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Permit No.3932
Edina, MN
AboutTown Magazine
City of Edina
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
SPRING•2001
About Town
Official Magazine of the City of Edina
City To Say
Thanks At
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7•SPRING 2001
Like the property deeds used in Country Club, the
White Oaks deeds had stringent restrictions. (The
Village Council actually suggested that property
restrictions in White Oaks should be similar to Country
Club’s.) There were provisions requiring that all houses
be architect-designed and that siting of homes be
approved by the neighborhood association. There were
fewer bizarre restrictions than were found in the some
of the Country Club deeds, though.
The “Battle of Bridge Lane”
Even before Ecklund presented his pencil sketch
indicating how he proposed to develop White Oaks, a
series of petitions and requests were made to the Edina
Village Council in 1936 and 1937 by hostile Country
Club residents, who opposed extension of Country
Club’s Bridge Street into White Oaks. This was the
beginning of what came to be known as the “Battle of
Bridge Lane.”
In a recent interview with Connor Schmid, resident
historian of White Oaks, Catherine Ecklund recalled
vivid memories of a Country Club resident who “stood
with a shotgun” at the east end of Bridge Street to bar
trucks attempting to deliver construction materials to
the first houses being built on Bridge Lane in White
Oaks. Eventually, an agreement allowing limited,
temporary access for vehicles was reached, but only
for construction on Bridge Lane. Even today, there is
only a narrow walkway – much too narrow for
automobiles – connecting Bridge Street and
Bridge Lane.
Approval of access to White Oaks from France and 48th was
also slow in coming, possibly as late as 1940. Access from
Sunnyside was not approved until sometime after 1942.
First Homes Built in 1937
Home construction in White Oaks began with a
modest 17-lot plat on the area’s most level land.
The first White Oaks home was built for Robert
and Doris MacPhail at No. 2 Bridge Lane in 1937.
Doris MacPhail gave piano lessons in their home
to many of the White Oaks children.
By Joe Sullivan, Freelance
writer and Edina resident
Inconspicuously located between
the eastern edge of Edina’s Country
Club District and France Avenue
and between West 46th and West
48th streets is the small but
distinctive neighborhood called
White Oaks. The area has only
three entrances – at 47th Street, 48th Street and Sunnyside
Road – and each one is marked by a discreet sign so small
that even people who pass by every day rarely notice them.
Roberta (Bobbi) Laird, lived in White Oaks as a child. Years
after marrying and moving away, she returned and bought
the family home. She says that first-time visitors to White
Oaks have told her, “We didn’t even know this place existed.”
That’s pretty much the way White Oaks residents like it.
Topographically, White Oaks is quite different from
its larger Country Club neighbor, but the two adjacent
developments had similar beginnings. Both were carved
out of the 120-acre farm owned by Edina pioneers George
and Sarah Baird. But, in contrast to Country Club’s pool-
table-flatness and maple trees, White Oaks is hilly, covered
with oak trees and dotted with wetlands.
White Oaks Was Part of ‘Baird’s Pasture’
Catherine Ecklund, widow of White Oaks developer
J. Frank Ecklund, has said that Samuel Thorpe, who
developed Country Club in the 1920s and 1930s, could
have extended his project to include the northeast 40
acres of the Baird farm that are now White Oaks. He
apparently decided to pass on it because of the expense
of what Ms. Ecklund described as “leveling the hills and
filling the swamps.”
Way back in 1856, Pennsylvania immigrant George
W. Baird purchased from pioneer homesteader Daniel
Felton three 40-acre tracts located north of what is now
West 50th Street and east of today’s Wooddale Avenue.
Baird quickly became one of the most prominent farmers
in the tiny Edina Mills community that was clustered
around a grain mill, built in 1857 on Minnehaha Creek
where it crosses today’s 50th Street. Baird was an
innovative livestock farmer who brought the first Merino
sheep into the state. He also raised Hackney horses, which
he bred for ordinary riding and pulling buggies or carts,
and Holstein cattle.
Bairds’ Mansion Is On National Register
of Historic Places
The Bairds began construction of a magnificent Victorian
brick mansion at 4400 W. 50th St. in 1886.
By 1936, 14 years after the western 80 acres of the Baird
farm were sold to Sam Thorpe for his Country Club
development, the heirs of George and Sarah Baird decided
to sell what remained of the family’s farm. Later that year,
the last 40 acres were sold to developer J. Frank Ecklund, a
long-time employee of Sears Roebuck & Co. who dabbled in
real estate on the side. He had a vision of a high-end
residential area that he would call White Oaks.
6•SPRING 2001
White Oaks – One Of Edina’s
Best-Kept Secrets – Once Known
As ‘Baird’s Pasture’
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In their “History and Architecture of Edina, Minnesota,” William W.
Scott, A.I.A., and Jeffrey A. Hess wrote, “The Baird mansion reflected
[the Baird’s] station in the community. The building was
unquestionably the most imposingresidence in 19th-century Edina.”
The red brick house was built in 1886 at a then-impressive cost of
$8,500. The house is currently the home of Jack and Marilyn Curtis.
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The MacPhail’s daughter, Mary (MacPhail) Taylor,
remembers being admonished when she was only three
years old to “stay away from the construction” at the
other end of Bridge Lane where White Oaks’ second
house was being built for
the Ecklunds.
Catherine Ecklund was very
active in her husband’s
development business.
Connor Schmid reported
that “She kept the books
and monitored construction
in the development from
their old yellow Cadillac.”
Born in the South, she was
a member of the Townes
family and was said to be
very well-educated. (Two of
White Oaks’ main streets,
Townes Road and Townes
Circle, are named for
her family.)
Two 60-Year Residents
Live in White Oaks
Helen Craddick and Mary
Sampson have both lived in
White Oaks for 60 years –
longer than anyone else.
Sampson still lives in the
first house built on Townes
Road. She and her late husband Leonard built it in 1939.
She recently found part of an old fence in her back yard
that is thought to be some of the fencing that once
surrounded farmer Baird’s pasture.
Craddick, the other “longest” resident of White Oaks,
has also lived in her home on White Oaks Road since
1939. Her original neighbors were mostly physicians,
including Erling Platou, Jay Davis, Ernie Meland and
Robert Caron. “The area we lived in was called ‘Pill
Hill,’” she recalled recently. “It was really convenient
whenever we had a medical emergency in the
neighborhood.”
9•SPRING 20018•SPRING 2001
One such emergency
occurred on the long, steep
front lawn of Craddick’s
house. Mary Sampson’s
daughter Judy (Sampson)
Johnson has a childhood
recollection of riding double
on a toboggan that was
heading toward a clump of
evergreen trees at the
bottom of that hill. She
rolled off in time, but her
partner, neighbor Susan
Platou, stayed on. “For some
reason, she put her arms out
as she went into the trees
and broke both of them,”
Johnson said. Fortunately,
her father, Dr. Platou, was
close by and was able to
treat her immediately.
Live-in schoolgirl maids, who attended school during the
day and minded the children after school, were not
uncommon in the larger White Oaks houses built in the
early years. Mary Sampson remembers a doorbell under
her place at the dining room table that was used to
summon their schoolgirl maid, who also prepared and
served the evening meal and cleared the table after dinner.
The Ecklunds Left a Lasting Legacy
In the early 1940s, the Ecklunds did three things that
left a lasting legacy and contributed to a continuing
feeling of belonging and camaraderie among past and
present White Oaks residents:
• They encouraged formation of the voluntary,
non-profit, resident-based White Oaks Improvement
Association, Inc. (WOIA) to keep residents informed,
air concerns and promote neighborhood action.
• They deeded to the WOIA a centrally-located,
3.5-acre “meadow” to be maintained in its original
state as open park space.
•They also deeded to the Village of Edina a major
portion of the 1.5-acre “marsh” near today’s
Sunnyside entrance to White Oaks and stipulated
that it be kept in a natural state for ponding purposes.
This is the narrow pedestrian
walkway that still exists between
Country Club’s Bridge Street
and White Oaks’ Bridge Lane. It
was the focal point of the 1936-37
“Battle of Bridge Lane.” Strong
objections of Country Club
residents to permitting access
between the two neighborhoods
resulted in the Village Council’s
denial of a White Oaks request
for extension of Bridge Street
into White Oaks.
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Pictured as they relaxed on a Florida boat ride are White Oaks
residents (from left) Leonard Sampson, Mary Sampson, Ophelia
Patterson, Harvey Patterson, Catherine Ecklund, J. Frank Ecklund
(White Oaks developer) and John Schimer.
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Doris MacPhail was an
accomplished gardener. Her
flower garden on the corner of
their lot on Bridge Lane was
filled with beautiful flowers
that were enjoyed and admired
by neighbors and passersby in
spring, summer and fall.
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Pictured as they attended last fall’s White Oaks Improvement
Association picnic on White Oaks Road are (seated from left) Helen
Craddick and Mary Sampson, the two residents who have lived in
White Oaks the longest, and their children.Standing behind them
Allan Burdick (left) and Judy (Sampson) Johnson, who both grew
up in White Oaks.
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amount was matched by the City and the marsh area was
purchased from the developer by the City.
It was a significant demonstration of the high level of
community spirit that still exists in White Oaks. And, judging
from the significant number of contributions received from
Country Club residents, it was also a strong indication that
“The Battle of Bridge Lane” was over.
Other Former White Oaks
Residents Have Fond
Memories of the Marsh
and the Meadow
Judy (Sampson) Johnson also
remembers playing in the
White Oaks meadow and
marsh. “There was a great
climbing tree that grew on the
edge of the meadow,” she said.
“And the marsh was a great
place to play cowboys and
Indians.” She also has
memories of evening games in
the circle on White Oaks Road
including “Kick the Can,”
“Starlight/Moonlight” and a
game they called “Spud.”
Margaret (Schimer) Clark
recalled in a recent interview,
“During World War II we played
with wooden guns in the marsh
offSunnyside. We dug foxholes and threw peatballs at each
other.” They also made wooden “Army dogtags” for
themselves. Margaret even had her own WAC (Women’s Army
Corps) uniform that her dad had brought her from New York.
Many of Margaret’s friends at Wooddale were in the
class that was a year behind me at Southwest High
School. In 1949, after their junior year, they departed
for the new Edina Morningside High School on Highway
100, where they were in the first graduating class.
Today, White Oaks remains a highly desirable, sought-
after, secluded conclave of wooded hills, scenic nature
preserves and lovely homes of all shapes and sizes.
Background material and photographs for this article
came from the archival collection of the Edina Historical
Society; the memories and family photo albums of Mary
(MacPhail) Taylor and Margaret (Schimer) Clark; the
personal recollections of Connor Schmid, Helen Craddick,
Mary Sampson, Judy (Sampson) Johnson and Bobbi
(Caron) Laird; and the following publications: “The
History of Edina, Minnesota” by Paul D. Hesterman;
“History and Architecture of Edina, Minnesota” by William
W. Scott. A.I.A, and Jeffrey A. Hess; “Edina – As Surveyed
by the Edina League of Women Voters;” and the
Minneapolis Journal.
The meadow is the focal point of the Ecklund’s original
plan for White Oaks. According to Mary (MacPhail)
Taylor, it was the site of innumerable games of touch
football and at least one wedding. She also remembers
frequent appearances by a certain red fox that inhabited
the meadow and the marsh.
The WOIA also reviewed proposed building plans to
ensure that they fit with the Ecklund’s initial vision for
the area. Other WOIA-supported services that promote
neighborhood pride and safety include a tree care
program and participation in Edina’s Neighborhood
Watch program.
‘Save the Marsh’ Drive United Residents
In 1989, a variance application was posted for a house
to be built on a portion of the wooded wetland still
affectionately called “the marsh” by White Oakers. This
is the area that had been designated as a ponding area
and nature preserve in 1940 by the Ecklunds. However,
one lot, next to the “ponding area” owned by the Village,
had been informally transferred to a nearby resident “to
be held in perpetuity as a bird sanctuary.”
Largely because of opposition by residents, nearby neighbors
and the WOIA, the variance was denied. The City Council
offered to match a sum of up to $20,000, to be raised by WOIA
members, to purchase the lot for preservation as a natural
area. In a successful “Save the Marsh” campaign, the $20,000
was raised through large and small contributions from
residents of White Oaks and surrounding neighborhoods. This
10•SPRING 2001 11•SPRING 2001
The first house built on Townes Circle, shown here when it was under
construction in 1939, was the Rupert Quinn home. The Quinn’s
daughter Terry (Quinn) Wright still lives in Edina.
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The WOIA holds several annual events including a fall picnic, a
winter holiday season gathering and a spring meeting to conduct
business and welcome new members. These meetings are well-attended
by residents, former residents and their families. Pictured here enjoying
a 1957 White Oaks Carnival are (left to right) Bob Michelson, Marie
Olsen, Mary Elizabeth Carr, Allan Burdick, Sr., Ann Michelson, Dr.
Jay Davis, Helen Burdick (nee Craddick), Dr. Erling Platou, Marcella
Davis, Bob Olsen and Helen Platou.
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Mary (MacPhail) Taylor and
Margaret (Schimer) Clark
were members of a group of 10
boys and girls who biked to
Wooddale School together every
day. Margaret lived the farthest
away so she would start out on
her own and then pick up Mary
and the others along the way. At
noon they would all bike home
together for lunch.
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13•SPRING 2001
lawn on odd-numbered dates – May 1, 3, 5 and so on.
If the weather becomes exceptionally dry for an extended
period of time, additional water restrictions might be put
into place. However, because residents have faithfully
observed the odd-even sprinkling policy, the City has had
very few water emergencies in the past.
Information: Public Works Coordinator Steve Johnson,
952-826-0301.
Garage Sales
Garage or yard sales are a great way to clean out your
house, meet your neighbors and make some extra money.
If you plan to have a sale at your home this year, please be
aware of the following rules.
• You may conduct only one sale per year at your home,
lasting no more than 72 consecutive hours.
• Items offered for sale must be owned by the owner of
the premises or by friends of the owner.
• Items offered for sale must not have been bought for
resale or received on consignment for the purpose
of resale.
• Signs may be erected on the premises where the sale is
taking place. No off-site signs are allowed.
• No signs may be posted on the road right-of-way (the
City-owned property 15 feet in from residential curbs)
or on utility poles.
Information: Associate Planner Joyce Repya, 952-826-0462.
12•SPRING 2001
It’s Not Only Neighborly …
It’s The Law
Mowing
Regular mowing with a sharp blade at the proper mower
height keeps grass growing vigorously so it covers the soil
surface. For most lawn areas, mowing at a height of two to
three inches provides a good quality turf. This height
screens out light to the soil surface, providing some weed
control by preventing the establishment of weed seeds such
as crabgrass that need light to germinate. Please observe
the following mowing heights for a healthy and better-
looking lawn.
• Kentucky bluegrass: Common or public varieties such
as South Dakota Common, Park, S-21, Argyle, Kenblue,
2-3 inches; Improved varieties included in most sod
beds, 11/2 -21/2 inches.
• Fine fescue grasses: 11/2 -3 inches.
• Perennial ryegrass: 11/2 -21/2 inches.
• Bluegrass/fine fescue mix: 11/2 -21/2 inches.
• Bluegrass/perennial ryegrass mix: 11/2 -21/2 inches.
Information: Park Superintendent Vince Cockriel,
952-826-0305.
Grass Clippings
Keep grass clippings out of the street to help prevent
clogging the storm sewer, which can lead to water runoff,
backups and flooding. Clippings in the street can become
slippery and cause motor vehicle accidents. In addition,
the clippings can cause mechanical problems for Edina’s
street sweepers.
Please help your neighborhood remain safe and free of
flooding by bagging or composting your yard waste or
returning grass clippings to lawn areas whenever possible.
Clippings do not contribute significantly to thatch build-up
and are a valuable organic source of nutrients, especially
nitrogen. Under City law, it is illegal to rake or blow yard
waste into the streets.
Information: Public Works Coordinator Steve Johnson,
952-826-0301.
Tree Brush
During spring’s first storm, many tree branches and twigs
fall to the ground. Such brush must be hauled away.
However, the City does not pick up brush left at the
curbside. Residents should contact a private contractor or
refuse hauler for removal or dispose of the brush at the
county tree dump.
Information: Park Superintendent Vince Cockriel,
952-826-0305.
Lawn Watering
Spring rainfall can be unpredictable. In order to ensure an
adequate water supply for late summer, Edina’s odd-even
sprinkling policy goes into effect May 1 and continues
through August.
Homes with even-numbered addresses may water their
lawns on even-numbered dates of the week. Homes with
odd-numbered addresses may water on odd-numbered dates.
So, the family living at 5225 Meadow Ridge could water their
No matter what you’re looking for in spirits, chances are any of
your three Edina Municipal Liquor Stores can help you.
Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will be happy to guide you
through our world class selection to find just what you want.
And while our products come from all over the globe, our profits
stay right here in Edina, keeping our parks clean, our roads
smooth and our taxes low. Truly the best of both worlds.
Think Globally.
Buy Locally.
Practice Moderation In Excess.
Edina’s Municipal Liquor Stores
Grandview (near Jerry’s Foods) • Southdale (next to Cub)
• 50th & France (next to Lunds)
EDINA LIQUOR
14•SPRING 2001
Connecting families and individuals to community
services and supports is nothing new for the Program
Coordinator of FamiLink – Edina.
With an extensive background in human resources,
Valerie Burke began work late last year as the local
coordinator, succeeding Sandra Stevenson who left the
position in October 2000. Before joining FamiLink,
Burke worked as Youth and Family Services
Coordinator for St. Louis Park schools, and preceding
that position, Youth and Family
Program Coordinator for Richfield
schools. She holds bachelor’s degrees
in business and psychology from the
University of Minnesota and a
master’s degree in educational
leadership from the University of
St. Thomas.
“FamiLink is a natural fit for me – my
whole personal and professional life
has been about strengthening
families,” said Burke, a long-time
Edina resident, wife and mother of
three. “I have always enjoyed finding
the common threads of two groups
and finding ways to put them together.”
FamiLink – Edina was established
more than three years ago as one of
four community resource centers in
southern Hennepin County.
The centers in Edina, Bloomington, Eden Prairie and
Richfield were given the name FamiLink in June 1998, to
better reflect their services. FamiLink offers services
and supports in many areas, including employment,
education, housing, child care, transportation,
counseling and legal assistance. Recently, the majority
of the local center’s calls relate to housing and child
care needs and adolescent issues, but new residents of
the City will find the resources they need to get
connected in the community. The FamiLink atmosphere
is one of support, and all calls are
confidential.
Burke is responsible for supervising
and managing the center’s staff
comprised of an administrative
assistant and six intake counselors,
planning and marketing. She sees the
biggest part of her job as marketing
and communication.
“The thrust of my job is to go out and
make people understand that
FamiLink is here for them. I want this
to be the first place people think to
call when they have a question or a
need for assistance,” Burke said.
“The concept is really quite simple: if
you have a need, call us and you’ll
find a friendly person on the other
line who will research the matter and
get back to you.”
Valerie Burke Begins Work As New
FamiLink Coordinator
15•SPRING 2001
Burke would also like to
focus on outreach. “We
need to make it easier
for people to get the
information they desire.
Edina is a community of
educated people that
wants information. Our
job is to get it to them
the easiest way possible,”
she said. “In the future, I
can see myself or another
staff member spending
time at places [such as]
the Edina Senior Center
to answer questions or
assist in some way.”
Outside of work, Burke is extremely active in the
community, serving as the current co-chairwoman
of the Edina Public Schools Parent-Teacher-Student
Organization Council and member of the Edina
Community Education Services Board. She is past
co-chairwoman of the Normandale Elementary
Parent Organization and the Edina Education Fund
Board of Directors.
For more information on FamiLink – Edina, call
952-928-0444. The center is open Mondays, Tuesdays,
Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and
Thursdays 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The center is located in the
Edina Community Center, 5701 Normandale Road.
Valerie Burke began work late last year as
Program Coordinator of FamiLink – Edina.
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MN Relay 1-800-627-3529
952-928-0444
FamiLink Coordinator Valerie Burke
and staff member Lana Davis discuss
a new marketing campaign for the
local center.
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Since 1896
7705 Bush Lake Road
EDINA
(952) 941-8601Wwww.northwesternmarble.com
FAX 952-941-0994
Visit our new state of the art facility
in Edina beginning 2001
17•SPRING 2001
Council, will host the party. Winners of another unit
competition, one in which all parade entries are judged, will
receive ribbons.
To get more of the community’s youth involved in the
Independence Day celebration and generate excitement for
the parade, the Committee also plans to have a window-
decorating contest. Local businesses will be asked to
“donate” a storefront window for the weeks prior to the
parade. Participating youth groups will be allowed to
window paint a patriotic scene on the window using the
“Star Spangled Odyssey” theme. All windows will be
photographed. The photographs will be posted on the
Committee’s website, www.edinaparade.org, for the
community to judge. The artists of the winning window will
be given a cash prize.
“We want the community to be involved as much as
possible,” said Jung, emphasizing that the parade is a
community event. “We are also trying to bring in more
entertainment than in previous years. We want this parade
to be as fun to watch as it is to be in.”
The Committee
is currently
seeking
sponsorships for
the 2001 parade.
Three sponsorship
levels are
available: bronze,
$250; silver, $500
and gold, $1,000
or more.
Businesses or
organizations that would like to provide a tax-exempt cash
sponsorship or storefront window for decorating should
contact Miller, 952-826-0433, prior to May 1.
Parade entry applications are due May 15, and can be
obtained by visiting the Committee’s website,
www.edinaparade.org, or through the City’s Park and
Recreation Department, 4801 W. 50th St.
For more information on the parade, contact Adaptive
Recreation Supervisor Susie Miller, 952-826-0433.
16•SPRING 2001
As a young girl in Texas, Laurie Jung often spent
Independence Day at her grandmother’s house in Hill
Country. The day was one of much excitement, filled with
fun, food and fireworks – a true celebration of what it
means to be an American.
“Since I was a girl, the Fourth of July has been my favorite
holiday,” said Jung one recent day as she sat in a
comfortable office chair, recalling her childhood memories
of Independence Day. “I always feel patriotic on the Fourth.
It’s fun to celebrate being an American.”
Jung’s passion for the holiday makes her a natural fit for
her role as chairwoman of the City’s Fourth of July Parade
Planning Committee. A
10-year resident of the
City, Jung got involved
with the parade three
years ago as a member
of the League of Women
Voters – Edina. Last
year, the psychologist
was named chairwoman
of the group, organizing
the most successful
parade in recent history.
“Last year’s parade was
a lot of fun. I think the
Committee was able to
make the parade bigger
and better than those in
previous years because of the way we work together,” she
said. “Everyone involved wanted to make the parade a
memorable event.”
The 2000 parade featured nearly 70 units and was started
by a young boy who won a community essay contest, “Why
I Should Be the Kid to Start the Parade.” Other highlights
of the hour-long parade were an Honor Guard comprised of
veterans from World War II and the Korean and Vietnam
wars, paid entertainment such as Minnesota Pipes and
Drums and Chicks on Sticks and a unit competition.
Adaptive Recreation Supervisor Susie Miller, who serves as
staff liaison to the Committee, credits Jung with much of
the success of last year’s parade. “Laurie is the driving
force behind the Committee, an excellent leader,” she said.
“With Laurie’s leadership, the Committee has been able to
improve the parade from year to year.”
The Parade Planning Committee has been busy for several
months working on the 2001 parade. Besides Jung, the
volunteer Committee is made up of Susan Covnick, Scott
Crosbie, Warren Hite, Baba Honmyhr, Karen Knudsen,
Harold Liljenquist, Meg Martin, Deb Monchamp, Lauren
O’Connor, Jeff Shlosberg and Steve Stroh.
The theme of the sixth-annual parade is “A Star Spangled
Odyssey.” To encourage more participation in the parade
from residents, the Committee is sponsoring a
neighborhood unit contest. The neighborhood group with
the best parade entry will win a party sponsored by the
City. Several City officials, including members of the City
Red,White And Blue Are Volunteer
Laurie Jung’s True Colors
Edina volunteer Laurie Jung leads a
recent meeting of the Edina Fourth of
July Parade Planning Committee.
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The 2001 Parade Planning Committee includes front, from left: Meg
Martin, Laurie Jung, Deb Monchamp, Baba Honmyhr and Warren
Hite; and back: Karen Knudsen, Staff Liaison Susie Miller, Scott
Crosbie, Harold Liljenquist and Jeff Shlosberg.
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19•SPRING 200118•SPRING 2001
he said. “Our goal is to minimize the risk of our City’s
children as they travel in their family vehicles by educating
parents on the correct methods of safety seat installation.”
The biweekly program began in January. The Child
Passenger Safety Program is offered Friday mornings by
appointment only at Fire Station 2, 7335 York Ave. S.
To make an appointment, call 952-826-0329.
For more information, call Training and Safety Officer Tom
Schmitz, 952-826-0329, or visit the Buckle Up Kids website,
www.buckleupkids.state.mn.us.
National statistics show that four out of every five children’s
car seats are used improperly. Because of local firefighters’
commitment to keeping children safe, the Edina Fire
Department has teamed up with North Memorial Medical
Center -- Emergency and Trauma Services to offer child
safety seat inspections.
Four paramedics/firefighters trained through the
Department of Public Safety as child passenger safety
(CPS) practitioners and North Memorial Injury Prevention
Specialist Ann Strong, a nationally certified CPS technician
instructor, conduct the 30- or 40-minute inspections on a
biweekly basis. Supervised by Strong, the practitioners
check seats with children in them as appointments arrive,
checking to make sure the seat is the correct size for each
child, positioned properly and buckled securely into the
vehicle. Then, the seat is removed from the vehicle and
examined thoroughly. Practitioners make sure parents can
reinstall the seats properly. Every child leaves the Fire
Station safely harnessed.
“This program is really about educating parents – the
inspections are learning experiences,” said Training and
Safety Officer Tom Schmitz, who serves as coordinator of
the local program. “Questions we will help answer include:
When can I turn my baby’s car seat around to face forward?
Why doesn’t my car seat stay tight in the car? Has my child’s
car seat been recalled? My child can climb out of the car
seat – what can I do?”
Schmitz points out that good intentions aren’t always
enough. According to the Minnesota Safety Council, car
seat clinics in Minnesota have typically found errors in the
installation and use of more than 80 percent of child car seats.
The most common problems are:
• Safety belt not holding seat in tightly.
• Harness straps not snug.
• Harness retainer clip not at armpit level.
It is the Fire
Department’s goal to
make the program
self-sufficient during
2001. If one of the local
CPS practitioners
receives additional
training, North
Memorial will no longer
need to provide a
technician or “senior
checker.” Schmitz
would also like to see
more paramedics/
firefighters receive
training to work as
practitioners.
“Statistics show that
motor vehicle crashes
are the leading cause
of death and injury to
people ages 1 to 64,”
Edina Fire Department,North
Memorial Medical Center Team Up
To Keep Kids Safe
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Child seat inspector Michelle
Rudnitski inspects a car seat with a
child in it after parents arrive for an
inspection through the Edina Fire
Department.
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Technician Rodger Coppa, an employeeof North Memorial Medical
Center assisting the Edina Fire Department, examines a child
safety seat while educating expectant parents Steve and Amy Wehr.
3918 W. 491/2 Street • Edina • MN • 55424
Clinic Hours:Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Main Phone: (952) 915-8100
Internal Medicine & Geriatrics:Laurel Laden, M.D.
David Pautz, M.D., F.A.C.P.
Lou Roxanne Salet, M.D.
Patricia Sias, M.D., M.S.
Obstetrics & Gynecology:Sharon Kshettry, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
Orthopedics:Tilok Ghose, M.D.
Peggy Naas, M.D.
Dermatology:John Stansbury, M.D.
Bone density testing available
New Patients Always Welcome!!!
21•SPRING 200120•SPRING 2001
Volunteer organizations help provide a diverse level of
activities and better quality of life in a community. In
Edina, nearly 70 community organizations add to the
beauty, culture and recreational opportunities that bring
so many new residents and visitors to the City.
Each year, the City sets aside an evening to focus on
the efforts of its service clubs and recognize the
individuals who have devoted time and energy
to better the community. As part of Edina’s
Annual Volunteer Recognition Reception,
many volunteers will be recognized
Tuesday, April 24, at Edinborough Park.
At the reception, each organization will
be given the opportunity to recognize its
own exemplary volunteers in a public
setting. More than 25 community
organizations are expected to participate in
this year’s event. In addition, Mayor Dennis
Maetzold will announce this year’s recipients of
four Mayor’s Commendation Awards. The categories are:
Mayor’s Service Club Commendation
Awarded to a club or organization that has made
outstanding contributions to the community through its
regular activities or through special projects.
The Edina Parent Communication Network, which has
given countless hours of service to create and provide
excellent education programs for children in grades K-12
since 1987, was last year’s recipient.
Mayor’s Community Involvement Commendation
Awarded to a City employee for outstanding volunteer
service to the community, above and beyond his or her
position with the City.
Public Works employee Steve Bergren was given the 2000
award. Bergren has been recognized as Big Brother of
the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Minneapolis.
In addition to his work as a Big Brother, Bergren also
delivers library books to seniors on a weekly basis.
Mayor’s Outstanding Senior Commendation
Awarded to a senior citizen for outstanding
volunteer service within the community.
Dorothy Brindle, a 40-year resident of the City, was
presented the 2000 award. Among other things,
Brindle has been a tireless worker on community
projects sponsored by the Edina Garden Council. She
has been a faithful greenhouse worker, spending hours
each spring working in the Arneson Acres greenhouse
and planting flowers in public gardens. She has also
worked to bring flower shows to Edina and is active in
her church.
Mayor’s Community Endowment Commendation
Awarded to an individual or organization that provides
extraordinary private endowments to support
municipal endeavors.
Last year, the Edina Soccer Association was honored for
its generous donation of more than $18,500 to the City
for the purchase and installation of underground
irrigation for two soccer fields, one each at Highlands
and Strachauer parks. By providing the irrigation
system, the Edina Park Maintenance Department is
able to maintain a healthy, safe and quality turf for
soccer participants.
The community is invited to attend the 2001 Volunteer
Recognition Reception and applaud the extraordinary
efforts of Edina’s volunteers. Call Human Services
Coordinator Susan Heiberg at 952-826-0403 to make
a reservation.
City To Say Thanks
At Annual Reception
You may qualify for up to $15,000 to make
repairs or necessary improvements to your
Edina home through the Hennepin County
Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program.
This program provides deferred repayment
funds on a first-come-first-served basis to
people who can show financial need. If you would like to receive information,
income guidelines, qualification summaries, interest rates, and applications,
please call Associate Planner Joyce Repya at the
Edina Planning Department, (952) 826-0462.
Dozens of Edina residents have protected the value
of their homes by using this program. If your primary
residence is located in Edina and needs repair or
structural improvements, please give Joyce a call.
Home Rehab Funds
for Qualified Edina Home Owners
CITY OF EDINA
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
23•SPRING 200122•SPRING 2001
Hot Happenings In Park
And Recreation
officials will be provided. Games will be played at
Countryside Park on Fridays starting at noon. Leagues
begin June 22. Teams must register by June 13 at the
Park and Recreation Office, 4801 W. 50th St. The cost
per team is $15.
Sports Spectacular
Children ages 9 to 12 will play their favorite sports at
Wooddale Park while learning good sportsmanship and
cooperative learning. Sports include softball, basketball,
tennis, soccer, biking, volleyball and lacrosse.
Instructors might also include old-time favorites such
as croquet, bocci ball, marbles and horseshoes.
Two sessions of this program will be offered. Session I
runs Mondays and Wednesdays June 25 through July
18. Session II runs Tuesdays
and Thursdays June 26
through July 19. Both two-hour
sessions will begin at 9:15 a.m.
The cost is $30 per person.
Summer Playgrounds
Children ages 9 to 12 will
hang out with friends, play
games and participate in
special events at Countryside
Park. Instructors will make up
new games and play old
favorites. Arts and crafts will
also enhance the day. Cost is
$15 per participant. Register
at the Park and Recreation office, 4801 W. 50th St. For
more information, call 952-826-0367. There is also a
playgrounds program for younger children.
Chess in the Park
Checkmate! The Edina Chess Association will provide
children with a new game to play outdoors this
summer — chess. Chess will be offered at one of the
City’s parks during the afternoon one or two days per
week. The program has been designed for children, but
anyone is welcome to play. Although some chess sets
will be provided, children are encouraged to bring their
own. One or two adults will be at the park to teach
skills. Registration is not necessary. For more
information, visit the Edina Chess Association’s
website, www.edinachess.com.
The City of Edina Park and Recreation staff has planned
several new and expanded activities to pique your
child’s interest this summer. Here is a sampling of the
new offerings:
LEAD (Leadership, Encouragement and
Development) Program
The LEAD Program will focus on youth leadership, self
esteem, teamwork and other job-related skills useful to
work part-time for the City of Edina’s Park and
Recreation Department. Participants will learn general
leadership skills and complete volunteer work in one of
the park and recreation activities. Participants must
have completed at least the 6th grade to register for
this program.
The program will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June
18, in the Council Chambers of Edina City Hall, 4801 W.
50th St. The cost is $10 per person, which includes
lunch and a T-shirt. For more information or to register,
call 952-826-0367.
Minnesota Vikings Training Camp
Edina residents are invited to take a bus to see the
Vikings practice for another fantastic season of football.
Participants are encouraged to bring cameras and paper
for autographs. No date will be set for the field trip until
after the NFL establishes its 2001 schedule, but it will
be held sometime in August. Call the Park and
Recreation Department, 952-826-0367, to put your name
on a mailing list to receive more information about this
exciting trip.
League of Champs
A new three-on-three basketball league will consist of
boys and girls going into grades 6, 7 and 8. There will
be a separate league for each grade level. A Park and
Recreation supervisor will be the timekeeper; no
Summer playgrounds
25•SPRING 2001
Edina Garden Council To Hold
Annual Plant Sale
Nearly $12,000 Donated To Park
And Recreation Department In 2000
24•SPRING 2001
Parks and other such amenities greatly improve the quality
of life in a community. The City of Edina is the fortunate
recipient of many donations each year that improve its
parks, adding to the quality of life enjoyed here. In the year
2000, nearly $12,000 in donations were received.
“The City of Edina wishes to extend thanks and
appreciation to all those who made contributions to the
Edina Park and Recreation Department in the year 2000,”
said Park and Recreation Director John Keprios. “The City
of Edina is able to offer premier parks and facilities because
of the generosity of its residents, businesses and service
organizations.”
Donating $300 or more to the Edina Park and Recreation
Department in 2000 were:
• Edina Youth Softball Association, $4,495, and the
Pohlad Family Charities, $3,000, for the purchase and
installation of replacement back-stop and dugout
fencing at five youth softball fields.
• Ray Finley of Finley Brothers, Inc., $1,500 for the
purchase and installation of a basketball backboard and
standard at Todd Park.
• Meredyth Anne Dasburg Foundation, $1,000 to the
Edina Art Center.
• Edina Federated Women’s Club, $1,583.33 to the Edina
Art Center.
• M. Joan Hodges, $500 to the Edina Art Center.
• Elin N. Ohlsson, $1,000 to the Edina Art Center.
• Edina Office of Dain Rauscher, $350 to Centennial
Lakes Park to plant an Imperial Honeylocust tree in the
park in memory of a former employee, Al Heiam.
• John McCarthy and John Kressel, $500 to the Braemar
Golf Course memorial fund in memory of Sam Cecere.
• Braemar Men’s Club, $350 to the Braemar Golf Course
memorial fund.
• Pat Gaspard, $300 to the Braemar Golf Course
memorial fund.
For more information on donations made in 2000 or to make
a donation to the Park and Recreation Department, contact
Park and Recreation Director John Keprios, 952-826-0430.
Like the flowers they care for, the Edina Garden Council flourishes
in the spring and summer. Members of the Council, pictured here at
the 2000 Fourth of July Parade, will hold a plant sale in May and
garden tour in June.
Soon, geraniums, impatiens, pansies, petunias and other
annuals will add splashes of color to yards
around town. Such plants can be purchased from the
Edina Garden Council at a sale that raises thousands
of dollars each year for the organization’s work in
Edina parks.
The Garden Council’s annual sale will be held 10 a.m.
to 8 p.m. Friday, May 11, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday,
May 12, at Arneson Acres Park, 4711 W. 70th St.
Bedding plants, hanging baskets, herbs, mulch and
crafts will be for sale at reasonable prices.
Nine of the Council’s clubs comprising more than 100
people began planting flats of their choice in January
for the sale. All plants are grown from seeds and cared
for at the Arneson Acres greenhouse. Individual
members also contribute plants they grow at home for
the sale.
The Council works closely with the Park and Recreation
Department to brighten the City. After wrapping up the
sale, the Council will begin planting flowers in the
City’s parks. There are approximately 100 public
gardens in Edina. The Council will plant flowers at less
than 10 of them. City staff will plant the remaining
plants grown by the Council in the other gardens.
The Council’s other major fund-raiser of the year will be
held 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 27. The biannual Garden
Tour will include up to 10 residential gardens in the
City, with Arneson Acres serving as the hub for the day.
The Edina Garden Council was founded in 1953, joining
together several neighborhood garden clubs scattered
throughout the City. The objectives of the Council are
to coordinate the interests of the garden clubs of Edina,
cooperate with other agencies furthering the interests
of gardening, promote the art of home and community
beautification and study all aspects of the fine art of
gardening and horticulture.
For more information on the Edina Garden Council or its
annual plant sale, contact Virginia Bodine, 952-941-1206.
11 Years, 1000’s Served
Thank You!
Locally owned & monitored
www.edinalarm.com
27•SPRING 200126•SPRING 2001
Because of the size of the community’s athletic programs,
the City of Edina for several years has looked for ways to
address a shortage of public gymnasiums and athletic
fields. Many of the City’s existing fields and general park
infrastructure, constructed as many as 35 years ago, have
never been upgraded or improved. As a result, there is an
additional need for general park improvements.
In late 1999 and early 2000, the City and Edina Public
Schools conducted a study to determine the feasibility of
constructing new recreational facilities and renovating
others for use by the entire community. It is believed that it
would be more effective and economical for the City and
school district to work together to provide public facilities
for the entire community to use.
Although the Council considered a 2000 referendum for the
proposed projects, members decided it would be best to
commission a committee to study the issue further. Last
spring, the “Blue Ribbon Committee” was commissioned
and charged with answering the following:
• What is the need for additional gymnasiums, soccer
fields and auditoriums in the City?
• What other needs should be addressed?
• Is there an opportunity to work with Edina Public
Schools to meet the City’s recreational needs? If so,
how should such an arrangement be structured?
• Are there other partnerships that should be made to
provide recreational facilities?
• Is it appropriate for some or all of the facilities to be
located on school district property?
• Will the recommended package of facilities and
improvements be acceptable to the community?
The group began meeting in September, touring athletic
fields in the community, reviewing studies, hearing from
the City’s many athletic organizations and reviewing site
plans. After many hours of research and debate, the
Committee in January presented their recommendation for
a multi-million-dollar referendum to the City Council.
The Committee’s recommendation included the
construction of several new athletic fields, four
gymnasiums, a competitive swimming pool and small
community theater; additions at the Edina Aquatic Center,
Edina Art Center and Braemar Arena; renovations of an
older auditorium in the community, various gymnasiums
throughout the City, a middle school swimming pool and
several worn athletic fields; and miscellaneous park
improvements.
The Committee proposed that the City build and renovate
some of the facilities on property owned by Edina Public
Schools to maximize land use, avoid additional land costs
and keep building operation and maintenance costs at a
minimum. If voters approve such a project, the community
would have access to all of those improvements, but the
school district would be responsible for their maintenance
and management. The City would be responsible for
operating and maintaining all improvements on its land.
When this issue of About Town went to press, the City
Council had not yet decided whether to proceed with a
referendum. If a referendum is planned, though, it will
likely be held in May. Edina residents are encouraged to
watch their mailboxes, as the City will mail a public
informational piece later this month if a special election
is called.
For more information on the proposed referendum, visit the
City of Edina’s website, www.ci.edina.mn.us, or contact the
Park and Recreation Department, 952-826-0367.
Blue Ribbon Committee
Proposes Referendum
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29•SPRING 2001
The Club strives each year to break even financially on
the show. “The annual ice show is not about making
money – it’s about entertaining the community,” Orvis
said. “Putting on the show is a lot of work and very costly,
but it’s worth it when you see smiles on the faces of
kids, parents, grandparents and other skating enthusiasts.”
The Braemar-City of Lakes Figure Skating Club’s annual
ice show, “Citilights,” will be presented 6:30 p.m. on April
27 and at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on April 28. For
tickets or other information, call 952-941-1322.
28•SPRING 2001
Braemar—City of Lakes
Figure Skating Club To Put
On Annual Ice Show
A local figure skating club will “light up” the ice at
Braemar Arena later this month with its annual
community performance.
The Braemar-City of Lakes Figure Skating Club and
the City of Edina will present on April 27 and 28
“Citilights” at Braemar Arena, 7501 Ikola Way. The
high-energy show on ice will bring bits of Chicago,
Dallas, Honolulu, Las Vegas and New York to Edina for
the weekend. Among the popular tunes to be played are
“Puttin’ On the Ritz,” “New York, New York” and “Chicago.”
Braemar Arena has been home to the Braemar-City
of Lakes Figure Skating Club for 35 years. Each year
since its infancy, the private Club and skaters taking
lessons through the City’s Park and Recreation program
have put on a joint performance for the community.
“The City of Edina skating classes feed the Braemar-City
of Lakes Figure Skating Club,” said Joan Orvis, head
professional and director of Braemar’s skating school.
“Because of that relationship, it is fun to work together
in the spring of each year to put on the annual ice show.”
The ice show will include skaters of all ages, from
preschoolers just learning how to move on the ice to
middle-aged fathers who have spent many hours
practicing with their daughters. Most of the performers
are between the ages of 5 and 19. Planning for the
annual ice show began in September. It takes skating
professionals and volunteers several months to develop a
theme, selectmusic, choreograph routines, order
costumes and otherwise plan for the event. The students
are just beginning to rehearse their parts of the 38-number
program. They practice the two weeks prior to the
opening of the show.
“It is really fun to see the program come together,” said
Kathleen Gazich, show director and skating professional.
“Sometimes it seems like things will never pull together,
but because of everyone’s excitement and enthusiasm
for the show, it always does.”
Gazich points out that “Citilights” will include
performances by several talented athletes. “Citilights
will not only be a good show, but a series of good
performances,” she said, pointing out that a state
champion, four United States Figure Skating Association
(USFSA) gold medallists and two national competitors
will be skating in the show. “This year, we will have a lot
of solos because we have a lot of really talented kids.
The audience will be impressed with the quality of
skating.”
The final performance of the ice show will include the
presentation of several special awards. The Hugh J.
McMillan Award will be presented to a skater in the
club whose dedication and achievement have not gone
unnoticed by instructors. The Brandon Brown Friendship
Award will be presented to a skater who best
exemplifies being a friend. The students select the
winner of the Friendship Award. Skaters who have
reached the USFSA’s “gold” level in the past year
will also be honored.
31•SPRING 2001
Campaign, there is such a giving and helping attitude in
the air that it makes it fun and exciting to raise money
for the YMCA,” said Katy Hughes of Eden Prairie. “I feel
that volunteering in your community is very important
because in order to have a strong community we all have
to work together to make good things happen.”
Ten-year-old Nicholas Winninger of Edina echoed her
comments. “When you get a lot of volunteers together, it
makes a big impact on the whole community,” he said.
“Volunteering for the YMCA helps others that don’t get
the same opportunities that I have, and it is important to
me that others experience the same activities that I do.”
Each year, the size of the team and the fruits of their
success have grown. In the past five years, the team has
raised tens of thousands of dollars and has become a
model for other local YMCA branches. In 1998, the team
was given the YMCA Chairperson’s Award, the highest
award given following a successful campaign to the team
that has gone beyond the call of duty. An individual on
the team also received the award.
“Working with these kids is a lot of fun,” Determan said.
“I’ll continue working on the campaign with the youth
team as long as they will have me.”
Southdale YMCA Executive Director applauds
Determan’s work with the youth. “It is very inspiring to
see youth in our community wanting to help raise money
for their peers that don’t get to experience the same
opportunities that they do,” he said. “The YMCA
provides many role models for these youth and it is
young and old working together that makes the
community come together.”
Mayor Dennis Maetzold points to Determan’s work with
the Y Partners Youth Campaign Team as an example of
“asset building” in the community. The goal of the local
asset-building initiative, dubbed “Connecting With Kids,”
is to create a more supportive school and community
environment by reaching out to youth.
“Norma Determan is a shining example of how adults
can work with youth to create a better community. While
mentoring students, she teaches them sales skills and
the value of philanthropy,” Maetzold said. “Families,
schools, businesses and community organizations like
the YMCA need to work together to meet the needs of
our children.”
Do you know of someone who reaches out to kids and
serves as an example for Connecting With Kids? For more
information or to share a story, contact Communications
Coordinator Jennifer Wilkinson, 952-832-6063. To
arrange a speaker on Connecting With Kids, contact
Christine Weymouth or Doug Johnson, Edina Public
Schools, 952-848-3900.
30•SPRING 2001
YMCA Volunteer ‘Connects With Kids’
The mission of the Southdale YMCA is to “build strong
kids, strong families and strong communities.” YMCA
staff member, volunteer and mentor Norma Determan
puts an emphasis on the first part of that mission.
The Southdale YMCA, which serves Edina, Bloomington,
Eden Prairie, southwest Minneapolis and Richfield,
raises money through the Y Partners Annual Support
Campaign to pay for such things as
memberships for people who want to
participate in its programs but cannot
afford to pay the full fee. One way the
nonprofit organization raises money
for the cause is by organizing teams
of people to make telephone calls
soliciting donations in the winter of
each year.
Determan, who has worked at the
Southdale YMCA since it opened in
Edina 26 years ago, has been active in
the fund-raising campaign for many
years. Five years ago, the Edina
woman decided to form a team of
student callers to get more youth
involved in the program. Each year
since then, the youth team has been
one of the YMCA’s most successful.
“I admit that I had reservations – I
wondered how the public would
respond to a request for money from
kids and questioned whether the kids would be able to
keep up their excitement for the program,” Determan
said. “I don’t think there’s any other place in the City,
though, where I could have found better kids. They
wanted to do all they could to help the Y.”
In 1996, the seven children Determan recruited had just
one night of training before making “cold calls” to YMCA
members. Volunteering three hours a
night for almost two weeks, the youth
team raised more money that year
than any other team.
Although the youth team worked
together for just a few weeks,
Determan kept in touch with the
students. When the time came to
begin work on the next fund-raising
campaign, all of the students who
participated the previous year agreed
to volunteer their time again and two
more joined the team. “These are
wonderful kids,” Determan said. “They
know how good they have it and they
realize that through their efforts they
are helping families and children with
special needs.”
The students involved with the
campaign realize the difference they
are making in the community. “During
the Y Partners Annual Support
The Y Partners Youth Campaign Team has
raised tens of thousands of dollars over the
past five years to support YMCA programs
and families. Southdale YMCA staff member,
volunteer and mentor Norma Determan
organized the youth team in 1996 and has
recruited and trained student team members
each year since. She is pictured here with
Katy Hughes of Eden Prairie and Jon Kinzer
and Blair Schipper of Minneapolis.
33•SPRING 2001
Housh,Masica Join City Council
Scot Housh and Linda Masica are settling into their new
positions on the Edina City Council. Housh, Executive Vice
President of Willis of Minnesota, and Masica, a retired
restaurant owner, took office Jan. 2 after winning seats on
the Council in the 2000 General Election. Housh was
elected to a two-year term. Masica will serve four years
on the Council.
Also during the General Election, Dennis Maetzold won an
uncontested race for mayor. Maetzold was appointed mayor
in the summer of 1999 after Glenn Smith resigned from the
position. Mike Kelly was re-elected to a four-year Council
term and was named mayor pro tem after taking office
earlier this year.
Housh and Masica have spent their first few months on
the Council quickly learning more about the City and its
business. Both are humbled by their experiences thus far.
“I am humbled by [Edina residents’] vote of confidence and
privileged to be under obligation to serve [them],” Masica
said. “I will forever feel blessed and grateful for this
opportunity.”
Housh said he has enjoyed working with City staff and the
other members of the Council. “I think we have a nice mix
of people on the Council,” he said. “Each has his/her own
style and specific skills, which seem to complement one
another. I look forward to working with each of them to
serve the interests of Edina residents.”
Residents may contact any member of the City Council by
writing to EdinaMail@ci.edina.mn.us. For more information
on the Council, contact Communications Coordinator Jennifer
Wilkinson, 952-832-6063.
32•SPRING 2001
It’s A Trip:Edina Dial-A-Ride
Under the auspices of the City of Edina, Senior Community
Services began operating “Edina Dial-A-Ride” bus
transportation earlier this year.
Senior Community Services is a non-profit organization that
operates various programs including senior centers and
senior transportation in suburban Hennepin County. Earlier
this year, Senior Community Services, with support from
the Metropolitan Council, agreed to operate a program in
Edina. Senior Community Services, which operates similar
programs in the Mound, Delano and Shorewood areas, will
hire and train qualified drivers as well as provide
dispatching services. The Metropolitan Council will fund
the dial-a-ride service for a two-year demonstration period.
After the demonstration period ends, the Metropolitan
Council will fund a percentage of the costs associated with
the program. The remaining portion will be paid for locally.
The demonstration period began Jan. 29.
Service is available 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
To schedule a ride, call the dispatch center at 952-474-5398
at least 24 hours in advance. Door-to-door service will be
provided anywhere within the City limits for $2 each way.
Seats on the 10-passenger, wheelchair accessible bus are
filled on a first-come, first-served basis and are available for
anyone, regardless of age. Children under the age of 10
must be accompanied by an adult.
“There are no exclusions,” said Ron Bloch of Senior
Community Services. “Anyone can ride anywhere within the
City limits of Edina. Our driver will take you to the doctor,
hairdresser, Senior Center – wherever you want to go.”
Sue Weigle, Director of the Edina Senior Center, said the
new transportation program has helped many of the men
and women she works with. “For years, seniors in Edina
had been looking for a reliable transportation program,”
she said. “Although Edina Dial-A-Ride is not exclusively for
seniors, many of Edina’s older residents are using the
service and are thankful for the door-to-door service.”
For more information on the local program, contact the
Edina Senior Center, 928-4580.
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Edina Dial-A-Ride bus service began in January. Driver Pam
Horton gave one of the service’s first rides to Lincoln Schroeder
and Arleen Boutell.
It’s more than a move,
it’s a strategy.
It’s more than a move,
it’s a strategy.
edina’s new community bank
member FDIC
6600 france avenue south
suite 125 edina, MN 55435
telephone:952.285.5800
contact:peter dahl or kevin howk
Celebrate Earth Day April 20 by composting, a way to recycle
in your own backyard. Through backyard composting,
residents can remove more than 500 pounds of organic matter
from the waste stream. Composting is decomposing in a
proper environment a combination of kitchen scraps such as
fruit and vegetables and yard debris. Compost should not
include meat scraps, bones, grease, oil, eggs,
dairy products, human or pet waste or plastics.
“Home composting is environmentally
beneficial,” said Edina Recycling Coordinator
Solvei Wilmot. “Yard and food wastes make up
approximately 30 percent of the waste stream in
the United States. Not only does composting
successfully divert a significant portion of your
family’s waste stream from the landfill, it is a
natural method of recycling organic materials into
valuable humus. If you compost, you may use the humus with
your topsoil in the spring.”
Compost must be placed within a container made of
durable material such as wire fencing, rot-resistant wood,
concrete block or brick, or in a commercially manufactured
container.
If you would like to compost, but don’t want to spend the time
shopping for or creating your own bin, consider purchasing
one through the City of Edina. Through the support of the
Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board and Hennepin
County, the City is able to offer backyard-composting bins at a
reduced rate. Backyard composting bins are available this
spring for $15 -- regularly $69 -- by completing an order form
and returning it to the City of Edina Recycling Department
prior to April 20.
The generously sized bin is made of black recycled plastic.
It is circular in design and stands 32 inches tall—ideal for a
family of up to six people. The unit features a locking lid top
with a rain-catch system composed of two sunken semi-circles
with drip holes. Two convenient sliding doors, one on each
side at the unit’s base, make harvesting of the finished humus
a breeze.
For more information on composting, contact Recycling
Coordinator Solvei Wilmot, 952-826-0381. To order a Home
Composter, fill out the order form below and mail it to Edina
City Hall prior to April 20.
35•SPRING 200134•SPRING 2001
Curbside Recycling Begins In Edina
Residents are adapting well to a
new curbside recycling program in
the City. Garbage continues to be
collected at the garage.
To reduce residents’ costs and
encourage more recycling, the
Edina City Council voted for
curbside recycling collection in
2001. Until Jan. 1, BFI had
collected Edina residents’
recycling at the garage for a
higher rate than curbside.
Although City ordinance
previously required residents to
leave their recycling at the garage
for pick up, staff said that nearly 60 percent put their bins
at the curb. For that reason and the lower rate offered for
curbside collection, the Council agreed to switch to
curbside pickup and amend its ordinance.
“We are hoping that curbside collection will improve our
already outstanding participation in the recycling
program,” said Recycling Coordinator Solvei Wilmot,
pointing out that most other municipalities in the
metropolitan area have curbside recycling programs. Bins
at the curb are a visible reminder of the importance of
recycling.
“We are also hoping to alleviate any missed recycling
pickups with curbside recycling. We’re also seeing less
‘spillage’ of materials from door to street.”
BFI will provide garage-side collection for people who are
unable to take their bins to the curb, such as those who are
elderly or disabled. Wheeled bins are also available by
contacting Edina City Hall.
Nine items are collectible in Edina’s residential
recycling program:
• Newspapers
• Magazines and catalogs
• Mixed paper (junk mail)
• Plastic bottles with necks
• Cans
• Glass
• Telephone books
• Boxboard: cracker, cake and cookie type boxes. Do
not include boxboard products from the refrigerator
or freezer, as they are coated with a moisture barrier.
• Cardboard: flattened, bagged or bundled and no larger
than three feet-by three feet-by one foot.
All items should be placed in a paper grocery bag and set
out in the recycling bin by 7 a.m. on the day of collection.
Recycling and garbage containers should be stored out of
view from the front street after collection.
For more information or to arrange garage-side pickup or to
request a wheeled bin, contact Recycling Coordinator Solvei
Wilmot, 952-826-0463.
Order Form for Compost Bin
Return by April 20, 2001, to the City of Edina Recycling
Coordinator, 4801 West 50th Street, Edina, MN 55424.
Please type or print clearly.
Name: _____________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________
Zip Code: __________________________________________
Telephone number: _________________________________
Number of bins: ________ x $15 = total $ ______________
Please make check payable to the City of Edina.
Residents will be notified by mail regarding date and location for
pick up of the compost bin.
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Curbside recycling began in
the City Jan. 1. For those
residents who have difficulty
transporting their bins to
the curb, BFI will provide
garage-side service, provided
that proper arrangements
have been made. Wheeled
bins are also available
through City Hall.
Celebrate Earth Day By Composting