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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAboutTown_2008WinterAboutTown Official Magazine of the City of Edina Roundabouts Open On West 70th See Page 32 For Details WINTER•2008 AboutTown Volume 19, Number 1 Winter 2008 Official Publication of the City of Edina, Minnesota 4801 West 50th Street Edina, Minnesota 55424 952-927-8861 Circulation 25,000 Editor: Jennifer Bennerotte Contributing Writers: Laura Fulton, Ryan Olsen, Christina Scipioni, Kathleen Sovell, Joe Sullivan and Chris Yocum Publisher: City of Edina About Town is produced by the City of Edina. To advertise in About Town,call Marty Doll at 952-826-0396. Copyright 2008 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 Barbara Nichols Table of Contents Calendar Of Events...........................................................................1 Winter Calendar Highlights............................................................4 AWord From The Mayor .................................................................5 ATale Of Two Hospitals—Fairview Story Began In 1906............6 Conserving ABetter Edina............................................................12 It’s Not Only Neighborly ... It’s The Law....................................15 Edina Community Foundation: The Joy Of Giving.....................16 Edina Community Council Unites To Achieve..............................18 Resolve To Get Ready.....................................................................20 It’s No Act: City Hall Receptionist Aims To Please.........................................................................................24 New Executive Director Of Popular Shopping District Begins Work.......................................................26 Getting To Know The Edina Fire Department: Paid-On-Call.....................................................................................28 West 70th Street Turns Heads And Cars..........................................32 More Than ADrop: 42-Year Edina Residents Give Of Their Time At Edina Art Center.........................................34 Local Business Part Of 100th ‘Extreme Make Over Story’...........................................................36 Business Notes.................................................................................40 Photo Gallery...................................................................................42 Special Center Section: Edina Community Foundation Annual Report Edina Mayor James B. Hovland will present the “2008 State of the City” Feb. 27 at Edinborough Park. The State of the City will be held 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, in the Great Hall of the park, 7700 York Ave. S. The luncheon event is open to the public. Cost is $25 per person. The speech will later be broadcast on Edina Community Channel 16. Hovland was appointed to the Edina City Council in 1997 and first elected in 1998. He was elected Mayor of Edina in 2004. His present term expires in January of 2009. Hovland is also current Co-Chairman of the Regional Council of Mayors and the Programming Committee of the Transportation Advisory Board to the Metropolitan Council, President of the Edina Community Foundation, and member of the I-494 Corridor Commission and Minnesota Policy Academy Team. For more information or to make a reservation for the State of the City, call 952-833-9520 or send an email to edinamail@ci.edina.mn.us. State Of The City To Be Presented Feb. 27 1•WINTER2008 SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday 1 7 p.m., HRA& City Council, Edina City Hall. 23 Noon, The Wonderful World of Woody, Edinborough Park. 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 4 5 6 7 p.m., Classic Brass Quintet, Edinborough Park. 78 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m. Park Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Jim Berner Stories &Songs, Edinborough Park. 910 Registration for winter classes begins at the Edina Art Center. Noon, Bob the Beachcomber, Edinborough Park. 1112 13 7 p.m., Musical Movements with Mary Hall, Edinborough Park. 1415 7 p.m., HRA& City Council, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Richfield Symphonic Band, Edinborough Park. 16 7 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall. 1819 5 p.m., Feds Fest, Interlachen Country Club. 20 7 p.m., Scott Fraser Guitar Duo, Edinborough Park. 21 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Eighth-annual Potters’ Games, Edina Art Center. 7 p.m., Edina Dialogue, “Understanding What Life is Like in Darfur,” Church of St.Patrick Mahan Center. 22 11:30 a.m., City Council study session, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 2324 Noon, Kristi’s Kid Songs, Edinborough Park. 2526 8:30 a.m., Edina CPR Saturday, South Metro Public Safety Training Facility. 29 7 p.m., Lee Engel Jazz Band, Edinborough Park. 2827 7 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park. January 2008 30 7 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 31 Noon, Annette Fragale as the Snow Queen, Edinborough Park. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. 17 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. About Town Calendar 2•WINTER2008 SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday 1 2 3 7 p.m., Honeywell Concert Band, Edinborough Park. 4 7 p.m., Parent Communication Network National Speaker Forum, Dr. Mary Pipher, Edina Performing Arts Center. 5 7 p.m., HRA&City Council, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Cathy &Tom Platenberg, Edinborough Park. 67 Noon, The Wonderful World of Woody, Edinborough Park. 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 8 Music for Children begins at Edina Art Center. 6-9 p.m., Midwinter Beach Party, Edinborough Park. 9 6 p.m., Edina Chamber of Commerce Emerald Gala, Edina Country Club. 10 7 p.m., Southside Big Band, Edinborough Park. 1112 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 131516 17 7 p.m., Somewhat Dixieland Band, Edinborough Park. 1819 7 p.m., HRA&City Council, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Jazz on the Prairie, Edinborough Park. 20 7 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall. 21 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. 2223 26 11:30 a.m., City Council study session, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. . 2524 7 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park. February 2008 27 11:15 a.m., State of the City, Edinborough Park. 7 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 28 Noon, Wiggle, Jiggle &Jam, Edinborough Park. 29 Leap Year Silent Auction begins at Edina Art Center. 14 Noon, Bob the Beachcomber, Edinborough Park. About Town Calendar 3•WINTER2008 SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday 1 2 7 p.m., Star of the North Concert Band, Edinborough Park. 34 7 p.m., HRAand City Council, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Musical Movements with Mary, Edinborough Park. 56 Noon, The Wonderful World of Woody, Edinborough Park. 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Edina City Hall. 78 9 7 p.m., Hopkins Westwind Band, Edinborough Park. 10 Edina Unplugged. No community activities are scheduled today. 11 7 p.m., Park Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Board, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Calhoun Isles Community Band, Edinborough Park. 121415 16 3 p.m., The Edina Chorale Concert, Wayzata Community Church. 7 p.m., Scott Fraser Guitar Duo, Edinborough Park. 1718 7 p.m., HRA&City Council, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., River City Jazz Orchestra, Edinborough Park. 19 7 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall. 20 5:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals & Adjustments, Edina City Hall. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. 2122 25 7 p.m., Human Rights &Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Brooklyn Community Band, Edinborough Park. 24 6:30 p.m., Community Health Committee, Edina Senior Center. 23 March 2008 26 7 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 27 Noon, Kristi’s Kid Songs, Edinborough Park. 28 13 Noon, Bob the Beachcomber, Edinborough Park. 29 30 7 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park. 31 About Town Calendar 4•WINTER2008 Other Dates to Remember Jan. 10 5 p.m., Faculty Exhibition Opening, Edina Art Center. Jan. 17 Noon, Brodini Comedy Magic Show, Edinborough Park. Jan. 22 7 p.m., Moonlight Serenader’s Big Band, Edinborough Park. Feb. 4 Winter classes begin at Edina Art Center. Feb. 9 Family Valentine Workshop, Edina Art Center. Feb. 21 Noon, Brodini Comedy Magic Show, Edinborough Park. Feb. 26 7 p.m., Armenian Dance Ensemble, Edinborough Park. March 20 Noon, Brodini Comedy Magic Show, Edinborough Park. Feds Fest What:The Edina Federated Women’s Club will host its eighth-annual Feds Fest to raise money for five area charities: Crisis Connection, Free Arts Minnesota, Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota, The Caring Tree and Women in Transition. Last year, the Feds raised nearly $50,000 for four area charities. The “More Zest in the Fest” will include silent and live auctions, raffle, dinner and entertainment by Sherwin and Pam Linton. Black tie dress is optional. Tickets cost $100 each, a portion of which is tax deductible. When:5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 Where:Interlachen Country Club, 6200 Interlachen Blvd. Info:Mimi Stewart, 952-933-2061, or Kathy Post, 952-938-3242 Edina Chamber of Commerce Emerald Gala What:The Edina Chamber of Commerce will hold its largest fund-raising event of the year, Emerald Gala 2008. The “black tie admired, but not required” event will feature a silent auction, dinner and dancing, among other things. A portion of the proceeds from a raffle will provide scholarships for Edina High School students. When:6-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 Where:Edina Country Club, 5100 Wooddale Ave. S. Info:Edina Chamber of Commerce, 952-806-9060 The Edina Chorale March Concert What:The Edina Chorale will present “Hidden in Plain Sight: Four Early Romantic Masterpieces,” featuring the music of Schubert, Mendelssohn, Beethoven and Albrechtsberger. The 75 voices of the full chorale and the 25 voices of the chamber chorale are directed by Thomas Paulson. Tickets for the March concert cost $14 for adults. When:3 p.m. Sunday, March 16 Where:Wayzata Community Church, Wayzata Boulevard and Ferndale Avenue Info:www.EdinaChorale.com, TheEdinaChorale@edinchorale.org, or Carol Reitz at 952-922-7477. Winter Calendar Highlights A Word From The Mayor Why are my property taxes going up when the value of my home is staying the same or declining? I thought there was a “levy limit” that froze the property tax rate on my home! Why did the taxable value of my home increase even though the market value stayed the same? These are just a few of the questions that I’ve received during this time of stalling or falling home prices. Property taxes in Minnesota are a complicated and often vexing topic for residents. I hope the following information answers some of your questions. Assessor’s Values Lag Behind The Market.Property taxes payable in 2008 are based upon the property’s estimated market value as of Jan. 2, 2007. This value is based upon the Assessor’s analysis of market trends during 2006. Thus, when you pay your 2008 tax bill, your property’s valuation is already two years old. But That’s Not Fair!Remember, during a rising real estate market, we all enjoyed the fact that the Assessor’s valuation seemed to lag behind the true value. Now, in a stable or declining market, the reverse is true. In either event, though, all properties are rising or falling with the market and, in general terms, the tax burden of an individual property is not affected by the lag in values—either in an up market or a down market. When Values Rise, The City Collects More Taxes. So, Isn’t There An Incentive For The City To Increase My Property Value?Property taxes are fundamentally different than income taxes or sales taxes. In those cases, the tax rate is fixed and the taxes collected are determined by multiplying the rate by income or the value of goods purchased. With property taxes, the property tax rate is determined each year after the City, the County and the school district make their budget decisions. Property valuations are then used to allocate the tax burden in an equitable manner across all properties. Arising real estate market does not generate more tax revenue nor does a flat or declining market result in less tax revenue for the City. Property valuation simply determines how the tax levy will be spread out and your share of your community’s property tax bill. If your value increased more than the average value increase of other properties in the City, you will assume a greater burden of the tax bill—and vice versa. How Does The Value Of Non-residential Property Figure In? Edina has a rich commercial/industrial tax base that benefits residential taxpayers. However, for many years, the value of residential properties in the City increased at a faster pace than non-residential properties and the tax burden fell more heavily on residential taxpayers. The reverse is now occurring and commercial/industrial properties have a greater share of the burden compared with last year. Why Wasn’t The Edina School District’s November Referendum Included In My Truth-In-Taxation Notice? The Truth-in-Taxation process is tightly regulated by the State. According to law, Truth-in-Taxation notices must be mailed by the County before the November referendums, so the approved school district levy was not included in parcel-specific notices. This is the case in all communities that had a November referendum. I hope this information is useful to you in deciphering your tax bill. The Council always welcomes your views on our annual budget. Also, feel free to contact the City Assessor’s office with specific questions about your property’s valuation. Write to Assessor Bob Wilson at edinamail@ci.edina.mn.us. James B. Hovland Mayor 5•WINTER2008 By Joe Sullivan Contributing Writer Today, 43 years after its founding, Fairview Southdale Hospital is ranked in the top 10 percent of U.S. hospitals for cardiology and has the No. 1 vascular surgery program in Minnesota. These are but two in a long series of achievements and innovative services achieved by Minneapolis-based Fairview Hospitals since established in 1906. Fairview Southdale’s recently completed expansion and remodeling provides on-site capabilities such as open heart surgery and basic outpatient procedures. First Lutheran Hospital In Minneapolis Proposed In 1906 Plans for the first Fairview Hospital stemmed from the formation of the United Church Hospital Association (UCHA) in 1906. The association was an offshoot of the United Lutheran Church, one of several Lutheran synods ministering to the growing population of Norwegian- American immigrants in Minneapolis. UCHA’s goal was to build the first Lutheran hospital in Minneapolis. The Southside Commercial Club offered to donate five acres of land in south Minneapolis for the project. The site was on the west bank of the Mississippi River across from the University of Minnesota campus. It was next door to St. Mary’s Hospital, established in 1887 by an order of Catholic nuns. (Earlier, UCHAhad considered and rejected a different site near Fairview Park on Lyndale Avenue North that had been offered by the Northside Commercial Club.) The UCHAhad already begun to solicit donations from United Church members to build a new general hospital for Lutherans when local businessman and philanthropist George Christian appeared with an offer of $50,000 to any organization that would build and manage a hospital in Minneapolis devoted exclusively to the care of tuberculosis patients. Earlier, George Christian’s son, Henry, had died of tuberculosis, the leading cause of death in Minnesota at the time. Controlling tuberculosis was a top priority of the local medical community. It was an offer UCHA couldn’t refuse. In spring 1906, the association accepted Christian’s offer and a new tuberculosis hospital was erected on the Mississippi River site. It was named Thomas Hospital, in memory of Christian’s late friend, an Episcopal bishop in Kansas. But UCHA didn’t forget its original goal of constructing a general hospital for Lutherans. A Tale Of Two Hospitals— Fairview Story Began In 1906 6•WINTER2008 With his $25 donation, A.J. Anderson, Minneapolis, became a lifetime member of the United Church Hospital Association (UCHA), helping to fund construction of the first Fairview Hospital near downtown Minneapolis. Fairview Hospital photo The “Fairview” name had rung a bell with the founders and they decided to use that name for their future general hospital. They began building the first Fairview Hospital in 1914, next to Thomas Hospital. Fairview School Of Nursing Opened In 1916 At the time, most hospitals had trouble paying wages high enough to attract and retain trained nurses. Fairview responded to its problem by starting a school for nurses. Students served as the hospital’s nurses while they were trained. The first group of 24 students began training at Fairview School of Nursing in January 1916. At first, student nurses were required to make their own uniforms. In advance, Fairview sent to each new student directions for sewing one ankle-length nursing dress, eight aprons and six collars. Students were also required to provide a watch with a second hand, two laundry bags, one pair of black shoes, a fountain pen and blunt- edge scissors. Fairview Hospital registered its first patient, a 27-year-old housewife, that same month. Sixty-seven of is first 69 patients were of Norwegian heritage—the only two non-Norwegians were a Swede and a Serbian. By the end of the second week, all beds were occupied and prospective new patients were being turned away. Student nurses immediately began caring for patients. In addition to their nursing duties, students were responsible for sweeping corridors, cleaning bathrooms and polishing doors and furniture. 7•WINTER2008 In this 1926 photo, 38 Fairview nurses had their picture taken in front of the main entrance of the original Fairview Hospital Minnesota Historical Society photo In May 1929, Fairview Hospital completed construction of a residence for its student nurses. Built in front of Thomas Hospital, it was named Thomas Hall. Minnesota Historical Society photo (continued on next page) In 1929, Fairview built a residence for its student nurses. The opening of the nurses’ dormitory signaled the closing of Thomas Hospital. UCHAhad fulfilled its pledge to the late George Christian by operating the tuberculosis hospital for more than 20 years. The hospital building was remodeled into classrooms, a laboratory, offices and a student chapel. By the 1940s, Fairview had outgrown its surgical facilities. The hospital was so full that beds were being placed in the hallways. Construction began in the 1950s on new facilities that included six new operating rooms, new X-ray equipment, an obstetrics department and 40 more beds. The project, Fairview’s first major construction in two decades, was dedicated in May 1952. Some of the hospital staff might have been tempted to rest a bit, but Carl Gandrud, the dynamic chairman of Fairview’s Board of Directors since 1946, wanted to move the hospital beyond its perceived status as a “Norwegian Lutheran” institution. (Gandrud was also president of Lutheran Brotherhood, a fraternal insurance company, providing policies for Lutherans.) Dayton Corporation Donates Land For Fairview ‘Satellite’Hospital When the Dayton Development Corporation announced in 1952 that it would build Southdale Shopping Center in Edina, the growing “flight to the suburbs” had already begun. An estimated 40,000 people had already settled in three southwest Minneapolis suburbs—Edina, Bloomington and Richfield. Projections called for growth in those areas to 232,000 residents by 1970. When Dayton Development purchased 500 acres surrounding 66th Street and France Avenue, only 84 of those acres were earmarked for the shopping center. The remaining acres would be spun off to commercial strips around the shopping center, occupied by various ancillary businesses, and a residential area of three and four-bedroom ramblers. Amedical center was proposed for the area north of the shopping mall, between what is now the Crosstown Highway and 66th Street. After Southdale Center opened in 1956, Dayton Development erected the Southdale Medical Center and set aside 15 acres of nearby land for a future hospital. Since the end of World War II, the Fairview Board had been intrigued by the potential advantages of opening a 8•WINTER2008 In 1952, modern operating rooms replaced the antiquated facilities like those shown in this 1941 photo of a former Fairview Hospital operating room. Minnesota Historical Society photo. second hospital in the suburbs south of Minneapolis. Aproposed suburban “satellite” facility would draw on the administrative and medical support of the flagship Fairview Hospital and rely on its financial strength to offer services that an independent suburban hospital wouldn’t be able to provide on its own. Fairview’s innovative “satellite” concept and the hospital site near Southdale came together when Fairview executives met Robert Crabb, manager of Dayton’s real estate subsidiary. This first encounter led to a meeting with Bruce Dayton, one of five Dayton brothers who ran Dayton’s operations. After Fairview’s “satellite” concept was presented, Dayton commented, “Sounds promising. What can we do for you?” In November 1958, the Dayton Corporation donated 15 acres, located at today’s intersection of 64th Street and France Avenue, to Fairview. When it came to naming the new hospital, Bruce Dayton encouraged the hospital’s managers to use the Fairview name and add the registered “Southdale” name of the shopping center. They accepted his offer and ever since, the hospital has been known as Fairview Southdale. Fairview Southdale Hospital Construction Begins In 1963 In October 1963, ground was broken for the $6.5 million Fairview Southdale Hospital. It was the first all-new hospital built in the Minneapolis area since 1959. Its architects designed an attractive Y-shaped, five-story structure that could be expanded vertically or laterally. Construction of the hospital was completed in 1965. The 200,000-square-foot facility opened with 225 beds (more than any other Twin Cities hospital) with 231 physicians on staff. In its first year, nearly 5,000 surgical procedures were performed. Since 1952, Fairview Hospitals had grown from a single 178-bed hospital into a system that in 1965 operated two hospitals with more than 800 beds; an annual budget in excess of $15 million and more than 1,800 employees. Fairview Hospitals Install Innovative Services Fairview’s Institute of Athletic Medicine (IAM) opened in 1977, exclusively for rehabilitation of sports-related and 9•WINTER2008 (continued on next page) 1965 aerial view of Fairview Southdale Hospital near completion. Note the new Crosstown Highway (left), Southdale Medical Center (right) and plenty of vacant land across France Avenue (foreground). By 1968, construction was under way on a three- story expansion that resulted in today’s eight-story hospital. Fairview Southdale Hospital photo 10•WINTER2008 orthopedic injuries. Later IAM expanded to more than 25 clinics throughout the metro area, providing care for thousands of weekend warriors and athletes— from amateurs to professionals. Beginning in the early 1980s, other new sub- specialities, such as the Southdale Eye Center, were developed for families in the maturing southwest suburbs. The center still offers services that include retina repair and glaucoma treatment. Southdale Heart Center, a 36-bed unit, opened in 1983. It offered a cardiac pacemaker laboratory and a nuclear cardiograph service and soon began performing open-heart surgery and coronary angioplasty, a non-surgical technique for re-opening constricted heart vessels. In 1987, Fairview Riverside and neighboring St. Mary’s Hospital were consolidated into a single medical facility named Riverside Medical Center. The 50-50 joint venture created the largest single hospital in the Twin Cities. In 1991, Fairview purchased St. Mary’s Hospital and the former joint venture was renamed Fairview Riverside Medical Center. Negotiations with the University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents about the joining of Fairview Riverside Medical Center and University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinic, were completed in January 1997. Together, they formed University of Minnesota Medical Center-Fairview, encompassing 14,000 employees, seven hospitals, 33 physician clinics and annual revenues of nearly $2 billion. Still Growing To Meet Changing Needs Of Community Growing with the changing needs of its aging patient base, in 2001 Fairview Southdale embarked on the largest expansion in its history. The goal of Fairview Southdale Heart and Vascular Center—a partnership between Minnesota Heart Clinic, Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology, Minneapolis Vascular Institute and Cardiac Surgical Associates—was to provide integrated care to people with heart and vascular disease. It now ranks in the top 1 percent of the nation’s hospitals for heart attack survival. It is one of the top stroke hospitals in the nation and an established life-saving identity in the community and throughout the upper Midwest. Other elements of the expansion are the addition of 37 private pre and post-care suites for outpatients; an expanded surgical admission area; larger treatment areas for outpatient procedures; plus expanded patient and family waiting areas. The recently completed expansion also includes a 1,000-stall parking ramp, attached to the hospital via a skyway over France Avenue. In the first year after its opening in 1965, more than 2,250 babies were delivered in Fairview Southdale’s maternity ward. Even today, after the “baby boom” years have long since passed, the hospital’s “Birthplace” delivers more than 3,000 babies each year—more births than all but one other Minneapolis-area hospital. Many are babies of parents who were born at Fairview Southdale themselves. Fairview Southdale Hospital photo In December 2006, the Minnesota Department of Health officially approved Fairview Southdale’s application to become the first Level III Trauma Center in the Twin Cities. Trauma, which annually claims more than 2,500 lives in the state, is the leading cause of death for Minnesotans between the ages of 1 and 44, and the state’s third leading cause of death for all age groups. Fairview Southdale Hospital was also recognized earlier this year as a HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital of Clinical Excellence. HealthGrades is the nation’s leading independent health care rating firm, which annually ranks more than 5,000 hospitals on clinical quality results and pulmonary care, among other categories. Background material and photographs for this article came from the photo collections of Fairview Hospitals and the Minnesota Historical Society; the files of the Edina Historical Society, Fairview Southdale Hospital and the following publications: “A Legacy of Service—History of Fairview Hospitals, 1906-1996,” Edina Magazine, Edina Sun, Edina-Morningside Courier, Minneapolis Journal and Minneapolis Star. 11•WINTER2008 In 2006, Fairview Southdale completed an expansion and remodeling that provides on-site capabilities such as open heart surgery and basic outpatient procedures. Twenty-four of its 27 remodeled operating rooms now offer minimally invasive technology. Fairview Southdale Hospital photo Fairview Southdale Hospital’s “skway” crossing above France Avenue provides access to and from a new, 1,000-car parking ramp. It has become a familiar landmark, recognized by many as Edina’s “grand entrance.” Fairview Southdale Hospital photo 12•WINTER2008 By Laura Fulton Small groups have proven time and time again that making a difference in our community takes only a few people when working toward a common goal. One group in Edina has set out to do just that and ensure that the environment we live in today remains healthy and fresh for those in the future. Organized in 2002, the Conservation League of Edina is committed to monitoring, preserving and improving the natural environment in Edina through civic action. Having identified key environmental issues such as poor lake, pond, stream and wetland water quality; hazardous waste disposal and recycling opportunities; and the need for safer non-motorized trails in the City, the League is slowly working to reverse the years of pesticide runoff, vehicle effluents and mercury and lead leakages and teach residents more efficient ways to care for the environment. “We have met on select Saturday mornings to pick up trash. We have canoed out to the middle of lakes to test water quality and we have held seminars to teach the public better ways to treat the environment,” said League Treasurer Jean White. “If you visit other metro cities, you can almost always find a lake that is swim-able,” said League Chairman Jon Moon. “If Edina residents want to swim in a lake, they cross the borders to Minneapolis or Hopkins.” Lakes in Edina are too shallow, too murky and too cosmetically ugly to entice residents to go for a dip in their waters, he said. “Many of Edina's lakes are classified as shallow lakes,” said Kevin Bigalke, District Administrator of the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District. “These shallow lakes are very similar to wetlands in that they tend to have higher nutrient (phosphorus, chlorophyll-a, nitrogen) resulting in the lakes being eutrophic or very productive. While some of Edina’s lakes have experienced a decline in water quality from pre-settlement conditions, monitoring data shows no significant water quality changes over the last 20 years. These lakes have always been shallow and productive even in pre-development conditions. The Nine Mile Creek Watershed District continues to monitor some of Edina’s lakes and is working with the City to develop management plans and project to improve the water quality of these valued water resources.” Conserving A Better Edina The Conservation League of Edina tests lakes for phosphorus, nitrogen and chlorophyll-a, as well as measures surface water temperature and transparency. By using volunteers, the Met Council is able to test and get results for many more lakes per year. 13•WINTER2008 The League is making great strides, however, learning about the pollutants in Edina’s lakes, ponds and wetlands. Focusing on four lakes in Edina—Lake Cornelia, Lake Edina, Lake Pamela and Lake Harvey—the League, through the Citizen Assisted Monitoring Program (CAMP), has collected data that has been used by the Metropolitan Council to document water quality impacts and trends, assist Edina in improving the water quality and raise awareness among residents about the lakes. CAMPallows volunteers to test lakes for phosphorus, nitrogen and chlorophyll-a, as well as measure surface water temperature and transparency. By using volunteers, the Met Council is able to test and get results for many more lakes per year. The League is also promoting another venture throughout the City: rain gardens. Thus far, the City of Edina has installed one rain garden at 54th Street and Minnehaha Avenue. “In the correct applications, rain gardens are a great amenity to Edina,” said City Engineer Wayne Houle. “They beautify areas that can retain the water as it percolates into the soils. Roughly one-third of the City has the correct soil composition to support rain gardens.” When placed correctly, rain gardens improve water quality and reduce pollution. “Rain gardens filter many things from storm water runoff,” said League Secretary Heidi Dorfmeister. “Pollutants are trapped in the rain gardens and, in turn, are stopped from entering our streams, ponds and lakes.” Rain gardens also give residents the opportunity to help the environment while beautifying their home or business. Opportunities to incorporate landscaping features such as brick or rock and native plant growth around a rain garden offer a space that is both appealing to the eye and beneficial to the environment. “[The League] is really about leaving something better for the next generation,” said Moon. “And along the way, we How To Create ARain Garden Find the right location: Locate your rain garden near any area that produces a lot of runoff and is at least 10 feet away from nearby buildings with basements. The rain garden should be about 10 to 15 percent the size of the hard surface drainage area that flows to it. Create a Shallow Depression: Excavate a four to six- inch, flat-bottomed bowl to collect rainwater and snowmelt. If necessary, loosen the soil below and add aged leaf compost to this soil to help encourage water to soak into the ground. Add two to three inches of shredded wood mulch to cover the soils in the rain garden area. Choose the Right Plants: Select plants, whether perennials, shrubs or trees that can thrive in periodic flooding and also survive periods of drought. (continued on next page) 14•WINTER2008 are trying to teach the next generation to be forward thinking about how to protect the environment.” The League will hold a forum in 2008 to discuss rain garden opportunities in Edina. Other smaller seminars are being planned. The League also accepts volunteers throughout the year to assist with water testing, Arbor Day events and other projects. New members are also welcomed. “Many of [the current members] got involved at first because we wanted to make a contribution to our City, doing something good,” said Dorfmeister. “The more we learn, though, the more compelled we are to do something, to fix what we are so close to ruining. And it is amazing how much we can accomplish with just a few people.” The Conservation League of Edina is accepting memberships. The League meets the last Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Edina Community Library. For more information, visit www.ConservationLeagueofEdina.com or call 952-400-5832. 15•WINTER2008 It’s Not Only Neighborly … It’s The Law 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 2007 City dog licenses expired Dec. 31, 2007. Licenses can be renewed at City Hall, through the mail or online. To renew by mail, send current rabies information and a check for the licensing fee to Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St., Edina, MN 55424-1394. Dogs and cats are not allowed to run at large in the community. According to City Code, “no owner shall allow any animal to run at large on any property without the consent of the owner or possessor of the property.” An off-leash area for dogs opened in 2006 at Van Valkenburg Park in northwest Edina. Dogs must wear a special orange collar while in the off-leash area, identifying them as leash-free permit holders. Cost for the permit is $25 for residents and $50 for non-residents. Discounts are available for multiple dogs. The permits can be purchased at City Hall or online. For more information on licensing, contact Judy Laufenburger, 952-826-0417. For more information on laws pertaining to pets, such as the keeping or regulation of certain animals, or laws pertaining to kennels, contact Edina Animal Control Officer Tim Hunter, 952-826-0494. By Dick Crockett Executive Director As we reflect on the recent holiday season and the New Year’s resolutions that might make a difference in our lives in 2008, we should consider the example of these 4th of July Parade marshals who have found an obvious joy by giving to their community. Each of them served an extended term as Edina’s Mayor, and they all continue their public service as members of the Edina Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. They also give by making annual charitable contributions to help achieve the Foundation’s mission of Strengthening Our Community. In fact, during our 2007 fiscal year, over 700 other Edina residents and businesses also gave to their community through charitable contributions to the Foundation. If you are one of these donors, we thank you; if not, we invite you to join our community of donors in 2008 and experience the joy of giving to others. Scientists have found that there is a physiological explanation for the good feeling that we experience when we give time or money to charities. In a national Cognitive and Emotional Health Project, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies showed that charitable giving triggered the brain’s reward center and generated the same kind of euphoria associated with food, money and sex. The researchers also concluded that charitable giving has a positive relationship with a hormone that increases trust and cooperation, and plays a role in maternal and romantic love. The joy of giving is real! There are many ways to give, beginning with current gifts of cash, by check or credit card. The deduction allowed by the IRS for charitable contributions provides another kind of good feeling for donors, since a substantial portion of the gift (depending on your tax bracket) will be offset by tax savings. Other donors choose to give shares of stock, with the right to deduct the stock value on the date of the gift. Contributions of appreciated securities generate an additional benefit to the donor, who is entitled to a deduction for the current value, without having to pay a capital gains tax Edina Community Foundation: The Joy Of Giving Strengthening Our Community 16•WINTER2008 Former Mayors Jim Van Valkenburg, Dennis Maetzold and Fred Richards were grand marshals of the July 4, 2005 parade. They are all Board members and contributors to the Edina Community Foundation. Photo by Jennifer Bennerotte on the appreciation. We don’t often think of the IRS as making people happy, but tax savings from charitable contributions have added to the good feeling that donors naturally feel from giving. Donors interested in a planned gift for the future can name the Foundation of their choice as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or in their will, or they can transfer the ownership of a life insurance policy or their IRAto the Foundation. In addition, a number of charitable unitrust and annuity trust options are available with potentially significant benefits to the donor and the Foundation. These gifts have the potential to provide both income and estate tax savings for donors. Please contact us if you would like a free consultation with one of the local accountants, attorneys or other charitable giving specialists who can advise you about the beneficial opportunities for charitable giving to your community in your financial and estate planning. In her recent novel, The View from Mt. Joy, the popular Twin Cities writer Lorna Landvik tells the story of Joe Andreson, who begins his adult life as a hockey star at the University of Minnesota and then finds business success as a grocery store owner and operator. This “ordinary Joe” develops a very satisfying business model of giving back to his customers through frequent store “contests” and prizes that are often conducted so as to help the people who might most need to win. By the time he reaches his 50s, Joe’s commitment of his life and love to his extended family has given back to him and his wife (an early contest winner) a feeling of true joy and fulfillment. The Edina Community Foundation is also committed to helping others in our community. As we look ahead to 2008, we would like to expand our activity in Helping Our Neighbors, and we invite you to contact us if you would like to experience the joy of giving through a charitable contribution to this key focus area for our program services. Or, perhaps one of our other focus areas—Beautifying Edina, Bringing People Together, or Enhancing Our Security—will be a better fit for you. Whether your gift is to one of our more than 30 Designated Funds or for our general operations, we believe that it will help make 2008 a more satisfying year for you. Questions about the Foundation or any of its programs may be addressed to 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. 17•WINTER2008 CallTed Field 952-927-1150 www.SeniorExpert.com 30+ years experience working with seniors 18•WINTER2008 Edina Community Council Unites To Achieve By Chris Yocum Moving to a new town can be overwhelming. In addition to the stress of the move itself, there’s the initial disorientation of having to learn about and navigate a new community. Where can you find good daycare for your daughter, summer activities for your teenagers, or a nearby church for your family? It’s hard to know where to begin. Unless, of course, you happen to be moving to Edina, in which case all you need to do is stop by the Edina Resource Center. Founded in 1997, the Resource Center is a kind of one-stop-shop for those new to Edina. The Center provides, in one location, information on all of the government and community resources available to Edina residents—everything from daycare providers to Meals On Wheels. The Center, located on the first floor of the Edina Community Center, serves over 200 residents per month in person. Countless more access its website, www.EdinaResourceCenter.com, to find the information they need. “We just want people to know about us,” explained Valerie Burke, Coordinator of the Edina Resource Center. “We try to build a relationship with residents so that they’re comfortable contacting us whenever something comes up.” The Resource Center is the brainchild of the Edina Community Council, and is just one example of that organization’s successful work in the community. What makes the Edina Community Council unique is that its membership is comprised of people from many different walks of life. “The Edina Community Council brings together people from the schools, local government, Hennepin County, community organizations, social service organizations, business, communities of faith, and local parents to focus on the needs of families and adults in our community,” said Burke. “It may sound trite,” said Council Chairperson Carol Mork, “but hearing everyone’s perspective, getting everyone’s data and then combining that with information and stories from the Edina Resource Center allows the Community Council to get a very good picture of what the needs are in our community.” The upshot of this collaboration is that the Edina Community Council is able to implement programs and services with a minimum of wasted time and bureaucracy. “That’s the real beauty of a group like the Edina Community Council,” said Burke. “They are able to pull together the right people and then target their grant dollars accordingly.” A good example of this can be seen in the Council’s work with English Language Learning (ELL) students and adults in Edina. With the Council’s support, an ELL outreach program was established in March 2006 to aid families at a particular apartment complex where transportation issues were identified as a barrier to being able to get to an English class or a school readiness program. 19•WINTER2008 “We bring the materials, staff and volunteers to them,” said Burke. “Mothers spend time improving their English skills, while their children spend time with staff from the Edina Family Center learning school readiness skills.” “Alot of these people are sort of isolated,” said Andi Ottness, an ELL tutor and a volunteer with the program, explaining the need to bring the program to them. “Formalized learning didn’t exist for these women. Alot of them can speak English very well, but can’t read or write. They want to be able to write notes to their children’s teachers.” It is this ability to target very specific needs and to quickly implement services that makes the Edina Community Council so unique and invaluable. “It is important for us to find ways for collaborative efforts at the neighborhood level,” Mork said. “Working together within our neighborhoods can only strengthen the fabric of our community.” “This is a program that involves collaboration between the schools and community agencies, and involves multiple funding sources,” said Burke. “Acting alone, no group could affect these families and students the way working together has.” For more information, visit www.EdinaResourceCenter.com. Click on “Report to the Community” to view the Edina Community Council’s annual report. 20•WINTER2008 Anew year suggests new beginnings and a fresh start. For many, it is a time to make resolutions to stop bad habits. Others set goals they wish to achieve in the coming year. The Twin Cities Area Red Cross encourages everyone in our community to resolve to Get Ready for emergencies by preparing themselves and their loved ones in 2008. Get AKit Assemble a three-day supply of water (three gallons per person), a three-day supply of non-perishable food, manual can opener, utensils, flashlight, battery-powered radio, batteries, First Aid kit, clothes and blankets, copies of important documents and emergency contact info sealed in a plastic bag, personal hygiene items, supplies for infants and pets, prescription medicine, filter face mask and a whistle. Get A Plan Make sure every family member has the phone number of an out-of-town contact to call after a disaster. Identify evacuation routes from your building. Have a meeting place for family. Keep a half-tank of gas in the car. Know alternative evacuation routes. Get Involved Train to save a life through Red Cross CPR and First Aid classes. Donate money and blood in advance. Become a volunteer now so when a disaster strikes, you won’t need time to be trained—you will be able to help your neighbors immediately. Mark Your Calendars! Get your friends and neighbors together and learn how to save a life. Edina CPR Saturday – Jan. 26, 2008 Adult CPR:8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Cost:$45 Location:South Metro Public Safety Training Facility, 7525 Braemar Blvd., Edina Register today through the Twin Cities Area Red Cross by calling 612-872-3245, emailing registration@redcrosstc.org or visiting www.redcrosstc.org and clicking on “Take a Class.” Resolve To Get Ready 21•WINTER2008 By providing customized investment strategies, we can work closely with investors to help them manage their wealth. Our Financial Advisors take the time to understand each investor’s needs and goals, and seek to deliver solutions 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 877-850-6022 4999 France Avenue South, Suite 200, Edina, MN 55410 ©2007 UBSFinancial Services Inc. All Rights Reserved. Member SIPC. 7.5" x 7.5”7.06_7R1015_Edina rev 2Image About Town Magazinehs quarterlykyle bw7R_Edina_13729123 You &Us. Continuing our commitment to Edina investors. Paul Bordonaro Branch Manager Senior Vice President–Investments Nick Cronin Senior Vice President–Investments Keith Fahnhorst Senior Vice President–Investments Tiffany Fahnhorst Financial Advisor Pete Gabler Financial Advisor Blane Hammer Senior Vice President–Investments Bob Hannah Financial Advisor Jim Hay Financial Advisor Christopher Holman Financial Advisor Dave Horan Senior Vice President–Investments Ryan Johnson Financial Advisor Bob Kaufman Vice President–Investments Mike Koob Vice President–Investments Peter Levy Associate Branch Manager Senior Vice President–Investments Scott Schachtman Assistant Vice President–Investments Kevin Smith, Senior Vice President–Investments Jim Wilkinson Financial Advisor 22•WINTER2008 A Community of Donors Dear Neighbors, The theme for our last Annual Report was Bringing People Together, and that report outlined the many ways in which our programs have achieved some impact and success in that focus area. Arecord 726 donors contributed to the Foundation during our 2006-07 fiscal year to make those programs possible, and we’d like to dedicate this report to that community of donors. Their collective contributions are doing much to improve the quality of life in Edina, and we thank them for their support. You may have noticed the shorthand statement of our Mission—Strengthening Our Community—on our letterhead, or in our quarterly column in About Town. The full mission statement includes a more direct reference to our community of donors: The Edina Community Foundation exists to advance our community as a premier place for living, learning, raising families and nurturing leadership through the development of a strong program of philanthropy. The good feeling that we all share from our contributions to the Edina community is described in the Foundation’s column entitled The Joy of Giving, also included in this Winter 2008 issue of About Town. We celebrated the growth and impact of the Foundation during its first 30 years at an anniversary Gala in November 2007, and we look for even more growth and impact in the future. We invite everyone who lives or works in Edina to join us as we continue to develop programs and resources to fulfill our mission of strengthening our community by developing a strong program of philanthropy. James B. Hovland President Dick Crockett Executive Director 2006-2007 Annual Report James B. Hovland, President Attorney at Law Krause and Rollins George Klus, Vice President Owner and President Trinity Medical Solutions Otto Bang, Secretary Owner American Agency, Inc. Geof Workinger, Treasurer Retired Business Executive James Van Valkenburg, Assistant Treasurer Retired Mayor and Attorney Al Alexander Vice President Franklin Bank Bradley J. Beard President Fairview Southdale Hospital and Clinics Grethe Langeland Dillon President Calhoun Insurance Dennis Maetzold Retired Mayor Bonnie McGrath Retired Business Owner Brenda Quaye Principal Venstar, LLC Frederick S. Richards Property Consultant R Consulting Group Kevin Ries Realtor Edina Realty Carolyn Schroeder Community Volunteer Dick Crockett, Executive Director Mary Brindle, Program Coordinator Board of Directors as of June 30, 2007 FY 2006-2007 Staff STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY 2006-2007 Donors We increased the number of donors during the fiscal year from 670 to 726 NOTE:Contributions made after June 30, 2007, are not listed in this Annual Report, but will be posted on our website after June 30, 2008). Our community of donors includes the following groups of annual contributors, and those who contributed $100 or more are listed on the Foundation’s website at www.edinacommunityfoundation.org: 365..........................................................................donors of $10 to $99 293 ..........................Green and White Circle donors of $100 to $249 41................................................Bronze Circle donors of $250 to $499 54 ................................................Silver Circle donors of $500 to $999 45............................................Gold Circle donors of $1,000 to $2,499 13 ....................................Platinum Circle donors of $2,500 to $4,999 Community Benefactors ($5,000 to $9,999) Awin Management Services Otto and Mary Bang Calhoun Insurance Agency Carl and Eloise Pohlad Family Foundation City of Edina Senior Citizens Club Columbus Properties, L.P. Carlton and Ann Cronin Dorsey & Whitney, LLP Eunice L. Dwan 1991 Revocable Trust Edina Realty Home Services EdinAlarm Eugene and Mary Frey Friends of the Edina Library International Dairy Queen, Inc. Kiwanis Golden K Foundation George and Anne Klus Linda and James Masica Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Warren Moen Michael and Judi Mollerus Murphy Automotive, Inc. Norwest Bank Qwest Communications Frederick and Nancy Richards Carolyn and Clint Schroeder Think Federal Credit Union Vern and Alice Tolzman Toro Giving Program Patricia and Larry Tucker James Van Valkenburg Xcel Energy Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels Geof and Betty Workinger Community Builders $10,000 to $24,999) Dick and Suzie Crockett Edina Lions Club Edina Morningside Rotary Foundation Fairview Southdale Hospital Film-Tec, Inc., a subsidiary of Dow Chemical Co. Michael and Mary Kelly Wayne and Tamara Mills Mpls-Richfield American Legion Post 435 Opus Northwest L.L.C. Ron Clark Construction Western National Life Mutual Insurance Co. Founders Circle ($25,000 to $49,999) Aspecial subset of this Circle includes Founders Club members, who made a five-year pledge totaling $25,000, with half allocated to endowment (thus “founding” this important asset for our ability to meet future community needs), 25 percent to programs and 25 percent to general operations: Warren and Donna Beck Crown Bank Excel Bank David and Sandra Frauenshuh John and Jean Hedberg James and LaRae Hovland Chuck and Liz Mooty North American Banking Company Jeffrey and Mary Werbalowsky Other Founders Circle donors include: Edina Rotary Foundation Scot and Susan Housh McElrath Foundation Adelyn (Addie) McFadden Heritage Circle ($50,000 to $99,999) Edina Garden Council John W. Mooty Foundation William D. Radichel Foundation Leadership Circle ($100,000 or more) The Foundation has received several very generous gifts totaling $200,000 during the last 12 years from an individual who wishes to remain anonymous. An estimated audience of 20,000 attended the 4th of July Parade organized by the Foundation. Our community of donors also includes contributors of larger amounts, often given over a period of several years. We offer a special thanks to these donors, whose multi-year pledges and continuing support play a key role in sustaining our programs from year to year: Since 2007 was our 30th anniversary year, we recognize these donors for their cumulative gifts over the last 12 years (the time period for which we have readily available records): Foundation Grants—Sponsored Program Services $25,410 for 4th of July Parade entertainment and expenses $4,200 for Torchlight Concert entertainment $344 for our Donors Reception $3,241 for Edina Dialogue programs on Global Warming Solutions and a Martin Luther King Holiday speaker $1,346 for Edina Reads events $2,359 for Holiday Home Tour transportation and expenses $505 for Senior Health & Resource Expo publications and expenses Foundation Grants—Bringing People Together Foundation Grants—Bringing People Together $4,000 to Connecting With Kids for an Intergenerational Dialogue $1,070 to Connecting With Kids for a Leadership Breakfast $5,257 to the Country Club Neighborhood Association for activities and events $2,696 to the Edina Art Center for staff and volunteer T-shirts $2,038 to the Edina Art Center for its Circus Juventas program $3,609 to the Edina Art Center for its Carnival of the Arts $3,850 to the Edina Art Center for Peggy Kelly Media Center film projectors $1,400 to the Edina Art Center for the annual Members Juried Show and a pottery workshop $600*to the Edina Chamber of Commerce for its Annual Gala $1,500 to the Edina Chorale for Spring Concert support and youth tickets $3,199 to the Edina Chorale for concert risers $2,070 to the Edina Communications & Marketing Department for a Channel 16 camera and set furnishings $1,200*to the Edina Morningside Rotary Foundation for a community golf tournament $342 to the Edina Public Art Committee for its City Hall art glass reception $8,328 to the Edina Senior Center for furnishings and equipment $1,090 to the Edina Senior Center for its Volunteer Recognition Lunch $1,894 to the Edina Youth Juggling Association for instructional equipment $1,000 to the Edina Youth Juggling Association for coaching instruction for competitive teams $2,200 to the Edina Youth Juggling Association for its Winter Juggling Showcase and Juggle Jam 9 $3,200 to the First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band for an alphorn $3,000 to the LeagueAires for a Spring Community Concert $965 to the Minnesota Council on Foundations for community support Foundation Grants—Enhancing Our Safety $3,645 to the Edina Fire Department for a thermal imaging camera $10,000 to the Edina Fire Department for respiratory fit-testing equipment Foundation Grants—Helping Our Neighbors The Foundation continued its tradition of awarding student scholarships and made several grants to programs that support neighbors in need: $3,250 to the Edina Family Center for its Gym Time Program $300 to the EHS Youth Serving Youth for its Hurricane Katrina Habitat for Humanity Project $4,322 to the Edina Park & Recreation Department for Grants-in-aid and Adaptive Recreation $2,000 to the Edina Resource Center for its Summer of Opportunity in YMCAPrograms $100 to Sobriety High Band for community performances $3,420 for EdinAlarm, Ikola, Recycling Commission and other youth scholarships Foundation Grants—Beautifying Edina $5,000 to the City of Edina for purchase of the Raven sculpture for City Hall $5,200 to the Edina Park & Recreation Department for Browndale Park elm tree disease prevention $4,750 to the Edina Park & Recreation Department for Lewis Park soccer field improvement $1,562 to the Edina Public Art Committee for Grandview Square Park sculpture rentals $9,000 to the 50th & France Business Association for neighborhood holiday tree lighting $5,339 to Friends of the Edina Nature Center for a Carbon Woods Project 2006-07 Program Grants Our grants for program services focus on four key areas of community life. Bringing People Together$55,108 Beautifying Edina30,851 Enhancing Our Safety13,645 Helping Our Neighbors13,392 Program Services37,405 TOTAL$150,401 Program Area Amount of Grants s s * In-kind grants Statement of Financial Position June 30, 2007 ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents$267,177 Promises to give 54,100 Donated Tangible Items 1,200 Stock Certificates 4,998 Total current assets $327,475 Other Assets: Cash and cash equivalents – endowment fund$69,990 Promises to give – endowment fund19,350 Long-term promises to give – endowment fund 15,026 Long-term promises to give – other35,005 Total other assets 139,371 Total assets$466,846 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Current Liabilities: Accounts payable$25,358 Grants payable 15,542 $40,900 Net Assets: Unrestricted: General$30,822 Designed as endowments100,000 Temporarily restricted 190,759 Permanently restricted endowment fund104,365 Total net assets 425,946 Total liabilities and net assets$466,846 Statement of Activities For Year Ended June 30, 2007 TemporarilyPermanently UnrestrictedRestrictedRestrictedTotal Support and Revenue Contributions$87,931$107,609$6,630$202,170 Program Service Revenue44,43244,432 Net Investment income12,19012,190 Total support and revenue144,553107,6096,630258,792 Net assets released from donor restrictions123,268(123,268) 267,821(15,659)6,630258,792 Decreased Net Assets (expenses) Program services190,335190,355 Fundraising27,69227,692 Management and general 29,375 29,375 247,422 247,422 Net increase (decrease) in net assets 20,399 (15,659)6,630(11,370) Net assets, beginning of year110,423 206,41897,735414,576 Net assets, end of year$130,822$190,759$104,365$425,946 ©COLOURS 2008 AUDITORS: Ellingson and Ellingson, Ltd. The complete audited statements for this and prior fiscal years, and a copy of our IRS Form 990 and Minnesota Charitable Organization Annual Report, are available upon request. For more information about the Foundation’s programs and charitable giving opportunities, contact Dick Crockett at 952-833-9573, 5280 Grandview Square, Edina, MN 55436 or edinacommunityfoundation@ci.edina.mn.us, or review the Foundation’s website at www.edinacommunityfoundation.org. Foundation President Jim Hovland, LaRae Hovland, Co-sponsor Fresh Energy’s J. Drake Hamilton, Global Explorer Will Steger, and Foundation Executive Director Dick Crockett at the Foundation’s Edina Dialogue on Global Warming Solutions in January 2007. 2006-2007 Financial Statements We increased our ratio of Program Services to total expenditures from 71% to 77% (The Minnesota Charities Review Council recommends that the ratio be at least 70%). 23•WINTER2008 By Chris Yocum Lynette Biunno is a busy woman. As the receptionist at Edina’s City Hall, Biunno fields up to 200 calls on busy days, with questions ranging from “Where do I pay my water bill?” to “Can I get my tabs renewed at City Hall?” (Answers: You can pay your water bill at City Hall, but no, you must go to the Hennepin Community Service Center for your tabs.) “I enjoy being on the ‘frontlines,’ giving direction,” said Biunno. “It is a great feeling of satisfaction when you are able to help.” Biunno took over the position in May when Pat Dawson, City Hall Receptionist for the past 28 years, retired. “I know that I’m trying to fill some big shoes that were left to me by Pat,” said Biunno. “I am doing my best to fill them properly.” According to Assistant City Manager Heather Worthington, Biunno is doing a fine job of it. “Lynette is a wonderful addition to our staff,” said Worthington. “Her great smile and cheerful willingness to help with any issue that arises is an important service to our residents.” Before joining Edina, Biunno worked part-time as a receptionist at City Hall in Eden Prairie. “My job here is similar in that I sat 90 percent of the day at the front desk, directing calls and visitors,” said Biunno. “There are lots of differences, and yet the basics are the same.” Biunno is enjoying her new surroundings. “I thoroughly enjoy working in Edina,” said Biunno. “I alter my drive to work each day, taking the side streets instead of the highways, just to enjoy the sights and sounds that Edina has to offer.” Some of her favorite spots include 50th & France and Southdale, and she has also enjoyed some of the recreational activities that the community has to offer. “My favorite is skating outside at Centennial Lakes with the snow falling at night,” said Biunno. “It can’t be beat.” When she’s not working or spending time with her husband and two children, Biunno enjoys acting, both for theater and the screen. “I’ve been on television in some It’s No Act: City Hall Receptionist Aims To Please Lynette Biunno began work earlier this year as City Hall Receptionist. photo by Polly Norman 24•WINTER2008 local commercials. I also enjoy community theater and have been in numerous productions as part of the Eden Prairie Players,” said Biunno. “I love the behind-the- scenes work that goes on with productions, whether it be a play, or TV spot, or a movie.” Biunno says that the biggest movie production she has been a part of was as an extra in the feature film “North Country,” which garnered an Oscar nomination for its star, Charlize Theron. “I was an extra for a street scene where Charlize Theron was just a few feet away from me. We did this one scene at least 25 times,” explained Biunno. “It was too cool.” “I think that acting helps you in any aspect of your day,” said Biunno. “The world is your stage.” When asked if she ever tries out different characters or accents while answering the phone, Biunno replied, “No funny accents yet. I basically do the ‘voice-over type voice’ whenever I answer the phone.” After six months on the job, Biunno says that she’s becoming acclimated to her new position. “At first, it was quite a challenge to remember who everyone was and their positions within the City,” said Biunno. Now, Biunno is most concerned with learning all she can about Edina and how it operates, in order to be that much better at her job. “The most challenging part of this job is learning all that I feel I need to know so that I can answer their question, or better direct the call. That is my goal.” For more information, visit www.CityofEdina.com or call 952-927-8861. 25•WINTER2008 26•WINTER2008 By Ryan Olsen The 50th & France area of Edina is a unique shopping area with a rich history. The downtown feel, with the hustle and bustle, gives off electricity once you step foot on the sidewalk. With shopping, restaurants and grocery stores, you can find just about anything on the corner. The cozy neighborhood of businesses is organized and brought together by the 50th & France Business & Professional Association. The mission of the Association is to give the businesses a better voice and recognition in the communities of Edina and Minneapolis and in the greater Twin Cities area. The executive director works closely with the residents and member business to understand their needs and vision. In August, a new Executive Director was chosen with a clear focus on maintaining and building upon the stable foundation. “My passion is building community—bringing people together all through a creative perspective,” said Rachel Hubbard, the new Executive Director of the 50th & France Business & Professional Association. “My focus is making 50th & France a personable experience where you can eat out, shop and have your needs met in one location.” Hubbard, with a strong background in non-profit work and event planning, is an experienced leader and people-person. She holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts sculpture and a master’s degree in human development with an emphasis on communication, giving her a true understanding of business with a flair for the creative. As an admirer and close resident of Edina, she is familiar with the area and knows how important 50th & France is to the community. She is a point of interaction for both residents and business and brings them together. She meets with businesses, the 50th & France Board, and residents on a daily basis. In addition to that, there is always planning to do for the four annual events that bring Edina and surrounding communities together. With the Edina Art Fair and Crazy Days over for the summer, Hubbard hit the ground running coming into her new position with the Pumpkin Festival in October and Tree-Lighting Ceremony in November. Even so, Edina Art Fair preparations are already beginning. New Executive Director Of Popular Shopping District Begins Work Rachel Hubbard began work in August as Executive Director of the 50th & France Business & Professional Association. Photo by Ryan Olsen 27•WINTER2008 “The events of the 50th & France Business & Professional Association are truly exciting. It is fantastic to see familiar faces and families who might not necessarily live in Edina at our events,” said Hubbard. You would expect Hubbard to have a large staff and support for the event planning, but that is not the case. She is a “one-man-show,” organizing all the details of each event. Part-time help is hired for a short period of time for the Edina Art Fair. “I’m starting to look for interns to help with event planning and everything related that happens behind the scenes,” said Hubbard. “Volunteers are always welcome to contact me, too. I love to have staff working with me.” Not content just maintaining the fun and energy of the existing events, Hubbard already has some plans for the future. She would love to see something like “Hot Nights, Cool Jazz” return and she has some other ideas she is not yet willing to share. Above all, it is very clear that Hubbard is here for the community. Hearing feedback is essential for her. Being a people-person, meeting new faces and connecting with old friends are personally rewarding experiences for her. As the last of the boxes are unpacked in her new office, she is excited to talk with Edina residents who all take pride in their community. For more information, call 952-922-1524 or visit www.50thandFrance.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 28•WINTER2008 By Laura Fulton The Edina Fire Department consists of three firefighter/paramedic shifts, a paid-on-call group, an investigative team and a highly qualified fire administration. Over the past year, AboutTown has introduced residents to the men and women who make up the Edina Fire Department through a series of articles and photos. Shifts A, B and C were featured in previous issues. Part-time work is not always glamorous. For many, it consists of folding clothes, cold-calling to make sales or serving food to others. But for 14 Edina residents, the part-time job they have is all about saving lives, driving big trucks and putting out fires. The Edina Fire Department’s Paid-On-Call (POC) Firefighters, also known as “Volunteer” Firefighters, are the support system necessary to ensure that the City is completely covered no matter the emergency. Unlike the full-time firefighters who work 24-hour shifts together, the POC members serve only as a group during training. When pagers go off, POC members respond to the station and are often interspersed among the full-time firefighters. Training sessions, therefore, are an important aspect to creating cohesive relationships among the POC members. Training sessions also allow the POC Firefighters to get to know people who they may never come in contact with if not for the POC program. “There is a huge diversity of people serving [as POC Firefighters] for the City of Edina,” said POC Firefighter John Hardacker. “We have a real estate salesman, a pilot, a carpenter, a cop. I am a residential architecture designer. And we all bring different perspectives to the table.” Their different perspectives give the group the opportunity to think up ideas that full-time firefighters might take for granted. For example, at this year’s Public Safety Open House, the POC group designed and built a grease fire demonstration, complete with kitchen window curtains, Getting To Know The Edina Fire Department: Paid-On-Call Paid-On-Call Firefighters are the support system necessary to ensure the Edina Fire Department is fully covered in all types of emergencies. The group trains three times a month and is on call 24/7. Photo by Polly Norman 29•WINTER2008 to show residents what can happen when one does not know how to properly extinguish a grease fire. “Jay [Lippert] and I designed this thing to teach people how important it is not to throw water on a grease fire,” said POC Firefighter Harry Blanek. “As volunteers, we are able to teach people important lessons about fire safety and really give back to the community.” All POC firefighters must live within a 10-minute drive to the station. Many of the current and past POC firefighters grew up in Edina or a surrounding suburb. Finding time to actually work as a POC firefighter is one of the biggest obstacles faced by those who decide to take on the challenge. Volunteers must work six hours per month. “I have always been interested in being a firefighter, but life took a different turn and I became a photojournalist instead,” said POC Firefighter Ron Elmquist. “Then one day, I just decided I was going to do it—become a volunteer firefighter—and now I just make it fit into my schedule.” Scheduling POC members with full-time jobs makes group communication tough. According to POC Team Leader Cameron Counters, much of the communication to and from POC members is via email, making the POC group something like a virtual shift. And as volunteers, the POC members must make sure that they are keeping their priorities straight. “Nationwide, there is a prioritization that is typical to a volunteer firefighter’s world,” said Counters. “Family first, job second and the Fire Department third.” “When the pager goes off at 4 a.m. and you have to be to work early that same morning, it’s a tough call,” said POC Firefighter Todd Wakefield. “But most families are supportive of our choices to become POC firefighters and understand that those early morning pages are just part of the deal.” Sometimes, families are the driving force behind POC members joining the ranks. “Seven years ago, my wife saw an ad for volunteer firefighters in the newspaper,” said POC Firefighter Seth Johnson. “The light just went off. I was at a point where I needed a challenge. The opportunities we get as volunteer firefighters are exciting and different from anything we get to do during our daily lives.” These opportunities also lend excitement to a sometimes monotonous workload. “In my full-time job, I lead a pretty structured life,” said POC member Leah Bower, the department’s first female firefighter. “In the fire service, you never know when an emergency is going to occur, so this position has taught me to loosen up and keep my cool even when I do not know exactly what is going to happen.” And the training sessions that the POC firefighters take part in prepare them for all different types of emergencies. “We have to work really hard to maintain the skills we have learned, because we are not around emergency situations all day like the full-time firefighters,” said (continued on next page) 30•WINTER2008 Jay Lippert. “But we get to do the same training as the full-time firefighters while keeping our other careers. I guess it is the best of both worlds.” Other POC Firefighters include Brandon Winkel, Mike Pearson, Mark Armstrong, Mike Seeger and Jim Noeske. The Edina Fire Department recruits volunteer firefighters every three or four years. To learn more about the Edina Fire Department, visit www.CityofEdina.com/Fire. 31•WINTER2008 CCaarrppeett CCaammbbrriiaa HHaarrddwwoooodd FFlloooorriinngg LLaammiinnaattee FFlloooorriinngg CCoouunntteerrttooppss CCeerraammiicc TTiillee VViinnyyll FFlloooorriinngg RRuubbbbeerr FFlloooorrss “Your flooring experts for over30 years” RReessiiddeennttiiaall NNeeww HHoommee CCoonnssttrruuccttiioonn CCoommmmeerrcciiaall 5251 Edina Industrial Blvd (952) 835-2252www.midwestinteriors.com Do yourKids hate playingin poopysnow? Does yoursnowman havemore spotsthan yourDalmation? Hire us to un-DooDooyour yard Scoopy PooDoggyDoo PickUp612-374-3000www.scoopypoo.net Don't wait ‘til Spring.We scoop the poop allWinter long! 32•WINTER2008 By Laura Fulton Over the summer, part of West 70th Street underwent a massive facelift. In early November, the wraps came off in Edina and many were left questioning, “Just what are these roundabouts in the road and how do we drive around them?” Roundabouts have been in place in Europe and Australia since the 1950s in place of four-way intersections. Only in the past 20 years have roundabouts made their way to road construction drawings in the United States. Today, roundabouts are being built in Edina. Three roundabouts have been installed on West 70th Street between France and York avenues. “Roundabouts increase safety at pedestrian crossings, as well as limit the number of automobile accidents that might occur at alternative four-way intersections,” said City Engineer/Director of Public Works Wayne Houle. “In addition to improving safety, by using roundabouts we are able to add different geometric shapes to the area and beautify the circles with numerous types of vegetation and lighting systems.” According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, roundabouts enhance mobility in interregional transportation corridors linking regional trade centers, enhance mobility within major regional trade centers and ensure the safety and security of the transportation systems and their users. West 70th Street, as a state-aid route, was the first roundabout project in Edina. “With the redevelopment of Target and the construction of the Westin Galleria, West 70th created the perfect opportunity to incorporate roundabouts into road reconstruction,” said Houle. “The Council is now working on a project at Highway 169 and Valley View that may incorporate more roundabouts into the roadways of our City.” Roundabouts may be intimidating to a driver who has never driven through one, but once a basic understanding is reached, driving through a roundabout becomes easy. West 70th Street Turns Heads And Cars Three roundabouts on West 70th Street near the Galleria are the first in Edina. More could be considered with future road projects in the community. Photo by Polly Norman 33•WINTER2008 Listed below are some rules to follow when approaching and driving through roundabouts. •Slow down to 10-15 mph when approaching roundabouts. •Watch for merging bicyclists and yield to pedestrians. •Move up to the yield line and yield to traffic already in the roundabout. •Wait for a safe gap in traffic and then enter the roundabout. •Travel in a counterclockwise direction. •When exiting, watch for pedestrians and bicyclists to the outside who may continue to circulate around the roundabout. The circular intersection design promotes efficient traffic flow, as cars that would have had to stop and line up for a red traffic light are allowed to access the roadway after yielding to traffic in the circle. This efficient traffic flow also reduces car emissions and fuel consumption by lessening stop-and-go traffic. “Traffic is moving more freely [around the Galleria],” said Jill Noack, Vice President and General Manager of Gabbert & Beck/Galleria. “And we hope that, once the spring arrives, the beautification in the center of the roundabouts offers pedestrians, bikers and shoppers a more boulevard-type feel.” Edina is not the only metro city to add roundabouts to its road infrastructure. Just next door, Richfield has built one roundabout, with another on the Council’s radar. “The installation of the roundabout at Richfield Parkway and 66th Street has improved the safety and appearance of the area, as well as acted as a traffic-calming function,” said Richfield Transportation Engineer Tom Foley. “We will see how it stands up to the traffic that will increase with the building of our new shopping center, but we haven’t heard any complaints yet.” For more information, contact Houle, 952-826-0371, or visit www.CityofEdina.com/Engineering. By Kathleen Sovell Contributing Writer The time Eddi and Rick Fesler, residents of Edina for 42 years, give back to the community equates to more than a drop in the bucket. Volunteering has always been an integral part of their families. They realized long ago that the rewards are far greater than the duties of volunteering. Eddi laughs and says, “It is a standing joke with friends who tell us that when we attend a meeting, we should remember to sit on our hands.” The volunteer work they do at the Edina Art Center provides both Eddi and Rick an opportunity to use the hospitality skills they employed at Eagle International, Inc. For 45 years, they were active in the design and fulfillment of world-class sporting event programs for domestic and international corporate clients, including the Olympic Games, Masters Golf Tournament, Motor Sports and Kentucky Derby. Eddi’s volunteer position at Edina Art Center is Special Events Coordinator. She plans the food for each event, arranges for volunteers to help with food preparation, serving, clean-up, greeting guests at the door and any other duties that need to be handled. Rick, with his winning smile and easy conversation, is always on hand to pour wine or fill in wherever needed. Hosting a party for the Dynamic Duo North Shore Workshop attendees at their lake home on Lake Superior is another activity they enjoy. The workshop runs from Thursday through Sunday at the Superior Shores Resort in Two Harbors. For the past five years on Friday night of the workshop, the Feslers entertain 25 attendees. Their townhouse, situated on the shores of Lake Superior, presents a cozy venue for the artists to nosh, chat and enjoy the camaraderie of their peers. Feeling a need to honor the Art Center instructors and staff, Eddi created an annual recognition dinner. “We take pleasure, along with other volunteers, in preparing this yearly dinner. It is a special time for us as well,” Eddi said. Amajor perk of the job has been meeting and making friends with a number of instructors, staff and volunteers. “Rick and Eddi are incredibly generous with their time, talents and resources,” said Linda Kieffer, Chairwoman of More Than A Drop: 42-Year Edina Residents Give Of Their Time At Edina Art Center 34•WINTER2008 Rick and Eddi Fesler are valued volunteers at the Edina Art Center. the Edina Public Art Committee. “Their passion for the arts is evidenced by the hundreds of hours given to the Edina Art Center over the years. At most Edina Art Center events, gallery shows, special events and the February faculty dinner, they are there with smiles and helping hands.” Diana Hedges, Director of the Art Center, echoed those comments. “It is the personal touch that Eddi gives to our volunteers that makes her job so important. The Art Center is known as a warm and friendly place and Eddi carries out this mission in her position as Special Events Coordinator,” she said. “In the age of emails, Eddi takes the time to make personal phone calls and send handmade thank-you notes. It is that extra effort that keeps the volunteers coming back.” In addition to their volunteer work at the Art Center, they are active in their church, St. Albans Episcopal Church. Rick is a lay reader and Eddi has co-chaired the Annual English Tea for a number of years and will “most likely again next year.” Eddi continues to take classes at the Art Center and also studies painting two days a week in St. Paul’s Lower Town at the Hurinenko & Paquet Studio. There, she works primarily in oils, learning the ways of the old masters as well as the mysteries of nature through Plein Air Painting. Rick spends his time tending to his vast classic movie collection as well as planning his yearly group trip to the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Ga. He is also a member of the Edina Public Art Committee. They spend a great deal of time at their lake home where Rick can be found hiking and Eddi painting or entertaining friends. Additionally, the Feslers look forward to their travels to Colorado and California to visit children and grandchildren. “Fortunately, our children have selected two wonderful places to live— San Francisco and Vail—so not only are we visiting family, but have memorable vacations as well,” Rick said. Rick and Eddi admire Hedges’ creativity and ability to keep the Art Center involved in not only the art world, but the community as well. “She gives so much to the community through the Art Center and other artistic endeavors that you simply feel compelled to provide whatever time and effort you can in an attempt to follow her example,” Eddi said. To volunteer at the Edina Art Center, call 612-915-6600. 35•WINTER2008 36•WINTER2008 By Ryan Olsen The ground was muddy from the late August rain storms. It would have been a good idea to tread lightly but that wasn’t an option. Hundreds of volunteers were working in tandem, building ferociously to meet an impossible deadline. It all seems so long ago now. Trucks, tractors, cranes, and other heavy equipment, caked in mud, dredged through the muck and mire to give a brand-new home to one Minnetonka family. It was a beautiful symphony of chaos as workers, tools and machines forged a new home, and new life, for a family struck with tragedy. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was on the scene constructing new dreams nail by nail. I was fortunate enough to witness all of it. The Swenson-Lee family was rocked by a horrific tale of a crazed ex-boyfriend who murdered Vicki Swenson’s sister and boyfriend, leaving four children orphaned. Terri Lee, Vicki’s late sister, was a devoted mom who lost her husband (and father of their four children) in a car accident years prior. Vicki adopted the children and their family grew exponentially overnight. Vicki was nominated by her students at Hopkins High School for the 100th episode of the touching ABC television series. I was able to be down at the construction site the week of the build to witness an Edina business’ integral part of the project and meet students from a neighboring school district who started the powder keg. Gabberts is no stranger to philanthropic endeavors, donating heavily to the Boy Scout headquarters and the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center. Once they were contacted about the Swenson-Lee family, they jumped at the chance to help. “One thing about Gabberts is it is very community-oriented which has been important to our 60-year legacy,” said Kathy Crandall, head of marketing for Gabberts. The response from within Gabberts was outstanding. In total, 50 people signed up to donate their time to help move in the furniture. The lucky employees who were picked were joined by a volleyball and football team to move furniture. Of the Gabberts employees I chatted with, most echoed the feelings of Jane Strom: “It is fun to be a part of the show, a show that does great things. We’ve all heard the Swenson-Lee family story and their heartbreak.” Local Business Part Of 100th ‘Extreme Home Makeover’ Gabberts was a major part of the 100th episode of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, providing furniture for the new Minnetonka home. The show aired Nov. 25. Photo by Ryan Olsen 37•WINTER2008 I thought that with a massive show like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, timetables and detailed planning would be done as far in advance as possible—weeks, perhaps months of planning beforehand. I quickly found out that is not the case. “Wait, wait, wait, hurry, hurry, hurry” is the motto for the show. For example, Gabberts only had five days lead time before one of the stars of the show, Michael Moloney, came to pick out furniture. “I personally went to Gabbert to select the pieces, for about four hours. The people at Gabberts are fantastic to work with. The family is young and hip and Gabberts can run the gamut of styles for all the members of the family. Gabberts was excited to help and they were very giving,” Moloney said to me when he only had a few seconds to spare. On the final day of taping, we got the call from the producers that the Gabberts crew was needed in the staging area to be briefed. Inside the holding area, there was a moment of calm to reflect. Others were awed at the pace that the construction workers were going to put the (continued on next page) finishing touches on the landscaping. The Zen-like period ended when the Minnetonka High School girl’s volleyball team and the Blake Boy’s football team arrived like a thundering Calvary. After a brief time in the house scrubbing and cleaning, we were ushered back outside. The mood was definitely different when we got back to the holding tent. The tension was as thick as the mud I was standing in. Even with anticipation growing, there was time for reflection. On a fool’s hope, the project started when the Hopkins girl’s volleyball team sent in a video tape to ABC. “Nobody had any idea what would happen,” said Emily Anderson, former Captain of the Hopkins team. “When we heard the Swensons were picked as finalists, we just had a feeling they would get it.” The premonition was spot-on. Before they knew it, the Swenson-Lee family had Ty Pennington on their front lawn telling them to get up and get ready for a new house, a trip to Disney World and a chance at a better life. Before the mob of Gabberts employees, volleyball and football players helped unpack the furniture, perhaps Anderson summed it up the best for everyone: “This is the coolest thing I have done in my life. I just want to get to work!” From that point forward, cameras filmed every single second and it would be November before the finished product would be seen by the world. Watching the complete two-hour episode after Thanksgiving was a real treat. All the little details were filled out and all the individual parts came together. To see the family on screen with all the children crammed into their home was astounding. The strength and courage of the children whose parents were taken away too soon was remarkable. The Gabberts furniture gave the house a feeling of home and allowed the family to connect so they all had places to be comfortable. Ryan Olsen is Communications Intern for the City of Edina. He not only witnessed the project as a member of the media, but was allowed to work with the Gabberts crew in moving furniture. He had unique vantage points as both an observer and part of the “cast.” 38•WINTER2008 About 50 Gabberts employees volunteered their time to move furniture into the Swenson-Lee family’s new home in August. Photo by Ryan Olsen 39•WINTER2008 Coverage for backups of sewers and basementdrains is available, but not always included in a basic homeowner’s insurance policy. In addition, insurance companies that do offer the protection have varying amounts of coverage. Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if you have coverage for backups. If you do not have coverage, consider adding to your policy because in most cases the City’s insurance will not cover your damages in the event of an incident. For moreinformation, call Edina Public Works, 952-826-0311. DO YOU have insurance for sewer back-ups? Check your policy today! Tornier Relocates To Edina Orthopaedic extremity specialty company Tornier, Inc. recently relocated its world headquarters to Edina. Tornier has more than 50 years experience in prosthesis design, education, training and surgical procedure support. Their extremity implant designs for the shoulder, elbow, hand and ankle are internationally renowned. The company grosses $150 million in annual revenue. Owner Doug Kohrs has lived in Edina since 1990 and made the decision in 2007 to relocate the company’s world headquarters to the community because of its close proximity to the airport and amenities in the area for his employees. The new offices opened in November in Centennial Lakes. “Tornier is based in Minnesota because of the experienced and talented pool of candidates in the area,” Kohrs said. “Tornier is in Edina because of the ease of access to and from the airport and because of the amenities of the park, giving our employees the ability to walk around and enjoy the community.” Tornier has 600 employees worldwide, 30 of whom will work in Edina. Tornier is located at 3601 76th St., Suite 200. For more information, visit www.Tornier-US.com. Yoga Studio Opens For Expecting Mothers The anticipation of having a baby is an exciting time. It can also be very stressful. Blooma, a new business in Edina’s Morningside Neighborhood, nurtures the mind, body and spirit of expecting moms and their families. Through yoga, massage, childbirth education, a community of support and well-being, you can find a peaceful atmosphere during that stressful period. Blooma is lead by doula Sara Longacre who has helped countless women through childbirth. For over six years, the Minnesota native has worked with women throughout their pregnancies in Oregon, California and Minnesota. Blooma is located at 3919 W. 44th St. For more information, visit www.blooma.com. Gramercy Club Works To ‘Make The Golden Years Golden’ Gramercy Club cooperative recently opened on Metro Boulevard in Edina. The Gramercy Club is marketed to adults 55 and older who want to “enjoy the good things in life maintenance-free.” The four-story building with 128 homes includes swimming pools, an outdoor café and an art studio. Events and trips are planned for each season. Past events included a chocolate-and-wine tasting and the grand-opening celebration. Gramercy Club of Edina is located at 7100 Metro Blvd. For more information, call 952-835-4443 or visit www.coopcommunities.com. Les Work Celebrates 20 Years Of Business Les Work, a business that specializes in tape transcription, writing, word processing and data management, recently Business Notes 40•WINTER2008 celebrated its 20th year in business. Les Work rents space in 25 offices ranging from 98 to 416 square feet, in addition to providing secretarial support. “I learned long ago to strive for the same two main goals every day – to provide consistently excellent service and solve problems quickly,” reflected Janet Lee, owner and office manager. Les Work is located at 7400 Metro Blvd., Suite 100. For more information, visit www.leswork.com. Paul M. Speltz joins Kallas & Associates Paul M. Speltz recently joined the Edina law firm of Kallas & Associates. Agraduate of Hamline University School of Law in 2004, Speltz’s areas of practice include real estate, commercial law,collections, corporate/business, litigation, general business practice and trademark. Speltz joins the team of Michael T.Kallas and Anne D. Byrne, who have extensive backgrounds in law. Kallas & Associates is located at 4940 Viking Drive, Suite 652. For more information, call 952-832-9352. —Compiled by Jennifer Bennerotte and Ryan Olsen •WINTER2008 On Monday, March 10, all Edina families, schools, church groups and organizations are asked to UNPLUG—no activities, no homework, no schedule, nothing but time to connect with your family. This plan to eliminate—for just one night—all scheduled activities, all homework, all meetings, all practices, is supported by local City and school officials, coaches, parents, religious and community leaders. Put the date on your calendar. Plan to eat dinner at home or go out. Go bowling, play board games at home, or look through old photos. The important thing is take time to be with your family. Goals of Edina Unplugged, held annually since 2006 as a project of the youth asset-building initiative Connecting With Kids, is to: •Raise awareness about the impact of over-scheduling on families and children. •Encourage families to act on their realization that family time is as important as education, athletics, social and enrichment activities and other outside commitments. •Engage our community in an ongoing, nationwide dialogue about ways to foster balance between family time and other commitments in order to build stronger families and stronger communities. Community To Unplug March 10 For more information, visit www.edinaunplugged.org or call Doug Johnson, Edina Community Education, at 952-848-3960, or Donna Tilsner, Edina Park & Recreation, at 952-826-0432. 41 •WINTER2008 1)Circus Manduhai performed Oct. 7 at the Edina Art Center’s annual Carnival of the Arts. 2)Edina Art Center Instructor Adama Sow demonstrates at the Carnival of the Arts. 3)Members of the Edina Fire Department’s Special Operations Team demonstrate rope rescue at the Public Safety Open House. 4)Jean Morrison and Patrick Kennedy ham it up for the camera at the Rotary Club of Edina’s fundraiser. At the event, more than $90,000 was raised for local and international projects. 5)Police Officer Jeff Bolks’motorcycle was popular with children attending the Public Safety Open House. 6)Boys and girls were able to handle a fire hose during the Public Safety Open House in October. 7)Edina-Morningside Rotarian Mark Hegstrom and his wife enjoy the Rotary Club of Edina’s “Back to the 50s” fundraiser in October at the Edina Country Club. Send Us Your Photos! Photos clearly marked with names and related businesses should be sent to the City at: 4801 W.50th St., Edina, MN 55424 Photo Gallery 1 4 2 3 5 76 42 43•WINTER2008 O F M I N N E S O T A RENT ONE OFFICE,USE FIVE LOCATIONS Edina • St. Louis Park • Bloomington/ Airport IDS/Downtown Minneapolis • Woodbury Executive offices from $600 per month. 1-2 person offices with reception services, High Speed T-1 service, Flexible Lease Terms. Locally owned and operated since 1990. 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Member FDIC ©2007 Marshall & Ilsley Corporation 07-600-312 Annie Ballantine AlliedMember,ASID 1651 Cumberland Street Number 16SaintPaul, MN 55117 Phone: 651-472-3518 Fax: 651-489-2018 AboutTown Magazine City of Edina 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.CityofEdina.com ©COLOURS 2008 PRESORT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 3932 Edina, MN ***ECRWSS*** POSTAL PATRON CAR-RT-WS