Southside Heating & Air Conditioning adds Lennox to product line Southside Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. in Bloomington is calling itself a “one stop shop” with the addition of the Lennox line of products for air quality and comfort. “We are able to offer top notch service and installations for Carrier, Ruud and now Lennox,” said Don Siefert, CEO. “Being able to offer all the major brands is a plus for the communities we serve, giving peace of mind in knowing that Southside is on the job trained to better able to meet your needs.” Lennox approached Southside asking to represent them in the area. Siefert said his staff looked at the lineup Lennox has to offer and the changes they have made and decided to accept the invitation.
The history of the secondgeneration family-owned business dates back to 1978 when Bob and Betty Siefert first opened its doors. The business has been passed down to their son Don and his wife Jessica who are committed to offering first-rate service and installations of high efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment. Products offered include thermostats, humidifiers, ventilation, air purifiers and zone control systems for a complete home comfort package. The goal is to ensure total air quality combined with energy savings. They do this by keeping up with the latest technology and changes in the industry. The easiest way to get higher performance from your exist-
Proudly Serving Your Local Community For Over 45 Years!
ing heating and cooling system, while lowering your overall energy costs, is install a smart Programmable Thermostat. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a programmable thermostat can save up to 30 percent on energy costs annually. Southside agree’s with industry experts that state keeping your home’s humidity between 30-60 percent can help reduce the effects of many unwanted conditions. Excess humidity or too little humidity can not only lead to an unhealthy home, but also cause permanent damage to your home and belongings. Training and certification enables employees to be equipped to service the needs of customers with maintenance,
the latest diagnostic techniques, repairs and free estimates. The showroom is located at 10800 Normandale Blvd, including an extensive product line on display. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is 24 hour emergency service, all credit cards are accepted and financing is available. Southside provides authorized warranty service for all major heating and air conditioning equipment. Plus, it provides post-warranty service for all makes and models. Siefert says many of the new customers come from having satisfied and loyal customers who recommend Southside to their friends. Information: 952-884-2453 or www.southsideheating.com.
“Save up to $3,400 on qualifying qualifying high-efficiency systems and select energy rebates & incentives”
10800 Normandale Blvd S Bloomington MN 55437 • www.southsideheating.com
RBCU Invests to Strengthen Community Many of the more than 16,000 RBCU members often tell us how proud they are to bank at RBCU. Still, many people aren’t sure what a credit union is. Simply put, a credit union is like a bank—only better. RBCU offers many of the services you expect to find at a bank, including credit cards,
personal and small business loans and online banking. But unlike a bank, at RBCU you’re more than an account number. As a member owned financial institution, we are committed to excellent customer service and work to improve the lives of our members. We also save you money by offering lower
fees and loan rates. But most importantly, we are dedicated to the communities we serve. We live, work, worship and study in the same communities as our members, which is why RBCU truly is Your Neighborly Credit Union™. Here are a few reasons you’d be proud to bank at RBCU:
Stop by any of our branches or find RBCU on Facebook to learn more about what RBCU is doing in our community. 77th Branch
Old Shakopee Branch
345 E. 77th St. Richfield, MN 55423
4025 W. Old Shakopee Rd. Bloomington, MN 55437
NEW Lyndale Branch 9550 Lyndale Avenue Bloomington, MN 55420
Investing in Education
Investing in Our Community
Investing in Our Members
RBCU is deeply involved in our local school districts, sports programs and the arts. Over the years, we’ve donated thousands of dollars and countless volunteer hours to the Bloomington, Richfield and Edina school systems. From scholarships, school supplies and scoreboards to educating students about financial planning, RBCU invests in our community’s youth.
But our commitment to education doesn’t stop at school. RBCU’s donations help support various organizations in our community, such as Bloomington Heritage Days, Wood Lake Nature Center, and local Historical Societies.
RBCU is different than a typical bank. We put our members first by helping them invest in their own futures. As a not-for-profit business, RBCU’s profits go back to our members in the form of lower rates on loans and higher dividends on saving accounts.
RBCU also sees the value in sustained growth and development in our communities. Our new building, located on 95th & Lyndale Avenue in Bloomington, anchors the growing Oxboro neighborhood. Our newest branch—and future phases—is one of the key components in the revitalization efforts transforming east Bloomington, and we are proud to be a part of this change.
1
So if you’re not happy with your current bank, stop by any of our locations to see why you’d be proud to bank at RBCU.
rbcu.org 612.798.7100
BLOOMINGTON GUIDE
A Guide to the city Bloomington is many things to many people. For more than 85,000 people, it is home. For those who don’t call Bloomington home, it has plenty to offer. The companies within the city employ more than 100,000 people in a wide array of industries, including retail and entertainment, hotel and restaurant, health maintenance and computer manufacturing. Bloomington draws many others each year to its schools, which include a multi-faceted public school district, private schools and several post-secondary options. Those who visit the city aren’t always here for work or education. Bloomington provides numerous entertainment options, including regional and national parks, a major indoor amusement park and live entertainment featuring local and national entertainers. Tracing its history back to 1843, the town of Bloomington was organized in 1858, slowly paving its way to becoming the largest suburb in the Twin Cities. Early settlers Gideon Pond and Peter and Louisa Quinn never could have imagined that Bloomington would boast 97 parks, nearly as many ball fields, and more than 50 playgrounds. Churches and schools are the building blocks of many neighborhoods within the city. Retail centers abound, with major retail attractions dotting the landscape along the interstates that bisect the city. The Bloomington Guide examines many facets of living in the city, including its history, its amenities, its attractions and its services.
®
10917 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 www.minnlocal.com 952-392-6800 Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Hanks Writers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Hanks, Nick Clark, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah Peterson, Paul Wahl Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Dillmann, Paul Wahl Layout & Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel Callahan Cover Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elli Martin Sales . . . . . . . . . Mike Gill, Michelle Ahrens, Nicole Jorgenson, Beau Siegel, Jeanne Cannon Advertising Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeremy Bradfield Executive Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peggy Bakken Director of News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keith Anderson Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Coolman Special thanks to Bloomington Mayor Gene Winstead for providing the Welcome to Bloomington message. Our appreciation also goes to the many community organizations and local businesses that supported this publication. Thanks also to the City of Bloomington and Three Rivers Park District for photo submissions.
A WOMEN’S RESALE STORE LIKE YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE!
Is what you get when you sell us your high-quality, brand-name, in-style clothing, shoes, accessories & designer purses.
5 OFF
$
SHOP OUR AMAZING SUMMER FASHIONS AND Some of our most popular brands are:
A 25 PURCHASE $
ann taylor • avenue • banana republic • chicos • coach • coldwater creek donney & bourke • eddie bauer • express • gap • j.crew • j.jill • jones of new york lane bryant • limited • loft • louis vuitton • michael kors • old navy • talbots tommy hilfiger • venezia • white house black market
*Bring this coupon in. Not valid with any other offers or promotions. Valid at the Eden Prairie location only. B
8425 Joiner Way • Eden Prairie, MN 55344 • Located off Prairie Center Dr next to APPLEBEE’S 952-944-3111 or cmedenprairie@comcast.net 2
BLOOMINGTON WELCOME
A community we’re proud to call home B
loomington is among the best of Minnesota’s cities. We are proud of our safe and welcoming neighborhoods, our incredible 9,000 acres of parks and open space, our residents who work together to promote the vitality of community life and our businesses that are essential to a thriving city. To ensure that Bloomington remains the best, we are focused on and committed to the continual building and renewal of this community through redevelopment of our commercial areas and residential neighborhoods, and through major improvements to our vital transportation nodes. As the metropolitan area’s third largest city, Bloomington is conveniently located near key transportation links, including I35W and I-494, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Light rail transit, which has four stations in Bloomington, is an economic driver for our community and provides an easy way for people across the metro area to access our attractions. The city’s essential and quality-of-life services help support the long-term mission of Bloomington to be a safer and more sustainable community. One of our goals is to protect and reinvest in the community’s key investments – our homes and businesses – by continuing to provide and improve city services that make Bloomington safe and bring the community together. The services that residents and businesses receive from the city are among the most competitively
Mayor Gene Winstead priced in the Twin Cities area. Our city ranks with an elite few cities nationwide that hold three triple-A bond ratings. The city of Bloomington maintains an Aaa from Moody’s, AAA from Standard & Poor’s and AAA from Fitch Ratings, the highest bond ratings awarded by these agencies. The city’s excellent bond ratings signal current and potential investors that our financial future is strong and ensure interest costs will remain low. It also sends a message to businesses and individuals that Bloomington is a financially healthy community. Education plays a key role in community building and renewal and Bloomington’s schools are among the best. Bloomington Public Schools have a long-standing tradition of providing a quality education with 3
nine schools earning National Blue Ribbon of Excellence honors. Whether adult learning, undergraduate, graduate or remote education, Bloomington has many educational opportunities. Our schools are focused on ensuring that students can compete in the global marketplace with state-of-the-art technology and curriculum designed for 21st century learning. Bloomington is an active community. As part of our Alternative Transportation Program, we are expanding our walking and biking trail system in order to connect businesses and residential areas to our open spaces and make commuting more enjoyable. As Bloomington develops and changes, our trails will become even more valuable to residents, ultimately making the city a healthier, more desirable place to live, work and visit. Our vision for Bloomington’s future draws inspiration from the city’s 150-year history, its can-do spirit, the talents and experience of residents and businesses and a shared belief that anything worth doing is worth doing well. We will remain dedicated to the building and renewal of Bloomington, not just for the short term, and in a manner that will sustain this great community long into the future and continue to be a quality city where residents and businesses are proud to call home. Gene Winstead Mayor of Bloomington
BLOOMINGTON CITY
Civic Plaza centerpiece of government B
loomington provides a variety of public services for its residents, and the centerpiece of governmental operations is Bloomington Civic Plaza. The city’s government center also serves as the headquarters for the Bloomington Police Department and home of Bloomington Center for the Arts. Opening in 2003, Civic Plaza was built at a total cost of $38 million. The project was funded through several mechanisms, including 12 years of savings in a capital improvement fund. Civic Plaza, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road, may be the epicenter of city government, but Bloomington’s governmental needs are met by several buildings throughout the city, including its public works complex across the street from Civic Plaza, several smaller public works facilities, six fire
stations, a water treatment plant, a Public Health Center and Motor Vehicle Office. Finding the right city official or office to meet your needs could be challenging, as many city services originate from Bloomington Civic Plaza. The city, however, makes it easy to answer many of those questions, from how to obtain business licenses to snow emergency information. CityWEB, Bloomington’s Internet home, can answer many questions, and maintains many pages of information about city services. Information about parks and recreation services, the community center, public safety services and city council information is all contained within CityWEB. Information may be accessed by topics, as well as through an A-Z topic search. Internet links and information about many topics outside of the city’s purview is also
included at CityWEB. The website also provides information in several languages. CityWEB may provide information 24 hours a day, but it cannot answer every question that arises. Civic Plaza has an information desk staff that can answer questions in person or by telephone. With so much going on in Bloomington, there’s plenty to keep track of. To inform residents the city publishes “Briefing,” a bimonthly newsletter. “Briefing” is mailed to all single-family households and businesses, and is available at Civic Plaza. The newsletter may also be read through CityWEB. The city produces news programs – Bloomington Today and Roll Call – through CityWEB. Bloomington Today is a weekly news show pertaining to city topics. Roll Call is a weekly news show pertaining to policing issues.
The Bloomington Civic Plaza houses more than just city government. Police, arts and other agencies call the building home. Officials can be reached at 952-563-8700 or online at ci.bloomington.mn.us 4
BLOOMINGTON FESTIVALS
Celebrations for putting fun in your life F
amily fun, community pride and Bloomington history provide the setting for many celebrations throughout the year. City-sponsored events are among many school, civic and church celebrations and festivals planned throughout the year. Most weekends feature some sort of event in the city. One of the city’s biggest celebrations is its annual Summer Fete, a one-day celebration to honor Independence Day. This year Summer Fete is Sunday, July 3. Normandale Lake Bandshell at the corner of Normandale Boulevard and 84th Street provides the setting for an afternoon carnival, children’s entertainment, music on the main stage and fireworks at dusk. September brings Heritage Days. The one-day civic celebration returns for its second year Sept. 17. Fun for the whole family has never been a more appropriate description for an event. Live music, children’s games and activities, bingo
and a car show are among the many activities held near the intersection of Lyndale Avenue South and West 95th Street. River Rendezvous is a living history festival set at Pond-Dakota Mission Park, 401 E. 104th St. Its goal is to demonstrate the lifestyles of people living in Minnesota between 1800 and 1870 through storytelling and interactive, hands-on demonstrations. River Rendezvous provides five days of educational opportunities for children prior to its public day on Saturday, Sept. 24. Winter brings the annual Winter Fete, a weekend celebration of Minnesota’s coldest months. Youth winter sports programs have special games planned to coincide with the festival. There is also a Saturday afternoon of park activities and a Sunday afternoon of winter history demonstrations at Pond-Dakota Mission Park. The annual celebration occurs around the end of January.
There are many annual events that draw a crowd year after year, such as the Taste of Chocolate, a dessert competition held in March, benefiting the Bloomington Fine Arts Council. It’s not just a competition, it’s an exhibition. Sampling is encouraged. Spring brings an annual egg hunt at Normandale Lake Bandshell. A family fun walk precedes the egg hunt, which is organized by the Bloomington Optimists Club and the city. Summer is a busy time in Bloomington parks. The city has several Monday morning programs for children, and the Normandale Lake Bandshell is host to musical entertainment many Tuesday and Thursday nights, as well as the annual Bloomington Jazz Festival, which is Sunday afternoon Aug. 7. Information about city festivals and events is available through the city’s website, ci.bloomington.mn.us, or by calling Bloomington Parks and Recreation at 952-563-8877.
Many spring and summer festivals call Bloomington home. More information can be found by calling 952-563-8877 or online at ci.bloomington.mn.us. 5
IM INSURED MAINTENANCE www.greenjeansdistribution.com
28 Quality Years in Bloomington LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED GUARANTEED
NEW GARAGE FLOOR POLISH & SEAL DECORATIVE CONCRETE & SIDEWALKS PATIOS GARAGE FLOORS BEAUTIFUL SEALED FLOORING IN ANY COLOR
Maggie May Interiors 651-681-9283 maggiemayinteriors@gmail.com
Decorating Consultation Bold, Dynamic or Classic Elegance In 1-2 hours I will help you define your style, solve your decorating dilemma and save you time and money
Paint Color Consultation Transition beautiful color from room to room
Affordable
Custom Window Treatments Valances, Panels, Roman Shades Degreed Interior Designer - 20 years experience
Give us a call for your FREE estimate
(612)868-4717
LOVE YOUR KITCHEN! We’ve Helped 100’s of People Love Theirs. UPDATE IN ONLY 1-5 DAYS AND START LOVING YOUR KITCHEN! 1 Day Wood Reconditioning - Our exclusive process restores & repairs the original finish on wood cabinets and costs about 90% less than a new kitchen! Tuning-Up your cabinets and updating the handles is an affordable way to get a fresh new look. 1-2 Day Cabinet Redooring - Change the doors and drawers. Keep the same color or paint your cabinet boxes. Updating the door style adds a modern look for 50-60% less than a new kitchen. 3-5 Day Cabinet Refacing - Add new doors, drawers and a new skin to your cabinet boxes. The transformation is incredible and you get to choose from the largest selection of styles and finishes available anywhere, costing 40-60% less than a new kitchen.
Joe Widmer Local Owner
New Cabinets • Hardware Organizers • Accessories & More
kitchentuneup.com jwidmer@kitchentuneup.com
612.259.8786 Free in-home consultations!
Each Kitchen Tune-Up franchise independently owned & operated.
6
BLOOMINGTON HYLAND LAKE RESERVE
Scenic retreat in the heart of the city W
ant to enjoy a scenic retreat in the heart of Bloomington? Look no further then Hyland Lake Park Reserve. The park reserve offers breathtaking prairie landscapes and a major body of water as well as a large play area, the Richardson Nature Center and the Hyland Ski & Snowboard Area. With so much to do, the park has endless opportunities for outdoor fun. The Richardson Nature Center is the largest of Three Rivers Park District’s nature centers. Inside, one can enjoy colorful clay mosaics by artist Chris Tully that cover the exhibit area walls, view interpretive displays, visit live animals and raptors or observe birds in the backyard wildlife viewing area. The interpretive area surrounding the building features hiking trails that weave between diverse habitats, including marshes, oak forests and restored prairie. Along the trails, visitors might spot some of the varied wildlife that live in the park, such as deer, fox, coyote, muskrats and turkeys. Many species of birds can be
observed in the area seasonally. Cell phone audio stops, trail guides, exploration kits and interpretive signs are available throughout the park. The Nature Exploration Area encourages free play in the outdoors. Children can explore, dig and build while adults play along or observe nearby. You can also try geocaching at the park reserve. GPS units can be checked out free of charge at the Visitor Center on a first come, first served basis. Units may only be used in the park and must be returned to the Visitor Center before closing. A picture ID is required. Winter sports enthusiasts will love the Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area located within Hyland Lake Park Reserve. This area is a great place for downhill skiing and snowboarding in the metro area. The terrain park is full of progressive and innovative features and is known for some of the best snowmaking and grooming in the Midwest. It also offers lessons through its SnowSports Academy. In the summer time, enjoy the disc
golf course and golf practice center. Morty’s Lunch Café in the chalet is also open for lunch. Three Rivers Park District The Three Rivers Park District is a special park district governed by a board of commissioners and a superintendent, structured much like a school board. The core of the Park District is suburban Hennepin County but it also serves parts of Ramsey, Scott and Carver and Dakota counties. The name “Three Rivers” comes from the district’s geography, situated within the watersheds that flow into three significant rivers to the region: the Mississippi, the Minnesota and the Crow. There are facilities for picnicking, swimming, play areas, boating, fishing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, golfing, camping and sledding. Three Rivers also offer program sites for nature, recreation, historic, and farm education. The Park District serves 7 million park guests per year.
Hyland Lake Park Reserve contains numerous opportunities for outdoor fun. Officials can be reached at the visitors center at 763-694-7687. 7
BLOOMINGTON FIRE
Volunteers the backbone of fire dept. F
irefighters respond to hundreds of calls each year. The equipment and technology has evolved over the course of six decades, but one thing that hasn’t changed in Bloomington is the dedication of its volunteers. The Bloomington Fire Department was formed in 1947, following years of reliance upon neighboring cities for fire protection. Formation of the city’s department was no easy feat, money was first allocated for the department in 1943. The first fire station was a two-bay garage at the intersection of 95th Street and Garfield Avenue. Today the city is served by six stations and 135 volunteers who are paid $5 per fire call and $4.12 per drill attended, as well as a monthly on-call stipend of $65. The department has no openings for vol-
unteers this year, as there is a waiting list of approximately 30. The department’s only full-time employees are its chief, Ulie Seal, and two full-time administrative staff members. Seal, who has been with the department since 1976, became its first fulltime chief when the position was created in 2007. Firefighters carry pagers that alert them to emergency calls in the city, day or night. They also participate in a variety of training drills and community service programs throughout the year. Each fall members of Bloomington Fire Department participate in visits to fourth-grade classes at Bloomington schools to speak about fire prevention. The department also hosts an open house each fall in conjunction with National
Fire Prevention Week, featuring fire prevention exhibits and demonstrations from the Bloomington Fire Department as well as other organizations, including the city’s police and public works departments. The department also has a fire safety house, a vehicle that is used for fire prevention demonstrations and classes. Throughout the year fire department representatives will test, install or replace smoke detectors for Bloomington homeowners. Smoke detectors are the “best first line of defense,” according to Seal. Smoke detectors are free, and in-home visits are available by appointment. Residents who are physically unable to change batteries in a working smoke detector may also call the fire department for assistance, Seal noted.
The Bloomington Fire Department is made up of nearly 135 volunteers who staff 6 fire stations. Officials can be reached at 952-563-4801. Fire Station No. 1 is located at 10 West 95th Street. 8
BLOOMINGTON SCHOOLS
Bloomington schools deliver excellence A
variety of educational programs and options are available to students attending Bloomington Public Schools. The Bloomington School District includes 10 elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools, two early childhood family centers and two alternative learning centers. The district, with offices located at 1350 W. 106th St., serves its students well. With more than 11,000 potential students in the community, Bloomington Public Schools are the district of choice for 83 percent of the eligible student population, according to the district’s 2008-09 annual report. Open enrollment allows students to attend schools outside their district. Although 377 students chose to attend a school outside of
Bloomington, the district attracted 461 students from outside its boundaries, according to the report. The district’s schools educate students of many different ethnic and social backgrounds. In 2008, the District’s student population (minority or students of color) grew from 36 percent to 38 percent. Support for Bloomington schools is strong. To meet the demands of education, demands that exceed the state’s funding, the district counts on voter-approved levies. For the 2009-10 fiscal year, 21 cents of every district revenue dollar came from local levies, totaling more than $20 million of the district’s $97.6 million in general operating fund revenue for the 2009-10 school year, according to the annual report.
The district’s services expand beyond grade school education. BloomingtonRichfield Community Services provides community education to residents of both cities. The district provides activity centers at its two high schools, allowing community members to maintain active lifestyles through recreational space at each building. Information about district programs and services, from early childhood family education options for children up to 5 years old to Bloomington alumni information, is available through the district’s comprehensive website. Frequent news updates and statistical information, including a copy of the district’s annual report, may also be found through the website, which links to individual pages for each Bloomington school.
The Bloomington Public Schools operate 10 elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools. Officials can be reached at 952-563-6400 or online at bloomington.k12.mn.us 9
10
BLOOMINGTON POLICE
Bloomington Police at your service F
rom emergency response to crime prevention, the Bloomington Police Department is always at your service. Bloomington has more than 100 sworn police officers serving the city, and about 35 full-time clerical, dispatch, community service and animal control employees, according to Police Chief Jeff Potts. The department headquarters is part of Bloomington Civic Plaza, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road. Besides responding to criminal matters, car crashes and medical emergencies, the department offers a variety services to Bloomington residents and businesses. There are approximately 350 Neighborhood Watch organizations in Bloomington, identifiable by signs posted in neighborhoods across the city. Those 350 groups represent more than half of the 21,000 homes in Bloomington. The Neighborhood Watch program trains and educates residents in ways to be involved, stay informed and work together
with their neighbors to address mutual concerns and find solutions. If your neighborhood is not part of a watch group, Bloomington Police will help set one up. The department is also aiming to duplicate the concept for Bloomington businesses. With more than 6,000 businesses in the city, the department will work with business owners to establish a similar program. One of the department’s top priorities is traffic safety, according to Potts. The department conducts daily traffic details, often in response to traffic concerns of residents. “It isn’t to generate revenue for the city,” Potts said. “It’s to promote traffic safety. “The more traffic enforcement we provide, the fewer crashes there will be.” Residents do not need to be police officers to be involved with the department. The annual Citizen’s Police Academy is a law enforcement education program designed to give participants an inside look at how the police department operates, including its policies, procedures, programs,
priorities and challenges. Academy classes are taught by department personnel. Topics include functions of department divisions, emergency response, search and seizure, traffic stops, use of force, defensive tactics and an introduction to firearms. Participants also have an opportunity to ride along with a patrol officer. The 10-week course is offered each fall. Information about criminal activity and public safety topics is available weekly. The department produces “Roll Call,” a cable television show examining crime statistics and issues that is also available through the city’s website. The department also maintains an online crime map with statistics from the previous 90 days, as well as arrest reports, budget information and historical data, all available through the city’s website. Information about police services is available by calling 952-563-4900 and through the city’s website at ci.bloomington.mn.us.
The Bloomington Police Department is made up of more than 100 sworn officers and staff. The department can be reached at 952-681-4900 or online at ci.bloomington.mn.us 11
BLOOMINGTON
The city 12
CITY MAP
of Bloomington 13
BLOOMINGTON PARKS
City parks are a bountiful amenity B
loomington may be developed from border to border, but there are many areas within the city’s boundaries that are undeveloped, by design. With nearly 9,000 acres set aside, onethird of Bloomington is dedicated to parks and recreation. The city is responsible for almost 4,000 of those acres – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources manages most of the Minnesota River National Wildlife Refuge, and Three Rivers Park District operates the Hyland-Bush-Anderson Lakes Park Reserve. With those two massive parks included, Bloomington’s park space covers 38.3 numbers, which represents the first in what is a
list of numbers that help define the depth of what Bloomington has to offer in its parks. For instance, there are 94 city parks in Bloomington, and they are home to: • 80 baseball and softball fields • 31 soccer fields • 7 football fields • 29 horseshoe courts • 35 outdoor basketball courts • 55 playgrounds • 53 tennis courts • 19 outdoor hockey rinks • 33 park buildings • 14 picnic shelters • 18.75 miles of park trails/sidewalks There are also three disc golf courses in Bloomington (Moir Park, Hampshire Hills
Playlot and Hyland Ski and Snowboard Area) as well as five archery targets at the Marsh Lake Archery Range. In the summer, both Westwood Park and Haeg Park are home to paved-rinks used for in-line skating, and a water-play area is available for use at Cedarcrest Park. The Valley View Playfields feature an outdoor swimming pool, as well as the Kent Hrbek Youth Baseball Complex, which is highlighted by the recently updated 500-seat Toro Grandstand at Red Haddox Field. Many other options also exists within the Bloomington park space, a complete rundown of which is available online through the city of Bloomington website at ci.bloomington.mn.us.
Bloomington is host to numerous parks with nearly one-third of the city dedicated for recreation. More information on city parks and a complete listing is available online at ci.bloomington.mn.us 14
BLOOMINGTON ARTS
A home for visual and performing arts T
he visual and performing arts have a home in Bloomington. The Bloomington Center for the Arts provides stage, rehearsal, classroom and gallery space for seven nonprofit community arts organizations. The arts center opened in July 2003 as part of Bloomington Civic Plaza at 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road. Financed through a voter referendum, an endowment and fundraising by the Bloomington Fine Arts Council, the arts center is home to two theaters and two art galleries. The larger of the two stages is inside Schneider Theater for the Performing Arts, a 366-seat theater that hosts a variety of musical and theatrical performances year round. The Black Box Theater is a multi-purpose facility that seats 110. Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs, Bloomington Chorale, Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, Bloomington Theatre and Art Center, Continental
Ballet Company, Medalist Concert Band and NOTE-able Singers share the arts center stages. Organizations such as Bloomington Theatre and Art Center rely upon the arts center to present a variety of plays throughout the year, many running for several weekends and some selling out weeks before the final curtain. Other organizations, such as Medalist Concert Band, perform across Bloomington and beyond in addition to concerts at the arts center. Continental Ballet Company not only stages performances throughout the year, but also operates a ballet school with classes for everyone from beginners to professionals. Other classes, from painting to creative writing, are offered through Bloomington Theatre and Art Cenater. The Inez Greenberg Gallery is on the main floor of the arts center. The Atrium
Gallery is the building’s second-floor display space. Between the two galleries there is always at least one exhibit, featuring works from artists around Minnesota and neighboring states. The galleries are open seven days a week, excluding major holidays. The galleries are open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 1-10 p.m. Sundays. Oversight for the many performances within the arts center is provided by The Bloomington Fine Arts Council, which is donor supported and raises money annually through its Taste of Chocolate dessert competition each March. The arts organization have their own websites, and links to all of them are available through the Fine Arts Council website at bloomingtonfinearts.com. Tickets for stage productions may be ordered online or by calling 952-5638575.
The Bloomington Center for the Arts provides a space for artistic expression in the city. More information can be found by calling 952-563-8575 or online at bloomingtonfinearts.com 15
Nativity of Mary Catholic Church & School 9900 Lyndale Ave. South, Bloomington (off 35W and 98th Street)
Weekend Masses: Saturday 4:00 pm; Sundays 8:30 & 10:30 am Weekday Liturgy: Mon-Sat 8:00 am; Rosary: Mon-Sat 7:30 am Individual Reconciliation: Saturday 3:00 pm; and by Appointment Open the First Thursday to Sunday of Each Month!
Are you looking for a school with guaranteed small class sizes? It’s here! Nativity of Mary School offers a faith-based education, strong academics and extracurricular activities. Nativity of Mary School offers Preschool – 8th Grade. Call the school office, or visit our website for more information. CHURCH:
9915 Lyndale Ave. S., Bloomington
952-881-8671 SCHOOL: 952-881-8160
Go to www.lilliansshoppe.com/bloomington
www.nativitybloomington.org Twin Cities Largest Outdoor Play Area!
on’s Bloomingt ly On e Full Servicl” e t o H “Dog
Is Your Dog a
Lucky Dog?
• Located close to airport • 12,000 sq ft indoor facility • 18,000 sq ft outdoor play area. • Web Cams inside and outside – watch your dog anytime • Experienced Certified Staff • Private “Suites” for all dogs • Kurunda raised dog beds • Classical music at night – proven to relax dogs • We accept all breeds – dogs evaluated by staff
FULL OVERNIGHT BOARDING • DAYCARE • GROOMING SERVICES
1067 AMERICAN BLVD. E., BLOOMINGTON, MN 55420 (just blocks away from the Mall of America)
952.767.2040 • www.luckydogpetlodge.com
for hours or call 952-881-8888
FOLLOW US ON
Lucky Dog Pet Lodge – Bloomington’s first full-service dog hotel Life is soon to get a whole lot better for Bloomington area canines and their owners. Lucky Dog Pet Lodge will be opening in midJuly, the city’s first and only full service dog hotel to feature daycare, overnight, and grooming services. Located at 1067 American Blvd. E., Lucky Dog Pet Lodge will be the perfect location for dropping off your dog (or cat) . Whether you’re on your way to the airport, going shopping at the Mall of America, going to work for the day, or staying in one of Bloomington’s fine hotels, Lucky Dog Pet Lodge is sure to be right on your way!! Lucky Dog Pet Lodge is conveniently located just two blocks off Interstate 494, so you’ll be sure to get in and out in no time at all! When Lucky Dog Pet Lodge opens, it will feature the largest outdoor pet play area in the Twin Cities, with 18,000 square feet devoted to outdoor doggie play. Inside, Lucky Dog Pet Lodge will boast 12,000 square feet. Of that, 7,000 square feet is devoted solely to indoor play and dog socialization areas. Owner Tom Morehouse said that Lucky Dog Pet Lodge is focused on providing large, safe areas for dogs to run, play, and interact with other dogs. Lucky Dog will also have space devoted for older dogs that are less active, or those who want to relax or snooze.
16
All breeds will be accepted based upon an evaluation by their experienced staff. The facility has been created exclusively with the needs of dogs in mind. Cornerstone Construction is heading up the project, and they are experienced in building dog daycare and boarding facilities. Inside, experienced and certified dog handlers will staff the facility along with Morehouse. The experienced staff will evaluate all dogs, so that care can be personalized and adapted to each pet. Whether your dog is playing in one of their large indoor areas, or romping around outside in the grass, web cams will allow clients to watch their dogs while they are at play. The boarding area will feature professionalgrade private suites, with different size rooms depending on your dogs needs. Top of the line Kurunda raised beds will be standard for all of Lucky Dog’s guests. As a special added touch, classical music will be played at night to help the dogs relax and get a good night's sleep. (Studies have shown this helps dogs get a better night’s sleep!) For updates on Lucky Dog Pet Lodge’s Progress and opening date, visit online At luckydogpetlodge.com. You can also email Morehouse at info@luckydogpetlodge.com.
BLOOMINGTON HISTORY
Bloomington: As old as the state itself T
oday it is an international destination and the largest suburb in the Twin Cities, but Bloomington’s roots predate shopping malls, airports and freeways. With a blossoming farming community, Bloomington became a town May 11, 1858 – the year Minnesota was officially declared a state. The town’s first public school was three years old at the time, the town’s 25 organizers approved a $100 town budget, and land sold for about a dollar an acre. Residents installed a town hall building in 1892 – which was used until a new town hall was built in 1964 – and the town totaled about 1,000 residents by 1900. Thirty years later, the population had more than doubled and was figured at more than 2,500. School enrollment continued to escalate, with 700 students in Bloomington schools in 1918. To accommodate the number of children in grades 1-12, a school bus operation was initiated.
The population continued to grow rapidly, and the town scrambled to provide enough room and services to meet the demand. A chamber of commerce was established in 1954 and the Bloomington Athletic Association began to organize youth sports a year later. Eighty-five businesses operated in Bloomington, serving 28,934 residents. Bloomington High School was built in 1957 and was later renamed Lincoln High School. Bloomington officially became a city in 1960, about a century after first organizing as a town. Development continued, and the city reached a booming population of 50,000. Interstate freeways of I-494 and I35W connected Bloomington to the nation. And the nation tuned in to Bloomington, which housed the Metropolitan Stadium and Sports Center, the home of major league teams such as the Minnesota Vikings and Twins. Schools in Bloomington were expanded
once again to include the John F. Kennedy and Thomas Jefferson high schools, built in 1964 and 1970, respectively. Bloomington residents were 82,000 strong by 1978. The commercial district continued to grow to meet increased demands. The Mall of America was built in 1994 and currently offers more than 520 stores. Ten years later, in 2004, the Metro Transit Hiawatha light rail line opened to shuttle tourists and area residents alike between hot stops such as downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America. In 2008, the city hosted four colleges, 10 elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools and seven parochial schools. It had 97 parks, 93 ballfields and 55 playgrounds. For more information about and images from Bloomington’s history, visit these sources online bloomingtonhistoricalsociety.org and ci.bloomington.mn.us.
Bloomington has been around as a city since the year Minnesota became a state. More information can be found online at ci.bloomington.mn.us or bloomingtonhistoricalsociety.org 17
9000 Lyndale Ave S. Bloomington, MN
952.884.6152 info@leroysautocenter.com
GREAT BEAR TIRE & AUTO
fast & friendly estimates no high-pressure sales pitch financing available insurance claims welcome references available license # 20440861
Leroy’s Great Bear Tire and Auto Center proudly provide the following services: • Auto service-car maintenance, car repairs, oil change, A/C service and much more • Brake service and repair • Tire center - new tires, tire repair, tire rotation • Propane - portable tanks and RVs • Car wash • Convenience Store • Gasoline - Diesel/Non-oxygen/Premium • Gift cards to be used for all services • Vehicle interior cleaning and detailing
more than 20 years experience call today for a FREE estimate
EXTERIORS INC.
952-881-2218 www.tollefsonbros.com
Kids’ SAFARI provides safe and secure before and after school programs for children in kindergarten through grade 5. The focus of these programs is on school-age childcare and enrichment opportunities designed to meet the changing needs of children and families. This is accomplished through creative learning experiences designed to increase social interaction. Children are led to discover their talents and interests and to take pride in their accomplishments. We provide high quality staff in a warm and welcoming environment.
Our programs are fee based and administered by Bloomington Community Education’s Youth and Family Department. Kids’ SAFARI is located at all Bloomington Elementary Schools.
Kids’ SAFARI Administrative Office • 2575 W. 88th St, Bloomington MN, 55341 General Info: 952-681-6125 • Fax: 952-681-6101
Early Learners Academy is designed to meet the needs of working families who need full day childcare and desire an early education experience for their 3, 4, or 5 year old child. Classes are located at Westwood Elementary, Hillcrest Community, and Poplar Bridge Elementary. Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Call Diane at 952-681-6125 for information 18
BLOOMINGTON AQUATIC CENTER
Swimming fun in the summer sun elief from the heat during the dog days of summer is never far away. The Bloomington Family Aquatic Center is open daily from June 11 through Aug. 21, and then on weekends through Labor Day. Monday through Friday the pool is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays the hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Whether you choose to lounge by the pool, swim laps or brave the back and forth ride down one of two waterslides, the aquatic center offers the perfect solution to a sweltering summer day. The aquatic center’s amenities include a zero-depth entry pool, water slides, diving boards, sand volleyball
R
courts, a bathhouse and concession stand. Rates for the Bloomington Family Aquatic Center range from $7 to $9 daily, with season passes available. A season pass is $15.75 for seniors and children 10 and younger, $26.75 for age 11-15 and $49 for ages 16-54. If you prefer a more natural setting when cooling off, Bush Lake Beach has been providing a relaxing beach experience to more than 100,000 visitors per year since opening in 1956. Home to a playground, paved and unpaved hiking trails, a beach house, concession stand, fishing dock, a sand volleyball court, barbecue grills, picnic tables and, of course, a spacious swim-
ming beach, Bush Lake Beach is also available by reservation for group gatherings. The beach is open June 11 through Aug. 21, with lifeguards on duty 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Entrance to Bush Lake Beach is $6 per car, with a seasonal pass available for $30 for the first car, and $12.50 for a second permit. Swimming lessons are available at both the Bloomington Family Aquatic Center and Bush Lake Beach. For more information about the Bloomington Family Aquatic Center and Bush Lake Beach contact the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department at 952-563-8877.
The Bloomington Aquatic Center is open daily June 11 to Aug. 21 and features water slides, diving boards and a concession stand. The center can be reached at 952-5638877 or online at ci.bloomington.mn.us 19
Education Has No Boundaries…
The Original Custom Sofa & Chair Company 100% AMERICAN MADE
• K-8 Catholic School • Preschool • Academic Excellence • Financial Aid • Extracurriculars & Athletics • Free Busing in Bloomington • Off 35W & 98th St
Since 1979 Bloomington 98th & Normandale Minneapolis 394 & Penn Roseville Snelling & Cty Rd C
For information, or to arrange a tour that fits your schedule:
952-831-7027
952-881-8160
www.sofasandchairs.com
www.nativitybloomington.org
M S R ARKET E M R A F BLOOMINGTON
EDINA
BLOOMINGTON FARMERS MARKET
CENTENNIAL LAKES FARMERS MARKET
Bloomington Civic Plaza - East Lot 1800 West Old Shakopee Road Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 11 - October 15, 2011 Indoor market November 13 and December 11
Centennial Lakes Park Centrum Plaza 7499 France Avenue South Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 16 - September 29, 2011
For more information: Call: 952.563.8877 Email: farmersmarket@ci.bloomington.mn.us Web: www.ci.bloomington.mn.us/market
For more information: Call: 952.833.9580 Email: tshirley@ci.edina.mn.us Web: www.CentennialLakesPark.com
20
BLOOMINGTON HIGHER EDUCATION
Higher ed. has home in Bloomington B
loomington hosts a variety of post-secondary educational options, the largest of them being the 90-acre campus of Normandale Community College. For more than 43 years, the institution has been a part of the fabric of Bloomington. About 1,400 students enrolled in September 1968 when the doors opened. Today enrollment has burgeoned to more than 10,000 students who come from as far away as Apple Valley and as close as Bloomington Jefferson High School just up the road. Normandale is also one of Minnesota’s most racially diverse campuses with 26 percent of the student body comprised of students of color. More than 120 students from other countries were enrolled in Fall 2009. Besides the usual retinue of courses leading to a variety of associate’s degrees and certificates that community colleges are known for, Normandale has moved into an age of specialization. Students can enroll in a nanotechnology program, for instance, offered in cooperation with leading hightech manufacturers.
Normandale has also partnered with other public institutions of higher learning such as Minnesota State University Mankato and Metropolitan State University to bring four-year programs to the campus. Students pursuing degrees in education can complete all four years of their training without leaving campus. Normandale is also known for its criminal justice, dental hygiene, radiological technology and music and theatre programs. The college’s largest program remains its liberal arts transfer course sequence, followed by business marketing and management, science and engineering, nursing and teacher education. In keeping with the trends in higher education, Normandale also offers much of its course content online. Students who simply want to take a refresher course or learn just for the sake of learning aren’t excluded. Normandale offers a variety of continuing education courses ranging from career enrichment
to computer technology to foreign languages such as Chinese and Spanish. Other colleges in Bloomington include Academy College, offering a variety of professional training programs, Northwestern Health Sciences University, offering natural and integrative health care education, and Rasmussen College provides degree programs in a variety of growing fields. Academy College 1101 E. 78th St. academycollege.edu Normandale Community College 9700 France Ave. S. normandale.edu Northwestern Health Sciences University 2501 W. 84th St. nwhealth.edu Rasmussen College 4400 W. 78th St. rasmussen.edu
Four schools of higher learning call Bloomington home, the largest of which, Normandale Community College, has been educating students since 1968. 21
Like What You See? To advertise in our next Guide Book or other upcoming special publications about Bloomington, contact Mike Gill, Sun Newspapers, mgill@acnpapers.com or call 952-392-6812.
Pets AreInn
– COLDWELL BANKER BURNET – THE MARKET SHARE LEADER IN HENNEPIN COUNTY FOR 2010 Highest overall satisfaction for home sellers among full service real estate firms
Unique Alternative Pet Boarding to in Kennel PrivateBoarding. Homes.
Call me if you are thinking of making a move!
Serving the Bloomington area since 1982.
Arlene Sold Another One!
ARLENE AXELSON 952-885-6292
www.PetsAreInn.com
aaxelson@cbburnet.com
(952) 837-1877
#1 IN THE NUMBER OF HOMES SOLD IN BLOOMINGTON
Designer Grab Bars
W h i l e Yo u W e c vi ai r t e A n d Enjoy S
!
Ou r New Patio !
Only you can prevent falls.
Paul Stutzman 651-207-4738 psmnpaul@gmail.com Grab bars with style. BRING IN YOUR CHEVY, DODGE, FORD OR IMPORT - WE WILL SERVICE IT!
NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY
The Music Link
DRIVE-INS WELCOME!
Private piano, guitar, percussion string, brass and woodwind lessons Professional teachers, affordable rates,
Life is better in the Quick Lane ® of FREEWAY FORD
Mary Linker and convenient Bloomington locations Director
9700 LYNDALE AVE. S. Hwy 35W & 98th St. Exit www.quicklane.com • 952-887-4337
Call 952.831.4014 to register
Service Hours: Mon - Fri 7am - 6pm Sat. 7:30am-4pm
More info at www.themusiclink.biz 22
BLOOMINGTON WILDLIFE REFUGE
Bloomington shares a national treasure ot far from the hustle and bustle of a retail Mecca and international airport is a sanctuary and national treasure. Formed in 1976 to provide a natural habitat for countless wildlife species, the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge now stretches more than 50 miles, covers more than 14,000 acres of natural land and consists of eight separate refuge lands throughout the Minnesota River Valley. And all of that begins in Bloomington, where the Bloomington Visitor Center serves as the gateway to a majestic trip down the Minnesota River. Updated with a new energy efficient heating, cooling and lighting system, the inside of the Bloomington Visitors Center features both interpretive and educational exhibits, a 125-seat auditorium for viewing wildlife videos, a rotating art gallery, a bookshop and an informational desk stocked with all the necessary materials and know-how needed to enjoy the entire Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The visitor center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, April 1 to Oct. 31 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday Nov. 1 to March 31. During the winter season the visitor center is also open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the first full weekend of each month. Just outside the front steps of the building is the Hillside Trail, which is a half-mile loop through prairie, hillside forest and wetlands. Panoramic views of Long Meadow Lake can also be enjoyed from the visitor center observation platform. The visitor center is also the starting point for the Minnesota River Valley trek, which travels through the outskirts of Eagan, Burnsville, Savage, Eden Prairie, Shakopee, Chaska, Carver, Jordan and Belle Plain. A natural habitat for countless species, wildlife is abundant within the entire scope of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is home to more than 50 types of mammals and 30 different types of amphibians and reptiles. Bird watching is a popular activity throughout the refuge.
N
More than 225 species of birds reside within the refuge throughout the year. Species found within the refuge include wood ducks, American redstarts, great blue herons, American goldfinches, Canadian geese and bald eagles. In fact, bald eagles have been known to nest within the refuge. The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge staff maintains the habitats in which the animals live.
Opportunities to enjoy the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge abound, from hiking in the spring, summer and fall to cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Bike trails are also available on a limited basis throughout the refuge, and leashed dogs are welcome.
The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is home to nearly 80 different types of mammals, amphibians and reptiles. Information can be found by calling 952-854-5900 or online at xr.com/refuge. 23
BLOOMINGTON CHURCHES
Places of worship in abundance B
loomington has many churches providing places of worship for everyone:
Al-Rahman Muslim Comm. Center 8910 Old Cedar Road 952-883-0044 Atonement Lutheran Church 601 E. 98th St. 952-881-9244 Bethany Missionary Church 6900 Auto Club Road 952-946-4186 Bloomington Covenant Church 10150 Xerxes Ave. S. 952-831-8339 Bloomington Lutheran Church 9350 Portland Ave. S. 952-888-2475 Calvary Christian Reformed Church 8901 France Ave. S. 952-831-6264 Calvary United Pentecostal Church 8800 Nicollet Ave. S. 952-888-0215 Cedarcrest Church 1630 E. 90th St. 952-854-8390 Cedar Valley Church 8600 Bloomington Ave. S. 952-854-1100 Christ the King Lutheran Church 8600 Fremont Ave. S. 952-881-8600 Christian Life Church 9000 Emerson Ave. S. 952-881-6527 Church of Jesus Christ, Latter-day Saints 9700 Nesbitt Ave. S. 952-831-5373 Community of the Cross Luth. Church 10701 Bloomington Ferry Road 952-941-1247 Comunidad Bautista Internacional 2600 W. 82nd St. 952-888-2103 CrossPoint Church 9801 France Ave. S. 952-831-1785 Emmaus Lutheran Church 8443 Second Ave. S. 952-884-4751 Grace by the Mall Lutheran Church 8700 Old Cedar Ave. 952-884-6638 Hillcrest United Methodist Church 9100 Russell Ave. S. 952-881-8601 Hillside Church 4300 W. 98th St. 952-831-5046 Holy Emmanuel Lutheran Church 201 E. 104th St.
952-888-2345 Jehovah’s Witness Church 3211 108th St. 952-888-5166 Jesus is Lord Church 2829 W. 102nd St. 952-888-2402 LifeChurch 2201 W. 108th St. 952-884-0594 Lutheran Church of the Redemption 927 E. Old Shakopee Road 952-881-0035 Maranatha Christian Church 9000 Bloomington Freeway S. 952-888-2359 Minnesota Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 10715 Zenith Ave. S. 952-884-8956 Mount Hope Lutheran Church 3601 W. Old Shakopee Road 952-888-5059 Nativity of Mary Catholic Church 9900 Lyndale Ave. S. 952-881-8671 Normandale Baptist Church 4701 W. 84th St. 952-831-2900 Normandale Hylands United Methodist Church 9920 Normandale Road 952-835-7585 Oak Grove Presbyterian Church 2200 W. Old Shakopee Road 952-888-4621 Oak Hill Church 8901 France Ave. S. 952-881-9486 Oasis of Power Fellowship 7910 12th Ave. S. 612-327-7740 Oxboro Evangelical Free Church 9431 Nicollet Ave. S. 952-881-6956 24
Peace Lutheran Church 8600 E. Bush Lake Road 952-944-6510 Portland Avenue United Meth. Church 8000 Portland Ave. S. 952-888-6070 Potter’s House of Jesus Christ 8000 Portland Ave. S. 952-435-7757 River Church 121 W. Market, Mall of America 952-854-5267 Riverside Church 10201 Nicollet Ave. S. 952-888-4988 Southtown Baptist Church 2600 W. 82nd St. 952-881-1122 St. Bonaventure Catholic Church 901 E. 90th St. 952-854-4733 St. Edward’s Catholic Church 9401 Nesbitt Ave. S. 952-835-7101 St. Luke’s Lutheran Church 1701 W. Old Shakopee Road 952-881-5801 St. Mark’s United Church of Christ 8630 Xerxes Ave. S. 952-831-3949 St Michael’s Lutheran Church 9201 Normandale Blvd. 952-831-5276 St. Stephen Lutheran Church 8400 France Ave. S. 952-831-4746 Transfiguration Lutheran Church 11000 France Ave. S. 952-884-2364 Unity South Church 7950 First Ave. S. 952-884-6656 Information provided in part by Mall Area Religious Council, www.meaningstore.org.
BLOOMINGTON LIBRARIES
Bloomington libraries a resource to all Bloomington residents have two libraries to choose from and explore. The Oxboro Library is located at 8801 Portland Ave. S. in Bloomington and the Penn Lake Library is located at 8800 Penn Ave. S. in Bloomington. Both are part of the Hennepin County Library system.
Oxboro Library Located near Valley View Elementary and Valley View Middle schools, the Oxboro Library is teeming with kids after school and throughout the summer. Oxboro Library is a welcoming and comfortable gathering space for a great diversity of customers. The collection of books, DVDs and CDs includes materials in Spanish, Vietnamese and Somali. Staff assists customers who are learning a new language, working toward citizenship, applying for college, finding housing or a job, researching a business opportunity or a vacation destination and many other information needs. The library’s collaboration with Bloomington Schools Volunteer Connection staff, Minnesota Reading Corps members and other community volunteers resulted in the opening of the Family Homework Connection for K-12 and their families in January 2010. Homework help is offered at the library every Tuesday night during the school year. Two hundred ninety students from 12 schools attended homework help sessions in 2010.
Oxboro Friends enthusiastically embraced this project and agreed to provide materials needed. The Homework Connection collaborators were recipients of the Education Foundation of Bloomington’s 2010 Prodigy Award for Excellence in Superb Teamwork for Better Education in the Bloomington Public Schools. In the summer of 2010, the Bloomington School Board designated Oxboro and Penn Lake libraries as “Friends of Bloomington Schools.” For more information, call 612-5435775 or visit hclib.org
Penn Lake Library At heart a bustling community library, Penn Lake also serves customers from nearby Edina, Richfield, south Minneapolis and Eden Prairie. Young and old Bloomington residents flock to the Penn Lake Library. The 31 computers are well used, customers settle into comfortable chairs with stacks of newspapers and books, nearby schools schedule frequent visits and story times are well attended. Multicultural customers attending nearby South Hennepin Adult Programs in Education English as a Second Language and General Education classes stop in to use the Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese language collections and citizenship resources. The Friends of Penn Lake Library hold three fundraising book sales each year to
support and enhance the library. The group provides beautiful flowerpots, sponsor summer programs for school age children and Master Gardener, Loft and author programs for adults. The Friends also sponsor Penn Lake Library’s two book clubs and collaborate with nearby Hennepin County libraries to present Anime Prom. For more information, call 612-5435800 or visit hclib.org
Hennepin County libraries Hennepin County Library consists of 41 libraries located in Minneapolis and suburban Hennepin County and is recognized as one of the top library systems in the country. Hennepin County Library offers about five million books, CDs, DVDs, downloadables and other resources in more than 40 languages, plus access to almost 1,700 computers. Library cards are free and available at your local library or online at hclib.org/pub/info/libcardapp1.cfm In 2010, there were more than 19.9 million visits to Hennepin County Library’s award-winning website – hclib.org – which offers 24/7 access to the library catalog, electronic databases, audio and video downloads, eBooks, job and small business resources, web pages for children, teens, and new immigrants and more. Visit the Library on Facebook, Twitter, and tumblr. More than 2,500 volunteers contributed almost 92,000 hours of service to Hennepin County Library in 2010.
WE OFFER APPLIANCE RECYCLING OFFSITE CLEAN-UP INDUSTRIAL PICK-UP SERVICE
DRIVE THRU INDOOR WAREHOUSE NOW OPEN IN BLOOMINGTON GOOD FOR AN ADDITIONAL
00 5 A TON on ferrous material $
(steel, tin etc)
3¢ PER LB
on non ferrous material (aluminum, brass, copper etc)
RSI Recycling is a full-service metal recycling company. We have many years of experience in processing and marketing recyclables. We accept most items made from metal.
• • • • • • •
Steel Tin Cars Aluminum Cans Stainless Steel Copper Brass
• • • • • •
Electric Motors Auto Batteries Radiators Aluminum Computers Insulated Wire, etc.
And More! Call for Details!
M-F 8-5; Sat. 8-1
For steel and tin loads: we pay for quantities <200 lbs, will accept loads under 200 lbs at no value.
494 88th
CALL TODAY FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTE!
Nicollet
wentworth
35W
RSI
952-948-9999 IMPORTANT! WE DO NOT ACCEPT: • Ballasts • Cell Phone Batteries • Chemicals • Furniture • Fluorescent Tubes • Lamps • Liquids • Light Fixtures • Smoke Detectors • Items Containing PCB’s, Asbestos and Mercury Devices
90th
BLOOMINGTON
8870 Wentworth Avenue South
MAPLE GROVE
9025 Zachary Lane
(952) 948-9999
(763) 424-2733
www.rsirecycle.com