ne BlaiCityConnect
November/December 2012
W W W . C I . B L A I N E . M N . U S
5th Annual World Fest a Huge Hit!
The fifth annual Blaine World Fest turned out to be a huge success with the largest crowd ever, over 1,200 people, on hand for this event. Visitors enjoyed a beautiful September day filled with a wide variety of music and dance from many different cultures. Aromas of ethnic food sifted through the air and colorful flags representing a wide variety of countries blew in the wind. A total of 28 vending and performing groups were part of the day’s activities. This event once again turned out to be a great way for the City of Blaine and surrounding communities to celebrate the growing cultural and ethnic diversity that now exists in our area. As beautiful music, dance, and cultural booths provided entertainment during the day, visitors walked throughout Town Square Park sampling delicious ethnic cuisine including: Chinese, Italian, German, Indian, Irish, Greek, and good ole fashion BBQ. Public feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many visitors commented that they make it a point to come to this event each year, and are already looking forward to next year. Vendors and entertainers tell us this is one of the better-organized events they perform at each year. The Blaine World Fest is funded in part by appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature, with money from the State’s
SPECIAL THANKS GOES OUT TO THE VERY GENEROUS SPONSORS OF THIS YEAR’S EVENT Gold Sponsors: Target, Minnesota School of Business, Chili’s, Cub, Northpark Dental, and Wal-Mart Silver Sponsors: 21st Century Bank, Manning Transfer, and Allegra Design – Print – Mail Bronze Sponsors: Anchor Bank NA general fund and its Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, which was created by a vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008. Entertainers, vendors, volunteers, and all those in attendance also deserve credit for making this an event that the community can take great pride in and look forward to every year.
For the third time, World Fest Festivities included an Essay Contest. Winning essays in three different age groups are showcased on Pages 3 and 5. To be part of the 2013 Blaine World Fest, contact Tom Godfrey at 763-717-2723 or TGODFREY@CI.BLAINE.MN.US.
Toys for Tots Looking for a place to drop off your new, unwrapped toys for children in need during the holiday season? The Blaine Police Department will begin accepting toys November 26, and will continue to accept toys thru December 14. Just look for the holiday wrapped donation box in the atrium at City Hall. All the toys collected will be delivered to KARE 11 by the Blaine Police Department. Last year the Blaine Police Department filled two squad cars and two of the Community Service Ford F-150 trucks! How many vehicles can we fill this year? Let’s find out and help make a child’s holiday! If you have any questions please contact Officer Michelle Moore at 763-286-2093 or email at MMOORE@CI.BLAINE.MN.US .
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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
WARD 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 mbourke@ci.blaine.mn.us
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CITY MANAGER Clark Arneson
763-785-6120 carneson@ci.blaine.mn.us
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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
Nov. 1 | Nov. 8 | Nov. 15 Dec. 6 | Dec. 13 | Dec. 20 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Room
Nov. 27 7 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers
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12147 Radisson Road NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-757-3390 tryan@ci.blaine.mn.us
Nov. 1 | Nov. 15 | Dec. 6 | Dec. 20 7:30 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers
Park Board*
10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6700 763-785-6156 (fax)
MAYOR Tom Ryan
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Planning Commission*
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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 www.FaceBook.com/BlaineBizMN www.FaceBook.com/BlaineParksMN www.ci.blaine.mn.us/go/emailupdates www.Twitter.com/BlaineMinnesota www.Twitter.com/BlaineBizMN www.Twitter.com/BlaineParksMN www.YouTube.com/CityofBlaine
Nov. 20 | Dec. 18 7 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room
Arts Council Nov. 13 | Dec. 11 5:30 p.m. | City Hall Lunch Room
Historical Society Nov. 13 | Dec. 11 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Sanctuary Room
*meetings can be seen live on cable channel 16
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 . All city legal notices are published in the city’s official newspaper, the Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life.
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Why Diversity is Important? Submitted by: Naima Mohamed, Age 12 Winner
Diversity is important in our community because it benefits the community. In Blaine, our community is culturally diverse. We have many different cultures such as American culture, Mexican culture, African culture, German culture, Muslim culture and many more! If we didn’t have diversity community, we wouldn’t know how to treat our neighboring cities of diverse people. If that happened people will start saying Blaine is a racist city. So, people in Blaine who don’t discriminate would move out of the city because they don’t want to be part of a discriminating city. Also, people that are new to Minnesota won’t live here in Blaine because they see it’s disastrous. Blaine population will have decrease dramatically. That also means there are less sellers and consumers, and consumers will go to the biggest store open. While that many businesses getting a lot of consumers other businesses in Blaine will go out of business. Then eventually those businesses in Blaine won’t have enough people to buy to keep them open. So, that forces community to move for the lack of jobs, and food. Then the city will dissolves like the salt dissolves in water, and becomes a ghost town. One little problem turns a town to disappear. The city of Blaine has activity for all ranges of ages. Everybody can get along by doing some. We meet new people and try new activities because we are diversity city, but that’s not all the things this city does for us. We have a Blaine World Festival! You go around the whole world and learn new things without even leaving the comfort of your own city. In this city, we have informal books about cultures and all starts of food and don’t forget entertainment. The good thing about having a diverse community is that you can celebrate it. Diversity means a lot, but a word to describe it is amazing. People treat other people respectfully and kind. Our community is well, strong, and beautiful. Most people are friendly. As you notice, I didn’t say all because there’s always negativity, but we are fighting it off like how white blood cells fight off germs and diseases. Diversity means a lot to this community. Diversity means a whole world to me and just like the world I can’t fill it all in paper and pencil. You just got to feel it, hear it, and see it. Finally, I strongly believe diversity is extremely important because it provides our community and culture with inspirational perspectives. Diversity can create many benefits to our community. We need diversity in order to be strong community. If we all looked the same, felt the same, believed the same, we wouldn’t be beautiful community that we are now. Thank you for taking your time to read my Essay!
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Spring Lake Park – Blaine – Mounds View Fire Department December 3rd and 4th in Blaine The Spring Lake Park Fire Department is proud to announce the Santa Parade for the communities of Spring Lake Park, Blaine, and Mounds View. Along with the Fire Department, there will be vehicles from the community police departments and emergency services. Non-perishable food items will be collected for local food shelves. The Parade will start at 6:30 p.m. on days/ routes listed below. Non-perishable food items can also be brought to Station One located in Spring Lake Park during that week.
Submitted by: Wish Vue, Age 14 Winner
Monday, December 3rd West Blaine
“I know there is strength in differences between us. I know there is confront, where we overlap.” - Ani DiFranco. This quote means to me, no matter how different we are, we will help each other with our own different strengths and in the end, we will still have something in common. Diversity is very important to our community considering it provides our community and culture with unique perspectives. Diversity can create new ideas and changes that can be used in our world’s societies.
Parade Start: 131st Avenue and Jefferson Street 131st Avenue to Taylor Street to 126th Avenue to Polk Street (cross Main Street) to Oak Park Boulevard to Jefferson Street to Territorial Road to Presidents Drive to Pleasure Creek Parkway to Clover Leaf Parkway to Polk Street to 91st Avenue to Tyler Street to 92nd Avenue to Van Buren Street to 91st Avenue to Jackson Street, ending at that intersection.
Without diversity, all shapes and sizes of people, would be comfortable doing what we do best and never strive to achieve greater success. In the community’s workforce today, we have diversity all around us. From across the world with our call centers in India, Asia’s sneaker shoe production and world-wide modeling agencies. The United States of America is a melting pot of people, where we all are different and have blended into society together. Diversity is important in the workforce because, you have the positive influence of different languages, races, beliefs and lifestyles that help broaden the ideas in the workplace. That is why it is wonderful to celebrate diversity in our community’s workforces. The globalized world of today finds different cultures, brought together into a common area called, school. Students have the chance to learn different cultures from one another, allowing us a chance to understand different perspectives from students of different backgrounds. Studies shows that, “medical students who attend racially and ethnically diverse medical schools say they are better equipped to care for patients in a diverse society,” says UCLA Psychology and Sociology. If we were to think about our schools all over the world, it would be like a smoothie. Why? Because, a smoothie has all different types of fruits and tastes all inside when you drink it. That’s what school is like. We, the students are the different types of fruits and when we become one, we “taste” different with our different thinking. With different perspectives, we can learn much better in school.” Look around and you’ll see that our community is very diverse. With our different genders, races and ethnicities our community can pick out individuals and learn their own ways of standard living. Without diversity, we wouldn’t be a community to make up individuals. Being committed of being diverse, every individual needs to feel that they are also included in the community and each person needs to know that their culture is as important as others. We have diversity all over our community today! continued on Page 5
Tuesday, December 4th East Blaine Parade Start: Rice Creek Parkway and Xylite Street Rice Creek Parkway to Flanders Street to 95th Avenue (cross 35W) to Hamline Avenue to Edgewood Road to Xebec Street to 97th Avenue to Xebec Street to 99th Lane to Austin Street to Cord Street to 99th Avenue (cross Lexington Avenue) to North Road to Twilite Terrace to 101st Lane to Ghia Street to Ball Road to Marmon Street to 106th Lane to National Street to 107th Avenue to Packard Street to 105th Lane to National Street to 103rd Lane to Lever Street, ending at Fire Station 4. Visit our web site at WWW.SBMFIRE.COM for additional information.
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Voting Tips First, use the Voter Registration Lookup program at the Secretary of State’s website to confirm that you are registered to vote under your current name and residence. The online address is: HTTPS://MNVOTES.SOS.STATE.MN.US/ VOTERSTATUS.ASPX.
If you are not pre-registered, use the polling place finder to locate your correct precinct and polling place and bring required proof of residence to be able to register and vote. The Secretary of State has a website to find your polling place, review the candidates and to review an exact sample ballot that you will see in your precinct at: HTTP://POLLFINDER.SOS.STATE.MN.US.
Absentee Voting for 2012 Blaine residents who are unable to go to their polling place on General Election Day may cast an absentee ballot by mail or in person during the 46 days prior to each election.
New in 2012, voters who prefer to cast their absentee ballot in person may vote at Blaine City Hall, Administration Department, during regular office hours which is 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. In person absentee balloting will also be available at Blaine City Hall on the Saturday prior to each election from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and until 5 p.m. the day before each election. The absentee balloting period for the November 6 General Election will take place between Friday, September 21 and Monday, November 5. Absentee voting is allowed if the voter: •
Will be absent from his or her precinct on Election Day;
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Is serving as an election judge in another precinct; or
Remember, you can only vote in the precinct where you live and many precincts and boundaries have changed for 2012 due to legislative redistricting.
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If a religious discipline or religious holiday or observance prevents a voter from voting on Election Day;
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Secondly, be sure to allow enough time to vote. Allow yourself time to walk or park and walk to the poll place and be patient if you must wait in line. The most common busy voting periods are the first few hours the polls are open, during the noon hour, and late afternoon when many voters get off work. Polls open are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
An eligible emergency declared by the governor or quarantine declared by the federal or state government prevents voting on Election Day.
Voters who wish to vote absentee by mail can download the absentee ballot application any time at www.anokacounty.us/absenteevoting. Voters also can call 763-323-5275 to have an absentee ballot application sent to them.
And lastly, be patient and enjoy the voting experience and thank the election judges for their service to their community. Perhaps you might sign up to serve as an election judge next time.
New Wards and Precincts for 2012
Natural Resource Board Vacancy The Natural Resource Conservation Board currently has one vacancy in Council District One. The City is seeking to fill this position as soon as possible. Requirements include being a resident of Blaine and having a community interest. The Natural Resource Conservation Board is an advisory board appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The purpose of this Board is to advise the City Council and City Manager on the acquisition and management of public open space and trails within the City of Blaine. The Natural Resource Conservation Board consists of seven members, two representing each council district and a chair appointed at large. Appointments are made for a two-year term. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month beginning at 7:30 p.m. Please call the Jim Hafner at 763-785-6188 for additional information. Applications are available online at WWW.CI.BLAINE.MN.US or by calling (763) 785-6188, and must be received by Friday, November 30, 2012.
Anoka County will continue to offer both in person and mail absentee balloting services to any Anoka County resident during the absentee balloting periods noted above. Anoka County’s Election Office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Saturday before the election; and until 5 p.m. the day before the election.
Listed are the newly established wards and precincts as a result of the 2012 Redistrciting Process. Council Districts are now called Council Wards. The link to the new ward/ precinct map is HTTP://WWW.CI.BLAINE.MN.US/_DOCS/MAPS/VOTINGPRECINCTS.PDF. Ward 1 Precincts Polling Place Address W1-P1 University Ave. Elementary School 9901 University Ave. NE W1-P2 Mary Ann Young Senior Center 9150 Central Ave. NE W1-P3 St. Timothy’s Catholic Church 707 89th Ave. NE W1-P4 Christ Lutheran Church 641 89th Ave. NE W1-P5 Schwan Center (NSC) 1750 105th Ave. NE W1-P6 MN School of Business 3680 Pheasant Ridge Dr. NE W1-P7 Our Saviors Lutheran Church 9185 Lexington Ave. NE W1-P8 Centennial Sr. High (Performing Arts Ctr.) 4757 North Road Ward 2 Precincts W2-P1 King of Glory Church 10103 University Ave. NE W2-P2A Madison Elementary School 650 Territorial Rd. NE W2-P2B Kingswood Church 1264 109th Ave. NE W2-P3 Jefferson Elementary School 11331 Jefferson St. NE W2-P4A Abundant Life Community Church 1105 117th Ave. NE W2-P4B Blaine City Hall 10801 Town Square Dr. NE W2-P5 Oak Park Community Church 12050 Aberdeen St. NE W2-P6 Blaine City Hall 10801 Town Square Dr. NE Ward 3 Precincts W3-P1 Blaine United Methodist Church 621 115th Ave. NE W3-P2 Fire Station #3 11920 Ulysses St. NE W3-P3 Roosevelt Middle School 650 125th Ave. NE W3-P4 Way of the Lord Church 804 131st Ave. NE W3-P5 Johnsville Elementary School 991 125th Ave. NE W3-P6 Northpoint Elementary School 2350 124th Ct. NE W3-P7 Brookhall (next to Blainbrook) 11930 Central Ave. NE W3-P8 Bridgewood Community Church 11670 Lexington Ave. NE
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We can learn many new ways from living in a diverse community. We can be one community together with diverse insides. Outside of ourselves we are one, inside we are an individual.
Monthly Recycling at Aquatore Park
Today, we are still learning many new ways of other cultures’ standard of living. Sharing our growth of diversity, through the workforce, education and our community ourselves. No matter how different we may look outside, on the inside we form our community’s strength.
Every third Saturday of the month, the City of Blaine sponsors a recycling drop-off program in the parking lot of Aquatore Park.
Diversity In Our Communities
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.
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Submitted by: Jalyn Johnson, Age 16-18 Winner
Are you aware of the amount of diversity that surrounds you? Do you care about the diversity in your community? Well here try looking at it like this. Diversity as a whole in a community is actually a huge part of your individual life. The person next to you, despite what gender, ethnicity or skin color can be your best friend, your enemy, your lovers, your haters or just a really friendly person. Either way this person plays some sort of role in your wellbeing and your life even so in your families lives. The diversities in between races and colors amongst our community’s just shows how long and far we have truly come from Americas past. It shows how we have matured as human beings. At one point a neighborhood couldn’t have mixes of races and colors of people without there being some sort of controversy. You couldn’t look out the window and see kids just being kids, playing and enjoying their lives with all other children. Just associating in general amongst all ages and races especially between black and white. Now all of that has changed for the better of our community. This is how we were meant to get along. It is important that the children of our generation learn the importance of the people around them, but still the neighborhood is not the only place that diversity still exist. Diversity is all around us. Whether it be in the classrooms to the guests that could be sitting in your living room. Truth be told that diversity is one of the best things that the United States has ever obtained. This gives you the chance to better understand other cultures and religions of others even though we may believe in separate things, that doesn’t mean that we should treat them any different. It is important that we teach this valuable lesson to the children of the now and future generations. It can often be looked as disappointing that children come quicker to accept diversity than some adults. Which to me is a shame. Though on another note what do you think of when you hear the word diversity? When the word diversity is heard it may come to some as a beautiful thing, but to some it comes negativity. Yet, others don’t even know the meaning of the word. It’s a shame that some of us refuse to accept something so important. I see it almost as complete ignorance. A total failure to become one with your community. If everyone on earth looked the same what would be the point of anything. Your ethnicity defines you as a person. It is a part of your identity. Everyone should have the right to be comfortable in the skin that they were given. What right do you hold to take that away from anyone? Why take away from someone’s self-comfort. In the end of this all I want to conclude by just saying that diversity makes our communities stronger. The better we can stand together the better our communities will be, plain and simple. We are all American’s therefore we should stand together as a country, not small communities. We were created to help out and lookout for one another despite our differences in color and ethnic backround. We are all still human and we are all here to help one another. This is why I feel diversity is important in our community. What about you?
Fall Leaf Season is Here! Please keep in mind that all decaying plant material that ends up in the City’s ponds and streams contributes to greater phosphorous levels and poorer water quality. Please do not rake leaves into the street. Drop-Off Options You may bring your leaves and grass to the Anoka County Compost Sites. The hours for the sites are: Bunker Hills Site Mon. thru Fri., 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. or sundown, whichever is first; Sat., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun., Noon – 5 p.m.
Lino Lakes Site Tue. and Thu. from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. or sundown, whichever is first; Sat., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun. Noon – 5 p.m.
Curbside Collection Available Curbside leaf and grass collection is also available from Veolia. Call 763-786-7233 for more information on seasonal fees for yardwaste collection.
Most appliances cost $10 each, and air conditioners are $15. Most electronics, including televisions, will cost between $2 and $25, depending on size. Tires and rechargeable batteries may also be recycled for a small fee. 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 shredding service is also available to shred sensitive documents. Please note, no garbage will be accepted. 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.
Mattresses and Box Springs Now Accepted Blaine’s monthly drop off day is adding mattress and box spring recycling. Mattresses and box springs can be recycled on the third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Aquatore Park. The cost is $15 for each mattress or box spring.
Boulevard Tree Trimming Begins this Fall City crews will be trimming boulevard trees beginning sometime this fall. Trimming will continue through out the fall and winter as weather permits. Check the City website for details, and trimming locations. The City typically trims the street-side of trees for traffic clearance. For more information on the City’s tree trimming policy, call 763-785-6165.
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Winter/Spring Recreation Connection
Go to WWW.BLAINEPARKS.COM where you can view the 2013 Winter/Spring Recreation Connection Brochure and register on-line beginning November 13 for youth and adult recreation programs, classes, activities, and upcoming special events. A limited number of Recreation Connection brochures will be available at the Park and Recreation office during business hours. Call 763-785-6164 for more information.
Outdoor Ice Skating
Outdoor Ice skating rinks are scheduled to open Saturday, December 22nd (weather permitting). Ice skating classes are being offered starting in January. Go to www.blaineparks.com for more information or call Jerome at 763-785-6161.
A Morning at the North Pole Ages 10 & under w/parent/adult Parent and child will enjoy a continental breakfast, craft time, and visit with Santa. We will take a picture of your kids with Santa and email it to you OR bring your own camera for pictures with Santa. Extra adults may attend for $2 each. Held at Blaine City Hall - Atrium. SESSION 1 DATE: Saturday, December 8 TIME: Noon SESSION 2 DATE: Saturday, December 15 TIME: 11:00 a.m. OR Noon FEE: $10/child
Winter Holiday Celebration All families & ages Enjoy holiday entertainment, stories, crafts, a coloring contest, live holiday music, hay rides, refreshments, Santa and much more. For more information or to volunteer, call 763717-2723. DATE: Monday, December 3 TIME: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. FEE: FREE!
Sounds of the City Indoor concerts held in the atrium at Blaine City Hall are free and open to the public. Tuesday, November 13 – 7:00 p.m. Stomp N’ Dixie (Razzmatazz Dixie Music)
Outdoor Skating Rink Attendant Positions The City of Blaine is accepting applications for outdoor ice skating rink attendants until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 16th. For an application go to www.ci.blaine.mn.us or call Jerome at 763-785-6161. More information about Parks and Recreation programs is available at 763785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online at www.blaineparks.com .
Outdoor Lighted Ice Skating Rinks (With) Supervised Warming Houses Aurelia Park Hockey/General Rink 91st Avenue at Jefferson Street Happy Acres Park 3 Hockey/General Rink 119th Avenue and 7th Street Ostmans Park Hockey/General Rink 130th Avenue and Buchanan Street Quincy Park Small Hockey/General Rink 10601 Quincy Blvd. Warming House Hours: School Days (M-Th) 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. School Days (Fri.) 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Weekends 12:00 – 7:00 p.m. Vacation Days (M-Th) 12:00 – 9:00 p.m. Vacation Days (Fri.) 12:00 – 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve/Day 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve/Day 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. *Happy Acres will be open until 9:00 p.m. on non-holiday Fridays and Saturdays.
Babysitting Class
Ages 11 & up Learn to be responsible babysitters by examining safety guidelines, child development, finding jobs, rates, and first aid. Participants receive a packet of materials and certificates are awarded to all students who pass the exam. Bring a doll, lunch. and beverage. Class held at Blaine City Hall Sanctuary Room. DATE: Saturday, November 17 TIME: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. FEE: $60
Robotics: Star Wars Droids
Grades 1 – 5 This modular building system lets you build using subassemblies, making it easy to create and customize our robotic droids. Possible Models include: Droid Vehicle, Trainer Droid, Bi-Ped Walker, our version of R2D2, and more! Held at Schwan’s Center - Gold Room B. DATE: Saturdays, December 1 and 8 TIME: 9:00 a.m. – noon FEE: $72
Adult Co - Rec Volleyball A non – officiated Co – Rec adult volleyball league that takes place on Wednesday nights at Roosevelt Middle School. Leagues start in December and will go through March. Call 763-785-6161 for more information. DATE: Wednesdays starting Dec. 5 FEE: $200 per team
Outdoor Unlighted Ice Skating Rinks (Without) Warming Houses or Supervision Austin Park Carrara East Park Deacon’s Park Ivy Hills Park Quail Creek Park Xylite Park
4041 85th Lane 13129 Eldorado Street 11200 Arnold Palmer Dr. 12197 Fergus Street 2206 Quail Creek Pkwy 9033 Xylite Street
Senior Scene Mary Ann Young Senior Center 9150 Central Ave. | 763-786-9375
November Nov. 5, 8:30 a.m. – Treasure Island Casino Nov. 8, 11 a.m. – Whooping Cough Presentation Nov. 13, 11 a.m. – VOA Thanksgiving Entertainment. Meal at noon, signup! Nov. 28, 11 a.m. – Monthly Birthday Party Nov. 29, 9:30 a.m. – Tree Trimming and Decorating December Dec. 4, 9 a.m. – Santa Food Shelf Pickup Dec. 12, 11 a.m. – Coping with Holiday Blues Session Dec. 18, 11 a.m. – VOA Holiday Entertainment. Meal at noon, signup! Dec. 26, 11 a.m. – Birthday Entertainment Dec. 31, 11 a.m. – New Year’s Entertainment
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Please Keep Fire Hydrants Clear
Winter Parking Regulations Along with the return of cold temperatures, parking restrictions between Nov. 1 and April 1 also go into effect.
The fire and public works departments are asking for your help. Please remember to shovel out around fire hydrants after each snowfall. It is very important for residents and business people to keep hydrants clear of snow and visible from the street. If the fire department has to spend time trying to find a fire hydrant under the snow, they lose precious time needed to fight fires. Please help us out by keeping your fire hydrants clear of snow. The house you help save may be your own.
Let it Snow
No parking on any Blaine street between the hours of 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. from Nov. 1 through April 1. Please note that there are several posted signs regarding this parking restriction throughout the city; however, a sign is not posted on every city street.
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No parking on any highway, street or alley for more than 12 hours after snow begins to fall.
As winter approaches we begin to receive inquires from the public wondering where they are allowed to operate snowmobiles in Blaine. In general, snowmobiles may not be operated anywhere in the City west of Highway 65.
Community Outings Bus departure/return locations will be Blaine City Hall except casino trips depart/return at Blaine Senior Center, 9150 Central Avenue NE. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. No phone in registrations please. Registrants will be notified only if outing is cancelled. For more information please call 763-717-2723. Cancellation Policies: Refunds cannot be guaranteed after the registration deadline, due to policies of attractions, restaurants and transportation establishments. Absolutely no refunds 24 hours or less prior to the outing date. Christmas of Swing at History Theater Casino Trip Treasure Island Casino DATE: Thursday, Dec. 20 DEPART/RETURN: 8:45 a.m./3:15 p.m. DATE: Monday, Feb. 11 FEE: $25 DEPART/RETURN: 8:30 a.m./4:30 p.m. REGISTER BY: Nov. 14 FEE: $5 ($3 food coupon & 10 pull tabs) Casino Trip REGISTER BY: Feb. 4 St. Croix Casino – Turtle Lake Spring Training (Florida) DATE: Wednesday, Jan. 9 Minnesota Twins DEPART/RETURN: 8:30 a.m./4:30 p.m. March 8 - 18, 2013 FEE: $5 ($5 back at the door) Call 763-785-6164 for more information. REGISTER BY: Jan. 2
DATE: Wednesday, Jan. 30 DEPART/RETURN: 10 a.m./4:15 p.m. FEE: $46 REGISTER BY: Jan. 4
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Snowmobile Regulations
While shoveling, the City would like to remind residents that City Ordinance does not allow residents to “throw” snow onto neighboring properties or into public right-of-ways without permission. The City’s snow and ice policy is available online from the Public Works page on our web site. The address is HTTP://WWW. CI.BLAINE.MN.US/INDEX.CFM?ID=50155 .
Ring of Fire – the Music of Johnny Cash at Plymouth Playhouse
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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.US and search keyword SENIOR CENTER.
East of Highway 65, snowmobiles may operate on non-residential properties that are not next to residential areas. The operator of the snowmobile must have written permission from the property owner in their possession. Snowmobiling is not allowed on any City streets. A copy of the snowmobiling regulations is available from the City Clerk’s Office at 763-785-6124, or from the Blaine Police Department at 763-785-6168.
Christmas Tree Collection
As in past years, Christmas trees will be collected during the first two FULL weeks of the new year for all singlefamily homes. For 2013, tree collection is during the weeks of January 7 – 11, and January 14 – 18, on your regular garbage day. Please remember, you must remove ALL ornaments, wire, lights garland, etc., for the tree to be collected. Residents of apartments and manufactured housing parks should check with your management office to find out your collection schedule.
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID TWIN CITIES, MN Permit No. 29418
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
SBM Fire Adds New Equipment The Spring Lake Park – Blaine – Mounds View Fire Department rolled out four new, fully equipped trucks in October. The trucks include three Pierce/Saber pumper trucks, and one Air Rehab Support Truck. The new pumpers feature a 500 gallon onboard water tank to fight fires in rural areas where there are no fire hydrants, and allow fire suppression operations to begin as soon as fire crews arrive at the scene, while a supply hose is being laid out and hooked up to hydrants in our more urban areas. The new trucks also have the ability to carry 20 gallons of class A foam for ordinary combustibles, and are also compatible with class B foam for fighting fires involving flammable liquids. The new pumpers have a shorter wheelbase than the old trucks, which allows them to be much more maneuverable in areas such as culde-sacs. Even though the trucks are slightly smaller than the old ones, they feature more storage capacity for equipment. The new pumpers are equipped with new extrication equipment to better help in getting victims out of vehicles that have been involved in serious accidents. Newer cars have heavier safety features built into them for passenger safety. However, the new safety features were difficult for the old equipment to cut through to extract accident victims. Along with the new pumper trucks, the SBM Fire Department also received a new Air Rehab Support Truck. The Air Rehab Truck is a support vehicle that is essential to the support of fire crews at large fire events that may require a long time to get under control. The Air Rehab Truck has the ability to fill up to 100 air tanks that fire fighters wear for breathing air when they enter a smoke filled building. It also has heating and cooling capabilities to rehabilitate fire fighters on very hot or very cold days, as well as hydration and food supplies to assist the fire fighters in recovering as quickly as possible so that they can return to fire fighting duties at a fire scene. The new pumper trucks cost $395,000 each, fully equipped, and the Air Rehab Support Truck cost $172,000. The old vehicles that they replaced were sold to other fire departments to help offset the cost.