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VOLUME 35
City briefs
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NUMBER 5
Tick information Updates from the Tick Task Force. See more on page 3.
Garden Club Sunflower challenege The new Shoreview Library is taking shape. Read about it, see more on page 11.
Fun Day Attracted many children for lots of fun, on page 12.
County parks get prescribed burn See details on page 14.
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May Meetings • Agendas available online •
CITY OF NORTH OAKS 100 Village Center Drive Suite 230 651-792-7750 www.cityofnorthoaks.com
Shop our plant sale Saturday, May 7 By Mary Hoyme
See details on page 8
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Treasures being sorted at a rummage sale drop-off day. North Oaks CHA Guild II wants your donations so start cleaning out closets now. The 2016 drop-off is 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 14 at the West Recreation Center, North Oaks. More info at www.northoaksrummagesale.org.
Clean out those closets By Carol Beatty The North Oaks Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) Guild II spring rummage sale drop off is just around the corner. Here is what you need to know (please go to www. northoaksrummagesale.org for more information): The spring donation drop-off for the 2016 Rummage Sale is Saturday, May 14 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North Oaks West Recreation Center, 14 W.
Pleasant Lake Road (corner of West Pleasant Lake Road & Red Barn Road). All gently used items that you are no longer using are welcome. Furniture donations are also greatly appreciated. Please call Mary Leonard at 651-762-7023 or Bev Ogren at 651-492-1700 no later than Monday, May 9 to schedule a pick up on May 14. Note that pickups are for furniture items only in North Oaks. The North Oaks CHA Guild II has been helping
residents part with their many wonderful, but no longer needed, treasures for 18 years. The gigantic annual September rummage sale offers super buys to hundreds of new and repeat customers and then enables the guild to contribute thousands of dollars to essential programs at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. The 2016 rummage sale will be Sept. 17 and 18 at the Shoreview Ice
The North Oaks Garden Club’s annual plant sale is the Saturday before Mother’s Day on the historic grounds of the James J. Hill Farm. The May 7 sale begins at 9 a.m. and runs until noon, rain or shine. (Hey we’re gardeners!) The North Oaks Garden Club plant sale is recognized locally as the annual event for inspiring even the savviest of gardeners. Our plant sale offers a hard to beat selection of your favorites, as well as unique plant varieties at terrific prices. You’ll find an extensive selection of annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, and hanging baskets. If you are looking for just the right gift for Mother’s Day, our hanging basket with colorful ribbons can’t be beat. There will also be many vendors with items for sale. Are you in need of perennials that can hold up to our tough Minnesota winters? Look no farther. We typically have a wonderful selection dug from the gardens right here in North Oaks. When potting up these plants, we like to give you a nice big plant, something much nicer than what you’d find at your local nursery and at prices that can’t be beat. Do you have perennials that are in need of dividing and that you’d like to donate? Please call Chris Lidberg at 612 718-5957 and she’ll set up a time to get that taken care of. We truly appreciate all the plants that are donated as it’s a win-win win situation, your plants are divided, encouraging them to grow better and the garden club benefits, as
See Children’s Hospital – Page 14
See Garden Club – Page 15
City Council meeting: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 12
Natural Resources Commission meeting: 7 p.m. Thursday,May 19
Planning Commission meeting: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 26
NORTH OAKS HOME OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION (NOHOA) 100 Village Center Drive Suite 240 651-792-7765 www.nohoa.org
NOHOA Board meeting: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 5
Architectural Supervisory Committee meeting: Meet in the NOHOA office 6:30 p.m. Mondays, May 2, 16 and 31 All other meetings held in the Community Meeting Room 100 Village Center Drive, Suite 150
JAMES J. HILL FAMILY: A LEGACY OF PHILANTHROPY By Eileen R. McCormack 2016 is the 100th anniversary of the death of James J. Hill. Hill died in his Summit Avenue home on May 29, 1916 and was buried at his beloved North Oaks farm. The Hill Farm Historical Society, at its annual Spring Dinner, will present a program showing how his legacy lives on through his personal philanthropy and
that of his wife, Mary T. Hill. James J. Hill was a builder of transportation systems; from start to finish he oversaw every aspect of the Great Northern Railway and his shipping concerns. He began every endeavor with thorough study and investigation, and this method applied to his philanthropy, as well as his business activities. Hill did not establish a foundation or delegate
decision-making; his giving had an extremely personal touch. Hill gave where his heart was, in the states and cities that held the rails and settlements of the Great Northern lines. His enduring philanthropic legacy is evident in the continuing viability of many of the institutions he supported in Great Northern Railway country. Hill did not wait until
See Hill Family – Page 3
– Submitted
James J. Hill and Mary Hill.
North Oaks News ~May 2016 ~ Page 3
Taking care of ticks - repellents and acaricides By Rick Kingston and Paxia Her It's that time of year again when we are all getting ready for warmer weather. It's also that time when ticks become active and the threat of tick bites resulting in Lyme disease or other tick borne illnesses
increases. Here are some helpful tips from the North Oaks Tick Task Force to help you plan for a safe and tick-free summer. Blacklegged ticks that transfer Lyme disease and other illnesses live in wooded, brushy areas that provide food and cover for white-footed mice, deer and
other mammals. Your home and keep ticks off of you, such as habitat modification, tick control with repellents, and host-targeted acaricides:
Habitat Modification (landscaping and vegetation management): • Keep grass on lawn mowed
Hill Family – From page 1 old age to begin giving back. His railroadbuilding days began in 1879 and his serious charitable giving began soon after. Always a man of action, it appears his philanthropy quickly grew out of both his increasing wealth and his increasing awareness of the social needs and the institutional needs at home in St. Paul and in the communities in the northern tier of western states that were experiencing a tremendous influx of population spurred by the extension of his railroad. The construction of educational facilities was of primary importance to Hill. He contributed to many private colleges and tried to influence their endowment-building as he felt that, for their continued viability, the institutions needed more than just classrooms and dormitories. His giving in this area was significant, however, he did not forget the poor and the institutions that served the needs of the community. And then there was the St. Paul Symphony, uniforms for the Great Northern baseball club, and a
bell for the “Ladies of Michigan City.” After Hill’s death, his wife, Mary T. Hill, continued charitable giving, however, she restricted her gifts almost entirely to St. Paul Catholic institutions and World War I relief agencies and causes. Deeply religious and staunchly patriotic, she too seems to have followed her heart. The Hill
Foundation (formerly Louis W. & Maud Hill Foundation), Grotto Foundation, Jerome Foundation and Camargo Foundation. Please join us on May 13 to hear more on the Hill family philanthropy… like how two goats and two zebras found their way to a certain zoo. All residents will receive an invitation to attend the Spring
ANNUAL SPRING DINNER What: You are cordially invited to the Annual Spring Dinner When: Friday, May 13, 2016 Social Hour at 6p.m. Dinner at 7p.m. Where: North Oaks Golf Club How much: $42 per person for Annual and Lifetime HFHS members $47 per person for nonmembers descendents carried on the family’s philanthropic activities beginning with their endowment of the James J. Hill Reference Library. Today St. Paul’s philanthropic community includes four begun by Hill family members: Northwest Area
short, brush and weeds trimmed, and leaf litter away from your home. • Maintain a natural barrier between grass/ play areas and woodlands with wood chips or other paths cleared of vegetation. Remove dead wood and brush pile. Dead wood and brush piles are especially conducive breeding grounds for white-footed mouse and tick infestation. Removal is a vital component of any tick management program. • Decrease invasive overgrowth in yard – remove buckthorn, garlic mustard, leafy spurge and common tansy. • Keep trails or paths in wooded areas on your property clear of vegetation.
Repellents and Acaricides Application:
For Humans • DEET – is one of the most effective agents to repel ticks and decrease the chances of a tick bite, but depending upon the concentration, it may not provide total protection against the blacklegged tick. Follow the labeled directions for best results. For Pets • Pets are an important vector for ticks to travel into homes and come in contact with family members. There are a number of highly effective products that both repel and kill ticks on pets. Be especially careful to use dog products on dogs and cat products on cats as they are often times not interchangeable and can be highly toxic when used on the wrong species!
Area-wide Chemical Treatment:
• Use of repellents and acaricides (insecticides specifically designed to kill ticks) on humans and pets is one of the most effective methods to repel and kill ticks and thereby prevent ticks from becoming attached to skin and cause illness.
• Acaricides—insecticides selectively poisonous to ticks—may be applied to foliage and brush where ticks are active. There are a number of commercially available products that are EPA registered and designed for this application. Products intended for
this application will be specifically labeled as being effective for tick control and also indicate how often to repeat the application. Use extreme caution if using around lake front property so as to avoid spray drift onto lake water as some of these products can be toxic to aquatic species. Applied biweekly and starting once temperatures are consistently above freezing until mid-July. Demand CS can be ordered from Amazon, or you may hire a professional pest control service to apply it for you. Tip: Spray in the evening when winds are low to avoid interactions with bees and other native pollinators. • Deer Repellents—such as Liquid Fence, a smelly mixture of rotten eggs and garlic—are useful for keeping deer out of yard. By spraying it biweekly on plants that deer are known to eat, you will encourage them to look elsewhere for food Stay tuned for updates from the Tick Task Force on our efforts to reduce and prevent tick related illness in our community. Also check out the results of the Tick Survey featured on page 12 in this edition of North Oaks News.
Dinner and join the Hill Farm Historical Society. Following are the details of the upcoming dinner and program. For additional information please contact Judy Ohannesian at jtohannesian@gmail.com.
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Page 4 ~ North Oaks News ~May 2016
OPINION Editor’s thoughts... Thoughts about the past month. There are many. Let’s start with the three public meetings wherein 25, 18 and 10 residents appeared before the Planning Commission, NOHOA Board and City Council meetings this past month. That’s more residents than have showed up at any public meeting in years. And that does not count the joint meeting that will take place before this is printed. Why is that? Let’s take them in order and try and figure it out. The Planning Commission had at least two public hearings and undoubtedly several conversations among themselves about a proposed city rental ordinance. While exact reason for the ordinance seemed to come out slowly in conversation, it seems as though the thought that distressed houses in the town generally are those that are rented. The former mayor stated at one meeting that at least 10 incidents of police involvement occurred at rented homes while he was mayor over an eight-year span. Provisions such as purchasing a license from the city, having your home inspected for code violations,
FROM THE EDITOR
DICK LEONARD renting for a specific period of time and requiring a criminal background check on would-be renters were some of the objections raised by those attending. The commission has amended the ordinance several times and will continue to listen to residents at future meetings. Several residents have also appeared before the NOHOA Board complaining about the size and number of recycling and garbage trucks that go by their homes on Peterson Place on a daily basis. They contend that they are noisy, dangerous and that the
maintenance area is nothing but a ‘dump’. They are asking that the back gate be opened so vehicles can enter and exit on Turtle Lake Road on the north end of the area. At least there is another possible solution to this problem like taking all of the recycled material directly to the recycling center rather than transport material back to the maintenance center and opening the gate. The third issue causing residents to gather is about golf course maintenance vehicles, including carts, lawn mowers, commercial tree trimmers that traverse certain roads in North Oaks. Additionally, large semi trucks dump sand two or three times a year at the end of the only street that is used by the golf course to access the course. The reasons the golf course asks the city to amend the existing ordinance to allow for this expanded use appears to be because of a ’washing area’ for their equipment adjacent to residential property at the end of this street and because their ‘larger’ equipment cannot ‘traverse’ some of the steep hills on the course.
Neighbors opposing this increased use have kept count of the golf course vehicles from July to August last summer. The count is nearly 800 vehicles on the neighbors’ easements. The council has repeatedly said that the residents’ safety and privacy are of most importance. At the April 14 council meeting, the council amended the existing ordinance that allowed golf carts to “drive a short distance” on city roads to provide that NOW golf course carts, ATVs and all large maintenance equipment can drive on any and all roads in North Oaks. Conceivably golfers and their guests can now drive golf carts from tennis court to tennis court and to the western recreation area. One council person said during the discussion, ‘why are we dealing with this?” Such is government, I guess. Be sure to attend the Hill Farm Historical Society’s annual dinner on May 13, 2016 at the golf course. The presenter is Eileen McCormick. Read her article in this edition about her perspective of J.J. Hill and his
accomplishments. Mr. Hill died 100 years ago. His famous quote was, “There is no substitute for work.” Something to remember! North Oaks is the direct beneficiary of Mr. Hill’s wisdom, planning and foresight. Imagine starting the North Oaks Farm in the late 1880s, building a railroad to the West Coast, raising a family of nine, owning banks and taking control of several railroads throughout the United States. Eileen is the curator of Hill Family Manuscript Collection, a historian and archivist with over 25 years experience. She co-authored “THE DUTIFUL SON: Louis W. Hill” and “SEA WINTER SALMON: Chronicles of the St. John River, the true story of JJ Hill’s salmon fishing camp in Quebec.” It will be a historical learning experience for those who live and love North Oaks. There are so many things to do and read about in North Oaks that are contained in this edition. The Garden Club sale, Tick survey, raingarden class put on by our watershed district, and so on. Enjoy May and the summer.
Clean-up efforts help control Lyme disease It has been a very busy month here in our city, with citizens’ concerns over traffic, noise, Lyme disease and property clean-up. I guess the terrific spring has got us all out and about quickly this year. As I travel and walk through the community I am very pleased to see many of you making serious efforts to clean up your property. Thank you for all of you who are doing that. The City will continue to push for increased efforts to make our community more of what it should be. The work of the Tick Task Force has placed
FROM THE MAYOR
MIKE EGELSTON even greater emphasis on the downed trees and brush piles throughout the community; habitats for mice and ticks that transmit to deer and other small mammals
North Oaks
News
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Editorial Dick Leonard, Editor (612) 749-8235, cell phone northoaksnews@presspubs.com Multimedia Representative Leanne Swanson 651-407-1223 northoaks@presspubs.com Published monthly by Press Publications Copyright © 2016
Next Issue: June 2016 Mailed Wednesday, May 25, 2016 Ad/Want Ad/Celebrations Deadline: Monday, 5/16/16 Letters to the Editor/ Editorial Submissions Due: Monday, 5/16/16 Deliver Announcements and Letters to: Dick Leonard, Editor northoaksnews@presspubs.com
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spreading Lyme disease. It's a significant health and safety issue for North Oaks. We have removed 97 deer this season and hope to increase that number next year, but it takes more than removing deer to limit the spread of Lyme. We need to remove the habitats of mice and ticks in order to significantly inhibit the disease in North Oaks. To that end, the City has contracted with S&S Tree
Services for a reduced rate on brush removal. You will be seeing a communication from us talking about the dates for this Clean-Up Day and how to participate. The City is NOT funding this effort, only facilitating S&S contracting with residents to do the pickup and the resident will pay S&S directly. Look for the communication from the City regarding this program….and participate!
In addition to removing downed trees and brush piles, you can help to limit your family’s exposure by keeping the area around your house and any play areas for children and pets clear and open to the sun. Underbrush, leaves and brush piles are great habitats for ticks; they do not survive well out in the open. There are services that can spray your yard for ticks as well.
We are pleased with the efforts of NOHOA and the North Oaks Company in cleaning up their lands and our trails. NOHOA has made a major effort at East Rec and I have spoken with the North Oaks Company about beginning clean-up in the Red Forest area. Here’s to a safe and happy summer here in North Oaks.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Feed My Starving Children Villagers are volunteering at the mobile packing event being held at Incarnation Lutheran Church in Shoreview, Monday, May 2, from 5 -7 p.m. The Incarnation goal this year is to pack 750,000 meals, enough to feed approximately 2,054 kids. We will go to dinner at a nearby restaurant following our shift. Please RSVP to Joy Burdick at 651-307-6338, to join the team. This event is not only worthwhile, but very fun.
Book Club Villager’s book club will meet at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, May 3 at the home of Carol Garber, 21 Scotch Pine Circle,
North Oaks. We will be discussing “All the Light You Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr. Deb Hjortland will provide the research. Please let Carol know if you will be attending book club by calling 651-481-0519 or emailing. The June book will be “The Floor of the Sky” by Pamela Carter Joern.
Crafts and Coffee Kathy Rich, 40 County Road F, Vadnais Heights, will host a morning of crafts and coffee, on Monday, May 9, at 9:30 a.m. RSVP to Kathy at 651-728-0050, by Friday, May 6.
Play Bridge Join your friends for Bridge on Friday, May
13, at 9:30 a.m. in the card room at the North Oaks Golf Club. To play, contact Jane Conlin, at 651-4844448, by Friday, May 6.
Recipe Exchange Spring is here, and Recipe Exchange will celebrate the season with Fresh Spring Ingredients. Please join us on Monday, May 23, at 11:30 a.m. at the home of Betty Poehling, 11 Anemone Circle. Contact Betty at 651-484-0855 to RSVP and to choose your course.
Save the Date The annual Spring Membership Luncheon will be held at Rudy’s Red Eye Grill in White Bear Lake on Wednesday, June 8, at 11:30 a.m.
Enjoy a wonderful Soup and Salad Buffet, along with a delectable array of desserts and coffee. Then, Hermes Floral will present a demonstration on how to create a “Table Top Fairy Garden.” Cost is $21 per person. Since this is our Membership Luncheon we encourage you to pay your $10 dues for the 2016-2017 year, the day of the luncheon. Attendees that have paid their dues, on or before the day of the event, will have their name placed in a drawing to win a Table Top Garden! To reserve your spot, please send your check to Margaret Thorn, 4172 Thornhill Lane, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127, by Friday, June 3. Guests are welcome, bring a friend to enjoy this wonderful luncheon.
North Oaks News ~May 2016 ~ Page 5
PRESCHOOL NEWS Preschool registration open Registration is now open at North Oaks Preschool for the 20162017 school year. There are openings for both the Bumblebee (3yr old) and Treefrog
(4yr old) classes. Class size maximum is 20 students for each class, with two teachers and usually a parent volunteer in the classroom. 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 forms, visit www.northoakspreschool. org or call/email 651-481-1594 at / northoakspreschool@gmail.com. – Submitted
CITY NOTES The following notes are a summary of the April 14, 2016 City Council meeting: by Dick Leonard Editor • Citizens comments: Several residents of the Rapp Farm area asked the Council to amend the City Ordinance to enable them to drive personal golf carts on Rapp Farm streets to drive to their swimming pool. They asked for expedited treatment and a 90-day trial period. The matter was referred to the city attorney. • A resident living on Peterson Place who had previously spoken at NONOA and City Council meetings reported that
she had received an anonymous letter that was condescending, non threatening but very critical of her and her views about traffic concerns from recycling trucks on Peterson Place. She asked that people please sign their letters. The council assured her that none of them had written the letter. • Another resident on Wildflower Place stated that Ordinance 151.059 does not authorize recycling use or recycling vehicles at the maintenance center. The matter was referred to the city attorney. • The City accepted the annual audit presented by Abdo, Eick & Meyers accounting firm. • The Council listened to a presentation by the
Tickborne Disease Task Force. This material is reviewed in this edition via the results of the tick survey and a news article. • The Council voted to amend an existing ordinance that allows golf course golf carts to drive on city streets “a short distance” to now read that motorized golf carts… “and golf course maintenance equipment, including but not limited to ATVs, UTVs and lawn mowing vehicles …. may cross private roads within the city or may travel on the roads.” This was passed after two city council meetings, a special meeting at the golf club, and over the objections of many residents residing on roadways near the
course. At the meeting, one council member said “I don’t care.” • The council is considering purchasing iPads for themselves and staff. It was decided to test one of the products prior to purchasing. • City received a Phase I Gate House Environmental Report and request for an asbestos abatement survey. The latter was approved. • Council approved a conditional use permit allowing Panino’s Restaurant to expand by 2000 feet into the Wine Cellar’s space. • Authorized continued negotiations with the North Oaks Company concerning the city’s plan to ‘take over’ the North Oaks Companies
ownership of their sewer and water systems. • Appointed Dan McDermott to the Natural Resources Commission. • Considered the cost estimates for a left turn lane at Pleasant Lake Road and Highway 96. • Heard a report by the City Administrator that deer removal for 2016 is finished with a count of 97 deer taken. Sixtyfive were trapped and 32 were shot. There were no negative incidents between residents and contractors. A second deer count overflight was held in late February, and the report has a count of 50 remaining. • Council approved a cost of $17,500 to ‘harvest’ weeds from the Pleasant Lake beach area. This
will be conducted later in the year after the weeds begin to grow. • The Council is considering a ‘Brush Pile Pick up day”. Details and date to be determined. • A longtime city employee is retiring. The process of hiring a replacement has been started. An ad has been placed on the city’s website for details. • City summer office hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday. The schedule runs from Monday, April 25 through Friday, September 2016.
North Oaks City Hall Summer Hours City Hall Summer Hours go into effect on Friday, May 27, 2016. Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. to noon. These hours will be in effect until after Labor Day weekend when they will return to normal.
LETTERS Issues with safety, security and noise Residents of Wildflower and Peterson Place NOHOA established a new Maintenance Committee to review the community’s current needs by assessing how the current land and facilities are utilized based on growing population needs including what, when and where maintenance services are needed. The residents of Wildflower Place and Peterson Place asked the NOHOA Board to consider the current issues involving the Maintenance Center in a bigger immediate picture. We are greatly concerned about our security, noise and environmental issues, which have reached epic levels.
Neighbors of the Center have patiently waited and have twice requested a gate. Meanwhile we have tolerated trespassing of walkers/bicyclists coming thru from Turtle Lake Road. Parents on both streets have restricted their kids’ activities (riding bikes, scooters & walking) on Peterson Place during the day due to traffic. We understand the Maintenance Center has been there since 1989 but the current volume of service was not. The population of North Oaks has increased 31 percent since 2000 alone and the services that follow. Roughly 90 percent of the population are within and serviced by NOHOA. Safety, security and
TO THE
noise have now reached unsustainable levels. Safety, security and noise need to be immediately reviewed and considered before any further changes are made to the current Center. Starting with immediately and completely closing the Peterson Place access point. We request consideration to eliminate the rental lease with the City of North Oaks for recycling space. This would allow NOHOA to utilize its own property in a more efficient manner and greatly reduce the noise. Currently, the weekly recycling has increased traffic up to 18 trips per day of truck traffic down Peterson Place – this does not include
EDITOR
Mel’s maintenance traffic. The process the City of North Oaks is using regarding recycling is not up to par and needs to be reviewed in greater depth. We look forward to working with NOHOA for a resolution and hope our fellow residents understand our plight.
Challenges to augmenting White Bear Lake Peter Gove As a board member of Friends of the Mississippi River, I support FMR’s recent commentary on the challenges to augment White Bear Lake. I admire the chair of the White Bear Lake Restoration Association who has worked tirelessly to bring this water policy issue
to the attention of the Legislature and public. It demonstrates our state’s groundwater resources are not unlimited and excessive withdrawals, particularly in smaller watersheds, have consequences. It appears local Legislators are determined to provide state dollars to advance an expensive plan to augment one of Minnesota’s over 10,000 lakes from the Mississippi River. If the 2016 Legislature funds this approach, it should also mandate White Bear Lake and other area communities to change their water supplies from groundwater to the Mississippi River. Municipal wells are one reason White Bear Lake water levels are down.
Also, the two counties and five cities and townships surrounding White Bear Lake should pay for a portion of any augmentation project, given the importance of a vibrant recreational lake to the local economy and quality of life. Property owners around the lake need to pay their fair share as well. If property values are down because of lower lake levels and augmentation restores the lake, property owners will be the primary beneficiaries. They need to pay a share of the project costs, as was the case at Gilfillan Lake in North Oaks, where lakeshore owners funded a connection to the Mississippi River.
North Oaks News Letter to the Editor Guidelines Letters to the editor are limited to 350 words. Statements that cannot be confirmed by the newspaper may be removed, or the writer may be asked to submit proof of their accuracy. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and grammar. Up to two signatures may accompany each letter to the editor, and each must include the telephone number and address of the writer. All letters will be verified.
The North Oaks News will not publish letters to the editor that have been copied from another source and/or mailed out in bulk. It is the intent of North Oaks News staff to publish only letters originating from writers living in North Oaks. An identification line may be added to some letters to help readers identify the writer by title or occupation. The North Oaks News reserves the right not to publish any letter.
Page 6 ~ North Oaks News ~May 2016
Departments fight North Oaks fire together By Sara Marie Moore Shoreview Press Editor NORTH OAKS — Eight fire departments came together April 15 to fight a fire in the 50 block of West Pleasant Lake Road. “The fire occurred in a section of North Oaks without any fire hydrants,” said Tim Boehlke, Lake Johanna Fire Department fire chief. The department, which covers the cities of Arden Hills, North Oaks and Shoreview, called in other fire departments to make sure they would have enough water. Departments that responded came from Lexington, Little Canada, Maplewood, New Brighton, Roseville, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake. The first engine from the Lake Johanna Fire
Q. What are the basics of recycling in North Oaks? A. We separate our recyclables into two categories: 1) paper and cardboard in one recycling bin; 2) metal, glass, plastic, and cartons in another recycling bin. Paper and Cardboard (Please place items in doubled paper bags or in a waterproof container) • Mail and newspapers, including inserts • Magazines, catalogs, and phone books • Office and school papers • Cardboard boxes, including
Department arrived within five minutes of receiving notification through a smoke detector. The fire started in the basement in a mechanical room and spread to the first floor of the house and then to the second floor of the house. “There was a structural floor collapse early,” said Boehlke. “It made it very challenging and dangerous for our firefighters.” The homeowner arrived at the house just seconds before the fire department. A dog was in the house at the time but the homeowner was able to get the dog out. There were no injuries. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Lake Johanna Fire Department and insurance company investigators. – Jackie Bussjaeger Press Publications
A house fire in the 50 block of West Pleasant Lake Road in North Oaks April 15 caused significant damage to a home. A dog was rescued. cereal, cracker, shoe boxes, soda and beer cases (flatten) • Delivery pizza boxes (free of grease only) • Shredded paper (place in a paper bag, staple it closed, and label it "SHREDDED PAPER") • Oatmeal containers • Brown paper bags Metal, Glass, Plastic, Cartons (Give everything a quick rinse! NO FOOD RESIDUE!) • Metal - aluminum, tin, and steel cans; aluminum foil • Glass - glass bottles and jars (remove caps) • Plastic (must be marked with a #1, #2, #4, #5, or #7) - yogurt, butter, and produce containers, transparent deli containers, to-go plastic containers, plastic bottles (milk, water, soda,
shampoo, pill, laundry and dish soap bottle, etc. - caps may be left on) • Cartons - milk, juice, broth, etc. - rinse them and replace the lid. Be sure to place them with your cans and glass recyclables (not with the paper and cardboard). DO NOT RECYCLE (throw in the trash): • Black plastic frozen food trays • Styrofoam • Boxes that are created to go in the fridge or freezer (ex: frozen food boxes). These have a waxy coating on them. • Pizza boxes with food on them • Egg cartons -- styrofoam is trash and the paper egg cartons have been recycled too much and should go in compost or trash
• Mirrors • Incandescent light bulbs • Ceramics • Straws • Broken glass • Plastics marked with #3 or #6 In addition to the above: • Recycling facilities prefer that items are washed and dried and items are tangle-free (no wires, plastic cording, etc.). • Don't put your recycling in plastic bags because it is a huge problem for recycling facilities; instead, place them in recycling containers that are 35 gallons or less in size. • Please take scrap metals to scrap metal dealers - do not include such items with your curbside recycling • Stretch film/plastic can be
recycled with plastic bags (but not at your curbside; they are to be recycled at your local grocery store or other retailer). Recyclable plastic bags include: newspaper sleeves/bags, grocery and retail bags, plastic packaging from non-food items, bread bags, dry cleaning bags, water bottle case wrapping, fresh produce bags, and zipper bags (please cut zipper off first). • You do not need to remove labels before recycling (EXCEPT on prescription pill bottles) For recycling questions answered 24/7, call Ramsey County at 651-633-3279, or visit www.ramseyrecycles.com. Recycling committee
City welcomes all to the bonfire dance and fireworks By Kathy Laur City of North Oaks
– Submitted
Judy Sandgren, along with Katy and Keith Ross, enjoy the bonfire dance in 2014. All are welcome to the bonfire dance and fireworks at the North Oaks Golf Club on June 4, 2016, from 8-11 p.m. For more information, go to www.cityofnorthoaks.com.
CALL US FOR SPRING SPECIAL
City Hall invites all of North Oaks to attend the Bonfire Dance and fireworks at the North Oaks Golf Club on June 4, 2016. This will be the second year that the city has sponsored this event in
conjunction with the community fair. Dance to music by First Class Dances D.J. Company, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and a cash bar. The festivities begin at 8 p.m. and go until 11 p.m. This is a family
friendly event and children are welcome to attend with their parents, make s’mores over the bonfire and watch the fireworks out on the patio. RES Specialty Pyrotechnics will once again provide the fireworks display.
They have done a great job for us in the past and I’m sure you’ve seen their work if you’ve ever been to a Twins game. The last time this event was held was in 2014, and the response was great — even though it rained. This year, fingers
crossed, there will be no rain. So save the date and make it a night at the golf club. City Hall staff look forward to seeing you there. Tickets for the Bonfire Dance can be purchased at the City office in advance for $20 per person
or at the door the night of the event. Children 12 and under are free. If you have any questions, contact City Hall at 651-792-7750 or go to the city website at www. cityofnorthoaks. com for more information.
North Oaks News ~May 2016 ~ Page 7
A Winning Combination!
– By Ritva A. Liiste
North Oaks Network meeting: Mary Kowalski and Kris Kowalski.
New Market on the way a 22,000-square-foot market and centralized kitchen, bakery and catering facilities. The 11th Market for the Kowalskis will include a wine shop, Starbucks and Cooks of Crocus Hill merchandise area. Kris Kowalski, Mary and Jim Kowalski’s daughter, shared architectural drawings of the front of the building, as well as the outline of the Market. The anticipated opening of the new market is Nov. 9, 2016 and tentative business hours are 6 a.m. to midnight. The Kowalskis are anticipating about 100 to 120 jobs in the Market side and 100 in the production side. Submitted
The North Oaks Network meeting on April 4 was a great event. Our guests were three generations of Kowalskis who shared the history of The Kowalski’s Markets and the plans for the opening of the Shoreview Kowalski’s Market and production facilities. We were very impressed by the history of the markets started by Jim and Mary Kowalski in 1983 on Grand Avenue in St.Paul, to the business it is today with 10 Markets and a Cub Foods franchise on Centerville Road and Hwy. 96. We are all eagerly anticipating the opening of their newest market in Shoreview on Hwy. 96. The building will house
set mmer hourshours are
27, City Hall summer Thursday through 4 p.m. Monday These hours m. to noon on Friday. until Sept. 4.
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NOHOA’s ave an interest in NOHOA needs you! nal facilities? If so, to serve on the s looking for residents . This committee nd Recreation Committeeneeds, wants and k at park and recreationthe Board is hoping . To be most effective, every neighborfrom mbers (and family) a age groups. Make into and a variety of and have input community your in ations ence recreation accommod ning for park and 10 years. the next five to
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HomesOfNorthOaks.com 2 2015 Coldwell Banker Burnet. Allll rrights ights gh Reserved. Coldwell Banker Burnet fullyy supports pp th the he principles p pl off the Fair Housing g Act and the Equal q Opportunity pp y Act. Operated A p byy a subsidiaryy of the Fair Housing g Act and the Equal q Opportunity pp y Act. Operated p byy subsidiaryy of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please C disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully. d
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Page 8 ~ North Oaks News ~May 2016
Ancient Roman musical comedy hits Lakeshore stage Opening at Lakeshore Players Theatre later this month is the Tony Award-winning musical, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." The slapstick comedy is full of
energy, wit, and “something for everyone” with catchy tunes and laugh-out-loud lyrics by musical theater legend Stephen Sondheim. Paul Reyburn is directing "A Funny Thing Happened
ASK THE EXPERT DENTAL ADVICE
…" He also directed Big River (2013) and Drood (2014) at Lakeshore Players and is one of White Bear Lake’s favorite directors and muses, with classic vaudeville, desperate lovers and great music. Christopher Teipner of Maplewood is making his Lakeshore Players performance debut in the lead role of Psuedolous, played by Nathan Lane on Broadway. “This is my eighth time playing this part and I absolutely love it,” Teipner said.
He has directed at Lakeshore many times, including this season’s “Young Frankenstein.” Also among the cast is Alan Cloud of White Bear Lake, who plays Erronious. Artistic Director Ben Ratkowski added, “We’ve got some very creative artists on stage, in the orchestra, and behind the scenes. Each person makes this entertaining show even better. I can’t wait to see it with an audience.” Performances are
weekends through May 15, 2016 at Lakeshore Players Theatre, 4820 Stewart Ave. in White Bear Lake. Tickets are $18-$23 and may be reserved in advance with remaining seats sold at the door starting two hours prior to show time. To purchase tickets in advance and select your own seats at no additional charge, go to LakeshorePlayers.org or call 651-429-5674. Submitted
–By Vanessa Brooke Agnes
"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" opens April 21 at Lakeshore Players Theatre.
Question: What is Transformative Dentistry? A: One of the things we frequently witness is how the outcome of cosmetic dentistry positively affects our clients’ emotions and feelings. We call it Transformative Dentistry. A profound and satisfying outcome of Transformative Dentistry is a change in facial expression and mood. When teeth are crowded, dark, chipped and worn, or missing, people often avoid smiling and laughing in a natural and relaxed way. Facial expressions take on a seriousness over a period of time-and that undefinable element that attracts others to us, often expressed in a smile, becomes hidden. The shift from a repressed smile to a naturally attractive one through Transformative Dentistry is often a surprise and sometimes brings tears to our clients’ eyes. They realize that it is about so much more than teeth!
700 Village Center Dr #100, North Oaks, MN 55127 www.drstevegorman.com 651-483-5134
STEVE GORMAN DDS, AAACD
ARE YOU AN EXPERT? We want your advice!
Call or Email Leanne Swanson: (651) 407-1223 • northoaks@presspubs.com
Waverly Garden and Mews residents gather to sing for chapel services By Dick Leonard
A group of enthusiastic 80 year olds and beyond who love the joy of singing gather at Waverly Gardens. Forty voices sing in the Waverly Choir that was organized by Helen Olson, a retired elementary music teacher. The choir performs May and December concerts at Waverly
Gardens and sings for many other events at Presbyterian Homes. Their folders include sacred, spiritual, patriotic and just-forfun songs. You might have seen them last June at the North Oaks Fair. Jim Lienhard, choir member and retired orchestra instructor, occasionally brings out his violin to enhance the music. Accompanist for the choir is Mary Leonard.
– Submitted
Top: Singers from the Waverly Choir. Above: Jim Lienhard plays the violin at Waverly Gardens.
Garden Club holds Great Sunflower Challenge The North Oaks Garden Club is holding a sunflower contest. Bring the sunflower that has been growing all summer to the North Oaks Farm Fest to win a prize. See if you can grow the tallest plant or the largest flower head. Sunflower seeds will be available at the North Oaks Garden Club Plant Sale, Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to noon, 35 Hill Farm Circle. Rules: • only seeds provided by
North Oaks Garden Club can be used • sunflowers must be home grown by a North Oaks resident • entrants agree to have a picture taken with their sunflower entry to be submitted to a future edition of North Oaks News. Judging: entries will be judged at 4:30 p.m. at North Oaks HFHS Farm Fest, Sept. 11. There is a prize for all participants.
Tallest Sunflower Plant The tallest plant will be measured from the soil line to the top of the head. The head will be extended to measure the full height of the plant. Pull the entire plant from the soil or cut off the stem just below the soil line. Leaves are not necessary. Largest Sunflower Head The biggest head will be measured as the diameter of the seed head. Petals will not be measured. Heads can be cut from the stem.
Brush pick up date North Oaks brush pile pickup day will be Friday, May 20, 2016. The City has negotiated a discounted rate with S&S Tree Service but homeowners will be responsible for all costs. Homeowners must contact City Hall
at 651/792-7750 to obtain a form. This form must be signed and will include a statement that if the property owner does not pay S&S for the work that the City can assess the costs on their property taxes.
North Oaks News ~May 2016 ~ Page 9
NOTEWORTHY NOHOA NEWS From the April 7 Board of Directors Meeting: 1. Brian Theis from the Mattamy Corp. presented information and answered questions regarding the closing activities and completion efforts at Charley Lake Preserve. 2. Board President, Bill McNee, presented a report of trash problems and a motion was approved to assess a fine on any person caught dumping trash on NOHOA properties. 3. The Board approved the assigned of a contract with the TA Schifsky Company to rebuild the tennis court at the Lake Estates Park. 4 . Bill McNee presented the results of the evaluation completed by Steel in the Air regarding the cell towers
on NOHOA property. 5. A request from the Parks and Recreation committee to hire a consultant at a price not to exceed $5000, to assess the current youth recreational needs in the community and broader area, was approved. 6. Patrick Blahosky’s application to join the Safety and Security committee, was approved.
Community Fair June 4 Yes, there has been some confusion about the date but the purpose of this article is to clarify that the Great North Oaks Get-Together will be held on Saturday, June 4, at the West Rec Area. Ideas, sponsors, and volunteers are all
welcome! Plans are in place for a 10K run/walk around Pleasant Lake, the parade, a kids’ race around the soccer fields, a carnival with food and games, a resident dog show and more! Come see what is new in 2016 or offer to sponsor an awesome activity. It takes many volunteers to present a successful fair and we need your help! This is a great opportunity for teens needing service hours and it is fun! Please contact the NOHOA office for more information.
Sponsors are needed Sponsors for the Fair are needed! Sponsor a game, an activity or the shirts which bear
the sponsors names. In 2015, there were 14 sponsors for the fair. Help us top that in 2016! Show your support for the community by contacting Michelle about sponsorships today!
Community Garden Plots, Boat Moorings, and Canoe Racks Registration forms for community garden plots, boat moorings and canoe racks are due in the NOHOA office as soon as possible. Registration forms are available on the website and space is limited! Be sure to reply – if you have not already – so you don’t lose your space. Boat mooring and canoe rack usage also requires a copy of the watercraft license be
submitted to the NOHOA office. Rates are $50 for a garden plot, $75 for a canoe rack and $100 for a sailboat mooring.
Now hiring NOHOA is now accepting applications for lifeguards during the summer of 2016. Applications are available through the NOHOA office and on the website.
Member directories
who prefer a paperless format.
Summer camps Registrations are now being accepted for summer camp activities. Next Level Sports offers sports activities for children and Robin Coverdale, Tennis Pro, offers tennis classes for youth and adults. More information is available on the NOHOA website or by stopping by the NOHOA office.
NOHOA Member Directories are now available at the NOHOA office. Help us to reduce our carbon footprint when you stop by to pick up a copy or call us to have one mailed to you. An electronic version is available on the website as well for those members
Registration begins for North Oaks Soccer Club By Scott Larson The North Oaks “Blast” Soccer Club is continuing its success through support of North Oaks families of all ages. As your soccer club, we try and provide an elevated experience that allows competitive local players an opportunity to stay in our community and play at the highest levels. We offer quality coaching, teams and programs for U6-U18 youth players. Our new Junior Blast program has exceeded expectations
and is still offering registration for the Summer League at West Recreation Center for the U6-U8 players, which begins mid-May through July 2016. 2016-2017 tryouts for U9-U18 teams will begin in July 2016. Please visit www.northoakssoccer. org for more information, registration for Jr. Blast, identification/tryout details and links to our social media sites.
–Submitted
Above right: Lower left going clockwise: Blaize Wells, Sienna Roncari, Macallan Murphy, Alex Larson (standing), Ishmaeel Ahmed, Crosby Wells, Ana Koepke (standing). Above left: Owen Lohse sets for his shot in the Jr. Blast Indoor session while Bosch Gubrud, Ida Wynn, Heinrich Rech, and others reload for more dribbling and shooting with other Blast teams training in the background.
We moved — Again! We are back in our Commerce Court location. See our new showroom to design that magical shower enclosure.
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Page 10 ~ North Oaks News ~May 2016
NOHOA NOTES Kimberly Murray Executive Director Benjamin Franklin said, “There are only two things certain in life: death and taxes.” Ruth Ann Minnar (former Governor of Delaware) added a third, “Trash.” NOHOA is dealing with a number of trash problems and is asking for member support with solutions. The first trash problem involves “bulk trash” which is generated by members when cleaning out their garages, basements or as a result of home improvement projects. This trash is often more than the member’s individual trash receptacles can hold. Where does it go?
Individual contractors, hired by members, also create bulk trash. They may bring in a large dumpster, solving the debris problem at the site. But other times, the individual contractor may pile the construction waste (or general trash such as lunch bags and water bottles) in the back of their trucks. Where does this trash go when they clean out their trucks? Another type of trash that is pervasive in North Oaks is generally known as litter. This litter is made up of plastic grocery bags, fast food wrappers, and empty bottles and cans that are seen in ditches, along the roads, in parking lots, on trails and at the beach.
Whether it is bulk trash or litter, the refuse creates a problem. Some members drop their bulk trash at the Maintenance Center which is not set up to handle this type of dumping. Others stuff the trash receptacles at the recreation facilities with their refuse materials, damaging the receptacles or leaving the lids open so that the trash blows out and about. Members and contractors looking to avoid the cost of proper disposal are leaving their trash on NOHOA property, and then NOHOA has to pay for the disposal. Litter dropped along the roads and on NOHOA property must be picked up or it blows onto private property and/or collects in low
areas looking messy. This problem especially comes to light at this time of year when the snow melts, revealing all the crud that has been lying under the snow all winter. At the April 7, 2016 Board of Directors meeting, problems from trash were discussed. The Board determined that members or contractors caught dumping refuse at the Maintenance Center should pay a fine. Fines will start at $300. In future meetings, the Board will be discussing a policy to consider fines for dumping trash on other NOHOA properties in North Oaks.
For safety reasons, no one should be walking, biking, or driving through the Maintenance Center . The Maintenance Center is a work zone. The only people who should be on the site are workers. Anyone else on the site is trespassing. Persons wanting to access Turtle Lake Road should use the trails system to Creekside Lane. Stay away from the Maintenance Center and stay safe!
Maintenance Center is a no-trespassing zone
Thoughts on moving seniors by Kathleen Hoistad For the past nine years, I have been a Move Manager for a senior move management company that has been serving older adults throughout the Twin Cities metro for the past 26 years. It has been a very fascinating chapter in my life. I have learned a great deal about what motivates older adults to make what my fellow Move Managers call, “The Move of a Lifetime,” leaving a family home that they have cherished for up to 50-plus
years. A later life move or any move for that matter can be daunting and incredibly overwhelming. As a result, my goal holds steady with each and every client I serve. It is my intent to lift the stress off of my client’s plate onto mine and coordinate all the details of their move to make their transition positive and leave them 100 percent settled into their new home on move day. If I achieve my goal, they can begin their life anew and not be burdened by room after room of
unpacked boxes. Quite to the contrary, as oftentimes happens, if I call them after move day, they are already out and about meeting new friends and taking part in activities that are now at their fingertips. As I have watched the senior housing industry mushroom during this chapter of my life, I have questioned and patiently listened to the multitude of reasons that prompt such a move. I’ve learned the reasons for this move are often
not negative but often practical. My older adult clients are looking for a more maintenance-free lifestyle, a desire for peace of mind and security and social interaction as well. According to Kourtney Liepelt in “Top Reasons for Moving to a Senior Living Community,” she cites health changes in spouse or partner as attributing to 44 percent of those who decide to make the move. In contrast, an article in Leading Age written by Greg and Evie Hadley “Making the Retirement Community Decision: A Resident’s Perspective” sites a string of positive reasons this later life move can bring and encourages people to make this move sooner rather than later. All I can say is from my experiencing moving hundreds of clients, each person’s reason is unique and I would honestly say,
I have experienced the majority to be positive about their transition. One of the most overwhelming components of my client’s transition is their accumulation of “things.” I assist them in sifting through their treasures and sometimes trash with the goal of downsizing their possessions to fit into their newly chosen residence, which is often of smaller size than their existing home. I have learned the emotions that can be attached to one’s possessions. How do you part with your grandmother’s jewelry or personally hand-painted china? No matter how gently it is laid to rest, and although the kids are long married, it is almost impossible to pass along one’s wedding dress to consignment or charity. My work has prompted
me to declutter my own life, knowing that I don’t want my kids to have to deal with this burden years down the road. The growth of senior housing is happening and we can’t stop it. With this growth, I see newer and more beautiful communities meeting the many demands of each new generation. There are spas, beautiful dining areas, movie theaters and cozy public gathering nooks for all to enjoy. Although I am not sure what my husband and I will choose when we get to that “life place,” I do feel that this role I have held has allowed me to be more prepared emotionally. When that time comes, I will arrive with less clutter than if I had not walked this journey side by side with all of my cherished clients.
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Page 12 ~ North Oaks News ~May 2016
Family Fun Day by Kathy Laur Instead of sledding at the North Oaks Golf Club (lack of snow), the North Oaks Social Club made it a family fun day at the West Recreation Center with s'mores and other fun activities for the kids.
– Submitted – Submitted
The Getsay and Blahosky families enjoying S’mores at the West Recreation Field’s new fire pit.
Morgan Breen and North Oaks resident Faith Ralston's granddaughters Sylvia and Amera enjoying a preseason S’more.
If the Red Barn could talk... By Hill Farm Historical Society Thanks for saving me. I could have been demolished 30 years ago if North Oaks residents had not taken the initiative to preserve me and the Dairy and Blacksmith/Machine Shops. I would have been long gone if North Oaks residents had not created the Hill Farm Historical Society to save us and tell the story of North Oaks Farm importance in the fledging state of Minnesota. The historic site is available to all North Oaks residents. A frequent use is the sizeable number of residents who have family and graduation photos staged at the farm. Has your family used the free HFHS member tickets to enjoy ice cream treats at the Ice Cream Social in June or hot dogs and brats off the grill, soft drinks and beer, milked
a cow, made butter, petted the farm animals, or played games at Farm Fest in September? Unlike the parks and recreation areas owned and maintained by the North Oaks Home Owners’ Association member assessments, the North Oaks Farm historical site on Red Barn Road is owned and maintained by the Hill Farm Historical Society, a 501c3 nonprofit corporation, whose only income is from local residents tax deductible memberships and contributions including items for the Silent Auction. A self-guided tour brochure is available at the dairy building and HFHS group tours are conducted upon request. The North Oaks Garden Club presents its flower sale in May, and they assemble holiday boughs and ribbons for road signs in November. Residents use the site to access the Pleasant Lake trail.
– Submitted
Moo…cho Bucks! In 1989, a life-size replica of James J. Hill’s prize bull, Berkley, Duke of Oxford, greeted residents at the Pleasant Lake Road access with a plea to contribute “Mooo… cho Bucks” to the Hill Farm Historical Society. The community responded and $150,000, the estimated cost to restore the Dairy, Blacksmith/Machine shops and Granary (Red Barn), was contributed. When additional money was needed to complete the restoration of the three buildings, local residents contributed over $200,000. Currently HFHS annual expenses are covered by memberships and additional contributions from North Oaks residents. Your membership is needed. Call Tami McNeil, membership chair, (402-5125).
Many hundreds avail themselves and families of the use of the North Oaks Farm historic site at no cost. How many who use the site are members? How many recognize the importance of the farm’s history? An annual family membership is $35, a life membership is $1,000. As a thank you, family and life members receive two tickets for ice cream treats at the Ice Cream Social, five tickets for food at Farm Fest, and a reduced price for the annual HFHS Spring Dinner held at the North Oaks Golf Club. There is no admission charge to HFHS events offered to residents. HFHS relies on local residents’ memberships and contributions for financial support. To become a member, call Tami McNeil, membership chair, (402-5125).
North Oaks tick survey results By Brooke Moore There was an excellent response to the North Oaks Tick Survey with 745 (44 percent) of households responding (of approximately 1700 potential households). Since moving to North Oaks, one in three (228) of the households that responded have had at least one family member or pet diagnosed with a tick-borne illness.
Although the primary risk for deer (black-legged) tick exposure was living in North Oaks, 47 percent had other risks for tick exposure (visiting a cabin, hunting, hiking, or spending time in the woods, etc). On a scale of 1-5 there was a high level of concern, 4.14, among respondents about the risk of contracting a tickborne illness in North Oaks. Most households
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who reported a diagnosis had one or two family members who’d been diagnosed with a tickborne illness, with a small percentage having three or more family members impacted. There were two peaks in age distribution, ages 5-15 and ages 4065. Most residents were diagnosed with Lyme disease; however several were also diagnosed with Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and one with Ehrlichiosis. The rates of diagnosis have increased dramatically over the last 20 years, doubling when you compare the 2006-2010 to 2011-2015 time frames (for both humans
and pets). To some degree this fits with trends seen throughout Minnesota and the U.S. Although based on Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) data, incidence rates in North Oaks are two to five times higher than the immediate surrounding communities (Vadnais Heights, Shoreview, White Bear Lake, and Hugo/ Centerville). Treatment was primarily based on symptoms, but also on positive blood tests and embedded ticks without symptoms. The MDH and CDC both recommend early treatment if symptoms are present
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and there is known tick exposure. Blood tests may be negative within the first 2-3 weeks of illness and a blood test is not required for diagnosis of early Lyme disease. On average $820 (range $0-$15,000) was spent on prevention, and $1720 (range $0-$55,000) on treatment. For those with a diagnosis, nearly half reported significant impact on quality of life (86/194). The distribution of cases within North Oaks has spread since the early 1990s when North Oaks was first studied by the MDH. In the early 1990s, most cases of Lyme disease were near Hawk Lane (Zone 2 on the survey map). MDH data for reported cases of Lyme from 2010-2014 extends that area to the northwest, west, and southeast
of Hawk Lane (Zones 11, 5, 2, 6, and 1B). Our survey suggests a similar distribution (Zones 11, 5, 2, 6, 1B, 1A, and 7), yet there were several households in the newer, less wooded portions of North Oaks (Zones 8, 9, 4), that reported having been diagnosed with a tickborne illness. The data collected is invaluable as we implement a multi-tier tick reduction strategy. Continue to watch North Oaks News, NOHOA email blasts, and the NOHOA and NO Facebook pages for information. The city of NO is adding information to the “For Residents” section of its website as well, under Tick Task Force.
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Page 14 ~ North Oaks News ~May 2016
County parks get prescribed burn Ramsey County Parks & Recreation will again conduct prescribed burns of some county-owned prairies and woodlands this spring. Burns are planned to run through June. Specific dates and times of the burns are dependent on weather and wind conditions and generally cannot be determined more than one day in advance. Whenever possible, burn information will be shared on ramseycounty.us/parks and the Ramsey County Parks & Recreation Twitter (@
RamseyCtyParks) and Facebook pages. Staff work carefully to manage smoke conditions while conducting burns, however, some residents may smell smoke. The scheduled burns for 2016 range in size from under an acre to over 70 acres. Locations planned for 2016 include: • Long Lake Regional Park • Otter Lake Regional Park • Battle Creek Regional Park • Rice Creek Regional Park • Tony Schmidt Regional Park
• Fish Creek Open Space Experienced county staff and contractors conduct the burns. A burn plan is written and followed for each site that includes necessary permits, safety equipment and weather requirements. Prescribed burns are controlled fires that are used to improve the growth of native vegetation, including shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. The fires help control weeds and other undesirable plants. Fire is a natural process that helped form prairies and woodlands,
and controlled burns mimic that process under safe conditions. Each burn location is surrounded by trails or mowed firebreaks to contain the fire. Some burns may not take place if wind and weather conditions are not met during the scheduled time frame. Contact: Alisha Seifert – Communications Associate 651-363-3782 – Submitted
Monthly Social Club By Kathy Laur The North Oaks Social Club got together at the home of Anne Otte for the monthly gathering of Food and Friends. This monthly event is for the women of Social
Club held at various homes throughout North Oaks. It always includes a meal and wine. Anyone living in North Oaks is welcome to attend an event or two before deciding to become a part of the Social Club.
State archery meet results for WBHS By Jon Cotner Archers from the White Bear Lake Archery Team competed in the Minnesota State NASP Tournament. The event was held on April 1 and 2 in Bemidji. The WBL Archery Team came out of the tournament ranked 8th in the state with many archers from the team reaching personal best scores over
middle, and high school the weekend. Senior shooters for a job well Calvin Denker (pictured, done in Bemidji. center on podium) was the top high school male archer for 2016 with a score of 293/300. Up and coming ninth graders Stella Cotner and Jacob Spring also did well, placing 12th and 19th in their respective high school gender division. – Submitted Congratulations to all of Senior Calvin Denker was the WBL elementary, the top male archer.
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Above left: Beth Fruehling and Laren Kavan. Above middle: Loveleen Bedi and Kara Ries. Above right: New to North Oaks and Social Club Natalie Droel with Sarah Zurbay.
Children’s Hospital – From page 1 Arena on Hwy. 96 and Victoria in Shoreview. What kinds of donations should you bring over to the West Rec on May 14? Almost anything that you would be willing to pass on to a friend will find a buyer at the rummage sale. The guild has great success selling all of the following items: clothing, shoes, fashion accessories and jewelry, books, CDs and DVDs, household, kitchen, dining and décor items including linens, collectibles and antiques, furniture, lamps, and paintings, bicycles and sporting goods, toys, games and baby equipment, seasonal décor and craft supplies, yard/garden and pet items, tools, flat screen TVs, laptop computers and audio equipment, and much, much more. There are a few items that the guild CANNOT accept as they can’t be sold: large appliances, older TVs (newer flat screens accepted), building materials, cribs, car seats, combustibles, older computers & components (newer
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laptops accepted), encyclopedias, mattresses and sofa beds, metal desks and metal file cabinets, microwave ovens, ski equipment and large exercise equipment, tires. Don’t be offended if drop-off volunteers refuse an item. If the guild can't sell it or pass it on, they must pay disposal fees so please donate items that are in a sellable condition. The guild hopes that their efforts along with your fabulous donations
rummage sale. As always, the guild warmly thanks all of the residents who contribute to the rummage sale as their success strongly depends on your contributions! To volunteer to help in spring or fall, contact Mary Warren at srmaryfrances@msn.com or 651-291-1452. For more information, visit www. northoaksrummagesale. org or email or phone any of the following: northoaksrummagesale@
RUMMAGE SALE SPRING DONATION DROP-OFF DAY IS MAY 14 What: When: Where:
North Oaks Children’s Hospital Association Guild II Rummage Sale drop-off Saturday, May 14, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. North Oaks West Rec Center
Drop-off unneeded and unwanted gently used treasures for the big September Rummage Sale contribute many dollars to the wonderful programs at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. An additional donation collection will be conducted in September, one week prior to the
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North Oaks News ~May 2016 ~ Page 15
Garden Club – From page 1
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– Submitted
does our community. If you are looking for peonies, this is the year to attend our sale. We have peonies donated from three different gardens so the selection is absolutely wonderful. Our experienced gardeners will be on hand to help you make good decisions when selecting plants for that special container, or to answer questions you might have. Our best advice is to shop early for the best selection. New for 2016: the Great Sunflower Challenge! The Garden Club will have free sunflower seeds available for residents to take home and plant. All participants who bring their results to the HFHS Farm Fest on Sept. 11 will receive prizes with two larger prizes for tallest and biggest flower. More information is available
at www.nogardenclub. com. As always, there will be a potting bench for children to plant a free flower. There will also be a seedling program sponsored by the Natural Resources Committee giving out free seedlings to North Oaks residents. Make it a family event! The North Oaks Garden Club is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. Proceeds from the annual Pre-Sale Order Form and Plant Sale support community projects in and around North Oaks, including new landscaping at the West Rec Center, benches on trails, entrance plantings, Mary Hill Park and Pleasant Lake beach improvements, Southpointe garden and trees, holiday signpost decorations, and many other community projects.
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2015 Coldwell Banker Burnet. All rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Burnet fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully.
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Welcome to the Community By Dick Leonard Chris Allen has started a new business, Northern Stars Home Care, which provides services to those in need of companionship and services. She has
years of experience taking care of family members and working for a service provider that offers invaluable service to those in need. Congratulations, Chris.
Christine Allen
Spring Promises New Possibilities As a myriad of flowers and limitless shades of green return to Minnesota landscapes, we invite your family to consider joining the Club. Explore the benefits of social or golf membership. Visit NorthOaksGolfClub.com Contact Kay 651.484.9627 | Kay@NorthOaksGolfClub.com Joel 651.484.6311 | Joel@NorthOaksGolfClub.com
Miss a month? Miss a lot. Get caught up at: www.presspubs.com/north_oaks/
Page 16 ~ North Oaks News ~May 2016
List of summer nannies and babysitters The North Oaks Social Club keeps a list of babysitters in North Oaks. If you have a son or daughter interested in being a nanny for the summer for a North Oaks family, or have a child who would like to be included on the NOSC babysitter
list please contact Debbie Breen at jdbreen123@ msn.com. Social Club is currently compiling a list for qualified sitters. Many requests are made for nannies during the summer. This is a great job for college students home for the summer.
Say goodbye to longtime teacher Kirsten Blaseck Please join us in celebrating Laurie Lukoskie’s retirement from North Oaks Preschool. After 25 years of teaching our community
preschoolers, she is off to enjoy the adventure of retirement. All current and past students and families are invited to come to an open house honoring Mrs. Lukoskie at the West Rec Center on Sunday, May 22 from 3-5 p.m. Stop by for some cake and a chance to thank Mrs. Lukoskie for the many years of service to our community!
Sunday Worship Worship Services Sunday Services 8:45 am am ~~ 10:05 10:05 am 8:45 am *10:45 am am ~ *6:00 *6:00 pm *10:45 pm *Contemporary
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Nursery care available during all services Nursery care available during all services
Check the website Children, SPARK Sunday (3 yrsfor- 4th grade) during morning worship Youth, Adult and Family Check the website for
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