LATE 2020 AboutTown Official Magazine of the City of Edina AboutTown Table Of Contents CITY Strong Reliable Livable Better Calendar Of Events...... 1 GOALS: Foundation Service City Together Calendar Highlights...... 7 Volume 31, Number 2 Circulation 25,000 A Word From The Editor...... 8 Late 2020 Minneapolis Real Estate Mogul Financed Official Publication of the EdinaMN.gov Formative Edina Mill...... 10 City of Edina, Minnesota 4801 West 50th Street It’s Not Only Neighborly ... It’s The Law...... 16 Edina, Minnesota 55424 952-826-0359 Remodel Of English Tudor Revival House Wins Heritage Award...... 18 Editors: Jennifer Bennerotte and Kaylin Eidsness Human Rights & Relations Commission Designer: Katie Laux Celebrates 50th Anniversary...... 24 Contributing Writers: Jennifer Bennerotte, Katy Koch Campbell, Kaylin Eidsness, Kaitlin Gault, David Katz, Darren Davis Named Mike Siitari Officer Of The Year....32 Heidi Lillie and Debbie Townsend Volunteers ‘Drive’ Successful Pandemic Publisher: City of Edina Response At VEAP...... 34 Copyright 2020 by City of Edina, Donors Contribute More Than $195,000 To 4801 W. 50th St., Edina, MN 55424. City In 2019...... 36 About Town is published by the City of Edina. The purpose Edina Farmers Market Moves To Rosland Park...... 38 of the magazine is to keep Edina residents informed of news, activities and programs that are important to them. Edina Community Foundation: Impacting People … We include articles of interest about our residents and In Their Words...... 40 community history as well. Growth Of Annie’s Army Is Legacy Of Edina Woman. 42 About Town is printed on recycled paper to conform to City Two Edina Nonprofits Celebrate Their conservation guidelines. 50th Anniversaries...... 46 Cover photo by Michael Braun New Assistant Parks & Recreation Director Leading With Authenticity...... 50 The Last Word...... 54 City of Edina Facilities...... 56
CENTENNIAL LAKES PLAZA | EDINA Tear Here
7523 FRANCE AVE. S About Town Calendar July 2020 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Key: 1 2 3 4 Fourth of July 10 a.m., Virtual July 4 Some events and meetings might observed. Edina City Parade, Edina TV and change as a result of the COVID-19 Hall closed. SWTV. pandemic. Visit EdinaMN.gov for the 3-7 p.m., Farmers most current list of City events and Market, Rosland Park. meetings.
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 7 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall.
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 6:30 p.m., Community 7 p.m., Heritage 6 p.m., Transportation Health Commission, Preservation Commission, Edina Edina City Hall. Commission, Edina City Hall. City Hall.
7 p.m., Parks
& Recreation Commission, Edina City Hall. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 7 p.m., City Council, 7 p.m., Planning 4:30 p.m., Arts & Edina City Hall. Commission, Edina Culture Commission, City Hall. Edina City Hall.
26 27 28 29 30 31 7 p.m., Human 7:30 a.m., Housing
Rights & Relations & Redevelopment
Tear Here Commission, Edina Authority meeting, City Hall. Edina City Hall.
8 a.m., Filing period opens for Council and Mayor elections, Edina City Hall.
1 • ABOUT TOWN About Town Calendar August 2020 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Night to 7 p.m., City Council, Unite, various Edina City Hall. neighborhoods.
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 6:30 p.m., Community Primary Election Day. 7 p.m., Planning 7:30 a.m., Housing 10 a.m., Vehicle Day, Health Commission, Commission, Edina & Redevelopment Southdale Center Edina City Hall. 5 p.m., Filing period City Hall. Authority meeting, parking lot. closes for Council Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Parks and Mayor elections, & Recreation Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Energy Commission, Edina & Environment City Hall. Commission, Edina City Hall. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 7 p.m., Heritage 7 p.m., City Council, Noon, Parks & 6 p.m., Transportation Preservation Edina City Hall. Recreation Fall/ Commission, Edina Commission, Edina Winter registration City Hall. City Hall. begins for residents.
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 7 p.m., Human Noon, Parks & 7:30 a.m., Housing Rights & Relations Recreation Fall/ & Redevelopment Commission, Edina Winter registration Authority meeting, City Hall. begins for non- Edina City Hall. residents. 30 31 4:30 p.m., Arts & 7 p.m., Planning Culture Commission, Commission, Edina Edina City City Hall. Hall.
2 • ABOUT TOWN About Town Calendar September 2020 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 7 p.m., City Council, Edina City Hall.
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Labor Day. Edina 7 p.m., Heritage 7 p.m., Planning 7:30 a.m., Housing 10 a.m.-noon, City Hall closed. Preservation Commission, Edina & Redevelopment Barnyard Babies, Commission, Edina City Hall. Authority meeting, Rosland Park City Hall. Edina City Hall.
7 p.m., Parks & Recreation Commission, Edina City Hall. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 7 p.m., Inver Hills 6:30 p.m., Community 7 p.m., City Council, Noon, Will Hale and 10-11 a.m., Author’s Community Band, Health Commission, Edina City Hall. the Tadpole Parade, Studio: First Blush by Edinborough Park. Edina City Hall. Edinborough Park. Dan Hill, Edina Art Center. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall.
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 7 p.m., Armenian 7 p.m., Human 7 p.m., Planning 7:30 a.m., Housing Dance Ensemble, Rights & Relations Commission, Edina & Redevelopment Edinborough Park. Commission, Edina City Hall. Authority meeting, City Hall. Edina City Hall.
4:30 p.m., Arts & Culture Commission, Edina City Hall. 27 28 29 30 1-5 p.m., Open Streets, 50th & France.
7 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park.
3 • ABOUT TOWN About Town Calendar October 2020 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 Noon, Kid Power with Rachael, Edinborough Park.
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7 p.m., Celebration 7 p.m., City Council, Noon, Westwood Brass Quintet, Edina City Hall. Hills Nature Center, Edinborough Park. Edinborough Park. 7 p.m., Zuhrah Shrine Band, Edinborough 7 p.m., Energy Park. & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall.
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 7 p.m., The 6:30 p.m., Community 7 p.m., Heritage 7 p.m., Planning 7:30 a.m., Housing 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Jazz Standards, Health Commission, Preservation Commission, Edina & Redevelopment Buckthorn Dump, Edinborough Park. Edina City Hall. Commission, Edina City Hall. Authority meeting, across from Braemar City Hall. Edina City Hall. Golf Dome, 7420 Braemar Blvd. 7 p.m., Parks Noon, The Jolly Pops, & Recreation Edinborough Park. Commission, Edina City Hall.
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Noon-4 p.m., 7 p.m., City Council, 4:30 p.m., Arts & 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Buckthorn Dump, Edina City Hall. Culture Commission, Buckthorn Dump, across from Braemar Edina City Hall. across from Braemar Golf Dome, 7420 7 p.m., Jazz-n-Jazz, Golf Dome, 7420 Braemar Blvd. Edinborough Park. 6 p.m., Transportation Braemar Blvd. Commission, Edina 7 p.m., The Somewhat City Hall. Dixieland Band, Edinborough Park. 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Noon-4 p.m., 7 p.m., Human 7 p.m., Planning 7:30 a.m., Housing Buckthorn Dump, Rights & Relations Commission, Edina & Redevelopment across from Braemar Commission, Edina City Hall. Authority meeting, Golf Dome, 7420 City Hall. Edina City Hall. Braemar Blvd. Noon, Brodini the Magician, Edinborough Park.
4 • ABOUT TOWN About Town Calendar November 2020 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Braemar Field Dome General Election Day. 7 p.m., City Council, Noon, Teddy Bear open for the season. Edina City Hall. Band, Edinborough Park. 7 p.m., Capri Big Band, Edinborough Park.
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 7 p.m., Richfield 6:30 p.m., Community 7 p.m., Heritage Veterans Day. Edina 5-8 p.m., Opening Symphonic Band, Health Commission, Preservation City Hall closed. Reception “Up North Edinborough Park. Edina City Hall. Commission, Edina Gift Gallery,” Edina City Hall. Art Center.
7 p.m., Parks 7:30 a.m., Housing & Recreation & Redevelopment Commission, Edina Authority meeting, City Hall. Edina City Hall. 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 7 p.m., St. Paul Police 7 p.m., City Council, 7 p.m., Planning 6 p.m., Transportation Band, Edinborough Edina City Hall. Commission, Edina Commission, Edina Park. City Hall. City Hall. 7 p.m., Human Rights & Relations 4:30 p.m., Arts & Commission, Edina Culture Commission, City Hall. Edina City Hall.
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 7 p.m., Gypsy Mania, Thanksgiving Day. Edina City Hall Edinborough Park. Edina City Hall closed. closed.
29 30 7 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park.
5 • ABOUT TOWN About Town Calendar December 2020 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 7 p.m., City Council, Noon, Music with Noon, Town Hall Edina City Hall. Kernsey, Edinborough Meeting, Edina Senior Park. Center. 5 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall.
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 7 p.m., Minneapolis 7 p.m., City Council, 7 p.m., Heritage 7 p.m., Planning 7:30 a.m., Housing Police Band, Edina City Hall. Preservation Commission, Edina & Redevelopment Edinborough Park. Commission, Edina City Hall. Authority meeting, City Hall. Edina City Hall.
7 p.m., Parks 7 p.m., Energy & Recreation & Environment Commission, Edina Commission, Edina City Hall. City Hall. 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 7 p.m., Bend in Outdoor ice rinks 7 p.m., City Council, 4:30 p.m., Arts & the River Band, open (weather Edina City Hall. Culture Commission, Edinborough Park. dependent). Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Classic Brass 6:30 p.m., Community Quintet, Edinborough 6 p.m., Transportation Health Commission, Park. Commission, Edina Edina City Hall. City Hall.
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 7 p.m., Good Christmas Eve. Edina Christmas Day. Edina News Big Band, City Hall closed. City Hall closed. Edinborough Park.
27 28 29 30 31 Noon-4 p.m., Cocoa & Cookies, Cornelia Park.
6 • ABOUT TOWN Calendar Highlights
Other Dates To Remember Barnyard Babies at Rosland Park July 9 7 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, What: We bring the farm to you with a full-size petting Edina City Hall zoo, pony rides, art table, face painting and kid-friendly music at Rosland Park near the Sept. 10 7 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, playground. No registration is required. Edina City Hall. When: Sept. 24 Noon, Mary Hall and the Pipsqueeks, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 12 Edinborough Park Where: Rosland Park, 4300 W. 66th St. Oct. 22 Noon, Bob the Beachcomber, Edinborough Park Cost: $5 per child Oct. 25 7 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Info: 952-826-0433 Edinborough Park Nov. 12 Noon, Woodland Puppets, Edinborough Park Buckthorn Dump Open Nov. 12 7 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, What: At the drop-off site, residents must show a photo Edina City Hall. ID with a current Edina address. Commercial Nov. 17 7 p.m., Roseville Big Band, Edinborough Park haulers must be accompanied by the resident for Nov. 19 Noon, Richardson Nature Center, Edinborough whom they are working. Buckthorn brush cannot Park be bagged, boxed or bundled. If it is, it must be removed from the container before being left at Dec. 1 7 p.m., Prior Lake Windjammers, Edinborough the dump. Park When: Dec. 8 7 p.m., Brio Brass, Edinborough Park 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays Oct. 17 and 24, noon-4 p.m. Sundays Oct. 18 and 25 Dec. 10 Noon, AlphaBits, Edinborough Park Where: Across from Braemar Golf Dome, 7420 Braemar Blvd. Vehicle Day at Southdale Center Cost: Free What: Explore fire trucks, police cars, snowplows, buses Info: 952-826-0308 and more at the Southdale Center parking lot. Please note this event is held rain or shine, so dress for the weather. No registration is required. Edina Farmers Market What: For the past 10 years, the farmers market When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 15 was located at Centennial Lakes Park. This Where: Southdale Center parking lot (in front of the old year’s location at Rosland Park will allow for Herbergers) wider walkways and the recommended social Cost: Free distancing between vendors and patrons. Info: 952-826-0433 Vendors include Bee Happy Honey, Chang’s Garden, Great Harvest Bread, Groveland Confections, Natasha’s Pierogi, Peter’s Pumpkins & Carmen’s Corn, Picka Farms, The Kraut Guy, Untiedt’s Vegetable Farm and more. When: 3-7 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 24 Where: Rosland Park parking lot, 4300 W. 66th St. Info: EdinaMN.gov/FarmersMarket
LATE 2020 • 7 A Word From The Editor
Three decades ago, two City employees used the back of a each year, we receive a call from someone who is missing napkin to jot down ideas for a new way to keep residents a copy in what would otherwise be a “complete set” of informed about local government activities and feature magazines collected over the years. With some regularity, the people and places that tie the community together. we also receive inquiries from students researching some aspect of Edina’s past, looking for historical columns The first issue of About Town magazine was published in written for the magazine by E. Dudley Parsons, Deborah the fall of 1990. Morse-Kahn, Joseph Sullivan, Marci Mattson or David Katz. Some people have asked to remain on the mailing It was then-Communications Director Ralph Campbell list after moving out of Edina, hoping to stay connected and City Manager Ken Rosland who dreamed up the with a beloved community. idea of a magazine at a time when few cities produced any printed material. Their ideas for a square design The COVID-19 pandemic has presented our community and content were solid, withstanding the test of time. with many challenges, including a fiscal one. With regret, The masthead in the Autumn 1990 issue included the I must announce this is the last issue of the magazine. magazine’s purpose, which read, “The purpose of the Since we are able to provide timelier information in the magazine is to keep Edina residents informed of news, monthly newsletter Edition: Edina, also mailed to all activities and programs which are important to them. households in the community, we have been scaling back We’ll include articles of interest about our citizens and the magazine for awhile. You will still be able to read community history as well.” about local government activities in Edition: Edina, and can follow the City’s social media, watch Edina TV and If you flip to the masthead on the inside front cover of visit the City’s website to stay informed. this issue, you’ll find a near-identical statement. Many of the features Ralph introduced in the debut issue of About It has been an honor to serve as editor of the About Town Town you’ll also find in this one, including a calendar of magazine for the past 20 years. I hope you have enjoyed events; contemporary history column; information on reading the magazine as much as I’ve enjoyed putting local laws, especially those unique to Edina; features on each one together. City staff members, programs and services; stories about residents and organizations making a difference in the community; and advertisements from local businesses.
Through Quality of Life Surveys, focus groups and direct feedback from readers, we know the community has Jennifer Bennerotte enjoyed the magazine. We are proud to have provided Communications Director you with content you find valuable. A handful of times
8 • ABOUT TOWN Covers Through The Years
1990s
2000s
2010s
LATE 2020 • 9 Minneapolis Real Estate Mogul Financed Formative Edina Mill
By David Katz
Perhaps no one structure is as central to the history of Edina as the gristmill that once straddled Minnehaha Creek near West 50th Street. The so-called Edina Mill was one of the area’s first nonfarming commercial enterprises, lent the budding village its name in 1888, and even appears today on the City’s official seal. Until its demolition in 1932, the property was also owned and operated by a revolving door of influential community members.
In addition to those claims to fame, the Mill also enjoys a lesser-known tie to one of the most successful real estate moguls in Hennepin County history – by some estimates, Minneapolis’ very first multimillionaire. Photo courtesy of Corinna Preservation
Stewart “Foresaw the Future of Minneapolis” Between 1856 and his death in 1910, Levi M. Stewart amassed Over a five-decade career in land speculation and leasing, one of the largest private land portfolios in Hennepin County. Levi Merrick Stewart amassed a portfolio valued at $4 million (more than $100 million in today’s dollars) and composed of 400 individual pieces of real estate. In the Ironically, Elder Stewart eschewed the ministry in favor grand scheme, a modest gristmill in the then far-flung of a career in law. He received a top-shelf education at Township of Richfield does not rank among Stewart’s Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School, and joined most flashy or lucrative business ventures. However, the older brother David’s flourishing law practice in St. Edina Mill does hold distinction as one of his first. Albans, Maine. David was a rising star in his own right, on a promising trajectory that would eventually see him Stewart was born into a prominent family in Corinna, as president of the Maine state senate. Maine, on Dec. 10, 1827. His father, a second-generation Baptist minister, strongly encouraged his son to pursue In 1856, a family friend and fellow Corinna native theological studies. In a nod to this family pedigree, named Dr. Jacob Elliot encouraged Levi to join him in neighbors took to calling Levi “young Elder Stewart” the budding “frontier” town of Minneapolis. Feeling almost from birth. The moniker would stick for life. overshadowed by his brother’s charisma and early career success, Levi jumped at the chance.
10 • ABOUT TOWN Elliot and Stewart were by no means unique in this regard. “One morning, the boom woke up without a bottom,” Between 1850 and 1857, the Minnesota Territory’s settler wrote a Minneapolis Tribune columnist in a colorful population skyrocketed from 6,000 to 150,000. However, 1901 retrospective on Stewart’s career. Land prices fell precious few “foresaw the future of Minneapolis as did precipitously, and Stewart was compelled to both forfeit Levi Stewart,” wrote biographer Maynard W. Quimby. He his claim and pay out an additional $400 besides. began dabbling in land speculation almost immediately, “before other shrewd men realized that the geography of Biographer Quimby, always eager to take a glass-half-full the Northwest” positioned Hennepin County to enjoy the approach and paint Stewart in a positive light, stressed State’s fastest growth and greatest prosperity. the valuable learning opportunities the episode afforded. “No doubt this poor beginning had much to do with his Early Missteps and Hard Lessons success in future years, when he became the area’s most Sources differ on how Elder Stewart (the nickname conspicuous holder of strategically located property.” followed him to Minnesota) scraped together the funds to make his first foray into this high-stakes game. He either A New Partnership committed a relocation stipend gifted by an uncle back in Levi M. Stewart’s second side project, a water-powered Maine, secured a capital investment from brother David, grain mill west of town, differed from the North or possibly both. What is crystal clear, however, is that Minneapolis fiasco in all respects but one. It would be Stewart’s first investment scheme was a dismal failure. another joint venture, albeit one with an entirely new set of players. At the behest of fellow New England transplant Harlow Gale and the eponymous heads of Cushman & Woods Stakeholders included Dr. Jacob Elliot, the physician who (a small legal firm based in the same Washington had enticed Stewart to Minnesota the year before. In time, Avenue office space as his own), Stewart entered into Elliot would leave his own permanent mark on the Twin a complicated joint partnership arrangement. The Cities. Among other legacies, Elliot Park in south central associates pooled resources to buy an 80-acre tract in Minneapolis is named in his memory. It sits on a generous North Minneapolis. Anticipating a sharp appreciation in tract of land that the doctor donated in 1893 for the land values, they paid down one-third of the purchase establishment of the City’s first municipal park. cost with the intent to mortgage back the property for the In order to raise the necessary capital, Stewart and Elliot remaining two thirds. enlisted a mutual acquaintance, Joseph Cushman, and a Initially, events played out according to plan. However, fourth partner, Richard Strout. when the asking price for undeveloped land in this part of town reached $125 per acre, Stewart implored his partners to flip the property and secure their profit. They (continued on next page) demurred, hoping to hold out for still greater riches.
LATE 2020 • 1 1 Stewart Bankrolls ‘Waterville’ Mill While a gristmill may seem an odd priority for a lawyer- cum-investor like Levi Stewart, the venture made good economic sense. As proof of concept, the partners could look to the successful Minnetonka Mill near the Lake Minnetonka headwater of Minnehaha Creek. Originally constructed as a sawmill in 1853, this predecessor boasted a brisk business cutting wood to fuel Minneapolis’ rapid expansion – including, notably, the many oak beams used in the County’s first Mississippi River suspension bridge.
Downstream, a different triumvirate of investors had purchased 12 acres in June 1855 in hopes of harnessing the creek for a flour mill. Located near the geographic center of the Township of Richfield, the Richland (later Richfield) Mill proved both profitable and propitious for the area. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons According to historian Jeffrey A. Hess, within just a few Capt. Richard Strout – an interesting historical personage in years, the gristmill attracted “settlers… a store, a school, his own right – collaborated with Stewart on the Waterville Mill a blacksmith shop, and two churches” and emerged as a investment. locus of local government.
Although undistinguished at the time, Strout would gain For their own operation, Stewart and company selected fleeting fame eight years later as a captain in the Ninth a spot about midway between these two mills. On Minnesota Volunteer Infantry regiment. Known to Civil December 27, 1856, they completed the purchase of 169 War buffs as a pivotal unit in the key battles at Nashville acres in today’s Country Club neighborhood. Seller and Brice’s Crossroads, Mississippi, the Ninth also saw William Hoyt, who had purchased the tract from the extensive action in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. It was federal government at a low rate in October 1855, was no on this home front theatre that Strout made a name doubt pleased with the $1,700 deal. for himself, defending the settlements of Glencoe and Hutchinson with a small and outnumbered force. They contracted with one John Merriott, a local carpenter, to construct the actual mill – purportedly offering as (While there appears to be no extant record of how compensation one healthy cow. Once up and running, Stewart and the future captain met, Strout’s 1819 birth they hired a millwright named John Stroopes to tend to certificate lists a Maine birthplace – a tantalizing context day-to-day operations. clue.)
12 • ABOUT TOWN Stewart’s reference to a Town of Waterville offers a hint to the partners’ grand ambitions for their acreage. Earlier in the year, Richard Strout platted a town site in the immediate vicinity of the new mill (and named in reference to it). The associates hoped to replicate some of the Richfield Mill’s success and stoke rapid settlement – with obvious implications for land values.
Eventually, a modest but historically important community would grow up with the gristmill as its nucleus. By the mid-1870s, the area boasted a schoolhouse, regional Grange Hall, and an Episcopalian church.
However, the original investors ultimately chose not to pursue this long game. Stewart and his associates sold the Waterville Mill in January 1859 to Jonathan T. Grimes.
Fortuitously for the new proprietor, the Civil War brought
File photo with it lucrative military requisition orders for Fort Snelling. According to local historian Deborah Morse Located near the modern junction of Lyndale Avenue and Kahn, gangbusters demand required Grimes to keep the Minnehaha Parkway, the prosperous Richland (later Richfield) Mill represented a compelling proof of concept for Stewart and mill running day and night from 1861 until 1864. his associates. A Man of Great Secretiveness Although Stewart “sold out” on the Waterville Mill on Not yet on a stable financial footing, Stewart wrote out a the eve of its heyday, he could not have been overly promissory note to a relative back East the following July. discouraged. Between 1859 and his death in 1910, “the In it, he pledged O.D. Merrick a security in the form of Elder” would amass one of the largest private land “an undivided fourth part” of what he termed “block four portfolios in Hennepin County. Notable holdings included in the Town of Waterville & known as the Mill Block... plots on Hennepin Avenue between 10th and 11th streets, with the Mill Site Dam & priviliges [sic], together with the a sizable swathe along Lake Street between Portland flouring mill newly erected thereon and just finished, and Avenue and Third Street, and about half of Nicollet also the dwelling house on said lot.” Island. (continued on next page)
LATE 2020 • 1 3 Fortunately for his contemporaries, Stewart was also a “kind-hearted and munificent man.” According to the Minneapolis Tribune, he also developed a reputation for Saint Nicholas-style antics – purchasing hand-picked gifts for the children of his many lessees, and anonymously leaving groceries for families experiencing hard financial times.
However, unlike his friend Dr. Jacob Elliot – who still has a park and neighborhood named in his honor – Levi Stewart’s footprint in the Twin Cities is surprisingly hard to spot today.
More than likely, the Elder would have had it no other way. Despite his penchant for charity, “Stewart lived almost wholly within himself, and was a man of
Photo courtesy of Edina Historical Society great secretiveness,” reported biographer Quimby. He “disclaimed any special credit for the success of his Edina Mill, pictured here circa 1901, was originally christened Waterville Mill. investments… and disliked publicity in any space or manner,” agreed journalist Arthur James Pegler.
Undoubtedly, one of Stewart’s most visible and Legacies Large and Small controversial acquisitions was Zion’s Hill, his own Nevertheless, Stewart’s legacy is seen and felt in subtle personal homestead at Hennepin Avenue and Fourth ways. As one example, Abbott-Northwestern Hospital Street. While sparsely populated when Stewart moved sits where it does because Stewart donated the plot for to Minnesota, this corner of Minneapolis would quickly the purpose in 1885. become enveloped by downtown’s commercial sprawl. Stewart obstinately refused to part with the estate in his No less interesting is the indelible mark he left on lifetime, despite astronomical taxes and a steady stream Edina’s history with his 1856-57 partnership and gristmill of offers to sell. experiment.
Stewart’s ability to hold onto his beloved clapboard Stewart’s purchaser, Jonathan Grimes, sold the operation cottage and the forested urban oasis surrounding it in 1867. It came into the possession of a Scottish despite those pressures offers as strong a testament as emigrant named Andrew Craik shortly thereafter. any to his incredible success. Craik made capital improvements and rechristened the
14 • ABOUT TOWN Photo courtesy of Hennepin County Library
Stewart’s urban oasis, Zion’s Hill, was one of the financier’s most conspicuous and valuable land holdings.
enterprise Edina Mill – an homage to his boyhood home of Edinborough, Scotland. Under this management and sobriquet, the gristmill remained a prime driver of the area’s economy for decades. Fittingly, when the community broke off from Richfield and incorporated in 1888, they adopted the mill’s new name as its own. Photo courtesy of Minneapolis Morning Tribune When Stewart died in May 1910, the passing of “the city’s Primary sources referenced come from collections heaviest real estate holder” made front-page news. This was maintained by Corinna Preservation, Inc.; the Minnesota something of an exception. During his life, the mogul spurned Historical Society; Edina Historical Society; and James K. public attention, even going so far as to sue local newspapers Hosmer Special Collection at Hennepin County Library. for covering his business activities.
LATE 2020 • 1 5 It’s Not Only Neighborly, It’s The Law
Learn Local Laws Tall Grass and Weeds Maintenance Lawn Irrigation The Law: Edina City Code Sec. 30-118. Turf grasses The Law: Edina City Code. 28-261. All properties with and weeds shall be regularly cut such that no an address ending with an even digit may use City water individual plant shall exceed, at any time, 10 inches for irrigation purposes on even-numbered dates only. in height or length as measured from its base at the Sec. 28-262. All properties with an address ending with ground to the tip of each stalk, stem or blade. Noxious an odd digit may use City water for irrigation purposes weeds as defined by the State Commissioner of on odd-numbered dates only. Agriculture shall be eradicated. Sec. 28-264. No property may use any water for What It Means: The City has standards for grass irrigation purposes during the hours of 11 a.m. through and weed management and maintenance. Weeds 5 p.m. of any day. and grasses should not be taller than 10 inches. This Sec. 28-265. Upon written request and approval by the includes boulevards, alleys, landscaped areas and City Manager or his designee, the following properties developed and undeveloped land. Grass and weeds in are authorized to irrigate at times other than permitted drainage ponds, wetlands and similar waterways are above … Newly sodded or grass seeded areas for a exempt. period of 14 days. Noxious weeds, which must be eliminated, include What It Means: If your property address ends in an odd Tree of Heaven, Garlic Mustard, Glossy Buckthorn and number, you may water your lawn on odd-numbered Multiflora Rose. days of the month. If your property address ends in an even number, water your lawn on even days of the To report a possible violation, use the Edina 311 app or month. No one may use water for irrigation from 11 visit EdinaMN.gov and click on “Report A Problem,” a.m. to 5 p.m. or call the weed inspector at 952-826-0353. If you have an area with new sod or seed, contact the For a full list of Minnesota’s noxious weeds, visit Public Works Department for a 14-day permit to irrigate www.mda.state.mn.us more frequently. Otherwise, please irrigate lawns during allotted dates and times. For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 952-826-0376. – Compiled by Heidi Lillie
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LATE 2020 • 1 7 Remodel Of English Tudor Revival House Wins Heritage Award
By Debbie Townsend
The meticulous remodel of a home that would go on to win the 2020 Edina Heritage Award all began with a walking tour.
Julie and Doug Baker, already Edina residents, learned the details and history of the English Tudor Revival house at 4610 Browndale Ave. while taking a 2015 tour of Country Club District homes and history. They would soon buy the house, in part because of its location along Minnehaha
Creek, and hire the firm of one of their tour guides, Submitted Photo architect Jean Rehkamp Larson, to design the remodel. The back side of 4610 “We knew we wanted any changes we made to be in Browndale Ave. before keeping with the original style and craftsmanship,” Julie remodeling had few details. The expansion and remodel included Baker said. adding interior spaces, half- “The homeowners did extensive renovation work of timbering and many windows to look out onto Minnehaha Creek. this historic home, taking great care to honor its historic features and carefully match them as they expanded known for its cattle. Browndale Avenue is named after the certain elements,” Heritage Preservation Commissioner farm and follows the path of a farm road. Jane Lonnquist wrote in her nomination of the home. The award, given annually since 2003, honors an In 1922, Samuel Thorpe purchased the Browndale Farm, individual, family, company or organization that has combining it with two other major properties to develop contributed to the historic fabric of the community and the Country Club District. made an outstanding contribution to the preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and use of a heritage resource in The current house also is home to history. Construction Edina. began in 1929 or 1930, but wasn’t finished until 1932 due to the Great Depression. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church The award recognizes not only the home’s beauty, but was started in the home’s basement and its first pancake also its importance. It’s built on what is believed to be breakfast was served there, according to Lonnquist’s the site of the original farmhouse of Henry F. Brown, the research. The church, now located on West 50th Street, Minneapolis lumber baron who once owned the Edina won its own Heritage Award in 2011 for restoration of Mill. Brown established the large Browndale Farm, that building.
18 • ABOUT TOWN Rehkamp Larson would highlight the house on the almost no embellishment, what Lonnquist simply summed historic tour, pointing out its half-timbering, woodwork, up as “plain.” Perhaps it was intended. Perhaps the original stone, and the symmetrical composition of its design owners cut their budget with the Depression on. elements. While many Country Club homes are in the English Tudor Revival style, she called 4610 Browndale “It made sense to us to make the back of the house as one of the “grand dames” of the neighborhood. attractive as the front,” Julie Baker said. “We spend a lot of time on our back terrace, plus there are a lot of people “When you look closely at the house, you keep seeing kayaking by in the summer and skating by in the winter layers and layers of detail. There is just a richness of the whose only view of the house is from the back.” front facade,” she said. “You could take away half the detail and you would still think it’s a beautiful house.” The architects designed a dramatic addition onto the back, adding windows and picking up the design details The challenge in remodeling was not just adding space of the front so they wrap around the house. It now rivals or modernizing. The goal was to capture that front detail the front for its beauty. and replicate it around the house while making each side functional and unique. “We love the way our architects were able to bring the outdoors in. All the windows onto the creek from our The south end of the home includes a new two-story kitchen and family room make them wonderful places to addition that keeps the main gable and bay windows be,” Baker said. intact. The existing round-arch in-swing casement windows were restored for reuse on the addition and “It’s spectacular,” Mayor Jim Hovland said in recognizing replicated. The half-timbering from the front facade was the Heritage Award winner at a May City Council also replicated on the new addition. meeting.
On the north end, the garage doors originally faced the The Bakers thanked the Heritage Preservation street. “The guidelines at the time wouldn’t allow a front- Commission for the award, but they gave the credit to facing garage,” Lonnquist said. “That property had an architects Anders Matney and Rehkamp Larson, builder exception because of where it was on Minnehaha Creek.” Dovetail Renovation Inc. and all the subcontractors who Though it wasn’t required, the remodel shifted the garage did the renovation. They also honored the home’s history. doors to the side of the house, away from street view. In “We are so grateful for the craftsmen who built the home their place, the brick and stone of the front facade was originally back in 1929. They set the bar high for all of replicated. us,” the Bakers wrote in a statement read at the City The most dramatic change is on the back side that faces Council meeting. Minnehaha Creek. That west facade had a few windows and (continued on next page)
LATE 2020 • 1 9 Take Historic Walking Tour of Edina Take a walking tour of Edina’s historic spots at your convenience with a new online map you can access on your cellphone.
The Edina Heritage Preservation Commission worked with City staff to create the 12-stop self- guided tour map, which covers areas near City Hall and the Edina Country Club.
Submitted Photo The historic loop is about 3 miles or 6,000 steps. The south side of the home includes the expanded area that It starts and ends at Edina Country Club, 5100 restored, reused and replicated curved-arch windows that add Wooddale Ave., though people can easily start at to the home’s character. The bay windows were kept intact. any of the sites and visit as many as they choose.
Rehkamp Larson also credited all the artisans who put Places you can learn about include the Browndale great effort into creating everything from stones and bricks Farm, Edina Mill, Cahill School, Minnehaha to replicating the details of door handles. Grange, Wooddale Avenue Bridge and Yancey Farm. The tour map includes historic photos and “We really learn from the houses,” Rehkamp Larson said. a bit of history about each site. “Doing a thoughtful addition to a historic house takes just looking closely at what’s there and learning from the Find the map at EdinaMN.gov/HistoricWalk. details that exist and then making changes sensitively.”
Her firm is working to remodel a Mediterranean house next door.
“The Bakers’ renovation anchored a whole wave of revitalization” in the Country Club District, Lonnquist said. “It upholds a standard that people want to see.” For more information about the Edina Heritage Award and past winners, visit EdinaMN.gov.
20 • ABOUT TOWN EdinaMN.gov/HistoricWalk
Baird House Edina Mill
St. Stephen's Church Browndale Bridge Wooddale Ave Bridge
Minnehaha Brown Farm Cahill School Grange Hall
Edina County Club
Yancey Farm
Second Site of Minnehaha Grange Hall
Second Millstone
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LATE 2020 • 2 3 Human Rights & Relations Commission Celebrates 50th Anniversary
By Kaitlin Gault Residents who were Jewish continued to be discriminated against and were excluded at social clubs in Edina. In The Human Rights & Relations Commission (HRRC) will June 1950, the Morningside Neighborhood was one of commemorate 50 years of courage, partnership, advocacy the first to “push back” and opened its doors to any who and perseverance this July. wished to buy property.
Established July 10, 1970, as the Human Rights In June 1960, a black family moved into the Morningside Commission, the HRRC has spent the past five decades Neighborhood but initially faced a campaign to working to promote, defend and advocate for all who keep them out. A “Fairness Petition” signed by 251 live, work, visit or study in Edina to have freedom from Morningside residents supported the family, who stayed discrimination. It is an advisory body of the Edina City in the neighborhood. Council. At the time the commission was established, Edina was a To truly understand the HRRC’s achievements, it’s community in need of change. important to understand where it began. “When Edina went from a village to a city, the first mayor, According to the City’s history, black families were James Van Valkenburg, wanted it to be welcoming and among the first to settle in Edina and black and white opening to all,” said Edina City Council Member and families lived together as neighbors when the village former Commissioner Mary Brindle. “It’s been the role of was incorporated in 1888. In the 1920s when the Edina HRRC to help the City prepare and become a place that is Country Club District was established as one of the first welcoming to all.” planned neighborhoods in the country, racial restrictions began to appear in deeds of covenants for residential Fifty years later, the commission continues to fulfill properties. Homebuyers agreed they would never sell, that role and works toward bringing people together, lease or rent their property to anyone “other than one of advocating for equitable policies, and rejecting the white or Caucasian race.” Deed restrictions in some discrimination of any kind. neighborhoods also excluded those who were Jewish. “Every city needs a human rights commission because in Black, all other nonwhite and Jewish residents were every city there are people whose human rights are being barred from living in certain areas unless they were abridged,” said former Commissioner Ellen Kennedy. “It domestic servants residing in the household they served. is the responsibility of the people in each city to stand up In time, nearly all the black families moved, and Edina for the rights of those in who city who live, work, visit had become a mostly white and Christian village. and study there.”
24 • ABOUT TOWN Everything Kennedy does is with human rights at the forefront. As a resident who is Jewish, she knows she would not have been welcome years ago in the same community she’s called home for 31 years.
For the past 15 years, she’s served as the executive director of World Without Genocide, a nonprofit organization she founded. Her compassion and quest for human rights in Edina and across the world led to her being the second recipient of the Tom Oye Human Rights Award, an award developed by the HRRC to honor community members whose good works promote human relations and advance human rights. It also honors Oye, a founding member of the commission. Oye was a second-
generation Japanese American who served as a Nisei File Photo solder in World War II in the 100th Infantry Battalion of The Tom Oye Human Rights Award was created in 2006 to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. In 2003, he received honor Tom Oye, Edina resident and founding member of the the Prize for Humanity by the Immortal Chaplains Human Rights & Relations Commission. Foundation.
In addition to the Tom Oye Human Rights Award, Under Kingston’s leadership, the “Days of Remembrance” the HRRC has championed numerous initiatives and event was created to honor the memory of victims advised the Edina City Council on matters relating to and survivors of the Holocaust and to encourage and discrimination and human rights. educate the community on the need for respect for all people. Days of Remembrance was recognized following “Edina was the fourth city in Minnesota to approve a proclamation adopted by the City Council affirming a Domestic Partnership Ordinance,” said former that Edina will annually observe National Days of Commissioner and 2015 Tom Oye award winner Jessi Remembrance. Kingston. “Fifteen other cities later passed a similar ordinance by the time marriage equality became legal in Another event regularly organized by the HRRC is Minnesota.” The legislation allowed unmarried or same- “Sharing Values, Sharing Communities,” a panel sex couples in a long-term, committed relationship to apply discussion on important issues like religious diversity for a certificate to be used as evidence of their union. (continued on next page)
LATE 2020 • 2 5 and mental health. Student Commissioner Shin Bee Waldron said co-moderating the event in 2018 was when she first felt like she had made an impact. She joined the commission to get more involved in her community.
“Human rights stood out because I’m an Asian American. As a minority, I thought I may have something interesting to add to the discussion, and at the same time, help the Commission engage with students,” she said.
The HRRC has helped the City take other significant actions, including supporting the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and approving a resolution to establish Edina as a Human Rights City. This initiative calls for cities to guide their strategies for education, health and housing by the File Photo principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 2010, Edina City Council unanimously approved a Domestic Edina is the only city in Minnesota to pass a resolution Partnership Ordinance. Joan Wallner and Kristin Peterson were with this designation. the first couple to register for domestic partnership in Edina.
When City staff and community members began working One of the Commission’s current initiatives relates to to update the 2020 Comprehensive Plan, Kennedy incidents of racist and anti-Semitic vandalism in Edina. realized a chapter was missing. This year, a Commission committee is revising the 1997 Bias Offense Response Plan to broaden the definitions in “Each commission always planned a chapter for the plan to include offenses outside of the State Statute’s that document, and there was one commission that definition of a “bias offense.” didn’t have a chapter – the Human Rights & Relations Commission,” she said. The Commission lobbied for that “We’ve had acts of intolerance, and as City policy those chapter to be created and was successful with its inclusion are rejected by the vast majority of Edina residents,” said and approval by City Council. Nelson. “It’s really important to live in a place that is not only tolerant but is welcoming and that celebrates our “The fact that the Commission has existed for 50 years differences.” He also said the Commission works with demonstrates the wonderful support from the City the Edina Police Department when responding to these Council, and I think that sends an important message to discriminatory acts and ensures that City Council is aware the community,” said current Commissioner Jim Nelson. of the occurrences.
26 • ABOUT TOWN “I’m really proud of the City of Edina for its longstanding commitment to human rights,” said Nelson. “This is a good time to remind ourselves of what we’ve been able to accomplish but also to remind ourselves there is room for progress and improvement. Continuing to ensure Edina is inclusive involves righting systemic inequities. I’m hopeful we will use this milestone as an opportunity to renew our ideals as a Human Rights City.”
Edina has changed in 50 years. A lot more can change in the next 50 years.
“Human rights work doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a lot of coalition building and outreach to have some of these difficult conversations that affirm the fact that there is perhaps a path for greater safety, security, comfort and equality for everyone,” said Kennedy. “There is a tendency for people in any community to believe that there are no problems, but there are problems anywhere. To be able to raise these issues to a level significant enough to get action, that takes time. It takes perseverance, and it also takes a belief in the good intentions of the people in our community.” Premium Quartzite To learn more about the Human Rights & Relations Commission, visit EdinaMN.gov or contact Race & Equity Granite + Marble Coordinator Heidi Lee, staff liaison, at [email protected]. CAPITAL GRANITE EDINA 7329 WASHINGTON AVE S #130 capitalgranite.com · 952-942-7100
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Stay Healthy Edina COVID-19 Resource Hotline Wash your hands with hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds; 952-826-0370 cover your coughs and sneezes; wear a mask when in public; Resources for businesses, residents practice social distancing and stay home if you are sick. and seniors can be found at Stay Informed BetterTogetherEdina.org To get reliable and updated information about COVID-19, EdinaMN.gov/coronavirus refer to the Minnesota Department of Health, CDC or your health provider. Sign up for City Extra emails at EdinaMN.gov/CityExtra Challenge the Stigma Sharing facts and accurate information about COVID-19 Sign up for text notifications by texting helps challenge rumors and stereotypes that have been EDINA to 57838 negatively associated with racial and cultural groups or people wearing facemasks. There have been incidents of discrimination, bias and hate reported around the world during the pandemic. If you believe you are a victim of a hate crime because of fear around COVID-19, contact the Edina Police Department, 952-826-1610. If you feel you have experienced discrimination within the City’s services, facilities or institution, contact Race & Equity Coordinator Heidi Lee, 952-826-1622.
LATE 2020 • 3 1 Darren Davis Named Mike Siitari Officer Of The Year
However, as he was heading into his junior year in 2008, Davis tore every ligament in one of his knees.
“It was my first real humbling experience,” said Davis. “Everything that I had worked up to was taken away from me in a second. I went to school to be a cop and play football. But the doctor said, ‘you may not be able to run again.’”
As a 21-year-old, this was hard for Davis to hear, knowing that his days of playing football or becoming a police officer might be coming to an end. Davis decided to stay relevant however he could and found a job with a small nonprofit called the Family and Children’s Center in Winona. There, he ended up running the Youth Night Photo by Michael Braun Campus, working with kids on the cusp of going into Officer Darren Davis was named the 2019 Mike Siitari Officer of juvenile detention or coming out of placement. the Year. To garner more experience while still rehabbing his knee, By Kaylin Eidsness Davis decided to take a job as a Correctional Officer and then Probation Officer with Dodge-Fillmore-Olmsted Officer Darren Davis was recently named the 2019 Mike County Community Corrections. Siitari Officer of the Year by the Edina Crime Prevention Fund. “I worked fairly closely with the Rochester PD and it just kept coming back to me that that’s what I really wanted Davis, who joined the Edina Police Department in 2015, to do. What I was doing was great and I was making an has policing in his blood. His father, Darren Davis Sr., impact, but I wanted to be that initial contact to be able to retired as Police Commander at Northwestern University stop something before it got worse,” he said. in Evanston, Illinois. Growing up in a law enforcement family, Davis knew from a young age he wanted a similar After his first child was born in 2016, Davis and his career. wife desired to move closer to family in the Twin Cities. Davis had heard of the Edina Police Department from an He graduated from Winona State University in Winona, instructor of his who was an Edina Police Sergeant at the Minnesota, with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. time. He thought he’d take a chance and apply. Before he knew it, he was offered the job.
32 • ABOUT TOWN Since beginning with the department, Davis has joined the getting thank-you letters for his outstanding service. He’s SWAT team, become a Neighborhood Engagement Officer a great asset to our department, the SWAT team and and drone operator. He also sits on the City’s Race & community,” said Nelson. “It didn’t surprise me that he Equity Advancement Team. still followed up on one of his cases on his day off. That’s just the type of officer he is.” “Darren is a team player and selfless, always going out of his way to help his shift partners and the community. The Crime Prevention Fund has recognized at least one Darren takes the extra time on calls to make sure the officer a year since 2011. The Officer of the Year Award residents of Edina are getting the highest service possible,” is named after Mike Siitari, who served as Police Chief said Sgt. Dave Boosalis, who leads the night shift Davis is from 1999 to 2009 during his 31-year tenure with the Edina on. “We are lucky to have Darren at EPD!” Police Department. Winners are selected by members of the Edina Crime Prevention Fund. Past recipients of The Mike Siitari Officer of the Year award is given the award include Officers Joel Moore, Dave Lindman, annually to an officer of the Edina Police Department who Jake Heckert, Mike Seeger, Det. Mike Lutz, Det. Erik has modeled exemplary service and leadership through Amundson, Sgt. Brian Hubbard and Sgt. Kevin Rofidal. innovation and public relations. Past President of the Edina Crime Prevention Fund Jon Barnett said Davis was selected The Edina Crime Prevention Fund has been a community for the recognition because of his strong community ties. partner for 50 years, helping fund Police Department services and recognize exceptional officers. “It was clear in the nomination letter that Darren is extremely dedicated to his job, his department and the Davis said he is humbled to receive the award and residents of Edina,” said Barnett. mentioned that his father was proud.
The nomination came from a resident who said, “From “He is extremely proud and happy for me,” said Davis. the very first time I met Officer Davis, I could tell he “My father received a similar award at the same time in his truly cared about my safety and the safety of the entire career, and I think that is pretty cool.” community of Edina. … Officer Davis took immediate action on his day off. This was way above and beyond the For more information about the award, contact the Edina call of duty.” Police Department at 952-826-1610.
Police Chief Dave Nelson also speaks highly of Davis.
“He sincerely cares about connecting with the community, and it didn’t take long after hiring him before I started
LATE 2020 • 3 3 Volunteers ‘Drive’ Successful Pandemic Response At VEAP
By Katy Koch Campbell, Contributing Writer
Beth Reilly doesn’t hesitate to admit it. Pandemic-induced fear drove her to action with Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP).
“Contribution to community,” she said, was the only way she could escape her feelings of powerlessness in the face of the deadly virus crisscrossing the globe. Now she’s a regular weekly van driver on two-hour shifts of food pickup and delivery to clients in neighborhoods across Bloomington, Richfield, Edina and South Minneapolis.
Reilly is one in a new wave of volunteers finding meaning
in service. In the first two months of the pandemic, 25 Photo by Katy Koch Campbell new volunteers stepped forward to work with VEAP, Volunteer Beth Reilly is one of the “amazing” VEAP volunteers 9600 Aldrich Ave. S., Bloomington. Because of what stepping forward during the pandemic. staff directors call an “overwhelming response from the community,” the organization has been able to expand capacity while meeting needs. In the first two months Reilly, whose prior volunteer experience was hosting alone, there was a nine-fold increase in demand for food foreign exchange students, “is amazing,” Flug said. delivery service. Through this program, VEAP serves In many ways, for Reilly, VEAP is a natural choice. A identified participants who have transportation and lifelong resident of Bloomington, Reilly is a successful mobility barriers. Typically, its service includes select Realtor who, with her husband Dan Burling, operates the senior homes and complexes including a shuttle site at Flamingo Group in the Edina office of Keller Williams South Haven, a Common Bond property in Edina. Realty. She can show you the multimillion-dollar homes and she can name the specific street boundaries of “Our ability to ramp up our capacity is directly connected Bloomington’s food desert. to a timely and incredible increase in volunteer driver support,” said Courtney Flug, VEAP’s Volunteer Director. “A food desert is an area where there is no place to “Our van drivers are thoughtful, compassionate and get fresh green produce,” Reilly explained. No stores committed to meeting the needs of our community sell it, and the only option may be Walmart, requiring members. They carefully pack each food order and pay transportation. Prior to the pandemic, VEAP’s mobile close attention to the needs of each individual household.” food pantry cargo van had been providing regularly
34 • ABOUT TOWN scheduled stops in those neighborhoods. When Van drivers like Reilly prepare individual orders, confirm quarantine restrictions for health and safety began, VEAP participants will be home, load the van and make the moved quickly to make several program changes to delivery. They also pick up grocery donations. On one maintain required social distancing, said Paul Jacobson, shift, Reilly picked up 300 pounds of food donated by VEAP’s Basic Needs Director. Mobile pantry services and Lakewinds Co-op and 100 pounds collected by residents senior shuttle rides were discontinued. Now, participants in her own Bloomington neighborhood. Such generosity, have options of drive-up service at the warehouse she said, is inspiring. food pantry or home delivery. These program changes are expected to continue at least into the fall months, “This community has risen to the challenge,” said Flug. “I Jacobson said. am grateful to each and every one of the volunteers who have stepped up during this health crisis and shown all of In April alone, VEAP’s monthly average of 50 grocery us what selflessness and service looks like in action.” deliveries to a small number of regular households expanded to 469 homes, Jacobson said. Volunteers use a VEAP is one of several organizations to receive human fleet of cargo and passenger vans donated by community services funding from the City of Edina. In addition partner Western National Insurance Group in Edina. to that funding, the Edina City Council in April Without the ongoing support of that valued partnership, unanimously voted to give VEAP $100,000 from its Jacobson said, “our capacity to transport this volume of Affordable Housing Trust Fund to help Edina residents in food deliveries to families in need in our communities need of emergency rent assistance during the pandemic. would not exist.” For more information on VEAP, visit veap.org or call Several volunteers fill key positions at the warehouse 952-888-9616. food pantry. They take appointments and orders, do inside “shopping,” load food onto vehicles, and serve as language translators. Participants used to “shop” inside for themselves. Now they make appointments, drive up and wait in their cars. They receive, according to their preferences and needs, a pre-packed supply of dry goods (canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, canned meat, soup, cereal, rice, dried beans, etc.) and a selection of dairy, eggs, deli, fresh produce and bakery items. The stock is purchased and generously donated by grocery stores and restaurants, often in larger amounts, due to the crisis.
LATE 2020 • 3 5 Donors Contribute More Than $195,000 To City In 2019
Thanks to the generous donations of many philanthropic individuals, clubs and causes, the City of Edina received more than $195,000 in donations in 2019 to use toward programs, public safety and park improvements.
The largest donations came from the Edina Crime Prevention Fund. Donations totaling more than $35,000 were used to purchase an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), more commonly known as drones, for the Edina Police Department. The equipment will primarily be used for special events, suspect tracking and search and rescue. Now, the Police Department will not have to rely on the Submitted Photo State Patrol’s helicopter, which is expensive and not as Construction of a Tranquility Garden is underway at Arneson timely. Acres Park.
The Police Department recently received the Federal “The Tranquility Garden is a unique garden space for Aviation Administration Certificate of Authorization, the community of Edina. It’s a place of beauty, evoking making it one of a handful of agencies in Minnesota feelings of quiet and sanctuary,” said Edina Garden allowed to operate a drone. A team of officers has Council member Liz Genovese of the space that will also obtained their UAS pilot certifications. be used for small celebrations when complete.
“After presenting the proposal to the Edina Crime The first phase of the project was spent grading the site, Prevention Fund, the Board was excited about the laying brick paths throughout and planting 14 trees. The program as there are many benefits to department second phase of the project is scheduled to take place operations and community engagement programs,” said this year and includes installing an irrigation system Police Chief Dave Nelson. “I am grateful to the Edina and 26-foot-long stone seat wall. Future phases include Crime Prevention Fund for the donation to jump-start this planting a great number of shrubs, perennials, bulbs and program for the department.” grasses in addition to adding a pergola and benches. The Edina Garden Council gifted $22,000 to the City for For more information on donating to the City of Edina, work started last summer on the Tranquility Garden at call 952-826-0359. Arneson Acres Park. – Compiled by Kaylin Eidsness
36 • ABOUT TOWN Contributions of $500 or more in donations to the City in 2019 were: Edina Crime Prevention Fund $528.40 for FBI Academy flight reimbursement Ann and Frank Delmont $700 for a tree at Arden Park Edina Garden Council $1,000 toward buckthorn removal at Bredesen Park Troy Mathwig $1,050 for a tree at Pamela Park Andrew Warczak $1,400 for trees at Strachauer and York parks Albrecht Sign Company $1,495 for hockey rink white boards Friends of the Edina Library $1,500 to Edina Senior Center for space used during library book sales N. C. Little Hospice $1,500 to the Edina Police Department N. C. Little Hospice $1,500 to the Edina Fire Department Andy Warczak $1,540 for trees at Wooddale Park Edina Crime Prevention Fund $1,732 toward the K-9 Retirement Program Edina Crime Prevention Fund $1,963 toward 50th & France foot patrol Hendry Family Foundation $2,000 for the Edina Police Department AAA Minneapolis $2,000 for Police Department’s Safe Driving Initiative Rodeo at Edina High School Edina Crime Prevention Fund $2,298 for uniforms for new motorcycle officers Edina Crime Prevention Fund $2,620 for service on the Police Department’s Mobile Pro camera trailer Jen Erickson and Jaclyn Brown $3,000 for Isaiah Murray memorial bench Lyche Family $3,200 for a bench at Pamela Park Chris Friedemann $3,200 for a memorial bench at Williams Park Edina Community Foundation $3,500 for Connect Card scholarship funds Edina Crime Prevention Fund $9,566.33 for 2018 Police K-9 expenses Jeff Huggett and Diane Lindquist $10,700 for new diving boards at the Edina Aquatic Center Edina Crime Prevention Fund $13,000 in proceeds from the 2018 Fall into the Arts Festival to Centennial Lakes Park Edina Crime Prevention Fund $13,000 in proceeds from the 2018 Fall into the Arts Festival to Edina Art Center Edina Crime Prevention Fund $14,299 for 2018 Police Department Bike Patrol Program Edina Garden Council $22,210 for the renovation of the Tranquility Garden at Arneson Acres Park Edina Community Foundation & Edina Crime Prevention Fund $31,950 for the K-9 Memorial Sculpture Edina Crime Prevention Fund $35,616 for two Police Department drones
LATE 2020 • 3 7 Edina Farmers Market Moves To Rosland Park
Other changes to this season’s market include sanitizer stations, limiting the number of patrons at one time, one- way traffic through the market, a defined entrance and exit, no entertainment or family activities, and no onsite food consumption or sampling.
Although the market has a different location and features many changes, it offers the same great products and most vendors as previous years.
“The Edina Farmers Market is one of the most well- known markets in the state,” said Centennial Lakes Park General Manager Tom Shirley. “While it is usually held along the walkways outside of Hughes Pavilion overlooking Centennial Lake – a truly scenic backdrop – File Photo we know this year will be a success thanks to our local A variety of fresh produce and locally produced items are farmers, growers and producers selling a wonderful available Thursday afternoons at the Edina Farmers Market. variety of homemade and locally grown products.”
This year’s vendors include Bee Happy Honey, Chang’s By Kaitlin Gault Garden, Great Harvest Bread, Groveland Confections, Natasha’s Pierogi, Peter’s Pumpkins & Carmen’s Corn, Crisp air and farm-picked fruits and vegetables, all in Picka Farms, The Kraut Guy, Untiedt’s Vegetable Farm, your own backyard. The Edina Farmers Market returns and more. for the 2020 season ready to freshen up Thursday afternoons for Edina residents. To support safety guidelines when interacting with vendors, patrons are also asked this year to wear masks The market, open from 3-7 p.m. Thursdays until Sept. and maintain six feet of social distancing and avoid 24, offers a variety of produce and locally produced touching products. Vendors are prepared to bag and hand items. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s purchases to patrons. market is located at Rosland Park, 4300 W. 66th St., in the parking lot closest to the Edina Aquatic Center. This A unique feature of the market that hasn’t changed is year’s location will allow for wider walkways and the the afternoon start time. By hosting it later in the day, it’s recommended social distancing between vendors and fresher. Most of the produce is picked in the morning for patrons. sale the same day. It doesn’t get any fresher than same- day farm to table.
38 • ABOUT TOWN File Photo Produce is about as fresh as it gets at the Edina Farmers Market.
Products vary weekly, but visitors can anticipate items like apples, beans, beef, breads, cheeses, confections, eggs, fruit, honey, jams, jerky, lamb, melons, pears, peppers, pork, potatoes, poultry, salsas, strawberries and sweet corn.
The market may look and feel a bit different this year, but the fresh produce and products and excited vendors remain the same. Credit card payment is encouraged to support the efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. Some vendors only accept cash. For more information, visit CentennialLakesPark.com or contact Shirley at tshirley@ EdinaMN.gov or 952-833-9582. Expires January 1, 2021
LATE 2020 • 3 9 Edina Community Foundation: Impacting People … In Their Words
By Dick Crockett, Edina Community Foundation Community Impact Program Executive Director Partnering with the Edina Community Foundation has allowed our organization to exist efficiently and After telling our own story in almost 50 About Town successfully. The Foundation handles our donations and articles over the years, we decided that the pandemic era financial areas, which frees us up to focus on providing was a good time to hear from our friends and neighbors. services. Since Craig and I do this on a volunteer basis, Here’s how they have described the impact of our work we would not be able to operate the orchestra without in recent years: Edina Community Foundation. I am grateful to [the staff] for their advice and encouragement over the years, and Edina 4th of July Parade together we are proud to provide the Edina community I’ve lived and worked in Edina for more than half of my with a high-quality orchestra. life, and the Parade is an annual highlight and a great – Hilary Santoni, Minnehaha Music Co-founder and Managing event for families. Director – Ed Bergeron, Edina senior THANK YOU! THANK YOU! We would like to extend an Maybe it’s a birthday party... enormous thank you to the Edina Community Foundation – Cate Crockett, at age 2, sitting on her grandpa’s shoulders for helping Bluebirds and Blooms launch in February 2018. As our charitable partner, ECF has shepherded us Fabulous parade … So much fun!!!! into the nonprofit world. We are excited to announce that – Skip Thomas, Parade Sponsor we are now our own 501(c)(3)! Many people have helped us get to this point and we would not be where we are Edina Reads without ECF, our stellar Board of Directors, dedicated It was a pleasure on my part – the most social interaction volunteers and the generosity of so many donors, I’ve had all week! Thanks for making me a part of it, and including our flower donors. We are excited to embark on I hope the future Edina Reads programs keep getting this next chapter and we are happy to have you all along better and better! for the ride! – Pete Hautman, virtual Edina Reads author – Moira Schnorbach, Bluebirds and Blooms Board member
Thank you so much for sending these lovely photos and I am an 8th grader at South View Middle School and I for your kind words about the event. It was an honor play basketball, volleyball, tennis, soccer, flag football, to be invited! Many thanks for including me in such a and track. The Her Next Play JV Board is made up of girls memorable evening. who are leaders in the community and passionate about – Emily Fridlund, Edina Reads author and Edina High School inspiring girls to stay in sports and develop as leaders. graduate Our first project was to apply for the Edina Community
40 • ABOUT TOWN Foundation Bold New Idea contest. … We won and put The Edina Community Foundation contributes greatly on the Edina Girls’ Sports Summit for 130 middle school to the life of our community by hosting high quality girls in September. … It was really fun, and 97 percent of programs such as the annual Connecting With Kids girls said they felt more confident, and 99 percent of girls Leadership Breakfast and the 4th of July Parade (and even said they were inspired to stay in sports after the event. providing us with a virtual alternative this year). It also We are grateful to the Edina Community Foundation for serves as a reliable and respected charitable partner for their support, as we couldn’t have done the Edina Girls’ 75 independent nonprofits, including the Edina COVID- Sports Summit without them. 19 Relief Fund that helps other community organizations – Claire Wegmann-Krider, Her Next Play Director meet the needs of individuals impacted by the coronavirus. We can all be proud of ECF for so effectively We are truly grateful for the grant of $1,000 from the meeting its mission of: Edina COVID-19 Relief Fund to provide art kits to seniors • Impacting People at Heritage of Edina. I was so happy that I literally cried. • By Bringing Them Together Thank you! • To Serve, Strengthen and Celebrate Our Community. – Gail Kiitie, Simply Jane/ArtAble Studio Director When you are thinking about how you can help people General Impact or organizations in Edina, please consider the Edina The Edina Community Foundation provides financial Community Foundation in your philanthropy. They will support to several local initiatives and causes near be a great partner for you in your giving. and dear to the hearts of Edina residents. This non- – James Hovland, Edina Mayor profit organization assists approximately 65 designated beneficiary funds representing groups like the Edina We Impact People by Bringing Them Together to Serve, Garden Council and Public Art Edina. Its own Strengthen and Celebrate Our Community. philanthropic programming includes Connecting With Kids, Edina Reads, the 4th of July Parade and Edina If you’d like to add your comments about ECF’s impact in the Edina community, or to request Dialogue. If you care about it, it’s likely that the Edina more information on ECF or to donate, visit Community Foundation supports it. The collaborative www.edinacommunityfoundation.org or send an nature of this organization, its broad support of local email to [email protected]. causes and the simplicity of charitable giving provided to donors is why we believe the Edina Community Foundation is a treasured local resource. – Angela Johnson, Edina Magazine Editor, naming ECF as Best Community Organization in 2016
LATE 2020 • 4 1 Growth Of Annie’s Army Is Legacy Of Edina Woman
By Debbie Townsend
Ann Dickey’s legacy can be measured by the people who loved her, the lives she touched as coach and mentor, and by the girls on golf courses.
Though she lost her life to melanoma in September 2017, her friends and family carry her spirit forward with an organization devoted to get girls golfing.
“She didn’t like cancer. She liked golf,” husband Dave Dickey said.
“She didn’t want cancer to be her legacy,” said best friend Angie Ballinger.
And it’s not, thanks to the efforts of family, friends and strangers who gather every summer to celebrate her and contribute to her dream of increasing access and opportunity for girls to learn the game and the joys of golf.
It began in 2017, when Ann was an assistant coach for the Edina High School girls golf team. Private fundraising helped pay for a no-cut policy so any girl who wanted to play could do so. The first year instead of just 15 girls Submitted Photo playing, there were 40. That team went on to win the state Ann Dickey holds one of the two Interlachen Country title. Club Women’s Club Championship trophies she won. The tournament trophy now bears her name. They were the first members of what has been affectionately dubbed “Annie’s Army.” increasing opportunities for them to experience golf – and An organization and a website, getgirlsgolfing.com, have fun doing so – at earlier ages. Braemar Golf Course were launched to continue that effort. Now those behind is now home to both the annual celebration for Get Girls Get Girls Golfing are shifting focus to younger girls, Golfing and the new opportunities designed for girls.
42 • ABOUT TOWN The Celebration It all started as a birthday block party in June 2017 as Ann’s health was declining. Ballinger, who lives across Get Girls Golfing the street from the Dickeys, and three other women To learn more about the effort to involve organized the biggest birthday bash they could muster girls interested in golf or to donate, visit with food and ice cream trucks, a fire truck, high-top getgirlsgolfing.com. Or send a check made out to tables down the street, furniture in front yards, live Annie’s Army in care of Get Girls Golfing, Edina bands, and lots and lots of birthday cakes. Community Foundation, 5280 Grandview Square, Mother Nature seemed to have other plans. A rather nasty Edina MN 55426. summer storm arrived that June 25 and with the party set for 4-6 p.m., Angie feared it would be a mess. Joining the Girls League
“Then at 3:50 p.m., the clouds suddenly went away and Check BraemarGolf.com for details about the the sun came out,” Ballinger said. league. So did the people. At best count about 300 showed up, far more than anyone expected.
“It was awesome,” Ballinger said.
So awesome that they’ve turned it into an annual party, If the weather threatens on party day, don’t worry. now held at Braemar Golf Course. The family and friends are still there, as are the live music, the food and laughter. “Every year, Ann plays a little trick on us. She makes it Last year, they added long drive and putting competitions feel like it’s gonna rain, but then it clears up,” Ballinger to the events. said with a laugh.
“The putting contest was phenomenal,” Braemar Golf The Army Course General Manager Joe Abood said, recalling the As a youngster, then-Ann Forrest got exposed to golf at excitement as golfers attempted to win a $10,000 prize. “It Braemar Golf Course and instantly fell in love with it. was just fun.” She joined the Edina High School varsity golf team as an eighth-grader, was a three-time all-conference player and The fundraiser party is usually in late June for Ann’s captained the 1988 EHS team to the state title. She later birthday, but has been be postponed this year due to twice won the Interlachen Country Club Women’s Club coronavirus. It’s open to everyone; check Championship, which now bears her name. getgirlsgolfing.com for the latest information. (continued on next page)
LATE 2020 • 4 3 She coached and mentored children in many sports, but golf stood apart.
“It is about more than putts and drives. It’s about building character in young women,” husband Dave said of Ann’s beliefs. “Golf is a sport where you police yourself. Honesty and virtue are values” and the game teaches life lessons far beyond a scorecard.
Ann saw that in an elementary-age girls golf league that friend Andrea Keller used to run every Sunday evening. It focused on etiquette and fun while learning the sport. Parents were allowed to come, but had to be quiet and offer only support, not instruction.
“Ann loved that,” Dave said. “She thought it was super cool.”
Some of the young girls who were part of that league grew up to hoist the state trophy for Edina High School.
“What you’re going to see next at Braemar is a
resurrection of that league,” Dave said. Submitted Photo
Money from the annual party and from donations is Dave Dickey, left, and his brother Doug Dickey proudly wear now sponsoring a girls league at Braemar Golf Course. their Annie’s Army shirts at the annual fundraiser party for getgirlsgolfing.com. Get Girls Golfing is providing scholarships, equipment, instruction and access. Maybe most importantly, Dave notes, is the focus on fun, with events and experiences And maybe adding generations to Annie’s Army. planned to make it more than golf lessons. “Ann would be blown away,” Dave said of Annie’s Army Abood sees great promise in the foundation’s work. and the effort around it. “She was so humble that she would not have guessed so many people would have been “They are bolstering the game and creating golfers for the interested in something that she was into. She would be future,” Abood said. very, very impressed and humbled.”
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LATE 2020 • 4 5 Two Edina Nonprofits Celebrate Their 50th Anniversaries
By Kaylin Eidsness
Two mainstays in the community celebrate their golden anniversaries this year. Both organizations, the Edina Crime Prevention Fund and the First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, have left a mark on Edina over the last 50 years.
Edina Police Chief Dave Nelson has signed a thank you note for every donation the Edina Crime Prevention Fund has received since he become Chief in 2014. He said there have been a lot of them over the years.
“It’s very humbling for me,” said Nelson. “A couple times a year, I update the officers and tell them how File Photo many donations were received, and for them to hear that Denny Maetzold and his wife, Linda, staff the Edina Crime number is important. They’re like, ‘wow, our community Prevention Fund’s booth at last year’s Open Streets on 50th really does support us. Our residents are here for us.’” event.
During a daytime burglary in 1969, an Edina resident was severely beaten in his own home and later died from “There were FBI and Secret Service agents on it, and complications from the attack. The Police Department our main job was rewards,” he recalled. “Our first big had no leads and the investigation stalled. Friends and initiative outside of funding rewards was purchasing K-9 neighbors of the man, and Edina civic organizations such Kodiak. We realized that the group could have an even as the Rotary Club of Edina, recognized reward money greater impact on the safety of the community.” could have helped to acquire information about and solve Today, the Edina Crime Prevention Fund supports many the crime. They began to raise the monies that became the Police programs, including K-9s Blitz and Gryf, who were Edina Crime Prevention Fund in 1970. both purchased through the Fund. A memorial at Edina Dennis Maetzold, who served on the Edina City Council City Hall was also recently built to commemorate past as Council Member and Mayor from 1995 through 2004, K-9s and their service to the City of Edina. In addition, has been on the Board of Directors for the Edina Crime the Fund supports Citizens’ Academy, drones for search Prevention Fund since 1990 when it was still a somewhat and rescues, Junior Police, the mobile camera system, secret committee. foot patrol at 50th & France, motorcycle patrol, Night to Unite, Officer of the Year Award, Police Explorer Post, prescription drug disposal program and more.
46 • ABOUT TOWN “Without the Crime Prevention Fund, we wouldn’t have nearly as many community programs or some of the ones that we have wouldn’t be as robust,” said Nelson. “The Fund is also able to help purchase special equipment that would have taken years to acquire.”
President of the Edina Crime Prevention Fund Pacy Erck has always supported the Edina Police Department and talks highly of her experience participating in the Department’s Citizens’ Academy.
“I admire them tremendously. We have a fabulous police department,” said Erck. “I absolutely love Edina and will support it any way that I possibly can.”
As Edina residents were raising money in 1970 for File Photo the Edina Crime Prevention Fund, Scott Crosbie was Conductor Scott Crosbie started the First John Philip Sousa graduating from Edina High School thinking about how Memorial Band in 1970 and still leads it today. he and his bandmates could keep “the band” alive.
Crosbie, conductor of the First John Philip Sousa Rosland was on board right away. In 1973, the City of Memorial Band, said he and his friends purchased 50 Edina become the official sponsor of the First John Philip used band uniforms for $3 a piece from Buffalo High Sousa Memorial Band. The group played concerts in School, bought some music and marches and for $180, the parks in the summer, which it still does. The band they had a band. He found a flatbed truck and thought typically plays the last Sunday of the month at Centennial if he could get $1,000 from the Edina Lions Club, that Lakes Park in the summer and Edinborough Park the rest would be enough money to fix it up. of the year.
“We had a meeting to talk about it,” recalled Crosbie. “A “Everyone knew our mailbox was at Parks & Recreation. couple weeks later, they called me and said, ‘you still got We practiced in the Council Chambers of City Hall. And that band? We took out a loan and bought a showmobile.’ Public Works would help us out if we needed something So, I went to the City and talked to Ken Rosland (Parks & built,” said Crosbie. “It was an evolutionary process, but Recreation Director at the time) and asked if I could park we’ve always had the love of the City behind us and it it in their garage.” was just a great feeling. It still is.” (continued on next page)
LATE 2020 • 4 7 Crosbie, who plays a variety of instruments, including dedicated fans, not only in Edina but throughout the percussion, flute, piccolo, tuba and banjo, speaks highly of metropolitan area.” his bandmates, including current Council Member Mary Brindle and her husband, Ralph. Audience members will often show up hours before a Sousa Band performance to ensure a good seat, he said. “Mary handles a lot of stuff,” said Crosbie. “They are my righthand people.” “In the early ‘80s, the Sousa Band started drawing audiences. That was when you couldn’t see the last row Mary, who plays the French horn, joined the band in 1977, there were so many people. There’s a pride in knowing along with Ralph. She recalls when Centennial Lakes Park that after 50 years, the band is as popular and as skilled was built, how great it was when the City provided them and as relevant to the community – probably more so than with a large space to practice and store their instruments. it ever was,” said Brindle.
“People love playing in this band. We don’t have a lot of “The audience is our pay,” added Crosbie. “We have turnover,” she said of the 40- to 45-person group that still some phenomenal players, and a great audience. It’s all practices in that same Centennial Lakes Park space. “The worked out.” members know each other so well, because we’ve been playing together for decades. It’s so much fun.” For more information on the Edina Crime Prevention Fund, visit edinacrimefund.org. For more information The annual Torchlight Concert at Centennial Lakes Park in on the First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, visit August is Crosbie’s favorite event of the year. The 25-cent sousaband.net. ice cream cones, Model “T” Fords, Edina Model Boat Club display and fireworks that cap the night make the event special.
More than 3,500 people attend the concert, and both Brindle and Crosbie recount the evening’s magic.
“Nobody has an agenda,” said Crosbie. “It’s just everyone together, with the band and the lake and the torches that are twinkling – a big American family. If there’s a heaven, that’s what it ought to be.”
Tom Shirley, who’s been managing Centennial Lakes Park for 30 years, noted, “The Sousa Band has incredibly
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LATE 2020 • 4 9 New Assistant Parks & Recreation Director Leading With Authenticity
By Kaitlin Gault
A career in municipal parks and recreation was Tracy Petersen’s calling before she even knew how to make a jump shot.
Born with a competitive spirit, as a child she would pass time playing every sport or neighborhood game. From racing popsicle sticks in the rain to watching her father umpire baseball to playing basketball in high school, she was always determined to be part of the action.
She dreamed of becoming a professional bowler, going as far as getting a bowling ball engraved with her name. That career didn’t pan out, and it wasn’t until her Photo by Michael Braun first job working as a summer playground leader at a Tracy Petersen began work as the City of Edina’s Parks & neighborhood park in her hometown of New Brighton, Recreation Assistant Director of Recreation & Facilities in Minnesota, when her desire to be in the center of the February. action found its way toward a career in public service. Chanhassen, Inver Grove Heights, Shoreview and now, “I worked there for seven summers and loved providing Edina. a safe and fun place where children could come to play, learn and have fun!” she said of the job. “At the end of She began work as the City of Edina’s Assistant Director my first summer, a participant painted me a rock to look of Recreation & Facilities in the Parks & Recreation like a globe of the world and said, ‘You made my world Department in February. She hopes to make a positive this summer!’ After that experience, I knew that this was impact and build relationships with her staff and Edina what I wanted to do.” residents in her new role.
She still has that rock. “I have a wide spectrum of experience with recreation programming, facilities, parks maintenance, marketing Petersen went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business and community engagement,” she said. “I am most Management from Bethel University in St. Paul and excited about working with the staff and getting to know garnered more than 27 years of professional municipal and engaging with the community. I’m also looking recreation experience with the cities of Arden Hills, forward to continuing to provide value and quality to the
50 • ABOUT TOWN programs and facilities we offer that make Edina a great experiences allowed her to work with facilities such as place to live, work and play!” community centers, ice arenas, athletic complexes and aquatic centers – all beneficial to her role with the City. City of Edina Recreation Supervisor Nicole Gorman knew of Petersen’s positive reputation in the parks and “Tracy stood out in a very competitive pool of applicants recreation field. for the position,” said Edina Parks & Recreation Director Perry Vetter. “Her successful career of working with “I am fortunate to have known Tracy from the field of various program and enterprise operations brings not parks and recreation prior to her starting with the City only experience and fresh ideas, but also a commitment of Edina,” Gorman said. “She is an approachable leader to collaboration, leadership and mentoring. These who exemplifies the City’s core values of integrity, quality attributes, along with facility, program, budget and and service. Tracy is extremely knowledgeable and will project management experience, showed it was obvious become a tremendous asset to our department.” from the start why she was the best candidate for this large operation. It’s exciting to have added her to our In Petersen’s role, she oversees the operations of all professional staff and start to see her work in Edina.” recreational programming and the eight recreation facilities in Edina: the Edina Art Center, Edina Aquatic He also noted the recognition she’s received for her Center, Edina Senior Center, Edinborough Park, contributions to the parks and recreation field. She was Centennial Lakes Park, Braemar Arena, Braemar Field selected by her peers as a Dorothea Nelson Award Winner and Braemar Golf Course & Golf Dome. by the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association, which shows her successful track record over her career. An integral part of her role is also helping to lead the department. “Tracy has served the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) in several facets throughout her “A good leader is someone who can maximize people’s career,” said MRPA Executive Director Michelle Snider. strengths and bring value to others,” she said when asked “She is a servant leader whose dedication to enhancing what strong leadership looks like. “They also have a the profession in Minnesota is evident by her service strong vision, are passionate about what they do and have on the Association’s Board of Directors and numerous integrity, trust and empathy.” committees. She often volunteers her time for initiatives and projects for the betterment of parks and recreation Having the opportunity to work for numerous cities in the state. MRPA is grateful for Tracy’s longtime helped her prepare for her role at Edina. She gained commitment to the profession and her fellow colleagues.” a broad and comprehensive understanding of cities, government and the parks and recreation field. Her past (continued on next page)
LATE 2020 • 5 1 Living and working in Minnesota her entire life, Petersen Often, she envisions what residents experience when they was aware of Edina’s impressive parks and recreation participate in Edina’s recreation programs and facilities. system, and community amenities. “I hope they first and foremost have fun, but more “Edina is well-regarded in the metro area and the state importantly, that they enjoy their visit, feel safe and want for its outstanding parks and recreation system, including to return.” its parks, trails, facilities and programs,” she said. “It’s obvious the community values these amenities as She’ll keep working toward that vision, just like that girl essential to their quality of life.” who led a summer playground program years ago.
She is passionate about people, parks and bringing those For more information about the position or to connect two things together. Her favorite quote, by Theodore with Petersen, contact [email protected] or call Roosevelt is, “People don’t care how much you know 952-826-0431. until they know how much you care.”
She truly cares.
“I love parks and recreation because it is an opportunity to be an integral and valuable part of a community,” she said. “As a profession, we can provide programs, events, facilities and services that improve people’s lives physically, socially and mentally. This is my passion and I see it as my life-long career.”
When asked where she sees the parks and recreation industry in 10 or 20 years, she mentioned the need of the City to be responsive and nimble to changing recreation trends and demographics. As cities continue to age, active aging will need more of a focus. At the same time, technology advances will most likely affect the City’s programming, and service models will also need to adapt.
52 • ABOUT TOWN Ellyn Wolfenson 612-644-3033 mobile 612-915-8894 office [email protected] www.ellynwolfenson.com International President’s PremierElite Voted BestBest Real Real Estate Estate Agent Agent and and Super Agent 2012-20202012-Super 2018 Agent, 2012-2016 Minneapolis/St. Paul Paul Magazine Magazine “It’s all about relationships!”
The RECtivity Box is recreation delivered to your door.
Choose from themed boxes to create something fun at home. Please call the Parks & Recreation Department at 952-826-0367 with questions. Connect Card funds can be used toward the purchase of a RECtivity Box.
Pick out your RECtivity Box and order online at bit.ly/RegisterEdina.
LATE 2020 • 5 3 The Last Word
Providing city services during The primary fiscal challenge for 2020 is not the extra a public health emergency is or unanticipated expenses caused by our response to complicated. For one thing, the pandemic. The challenge is on the revenue side of it adds a new level of danger our budget. Our Finance Department projects that our to our employees’ lives. One General Fund revenues will be short of our approved of the less dangerous, but still 2020 budget by $1.4 million. About 60 percent of that important, challenges at work $1.4 million shortfall results from a sudden drop in our these days is facing the fiscal user fees and other charges for services, most of which is challenges of the pandemic. I in our Parks & Recreation facilities and services. About think it is important to address 20 percent of the shortfall comes from a reduction in this fiscal challenge head on. court fines, which is caused by a substantial decrease in And, like any challenge, the traffic citations as Police Officers have been redirected to more time and options you pandemic-related duties and staffing levels. give yourself in the early stages, the more likely you will be successful in achieving your goal in the end. It is that The wildcard in our 2020 General Fund revenue picture spirit that drives me to take actions now that will benefit won’t show itself fully until very late in the budget year. us in the future. That wildcard is whether property taxpayers are going to pay their 2020 property taxes fully and on time. The There are actually two fiscal challenges created by the Hennepin County Commission extended the deadline pandemic for city governments. One is in the immediate to pay the first half of 2020 property taxes to July 15. term (2020) and the other is in the short term (2021- This complicates our ability to project our full-year 2022). At the City Council’s April 21 meeting, members property tax collection rate for 2020. The collection rate approved the creation and funding of the Budget for property taxes is an important fiscal metric for the Stabilization Fund (BSF). The BSF was created to address City because property taxes are by far the largest revenue the fiscal challenge we will face in 2021 stretching into source for our General Fund. In a normal year, the City 2022. The BSF will create the opportunity to maintain collects 100 percent of the property taxes it levies. But current service levels in our 2021 budget, providing there 2020 is not a normal year and we do not know what that isn’t a total national economic collapse. The BSF allows means for our property tax collection rate. If, for example, us to “buy down” the City’s 2021 General Fund property our property tax collection rate is 99 percent instead of tax levy, which allows the City the option of maintaining 100 percent, that 1 percent decrease in the property tax current service levels without increasing tax levels. collection rate is an unanticipated loss to our 2020 General Fund of $332,000. The other budget challenge is the immediate term – 2020.
54 • ABOUT TOWN The assumption we make about our property tax see the economy stabilize, I think we will come out of collection rate is important because we won’t know this period of economic stress as fiscally strong as we the real data about property tax collections until mid- are today. December, and by that time it is too late to make reasonable and rational revisions to our 2020 budget. After considerable analysis, we have projected a 2020 property tax collection rate of 98.1 percent. This assumption means that staff believe we must move forward with a 2020 Scott H. Neal budget revision that will reduce $2 million in General Fund spending, with a hedge that we may only collect City Manager 98.1 percent of our 2020 General Fund property taxes.
In response to our budget forecast, the Council approved a revision to our 2020 General Fund budget that will reduce our 2020 service and spending levels by $2 million, a reduction of 4.4 percent. A spending reduction of 4.4 percent midway through a budget year is significant. I think residents will notice some of the service level reductions. For example, our parks will be maintained, but they won’t get mowed as often. Weeds in our road medians will get pulled, but not as often. Police and Firefighters will serve the community’s public safety needs, but won’t attend as many community events as they may have in the past. Potholes will get filled, but not as many and not as fast. Streets will get swept, but not as often and not by special request.
Making service and spending reductions in the spring means that reductions can be modest through the balance of the year, and also decreases the necessity of more dramatic service reductions this year and in 2021. If we can be cautious for the next 18-24 months, and if we
LATE 2020 • 5 5 City Of Edina Facilities
Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St. 952-927-8861 Edina Aquatic Center, 4300 W. 66th St. 952-833-9560 Elected Officials Edina Art Center, 4701 W. 64th St. 952-903-5780 City Council Braemar Arena, 7501 Ikola Way 952-833-9506 Jim Hovland Mayor 612-874-8550 Mary Brindle Council Member 952-941-7746 Braemar Field, 7509 Ikola Way 952-833-9512 Kevin Staunton Council Member 952-836-1020 Braemar Golf Course, 6364 John Harris Drive 952-903-5750 Ron Anderson Council Member 952-833-9549 Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave. S. 952-833-9580 Mike Fischer Council Member 952-833-9569
Edina Liquor – 50th & France, 3943 50th St. 952-903-5720 Edina School Board Edina Liquor – Grandview, 5013 Vernon Ave. 952-903-5740 Erica Allenburg [email protected] Edina Liquor – Southdale, 6755 York Ave. S. 952-903-5730 Matthew Fox [email protected] Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Square 952-833-9570 Julie Greene [email protected] Ellen Jones [email protected] Edinborough Park, 7700 York Ave. S. 952-833-9540 Owen Michaelson [email protected] Fire Station No. 1, 6250 Tracy Ave. 952-826-0330 Janie Shaw [email protected] Fire Station No. 2, 7335 York Ave. 952-826-0357 Leny Wallen-Friedman leny.wallen-friedman@ Public Works & Park Maintenance Facility, edinaschools.org 7450 Metro Blvd. 952-826-0376 Other South Metro Public Safety Training Facility, Jan Callison County Commissioner 612-348-7886 7525 Braemar Blvd. 952-903-5700 Melissa Franzen Senator 651-296-6238 City-Recognized Neighborhoods Heather Edelson Representative – 49A 651-785-8696 Steve Elkins Representative – 49B 612-578-2103 Arden Park Melissa Downey, [email protected] Chowen Park Bill Neuendorf, [email protected] Call 952-927-8861 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for general information. If you have a situation after hours or Concord Ellen Westin, [email protected] on weekends, but do not require immediate response from a Creek Knoll Tim O’Neill, [email protected] paramedic, firefighter, police officer or Public Works crew, call Lake Cornelia Nora Davis, [email protected] the Police Department’s non-emergency number, 952-826-1610. Morningside Madelyn Nasser, [email protected] Pamela Park Laura Bergman, [email protected] South Cornelia Mary Hackel, [email protected] Strachauer Park Chris Bremer, [email protected] White Oaks Dayna Deutsch, [email protected]
56 • ABOUT TOWN #ORGANIZETHENORTH tcclosets.com 612.623.0987 2634 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis
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