North Oaks News

VOLUME 34

•

NUMBER 12

City briefs

Protecting our privacy in North Oaks

Mayor Egelston encourages vigilance Mayor Mike Egelston writes on traffic, Operation Clearview, and home security in North Oaks. Read the column on page 4.

By Bill McNee NOHOA Board President

Meet the MN Emergency Communications Team

Guild I in September 1989 when I was pregnant with my twin boys, Brent and Wade, and I worked my first tour that November. I sat by the door selling tickets because I was too large to do much else. A week and a half later, I gave birth to my boys six weeks

Each time we do a survey in North Oaks, maintaining the community’s privacy is one of the top priorities of responders.

In NOHOA’s 2012 Community Survey, it placed fourth. Road maintenance was far and away the most important to residents.

The trail system, enforcement of covenants/deeds and maintaining the privacy policy all followed closely behind road maintenance.

Recently, the issue of privacy came up at a meeting I had with Mayor Mike Egelston. The mayor and I meet on a regular basis to discuss issues that concern both NOHOA and the city. During our recent meeting, we discussed NOHOA’s requirement to have Members’ approval on our annual budget which ultimately determines the annual dues and any necessary increases. There have been times when the budget has not passed. Because of this concern, Boards have often been very cautious in raising the budget as much as is necessary to maintain our roads and other assets. The mayor offered to take a look at the city taking over that responsibility if NOHOA was unable to increase Members’ dues enough to properly maintain the roads. I expressed concern that if NOHOA

See Holiday – Page 11

See Privacy – Page 8

The retired ambulance often found at the entrance to North Oaks is the mobile command center for this service. Find out more about how they operate on page 12.

Lake Gilfillan, Deep Lake restorations a success NOHOA and the Natural Resources Commission and a dedicated team of volunteers successfully completed restoration projects on Lake Gilfillan and Deep Lake. Read the full report on page 14.

Start the North Oaks News If you or your neighbors aren’t receiving the North Oaks News, ask them to call and leave a voice mail for the circulation department at Press Publications, 651407-1234, to start and stop the paper.

Newspapers cannot be forwarded, so delivery is stopped if they are returned to the publisher. Don’t forget that each edition is available online if you are away from home at www.presspubs.com/ north_oaks

November Meetings • Agendas available online •

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NORTH OAKS NEWS 4779 Bloom Avenue White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

NOVEMBER 2015

— Submitted Photo

From left: Article contributor Kathy Carlson’s children — Wade, Kelly, Brady and Brent — enjoy a trip to Alaska.

Holiday Home Tour is labor of love and gratitude

By Kathy Carlson It’s fall again and preparations are underway for the annual North Oaks Children’s Hospital Home for the Holidays Tour and Boutique. This time of year brings much excitement as the guild coordi-

CITY OF NORTH OAKS

nates the decorators, designers and boutique vendors for another fabulous and festive event.

Preparing for the tour conjures up many memories and much gratitude for all St. Paul Children’s Hospital has meant to me and my family. I joined

100 Village Center Drive Suite 230 651-792-7750 www.cityofnorthoaks.com City Council meeting: 7 p.m. Thursday, November 12 Natural Resources Commission meeting: 7 p.m. Thursday, November 19

NORTH OAKS HOME OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION (NOHOA) 100 Village Center Drive Suite 240 651-792-7765 www.nohoa@comcast.net NOHOA Board meeting: 7 p.m. Thursday, November 5 Architectural Supervisory Committee meetings: 6:30 p.m. Mondays, November 2, November 16, and November 30 Meet in the NOHOA office All other meetings held in the Community Meeting Room, 100 Village Center Drive, Suite 150

North Oaks Network holds Q&A The North Oaks Network held a very interesting, informative and well-attended meeting on Monday, Oct. 12 at the Village Center.

Our guest was Brian Rank, MD, executive medical director for HealthPartners Park Nicollet Group. Rank spoke of the current complex state of health care in the country, and in Minnesota and the Twin Cities in particular. He spoke at length of the reasons behind the high cost of drugs, cost of health care in general and what the health care industry is trying to do to curtail these costs.

The question-and-answer section of the meeting was lively and informative.

We thank Dr. Rank for a wonderful meeting.

— Submitted Photo

Brian Rank, MD addresses the questions of the North Oaks Network on Monday, Oct. 12.

Page 2 ~ North Oaks News ~ November 2015

NOHOA HAPPENINGS Annual Membership Meeting The North Oaks Home Owners’ Association (NOHOA) annual membership meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. It is called in accordance with the Bylaws of the Association. Agenda items include the 2015 budget, dues, and the

election of new Board members. Notices and ballots will be sent out mid-November at least two weeks prior to the meeting.

Board member candidates as of Oct. 14 are: Scott Coyle, Mike Graf, Tom Krayer and Bill McNee. The deadline for proposing changes to the budget is Monday, Nov. 2.

Boat and canoe removal The North Oaks Home Owners’ Association requires that all canoes on the ground at Pleasant Lake Beach be removed no later than Oct. 31. Watercraft not removed by their owners will be removed by NOHOA. Owners will be required to pay a $75 removal and storage fee before their wa-

tercraft will be released to them.

(This does not apply to canoes or kayaks stored on the racks.)

Rink monitors needed Applications are now being taken for rink monitors at the West Rec Center for the ice skating season, which begins in late December. Monitors must be at

least 17 years old.

Hours are flexible and shifts available include weeknight evenings, weekends and winter holidays. Anyone interested should call the NOHOA Office at 651-792-7765 or visit nohoa.org for an application. College students home on break are also welcome to apply.

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North Oaks News ~ November 2015 ~ Page 3

GiveMN Day is coming Nov. 12

By Judy Ohannesian Hill Farm Historical Society Board Member

— Submitted Photo

Showtime Gals complete 10th season In October, the Showtime Gals completed its 10th season and 300th performance at Epiphany Pines Senior Housing in Coon Rapids.

The Showtime Gals is a volunteer group of 27 vivacious women who perform variety shows as a service to others.

Performance locations include senior apartments, assisted living and nursing homes in the Minneapolis-St. Paul areas. The primary focus of the group is to entertain those unable to leave their residences

for entertainment. They do not take payment for shows, but ask for local food shelf donations from the facilities able to pay for incoming programs.

The Showtime Gals began in 2005. The production group consists of women from many walks of life who give up their Tuesdays and Thursdays for practicing and performing elaborate programs. They carry props, costumes, and equipment. They sing, dance, and give and receive inspiration and encouragement, creating

joy and fun! These gals come from all over the Twin Cities and Wisconsin, doing an average of 30-plus shows per year.

Bonnie Frels, a North Oaks resident since 1976, directs and choreographs them in a new, ambitious musical production for each year. Rehearsals are held in the Frels home.

The 2015 show title is “Flower Power Flashback: Groovy a-Go-Go.” Congratulations, Showtime Gals!

Since 2009, more than 250,000 individual donors have used GiveMN.org to give more than $50 million to nearly 9,500 Minnesota nonprofits and schools in 24 hours during Give to the Max Day. This year the Hill Farm Historical Society will actively participate in the GiveMN fundraising event on Nov. 14, the seventh annual Give to the Max Day. The Hill Farm Historical Society together with GiveMN.org, a giving website for nonprofits and schools in Minnesota, is

working to create a stronger nonprofit community for North Oaks and Minnesota.

By giving online with www.GiveMN.org, North Oaks residents have the opportunity to make a huge difference for our community.

We are still working to maintain the historic Hill Farm site and develop exhibits that tell the story of the Hill family’s legacy of agricultural innovation. We hope you will help support our community by logging on to www.GiveMN.org on Nov. 12 and give to your favorite cause. Be a part of this historic event and join the Great Minnesota Give Together!

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Page 4 ~ North Oaks News ~ November 2015

OPINION

Community safety begins with you

What I did for love

By Kristine Parker

MORE TO SEE

Editor By dawn on Oct. 4, I had been up for nearly three hours. I caught a ride with another runner who was doing the Medtronic TC 10 Mile, so I had an extra hour to wait before my race.

I came prepared, lugging a water bottle with electrolytes, an Elvis sandwich of peanut butter and bananas on wheat, and a fleece to block the chilly wind. While walking with my ride to find her gear check van, I noticed a group of people huddled in the enclosed entrance to a parking garage.

I returned to this area after seeing her off to eat my sandwich and mentally prepare for the race.

While waiting, I struck up a conversation with a man named Les, who told me this was well over marathon 100 for him. He was not worried about a time that day; he was just feeling fortunate to be able to finish. He assured me that everyone felt as I did after mile 20 (“Everyone is hurting then, it doesn’t matter how fast you are”). He encouraged me to look him up after the race; he would probably be the only Les in the 70-andover age group. I did. He finished ahead of me by about 20 minutes.

I found my 5-hour pacer at the start line after checking my gear bag, and she assured me she would walk through the water stops as I prefer. I took some deep breaths and prepared for the start.

The first mile seemed to blow by quickly and I was surprised to be somewhat out of breath. As my watch chirped to show my split, I saw that the pacer had gone out much too fast; instead of the 11:30 mile my wristband suggested, my watch reported 9:30. I figured it was just as well that I need-

By Mike Egelston

KRISTINE PARKER ed to stop for the restroom at that point. I would just rely on my watch time and the pacing wristband I had picked up at the race expo.

The first half of the race was blessed with cool air and countless smiling faces from the sidelines. I found my happy pace and allowed myself the diversion of finding costumed characters both on and off the race course. A man dressed as Tom Brady juggling deflated footballs on the run prompted a smile, as did the young lady who made a poster reading: “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya.” I had to finish the “Princess Bride” line: “You killed my father, prepare to die!” Remembering a favorite movie or being surprised by a yeti or Gumby on the sidelines was a welcome distraction from the physical effort of running for many hours.

As I expected (and remembered from my first marathon experience), the second half of the race was much more of a challenge. I appreciated the people holding signs saying “You can do hard things,” “Keep going, there’s beer at the end!”, “You’re much faster than the people sitting on their couch right now,” and “I’m cheering for you, random stranger!” I made a point to tell anyone with a good sign that I liked it. I also tried to thank every volunteer that handed out water and Pow-

See Love – Page 5

News

www.northoaksnews.com

Multimedia Representative Leanne Swanson 651-407-1223 northoaks@presspubs.com Published monthly by Press Publications Copyright © 2015

The Oct. 8 City Council meeting was longer than normal due to a couple of very important topics; most important in my mind was the topic of safety and security.

Above all else, it is the city’s main responsibility to provide for our residents’ safety and security. If you did not watch the meeting, the recent accident at the corner of Evergreen and Willow roads brought to light the problem of traffic control in that area and speeding throughout our community. Thankfully, there were no personal injuries, but significant property damage occurred.

Residents attending the meeting, for which we are very thankful, voiced serious concerns regarding the traffic on those two streets and Larkspur as well. Located so close to the Main Entrance at Pleasant Lake Road and Highway 96, these streets get heavy traffic from residents and nonresidents alike.

Part of what we heard about was the increased traffic during rush hour when residents cut through that area in order to circumvent the traffic at the intersection of West Pleasant Lake Road and East Pleasant Lake Road. The council and I will be looking at what we can do to help con-

Next Issue: December 2015 Mailed Wednesday, November 25 Ad/Want Ad/Celebrations Deadline: Monday, November 16 Letters to the Editor/ Editorial Submissions Due: Wednesday, November 18 Mail or Deliver Announcements and Letters to: Kristine Parker, Editor 2 Red Pine Road northoaksnews@presspubs.com

Please email northoaksnews@presspubs.com if you would like to receive a monthly email reminder of these deadlines.

If you or someone you know would like to receive the paper and live in North Oaks please call 651-407-1200 8 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday

MIKE EGELSTON trol the traffic better on those roads.

All of our roads have a speed limit of 30 miles per hour; in some cases where sight lines are restricted, that speed may indeed be too fast.

West Pleasant Lake Road was called out as a road where people tend to ignore the 30 mph speed limit. I encourage all of our residents to be mindful of the speed limits and careful when driving through the community.

The city has been working to provide greater enforcement of Operation Clearview in areas where sight lines are restricted by trees and bushes that are too close to the road.

Remember that it is your responsibility to keep your trees and shrubs a minimum of 5 feet back and 12 feet up from the road surface. I encourage you to self-police your property near the road and keep sight lines clear.

A second issue raised by Mike Robertson, our city administrator, concerns recent

criminal activities in northern Ramsey County (including North Oaks). The Ramsey County Sheriff ’s Department has indicated that there is an organized element of criminals working in our area.

Reports of thefts from automobiles and homes have increased recently, and all residents are encouraged to be vigilant regarding suspicious activities or people in our community. If you see something suspicious, please call 911 and report it.

The Sheriff ’s Department is recommending that you keep your cars and your homes locked, reducing the likelihood of an intrusion. North Oaks has one of the lowest crime rates in the state, but we need to be aware that we are not immune.

Another issue is mail theft.

We have had an increasing number of reports of mail theft, especially around holidays where there may be more opportunity for stealing checks. I recommend that you consider replacing old-style mailboxes with the new locking style, and keep it locked!

The Sheriff ’s Department does an outstanding job for our community, but they can’t see everything that occurs and they need your help to identify threats. If you see something suspicious, please call 911; they are there to help.

Money then and now

By Joan Brainard

North Oaks Editorial Kristine Parker, Editor (507)-766-9846, cell phone northoaksnews@presspubs.com

FROM THE MAYOR

Mayor, City of North Oaks

IF THE BARN

Contributor When 17-year-old James J. Hill arrived in St. Paul by riverboat in 1856, he had very little money. When he died May 29, 1916, his worth was estimated at $200 million. Today that is equivalent to about $4.3 billion.

Hill purchased the 3,000 acres that is now North Oaks for $50,000. When residential development of the North Oaks Farm began in 1950, lot prices ranged from $1,500 in the southeast area to $8,000 for a Pleasant Lake lot. Today, a lot in the Red Forest Way area is priced at $400,000 to $650,000! Present-day Rapp Farm and Villa lots range from $150,000 to $300,000.

A prize bull Hill imported from Europe cost $5,000. How does the value of this cow compare to the value of 3,000 acres of land?

COULD TALK...

Hill was an entrepreneur, always on the cutting edge of technology. His first venture into the transportation business was a warehouse on the Mississippi River servicing the many steamboats that docked in St. Paul each week.

Next was a riverboat on the Red River, followed by acquisition of a small railroad in Minnesota. These small ventures led to his involvement in the construction of the Great Northern Railroad from St. Paul to the West Coast, steam ships on the Great Lakes and

large oceangoing ships from the West Coast to the Orient.

Hill became known as the Empire Builder.

Locally, an example of being on the cutting edge of technology is the purchase of a DeLaval separator, the first one in Minnesota, for the North Oaks Farm dairy. It reduced the time needed to separate the cream from milk from many hours to a couple of minutes.

The dairy building has unique gravity-flow air conditioning that used ice harvested from Pleasant Lake to cool the building. Heat was supplied by an engine in the Machine Shop, which sent steam to the dairy building in an underground shaft.

This is a very brief snapshot of James J. Hill’s life as it relates to North Oaks, a community that bears the name of his farm. A great deal more can be learned from the many books devoted to Hill’s life.

North Oaks News ~ November 2015 ~ Page 5

Love – From page 4

— Submitted Photo

Pictured are Pam Plomidis, Diane Gorder, Marty Johnson, Jim Luby and Hae Young Kim.

Garden Club tours the apple breeding program at the University of Minnesota Dr. Jim Luby, Ph.D. is the current apple breeder at the University of Minnesota, which maintains one of the oldest apple breeding programs in the U.S., second, in fact, only to Cornell University’s program.

Our North Oaks Garden Club had the privilege to meet and tour with Luby. The apple breeding program at the U of M has introduced many apple cultivars in recent years, including Honeycrisp, released in 1991. It has been such a wide success that citizens of the state of Minnesota successfully petitioned that this cultivar be named the state fruit.

The U of M has also been a leader in developing high quality cold-hardy and disease-resistant wine and table grapes.

This outing was a great way to explore Minnesota’s natural beauty and research expertise.

erade, distributed GU energy gels, directed traffic, and did all the small but vital jobs over the entire day. It may not have seemed like a lot to them, but every “All right, go get it! You look great!” from a volunteer as she handed me a cup of Powerade helped at least as much as the fuel she was distributing.

Not only did the volunteers play a crucial role in my finish, but the spectators lining the course did a lot to lift my spirits. As I realized I lacked the energy to maintain the pace to achieve my primary goal of a 5-hour finish, I especially tried to go out of my way to high-five all the children offering their hands to the runners. Every interaction seemed to give me a short burst of speed, and I loved seeing their smiles as I acknowledged them. I marveled at the sheer number of people willing to venture out on this chilly morning to stand around and wave and cheer, mostly at people they did not know.

As I reached mile 23, the familiar fog of fatigue was firmly entrenched in my head. I almost didn’t see my family until I heard “Mommy!” I looked up to see my three boys, my husband, his parents, my sister-in-law and her husband, and her husband’s mother all smiling at me. It was hard to stop some semi-exhausted tears from falling as I paused to give hugs to my family. After all, they are the reason I run. I want to take care of myself so I can be the best mom and wife possible for them. I also hope that my lifestyle will result in more time to spend with them

over my lifetime.

The last few miles, while a bit of a slog, still felt lighter than the few preceding this reunion, both because of the much-needed hugs and because at this point I was sure I would finish. As I headed down the final hill, the bells pealed from the cathedral and my eyes filled with tears. I get to do this, I remembered. Not everyone can do this, but I get to do this.

I looked ahead and saw the two tall ladder trucks hanging an enormous American flag between them, and just beyond that, the finish line.

This was no mirage; here was the goal I had been working toward with early mornings and occasionally late nights. I made it, and I could not stop the sobs from coming up. I cried and ran simultaneously, managing a strange smile and raising both arms as I crossed the timing mat.

My official finish time was 5:38:25, but if you take out the three or four pit stops I made (I suspect because I overhydrated in the cool weather), my watch reported my “moving time” was 5:15. I am more than happy with that, considering that I did not start as conservatively as I had planned. Also, I ran a marathon in a year when in January I was still recovering from a rough delivery of my third child, and in August I had started a new job with a significant commute. Either one of these events alone would have made it difficult to complete an ambitious training plan, but both together was even more of a challenge. I have a lot to be proud of, as well as a lot to be grateful for.

— Submitted Photo

Sharon Severson tosses a Honeycrisp apple to Jane Early, picked from the oldest tree in the orchard.

LETTER

TO THE

EDITOR

Jeff Lund

Where is the surplus going?

Joan Brainard North Oaks Home Owners’ Association members passed a 2015 operating budget that included a projected budget surplus of $14,500 and called for a $30 increase in the member assessment. According to information in last month’s North Oaks News, the NOHOA 2015 operating budget is headed to a $70,000 (approximately $39 per member) surplus at year-end and a 2016 operating budget assessment increase of $30 per member.

Where is the $70,000 surplus going? Why is it necessary to raise the 2016 assessment?

A NOHOA board budget planning meeting is scheduled for Oct. 28. I suggest NOHOA send an email blast containing the proposed budget immediately after the budget planning meeting for member evaluation and comment prior to Nov. 2, the last day to submit budget revisions.

Also, NOHOA is paying a consultant $7,500 to create a brand identity for North Oaks with the goal of communicating the “value of North Oaks to prospective new residents and others”

(quote from October North Oaks News article).

NOHOA is a nonprofit private governing organization. Real estate agents are the sellers of North Oaks.

The recently adopted “Fleur de Leaf,” NOHOA’s brand symbol, is more closely associated with France and the New Orleans Saints football team. The symbols — an N and compass arrow —are not easily recognizable. Although 1883 is the date James J. Hill purchased 3,000 acres he later named North Oaks Farm, residential development did not start until the creation of the North Oaks Company and NOHOA in 1950. Emphasis was on community and individual privacy and the protection and management of natural resources, and is supported in the North Oaks Comprehensive Plan. Since 1950, the use of simple renditions of oak leaves and acorns has symbolized our community.

Not only is the Fleur de Leaf questionable, it will cost thousands of dollars to change trail signs and other logo-related items.

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Page 6 ~ North Oaks News ~ November 2015

Meet your NOHOA 2015 Board candidates North Oaks Home Owners Association Members will have the opportunity to elect four Board members this fall.

Four candidates have declared their candidacy. The North Oaks News includes the following candidate profiles and encourages NOHOA Members to contact candidates individually to learn more about them. Ballots will be sent out in mid-November.

Tom Krayer Address: 11 Pine Cone Road How long have you lived in North Oaks: Four years North Oaks activities: Trails, hiking, enjoying the tranquility Community activities: Active in church and community affairs, local association board member Business background: 3M; 29 years acquisitions, business development, marketing Children: Two adult children, one local and one in Pittsburgh Area(s) of interest on the Board: Construction reviews and approval,

Scott Coyle Address: 37 North Oaks Road Phone: 651-895-9103 email address: scoyle@acemw.com How long have you lived in North Oaks: Since 2010 North Oaks activities: North Oaks Social Club, North Oaks Golf Club Social Member, North Oaks Preschool Parent, Member of NOHOA Board since 2013 serving as Grounds and Buildings Director and Recreation Director, North Oaks Soccer Club Community activities: Volunteer coach for Mounds View Hockey, Shoreview Baseball, North Oaks Soccer club coach, NSSA Soccer Coach. Donate trucks and labor to the North Oaks Hospital Guild Rummage Sale.

Business background: Owner of moving business in the Twin Cities, Rochester and Los Angeles, CA. Family: Tami, Reagan, 9, David, 8, Ted, 6, Matt, 4.

Areas of interest on the Board: Interested in the safety and welfare of our community regarding Lyme disease and the significant threat to our members and children. Interested in preserving the privacy of our community and modernizing its recreation areas.

Statement of interest and issues: I am running again for the NOHOA Board of Directors in order to continue working towards improving the quality

trail system, protecting and maintaining the forested areas.

Statement of interest and issues: Bringing a fresh perspective as a resident of one of North Oaks’ growing number of planned de- Tom Krayer velopments. Working within the system to preserve the unique community of North Oaks.

Strong interest in working with the state and railroad for community issues.

of life for members in our community.

As the current Recreation Director, I have been an ardent supporter of the West Rec project, improving the fields at the West and East Rec and have worked closely with the var- Scott Coyle ious hockey, rugby, baseball and soccer organizations that utilize North Oaks fields. As a parent and volunteer coach, I have met many parents and kids and this experience has been very fulfilling. I look forward to keeping this dialogue in the years to come.

Having been in North Oaks for fourplus years, I am sad to be the father of two children and a wife that have contracted Lyme disease. I cannot explain the incredible mental and physical impact this disease has on an adult and child’s life. In each case we never found a tick. At this time, I must say the board and the city have failed miserably in keeping this danger away from our citizens. Lyme should be the major concern going into this fall and winter. The time for more studies and chatting is over. It is time to start culling deer! Please express your opinions vocally to the board and the city and tell them to start doing something about this public health concern!

Mike Graf Address: 4 Eastview Lane How long have you lived in North Oaks: Two years North Oaks activities: NOHOA Finance Committee, Former Board member of North Oaks Preschool (Secretary and Treasurer), North Oaks Social Club member Community activities: Cub Scouts – Pack Treasurer, Habitat for Humanity, eMentor Business background: Strategy and business development within the financial services industry.

Bill McNee Address: 11 Sunset Lane How long have you lived in North Oaks: For 29 years North Oaks/community activities: Volunteered for: the spring cleanup in North Oaks, Community Fair (Engineer for the train ride and worked in the cook tent), Pleasant Lake lakeshore restoration and Vehicle Identification Survey.

I have served on the NOHOA Board for three years; first year as Secretary, second and third years Director of Roads and Board President the third year. I was a member of the final West Recreation Building committee. My wife and I are social members of the North Oaks Country Club. Active member of our lake association, responsible for email updates and the membership directory.

Business background: Over 40 years in sales – printing equipment, business forms, responsible for negotiating several large national accounts. Now retired.

Children: Adult son, Peter, who grew up in North Oaks Areas of interest on the Board: Privacy, roads, trails and infrastructure.

Statement of interest and issues: We moved to North Oaks 29 years ago because of the natural environment.

Over the years, I have come to appreciate and cherish the privacy of North Oaks. While remaining cost conscious, I believe we need to maintain our ex-

Children: Two boys Area(s) of interest on the Board: Open.

Statement of interest and issues: Ensuring that North Oaks continues to build upon its strong sense of Mike Graf community and its long history of preserving a natural and safe environment for its members.

isting assets: roads, tennis courts, trails, beach, playgrounds, ice rinks and maintenance center. We must also maintain and protect our privacy. The NOHOA Board should spend wisely on maintenance and improve- Bill McNee ments which benefit the entire community. North Oaks is 60 years old. Over the years, the North Oaks Company and other developers have built our roads, trails and recreation facilities. We need to maintain them and when needed, replace them.

The new West Recreation Building is a good example of replacing an outdated facility. We need a strategic plan and input from the Members on their desires.

We need to look at adding new facilities when needed. Since I moved here in 1986, North Oaks has doubled in population and the number of our roads has increased by 80 percent. Our trails and recreation fields have also increased. We have more areas we need to maintain.

I would be honored to continue to serve the community as a NOHOA Board Member and have the opportunity to continue to work on our roads and advocate for the best interest of our Members.

CITY NOTES Written and provided by the City of North Oaks. City notes summarize the City Council meeting that took place on Oct. 8.

Shoreview Library update More than 3,000 North Oaks residents visited the Shoreview Library last year, according to Blake Huffman, Ramsey County Commissioner. The existing library has been sold to the Mounds View School District and a new building will be built for the library. According to county Library Director Susan Nemitz, northern Ramsey County libraries are underserved. Shoreview library was chosen for an upgrade.

The possibility of renovating the current building, which included a “bump out,” was not well received by the community. The county has budgeted $15 million for the new building; $3 million

2016 assessment notifications sent

will come from the school district. The cost of renovation was about the same as a new building. A capital campaign committee is forming and they are looking for residents of North Oaks to serve on the committee. Pictures of the new library can be found on the Shoreview library website. Huge growth in the children’s and teen’s area as well as technology will be included in the new design.

An assessment letter has been sent to every affected property owner around Lake Gilfillan.

Some of those residents have already sent in their payment. An additional assessment has been added to 4 Robb Farm Road for lawn mowing and 8 Sandpiper Road because of accumulated tickets on the property.

able to do more for the people they are serving, like start IV’s. LJFD has paramedics that haven’t been using their skills, so with this new relationship they will be using those skills. As a result, the LJFD will be getting more and better medical equipment.

LJFD Station 1 will be going away in 2017. The department does not need that location anymore and they will be phasing it out over the next two years.

Speed Limit

Recycling

Lyme disease committee

REMINDER: The speed limit throughout North Oaks is 30 mph. Watch your speed and be aware of pedestrians.

Weekly recycling in North Oaks has been going very well.

As a reminder, recycling should be set out by 7 a.m. on your recycling day.

The newly appointed Lyme disease committee has added a masters student in public health to the committee. They will be looking at Lyme disease from a research perspective and will be working with Rick Kingston and Dr. Brooke Moore.

December City Council meeting The December City Council meeting has been changed to Monday, Nov. 30, due to schedule conflicts.

Fire Department medical changes The LJFD is changing its medical direction in EMS education from Allina to Regions. They are

Theft on the rise North Oaks has always prid-

ed itself on being a community with a 0 percent crime rate over the years. Unfortunately, there has been an influx of thefts and break-ins recently in our community. You can contact the Ramsey County Sheriff ’s department for more information. Remember to lock all of the doors to your home and lock vehicles that are left in the driveway or on the street.

North Oaks residents are encouraged to install locking mailboxes, especially if there have been mail thefts in your neighborhood.

Did you know?

• 12,000 large annuals were planted at the North Oaks Golf Club this year.

• Thirty-eight new homes have been constructed within North Oaks so far this year.

• Parks, recreation and roads are part of NOHOA and not part of the city.

North Oaks News ~ November 2015 ~ Page 7

Have you seen the emerald ash borer?

By Cindy Turkington The North Oaks Community Foundation hosted a presentation on the emerald ash borer (EAB) made by Cathy LeVahn on Sept. 29 at Waverly Gardens.

LeVahn is an emerald ash borer first responder, a University of Minnesota Extension tree care advisor and an Anoka County Extension Master Gardener.

LeVahn gave an interesting and fact-filled presentation on the current status of EAB and how to determine if EAB has infected a tree. She also described the different treatment options available for those who have beautiful ash trees on their property that they would like to save. Also discussed was how to choose healthy trees and properly plant them.

LeVahn also spoke about how easily EAB is spread through firewood. As the home heating season approaches, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is cautioning residents of Minnesota that some areas of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa have regulations for emerald ash borer and/or gypsy moth that pertain to firewood within a quarantine zone. Quarantines help prevent potentially dangerous or destructive organisms from spreading into new areas. For example, a quarantine for the emerald ash borer is meant to prevent the movement of infested firewood or ash wood that might harbor emerald ash borer life stages.

Follow these steps to ensure that your firewood doesn’t bring these invasive pests to your property: Use certified firewood. Certified firewood has been heat-treated to destroy insects living in or

on the wood.

Know where your firewood is sourced. If the wood is coming from a regulated county, your supplier should have a compliance agreement with the MDA and/or USDA that allows them to move the wood out of the regulated area.

Only buy enough firewood for this season’s heating needs and make sure to burn it all by May 1.

If there are any gypsy moth egg masses or emerald ash borer larvae in the wood, they may start emerging after May 1.

It is illegal to transport hardwood firewood out of quarantined counties in Minnesota unless it is MDA-certified firewood.

Moving uncertified hardwood firewood out of quarantine counties is illegal and is punishable up to a $7,500 fine per violation per day. Ramsey County is a quarantined county.

If you suspect that your ash tree may be infected by EAB, note the steps listed below and contact “Arrest the Pest” at 888-545-6684 or arrest.the.pest@state.mn.us.

If you suspect a reportable pest: 1. Note the exact location, 2. Take a digital photo if possible, and 3. Contact “Arrest the Pest” Hotline.

Leave a detailed message that includes your name, your location, and the type of pest that you want to report. The voicemail will be forwarded to the agency in charge of that pest.

For more information, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Arrest the Pest Website is www.mda.state.mn.us/arrestthepest.

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CORRECTION

The Natural Resources Commission article from October 2015 had an incorrect caption. The caption should read: “Chris Mann displays a fish by a reed bed in Forest Lake on July 25, 2015.” Our apologies for any confusion this error may have caused.

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Page 8 ~ North Oaks News ~ November 2015

Privacy – From page 1 took public money, a case could be made that our roads would then become public roads.

After the discussion with the mayor, I spoke with NOHOA’s attorney Tim Hassett to get his input. He agreed that having the city do any maintenance could cause our roads to lose their private status and thus affect our privacy. Tim also suggested we work with the city so in the future NOHOA does the road markings and installation

of traffic signs. The city would still be responsible for public safety. Under this arrangement, the city would determine when and where we have markings and traffic signs, but NOHOA would pay to have the actual work completed.

What are the implications for NOHOA if it proceeds in this direction? We would need to increase our road maintenance budget to include these additional items and also make sure we have enough money to properly maintain our roads.

With our proposed road main-

tenance budget of $330,000 for 2016 we will have enough money to do maintenance to every road over a six-year period. However, if NOHOA takes on these additional responsibilities, we will need to increase the annual budget for roads by $20,000, based on what the city currently budgets for these items. We have also commissioned a new study to determine the annual cost to fund a road replacement reserve. Eventually, every road will need to be replaced. If we fund this annually, we will have the money available when need-

ed rather than requesting a special assessment.

During my discussion with Tim, two other issues were raised relating to protecting privacy in North Oaks. The first concerned Realtors’ open houses. Tim said one possible solution to this was to put in place a licensing system. We will be looking into this in the future. The second concerned the vehicle identification program (VIP), which requires stickers be placed on vehicles.

Tim mentioned how important this program is in maintaining

our privacy. It illustrates we are trying to keep trespassers out, identifying who does and who does not belong in North Oaks.

I would like to thank all of the volunteers who were out on October 6 monitoring cars as they came into North Oaks.

As the NOHOA Board looks to the future and how to best represent its Members, the above matters will continue to be explored and considered. The Board welcomes your input as it moves forward with NOHOA’s mission, vision and values at the core of its decision-making.

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STUDENT OF THE MONTH MYA O’SULLIVAN

Mya with Mathnasium Owner Dr. Peter Atakpu.

Mya is a 2nd grade student at Wildwood Elementary in Mahtomedi. She came to Mathnasium while in 1st grade and was already lacking confidence in her math skills. Since then, her confidence and math skills have grown exponentially, the result of her constant exposure to Mathnasium learning materials. Currently, she is working diligently on her 2nd grade math facts and foundational skills. She enjoys coming to Mathnasium several days a week and we are so excited to see her progress – making Mya the Mathnasium Student of the month.

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North Oaks News ~ November 2015 ~ Page 9

“The math and critical thinking I learned at SPA taught me how to ask questions and look for connections that aren’t initially obvious.”

MAKING UNEXPECTED CONNECTIONS TO CREATE A BETTER PLANET Flawless work on the challenging math theorem project in grade 8 revealed that Eric Olson ’82 had an uncanny ability to see connections that others miss. After graduating from Macalester College he won a Rhodes Scholarship, followed by a career in business. Today he applies his ability to synthesize disparate ideas as he helps connect global companies with practices that are profitable —as well as sustainable and just. Eric Olson is one more example of the way that SPA shapes the minds and the hearts of the people who will change the world.

2015-16 ADMISSION EVENTS: JOIN US! Lower School Open Houses (K-5) Sunday, November 15, 2015 | 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 21, 2016 | 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Middle/Upper School Open Houses (6-12) Sunday, November 15, 2015 | 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 14, 2016 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Page 10 ~ North Oaks News ~ November 2015

IN MEMORY Arthur C. Hedstrom

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Age 96, of North Oaks and Grand Marais, Minnesota, died Sept. 14, 2015.

Preceded in death by 12 brothers and sisters, and Marian, his wife of 68 years.

He was known for his unapologetic optimism and mastery of impossible tasks.

Though born to a lumbering family in Grand Marais, an allergy to pine and cedar, a decided industry disadvantage, Hedstrom caused him to begin his career in the telecommunications business. He retired from NW Bell Telephone as a senior executive in 1981. During WWII he served in Army Intelligence, where he developed unique code-breaking equipment. After retirement he began domesticated wild rice farming and, in conjunction with the University of Minnesota, a strain of wild rice was developed and named after him. He and Marian traveled widely and made friends from around the world. Art and Marian opened their hearts and homes to students from Germany and Russia, who then became part of our family. He was passionate about helping others. He was active in Boy Scouting and was instrumental in the development and expansion of Tomahawk Scout Reservation. He was member and past president of North Suburban Golden K Kiwanis Club. Art was the oldest past master of Garnet Lodge #166, AF&AM. Art is survived by daughter Diane Wesman (Eric), grandson Christopher Wesman (Sarah), granddaughter Jennifer Wesman Esnough (DeWayne), great-grandsons Miles Wesman and Eric Esnough, son Dean (Sandy Jacobsen), numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and a loving golden retriever.

Services have been held in St. Paul. Interment at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Grand Marais in October.

North Oaks Children’s Hospital Guild 1 Presents:

2015 Home for the Holidays HOME TOUR, BOUTIQUE & LUNCHEON Friday, November 20 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 21 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

North Oaks Golf Club 54 East Oaks Road North Oaks, MN 55127 651-484-8585

For additional information or to purchase tickets, please go to our website: http://northoakshometour.org

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North Oaks News ~ November 2015 ~ Page 11

Super blood moon over Pleasant Lake

Willing helpers needed at great community event We invite all families to join the North Oaks Garden Club as its members prepare the annual holiday boughs that adorn our North Oaks street signs. This is a fun event that the whole family can enjoy. No experience necessary—just willing helpers are needed! Meet at the Blacksmith Shop at the Hill Farm Historical site on Hill Farm Road at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15.

Bring gloves and a festive spirit and join us for this fun annual event.

Refreshments will be provided. If you would like more information, please contact Mary Hoyme at 651-335-7024.

— Submitted by the North Oaks Garden Club

— Submitted Photo

— Courtesy Donette Redmond

North Oaks resident Donette Redmond captured the super blood moon over Pleasant Lake on Sept.

27.

Holiday – From page 1 early. They spent the first 12 days of their lives in the neonatal intensive care unit at Children’s Hospital, where they had wonderful care. I was offered a place to stay at the hospital so I could be with my babies and not have to travel back and forth to nurse them.

When my son Brady was 4 years old, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. We spent three days at Children’s Hospital. Brady learned about his disease through play and children’s books while I received intensive training and therapy to learn how to cope with

this huge change in our lives.

Throughout the years, with all four kids playing sports, we had four broken arms, a broken collarbone, stitches, injuries and illnesses. Children’s Hospital never let us down.

As I prepare to work my 27th holiday home tour, I reflect on all Children’s Hospital has meant to my family and the real meaning behind what the guild represents. I’m appreciative of all of the wonderful friendships I’ve made in the guild, and I’m humbled by and grateful for the dedication of its members. My children are grown and thriving and no longer seek care at Children’s Hospital, but if I’m blessed with grandchil-

dren I know they’ll be in good hands.

The tour runs on Friday, Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and features three homes beautifully decorated for the holidays. Many of our popular vendors will be returning to the boutique, and we will have some exciting new offerings as well.

Tickets are $30 and are available online at www.northoakschaguild1.org or at the ticket desk on the day of the event; however, reservations are required.

Buses leave from the North Oaks Golf Club at 54 E. Oaks Road. Luncheon reservations may be made at the golf club by calling 651-484-8585.

Pelican visits North Oaks

— Photo courtesy Anne Haase

A pelican visited the pond behind Anne Haase’s house in the waning days of September. This feathered friend surprised the Haases, and no doubt these Canada geese as well.

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Page 12 ~ North Oaks News ~ November 2015

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS North Oaks Preschool North Oaks Preschool still has openings for both the Bumblebee (3 year old) and Treefrog (4 year old) classes at North Oaks Preschool. Class size maximum is 20 students for each class, with two teachers and usually a parent volunteer in the classroom as well. North Oaks Preschool offers a unique parent cooperative approach that allows the parent to actively participate in the classroom and the administration of the preschool. For more information and registration/enrollment forms, visit its website at www.northoakspreschool.org or call them at 651-481-1594.

North Oaks Garden Club What: Annual bough making event When & Where: Sunday, Nov. 15, 1 p.m. at the Blacksmith Shop For more information: Contact Mary Hoyme at 651-335-7024 The North Oaks Garden Club would like to thank Mary Nussbaum, Nancy Reid, Carmen Foley and Marty Long for sharing their knowledge and expertise on the importance of bees in our environment.

Social Club Welcome back to Social Club!

This year’s events promise to be fun-filled, and we welcome anyone living in North Oaks to join us. If you are a new resident to North Oaks and want to meet new people and make new

friends in the community, then this is the right place for you.

This season’s events began with a trip to Oktoberfest in Stillwater. Please see the accompanying article and photos in the North Oaks News. Our Newcomers event will take place on Nov. 6 at the home of Jim and Debbie Breen. This is for couples that are new to North Oaks, have lived in North Oaks for two years or less, or have only been members of Social Club for two years or less. Food and drinks will be provided and the cost is $20 per person.

The first Food and Friends of the year will be on Thursday, Nov. 19. This event is for women only and will be held at a member’s home. Again, food and drinks will be provided and the cost is $20 per person. An Evite will be sent out to NOSC members. For more information contact Debbie Breen at jdbreen123@msn.com or 651340-3626.

Our BIGGEST event of the year is the Progressive Dinner, to be held Saturday, Dec. 5. We begin the night with appetizers at a member’s home and from there go to dinner at different host homes. Lastly, we all gather together again for dessert hosted by another member of Social Club. This is extremely well attended and many people are involved in the planning, so please consider volunteering to help out or open up your home for appetizers, dinner or dessert.

Social Club is open to all residents. Attend an event or two to

learn more before joining. Details can be found at www.cityofnorthoaks.com under Community Organizations. Event details are sent to members via Evite and are also updated on Facebook.

Villagers Announcements Book Club: When & Where: 9:45 a.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 3 at the home of Helen Huang, 16 Island Road.

Details: The book being discussed is “The Book of Night Women,” by Marlon James.

(The book for December is “The Mockingbird Next Door: Life with Harper Lee,” by Marji Mills.)

Contact: RSVP to Helen at 651-483-0625.

Special Night for Book Club: When & Where: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10 at the home of Carolyn Stitt, 22 Lake Court.

Details: Villagers are invited to bring along a friend, partner or hubby to discuss our special book, “Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics,” by Daniel James Brown.

Contact: RSVP to Carolyn at 651-787-0081.

Bridge: When & Where: 9:30 a.m.

Friday, Nov. 13 in the card room at the North Oaks Golf Club.

Details: Enjoy a morning of

Meet the Minnesota Emergency Communications Team Hello! My name is Jeremy Rogness, and I am the executive director of the Minnesota Emergency Communications Team. We would like to introduce ourselves to the North Oaks community and surrounding area. Our organization has been operating out of the North Oaks Gatehouse through an agreement with the North Oaks Company, and we would like to thank them for their partnership.

— Submitted Photo

Who we are: Minnesota Emergency Communications Team is a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides many services to the disabled community of Ramsey County and the metro area. These services are not currently offered by public safety or other government agencies. To put it another way, we meet the unmet public safety needs of those with special needs.

What we do: Minnesota Emergency Communications Team partners with other organizations. We are a full member agency of

Jeremy Rogness and Greg McAllister display the mobile command center for the Minnesota Emergency Communications Team.

Project Lifesaver, which assists in locating vulnerable adults and children if/when they go missing. We also provide disability disaster relief, offer wheelchair relocation through our trap ride program, and provide safety lighting systems for power mobility devices. The retired ambulance you see at the Gatehouse is an integral part of our entire operation, as it houses much of the equipment required for all of our programs.

We currently have active clients in your neighborhood. If

you would like more detailed information about our programs and how we can assist you or your family/friends, please stop by the Gatehouse.

We would like to meet you and answer your questions.

Lastly, as stated above, we are a nonprofit organization and would like to ask the North Oaks community to partner with us as well. All donations would be greatly appreciated including time, talent or financial support, which is tax-deductible.

Bridge and friends.

Contact: To play, call Jane Conlin at 651-484-4448 by Nov. 6.

Out & About: When & Where: 9-11 a.m.

Monday, Nov. 23 at Koehler & Dramm, 2407 E. Hennepin, Minneapolis.

Details: Ardith Beveridge, an award-winning floral designer at Kohler and Dramm Institute, will be conducting a floral workshop just for us! The cost is $25, and you will return home with your very own floral creation for your Thanksgiving centerpiece. Following the workshop we will have lunch at a nearby restaurant. Carpooling will be available from the North Oaks Golf Club at 8:30 a.m.

Contact: Since space is limited, call Kathy Rich at 651-7280050 to reserve your spot.

Babysitters wanted If you have a teenager who is interested in babysitting and lives in North Oaks, the Social Club is looking to add him or her to its babysitting list. Please call or email Debbie Breen. She will need the teen’s name, address, phone number and age.

Quilt making event at FPCWBL When & Where: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 at First Presbyterian Church of White Bear Lake Details: Please join us for a day of blanket making and quilt tying. We will be making polar fleece blankets and tying quilts for Solid Ground (formerly East Metro Women’s Council) and the Marie Sandvik Center in

Minneapolis. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Everyone is welcome—no experience necessary.

Materials are provided, but additional fabric is always appreciated. Each blanket project requires (2) 6-foot lengths of polar fleece; house quilt projects require fabrics, outdoor fabric (waterproof), old blankets to use as quilt liners and a good pair of scissors. You may bring donated items to the church prior to Nov. 14 or bring the materials with you. Please join us to help make a difference in our community.

Show Us the Money: Transparency in Political Contributions debate When & Where: 7-8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 10 at Guardian Angels Church, 8260 Fourth Street N., Oakdale (55128) Details: The influence of money in American elections has skyrocketed. The Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision allows corporations, unions and certain nonprofit groups to spend unlimited amounts of money to support or oppose political candidates.

SuperPACs and 501(c)4 organizations can hide the source of their funding, a loophole that creates a lack of transparency and clouds the voters’ understanding of who’s behind the political messages presented in ads and commercials, especially during elections.

Join us for an entertaining and interactive debate on transparency in political contributions. The audience will use electronic clickers to cast votes in support of or in opposition to

See Announcements – Page 13

Q. I’m cleaning out my medicine cabinet. What do I do with my leftover and expired medicines?

A. Go to Ramsey County’s year-round collection site in Arden Hills and safely dispose of your unwanted and expired medicines. By doing so you’ll be helping to prevent crime, drug abuse or accidental poisoning. You’ll also be protecting the environment by keeping potentially harmful medicines out of the drain or trash.

Medicine from households is accepted in any form, including prescription, over-the-counter and pet medicines. Examples include: inhalers, patches, capsules and pills, powders, liquids, creams and gels, sprays, etc.

Be sure to keep the medicines in their original container and place them in a clear plastic bag. If it’s a prescription drug, use a marker to cross out your name on the medicine containers. Any medicine that is no longer in its original container should be placed in a clear plastic bag. Write the name of the medicine on the bag.

The Arden Hills collection location is at 1411 Paul Kirkwood Drive (at the Sheriff ’s Patrol Station). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff will greet you upon arrival and there’s no ID required. Parking is free.

North Oaks News ~ November 2015 ~ Page 13

Announcements – From page 12 the need for campaign finance reform. Voting will occur both before and after the debate. The debate team that sways audience opinion the most will win the debate.

Debating in favor of the motion will be State Senator John Marty and Jeremy Schroeder of Common Cause. Debating against the motion will be Peter Nelson, Center for the American Experiment and Charles Samuelson of the Minnesota ACLU. Moderating the debate will be Briana Bierschbach, political reporter at MinnPost.

This event is sponsored by: The League of Women Voters

White Bear Lake Area and The Izaak Walton League Minnesota Division, in partnership with Guardian Angels Justice & Outreach Commission; Common Cause; League of Women Voters St. Paul, League of Women Voters Woodbury-Cottage Grove, and League of Women Voters Roseville, Maplewood & Falcon Heights.

This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. For more information contact Joan at 651-493-0686.

Making North Oaks more beautiful

Keeping our wildlife wild — Submitted Photo

Feeding songbirds in the backyard is a fun, pleasurable hobby for many homeowners, especially during the long winter months. But before you fill those bird feeders, please remember that our city requires (Ordinance #107) that: • The feeding is done from a bird feeder that is designed to discourage other wild animals from feeding; and • The feeder is placed at least 5 feet from the ground.

Did you know that feeding deer has little impact on deer condition, survival or reproduction? It CAN, however, have unintended biological and social consequences, such as digestive and other health problems for deer, increased deer-car collisions, and attracting white-footed mice (a key

Thank you to North Oaks Garden Club members for maintaining the vines around this pergola constructed by the crew with proceeds from the Garden Club Plant Sale. The vines are bittersweet, morning glory, Virginia creeper and honeysuckle.

— Illustration by ummmheather.com

If they’re five feet high Then the deer won’t try To eat all the seed That the songbirds need!

player in the transmission of Lyme disease). A fear of humans is also in the best interest of deer!

— Submitted by the Natural Resources Commission

North Oaks Guild II Rummage Sale a success The North Oaks Guild II’s 17th annual rummage sale benefiting the Children’s Hospital Association raised $157,000 this year.

The Children’s Hospital Association raises, maintains, and distributes funds to Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.

The Children’s Hospital Association: • Pays for both inpatient and outpatient care of children.

• Supports innovative programs whose expenses cannot be met through the normal hospital budget.

• Provides seed money for new programs that educate and

provide family support.

• Supports programs that reduce the trauma of major illness for children and their families.

The North Oaks CHA Guild II sincerely extends its thanks for all of the community’s support this year. Next year’s sale will take place Sept. 17 and 18, 2016.

NOHOA NEWS AND NOTES The Power of Choice

By Kimberly Murray NOHOA Executive Director Choices, choices, choices. Every day we make choices. Some are easy (What should I make for dinner?) while others are much harder (Should I refinance my home?) Sometimes you are influenced by friends in making choices and sometimes the options are overwhelming.

The NOHOA Board of Directors is called upon to make choices every day, too. Should funds be spent on this project or that one? Do we act now or do we wait? Are we doing enough or too much? Do we follow the experts’ recommendations or our neighbors’? Should we be proactive or reactive? The choices to be made are difficult much more often than they are easy.

Here is one example. NOHOA has been actively working to restore the shoreline around Pleasant Lake for years. An example of a successful project is shown in the attached photo. The wildflowers and native grasses are flourishing and deep-rooted willow and dogwood stabilize the earth. At the same time, NOHOA’s actions are limited by the effects of St. Paul Water’s raising and lowering the water levels based on consumer needs. In this case, the choice NOHOA has made is to offset the SPWS actions and to continue efforts to protect the shoreline, promoting a positive outcome as much as we can.

Spending on road repair is another tough choice.

— Submitted photo

The beautiful plants and flowers growing on this section of the Pleasant Lake shoreline pull double duty as they prevent erosion.

Many residents want their roads repaired but only so much money is available. How much money are members prepared to spend in order to have good roads? With NOHOA’s aging infrastructure, a choice needs to be made: start saving now to replace roads later or wait until they fail and then act. Should the Board be proactive?

At what point do enhancements in the community work against efforts to ensure NOHOA members’

privacy?

For example, do improvements such as the new West Rec lure more nonresidents into North Oaks even though their actions would be considered trespassing?

North Oaks’ smooth roads and low traffic are attractive temptations to both residents and nonresidents. It is a challenge for anyone to know if the biker you see is a resident or a trespasser. NOHOA supports member use of vehicle stickers on cars and on bikes to help identify residents. Coming soon, NOHOA hopes to be able to sell reflective vests and shirts with the NOHOA logo as another example for how members can identify themselves as North Oaks residents and say, “I belong!”

In the next month, NOHOA members are going to have the opportunity to put themselves in the place of the Board of Directors and decide what NOHOA’s spending should be as a reflection of the community’s priorities. Will you choose to support increased dues if it means better roads, enhanced facilities, stronger infrastructure and more privacy? Will you recognize NOHOA’s efforts to act proactively against the emerald ash borer, ticks and invasive weeds? Along with voting for the budget, you will be able to help select some of the decision-makers on the Board. Who will you vote for to represent you on the Board?

Finally, the easiest choice you have to make is to cast your ballot! Nearly two-thirds of NOHOA members do not vote in each election. They turn down the opportunity to choose and to make their choices known. You have a voice and you have a choice; on behalf of NOHOA, I hope you make it a good one!

Page 14 ~ North Oaks News ~ November 2015

Jim Breen shares his “keg” of beer with Jared Lee and Bill Dove.

— Submitted Photos

Members of the North Oaks Social Club attend Stillwater’s Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter for Oktoberfest.

‘Willkommen’ to Oktoberfest The North Oaks Social Club went on its biannual pilgrimage to Grant’s Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter for Oktoberfest on Sept. 19. Thirty members left the North Oaks Golf Club by luxury bus to attend the event.

Music, dancing, imported beer, brats and chops, giant pretzels, cinnamon roasted almonds and Ham-

merschlagen were enjoyed by all who attended!

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest Volksfest or beer festival, held for 16 days annually in Munich, Germany. Six million people from around the world attend the event every year. Cities across the world hold Oktoberfest celebrations every year.

North Oaks Social Club members Sarah and Dale Zurbay, Mark and Jenna Lobanoff and Jim Breen enjoy the Oktoberfest festivities.

Shoreline restoration projects update NOHOA is pleased to share updates on two of its shoreline restoration projects—one on Lake Gilfillan and the other on the Deep Lake Channel.

Thank you volunteers—Gilfillan Lake project: No doubt those of you who have driven the Gilfillan Road entrance to North Oaks are well aware of the beautiful ambiance.

Some residents who don’t even live in this section of North Oaks are attracted to the entrance because of the view’s calming effect. You may not be aware that the parcel of undeveloped land providing most of this beautiful view is actually land that was entrusted to NOHOA by the North Oaks Company in 1972.

As part of its stewardship mission, NOHOA recently contracted with Refugia, LLC to undertake shoreline restoration on the site.

The restoration project not only complies with the DNR’s requirements for best practices in caring for shorelines but also provides a buffer to deter geese from coming ashore and “messing in” the upland portion of the property.

As the planting of 1,056 plugs representing native grasses, sedges, and flowering forbs take root and the sprinkling of assorted wildflower seeds sprout in the spring, a buffer will begin to form and make the property even more enjoyable.

Many thanks to the volunteers

who helped make this project a success by volunteering their time, energy, and talents on Oct. 16: North Oaks residents Diane Gorder, Mary Hoyme, Tom Krayer, Bob Larson, Sharon Severson and Fred Treiber; Refugia staff Bill Kempe, Jan Kolles and Kyra Oliver; and VLAWMO staff Stephanie McNamara and Vanessa Strong.

Volunteers needed—Deep Lake Channel project: Those of you who walk or bike the Pleasant Lake trail may have noticed positive changes at the Deep Lake Channel connection over the last couple of months.

Thanks to the support and partnership of the Vadnais Lake Area

Water Management Organization (VLAWMO), the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa, NOHOA, and the Natural Resources Commission (NRC), the process of restoring the shoreline of the Deep Lake Channel where it connects to Pleasant Lake is underway.

There’s one more step to complete in this restoration project. If you’d like to participate in this final step and learn the finer points of shoreline restoration from VLAWMO experts, please join members of NOHOA and the NRC on Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Nov. 6 is the backup date.) We’ll meet at the

beach at 9 a.m., proceed to harvest dogwood and willow stakes from other parts of North Oaks, and then participate in planting them at the channel site. Please contact the NOHOA office (651792-7765 or nohoa@comcast.net) to sign up for this educational and fun event. Also, please wear grubby clothes and bring work gloves, garden trowels, waterproof boots and rubber mallets if you have them. Snacks will be provided!

— Submitted by Diane Gorder, NOHOA Director of Land and Water

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North Oaks News Service Directory located on page 15 in this issue