Loading...
The URL can be used to link to this page
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Home
My WebLink
About
AboutTown_2004Spring
PRESORT STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID Permit No.3932 Edina, MN AboutTown Magazine City of Edina 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.cityofedina.com SPRING•2004 About Town Official Magazine of the City of Edina Park &Recreation Insider Special Pull-Out Section ***ECRWSS*** POSTAL PATRON CAR-RT-WS ©C O L O U R S 2 0 0 4 The Minnesota Community Education Association recently presented an award for last spring’s Connecting With Kids intergenerational dialogue. Connecting With Kids is an effort to create a more supportive and caring school and community environment for Edina’s youth. The initiative focuses on developing a community-wide commitment to surround children and adolescents with the wide range of “assets” crucial for healthy development. Coordinated by Edina Public Schools staff member Alice Randall, an intergenerational dialogue was held in March 2002 at Braemar Golf Course to bring together students and adults of all ages to discuss issues and concerns. Consultant Jim Gambone led the conversations. The Minnesota Community Education Association also honored two other Connecting With Kids programs – “Hooked on Fish,” the welcome-back-to- school event at Edina High School, and “Celebrate What’s Right With Our Schools,” a middle school project to make students feel more valued. For more information on Connecting With Kids, contact Community Education Services Director Doug Johnson, 952-848-3960 or Park and Recreation Director John Keprios, 952-826-0430. Table of Contents Calendar Of Events.................................................................1 Spring Calendar Highlights...................................................4 A Word From The Mayor ......................................................5 Historic Churches Of Edina...................................................6 More Than $24,000 Donated To Park And Recreation Department In 2003..................................17 City To Say Thanks At Annual Reception..........................18 Braemar Boulevard Renamed After Local Golf Star.........20 Johnson Retires From Planning Commission After More Than Three Decades Of Service.....................22 Local Athletic Associations Team Up For Youth With Disabilities..................................................24 Edina Community Foundation Focuses On Youth............26 Maureen Brockway – An Edina Art Center Original........28 It’s Not Only Neighborly, It’s The Law...............................30 Edina Garden Council To Hold Annual Plant Sale............31 Fairview Southdale Hospital To Light Up The City July 4.......................................................................32 City Accepting Nominations For 2004 Edina Heritage Award..........................................33 Edina Resident Pezzuto ‘Happy To Serve’.........................34 Golden K Kiwanis Club, Edina Senior Center To Sponsor Barbary Coast Dixieland Band Performance.....36 Edina Liquor Receives Building Award..............................38 City Of Edina To Flush Hydrants In April, May................39 AboutTown Volume 16, Number 2 Spring 2004 Official Publication of the City of Edina, Minnesota 4801 West 50th Street Edina, Minnesota 55424 952-927-8861 Circulation 25,000 Editor:Jennifer Bennerotte Assistants to the Editor:Brett Carlson and Matt Lockrem 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, 610-277-9252. Copyright 2004 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. www.cityofedina.com Connecting With Kids Programs Receive Awards 1•SPRING 2004 SUNDAYMONDAYTUESDAYWEDNESDAYTHURSDAYFRIDAYSATURDAY 1 5:30 p.m., Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 2 3 4 7 p.m., Eden Prairie Community Band, Edinborough Park. 5 6 7 p.m., Sentimental Swing, Edinborough Park. 7 7 p.m., HRA&City Council, Edina City Hall. 8 Noon, Annette Fragale Springtime Jamboree, Edinborough Park. 910 111213 7 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Royal Scottish Country Dance, Edinborough Park. 1416 Podiatrist appointments with fee charge beginning at 8:30 a.m., Edina Senior Center. 17 18 7 p.m., Minneapolis Police Concert Band, Edinborough Park. 1920 7 p.m., HRA&City Council, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Lehto & Wright, Edinborough Park. 21 7 a.m., Recycling and Solid Waste Commission, Edina City Hall. 22 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. 2324 27 5 p.m., Volunteer Recognition, Edinborough Park 7 p.m., Human Relations Commission, Edina City Hall 7 p.m., Just Friends Big Band, Edinborough Park 26 7 p.m., Just Friends Big Band, Edinborough Park. 25 7 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park. About Town Calendar APRIL 2004 28 7:30 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 29 30 15 5:30 p.m., Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 2•SPRING 2004 SUNDAYMONDAYTUESDAYWEDNESDAYTHURSDAYFRIDAYSATURDAY 1 2 7 p.m., South of the River Community Band, Edinborough Park. 3 4 1:30–3:30 p.m., Hearing Tests, Edina Senior Center. 7 p.m., HRA&City Council, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Scott Frasier Guitar Duo, Edinborough Park. 5 6 Noon, Jefferson Community School Band, Edinborough Park. 5:30 p.m., Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 7 Podiatrist appointments with fee charge beginning at 8:30 a.m., Edina Senior Center. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Edina Garden Council Plant Sale, Arneson Acres Park. 8 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Edina Garden Council Plant Sale, Arneson Acres Park. 9 7 p.m., Northern Winds Concert Band, Edinborough Park. 1011 7 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., River City Jazz Orchestra, Edinborough Park. 1214 4:30 p.m., July 4 Parade unit application deadline. 15 16 7 p.m., Music Staff Recital, Edinborough Park. 1718 7 p.m., HRA&City Council, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Swing Train Duo, Edinborough Park. 19 7 a.m., Recycling and Solid Waste Commission, Edina City Hall. 20 5:30 p.m., Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 2122 25 7 p.m., Human Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Somewhat Dixieland Band, Edinborough Park. 2423 7 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park. About Town Calendar MAY 2004 26 7:30 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 27 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. 28 Podiatrist appointments with fee charge beginning at 8:30 a.m., Edina Senior Center. 13 29 Special Pull-Out Section: Park & Recreation Insider 30 31 Memorial Day. Most City offices closed. 5•SPRING 2004 With little fanfare, Mayor Reuben Erickson opened the May 3, 1954 meeting of the Edina Village Council. It was the group’s first meeting in the new auditorium of the Edina Village Hall and it was business as usual. That night during a two-hour meeting, the Council took action on two matters. First, the Council opened bids for a watermain improvement in west-central Edina and asked the City Engineer to make a recommendation. The low bid was for $62,336.40. Later in the evening, a more contentious discussion ensued over a proposed diagonal trunk and lateral sewer system beginning at West 69th Street and Valley View Road extended. Part of the project, estimated to cost just over $500,000, was to be assessed to area properties. Just a few months shy of 50 years later, I called to order the last meeting of the Edina City Council in that building. Since City offices had just moved next door where the new Council Chambers had not yet been finished, there was little business on the Feb. 3 agenda. Two public hearings were set and a few bids were awarded, including one low estimate for a backhoe, hydraulic hammer and plat compactor that totaled about $95,000. The Council spent the majority of the meeting discussing the City’s proposed plan for installing additional sidewalks and pathways. For the most part, the meeting was business as usual, just as it had been in the building five decades before. But, at the conclusion of the meeting, all of us in the room reflected on the many important decisions that had been made there over the years and, for posterity, took a photograph of all those in attendance. It was a sweet goodbye to a room and a building that had served us well, but was obsolete. The new state-of-the-art Council Chambers on the main level of City Hall seats nearly 100 people. Hundreds more will also be able to observe the meetings from the comfort of their own homes. The Council Chambers were designed to accommodate cable broadcasts of our meetings. If you subscribe to Time Warner Cable, one of your two C- SPAN2 channels will soon return to its intended position in the television lineup as a local government channel, featuring City Council meetings and a community bulletin board, among other things. Cable Channel 16 will give you one more peek into the City of Edina, adding to our other communications vehicles already in place such as About Town and our website, www.cityofedina.com. Demolition of the old Edina City Hall is scheduled to be complete the first part of April. Following demolition, a surface parking lot will be constructed and landscaping installed. The plantings will mark the end of the 18-month construction project. Watch for information about a grand opening of City Hall, to be scheduled for sometime this summer. Though the building will be gone, the walls of the old City Hall will speak for the last time at the event when a 1954 time capsule is opened as part of the grand opening celebration. I am sure it will be an historic event you won’t want to miss! Dennis F. Maetzold Mayor 4•SPRING 2004 April 13 1:15-3 p.m., Blood Pressure Clinic, Edina Senior Center. May 11 1:15-3 p.m., Blood Pressure Clinic, Edina Senior Center. SET SAIL WITH OUR STARS What:Held annually, the Southdale YMCA’s “Set Sail With Our Stars” benefit dinner and auction provides an evening of friendship and fellowship for many with the goal being to help youth and families in the community. All proceeds from “Set Sail With Our Stars” are directly applied to scholarships that enable youth and teens in the community to participate in YMCA programs such as Youth Sports, Youth in Government and Camp Kici Yapi. In 2003, the Southdale YMCA raised more than $210,000 with its Y Partners campaign – 100 percent of which was applied to the scholarship and financial assistance program. Every dollar raised in the local campaign stayed in the YMCA’s local communities. Cost to attend is $65, $20 of which is a tax-deductible donation. When:A silent auction will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, May 7, followed by dinner and a live auction at 8 p.m. Where:Minnesota Valley Country Club, Bloomington. Info:952-835-2567. 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 wheelchair races for women and men, a 5K co-ed walk and a 1K Family Fun walk. The annual event raises more than $1 million for breast cancer research. When:Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9, 7:30 a.m. to noon. A Kids for the Cure Fun Run will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, May 8. Where:Southdale Center. The start of the race will be at 69th Street and York Avenue, between Southdale and the Galleria. MY BIG FAT GREEK ICE SHOW What:The Braemar-City of Lakes Figure Skating Club, in conjunction with the spring session of City of Edina’s group lessons, will host its 39th annual ice show this spring. This year’s show theme is “My Big Fat Greek Ice Show.” When:6:30 p.m. April 23 and 24 Where:Braemar Arena, 7501 Ikola Way. PARADE OF BOATS What:More than 150 radio-controlled and model boats will be on exhibit at the Edina Model Yacht Club’s annual Parade of Boats. The annual event draws large crowds of spectators and model boat builders each year. The Parade of Boats showcases a variety of radio-controlled electric and model boats, including tugboats, sailboats, police boats, submarines, steamboats and high-speed electric racers. At the event, club members sail and race their model boats for everyone to view. Additional boats will also be displayed inside of the nearby Centrum Building, where club members will demonstrate how model boats are built. When:Sunday, June 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where:Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave. S. Info:Paul Olsen, 952-884-4833. Spring Calendar Highlights A Word From The Mayor 3•SPRING 2004 SUNDAYMONDAYTUESDAYWEDNESDAYTHURSDAYFRIDAYSATURDAY 1 7 p.m., HRA&City Council, Edina City Hall. 23 5:30 p.m., Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 4 10 a.m–8 p.m., Edina Art Fair. 5 10 a.m–7 p.m., Edina Art Fair. 6 Noon–5 p.m., Edina Art Fair. 7 p.m., Minnesota Symphonic Winds, Centennial Lakes Park. 7 7 p.m., River Valley Dance Academy, Centennial Lakes Park. 8 1:15–3 p.m., Blood Pressure Clinic, Edina Senior Center. 7 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 9 7 p.m., Good News Big Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 1011 7 p.m., Barbary Coast Dixieland Band, Edina High School Auditorium. 12 13 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Parade of Boats, Centennial Lakes Park. 7 p.m., Minneapolis Police Swing Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 14 15 7 p.m., Edina HRA& City Council, Edina City Hall. 16 7 a.m., Recycling and Solid Waste Commission, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Amy &Adams, Centennial Lakes Park. 18 Podiatrist appointments with fee charge beginning at 8:30 a.m., Edina Senior Center. 19 20 7 p.m.,First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 21 7 p.m., Mary Hall Musical Moments, Centennial Lakes Park. 22 7 p.m., Human Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 23 7 p.m., Brio Brass, Centennial Lakes Park. 24 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. 2526 2928 7 p.m., Jim Emery, Centennial Lakes Park. 27 7 p.m., Honeywell Concert Band, Centennial Lakes Park. About Town Calendar JUNE2004 30 7 p.m., Bloomington Medalist Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 7:30 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 17 5:30 p.m., Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. Attending the last meeting of the Edina City Council in the old City Hall were, from left: Craig Larsen, Jennifer Bennerotte, Debra Mangen, Edina Sun-Current community editor Laura Waldon, Council Member Scot Housh, Mayor Dennis Maetzold, Council Member Jim Hovland, Council Member Linda Masica, Council Member Mike Kelly, Mike Siitari, Jerry Gilligan, Gordon Hughes, Ceil Smith, Eric Anderson, John Wallin, Wayne Houle and Marty Scheerer. Taking the photograph was observer Jared Smith. By Joe Sullivan Contributing Writer Eight historic Edina churches— all formed before World War II— played an early and important part in building our community. St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the Trinity (Episcopal) Chapel were organized in the 1850s. They were followed by Edina Mills Union Congregational (1902) and Morningside Congregational (1909), which merged in 1934 to form Edina Morningside Community Church. The 1920s and ‘30s saw four more additions to the roster of historic churches: St. Peter’s Lutheran (1928), Edina Baptist/Grace (1929), Calvary Lutheran (1933) and St. Stephen’s Episcopal (1937). St. Patrick’s Catholic Church St. Patrick’s was Edina’s first church. It started in the 1840s, virtually as soon as the first Irish Catholics arrived in what was then southwest Richfield Township. According to Paul D. Hesterman’s History of Edina, Minnesota, the first Catholic services were held as early as 1847 in the farmhouses of John Duggan and John Burke. The tiny Irish community was named “Cahill” after Rev. Thomas Cahill, a mission priest who came out on Sundays to minister to the spiritual needs of the new arrivals. In 1857, a small, log building became St. Patrick’s first church. By 1864, the tiny log church was too small for the parish’s increasing numbers. 7•SPRING 20046•SPRING 2004 Historic Churches Of Edina So, the parishioners used the new one-room frame schoolhouse on the southeast corner of 70th Street and Cahill Road for their Sunday church services. The Cahill Catholics built a steepled church across Cahill Road from the school in 1874 and it served them well until 1924 when it was struck by lightning and burned to its foundation. Three months later, a new Tudor-style church was built on the same site and used by the parish for the next 37 years. In November 1961, the congregation moved into a newly- completed sanctuary and school at the present location on Gleason and Valley View Roads. Trinity Episcopal Chapel In a 1976 report The Episcopal Church in Edina,Edina historian Foster W. Dunwiddie wrote: “On Jan. 1, 1859, the Rev. John A. Fitch was appointed a missionary … of the Episcopal Church … at Waterville Mills.” Later renamed Edina Mills, the tiny community had been platted in 1857 around the grist mill at the crossing of today’s West 50th Street over Minnehaha Creek. Fitch conducted a house-to-house ministry and worked with School District No. 17 to raise funds for a schoolhouse “with the understanding that if the amount promised was secured, he would have exclusive use of the [school] for Sunday services.” The one-room, frame schoolhouse was built southwest of Code’s Corner, at Valley View Road and today’s Minnesota Highway 100. Classes began in the fall of 1859 and the first church services were held there on Christmas Day that year. The oldest church building still standing in Edina, Trinity Chapel was erected on the northwest corner of present-day 50th and France Avenue as an Episcopal mission. (continued on next page) This tiny log cabin was Edina’s first church. It was located near present-day West 70th Street and Wooddale Avenue, on land donated by parishioners Michael Delaney, Thomas Fogarty, Michael Ryan and Patrick Slavin. It served St. Patrick’s parish from 1857 to 1864. This Tudor-style church was built in 1924 and used by the parish for the next 37 years. From 1961 until its demolition in 1990, the Tudor-style church served as a children’s pre-school and Wooddale Academy for the Performing Arts. In this circa 1890 photo, members of St. Patrick’s Church turned to face the photographer at the rear of the church. The exposed chimney ducts were connected to wood- burning stoves in each corner. Numbers over the heads of parishoners identified members of pioneer Edina families, including the Darcys, McCauleys, Delaneys, Ryans and Gleesons. In 1884, St. Patrick’s built this frame church and steeple on Cahill Road across from the Cahill School. The current St Patrick’s Church was dedicated June 20, 1980, and a gathering space called the Celtic Center was added in 1992. St . P a t r i c k ’ s C h u r c h St . P a t r i c k ’ s C h u r c h St. P a t r i c k ’ s C h u r c h St . P a t r i c k ’ s C h u r c h St . P a t r i c k ’ s C h u r c h Morningside Community and Linden Hills Congregational was a mile away at Upton Avenue and 42nd Street. The St. Louis Park Union Church was even more difficult to reach since there were no roads through the big marsh north of Morningside. Morningsiders met with a group from Linden Hills to request help in establishing a closer place for Sunday worship. (I have boyhood memories of growing up a block from the Linden Hills church, where I attended weekly Boy Scout meetings.) The Linden Hills people agreed to support a mission Sunday school, and in 1909 the first session was held. The only building large enough was a garage at 4330 France Ave., which the owners offered to rent. (In the heat of that first summer, Sunday school students were driven from the garage by the overpowering smell of “natural fertilizer” bags stored overhead, Douglas wrote.) Later the same year, the Morningsiders purchased a lot at 4003 Morningside Road and built a one-story chapel for the 20- member congregation. History and Architecture of Edina, Minnesota by William A. Scott and Jeffrey A. Hess describes the Morningside chapel as “modest in the extreme.” Minneapolis Journal articles at the time called it a “little box-like structure, looking like a birdhouse magnified.” According to the Minneapolis Journal, a 1913 enlargement and remodeling of the chapel called for “an auditorium to seat 125 persons, a Sunday school room with nearly that capacity … a modern kitchen and a … shower bath, in case gymnastics are attempted in the future.” When realtor Samuel Thorpe began to develop the Country Club District in 1924, the two congregational churches were concerned about accommodating their rapidly growing congregations. The Edina Union Church rented the new Wooddale School at 50th and Wooddale for their Sunday school sessions as the Morningside Chapel had definitely been outgrown. Between 1920 and 1923 Morningside Chapel members were using space at the Odd Fellows Hall, 44th Street and France, for Sunday school and youth activities. In 1922, construction of a new church began at 4201 Morningside Road and Easter 1923 was celebrated in the new church. The original chapel became a parsonage and is now a private residence, still located at 4003 Morningside Road. Edina Mills And Morningside Churches Merge The Edina Mills church voted to join the Morningside congregation in May 1933. Both churches were experiencing financial problems in the depth of the Construction of the single-story chapel began in 1872 on a one-acre lot donated by pioneer farmer James A. Bull. Opening services were held that year. Bishop Henry Benjamin Whipple later consecrated the church as the Chapel of the Brotherhood of Gethsemane Trinity, Oak Grove. “We have a Sunday school of 30 children,” Knickerbacker said in his first report on the mission. By 1875, Trinity Chapel was headed by Rev. Charles Rollitt, an itinerant missionary. Services were held once a month, but when Rollitt died in August 1885, the ministry was not continued. In 1887, Oak Grove Mission disappeared from the list of missions in the Episcopal diocese. But the chapel building survived as a private residence and in 1915, it became a boarding house. In 1925, Thorpe Bros. Realty Co. moved the building a half block north to make room for the two-story commercial building now occupied by Chico’s. Over the years, the building has been occupied by a variety of tenants, including a printer, an attorney, an interior decorator and a series of restaurants. It stands today at 4924 France Ave. as Giorgio Restaurant. Edina Mills Union And Morningside Congregational Churches Marjorie Myers Douglas’ 2002 book, The Gathering Together—Glimpses Into the History of Edina Morningside Community Church (United Church of Christ), notes that the history of the Congregational denomination in Edina began with the Union Congregational Church of Edina Mills. It was organized in 1902 by 24 members of the Union Congregational Church, St. Louis Park. Built on present-day Eden Avenue just west of today’s City Hall, the little church was dedicated in May 1906. The Edina Union Church was nearly two miles away from the growing 8•SPRING 2004 9•SPRING 2004 (continued on next page) The Union Congregational Church of Edina Mills was dedicated in 1906. It was surrounded by oak trees on a knoll just west of today’s Edina City Hall, overlooking the old Eden Prairie Road (now Eden Avenue). Trinity Chapel, Oak Grove, Edina’s first Episcopal church building, was moved to 4924 France Ave. in 1925, where it has been occupied by a variety of tenants including a printer, an attorney, an interior decorator and a series of restaurants. Ed i n a – M o r n i n g s i d e C o m m u n i t y C h u r c h This 16-by-24-foot frame building was the original Morningside Chapel built at 4003 Morningside Road in 1909. Originally, it had no basement. The Linden Hills Congregational Church donated a pulpit, chairs, songbooks and a melodeon. Ed i n a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y Ed i n a – M o r n i n g s i d e C o m m u n i t y C h u r c h 11•SPRING 2004 Some of the so-called ‘Nisei’ men were drafted into military service and brought to the U.S. Army’s foreign language school at Fort Snelling for training as interpreters. Later, more Nisei came to the Twin Cities area to be near their friends. To help them acclimate to their new surroundings, a few of the young men were invited to join a mission program at St. Peter’s. Eventually, 25 Nisei men and women were brought into the Lutheran faith at the Edina church. Another key mission of the church was education. In autumn 1945, St. Peter’s established a Christian Day School. The initial enrollment of 42 children in nursery school, kindergarten and Grades 1-3, filled classrooms in the church basement and parsonage. By 1947, a new $27,000 educational building had been built. A June 1956 Edina Courier article announced that St. Peter’s would begin construction of a new church—with a 42-foot-high, eight-gabled roof—at its 5421 France Ave. location. To make way for the new structure, the parsonage was moved to 3713 W. 54th St. and the original 1931 church was moved to Bloomington. The modernistic church was designed by Ralph Rapson, Dean of the University of Minnesota Architecture School. In June 2000, Rev. Mark Schockey was installed as the seventh pastor of St. Peter’s. The discipleshiproom, gymnasium and fellowship hall were renovated in 2001 and a childcare center was opened across West Fuller Street from the church and school building. Edina Baptist/Grace Church In 1925, Rev. Earle V. Pierce, pastor of Lake Harriet Baptist Church, at 50th and Upton Avenue in southwest Minneapolis, was thinking of establishing a Baptist mission in the mostly rural, neighboring Village of Edina. 10•SPRING 2004 Great Depression and were anxious to pool resources. The diminutive Edina chapel, long inadequate, was torn down in 1934. Construction of a new Morningside Congregational began in 1922 at 4201 Morningside Rd. Edina’s population was increasing dramatically in the 1950s. In 1951, an impressive stone sanctuary was built over the Morningside church’s parish hall. A third floor was added in 1955 for classrooms. In 1957, the nation’s Congregational Christian and Evangelical Reformed Churches merged to become the United Church of Christ (UCC). Shortly thereafter, Edina Morningside Community Church joined the new denomination. St. Peter’s Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod In spring 1928, the results of a survey of southwest Minneapolis and Edina by two Concordia College students indicated a need for a Lutheran mission in Edina. That year, a combination parsonage/chapel was built at 5421 France Ave. and Rev. H. Motzkus was appointed to serve the area. Some 55 people attended the first service Oct. 28, 1928, and the new mission was formally organized as St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Dec. 13, 1929. Within a year, the congregation had outgrown the original building and in November 1930, ground was broken for a new church. In the three years that followed, the congregation grew to 100 members and by 1939 the congregation was self-supporting. World War II ‘Nisei’ Mission In a 1966 Lutheran Vistas magazine article, St. Peter’s pastor Harold F. Schweigert recalled Japan’s attack on Hawaii Dec. 7, 1941. In the aftermath, many Japanese-Americans had been accused of plotting an attack on our West Coast. “Many Japanese-Americans were moved to concentration camps in the interior of the country,” Schweigert wrote. (continued on next page) Minnehaha Creek flowed under St. Peter’s Lutheran Church for a few minutes in 1956 as the building passed over a bridge at 56th Street and France. The 1931 original church was moved from its site at 5421 France Ave. to Bloomington where it became Mt. Hope Lutheran. Mi n n e a p o l i s S t a r The new $350,000 St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Edina, an outstanding example of contemporary, modern architecture, features a 42-foot-high octagonal dome with eight triangular windows. Minnesota Lutheran magazine described the dramatic interior of the new St. Peter’s Lutheran Church at 5421 France Ave.: “The huge triangular windows flood the center altar and nave of the church with natural light during daytime.” St. P e t e r ’ s L u t h e r a n C h u r c h Construction of a new Morningside Congregational began in 1922 at 4201 Morningside Road. In 1930, a parish hall, was added. Worship services were moved upstairs and the entrance was changed from Grimes Avenue to Morningside Road. Ed i n a – M o r n i n g s i d e C o m m u n i t y C h u r c h Ed i n a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y According to Blest to Be a Blessing, a history of the Baptist church in Edina, Pierce commissioned a canvas of Edina’s northern neighborhoods by two Northwestern Bible College students. Early in 1926, evening bible study classes began in the home of Lake Harriet Baptist Church member H.A. Hansen at 5448 France Ave. As the bible study classes grew, they were moved to a small storefront at 5501 France Ave. Within 18 months, the classes evolved into the France Avenue Mission, a branch of Lake Harriet Baptist Church, a 1967 Edina Courier article reported. According to Blest to Be a Blessing, in summer 1929, two lots at 55th and France were purchased “for the bargain price of $800.” The storefront on the site was razed and construction of the Edina Baptist Church began. A Lake Harriet Baptist Church bulletin of the time said the Edina building, “first planned for less than $1,000, [had] grown … to a chapel 30 by 36 feet with a full basement, tower and bell.” Earl Steadman, one of organizers, had forgotten to [include] the bell in the cost estimate and was delighted to discover that he could purchase one at Sears Roebuck for $35. A fellow church member had an even better idea. Her childhood church in Kenyon, Minn., was closing and she was sure its bell would be available. A subsequent church bulletin announced the outcome, “In … a trailer behind Mr. Steadman’s car … [was] an organ, a box of hymn books and a bell from the church at Kenyon. Nineteen pews will come later.” Following the sale of the Kenyon church, $2,000 of the proceeds also went to the Edina church. In April 1942, the tiny mission chapel became an independent church with Rev. Glenn C. Anderson as pastor. During his tenure, the construction of a new sanctuary, two blocks north at 5300 France Ave., was begun in 1948. The congregation donated hundreds of volunteer labor hours, doing much of the actual construction. Even the padded pews in the new church, which seated 300, were the work of two volunteers. The new church building was dedicated on Easter Sunday 1950 and an office and bible school wing were added in 1956. The May 13, 1971, Edina Courier announced the appointment of Rev. Bob Ricker, who came from eight years with churches in California to lead the 350-member Edina Baptist Church. During his first year of ministry, pastor Ricker urged the church to increase its staffing and expand the facilities. A year later, plans were completed for a new 1,000-seat sanctuary, which was completed in 1974. Edina Baptist Becomes Grace Church The elders of the church began to conceive a plan for “branch churches,” located in high- growth areas throughout the Twin Cities. As the core church, Edina Baptist would provide funds and support. The concept came to fruition in 1981 with the merger of Edina Baptist and Immanuel Community Church, Roseville. Together they formed Grace Church of Minnesota—one church meeting in two locations. After many years of dramatic growth and expansion of its facilities on France Avenue, Grace Church of Edina moved to new, larger quarters at 9301 Eden Prairie Road, Eden Prairie, in 2002. Since then, Calvary Christian Reformed Church has occupied portions of the former Grace Church of Edina building at 5300 France Ave. S. Other areas of the former Grace Church complex are now occupied by Grades 6-8 of the Calvin Christian Middle School and the Berry Patch Pre-School. Calvary Lutheran Church, ELCA In 1933, a small group of Cahill community Lutherans organized a branch of the Wooddale Lutheran Church to serve the needs of their immediate area. Cahill’s District No. 16 School Board granted them permission to hold church services in the old Cahill School at 70th and Cahill and, on Jan. 28, 1934, 21 children and teachers attended a Sunday school session in the schoolhouse. That evening, 35 adults gathered at the school for the first worship service of what would become Calvary Lutheran Church. In the early 1930s, the Cahill community still didn’t have electric power. And only a few families had telephones. According to a memoir by Dorothy Grant Palmer, whose family was among the founders of Calvary Lutheran, electricity was finally brought to Edina in 1934. “The Lutherans that met in the Cahill schoolhouse had a special ‘light up’ dedication to celebrate their church’s first service with electric lights,” she wrote. 12•SPRING 2004 13•SPRING 2004 (continued on next page) In November 1930, ground was broken for the first Edina Baptist Church at 5501 France Ave. In the three years that followed, the congregation grew to 100 members. Bl e s t T o B e A B l e s s i n g The original Edina Baptist Church building at 5501 France Ave. was sold to Walter Burkhardt, Sr., in 1948. He converted it to a two-story home for his family and new Edina Plumbing business. It is still the home of Burkhardt’s son, George, Jr. Ed i n a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y This 1972 view of the expanded Grace Church at 5300 France Ave., includes a new sanctuary, dedicated in 1950, and an office and bible school wing that were added in 1956. Bl e s t T o B e A B l e s s i n g The church building quickly became a community project and by July of that year, $10,000 had been pledged to the building fund. A fund- raising circular, sent to Country Club District homes, outlined the need for a new church. It hailed the church as a boon to the community as well as the spiritual lives of its members. The rationale demonstrated “how spiritual and social values intertwined with economic considerations in the Edina lifestyle they were working to create,” Hesterman noted. On April 18, 1937, St. Stephen the Martyr Episcopal Church was established. The first services were held that month in Edina’s new Wooddale School. They were attended by 115 adults and 67 children. For nearly two years, services were held in the school. Plans were made in 1938 to locate the church building on the former site of the Edina Grange Hall, beside Minnehaha Creek at 50th and Wooddale. (The Grange Hall had been moved to its present location at Eden Avenue and Highway 100 in 1935.) By April of that year, plans were being completed by architect Louis Bersbach. Boston architects Cram & Ferguson, nationally known for their interpretations of late Gothic Revival buildings, had officially approved the plans and endorsed the building program. The cornerstone was laid in October 1938, and St. Stephen’s was dedicated March 19, 1939. From the beginning, the church was a center of community life for the Country Club District. In 1951, a parish house, education and office space were built. Three years later, the tower entrance was built, adding balcony seating space for 75 worshippers over a narthex (or vestibule) and two choir rooms below ground level. Embedded in the narthex floor was one of the five millstones from the Edina Mill. A new wing, added in 1967, filled the property. It housed eight classrooms, a common room for meetings and a chapel seating 870. Because there was no further room for expansion, St. Alban’s Episcopal, the mission congregation of 15•SPRING 200414•SPRING 2004 In their history of Edina architecture, Scott and Hess noted, “In 1936, the parishioners purchased a lot across [70th] street from the school for $25.” Calvary Lutheran Church was erected on this site in the spring of 1938. After four years as a branch of Wooddale Lutheran, Calvary became an autonomous church Feb. 28, 1938. On May 19 of that year, a worship service was held in the basement of the new church. The first service was held in the recently completed chapel in December 1938. The old church building was purchased by Rudolph E. Brom, a silversmith, who converted it to a workshop-residence. In 1965, it was razed to make way for an apartment building. By 1956, the congregation had grown to 350 members and a program was underway to build larger facilities at 6817 Antrim Road. Construction began in August 1959, and the first worship service was held in the new church May 9, 1960. St. Stephen The Martyr Episcopal Church Following the demise of the Trinity Chapel, Oak Grove, in 1887, Edina was without an Episcopal church for 50 years, Foster Dunnwiddie noted in his 1976 report The Episcopal Church in Edina. According to a 1967 Edina Courier article, during the mid- 1930s Edina resident Clinton Christopher met occasionally with Stephen Keeler, Episcopal bishop of Minnesota, for lunch. “The table conversation frequently concerned mission work. One particular day in 1936, it centered on the possibility of beginning an Episcopal mission in Edina… That lunch table conversation resulted in a petition to Bishop Keeler with 25 signatures.” In December 1936, Bishop Keeler made the first move toward forming an Edina church when he wrote to 78 Episcopal residents of the suburb’s new Country Club district. The letters led to action. In March 1937, the bishop and a group of interested residents met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Potter, 4610 Browndale Ave., and drew up the documents for the new church. (continued on next page) The first worship service was held in the new Calvary Lutheran Church at 6817 Antrim Road May 9, 1960. St. Stephen’s Church as it appears today. Inspired by the churches of rural England, built from natural stone and late Gothic in design, with Minnehaha Creek flowing gently behind, it graces its corner with dignity and beauty. This architect’s sketch of the original chancel at St. Stephen the Martyr Episcopal provides a look at the church’s interior. The March 1938 Crier magazine predicted “a sanctuary that will add dignity … and impressiveness with its beauty and simplicity.” Th e C r i e r Calvary Lutheran Church held its first services in the Cahill School at 70th Street and Cahill Road. In 1936, the congregation purchased a lot across the street from the school and erected this 17-by-36-foot church in 1938. It had room for 60 worshippers. Ca l v a r y L u t h e r a n C h u r c h Ca l v a r y L u t h e r a n C h u r c h 16•SPRING 2004 17•SPRING 2004 St. Stephen’s, was started in 1956. St. Stephen’s purchased land at Valley View and Gleason for St. Alban’s. Now a separate parish, it has served southwest Edina for 48 years. Epilogue Of these eight historic churches, only St. Stephen’s remains in its original building. But three of the original structures still exist -- the Trinity Chapel (as a restaurant) and the original Edina Baptist and Morningside Congregational churches (as private residences). Background material and photographs for this article came from—the collections of the Edina Historical Society; the personal recollections of: Rev. Mark Shockey, St., Peter’s Lutheran Church, Rev. Rosemary Iha, Edina Morningside Community Church, Bill Duggan, Catherine (Ryan) Garrison and Jim Burkhardt; the writings of Dorothy (Grant) Palmer, Ella (Grimes) Eustis and Rev. Harold Schweigert; Calvary Lutheran Church website; and the following publications “History of Edina, Minnesota” by Paul D. Hesterman, “The Episcopal Church in Edina” by Foster W. Dunwiddie, “The Gathering—Glimpses Into the History of Edina Morningside Community Church” by Marjorie (Myers) Douglas, “History and Architecture of Edina, Minnesota” by William A. Scott and Jeffrey A. Hess, Minneapolis Journal, Edina Courier, Edina Sun-Current, Edina Sun-Post, St. Patrick’s Church’s NewsNet, Minnesota Lutheran Magazine and brochures of Grace Church, Edina, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Joe Sullivan is a freelance writer and Edina resident. He can be reached by sending an e-mail to edinamail@ci.edina.mn.us. Parks and other such amenities greatly improve the quality of life in a community. The City of Edina is the fortunate recipient of many donations each year that improve its parks, adding to the quality of life enjoyed here. In the year 2003, more than $24,000 in donations was received. “The City of Edina wishes to extend thanks and appreciation to all those who made contributions to the Edina Park and Recreation Department in 2003,” said Park and Recreation Director John Keprios. In 2003, many people made donations of $300 or more to the Park and Recreation Department, including: Eva Johnson, park bench at Todd Park; Norman and Conni Bjornnes, park bench at Chowen Park; Terry Anderson Photography, table paper cutter for the Edina Art Center; Laura Thompson, supplies for Edina Art Center; Ray O’Connell, Braemar Golf Course Memorial Fund; and Babette Wheeler Custom Travel. Donations of $500 or more to the Edina Park and Recreation Department in 2003 include: M. Joan Hodges; Bobby Kaufman, jewelry tools and supplies for the Edina Art Center; and Excel Energy, Snelling, Christianson, Laue, Edina Realty, Jerry’s Enterprises, Jones-Harrison Residence, Skip Thomas, Q’Cumbers and Town and Country Fence, July 4th parade sponsors. Donations of $1,000 or more to the Edina Park and Recreation Department in 2003 include: Edina Rotary, The St. Paul Foundation, Elin Ohlsson, Key Cadillac, Excel Bank, Calhoun Insurance, North American Banking Co., Grandview Tire & Auto, and Fairview Southdale Hospital, July 4th parade sponsor. A donation of $3,000 or more to the Edina Park and Recreation Department in 2003 was made by Gabbert & Beck for Centennial Lakes Park’s Lighthouse Night fireworks. Those who made donations of $5,000 or more to the Edina Park and Recreation Department in 2003 were: Rogers Painting & Services, painting of the Cahill School building; and Edina Community Foundation, Kenneth Rosland Grant-In-Aid Fund. For more information on donations made in 2003 or to make a donation to the Park and Recreation Department, contact Keprios, 952-826-0430. More Than $24,000 Donated To Park And Recreation Department In 2003 You may qualify for up to $25,000 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 EDINA IMAGING CENTER 3955 PARKLAWN AVENUE Suite100 EDINA, MN 55435 World-class imaging in a small clinic atmosphere. Bonnie Eppel injured her back 30 years ago,and surgery was not an option for her.Her answer was right in her neighborhood. Edina Imaging Center gave Bonnie her life back with pain-managing sacroiliac joint injections. Our medical staff provides unparalleled expertise in diagnostic imaging,interpretation and pain management treatment. Just ask Bonnie. Schedule an appointment today. Call (952) 831-9300 CONSULTING RADIOLOGISTS, LTD. 19•SPRING 2004 Distinguished Service Award at the Rotary District Conference for his leadership and excellence in fund- raising for the local club. The community is invited to attend the 2004 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. 18•SPRING 2004 City To Say Thanks At Annual Reception 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 bring 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 volunteers will be recognized 5 p.m. Thursday, April 27, 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 Edina Federated Women’s Club, founded in 1969 with the motto “Founded on Friendship … Strengthened in Service,” was last year’s recipient. Mayor’s Outstanding Senior Commendation Awarded to a senior citizen for outstanding volunteer service within the community. The 2003 award was given to Jack Barstow for implementing Edina Public Schools’ elementary science volunteer program and developing two science kits for the Community Resource Pool. He completes more than 10 classroom presentations each school year and has served as a judge for some history events in the schools. Mayor’s Youth Commendation Awarded to a young person who has demonstrated a commitment to improving the quality of life in the community. Paige Backenstose and Lindsey Vance each received the distinguished award in 2003. Paige was the first ninth- grader to letter in community service at Edina High School, which required completing 120 volunteer hours. Lindsey, A Better Chance student from Beloit, Wis., was involved with Key Club, Multi-Cultural Club, Target Leadership and Improv, among other things, before her graduation last spring from Edina High School. 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. Assistant City Manager Eric Anderson received the 2003 award for his service to the Edina Morningside Rotary Club. Anderson received the club’s 1999-2000 Rookie of the Year award from the club in recognition of his outstanding service. For the years 2001-2002, he was given the club’s highest honor, Rotarian of the Year. In 2003, he received the Werness Brothers Funeral & Cremation Services (612) 927-8641 Werness Brothers Funeral & Cremation Services (612) 927-8641 Free Pre-planning Information (612) 922-1932 Minneapolis •Edina •Bloomington Service Beyond Expectation Since 1934 Free Pre-planning Information (612) 922-1932 Minneapolis •Edina •Bloomington Service Beyond Expectation Since 1934 Coverage for backups of sewers and basement drains is available, but not always included in a basic homeowner’s insurance policy. In addition, insurance companies that do offer the protection have varying amounts of coverage. Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if you have coverage for backups. If you do not have coverage, consider adding to your policy because in most cases the City’s insurance will not cover your damages in the event of an incident. For moreinformation, call Edina Public Works, 952-826-0311. DOYOU have insurance for sewer back-ups? Check your policy today! By Brett Carlson Hilary Lunke grew up playing golf at Edina’s Braemar Golf Course. That same young woman went on to win the 58th Women’s U.S. Open Golf Championship in North Plains, Ore., last year. To honor this achievement, the City of Edina recently renamed a portion of Braemar Boulevard after the 24-year- old Edina native. Lunke, the daughter of Bill and Penny Homeyer, and her family were approached with the concept of renaming Braemar Boulevard after she won the golf championship in July 2003. Lunke and her family said they would consider it a great honor and would prefer the street name be “Hilary Lane.” The official unveiling of the street sign took place Dec. 23, 2003, at Braemar’s Warren C. Hyde Clubhouse. Both Park and Recreation Director John Keprios and Golf Course Manager John Valliere spoke as to how this outstanding achievement brings a tremendous sense of pride to Edina. As part of the ceremony, a 15-minute video was presented highlighting the dramatic events of the tournament. “Watching the video really brought back the emotions of the week,” said a tearful and proud Lunke. Keprios and Valliere presented Lunke with a miniature replica of the street sign, who then spoke about her accomplishment. Over 100 Braemar golf patrons, friends and family members attended the ceremony. “Tonight is a special night for me and my family,” said Lunke during the dedication ceremony. “Although my husband and I now reside in Austin, Texas, Edina will always be a special place for me. I will always consider it home.” The victory was especially impressive considering Lunke’s status on the tour. Lunke entered the tournament as a qualifier. In an impressive display of poise, Lunke staved off a sudden death playoff after rolling in a 15-foot putt for 20•SPRING 2004 Braemar Boulevard Renamed After Local Golf Star – Portion Between Gleason Road and Valley View Road Renamed ‘Hilary Lane’ 21•SPRING 2004 birdie on the 18th hole to defeat Kelly Robbins and Angela Stanford. “I really didn’t let myself fully believe the fact that I was in a playoff to win the U.S. Open until that last putt went in,” she said, recalling the dramatic turn of events. The Women’s Open victory was Lunke’s first major tournament victory as a professional golfer. The victory earned her a 10-year exemption to the U.S. Open Championship and a five-year exemption on the LPGA Tour. “It’s nice to know we have a little cushion, knowing that we can make all the mortgage payments this year,” said Lunke. Edina residents and visitors are proud to speak of their connection to Lunke. “I don’t always follow women’s golf with such intensity, but I ended up watching and rooting for Hilary,” said 60-year-old Peter Beckwith. “She played very steady golf and deserved to win. She was also lucky that the others didn’t play to [their potential]. It was a good test— she was the best person on the course that day. I hope she has turned the corner and is full of confidence now.” Many others echoed Beckwith’s comments. “This is a landmark achievement for women’s athletics in Edina, and it shows that years of hard work and dedication pay off,” said high school classmate Gregor Feige. “This proves that somebody local can make it big,” said Tom Miller, a teaching professional at Braemar. “Hopefully, Hilary winning will encourage more young girls in Edina to get involved in golf.” City staff members brought the idea of honoring Lunke to the Park Board for members’ consideration at their August meeting. At that meeting, the Edina Park Board voted unanimously to honor Lunke for her outstanding accomplishment by renaming the portion of Braemar Boulevard from Gleason Road to Valley View Road “Hilary Lane.” In September, the City Council voted unanimously to accept the Park Board’s recommendation to rename that section of Braemar Boulevard to “Hilary Lane.” According to Keprios, “As a community, we value and honor those who have achieved extraordinary athletic accomplishments because they bring a source of great pride to the community.” Lunke is not the first Edina athlete to receive such an honor. In 1993, the City Council renamed Braemar’s street address from Dewey Hill Road to John Harris Drive in honor of Edina resident John Harris, who won the 1993 U.S. Amateur Golf Championship and for being on the U.S. Walker Cup Team that defeated the European Team at the 1993 Walker Cup at Interlachen Country Club in Edina. Braemar is owned and operated by the City of Edina within the Park and Recreation Department. For more information on the golf course, contact Valliere, 952-826-6799. —Jill MacPhail contributed to this story. A portion of Braemar Boulevard from Gleason Road to Valley View Road was recently renamed “Hilary Lane” in honor of Edina native Hilary Lunke, who won the 58th Women’s U.S. Open Golf Championship last year. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n 23•SPRING 2004 “Some people leave the board because they move out of Edina, become disenchanted if their ‘pet project’ doesn’t get approved, or become bored with the subject,” Johnson said. Some of Johnson’s favorite projects he was involved with through the years include Centennial Lakes, Edinborough, the expansion of Southdale Center and the development of the Dewey Hill Neighborhood. Johnson especially valued the strengthening of the community that was involved with combining residential and business functions in the Centennial Lakes and Edinborough projects. Involved in many things, Johnson said he was searching for the serenity that comes with more simplicity. As a result, he made the difficult decision to retire from the Commission. Johnson is working full time, while spending a few weeks each winter in the warmth of Arizona. Johnson plans to spend more time with his grandchildren and is involved in an Edina-based Internet business with his wife and one of his sons selling sunglasses. “Gordon Johnson’s 30-plus years of service represent the epitome of volunteerism of Edina residents,” said City Planner Craig Larsen. “We greatly appreciate his willingness to share his time and talents all these years.” With his departure, Johnson will miss the City staff and fellow board members he has worked with for so long. Johnson also said that he will miss trying to help the citizens of the community. “I have absolute and total confidence that the new chairman, David Byron, and the Commission will serve the City well,” Johnson said. Johnson will be missed at the Planning Commission meetings, but is reminded that he will always be welcomed back to speak about ideas or concerns that he may have in the community. “Gordon has been a terrific volunteer for our community,” said City Manager Gordon Hughes. “During his tenure as chairman of the Planning Commission, he has overseen the transformation of Edina into the premier community that it is today.” Other staff members echoed Hughes’ comments. City of Edina Assistant Planner Kris Aaker said, “Gordon has always been thoughtful and patient, especially with the applicants and interested residents who attend meetings. He gave people attending meetings ample opportunity to share their views on a subject. He consistently reviewed and appreciated both sides of an issue prior to forming an opinion. Mr. Johnson will be missed by fellow Commission members, Zoning Board members and City staff. It has been a privilege to work with him.” For more information on the Planning Commission, contact the City’s Planning Department, 952-826-0369. 22•SPRING 2004 Johnson Retires From Planning Commission After More Than Three Decades Of Service By Matt Lockrem Longtime Edina resident Gordon Johnson recently retired as Chairman of the City’s Planning Commission after serving on the board since 1970. The Planning Commission reviews and makes recommendations to the City Council on the City’s Comprehensive Plan; proposed plats and subdivisions; zoning ordinance amendments; reports and recommendations of the Heritage Preservation Board regarding preservation of lands and buildings of significance; low- and moderate-cost housing; and proposals for commercial, industrial or residential redevelopment. Johnson’s interest in the Planning Commission began in the late 1960’s, when Edina was beginning to develop Bredesen Park near his home. Johnson attended meetings at City Hall to inquire about what was going to happen to the nature area. At the time, Johnson was working with City Council Member Willis Upshaw at the Trust Department of Northwestern National Bank of Minneapolis, and the two men would frequently discuss City activities during breaks. Upshaw saw that Johnson had a keen interest in the development taking place in Edina and nominated him for a vacancy on the Planning Commission. Johnson served on the Planning Commission from that time forward, becoming Chairman in the early 1980s. Reflecting on his 30-plus years on the Commission, Johnson stated, “I enjoyed the challenge of trying to ‘balance’ the needs of the community with the needs of a particular neighborhood wherein a project was about to be developed.” Johnson credits his lengthy term on the board to the fact that he had no particular agenda driving him while serving and that he enjoyed being part of a group that had influence on the way Edina was being developed. Johnson said he feels privileged to have worked with so many talented, energetic and smart people that took pride in the end results of their extraordinary efforts. City Planning Commission chairman of 33 years, Gordon Johnson retires. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n 25•SPRING 200424•SPRING 2004 Local Athletic Associations Team Up For Youth With Disabilities By Matt Lockrem Edina’s children with disabilities are finally being put on an even playing field with their peers. For many people, organized sports bring back some of the happiest memories of their childhoods. While these programs have been easily accessible for most young people, children living with disabilities have not always had the same opportunities. Signed in July 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act has ensured that all children have the same opportunity to participate in organized sports. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, organizations offering public programs must provide whatever accommodation is necessary to successfully include an individual with a disability. For example, an inclusion service could be providing a sled to a hockey player with a physical disability, a 1:1 facilitator for a child with Autism or hiring a sign language interpreter for a child who is deaf so that he or she can communicate with other individuals on the team. “The benefits of including all residents by far outweighs the costs involved,” said City of Edina Recreation Supervisor Susie Miller. “However, it would be difficult for any one person or group to easily cover the charges accrued over an entire season.” Edina’s athletic associations have teamed with Miller to implement a $1 per participant fee to cover the costs. The $1 fee is added to registration fees at the beginning of each season. With more than 7,000 children participating in various sports throughout Edina, the $1 fee has been enough to cover the costs of inclusion services. Groups participating in the program include Edina’s Baseball, Softball, Soccer Club, Soccer, Lacrosse, Girls Athletic, Girls Fastpitch, Girls Traveling Basketball, Hockey, Basketball and Football associations. Edina Girls Athletic Association President Marcia Friedman, whose football, basketball, and volleyball programs have more than 800 participants, has been one of the biggest supporters of the $1 fee. “The peer value of being able to be a member of any of our teams far outweighs the additional costs,” Friedman said. At the moment, the Girls Athletic Association has no one using the service, but Friedman is glad the program is in place. Friedman hopes that all parents in the City are aware this program is available, and no child misses an opportunity to play because of his or her own special circumstances. Friedman continued, saying, “We want every girl and boy in Edina to have an opportunity to compete, and it is nice to know this service is available to all of the families who may need it.” Miller is adamant about showing her appreciation for the support she has received from all of the athletic associations in the community. “It was never an issue of if this help would be given, but rather what would be the best way to provide it. I know that the athletic associations truly understand the importance of these services, and I thank them for all that they have done to give these kids a chance to compete with everyone else,” she said. Edina has been a leader in providing recreational opportunities for people with disabilities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. In 1988, Edina started its adaptive recreation program, serving the area well before many surrounding communities. Since 1991, Edina has maintained a full-time Adaptive Recreation Supervisor position at City Hall. The cities of Edina, Eden Prairie, Bloomington and Richfield work together to provide education and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities in their communities. The cooperative, known as the Adaptive Recreation & Learning Exchange (AR&LE), consults with program directors on the development, implementation and evaluation of services for people with disabilities. AR&LE offers social, competitive and noncompetitive activities for children and adults throughout the four communities. For more information on the City of Edina’s Adaptive Recreation program or AR&LE, contact Miller at 952-826-0433 or via e-mail at smiller@ci.edina.mn.us. Jake Johnson is able to play soccer with the help of one-on-one interpreter Megan Latham. All children with disabilities are able to participate in City programs, thanks in part to local athletic associations that are giving the City $1 per participant to cover costs of services. 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 27•SPRING 200426•SPRING 2004 Edina Community FoundationFocuses On Youth By Dick Crockett Edina Community Foundation Executive Director Many of us who live in Edina share some common values -- • a sense and spirit of community, • an appreciation of the quality and excellence of our neighborhoods, parks, and schools and • a commitment to volunteerism. The Edina Community Foundation is especially concerned that all children raised in Edina receive the benefit of these core values and have a positive experience in our community. During the past year, we awarded three grants that seek to achieve this goal. First, we allocated $8,500 to the Connecting With Kids youth asset-building initiative. These funds were used to support a special “opener” for students at Edina High School. The event was meant to help the students feel more valued and part of a more caring environment. The effort received excellent media coverage and received an exemplary program award from the Minnesota Community Education Association. Second, we approved a grant of $5,000 to the Southdale YMCA Y-Leadsummer day camp program for the benefit of children in the Yorkdale Townhome Community. With these funds, the YMCA provided an opportunity for 25 at-risk youth from low-income families to receive professional mentoring and experience during eight separate field trips to the best places that the Twin Cities metropolitan area has to offer -- from the Children’s Theatre Company to the Science Museum, and from the Minnesota Zoo to Valley Fair. Third, we continued our funding of the Rosland Grant-In Aid Fund of the Edina Park and Recreation Department. With our $5,000 grant, more than 40 financially challenged families were able to participate in the Edina Soccer Camp, use the Edina Aquatic Center and receive skating, swimming and tennis lessons. We have just extended this program another year with an additional grant of $4,000. These grant programs all help fulfill our Foundation’s commitment to ensuring that “no child is left behind” in our community. Through these and other programs that strive to make Edina a better place to live, learn and conduct business, we hope to preserve the pride in our community that we too often take for granted. Please contact me or any of the Foundation Board members or staff listed below if you have questions about these or other Foundation programs, or if you would like to make a charitable contribution to support our efforts. During just the last six months of 2003, more than 250 Edina residents made gifts to our Foundation, and we invite you to join them. The office of the Edina Community Foundation is located at 5280 Grandview Square, Edina, MN 55436. Contact Crockett or Development Officer Patricia Tucker at 952-833-9573 or edfoundation@ci.edina.mn.us. The Edina Community Foundation Board of Directors includes: Chairman James B. Hovland, Vice Chairman Kevin Ries, Secretary Otto Bang, Treasurer James Van Valkenburg, Jon Barnett, Bernadette Flores, George Klus, Janice Michaletz, Frederick S. Richards, Jr., and Ann Wessels. S TRENGTHENING O UR C OMMUNITY -Custom Remodeling and Additions -Construction Consulting -Design, Build A LOCAL BUILDER YOU CAN TRUST TO TRANSFORM IDEAS INTO REALITY 29•SPRING 2004 combines her love for clay and color. Brockway married her husband, Bob Brockway, and moved to Edina. Originally from New Jersey, he rented a home in Edina. He was impressed with Edina Public Schools and thought it would be a good city in which to live and raise children. They found land that was formerly a garden and built their home where they are still living after 40 years. The Brockways have two children, David and Anne, who attended Edina schools for 12 years. Both children now live in Colorado. After she moved to Edina, she took pottery classes with Betsy Bryant, bought her first wheel and began to throw on her own. She took a class from Warren Westerberg in 1973 and her skills developed rapidly. She said, “We had an enthusiastic night class. I learned a tremendous amount from Westerberg about glazing and firing.” In 1976, she built her own kiln in the garden tool shed and three years later added a studio to her home and began to teach classes. Since setting up the pottery department at the Art Center, Brockway has taught classes to students of all ages and all levels of abilities. “The best part of teaching,” she says, “is the wonderful people you meet.” Brockway is a highly accomplished potter whose work has been exhibited in many galleries and won numerous awards. “I’m constantly challenging myself to do pieces that really push my skills. I’ve reached a point of maturity in working with clay that is very satisfying because the clay does what I want it to do. Not every piece I make turns out well, but the pieces that do are very satisfying.” Of the 37 original teachers who were on board when the Art Center started, Brockway is one of three original teachers still active at the Art Center. Her dedication and devotion to both teaching and art-making is now legendary. Her work is on display at the Edina Art Center. Visit the Art Center’s website, www.EdinaArtCenter.com for a complete class listing or call 612-915-6600 for information, to request a class schedule or register for classes. The Edina Art Center is located on the northwest corner of Rosland Park (formerly Lake Cornelia Park). “Carved Porcelain Vase” is just one of many beautiful works by artist Maureen Brockway. Ph o t o b y M a u r e e n B r o c k w a y 28•SPRING 2004 Maureen Brockway -- An Edina Art Center Original By Kathleen Sovell Contributing Writer I’ve admired Maureen Brockway’s porcelain pottery for years. As a student in her classes, I appreciated her knowledge, teaching techniques and ready smile. Now, I look at this slim, petite, soft-spoken woman and see inspiration. She wears many hats: wife, mother, potter, teacher and organizer. Even though I’ve taken several pottery classes from her, I did not realize that she, JoAnn French and Audrey Bublitz established the Art Center’s pottery department in 1976. The department contained 10 wheels in a small room (now the jewelry studio) and a glazing room with electric kilns. Day and night classes were held. Brockway said, “Many day students quit taking classes in the mid-80s to return to work. Today, the day classes are full [again] and the pottery department is vibrant.” Brockway has always liked art. “I was fortunate to go to Mahtomedi High School, a small school where there were good teachers who liked their work. In particular, one teacher taught both art and history, and was a big fan of the Bauhaus. She emphasized structured design. She was very enthusiastic and she influenced me a great deal,” Brockway said, reminiscing. Brockway studied liberal arts at the University of Minnesota. Since art and Spanish were strong areas of study, she traveled to Mexico in 1957 and enrolled in the University of Mexico for a year. “I knew if I set my mind to it, I could become fluent in Spanish,” she said, grinning. While she was there, she shared a room with three dedicated teachers. Brockway was influenced by their love of teaching and changed her focus to education with a major in art and a minor in Spanish. Brockway was unable to get into pottery classes while she was in college because they were so popular. “My first clay class was through the University of Minnesota’s extension school and my instructor was the well-respected potter Warren MacKenzie!” While teaching junior high art classes, she continued her art education at the St. Paul School of Art taking clay classes with Jerry Fontaine and painting classes with Mac LeSueur. These classes continue to influence her work today as she Maureen Brockway, one of the Edina Art Center’s original teachers, displays her work. Ph o t o b y B r a d B e n n 31•SPRING 2004 Edina Garden Council To Hold Annual Plant Sale 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 7, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at Arneson Acres Park, 4711 W. 70th St. Hanging baskets, annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, and cocoa mulch will be for sale at reasonable prices. Profits from the sale help fund public park projects and horticulture scholarships. 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 for the sale, 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. The Council will plant flowers at about 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, call 952-922-7152. 30•SPRING 2004 It’s Not Only Neighborly, It’s The Law Dog Leashes As mercury in thermometers rise, many people like to spend more time outdoors. Hundreds of people enjoy walking their dogs, particularly during the warmer spring and summer months. Please remember that dogs must be kept on leashes. According to the City Code, dogs cannot be off the property of their owners without a leash measuring 10 feet or less. Dogs are not allowed to damage any lawn, garden or other private or public property, or to defecate in those areas. Dog owners must remove any feces and sanitarily dispose of them. Dog owners are encouraged to carry at least two bags with them for this purpose while walking their animals. For more information, contact Animal Control Officer Tim Hunter, 952-826-0494. 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. For more information, contact Park Maintenance Superintendent Vince Cockriel, 952-826-0305. 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 4532 Parkside Lane 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. For more information, contact Utilities Superintendent Roger Glanzer, 952-826-0311. 33•SPRING 2004 City Accepting Nominations For 2004 Edina Heritage Award The City of Edina is calling for entries in its second-annual Edina Heritage Award contest. The City established the award in 2003 to showcase local historic preservation activity. The Edina Heritage Award will be given annually to an individual, family, company or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and use of Edina’s heritage resources. Any individual, company or organization is eligible for the award, including non-residents, but in order to be considered, the historic property or resource must be located in Edina. However, nominated properties do not have to be Edina Heritage Landmarks to receive the award. Current members of the City’s Heritage Preservation Board are not eligible for the award. The 2003 award recipient was the Baird House, 4400 W. 50th St. The Heritage Preservation Board unanimously selected the Baird House for the award because of the homeowners’ careful attention in building a modern addition to the historic home. Constructed in the 19th century by Edina settler George Baird, the elegant red brick farmhouse has been home to five families over the years. Owned today by Brad and Arlene Forrest, the home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Forrests constructed an addition to the home, providing an example of how an addition to an historic structure can seamlessly integrate the new with the old structure, creating a harmonious and livable home while maintaining a distinct visual separation on the exterior. The Heritage Preservation Board will select this year’s winner. The award will be presented during National Preservation Week, May 3-9, 2004. The National Trust for Historic Preservation sponsors Preservation Week in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society, the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota and other statewide and local organizations. Nominations are due by 4:30 p.m., April 1. A nomination should include the address of the heritage resource; description of its preservation, rehabilitation and restoration; and name and address of owner. A photo should also be included. Entries should be sent to: Edina Heritage Award, Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St., Edina, MN 55424. Entries can also be e-mailed to EdinaMail@ci.edina.mn.us. A commemorative plaque will be presented to the award winner in May. For more information, call Associate Planner Joyce Repya, 952-826-0462. 32•SPRING 2004 Fairview Southdale Hospital To Light Up The City July 4 Fairview Southdale Hospital started the New Year with a bang by offering to sponsor the City of Edina’s July 4 fireworks at Rosland Park. July 4 is Edina’s only community celebration of the year. The major events of the day are a renowned parade in the early afternoon and a band concert and fireworks at Rosland Park (formerly Lake Cornelia Park) in the evening. Because of the City’s tight budget situation, the Edina City Council eliminated the fireworks from the 2004 budget. As a result, the City sought a sponsor for the fireworks. Almost immediately, Fairview Southdale Hospital stepped up to the plate, agreeing to donate $13,000 for the patriotic event. “Fairview Southdale Hospital takes pride in providing exceptional patient care to our community. But caring for our community is about more than medicine and surgical procedures,” said Cameron Potts, director of communications and marketing at the hospital. “This sponsorship allows the hospital to help the City maintain an important tradition, and it provides Fairview Southdale Hospital an opportunity to give back to the people of Edina who have supported us wholeheartedly over the years. We are extremely excited to begin this partnership with the City of Edina.” City officials were thrilled with the hospital’s willingness to ensure the continuation of the July 4 spectacular. “Edina’s July 4th fireworks display has been a wonderful tradition for many years,” said City Manager Gordon Hughes. “The 2004 fireworks will once again be one of the premier displays in the Twin Cities thanks to Fairview Southdale Hospital’s generous donation.” The First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band will begin the festivities with a concert in the park at 8:45 p.m. The fireworks will follow. With the theme “Edina – 115 Years of Tradition,” this year’s July 4 parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. and will follow the typical route from behind Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St., to the intersection of 50th Street and Halifax Avenue. The Fourth of July Parade Planning Committee encourages veterans, non-veterans and members of organizations or neighborhoods to march in the parade or provide a unit. Application deadline is May 14. For more information on Edina’s July 4 festivities, contact Recreation Supervisor Susie Miller, 952-826-0433, or visit www.edinaparade.org. For a parade entry application, call the parade hotline at 952-826-0380, extension 252, or visit the parade website. 35•SPRING 2004 a bottle of wine that they might not enjoy. The tastings offer the customer an opportunity to try something different or a wine they ordinarily may not have even thought about buying. According to Pezzuto, “Some customers come in and need to pick up a bottle of wine for a party or a gift. It’s a great way for them to know what they’re giving instead of just randomly buying something.” “If someone asks for a recommendation, my first question is always, ‘How much do you want to spend?’ I try to recommend several, but then let the customer make the ultimate decision.” Pezzuto is not employed by a winery, making her impartial to certain brands. She frequently gets asked if she works for the store or if she is a representative for the particular wine they are pouring: “It makes the customers feel more comfortable knowing that I’m not pushing it on them, but merely trying to offer them an opportunity to try a sample,” she said. Pezzuto said she frequently has customers come back to the store and ask what wine they poured a few weeks ago. Many remember that they enjoyed the sample but can’t think of the particular name. Pezzuto personally tastes each wine being sampled so that she has a better understanding of the product being offered: “I hope the customers appreciate all that wine I drank for them,” she quipped. Edina Liquor carries more than 400 brands of liquor, more than 1,000 varieties of wine and more than 250 types of beer. Edina Liquor – 50th & France is located at 3943 W. 50th St. Edina Liquor – Grandview is located at 5013 Vernon Ave. Edina Liquor – Southdale is located at 6755 York Ave. S., next to Cub Foods. Most Of TheWorld’s Great Wines Are Available In This Region. EDINA LIQUOR Enjoy Our Products in Moderation. Grandview (near Jerry’s Foods)•Southdale (next to Cub Foods) 50th & France (next to Lunds) 34•SPRING 2004 Edina Resident Pezzuto ‘Happy To Serve’ By Brett Carlson Of Italian lineage, Norma Pezzuto has always had a great passion for wine. That passion has grown over the years and recently turned into a fun part-time job for the spunky Edina resident. Last summer, Pezzuto approached Liquor Operations Manager Steve Grausam with the idea of providing wine-tasting events at the three Edina stores. One thing led to another and Pezzuto has been employed by Edina Liquors for several months. Pezzuto, who is 100 percent Italian, grew up in Ohio in a very traditional Catholic family. Wine was always part of her family celebrations and holiday dinners. It was something enjoyed with food, family and friends. Pezzuto is employed full time by SBG, a life insurance and investment firm in Edina. Pezzuto entertained the idea of part-time employment for additional income and for the chance to meet more people. “I like people and I truly enjoy interacting with the customers,” said Pezzuto, who has held other part-time jobs over the years, including some in retail. Pezzuto has prior experience hosting wine tastings. She became involved in wine tasting a few years ago when a friend mentioned an ad for Johnson Brothers, a wine distributor in St. Paul. They were looking for part-time workers to perform wine tastings. She followed up and was hired almost immediately. At the time, Pezzuto described it as “the best part-time job she ever had.” Unfortunately, it was a program that only lasted for six months. Pezzuto’s favorite wine changes almost weekly. “There are so many fabulous wines out there at such reasonable prices,” she explained. “It’s hard to really have just one favorite.” As she got older, she was drawn to explore and experience the many varieties--not only Italian wines. Pezzuto attends wine tastings from time to time and reads about the subject whenever she can. She describes her favorite part of the job as meeting new people and introducing them to new wines. Many customers come in and buy the same wines that they know they like. Customers typically won’t spend money on Norma Pezzuto pours wine samples for tasting at Edina Liquor. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n 37•SPRING 2004 including the Minnesota State Fair, St. Paul’s Ordway Theater and countless conventions and trade shows, and are noted for summertime entertainment on Mississippi paddlewheel boats. While their show is humorous, their specialty in Dixieland music earned them a 2001 election to the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. The Golden K Kiwanis Club and Senior Center hosted a similar concert last year. It was the largest fundraiser of the year for the Kiwanis Club and provided a healthy start to the Senior Center’s fund to furnish an Edina History Room in its facility. With 1,500 members and a variety of activities, the Edina Senior Center offers something for everyone 55 and older. At its new facility, the Senior Center hosts recreational, educational, health and social service events. The center features speakers, tours, card parties, sports, health screening, free income tax preparation, Edina Community Education classes, Edina Art Center classes and special events, among other things. Edina Golden K Kiwanis is a service club with a membership of about 80 mostly retired people from the Edina area. It is affiliated with Kiwanis International, a worldwide organization whose emphasis is to help provide assistance for children in need throughout the world. The local club is 20 years old, meeting every Tuesday morning for coffee, a speaker and business session on fundraising and plans to give support to organizations serving children in the area. Organizations that have benefited from Golden K efforts are Sobriety High, Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People, Community Emergence Services, Caring and Sharing Hands, St. Joseph’s Home for Children, Edina Chemical Health Partners, DARE, Hospitality House and the Edina A Better Chance Foundation. Other Golden K fund-raising events include Peanut Day and the sale of holiday coloring books. For more information on the upcoming concert, call the Edina Senior Center, 952-833-9570. 8790 Excelsior Boulevard •Hopkins, MN 55343 tel: 952-939-9282 •fax: 952-935-8268 email: foreign_affairs8790@hotmail.com F ORTHE F INEST IN A UTOMOTIVE S ALES & SERVICE 36•SPRING 2004 Golden K Kiwanis Club,Edina Senior Center To Sponsor Barbary Coast Dixieland Band Performance The Barbary Coast Dixieland Band will perform later this spring as a fundraiser for the Edina Golden K Kiwanis Club and Edina Senior Center. The concert will be held 7 p.m. Friday, June 11, in the Edina High School auditorium, 6754 Valley View Road. Tickets cost $15 each and are available at the Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Square, or at the auditorium the night of the show. The Barbary Coast Dixieland Band has entertained Upper Midwest audiences for more than 30 years with well- blended presentations of Dixieland Jazz, show tunes and zany humor. They have made hundreds of appearances, The Barbary Coast Dixieland Band will perform June 11 as a fundraiser for the Edina Senior Center and Edina Golden K Kiwanis Club. 39•SPRING 2004 City Of Edina To Flush Hydrants In April,May 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 12. 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 12-16 East of Minnesota Highway 100 and north of Crosstown 62 April 19-23 East of Minnesota Highway 100 and south of Crosstown 62 April 26-30 West of Minnesota Highway 100 and north of Crosstown 62 May 3-7 West of Minnesota Highway 100 and south of Crosstown 62 Due to the hydrant flushing, it is inevitable that some residents will receive rust-colored water that could stain laundry, but it is safe to drink. You should check for signs of discoloration prior to washing clothes. If the water is discolored when you turn on your tap, simply run the water until it is clear. For more information regarding hydrant flushing, call the Utilities Division at 952-826-0375 or 952-826-0311 or look at the City’s website, www.cityofedina.com. 38•SPRING 2004 Edina Liquor Receives Building Award The Minnesota Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) recently presented Greystone Construction Co. with an award for its recent renovation of Edina Liquor – Grandview. The “Award of Merit for Restoration Remodeling Under $1 Million” was presented last month at a special ceremony in St. Paul. Edina Liquor – Grandview, 5013 Vernon Ave., closed for eight weeks in early 2002 for the renovation project. The project was unique in scope and daunting in the challenges it presented. The objective was to perform the remodeling in a compressed amount of time to minimize the budget impact of closing the store. Together with the City of Edina, Tushie Montgomery Architects and many qualified contractors, suppliers and vendors, Greystone Construction was able to complete the project on time and within budget. Edina Liquor is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and is closed Sunday. Other Edina Liquor locations are 3943 W. 50th St. and 6755 York Ave. S. For more information on the award or any of the three locations, contact Edina Liquor Director Steve Grausam, 612-928-4556. Greystone Construction Co. was recently presented with an award for its 2002 renovation of Edina Liquor – Grandview. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n Bold Friendly Fun [not your average bank]Brian Werner, Elizabeth Cooley Adam Paula Wanna & John Hermanson 4999 France Avenue South Suite 120, Mpls, MN 55410 Phone 612.455.1100 Fax 612.455.1141 www.nabankco.com member FDIC