As I write this blog, what fantastic weather we are having.  The trees have such vibrant colored leaves but they are dropping fast.  We are blessed to have such wonderful tree stands in Maple Grove.  Of course we all know what is ahead as it relates to the weather, but some are saying our winter will be like last year — mild.  In a way it is good as I will not have to pull snow off the roof or chop ice out of the gutters, but the flip side is the farmers need the moisture and the ski/snowmobiling lovers need snow.  A mild winter does have quite the ripple affect all over the board.   But the warmth of Maple Grove being selected by CNN Money Magazine as #22 of the top 100 places in America to live will get me through the chilly nights.  Our AAA credit rating (only a very few cities in Minnesota have) and a recent survey of 14 metro cities showing Maple Grove with the second lowest proposed levy of 1.41 % also gives me warmth.

Another warm and wonderful thing is our Farmers Market.  This community gathering place and annual tradition is now in its 9th year.  The Community Center hosts the market in the southwest parking lot every Thursday through October 18th.  While Market hours are regularly 3 to 7 p.m., October market hours are 3 to 6 p.m.  Then starting  November 1st the Farmers Market moves inside the Community Center and can be enjoyed the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of November and December (11/1 & 15 and 12/6 & 20).  A number of communities have looked at Maple Grove as a “role model” for their own farmers market. In fact many Cities look at Maple Grove as a “role model” for a variety of things.

Many thanks to the senior pickle ball players for showing their skills to the City Council and I on a recent tour of City Parks.  Such a devoted and energetic group!  We all were very impressed.

On Sunday, October 7, beginning at 3:30 at our Community Center is a benefit to help injured Police Officer Mike Helman.  Officer Mike is a dedicated officer who was assaulted while on a Police call last year, and he is working hard to return to the force.  I encourage people to stop at the Community Center for some fun activities as well as a meal.  I have no doubt Mike will be back on duty in the near future.  As the saying goes, “Can’t keep a good man down”.

My very best to all our wonderful residents and businesses.

Al Madsen, City Administrator