Blaine CityConnect - 2010 Sep/Oct by City of Blaine

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September/October 2010

Celebrate Cultures at the Third Annual Blaine World Fest on Sept. 25 Join the City of Blaine on Sept. 25 to celebrate cultures at the third annual Blaine World Fest. From 1–5 p.m. at Town Square Park, visitors can enjoy ethnic foods, cultural entertainment and informational learning booths. Last year, more than 1,200 visitors attended the family-friendly afternoon of celebration that brought Blaine’s many ethnic groups to the forefront to foster learning, awareness and, most of all, fun. For 2010, $5 gets fest-goers a set of tickets good for a hearty sample of ethnic food at Enjoy Cultural Entertainment by: • Appalachian Clog & Kumbalwae (by QC Dance Studio) • Aztec Dance Troupe • Butterfly Girls • Hotfoot Stompers Square Dance Club • Rene Dance & Music Studio (Latin Dance/Afro Caribbean) • Rince na Chroi School of Irish Dance • Unlimited Next Level Drill & Dance • Voice of Culture

each of the event’s many food vendors. All other activities and entertainment are free. The Parks and Recreation Department has also incorporated a diversity essay contest for Blaine youth. Details are on page 6. Bring the entire family to Town Square Park on a beautiful autumn afternoon and learn about different cultures through music, dance, cultural arts and food.

Sample Ethnic Foods Courtesy of: • Acapulco • Buca • Chili’s • China Inn • Dino’s, The Greek Place • Dosa King • Glockenspiel & Deutschland Meats • Jimmy John’s • Umbria Pizza

For more information about Blaine World Fest or to volunteer, contact Recreation Supervisor Tom Godfrey at 763-717-2723 .

Election information is available from the City Clerk’s office at 763-785-6122 or 763-785-6124. All election-related information is also available online at www.ci.blaine.mn.us/elections .

Informational Learning Booths Hosted by:

General Election on Nov. 2

• Anoka County Health (Child & Teen Check-up Program) • Anoka-Hennepin School District - ECFE • Best Buy - Diversity Group • Chinese Heritage Foundation • Cilongo Foundation • Emma B. Howe Family YMCA Diversity Committee • Eritrean Community of Blaine • Hmong Folk Art, Inc. • iAsianLanguage Institute • Phancy Face Painting, Airbrushing & Henna • Spring Lake Park - Foreign Exchange Student Program

Absentee voting for the General Election begins Sept. 17. Absentee voting applications and voter registration forms are available from the City Clerk’s Office at Blaine City Hall or online at www.ci.blaine.mn.us/elections. In-person absentee voting for Blaine residents may be done at the Anoka County Courthouse.

City to Host Informational Meetings for New Pavement Management Program The City of Blaine has a commitment to maintain more than 230 miles of city streets in a condition that provides for functional, safe and efficient travel in a cost efficient manner. To assist in fulfilling this commitment, the city is in the process of implementing a new Pavement Management Program. This program will extend the lifespan of city streets and minimize the costs of maintaining a viable road surface by tracking street conditions, planning a schedule of pavement maintenance and rehabilitation and identifying funding sources and assessment methods. Open house meetings will be held for residents to learn about the new Pavement Management Program. Residents are invited to attend any of the informational meetings.

Election Updates

Wednesday, Sept. 15 | 6 – 7:30 p.m. Mary Ann Young Senior Center 9150 Central Ave. Tuesday, Sept. 21 | 6 – 7:30 p.m. Fire Station #3 – Training Room 11920 Ulysses St. Tuesday, Sept. 28 | 6 – 7:30 p.m. Blaine City Hall – Cloverleaf Room 10801 Town Square Drive More information about the Pavement Management Program public meetings is available from the City of Blaine Engineering Department at 763-717-2688.

Voting Pre-Registration Residents who have changed addresses or changed names must re-register to vote. Residents who need to re-register or have never registered to vote can pre-register for the General Election by completing a registration form available at Blaine City Hall or on the city’s or Anoka County’s website. Registrations must be received by Anoka County Elections by the end of the business day on Oct. 12. Residents who miss pre-registration can register to vote on Election Day at their designated polling place. To properly complete Election Day registration, be sure to have an acceptable form of identification with current address.

Polling Place Locations All Blaine polling place locations can be found on page 5 of this newsletter. To determine your polling place, visit http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us .

Maps to polling places can be found at www.ci.blaine.mn.us/elections.

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SEPTEMBER

Sun

Blaine City Hall

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

DISTRICT 3 Kathy Kolb

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

Russ Herbst

Sun

OCTOBER JUNE

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

Wed

Thur

Fri

Sat

8 27 15

9 16

10 1 17

4 1 11 18

22 1 29

23 2 30

A zone recycling

contactsJUNE

MAYOR Tom Ryan

Tues

City Council*

Sept. 2 | Sept. 16 | Oct. 7 | Oct. 21 7:30 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers

Sept. 28 | Oct. 26 7 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers

Tues

Wed

Thur

Fri

Sat

6 10 13

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

Sept. 14 | Oct. 12 7 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers

Park Board*

B zone recycling

Mon

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Planning Commission*

*Service will be delayed one day the week of Sept. 5 due to the Labor Day holiday.

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

CITY COUNCIL

Mon

email updates

Natural Resource Conservation Board Sept. 21 | Oct. 19 7 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room

Arts Council Sept. 14 | Oct. 12 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Lunch Room

Historical Society Oct. 12 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.

september | october 2010

Fire Department to Host Open Houses Residents are invited to join the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department this fall at a series of open houses at the four local fire stations. The open houses will include station tours, on which visitors can view apparatus, special training tools and the department’s many emergency response vehicles. SBM staff will be on hand to answer questions and discuss home fire safety.

Fire Station #1

Saturday, Oct. 9 | 1–4 p.m. 1710 County Highway 10, Spring Lake Park

Fire Station #2

Monday, Sept. 27 | 6–8:30 p.m. 1141 89th Ave., Blaine

Fire Station #3

Sunday, Oct. 10 | 1–4 p.m. 11920 Ulysses St., Blaine

Fire Station #4

Sunday, Oct. 17 | 1–4 p.m. 10290 Lever St., Blaine

SBM FD Seeking Volunteer Firefighters Firefighting is an exciting and rewarding job. If you have an interest serving the community as a volunteer firefighter or if you would like to learn more about this exhilarating and gratifying line of work, please attend an informational meeting on Thursday, Sept. 16 at either 9:30 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. at SBM Fire Station #3 at 11920 Ulysses St. in Blaine. Openings for volunteers exist at all four SBM Fire Department stations. • No previous experience necessary • All training and equipment is provided • Excellent pension benefit available after vesting

To reserve a spot at one of the informational meetings or for more information about becoming a volunteer firefighter, contact Garret Parten of the SBM Fire Department at gparten @ sbmfire.com or 763-786-4436.

3M Championship, Schwan’s USA Cup Again Bring National Exposure to Blaine Blaine took its annual place in the national sports spotlight for two weeks again this summer as both the Schwan’s USA Cup and 3M Championship returned to town. More than 900 teams from 16 countries and 21 states participated in this year’s Schwan’s USA Cup at the National

Sports Center from July 13-17. Over at the Tournament Players Club – Twin Cities, the 3M Championship celebrated its tenth year in Blaine. The golf tournament, held Aug. 2-8, has raised millions of dollars for local charities through the years.

Take SBM FD’s ‘Safe Escape’ Quiz It’s not enough just to have a fire escape plan. To escape safely from a home fire, families must practice that plan. Take this fire prevention quiz and see how your family fares. 1. What percentage of households have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan to ensure safe and quick escape? a. 50%. b. 30%. c. 23%. d. 75%. 2. Smoke alarms are needed: a. in every bedroom, outside each bedroom and on every level. b. in all rooms in the home. c. in all rooms except for the bedrooms. d. in every bedroom and on every level. 3. Smoke alarms should be tested at least: a. once a week. b. once a month. c. once a year. d. they don’t need to be tested. 4. Smoke alarms should be replaced: a. when they chirp. b. when you paint the ceiling. c. every 10 years. d. every Fire Prevention Week. 5. More than half of all home fire deaths result from incidents reported between: a. 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. b. 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. c. 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. d. 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. 6. What kind of fires are the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries? a. Heating. b. Cooking. c. Smoking. d. Electrical. 7. Heading down the hallway to the stairs and there is smoke - what should you do? a. Grab a towel and block your face. b. Run. c. Use your second way out. d. Hold your breath. 8. An escape plan should include: a. Two ways out of each room and an outside meeting place. b. Two ways out of each room, a fire extinguisher and a meeting place. c. Two ways out of each room, smoke alarms, an outside meeting place and practice. d. Two ways out of each room, smoke alarms, telephone and an outside meeting place. Answers: 1) c 2) a 3) b 4) c 5) a 6) b 7) c 8) d

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

september | october 2010

Neighbors Unite for Annual Evening of 2010 Polling Crime Prevention Awareness Activities Places in Blaine Blaine’s neighborhoods joined thousands across the state on Tuesday, Aug. 3 to celebrate Night to Unite, an evening of outdoor festivities aimed at increasing crime prevention awareness and building a strong community. This year, 106 block parties gathered throughout Blaine, continuing the strong tradition the city has built over the course of 24 years of organizing in the name of crime prevention. This year marked the second year of Night to Unite in Blaine. Previously, the city used the National Night Out brand before joining the state-operated Night to Unite event in 2009. Night to Unite is sponsored by the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association, AAA of Minnesota and local law enforcement communities. Representatives from the Blaine Police Department and Spring Lake Park-BlaineMounds View Fire Department did their best to make an appearance at each block party registered with the city. City officials and members of the police department used the opportunity to discuss neighborhood safety with residents. Several block parties around town took the neighborhood gathering to another level. A block in central Blaine had a bike parade for kids (and young-at-heart adults). Participants dressed up in wacky attire and cruised around the block. Off 99th Avenue in western Blaine, an annual car show was the block party’s theme. Classic cars lined up for viewing and

judging, with trophies going to the winners. Other block parties around the city featured giant inflatables, yard games, prize drawings and, of course, plenty of food. As has become tradition in Blaine, the Safety Services Division used Night to Unite to promote a school supply drive for the Community Emergency Assistance Program, enabling local disadvantaged students to begin the year with proper supplies. The drive annually nets several hundred pounds of donated school supplies. The ultimate goal of Night to Unite is to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in anticrime initiatives and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. Considering the large resident turnout and enthusiasm, combined with the dedication of the city’s safety services personnel, the night was an enormous success. To get an early jump on Night to Unite 2011, contact Crime Prevention Specialist Kim Kiley at 763-785-6186 for more information or visit www.ci.blaine.mn.us and search keywords night to unite . Night to Unite 2011 will be held Aug. 2, 2011.

DISTRICT #1 POLLING PLACE Our Savior's Lutheran Church Precinct 1-1 9185 Lexington Ave. NE Schwan Center (NSC) Precinct 1-2 1750 105th Ave. NE Precinct 1-3* St. Timothy's Catholic Church 707 89th Ave. NE Christ Lutheran Church Precinct 1-4 641 89th Ave. NE Precinct 1-5* University Elementary School 9901 University Ave. NE Precinct 1-6* Westwood Middle School 711 91st Ave. NE Precinct 1-7* Galilee Baptist Church 10101 Lexington Ave., Circle Pines DISTRICT #2 POLLING PLACE Centennial Senior High Precinct 2-1 (Performing Arts Center) 4757 North Road Precinct 2-2* Abundant Life Community Church 1105 117th Ave. NE Kingswood Church Precinct 2-3 1264 109th Ave. NE Madison Elementary School Precinct 2-4 650 Territorial Road NE King of Glory Church Precinct 2-5 10103 University Ave. NE Precinct 2-6* Jefferson Elementary School 11331 Jefferson St. NE Oak Park Community Precinct 2-7 Church 12050 Aberdeen St. NE Precinct 2-8* Blaine City Hall 10801 Town Square Drive Bridgewood Community Precinct 2-9 Church 11670 Lexington Ave. NE DISTRICT #3 POLLING PLACE Way of the Lord Church Precinct 3-1 804 131st Ave. NE Precinct 3-2* NorthPoint Elementary School 2350 124th Court NE Roosevelt Middle School Precinct 3-3 650 125th Ave. NE Fire Station #3 Precinct 3-4 11920 Ulysses St. NE Precinct 3-5* Blaine United Methodist Church 621 115th Ave. NE Johnsville Elementary School Precinct 3-6 991 125th Ave. NE *Section 204B.16, subd.1 of Minnesota Election Laws provides for polling place locations within one mile of the precinct.

Blaine n

ION T A E R REC NECTION CON

o creati and Re Parks Fall 2010

Sounds of the City Free Indoor Concert Series Lake Country Chorus of Sweet Adelines (acapella) - Oct. 19 Charlie Maguire (folk) - Nov. 16

Community Outings

Check the fall Recreation Connection for more information.

Geritol Frolics/Brainerd, Minn.

After a snack in St. Cloud and lunch at Famous Dave’s, we’ll enjoy reserved seats for the Geritol Frolics, a group of seniors that really know how to sing and kick up their heels. Register by Oct. 1. DATE: Friday, Oct. 15 TIME: 6:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. FEE: $59

Ozark Jubilee at the Prom Center

Show in Woodbury includes the Christmas Show and tributes to legends of country. Lunch provided. Register by Oct. 28. DATE: Thursday, Nov. 11 TIME: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. FEE: $59

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

Casino Trip

Treasure Island Casino: Nov. 1

Adult Volleyball Leagues

The City of Blaine offers adult women’s and co-rec volleyball leagues for the fall and winter. Play begins in November for women and December for co-rec. $200 per team.

ZUMBA (adults)

ZUMBA is a dance fitness that incorporates music from around the world. DATE: Tuesdays, Oct. 12 – Nov. 9 TIME: 7:30– 8:30 p.m. FEE: $32 More information about Parks and Recreation programs is available at 763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online at www.blaineparks.com .

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Diversity Essay Contest Added to World Fest To add a new wrinkle to World Fest this year, the Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring an essay contest open to Blaine youth between the ages of 10 and 18. The essay topic is “Why is Diversity Important to Our Community?” Participants should consider the meaning of diversity and what can be learned from living in a diverse community. Essays will be separated and judged in three age categories: 10 to 12, 13 to 15 and 16 to 18. Essays must be typed or printed and must include the name, age, address and phone number of the writer. All essays must be original and unpublished and contain 500 words or less. Awards will be given in each age category. First place winners will receive a certificate of recognition presented by Mayor Tom Ryan at World Fest and a

$20 gift card from a local business . In addition, the three first place winning essays will be printed in the November/December issue of Blaine CityConnect and published on the city’s website. Second place winners will receive a certificate of recognition and have their essays published on the city website. Essays must be submitted by Sept. 20, 2010. Winners will be contacted by phone by Sept. 24. Entries may be submitted by email to tgodfrey@ci.blaine.mn.us (enter “Diversity Essay” in the subject line) or postal mail at: City of Blaine Essay Contest Attention: Tom Godfrey 10801 Town Square Drive Blaine, MN 55449

Register Early for Popular Fall Programs Two fun fall programs for parents and children to enjoy together are now open for registration. At Barnyard Boogie at Aquatore Park on Friday, Sept. 24, children ages eight and younger can meet farm animals while wearing overalls and dancing to music from a deejay. Other activities are included. Refreshments are provided and registration is required. Event held at Aquatore Park. Registration deadline is Sept. 17. Barnyard Boogie runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $8 per child.

On Saturday, Oct. 30 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., families with children ages 10 and younger are invited to the Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt and Family Dance at Aquatore Park. Children, along with their parents, can search the grounds for one pumpkin, then celebrate by dancing under the stars with our family-friendly deejay. Other activities are included. Children are encouraged to dress up for the costume contest. Registration is required. Cost is again $8 per child. Don’t forget a flashlight!

Medallion Hunt Yields Big Treasures

Senior Scene

Two treasure hunters the big winners of the Parks and Recreation Department’s inaugural medallion hunts. The first hunt was in conjunction with Blaine’s Blazin’ 4th and sponsored by Best Buy. Katie Nelson of Blaine, pictured below, found the BB4 medallion on a tree by the small playground at Centennial Green Park after only two clues. She won a $500 gift card to Best Buy at Northtown Mall. The second medallion hunt, in August, took a bit more searching. After four clues, Laura Dietz of Andover found the medallion taped to a boulder near the picnic shelter at Lakeside Park. She won a brand new mountain bike from Pioneer Cycle in Blaine.

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

Bridge Cards Instruction – Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 8 – register by 9/1 Fitness for All – Sept. 8 Keep Your Memory Strong – Sept. 15 Movie: The Last Song – Sept. 23 Monthly Birthday Party – Sept. 29 Basic Geneology Class – Sept. 30 Woodcarving Workshop – Oct. 1, 2 & 3 Lutefisk Tickets on Sale – Oct. 6 for Nov. 13 dinner October Fest Week of Fun Oct. 11 – Prize & Penny Bingo Oct. 12 – October Fest Party. Music by Bob Gacek. Oct. 12 – 500 Card Tournament Oct. 14 – Cribbage Tournament (register by 10/11)

Annual Jewelry Sale Fundraiser – Oct. 19 MVNA Flu Shot Clinic – Oct. 25 – register Monthly Birthday Party – Oct. 27 Halloween Costume Party – Oct. 29 The Mary Ann Young Senior Center offers a variety of programs, social events and dining options on weekdays. Call for more information and times or learn more online. Visit www.ci.blaine.mn.usand search keyword senior center.

september | october 2010

Blaine Joins Twin Cities Gateway At the beginning of 2010, Blaine joined the newly formed Minnesota Metro North Tourism convention and visitors bureau with eight other cities: Anoka, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Mounds View, New Brighton and Shoreview. Known for marketing purposes as Twin Cities Gateway, which is more descriptive of the communities and better reflects the proximity of the region to the Twin Cities, the MMNT has developed six key strategic objectives: • To minimize overhead and administrative costs to maximize marketing efforts to promote the destination area. • To utilize the internet to cost-effectively reach identified target audiences.

increase sports-related tourism by expanding existing events and creating new opportunities. • To focus on the leisure market to generate incremental business, particularly during periods of available capacity. • To target the meetings and conference planners most likely to utilize facilities and venues located throughout the MMNT area. More information about the MMNT will be available at www.tcgateway.com when the Twin Citites Gateway site launches in early September.

• To enhance the economic vitality of each of the nine member cities • To collaborate with the National Sports Center and participating communities and groups to

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 .

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.

Blaine’s Blazin’ 4th Needs Volunteers The BB4 committee is searching for people with a spare few hours each month to help with the 2011 BB4 festival. There are many opportunities available, and fresh ideas are always welcome. For more information or to volunteer, visit the BB4 website at www.blainefestival.org.

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

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Blaine Fourth-Graders Star at Safety Camp Nearly 150 local fourth-graders enjoyed two days of fun, learning and sunshine in July at the 14th annual Blaine Safety Camp, a comprehensive educational program organized by the Blaine Police, SBM Fire and City of Blaine Parks and Recreation departments. The camp is designed to reduce the number of accidents and injuries among young children while providing the skills needed to manage emergency situations. Safety Camp 2010 was held July 21 and 22 at SBM Fire Station 3 in Blaine, a hub for emergency response activity where fire, police and medical emergency vehicles provided the perfect backdrop for an event stressing the importance of safe decisions to young people. McGruff the Crime Dog, Smokey the Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog welcomed children and families to Safety Camp at an opening reception. Campers, divided into six colored teams, were then introduced to their new teammates and camp counselors. The counselors – firefighters, paramedics, police offers and Parks and Recreation staff from local departments – were invaluable contributors to the Safety Camp experience. Their guidance and enthusiasm fostered a fun learning environment that put campers at ease and enabled them to absorb as much educational material as possible. In a 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. After the welcome reception, campers jumped right into the day’s activities. Team building games were followed by a self defense and personal safety primer and a rousing fire safety discussion by an animated member of the SBM Fire Department. Reenergized by a pizza lunch, campers were fitted for brand new bike helmets by safety services experts before rocking and dancing to music from a live deejay. Day One afternoon educational sessions kicked off with a handson first aid/home safety tutorial and an electrical safety demonstration provided by Connexus Energy. A third session featured Don Bania, Jr., a quadriplegic who taught himself to draw with his mouth. Don wowed the audience by drawing a picture of Sponge Bob Squarepants, identifying his “I can” mantra as motivation for success. Upon completing his drawing, Don revealed that he designed and drew the Safety Camp logo found on campers’ shirts.

To end the day, a Minnesota State Highway Patrol helicopter landed at the fire station. Campers inspected the helicopter, asked questions and posed for pictures before heading home after a busy day. Campers began Day Two at an animal safety presentation. A local animal expert brought a golden retriever, bull snake, raccoon, desert fox and skink to share with the crowd. After an internet safety course, campers watched a criminal apprehension demonstration by the Blaine Police Department’s K-9 Unit. Afterward, campers were able to meet K-9 Gunner up close and personal. Following a hamburger lunch, campers headed to Foss Swim School for two hours of water safety instruction. Afterward, back at the fire station, campers heard a presentation about brain injury prevention from a local teenager named Drew who suffered a brain injury in a bicycle accident in the fall of 2008. He advocated the importance of wearing a helmet when participating in activities on wheels like biking or skateboarding. Campers also completed activities that exhibited the difficulties those with brain injuries have performing everyday tasks. To end the afternoon, campers and families enjoyed a show by magician Brian Richards titled “Drugs Steal the Magic.” After two busy days of safety education, the time had come for campers to sit back and be honored for their hard work and dedication to being safe. The children and their families arrived at Blaine High School for an ice cream social and awards ceremony, only to find the counselors dressed in their professional uniforms, revealing themselves as firefighters, police officers, paramedics and Parks and Rec staff. Campers were shocked, to say the least, that men in women in those roles were, in fact, “normal people.” Inside the high school auditorium, campers were recognized for their hard work with a medal and certificate proclaiming successful completion of Safety Camp. Blaine Safety Services thanks the many employees, volunteers and sponsors for making Safety Camp 2010 an extraordinary success. A special thank you also goes out to all the campers for their enthusiastic participation. Look for information about Safety Camp 2011 in the Parks and Recreation Department’s Recreation Connection next spring.

Thank you to the many sponsors whose support made Safety Camp 2010 possible: Allina Medical Transportation; Big Bell Ice Cream; Blainbrook Bowl; Blaine High School; Blaine Jaycees; Blaine Public Safety Association; Blaine Youth Hockey Association; Connexus Energy; Creating Community; Foss Swim School; McDonald’s of Blaine; Mercy and Unity Hospitals; Stanley & Patricia Peterson Family; Pizza Hut of Spring Lake Park; Pulte Holmes; SAFE KIDS Anoka County; Spring Lake Park Lions; Subway of Blaine; SuperMom’s Bakery of Super America; Village Bank – Blaine; Xcel Energy.