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AboutTown_2006Winter
PRESORT STD U.S.POSTAGE PAID Permit No.3932 Edina, MN AboutTown Magazine City of Edina 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.CityofEdina.com AboutTown Official Magazine of the City of Edina ***ECRWSS*** POSTAL PATRON CAR-RT-WS ©C O L O U R S 2 0 0 6 About Town Redesigned For The Aging Eye See Page 17 For Details WINTER•2006 2•WINTER 20061•WINTER 2006 SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday 1 3 1:30-3:30 p.m., Hearing tests by appointment, Edina Senior Center. 7 p.m., HRA&City Council, Edina City Hall. 1 7 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 4 2 5-8 p.m., Faculty Exhibit opening, Edina Art Center. 5:30 p.m., Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 5 5-8 p.m., Gallery opening, Edina Art Center. 5:30 p.m., Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 36 4 10 a.m.-Noon, Art for all Ages Valentine- Making Workshop, Edina Art Center. 72 New Year’s Day observed. Most City offices closed. 58 7 p.m., Eden Prairie Community Band, Edinborough Park. 69 7 7 p.m., HRA&City Council, Edina City Hall. 10 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Amy & Adams, Edinborough Park. 811 9 7 p.m., Youth Sports Taskforce, Edina City Hall. 12 7 p.m., Youth Sports Taskforce, Edina City Hall. 1013 1114 12 7 p.m., Stan Bann Big Band, Edinborough Park. 15 7 p.m., Golden Valley Orchestra, Edinborough Park. 1316 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Most City offices closed. 14 1-3 p.m., Blood Pressure Clinic, Edina Senior Center. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 17 7 p.m., HRA&City Council, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Scott Frasier Guitar Duo, Edinborough Park. 15 7 a.m., Recycling & Solid Waste Commission, Edina City Hall. 18 7 a.m., Recycling and Solid Waste Commission, Edina City Hall. 1720 1821 6 p.m., Feds Fest, “ACabaret Evening,” Interlachen Country Club. 19 7 p.m., Hopkins Westwind Concert Band, Edinborough Park. 22 20 Presidents’ Day. Most City offices closed. 23 21 7 p.m., HRA&City Council, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Cathy &Tom Platenburg, Edinborough Park. 24 7 p.m., Human Rights &Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 2225 23 4 p.m., Edina Art Center Board, Edina Art Center. 26 4 p.m., Edina Art Center Board, Edina Art Center. 2427 2528 28 7 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 31 2730 5-8 p.m., Spring skating class registration, Braemar Arena. 26 7 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park. 29 7 p.m., First John Phillip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park. February 2006January 2006 16 5:30 p.m., Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. 19 5:30 p.m., Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. About Town CalendarAbout Town Calendar Each quarter, the Park and Recreation Department produces a catalog of offerings, Park & Recreation Insider. Park & Recreation Insider includes information about recreational facilities, youth sports, adult athletics, family activities and Adaptive Recreation. Programs for which registration is imminent are featured in the publication. Because registration for summer programs begins Wednesday, Feb. 1 for residents, the winter Park & Recreation Insider features summer facilities and programs. For the past two years, the catalog has been distributed as an insert in About Town.To increase visibility for the Park and Recreation Department’s programs and promote greater participation, the Park & Recreation Insider will be mailed separately beginning with the winter 2006 issue. Extra copies are available at Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St., or online at www.CityofEdina.com under “Press Releases & Publications.” For more information, please call the Park and Recreation Department, 952-826-0367. Table of Contents Calendar Of Events..............................................................1 Winter Calendar Highlights................................................4 AWord From The Mayor .....................................................5 Two Historians Deserve Our Special Thanks And Appreciation...................................................6 About Town Redesigned For The Aging Eye...................16 It’s Not Only Neighborly ... It’s The Law.......................18 Edina Resident Pat Greer Paints The Town With Her Creativity ............................................................22 Performing Sister Duo From Edina Wins International Accolades, Releases New CD....................26 Longtime Golf League Takes New Name .......................30 The Edina Community Foundation: Our 2006 Calendar......................................................................34 Edina Paramedics Team With Local Hospital To Use Innovative Digital System To Aid Heart Attack Patients..........................................................36 Unplug From It All March 13 ............................................38 AboutTown Volume 17, Number 1 Winter 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 Assistant to the Editor: Cheryl Anderson Publisher: City of Edina About Town is produced by the City of Edina. To advertise in About Town, contact Richard Barbeau at Barbeau Marketing Group, 612-965-2041. 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 John Hobday Park & Recreation Insider To Be Mailed Separately From About Town Special Pull-Out Section: Edina Community Resource Directory 3•WINTER 2006 SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday 1 7 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 2 5:30 p.m., Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 3 4 5 7 p.m., Star of the North Concert Band, Edinborough Park. 67 1:30-3:30 p.m., Hearing tests by appointment, Edina Senior Center. 7 p.m., HRAand City Council, Edina City Hall. 891011 12 7 p.m., Jazz on the Prairie, Edinborough Park. 13 Edina Unplugged. No community activities scheduled. 14 7 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Wolves & Ravens, Edinborough Park. 15 7 a.m., Recycling and Solid Waste Commission, Edina City Hall. 1718 19 2 p.m., “Mozart Festa,” Edina High School auditorium. 2021 7 p.m., HRA&City Council, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Community Health Committee, Edina Cty Hall. 2223 4 p.m., Edina Art Center Board, Edina Art Center. 5-8 p.m., Gallery opening, Edina Art Center. 2425 28 Northwoods Boutique opens at Braemar Golf Course. 7 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 2726 7 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park. March 2006 29 7 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 30 31 16 5-8 p.m., Galleryopening, Edina ArtCenter. 5:30 p.m., Board ofAppeals, Edina CityHall. 6 p.m., TransportationCommission, EdinaCity Hall. About Town Calendar A Word From The Mayor Recent natural disasters such as hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the devastating November tornado in Indiana are reminders of life’s uncertainty. In the blink of an eye, homes, businesses, and entire cities and lives were destroyed. For many years the City of Edina has had in place an Emergency Response Plan to prepare for the aftermath of a natural or human-caused disaster or a public health dilemma. The Emergency Response Plan outlines basic procedures and command structures for such situations. The procedures in the plan can be used for any type of emergency, ranging from a natural disaster to a man-made hazardous material spill. The City Code provides the legal basis and format for emergency operations in Edina. The plan is updated and tested regularly. The Police Chief serves as Civil Defense Director in an emergency and works with the State and County divisions of Emergency Management to maintain a plan that coordinates activities at all three levels of government. Areas of responsibility are assigned to City departments within the Plan to ensure that adequate resources are available if a disaster should occur. An Emergency Operations Center could be set up in City Hall if a disaster of significant proportions occurs. Acentral part of the plan is dedicated to communications so that residents always have up-to-date information about public security and the condition of City infrastructure. While we believe that the City is prepared to respond to a disaster, it is important for our citizens to also be prepared for a disaster. Query: What would you do if you suddenly became the victim of a natural disaster, terrorist attack, fire or other unexpected event? Joseph Hearn, co-author of If Something Happens to Me,offers several ways to prepare for the unexpected: •Prepare a grab-and-go case or folder.Organize your family’s important documents into a file that you can grab if you need to flee your house. Consider including birth and marriage certificates, estate planning and financial documents, insurance policies, Social Security cards, list of prescriptions you are taking and a list of checking and savings and credit card numbers. • Make a list of contacts.If a disaster occurs, you will want to be able to contact friends or relatives to let them know you are safe. • Prepare a household inventory.After a major disaster, most homeowners cannot remember all of their many belongings to list on an insurance claim. Ahousehold inventory will help avoid this problem. Make a written list, take photographs or document a walk-through of your home on video. Keep the inventory somewhere other than your home and keep a copy in your grab-and-go case. • Meet with your advisers.When you have sewage in your base- ment is not the time to discover you don’t have insurance for sewer back-ups. The emergency room is not the place to learn you need a medical power of attorney. Meet with your advisers to cover all possible areas of risk, both personally and to property. •Update your plans.Review and update your affairs at least annually. Ask yourself: Has your marital status changed? Has the value of your assets changed significantly? Have you altered your insurance policies? Have you changed jobs? Has your health recently changed? If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, you need to update your plans. •Have a backup.You might not be able to escape your home with your important paperwork. For example, some fires occur when the homeowners are away. To protect yourself, store backup copies of important documents in a safe-deposit box or with a trusted friend or relative. Keep in mind, though, that most safe-deposit boxes are not available 24 hours per day or seven days per week. In summary, in the event of a disaster, natural or man-made, or a public health crisis, the City will employ its Emergency Response Plan to assist the citizens in our community as quickly as possible. All of us also need to have engaged in our own emergency planning. Putting our personal affairs in order after an event will be easier if we’ve thought of and dealt with these things in advance. James B. HovlandMayor 5•WINTER 20064•WINTER 2006 Other Dates To Remember Jan. 10 1-3 p.m., Blood Pressure Clinic Edina Senior Center March 14 1-3 p.m., Blood Pressure Clinic Edina Senior Center Feb. 2 7 p.m., Northeast Edina Traffic Study Advisory Committee, Edina Senior Center Edina Chamber of Commerce Emerald Gala What:The Edina Chamber of Commerce will hold its largest fund-raising event of the year, Emerald Gala 2006. The “black tie admired, but not required” event will feature a silent auction, dinner and dancing, among other things. Aportion of the proceeds from a raffle will provide scholarships for Edina High School students. When:6-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 Where:Edina Country Club, 5100 Wooddale Ave. Info:Edina Chamber of Commerce, 952-806-9060 “Mozart Festa” What:The Edina Chorale, in collaboration with the Edina Senior High School Concert Choir and Orchestra, will present a “Mozart Festa” to celebrate the 250th birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Twelve professional musicians will be embedded in the orchestra and four local professional singers will be featured. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students. Adiscount will be given to families of four with at least one adult in attendance. When:2 p.m. Sunday, March 19 Where:Edina High School auditorium 6754 Valley View Road Feds Fest What:The Edina Federated Women’s Club will host its sixth-annual Feds Fest, “ACabaret Evening,” to raise money for two area charities, Tasks Unlimited and the Edina Crime Prevention Fund. The Cabaret Evening will include silent and live auctions, dinner and entertainment by jazz pianist, composer and educator Laura Caviani. Black tie dress is optional. Tickets cost $75 each, $30 of which is tax deductible. When:6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 Where:Interlachen Country Club 6200 Interlachen Blvd. Info:June Smith, 952-941-6767 or Susan Smith 952-941-6663 Winter Calendar Highlights Laura Caviani, who has recorded four albums – “Dreamlife,” “As One,” “Angels We Haven’t Heard” and “In Your Own Sweet Way” – will perform at the sixth-annual Feds Fest. was in two boxes—none of it organized or categorized.” From the outset, he planned that his sources would be well-documented and meticulously cited, in order to encourage his readers to continue their research. Realizing that much of what had been written on the subject was written in a pedantic style, he vowed to make his history of Edina enjoyable reading by using a less formal and more conversational style of writing. Later that year, as a graduate student at Luther College, he submitted a draft of his book about Edina’s history— The History of Edina Minnesota, which was subtitled From Settlement to Suburb—as his honors thesis. After graduat- ingsumma cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Luther, he continued to work on his seminal narrative about Edina while studying for a Master of Arts degree in American history at the University of Minnesota,which he received in 1977. (He was also awarded a Ph.D. in American History at the U of M in 1985.) Hesterman developed a particular interest in the incredi- blegrowth of suburban population that had taken place during the post-World War II years. He quickly discovered that not much had been published about local history in suburban communities. He alsolearned that local history was not highly respected within the history profession at the time. ‘History Of Edina, Minnesota’First Edition Published In 1988 The first edition of Hesterman’s history was published by the Edina Historical Society in 1988. It covered Edina from the arrival of the earliest settlers in the 1840s to the end of the post-World War II years of the late 1940s. In 1993, an updated second edition of the book was published. It included a new chapter covering the development of Southdale Center in the mid-1950s and other developments that had taken place in the years since the original book was written. To date, its two editions are the only definitive histories of Edina and Morningside ever published and they have provided an invaluable source of information that has launched hundreds of term papers and newspaper and magazine articles. 7•WINTER 2006 By Joe Sullivan Contributing Writer In a growing body of historical writings and reports about Edina’s earlier days, the names and writings of two local histori- ans stand out unmistakably. Both have shared with us the benefits of their knowledge and hard work. They have become two of my personal heroes: •Former Edina resident and historian Paul D. Hesterman grew up in a Lutheran missionary’sfamily during the 1950s, 60s and 70s on Tingdale Avenue. He was educatedin Edina schools, Luther College, St. Paul and the University of Minnesota–Minneapolis. In 1973, as a graduate student he researched and wrote what I consider to be the most comprehensive history of Edina ever published. The first edition of his book The History of Edina Minnesota—Settlement to Suburb was published by the Edina Historical Societyin 1988. An updated second edition came out in 1993. After receiving bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in history, Paul’s professional career over the past 30-plus years has focused on variousphases of college administration at the U of M and Metropolitan State University in Minneapolis, where he is currently Director of Advising for Metro State’s College of Management. •Longtime Morningside and Edina resident E. Dudley Parsons Jr. was born to a family of teachers and Methodist/Episcopal missionaries. He began his education in an Edina elementary school, but transferredto Minneapolis public schools, when he was in the third grade. He graduated from Hamline University, St. Paul, with a Bachelor of Science degree and became a scienceteacher in outstate Minnesota, in India and at Washburn High School in Minneapolis. In 1941, Parsons earned a Master of Arts degree at the U of M and joined the staff of the Minneapolis school system as administrator of audio-visual education, a position he helduntil his retirement in 1970. His many writings include The Episcopal Church In Edina and frequent articles about Edina’s history that have appeared in magazines, newspaper columns and scholarly journals. Author And Historian Paul Hesterman Grew Up In Edina One of my heroes, Paul Hesterman grew up in Edina. His family lived on Edina’s Tingdale Avenue until 1979 when his parents relocated to Bloomington. As a boy, he attended Edina’s Valley View Middle School and graduated from Edina High School in 1969 as a National Merit Scholar. In addition to American history classes, as a graduate student at Luther College and the University of Minnesota, Hesterman’s studies also included policy analysis, planning, geography, political science and higher education. Back in the early 1970s, Hesterman developed a particular interest in local history. At Luther College, St. Paul, he set out to do research for a credible, professional history of Edina. He recalls that when be began his research in 1973, “the sum total of historical information about Edina Two Historians Deserve Our Special Thanks And Appreciation 6•WINTER 2006 The Hesterman family is pictured here at their Edina home on Tingdale Avenue in 1974. (From left) Paul Hesterman’s mother, Claire Hesterman, a vice president at Richfield Bank & Trust; Edina High School student Paul Hesterman; Paul’s father, the Rev. Lowell Hesterman, assistant director of missions for the American Lutheran Church; Paul’s brother, Dan; and sister, Beth. He s t e r m a n f a m i l y p h o t o (continued on next page) AHistory of Development Along the Mississippi River in Saint Paul, Minnesota. In 2000, after 27 years at the University of Minnesota as a graduate student and Senior Professional Adviser for its College of Liberal Arts, Paul accepted an assignment as Director of Advising for Metropolitan StateUniversity’s College of Management. Since then,he has split his time between the college’s downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses. He and his family reside in Roseville, where he says he is “ideally located for someone who works in both Minneapolis and St. Paul.” Parsons Family Among Morningside’s Earliest Residents Another of my heroes is Edina/Morningside author, historian and community leader E. Dudley Parsons Jr. whose family was among Morningside’s earliest residents. Dudley Jr.’s grandparents, the Rev. Henry W. Parsons and his wife, Sarah Bennett Parsons, were among the first couples migrating to Morningside in 1906. 9•WINTER 2006 Hesterman cites his own home church, Edina’s new Lutheran Church of the Master at France Avenue and Hazleton Road as an example of the demographic changes that were taking place in Edina. In spite of the strong efforts and support of the congregation, which included several members of the Minneaplis- based headquarters staff of the American Lutheran Church. The changing generational dynamics of Edina toward “empty nester” families, led to the eventual disbandingof the church. The size of the congregation had shrunk to a point where it was no longer economically viable. Later, Hesterman considered the possibility of a different look at Edina’s history for his doctoral dissertation at the U of M. “There were interesting things going on in the development of Edina …,” he said. “Thousands of former city dwellers had moved into the Village during the 1950s and 1960s. My approach would have tracked the movementof people into, out of and within Edina over time.” However, he later reconsidered and decided to address a different local history subject for his Ph.D. dissertation, which he completed in 1985 under the title: 8•WINTER 2006 The first edition of Paul D. Hesterman’s book The History of Edina, Minnesota—Settlement to Suburb was published by the Edina Historical Society in 1988. This updated second edition came out in 1993. Copies are available at the Edina Historical Society for $11. Can A Suburb Have A History? The following is an excerpt from the “Author’s Preface” Paul Hesterman wrote for the second printing of his History of Edina, Minnesota in 1993: “ … When people hear about researching the history of a suburb, they often ask, “Why should anyone be interested? … Isn’t Edina just a wealthy suburb like other suburbs? Wasn’t it built in the 1950s and 60s? How can a suburb have a past?” My immediate response is that Edina does have a past, that it was a farming community in the 19th century and has been incorporated as a municipality since 1888. . .Though some people may be interested in Edina’s rural past purely for nostalgic reasons, the most important aspect of Edina’s history is the change from a rural area to a fully urbanized suburb. That change didn’t happen overnight, or even in one decade. The process of change started at a time well into the 19th century, almost as soon as the area was settled, and it may not be completely finished today. The effects of [Edina’s] proximity [to] Minneapolis and the pressures caused by [the latter‘s] rapid growth were very evident when the Village of Edina incorporated in the 1880s. The entire first quarter of the 20th century saw Edina continue to struggle with the demands of the encroaching city. Since then, the people of Edina have tried to keep control of the [possibility] of becoming part of [Minneapolis]; to remain a distinct community while becoming part of the metropolis. A recent photo of Paul Hesterman’s family: (from left) Paul, his daughter, Meghan, and wife, Colleen McLaughlin. He s t e r m a n f a m i l y p h o t o The Rev. H.W. Parsons and his wife Sarah, E. Dudley Parsons Jr.’s, grandparents were dressed in their "Sunday best" in this 1910 photo. Henry and Sarah Parsons were two of the founders of the Morningside Congregational Church, which later became today’s Edina-Morningside Community Church UCC. Pa r s o n s f a m i l y p h o t o (continued on next page) Then, young Dudley changed schools and attended Lake Harriet Elementary located at West 42nd Street and Upton Avenue in Minneapolis. Lake Harriet School was closer and a lot more convenientfor Dudley. And, because his father was a teacher at West High School, he was allowed to send young Dudley to Lake Harriet School tuition-free. “I attended the Lake Harriet School from the third-throughthe eighth-grade,” he said. “We had an hour-and-a-half for lunch, so in good weather I walked to school in the morning, walked back home at noon, walked back again to school after lunch and in the evening, I walked home again. The school was about a mile from home, so I was [walking] four miles a day. I used to read my books as I walked back and forth. On cold or rainy days, I rode the streetcar to school and back.” In 1919, Parsons entered Minneapolis’ West High School, graduating with honorsin 1924. That fall, he enrolled at St. Paul’s Hamline University. He graduatedwith a Bachelor of Science degree in 1928. Dudley’s first job following his college days was as a science instructor in Barnum, Minn. Later, he took a similar job in Aitkin, Minn., where he met his future wife, Luella Austin, an arithmetic and home economics instructor from Georgeville, Minn. AGreat Adventure In India In 1930, Dudley Jr., received a missionary appointment from the Board of Foreign Missions of the Methodist/ Episcopal Church. At the age of 24, he was posted as a science instructor, teaching the children of other missionaries at the Woodstock School in Musoorie, United Provinces, in the highlands of India. It was one of the greatest adventures of his life, memories of which entertained many family and Boy Scout gatherings. 11•WINTER 2006 According to Marjorie Myers Douglas in her 100-year history of Edina Morningside Community Church UCC, the Parsons had brought their large family to America from England in 1883. As minister and helpmate, the couple had served small struggling churches in South Dakota and southern Minnesota, and in 1905 sought a quiet retirement from a lifetime of missionary fieldwork in a house built on five lots facing the new France Avenue South near 42nd Street. (The house still stands at 4232 France.) E. Dudley Parsons Jr. was born Dec. 26, 1906, at Brookings,S.D., where his father, the Rev. Ernest Dudley Parsons Sr. was principal of the high school. In 1907, the family moved to north Minneapolis where Ernest Dudley Sr. had accepted a new teaching position at North High School. Soon afterward, they purchased seven lots, amounting to some 3.5 acres, in the newly- platted Morningside neighborhood of Edina. Their house, located near the crest of a hill at 4220 Alden, was near the five lots owned by Dudley Jr.’s grandfather. (The house stands in that location today.) There, they pastured cows and raised chickens and gardened vegetables to provide a significant part of their subsistence. “We used to cut all of the wood necessary to cook with and for winter heat,” Dudley Jr. remembered. “[And] we sold milk to the neighbors. I delivered the milk in shiny tin pails with tight-fitting covers.” James Parsons, Dudley Jr.’s son, learned in a 1994 interview with his father that the Parsons family lived in the “small, easily heated, but as quickly chilled” house for two years. By frugal, careful living, and with income from his father’s new position as a teacher of literature at West High School in Minneapolis, the family enjoyed the small but comfortable house. Dudley Jr. Attended Schools In Edina, Minneapolis And St. Paul Dudley Jr. said his first school was a kindergarten held in a house on Morningside Road at the end of Alden. “I attended [the] Edina Elementary School—near the American Legion Post behind Edina Village Hall—for only two or three years,” he recalled. The Rev. Ernest Dudley Parsons Sr., and Clara D. Parsons, E. Dudley Jr.’s, parents, lived at 4220 Alden Ave. in Morningside for many years. Pa r s o n s f a m i l y p h o t o 10•WINTER 2006 During the “deep snow” portion of the winter, Edina farmer George Code was hired by the school district to transport the children to school. E. Dudley Parsons Jr., rode to and from Edina’s 1888 elementary school in this “covered wagon school bus”—a converted hay wagon on runners that was pulled by a team of horses. Parsons described the wagon as “the first bus service in Edina.” Ed i n a H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y p h o t o E. Dudley Parsons Jr. was an author, teacher, historian and community leader. Pa r s o n s f a m i l y p h o t o (continued on next page) intertwined with the formation of the Edina Historical Society, of which he and his father were both charter members in 1969.When the Edina school district closed WooddaleElementary School, Parsons was instrumental in establishing and organizing the Edina Historical Society’s first museumthere. He also assisted Foster Dunwiddie, Kay Brown and others in establishing the Frank J. Tupa Historical Park where the restored one-room Cahill School and Minnehaha Grange Hall now stand near City Hall.Dudley’s son Jim recalled that “Near the end of his life, when I asked how he felt about his illness, he responded weakly, but with a smile and said ‘It’s an adventure.’” E. Dudley Parsons, educator, world traveler and respected historian, passed away quietly on Feb. 4, 1996, at the age of 89. Background material and photographs for this article came from the collections of the Edina Historical Society and the Hesterman and Parsons families; personal interview with Paul D. Hesterman; interview with E. Dudley Parsons Jr. by his son James D. Parsons; biographical sketches of Paul D. Hesterman and E. Dudley Parsons Jr. and the following publications: History of Edina, Minnesota by Paul D. Hesterman, Edina Sun-Current, Edina Sun and The Gathering Together—100-Year History of Edina-Morningside Community Church UCC,by Marjorie Myers Douglas. Joe Sullivan is an Edina resident. He can be contacted by sending an e-mail to edinamail@ci.edina.mn.us. 13•WINTER 2006 Luella Austin was also able to obtain a teaching position at Woodstock School and in 1933 she joined him in Musoorie. On July 21, 1933, Dudley and Luella were married in Bombay. The family returned to the United States in 1936. Immediately Dudley Jr. began teaching chemistry and physics at Marshall and Washburn high schools in Minneapolis. He was very involved with his Washburn students in theatrical stage lighting and set construction for student productions. That year, Parsons also completed work for a Master of Arts degree at the U of M. In the 1950s, Dudley Jr. transferred to the Minneapolis school system’s staff as coordinator of audio-visual education, a position he held until his retirement in 1970. Dudley Jr’s. wife, Luella, died in 1946. Ayear later, he was married to Margaret Larson of Belgrade, Minn. That same year, the family moved to 4437 Brookside Terrace, Edina, less than a mile from his father’s original Morningside house on Alden Drive. Charter Members Of Edina Historical Society Dudley’s lifelong attachment to his community was 12•WINTER 2006 As a charter member of the Edina Historical Society, E. Dudley Parsons, Jr., fervently opposed the demolition of Edina’s Wooddale school building in 1985, but he accepted its eventual demise with his characteristic grace. E. Dudley Parsons Jr., was in his science laboratory in this 1930 photo taken at the Woodstock School at Musoorie, United Provinces, in the highlands of India, where he taught science to the children of other missionaries. Pa r s o n s f a m i l y p h o t o All You Can Eat—25¢ [In the early days of the Morningside Congregational Church, the women of the church raised money with] all-you-could-eat church dinners—seconds included—for 25 cents [a person]. After a time, the ladies decided they should charge more—35 cents! The Rev. Dudley Parsons, Sr., was appalled. No one had ever charged more than 25 cents for a church dinner, and he came on a special visit to plead … not to change the custom. … But the ladies persisted and found that just as many came at the new, higher price as had come before. His son, the younger E. Dudley Parsons, Jr., commented, “The ladies who defied that formidable Englishman included nearly every woman then living in the area, for the little Morningside Chapel was a community center of growing significance.” - Excerpt from History of Edina– Morningside Community Church – UCC. 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 15•WINTER 200614•WINTER 2006 HONESTY, INTEGRITY & COMMITMENT FOR 50 YEARS YOUR EDINA NEIGHBORHOOD REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS: MORTGAGE TITLERELOCATION warranties INsurance hotline HOMEDOCSrecommends moving services guaranteed sales program exceptional properties Jeff and Diane Anderes 952-927-2842 jeffanddianeanderes@edinarealty.com jeffanddianeanderes.edinarealty.com Ginni and Jeff Anderson 952-927-1669ginniandjeffanderson@edinarealty.com ginnianderson.edinarealty.com Jeff and Connie Cauble 952-927-1115jeffandconniecauble@edinarealty.com jeffcauble.edinarealty.com John Everett 952-927-1646johneverett@edinarealty.com johneverett.edinarealty.com Ted Field 952-927-1650tedfield@edinarealty.com tedfield.edinarealty.com Jackie Goodlund 952-927-1647jackiegoodlund@edinarealty.com jackiegoodlund.edinarealty.com Ruthann Holetz 952-927-1624ruthannholetz@edinarealty.com ruthannholetz.edinarealty.com John McDonald 952-927-1197johnmcdonald@edinarealty.com johnmcdonald.edinarealty.com Joan E. Mitchell 952-927-1147joanemitchell@edinarealty.com joanemitchell.edinarealty.com Jude Dugan Olson 952-927-1186judeduganolson@edinarealty.com judeduganolson.edinarealty.com Linda Platt 952-927-1179lindaplatt@edinarealty.com lindaplatt.edinarealty.com John Raichert 952-927-1189johnraichert@edinarealty.com johnraichert.edinarealty.com Kevin Ries 952-927-1196kevinries@edinarealty.com kevinries.edinarealty.com Margie and John Sampsell 952-927-1195margieandjohnsampsell@edinarealty.com margiesampsell.edinarealty.com Corky Weber 952-927-1198corkyweber@edinarealty.com corkyweber.edinarealty.com 612 285 5438 Fee Only Investment Advisory Experience Service Performance Innovation Integrity Discipline 7400 Metro Boulevard • Suite 100 • Edina, MN 55439 Tel:(952) 746-6777 • e-mail:trgrace@thosgrace.com 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 Happy New Year! From your friends at the CITY OF EDINA About Town has been redesigned for ease of reading. Most changes were made particularly for those readers with “aging eyes.” In the general population, one in 20 people has partial sight, according to the National Eye Institute. More than half of visually impaired people are over the age of 65 – and that number rises as our population lives longer. Age-related vision losses, particularly the loss of close-up vision, begin at about the age of 40. Of Edina’s residents, 64 percent are over the age of 35, according to the 2000 census. The community’s median age is 44. These figures suggest that the majority of Edina’s population might be dealing with age-related vision issues. Orono-based Elder Eye Design late last year completed an audit of About Town and made suggestions for improving the publication. Elder Eye Design focuses on the design of visual materials to achieve maximum legibility for the age- compromised eye. Elder Eye has the expertise, through the study of eye physiology and the review of current vision research as it relates to aging, to make recommendations for the best use of graphic materials for the aging eye. “When a person reaches the age of 40, their eyes begin to show signs of aging and the act of reading becomes more difficult. Those older eyes need to receive their informa- tion without visual clutter and with consideration to their changing needs,” said Elder Eye founder Wendy Johnson. “Elder Eye’s principal concept is when you design for the aging eye, you design for all generations.” Many of the changes made to the design of the quarterly newsletter are subtle. Among them: •The main typeface was changed to Palatino Roman. The font previously used was too light and narrow for the aging eye to read well. •Headlines were changed from an italicized font to a bold font, Korinna. Italicized type is harder for an aging eye to read. For that same reason, “call-to-action” paragraphs such as those that begin with “For more information, please call… “are also now presented in a non-italicized font. •The winter issue was changed to a darker color. Colors should be used that are dark enough to provide good contrast with the paper background. The metallic blue with its silver sheen previously used for the winter issues did not provide good contrast to the white paper. •Colored text on a colored page is no longer used as often. Using colored text over a screened background of the About Town Redesigned For The Aging Eye 16•WINTER 2006 same color does not provide enough contrast for good legibility. This change will be most noticeable on the calendar. Now, the calendar is white. Additionally, the use of all capital letters on the calendar was eliminated, as all caps is difficult for the aging eye to read. •The font used in charts is sans serif, which is easier to read. “The changes may seem subtle – some readers might not even notice a change – but they should make a dramatic difference in the ease of reading,” said City of Edina Communications Director Jennifer Bennerotte. “The design changes were made to encourage residents to continue reading About Town,with the ultimate goal being the encouragement to participate more fully in the services and programs that the City of Edina offers.” COLOURS Marketing Communications, designer of About Town echoed those comments. “Elder Eye Design provided valuable information every graphic designer should be aware of when selecting type for readers who are over age 40,” said Cindy Martin, Art Director of COLOURS and designer of About Town.“Based on their recommendations, we switched to fonts that are easier to read, and we eliminated elements such as upper case headlines and large amounts of italics, which are sometimes difficult to discern by the mature eye.” For more information on the redesign of About Town, contact Bennerotte, 952-833-9520. For more information on Elder Eye Design, call 612-817-8222 or visit www.ElderEye.com. 17•WINTER 2006 CallTed Field 952-927-1150 www.SeniorExpert.com 30+ years experience working with seniors “Elder Eye Design provided valuable information every graphic designer should be aware of when selecting type for readers who are over age 40.” Cindy Martin Peddlers And Solicitors Peddlers and solicitors are allowed to sell their wares or services in Edina by going from door to door. Residents who do not want such entrepreneurs to knock on their doors must place a printed placard or sign reading “Peddlers and Solicitors Prohibited” on or near the usual entrance to their homes. Under a new ordinance that will go into effect Jan. 1, 2006, peddlers and solicitors must obtain a permit from the Edina Police Department. The permits are valid for 14 days. Peddlers must wear an identification card issued by the City and conduct their business between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. They must go to the front door of a residence and are not allowed in residents’ side or rear yards. Peddlers and solicitors must promptly depart a property after completing business. Non-profit organizations established for philanthropic, religious or educational purposes do not have to obtain a permit, but must register with the Police Department. Some people do not have to register or carry a permit to go door to door. Those people include: •Those selling personal property at wholesale to dealers of such articles •Newspersons •Merchants delivering goods to established customers in the regular course of business •Farmers or gardeners •Students in kindergarten through Grade 12 who are selling items to benefit programs or activities in which they are involved •Bakery, dairy or grocery deliverers who make an uninvited initiatory visit in an effort to establish a regular route service for future delivery of perishables Political and religious canvassing or campaigning is not prohibited. Remember, you do not need to answer a knock at your door. For more information, contact the Edina Police Department, 952-826-1610. Please report suspicious activity by calling 911. Pets The City of Edina not only cares about protecting its residents, but also for protecting the pets residing in the community. It is important for owners to keep their pets safe and protected. All dogs 6 months and older residing in Edina must have a license permanently affixed to their collars. Cats do not have to be licensed. Rabies vaccinations are required on all dogs and cats 6 months and older. Dogs are required to wear vaccination tags at all times. Remember, all 2005 City dog licenses expired Dec. 31, 2005. Licenses can be renewed at City Hall, through the mail or online. For more information on licensing, contact Judy Laufenburger, 952-826-0417. For more information on laws pertaining to pets, contact Edina Animal Control Officer Tim Hunter, 952-826-0494. It’s Not Only Neighborly… It’s The Law 18•WINTER 2006 19•WINTER 2006 Gentle Imaging for People Who Deserve to be Treated Well Southdale 6525 France Avenue Phone 952.915.4320 Edina 3955 Parklawn Avenue Phone 952.285.3700 www.consultingradiologists.com Consulting Radiologists Imaging gives you personal attention from people who want to make you comfortable. And you also receive world-class diagnostic imaging, interpretation and pain management from Minnesota’s premier subspecialty radiology group.When you want to know what’s going on inside, come to us. 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 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 20•WINTER 2006 Centennial Lakes Office Park A community for business Centennial Lakes is proud to be part of your community! How often does your business address also become a place for entertainment,retail and shopping? At Centennial Lakes Office Park,those amenities are just a short walk away. Contact us at: 952-837-8400 7650 Edinborough Way, Suite 620, Edina, MN 55435 Edina Community Resource Directory We are pleased to bring you this resource directory in partnership with the City of Edina. If you are new to Edina, welcome! Our hope is that this directory will introduce you to commonly requested resources and to the service the Edina Resource Center pro- vides. Our goal is simple – to make getting any kind of information and support as easy and effective as possible. Stop in and see us, send us an e-mail or give us a call – we look forward to serving you. …your connection to community information, resources and services. “Our goal is simple– to make getting any kind of information and support as easy and effective as possible.” 5701 Normandale Road, Edina, MN 55424 952-848-3936 www.edinaresourcecenter.com contact@edinaresourcecenter.com 2006 Edina Community Resource Directory Special Feature •WINTER2006 Government & Motor Vehicle Services Services such as Minnesota identification card; certified copies of birth, death and marriage certificates; passport; car tabs; and hunting licenses can be obtained. All Hennepin County Service Centers Websitewww.co.hennepin.mn.us Southdale Service Center612-348-8240 7009 York Ave. S. For more information on how to obtain a driver’s license The nearest exam sites are: Chaska952-448-3740 Eagan651-688-1870 Plymouth952-476-3042 City of Edina Curfew The curfew for minors in Edina is: Under 12 yearsSun – Thu9 p.m. Fri – Sat 10 p.m. 12 – 14 yearsSun – Thu10 p.m. Fri – Sat 11 p.m. 15 – 17 yearsSun – Thu11 p.m. Fri – Sat midnight Mental & Chemical Health Resources City of Edina Chemical Health Coordinator952-929-7627 Edina Public Schools Chemical & 952-848-3028 Mental Health Coordinator Hennepin County Front Door Social Services 612-348-4111 Websitewww.co.hennepin.mn.us Chrysalis 612-871-0118 Outpatient chemical & mental health services Websitewww.chrysaliswomen.org Family &Children’s Service 952-884-7353 Outpatient mental health services Websitewww.famchildserv.org The Storefront Group612-861-1675 Outpatient mental health services Websitewww.storefront.org Immigrant & Refugees Information & Resources Hennepin County Multi-Cultural Services612-348-2193 Websitewww.co.hennepin.mn.us World Relief 612-866-0462 Employment & immigration assistance, citizenship classes & healthcare advice Websitewww.minnesota.wr.org ESL Programs (learn English as a Second Language) School Readiness - Edina Public Schools 952-848-3985 For adults & children 3 – 5 years of age SHAPE (South Hennepin Adult 952-681-6170 Programs in Education) Senior Information AARP (American Association of952-858-9040 Retired People) Websitewww.aarp.org Edina Senior Center952-833-9570 H.O.M.E. 952-888-5530 Outside maintenance & small chores Meals on Wheels952-292-2579 Minnesota Senior Federation651-645-0261 Websitewww.seniorfed.org Neighborhood Partnership952-922-1110 A block nurse program Normandale Ministry for Healing & 952-929-1697 Wholeness - Support for seniors & their caregivers Senior Community Services 952-541-1019 Senior Dining (7151 York Ave.)952-893-1448 Senior Linkage Line612-333-2433 Social Security1-800-772-1213 Volunteers of America Senior Services612-331-4063 Websitewww.voamn.org Store to Door -Grocery delivery for aging 651-642-1892 Websitewww.storetodoor.org VEAP (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People)952-888-9616 Medical appointment rides Websitewww.veapvolunteers.org Special Feature •WINTER2006 Emergency Numbers Crisis Connection612-379-6363 Emergency Response911 Edina Animal Control952-826-0494 City Emergency Preparedness Questions952-826-1610 Poison Control1-800-222-1222 City of Edina Services www.CityofEdina.com City Offices - main line 952-927-8861 Edina Police (non-emergency)952-826-1600 Fire (non-emergency)952-826-0330 Edina Aquatic Center (municipal pool)612-928-4582 Edina Art Center612-915-6600 Park & Recreation952-826-0367 Adaptive Recreation952-826-0433 Recycling952-826-0381 Voter Registration952-826-0363 Edina Public Schools –www.edina.k12.mn.us District #273 & Other EducationResources Edina School Registration952-848-4585 District Offices 952-848-3900 Community Education Main Office952-848-3952 Edina Family Center -Parent/child-PreK 952-848-3980 Edina Kid’s Club -School-aged child care 952-848-3975 Edina Pre-School Screening952-848-4232 Edina Education Fund952-848-4222 SHAPE (South Hennepin Adult 952-681-6170 Programs in Education) Volunteer Connection & Learning Exchange952-681-6109 Pacer Center - Advocacy for families of 952-838-9000 youth with disabilities www.pacer.org Edina Community Services Edina Athletic Association Information952-826-0367 Edina Newcomers Information Hotline952-942-7414 Edina Chamber of Commerce952-806-9060 Websitewww.edinachamber.com 50th & France Business 952-922-1524 & Professional Association Websitewww.50thandfrance.com Edina Sun-Current 952-829-0797 Edina Community Foundation952-833-9573 Edina Public Library952-847-5425 Southdale Hennepin Area Library952-847-5900 Websitewww.hclib.org Employment & Housing Resources Employment Action Center612-752-8800 Websitewww.eac-mn.org Minnesota Workforce Center952-346-4000 Websitewww.mnwfc.org Minnesota Housing Link612-522-2500 Websitewww.housinglink.org City of Edina Housing & Planning952-826-0369 Legal Information &Services MAOLegal Services for Seniors612-676-6300 Homeline Tenants Rights612-728-5765 Hennepin County Bar Association612-752-6699 Free legal info by phone Hennepin County Bar Association 612-752-6666 Lawyer referral info services Websitewww.hcba.org/legalservices/LRIS.htm Medical Services Hospitals Abbott Northwestern612-863-4000 Hennepin County Medical Center612-873-3000 Fairview Southdale (Edina)952-924-5000 Methodist & Park Nicollet (St. Louis Park)952-993-5000 Urgent Care Centers& Health Care Program Info Fairview Southdale952-924-5030 Family Convenience Care 952-985-8155 St. Mary’s Clinics - For uninsured care 651-690-7029 Minnesota Dept. of Human Services651-431-2478 Health Care Programs Application Websitewww.dhs.state.mn.us 21•WINTER 2006 Most Of TheWorld’s Great Wines Are Available In This Region. EDINA LIQUOR Enjoy Our Products in Moderation. Grandview (near Jerry’s Foods)•Southdale (next to Cub Foods) 50th & France (next to Lunds) Special Feature •WINTER2006 Social Service Agencies Serving Edina Bloomington Public Health 952-563-8900 Websitewww.ci.bloomington.mn.us CAPSH(Community Action Partnership 952-933-9639 of Suburban Hennepin) Energy assistance, homeowner & budget counseling Websitewww.capshenn.org Cornerstone -Domestic violence services 952-884-0330 Websitewww.cornerstonedv.com Edina Resource Center 952-848-3936 Websitewww.edinaresourcecenter.com Family & Children’s Service952-884-7353 Outpatient mental health & counseling services Websitewww.famchildserv.org Hennepin County Eligibility 612-596-1300 Support Services Cash, food, financial assistance Hennepin County Front Door612-348-4111 Social Services Hennepin County Aging &612-348-4500 Disability Services Websitewww.co.hennepin.mn.us The Storefront Group612-861-1675 Outpatient mental health & treatment programs & counseling services Websitewww.storefront.org VEAP952-888-9616 (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People) Provides food, emergency assistance, transportation & seasonal programs to those who qualify Websitewww.veapvolunteers.org Transportation Information Edina Dial-A-Ride -Door-to-door in Edina 952-474-5398 only; must make an appointment BE-Line - Bloomington/Edina local 612-373-3333 bus service Metro Mobility Service Center 651-602-1111 Call to receiveapplications for disability transportation services Metro Mobility Transit - Reservations for 612-332-7161 service line - must complete application first Metro Transit - Metro-wide bus service 612-373-3333 Websitewww.metrotransit.org VEAP952-888-9616 (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People) Application and reservation required Waste Disposal Information Line for Environmental Services612-348-6509 South Hennepin Recycling & Problem Waste Drop-off Center 1400 W. 96th St., Bloomington Websites City of Edina www.CityofEdina.com Edina Schoolswww.edina.k12.mn.us League of Women Voterswww.lwvmn.org Housing Link -Housing referral service www.housinglink.org Hennepin Countywww.co.hennepin.mn.us Free Translation www.freetranslation.com Metro Transitwww.metrotransit.org Parent Communication Networkwww.edinapcn.org Edina Resource Centerwww.edinaresourcecenter.com 952-848-3936 Do you need further assistance? By Kathleen Sovell Contributing Writer Edina resident Pat Greer is proud to say she’s “done art all my life,” embracing and sharing the beauty around her. When she attended Washburn High School, she took many art classes—fashion art, drawing and painting.” After graduation, she became a secretary. “That lasted one summer,” she quipped. She returned to school to study art education at the University of Minnesota, but realized she “didn’t want to teach art – [she] wanted to create it.” Changing her major and changing schools, she attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design where she was inspired to create art and found she enjoyed commercial art. For the next 10 years, she created fashion illustrations for newspaper advertisements for area department stores. She married Bill Greer, a writer, photographer and fellow Washburn graduate. When the first of their four children arrived, Pat decided to stay home, but she “never stopped doing art. … I created many flyers, brochures and posters for various events for church, schools and other organizations. People recognized my work by my lettering.” She entered an art contest sponsored by Courage Center and for six years, her beautiful batiks were selected as Courage Center holiday cards. She always enrolled in and taught various art classes. Agroup of 10 women opened a studio in Anita Beck’s group of stores on 44th Street and Beard Avenue in Minneapolis and named it “Studio II.” They took turns working in the studio and keeping the storefront where they sold their work. Pat taught children’s clay classes there and fondly remembers the children. “They are so free and jump right into it,” she said. Pat taught a watercolor class up north to a group of friends and they were amazed to “learn to see.” She said, “If you teach people to look at things differently, it stays with them forever.” Pat worked on the Bicentennial Ball in 1976 with Marion Ward. The ball included an art show and auction of artworkdonated by local artists. The event was the beginning of the Edina Art Center, which was founded shortly thereafter. Edina Resident Pat Greer Paints The Town With Her Creativity 22•WINTER 2006 Pat Greer, one of the Edina Art Center’s original co-directors, poses with an acrylic painting of an archway in Greece. In 1977, Marion and Pat were named co-directors of the new Art Center and both worked there on a part-time basis. Pat feels that all her previous art, work and volunteer work gave her the experience she needed to do the job. They interviewed almost 80 local artists to find teachers for the Center. She feels they hired the top area artists: Maureen Brockway, Bill Dietrichson, Jo French, Harry Heim, Judy Lieber and Kay Sharkey were among them. Pat said the teachers didn’t care how much they were paid because they were so excited about being involved in the creation of the Art Center. Pat wanted to create a gift shop in the Center to help raise funds. Mollie Paulson volunteered to help and ran the gift shop for many years. “Pat is the reason I became so close to the Art Center. She has such enthusiasm and faith in people that I just wanted to help,” Paulson said. “She is courteous and has a kindness that is special. In all the years I’ve known her, she just doesn’t change.” Marion and Pat worked well together from the very beginning. When they were organizing the Art Center, they went to the Minnetonka Art Center for advice. They had lunch with the director who recommended starting small. Pat said this was “very good advice and they were a big help to us.” Marion’s husband, Al, said, “Pat was a key leader of the group responsible for the early growth of the Art Center.” She did not want to work full time so when the Art Center grew to the point when a full time director was needed, Diana Hedges was hired. “When I first started working here in 1986, Pat stayed by my side to show me the ropes and made sure that I understood the mission and spirit of the Edina Art Center,” Hedges said. “She was a part-time co-director, which meant she only worked 60 hours a week. Pat’s dedication to the Arts in Edina is constant and we will 23•WINTER 2006 Aspiring young artists take lessons at the Edina Art Center in 1979, under Pat Greer’s leadership. A young artist whips up a masterpiece at the Art in the Park Event in 1983. (continued on next page) always be grateful to her and Marion Ward for founding this amazing place!” Continuing her mission of bringing fine art to Edina, she joined the Edina Public Art Committee in 2005. This committee began informally in 2004 when the group assembledto help choose two-dimensional art for Edina’s new City Hall. The City Council approved a resolution that made EPAC a standing committee of the Edina Art Center Board whose task isto inform the City Council on the incorporation of visual arts throughout the community. According to Pat, Grandview Square’s new park contains three pedestals and she hopes there will be donations to contribute art objects to this park. She also said EPAC received approval from the City Council to find an artist to create glass art for some of the windows in City Hall in order to create a feeling of warmth in the building. Eleven artists submitted work to the committee, three were chosen to prepare proposals and one will be recommended. Pat believes that Edina lags behind other communities in this area and funds cannot all come from the City. They must also come from individuals, corporations, developers and community foundations. “Pat really has the community at heart,” said Linda Kieffer, EPAC chairwoman. She’s lived many years in Edina, is a wonderful public servant and always volunteering. She doesn’t stop giving. She is very compassionate and interested in people.” Acrylic is Pat’s medium of choice now. Pat paints with a group of women and also goes on location with them. They call themselves the “Monday Monets” becauseyears ago they traveled to Giverny, France, for a workshop with Gale Bennett. Ten of them stayed in a house that was one block from Monet’s garden. On Monday, the gardens were not open to tourists and the group would paint in the garden, hence the name, “Monday Monets.” 24•WINTER 2006 They’ve also taken a trip to Italy with Dorothy Odland and one to Greece with Rose Edin. “Painting is so much a part of who I am,” Pat explained. "Many of my friends are artists. We often go to a cabin to talk, to paint, to discuss art and to share favorite recipes.” Her volunteer work extends beyond art. For the past 12 years, she has been a guardian ad litem for Hennepin County. She also does many volunteer projects for the League of Catholic Women. Amember of St. Patrick’s Church in Edina, she was a trustee and is currently involved in the environmental design of herchurch’s worship space. Their four children and two grandchildren all live in the area and creativity is a part of their lives, too. David is a writer and runs the Lake Home and Cabin Show. Lee Ann is a hair stylist. Robin is an architect and Nancy is an advertising writer. “Art has always been a part of my life and I use it to convey my appreciationof the beauty around me so that others may also enjoy it,” Pat said, summarizing her life’s ambition. 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. 25•WINTER 2006 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 “Art has always been a part of my life and I use it to convey my appreciation of the beauty around me so that others may also enjoy it.” Pat Greer Pictured at the Edina Art Center is this 1981 photograph are 1981Edinamite Ball chairwoman Betty Hemstad and Art Center Co-Directors Marion Ward and Pat Greer. By Cheryl Anderson Amy and Sara Hamann’s ever-growing list of musical accomplishments generates as much excitement as their bright, cheerful personalities. Even their conversational style resembles their performances – well-timed, complimentary and high-energy. Now duo concert pianists, Amy and Sara have experienced one musical success after the next since graduating from Edina High School in the 1990’s. They recently won the first prize at the International Grieg Competition in Oslo, Norway, along with a prize for best performance of a Mozart composition. This past spring, the MacPhail Center for Music awarded them a $27,000 prize through the McKnight Foundation Fellowship for Performing Musicians. And they have just released their first CD on the Schubert Club’s “Ten Thousand Lakes” label. Growing up together in Edina, the performing sister musicians attended Countryside Elementary, Valley View Middle School, Edina High School and the University of Minnesota. Amy now lives in southwest Minneapolis, while Sara lives at Edina’s Edinborough. The sisters began their successful musical journey together at the Yamaha School of Music. There, they were introduced to “Four-Hands” playing, or duo piano playing. “We felt it was important to get them introduced to music at a young age,” said their father, Dr. Arlyn Hamann, who describes Amy and Sara as being “more like twins” than mere siblings in their thought processes and how well they work together. “They always seemed to have a naturaltalent, or a natural drive, since the beginning.” Reflecting on his daughters’ work ethic during their young years, he added, “Just when you would expect young kids to lose interest [in piano], they became more interested in it. They’ve been so successful not just because of their talent, but because they were really willing to work hard at it, which is sometimes difficult for some kids to do.” At ages 7 and 8, they began admiring and following the Lebreche sisters – duo piano performers from France. When the Hamanns were 8 and 9 years old, the Lebreche sisters released recordings through the Schubert Club’s International Artist series, all of which they listened to. History changed for them when they were able to meet the French musicians backstage at a Minnesota performance. “That was a turning point for us,” Sara said. Although they are only 17 months apart in age and play so well as a duo that listeners sometimes cannot tell one from the other, Amy and Sara acknowledge that they are different. “We compliment each other well,” said Sara. Performing Sister Duo From Edina Wins International Accolades, Releases New CD 26•WINTER 2006 (continued on next page) “We balance each other out,” added Amy. The results of the 2005 International Grieg Competition in Oslo, Norway clearly demonstrated this, as Amy and Sara played the first prize-winning performance. Leading up to the momentous experience, Sara said, “We felt as well-prepared as we could possibly be.” Reaching this level of preparation takes significant dedication. For the talented sisters from Edina, a typical day is spent keeping their piano talents in tune and perfecting their passion for musical performance. The women practice four to six hours per day. The morning begins with each working individually; they later join each other for practice in the afternoon. Their current teacher, Alexander Braginsky, decides which pieces to practice; and they usually practice specifically for their next performance. Interestingly, they did not have Braginsky as a teacher while at the U of M but learned from him after graduation “for a different viewpoint,” said Amy. As far as what they spend the rest of their time doing, and the interests they have, Sara said that music is “pretty much all-encompassing” in their lives. The two enjoy attending MinnesotaOrchestra performances and arts organizations’ shows, art fairs and other art-related events. Currently, Amy and Sara are artists-in-residence at the International Piano Institute and say they are “looking 27•WINTER 2006 Edina natives Amy and Sara Hamann recently won first prize at the International Grieg Competition in Oslo, Norway, along with a prize for best performance of a Mozart composition. The duo pianists also recently released a new CD of their works. forward to a busy season.” The CD they have just released, “Jeux d'enfantsand Other Works for Piano Duo,” is a live recital program. Presently, the sisters are working on two recording projects. They are studying early period instruments, such as those from the Baroque, the harpsichord and various keyboarding instruments. And, according to Amy, they might produce a duo harpsichord and piano recording in the future. This would be the first performance of its kind – by women using such instruments in a duet. “They are so dedicated to music and their career as performers,” says Sara’s best friend of 12 years, Laura Mullin, who met the sisters at the University of Minnesota. “When they commit to something, they put their whole hearts into what they do, and believe me, it shows!” They take their work very seriously, but these multi-talented sisters also have a great sense of humor – a virtue that has helped them maintain their composure amidst the unexpected. Amy recalled a memorable moment during a concert performance years ago, describing it with amusement as “just one of those nights when everything seemed to be falling apart.” Sara’s earring fell out during their performance; and as Amy reached out to strike one of the keys on the “gorgeous old Steinway” they were playing, it fell completely off and onto the floor. With a laugh, they said they promptly practiced “the art of recovery.” Sara also recalled a time when they were playing and one of the pedals on their piano fell off and “slammed to the ground.” “Both Sara and Amy are delightful to be around,” said Mullin. Surprisingly, their musical passion is not rooted in their immediate family. Amy and Sara say they have two younger sisters – one who sings and another who dances – neither of whom shares their love for piano. Neither do their parents (“They were not concert pianists,” said Sara, dispelling an assumption that might have existed over the years about their influences). They said that this was what made the bond between them so strong – why they grew up so close, and still are. They had only each other with which to share their strong interest. “We always felt we were destined for this,” began Amy. “We never questioned it,” Sara agreed, completing Amy’s thoughts. It is no small wonder that their captivating performances are like a beautiful conversation between two pianos that combine perfectly as one. 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Paul Bordonaro, Branch Manager, Senior Vice President–Investments Peter Levy, Associate Branch Manager, Senior Vice President–Investments Edina Branch Office 4999 France Ave. S. Ste. 200 Edina, MN 55410 952 848-8040 877 850-6022 We know the territory. Since 1895. Member SIPC and NYSE. © 2005 Piper Jaffray & Co. 10/05 PC-05-0075 piperjaffray.com At 50th and France 29•WINTER 200628•WINTER 2006 By Laura Fulton With the sun rising in the east, four men stand ready at the first hole of the regulation course at Braemar Golf Course. It is a Monday morning, and, as with every Monday, the group leads off, starting their week in the normal routine. The first man takes a practice swing, with beautiful follow- through and form. He knows that a well thought out shot has the power to win a hole, as well as conquer a game. The ultimate dream is a hole-in-one which leads to not only a congratulatory handshake, but also an engraved plaque on the wall, celebrating the accomplishment. He steps up to the tee, swings and hits the ball with an ideal “clink.” The ball lands off the fairway, but the tee-off met with group approval. As the man places his club back in its bag slot, a team member pats him on the back and says, “Nice way to start the game.” For the Golden Agers, a league that plays at Braemar Golf Course each Monday during the season, the key to a perfect game is not always how well they do on the fairway. Rather, it revolves around how much fun they have on and off the course. “We don’t always have to have a good score to have fun,” said Dale Greer, who has been playing with the Golden Agers for four years. Apprehensively, the three players around him murmur their agreement. “He’s right,” said Larry “Da Norwegian” Peterson, who has been playing with Greer since 2001. “But if they drain the lakes around here, our game would improve tenfold!” The Golden Agers are a league of roughly 90 members, 78 of whom play each Monday and 12 who choose to play only when substitutes are needed, but still join the others in the Clubhouse for lunch and conversation. The rich history behind the league and the friendships that have developed over the years keep each man coming back week after week, whether to play or converse. In 1964, Braemar Golf Course was a fledgling public golf course. Henry Peterson, the contractor who won the bid to build the new Clubhouse at Braemar did not play golf, but was convinced by Harry Cooper, the Head Golf Pro at Braemar, to join the Men’s Club and learn. Instantly, Peterson was hooked and for the rest of his life dedicated time and effort into creating a top-notch program for the men of Braemar. As the Men’s Club aged, they began to consider a new league, especially for those who were retired and free in the mornings. Led by Peterson, a group of 16 retirees requested a tee time at Braemar for Monday mornings, beginning at 6:30 a.m. With some strict guidelines put in place, the league was granted permission to tee off each Monday. In 1982, the Golden Agers Golf League came into being. Over the years, the Golden Agers league has grown, adding vastly to the original 16 members. Though initially the league was “never to surpass 20” members, the Golden Agers league once boasted 120 players. Numbers were down in 2005 as membership fluctuated due to life changes, but course administrators remain positive that numbers will rise again this year. Longtime Golf League Takes New Name 30•WINTER 2006 In addition, the restrictions regarding residency are beginning to ease. In the past, only those who lived in Edina were allowed participation in the Golden Agers league. If the league does not fill this next year, those from around the area will be invited to join the group. “The league is an enjoyable way for these guys to get out and network with other retirees,” said Braemar General Manager John Valliere. “By opening it up to non-resi- dents, we are adding even more variety to the group.” Another factor that might influence possible candidates is the change in the league’s name. In 2006, the league will be known as the Braemar Senior Men’s Golf Club. “Some felt that the name ‘Golden Agers’ was offensive to those of us playing in the league,” said Frank McGoldrick, treasurer of the league. “By changing the name, we hope to sway those retirees who felt the league was named inappropriately to join the Braemar Senior Men’s Golf Club.” For those who have played on the league in the past, however, a name is just that, the real point behind the league is the game and socializing factors. “I have been in the same foursome for the past six years,” said Herb Royce, member of the Golden Agers. “I remember one Monday morning, it was raining and I figured I would be the only one out here playing, but when I got to the Clubhouse, the rest of the guys were standing around, waiting for me.” Friendship and dedication run deep within the groups of the league. Many of the men who play in the league have committed themselves to the sport for more than half their life. Not only is the game important to them, but their fellow foursome mates keep them coming back repeatedly, challenging their skills on a weekly basis. “Some guys rush back from their cabins on Sunday night, just to be here early on Monday to play with their group,” said Valliere. “Foursomes get more important as the years go by. To miss a tee time is to cry that you want the phone to ring off the hook for the rest of the day. Friendship runs deep with these guys.” Jack Yarger, Mike Harrel, Jim Blewett and Hal Peterson make up one such group. Playing together as a foursome for the past eight years, they spend hours together every Monday morning in the summer. “We are all so ornery,” said Yarger, “that it is hard to believe we have been together this long! Ah, that’s what makes it so fun, though,” retorted Peterson. 31•WINTER 2006 During prime vacaction months, foursomes are known to take on a straggler or two. From left: Gary Rooney, David Garvin, Paul Curran,Gene Clifford and Dick Rooney tee off from hole No. 6. Ph o t o b y L a u r a F u l t o n (continued on next page) Monday mornings represent to many of us an early morning that brings the weekend to a close. To the members of the Golden Agers, now the Braemar Senior Men’s Club, however, Monday mornings represent a day of friendship and sport. And each Monday morning, the men of the Braemar Senior Men’s Club step up to the tee and swing, hoping not only to hit the elusive hole-in-one but also for the fun and company of those who will pat them on the back when the game is complete and say “nice game” every time. Fees change yearly. For more information on the Braemar Senior Men’s Club, contact McGoldrick, 952-920-4560. 32•WINTER 2006 Golf takes time, patience and plenty of practice. A good swing and decent clubs are just two of the many factors taken into account while playing the game. Ph o t o b y L a u r a F u l t o n 33•WINTER 2006 August features the annual Torchlight Concert in Centennial Lakes Park by Edina’s First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band. After funding uniforms for the Band in the past, the Foundation became a Concert sponsor last year and expects to continue that role in the future. September will bring another Edina Reads one-book reading program. Last year’s inaugural effort was jointly organized by the Edina Community and Southdale-Hennepin Area libraries and their Friends groups, Edina’s Senior Center and Human Rights and Relations Commission, Edina High School and the Foundation. Our intent was to bring people together to discuss the very popular novel, The Kite Runner, and the Foundation hosted two events—a panel discussion on Character and Courage in Personal and Professional Life and an intergenerational discussion following the author’s presentation at a Hennepin County Library Pen Pals lecture. Both of these events involved students from Edina High School as part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to the Connecting With Kids youth asset- building initiative in Edina. The Foundation’s fall mail campaign each October involves a letter to approximately 5,000 homes in the community, with information about our programs and a request to join the community of donors who are helping us achieve our mission of Strengthening Our Community. November brings us to the season of Thanksgiving and our annual Foundation effort to bring together its Founders Club members, who have made substantial multi-year gifts to support the Foundation’s endowment, program grants, and operating budgets. Last year’s event was a dessert reception hosted by Mayor (and our Board President) Jim Hovland and his wife, LaRae, and we look forward each year to honoring those people who have made a substantial investment in our community. The Foundation’s third-annual Holiday Home Tour will take place during the first weekend of December. After featuring homes in the Country Club and Indian Hills neighborhoods in prior years, we will be looking for another of Edina’s many quality neighborhoods to showcase in 2006. With homes decorated by local merchants and financial support from many other businesses in the community, the Tour offers a fun and interesting opportunity for all of us to mingle with our neighbors at the beginning of the holiday season. Bringing People Together is truly an appropriate description of the Edina Community Foundation’s many efforts throughout the year to provide and support programs that Strengthen Our Community. With thanks to all those individuals and organizations that make these programs possible as donors, partners and grantees, we welcome the New Year with great enthusiasm. Questions about the Foundation may be addressed to its Executive Director, Dick Crockett, at 952-833-9573 or edinacommunityfoundation@ci.edina.mn.us. Additional information about the Foundation and links to other articles about the Foundation may be found at its website, www.edinacommunityfoundation.org. 35•WINTER 2006 Strengthening Our Community By Dick Crockett Executive Director 34•WINTER 2006 The Edina Community Foundation: Our 2006 Calendar The Edina Community Foundation is committed to four focus areas in its program services and grantmaking – Bringing People Together, Helping Our Neighbors, Beautifying Edina and Enhancing Our Safety. As we begin a new year, we look forward to a full calendar of events that the Foundation supports in order to achieve the first of these, with the hope of creating a stronger sense and spirit of community in Edina. We begin in January with this article, as part of our continuing effort in each quarterly issue of About Town to build community awareness of the Foundation and its programs. During the last year, our articles have featured the community members who serve on our Board of Directors, some suggestions on how to enjoy living in Edina, our Community Partners program to help low-income residents (in collaboration with the Southdale YMCAand VEAP) and the value of investing in our community. By February we will have completed our Annual Report for the Foundation’s 2004-05 fiscal year. This includes a list of donors, a summary of our grants awarded during the year and a copy of our audited financial statements, all as part of our official accounting to our many constituencies, and it will be distributed with the spring issue of About Town to some 25,000 homes in the community. March 19 is the date set for a special concert by the Edina Chorale, accompanied by the Edina High School Chamber Orchestra and Concert Choir. AFoundation grant will help bring this celebration of the 250th birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to our community. On April 25, we will co-host an Edina Senior Health and Resource Fair with the Edina Federated Women’s Club and the Edina Resource Center. The event will be at Colonial Church of Edina and its exhibits, health screening stations and workshops are intended to help seniors maintain active and independent lifestyles. We host a Donors Reception every May to thank major gift donors to the Foundation and brief them on the programs they have helped support. Last year’s event at Interlachen Country Club was underwritten by Excel Bank and featured presentations by the Edina Chorale, the City’s Adaptive Recreation Program and CommonBond Communities. June 30 is the end of our fiscal year and one of three months (along with February and October) in which our Board of Directors awards grants from our general funds. (Grants from our Designated Funds are made throughout the year.) The 4th of July parade in Edina provides a wonderful opportunity for many community groups to come together and provide fun and entertainment for people of all ages. As my then-2-year-old granddaughter Catherine observed after just a few minutes of watching the parade (her first) last year, “Maybe it’s a birthday party … . “ our catheterization lab to open the artery(s), the more heart muscle we can save.” Fairview Southdale Hospital ranks among the fastest hospitals to treat patients having heart attacks in an ongoing Medicare quality study and also is rated in the top 100 hospitals for cardiovascular care in the country by Solucient, a national health care quality organization. “We open blocked arteries in approximately 70 minutes from the time a patient enters the emergency room. This is almost one-half hour faster than the national average,” said Battista, who estimates that implementing this new Medtronic technology could save up to another 20 minutes. Edina Fire Chief Marty Sheerer is equally excited about this advance. “Our paramedics’ ability to transmit patient electrocardiograms instantly to the hospital dramatically improves overall patient care and outcomes,” he said. “This is an investment in our community as we seek innovative ways to serve the people of Edina and our surrounding communities.” Fairview Southdale Hospital is an innovative leader in heart, stroke and vascular care. “We are striving to bring the latest technology and innovations to our patients. This partnership with Edina and Medtronic furthers our goal of providing the best heart and vascular care in the state,” said Bradley Beard, President of Fairview Southdale Hospital. For more information, contact the Edina Fire Department, 952-826-0330. Fire Station No. 1, headquarters of the Fire Department, is located at 6250 Tracy Ave. Fairview Southdale Hospital is located at 6401 France Ave. S. 37•WINTER 2006 Polly Norman Abstract Photography March 4 - April 22, 2006 Opening Reception: SATURDAY, March 4, 2006 6:00 - 9:00 PM Flanders Contemporary Art 612-344-1700 Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n When a person suffers a heart attack, every moment counts. Quickly restoring blood flow to the heart saves lives and improves survivors’ quality of life. That is why the City of Edina’s paramedics, Fairview Southdale Hospital and Medtronic have come together to be the first in Minnesota to pioneer time-saving digital technology for emergency heart care. Beginning in October, Edina Fire Department paramedics began sending a real-time digital snapshot of a heart’s rhythm (a 12-lead electrocardiogram) by cell phone to Fairview Southdale Hospital’s new Medtronic LIFENET RS receiving station. Instantly, emergency room physicians and cardiologists are able to look at the information as if they were right there with the patient. And they can make decisions about the best treatment and be ready to provide care immediately upon the patient’s arrival at the hospital. Typically, paramedics transmit information through telephone conversations with physicians. Some other services fax information to the hospital while in transit. Now, with digital technology, the entire process takes approximately one minute and the clarity of the data is greatly improved. “This is state-of-the-art technology and it will help us save lives,” said Dr. Stephen Battista, cardiologist with Minnesota Heart Clinic, part of Fairview Southdale Heart and Vascular Center. The heart is a muscle and, according to Battista, “when you have a heart attack, we always say time is muscle. The faster we can assess the patient and get the patient into Edina Paramedics Team With Local Hospital To Use Innovative Digital System To Aid Heart Attack Patients 36•WINTER 2006 Ph o t o b y P o l l y N o r m a n Unplug From It All March 13 38•WINTER 2006 When Steven and Shannon were little, their parents would sometimes order pizza for dinner and build a fire in the basement fireplace. The family would reconnect, eating pizza and watching movies together in front of the warm blaze. Today, Steven and Shannon are in their 20s and live on their own. But when they both happen to be visiting Edina at the same time, the family often ends up in the basement eating pizza in front of a fire – even during warm months like July. “When the kids were younger, my wife and I would look at each other and think ‘it sure doesn’t take much to please our kids’ and it sure was simple to do," said their father, Greg. "It turned out to be a very special time for our family – spending that time together, simple and secure at home.” Times have changes since Steven and Shannon were growing up. There are now more extracurricular activities; recreational, athletic and music programs; and religious activities. Many families struggle to schedule a special family activity that doesn’t conflict with something else on the calendar. A1999 study by the Survey Research Center at the University of Michigan shows that between 1981 and 1997, children between the ages of 3 and 12 saw their free time decline by 12 hours per week, their play time decrease by 25 percent and unstructured outdoor activities reduced by 50 percent. Meanwhile, structured sports time doubled from 2 hours, 20 minutes per week to 5 hours, 17 minutes per week and studying has increased by 50 percent. For that reason, Edina families are encouraged to ‘unplug’ from it all Monday, March 13. The Edina City Council, along with the Edina Board of Education and many community organizations, have proclaimed the night as “Edina Unplugged Night.” Developed under the concept of Family Night Out, Edina Unplugged is meant to encourage families to spend time with each other. Residents are asked to block the night out on their calendars now, before something is scheduled that would prevent them from being part of Edina Unplugged, a Connecting With Kids youth asset-building initiative project. “One of the strong messages to emerge from Connecting with Kids’ Intergenerational Dialogues is that kids want more unscheduled time to spend with their families,” said Doug Johnson of Edina Public Schools. “Edina Unplugged is part of our community’s response to that request.” For more information on Edina Unplugged, contact Johnson, doujohnson@edina.k12.mn.us. ‘Unplugged’ Family Activity Ideas • Eat dinner together. • Sort family photos or go through old albums. • Watch family videos. • Play board games or cards. • Visit a neighborhood park. • Go for a walk in your neighborhood. If you’re not sure what to do, ask your kids! 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Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if you have coverage for backups. If you do not have coverage, consider adding to your policy because in most cases the City’s insurance will not cover your damages in the event of an incident. For moreinformation, call Edina Public Works, 952-826-0311. DOYOU have insurance for sewer back-ups? Check your policy today!