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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAboutTown_2002WinterPRESORT 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 WINTER•2002 About Town Official Magazine of the City of Edina AR&LE To Present Spring Play See page 28 for details ***ECRWSS*** POSTAL PATRON CAR-RT-WS 7•WINTER 2002 Edina Highlands neighborhood was part of an old Indian trail that began at Lake Calhoun. It crossed today’s Edina, and later became a wagon trail used by the early settlers. Eventually, that trail became Vernon Avenue and old U.S. Highway 169, which was the main route from Minneapolis to Shakopee until the 1950s. Little Crow Sold 100,000 Acres to the Army for a Military Post In 1805, Little Crow, another Dakotah chieftain, signed a treaty with a young army lieutenant and explorer named Zebulon Pike. Under the treaty, Little Crow agreed to sell nine square miles of the tribe’s land to the federal government for a military post. Pike estimated the area’s size at 100,000 acres and calculated its value at $200,000. In addition to the fort, the military reservation included what are now large parts of the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, all of what is now Richfield and most of Bloomington and Edina. By Joe Sullivan, Freelance Writer and Edina resident In the summer of 1822, two teenage boys set out by canoe from what was then Fort St. Anthony to blaze the first white man’s trail up the creek, named Minnehaha by the Dakotah Sioux. They set out to follow the creek and to find its source, which the Sioux called Minnetonka. The ringleader of the expedition was a 17-year-old Union Army drummer and fifer named Joseph Renshaw Brown. He was accompanied by red-haired William Joseph Snelling, the “gifted, but erratic” young son of Col. Josiah Snelling, the fort’s commander, and two soldiers from the fort known only as Watkins and Steward. The canoeists, who are credited with being the first Caucasians to set foot on what is now Edina, were also the first newcomers to discover Minnehaha Creek and Lake Minnetonka. But I’m getting ahead of the story. To truly understand Edina’s earliest beginnings, we need to go back to the days before Minnesota became a territory—when the town of Minneapolis was still called St. Anthony. In the early 1800s, Minnesota was still an unnamed part of the remote Northwest Territory on the nation’s northwest frontier. The Mdewakanton tribe of the Dakotah Sioux Nation occupied the future site of the fort. The Mdewakanton had villages on Nine Mile Creek, Lake Calhoun and near today’s town of Shakopee, named for a Dakotah chief. A ridge that has been preserved in the 6•WINTER 2002 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 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 Two Teenage Boys Were First White Men To Set Foot On Edina Soil This simulated photo of Joe Brown and Will Snelling canoeing up Minnehaha Creek is from a re-enactment that appears in the new “History of Edina” video. A Dakotah Sioux encampment on the banks of the Minnesota River. (Circa 1857) The names given to Minnehaha Creek and Lake Minnetonka have been loosely translated from the Dakotah language as: Minnehaha Creek – “Laughing Water” Lake Minnetonka – "Big, Large, or Great Water” Chief Little Crow The Ft. Snelling post covered Richfield and most of today’s Edina. Then, as now, Fort St. Anthony was on a cliff high above the confluence of today’s Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. Construction was begun in 1819—39 years before Minnesota would become a state. Early buildings were built of wood. Later, local limestone was used for construction. The fort was renamed Ft. Snelling in 1825. Min n e s o t a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y g r a p h i c M i n n e s o t a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y g r a p h i c Min n e s o t a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y g r a p h i c In 1822, when the two teenage explorers began their adventure on Minnehaha Creek, Fort St. Anthony was still under construction. Some buildings were ready for habitation in the fall of 1822, but it would be two years before the fort’s full complement of troops could be housed there. The fort was originally named St. Anthony by its first commander, Lt. Col. Henry Leavenworth, who also named Lake Harriet for his wife. Minnehaha Creek Explorers Were Not Beginners The two boys who had decided to explore Minnehaha Creek were already accomplished young men. Joe Brown had left his Maryland home and traveled up the Mississippi on a boat, arriving at the fort in 1820 with the first troops of the Union Army’s Fifth Regiment. He attained the rank of major by the time he left the army in 1825. After the army, Brown went on to make many significant contributions to what would become the state of Minnesota. He drew up the bill first introduced in 1846, that created the Minnesota Territory, and suggested its name. He also laid out Stillwater, the territory’s first town, where he was the first lumberman to cut and raft logs. For a considerable time he served as editor and proprietor of the Minnesota Pioneer newspaper, now the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Will Snelling was no “greenhorn,” either. He had attended a private boarding school near Boston and then spent a couple of years at West Point Military Academy. From there, he traveled to Minnesota to join his father, Col. Josiah Snelling, and stepmother at the fort. During the winter of 1820-21, he lived with families of the Dakotah tribe in their tepees. As a result, he learned to speak their language and became a translator for people living at the fort. In his later years, Will Snelling became a writer and publisher in the eastern United States. 9•WINTER 20028•WINTER 2002 The young explorers and the two soldiers who accompanied them had heard about the creek from Native Americans living at the fort. They had told them the 22-mile trek up the creek carried an element of danger. They were venturing into a wilderness called the “Big Woods” where wolves often followed travelers by day and howled at night. Two-and-a-half miles up the creek from where it flows into the Mississippi, the explorers came upon Minnehaha Falls. Later, a “History of Minneapolis and Hennepin County,” published in 1914, described the creek and falls in the flowery language typical of the period: “A small but beautiful stream, about five yards wide, flows gently until it reaches the verge of a rock from which it is precipitated to a depth of 43 feet, presenting a …parabolic sheet, which drops without interruption to its lower level when it resumes its course unchanged.” The people at the fort became concerned when the missing explorers didn’t return by nightfall. Col. Snelling ordered a detachment of soldiers to search both sides of the creek for them. The journey up the creek took two days. Joe Brown mentioned the trip in later letters describing the early Northwest, reporting that at times they were driven back by swarms of mosquitoes before reaching the lake. After one particularly vicious Dakotah Sioux lodges and an Indian family living at Ft. Snelling. (Circa 1862-63) Col. Josiah Snelling 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 As an adult, Joe Brown was a leading citizen of Minnesota. Minnehaha Creek was an uncharted wilderness known only to Native Americans in the early 1800s. 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 Minnehaha Falls in the 1800s looked a lot like it does at the present day. 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 Hennepin County Historical Society, Brooklyn Historical Society and from the following publications: “The History of Edina, Minnesota—1822-1966” video by Joe Sullivan and Gene Updike; “Minnehaha Creek Living Waters,” by Jane King Hallberg; “Edina Close-Up,” by the Edina League of Women Voters; “Three Score Years” by Mrs. Van Cleve; “History of Minneapolis and Hennepin County, Minnesota,” published in 1914; and “History of Minnesota,” by Edward D. Neill. mosquito attack, young Snelling lost his enthusiasm for finding the creek’s source and headed back to the fort on foot. Brown continued the quest with Watkins and Steward. Explorers Reached Lake Minnetonka After the explorers reached the head of the creek and canoed into its lake source, they set up camp on one of its islands, which today is called “Big Island.” The search party from the fort eventually located the adventurers, who were found eating wild strawberries and fish on the island. The triumphant explorers returned to the fort bursting with the story of the creek and the huge lake they had discovered. Actually, they had only seen a small part of the lake, most of which is now called Gray’s Bay. Following the first stir of excitement about the exploration of the Minnehaha Creek and the discovery of Lake Minnetonka, no great rush was made to settle in areas near the creek until the 1850s. That was when 17 families, most of them fleeing from the starvation and death of a devastating potato famine in Ireland, came to Edina. They claimed land in what was then the rocky southwest section of Richfield Village and formed the Cahill Settlement near today’s 70th Street and Cahill Road intersection. They were soon followed by English and Scottish farmers, who claimed land near Minnehaha Creek and today’s 50th Street. In 1856 a small grist mill was built on the creek and a community grew up around the mill and its 15-foot dam, which crossed the creek at what is now Browndale Avenue. It would become a thriving trading post called Edina Mills, which later adopted the name given the mill by Scotsman Andrew Craik. (Craik had named the mill after his hometown of Edinburgh, Scotland.) The tiny settlement would eventually include a cluster of houses, an Episcopal Church, a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, post office, Grange Hall and general store—all grouped around the mill. It was not until 1888 that Edina, after seceding from Richfield, would become an independent village. Background material and photographs for this article came from the archival collections of the Edina Historical Society, Minnesota Historical Society, 10•WINTER 2002 11•WINTER 2002 The intrepid discoverers of Minnehaha Creek and Lake Minnetonka came home to a warm welcome from their comrades-in-arms in the Union Army’s Fifth Regiment at Ft. Snelling. Lake Minnetonka’s Big Island was still undeveloped when this photo was taken in 1905. Min 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 Join The Edina Historical Society If you love reading Joe Sullivan’s articles about Edina history, visit the Edina Historical Society’s museum to learn more tales about our town. Join the Society and receive a quarterly newsletter and a 10 percent discount at the museum gift shop on things such as T-shirts, ornaments and other memorabilia. The museum, located at 4711 W. 70th St., is open 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays and by appointment. The museum features a huge archive of pictures, manuscripts and historical data about Edina. Just complete and cut out the membership card (below) and mail to the museum along with membership fee. g Edina Historical Society Membership h Name Street Address CityStateZip Code Individual Membership $15Family Membership $25 Senior Citizen $10Friend of Society $50 Mail check and card to: Edina Historical Society, 4711 W. 70th St., Edina, MN 55435. City Hires New Utilities Superintendent 13•WINTER 2002 Someone new is “treading water” for the City of Edina’s Public Works Department. Roger Glanzer began work in August as Utilities Superintendent, overseeing the City’s water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems. Glanzer succeeds Dick Pelinka, who retired last year after more than 30 years of service. Before joining the City staff, Glanzer worked for 12 years as the Public Works Superintendent in Woodbury. Prior to that, he worked for the City of Little Canada in a similar capacity. Glanzer holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Metropolitan State University. “Roger’s 27 years of experience in both Utilities and Public Works and his commitment to customer service is definitely an asset to the City of Edina,” said Glanzer’s supervisor, Assistant Public Works Director Wayne Houle. Explaining his keen interest in the City of Edina, Glanzer said, “I was intrigued by the challenges of this job and the new experience to be gained. I look forward to using my experience to make Edina’s facilities among the best in the metropolitan area and provide the best possible customer service at a reasonable cost.” Glanzer’s crew includes 12 full-time staff members. Together, they oversee a water system made up of four water towers, one underground reservoir, four water treatment facilities and 18 wells; a sanitary sewer system with 23 lift stations and sewer lines; and a storm sewer system with hundreds of catch basins, storm sewer piping, 12 lift stations, ponds and drainage ways. One of Glanzer’s first goals is to review the utility system and determine what types of renovations or upgrades are needed, as most of the infrastructure is decades old. In addition, he plans to better educate the public about the City’s drinking water. Although the City’s drinking water meets all health standards, he is sensitive to residents’ concerns with water color and will work to address them. “I am here to answer questions and work to address any and all issues that come up,” Glanzer said. “I have already met many local residents and am anxious to work with others.” For more information on the new Utilities Superintendent, contact the Public Works staff, 952-826-0376, or Glanzer, 952- 826-0311. Glanzer’s hours are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 12•WINTER 2002 Pets The City of Edina not only cares about protecting its residents, but also for 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. Dog licenses may be purchased at City Hall. In order to obtain a license, simply present proof of a current rabies vaccination at the time of the initial licensing and each renewal. 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 2001 City dog licenses expired Dec. 31, 2001. Licenses can be renewed at City Hall or through the mail. 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. Additionally, animal owners cannot allow pets, including cats, to run loose on another property without the consent of the property owner. Dogs are not permitted off the premises of the owner unless they are restrained by a leash measuring 10 feet or less. Dogs must be on a leash at all times when in a City park. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs. Owners should also be respectful of neighbors and aware that dogs barking repeatedly for more than five minutes with one minute or less lapse of time between each bark is considered disturbing the peace. Dog owners who keep their four-legged friends in doghouses must abide by City ordinances and state regulations pertaining to shelters. A doghouse must provide adequate shelter and ventilation, have appropriate bedding for maintaining body heat and provide adequate shade in the summer. For more information on licensing, contact Judy Laufenburger, 952-826-0417. 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 John Carlson, 952-826-0494. It’s Not Only Neighborly ... It’s The Law Roger Glanzer began work in August as the City’s Utilities Superintendent, overseeing the City’s water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n 14•WINTER 2002 Schoolhouse Scholars Connect With Kids In Classrooms Like a tenth-grader starting classes for the first time at Edina High School, Dick Lund was a little apprehensive and uncertain his first day of school there last year. At orientation, an administrator had warned him and other new students about the rush between classes when 1,500 students fill the hallways, scurrying to their next classes. “All I wanted to do was stay out of the way that first day,” said Lund, who recalled seeing other new students who seemed cautious in the hallways those first few days. Although he had some things in common with the 10th- graders, Lund was different. He didn’t wear baggy blue jeans or tennis shoes. He didn’t need to worry about finding a date to the Homecoming dance or making plans for the weekend. He wasn’t worried about grades. He had his driver’s license. And he had a pension. Lund, a longtime Edina resident who retired from Honeywell after working 34 years as an engineer, was the first student in Edina Public Schools’ “Schoolhouse Scholars” program. Part of the youth asset-building initiative “Connecting With Kids,” the Community Education Services program places retirees in high school classes. “I see Schoolhouse Scholars as an intergenerational connection. In some classrooms, we now have three generations, represented by the students, teacher and Schoolhouse Scholar,” said Marsha Buchok, coordinator of adult programs for Community Education Services. “The Scholars have become sort of goodwill ambassadors for the community. They are making friends with the other students and expanding teenagers’ way of thinking.” Lund, a member of the Community Education Services Board, helped to develop the program. He had been part of a similar program, “Seniors Go To College,” at St. Thomas University, and thought something similar could be put into place at the local high school. “I suspected a lot of neat things were happening at Edina High School and wondered if administrators would ever consider opening the doors there to adults,” Lund said. “After being charged to figure out how we could connect kids with what we do in adult enrichment, it seemed opening the doors at the high school made sense.” 15•WINTER 2002 Superintendent Ken Dragseth, high school Principal Chace Anderson and many faculty members and students agreed that the concept was innovating and exciting. As part of a pilot program last school year, Lund enrolled in Michael Herzig’s Advanced Placement (AP) European History class. The pilot program was a success. “After the kids got used to me being there, I was just another student,” Lund said. However, Lund said he is sometimes called to share life experiences. “Every time you get different people together, you change the environment. Students can offer youthful insights. Scholars can share their life experiences. I really try to [control] my classroom participation, though. I keep a lower profile than my natural instincts would allow. I’m more interested in the classroom topic than myself.” This year, two other seniors are enrolled in classes at the high school as part of the Schoolhouse Scholars program. Jan Olson is taking AP U.S. History and Sue Patrick Seay is taking AP Spanish Literature VI. Lund is part of Chris Swanson’s Enriched Sociology class. Buchok said seniors, who enroll in classes for one semester at a time, do not need to attend class every day. Schoolhouse Scholars are encouraged to attend as often as possible, but there are no attendance requirements. Lund goes to Elder Hostel during the school year, missing a week or two of class each time. Olson leaves Minnesota for the month of February. Seay, who has had two hip replacements, will skip class on snowy days because she’s not willing to take the chance of falling on the ice. Lund said he has learned much in his classes. “I have a lot of satisfaction with what I am learning in the classes, but there’s more to it than that,” Lund said. “I’ve learned that there is a bright group of people at Edina High School. It is settling to know that they are my future. For that reason, I tell my friends, ‘Have no fear.’” For more information or to enroll in the Schoolhouse Scholars program, contact Community Education Services – Adult Programs, 952-848-3956. Classes for the second semester begin Feb. 4. Orientation will be held prior to the first day of classes for the Schoolhouse Scholars. For more information on the other initiatives of Connecting With Kids,” contact Doug Johnson, Director of Community Education Services, 952-848-3960. Edina High School Principal Chace Anderson stands with this year’s Schoolhouse Scholars, Sue Patrick Seay, Dick Lund and Jan Olson. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n Retired engineer Dick Lund is just another student in Chris Swanson’s Enriched Sociology class at Edina High School. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n the open book meetings, which will be held prior to the 2002 Board of Review meeting. The new assessments will be effective for the January 2003 assessment, taxes payable in 2004. “We had hoped to be a little bit further along with the project, but we are taking the time to do the proper evaluating and editing to make sure we have the best data possible,” Petersburg said. “When this project is complete, residents can be assured they are paying only their fair share of taxes.” For more information about the reappraisal project, contact the Assessor’s office, 952-826-0365. 16•WINTER 2002 Reappraisal Project Nears Completion The City of Edina Assessing Department is nearly complete with a project to equalize property values. Late last year, the Assessing Department, with help from Vanguard Appraisal, began door-to-door inspections of all single-family residential properties in the community. Fieldwork was completed in mid-August. State law requires each county and city to complete quartile reviews. In other words, 25 percent of the jurisdiction each year is required to be inspected and reviewed. That information is then used to value the jurisdiction. Each taxpayer is then responsible for paying only his or her fair share of the property tax burden. “Periodic inspections and reappraisals of properties are necessary because all properties do not increase or decrease in value at the same rate,” said City Assessor Rick Petersburg. “Some properties physically deteriorate faster than others, economic conditions might impact areas of the City differently, and in some instances similar buildings located in different areas of the City will differ greatly in value due to economic factors.” Because of the City of Edina’s limited staff, Vanguard Appraisal was hired to assist with the reappraisal project. Data collectors made interior and exterior inspections of 62 percent of the City’s approximately 13,000 single-family homes. Information collected included type of construction, type of interior finish, physical condition of the property, age of structures and exterior measurements. After most of the inspections were complete, Vanguard prepared a database of information for the Assessing Department. Each electronic file includes a digital photo and sketch of the house, notes from the recent inspection and data from the City’s old files. City staff appraisers just finished driving by approximately 13,000 single-family homes observing condition and checking the accuracy of each of those files. Vanguard staff members were unable to inspect an estimated 4,000 homes. Within the next few months, City appraisers will set up appointments with those property owners to complete the work. Once the rest of the properties have been inspected, the Assessing Department will test its new database and software for setting values to ensure that property values are properly equalized. Then, the department will host “open book” meetings for residents to come in, review their property values and talk with appraisers. Residents do not have to wait until those meetings to see the information that was recently collected. Two public computer terminals have been set up in the Assessing Department. Residents can view the photo and sketch of their properties, data collected to date and the 2001 value. The value will be updated before 17•WINTER 2002 Since 1896 7705 Bush Lake Road EDINA (952) 941-8601Wwww.northwesternmarble.com FAX 952-941-0994 Visit our new state of the art facility in Edina beginning 2002 3918 W. 491/2 Street • Edina • MN • 55424 Clinic Hours:Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Main Phone: (952) 915-8100 Internal Medicine & Geriatrics:Laurel Laden, M.D. David Pautz, M.D., F.A.C.P. Lou Roxanne Salet, M.D. Patricia Sias, M.D., M.S. Obstetrics & Gynecology:Sharon Kshettry, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist Orthopedics:Peggy Naas, M.D. Bone density testing available New Patients Always Welcome!!! 19•WINTER 200218•WINTER 2002 Liquor Store On Vernon Avenue To Be Remodeled patient. We have two other stores that are very convenient and provide great service,” Grausam said. “We know that we will have some loss in business that month, but we thought it would be safer for customers and staff if we temporarily close.” The new store façade and layout was designed by Tushie Montgomery Architects, a firm that has designed liquor stores for Richfield (Shops at Lyndale), Lakeville, Savage and Elk River. The remodeled Edina store will be roomier and brighter. The beer coolers will be moved to the back of the store. With additional square footage, the store will be able to offer a greater selection of wine. The front entrance will be moved to the center of the front façade. Work on the façade will begin sometime after work on the inside is complete. The exterior will be brick and stucco with green accents. “It will be like a brand new store,” Grausam said. “Everything will be different.” For more information on the Edina Liquor – Grandview renovation project, contact Director of Liquor Operations Steve Grausam, 612-928-4556. Edina Liquor is changing to serve you better. Construction is set to begin early next month at the Grandview store. As part of the $830,000 project, the liquor store at 5013 Vernon Avenue will undergo a complete renovation. The 3,400-square- foot interior will be gutted and expanded by approximately 1,000 square feet. “Edina Liquor – Grandview is the oldest of the City’s three stores,” said Director of Liquor Operations Steve Grausam. “The store is nearly 40 years old and is quite outdated. Even our most loyal customers have made comments like, ‘It’s old,’ and ‘It’s tired.’ It has been apparent for quite some time that the store needs to be remodeled to be more in line with how liquor stores are laid out today.” The liquor store was built in 1964 and was last remodeled in 1996. That project included replacing the service counter and carpeting. Straight-line shelving was installed in 1990. An addition to the store was built sometime in the 1980s. The Grandview store is the last of the City’s liquor stores to be modernized. The Southdale store was rebuilt in 1996. The 50th & France store was completely renovated in 1998. The store will close Feb. 11, for four to six weeks while the majority of the renovation is completed. Customers will receive incentives to shop at the stores at 6755 York Avenue and 3943 W.50th during construction. “We know that the temporary store closing will be an inconvenience for our customers, but I hope they will be The façade of Edina Liquor – Grandview will be brick and stucco. The entrance to the store will be changed. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n Edina Liquor – Grandview is the oldest of the City’s three stores. The last renovation project there was completed in 1996 when a new service counter was installed. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n 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 Architect’s rendering of the Edina Liquor Store’s new facade. Fire Marshal Stresses Importance Of Premises Identification 21•WINTER 200220•WINTER 2002 A UPS driver goes up and down your street, trying in vain to find your house in order to deliver a package. A local florist tries to deliver a bouquet of roses to your neighbor, but circles the block before being able to find her house. People such as the delivery truck drivers might have difficulty finding your homes because your street numbers are not clearly visible from the street. While small or obstructed house numbers could be annoying to delivery truck drivers, they could cost precious time in an emergency. In the winter, Edina Police and Fire personnel have all too often responded to a 9-1-1 call, only to be delayed in coming to aid because addresses are located on mailboxes buried in snow instead of on homes. According to the Minnesota State Building and Fire Code, “Approved numbers or addresses shall be provided for all new and existing buildings in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property.” According to Edina Fire Marshal Tom Jenson, “plainly visible” means addresses on a home or business are visible from the street, not hidden by landscaping or other objects that may obstruct the numbers. Numbers should be visible day and night. Numbers should not be on doors or garage doors that are open at certain times, rendering them invisible. Jenson said “legible” means that the address can be read from the street. The color of the numbers should contrast with the color of the home or business. Black numbers on a white house are very legible. Gold or shiny brass numbers on a light-colored home are just slightly legible during the day, but very difficult to read at night. Many homes have very small numbers and others have more ideal five- or six-inch numbers. Some homes have numbers in script that are very hard to read when searching for an address in an emergency. “It is extremely important that in an emergency there is no delay in locating your home or business,” Jenson said. “Please take the time to go outside and check the address on your home or business. For more information on Premises Identification, contact the Edina Fire Prevention Bureau, 952-826-0378. Homes without addresses are difficult to find in an emergency. According to the State Building and Fire Code, street numbers should be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property. The address of this Edina home is properly displayed with plainly visible and legible numbers. H. D. Lindner - Home Repair Enjoy your perfect home! Fix the little things. 50th & France Since 1964 Ph. 612-581-3137 NowOpeninRichfield 6613 Penn Avenue South Richfield,MN 55423 Tel: (612) 243-3700 www.fnblonline.com MEMBER FDIC We’ll take the same care packing and shipping your holiday gifts as you did picking them out. Introducing the Holiday Help Center at MBE Extended holiday hours.Additional holiday staff. UPS,FedEx,DHL and other carriers. Centennial Lakes Plaza (between Audio King & QCumbers) 7455 France Ave So.Edina,MN 55435 (952) 835-7662 FAX (952) 835-8772 Hours:M-Th 8am-8pm • Fri 8am-7pm • Sat 9am-5pm MBEis a UPS®company.MBE Centers are owned and operated by licensed franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc.,Inc.in the USA and by its master licensees or their franchisees outside of the USA.Services and hours of operationmay vary by location.©2001 Mail Boxes Etc.,Inc. 23•WINTER 200222•WINTER 2002 an individual’s risk for heart disease. • Breast and pelvic exams are available for women who meet age and financial requirements. • Home health services by home health aides help individuals who find personal care or household tasks difficult. • Home nursing services by public health nurses provide continued evaluation on the health and safety of an individual. Follow-up treatments and medication- monitoring are also provided. • Rehabilitation services are available from physical, speech and occupational therapists. Healthy Communities • Flu shot clinics are held each fall at the Senior Center, senior residences and area businesses, providing easy access to immunizations. • Childcare providers receive telephone and onsite consultation from public health nurses on child health and developmental concerns. • Health Promotion Specialists work in the community to educate and promote healthy behavior. Current areas of focus are tobacco, youth alcohol use, teen pregnancy prevention, physical activity and nutrition. • Tri-City Partners for Healthy Youth and Communities works with health promotion specialists and other individuals in the community to promote health, reduce risks and built assets in our youth. Although the City of Edina contracts with Bloomington Public Health for public health services, the Edina Community Health Services Committee, made up of medical professionals and volunteers, advises the City Council on significant health issues. The Health Department at City Hall oversees environmental concerns and coordinates solid waste removal and recycling. For more information on any of the above services, call Bloomington Public Health, 952-563-8900, or visit the City of Bloomington’s website, www.ci.bloomington.mn.us. Bloomington Public Health Works To Improve The Health of Edina Residents 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 tFrom unborn children to seniors enjoying their golden years of retirement, Bloomington Public Health works to care for all Edina residents. Since 1977, the cities of Edina and Richfield have contracted for public health services through Bloomington Public Health. Bloomington Public Health offers residents a myriad of services, broken down into five basic areas: family health, health promotion, home health care, clinic services and general public health. Healthy Beginnings • Prenatal home visits by public health nurses provide health care, information and support for a safe and healthy pregnancy. Nurses teach new mothers and fathers parenting skills and provide links to local family resources. • Women, Infants, Children (WIC) helps babies get a healthy start in life by providing food vouchers and nutrition education to pregnant, breast-feeding and postpartum women. WIC also serves children up to age 5. • Pregnant teens and teen parents are taught basic parenting skills by public health nurses at an alternative high school. Nurses also provide counseling and health services to the students and their babies. • Through the new Follow Along program, parents can learn about their child’s health and development. By filling out simple questionnaires, parents can learn if their children are hearing, moving, seeing, playing, talking, learning, growing and acting like other children the same age. Healthy Families • Immunization clinics provide low-cost child and adult immunizations. • Child and youth clinics offer physicals and immunizations for infants, youth and young adults. • South Hennepin Interagency Early Learning and Development (SHIELD) provides planning and coordination services for children ages birth to 3 who have special needs such as delayed speech, behavior problems and other developmental problems. • Family planning and Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) clinics provide confidential pregnancy testing, family planning, HIV and STD testing. • A public nurse answers general health questions via the “intake” telephone line. • Home visits by nurses help families and individuals find resources for health care, food, counseling, child growth and development, safe living conditions and other threats to health. Healthy Aging • Blood pressure and hearing screenings are offered at the Edina Senior Center. • Health risk assessment clinics check cholesterol levels and provide lipid profile and total blood chemistry testing. Results are followed up with a nutrition and education session. These procedures can help determine 24•WINTER 2002 After arriving at a neighborhood park to play with her young children, a mother carefully tucks her purse and its contents under the front seat of her car. She locks the car. Comfortable knowing that her purse is secured, she and her children skip across the parking lot toward the playground and an afternoon of fun. Little does she know that across the parking lot, someone has been watching her every move. In another part of town, a family is busy shopping. Bogged down by bags, the family decides to take some of its purchases to the car before continuing on to the next store. They put their shopping bags on the back seat, lock the car and head back into the shopping mall. A thief happens by, easily tempted by the bags in full view through the car window. “These scenarios are all too common in Edina,” said Lt. Jeff Long of the Edina Police Department. “Thefts from autos are a growing crime. Unfortunately, in these types of situations, people make themselves easy victims. Thefts from autos are crimes of opportunity.” From 1995 to 2000, there were an average of 1,168 thefts per year in Edina. Of those, Long estimates that at least a third, perhaps as many as half, were thefts from autos. To cut down on thefts from autos and educate the public about the crime, the Police Department recently began a new public awareness campaign, dubbed, “If You Don’t Remove Your Valuables, Someone Else Will.” The program is funded by an $11,514 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant made available by the U.S. Department of Justice Assistance. Additional funds for the program are available, as the Police Department needed to provide a “match” of approximately $1,200 to receive the federal grant. Money will be spent on print advertising and signs for parking lots to remind people to remove their valuables from vehicles. Money will also pay overtime costs for officers who will work extra hours to educate the public through community oriented policing, observe parking lots and run surveillance. Several “bait cars” will be set up to attract thieves. About $1,600 will be spent on night vision equipment for surveillance and a few hundred dollars has been set aside for auto parts replacement if the thieves damage the bait cars. “Thefts from autos happen in all parts of the community – from busy shopping mall parking lots to quiet residential streets. Thefts from autos are most common in the summer and around the holidays, but they happen year-round,” Long said. “Our goal of this program is to educate the public and cut down on the number of thefts in our community. We want to prevent people from becoming victims. I don’t want people to come out to their driveways in the morning to find that their CDs and cellular phones have been taken. I don’t want people who have just spent an enjoyable afternoon in a park to find their purses stolen. And I don’t want people who have been shopping to find a broken car window and items missing.” For more information on thefts from autos or the Local Law Enforcement Grant program, contact Lt. Jeff Long of the Edina Police Department, 952-826-1610. Police Department Targets Thefts From Autos If You Don’t Remove Your Valuables, Someone Else Will. Don’t let a thief steal your sense of security. The Edina Police Department reminds you to lock your car doors and remove all valuables. If your car is unlocked, your shopping bags, purses, cellular phones and other valuables are easy targets in parking lots, streets and even your own driveway. This project was supported by Grant No. 2001-LB-BX-4020 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Points of view in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice Assistance.Dial“9-1-1”inanemergency 27•WINTER 200226•WINTER 2002 After two men beat and robbed a local couple during a home invasion last May, the Edina Police Department issued a press release that described the suspects’ physical appearance. Not much information was received. After a $5,000 reward was offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators, officers received a tip that led to arrests. A series of bomb threats was made at Edina High School last school year. After a threat was made last April, a $1,000 reward was offered for information. Soon after, an arrest was made. “These are classic success stories for the Edina Crime Prevention Fund,” said Chief of Police Mike Siitari. “Without the rewards offered by the Fund, an arrest would not have been made in the Edina High School case. The reward offered for information on the home invasion helped that case along.” The Edina Crime Prevention Fund was established 31 years ago to assist the Police Department with crime prevention in the community. In 2001, the Fund offered a number of rewards, purchased educational and coloring books for children and a projector for the Police Department, and helped fund the DARE program and the Crime Prevention Specialist position within the Police Department. Fund Coordinator Don Peterson said the Fund will enable similar activities and programs in 2002. The Fund, administered by a board of directors elected annually by sponsoring community organizations, is in the middle of its annual fund-raising campaign. Sponsoring organizations are Athena Women’s Club, Edina Chamber of Commerce, Edina Federated Women’s Club, Edina Kiwanis Golden “K” Club, League of Women Voters – Edina, Edina Lions Club, Edina Women’s Club, Morningside Women’s Club and Southdale Y’s Men’s Club. Donations are also being sought from residents and business people. “It is getting harder and harder to put together new programs with no new funding. In addition, since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the Police Department has a lot of new responsibilities and equipment needs. That puts further constraints on an already tight budget,” Siitari said. “The Edina Crime Prevention Fund goes a long way in assisting local officers.” Within the next year, Siitari said he will likely ask the Fund to consider purchasing new digital video technology that will allow officers to view or enhance surveillance tapes. Also, Siitari would like to purchase a K-9 unit to assist officers search through buildings for people and drugs and track suspects during crimes-in-progress. If you have information about a crime or would like additional information about the Edina Crime Prevention Fund, contact the Edina Police Department, 952-826-1610. To make a tax-deductible donation to this valuable cause, send a check to the Edina Crime Prevention Fund, Box 390231, Edina, MN 55439-0231. Edina Crime Prevention Fund Kicks Off Annual Campaign Children,Motorists Advised To Be Careful Around Snow Removal Equipment fSnowball fights, sledding and building snow forts are favorite wintertime activities for children. However, the Edina Public Works staff reminds residents that it is unsafe for children to play in the area of their front yards where snowplows spray snow. “Because snowplows throw snow in the very front of yards, children like to build snow forts there,” said Public Works official Susan Waack. “That is a very dangerous thing to do because if the children are in the fort when a snow plow makes another pass, the driver might not see them and could bury them. Snow forts with roofs are even more dangerous, as they could collapse from the weight of additional snow.” Forts should be built in a “safe zone” near the house. The safe zone should start 10 to 15 feet from the street. Also, forts should be built like nests, without roofs. Waack also cautions children from sledding off of the piles of snow created by the snowplows. “Children love to sled down the highest pile of snow in the yard,” Waack said. “If the highest pile is that created by the plow, it is close to the street. A child could lose control of his or her sled and skid into the street and oncoming traffic.” Children are not the only people who need to be careful around snow removal equipment. Motorists should take extra precautions when driving near snow removal equipment. Snowplow blades forcing snow up and off the road can cause blizzard-like or reduced-visibility conditions for drivers who are following too closely. Caution and cooperation are keys to snow removal safety. Drivers can help increase safety by remembering the following tips: • Do not park on a City street, highway or alley from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. until March 31, when an inch or more of snow has fallen until it has been plowed to the curbline, for six hours after the snowfall stops unless traffic signs specifically allow you to do so or if you are engaged in certain job-related activities as described in the City Code. • When driving, remain at least two car lengths behind snowplows for every 10 mph of your vehicle’s speed. Snow from the road can spray out, reducing visibility. In addition, abrasives being spread by these trucks can damage your vehicle. • Do not pass a snowplow unless absolutely necessary. If you must pass, do not pass through the snow plume coming off the plow. Pass only when you can clearly see the road ahead. Be patient if cars are stacking up behind a snow removal truck. The snowplow operator will let you pass when it is safe. • Do not cut back immediately in front of a snowplow. The snowplow blades are often covered with snow and can be difficult to see. The plow extends nearly three feet beyond the truck width. • Do not brake suddenly in front of a snowplow. The heavy vehicle cannot stop as quickly as a passenger vehicle. • Expect to see snow removal equipment in action during a storm. Snowplows are continually clearing the streets and highways to provide the best possible traction, so be on the lookout for them. For more information on safety around snow removal equipment, contact Public Works official Susan Waack, 952-826-0302. 29•WINTER 200228•WINTER 2002 AR&LE To Present ‘Totally Talents & Tunes’ Working together makes all things possible. That’s the theme behind a new Adaptive Recreation & Learning Exchange (AR&LE) program and a musical that adults will put on as part of it. Late this winter, AR&LE, a cooperative of the cities of Edina, Bloomington, Eden Prairie and Richfield, will present the hour- long musical “Totally Talents and Tunes,” adapted from Barbara Redlin’s “Talents and Tunes Together.” The musical follows a group of people who encounter conflict when they decide to enter a talent show. They can’t decide if performing is “all about me” or “all about us.” The conflict comes to a head when one of the “me” people realizes he needs help. Area residents will need to see one of the shows March 9 to find out what happens the night of the fictitious talent show when the “me” becomes something more. Performances will be given at 3 and 7 p.m. in the Richfield High School auditorium, 7001 Harriet Ave. S. The actors in the play are not your typical stars. More than 30 principle actors in “Totally Talents & Tunes” are adults with physical or developmental disabilities. Other actors include Richfield High School students. “‘Totally Talents & Tunes’ focuses on the actors’ abilities, not disabilities,” said Edina Adaptive Recreation Supervisor Susie Miller. “Many of our actors have never had the opportunity to perform in front of an audience. Some may have worked behind the scenes on a production, but they have never been in the spotlight before.” The Learning Exchange offered acting classes for adults with developmental disabilities in the fall of 2000 and winter of 2001. The three “You Can Act” classes were at capacity, sometimes with waiting lists. Most of the participants enjoyed the classes and wanted a venue to showcase their new talents. Planning for “Totally Talents & Tunes” began after the winter 2001 “You Can Act” class. Because there are many costs associated with putting on a full-scale musical, funding was provided by Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, the McKnight Foundation, Edina Rotary Club, Edina Community Foundation and Transportation Resource To Aid Independent Living. Janet Beard, who taught the acting classes, was hired as artistic director and project leader. Auditions were held in early October with regular rehearsals beginning later that month. Although the production dates are fast approaching and rehearsals have been ongoing for several months, AR&LE is still looking for mentors for the adult actors. Mentors are needed to work one-on-one with the participants two or three times to prepare their talent acts and memorize lines. The goal of the musical is not only to provide adults with disabilities the opportunity to participate in a theatrical production, but to increase self-esteem, promote teamwork of people with and without disabilities, increase participants’ artistic expression, heighten community awareness of the talents of adults with disabilities, and enhance participants’ knowledge in the arts. “We are well on our way to putting on a show that is worth every penny of the $5 admission fee,” Miller said. “‘Totally Talents & Tunes will be a production every resident in our four communities will be proud of.” For more information on “Totally Talents & Tunes” or to volunteer to work as a mentor with one of the musical participants, contact Edina Adaptive Recreation Supervisor Susie Miller, 952-826-0433. Artistic Director and Project Leader Janet Beard leads a rehearsal of a dance number for “Totally Talents & Tunes.” Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n The cast of “Totally Talents & Tunes” includes a handful of high school students and adults of all abilities. Actors practice a scene finale during a fall rehearsal. 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•WINTER 2002 Indoor Skating Lessons Registration for the spring session of ice skating lessons at Braemar Arena, 7501 Ikola Way, will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 15. Phone-in registrations will not be accepted. The spring session will be held Jan. 26 through April. A schedule of lesson programs is available at the Arena or through the City’s website, www.ci.edina.mn.us, or by calling 952-941-1322. Open skating schedules are also available. Indoor Edinborough Park, 7700 York Ave., also offers indoor skating lessons for toddlers ages 3 to 6 and older youth on its intimate, family-style rink. Lessons help children learn basic movements using special games and toys. Classes are available for a variety of levels, from toddlers learning to stand on skates to youth ready to start jumping. Winter classes begin the weeks of Jan. 7, Feb. 18 and March 25. For more information, call 952-832-6790. All Around the World In “All Around the World,” an Adaptive Recreation Program, youth will learn about other cultures while playing games, singing and making crafts. The morning program is open to preschool students of all abilities ages 3 to 6 and will be held at the Edina Art Center, 4701 W. 64th St., Saturdays Feb. 9 through March 16. Cost is $30 for residents, $35 for non-residents. For more information or to register, call 952-826-0433 / 952-826-0379 TTY. Registration deadline is Feb. 2. Fun Jobs Although the mercury is barely above zero on residents’ thermometers, the Edina Park and Recreation staff is thinking about the warm days of summer. The Department is currently hiring seasonal help for the summer months. Jobs are available at the Edina Aquatic Center, Braemar Golf Course, Centennial Lakes Park and the Van Valkenburg Park concessions stand. Other positions include playground leaders, biking instructors, park maintenance, horticulturist assistant and Adaptive Recreation workers. For more information or to obtain an application, call 952-826-0404 or visit the City’s website, www.ci.edina.mn.us. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older. 30•WINTER 2002 Fire Department Begins ‘Adopt-A-Hydrant’Program Hot Happenings In Park And Recreation Indoor skating lessons 11 Years, 1000’s Served Thank You! Locally owned & monitored www.edinalarm.comk To save precious time in an emergency, the Edina Fire Department recently began “Adopt-A-Hydrant,” a public service program that encourages property owners to shovel snow away from hydrants in the winter and keep foliage clear from them during the summer. Edina Fire Marshal Tom Jenson is working with the City’s Engineering Department to identify all fire hydrants in the community and the properties nearest them. The Fire Prevention Bureau will send a letter out to those property owners requesting that they “adopt” the hydrant by keeping it visible and easily accessible. If the property owner is not able to do the work, a neighbor will be contacted. If a fire hydrant is located on your property and you are willing to adopt it, please remember the following tips: • After a snowfall, start to clear away the snow so that the fire hydrant is visible. The Fire Code requires a three-foot radius around the fire hydrant. This gives a firefighter room to work while connecting hoses to the fire hydrant. The few minutes it takes to clear your hydrant of snow can save firefighters precious time during an emergency. • Avoid placing trees and fences within three feet of the fire hydrant. In the summer, keep foliage and landscaping clear. Small bushes and plants can grow to heights that completely cover the fire hydrant. If a Fire Department official notices this, you will get a letter requiring you to remove the obstruction. • If your fire hydrant appears to be leaking water around the base or from the caps, please notify the Water Department as soon as possible by calling 952-826-0375. In the wintertime, this water can freeze and the fire hydrant will not work. For more information on the new Adopt-A-Hydrant program or tips for keeping hydrants visible, contact the Fire Prevention Bureau, 952-826-0378.