Blaine CityConnect - January/February 2022 by City of Blaine

BlaineMN.gov

CityConnect January/February 2022

What’s Inside

Department Spotlight Say Hello to Parks and Recreation..................3

Pictured Left to Right: Chief Podany, Councilmember Paul, Officer West, Officer Nordby, Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Hovland, Officer Zimmerman, Councilmember Smith, Mayor Sanders, Captain Clark, Officer Molinos, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Massoglia, Officer Schweigert, Officer Pohlman, and Deputy Chief Szykulski

Blaine Police Department Hits Rare Achievement in Policing Community Input Continues for the Northtown Area Study............................5

Law enforcement in general is a field that sees a lot of movement and turnover in staffing. In Blaine the police department has had the good fortune to have many long term employees but the department has still dealt with constantly being in a recruitment mode. In December the department accomplished a rare feat. The department for the first time in recent memory was fully staffed. This meant that all 75 authorized positions for a licensed law enforcement professional were filled. Throughout the years the department has always been able to provide enough officers to patrol the community but being understaffed meant the department often had to pull staff off of special assignments. The retail unit, special operations group, traffic unit, and others have all had to run short at some point to ensure that there were enough officers on the roads for general patrol and response.

Skating Rinks Now Open, Weather Permitting................................................8

In 2022 the department will be right back into recruitment mode as the authorized position allocation will be increasing. But, for a short time this December this rare accomplishment was celebrated by the City. To hear more from Chief Podany on police staffing in Blaine, visit BlaineMN.gov/PoliceStaff.

City of Blaine 10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine MN 55449

POSTMASTER: TIME SENSITIVE MAIL

DATED MATERIAL PREPARED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION

ECRWSS

POSTAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID TWIN CITIES, MN Permit No. 32324

For more information about the Blaine Police Department, visit BlaineMN.gov/Police.

Police K9 Tyrone Passes Away It is with great sadness that we share the news that our newest K9 partner, Tyrone, passed away on December 8, 2021. Tyrone had been ill and was being treated for sepsis and pneumonia. Tyrone took a turn for the worse and was brought to an emergency veterinarian. He was treated with aggressive lifesaving measures at the emergency vet but sadly did not survive. Tyrone just completed his training in November. He was a joy to have around the department and even though we only had a short time with him, he will be greatly missed. Please keep Tyrone’s handler Officer Larson and his family in your thoughts and hearts during this difficult time. Leo Luskey, a longtime friend of the Blaine Police Department, generously donated $15,000 earlier this year to cover the cost of purchasing Tyrone and all the associated training that Tyrone and Officer Larson went through this summer and fall. Tyrone was named after Leo’s hometown of Tyrone, MN. The City also offers our sympathy to Leo and his family as well as they felt the loss of Tyrone.

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BlaineMN.gov - CityConnect

Upcoming Meetings

Recycling Calendar January s

City Council* t

s 1

January 3 | January 19 February 7 | February 23 7:30pm | City Hall Council Chambers

City Council Workshops

February s

Natural Resources Conservation Board*

January 18 | February 15 7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

January 25 | February 22 7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Blaine City Hall

March m

Planning Commission*

January 11 | February 8 7pm | City Hall Council Chambers

763-784-6700

Communications@BlaineMN.gov

10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine, MN 55449

Holiday

Zone A

MAYOR Tim Sanders 763-203-3286 TSanders@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 1 Wes Hovland 763-228-1117 WHovland@BlaineMN.gov Jason Smith 612-460-0199 JSmith@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 2 Julie Jeppson 763-354-4709 JJeppson@BlaineMN.gov Jess Robertson 763-607-2233 JRobertson@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 3 Chris Massoglia 612-524-9447 CMassoglia@BlaineMN.gov Richard Paul 763-607-6641 RPaul@BlaineMN.gov

CITY MANAGER Michelle Wolfe 763-785-6120 MWolfe@BlaineMN.gov

Traffic Commission* January 4 | February 1 6:30pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Zone B

Tree Collection

City Council

Park Board*

For more information, visit WaltersRecycling.com or call 763-780-8464.

City Directory Police & Fire...............................................911

*Meetings can be seen live on cable channel 16 and 799. A livestream of meetings is available at BlaineMN.gov/Video.

Stay Connected

CIVICREADY

Police (non-emergency) ....... 763-785-6168 Fire (non-emergency)............ 763-786-4436 Public Works After Hours...... 763-427-1212

Receive Emergency Communications BlaineMN.gov/CivicReady

City Hall................................... 763-784-6700 Mary Ann Young Center........ 763-786-9375 Public Works........................... 763-785-6165

NotifyMe®

Building Inspections.............. 763-785-6170 City Cable Channel 16 .......... 763-785-6181 City Clerk ................................ 763-785-6122 City Manager.......................... 763-785-6120 Communications.................... 763-785-6181 Community Standards.......... 763-785-6187 Community Outreach............ 763-717-2713 Economic Development........ 763-785-6180 Engineering............................. 763-785-6172 Finance.................................... 763-717-2677 Fire Inspections ..................... 763-785-6187 Forestry .................................. 763-717-2660 Housing Services ................... 763-785-6146 Human Resources ................ 763-785-6109 Newsletter.............................. 763-785-6181 North Metro TV...................... 763-780-8241 Parks & Recreation ............... 763-785-6164 Planning & Zoning ................ 763-785-6180 Recycling & Solid Waste ....... 763-785-6141 Sewer Backup......................... 763-785-6165 Streets .................................... 763-785-6165 Stormwater............................. 763-785-6172 Utility Billing . ......................... 763-785-6141 Water & Sewer System ......... 763-785-6165 Web.......................................... 763-717-2638

Connect with your community and sign up for topics that interest you BlaineMN.gov/NotifyMe

CommunityConnect A Crime Prevention Partnership BlaineMN.gov/ CommunityConnect

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 BlaineMN.gov/Newsletter

January/February 2022

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City Hall Renovation Update

3rd Floor Almost Complete, Police Department Well Underway

2022 Budget and Tax Levy Approved City Council Keeps Same Tax Rate as 2021 On December 20, 2021 the Blaine City Council approved the 2022 tax levy and general fund budget. The approved levy was $125,000 less than the preliminary levy that was approved back in September. Cities can only reduce the levy after the preliminary levy is set. The general fund budget provides for many of the services that residents expect from the City. Nearly 75 percent of the budget is devoted to public safety and public works. Blaine continues to have the lowest combined tax and utility rate costs of any full service city in Anoka County. Blaine also has the lowest combined costs when compared to other cities of a similar size in Minnesota. New or expanded initiatives funded in the 2022 budget include: an expansion of the police K9 program, an online public data request portal, an enhanced Emerald Ash Borer mitigation initiative, and four additional police officers. Above you can view a breakdown of the general fund budget by department. More information about the general fund budget and levy can be found on the city website at BlaineMN.gov/2022Budget.

Blaine City Hall has been under construction since April 2021. Construction has included the build out of the previously vacant third floor. Some city departments moved up to the third floor space in September. Once staff vacated space on the second floor this allowed work to begin on new space for the Blaine Police Department to expand operations to the second floor space. Work continues on a new customer service hub and community gathering room on the first floor of Blaine City Hall. Also on first floor a new police department lobby will provide better customer service for visitors to the Blaine Police Department. The renovation work is ongoing and is expected to be completed by spring 2022.

Parks and Recreation Department, Pictured Left to Right: Ann Genosky, Joy Handt, Diane Heitkamp, Nate Monahan, Shelley Johnson, and Jerome Krieger

Please Keep Fire Hydrants Clear Shovel After Each Snowfall

Department Spotlight Say Hello to Parks and Recreation The City of Blaine has several different City departments that each serve the community in a different way. In each edition of the city newsletter a different department will be highlighted to help the community learn a little more about the people who work for the City and the programs or services that they are responsible for offering to the community. The City of Blaine’s Park and Recreation Department has over 159 combined years of experience in their field. Park and recreation programs have changed greatly over the years but at their heart they have always been focused on opportunity and relationships. From youth to adults to seniors Blaine Parks and Recreation works to provide opportunities for all Blaine residents. Relationships are built daily at the very popular summer Playnet program that empowers young adults to be leaders in the community by planning, organizing, and running park based programs for young children. Connections are also being made everyday at the Mary Ann Young Center as staff are providing opportunities for seniors to come together and build a community. From large community events to small classes Blaine Parks and Recreation works daily to enhance the quality of life for all who call Blaine home. For information on programs and facilities, visit BlaineParks.com.

Residents and business owners are asked to please shovel out around the fire hydrants after each snowfall. It is very important to keep hydrants clear of snow and visible from the street. This is so the firefighters can spend those precious seconds fighting fires and not clearing out hydrants.

Christmas Tree Collection A reminder that Walters Recycling and Refuse will be collecting Christmas trees during the weeks of January 3 and January 10. Just set the tree out on your regular service day, and it will be collected the next day.

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BlaineMN.gov - CityConnect

Building Inspections Corner

Home Improvement Loan and Grant Programs

Loan Programs - Coming in February Home improvement loans are available for Blaine homeowners through the Center for Energy and Environment Lending Center. Low Interest Home Improvement Loan

Contract Checklist A contract with a builder or remodeler should be specific and detailed. It should include the kinds of materials to be used and, when possible, specify brand names, colors, grades, styles, and model numbers. The contract should also include the names of any subcontractors and suppliers of material. Items to look for in a contract: • B uilding permits: The contractor should obtain the necessary permits, if the customer obtains the permits, they are responsible for ensuring code compliance for the project. • S tart and completion dates: Delays can and do occur, but a general statement allowing for reasonable delays is a good idea. • C hange order clause: This is an agreement stating the contract cannot be modified without the written consent of both parties. • S chedule of payments: A down payment is customary, but it should not be more than a modest percentage of the total job. Additionally, a payment schedule might be set up based on the amount of work done to date. • H oldback clause: This allows withholding payment until sometime after the job is completed, allowing time for the homeowner to inspect the job. • Cleanup: This should be included in the contract, especially if a project is likely to create debris. Understanding Liens Any contractor, subcontractor, or material supplier may file a mechanic’s lien against the property where they worked if they are not paid for their labor or materials. State law allows a consumer to pay a subcontractor directly and deduct that amount from the total contract price. Another option is to withhold that amount from the contractor for 120 days after the work is completed, unless the contractor has provided waivers signed by the contractors who give up their right to file a lien against the property. Minnesota law provides procedures and conditions that protect homeowners from being the target of an unfair mechanic’s lien, though only a court can determine whether a lien is valid. For help with a dispute with a residential contractor, call 800-657-3944 (press 5) or dli.contractor@state.mn.us.

From maintenance projects to major remodels, you can finance most home improvements with a loan of up to $50,000 from the Blaine Economic Development Authority with interest rates under 4 percent. Accessibility Loan Program Simple modifications can be made to homes to allow residents with disabilities to remain in their homes. The accessibility loan program offers $10,000 in a deferred, no interest loan, which is paid back upon sale of the property. The borrower’s household must include an individual with a disability and projects must be approved by the individual’s physician. Income limits apply. Projects may include widening doorways to accommodate mobility devices, adding grab bars, constructing ramps, and more!

Grant Programs - Available Now Home improvement grants are available to owners of homes with a 2021 assessed value of $350,000 or less and that are at least 30 years old. No income limits apply. Front Door Program

Major Remodeling Grant

Receive a grant of up to $5,000 to improve the curb appeal of your home. Funds are limited. Projects must include at least one beautification project and a beautification project cost of at least $1,000.

Receive a grant of up to $7,500 to complete major remodeling projects in your home, such as finishing a basement, adding a bathroom, or gutting a kitchen. To receive the maximum reimbursement projects must also include exterior upgrades such as a new front door, adding brick to the front of the home, or new landscaping. Projects must have a total cost of at least $35,000.

Beautification projects-reimbursed at 25 percent of cost: 1. Front door, storm door, and/or garage door 2. Sidelight windows by front door 3. Columns at front door 4. Covered front porch 5. Brick, stone, or shake 6. Alter roofline on front side of house 7. Permanent landscaping 8. Window boxes and shutters 9. Screening of utility boxes and/or garbage cans 10. Maintenance free decorative fence (wrought iron, composite, other similar materials) Basic projects-reimbursed at 15 percent of cost: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Roof Siding Painting Soffit or fascia Trim Gutters Windows Chimney repair, tuck pointing, repointing Deck or porch – front yard or side yard visible from front of house (repair or replace) 10. Retaining wall (repair or replace) 11. Driveway, sidewalk (repair or replace)

Eligible major remodeling projects: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Building an addition Building a sunroom Finishing an unfinished space Constructing a covered front porch Converting a garage into livable space (minimum garage space required by code must remain) 6. Major kitchen, bathroom or basement remodel 7. Adding a bathroom 8. Reconfiguring living space (moving walls) The reimbursement rate is determined by the number of exterior upgrade projects: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Altering the roofline Constructing columns at the front door Building a covered front porch Enhancing the front of the house with brick, stone, or shake 5. Upgrading the front door and/or garage door if it faces the street 6. Major landscaping (minimum cost of $2,000)

Get Help Planning Your Project Receive expert advice, free of charge, for any project - from a simple renovation to a dream remodel, Remodeling Advisor Visits from the Center for Energy and Environment can help sort out the possibilities when it comes to your next project. Services include: • Help identifying home improvements and repairs • A written scope of work for contractors to bid • Information on construction, building codes, • Assistance reviewing contractor bids, and permits proposals, and estimates • Site visits to help prioritize home • Assistance during the construction process improvements Call 612-335-5884 for more information.

Manufactured Homes Manufactured Home Improvement Loans Coming in Feburary Finance most home improvements to manufactured homes with a loan of up to $7,500 with rates under 4 percent.

Manufactured Home Beautification Grants Give your home a facelift with a grant of up to $3,000 (15-25 percent of project cost). Eligible projects include decks, ramps, roofing, siding, skirting, windows, and more. Funds are limited. Homes must be at least 30 years old.

Help Buying a Home - Coming in February First time homebuyers living or working in Blaine are eligible for up to $10,000 in down payment assistance. Assistance is provided as a deferred, no interest loan, paid back upon sale of the property. Income limits apply. For more information on all available programs BlaineMN.gov/HousingInformation.

January/February 2022

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Blaine Recycling Saturdays

No Event in January Event Resumes in February 8am — noon

Community Input Continues for the Northtown Area Study The Northtown area master planning study continues to move forward. Thank you to the over 3,200 people who responded to the online survey. In December, the early design concepts were shared at a City Council workshop meeting and at a community open house. The design concepts are now available to view on the project website. The feedback received will help to continue to refine the designs with the next round of concepts scheduled to be shared with the City Council in March. For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/NorthtownStudy.

Help Prevent Water Poo-llution Pet owners may have noticed pet waste stations installed in various neighborhoods in the last year. Disposing pet waste in stations like these goes a long way to help protect our water. In 2021, over 10,000 pounds of pet waste was picked up from 13 stations. Even a small amount of dog waste contains lots of water pollutants, like E. coli bacteria and phosphorus. Improperly disposed waste can flow into storm drains by rain and melting snow, eventually getting into local bodies of water. Thanks for doing your part to help to keep our water clean. For more information, contact the Coon Creek Watershed District at info@cooncreekwd.org or 763-755-0975.

Help Monitor Water for Salt Pollution Coon Creek Watershed District is seeking volunteers to help monitor levels of chloride (salt) in Blaine. Volunteers will receive test strips to measure chloride levels throughout the winter in street runoff or a nearby pond or stream. Volunteers will report results using the Water Reporter website or app. Chloride is a permanent pollutant. Just one teaspoon of salt can permanently pollute five gallons of water. Winter Salt Watch volunteers will help find salt pollution hot spots which we will be targeted for future salt use optimization projects. If interested, please contact Britta Dornfeld at 763-258-7305.

Blaine Organics Waste Collection Pilot Program Launches Soon In February the City will be opening a pilot organic collection drop-off site at Blaine City Hall. The organic drop-off program will be open to all Blaine residents, at no additional cost. Even though this is a free program, residents are required to sign up to participate. This will allow you to reserve an organics recycling pail and help the City to collect data on the number of participants. Registration will be available in mid-January. 1. Fill out the online form at Blainemn.gov/OrganicsSignUp. 2. After completing the form, visit City Hall during office hours Monday through Friday, 8AM-4:30PM to pick up a collection kit. 3. Collect your organic materials and bring the waste to the City Hall drop-off site and place it in one of the collection bins. You can find more information about organics collection on at BlaineMN.gov/GarbageandRecycling.

3rd Saturday of Each Month Drop-Off Location Recycling Technologies Enter at 1525 - 99th Lane NE The City of Blaine sponsors a recycling drop-off day the third Saturday of each month. Participants do not need to be a Blaine resident to bring items to the drop-off day. Please note, no garbage will be accepted. Follow the signs for the entrance and staff directions through the drop off process. The recycling drop-off day is funded by Anoka County and Minnesota SCORE funds (Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment). Green Lights Recycling 763-785-0456 | GLRNow.com Cash or Check Only Mattresses, box springs, carpet, appliances, florescent lamps, electronics, rechargeable batteries, and tires are some of the items collected. Free items include scrap metal and vehicle batteries. See complete list of fees at BlaineMN.gov/ RecyclingSaturdays Randy’s Environmental Services 763-972-3335 RandysEnvironmental Services.com Randy’s offers free paper shredding. Please note, there may be a long wait times for shredding. Four box or bag limit for paper shredding.

Bike Collection for Bikes4KidsMN.org Bikes4Kids will be back in April.

Walters Recycling & Refuse 763-780-8464 WaltersRecycling.com/Blaine Contact Walters to report missed garbage, recycling, or yard waste pickup. City Recycling Information 763-785-6141 BlaineMN.gov/Recycle

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BlaineMN.gov - CityConnect

Skyhawks Basketball Hoopster Tots This fun skill intensive program is designed for the beginning player. Using the curriculum that is built on progress, the instructors focus on the whole player, teaching respect, teamwork, and responsibility. This is an active camp involving passing, shooting, dribbling, and defense. This is one of the most popular programs. Participants should bring appropriate clothing, a water bottle, and gym shoes.

RecConnect

Winter/Spring 2022 The winter/spring program catalog is now online, check out all the great program offerings. Registration for winter/spring programs is now open at, BlaineParks.com/Register. Sign up for the RecConnect online at BlaineMN.gov/NotifyMe, choose News: BlaineParks.

Saturdays, January 22 – February 12, 9-9:30am, ages 2-3 Saturdays, January 22 – February 12, 9:40-10:10am, ages 3-4 Centennial High School, $59 Register online at BlaineParks.com/YouthSports.

Youth QC Dance Classes Held at QC Dance Studio Mommy and Me ages 0-2 w/parent/adult Parents and tots enjoy an exercise/activity class together. Tots enjoy playful songs, fun props, and tumbling. Dads are welcome, too. The instructor will guide parents and children through exercise and play activities. Please wear comfortable attire and clean tennis shoes or ballet slippers. This class is perfect for children not ready to separate from mom or dad. Max. 10. Session 1: Wednesdays, January 19 – February 23 5-5:30pm Session 2: Wednesdays, March 2 – April 13 5-5:30pm (no class March 16) $50/session

Kidlets: Intro to Dance ages 2-3

Summer Employment Opportunities Blaine Parks and Recreation is looking for recreation leaders and coaches for summer youth programs. Individuals with enthusiasm, energy, and excitement to work with kids are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is March 31. Interviews will take place in early April. All applicants must be at least 17 years old. Applications will be available February 1. For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at 763-785-6164. Apply online at BlaineMN.gov/Jobs.

Stay Connected BlaineParks.com More information about Parks and Recreation is available at 763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online.

BlaineEvents.com

A delightful introduction to the art of dance with ballet basics, creative movement, fun with props, and tumbling, all in a professional dance setting. Please wear a leotard (skirt attached is acceptable if not too long) or exercise/comfortable stretchy attire and ballet slippers. This class is perfect for the child who is comfortable separating from mom or dad. Max. 10. Session 1: Wednesdays, January 19 – February 23, 5-5:30pm Session 2: Wednesdays March 2 – April 13, 5-5:30pm (no class March 16) $50/session

Kidance: Intro to Dance ages 4-5 A delightful introduction to the art of dance with ballet basics, creative movement, fun with props, and tumbling, all in a professional dance setting. Please wear leotard (skirt attached is acceptable if not too long) or exercise/comfortable stretchy attire and ballet slippers. This class is perfect for the child who is comfortable separating from mom or dad. Max. 10. Session 1: Wednesdays, January 19 – February 23, 5-5:30pm Session 2: Wednesdays March 2 – April 13, 5-5:30pm (no class March 16) $50/session

Hippity Hop ages 4-6 Students will learn the latest styles of dance through body isolations, funky-styled steps, and contemporary moves to the latest approved pop and hip-hop music. Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers. Max. 10.

Hip Hop ages 7-11 Students will learn the latest styles of dance through body isolations, funky-style steps, and contemporary moves to the latest approved pop and hip-hop music. Wear comfortable clothes and clean sneakers. Maximum 10. Session 1: Wednesdays, January 19 – February 23, 7-7:35pm Session 2: Wednesdays, March 2 – April 13, 7-7:35pm (no class March 16) $50/session

Frozen Friends ages 4-8 If you have a child who just can’t stop singing “Let It Go” or “Into the Unknown”, this camp is designed for them. Chill out with this fun, Frozen-themed camp focusing on the Frozen stories and songs that we all love. Create fun winter shapes and dances, twirl around your castle like Elsa and Anna, and enjoy a winter-themed craft. Saturday, January 22, 10:30am – 12pm, $30

Ninja Acro ages 4-8 This camp gives boys and girls the opportunity to practice and learn new ninja skills. In this hip hop and acro based camp students will work on stamina, flexibility, and trick moves focusing on technique. Great for kids who like to run and jump around. Students will earn the latest styles of dance through body isolations, funky style steps, and contemporary moves to the latest approved pop and hip-hop music. Join us for games, a ninja craft and fun.

Session 1: Wednesdays, January 19 – February 23, 6:20-6:55pm Session 2: Wednesdays, March 2 – April 13, Saturday, February 12, 10:30am – 12pm, $30 6:20-6:55PM (no class March 16) $50/session Register online at BlaineParks.com/DanceTumblingGymnastics.

January/February 2022

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Mayer Arts Theater All Classes held at Sunnyside Park Building Encanto

Sing 2

If you could choose to have any amazing ability, what would it be? Let’s all put our special gifts into a story. We will learn music and choreography from Encanto and create a musical. Everyone will learn how to put together a professional show from start to finish. Learn how to properly deliver lines, block a scene, develop a character, and much more. We will also play fun creative games. No experience necessary. All that is needed is comfortable clothing and lightweight tennis shoes or dance shoes. Friends and family are invited to a special performance beginning the final 30 minutes of the final class.

It is time for everyone to come together to put on a show in glamorous Redshore City. Join in and work together to make that happen. Come learn music and choreography from Sing 2 and create a musical. Everyone will learn how to put together a professional show from start to finish. Learn how to properly deliver lines, block a scene, develop a character, and much more. We will also play fun creative games. No experience necessary. All that is needed is comfortable clothing and lightweight tennis shoes or dance shoes. Friends and family are invited to a special performance beginning the final 30 minutes of the final class.

Ages 4-8, 9:30am – 12:30pm, $69 Saturdays, February 26 – March 5,

Ages 7-12, 1:30-4:30pm, $69 Saturdays, February 26 – March 5,

RecConnect

Winter/Spring 2022

Home Alone Camp Ages 8 to 10 There is no magic age at which children develop the maturity and good sense needed to stay alone. This class will help prepare them to be alone for short periods, before or after school or while you run errands. Programs include home safety, kitchen safety, first aid, digital safety, phone skills, fire safety, escape plans, what to do in severe weather, healthy snack ideas, appropriate non-screen time activities, and more. Lunch, snacks, and handouts provided. This class is a partnership between the Blaine Parks and Recreation Department and the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department. Class held at Fire Station #3, 11920 Ulysses Street NE. Max. 25.

New E-Sports Leagues Players of All Ages A player only needs to purchase a season pass, which will unlock all the games offered in the winter season. If the game is team based, all players will need to purchase a season pass. Leagues begin the week of January 24 and end the week of March 18. Registration ends January 17.

Friday, March 11, 9am – 2pm, $30 RES; $35 NR Register online at BlaineParks.com/EducationLeisureLifeSkills.

Adult Bean Bag Classes Held at Golden Lake Elementary Gym Join in for a fun evening out. Teams of two adults of any gender will participate in six weeks of double-header matches, plus a final week of playoffs. Match times are at 6:15 and 7:15PM but may vary. Teams will be required to bring their own beanbags. Gift cards will be awarded to the league champion and runner up. Max 2 teams per division. Players must be 18 years or older. Recreational or competitive leagues available. Held at Golden Lake Elementary gym. Thursdays, January 27 - March 24, 6:15-8:15pm, $60 per team Register online at BlaineParks.com/AdultSports.

Adult Programs

Age Divisions: 8-12, 13-18, 18+ $40/season pass Registrations not accepted at Blaine Parks and Recreation. To register and create an account, visit BlaineParks.com/eSportsLeagues.

NorthMetro TV

Held at QC Dance Adult Zumba, $35/session

Adult Yoga, $40/session

Love to dance? Join the party. This specialty course is designed for those just starting their journey to a fit and healthy lifestyle or the older active adult. Zumba fitness is for everyone, all shapes and sizes, and just about any age. This class allows everyone to have fun while safely losing pounds and inches. With Zumba, the fun comes first, and the physical benefits follow. Zumba Gold is like a basic Zumba class with lower impact. The class will be a fat burning, body shaping, and fun workout. Max 10.

Students will learn calming yoga moves used to center and control energy. Enjoy a balance of different yoga paces from basic sun salutations and relaxing savasana, to basic and supine postures. Students will work on balance, flexibility and strength while moving and holding different yoga poses. Max 10.

Session 1: Wednesdays, February 9 – March 9, 8-8:45pm Session 2: Wednesdays, March 23 – April 27, 8-8:45pm (no class April 20)

Games features: Fornite, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Nintendo Switch, Madden for Xbox and PS4, Rocket League, Mario Kart Deluxe 8 for Nintendo Switch.

Session 1: Session 2:

Wednesdays, January 19 – February 23, 7:45 – 8:30pm Wednesdays March 2 – April 13, 7:45 – 8:30pm (no class March 16)

Classes Held at North Metro TV Station 12520 Polk Street Hollywood Goes to the Dogs Thursday, January 20, 6:30-7:30pm

We Love Lucy: The Lucille Ball Story Thursday, February 17, 6:30-7:30pm

Mickey, Bugs and Betty Boop: The Birth of Animation Thursday, March 22, 6:30-7:30pm $10/person per class Register online at BlaineParks.com/ EducationLeisureLifeSkills.

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BlaineMN.gov - CityConnect

Snow Day Saturday, January 29, 1-4pm Free for All Ages

Skating Rink Hours and Locations Now Open - Weather Permitting Outdoor Lighted Rinks with Staffed Warming Houses Aurelia Park.........................................................Hockey/General Rink............................ 91st Avenue at Jefferson Street Happy Acres Park.............................................3 Hockey/General Rink.............................. 119th Avenue and 7th Street Lexington Athletic Complex........................Hockey Rink..........................................................................4286 121st Avenue Ostmans Park.....................................................Hockey/General Rink................... 130th Avenue and Buchanan Street Quail Creek Park (Unsupervised)..............General Rink.........................................................2206 Quail Creek Parkway

Participants of all ages will have a chance to partake in a variety of winter activities, including: snowshoeing, ice fishing, kicksledding, fat tire biking, winter crafts, temporary tattoos, and a live animal presentation. Refreshments provided. Event is held at Wargo Nature Center 7701 Main Street Lino Lakes. For more information, call 651-429-8007 or visit BlaineParks.com/SnowDay.

Warming House Hours Aurelia, Ostmans, Happy Acres, and Lexington Athletic Complex Monday - Friday............................................................................................................................................................................... 4-9pm Saturday...........................................................................................................................................................................................12-9pm Sunday............................................................................................................................................................................................... 12-7pm School Vacation Days.................................................................................................................................................................12-9pm Quincy Park.........................................................Small Hockey/General Rink.........................................10601 Quincy Blvd Thursday and Friday...................................................................................................................................................................... 4-9pm Saturday and Sunday................................................................................................................................................................. 12-7pm

Outdoor Unlighted Rinks without Warming Houses or Staff Austin Park......................................................................................................................................................................4041 85th Lane Carrara East Park.......................................................................................................................................... 13129 Eldorado Street Deacon’s Park........................................................................................................................................11200 Arnold Palmer Drive Ivy Hills Park........................................................................................................................................................ 12197 Fergus Street Xylite Park................................................................................................................................................................. 9033 Xylite Street For up to date information about skating rinks, visit BlaineParks.com/SkatingRinks.

Outdoor Recreation Lochness Park and Chomonix Golf Course Snowshoeing

Cross Country Skiing

Ages 6 and up

Ages 10 and up

Winter is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy nature’s wonders. Snowshoes are a great, low impact, way to get off trail and explore. After just a few minutes of instruction, participants will be led out onto the snow pack and learn how easy and fun it is to go showshoeing. This program is well suited for families. Class will be instructed by Anoka County and held at Lochness Park.

Cross-country skiing is great exercise and a fun way to get outdoors in the winter. What better place to learn than at the beautiful Chomonix Golf Course. This introductory class is appropriate for people of all abilities. The activity fee includes ski/ boot/pole rental. Instruction and ski pass fees for Anoka County. No experience necessary. Class instructed by Anoka County and held at Chomonix Golf Course, 700 Aqua Lane, Lino Lakes.

Sunday, January 9, 1-3pm $5/person

Sunday, February 20, 1-3pm $10/person

Now Taking Reservations The Blaine Community Garden is located adjacent to Blaine City Hall’s south parking lot and consists of 48 plots. Plots are approximately 15 feet by 20 feet; half-plots are 15 feet by 10 feet. Returning gardeners can reserve their plots now. New gardeners can sign up starting in late February. Registration forms are available at Blaine City Hall and online at BlaineParks.com/ CommunityGardens. For more information, call 763-785-6164.