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February 2014 Shore ReportiTi�l:iTiTi -,�.} Minnesota Caucuses are February 4 Precinct caucuses are meetings organized by Minnesota's political parties. It is the first step for the party to select candidates and choose the party's goals and values (called the party platform). This year, caucuses for the major and some minor parties are being held February 4. To find out where your caucus is located, use the caucus finder tool (found on the city website), or contact your political party. Who can attend a caucus? Precinct caucuses are open to the public. But in order to vote, offer resolutions, or become a delegate, you must: • Be eligible to vote in the fall election. • Live in the precinct. • Be in general agreement with the principles of the political party (Minnesota does not have an official party registration process). What happens at the caucus? l.Elect precinct officers who work to organize political activities in the precinct. 2.Discuss issues and ideas forthe party to support. 3.Vote forthe person you wantthe party to support for governor or president. 4.Elect delegates to represent your precinct at upcoming political conventions that are held during an election year. Do all political parties hold caucuses? Minnesota's major political parties hold caucuses at least every statewide election year. Other political parties may also choose to hold caucuses. Additional information may be found under Elections on the city website. Get Involved 1 1 City Government he City of Shorewood is in need of residents interested in serving on one of the cities vol- unteer commissions or boards. Please contact the city as soon as possible at 952.960.7900 if you are interested or would like more infor- mation on any of these positions. It is vital that the city have good representation on these boards and commissions to ensure great service to the city. Planning Commission There are currently two three -year openings avail- able on the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission serves as an advisory commission to the City Council on planning and development issues. The Planning Commission meets first Tuesday of the month at 7 pm. A tentative sec- ond meeting is scheduled for the third Tuesday as needed. Park Commission There are currently two three -year positions open on the city Park Commission. The Park Commission serves as an advisory commission to the City Council on park and park programming issues. The Park Commission meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month. Board Appointment: The City Council appoints representatives to several boards each year. Currently, Shorewood is seeking representatives to serve on the Lake Minnetonka Communication Commission board, the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District and the Minnetonka Community Education board. Representatives would serve one to two year terms and would attend board meetings. Representatives report back to the City Council as needed. February 2014 www.ci.shorewood.mn.us February 2014 All recycling must be curbside no later than 7 a.m. on recycling day. Mainland residents recycle February 12 and 26; Island residents recycle February 13 and 27. There are no holiday delays this month. Overflowing Carts and Other Trash Issues Since Shorewood switched to the single sort, every other week recycling system, residents are recycling more than ever! But the every other weeks system has some residents overflowing and not knowing what to do with extra recycling. Tempting as it may be tojust get the recycling out of site and filling your garbage cart, this is definitely not the answer. If you continually have too much recycling, request a free cart upgrade. The original carts delivered were approximately 68 gallons. There is a of larger, 90 gallon cart, available at no extra am charge - -or you can request a second cart. If the larger size or extra cart still don't take care of the problem, there is a 24 -hour drop off facility atthe City of Minnetonka Public Works Department. The same items collected curbside may be disposed of at this site, located at 11522 Minnetonka Blvd. There is no charge for the drop -off facility. Residents might also want to re- evaluate their buying habits. It is getting much easier to buy items with less packaging. Choose your purchases wisely. For other waste saving tips, go to the city web site under Environment. Keep Our Lakes and Streams on Low Salt Diet The little salt you add to your front step and driveway can add up to large amounts of salt in our community waterways. To keep salt use to a minimum during late winter thaw /freeze cycles, make sure you keep walkways and drives well shoveled. When possible and use a product such as kitty litter when only traction is needed. When you must use an ice melting compound, use a calcium chloride deicing agents instead of sodium chloride. By using calcium chloride, less salt is needed, it works at lower temperatures, and it is more environmentally friendly than sodium chloride. Garden Volunteers Needed Each spring a group of dedicated volunteers work in Shorewood Parks to prepare the gardens for summer splendor. The city is looking for volunteers to fill spots in our adopt -a- garden program. A small stipend is available for the purchase of plants and materials. Some of the gardens are complete and just need summer upkeep and a few annuals planted in the beds for additional summer color. This is a great project for a City Continues to Look at Trails he City of Shorewood is looking at areas of the city that can benefit from the safety offered by off -road trails /sidewalks. The popular Smithtown Road sidewalk was completed in the fall of 2013. The City Council is now discussing which areas of the city should be a priority for more sidewalks. To keep up to date on the discussions and feasibility studies, watch the city website When salt or any deicing agent is used, sweep the excess once it is no longer needed. Often the excess can be reused if collected. For more information on keeping our water safe, see the city web site under Lakes and Wetlands. group of friends, organizations, families, or teen volunteer hours. To volunteer or to get more information, please call city hall, 952.960.7900. under Shorewood Trails. If your neighborhood is considered for a new sidewalk /trail, you will be notified by mail of an open house event held in your area for information and comments. Arctic Fever Winter Fest The cities of Shorewood, Excelsior, and Tonka Bay enjoyed an amazing Arctic Fever 2014! See pictures of all of the fun events at www.arcticfever.net. Thank you to our many volunteers and sponsors who continue to make this a free family event! Ready, Set, Skate! t s time to sharpen those skate blades and get ready to get on the rinks and burn that bottled up winter energy! Warming houses are available at Cathcart, Badger and Manor Parks There is No Saf e Every year, Minnesota snow - mobilers, skaters, skiers and ice - fishing fans find them- selves in cold water. Some are severely injured after falling through ice on lakes and rivers – many drown. More than half of the 7,000 drowning occurrences in the U.S. last year took place in cold water — and almost all of those deaths were entirely preventable. Knowledge is the key to safety on the ice. What is safe ice? There's no such thing. You should never stand or drive on ice without being ready to react if it gives way. Ice thickness has less to do with air temperature than with the depth, chemistry, Q Warming House Schedule (generally mid -Dec to mid -Feb) Monday- Friday 3:30 pm – 9 pm Saturday 11 am – 9 pm Sunday Noon – 9 pm Holidays & School Off Days 10am -9pm Closing times may vary slightly if rink is not in use or an attendant is not available. Warming houses Ice - -Just Safe currents and size of that body of water — in other words, the things you can't see. Whc, fall through" Try not to gasp if you fall; it causes you to inhale water. Turn back in the direction you came from and extend your arms to disburse your weight. With a sharp tool, grab the ice and kick your feet while you pull yourself to safety. Stay low. Roll away from the hole. Find warm shelter. What it someone else falls through? Call 9 -1 -1. Do not go near the hole — you can't help by fall- ing in too. Follow the Preach, A E1 off-., will be posted when closed. Curfew Reminder Hennepin County curfew will be enforced by age: Under 12 9 pm weekdays; 10 pm Fri /Sat 12 to 14 10 pm weekdays; 11 pm Fri /Sat 15 to 17 11 pm weekdays; 12 am Fri /Sat Phones are not available at the rinks, so please have arrangements for pick -up made before arriving to skate. Behavior Reach, Throw, Row and Go, techniques: Preach – shout instructions for self- rescue. Reach – extend a rope, a ladder or jumper cables to the victim. If you start to slide toward the hole, let go. Throw – a flotation device and a rope and tell the victim to put on the device and wrap up in the rope. Row – find a light boat if avail- able to push to the edge of the hole. Get into the boat and pull the victim over the bow. Be sure there is a rope on the back of the boat so that others can pull you to safety. Keep the victim awake and reassured until more help arrives. Community Events For more information on these community events, see the city website under Explore South Lake Minnetonka. 10k Nordic Ski Race Sat, Feb 8; 2pm; $25-35 Proceeds from the race entry fees will be donated to the ICA. The start line is at the dock area in Excelsior Bay. The course will be groomed and tracked for both Classic and Skate skiers. Register at http: //ow.ly/sEMLS Sizzle for a Cause Thurs, Feb 20; 6:30 -9:30 pm $35; BayView Events Center This high energy "Iron Chef' style food competition will be fierce as Chefs from the compete for the Golden Cleaver! Get tickets online at http: / /ow.ly /sELeS. Luck `O the Lake 51K Sat, March 15; Excelsior $25; $35 after March 7 Join the run, and stay for the fun! Many businesses will be celebrating St. Paddy's Day with special deals and promotions. Register online at http: / /ow.ly /sEPHf. I- I ij Shore Report February 2014 T ALI Road Weight Restrictions Begin March 1 e h i c I e weight restrictions are placed on local streets from March 1 to May 1. This measure is taken to protect city streets from serious damage and destruction common during the spring thaw. Exceptions are not made for vehicles such as moving trucks, delivery trucks and construction equipment. Remind delivery personnel or workers on your property of the restriction. The city web site has more information, or call 952.960.7913. scutlislicre Community Center Winter 2013 -14 , SSCC:952.474.7635 • www.southshore- center.org Spring Paint -A -Thon Paint -A -Thon welcomes referrals and accepts applications from all eligible homeowners. To be considered, complet- ed applications must be received by mid - April. Selected homeowners are notified by mail in early July of each year. To qualify, the applicant must meet the following criteria: • Be over the age of 60 or have a permanent physical disability. • Own and occupy a single - family home in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott or Washington county that needs the exterior painted, but does not need major repairs. The monthly household income cannot exceed 200% of federal pov- erty level. See page 1 of the application for the income limits. Find the application at www.paintathon .gmcc.org /homeapp.php, or call 612.276.1579. _ AAA Driving Class Refresher Course 71 February 20,1-5 pm April 15,5-9 pm v This course is for those who have taken the 8 -hr class previously. Register by calling AAA at 1.888.234.1294. Cost is $20 /discount if you bring your AAA card. AARP Tax -Aide Tax preparation services are available to seniors and low- income individuals on Mondays, February 10 -April 14. Tax -Aide . counselors are available by appointment from 9 am -3 pm. Make an appointment by calling the center at 952.474.7635. TED Talks Thursday, February 13, 11 am WHY PRIVACY MATTERS Avideo replay of a TED Talk by Alessandro Acquisti, a professor of Information Technology at Carnegie Mellon University, who says we cherish privacy, but freely disclose our personal information online; and we better watch out. Facial recognition software can connect an anonymous human face in a crowd to an online name -- and then to a Facebook account -- in about 3 seconds. If you are not scared enough, he shows how easy it can be to find a U.S. citizen's Social Security number using basic pattern matching on public data. To stay for lunch, call ahead. For information call the Center at 952 - 474 -7635. Ongoing Events Purchase 112 price bakery goods every Monday and Tuesday. All proceeds benefit Southshore Senior Partners. Woodcarvers, Tuesdays, 9:30 am Quilting, Monday and Wednesday, 9 -11 am Cards /Games, Tuesday, 12:30 pm Mahjong, Wednesdays, 1 pm Bridge, Thursdays, 1 pm Bingo, Fridays, 1 pm Get Fit' Fitness Classes Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 8:15 am $5 per class Exercise classes for the active population 55 +. Improve aerobic power, body endurance, strength, flexibility and balance. Call the center to reserve a spot. ZUMBA Monday and Thursdays at 6:30 pm $49 for 7 weeks or $10 for walk -ins Drop -ins, welcome. Get fit in this Latin inspired dance fitness class. All levels welcome. To register call the center at 952.474.7635. Senior Tai Chi Begins Mondays through February 10, 10 am, Call the center for new classes $48 for session; drop -ins welcome Instructor Ron Erdman -Luntz has been teaching seniors Tai Chi for over 25 years. Studies show that Tai Chi enhances the quality of life for seniors by improving balance, gracing you with greater ease of movement and range of motion and reducing stress. Register by calling the center at 952.474.7635. Fun for 55+ Valentine's Party Tuesday, February 11, 11 am Enjoy celebrating this fun holiday with the music of James Shaw. Enjoy a beef enchilada lunch. Call the center at 952.474.7635 by noon Monday, February 10 to RSVP. Happy Feet Monday, February 17; $34 Call foran appointment: 763.560.5136 Enjoy being pampered! Services include foot soak, foot massage, care for corns, calluses, or thick, cured, or ingrown toenails. Mrs. M: Creating Leaders & Connecting with Nature, Science, Art & Animals To register or for more information call 952 - 457 -7171 or email MrsM@,MrsMsCampsAndEvents.org Kids School Days Out 9:30 am -3:30 pm Theme of the day, possibly a guest animal visit (weather permitting) field trip (weather permitting), lunch & snacks! Time: 9:30 -3:30 Extra hours are available, ask Mrs. M. 31an an Event for Friends and Neighbors! once the winter chill hits, Minnesotans do not see each other much until the spring thaw. Change that by throwing a party! A cocktail party, private cooking class, soup event - -use your imagination. There is no reason to clean the house; reserve the community center instead. Rooms are available for all sizes. Catering and kitchen available. For complete rental information and to arrange a tour, please contact the center at 952.474.7635. AW Presenters Lee Frelich, Ph.D Director of the University of Minnesota Center for Forest Ecology, Teaches courses on Forest Fire Ecology and Landscape Ecology. Heather Holm Author of the newly published book Pollinators of Native Plants, landscape designer, and consul- tant specializing in native landscapes; authors the blog Restoring the Landscape with Native Plants. Veronica Malone Past President of Minnesota Herb Society, Hen- nepin County Master Gardener since 1991, and teacher. Ron Spinosa Past President of the Minnesota Mycological Society and current editor of the society's news- letter The Toadstool Review. He is the Chair of the Mushroom Cultivation Committee of the North American Mycological Association. Directions: From Highway 7 and Interstate 494: Travel west on Highway 7 approximately 5.5 miles to County Road 19 in Excelsior. Turn right and travel 1.2 miles to Smith- town Road. Turn left onto Smithtown and take an immediate left onto Country Club Road. Turn left into the third driveway and drive past the tennis courts and ice rink to the community center. From Highway 7 and Highway 44: Travel east on Highway 7 approximately 4 miles to Eureka Road. Turn left onto Eureka Road and continue .6 miles to Smithtown Road. Turn right. Travel .7 miles to country Club road. Turn right. Turn left into the third driveway and drive past the tennis courts and ice rink to the community center. From County Rd 19 and County Rd 15: Travel south on County Road 19 approxi- mately 3.1 miles to Smithtown Road. Turn right. Take an immediate left onto Country Club Road. Turn left into the third driveway and drive past the ten- nis courts and ice rink to the community center. Southshore Center 5735 Country Club Road Shorewood, MN 55331 952.474.7635 www.southshore-center.org 150utkskore Center 5755 Country Cluk Koad 5korewood, M�` 1 5555 j 9-tk Annual �5p ping Garden air ,5aturda_q, Marck 15, 2014 8:�0 am-- � pm Designed forgardeners of all levels- - novice and master aliLe! March 15, 2014 Schedule This 4th annual spring program is designed for gardeners of all levels who like to learn about new plants and gardening techniques. • Fee: $25. Includes lunch, seminars, handouts, and resource fair with vendors • Registration online www.southshore - center.org or by mail * Master Gardeners receive 4 Continuing Education Hours 8:30 am Check -in /registration; Preview vendor fair 8:45 am Welcome and Introduction - Twila Grout, Program Director 8:50 am Climate Change in Minnesota Forests - Dr. Lee Frelich Climate change is evident and making an impact on Minnesota forests. Learn about its influ- ence on insects, invasive species, fire and wind, deer and what's happening to forests near the prairie- forest border. 9:50 am Break: vendors open 10:15 am Creating a Pollinator - Friendly Garden Habitat - Heather Holm By understanding their life cycles, providing food, water, and nesting habitat, you will be able to attract pollinators to your garden. Lecture includes the top native plant species for creating a pollinator- friendly habitat. 11:15 am Break: vendors open 11:30 am Lunch: Free time to visit vendor booths; book signing 12:30 pm Mushrooms & Fungi in Ecological Landscaping - Ron Spinosa Learn how gourmet and medicinal mushrooms can become a part of gardens and landscapes. These mushrooms are able to complement and enhance flowers and vegetables. They may also be used to recycle landscape scraps and organic waste. The presentation will illustrate the essential role of fungi in healthy landscapes, gardens, and ecosystems. 1:30 pm 1:45 pm Break: vendors open Herb Gardening in Minnesota: Growing and Using - Veronica Malone Gardening with herbs is not only easy but it's aromatherapy for the soul when you are planting and weeding amongst these scented plants. Learn about arowina, harvesting, and using the 4th Annual Spring Garden Fair Registration Form Registration is limited. No refunds after March 10. Send registration form with check payable to Southshore Center: SSCC Garden Fair 5735 Country Club Road Shorewood, MN 55331 Online registration and credit card payment avail- able at www.southshore- center.org. $25 registration enclosed Name Address City Zip Code Phone Email Registration confirmation sent by email only.