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AboutTown Magazine City of Edina 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.CityofEdina.com AboutTown Official Magazine of the City of Edina ©C O L O U R S 2 0 0 6 City Launches ‘Your City, Your Art’ Program See Page 41 For Details SUMMER•2006 When first responders rush to help an accident victim or someone with a serious illness, communication is crucial. If a victim can't communicate, paramedics, firefighters and police officers have to search for identification, medical history and emergency contacts. Anew idea called ICE, which stands for “in case of emergency,” has first responders turning to victims' cell phones to find the information they need. “It's very beneficial when paramedics, firefighters and police are able to contact a friend or relative to get a victim's medical history and background information,” said Fire Chief Marty Sheerer. Adding ICE to a cell phone is simple. Start by adding an entry to your cell phone's contact list or phonebook. Before entering the person's name, type in ICE, then add the name and phone number as usual. Should an emergency occur, first responders can quickly look through the phone's contact list and find out whom they should call. “By adopting the ICE idea, residents can help first responders improve the effectiveness of emergency medical responses,” Sheerer said. For more information, contact the Fire Department, 952-826-0330. Table of Contents Calendar Of Events...........................................................................1 Summer Calendar Highlights.........................................................4 AWord From The Mayor .................................................................5 Edina’s Pioneer Bull Family Planted Dreams That Bore Fruit..........6 City Thanks Volunteers At Annual Reception............................14 New Firefighter Makes History In Edina....................................18 New Adaptive Recreation Hockey Program Turns Spectators Into Players...................................................................20 City Of Edina To Flush Hydrants In September........................23 Garden Tour, Fountain Dedication To Be Held In August........24 The Edina Community Foundation: ACommon Thread Throughout The Community.....................30 It’s Not Only Neighborly ... It’s The Law........................................32 Edina ‘Falls In The Clover’ As Worthington Begins Work As Assistant City Manager.......................................................36 There Is No Place Like H.O.M.E. In Edina......................................38 City To Raise Money For The Arts Through Donations Collected With Utility Payments..................................................41 July 4 Parade Spectators Will Celebrate Edina’s Heritage........42 New K-9 Unit Hits The Streets ..........................................................44 City Manager Creates New Communications & Marketing Department...............................................................46 Hedges Celebrates 20 Years As Art Center Director..................48 AboutTown Volume 17, Number 3 Summer 2006 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: Cheryl Anderson & Christina Scipioni Publisher: City of Edina About Town is produced by the City of Edina. To advertise in About Town,contact Laura Fulton, 952-927-8861. Copyright 2006 by City of Edina, 4801 W. 50th St., Edina, MN 55424. About Town is published quarterly by the City of Edina. The purpose of the magazine is to keep Edina residents informed of news, activities and programs that are important to them. We include articles of interest about our citizens and community history as well. About Town is printed on recycled paper to conform to City conservation guidelines. www.CityofEdina.com Cover photo by Finance Director John Wallin Help First Responders – Put ICE On Your Cell Phone 1•SUMMER 2006 SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday 1 2 7 p.m., Caliban Theater presents “The Merchant of Venice,” Centennial Lakes Park. 3 7 p.m., “Mission Briefing” for veterans, Centennial Lakes Park. 4 Independence Day. Most City offices closed. 10 a.m., Parade. 10 p.m., Fireworks presented by Fairview Southdale Hospital, Rosland Park. 5 7 p.m., HRA& City Council, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Jack Norton & The Mullet River Boys, Centennial Lakes Park. 6 Noon, Dakota Wild Animals’ Reptile & Mammal Show, Centennial Lakes Park. 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 78 9 7 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 10 7 p.m., Zuhrah Shrine Concert Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 11 Noon, Ms. Catherine &Friends, Centennial Lakes Park. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 12 7 p.m., Bloomington Medalist Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 1415 16 7 p.m., Calhoun Isles Community Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 17 7 p.m., Jazz on the Prairie Big Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 18 4 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., HRA& City Council, Edina City Hall. 19 7 a.m., Recycling and Solid Waste Commission, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Eden Prairie Community Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 20 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. 2122 25 Noon, Mary Hall Show for Pipsqueaks, Centennial Lakes Park. 7 p.m., Human Rights and Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 24 7 p.m., Brooklyn Community Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 23 7 p.m., Minneapolis Police Concert Band, Centennial Lakes Park. July 2006 26 7 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., River City Jazz Orchestra, Centennial Lakes Park. 27 Noon, Underwater Adventures presents “Sharks!,” Centennial Lakes Park. 4 p.m., Edina Art Center Board, Edina Art Center. 28 13 Noon, Alpha Bits Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 29 30 7 p.m., Northern Winds Concert Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 31 7 p.m., Musical Moments with Mary Hall, Centennial Lakes Park. About Town Calendar 2•SUMMER2006 SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday 1 Noon, Wiggle, Jiggle &Jam, Centennial Lakes Park. 7 p.m., HRA&City Council, Edina City Hall. 2 7 p.m., Locklin Road Celtic Trio, Centennial Lakes Park. 3 Noon, David Walbridge &The Big Fun Show, Centennial Lakes Park. 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 4 5 6 7 p.m., Stan Bann Big Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 7 7 p.m., Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra, Centennial Lakes Park. 8 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 9 7 p.m., Bend in the River Big Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 10 Noon, Kristi’s Kids Songs, Centennial Lakes Park. 1112 13 Lighthouse Night at Centennial Lakes Park. 8:30 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Centennial Lakes Park. 14 7 p.m., Calhoun Brass, Centennial Lakes Park. 15 Noon, Ventriloquist Steve Johnston & Friends, Centennial Lakes Park. 7 p.m., HRA&City Council, Edina City Hall. 16 7 a.m., Recycling & Solid Waste Commission, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Cathy &Tom Platenberg, Centennial Lakes Park. 1819 20 7 p.m., The Medicine Show Music Company, Centennial Lakes Park. 21 7 p.m., Lee Engele & Friends, Centennial Lakes Park. 22 Noon, Will Hale & The Tadpole Parade, Centennial Lakes Park. 7 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 23 7 p.m., Zuhrah Shrine Flames, Centennial Lakes Park. 24 Noon, Bob the Beachcomber, Centennial Lakes Park. 4 p.m., Edina Art Center Board, Edina Art Center. 25 1 p.m., “Wizard of Oz” Adaptive Recreation Performance, Edinborough Park. 26 29 Filing Affidavits of Candidacy for City Council begins. Noon, Underwater Adventures’ “Turtle Mania,” Centennial Lakes Park. 28 7 p.m., Hyebar Dancers, Centennial Lakes Park. 27 7 p.m., Moonlight Serenaders Big Band, Centennial Lakes Park. August 2006 30 7 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Amy &Adams Folk Musicians, Centennial Lakes Park. 31 Noon, Children’s Music with Bruce Bell, Centennial Lakes Park. 17 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. About Town Calendar A Word From The Mayor Let me relate the essential fact of several incidents that have occurred over the past year that aptly illustrate the effectiveness of our Edina public safety personnel – both police and fire. A25-year-old man entered the TCF Bank on West 66th Street and presented a hold-up note to a teller. At the same time, an Edina police officer was conducting proactive surveillance in a Southdale Center parking lot, based on its close proximity to several banks. As soon as the radio call of the bank robbery was broadcast, the officer observed a man walking across the parking lot toward his location. The officer confronted the man at gunpoint and safely took him into custody. The bag the man was carrying contained the wrapped bills from the bank. A58-year-old man walked up to the register at Old Navy with merchandise and a 13-inch knife in hand, demanding money and threatening employees. Apolice chase ensued during rush hour. Ayoung police officer, using the department's PIT maneuver, was able to stop the suspect and make an arrest. The man has a police record for armed robbery, embezzlement and bank robbery. There were no injuries, minimal damage to property and a career criminal was placed under arrest. Late last year, a man in Plymouth was working in a lift when it broke. He fell with the 2,000-pound lift system landing on him and trapping him in a narrow shaft 35 feet below ground. The Edina Fire Department's Special Operations Team (SOT) was contacted and after more than an hour, the man was safely rescued. Ayoung man fell 70 feet into a grain elevator in Minneapolis, sustaining numerous injuries. Nine men from the Edina SOT safely rescued the man, presumed dead by those who dialed 9-1-1 after the accident. The Edina Fire Department has had a SOT for eight years. The team is capable of performing rope, confined-space, water and ice, trench and structural collapse rescues. The department is one of five State of Minnesota Rescue Teams and must respond anywhere within the State when needed. The Edina Police Department's Emergency Response Team (ERT), part of the Southwest Metro Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Consortium, trains for emergency situations affecting the southwest metro area. Such situations include acts of terrorism, hostage-takings and other severe threats. The Police Department also includes two K-9 units. Patrol Canines are trained for apprehension, article/evidence searching, building searches for hidden criminals, narcotics detection, and tracking for fleeing criminals or missing persons, among other things. In Edina, we are fortunate to have premier public safety services offered by highly skilled officers with specialized training. Some of that training pays off in situations such as the bank or Old Navy robberies. Other situations are even more perilous and require the work of our special teams. Thankfully, those teams are not regularly called upon. In those rare situations when a rescue is necessary, we can all breathe a bit easier knowing an Edina team has been dispatched. Jim Hovland Mayor 5•SUMMER20064•SUMMER 2006 Other Dates To Remember July 11 7 p.m., Steve Hegman “Strolling Piano,” Centennial Lakes Park. July 18 Noon, Magic of Brian Gilbertson, CentennialLakes Park. July 18 7 p.m., Steve Hegman “Strolling Piano,” Centennial Lakes Park. July 20 Noon, Wonderful World of Woody, Centennial Lakes Park. Aug. 1 7 p.m., Jim Shannon “Strolling Piano,” Centennial Lakes Park. Aug. 8 Noon, Brodini Comedy Magic Show, Centennial Lakes Park. Aug. 8 7 p.m., Jim Shannon “Strolling Piano,” Centennial Lakes Park. Aug. 17 Noon, Rusty's Rocking Jamboree, Centennial Lakes Park. Aug. 22 7 p.m., Jim Shannon “Strolling Piano,” Centennial Lakes Park. Aug. 29 7 p.m., Jim Shannon “Strolling Piano,” Centennial Lakes Park. Sept. 19 7 p.m., Lee Engele & Friends Jazz, Edinborough Park. Lighthouse Night What:Started by the Edina Model Yacht Club, Lighthouse Night has become an annual event at Centennial Lakes Park. More than 100 Tiki Torches will burn behind the Centrum and the park's special lighting will be highlighted. At 8 p.m., there will be open boating in the Central Pond for model yachts. The First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band will perform in the amphitheater at 8:30 p.m. At dusk, the boats from the Model Yacht Club will light up the lake. Interior cockpit and cabin lights, searchlights and floodlights will shimmer off the water. The backdrop will be a floating and fully operational scaled model of a lighthouse. When:Sunday, Aug. 13 Where:Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave. S. Info:952-832-6789 FallInto The Arts Festival What:As summer draws to a close, people will start thinking about fall and winter - holiday gift- giving, back-to-school shopping, fall and winter entertaining and indoor décor, rustic accessories and glittering jewelry. More than 125 talented artists from around the Midwest will display and sell their work at the second-annual Fall into the Arts Festival at Centennial Lakes Park. The arts festival will also feature favorite fall foods and entertainment, children's activities and artist demonstrations. Aportion of the proceeds will benefit the Edina Crime Prevention Fund. When:10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10 Where:Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave. S. Info:www.FallintotheArtsFestival.com or at EdinaFallArts@aol.com Summer Calendar Highlights 3•SUMMER 2006 SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday 1 2 3 4 Labor Day. Most City offices closed. 5 7 p.m., HRAand City Council, Edina City Hall. 67 Noon, Underwater Adventures’ Shell Magic, Edinborough Park. 89 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fall into the Arts Festival, Centennial Lakes Park. 10 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fall into the Arts Festival, Centennial Lakes Park. 11 7 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 12 Filing period for Affidavits of Candidacy for City Council closes. Primary Election Day. 7 p.m. Jim Berner (Oldies), Edinborough Park. 131516 171819 6:30 p.m., Community Health Committee, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., HRA&City Council, Edina City Hall. 20 7 a.m., Recycling and Solid Waste Commission, Edina City Hall. 21 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. 2223 26 7 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 2524 7 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park. September 2006 27 7 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 28 4 p.m., Edina Art Center Board, Edina Art Center. 29 14 30 About Town Calendar William Marvin, who was hoeing potatoesnot far from Minnehaha Creek. Marvin had pre-empted 160 acres along Minnehaha Creek and received a “patent” for them just weeks earlier, on June 10, 1857. When asked, Marvin told the Bulls he might consider selling the primitive, mostly unimproved farm. Technically, the land still belonged to the American Indians of the area, as the treaty that would give ownership to the Union government could not be signed until Minnesota became a state on May 11, 1858. “They continued on a quarter of a mile and had dinner with another farmer,” Coates I continued in his father’s biography. “ … Returning, they talked with Marvin again and offered to buy his farm for $3,000, but Marvin wanted to postpone the final bargain, giving assurances that the deal would be completed by mail after the Bulls had returned to their home in New York state. 7•SUMMER 2006 By Joe Sullivan Contributing Writer Minnesota pioneer farmer James Alvah Bull was born in 1834, on a farm in Jefferson County, N.Y. The son of Alvah and Louisa (Packer) Bull, James grew to manhood on that farm at Rural Hill, N.Y., about 75 miles north of Syracuse. He began his education at the local district school and also attended the academy at Belleville, a few miles from his home. After working as a clerk for a few years, he completed his formal education at the Oxford Academy in Norwich, N.Y. Following his schooling at Oxford, he taught in rural schools where he earned $12 per month and “boarded around,” as was the custom for teachers at the time. James A. Bull Marries Mary E. Comstock In 1856 Information from a Bull family genealogy document states that young James married Mary E. Comstock in 1856 at Smyrna, N.Y. The following year, James Bull traveled by railroad from New York to Minnesota with his father, Alvah, in search of good farm- land. They had realized that the Rural Hill homestead was becom- ing too small for the growing Bull family, which included James’ two younger brothers and several sisters. “The railroad ran only as far as LaCrosse, Wis., and they took a riverboat from there to St. Paul,” wrote James’ son and biographer, Coates Bull I. After their arrival in St. Paul on July 4, 1857, father and son were both discouraged by the sandy land they encountered north and east of the city, but decided to make one more try. They walked to Lake Harriet in what would become south Minneapolis, continued around the west side of the lake and through the woods to the southwest. They talked with “squatter” Edina’s Pioneer Bull Family Planted Dreams That Bore Fruit (continued on next page) Minnesota pioneer farmer James A. Bull was born in 1842 and raised on this farm in Jefferson County, N.Y. Also pictured are James’ parents Alvah (left) and Louisa (Packer) Bull. Alvah’s paternal ancestors were from England, and his mother’s people were of Irish descent. 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 James Alvah Bull was one of Edina’s early pioneer farmers. 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 6•SUMMER 2006 The James Bull family’s farm consisted of four 40-acre quarter sections. In 1879, the Minnehaha branch of the Grange leased a plot of land for their first meeting hall on the northwest corner of the Bull farm at what is now West 50th Street and Wooddale Avenue. The farm’s easternmost quarter section was actually in Minneapolis, east of what would become France Avenue and west of Richfield Road, which is now Beard Avenue. The church in the northwest corner of present-day 50th and France Avenue was the Trinity Chapel. It was the first Protestant church in Edina and was built on land donated by the Bull family. “If James Alvah Bull had heeded his father’s advice, he might have become one of Edina’s most prosperous farmers. Instead, he continued to pursue his dreams and became instrumental in establishing the University of Minnesota’s farm school.” Kay Brown, Edina Sun acquaintances had gone to Minneapolis earlier and wrote back to him of the advantages there. “So, we sold off everything but our clothing and bedding and started off on the fifth of May, 1857,” said Milton Cooper. “We reached Minneapolis on the 12th-just one week later.” Minneapolis was not yet a city and Minnesota was still a territory, not yet a state. Amie wrote in a letter to friends back in Pennsylvania: “These were trying times—leaving our home, friends and acquaintances and everything near and dear, to make a home in the far west.” Amie had loved school and was an excellent student. Her favorite studies were reported to be mathematics, philosophy and geography. At age 16, she had spent a year studying to be a teacher and soon after began teaching in Pennsylvania. At the time of her marriage, Amie had been teaching for seven years in Minneapolis schools. The Cooper family would later move from Minneapolis to what is now Edina, where they purchased a farm on the Hopkins Road (now Interlachen Boulevard). The farm later became today’s Hilldale Neighborhood. “I taught continuously for six years, sometimes in Minneapolis and sometimes in the country,” Amie said. “After our marriage in September of 1866, I gave up teaching and came out here to try housekeeping.” James and Amie later had three sons and a daughter of their own—James Harry, Alvah Milton, Coates Preston I and Anna Berta. When Anna Berta was 10, she fell and struck her head. Spinal meningitis developed from the injury and she did not survive. Amie mourned the loss of her daughter for the rest of her life. However, Amie’s relationship with her step-daughter, Mary Louisa, was extremely close and Amie passed on to the girl her domestic and teaching skills. 9•SUMMER 2006 In February, 1858, a letter arrived at the Bull farm back East, stating the terms: 160 acres, enough wheat and oats to plant the tillable acres, two cows, two brood sows, 12 chickens, a team of oxen, a wagon, farm machinery, a log house and a log barn. The price: $3,000. On March 5, 1858, the 160 acres were deeded to Alvah Bull, who had previously agreed to financially back his son in the venture. James took possession of the land in March, 1859. According to a 1967 article in Ramsey County History magazine, James, 24, and his young wife, Mary, 23, set out by sled and railroad for their new home in Minnesota late in 1858. At the end of the rail line in LaCrosse, they found the river frozen. So, they bought a team of horses, harness and a wagon to transport their possessions to Edina Mills, Minn., which would be renamed Edina in December of 1888. They brought a chest of drawers, bedding, clothing and a canary cage. It took them a week to complete the remaining 140-mile distance. Much difficulty was encountered because the trails would freeze overnight and were muddy during the day. But they arrived just in time to start spring planting. Only 20 acres of land had been cleared, but others would gradually be prepared for plowing as farming operations expanded. In 1865, Mary died on the farm at the youthful age of 29, leaving one child, Mary Louisa Bull. (An infant son had preceded his mother in death.) Mary Louisa would later become the favorite aunt of her 13 nieces and nephews, who referred to her lovingly as “Aunt Dolly.” James’ sister, Eunice Bull, came from New York to help her brother and care for 2-year-old Mary Louisa. Eighteen months later, in 1866, James married Amie Leah Cooper, of Minneapolis. Marriage Of James Bull And Amie Cooper Linked Two Major Edina Families Amie’s family had come to Minnesota from Pennsylvania. She was the second oldest of seven children. The Cooper family belonged to the Society of Friends, better known as Quakers, who used terms like “thou,” “thy” and “thee” when speaking to family members. Amie’s father, Milton Cooper, was a farmer, skilled cabinetmaker and teamster. Milton had “western fever” and decided to move his entire family to Minneapolis in May of 1857. Some of his 8•SUMMER 2006 In addition to her step-daughter, Mary Louise, Amie (Cooper) Bull raised three sons of her own: (from left) Alvah Milton, James Harry and Coates Preston Bull. 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 Mary Louisa Bull was the daughter of James Alvah Bull and Mary (Comstock) Bull. In 1897, Mary Louisa joined the faculty of the University of Minnesota's School of Agriculture where she made many contributions to the new field of home economics. 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 Milton Cooper was the father of Amie Leah Cooper, who became widower James A. Bull's second wife. 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 Amie (Cooper) Bull (left), second wife of James A. Bull, and her sister Elvira (Cooper), were picking beans in the garden at the Bull family farm in Edina ca. 1910. Ed i n a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y p h o t o (continued on next page) They did their best to educate their children in practical skills and “book learning.” In 1876, in order to give the children a chance to get a good education, James and Amie moved the family to Minneapolis where they lived for two years while the children attended the Minneapolis Academy. With this exception, the farm was James’ home from the time he came to Minnesota in 1858 until his death in 1908. Back on the farm, Amie was known as the “keeper of the flock and the milk,” and was renowned as a buttermaker. She also kept a garden until her sons were old enough to take this work off her hands. And if any woman or child in the neighborhood was sick, Amie was brought in to lend first aid. Whenever a neighbor woman was having a baby, she was always there. Both James And Amie Bull Were Active Grange Members “My grandfather James Bull was very active in the new Grange movement that was sweeping the nation,” said his grandson Stanley Bull. The Grange was a national organization originally formed in Minnesota. Its goal was to foster economicand business security for farmers and their families. It also promoted social and educational activities. Grange meetings were based on an elaborate secret ritual. Twice a month, gatherings featured speakers, musicals and holiday festivities. Amie recalled, “The Grange brought together neighbors that had never spoken to each other.” “When the local Minnehaha Grange No. 398 was organized in 1865, grandfather was elected to be its first 11•SUMMER 200610•SUMMER 2006 ’Master,’” Stanley continued. “Also, grandmother Amie was instrumental in getting the Minnehaha No. 398 branch to be the first Grange organization to admit women as full equal members with men. She also served as one of its first officers.” James leased the northwest corner of his property at 50th Street and Wooddale Avenue for a Grange Hall that was completed in 1879. In 1927, the Grange Hall was moved to what was then Normandale Road near 50th Street. When Highway 100 replaced the two-lane Normandale Road in the 1960s, the Grange Hall was moved eastward a few hundred feet to make way for the new highway. That is where it stands today, next to the restored Cahill one-room school. (The building has been restored and now stands in Tupa Park at Highway 100 and 50th.) According to a 1998 biography of the Bull and Cooper families by Elizabeth (Bull) Waldhauer, James was one of three Grange members, appointed to seek establishment of a farm school for boys at the University of Minnesota’s farm in St. Paul. They succeeded in getting the State Legislature to approve a $25,000 appropriation and, in 1888, the School of Agriculture opened its doors to farm boys. “The farm school was a high school level program,” Stanley said. “There were no public high schools in those days. And only a few farm children could qualify for college,” he added. Afew years later, Amie chaired a committee that won approval to enroll girls in the farm school, providing them an opportunity to learn the “science and art of home life and homemaking.” The Grange Hall continued to serve as Edina’s Village Hall until 1942, when the community got its firstdesignated Village Hall, a building about the size of a rambler home, located on 50th Street near today’s new City Hall. Due to wartime shortages of building materials the structure remained a capped basement until after World War II and wasn’t completed until 1946. This Bull family farmhouse, built in 1872, was at 4124 W. 50th St., across the street from today's 50th Street and Halifax Avenue. It was later occupied by the Adams and Applegate families and became the Wallace residence in 1922. From 1955 to 1968, the house served as Edina's first public library. It was later razed to make way for a new 1st Bank of Edina. Ed i n a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y p h o t o (continued on next page) Stanley Bull, grandson of James Alvah Bull, was 89 when this photo was taken in 1993 at his place on Lake Sylvan near Brainerd, Minn. 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 James Bull leased the northwest corner of his property at 50th and Wooddale for the Grange Hall that was completed in 1879. The hall served as the political headquarters of the pioneer community. The Grange Hall also doubled as a Village Hall where election ballots were cast, including those for the 1888 election in which residents voted to secede from Richfield Township and become the independent Village of Edina. Ed i n a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y p h o t o Background material and photographs for this article came from the collections of the Edina Historical Society and the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture; biographical sketches of James A. Bull, by his son Coates P. Bull and Elizabeth (Bull) Waldhauer; biographical sketches of Amie (Cooper) Bull and the Bull-Cooper families, by Elizabeth (Bull) Waldhauer; letters from Doug Wallace and Coates P. Bull; an oral history recording by Coates P. Bull; an unattributed obituary of James A. Bull; and the following publications:Edina Sun; Ramsey County History magazine; Edina-Chapters in the City History by Deborah Morse Kahn; History of Edina, Minnesota by Paul D. Hesterman; and History and Architecture of Edina, Minnesota by William A. Scott, A.I.A., and Jeffrey A Hess. Joe Sullivan is an Edina resident and freelance writer. Write to him at edinamail@ci.edina.mn.us. 13•SUMMER 200612•SUMMER 2006 St. Stephen’s Church Was Built On Original Grange Hall Site After James’ death in 1908, Amie, her sons and some hired hands kept the farm running for a time. About 1912, they began to sell off the farm’s acreage. The Bulls also donated land at 50th and Wooddale for an Episcopal mission in Edina, which is now St. Stephen’s Church. By 1915, Amie had moved to St. Anthony Park to live with “Aunt Dolly,” her stepdaughter. The last 40 acres of Bull farmland, with Minnehaha Creek rushing alongside, were sold for $1,000 per acre in 1920. Amie died in 1920 and “Aunt Dolly” passed away eight years later. The land in Bull’s “home 40” was resold in 1928 to Thorpe Bros. Realty, which developed it for suburban home sites. In 1927, the Grange Hall was moved from its original site at 50th Street and Wooddale Avenue, on the Bull farm, to Tupa Park at Highway 100 and 50th. Construction began on St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in 1938 on the same site. 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 Picnickers loved to visit the Bull farm in the summer and wade in Minnehaha Creek, which formed the farm’s southern boundary. (Edina Historical Society photo) 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 This photo was taken at a reunion of the Bull and Cooper families at the Bull farm (ca. 1900). The patriarchs of the two families were seated in the middle row: James Bull (second from left) and Milton Cooper (fifth from left). 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 CallTed Field 952-927-1150 www.SeniorExpert.com 30+ years experience working with seniors Edina PlasticSurgery, Ltd. 952-925-1765 |www.edinaplasticsurgery.com 6525 France Avenue South |Suite 300|Edina — in the Southdale Medical Center The Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgery Specialists Smile when you look in the mirror. Call us today. Redeemable at D’Amico & Sons, Edina 3948 West 50th Street Tele 952-926-1187 Not valid with any other offer.Not redeemable for cash,tax or gratuity. One coupon per guest.Offer expires July 31,2006 P 5-8 Edina AT PRESENT THIS COUPON FOR $3 OFF Any PIZZA, PASTA or ENTRÉE, DINE IN or TAKE OUT One of the City of Edina’s top awards for community service was recently presented to Mary Brindle, a longtime volunteer. Mayor Jim Hovland presented Brindle with the Mayor’s Individual Service Commendation at Edina’s Volunteer Recognition Reception in late April at Edinborough Park. “There aren’t too many people in this community who have not heard the name of Mary Brindle, and that is because a great number of us are blessed to know her as a servant, leader and friend,” Hovland said. “She has been a volunteer in Edina for quite a while, and saying that she puts in a minimum of 15 hours per week is modest at best … With countless hours of service, she continues to go above and beyond for her fellow Edinans.” Brindle is the chairwoman of the July 4 Parade Planning Committee and the Human Rights and Relations Commission (HRRC). She is also a member of the Youth Sports Taskforce, Edina Crime Prevention Fund, Connecting with Kids Positional Leaders Group and Edina Morningside Rotary Club. She is a French horn player in the First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band. Last fall, she led a group of Minnesotans to Korea as part of a Rotary International Group Study Exchange. Hovland presented five other prestigious awards at the reception. 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 Friends of the Edina Library boasts a membership of 174. Collaborating with the City, Senior Center, Edina High School, Edina Community Foundation, Southdale Library Friends, Human Rights and Relations Commission and the Sun-Current,the Friends of the Edina Library last year organized and promoted “Edina Reads: The Kite Runner.” In addition, over the past five years, the Friends have contributed more than $65,000 to the library for collections, furnishings and programming. In 2005, the Friends contributed $5,000 toward the beautification of Grandview Square Park. City Thanks Volunteers At Annual Reception 14•SUMMER 2006 Mayor’s Outstanding Senior Commendation Awarded to a senior citizen for outstanding volunteer service within the community. Dietician Janet Johnson is a longtime member of the Edina Chamber of Commerce and the Edina Federated Women’s Club and has been recognized for her volunteer efforts by both of those organizations. She organized the 2006 Edina Senior Health & Resource Expo, attended by nearly 200. Mayor’s Connecting With Kids Commendation Awarded to an individual or organization making a positive impact in the lives of Edina youth. David Kunz is known as a friend of youth – as a hockey coach, neighborhood dad who knows all of the kids’ names and as Director of Community Service – Youth for the Rotary Club of Edina. Among his many Rotary responsibilities, Kunz helps plan Camp Enterprise, a three-day camp for students to learn more about the free enterprise system; organizes foreign exchange programs; and oversees a mentoring program at North Star School. Mayor’s Youth Commendation Awarded to a young person who has demonstrated a commitment to improving the quality of life in the community. Kelly Hayes, a ninth-grader at Valley View Middle School, works at concession stands and keeps score for Edina basketball games. Kelly volunteers at the Edina Girls Athletic Association volleyball clinic for fourth-graders. She is active at her church, teaching religious education classes to third-graders, planning events with sixth-graders after Mary Brindle receives the Mayor’s Individual Service Commendation at the Volunteer Recognition Reception. Brindle also received an award from the Edina Morningside Rotary Club at the event. Receiving 2006 Mayor’s Commendations were (Row 1) Marie Goblirsch of the Friends of the Edina Community Library; (Row 2) Kelly Hayes, Janet Johnson and Mary Brindle, pictured alongside Mayor Jim Hovland; and (Row 3) David Kunz and Tim Zimmerman. 15•SUMMER 2006 (continued on next page) school and participating in the Random Acts of Kindness program by making cards for the elderly. She provides child care at Mary’s Place in Minneapolis and serves meals at People Serving People once per month. She is also an active member of the Builders Club, a community service organization for middle schoolers. 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. Greenhouse Manager and Horticulturist Tim Zimmerman works closely with the Edina Garden Council, especially in planning the group’s annual plant sale. Zimmerman is a two-time president of the North Star Lily Society and founder of the Hanover Historical Society. Each year, he does research by planting new introductions in the test bed at Arneson Acres Park, where the City’s formal gardens are located. He puts in countless hours at home working on special projects, seed orders and developing his own hybrid plantings, which he generously shares with the Edina Garden Council. He recently helped develop a new website for Arneson Acres. Many service organizations also recognized their own exemplary volunteers at the reception. Awards were presented to: Delores Dege, Edina Art Center; Cynthia Storrs, Edina Chamber of Commerce; Julie Rogers Bascom,Community Education Services; Betty Owen and LaVonne Mountain, Edina Garden Council; Janet Schank and Doug Eischens, Edina Chemical Health Partners; Jean Colwell and Emily Triggs, Edina Community Foundation; Stevie Sislo, Edina Family Center; Marcia Friedman, Edina Girls Athletic Association; Frank Cardarelle, Ruth Valgemae and Betty Reid Kuechle, Edina Historical Society; Browder Stone, Edina Police Department; Sharon Ming, Edina Resource Center and HRRC; Carel Greseth, Edina Senior Center; Dave Fredlund and Jim Hale, Edina Federated Women’s Club; Jan Michaletz, Fourth of July Parade Committee; Pam Gagnon, Louise Price, Jean Kennedy, Gloria DeBerg, Jennifer Roach and Margaret Kersteter, Friends of the Edina Library; Bob Rustvold, Ken Swanson and Bob Bertelsen, Golden K Kiwanis Club; Carol Carmichiel, Betsy Flaten, Eileen Supple and Jennifer Watkins, HRRC; Sandy Fox, League of Women Voters of Edina; Brad Gruhot, Lions Club; Mary Brindle, Edina Morningside Rotary Club; Chris Grande, Marley Hanson, Jen Heinzel, Kaitlin Johnson, Ian Nelson and Beau Rickert, Recycling & Solid Waste Commission; Debra Korb, Rotary Club of Edina; Sandy Schley, Southdale YMCA; and Virginia Anthony, Edina Woman’s Club. Also presented at the event was the first Tom Oye Human Rights Award. Mary Ellingen received the award for her work as a volunteer lawyer with Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights. She has participated in fact-finding missions regarding women’s rights in Poland, Tajikistan and locally. She has prepared recommendations for bringing laws into conformity with international human rights standards. For more information on the Volunteer Recognition Reception, contact Human Services Coordinator Susan Heiberg, 952-826-0403. 16•SUMMER 2006 17•SUMMER 2006 “Once we finish our initial training, we will be able to start responding to general alarms/working fires and call-backs (back filling at the station during ambulance and fire calls so there is someone there to respond to another emergency),” Bower said. Some of Bower’s responsibilities will be to respond to fires, emergency medical calls and hazardous material incidents, as well as to perform fire inspections, public education, pre-fire planning, and building and equipment maintenance, among other things. She will work a scheduled shift of approximately eight hours during the month, “doing all the things a full-time firefighter does, and then respond to the fire station during times of higher call volume (seven to 10 times a week) to replace firefighters out on other calls, and also respond to emergency incidents as needed,” Scheerer said. With the arrival of Edina’s first female firefighter, more changes have begun to take place as well. Fire Station No. 1, 6250 Tracy Ave., will soon be remodeled to accommodate female firefighters. When the building was constructed in the 1960s, locker rooms, rest rooms and dorms were designed for men only. “So far, it has been a positive experience,” Bower said about reactions from others in the department. “[Up until now,] I’ve interacted with the ’paid-on-calls’ more. Sometimes it could feel a little intimidating when I first walk in - I feel it’s just a different kind of environment; different from anything I’m used to. It has not been negative. I think there’s just some curiosity on the part of the guys there. It’s interesting!” “Leah’s been doing great in training,” said Training and Safety Chief Tom Schmitz. “She’s settling in well. Anice thing is that we have combined classes with the Eden Prairie and Bloomington [fire] departments, and each one has had women to work with. What’s unique about the Edina [training] program is that since we have a full-time group, there’s not a necessity to get her [Bower] up to speed as quickly. In a traditional department, they start responding more quickly.” Describing how she feels about the history-making honor of becoming the first female firefighter in Edina, Bower said, “I think it’s pretty exciting!” Scheerer agrees. “We are very excited to have Bower join our department,” he said. “We are way overdue in having our first female firefighter. She is very intelligent, has a super personality and excellent firefighter skills. She will be a wonderful improvement to our organization.” “I think Leah’s a strong person,” added Schmitz. “With our recruiting process, by the time we get to the end, we’ve got some pretty strong people. She’ll be one of them.” For more information on the Edina Fire Department’s paid-on-call firefighting program, call Assistant Fire Chief Darrell Todd at 952-826-0328. 19•SUMMER 2006 By Cheryl Anderson Leah Bower made history in January when she joined the Edina Fire Department as its first female firefighter. Anative of St. Louis, Bower moved to Minneapolis five years ago to work as a Program Evaluator at Ramsey County Human Services. She holds a master’s degree in Applied Anthropology from American University in Washington, D.C., and currently lives with her husband, Piet, in southwest Minneapolis. Bower is very active in many other areas. Involved in her community, she has been volunteering as a tutor and mentor for the past three years. And she has always been very interested in athletics, having been a runner for more than 20 years. “I have completed nine marathons in five states and have also competed in a couple of triathlons,” she said. The avid athlete also enjoys playing tennis, and her other interests include traveling, reading and playing the piano. However, her newest interest—becoming a Paid-On-Call “Volunteer” Firefighter—began two years ago. “I had never thought about being a firefighter until one of my colleagues at Ramsey County, who has been a Paid-On-Call Firefighter for Edina for a number of years, started talking about his experiences fighting fires,” she said. “His stories seemed intriguing and so unlike anything I had ever done before. He would get so excited talking about it. Then, he told me that the department was going to be hiring and said he thought I should consider applying. That is when I first started considering the possibility. I thought it would be a great way to get more involved in the community and learn something completely new.” Last fall, Bower went through the department’s extensive testing process for paid-on-call firefighters, which includes a written test, physical agility test, interview, physical exam and psychological examination. Afew other women tested for the position in the past, but Bower was the first one to successfully complete the three-month process. Of 20 applicants, Bower was one of four people hired for the job. Intensive preparation followed suit. Until the end of the summer, Bower will be in training with three other new volunteer firefighters from “Edina Fire.” “There is actually a substantial amount of training that occurs before we can even ride along to a fire or other emergency,” she explained, adding that next year they will receive training in basic emergency medical services. According to Fire Chief Marty Scheerer, “she will have ongoing training her entire career … approximately four days per month.” New Firefighter Makes History In Edina 18•SUMMER 2006 Leah Bower Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n Sue Bradsher said her daughter Anna, 7, enjoys playing hockey so much that “we have to hide the hockey gear; otherwise, she puts it on all the time.” “I’m excited that it finally came - a chance for these kids to play hockey,” said Christine Keely. Her sons, Kevin, 7, and Joseph, 16, played in the special hockey program. “They both love it,” she said. Jane Cashin said that when Sam heard about the new program, he wanted to play right away. Sam played hockey in first grade and signed up for anotheryear, but had to stop playing because the other kids were excelling more quickly, his mother explained. Edina’s new program gave Sam the chance to play ice hockey again and to wear the same gear as other players. “I think [players] putting all the equipment on is just so cool,” Jane Cashin said. Every player that needed equipment received it, Miller said. Equipment donations came from hockey associations throughout the state and the ice skates were donated by Hockey Zone in Waite Park. “Tons of equipment [came] from our Edina Hockey Association families,” Miller added. Volunteers helped outfit players with gear. Polly Marell said she appreciated the help when fitting her son David, 8, with gear because she didn’t know much about hockey. Volunteers were also present at practices, offering encouragement, enthusiasm and advice. Beginning special hockey players received one-on-one attention from volunteers. Marell said all that attention dramatically improved David’s skating skills. Volunteers also helped the sled users - teaching them how to maneuver across the ice using two shortened hockey sticks. Some sled users needed volunteers to help push them around the ice. Many of the 30-plus volunteers play hockey at Edina’s high school and middle schools. For these students, the experience has been about more than hockey. “It’s been really rewarding,” said Cara Coughlin, a ninth-graderat 21•SUMMER 2006 New Adaptive Recreation Hockey Program Turns Spectators Into Players 20•SUMMER 2006 By Christina Scipioni His disability kept him from playing, but Sam Cashin was named the most valuable player of his older sister’s hockey team last year. As the team’s honorary mascot, Sam cheered players on while wearing his green shoelaces and waving his Edina flag. Earlier this year, though, Sam, 13, suited up and scored goals while his sister’s teammates cheered him on. Thanks to a new Edina Adaptive Recreation program, Sam was able to take to the ice and play like his sister. “Sam loves going to [older sister] Lucy’s games, but now it’s all about him,” said Sam’s mom, Jane Cashin. Last March, Edina Adaptive Recreation introduced a sled hockey program and a special hockey program for adults and children with physical and cognitive disabilities. They are the first programs of their kind to be offered in Minnesota. “Hockey is such an important part of Minnesota,” said Edina Recreation Supervisor Susie Miller. “We just felt there was a need for individuals with disabilities to be able to play.” “I couldn’t believe that Minnesota – the “State of Hockey” – didn’t have a program,” Coach Rick Carlson said. The programs ran for six weeks in March and April and had 27 special hockey skaters and 19 sled users. “For the first time ever offering this program in Minnesota, I think it’s been a huge success,” Miller said. Many parents and players were excited to hear that Edina was offering special and sled ice hockey programs. Coach Rick Carlson teaches David Marell, 8, how to balance on his skates. Participants in the sled users group learn how to maneuver in their sleds and shoot the puck. Ph o t o b y C h r i s t i n a S c i p i o n i A participant in Edina Adaptive Recreation’s sled hockey program waits for instructions from her coach. Ph o t o b y C h r i s t i n a S c i p i o n i (continued on next page) South View Middle School. “It’s really fun to gain a relationship with the kid you’re helping.” Ellie Gleason, an eighth-grader at Valley View Middle School, said that through volunteering she has learned about different types of disabilities and how to help people with disabilities. Lucy Cashin, a sophomoreat Edina High School, said volunteering gives players a different perspective about skating. “When we’re on the ice, we’re not usually helping out,” she explained. Keely said her son Kevin has fun working with the young volunteers. “Kevin won’t let me cut his hair because the girls [volunteers] tell him his curls look cute under his helmet,” Keely said with a smile. At practices, the participants were split into three groups: sled users, beginning stand-up and intermediate stand-up. This way, each player received the amount of attention he or she needed. While having about 70 people on the ice at one time can sometimes be chaotic, practices are full of enthusiasm. Players learn how to skate, shoot and how to move the puck down the ice. Edina’s program was so successful that this winter Minnesota Special Hockey will start offering stand-up and sled hockey programs, Miller said. Practices will begin mid-November and run though March. Some parents are already looking forward to the new season. “I think it’s cool that there’s going to be a nice long hockey season next winter,” Bradsher said. As for Sam Cashin, he’s proud of coming out of the stands and on to the ice. “Sam knows 90 percent of the volunteers and their parents are in the stands, cheering him on, too,” Jane Cashin said. For more information on Edina Adaptive Recreation, contact Miller, 952-826-0433. For more information on Minnesota Special Hockey, visit www.MNSpecialHockey.org. 22•SUMMER 2006 23•SUMMER 2006 IF IT WEREN’T YOUR OFFICE, YOU MIGHT NEVER WANT TO LEAVE. www.uproperties.com | 952.921.2222 Centennial Lakes Office Park is part of a 100-acre, mixed-use development that blends Class-A office space with retail, entertainment, residential and a 25-acre park and lake system. The adjacent Centennial Lakes shopping center offers convenient access to seven restaurants and a number of retail services. For more information about this exciting property, call Jim Jetland at 952-831-1000. City Of Edina To Flush Hydrants In September 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 two weeks in September. 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 on the east side of Minnesota Highway 100 the week of Sept. 18 and on the west side of the highway the week of Sept. 25. Due to the hydrant flushing, it is inevitable that some residents will receive rust-colored water that could stain laundry, but 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. Because the water system is a “single-pressure zone,” it is possible that red water problems will occur in any area of the City while flushing is occurring. For more information regarding hydrant flushing, call the Utilities Division at 952-826-0375 or 952-826-0312. Skip & Debbie Thomas REMAX RESULTS Edina Graduates • Edina Residents Sam Giannakakis Senior LoanOfficer Direct: 952.820.3272 Fax: 952.820.3372 Cell: 612.816.1511 Pager: 952.907.3380 Email: sam@lakelandmortgage.com RESULTS Call For A Free Loan Approval! Call For A Free Market Analysis Skip & Debbie Thomas GRI, Realtors 5201 Eden Avenue Edina, MN 55436 Direct: 952.848.2404 Home: 952.927.4804 Fax: 952.848.2410 Email: skipthomas@iwon.com Website: www.skipthomas.com Sam Giannakakis Lakeland Mortgage Corporation TOP Producers that sell & finance homes in Edina and the Twin Cities! Active in Edina The Falkers’ garden and pond were on the 2005 Parade of Ponds tour. The wadeable 10-by-20-foot pond and bog contain about 1,500 gallons of water. The four-foot deep circular pond has a one-foot submerged shelf around it for wading. The pond is home to about 100 goldfish and four Koi, including Sam who is 18 inches long and is so tame he can be petted. Jack runs strands of nylon fish line about 10 feet above the pond and at pond level as “wing traps” to deter fish-predator birds. The pond is 70 percent covered with blooming, hardy water lilies. Both lilies and fish overwinter in the pond, using low wattage surface heaters and a 300-gallon per hour bubbler to keep holes in the ice. The main rose, perennial and annual gardens are on eight different levels and were architecturally designed by Gustafson Design, and executed by StoneCrafters Inc. in 2003. The bog and pond were substantially revised in 2005 by “AWork of Art” Landscaping. Jordan And Melissa Mauer Home Featuring Pond And Bog The Mauers’ water garden was on the 2004 Parade of Ponds and was also featured on Rebecca’s Garden, a national television show on CBS. The Mauers purchased the 1958 home in 1997. The façade was completely remodeled in 2005 to showcase the straight-line modern style with its wonderful patio in the front surrounded with low maintenance grasses. The Blue Dunes grass blends well with the slate-colored concrete materials at the front of the home. Three bubbling boulders flank the stairs to the front door. Enter the gate in the fence on the left side of the home, which opens to a refreshing view of their pond. Jordan is the water garden enthusiast and Melissa is a self-styled 25•SUMMER 2006 The Edina Garden Council will dedicate its new fountain at Arneson Acres Park in August during its biennial garden tour. Many a bride has chosen Arneson Acres Park as a backdrop for her wedding photographs, posing in the City’s formal gardens or near the gazebo or fountain. The original fountain at Arneson Acres Park was donated by the Edina Garden Council (EGC) in 1998. The new classical three-tiered fountain will be installed in a 20-foot reinforced concrete pool and will be more durable and tamper-resistant than the old structure. The new fountain will be dedicated 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, at the park, 4711 W. 70th St. The fountain dedication coincides with EGC’s biennial garden tour, which will be held 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day. Aplant sale will be held in the gazebo at Arneson Acres Park during the garden tour. The garden tour includes five gardens, all located in the northwest quadrant of Edina, plus the public gardens at Arneson Acres Park. Jack And Eileen Falker Home With Rose Garden And Pond Jack and Eileen Falker have lived in this 1964 Cape Cod style home since 1977, when they came to Minnesota from Michigan. Jack has more than 100 rose bushes in his garden, many of which he has propagated using both stem cuttings and the ancient Chinese technique of air layering. Jack is a member of the American Rose Society and has published the article “The Ultimate Deer Solution” for The American Rose magazine. He is also a member of the Edina Garden Council. In addition to their many showy annuals and perennials, the Falkers also have vegetable and herb gardens. Jack is a member of the Decorah, Iowa-based Seed Saver’s exchange and, as a result, has many heirloom plants in the garden. The entire garden is watered by a Drip Works irrigation system running on four different zones of the home’s central irrigation system. In addition, Jack has a 185- gallon above-ground cistern, which collects rainwater from the garage roof. The rainwater is dispensed by sprinkling cans, which are filled from the continuously running fountain spigot driven by a 1,000 gallon per hour pump. Astandpipe directs overflow onto the lawn. This system avoids using Edina’s alkaline water for fertilizing and spray mixtures. Aone half-inch rainfall will fill the cistern. Garden Tour, Fountain Dedication To Be Held In August 24•SUMMER 2006 Jordan and Melissa Mauer’s home has a patio in front, surrounded with low-maintenance grasses. (continued on next page) Jack and Eileen Falker’s property features more than 100 rose bushes. “pond widow.” The 2,400- square-foot garden with a 20- foot-by-12-foot-by-42-inch pond was designed and installed by Jordan in 2002. In the backyard, the natural elevation provides a backdrop for the seven-foot waterfall and streambed that fall into the 4,500-gallon pond. The pond is home to approximately 50 goldfish and koi, which overwinter in the garage in a stock tank with artificial lighting on a timer. Acedar plank bridge spans the pond and joins the walkway from the patio. Underwater and landscape lighting provide ambiance for night viewing. The back patio is surrounded with tropical potted plants and flowering shrubs such as a tree form of Korean lilac. This garden is handicapped accessible. Arden Aanestad Home Featuring Gazebo, Pond And Wildlife Garden This garden is for the birds and butterflies! Aanestad has turned his Edina property into an oak savanna garden, which serves as a haven for birds and wildlife. The garden contains numerous native shrubs such as nannyberry, hazelnut, sumac, snowberry and elderberry, which are magnets for birds, providing them with food, cover and nesting sites. He has many bird feeding stations that he can observe from his deck. Native plants and grasses also grace Aanestad’s woodlandgarden,including spring-blooming lady’s- slippers, wild garlic, wild ginger, marsh marigolds, alum root, and heartleaf golden Alexander’s. He also has prairie plants such as bergamot, compass plant and New England aster. An artificial stream flows over a waterfall into a pond with cattails and waterlilies, forming a haven for wildlife and fish. His screened in gazebo provides a restful retreat by the babbling stream. Diane Hilscher of Hilscher Design and Ecology, Inc., designed Aanestad’s pond, gazebo and garden setting. Aanestad is active in the Audubon Society and the Minnesota Native Plant Society. 26•SUMMER 2006 Ron Skudstad 1887 Farmhouse Surrounded By AHosta Collection And Perennials The property for this historic farmhouse was deeded to the Maloney family in 1881. The one-acre lot is all that remains of the original raspberry farm. Skudstad has been expanding his gardens since he purchased the property in 1990. More than 100 varieties of hosta prosper in the shade of a mature Scotch pine and silver elm. Filling every available corner are potted annuals and houseplants, including a very large fern, which takes over an upstairs kitchen during the winter. The sunny spots of the garden are punctuated with Lillium, day lilies, purple coneflowers and many other perennials. Skudstad, a member of the Edina Garden Council, laid his own patios and pebble walkways. During spring 2006, Ron added a new walkway and patio on the north side of the home, which offers shade and coolness on hot, sunny summer days. Antiques on the window ledges add to the charm of one of Edina’s oldest homes. Skustad does all his own garden design. Shirley Petersen Home Featuring Showy Annuals And Whimsical Objects Petersen is a long-standing member of the Edina Garden Council. In May of 2004, Petersen moved into her home on Bernard Place, downsizing from the Edina home where she had raised her family on Code Avenue. The hardest part was leaving her many shady gardens, which had twice been featured on an EGC Garden Tour. Her new home had not a single flower, and the extensive remodel had eliminated all of the grass as well. On this blank canvas, Shirley planned her “Not So Big” garden as a sweeping border across the entire backyard with just enough grass to frame the picture. Though hidden from street view, an explosion of color awaits as you enter the gate on the left side of the house into the back yard. The six-foot deep cypress border across the back allows for taller shrubs and climbing vines, plus gives access to view the garden from the back as well as the front. Strategically placed picket fence benches provide the visitor and the gardener a place to pause and admire the garden from different angles. Shirley grows seeds under lights all winter, many of them new and unusual varieties. Roses, lilies, clematis, delphinium and a large variety of perennials thrive in her sunny garden. Old favorites such as phlox and Echinacea accompany them. Annuals such as zinnias, cosmos, cleome, marigolds and ageratum burst with exuberant color. The only large tree in the yard just happens to shade the patio area, and 27•SUMMER 2006 Arden Aanestad’s garden features a large gazebo. (continued on next page) Ron Skudstad’s 1887 farmhouse is surrounded by hostas. 29•SUMMER 200628•SUMMER 2006 allows the impatiens, begonias and coleus to exist happily next to their sun cousins. Climbing over the fence are heavenly blue morning glories as well as night-blooming white moonflower vines. Planters and vegetables abound. From painted birdhouses to decorated shovels, there is even a touch of whimsy to delight. At the end of the first summer in her new home, visitors could not believe that this was a new garden as it looked lush and full, and like it had been there forever. Petersen’s new garden on Bernard Place is proof positive that a garden does not have to be big to be beautiful. Tickets to the five private gardens on the tour are available in advance by contacting a member of the Garden Council or the day of the event at Arneson Acres Park. Addresses of the gardens on the tour are disclosed on the tickets. Tickets purchased the day of the event cost $15; tickets purchased in advance cost $12 each. Fee Only Investment Advisory Experience Service Performance Innovation Integrity Discipline 7400 Metro Boulevard Suite 100 Edina, MN 55439 Tel:(952) 746-6777 e-mail:trgr ace@thosgrace.com West 50th and Vernon Avenue at Hwy.100 952-920-3996 www.washburn-mcreavy.com Family Owned & Operated Since 1857 EDINA CHAPEL FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES Shirley Petersen’s two-year-old garden features a sweeping border across the entire backyard with just enough grass to frame the picture. Foundation is proud to play a key role in helping the Council carry out its mission in this outstanding project. Aperfect example of a Foundation program is the Edina Chorale. Its 2006 showcase project, MozartFest, honoring the 250th birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a collaboration between the Edina Chorale (an adult community organization), Edina High School Orchestra and Edina High School Choirs. Through a Foundation grant, professional musicians performed alongside high school students and chorale members in this showcase performance at Edina High School. The First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band is one of Edina’s jewels. The band celebrates its final outdoor concert each year with the Lighthouse Night Torchlight Concert on the second Sunday in August. Through a Foundation grant, spectators are enchanted while they wait for the evening concert by Minnesota Wheelmen (vintage bicycles), olde tyme organ grinder, restored Model Ts and Mannequin in Motion. Joining them are Edina’s own Jim Shannon on piano and the Centennial Lakes Model Boat Club and Lighthouse Night prior to the concert. Jugheads Youth Juggling Company is a showpiece in youth organizations locally as well as nationally. Foundation grants provide funding for competitions and performances that allow the Jugheads to continue their success. Edina Reads will once again present a series of fall events for readers of all ages in a “one community, one book” program. This collaborative project brings together the efforts of the Edina Community Library, Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission and the Foundation. AFoundation grant provides funding for speakers and events surrounding this annual program. The Edina Public Art Committee is busy beautifying our City with the support of Foundation grants for art at City Hall and Grandview Square Park. The award-winning design of City Hall will make a perfect atmosphere in which to enjoy the art glass on the East lobby window. Three sculptures will be on display in the City’s newest park, Grandview Square Park. The common thread of the Foundation can be found throughout Edina. To learn more about the Foundation and its programs, visit our website at www.edinacommunityfoundation.org. 31•SUMMER 2006 By Mary Brindle Program Coordinator What do the following have in common? Arneson Acres Fountain Edina Public Art Committee Edina Senior Health Expo 4th of July Parade Edina Reads Holiday Home Tour Edina Chorale First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band Jugheads Youth Juggling Company Centennial Lakes Torchlight Concert They’re all activities or programs that are involved in some way with the Edina Community Foundation. They’re all on my radar as Program Coordinator for the Foundation. The Edina Community Foundation has long been known for its central role in the community as a philanthropic organization. Beginning in 2006, however, there’s a new energy in Suite 106, 5280 Grandview Square, the official headquarters of the Edina Community Foundation. The credit goes to the Foundation’s Board of Directors and to Dick Crockett, Executive Director, for their broad focus on programs as the common thread that make the Foundation a household word for many in Edina. Foundation programs such as the 4th of July Parade, Holiday Home Tour and the Edina Garden Council raise funds to cover their expenses. They’re called Designated Funds. Other programs such as Edina Chorale, Jugheads Youth Juggling and Sousa Band apply for grants to fund scholarships, annual or one-time events. The 4th of July Parade, with an annual budget of just under $20,000 is great Foundation program. You might ask, “Does the parade cost money?” In a single word, entertainment. Marching bands, horses and facilities all make the parade what it is - one of the biggest community events of the year. Area businesses sponsor the parade with contributions ranging from $275 to $5,000. The Foundation is proud to help the parade committee bring our community together to celebrate our heritage as Americans and honor the vision of our Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence 230 years ago. The annual Holiday Home Tour (HHT) gets us in the mood for the holidays with a City Hall reception and home tours. The Tour is a great way to kick off the holiday season, say 2006 HHT Co-Chairs Jean Colwell and Carol Sidell. Participants enjoy a holiday atmosphere including decorations, music and treats while they wait for the bus that will take them on the tour of decorated homes. Sponsors of this event include businesses in and around the Edina community and are acknowledged in each of the homes. The Edina Garden Council (EGC), fueled by the work of scores of volunteers, continues on its mission to beautify Edina and at the same time educate Edina residents about gardening techniques. The upcoming showpiece of the EGC will be the new Arneson Acres Fountain. Again, the 30•SUMMER 2006 The Edina Community Foundation: A Common Thread Throughout The Community Strengthening Our Community Garage Sales Garage or yard sales are a great way to clean out your house, meet your neighbors and make some extra money. If you plan to have a sale at your home this year, please be aware of the following rules. •You may conduct only one sale per year at your home, lasting no more than 72 consecutive hours. •Items offered for sale must be owned by the owner of the premises or by friends of the owner. •Items offered for sale must not have been bought for resale or received on consignment for the purpose of resale. •Signs may be erected on the premises where the sale is taking place. No off-site signs are allowed. •No signs may be posted on the road right-of-way (the City-owned property 15 feet in from residential curbs) or on telephone poles. For more information, contact Associate Planner Joyce Repya, 952-826-0462. Signs Signs can negatively impact the aesthetics in an area and, in some cases, pose a safety hazard. As a result, most portable signs are prohibited in the City of Edina. Contractors are allowed to erect a portable sign on property where work is being done. However, the sign must be removed when work is complete. So, a construction company could put a sign in the yard of a home where an addition is being built, but the sign must be taken down when the project is finished. Alawn care company could to erect a sign in a yard being mowed, but it must be taken down before the contractor leaves for the day. Real estate signs are not considered “portable” under the Edina City Code. Those signs are addressed by another local ordinance. Campaign signs are the only signs allowed in the public right-of-way. Signs can be erected Aug. 1 until Nov. 17 with permission of the abutting property owner. For more information, contact Associate Planner Joyce Repya, 952-826-0462. Dumping In Parks The City of Edina has 1,532 acres of parkland, of which approximately 800 are wooded or un-mowed natural areas. Within the wooded areas are growing some of Edina’s greatest and oldest trees. They are thriving under natural conditions greatly favoring their health and longevity. According to the City Code, “no person, in any park, street, sidewalk or publicly owned property shall … deposit, place or leave any paper, rubbish, waste, cans, bottles or refuse of any kind except in receptacles provided for the collection of waste.” The Code provides for the protection and preservation of these areas by making it unlawful to cut, remove or plant any material without a City permit, and unlawful to dispose of any trash – including organic material such as leaves, grass clippings, branches and logs. It’s Not Only Neighborly … It’s The Law 32•SUMMER 2006 Depositing such organic material within these areas, besides being unsightly, can cause ill health and even mortality to the existing trees and other vegetation. Too much of this material on the ground can smother the roots, causing oxygen deprivation which adversely affects the health of plants. Roots of all plants require soil oxygen to function properly. This soil oxygen if depleted dramatically whenever the ground becomes unnaturally overloaded. In Edina, buckthorn management is viewed as a desirable component of woodland preservation and protection. However, removal of this shrub growing on City parkland is illegal without permission. However well intentioned one may be, it is necessary to conduct this process in a planned, safe and efficient manner. If not done properly, this difficult task can be made even more difficult. Operations must also be directed in such a manner not only to improve the health of the woodlot, but also to improve the aesthetics. Residents must contract with a refuse hauler for the disposal of yard waste. Yard waste should be set out by the curb no more than 12 hours prior to the day of collection. Unless a statement has been issued after a significant weather event, the City will not pick up tree waste from private property. There are four licensed refuse haulers in the City, with which residents must privately contract. They are Aspen Waste Systems, 612-884-8000; Allied Waste, Inc., 952-941-5174; Vierkant Disposal, 612-922-2505; and Waste Management, 952-882-2300. Garbage containers should be set out by the house or garage by 7 a.m. on pickup day. Containers should not be placed at the curb. After collection, containers must be stored out of view from the front street. For more information, contact Park Maintenance Superintendent Vince Cockriel, 952-826-0305, or Recycling & Solid Waste Coordinator Solvei Wilmot, 952-826-0463. 33•SUMMER 2006 35•SPRING 200634•SUMMER 2006 Ben Bratter, Senior Vice President–Investments Nick Cronin, Senior Vice President–Investments Keith Fahnhorst, Senior Vice President–Investments Pete Gabler, Financial Advisor Janel Goff, Senior Vice President–Investments Blane Hammer, Senior Vice President–Investments Bob Hannah, Financial Advisor Jim Hay, Financial Advisor Dave Horan, Senior Vice President–Investments Bob Kaufman, Vice President–Investments Mike Koob, Vice President–Investments Scott Schachtman, Assistant Vice President–Investments Kevin Smith, Senior Vice President–Investments Jim Wilkinson, Financial Advisor At Piper Jaffray, our guides can help you navigate the financial terrain. We’ll create a JourneyPlan™ based on your unique needs and the changing financial landscape, so you’ll have the disciplined investment strategy to keep you on the right path to meet your goals. Paul Bordonaro,Branch Manager, Senior Vice President–Investments Peter Levy,Associate Branch Manager, Senior Vice President–Investments Edina office 4999 France Ave. S., Suite 200 Edina, MN 55410 952 848-8040 877 850-6022 We know the territory. Since 1895. Member SIPC and NYSE. © 2006 Piper Jaffray & Co. 2/06 PC-05-0075 piperjaffray.com At 50th and France Renewing Edina’s Promise, One Home at a Time. Architecture •Interiors •Landscape •Remodel •Build Since 1979 •952.925.9455 •www.mapeterson.com For more information about Worthington or the Administration Department, call 952-826-0415. 37•SUMMER 2006 One city's loss is Edina's gain. “The City of Edina, [City Manager] Gordon Hughes, his staff, and the residents of Edina probably don't suspect what they are about to soon find out: this time, by choosing you, they truly fell in the clover,” wrote a member of the Falcon Heights City Council to Heather Worthington before she left the St. Paul suburb in May to become Edina's Assistant City Manager. For six years, Worthington was the City Administrator of Falcon Heights. Prior to that, she was the Executive Director of the Saint Anthony Park Community Council, a citizen participation organization in St. Paul. In her work at the City of Falcon Heights and the Saint Anthony Park Community Council, Worthington demonstrated a commitment to community-building, strong communications skills and a dedication to public service. For those reasons and more, she rose to the top of 84 men and women who applied for Edina's assistant city manager position. “I'm better because she was good,” said Falcon Heights City Council Member Rick Talbot. “And I became an even better public servant because she was the best. She honored me with her service and humbled me with her friendship—and I will miss her dearly.” With those kinds of comments pouring in from colleagues all over the metropolitan area, Hughes was thrilled to announce her appointment. “Heather has wonderful credentials and experience in many facets of City government. She will be a great asset to our organization,” he said. Worthington has also been an active volunteer in the communities where she has worked. She is a past-president of the Roseville Rotary Club and is currently serving Rotary District 5960 as an Assistant Governor, working as a liaison between the district and the Roseville, St. Paul Sunrise, Twin Cities Rotaract and Twin Cities Nights Rotary clubs. She recently joined the Edina Morningside Rotary Club. Worthington holds a bachelor's degree in history and historic preservation from Michigan State University and is working toward a master's degree in public administration from Hamline University. Among her many responsibilities as Assistant City Manager, Worthington will supervise the City's Administration Department and will oversee such projects as updating the City's comprehensive plan and designing the promenade. “I am very happy to be working in Edina,” Worthington said. “The staff and council have welcomed me so graciously, I feel I'm already part of the team here.” Edina ‘Falls In The Clover’ As Worthington Begins Work As Assistant City Manager 36•SUMMER 2006 The City of Falcon Heights bids farewell to a beloved Heather Worthington, who began work May 15 as Edina's Assistant City Manager. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n Heather Worthington grab-bars. H.O.M.E. assesses the specific needs of each client to determine the type and frequency of services needed. Engle explained that “weather does play a part in this,” as shown by the number of volunteer hours for snow shoveling increasing significantly during mid-March of this year, when the area received more unexpected snowfall amounts than any other time during the season. According to Engle, Edina residents also generously give their time and abilities to accomplish these tasks. Agroup of boys from the Church of St. Patrick in Edina was among those who assisted H.O.M.E. residents during the winter months. “They adopted a senior for a season by doing shoveling, yard work, and scheduling visits [to spend time with him or her],” she said. Students from Edina High School and Calvin Christian High School have also dedicated their time to help Edina seniors with yard cleaning, and three different Girl Scout Troops in Edina made a difference in the lives of the elderly clients by raking leaves for them last fall. H.O.M.E. encourages volun- teers to build relationships while working for clients. Some student volunteers reported that they learned so much from the seniors they helped and were grateful for the experience. Many students receive community service credits from their schools for volunteering. In an annual survey, clients reported that what they appreciate most is that H.O.M.E. has “honest, trustworthy, 39•SUMMER 2006 By Cheryl Anderson There are beautiful things that many of us take for granted – such as a Christmas tree and decorations in the winter, flowers and plants in the spring and summer, and a cleanly raked yard in the fall. However, those things are greatly appreciated gifts to others who likely would not enjoy them otherwise. In Edina and many other communities, elderly residents are able to stay in the comfort of familiar surroundings because of H.O.M.E. Naomi and Pastor Bill Hendricks, residents of Edina since 1969, can attest to this. “I want to tell you how pleased we have been with the volunteers who have helped with the yard work,” said Naomi, now 86 years old, about one of the services provided by this unique organization. “Each spring and fall, they come to rake, which is something neither my husband nor I can do anymore. They even planted some flowers for me last spring and two tomato plants I had bought.” H.O.M.E. stands for Household and Outside Maintenance for Elderly and is a program of Senior Community Services, a non-profit agency that assists seniors with their household chores. H.O.M.E. South provides services for residents age 60 and older living in the cities of Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina, Richfield, St. Louis Park,Hopkins and Minnetonka. These residents live independently, but need assistance in maintaining their residences. The accessible services provided by H.O.M.E. aim to help them avoid premature nursing home placement and assist them in maintaining their dignity, which is the organization's mission. Established in 1980, H.O.M.E. has been providing this valuable assistance for 16 years. Today, there are two locations, H.O.M.E. North and H.O.M.E. South. Edina, Richfield, and Bloomington were the core cities when the South program began, according to Kitty Engle, Program Director for H.O.M.E. South. Through this location, H.O.M.E. has been a very active support system in Edina. In 2005, 192 Edina clients – the majority of whom are women 85 to 89 years of age – received specialized assistance through 1,418 jobs involving more than 3,250 hours of service. Maintaining a home can be very difficult for an elderly person on a fixed income. Asliding contribution scale (based on ability) is the basis for service costs, and 76 percent of the households served by H.O.M.E. are low-income. The assistance available to these clients is made possible by Friends of H.O.M.E., a small organization of people who volunteer their time throughout the year to solicit donations from area businesses, corporations, churches and individuals. Without support to receive these greatly needed services, barring necessary relocation to a nursing home, many older people would likely continue to live in a home that does not meet their own or their community's standards. Skilled workers and specially trained volunteers provide these vital homemaker and home maintenance services. They work on such projects as interior and exterior painting, minor plumbing and electrical repairs, raking, shoveling snow, mowing lawns, cleaning houses, laundry, washing windows, shopping, and even helping to prepare food. They also install safety items such as railings, shelves, and 38•SUMMER 2006 There Is No Place Like H.O.M.E. In Edina AH.O.M.E. volunteer spends time visiting with a client in her home. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n (continued on next page) 41•SUMMER 200640•SUMMER 2006 City To Raise Money For The Arts Through Donations Collected With Utility Payments decent people to do the work needed.” As one client said, “I am just grateful that H.O.M.E. sends capable, reliable people to do the jobs I can't do anymore.” “I appreciate that H.O.M.E. has good, friendly people doing the work,” another client added. “[They are] very dependable … .” The Hendricks appreciate the work that the hard-working volunteers provide them each season “because they want to live in their home as long as possible”. Not only are they able to stay home, they are joyfully able to celebrate Christmas with a tree and decorations (which, because of limitations, they would not have been able to take out and assemble) and have the opportunity to play and sing carols to the volunteers who have helped them overcome many obstacles. After nearly 63 years of marriage, a couple like the Hendricks knows the enduring value of not having to envision life any other way. For more information on H.O.M.E., or to donate time or money, call Engle, 952-888-5530. It's “Your City, Your Art.” The City of Edina through its Public Art Committee is raising money for the arts. Residents can choose to donate to the “Your City, Your Art” program when paying their utility bills. Enrollment cards will be distributed in utility bills sent out this summer. Residents who wish to participate should simply check the box of the dollar amount they would like to donate on a quarterly basis and mail the postage-paid enrollment card back to the City. Residents can also enroll online. The donation amount will be automatically added to subsequent utility bills. For example, your utility bill was $83.57 and you were enrolled in “Your City, Your Art” for a $5 quarterly donation, your total amount due would be $88.57. The $5 donation would be deposited in the “Your City, Your Art” fund. Your donation will continue to be charged on your utility bills until the City is notified that you no longer wish to participate in the program. The Public Art Committee hopes to raise approximately $20,000 per year through the new program. “Help maintain Edina's reputation as a premier city whose residents value a love of culture and the arts by participating in 'Your City, Your Art,'” said Public Art Committee Chairwoman Linda Kieffer. “Public art can encompass two-and three-dimensional work in our City's community spaces such as parks, shopping malls, plazas, public buildings, parking ramps and walkways. Pieces may be decorative and/or functional and include benches, bike racks, pavers, stairway railings, fountains, sculpture, murals, mosaics, fabric art or stained glass. Work has begun on a stained glass project for City Hall. Other possible public art projects identified by the Public Art Committee include sculptures for City Hall and parks such as Grandview Square. “Public art benefits all of us by promoting economic growth and enhancing the quality of life through beautiful artistic expression. Take pride in your community by supporting public art!” Other reasons to fund the “Your City, Your Art” program include: •The arts strengthen communities. •The arts facilitate a free exchange of ideas, thoughts and experiences. •Children who participate in arts programs are more likely to succeed in school. •Astrong arts community benefits the local economy. •The arts provide new opportunities and activities for the community. •The arts spark creativity and learning. “Art adds richness to our environment, defines who we are, and creates a sense of pride in our community with a tangible legacy that will last for generations,” Kieffer said. For more information on the “Your City, Your Art” program, call the Edina Art Center, 612-915-6600. Your CITYYour The parade is not the only way the community celebrates Independence Day. On the evening of July 3, a private reception, dubbed a “Mission Briefing,” will be held at the Centennial Lakes Park Centrum for veterans who participate in the parade. “It gives us the opportunity to say thanks,” Brindle said. The reception also gives veterans the opportunity to share their stories. The Edina Historical Society will open Grange Hall and Cahill School, two historic buildings located in Tupa Park across from City Hall, for tours July 4 immediately following the parade, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Edina Art Center, 4701 W. 64th St., will hold an open house from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. July 4 where viewers can see the Student Art Exhibition. The displays will feature many kinds of art including watercolors, pottery, jewelry, photography and computer art. To end the day, the First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band will perform its traditional July 4 concert in Rosland Park beginning at dusk. Acolorful and exciting display of fireworks sponsored by Fairview Southdale Hospital will follow at approximately 10 p.m. For more information on the Mission Briefing or parade, contact Recreation Supervisor and Parade Planning Committee staff liaison Susie Miller, 952-826-0433. For more information on the Art Center open house, call 612-915-6600. 43•SUMMER 2006 Sponsored by Excel Bank, “Celebrating Edina's Heritage: 230 Years of Independence,” Edina's July 4 parade, is scheduled to step off at 10 a.m.Independence Day. This year marks the 11th anniversary of the parade and an estimated 7,000 people will attend the event to celebrate the day. Approximately 80 units will march in this year's parade, starting on Eden Avenue behind Edina City Hall at 4801 W. 50th St. and winding its way to the intersection of 50th Street and Halifax Avenue in downtown Edina. This year's grand marshal is retired Edina Public Schools Superintendent Ken Dragseth,who will start the parade along with the “Kid To Start the Parade” essay contest winner. The parade will include crowd favorites such as marching bands, horses and clowns. “We're always looking for ways to make the parade more colorful, fun and memorable,” said Mary Brindle, chairwoman of the July 4 Parade Planning Committee. As in years past, community leaders will judge the units before the parade and ribbons will be awarded to the three most creative units. “The parade is made possible by our sponsors who help to cover the costs of entertainment,” Brindle said. The cost of the parade is between $12,000 and $15,000. At press time, Gold Sponsors donating $1,000 or more included Crown Bank, First Minnesota Bank, Fairview Southdale Hospital, North American Banking Co. and Tidal Wave Capital. The parade could not go on without the help of volunteers. Approximately 50 volunteers in bright green shirts work July 4 to make sure the parade runs smoothly. Volunteers work at water tables and serve as parade marshals – in charge of a section of the parade – and banner carriers in the parade. July 4 Parade Spectators Will Celebrate Edina's Heritage 42•SUMMER 2006 Dogs and Cats prefer Pets AreInn Established 1982 MeetSam.Such a happy dog! He never has to be kenneled or caged. You see, Sam goes happily to another loving home when his family is away. His owners have found a service that is a perfect solution when they have to leave him behind: Pets Are Inn. Call today to learn more about us 952-837-1877 or visit our website at: www.petsareinn.com Presenting parade sponsor Excel Bank will ride a steam engine in the 2006 parade. Veterans are an important part of Edina's Independence Day celebration. A “mission briefing” will be held in their honor the evening of July 3, and they will be a large part of the July 4 parade. Rofidal said that there is plenty of work for Seeger and Diesel. “There are some weeks when there is not much K-9 work, and then there are others when we could keep a police dog busy on every shift,” he explained. “Asecond K-9 unit will help spread the work and provide better coverage during patrol shifts.” Edina's new K-9 unit was possible because of donations totaling about $45,000. Major donors were the Pohlad Foundation, which donated $20,000, and the Edina Federated Women's Club, which donated $22,000. In addition, many generous contributions from other Edina service organizations and individual community memberswere received. For Seeger, becoming a K-9 officer is something he has always wanted to do. Of the officers that applied for the position, Seeger was chosen because he has strong ties to Edina and a history of taking initiative, Carlson said. Seeger has worked for the Edina Police Department for five years. Seeger is in charge of the Junior Police Officer Program, which allows police officers to visit third-grade classrooms to talk about their jobs. Seeger enjoys having Diesel in his police car with him all the time. One of his favorite parts of working with Diesel is tracking. “It's just sort of amazing how the dog knows where to go,” Seeger explained. When Diesel is off duty, he lives with Seeger and his family. “When he comes home, he's just a normal dog. He lays around, plays and likes fetching toys,” Seeger said. When Diesel is on duty, he rides in the backseat of Seeger's police car, which has equipment made specifically for police dogs. There's a built-in kennel, complete with heat sensors that alert Seeger when the car is getting too hot. The car also has a “jump door,” which opens when Seeger hits a button on his belt. Once open, Diesel can exit the police car and rush to Seeger's side. Diesel is expected to serve for 8 to 10 years. According to Seeger, the team is excited about getting started.“We're eager to hit the streets,” Seeger said. For more information on the Edina Police Department or the K-9 units, call 952-826-1610. To arrange a K-9 unit demonstration,call Sgt. Tom Draper, 952-826-1601. 45•SUMMER 2006 By Christina Scipioni Officer Mike Seeger and 1-year-old Diesel, an all-black German Shepherd dog, recently began work as the City of Edina's newest Canine (K-9) unit. Seeger and Diesel graduated May 25 from a 12-week training program at the St. Paul Police Canine Training Center. The team trained 8 to 10 hours a day, practicing area searches, tracking, agility, obedience, apprehension and box searches. Training was challenging, Seeger said. Instead of sitting in the classroom, the team learned through trial and error. Now that training is complete, Seeger and Diesel will assist the Police Department in many ways. “Canine units are a great asset in dealing safely and effectively with building and open area searches, locating narcotics and other evidence, tracking, and locating and apprehending fleeing suspects,” said Deputy Police Chief Ken Carlson. “One of the best abilities of a police canine is its ability to dissuade a suspect from fleeing or resisting by its mere presence.” Seeger and Diesel are the Police Department's second K-9 unit. Officer Kevin Rofidal and German Shepherd dog Kodiak began work in 2002. By adding a second K-9 unit, the Police Department is expanding the hours canine assistance is available. Rofidal and Kodiak work the night shift. Seeger and Diesel work day and afternoon shifts. Adding a second K-9 unit “will benefit not only Edina with increased coverage, but our neighboring communities as well,” Carlson said. “We frequently ask other departments for canine assistance when ours is not available and they ask us for assistance as well.” New K-9 Unit ‘Hits The Streets’ 44•SUMMER 2006 Officer Mike Seeger and German Shepherd Dog Diesel recently began work as Edina's second K-9 unit. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n Diesel practices apprehending a suspect during a 12-week training program at the St. Paul Police Canine Training Center. Diesel and Seeger graduated from the program on May 25. Laura Fulton began work in mid-June as Communications Coordinator. Before joining the Minnesota Department of Commerce as an Information Officer, Fulton worked as Communications Intern for the City of Edina. Fulton, 23, holds a bachelor's degree in Communications from the College of Saint Catherine and is also an active member of the MAGC. “I am very excited to return to the City of Edina as Communications Coordinator,” Fulton said. “As a premier Minnesota city, Edina offers countless opportunities to those who live, work and play within the city limits. I look forward to building new bridges with the Edina community and exploring fresh ways to communicate and promote the events and accomplishments of the City.” For more information on the Communications & Marketing Department, call 952-833-9520 or visit www.CityofEdina.com. 47•SUMMER 2006 In response to the growth of the City's various communicationsefforts, City Manager Gordon Hughes recently created a new Communications and Marketing Department and named longtime employee Jennifer Bennerotte to lead it. The City's communications activities had previously been part of the Administration Department. “Although the City is not a 'business,' we strive to operate in a business-like way,” Hughes said. “That means communicating with our customers and marketing our services and facilities to enhance their value to our residents. Jennifer Bennerotte has displayed exemplary skills in these areas and we look forward to her continued growth in our organization.” As Communications and Marketing Director, Bennerotte will help other City departments and facilities identify what information and messages need to be conveyed to Edina's diverse audiences and make sure that it is done in the most effective manner possible. Another important responsibility of the Communications and Marketing Department is finding opportunities to promote what makes Edina the great community that it is and the successes of City government. Specifically, the Communications and Marketing Department is responsible for media and public relations; publication of the City's newsletters and magazines, including About Town and AboutBusiness; maintaining the website and administering Edina Community Channel 16. “I am extremely honored to take on this new position for the City of Edina,” said Bennerotte, who joined the staff in 2000. “I have always been committed to finding ways to better communicate with Edina's residents and businesses and look forward to this new career opportunity.” Bennerotte holds a bachelor's degree in Technical Communication Management from the University of Wisconsin at Platteville. Before joining the City staff, she worked as a reporter and editor for newspapers in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. She is a member of the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators (MAGC) Board of Directors and is involved locally in the Rotary Club of Edina and Edina Chamber of Commerce. The City recently hired a Communications Coordinator to help with work in the department. While new to the position, the woman hired for the job is no stranger to City Hall. City Manager Creates New Communications & Marketing Department 46•SUMMER 2006 Jennifer Bennerotte and Laura Fulton staff the City's new Communications & Marketing Department. They are assisted by a Communications Intern and several part-time Cable Production Assistants. Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n Choose Award Winning Granite… Designed, Fabricated and Installed by Northwestern Marble and Granite 952-941-8601 www.northwesternmarble.com Choose Award Winning Granite… Designed, Fabricated and Installed by Northwestern Marble and Granite Visit our showroom at 7705 Bush Lake Road. We have the largest in-stock inventory in the Twin Cities! Visit our showroom at 7705 Bush Lake Road. We have the largest in-stock inventory in the Twin Cities! HOURS M-Th 8:30 - 7:00 •Fri 8:30 - 4:30 952-941-8601 www.northwesternmarble.com Hedges is especially proud of the “Edina Art Academy,” which she founded in 1987. This class is designed to give optimum individualized, guided art education to young students who exhibit talent in the visual arts and have a focused attitude. “The students don't just sign up for class – they are interviewed and must bring their portfolio to the interview,” Hedges explains. Another program she created is “Art for Ages,” in which young people and adults learn from each other. Adults jump into the creative world and learn freedom from the children who are given a chance to play and balance their often stressful lives. Children benefit from the adult's wisdom. Three EAC programs are in various stages of constant development: the Cultural Explorations Program, the School of Realism and the Art Therapy Program. Another important innovation for the Art Center has been the development of art therapy and art spirituality workshops. “The Art Center's success is due to many people,” Hedges said. “Sometimes, I get a lot of credit for its success. It is the staff, the instructors, the volunteers, the donors, the Board and the City in no certain order who really make the Center what it is. It is really teamwork. … We have a bit of red ink that we're constantly struggling to erase, but the City realizes the importance of the arts in our community and has always praised our efforts to provide area residents with premier programs and family Arts education.” “Diana Hedges continues to amaze us with her ability to keep the Edina Art Center innovative, focused and inviting,” 49•SUMMER 2006 By Kathleen Sovell Contributing Writer Diana Hedges was born sucking on crayons and eating paste. In other words, she has always been an artist. Originally an Iowa corn woman, Hedges migrated to Minnesota in 1984 after living in many places, including Seattle, Long Island and Sutton, Vermont, where she studiedart with Dorian McGowan, a famous Norwegian puppeteer, mosaic maker and painter. Growing up on the Cedar River, Hedges’ father always told her that she could do anything the boys (she has two brothers) could do in life. He taught her how to weld with an acetylene torch when she was 8 years old. Her mother was a career woman and ballroom dancer who never quite understood why her only daughter wanted to be a professional baseball player when she grew up. Both parents always supported her endeavors and still do. Her current artwork still graces their refrigerator! In the 1960s, Hedges was a Licensed Practical Nurse in geriatrics. “People might think that it is odd to go from being a nurse to an Art Director, but when you think about it, working at the Art Center is very much like nursing,” Hedges said. “I believe that my job is to take care of the people here … to try to meet their needs … to listen, reflect and make them feel comfortable. I also believe strongly that the arts are healing.” She also worked as a migrant farmer, a tractor factory worker, box office director for University of Northern Iowa, and co-founded the Black Hawk Children's Theatre and the Round Town Players. She recently celebrated her 20th anniversary with the City of Edina as Director of the Edina Art Center (EAC). “I have no trouble finding inspirations for my art,” she said. “Most recently, I have been fascinated by the magical world of the circus – the shapes, color, lines, textures, light, movement and especially the performers and people who work with the circus.” For the past three years, she has been inspired by circus images and has created many greeting card images for Circus Juventas (a Circus school in St. Paul) where her 16-year-old granddaughter Jazmin is a student. Jazmin studies flying trapeze, silks, Spanish web, pas de deux, contortion, bungee trapeze, dance and more and her studies influence Hedges’ artwork. “As Director of the Edina Art Center for the past 20 years, I've had an unbelievable ride,” Hedges said. “When I first started, we had about 1,200 students. Last year, we had more than 7,200. It's so much more challenging to remember names. At one point, I suggested that students, staff and faculty wear nametags, but I was voted down!” Hedges Celebrates 20 Years As Art Center Director 48•SUMMER 2006 Art Center Director Diana Hedges’ first love is watercolor. Here is one of her works, inspired by circus. Ph o t o b y D i a n a H e d g e s Diana Hedges is currently studying film editing in the Peggy Kelly Media Arts Studios. (continued on next page) 51•SUMMER 2006 said Eddi Fesler. “She infuses instructors, students and volunteers with a love of art that in turn drives us to be all we can in our respective capacities.” Others echoed those comments. “Diana is one of Edina's treasures,” said Betty Hemstad. “For 20 years, she has promoted creativity at every age level in our community, developing our Edina Art Center into one of the most respected in the entire metropolitan area.” Currently living with a beautiful view of Minnehaha Creek from her Edina studio with Lyle, her husband of 30 years, Hedges creates art every morning. “Creating art is one decision after another categorized and put into a logical order and watercolor is my first love.” Author of Read Me a Sweet Story, Grandma,Hedges's recent projects include a shadowbox series of “Day of the Dead” chess players, and sculptural figures influenced by Italian Commedia. Hedges has tentative plans to retire in 2010. Her vision of retirement is to open “Gramarama's Paintbox Museum” featuring her collection of more than 400 tin paintboxes from around the world along with her husband's collection of antique tools. …and she hopes to finally take some classes at the Edina Art Center and travel more with Claire, her Executive Secretary. Visit the Art Center's website, www.EdinaArtCenter.com for a complete class and event 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.) 50•SUMMER 2006 corrigancustomhomes.com 952-828-1985 Dreams into Reality Shaping Edina for over 20 years Building &Remodeling ASID Interiors –Additions Kitchens – Bathrooms Media Rooms Lic.7415 O F M I N N E S O T A RENT ONE OFFICE,USE FIVE LOCATIONS Edina • St. Louis Park • Bloomington/ Airport IDS/Downtown Minneapolis • Woodbury Executive offices from $600 per month. 1-2 person offices with reception services, Hig T-1 service, Flexible Lease Terms. Locally owned and operated since 1990. For information, please see our website at www.exsmn.com or call us at 952-851-5555 Art Center Director Diana Hedges celebrates 20 years as an employee of the City of Edina in 2006. She has created more than 1,000 masks. Ph o t o b y D i a n a H e d g e s THOMSEN&NYBECK, P.A. ATTORNEYS ATLAW Thomsen & Nybeck, P.A. is proud of the accomplishments of GordonV. Johnson, a partner in Thomsen &Nybeck, whowas named Edina Business Person of theYear in 2005. Doing business and counseling businesses in Edina for over 30 years! 3300 Edinborough Way, Suite 600 Edina, MN 55435-5962 (952)835-7000 FAX: (952)835-9450 www.tn-law.com