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AboutTown Magazine City of Edina 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.CityofEdina.com Official Magazine of the City of Edina ©C O L O U R S 2 0 0 8 Voters To Elect Mayor, Council Members See Page 46 For Details AUTUMN•2008 AboutTown PRESORT STD U.S. POSTAGEPAID Permit No. 3932 Minneapolis, MN ***ECRWSS***POSTAL PATRONCAR-RT-WS Independent bond-rating agencies Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service recently affirmed their high bond ratings for the City of Edina’s permanent improvement revolving bonds. Edina is one of just a few communities in the state with both “AAA” and “Aaa” ratings. Moody’s Investors Service in 2000 gave the City of Edina its highest rating, Aaa. Finding that Edina has a large and affluent tax base, solid financial operations and a modest debt profile, the agency reaffirmed its rating in late July. In 2002, Standard & Poor’s upgraded Edina’s general obligation (GO) bond rating to AAA, the company’s highest rating. The company published a report in July with its reaffirmation of the rating. Standard & Poor’s emphasizes four factors when assigning the AAA rating to a municipality. The factors are: strong and proactive administrations, effective debt management with moderate to low debt, a vibrant and diverse economy and strong finances. The high bond ratings helps to ensure that future Edina debt will be issued with the lowest possible interest expense and cost to the taxpayer. AboutTown Volume 19, Number 4 Autumn 2008 Official Publication of the City of Edina, Minnesota 4801 West 50th Street Edina, Minnesota 55424 952-927-8861 Circulation 25,000 Editor: Jennifer Bennerotte Assistant to the Editor: Marty Doll Contributing Writers: Dick Crockett, Elisabeth Donnan, Kathy Iverson and Joe Sullivan Publisher: City of Edina About Town is produced by the City of Edina. To advertise in About Town, contact Marty Doll, 952-826-0396 . Copyright 2008 by City of Edina, 4801 W. 50th St., Edina, MN 55424. About Town is published quarterly by the City of Edina. The purpose of the magazine is to keep Edina residents informed of news, activities and programs that are important to them. We include articles of interest about our citizens and community history as well. About Town is printed on recycled paper to conform to City conservation guidelines. www.CityofEdina.com Cover photo by Diane Schroeder Investment Groups Reaffirm ‘Triple-A’ Bond Ratings Table of Contents Calendar Of Events ..........................................................................1 Autumn Calendar Highlights .........................................................4 A Word From The Mayor .................................................................5 Highway 100: Minnesota’s First Freeway Once Known As ‘Beltline’ & ‘ Lilac Way’ .....................................................................6 Edina Art Center Juried Exhibition Continues Through Oct. 27 .............................................................12 Second Mortgage Program Helps People ‘Come Home 2 Edina’ ......................................................................14 ‘We Made History:’ Edina Historical Society Explores Historic Changes Since 1950 ...........................................................16 The Edina Community Foundation: Beautifying Edina ...........18 Edina To Observe Minnesota Chemical Health Week ..............20 It’s Not Only Neighborly ... It’s The Law ...................................22 Fire Department Open House To Be Held Oct. 12 At New Station ...............................................................................24 VEAP Prepares To Distribute Holiday Joy .................................26 Getting To Know The Edina Fire Department: Chief Officers And Administration .............................................30 Business Notes ................................................................................34 For Long-Time Edina Employee, Edina Liquor Is Life .............40 Meet The New Faces In Edina Public Schools Administration .................................................................44 Voters To Elect Mayor, Council Members In November ..........46 Family Makes Strides For Nate ....................................................50 Photo Gallery ..................................................................................54 1 • AUTUMN 2008 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 3 Absentee voting for General Election begins. 4 5 6 10:30 a.m., Cinderella’s Magical Ball, Arneson Acres Park. 7 7 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall. 8 9 10 6 p.m., Edina Rotary Foundation Gala, Edina Country Club. 11 10 a.m.-noon, House History Class, Edina History Museum. 12 12:30-4 p.m., Fire Department Open House, Fire Station No. 1 13 14 7 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 15 7 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall. 17 1-3 p.m., Dodgeball Dynamo, Edina Community Center City Gym. 18 19 20 21 22 23 4 p.m., Art Center Board, Edina Art Center. 24 11:15 a.m., Free ECFE Sampler Baby & Me class, Edina Community Center. 6-9 p.m., Halloween Party, Edinborough Park. 25 9:30 a.m., Edina Family Center Pumpkin Party, Edina Community Center. 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Pumkin Festival, 50th & France. 28 7 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 27 7 p.m., “Safety — It’s Mostly Prevention” workshop, Edina Community Center. 26 October 2008 29 7 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 30 31 16 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. About Town Calendar 2 • AUTUMN 2008 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 7 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall. 4 General Election. Polls open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 5 6 5 p.m., Election Canvass, Edina City Hall. 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 7 8 9 10 11 7 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 12 14 11:15 a.m., Free ECFE Sampler Baby & Me class, Edina Community Center. 15 2 p.m., National Bundt Cake Day Celebration, Edina History Museum. 16 17 18 7 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall. 19 7 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall. 20 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. 21 22 2524 1:15-3:15 p.m., High School Musical 2 Party, Arneson Acres Park. 23 November 2008 26 7 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 27 Thanksgiving. City Hall closed. 28 Day after Thanksgiving. City Hall closed. 13 29 30 About Town Calendar A Word From The Mayor When many think of public art in the Twin Cities, the beloved fountain “Spoonbridge and Cherry” at the Walker Art Center’s Minneapolis Sculpture Garden naturally comes to mind. What comes to mind when you think of public art in Edina? Harry Bertoia’s brass tree sculptures at Southdale Center? Katherine E. Nash’s “Heritage of Edina” at the Edina Community Library? “Raven” at City Hall? The newly dedicated stainless steel “Pinecone” at Centennial Lakes Park donated by John and Jean Hedberg? Public art has a significant impact on the local environment and can be used to encourage regeneration and enhancement of public or private spaces. Public art also plays an important role in our everyday lives as it enhances and complements our environment, brings our community together, and offers social and educational opportunities. Public art reflects and promotes our local identity and enhances buildings and open spaces. There is a growing collection of public art in our community. Leading the charge is the Edina Public Art Committee, convened a few years ago to enhance the beauty of the community’s open spaces with two- and three-dimensional art. Among other things, the Committee oversaw the installation of art glass at Edina City Hall, rotating sculptures at Grandview Square Park and sports murals at the City Gyms at the Edina Community Center and Southview Middle School. Committee members know that there is much privately owned artwork in the community, some of which is on display for the public. The Committee is working to compile a comprehensive list of all of the public art in Edina. If you know of a piece of art currently on display or available for future display to the public, please send a message to edinamail@ci.edina.mn.us and the Committee will research the piece and add it to the list. Plans are also under way to add pieces of art to pedestals in the Edina Promenade, the public pathway under construction in the area between France and York avenues and from Centennial Lakes Park north to the Galleria Edina. You can make a donation for public art in the Edina Promenade by sending a check to the Edina Community Foundation or through the “Your City, Your Art” program when paying your utility bills. Indicate how much you would like to donate to the program on a quarterly basis and that amount will be added to your utility bills. Enroll online at www.EdinaPublicArt.org. A strong arts community benefits the local economy and provides new opportunities and activities for the public. It sparks creativity and learning. It helps make Edina “the preeminent place for living, learning, raising families and doing business.” Thank you for your support of public art in Edina! James B. Hovland Mayor 5 • AUTUMN 20084 • AUTUMN 2008 Other Dates To Remember Oct. 16 7-8 p.m., Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt, Centennial Lakes Park. Nov. 6 7-9 p.m., “Boomers Become Grandparents,” Edina Family Center Workshop, Edina Community Center. Learn About Your House History What: Edina Historical Society will repeat its successful House History Class, first held in April. This hands-on class shows researchers how to use the Edina Historical Society and outside resources to learn about changes in their home throughout the years. To reserve your spot, send a $10 check payable to Edina Historical Society, 4711 W. 70th St., Edina, MN 55435. Please include your contact information and the address(es) you wish to research. When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 11 Where: Edina History Museum, 4711 W. 70th St. Info: 612-928-4577 Pumpkin Festival What: The 50th & France Business and Professional Association hosts Pumpkin Festival, a fall event for children. Activities will include a showcase of decorated pumpkins, pumpkin bowling, horse- drawn trolley rides, costume parade for kids and pets, cake walk and trick-or-treating. The Pumpkin Festival has been a long standing tradition of this community and provides a fun, safe Halloween celebration for children and their families. When: Saturday, Oct. 25. Decorated pumpkins can be dropped off between 10:30 a.m. and noon. Horse-drawn trolley rides will begin at 11 a.m. Pumpkin bowling will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Downtown Edina, 50th Street and France Avenue. Info: 50th & France Business and Professional Association, 952-922-1524 or www.50thandfrance.com Let Us Eat Cake! What: Cake-eaters everywhere (not just those from Edina) appreciate the wonderful cakes made in a Bundt pan, from chocolate coconut macaroon to lemon to the famous Tunnel of Fudge cake. In 1950, Edina resident Dave Dalquist created the fluted tube pan, now known as Bundt. Today more than 60 million pans are in kitchens across the country. Learn about the history of the Nordic Ware company, started in Dave and Dotty Dalquist’s basement, with just $500 and some good ideas. Sample the famous cake on National Bundt Cake Day. When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 Where: Edina History Museum, 4711 W. 70th St. Info: 612-928-4577 Autumn Calendar Highlights 3 • AUTUMN 2008 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 2 7 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall. 3 4 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 5 6 9 a.m., Edina Family Center Dads and Donuts, Edina Community Center. 1 7 5:30 p.m., AR & LE Singers, Edinborough Park. 8 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 6 p.m., Book Study, “My Child Is a Pleasure,” Edina Community Center. 9 7 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 10 11 12 11:15 a.m., Free ECFE Sampler Baby & Me class, Edina Community Center. 13 14 15 16 7 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall. 17 7 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall. 19 20 21 22 23 7 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 24 Christmas Eve. City Hall closed at noon. 25 Christmas. City Hall closed. 26 27 30 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Crazy About Winter Camp, Arneson Acres Park. 29 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Crazy About Winter Camp, Arneson Acres Park. 28 December 2008 31 New Year’s Eve. City Hall closed at noon. 18 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. About Town Calendar roads that would channel incoming traffic around the outskirts of both Minneapolis and St. Paul, avoiding the downtowns of both cities. The Beltline was designated as Highway 100. The Minnesota Highway Department (now MnDOT) chose a 12.5-mile corridor that would run south from Highway 52 (now Highway 81) in Robbinsdale through Brooklyn Center, Crystal, Golden Valley, St. Louis Park and Edina—to Highway 5 (78th Street), the border between Edina and Bloomington at the time. The new segment, also to be numbered Highway 100, would become Minnesota’s first freeway. Numerous innovations would provide safe, efficient flow of traffic with two lanes in each direction and grade separation bridges at major intersections and railroad crossings. Landscaping and roadside parks would help to create a “parkway experience.” The connecting link from Highway 5 (78th Street) and Superior Boulevard, (Highway 12) to the north was to be built with State funds by extending the southern terminus of Highway 5 to Highway 12. The first segment of the proposed new highway would be located about a mile west of the Minneapolis border and run north from Edina’s West 50th Street/Vernon Avenue to Excelsior Boulevard in St. Louis Park. The second segment would be built farther to the north—between Excelsior Boulevard and Highway 12. Survey Crews Chart Route For New Segment Surveying for the new highway began in 1931. One of the workers on the original surveying crew recalled, ”When we started working on the project, all we had was surplus World War I equipment. Sometimes, we were in the woods; sometimes, in a town. No toilet facilities or nothing. I was accustomed to [surveying] 100 feet out on [each] side of the road. Here we were working on [rights-of-way] 300, 400 up to 600 feet wide.” The land for both sections of highway was acquired and condemnation started late that fall. When it came to the new 12.5-mile stretch of highway, the names of two individuals stood out: MnDOT engineer Carl Graeser and renowned landscape architect Arthur Nichols. Born and raised in Germany, Graeser earned a civil engineering degree from Vermont’s Norwich University in 1909. He joined MnDOT as a project engineer in 1922. An active champion of the Beltline project during the mid- and late-1920s, Graeser was the obvious choice to be its head engineer. He patterned the plan for the new freeway after Germany’s autobahn and would later be dubbed “the father of the Beltline.” Nichols graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and came to Minnesota in 1906 to work with fellow landscape designer Anthony Morell on Duluth’s famous Glensheen Mansion. Both moved to Minneapolis in 1909 and their collaboration continued until Morell’s death in 1927. Nichols’ career imploded with the 1929 stock market crash and he went to work for MnDOT as a landscape architect in 1927. Cloverleaf Interchanges Were First In State Minnesota’s first three cloverleaf grade separations were built at Highway 100’s busiest intersections—with Highways 7, 12 and 55. Each covered 30 acres and cost $65,000 to build. The cloverleaf, which allowed traffic to flow better and avoid congestion, was a brand-new idea to almost everyone in Minnesota. Said one man in channel tpt2’s video: “When our farmer relatives would come up to Minneapolis, we would take them over and show them the cloverleaf. Everyone had a great laugh, saying: ‘who would ever design something like that. . .?’” 7 • AUTUMN 2008 By Joe Sullivan Contributing Writer A video produced in 2001 by public television channel tpt 2 described today’s Minnesota Highway 100 from a commuter’s point of view: “For those who drive Highway 100 on a day- to-day basis, it may be no more than a symbol of gridlock.” True enough, but this 15-mile stretch of western Hennepin County highway is much more than that. It was Minnesota’s first freeway and is an important landmark in the history of Minnesota’s highways. Built in the 1930s, during the Great Depression, and the 1940s, before and during World War II, Highway 100 helped to transform the Twin Cities. It was instrumental in creating suburbs out of rural villages and spawning new ways of thinking about transportation. Geezers like me are old enough to remember her prime days, when passersby could “sniff the sweet scent of lilacs that rose from her soft shoulders and visitors would flock to her roadside parks for picnics.” I especially recall introducing my then-girlfriend Monica Lenz (later my wife—for the last 54 years) to my parents at a 1954 family picnic in Lilac Park, a roadside picnic area on the east side of Highway 100, just north of Minnetonka Boulevard. Spanning eight decades and six suburbs, Highway 100 is still the main link connecting the first-ring, western suburbs of Minneapolis and downtown. Over the years, many improvements have been made, but congestion continues to clog rush hour traffic. “Slow,” “irritating” and “boring” are words used by many to describe Highway 100. But they are words that obscure the road’s historic past. Ironically, although the Great Depression of the 1930s rendered many unable to afford a car or truck, that was when the concept of a “bypass” highway was first proposed to relieve growing automobile/truck traffic and congestion on Minneapolis’ streets. In a Minneapolis Journal article, Orville E. Johnson, Secretary of the Hennepin Good Roads Association, contended that a bypass highway “would improve efficiency of the state’s highway system.” ‘Beltline’ Highway Would Circle Both Twin Cities A plan for a so-called “Beltline” highway that would bypass the entire Twin Cities area surfaced later. State highway engineers L.P. Zimmerman and Clyde Metham envisioned a 61-mile outer drive made up of existing highways and county Highway 100: Minnesota’s First Freeway Once Known As ‘Beltline’ & ‘Lilac Way’ (continued on next page) 6 • AUTUMN 2008 This 1935 map shows the highways that intersected with the 12.5–mile section of the new Highway 100 built to parallel the western boundary of Minneapolis about a mile west of the city limits. Mi n n e a p o l i s P u b l i c L i b r a r y — S p e c i a l C o l l e c t i o n s Local Newspaper Named Highway ‘Lilac Way’The original idea for planting lilac bushes on both sides of the new highway was put forth by the Minneapolis Journal, which also coined the name “Lilac Way.” A July 1935 article in the Journal proposed beautification of the roadway that would highlight the native lilac bushes already growing in the area. The proposal was quickly endorsed by scores of local clubs and civic groups. The outpouring of community support convinced MnDOT, and by autumn 1935, the Lilac Way name for the new section of highway was a sure thing. Nichols enlisted a group of willing volunteers (unusual for MnDOT) among Golden Valley housewives. A member of the Golden Valley Garden Club, quoted in the tpt2 documentary, explained her club’s participation, saying, “We sold lilac plants to the public to earn money for the purchase of lilacs to be planted next to the highway. The [State’s] landscapers took care of arranging where they would be put and planting them, but we paid for the lilacs.” Nichols kept the WPA workers planting lilacs and other flora when they weren’t working on the roadway itself. When the landscaping was completed, more than 7,000 lilac bushes had been planted. Existing lilacs removed from the roadbed were replanted along the roadsides. In addition to lilac bushes, the landscaping project included thousands of other shrubs, vines and plants including honeysuckle, roses, dogwood, wild sumac, bridal wreath plus elm, ash, cedar, spruce and juniper trees. Original roadside development plans show that at certain points along the project area, the standard 200-foot right-of-way was expanded to accommodate the lush landscaping and roadside rest and picnic areas. Beautification of Lilac Way was largely finished by late 1938. 9 • AUTUMN 2008 Excavation for the first Highway 100 segment began in Edina around 1934. Actual work on the road itself started in 1936 and by 1941 it was finished. This leg of the new freeway extended from West 50th Street/Vernon Avenue in Edina to Excelsior Boulevard in St. Louis Park. New President Roosevelt Launches His ‘New Deal’ In his 1933 inaugural speech, newly elected U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt called for passage of his now-famous “New Deal.” Out of it would come several economic relief programs designed to create jobs for hundreds of thousands of American workers, unemployed in the wake of the Great Depression. One of Roosevelt’s best-known relief programs, the Works Progress Administration (WPA), was established in 1935 to employ out-of-work citizens for labor-intensive projects. In Minnesota, WPA workers built schools, bridges, public utilities, the State Fair’s 4-H building and made other improvements around the State. By far, the WPA’s largest Minnesota project was the 12.5–mile segment of the Beltline highway in western Hennepin County. Construction of the Beltline segment provided an immediate boost for the state’s struggling economy. In the first 12 months, 2,500 to 3,000 WPA workers were recruited for jobs as power shovel operators, truck drivers, blacksmiths, blasters, landscapers, stonemasons and manual laborers. MnDOT and Hennepin County financed small pieces of the new stretch of Highway 100, but the WPA contributed a substantial share of the cost of labor, equipment and materials for construction and landscaping. General overhead and supervision costs were covered by MnDOT and county funds. 8 • AUTUMN 2008 (continued on next page) Much of Highway 100 was built by WPA workers hired from unemployment relief lines in downtown Minneapolis. Many of the workers didn’t have cars, so buses brought them to and from the work site. Mi n n e a p o l i s P u b l i c L i b r a r y — S p e c i a l C o l l e c t i o n s When I first met Laura Campbell in 1954, she was Miss Golden Valley. She also reigned over the Golden Valley Lilac Festival as Lilac Queen that year. Now Laura Sullivan, she has been married to my brother Denny since 1957. Mi n n e a p o l i s T r i b u n e ph o t o Depending on weather conditions, it took 50 to 75 men and four to six months to complete a grade separation bridge such as this one under construction at the beltline freeway and Wayzata Boulevard (Highway 12) in 1935. Mi n n e a p o l i s P u b l i c L i b r a r y — S p e c i a l C o l l e c t i o n s Lilac Way originally had five roadside parks. This was Graeser Park in 1940, located at Highway 100 and West Broadway in Robbinsdale. Portions of the park still exist. Two others—Blazer Park in Golden Valley and Lilac Park in St. Louis Park—were later closed. Dedicated in 1939, Graeser Park featured native limestone benches, tables, grills and “beehive” barbeque fireplaces. Robbinsdale is now considering a proposal to MnDOT for possible acquisition and restoration of the site. Mi n n e s o t a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y p h o t o Edina Approves State’s Plan For Highway 100 UpgradeIn 1964, the Edina Village Council approved plans for major revisions to the southern-most remaining leg of the Highway 100 freeway. The plans called for a six-lane, divided highway between West 431/2 Street (Edina’s north boundary) south to Highway 62, and a four-lane divided highway the rest of the way south to Interstate Highway 494 (78th Street). In the 1970s, a bridge with half-diamond ramps was completed at Highway 100 and Benton Avenue. The portion of Highway 100 between Excelsior Boulevard and West 36th Street in St. Louis Park was also upgraded to a six-lane freeway. The last traffic light in this segment was eliminated by a new bridge over Highway 100 at West 36th Street around 1985. The Edina Council also approved a plan, which called for Highway 100 to become a limited-access route, with interchanges at 77th Street, 66th Street [later changed to 70th Street], Benton Avenue and the existing interchange at West 50th Street/Vernon Avenue. Last Uncompleted Highway 100 Segments Were FinishedBetween 1989 and 1992, as part of Interstate Highway 394 construction, an additional lane in each direction was added to the original four-lane segment of Highway 100 between Minnetonka Boulevard and Glenwood Avenue. The State’s first cloverleaf at Highway 12 was also redesigned and upgraded. Between 2000 and 2004, the segment between Golden Valley’s Glenwood Avenue and Highway 81 in Robbinsdale was also upgraded to a six-lane freeway. North of Highway 81, Highway 100 became a four-lane freeway connecting with Interstate Highway 694. The last stoplights along this segment were eliminated and the interchange with Highway 55 was converted from a cloverleaf to an enhanced diamond interchange. In 2006, the four-lane segment of Highway 100, between West 36th Street and Cedar Lake Road, was widened by adding temporary third lanes built on the shoulders in both directions. More recently, reconstruction of the last of the 1937 Highway 100 bridges between Excelsior and Minnetonka boulevards and rebuilding of the interchange at Highway 7/Hennepin County 25 and the railroad bridge just to the south were completed. Present-day Highway 100 has six lanes from Edina’s I-494 south border, north to Highway 81 in Robbinsdale. Lilac Way Honored As Historic District Today, the most intact of the surviving segments of the original Lilac Way extends from I-394 north to Highway 81. This three-mile corridor has been recognized by the National Register of Historic Places as an historic district. Despite all of this activity, the pride and beauty that was once part of Lilac Way is disappearing. One of the Golden Valley Garden Club ladies saw the change this way: “We’re never going to see Lilac Way again. What we build now are big highways that move large numbers of cars as quickly as possible. It’s hard to imagine that anyone could pick 494 or 694 as a spot to have a roadside picnic.” Background material and photographs for this article came from the Minnesota Historical Society, Minneapolis Public Library—Special Collections, channel tpt2 video “Highway 100—Lilac Way,” MnDOT Website, MnDOT Report: “Highway 100 Reconstruction;” interviews with Michael Phillips, writer/producer of channel tpt2 video “Hwy 100—Lilac Way;” Tom Marshall, Director, Robbinsdale Park & Recreation; Robert Vogel, Edina Heritage Council consultant; and the following publications: Minneapolis Journal, Minneapolis Tribune, Minneapolis Star, Minneapolis Star Tribune, St. Louis Park Sun and St. Paul Pioneer Press. 11 • AUTUMN 200810 • AUTUMN 2008 North Section Partly Completed In 1941 Construction on the northern section of Highway 100, north from Glenwood Avenue to Highway 52 (now 81), began in 1937 and was partially completed in 1941. When the United States entered World War II in December 1941, workers were taken off WPA projects all over the nation and transferred to wartime jobs in so-called “defense plants.” Because of shortages of materials and labor needed for defense purposes, some portions of the last segment of the Beltline freeway were not completed until after the war ended in 1945. Graeser would not live to see his dream fulfilled. He died in 1944. In the mid-1940s, the original Beltline circle of highways surrounding the Twin Cities was finally completed by marking existing Highway 96 to White Bear Lake as Highway 100, the final link in the 61-mile loop. For the next 20 years, until the mid-1960s, Highway 100 truly lived up to its informal nickname as the “Beltline.” ‘Super Beltline’ Replaces Most of Original Beltline In 1955, Congress launched the 41,000-mile interstate system of highways, a massive construction program that the federal government would pay 90 percent. It was scheduled for nationwide completion in 1968. In the July 1, 1955 issue of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, plans to construct an 80-mile “Super Beltline” circling the Twin Cities were revealed by officials of MnDOT and the Federal Bureau of Roads. “Construction of the first link of a ‘Super Beltline’—starting along 78th Street (Highway 5), south of Minneapolis—was scheduled to begin in the spring of 1956,” the announcement said. This is how Highway 5 (78th Street), looking east, and France Avenue South looked in 1958. Note the billboard (left center) directing travelers to the new Southdale Center. Highway 5 would become part of the southern leg of I-494, which was completed in 1965. No r t o n & P e e l p h o t o f r o m Mi n n e s o t a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y This 1955 map illustrates an early tentative route of the proposed “Super Beltline,” which later became Interstate Highways 494 and 694 surrounding the Twin Cities. Note also, the routing of proposed interstate Highways 35W, 35E and 94 (dashed lines) and the original Highway 100 Beltline (dotted lines). Mi n n e a p o l i s P u b l i c L i b r a r y — S p e c i a l C o l l e c t i o n s 13 • AUTUMN 200812 • AUTUMN 2008 Edina Art Center Juried Exhibition Continues Through Oct.27 Artwork from an impressive group of area artists is currently on display at the Edina Art Center’s 24th-annual Members’ Juried Exhibition. This is the Edina Art Center’s premiere event and attracts talented entrants from the entire Twin Cities area and beyond. Entries include drawings, paintings, pottery, sculpture, photography and mixed media. On Sept. 4, an opening reception was hosted by Edina Art Center Board Members where artists, members and visitors enjoyed the expansive display of works, live music, refreshments and the opportunity to confer with this year’s jurors. Jurors have selected award-winning works in various categories from submissions by Edina Art Center members. Six monetary awards were given to selected winners without regard to media. A Peer Award, in honor of Bill Smeltz, was also voted on by entrants. This year’s judges were award-winning and nationally recognized artists Doug Lew and Steve Hemingway. Lew’s watercolor and acrylic paintings include sports, action, motion, impressionist and portraits, including commissioned watercolors. Lew, originally from Shanghai, China, moved to the United States when he was 15. Hemingway, a Michigan native, has been residing in Minnesota for 13 years. He is an accomplished artist in all media, specializing in ceramics, with a focus on extensive detail and the raku firing process. Judging was completed after press time of About Town, but visitors can view the winning entrants at the Edina Art Center Juried Show through Oct. 27. Many of the entries are also available for purchase. The Edina Art Center is located at 4701 W. 64th St. The gallery is open 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. For additional information, call 612-915-6600 or visit www.EdinaArtCenter.com. By providing customized investment strategies, we can work closely with investors to help them manage their wealth. Our Financial Advisors take the time to understand each investor’s needs and goals, and seek to deliver solutions that address their specific needs. Depending on investors’ needs, we can also offer access to global resources, which include lending solutions, alternative investments and insightful research. That’s what we mean by “You & Us.” For more information, call: 952-848-8040 877-850-6022 4999 France Avenue South, Suite 200, Edina, MN 55410 ©2008 UBSFinancial Services Inc. All Rights Reserved. Member SIPC. 7.5" x 7.5”7.06_7R0722_Edina rev 3 Image About Town Magazine hs/kier/robin quarterly suz bw 7R_Edina_13729123 You & Us. Continuing our commitment to Edina investors. Paul Bordonaro Senior Vice President–Investments Nick Cronin Senior Vice President–Investments Keith Fahnhorst Senior Vice President–Investments Tiffany Fahnhorst Financial Advisor Pete Gabler Financial Advisor Blane Hammer Senior Vice President–Investments Bob Hannah Financial Advisor Jim Hay Financial Advisor Dave Horan Senior Vice President–Investments Ryan Johnson Financial Advisor Mike Koob Vice President–Investments Peter Levy Associate Branch Manager Senior Vice President–Investments Scott Schachtman Assistant Vice President–Investments By providing customized investment strategies, we can work closely with investors to help them manage their wealth. Our Financial Advisors take the time to understand each investor’s needs and goals, and seek to deliver solutions that address their specific needs. Depending on investors’ needs, we can also offer access to global resources, which include lending solutions, alternative investments and insightful research. That’s what we mean by “You & Us.” For more information, call: 952-848-8040 877-850-6022 4999 France Avenue South, Suite 200, Edina, MN 55410 ©2008 UBSFinancial Services Inc. All Rights Reserved. Member SIPC. 7.5" x 7.5”7.06_7R0722_Edina rev 3 Image About Town Magazine hs/kier/robin quarterly suz bw 7R_Edina_13729123 You & Us. Continuing our commitment to Edina investors. Paul Bordonaro Senior Vice President–Investments Nick Cronin Senior Vice President–Investments Keith Fahnhorst Senior Vice President–Investments Tiffany Fahnhorst Financial Advisor Pete Gabler Financial Advisor Blane Hammer Senior Vice President–Investments Bob Hannah Financial Advisor Jim Hay Financial Advisor Dave Horan Senior Vice President–Investments Ryan Johnson Financial Advisor Mike Koob Vice President–Investments Peter Levy Associate Branch Manager Senior Vice President–Investments Scott Schachtman Assistant Vice President–Investments Sandra Shaughnessy was the winner of the Betsy Bryant Award for Excellence in Pottery 2007. McKenna is another Come Home 2 Edina participant who has a special connection to the community. She grew up in Edina, and wanted her young daughter, Addison, to be able to build memories in the same great community she did. As a single mom, McKenna said that homeownership gives her and Addison stability. Purchasing a home can be a confusing process, especially for a busy working mother, but McKenna said Come Home 2 Edina helped make things clear. There wasn’t a question the program staff couldn’t answer. Most importantly, the program is accommodating and has options for every situation—it gives everyone a chance. McKenna now knows personally that owning a home is possible, and she’s thankful she has a lifelong investment. Joyce Repya, the City’s Associate Planner, said Come Home 2 Edina is designed to attract younger families to Edina to keep the community strong for many generations to come. The program is doing just that: making the dream of a home in Edina a reality for many people just like it did for Scott, Liz, and McKenna. As Scott sautéed the onions for the family’s spaghetti dinner while Liz gave baby Callie a bath, across town McKenna read Addison a bedtime story. It is these precious moments that reflect what their Edina homes mean to them. They appreciate Edina’s top-notch school system, their charming neighborhoods and more space for them to entertain and for their kids to play. It’s no doubt that these homebuyers realize the equity that they’re building and cherish the helping hand of Come Home 2 Edina. Most importantly, they see that they’re building a future. They’ve come home to Edina. For more information on the Come Home 2 Edina second mortgage program, contact Repya, 952-826-0462 or jrepya@ci.edina.mn.us. 15 • AUTUMN 2008 By Elisabeth Donnan Like any homeowner, Scott has to deal with chores like putting up the rain gutters, fixing a finicky toilet and refinishing wood floors. What Scott doesn’t have to put up with is a long drive to work (and the high fuel costs as- sociated with such a commute), renting policies or outrageous mortgage payments. How does Scott avoid all these hassles? He and his wife, Liz, chose the “Come Home 2 Edina” second mortgage program and moved to Edina. When Scott and Liz decided to have a child, they knew finding a home was their next step . The couple had many things in mind when house shopping. Finding a place close to the software company where Scott works was on the list, as was living in a good neighborhood. Scott and Liz also dreamed of having the flexibility to let Liz be a stay-at-home mom while still saving for their retirement and college funds for baby Callie. For those reasons and more, living in Edina was important to Scott and Liz. Come Home 2 Edina made that priority affordable and the home-buying process easier for them, as it has for hundreds of other home buyers. Come Home 2 Edina is a new second mortgage program of the non-profit Edina Housing Foundation that provides assistance to families and individuals looking for affordable home ownership options in Edina. The Foundation has issued more than 300 second mortgages in its 20 years of operation. Come Home 2 Edina participants can borrow up to $60,000 on which 5 percent simple interest accrues. Two payment options are available: one in which the participant makes monthly payments of interest only and the other in which all payments are deferred until sale of the home, refinancing or maturity of the loan. Past participants have been known to save up to $700 per month on their mortgage payments. Not only does Come Home 2 Edina make buying a home in Edina affordable, but it benefits the community in other ways as well. The Edina Housing Foundation invests the simple interest accrued from program participants and generously uses those funds as a source for future affordable housing offerings. Second Mortgage Program Helps People ‘Come Home 2 Edina’ 14 • AUTUMN 2008 A young family buys their new home in Edina with the help of the “Come Home 2 Edina” second mortgage program. THE International Approach To Real Estate Realtor/ Agent Immobilier Stephane Cattelin Serving The Edina French-American Community Minneapolis Lakes Office 612-924-4352 Office 612-703-8229 Mobile www.StephaneCattelin.com e-PRO, CIPS, TRC 16 • AUTUMN 2008 17 • AUTUMN 2008 Walk through the Edina History Museum’s exhibit on community history and you’ll see the Edina Mill turbine, a Cahill School desk, a Country Club resident’s fancy dress and golf clubs, and a fully set table from Clancy’s restaurant from 50th & France. The exhibit covers farm families, streetcars, early residential developments and pioneer life – then ends at the opening of Southdale Center more than 50 years ago. The Edina Historical Society now hopes to cover the more recent past with help from residents. “We want to know what are the most significant people, places and events that transformed Edina in your lifetime,” said Historical Society Director Marci Matson. “People think of history as something that happened before they were born, but our mission is to preserve and tell the stories from the 1950s to present as well as those from our pioneer period.” The public is invited to submit their ideas about what made history in Edina since the end of World War II. Nominations may be sent to Edina Historical Society, Attn: We Made History, 4711 W. 70th St., Edina, MN 55435 or email to edinahistory@ci.edina.mn.us. Nomination deadline is Jan. 15, 2009. The Society asks residents to submit photographs, objects and stories that help document Edina’s transformation from small town to suburb. For more information on donating or loaning items for an upcoming exhibit, contact Matson at 612-928-4577. ‘We Made History:’ Edina Historical Society Explores Historic Changes Since 1950 What made history in Edina since 1950? • The last farm ceased operation. • Edina pool opened in 1958. • The first Edina high school class graduated in 1951. • Edina won several high school sports championships. • Morningside re-joined Edina in 1966 after more than 40 years as a separate village. Submit your nomination on history-making people, places and events to the Edina Historical Society before Jan. 15, 2009. Call Ted Field 952-927-1150 www.SeniorExpert.com 35+ years experience working with seniors Editor’s Note: Dick Crockett’s column on this subject in the Summer 2008 issue of About Town featured Foundation efforts to beautify City parks and neighborhoods and to support musical groups in our community. This column by Linda Kieffer features the Foundation’s efforts to beautify Edina by supporting the Edina Public Art Committee and its mission to provide opportunities for artistic expression and reflection in public places. By Linda Kieffer Since the Edina Public Art Committee (EPAC) was formed in 2004, many of the Foundation’s contributions to Beautifying Edina have involved the purchase of art for public places. This is accomplished through close collaboration with the Committee, which serves in an advisory capacity to the City in all public art-related matters. Beautifying the City with public art helps to build community pride and revitalize areas where people gather, attracting tourists, businesses and new residents. It also can embody a vision of our community where arts and culture play a pivotal role. The Foundation’s contributions in the arena of public art began in 2004 with purchase awards funded by Xcel Energy that led to the acquisition and placement in City Hall of three works from the Edina Art Center Show, 22 Miles: Celebrating Minnehaha Creek. Those works were “Tranquility,” an oil painting by Arlene Green; “Urban Jewel,” an oil painting I created; and “Rock Dance,” a photograph by Polly Norman. Since then, the Foundation has funded several public art acquisitions and projects coordinated by the Edina Public Art Committee. Grandview Square Park, located behind the Edina Community Library and Senior Center, has had three very popular summer season exhibits featuring work by local and regional artists. Artwork in 2006 was “Leaf Stack,” bronze by Nick Legeros; “Norse Knot,” limestone by Janey Westin; and “Raven,” Belgian black marble by Bryan Young. In 2007, works on display were “Gear Head,” steel by Albert Belleveau; “Otter,” Indiana limestone by Jeffrey Birch; and “Sovereign Son,” bronze by Legeros. This year, with funding from Abdo Eick & Meyers, the display has included “Blue Chain Jane,” welded steel by Belleveau; “River Spirit,” bronze by Julie Ann Stage; and “Bunny,” cast steel by Jeffrey Kalstrom. Two of these sculptures were subsequently acquired by the Foundation for placement in public buildings. “Raven” was a gift from the William D. Radichel Foundation and rests in the City Hall lobby on a pedestal (itself a work of art) built by City employee Jim Peluf. In the June issue of Edina Magazine, featuring the “Best The Edina Community Foundation: Beautifying Edina Strengthening Our Community 18 • AUTUMN 2008 19 • AUTUMN 2008 of 2008,” “Raven” was chosen as “best public art piece” by readers’ survey. “Otter” was a gift from Ron and Betty Hemstad and stands near the waterfall in Edinborough Park where he can be enjoyed by the 100,000 children who visit that park every year. The glass wall on the east side of the City Hall lobby has been enhanced with very colorful Art Glass by Michael Pilla. This dramatic two-story piece reflects Edina’s heritage as a village with a mill and grindstone on Minnehaha Creek. Gifts from the William D. Radichel Foundation and Linda and Jim Masica paid for the design phase of this project, with the remaining cost covered by the EPAC budget and Edina’s Your City, Your Art utility bill check-off. EPAC has also commissioned a major work of art for Centennial Lakes Park: a 10-foot tall stainless steel “Pine Cone” by sculptor Marcia McEachron. McEachron chose the pinecone as a symbol in nature that speaks to us all. She feels that its open, seed-releasing form represents prosperity and a potential for growth and inspiration. The sculpture is located in the middle of the maze in the northeast part of the Park. This project was completely funded by a gift to the Foundation from John and Jean Hedberg, with the intent of adding further public interest to the area once owned and occupied by their family sand and gravel business. The Edina Public Art Committee and the Edina Community Foundation’s Board of Directors, staff and donors are proud of these many Beautifying Edina contributions to our community and the enhanced quality of life that they bring to those who live and work here. Please contact me if you have an idea for bringing more public art to Edina or if you’d like to support this effort with a charitable contribution. Kieffer may be reached at 953-412-2191 or all.kieffer@tds.net. Questions about the Foundation or any of its programs may be addressed to Executive Director Dick Crockett at 952-833-9573 or edinacommunityfoundation@ci.edina.mn.us. Additional information about the Foundation and links to other articles about the Foundation may be found at its website, www.edinacommunityfoundation.org. 21 • AUTUMN 200820 • AUTUMN 2008 Edina To Observe Minnesota Chemical Health Week By Kathy Iverson Contributing Writer Minnesota Chemical Health Week is Nov. 17-23, 2008. What’s that got to do with you and me? Opportunities to attend holiday parties and get-togethers kick off around Thanksgiving. We could attend or host one of these events. Each year, nationally, more than 1,000 people typically die between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day in drunk driving crashes. In collaboration with Mothers’ Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Edina conducts Tie One On For Safety, a popular public awareness campaign, as part of Minnesota Chemical Health Week. Tie One On For Safety asks us to place a MADD ribbon on car antennae, laptop bags or backpacks as a pledge to drive safe, sober and buckled up during the holidays and throughout the year. The MADD red ribbons will be available at Edina libraries, participating medical clinics in Edina, government buildings and schools. Additionally, Minnesota Chemical Health Week reminds us that millions of people have been hurt by someone else’s alcohol or drug use. We all can play a role in preventing these tragedies. If you are hosting an event where alcohol is served, make it a priority to serve alcohol responsibly. Offer alternative beverages, serve less salty snacks and provide options for guests who should not be driving home. Some suggested options include providing a ride home for them, or keeping them at your home overnight. The holidays can exacerbate fatigue, stress and emotional reactions such as frustration, anger and loneliness. Take good care of yourself and others. One of the most wonderful gifts to yourself is to make healthy choices, and then to encourage others to do the same. For fun non-alcoholic holiday beverage recipes, see the City of Edina website, www.CityofEdina.com/Recipes. Best Wishes for a wonderful holiday season! Kathy Iverson is the Chemical Health Coordinator for the City of Edina. She can be contacted at 952-929-7627 or kiverson@ci.edina.mn.us. West 50th & Vernon Avenue at Hwy. 100 952-920-3996 www.washburn-mcreavy.com Family Owned & Operated Since 1857 EDINA CHAPEL FuNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES Congratulations to Skip Thomas, ReMax Results Debbie & Skip Thomas Skip & Debbie Thomas ReMax Results www.skipthomas.com Office: 952.848.2404 Cell: 612.701.5023 Email: skip@skipthomas.com ● Edina Business Person of the Year ● Edina Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee ● ReMax Hall of Fame 5IFSFJTOPPOFFMTFUIBULOPXT&EJOBCFUUFSUIBO4LJQ 23 • AUTUMN 200822 • AUTUMN 2008 Leaves Keep fallen leaves out of the street to help prevent clogging the storm sewer, which can lead to water runoff, backups and flooding. In the fall, three street sweepers work eight to 10 hours per day for four to six weeks collecting leaves throughout the City. If residents rake leaves from their yards into the streets, the street sweeper will not be able to keep up. Residents should compost their leaves or contact their refuse hauler for proper disposal. Licensed haulers in the City are Allied Waste Services, 952-941-5174; Aspen Waste, 612-884-8000; Vierkant Disposal, 612-922-2505; Suburban Waste Service, 952-937-8900; and Waste Management, 952-890-1100. Edina Snow Removal Regulations Any snow removed from your walkways, driveways or sidewalks must remain on your property. Do not shovel snow into the street or onto your neighbor’s property. If you have a sidewalk, Edina law states that you must keep it plowed or shoveled for the safety of you and your neighbors. If a fire hydrant is located on your property, please remember that you need to clear snow away from it. As soon as the snow stops falling, start to clear away the snow so that the hydrant is visible. The few minutes it takes provides access to a fire hydrant that might save you and your neighbors precious time in an emergency. Edina Snow Parking Regulations Many Minnesotans have made the mistake of parking their cars or trucks on the street during a snowstorm, only to find later that their vehicles have been “buried” or “plowed in.” Seeing a parking ticket on your windshield would only add to the frustration. You can avoid a citation or tow by following these rules. No vehicle may be parked on a City street, highway or alley under the following conditions: • When 1.5 inches or more of snow has fallen, until it has been plowed to the curbline. • For six hours after the snowfall stops, unless traffic signs specifically allow you to do so or if you are engaged in certain job-related activities as described in the City Code. • From 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. Nov. 1 to March 31. It is extremely important for residents to keep their vehicles off of the roadways during these times. Edina’s Public Works Department has a reputation for providing top-notch snow removal services, but staff members need your help. Cars parked on the street make it difficult for snowplow operators to maneuver and also prevent the street from being thoroughly plowed. By parking in driveways or lots, you will avoid parking tickets and the expense and inconvenience associated with towing. For more information, contact Public Works Coordinator Steve Johnson, 952-826-0301. It’s Not Only Neighborly… It’s The Law Discoverthe BenefitsofMembership atthe Southdale YMCA Join Todayand GetFitforLife!www.YMCATwinCities.org. Asafe, welcoming place forkids, adultsand families. State-of-the artFitnessCenterswithhigh-tech cardio machinesandstrength training equipment. Over100 FREEGroup Xclassesa week, the “funnest” GroupExercise classesaround.IncludingBODYPUMP, BODYVIVEand Cardio-Kick! FREEKidsStuffchild care while you workout. ComplimentaryAdultFitnessConsultationsto help define yourfitnessgoals. PremierYMCASwim Academyswimlessonsatreduced rates. FREEprogramsand activitiesforkidsand familiesincluding SuperFamilySundays! Southdale YMCA 7355 YorkAvenue South Edina 952-835-2567 Discoverthe BenefitsofMembership atthe Southdale YMCA 25 • AUTUMN 200824 • AUTUMN 2008 By Marty Doll Let’s face it. Most people would prefer to keep their run-ins with the Fire Department to a minimum — especially since those run-ins usually result from a lot of smoke and flames in places where a lot of smoke and flames shouldn’t be. But on Sunday, Oct. 12, in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week, the Edina Fire Department will hold its annual Open House at the newly constructed Fire Station No. 1 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. It’s an opportunity for Edina residents to see up-close the type of work firefighter/paramedics do to protect the community through a series of interactive demonstrations — and without having to deal with a blazing inferno of their own. It also gives the Fire Department the opportunity to say thank you for the community support they receive throughout the year. This year’s Open House should really get Edina residents “fired-up” since it will be one of the first opportunities to tour the newly constructed Fire Station No. 1, which officially opened in late July. Located on the site of the old station at 6250 Tracy Ave., construction began in May 2007 after the 1960s station was razed. The old building, built mainly for men, did not house a locker room for any current or future female firefighter/paramedics. In addition to a women’s locker room, the energy-efficent two-story station offers nearly twice the square footage on the same footprint as the old station, allowing for sufficient storage of medical records, gear and equipment; an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) clean-room; a highly secure narcotics safe and evidence storage area; individual sleeping quarters for firefighter/paramedics; administrative offices and conference/training rooms; and an expanded six-bay apparatus floor for housing large fire and EMS equipment as well as a variety of additional storage space and equipment upgrades. In addition to tours offered throughout the afternoon, a variety of interactive demonstrations will show children and adults what it’s like to be a firefighter/paramedic. Kids will be able to put on a firefighter’s uniform and put out a real fire; the Fire Department’s large trucks and ambulances will be on hand and open for a peek inside; the firefighter/paramedics will demonstrate a car crash rescue from the time of dispatch through the actual extrication of passengers; and much of the Department’s “latest and greatest” equipment will be on display. Sparky, the Fire Department’s Dalmatian mascot, will also be “sniffing” around the station. “We do the Open House at the end of Fire Prevention Week so we can use it as another opportunity to educate the public,” said Edina Fire Marshal Tom Jenson. “This year’s theme is ‘Prevent Home Fires,’ and it’s important for us to get the message across that the true cause of almost every fire is people — men, women and children. We need to all be responsible for our actions.” For more information on the Open House, contact the Edina Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau at 952-826-0378 or visit www.CityofEdina.com/Fire. Reproduced from NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week Web site, www.firepreventionweek.org. ©2008 NFPA. Edina Mayor Jim Hovland and Council Member Ann Swenson’s 4-year-old grandson, Jack, were aboard the fire truck that drove through the ribbon at Fire Station No. 1 in July, marking its official opening. Tours will be offered at the Open House. Edina Firefighters will perform multiple interactive demonstrations at the Open House, including allowing kids to experience what its like to put out a fire. Edina firefighter/paramedics demonstrate a rescue from a large structure at last year’s open house. Fire Department Open House To Be Held Oct.12 At New Station 27 • AUTUMN 200826 • AUTUMN 2008 Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP) is in search of holiday spirit and generous donations to make this year’s holiday season brighter for area children and families in need. Over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, VEAP plans to distribute food to more than 3,200 families and gifts to over 3,800 children in Edina, Bloomington, Richfield and southwest Minneapolis. To accomplish this goal, VEAP is seeking donors to provide gifts and volunteers to help sort, set up and distribute those toys to low-income families. Monetary and non-perishable food donations help ensure that all families have the ability to have a holiday meal. Donations of new, unwrapped gifts, toys and gift cards help to make the holiday bright for the children in low-income households. Parents are able to come to VEAP and select gifts for their children at the free holiday store. Gifts can be dropped off at VEAP, 9731 James Ave. S., Bloomington, between Nov. 18 and Dec. 10 for distribution to those in need. Edina residents can drop off donations at the Edina Police Department, 4801 W. 50th St., or at Fire Station No. 1, 6250 Tracy Ave. Gifts are greatly needed for all age groups of children, but in the past, presents for infants (0 to 3 years of age) and older teens have been hardest to collect. Some ideas for infants include rattles, board books, blocks, sorting toys and puzzles. Gifts for older children include watches, clocks, room or closet organizers, jewelry sets, phones and blankets or comforters. A $15 gift card to a local retailer is also a great option when shopping with older children in mind. Individuals and families interested in registering for these programs can contact VEAP at 952-888-9616. Call to register for food Oct. 7 to Nov. 7. At that time, you will also receive information on how to register for December holiday assistance. To register for the VEAP Holiday Toy Program, call between Nov. 18 and Dec. 3. Distribution of Holiday Toys is Dec. 16 through Dec. 22. VEAP has full lists of drop-off sites and needed items for interested donors. Those lists can be obtained by calling 952-888-9616 or visiting www.VEAPVolunteers.org. Volunteer opportunities are also abundant during the holiday season. People interested in pre-sorting gifts, registering families, packing grocery bags, setting up the holiday store or delivering meals to seniors or homebound neighbors should call VEAP at 952-888-9616. For more information about VEAP or its holiday programs, visit the VEAP website at www.VEAPVolunteers.org or call the Seasonal Program Manager at 952-888-9616. VEAP Prepares To Distribute Holiday Joy 29 • AUTUMN 200828 • AUTUMN 2008 EDINA 50th & France YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS JOHN SMABY, MANAGER 952.924.8757 EDINA 6800 OFFICE JOHN SHAW, MANAGER 952.927.1160 Jeff and Diane Anderes 952-927-2842 Ginni and Jeff Anderson 952-927-1669 Jeff and Connie Cauble 952-927-1115 John Everett 952-927-1646 Cindy Farmer 952-927-1119 Lee Gilbertson 952-927-2850 Jackie Goodlund 952-927-1647 Ruthann Holetz 952-927-1624 Stacy Johnson 952-927-1608 Linda Jones 952-927-1781 Mary Greig Ktieter 612-719-0665 John MacKany 952-927-1163 John McDonald 952-927-1197 JoanE Mitchell 952-927-1147 Jude Dugan Olson 952-927-1186 Kevin Ries 952-927-1196 Margie and John Sampsell 952-927-1195 Wade Thommen 952-927-1152 Michael Tierney 952-927-1676 Susan Wahman 952-927-1114 Corky Weber 952-927-1198 Pam Aagaard 952-261-7576 Pam Allen 952-915-7187 Dave Anderson 612-750-2209 Sandy and Buzz Bainbridge 952-915-7980 Babette and John Bean 952-924-8722 Lou Blemaster 952-924-8744 Krysta Clark 952-924-8707 Sheila Cronin 952-915-7951 Karen Daly 952-924-8746 Patti Eastman 952-924-8786 Lisa Eckert 952-915-7964 Tom Frisk 612-418-6642 Janie Hays 952-924-8721 Jim Jaeckels 952-924-8741 Mark Kouatli 612-708-8400 Bob and Francy Matson 952-915-7950 Brad McNamara 952-924-8785 Tom and Meg Meyers 952-924-8712 Marcia Russell 612-965-7997 Linda Smaby 952-924-8726 Kathie Volland 952-915-7934 Colleen Wahl 952-924-8789 Chris Willette 612-388-8828 Find us at edina6800.edinarealty.com Find us at edina50thandfrance.edinarealty.com edinarealty.com Open Houses • Active Listings • Home Values • Property Search A Full Service Lender Todd Johnson • 6800 France Ave • 612.207.9550 Kara Egan • 50th & France • 612.325.3735 31 • AUTUMN 200830 • AUTUMN 2008 Editor’s note: The Edina Fire Department consists of three firefighter/paramedic shifts, a paid-on-call group, an investigative/inspection team and a highly qualified fire administration. About Town has featured the men and women who make up the Edina Fire Department through a series of articles and photos. This is the final installment of the series. By Marty Doll It’s all about chemistry. Whether it’s an elite group of athletes on a quest for a championship, a Fortune 500 company trying to keep from falling to 501 or just a first date hoping to turn into a second date — good chemistry equals success. Edina’s Fire Department is no exception. Fortunately for members of the Department, the example is set at the top of the organization with its three top-ranking Chief Officers and one administrative professional who have been working together for nearly 20 years. Marty Scheerer, Edina’s Fire Chief, began his career as a paid-on-call firefighter as a teenager in 1981. It was the first time since the 1960s that Edina’s Fire Department had incorporated volunteers, and Scheerer was the youngest of the group. He and his two older brothers were among the first to sign up. “I was 18 or 19 at the time, and I was trying to decide whether or not I wanted to go to med school,” said Scheerer, an Edina native with many friends and family still in the community. “When I first signed up, I really didn’t know what it was going to be all about, but I ended up really enjoying it and decided to go to school to become a paramedic to try to get on full-time.” Scheerer did just that, becoming a full-time paramedic/firefighter in 1989. From there, he worked his way up the proverbial ladder, being promoted to Lieutenant, Captain and in 1999, one of the youngest Fire Chiefs in the area. As Fire Chief, Scheerer is responsible for overseeing all functions of the Fire Department. His specific duties include planning, directing and organizing all aspects of the Department; setting goals, objectives and priorities; overseeing City property construction to ensure everything Getting To Know The Edina Fire Department: Chief Officers And Administration is built to Code; and preparing and implementing the Department budget. In addition, he serves as the Fire Department’s spokesperson at community events, schools and conferences and as the point-man when working with the City Manager, Mayor and City Council on the political side of the operation. Scheerer is also actively involved in the State Fire Chief’s Association, working on fire-related legislative issues and currently serving as Vice President. A firefighter/paramedic first, he serves as incident commander on large fire calls and has maintained his paramedic status in order to help out when needed. Scheerer, however, hesitates to take too much of the credit for the Fire Department’s success. “I try to involve all the members of the Fire Department in everything that I do,” said Scheerer. “I feel like I’m the coach of a team that wins the Super Bowl every year. But I’m just a coach; it’s the team that really goes out there and makes us successful.” If Scheerer is the head coach, then Darrell Todd is his offensive coordinator. Todd, the Assistant Fire Chief, maintains and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Fire Department. He and Scheerer have a long history together in the Department. Not only was Todd promoted to Assistant Fire Chief shortly after Scheerer became Chief, but as former ambulance partners and members of the same shift for many years, they have gained a trust and mutual respect that serve as a tremendous benefit in their current roles. “Marty and I sit down every day and discuss what’s going on in the Department,” said Todd. “He, Tom [Schmitz, the Training and Safety Chief] and I have all been on the operational side of things, so we can relate to our firefighters and paramedics.” Todd is responsible for everything from setting schedules and handling issues with fire and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to ensuring that the fire station (continued on next page) Assistant Fire Chief Darrell Todd (right) conducts an early morning meeting with Fire Lieutenant Craig Essig. From bottom left to top right Fire Secretary Ruth Schmoll, Assistant Fire Chief Darrell Todd, Training and Safety Battalion Chief Tom Schmitz and Fire Chief Marty Scheerer. P h o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n Edina Fire Chief Marty Scheerer, along with Sparky, the Fire Department’s Dalmatian mascot, welcomed the public to the newly constructed Fire Station No. 1 at a ribbon cutting ceremony in July. 32 • AUTUMN 2008 33 • AUTUMN 2008 “With the [South Metro Public Safety] Training Center, we are able to do so much more realistic training,” said Schmitz. “With the push of a button, I can have real fire. We try to make it as real as possible, but of course, safety is always on the forefront.” Having worked together with Scheerer and Todd as firefighter/paramedics and now as Chief Officers, Schmitz, who is also an active firefighter/paramedic, is well aware of the benefit of their long histories together. “I think we all know each other so well that we really trust the work that each of us is doing,” said Schmitz. “We don’t have to look over each other’s shoulders.” The final member of the Chief Officers/Administrative branch of the Fire Department is Fire Secretary Ruth Schmoll. After 33 years with the Department, she has seen her role change over the years. “When I first started with the Fire Department when I was 19, the firefighter/paramedics were like big brothers to me and the Chief Officers were like fathers,” said Schmoll. “Now, 33 years later it’s come full-circle — the last guy we hired could be my son!” Schmoll has seen all three of the current Chief Officers work their way up through the ranks to their current positions, and it is often said that she knows the Department so well that she is really the head of the organization. “Marty [Scheerer] jokes all the time that I’m the real Fire Chief,” said Schmoll, also an Edina native. “Even though I’m not a paramedic or at the end of a hose line, I feel like I’m contributing, and it feels good to know that you are helping the community.” Schmoll’s current role consists of a variety of administrative tasks, including handling payroll, billing and scheduling firefighter/ paramedic public education appearances. She answers phones, serves as the point of contact for the Fire Department, writes letters, does research for Chief Officers and works in the dispatch area if all of the firefighter/paramedics are out on a call. The biggest part of her day is spent dealing with emergency reports – organizing, processing and “quality controlling” all ambulance reports for the billing office. She also serves as a neutral party and sounding board for all members of the Department. “I hope I can be seen as an arbitrator — I’m not on any shift, I’m not union, I’m not management,” said Schmoll. “I don’t take sides, and I’m willing to listen to any issues or concerns that may arise from all levels of the Department.” Together, Scheerer, Todd, Schmitz and Schmoll have a combined 95 years of experience keeping Edina residents out of harm’s way, and it’s their commitment – and chemistry – that has helped mold Edina’s Fire Department into one of the most respected and highly-functioning Fire Departments in Minnesota. To learn more about the Edina Fire Department, visit www.CityofEdina.com/Fire. is in livable condition for the 24-hour shifts. He is the direct supervisor of the three shift Captains, beginning each day at 6:30 a.m. by debriefing the outgoing 24-hour shift Captain and passing information on to the incoming shift. He also talks daily with the City’s maintenance shop to keep up on the service of the Department’s three ambulances, three fire engines, aerial tower, special operations truck and multiple small service and staff vehicles. “There’s nothing that is out of my range of duties,” said Todd. “One day I might be ordering paper towels or fixing a leaky toilet for the fire station, and the next day I might be ordering a fire truck.” Like Scheerer, Todd is an active firefighter/paramedic, but in his current role, he no longer gets to respond to fire calls as much as he would like. However, getting out and interacting with the public — which is what drew him to the Fire Department in the first place — is still on his list of favorites of the job. Schmitz, the Training and Safety Battalion Chief, is the third corner of the Chief Officer triangle. As a member of the Edina Fire Department since 1993, he has the shortest tenure of the three Chief Officers — but 15 years is nothing to scoff at. Having also worked his way up the ranks from a shift firefighter/paramedic, Schmitz became Battalion Chief in 2000, shortly after Scheerer was appointed Chief and right around the time his former shift-mate Todd was also promoted. Schmitz’s primary responsibility is to oversee all of the training for fire, EMS and special operations personnel. “I put an awful lot on these guys,” said Schmitz. “We train a lot harder than some of the other area fire departments of similar size.” Under Schmitz’s regimen, each shift member, including the paid on-call volunteers, is required to attend training every shift. In addition, special ops members are required to attend an additional eight-hour training session each month and paramedics another four hours per month. “Some of our firefighter/paramedics who are on the special operations team are also on the Police S.W.A.T. team, which requires even more training,” said Schmitz. “Those guys are always here.” It’s this extensive training that helps make Edina’s firefighter/paramedics some of the most highly skilled and fastest responding in the State. Schmitz runs his students through a variety of real-life situations such as rope, confined space, trench, structural collapse and vehicle rescues; inside and outside structural fires; driver’s training; and a variety of other emergency situations. Fire Secretary Ruth Schmoll takes a phone call from a resident regarding the Fire Department. Training and Safety Battalion Chief Tom Schmitz performs an equipment demonstration during Special Operations training. Edina Chess Coach Named Coach Of The Year The School Chess Association (SCA) recently named Cornelia Chess Coach Daa Mahowald 2008 Coach of the Year. She was awarded the honor during the opening ceremonies of the SCA’s 39th-annual Minnesota Elementary State Chess Championship Tournament. Mahowald, or “Ms. Daa” as her students call her, has been coaching chess for over 20 years and currently serves many communities in the Twin Cities. She has been the Chess Coordinator for Robbinsdale Area School District since 2003 and coach of the Edina Chess Club since 2004. Mahowald coached 24 Cornelia Elementary School students who made up the 2007-2008 Cornelia Chess Club. They met every Monday morning during the school year to perfect their chess skills and have some fun. This past summer, Mahowald coached a district-wide Summer 2008 Chess Club for Edina students in kindergarten through eighth grade. For more information on the School Chess Association, visit www.schoolchess.org. Edina School District Business Office Receives Award Sixth Consecutive Time The Minnesota Department of Education recently awarded Edina Public Schools’ Business Office with an award for outstanding fiscal management. Jay Willemssen accepted the School Finance Award for Edina Public Schools for the sixth consecutive year. The Minnesota Department of Education has handed this award to just two schools since it was developed six years ago. Out of 545 eligible schools in the state of Minnesota, Edina and Mankato Public Schools have received it all six years. To receive the award, a school’s revenue and expenditure budget must be published in the local newspaper, local board members must be trained in financial matters, and the district must have a positive fund balance in operating capital. For more information on the Edina School District Business Office, call 952-848-4004. Corepower Yoga Stretches Business to Edina Corepower Yoga recently opened the newest of its six Twin Cities locations in Edina. The Edina facility is the first of the company’s studios to include a spa. Located in Centennial Lakes Plaza off France Avenue, Corepower Yoga’s new studio is 6,200 square feet and equipped for the ultimate relaxing experience. Corepower not only offers yoga and spa treatments such as massages and skincare, but also brings customers its own boutique 34 • AUTUMN 2008 35 • AUTUMN 2008 Business Notes featuring eco-inspired fashion, books, music, yoga must-haves and more. Corepower Yoga & Spa is located at 7495 France Ave. S. For more information, visit www.corepoweryoga.com. Bumbershute Opens Boutique at 50th & France Bumbershute boutique joined the ranks of fashionista destinations at 50th & France in June. Kathryn Paulsrud, owner of Bumbershute, said she moved the store from its original location in Wayzata because she liked the 50th & France business community. “It’s a great little shopping area, and Edina puts on a lot of events that help promote the businesses here,” said Paulsrud. This tony boutique fills its new space with clothing and accessories from Alice + Olivia, Dolce & Gabbana, Citizens of Humanity, Roberto Cavalli and more. Bumbershute is located at 5014 France Ave. S. For more information, visit www.bumbershute.com. Edina High School Stands Among Top 100 in the Nation Newsweek included Edina High School in its list of 100 of America’s top public high schools in 2008. Edina leads the way for Minnesota high schools on Newsweek’s list, being the only one to make the top 100. According to Newsweek, schools that made the list represent the top 5 percent in the nation and the ranking was based on the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or Cambridge tests taken by students at the school in 2007 divided by the number of graduating seniors. “What makes our district successful is a unique combination of talented staff, dedicated parents and a caring community,” said Randy Meyer, Chairman of the Edina Board of Education. For more information on Edina High School, contact Doug Johnson, 952-848-3960. To view Newsweek’s article on Top U.S. Public High Schools, visit www.newsweek.com/id/137415. Sigmund Awarded 2008 Teacher of the Year by Edina Chamber of Commerce Claude Sigmund of Edina’s South View Middle School was honored with this year’s title of Teacher of the Year. The Edina Chamber of Commerce annually presents the award as part of the local youth asset-building initiative “Connecting with Kids.” Sigmund taught U.S. Government for ninth graders in the 2007-2008 academic year. Sigmund is known for the hands-on approach he takes with his students. Such activities include year-long community service projects; a trip for the ninth-graders to Washington, D.C.; (continued on next page) Chess coach of the year Daa Mahowald and her Cornelia Elementary students “say cheese” for their Chess Club portrait. Bumbershute recently opened its chic new space at 50th & France. 37 • AUTUMN 200836 • AUTUMN 2008 employment of The Democracy game, an interactive software program which simulates civic engagement; and promotion of classroom discussion. Sigmund said, “Getting [students] more involved in the learning process encourages them to become their own educational advocate and then they learn more. … I can’t think of any other job in the world that I could do. It’s in my bones.” The Education Committee of the Edina Chamber of Commerce chose Sigmund for exemplifying creativity, enthusiasm, commitment and development of a positive learning environment. For more information on the Teacher of the Year Award, contact the Edina Chamber of Commerce, 952-806-9060. Minnesota State University–Mankato Opens Site in Edina Minnesota State University-Mankato now offers a unique opportunity for those wishing to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree. MSU–Mankato opened a site in Edina at 7700 France Ave. on Aug. 25 where students can learn by satellite. The MSU–Mankato education site offers undergraduate degrees in speech communication, creative writing, elementary education, special education and secondary education. Graduate programs available include public administration, corrections, human services administration, special education and community health. The classes available at the France Avenue site are taught by MSU–Mankato faculty and participants are recognized as enrolled university students and have complete access to the university’s services and programs. “This new site makes it much more convenient for Twin Cities residents to get degrees from one of Minnesota’s finest state universities… We are grateful to Mayor James Hovland and other officials of the City of Edina for their cooperation as we embark on this exciting new initiative,” said MSU–Mankato President Richard Davenport. For more information about Minnesota State University–Mankato visit www.mnsu.edu/7700france/ or call 1-800-627-3529. Edina Public Schools Honors 99 Students for Community Service Edina Public Schools held a program in May to recognize 99 students who lettered in community service during the 2007-2008 academic year. The requirement to receive the letter was completion of 120 hours of community service, considered to be any activity that introduces students to the solution of a social problem. Students also had to have two written recommendations from service participants, an interview with a Youth Development-Youth Service Manager, and complete a “reflection” project. Volunteering organizations and service learning projects to which the students contributed include the Humane Society and Kids Against Hunger. Edina World War II Veteran Publishes Book Edina resident Dr. John H. Linner published his book Normandy to Okinawa in January. His book is a compilation of photographs he took from his service during the Normandy invasion and at Okinawa, the verbatim diary he kept daily, explanatory maps, and a Lt. John Linner poses for his Navy Medical Corps portrait. Linner compiled his World War II memoirs in his new book Normandy to Okinawa. Claude Sigmund of South View Middle School engages two of his ninth-graders in a service learning project.Two Edina High School students showcase their community service letter at an awards ceremony held on May 19, 2008. (continued on next page) 39 • AUTUMN 2008 thoughtful historical overview of principal aspects of the war gleaned from his extensive World War II bibliography. Linner served as a Navy medical officer and the ship photographer on the LST-6 and the AKA-103. He graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College and the University of Minnesota Medical School. He is a Clinical Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota. To learn more or order a copy of Normandy to Okinawa, visit www.normandytookinawa.com. Peterson Portraits Celebrates 50 Years on 50th Street Peterson Portraits celebrated its golden anniversary this summer. Clair Peterson founded Peterson Portraits in 1958 and established his business on 50th Street and France Avenue because he wanted to be part of a strong, growing retail area. Since, his son Tim has joined the business and the two keep Peterson Portraits well involved in the Edina community. Fifty years later, the studio still prides itself on photographing families, graduates, weddings, business professionals, politicians and more. For more information, call 612-922-2271 or visit www.petersonportraits.net. — Complied by Katelyn Nelson & Elisabeth Donnan 38 • AUTUMN 2008 Clair and Tim Peterson, owners of Peterson Portraits, take a self-portrait in celebration of the business’ golden anniversary on 50th & France Avenue. 07-AAE-050 AbdoADS 10/11/07 4:46 PM Page 2 Centennial Lakes Medical Center7373 France Ave. S., Ste. 402Edina - (952) 831-4400 Ridge Point Medical Building14050 Nicollet Ave. S., Ste. 100Burnsville - (952) 435-4102 Childrens West Professional Office Building6060 Clearwater Drive, Ste. 210 Minnetonka - (952) 932-0920 Donotallow your child to have sugary snacks throughout the day. Encourage good oral hygiene.Your childs teeth should be brushed in the morning and before bedtime.Parents should continue to help and supervise brushing until age 8.Use only a small amount of toothpaste (about the size of a pea). Start flossing your child's teeth when his or her teeth touch each other. Regular dental visits are crucial to maintaining your childs smile. Helpful Hints How to have a tooth-friendly Halloween! Is thinking about Halloween candy and its effect onyour children's teeth enough to give you the chills?Don't despair you can be mindful of your child's health and still let them enjoy the special occasion. www.childrensdent.com By Marty Doll In most cases, if someone says that “liquor” is their life, it probably means it’s time for an intervention. That’s not true for Chuck Peterson. In his case, liquor is his livelihood. As the former Liquor Operations Director for Edina Liquor and now a part-time employee at the Southdale store, Peterson has been stocking shelves, recommending wines and keeping up with the changing tastes and trends in the liquor business for nearly 50 years. Peterson got his start in the liquor business almost entirely by accident. After spending three years in the army in the early 1950s, he attended Brown Institute where he received a degree in broadcasting. “My first real job out of the army was as a radio DJ in Benson, Minn.,” said Peterson. “It was a small station with only two employees. After a few months of working a 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. shift — every day — I decided it was time for a change.” Peterson decided to try his luck at a local employment agency. A very personable and outgoing young man, he was lined up with a job as a sales clerk in Edina Liquor’s original 50th & France store in 1959. Peterson quickly felt at home in his new job and continued to work as a clerk at the 50th & France store for the next five years — until fate again intervened. “In the mid-60s, Archie Archer [former manager of Edina Liquor’s Southdale store] had a heart attack. Bob Snyder [the General Manager of Edina Liquor at the time] asked if I could take over at Southdale until he got well. I asked Bob if he expected me to go back to being a clerk once Archie returned, but he told me, ‘Don’t worry about it, I’ll take care of you.’” And he did. Archer returned to work just as Edina Liquor was opening its third store on Vernon Avenue. He was sent to manage the new store and Peterson remained in operation of the Southdale store for 10 more years. Then in 1979, upon Snyder’s retirement, Peterson was again promoted, and became only the second General Manager in the history of Edina Liquor. As General Manager and Liquor Operations Director (which the position was later named), Peterson helped grow Edina Liquor into a multi-million dollar operation. With hundreds of thousands of dollars in profit being reverted back to the City each year to help subsidize public amenities like Braemar Golf Course and the Art Center, Edina Liquor became an even more important asset to the City. Peterson helped make sure that ship stayed on course. “When Chuck was the General Manager, you could set a clock by his routine,” joked Steve Grausam, the current Liquor Operations Director for Edina Liquor and one of Peterson’s hires. “He was and still is very loyal to Edina. He always put in a full day of work, he rarely called in sick and he’s never been late. He always knew what was going on with products and customers, and building lasting relationships with customers, vendors and employees was really his strong suit.” Peterson remained at the helm of Edina Liquor until 1998, retiring just shy of his 40th year with the City. However, it didn’t take long after retirement for Peterson to miss the work he had done so diligently for so many years. After a year and a half of “boredom,” he decided to have a chat with his former employee, Grausam, who had been promoted to Liquor Operations Director. He hoped that Edina Liquor still had room for an old-timer who knew a thing or two about the business. Although unsure at first as to the dynamic of having the former boss work as a part-time employee, they decided to give it a shot. It’s safe to say the experiment was a success, as Peterson has now been back doing what he loves for the past eight years, bringing his total time with Edina Liquor to near the half-century mark. “I like to joke that I went from the top job to flunkey,” said Peterson. “I stock shelves, do carry-outs, wait on customers, build displays — whatever I’m asked to do. I truly enjoy my job. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t get up at 5 a.m. to be here.” Both Peterson and Grausam can attest that a lot has changed in the liquor business since Edina Liquor first opened its doors — much of which has to do with the changing tastes of liquor consumers. For example, Peterson recalls the day when straight bourbons and blended whiskeys dominated the shelves. “I can write down the names of whiskeys in the dozens that no longer exist,” said Peterson. “And we never had the lighter liquors like vodka and rum that we do today. Now, they take up almost all of the shelf space.” 41 • AUTUMN 2008 For Long-Time Edina Employee, Edina Liquor Is Life 40 • AUTUMN 2008 (continued on next page) Chuck Peterson has been part of the Edina Liquor staff for nearly 50 years. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n Chuck Peterson (right) spends time with one of his sales reps in the old Edina Liquor-Southdale office in the mid-1980s. 43 • AUTUMN 2008 “Consumers today are much less ‘brand loyal’ than they were back when Chuck first began,” added Grausam. “Today, there are so many choices of liquor, beer and wine that many consumers are willing to try something new and different almost every time they come into the store.” The same holds true for wine and beer. “I remember when the 50th & France store only carried three or four types of wine,” said Peterson. “People didn’t know anything else. Now we have hundreds and hundreds. It also used to be that beer was beer; we had a small room with just a few selections. There was no such thing as ‘light’ beer, but now we have light beers, flavored malt beverages and microbrews — it’s crazy.” In spite of everything else that has changed, one thing at Edina Liquor has held constant. Peterson, the 72-year-old former boss-turned-stock boy, continues to keep a smile on his face — whether he’s helping a younger customer pick out a flavored wine-cooler or talking to one of his old sales reps from years back about a discontinued bottle of scotch. “After over 40 years, Chuck still enjoys his job, and more importantly, still really enjoys life,” said Grausam. “We could all take a lesson from him. I hope that when I get to that point in my career, I can be like Chuck.” Edina Liquor operates three locations: Grandview at 5013 Vernon Ave. S., Southdale at 6755 York Ave. S., and 50th & France at 3943 W. 50th St. For more information, call Grausam at 612-928-4556 or visit them online at www.EdinaLiquor.com. 42 • AUTUMN 2008 Coverage for backups of sewers and basement drains is available, but not always included in a basic homeowner’s insurance policy. In addition, insurance companies that do offer the protection have varying amounts of coverage. Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if you have coverage for backups. If you do not have coverage, consider adding to your policy because in most cases the City’s insurance will not cover your damages in the event of an incident. D o You have insurance for sewer back-up s? Check your policy today! 45 • AUTUMN 200844 • AUTUMN 2008 By Elisabeth Donnan “As a teacher, you get to create a universe within your own four walls and the classroom becomes a very magical place. As a principal, I try to create that magic on an even larger scale.” That’s how Chris Holden described his new job as principal of Cornelia Elementary School. Holden competed with more than 100 other applicants and was hired by Edina Public Schools (EPS) in July. He has served as Principal of Robbinsdale Middle School since 2002 and as a Dean of Students at Valley View Middle School for two years prior. Holden’s classroom experiences include teaching fourth and fifth grade at Normandale Elementary School and teaching the fifth-grade level at the American School of Asuncion in Paraguay. His time in Paraguay was unique and not only furthered his Spanish skills, but also helped prepare him for an administrative position. “Living in a different culture helped me understand that there’s more than one way of doing things. One way may not be better or worse than another; just different,” said Holden. Holden said while he enjoyed being in the classroom, he wanted to be able to interact with parents, staff and students equally and to have a broader educational experience. He said he looks forward to working with the exceptional staff at Cornelia, and being back in Edina—a community that is committed to helping kids learn. Superintendent Ric Dressen said, “Chris’ experience as an elementary principal and his previous time in the Edina school district will be a great asset in his transition as Cornelia principal.” There are other new additions to the EPS staff as well. One of them is Patrick Duffy, assistant principal at South View Middle School. Like Holden, Duffy was hired in July. He comes to the district after being employed with Hopkins Public Schools for the past 10 years. Duffy’s most recent position there was the Equity Coordinator and Teacher Leader. Meet The New Faces In Edina Public Schools Administration Duffy’s background includes developing programs that foster student-to-student mentoring, curriculum development, Advanced Placement coursework and programming, cultural competence development and remedial skills learning. “Patrick’s numerous leadership experiences in Hopkins have prepared him well for his administrative position at South View Middle School. His skills and talents will greatly complement the leadership at the school and in our district,” said Dressen. EPS also gained a new Human Resources Director this summer. Gwen Jackson transitions to her new position from her prior position as director of Administrative Planning and Services at EPS. Prior to joining the Edina school district, Jackson was employed by Minneapolis Public Schools from 1976 until 2005. Working closely with Jackson is Mary Manderfeld, EPS’ new Assistant Director of Administrative Services. Manderfeld is well known in the EPS system as she has served the district for 21 years in a variety of roles, including the interim principal at Edina High School during the 2006-2007 academic year. She rejoins EPS after a semester-long administrative sabbatical that has helped her prepare for her new position. Another familiar face will take a new role for the 2008- 2009 academic year. The school district welcomed former Valley View Middle School Assistant Principal Craig Jensen to South View Middle School as Interim Principal. South View’s former Principal, Trevor Johnson, is now a principal in St. Paul. The mission of EPS, working in partnership with the family and the community, is to educate individuals to be responsible, lifelong learners who possess the skills, knowledge, creativity, sense of self-worth and ethical values necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing, culturally diverse, global society. The support that administration provides the school system is vital to the school district’s fulfillment of its mission. The EPS board has carefully selected the new staff because they will all be key members in reaching this goal. For more information on the new administration, visit www.edina.k12.mn.us/district/administration.htm. Chris Holden, principal of Cornelia Elementary School, looks forward to his first academic year back at Edina Public Schools. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n Register to Vote You are qualified to vote in Minnesota if: • You are 18 years of age. • You are a citizen of the United States. • You have resided in Minnesota for 20 days. • You are registered to vote. You must re-register to vote if you have moved, changed your name or have not voted within the past four years. Download a voter registration application to mail or drop off at Edina City Hall or Hennepin County Elections office. You may also register in person at Edina City Hall 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday until 20 days prior to the election. Election Day Registration Voters registering to vote on Election Day must provide proof of residence from one of the following items (stand-alone documents): • Valid Minnesota Driver’s License, Learner’s Permit or Minnesota Identification Card (or receipt) — showing current name and address in the precinct. • Tribal ID — issued by the tribal government of the tribe recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs that contains the name, address, signature and picture of the individual. • Voucher — oath of a voter registered in the precinct who can verify the registrant’s address in the precinct. A voucher may vouch for no more than 15 persons in each election. • Residential Facility Employee — of a facility located within the precinct whose name appears on the certified list provided to the precinct from Hennepin County, may vouch for an unlimited number of residents of their facility. • A voucher form, found on the back of the Registration Application, must be signed by the person vouching for the voter and by an election judge. • A voter who is vouched for cannot vouch for another voter at this election. • Challengers cannot serve as vouchers. • Voucher must leave the polling place as soon as the vouching process is complete. • Late Notice — sent from the Elections Office. • Valid Registration Within Precinct — applies only if the voter has changed their name or moved within the same precinct. • Current Students — student ID plus a certified housing list from within the jurisdiction where the student is registering and voting (not applicable in Edina). 47 • AUTUMN 2008 Voters To Elect Mayor, Council Members In November 46 • AUTUMN 2008 If you are an Edina resident and a registered voter, you may vote for Mayor and two City Council Members during the Municipal Election, held in conjunction with the State General Election Nov. 4. The Mayor and two Council Members will be elected to four-year terms. You will also be able to vote for federal, state and county candidates. Polling Places Polling places are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day at the following locations: Precinct Location Address Precinct 1A Shepherd of Hills Church 500 Blake Road Precinct 1B Chapel Hills Church 6512 Vernon Ave. Precinct 2 Edina Senior Center 5280 Grandview Square Precinct 3 Covenant Church of Edina 4201 W. 50th St. Precinct 4 Weber Park Building 4115 Grimes Ave. Precinct 5 Highlands Elementary School 5505 Doncaster Way Precinct 6 Countryside Elementary School 5701 Benton Ave. Precinct 7 Normandale Lutheran Church 6100 Normandale Road Precinct 8 South View Middle School 4725 South View Lane Precinct 9 Concord Elementary School 5900 Concord Ave. Precinct 10 Creek Valley Elementary School 6401 Gleason Road Precinct 11 Creek Valley Baptist Church 6400 Tracy Ave. Precinct 12 Cornelia Elementary School 7000 Cornelia Drive Precinct 13 Centennial Lakes Park Centrum 7499 France Ave. S. Precinct 14 St. Peters Lutheran Church 5421 France Ave. S. Precinct 15 Valley View Middle School 6750 Valley View Road Precinct 16 Arneson Acres Park Building 4711 W. 70th St. Precinct 17 Southdale Hennepin Area Library 7001 York Ave. S. Precinct 18 Edinborough Park Great Hall 7700 York Ave. S. Precinct 19 Calvary Lutheran Church 6817 Antrim Road (continued on next page) 49 • AUTUMN 2008 Voters may also register by showing a combination of one picture ID from Column 1 along with one type of utility bill, rent statement or student fee statement from Column 2. Absentee Voting Applications for Absentee Ballots may be obtained in person at Edina City Hall 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or by calling 952-826-0363 to have an application mailed to you. Mail your ballot at least one week before the election or mark it at City Hall, whichever is more convenient. Edina City Hall will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, for absentee voting. For more information about polling locations, voter registration or absentee ballots, call Voter Registration at City Hall, 952-826-0363. 48 • AUTUMN 2008 We see more than money. www.western-bank.com Edina 952-857-1707 Maplewood 651-290-7822 Minneapolis 651-290-7888 Mounds View 651-290-7866 Oakdale 651-290-7844 St. Paul 651-290-8100 Your Ad HERE! Showcase yourbusiness to over 47,000 Edina residents in the Citys official publications: About Town and Park & Recreation Insider Great Rates and Options Available Contact Marty Doll, Communications Coordinator mdoll@ci.edina.mn.us * 952-826-0396 Column 1 Photo ID’s may be expired, but must contain voter’s name and photo. • MN Driver’s License • MN State ID • Tribal ID • U.S. Passport • U.S. Military ID • Student ID from MN Post Secondary School Column 2 Utility bills or rent statements itemizing utility expenses or student fee statements must contain registrant’s name and current address in the precinct. Utility bills and rent statements due date must be within 30 days before/after Election Day. • Cable/Satellite TV • Internet Provider • Electric • Gas • Land Line Phone/Cell/VOIP • Rent Statement • Garbage • Water/Sewer • Student Fee Statement Note: Utility bills are acceptable regardless of how they are delivered to customer. 51 • AUTUMN 200850 • AUTUMN 2008 Family Makes Strides For Nate By Elisabeth Donnan Every day, approximately 80 Americans take their own lives, and 1,500 more attempt suicide. Worldwide, suicide ranks among the leading causes of death among those 15 to 44 years of age and causes devastation in every circumstance. One Edina native knows the pain all too well. “Nate wouldn’t have liked all the attention,” said Amy Alt about the filled church pews at her brother Nate’s funeral. “He was such an easy-going kid. He just wanted to ride his motorcycle, drive semi trucks and someday be a husband and father.” Nate didn’t get a chance to do those things. While only a senior in high school, his life was cut short by depression—a disease so cruel it drove him to take his own life. Amy recalls that day in October 1999 with tears. No one knows better what Nate had been going through. Amy has also struggled with depression and was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in high school. She has been undergoing treatment for 15 years. Amy, who graduated from Edina High School in 1997, refuses to sit on the sidelines and let suicide claim another life without a fight. She wants to reach out to people who have been affected by a loved one’s suicide and let them know that they’re not alone. “Getting involved brings a sense of healing and brings hope to a situation that seems so hopeless. I believe suicide can be erased just like any other disease and that I would be doing the world a disservice if I don’t reach out. It’s my civic duty,” said Amy with determination. She has strived to bring attention to the issue through many different venues, including lobbying both locally and in Washington D.C., creating a scholarship in her brother’s memory, speaking at many events, and, most recently, co-organizing a local “Out of the Darkness” Community Walk through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The walk will take place on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 10:30 a.m. at Lake Como Park. The three-mile walk is to show support for the families and friends of the 32,000 Americans who die by suicide each year. Suicide victims will be represented by their friends and family who will carry signs with the pictures of their lost loved ones. They will also be remembered through a slide show of all the victims, and the friends and family will have the opportunity to participate in a balloon release. The walk is free, but any donations made will be used for suicide prevention research and educational programs. Amy and her co-chair, Kerry Bunkers, who lost her father to suicide, hope to have 1,500 walkers this year. Amy is invested in this event because it raises awareness and brings healing. “If people aren’t educated about suicide, they don’t understand it. People think it’s a character flaw and that causes others struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts to be reluctant to get help.” In her past, Amy has had her own suicidal thoughts. “They are invasive, out of your control, and completely impossible to explain so that others understand. But we are gatekeepers for each other. Family members and friends shouldn’t be afraid to talk to their loved one who is struggling. It’s nothing to be ashamed of—it’s an illness.” At the Out of the Darkness Community Walk on Oct. 5, Amy, her family and friends will join together to form team “Strides for Nate.” You will see Nate’s Out of the Darkness Community Walk will be held Oct. 5 at Lake Como Park. Nathan Alt died in 1999. His sister is honoring him and working to prevent suicides. (continued on next page) 52 • AUTUMN 2008 53 • AUTUMN 2008 Frost on Fido’s Poopkin Too? Don’t beleft out inthe coldPicking UpDoo! StayWarm andCozy - CallScoopyPoo 612-374-3000 www.scoopypoo.net No More Scary Yards! Stay Poo-Free through Fall & Winter ScoopyPoo is Always on Dootie picture in the slide show and his sign carried proudly. The dozens of people who loved him will send a message to him in the sky by balloon. “The pain doesn’t go away overnight, but I’m not afraid to tell his story or mine. I can think about him more with a smile and remember the good times. I don’t care how he died; I care how he lived.” To register yourself or your team for the Out of the Darkness Community Walk, visit www.outofthedarkness. org. To learn more about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, visit www.afsp.org. 54 • AUTUMN 2008 55 • AUTUMN 2008 1) A player pauses during practice rounds to sign autographs during the 2008 U.S. Women’s Open at Interlachen Country Club. 2) Through the USGA’s “Catch the Spirit” program, each ticketed adult was allowed to bring nine children to the U.S. Women’s Open, free of charge. 3) A young boy has fun at the Simon Kidgits Summer Safety Day at Southdale Center in July. 4) Zurah Shrine Funsters’ Goose the Clown entertains the crowd during the Edina 4th of July Parade. 5) Edina Morningside Rotary Club President Mark Hegstrom stands in a ShelterBox at the club’s annual summer golf tournament. Each ShelterBox, distributed around the world after disasters, can provide housing for 10 people for up to six months. 4 Send Us Your Photos! 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