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AboutTown Magazine City of Edina 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.CityofEdina.com Official Magazine of the City of Edina ©C O L O U R S 2 0 0 9 Engineering Tech Makes Breakthrough On Map Scale See Page 28 For Details WINTER•2009 AboutTown PRESORT STD U.S. POSTAGEPAID Permit No. 3932 Minneapolis, MN ***ECRWSS***POSTAL PATRONCAR-RT-WS The Edina City Council will hold a “town hall meeting” 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27. The town hall meeting will be held in the Council Chambers of Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St. Residents are invited to attend to address the Mayor and Council Members about topics facing the City. Residents may address any topic or concern, as long as it is relevant to the city The meeting will be broadcast on Edina Community Channel 16 and the video made available online later in the week. The City Council plans to hold an additional town hall meeting later in the year. For more information, call 952-927-8861 or visit www.CityofEdina.com. AboutTown Volume 19, Number 1 Winter 2009 Official Publication of the City of Edina, Minnesota 4801 West 50th Street Edina, Minnesota 55424 952-826-0359 Circulation 25,000 Editor: Jennifer Bennerotte Assistant to the Editor: Marty Doll Contributing Writers: Dick Crockett, Carl Follstad, Kirk Johnson, Joe Sullivan and Lauren Wiza Publisher: City of Edina About Town is produced by the City of Edina. To advertise in About Town, contact Marty Doll 952-826-0396 . Copyright 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. www.CityofEdina.com Cover photo by Arlene Green City Council To Hold Town Hall Meeting Table of Contents Calendar Of Events ..........................................................................1 Winter Calendar Highlights ...........................................................4 A Word From The Mayor .................................................................5 Mayor, City Council Members To Take Oath of Office .................6 Biltmore Motel Began Edina’s Hospitality Industry ...........................................................................8 Grannes Hired As Crime Prevention Coordinator .................................................................16 The Edina Community Foundation: Leadership Giving ..........................................................................20 Assistant Sanitarian Spends Most Of His Time In The Kitchen(s) ..................................................................22 A Segway To The Future ...............................................................26 Edina Engineering Technician Makes Breakthough On Map Scale, Gains National Attention ....................................30 It’s Not Only Neighborly ... It’s The Law ...................................34 Dreams Do Come True In Edina ..................................................36 Business Notes ................................................................................38 City of Edina Facilities ...................................................................43 Lace Up For Winter Ice Festival ...................................................44 Bikers, Drivers Must Follow The Rules Of The Road..................................................................46 Edina Federated Women’s Club Celebrates 40 Years of Service ......................................................48 Bring Old Photos, Slides Or Movies Into The Digital World At The Edina Art Center ...............................52 Get Ready For The Switch To Digital Television .......................53 Photo Gallery ..................................................................................54Special Pull-out Section: Edina Community Foundation Annual Report 1 • WINTER 2009 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 New Year’s Day. City Hall closed. 2 6:30-8:30 p.m., Family Open Gym, Southview City Gym. 3 4 7 p.m., Scott Fraser, Edinborough Park. 5 6 7 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Armenian Dancers, Edinborough Park. 7 8 Noon, Bob the Beachcomber, Edinborough Park. 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 9 10 111-5 p.m., Winter Ice Festival, Centennial Lakes Park. 7 p.m., Brass Quintet, Edinborough Park. 12 137 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 14 167-8:30 p.m., Winter Neighborhood Night Out, various City parks. 17 187 p.m., Stann Bann Big Band, Edinborough Park. 19Martin Luther King Jr. Day. City Hall closed. 207 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Shawn Sweeney, Edinborough Park. 217 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall. 22Noon, Annett Fragale — “Queen of the Snow,” Edinborough Park. 23 24 2711:30 a.m., Town Hall Meeting, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 26 25 7 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park. January 2009 287 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 29 Noon, Jim Shannon — “Professor Piano,” Edinborough Park. 30 15 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. 31 About Town Calendar 2 • WINTER 2009 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 3 7 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Just Friends Big Band, Edinborough Park. 4 5 Noon, Wonderful World of Woody, Edinborough Park. 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 6 6 p.m., Beach Party, Edinborough Park. 6:15 p.m., Sweetheart Dance, Edina Senior Center. 7 6 p.m., Edina Chamber of Commerce Emerald Gala, Interlachen Country Club. 2 7 p.m., PCN National Speaker, Edina High School Performing Arts Center. 8 7 p.m., Northern Winds Concert Band, Edinborough Park. 9 10 7 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Notable Singers, Edinborough Park. 11 12 Noon, Bob the Beachcomber, Edinborough Park. 13 14 157 p.m., Hopkins Westwind Band, Edinborough Park. 16Presidents’ Day. City Hall closed. 17 7 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Celebration Brass, Edinborough Park. 18 11 a.m., State of the Community, Edinborough Park. 7 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall. 206:30-8:30 p.m., Family Open Gym, Southview City Gym. 21 227 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park. 23 247 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 257 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. “League of Upper Midwest Pinholers” exhibit opens at Edina Art Center. 26Noon, Mary and the Pipsqueaks, Edinborough Park. 27 28 February 2009 19 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. About Town Calendar A Word From The Mayor 5 • WINTER 20094 • WINTER 2009 Other Dates to Remember: Jan. 8 5 p.m., Faculty Exhibition Opening, Edina Art Center. Jan. 13 7 p.m., Lee Engle, Edinborough Park. Jan. 15 Noon, Brodini Comedy & Magic Act, Edinborough Park. Jan. 27 7 p.m., Richfield Symphonic Band, Edinborough Park. Feb. 19 Noon, Brodini Comedy & Magic Act, Edinborough Park. Feb. 24 7 p.m., Wild Prairie Brass Choir, Edinborough Park. March 10 7 p.m., Zuhrah Shrine Concert Band, Edinborough Park. March 19 Noon, Brodini Comedy & Magic Act, Edinborough Park. Edina Chamber of Commerce Emerald Gala What: The Edina Chamber of Commerce will hold its largest fund-raising event of the year, Emerald Gala 2009. The “black tie admired, but not required” event will feature a silent auction, dinner and dancing, among other things. A portion of the proceeds from a raffle will provide scholarships for Edina High School students. When: 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 Where: Interlachen Country Club, 6200 Interlachen Blvd. Info: Edina Chamber of Commerce, 952-806-9060 Edina Unplugged What: On Monday, March 9, all Edina families, schools, church groups and organizations are asked to UNPLUG — no activities, no homework, no schedule, nothing but time to connect with your family. This plan to eliminate — for just one night — all scheduled activities, all homework, all meetings and all practices is supported by local City and school officials, coaches, parents, religious and community leaders. Put the date on your calendar. Plan to eat dinner at home or go out. Go bowling, play board games at home or look through family photos. The important thing is to take time to be with your family. Goals of Edina Unplugged, held annually since 2006 as a project of the youth asset-building initiative Connecting With Kids, are to: • Raise awareness about the impact of over- scheduling on families and children. • Encourage families to act on their realization that family time is as important as education, athletics, social and enrichment activities and other outside commitments. • Engage our community in an ongoing, nationwide dialogue about ways to foster balance between family time and other commitments in order to build stronger families and stronger communities. When: Monday, March 9 Info: www.EdinaUnplugged.org Winter Calendar Highlights 3 • WINTER 2009 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 17 p.m., Star of the North Big Band, Edinborough Park. 37 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Flute Cocktail, Edinborough Park. 4 5Noon, Wonderful World of Woody, Edinborough Park. 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 6 7 2 8 7 p.m., Eden Prairie Community Band, Edinborough Park. 9 Edina Unplugged. No scheduled activities. 10 7 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 11 12 Noon, Bob the Beachcomber, Edinborough Park. 4-9 p.m., Ladies Night Out, 50th & France. 13 14 157 p.m., Southside Big Band, Edinborough Park. 16 177 p.m., City Council & HRA, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Jim Shannon, piano, Edinborough Park. 187 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall. 206:30-8:30 p.m., Family Open Gym, Southview City Gym. 21 227 p.m., St. Louis Park Community Band, Edinborough Park. 23 247 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Jazz on the Prairie, Edinborough Park. 25 26Noon, Story Time with Tammy, Edinborough Park. 5 p.m., “League of Upper Midwest Pinholers” Reception, Edina Art Center. 27 28 31 7 p.m., Moonlight Serenades Big Band, Edinborough Park. 30 29 7 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park. March 2009 19 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. About Town Calendar As I begin this article, I first want to thank all of the people of Edina for allowing me to continue serving them and our City as Mayor. I am honored and humbled by the level of support I received for re-election and I look forward with great anticipation to the years ahead in working with both our Council and our fellow residents to make Edina an even more special place for living, learning, doing business and raising families. Shortly after I joined the City Council in 1997, we began to work on Vision 20/20, the document intended to guide the decisions that impact the future of our community. The mission and vision statements of Vision 20/20 have provided the foundation for my decision-making as both a Council Member and as your Mayor for the past 12 years and will continue to guide me in the next four years as your re-elected Mayor. Edina’s Mission Statement “Our mission is to provide effective and valued public services, maintain a sound public infrastructure, offer premier public facilities and guide the development and redevelopment of lands, all in a manner which sustains and improves the uncommonly high quality of life enjoyed by our residents and businesses.” Edina’s Vision Statement “Edina will be the preeminent place for living, learning and doing business distinguished by a livable environment, effective and valued city services, a sound public infrastructure, a balance of land uses and innovation.” As we look to the future, there are many strengths of community character that we first need to recognize and preserve. Edina is truly a wonderful place – filled with beautiful parks and trails; distinctive, well-groomed residential neighborhoods; outstanding schools; vibrant businesses; excellent medical services and terrific people who are proud to call Edina their home. In many ways, we are still a village that has carved out and maintained its own special identity in a large metropolitan area — a town where friendships are created and maintained for a lifetime and kids are nurtured by the entire community in order to help them reach their full potential. There are challenges ahead, however, that will require careful thought and community input to appropriately shape our future. New or modified strategies may need to be employed as we seek to continue to provide our renowned City services; support taking our school system to the next level of excellence; reconstruct our aging public infrastructure; thoughtfully develop more effective transportation systems that recognize, in many circumstances, our residential character; carefully guide the redevelopment of our residential and commercial areas; maintain and improve our sustainable environment and improve our community health and fitness. We also need to recognize that Edina is growing older and aging faster than any city in Minnesota. This demographic fact may require both the creation, over time, of new types of City services to aid our residents and also contemplate housing options not heretofore considered in order to ensure a continuum of housing choice for life. Finally, we need to be mindful that as we are faced with choices of how to remake our physical landscape, historic suburban ideals that we will want to continue to support include the preservation of our standards of design and material quality as well as neighborhood context. I am certain Edina’s mission and vision will continue to help guide our actions as we face the various ongoing challenges in creating a better future for our community. Acting together, we can make certain that future is not missed. James B. Hovland Mayor 6 • WINTER 2009 7 • WINTER 2009 opportunity lightly,” Brindle said. “Over the last 10 years, I have served on a variety of boards, committees and commissions with the goal of someday running for Edina City Council. It turns out that the 2008 election was the right time. I look forward to doing the work of the City. … My plan is to listen carefully to various points of view and to find the ‘middle.’ I think it’s safe to say that with many decisions, we’ll all give a little. The desired result is a long-term solution that will stand the test of time.” Approximately 83 percent of Edina’s registered voters cast ballots in the election. More than 7,300 voters cast absentee ballots. The results of the local election with a breakdown by precinct are available on the City’s website, www. CityofEdina.com. For more information about the election, contact City Clerk Debra Mangen, 952-826-0408. Mayor, City Council Members To Take Oath Of Office Jim Hovland will take the oath of office as Mayor and Ann Swenson and Mary Brindle as City Council Members at the Edina City Council’s first meeting of the year, to be held Jan. 6. Hovland was appointed to the Edina City Council in 1997 and first elected in 1998. He was first elected Mayor of Edina in 2004. Hovland defeated challenger Daniel Azar 19,278 to 6,718 in the Nov. 4 General Election for reelection as Mayor. Hovland is current co- Chairman of the Regional Council of Mayors and the Transportation Advisory Board to the Metropolitan Council. In addition, he is President of the Edina Community Foundation Board of Directors and serves as a member of the Center for Transportation Studies Executive Committee at the University of Minnesota, Minnesota Policy Academy Team, and the Principal Arterial Task Force of the Metropolitan Council and Minnesota Department of Transportation. According to results after the Nov. 4 election, in the race for two City Council seats, Swenson, an incumbent, was the top voter-getter with 11,370 votes. Swenson was first elected to the Council in 2004 after serving on the Planning Commission for 10 years. “I was very happy to be re-elected to four more years on the Edina City Council,” Swenson said. “Sometimes when you make a tough decision for our community, you hope your decision has the support of the majority of your citizens. I appreciate the support by our voters.” The race for the other open City Council seat was extremely tight. Brindle finished second with 8,545 votes. Josh Sprague finished third with 8,415 votes. Other candidates in the election were John Lonsbury, K.K. Thompson and Ted Volk. Because the difference between the second- and third- place vote totals was less than one-half of 1 percent of the total votes cast, Sprague requested a recount, which the law allows. During the recount, held in the Council Chambers of Edina City Hall, teams of election judges and elections staff inspected each ballot. Though the City Council election is nonpartisan, an equal number of Republican and Democratic election judges participated in the recount. Election judges signed an oath prior to the Nov. 4 election, attesting to their ability to remain objective during the process. Both Brindle and Sprague were present for the recount. During the recount, Brindle lost three votes and Sprague gained three. Brindle’s final vote total was 8,542. Sprague received 8,418 votes. Brindle comes to the City Council with a history of community involvement. She serves on the Edina Community Council, the Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission and the Fourth of July Parade Committee. She is the program coordinator for the Edina Community Foundation. “I am honored to have been elected to serve as a member of the Edina City Council and I do not take this Mary BrindleJim Hovland Ann Swenson At the time, America was deep into its love affair with the automobile and the open road. Tiny, old hotels and freestanding cabin cottages were the standard offerings for overnight accommodations. The new Biltmore advertised 40 large drive-up rooms where visitors could park right outside their doors. The Biltmore’s advertising also emphasized amenities like the dining room and coffee shop, wall-to-wall carpeting, in-room television and telephones—things that today’s travelers take for granted. With double-wall construction, guests were ensured quiet and privacy. By July 1955, the investors had doubled the size of the Biltmore. By adding 40 additional guest rooms and a conference room capable of seating more than 250, they began to attract and accommodate company meetings and small conventions. A headline in the April 7, 1955 Edina-Morningside Courier predicted: “Edina to Become Convention Town.” The Biltmore also expanded its Biltmore Inn dining room, already a favorite place for Sunday morning brunch, according to the Courier article. The restaurant changed names several times over the years. In the 1970s, it became the Soda Fountain, decorated in the style of a “Happy Days” TV show diner. Local Residents Flocked To Restaurant, Meeting Room And Pool Locals, as well as out-of-towners, enjoyed the Biltmore’s accommodations. “Workers in the area often met for a $1 ‘Biltmore burger’ in the restaurant,” said another longtime Edina resident and former Director of Park & Recreation Bob Kojetin. It was also a popular place for office Christmas parties, prom dinner dates and wedding receptions. 9 • WINTER 2009 By Joe Sullivan Contributing Writer In the Village of Edina, back in 1954, the plot of land on Vernon Avenue that would become the site for Edina’s first motel—or hotel for that matter—was the site of the Village’s original baseball field. Edina’s Biltmore Motel was built in 1954. Although I haven’t been able to pin down the names of the investors, it has long been thought that local celebrities rumored to be original investors included Cedric Adams, well-known WCCO radio personality and Minneapolis Star columnist. (He was also a longtime Edina resident, who later opened a “Cedric’s” restaurant at the intersection of Minnesota Highway 100 and Vernon Avenue.) Another celebrity investor might have been popular sports broadcaster Dick Enroth, who was involved in a number of commercial real estate ventures in the Twin Cities. Other rumored investors reportedly included local physicians. In a recent article in the Edina Historical Society’s newsletter, Marci Matson wrote, “By today’s standards, the Biltmore Motor Hotel wouldn’t match the luxurious high-rise hotels in downtown Minneapolis or along the Interstate 494 strip. But in the mid-1950s, Edina’s Biltmore was among the Twin City area’s best.” It had a great location on Vernon Avenue, with access to three major highways: Highway 169, the main road from Shakopee; Highway 212, from Chaska; and nearby Highway 100. The motel was built just about the time construction was starting on Southdale Shopping Center, which would become a great attraction for out-of-town shoppers as well as local shoppers throughout the Twin Cities and suburbs. Biltmore Motel Began Edina’s Hospitality Industry (continued on next page) 8 • WINTER 2009 Although the sign proclaimed “Minneapolis” as its location on this 1970s postcard, the Biltmore’s actual address was 5212 Vernon Ave. in Edina. Ed i n a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y p h o t o Featured on the cover of this 1950s brochure was the Biltmore’s heated outdoor pool—a real luxury at the time—shielded by landscaping near the front sign along the highway. Ed i n a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y p h o t o years, she became the motel’s manager. In addition, she was also named “Outstanding Citizen of the Year” by the Edina Jaycees in 1959—the first Edina woman to receive the award. Lucille’s Women’s Shop Was Biltmore Tenant A women’s boutique called Lucille’s opened in the Biltmore Motel in the 1970s. Its original owner was Lucille Gonstead. Later, needing more space, the shop was purchased by local supermarket operator and entrepreneur Jerry Paulsen and moved to a new location across Vernon Avenue, where Gonstead continued to manage it. In 1979, it relocated in the Jerry’s Enterprises headquarters building on Vernon, where it remained until its closing early last year. 11 • WINTER 2009 Many new Edina residents spent their first night at the Biltmore while their homes were being built or as they searched for places to live. Frank McGoldrick said he drove from his childhood home in Boston to start a new job in St. Louis Park in the midst of a 1959 winter storm. His company put him up at the Biltmore, considered “the nicest hotel in the area,” McGoldrick recalled. “I’ll never forget the day: Jan. 22, 1959. It was 20 below [zero].” He also remembers being thankful that, as advertised, the rooms were heated. Adeline Lindboe Was Early Biltmore Desk Clerk In 1964, soon after she moved back to Edina from Green Bay, Wis., with her husband, Marv, Adeline Lindboe (“A” for short), bumped into Don Burris, an old friend. Burris had started a small newspaper he called the Edina-Morningside Courier and he wanted “A” to come to work for him. Although she didn’t have any formal training as a writer, she signed on with the Courier staff and interviewed people in the area for the paper’s “Table Talk” column. In 1952, Lindboe resigned from a four-year stint at the Courier, planning to stay at home with her daughter Susan. Instead, she was invited to “help out” at the Biltmore Motel. “I started out as a desk clerk and ended up working there for six years,” she said. During those six 10 • WINTER 2009 The motel’s restaurant changed names several times over the Biltmore’s 30-year history. As indicated in this 1955 ad, when the restaurant opened in 1954, it was called the Biltmore Inn and featured organ music with dinner. Ed i n a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y p h o t o (continued on next page) Radisson South Hotel Opens in Bloomington In 1967, the Radisson South (now the Sheraton), a 600-room “resort style” hotel, was developed by Minnesota entrepreneur and Edina resident Curt Carlson and his partner Antonio Bernard, at 7800 Normandale Blvd., on the west side of Highway 100, across from today’s Pentagon Park. Later, the Radisson prepared expansion plans calling for construction of a four-story building to house meeting rooms. The original hotel was built in Bloomington, just south of its border with Edina, but the proposed new structure was to be located across the border in Edina. However, Edina regulations at the time granted on-sale liquor licenses only to country clubs. As a result, Edina wasn’t able to issue an on-sale license to the Radisson for its new addition. In a “land swap,” negotiated by officials of both suburbs, the plot of adjacent Edina land, located north of the hotel on Edina’s southern border, was traded for land elsewhere in Bloomington. Both communities came away with a “win-win” and the hotel’s meeting rooms have remained 100 percent in Bloomington ever since.A 1964 fire caused structural damage to a number of the Biltmore’s rooms, but they were promptly rebuilt and remodeled. Fortunately, no one was injured. Ed i n a S u n ph o t o An ad in a 1970 Edina telephone directory described the Biltmore as “Edina Residents’ Guest Bedroom” and listed 80 rooms (air-conditioned and sound-proofed), telephones, in-room television, a restaurant and meeting rooms. It is pretty standard for motels now, but was not in 1970. Ed i n a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y p h o t o s In 1977, Adolphsen sold both the Biltmore and Voyageur and purchased the larger Hopkins House Hotel, a 165-room facility with two restaurants and three lounges on Highway 7 in Hopkins. Harold sold the Hopkins House in 1984 as the economy was heading into a recession and moved to Las Vegas to work in the hotel business there. He and Carolyn returned to Edina in 1995, where they still reside. Competition, Rerouting Of Highways Force Biltmore To Close Increasing competition and financial difficulties eventually forced the Biltmore to close in 1984. But highways, the very factor that had made the site attractive for a motel, also contributed to the Biltmore’s demise. The new four-lane Highway 100 had changed area traffic patterns considerably and Highways 169 and 212, which had passed by the Biltmore’s front entrance for many years, had both been rerouted. Contents of the motel went on sale in July 1984, shortly before the building was demolished to make way for new condominiums that would be built at 5250 Vernon Ave. Buyers hauled away everything from beds to the motel’s switchboard and the patio blocks around the distinctive Biltmore sign. Some items were bought to be used elsewhere, but others were clearly purchased as mementoes of happy times at the Biltmore Motor Hotel. More Hotels Come to Edina Hawthorne Suites, Edina’s second hotel/motel, was built by the Shaner Hotel Group at 3400 Edinborough Way in 1990. Located adjacent to Edinborough Park, it offered guests free use of the park’s junior-Olympic swimming pool and running track. In 2001, Marriott Hotels purchased the Hawthorne Suites building and converted it to a Residence Inn, a hotel aimed at clients needing accommodations for an extended stay of weeks or months. It currently offers 133 rooms— all suites—with continued free access to the swimming pool and running track. Children of hotel guests are welcome to enjoy Edinborough’s “Adventure Peak” play area at regular admission rates. Westin Edina Hotel Opens Next to Galleria The new Westin Edina Galleria Hotel, a combined hotel/condo development adjacent to Edina’s Galleria, opened last summer, just in time to handle reservations 13 • WINTER 200912 • WINTER 2009 Biltmore Got A New Owner in 1975 Harold Adolphsen grew up on a South Dakota farm and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After the war, he returned to the Midwest and sold accordions and Hawaiian guitars. But he didn’t find his true calling until one day when he came to the Twin Cities and got a look at the Biltmore Motor Hotel. It was love at first sight, but it took a few years before Adolphsen decided to do anything about it. In the meantime, he purchased the Voyageur Inn, a 39-room motel on Highway 12, just west of downtown Minneapolis in Golden Valley. When the Biltmore became available for sale in 1975, he jumped at the chance to own it. He said he’s never forgotten the day he came to Edina for a talk with the Biltmore’s owners. A camper was stuck under the front entry canopy. After considerable discussion and maneuvering, “someone got the bright idea to let some air out of the tires,” Adolphsen recalled. “It worked.” After the purchase was completed, Harold and his wife, Carolyn, started remodeling—replacing carpeting and updating the lobby. Carolyn also moved her shop, “Beautiful Gifts by Carolyn,” from Golden Valley to the new property “to add a bit of luxury to the operation,” according to Harold Adolphsen. Together, the couple managed both the Biltmore and the Voyageur, running back and forth during the day to keep an eye on both operations. Their children helped out with everything from the front desk to pool cleaning and running the dishwasher. Betty Wallentine, another Biltmore front desk clerk, recalled the days when the restaurant was overflowing at noon and frequent wedding receptions filled the conference room. In her more than 20 years at the front desk, Wallentine said the Biltmore attracted everyone from former U.S. Sen. David Durenberger and former Gov. Luther Youngdahl to guests from all over the world. Other “less prestigious” visitors included three men apprehended by the FBI and an occasional unauthorized teen party, she said. (continued on next page) Edina’s Residence Inn (by Marriott), located adjacent to Edinborough Park, currently offers 133 rooms—all suites—with free access to Edinborough Park’s junior-Olympic swimming pool and running track for guests. Ph o t o b y L a u r e n W i z a Harold Adolphsen was attracted to the Biltmore long before he bought it in 1975. “I felt good just driving by it,” he recalled recently. “It was a cute motel, with all the trees and grass around it.” Ed i n a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y p h o t o for delegates to the Republican National Convention in September 2008. The Westin Edina offers a 225-room hotel on the lower seven floors in addition to 11 floors of private condominiums atop the hotel. Ground floor amenities at the Westin include a pool, fitness center and a McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant. The Westin is connected to the Galleria shopping center by a tunnel on the lower level. Background material and photographs for this article came from the following publications: the Edina Historical Society’s newsletter; Jerry’s Enterprises newsletter; Edina-Morningside Courier; Edina Sun-Current; Edina Sun; and Minneapolis Star Tribune. 15 • WINTER 200914 • WINTER 2009 The Westin Edina Hotel’s ground floor amenities include a pool, fitness center and seafood restaurant. A tunnel on the lower level connects the hotel to the Galleria. Ph o t o b y E l i s a b e t h D o n n 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 UBS Financial ServicesInc.Allrightsreserved.MemberSIPC. 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 Beehive Fireplace Update Editor’s Note: After our article about Highway 100 ran in the Autumn 2008 issue of About Town, we received some inquiries about the future of the last of the “beehive fireplaces” located in Lilac Park east of the highway and north of Minnetonka Boulevard. Would it be preserved? If so, where? Thanks to Jeanne Anderson, Trustee of the St. Louis Park Historical Society, and Jenna Ross, an alert Minneapolis Star-Tribune reporter, we are now able to update our readers on the current status of the beehive. The last time we saw the historic, 10-foot high, stone fireplace it was jacked-up, totally-wrapped in plastic film and ready to be moved to its new home. The only delay in the rescue effort was the result of wet soil that temporarily prevented access for the pickup by a flatbed truck normally used for moving houses. Its destination was another roadside park further east of Highway 100 on Highway 7, still in St. Louis Park. The beehive will be restored and joined by other handmade, limestone picnic tables, benches and other structures built in the 1930s at the original five roadside stops along Highway 100. The local historical society raised more than $7,000 for its “Save the Beehive” campaign. work in administration. I’m able to handle the everyday stress of my job much better by relating it to the stress a Police Officer deals with on a daily basis.” Even 10 years after leaving the Police Department, Grannes held on to that passion for law enforcement that had driven her first career choice. That is why she jumped at the chance to get involved in Edina’s Crime Prevention division. As Crime Prevention Coordinator, Grannes is responsible for maintaining the Department’s data on residential and non-residential burglaries and thefts from vehicles, holding community presentations on topics such as avoiding theft and personal safety, answering crime prevention-related phone calls and coordinating the Police Department’s involvement in National Night Out. Her biggest responsibilities include heading two of the Department’s programs — Neighbors’ Home Watch and Security Surveys. Neighbors’ Home Watch is a free program that aims to promote home security in Edina on a neighborhood- by-neighborhood basis. Participants are encouraged to maintain open communication with both their neighbors and the Police Department. A minimum of 10 participating households in a neighborhood is needed to form a Neighbors’ Home Watch. Grannes and other members of the Department hold annual meetings with all enrolled neighborhoods to review crime reports in the area and discuss crime prevention tips. Security Surveys are on-site assessments of Edina homes, stores or offices provided at no cost to Edina residents and businesses. During a survey, Grannes offers suggestions on how to make a home or business safer and a less likely target for criminals. Leaving a light and radio on a timer when you are out of town to give the appearance that someone is home, locking windows and garages and putting deadbolts on doors are some of the basic tips offered during a survey. “Some of the tips we provide may seem like common sense,” said Grannes, “but if you haven’t really thought about it, you may not be aware that a few simple steps can make your home a lot safer. Every home is so different, but we go for the maximum in security during each survey. We encourage residents to take the actions that they feel are most beneficial and can afford right away, and then gradually work toward maximum security.” “I was thrilled that a service like this existed,” said Edina resident Jennifer Wilson, who had a security survey performed at her home in October. “I had never really thought about crime prevention when I lived in apartments and condos, but now that I own a home and have kids, I’d like to do whatever I can to make my house safer.” Grannes currently conducts five to 10 security surveys each month, but encourages more Edina residents to take advantage of the free service that many residents have already found beneficial. “I think it is very important and very helpful,” said Wilson. “A service like this helps make [the Edina Police 17 • WINTER 2009 Grannes Hired As Crime Prevention Coordinator 16 • WINTER 2009 By Marty Doll Job Description: Edina’s Crime Prevention Coordinator maintains outreach programs for the Police Department such as Neighbors’ Home Watch and National Night Out, conducts residential and commercial Security Surveys and monitors the City’s crime trends and data. Amy Grannes had no idea when she began thumbing through the Minneapolis Star Tribune last summer that it was about to open the door to what she describes as her “perfect job.” Grannes, a former Roseville, Minn., police officer working the last 10 years as an office manager, happened across a job listing for Crime Prevention Coordinator in Edina’s Police Department. The rest is history. “When I read the job description, it seemed like the position was written for me,” said Grannes, who holds an associate’s degree in Law Enforcement from Normandale Community College and is working toward degrees in Business Administration and Criminal Justice from Metro State University. “It seemed like the perfect combination of my skills in administration and my passion for police work. I didn’t even know a job like this existed.” Grannes says she has always had a passion for criminal justice, and that much of it stems from her experiences early in life. As a child, she grew up watching her mother make a living selling uniforms to police officers. Since they were constantly coming and going, members of the police force became an integral part of her childhood. “That interaction is what initially intrigued me,” said Grannes. “When I got older, I was still intrigued and began going on ride-alongs with Minneapolis Police Officers. I always knew that I wanted to be involved in law enforcement.” Grannes completed her police training and served a brief stint as an officer with the Roseville Police Department in 1998. It was then that she decided the schedule and lifestyle of a Police Officer was not ideal for her. “I have total admiration for the men and women who do it. It’s a difficult job,” said Grannes. “I’m glad I did it for awhile because it gave me a different perspective on my Amy Grannes took over as Crime Prevention Coordinator in September. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n (continued on next page) 18 • WINTER 2009 19 • WINTER 2009 Department’s] job a little easier by reducing crime, and it helps us.” Both programs provide Grannes and the Police Department an opportunity to communicate with residents. Grannes says her interaction with the public is an ideal way to give residents a contact they can feel comfortable calling at any time. Grannes’ position is funded by Edina’s Crime Prevention Fund. Established in 1970, the Fund collects donations that are used to maintain and enhance the safety of the community by making significant contributions for Police Department equipment and programs such as Neighbors’ Home Watch, the department’s K-9 programs and the Crime Prevention Specialist position. The Fund has also paid out a substantial amount of reward and informant money over the years. “The Crime Prevention Fund helps the Police Department provide some important services that might otherwise go unfunded under their tight budgetary constraints,” said Crime Prevention Fund Board Member and Treasurer Dennis Maetzold. “The Crime Prevention Coordinator is one of those services.” According to the Police Department’s Public Information Officer Molly Anderson, who began her 19-year career in Edina in the same position as Grannes, the Crime Fund, Police Department and the community have found the position to be a much-needed asset. “Having someone in this position to educate and connect with the community has helped keep Edina’s crime rate low,” said Anderson. “It fits in perfectly with all of the other work done by the Police Department.” For more information on Neighbors’ Home Watch, Security Surveys or other Crime Prevention Programs, contact Grannes at 952-833-9523 or agrannes@ci.edina.mn.us. To make a contribution or learn more about the Edina Crime Prevention Fund, visit www.EdinaCrimePreventionFund.org. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n Grannes performs a security survey, showing a resident how to make her home safer. By Dick Crockett Executive Director The term “Leadership Gift” is often used to describe the amount of a charitable gift — usually one large enough to inspire similar contributions by other donors. I prefer to think of it as a gift made to support the donor’s leadership efforts in an organization or activity. From this perspective, the Edina Community Foundation offers great opportunities for leaders at many levels to make charitable contributions that enhance their efforts to Strengthen Our Community. It is a way of effectively uniting our time, talents and treasure in support of service to the community. For example, members of our Board of Directors and staff are committed to supporting their leadership role in the Foundation by making annual gifts to the Foundation, and often make multi-year gifts to do so. Most of our 15 Directors give at our Community Benefactor level, which amounts to at least $5,000 over a five-year period. Similarly, our volunteer Program Chairs and committee members have a clear opportunity to supplement their leadership work in the community by giving to the Foundation. These individuals are responsible each year for planning and organizing Edina Dialogue and Edina Reads programs, the Holiday Home Tour, the Senior Health & Resource Expo, the Edina 4th of July Parade and the Torchlight Concert at Centennial Lakes Park. They also organize Connecting With Kids and Edina Public Art Committee activities. The Foundation also serves as the charitable giving partner for several City Departments and some 20 independent nonprofit organizations and programs in Edina. The leaders and members of those departments and organizations regularly support their leadership efforts by making charitable contributions to designated funds that the Foundation has established for their activities. The City’s annual Employee Giving Campaign results in leadership gifts from many City employees, and leaders of the Country Club Neighborhood Association, Edina Garden Council, Edina High School Girls Hockey Boosters, Edina Youth Juggling Association and LeagueAires, among others, make generous gifts to our Designated Funds for their organizations. Finally, the Foundation provides an excellent opportunity for other individual and business leaders to enhance their impact in our community. These leadership gifts help support general Foundation operations and programs and The Edina Community Foundation: Leadership Giving Strengthening Our Community build our capacity to meet future needs by adding to our endowment. These donors often give at the Community Benefactor, Community Builder or Founders Club levels ($5,000, $10,000 or $25,000 in five-year pledges, respectively) that reflect their own commitment to providing key leadership for the community in the years to come. If you are or would like to become part of any of these efforts to strengthen the Edina community, please consider making a leadership gift to our Foundation. We provide staff support to our Program Chairs and committees and a broad range of donor services to organizations benefiting from our Designated Funds. We also recognize on our website donors of $100 or more and host an annual Donors Reception for donors of $500 or more. Leadership Giving offers a means of focusing charitable giving among the many worthwhile requests for support that we receive from nonprofit organizations. It provides you with an incentive to collaborate with our Foundation in serving the Edina community. With the beginning of this new year, please consider making a leadership gift to the Edina Community Foundation as a means of enhancing your good work in our community. Questions about the Foundation or any of its programs may be addressed to Executive Director Dick Crockett at 952-833-9573 or edinacommunityfoundation@ci.edina.mn.us. Additional information about the Foundation and links to other articles about the Foundation may be found at its website, www.edinacommunityfoundation.org. 20 • WINTER 2009 21 • WINTER 2009 Foundation President Jim Hovland and his wife, LaRae, are Founders Club members along with a dozen other community leaders and organizations. Edina Public Art Commitee member Betty Hemstad and her husband, Ron, donated the “Otter” sculpture to Edinborough Park. City Council Member Scot Housh and his wife, Susie, have been regular contributors to the Foundation since 2001. 23 • WINTER 200922 • WINTER 2009 Assistant Sanitarian Spends Most Of His Time In The Kitchen(s) By Marty Doll Jeff Brown has visited nearly every restaurant, coffee shop, fast food joint, sandwich shop, food stand and cafeteria in Edina. He’s already started working through his list for a second time and this year, he will do it for a third. In fact, Brown hopes to hit every food and beverage establishment in Edina at least once every year. But don’t be fooled — although he’d probably enjoy the job, Brown isn’t Edina’s foremost food critic or restaurant connoisseur. His visits aren’t even meant for sampling. Instead, his time is spent hidden away in the kitchens and back rooms of Edina’s eateries, helping food preparers and servers work toward providing the safest dining experiences they can for their customers. As Edina’s Assistant Sanitarian, Brown wears multiple hats for the City’s three-person Health Department. He came to Edina in July 2007 after a two-and-a-half-year stint as a Hennepin County Sanitarian. His time with the County helped him acquire a diverse skill set that aids him in his current role as an inspector. It also showed him the importance of building partnerships with the owners and managers of local food establishments. Brown is responsible for inspecting all 160 of Edina’s licensed food, beverage and lodging establishments and any temporary food stands that are licensed for special events. He begins each morning by checking his messages for any food-related recall notices or reports of foodborne illness affecting the community. Since most recalls deal with grocery store items that are inspected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, recalls don’t often affect City-licensed facilities. Reports of foodborne illness, however, are always dealt with immediately, and at the very least, require a follow-up phone call. “Our initial goal is to stop any illness from spreading, not assign blame,” said Brown. “Once we have gathered as much information as we can, we formulate a theory as to what happened and try to find the source. Most foodborne illnesses are transmitted from an employee to the food to the customer and not from the food itself.” Brown says that it is common for cases of foodborne illness to go unreported, or be reported days after the initial infection. This can often make it difficult to isolate the source. “People usually don’t start showing symptoms of foodborne illness until 18 to 72 hours after eating affected food,” said Brown. “They usually think it is from the last thing they ate, but we have to track the illness back as far as three days. If no one else has reported being sick in that same time frame, we can feel confident that the illness was an isolated case.” A short lapse in judgment that is immediately corrected, such as cutting bread with a knife that was used to cut raw chicken or not properly washing one’s hands after handling raw meat or going to the bathroom, can often be the cause of isolated cases of foodborne illness. Brown says that even if bacteria are present in food, they are usually killed by cooking the food to the proper internal temperature. “If we end up with only one isolated case and nothing else comes in, I’ll touch base with the establishment and treat it as an opportunity to teach and reiterate proper hand- washing and food-handling procedures,” said Brown. If Brown receives two or more foodborne illness complaints from unrelated parties who visited the same Edina restaurant within a 72-hour period of getting sick, he must conduct an “outbreak investigation,” which has happened only twice during his tenure as an Edina inspector. “We try to determine the extent of a potential outbreak — find out if anyone else has been sick and determine whether we need to send employees home or even close the establishment for up to three days to give the illness’ incubation period time to pass.” When he’s not battling foodborne illness, Brown is typically able to catch up on his day-to-day business. One of his daily duties is to answer health-related questions from the public such as, “Can I sell donuts at my garage sale without being licensed?” (The answer, by the way, is, “no.”) It can also include any meetings, trainings or ongoing complaints that need to be dealt with; a weekly meeting with the Building Inspections Department to keep up with ongoing changes in food service buildings; maintaining the Department’s inspection database; and of course, performing inspections. During an inspection, Brown focuses on the facility’s cleanliness and notes any potential to harbor bacteria. He makes sure that food is stored and handled properly and Assistant Sanitarian Jeff Brown is responsible for inspecting each of Edina’s food establishments one to two times per year. Ph o t o b y K e l l y M c M a k e n (continued on next page) 25 • WINTER 200924 • WINTER 2009 at the right temperatures and he tries to point out and correct any unsafe hygiene habits of food servers and preparers. “Some restaurant managers seem to get nervous when I come in for an inspection,” said Brown, who says he’s heard all the stereotypes of the “evil inspector.” “Usually, they don’t have a lot to worry about. My goal is to be a partner with all of Edina’s food and beverage establishments and help them keep their businesses safe for the public. If they are legitimately worried, it probably means they know that there is something they could be doing a little better.” Steve Shirvinski, General Manager of The Cheesecake Factory in Edina, is just one of many restauranteurs in Edina who recognizes the work Brown is doing as positive for his business. “Jeff is a wonderful partner and professional,” said Shirvinski. “He does great work and is a great resource for us and our kitchen. We look forward to his visits and appreciate his input.” Brown’s No. 1 goal is to educate Edina’s food establishments and help them maintain a consistently safe level of preparing and handling food, even if it means taking small steps to get there. “We are never trying to close places down, we’re trying to make them safe.” said Brown. “We want to see businesses succeed in Edina, but at the same time, these places have to be doing everything they can to avoid spreading illnesses. If you think about how much food is handled every day, it’s really amazing so much of it is served safely. “We are fortunate to have a wide variety of food establishments in town, ranging from small owner- operated facilities to large corporate organizations. The managers and operators are generally willing to work with us. ...Edina restaurants integrate food safety and cleanliness into their operations very smoothly.” For more information, contact the Edina Health Department at 952-826-0370 or visit www.CityofEdina.com/Health. To report a suspected case of foodborne illness, call 1-877-FOOD-ILL. 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 1 10/7/08 10:16:57 AM We believe your loved ones quality of life should not end because they have dementia. Our philosophy embraces a holistic approach. Living at English Rose Suites is based on a care model that strives for optimal health and well being. Each residents life story becomes an integral part of how we deliver excellent care. At English Rose Suites, we strive each day to change the landscape of memory care forever. For more information call Catherine Clairmont 612-250-4497 www.englishrosesuites.com Brown must make sure that meat is being cooked to an internal temperature high enough to kill any bacteria that may be present. Ph o t o b y K e l l y M c M a k e n 27 • WINTER 200926 • WINTER 2009 By Lauren Wiza You might see the Segway as a futuristic mode of transport — something out of “The Jetsons” and just a step down from a flying car — but here in Edina, police officers see it as a way to keep the community safer. Thanks to Noonan Construction’s Ed Noonan, who generously donated a Segway to the Edina Police Department, police officers now have an alternative mode of transportation with which to serve and protect the community. A former paramedic, Noonan understands that the City budget is a tight one. With goals to enhance and improve the safety of Edina’s police officers in mind, Noonan contacted Deputy Police Chief Jeff Long and offered to buy a Segway for the Department. “We had seen the Segways down in Florida used for security, and I heard about the Edina Police Reserve being on bikes at night,” said Noonan. “I wanted to do my part.” Environmentally friendly and running entirely on electricity, the Police Department’s Segway includes police decals, lights, siren and non-marking wheels for easy indoor and outdoor surveillance. The Segway allows for versatility that the department has not had before. Long said the Segway will improve the already high quality of life enjoyed in Edina. “It gives you greater visibility at special events,” he said of the eight-inch height advantage the Segway affords. Special events include the Fourth of July parade and art festivals. A Segway To The Future The Segway will also be used in parks where Noonan hopes it will break down the barrier between police officers and the community members whom they serve. “Squad cars can be intimidating,” said Noonan. Residents and younger children might be more apt to talk to police officers as parks are increasingly patrolled by Segway. One place in Edina that is already shattering barriers between those in enforcement and the public is Southdale Center. The Segways “raise [security] officers up and make them very visible,” said General Manager Jerry Cohen. “They have been a positive addition, and we receive positive feedback from shoppers.” Southdale Center Marketing Director Anne-Marie Cookson explained the importance of the Segway at the shopping mall. “Every day, the Segways make a difference. With 1.3 million square feet on four levels, if something does happen in the center, an officer on a Segway can get there quickly.” When security is needed in an instant, Cohen and Cookson said security officers on Segways can get to where they need to be without running across the mall, causing commotion or otherwise disturbing the security of shoppers. Simon Properties has at least one Segway for security at each of its 383 malls. The two Segways at Southdale are out patrolling often and are charged when not in use. The Edina Police Department is using theirs just as often. The Segway sees a lot of evening patrol work. “There is an area that is seeing a lot of automobile theft right now,” said Long. By having the Segway, police officers do not have to patrol by squad car and can easily patrol on the sidewalk, proceeding more quietly than by foot or bike. “[Traveling by Segway] is kind of fun. It gives you a better perspective of what’s going on,” said Patrol Officer Adam L’Heureux, who trains fellow officers on use of the Segway. “It takes quite a bit to get used to. It’s really responsive to your leaning forward or backward. The more you’re on it, the easier it is.” Described as more maneuverable, not as cumbersome and less fatiguing by L’Heureux, the Segway is an ice-breaker in conversations. “Most people are really interested when they see the Segway, and it gives us something to talk about right away,” he said. Edina’s police force is understanding why more than 700 police departments in the United States are taking advantage of the Segway. “It’s something that we are looking at investing in if it continues to get used. It’s definitely been an asset to our patrols,” said Long when discussing the idea of adding another Segway to the Department’s resources. With the donation and success of the Segway at the Edina Police Department, Noonan hopes others will think of helping out. “It’s a great community here. We should think of how we can enhance [the police force] and give them assistance. Our Police Department is second to none,” said Noonan. For more information, call the Edina Police Department at 952-826-1610 or visit www.CityofEdina.com/police. Sgt. Jeff Elasky is one of several Edina Police Officers who use a Segway donated to the department by Ed Noonan of Noonan Construction. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n 28 • WINTER 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 John Everett 952-927-1646 Cindy Farmer 952-927-1119 Lee Gilbertson 952-927-2850 Jackie Goodlund 952-927-1647 Ruthann Holetz 952-927-1624 Stacy Johnson 952-927-1608 Linda Jones 952-927-1781 Mary Greig Krieter 612-719-0665 John MacKany 952-927-1163 John McDonald 952-927-1197 JoanE Mitchell 952-927-1147 Jude Dugan Olson 952-927-1186 Kevin Ries 952-927-1196 Margie and John Sampsell 952-927-1195 Wade Thommen 952-927-1152 Michael Tierney 952-927-1676 Susan Wahman 952-927-1114 Corky Weber 952-927-1198 Pam Aagaard 952-261-7576 Pam Allen 952-915-7187 Dave Anderson 612-750-2209 Sandy and Buzz Bainbridge 952-915-7980 Babette and John Bean 952-924-8722 Lou Blemaster 952-924-8744 Krysta Clark 952-924-8707 Sheila Cronin 952-915-7951 Karen Daly 952-924-8746 Patti Eastman 952-924-8786 Lisa Eckert 952-915-7964 Tom Frisk 612-418-6642 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 Collaboration & Empowerment Dear Neighbors, There was a broad consensus at a recent Minnesota Council on Foundations meeting that the emerging trends for community foundations are collaboration with other organizations, empowering people and program leadership in the community. These trends are based in part on the 2005 national study and recommendation, On the Brink of New Promise: The Future of U.S. Community Foundations. Our coordinated development and program services activities during the last fiscal year involved collaboration with some 80 organizations in the community and over 100 individuals empowered by our support to better serve the community. This reflects our focus on empowering people as an integral aspect of our organizational collaboration and program leadership in the community. Both the quality and quantity of these activities reflect very favorably on our Foundation and its supporters, and we’ll highlight some of those in this Annual Report. 2007-2008 Annual Report James B. Hovland, President Attorney at Law Krause and Rollins Carolyn Schroeder Community Volunteer Otto Bang, Secretary Owner American Agency, Inc. Geof Workinger, Treasurer Retired Business Executive James Van Valkenburg, Assistant Treasurer Retired Mayor and Attorney Bradley J. Beard President Fairview Southdale Hospital and Clinics Grethe Langeland Dillon President Calhoun Insurance George Klus, Vice President Owner and President Trinity Medical Solutions Dennis Maetzold Retired Mayor Bonnie McGrath Retired Business Owner Brenda Quaye Principal Venstar, LLC Frederick S. Richards Property Consultant R Consulting Group Kevin Ries Realtor Edina Realty Dick Crockett, Executive Director Mary Brindle, Program Coordinator Jean Adams, Administrative Assistant Board of Directors as of June 30, 2008 FY 2007-2008 Staff STrEnGTHEnInG Our COMMunITy We celebrated the growth and impact of the Foundation during its first 30 years at an anniversary Gala in November 2007, and we look for even more growth and impact in the future. We invite everyone who lives or works in Edina to join us as we continue to develop programs and resources to fulfill our mission of strengthening our community by developing a strong program of philanthropy. Sincerely, James B. Hovland President Dick Crockett Executive Director 2007-2008 Program Grants and Services 2007-2008 Donors the final work, identifying the site, making necessary arrangements with the City, and maintaining contact with the artist during the creative process were all a part of the collaborative effort that resulted in the installation of a 10-foot tall stainless steel Pinecone in September 2008. Located in the middle of the maze in the northeast section of the Park, Pinecone was unveiled to the public at a Dedication Ceremony on Sept. 13, and has become a popular site for visitors and family photographs. Other Beautifying Edina Grants: $ 548 to the Browndale Park Association for elm tree disease prevention $ 7,024 to the Edina Park & Recreation Department for an Arneson Acres sprinkler system $ 2,273 to the Edina Park & Recreation Department Carbon Woods Project for tree planting, watering and signs $ 2,000 to the Edina Park & Recreation Department for Centennial Lakes Park Summer Sunday Concerts $ 1,375 to the Edina Park & Recreation Department for buckthorn removal at Edina Art Center $ 1,400 to the Edina Park & Recreation Department for purchase of the Otter sculpture for Edinborough Park $ 1,500 to the Edina Public Art Committee for Grandview Square Park sculpture rentals $ 8,900 to the 50th & France Business & Professional Association for evergreen planters and holiday tree lighting Collaboration and Empowerment: Bringing People Together The Edina Dialogue is a program established by the Foundation to foster a sense of community by facilitating intergenerational discussion of diverse issues through cooperation with individuals and community organizations that sponsor speaker programs. The Foundation sponsored three major Edina Dialogue events in early 2008: Understanding Life in Darfur and What We Can Do, in collaboration with Edina High School, Church of St. Patrick of Edina, the Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission, the University of Minnesota Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, and a dozen other co-sponsors. The program featured a panel moderated by EHS students Emma Weisberg and Birgen Hartman, who would later be recognized for their efforts by Mayor’s Youth Commendations at the City’s Volunteer Recognition Reception. Here Comes the Tsunami: What the Retirement of the Baby Boomers Will Mean for Minnesota (and Edina), in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Edina and the Edina Morningside Rotary Club. Organized by Edina Dialogue chair Eric Gustafson, the speakers included State Demographer Tom Gillaspy and State Senators Geoff Michel (R-Edina) and Tarryl Clark (DFL-St. Cloud). $ 8,328 to the Edina Senior Center for furnishings and equipment $ 1,090 to the Edina Senior Center for its Volunteer Recognition Lunch $ 750 to the Edina Singing Seniors for nursing home performances $ 2,100 to the Edina Youth Juggling Association for coaching instruction for competitive teams $ 2,463 to the Edina Youth Juggling Association for its Winter Juggling Showcase and Juggle Jam $ 500 to Kids Voting Edina for its State affiliation fee $ 3,000 to the LeagueAires for a Spring Community Concert $ 965 to the Minnesota Council on Foundations for supporting philanthropy $ 140 to the Wild Prairie Brass Choir for music arrangements $ 1,250 to The Works, A Hands-On Museum, for its Tech Fest Collaboration and Empowerment: Enhancing Our Safety Dow Water Solutions/Film-Tec designs, manufactures and distributes water filtration systems throughout the world. As a corporate citizen of Edina, it shares the Foundation mission of Strengthening Our Community and has a significant commitment to supporting the Foundation and its Designated Fund partners. A portion of its 2007-08 grants to the Foundation included $11,970 that allowed the purchase of respiratory fit-testing equipment for the Edina Fire Department and a GPS tracking device and night vision equipment for the Edina Police Department. Our program grants and services focus on four key areas of community life, each of which includes a significant example of the Foundation’s role in collaborating with other organizations and empowering individuals to Strengthen Our Community. Collaboration and Empowerment: Beautifying Edina John and Jean Hedberg first expressed their interest to the Foundation more than two years ago in funding a sculpture for Centennial Lakes Park. Their hope was to enhance the public use of the Park, which had previously been the site of their family business, Hedberg Sand and Gravel. Since then, the Foundation staff worked with the Hedbergs and the Edina Public Art Committee to bring this dream to reality. Soliciting proposals from artists, selecting and commissioning The Foundation receives broad support from some 700 annual contributors. Those who gave $100 or more are listed on the Foundation’s website at www.edinacommunityfoundation.org. (NOTE that contributions made after June 30, 2008, are not listed on the website, but will be posted after June 30, 2009). 265 donors of $10 to $100 187 Green and White Circle donors of $100 to $249 114 Bronze Club donors of $250 to $499 58 Silver Circle donors of $500 to $999 48 Gold Circle donors of $1,000 to $2,499 9 Platinum Circle donors of $2,500 to $4,999 13 Community Benefactor gifts and pledges of $5,000 to $9,999 4 Community Builder gifts and pledges of $10,000 to $24,999 2 Founders Club gifts and pledges of $25,000 or more Minnesota’s Changing Environment: Meeting the Energy Challenge in Edina, in collaboration with the Edina Energy & Environment Commission. David Morris, Vice President of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, was the featured speaker at Maetzold Amphitheatre in Centennial Lakes Park on a Sunday afternoon that allowed attendees to enjoy the natural environment while considering ways of preserving it. The Foundation also co-sponsored an Edina Energy Fair that day organized by Commission members Julie Risser and Paul Thompson. Other Foundation-Sponsored Bringing People Together Program Services $ 24,480 for 4th of July Parade entertainment and expenses $ 4,209 for Torchlight Concert entertainment $ 34,620 for our 30th Anniversary Gala $ 1,044 for Edina Reads events $ 2,261 for Holiday Home Tour transportation and expenses $ 1,338 for Senior Health & Resource Expo publications and expenses Bringing People Together Grants to other organizations $ 465 to the 50th & France Business & Professional Association for its Pumpkin Festival $ 2,250 to Connecting With Kids for hiring an Executive Director $ 938 to Cool Planet for neighborhood club and festival events $ 5,354 to the Country Club Neighborhood Association for activities and events $ 2,234 to the Country Club Neighborhood Association for a membership directory $ 4,220 to the Edina Art Center for its Carnival of the Arts $ 250 to the Edina Boys Hockey Association for its Mr. Hockey Award Ceremony $ 3,199 to the Edina Chorale for concert riser railings $ 925 to the Edina Communications Department for Edina Community Channel 16 equipment $ 5,000 to the Edina Education Fund for a video project $ 300 to the Edina Morningside Rotary Foundation for a community golf tournament $ 400 to the Edina Park & Recreation Department for Splash Jam at the Aquatic Center 29 • WINTER 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 John Everett 952-927-1646 Cindy Farmer 952-927-1119 Lee Gilbertson 952-927-2850 Jackie Goodlund 952-927-1647 Ruthann Holetz 952-927-1624 Stacy Johnson 952-927-1608 Linda Jones 952-927-1781 Mary Greig Krieter 612-719-0665 John MacKany 952-927-1163 John McDonald 952-927-1197 JoanE Mitchell 952-927-1147 Jude Dugan Olson 952-927-1186 Kevin Ries 952-927-1196 Margie and John Sampsell 952-927-1195 Wade Thommen 952-927-1152 Michael Tierney 952-927-1676 Susan Wahman 952-927-1114 Corky Weber 952-927-1198 Pam Aagaard 952-261-7576 Pam Allen 952-915-7187 Dave Anderson 612-750-2209 Sandy and Buzz Bainbridge 952-915-7980 Babette and John Bean 952-924-8722 Lou Blemaster 952-924-8744 Krysta Clark 952-924-8707 Sheila Cronin 952-915-7951 Karen Daly 952-924-8746 Patti Eastman 952-924-8786 Lisa Eckert 952-915-7964 Tom Frisk 612-418-6642 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 ©COLOURS 2009 For more information about the Foundation’s programs and charitable giving opportunities, contact its Executive Director, Dick Crockett at 952-833-9573, 5280 Grandview Square, Edina, MN 55436 or edinacommunityfoundation@ci.edina.mn.us, or review the Foundation’s website at www.edinacommunityfoundation.org. Other Enhancing Our Safety Grants $ 6,878 to the Edina Park & Recreation Department for three defibrillators Collaboration and Empowerment: Helping Our Neighbors At the Foundation’s 30th Anniversary Gala in November 2007, the Board of Directors honored its founder, James Van Valkenburg, by announcing the establishment of a Van Valkenburg Children’s Fund. Their hope and purpose was to obtain and provide financial support for programs in our community that serve children and families in need. Within just a few months, Jim’s family and neighbors had contributed the first $3,600 to the Fund, so the Foundation was able to make grants for children in need to attend summer camps through grants to the Edina Resource Center Summer of Opportunity program and Edina Boy Scout Troop 48. Other Helping Our Neighbors Grants $ 642 to the Edina Family Center for its Gym Time Program $ 2,500 to the Edina Girls Hockey Booster Club for team travel expense $ 1,960 to the Edina Park & Recreation Department for Grants-in-aid, Adaptive Recreation and Safety Camp $ 2,400 for Ikola, Recycling Commission and other youth scholarships $ 3,948 to Partnering for Early Education for its Early Education Breakfast $ 2,000 to VEAP for general program services Community Support (Gross Receipts)Program Services Expenditures AUDITORS: Ellingson and Ellingson, Ltd. The complete audited statements for this and prior fiscal years, and a copy of our IRS Form 990 and Minnesota Charitable Organization Annual Report are available upon request. 2007-2008 Financial Statements We increased our ratio of Program Services to total expenditures from 77 percent to 87 percent (the Minnesota Charities Review Council recommends that the ratio be at least 70 percent). 500,000 450,000 400,000 350,000 300,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 0 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 220,898 377,054 270,682 258,792 415,261 350,000 300,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 0 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 83,392 185,344 211,917 190,355 312,571 31 • WINTER 200930 • WINTER 2009 By Marty Doll With the evolution of internet mapping software, portable Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and onboard navigation systems in vehicles, it may seem like only a matter of time until paper maps find themselves on the same path as dial televisions and rotary phones – the path to obsolescence. Rebecca Foster would beg to differ — and her passion for the paper map is proving to be an asset to numerous organizations on the local and national level, including the U.S. Marine Corps. Foster, a technician in the City’s Engineering Department, is the City’s resident Geographic Information Systems (GIS) expert. From a technical standpoint, GIS is the process of capturing, storing, analyzing, managing and presenting data based on geography and location. In a nutshell, it involves working with the data used to create and maintain maps. “I’m sometimes referred to as ‘the map lady’ at City Hall,” said Foster, who accepts the nickname with a grain of salt. Foster says she has always had a soft spot for maps. She received her degree in Geography with a minor in GIS from the University of Wisconsin — River Falls. In her position with the City, she is responsible for maintaining and mapping information for multiple departments, including Engineering, Public Works, Park & Recreation, Planning, Assessing, Fire and Police. It was her work on a much-utilized Fire Department map that has helped her gain national attention. Incorporating the National Grid Edina firefighters currently use a detailed 8-by-6-foot map created by Foster that identifies every City facility, commercial building, apartment complex, condominium, house, street, parking lot and fire hydrant in Edina. “They can take a look at that map when responding to a call and know exactly what they are getting into,” said Edina Engineering Technician Makes Breakthrough On Map Scale, Gains national Attention Foster. “It was one of the first maps I created when I started working for the City, and it’s still one of my favorites.” Last year, Foster, along with her counterparts from Dakota County, worked to incorporate a mapping system called the “National Grid” into their local maps. Foster decided to use her favorite Fire Department map as a template. According to a 2006 article published in the National Journal, the Grid uses a string of 15 characters to pinpoint specific locations on a map within one square meter of a target. It encompasses the entire United States and can be generated by any consumer GPS unit. It is almost identical to the system used by the military. Although it was created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and adopted as a federal standard in late 2001, it was not utilized and its importance was not evident until Hurricane Katrina left much of New Orleans unrecognizable in 2005. While it was found to be a helpful mapping tool, it is useless if rescue workers can’t read it or local responders are not trained to use it. According to Steve Swazee, Co-chairman of the Emergency Preparedness Committee on the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Geographic Information, it is difficult for “last-responders” to come into a disaster area from a different city or state and work in an unfamiliar location with local maps that all use their own grid, especially if parts of the city have been left unrecognizable by a national disaster. “Utilizing the National Grid would be a way to put the entire country on the same sheet of music,” said Swazee. Foster Makes Breakthrough Foster, who serves on the State Emergency Preparedness Committee with Swazee, found that by reducing her Fire Department map to a 1-to-6,000-meter scale, she could produce a detailed atlas using the National Grid. By printing a 1,000-meter section of the map on each 8.5-by-11-inch sheet of paper, Foster created a hand-held version of her large Fire Department map showing four-times the amount of detail as the typical street map. Foster presented her atlas to her colleagues at the Rebecca Foster works with Edina Director of Engineering and Public Works, Wayne Houle, to finalize a map needed for a street reconstruction project. (continued on next page) Foster’s 1-to-6,000-meter scale map will utilize the National Grid and provide four-times more detail than the average street map. 33 • WINTER 200932 • WINTER 2009 Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium conference in Rochester, Minn., last October. “To the best of my knowledge, this was the first use of a 1-to-6,000-meter scale using the National Grid,” said Swazee. “It was a real eye opener for people on the national level trying to champion the National Grid as the standard for emergency response across the nation.” Map Garners National Attention Unbeknownst to Foster, Swazee provided a copy of the atlas to Tom Terry, the Geospatial Information & Services Officer of the U.S. Marine Corps. Terry was so impressed that he used pages from the atlas during his keynote address at the Consortium conference. “An effort has been underway … to develop a usable, standard map format using the National Grid,” said Terry. “We were exploring the next evolution when we became aware of the City of Edina’s 1-to-6,000-meter scale atlas.” According to Terry, the Marine Corps had been working on utilizing a 1-to-10,000-meter scale, but preliminary analysis indicated 1-to-6,000 meters might be the most practical and appropriate scale for “zooming” to the next level of detail required by emergency responders. “The icing on the cake was seeing Foster’s atlas and her independently arriving at the same conclusion,” said Terry. “The quality of her work is really first rate. “When they saw the 1-to-6,000-meter scale map, they essentially tore up their 1-to-10,000-meter maps and started using Rebecca’s template,” said Swazee. Foster’s Template Used by National Organizations Later in October 2008, Terry and his colleagues briefed the International Association of Fire Chief’s Technical Committee on the benefits of using the National Grid. One of the products used to demonstrate this concept was Foster’s atlas. “Rebecca knew how to harness the needed data in a very practical product for operators on the ground,” said Terry. “Each page of her atlas depicts not only the streets, but individual parcel boundaries, street numbers, the footprint of individual buildings, the location of individual fire hydrants and other important features. All of this information is integrated in a beautiful product that shows a great deal of attention to detail.” Since the National Grid is so similar to the system used by the military, Terry also acknowledges Foster for providing them another source of ideas and techniques that stand to improve the mapping provided to Marines. “Through Rebecca’s map, we’ve discovered many similarities between what a firefighter needs in a map and what Marines and other soldiers need in urban environments,” said Terry. “There are techniques that the firefighter community and U.S. Armed Forces can share back and forth to improve both operations.” According to Terry, the military is also planning on doing a small mapping exercise in a North Carolina town rich in GIS data using an atlas modeled after Foster’s as a key component. The widespread reach of Foster’s map has left her amazed. “I’m still in awe over all of this change that has come from my map,” said Foster. “It is amazing to me how it has garnered so much attention so quickly.” “Utilizing the National Grid will be an evolutionary process and take many years to become a uniform standard,” said Swazee. “It took someone to champion it, and I’m proud of Rebecca and the City of Edina for their efforts.” For more information, contact the City of Edina’s Engineering Department at 952-826-0371 or edinamail@ci.edina.mn.us. 34 • WINTER 2009 35 • WINTER 2009 Pets The City of Edina not only cares about protecting its residents, but also about protecting the pets residing in the community. It is important for owners to keep their pets safe and protected. All dogs 6 months and older residing in Edina must have a license permanently affixed to their collars. Cats do not have to be licensed. Rabies vaccinations are required on all dogs and cats 6 months and older. Dogs are required to wear vaccination tags at all times. Remember, all 2008 City dog licenses expired Dec. 31, 2008. Licenses can be renewed at City Hall, through the mail or online. To renew by mail, send current rabies information and a check for the licensing fee to Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St., Edina, MN 55424-1394. Dogs and cats are not allowed to run at large in the community. According to City Code, “no owner shall allow any animal to run at large on any property without the consent of the owner or possessor of the property.” An off-leash area for dogs opened in 2007 at Van Valkenburg Park in northwest Edina. Dogs must wear a special collar while in the off-leash area, identifying them as leash-free permit holders. Cost for the permit is $25 for residents and $50 for non-residents. Discounts are available for multiple dogs. The permits can be purchased at City Hall or online. For more information on licensing, contact City Hall Receptionist Lynette Biunno, 952-927-8861. For more information on laws pertaining to pets, such as the keeping or regulation of certain animals, or laws pertaining to kennels, contact Edina Animal Control Officer Tim Hunter, 952-826-0494. It’s not Only neighborly … It’s The Law For you and your business •Diverse class selections •Interactive training •Convenient half-day sessions 651-221-4722 comped.smm.orgComputer Education 952-224-5007www.ScoopyPooDogHaus.com DoesyourDoghaveCabinFever? Visitthe DogHaus Dog Social Hour Dog Playgroups Yappy Hour Special Events for your Dog YourK-9CommunityCenter 4402-1/2 France Ave • Edina Located at ScoopyPoo World Headquarters Behind the Yoga House Centennial Lakes Medical Center7373 France Ave. S., Ste. 402 Edina - (952) 831-4400 Ridge Point Medical Building14050 Nicollet Ave. S., Ste. 100 Burnsville - (952) 435-4102 Childrens West Professional Office Building6060 Clearwater Drive, Ste. 210Minnetonka - (952) 932-0920 FIRST AID FOR DENTAL EMERGENCIES Knocked Out Permanent Tooth Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top (crown),not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth, but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert itin the socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on aclean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk or contact lens solution. See a dentistIMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth. www.childrensdent.com We Welcome New Patients! By Lauren Wiza The sound of a piano can seem magical if played well, evoking emotions and appreciation for the talent of the player. To hear four-fingered Korean pianist Hee Ah Lee play is unforgettable. She added Edina to her list of tour stops in the United States thanks to the efforts of the Rotary Club of Edina, local businesses and organizations and the determination of one Rotarian working to “Make Dreams Real.” Woodrow “Wooj” Byun is well aware of what being a part or even beneficiary of Rotary means. “I am a product of the Rotary scholarship,” said Byun of the ambassadorial sponsorship that allowed him to come to the United States for the first time in 1990. Today, there are over 38,000 beneficiaries of the scholarship from 100 different countries. The Rotary motto “Service above Self” stayed with Byun. After he immigrated to the United States and became a lawyer, he joined the Rotary Club of Edina. In 2007, Byun watched the performance of some Minnesota Korean adoptees attending a summer camp at the Minnehaha Academy. A chance encounter there with a kindergartner named Michael gave Byun the inspiration he needed to really live the “Service Above Self” motto. “All the kindergartners were supposed to get together, hold hands and sing, but the children next to (Michael) refused to hold his hands,” said Byun. Michael was born with just one finger on each hand, and for Byun, the behavior of the other children was shocking. “I thought that there must be a way to find a role model for him.” Taking up the task, Byun found Lee on YouTube in the summer of 2008. Using connections and family members in Korea, Byun was able to contact her. “They had a U.S. tour planned, but Minnesota wasn’t included. So, I asked her to squeeze it into the program,” explained Byun. Thinking it a good opportunity to meet with Minnesota’s Korean adoptees, Lee agreed. Not only does Lee overcome and embrace her disability, but she plays without flaw. “Playing piano means sharing a message, particularly with disabled people, that they can do what is seemingly impossible,” said Lee of the talent that she has so nearly perfected through hard work and determination. Byun gathered the support of businesses, organizations 36 • WINTER 2009 37 • WINTER 2009 Dreams Do Come True In Edina Hee Ah Lee, born with only four fingers, is an acclaimed pianist. and the Rotary Club to make Lee’s visit and message a reality for those who had the privilege of hearing her play. The most exciting part for Byun was completing the task that he had first set out to do: the introduction of Michael and Lee. “It was really the culmination of my dream come true,” said Byun. “For me, bringing Hee Ah here is making the circle full.” Byun was not the only one touched by the visit. “It was a very special event. Michael was happy to see and listen to Hee Ah Lee” said Michelle Miller LeBlanc, Michael’s mother. “As a family, we felt very honored that Wooj was so moved by Michael that he was inspired to bring Hee Ah Lee to Minnesota. We all loved her music and found the event to be 100 percent enjoyable.” With Rotary’s 2008 theme of “Making Dreams Real,” Byun hopes that Rotary members recognize that they are in the business of doing just that, and that they draw inspiration from Lee’s story and performance. “The message we hope this event sends is one of inspiration. This ought to be inspiring for all people, not just people with physical challenges,” said Miller LeBlanc. Lee’s concert and Byun’s work to bring the pianist to Minnesota generated much media attention. Even CNN covered the story, airing it around the world. While Byun did not expect the coverage from CNN, he was glad, for it “planted the seeds of hope” and shared Lee’s global message. “I was extremely surprised,” said Lee. “People all around the world could have seen me and perhaps derived inspiration.” She is hoping that the international media coverage might give her the opportunity to continue to spread this in other countries. Lee’s visit was a very special one for Edina, Michael, his family and Byun in particular, who was not only able to help Michael and spread the pianist’s message, but to indulge both his quest for service above self and making dreams real. For more information on the Rotary Club of Edina, visit www.EdinaRotary.org. Edina resident Wooj Byun unites Hee Ah Lee and Michael at the concert. 39 • WINTER 200938 • WINTER 2009 Business notes Edina Art Center Director Designs CD Cover The talent of Edina Art Center Director Diana Hedges was rewarded when musician and former Prairie Home Companion co-host Peter Ostroushko asked her to design the cover for his new CD, “Peter Joins the Circus.” After first meeting Peter at Circus Juventas in St. Paul, Hedges admitted to being a little “star struck.” “When he was doing this compilation of circus music, he just called me one night and said, ‘I want you to do the cover,’” explained Hedges. “It was the most challenging project that I’ve had in a long time. I paint just for the pure joy, for my own artistic sense.” The CD cover was no easy task, even for an experienced artist like Hedges. While she handed him just one CD, it was preceded by almost 23 of what Hedges calls “failed attempts.” After switching from water color, “it just started flowing.” The artist drew inspiration from Ostroushko’s semi- finished CD and found a much more soothing aspect to the project. “We have our retirement home in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and during this time it was flooded. I strongly believe that art balances a stressful situation, and I contribute this painting for balancing out the loss,” said Hedges. “People can use music and visual arts as a balance for stress and horrific events.” The balance and experience of creating such a project, especially for someone whose work she has long admired, is one that Hedges will not soon forget. The Container Store Opens In The District With 22,500 square feet to call its own, The Container Store has made its debut in its first Minnesota location at France Avenue and Gallagher Drive in Edina. “We started our business over 30 years ago in Dallas,” said Public Relations Director Audrey Robertson. “It’s not just products we’re selling, it’s time. We want to give our customer more time in the day. They need more time to juggle jobs, family and community involvement.” When choosing a location, The Container Store was already looking out for their customers’ convenience. “We look for an area with retailers who have a like customer base,” explained Robertson. The Container Store staff prides themselves on great customer service and giving back to their community. During its opening weekend in October, the Container Store raised $13,000 for the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. The Container Store is located at 3825 Gallagher Drive, in Centennial Lakes off of France Avenue. For more information, call 952-831-3780 or visit www.containerstore.com. Bare Escentuals Opens At Southdale The blustery winds of winter aren’t the only thing that will make you blush this season. Bare Escentuals, featuring a cosmetics line made of 100 percent bare minerals, opened a boutique in Southdale Center in late October. With a store at the Mall of America, the boutique is looking to expand to area malls and started with Southdale. “We have great customer service. You can come in, sit down and have much more one-on-one time,” said Assistant Boutique Manager Crissy Young. With open make-up displays to try, soft lighting and warm shaded walls, Bare Escentuals hopes to make its mark in Edina. The store is located in the center court at Southdale Center. For more information, call 952-926-1260 or visit www.bareescentuals.com. Edina Art Center Director Diana Hedges designed the CD cover for “Peter Joins the Circus.” (continued on next page) Women’s Amateur Championships, an Evans Scholars event and the Western Directors Association event.” A club is selected by the MGA based on the criteria that includes involvement in golfing and support of the MGA’s programs. “It’s an honor being chosen by the MGA for our efforts of giving back to the golfing community,” said Lass. “It’s a pleasant surprise, and it really shows that a lot of the members of our golf club have been very generous of supporting golf and programs in the area that are used by the MGA.” The Edina Country Club was honored with the award at the close of a successful golfing season on Oct. 20. For more information on the MGA or the award, call 952-927-4643 or visit www.mngolf.org. For more information on the Edina Country Club, call 952-927-7151 or visit www.edinacountryclub.org. Businesses Join Chamber of Commerce The Edina Chamber of Commerce has added many new businesses to its list of members in the last few months. Accredited Investors, CorePower Yoga Spa-Edina, Comprehensive Hire, Dave and Busters, Dave’s Great Ad Shop, Flowers of Edina, Minnesota Deals Near U, Mortgage Marketing Assoc., NewMom, Peterson Portraits, Promo Design Company, Shane Homes Design Build, SilverMark Design Build, Sylvan Learning Center, The Container Store, Town Planner and Verizon Wireless joined the organization. 41 • WINTER 2009 New Owner Takes Over Whymsy If you’ve ever shopped at the Galleria Edina, Whymsy might have caught your fancy. The boutique, which specializes in elegant and unique accessories and upscale clothing for women, recently changed ownership. Looking to retire but maintain their store, previous owners connected with new owner Karen Hughes. The sale was finalized on May 31. Hughes is a frequent shopper at the Galleria, never before noticing the store. However, when the opportunity became available to purchase it, she described the find to be a perfect fit. Of being a shop-owner, Hughes said, “The best part is just meeting people. I have a double pleasure of living in this community already.” What Hughes is most excited about is taking her whimsical new business to the next level through annual evolution and growth from the strong base that it has already developed. “The biggest change is re-merchandising the store,” said Hughes. “Visually, it looks different. We moved forward with several apparel lines that were being carried in the store, but added a much more diverse mix.” Lee Anderson, a women’s evening collection, is a line that Hughes has recently added. The line, purchased for vacation and special events like weddings, has proven popular among Whymsy’s clientele. The store has eliminated some categories in exchange, including apparel with flowers, leaves or sprigs of flowers. “We’re experimenting with lots of different lines to see what the customers embrace,” said Hughes. “We focus on small companies that aren’t saturated and not in department stores.” Whymsy is located at 3360 Galleria. For more information, call 952-924-4176 or visit www.whymsy.com. Edina Country Club Named MGA Member Club of the Year The Minnesota Golf Association (MGA) recently awarded its Member Club of the Year Award to the Edina Country Club. “We’ve been a very involved club for many years with the MGA,” said Marty Lass, Golf Professional at the Edina Country Club. “In the last year, we hosted the 40 • WINTER 2009 Discoverthe BenefitsofMembership atthe Southdale YMCA Join Todayand GetFitforLife!www.YMCATwinCities.org. Asafe, welcoming place forkids, adultsand families. State-of-the artFitnessCenterswithhigh-tech cardio machinesandstrength training equipment. Over100 FREEGroup Xclassesa week, the “funnest” GroupExercise classesaround.IncludingBODYPUMP, BODYVIVEand Cardio-Kick! FREEKidsStuffchild care while you workout. ComplimentaryAdultFitnessConsultationsto help define yourfitnessgoals. PremierYMCASwim Academyswimlessonsatreduced rates. FREEprogramsand activitiesforkidsand familiesincluding SuperFamilySundays! Southdale YMCA 7355 YorkAvenue South Edina 952-835-2567 Discoverthe BenefitsofMembership atthe Southdale YMCA Minnesota Golf Association President John Valliere presents the Edina Country Club with its Member of the Year Award. (continued on next page) 42 • WINTER 2009 43 • WINTER 2009 Edina City Hall 4801 W. 50th St. 952-927-8861 Edina Aquatic Center 4300 W. 66th St. 612-928-4582 (May-August) 952-826-0431 Edina Art Center 4701 W. 64th St. 612-915-6600 (until Jan. 14, 2009) 952-903-5780 (after Jan. 15, 2009) Braemar Arena 7501 Ikola Way 952-941-1322 Braemar Golf Course 6364 John Harris Drive 952-826-6799 Braemar Golf Dome 7420 Braemar Blvd. 952-826-6744 (November-April) Centennial Lakes Park 7499 France Ave. S. 952-832-6789 Edina Liquor 3943 50th St. 612-928-4551 Edina Liquor 5013 Vernon Ave. 612-928-4566 Edina Liquor 6755 York Ave. S. 612-928-4555 (until Jan. 14, 2009) 952-903-5730 (after Jan. 15, 2009) Edina Senior Center 5280 Grandview Square 952-833-9570 Edinborough Park 7700 York Ave. S. 952-832-6790 Fire Station No. 1 6250 Tracy Ave. 952-826-0330 Fire Station No. 2 7335 York Ave. 952-826-0357 Fred Richards Golf Course 7640 Parklawn Ave. 612-915-6606 (April-September) Public Works Building 5146 Eden Ave. 952-826-0376 Dial 9-1-1 to: • Report an incident that requires a Police Officer at the scene (assaults, burglaries, domestic disputes, accidents, etc.). • Summon a paramedic or ambulance. • Report a fire. • Report suspicious, criminal activity (alarms, shots fired, shouts for help, sounds of breaking glass, unfamiliar person carrying items from a house, etc.). • Report a sewer backup or other Public Works emergencythat requires immediate attention. When in doubt or unsure of any situation, call 9-1-1 and the dispatcher will assist you. Call 952-927-8861 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for general information. If you have a situation after hours or on weekends, but do not require immediate response from a paramedic, firefighter, police officer or Public Works crew, call the Police Department’s non-emergency number, 952-826-1610. City Of Edina Facilities The Chamber “gives the people who get involved opportunities and community involvement,” said Laurie O’Gara, Membership Director. “Membership offers an opportunity to build relationships while the economy is down.” For more information on the Edina Chamber of Commerce, call 952-806-9060 or visit www.edinachamber.com. Local Author’s Book Named National Award Finalist When you talk to Carol Lee Bratter of Edina, you would never guess that she’s 71 or that’s she recently published an award-winning book. In April 2008, Bratter’s book Links to Understanding: A Guidebook for Intentional Professionals Working with Aging People hit store shelves. Bratter’s book was recently chosen as a finalist in the “Health: Aging/50+ category” of the 2008 National Best Book awards. Taking a humanitarian view of service to others, Bratter chose a path connecting spirituality and counseling. Her studies eventually led her to a master’s program using human development and human potential skills. Bratter’s hard work and dedication to studying and presenting the aging process granted her a four-year appointment by the Governor to the Minnesota Board of Aging in July of 2007. On her career as a Life Transitions Coach, Bratter says, “Beginnings and endings -- you find out that there really aren’t any, everything’s a transition.” Bratter had searched for a book like hers that covered the important issues of understanding and dealing with aging professionals in particular, but could not find one. “I think what’s significant about the book is that it’s needed,” explained Bratter. Applicable to any age group experiencing personal growth, Bratter has a reason to be so passionate. She draws inspiration from the people that attend her presentations, her husband of 30 years, and the importance of the message that she is sharing. The author is forever exploring the complexities and angles of the aging process and may publish an updated second edition or a second volume all together. More information on Links to Understanding: A Guidebook for Intentional Professionals Working With Aging People, visit www.carolleebratter.com. – Compliled by Lauren Wiza By Lauren Wiza Friendly Jack Frost will nip at your nose during Centennial Lakes Park’s annual Winter Ice Festival. The one-day festival, scheduled for 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, is a chance for the park to showcase its facilities and wintertime offerings. In its 17th year, the Winter Ice Festival offers something new every year. Face painting has been a staple activity and favorite among children who have attended. It is the only activity that requires a nominal fee, which is subsidized. Another regular feature of the event, horse- drawn sleighs, will provide guests with a tour of the park. An ice carver with 33 years experience, Roger Rust will return to sculpt during the festival. At press time, Rust had not planned the 2009 ice sculpture. “It just kind of comes to me. It doesn’t come right away, either,” said Rust. From Mickey and Minnie Mouse to Snoopy on skates, Rust has carved diverse sculptures for the Winter Ice Festival. “One year, I was going to do a bust of the Vikings helmet, but then they lost their bid for the Super Bowl and I had to quickly do something else.” Rust said he has enjoyed his 10 years of sculpting at the Centennial Lakes Winter Ice Festival. “The cool thing is it’s just such a family event,” said Rust. “When I’m ice carving, I get to talk and interact with people and their families.” If the Minnesota winds blow you too far down the lake or you get cold while talking to Rust, you might step inside the warming house where you can gather your family around the fire to re-gain some feeling in your toes. There are other ways to keep your cheeks rosy, too. Bring your own or rent ice skates and skate across the interconnected lakes. Ice sled rentals are available for those who are weary or wary of skating. Skate rental at the park is $5 and sled rental is $7. Skating is free. “We definitely have one of the best outdoor skating rinks in the Twin Cities,” said Park Manager Tom Shirley, adding that the event typically draws about 1,500 people. Shirley hopes that people will come to the event for all of the things Centennial Lakes offers: a fun venue, unique skating adventure, concessions, restrooms and a warming house with fireplaces in and outdoors, in addition to the face-painting, sleigh rides and other activities. “This event kind of makes people happy that they have a winter and that they can go to events like this,” said Rust. Centennial Lakes Park is located at 7499 France Ave. S. For more information on the Winter Ice Festival, call 952-832-6789 or visit www.CentennialLakesPark.com. 45 • WINTER 2009 Lace up For Winter Ice Festival Jan. 11 44 • WINTER 2009 Roger Rust has carved ice at Centennial Lakes Park’s Winter Ice Festival for the past 10 years. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n More than 1,500 people are expected to come to the Winter Ice Festival Jan. 11, to skate and participate in winter-themed activities. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n Congratulations to Skip Thomas, ReMax Results Debbie & Skip Thomas Skip & Debbie Thomas ReMax Results www.skipthomas.com Office: 952.848.2404 Cell: 612.701.5023 Email: skip@skipthomas.com l Edina Business Person of the Year l Edina Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee l ReMax Hall of Fame There is no one else that knows Edina better than Skip! 47 • WINTER 2009 Bikers, Drivers Must Follow The rules Of The road 46 • WINTER 2009 By Carl Follstad and Kirk Johnson Contributing Writers Have you ridden your bicycle to work or school recently? Or perhaps observed more bicyclists than usual? Bike racks are increasingly overflowing at Edina schools. In nearby Minneapolis, the number of bikers commuting to work went up by nearly 50 percent between 2006 and 2007, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. These are positive trends because it means more people of all ages are getting healthy exercise. And for every motorist that trades a car trip for a bike trip, there is less pollution, less traffic noise and less demand for gas — not to mention less traffic on our local roads. Regarding parking, did you know that about 14 bikes can fit in one standard car parking spot? Despite these positive trends and benefits associated with biking, safety is an important concern. In September alone, four people were killed by motor vehicles while bicycling in the Twin Cities. Statewide, there were nine bicycling deaths recorded in 2008. The good news is that if you travel on the roads as either a motorist or a bicyclist, you can do something about it. Bicyclists should know and follow the rules of the road. According to State law, “Every person operating a bicycle shall have all of the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle ... .” This means signaling your turns, obeying traffic signs and generally following the same rules you would as an automobile driver. Bicycle safety is an important part of every rider’s responsibility. All bicyclists should wear a helmet. Hennepin County Medical Center staff recently noted that all rider fatalities in 2007 were people who were not wearing helmets. But bicycle safety goes well beyond just wearing a helmet. Bicyclists must also use headlights and reflectors when riding at night, as required by Minnesota law. Bicyclists should also consider wearing bright, reflective clothing, which provides the best visibility to other traffic. Drivers should give bicyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing, as is required by law. Drivers may also need to slow down temporarily and pass at a time that is safe for the driver, the bicyclist and any oncoming traffic. As a courtesy to drivers and pedestrians, bicyclists should not stop in crosswalks or at stop lights blocking walkers and preventing drivers from making right hand turns on red. Everyone using the road — drivers and riders — has a responsibility to be lawful and courteous. As frequent bicyclists in Edina, we have enjoyed the courtesy of almost all drivers we encounter. We work hard to follow the rules ourselves. Both of us have been active with the Bike Edina Task Force. Our vision is a progressive, bicycle-friendly community where citizens can integrate cycling into their daily lives. Please join us in reaching that vision by riding (and driving) lawfully and courteously. For more information on the Bike Edina Task Force, visit www.bikeedina.org. Since 1979 Architecture •Interiors •Landscape •Remodel •Build 952.925.9455 •www.mapeterson.com 49 • WINTER 200948 • WINTER 2009 By Lauren Wiza Edina boasts a large base of volunteers and service organizations. One group of women in Edina stands out for making a tremendous impact on the community. Founded in November 1969, the Edina Federated Women’s Club is celebrating its 40th anniversary of service. The club was created as a means of “developing friendship and to promote and take part in service for social, economic, educational, scientific and philanthropic needs.” With an even dozen members at the outset, the women began their service almost immediately. “One of the first things we did was go up to City Hall and get them to do recycling,” said Darlene Kinning, who is responsible for forming the club and organizing its first meeting. As a result of their efforts, community members were allowed to recycle by bringing materials to City Hall. The club continued to work with the City on issues. “Our conservation [committee] analyzed the bike paths and presented our findings to the City Council,” recalled Lynn Billings of a 1971 effort. Today, Edina’s Federated Women’s Club has continued its mission of providing service to the community, and sharing service with each other and surrounding communities, too. “One of the early philanthropies that we got involved in was getting furniture for the ABC house,” said Mary Prior. The A Better Chance (ABC) Foundation is a national organization that brings students from under-achieving schools to Edina and other communities. Students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades stay the entire school year in their host communities and reap the benefits. Students who are chosen have the potential to achieve high academic standards, but their hometown schools can’t provide the necessary resources. “It’s really been a great relationship,” said ABC Executive Director Sherry Nuness. “It’s a way for our kids to learn more about the women of the community and a way for them to give back, too.” The students involved in the program assist at the club’s annual fundraiser, Feds Fest. When Prior joined in 1969, the club was only open to women under the age of 45. As a result, many were young mothers. To cater to the needs of their members, the Feds offered babysitting. This was just one way in which the club began to grow into not only a larger philanthropic and service-oriented organization, but also a social, networking organization. “There used to be babysitting for the members, but that was shortly discontinued after I became a member as a result of insurance issues,” said Florence McCarthy, who joined in 1978. Women were also entering the work force at this time, and the Feds eventually began offering both daytime and evening meetings, which continue today. The club is now open to all ages. Perhaps what the Feds, as they call themselves, are best known for is their large annual fundraiser. Until 1999, the ladies of the club decorated the clubhouse at Edina Federated Women’s Club Celebrates 40 Years of Service Braemar Golf Course for a fundraiser called Santa House. Club members have fond memories of working the philanthropic event while their children played and their husbands helped out. “It was just like a fairy house,” said McCarthy of Santa House. With puppet shows, toys and Santa present, children had a wonderful time and their parents did, too. “It was kind of a non-commercial environment, except that we had a boutique for mom,” said Rosie Gubrud, who joined in 1973. Throughout their years of fundraising, the Feds have raised close to $600,000. A major recipient of money Ninth-Annual Feds Fest The Edina Federated Women’s Club’s ninth-annual Feds Fest will be held Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Westin Edina Galleria. The theme of the event is “Champagne, Rubies and Roses,” in honor of the 40th anniversary of the club. Two non-profit organizations have been selected to receive proceeds raised at the fundraiser. They are Second Harvest Heartland and Feed My Starving Children. Second Harvest Heartland can distribute up to $9 worth of food for every $1 donated. Feed My Starving Children is a hunger relief organization that packs and ships specially formulated meals to disaster areas and underdeveloped countries. Dave and Linda Mona will be emcees of the event. Entertainment will feature the Edgewater Eight, with a variety show format with music from the 40s, 50s, 60s and Broadway. Many activities are planned, including Mystery Gifts, a game of Head or Tails, silent auction and live auction. Tickets for the ninth-annual Feds Fest cost $100 each and must be reserved by Jan. 5. For more information, contact event co-chairwoman Sandy Phillips, 952-922-3300. (continued on next page) Dave and Linda Mona will be emcees of the 2009 Feds Fest. Dave does the popular “Sports Huddle” program on WCCO radio and is founder and chairman of Weber Shandick. Linda owns Creative Environments, an interior design firm. raised at the annual fundraiser is Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP), a food shelf that supports people in local communities around and including Edina. The Club continues to support local charities and food shelves through its new fundraiser, Feds Fest. This year’s auction will benefit two organizations – Second Harvest Heartland and Feed My Starving Children. The club is developing ever-changing ideas, and all of the members have a say in which organization is supported in the coming year. Aside from the good feeling members derive from service, they have developed long-lasting friendships and have found a meaningful outlet for fun. The Feds have a gourmet-cooking group, an antique group, a book club and many others. “We’re always getting new members,” said Marie Kalich of the 93 member-strong club. “It’s nice to have new members, and we’d like to see some more join.” For more information on joining the Edina Federated Women’s Club, contact President Judy Cipolla, 952-944-3738, or Membership Chairwoman, Connie Carrino, 952-926-4839. Club meetings are held the second Thursday of the month at 11:15 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. in the meeting room at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 6716 Gleason Road. Please call one of the phone numbers above to RSVP, as meals are served during the meetings. 51 • WINTER 200950 • WINTER 2009 West 50th & Vernon Avenue at Hwy. 100 952-920-3996 www.washburn-mcreavy.com Family Owned & Operated Since 1857 EDINA CHAPEL FuNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES Coverage for backups of sewers and basement drains is available, but not always included in a basic homeowner’s insurance policy. In addition, insurance companies that do offer the protection have varying amounts of coverage. Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if you have coverage for backups. If you do not have coverage, consider adding to your policy because in most cases the City’s insurance will not cover your damages in the event of an incident. D o You have insurance for sewer back-up s? Check your policy today! 4504 Valley View Rd. * Edina, MN 55424www.ej-sunglasses.com The Hottest Brand Name Sunglasses and Goggles. 1-800-714-9229 LAURIE KERTIS, LTD Interior Design Offering the full spectrum of Interior Design services LAURIE KERTIS, Allied Member ASID 5035 France Ave. S. * Edina, MN 55410Office: 612-929-2222 Cell: 612-616-7811E-mail: lkertis@qwestoffice.net Conveniently located at 50th & France in Edina! Get ready For The Switch To Digital Television 53 • WINTER 2009 Saving money and preserving history sounds like a great combination. The Peggy Kelly Media Arts Studio at the Edina Art Center is a hidden gem in Edina. With a variety of equipment and the helpful hand of Studio Manager Phil Johnson, the Media Arts Studio can help you bring you old movies, slides or photos into the digital world and all its possibilities. Whether you are looking for a birthday gift, planning an anniversary party, working on a genealogy project or just want to remember old times, the Media Arts Studio can help you get there. Movies, Photos Or Slides The equipment at the Media Arts Studio is easy to use and flexible. You can transfer old 8mm, Super 8mm or 16mm movies to VHS or DVD. You can also scan in slides or photos to digital media to store on CD, DVD or hard drives. You can record 80 to 100 slides or pictures per hour. You provide the labor and pocket the savings. For either movies, slides or photos, it is less than half the cost than if you have a commercial studio do this for you. At $20 per hour, the do-it-yourself approach is as low as 25 percent the cost of commercial studio fees. Preserving 50 Years Of Memories Recently, an Edina couple benefitted from this great service. Edina residents Demos and Eugenia Hadjiyanis have been married for 50 years. Both immigrated to the United States — Demos from Cyprus and Eugenia from Greece. They met and were married in Chicago in 1958 and moved to Minnesota to settle into their new lives. Fifty years later, their children decided to throw a wedding anniversary celebration. But how could they capture the key moments of their lives when everything was stored away in musty boxes of slides that had not seen the light of day in years? The Media Arts Studio came to the rescue. After a few hours of scanning in old photos and slides, the anniversary celebration included a heart-touching digital presentation of Demos and Eugenia’s childhood, wedding, families, trips and more. For just $80, son George Hadjiyanis and son-in-law Joe DiGiovanni scanned more than 200 slides, which amounted to only 40 cents a digital photo — a great price for a great memory. Compare the price to over $1 per slide charged by most commercial studios. To contact the Media Arts Studio at the Edina Art Center, visit www.EdinaArtCenter.com or contact Phil Johnson at 612-915-6602 or pjohnson@ci.edina.mn.us. After Jan. 15, the Media Arts Studio’s phone number will be 952-903-5782. Bring Old Photos, Slides Or Movies Into The Digital World At The Edina Art Center 52 • WINTER 2009 Edin a A r t C e nter REEL ¡ On Feb. 17, a federal mandate goes into effect that requires all full-power broadcast television stations in the United States to stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting digitally. You’ve likely been hearing the buzz for some time, but as the deadline looms, it’s important to understand the process in order to keep your TV from defaulting to fuzz. What is DTV? According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), DTV is an advanced broadcasting technology that gives broadcasters the ability to offer consumers, who currently receive programming in analog, much improved picture and sound quality. It will also give them the option to broadcast high-definition programming and/or multiple programming choices simultaneously from the same network, as well as include some interactive capabilities. Why the need for the switch? The switch to digital will free up scarce and valuable airwaves in the broadcast spectrum, making them available for use as communication tools for public safety services such as police and fire departments and emergency rescue. A portion of the spectrum will also be auctioned to private companies that can use the airwaves to provide more advanced wireless services. How will the switch affect my television? If you currently have a cable or satellite box hooked up to your television, you are already living in the digital age and the switch won’t affect you. However, if one or more analog televisions in your home are not hooked up to satellite or cable, you will need to purchase either a TV with an internal digital tuner or a digital-to-analog converter box. You can, of course, call your cable or satellite provider to service TVs not hooked up. A fee will likely be charged. To help consumers with the DTV transition, the federal government established the “Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program.” Every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two coupons, worth $40 each, toward the purchase of converter boxes, which are priced from $40 to $70 each. Visit www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009 to receive your coupons. Again, this is only necessary for analog TVs not hooked up to cable or satellite. Is DTV the same as HDTV? There is often much confusion surrounding this issue, but it is important to remember that DTV is not the same thing as high-definition television (HDTV). While your current analog television can be converted to digital with a digital-to-analog converter box, you will need to purchase an HDTV and subscribe to an HDTV package if you would like to receive your programming in high-definition. HDTV is a specific format of DTV that provides the highest resolution and picture quality. For more information on the switch to digital, visit www.dtv.gov or call 1-888-225-5322. 55 • WINTER 200954 • WINTER 2009 1) Sparky greeted hundreds of children at the Edina Fire Department’s annual open house in October. 2) Minnesota State University — Mankato Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Scott Olson speaks at the September grand opening of the university’s branch in Edina. The school is located at 7700 France Ave. 3) Dave and Mary Hatzung were among the 240 people who attended the Edina Rotary Foundation Fundraiser & Gala, which included wine tasting by Chateau Ste. Michelle, silent auction and comedy by Bill Arnold. 4) Rotarian Joel Jennings bids on a handmade ship replica at the Edina Rotary Foundation’s Fundraiser & Gala in October. Approximately $65,000 was raised for the local service club to give back to the community through local and international service projects. 5) Doctors, patients, nurses and community members celebrate Southdale Medical Center’s 50th anniversary celebration catered by Three Sons Signature Cuisine last fall. 6) Representatives of Wayzata Properties, Miller Dunwiddie and Frana Companies take part in the groundbreaking of Burgundy Place across from Pentagon Park. Members of the City were also on hand for the event. 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 2 31 65Ph o t o b y L a u r e n W i z a Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n Ph o t o b y L a u r e n W i z a Ph o t o b y L a u r e n W i z a 4Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n Ph o t o b y L a u r e n W i z a O F M I N N E S O T ARENT ONE OFFICE, USE FIVE LOCATIONS Edina • St. Louis Park • Bloomington/ Airport IDS/Downtown Minneapolis • Woodbury Executive offices from $600 per month. 1-2 person offices with reception services, High Speed T-1 service, Flexible Lease Terms. Locally owned and operated since 1990. For information, please see our website at www.exsmn.com or call us at 952-851-5555 Executive Suites W e see more than money. www.western-bank.com Edina 952-857-1707 Maplewood 651-290-7822 Minneapolis 651-290-7888 Mounds View 651-290-7866 Oakdale 651-290-7844 St. Paul 651-290-8100 Call Ted Field 952-927-1150 www.SeniorExpert.com 35+ years experience working with seniors