Blaine CityConnect - 2010 Nov/Dec by City of Blaine

e n i a l CityConnect B

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November/December 2010

City Publishes 2010 Corporate Report For the third consecutive year, the City of Blaine has published its annual Corporate Report to the Community as an insert in this newsletter. This popular financial report is designed to give taxpayers an inside look at the levy, ultimately displaying how the City of Blaine turns taxpayer dollars into quality city services. Much of the information is shown in graphic form and put in terms of the cost to the owner of a median-valued home in Blaine. Financial data is also broken down to show the portion of the levy designated to funding the various services provided by the city.

Blaine World Fest Draws Crowd to Town Square Park The city celebrated its cultural and ethnic diversity on Sept. 25 at Blaine World Fest with music, dance, food and interactive learning exhibits. More than 900 people attended the event to party, eat and enjoy dozens of scheduled activities. A recordbreaking 31 groups participated as entertainers, food vendors or presenters. A complete story about the popular annual event can be found on the back cover.

Recreational Trails Named in Honor of Early Residents Two segments of city recreational trails were recently named in recognition of early residents who made a lasting impression on the community. The first paved trail section, which stretches along Radisson Road from 105th Avenue south and east to Flanders Street, was named in honor of George and Sarah Wall. George, an emigrant of England, and Sarah, from New York, settled in Blaine in 1870, becoming two of the earliest permanent residents in the area. They made a living farming and regularly traded goods with nearby Ojibwe camps. After Blaine separated from Anoka in 1877, George served as town supervisor, treasurer and road overseer. In fact, 101st Avenue was originally known as Wall Road. George is also credited with founding School District #60; he also served on its governing board. George and Sarah lived in Blaine until retiring in 1907. A second section of dedicated trail follows Radisson Road from Flanders Street south and east to Naples Street. It was named in honor of Charles and Jessie Otte, the daughter and son-in-law of the George and Sarah Wall. Charles emigrated from Germany in 1881 and by the end of the decade found his way to Blaine, where he and his family took up farming. In 1894, he married Jessie Wall, the youngest surviving daughter of George and Sarah. Charles served as a trustee and treasurer of Blaine Township and was a board member for the school district. As a farmer, he acquired a great deal of land and built up a renowned herd of milking cows. Charles died in 1930 and Sarah passed away in 1945, but their original homestead remained in the family until 1952. It was then sold to the Metropolitan Airport Commission and is now the location of the Anoka County-Blaine Airport. Several generations of the Otte family were in attendance when the trails were formally dedicated on Oct. 16.

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NOVEMBER

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

DISTRICT 1 Wes Hovland

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

Dick Swanson

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

DISTRICT 2 Dave Clark

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

Mike Bourke

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

DECEMBER JUNE

MAYOR Tom Ryan

DISTRICT 3 Kathy Kolb

Russ Herbst

12875 Lever St. NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6143 rherbst@ci.blaine.mn.us

CITY MANAGER Clark Arneson

763-785-6120 carneson@ci.blaine.mn.us

11308 Jefferson St. NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-757-6887 kkolb@ci.blaine.mn.us

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Nov. 4 | Nov. 18 | Dec. 2 | Dec. 16 7:30 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers

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CITY COUNCIL

City Council*

Planning Commission*

Blaine City Hall

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

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Park Board*

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Nov. 23 | Dec. 28 7 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers

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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 http://twitter.com/blaineminnesota www.youtube.com/cityofblaine www.ci.blaine.mn.us/go/emailupdates

email updates

Natural Resource Conservation Board Nov. 16 | Dec. 21 7 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room

Arts Council Nov. 10 | Dec. 8 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Lunch Room

Historical Society Dec. 14 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 cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official newspaper, the Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life.

november | december 2010

Chimney Fire Santa to Visit Local Neighborhoods with SBM Fire Department in December Prevention Becky Booker - SBM Fire Department For more than 30 years, the firefighters of the SBM Fire Department have volunteered evenings in December to visit the communities of Spring Lake Park, Blaine and Mounds View for the annual Santa Visit, a collection of non-perishable food items that has become a tradition for generations of families. The department will hand out candy canes to children and collect non-perishable food Monday, Dec. 6

• Cty Rd 10 south to Cty Rd H between Hwy 65 and Silver Lake Rd (including Spring Lake Terrace Park) • 89th Ave to 99th Ave between University Ave and Hwy 65 • 85th Ave north to 95th Ave between Xylite St and 35W • 117th Ave north to 129th Ave between Hwy 65 and Cloud Dr, including 119th Circle east of London

Tuesday, Dec. 7

• Cty Rd H north to Cty Hwy 10 between Silver Lake and 35W (includes Towns Edge Terrace) • Cty Hwy 10 north to 89th Ave between University Ave and Airport Rd • 99th Ave north to 109th Ave between University Ave and Hwy 65 (excluding Blaine Int’l Village) • 85th Ave north to Flowerfield between Xebec and Lexington Ave, then Centennial Square and Restwood Communities • 129th Ave north to 133rd Ave east of Hwy 65 (includes Quail Creek Pkwy); Hwy 242 north to 132nd Ave between Jefferson and Hwy 65

items for the local food shelf on the routes listed below from Dec. 6 through Dec. 9 between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. If you miss Santa on your scheduled night, check where he will be the following night. Non-perishable food items can also be brought to SBM Fire Station 1 in Spring Lake Park during that week. All route information is posted online at www.sbmfire.com . Wednesday, Dec. 8

• Cty Hwy 10 to 85th Ave between Hwy 65 and Long Lk Rd • 81st Ave north to Sandburnol Dr between University Ave and Hwy 65 • 109th Ave north to 113th Ave including President Dr and • 7th St between University Ave and Hwy 65 • Edgewood north to 99th Ave between Hamline Ave E and Lexington; includes 114th Ave west of Lexington & Lakes area and Savannah Grove area north of 125th Ave • 117th Ave north to 242 between University and Hwy 65

Thursday, Dec. 9

• Cty Hwy 10 to Hwy 10 between Long Lk Rd and 35W • Osborne north to 81st Ave between University and Hwy 65 • Hwy 65 east to Radisson Rd (including North Oaks West and new subdivisions). 109th Ave north to Arnold Palmer Dr, then Blaine Int’l Village • Lexington to Sunset between North Rd and 115th and 125th • 113th Ave north to 117th between University Ave and Polk St (includes Four Seasons Community)

Learn Proper Car Seat Installation from Blaine’s Trained Safety Experts The Blaine Police Department, Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department and Safe Kids Anoka County will host a free car seat clinic on Tuesday, Jan. 18. Scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. at SBM Fire Station 3 in Blaine, the clinic is open to all Anoka County residents and is offered by appointment only. In Minnesota, four out of five car seats are installed incorrectly. During this free clinic,

experts will inspect your child’s car seat, provide installation tips and check the seat for recalls. Parents will demonstrate proper installation of their seats and have an opportunity to ask specific questions of trained technicians. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Fire & Life Safety Education Chief Connie Forster at 763-767-4003 (x100).

Shop Safely this Holiday Season As the holiday season approaches, retailers are more crowded than usual with busy shoppers. During this time, use extra caution when going out to shop. The following are some helpful safe shopping tips not just for the holidays, but also for the entire year: •Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package. The same applies when taking mass transit: report any unattended packages to security or staff. •Do not buy more than you can carry. If your packages are making it hard for you to walk upright or see, ask a store employee to help you carry them to your car. •Check receipts to see if your full credit card number appears. If a receipt has the full number on it, thoroughly scratch it out. •Double-check that you have our credit

cards and check book after you pay for items. If shopping with children, keep the following advice in mind for everyone’s safety: •Ensure any children with you know your cell phone number. Give cards with contact information to any who do not. •Make a plan with children in case you get separated. Have a central meeting place, and review with your children who they can turn to for help if they find themselves alone. •Go over the dangers of strangers so that they know who not to talk to or follow. Following this advice can help reduce the stress of shopping during the particularly busy holiday season. As always, keep your personal safety in mind and be on the lookout for fraud and identity theft.

Before lighting your chimney hearth, consider the condition of your fireplace/wood stove, or your enjoyment may be short-lived. A dirty chimney can cause a fire, which can damage structures, destroy homes and kill people. Each year thousands of homes experience chimney fires due to improper fireplace maintenance. The EPA recommends having your wood stove, chimney and vents professionally inspected and cleaned each year to keep them in safe working order. Fireplaces are made to safely keep woodfueled fires while providing welcoming heat. A chimney’s job is to expel the products of combustion. When these products leave the fireplace and flow up into the cooler portion of the chimney, condensation happens. The resulting residue that sticks to the inner walls of the chimney is called creosote. This substance is black or brown and can take on different consistencies. Whatever form it takes, creosote is highly burnable. If creosote builds up, it can catch fire inside the chimney. Things that support build-up of creosote are: •Restricted air supply: Air supply may be restricted by closed glass doors or by failure to open the damper wide enough to move heated smoke up the chimney rapidly. Conditions for developing creosote increase the longer smoke and heat remain in the flue. •Unseasoned wood: The energy used to burn off the moisture in the wood keeps the smoke cooler than using dry wood. •Cooler than normal chimney temperatures.

Tips for Preventing Chimney Fires •Season wood outdoors at least six months before burning. Properly seasoned wood is darker, has cracks in the end grain and sounds hollow when hit against another piece of wood. •Store wood outdoors, stacked off the ground with the top covered, away from structures. •Start fires with clean newspaper and dry kindling. Never start a fire with gasoline, kerosene, charcoal starter or a propane torch. •Let the fire burn to coals, then rake the coals toward the air inlet (and wood stove door), creating a mound. Do not spread the coals flat. •Reload your wood stove by adding at least three pieces of wood each time, on and behind the mound of hot coals. •Use smaller fires in milder weather. •Do not burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, garbage or Christmas trees. More information about chimney fires is available at www.sbmfire.com .

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World Fest Diversity Essay Contest Winners Announced The winners of the Blaine World Fest Diversity Essay Contest, as scored by the Blaine Park Board, have been named. Winners of each age group – ages 10 to 12, 13 to 15 and 16 to 18 – won gift

certificates to Barnes & Noble, Pizza Hut and Best Buy, respectively. The winning essays are printed below. The first and second place essays in each age group are also posted on the city’s website.

Taylor Morgan, age 12

Chyla Rehnelt, age 14

Katrina Schrock, age 16

My ethnic background is a mix between Cherokee Indian, and African American I’m very unique because I don’t know a person with an ethnic back ground quite like mine. My mother is Black and my father is white. My diverse family makes me happy because is different and exciting group. My extended family is filled with a big range of voices and views. The voice of my grandma Allie, speaks of her child hood in Mississippi before The Civil Rights Movement. She tells me stories of life before Dr. Martin Luther Kings famous, “I have a dream speech”, My Grandpa Mike tells stories of growing up in Indiana fishing and hunting for his families food. The world is like my family. My family and this world is like a beautiful picture book that we all see differently. In my house is where I learn what it means to see diversity and appreciate it. I transferred from a small private school with little diversity. Everyone looked the same and acted the same and this was not the best place for me. I was the only black person at the school and people thought I was rough, rude and mean, because that’s what they thought black people were like. I was a great model of what all girls should be, not just black ones. Loving, kind and respectful, is what got me through those years at that school. Sometimes it made me mad that they thought differently of me in sports and in school. It was hard, but my family and teachers gave me support. I moved to Northdale middle school and this school represents a lot of cultures. I feel good in a place with so many differences. This is the place that makes me feel good that I am different. I am a leader at school to help 6th graders fit in so that they don’t feel what I felt when others did not see me for who I was. It makes me feel good inside when I know that a person is talking and laughing with people they never thought they would talk to. I help 6th graders come out there shell. If we all come out of our shells we will find out that our hearts beat the same and the absence of fear gives us the courage we need to accept and learn to like diversity. Skittles are one of my favorite candies. The hard shell is only one part of this candy with different flavors. Every time you open the package, they proudly show the colors of the rainbow. Every skittle is like a tiny person special in there own way. They show me that people are all different, but they can all be nice and sweet.

All around the world there are many different cultures; let’s start with my community, surrounded with people from around the globe teaching me things I am going to need in my lifetime, such as how to make a mean pizza pie, and even stir fry. Games that I can play through my adult years, my favorite being Manacala, it is a game of mystery with no background, proven to be real in the 4th century, it has been played through the years enjoyed by many people. Inspiring clothes with bright beads, wonderful textures, and a story behind every piece of clothing. Amazing sitar Ravi Shankar is a very well known Indian musician, his music danced into my ears at an Indian restaurant when I was younger and loved it ever since. Ravi’s music shows me a part of the world that I never knew existed, I had questions about the music that I knew someone in my community had the answers. Many people of many different cultures have something to offer my community whether it is food, games, clothes, or music everyone comes together to share their cultures with others. I think of the cultural experiences I have encountered in my life and I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to enjoy them. I am also thankful for the opportunity to thank everyone that brought their cultures to me so I could enjoy them also. Every individual culture has something to learn from and explore new things. Though I do not know everything of every culture I intend on learning. We have yet to learn more about the cultures around us but when we do the possibilities will be endless and my desire to learn will thrive. I love sharing my culture with my community, the way me and my family live our lives, sharing and teaching a part of the world others did not know existed. Living in my community for as long as I have, I learn about things I am not familiar with and want to learn more, creating memories I will never forget. Understanding the way of people’s cultures and living it for ourselves is a way to understand and respect the cultures in my community. Food, games, clothes, and music is not the only things I learned in the several years in my community. I learned new ways to communicate with others around me, though I am not good at speaking all languages. “Es algo que me siento muy orgulloso,” what does that mean? It means “it is something I am very proud of.” Spanish is a language I will use frequently in my life. “Merci d’avoir ecoute un jour merveilleux,” what does that mean? It is French for “thank you for listening and have a wonderful day.”

When one looks in a dictionary, they might see diversity defined as “the state or quality of being different or varied”. That is only the simple definition of diversity. What makes diversity important to many communities is its more complex significance. Diversity is our window to the rest of the world, because we see many different cultures, traditions, and people every day. It is what makes all of us unique. A lack of diversity would hinder inventions, the justice system, and the meeting of basic needs. One may ask, “Why is diversity important?” There are many answers to that, several of which are simpler than they may appear. If there were no diversity in the world, we would all be the same, and nothing would ever change. People would look alike, talk alike, and think alike. Many things would never have been invented if it weren't for the fact that people are indeed different. Variance is what makes communities interesting. Let's think about it this way: if no one thought differently than anyone else, the computer would never have been invented, and I wouldn't be able to type this sentence, because the technology to do so would not exist. Neither would the paper upon which it is printed. On a more local level, crime could, or could not, be a problem. There would be either no crime, or everyone would be committing crimes. In both scenarios, there would technically be no such thing as crime, because there would be no one to determine whether actions are against the law or not. For that matter, there would be no laws at all. If there are no laws, there would also be no need for police officers to enforce them, nor judges to interpret them. The entire justice system would disappear due to lacking diversity. It would be hard to have basic needs met if there was no diversity. All of the entire world would be one profession, so certain needs would be unable to be met. For example, if the world was full of farmers, there would be no one to make us shelter. But if everyone made shelters, who would supply us with food? It would be difficult to have no diversity, and yet maintain life. Even if everyone could meet every basic need, they may not be able to refine their technique, in order to make things better, because for one person to gain, everyone must gain. The positive side of this, however, is there would be no poor people... but there would also be no rich. Dictionary definitions don't imply the consequences of living in a world lacking diversity. Some things may be better, but many things could be worse. Inventions, the justice system, and the meeting of basic needs would be made either more difficult, or even non-existent. Our world today has grown out of diversity, and it depends on diversity still. That is why diversity is so important our community, and our world.

november | december 2010

Residents Receive Safety Services Education at Annual Citizens Academy The 2011 class of Citizens Academy recently graduated, signifying the end of an eightweek education in which Blaine residents went behind the scenes to learn the ins and outs of the Safety Services Department. The 24-person group is the ninth to complete the annual hands-on course. Participants met weekly for both classroom and applied training to learn many of the skills and methods used by firefighters, police officers and community standards employees. This exceptional behind-the-scenes access is intended to allow residents an opportunity to understand the vast inner workings of Safety Services while also practicing some of the more glamorous – albeit difficult – tasks of the department. Several weeks of Citizens Academy were spent at Fire Station 3 in Blaine and a fire training site in Fridley participating in firefighting activities with members of the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department. Included among the many activities were: fire extinguisher training; fire sprinkler tutorial; fire and arson investigation

lesson; firefighting apparatus and fire truck use instruction; personal and protective equipment familiarity; mock search and rescue and car fire simulations; and vehicle extrication. The Blaine Police Department also had a major role in the academy. Officers led training in such areas as use of force, alcohol impairment detection and felony traffic stops. Participants also received education in weapons, crime prevention and clandestine meth lab awareness. The police K-9 unit also staged a demonstration. The city’s Community Standards Department also spent a session discussing fire inspections, housing services and community standards codes and procedures. Dozens of members of the Blaine Police Department, Blaine Community Standards Department and SBM Fire Department were instrumental in helping teach, train and supervise participants at Citizens Academy. Without them, and the enthusiasm of residents to learn and partake, Citizens Academy would not be possible.

Winter Parking Restrictions Begin Nov. 1 Along with the return of cold temperatures comes winter parking restrictions. Keeping streets clear enables snow plows to most efficiently clean city roadways. • 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. • No parking on any highway, street or alley for more than 12 hours after snow begins to fall.

Spring 2011 Turkey Hunt Approved The City of Blaine has enacted a turkey bow hunt for next spring. The hunt boundaries match those established for the 2010 deer archery season. All state laws, city ordinances and rules and regulations established by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources must be followed, and no device except for bow and

arrow may be used. In addition, all hunters must have in their possession written permission from the landowner. Hunting is prohibited on public lands in Blaine. The 2011 spring turkey hunt will serve as a trial and will be reevaluated in time for the 2012 spring hunting season.

Senior Advisory Council, Planning Commission, Park Board All Seeking to Fill Vacancies The City of Blaine is seeking interested residents to fill vacancies on the Planning Commission, Park Advisory Board and Senior Advisory Council. The Planning Commission reviews and advises the City Council on longrange community planning goals and policies, immediate planning issues and specific development proposals. Meetings are scheduled the second Tuesday of each month. The commission consists of seven members appointed to two-year terms; the city is currently seeking to one vacancy in each council district – three seats in total. The Park Advisory Board also consists of seven members on two-year terms. Board members recommend policy related to the Parks and Recreation Department to the City Council and city manager. Four vacancies presently exist on the board: one in each council district, plus a chairperson who is selected atlarge. Meetings are scheduled the fourth Tuesday of each month. The city is also seeking applicants to fill two-year terms on the Senior Advisory Council. The terms of 11 appointees expire on Jan. 31, 2011. Persons interested in having direct input into senior citizen programming in Blaine are encouraged to consider serving on the advisory council. Commission and board vacancies are filled by mayoral appointment and confirmed by a majority of the City Council. At least two committee members must reside in each council district for the term of their appointment for both the Planning Commission and Park Advisory Board. The mayor will make appointments in February 2011. Applicants for all commission and board vacancies must be Blaine residents, and all applications are due by the middle of November. Applications for all committee vacancies are available at www.ci.blaine.mn.us by searching keyword vacancy or through the City Clerk’s Office (763-785-6122 or 763-785-6124). Completed applications can be dropped off at City Hall, submitted via email to jcross@ci.blaine.mn.us or mailed to: Jane Cross, CMC, City Clerk City of Blaine 10801 Town Square Drive Blaine, MN 55449

Blaine ION T A E R REC NECTION CON

on creati 11 and Re Parks r/Spring 20 Winte

Winter Holiday Celebration

Enjoy holiday activities at City Hall. Santa will visit, but will not be available for individual visits or photographs. DATE: Monday, Dec. 6 TIME: 6:30 – 8 p.m. FEE: FREE!

A Morning at the North Pole

Parent and child will enjoy a continental breakfast, craft time and visit with Santa as the City Hall atrium is transformed into the North Pole. DATE: Saturday, Dec. 4 OR Saturday, Dec. 11 TIME: call for availability FEE: $9

Community Outings

Check the winter/spring Recreation Connection for more information.

w w w. b l a i n e p a r k s. c o m Parks and Recreation Winter/Spring Recreation Connection Parks and Recreation’s Winter/Spring 2011 Recreation Connection will not be mailed to residents this season. Winter and spring program information and registration tools will be online at www.blaineparks.com by Nov. 22. A limited number of printed Recreation Connection brochures will be available at the Parks and Recreation office during business hours. Call 763-785-6164 for more information.

Parks & Rec Benefits from SHIP Grant In a national effort to reduce chronic disease, the Minnesota Department of Health has awarded 39 grants to Minnesota communities to help lower the number of Minnesotans who use tobacco or who are obese or overweight. A $47 million appropriation for the Statewide Health Improvement Program, also known as SHIP, was given to 86 counties over two years through grants and technical assistance. SHIP is a portion of Minnesota’s health care reform initiative that was signed into law in 2008. Anoka County received $2,341,000 to implement the SHIP program. The program and its goals apply to four service sectors: school, community, worksite and health care. Blaine, Lino Lakes and Fridley were chosen as grantees in Anoka County for the Community Sector program. Per the Department of Health, the goal for the Community Sector

portion of the grant is: To implement policies and practices that creates active communities by increasing opportunities for non-motorized transportation (walking and biking) and access to community recreation facilities. The grant funding available to Blaine was $23,500 from the onset of the program through June 30, 2010, and another $50,000 from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011. With SHIP Grant funding, the City of Blaine has conducted a Get Active! walk/run, Get Active! geocaching treasure hunt, Get Active! bike ride and a free bike helmet and fitting event. The grant also provided funding for the purchase canoes and kayaks for the new Lakeside Commons Park. Other funds are being used to make virtual tours of city marks (more information below).

Annual Christmas Party

Join us at St. Croix Casino Event Center for our annual Christmas party. Enjoy a show, delicious lunch and gambling time. Register by Nov. 18. DATE: Thursday, Dec. 2 TIME: 7:15 a.m. – 7 p.m. FEE: $39

Senior Scene Mary Ann Young Senior Center 9150 Central Ave. | 763-786-9375

“All Shook Up” at Chanhassen Dinner Theater

Show built around 26 of Elvis’ greatest hits. Lunch included. Register by Dec. 21. DATE: Wednesday, Jan. 12 TIME: 8:15 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. FEE: $81

The Marvelous Wonderettes at Plymouth Playhouse

Enjoy this new pop hit musical with favorite songs from the 50s and 60s. Lunch included. Register by Jan. 25. DATE: Wednesday, Feb. 9 TIME: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. FEE: $63

Springtime in the Carolinas

April 3-13. Head southeast to Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, Myrtle Beach and other cities. Trip includes 10 nights of accommodations and 14 meals. Call Parks and Rec for a complete itinerary. More information about Parks and Recreation programs is available at 763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online at www.blaineparks.com .

City Website Offers Virtual Tours of Parks

With funding secured from a state SHIP grant, the Parks and Recreation Department is creating virtual tours of several city parks for residents to access on the city’s website. Each virtual tour will consist of a standalone module incorporated into the web page for a particular park. The viewing window will show a panoramic view from which users can pan 360 degrees and zoom in and out, allowing for a view of park amenities like shelters, ball fields and playgrounds. Initially, the virtual tours will be available for the following parks: Aquatore, Blaine Baseball Complex, Happy Acres, Kane Meadows, Lakeside Commons, Lakeside, Lochness, Trees Edge, Pioneer and Town Square. The virtual tours are expected to be viewable in the Parks and Trails section of BlaineParks.com by December.

Lutefisk & Swedish Meatball Dinner – Nov. 13 – ticket required VOA Thanksgiving Meal – entertainment and traditional turkey dinner – Nov. 16 Movie: Charlie St. Cloud – Nov. 18 Monthly Birthday Party – Nov. 24 Wii Bowling League Banquet – Nov. 30 Tree Trimming – decorate the senior center – Dec. 2 VOA Holiday Meal – entertainment and holiday meal – Dec. 14 McKinley Elementary Bulldog Choir – singing holiday songs – Dec. 17 Movie: TBD – Dec. 23 Monthly Birthday Party – Dec. 29 New Year’s Party – entertainment and refreshments – Dec. 30 The Mary Ann Young Senior Center offers a variety of programs, social events and dining options on weekdays. Call for more information and times or learn more online. Visit www.ci.blaine.mn.usand search keyword senior center.

november | december 2010

City Wins Award for Efforts to Improve Water Quality and Combat Runoff The City of Blaine recently received the Minnesota Blue Star Award for its efforts to protect local water quality and combat stormwater runoff. The accolade, part of a statewide program promoting city efforts to promote clean water, recognizes Blaine’s efforts to keep urban runoff from polluting nearby lakes, streams and wetlands. Blaine received a high score following an assessment of stormwater management practices administered by the Blue Star Award program. The award program is sponsored by a partnership among state agencies, watershed districts, engineering firm Emmons and Olivier Resources and non-profit group Friends of the Mississippi River, and is designed to measure cities on a wide range of activities, from regulations to education programs to good housekeeping measures.

Stormwater runoff is a leading source of water pollution and excess surface runoff to streams and lakes. Instead of percolating naturally through soils and recharging ground water, rainfall can be quickly deflected by roads, parking lots, roofs and other impervious surfaces. This can cause erosion of sensitive stream channels and loss of habitat needed by fisheries and their food web. Common pollutants in stormwater runoff include trash, bacteria, nutrients, pesticides, heavy metals, salt, sediment and fuels. To learn more about the city’s stormwater practices, visit www.ci.blaine.mn.us and search keyword stormwater .

Anoka County Compost Sites Accepting Yard, Tree Waste Through November Anoka County compost sites are open through November, weather permitting. Acceptable Materials Yard Waste: debagged grass clippings, leaves, garden waste, weeds, soft-bodied green plant materials, pumpkins, pine cones and needles, sod (small quantities) and acorns. Fees: $4/load (up to four cubic yards). Additional $0.50 per cubic yard in excess of four cubic yards. (Approximately seven yarduse waste bags are equal to one cubic yard.) Tree Waste: brush, logs and stumps. Fees: $6/cubic yard for brush up to 6” in diameter; $10/cubic yard for branches/logs 6” to 24” in diameter; $40/cubic yard for trunks/stumps over 2’ in diameter. When available, finished compost may be picked up at both sites on a first come, first served basis (non-commercial use only). Bring your own containers and shovel.

Bunker Hills Compost Site

13285 Hanson Boulevard, Coon Rapids (763) 767-7964 Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (or sunset if earlier) Saturday Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. noon – 5 p.m.

Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Compost Site 7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes (651) 429-3723

Tuesday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (or sunset if earlier) Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (or sunset if earlier) Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday noon – 5 p.m.

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

Right-of-Way Tree Trimming Begins The Public Works Department will be trimming trees in city right-of-ways throughout winter as weather permits. Detailed maps identifying where efforts will be concentrated can be found online. Public Works typically maintains a minimum clearance of 13 feet for buses and

street maintenance equipment. Sidewalks require a minimum clearance of eight feet. More information about the city’s tree trimming efforts, including maps showing specific street locations of trimming activities, can be found by visiting www.ci.blaine.mn.us and searching keyword tree trim .

Monthly Recycling at Aquatore Park Each third Saturday of the month, the City of Blaine sponsors a recycling drop-off program in the parking lot of Aquatore Park. The collection event is staged near the Mary Ann Young Senior Center and recurs the third Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Most appliances cost $10 each; air conditioners and water softeners are $15. Most electronics, including televisions, will cost between $2 and $25, depending on size. 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 shedding 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 .

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.

January Curbside Tree Collection Christmas trees will be collected curbside on regular garbage days during the weeks of Jan. 2 and Jan. 9 on regular garbage days. Please remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, garland, wires, etc.

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

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

Third Annual World Fest Rocks Town Square Park Celebration of community’s diversity drew more than 900 residents

For the third consecutive year, residents packed into Town Square Park for a one-of-a-kind celebration aimed at recognizing Blaine’s growing cultural diversity. And for the third straight year, visitors feasted on ethnic cuisine, enjoyed cultural song and dance and learned about diverse ways of life from numerous informational presentations. In total, more than 900 people attended the 2010 Blaine World Fest on Sept. 25. The day again was a delight to the senses, with vivid colors of flags and costumes brightening the park and the aroma of exotic foods wafting through the air. Music also provided the perfect excuse for festival-goers of all ages to get up and dance. The big draw of World Fest was, as always, the tremendous entertainment on the stage of the park shelter. This year featured 10 vastly different acts throughout the afternoon, with performances of song and dance from groups representing a multitude of cultures. The Blaine Public Safety Association also hosted a demonstration by the police department’s K-9 team as well as rides in the basket of one of Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department’s ladder trucks. As for food, attendees had no shortage of delicious choices. Nine area restaurants were serving food at the festival, with numerous ethnic meals available to ensure no one went home on an empty stomach.

Although the party featured plenty of entertainment and food, it also centered on fostering awareness of different cultures through informational learning exhibits. Twelve different groups were on hand with displays and games to help build familiarity and understanding. Additionally, a new wrinkle to World Fest this year encouraged even more resident interaction and further reflection of the goal of the event; an essay contest for youth pushed young people to consider the importance of diversity in their community. Winning essays are printed on page 4 of this newsletter. When the event ended after four hours of fun, it was again clear the day had been a complete success. The goal of celebrating differences and building community had again been achieved. Blaine World Fest is made possible, in part, by funds provided by the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council through a grant from the McKnight Foundation and an appropriation by the Minnesota Legislature. Sponsors, local businesses, volunteers and residents in attendance also deserve recognition for making World Fest a sensational event in which the entire community can take pride. More information about Blaine World Fest is available from Tom Godfrey at tgodfrey@ci.blaine.mn.us .

Thank you to the sponsors who made Blaine World Fest possible: GOLD SPONSORS: Chili’s; John’s Auto Parts; Manning Transfer Inc.; New Horizon Academy; Northpark Dental; North Metro TV; Sharper Homes; Target; Walmart. SILVER SPONSORS: Allegra - Blaine; Minnesota School of Business. BRONZE SPONSORS: Applebee’s - Northtown; Print Central; Subway - Town Sqaure, Blaine.