Hot Topics: July 23, 2010

Minnetonka Farmers’ Market Tuesdays, 3–7 p.m.

Gather up your shopping bags and come on down to the Minnetonka Farmers’ Market, set for Tuesdays through September 28 at the Minnetonka Civic Center Campus. Learn more

Fireworks rescheduled for October 5

The Summer Festival fireworks show that was cancelled due to rain has been rescheduled to take place Tuesday, October 5, at 8 p.m., at the conclusion of this year’s Fire Department and City Open House. Learn more

Williston Fitness Center renovation starts

Planned renovations to the Williston Fitness Center will be underway soon, including interior remodeling, additions to the existing pool building, parking lot expansion and exterior painting of the tennis building. Learn more

Photo contest entries due Sept. 13

The Minnetonka Community Commission will host the annual photo contest again this year, in conjunction with the October Fire Department and City Open House. Deadline is Monday, Sept. 13, by 4:30 p.m. Learn more

Fall recreation brochure online July 30; printed copies will not be mailed

The 2010 Recreation Services fall brochure will be posted online July 30 at www.eminnetonka.com. It will not be mailed to homes. Learn more

MAM hosts July concerts, choir auditions

The Music Association of Minnetonka (MAM) Civic Orchestra presents its summer pops concert at multiple locations this summer. Learn more

Music in the Park continues through August 10

Mark your calendars for the 2010 Music in the Park series, set for Tuesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., starting June 15. Learn more

Night for Neighbors is August 3

On Tuesday, August 3, from 6 to 9 p.m., Minnetonka residents are invited to join hundreds of other neighborhoods across Minnetonka in the tradition of an evening of getting to know your neighbors. Learn more

Primary day is August 10

Due to a recent change in federal law, the state primary was moved up to August 10. Absentee voting is available for those who are unable to visit the polling place on primary day for one or more of the following reasons. Learn more

Burwell House regular tours now available

The Burwell House regular tour schedule continues through August 31. Learn more

Shady Oak Beach open

Shady Oak Beach, located at 5200 Shady Oak Road in Minnetonka, opened for the season June 11. Learn more

Applications available for 2011 nonprofit funding

The city of Minnetonka is now accepting requests for a limited amount of 2011 nonprofit funding. Learn more

Ask Mike: Carpenter ants and your trees

This month, Mike addresses a resident’s question about carpenter ants. Learn more

A summer reminder: city rules and ordinances

Pets, noise, parking, recreational fires, outdoor storage—these are just a few of the concerns that peak each summer as residents are out and about more. Learn more

Conserve energy and water this summer while staying cool

Rising temperatures don’t have to mean rising energy and water use. Learn more

Know the rules about election signs

During election season, it’s important for Minnetonka residents to be aware of the city’s zoning regulations related to posting political campaign signs. Learn more

Take an express bus to Twins games!

Why drive to Target Field when you can take an easy ride instead? Avoid downtown parking and take an express ride from Minnetonka to the ballpark! Learn more

Lawn care tips

Find tips on chemicals and your yard as well as keeping streets and storm drains clean. Learn more

Recreation brochure to move online in fall

The 2010 Recreation Services fall brochure will not be mailed to homes late this summer. Instead, it will be posted online July 30. Learn more

Upcoming events for Minnetonka seniors

Don’t miss out on the fun and friendship at Minnetonka Senior Services with these upcoming events! Learn more

HOME program: helping older adults

Household & Outside Maintenance for Elderly (HOME) is a program offered by Senior Community Services (SCS), a 59-year-old nonprofit agency dedicated to helping meet the special needs of older adults and their caregivers through a variety of outreach and support services. Learn more

Curious about city construction?

If you have questions about construction projects in the city—from roads, to sewer and water utilities, to drainage and storm sewer—visit our City Projects page to find out everything you want to know. Learn more.

Power outage? Don’t call 911

Minnetonka police are reminding residents of when it’s appropriate to call 911. Learn more

Why did families enjoy fish for supper on an evening in July 1908?

Taken from the oral history of Edwin (Ed) Swanson, who lived and worked in a store owned by his uncle, J.C. Nelson. The store had formerly belonged to S.H. Smith and stood where the The Mills Church, formerly Minnetonka Community Church, now stands. The mill pond Swanson refers to was located near the site of the Charles H. Burwell House on Minnetonka Boulevard.

“I remember the millpond as being there on July 4, 1908, but just a few days later the dam was torn out and the millpond disappeared, leaving hundreds of pickerels stranded. All the men and boys rushed about killing fish with sticks and bats and most of the families in the area had fish for supper that night.”