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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 AUTUMN•2009 PRESORT STD U.S. POSTAGEPAID Permit No. 3932 Minneapolis, MN AboutTown Edina Dispatchers Are First To Answer Page 32 ***ECRWSS***POSTAL PATRONCAR-RT-WS The Edina Energy & Environment Commission has two new champions to share its messages: Emma and Eddie. Emma and Eddie were created by Molly Murakami, an Edina High School senior. The cartoon duo remind residents to “think green” by recycling, planting and conserving water. AboutTown Volume 20, Number 4 Circulation 25,000 Autumn 2009 Official Publication of the www.CityofEdina.com City of Edina, Minnesota 4801 West 50th Street Edina, Minnesota 55424 952-826-0359 Editor: Jennifer Bennerotte Contributing Writers: Dick Crockett, Marty Doll, Kathy Iverson, Germana Paterlini, Joe Sullivan, Kaylin Martin and Alexandra Sifferlin Photographers: Polly Norman and Brian Smith Layout Editor: Kaylin Martin Publisher: City of Edina About Town is produced by the City of Edina. To advertise in About Town, call Marty Doll at 952-826-0396 . Copyright 2009 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. Cover photo by Shivaranjan Vadlapudi Cartoon Duo Champions Energy And Environment Issues Table of Contents Calendar Of Events ..........................................................................1 Autumn Calendar Highlights .........................................................4 A Word From The Mayor ...............................................................5 He Followed His Passion And Found A Career...........................6 It’s Not Only Neighborly ... It’s The Law ...................................12 ‘Tree People’ Keep Edina’s Vegetation In Check ......................14 Coddington House Named Edina Heritage Award Winner ...18 Mayor Participates In Service Trip To Africa.............................22 Edina Rotarian Takes The Reigns As District Governor ............................................................................24 Edina Community Foundation: We’re Happy Here Because ... .....................................................26 ‘Beyond The Badge’ Debuts On EDINA 16 ................................30 When Trouble Calls, Edina Dispatchers Are First To Answer ..............................................................................32 Edina Police Citizens’ Academy Gives Residents Better Understanding Of Law Enforcement ..........................................36 New Edina Home To Be LEED Certified ....................................40 Residents, Businesses Asked To Lend A Hand Oct. 24 ...................................................44 Take The Pledge Against Drunk Driving ...................................48 VEAP Prepares To Distribute Holiday Joy .................................49 Edina Art Center Opens 25th-Annual Juried Exhibition .....................................................50 Edina Takes First Step Toward Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions .........................................51 Business Notes ................................................................................52 Photo Gallery ..................................................................................54 1 • AUTUMN 2009 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Noon, Wonderful World of Woody, Edinborough Park. 5 p.m., Juried Exhibition opening, Edina Art Center. 26 p.m., Edina Rotary Foundation fundraiser, Nickelodean Universe Great Hall, Mall of America. 39:45 a.m., Drawing for Grades 5-7 begins, Edina Art Center. 43 p.m., Music for Children begins, Edina Art Center. 7 p.m., Minneapolis Police Band, Edinborough Park. 5 64:15 p.m., Beading for Grades 4-6 begins, Edina Art Center. 7 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall. 7 8Noon, Bob the Beachcomber, Edinborough Park. 911 a.m., Art Institute trip, Edina Art Center. 6:30 p.m., Portraits class begins, Edina Art Center. 1010:30 a.m., Fashion for Grades 7-11 begins, Edina Art Center. 111 p.m., Sgraffito Tiles workshop, Edina Art Center. 7 p.m., South of the River Band, Edinborough Park. 12Noon, Caricatures class begins, Edina Art Center. 7 p.m., Edina PCN Speaker Forum, South View Middle School. 137 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 147 p.m., Planning Commission work session, Edina City Hall. 169 a.m., Joe Paquet Plein Air workshop, Edina Art Center. 17 187 p.m., Honeywell Concert Band, Edinborough Park. 19 206:30 p.m., Community Health Committee, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall. 217 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall. 224 p.m., Art Center Board, Edina Art Center. 23Color workshop begins, Edina Art Center. Noon, Professor Piano, Edinborough Park. 24Edina’s Day of Service Pumpkin decorating for ages 3 and up, Edina Art Center. 277 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 265:15 p.m., Animation class begins, Edina Art Center. 257 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park. October 2009 286:30 p.m., Pottery class begins, Edina Art Center. 7 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 297 p.m., Mosaic class begins, Edina Art Center. 7 p.m., Okee Dokee Brothers, Edinborough Park. 30 155:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. 31 About Town Calendar 2 • AUTUMN 2009 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1Braemar Golf Dome opens for the season. 10 a.m., Sumi-e class begins, Edina Art Center. 3 Election Day. 4 p.m., Treasure Boxes class, Edina Art Center. 6:30 p.m., Life Drawing class begins, Edina Art Center. 4 2 p.m., Clay on the Wheel class begins, Edina Art Center. 5 9 a.m., Gifts! Gifts! Gifts! sale begins, Edina Art Center. Noon, Wonderful World of Woody, Edinborough Park. 6 9 a.m., Painting class begins, Edina Art Center. 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Pottery classes begin, Edina Art Center. 79:30 a.m., Basic Drawing class begins, Edina Art Center. 12:30 p.m., Pottery class begins, Edina Art Center. 2 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., Clay class begins, Edina Art Center. 7 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall. 87 p.m., St. Louis Park Community Band, Edinborough Park. 97 p.m., Edina PCN Speaker Forum, Cornelia Elementary School. 107 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 11 Veterans’ Day. City Hall closed. 12Noon, Bob the Beachcomber, Edinborough Park. 6:30 p.m., Clay Studio begins, Edina Art Center. 13 149:45 a.m., Drawing class begins, Edina Art Center. 157 p.m., Southside Big Band, Edinborough Park. 16 179:30 a.m., Pottery class begins, Edina Art Center. 7 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall. 187 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall. 20 21 227 p.m., Northern Winds Concert Band, Edinborough Park. 23 247 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 25 26Thanksgiving. City Hall closed. 27Day after Thanksgiving. City Hall closed. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Gift shop sale, Edina Art Center. 28 30297 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park. November 2009 19Noon, Brodini Comedy & Magic Act, Edinborough Park. 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. About Town Calendar A Word From The Mayor Readers all over the country recently learned something I’ve thought for a long time. In the August issue of Family Circle magazine, Edina was named one of the top 10 towns in America to raise families. Edina and the other communities featured in the magazine’s annual roundup of perfect places to call home combine affordable housing, good neighbors, green spaces and quality public school systems. According to Family Circle’s survey, the other Best Towns are: • Rockwall, Texas• Evans, Ga.• Sherwood, Ore.• Indian Trail, N.C.• Perrysburg, Ohio• Hendersonville, Tenn.• Noblesville, Ind.• Kenmore, Wash.• Sun Prairie, Wis. Family Circle partnered with Onboard Informatics, a New York City research firm, to assemble an initial list of 1,700 cities and towns with populations between 15,000 and 150,000. From that, nearly 800 localities were selected that had high concentrations of households with an average income of $75,000. The magazine then assessed which places best met their family-friendly criteria—including affordable homes, quality schools, access to health care, green space, low crime rate and financial stability—and ranked them from top to bottom. Family Circle then selected the 10 winners from among the highest-rated towns. Of the top 10 towns, Edina was the only community with a public school system that yielded a perfect score in their ranking system. Surveys have long showed that the No. 1 reason people move to Edina is the quality of Edina Public Schools. The City is proud to have a strong working relationship with the school district, business community and many local organizations and neighborhood associations. I believe these sorts of community partnerships are what keeps the “small town feel” alive in our growing suburb and makes Edina a great town to raise families – not just in 2009, but every year! James B. HovlandMayor 5 • AUTUMN 20094 • AUTUMN 2009 Autumn Calendar Highlights Other Dates To Remember Oct. 1 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. Oct. 6 7 p.m., Zurah Shrine Concert, Edinborough Park. Oct. 13 5 p.m., Treasure Boxes, Edina Art Center. Oct. 13 7 p.m., Scott Fraser Duo, Edinborough Park. Oct. 15 Noon, Brodini Comedy & Magic Act, Edinborough Park. Oct. 20 10 a.m., Preschool Painting, Edina Art Center. Oct. 20 7 p.m., Flute Cocktail, Edinborough Park. Oct. 23 5-8 p.m., Halloween Party, Edinborough Park. Nov. 1 3 p.m., Music for Children, Edina Art Center. Nov. 1 7 p.m., Star of the North, Edinborough Park. Nov. 3 5 p.m., Clay for Kids in Grades 2-4, Edina Art Center. Nov. 5 9:30 a.m., Pottery class begins, Edina Art Center. Nov. 5 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. Nov. 5 5:30 p.m., Comic Art for Grades 5-7, Edina Art Center. Nov. 7 9:30 a.m., Clay Sculpture class begins, Edina Art Center. 3 • AUTUMN 2009 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 17 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Roseville Community Band, Edinborough Park. 2 3 Noon, Wonderful World of Woody, Edinborough Park. 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 4 510 a.m., Asian pottery class begins, Edina Art Center. 63 p.m., Music for Children begins, Edina Art Center. 7 p.m., Minneapolis Police Band, Edinborough Park. 7 87 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 97 p.m., Planning Commission work session, Edina City Hall. 10Winter registration begins for members, Edina Art Center. Noon, Bob the Beachcomber, Edinborough Park. 11 1210 a.m., Free ornaments workshop, Edina Art Center. 137 p.m., Good News Concert Band, Edinborough Park. 14 157 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Brooklyn Community Band, Edinborough Park. 167 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall. 18 19 201-3 p.m., Free Solstice workshop, Edina Art Center. 7 p.m., St. Louis Park Community Band, Edinborough Park. 21 227 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Holidays with Jim Shannon, Edinborough Park. 23 24Christmas Eve. City Hall closed at noon. 25Christmas. City Hall closed. 26 29 28 277 p.m., Scott Fraser, Edinborough Park. December 2009 307 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 31 New Year’s Eve. City Hall closed at noon. 6-9 p.m., Family New Year’s Eve Party, Edinborough Park. 17 Noon, Brodini Comedy & Magic Act, Edinborough Park. 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. About Town Calendar Nov. 7 11:30 a.m., Recycled Art for Grades 2-4 begins, Edina Art Center. Nov. 19 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. Nov. 24 7 p.m., Medalist Concert Band, Edinborough Park. Dec. 8 7 p.m., Celebration Brass, Edinborough Park. Dec. 17 Winter class registration begins for non-members, Edina Art Center. Dec. 17 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. Halloween Party What: Attention boys and ghouls! Edinborough Park offers another night of fun, excitement and a little bit of fright. Join in for trick-or-treating, games, a comedy show and much more. When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23. Where: Edinborough Park, 7700 York Ave. S. Info: 952-832-6790 or www.EdinboroughPark.com. Pumpkin Festival What: The 50th & France Business and Professional Association hosts Pumpkin Festival, a fall event for children. Activities will include a “pin-the-face-on-the- pumpkin” game, 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. 24. Trick-or-treating will be allowed 10 to 11 a.m. Horse-drawn trolley rides and games will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A costume parade followed by a contest will be held at 12:45 p.m. Where: Downtown Edina, 50th Street and France Avenue. Info: 50th & France Business and Professional Association, 952-922-1524, or www.50thandfrance.com. By Joe Sullivan Contributing Writer A physically fit, youthful-looking 60-year-old wearing business- casual khakis and a grey golf shirt with a Peters Billiards logo on it, Greg Peterson showed this visitor through the three spectacular floors of his retail store at 6150 Lyndale Ave. S. in southwest Minneapolis. Peterson has been the president and co-owner, along with his wife, Carol, of Peters Billiards for more than 35 years. He grew up in southwest Minneapolis and attended Ramsey Junior and Washburn Senior High Schools in the 1960s. One of the best woodworkers in his eighth-grade shop class, Greg entered a woodcrafts competition at the Minnesota State Fair with a bookcase he had built for a class project. To his great delight, it won a ribbon! Later, he was introduced to the game of billiards at a friend’s house and fell in love with the game. When he was 15, Greg asked his father if the family could purchase a billiard table, but soon learned it was simply out of the question. Inspired by a family friend who had built his own billiard table, Greg pleaded with his father: “If we’re not going to buy one, why don’t we build our own billiard table?” His father was receptive to the idea and soon the father-son team enthusiastically tackled what would have been a daunting project for most. Their billiard table was made of oak and had a particleboard bed, which Greg didn’t particularly appreciate. “It just wasn’t as smooth as a traditional slate bed,” young Peterson said. “The balls rumbled when they rolled across the felt-covered surface.” They sold that first table to Greg’s cousin and it didn’t take him long to start a second table. This time, the table incorporated a slate bed purchased from the K.E. Peters Billiard Supply shop at 1513 Chicago Ave. S. in Minneapolis. In his first meeting with Ken Peters, Greg learned that Peters had also discovered his interest in billiards at an early age. Like Peterson, he had also begun building billiard tables when he was a teenager. He had run the fledging company from his home until he opened the Chicago Avenue shop in 1959. Greg also sold his second table and kept right on building, restoring and selling billiard tables throughout his years at Washburn High and the University of Minnesota, always getting his materials from Peters He Followed His Passion And Found a Career 6 • AUTUMN 2009 Billiards Supply shop. “I figured I was making pretty good money for a teenager,” he said. By the time he enrolled at the U of M to study for a degree in architecture, his interest in billiards had blossomed into a passion. During those years of purchasing parts and materials from Peters, Greg had developed a strong relationship with his supplier. Peters eventually offered Greg a job in the shop, which had moved to a location near 31st and Nicollet Avenue South. Peters Decides To Sell His Business In 1972, Peters decided to shift his entire focus and sell the shop. “Dealing with retail customers was not what I wanted to do,” he explained in an article in Minneapolis’ Southwest Journal. “Building billiard tables was what I was really interested in.” Peters was in his early 30s when he offered ownership of the shop to Greg Peterson and his wife, Carol. At the time, Greg was a 23-year-old student at the U of M with only one quarter of study left to complete his bachelor’s degree in architecture. Greg said his dad once advised him that “Pool tables are a hobby and architecture should be your career.” But the college student wasn’t so sure. He couldn’t help but feel the opportunity to own Peters Billiard Supply was too good to pass up. He and Carol decided to go for it. Ever since, Peters has maintained that he couldn’t have found better buyers for the store than Greg and Carol Peterson. A Family-Operated Business From the beginning of the new ownership, Peters Billiards has been operated by members of the Peterson family and their friends. “You pretty much need to be related 7 • AUTUMN 2009 An accomplished woodworker in his high school shop class, Greg convinced his father to help him build his first billiard table for their home when he was just 15. Pe t e r s B i l l i a r d s (continued on next page) Greg Peterson was still a teenager when Peters offered him a job in the shop where he is shown covering billiard table bumpers with felt in 1966. The Ken Peters Billiard Supplies shop at 1513 Chicago Ave. was the Petersons’ main supplier of parts and materials from the time Greg started his home-based business of building, repairing and selling billiard tables. Pe t e r s B i l l i a r d s Pe t e r s B i l l i a r d s 8 • AUTUMN 2009 9 • AUTUMN 2009 or be a friend of the family to work at Peters,” said table finisher Curtis Chapin, 40, who stains and finishes new and restored tables in the restoration shop. Before he was hired more than 20 years ago, he was acquainted with the Petersons because they attended the same church. Peters Billiards currently employs 20 of Greg’s relatives, many of whom have been with the company 10 or more years. Greg is proud of the “relatives-and-good-friends”- hiring policy’s success, saying: “In the 35-plus years we have owned the business, we have never had to advertise for new employees.” Carol Peterson worked at the store from the beginning. Today, she assists customers in the selection of game room, patio and kitchen furniture and game room art. She says she never tires of working with friends and family members. “The store’s focus on entertainment also makes Peters an enjoyable place to work,” she added. In those early days, Greg’s mother and sister did the bookkeeping. Dan Elasky, a brother-in-law of Greg’s, runs the Distribution Center and Joe Peterson, Greg’s Cousin, is manager of the patio furniture department. Jan Peterson, Joe’s sister-in-law, has been managing the company’s finances since 1986. She observed that “working in the store is comfortable because everybody knows each other so well.” Dodging The Wrecking Ball In November 2003, Greg got a shock from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). The State was planning to take, via eminent domain, one-third of an acre where the store was located and demolish the building to make way for reconstruction of the Interstate Highway 35W and Crosstown “Commons,” where the two freeways merge together for a few miles. Reconstruction was scheduled for completion in 2010. That bad news turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Greg was able to purchase a half-acre vacant lot behind the former building. It provided enough space to build a new, larger building. “We were running out of space in our former store anyway,” Greg said. He decided it was time not only to rebuild, but to expand the store, which hadn’t grown much during the previous three decades. In January 2006, Peters Billiards opened its new building, located only 30 feet from the previous one. The new store is three stories high and offers 37,000 square feet of showroom and office space. By tripling the available space, Greg was able to expand both the depth and breadth of display space for his wares. “Because of the new store, we’ve been able to enhance our efforts in home entertainment, which includes theater seating. And now, if you come in to buy bar stools, instead of having 30 on display, we can show you 300,” he said. “The growing category of custom-built home bars and new offerings of bar and patio furniture have also broadened the scope of our marketing and brought new customers to the store.” Greg has also expanded offerings of game room lighting and wall art as well as sculptures, clocks and neon signs for all kinds of rooms. The new store also displays new table games and electronic games not available in the previous store. Other features include a spiral staircase and another wide, sweeping stairway, plus a glass-sided elevator. The displays of merchandise are constantly being changed to maintain the store’s fresh look. Looking Ahead To The Future The business has enjoyed steady growth during its 50-year history. Since they purchased the company more than 35 years ago, the Petersons’ ability to recognize in-home trends and to understand consumers’ wants and needs has successfully guided the company through wars, recessions and economic booms. Recreation tables and related equipment make up about one-third of Peters current sales revenue. Game room, patio and other furniture; pinball and other electronic games; home décor and various customer services account for the remainder. “Our long list of loyal first-, second- and third-generation customers built up during the life of this business has helped us survive and will allow us to thrive when the economy turns around and the new freeway is completed next year,” Greg said. “Completion of the freeway project will bring even better visibility to our store. Improved access to and from freeways will also provide an impetus for our business.” Antique Table Restoration Greg also showed me around the restoration shop, which is in the company’s Distribution Center in east Edina at 7685 Parklawn Ave., near 76th and France. There, I met Grant Crocker, 41, Peterson’s second cousin, who is (continued on next page) After the Minnesota Department of Transportation commandeered their land on Lyndale Avenue in 2003 to reconstruct the Crosstown “Commons,” the Petersons were able to rebuild and expand their business on a larger lot very close to the old location. This imposing three-story office and headquarters opened in January 2006, with close proximity to the freeways and at the same address, 6150 Lyndale Ave. S. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n In 1976, Greg and Carol Peterson were pictured in front of the remodeled former gas station at 6150 Lyndale Ave. S. Note the added second floor, new windows and flat roof. Pe t e r s B i l l i a r d s 10 • AUTUMN 2009 11 • AUTUMN 2009 responsible for the restoration and repair of antique tables and manufacture of Peters proprietary brand of new tables. Some of the antiques were built in the 19th century and can sell for up to $75,000 after restoration. The shop is full to the rafters with hand-carved antique billiard tables and parts, many of which were built from rare, imported woods. It seems like everyone in the shop can describe the history of any antique table in the place. Excitedly, they point out the year each one was built, and describe their intricate carvings; fine finishes; inlays of gold, mother-of-pearl and other details. Greg readily admits his love for the shop, because the woodworking aspect of the business has always been his passion. Crocker knows a lot more goes into the creation of a billiard table than most people can imagine. Certain elements have to be precisely correct on each table that leaves the shop. Among the essentials that require this exactitude are a smooth, level surface; the height of the bumpers; and width of the pocket openings. “A billiard table is really a technical piece of furniture,” Crocker noted. “First of all, billiards is a competitive game and the tables must meet precise specifications. Beyond that, the tables, especially the antiques, can also be beautiful pieces of furniture.” The Peters employees don’t seem to lay claim to being expert players of the various cue games the company offers –– whether its billiards, snooker or pool –– although many of them do have a game table in their home. (Greg has four at his home, but he modestly makes no claims of proficiency.) “My father is 89 and the last time I played him he beat me,” Greg said. President/Co-owner Not Ready To Retire “When your hobby is your career, there’s not much motivation to retire,” Greg says. He maintains that he still gets a charge out of coming to work. “It’s a real labor of love. But I try not to get in the way too much as I get older. When my family kicks me out, I’ll retire. But in the meantime, I plan to stay around because it’s so much fun.” Greg and Carol Peterson live on Timber Ridge in Edina, where they have raised three daughters. Photos and background material for this article came from interviews with members of the Peters Billiards staff : Greg Peterson, Jan Peterson, Grant Crocker and Steve Slyce; the Peters Billiards website; and the following publications: Southwest Journal, Twin Cities Business, Minneapolis Tribune and Twin Cities Business Journal. Antique Billiard Table Collection Greg Peterson is one of the nation’s leading collectors and restorers of antique billiard tables. His current collection includes more than 100 tables, ranging from one-of-a-kind, custom models, built with exotic hardwoods and inlays of ivory and brass, to a table he restored after it had been stored in a chicken coop for 40 years. One of the Peters Billiards’ best-kept secrets is this Distribution Center, located at 7645 Parklawn Ave. in Edina, about four miles from their headquarters. It includes a warehouse, merchandise pick-up for customers and the company’s restoration and repair shop. Grant Crocker, Peters’ master woodworker, drills and glues parts for a billiard table he is restoring. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n 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 4 Image About Town Magazine kier/robin/hs quarterly suz bw 7R_Edina_13729123 You &Us Continuing our commitment to Edina investors. Peter Levy Branch Manager Senior Vice President–Investments 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 Scott Schachtman Assistant Vice President–Investments It’s Not Only Neighborly … It’s The Law 12 • AUTUMN 2009 13 • AUTUMN 2009 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 it away so that the hydrant is visible. The few minutes its takes to provide access to a fire hydrant 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. • From 1 to 6 a.m. Nov. 1 to March 31. • For six hours 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. 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 removing 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. Byprovidingcustomizedinvestmentstrategies,wecanworkcloselywithinvestorstohelpthemmanagetheir wealth.OurFinancialAdvisorstakethetimetounderstandeachinvestor’sneedsandgoals,andseektodeliver solutionsthataddresstheirspecificneeds. Dependingoninvestors’needs,wecanalsoofferaccesstoglobalresources,whichincludelendingsolutions, alternativeinvestmentsandinsightfulresearch.That’swhatwemeanby“You&Us.” Formoreinformation,call:952-848-8040877-850-6022 4999FranceAvenueSouth,Suite200,Edina,MN55410 ©2008UBSFinancialServicesInc.Allrightsreserved.MemberSIPC. 7.5"x7.5”7.06_7R0722_Edina rev4 Image AboutTownMagazine kier/robin/hs/rcs quarterly suz bw 7R_Edina_13729123 You&Us Continuingourcommitment toEdinainvestors. PeterLevy BranchManager SeniorVicePresident–Investments PaulBordonaro SeniorVicePresident–Investments NickCronin SeniorVicePresident–Investments KeithFahnhorst SeniorVicePresident–Investments TiffanyFahnhorst FinancialAdvisor PeteGabler FinancialAdvisor BlaneHammer SeniorVicePresident–Investments BobHannah FinancialAdvisor JimHay FinancialAdvisor DaveHoran SeniorVicePresident–Investments RyanJohnson FinancialAdvisor MikeKoob VicePresident–Investments RichardMukomela FinancialAdvisor ScottSchachtman AssistantVicePresident–Investments 14 • AUTUMN 2009 15 • AUTUMN 2009 By Marty Doll If a tree falls in an Edina City park and no one is around to hear it, does it still make a sound? That’s debatable – but one thing is certain. That fallen tree will be secured before you can say “timber,” thanks to a small group of “tree people” in Edina’s Park Maintenance Department. Edina’s “tree people” – more accurately, the forestry division of Park Maintenance – are of no relation to Tarzan of the Apes. Instead of swinging from vines, they maintain them. Chainsaws, wood chippers and bucket trucks are part of their full-time job. And with 1,500 acres of City parkland and 200 miles of City streets containing vegetation needing to be kept in check – it’s not an easy one. “It’s dangerous work; a lot of times we are working 50 or 60 feet in the air,” said Forestry Technician Mark Spain, referring to operating some of the City’s largest pieces of equipment. “We have to be thinking about things like traffic and power lines all the time, or someone could get hurt.” Spain, along with fellow Forestry Technician John Buckentine and a pair of seasonal employees, works alongside City Forester Tom Horwath. Between the three full-time employees, they have over 75 years of experience working with trees. “I’m more of a ‘field forester,’” said Horwath, who is happy to spend a majority of his time ‘out-and-about’ rather than sitting behind a desk. “The residents of Edina are generally very concerned and educated, and they love their trees.” In addition to keeping the trees, brush and vegetation in Edina’s parks trimmed and pristine year-round, the trio is tasked with identifying vegetation problems along all City streets, alleys and sidewalks; clearing plants and weeds that could lead to potential driving hazards along roadways that border City property; notifying residents of potentially hazardous vegetation along roadways on private property that must be maintained by the property owner; identifying, marking and removing diseased trees and buckthorn on City parkland; and answering questions and identifying diseased trees for Edina residents. According to Horwath, the spring and summer seasons are the busiest for the forestry division, as a majority of that time is spent controlling the spread of disease among Edina’s trees. Most of the warm-weather months are spent surveying, taking samples, monitoring and removing trees in the City that have acquired Dutch elm disease, oak wilt and potentially in the future, emerald ash borer. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Service, Dutch elm disease is a fungal infection that results in a clogging of vascular tissue, thus preventing water from moving through the tree, causing it to wilt and die. Oak wilt is another aggressive fungal disease that kills many species of oak in the central and eastern parts of the country. Both diseases spread rapidly and are very hard to control. “We check the entire City every year [for these and other diseases],” said Horwath. “We average 600 to 700 diseased trees condemned in Edina each year.” Of those 600-plus trees, approximately 150 are located on City parkland, meaning that a majority of the City’s diseased trees lie on private property. Residents are notified by mail after a diseased tree has been sampled, identified and marked. City Ordinance requires removal of a diseased tree or storm-damaged tree waste within three weeks at the owner’s expense. Horwath says that he understands the devastation that comes with learning that a beloved tree must be removed, but that if it contracts a contagious disease, there is usually no other choice. “It’s a tight deadline, unfortunately, but it has to be done,” said Horwath. ‘Tree People’ Keep Edina’s Vegetation In Check (continued on next page) Forestry Technician Mark Spain must be wary of power lines as he removes branches 30 feet above the ground. Edina Forester Tom Horwath helps clear away the branches of a tree being cut down in a City park due to rot. Ph o t o b y M a r t y D o l l Ph o t o b y M a r t y D o l l 16 • AUTUMN 2009 17 • AUTUMN 2009 “These diseases spread quicker the longer the tree stands up.” Along with disease, Buckthorn is also becoming more of a problem within Edina’s city limits. According to Horwath, this non-native invasive species, which is now considered a “restricted” noxious weed in Minnesota, is beginning to infest parklands, wooded areas and many people’s private property. Horwath says that Buckthorn must either be uprooted or cut down and the stump sprayed with an appropriate chemical to control its aggressive resprouting. While managing the weed will be a long-term project, studies have already been done to determine the most problematic areas for the City, which include Garden Park, Todd Park, Highlands Park, Van Valkenburg Park, Arden Park and Rosland Park. “Buckthorn is getting into some of the City’s important wooded areas, which negatively affects the native diversity in those areas,” said Horwath. “It is also potentially harmful to the health of existing trees because of over competition.” While Horwath and his team are currently concentrating only on buckthorn removal on City land, residents are encouraged to remove the weed from their own properties. In fact, the City will provide free tools such as a “weed wrench” for anyone wishing to tackle the problem. It’s not all just tree and weed removal for Horwath and the gang. During the spring, there is also a window of opportunity to help replenish the trees lost to disease by planting in City parks. Horwath says they try to choose native trees and disease-resistant elms to help slow and eventually stop the spread of disease. “I like the variety,” said Buckentine. “I like knocking out jobs and feeling there’s nothing I can’t tackle.” Spain and Buckentine say they are also asked to occasionally shift their work away from trees. In addition to helping out Edina’s other Public Works divisions in the winter with ice rink maintenance and snow removal, they are often asked to assist with some tasks based solely on the equipment they have the experience to operate. “Because of the reach of our bucket truck, we will be asked to change the lights at athletic fields or in street poles 55 feet in the air,” said Spain. “All the different departments here work together to get the job done.” Spain was even recently asked by a group from Hennepin County to assist in banding a baby Osprey – a not-so- common hawk-like bird that had nested high above the City – for monitoring. Even with the mother bird swooping within 50 feet, he says it is an experience he won’t soon forget. For more information on the Edina’s Forestry division or questions regarding tree diseases, contact Horwath at 952-826-0308. City Prepares For Potential Of Emerald Ash Borer While emerald ash borer has currently been confirmed in just a few areas of Minnesota, Edina City staff are spending a lot of time educating themselves on the bug, the problems it causes and potential ways to combat it. “We are busy getting informed so we can develop a good plan [should the disease present itself in Edina],” said Horwath. “We strongly encourage residents to make management decisions [for their trees] by gathering as much information as they can.” According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Service, emerald ash borer (EAB) is an exotic beetle that was first discovered in southeastern Michigan in the summer of 2002. While the adult beetles nibble on ash foliage causing little damage, its larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting their ability to transport water and nutrients. Since its discovery, EAB has killed tens of millions of ash trees. With close to 50,000 ash trees in Edina, Horwath says an outbreak could greatly affect the City’s tree population. “So far, we’ve had calls from people suspecting EAB, but none have been found,” said Horwath. “There are about 12 other insects around that look the same and are the same color that could be mistaken.” According to Horwath, EAB will need to be managed differently than other tree diseases. He says that while there are some chemical treatments that help deter the bug, they can be very expensive and require long-term commitments and annual applications. Horwath, along with Edina Park Maintenance Superintendent Vince Cockriel, also wish to caution residents of anyone going door-to-door claiming to have a cure-all for EAB or any other tree disease. “We are looking into an in-house chemical treatment, but no treatment is 100 percent effective,” said Horwath. “We are asking residents to do their research before committing to any form of prevention or treatment.” “Like any other prognosis, residents should always seek a second opinion before financially committing to any witch doctors, strange brews and such,” said Cockriel. Bu g w o o d . o r g / Da v i d C a p p a e r t a n d H o w a r d R u s s e l l The Emerald ash borer bug is smaller than a penny and green in color. Emerald ash borer larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting their ability to transport water and nutrients. By Kaylin Martin Built in 1911 and purported to be on land once part of an 1890s University of Minnesota experimental orchard, the wood-framed, Craftsman-style “Coddington House” has been named winner of the 2009 Edina Heritage Award. When Bob Sauer and Robert Zoller purchased the home at 300 Blake Road in 1989, its original appearance had been changed significantly and was in disrepair. “When we found the home, a lot of our friends thought we were off our rockers for buying it,” said Zoller. However, with multiple remodeling projects under their belts (Zoller is a retired architect), Sauer and Zoller decided they were up for the challenge. The 20-year remodeling journey began with upgrading the electric service, rewiring the home and removing the interior wallpaper. The previous homeowners had installed white asbestos shingles to cover the original clapboard siding, which only created more work for the current homeowners once they discovered what was underneath. Multiple holes had been drilled into the clapboard where the original insulation was blown in. It wasn’t until a couple years later that Zoller and Sauer noticed the wood was retaining moisture, causing the paint to continuously peel. Today, the asbestos shingles have been replaced with a cedar shake siding and a standing seam steel roof has replaced the old octagonal-shaped asphalt shingled roof. “The exterior is reminiscent of how I believe it could have looked in the early 1900s,” said Zoller. Noting the difficulty that comes with restoration, Heritage Preservation Board Chairman Chris Rofidal said Sauer and Zoller went above and beyond. “They had every opportunity to rebuild, but they took the harder road,” he said. While the home’s exterior is appropriate to its original era, the interior boasts a more contemporary feel with a minimalistic approach to design. Because the original floor plan is still intact, the rooms are enclosed as opposed to a more modern-day open floor plan. “It’s a cozy home; we really enjoy the little rooms,” said Zoller. Coddington House Named Edina Heritage Award Winner 18 • AUTUMN 2009 In an effort to be environmentally conscious and preserve the home’s heritage, Sauer and Zoller refurbished the original wood floors and remodeled the old carriage house into a garage. “Throughout the years, we have been shaping and taking advantage of what existed,” explained Zoller. That strategy continued to the outdoors where Sauer, with the help of Zoller, built his garden from bottom up. Recycled rocks, cobblestones and scrap granite create the walkways that weave through the flower beds. When the home was purchased, the landscaping was so overgrown that the house wasn’t visible from the road, but has “come a long way,” said a smiling Zoller. In February, Sauer’s garden was featured in a two-page spread in the Star-Tribune after he entered the newspaper’s “Beautiful Gardens” contest and won. It wasn’t the first time the “Coddington” property was featured in the newspaper. On Memorial Day in May of 1939, the Minneapolis daily featured a photograph of a Coddington woman sitting on the bank of the nearby pond amidst a grove a blossoming apple trees. “[The award] is a great recognition of a significant piece of property in an area of Edina that is often overlooked,” said Zoller. “The area is historically old and has always been a part of the City, but was never thought of that way.” The City established the Edina Heritage Preservation Award in 2003 to showcase local historical preservation activity. The award is given annually to an individual, family, company or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and use of Edina’s heritage resources. 19 • AUTUMN 2009 The “Coddington house” is located at 300 Blake Road. The modern table and chairs is a welcoming contrast in the Craftsman- style dining room, a common theme throughout the home. Seen from the garden is an old carriage house, which the homeowners recycled into a garage. (continued on next page) Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n Ph o t o b y K a y l i n M a r t i n Ph o t o b y K a y l i n M a r t i n 20 • AUTUMN 2009 21 • AUTUMN 2009 “We live in an age when people are quick to purchase older homes and tear them down,” said City of Edina Associate Planner Joyce Repya. “With this recognition, we are able to award those who appreciate the bones of their house and who take care of their property.” “We found two individuals who took a tremendous amount of pride in what they did,” added Rofidal, “and they did a great job. It’s pretty incredible.” For more information on the Edina Heritage Award, contact Associate Planner Joyce Repya at 952-826-0462 or visit www.CityofEdina.com/Planning. A pair of office chairs from 1928 now reside in Sauer and Zoller’s family room. Ph o t o b y K a y l i n M a r t i n Stephane Cattelin e-PRO,CIPS,TRC REALTOR/ Agent Immobilier THE International Approach To Real Estate Serving the Edina French-American Community Minneapolis Lakes Office612-924-4352Office 612-703-8229 Mobile www.StephaneCattelin.com Owned And Operated by NRT Incorporated. Get the neighborhood buzz... www.TeamEdina.com .(952) 844-6103 Our physician partners include Fairview Southdale Medical Oncology Clinic, Fairview Southdale Breast Center, Surgical Consultants, Midwest Plastic Surgery and Minneapolis Radiation Oncology. I love life. From spending time with my husband, our dog and dear friends to having a wonderful career and staying active, I live every moment to the fullest. But when my radiologist discovered a lump in my breast during an annual mammogram, my life changed. With the help of my cancer doctor, surgeons and cancer nurse guiding me, I decided to fight my breast cancer head on—my cancer didn’t have a chance. Now I’m back to doing the things I love and living my life— cancer free. All thanks to my Fairview cancer team. Learn more about our cancer care program. Visit southdale.fairview.org/cancercare Amy, Cancer survivor Treated for breast cancer Award-winning Specialty Care Outstanding Achievement Award recipient American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, 2006 23 • AUTUMN 200922 • AUTUMN 2009 By Alexandra Sifferlin After two weeks visiting some of the poorest regions in Africa, Mayor Jim Hovland was content coming home to Edina, a functioning and safe city where he can drink the tap water. But his trip broadened his social and global awareness in ways for which he will always be thankful. “It is hard to shake loose of Africa. It hangs with you. It’s always in your mind,” said Hovland, a member of the Edina Morningside Rotary Club. Hovland spent two weeks with other District 5950 Rotarians in Nairobi, Kenya, and Arusha, Tanzania, for humanitarian work. Hovland’s trip May 22 to June 7 was spent between the two countries, visiting service project sites and interacting with the citizens and city leaders. “I enjoyed meeting people. They have a really hard life, but are still filled with a little sense of humanity,” said Hovland. “They are trying to figure out how to make it. They are very generous and kind people.” Nairobi, Kenya, was designed for 1 million people. There are currently 5 million people living there and not much has been done to accommodate the overflow. One of the group’s stops in Nairobi was the Mathare Valley, one of the poorest slums in Africa. The neighborhood has about the same population as Edina, but with 50,000 people compressed into a half-mile square. All along the sidewalks runs a long man-made canal of sewage. “Life is going on there like it is in Edina. People go to work and they care about their neighbors, but they are working less than minimum wage jobs and they can’t afford to live anywhere else,” said Hovland. “They do their best with what they have.” Hovland had the opportunity to meet with the Mayor of Nairobi, Geophrey O. Majiwa, who is referred to as “His Worship the Mayor, Council of Nairobi.” Although Mayor Majiwa wasn’t too impressed with the crystal dish Hovland gave him embossed with the City of Edina logo, he was thrilled to receive Hovland’s second gift, a novelty watch with the face of President Barack Obama. “He was very animated and cordial for the rest of the meeting,” said Hovland. The second week, Hovland and the other group members, which included Tim Murphy of the Rotary Club of Edina, visited Peace House Secondary School, home to 200 orphaned boys and girls in Arusha, Tanzania. Most of the children’s parents had died from AIDS. The group worked on projects, talked to the kids about what they do for a living and participated in a tree- planting project. Rotary has already funded a school bus for the children of the Peace House School. The bus will make the safety and transportation systems of the school stronger. “The cities were very dangerous places. Safety was a big issue and we had to be very careful. We could not even cross the street at night. The level of security was astounding,” said Hovland. Hovland said even shopping centers have security stops. Guards with loaded weapons stand in front of nearly every business and home that can afford them. The citizens who can afford guards typically have 12-foot walls surrounding their homes with other security devices such as barbed wire. “The people would just stare at us in disbelief when we would tell them we do not live like that,” said Hovland. Safety is only one issue. All the cities have a multitude of different needs and it was challenging for the group members to decide what projects to work on first. “You can get discouraged because you don’t know where to start,” said Hovland. “The projects are endless; there’s no clean water, no good schooling, no transportation. You try to do the greatest good in the shortest amount of time.” However, Hovland does not think improving the standard of living in Africa is an impossible feat. “I think the people have solid potential to improve their lives. They could have a strong middle class, but they need to get rid of this culture of corruption they live in,” said Hovland. “I have a real appreciation for how things are done [in Edina.]” Despite the poverty, Hovland said the people are happy for the most part. “The kids sing everywhere they go,” said Hovland. Rotarians in District 5950 will continue to focus on improving the living in Africa and there is potential for another trip next year. Hovland said he would love to return to see the people and the project outcomes. “I’d go again in a heartbeat,” said Hovland. Mayor Participates In Service Trip To Africa Mayor Hovland tours the Mathare Valley with residents and members of the Mathare Association. Su b m i t t e d P h o t o 24 • AUTUMN 2009 Edina Rotarian Takes The Reigns As District Governor 25 • AUTUMN 2009 By Kaylin Martin When Edina resident and longtime community volunteer Sandra Schley joined the Rotary Club of Edina in 1997, little did she know she would one day serve as District Governor of Rotary International District 5950. “When I attended my first international Rotary convention, I saw that with just one individual from a small community, you can impact the entire world,” said Schley. “That’s when I thought, ‘I should continue to be more involved.’” Schley, who now represents nearly 3,000 Rotarians in the area, was formally inducted as Governor in July. She is the fourth District Governor and first female District Governor to come out of the Rotary Club of Edina. District 5950 of Rotary International is a group of 60 Rotary clubs located in central and southwestern Minnesota. These clubs represent 41 Minnesota communities ranging in size from Minneapolis to Springfield. District 5950 is one of 529 Districts in 166 countries throughout the world with 1.2 million Rotarians in more than 31,000 local Rotary Clubs. Predecessor Chris Holm, who served as District Governor in 2008-2009, says he is proud of Schley. The two worked closely as she prepared for her position as District Governor. Holm describes Schley as being a team player, “unbelievably” organized, a motivator and a person with a huge heart, among many other qualities. “She’s a dynamo, absolutely a dynamo,” he said. “Sandy doesn’t care if she only saves one person - the whole year would have been worth it if just one person is saved. Sandy has this great dream of doing something significant to help people.” The Rotary International theme for 2009-2010 is “The Future of Rotary Is in Your Hands.” Schley has set six goals for the clubs she will oversee in the Rotary year, which began July 1. They are: grow and sustain membership, develop a “Legacy of Leadership,” implement a comprehensive communications/public relations campaign, develop and execute successful community and international service projects, make Rotary relevant and meaningful, and support The Rotary Foundation and its programs. Schley grew up and attended elementary and high school in Rice Lake, Wis. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and her master’s degree from the University of Minnesota. She completed post- graduate work at Stanford University where she attended the Small Business Executive Development Program as a Bush Foundation Leadership Fellow. Schley spent the first part of her career in education as a teacher and administrator and then in the computer industry as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Computer Law Systems. “She’s one of those pioneer women who broke the glass ceiling,” said Holm. “She serves as a mentor for many women today, and even men, too” Larry Zilliox, District Governor-Elect, explained how fortunate he is to have a mentor such as Schley, but says she has set the bar very high. “It will be a real challenge to follow in her footsteps, but I’m glad to have her support and guidance as I prepare to take over the reigns from her in the future,” he said. “She’ll do a great job paving the way for Larry,” added Holm. Schley is an active Rotarian, being a past president, multiple Paul Harris Fellow and Paul Harris Society member. Since serving the Rotary Club of Edina as President in 2005-2006, she has been very involved in District 5950. Besides Rotary, Schley is involved with many service organizations. She is founder and past president of the Edina Federated Women’s Club and member of the Board of the International Federation of Women’s Clubs. She previously served as chairwoman of the Southdale YMCA Board of Management. In a letter to fellow Rotarians, Schley writes, “I am honored, humbled and grateful to serve as your Governor.” The role of District Governor is a leadership position she claims as both a responsibility and privilege. As a leader, there is a responsibility to leave the organization in better condition than you found it, but it’s a privilege to offer the possibility for a common citizen to achieve a larger impact on world peace and international understanding through humanitarian and service projects, she says. “I like to think that it’s comparable to a business,” Schley said of Rotary. “There are employees and shareholders of Rotary who are looking for dividends and the kind Rotary pays are priceless. They continue for a lifetime - not only your lifetime, but those who you affect.” For more information about District 5950, visit www.Rotary5950.org. For more information about the Rotary Club of Edina, visit www.EdinaRotary.org or call 952-946-8708. Sandra G. Schley 26 • AUTUMN 2009 27 • AUTUMN 2009 Edina Community Foundation: We’re Happy Here Because … By Dick Crockett Executive Director In his 2008 book, The Geography of Bliss, National Public Radio correspondent Eric Weiner reported several factors he observed in people living in countries known for their tendency to be happy: • Their cultural fit and sense of home and community • Their trust in others • Their ability to help others and be useful • Their ability to experience love and satisfying relationships Edina author Richard Leider expresses similar principles in his description of the most content people as those who feel they live in the place they belong, with the people they love and doing work that benefits others. So, why might we tend to be happy in Edina? Many of us have a strong sense of home in this community, having lived here for much longer than the national average of moving every five years. It is quite common for seniors to remain in Edina after raising their families. (Our Board of Directors provides several examples!) Edina’s population also includes many young people who grew up here and have chosen to return to raise their own families. Many of us are thus fortunate to have extended relationships in this community, the Twin Cities area and greater Minnesota. The Edina Community Foundation works to support these family and community values with programs that meet the challenges of a suburb trying to define and celebrate its own identity as a city. We strive to bring newcomers as well as long-time residents together so they can enjoy a full life in this community, with special events ranging from concerts to the 4th of July Parade, and from Connecting With Kids to Edina Reads and Edina Dialogue programs. These events and programs are all planned to include opportunities for children and students in order to further enhance their relationships with adults in the community. The recognition of Edina as one of America’s 10 “Best Towns for Families” in the August 2009 issue of Family Circle magazine is a reflection of this commitment and another reason why we might be happy to live here. This community also provides a strong sense of safety and trust in our fellow residents. The Edina Fire and Police departments are known for their excellence, and the Foundation has a strong record of commitment in supporting their services to the community, with grants for special equipment to enhance our safety. Another factor identified by both Weiner and Leider is a sense of purpose, or the ability to be useful and to help others. The Foundation offers many opportunities for volunteer service on committees, as a Program Chair for an annual event or as a member of our Board of Directors. Perhaps more significantly, we serve as a channel for Edinans to support their community through charitable contributions to the Foundation itself or to any of the more than 40 nonprofit organizations and City departments for which we receive Designated Fund gifts. The Foundation’s mission, in fact, is to Strengthen Our Community through the philanthropic support of donors and friends. A key example is the commitment to help those who may have special needs or inadequate resources. The Foundation has established two designated funds that reflect the broad range of our commitment to address the needs of our community. These are the Van Valkenburg Children’s Fund and the Otto Bang Fund for Seniors; we invite the support of all Edinans in the objective to better meet these needs. We can’t guarantee happiness to all those who choose to support the Edina Community Foundation, but authors Eric Weiner and Richard Leider make a pretty good case that individuals committed to creating a sense of community in which we can feel both safe and useful are likely to be happy. Please consider how you might contribute to making Edina—and yourself—stronger and happier. Questions about the Foundation or any of its programs may be addressed to Crockett at 952-833-9573 or edinacommunityfoundation@ci.edina.mn.us. Additional information and links to other articles may be found online at www.edinacommunityfoundation.org. Edina youth serve ice cream at the Foundation’s Torchlight Concert. West 50th & Vernon Avenue at Hwy. 100 952-920-3996 www.washburn-mcreavy.com Family Owned & Operated Since 1857 EDINA CHAPEL FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES Su b m i t t e d P h o t o Strengthening Our Community 28 • AUTUMN 2009 29 • AUTUMN 2009 EDINA 50th & France YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD A Full Service Lender Todd Johnson • 6800 France Ave • 612.207.9550 Kara Egan • 50th & France • 612.325.3735 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 Ann Burbidge 952-927-2840 Jeff and Connie Cauble 952-927-1115 Winnie Crosbie 952-927-1165 John Everett 952-927-1646 Cindy Farmer 952-927-1119 Jackie Goodlund 952-927-1647 Maggie Goodyear 952-927-1657 Ruthann Holetz 952-927-1624 Stacy Johnson 952-927-1608 Linda Jones 952-927-1781 Mary Greig Krieter 612-719-0665 John MacKany 952-927-1163 John McDonald 952-927-1197 Kim Melin 952.927.2888 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 Zeb Haney 952-924-8742 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 Melissa Schrader 952-915-7962 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 REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS We help bring buyers and sellers together. edinarealty.com Open Houses • Active Listings • Home Values • Property Search 30 • AUTUMN 2009 31 • AUTUMN 2009 ‘Beyond The Badge’ Debuts On EDINA 16 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-u p s? Check your policy today! From working nine-to-five to patrolling the mean streets to “lights, camera, action” – two current Edina police officers are using skills they obtained in their previous careers to help educate the public about the work of Edina’s Police Department through the magic of television. Brian Hubbard, a non-profit director-turned-cop, and Aaron White, a former radio engineer who donned a badge three years ago, are the hosts of “Beyond the Badge,” which debuted in August on Edina Community Channel 16 (EDINA 16). Each episode features news related to law enforcement, crime prevention tips and interviews with members of the Police Department. The pilot episode features information on Minnesota’s new seat belt law, the Edina Bike Patrol, bicycle safety and identity theft. “Well-informed residents and businesses are an important part of keeping the community safe,” said Deputy Police Chief Jeff Long, who served as executive director of the pilot episode. “‘Beyond the Badge’ will help us educate people on crime trends and what we are doing to help protect and serve.” Hubbard echoed those comments. “We want our residents to understand law enforcement and understand how citizens can be helpful by being more informed and aware,” he said. “This is really about building a positive relationship with the community.” The show is available online at CityofEdina.com and airs four times per week on the local government-access channel. Playback times on EDINA 16 are noon and 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 p.m. Fridays and 5:30 p.m. Saturdays. “Beyond the Badge” is produced every-other month. The first two episodes of “Beyond the Badge” were sponsored by the Edina Crime Prevention Fund. For more information on “Beyond the Badge” or to request sponsorship information, contact Cable Coordinator Scott Denfeld, 952-903-5776 or visit www.CityofEdina.com/EDINA16. 2009 EDINA 16 Broadcast Schedule Officer Brian Hubbard is the co-host of “Beyond the Badge” “Agenda: Edina” 10 a.m. Tuesdays 6 p.m. Wednesdays 6 p.m. Fridays 6 p.m. Saturdays “Beyond the Badge” Noon, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays 10 p.m. Fridays 5:30 p.m. Saturdays City Council 10 a.m., 7 p.m. Wednesdays 7 p.m. Sundays “In Edina” Noon Sundays 10 a.m., 7 p.m. Mondays 5 p.m. Fridays Noon Saturdays Park Board 10 a.m., 7 p.m. Saturdays 8 p.m. Mondays Planning Commission 10 a.m., 7 p.m. Thursdays 3 p.m. Sundays Rotary Club of Edina Noon Mondays 7 p.m. Tuesdays 5 p.m. Saturdays Transportation Commission 10 a.m., 7 p.m. Fridays 3 p.m. Saturdays 32 • AUTUMN 2009 33 • AUTUMN 2009 When Trouble Calls, Edina Dispatchers Are First To Answer By Alexandra Sifferlin Red lights flash, flooding nearby walls with light. Police radios crackle with static. Three women quickly type and talk over one another. “Witness says there was a male driver and female passenger.” “Money was stolen from the washing machine.” “Can we get a registration number?” “Vehicle is headed northbound on Highway 100.” It’s a chase. For the average citizen, witnessing a police chase is a rare occurrence. For the City of Edina Dispatchers, it’s just another day on the job. It’s barely afternoon and already there have been 10 thefts from autos, a child left in a vehicle with the windows up, a stolen bike and a suicide threat. “There is a common misconception that nothing happens in Edina,” said Communications Supervisor and Dispatcher Laurene Draper. “But we have burglaries, car accidents, assaults.” Edina Dispatchers are alerted to a wide range of crimes and have many responsibilities. They must answer the phone and calm the caller, type the report, dispatch the closest officers and keep an eye on security camera footage - all at once. “You have no idea what they mean by multi-tasking,” said Dispatcher Kimberly Tubbs, who has been working as a dispatcher for about six months. Yet, she has been applying and training for the job for much longer. The City has eight full-time dispatchers and two part- time dispatchers. Full-time dispatchers work either 12- or 8-hour shifts. In 2008, Edina dispatchers processed about 50,000 calls for service, which is an average of 4,000 calls per month. A processed call means the call was entered into the system and action has taken place, such as dispatching an officer. However, the dispatchers estimate there are at least 25,000 additional calls per year that do not require responses. Some cities use Hennepin County for their dispatching, but Edina has chosen to have its own dispatching system to provide better service. Edina also has its own full-time ambulance service staffed by firefighter/paramedics. “Edina operates its own 24-hour dispatch center because of the superior service level we can provide to our residents, officers and firefighters,” said Police Chief Mike Siitari. “Our dispatchers do an outstanding job of handling police, fire and EMS calls for service, as well as serving as the answering point for any after-hours City business.” Not just anyone can serve as a dispatcher. The applicant pool is massive and the selection process is meticulous. “You need the ability to multi-task under pressure and have good decision-making skills,” said Draper. “This is a 24/7 operation. You have to be able to work anytime, including holidays and weekends. If you thought you were getting a regular Monday-through-Friday job, you will be very disappointed.” Tubbs’ application process took four months and she was selected out of a pool of 200 people. She took a written test and a simulation test. During the simulation, the applicant practices taking calls. There are several stages to pass. Throughout the simulation, sudden emergency situations occur and the applicant must respond accordingly in the allotted time frame. “I left feeling like it was the most challenging test I had ever taken,” said Tubbs. But, she wasn’t finished yet. The next step is a five-person panel interview with other dispatchers and members of the Police and Fire departments. Once the applicant is selected, a comprehensive background check is conducted. “It’s the same background check given to police officers and it can take a long time. A perfectly normal and brief background check will take 30 days,” said Draper. Once the applicant is cleared and hired, he or she starts four to six months of training. Draper, who has been dispatching for 15 years, says it usually takes a full two years for a dispatcher to become completely comfortable with the technology. The process may be demanding, but a dispatcher must be well trained in order to handle a variety of emergencies.All dispatchers are certified emergency medics. They are trained to tell callers how to perform CPR, deliver babies and administer the Heimlich maneuver over the phone. Tony Martin is one of Edina’s full-time 9-1-1 dispatchers. Ph o t o b y K a y l i n M a r t i n 9-1-1 Tips • Pick up a “Vial of Life” at Edina Fire Station No. 1 on Tracy Avenue. Fill out the medical information form and keep it in the refrigerator. Put the magnet on the refrigerator so paramedics will see it. • If you call from a landline, the dispatcher will see your address. If you cannot speak, just dial 9-1-1 and leave the phone off the hook. • Make sure your address is clear from the street, so emergency personnel can get to you faster. • Secure pets prior to responders’ arrival. They may need to prop doors open, and pets may get in their way. • If you give a child a phone to play with, take the battery out so 9-1-1 will not be dialed accidentally. (continued on next page) 34 • AUTUMN 2009 35 • AUTUMN 2009 “I almost had to help deliver a baby once,” said Dispatcher Denise Beck. “Luckily, the couple made it to the hospital just in time. They sent me pictures of the baby as a thank-you.” Dealing with serious emergencies, and occasionally less- than-favorable outcomes, can be draining. Dispatchers have to remain calm no matter the circumstance. “You have to be able to emotionally detach yourself so you can better assist the caller and the officers,” said Draper. “You need to try and remain calm because the more calm we are, the more calm the callers will be and the more calm the officers are,” said Tubbs. “It is very important to calm down the people and the victims.” That doesn’t mean dispatchers are immune to the stress. “You don’t want to get too emotionally involved, but once this doesn’t bother you anymore, you should get out,” said Beck. There are good days and bad days. Sometimes, there are only minor thefts and other days there may be more serious issues. “It’s important to remain as calm as possible,” Tubbs said, “and get the proper information from the caller. But it’s equally important to work quickly in order to get officers responding in a timely manner. We are the eyes for the officers before they are on scene and we need to paint as clear of a picture as possible so they understand the situation.” However, not every call is of serious nature. Dispatchers answer their fair share of non-emergency questions and hang-ups from mischievous 8-year-olds. “We have people call because their toilet is running, to ask what time it is and for directions,” said Draper. Many people call for 4-1-1, and hang-ups can be especially frustrating. “When people misuse 9-1-1 intentionally, an officer has to go out and talk to them,” said Tubbs. “You do not want them to keep misusing the number, but at the same time you still want them to call 9-1-1 if there is a real emergency.” The dispatchers and police officers have a strong relationship. Some dispatchers have been working for over 20 years and all of them know the officers well. “We know and see the officers daily,” said Draper. “Our relationship with them is what helps us be even more successful.” They are successful. Every call is answered and dispatched and Edina maintains good relationships with other police task forces. Although not every shoplifter is caught or every stolen bike returned, the dispatchers always manage to provide the most help and information they can. So no matter where you are in the City, if it’s storming or it’s 4 a.m., the dispatchers are always ready and alert. A calm voice will always answer, “Edina 9-1-1.” Other Dispatchers are Audrey Hodge, Joy Iskierka, Tony Martin, Jennifer Radde, Taunya Hegyi and Steve Martson. For more information, visit www.CityofEdina.com/Police. Number of years Abdo Eick & Meyers has served the greater Edina area. That’s right, Abdo Eick and Meyers has been going beyond the numbers for Edina businesses and individuals since 1963. Audit, Compilation and Review Tax Consultation, Planning and Preparation Estate, Retirement, Pension and Profit Sharing Planning Accounting Services including Payroll and Bookkeeping Consultation on Acquisitions, Business Expansions, Sales and Lease vs. Buy And Much More (952) 835-9090 • www.aemcpas.com 08-AAE-010 AboutTownADS.indd 2 10/7/08 10:16:57 AM 36 • AUTUMN 2009 37 • AUTUMN 2009 By Marty Doll An Edina Police squad car is dispatched to a home after an automatic alarm is triggered. Upon arriving at the scene, officers are unable to immediately find anything amiss. They learn from a neighbor that the resident is out of town. Using the neighbor’s key, they enter the home to find a malfunctioning water meter and pipe, causing water to spray throughout the basement. Rather than call the Utilities Department and risk prolonged water damage, Scot Waggoner sacrifices his dryness to shut off the water supply. Should Officer Waggoner receive some sort of commendation? Maybe – if Waggoner was an Officer. In reality, he is a residential remodeler and owner of WB Builders in Edina, who took part in what turned out to be a very interactive “ride along” as part of the Edina Police Department’s recently launched Citizens’ Academy. “I thought, those guys don’t need to get out of bed,” said Waggoner, referring to making an emergency call to the City’s utility workers. “I said, ‘I’ll just do it.’” While every experience at the inaugural Citizens’ Academy was not quite as “real” as Waggoner’s, most were just as hands-on. The 10-week program, which launched in March, ran 16 students through a variety of lectures, classroom instruction, tours, live demonstrations and real-life police situations in an effort to share information and improve relationships within the community. “People don’t necessarily understand law enforcement and why officers do what they do and make the decisions they make,” said Edina Police Officer Brian Hubbard, who organized the Academy. “We wanted to dispel the myths of the reality cop shows and help people understand our department from the top to the bottom.” Not only did Academy participants learn about things that police officers do on a daily basis, they experienced them first hand. While they weren’t actually tailing criminals, participants did get behind the wheel of a real squad car to take part in a simulated traffic stop, handle a police baton as they learned about the Department’s policy and laws on the use of force, took part in a mock building search, ran through the MILO “shoot or don’t shoot” simulator and broke up a staged domestic dispute. “We did not want [the Citizens’ Academy] to be all lecture and PowerPoint,” said Hubbard. “We can talk about what we do during a domestic dispute all we want, but when you show up to two people yelling and screaming at each other, it gives you a different flavor of what the job is.” “This gives people a chance to see the broad range of challenges the Edina Police Department deals with on a daily basis,” said Edina Police Chief Mike Siitari. “Even after 31 years with the Police Department, I continue to be impressed by the tact and skill demonstrated by our officers as they deal with everything from felonies-in- progress to neighborhood complaints.” Todd Nelson, a five-year Edina resident and stay-at- home dad, says that he doesn’t get out of the house much without his child in tow, but the Citizens’ Academy caught his eye while reading the local paper. As a self-proclaimed introvert, Nelson says he was a bit hesitant to sign up. However, at the urging of his wife, he finally gave in, and did not regret it. “It was an experience I probably will never forget,” said Nelson, who says he is now contemplating joining the Police Reserves. “I’m not much of a jump-in-and- do-something type of person, but this was really cool. I learned a lot.” Kelsey Deutsch, a lifelong Edina resident, attended the academy with her mom. A recent college graduate with a degree in psychology and criminology, she thought it would be an interesting experience to see the inner workings of a police department first hand. “I was sad when the 10 weeks was over,” said Deutsch. “There was way more involved [in the Citizens’ Academy] than I ever thought or expected.” According to Hubbard, the inaugural class, made up of men and women ranging in age from 24 to 72, is proof that anyone in the community can take part. The Academy is currently holding its second session, which began on Sept. 15. As long as interest remains strong, Hubbard says the Police Department will continue to hold spring and fall sessions each year. To participate, one Edina Police Citizens’ Academy Gives Residents Better Understanding of Law Enforcement Officer Eric Carlson explains the Police Department’s procedures during a traffic stop to Citizen Academy attendees Carol Hagemeyer, Elizabeth Stevens and Todd Nelson. (continued on next page) Officer Keith Boerger assists as Edina resident Jean Lake conducts a mock traffic stop. Edina Police Reserve Officer John Forseth plays the role of the violator. 38 • AUTUMN 2009 39 • AUTUMN 2009 must be at least 21 years old, live or work in Edina and pass a criminal background check. There is a $25 fee to attend the 10-week course. “We want our residents to understand law enforcement and understand how citizens can be helpful by being more informed and aware,” said Hubbard. “This is really about building a positive relationship with the community.” Waggoner agrees. “Getting to know some of the cops really helps build Community cohesiveness,” he said. “Now [waving to a police officer] is like waving to a neighbor. The more people you know, the more it feels like home.” For more information on the Edina Police Department Citizens’ Academy or to sign up for the spring session, contact Hubbard at 952-826-1610 or visit www.CityofEdina.com/Police and click on “Services & Programs.” My sisters and I are so grateful for the incredible care our mother receives at English Rose Suites. Moving her here from Connecticut was absolutely the right thing to do. We couldn't ask for a better home for her. -Michele Barnhill English Rose Suites is a nationally regarded memory care program with homes in Edina and Wayzata. For more information call Catherine Clairmont at 612-250-4497. www.englishrosesuites.com Be Inspired. Be Unique. Be Yourself. Edina - 50th and France District Backside of 5-0 Plaza - free parking 952.920.5665 www.indulgeandbloom.com Making Lasting Impressions is What We Do! Whether you’re planning a wedding for 500, a black-tie dinner for 75 or a small engagement for six, our seasoned event team at Indulge & Bloom will take care of all the details to put your mind at ease and ensure your event is as perfect as you imagined. 40 • AUTUMN 2009 41 • AUTUMN 2009 By Alexandra Sifferlin Cars merge and swerve quickly down France Avenue. But sitting comfortably along the active road is a medium-sized American Craftsman-style home. From the outside, the home possesses the charm of a typical Edina home. From inside, the family room is spacious and no honking or screeching brakes can be heard. Although the main room may be big, the carbon footprint for this home is very small. Steve Dresler, owner of Dresler Construction, is currently building the 5130 France Ave. S. home, which is in the process of earning LEED certification. According to City of Edina Chief Building Official Steve Kirchman, Dresler’s home is currently one of only two Edina homes seeking LEED certification. “Right now, I am down to a 40 carbon footprint and the goal is 35 or less,” said Dresler. LEED is an international green building certification system. LEED certification provides third-party verification that the building strategy, design and process were all done in order to create an environmentally friendly home. LEED grades building projects based on energy savings, water efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. If all the requirements are met and LEED certification is granted, the home is deemed a sustainable home and should save the home owner money. “I have thought of everything. There are several requirements for the certification,” said Dresler. “The home isn’t too big; it is walking distance from grocery stores, banks and clothing shops – all of these are requirements.” Nearly every aspect in Dresler’s home has been carefully chosen to ensure the home is sustainable and meets the LEED requirements. “Going green” has become a popular trend, but when it comes to living through Minnesota winters, homeowners worry about staying warm. Keeping the home well insulated was on the top of Dresler’s list. “This house is like a glove,” said Dresler. “The goal was to make the house so tight so no air could escape.” Every nook and cranny of the home is taped, sealed and caulked. New Edina Home To Be LEED Certified Dresler is using both internal and external insulation. The home has an R-10 external insulation value. If outdoor temperatures are 0 degrees, the air will be 30 degrees by the time it goes through the R-10 insulation. “Closed cell” insulation was used in the interior walls. The insulation also creates a less than one-tenth permeability rating. Water vapor cannot enter the wall assembly from the outside to the inside nor escape from the inside to the outside. This significantly reduces loss of heating and cooling for the home. The total wall insulation is a minimum of R-36. The average home with two-by-six construction has R-19. The standard insulation costs around $8,000 and Dresler has spent $26,000. This includes roof insulation as well. Although he spent three times the norm, Dresler says it will pay for itself in the end with significant decreases in heating bills. The home also has a metal “hot roof,” which allows the attic to be the same temperature as the rest of the home. The roof has a lifetime of 50 to 60 years and should handle whatever weather Mother Nature sends. “It’s not all about using only environmentally friendly products,” said Dresler. “You want to build something that will last. That is also important.” Dresler got creative with the windows to continue to decrease heating and cooling costs. All the windows have awnings and are positioned according to the sun’s angles during the summer and winter months. In winter, the sun shines directly through the windows, providing heat. In the summer months, the sun’s angle hits the awnings, providing light, but no heat. The awnings also give homeowners the option of keeping windows open while it rains to help with cooling. “Heating and cooling costs in this home will be significantly lower,” said Dresler. When it comes to appliances, every item is Energy Star- approved. Dresler has all low-flow faucets and toilets and energy-efficient LED lighting. “LEDs are supposed to be able to last 24 hours a day for five years, which is a long time. You do not have to keep replacing them,” said Dresler. Ph o t o b y A l e x a n d r a S i f f e r l i n Dresler’s home is currently one of only two Edina homes applying for LEED certification. Although he spent three times the norm on insulation, Dresler says it will pay for itself in the end with significant decreases in heating bills. Ph o t o b y A l e x a n d r a S i f f e r l i n (continued on next page) 42 • AUTUMN 2009 43 • AUTUMN 2009 All rain water will be collected for irrigation, all materials are recycled and all bedrooms will have fans to add even more cooling. Dresler has thought about every detail, all the way down to the driveway. The driveway will be made of pavers to help with water collection. Dresler wants to ensure he has 100 percent water collection. “The pavers will help minimize run-off,” said Dresler. “All water is collected on site.” This includes rain water which will be collected in a cistern for backyard irrigation. The home was finished in late August, but the LEED certification will continue into 2010. The home will be studied for a full year and all the eco-friendly aspects of the home will be tested and measured. “As the housing infrastructure of Edina ages, it is increasingly important to recognize the value of sustainable design and construction, which produces greater energy efficiency, resulting in homes less costly to heat, cool and maintain, as well as creating healthier environments in which our residents live,” said Edina Energy & Environment Commission member and LEED Accredited Professional Steve Christianson. “It is exciting to see this particular home being built in Edina, and it should serve as a model for future construction in our community.” Dresler originally planned to build the home for himself, but has decided to put it on the market. Selling the home gives Dresler more building options. “Now, I can build another one,” said Dresler. For more information on Dresler Construction visit www.dreslerconstruction.com. For more information on LEED certification, visit www.usgbc.org. Shop Edina at Valley View and Wooddale Visit the shops at the corner of Valley View Road and Wooddale Avenue Support your friendly neighborhood businesses!Locally owned and operated. EDINA HARDWARE “We speak fl uent doohickey & whatchamacallit!” 4510 Valley View Road, Edina 952-925-1133 Celebrating 50 Years on the Corner 1960-2010 952-927-4090 The Hottest Brand Name Sunglasses, Watches, Goggles & Apparel! 4504 Valley View Rd. * Edina www.ej-sunglasses.com We service all foreign and domestic vehicles! On the corner of Valley View and Wooddale Avenue 952-922-9734 Service Center 20% off any purchase with coupon Artistic Floral 952-920-4772 4502 Valley View Road, Edina 952-920-4772 * www.artisticfl oral.com Artistic Floral Try our award winning burgers and milkshakes! 4502 Valley View Rd.Edina, MN 55424 (952) 920-0949 Open Monday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday, noon - 9 p.m. 44 • AUTUMN 2009 45 • AUTUMN 2009 Schools, businesses, places of worship and parks within the City will host service sites with a variety of projects and tasks planned. Anything from ridding a City park of buckthorn to writing letters or assembling care packages for military personnel is fair game on Oct. 24. “We hope people will step up and say ‘I’m going to volunteer!’” said Anderson. “A group that wants to do something, but doesn’t know what, can contact us. We have a list of ‘kitchen table projects’ to get them started.” According to Anderson, even if you are not part of a large-scale project, you can still take part individually by doing things like helping out an elderly neighbor with yard work or visiting an assisted living center. She also says people can put in as much or as little time as they want – just as long as they are out serving! In honor of the day of service, Edina resident Kitty O’Dea is putting a new spin on an event she and her family have held since 2003 – a “Not So Spooky” haunted garage, which is geared toward grade school children. Every year, O’Dea holds the event to raise voluntary donations for Feed My Starving Children. This year, she is moving the event to a week before Halloween in order to take part in the day of service. “It is a challenge as a parent to find a charitable activity that kids can participate in,” said O’Dea, who started her haunted garage for just that reason. “Anytime you can encourage service, especially among children, it is great.” Anderson’s daughter Molly, a junior at Edina High School, is one youth who is playing a big role in Edina’s Day of Service. She hopes the initiative will motivate more of her peers to also get involved. “When you walk through the school, you see some people who maybe don’t care [about their community] as much as they should,” said Molly, who is a member of the initiative’s steering committee working on marketing. “Getting people excited is a big part of my job, and we want students to get excited. Edina is the reason we are going to be successful.” Molly, along with another classmate, is working on a celebration to mark the work day’s end. “We hope to have bands playing at the end of day,” said Molly. “It will be a fun way to say ‘thank you so much’ for participating and let people talk about what they did.” Rogers Bascom, the steering committee’s third co-chairwoman, says the school district is a strong supporter of “service learning,” a teaching method that weaves service into curriculum on a daily basis. She believes it benefits students, teachers, the school and the community by sharing knowledge with a new generation and developing active citizens. “Teachers and students have the option of connecting an existing project to the day [of service] or participating in an alternative activity,” said Rogers Bascom. Arrie Larsen-Manti, Edina Chamber of Commerce President and final steering committee co-chairwoman, By Marty Doll If you have a rake, grab it. A shovel? Bring that, too. Yard work’s not your thing? How about baking cookies? Or sewing a quilt? Or cleaning up a park? Even if all you have is a little bit of time and some good will, you are sure to find a way to give back during Edina’s first-ever “Day of Service” on Saturday, Oct. 24. “We hope to encourage all members of the community to dedicate that one day to serving Edina,” said Heather Haen Anderson, Executive Director for Connecting with Kids and co-chairwoman of the “Edina Day of Service” steering committee. Her organization, along with the City, school district and Chamber of Commerce, is spearheading the initiative. Anderson hopes it will bring families and friends together for an entire day of service projects that will improve life within the City for everyone. “Edina already has a strong volunteer base,” said Anderson. “We want to encourage people to continue serving and show those who haven’t served in the past that it is a valuable resource, makes you feel good and helps tie the community together more closely.” The idea for an “Edina Day of Service” stemmed from a wrap-up meeting of last November’s Kids Voting initiative. Anderson, along with Edina Public Schools Service Learning Coordinator Julie Rogers Bascom and Assistant City Manager Heather Worthington, noted that larger cities across the country have held, and been very successful with, similar service projects. The idea hit the ground running almost immediately, and soon after, resolutions were approved and a steering committee of 25 business leaders, faith leaders, parents, students, school and City representatives, Rotarians and members of the Edina Community Foundation began planning the day-long event. “It will be a wonderful opportunity for people in Edina to share their time and talents with neighbors and those in need,” said Worthington, another of the steering committee’s co-chairwomen. Residents, Businesses Asked to Lend a Hand Oct. 24 (continued on next page) Holding a food drive or assiting a local food pantry is just one way to chip in during Edina’s first Day of Service on Oct. 24. Fi l e P h o t o 47 • AUTUMN 200946 • AUTUMN 2009 points out that many people who work in Edina don’t necessarily live here. She views this as an opportunity for employers and employees who spend 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday through Friday working and shopping in the community to give back. “Edina is a strong business community and has a tradition of being proud of their companies and their locations,” said Larsen-Manti. “This is a way to extend those beliefs by doing something good for the surrounding community. A project as simple as [a business] cleaning up around its own building and the blocks surrounding it can go a long way.” While larger projects may require some funding, Anderson has resisted the urge to ask for individual sponsorship, as she wants the Edina Day of Service to encompass the entire community and not individual sponsors. “We are asking those performing services to supply their own funding [for their projects],” said Anderson. “If you don’t want to spend money, grab a rake or grab a shovel – do it that way.” According to Anderson, any community service is good service. The Edina Day of Service will take place on Saturday, Oct. 24. For more information on how to get involved, contact Anderson at 952-688-8081 or info@connectingwithkidsedina.org. You can also visit www.connectingwithkidsedina.org/EDS. Calling all Edina Dogs Pet Portrait Artist,Jessie Marianiello,is looking for participants to become part of an upcoming exhibition:“Dogs of Edina.” If your dog lives,works,or plays in Edina and is interested in taking part contact Jessie at 612.532.9084. A celebration of dogs and the communitythey create Sponsored by: Scoopy Poo 612-374-3000www.scoopypoo.net A GREEN CARD IS NOT ACTUALLY GREEN (and if that is news to you – we can help) We are an “AV”-rated law firm advising employers, entrepreneurs, foreign investors, health care professionals, and religious groups on U.S. visa strategies. WEBBER LAW FIRM, LLC5100 Edina Industrial Blvd., Suite 230, Edina, MN 55439952-831-5223 // bob@webberlaw.comwww.webberlaw.com Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710 5100 Eden Avenue, Suite 105, Edina, MN 55439-2333Bus 952 928 0455 Fax 952 928 9094Cell 612 298 5292matt@mattboockmeier.com Providing Insurance and Financial Services Matt Boockmeier, Agent State Farm 24 Hour Good Neighbor Service We Deliver!Commercial Digital PrintDirect MailVariable Print + PURL’sGraphic DisplaysGraphic DesignWeb DesignFulfillmentand more...Visit us online at:JessenPress.comor call: 952.929.0346 48 • AUTUMN 2009 49 • AUTUMN 2009 By Kathy Iverson Contributing Writer Tie One On For Safety asks Americans to place a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) ribbon or window decal on their vehicles as a pledge to drive safe, sober and buckled up during the holidays and throughout the year. Edina’s local message includes the use of safety belts because they’re the best defense against a drunk driver. You can get your red ribbons during Minnesota Chemical Health Week, Nov. 16-22. Look for them at the Edina libraries, participating medical clinics, government buildings and schools. One of the most wonderful gifts to yourself is the gift of making healthy choices, and then encouraging others to do the same. For fun non-alcoholic holiday beverage recipes, see the City of Edina website, www.CityofEdina.com. 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. 49 • AUTUMN 2009 Take The Pledge Against Drunk Driving VEAP Prepares To Distribute Holiday Joy 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 winter holidays, VEAP plans to distribute food to more than 4,000 families and gifts to over 4,800 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, starting mid-November to mid-December. Edina residents can drop off donations at Edina Police Department, 4801 W. 50th St., or Fire Station No. 1, 6250 Tracy Ave. Gifts are greatly needed for all age groups of children, but historically VEAP has had the greatest need for toys for newborns to 3-year-olds (board books, rattles, bottles, teething rings). Also, this year VEAP will distribute gift cards for teens, so $15 gift cards to local retailers (Target, Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, Best Buy) would be best. New books for all ages are greatly appreciated. All toys should be brand new and unused with a value of $10 to $20. Please no large gifts. Individuals and families interested in registering for these programs can contact VEAP at 952-888-9616. For Thanksgiving, call in early October, at which time callers will also receive information on how to register for December Holiday assistance. To register for the VEAP Holiday Toy Program, call in late November. Distribution of Holiday Toys is in mid-December. 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 www.VEAPvolunteers.org or call 952-888-9616. ABBOTT BROS.TREE CARE TREE TRIMMING &REMOVAL TREE PLANTING STUMP GRINDING BRUSH HAULING &LOT CLEARING CERTIFIED ARBORISTS INSURED -EMPLOYEE OWNED LOCAL EDINA COMPANY 612-889-8317 Tips for hosting a holiday party that is safe for everyone. • To be a good host, stay within your limits in order to make sure your guests stay within theirs. • Time is the only way to sober someone up. Caffeine is not the answer. • Beer and wine are just as intoxicating as hard liquor. These are all equivalent in alcohol content: 12-ounce can of beer, 5-ounce glass of wine, 12-ounce wine cooler, 1- to 1.5-ounce shot of liquor. • Physical appearance can be deceiving. Be aware of other behaviors such as slurred speech, loud talking and boisterous outbursts that indicate drunkenness. • Mixers won’t help dilute alcohol. In fact, they may cause guests to drink even more. • Promote the designated driver concept in the invitations. • Have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages on hand, and don’t push alcoholic drinks. • Make food readily available and avoid salty snacks. • Have the phone number of a taxi service if safe rides are needed or invite the guest to stay over. 50 • AUTUMN 2009 51 • AUTUMN 200950 • AUTUMN 2009 51 • AUTUMN 2009 Edina Art Center Opens 25th-Annual Juried Exhibition Edina Takes First Step Toward Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions By Germana Paterlini Energy & Environment Commission On Earth Day this April, the Environmental Protection Agency issued the finding that greenhouse gases (GHG) contribute to air pollution and may endanger public health. How can Edina help solve this global concern? As with all complex problems, the best approach to a solution is an incremental one. The first step is to find out how much GHG, in CO2 equivalents, Edina emits each year. Showing leadership in energy use, the City of Edina, together with 17 other cities, has publicly disclosed GHG emissions resulting from its government operations. The report summarizes findings of a joint project by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability USA. It can be found at cdproject.net. Edina emissions were reported for the year 2007 by looking at energy consumption from various activities, such as cooling and heating of buildings, lighting building and streets, pumping of water from City wells and operation of vehicles. About 60 percent of emissions originated from buildings, 30 percent from wells and sewers, 5 percent by the City fleet, and the remaining from streetlights, solid waste and employee commute. Total emissions from operations were 25,000 metric tons of CO2e, roughly equivalent to annual emissions from 4,500 cars. Annual monitoring of CO2 emissions will enable the City to move to the second step of setting reduction targets and extending the reductions goals to the entire community. Minnesota is committed to reducing CO2 emissions 15 percent by 2015 from 2005 levels, or 3 percent a year for the next five years. Locally, it translates to cutting 750 metric tons of CO2e a year from City operations, equivalent to the energy use of 60 homes. As Minnesota increases electrical production from wind energy, Edina’s carbon footprint will decrease as well. However, local measures such as energy-efficient practices for buildings and adoption of renewable energy solutions will be needed. As CDP’s Chief Executive Paul Dickinson said: “Cities around the world have the potential to drive significant emissions reductions globally.” Edina’s footprint is minuscule on a global context, but it is setting the right example for other cities to follow. For more information on the Energy & Environment Commission, visit www.CityofEdina.com. By Kaylin Martin Judy Lieber never took a formal art class. She just draws what she sees. “I enjoy the freedom,” said Lieber of painting. “I say it’s a language that I must have always known and then one day I was hooked.” Last year, Lieber took home an Award of Excellence from the Edina Art Center’s Members’ Juried Exhibition for her watercolor portrait titled “The Russian Girl,” one she is especially proud of. “Watercolor is such a challenge,” said Lieber, “but when it works, it’s amazing.” Doug Lew, an accomplished artist and one of two participants who judged last year’s show, agrees. “She handled it in a way that watercolor is meant to be handled,” he said. “Watercolor is a spontaneous medium. You can’t over-control it; you have to let the water do its thing.” Lieber will participate in the Members’ Juried Exhibition again this year. The 25th-Annual Members’ Juried Exhibition will begin with an opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 1, during which time artists, members and visitors will enjoy the expansive display of works, live music, refreshments and the opportunity to confer with this year’s jurors. On average, more than 275 pieces are entered into the show each year. Entries include drawings, paintings, pottery, sculpture, photography and mixed media. “It’s exciting to be able to give artists a place to showcase their art,” said Anne Spooner, Program and Gallery Coordinator for the Center. “We have very talented members and it’s rewarding to see their progress over the years.” The show began as a way to infuse quality artwork back into the community. As a tribute to the late Pat Greer, co-founder of the Edina Art Center and the Members’ Juried Art Exhibition, and in celebration of the 25th-anniversary of the exhibit, a $400 “Pat Greer Best in Show Award” will be given this year. “Our volunteers and Board Members give generously of their time, talent and funds to put on the exhibition. Their great energy and resources will make this an exceptional Juried Show,” said Michael Whitt, Edina Art Center Board Member. “Based on last year’s entries, like Judy’s beautiful piece, this year only promises to be even more outstanding.” The 25th-Annual Members’ Juried Exhibition continues through Oct. 28. The Edina Art Center is located at 4701 W. 64th St. For more information about the 25th-Annual Members’ Juried Exhibition, call 952-903-5780 or visit www.EdinaArtCenter.com. Ted Field Realtor® Tested & Trusted. Real Estate Designed for Seniors Call: 952-927-1150 www.SeniorExpert.com Su b m i t t e d P h o t o 52 • AUTUMN 2009 53 • AUTUMN 200952 • AUTUMN 2009 53 • AUTUMN 2009 Business Notes H&M Coming To Southdale Center H&M will open at Southdale Center this fall. H&M is one of the world’s largest fashion brands with clothing ranging from the basics to the latest trends. Clothing and accessories are well priced and for all ages. The two-story H&M at Southdale will feature fashion lines for women, men and children. “We’re thrilled that H&M is coming to Southdale and their arrival will certainly enhance our merchandise mix,” said Anne-Marie Cookson, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Southdale. The new store will be located in Southdale’s Center Court area across from the Guest Services Booth and in between Bare Escentuals and Brookstone. For more information about the Southdale H&M store, call 952-925-7890. Westin Edina Galleria Names Marketing Coordination Manager Sara Summers has been named the Marketing Coordination Manager of The Westin Edina Galleria. Summers will be the marketing liaison between The Westin Edina Galleria and Galleria. Summers will be responsible for joint marketing initiatives between the hotel and Galleria, formatting and implementing promotional materials, designing specialty packages, and identifying and reaching target audiences through online and print mediums. Summers will work with both The Westin Edina Galleria and Galleria Marketing Departments to supervise shared advertising, promotional events and sponsorships. Summers joined the hotel a month after The Westin Edina Galleria received the 2008 Starwood Franchise “New Builds and Transitions – Hotel Sales Team of the Year” award. For more information, visit www.Westin.com/EdinaGalleria or call 952-567-5000. Hennepin County Library Gains Exclusive Rating Library Journal has named Hennepin County Library a Five-Star Library, based on Library Journal’s new national rating system: the LJ Index of Public Library Services. “I could not be prouder of the Library for earning the Five Star Designation,” said Mike Opat, Hennepin County Commissioner, 1st district. “It’s a testament to the dedication of the Library staff, Lois Thompson and past directors, and the many residents who volunteer their time to make our system great.” The libraries were ranked by measuring four per-capita services: circulation, visits, program attendance and public internet use. Only 256 of the 7,000 libraries rated nationwide received a one- to five-star rating. “We put the customer first and what they want,” said Lois Thompson, Hennepin County Library Director, “and to get the Five Star Rating is a confirmation that we have succeeded in that.” The LJ Index rankings are intended to assist libraries in evaluating themselves and their peers, and to improve service to their communities. “The County Board is proud of its longstanding commitment to provide this outstanding service to everyone in Hennepin County,” said Opat. “It’s gratifying for the Library to be recognized for its excellence.” For library locations or more information about Hennepin County Library, call 952-847-8593 or visit www.hclib.org. Edina High School Named New Assistant Principal Jenny Johnson has been hired as the Assistant Principal at Edina High School. Johnson, who strongly believes in the positive effects afterschool sports and activities have on kids, said she will miss the people she has met in her former position as Activities Director for Edina Public Schools, but looks forward to becoming Assistant Principal. “I like working with the kids hands-on and this new position will allow me to spend more time with the students and teachers,” Said Johnson, who began her new duties July 1. Previously, Johnson served as Interim Assistant Principal and Dean of Students at Edina High School for two years. Prior to those positions, she was a mathematics teacher and head girls’ basketball coach for several years. Johnson received a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication from the University of Illinois. She then attended the University of St. Thomas and received a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, followed by an Education Specialist degree in Administration. For more information, contact the District’s Communications Manager, Jolene Goldade, at 952-848- 3944, or jolgoldade@edina.k12.mn.us. –Compiled by Kaylin Martin and Alexandra Sifferlin Jenny Johnson New Horizon Academy...Caring for and educating young children since 1971. Enroll now and receive your 2nd Week FREE!* *First-time enrollees or families returning after three months only. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Tuition credit equals tuition paid for the first week of enrollment. Based upon space availability. Expires 12/31/09. Code ATwn320709. Nationally Accredited Edina Location!4425 Valley View Road, Edina, MN 55424 (952) 920-3528 No other preschool program prepares more Minnesota children for kindergarten than New Horizon Academy. Our graduates are excited to learn, confident in social situations, and thoroughly prepared for kindergarten. • Infant, toddler, and preschool learning programs • Curriculum specifically designed to foster your child’s self-esteem and learning potential• Full-time, part-time, and flexible schedules. www.NewHorizonAcademy.net 54 • AUTUMN 2009 55 • AUTUMN 2009 1) Neighborhoods throughout the community turned out on Tuesday, Aug. 4, to celebrate Edina’s 2009 Night to Unite. Perfect weather, great attendance and the generous support of Caribou Coffee and Target made this year’s event one to remember. Officers, including Mike Seeger and K9 Diesel, stopped by 52 block parties. 2) In June, Edina resident Michelle Swanson of Xcel Enegy awarded $10,000 to The Works for school group programs. Pictured are Kris Best, Michelle Swanson and Rebecca Schatz (president and founder of The Works). The Works has welcomed over 30,000 people to Edina in the last year. 3) Representatives of the Edina Chamber of Commerce attended the Aug. 26 kick-off luncheon for the University of Minnesota’s 2009 football season. Pictured with Goldy Gopher at the new TCF Bank Stadium are Jennifer Raeder of FilmTec Corporation and her husband, Carey. 4) As Parade Committee Chairman Richard Olson looks on, Grand Marshal Rollie Ring cuts the ribbon to signal the start of the 4th of July parade. 5) Minnesota Superheroes pose with a fan during the community’s annual 4th of July parade. Send Us Your Photos! Photos clearly marked with names and related businesses should be sent to the City at: 4801 W. 50th St., Edina, MN 55424 Photo Gallery Ph o t o b y J e n n i f e r B e n n e r o t t e Ph o t o b y J e n n i f e r B e n n e r o t t e 54 • AUTUMN 2009 55 • AUTUMN 2009 Su b m i t t e d P h o t o Su b m i t t e d P h o t o Su b m i t t e d P h o t o 1 2 3 5 4 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! 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