weight and that could serve as a national benchmark.

Through the City's partnership with the CDC a "Worksite Health Promotion" video is being produced which essentially tells the story and captures the essence of the City's wellness program and promotes emerging best practices that can be shared with others. The video will be available on the CDC's website and will serve as a foundational activity to build from and share with others and will also be shared at various related conferences around the country. The Fit For Life Program is one of the many facets that contributed to the City of Maple Grove being named a Governor's Fit City. The City's program has been in place for over 16 years, and has evolved into a year-round endeavor. Employee wellness programs continue to receive increasing attention throughout the country and business community. Maple Grove is proud to provide a comprehensive program that promotes the health and well being of its employees and their families. It also aims to reduce health care and workers' compensation costs and to improve the quality of participants' lives

David Kosmecki - AmStar Group

Statewide Smoking Ban Starts October 1, 2007

2007-10-05T22:14:18Z

Back in May, Governor Pawlenty signed into law new provisions to the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act. The new provisions go into effect October 1st and prohibit smoking in virtually all indoor public places and indoor places of employment. This includes bars, restaurants, private clubs, retail stores, offices and industrial workplaces. Outdoor smoking is still permitted under the statewide smoking ban, unless local ordinances restrict it, which Maple Grove does not. Smoking is also allowed in private homes and vehicles, hotel and motel rooms, truck cabs, farm vehicles and buildings, locked psychiatric wards, tobacco shops, Indian ceremonies and on stage for actors performing in plays.
Violations will carry fines of up to $300 for smokers and proprietors who knowingly allow smoking at their establishments. Most of the enforcement will fall to proprietors, who will be required to ask patrons to stop smoking and ask them to leave if they don't.
The Minnesota Department of Health has created a website: (www.health.state.mn.us/freedomtobreathe), and it is available to help employers, property owners and others who operate indoor facilities prepare for October 1st when the new provisions go into effect. Minnesota is the 20th state to prohibit smoking in restaurants and bars.

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

Historic Ox Cart Trail

2007-10-05T22:10:00Z

Located at 15310 Territorial Road, the Historic Oxcart Site was built at the original downtown Maple Grove. Territorial Road was once the most traveled road in Minnesota and ran from Fort Snelling to St. Cloud. The site and surrounding area once housed a cheese factory, creamery, general store that was converted from a garage, confectionery, Parker's General Store that at one time was known as Mummah's, and the Great Northern Train Depot. The Historic Oxcart Site sits on land where the cheese factory was once located. The lot needed to be cleared of several old concrete and stone foundations from the factory and garage buildings. It overlooks a dry creek bed from Rush Creek and is surrounded by wildflowers. You can also see one of the groves of maple trees this city was named for, and they are especially striking in the fall.
The Site was dedicated on July 17, 2005 and contains a two-sided kiosk displaying photographs of the building as well as a brief history of Maple Grove. There are pavers around the kiosk from local businesses, older families of Maple Grove as well as newly established households. It is a pretty and interesting location, especially when the flowers are in bloom or when the fall colors are at their peak. When you look over the fence, you get a sense of what the area must have looked like when the original families settled in Maple Grove. The Maple Grove Historical Preservation Society is still selling pavers for families and businesses interested in marking their place in Maple Grove's history.
To visit the Site, travel north on Fernbrook Lane past Maple Grove Senior High School. Follow Fernbrook over County Road 81. The next street is Territorial Road. Take a left onto Territorial Road (heading west). You will pass Rush Creek Cemetery shortly before you reach the site. Please call the Historical Preservation Society at 763-494-5983 to inquire about purchasing a paver or if you have any questions about Maple Grove's history. Interested in joining the Society? The group meets the third Thursday of every month at the Government Center. All are welcome!

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

Walking in Maple Grove to See the Leaves

2007-10-05T22:06:17Z

Celebrate Minnesota's glorious autumn by participating in Three Rivers Park District's 35th Annual "Autumn Hiking Adventures" program which runs from September 1st through October 31st. Enjoy the fall colors with families and friends. Twenty one scenic trails have been designated as official Autumn Hiking Adventures trails, including four "Trails...At Your Pace" trails that feature short distances and rest stops every quarter mile. These are short, gentle trails designed to make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to begin a walking program.

Participants track the trails they have walked and those who hike four or more designated trails become eligible to purchase a commemorative medallion for $3 and enter prize drawings. For a hiking punch card and all the details on the Autumn Hiking Adventures, visit www.threeriversparkdistrict.org/outdoor_ed/AutumnHiking/autumnhiking.cfm or call the Trail Hotline at 763-559-6778

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

Maple Grove has a 2nd Sheet of Hockey Ice on It's Way!

2007-10-05T21:57:56Z

After several years of discussions, presentations and consideration, the expansion of the Community Center ice arena continues to move forward. Here are a few of the highlights:
A survey of the area has been completed and the results have been sent to Ankeny Kell Architects (AKA). The survey allows AKA to begin schematic design.
Maple Grove Parks and Recreation and Engineering staff have met for preliminary discussions regarding the impact the new ice arena will have on pedestrian/vehicle traffic around the outside of the Community Center. The focus of the discussion was studying the pedestrian traffic at the intersection of Grove Drive and Community Center Lane and how to direct pedestrians away from crossing Community Center Lane between the driveways.
At the July 16th City Council meeting, the Maple Grove Senior High School boys and girls hockey teams and boosters were granted the use of the land immediately south and adjacent to the current ice arena for the construction of team rooms. The team rooms will be for varsity teams only but do include design for storage space for the JV team's equipment in the same area. This project is funded entirely by the teams.
Request for Proposals for Construction Management Services have been sent to five local companies. The RFP emphasizes experience in ice arena construction. The proposals were submitted in early August, and as of the writing of this article, City staff is hoping to have a recommendation to present to Council by late August/early September.
The new ice arena will be mainly used during the winter as a hockey practice facility with 250 to 300 seats, team rooms, meeting rooms, office space and an expanded lobby. The rink is being designed with the ability to be a year round ice facility but may not serve in this capacity until demand is indicated.
The Osseo Maple Grove Hockey Association will be the primary user of the new facility and has agreed to contribute 20 percent of the total cost. If all money is in place by the first of the year, construction could be completed by October or November 2008.

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

Maple Grove Angel of Hope

2007-10-05T21:51:21Z

On December 6 at 7:00 p.m. a candlelight memorial will be held at the Angel of Hope statue in Maple Grove. The Angel of Hope is one of many Christmas Box Angels throughout the United States that are replicates of a statue commissioned by Richard Paul Evans, author of The Christmas Box, in response to reports that mourning parents were seeking a place to grieve and heal.
The public is invited to attend this short, simple ceremony. Attendees are invited to bring a white flower to leave at the base of the statue in memory of loved ones. Candles will be provided. The Angel of Hope statue is located in the Maple Grove Arboretum, 9400 Fernbrook Lane.

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

Plans for a Maple Grove Bandshell and a Town Green Plaza

2007-10-05T21:48:19Z

Outdoor concerts, Shakespeare in the Park, summer weddings, tranquil spots for reading and lunch, a stroll through a garden landscape...these are the images of a new town center park. Since the development of the Community Center and Government Center, City visionaries have imagined a unique gathering place for Maple Grove residents and visitors on the land between the two highly visible and very active public centers. The area has become known as the Civic Campus and currently consists of a trail loop around West Arbor Lake, the perennial garden, and Lions Pavilion.
The pending development of a new Hennepin County Library at the edge of the Civic Campus has initiated planning efforts for the development of public amenities along the Main Street side of the lake. Conceptual plans include an outdoor performance bandshell with terraced hillside seating, a Town Green plaza along Main Street, a lakeside promenade to allow visitors down to the water's edge and a beautified walkway linking the Government Center, Library and Community Center.
Over the next few months, schematic design concepts will be developed by landscape architecture consultants and City staff. In September, architects will be retained to create a distinctive design for the performance area and bandshell. Plans will be developed over the winter with construction likely to begin in the summer of 2008 and coincide with the construction of the Library. By the fall of 2009 residents and visitors of Maple Grove will enjoy another fine public amenity in the heart of the community.

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group

Adult Fitness in Maple Grove

2007-10-05T21:42:02Z

The Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Board offers a variety of fitness classes for adults throughout the year. All programs are held at school facilities in Maple Grove. Classes offered include:
Pilates • Stability Ball Training • Cardio Kick Fitness
Cardio Boot Camp • Beginning Yoga • Slow Flow Yoga
Tai Chi • Low Impact Aerobics • Strength Training and Toning.
Classes that begin mid-September are featured in the Maple Grove Parks and Recreation Fall Brochure which has been mailed to all residents and is also available at the Community Center and Government Center. For additional information on these classes, please call Michelle at 763-494-6516.

Dave Kosmecki - AmStar Group