Presidential change

It has been my honor and pleasure to serve as the president of the Eagan Rotary Club this last year. June 30th marks the end of my presidential year; July 1st begins John Rhody's year as club president. I handed him the framed Eagan Rotary Charter certificate which has hung on my office wall during these past 12 months. Now it will hang on his wall. Congratulations & good luck, John!

"Backdrafters" pedal for charity

In 1996, Doug Lange (3rd from left) started the "Backdrafters" bike team in Eagan. A former firefighter, he and others gather for biking and especially to raise $$$ for Multiple Sclerosis. During the recent 150 mile, 2 day annual MS ride from Duluth to the Twin Cities, over 100 team riders raised almost $70,000 in sponsoring pledges.

Erik's bike shop also sponsors the team and supports the weekly 25 mile, Thursday evening rides from May through mid-August. Keep pedaling!

www.Backdrafters.com

Eagan Rotarian series #16

Dr. Robert W. Hegerman graduated from the University of Minnesota - Duluth and completed his Optometry degree at the University of Missouri. Rob and 5 other Optometrists run Yankee Eye Clinic with locations in Eagan and Rosemount. An Eagan Rotary Club president in 2003, Rob's a really nice guy who can help you with any eye needs.

www.yankeeeyeclinic.com

It's getting political!

Next to the Eagan post office on Cliff Road, one finds the DFL (Democratic) coordinated campaign office of the 2nd congressional district. Several new candidates and incumbents are represented by their bright, colorful campaign signs. Election Day in November 2! Vote!

"Hometown heros" plaza kick-off

The Eagan Lioness Club and American Legion Post 594 are spearheading the new memorial/tribute plaza at Eagan's Central Park to recognize residents who have served with the military, fire and police departments.

Left to right: Colleen Eull (Eagan Lioness Club), Neil Brodin (sculptor for project), Tom Mullon (American Legion), Police Chief Jim McDonald, Fire Chief Mike Scott and Bud Johnson (Beyond the Yellow Ribbon). They gathered behind the Eagan Rotary bandshell for the kick-off of the project scheduled for completion before October 2010. The project received $100,000 from a state bonding bill and Eaganites are fundraising the remaining $50,000.

Momma turtle at the park

Just on the edge of the playground at Jensen Lake Park, a mother turtle was likely laying eggs in a hole which she dug.

Eagan dog series #20

Allison's neighbor, Peg, was walking by before my birthday dinner at her house. We ran out to see her and her dogs. Molly in the front carrying pack is a "Papillon" and a bit of a DIVA dog. Melvin, on the left, is an "English/American Cocker Spaniel." Peg's dog-sitting Melvin. Charlie, in middle, is an older dog. Both Charlie and DJ (on right) are "Wire-haired Fox Terriers." Molly rides in the front pack because she & DJ tussle while walking!

Lakes of Eagan series #5

Schulz Lake is one of the lakes encompassed in Lebanon Hills Park. It has one of our only natural beaches in Eagan. Since it's not listed in the "Eagan Fishing Guide," I can't give you lake statistics.

An artist's book signing

Almost 40 people gathered under the green canopy of the tall, old trees of the Caponi Art Park's backyard. Antony Caponi, founder and artistic director of Caponi Art park, read from his newly released book, "Voice from the Mountains," and signed copies. His memoir begins by telling about Tony leaving his village in the Apennine Mountains of Italy at age 15 for America. To order a copy, go to:

www.caponiartpark.org

Glad Midsommar!

We attended the annual Midsommar celebration at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis on Saturday afternoon. A decorated Maypole was raised, "Spelmanslag" fiddlers fiddled, ring dancers danced; everyone enjoyed a festive day!

www.americanswedishinst.org

Horse path under bridge

Pilot Knob Road runs north and south over this bridge. Under this bridge, one could often see horse riders from the adjacent Diamond T horse ranch. That ranch is now the Steeplechase neighborhood with about 100 homes on it. Sometimes we still see some horse-tracks on the path but it's been a long time since I've seen a horse there...

To see other bridges in Louis la Vache's BRIDGE series meme, click here:

www.bayphoto.blogspot.com

Search & rescue guys

These Dakota County officers were showing people their search and rescue boat and equipment at the LakeFest 2010 at Blackhawk Lake. The bearded guy told about helping with the recovery efforts after a Minneapolis bridge collapsed in August 2008.

Beer & 'ball

Joe Senser's Sports Grill & Bar is a fun, cool place to meet friends for a game of co-ed volleyball and a beer. Teams play several games on most evenings, complete with a score keeping "referee."

My Rotarian buddies

Some Eagan Rotarian friends stopped by on Tuesday afternoon for a small "office warming party." They can be a silly bunch!

LakeFest 2010

On Saturday, June 12, the City of Eagan held its "LakeFest 2010" at Blackhawk Park. In honor of "Take a Kid Fishing Day," residents could fish with their children ages 16 and younger without a license; bait and equipment were provided. A water resources specialist displayed a huge tank filled with many of the local fish species.

Wish you were here...

"The Newbies" wish our card playing buddy were in Eagan but he's off gallivanting in Namibia with his wife. We decided to play the HEARTS card game in his absentia anyway. His birthday was June 8 and my birthday was June 14 so we celebrated the birthdays with cake, snacks and wine! Hurry home, buddy, so you don't miss any more wild parties!

Happy Birthday to me!

Today's my BIRTHDAY! It's also my identical twin brother's birthday and America's "Flag Day!" Allison and Steven invited us over for dinner at their house on Saturday night. They have four daughters and we have three daughters. 'Twas a scrumptious dinner of barbecued chicken, mashed potatoes, freshly minted fruit salad, green beans, bread and yummy wine. And finally the chocolate BIRTHDAY CAKE with ice cream!

That was then, this is now

This new park & ride station was built last winter at 4035 Nicols Road. Take a look back then at the station during winter - click here. Their grand opening was held on May 26, 2010.

Eagan's got talent!

Some of the 1st graders showed their talents to the teachers, fellow students and parents assembled in the school cafeteria. Rising stars included: a dancer, jump ropers, a magician, piano players, singers, a whistler, a kid sticking spoons on his face and others.

300,000 pounds for the foodshelf

The City of Eagan surpassed its goal of collecting 150,000 pounds of food for the Eagan Resource Center (foodshelf) already in the first 3 months into the year. So Eagan set a new goal to double the orginal amount in celebration of the city's 150th anniversary! More than 60 businesses and organizations and thousands of citizens are helping. This goal meter sits up against the Eagan City Hall building off Pilot Knob Road.

Go Eagan go!

"Beep Beep" the Jeep & the guys

Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire and Councilmen Paul Bakken and Gary Hansen together just bought a 1970 AMC Jeep for $1,800 to use during their re-election campaign. All three guys are bidding for another 4 year term in the upcoming November 2 election.

An old right sided steering wheel equipped Jeep is perfect for stuffing mailboxes with their informational campaign brochures. "Beep Beep," formerly a U.S. mail truck, has driven over 107,000 miles and was found on Craig's List from an owner in Fergus Falls.

Good luck guys! Good luck "Beep Beep" the Jeep!

Au revoir 'a Isabelle

Today our friend, Isabelle, is moving back to France with her three daughters after living for 9 years in Minnesota. Her husband, Bruno, has already returned to Paris to begin his new job. We've enjoyed becoming friends, sharing meals and fun times together. It's sad to say good-bye until the next time. Isabelle and I enjoyed a farewell lunch last week at the "Pardon my French" cafe' and wine bar off Cliff Road. First course = ham & cheese crepes with salads; second course = scrumptious desserts. Bon voyage, Isabelle!

New Hagen Financial Network Office

Allison and I moved my HFN office up the hallway from the old office of almost 5 years last Friday. The new office has French doors, transom windows, fancy blue carpet, lots of windows and a balcony with views of large oak trees.

I work as a financial advisor and also sell Medicare supplement insurance. First a friend of my wife's, Allison has now worked with me for 4 years. We're good friends and have a lot of fun in the HFN office! www.HagenFN.com

Purple power

This perennial flower grows along the edge of our front sidewalk. I don't know its name? Any guesses?

Caution: Ditch Witch!

On my way home from work, I spotted utility guys working with something new to me, a "Ditch Witch." They have been burying special piping in the ground.

City light poles

As one can see by many light poles in our city, we are celebrating 150 years here in friendly Eagan. Check out the official website for more information:

www.Eagan150.com

You'll even see a link to the "Eagan Daily Photo" blog from the "Eagan 150" website!

Dream house series #11

My wife and my secretary found this unique house on their way to a party. With good directions, I was able to find it and show it to you! What do you think?

Zippy Z4 Car 4 U

This fast and fancy BMW Z4 two seater convertible was parked outside my office. I wished I could have taken it for a test drive. Actually, I would have been happy with a test ride! For more info, click here.

Average price = $46,000 - 52,000

Woher kommt Herr Pinzgauer?

Walking through an elementary school parking lot, I spotted this unusual vehicle trying to blend in with the "normal" cars. A Pinzgauer is a high mobility all-terrain military utility vehicle. The prototype was developed in 1969 and production began in 1971. For more information on this vehicle, click here.

Heavenly food

The June 1 theme day for the City Daily Photo blog community is "funny signs."

Here in Minnesota and especially Eagan, the Lutherans love to have potluck dinners. Everyone brings a "dish to pass" - usually all the dishes are put on long buffet tables. Families with last names starting A - F bring hotdishes, families G - N bring salads, families O - R bring vegetables and families S - Z bring desserts!
Bon appetit!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants