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September/October 2014
Night to Unite Sets Record with 132 Neighborhood Parties
What a great year! We had a record setting year with 132 registered parties. Thank you to all the hosts who organized the neighborhood gatherings and everyone who attended. We appreciate all your efforts and had a great time meeting all of you. We also collected 973 pounds of food and school supplies for CEAP. WAY TO GO! Thank you to everyone who donated. We had so many gracious sponsors that helped make this night possible. Thank you to Clives Roadhouse, Cub Foods, Rainbow Yogurt, Connexus, Target, and Nickelodeon Universe-MOA for all your contributions. Thanks to everyone for making our community great and we look forward to even more parties next year!
September 20 1-4 pm Town Square Park 10802 Town Square Drive
Join the City of Blaine and residents from across the north metro for the 7th Annual Blaine World Fest. Bring the entire family and learn about different cultures. Experience a wide array of music, dance, cultural information, and delicious ethnic foods. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. This event is free and open to the public. A $5 punch card will give you access to samples from food vendors. This activity is funded, in part, by appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State’s general fund, and its arts and cultural heritage fund that was created by a vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.
Special Thanks to Volunteers at East Lake Park The City Parks Department would like to thank volunteers from Premier Banks and Eagle Brook Church for planting some new plants and restoring the mulch at East Lake Park. The City supplied the material and the volunteers donated the time to install the landscaping in part of the park. Thank you for your help in making Blaine a nicer community.
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City Council*
Sept. 4 | Sept. 18 | Oct. 2 | Oct. 16 7:30 pm | City Hall Council Chambers
10801 Town Square Drive Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6700 763-785-6156 (fax)
CITY COUNCIL MAYOR Tom Ryan
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Blaine City Hall
RECYCLING CALENDAR
City Council Workshops
WARD 3 Kathy Kolb
11308 Jefferson Street NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-757-6887 kkolb@ci.blaine.mn.us
CITY MANAGER Clark Arneson
763-785-6120 carneson@ci.blaine.mn.us
ABOUT
Russ Herbst
12875 Lever Street NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6143 rherbst@ci.blaine.mn.us
Nat’l Resource Conservation Board Sept. 16 | Oct. 21 7 pm | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room Sept. 9 5:30 pm | City Hall Lunch Room
Police and Fire...................................................... 911 Police (non-emergency) .......................... 763-785-6168 Fire (non-emergency).............................. 763-786-4436 Anoka County Dispatch........................... 763-427-1212 Advanced Disposal................................. 763-786-7233 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.......................... 763-785-6180 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 ........................................... 763-785-6192 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 Sewer Backup....................................... 763-785-6165 Streets ................................................ 763-785-6165 Stormwater........................................... 763-785-6188 Utility Billing ......................................... 763-785-6141 Water & Sewer System .......................... 763-785-6165 Web..................................................... 763-717-2638 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: W W W. C I . B L A I N E . M N . U S / G O / N E W S L E T T E R
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.
WWW.CI.BLAINE.MN.US/GO/ EMAILUPDATES
STAY CONNECTED
CITY DIRECTORY
83 103rd Avenue NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-784-1986 mbourke@ci.blaine.mn.us
Sept. 23 | Oct. 28 7 pm | City Hall Council Chambers
*Meetings can be seen live on cable channel 16.
Dick Swanson
Mike Bourke
Park Board*
Sept. 9 | Oct. 14 6:30 pm | City Hall Sanctuary Room
8650 Van Buren Street NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-228-1117 whovland@ci.blaine.mn.us
10833 Fillmore Street NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-754-7643 dclark@ci.blaine.mn.us
Sept. 9 | Oct. 14 7 pm | City Hall Council Chambers
Historical Society
WARD 1 Wes Hovland
WARD 2 Dave Clark
Planning Commission*
Arts Council
12147 Radisson Road NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-757-3390 tryan@ci.blaine.mn.us
P.O. Box 49725 Blaine, MN 55449 763-370-2557 dswanson@ci.blaine.mn.us
Sept. 4 | Sept. 11 | Sept. 18 Oct. 2 | Oct. 9 | Oct. 16 6:30 pm | City Hall Cloverleaf Room
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BLAINE.MN WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BLAINEBIZMN WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BLAINEPARKSMN WWW.FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/ CITYOFBLAINE/ PLUS.GOOGLE.COM, THEN SEARCH BLAINE MINNESOTA WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/ CITY-OF-BLAINE-MINNESOTA WWW.PINTEREST.COM/ BLAINEMINNESOTA/ WWW.TWITTER.COM/BLAINEMINNESOTA WWW.TWITTER.COM/BLAINEBIZMN WWW.TWITTER.COM/BLAINEPARKSMN WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/ CITYOFBLAINE
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Spring Lake Park - Blaine - Mounds View Fire Department Reminds Residents
Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a fire. That’s the message behind this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month!” Along with firefighters and safety advocates nationwide, the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View (SBM) Fire Department is joining forces with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) during Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11, to remind local residents about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home and testing them monthly. According to the latest NFPA research, working smoke alarms cut the chance of dying in a fire in half. Meanwhile, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. “In a fire, seconds count,” said Connie Forster, Community Risk Reduction Bureau Chief. “Roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 pm and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. Home smoke alarms can alert people to a fire before it spreads, giving everyone enough time to get out.” This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign includes the following smoke alarm messages: • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. • Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. This way, when one sounds, they all do. • Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button. • Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they don’t respond properly. • Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm and understands what to do when they hear it. The SBM Fire Department will be hosting activities at four different Open Houses to promote “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives!” Through these educational, family-oriented activities, residents can learn more about the importance of working smoke alarms and testing them monthly. To learn more about smoke alarms and “Working Smoke Alarms Saves Lives,” visit NFPA’s website at WWW. FI R E PR E VE N TIONW E E K. OR G . To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities, how smoke alarms work, or to sign up for a free home safety survey, please contact the SBM Fire Department at 7 6 3 - 7 6 7 - 4 0 0 3 .
Mayor Tom Ryan’s Office Hours Blaine Mayor, Tom Ryan, holds regular office hours every Tuesday, from 2:30 to 5 pm. You can stop by Blaine City Hall, 10801 Town Square Drive NE, and meet with Mayor Ryan on any issue you want. There is no need to call and make an appointment; visits are done on a dropin basis. Office visits with Mayor Ryan are held in the Radisson Trail Conference Room located on the second floor of Blaine City Hall.
In Case of Sewer Backup, Contact Public Works Residents experiencing a sewer backup should immediately contact the City of Blaine Public Works Department. Public Works will check the sewer main for blockages, as tree roots in the line can cause backups for neighbors as well. During regular business hours, Blaine Public Works can be reached at 763-785-6165. Outside of business hours, call Anoka County Dispatch at 763-427-1212 in order to notify Blaine Public Works.
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New Voting Equipment
Elections News The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 4. Polls will be open from 7 am to 8 pm.
Where Do I Vote? The page to the right outlines the City’s precincts and polling locations. Locate where you live on the map to see where you vote. Still not sure where to vote? Go to W W W. M NV OT E S . OR G or call Blaine Elections at 7 6 3 - 7 1 7 - 2 7 3 7 .
Registering to Vote Before Election Day Voters are encouraged to register prior to Election Day. You may register to vote in person, by mail, or online at W W W. M NV OT E S . OR G or by calling 7 6 3 - 71 7 - 2 7 3 7 for more information. The deadline to pre-register to vote for the General Election is October 14. You can also register to vote at your polling place on Election Day with proof of residence. Voters in Blaine will see new voting equipment when casting their ballots in the 2014 State Election. The ES&S DS200™ combines the familiar paper ballot with the most advanced digital image technology. Voters will make their choices on a paper ballot by filling in an oval then the machine electronically tallies the vote totals immediately after the polls close. The system also allows voters to review their final decisions before casting their ballot--if a ballot is improperly completed, as in the case of a crossover vote in a primary election, the machine allows the voter an opportunity for correction. To view a demonstration video go to
HTTP ://W WW.YOU TUB E . C O M/ WATCH ? V =6Y5NTA 4G3V8
or to request a demonstration contact the City Clerk’s Office at 763-785-6124 .
Absentee Voting You can vote absentee at either Anoka County Elections or at Blaine City Hall beginning September 19 during normal business hours and on Saturday, November 1 from 10 am to 3 pm. To request a ballot be mailed or for more information on where to vote, voter registration, absentee voting, or to view a sample ballot go to W W W. M NV OTE S . OR G or call Blaine Elections at 7 6 3 - 7 1 7 - 2 7 3 7 .
City Seeks Additional Election Judges The City of Blaine is currently recruiting new and experienced election judges to serve during the General Election on November 4. Election judges are responsible for the administration of election procedures in each polling place on Election Day. This is a paid position and training is provided. If interested in serving your community, complete and return the application found at WWW.CI.BLAINE.MN.US/GO/ELECTIONS . For more information on duties and qualifications, visit
WWW.CI.BLAINE.MN.US/GO/ELECTIONS
or call Blaine Elections at 7 6 3 - 7 1 7 - 2 7 3 7 .
Notice to Write-in Candidates
Any write-in candidates for City offices who wish to have their write-in votes counted at the General Election must register with the City Clerk’s office seven (7) or more days before the General Election. Questions may be directed to the City Clerk’s Office at 7 6 3 - 7 1 7 - 2 7 3 7 .
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Wards and Precincts for 2014
Disclaimer: This document has been compiled using information gathered from various government offices and other sources and is to be used for reference purposes only. Every effort has been made to make sure the completeness and accuracy of this document. The City of Blaine does not represent that the data can be used for exact measurement of distance or direction or precision in the depiction of geographic features. If errors or discrepancies are found, please contact 763-717-2639.
Precinct Polling Place, Polling Place Adress W1-P1 W1-P2 W1-P3 W1-P4 W1-P5 W1-P6 W1-P7 W1-P8 W1-P9 W2-P1 W2-P2A W2-P2B
University Ave. Elementary School, 9901 University Ave. NE Mary Ann Young Senior Center, 9150 Central Ave. NE St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 707 89th Ave. NE Christ Lutheran Church, 641 89th Ave. NE Schwan Center (NSC), 1750 105th Ave. NE MN School of Business, 3680 Pheasant Ridge Dr. NE Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 9185 Lexington Ave. NE Centennial Sr. High, 4757 North Rd. (Perfomring Arts Center) Blaine City Hall (Mail Ballot), 10801 Town Square Dr. NE King of Glory Church, 10103 University Ave. NE Madison Elementary School, 650 Territorial Rd. NE 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 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 Blainebrook), 11930 Central Ave. NE W3-P8 Bridgewood Community Church, 11670 Lexington Ave. NE
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Youth Activities Amazing Athletes Children will learn the basics of 9 different sports while building self-confidence, practicing teamwork and improving fine and gross motor skills. Program held at Sunnyside Park Building.
QC Dance Classes We are offering a variety of dance classes ages 2½ to 11 at QC Dance Studio. Please call the Parks and Recreation office for dates, times and fees at 7 6 3 - 7 8 5 - 6 1 6 4 .
Sign Up for Fall Programs Online Visit BLA I NEPA RKS . C O M .
Barnyard Boogie
Ages 8 & under with an adult. Refreshments provided. Deadline is September 22. Friday, September 26, 6-7:30 pm $8/child resident; $9/child non-resident
Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt & Dance
Ages 10 & under. Deadline is October 17. Friday, October 24, 7-8:30 pm $9/child resident; $10/child non-resident
Target Center Shows
Tickets are lower level seating. Transportation is not provided. Park and Rec will notify you when tickets arrive at the office.
Mickey’s Musical Festival Disney Live!
Sunday, October 12, show starts at 4 pm. Register by September 26. $30 resident; $33 non-resident (24 months and up)
Frozen: Disney on Ice
Sunday, April 12, 2015. Show starts at 11 am. Register by September 26. $40/resident; $44 non-resident (24 months and up) More information about Parks and Recreation programs is available at 763- 785- 6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online at W W W.B L AIN EPA RKS .COM . FACEBOOK.COM/ BLAINEPARKSMN
TWITTER.COM/ BLAINEPARKSMN
FIELD TRIPS Looking for some fun for your kids over MEA? We have 2 fun filled days planned for children grades K-5. Transportation leaves and returns to Blaine City Hall.
Anoka County Farms & Pump It Up ! Thursday, October 16, 9 am – 4 pm $30 resident; $33 non-resident
Minnesota Zoo & Imax Friday, October 17, 9 am – 4 pm $30 resident; $33 non-resident
Adult Activities Fitness Classes
Infant, Child & Adult CPR
We are offering a variety of Yoga and Zumba classes as well as Bellydancing and Kettlebell training.
This 4 hour American Heartsaver course is designed to meet the needs of lay rescuers including day care providers. This class does not meet the needs of health care providers. Wednesday, September 24, 6-10 pm at the SBM Fire Station #3. $45.
Photography Classes This fall we are offering a series of photography classes: Step by Step Photography, Nightscapes, Vacation, and Portrait photography.
Adult Sports
Find out more about these programs and others online at B LA IN EPA R KS . CO M or call 7 6 3 - 78 5 - 6 1 6 4 .
We offer both Women’s and Co-Rec Volleyball leagues and 5-Person Basketball Leagues, beginning in November; and 4-Person Basketball beginning in September.
Community Outings All day trips leave from Blaine City Hall unless otherwise noted and include lunch, tickets and transportation.For more detailed information about these trips, call 7 6 3 - 7 8 5 - 6 1 6 4 . Casino trips depart and return to the Senior Center.
Norskedalen DAT E : Wednesday, October 1 T I M E: 7:15 am – 6:45 pm F EE: $70
Radio Man
Extended Trip Branson Christmas Music Special December 3 - 7 For a complete itinerary call 7 6 3 - 7 8 5 - 6 1 6 4 or Tourco at 7 6 3 - 7 8 0 - 2 9 8 5 .
DAT E : Thursday, October 16 T I M E: 8:45 am – 3:15 pm F EE: $32
Hello Dolly DAT E : T I M E: F EE:
Wednesday, November 12 9:45 am – 5:15 pm $70
D ATE :
TIM E : F E E :
Wednesday, October 15 Register by October 8 8:30 am to 4:30 pm $7 ($5 back at casino)
For more information on the Senior Center daily activity schedule, or to be added to the Senior Center monthly newsletter, please contact Shelley or Ann at 76 3 - 7 8 6 - 9 3 7 5 .
september | october 2014 National Preparedness Month (NPM) is sponsored by the Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Advertising Council. NPM is held each September to encourage Americans to make sure they are prepared for disasters or emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities. September 2014 marks the eleventh annual NPM and the goal this year is to transform awareness into action by encouraging all Americans to take specific steps to ensure that their homes, workplaces, and communities are prepared for disasters and emergencies of all kinds. By doing so, individuals, business, and organizations can commit to doing at least one of the following: 1. Learn about emergency hazards and their appropriate responses. 2. Build an emergency kit.
3. Make a communications plan. 4. Get involved in preparedness in their community.
Individuals, businesses, community organizations, and places of worship can register to become a National Preparedness Coalition Member by visiting www.ready.gov and clicking on the Pledge to Prepare banner. NPM Coalition membership is open to all public and private sector organizations. Each September, Coalition Members share preparedness information with their colleagues, customers, employees, and communities. Members are encouraged to find ways to participate in existing events and meetings throughout their communities to share preparedness information, or create a preparedness event of their own. The NPM coalition website offers resources for Coalition Members that include a toolkit, discussion forums, and a calendar of events. Throughout the year, the Ready Campaign promotes individual emergency preparedness at home, at their place of work, and throughout their communities. The Ready Campaign’s websites (READY.GOV and LISTO.GOV) and toll-free numbers (1-800-BEREADY and 1-888-SE-LISTO) provide free emergency preparedness information and resources available in English and Spanish.
Recycle to the Max and Save! On of the best ways to save money on your garbage bill is to recycle as much as possible. Under Blaine’s curbside recycling program, ALMOST ALL of your household waste is actually recyclable. Putting more recyclables in your recycling cart will not cost you any more money. It will make it possible to save money by using a smaller garbage cart. You can join the thousands of Blaine households that recycle the maximum amount of their household refuse and save money by using a smaller garbage cart. The following materials are all recyclable in Blaine’s single-family recycling program with Advance Disposal. Recycle these materials to Recycle To The Max! • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Newspapers, and all inserts All magazines and catalogs Phone books Training manuals All mixed mail including envelopes (if it comes in the mail and is paper, you can recycle it!) All office and school papers, file folders, fax sheets, notebooks, etc Paperback books Corrugated cardboard boxes cut up to fit in recycling cart (or flatten and bundle 3 feet by 3 feet by 1 foot thick, and place next to the recycling cart) Box board (cake, cereal, cracker, tissue, and shoe/shirt boxes) Brown paper bags Aluminum cans Tin/steel cans Glass bottles and jars (clear, brown, and green) Plastic containers and packaging number 1 through 7
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BLAINE RECYCLING
SATURDAYS! 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 3rd Saturday of Each Month Aquatore Park 9150 Central Avenue NE The City of Blaine sponsors a recycling dropoff day the third Saturday of each month in the parking lot at Aquatore Park. The parking lot is near the City water tower and treatment plant. The collection event runs from 10 am until 2 pm, and is open to anyone. You do not need to be a Blaine resident to bring items to partcipate. Please Note: No garbage will be accepted.
JR’s Appliance Recyclers 651-454-9215
• Appliances, florescent lamps, electronics, rechargeable batteries, and tires. Please note that there is a fee for some items. Most appliances are $10 each. Air conditioners are $15. Most electronics are between $2 and $25 depending on size. You can also drop off tires and rechargeable batteries for a small fee. Free items include scrap metal and car batteries. Bikes 4 Kids (April – October)
• Collects old bicycles for free to refurbish to distribute to needy children. Randy’s Environmental Services 763-972-3335
• Free paper shredding. Recycling Opportunities 763-785-6192
• Call for more information about recycling opportunities available in Blaine or visit WWW. CI . B L AI N E.M N.US | search keyword REC Y C LE
If you need an additional recycling cart to handle all of the recycling material, you can get one AT NO ADDITIONAL COST! That’s right; you can put out as much recycling as possible with out an increase
Advanced Disposal
Join the thousands of Blaine residents that are recycling to the max and saving money on their garbage bills!
For Information regarding curbside yardwaste service or to report missed garbage, recycling or yardwaste pick-up.
in cost. In fact, it will save you money by allowing you to use a smaller garbage cart.
To change your level of garbage service, call 7 6 3 - 7 8 5 - 6 1 4 1 . For an additional or larger recycling cart, call Advanced Disposal at 7 6 3 - 7 8 6 - 7 2 3 3 . Remember, Recycle To The Max and save.
763-786-7233
2014 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
Safety Camp POSTMASTER: TIME SENSITIVE MAIL
18th Annual Blaine Safety Camp a Success
Two-Day Camp Focuses on Reducing the Number of Accidental Injuries and Deaths Among Children
Another collection of Blaine soon-to-be fourth graders now possess the knowledge and tools to live safe, healthy lives after the 18th Annual Blaine Safety Camp. On July 8 and 9, 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-day 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! The camp counselors – firefighters, paramedics, police officers and parks and recreation staff – were invaluable contributors to the Safety Camp experience. In a fun twist, the professional identity of each counselor was withheld from the kids to set up a surprise reveal at the awards ceremony at the end of camp. Safety Camp kicked off with three successive morning programs. First, Don Bania Jr., an annual guest at Blaine’s and other Minnesota safety camps, shared his inspiring story. Don is a quadriplegic as a result of a motorcycle accident, who developed his artistic skill by learning to draw with his mouth. He also revealed to campers that he designed and drew the Safety Camp logo on their camp shirts. Then, campers were taught about internet safety and the dangers associated with talking to people online and sharing personal information. The morning was complete with an engaging and interactive bully prevention program. After a hearty lunch and dancing off extra energy to music from a deejay, campers jumped right into four afternoon sessions. Representatives from Mercy and Unity Hospitals hosted an interactive sports injury prevention and first aid presentation. Then, workers with Connexus Energy displayed the hazards and deadly power of electricity in a shocking electrical safety presentation. The afternoon sessions ended with an appearance by an SBM Fire Department firefighter showing how to react in case of a home fire. To end the day, magician Brian Richards entertained children with his energizing and entertaining “Drugs Steal the Magic” act. The next morning picked up where the previous day left off. First, a bicycle stunt professional used his bicycle and message to inspire students to live out their dreams through determination, goal achievement, drug awareness, peer pressure, and wearing a helmet. Next, an animal expert shared several creatures with campers while discussing animal safety.
Campers also were trained in personal safety, learning about the buddy system, checking first, and listening to your uh-oh feeling. Before lunch, Blaine Police Officer Greg Rowe and his K9 partner Gunner, Officer Reggie Larson and his K9 partner Rex, and Officer Mark Allen and his K9 partner Remy, treated campers to a drug sniff and criminal apprehension demonstration. Afterward, children were allowed to meet Gunner and give him a pat on the back. A pizza lunch energized the campers for a fun afternoon of water safety at Roosevelt Community Pool. Upon returning, all campers were measured for booster seats and fitted for bike helmets. One of the 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 and instruction on a proper fit have been given to campers at each Safety Camp since the beginning of the program 18 years ago. That totals more than 2,500 bike helmets provided for Blaine children to ensure safe bicycling. After the two busy days of safety education, it was time to surprise the campers with the true identity of their counselors and 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 2014 Blaine Safety Camp at an awards ceremony, emergency vehicle display, and ice cream social at Spring Lake Park High School. Blaine Safety Services thanks the many employees, volunteers and sponsors for making 2014 Safety Camp an extraordinary success. A special thank you also goes out to all the campers for their enthusiastic participation. Information about 2015 Safety Camp will be available in the Parks and Recreation Department’s summer 2015 Recreation Connection next March. Thank you to our 2014 Safety Camp Sponsors Allina Health - Mercy & Unity Hospitals, Allina Medical Transportation, Big Bell Ice Cream, Blainbrook Bowl, Blaine Festival, Blaine Public Safety Association, Blaine Youth Hockey Association, Connexus Energy, McDonald’s of Blaine, Stanley and Patricia Peterson Family, Pizza Hut of Spring Lake Park, Rotary Club of Blaine and Ham Lake, SAFE KIDS Anoka County, Spring Lake Park Community Education, Spring Lake Park Lions Club, SuperAmerica - Blaine