Local family publishes book about outrageous dad-daughter adventures

• Tesha M. Christensen Guest Writer
• Apr 27, 2018

Got a silly dad in your life? Pick up a copy of “Adventures with Dad” by Connie DeFlorin of Harris to relive those fun moments.
Connie collaborated with her husband, Dave DeFlorin, and mother-in-law, Peggy DeFlorin of Harris, to preserve the memories of her youngest daughter’s childhood.
But these outrageous adventures will appeal to everyone.
“I think other people will see their dads in this book,” remarked Peggy. “Sometimes it’s good to be silly.”
From spaghetti on the ceiling to a mousetrap stuck on a nose, this book tells five true stories of dad and daughter adventures.
“Everyone that knows my husband has a ‘Dave story,’” commented Connie. “The longer I have been married to him the more ‘Dave stories’ I have collected. He continues to make me laugh with how he parents Athena. It is with so much love, laughter and total ridiculousness that I wanted to tell that story.”
The owner of Connie D. Photography, Connie wouldn’t label herself a writer but a photographer.
“I usually express myself through photos, but I had a story to tell,” she said. Connie began the book over a year ago, and pulled in the help of a couple friends who are editors to help polish the text.
The story started out on scraps of paper, morphed into a notebook, and then went to Peggy for illustrations before Connie finally began the layout on her computer.
“I think being a family project was the most rewarding part of this,” observed Connie about the self-published story. “My husband is so quick with rhymes. I would get the story down generally and he would rhyme it for me. Of course, sometimes he would make it totally ridiculous and we would have to re-do it.”
Although Athena and her dad are the focus of this book, Connie’s other two kids Ella and Mason had a role, as well. “They added their input, and have laughed along the way with us,” said Connie.
She always wanted to illustrate a book
Peggy DeFlorin of Harris always wanted to illustrate a children’s book. She’s been making her own greeting cards for years, entertaining family and friends with her humorous and whimsical drawings.
“My mother-in-law is so completely talented. I just knew she was the person that should illustrate the book!” stated Connie. “I’m so unbelievably grateful that she did.”
Despite Connie’s faith in her, Peggy wasn’t initially sure how to begin this project, concerned about how to create images from someone else’s head. But inspired by both her sons to do this for Athena, she set down with her colored pencils.
Soon she found herself completely engrossed in her work.
“This is something Athena will have when I’m gone,” remarked Peggy. “That’s the most important thing to me.”
Peggy and her granddaughter Athena share a love of fairies. They grow a fairy garden each year, and spend time writing letters to fairies. And so, as she was drawing the illustrations for this book, Peggy inserted a fairy on each page. It was part of her focus on the backgrounds, where she put special things for kids to discover as they flip through the book.
As a mother, Peggy has enjoyed watching her son parent. When he was a kid, she never knew what to expect, and it’s the same today.
Dave asks for her advice when making elaborate birthday cakes for his family members, and she’s helped make costumes for Cave Man Night and Spaghetti Night.
What happens on Spaghetti Night is one of the Dad Adventures featured in the book. Peggy, herself, shows up in Dad Adventure number one: sock finding.
Cooking with dad is ‘pretty fun’
Athena, age 7 and a second grader at Forest View Elementary in Forest Lake, remembers one day when she looked everywhere for her sock and couldn’t find it. She told her dad.
“He cut the sock in two,” recalled Athena. “I was actually really surprised!”

But she put a half on both of her feet, and they headed off to Grandma Peggy’s. Grandma just shook her head -- and repaired the sock.
Another tale in the book centers on Spaghetti Night at the DeFlorin house. “Cooking with my dad is pretty fun,” remarked Athena.
Dad taught her that the secret to knowing when noodles are done is to throw them on the ceiling. “We still have spaghetti stuck on the ceiling!” said Athena.
The way dad and daughter listen to their music is the topic of Dad Adventure number five. “I like heavy metal like Slayer,” commented Athena. “I also like Kids Bop 33, Kesha and stars. I read about stars a lot. And I also love mermaids.”
She was thrilled one day when someone came up to her and asked for her autograph on a copy of “Adventures with Dad.” Plus, she loves the bookmarks they had printed with the books. Athena noted that her mom is thinking about writing another book about their wacky adventures, and hopes she does. “Just cause I like these books,” Athena explained.
He has more jokes up his sleeve
The family has plenty of Dave stories to tell, in part because Dave loves showing new things to his daughter. He believes that the more experiences a child has, the better equipped they are as adults. “We’ve done all sorts of stuff together,” he remarked. “We’re always having fun.”
Plus, they do a lot of joking around.
When others read about their adventures together, Dave hopes it inspires them. “I hope that they laugh and maybe they make up stories themselves with their own kids,” he said.
The DeFlorins hope to share this book with everyone. “We are hoping if it is successful to put some money away for Athena’s college tuition, but in the end doing this book for Athena to have made us the most happy!” remarked Connie.
The book is available on Amazon for $12.95. For more information, call 320-358-0919 or email conniedeflorin@yahoo.com.

This article appeared in the April 25, 2018 Isanti County News.

Local family writes about ‘Adventures with Dad’

by Tesha M. Christensen

The DeFlorin family of Harris all lent a hand to produce “Adventures with Dad.” Left to right: Ella, Connie, Dave, Athena and Mason.
Photo Provided

Got a silly dad in your life? Pick up a copy of “Adventures with Dad” by Connie DeFlorin of Harris to relive those fun moments.

Connie collaborated with her husband, Dave DeFlorin, and mother-in-law, Peggy DeFlorin of Harris, to preserve the memories of her youngest daughter’s childhood.  

But these outrageous adventures will appeal to everyone.

“I think other people will see their dads in this book,” remarked Peggy. “Sometimes it’s good to be silly.”

From spaghetti on the ceiling to a mousetrap stuck on a nose, this book tells five true stories of dad and daughter adventures.

“Everyone that knows my husband has a ‘Dave story,’” commented Connie. “The longer I have been married to him the more ‘Dave stories’ I have collected. He continues to make me laugh with how he parents Athena. It is with so much love, laughter and total ridiculousness that I wanted to tell that story.”

The owner of Connie D. Photography, Connie wouldn’t label herself a writer but a photographer.

“I usually express myself through photos, but I had a story to tell,” she said. Connie began the book over a year ago, and pulled in the help of a couple friends who are editors to help polish the text.

The DeFlorins hope to share this book with everyone. The book is available on Amazon for $12.95. For more information, call 320-358-0919 or email conniedeflorin@yahoo.com.

Article appeared in the April 19, 2018 Pine City Pioneer.

TCGIS likely to tear down former St. Andrew’s Church

The church closed in 2011, and the building has been used by the school since 2013 as an auditorium and gymnasium

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
The Twin Cities German Immersion School (TCGIS) is likely to tear down the former St. Andrew church building and replace it with a new addition.
Photo left: The former church building needs at least $1.2 million in repairs and upgrades, including a new roof, boiler, windows, doors, insulation, and tuck-pointing. (Photo submitted)
The school has been evaluating solutions to its space needs for about a year as it realized it was outgrowing the buildings on site.
When the school moved to 1031 Como Ave. in 2013, it added a building to connect the existing classrooms and church, and converted the former church sanctuary into a multi-purpose gym and auditorium. The updated space is referred to as Aula or the auditorium.
However, a study of various alternatives concluded that replacing the 1927 Aula with a new, three-level structure is more cost effective than retrofitting the existing Byzantine-Romanesque structure. That building needs at least $1.2 million in repairs and upgrades, including a new roof, boiler, windows, doors, insulation, and tuck-pointing.
The school’s facilities task force also explored the possibilities of renting space across the street in the long-term and acquiring the Mission Orthodox Presbyterian church property, neither of which proved possible. Members also studied moving into other school buildings.
Loss of Aula ‘not taken lightly’
Although she says she will miss the Aula, TCGIS school parent Linda Alhaus says that the removal of the Aula to construct a new building designed explicitly for TCGIS students seems to be the most logical option.
Illustration right: A very preliminary sketch of the possible expanded Twin Cities German Immersion School campus. (Graphic submitted)
“The loss of the Aula is not taken lightly,” remarked Alhaus, who lives in Minneapolis. “I love that building and have many pictures of my children in front of it. I’m slowly coming around to the idea that spending over a million dollars in the next couple of years to save a building that is not energy efficient doesn’t make sense.”
She added, “Adding a third layer in that footprint is a better option than giving up treasured outdoor space.”
School leaders began meeting with potential contractors in March and intend to lock in plans within a month, begin construction in summer 2019, and finish by the end of that year.
At an estimated $4 million, the new addition will have about 23,000 square feet on three levels, and would offer space designed specifically as a gymnasium and cafeteria. It also is likely to add eight classrooms and additional office space.
The plan does not significantly increase the existing building footprint.
According to the District 10 website, plans initially included purchasing the single-family house at 1042 Van Slyke, tearing it down, and using the lot for “outdoor space” or additional off-street parking. Facility Chair Nic Ludwig, the parent of two TCGIS students and a seven-year resident of the neighborhood, told District 10 on March 28 that the school has since cancelled that contingent purchase agreement.
Photo left: The preliminary plan also called for replacing a parking lot with possible green space. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
The plan also included examining the possibility of using the Como Pool parking lot for staff parking. The pool option would need city approval, but could reduce the need for parking lots adjacent to the school and nearby homes.
After District 10 posted the plans to their Facebook page, a discussion began with opinions ranging from a desire to keep the old church building to a recognition that the school needs more space.
“I understand the local community appreciates the beauty of the building, as do I,” said Alhaus. “We are a public school, with a public school budget, so we have to be mindful of making smart financial decisions. Our utmost priority is educating students and making decisions that are in the best interest of these students.”
School over capacity
Now in its fifth year on the Como Ave. site, TCGIS is experiencing its first year of being over its designed capacity, according to TCGIS Executive Director Ted Anderson.
The Como Ave. site was built for 23 individual class sections and 560 pupils. This year, the school has 24 class sections and more than 525 pupils. TCGIS projects enrollment to top out between 615 and 630 in the next three to four years.
The tuition-free, K-8 German Immersion School opened its doors in the fall of 2005, and moved its 370 students to the former St. Andrew’s church and parochial site in 2013. The St. Paul parish had closed in 2011, and its convent and rectory were demolished.
“Our need is to create space for both current programs and a very defined increase in enrollment—from our current level of roughly 550 to our projected capacity of 615-630,” said Anderson. “We are not adding any grade levels.”
TCGIS intends to add three additional sections in grades 6-8, but the school is not expanding beyond three classes per grade. Nearly all of the new students at TCGIS are kindergarteners.
Anderson says the growth is primarily the result of unusually high retention rates; in other words, once families enroll in the school, they don’t leave.
TCGIS is a public school, but it is not part of St. Paul Public Schools.
“While TCGIS serves students from throughout the Twin Cities, around 250 are St. Paul residents. Add Falcon Heights and Roseville and over 300 of our kids come from pretty close by,” pointed out Ludwig. “Around 130 kids are from Minneapolis.”
Upcoming meetings planned
“As they consider how to accommodate the growing number of interested students,” said Ward 5 Council Member Amy Brendmoen (photo left provided), who lives nearby, “we must work together and wade through the complex issues involved. I’ll be listening and working closely with my neighbors and members of the school community to help find a mutually beneficial solution.”
Her office has received calls from citizens regarding the proposal to tear down the church.
“In addition to concern about the loss of the church building, there are concerns about growth in the school including noise and increased car traffic during drop-off and pick-up times,” she pointed out.
District 10 Community Council’s Land Use Committee anticipated hearing about the project at its Wed., May 2, 7pm meeting. Check the District 10 website for further details.
“I believe we can find a mutually beneficial solution to the school’s space needs if both neighbors and the school are willing to work together,” stated Brendmoen.

Hamline-Midway mom writes a book on homeschooling

‘Homeschoolers Are Not Hermits’ supports families as they make the transition from conventional schooling

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
Hamline-Midway resident Kathy Oaks (photo right provided) has just released a book to help new homeschoolers get started.
Oaks wrote “Homeschoolers Are Not Hermits” to support families as they make the transition from conventional schooling to something completely different, bringing fun, mindfulness, and flexibility to the adventure of homeschooling.
“Homeschoolers Are Not Hermits” includes the history of both homeschooling and compulsory schooling, how to talk to naysaying relatives, how to keep your patience, how to make learning fun, and why homeschoolers generally are not hermits and are not worried about the “socialization” question. It also includes things like covering sex ed, finding free or inexpensive resources, and why many colleges like homeschooled students.
Oaks uses an informal and easy-to-read style as she shares about the educational format she knows so well.
One of her best friends at university was homeschooled, so Oaks started out with a good impression of homeschooling. When her oldest son was a baby, Oaks read lots of books on child development.
“Then I read John Taylor Gatto’s ‘Dumbing Us Down’ essay, based on the speech he gave for his New York City Teacher of the Year award. That made me think very differently about the education I had received, especially since my husband and I were both overachievers in school,” commented Oaks.
“The more I read, the more I felt that homeschooling was the way I wanted to go.”
What they enjoy about homeschooling
Oaks moved into the neighborhood in 2006 to be near Hamline University, since her husband teaches chemistry there. In 2011, she earned the Neighborhood Honor Roll Helping Hands award for hosting the Hamline-Midway Barter Market for several years.
The family has grown to three children, and all are homeschooled: Michael age 14, Benjamin age 11, and Simon age 6.
“I most enjoy watching the kids learning with gusto, choosing their interests, and being motivated to learn all about them,” remarked Oaks.
“I can learn at my own pace, as fast or as slow as I want, and don’t have to get up early to go to school,” said Michael. “There is more time to do other fun stuff like playing piano and doing things with my homeschool groups like book arts, board games, and woodworking.”
“It gives me time to do what I want with who I want,” stated Benjamin. “I can learn about Greek mythology or the Crusades whenever I want to.”
Simon said his favorite thing is all the good books. He enjoys being able to do electronics in kindergarten, and he loves being able to take road trips when other kids are in school.
Each of the kids sees homeschool fitting them as students in different ways. For Michael, it’s having a really small math class where he feels comfortable asking and answering complicated questions. Benjamin appreciates being able to learn at his own pace and deciding what alleys of learning to go down, such as the Punic Wars, and finding YouTube channels that actually make the Punic Wars interesting.
Tips for those starting out
Oaks offers these tips to families just starting out as homeschoolers:
• Relax. Do your best and don’t stress about it.
• Trust yourself and your kids. If you feel homeschooling will be best for your family, don’t let naysayers stop you.
• Don’t try to recreate school at home. Instead, create together what will be the best way to learn for your family.
• Keep your long-term goals in mind. What kind of people do you want your kids to be and what kind of relationship do you want to have with them?
• Be flexible. Things often don’t go the way we expect them to, and kids grow and change. Being ready to change with them will help.
• Look for help. Join groups online and find local groups that suit you. Veteran homeschoolers are happy to offer advice. The Homeschool Adventures site is a great place to start—HSAdventures.org.
Oaks has volunteered for several years with Homeschool Adventures, a homeschool support group that offers information on group activities and events, plus field trips and homeschool groups. She also helps organize classes for homeschoolers, including chemistry labs taught by her husband Tom Anderson and math classes taught by Judy O’Neill.
Misconceptions
The biggest misconception out there about homeschoolers, according to Oaks, is that homeschoolers are hermits, doing school-at-home, and sitting around for eight hours at desks with nobody else to talk to or play with. That’s not what it actually looks like, she said.
“We take classes, both with other homeschoolers and those that are open to anyone,” remarked Oaks. “We go on field trips and take museum tours and have playgroups. Our two oldest boys have been involved in theater productions for the past two years with our secular homeschool co-op, Planet Homeschool.”
Another big misconception is that people homeschool only for religious reasons. “Plenty of people homeschool for educational reasons, health reasons, even social and emotional reasons,” explained Oaks. “The homeschool community is seeing more and more people who are pulling one child out of school because school just isn’t working for that child, even when it’s working fine for the siblings.”
School on the road
Kathy Oaks and family are among those who enjoy schooling on the go, commonly called “roadschooling,” and Oaks recently presented a workshop on roadschooling during the Minnesota Homeschoolers Alliance annual convention.
Oaks learned to love travel with her parents, who owned a VW camper van and took the family camping all over the United States. They also lived abroad when her parents took sabbatical leaves from university.
“I had a great time taking road trips as a young adult, but was very intimidated to take small kids on the road,” admitted Oaks. “It was my mother who proposed a road trip with just me and the boys (we had two at the time), and showed me that it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be.”
The family has been taking road trips every year since then, at least one and sometimes two.
Photo right: Kathy Oaks and her family at the Grand Canyon National Park. (l to r) Kathy Oaks, Tom Anderson, Simon, Benjamin, and Michael Anderson Oaks. They enjoy roadschooling throughout the country. (Photo submitted)
“My best tip is not to overdo it,” recommended Oaks. “Lots of people think about road trips and imagine 12-hour days and screaming kids.
We often stop, checking out free rest areas, visitor information spots, and parks. We also stop early, only driving 250-350 miles a day, and get a hotel with a pool or a camping spot with hiking available.”
The family takes advantage of their science museum membership, which gets them into other museums all over the country. “Last year we also made sure to get our fourth grader his free National Parks pass from everykidinapark.gov and took two trips to the four corners states to see 17 national parks and monuments,” said Oaks. “We were determined to get every ounce of value out of that card!”
Simon likes listening to music on trips, sleeping in different beds in hotel rooms, and trying new foods.
Benjamin observed, “It gives me the opportunity to see what life is like in other environments.”
Michael agreed. “I like discovering all kinds of interesting places that I didn’t know existed until we went there,” he said.
Book available on Kindle
Oaks’ book is currently available on Kindle and will be available in paperback by mid-May. A free homeschooling resource kit for new homeschoolers, including road trip resources, is available online with every purchase. It includes her roadschooling talk transcript and video, plus car trip activities, a packing list, and a camping packing list.
More at HomeschoolersNotHermits.com/book.
Next up for Oaks will be the “Homeschoolers Are Not Hermits Online Resource Guide,” a compilation of the family’s favorite websites, YouTube channels, games, learning activities, and resources such as the science museum membership benefits, educator discounts, and the Every Kid In A Park pass.

Midway-based AuSM works to improve lives in Minnesota

Autism Society of Minnesota offers education, support groups, events, convention, and more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
Under the helm of a new director, the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) is working to improve the lives of those on the spectrum and educate those around them.
Based at 2380 Wycliff St., AuSM was started by parents as a grassroots organization in 1971. The initial goals were to make sure their kids were understood and recognized in school and all facets of the community.
Today, that’s expanded to represent a broad spectrum and a wide age range. In addition to providing education to parents, AuSM is also committed to connecting people to strategize about autism. Classes are offered for parents, teachers, emergency responders, doctors, business owners, community members and more. Last year, 2,200 people were trained by AuSM.
“We have a very broad and rich diversion of services,” stated AuSM Executive Director Ellie Wilson (photo right provided). “We want to be there for families, but we also want to be out there changing the landscape.”
“It’s a great organization and why I’m trying to give back as a board member,” stated Paul D’Arco, who has a son with autism.
Why work in this field?
Thirteen years ago, Wilson worked as a camp counselor at Camp Knutson in Cross Lake, MN. When the camp for kids with autism began, “it was a like a light bulb went off,” recalled Wilson. “Everything has been about autism since that day.”
She has considered going to medical school like her parents but changed her career plans to focus on autism, disabilities, and public health, learning everything she could about this disorder. As the pieces began to fit together, she realized her place belonged in advocacy work so that she could focus on the big picture.
Wilson was hired as the Executive Director of the Autism Society of Minnesota in October 2017.
“It’s been an incredible privilege for me,” she said.
What is autism anyway?
“Autism is what we call a developmental disability,” observed Wilson. “You have it from the time you are born, and it affects how your brain develops.”
She added, “All of us develop a little differently anyway. What seems to happen with autism is that development has even more variation.”
Differences show up in how people process information and what their perceptions are.
“Because of these differences, we see differences in behavior, specifically how people contribute and how they interact socially,” said Wilson.
Photo left: Over 1,000 people attended the Steps of Hope for Autism in Minnesota 2018 fundraising walk held at Southdale Center in March 2018. The free event is also a resource fair. (Photo submitted)
April is National Autism Month. Autism is estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 68 individuals, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Autism is five times more prevalent in boys than in girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of a child having autism.
Autism is a “spectrum disorder,” which means that characteristics and level of support needed are unique to each autistic individual.
While more boys than girls are diagnosed with autism, that doesn’t necessarily mean that fewer girls are affected, observed Wilson. In fact, it could be that girls are exhibiting the same signs, but because of what society expects girls to be (more shy, for example), it doesn’t send up the same flags as with little boys who are supposed to be boisterous.
“Cultural biases are affecting the pattern,” said Wilson.
Misconceptions
One of the oldest myths out there about autism is that people on the spectrum aren’t interested in social interactions and prefer isolation, pointed out Wilson.
“I have never known anything to be less true,” stated Wilson. “It’s more like wanting to play a game, but not necessarily being able to understand the rules.”
She pointed out that the behavior of those who aren’t on the spectrum is dictated by social conventions that develop early. Children have a natural instinct to mimic others. Kids and adults on the autism spectrum can’t do that.
“Everyone I know with autism wants relationships, wants to be successful,” said Wilson. “But it’s like they’re not reading the same playbook sometimes.”
Another misconception about the disorder is that everybody needs to present the same way.
AuSM is working to promote more acceptance of the “neurodiversity” in people, or the idea that not everybody is the same.
“We all think and process in a different way. That’s ok,” said Wilson. “And often, that’s good.”
In some ways, autism can be an invisible disorder, pointed out D’Arco. His son has no real visible disability, so they’ve experienced some misunderstandings and negative comments by others.
D’Arco thinks that sometimes others don’t give his son the opportunity or stretch him to the extent he could go because of his autism.
“It’s really our job as parents, and his as he self-advocates, to give him opportunities,” stated D’Arco.
He hopes that other people focus more on what his son can do rather than his disability.
What sets AuSM apart?
AuSM works to support people with autism throughout their lifespan. Many get diagnosed these days when they are between 3-5 years old, and many programs focus on early intervention and support up through age 20. There are fewer programs available as a person with autism ages.
“Adults on the spectrum have existed forever, but we just haven’t paid attention until now,” observed Wilson.
However, sometimes they go undiagnosed, and their issues aren’t recognized by co-workers or families. “Employment issues are quite complex,” pointed out Wilson. Workers with autism have a lot of intellect, perspective, and skills valuable to employers, but because of social differences can find it hard to get and keep a job.
Among the AuSM programs offered are support groups for those with autism, as well as caregivers and parents.
AuSM provides a community for those on the spectrum. They organize a Dakota County Book Club, Monthly Birthday Celebration and Game Night, Skillshops Tailored for Adults on the Spectrum, and Art On the Town. Other sponsored activities include Minnesota Zoo Classes for Adults with Autism, Advanced Filmmaking with Film North, ComedySportz Improv excursions, On the Town Adventures, and more.
“We’re committed to being a good resource for people across the state,” observed Wilson.
Photo right: St. Paul Police Department members attend an autism training event led by AuSM in February 2018. (Photo submitted)
AuSM is not a traditional service provider and doesn’t focus on offering behavior or speech therapy. The organization does offer a small mental health department to facilitate things like support groups and to help people understand a diagnosis. But mostly AuSM helps connect folks to the many service providers in the state and isn’t attached to one provider. Because of that, when they receive a call, “we’re attuned to listening to individual needs,” said Wilson, and providing a recommendation based on those.
What does AuSM offer?
There’s so much on the website (ausm.org) that some find it hard to navigate. Wilson encourages people to look under the Who Are You tab to tailor information to their needs. Or, give the office a call 651-647-1083.
“We’re really a catch-all,” said Wilson.
AuSM hosts an annual walk, The Steps of Hope, on the first Sunday of each March. Over 1,000 people attended the indoor walk this past year. This free event is also a resource fair.
Their largest annual event is the Minnesota Autism Conference, now in its 23rd year. Set for Apr. 25-28, this year’s conference features four keynote speakers, 35 breakout sessions, exhibitors, and the AuSM Bookstore.
New this year is Julia’s AuSM Autism Celebration on Apr. 25, 3:30-5:30pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis Park Place. All families are invited to meet Julia, Sesame Street’s new character with autism, and to participate in lots of sensory-friendly activities offered by many organizations in the Twin Cities, including TPT, Walker Art Center, Children’s Theatre Company, Children’s Minnesota, and more.
This year, AuSM is offering nine sessions of summer camp at three different locations for students as young as seven and as old as 40. About 300 people experience camp sessions each summer. Some are overnight experiences while others are day camps.
In 1995, D’Arco’s son Tony was diagnosed with autism. One of the first things he and his wife did was attend the AuSM annual convention. “It was a tremendous first step in dealing with autism,” observed D’Arco.

Photo left: AuSM Board Vice President Paul D’Arco (second from left) with others at an AuSM event. He praises AuSM for the life-changing experiences the organization offered his family. D’Arco’s son, Tony, was diagnosed with autism at age three, and the first thing his and wife Sharon did was attend the AuSM annual convention. (Photo submitted)
When Tony was about eight, he began attending summer camp in Cross Lake and continued that until about age 19.
“For him, it was the opportunity to have the traditional camp experience that any typical kid would have,” said D’Arco. He enjoyed campfires, boating, swimming, fishing and more—learning social and practical skills. “He built some lifelong relationships,” D’Arco added.
“For Sharon and I, it was a vacation. When you have a kid with autism, it’s a full-time job. It’s difficult to have time for yourself.” The couple sometimes went away themselves and used the time to recharge.
D’Arco joined the AuSM board four years ago and is currently board vice president. He’s trying to give back to the organization that supported him and his family on their journey.
“They were life-changing experiences,” said D’Arco.

Ballare Teatro celebrates 20 years of dance in Longfellow

The non-competitive studio focuses on professional instruction in a nurturing environment

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
Ballare Teatro has been developing great dancers for 20 years.
Located at 4259 Minnehaha Ave. S., Ballare opened in 1998 under the direction of Ann Williams with 75 students and two instructors. Today, there are 16 instructors and 300 students taking classes each week.
“My commitment to our families is to provide professional instruction,” remarked Williams. “All of my instructors have degrees in dance, professional experience, or both. This is their passion; it isn’t a hobby. Because of this, our instructors love what they do and want to share and grow that passion in the students they teach.”
Birth of a dancer
Williams began dancing when she was five, but then tried other things after a year. When she was 10, she asked her parents if she could return to dance, and she began taking jazz and tap at a studio in Lincoln, NE. She added ballet at age 15 and was teaching at the studio when she was 16. Knowing she wanted a career in dance, Williams enrolled at the University of Minnesota to earn a bachelor’s degree in dance and mass communications.
Photo right: “I love how dancing makes me feel. It is so many things,” said Ann Williams, owner of Ballare Teatro. “It can be your own unique expression, or it can be a specific technical style. I love watching the little ones find their own way, seeing the joy on their faces, and I love watching our more advanced dancers grow technically and personally. I love seeing the adults at the studio connect with dance, and I love the community at Ballare.” (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
“When I first auditioned for the dance program, I got placed in the fundamental level—that is the same level that dancers who have never danced get placed!” recalled Williams. “It made me wonder what I had been doing? What kind of training had I gotten?”
Looking back, she sees how good that ended up being for her. “The instructors at the U taught me how to dance stronger, more technically,” said Williams.
That experience also fueled her passion for how she wanted to run a studio.
She doesn’t want anyone to leave Ballare and feel that they’ve wasted their time.
After teaching for several years in Lakeville, Williams felt ready to open a studio of her own and pulled in a partner for the first year. She took a class at St. Thomas, developed a business plan, and decided to locate her dance studio within her Longfellow neighborhood—despite recommendations from fellow students that there was more money in the suburbs.
She had nearly given up on finding a space when City View Community Church moved, and the church building came up for sale. Williams’ husband spent nights remodeling the space, and less than two months after purchasing the building, Ballare held its first open house.
Professional instruction, a nurturing environment
Known for professional dance instruction in a nurturing environment, Ballare offers a variety of classes, including Music and Movement for toddlers, creative dance for 3-4 year olds, Fundamental ballet/tap A and B for 5-6 year olds, ballet/tap IA and B for 7-9 year olds, ballet/tap level II, jazz II, ballet/tap III, jazz III, modern III, ballet/tap IV, jazz IV, modern IV, mixed level technique (for levels IV and V), ballet/tap V, jazz V, modern V, pointe prep, pointe, and an extra technique class for boys in level IV/V. Adults can pick from beginning ballet, beginning tap, advanced beginning tap, intermediate tap, fast intermediate tap, advanced tap, hip-hop and cardio funk.
Photo left: Company B co-director Sarah Hauss instructs members (left to right) Zoie Hetletvedt, Emily Williams, Greta Harrington, Joy Meyers and Solveig Fellows during rehearsal on Mar. 18. Company B offers students the opportunity to perform in a variety of places. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
“At Ballare, we build on the commitment dancers have to dance in a way that is developmentally appropriate, increasing the time in class, and the expectations to how committed the student is to their dance education as they go up through our levels,” said Williams.
Preschoolers spend 45 minutes dancing once a week. As they move up through the levels, more time is added: 5-6-year-olds dance one hour a week, 7-9-year-olds 1.5 hours a week. Once they get advanced to level II, they are dancing 2.25-3.5 hours total, coming either once or twice a week. Dancers in level V are dancing 7.75 hours/week over four days.
“I believe that you can get great things from students through encouragement and positive feedback,” stated Williams.
Dancers at Ballare take ballet and tap all the way through their training. “Ballet gives them the technique to move their bodies, stay lifted and graceful,” explained Williams. “Tap provides dancers with groundedness and rhythm. I feel that having these two techniques will help them branch off into jazz and modern, and other techniques.”
Ballare produces four shows, including a spring concert the second weekend in June for dancers in the fundamental level through level V and the adults; and special, low-key show for the creative dancers that is free for families.
Two original productions usually happen in alternate years in March. “Isabella Saves the World,” written by dancers 17 years ago, is Ballare’s answer to the “Nutcracker.” “The Excellent Adventure” showcases rhythmic dance.
Company B performs in the community
Last year, Ballare launched Company B, a performing group co-directed by Ballare instructors Sarah Hauss and Timothy Herian. Dancers in their second year of level III through level V may audition for the company during placement auditions each August. If they make it into the company, they have rehearsal on Sunday evenings for 1.5 hours.
Photo left: Joy Meyers (front) and Solveig Fellows try out choreography during a Company B rehearsal at Ballare Teatro. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
Company B members learn repertory and new works from outside choreographers. Last year, they learned a hip-hop piece from B-Boy J-Sun Noer and a modern piece from Herian. Hauss worked with them to create their own trios. This year Ballare brought in Judith James Ries (formerly of Jazzdance by Danny Buracezski) and Brian J. Evans (Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theater).
Company B performs at different venues around town, including the Winter Carnival, The Modern Dance Project, East Lake Library Cultural Dance Series, and Chaotic Playground at Perpich Center for Arts Education. This year, they also produced their show at the Off-Leash Art Box and performed to two sold-out houses.
Ballare has developed partnerships with the University of Minnesota and Gustavus Adolphus dance programs. Their dance majors complete their teaching practicum at Ballare—so they are learning to teach from Ballare teachers. Williams also speaks to U of M majors about teaching and studio ownership.
‘Like family’
A senior at the St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, William’s son Brigham has been dancing at Ballare since he was three. He loves how dance allows him to express himself, and he always feels better after being at Ballare.
He intends to go into the performing arts after graduation and appreciates the training he’s received at Ballare. “I’ve always felt this is a place where dancing doesn’t have to be the only thing you do,” Brigham pointed out. “It allows for versatile performing.” He appreciates how Ballare allows a student to tailor classes, and come out with the experience they want.
“It teaches you what the real world is like while providing a safe environment,” stated Brigham.
Photo right: Mia Gray-Decker started dancing at Ballare when she was seven and came back after college to work as a studio assistant. She loves the family-like atmosphere at the studio. Founded in 1998, Ballare Teatro means “Dance Theater” in Italian. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
Mia Gray-Decker started dancing at Ballare when she was seven. She remained a student until she graduated from high school. The atmosphere at Ballare and the sense of community are what she valued most when she was a student.
“It felt like a family,” she recalled.
Today, Grey-Decker is studio assistant at Ballare. It’s that connection between instructors, students, and families that she continues to value.
“My goal has always been to prepare dancers for an audition for a college dance program,” stated Williams. “Now, I know that a small percentage of our dancers are actually going to go on and study dance in college or dance professionally. But I want to provide them with the best instruction and technical training so, no matter what they choose to do with their dance education, they have the skill and tools to get them there.”
A special event celebrating Ballare’s 20th anniversary is in the works. Stay tuned.
http://www.ballareteatro.com

Copyright © Longfellow Nokomis Messenger

Families appreciate Hennepin Overland Railroad Museum

Historical Society at 2501 E. 38th St. operates one of largest railroad displays in the five-state region

Features of the layout include a steel mill complex, a grain terminal complex, two industrial/warehouse areas, a passenger depot for 15-car passenger trains, and a full branch line that can also be run as a second interchanging railroad. There is also a locomotive/car shop complex, a logging branch line, 1500-car main staging yards, a 150-car branch line staging yard, a fully operating signal system using block occupancy detection, and full digital command and control using Digitrax DCC. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
You don’t have to travel far to view one of the largest operating H.O. scale model railroad displays in the five-state region. The Hennepin Overland Railroad Historical Society Museum at 2501 E. 38th St. sits just a few blocks off Hiawatha Ave. and welcomes visitors weekends from September through April.
The historical society has a long track record of serving the community through preserving the history of one of the industries that the nation was founded on.
“I think the passion of the volunteers/members and the quality of the craftsmanship of the display are evident to anyone who stops in,” remarked Chris Rasmussen, a Richfield resident who has been a member of the historical society since he was 14. “The long tenure of the organization, commitment of our volunteers, and prudent management of the organization’s finances have allowed us to be one of a select few railroad museums in the area that has been able to purchase/own our own facility, which goes a long way towards guaranteeing stability looking forward.”
For Deputy Commander John Roban, the value of the museum lies in the history is preserves. “It’s not just a museum,” he said, “but it’s a history of what took place—and even today how things are moved by railroad.”
Photo right: Deputy Commander John Roban stays with his train as he runs it around the 4,000-sq-ft railroad display of the Hennepin-Overland Museum to make sure it doesn’t run into another. During daytime operating sessions members operate a variety of models and are available to discuss any questions regarding model railroading, bench work, track laying, construction, scenery, wiring, structures, and membership. The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4pm, September through April. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
The museum is family-friendly with several small toy train tables located near the front of the museum for kids to play on.
“It’s a good activity that everyone should be able to enjoy,” said 40-year member Bill Danger, who joined right after the organization formed and is one of its longest members. “Since the beginning of time, kids have been interested in trains.”
Danger, who will turn 80 this year, remembers living in Eau Claire, Wis. during the war. His dad took him to see the Chicago-Northwestern 400 roll through town each weekend. In 1949, they took the train to the Railroad Fair in Chicago where he rode a Vista Dome Zephyr for the first time. He was hooked and started riding trains more frequently. He became friends with a conductor on the Chicago-Burlington-Quincy route who was stationed out of La Crosse, who showed him around the trains. In those days, you could travel to Chicago and back every day, or from Chicago to the Twin Cities and back.
Then in 1954, he took his first trip out to New York at age 16.
“They got you there,” recalled Danger. “They’re a comfortable ride. You can see the scenery en route.”
He’s been collecting model trains for 60 years and appreciates having a big layout at Hennepin Overland to run the trains on.
Photo left: Eighty-year-old Bill Danger is one of the longest members of the Hennepin Overland Railroad Historical Society. He’s been collecting model trains for 60 years and appreciates having a big layout at Hennepin Overland to run the trains on. Within the south Minneapolis facility, the Hennepin Overland Railroad Historical Society operates a railroading museum, the “Station 2501” museum/hobby shop, and a 65-foot-long by 29-foot-wide HO-scale model train layout. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
Passionate about trains
Chris Rasmussen has been involved in the club all his life as his dad, Jim Rasmussen, has been president of the society for over 30 years. Rasmussen became a junior member in 1993. With small kids at home, Rasmussen isn’t able to get into the museum as much as he’d like to, but he helps out in other ways, by managing the social media presence of the organization, working with donors and more.
“I love the attention to detail, the extensive knowledge of the other members on the history of the industry, the passion of the guys on getting the historical accuracy of the models correct, and most of all, spending time with my dad,” remarked Rasmussen.
As a child, his dad bought him a train car or accessory every year for Christmas and his birthday. He built his first H.O. scale model train layout in his parent’s basement starting when he was about 11 or 12.
“I would tag along with my dad to the Hennepin Overland on Saturday afternoons a few times a month when I was a teenager. When the Hennepin Overland moved into our own building I spent most of the summer of 1999 going over there every day after work to get the layout ready for the national model railroad convention,” recalled Rasmussen.
In the details
The Hennepin Overland is the successor to an unincorporated association of railroad hobbyists formed in 1976 in Richfield that operated in the basement of the Hub Shopping center underneath the Hub Hobby store. In 1985, the Hennepin-Overland (then 1,600 sq ft) moved to Lexington and University in St. Paul (next to the Scale Model Supply hobby store) and was reassembled by 1987. The museum grew to 4,000 sq ft, and then once again found itself looking for space.
This time, the organization decided to buy rather than rent to avoid having to move and reassemble things again—as it is such a time-consuming process, explained Jim Rasmussen.
Photo right: Henry Overzet (right) is one of the youngest and newest members of the historical society. On his left is Roger Anderson. In all, the historical society has about 30 members. Membership is available to those age 14 and older. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
In 1997 the historical society purchased the current building in Minneapolis. After fixing up the old print shop, members began to reassemble the display. In July 1999, the display was opened in time for the National Model Railroad Association Convention in St. Paul.
The railroad display of the Hennepin-Overland Museum currently consists of eastbound and westbound mainlines, a branch line serving the fictitious towns of New Bergin and Summit, a logging line featuring a breathtaking hand-made trestle bridge and a logging camp, multiple upper-level storage yards and industrial spurs, and lower-level storage/staging yards.
There is no prototype for the Hennepin-Overland. It is a freelance layout design. J. Rasmussen estimates that the layout is about 60-70% complete.
There is no particular era represented, though members try to use structures that date to the late steam era (1930-1960).
The main line is a two-track loop enabling continuous running, although reverse loops around the main helix allow it to be operated as a two-track loop-to-loop main.
Operationally the layout could be operated by one person (but somewhat limited) or up to about 15 people.
Features of the layout include a fully operating signal system using block occupancy detection, and full digital command and control using Digitrax DCC.
New members welcome
The society has approximately 30 members. Benefits of membership include the ability to operate trains, as well as to work on the construction of the layout. Members can operate their own trains on the society operating display or can operate the society’s trains if they don’t have their own. The historical society welcomes new members year-round.
Hennepin Overland accepts donations of trains, books, magazines and more. If the trains aren’t the right size for their display, they’re spruced up and sold with the proceeds benefiting the society.
Hours of operation are Saturdays and Sundays 1 to 4pm, September through April. Night trains ran each Saturday in January. Society members spend the summer months implementing major maintenance and improvements to the operating display that require taking it offline for extended periods of time.
The museum typically opens for National Night Out, and can make special accommodations for large groups who want to come in during the summer, or for special events like national conventions when they are held in the area. Admission is a suggested donation of $7 each or $20 per family.
More information at hennepinoverland.org.

Copyright © Longfellow Nokomis Messenger

Resiliency is the focus of Lake Nokomis shoreline design project

MPRB planning $450,000 project to improve shoreline and increase natural landscape

This project will enhance 4,800 linear feet of shoreline north of the west beach, around the lake and down the point on the east side. (Graphic courtesy of Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board)
By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
Nearly $450,000 will be spent on plantings and other improvements around Lake Nokomis this year to improve the eroding shoreline and water quality. With this, invasive plants will be removed, and habitat developed.
Right now, a natural lakeshore buffer is absent or narrow in many areas. Aquatic vegetation is nonexistent in some areas, and water clarity less than one meter due to excessive nutrients.
The upcoming Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB) project includes 4,800 feet of shoreline that extends about 20 feet inland.
During the second community meeting held in February, MPRB project manager Jon Duesman outlined the problem and explained what will be done to fix things.
He stressed that this project will not address groundwater or surface water issues. A separate multi-agency group is working on that problem.
However, some residents question why any work is done before that issue is resolved, and lake levels better understood. Recently, the lake has had substantial variations in water levels. The ordinary high water level is 815.4, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
“In the last seven years, we have seen drastic changes including dying trees, flooding, invasion of cattails, eroding beaches and shoreline to the lake,” pointed out Joan Soholt, who is part of a group of local residents seeking to address water issues in the Lower Minnehaha Creek Watershed.
“Shouldn’t we address the cause of this fluctuation before we put money into plantings and enhancements? It seems like putting the ‘cart before the horse’ to plant unless you resolve the lake level problem.”
Duesman pointed out that planners recognize that lake levels have been fluctuating. “We’re designing this to be resilient regardless of what the water levels do,” he stated.
More natural landscape
The Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park Master Plan approved in 2015 calls for increasing the amount of naturalized landscape around the lake by 10-50%.
“We’re looking to increase the quality and the quantity of these natural habitats,” remarked Doug Mensing of Applied Ecological Services (AES).
Much of the existing shoreline has turf grass and woody vegetation right up to the shoreline.
Current problems include a limit to upland and shoreline buffer habitat due to extensive turf and invasive species. Shoreline erosion is occurring in locations due to shading, wave action, trampling, and shallow-rooted vegetation. Aquatic habitat quantity and quality is limited due to little aquatic vegetation and poor water clarity. Plus, sediment and algae further suppress plant growth by preventing light penetration.
Photo right: During the second community meeting held in February, Doug Mensing of Applied Ecological Services (AES) outlined the problem along the Lake Nokomis shoreline and explained what will be done to fix things. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
There is erosion near the north stormwater pipe, wet areas in the lawn, and concentrated run-off.
This project will enhance 4,800 linear feet of shoreline north of the west beach, around the lake and down the point on the east side. In doing so, the project will improve habitat for fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates while re-establishing the aquatic and shoreline vegetation that is critical to overall lake clarity.
Each shoreline area is divided into three areas to pick the right types of plants: upland buffer, shoreline, and emergent.
The upland buffer begins about two feet from trails to the wetland delineation line and includes mostly short mesic prairie and areas of wet prairie. The shoreline buffer is the space from wetland delineation line to water’s edge. Diverse native shorelines (including many pollinator species) will be planted in the upland and shoreline buffer areas.
Some plants in these areas remain from a planting project in 2005, but all of the emergent plantings from then have died.
A concern was expressed that the new plantings may die as the old ones did. Duesman replied, “We intend to have a very robust planting that is resilient.” He stressed that they do not want to waste money, yet everything they do is being done without knowing whether water levels will go up or down.
“We’ve heard this message loud and clear,” Duesman said.
The emergent wetland is from the water’s edge to depth of approximately two feet. It will include a diversity of shallow emergent species (such as river bulrush, lake sedge, giant bur-reed, and common three-square) near shoreline and transition to only hardstem bulrush out to the two-foot depth.
An online survey of residents showed that the majority preferred shorter, random plantings versus formal or taller plantings. While many of the more colorful plants won’t do well in this area, some bands of color will be included to provide seasonal variety.
Rip-rap toe protection will be used in two or three locations that get a lot of wave action, although MPRB is also evaluating the use of toe-wood, coir log with live stakes, and minor grading and soil lifts.
Eleven of the 18 accesses to the lake with erosion in this area will be removed during this project and filled in with plantings, while others will be modified to last better in the long-term. Durable lake access may include the placement of large, level stones.
Work to begin in September
Funding for this project was provided by the Outdoor Heritage Fund to restore, protect, and enhance Minnesota’s wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife.
The first phase of this project will be more simple, while potential future phases may increase the formality and number of limestone blocks used.
Work is slated to begin in September 2018.
Additional feedback is being collected via an online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/NokomisShoreline.

Cub, Oppidan break ground on grocery store, apartment complex

The grocery store will be on the first floor of a five-story building that also includes 3,000 square feet of small-shop retail, 148 market-rate apartments, and a large public plaza. The grocery store is expected to open in the spring of 2019, and residents will begin moving into the apartments in the summer of 2019. (Graphic courtesy of Cub)

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
A Cub store at 46th and Hiawatha, featuring a new urban design, will be the first to anchor a residential complex being developed by Excelsior-based Oppidan Investment Company.
At 46,000-square-feet, the store will be about half the size of a typical Cub store. The existing Cub store on Lake St. that has recently been remodeled will remain.
“We’re going to build a pretty incredible store,” said Cub Foods President of Operations Chad Ferguson during a groundbreaking ceremony on Thur., Mar. 15. “This will be truly unique.”
He pointed out that in addition to stocking groceries for meals made from scratch, the new store will offer inspirational items that require some food prep, as well as full meals that are ready to go.
 

Photo right: “We’re going to build a pretty incredible store,” said Cub Foods President of Operations Chad Ferguson during a groundbreaking ceremony on Mar. 15. “This will be truly unique.” In addition to a large deli area with Quick and Easy® and made-to-order meals, the new urban store will feature a theater-feel popcorn shop, a farmer’s market layout in the produce section, enhanced floral gift space, and a pharmacy. Delivery services for the neighborhood and apartment complex will be available. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a spacious outdoor seating area, complete with bicycle parking, as well as a walk-up window serving coffees, ice creams, and signature cookie sandwiches year-round from the Refresh! juice bar. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
The design of the store features multiple entrances, lots of natural light, and an expansive indoor café-style space that welcomes guests to take a break or plug-in for work.
“We’re evolving our look and feel while showcasing new shopping innovations for a better experience for our customers. We feel this new format Cub is a perfect fit for this neighborhood,” said Anne Dament, Executive Vice President of Retail, Marketing, and Private Brands at SuperValu.
Fostering community
One of Cub’s four pillars is Cub in the community, pointed out Ferguson, and this new store will foster a community atmosphere in ways other Cub stores don’t because of its location within a transit-orientated, mixed-use development near a Blue Line station.
The grocery store will be on the first floor of a five-story building that also includes 3,000 square feet of small-shop retail, 148 market-rate apartments, and a large public plaza. The site was formerly home to the Creative KidStuff corporate office building that was recently demolished.
“We’re very excited to see the culmination of over a year of planning and development,” said Drew Johnson, Vice President of Oppidan Investment Company. “Cub has done a great job responding to and incorporating stakeholder feedback into their store design. The finished project will be a tremendous asset to the neighborhood.”
Photo left: “We’re very excited to see the culmination of over a year of planning and development,” said Drew Johnson, Vice President of Oppidan Investment Company. “Cub has done a great job responding to and incorporating stakeholder feedback into their store design. The finished project will be a tremendous asset to the neighborhood.” (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
“You couldn’t pick a better location,” said Andrew Johnson, Minneapolis Ward 12 Council Member. “It’s across the street from the busiest park in the state, on LRT and BRT lines with several prominent bike paths nearby, and a short walk to Minnehaha Creek and the Mississippi River.”
The development serves as the pilot phase of the two-mile “Min Hi Line,” a multi-modal pedestrian path and linear park that will eventually provide connectivity from Minnehaha Park all the way to the Midtown Greenway. This pilot project will be constructed on a section of former railroad right-of-way now owned by the city of Minneapolis.
“It’s an idea whose time has finally come with the Oppidan development because they choose to orientate their development to the line,” remarked Min-Hi Line co-founder Cora Peterson, who grew up in East Nokomis.
Photo right: The development serves as the pilot phase of the two-mile “Min Hi Line,“ a multi-modal pedestrian path and linear park that will eventually provide connectivity from Minnehaha Park all the way to the Midtown Greenway. “It’s an idea whose time has finally come with the Oppidan development because they choose to orientate their development to the line,” remarked Min Hi Line co-founder Cora Peterson, who grew up in East Nokomis. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
The line will help green the urban landscape and provide social connectedness, Peterson pointed out. “The development of the Min-Hi Line is the next step to ensure that Minneapolis and the Twin Cities continue to lead in quality of life nationally,” she said.
Innovative features
This new, urban design comes as the Stillwater-based Cub celebrates its 50th anniversary. Cub was established in 1968 as one of the nation’s first discount grocery stores. The organization was purchased in 1980 by SuperValu® and operates 80 grocery stores in Minnesota and Illinois. Nearly all of the large supermarket chains are testing smaller market stores in response to customers who may not want to walk through large stores anymore and are used to shopping online.
Ferguson credited the many Cub staff members who helped give life to the innovative features in this urban design.
In addition to a large deli area with Quick and Easy® and made-to-order meals, the new urban store will feature a theater-feel popcorn shop, a farmer’s market layout in the produce section, enhanced floral gift space, and a pharmacy. Delivery services for the neighborhood and apartment complex will be available.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy a spacious outdoor seating area, complete with bicycle parking, as well as a walk-up window serving coffees, ice creams, and signature cookie sandwiches year-round from the Refresh! juice bar.
“There will be so many cool touches that will make this not only a place to pick up groceries, but a place to gather—and create a social experience which I know is important to the area,” said Ferguson.
Development fulfills local vision from 2002
In the 1960s, a six-lane freeway was planned for Hiawatha Ave., but the neighbors said, “No,” recalled Hennepin County District 4 Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, who lives a few blocks away from the Oppidan development. Through the transformative power of the neighbor’s vision, the area is home to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), light rail (LRT), small businesses, apartments, and more.
In 2002, the county invested a small amount to fashion a plan for the area at 46th and Hiawatha, based on neighborhood input, pointed out McLaughlin. This plan provided the framework for Oppidan’s vision for high-density use at the site.
“This area of Minneapolis has experienced exciting growth with higher-density residential projects, due in part to its proximity to downtown, MSP Airport, the Blue Line light rail, bike trails and Minnehaha Regional Park,” said Oppidan Vice President of Development Drew Johnson. “However, the neighborhood does not have a full-serve grocery store to complement this residential growth. When this project opens, over 10,000 people will be within a 10-minute walk of this store.”
The grocery store is expected to open in the spring of 2019, and residents will begin moving into the apartments in the summer of 2019. The project’s general contractor is Anderson Companies, and the architect is Pope.