EdenPrairie_121511

Life in the Prairie

Ice cool

Eden Prairie’s city newsletter

Get on the ice for open skating

Inside

Page 13

www.edenprairienews.com ws.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011

EDEN PRAIRIE

news Local group gets face time with bestselling author

Reach out and teach someone Skype allows Columbian teacher to connect to EP students from afar

Disabilities Awareness Committee is set to discuss ‘Look Me in the Eye,’ John Elder Robison’s book about growing up with Asperger syndrome

BY LEAH SHAFFER lshaffer@swpub.com

Y

ou want to talk about 21st century classrooms, not only are students’ study materials on the screen, but, in the case of one classroom at Eagle Height Spanish Immersion School, so was the teacher.

Due to visa delays, Eagle Heights teacher Fabian Cruz started out the school year teaching his fi fth-grade students via Skype, while he remained in his home country of Columbia.

“They really turned something that could have been a deficit model for our kids into a huge learning opportunity,” said Eagle Heights Principal Elizabeth Linares.

“I think the kids in the class feel really special.”

Cruz, who was fi nally able to move to the United States in November, was originally expected to get to Eden Prairie in August, but, because of the state shutdown, his arrival was delayed – and delayed.

“This is the fi rst time that we have sponsored a visa,” said Linares.

Cruz is not new to Eden Prairie, though. A few years ago, he served as one of the classroom interns at Eagle Heights. Since returning

Cruz to page 10

$1

BY KARLA WENNERSTROM editor@edenprairienews.com

PHOTO BY LEAH SHAFFER

Jennifer Mehra and Fabian Cruz shared teaching duties this fall at Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion School. Because of visa delays, Cruz was stuck in his home country of Columbia and started out the school year teaching his class of fifthgraders via Skype. Teachers Mehra and Ingrid Brown also filled in for Cruz until he arrived this November.

“Growing up for me really sucked,” said author John Elder Robison. “One reason it was very hard was that I didn’t know why I was different. In the absence of knowledge, I just assumed I was defective.”

When Robison was growi n g up i n t he 19 6 0 s , a n Asperger syndrome diagnosis didn’t exist. He found out at about age 40 that he had the form of autism.

The Eden Prairie Disabilities Awareness Committee has planned an event for 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, in the Heritage Rooms at Eden Prairie City Center, to discuss Robison’s book “Look Me in the Eye.” The author will join the group via FaceTime and respond to questions.

Robison said he is open to all questions he might receive at the Eden Prairie event.

“My feeling is that when people ask me questions, they deserve genuine, unrehearsed answers,” he said.

That’s why he doesn’t ask people what they want to talk about. “I just take it as it comes.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO

If you go What: Bestselling memoir “Look Me in the Eye” by John Elder Robison will be discussed at an Eden Prairie Disabilities Awareness Committee event When: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19 Where: Heritage Rooms, Eden Prairie City Center, 8080 Mitchell Road Cost: $5 Info/registration: epcommunityed.org or (952) 975-6940

The author and speaker is the older brother of Augusten Burroughs, author of “Running with Scissors.”

He was born in Athens, Ga., and lives today in Amherst, Mass., with his wife and son.

He owns an auto repair and restoration business, “J E Robison Service Company.”

Robison speaks frequently about his life with Asperger syndrome to a variety of au-

Author to page 10

First set of roundabouts up and running

School levy going down

169/494 project settles in to winter work

Budget picture remains stable for coming year

BY LEAH SHAFFER lshaffer@swpub.com

The bulk of the fi rst year’s work on the Highway 169/Interstate 494 interchange reconstruction project is fi nishing up. With that, the expansion of the northbound lanes on Highway 169 is completed, as is a new bridge spanning the frontage roads parallel to I-494 in Eden Prairie.

I n add it ion, t wo of si x planned roundabouts that will run along those frontage roads are open to drivers, including one on the south side of the new Washington Avenue Bridge in Eden Prairie and a roundabout on the north side of I-494, by Abbott Northwest ern Clinic.

As it opened up this month,

Project information

BY LEAH SHAFFER lshaffer@swpub.com

Call 1-877-563-4768

Visit

dot.state.mn.us/ metro/projects/169/

there was little traffic at the Washington Avenue roundabout, or “Roundabout D,” as it currently sits in a no-man’s land of construction and detours. The adjacent section of West 78th Street (between Washington Avenue and Anderson Lakes Center) will remain closed throughout winter as construction on the frontage road is completed.

In addition, the following

PHOTO BY LEAH SHAFFER

A car cruises around the roundabout recently completed on the south side of the new Washington Avenue Bridge in Eden Prairie. roads will be impacted this winter, according to the project website: Marth Road (east of Highway 16 9) will also remain closed over winter to all but emergency vehicles.

Tenants of the Minnesota Bankers Building and Cabriole Office Center will need to access their offices through the MBA driveway, just off

Roundabout to page 10

The EdenPrairie School District has choices. That was the good news COO Patricia Magnuson offered in an interview about the school district budget.

“We certainly are in a position where we might have choices and that’s really good news,” she said.

W hether those choices mean the district won’t have to go for a referendum next year is something the new School Board will have to tackle.

“That’s going to be one of the first questions the board’s going to want to address after

Levy info Levy: $40,323,138.15 Decrease from previous year: $1 million Impact to average home ($326,000): $14 increase (if home valuation remains flat) Bottom line: The levy is decreasing because of the decline in enrollment in the district over the past few years. Property owners will likely see a slight decrease or no change in taxes as home values have decreased.

Source: Eden Prairie School

the first of the year,” said Magnuson.

Levy to page 10

VOL. 38, ISSUE 6/50

INSIDE OPINION/4 OBITUARIES/6 SPORTS/8-9 CALENDAR/14 CLASSIFIEDS/19-21 LIVING IN EP/22 TO REACH US SUBSCRIBE: (952) 345-6682 EDITOR: (952) 942-7885 OR EMAIL EDITOR@EDENPRAIRIENEWS.COM.

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Variety show set at Prairie Adult Care Prairie Adult Care is seeking performers of all ages for a Variety Show from 1-2:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 29. The event is open to the public and free of charge. To schedule a time to perform, contact Prairie Adult Care at (952) 949-3126.

Prairie Adult Care is a licensed adult day center, in Victory Lutheran Church at 16200 Berger Drive, Eden Prairie.

Info: prairieadultcare.com.

with other people all over the world using the Internet. They will address other topics like email and email security, photo attachments, maps, weather, search and Facebook.

The event is at the Eden Prairie Library. To sign up, call the Senior Center at (952) 279-8050.

Participants are asked to register as there is limited space available.

Boy Scout 347 offers trees Boy Scout Troop 347 of Eden Prairie’s annual Christmas tree fundraiser is in the parking lot of Immanuel Lutheran Church, 16515 Luther Way, off Eden Prairie Road.

Products include 6- to 11-foot

This & That to page 3 ®

Seniors: Want to learn to Skype?

Do you want to become a Tech Savvy Senior? Join Girl Scout Troop 10035 as they show you how to get better acquainted with modern technology, according to a news release.

During an event from 10:3011:30 a.m. Dec. 17, the Scouts will teach Skype basics, from creating an account, downloading software, finding friends, initiating video calls, to sharing your desktop. Skype is software application that allows you to call and have a videoconference

FILE PHOTO BY KARLA WENNERSTROM

Share the warmth The Eden Prairie Community Band at a previous “Share the Warmth” concert. This year’s event is set for 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Eden Prairie High School Auditorium, 17185 Valley View Road. The performance is free, but those attending are asked to bring a nonperishable food item or warm article of clothing for PROP. Info: epcommunityband.org.

Come and Join Us For Our Italian Christmas Saturday, December 17, 2011 8 a.m. to Noon breads & rolls

Mainstreet Bakery offers a variety of American style sandwich breads and crusty, healthful artisan breads. Each day, we bake breads, including Ciabatta, French Baguette, Sourdough, Wheat, Multigrain and Rye. We also offer sandwich rolls in several styles and sizes: Hoagies, Focaccia, Ciabatta, Variety Dinner Rolls and Standard Round Buns; Plain, Seeded and Onion-Topped.

Quality baked goods, conscientious employees and a commitment to providing the best service available are the foundations which Mainstreet Bakery has been built to become a leading brand in the wholesale bakery segment of the Twin Cities Metro area and select markets across the United States. We are here to serve all your bakery needs.

desserts

We bake a full line of desserts such as cakes, cookies, bars, cupckaes and individual desserts. Whether it is a fluffy angel food cake, fruit tart, apple crisp, petit fours or éclairs, we’ve got you covered. Speak to any of our customer service representatives to get a full list of product offerings and pricing.

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muffins, rolls, donuts, scones, coffee cakes and all-butter danish and croissants. Speak to any of our customer service representatives to get a full list of product offerings and pricing.

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The opening date of the city of Eden Prairie’s outdoor skating rinks is always controlled

by Mother Nature. This year, she is not cooperating.

The city sprays down the rinks with a little bit of water at a time to get good coverage on the ice rinks.

“I think a lot of people think it’s kind of like fi lling your ice cube trays and putting them in the freezer,” said Parks and Recreation Director Jay Lotthammer. He said that it’s actually a bit longer process, adding a bit of water, then more the next day, then a little bit more the next day.

“That’s the way it really happens.”

And that can’t happen when temperatures don’t fall below 30 degrees – even overnight. The city recently announced that the rinks wouldn’t open by the planned date of Dec. 21. Open skating is still available inside at the Community Center.

Lotthammer said it’s hard to predict when the outdoor rinks will be skate-able. The city usu-

ally aims for the holiday break, but that might not be possible.

“We’ll see,” he said.

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December 15, 2011 | Page 3

An EP landmark gets a makeover The historic Smith-Douglas-More homestead grounds get an upgrade

BY CHELSEA WALLACE

T

he Smith-Douglas-More house on Eden Prairie Road isn’t your typical coffee shop. It sells Dunn Bros products, but it’s also a city-owned historical site.

While Ann Schuster owns the franchise, she leases the house and land from the city of Eden Prairie. Schuster works hand in hand with the city on any changes to the site, the most recent being a substantial addition to the over-crowded parking lot this summer.

The city spent $18,500 to design the parking lot and rain garden at the site.

Construction of the parking lot and rain garden cost $48,784, which includes $17,000 in plants for the rain garden.

The house received its name from the three families that used to live in it. Built in 1877, the farmhouse served as a home for the Smith, Douglas and More families and welcomed boarders from the nearby railroad station. In 2002, the city renovated the house and Dunn Bros began leasing the space.

Dunn Bros has been operating the shop since 2002, but in 2006 Schuster bought the shop. “I did it for my kids,” she says, “They loved the shop.”

The city discussed two items regarding the site at its Nov. 15 meeting.

On Oct. 24 Schuster had presented an idea to change the usable area of the grounds to the Eden Prairie Planning Commission. She needed an amendment to her current conditional use permit that would allow her to shift the outside use area of the lot 50 feet north so she would have enough room for activities and to build a gazebo and a new shed.

A historical shed that was too old to be maintained any longer was torn down to make room for the parking lot, but it is being rebuilt and restored in a new location behind the lot. The city is working with Schuster to build a gazebo behind the house.

The shed contained a

If you go Dunn Bros Smith-DouglasMore House, 8107 Eden Prairie Road. Info: (952) 934-0145 or http:// edenprairiewest.dunnbros. com. cupola, a small, dome-like structure with a bell on top of the building. This historical piece was saved when the shed was torn down and will be added to the new gazebo.

The inside of the house will remain the same.

Schuster says they are doing some painting and adding new furniture, but no expanding.

The labor for several of these projects is being provided by students from the Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie.

The Planning Commission voted to recommend the conditional use permit change to the City Council.

That change and a new lease were approved at the Nov. 15 EP City Council meeting. The amended lease will begin in January 2012 and extends the term to a five-year lease. Schuster will pay $34,000 annually in rent and the city gets 6 percent of her gross sales over $450,000.

The hope is that the improvements to the parking lot will lead to more profits.

This isn’t the first time Schuster has worked with the city to maintain her business. In 2008, Schuster renegotiated her lease with the city, which considered letting a different franchise use the building. However,

THIS & THAT continued from page 2

Fraser fi r, 3- to 11-foot balsam fi r, 6- to 9-foot white pine and 5- to 9-foot Scotch pine; wreaths, balsam roping, candy canes and swags.

The lot is set to be open daily from 6-8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 6-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

All proceeds are used to fund programs, including monthly campouts, a weeklong summer camp and community service projects.

EP Optimists’ tree lot open The Eden Prairie Optimists’ tree lot in the northeast corner of Round Lake Park near the intersection of Eden Prairie

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS The following are local government meetings in Eden Prairie. Meetings are held at Eden Prairie City Center, 8080 Mitchell Road, unless otherwise indicated.

Monday, Dec. 19 Her it age P reser vat ion Commission – 7 p.m., Prairie Room.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 City Council meeting – Has been cancelled.

Dec. 23, 26 and Jan. 2 City offices closed.

Source: City meeting calendar, edenpr.org.

A story in the Dec. 1 edition of Eden Prairie News included a quote from an Eden Prairie School Board member who incorrectly stated a bus was sent from the Minnetonka School District to pick up students in Eden Prairie. Parents have contracted to have the bus pick up the students mentioned.

The Eden Prairie News is committed to providing accurate information. If you find an error or have a comment about a story, call Editor Karla Wennerstrom at 952-345-6474 or e-mail editor@edenprairienews.com.

201894

CORRECTION

PHOTOS BY CHELSEA WALLACE / REPRINTS AT PHOTOS.EDENPRAIRIENEWS.COM

Ann Schuster owns and operates the Smith-Douglas-More house Dunn Bros.

The historic cupola from the old shed will be used in the new gazebo.

The new parking lot is paying off for customers.

community support for the Dunn Bros urged the council to keep it in the SmithDouglas-More house.

The Smith Douglas More house hosts a variety of activities and contests to keep citizens engaged with the business. “We do a lot of

hosting a book signing for ‘The Spirit of Nora” on Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. You can fi nd out about future events on their website.

Construction on the new shed has already begun, and the groundbreaking on the gazebo is set for next spring.

Road and Valley View Road is open for business.

The Optimists will be selling a large supply of premium quality Christmas trees and are specializing in Fraser fi rs, ranging from 6 to 12 feet, balsam firs and spruce trees. Decorated holiday wreaths will also be sold.

Lot hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and 5-8 p.m. weeknights.

The tree sale is the Optimists’ only fundraiser. Funding for all of the Optimists’ youth programs in Eden Prairie depends on the profits raised through the tree sales. These community service programs include the “Hooked on Fishing” competition, Valleyfair trip for School Patrols, Eden Prairie Center Halloween Party, Essay and Oratorical contests, DNR Gun Safety classes, and the Counter Act and Project Northlands drug prevention programs.

events like weddings, baby showers, bridal showers and parties,” says Schuster. There is also an annual antique fair and a treasure hunt in January.

The Smith Douglas More business recently held its annual photo contest and is

The funds raised are also used to make annual donations to PROP, ABD Foundation, Crime Prevention Fund, Prairie-Fest, and Optimist International Childhood Cancer Campaign.

Novelist to appear locally Shakopee resident Lyle Scott Lee is set to sign copies of his book “The Spirit of Nova” from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Dunn Bros. Coffee on Eden Prairie Road in Eden Prairie.

“The Spirit of Nova” is loosely based on Lee’s great-aunt Nora Anderson, a Minnesota school teacher who served as a U.S. Army nurse in France during World War I. Lee, a data specialist for Supervalu, has written many short stories over the past 25 years. This is his fi rst novel published through Tate Publishing.

MORE ONLINE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR LINKS TO MORE INFORMATION www.edenprairienews.com

PUBLIC SAFETY

Saba faces additional EP burglary charges Daniel Thomas Saba faces additional burglary charges after a girl identified him as the suspect who entered her home.

According to a criminal complaint, a juvenile female was in her home alone on Ingram Way when she saw a man looking into the window of a neighbor’s garage, then her home’s garage window. The girl grabbed her phone and called her mother, and while on the phone someone rang the front doorbell and entered her house. After she screamed “he is in the house” she heard the suspect open the front door and saw him run back to his car, according to a criminal complaint.

Police had already caught Saba in a similar burglary in Eden Prairie and he has a record of similar burglaries in Scott Count where he admitted to entering homes to find prescription drugs.

While in police custody, Saba said he could not recall any incident on Ingram Way. Saba, 39, of Hanover, was formerly a Minnetonka police officer, according to media reports. He was convicted of burglary in 2010 and again in 2011.

Page 4 | December 15, 2011

www.edenprairienews.com | Eden Prairie News

opinion Contributions welcome to editor@edenprairienews.com, (952) 942-7885

COMMENTARY

PHOTO BY KARLA WENNERSTROM

Alexis Locsin was honored for her essay at the Eden Prairie City Council meeting on Dec. 6. Locsin, an eighth-grader at The International School of Minnesota, won in the middle school division of a national essay contest sponsored by Teachers Against Prejudice.

Award-winning essay: Saving Sampson High

BY ALEXIS LOCSIN

Prejudice is a widespread and seemingly unstoppable phenomenon. It is an unfair or biased attitude towards certain groups of people, which, interestingly enough, spans almost all of the world. These biased viewpoints are displayed in many ways: actions, words and even in the media. Some television programs or movies only popularize and heighten prejudiced viewpoints. However, there is a brighter side: many popular shows and movies are taking steps to teach people about the evils of discrimination.

If I were to create one such movie, it would be called Saving Sampson High. The movie starts in a stereotypical high school with its stereotypical cliques: jocks, nerds, cheerleaders and the like. One uneventful Monday in December, it is announced the state government will shut down the school at the end of the year due to budget cuts. Hearing this, students who previously had taken

going to school for granted realize that they actually love their school and decide to stop its shutdown immediately.

The movie explores the individual stories of various students, one such student being Kathy, an introverted, but smart girl with a mild form of autism, which had previously kept her from having many friends. (She was often classified as a “nerd”.)

Other characters include Angela, a relatively wealthy teenager recently initiated into the “popular” clique, and Cheng, an exchange student, who has trouble making friends due to linguistic differences. Another student, Steve, a popular kid, is a “jock” and a bully; yet another student, Julian, is an effeminate male, who is often made fun of by the others.

Through collective efforts as well as their own individual attempts, they manage to raise enough money to save the school, as well as improve it. Out of necessity, Kathy and Angela

Locsin to page 5 ®

Battling the ‘Bad Mom’ moments Some weeks are not going toward full of those bad some other important mom moments. It’s parenting tasks that the week where the are really critical. third-grade teacher Still those bad-mom records the Circle moments can really of Shame and get you down. Here are Accusation in the some tips to blow off spot where you were the bad-mom mood and supposed to sign get back on track.

I Tell a friend. Sure your kid’s planner it’s dicey. You can’t tell yesterday. The week Martha Stewart Jr. when your child has about it lest she say “I to bring a field trip REAL PARENT know! This week my lunch consisting son did not extend his of three miniscule pinkie finger when boxes of leftover drinking his tea in front of the Halloween raisins, Doritos crumbs, two stalks of celery and instructions senator! I’m such a bad mom!” Nor can you tell anybody who you kinda to find a water fountain. The week think is a little bit of a bad mom: when you realize only after your “Yeah, I was passed out drunk all child bounces up to the front of the weekend and the kids had to break church for children’s time that there into the neighbor’s house and is a giant knot of burrs in her hair. forage for food!” The right other That might have been there since mom makes the same types and Friday. The week you whip around level of mistakes as you do and to chew out your wailing toddler in won’t judge. the grocery store only to find her I Push back. Is your bad-mom bleeding arm is trapped in the door moment even real? Is it really bad of the bizarre plastic fake-car-childto forget to sign your 9-year-old’s seat thingy. planner when you’ve trained that I am here to tell you that all kid to do his homework completely moms, no matter how perfectindependently and it’s always done? appearing, have bad-mom moments.

And if they don’t, they should. Trust Did the moms of the burr-free kids take their kids tree-climbing in the me; if every outward appearance woods all day yesterday so that they is perfect then energy is probably

had the greatest time ever? You don’t have to accept other people’s standards of good/bad momdom for your own.

I Remember what you do well.

Sure your kids are unwashed but maybe they always feel loved and accepted. Or maybe their behavior needs work but you do read to them every night. Our strengths as moms follow our personalities and there’s generally a plus and minus side to any trait.

I Give yourself a break. Some weeks are bad-mom weeks for a reason, like an illness or work crisis. But some years are badmom years as well. It’s just about impossible to not drop the ball sometimes due to child-caring stress, sleep deprivation and scattered thinking, especially when you have little kids. Lower your standards, never ever compare yourself to moms with fewer kids or older kids than yours, and wait it out. You’ll know when things finally get sane enough that you can be more the mom you’d like to be. Till then, just allow me to proclaim the label for you: Good Mom. Deb Sweeney is an Eden Prairie parent of five children ages 9 to 16.

You can submit a topic or question to Real Parent on Facebook. Sweeney’s column appears the third week of the month.

“I’m not really happy with this budget that I’ve signed into law. It’s not what I wanted. But it’s the best option that is available.” Republican House Speaker Kurt Zeller said he worked “to come up with an agreement that I think will not only change the way Minnesota operates, but it will position our state for a great future.”

The biennium 2012-2013 budget will spend $34 billion from the General Fund. That amount does not include the one-time solutions, the K-12 school aid payment shift, tobacco revenue bonds and the cash flow account transfer. With these one-time solutions, the Biennium 2012-2013 budget is $35.7 billion.

Under the school funding shift, schools will receive 60 percent of their anticipated funding during the first year. The remaining 40 percent will go into the state’s General Fund.

When the economy recovers and state revenues increase enough to build a budget surplus, the schools will be paid the 40 percent withheld. The amount now owed schools is about $3 billion.

Minnesota Finance officials sold $757 million ($640 million for the General Fund) in bonds tied to the state’s future tobacco payments. The state will pay bondholders $1.2 billion over the life of the 20-year bonds.

One new law reduces General Fund spending on jobs and economic development by 8.5 percent. An earlier bill proposed deeper overall cuts of 17.8 percent. Republican legislators’ “Job Creation” plan was to lay off 15 percent of government employees. The justifi-

important. The fi rst chore that was given to me when I was 7 years old: slopping of the pigs. The hogs would often be greedy with each other over food and it was necessary to keep them in check by letting them have it across the snout with a two-by-four – not hard, of course.

Sure, they squealed and whined, but they also learned their lesson.

Later in life I look back on this experience and am reminded of greedy politicians. We cannot continue to allow our elected representation to ignore us, and we must be persistent in keeping them in check.

My most fervent wish is that the people of our state govern those elected and hold them accountable. The political representatives whom we chose to elect are expected to adhere to the standards we the people have required of them.

This delinquent behavior that we have seen over and over again from politicians is unacceptable, and there is no reason for allowing it to continue.

Yes, citizens can sit down in discussion with elected officials in efforts to save money and common sense.

Not long ago, there was a proposal by the city of Eden Prairie to purchase costly undeveloped land to build a new city hall; the estimated cost was to be $28 million. It occurred to me that spending that amount of taxpayer funded resources was unnecessary and alternative solutions were available.

Perhaps city officials were unaware of all of their options. I requested a

Deb

SWEENEY

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR EP SCHOOL DISTRICT

Anti-bullying helps the bullied, bullies I am referencing the letter in the Dec. 1 issue of the Eden Prairie News.

I read with great dismay the letter from Mark Bell, “Anti-bullying has another agenda.” I thought it was an interesting coincidence that your letter appeared on the opposite page of parents, who thought they had a perfect child. What their son did in his private time was his secret from his parents. I think we must all agree that we are not privy to our children’s personal life as much as we would like to be.

My children both have friends that are gay and afraid to come out to their parents. Unfortunately, you are probably beyond the ability to overcome your fears. Hopefully your children are more open minded than that. Mark, Google this topic, “gay teen suicide.” I don’t think you will like the statistics you see.

When my partner and I adopted our two boys we were told by Hennepin County that we wouldn’t have problems with other children, we would have problems with the adults. This became evident when a parent at our school requested our son to stay home from a field trip. He didn’t want to put his child on the same bus as my son, because my son had two dads.

Bullying is not just at school. Our children hear negative information we say about many “undesirable types.”

EDEN PRAIRIE (USPS 005-527)

When a child hears a derogatory term for a gay man or woman, and they are still in the closet, they already know how you feel. I think that most professionals would agree that children that are in turmoil about their sexuality will act out against others who they see with the same issues.

Yes Mark, there may be an agenda, but not as you think. Anti-bullying “propaganda” is in place to help children that are being bullied as much as the children that are the bullies. Maybe you can get to tolerance if you head for acceptance. Remember, acceptance doesn’t mean participating.

Victor Walter Eden Prairie

POLITICS

Biennium budget 2012-2013 A single sentence summarizes the 2011 budget stalemate between Gov. Dayton and the Republican Legislature. Republican legislators’ highest fiduciary priority was not to the ordinary citizens but to the super-rich.

The Republican legislators’ simplistic choices made draconian cuts to vital services. Their strategy was to submit a budget of about $34 billion then shut down the government until Gov. Dayton signed. On the afternoon of July 19, a special session passed 12 spending and tax bills to fund state government for the next two years. Dayton stated,

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About us: The Eden Prairie News, founded by a group of Eden Prairie residents in 1974, is published by Southwest Newspapers, a division of Red Wing Publishing Company. We are an active member of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and the official newspaper for the City of Eden Prairie.

Published weekly on Thursdays; periodicals postage paid at Hopkins, MN. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notice to Eden Prairie News, P.O. Box 8, Shakopee, MN 55379.

Location: The Eden Prairie News newsroom is located at 250 Prairie Center Drive, Suite 211, Eden Prairie. The mailing address is P.O. Box 44220, Eden Prairie, MN 55344. For general information call (952) 445-3333; send faxes to (952) 942-7975.

cation was the slogan, “Government must learn to live within its means.”

The laid off government workers would compete with longtime unemployed workers for private sector jobs where unemployment is stagnant.

No capital investment bill made it past the Republican-led House, but at the end of the special session, there was a $498 million law which had been negotiated as part of the overall budget settlement for the 2012- 2013 biennium.

By making hard choices, Dayton got a desperately needed bonding bill, bills that cut deeply into the safety net, but were not draconian. Many poorly thought out changes to state law were pared down or eliminated.

In the next biennium, Dayton needs to work with a group of responsible legislators who will make wise, moral and just decisions about the next biennium’s allotments. Many citizens, school children and private businesses are depending on the outcome of the next election. Can Republicans nominate the responsible legislators we need?

Ray Daniels Eden Prairie

People must hold politicians accountable I grew up on a farm in North Dakota during the 1930s and early 1940s as one of 15 children. Work ethic and selfreliance were expected and oftentimes rewarded. My siblings and I were early to rise, early to bed and our chores were

Guest columns and letters to the editor: Letters to the editor and guest commentaries stating positions on issues facing the local community are especially welcome but are reviewed by the editor prior to publication.

The newspaper reserves the right to edit letters for length, grammar and clarity. We will not print letters of a libelous nature. Letters should be 500 or fewer words in length. Exceptions are at the editor’s discretion. Deadline for letters is noon on the Monday before the Thursday publication date. Letters must contain the address and daytime phone number of the author, as well as a signature (except on e-mails).

We prefer letters that are e-mailed to editor@edenprairienews.com.

Editorials that appear on this page represent the institutional voice of the newspaper. Any questions or comments should be directed to the editor.

Deadlines News: Noon Monday; 3 p.m. Friday for events calendar Advertising: 4 p.m. Friday Imarketplace (Classifieds): 3 p.m. Tuesday for paid ads; noon Tuesday for Thrift ads Legal notices: 4 p.m. Thursday, one week before publication

Letters to page 5 ®

Publisher: Mark A. Weber (952) 345-6672; mweber@swpub.com Editor: Karla Wennerstrom (952) 942-7885; editor@edenprairienews.com Staff Writer: Leah Shaffer (952) 942-3387; lshaffer@swpub.com Sports Editor: Daniel Huss (952) 942-7947; dhuss@swpub.com Advertising Sales: Veronica Vagher (952) 345-6470; vvagher@swpub.com Advertising Sales: Jeanne Reiland (952) 345-6478; jreiland@swpub.com Circulation: Ruby Winings (952) 345-6682; circulation@swpub.com Imarketplace (Classified) Advertising: (952) 345-3003; self-serve at www.imarketplace.mn Composition: Barb Tieben Ad Design: Renee Fette For breaking news and news updates, go to www.edenprairienews.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Find sports scores online at www.scoreboard.mn. Leave news tips at (952) 942-7885. © 2011 Southwest Newspapers (www.swnewspapers.com)

Eden Prairie News | www.edenprairienews.com

meeting with mayor of the city of Eden Prairie in which I outlined various options. My ideas were later adopted in a special session of the City Council and the city ended up saving $23 million.

By proposing well-thoughtout solutions, we have the power to alter the course of action taken by our politicians. Understanding a person is the roadway to success.

Jerry LaBarre Eden Prairie

CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL

Eden Prairie can save energy My name is Max Jevnick, I am in eighth grade at Central Middle School. I am in enriched science, and we have to do a science experiment. My project is on saving energy. I think that people in Eden Prairie use too much electricity when they don’t have to use it at all.

Some simple ways to save energy are: turn off lights when you leave the room. If you leave them on, you will waste money.

LOCSIN continued from page 4

reluctantly band together and obtain grants from various companies. The two bond quickly. Angela sees that cliques or “popularity� don’t make you a better person, and Kathy lets go of her negative attitude towards people in cliques and makes an unexpected friend in the process.

Although unwilling to help at first, Steve uses his popularity to help convince many people to sign a petition to stop the shutdown of Sampson High.

At an assembly held for this very purpose, he recognizes Julian’s eloquence and asks him to give a speech. His speech stirs many people to action, procures hundreds of signatures and even manages to raise a substantial amount of money. While, at first, Steve was biased against Julian and only asked him

on the screen, but it uses more energy to have that message on the screen compared to if it wasn’t even there.

Some strategies to avoid using phantom energy are: to get an on/off strip or simply unplug electronic devices when they are not in use. It will save a lot of money in the future. These techniques help save money over the years. The cost of energy is paid in more than just dollars and sense, it is also paid in American lives. Our military is fighting today to promote freedom and to ensure a supply of oil for our country. 4,483 American soldiers have died in the Iraq and another 1,847 have died in Afghanistan. I have a cousin who is fighting the war in the Afghanistan right now.

There are only 62,000 people and 23,000 houses in Eden Prairie, but if every house could save money by eliminating phantom energy associated with TV, video games and other devices like espresso makers, our city could save a lot of money each year. More impor tantly, it would be a step toward energy independence which could save American lives, possibly my cousin Kevin’s life.

to speak because of his way with words, he comes to the realization that Julian is, in fact, in defiance of many of the stereotypes surrounding him, being much like any other “normal� teen.

Finally, for a long time, Cheng feels like he is useless because he is barely able to speak English. One day, however, he has the idea of having an art sale, and with the help of his artistic brother and a few friends, starts an art fair. The profits go towards saving the school.

Miraculously enough, the students’ joint efforts raise money sufficient to stop the school from being closed, which fills everyone with considerable joy. In this process, the students learn various lessons of equality, such as not to judge a book by its cover.

Of course, there are many other interesting movies or television programs that could have been written. The important thing is that they

fight prejudice by teaching viewers fairness and equality.

One way to help end biased attitudes using the media is to show the full magnitude of the suffering they can cause, and tell stories about people overcoming these attitudes.

While prejudice is still very much alive, there have been increasingly fervent attempts to stop it. Whereas some television shows seem to exacerbate prejudice, there are many excellent shows or movies which have taught important lessons about its evils and are slowly but surely bringing us that much closer to our goal: a total end to all prejudice.

Alexis Locsin is a seventhgrader at the International School of Minnesota in Eden Prairie. The assignment in the essay contest was to “write the story line for a new movie or TV program or change the story of an existing movie or TV program with the goal of raising awareness of discrimination and prejudice.�

Congratulations, Craig Blixrud Craig won the new Amazon Kindle Fire tablet that was given away as part of our Eden Prairie News survey on “The Future of News.�

More than 200 people ďŹ lled out our survey, and Craig’s name was randomly drawn from that group.

Congratulations again to Craig who, coincidentally, was celebrating his birthday when we called and told him he’d won the electronic tablet.

And, thanks to everyone who responded to our survey.

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continued from page 4

For example, I have a lamp in my dad’s den that uses 0.63 kilowatts in 6 hours and 37 minutes.

The extra money you have to pay at the end of the year would be $55.86.

Another easy way to save money, is to turn off your TV when you’re not using it. I have a TV in my living room that is a 42-inch Samsung LCD TV that uses 0.41 kilowatts of energy in 3 hours and 10 minutes. One of my basement TVs is a 36-inch Toshiba Tube TV. It used 0.10 kilowatts of energy in 1 hour and 24 minutes. People can save money each year by simply turning off the TV when it is not in use.

People are unaware of electronic devices that they think are turned off, but they are still using energy. This is called phantom energy. For example, when my living room TV is off, there is still a tiny, red dot on the bottom. So, that means that the TV is still using energy.

Also, kids love to play the Wii! But when it is off, there is still a red dot on the device. So, unless it is unplugged from the wall, it still uses 0.02 kilowatts of energy in 23 hours and 27 minutes.

Is it worth it? Another example is my espresso maker in our kitchen. It’s funny because there is an energy saving mode

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www.edenprairienews.com | Eden Prairie News

Observing the observatory Donation will offer residents more options to see astronomical events

BY KARLA WENNERSTROM editor@edenprairienews.com

M i s s out o n t h e lu n a r eclipse on Dec. 10?

Early next year, you might be able to watch events like this live at the Staring Lake Observatory – but from the comfort of your own home t h rou g h t he cit y of E den Prairie’s website.

T he E den P r a i r ie Cit y Council accepted the donation that will make this possible at its Dec. 6 meeting.

T he g i f t of $ 2 9, 5 2 3 for ast ronomy and elect ronic equipment came from the Stoebner Foundation.

Joe Stoebner, founder and chair of AVI Systems, and his fou ndation have been responsible for a number of recent grants to community or g a n i z at ion s , i nclud i n g t h e E d e n P r a i r ie S c ho ol District.

“AVI Systems will install an integ rated display and st rea mi ng system for t he ob s e r v at or y at t h e E d e n P r a i r ie O utdo or C enter,” accordi ng to i n for mation presented to the City Council.

A telescope camera will allow viewers to watch the i m a ge s on a new 3 2 -i nch outdoor display and a new 55-inch LED display inside

t h e N a t u r e C e n t e r, t h e presentation said.

With the system in place, residents will be able to hear any narration of the event provided by astronomers at the observatory.

Pa rks a nd Recreation Director Jay Lotthammer said i n a n i nter view t hat t h e s y s t e m wou l d l i k e ly be i nsta l led at t he end of Ja nu a r y or b e g i n n i n g of February.

Previously the observatory had been able to show images from the telescope on a small monitor.

Once this system is i n s t a l le d , r e sid e nt s w i l l b e able t o wat ch out side t h e o b s e r v a t o r y, i n s i d e t he bu i ld i n g a nd v i a t he website. “ I f it ’s s omet h i n g t h at happened late at night, you c o u l d g o o n t h e w e b sit e and watch the replay of it,” Lotthammer said.

“It rea l ly takes it from a ‘you had to be t here’ … t o a nyb o dy c a n wat ch it at any place and almost anytime.”

CITY IS FORTUNATE At the same meeting, the city accepted donations from the Sampson family for $ 5,000 for the Eden Prairie Art Center; and from State Farm Cos. Foundation on behalf of Gordon Williams for $ 500 for the Senior Center’s 2012 volunteer recognition event.

Lotthammer said the city has been fortunate to get

quite a few donations in the past few years.

He said that two things generally happen. First, someone perceives a need and helps out fi nancially.

Then, when news of that comes out, other people see it and want to be a part of it and make it even bigger and better.

He said he’s seen that pattern with the accessible play area at Miller Park, the Veterans Memorial and the Art Center.

The observatory continues to offer an example of the generous donations Eden Prairie has received. In 2006, the city received the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope, valued at about $10,000, from the Minnesota Astronomical Society.

In 2010, donations allowed the city to build the observatory. The observatory recently celebrated its one-year anniversary.

As in other cities, Lotthamer said Eden Prairie has been successful in attracting grants and donations. He attributes that success to people’s confidence in how the City Council and city staff will honor the donor’s wishes and use the funds to benefit a large number of people.

Lotthammer said that “gives people more confidence that we’re a good organization to invest their philanthropic dollars in.”

COOPERATIVE SENDS COOKIES

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Ten members of Summerhill Cooperative of Eden Prairie, 7610 Smetana Lane, made cookies and packed four mailing boxes for our armed forces serving abroad on Dec. 1. “The four mailing boxes contained 18 dozen cookies, candy, puzzles and comic pages which were sent to three servicemen and one servicewoman serving in Kuwait and Afghanistan (including one of the member’s nephews who is serving in Kuwait). This was one way the cooperative’s members felt they could thank those men and women who are serving our country,” according to a news release. Pictured are: Betty Clark, Dorothy Krantz, Florence Lowe, Carol Hurtig, Pat Crist, Jinny Gibson, Lil Tushie and Donna Henningsen.

ENGAGEMENTS Jefferson-Tadt Laura Jefferson and Eric Tadt announce their engagement and upcoming wedding on Sept. 15, 2012, in Minneapolis.

LIVESREMEMBERED Mathew Paul Adams

Eric is the son of Kim and Norman Tadt Jr. of Janesville, Wis. He attended Janesville Parker High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison and works at KimleyHorn and Associates.

Laura is the daughter of Mike and Sheila Jefferson of Eden Prairie. She attended Eden Prairie High School and the University of WisconsinMadison and works at Airtex Design Group.

Laura Jefferson and Eric Tadt

Chester Frank Rief, CDR USN (Ret.)

Mathew Paul Adams, 97, former resident of Valley View Cooperative in Eden Prairie, died Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, in McAllen, TX. Chester (Chet) Frank Rief, 92, of 2319 E. Doublegate Funeral services were held in McAllen, TX and Austin, Drive, Albany, GA died Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011 at his resMN. Burial at Calvary Cemetery, Austin, MN. idence.

The family received friends Thursday, Dec. 8 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Mathews Funeral Home. A funeral mass was conducted Friday, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church. The Rev. Finbarr Stanton officiated. Interment will follow in Andersonville National Cemetery with military honEugene Schulte, 69, of Eden Prairie, passed away ors.

Dec. 11, 2011.

A native of Chaska, MN, CDR Rief was an alumnus of Visitation was Wednesday, Dec. 14, 5-8 p.m. at Huber Chaska High School and the University of Minnesota. He Funeral Home Eden Prairie Chapel, 16394 Glory Lane. was commissioned as a Naval officer in 1941, attended Mass of Christian Burial was Thursday, Dec. 15, 11 flight school at NAS Pensacola, FL and received his wings. a.m., at Pax Christi Catholic Community, 12100 Pioneer He served both in the Pacific and European Theaters durTrail, Eden Prairie. ing World War II. CDR Rief was awarded five Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross and retired from the Navy in 1968. CDR Rief moved to Albany, GA in 1966 and was the personnel manager at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company until his retirement in 1981. He was a member of St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, Doublegate Country Club and Scott Oliverson, 34, of Shakopee, died The Benevolent and Protective Order of The Elk. Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011 in Shakopee.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Lucille Scott was born in Shakopee Oct. 17, Smith Rief. Survivors include his wife, Sara Jane Rief, of 1977 to Kenneth and Janet (Frank) Albany, GA; daughter and her husband, Katherine A. Rief, Oliverson. He was employed with One CAPT NC USN (Ret) and Robert Clarey CDR USN (Ret), of Way Construction in heating and air conSan Diego, CA; sons, Robert Rief and his wife, Ellen, of ditioning.

A 1996 graduate of Shakopee High School, Scott is sur- San Diego, CA, Thomas (Tom) Rief and his wife, Theresa, vived by daughter, Lydia Marie Oliverson; parents, Ken and of Albany, GA and Rocky Rief and his wife, Julie, of Sydney, Jan Oliverson; sister, Heather (Greg) Mecikalski of Eau Australia; brothers, Dale Rief and his wife, Jane and Claire; niece, Cecelia; nephew, Ephraem; Lydia’s mother, Skipper Rief and his wife, Laura all of Chaska; sisters, Blanche Saul, of Denver, CO and Sister Grace Rief, of Kalli Bailey; uncles, aunts and cousins.

Visitation was Saturday, Dec. 10, after 9:30 a.m., fol- Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Carrie, Allison, Katie, Lindsey, lowed by the funeral service at 11 a.m., all at the First Murphy and Larkin; four great-grandchildren. Survivors Presbyterian Church, Shakopee. The Rev. Beverly Modlin also include stepchildren, stepgrandchildren and stepgreatofficiated. Private family interment, Valley Cemetery, grandchildren.

Those desiring may make contributions to St. Clair’s Shakopee.

Community Center or to St. Teresa’s Neighbors in Need, 2005 Funeral arrangements through McNearney Funeral Home in Shakopee, 952-445-2755. www.mcnearneyfuneralhome.com Martin Luther King Blvd., Albany, GA, 31701. To sign our online registry or to send condolences to the family, you may visit Mathews’ website at www.mathewsfuneralhome.com.

Mathews Funeral Home 229-435-5657.

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Eden Prairie News | www.edenprairienews.com

December 15, 2011 | Page 7

These homeowners know their amps, volts, and LEDs — and how to really light it up Y

ou’re looking at some of the outstanding Christmas-light photographs that southwest-metro readers shared with this newspaper.

No one appreciates these colorful displays more than us, after failing to unwind that giant, impossibly tangled ball of holiday lights that’s been collecting dust in the basement for most of this year.

Anyone that can do what these homeowners have done deserves not just oohs and aahs, but whatever is at the top of their Christmas wish list. (That much-coveted four-pack of 3-amp light fuses, perhaps.)

So, a tip of the hat to these intrepid decorators, especially from those of us who are electrically challenged.

You have brightened our holiday, and maintained a tradition that would make light-bulb inventor Thomas Edison ohso-proud.

The festive holiday home of John and Linda Pelzman, at 110102 Friendship Lane N., in Chaska.

The home of Larry and Deb Lasch, 2070 Omega Drive, Shakopee.

The home of Don and Marge McNeil, 1101 Naumkeag St. S., Shakopee.

John and Gayle Smith light up the South Hills neighborhood with their colorfully-decorated home at 14300 Princeton Ave. S. in Savage.

This was taken inside the home of Diane Cleveland of Prior Lake.

Brad and Rhonda Seefeld bring light and color to the Huntington Estates subdivision with the fun figures outside their home at 5990 W. 136th Lane in Savage.

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Page 8 | December 15, 2011

www.edenprairienews.com | Eden Prairie News

scoreboard Breaking news at Scoreboard.mn. Contribute sports news to dhuss@swpub.com or call (952) 942-7947

BOYS BASKETBALL

SIDE LINES

Eagles flying high

EPLA offering boys winter lacrosse programs

Eden Prairie opens season with pair of impressive wins

BY DANIEL HUSS dhuss@swpub.com

S

aying that he doesn’t get too caught up in predicting things, David Flom, head coach of the Eden Prairie High School boys basketball team, said he’d be shocked if Duluth East, last Saturday’s opponent, doesn’t make the state tournament.

The same could be said for Apple Valley, the team Eden Prairie opened its season against four days prior.

But guess what? After beating No. 4 ranked Apple Valley at Apple Valley 89-85, the Eagles knocked off Duluth East 74-65.

“Not a bad way to start the season,” adds Flom.

You think?

In beating Apple Valley, Eden Prairie shot 59 percent from the field. Apple Valley, by comparison, shot 50 percent.

The bad news?

Apple Valley grabbed more rebounds, that and the fact that Tyus Jones finished with 37 points. Teammate Dustin Fronk would finish with 24.

Sander Mohn, who Flom said might have been his best player at the end of last season, led the Eagles, the Eden Prairie Eagles, with a team high 27 points. Sophomore Andre Wallace would add 22. Jordan Peterson finished with 20 points; Jack Cottrell finished with 10.

Over the last minute of the game, Eden Prairie made good on 10 of 13 free throws.

DOG HOUNDS As part of Saturday’s Breakdown Tip-Off Classic at Minnetonka High School, Eden Prairie defeated Duluth East 74-65.

Tied 36-36 at halftime, the game turned in Eden Prairie’s favor with 10 minutes left in the second half when the Eagles went on an 8-0 run. The Greyhounds never recovered.

Mohn led Eden Prairie with 23 points. Wallace would add 15, Peterson 14 and Grant Shaeffer 13.

The good news is that Eden Prairie improved its defense,

BOYS HOCKEY

Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle Meeting Eden Prairie seventh- and eighth-grade student athletes (from public and private schools and association/club/travel/ community league teams) are invited to attend a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) huddle meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 20, from 7-8:15 p.m. at Grace Church (9301 Eden Prairie Road); enter Door 4. Micah Hegerle, Big 10 Hammer Champion will be the special guest. There is no charge to attend, but participants are encouraged to bring a food donation for PROP. For more information, contact Kris Kerber at klkerber@kerberinc. com. Information can also be found on Facebook (FCA - Eden Prairie, MN / seventh and eighth grade). FCA is the largest Christian sports organization in America, focusing on serving local communities by equipping, empowering and encouraging student athletes to make a difference for Christ. More information on FCA can be found by visiting fca.org.

Allen earns Daktronics All-Central Region honors University of Minnesota Duluth freshman women’s soccer player Riley Allen was named to the Daktronics All-Central Region second team Allen, a 2011 Eden Prairie High School graduate, was the only Bulldog to earn Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Player (NSIC) of the Week honors during the 2011 season (Oct. 31). Each of Allen’s two goals as a freshman were game-winners, with one being the deciding goal in UMD’s 1-0 victory over then nationally-ranked Minnesota State University-Mankato. She fi nished with a team-high shots-on-goal percentage of .833. She also had three assists. The NSIC represented just under half of the fi rst and second teams, with players from conference squads accounting for 12 of the 26 spots.

Eden Prairie Soccer Club to hold U8-U11 tryouts

PHOTO BY DANIEL HUSS

Although it’s early, Eden Prairie senior Sander Mohn is averaging 25 points per game.

He opened the season by dropping 27 points on No. 4 ranked Apple Valley (Eden Prairie won 89-85). Saturday, Mohn scored 23 points in a nine point win over Duluth East.

limiting Duluth East to 36 percent shooting. The bad news is the Greyhounds grabbed 22 offensive rebounds. Although the two are related, as poor shooting leads to more rebound opportunities, Flom was still concerned.

“I don’t like to compare tea ms,” he said, “but last year’s team was out-rebounded twice. We’ve played two games and have out-rebounded two times.”

Still, Eden Prairie is 2-0.

“We’re a you ng tea m,” he said, “with high expectations.

They’re gritty and they like to win, that’s good to see.”

Tuesday, Eden Prairie was scheduled to play at Burnsville.

Friday, the Eagles host an upstart Prior Lake Lakers squad.

“Take us out of the equation,” said the coach, “and Prior Lake is the team to beat in the section.

In addition to having a very talented sophomore guard, the Lakers are big, going 7-0, 6-10

and 6-9 across the front.

“We’re not going to shoot over them,” said Flom; “instead, the plan is to get past them.”

What’s left is to work the plan.

Friday’s game is scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m.

MORE ONLINE FOR EP VS. PRIOR LAKE RESULTS, VISIT www.scoreboard.mn

The Eden Prairie Soccer Club will be holding tryouts for its girls and boys U8 – U11 spring/summer teams on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the PrairieDome. Check-in begins at 2:30 p.m.; tryouts/parent information meeting begin at 4 p.m. Eligible players are born between July 31, 2004 and Aug. 1, 2000. For more information, go to epsoccerclub.com.

EPLA accepting girls winter lacrosse registration Girls Youth Lacrosse sponsored by the Eden Prairie Lacrosse Association offers two sessions this winter at the Eden Prairie High School PrairieDome. Session I is a Youth Clinic open to girls grades one to six and offers parents the chance to learn the game side by side with their daughters.

The clinic runs four Mondays beginning Jan. 9 and is led

by Eden Prairie High School varsity coaches. Cost is $ 80.

Session II runs four Mondays (6-7 p.m.) beginning Feb. 13 and features 4 v 4 leagues for third- and fourth-graders and fi fth- and sixth-graders. Cost is $75. Registration is available at eplacrosse.com. Players will need a girls stick, goggles and mouth guard. Sticks and goggles will be made available for those without. Parents are encouraged to participate and see why their daughters love lacrosse. Players in session II are required to have a U.S. Lacrosse Membership (www. uslacrosse.org). For more information, email npcolford@ mac.com.

EPHS girls lacrosse alumni game

GIRLS HOCKEY

The Eden Prairie Lacrosse Association’s girls lacrosse program invites all past Eden Prairie High School girls lacrosse alumni to play in the Eagle Alumni Game against current EPHS girls lacrosse players on Monday, Jan. 2, from 6-7:30 at the PrairieDome. Contact npcolford@mac.com for more information.

Eagles nip Huskies; that’s odd

EPBA Winter Instructional Clinics The Eden Prairie Baseball Association will offer the following clinics at the PrairieDome: Clinic No. 1: Instructional Clinic – Eden Prairie Baseball Association coaches will conduct structured baseball drills and offer hands-on instruction at each session. Coaches will follow a comprehensive instructional plan developed exclusively for EPBA’s Winter Instructional Clinic; Clinic No. 2: Pitching Clinic – Eden Prairie varsity Pitching Coach Tony Ruemmele and his staff will conduct seven 60-minute pitching clinics for players in grades three to nine on Saturdays beginning Jan. 7; Clinic No. 3: Travel Tryout Fundraiser – Eden Prairie Baseball Association coaches will lead players through the actual Travel Tryout Drills March 18 and 25. Players in grades three to 12 that live or go to school in Eden Prairie can participate. Sign up for one, two or all three. Registration, at epbaseball.com, is open through Jan. 29. Space is limited.

BY DANIEL HUSS dhuss@swpub.com

The word that best fits the Eden Prairie High School boys hockey team’s 2-1 win over Andover last Thursday is odd. Odd that a team could get whistled for 31 minutes of penalties, yet outshoot its opposition 44-17.

Odd, well, odd that a team could get whistled for 31 minutes in penalties.

“The game was strangely officiated,” said Eden Prairie Head Coach Lee Smith.

When asked to explain, the coach talks about the unfamiliarity between the two teams.

“We’ve never seen each other,” he said.

But 31 minutes in penalties?

How does that happen?

Frustration?

“It was a long bus ride and I think the guys thought it was going to be easy,” said Smith.

“Instead, they found out that the other team came to play, had a great goalie and really wanted to win.”

Those things being said, Eden Prairie should have known better. Andover, after all, had just lost 5-4 to Maple Grove, arguably one of the best teams in the state.

Hindsight?

“We were lucky to get out of there with a win,” said Smith.

Eden Prairie sophomore Steven Spinner put the Eagles on the board two minutes into the game. In the second period, he’d score what turned out to be the game winner. For what it’s worth, Spinner has five goals in three games. “They’ve all been good goals,” adds Smith.

Derrick LaCombe, getting his second start in goal, would also play well (LaCombe was in goal in Eden Prairie’s 2-1 win over Eagan).

Registration is now being accepted for the Eden Prairie Lacrosse Association’s boys winter lacrosse clinics. The instructional clinics are designed by Ryan Ward, head coach of the Eden Prairie High School varsity team and professional lacrosse player. The goal is to provide developmentally appropriate instruction and drills to improve a player’s stick skills, knowledge and confidence. For more information, or to register online, go to eplacrosse.com.

TAGS Level 5s sixth at state

PHOTO BY DANIEL HUSS

McKenzie Johnson was a wall against Elk River, saving 44 shots. She’s was particularly tough in the second period when Eden Prairie killed back-to-back five-onthree power plays.

EP owning third period(s)

BY DANIEL HUSS dhuss@swpub.com

That Elk River/Zimmerman star Jonna Curtis skated a six minute shift in the middle of last Thursday’s game didn’t go unnoticed.

“Teams that try to overskate a top line should be run into the ground,” said Jaimie Grossman, head coach of the Eden Prairie High School girls hockey team.

Although that didn’t exactly happen; it didn’t exactly not happen either.

Curtis scored all five of the Elks goals, yet Eden Prairie fought back from a 5-3 deficit to knot the game at 5-5.

“Early in the summer when something bad happened, we panicked,” said Grossman.

“Over the last five games, we

didn’t let that happen and we’ve dominated third periods.”

What does all that mean?

One, it means that Eden Prairie’s balance is wearing people down. Two, the Eagles are showing signs that what they’re learning in practice is starting to make sense.

“We’re not over-thinking things,” said Grossman.

They’re also more consistent, much more consistent.

“We didn’t have any A+ periods Thursday,” said Grossman, “but we had three A- and B+ periods. The goal is to play three solid periods and that’s what we did.”

Thursday’s highlights include killing back-to-back fiveon-three penalties, sticking to the plan, and fighting back from that two-goal deficit.

“Special teams is the last piece to come together,” said the coach. “We watched those two power plays on fi lm and our positioning is getting better. Still, it starts at McKenzie (goalie McKenzie Johnson) and she played great.”

Johnson was credited with 44 saves.

Where Curtis scored all the Elks goals, Eden Prairie got goals from five different skaters – Becky Sear, Josie Olson, Jordan Phillippi, Angie Heppelmann and Charly Dahlquist.

In hindsight, Grossman said there were obviously things he wasn’t happy with, yet he knows he saw progress.

“That’s what I’m looking

Girls hockey to page 9 ®

The TAGS Eden Prairie Level 5 gymnastics team had a very successful 2011 season. The team went into the State Meet confident and fi red up. In a meet that featured 35 teams and 91 gymnasts, the TAGS team fi nished sixth with a team score of 110.775, just 0.40 out of third place. The team was led by Chloe Swanson, who fi nished fi fth in the all-around with a season-high score of 37.075. Swanson also fi nished sixth on vault (9.2) and third on bars (9.6). Celeste Frakes fi nished sixth on floor (9.425); Lauren Bovy fi nished fourth on beam (9.475).

EPHS Sports This Week BOYS BASETBALL Friday, Dec. 16 ......................................Prior Lake ...................................................... 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 ....................................Lakeville North ............................................... 7:15 p.m.

GIRLS BASKETBALL Saturday, Dec. 17...................................Providence Academy ........................................... 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 ....................................@ Stillwater .................................................... 7:30 p.m.

GIRLS HOCKEY Thursday, Dec. 15 ...................................Prior Lake ........................................................... 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 17...................................Wayzata .............................................................. 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 ....................................Champlin Park .................................................... 7 p.m.

BOYS HOCKEY Thursday, Dec. 15 ...................................Elk River at Braemar ........................................... 6 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 16 .......................................Grand Rapids at Braemar ................................... 6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 17...................................Edina at Braemar ........................................... 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 ....................................at Burnsville........................................................ 7 p.m.

DANCE TEAM Thursday, Dec. 15 ...................................Lake Meet at Wayzata ........................................ 7 p.m.

BOYS SWIMMING Saturday, Dec. 17...................................at Maple Grove ................................................... 1 p.m.

TNORDIC SKIING Tuesday, Dec. 20 ....................................Lake Meet at Theo Wirth ................................. 3:30 p.m.

GYMNASTICS Thursday, Dec. 15 ...................................Edina .................................................................. 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 ....................................Chanhassen........................................................ 6 p.m.

WRESTLING Thursday, Dec. 15 ...................................at Glencoe .......................................................... 5 p.m.

For schedule changes or directions to away games go to www.lakeconference.org. or call the Eden Prairie High School Student Activities Hotline at (952)975-8120

Eden Prairie News | www.edenprairienews.com

December 15, 2011 | Page 9

scoreboard WRESTLING

GIRLS BASKETBALL

It’s December, yet wrestlers impress

BY DANIEL HUSS dhuss@swpub.com

Sandwiched between winning the Osseo Tournament a nd pl aci n g sec ond at t he Trinity Invitational, the Eden Prairie High School wrestling team lost a dual to Chaska/ Chanhassen.

Although he’s pleased with what has transpired so far, CoHead Coach Tommie Gaston isn’t about to give “beginning of t he season” resu lts any credence. “ Unt i l se c t ion s it ’s ju st matches,” he said.

Still, he admits to being “ ple a s a nt ly su r pr i s e d” at what happened in Osseo.

“We had a lot of pins and a lot of things go our way,” he said.

Ben Brancale won a 126-pound title; Sam Brancale won at 132 pounds and Matt Gribben won at 160 pounds.

Gaston was also impressed with how his Eagles performed at the Trinity Invitational.

The Brancale brothers won at 126 and 132 pounds, Nate Becker won at 182 and DeSouza won at 195 pounds.

Against Chaska/Chanhassen, Eden Prairie would record five wins. Ben Brancale, ra n ked No. 4 i n t he latest Guillotine rankings, defeated No. 7 ranked Trent Butcher in a 9-3 decision.

Sam Brancale, wrestling up two weight classes, pinned his 145-pound opponent in the first period. Matt Gribben won a major decision at 160 pounds. DeSouza pinned his 19 5 -pound opponent; Steve Adams pinned his 220-pound opponent.

“We’re defi nitely not wrest li ng t he li neup you’l l see at s e c t ion s,” s a id Ga ston. “ T hat ’l l cha nge once kid s drop weight and some of our raw kids get a little more experience.”

Until then, it’s just matches.

Eden Prairie returns to action Thursday at Glencoe.

PHOTO BY TOM SCHARDIN

Shayne Mullaney scored a game-high 27 points in Eden Prairie’s 76-58 victory over Prior Lake.

MORE ONLINE FOR EP VS. GLENCOE RESULTS, VISIT www.scoreboard.mn

PHOTO BY DANIEL HUSS

Eden Prairies’ Chase Monger was the aggressor at the start of his match against Chaska/Chanhassen’s Ethan Loosbrock.

Girls basketball team buys some perspective

BY DANIEL HUSS dhuss@swpub.com

Sports Preview: Part V Editor’s note: Preseason Eden Prairie High School winter sports coverage continues this week with stories on EPHS Nordic ski and Pom Squad teams. Coverage concludes next week with an alpine ski story. A complete collection of EPHS winter sport schedules can be found at lakeconference.org.

Nordic ski teams tiring of our brown winter

BY DANIEL HUSS dhuss@swpub.com

Careful what you wish for?

Last year, the Eden Prairie High School Nordic ski teams opened the season with snow, yet wished for more time for dryland training.

This year?

This year, they’ve had all the dryland training they care for, yet pine for snow, any snow.

Heck, they’d be happy if snow was in the forecast.

What happens when they do get snow?

In spite of graduating its top two skiers (Kyle Bratrud and Aaron Bartnik), Eden Prairie’s boys team could score better than last year.

“We won’t have those two high-up guys, but we should have more depth,” said Eden Prairie Head Coach Doug Boonstra.

Unlike the boys team, Eden Prairie’s girls team does return a couple “high-up” girls in Hailey Hildahl and Jenna Arvidson.

“We don’t have anyone who’d be expected to win the race,” said Boonstra, “but Hailey should be up there. The girls team also has some depth.”

In terms of the Lake Conference, both Eden Prairie boys and girls teams will be chasing Wayzata.

“The Wayzata boys team is a traditional power and their girls team returns everyone

PHOTO BY DANIEL HUSS

This year’s Eden Prairie High School Nordic ski captains include (front row) Hailey Hildahl, Adrienne Huschke and Beth Schaepe; (back row) Ethan Holdahl and Andrew Hansen. from last year’s section championship team,” said Boonstra.

“The Hopkins boys team could also challenge for a conference title.”

Section Meet?

Wayzata is favored to win the girls title. Boys? “It should be between us, Minnetonka and Wayzata,” said Boonstra.

Maple Grove, Willmar and Elk River could also be factors.

That gets us back to the need for snow.

“Last Thursday’s race was canceled,” said Boonstra, “as is this Wednesday’s race. Elm Creek has been making snow and has enough for a 1K, but not

enough for a full loop. We can’t even get on the ice yet.”

Worse, warm temperatures have been melting the little snow we’ve had. Worse yet, the forecast calls for the fi rst brown Christmas since 2006.

Let it snow, let it snow … please, pretty please.

T he Eden P rairie High School girls basketball team needed a night like last Tuesday (61-56 loss to Bloomington Kennedy) to gain some perspective.

“There are ways we need to play,” said Eden Prairie Head Coach Chris Carr, “and ways we don’t want to play.”

A way Eden Prairie doesn’t want to play would include the team’s poor start against Kennedy.

“We started the game by getting a stop on defense,” said Carr, “but they got the offensive rebound and made the basket. After that, they had four straight steals. That’s not dictating how the game is played.”

Carr blames inexperience.

“We’re a young team,” he said.

In any case, Eden Prairie trailed 37-21 at halftime.

“In the second half, we cut an 18-point lead to six,” he adds.

Yet, Eden Prairie couldn’t get it any closer. Why? The Eagles only made 10-25 free throws, yet lost by six.

Good news? Eden Prairie got to the line 25 times. Bad news? A free-throw percentage of 40 is unacceptable.

Jackie Johnson led Eden Prairie with 18 points. Shayne Mullaney finished with 12; Sam Trammel fi nished with nine.

FAST START If perspective was good for Eden Prairie, it was bad for Prior Lake.

Thursday, Eden Prairie served as Prior Lake’s ’home opener opponent, but t he guests were hardly hospitable.

Eden Prairie opened with an 11-2 run, led 40-30 at halftime and then cruised to a convincing 76-58 victory.

Mu l laney, retu r ning to form, scored a game-high 27 points. Cassy Saxton scored a career-high 15 points. Johnson added 14 ; Annie Thul added eight.

Prior Lake had only one player score more than 10 points and she scored 11.

“We’re a good team,” said C a r r, “ wh e n we s t ick t o our principles and play our game.”

Translation: Eden Prairie played the way it needs to play.

Eden Prairie was scheduled to host Chaska on Tuesday. Saturday, the Eagles host Providence Academy, a team that has a win over DeLaSa l le on its resu me.

Saturday’s game, at Eden Prairie, is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

MORE ONLINE FOR EP GIRLS BASKETBALL RESULTS, VISIT www.scoreboard.mn

DANCE

Pom Squad: One for all and all for one The Pom Squad represents Eden Prairie High School at national competitions competing in Pom, Jazz and Hip Hop categories. The 18-member team is composed of seniors Sydney Borchert, Aly Limberis, Katie Miller, Kristina Monsen, Kelly Olson and Chloe Setter; juniors Taylor Grootwassink, Kari Johnson, Megan Kaveney, Tina Polve and Megan Square ; sophomores : Britt Gillis, Courtney Leivermann, A lex Li mberis a nd Hai ley Nerison and freshmen Stefanie Klapperich, Krista Kronlokken and Amanda Maki.

Training for the season began with the United Dance Association Dance Camp in St. Paul.

The purpose of the Camp is to qualify for Nationals at Disney World in February. Not only did the Pom Squad place first with its home routine, but the seniors auditioned for and received the All-Star Award. The team also received a Superior trophy and Full Out award.

Training continued with two weeks of Dance Camp at the Larkin Dance Studio in Maplewood. In October, seniors and juniors on the team attended a week of dance classes in New York. Head Coach Anna Itman provides this opportunity to upper classmen to allow them to experience cultural arts

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Kristina Monsen (left) Kelly Olson and Sydney Borchert are the captains of this year’s Eden Prairie Pom Squad. and appreciation of dance in New York’s theater district.

In August, captain practices helped prepare the team for performances at Eden Prairie High School athletic events.

After winning the Universal Dance Association’s Jazz National Championship and placing second in Pom for three consecutive years, this team has a big reputation to live up to. They know that and welcome the challenge.

TWO QUESTIONS What is the theme for the season and what does it mean to you as a team?

Borcher t: This year our theme is “One for All.” To me,

this means that every single member on our team is just as important as the other. When practices get tough, we need to push it even more for the good of the whole team. Each dancer is accountable for themselves.

In order to succeed as a team, we need to push ourselves individually in order to achieve great things together.

Monsen: Our theme this year is “One for All.” To me this means that every one of us deserves to be on this team. If we all try our best all the time, not only for ourselves, but for the entire team, we will be successful. Every practice, performance and person counts.

Olson: Our theme for this

season is “One for All.” As a team it means that everyone is accountable for our success.

We need all of our team to be working together in order to succeed. We can do so much more together than we could ever do alone.

What is the biggest challenge associated with being a returning national champion?

Borchert: As a returning national champion, expectations are extremely high. Many people will compare our team this year to what we were like in past years. I know this year our team will work hard to go beyond the expected and set the bar high.

Monsen: The most challenging part of being a returning national champion is competing with ourselves. We have to push ourselves farther than we have in previous years in order to live up to the expectations of others; but more importantly, our own personal expectations.

Olson: The biggest challenge of being a returning nationals champion is not being complacent. You have to come back the next year with even more drive and determination. It is a new year, with a new team and you have to act as if you never won because every other team is going to try to outdo your previous year’s performance.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Eden Prairie’s first High Kick routine of the season was judged second best at a Hopkins Lake Conference Meet.

Dance Team kicks into gear The Eden Prairie Dance Team had a busy week, not only performing its fi rst High Kick routine of the season at a Lake Conference Meet in Hopkins, but competing in both Jazz and High Kick at the Eastview Invitational.

At Hopkins, Eden Prairie wowed the fans with what looked like a state-contending performance. In the end, Eden Prairie fi nished a strong second, just one point shy of Wayzata. Head Coach Tracy Oliver was pleased with the performance, but is focused

on cleaning up the fine details.

Saturday, Eden Prairie participated in the Eastview Invitational, which featured some of the state’s most talented teams. In fact, it was like a mini state tournament as the field included Eastview, Eden Prairie, Apple Valley, Maple Grove and Wayzata.

And? Eden Prairie placed third in Jazz behind Eastview and Maple Grove and second in High Kick, a point shy of Eastview, last year’s state champion.

GIRLS HOCKEY

“and we didn’t have a period where we scored higher than a C-. They did a lot of clutching and grabbing and we were too passive.”

Thursday (today), Eden Prairie hosts Prior Lake (7 p.m.). Saturday, the Eagles open Lake Conference play with a home game against Wayzata (3 p.m.).

continued from page 8

for,” he adds.

Two days earlier, his team lost 1-0 to Farmington.

“One of those games,” he said.

How does he know?

“I scored it out,” he said,

Page 10 | December 15, 2011

www.edenprairienews.com | Eden Prairie News

Board: Not enough data to see reasonable progress on math scores Though the district staff asserted that Eden Prairie math scores have made reasonable progress, a majority on the Eden Prairie School Board found that there was not sufficient data to make that call.

During the Nov. 3 0 School Board meeting, the board voted to accept the district’s math monitoring report with the amendment that targets for indicators 1-6 (associated with NWEA test results) are not

reasonable and therefore not sufficient to determine reasonable progress.

According to the district’s executive su m ma r y of t he report, reasonable progress has been made in mathematics because seven of seven indicators ref lect progress.

Those “indicators” include test results from the NWEA MAP (a type of assessment given every season) and MCA II (a test given once a year).

LEVY

down, so we’ll hold taxes at least flat,” she said.

However, the decreasing levy stems from the decreasing student population. Eden Prairie enrollment is down approximately 300 students from the previous year.

“Even with the decline in enrollment, because we were able to anticipate that in the budget, we’re actually improving our fund balance again for this current year,” said Magnuson.

According to the updated budget report, the fund balance is at 12.6 percent, approximately $11.9 million, very close to last year’s fund balance of $12 million.

“We’ve basically brought that budget back to being flat,” she said.

“Most of that comes from being forward thinking and a board that has really anticipated the future,” she said.

During Tuesday’s meeting, board members expressed some confusion as to why revenue might be up while enrollment is declining. It doesn’t make intuitive sense to the community that the district lost 146 kids yet gained revenue, said board member Holly Parker.

“It’s hard for me to connect all the dots,” she said.

Chuck Mueller also said he had a hard time reconciling the

increase in state funding with the decrease in enrollment.

District staff explained that the funding is based on the “adjusted marginal cost” per pupil unit.

Basically, when calculating the amount of funds a district gets, they combine data from both last year’s and this year’s enrollment. This policy means schools don’t get hit as hard if there is a major drop in enrollment from one year to the next, as is the

way, he said.

“It was a striking thing,” he said. “He told me I could be the poster boy for that kind of condition and indeed he was right.

“I wanted to share what that meant to me with young people and parents in hopes that they could have a better life growing up,” he said.

Too many books on Asperger’s and autism are “just awful, depressing things,” he said.

He said his books would make someone feel better about being different, not worse.

Robi s on d i s c over e d h i s strengths and interest in electronics, music and working on cars, he said. After getting straight F’s and dropping out of high school, he worked for Pink Floyd, KISS and other bands. Eventually he started his own auto repair business.

“Look Me in the Eye” takes the reader through those experiences, he said.

Robison also has a new book, “Be Different,” which offers stories and advice for those who have been called “different” to adapt to a variety of social situations.

“If they’re aware that they are different, you can start teaching them what to do in situations where they don’t do the right thing,” Robison said.

“That, I think provides a much greater likelihood that they will grow up and fit in and be seen like any other kid when they get older.”

One example of a situation is how to behave to have someone choose you as a friend or boyfriend.

“I think the tips are to learn basic rules of manners and hygiene and conduct which

are based on rules and logic,” he said.

He points out that people are affected by Asperger syndrome in a wide variety of ways.

Often, “People with Asperger’s have difficulty reading the unspoken cues of other people,” he said, and miss signals like body language.

He said that even if you miss those signals, if you do what is expected, by the rules of manners, people will react to you positively.

“When you walk to the car with a female, you open the door for her,” he said, for exa mple. “W hen you go i n a building, you offer to take her coat.”

He said “Be Different” is a celebration of being different.

Cruz couldn’t make it to the United States at the start of the year, they turned to Skype, which they’ve used for interviewing candidates. That, and the help of substitutes Ingrid Brown and Jennifer Mehra, who were adept at using technology “turned an unexpected difficult situation into a really great learning opportunity,” said Linares.

Mehra adds that Cruz’ skills also came into play.

“He did some fabulous things down there that he shared with the kids,” said Mehra.

On a typical day the two teachers, Brown and Mehra, spoke with Fabian over their morning meeting hours and planned their day.

Cruz would prerecord items, like a tour of various markets, which he could show students.

There would also be time where Cruz would talk to students directly, via Skype.

Mehra said they would fi re up the Smart Board, a large interactive white board and turn on Skype.

“Fabian would be there on the screen,” Mehra said.

One camera points to the class so he could see students just as they saw him.

“Sometimes we did whole classroom activities, sometimes we had little mini interviews going on,” said Mehra.

Even during parent conferences, the parents got to meet with Fabian at the beginning of the school year, said Mehra.

“It was great because he was able to form a relationship with them and with the teachers here in the classroom,” she said.

Students, meanwhile, were able to take in a realistic view of life in Columbia. One time there was a blackout in Bogotá, so Cruz couldn’t Skype. But “he videoed from a phone what it was like walking through the building without light,” said Mehra. Cruz e-mailed the video to the classroom from his phone.

Fabian went to different places in his home city and that’s something that couldn’t have been done here, he noted.

All of the videos have been saved and are accessible online.

He played one video where he gave students a tour of a common street market in Columbia.

There were different kinds of handcrafts and as he gave the tour, he asked the class what their favorite item was. Students

pointed out a small, colorful bag.

That same bag now hangs in the classroom.

“A nd that’s something I couldn’t have done from here with the same impact,” said Cruz.

Today’s digital learners are so instantly engaged with a screen, said Linares.

“What this experience tells me is we have to respond to that,” she said.

Now that he’s in Eden Prairie, Cruz has settled into his more traditional role as classroom teacher.

“Students recalled a lot of the information we had shared through Skype,” he noted.

But, he wants to continue to connect to his country.

“We have to continue trying to use technology … as a primary source of authentic information,” he said.

“I’m asking my friends to send videos of different parts of Bogotá whenever they go.”

It’s cool to see the reaction not only of students but his friends’ excitement in sharing various locales, he said.

“For people from Columbia it’s always great to share our view of the country.”

continued from page 1

This year, the budget picture turned out better than predicted.

The challenge, though, noted Magnuson, will be stabilizing enrollment During Tuesday’s meeting, the Eden Prairie School Board approved a levy that includes about a $1 million decrease from the previous year. The school levy totaled $40,323,138.15. With that levy the average valued home (if home values remained flat), would see a $14 increase in the school portion of taxes.

More likely, school taxes for most property owners would be flat or decreasing slightly, as home values have decreased, explained Magnuson.

“The good news for taxpayers, of course, is that the levy is going

AUTHOR continued from page 1

diences. During his childhood, as described in a news release, he was “unable to pick up social cues or access emotion or feelings.”

“Look Me in the Eye” is what people said to Robison when he was young. “They’d say, ‘Look at me when I’m talking to you.’

It was uncomfortable.”

He said ignorance about his differences made it impossible for him to figure out how to fit in better.

He compared it to, “if you’re trying to learn to drive and the driving instructor tells you to stop at red lights – and you can’t see red.”

Learning about the Asperger diagnosis from a therapist transformed his life in a good

CRUZ continued from page 1

to Columbia, Cruz earned a teaching degree and taught English and Spanish in his home country.

At Eagle Heights, students learn all their subjects in Spanish, so fluent native speakers are an asset to the program.

“The competition for qualified immersion teachers is pretty huge,” said Linares, about why they decided to test the waters on visa sponsorship.

“We also knew Fabian,” she added. “He had a real strong interest in coming back and a connection to our school.”

The district received approval and went through the process.

“We kept hitting hitches that are pretty typical,” Linares said.

What they learned through this process is, when it comes to visas, “there’s some unpredictability about it.”

“There are some pieces that are just beyond your control,” Linares said. “The state shutdown then delayed the whole process.”

When they discovered that

According to the report, the district uses Northwest Evaluation Association’s Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments. “These tests are untimed achievement tests taken on computers that measure a student’s general knowledge in math and reading. These tests are aligned with the Minnesota Learning Standards and allow the district to look beyond the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA’s) for student

progress towards state goals.

Since the MAP test is an adaptive test it assists teachers in identifying skills that are most appropriate for instruction based on the student’s individual performance regardless of whether the student is at, above, or below grade level.

This adaptive range beyond grade level makes it different from the MCA.” Those results show improvement in math scores over time

Board selects superintendent search firm The Eden Prairie School Board approved a contract not to exceed $21,700 with School Exec Connect to serve as the consultant for the district’s superintendent search.

According to a news release from the district, the fi rm is “a national search and consulting fi rm with associates throughout the country that assist districts in recruiting candidates. The three consultants that will assist with the Eden Prairie search are all retired superintendents from Minnesota school districts.”

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among subgroups but, there was some difference of opinion as to whether that improvement was sufficient.

Board member Holly Parker the district had not done enough to close the achievement gap between 2007 and 2011.

Board members also felt that there was not enough data to come to a conclusion on reasonable progress because test results include data from a new math test.

The MCA III, a new math test, was given to students this spring, so it is difficult to compare those scores to previous tests.

“I don’t know how we can assert yes or no at this point,” said board member Holly Parker.

All board members besides Kim Ross and Carol Bomben voted for the amendment that there was not sufficient data.

— Compiled by Leah Shaffer

case with Eden Prairie.

During the budget discussion, there was some talk of how the district’s newly formed Finance Committee might tackle the issue of how large the fund balance should be set. The district’s unassigned fund balance totals 12.6 percent, noted Superintendent Jon McBroom. However, by adding the assigned portion of the fund balance, it totals a projected 15 percent, he said.

The issue of just what should remain on the assigned portion of the fund balance is something for the Finance Committee to look at, he said. It behooves a district to be conservative in budgeting because of the nature of legislative funding and funding shifts, he said. However, just how conservative the district should be with its fund balance may be something the district will tackle next year. Next year,

school districts across the state will receive an additional $50 on the per-pupil spending formula.

“We know that we can count on that,” said Magnuson.

The challenge however, is that they must continue to “pay attention to spending,” she said.

Then, there’s the issue of the decline in the number of Eden Prairie students.

“We need to really pay attention to enrollment and sustaining our enrollment as much as we can impact that,” said Magnuson.

the Eden Prairie Disabilities Awareness Committee, which has members from the Eden Prairie School District, city of Eden Prairie, LearningRx and Eden Prairie Women of Today.

Organizer Terri O. Johnson of Eden Prairie, director of the Chanhassen LearningRx, said that the group is excited to have Robison join the conversation via FaceTime.

“He’ll be able to directly answer people’s questions and interact with the audience,” Johnson said.

She invited area residents from adults to teenagers to participate.

“It’s just a really rich book,” Johnson said. “I think it’s inspirational to say that a person that was dealt a deck of ca rds wit h some di f ference and with a somewhat

dysfunctional family can still overcome those and persevere to lead a successful life.”

“We really want to make t he s e event s for t he c om munity,” Johnson said of the Disabilities Awareness Committee. “Everyone is touched by disabilities in some way. …

There’s a way for everybody to connect with this.”

Reserved copies of the book are available at the Eden Prairie Library.

Cost of the event is $ 5. For information or to register, visit epcommunityed.org or call (952) 975-6940.

You c a n a l so fol low t he E den P r a i r ie Di s abi l it ie s Awa r ene s s C om m it t e e on Facebook.

For more information about Robison, visit johnrobison. com or http://jerobison.blogspot.com.

MORE ONLINE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR A FUND BALANCE HISTORY www.edenprairienews.com

ROUNDABOUT continued from page 1

the new Washington Avenue roundabout.

Northbound Highway 169 traffic is now traveling in the newly constructed northbound lanes. The southbound la nes wi l l remai n i n use throughout winter.

Work that will continue this winter includes fi nishing up bridge construction and retaining wall work for the project.

Despite the delay from the state shutdown, the project remains on schedule to be completed by November of 2012. When fi nished, the new interchange will include four new flyover bridges that direct drivers on westbound I-494 to northbound and southbound Highway 169; eastbound I-494 drivers to southbound Highway 16 9 ; and nor t hbou nd Highway 169 drivers to eastbound I- 494. The frontage roads of Washington Avenue, Viking Drive, West 78th Street

Roundabout tips Always travel counter-clockwise in a roundabout.

Yield to all lanes before entering the roundabout. Those inside the roundabout have the right-of-way.

Do not stop once inside the roundabout.

Watch for pedestrians and cyclists and leave room for larger vehicles.

Exit the roundabout and pull over if an emergency vehicle approaches. Do not stop in the roundabout.

Source: Minnesota Department of Transportation

and Marth Road will be reconstructed and will include the six new roundabouts.

Compiled by Leah Shaffer

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December 15, 2011 | Page 11

HolidayWorship Immanuel Lutheran Church ELCA

Celebrate Our Savior’s Birth Christmas Eve Worship 3 p.m. Worship with music by Brass, Children’s Choir & Servant Song 5 p.m. Worship with music by Brass & Servant’s Song 9 p.m. Worship featuring a Blessing of Households 11 p.m. Worship with Holy Communion and Reformation Choir

Before you leave for the relative s house…

update Garmin before trip Christmas music on iPod

attend early Christmas service at Westwood Community Church

Christmas Day, Sunday Dec. 25 10 a.m. Worship filled with Carols

New Year’s Eve, Saturday, Dec. 31

December 21 or December 23, 7:00pm Westwood Community Church

5 p.m. Worship with prayers of blessing for the New Year

New Year’s Day, Sunday, Jan. 1 www.immanuel.us

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www.westwoodcc.org • 952-224-7300 NW corner of Hwy 5 & 41 • Chanhassen

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952-937-8123

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9:30 a.m. Traditional worship service 11 a.m. Contemporary worship service

Eden Prairie Presbyterian Church

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

4:30 pm Candlelight Service: 11 pm Family Service:

¦£ ¤ £ £ £ ဘ 217659

Prairie Hill Evangelical Free Church

Hot Chocolate & Carols: 10:15 am

www.eppc.com

Building Friendships Building Families Building Faith

952-937-8000

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined.” Isaiah 9:2

ST. ALBAN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH Welcomes you this Christmas and Always!

Serving Eden Prairie, Edina and Bloomington

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 10:00 a.m. Service of Lessons and Carols

December 24 ~ Christmas Eve Worship 217669

St. Andrew Lutheran Church 13600 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie

Dr. Jerry Erickson, Pastor Sun, Dec. 18 Christmas Music Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service 5:00 p.m.

CHRISTMAS EVE, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24

www.phefc.org

10:00 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion

4:00 p.m. All-Age Christmas Pageant with Holy Communion 10:00 p.m. Candlelight Service with Holy Communion

CHRISTMAS DAY, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church

17200 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie

1, 2:30, 4, 5:30 and 10:30 p.m.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church WEST 112090 Hundertmark Road, Chaska

2:30, 4 and 5:30 p.m. ~ nursery available during all worship services ~

6716 Gleason Road, Edina MN 55439

(Located next to Eden Prairie High School)

(off Hwy 62, corner of Gleason Rd. & Valley View Rd.)

952-937-9593

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St. Andrew Lutheran Church WEST ~ 9:30 a.m. ~ nursery available during all worship services ~

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make 2011 best Christmas limit cookies to 4 per day

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attend Christmas Eve service at Westwood Community Church

Page 12 | December 15, 2011

www.edenprairienews.com | Eden Prairie News

Take your car search for a spin.

PHOTOS BY KARLA WENNERSTROM/REPRINTS AT PHOTOS.EDENPRAIRIENEWS.COM

Caroline Anderson was honored on her 100th birthday Dec. 9.

Centennial celebration powered by

Anderson celebrates 100th birthday

221368

BY KARLA WENNERSTROM editor@edenprairienews.com

C

aroline Anderson smiled as the group sang “Happy Birthday.” She’s heard it before – at least

99 times.

Anderson, originally from Bayport, lived for many years in St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Today she lives at The Colony in Eden Prairie.

Born in 1911, one of her earliest memories is waving to the soldiers departing from the Depot in 1920, she said. She and her family played “Depression poker.” You would put in $1 and play all night.

She was married to Gordon N. A nderson for almost 70 years. He died in 1999 at age 90.

Daughter Nancy recalls picnics at Minnehaha Falls. She said her mother was always cleaning, cooking, vacuuming and ironing. She went to work when her children were in junior high.

Anderson worked at Quality Park Envelope Company in St. Paul when motivational speaker and author Harvey

Anderson wore a bracelet with charms in honor of her grandchildren.

Mackay was a salesperson.

Nancy said Caroline was working 12-hour days at age 65.

She made the bed every day and flipped her mattress at age 97, Nancy said.

Anderson has always enjoyed walking, reading and crosswords. Her family says she is a big Minnesota sports fan, keeping other residents up to date on the Twins schedule.

“She’s got them all talking about the Twins,” said son Roger.

At the party, she wore a bracelet with charms in honor

of her grandchildren. Anderson has 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She said she also enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews.

When asked if she liked being honored, Anderson said she doesn‘t usually like a lot of commotion. “I’m kind of a shy person,” she said.

When asked for some advice for those hoping to become centenarians, she said, “Have a lot of people around.” She also recommended “good, hard work.”

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Eden Prairie News | www.edenprairienews.com

December 15, 2011 | Page 13

let'sgo!

Discover Minnesota music, art, theater & family fun at www.letsgo.mn

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND

Portrait of Holmes by Sidney Paget.

PHOTO BY 20TH CENTURY FOX

Basil Rathbone, the most famous Sherlock.

A closer look at the men behind Sherlock Holmes

BY JEFF FALKINGHAM

PHOTO BY TODD ABELN

John Maines, right, tries to shoot a puck into the net while Aleksi Huson attempts to stop him during open skating at the Shakopee Ice Arena. Most open skating at area arenas does not allow sticks and pucks, but if you check around you can find open skating that does allow it.

Wide open skating Local ice arenas offer ice time for skating enthusiasts of all ages

BY TODD ABELN tabeln@swpub.com

W

ith the recent snowfall and turn in the weather you may be ready to bust out those ice skates for winter.

One problem, most area cities have not flooded their outdoor rinks, meaning there’s nowhere to use those skates.

That’s not true.

Visit your local ice arena and participate in open skating.

That’s what Julie Maines did with her 4-year-old son, John, at a recent open skating time at Shakopee Ice Arena.

John, who is just learning to skate, was scooting around the ice enjoying his time while trying to put as many pucks in the net as he could.

“Every time there is open skating, he wants to come,” Julie said. “He really loves it.”

The indoor ice gives skaters like John Maines a chance to skate year round and, at this time of year, not worry whether it’s too cold out.

It also gives them a chance to skate without much traffic.

“We get anywhere from five to 15 people on a regular basis,” Shakopee Ice Arena Manager Josh Barrick said.

“But it picks up this time of year because people are thinking winter and skating and sometimes it just gets too cold outside.”

With 15 people on the ice that’s a lot of ice to skate around on whether you’re new to skating or have been skating for years.

If you are a new skater or haven’t been on ice in years, the local arena is there to help you out.

Most of the local arenas offer skate rental and even skate aids if needed.

Skate rentals range from $2 to $5 depending what rink you attend.

But if you prefer the cold air, outdoor skating will be available very soon.

Most cities’ rinks should be flooded

Area skating rinks BURNSVILLE ICE CENTER

EDEN PRAIRIE COMMUNITY CENTER

Hours through January:

Hours:

Monday through Friday: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Saturday: 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Saturday: 2:15 to 4:15 p.m.

Sunday: Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Sunday: 1 to 3 p.m.

Admission: $5, $3 child/senior (4 and under/62 and over) Skate sharpening: $5/pair

Admission: $5.50 adults (ages 18 and up), $5 youth (ages 5–17), $4 tot (ages 12 months - 4 years old), $16.50 family (up to four individuals)

burnsvilleicecenter.org

Skate rental: $2.50

Skate rental: $5

Friday: 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Skate sharpening: $4 CHASKA COMMUNITY CENTER

edenprairie.org/communitycenter

Hours through March: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Friday: 7:15 to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday: Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Admission: $4 adult, $3 youth and AOA (55+) Skate rental: $2

SHAKOPEE ICE ARENA Hours: 1 to 2:30 p.m. every day (changes depending on hockey schedules) Admission: Free with Community Center membership or purchase of daily pass, $4 adult, $3 youth Skate rental: $3 Skate sharpening: $4

Skate sharpening: $3/pair

ci.shakopee.mn.us/ice_arena.cfm

chaskacommunitycenter.com VICTORIA FIELD HOUSE DAKOTAH! SPORT AND FITNESS Hours: Noon to 1:30 p.m. most days Admission: Free for members, $4 nonmembers Skate rental: $2 members, $3 nonmembers dakotahsport.com/departments/ice.html

Hours: 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. every day through April Admission: Residents: $6 adult, $3 youth and seniors, $10 family; Non-residents: $9 adult, $5 youth and seniors, $15 family Skate rental not available ci.victoria.mn.us/IceRink.htm

For a complete listings of rinks go to rinkfinder.com.

and ready to go in the next couple weeks.

Most outdoor rinks will be open until mid-February. They also have warming

houses hours if want to take a break and get warm. Check out the cities’ websites for more information.

More than 200 men have portrayed Sherlock Holmes in print, on stage, in film and on television the past 120 years.

IN PRINT The public’s first image of Sherlock, outside their own imaginations, came as illustrations accompanying Holmes’ creator Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories in London’s Strand magazine.

These drawings were made by Sidney Paget.

Between his first rendering in 1891 and his death in 1916, Paget published 540 drawings of Holmes. Paget was the first to depict Holmes in a deerstalker hat and Inverness cape.

Nearly every artist since has followed his lead.

ON STAGE Among the many famous actors to portray Holmes are: Leonard Nimoy, known as Spock in television’s Star Trek series; Frank Langella, known for portraying movie villains, such as Count Dracula and Richard M. Nixon; and Charlton Heston, best remembered as Moses in the film “The Ten Commandments.”

But first and foremost is William Gillette, who played Holmes more than 1,300 times between 1899 and 1930. Gillette introduced the familiar briar-stem pipe and, as a playwright, director and actor, is often credited with writing the famous “Elementary, My Dear Watson” line – which does not appear in any of Doyle’s stories.

IN FILM The first to portray Holmes on film, in a 1914 production of “A Study in Scarlet,” was James Bragington, chosen because he resembled the Holmes in Paget’s drawings. A bookkeeper by trade, it was his only film.

The most prolific early Sherlockian film actor was Eille Norwood, who played the great detective in 47 films in the early 1920s. The black-and-white, silent films were less than 20 minutes long.

The first Sherlockian actor whose voice was heard

Opening “Sherlock Homes: A Game of Shadows,” starring Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law as Watson, opens Friday, Dec. 16 in theaters.

on screen was Clive Brook, who appeared in three Holmes “talkies” between 1929 and 1932. The first actor to play Holmes in color, in a 1959 remake of “Hound of the Baskervilles,” was Peter Cushing.

The most famous (and perhaps the most beloved) movie Sherlock of all time was Basil Rathbone.

He became world famous by playing Holmes in 14 feature-length movies between 1939 and 1946.

Since then, the list of noted actors playing Holmes includes George C. Scott, Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer, John Cleese, Nicol Williamson and now Robert Downey Jr.

ON TELEVISION Ronald Howard played Holmes in 39 episodes of a weekly TV series seen in America in the 1950s. Douglas Wilmer played Holmes on British television in the 1960s, as did Peter Cushing. Benedict Cumberbatch plays a 21stcentury Holmes in a new British TV series that you might be able to catch on PBS or DVD. Last but certainly not least, Jeremy Brett played a uniquely eccentric (and immensely popular) Holmes on Britain’s Granada Television network from 1984 through 1994.

Eden Prairie resident Jeff Falkingham, whose two books have brought Sherlock Holmes to Minnesota, shares more interesting Sherlockian tidbits in his “Elementary, My Dear Watson: Investigating Sherlock Holmes” presentation at schools, libraries and historical societies across Minnesota and its neighboring states.

For more information, visit Falkingham’s website at cccaper.com.

LET’S GO! BEST BETS 1. JACK FROST’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Shakopee Parks and Recreation and Shakopee Lions are hosting the third annual Jack Frost’s New Year’s Eve party featuring sledding, ice skating, music, horse-drawn wagon rides, cocoa, cider and cookies.

Time: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31 Cost: Free Location: Lions Park, 1103 Adams St., Shakopee

2. AR-BRR-ETUM! Close out 2011 with a refreshing winter outing on skis or snowshoes.

Cap it off with a hot chocolate in the restaurant.

Time: 8 a.m.-sunset Saturday, Dec. 31 Cost: Free admission for anyone arriving with skis or snowshoes

Location: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska Info: www.arboretum.umn.edu or (952) 443-1422

3. NEW YEAR’S EVE SPARKLE-RAMA Dance the night away to live music from Will Hale and the Tadpole Parade, create your own sparkly hat, take the stage with inflatable guitars, countdown to a magical 8 p.m. ball drop and explore the Museum’s galleries. Enjoy a pre-party meal for additional cost.

Time: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31 Cost: $10 per member, $14 per non-member, which includes snack, free parking Location: Minnesota Children’s Museum, 10 Seventh St. W., St. Paul Info: (651) 225-6000 or mcm.org PHOTO COURTESY SHAKOPEE VALLEY NEWS

PLANNING YOUR FAMILY’S NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION? FIND MORE WAYS TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT LETSGO.MN.

Noah and Ava Johnson ring in the New Year at Jack Frost’s New Year’s Eve Party in 2009.

Page 14 | December 15, 2011

www.edenprairienews.com | Eden Prairie News

let'sGo!Calendar WE WANT YOUR LISTINGS! Listings are printed free but not guaranteed, although we do our best to include them. Submit your events through our www.LetsGo.mn website, where you can find many more local and regional fun things to do.

You can also send an e-mail to editor@edenprairie news.com. Deadline is one week prior to publication.

For information call (952) 942-7885.

Thursday

DEC. 15 WOMEN OF TODAY HOLIDAY PARTY The Eden Prairie Women of Today’s annual holiday party is a potluck social event with time for the Letters from Santa project that benefits the Children’s Grief Connection.

Time: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 Cost: Free Location: The party will take place at a member’s house, if you would like to join, contact the Membership Vice President, Barb, at the email listed below.

Info: membership@epwt.org

TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY TEAS Share holiday joy at these formal teas complete with freshly baked sweets and savories, plus an English trifle.

Time: 2:30 p.m. Dec. 15-18, 21-23 and 27-30 Cost: $23 for Arboretum members; $26 for non-members Location: Snyder Building Tea Room, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska Info: (612) 626-3951 or umnarboretum.catertrax.com

they marry. The family’s narrow escape over the mountains to Switzerland on the eve of World War II provides one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in the theatre.

Starring Jen Burleigh-Bentz and John Trones.

Time: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 Cost: $12-$18 Location: Minnetonka Theatre, 18285 Hwy. 7, Minnetonka, MN 55345 Info: minnetonkatheatre.com or (952) 401-5898

FENMO: THE BEAUTY OF THE ACROBATICS The Fenmo Acrobatics show is 100 minutes of nonstop action featuring many acrobatic acts including lion dance, bench stacking, juggling, air acrobatics, flower pot stacking, changing faces, rolling lanterns, straw hat juggling, hoop jumping and martial arts.

Time: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 and 17 Cost: Adults $30; students 12 and younger and seniors 65+ $23; VIP $50 Location: Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville Info: (952) 895-4680 or ticketmaster.com

FOLKWAYS BY CANDLELIGHT

ADVENT TAIZÉ SERVICE

Celebrate the holiday season with a The public is invited to attend St. visit to the 1800s Eagle Creek Village.

Hubert’s Advent Taizé Service. The Candlelight will lead the way to service is open to everyone from any homes within the Town Square where Christian church. Those attending costumed residents will share holiday will relax in the candlelight, listen to traditions. Join the carolers as they scripture and a reflection offered by walk the village streets. Christmas Steve Thomas.

Pageant in the Town Hall at 6:30 p.m., Time: 7-7:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 and live music provided by Butternut Cost: Free Squash. Park and enter at the West Location: St. Hubert’s, 8201 Main St., Entrance. Dress for the weather and a Chanhassen winter evening stroll. Last admission Info: (952) 934-9106 at 7:30 p.m.

Time: 5-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 Cost: Ages 18-64 $5; ages 2-17 and seniors $3; children younger than 2 free Location: The Landing - Minnesota ACADEMY OF RUSSIAN River Heritage Park, 2187 E. County BALLET’S 10TH ANNUAL Road 101, Shakopee PRODUCTION OF Info: (763) 559-9000 or THE NUTCRACKER threeriversparkdistrict.org Academy of Russian Ballet dancers will be performing this authentically Russian classical version of the holiday fairytale.

Time: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17; 2 p.m.

BLOOMINGTON CHORALE: Sunday, Dec. 18 Cost: Adults: $29/$23; Seniors: $19; ‘HOLLY, HARP AND FIDDLE’ The 60-member Bloomington Chorale Children $17 will perform its 29th annual holiday Location: Eden Prairie High School concert featuring Benjamin Britten’s “A Performing Arts Center, 17185 Valley Ceremony of Carols,” selected carols View Road, Eden Prairie of John Rutter and other holiday Info: (612) 636-3167/ songs reminiscent of the British Isles. academyofrussianballet.com Time: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17; 4 ‘THE GOSPEL p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 ACCORDING TO SCROOGE’ Cost: Adults $14; students and seniors 62 and older $10 Friendship Church will present “The Location: Bloomington Center for the Gospel According to Scrooge,” a Arts, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Road, journey with Ebenezer Scrooge as Bloomington he discovers the true meaning of Christmas. With traditional music and Info: (952) 563-8582 or bloomingtonchorale.com unexpected humor, it’s perfect for all ages.

‘CINDERELLA’ Time: 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17; 3 p.m.

Dec. 17 Adapted especially for the Old Log Cost: $5 Theater with music and lyrics by Bob Location: Friendship Church, 12800 Williams, this rags-to-riches tale about Marystown Road, Shakopee a servant girl who is transformed into Info: friendship-church.org a princess is full of music, humor, magic and audience participation. It ‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’ is intended for youngsters of all ages In Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most and embraces the holiday spirit. A beloved musical a young woman concession lunch of hot dogs, chips proves too high-spirited for the and cookies will be available at noon religious life and she is dispatched for all shows. Special appearance by to serve as governess for the Santa Dec. 18. seven children of a widowed naval Time: 1 p.m. Dec. 17-18, 26-31 Captain. Her growing rapport with Cost: $16 the youngsters, coupled with her Location: Old Log Theater, 5185 generosity of spirit, gradually captures Meadville St., Excelsior the heart of the stern Captain and Info: oldlog.com or (952) 474-5951

PHOTO BY KARLA WENNERSTROM

The Academy of Russian Ballet rehearses for its upcoming performance.

Spotlight

E EVENT

Road, Eden Prairie. Cost is $29/$23 for adults, $19 for seniors; and $17 for children. Info: (612) 636 3167/academyofrussianballet.com

THE FOUR FRESHMEN HOLIDAY SHOW The Four Freshmen is a multiple Grammy-nominated male vocal quartet founded in 1948. The current reincarnation will offer a program of holiday music.

Time: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 Cost: $26 Location: Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins Info: hopkinsmn.com or (952) 9791100

The Holiday Heralds of the Minnesota Chorale will perform for Arboretum visitors.

Time: 1:30-2 p.m. and 2:30-3 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 17 Cost: Free with Arboretum admission of $9 for adults; free for ages 15 and younger; free to Arboretum members Location: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska Info: www.arboretum.umn.edu or (952) 443-1422

WACONIA THEATRE

651-777-3456#560 • 109 W. 1st Street ™

STADIUM SEATING & NEW SOUND SYSTEMS IN ALL AUDITORIUMS • NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS

Playing Friday–Thursday • Dec. 16-22 No shows start before 4 p.m. on Friday Dec. 16 1

ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS (G) 12:00, 1:45, 3:30, 5:152, 7:002, 9:00 THE MUPPETS (PG) (Ends Tues., 12:20, 2:35, 4:502, 7:052, 9:15 Dec. 20) (Ends Tues., ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (PG) Dec. 20 show 12:35, 2:40, 4:552, 7:052, 9:15 Onlyon4:55 Tues.)

1 NEW YEAR’S EVE (PG-13) 12:30, 2:45, 5:002, 7:152, 9:35 1 SHERLOCK HOLMES (PG-13) 12:10, 2:35, 5:002, 7:252, 9:45 1 (Ends THE SITTER (R) Tues., 12:25, 2:30, 5:052, 7:302, 9:25 Dec. 20) STARTS WED., DEC. 21 1 MISSION IMPOSSIBLE (PG-13) 11:50, 2:20, 4:502, 7:202, 9:50 1 THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN (PG) 12:25, 2:45, 4:552, 7:052, 9:10 1 THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO (R) 12:30, 3:30, 6:302, 9:30 Special Showing Tues., Dec. 20 at 7:00 a.m.

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1

Sorry, No Bargain Tuesday or Other Discounts Accepted Show times for Dec. 19-22 Mon.-Thurs.

2

be performing this authentically Russian classical version

Eden Prairie High School Performing Arts Center, 17185 Valley View

DEC. 16

EPN

annual production of “The Nutcracker.” The dancers will

p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at the

HOLIDAY HERALDS PERFORMANCE

DEC. 17

den Prairie’s Academy of Russian Ballet presents its 10th

of the holiday fairytale at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16; 2 and 7

Friday

Saturday

A SWEET NUTCRACKER

AUDUBON CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT Beginner and expert birders are invited to join in this annual, nationwide census and experience winter birding at Carver Park Reserve. Call (763) 694-9650 to sign up for a section of the park and to tell staff whether you are available full- or half-day. Open to ages 10 and older.

Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 Cost: Free Location: Lowry Nature Center (Carver Park Reserve), 7025 Victoria Drive, Victoria Info: (763) 559-6700 or threeriversparkdistrict.org

ANGELICA CANTANTI YOUTH CHOIRS FREE WINTER CONCERT The Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs will present their annual winter concert.

“How Can I Keep From Singing?” The concert will feature more than 180 young voices in grades 2-12, the new Angelica Alumni Choir and the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra Quartet.

Time: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 Cost: Free Location: St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 9201 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington Info: (952) 563-8572 or angelicacantanti.org

‘THE STORY’ TOUR “The Story” is a project by artists in Christian music that tells the story of God’s love and redemption from Genesis to Revelation in 18 songs.

The tour features Max Lucado and Randy Frazee and a musical cast including Steven Curtis Chapman, Newsboys, Francesca Battistelli, Natalie Grant, Selah and Anthem Lights. The tour will be a fully produced multimedia experience with the artists performing “The Story” album in its entirety, in addition to favorite Christmas classics. Complete with visuals projected on a massive screen encompassing the stage, “The Story” is a Christmas celebration for audiences of all ages.

Time: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 Cost: $25-$80 Location: Grace Church, 9301 Eden Prairie Road, Eden Prairie Info: ktis.fm/2011/10/the-story/

WINTER SOLSTICE SUNSET CELEBRATION

WALKS FOR THE CURIOUS Explore the outdoors with an Arboretum naturalist during this winter’s Hot Chocolate Walks. The walks depart from the Oswald Visitor Center.

Time: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 or Wednesday, Dec. 28 Cost: $7.50 for Arboretum members; $15 for non-members Location: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska Info: www.arboretum.umn.edu or (952) 443-1422

Celebrate the longest night of the year with stars and dreams. Enjoy constellation stories in an indoor star dome, make a sun dial and create a dream box to store dreams.

Find your way along the blindfold blizzard walk and compose a winter poem. Follow Old Man Winter to “tie down the sun” at the bonfire, ensuring the return of longer days.

Sing ancient winter carols and enjoy cookies and wassail (cider) symbolizing the hope that summer will return. Reservations required; reference activity 111307-10. For ages 5 and older.

Time: 3-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 Cost: $5

Location: Lowry Nature Center (Carver Park Reserve), 7025 Victoria Drive, Victoria Info: (763) 559-6700 or threeriversparkdistrict.org

Sunday

DEC. 18 SHARE THE WARMTH – COMMUNITY BAND HOLIDAY CONCERT Celebrate the season with a free performance by the Eden Prairie Community Band. “Share the Warmth” by bringing a nonperishable food item or piece of warm clothing for PROP, the local food shelf and emergency service organization.

Time: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 Cost: Free – bring a nonperishable food item or warm article of clothing for PROP Location: Eden Prairie High School Auditorium, 17185 Valley View Road Info: epcommunityband.org

Cost: Free-will donation Location: Wayzata Community Church, 125 East Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata Info: musicassociation.org or (952) 401-5954

FOLKWAYS OF THE HOLIDAYS Discover the holiday traditions of 19th-century Minnesotans.

Attractions include folk art performances, trolleys pulled

by Percheron horses, costumed interpreters and tours of home with culturally distinct decorations and crafts. Dress for the weather. Last admission one hour before close.

Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 18 Cost: Ages 18-64 $5; ages 2-17 and seniors $3; children younger than 2 free Location: The Landing - Minnesota River Heritage Park, 2187 E. County Road 101, Shakopee Info: (763) 559-9000 or threeriversparkdistrict.org

Upcoming

A FRONTIER CHRISTMAS Sing Christmas carols accompanied by a 19th century pump organ, hear Rev. Gideon Pond read portions of his Christmas sermon, and enjoy tasty holiday refreshments at the historic Pond House this Sunday.

Time: 1:30-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 Cost: $2 suggested donation Location: Pond Dakota Mission Park, 401 E. 104th St., Bloomington Info: (952) 563-8738 or ci.bloomington.mn.us

MINNESOTA TEEN CHALLENGE CHRISTMAS CONCERT The Minnesota Teen Challenge choir will share testimonies and perform songs along with special guest Mac Powell from Third Day. Time: 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 Cost: Presale tickets $10 for general admission; $20 for VIP seating; door sales if available $15 Location: Grace Church, 9301 Eden Prairie Road, Eden Prairie Info: mntc.org

JULETIDE CONCERT The Minnetonka Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Chorus and Youth Chamber Choir will perform.

Time: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18

BLOOD DRIVE The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive Friday, Dec. 23, at Star Bank Place. “The need for blood is urgent this holiday season. When you donate blood, you help save three lives,” according to a news release.

Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23 Cost: Free Location: Star Bank, 250 Prairie Center Drive (across the Eden Prairie Center parking lot from Target) Info: redcrossblood.org (search in zip code 55344) or call (800) 733-2767 and use prompt “2” to schedule your donation time

BURNING OFF THE COOKIES: SNOWSHOE HIKE Feeling some post-holiday cookie guilt? Learn about the history of snowshoes, strap on a pair and head out on a cookie-busting hike with a naturalist in Carver Park. For ages 4 and older.

Time: 1-3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 26 Cost: $5 per person Location: Lowry Nature Center (Carver Park Reserve), 7025 Victoria Drive, Victoria Info: (763) 559-6700 or threeriversparkdistrict.org

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Business owners interested in building your customer base – call us for more information.

EDEN PRAIRIE

news

Eden Prairie News | www.edenprairienews.com

December 15, 2011 | Page 15

EDEN PRAIRIE SENIOR CALENDAR

Senior Center Th e following upc oming events take place at the Eden Prairie Senior Center at 8950 Eden Prairie Road, unless another location is given. To register, visit the center, mail in your registration or visit edenprairie. org. For other information, call (952) 279-8050. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

To display artwork at the center, call (952) 279-8050.

Special events Health Care Panel Discussion – 9:30-10:45 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12. Cost is $5. Sponsored

by Senior Resource Professionals.

Cribbage Tournament – 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26. Fees apply. Event, which is open to surrounding Senior Centers, is in the Senior Center Community Room.

Senior trips Senior trips leave from the Senior Center.

“Forever Plaid at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres” – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan.

25. Cost is $51. Tickets meal and transportation included. Call the Senior Center to sign up.

Register by Dec. 28.

Health and wellness The Eden Prairie Community Center at 16700 Valley View Road offers fitness classes geared toward seniors. Call the Community Center at (952) 949-8470 for more information.

RSVP at (952) 279-8050 for the following events: Join The Walking Club – Meet on the lower level of Sears inside at the mall entrance, 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Social time and meal follows.

Pickleball – Play Pickleball from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 9-11 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday at the Eden Prairie Community Center. Players of all levels are welcome. Wear comfortable clothes and whitesoled tennis shoes. Contact the Senior Center for more information. Cost is $5 for nonmembers.

Foot Care Clinic – Dec. 19; Jan. 4, 18; Feb. 6, 22. Call 763-560-5136 for appointment.

Cost is $33.

Health Insurance Help – 1 p.m. Dec. 15, Jan. 19, Feb. 16.

Call (952) 279-8050 for an appointment.

Blood Pressure Clinic – 11 a.m. to noon Jan. 5, Feb. 2. Call Senior Center for appointment.

Inside Edge Indoor Golf for Seniors – Mondays at 9 a.m.

Cost is $21 per round. Call the Senior Center for more information.

Classes Several driver safety courses are offered. Call (952) 279-8050 for information.

Red Hat Chapter Contact the Senior Center for more information on trips and special events. The group meets at 9:30 a.m. the second Friday of each month at the Original Pancake House.

Woodshop The woodshop is available from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, with evening hours also available. Participants must take two -hour training. Fees are $ 2 0 per

quarter or $ 5 per visit. Info: (952) 279-8050.

Woodshop Class – Make a wood tote from 6-8:30 p.m.

Wednesdays, Jan. 11-25. Three classes. Call the Senior Center for more information.

Weekly events Mondays S en ior S i n g le s C of fe e Klatch – 8:45-10:30 a.m. at Dunn Bros., 8107 Eden Prairie Road, for senior discounts on coffee.

Shopping Bus – Call (952) 279-8051 by Thursday to schedule a senior van home pick up for the 9:30-11:30 a.m. Monday shopping trips in Eden Prairie.

Duplicate Bridge – 12:15 p.m., no need to sign up, just bring a partner or call John Dollerschell at (952) 937-2150.

Crafting – 1 p.m., bring your own project to work on and socialize.

Tuesdays Quilting – 9 a.m., to help with creating a quilt or work on your own. Call Angie at (952) 934-1671 for more information.

Greeting Cards – 9:30 a.m. to help cut, tape and create old

greeting cards into new.

Bread Day – 9:30 a.m. for “end of the day” baked goods and breads donated by a local baker. Donations accepted.

Party-Style Bridge – 12:153:30 p.m., no need to sign up, just come and play. Call Mary Canakes at (952) 445-0978 for more information.

Cribbage – 1-3 p.m. Open to all levels of players.

Wednesdays ‘500’ Cards – 1 p.m. No registration necessary. Just stop in and play.

Thursdays Canasta – 1 p.m. No need to sign up. Cards are provided.

Call the Senior Center at (952) 279-8050.

Cribbage – 1-3 p.m. Open to all levels of players. Call Jerry Clark at (952) 974-7989 for more information.

Fridays Men’s Coffee Group – 9:30 a.m. Tell a tale, swap a story and learn something new. Call Duane Kasper at (952) 448 1608.

Bread Day – 9:30 a.m. for “end of the day” baked goods and breads donated by a local

baker. Donations accepted.

Partner Bridge – noon, arrive with a partner or fi nd one at the center to play at 12:15 p.m. Call Lorraine Dilling at (952) 941-2060.

Party Bridge – 12:15-3:30 p.m., no need to sign up, just come and play. Call Shirley at (952) 934-3461 for more information.

resenting a cross-section of the community. The club meets at 6 p.m. the fi rst Thursday of each month (September through November and January to May) at Camp Eden Wood, 6350 Indian Chief Road. Meetings include a guest speaker and club discussion. Info: eplioness@comcast. net.

Tuesdays at House of Prayer Lutheran Church in Richfield.

Call Rich at (952) 829-7009 or go to minneapoliscommodores.org.

Monthly events Bingo – From 1-3:30 p.m.

Fridays, Dec. 16 and 30, Jan. 27 and Feb. 24. Cost is $1. Refreshments provided.

Book Club – 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, reading “Still Alice” by Lisa Genova.

Chair massages – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 22; Jan. 12, 26; Feb. 9, 23. Cost is $18 for 15 minutes or $33 for 30 minutes. Call the Senior Center to make an appointment at least one week in advance.

Computer Cracker Barrel – 10 a.m. Fridays, Jan. 6 and Feb. 3, Eden Prairie Library, 565 Prairie Center Drive.

Bunco – 2 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 16, Jan. 20, Feb. 17. Call Senior Center for information.

MEETINGS To add a meeting to our list, or update a listing, please email editor@edenprairienews.com or call (952) 942-7885.

Caregiver Support A Caregiver Support Group meeting will be held at Prairie Adult Care from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Dec. 15. The support group helps caregivers learn coping skills and make healthy choices for the future. The meeting will be facilitated by LeeAnn Eiden, MSW from Senior Community Services. Free respite care is available with advance reservation in the licensed daycenter, Prairie Adult Care.

Info: prairieadultcare.com or (952) 949-3126. Prairie Adult Care is in Victory Lutheran Church at 16200 Berger Drive, Eden Prairie.

Newcomers Newcomers of the Southwest Suburbs has planned a “Welcome Coffee” for 10-11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Dunn Bros.

Coffee Shop on County Road 4 in Eden Prairie. The group usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month.

Potential new and current members are invited for coffee and conversation.

AD/HD Connection The SW Metro AD/HD Connection meets the second Monday of each month. During the next meeting, from 7-8:30 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 9, Lucy Segesky, M.Ed, occupational therapist, will speak on “The influence of sensory processing and emotional regulation on anxiety and AD/HD?” The group meets at the Eden Prairie Schools Administrative Services Building, 8100 School Road. Info: Cindy Lea, MA, (612) 965-3052 or Cindy@ SucceedingwithADD.com.

Eden Prairie Lions The Eden Prairie Lions is a volunteer organization of civicminded people representing a cross-section of the community. The club meets the fi rst and third Mondays of the month at Camp Eden Wood, 6350 Indian Chief Road. “Think about joining. As an Eden Prairie Lion you’ll help your community, gain valuable skills, network with others, energize your life, make an impact and have fun,” according to a news release. Info: eplions.org or (612) 825-5100 (Ted Muller, Lions president).

Meals on Wheels Delivers weekday, noontime, nutritionally balanced meals to residents of Eden Prairie who are unable to leave their homes.

Deliveries may be long term or for a short-term medical recovery. Info: (952) 221-2123.

Optimist Club The Eden Prairie Optimist Club is a civic organization with an emphasis on programs that benefit and recognize the youth of Eden Prairie. The club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Chanhassen American Legion, 290 Lake Drive E., Chanhassen.

Visitors are always welcome.

Info: rocky@lhotka.net or facebook.com/epoptimists.

Alcoholics Anonymous An Alcoholics Anonymous Men’s Meeting is set at 7 p.m. every Monday at the Preserve Center “Barn,” on the second f loor, 11221 Anderson Lakes Parkway, Eden Prairie, next to the tennis courts. Info: (612) 210-1312, Brian.

Eden Prairie AM Rotary The Eden Prairie AM Rotary

Club meets at 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Biaggi’s Restaurant in the Eden Prairie Shopping Center. Info: (612) 759 -9150, Dick Ward.

Flagship Corporate Center, 775 Prairie Center Drive, Suite 400.

Info: (612) 247-3630, Heather.

Civil Air Patrol

Meets at 10 a.m. every third Tuesday of each month for women to learn about breastfeeding. Expectant, nursing mothers and babies are welcome. Info: (952) 474-5173, Deb.

The U.S. Air Force Auxiliary Viking Squadron offers a cadet aerospace education program for kids ages 12 to 21 years.

Senior officer members are age 21 and older. Viking Squadron covers the southwestern portions of the Twin Cities area and meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Grace Church in Eden Prairie, 9301 Eden Prairie Road. For more information contact Lt. Col. Brent Halweg at (952) 937-3535 or bhalweg@ comcast.net. CA P National Headquarters’ website is gocivilairpatrol.com. The Viking Squadron website is mncap. org/viking/.

Alzheimer’s Group A resource group oriented to male caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease meets on the last Thursday of each month at Pax Christi Catholic Community, 12100 Pioneer Trail (Room 247) in Eden Prairie. Meetings are at 1:30 p.m. and last from 60-90 minutes. In families where women have served as the primary caregivers for decades, men often need support in taking on that role. No appointment necessary. Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association.

Info: (612) 382-3890.

Eden Prairie Noon Rotary The Eden Prairie Noon Rotary Club meets at noon Thursdays at Bearpath Country Club in Eden Prairie. Info: (612) 7193236, Bill Dobbins.

Business to Business Networking group meets from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Tuesdays at

La Leche League

Speakers by Design

Five attorneys from Best & Flanagan LLP have been named to the first-tier list compiled by The Best Lawyers in America 2012, including Thomas B. Heffelfinger of Eden Prairie. He was recognized for his work in the area of Native American law. Tom has served as an Assistant Hennepin County Attorney, an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Minnesota and, on two separate occasions, as the presidentially

appointed U.S. Attorney for the state of Minnesota, according to a news release.

“He specializes in the representation of individuals and organizations who have been the victims of white collar crime, as well as the representation of tribal governments on public safety issues and of the regulatory branches of Native American tribes who are responsible for the background investigation of all gaming employees pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. He received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota and his

Congratulations Week 14 Winners!

Justin B. $75 Gift card to Paradise Savage, MN

Car Wash & Detail Center

Mindy S. $50 Gift Card to Arizona’s Prior Lake, MN

Restaurant & Lounge

Chase B. 2 Movie Passes

Toastmasters group meets 7:30-8:30 a.m. the second and fou r t h T ue s d ays of ever y month at Culligan Water, 6030 Culligan Way, Minnetonka.

Info: h2omasters.org or (952) 912-2429, JoAnn.

Toastmasters group meets from noon-1 p.m. Tuesdays at Digital River, 9625 W. 76th St., to increase confidence, improve public speaking and develop professional leadership skills.

Free. Info: bbirr@rfamec.com and (612) 229-8386, Bruce.

From 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays at Grace Church, 9301 Eden Prairie Road, Christian recovery program for those with a “hurt, habit or hang-up.”

Music, teaching, testimonials and small groups. No cost, no registration required. Info: atgrace.com/fresh-start.

Speakers after Hours

Super Speakers

Datamasters

Speakers after Hours Toastmasters invites you to improve your public speaking and leadership skills. Meetings are from 6:15-7:15 p.m. Tuesdays at Supervalu Corp. Headquarters, 11840 Valley View Road, Room 203, Eden Prairie. Info: afterhours.freetoasthost.org or Bennie.R.Leonard@supervalu. com.

Toastmasters Group meets from 7-8 a.m. Fridays at Supervalu, 11840 Valley View Road.

Free for all. Info: (952) 294-7410 or steve.d.clifton@supervalu. com, Steve Clifton.

Toastmasters group meets 8-9 a.m. the fi rst and third Friday of each month at Datalink Cor p., 8170 Upla nd Ci rcle, Chanhassen. Info: cleeman@ datalink.com or (952) 279-4852, Cheryl Leeman.

Business Igniters Meets 7:15-8:45 a.m. Tuesdays at the Eden Prairie Community Center. More information is available at bit.ly/getreferred.

Info: http://bit.ly/getreferred.

BNI Networking Group F rom 7- 8 : 3 0 a.m. Thursdays at Eden Prairie Community Center, 16700 Valley View Road, international networking group focuses on referrals.

Info: bni-mn.com/ or (952) 8906524, Ext. 7568, Paul Turney.

Overeaters Anonymous From 9-10:30 a.m. Saturdays at Pax Christi, 12100 Pioneer Trail, men and women use the 12 steps of Overeaters Anonymous to stop eating compulsively. Info: (952) 237-1168, Adam; and odat0487@ aol.com and (952) 943-8422, Sarah.

Minneapolis Commodores The Minneapolis Commodores, a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, welcome all men, young and old, who enjoy singing to come and experience the pleasure of barbershop harmony and camaraderie.

The group practices at 7 p.m.

Tagtalk Toastmasters Meets noon-1 p.m. Thursdays at Best Buy Corporate Headquarters, 7601 Penn Ave. S., Richfield. Details are at John.Simmons3@bestbuy.com and (612) 291-7585.

Midday Mumblers Toastmasters group meets 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Fridays at Supervalu, 19011 Lake Drive E., Chanhassen. Info: (952) 9066470, Morgan Holle.

Meditation A meditation group led by a Buddhist Monk occurs from 10:10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays at the Chanhassen Library. Classes are open to all regardless of level of experience. There is no charge; donations are welcome.

For more in for mation cal l Ralph at (952) 934-9727 or e-mail meditation@triplegem.org.

Eden Prairie Lioness The Eden Prairie Lioness Club is a volunteer organization of civic-minded women rep-

1583 East First Avenue (Highway 101) • Shakopee Comedy Club is in the lower level of

PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS Heffelfinger receives national award

Fresh Start Recovery

H2O Masters

B.A. from Stanford University.”

Info: bestlaw.com.

Frederickson receives conservation award Dennis Frederickson has been awarded the 2011 Carlson-Mi nge Awa rd by loc a l conser vation orga ni zation Friends of the Minnesota Valley. “Named in honor of former Gov. Arne Carlson and former Minnesota Congressman David Minge, the Carlson-Minge Award is given to a current or former elected official, public

fi gure or public employee who has demonstrated outstanding leadership on the conservation of natural resources within the Minnesota River Watershed. F riends’ board member and former Member of Congress from Minnesota’s Second Cong ressional District, David Minge, presented Frederickson with the award at Friends of the Minnesota Valley’s 2011 annual dinner at the Minnesota Valley Country Club,” according to a news release.

I n fo: friendsofmnva l ley. org.

Comedian

Dennis Ross Headlines

Special Guest

Paul Dillery

New Year’s Eve Dinner/Comedy Show 2 Shows: 7:30pm & 10:00 pm

r Show Dinneckage $ Pa

40

Show only price $20 (Must be pre-purchased)

Purchase tickets by visiting www.minnehahacomedyclub.com or calling our box office at 612-860-9388

RESERVE YOUR SEATS NOW www.minnehahacomedyclub.com • 612-860-9388

Enter Today! Weekly Prizes

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REGISTER FREE AT WWW.PROPICKS.MN Weekly Pro Football Contest

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Page 16 | December 15, 2011

www.edenprairienews.com | Eden Prairie News

BUSINESS NEWS

NEWS BRIEFS

Breakfast with Santa at Life Time “Santa Claus is taking a break from his workshop in the North Pole to visit Life Time Fitness before the holidays.

Children of all ages are invited to have Breakfast with Santa Dec. 17 before he makes his trek around the world to deliver toys to good boys and girls. Families will enjoy an assortment of food and beverages throughout the morning,” according to a news release.

For more information on local events, contact the Life Time Fitness Chanhassen at (952) 380-0303, Life Time Fitness Crosstown in Eden Prairie at (952) 943-4600 or Life Time Fitness Eden Prairie at (952) 829-8400.

Named ‘rising star’

by Super Lawyers Olup & Associates LLC senior associate attorney Sherri L. Krueger has been named t o t h e 2 011 Minnesota Rising Stars list for Family Law and A lt er n at ive Dispute Resolution by SuSherri L. per Lawyers Krueger magazine. No more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected to the list, according to a news release.

Krueger focuses her practice on all facets of family law, divorce and child custodial issues. She received her J.D., cum laude, from William Mitchell College of Law and her B.S., magna cum laude, from Winona State University. Founded nearly 35 years ago, Olup & Associates LLC is based in Eden Prairie and provides family law, divorce, alternative dispute resolution and estate planning services to clients in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan area. Info: oluplaw.com.

Collecting for Toys for Tots The Joe and Cindy Team of Realtors is hosting a Toys for Tots Drive. If you would like to donate any toys this holiday

PROP Shop needs of the week

categories. Edward Jones’ overall score was 9.1 out of 10 possible points and twotenths of a point behind the highest-ranking firm,” according to a news release.

Info: edwardjones.com.

The PROP Shop client room currently requests donations of kids’ snow pants in sizes 4-12.

“With the support of the community the PROP Shop assisted 259 local families (38 of them new to the PROP Shop) in November 2011. Twentyfive of these families received furniture, including 14 beds.

And 808 bags of clothing, bedding and housewares were given out to families in need last month. Since opening in April, 2007, the PROP Shop has served 1,268 local families in need with 21,270 bags of stuff, 783 pieces of furniture and 662 beds,” according to a news release.

The PROP Shop is a nonprofit re-sale store, which sells new and gently used items to everyone in the community.

It depends on donations of furniture, clothing and housewares. The PROP Shop also offers a separate Client Services Center which provides clot h i n g , hou s ewa r e s a nd furniture to referred families and individuals in need.

The PROP Shop is at 15195 Martin Drive in Eden Prairie.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 4 p.m.

Su nday. Donations a re ac cepted from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, visit propshopEP. org or call (952) 934-2323.

Kindermusik sets play dates Kindermusik With Kim in Chanhassen is holding winter play dates for children 1.5-3.5 years old and their caregivers on Tuesday, Dec. 20. “Join in the musical fun as we play jingle bells, sing winter holiday songs, have an indoor snowball game, go sleigh riding and much more.

Choose one of three 45-minute classes: 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. or 6:15 p.m. Payment due at class of $12 per child/second child $6.

Reservations required. RSVP to Kim at kim@kindermusikwithkim.com.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Donates to Underneath it All Maura Steblay of Eden Prairie, who works with the Minneapolis Financial Group, presented a check for $1,000 to Minnesota Breast Cancer Awareness Association president, Ann Harris. This was presented at Underneath it All, an Eden Prairie business which helps women who have had breast cancer. Lorraine Dressel, owner, and Karen Wolf, office manager, assisted with the presentation, according to a news release. For more information, call (952) 937-9252 or visit underneathitall. com. season, contact them at Team@ JoeAndCindy.com or (952) 9431324. They are offering free pick-up of donations.

Collecting mittens and hats for local schools United Educators Credit Union’s Eden Prairie Branch at 7912B Eden Road will hold its Second Annual Holiday Mitten and Hat Drive through Dec. 31. Throughout the month of December, UECU welcomes its members and the Eden Prairie community to donate new mitten and hats, to benefit local elementary schools in the area.

Steblay earns designation Maura Steblay has earned the Chartered Li fe Underwriter (CLU) professional designation from the American College, Bryn Mawr, Penn.

“Candidates for the CLU designation must complete a minimum of eight courses and 16 hours of supervised examinations. They must also fulfill stringent experience and ethics requirements. The Chartered Life Underwriter is the ‘highest standard of knowl-

Professionals join Patient Doctor Direct

edge and trust’ and the world’s most respected designation of insurance experience. Once the program is completed, a CLU can provide expert advice on a broad range of fi nancial topics including life and health insurance, pension planning, insurance law, income taxation, investments, financial and estate planning and group benefits,” according to a news release.

Maura Steblay has lived in Eden Prairie with her husband and two high-school daughters for 18 years and also holds a master’s of education and ChSNC, (Chartered Special Needs Consultant) designation. She is a fi nancial adviser with the Minneapolis Financial Group. Info: minneapolisfi nancialgroup.com.

“Local medical professionals have joined a revolutionary network that links uninsured and underinsured people to a network of affordable health care providers who accept immediate payment and generally offer reduce rates,” according to a news release.

“Eden Prairie-Bloomington Chiropractors Dr. Gerald Madir and Dr. Jerome Schmoe, family physician Dr. Radha Krishnakumar, and Diane Rother, a Thermography and Electro Dermal Screening professional, are charter members of Patient Doctor Direct, a free online resource for self-paying patients.

In fact, the newly coined Eden Prairie-Bloomington Wellness Corner (Southwest corner of 169 and Anderson Lakes Parkway) boasts having three Patient Doctor Direct providers who are now networking with each other.”

With Patientdoctordirect. com, patients have free access to its growing network of local medical professionals who provide reduced fees to cashpaying patients. By registering, also for free, they will receive occasional updates and lists of new providers in the area, the release said.

Info: patientdoctordirect. com.

Edward Jones ranked in survey Edward Jones ranked No. 2 in Registered Rep. magazine’s annual survey of the nation’s six largest financial services firms, according to Kevin Kraemer, a financial a dv i s e r i n E d e n P r a i r ie . “ T he m a ga zi ne r a ndom ly selects f i na ncia l advisors nationwide and asks them to rank their firms in various

LENZEN

PROP food shelf needs of the week November was the busiest mont h ever at PROP w it h over 550 food orders provided to those in need in our local community. Thank you to all of the many companies, organizations, social groups and individuals who have given to PROP recently. The need is great and we appreciate the support from our community,” according to a news release.

The food shelf is currently most in need of rice, apple juice, canned meat, jelly and crackers.

Your cash donations enable PROP to use its buying power for food, supplies and

MARINE DEC. 17TH IS THE LAST DROP OFF DATE FOR TOYS FOR TOTS! FOU N DAT ION

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09 Chevy

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08 Pontiac G6 GT

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Silver, 43,611 Miles, #5798

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11 Chevy Tahoe LT 4WD

02 Chevy Trailblazer LT

01 Ford Ranger XLT

05 Volkswagen Touareg AWD

White, 28,629 Miles, #5854

Dark Red, 15,323 Miles, #5882

Red, 86,290 Miles, #16235A

Offroad 4x4, Black, 58,794 Miles, #15786D

Gray, 89,692 Miles, #5877

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08 Chrysler Town and Country LTD Navi

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10 Chevy Traverse LT AWD

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08 Buick Enclave CXL

Black, 30,420 Miles, #5811

Cyber Gray, 8,908 Miles, #5883

Silver, 65,762 Miles, #15991A

DVD, Silver, 28,399 Miles, #15790A

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04 Ford F-250 Super Duty SC Lariat Black, 210,953 Miles, #16283B

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4x4, Black, 153,932 Miles, #16021A

Silver, 64,206 Miles, #16221A

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Hennepin County Public Health is of fering low-cost immunizations to people who don’t have health insurance or their insurance does not cover immunizations. “A vaccine is your best defense against many illnesses, including the flu. All are walk-in clinics so no appointments are needed,” according to a news release.

Clinics are set for: I Bloomi ng ton Cli nic : B l o o m i n g t o n D iv i s i o n o f Health, 1900 W. Old Shakopee Road, Dec. 20, 3 to 5:30 p.m.

I Brooklyn Center Clinic: Hennepin County’s Brookdale Service Center, 6125 Shingle Creek Road, Dec. 27, 9 to 11 a.m.

For more information about these clinics, call (612) 3482884 or go to hennepin.us/ vaccines.

Donations are requested but not required for the immunizations.

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The Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM), in partnership with Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs), announces the third annual Recycle Your Holidays statewide holiday light recycling program. Lights and cords are recycled free of charge.

The group encourages Minnesotans to drop off old, broken holiday lights at any participating Ace Hardware and other participating locations.

They are also encouraging the switch to LED lights. Eden Prairie locations include the city’s liquor stores.

In fo : RecycleMinnesota. org.

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fi nancial support for clients.

You r fo o d don at ion s ke ep shelves stocked. The group appreciates the support and invites you to volunteer and use your creativity to cre ate a PROP-themed event. If you need services or support from PROP, visit its website at propfood.org, c a l l ( 9 52 ) 937-9120 or stop by the office at 14700 Martin Drive Monday through Friday 9:30 to 1 p.m. or Monday and Wednesday evenings 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Sale Price

$9,995

09 Honda Pilot Touring 4WD Navi DVD, Dark Cherry, 31,177 Miles, #16128A

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*All rebates and Incentives incl. in price on 0% Financing up to 72 mo. in lieu of rebates.

2860 Chaska Blvd. • Chaska

952-448-2850 www.lenzenchevbuick.com

PAYING TOP DOLLAR FOR ALL TRADES

Eden Prairie News | www.edenprairienews.com

December 15, 2011 | Page 17

Here we come a-wassailing Participants in the Madrigal Tea at Eden Prairie High School Saturday enjoyed a fruit cup, finger sandwich, scones, cookies, coffee, tea, milk and “wassail punch” – as well as entertainment by the Women’s Concert Chorale and Concert Choir Singers. The biennial Madrigal Tea and Madrigal Dinners, featuring music, theater and dining in the West Commons, are fundraisers for the San Francisco Choir Tour Scholarship fund.

Right — The Women’s Concert Chorale entertained the audience with festive holiday tunes.

Below left — Student royalty held court during the Madrigal Tea celebration.

Below right — Students attired for the Renaissance, Gabe Tschumper, Luke Heeringa and Tessa Hilpipre reacted warily to a camera. “I feel like my soul has been stolen,” Tessa said.

PHOTOS BY KARLA WENNERSTROM

EDUCATION NEWS

Family Center offers classes The Eden Prairie Family Center offers the following family and parenting classes: Register for Spanish preschool, Family Center Preschool. The Eden Prairie Family Center still has openings for a number of preschool programs. For more information or to register, contact the Early Childhood Center at (952) 975-6980 or visit www.edenpr. org/famctr.

Family Fun Time: Play for 0- to 5-yearolds with an adult. $5 per child/$10 per family.

Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Free Infant Massage: from 6 to 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 15.

Free Baby Playtime: from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Jan. 11 Free Parent and Baby Yoga: sessions will be held from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Jan. 12 and 10 to 11:15 a.m. Jan. 13.

Shape Up your Home: This session will be held from 6:30 to 8:40 p.m. Jan. 12. Join Carol Eliason, Professional Organizer to learn tips and tricks that will help you create a more efficient home. Focus will be on ways to organize children’s clothes, toys and the never-ending paper that comes into your home. Cost: $10 for one or $15 for two people from the same household.

ISM raises funds to fight hunger The International School of Minnesota (ISM) has launched its third annual ISM Against Hunger campaign in partnership with ImpactLives. The goal of the program is for students to raise enough money to pack at least 150,000 meals, which will fi ll half of a shipping container. According to a news release: “This year ISM students will travel to the ImpactLives facility in St. Louis Park on Dec. 16 where they will participate in an interactive exhibit. This educational opportunity will allow the students to get a feel for how many people around the world are living in abject poverty. They’ll be able to see fi rsthand what kinds of dwellings people must live in, and they’ll even feel the heat that often is present

in tropical and developing countries. They’ll learn how different life is for many kids their age who have no resources to depend upon for basic needs. Discussion sessions will follow to allow the students to talk about what they’ve seen and experienced and what they can do to make a difference in the world. According to Ramon Pastrano, founder and CEO of ImpactLives, the key is to impress upon the students that by eliminating hunger, we can all be a part of eliminating other desperate measures people take just to survive such as human trafficking.

“The fi nale of the day will be to pack the 150,000 meals at the ImpactLives facility. As it has in the past, ISM will ship the meals to the Dominican Republic, and students will travel there next summer to distribute the food, help build houses, educate and establish relationships with the individuals they serve.

The students will also take part in a transformational leadership process where they learn more about themselves, their strengths and the role they play in being servant leaders in their own community.”

publicnotices Legal Notice The City of Eden Prairie intends to operate an aeration system at Red Rock Lake. This system will be located just off the park property at the north central shore area of the lake. It may be operated anytime between January 1 and April 1, 2012.

Questions related to this system should be directed to: Matt Bourne Park Maintenance Supervisor City of Eden Prairie Telephone 952-949-8535

Time to sign up for EPHS conferences Parents of Eden Prairie High School students need to get in their parent-teacher conference requests. Conferences are scheduled for 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, and Tuesday, Dec. 20. Conferences can now be scheduled online. Visit edenpr.org/ephs to learn more.

If you have not received a request form, call (952) 975-8015.

Free ACT, SAT practice tests Free ACT or SAT practice tests will be held at College Tutors Eden Prairie Learning Center, 16315 Terrey Pine Drive Suite 300, Saturday, Dec. 17, at 9 a.m. Call (952) 285-7667 to register.

According to a news release, “College Tutors mimics the setting and timing of the actual tests. Tests will be scored by College Tutors and a free, individual consultation for parents and student will be scheduled to share results, as well as areas of strength and weakness.”

(Published in the Eden Prairie News on Thursday, December 8 and 15, 2011; No. 3249) Legal Notice The City of Eden Prairie intends to operate an aeration system at Mitchell Lake. This system will be located just off park property in the northwestern corner of the lake. It may be operated anytime between January 1 and April 1, 2012.

Questions related to this system should be directed to: Matt Bourne Park Maintenance Supervisor City of Eden Prairie Telephone 952-949-8535

(new stuff every day)

register. (once. you’re done!)

remark. (comment. blog.)

(Published in the Eden Prairie News on Thursday, December 8 and 15, 2011; No. 3250)

edenprairienews.com

CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE 15-2011 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDEN PRAIRE, MINNESOTA, AMENDING CITY CODE CHAPTER 11 SECTION 11.70 RELATING TO SIGN PERMITS AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE CITY CODE CHAPTER 1 AND SECTION 11.99 WHICH, AMONG OTHER THINGS, CONTAINS PENALTY PROVISIONS THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA, ORDAINS: Summary: This ordinance amends City Code Section 11.70, Subdivision 2 by adding definitions for “Area Identification SignCommercial” and “Planned Unit Development Area Identification Sign-Commercial” and amending the definition for “Planned Unit Development Area Identification Sign” to “Planned Unit Development Area Identification Sign-Residential.”

Effective Date: This Ordinance shall take effect upon publication.

Nancy Tyra- Lukens, Mayor Attest: Kathleen Porta, City Clerk (A full copy of the text of this Ordinance is available from City Clerk.)

(Published in the Eden Prairie News on Thursday, December 15, 2011; No. 3252) Notice of Sale of Abandoned Property The City Council adopted a Resolution at its December 6, 2011 meeting declaring property that has lawfully come into the possession of the City in the course of municipal operations, remains unclaimed by the owners, and has been in the possession of the City for over 90 days as abandoned property along with surplus property. Property will be sold to the highest bidder on www. propertyroom.com.

(Published in the Eden Prairie News on Thursday, December 15, 2011; No. 3253)

read.

Go to

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA, ORDAINS: Summary: This ordinance amends Chapter 25 of the City Code by replacing in its entirety the “Fee Schedule for Administration of Official Controls” for the City’s costs in administering Official Controls.

As defined by Minnesota Statute, Official Controls may include zoning, subdivision controls, site plan regulations, sanitary codes, building codes and official maps.

Effective Date: This Ordinance shall take effect January 1, 2012.

Nancy Tyra- Lukens, Mayor Attest: Kathleen Porta, City Clerk (A full copy of the text of this Ordinance is available from City Clerk.)

(Published in the Eden Prairie News on Thursday, December 15, 2011; No. 3251)

CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE 16-2011 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA, AMENDING CHAPTER 25 BY

ADOPTING THE 2012 “FEE SCHEDULE FOR ADMINISTRATION OF OFFICIAL CONTROLS”, REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 19-2010, AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE CITY CODE CHAPTER 1 WHICH, AMONG OTHER THINGS, CONTAINS PENALTY PROVISIONS

Early Deadline Notice due to the Christmas and New Year Holidays will be Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. for the December 29, 2011 edition and Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. for the January 5, 2012 edition of the Eden Prairie News.

Faxes are not accepted.

Page 18 | December 15, 2011

www.edenprairienews.com | Eden Prairie News

How to bring the men back to church The word on the street is that American Christianity is largely a women’s club. Visit the average church on Sunday and you will see that about 66 percent of all those attending are women. About 23 percent of married women attend church without their husbands.

So, the old cliché that church is for women and children gains ground by superficial observation. Men, though perhaps not repelled by those statistics, may well choose another activity on Sunday rather than go to church.

What is the solution to this challenge? First, it is necessary to recognize how valuable it would be for men to be more involved. Although our primary aim is not to make sure there is a 50-50 split between men and women in church attendance, men need to be challenged to participate in church because they make a great contribution by being present and contributing.

In the early 1970’s, sociologist

Rev. Tim

JOHNSON SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING

George Gilder, in his book Sexual Suicide, offered a compelling argument for making men responsible for the welfare of the household.

He argued against public policy that made men irrelevant.

Gilder made it clear that certain government policies and even informal social movements were making it much easier for single mothers to survive with no support from fathers. He said that every possible incentive to make men

responsible for the babies they had sired would save the social fabric. It would keep men from degenerating into the violent perpetrators they otherwise become.

In a similar way, in the religious life of America, men need to be present and meaningfully involved. The functioning of many local churches proceeds seemingly without the practical participation of men. Women who have a stronger spiritual commitment and giftedness to organize and lead fill the vacuum where men do not perform. For the sake of the entire church and for their own good, men need to be drawn into a more active role.

Beyond seeing the need for men’s involvement, certain steps to attract men into the fellowship are necessary.

Consider these …

1. Incorporate more appealing worship songs. By this I mean, in addition to those songs that sound like a

love song to Jesus, lyrics that address the objective bases of faith and our practical life response need to be included in services. Men are less emotional, more concrete in their thinking and response.

Even worship music needs to strike a balance.

2. Highlight strategic accomplishments. If the local church is organized for a purpose, the strategy that is on the ground to accomplish that purpose should be stated clearly and made a part of the regular meetings of the church. Men like to be part of an enterprise that is accomplishing something tangible. Men need to be doers in addition to being talkers. A church that uses part of the public meeting time to regularly testify to the fleshand-blood work that is being done to achieve corporate goals will be attractive to men. Just recently in my own church the testimony offered by one young adult who had been bold in sharing his faith in his daily

life was a motivating word that grabbed the hearts of the men present.

3. Bold leadership. Pastors and people working together to stretch beyond the status quo also inspires men who are looking on. Men like to hear the vision of those who see the challenges in front of them but who are willing to work to rise above it all. When leadership aims to build buildings and programs that have not existed to this point, men are drawn into the process.

4. Active male leadership.

When men see other men compellingly involved in the work of the church, they are drawn to the cause. In my itineration within the last year, I was impressed with one storefront church I visited.

There were about 75 to 80 people packed into that little place and 75 percent of them were men. It turned out that the pastor, who is an ex-con and former drug addict, also is a barber in the neighborhood

and connects with dozens of men every day. I have chatted with him during the week right outside the church and dozens of young men are following him around like a pied piper. He is actively involved in building relationships with men in the community and as a result his church is packed with them on Sunday morning.

Oh, there are other steps that can be taken to ensure a greater involvement by men, but suffice it to say that the church is for both men and women. Together they need to serve to build the spiritual foundations for the future of the community.

That lifelong process means all hands on deck. In the words of the old song, “Rise up O men of God!” The Rev. Timothy A. Johnson shares this space with the Rev. Rod Anderson as well as spiritual writers Dr. Bernard E. Johnson, Beryl Schewe and Lauren CarlsonVohs. “Spiritually Speaking” appears weekly.

RELIGION NEWS

Eden Prairie

Worship Directory Dynamic and relevant messages N Inspiring music—traditional and contemporary N Active children’s, youth and adult ministry programs N

Taizé Prayer in Advent

Invite People to Worship with You!

Just South of U.S. 212 on Eden Prairie Road

People of all Christian traditions are welcome to join in this ecumenical prayer at 7 p.m.

Dec. 15 at St. Hubert Church, 8201 Main Street, Chanhassen.

The candle lit service includes “sung prayer, rich silence, scripture readings and a reflection.”

Eden Prairie

United Methodist Church “Open hearts – Open minds – Open doors” Pastor Dan Schneider-Bryan

Sunday Worship 9:00 & 10:30 AM (nursery care provided)

Sunday School 9:00 AM

Web: atgrace.com Phone: 952-926-1884 At southeast corner of Eden Prairie Road and Pioneer Trail in Eden Prairie

Sunday Morning Services: 8:00 • 9:30 • 11:00 Children’s programming at 9:30 and 11:00

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

saint andrew

at St. Andrew West Sunday 9:30 a.m.

112090 Hundertmark Rd

Lutheran

(2 Blocks West of State 41 on Hundertmark)

at St. Andrew Saturday 5:00 pm Pastoral Team Sunday 9:00 am and 10:30 am Alan Loose Sunday 6:00 pm LiveWire Tasha Genck Morton Roger Schindel

13600 Technology Drive

(Along State Hwy. 5/212 one mile west of 494)

www.victorylcms.org 952-934-0956 Sunday worship 9:00 AM Chris an Educa on for all ages – 10:15 AM

Daycare/Preschool/Church Camp

952-937-2776 www.standrewlu.org

THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD

15050 Scenic Heights Road Eden Prairie 952-937-8781 (1 blk. west of Mitchell Rd.)

www.prairiechurch.org

ST. ALBAN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH SUNDAY 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.

WEDNESDAY 6:00 p.m.

“Come grow with us in Christ”

Worship/Church School/ Nursery Each Hour

ONE CHURCH TWO LOCATIONS

(3 yrs.– 8th grade)

6716 Gleason Road, Edina • (952) 941-3065

www.stalbansedina.org

105112

One Anothering Immanuel Lutheran Church 16515 Luther Way, Eden Prairie • 952-937-8123 (2 blocks N. of Hwy. 5 on Cty. Rd. 4)

Sunday Worship Services (nursery available) Traditional Services: 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

Contemporary Service: 11 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Saturday Worship Service at 5 p.m.

Visit us at www.Immanuel.us

Eden PraIrIe PresbyterIan Church

Of¿ce: 934-0811 6500 Baker Road • Eden Prairie, MN 55346 Christmas Eve Services 3:30, 5:00 & 10 pm

www.eppc.com | 952.937.8000

Come as you are, hear a relevant message, and be inspired by music!

Sunday Worship 9:00 am & 11:00 am 952 952--829 829--0525 www.prairielutheran.org

Join us this Sunday!

Worship Service: 10:15 am Sunday School: 9:00 am

9145 Eden Prairie Road · Eden Prairie, MN Located at NE corner of Pioneer Tr. & EP Rd.

You will find welcoming people, an encouraging message, refreshing music and great programs for the entire family. We are a church that cares abput loving God and loving others. Enjoy the Christmas season with us. We look forward to meeting you!

Christmas Drama (Dec. 18) - 6 p.m.

Christmas Tea (Dec. 18) - 7 p.m.

Christmas Vespers (Dec. 24) - 4 p.m.

Child Care Provided in All Services www.libertybaptistmn.org

087036

Pax Christi Catholic Community 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie Father Patrick Kennedy, Pastor

www.paxchristi.com

Building Friendships, Building Families, Building Faith

Weekend Masses Saturday Sunday

5:00PM 9:00AM, 11:00AM, 5:00PM

Weekday Masses Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

8:30AM 8:30AM 6:00PM 6:45AM 8:30AM

Youth Group 6 pm Young Adults 7:30 pm

Dr. Jerry Erickson, Pastor

The close-knit fellowship of a smaller church?

Good friends for your children?

Visit our brand new church in Eden Prairie, meeting at Eden Lake Elementary, south of the EP Mall, off Preserve Blvd.

(One mile west of Hwy 169, on Anderson Lakes Pkwy) Sunday School for all ages 9:15am-10:15am Worship service 10:30am-11:45am Eden Lake Elementary School 12000 Anderson Lakes Pkwy Eden Prairie, MN, 55347 Rev. Ryan Kron, 612-751-2096 ryankron@hotmail.com www.emmausrcus.org 217647

Visit our website for more groups and events! www.phefc.org 103288

952-937-9593

17200 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie

All are Welcome!

Are you hungry for “meaty” Bible teaching?

Prairie Hill Evangelical Free Church

Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.

Treasure Seekers and Sunday School Classes for all ages: 9:15 am Wednesdays: Family Meal at 5:30 pm, Awana at 6:30 pm

(Located next to Eden Prairie High School)

Invite People to Worship with You! Call Kathy 952-345-3003

Eden Prairie • Chanhassen Chaska • Shakopee Prior Lake • Savage • Jordan and many other Southwest Communities

Victory Lutheran has Children’s Service Victory Lutheran Church at 16200 Berger Drive in Eden Prairie is hosting it annual Children’s Christmas Service on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 9 a.m.

“We would like to invite the whole community to come and hear the story of Jesus’ birth, as the Gospel is recited by Victory’s children,” according to a news release. “There will be special pre-service music performed by the youth of Victory, songs by the children’s choir and a combined number by the adult and children’s choir.

Everyone is invited to stay for fellowship and treats after the service.”

Blood Drive at Prairie Lutheran Prairie Lutheran Church is hosting a Memorial Blood Center Blood Drive from 1:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20. Call the church office at (952) 829-0525 to schedule an appointment.

To donate, you must be in good health, at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and have not donated blood in the last 56 days. Visit mbc. org to review donor eligibility guidelines and view a video on what to expect when donating blood.

Prairie Lutheran Church is at 11000 Blossom Road in Eden Prairie, one mile west of Highway 169 off Pioneer Trail and Bennett Place. Info: prairielutheran.org or (952) 829-0525.

Temple of Eck offers events The following events are held at the Temple of Eck for the community in December: * 10-10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 – “Find Inner Peace – Chant Hu!” * 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, through Dec. 21 – “Spiritual wisdom in Karma and reincarnation.”

Temple of Eck is at 74 50 Powers Blvd., Chanhassen.

Info: templeofeck.org or (952) 380-2200.

Prairie Lutheran offers preschool Prairie Lutheran Preschool is opening a new class for its youngest learners. The January 3’s class is offered T u e s d ay s a n d T hu r s d ay s from 12:30-3 p.m. beginning Tuesday, Jan. 3. “Our highly trained staff will meet your child where they are in development and help them grow,” according to a news release.

“We welcome the challenges of helping your child overcome separation anxiety, master toileting skills, communicate their needs and make friends of their classmates.”

Info: (952) 942-1800 or jtcarter@prairielutheran.org.

Eden Prairie News | www.edenprairienews.com

December 15, 2011 | Page 19

Place an ad at imarketplace.mn Or, call imarketplace.mn at 952.345.3003

imarketplace.mn / classifieds Place an ad

Deadlines

Ads are posted promptly to the imarketplace.mn website. Print deadlines for Thursday editions are 3 p.m. Tuesday for the Chanhassen Villager, Chaska Herald, Eden Prairie News, Jordan Independent, Shakopee Valley News. Deadlines for Saturday editions are 3 p.m. Thursday for the Prior Lake American, Savage Pacer, and Southwest Saturday editions in Chaska, Jordan-Belle Plaine and Shakopee.

Go to imarketplace.mn/PlaceAnAd to place your ad, or call imarketplace.mn at 952-345-3003 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for help.

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Locations

Thriftmart ads are free; Thriftmart PLUS ads start at just $15. Ads start as low as $22 for announcements, farm / garden / animals, transportation, services, rentals, real estate and recruitment. Call 952-345-3003 for pricing, or place your ad online at imarketplace.mn/PlaceAnAd

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Recruitment

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Services

Rentals

Do you have a water leak?

Need some landscaping?

Looking for a painter?

Find a professional in our home services directory.

HENNEPIN COUNTY

CARVER Chaska COUNTY

Find your new rental home – whether it’s an apartment, condo, townhouse or singlefamily home – in our print listings or at imarketplace.mn/homes.

Chanhassen Eden Prairie

Shakopee

Savage

N

Jordan Prior Lake SCOTT COUNTY

Place your ad online at imarketplace.mn | CALL 952-345-3003 | FAX 952-445-3335 | E-MAIL classifieds@imarketplace.mn SERVICES

Firewood Fireplace/Fuel

Child Care

Firewood: mixed hardwood, 2 yrs dry, 4'x8'x16”. $120 dlvd/ stacked. 763-516-8467

Becky's Daycare: One opening, 2+, Shakopee. Food program, licensed.

10 years experience. 952445-2908

Firewood: Mixed, cut & split. 10'x5'x2' trailer load $160. Free delivery & stacking 952-2121536, Ross

Openings available, lots of TLC & outside play.

Please call Shelly, 952361-9632

Health Supplies

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

Diabetic test strips wanted. Most brands.

Will pay cash. Local pick up. Call Ted at 612-216-6266

GARAGE SALES AUCTIONS

Firewood Fireplace/Fuel Dry Firewood: Mixed Hardwood, ½ cord 4'x12'x16”: $165, 4'x8'x16”: $120. Free delivery. 952-445-5239, Steve Dry Red Oak. $130/ row (4'x8'x16”). This isn't a short stack. $390/ full cord. 612-220-6283

Shakopee Sales Craft/ Garage Sale- One of a kind gifts. Sat-Sun, Dec. 17 & 18, 9am-4pm.

1005 Shawmut St., Shakopee. Get your last minute gifts here!

RENTALS Office/Commercial LIGHT INDUSTRIAL Drive-In's & Docks Available Immediately Intersections of 41/ 169.

952-484-9675 Office/ Business space for rent. West 2nd St., Chaska. 952-448-2577 Space available for Zuba, Yoga, Dance/ Exercise classes... or other activities? Grand Palms Event Center, Chaska.

952-448-7206

Belle Plaine Rental Large 1 BR apartment, heat/ water/ garbage included. $575/ month.

612-386-5559 Newer, 3 BR split entry, range, refrigerator, microwave. 3 car garage on huge lot. $1100.+ utilities. Mike 952-2501796

Carver Rentals

Prior Lake Rentals

1 BR, $645-685, all utilities included. No pets/ non-smoking. 952-3613245 Cute Carriage House, 1 BR. Secluded, W/D, $575.+ utilities. Pets ok.

952-442-6242

1 BR efficiency apt., utilities included. $550/ mth. Bruce, 612-8656387 1 BR, office, full kitchen, no animals. Lakeshore, off-street parking. $595.

952-440-4673 2 BR condo, garage.

Pet OK. Includes water, sewer, $925. Available now. 952-440-4112

Chaska Rentals 2/ 3 BR townhomes, garage included, $795 & $950. 952-448-6549

Eden Prairie Rentals 3 BR, 2 BA, 1450 sf $1400.+ utilities. Bill 612-360-3349

Jordan Rentals 1 & 2 BR apartments, (heat, hot/cold water, garbage included) $600$675, no pets. 612-5996245

Jordan Center Apartments Large 2 BR, 2 bath, W/D dishwasher, elevator, security system. $800+ utilities. Available now. 952-492-2800

2BR in quiet 4-plex. No pets, $700. 952-4963485 3BR 1BA apartment.

Detached garage. $895.

Randy 952-270-9221 Large 2BR + Den, 2 car W/D. Utilities included, $900. 952-210-9732 Prior Lake- Lg 1 BR, $595/ mo. 2 BR. $765/ mo. Available now. Patio/ balcony, cats OK, please call 952-6532105, 952-594-1791, or 651-470-4017

Savage Rentals

Shakopee Rentals

1 BR APARTMENT Section 8 project Low income rent to qualifying persons. Age 62 or older. 30% of income Smoke-free units available

SW Metro Rentals Other Areas Charming large 3 BR condos, St. Boni. $850. ½ month free. Available immediately. 952-4720796

REAL ESTATE

Shakopee Housing 952-403-1086 1 BR apt., $630/mth, utilities paid. Non-smoking. No pets. 12/1. 952457-5003 3 BR, 3 BA townhome, 1800 f.s.f.+. Vaulted, with sunny exposure.

Loft, master bath, fireplace, finished basement, patio, 2 car garage. $1295. 1/1/12.

612-386-3500 Sandalwood Studiosfull kitchenettes, nightly/ weekly/ monthly rates available. 952-277-0100

1BR $635, 2BR $735.

Pets ok. 952-356-0611

SW Metro Rentals Other Areas

1BR, No dogs allowed.

Available immediately.

Starting at $600/mth.

952-448-2333

4 BR, 3 BA, 3 car.

3600s.f., $1775. Elko, 952-250-7632

Lots/Acreage 60 acres farmland, Green Isle, Hwy 25 & st 281 St. 952-448-6762 90+/- Ac. Land for Development, farming or horse farm!

Owner/ Agent 612-756-1899 Farmland for Sale & Wanted. Randy Kubes, Realtor... 612-599-7440

Houses 3BR, 2BA, 3 car garage.

Contract for deed terms with 5% down. $177,900.

Randy Kubes, Realtor 612-599-7440 House for sale: 9875 Spring Rd, EP $327,400 952-240-8940

Mobile Homes 2 BR, 1 BA, mobile home. $2,200, in Shakopee. 1-614-2962111

Place ads 24/7.

Go to iMarketplace.mn It’s easy and fast. phone 952-345-3003

To learn more about these businesses, go to www.imarketplace.mn Call (952) 345-3003 to place an ad

BUILDING

BUILDING

Quality Work

651-503-3038

Value & Trust!

imperialmn.com

Savage, MN

~ PARAMOUNT REMODELING, INC. ~ Where Your Dreams Are Paramount *Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling *Distinctive Hardwood Flooring

*Lower Level Finishing *Decks & Exteriors

NO JOB TOO SMALL *** Mention this ad for a 10% discount.

Call today for a free consultation (952) 607-6726 MN Lic. 20483289, Fully Insured

Highland Home Services Inc. Remodeling ...Repair ... Design www.highlandhomeservices.com

30 years experience

Steve Jenness

cell 612-418-2277

fax 952-447-1211

sjenness@integraonline.com

lic#20628802

MAGNUM CONSTRUCTION CO.

Over 19 Years Experience Licensed and Insured

Basements • Room Additions Complete Home Remodeling Decks/Porches

Big Enough To Help~Small Enough To Care

952-461-4540

www.magnumconstructioncomp.com

FLOORING

MOVING/STORAGE

ABOVE ALL HARDWOOD FLOORS & CARPET

MOVING?

Floor Installation Sanding & Refinishing Carpet, Tile & Vinyl Installation Exceptional Quality Great Service

952-440-WOOD (9663)

Additions Remodeling Basements Porches Fireplaces Kitchens, Baths New Construction Concrete/Blockwork 952-445-6604

Free Estimates Locally owned since 1979 MN lic#4327

www.fandbconst.com

Builder's Edge Remodeling, Windows, Basements, Additions, Cabinets. Licensed.

952-492-3170

CABINETRY KB Custom Cabinets Kitchens, Entertainment Centers, Bars, Built-ins Vanities, Counter Tops.

952-445-7790

CLEANING ! 952-239-4110 Bumble Bee Services Housecleaning. Insured www.bumblebeeservices.com

! Country Touch Clean.

Several years in business. Reliable/Trusting 612-483-1092 Aliene's Clean & Shine Home Cleaning. I'm hardworking, reliable, honest, bonded. 612250-4602 Expert Cleaning: I am a hard worker, reliable, trustworthy. I use my own supplies & vacuum.

Very flexible scheduling. What works for you, works for me.

952-406-2478

DRAPERIES Drapes, Blinds, Fabrics, Upholstery, Bedspreads.

Lakes Interiors. 38 yrs.

952-447-4655.

ELECTRICAL #Priority Electric Inc. Licensed- Bonded- Insured. No job too small.

952-403-9200 POWERTECH Electric.

Local. Owner operated.

Licensed, insured, clean.

Rich: 952-292-8683

Completely Enclosed Truck Very Reasonable Rates

952-758-2552 We Haul Moving New Prague

Duffy’s

ODD JOBS

HARDWOOD FLOORS •Floor refinishing & sanding •Real wood floors •Dustless refinishing •Water damage specialists •Board patching •Custom staining •Best quality •Best pricing •Most experience in your area •Family owned, 28 years •Free Estimates

Quality Remodeling and Home Repairs A Minnesota Greenstar Qualified contractor

952-469-5713 952-426-2790

References, Lic & Ins Mn Lic. 20632058 Kevin Hayes

www.duffyshardwoodfloors.com

CLEANING

You Call - We Haul

(612)867-8287

HEATING/AIR COND

kevin@hmwhome.com www.hmwhome.com

ODD JOBS Ken's HANDYMAN SERVICE Repairs, Installations & Home Improvements. Call Ken: 952-445-1836

NEED HANDYMAN? Little Job Expert!

For all the odd jobs needing Attention!!!

Painting: • Interior & Exterior Finish Carpentry: • Basements • Bathrooms • Ceramic Tile • Sheet Rock & Taping Dennis 952-334-1755 952-445-9034

To place your ad in

PAINT/WALLPAPER MJ Painting Interior/ Exterior painting & staining. 952-445-2904 Marvin Jeurissen Quality Interior Painting.

Reliable, Professional, Experienced.

952-334-0977 Jerry Fehn

PLASTER/DRYWALL

Best Drywall LLC Serving SW Metro 18 yrs. Small crew/no subs/ painting. New Const/ Basements/ Repair.

BBB Reg/Ins/Free Est. All work guaranteed Mic 612-685-0476 bestdrywallminnesota.com

Classifieds please call:

SNOW REMOVAL

ROOFING

Why Wait Roofing LLC Offering best extended manufacturers warranty!

Tear-offs, Re-roofs, Siding & Gutters, New Construction Insurance Specialist Over 18 years experience FREE ESTIMATES Rodney Oldenburg Cell # 612-210-5267 952-443-9957 Lic. ID-20156835

KREUSER ROOFING, INC. 952-492-3842 952-412-4718(cell)

Storm damage repairs Defective shingle claims Family owned & operated Thousands of satisfied customers Professional and Courteous Lic# 20632183

952-345-3003

#1 Schieber's Outdoor Services. Commercial Residential. Senior Discount. Joe: 952-2924445, landscapesos.com Kerchner Outdoors Now offering snow removal.

Serving the Lakeville, Savage, Prior Lake, and Shakopee area. Call today for a free estimate. 612-3859010 Dependable, on time. Flexible & efficient!

Residential Snow Plowing & Shoveling Reasonable rates.

Available 24/7

952-237-9605

UPHOLSTERY Discounted fabrics... drapes, bedspreads, residential/ commercial.

38 years' experience.

952-447-4655

952-448-3761 No wall too small

Heating, plumbing, remodel and repair, and replacement, new construction. 952-492-2440

PAINT/WALLPAPER

Buckets of Color

Interior/Exterior V Storm/Water Damage Textured Ceilings/Walls VInsurance Repairs VCustom Faux Finishes/Murals VFully Insured/References VFriendly, Honest Service FREE ESTIMATES 952-8 873-4 4679 612-3 366-2 2739 Paul V V

BUY IT SELL IT FIND IT

ODD JOBS

ODD JOBS

MISC HOME SERVICES

PAINT/WALLPAPER

Breimhorst Painting. Interior/ Exterior. Insured.

Albie: 952-261-2234

PLUMBING/SEPTIC Father/ son plumbing company.

Licensed, bonded, insured. Working for you! R&D Plumbing952-237-0115 Plumbing, heating, remodel and repair, new construction. 952-4922440

MISC HOME SERVICES

Rubbish Removal & Dumpsters for rent.

Since 1979. 952-8947470 www.aacehalingservices.com

CERTIFIED Home Inspections Radon & Mold Testing 952-994-4771 www.moldtesting.Pro

Handyman Ser vices PROFESSIONAL, PROMPT, COURTEOUS SERVICE 28 YEARS OF TRADE EXPERIENCE Bob Wagner (952) 686-4833 www.bobshandymanservices.com for available services and rates. Fully Insured LOW HOURLY RATES, TELL ME WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD AND WE WILL MAKE A DEAL!

*A and K PAINTING* Schedule your Holiday & Winter painting now!

Ext/Int Paint/ Stain ~Carpentry/ Repair~

Handy Home Repair Service, Inc. Any Task... Just Ask Insured, References, Licensed #20374699

612-201-6316, bgmach3_3@hotmail.com www.handyhomerepairservice.com

Free Estimates Ins/ Bonded

952-474-6258 Major credit cards accepted

In Classifieds: 952-345-3003

Page 20 | December 15, 2011

Full-Time

www.edenprairienews.com | Eden Prairie News

Full-Time

Full-Time

Full-Time

HUGE GROWTH IN CHASKA-NEED 40 PEOPLE! *Assembly exp. *Fast work pace *HSD or GED *$10.00+ *3rd shift Taking applications on Mon Dec 19th and Tues Dec 20th at 9:00am at 7876 Century Blvd Chanhassen, MN Call with any questions 952-915-2000

Const. Co. Seeking Night Mechanic Automotive, Small Engine & Truck Exp. Must have CDL & Health Card

Part-Time

Part-Time

Auburn Manor in Chaska is currently hiring LPN's and RN's

Shakopee School District is looking for a 30 hr/wk LPN to provide health and medical services for a student in a self-contained special education program located in Jordan, MN. For full job description and directions on how to apply please visit

EMPLOYMENT Full-Time Beautician & Nail Tech Openings- Busy Salon.

Commission or Rental.

FT/PT. 952-445-3300, 952-215-9904, Debi

ASSOCIATE TRAINEE Real Estate Career Excellent Potential Fast Growth

Coldwell Banker Burnet Eden Prairie Irene: 952-949-4759 Rolland: 952-949-4724 EOE

Shipping/Receiving/Warehouse Looking for a highly motivated individual with shipping, receiving and warehouse experience in a manufacturing facility to join our team. Must have good communication and computer skills as well as the ability to organize and prioritize. This position involves forklift driving, warehouse organization and lifting up to 35 lbs. Metro straight truck driving experience required. We provide great benefits and a nice work environment. Please send resume with salary requirements: Attn: Human Resources Federal Package Network, Inc. 4044 Peavey Road Chaska, MN 55318 Fax #952-448-7917

Admission Clerk St. Gertrude's Health and Rehabilitation Center has a new Full Time position available for an admission clerk in our busy, fast paced case management office.

High School Diploma or greater, computer knowledge/experience needed, some medical terminology, and ability to organize multiple priorities. Excellent PR skills. Please complete application online at stgertrudesshakopee.org

Dental Office FullTime Patient/Coordinator flexible hours needed days,evenings/weekends. Heatherr@ smilecenterus.com

EOE Please see our website at

Job from Food Call more

Fair Wednesday 9am-12pm for Production Work.

952-924-9000 for information

Kindercare Lerning Center seeking fulltime teacher for our 2's classroom.

Contact Kymberly at kswann@klcorp.com or (952)466-2273 Server/ Bar Managerexperienced. Tin Shed, Savage. Submit resume, Attn: Sue, fax 952-736-2862 or tinshedmn@gmail.com

Shop/Prod Work FT furniture shop.

Knowledge of woodworking tools a plus. Entry level. Hourly+ Vac. Apply in person:

By The Yard Inc. 16775 Greystone Lane Jordan, MN 55352

Maintenance Engineer – Advanced

Ridgeview Medical Center is an independent, regional health care network serving the west-metro area. Come join us as we grow! The following positions are available in Waconia: •NICU RN – Minimum 1 year experience in NICU. Position is 72 hours per pay period.

•Lactation Specialist – Works with Nurse Managers and Directors to assess need, plan, organize, implement, and evaluate education and training to assist MCH health care providers in attaining desired outcomes for breastfeeding management. Minimum 2 years MCH nursing experience plus IBCLC certification. Position is On-Call •Surgical Technologist – Circulating experience in a busy OR. Case mix includes general, OB/GYN, urology, plastics, ophthalmology, and orthopedics. Position is on-call.

•PACU RN – Responsible for monitoring the surgical patient; timely coordination of pre-op patient preparation including IV starts, computer documentation, surgical site marking, site verification, and assisting with pre-op nerve blocks and epidurals. Also responsible for post-op monitoring, assessment, and care of stage 1 recovery patients. BLS and ACLS certified. 3 years experience in med/surg unit and competency in pre-op and post-op assessments on patients of all ages. Must be able to provide safe care in a fast paced environment.

Prefer previous PACU and/or CICU experience.

•SDS RN – Minimum 3 yrs nursing experience in med/surg. Occas. float to Chaska SDS. ACLS preferred.

•CICU/Tele RN - 2 years telemetry experience and experience on a medical/surgical unit. ACLS preferred.

•ED RN – 3 years of RN med/surg experience; ED experience preferred.

•Clinical Nursing Supervisor – Ideal opportunity for the individual who is flexible and adapts easily to changing priorities and work situations. 3-5 years nursing experience, critical care experience preferred.

The Ridgeview network includes the Waconia-based acute care hospital, a multitude of primary and specialty care clinics, emergency services and specialty programs.

To learn more about these exciting employment opportunities or to apply, please visit our website at: www.ridgeviewmedical.org.

mailbox@smhentges.com

Our Plant Operations Department in Waconia is looking to add a creative and experienced individual to our team. This person will perform a variety of complicated tasks. Primary responsibilities include service and development of proactive programs to support HVAC systems and installation of new units or replacement parts for existing units; Lead, educate, and direct the work of others in the areas of HVAC. Secondary responsibilities include overall maintenance of mechanical plants and associated components, and provide interdepartmental engineering support services.

Required License/Certifications: MN Engineer’s License: 1st Class C along with a 2nd Class B. ASHRAE Certification in the areas of ventilation systems. Universal Refrigeration License. Valid MN Driver’s License and meet Ridgeview’s insurability requirements. Must have the ability to obtain Hazards Spill and Asbestos Awareness Certifications.

To learn more or apply for this position or other employment opportunities at Ridgeview Medical Center and its network of clinics, please visit our website at www.ridgeviewmedical.org.

Software Support Specialist. Assist/Train customers in the use of our software product. ERP/ manufacturing software.

Experience in Accounting helpful. Analytical skills needed. Precise Softwarewww.precisesoftware.net Travel required. Salary based on experience. Vacation/ health benefits.

Send resume to: tomp@precisesoftware.net

A New Career Carver County office: Are you fun and outgoing?

Take the real estate style test and find out if a real estate career is right for you.

www.askwyn.com

Wyn Ray 952-556-1750

Part-Time GSH ASSET MANAGEMENT seeking assistant receptionist for Financial Advisor. 20 hours week.

Send resume to erin.kerber@ investmentcenters.com Nail Tech & Massage Therapist.

952-4963331

www.auburnhomes.org for details.

EOE/AAP

General Workers/ Totes $13.25/hr Forklift Operators $14.50/hr General Workers/ Bulk Sugar Unloading $14.50/hr plus day-one benefits including medical, personal time and flex $$

Come to work for the nation's leading beet sugar producer in a hands- on equipment oriented environment.

United Sugars has openings for non-union, full time, limited duration jobs in our Chaska, MN plant. These positions work 12 hour shifts. There is currently a union lockout in progress.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old with a HS Diploma or GED and pass entrance testing, drug testing and criminal background check. Preferred candidates will have manufacturing or industrial experience, be able to work in an industrial setting, have a good work ethic and communication skills.

Part-Time

Ice Arena Supervisor Part-time position responsible for operating the ice resurfacer, opening and closing building, collecting money for rentals and public skating, and maintaining a clean facility by performing custodial duties in and around the building. Hours: evenings and weekends, 5- 15 hrs. per week in the winter season. Minimum Qualifications: Must be at least 18 yrs. old. Strong communication skills, ability to work independently, and ability to lift 40 lbs. required. Starting Wage: $11.19 per hour. Application Deadline: 12/20/11.

For more information and an application, please visit www.ci.shakopee.mn.us/employment.cfm or call (952) 233-9320 TTY/TDD: (952) 233-3837. EOE.

Progressive. Growing. Engaged.

SCOTT COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM

Library Associate Lead Social Worker St. Gertrude's Health and Rehabilitation Center has an opening for an LSW in our busy and fast paced TCU. Recent Long term social work experience a must.

Acute or subacute discharge planning experience preferred. 4 Days a week with benefits available. Prefer applicant meets requirements for LSW supervision with VA reporting knowledge preferred, past leadership experience needed.

Please complete application online at stgertrudesshakopee.org

Looking for people to join our team! Do you like to clean? Do you enjoy helping others maintain their homes?

Are you reliable, energetic, flexible and like to work with others?

This could be for you....

1-4 days/ week. Please call Heidi if interested, 952-496-2299

Hiring 3 part-time positions.

1 PT position will be 15-16 hrs per week; working day, evening, Saturday, and Sunday shifts.

2 PT positions will be 15-16 hrs per week, working Saturday and Sunday shifts and one additional shift during the week.

Library Associates perform customer service work assisting library users with a wide variety of requests.

These positions are multi-task oriented & include everything from checking books in and out, to shelving & sorting, to limited reference & referral, to assisting with program planning & execution. Due to hours of operation, one must be willing to work evenings, Saturdays, & Sundays. MQs: Requires equivalency of high school graduation & 2 years related work experience, including some work using computers. Preference for related college coursework and library experience. Excellent customer service skills required. Hiring Range: $15.21 to $17.89/hr.-DOQ. Selection Method: Rating of Training & Experience. Closing: 01/05/12. Obtain application from Scott County Employee Relations at (952) 496-8890 or from the internet at www.co.scott.mn.us. EOE TTY/TDD: (952) 496-8170 Let's work together.

Save alot of Cash.....

Shop the Classified’s in your local paper!

Make a lot of Cash.....

Place your Classified ad in your local papers & get fast results!

Give Us A Call!

952-345-3003 or Email us

Please refer to detailed job description at www.creditriver-mn.gov Deadline: January 3, 2012 Please submit resume to clerk@creditriver-mn.gov or mail to: Township Clerk, Credit River Township, 18985 Meadow View Boulevard Prior Lake, MN 55372

Apply online at:www.dohertydirect.com

allie.duchene@tchek.com

Housekeeping We have PT Housekeeper position available of Keystone Communities of Prior Lake, a Sr. Housing & Assisted Living Facility. We are looking for a team player who has a passion with working with seniors. Ideal candidate must be available to work E/O weekend & holidays. We offer a great work environment and great team to work with.

Please call Kelly Roehrick @952-2269323, fax resume: 952226-9201 or stop by 4685 Park Nicollet Ave., Prior Lake to pick up an application.

Credit River Township is looking for a part-time Clerk with flexible hours averaging 10-15 hours per week. Hours are flexible but some evening meetings are required.

Primary Responsibilities: OAttend meetings, prepare agendas, minutes and materials.

ORecord and file Township documents and records OPublish and post all required legal notices OField resident inquiries to Board members OManage Township elections OProcess Township Building Permits OOther duties as assigned Required Qualifications: OSelf motivated OStrong Customer Service skills OComputer proficiency Preferred Qualifications: O2 year associate degree O5+ years clerical experience OFamiliar with Township government OFamiliar with Credit River Township area

Select Applicant Login Username:unitedsugars Password:applicant Hiring Manager's E-mail: chaska@unitedsugars.com EOE

Start a thriving career in Inside Sales with a Fortune 500 company.

Contact

www.shakopee.k12.mn.us

PT Administrative/Clerical Position Credit River Township Clerk SUGAR FACTORY WORKERS WANTED!

Sales Positions

Classifieds@ iMarketplace.mn

Now you can post an unlimited number of ads to Thriftmart, our free-ads marketplace. Go to www.imarketplace.mn/thriftmart to place your ad, or call (952) 345-3003. (A telephone surcharge applies if you call.) And now businesses can use Thriftmart, too!

1/2 carat diamond, earrings. Not solitaire. Never worn. $125. 952-2401025.

12ga shotgun shell reloader, with extras. $175. 612-207-5598 150+ old LP records, $39. 952-448-5746 1959 Herter's recurve glass 50# bow, $85, 952-440-8486 1989 arctic cat kitty cat,runs great $500. firm 612-804-7979 1995 Polaris Xcr600, bad cylinder, great shape, extras, $475.

952-210-6775 26 Antique bells, will sell individually, $30. for all 612-508-2239 30 gallon aquarium with lightcover, filter, and accessories. $50. 952934-9330 35 quart mop bucket, side press, new, $30.

952-226-6555 Adjustable bench, attached rack and hand weights. New, $110.

507-248-9616 Air compressor, Mastercraft, 10 gallon, 115psi vertical tank, $45. 612210-7303 Bunn coffee maker, 12 cup, $30. 952-226-6555

AKC yellow lab puppy, female, $400. dews, first shots. 952-292-7770 Antique bowl & pitcher set, reproduction. White, $25. 612-454-7102 Antique, Seth Thomas, clock. $45. 952-9342883 Antique, Underwood, portable typewriter, $45.

952-934-2883 Apple Laptop iBook G4 latest OS, excellent condition, $169. 612-8392933 Aquaview underwater camera. Like new, $150.

612-616-6621 Arctic Cat, Sno Jckt Youth sz 6. Lime, black, almost new. $50. 952380-1375 Barbie Winnebago camper, sturdy. Tonka metal, vintage toy, $5.

952-201-9989 Brother, Twinriter printer ribbon cartridges, new, 5 total. $5. 952-4013891 Cat, 10 yrs, healthy, beautiful, free, 952-4969201 China cabinet for sale.

Good condition. $300.

952-270-1765 Elvis bottle, $30. 612454-7102

Chocolate Poodle, 9 weeks, some shots, $250. 952-448-1882 Cigar humidor, 18Wx14Dx13T, Humidistat, made in France, $45. 612-210-7303 Cockatiel, 9 weeks old.

Family raised, $25. 952250-9687 Computer desk 42x23.

Good condition. Free 952-443-2664 Couch & loveseat, neutral colors, blue recliner. $125. 952-443-4631 Couch and loveseat. 4 recline, new condition, $500. 612-275-8699 Couch, blue leather, in good shape. $200. 952200-9175 Crasftman 12” miter saw. Great shape, home use, $150. 612-6166621 Dr. Scholl's full cushion massager, 3 settings, $8. 952-447-4961 Drum set, 8pcs., Yamaha, paiste cymbols, Excellent condition, $500.

952-496-0452 Electric stove, flat top.

Very good condition, pick-up, $50. 612-9780745

Electric stove, ovenWhirpool. Bisque, black glass oven door. $100.

952-649-7936 Entertainment Center, Excellent Condition, Pick up $99! Paid $900 952-934-1219 Fishhouse, 1 man Clam, condition excellent, ice auger, $185/both, 952492-5773 Go Cart 8.0, new motor runs great. $500. b/o 612-799-9806 Havilland China Moss Rose 12 settings. Never used. $90. 952-4409064 Heater, Lakewood electric oil space heater. $40. 952-447-8123 Home gym, fully assembled, great condition. $100. 952-221-7924 Honeywell electric space heater. $40. 952447-812 IKEA, corner desk, 36", white. Great condition, $40. 952-201-9989 Image 9.5 Elliptical exerciser. Like new condition. $175. 612-8607820 Infocus IN72 projector and power screen, 80". $500. 952-451-6690

Jackets, leather, mens sz 48 motorcycle riding/ ladies, 3/$150. 612-2728905 Kids bedroom set.

Dresser, bookcase, headboard.

Captains base. $150. 612-2758699 Knex, large quantity, gears, motors, many sets. $250. 952-4704207 Light fixtures, 9 hanging, antique looking candleabras, fixture, $50.

952-236-9920 Men's, CCM hockey skates, size 8. Like new, $40. 952-937-5976 Motorcycle, snowmobile helmet. HGC, like new. $75. 952-270-8292 New, press.

1025.

electric cookie $15. 952-240-

Nikon D90 Body, recently updated, excellent condition, manuals. $750. 952-496-3689 Norelco shaver, Philips 7300, used once. $35.

952-938-5050 Paper shredder, heavyduty, Fellowes SB-80, Lightly used, $99. 612208-7077

Peach faced lovebird, 6 weeks old. $35. 612308-8485 Piano, grand, excellent tone. Painted black, can deliver. $500. 952-4454177 Pool table, H-29" W26" L-4'. Excellent condition $45.

952-4454856 Purebred German Shepherd puppy, $300, 952-200-8690 Queen mattress, box spring, frame, pine dresser & nightstand. $175. 612-807-3723 Refrigerator, Kenmore side/ side. 20cf, ice maker, water. $125.

952-649-7936 Rocking horse, radio flyer. New sells for $270. $100. 952-448-3091 Samsonite carry, 21", navy, zip pockets, used once. $40. 952-9385050 Santa, cloth stuffed, 52"Hx10" Across, redsuit, black boots, $10. 952-447-4961 Snow blower, 5.5 Pickup. Good condition, $50.

612-978-0745 Snowboard boots sizes 8-12. Good quality. $45.

952-270-8292

Snowboard and size 9 boots. 58"/150cm. Used twice. $100. 952-8736662 Snowboard, Rossignal, Vans boots, size 7, gloves, all $150. 952496-0452 Stools, 2 wrought iron, black, padded seat, 24", $25. 952-236-9920 Teddy bear, collectible, Lands End, quality made. $25, cash. 952564-1161 Tire and rim. Brand new, never used.

ST205/75/R14, $75.

612-280-6099 Toaster oven, Hamilton Beach, like new. Original box, $40. 952-8299848 Treadmill, barely used, programmable with arms. Pro-Form $275.

507-248-9616 TV armoire, Queen Anne style. Fits to 32". $100. 952-270-1765 TV-HD 52 inch Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR6 1080P $500. 952-4039047 TV-HD, 52”, Sony Bravia, flat screen 1080P. $450. 952-4039047.

Typewriter, Smith Corona electric, slightly used, $75, 952-9349188 Used ceiling 7 and hanging lights 2, Brass $50. 612-508-2239 Vacuum, Dirtdevil upright featherlite. Good condition, barely used, $25. 952-807-8925 Walker, Nova Cruise Deluxe, #4202GN, H100, $125. 952-4475017 Weber grill, platinum series, natural gas hookup. $50. 952-447-6205 White, ceramic top range for island cabinets. Excellent, $100.

952-443-2664 Yorkie, born 9-15 all shots, $375. 952-4481882

Classified Ads

952-345-3003

Eden Prairie News | www.edenprairienews.com

Boats/Motors TRANSPORTATION

December 15, 2011 | Page 21

Campers Travel Trailers

Motorcycles

Boats/Motors

1998, Bayliner Capri Fish & Ski boat, 19 ft.

135HP. Inboard, stored inside. Excellent condition $6900. 952-4126417

2001, 17ft. Starcraft, 90HP, Mercury. Excellent condition. $9,000 952-890-2630

2002 Larson 19' FishNSki, SEI 190, 135 HP Outboard, stored indoors. $11,900.00 or BO, NADA guide suggested $13,945.00, Jon 612-730-8116

Hydro Stream Vegas.

20'. 200 HP+++. Complete restoration. 5 passenger. A real head turner! $6,900 or all trades welcome. 952215-5421

Campers Travel Trailers

1991 Fleetwood Southwind Motorhome, Class A, 33ft. Only 38k miles!

Smooth runner, fully loaded, sleeps 6, hydraulic leveler, $10,500, 612-669-4172

1996 Itasca Suncruiser Motorhome. Class A, 39'. Excellent condition, shedded at all times/ winterized.

Loaded!

29,300 actual miles. $35,000/BO. 507-6656019

2001 Camper, 32', 5th wheel 2 slideouts, golfcart, shed $14,500. Excellent condition.

Parked on beautiful wooded lot in Zumbrota, 612-720-8683/ 612-5990184

2007 27' Colorardo RL 5th Wheel, 2 Slide $29,500 or best offer.

507-934-4834 M-F after 5:30

2005 black Yamaha R6, 6,000 miles. Yoshimurd customized exhaust.

With OEM cover & tank bra. $5,500. 952-3610142

2005 Kawasaki 1600 Vulcan Classic with Vance & Hines pipes.

New tires. 10,895 miles.

Mint condition. $5900 Call (952) 934-7358

Motorcycles Honda style 2007 JMST 250cc Scooter.

1329 miles, original owner, 80 mpg, 4 stroke 2 passenger, $2900.00, call Ray 952-402-9110 1994 Harley Heritage Softtail, 26300k, all service records avail, extra set of pipes. $7500. Call Mike @ 612-309-6737

Sporting Goods CASH$$ We buy guns SPORTS STOP Shakopee 952-445-5282

e h t f o ’ n g i S The ‘ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . s e m i T

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Cars 2006 Crestliner Lsi Angler 2285. Lots of extras. 60 HP Mercury 4 stroke and dual axle trailer. 763-360-6251

94 Starcraft, 17ft. Aluminum. Walleye, Bass ½ Console 75hp.

Mariner & 8hp. Kicker. $6500. 612-554-6725 or bsehlers3242@gmail.com

1998 Holiday Rambler Vacationer 36' motorhome, great condition, sleeps 6, 60,000 miles, $31,900 or best offer. Call Gary at 952492-1129.

2000 Harley Davidson 883 Sportster, wife's bike, never rode, must go. 1300 miles, Lots, lots of extras, mint! $7000. 952-890-0905

2004 41' SportsCoach Elite. Fully equipped.

23,000K. Well-maintained.

3 slides. $100,000. 952-797-6264

2003 Harley Softtail Deuce Anniversary model.

5500 miles. $13,000. 952-447-4280

$$ Paid for Junkers/ Repairables FREE TOW. Immediate pickup.

Serving Carver/ Scott counties.

952-220-TOWS, 24/7 $$ Wanted $$ JUNK CARS Viking Auto Salvage 651-460-6166

powered by Print/online package can be renewed until auto sells, all for the best deal price of $39. To place your ad, go to www.imarketplace.mn/autos or call (952) 345-3003.

Cars

Cars

1968 T-Bird, 429 automatic, new gas tank, tires, fuel pump, sending unit, brakes. Runs.

Needs Restoration.

Asking $1500. 952-4482015

1976 Chevy Nova hatchback, 305 AT, new tires & exhaust. Runs/ drives great, fun car to drive! $3,000/BO. 952447-8169

Cars

Cars

2000 Jaguar XJR. Well maintained. $9700 Silver and black interior, 83,000 miles. Call 612655-6680

2009 Chev Cobalt LT. Purchased/ driven locally, like brand new, 21,000K. Black, Spoiler, PW, PL, Cruise, CD, non-smoker, more! $12,400. 952-215-5421

Trucks

1964 Chevy C20, 350 engine, 350 auto tranny, every bolt, nut, part replaced, or sandblasted and painted. 8K. REDUCED- $12,500. 952913-7808

Trucks

2000 Chevy Silverado 4x4, regular cab, long box, am, fm, cd. A/C electric locks, windows, good tires.

142,385 $5,700 612-859-2715

Sport Util Vehicles

Vans

2002 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4, 5.4L V-8. Rear bucket seats, new motor. One owner.

Great condition, very clean. $5,199. 612-5542405

1997 Ford Conversion, 244,000 well maintained miles, HD tow package, $1,200.00 OBO, lots new, email for details scottlacher@ hotmail.com 612-2107303

Trucks

1972 rare triple black 'Cuda, with high compression 340 HP. 727 slapstick tranny. Posirearend, PS, bucket seats, Recession reduced!! $42,500. 612804-4074

1976 Classic Cadillac Convertible.

Low mileage. 8 cyl. 440 engine. Complete facts available by calling.

559-435-3751

2002 Dodge Intrepid SE 116K. Leather interior, 3.4, V6, runs great. $2100 call Jim @ 952447-2905

1993 Ford F150, 4x4, new motor, 35k, lift kit, dual tanks. ARIZONA TRUCK, NO RUST, $6000 OBO, Chanhassen, 505-803-8232

Quit Idling.

1993 Ford Ranger XLT. 215M. New clutch/ battery, 4 cyl, 5 sp. $1,300.

952-426-5657, Lou

2004 Chevy Silverado Z71 Ext. Cab. 77,XXX perfect cond. Loaded, leather, Bose, 6Disc, Topper and many xtras. $15,700 B/O 612-2030804

To place your ad in Classifieds please call: 2002 Ford Expedition, original owner, 4.6 liter, A/C, 6CD, third row seat, no accidents, runs, looks very good. $5,700. 952-270-8292

952-345-3003

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Page 22 | December 15, 2011

www.edenprairienews.com | Eden Prairie News

living in ep Semper fi: Always faithful Local Marines reflect on deployments

BY UNSIE ZUEGE uzuege@swpub.com

in his battalion. We are very proud of his service and our military. The commitment that these young men and women make for our country is awe-inspiring.

There is a quote that is attributed to Ronald Reagan that the Marines like to remember: “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. The Marines don’t have that problem.”

A

s classmates at Holy Fa mily Catholic High School, Rob Fafinski of Chaska and Ben Mullaney of Chanhassen were acquainted, but they weren’t really close friends. Fafi nski played football, basketball, and baseball and Mullaney played soccer.

“We rea l ly didn’t become friends until after we found out we were both going to Marquette (University in Milwaukee, Wis.)” Fafi nski said in a recent phone interview. Both were interested in careers in law. And, they created a pact.

“It was when we were freshmen in Marquette,” Fafinski said. “We decided to serve in the Marines. Both of us agreed that if one of us signed up, the other one would, too.”

And they did.

In order to join as officers, they had to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Quantico, Va., during two of their college su m mers. A f ter g raduation from Marquette in May 2008, Fafi nski commissioned into the Marine Corps as a 2nd lieutenant and underwent nine months of leadership and infantry tactic level training. Mullaney commissioned in the Marines in January 2009.

Fafi nski has served two tours in Afghanistan and is currently back in the United States, at Marine Corps Base 29 Palms in California. Mullaney recently returned in October from one tour of duty in Sangin District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

He expects to be deployed overseas one more time.

Recently, the two were able to come home to visit their families.

Fafinski returned to Chaska in early November; Mullaney was home for Thanksgiving in Chanhassen.

“Ben introduced the idea [of the Marines] to me,” Fafi nski said. “That’s because it’s the hardest and most challenging.”

Both Fafi nski and Mullaney were high school sophomores when the terrorists attacked the World Trade Centers in New York City and Washington, D.C. on 9/11.

It was a galvanizing moment for many across the nation.

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that it had an impact on me,” Fafinski said. “But I also think it’s a selfselecting group of guys who sign up for service. I never intended to join the military, and I would not have served if 9/11 hadn’t happened. Ben and I talked about it and we decided to answer the call.

And Ben said, ‘If we’re gonna do this, we’re going all out.’”

According to Fafinski’s father, Bob Fafi nski, Rob and Ben wanted to be infantry platoon commanders, a forward combat position and one that is highly sought after by Marines.

“Rob and Ben were both selected for these positions,” Fafinski said. “Only a small number of Marine officers become infantry platoon commanders and they attend another school called IOS — Infantry Officer School.

It is a rugged school teaching officers how to operate in a combat landscape. Both Rob and Ben graduated from IOS, although at different times. Rob was assigned to the 3rd Battalion 4th Marines (3/4) based in 29 Palms and Ben was assigned to 1st Battalion 5th Marines (1/5) based at Camp Pendleton, California.

“Rob was deployed to Afghanistan almost immediately in October 2009,” Bob Fafi nski said, “and served seven months in a combat position. He returned to the U.S. in May 2010.

“Rob was deployed again this past April and this time Ben’s battalion was deployed at about the same time. They were actually serving within a couple of kilometers of one another in one of the most dangerous areas of Afghanistan — the Sangin District of Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan.

SUPPORTIVE, ANXIOUS Pau l Mu l l a ney describ ed how he and Sara felt when they learned of their son Ben’s decision to join the Marines.

“Everyone knows where they were on 9/11/2001,” Paul said by e-mail. “I was watching TV monitors on our trading floor.

THEIR PEARL HARBOR

U.S. MARINE CORPS PHOTO BY CORPORAL NATHAN MCCORD / RELEASED

U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Benjamin Mullaney, Weapons Platoon Commander with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 8, uses his rifle scope to scan the distance while on patrol in Sangin, Afghanistan May 11, 2011. The Marines conduct frequent patrols through the area to show a presence and interact with the community.

Getting to know Name: U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Ben Mullaney Age: 25 Education/Degree(s): Holy Family Catholic High School 2004, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Marquette University, accounting and finance 2008.

Status: U.S. Marine Corp infantry 1st Lt. Ben Mullaney officer. Weapons Platoon Commander for Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment.

Just completed first combat deployment to Sangin District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, April to October 2011.

Current address: Camp Pendleton, California Hometown: Chanhassen Family: Parents Paul and Sara Mullaney. Siblings Sheala, 22, a med student at the University of Iowa; Quinlyn, 19, sophomore at the University of Wisconsin Madison; Kevin, 16, a junior at Holy Family Catholic High School.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

1st Lt. Rob Fafinski in Afghanistan

Getting to know Name: U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Rob Fafinski III Age: 26 Education/Degree(s): Holy Family Catholic High School 2004, Marquette University 2008, History and Political Science.

Status: U.S. Marine Corps, assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, deployed to Afghanistan in 2009-10 as rifle platoon commander; again to Afghanistan in 2011 as company commander.

1st Lt. Rob Fafinski

Current address: Camp 29 Palms, California Hometown: Chaska Family: Parents Robert and Mary Fafinski.

My immediate emotion was an overwhelming sadness for the people losing loved ones. I also remember a thunderbolt shock realizing that the events on the TV monitor may require my children to be drafted into the military to fight.

“I think 9/11 had a profound effect on Ben,” Paul said. “I think it tied young people to our country in a way that they have never been before. Holy Family stresses a sense of community, that as Christians they have responsibilities to others beyond themselves and their friends and family.

“During Christmas break of Ben’s sophomore year at college he was home from Milwaukee,” Paul said. “[My wife] Sara and I had returned from a Christmas party to find him downstairs, obviously waiting up for us. He was very serious and needed to talk to us about something.”

The Mullaneys braced themselves, their minds running though all the possible announcements an 18-year-old might have after being away from home for four months.

“He said he planned to join the Marines after college,” Paul said.

“We weren’t happy about it, but it was late and I figured we had two and a half years before he graduated. The chances he’d go through with it were not great.

A girlfriend would talk him out of it, or something else would come up.”

Instead, Paul said Ben became a workout maniac.

“He added 30 pounds of muscle and ran a 5k in less than 18 minutes. His shoulders and back are as broad as our kitchen table.

Once I knew how serious he was about joining the Marines I tried talking him out of it. It caused a lot of stress in our relationship.

I thought, if poisoning our relationship saved him from getting killed it was worth it.”

But Ben couldn’t be swayed.

“His most disarming argument was that we live in a privileged country in which people serve to provide us freedom and safety,” Paul said. “ B en cl a i m s t h at he h a s changed since serving in Afghanistan,” Paul said. “At this point we have only spent a little time with Ben since he has returned. We know that there were 17 Marines KIA and 160 wounded

Did Bob Fafinski have an inkling that his son Rob would join the military?

“Sept. 11, 2001 had a profound impact on Rob,” Bob said. “He was a sophomore at Holy Family on 9/11 and as he told us later, it was his generation’s Pearl Harbor. His generation witnessed our country being attacked and like many young men and women of previous generations, he wanted to defend the honor of the United States. Rob wanted to join the National Guard while he was in high school but we asked him to wait until he graduated from college before he joined the military.

“We visited Rob when he was at Quantico, Va., and then at his base in 29 Palms, California,” Bob said. “Everywhere we went on base Marines were saluting him and calling him ‘Sir’ — you catch on pretty quick that he is a grown man!

“During his fi rst deployment, Rob was an infantry platoon commander and led 40 or more Marines in combat action. During his second deployment, he was a company commander in charge of more than 300 Marines in a combat theater. It’s amazing to think about how much responsibility he has had at an age when many of his peers are still in school or just getting started in their careers.”

It was often difficult knowing their son was deployed and in harm’s way.

“As Rob was leaving the U.S. for his first deployment to Afghanistan, the last text he sent us was ‘Don’t worry about me.

I am doing what I was meant to do,’” Bob said.

During his fi rst deployment, three Marines were killed near his area of operation and some of the news reports showed pictures of his platoon boarding a helicopter.

“For a few days, we didn’t know if it was his platoon that suffered the casualties,” Bob said. “When he called to tell us he was OK we were relieved but then immediately sad that there were three other families grieving. Even though you may not know the other families, you feel connected to them. As parents, you feel an incredible amount of pride but you feel constant anxiety. For us, we relied on our faith and prayer. We have an extraordinary network of family and friends that checked in on us and wanted to know how he was doing.

“Rob had some friends die and he has seen Marines suffer serious injuries,” Bob said. “I don’t think you can go through experiences like that without changing. Rob seems more patient and tolerant and more content with the simple things in life. When he got back from Afghanistan a few weeks ago he told us he has nothing to complain about because he survived two combat deployments and still has his legs and arms — not something others his age think about much.

“Young men like Rob and Ben are products of our families and communities,” Bob said. “Cities like Chanhassen and Chaska and schools like Holy Family should be proud of them because they have a lot to do with their formation. And what their service means to you as parents, and as citizens? I tell people that being the parents of a Marine has been a privilege. I have enjoyed being part of the extended military family. I look at our flag differently. I get choked up during the National Anthem and whenever it is played now, I think about those serving our country and those that will not come home.”

MORE ONLINE TO READ A Q&A WITH U.S. MARINE 1ST LT. ROB FAFINSKI III AND U.S. MARINE 1ST LT. BEN MULLANEY, VISIT www.edenprairienews.com

FILE PHOTO BY KARLA WENNERSTROM

Scouts at the tree lot in the Immanuel Lutheran Church parking lot.

Did you know?

Christmas is almost here and many of us have already put up our trees. Did you know that Christmas trees have been sold commercially in the United States since about 1850?

In 2002, Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, New York and Virginia were the top Christmas tree producing states. Oregon was the leading producer of Christmas trees with 6.5 million in 2002.

Scotch pine, Douglas fir, Noble fir, Fraser fir, Virginia pine, balsam fir and white pine are the best selling trees.

In the United States there are more than 21,000 Christmas tree growers, 12,000 cut-yourown farms, and about a half billion real Christmas trees growing on U.S. farms.

Source: University of Illinois

This date in EP history Dec. 18, 1932 – Gas is selling for 13.9 cents a gallon.

Source: “Eden Prairie Book of Days” by Ernie Shuldheiss

Turn back the page The Dec. 17, 1992, issue of the Eden Prairie News reported that a new ice rink at the Eden Prairie Community Center was expected to be open by Christmas.

According to the paper, Dave Black wasn’t making any promises about when the new Eden Prairie Community Center ice rink would open.

But Black, the Community Center Operations Supervisor, would say this; “We’re still hopeful that we’ll make it in time for Christmas.” The general contractor must hope so, too. If Shingobee Builders finishes the bulk of the construction work by Friday, it gets a $5,000 bonus, the story said.

Black said a Dec. 20 opening is still possible but that they weren’t going to rush the work. “It’s more important that it gets done properly.”

Source: Eden Prairie News archives

FILE PHOTO BY KARLA WENNERSTROM

Check out the Nutcracker this weekend.

Dates to remember Women of Today Holiday Party– 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15.

Academy of Russian Ballet’s 10th Annual Production of the Nutcracker – Recital at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, Eden Prairie High School Performing Arts Center, 17185 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie Share the Warmth Concert –2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, Eden Prairie High School, 17185 Valley View Road For more information, see the Let’s Go! Calendar on page 14.