Blaine CityConnect - 2011 Sep/Oct by City of Blaine

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Over 50,000 Watch 3M Championship in Blaine

Over the course of 3 days (Aug. 5-7), over 50,000 spectators watched the strongest field of players to compete this year put on a show at the TPC golf course in Blaine. Jay Haas shot 15-under par to win the tournament over a field that included Tom Watson, Fred Couples, Hal Sutton, and Minnesota’s own Tom Lehman.

September/October 2011

World Fest Returns to Blaine Sept. 17

Join the City of Blaine and residents from across the north metro on Sept. 17 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Town Square Park for the 4th Annual Blaine World Fest.

For $5, festival-goers may purchase a food ticket good for a hearty sample from each of the event’s 10 food vendors. All other activities and entertainment are free.

This unique event is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the growing cultural and ethnic diversity that exists in our community by enjoying music, dance, cultural learning booths, demonstrations and delicious ethnic food. World Fest has grown each year to include new and exciting opportunities and festivities.

Blaine Parks and Recreation will again sponsor a diversity essay contest for students, giving kids an opportunity to express what diversity means to them. More information about the essay contest is available on page 6. For more information about Blaine World Fest or to volunteer, contact Recreation Supervisor Tom Godfrey at 763-717-2723.

This was the nineteenth year of the tournament, which has raised over 17.5 million dollars for local charities since 1993. As in past years, this year’s 3M Championship featured free admission for the general public.

Blaine Hosts 15,000 Athletes from 17 Countries The 27th annual SCHWAN’S USA CUP, presented by PUMA, wrapped up an eventful eight days of soccer on Saturday, July 23, at the National Sports Center in Blaine. This year’s tournament, which began on July 13, featured over 15,000 athletes on 942 teams from 20 states and 17 countries, making it the largest youth soccer tournament in the Western Hemisphere. The weekend and weeklong tournaments together generated an estimated $20.4 million in economic impact. Minnesota teams won 11 of the 14 toplevel 11v11 championship divisions, the home state’s best showing in years. Last year, Minnesota teams won only five toptier USA CUP championships. Visiting teams from Canada, Denmark and Nebraska also won titles.

Enjoy Cultural Entertainment by: • Aztec Dance Troupe • CAAM Chinese Dance Theatre • Rince na Chroi School of Irish Dance • The Dancing Glitters • Titambe West African Dance Ensemble • The Twin Cities Nyckelharpalag • Unlimited Next Level • Drill and Dance Team • Voice of Culture • Zumba Demonstration

Informational Learning Booths from: • Anoka County Health Child and Teen Check-Up Program • Chinese Heritage Foundation Friends • Cilongo Foundation • Emma B. Howe Family YMCA Diversity Committee • Glimpses of India • Hmong Folk Art, Inc • iAsianlanguage Institute • Phancy Face Painting, Airbrushing & Henna • The Minnesota Indonesia Society

Sample Ethnic Foods Courtesy of: • • • • • • •

Acapulco Buca Carbone’s Pizzeria Chili’s China Inn Dosa King Glockenspiel & Deutschland Meats • HotWokDelivery • Jimmy John’s • Umbria Pizza

This activity is made possible, in part, by funds provided by the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council through a grant from the McKnight Foundation and an appropriation by the Minnesota Legislature.

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SEPTEMBER

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12147 Radisson Road NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-757-3390 tryan@ci.blaine.mn.us

DISTRICT 1 Wes Hovland 8650 Van Buren St. NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-228-1117 whovland@ci.blaine.mn.us

Dick Swanson P.O. Box 49725 Blaine, MN 55449 763-370-2557 dswanson@ci.blaine.mn.us

DISTRICT 2 Dave Clark 10833 Fillmore St. NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-754-7643 dclark@ci.blaine.mn.us

Mike Bourke 83 103rd Ave. NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-784-1986

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MAYOR Tom Ryan

CITY MANAGER Clark Arneson 763-785-6120 carneson@ci.blaine.mn.us

11308 Jeﬀerson St. NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-757-6887 kkolb@ci.blaine.mn.us 12875 Lever St. NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6143 rherbst@ci.blaine.mn.us

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Park Board*

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Sept. 27 | Oct. 25 7 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers SAT 1

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Natural Resource Conservation Board Sept. 20 | Oct. 18 7 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room

Arts Council Sept. 28 | Oct. 26 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Lunch Room

Historical Society Oct. 11 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Sanctuary Room

*meetings can be seen live on cable channel 16

DISTRICT 3 Kathy Kolb

Russ Herbst

Sept. 1 | Sept. 15 | Oct. 6 | Oct. 20 7:30 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers

Sept. 13 | Oct. 11 7 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers

CONTACTSJUNE

CITY COUNCIL

City Council*

Planning Commission*

Blaine City Hall 10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6700 763-785-6156 (fax)

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Police and Fire ............................................... 911 Police (non-emergency) ................... 763-785-6168 Fire (non-emergency) ....................... 763-786-4436 Building Inspections ......................... 763-785-6170 Cable Channel 15 ............................. 763-780-8241 City Cable Channel 16 ..................... 763-785-6192 City Clerk ....................................... 763-785-6124 City Manager ................................... 763-785-6120 Community Standards ...................... 763-785-6187 Crime Prevention ............................. 763-785-6113 Economic Development .................... 763-785-6147 Engineering ..................................... 763-785-6172 Fire Inspections .............................. 763-785-6187 Forestry ......................................... 763-717-2660 Housing Services ............................ 763-785-6146 Human Resources ........................... 763-785-6109 Job Line ......................................... 763-717-2679 Newsletter ..................................... 763-717-2735 Operator ......................................... 763-784-6700 Parks and Recreation ....................... 763-785-6164 Planning & Zoning ........................... 763-785-6180 Public Works ................................... 763-785-6165 Recycling & Solid Waste .................. 763-785-6192 Senior Citizens Center ..................... 763-786-9375 Streets ........................................... 763-785-6165 Stormwater ..................................... 763-785-6188 Utility Billing ................................... 763-785-6141 Water & Sewer System .................... 763-785-6165 Web ............................................... 763-717-2638 Learn more about the City of Blaine and keep updated with happenings by following the city online. www.facebook.com/blaine.mn http://twitter.com/blaineminnesota

About this Newsletter... CityConnect is published bimonthly by the City of Blaine and distributed to all residents and businesses. Past copies of the city newsletter are available at www.ci.blaine.mn.us. Feedback can be directed to newsletter @ ci.blaine.mn.us .

www.youtube.com/cityofblaine www.ci.blaine.mn.us/go/emailupdates

EMAIL UPDATES

All city legal notices are published in the city’s official newspaper, the Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life.

september | october 2011

Blaine Residents Turn Out to Celebrate a Quarter Century of Neighborhood Crime Prevention Efforts with Night to Unite Blaine’s neighborhoods joined thousands across the state on Tuesday, Aug. 2 to celebrate Night to Unite, an evening of outdoor festivities aimed at increasing crime prevention awareness and building a strong community. This year, 110 block parties gathered throughout Blaine, continuing the strong tradition the city has built over the course of 25 years of organizing in the name of crime prevention. This year marked the third year of Night to Unite in Blaine. Previously, the city used the National Night Out brand before joining the state-operated Night to Unite event in 2009. Night to Unite is sponsored by the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association, AAA of Minnesota and local law enforcement communities. This year, Target Corporation donated $300 to the City of Blaine to support efforts of the Night to Unite Program. Representatives from the Blaine Police Department and Spring Lake Park-BlaineMounds View Fire Department did their best to make an appearance at each block party registered with the city. City officials and members of the police department used the opportunity to discuss neighborhood safety with residents. This year city officials also took time to share with residents the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Community Campaign which is a network

that coordinates and connects agencies, organizations, resources and employers in the city for the purpose of proactively supporting those aﬀected by military deployments. The ultimate goal of Night to Unite is to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in anticrime initiatives and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. Considering the large resident turnout and enthusiasm, combined with the dedication of the city’s safety services personnel, the night was an enormous success. To get an early jump on Night to Unite 2012, contact Crime Prevention Specialist Kim Kiley at 763-785-6186 for more information or visit www.ci.blaine.mn.us and search keywords night to unite. Night to Unite 2012 will be held Aug. 7, 2012.

Fire Department Awarded $144,400 Grant for Fire Prevention & Safety The Spring Lake Park – Blaine – Mounds View Fire Department has recently been informed of their successful fire prevention grant application by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Prevention Chief Connie Forster submitted the $144,400 grant request under the Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program. This is the second fire prevention grant awarded to the department in the past ten years. The grant submission identified several areas where additional focus is needed. First and foremost amongst these is augmenting the Home Safety Survey; a free safety inspection of homes for hazards including fire. Funds will

be used to develop and use web technology specific to the survey, marketing materials for the Home Safety Survey Program, and promotional items for the program. Other items funded by the grant include; upgrades to our smoke and carbon monoxide alarm program, development of a fire prevention program manual allowing others to build successful programs, material translation for printed media and video productions, kitchen fire prevention, juvenile fire play intervention, and flameless candles. The department has 12 months to implement the grant program and is subject to a federal audit at any time.

Fire Corps Promotes Community Involvement In 2008, the Spring Lake Park – Blaine – Mounds View Fire Department (SBM) Fire Department, looking to increase community involvement and grow their prevention programs, initiated a Fire Corps Program. Fire Corps, one of ﬁve partner programs under Citizen Corps, supports and supplements local ﬁre /EMS departments through the use of citizen volunteers in non-emergency roles. Activities that Fire Corps members participate in include, but are not limited to; • • • • • • • •

Prevention education Administration Fundraising Data Entry/Bookkeeping Maintenance Public Relations Assisting with Events Citizen Advocacy

Over the last 3+ years, SBM’s Fire Corps members have volunteered over 7500 hours, which has an equivalent dollar value of nearly $157,000. In today’s economic climate, this is a significant contribution, allowing the department to continue to offer activities and programs that might otherwise be impacted by tightening budgets. Almost since their inception, the SBM Fire Corps program has been recognized for their outstanding work. In 2009, the SBM Fire Corps Program received the “Community Hero” award at the Creating Community Heroes banquet in Blaine, MN. In 2010, the Fire Corps members were recognized for their participation in serving the National Volunteer Fire Council at their annual conference that took place in Bloomington, Minnesota. Most recently, their group has been the “Spotlight” program profiled on the national Fire Corps web site, and they have been nominated for the Fire Corps Award of E3xcellence at the national level. The SBM Fire Corps coordinator Shannon Ryder was appointed as the State Fire Corps Advocate in 2009. Shannon was recently asked by the National Fire Corps program to join their national speaker bureau to present on the accomplishments of the SBM Fire Corps. For more information on the SBM Fire Corps Program, contact Station One 763-786-4436 or the website www.SBMFire.com. For additional information on Fire Corps, visit www.FireCorps.org.

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MDA Confirms Emerald Ash Borer Infestation in Shoreview The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) recently confirmed an emerald ash borer infestation in an ash tree in a Shoreview residential neighborhood. The infestation was discovered after the property owner noticed signs of a potential infestation and contacted the City of Shoreview. City officials then called MDA. Shoreview becomes the fourth Twin Cities community to have a confirmed emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation, joining St. Paul, Minneapolis and Falcon Heights. MDA has also confirmed an infestation in rural Houston County, in southeastern Minnesota. The new Shoreview infestation is notable because it is

located nearly 10 miles from the nearest known infestation. However, it is not known at this time how the EAB arrived at the new site. MDA will be conducting surveys of the area and will be working with the City of Shoreview and Ramsey County to determine a best course of action for slowing the spread of the insect. EAB is one of America’s most destructive tree pests. Its larvae kill ash trees by tunneling into the wood and feeding on the tree’s nutrients. Since its accidental introduction into North America, EAB has killed millions of ash trees in 15 states. The metallic-green adult beetles are a half-inch long, and are active from May to September.

Infestation signs include one-eighth inch, D-shaped exit holes in ash tree bark and winding tunnels under the bark. Since adult EAB are weak fliers, the biggest risk for spreading EAB comes from people unknowingly moving firewood or other ash wood products harboring EAB larvae. That’s why officials often respond to EAB detections by issuing a quarantine that bars people from moving out of the county any items that may be infested with EAB. The Shoreview detection site is located within Ramsey County, which is already quarantined for EAB due to the St. Paul infestation.

What Can I Do? The City of Blaine has already been contacted by the Department of Agriculture to do ash borer scouting inside the city. For now, Blaine residents and all other Minnesotans should follow three easy steps to keep EAB from spreading: • Don’t transport firewood. Buy firewood locally from an approved vendor, and burn it where you buy it. • Be aware of the quarantine restrictions. If you live in a quarantined county, be aware of the restrictions on movement of products such as ash trees, wood chips and firewood. Details can be found at www.mda.state.mn.us. • Watch for signs of infestation in your ash trees. If you suspect your ash tree may be infested by EAB, visit www.mda.state.mn.us and use the “Do I Have Emerald Ash Borer?” checklist. Call MDA’s Arrest the Pest Hotline 1-888-545-6684 to report concerns.

City of Blaine Seeks to Fill Planning Commission and Park Advisory Board Vacancies for 2012 The City of Blaine is seeking interested residents to fill vacancies on the Planning Commission and Park Board. Commission and board vacancies are filled by Mayoral appointment and confirmed by a majority of the entire City Council. At least two (2) members must reside in each Council election district for the term of their appointment for Planning Commission or Park Advisory Board. The Planning Commission consists of seven members. The Commission reviews and advises the City Council on long-range community planning goals and policies, immediate planning issues, and specific development proposals. Monthly meetings are scheduled the second Tuesday of each month.

Planning Commission: Four appointments will be made for a term of two (2) years. One vacancy will exist in each council district and one vacancy will be for the chair-at-large. The Park Advisory Board consists of seven members. The Board recommends policy to the City Council and the City Manager pertaining to the park and recreation function. Monthly meetings are scheduled the fourth Tuesday of each month. Park Advisory Board: Three appointments will be made for a term of two (2) years. One vacancy will exist in each council district. Requirements include being a resident of Blaine and having a community interest.

Applications for all committee vacancies are available at www.ci.blaine.mn.us by searching keyword vacancy or through the City Clerk’s Office (763-785-6122 or 763-785-6124). Completed applications can be dropped off at City Hall, submitted via email to jcross@ci.blaine.mn.us or mailed to: Jane Cross, CMC, City Clerk City of Blaine 10801 Town Square Drive Blaine, MN 55449

september | october 2011

Be Prepared: Make a Plan for Emergencies Your family may not be together in one place when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance: how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in diﬀerent situations.

Family Emergency Plan NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH September 2011 | ready.gov

Taking Action to Be Ready Darryl J. Madden, Director, Ready Campaign

Do you have emergency supplies set aside in case there’s a disaster? Does your family have an emergency plan? For many people, planning for an emergency or disaster isn’t a priority. According to the 2009 Citizen Corps National Survey, only 36 percent of individuals believed there was a high likelihood of a natural disaster to ever happen in their community. Many people think they have everything they need in the event of an emergency at hand, and can simply “grab and go.” You are your family’s first responder, and in many ways you are your neighbor’s first responder. All of us as participants in our communities and members of our families need to take concrete steps to proactively prepare for emergencies and disasters. Local, state, and national authorities are going to help, but they may not be able to get to you right away. We all need to be prepared for those first 72 hours before help can reach us. September is National Preparedness Month (NPM) – the perfect time to take action and get your family Ready. Readiness comes in many forms and preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. We have to work together,

as a team, to ensure that our families, neighborhoods, and communities are Ready. Get an emergency supply kit. Make a family emergency plan. Be informed about the risks in your area. Work with your neighbor and know who might need just a little extra help. To help get your family started, Ready Kids is a family-friendly, children-oriented tool to help parents and teachers educate children, ages 8-12, about emergencies and how they can help families better prepare. The Ready Kids website at www.ready.gov features fun activities such as a Scavenger Hunt, Pack It Up Matching game, crossword puzzles and coloring pages, as well as age-appropriate, step-by-step instructions on what families can do to better prepare for emergencies and the role kids can play in that eﬀort. It’s important to explain to your children that families can prepare for emergencies before they take place and that they can help, too. By doing so, you can alleviate anxiety if an emergency does occur and help to nurture a more prepared society for generations to come. Visit www.ready.gov/kids today and get Ready!

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit: • Water: One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation • Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both • Flashlight and extra batteries • First aid kit • Whistle to signal for help

• Dust mask, to help ﬁlter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic booties for personal sanitation • Wrench or pliers to turn oﬀ utilities • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) • Local maps • Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

• Identify an out-of-town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-oftown contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members. • Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. If you have a cell phone, program that person(s) as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you’ve listed them as emergency contacts. • Teach family members how to use text messaging (also knows as SMS or Short Message Service). Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through. • Subscribe to alert services. Many communities now have systems that will send instant text alerts or emails to let you know about bad weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc. Sign up by visiting www.ready.gov/america /local/mn.html.

Planning to Stay or Go Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the emergency, the ﬁrst important decision is whether you stay where you are or evacuate. You should understand and plan for both possibilities. Use common sense and available information to determine if there is an immediate danger. In any emergency, local authorities may or may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio or check the internet often for information or oﬃcial instruction as it becomes available. More information about National Preparedness Month and emergency and disaster planning is available at www.ready.gov .

Blaine n

ION T A E R REC NECTION CON

o creati and Re Parks Fall 2011

Sounds of the City Indoor concerts held in the atrium at Blaine City Hall are free and open to the public.

St. Peter Street Stompers (1920s, 30s & 40s New Orleans jazz)

Oct. 18, 7 p.m. The Fairlanes (50s & 60s Acapella & Doo Wop)

Nov. 15, 7 p.m.

Family Special Events

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City Again Will Sponsor Diversity Essay Contest as Part of Blaine World Fest This years World Fest event will once again be sponsoring an essay contest open to youth between the ages of 10 and 18. The essay topic is “Why is Diversity Important to Our Community?” This contest will challenge youth to consider the meaning of diversity to them and what can be learned from living in a diverse community. Essays will be separated and judged in three age categories: 10 to 12, 13 to 15 and 16 to 18. Essays must be typed or printed and must include the name, age, address and phone number of the writer. All essays must be original and unpublished and contain 500 words or less. Awards will be given in each age category. First place winners will receive a certiﬁcate of recognition presented during the World Fest event and a $20 gift card from a local business.

In addition, the three ﬁrst place winning essays will be printed in the November/December issue of Blaine CityConnect and published on the city’s website. Second place winners will receive a certiﬁcate of recognition and have their essays published on the city website. Essays must be submitted by Sept. 12, 2011. Winners will be contacted by phone by Sept. 15. By email to: tgodfrey@ci.blaine.mn.us (enter “Diversity Essay” as the subject) or Via Postal Mail at: City of Blaine Essay Contest Attention: Tom Godfrey 10801 Town Square Drive Blaine, MN 55449

Barnyard Boogie DATE: Saturday, Oct. 1 TIME: 10 – 11:30 a.m. FEE: $8/child ages 8 & under Register by Sept. 24.

Shrine Circus DATE: Friday, Oct. 21 TIME: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. FEE: $10/person ages 2 & up Register by Oct. 24. Limited tickets.

Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt & Family Dance DATE: Saturday, Oct. 22 TIME: 7 – 8:30 p.m. FEE: $9/child ages 10 & under Register by Oct. 17.

Community Outings Check the fall Recreation Connection for detailed information.

Wagons & Fiddles Wednesday, Sept. 28, 6 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. $65. Register by Sept. 14.

History Theater/ Beyond the Rainbow Thursday, Oct. 20, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. $58. Register by Oct. 6.

Casino Trip Monday, Nov. 14: Treasure Island

Plaid Tidings at the Chanhassen Wednesday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. $68. Register by Oct. 25. More information about Parks and Recreation programs is available at 763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online at www.blaineparks.com .

Now Taking Fall Recreation Program Registrations Go to www.BlaineParks.com where you can view the 2011 Fall Recreation Connection Brochure and register on-line for youth and adult recreation programs, classes, activities and upcoming special events. Residents can subscribe to receive park and recreation information automatically by clicking on Email Updates and entering you email address. Fall brochures will not be mailed out but if residents desire a copy they are available for pickup at the Park and Recreation Oﬃce. Please call 763-785-6164 for information.

Adult Volleyball Leagues The Blaine Park and Recreation Department will oﬀer non-oﬃciated Co-Rec. and Women’s Volleyball Leagues this winter. Register by Oct. 21 for Women’s Monday league beginning Nov. 7 and by Nov. 18 for Co-Rec Wednesday league beginning Dec. 7. Entry fee is $200 per team. Please call 763-785-6161 for more information.

SENIOR SCENE Mary Ann Young Senior Center 9150 Central Ave. | 763-786-9375 Sept. 6 – Video & Presentation – North Metro Performing Arts Series Sept. 15 – Movie: TBD Sept. 22 – Harvest Dinner – advanced tickets required, music by the Four Plus One Band Sept. 26 – Flu Shot Clinic – schedule appt. Sept. 28 – Birthday Entertainment Sept. 30, Oct. 1,2 – Woodcarving Workshop – call Alice to register, 763-531-8005 October Fest Week of Fun Oct. 10 – Prize Bingo Oct. 11 – Mini Wii Tournament Oct. 11 – October Fest Meal Oct. 11 – “500” Card Tournament Oct. 12 – Luteﬁsk Dinner Oct. 13 – Cribbage Tournament Oct. 18 – Jewelry Sale Oct. 20 – Movie: TBD Oct. 26 – Birthday Entertainment Oct. 31 – Halloween Costume Party The Mary Ann Young Senior Center offers a variety of programs, social events and dining options on weekdays. Call for more information and times or learn more online. Visit www.ci.blaine.mn.usand search keyword senior center.

september | october 2011

Anoka County Compost Sites Accepting Yard, Tree Waste Through November Anoka County compost sites are open through November, weather permitting. Acceptable Materials Yard Waste: debagged grass clippings, leaves, garden waste, weeds, soft-bodied green plant materials, pumpkins, pine cones and needles, sod (small quantities) and acorns.

Bunker Hills Compost Site 13285 Hanson Boulevard, Coon Rapids (763) 767-7964 Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (or sunset if earlier)

Fees: $4/load (up to four cubic yards). Additional $0.50 per cubic yard in excess of four cubic yards. (Approximately seven yarduse waste bags are equal to one cubic yard.)

Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Compost Site

Tree Waste: brush, logs and stumps.

Tuesday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (or sunset if earlier)

Fees: $6/cubic yard for brush up to 6” in diameter; $10/cubic yard for branches/logs 6” to 24” in diameter; $40/cubic yard for trunks/stumps over 2’ in diameter. When available, finished compost may be picked up at both sites on a first come, first served basis (non-commercial use only). Bring your own containers and shovel.

7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes (651) 429-3723

You’re Invited to the 2011 Fire Department Open Houses Join us for refreshments and the chance to learn more about the Fire Department and other community agenicies. Safety devices such as smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and flameless candles will be available for purchase. Activities include spraying a fire hose, automobile extrication demonstrations, 9-1-1 simulator, fire extinguisher training, home safety information, Allina ambulance and much much more.

Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (or sunset if earlier)

Station 1 1710 Cty Hwy 10, Spring Lake Park Sunday, Oct. 9, 1 - 4 p.m.

RRT Processing Solutions operates the Anoka County compost sites. More information about area compost sites is available from Anoka County Integrated Waste Management at 763-323-5730 or www.AnokaCounty.us/recycle .

Station 2 1141 - 89th Ave., Blaine Monday, Sept. 26, 5:30 - 8 p.m. Station 3 11920 Ulysses Street, Blaine Oct. 8, 1 - 4 p.m. Station 4 10290 Lever Street, Blaine Sept. 24, 10 - 1 p.m.

Monthly Recycling at Aquatore Park

Fall Leaf Raking - Don’t Rake Your Leaves into the Street ! Many of our residents live in fully wooded areas. As the leaves from the trees turn color and fall, they provide both a beautiful show and plenty of cleaning up eﬀort. Please keep in mind that all decaying plant material that ends up in the Cities ponds and streams contributes to greater phosphorous load and poorer water quality. Please do not rake leaves into the street. Your cooperation in requested. You may bring your leaves and grass to the Anoka County Compost Sites (see article on this page) or utilize home composting. Curbside leaf and grass collection is also available from Veolia Environmental Services for a fee. Call 763-786-7233 for more information on their program.

Home Composting Guidelines • Use only yard waste, twigs less than 1/4” diameter, straw, fruit and vegetable scraps, coﬀee grounds. • Do not use pet waste, meat, dairy or egg waste. Contain composting material in a bin with a maximum height of 5 feet. Bin volume limited to 100 cubic feet on lots smaller than 10,000 square feet and 150 cubic feet on lots greater than 10,000 square feet. • Keep bin in rear yard only and a minimum of 5 feet from the property lines. It is essential that compost be actively turned and watered to avoid any odor.

Each third Saturday of the month, the City of Blaine sponsors a recycling drop-oﬀ program in the parking lot of Aquatore Park. The collection event is staged near the Mary Ann Young Senior Center and recurs the third Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Most appliances cost $10 each; air conditioners and water softeners are $15. Most electronics, including televisions, will cost between $2 and $25, depending on size. Free items include scrap metal, car batteries, used clothing and all items collected as part of the city’s curbside recycling program. A free paper shedding service is also available to shred sensitive documents. Please note, no garbage will be accepted. Blaine’s recycling program is paid for in part through SCORE grant funds received from Anoka County To learn more about the city’s recycling drop-off program and for a list of acceptable items and associated fees, call 763-785-6192 or visit www.ci.blaine.mn.us and search keyword recycle .

10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine, MN 55449-8101 (763) 784-6700

ECRWSS

POSTAL CUSTOMER DATED MATERIAL PREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

POSTMASTER: TIME SENSITIVE MAIL

15th Annual Blaine Safety Camp is Best Yet

Two-day camp focuses on reducing the number of accidental deaths among children Another collection of Blaine fourth graders now possess the knowledge and tools to live safe, healthy lives after the 15th annual Blaine Safety Camp. On July 13 and 14, nearly 150 local children gathered at SBM Fire Station 3 for the comprehensive educational program. Organized by the Blaine Police, SBM Fire and Blaine Parks and Recreation departments, Safety Camp is designed to reduce the number of accidents and injuries among young children while providing the skills needed to manage emergency situations. The two days of Safety Camp went precisely as planned, instructing campers on a variety of safety-related topics ranging from first aid to brain injury prevention while mixing in enough fun and excitement to make the experience one the children will never forget. Safety Camp kicked off with three successive morning programs. First, workers with Connexus Energy displayed the hazards and deadly power of electricity in a shocking electrical safety presentation. Then, campers were trained in personal safety and self defense from a third-degree black belt before learning first aid from an educator with the SBM Fire Department. After a hearty lunch and dancing off extra energy to music from a deejay, campers jumped right into four afternoon sessions. A poison safety activity taught the kids to differentiate between poisonous and

non-poisonous household products. Then, an animated appearance by an SBM Fire Department firefighter showed how to react in case of a home fire. Don Bania Jr., an annual guest at Blaine’s and other Minnesota safety camps, shared his inspiring story. Don is a quadriplegic who developed his artistic skill by learning to draw with his mouth. He drew a picture of Sponge Bob Squarepants for campers and identified his “I can” mantra as motivation. He also revealed to campers that he designed and drew the Safety Camp logo on their camp shirts.

each Safety Camp since the beginning of the program 15 years ago. That totals more than 2,200 bike helmets provided for Blaine children to ensure safe bicycling.

To end the day, Blaine Police Oﬃcer Greg Rowe and Gunner, his police K9, treated campers and their families to a criminal apprehension demonstration. Afterward, children were allowed to meet Gunner and inspect his custom police car.

After the two busy days of safety education, it was time for campers to relax and be rewarded for their dedication to keeping themselves and their families and friends safe. Campers were presented with a medal and certiﬁcate proclaiming successful completion of Blaine Safety Camp 2011 at an awards ceremony and ice cream social at Spring Lake Park High School.

The next morning picked up where the previous day left off, with an animal expert sharing several creatures with campers while discussing animal safety. An internet safety presentation then focused on the dangers associated with talking to strangers online. Prior to a pizza lunch, all campers were weighed and measured for booster seats and fitted for bike helmets. One of the primary goals of Safety Camp this year was to educate parents on the state’s booster seat law, which requires children to sit in booster seats if under specific height and weight guidelines. Bike helmets have been given to campers at

A pizza lunch energized campers for an afternoon consisting of water safety at Foss Swim School and a brain injury prevention/safety on wheels course hosted by representatives from Mercy and Unity hospitals. To end the educational portion of the camp, Magician Brian Richards entertained children and their families with his“Drugs Steal the Magic” act.

Blaine Safety Services thanks the many employees, volunteers and sponsors for making Safety Camp 2011 an extraordinary success. A special thank you also goes out to all the campers for their enthusiastic participation. Information about the 2012 Blaine Safety Camp will be available in the Parks and Recreation Department’s Summer 2012 Recreation Connection next spring.

Thank you to the many sponsors who made Safety Camp 2011 possible: Allina Medical Transportation • Big Bell Ice Cream • Blainbrook Bowl • Blaine Public Safety Association Blaine Youth Hockey Association • Connexus Energy • Foss Swim School • Mercy and Unity Hospitals Stanley & Patricia Peterson Family • Pizza Hut of Spring Lake Park • SAFE KIDS Anoka County • Sgt. John Rice VFW Post 6316 Spring Lake Park Community Education • Spring Lake Park Lions • SuperMom’s Bakery of SuperAmerica • Xcel Energy