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AboutTown_2007Autumn
AboutTown MagazineCity of Edina4801 West 50th StreetEdina, MN 55424www.CityofEdina.comAAbboouuttTToowwnnOfficial Magazine of the City of Edina©COLOURS 2007 National Trust To Tour EdinaSee Page 26For DetailsAUTUMN•2007 9828 AboutTown Fall CoverGuts 8/30/07 10:51 AM Page 1 The 50th & France Business and ProfessionalAssociation on Saturday, Oct. 27, will host PumpkinFestival, a fall event for children. Activities in downtown Edina will include games, ashowcase of decorated pumpkins, horse-drawn trolleyrides, costume parade for kids and pets, and trick-or-treating. Trick-or-treating at area businesses will beginat 10 a.m. Pumpkin Festival has been a long standing tradition of the community and provides a fun, safeHalloween celebration for children and their families. There is no charge to participate. For more information, contact the 50th & France Business &Professional Association, 952-922-1534, orwww.50thandfrance.com.AAbboouuttTToowwnnVolume 18, Number 4Autumn 2007Official Publication of the City of Edina, Minnesota4801 West 50th StreetEdina, Minnesota 55424952-927-8861Circulation 25,000Editor: Jennifer BennerotteAssistant to the Editor: Laura FultonContributing Writers: Doug Leskee, Kathy Iverson and Joe SullivanPublisher: City of EdinaAbout Townis produced by the City of Edina. To advertise in About Town,contact Laura Fulton, 952-826-0396. Copyright 2007 by City of Edina, 4801 W. 50th St., Edina, MN 55424.About Townis published quarterly by the City of Edina. Thepurpose of the magazine is to keep Edina residents informedof news, activities and programs that are important to them.We include articles of interest about our citizens and community history as well.About Townis printed on recycled paper to conform to Cityconservation guidelines.www.CityofEdina.comCover photo by Barbara Nichols, winner of the 2007 “Images of Edina“ contestPumpkin Festival Set For Oct. 27 Table of ContentsCalendar Of Events...........................................................................1Autumn Calendar Highlights.........................................................4AWord From The Mayor...................................................................5Edina’s Olinger Family Operated 7-Acre Farm For Six Decades....................................................................6 Getting To Know The Edina Fire Department: ‘C’ Shift..............................................................12New City Attorney Begins Work..................................................16Edina Art Center Offers ‘unREEL’ Film Transfer Process......................................................................18NewsweekRanks Edina High School ‘Top Of The Class’............................................................................22It’s Not Only Neighborly...It’s The Law......................................24National Preservation Conference To Include Edina Tour............................................................................26‘Be In Their Boots’ At Edina’s Public Safety Open House.................................................................................28Participate In Minnesota Chemical Health Week.........................30VEAPPrepares To Distribute Holiday Joy..................................31The Edina Community Foundation: Program Chairs...............................................................................32Thanks To Project Earth, Edina High School ‘Reuses And Recycles’.....................................................................34Aarsvold Joins City Staff As Recreation Supervisor..................361•AUTUMN2007 SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday27 p.m., HRA& CityCouncil, Edina CityHall.7 p.m., Lee EngeleJazz Band,Edinborough Park.323rd-AnnualMembers’ JuriedExhibition ends at theEdina Art Center.45:30 p.m., ZoningBoard of Appeals,Edina City Hall.56 p.m., Rotary Club ofEdina “Back to the50s” fundraiser, EdinaCountry Club.6171-4 p.m., Carnival ofthe Arts: Art Aroundthe World, Edina ArtCenter.7 p.m., HoneywellConcert Band,Edinborough Park.899 a.m., Senior Expo,ColonialCongregationalChurch.7 p.m., HeritagePreservation Board,Edina City Hall.105 p.m., Comp PlanTask Force, Edina City Hall.11Fall-2 class registrationbegins at Edina ArtCenter.6:30 p.m.MorningsideNeighborhoodAssociation AnnualMeeting, Weber Park.125 p.m., Reception for“Dynamic Duo andFriends,” Edina ArtCenter.139:30 a.m., Paint YourPet Workshop, EdinaArt Center.142-4 p.m., Grand opening celebration ofEdina Public Schools’east campus.7 p.m., Star of theNorth Concert Band,Edinborough Park.15167 p.m., HRA& CityCouncil, Edina CityHall.7 p.m., NotableSingers, EdinboroughPark.176:30 p.m., Digitalcamera workshop,Edina Art Center.1920Great PumpkinPainting Party forages 3 to adult, EdinaArt Center.217 p.m., Zuhrah ShrineConcert Band,Edinborough Park.222311:30 a.m., CityCouncil study session,Edina City Hall.7 p.m., Human Rights& RelationsCommission, EdinaCity Hall.2410 a.m., Faux paintingWorkshop, Edina ArtCenter.254 p.m., Art CenterBoard, Edina ArtCenter.4:30-7:30 p.m., Tasteof Edina, SouthdaleCenter.266:30 p.m., Video editing, Edina ArtCenter.2710 a.m., Doll-MakingWorkshop, Edina ArtCenter.10 a.m., PumpkinFestival, 50th &France.307 p.m., Jazz on thePrairie Big Band,Edinborough Park.294:30 p.m., PhotoShopEditing, Edina ArtCenter.287 p.m., First JohnPhilip SousaMemorial Band,Edinborough Park.October 2007315 p.m., Comp PlanTask Force, Edina City Hall.7 p.m., PlanningCommission, EdinaCity Hall.185:30 p.m., ZoningBoard of Appeals,Edina City Hall.6 p.m., TransportationCommission, EdinaCity Hall.About Town Calendar 2 • A U T U M N 20 0 7 Su n d a y M o n d a y T u e s d a y W e d n e s d a y T h u r s d a y F r i d a y S a t u r d a y 1 8 a . m . , B r a e m a r G o l f Do m e o p e n s f o r t h e se a s o n . 9 a . m . , H a n d c r a f t e d Gi f t S a l e b e g i n s , Ed i n a A r t C e n t e r . 5: 3 0 p . m . , Z o n i n g Bo a r d o f A p p e a l s , Ed i n a C i t y H a l l . 2 3 Ed i n a C o m m u n i t y Fo u n d a t i o n 3 0 t h An n i v e r s a r y G a l a , Ed i n b o r o u g h P a r k . 10 a . m . , A s i a n B r u s h - Pa i n t i n g W o r k s h o p fo r A g e s 1 0 a n d o l d e r , Ed i n a A r t C e n t e r . 4 7 p . m . , S t . L o u i s P a r k Co m m u n i t y B a n d , Ed i n b o r o u g h P a r k . 5 7 p . m . , H R A & C i t y Co u n c i l , E d i n a C i t y Ha l l . 6 El e c t i o n D a y . Po l l s o p e n 7 a . m . t o 8 p . m . 78 9 1 0 11 7 p . m . , S o u t h o f t h e Ri v e r B a n d , Ed i n b o r o u g h P a r k . 12 Ve t e r a n ’ s D a y ob s e r v e d . E d i n a C i t y Ha l l c l o s e d . 13 7 p . m . , H e r i t a g e Pr e s e r v a t i o n B o a r d , Ed i n a C i t y H a l l . 7 p . m . , P a r k B o a r d , Ed i n a C i t y H a l l . 7 p . m . , H y e b a r Da n c e r s , Ed i n b o r o u g h P a r k . 14 5 p . m . , C o m p P l a n Ta s k F o r c e , E d i n a Ci t y H a l l . 16 1 7 18 7 p . m . , S o u t h s i d e B i g Ba n d , E d i n b o r o u g h Pa r k . 19 2 0 6:3 0 p . m . , C o m m u n i t y He a l t h C o m m i t t e e , Ed i n a C i t y H a l l . 7 p . m . , C a l h o u n I s l e s Co m m u n i t y B a n d , Ed i n b o r o u g h P a r k . 21 2 2 Th a n k s g i v i n g . E d i n a Ci t y H a l l c l o s e d . 23 Ed i n a C i t y H a l l cl o s e d . 24 1 a n d 2 p . m . , “N u t c r a c k e r ” m i n i pe r f o r m a n c e s b y Mi n n e s o t a D a n c e Th e a t r e , G a l l e r i a . 6 p . m . , H o l i d a y T r e e - Li g h t i n g C e r e m o n y , 50 t h & F r a n c e . 27 11 : 3 0 a . m . , C i t y Co u n c i l s t u d y s e s s i o n , Ed i n a C i t y H a l l . 7 p . m . , H u m a n R i g h t s & R e l a t i o n s Co m m i s s i o n , E d i n a Ci t y H a l l . 26 25 7 p . m . , F i r s t J o h n Ph i l i p S o u s a Me m o r i a l B a n d , Ed i n b o r o u g h P a r k . No v e m b e r 2 0 0 7 28 7 p . m . , P l a n n i n g Co m m i s s i o n , E d i n a Ci t y H a l l . 29 30 15 4 p . m . , A r t C e n t e r Bo a r d , E d i n a A r t Ce n t e r . 5: 3 0 p . m . , Z o n i n g Bo a r d o f A p p e a l s , Ed i n a C i t y H a l l . Ab o u t T o w n C a l e n d a r 9828 AboutTown Fall CoverGuts 8/30/07 10:51 AM Page 3 A W o r d F r o m T h e M a y o r Fo r m a n y g e n e r a t i o n s , “ s a f e t y ” w a s t a k e n f o r g r a n t e d . Wh i l e m y d a u g h t e r s , n o w i n t h e i r 3 0 s , w e r e t a u g h t t h e ea r l i e r g e n e r a t i o n a l e q u i v a l e n t o f t o d a y ’ s “ s t r a n g e r da n g e r ” w a r n i n g , t h e y c o u l d s t i l l s a f e l y l e a v e o n t h e i r bi c y c l e s t o h a n g o u t w i t h o t h e r k i d s i n t h e n e i g h b o r h o o d fo r s e v e r a l h o u r s w i t h n a r y a p o t e n t i a l w o r r y . W e c o u l d en t e r a s t o r e o r s h o p p i n g c e n t e r a n d g o o u r s e p a r a t e wa y s , w i t h a n a g r e e m e n t t o m e e t a f e w h o u r s l a t e r a t a pr e d e t e r m i n e d s p o t . T h e r e w a s n o i n t e r n e t , w i t h p r e d a t o r s hi d i n g i n “ c h a t r o o m s . ” W e w e n t t o p a r k s a n d s w i m m i n g po o l s a n d o n a m u s e m e n t r i d e s w i t h o u t f i r s t w o n d e r i n g ab o u t t h e l e v e l o r a d e q u a c y o f i n s p e c t i o n s a n d t h e ex p e r i e n c e o f m a i n t e n a n c e w o r k e r s . Is t o d a y ’ s w o r l d l e s s s a f e ? H a s t e c h n o l o g y e v o l v e d s o qu i c k l y a n d w i t h s u c h c o m p l e x i t y t h a t m a i n t e n a n c e re q u i r e s m o r e s k i l l a n d p r e c i s i o n b y o u r l a b o r e r s ? O r ha v e t h e m e d i a a n d t h e b o o m o f t h e i n t e r n e t , w h i c h h a v e ma d e t h e w o r l d s o m u c h s m a l l e r w i t h 2 4 / 7 n e w s a n d in f o r m a t i o n a t y o u r f i n g e r t i p s , s i m p l y l i f t e d o f f a v e i l o f na i v e t y i n a p p r o p r i a t e l y w o r n i n p r i o r t i m e s b y o u r s o c i e t y ? Re c e n t l y , r e s i d e n t s o f t h e T w i n C i t i e s , G r e a t e r M i n n e s o t a an d t h e n a t i o n g a s p e d i n c o l l e c t i v e h o r r o r w h e n a 6 - y e a r - ol d E d i n a g i r l l o s t h e r s m a l l i n t e s t i n e t h i s s u m m e r i n a po o l - d r a i n a c c i d e n t . T h e g i r l w a s i n j u r e d i n l a t e J u n e w h e n sh e b e c a m e t r a p p e d o n a n u n c o v e r e d d r a i n i n t h e w a d i n g po o l a t t h e p r i v a t e M i n n e a p o l i s G o l f C l u b i n S t . L o u i s P a r k . He r i n j u r y p r o m p t e d c a l l s t h r o u g h o u t t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s f o r a f e d e r a l l a w t o r e q u i r e s a f e r d r a i n c o v e r s a t p u b l i c p o o l s . Th e 5 0 - m e t e r p o o l s h e l l , p l u n g e p o o l a n d z e r o - d e p t h e n t r y wa d i n g p o o l i n s e r v i c e a t t h e E d i n a A q u a t i c C e n t e r a n d th e E d i n b o r o u g h P a r k l a p p o o l w e r e a l l i n s p e c t e d b y US A q u a t i c s a f t e r t h i s h o r r i b l e i n c i d e n t a n d b o t h w e r e fo u n d t o e x c e e d M i n n e s o t a S t a t e C o d e r e q u i r e m e n t s . T h e re s u l t s o f t h e i n s p e c t i o n s w e r e n o t s u r p r i s i n g t o e i t h e r m e or t h e C i t y C o u n c i l , a s w e k n o w t h a t C i t y s t a f f w o r k s di l i g e n t l y t o e n s u r e t h a t a l l o u r p u b l i c f a c i l i t i e s a n d am e n i t i e s a r e m a i n t a i n e d a t t h e h i g h e s t l e v e l o f s a f e t y . Th o s e f a m i l i a r w i t h E d i n a ’ s r e p u t a t i o n f o r p r o v i d i n g sa f e p u b l i c f a c i l i t i e s w e r e a l s o n o t s u r p r i s e d b y o u r in s p e c t i o n r e s u l t s . U . S . S e n . A m y K l o b u c h a r a n d U . S . Re p . J i m R a m s t a d h e l d a j o i n t n e w s c o n f e r e n c e a t t h e E d i n a Aq u a t i c C e n t e r , h o l d i n g u p t h e E d i n a A q u a t i c C e n t e r a s a na t i o n a l e x a m p l e o f h o w p u b l i c p o o l s s h o u l d b e o p e r a t e d an d m a i n t a i n e d . We d o n ’ t w a n t y o u t o h a v e t o t h i n k t w i c e a b o u t y o u r pe r s o n a l s a f e t y o r t h a t o f a c h i l d o r l o v e d o n e w h e n y o u a r e at a C i t y - o w n e d f a c i l i t y . W h e t h e r i t i s a p o o l o r a n o t h e r pu b l i c f a c i l i t y o r a m e n i t y , y o u c a n b e a s s u r e d t h a t w e t a k e sa f e t y v e r y s e r i o u s l y a t t h e C i t y o f E d i n a a n d w i l l c o n t i n u e to d o o u r p a r t t o e n s u r e t h a t C i t y f a c i l i t i e s a n d e q u i p m e n t ar e m a i n t a i n e d i n s u c h a m a n n e r a s t o a c h i e v e t h e g r e a t e s t sa f e t y t o t h e p u b l i c p o s s i b l e . Ja m e s B . H o v l a n d Ma y o r 5 • A U T U M N 20 0 7 4•AUTUMN2007 Other Dates To RememberOct. 97 p.m., Somewhat Dixieland Band, Edinborough Park. Oct. 97 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall.Oct. 117 p.m., Childhood Obesity Town Forum, Edina City Hall.Oct. 1412:30-4:30 p.m., Public Safety Open House, South Metro Public Safety Training Facility.Oct. 236:30 p.m., Travel Photography Workshop, Edina Art Center.Oct. 237 p.m., Flute Cocktail flute ensemble, Edinborough Park.Nov. 156 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall.Dec. 81 and 2 p.m., “Nutcracker” mini performancees by Minnesota Dance Theatre, Galleria.Carnival Of The ArtsWhat: Edina Art Center’s annual Carnival of the Artswill feature “Art Around the World.” The freefamily fun, sponsored by the Peggy KellyFamily Fund, will include performances byCircus Manduhai at 1:30 and 3:15 p.m. Theevent will also include artists’ demonstrationsand sales, art activities, writing names in Irish,films, food, “passport” photos and more!When: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7Where: Edina Art Center, 4701 W. 64th St., on thefrontage road in Rosland Park (one mile west ofSouthdale Center).Info:www.EdinaArtCenter.com or 612-915-6600 East Campus Open HouseWhat: Edina Public Schools will host an open house on its east campus to showcase various improvements made possible by a community-supported referendum. The openhouse encompasses South View Middle School,the Edina Community Center and the new Cityof Edina Gyms. At press time, details were stillbeing planned, but the event is expected toinclude tours, entertainment, food and fun. When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14 Where: South View Middle School, 4725 South ViewLane, and the Edina Community Center, 5701Normandale Road.Info: Edina Public Schools CommunicationsDepartment, 952-848-3944 orinfo@edina.k12.mn.us or visitwww.edina.k12.mn.us. Autumn Calendar Highlights3•AUTUMN2007 SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday110 a.m.-4 p.m.,Holiday Home Tour,beginning at EdinaCity Hall.1 and 2 p.m.,“Nutcracker” miniperformances byMinnesota DanceTheatre, Galleria.27 p.m., St. Louis ParkCommunity Band,Edinborough Park.347 p.m., HRAand CityCouncil, Edina CityHall.565:30 p.m., ZoningBoard of Appeals,Edina City Hall.784 p.m., The EdinaChorale “Chocolateand Cabernet” CDRelease Party andChristmas Cabaret,The Mahan Center atSt. Patrick’s CatholicChurch.93 p.m., The EdinaChorale ChristmasConcert, “Decemberin Minnesota,” St.Patrick’s CatholicChurch.7 p.m., MinneapolisPolice Concert Band,Edinborough Park.10117 p.m., Park Board,Edina City Hall.7 p.m., HeritagePreservation Board,Edina City Hall.7 p.m., ArmenianDance Ensemble,Edinborough Park.121415167 p.m., NorthernWinds Concert Band,Edinborough Park.17187 p.m., HRA&CityCouncil, Edina CityHall.7 p.m., Human Rights&RelationsCommission, EdinaCity Hall.19205:30 p.m., ZoningBoard of Appeals &Adjustments, EdinaCity Hall.6 p.m., TransportationCommission, EdinaCity Hall.21225 p.m., HandcraftedGift Sale ends, EdinaArt Center. Don’tmiss your last chanceto shop!25Christmas. EdinaCity Hall closed.2423 December 2007267 p.m., PlanningCommission, EdinaCity Hall.2728 13293031 About Town Calendar 9828 AboutTown Fall CoverGuts 8/30/07 10:51 AM Page 6 Tipperary. Five years had passed when Tresa, Johanna and Ed decided to leave New York and head west to joinHannah in Minnesota, leaving Jeremiah and his two lessadventurous daughters behind.They boarded a New York Central train heading west to Chicago. There, the three travelers transferred to aMilwaukee Road train that took them across Wisconsin to St. Paul and Minneapolis.The adventurers got off the train at the original MilwaukeeRoad depot in Minneapolis. Located at Washington and 4thAvenues, it was the town’s first train depot. Tresa and theTooheys found housing in the nearby Cedar-Riverside section of south Minneapolis. Tresa Kennedy Meets John OlingerTresa Kennedy was truly awoman of her time: not onlywas she able to read and write, she was well aware ofcurrent events in Ireland aswell as the United States. An accomplished seamstress,she worked at home in herapartment, sewing pieceworkfor a contractor.John Francis Olinger Sr. hadarrived in Minneapolis in 1888.Olinger grew up on a farmnear Strawberry Point, a smalleastern Iowa town, not far from Dubuque. His parents, Engelbert and Susan (Hanson)Olinger, had both been raised in Bavaria, Germany. Early on the day that John F. Olinger would meet TresaKennedy, his friend Ed Toohey spotted him and said,“John, Johanna wants ye to meet someone.”The dark-haired Irish beautyfrom Tipperary and thefarmer’s son from Iowawere properly introducedthat evening at Ed andJohanna Toohey’s flat insouth Minneapolis. Johnwasn’t Irish, as were mostof Tresa’s friends and relatives. But he wasCatholic and that wasimportant to Tresa.John wasted little time inproposing marriage. Heand Tresa were married onMay 30, 1889. After thewedding, they lived at 417N.E. Main St. in the Villageof St. Anthony that is now northeast Minneapolis. John and Tresa had both grown up on farms and yearned to return to life in a rural setting. John knew a land speculator named Alexander Hill, who had sevenacres for sale in Edina. 7•AUTUMN2007 By Joe SullivanContributing Writer Our story begins in the mid-19thcentury on a tiny plot of CountyTipperary farmland in the midlands of west Ireland. TheKennedy family’s farmhouse was asmall cottage with a thatched roof,surrounded by maybe two acres ofgreen pasture. Jeremiah Kennedyand his wife, Sarah, struggled tosurvive in the face of the extreme poverty and oppressionimposed by British landlords, who had been the rulingclass of Ireland for more than seven centuries. Jeremiah lost Sarah in 1879. She was only 54. Four yearsearlier, she had been struck down by a brain disease, thenknown as senile dementia. (Today, we would call itAlzheimer’s disease.) It had stripped her of most mentaland physical capabilities. In addition to two sons, William and James, widowerJeremiah was left with five daughters: Hannah, 32; MaryTheresa (known as Tresa), 20; Johanna, 19; Sarah (namedfor her mother), 18; and Bridget, 17. Hannah had left forAmerica a few years earlier. She settled on the rugged midwestern frontier in the Minnesota Territory, whichwould not become a state until 1858.Jeremiah and Sarah had been married for 34 years. Theyhad long planned to leave Ireland because they were fearful that their family might not survive if they stayed.But when Sarah got sick, those plans had to change. Now,his other four daughters also wanted to leave Ireland—tothem, a place of serious disease and starvation where simply staying alive had become hopelessly difficult.Jeremiah couldn’t disagree with their logic. “But it musthave been difficult for him to realize that he would not bereturning to Ireland anytime soon—if ever,” wrote hisgreat-grandson John J. Olinger Sr., in his 2005 family memoir. John J. Sr., is part of the fourth generation ofKennedy descendants to live in America. Born in Edina, he currently resides in Burnsville.Journey To America Began In 1879The Kennedys’ journey began early on an afternoon in1879. Jeremiah was in the lead, trudging the 20 miles of dirt road to Nenagh, followed by his four daughters withas many of their worldly possessions as they could wearand carry. The five of them rode a train south and east from Nenaghto Queenstown, the port town of County Cork on the IrishSea. The ship was anchored a quarter of a mile out in theharbor. Its destination was more than 3,000 miles to thewest, across the Atlantic Ocean. Aone-way passage to New York City cost about four British pounds per person.After the long voyage, the Kennedys disembarked at CastleGardens in New York harbor, where the U.S. CustomsService registered foreign immigrants. Not long afterward, Johanna Kennedy met and marriedEdward Toohey, also a transplanted Irish immigrant from Edina’s Olinger Family Operated7-Acre Farm For Six Decades (continued on next page)6•AUTUMN2007 John F. Olinger Sr., holdinghis one-year-old grandson,John J. Olinger Sr., whowould later become the family historian.In 1908, Tresa Olinger, wife ofJohn F. Sr., was struck downwith a disease known then as“senile dementia.” Tresa—thebeautiful Irish girl, once the rudder of the entire family—wasburied at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Minneapolis. 9828 AboutTown Fall CoverGuts 8/30/07 10:51 AM Page 9 Perhaps no other event could have had such an indelible and far-reaching effect on the Olinger family. “In those days, the victim was thought to have lost theirmind—gone crazy,” Jack’s son, John J. Sr. would later write.Even today, there is no cure.Farm Converted To Dairy OperationBy 1920, John F. Sr. hadturned his operation into adairy farm. His primary cropwas now corn, which he fedto his Holstein dairy cows.The milking operation provided an improvedsource of income that boosted the family’s standardof living. It was quicklyexpanded and truck farming,the way John had started out,became a sideline.Lucille Reimers Comes To Olinger FarmIn the summer of 1938, Lucille Reimers arrived at the farmon Olinger Road. Lucille, 25, was working as a maid for aSt. Paul family when she heard about an opening for ahousekeeper at the Olinger farm in Edina. Lucille probablyrode the Como-Harriet streetcar from St. Paul to the end ofthe line at 50th & France in Edina. There, Jack met her anddrove her out to the farm. Lucille knew very little about the Olinger father-and-sonbachelor farmers. According to John J. Sr’s. memoir, theelder John Olinger, age 78 and semi-retired, was “pulling weeds when Jack and Lucilledrove into the farm’s lane. JohnF. Sr. was wearing blue bib overalls, a straw hat and smoking his pipe.” Jack, hisbachelor son, was carryingLucille’s suitcase. At age 40, Jack was the farm’s dapper, fun-loving, hard-working, boss man. The farmhouse is described inthe family memoir: “Old curtainson the windows, a bay window,hardwood floor, some woodenchairs and a big rocking chair. In the kitchen, a wood/coal-burning cook stove and atable with a kerosene lamp and afew chairs. Water was carried in pails from the milk house.There was no bathroom. … The outhouse was near the granary and there was no electricity [in any of the buildings], athough they did have a telephone.” Lucille decided to give the farm a try. She tackled the cooking, cleaning and laundry and said she couldn’t wait to prepare a good meal for the two bachelors, notingthat her specialty was ham and scalloped potatoes. They accepted her into their little family and gave her a place to call home.Ayear later, Lucille and Jack were married in St. Patrick’sCatholic Church at 70th Street and Cahill Road. Areceptionwas held at the Frank Natole farmhouse near Valley View 9•AUTUMN2007 Olingers Buy Seven-AcreEdina FarmThe asking price was $100 per acre. For $700, John coulddo some farming and he and Tresa could raise theirchildren the way they wantedto. The deal was consummatedin 1897. John was 37 and Tresawas 39.The Olinger family loadedtheir belongings into thewagon and set out for the ruralVillage of Edina, southwest ofMinneapolis. It took them a fullday to reach the farm on thebottomlands of Nine MileCreek. What they found was aone-room, unpainted houseand barn, a pump house andwide open grassland as far asthey could see.John, Tresa and their childrenlived in the single-room house over the winter of 1897-98—without electricity,running water or plumbing.New Farmhouse For Olinger FamilyThe following summer, John F. Sr.built a new, one-room house closer to the barn.Asecond son, John F. Jr. was born in the new house in1898. Although named for his father, he would always be called Jack. He was a handsome, wavy-haired, outgoingyoung man. Another daughter, Helen May, was born to John F. Sr.and Tresa in 1901, but she died a few months later. JamesOlinger, born in 1903, was the fifth surviving child in Johnand Tresa’s family. In the winters, John F. Sr. raised extra cash by trapping fur-bearing animals near their farm. Mud Lake had a number of muskrat houses and the extensive wetlandsaround Nine Mile Creek were a source of mink, raccoons,foxes and weasels. In addition, skunks and bobcats couldbe found in the nearbywooded areas. The pelts were dried on wooden stretchers and,come spring, were sold in Minneapolis.Tresa Is Stricken WithSenile DementiaIn 1908, when Tresa wasonly 48, she became illwith a debilitating braindisorder that profoundlyaffected her physically andmentally. John F. Sr. andthe children cared forTresa during the yearsbefore her death in 1911.8•AUTUMN2007 In 1911, when Tresa Olinger died,it was customary to mark thedeath of a parent with a photo ofthe deceased’s descendants.(Seated) John F. Olinger Sr.(Standing, from left) Mary, Jack,Albert, Jim and Theresa.Lucille Reimers in front ofa St. Paul home whereshe was employed as amaid before going towork as the housekeeperon the Olinger farm inEdina. (Ca. 1937) Jack Olinger operates his cornbinder after the farm’s main operation was converted fromtruck gardening to a dairyfarm. The main crop becamecorn, and the original truckgardening operation becamea sideline. (continued on next page)ThomasGleeson28.75JonesEliz.GleesonGeo. Code80.5 George Tracy120John Tracy80 John KytePatrick Ryan88 Blake RoadEden Prairie RoadValley View Road 9 - Mile Creek Gleason Road Thomas Gary35John Marriot58.12 JohnWoodsEliz. A GleesonErnestDavis79Thos.Oí Meara37Robt.Irwin18.25J.J Irwin38.75 PatrickRyan43Thos. Darcy117 L.M & W.S.Davis PaulineRour 70.5 RobertsL.M & W.S.Davis J. Olinger Olinger Road James Hawkes78DavidJones30BridgetJones28.2 GardenPark70th Street MudLakeThe Olinger’s seven acreswere just east of today’s Mud Lake, now part ofBredesen Park. TheOlinger’s parcel wasoriginally part of a 50-acrehomestead claimed bypioneer Edina farmer JohnCode in 1868. This 1898 platmap shows neighboringfarms, the meandering NineMile Creek, and portions ofEden Prairie Road (nowVernon Avenue), Valley ViewRoad, Olinger Road,Gleason Road and whatisnow West 70th Street.9828 AboutTown Fall CoverGuts 8/30/07 10:51 AM Page 11 Road. Jack and John’s friends and neighbors—Lewis Jones,Ted Asplund, Tom Ryan, John Marriot, Bill and TomGleeson, John Tracy, John Code and Sadie and Ray Jensenamong them—were all in attendance.The Great Depression of the 1930s had taken its toll oneverything, including family farms. Trying to save money,Jack cut back on the number of cows he was milking, butthe more he cut back, the less money he brought in. Developers Show Interest In Edina’s Farms By 1940, Edina land was being gobbled up by real estatedevelopers. Property taxes on farmland were increasingevery year because so-called “suburbanization” was overloading the mostly-rural village’s infrastructure.Roads, water and sewers were being improved, newschools were being planned.Changes like this were making Jack Olinger uneasy. Shortof cash and unable to buy more land to enlarge his farm ormake needed improvements, it was no small wonder hewas uncomfortable. With the onset of World War II, Minneapolis Moline, a farm equipment manufacturer in Hopkins, was gearing up to handle war-related production. Friends told Jack that Moline was hiring mechanics and machinists at goodrates of pay. In 1941, after thinking about it all winter long, Jack drovewest on Excelsior Boulevard into Hopkins. He could seethe Moline foundry’s smokestack from two miles off. Hesat in his 1931 Ford in the parking lot, still thinking aboutthis turn in his life. Finally, he got out and walked into theplant and applied for a job.Afew months after World War II ended with the Alliedforces’ victory over Japan in 1945, Jack’s father, John F.Olinger Sr. died of pneumonia at St. Mary’s Hospital inMinneapolis. He was 84.In 1947, Jack watched as the farm’s old barn and silo weretorn down. “He held it all in,” his son John J. Sr. wrote,“but he was at his wits’ end.” That evening, Lucille toldJack it was all for the best, reminding him that he had agood job at Minneapolis Moline and there was food on thetable. But after 1948, Jack’s mental and physical healthbegan to deteriorate rapidly. Like his mother, Tresa, Jack had inherited senile dementia,the same deadly disease that had taken her life and her11•AUTUMN200710•AUTUMN2007 mother’s. Lucille could no longer take care of Jack and forhis last five years he lived in a succession of hospitals. Thelast of them was a State Hospital in Hastings, where hedied on July 2, 1952. He was only 54. Jack’s funeral was held at St. Patrick’s Church in the CahillCommunity. The list of his pallbearers read like a “who’swho” of pioneer Edina farm families, including Leo andJim Delaney, Tom Gleeson, Tom Mahoney, Jim Ryan andLewis Jones. Jack was buried next to his older brother,Albert, in the familyplot at St. Mary’s Cemetery in south Minneapolis. The Passing Of An EraBy 1950, except for TedAsplund and Lewis Jones,farming around Olinger Roadhad ceased. Once filled withtall stands of waving corn, thefields were overgrown withbrush. The former pastureswere dotted with crumblingwindmills, busted wire fencesand deserted farmhouses.Farming had bid its farewellto Edina. After Jack’s death, his assetswere inherited by Lucille.Unfortunately, except for thefarm, those assets were notsignificant. The farm’s livestock, farm equipment and toolshad long since been sold. Lucille was left without income of any kind and four children, ages 3 to 8, to raise.Eventually, she turned to the county for assistance. But the land developers didn’t give up. Lucille stood firmon the terms she and her lawyer had worked out, whichspecified a package price for all seven acres, at $1,500 peracre, cash on the barrelhead. Some wanted only a piece ofthe tiny farm, invariably the best part—on higher ground,with the apple orchard. But even those who were interestedin all seven acres wanted it for next to nothing. In themeantime, Lucille cleaned private homes and small businessoffices and took a job in the laundry of Edina’s Junior HighSchool. She waited eight years for the right offer.In 1960, home builder Richard Lundgren finally agreed to Lucille’s terms and purchased all seven acres. Aftercatching up on back taxes, Lucille was able to buy a smallhouse on Edina’s West 56th Street, near the school complex,north and east of Benton Avenue and Highway 100.Lucille later moved to a senior residence in downtownMinneapolis where she died in 2002. She was buried nextto Jack in the family plot, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in southMinneapolis. Her passing was one of a few that markedthe end of the final chapter in the annals of Edina’s rural community.Background material and photographs for this article camefrom the Olinger family’s photo collections and “OlingerRoad” a family memoir by John J. Olinger Sr.; personalinterviews with Mr. Olinger and the following publications:The Irish Famineby Helen Litton and The Great IrishFamineby James S. Donnelly Jr.Jack Olinger (top) and hisclose friend Leo Donnelly(center) with some “citygirls” and a Model T Ford(Ca. 1920). The Olinger family’s farmhouse was on a wooded hillside in southwest Edina. Built in 1898, as a one-room, single-story building,a two-story addition was built on the west side in 1905. Later, aporch was added on the front of the one-story structure. 9828 AboutTown Fall CoverGuts 8/30/07 10:51 AM Page 13 The Edina Fire Department consists of three firefighter/paramedicshifts, a paid-on-call group, an investigative team and a highly qualified fire administration. This year, AboutTown is introducing residents to the men and women who make up the Edina Fire Department through a series of articles and photos. Shifts “A” and “B” were featured in previous issues.By Laura FultonIn the fire service, firefighters must work together as a well-oiled machine. They must move together, attaching hoses, pumping water and swinging axes. They must know each other’s locations inside and out of a burning building. They must communicate any possible dilemmas with one another before they become real problems. In the Emergency Medical Service, the same notions ring true. Both driver and medic must work collaborativelyto ensure the safety and well-being of patients duringtransport. Through communication, they pass patient status and location, as well as other important information,to one another. Paramedics must trust one another toproperly treat patients and maintain the safety of all those in the vehicle. During every shift they work, the “C” Shift manages tomaintain that trust and build a high rapport not onlyamong themselves, but also throughout the City of Edinaand fire communities around the metro.The reputation that the “C” shift has established comes from the top down. “Joel [Forseth] is a very strong captain; very skilled anddedicated to the City and the fire service,” said Firefighter/Paramedic Wally Fasulo. “He knows his stuff and makessure we all know ours when we are on the job.”And from that strong leadership, the men of the “C” shiftgain confidence in themselves and one another. They alsooffer tips to build the confidence of those on the shift whoare newer to the EMS tract or to the fire service.“When I started four years ago, I was comfortable in myskills as a medic but I knew that I still had a lot to learn,”said Firefighter/Paramedic Pat Sandon. “Through my Getting To Know The Edina FireDepartment: ‘C’ Shift12•AUTUMN2007 internship with the Edina Fire Department, I learned thatthe paramedics employed by the City were some of thetop medics in the State. That gave me even more incentive to work hard so I could one day work with my current colleagues.” The “C” shift sits down for breakfast and coffee at thebeginning of each shift with one goal: to ensure thateveryone knows what they will be in charge of for thenext 24 hours. “It is important that when we all get to work in the morning, we sit down and first thing establish who holds what role that shift,” said “C” Shift Lt. Craig Essig.“Whether assigned to be a driver, medic or firefighter, on any given day, we are aware of who is responsible for what and that can make all the difference in an emergency.”“C” shift is run in a very structured fashion, as bothCaptain and Lieutenant of the shift are strong believers in good work ethic and a structured workplace.“When that bell rings, I don’t want anyone to have to askme what to do,” said “C” shift Capt. Forseth. “The menon my shift are all very talented and respect how thisshift is run. I have no doubt, however that any one ofthem could be a leader during an emergency.” “C” shift boasts a variety of men, from Sandon, the junior member of the shift, to the most senior firefighter/paramedic of the entire department, Bob Lawson, whorecently celebrated his 30th anniversary with the City. Thegroup is dedicatedto ensuring the safety of the City andthe safety of each other. For these reasons, training is anongoing part of the “C” shift’s daily routine. “We work hard and train together frequently to ensurethat we understand all of the most up-to-date procedures13•AUTUMN2007 (continued on next page)The Edina Fire Department’s “C” Shift exemplifies a group thatholds each other in high esteem. They work hard for the City ofEdina to ensure that those who live, learn and do business in theCity are safe. Photo by Polly Norman Congratulations on 50 Years, IAFF Local 1275!2007 marks the 50th anniversary of theInternational Association of Fire FightersUnion Local 1275. IAFF supports the safety and well-being of firefighters around the nation. “The Edina Professional Firefighters havebeen proudly serving the City of Edina for 50 years,” said past Union President andFirefighter/Paramedic Bob Lawson. “We are there when you need us and will continue to be here, long into the future.”9828 AboutTown Fall CoverGuts 8/30/07 10:51 AM Page 15 15•AUTUMN2007 and tools,” said Firefighter/Paramedic Brian Hanrahan.“On the ambulance, we work with the latest technology,so we need to understand how the tools we are using on patients effect them. We also train to maintain theknowledge we have gained in the past about fire safety.” “C” shift is also meticulous about maintaining strong relationships among one another and with the other shifts. “We all have strengths and weaknesses, and as we learnmore about one another, we learn how to complementthose assets during an emergency,” said Firefighter/Paramedic Mike Hughes. “I would follow any one of these guys into a burningbuilding if they asked me to, because I know that theywould have my back,” said Firefighter/Paramedic ToddSkatrud. “Trust, respect and communication are a hugepart of the fire service and I believe the “C” shift exemplifies these attributes and more.”To learn more about the Edina Fire Department, visitwww.CityofEdina.com/Fire.14•AUTUMN2007 ©8#%,%.%2'9).#2ENEWABLEENERGYRESOURCESLIKEWIND WATER REFUSEANDBIOMASSMAKESENSEFOROURENVIRONMENT!NDOURFUTURE4HATSWHY8CEL%NERGYISTHENUMBERONEWINDUTILITYINTHENATION)TSWHYWEOPERATEHYDROELECTRICPLANTS GENERATINGENOUGHENERGYTOSERVEHALFAMILLIONTYPICALHOMES)TSWHYWEREAHEADOFTHECURVEONCREATINGENERGYFROMSOURCESLIKEWOODWASTE GARBAGEANDORGANICFUELS4HATSMORETHANSTEWARDSHIP)TSLEADERSHIP&ORMOREINFORMATIONONRENEWABLEENERGY VISITXCELENERGYCOM9OUR,IFE/UR%NERGYXCELENERGYCOM 2%.%7!",%9/52/52$/!",%9828 AboutTown Fall CoverGuts 8/30/07 10:51 AM Page 17 By Doug LeskeeRoger Knutson ofCampbell and Knutson,PA, began representingthe City of Edina as CityAttorney earlier this year.Founded in 1986, Campbelland Knutson is one of theonly law firms devotedexclusively to municipallaw in the State andprides itself on offeringquality legal services and integrity. Knutson started his educational career at St. Louis ParkHigh School and then attended St. Olaf College majoringin Philosophy. Later, Knutson graduated from theUniversityof Minnesota Law School. Among his various responsibilities as Edina’s CityAttorney, Knutson must attend all meetings of the EdinaCity Council and assist with employment issues and landdevelopment. He said his biggest job is “to be there togive advice and to help if any questions arise.” Campbell and Knutson also represent the cities ofChanhassen, Cannon Falls, Falcon Heights, Lakeville andPlymouth. “Roger has been with the City of Lakeville for over 30 years,” said Lakeville Deputy City Clerk JudiHawkins. “He has always been knowledgeable, accessible and easy to work with. He’s had his hand in everythingthat we have done to develop the City of Lakeville.”Edina staff expects no less.Knutson says he is honored to have been selected by theCity of Edina and has “…always admired Edina,” andcannot wait to work for the City for years to come. “It islike no other City I know. All you have to do is drivearound to see just how unique it is.”“Roger is one of the best known and respected CityAttorneys in the State,” said Gordon Hughes, Edina CityManager. “The City Council and I are very pleased tobenefit from his wealth of knowledge and experience inthe field of municipal law.”Knutson and his wife and two sons reside in Minneapolis.Knutson enjoys spending time watching his sons playsoccer and talking to his daughter on the phone fromNew York University. For more information about the City Attorney, contactHughes, 952-927-8861. The City’s prosecuting attorneycontinues to be Patrick Leach. New City Attorney Begins Work16•AUTUMN200717•AUTUMN2007 Roger Knutson began work asEdina’s City Attorney in April.Annie BallantineAlliedMember,ASID 1651 Cumberland StreetNumber 16SaintPaul, MN 55117Phone: 651-472-3518Fax: 651-489-2018 -All suites include a separate bedroomand livingroom with fully equippedkitchens.-Complimentary Hot Buffet Breakfastserved daily as well as evening Manager’sreception Monday - Thursday.-Located in the Edina School District.Within minutes of the Galleria, Southdaleand Mall of America.-Indoor Park connected to hotel.Minneapolis - Edina3400 Edinborough WayEdina, MN 55435952-893-9300www.marriott.com/mspda 9828 AboutTown Fall CoverGuts 8/30/07 10:51 AM Page 19 19•AUTUMN2007 Move your old 8mm home movies to a DVD at the EdinaArt Center’s Peggy Kelly Media Arts Studios. New movie transfer equipment just obtained by the Edina Art Center features technology enhancements fordo-it-yourself transfer of home movies to digital mediasuch as DVDs and digital videotape. According to Phil Johnson, Manager of the Peggy KellyMedia Arts Studio, the new equipment is easier to useand eliminates the lighting and focusing challenges inherent in the processes used for the last 40 years.“Direct transfer from movie film to a high-resolutionvideo sensor also provides clear, sharp images,” he said.Besides a clearer image and ease of use, Art Center clients will have greater control over the final productwhen they use the equipment in the Media Arts Studios.“You can exclude things you don’t want—like that timewhen dad dropped the camera or when the image becameunfocused. The client is in absolute control of the finalproduct,” Johnson said. “There is a great deal of personalsatisfaction in doing this type of project yourself.”People who use the do-it-yourself equipment will pay afraction of the commercial studios' prices for film transfer.Many stores charge 12 to 15 cents per foot of film for filmtransfer. Transferring 10 50-foot reels of Regular 8 orSuper 8mm film at the Art Center could take as little as one hour and cost $20, plus membership.The first person to use the new Tobin Cinema projectorswas a 94-year-old man from Plymouth. Hundreds of people of all ages with basic dexterity use the facilities inthe Peggy Kelly Media Arts Studios. Media Studios' staffis always available to answer questions and provideinstructions and advice.The Media Studios’ busiest times are in November andDecember, so clients are encouraged to start their holidayprojects early. As an incentive, clients starting projects in September or October will receive a free duplicatedcopy of any original DVD made from home movies, slides or photos.Purchase of the new projectors was made possiblethrough generous grants from the Edina CommunityFoundation, Peggy Kelly Family Fund and Rotary Club of Edina.The Edina Art Center is located at 4701 W. 64th St. (the northwest corner of Rosland Park) and is open toall residents and businesses located in the metropolitanarea. Call the Edina Art Center at 612-915-6602 formore information or to make an appointment to begin your project. Visit the Art Center’s website,www.EdinaArtCenter.com for complete class and event listings.Edina Art Center Offers ‘unREEL’Film Transfer Process18•AUTUMN2007 Skip & Debbie ThomasREMAX RESULTSEdina Graduates • Edina ResidentsSam GiannakakisSenior LoanOfficerDirect: 952.820.3272Fax: 952.820.3372Cell: 612.816.1511Pager: 952.907.3380Email: sam@lakelandmortgage.com RESULTS Call For A Free LoanApproval!Call ForA Free MarketAnalysisSkip & Debbie ThomasGRI, Realtors5201 Eden AvenueEdina, MN 55436Direct: 952.848.2404Home: 952.927.4804Fax: 952.848.2410Email: skipthomas@iwon.comWebsite: www.skipthomas.comSam GiannakakisLakeland Mortgage Corporation TOPProducersthat sell & financehomes inEdinaand theTwin Cities!Active in EdinaWest 50th & Vernon Avenue at Hwy. 100 952-920-3996www.washburn-mcreavy.com Family Owned & Operated Since 1857 EDINA CHAPELFUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES CCaarrppeettCCaammbbrriiaaHHaarrddwwooooddFFlloooorriinnggLLaammiinnaatteeFFlloooorriinnggCCoouunntteerrttooppssCCeerraammiiccTTiilleeVViinnyyllFFlloooorriinnggRRuubbbbeerrFFlloooorrss“Your flooring experts for over30 years”RReessiiddeennttiiaallNNeewwHHoommeeCCoonnssttrruuccttiioonnCCoommmmeerrcciiaall5251 Edina Industrial Blvd (952) 835-2252www.midwestinteriors.com 9828 AboutTown Fall CoverGuts 8/30/07 10:51 AM Page 21 21•AUTUMN200720•AUTUMN2007 EDINA 50th & France YYOOUURRNNEEIIGGHHBBOORRHHOOOODDTITLERELOCATIONwarrantiesINsurancehotlineHOMEDOCSrecommendsmoving services guaranteed sales programexceptional properties REAL ESTATE RREEAALLEESSTTAATTEEPPRROOFFEESSSSIIOONNAALLSSA Full Service LenderTodd Johnson • 6800 France Ave • 612.207.9550Kara Egan • 50th& France • 612.325.3735Robin Leudtke • 6800 France Ave • 612.306.5925 MORTGAGEJOHNSHAW, MANAGER952.927.1160EDINA6800 OFFICEJOHNSMABY, MANAGER952.924.8757EDINA50TH& FRANCEOFFICE EDINA 6800 OFFICEJeff and Diane Anderes952-927-2842jeffanddianeanderes.edinarealty.comGinni and Jeff Anderson952-927-1669ginnianderson.edinarealty.comJeff and Connie Cauble952-927-1115jeffcauble.edinarealty.comJohn Everett952-927-1646johneverett.edinarealty.comJackie Goodlund952-927-1647jackiegoodlund.edinarealty.comMaggie Goodyear952-927-1657maggiegoodyear.edinarealty.comRuthann Holetz952-927-1624ruthannholetz.edinarealty.comStacy Johnson952-927-1608stacyjohnson.edinarealty.comLinda Jones952-927-1781lindajones.edinarealty.comJohn MacKany 952-927-1163johnmackany.edinarealty.comJohn McDonald952-927-1197johnmcdonald.edinarealty.comJoan E. Mitchell952-927-1147joanemitchell.edinarealty.comJude Dugan Olson952-927-1186judeduganolson.edinarealty.comLinda Platt952-927-1179lindaplatt.edinarealty.comKevin Ries952-927-1196kevinries.edinarealty.comMargie and John Sampsell952-927-1195margieandjohnsampsell.edinarealty.comWade Thommen952-927-1152wadethommen.edinarealty.comSusan Wahman952-927-1114susanwahman.edinarealty.comCorky Weber952-927-1198corkyweber.edinarealty.comMichael Tierney 952-927-1676michaeltierney.edinarealty.com Pam Allen952-915-7187pamallen.edinarealty.comSandy and Buzz Bainbridge952-915-7980sandyandbuzzbainbridge.edinarealty.comBabette Bean952-924-8722babettebean.edinarealty.comLou Blemaster952-924-8744loublemaster.edinarealty.comKrysta Clark952-924-8707krystaclark.edinarealty.comSheila Cronin952-915-7951sheilacronin.edinarealty.comKaren Daly952-924-8746karendaly.edinarealty.comPatti Eastman952-924-8786pattieastman.edinarealty.comLisa Eckert952-915-7964lisaeckert.edinarealty.comTom Frisk612-418-6642tomfrisk.edinarealty.comJanie Hays952-924-8721janiehays.edinarealty.comJim Jaeckels952-924-8741jimjaeckels.edinarealty.comBob Johnson952-924-8727bobjohnson.edinarealty.comRuth LeVine952-915-7956ruthlevine.edinarealty.comBob and Francy Matson952-915-7960 bobandfrancymatson.edinarealty.com952-915-7950Brad McNamara952-924-8785bradmcnamara.edinarealty.comMeg and Tom Meyers952-924-8712 megandtommeyers.edinarealty.com952-924-8799Linda Smaby952-924-8726lindasmaby.edinarealty.comKathie Volland952-915-7934kathievolland.edinarealty.comColleen Wahl952-924-8789colleenwahl.edinarealty.com 9828 AboutTown Fall CoverGuts 8/30/07 10:51 AM Page 23 ‘Newsweek’ Ranks Edina HighSchool ‘Top Of The Class’By Doug LeskeeAfter late nights of studying and dedication to extracurricular activities, Edina High School students’hard work pays off. Earlier this year, Newsweek namedEdina High School to its list of the country’s “Top 100High Schools.” The only Minnesota School on the list, Edina took the 89th spot. In 2003, Edina was ranked 81 in the nation.Since then, they were ranked 201 in 2005 and 186 in 2006.(Newsweekdid not complete the ranking in 2004). As part of the ranking determination, Newsweekdividesthe number of students at a high school by the number ofAdvanced Placement (AP) exams given. APclasses aremore vigorous classes that students can elect to takeinstead of regular classes. At the end of the class, studentsare given a test with an opportunity to earn college credit. Last school year, nearly 2,000 APtests were administeredfor the 21 APclasses offered at Edina High School.Students also studied and took APexams that were notoffered by the High School, including Japanese andHuman Geography. According to the Edina PublicSchools Annual Report, 80 percent of students who took APexams received a score that was accepted bymost colleges and universities. “We are honored to be recognized as one of the topschools in the nation,” said Ric Dressen, Edina PublicSchools Superintendent. “It is a reflection of our students’commitment to Advanced Placement classes and theirwillingness to challenge themselves.”Students are feeling the benefit from working hard andtaking advantage of the APtests. Tom Bodeau graduatedin May and is attending Yale University this fall with aninterest in social sciences. Bodeau will be starting as a second-semester sophomore because of the 13 APclasseshe successfully completed. “I feel much more preparedfor college since taking the APclasses,” said Bodeau. “Ithas taught me how to manage my time and be a moreeffective student.” Lavanya Srinivasna will bypass many freshman-levelclasses when she starts her college career this fall at theUniversity of Pennsylvania studying InternationalStudies, thanks to the 15 APclasses taken at Edina High.“The APclasses generally have students who want to bein the class,” explained Srinivasna. “…The classes are for people who want a deeper knowledge of the class subject.” Many of the students who take APclasses also excel outside of the classroom in extra-curricularactivities such as band, choir and athletics.Having not been on the “top 100” list since 2003, Edina is glad to be back on top and is not looking to leave itsposition in the future. 22•AUTUMN2007 “If a student is willing to put in the extra time and effort, we want to give them every opportunity we can to succeed,” explained Mary Manderfeld, former EdinaHigh School Principal. “We have great students andteachers who are willing to make our school and community a success.” Every student has the option to enroll in an APclass anddoesn’t have to take the APexam once in the class. “APclasses have become so popular that we don’t have to tellthe students about them,” said Manderfeld. The State is also helping to make this opportunity open to everyone by covering the costs of all APexams.Manderfeld explained that the only cost the student hasto pay for is the cost for the bus ride to the testing facility,around $10 for each APtest. It can be a great way to get acollege class without the college expense.For more information about Newsweek’sranking, contact Edina High School, 952-848-3805 orwww.edina.k12.mn.us/edinahigh.23•AUTUMN2007 Other notable Minnesota high school rankings include:Southwest (143)St. Louis Park (386)Minnetonka (484)Wayzata (960)Hopkins (1,136)Eden Prairie (1,221)CallTed Field952-927-1150 www.SeniorExpert.com 30+ yearsexperienceworkingwith seniors 9828 AboutTown Fall CoverGuts 8/30/07 10:51 AM Page 25 24•AUTUMN200725•AUTUMN2007 LeavesKeep fallen leaves out of the street to help prevent clogging the storm sewer, which can lead to water runoff, backups and flooding.In the fall, three street sweepers work eight to 10 hours per dayfor four to six weeks collecting leaves throughout the City. Ifresidents rake leaves from their yards into the streets, the streetsweeper will not be able to keep up.Residents should compost their leaves or contact their refuse hauler for proper disposal. Licensed haulers in the City are Allied Waste Services, 952-941-5174; Aspen Waste, 612-884-8000; Vierkant Disposal, 612-922-2505; and WasteManagement, 952-890-1100.Edina Snow Removal RegulationsAny snow removed from your walkways, driveways or sidewalks must remain on your property. Do not shovel snowinto the street or onto your neighbor’s property. If you have asidewalk, Edina law states that you must keep it plowed orshoveled for the safety of you and your neighbors.If a fire hydrant is located on your property, please rememberthat you need to clear snow away from it. As soon as the snowstops falling, start to clear away the snow so that the hydrant isvisible. The few minutes its takes provide access to a firehydrant might save you and your neighbors precious time in an emergency.Edina Snow Parking RegulationsMany Minnesotans have made the mistake of parking theircars or trucks on the street during a snowstorm, only to find later that their vehicles have been “buried” or “plowed in.”Seeing a parking ticket on your windshield would only add tothe frustration. You can avoid a citation or tow by followingthese rules.No vehicle may be parked on a City street, highway or alleyunder the following conditions:•When 1.5 inches or more of snow has fallen, until it has been plowed to the curbline.•For six hours after the snowfall stops, unless traffic signs specifically allow you to do so or if you are engaged in certain job-related activities as described in the City Code.•From 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. Nov. 1 to March 31.It is extremely important for residents to keep their vehicles off the roadways during these times. Edina’s Public WorksDepartment has a reputation for providing top-notch snowremoving services, but staff members need your help. Carsparked on the street make it difficult for snowplow operatorsto maneuver and also prevent the street from being thoroughlyplowed. By parking in driveways or lots, you will avoid parking tickets and the expense and inconvenience associatedwith towing.For more information, contact Public Works CoordinatorSteve Johnson, 952-826-0301.It’s Not Only Neighborly … It’s The Law©2007 UBSFinancial Services Inc. All Rights Reserved. Member SIPC.By providing customized investment strategies, we can work closely with investors to help them manage theirwealth. Our Financial Advisors take the time to understand each investor’s needs and goals, and seek to deliversolutions that address their specific needs. Depending on investors’ needs, we can also offer access to global resources, which include lending solutions,alternative investments and insightful research. That’s what we mean by “You & Us.”For more information, call: 952-848-8040 877-850-60224999 France Avenue South, Suite 200, Edina, MN 55410 You &Us.Continuing our commitment to Edina investors.Paul BordonaroBranch ManagerSenior Vice President–InvestmentsBen BratterSenior Vice President–InvestmentsNick CroninSenior Vice President–InvestmentsKeith FahnhorstSenior Vice President–InvestmentsPete GablerFinancial Advisor Blane HammerSenior Vice President–InvestmentsBob HannahFinancial AdvisorJim HayFinancial AdvisorChristopher HolmanFinancial AdvisorDave HoranSenior Vice President–InvestmentsBob KaufmanVice President–Investments Mike KoobVice President–InvestmentsPeter LevyAssociate Branch Manager Senior Vice President–InvestmentsScott SchachtmanAssistant Vice President–InvestmentsKevin Smith, Senior VicePresident–InvestmentsJim WilkinsonFinancial Advisor 9828 AboutTown Fall CoverGuts 8/30/07 10:51 AM Page 27 27•AUTUMN200726•AUTUMN2007 The National Trust for Historic Preservation has foundthat “Preservation Matters” in Edina.The National Preservation Conference, dubbed“Preservation Matters,” will be held Oct. 2-6 in St. Paul.As part of the event, preservationists will visit Edina 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4. Members of the Edina Heritage Preservation Board will present the diverse preservation challenges confronting the first-ring suburb: design review in the Country Club District, archeology study and ruralheritage preservation in a suburban landscape, interpretation at suburban historic sites, determining the preservation value of shopping malls, and the need for comprehensive heritage planning.“The evolution of suburban communities has become a hot topic, and it is an honor for Edina to be highlighted before this national audience,” saidAssociate Planner Joyce Repya, staff liaison to theHeritage Preservation Board.The Edina tour will include a bus tour of the CountryClub District, a 20th century planned residential districton the National Register of Historic Places with more than500 period revival-style homes dating from 1924 to 1941.Preservationists will stop at selected properties for briefpresentations on design review issues such as teardowns,massing and use of modern materials.Later in the morning, the group will visit Williams Park atWest 50th Street and Browndale Avenue to view the EdinaMills archaeological site. Participants will visit the Edina History Museum, 4711 W. 70th St., to see the local exhibitsand eat lunch, provided by the Edina Historical Society.In the afternoon, preservationists will visit Frank TupaPark, 4918 Eden Ave., and tour the Minnehaha GrangeHall and Cahill School, followed by a presentation onEdina’s approach to preservation of rural heritageresources and the integration of heritage preservationwith City planning for community development.The final stop on the field session will be at SouthdaleCenter, the first fully-enclosed, climate-controlled shopping mall in the country.Edina, now in its 119th year, has a relatively short historywhen compared to communities around the country, saidBob Kojetin, chairman of the Heritage Preservation Board.“However, during that time, we have been very successfuland proud of capturing and preserving our history forfuture generations. We are fortunate the National Trusthas chosen to highlight Edina.”During the week-long conference, attendees will also tour sites in Duluth, Minneapolis, Owatonna, Red Wing and St. Paul. Specific sites include Fort Snelling, National Preservation ConferenceTo Include Edina TourSt. Anthony Falls, West Seventh Street and the Twin Cities riverfront.“I am particularly excited about this year’s NationalPreservation Conference because it will be held in myhome state,” said National Trust President Richard Moe.“Minneapolis and St. Paul offer an enormous range ofpreservation success stories. The revitalization of urbanneighborhoods, the rediscovery of a long-ignored riverfront and the imaginative reuse of many landmarkstructures make the cities a showcase of what preservation can do. In nearby towns, Main Streetcommercial districts have been given new life, andvigorous smart-growth and land conservation initiativesare helping put the brakes on sprawl and conserve openspace.”For more information on the National PreservationConference, visit www.nthpconference.org. For more information on the Edina field tour, contactRepya, 952-826-0462.Is Youryard indeepDooDoo?Does ithavemore spotsthan yourDalmation?It’s time towake up and NOT smell the Doo Doo Call612-374-3000www.scoopypoo.net 9828 AboutTown Fall CoverGuts 8/30/07 10:51 AM Page 29 28•AUTUMN200729•AUTUMN2007 By Laura FultonGrowing up, many children dream about becoming policeofficers or firefighters. For four hours in October, familiesare invited to join the Edina Police and Fire departmentsfor a chance to feel what it is like to “Be In Their Boots,”and live out their childhood dream. The Edina Fire and Police departments will host a PublicSafety Open House on Sunday, Oct. 14 for children andadults of all ages. The community is invited to visit theSouth Metro Public Safety Training Facility, 7525 BraemarBlvd., from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. and learn what firefightersand police officers do on a daily basis.The Fire Department plans to utilize the burn tower andburn rooms to demonstrate what happens during a realfire. Firefighters will battle the blaze before the eyes of the audience. People can come early and dress up in firefighter gear to get first-hand experience of how heavythe equipment is that is worn during a fire emergency.Attendees will also have the chance to feel the pressure of a real fire hose. Firefighters will help hold the hose, asresidents spray water at a building made to look like aburning home. Fire Department personnel will also discuss this year’sNational Fire Prevention Week theme, “Practice YourEscape Plan.” “While many families have a plan in place for a fire emergency, very few actually practice the escape,” saidFire Marshal Tom Jenson. “It is very important that all families not only have an escape plan set up in case ofemergencies, but that they also practice it. Practicing anescape plan with your family can be a fun adventure aswell as an excellent learning tool.”More interested in the police aspect of public safety?Members of the Police Department will be on site, demonstrating the many ways they keep the community safe. According to Police Lt. Jeff Long, the day will be scheduled so that both fire and police demonstrations are ongoing. Two firearm instructors from the PoliceDepartment will explain how the department practices ‘Be In Their Boots’ At Edina’sPublic Safety Open Houseand also give gun safety advice. Also that day, K-9sKodiak and Diesel, along with their handlers, OfficersKevin Rofidal and Mike Seeger, will show off some skills.From a sprinkler trailer demonstrating the use of sprinkler systems in the home and office, to SWAT teammembers in uniform explaining the use of the PoliceDepartment’s BEARCAT vehicle, there will be no shortageof fun and interesting things for all those who come out tothe Public Safety Open House. “Edina is a unique city in the fact that our Police and Fire departments work so closely together,” said PoliceChief Mike Siitari. “[The Police Department] responds to all medical calls and fires. [The Fire Department] provides medics to our Emergency Response Team.During so many calls, we work jointly, and that makesour City a safer place to live.”The open house also gives the Police and Fire departments a chance to thank the community forits support.“[The support] we constantly receive from the peoplewho live, work and play in Edina is tremendous,” said Fire Chief Marty Scheerer. “Our Fire and Policedepartments are well-known throughout the Statebecause of that support, and we would like all residents to know how much we appreciate them.”For more information on the Public Safety Open House, visit www.CityofEdina.com or contact Jenson at 952-826-0337 or Lt. Long at 952-826-0491.For the first time ever, the Edina Police and Fire departments areteaming up to host a Public Safety Open House. There will bemany opportunities for community members to actively take partin the day, such as spraying water from a fire hose and climbingthrough the many vehicles of the Police and Fire departments. Photo by Laura FultonIF IT WEREN’T YOUR OFFICE, YOU MIGHT NEVER WANT TO LEAVE.www.uproperties.com | 952.837.8400 Centennial Lakes Office Park is part of a 100-acre, mixed-usedevelopment 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 convenientaccess to seven restaurants and a number of retail services.For more information about this exciting property, visitwww.centenniallakes.com.9828 AboutTown Fall CoverGuts 8/30/07 10:51 AM Page 31 31•AUTUMN200730•AUTUMN2007 By Kathy IversonContributing WriterMinnesota Chemical Health Week is Nov. 12-18, 2007.It isn’t just another proclamation. This week holdssignificance for every family and individual in Edina. We are committed to keeping our citizens safe andhealthy. Minnesota Chemical Health Week brings to mind the ways we can honor sobriety, healthy choices and the strongest roots for our children to grow in. What are the ways you can participate in MinnesotaChemical Health Week?Remind people to drive safe and sober.Get your red ribbon at Edina City Hall, City park buildings,Edina’s two community libraries, and participating medicalclinics (The red ribbon is a promotion of Mothers AgainstDrunk Driving). Attach the red ribbon to your car, purse,bag or computer. Be creative with your message!Be a “host with the most” this holiday season.•Offer alternative beverages to guests who choose to drink non-alcoholic beverages.•Protect underage children from consuming alcoholic beverages.•Offer an alternative to guests who are driving home after drinking.•Create parties that are welcoming and relaxing for your guests.•Determine a theme for the party to make it fun and memorable. These suggestions makeentertaining safer and moreenjoyable for everyone. Theresponsibility of being a partyhost includes keeping driverswho have been drinking offthe road. Alternatives for these guests include calling acab, offering them a place to stay for the night or askinganother guest, who has not been consuming alcohol, totake them home. One other way to reduce substance abuse is by nurturingrelationships that are loving and caring in your familiesand in the community. Reach out to others who are struggling. Help them find the resources they need to take the next step. Each time a gift of support is given,families and individuals have a greater chance of copingand growing through their crisis. You can make a difference at home and in your community. Should youneed some additional resources, please contact the EdinaResource Center helpline at 952-848-3936. Their servicesare free and confidential. Kathy Iverson is the ChemicalHealth Coordinator for the Cityof Edina. She can be contactedat 952-929-7627 or by writingto kiverson@ci.edina.mn.us.Participate In Minnesota Chemical Health WeekNovember12-18,2007 Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP) is in searchof holiday spirit and generous donations to make thisyear’s holiday season brighter for area children and families in need.Over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, VEAPplans to distribute food to more than 3,000 families andgifts to over 3,500 children in Edina, Bloomington,Richfield and southwest Minneapolis. To accomplish this goal, VEAPis seeking donors to provide gifts andvolunteers to help sort, set up and distribute them. Monetary and non-perishable food donations help ensure that all families are able to have a holiday meal.Donations of new, unwrapped gifts, toys and gift cards help make the holiday bright for children in low-income households. Parents are able to come toVEAPand select gifts for their children at the free holidaystore. Gifts can be dropped off at VEAP, 9731 James Ave.S., Bloomington between Nov. 16 and Dec. 19 for distribution to those in need. Edina residents can drop off donations at Edina City Hall at 4801 W. 50th St.Gifts are greatly needed for all age groups of children, but in the past, those 8 to 12-year-olds and older teenshave been hardest to collect for. Some ideas for childrenages 8 to 12 include Legos, Nerf toys, purses, startermake-up kits, teen and young adult chapter books and G- or PG-rated movies. Gifts for older children includewatches, clocks, room or closet organizers, jewelry sets,phones and blankets or comforters. A$15 gift card to alocal retailer is also a great option when shopping witholder children in mind.VEAPhas full lists of drop-off sites and needed items forinterested donors. Those lists can be obtained by calling952-888-9616 or visiting www.VEAPVolunteers.org.Volunteer opportunities are also abundant during the holiday season. People interested in pre-sorting gifts, registering families, packing grocery bags, setting up the holiday store or delivering meals to seniors or homebound neighbors should call VEAPat 952-888-9616.For more information about VEAP or its holiday programs, visit the VEAP website atwww.VEAPVolunteers.org or call the Seasonal Program Manager at 952-888-9616.VEAP Prepares To Distribute Holiday Joy 9828 AboutTown Fall CoverGuts 8/30/07 10:51 AM Page 33 sculpture exhibitions in Grandview Square Park during thesummer season.Mark Petersonserves as the President of theConnecting With Kids Board of Directors thatincludes representatives of the City, the EdinaSchool District, the Foundation, the EdinaChamber of Commerce and Edina’s business,religious and student communities. CWK’sgoal is to establish connections among people, businesses,community and school organizations and other resources toenhance developmental assets for kids of all ages. This isachieved in part through Task Forces that sponsor such activities as Community Conversations, IntergenerationalDialogues and Edina Unplugged.Maria Fesenmaier chairs the Edina 4th of July Parade that is hosted by the City and theFoundation. With some 80 units, includingmarching bands and other musicians, community groups, elected officials, horses,kids and veterans, this event has something for everyone and has grown over its 12 years to now draw a crowd of over 15,000.Scott Crosbie, Director of the First John PhilipSousa Memorial Band, chairs the TorchlightConcert at Centennial Lakes Park on the second Sunday of every August. Featuringmusic, fireworks, antique bicycles and cars,and other entertainment of the Sousa era,(including 25-cent ice cream cones), this event offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy one of Edina’s premier park locations.Marcia Wattson, Manager of the EdinaCommunity Library, has chaired the EdinaReads Committee since its inception in 2005. The Committee includes representatives of theLibrary, the Foundation, Edina High School andother community organizations with an interestin an annual one-book, one community reading program. This year’s event on Sept. 30 at Edina High School’s newPerforming Arts Center, featured Stanley Gordon West’s novel, Until They Bring the Streetcars Back.In addition to providing funding for these programs through charitable contributionsfrom residents and local businesses, theFoundation provides essential staff support to supplement the work of the Program Chairs and their committees. Our ProgramCoordinator, Mary Brindle, began working for theFoundation in 2006 after a long record of volunteer service.These Program Chairs and the activities and events that they and their volunteer committees provide for our community play in important role in bringing people together and thus achieving the Foundation’s mission ofStrengthening Our Community. Please contact us if you’d like to help as we look forward to continuing these programs into our 31st year.Questions about the Foundation or any of its programsmay be addressed to Crockett or Brindle at 952-833-9573or edinacommunityfoundation@ci.edina.mn.us. Additionalinformation about the Foundation and links to other articlesabout the Foundation may be found at its website,www.EdinaCommunityFoundation.org.33•AUTUMN2007 By Dick CrockettExecutive DirectorOn Nov. 3, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of theEdina Community Foundationwith a Gala at EdinboroughPark. We are very proud of the program leadership we provide in Edina at this milestone in our history, and we’d like to recognize the volunteer program chairs who work with theFoundation Board and staff to strengthen our community. In contrast to the independent programs funded by theFoundation through our Designated Fund Partners described in the last issue of About Town, the Foundationplays an active role in establishing and organizing these programs.Marsha Huntchairs the 30th Anniversary Gala and has been planning an exciting andmeaningful celebration of the Foundation’scontributions to the Edina community. Thetheme of the Nov. 3 event will be “Pearls of the Caribbean.” Travel to the Caribbean withus that evening and enjoy island cocktails and a champagneraffle for an elegant piece of black pearl jewelry. Partake indelicious appetizers and dinner featuring a customCaribbean menu surrounded by lush, exotic floral décor.Dance the night away to a nine-piece salsa band with interactive salsa demonstrations and dance lessons. Purchase tickets or reserve tables early to this landmark event!Valerie Burke, Coordinator of the EdinaResource Center, chairs the Edina Senior Expothat will take place at Colonial CongregationalChurch on Oct. 9. The Expo provides exhibitsand presentations about resources available toseniors in our community and is co-sponsoredby the Center, the Foundation and the Edina FederatedWomen’s Club (whose member Jan Johnson chaired the firstevent in April 2006).Carol Retherfordis chairing the 2007 HolidayHome Tour scheduled for Dec. 1. This will bethe fourth year we have featured inside viewsof some of Edina’s finest homes, professionallydecorated for the holiday season, with musicand refreshments at City Hall, where the Tourbegins. Grethe Langeland Dillon, Jean Colwell and CarolSidell have chaired this event in the past.Eric Gustafsonchairs the Edina Dialogue,which aims to foster a sense of community by facilitating intergenerational discussion of diverse issues through cooperation with individualsand community organizations. The inaugural event in this program featuredglobal explorer Will Steger speaking on “Global WarmingSolutions” last January. Eric and his committee are tentativelyplanning a second capstone event for next January on thesubject of Minnesota’s changing environment.Linda Kiefferhas chaired the Edina Public Art Committee since it was established in 2004. The Foundation is represented on theCommittee and has arranged funding for theCommittee’s major projects—the art glass andRavensculpture in City Hall and the annual32•AUTUMN2007 The Edina Community Foundation:Program Chairs Strengthening Our Community 9828 AboutTown Fall CoverGuts 8/30/07 10:51 AM Page 35 By Doug LeskeeWhen the bell sounds on Friday afternoon most studentswant to start their weekends as soon as possible. But thisis the time when student members of Project Earth put offthe start of their weekend for a few minutes to helpMother Earth. Project Earth is a group of Edina High School studentswhose mission is to “help save and defend our graciousEarth, while informing others in the community and promoting recycling and other earthly endeavors.” Sincethe group was formed in the early 1990s, they have grownto more than 35 members and have had some big impactson the way Edina High School recycles. “We have a moral obligation to stand up against wastefulness,”said Jake Brownell, Edina High School senior.Every Friday, Project Earth meets to help collect all of therecycling that has piled up and save it from the trash can.Project Earth estimates that they are able to recycle 300pounds of bottles and cans and 400 pounds of paper per week. After receiving a substantial grant from the HennepinCounty Department of Environmental Services, the groupwas able to purchase 17 large red recycling receptaclesthat are placed in the cafeteria and common areas. Also,they have worked with the school to place two smallerblue recycling containers in each classroom. “You don’tsee as many recycled items going into the garbage anymore,” said Marissa Buie, Edina High School senior.Thanks To Project Earth, Edina High School ‘Reuses And Recycles’34•AUTUMN2007 “You feel good about doing your part,” added Ian Nelson,another Edina High School senior. “The entire attitudeabout recycling is changing around the school—you canfeel it!” Project Earth recently approached the school districtabout establishing a recycling program in all of its schoolsfor old textbooks.“These students are the most inspiring students I haveever met,” said Rachel Pream Grenier, Project EarthGroup Adviser. “It helps me feel optimistic about thefuture of our Earth.” Project Earth encourages all students to take part in recycling around the school. New members are alwayswelcome and the group says that the more people thereare, the less time it takes. You can also see Project Earthwhen they host the Green Town Forum on EnvironmentalIssues on Oct. 14.For more information, contact Rachel Pream Grenier,Project Earth Group Adviser, 952-848-3124.35•AUTUMN2007 Edina Senior Marissa Buie volunteers her time by collecting recyclables every Friday after school.Project Earth’s Green Town Forum on Environmental IssuesOct. 141-3 p.m.Edina High School Fick AuditoriumErin Templeton and Laura Galarneau collect some of the nearly300 pounds of plastic recycled by Edina High School every week.9828 AboutTown Fall CoverGuts 8/30/07 10:51 AM Page 37 37•AUTUMN200736•AUTUMN2007 When Recreation Supervisor Kristin Aarsvold began work for the City of Edina in May, she hung in her new office aspecial photograph framed in a white paper plate anddecorated with bright feathers, pompons and foam pieces.John, the young boy smiling back at her from the photo,was one of the children she worked with 10 years agowhile completing an internship for the City of EdenPrairie’s adaptive recreation program. To her, thephotograph is a constant reminder of the importance ofher work in the recreation field.Aarsvold oversees Edina’s adaptive recreation and inclusion programs and helps lead the AdaptiveRecreation and Learning Exchange program (AR&LE).AR&LE offers recreation, leisure and community education opportunities specifically designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities in the cities ofBloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina and Richfield. In addition, Aarsvold will share other park and recreationalprogramming responsibilities with Recreation SupervisorDonna Tilsner. In the position, Aarsvold succeeds SusieMiller, the current Assistant Manager of Edinborough Park.Aarsvold holds a degree in Recreation, Parks and LeisureServices from Minnesota State University—Mankato.Aarsvold has worked for the cities of Eden Prairie, Richfield and Blaine. “Kristin was the right person for the adaptive recreationposition,” Tilsner said. “Her past experience and greatcommunication skills set her apart from the other applicants. We are very excited to have her and see what she can do for the Edina community.”Armed with her experience, Aarsvold has set some goals for herself, including continuing to provide qualityadaptive recreation programming, adding additional programs for those with the autism-spectrum disorder,adding new special events for families, and improving the summer playgrounds programs for middle school students.In June, the Park & Recreation Department hosted“Family Jamboree,” an event for participants of the summer playgrounds program. It was one of Aarsvold’ssummer highlights. “Family Jamboree was a neat opportunity for staff to meet families and for families tomeet each other,” she said of the event attended by morethan 200 residents. “One parent said her child wants to Aarsvold Joins City Staff As Recreation Supervisorgrow up to be like her leader—the little girl had funevery day and was sad to see the program end. Thosecomments really validate what we are doing.”Another highlight came a few weeks later at the adaptiverecreation “In, Out and About Camp” for those 13 to 21years old. She walked into the program to see a familiarsmiling face—the same smiling face that greets her from the decorated paper plate frame in her office. John is now 20 years old and is still an active participantin AR&LE programs. “I am excited to meet new families and work with thosewhom I’ve already met,” Aarsvold said. “I look forwardto being responsive to their recreation needs and makinga difference in Edina.”For more information on Aarsvold or the City’s adaptiverecreation programming, contact the Park & RecreationDepartment, 952-826-0367, or visitwww.CityofEdina.com/Parks.Kristin Aarsvold began work in May as a Recreation Supervisorfor the City of Edina.9828 AboutTown Fall CoverGuts 8/30/07 10:51 AM Page 39 39•AUTUMN200738•AUTUMN2007 O F M I N N E S O T ARREENNTT OONNEE OOFFFFIICCEE,,UUSSEE FFIIVVEE LLOOCCAATTIIOONNSSEdina • St. Louis Park • Bloomington/ AirportIDS/Downtown Minneapolis • WoodburyExecutive offices from $600 per month. 1-2 person offices withreception services, High Speed T-1 service, Flexible Lease Terms.Locally owned and operated since 1990.For information, please see our website at www.exsmn.comor call us at 952-851-5555 Executive SuitesEExxeeccuuttiivveeSSuuiitteessFor information, contact:Kevin Escher (612-386-0175) Kevin@KevinEscher.comwww.tamarackpoint.com TamarackPoint— Preserving resources,beauty and well-being —An environmentally planned community at Cable Lake, Wisconsincreated in collaboration by Property Focus llc and TEA2Architects◆• Architecturally planned—set in 55 acresof rolling birch and maple woodlands• Breathtaking, architecturally designedcottages—2, 21/2and 3 bedroom; eachlocated on a unique wooded site • 1,800+ feet of pristine shared lakeshore • Community ski and hiking trails, sauna,pavilion and bunkhouse • Upgrade packages available• All association maintained 9828 AboutTown Fall CoverGuts 8/30/07 10:51 AM Page 41