HomeMy WebLinkAboutAboutTown_2002SpringPRESORT STD
U.S.POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No.3932
Edina, MN
AboutTown Magazine
City of Edina
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.ci.edina.mn.us
SPRING•2002
About Town
Official Magazine of the City of Edina
2002 Edina
City Expo
See page 24
for details
***ECRWSS***
POSTAL PATRON
CAR-RT-WS
American Cancer Society To Host Area Relay For Life
The American Cancer Society will hold a Relay For Life June 21-22 for the communities of Edina and Richfield and southwest
Minneapolis at Southwest High School. An opening ceremony will be held 7 p.m. that Friday.
The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is a celebration of life in honor and in memory of those whose lives have been touched by
cancer. Teams of 8 to 15 people walk, jog or run in a relay around the track for 18 hours to raise money through donations to help in the
fight against cancer. The money raised go toward helping the American Cancer Society continue its programs of research, education,
advocacy and service to cancer patients. Relays for Life take place in more than 90 communities throughout Minnesota.
Teams will camp out around the track at the high school. During the relay, at least one person from each team is walking, jogging or
running. Meanwhile, other team members are enjoying food, games, music, prizes and camaraderie. Hundreds of luminaries in honor or
in memory of someone touched by cancer will line the track after dark.
For more information on the local event, contact Emily Edison at the American Cancer Society, 952-925-6334.
1•SPRING 2002
SUNDAYMONDAYTUESDAYWEDNESDAYTHURSDAYFRIDAYSATURDAY
2
Noon, FinnishStoryteller with Music,Edinborough Park.
7 p.m., Edina HRAandCity Council, EdinaCity Hall.
7 p.m., Scott FrasierGuitar Duo,Edinborough Park.
34
Noon, Mrs. Catherine
&Friends,
Edinborough Park.
5:30 p.m., Board of
Appeals, Edina
City Hall.
5 61
7
7 p.m., Jazz on the
Prairie Big Band,
Edinborough Park.
8
5 p.m., Board of
Review, Edina
City Hall.
9
1:15-3 p.m., Blood
Pressure Clinic, Edina
Senior Center.
7 p.m, Park Board,
Edina Senior Center.
7 p.m., Notable
Singers, Edinborough
Park.
1011
Noon, Freshwater
Pearls Puppet Theater,
Edinborough Park.
4-8p.m., Taste of
Edina, Southdale
Center.
12
By appointment for
fee, Podiatrist
Appointments, Edina
Senior Center.
13
14
7 p.m., Seward
Concert Band,
Edinborough Park.
1516
Noon, Becky Brom’sPuppets, EdinboroughPark.
7 p.m., Edina HRAandCity Council, EdinaCity Hall.
7 p.m., Royal ScottishCountry Dance,Edinborough Park.
171920
21
7 p.m., Music Staff
(youth solo
performance),
Edinborough Park.
2223
7 p.m., Human
Relations Commission,
Edina City Hall.
7 p.m., Heritage
Preservation Board,
Edina City Hall.
24
8 a.m., Senior
Advisory Council,
Edina Senior Center.
252627
30
7 p.m., Doctor Tone
and the Rhythm
Thang, Edinborough
Park.
2928
7 p.m., First John
Philip Sousa
Memorial Band,
Edinborough Park.
About Town Calendar
APRIL 2002
18
7 a.m., Recycling and SolidWaste Commission, EdinaCity Hall.
Noon, Bob the
Beachcomber,
Edinborough Park.
5:30 p.m., Board ofAppeals, Edina City Hall.
2•SPRING 2002
SUNDAYMONDAYTUESDAYWEDNESDAYTHURSDAYFRIDAYSATURDAY
1
By appointment,
Hearing Tests, Edina
Senior Center.
7:30 p.m., Planning
Commission, Edina
City Hall.
2
5:30 p.m., Board of
Appeals, Edina
City Hall.
34
5
7 p.m., Eden Prairie
Concert Band,
Edinborough Park.
6 7
7 p.m., Edina HRAand
City Council, Edina
City Hall.
7 p.m., Cathy &Tom,
Edinborough Park.
8 9
Noon, Jefferson
Middle School Band,
Edinborough Park.
10
10 a.m.-8 p.m., Edina
Garden Council
Annual Plant Sale,
Arneson Acres Park.
11
10 a.m.-4 p.m., Edina
Garden Council
Annual Plant Sale,
Arneson Acres Park.
12
7 p.m., Northern
Winds Concert Band,
Edinborough Park.
1314
1:15-3 p.m., Blood
Pressure Clinic, Edina
Senior Center.
7 p.m., Park Board,
Grange Hall.
7 p.m., Community
Health Committee,
Edina City Hall.
151718
19
2 p.m., Steps Dance
Center, Edinborough
Park.
7 p.m., First John
Philip Sousa
Memorial Band,
Edinborough Park.
2021
7 p.m., Edina HRAand
City Council, Edina
City Hall.
7 p.m., Jefferson High
School Orchestra,
Edinborough Park.
22
8 a.m., Senior
Advisory Council,
Edina Senior Center.
23
7 a.m., Recycling and
Solid Waste
Commission, Edina
City Hall.
2425
28
7 p.m., Human
Relations Commission,
Edina City Hall.
7 p.m., Heritage
Preservation Board,
Edina City Hall.
27
Memorial Day.
Most City offices
closed.
26
About Town Calendar
MAY2002
29
7:30 p.m., Planning
Commission, Edina
City Hall.
30
4-8 p.m., City Expo,
Braemar Arena.
31
16
Noon, Will Hale and
the Tadpole Parade,
Edinborough Park.
5:30 p.m., Board of
Appeals, Edina
City Hall.
Table of Contents
A Word From The Mayor ......................................................5
Baird House – An Elegant Reminder
Of 19th Century Life In Edina...............................................6
It’s Not Only Neighborly...It’s The Law..............................12
Hot Happenings In Park And Recreation ..........................14
Houle Named City Engineer,
Director Of Public Works.....................................................16
City To Introduce Improved Website..................................18
City To Say Thanks At Annual Reception .........................19
Improved Aquatic Center Slides
Into A New Season................................................................20
Edina Firefighters Install
Smoke Detectors For Local Homeowners.........................22
Plastic Bottles With Necks
Easiest To Recycle................................................................23
City Officials To ‘Build A Stronger Community’
At May Event.........................................................................24
City of Edina To Flush Hydrants
In April, Early May................................................................26
Edina Senior Center Moves Into New Facility..................27
Youth Make A Difference On City Boards
And Commissions.................................................................28
Edina Garden Council To Hold Annual Plant Sale............30
Keep Streets, Intersections
Clear Of Overgrowth................................................................31
AboutTown
Volume 14, Number 2
Spring 2002
Official Publication of the
City of Edina, Minnesota
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, Minnesota 55424
(952) 927-8861
Circulation 25,000
Editor:Jennifer Wilkinson
Publisher:City of Edina
About Town is produced by the City of Edina.
To advertise in About Town, contact Richard Barbeau at
Barbeau Marketing Group, 612-721-1162 or 612-965-2041.
Copyright 2002 by City of Edina, 4801 West 50th Street, Edina,
MN 55424.
About Town is published quarterly by the City of Edina. The
purpose of the magazine is to keep Edina residents informed
of news, activities and programs that are important to them.
We include articles of interest about our citizens and
community history as well.
About Town is printed on recycled paper to conform to City
conservation guidelines.
Cover photo by Polly Norman
5•SPRING 2002
Earlier this year, several
homes sustained substantial
damage when a watermain
broke in the vicinity of
Interlachen Boulevard and
Cooper Avenue. The homes
were damaged when the
sanitary sewer system
backed up due to
“surcharging” caused by
the break.
The property owners
suffered combined losses of
$140,000. One claim totaled
approximately $41,000. The
lower levels of most of the
homes were infiltrated by “grey water.” Rugs and
carpets, sheet rock, furniture and personal items were
destroyed. It was a tragedy for all those affected.
Although the City provided some assistance to
homeowners on Interlachen and Cooper, it did not
cover the full extent of their losses. Unfortunately,
several of the affected homeowners did not have
their own insurance to cover the cost of the
damages. Coverage for backups of sewers and
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. So, in some cases, property
owners with a policy for sewer backups did not have
enough coverage to cover
the cost of the damages.
I urge you to check your
homeowner’s insurance
policy to see if you have
coverage for backups. If
you do not have coverage,
consider adding it to your
policy because in most
cases the City’s insurance
carrier will not cover your
costs in the event of
an incident.
Insurance is important in
the event of an incident.
However, in some locations a properly installed
sanitary sewer service valve system will help to
prevent some sewage backups. Such a system should
be regularly maintained to protect your home from
water and sewer infiltration.
The Edina Public Works Department continues to
strive for a reliable infrastructure system. However, in
some instances the system will fail and we all need to
plan for those dreadful occurrences.
Dennis F. Maetzold
Mayor
4•SPRING 2002
OTHER DATES TO REMEMBER:
April 23 7 p.m., Amy & Adams, Edinborough Park.
May 14 7 p.m., Crosby Lake Clatterers,
Edinborough Park.
June 4 Noon, Becky Brom’s Puppets, Centennial
Lakes Park
June 11 Noon, Carol McCormick Storytelling, Centennial
Lakes Park.
June 20 Noon, Mrs. Catherine and Friends, Centennial
Lakes Park.
June 25 7 p.m., Jim Shannon “Strolling Piano,” Centennial
Lakes Park.
ANNUAL ICE SHOW
What:The Braemar-City of Lakes Figure Skating Club
and the City of Edina will present its annual ice
show, which will have a “Vegas” theme. The show
will include performances by skaters of all ages,
from preschoolers just learning how to move on
the ice to middle-aged fathers who have spent
many hours practicing with their teenage
daughters. The show will also include the
presentation of several special awards, including
the Hugh J. McMillan Award and Brandon Brown
Friendship Award. Skaters who have reached the
United States Figure Skating Association’s
“gold”level in the past year will also be honored.
When:6:30 p.m. April 26 and 6:30 p.m. April 27.
Where:Braemar Arena, 7501 Ikola Way.
RACE FOR THE CURE
What:The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
this spring will host the Twin Cities Race for the
Cure. The race is one of the top 5K competitive
runs in the country with separate 5K run and
wheel races for women and men, a 5K co-ed walk,
a one-mile Family Fun walk and a Kid’s Fun Run.
The annual event raises more than $1 million for
breast cancer research.
When:Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, 7 a.m. to noon.
Where:Southdale Center. The start of the race will be at
69th Street and York Avenue, between Southdale
and the Galleria.
EDINA ART FAIR
What:More than 250 artists and crafters from around the
country are expected to sell their work at the 35th
annual Edina Art Fair in downtown Edina at 50th
Street and France Avenue. Merchandise in the past
has included painting, sculpture, clay, hand-blown
and leaded glass, photography, jewelry, clothing,
dolls and toys, country crafts and unique gifts.
Carnival and specialty foods and free entertainment
will add to the atmosphere of the three-day
outdoor event, a fund-raiser for the 50th & France
Business and Professional Association. One of the
community’s largest events, tens of thousands of
people are expected to attend the Art Fair.
When: Friday, June 7 through Sunday, June 9.
Where:Intersection of West 50th Street and France
Avenue South.
Spring Calendar Highlights A Word From The Mayor
31
3•SPRING 2002
SUNDAYMONDAYTUESDAYWEDNESDAYTHURSDAYFRIDAYSATURDAY
1
7 p.m., Jim Shannon
“Strolling Piano,”
Centennial Lakes
Park.
2
7 p.m., Minnesota
Symphonic Winds,
Centennial Lakes
Park.
3
7 p.m., Canon Brass,
Centennial Lakes
Park.
4
7 p.m., Edina HRAand
City Council, Edina
City Hall.
7 p.m., Jim Shannon
“Strolling Piano,”
Centennial Lakes
Park.
5
7 p.m., Scott Frasier
Duo Guitar, Centennial
Lakes Park.
6
Noon, Bob the
Beachcomber,
Centennial Lakes
Park.
5:30 p.m., Board of
Appeals, Edina
City Hall.
7
* Edina Art Fair, 50th
Street and France Ave.
8
* 7 p.m., Jim Shannon
“Strolling Piano,”
Centennial Lakes
Park.
9
* 7 p.m., Eden Prairie
Community Band,
Centennial Lakes
Park.
10
7 p.m., River Valley
Dance Academy,
Centennial Lakes
Park.
11
1:15-3 p.m., Blood
Pressure Clinic, Edina
Senior Center.
7 p.m., Park Board,
Arneson Acres Park.
7 p.m., Jim Shannon
“Strolling Piano,”
Centennial Lakes
Park.
12
7 p.m., Debbie
Bigelow with
“Something Big,”
Centennial Lakes
Park.
1415
7 p.m., Jim Shannon
“Strolling Piano,”
Centennial Lakes
Park.
16
7 p.m., First John
Philip Sousa
Memorial Band,
Centennial Lakes
Park.
30
17
7 p.m., Bend in the
River Big Band,
Centennial Lakes
Park.
18
7 p.m., Edina HRAand
City Council, Edina
City Hall.
7 p.m., Jim Shannon
“Strolling Piano,”
Centennial Lakes
Park.
19
7 p.m., Star of the
North Concert Band,
Centennial Lakes
Park.
20
7 a.m., Recycling and
Solid Waste
Commission, Edina
City Hall.
5:30 p.m., Board of
Appeals, Edina
City Hall.
2122
7 p.m., Jim Shannon
“Strolling Piano,”
Centennial Lakes
Park.
25
7 p.m., Human
Relations Commission,
Edina City Hall.
7 p.m., Heritage
Preservation Board,
Edina City Hall.
24
7 p.m., Brooklyn
Community Band,
Centennial Lakes
Park.
23
7 p.m., CalhounCommunity Band,Centennial LakesPark.
About Town Calendar
JUNE 2002
26
7:30 p.m., Planning
Commission, Edina
City Hall.
7 p.m., Just Friends
Big Band, Centennial
Lakes Park.
27 28
13
Noon, Finnish
Storyteller with
Magic, Centennial
Lakes Park.
29
7 p.m., Jim Shannon
“Strolling Piano,”
Centennial Lakes
Park.
??DO
YOU
have insurance for sewerback-ups?
Check your policy today!
7•SPRING 2002
Bairds soon became two
of the most prominent
figures in the tiny
community of Edina Mills
that clustered around the
gristmill built in 1857
where Minnehaha
Creek crosses today’s
50th Street.
For the first 19 years of
their marriage, the
young couple lived in a
modest, two-story
clapboard house they
built on their farm. Both
were pillars of the Edina
Mills settlement. George
was active in local politics and served on a five-man
committee that engineered the area’s secession from
Richfield Township and formation of the Village of Edina.
George and Sarah were founding members of the
Minnehaha Grange, which had its meeting hall at today’s
50th and Wooddale. Meanwhile, George was deeply
involved in the Hennepin County Fair, serving for a time as
its president. He was also a co-founder of the Minnesota
State Agricultural Society.
In 1886, construction began on the brick Victorian mansion that
still stands on 50th. The house, built at the then-impressive cost
of $8,500, reflected the Bairds’ position in the community. Without
question, it was the most imposing residence in Edina Mills.
Designed by Minneapolis architect Charles S. Sedgwick,
the home is a brick-and-stone example of the Eastlake
style – named for English interior designer Charles
Locke Eastlake.
After George and Sarah’s Deaths, Mansion Stood
Vacant And Was Known As A ‘Haunted House’
The Bairds had no children. Following the death of George
in 1916 and Sarah in 1923, their house stood vacant for a
few years. Lois (Darr) MacKinnon told me that her uncle
Jim Darr and his sister Ruth, lived with their parents,
Henry and Cora Darr, at 4506 Browndale Ave. in the mid-
1920s. They became curious about the boarded up old
house on 50th because many of the kids in their Country
Club neighborhood were convinced it was haunted.
One day in 1926, Jim and Ruth crawled through a window
to get into the house. “They were amazed at what they
found,” Mackinnon said. “Everything in the house –
clothing, furniture and carpets (some of them chewed on
by mice) – was just as it had been left when Ms. Baird
By Joe Sullivan, Freelance
Writer and Edina resident
For many years – in fact, ever since I
got my driver’s license at age 15 – I
often drove past the old house on
50th Street just east of St. Stephen’s
Episcopal Church without really
noticing it. This was in spite of its
size. (After all, it is an imposing
three-story, 4,000-square-foot
Victorian brick mansion complete with dramatic turrets
and chimneys.)
After I moved to Edina some 42 years ago, I learned that
this elegant building - with its long, circular driveway and
the 1886 date over one of the windows in its corner tower -
had once been the home of Edina pioneers George and
Sarah Baird.
George W. Baird was a
farmer and innovative
livestock breeder who
came here in 1857, the
year before Minnesota
became a state. He was
only 22 when he left his
birthplace in Luzerne
Township, Penn., and
purchased 120 acres of
what was then Richfield
Township farmland from
Daniel Felton, the
original homesteader.
His three 40-acre tracts
were located north of
50th, roughly between
what are now Wooddale
Avenue and Maple Road.
George Baird Married Sarah Gates In 1865
In 1865, George married Sarah Gates, a blacksmith’s
daughter from St. Anthony, the burgeoning village (named
for the falls on the Mississippi River) that later became
Minneapolis. They had met when Sarah was a teacher at
the Burnes School on Excelsior Road in Hopkins. The
6•SPRING 2002
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
Baird House – An Elegant Reminder
Of 19th Century Life In Edina
The historic Baird house at 4400 W. 50th St. has a three-story
corner tower capped with a pyramidal roof and high chimneys.
Sarah (Gates) Baird served for 18
years as State Master for Minnesota’s
Grange.
In 1890, the 25th anniversary of the Bairds’ 1865 wedding was
celebrated with a gala reception announced in this invitation.
Mi
n
n
e
s
o
t
a
H
i
s
t
o
r
i
c
a
l
S
o
c
i
e
t
y
p
h
o
t
o
George Baird was an innovative
livestock breeder who introduced the
first Merino sheep into Minnesota.
He
n
n
e
p
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
H
i
s
t
o
r
i
c
a
l
S
o
c
i
e
t
y
p
h
o
t
o
He
n
n
e
p
i
n
C
o
u
n
t
y
H
i
s
t
o
r
i
c
a
l
S
o
c
i
e
t
y
p
h
o
t
o
moved into a friend’s house in Hopkins three years [before
she died].” They went home with lots of stories about the
“treasures” in the old, abandoned house. Jim and Ruth told
their father and mother that they “absolutely had to go over
and see what they had discovered,” MacKinnon added.
According to an
article entitled,
“Pioneer Women of
Edina,” written by
former Edina
librarian Elvira H.
Vinson, Sarah
Baird was a very
thrifty person. “Her
diary recorded
how she mended
tin ware and her
own shoes,”
Vinson wrote. “She
made awnings for
their new home.
Her friends said
she boasted that
she never
purchased a paper
of pins. She always picked them up [and reused them].”
Darr Family Bought And Renovated Baird Mansion
In 1928, the Darrs bought the old mansion from the Baird
family estate. They had their work cut out for them just
removing some of the old, dusty furniture. But they kept
the coat tree in the
front hall, the brass
fireplace screens,
fenders and bumpers
and the steam
radiators, all of which
are still in the house
today. They
also kept the big
table in the dining
room and a number
of other items that
have since
been removed.
In his recorded
recollections, Jim Darr recalled, “The house was originally
built with a steam-boiler-type, coal and wood burning furnace.
About 20 tons of coal were used [to heat the house] during
an average winter.”
Unlike many farm homes of the period, the house also had
running water. Jim Darr remembered the well house and
the windmill that pumped water up to a holding tank in the
third-floor attic. Water flowed by gravity through lead pipes
down to the bathroom and kitchen.
The original kitchen had a zinc-lined sink and an old-
fashioned, wood-burning cook stove with a hot water
reservoir. The “tower” on the house’s southwest corner was
rebuilt in 1930 after it was burned in a fire ignited by sparks
from a bedroom fireplace.
9•SPRING 20028•SPRING 2002
House Passed To Darr’s Son Harold And His Wife
In 1942, ownership of the Baird house passed to Henry and
Cora Darr’s son Harold and his wife, Josephine (Jo). The
house had only one bathroom and it was on the main floor.
The original toilet, with its overhead tank and pull chain,
are still there, but the original zinc-lined bathtub has long
since been replaced. The Darrs converted a linen closet in
the rear of the second floor into a bathroom and added the
brick sidewalk from the street to the front door. (The bricks
came from the Thomas Lowry mansion on Hennepin Avenue.)
Lois said that she and her sister
Vera (nee Hanson) shared one of
the front bedrooms for many
years. When their brother Bob
moved away in the 1950s, Lois
got to move into the back
bedroom, which was once
servants’ quarters. “The servants
had their own stairway down to
the kitchen. If I came in late from
a date, I would sneak up those
back stairs to my bedroom,
trying not to make any steps
squeak,” she recalled.
Lois also remembers Saturday night baths for all the kids in
the Darr family. “Before the baths could start, someone had
to light a special water heater in the basement. The last one
to finish [his or her] bath was supposed to go down and
shut off the water heater,” she said. “One of my brothers
was usually last and occasionally one of them would forget
to turn it off. The next morning, there would be steam
coming from the faucets.”
Throughout its 115-year history, the Baird house has been
a private residence. Because it has not been open to the
public, over the years many people in the area have been
curious about its interior. Mary (Wallace) Wild grew up in
the house built by her grandfather, Edina pioneer farmer
James Bull, just east of the Baird farm on 50th. In a 1999
letter, Wild wrote about her first glimpses of the Baird
house’s interior. “My sister Gene, Celeste Adams and I
were bridesmaids at Ruth Darr’s wedding [in 1939]. So, I
finally got to see the inside of the mansion.”The mansion’s four fireplaces feature
Scottish thistle designs and likenesses of
Mary Queen of Scots and Scottish hero
Robert the Bruce.
This is the servants’ back
stairway that Lois (Darr)
MacKinnon climbed to get to
her bedroom late at night.
Mi
n
n
e
s
o
t
a
H
i
s
t
o
r
i
c
a
l
S
o
c
i
e
t
y
p
h
o
t
o
Mi
n
n
e
s
o
t
a
H
i
s
t
o
r
i
c
a
l
S
o
c
i
e
t
y
p
h
o
t
o
The Baird’s first-floor master bedroom is now a den with antique
furniture, lace curtains and a 19th century doll.
Ed
i
n
a
R
e
a
l
t
y
C
o
.
p
h
o
t
o
Among the treasures found in the house was
a set of daily diaries in which Sarah Baird
recorded aspects of farm life at Edina Mills
from 1882 until 1918.
Mi
n
n
e
s
o
t
a
H
i
s
t
o
r
i
c
a
l
S
o
c
i
e
t
y
p
h
o
t
o
after a first visit to the house, saying, “We both came away thinking,
‘I really enjoyed looking at it, but I don’t think I’d like to live there.’
Still, the more we thought about it, the more it attracted us. It is a
fascinating house with a wonderful history that really appealed to
us. It’s elegant, but well built and practical. When we look back, we
realize that we didn’t buy the house – it bought us.”
Although remodeled a few times over the years, the house
still retains its original integrity and remains in excellent
condition and appearance. Today, the mansion, which sits
on the remaining 1.17 acres of the original Baird farm, is
one of only two Edina residences listed on the National
Register of Historic Places. The other is the Jonathan
Grimes house at 4200 W. 44th St. in the Morningside
neighborhood. In 1978, the City also designated the Baird
house and property for “Historic Preservation,” which means
that it will be “protected and preserved for future generations.”
Background material and photographs for this article came
from the archival collections of the Edina Historical Society;
the files of Edina Realty Co.; Hennepin County Property
records; interviews with Marilyn Curtis, Arlene Forest and
Lois (Darr) MacKinnon; the writings of James Darr and
Mary (Wallace) Wild; and the following publications:
“Edina – Closeup,” by the League of Women Voters – Edina;
“Edina – Chapters in the City History,” by Deborah Morse-
Kahn; “History & Architecture of Edina, Minnesota,” by
William W. Scott and Jeffrey Hess; “The History of Edina,
Minnesota,” by Paul D. Hesterman; “Pioneer Women of
Edina,” by Elvira H. Vinson; Gopher Historian magazine;
the Minneapolis Tribune;the Minneapolis Journal;and the
Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Wiltz And Curtis Families Were Third And Fourth Owners
The Darrs lived in the Baird house until 1960 when the house was
sold to Dickinson and Carol Wiltz, who owned it until 1979. While
they were there, the Wiltzes converted a dressing room next to the
“tower” bedroom into a third bathroom.
In 1979, Marilyn and Jack Curtis bought the Baird house. “We
bought it, partly because we appreciated its historic value,” Marilyn
Curtis said. “Before we moved in, we had decided to do whatever
we could to restore the house back to what it had been when
George and Sarah Baird built it – more than 90 years earlier. We
removed a screened sleeping porch on the front that the Darrs had
added. We also restored the original front porch, including the
front steps, which were built from the same Mankato stone as the
original steps.
“We removed the old
summer kitchen, which
was behind, but not
connected to, the house.
We replaced it with a
family room addition. The
old kitchen had been
remodeled and updated,
but Jack restored the
black ash wainscoting and
trim that was in the
original kitchen. We also
put in cupboards and a
slate blackboard from the
old Wooddale School that
was torn down in 1985.”
The Curtises also stripped many layers of paint and varnish
from woodwork and pine floors, which are all original to the house
except for some parquet flooring the Darrs added to the front hall.
In January 2001, the Darrs and Wiltzes were invited by the
Curtises to come over and see the house before they put it up for
sale. “We had a great time reminiscing and telling stories about
living in the house. I referred to the three couples as a ‘unique little
group’ because we represented three of the only four families that
had lived in the house for the previous 115 years,” Marilyn Curtis said.
The current owners of the house are Brad and Arlene Forest. They
purchased the Baird house from the Curtises in May 2001 and
moved in the following month. Arlene Forest recalled their reaction
10•SPRING 2002 11•SPRING 2002
Jack Curtis re-soldered joints in the many
stained glass windows after he and his
wife, Marilyn, bought the Baird mansion.
The Baird mansion has many different woods in its interior. The
wainscoting and trim in the formal dining room are Minnesota
black ash.
Ed
i
n
a
R
e
a
l
t
y
C
o
.
p
h
o
t
o
Ed
i
n
a
R
e
a
l
t
y
C
o
.
p
h
o
t
o
Copy your
family’s
slides and
photos on
video at
the Edina
Art Center
Like Laurie Anderson, you can take advantage of the
state–of-the-art equipment at the Edina Art Center’s
Media Studios to record your family’s history on
video or compact disc. Expert
instructors are available for
weekday or weekend
appointments.
No experience required—
we’ll train you.
Laurie Anderson put her family’s
photos on video for her parent’s 50th
wedding anniversary using Edina
Art Center Media Studios equipment.
You can too!
PEGGY KELLY MEDIA ARTS STUDIOS
EDINA ART CENTER
4701 WEST 64TH STREET, EDINA, MN 55435 612-915-6602
13•SPRING 2002
Lawn Watering
Spring rainfall can be unpredictable. In order to ensure
an adequate water supply for late summer, Edina’s odd-
even sprinkling policy goes into effect May 1 and
continues through August.
Homes with even-numbered addresses may water their
lawns on even-numbered dates of the week. Homes with
odd-numbered addresses may water on odd-numbered
dates. So, the family living at 5020 Bedford Ave. could
water their lawn on even-numbered dates – May 2, 4, 6
and so on.
If the weather becomes exceptionally dry for an
extended period of time, additional water restrictions
might be put into place. However, because residents
have faithfully observed the odd-even sprinkling policy,
the City has had very few water emergencies in the past.
Information: Utilities Superintendent Roger Glanzer,
952-826-0311.
Garage Sales
Garage or yard sales are a great way to clean out your
house, meet your neighbors and make some extra money.
If you plan to have a sale at your home this year, please be
aware of the following rules.
• You may conduct only one sale per year at your home,
lasting no more than 72 consecutive hours.
• Items offered for sale must be owned by the owner of the
premises or by friends of the owner.
•Items offered for sale must not have been bought for resale
or received on consignment for the purpose of resale.
• Signs may be erected on the premises where the sale is
taking place. No off-site signs are allowed.
• No signs may be posted on the road right-of-way (the
City-owned property 15 feet in from residential curbs) or
on telephone poles.
Information: Associate Planner Joyce Repya, 952-826-0462.
12•SPRING 2002
Mowing
Regular mowing with a sharp blade at the proper mower
height keeps grass growing vigorously so it covers the soil
surface. For most lawn areas, mowing at a height of two to
three inches provides a good quality turf. This height
screens out light to the soil surface, providing some weed
control by preventing the establishment of weed seeds such
as crabgrass that need light to germinate. Please observe
the following mowing heights for a healthy and better-
looking lawn.
• Kentucky bluegrass: Common or public varieties such as South
Dakota Common, Park, S-21, Argyle, Kenblue, 2-3 inches;
Improved varieties included in most sod beds, 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 inches.
• Fine fescue grasses: 1 1/2 – 3 inches.
• Perennial ryegrass: 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 inches.
• Bluegrass/fine fescue mix: 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 inches.
• Bluegrass/perennial ryegrass mix: 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 inches.
Information: Park Maintenance Superintendent Vince
Cockriel, 952-826-0305.
Grass Clippings
Keep grass clippings out of the street to help prevent
clogging the storm sewer, which can lead to water runoff,
backups and flooding. Clippings in the street can become
slippery and cause motor vehicle accidents. In addition, the
clippings can cause mechanical problems for Edina’s street
sweepers.
Please help your neighborhood remain safe and free of
flooding by bagging or composting your yard waste or
returning glass clippings to lawn areas whenever possible.
Clippings do not contribute significantly to thatch build-up
and are a valuable organic source of nutrients, especially
nitrogen. Under City law, it is illegal to rake or blow yard
waste into the streets.
Information: Public Works Coordinator Steve Johnson,
952-826-0301.
Tree Brush
During spring’s first storm, many tree branches and twigs
fall to the ground. Such brush must be hauled away.
However, the City does not pick up brush left at the
curbside. Residents should contact a private contractor or
refuse hauler for removal or dispose of the brush at the
county tree dump.
Information: Park Maintenance Superintendent Vince
Cockriel, 952-826-0305.
It’s Not Only Neighborly ...
It’s The Law
VISIT OUR NEW STATE OF THE ART FACILITY:
7705 Bush Lake Road ~ Edina, MN 55439
952-941-8601
GENUINE GRANITE COUNTERTOPS ~ SOAPSTONE
SINCE 1896
The largest
in-stock
inventory in the
Twin Cities!www.northwesternmarble.com
OPEN:
Monday-Thursday
8:30AM-7:00PM
Friday
8:30AM-4:30PM
14•SPRING 2002
Hot Happenings In Park
And Recreation
The City of Edina Park and Recreation Department has
many programs and activities to keep youth active during
the summer months.
Playground Program
Playground Program days are filled with
games, activities and special events.
The program is open to youth ages 6 to
10 and is held at several City parks, with
a special program for youth ages 9 to 12
at Countryside Park. Regular attendance
is not mandatory. Children can come
and play when convenient.
Countryside Park will be the home site
for youth ages 9 to12 participating in the
Playground Program. Older youth can
hang with their friends, play games and
participate in special events designed for
them. Staff will make up new games and play old favorites.
Art and crafts will also enhance the day.
Cost is $20 per session. There is a minimum and maximum
number of participants per location.
Mini Hawks
An introductory program for young children, Mini Hawks
helps children explore soccer, baseball and basketball at
Edinborough Park. There is no pressure, just lots of fun
while young athletes participate in all three sports through
unique Skyhawks camp games. Staff has been trained to
meet the special needs of young children and is committed
to help children start off on the right foot as they take their
first steps into athletics. The staff-to-participant ratio is 8:1.
The program will run 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 5-9. Cost is $85
per participant. There is a minimum and maximum number
of participants for the program.
Bike Trekkers
This exciting, fast-paced biking class is
for youth ages 10 to 15. Participants join
staff for bike rides and visit some sites as
part of the program. Sites include the
Edina Public Works building and Lake
Calhoun. Participants should dress for
the weather and bring their own bike,
helmet, water and snack to enjoy on these
round-trip adventures.
The program will be held 9:30 to 11:30
a.m. Fridays June 21 through July 19.
There will be no ride July 5. All treks begin and end at
Weber Park. Cost is $24 per person. At least 10 youth must
sign up for the program, which will be limited to 20 riders.
Become a Magician
Through the Become a Magician program, youth entering
Grades 2 through 6 can experience what few ever have –
personal magic instruction. With help from an instructor,
the small group of 15 will learn how to perform and present
magic and how to talk in front of an audience. The class will
be held 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 2:15 to 4:15 p.m. Aug. 13-15 at
Walnut Ridge Park in the warming house. Cost is $28
per participant.
15•SPRING 2002
Balloon Sculpturing
Twelve-year-old Magician Matt Dunn is offering his
instruction in balloon sculpturing for youth entering
Grades 2 through 6. Participants will sculpt rabbits,
alligators and parrots, among other things. In this two-
day class, held noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 13 and 14, children
will also learn how to perform in front of a group. Each
participant will receive 100 balloons and a pump.
Cost is $19 per person.
League of Champs (Three-on-Three Basketball)
Boys and girls entering Grades 6 through 8 are
encouraged to form teams and sign up for fun in the sun.
There will be a separate basketball league for each grade
level. Games will be played at Countryside Park on
Fridays starting at noon. Leagues begin June 21. A
supervisor will keep time, but no officials will be
provided. The fee per team is $15. Register by June 13.
Game schedules will be mailed June 15.
Sports Spectacular
In Sports Spectacular, children ages 9 to 12 play some of
their favorite sports while learning good sportsmanship
and cooperation. Sports could include softball, basketball,
tennis, soccer, biking, volleyball and lacrosse. Instructors
might also include old-time favorites such as croquet,
bocce ball, marbles and horseshoe. Two sessions of the
program will be offered. Session I runs Mondays and
Wednesdays June 24 through July 17. Session II runs
Tuesdays and Thursdays June 25 through July 18. Both
sessions will be held 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. at Wooddale Park.
Cost is $30.
Chess in the Park
Checkmate! The Edina Chess Association will provide
children with a new game to play outdoors this summer --
chess. Chess will be offered at Rosland Park 2 to 5 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursday July 9 through Aug. 29. The
program has been designed for children, but anyone is
welcome to play. Although some chess sets will be
provided, children should bring their own if they have
one. One or two adults will be there to teach some skills.
Registration is not necessary. For more information,
check out the Edina Chess Association’s website,
www.edinachess.org.
Fishing Clinic
Children can learn the art of fishing at fishing clinics held at
Centennial Lakes Park. Participants will play interactive
games, participate in habitat site studies, get their hands
dirty handling bait and have the opportunity to get the catch
of the day. In addition to instruction, each child will receive
a fishing starter tackle box. There will be one clinic in June
and another in July. The fee is $5 per child. Adults are free
and welcome.
To register for any of the above programs, visit the Park and
Recreation office at Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St.,
between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For
more information, call the Park and Recreation Department,
952-826-0367.
Playgrounds
Houle was humbled by the promotion. “I feel fortunate to
be working in Edina,” he said. “Edina is one of the nicest
cities in the area to work for. I am ready for the challenge
of leading the Engineering and Public Works departments
and will work hard to maintain the high level of customer
service residents have come to expect.”
Houle said his first goal as City Engineer and Public Works
Director is to complete upcoming projects and analyze the
City’s water system. He plans to carefully analyze the City’s
aging infrastructure to determine areas that can be
improved to be more efficient.
Houle, a native of Wadena, Minn., his wife, Wendy, and two
children live in the area. “I have made this my home and
look forward to staying here as long as Fran [Hoffman] did
before retiring,” he said. “I look forward to serving the
residents of Edina throughout my career.”
16•SPRING 2002
Houle Named City Engineer,
Director Of Public Works
Longtime City
of Edina
employee
Wayne Houle
was recently
named City
Engineer and
Director of
Public Works.
Houle was
promoted Jan.
2, succeeding
Francis J.
Hoffman, who
retired from
the position
after working
nearly 30 years
for the City.
Houle is a
graduate of the
University of
Minnesota Institute of Technology and is a registered
Professional Engineer in the state of Minnesota. After
working in the private sector as a civil engineer for
consulting firms and as a field engineer for a contractor,
Houle joined the City staff in 1996 as Assistant City
Engineer. In 2000, he was promoted to Assistant Public
Works Director.
Since joining the City staff, Houle developed a
neighborhood pavement reconstruction program,
coordinated a City wide sump pump inspection program
and was responsible for the Public Works section of a new
City Capital Improvement Program, among other things.
He has been an active member in the City’s Traffic Safety
Committee, listening to residents’ traffic safety concerns
and recommending solutions.
Houle has also been active in many committees that make
recommendations affecting area residents. Those
committees include the Technical Advisory Committee for
the Metropolitan Council’s Transportation Advisory Board,
I-35W Solutions Alliance Technical Advisory Committee for
the commuter rail feasibility study of the Dan Patch Rail
Corridor and the Technical Advisory Committee for the
Hydrology and Hydraulics Study of Minnehaha Creek for
the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. Houle is a
member of the Minnesota Public Works Association,
Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers and the
Minnesota City Engineers Association.
“We are fortunate to have an individual of Wayne's
experience and skills ready to assume the duties of the
important position of City Engineer and Public Works
Director,” said City Manager Gordon Hughes upon making
the appointment. “Among many other qualities, I have
always admired Wayne’s skills in dealing with residents’
concerns and his ability to explain complicated projects
and make recommendations for feasible solutions to the
City Council.”
17•SPRING 2002
Wayne Houle was promoted to Director of Public
Works and City Engineer in January. Houle has
been a City employee since 1996.
11 Years, 1000’s Served
Thank You!
Locally owned & monitored
www.edinalarm.com
Ph
o
t
o
b
y
P
o
l
l
y
N
o
r
m
a
n
City To Say Thanks
At Annual Reception
19•SPRING 200218•SPRING 2002
City To Introduce
Improved Website
Volunteer organizations help provide a diversity of activities
in a community for an improved quality of life. In Edina,
nearly 70 community organizations add to the beauty,
culture and recreational opportunities that attract many
new residents and visitors to the City.
Each year, the City sets aside an evening to focus on the
efforts of its service clubs and recognize the individuals
who have devoted time and energy to better the
community. As part of Edina’s Annual Volunteer
Recognition Reception, many will be recognized 5 p.m.
Thursday, April 18, at Edinborough Park.
At the reception, each organization will be given the
opportunity to recognize its own exemplary volunteers in a
public setting. More than 25 community organizations are
expected to participate in this year’s event. In addition,
Mayor Dennis Maetzold will announce this year’s recipients
of five Mayor’s Commendation Awards. The categories are:
Mayor’s Service Club Commendation
Awarded to a club or organization that has made
outstanding contributions to the community through its
regular activities or through special projects.
The Blue Ribbon Committee, a task force of the Edina City
Council that spent many hours researching and
deliberating the need for a park referendum in 2001, was
last year’s recipient.
Mayor’s Outstanding Senior Commendation
Awarded to a senior citizen for outstanding volunteer
service within the community.
The 2001 award was given to Lila Larson for her
involvement with the Edina Senior Center and FamiLink
Edina. Over the years, Larson has been an advocate for
seniors and has contributed to efforts including moving
hospice care to a home setting, reinstating the “Vial of Life”
program and lobbying for a new Senior Center.
Mayor’s Youth Commendation
Awarded to a young person who has demonstrated a
commitment to improving the quality of life in the
community. This will be the first year the award is presented.
Mayor’s Community Involvement Commendation
Awarded to a City employee for outstanding volunteer
service to the community, above and beyond his or her
position with the City.
Park and Recreation Director John Keprios was honored
with the 2001 award for investing a substantial amount of
personal time to further the development of the City’s park
system.
The community is invited to attend the 2002 Volunteer
Recognition Reception and applaud the extraordinary efforts
of Edina’s volunteers. Call Human Services Coordinator
Susan Heiberg at 952-826-0403 to make a reservation.
The City of Edina’s website, ci.edina.mn.us, has a new look. The
redesigned website was launched in early March.
Building on the City’s commitment to provide residents with
current and accurate information about Edina, the website features
24-hour per day access to information that was formerly available
only by phone, mail or a visit to City offices.
In the last few years, the number of monthly visitors to the City of
Edina’s website has increased ten-fold. The City uses a software
program to track what is going on in the website. By using the
software, City officials learned that in 1999 there were less than
10,000 successful hits to the site per month. In 2000, the site was
attracting approximately 40,000 visitors each month. About 100,000
hits are now made each month to the website.
Among the things you can do using the City’s website are:
• Download a copy of the Edina City Council agenda prior
to meetings.
• Complete research using the City Code.
• Download, print and fill out building permit applications.
• Read press releases before they are printed in the media.
• Learn where the most recent commercial crimes
occurred in the City.
• Plan to attend events and meetings by reviewing the
City’s calendar.
• View a photo gallery.
• Link to other community organizations’ websites.
Visitors to the redesigned website will notice a more sophisticated
look and improved navigation. In the near future, several interactive
applications will be available online for such things as employment,
appointment to a Board or Commission, parade entry and
recreation fire permit. E-commerce might launch later in
the year. Minneapolis-based eNRGi, Inc., is helping the City
complete the interactive project.
“The City’s goal is to make the website as user-friendly as possible,”
said Communications Director Jennifer Wilkinson, pointing out
that an objective of the City’s strategic plan Edina’s Vision 20/20 is
to match the City’s technological capabilities with the needs and
desires of residents and business people.
“Ultimately, we would like to have most forms and information
available to residents online – anything you would call City Hall for
should also be available on the website.”
For the website to continue to evolve, the City needs feedback
from residents – especially comments on what additional
information is needed online to increase the website’s
efficiency and meet the needs of the Edina community.
Questions and comments can be directed to Wilkinson,
952-832-6063, or via e-mail, EdinaMail@ci.edina.mn.us.
Log on today!
Improved Aquatic Center Slides
Into A New Season
climb-through center and lookout tower. The tree will
feature two platforms with slides, as well as a bridge to a
second tree. Attached to a third tree will be monkey bars
with a hippopotamus and alligator waiting below. The play
area will also feature a crawl-through log, toddler slide and
spider web.
Old favorites at the Aquatic Center were not touched
during construction. The always-popular children’s pool
features spiral and tunnel slides, a tire swing, sprays,
fountains and other water-in-motion amenities. For easy
entry, water depth begins at zero and increases to 18
inches. A full-service concessions area, located near the
children’s pool, offers light meals and snacks.
The $1.4 million renovation project was funded by
swimming pool revenue. The project was designed to keep
the facility fresh and exciting for years to come.
“The Edina Aquatic Center continually looks for ways to
better serve patrons,” said Assistant Park and Recreation
Director Ed MacHolda, who oversees operations of the
facility. “From dramatic improvements such as the new
water slides, themed cable ride and dry playground to
small enhancements like additional chaise lounge chairs
and shade umbrellas, the Aquatic Center staff strives to
keep the facility fresh and exciting year after year.”
For more information, contact MacHolda, 952-826-0431, or visit the
City’s website, www.ci.edina.mn.us. June and July hours are 11:30
a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
for the main pool and 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. for the zero-depth pool.
21•SPRING 200220•SPRING 2002
When the Edina Aquatic Center opens for the 2002 season
Saturday, June 8, adventurous swimmers will have the
choice between a twisting body or an inner tube flume to
whiz into a plunge pool below. They will also be able to
swim, glide over the water on a high-flying cable ride,
plunge from a three-meter diving board, splash and play in
a zero-depth children’s pool, slide from a magical tree
house or relax in comfortable lounge chairs. The Edina
Aquatic Center, located in Rosland Park at 4300 W. 66th St.,
offers summer fun to water-lovers of all ages.
After the Aquatic Center closed for the 2001 season,
construction began on several new amenities. New in 2002
will be a waterslide tower featuring a 207-foot body slide
and 300-foot inner tube slide with single and double tubes.
Both slides will be fully enclosed at the top and open one-
third the way down, emptying into a plunge pool separate
from the Aquatic Center’s main body of water.
Also new in 2002 will be a cable ride. Daring young
swimmers will be able to fly across the water on the new
cable ride. Riders will climb aboard a 10-foot platform built
to look like a ship’s bow. There, they will grasp a bar and
glide over the pool. The ride ends with a splash into the water.
When it’s time for a break, swimmers can relax in lounge
chairs, take shelter under large shade umbrellas or
exercise their imaginations at a new dry playground. The
focal point of the dry play area will be a large tree with a
ThemeScapes designed a tree house-themed playground for the
Aquatic Center. The focal point of the dry play area will be a large
tree with a climb-through center and lookout tower.
Swimmers looking for some afternoon adventure can fly across the water
on a new cable ride. Riders will climb aboard a 10-foot platform built to
look like a ship’s bow where they will grasp a bar and glide over the pool.
You may qualify for up to $20,000 to make
repairs or necessary improvements to your
Edina home through the Hennepin County
Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program.
This program provides deferred repayment
funds on a first-come-first-served basis to
people who can show financial need. If you would like to receive information,
income guidelines, qualification summaries, interest rates, and applications,
please call Associate Planner Joyce Repya at the
Edina Planning Department, (952) 826-0462.
Dozens of Edina residents have protected the value
of their homes by using this program. If your primary
residence is located in Edina and needs repair or
structural improvements, please give Joyce a call.
Home Rehab Funds
for Qualified Edina Home Owners
CITY OF EDINA
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
*Rates are per room,per night plus tax.Room availability limited,advance reservations required.Kids under 17 stay free in parent’s room.
Offer valid June 28-July 9,August 23-September 3,November 27-December 1,December 19-30,2002.
Long holiday weekends are your chance to create family memories.Bring the kids
and any visiting relatives and make Radisson Hotel South your headquarters for
family fun.Splash around in our oversized indoor pool and jet spa or check out the
game room.Gather the gang together and enjoy a meal in one of our restaurants.
Now that’s how to enjoy a weekend.Just ask for our Holiday Super Saver rate.
Join Gold Rewards.Free Nights.Global Rewards.
MINNEAPOLIS – BLOOMINGTON
Radisson Hotel South & Plaza Tower
7800 Normandale Boulevard
Minneapolis,MN 55439 • 952-835-7800
www.radisson.com/minneapolismn_south
1-800-333-3333 or contact your travel professional
$79*Holiday weekends
at Radisson Hotel South.
23•SPRING 200222•SPRING 2002
Through Edina’s residential curbside collection program, plastic
bottles with necks are collected. However, deli containers,
yogurt containers, plastic trays and other non-necked plastic
products are not because they are composed of different types
of plastics. Those plastics are not as marketable to companies
that purchase recyclables and are difficult to reprocess.
Local markets and their ability to recycle
different types of plastics are major factors in
what the City is able to collect. Even though
plastics are similar, each has different
attributes in its composition that makes it
better suited for a particular application.
There are seven different types of plastics.
However, only plastics that have the recycle
symbol with a “1” or “2” inside the triangle
are collected for recycling. They are:
PETE (polyethlylene terephthlate)
is a clear, tough polymer with
exceptional gas and moisture
barrier properties. PETE’s ability
to contain carbonation makes it
ideal for use in soft drink bottles.
HDPE (high density polyethylene)
is used in milk, juice and water containers in order
to take advantage of its excellent protective barrier
properties. Its chemical resistance properties also
make it well suited for items such as containers for
household chemicals and detergents.
The other five plastics are vinyl, low-density
polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and a mix
of plastics.
In addition to differing types of plastic, the way the
plastic is formed into its shape can affect how well it
will respond in the recycling process.
In shaping, there is an injection molding
process and a blown molding process.
Injection molding is a process in which
the plastic is injected into forms, such
as butter and deli containers. The blown
process is similar to glass blowing. Air
is blown into the plastic and the shape
is formed. Plastic bottles are made this
way. Blown plastic is easier to recycle
than the products formed through
injection molding.
In summary, the reason Edina collects
only plastic bottles with necks is that
the majority of plastic bottles are made
from two plastic resins: PETE and
HDPE. These two plastics are the
easiest to recycle and command the
highest market value. Other plastics
are harder to reprocess, have less
marketability or do not generate enough product
for collection.
For more information, contact Recycling and Solid Waste
Coordinator Solvei Wilmot, 952-826-0463.
Edina Firefighters Install Smoke
Detectors For Local Homeowners
Plastic Bottles With Necks
Easiest To Recycle
Because smoke detectors have proven to save lives, the
Edina Fire Department is reaching out to local homeowners
who don’t have working smoke detectors in their homes or
have old detectors with no means to replace them.
The local fire department will install smoke detectors
equipped with 10-year batteries in single-family homes of
qualifying homeowners. Paramedic/firefighters will install
the detectors, one per floor outside of sleeping areas.
Residents who live in apartment buildings, condominiums
or other multi-dwelling buildings are not eligible for the
free program and should call their property managers, as
they are required to maintain those systems.
Until recently, the program was sponsored by Hennepin
County, which supplied the detectors. Because of the
positive response to the program, the Edina Fire
Department decided to begin a program of its own
after County funding ended. Jerry’s Hardware
generously donated the smoke detectors for the new
local program.
Fire Department personnel will be available for testing,
installation and safety survey checks the second Friday
of every month. Appointments,
which last approximately 45 minutes
each, are available between 8 a.m.
and noon.
Residents who have participated in
the program believe it is beneficial.
“It was a pleasure to have [two
paramedics/firefighers] at my
house to put in the new detectors,”
said one resident in a thank-you
letter to the Fire Department.
“The two smoke detectors I had
were over 20 years old, so I’m
very relieved to have state-of-the-art
detectors now. I hope this program
continues so that others can benefit
from it.”
For more information on the smoke detector installation
program or to schedule an appointment, call the Edina Fire
Prevention Bureau, 952-826-0378.
Todd Porthan, a member of the Fire Department, discusses fire
safety and the use of smoke detectors with a local couple. The
Department is available for testing, installation and safety security
checks the second Friday of every month.
Paramedic/firefighter Todd
Porthan explains the proper
use and maintenance of a
smoke detector.
In Edina, only plastic bottles with necks are
collected through the residential recycling
program. Plastics used to make bottles with
necks are easiest to recycle and command
the highest market value.
Ph
o
t
o
b
y
P
o
l
l
y
N
o
r
m
a
n
Ph
o
t
o
b
y
P
o
l
l
y
N
o
r
m
a
n
8
24•SPRING 2002
To bring local government out of its offices and
directly to the public, the City will host City Expo
2002 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 30. The theme for the
event, “Building a Stronger Community,” emphasizes
the local youth asset-building initiative and celebrates
Edina’s close-knit community.
Similar to an “open house,” City Expo will provide
residents the opportunity to meet their elected
officials and learn about City departments, services,
programs and facilities. The event will provide
families with a chance to explore what is happening
in Edina and have fun at the same time. There will be
activities for children, educational opportunities for
adults, entertainment and giveaways.
The event will be held at Braemar Arena, 7501 Ikola
Way, and is free and open to the public. Guests will
be greeted by City Manager Gordon Hughes, Sparky
the Fire Dog, the Police Department’s beloved
McGruff and the Edina Aquatic Center’s Water Boy
at the entrance to the south arena.
Among the activities for children are:
• Investigate real emergency vehicles such as a
police squad car and fire engine, a snowplow and
park maintenance lawnmowers.
• Register to vote and cast a ballot in a mock
election.
• Practice bicycle safety with members of the Edina
Police Department.
• Watch pottery demonstrations by Edina Art Center
staff and a line-dancing performance by the
Dandeliners.
• Jump in Edinborough Park’s inflatable jumper and
practice putting for your next round on Centennial
Lakes Park’s bentgrass greens.
• Learn proper hand-washing techniques and ways to
recycle at home.
• Play “knox hockey” with Arena staff.
• Go through the new building construction process
by coloring blue prints and purchasing a building
permit with play money.
• Decorate the Arena’s sidewalks with washable
chalk and help from Art Center staff. Help create a
public banner with the Park and Recreation team.
An objective of the City’s strategic plan, Edina’s
Vision 20/20, is to provide a high level of service.
Staff has worked diligently to achieve that goal. “Our
residents have confirmed that the quality of our City
services sets us apart from other communities,”
Hughes said. “Expo is a wonderful opportunity for
our employees to showcase these services and
receive feedback from our community.”
City Expo promises a fun-filled evening for the entire
family. Booths and displays were developed with
children in mind, so bring the whole gang!
For more information on City Expo 2002, contact
Communications Director Jennifer Wilkinson, 952-832-6063.
City Officials To ‘Build
A Stronger Community’
At May Event
25•SPRING 2002
EDINA
GREAT KID
VOTER REGISTRATION CARD
Please type or print in ink.
1. What is Your name?
Last NameFirst Name
2. Where Do You Live?
NumberStreet Apt. #
EdinaMN
CityStateZip Code
3. What School Do You Attend?
4. Read the Statement Below and Sign
If All Parts Apply To You.
•I live in Edina
•I am a kid
•I am under the guardianship of my family
•I have not been convicted of a felony
•I want to vote in the next Edina Kids Election
•I want to be an election judge when I grow up
DateSignature
Hey Kids!
Do you want to vote in a
mock election at City Expo?
If so, you need to “register.”
Register at the event or fill in
this voter registration card
and send in before May 30.
Please fill out, cut and mail form to:
City Clerck Debra Mangen,
Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St.,
Edina, MN 55424
27•SPRING 200226•SPRING 2002
To purge rust and stagnant water from the water
distribution system and identify hydrants in need of
maintenance, the Utilities Division of the City of Edina’s
Public Works Department will flush hydrants for four
weeks beginning Monday, April 15. Random hydrants
are also flushed throughout the year as weather and
water demand allows.
Hydrant flushing will take place 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday
through Friday. In an attempt to minimize the impact on
residents, hydrants will be flushed as follows:
April 15-19 East of Minnesota Highway 100 and
north of Minnesota Highway 62
April 22-26 East of Minnesota Highway 100 and
south of Minnesota Highway 62
April 29-May 3 West of Minnesota Highway 100 and
south of Minnesota Highway 62
May 6-10 West of Minnesota Highway 100 and
north of Minnesota Highway 62
Due to hydrant flushing, it is inevitable that some
residents will receive rust-colored water, which can
stain laundry. Residents may also receive rust-colored
water when areas adjacent to theirs are being flushed.
Residents should check that water coming into the house
is clear before doing laundry during the flushing period.
The flushing schedule is approximate. For an up-to-date
flushing schedule, call the Public Works Hotline at
952-826-0375. For more information, contact Utilities
Superintendent Roger Glanzer, 952-826-0311.
City of Edina To Flush Hydrants
In April,Early May
Edina Senior Center
Moves Into New Facility
Members of the Edina Senior Center have traded the sights from
the third floor of the Edina Community Center for a “Grand View.”
The Senior Center moved into a new building at the end of February.
The 36,000-square-foot building, located at 5280 Grandview Square,
is home to the Edina Senior Center and Edina Community Library.
The project has been labeled a “cooperative venture that serves as
a model for other communities.”
The building anchors the Grandview Square
redevelopment project, which also includes an
office building and residential units. It is
located at the former Kunz-Lewis site, an area
south of Eden Avenue and west of Minnesota
Highway 100. Opus Northwest Construction
built the office building and library/senior
center complex. Ron Clark Construction is
building the condominiums.
“More than 22 percent of Edina’s population is
over 65 years of age -- the highest percentage in
Hennepin County,” said City Manager Gordon
Hughes. “The new Edina Senior Center will
provide an exceptional environment to serve the
needs of this growing portion of our population.”
The new library, part of the Hennepin County Library System, will
replace its current facility on West 50th Street with needed upgrades
and approximately 4,000 square feet in added floor space. The extra
space will house an expanded meeting room, a large living room
area with a gas fireplace, conference room and quiet study area.
More lounge seating will be available at the new library and more
space will be provided for computers. The expanded library will
provide more space for staff offices and a children’s room.
The approximately 18,000-square-foot Senior Center on the
building’s walkout level will be home for one of the most vibrant and
growing programs in the City’s Park and Recreation Department.
Members of the Senior Center have been working on plans for a
facility of their own for more than a decade.
“The new Edina Senior Center was worth the
wait,” said Joan Lonsbury of the Edina Senior
Advisory Council. “We are so excited to be
here. It is better than we ever dreamed it could
be – it is larger and brighter and is a great
place for the variety of programs we plan to
add to our offerings.”
Among the many new programs and
activities slated for the Center are University
of Minnesota outreach classes, Volunteers of
America’s Express Lunch, speakers,
additional card groups and support services
for the frail elderly.
Lonsbury and other members are quick to point out that any
program can be coordinated at the Senior Center if enough people
show interest. “The Edina Senior Center has a very open policy
about its programming,” Lonsbury said. “If enough people show an
interest in a topic, a group will be formed or a program started.”
For more information on the new Edina Senior Center, contact Director
Sue Weigle, 952-833-9570.
Ph
o
t
o
b
y
P
o
l
l
y
N
o
r
m
a
n
Senior Center employee Mary Endrizzi
and Director Sue Weigle field a call from
a prospective member of the Edina Senior
Center. The new Senior Center opened at
Grandview Square in late February.
29•SPRING 200228•SPRING 2002
Youth Make A Difference On City
Boards And Commissions
The community’s young people are helping to turn the
wheels of government.
Late last year, Mayor Dennis Maetzold appointed Becky
Amlaw to the Art Center Board, Allyson Grande to the Park
Board and Tim Marrinan to the Recycling and Solid Waste
Commission. The Heritage Preservation Board is currently
considering the possibility of adding a youth member to its
group. If that happens, Maetzold will appoint a teenager to that
board later this year.
“It is absolutely necessary for the City
to hear from the youngest members of
the community,” Maetzold said,
adding that expanding boards and
commissions to include teenagers is
an important part of the local
asset-building initiative “Connecting
With Kids.” “They are the future of
Edina and should be involved in the
decision-making process.”
Becky, a sophomore at Edina High
School, has been a member of the Art
Center for more than five years and has
been an active participant in its Art
Academy for youth. “It is really
important for youth to be involved in the
arts,” Becky said. “I wanted to be part of
the Art Center Board to propose some
new ideas that will encourage more youth
to participate.”
Becky would like to organize an annual art sale of
works by young and up-and-coming artists. She would
also like to see bands play more often at Art Center
events. “Becky Amlaw’s enthusiasm for the Art Center
is contagious,” said Director Diana Hedges. “She
brings a fresh perspective and wonderful ideas on
promoting the arts in Edina – especially for the high
school-age group. Becky is already working on special
events and outreach. We are happy to have her on the
Art Center team!”
After participating in countless Park
and Recreation programs, Allyson
decided she wanted to be in the
decision-making process and applied
for appointment to the Park Board.
“Many Park Board decisions
primarily affect youth, but until
now there hasn’t been a youth
member of that group,” said
Allyson, a sophomore at Edina
High School. “I am proud to
represent the youth and share
comments about issues.
“At my first meeting, we talked about
the [proposed] skate park. I have a
lot of friends who skateboard, so
when other members of the Park
Board asked my opinion of the
project it was easy for me to talk.”
Park and Recreation
Director John Keprios
has been impressed
with Allyson’s
community
mindedness. “Allyson
seems very interested
in making a
contribution and
making a difference on
the Park Board,” he
said. “In fact, at her
first meeting, she
offered to distribute
information flyers to
students at the high
school and get the
word out on our
initiative to offer facilities
for use after events.”
Freshman Tim Marrinan became interested in recycling
and solid waste issues after a recent mission trip in which
he assisted with waste management. When he saw a short
article in the local newspaper announcing an opening on
the Commission, he quickly applied for appointment.
“I hadn’t anticipated getting involved to the point where I
would make comments,” said Tim, recalling his first
meeting. “I listened hard to what the group was talking
about, but was surprised when they asked my opinion.
Now, I am trying to bring the high school viewpoint to the
table. It’s pretty fun. I would [join the commission] again in
a heartbeat.”
Recycling and Solid Waste Coordinator Solvei Wilmot has
noticed Tim’s dedication to improving the environment. “I
am always impressed with youth who volunteer for these
types of positions,” she said. “It is sometimes tough for a
young person to step into a group of mostly adults and
voice opinions. Tim is anxious to make a difference in the
community and is learning to provide input.”
For more information on youth positions available on the
City’s various boards and commissions, contact City Clerk
Debra Mangen, 952-826-0408.
Tim Marrinan became interested in recycling and solid waste
issues on a mission trip. He is applying his knowledge and passion
for improving the environment as a member of the Recycling and
Solid Waste Commission.
After several years as a member of the Art Center,
Becky Amlaw is now part of the decision-making
process there. She was appointed to the Art
Center Committee late last year.
Allyson Grande is the first youth
member of the Park Board.
Ph
o
t
o
b
y
P
o
l
l
y
N
o
r
m
a
n
Ph
o
t
o
b
y
P
o
l
l
y
N
o
r
m
a
n
Ph
o
t
o
b
y
P
o
l
l
y
N
o
r
m
a
n
31•SPRING 2002
Edina has approximately 200 miles of streets to maintain. One
continual and vital aspect of street maintenance is vegetation
control for public safety purposes. Streets must be kept clear of
vegetative growth to allow for safe passage of all types of
vehicles and pedestrians. All signs must be unobscured to
ensure proper visibility at intersections.
The City Code requires that streets must be clear
to a height of 16 feet. Edina residents are responsible for
maintaining the trees and shrubs along their boulevards or in
their yards to achieve this clearance. This City Code also
permits residents to plant shade trees on the boulevard.
However, the following species cannot be planted on the
boulevard unless permission is granted by Edina Park and
Recreation Director John Keprios.
• Willow.
• Elm.
• Box Elder.
• Cottonwood, aspen, poplar or other member
of the genus “Populus.”
• Pine, spruce, fir, yew or other conifers.
• Silver maple.
Residents are encouraged to plant shade trees on the
boulevard for both aesthetic and environmental reasons. A
healthy forestation of the community not only beautifies
neighborhoods, but also contributes to the environment by
means of erosion control, air quality and shade.
The City Code also regulates the safety of visibility at
intersections. This “clear-view zone” is defined as the point of
intersection of two streets to 30 feet in length on each street
and a triangular line connecting these points. This area
must be kept trimmed and clear from between 30 inches to
6 feet in height. This cleared area will then allow for safe
vision of traffic at corners.
When necessary, the City administers a boulevard
tree-trimming program. The homeowner may then choose
to pay the expense immediately or have it be assessed to
their property.
Any trimming requirements outside of these scheduled periods
are residential responsibilities. At times, residents may receive
notices from the City to comply with its ordinances.
Public safety issues and our urban forest need not be
incompatible with each other. Periodic trimming and pruning
makes our streets safer and also contributes to healthier trees.
For more information, contact City Forester Tom
Horwath, 952-826-0308.
30•SPRING 2002
Edina Garden Council To Hold
Annual Plant Sale
Keep Streets,Intersections Clear
Of Overgrowth
a
April showers bring May flowers and so does the Edina Garden
Council! The Council is preparing for its annual plant sale, which
raises thousands of dollars for the organization’s work in City parks.
The Garden Council’s annual sale will be held 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, May 10, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at
Arneson Acres Park, 4711 W. 70th St. Bedding plants, hanging
baskets, vegetables, herbs, houseplants, fertilizer and tools will
be for sale at reasonable prices.
Nine of the Council’s clubs comprising more than 100 people,
began planting flats of their choice in January for the sale. All plants
are grown from seeds and cared for at the Arneson Acres
greenhouse. Individual members also contribute plants they grow
at home, adding unique items to the selection offered for purchase.
The Council works closely with the Park and Recreation
Department to brighten the City. After wrapping up the sale, the
Council will begin planting flowers in the City’s parks. There are
approximately 100 public gardens in Edina. The Council will
plant flowers at less than 10 of them. City staff will plant the
remaining plants grown by the Council in the other gardens.
The Edina Garden Council was founded in 1953, joining together
several neighborhood garden clubs scattered throughout the City. The
objectives of the Council are to coordinate the interests of the garden
clubs of Edina, cooperate with other agencies furthering the interests
of gardening, promote the art of home and community beautification
and study all aspects of the fine art of gardening and horticulture.
For more information on the Edina Garden Council or its
annual plant sale, contact Virginia Bodine, 952-941-1206.
No matter what you’re looking for in spirits, chances are any of
your three Edina Municipal Liquor Stores can help you.
Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will be happy to guide you
through our world class selection to find just what you want.
And while our products come from all over the globe, our profits
stay right here in Edina, keeping our parks clean, our roads
smooth and our taxes low. Truly the best of both worlds.
Think Globally.
Buy Locally.
Practice Moderation In Excess.
Edina’s Municipal Liquor Stores
Grandview (near Jerry’s Foods) • Southdale (next to Cub)
• 50th & France (next to Lunds)
EDINA LIQUOR
H. D. Lindner - Home Repair
Enjoy your perfect home!
Fix the little things.
50th & France
Since 1964 Ph. 612-581-3137