Blaine CityConnect - 2012 Jul/Aug by City of Blaine

ne BlaiCityConnect

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Something New To Do This Summer:

Visit Blaine’s Open Spaces!

July/August 2012

Schwan’s USA Cup, 3M Championship Return to Town this Summer

One of the best kept secrets in our beautiful city is the dedicated open spaces scattered throughout town. There are 13 of these areas ranging in size from 7 acres to over 500 acres, with a total of about 800 acres. Included are some locations most people are familiar with, such as Pioneer Park, Lochness Park, and Laddie Lake Park. Others you may drive by everyday and think it is just another piece of land waiting to be developed. In 2001, City of Blaine voters passed a $3.5 million bond referendum to purchase and improve land for dedication as open space. These natural areas were spared from development to stand as examples of what the area looked like before we all moved in, to preserve habitat for the flora and fauna of the area, and offer a place of natural beauty for quiet enjoyment. Under the direction of the Parks and Recreation Department, lands were identified using criteria that included exceptional vegetation communities, diversity of ecosystems, and representative native species. Not all of the lands purchased were in the best of condition at first. In 2007, with the guidance of then Parks Director Jim Peterson, an Open Space Management Plan was developed by Great River Greening and adopted by the City Council. This plan provided a blueprint to improve the natural condition of these open space areas by eradicating, as much as possible, invasive plant species, making it possible for the native species to flourish. This effort is ongoing and making significant progress toward the goal of preserving beautiful destinations for Blaine residents to enjoy a quiet walk and observe the natural features of the land. The responsibility to oversee and manage this restorative work has been given to the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB), a citizen board appointed by the Mayor and City Council to provide advice on protecting and preserving the City’s open spaces. One of the many functions of the NRCB is to make the public aware of these natural jewels and encourage people to visit them. To help accomplish that goal they have recently established the Open Space of the Month cont’d on page 7

Blaine will become a popular destination once again this summer, as tens of thousands of visitors come to the city for two major annual sporting events. The popular Schwan’s USA Cup, billed as the largest soccer tournament in the Western Hemisphere, will bring 13,000 players on 950 teams from 22 states and 16 countries to the National Sports Center from July 13-21. Special traffic controls will be in place on both 105th Avenue and Davenport Street near the National Sports Center. The 3M Championship will celebrate its 12th year at the Tournament Players Club - Twin Cities this year. The 2012 tournament runs July 30-August 5, and features several days of events leading up to three days of stroke play golf on the weekend. The tournament continues to be immensely successful in terms of both accolades and attendance. The 3M Championship won the prestigious Champions Tour Presidents’ Award as the best tournament of the 2009 season. In 2008, it was voted the No. 1 Champions Tour event by the golfers. The annual tournament has also donated more than $17.5 million to local charities since 1993.

Free Admission at 3M Championship The 3M Tournament will have free general admission for the public in 2012. This is the fourth year in a row that the tournament has had free admission, parking, and shuttles. Public parking is available at the Anoka County-Blaine Airport. Detailed information is available at www.3mchampionship.com.

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July

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19 2 26 3

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

Dick Swanson

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

WARD 2 Dave Clark

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

Mike Bourke

83 103rd Ave. NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-784-1986 mbourke@ci.blaine.mn.us

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WARD 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

July 19 August 2 | August 9 | August 16 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Room

July 24 | August 28 7 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers

B zone recycling Holiday

ugust AAugust

WARD 1 Wes Hovland

City Council Workshops

July 10 | August 14 7 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers

A zone recycling

CONTACTS August

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

July 12 | August 2 | August 16 7:30 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers

Park Board*

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

MAYOR Tom Ryan

City Council*

Planning Commission*

Blaine City Hall

CITY COUNCIL

PUBLIC MEETINGS

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Police and Fire................................................ 911 Police (non-emergency) ....................763-785-6168 Fire (non-emergency)........................763-786-4436 Building Inspections..........................763-785-6170 Cable Channel 15..............................763-780-8241 City Cable Channel 16 ......................763-785-6192 City Clerk ........................................763-785-6124 City Manager....................................763-785-6120 Community Standards.......................763-785-6187 Crime Prevention..............................763-785-6113 Economic Development.....................763-785-6147 Engineering......................................763-785-6172 Fire Inspections ...............................763-785-6187 Forestry ..........................................763-717-2660 Housing Services .............................763-785-6146 Human Resources ............................763-785-6109 Job Line ..........................................763-717-2679 Newsletter ......................................763-717-2735 Operator..........................................763-784-6700 Parks and Recreation .......................763-785-6164 Planning & Zoning ............................763-785-6180 Public Works....................................763-785-6165 Recycling & Solid Waste ...................763-785-6192 Senior Citizens Center ......................763-786-9375 Streets ...........................................763-785-6165 Stormwater......................................763-785-6188 Utility Billing ....................................763-785-6141 Water & Sewer System .....................763-785-6165 Web................................................763-717-2638 Learn more about the City of Blaine and keep updated with happenings by following the city online. www.FaceBook.com/Blaine.mn www.FaceBook.com/BlaineBizMN www.FaceBook.com/BlaineParksMN www.ci.blaine.mn.us/go/emailupdates www.Twitter.com/BlaineMinnesota www.Twitter.com/BlaineBizMN www.Twitter.com/BlaineParksMN www.YouTube.com/CityofBlaine

July 17 | August 21 7 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room

Arts Council July 10 | August 14 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Lunch Room

Historical Society July 10 | August 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.

july | august 2012

This 4th of July

Start planning your summer block party today. Tuesday, August 7th is Night To Unite, the annual neighborhood get together event that has been around in Blaine for over 25 years. This is an opportunity to spend an evening outside with old neighbors, or welcoming new ones.

The Fourth of July is an exciting time for many Minnesota families. One of the most cherished elements is the presence of fireworks. A trip to the emergency room with an injury that could have lifelong ramifications will quickly end the excitement of the holiday, and cause fireworks to become a hated element. In this time of celebration, ensure the excitement of future celebrations by taking safety precautions at this one.

It’s free to register as a block party host, and the City will provide you with a few items to help the planning go a little smoother. You will receive door hangers, nametags, t-shirts for the organizers and informational forms. This is also the one night of the year in which the police and fire departments are out in full force visiting block parties. You must sign up to receive a visit. McGruff the Crime Dog and Sparky the Fire Dog will also be out visiting block parties. If you have questions, call Kim Kiley, Crime Prevention Specialist at 763-785-6186 or via email at kkiley@ci.blaine.mn.us.

Citizens Academy Registration Now Open Blaine residents interested in learning more about safety services are encouraged to register for the 10th annual Blaine Citizens Academy. This eight-week course, hosted by the City of Blaine Safety Services Division, is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about the structure and operations of the Police, Fire, and Community Standards departments, while participating in a variety of exciting and fast-paced activities, in a safe and fun environment. Classes are held Wednesday evenings, September 5 to October 24, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The academy meets at a different location each week depending on the activities scheduled. Course topics and handson activities include police use of force, motor vehicle extrication, fire fighting, crime prevention, fire prevention, housing maintenance, code compliance, criminal investigations, fire investigations, drug awareness, clandestine methamphetamine labs, traffic stops, and other emergency response. All residents 18 years and older are invited to apply. Class size is limited and all applicants must pass a criminal history background check. Applications will be accepted until the class fills, so register early. More information is available from Crime Prevention Specialist Andrea Hunt at 763-785-6113 or ahunt@ci.blaine.mn.us

Use Fireworks Safely!

Each year, fireworks permanently injure people of every age. Whether the use of fireworks is a tradition in your home, or a new experience for you and your family, keep in mind the following safety actions. • P urchase fireworks approved for use in Minnesota, and follow all of the safety precautions listed on each device. • K eep yourself and all others in the area at a safe distance and never hold an active firework in your hands. • A lways use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and hose nearby in case of an accident. • K now that sparklers, often used by children, can reach 1,800° Fahrenheit (982° Celsius)hot enough to melt gold. • P oint fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and leaves, and flammable substances. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more than 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year. These are just a few tips to help ensure a successful celebration. For more tips, visit: http://kidshealth.org/parent/ firstaid_safe/outdoor/ fireworks.html http://www.nfpa.org/assets/ files/PDF/Public%20Education/ FireworksSafetyTips.pdf http://www.cpsc.gov/info/ fireworks/index.html

Big News! The Spring Lake Park – Blaine – Mounds View Fire department is starting a recruitment campaign. If you are interested in serving your community as a volunteer firefighter, please visit http://www.sbmfire.com/ jobs.htm to download an application, and for more information about being a volunteer firefighter. Fill out the application and turn it in to the Fire Department administrative office right away. The Fire Department will contact you directly with more details about the hiring process, which should be completed by the end of July.

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Registering to Vote Before Election Day Voters are encouraged to register prior to Election Day. You may register to vote: In person at the Anoka County Elections Office, 325 East Main St. Suite 130, Anoka MN 55303, or at the Blaine City Hall, 10801 Town Square Dr., Blaine MN 55449. By mail by downloading a voter registration application at: http://ww2.

anokacounty.us/v4_elections/ registration/documents/VoterRegistration-Card.pdf, and mail to

Anoka County Elections, 325 East Main St, Suite 130, Anoka, MN 55303-5031, or when you apply for or renew your driver’s license. The deadline to pre-register is Tuesday July 24, 2012 at 5 p.m. for the 2011 Primary Election, and Tuesday, October 18, 2011 for the General Election.

City of Blaine Seeks Election Judges The City of Blaine is seeking new and experienced election judges to work full shifts for the 2012 Primary and General elections. If you have worked as an election judge in the past, you still need to re-apply. The date for the Primary Election is August 14, 2012, and the General Election is November 6, 2012. Election judges are responsible for the administration of election procedures in each voting precinct on Election Day. Anyone interested in serving their community as an election judge can see the detailed job descriptions online, and download the online application at www.ci.blaine.mn.us. Please return the application to the City Clerk’s office. Election judge training will take place mid-tolate July. If you have further questions about becoming an election judge, please call Blaine City Hall at (763) 785-6122 or 763-785-6124 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Watch the city’s web page, Comcast cable TV channel 16, and newsletter for future updates regarding the 2012 elections.

Election Judge Training for 2012 Election judges, please check your email and/ or watch for a letter in the mail regarding your training coming up between July 18 and 30, 2012. Training this year by Anoka County Elections is scheduled in Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and Spring Lake Park. Your email or letter will be the only notice you will get prior to your training date so be sure to mark it on your calendar.

Absentee Voting for 2012 Blaine residents who are unable to go to their polling place on Primary or General Election Day may cast an absentee ballot by mail or in person during the 46 days prior to each election. New in 2012, voters who prefer to cast their absentee ballot in person may vote at Blaine City Hall during regular office hours which is 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri. In person absentee balloting will also be available at Blaine City Hall on the Saturday prior to each election from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and until 5 p.m. the day before each election. The absentee balloting period for the August 14 Primary Election runs from Friday, June 29 through Monday, August 13. For the November 6 General Election, absentee balloting will take place between Friday, September 21 and Monday, November 5. Absentee voting is allowed if the voter: • • • • •

Will be absent from his or her precinct on Election Day Is ill or disabled Is serving as an election judge in another precinct If a religious discipline or religious holiday or observance prevents a voter from voting on Election Day An eligible emergency declared by the governor or quarantine declared by the federal or state government prevents voting on Election Day. Voters who wish to vote absentee by mail can download the absentee ballot application any time at www.anokacounty.us/absenteevoting. Voters also can call 763-323-5275 to have an absentee ballot application sent to them.

Anoka County will continue to offer both in person and mail absentee balloting services to any Anoka County resident during the absentee balloting periods noted above. Anoka County’s Election Office is open weekdays from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. the Saturday before the election; and until 5 p.m. the day before the election.

New Wards and Precincts for 2012

Ward 1 Precincts Polling Place W1-P1 University Ave. Elementary School W1-P2 Mary Ann Young Senior Center W1-P3 St. Timothy’s Catholic Church W1-P4 Christ Lutheran Church W1-P5 Schwan Center (NSC) W1-P6 MN School of Business W1-P7 Our Saviors Lutheran Church W1-P8 Centennial Sr. High (Performing Arts Ctr.) Ward 2 Precincts W2-P1 King of Glory Church W2-P2A Madison Elementary School W2-P2B Kingswood Church W2-P3 Jefferson Elementary School W2-P4A Abundant Life Community Church W2-P4B Blaine City Hall W2-P5 Oak Park Community Church W2-P6 Blaine City Hall Ward 3 Precincts W3-P1 Blaine United Methodist Church W3-P2 Fire Station #3 W3-P3 Roosevelt Middle School W3-P4 Way of the Lord Church W3-P5 Johnsville Elementary School W3-P6 Northpoint Elementary School W3-P7 Brookhall (next to Blainbrook) W3-P8 Bridgewood Community Church

Address 9901 University Ave. NE 9150 Central Ave. NE 707 89th Ave. NE 641 89th Ave. NE 1750 105th Ave. NE 3680 Pheasant Ridge Dr. NE 9185 Lexington Ave. NE 4757 North Road 10103 University Ave. NE 650 Territorial Rd. NE 1264 109th Ave. NE 11331 Jefferson St. NE 1105 117th Ave. NE 10801 Town Square Dr. NE 12050 Aberdeen St. NE 10801 Town Square Dr. NE 621 115th Ave. NE 11920 Ulysses St. NE 650 125th Ave. NE 804 131st Ave. NE 991 125th Ave. NE 2350 124th Ct. NE 11930 Central Ave. NE 11670 Lexington Ave. NE

Watch Your Mailbox for 2012 Polling Place

Anoka County Elections office will be mailing, on or before July 20, 2012, a postal verification card to all registered voters letting them know where their polling place will be for 2012. If someone has moved, the card will be returned to Anoka County Elections, the voter will be taken out of the State Voter Registration System and they will have to re-register at the polls when they vote at their new polling place. Be sure to watch for this “Postal Verification Card” in the mail later this spring/early summer!

july | august 2012

Helpful Hints for Displaying the American Flag With warmer weather, more and more homeowners choose to display the American flag. There are very specific rules about properly displaying the flag, known as flag etiquette.

Listed below are some of the most common rules of flag etiquette that apply to most homeowners. For the complete version of the rules of flag etiquette, check out www.usflag.org. • It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. • The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed. • The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on New Year’s Day, January 1; Inauguration Day, January 20; Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12; Washington’s Birthday, third Monday in February; Easter Sunday (variable), Mother’s Day, second Sunday in May; Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May; Flag Day, June 14; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, first Monday in September; Constitution Day, September 17; Columbus Day, second Monday in October; Navy Day, October 27; Veterans Day, November 11; Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November; Christmas Day, December 25; and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthdays of States (date of admission); and on State holidays. • No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America. • The flag of the United States of America should be at the center and at the highest point of the group when a number of flags of States or localities or pennants of societies are grouped and displayed from staffs. • When flags of States, cities, or localities, or pennants of societies are flown on the same halyard with the flag of the United States, the latter should always be at the peak. When the flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the flag of the United States should be hoisted first and lowered last. No such flag or pennant may be placed above the flag of the United States or to the United States flag’s right. • When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they are to be flown from separate staffs of the same height. The flags should be of approximately equal size. International usage forbids the display of the flag of one nation above that of another nation in time of peace. • When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the windowsill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff. • When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag’s own right, that is, to the observer’s left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street. • The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day, the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, and then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United Sates Government and the Governor of a State.

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, and air conditioners are $15. Most electronics, including televisions, will cost between $2 and $25, depending on size. Tires and rechargeable batteries may also be recycled for a small fee. Free items include scrap metal, car batteries, used clothing, and all items collected as part of the city’s curbside recycling program. A free paper shredding service is also available to shred sensitive documents. Please note, no garbage will be accepted. To learn more about the city’s recycling drop-off program and for a list of acceptable items and associated fees, call 763-785-6192 or visit www.ci.blaine.mn.us and search keyword recycle.

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.

Keep Your Eyes Open for Ditch Obstructions The Coon Creek Watershed District needs help monitoring public drainage ditches in the watershed district this summer. Check for blockages of water flow or blocked culverts. Any backed up water, particularly after snowmelt, may be the result of an obstruction. Contact CCWD at 763.755.0975 or info @ cooncreekwd.org with information about obstructions in a creek or drainage ditch.

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Blaine World Fest Returns on Sept. 15 The City of Blaine will be hosting the 5th Annual Blaine World Fest this fall at Town Square Park. This event will once again be a great opportunity for the City to recognize and celebrate our growing cultural and ethnic diversity. The event has continued to grow in popularity since its inception. Last year more than 1000 people enjoyed the wide variety of ethnic dance, music, food, and cultural arts.

Performances in the Park Big Walter Smith & The Groove Merchant Band – Town Square Park Tuesday, July 10 – 7 p.m. (Dynamic Blues, R&B, and Horn Band) Zoomobile from the MN Zoo – Aquatore Park Friday, July 13 – 10:30 a.m. Wee Willie Polka Band – Aquatore Park Thursday, July 19 – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mayer Arts Musical Theater Performance – Town Square Park Thursday, July 19 – 6 p.m. Lehto & Wright – Town Square Park Tuesday, July 24 – 7 p.m. (Celtic/American Folk Rock) QC Dance Performance – Town Square Park Thursday, July 26 – 7 p.m. Teen Jam – Aquatore Park Thursday, July 26 – 6 to 9 p.m. Sticks & Tones – Aquatore Park Friday, July 27 – 10:30 a.m. (kids) The Percolators – Town Square Park Thursday, August 2 – 7 p.m. Magic Maniac – Aquatore Park Friday, August 3 – 10:30 a.m. (magician) The Dirty Shorts Brass Band – Town Square Park Tuesday, August 7 – 7 p.m. (New Orleans Style blend of dixie, pop, jazz & blues) The Bazillions – Aquatore Park Friday, August 10 – 10:30 a.m. (kids) More information about Parks and Recreation programs is available at 763785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online at www.blaineparks.com .

This year’s event promises to supply a wide array of entertainment and festivities for the whole family to enjoy. For more information or to volunteer, call Tom Godfrey 763-717-2723. Check the September issue of City Connect or the Fall Recreation Connection for a list of participating groups and vendors.

Fall Recreation Connection Brochure The Park and Recreation 2012 Fall Recreation Connection brochure will not be mailed to the residents of Blaine. To view our fall recreation program information and to register, please visit our website at www.blaineparks.com beginning Monday, July 30, 2012. Also look us up on Facebook and Twitter! A limited number of fall brochures will be printed and available for pickup at the Park and Recreation office between 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information please call 763-785-6164.

Family Fun Night Children can enjoy FREE kiddie carnival games, music, and explore a police car and fire truck at our vehicle fair. Food concessions will be available or families can bring a picnic dinner! We will also have multiple inflatables for your kids to enjoy. And don’t forget to bring your camera. Event held at Aquatore Park. DATE: Tuesday, July 17 TIME: 6 to 8 p.m. FEE: FREE

Babysitting Class Ages 11 and up, held at City Hall DATE: Monday, August 13, TIME: 2 to 8:30 p.m. FEE: $60

Perpetual Motion Gymnastics Classes Ages 16 months to 10 years old Starting August 1 and 2. To sign up and for more details go to www.blaineparks.com.

Adult Fall Football This is a four man passing touch football league that plays on Sundays around the Vikings games. Games are played at Aquatore Park. The fee is $60 per team. Call 763-785-6161 for more information!

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

July July 3, 11 a.m. – Independence Party July 11, 11 a.m. – MN State Parks & Cabins Photo Presentation July 12, 10 a.m. – Stress Break Massage July 18, 11 a.m. – Rose’s Daughter, Organize & De-Clutter Session July 19, 5:30 p.m. – Pig Roast July 25, 11 a.m. – Monthly Birthday Party July 26, 11 a.m. – “Ask the Pharmacist” & Medication Disposal

August August 7, 11:15 a.m. – National Noon Out August 14, Polling Place Local Residents August 15, 8:15 a.m. – Harvest Dinner Ticket Sale August 16, 11 a.m. – Bring a Youth Day August 29, 11 a.m. – Monthly Birthday Party August 30, 11 a.m. – Bring a Youth Day August 30, 11:30 a.m. – 30th Anniversary Senior Center

july | august 2012

Visit Blaine’s Open Spaces! (cont’d from page 1) program. In upcoming newsletters, you will find articles that highlights some of our open spaces. Information will be provided about location, natural features, and other tidbits about these unique places. Many of the open spaces have trails that accommodate walking and biking (not off trail access, however) with easy access. Some areas are undergoing improvements, or will be in the future. Newsletter articles and updates on the City social media sites will keep you informed of improvements as they are completed. Our featured Open Space for the Month of July is Pioneer Park, located in the north central part of the city. Pioneer Park is easily reached on 125th Ave., east of Hwy 65, and west of Lexington Ave. The parking lot is just across the street from Malmborg Nursery (the former Noble Nursery). Take the paved trail from the parking lot through the oak forest. You will see oak, maple, ironwood, and basswood trees, as well as lots of beautiful ferns. Birds and other wildlife are abundant in this park. The trail loops around to the west to a boardwalk through a wetland. You can continue to the south on woodchip trails or retrace your steps on the paved trail. Looking west from the parking lot you will see one of Blaine’s most precious, protected Open Spaces, where a number of endangered plants, such as the lanced leaved orchid, twisted yellow-eye grass, and others, are blooming. Blaine’s Open Space of the Month for August is our largest protected Open Space located just South of East Lake Park in the Lakes development. East Lake Park parking lot is easily accessed off of South Lake Drive (about 119th street). Follow the paved trail and signage to the Open Space containing 511 acres of wetlands, woodlands, and prairies. There is a paved trail loop for walking and biking that offers an overlook of the larger open area. A wetland restoration project is presently underway in that area. As it nears completion, additional trails will be created to provide improved access and interpretive signage on the extensive natural features of that area. The Open Space is home to many birds and animals. Be sure to listen and watch for birds. Toward evening you might see a deer or two. If you would like to report what you find, please access our web page for information on sending us an e-mail. We look forward to keeping a record of all the sightings. More information about the NRCB and the Open Spaces of Blaine can be found on the City website. Look under Parks & Recreation for links to informative articles, maps, and photos that will help you enjoy these natural treasures.

30th Anniversary Mary Ann Young Senior Center Thursday, August 30 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Open House with entertainment throughout, lunch by reservation, cake and punch, presentation at 11:45 a.m.

Adult Outings North Shore Colors DATE: Oct. 2 - 4 It is not too soon to start thinking about this trip. We will head off to Duluth and Canal Park, watch for boats, tour the city of Duluth and North Shore, drive along Lake Superior, check out and visit Gooseberry Falls, stop at Beaver Bay at the Flea market and Split Rock Lighthouse, and more. We will be staying two nights at the Grand Superior Lodge- north of Two Harbors. For a complete Itinerary- please call- Ann at 763- 786-9375 or Diane at 763-785-6164.

Treasure Island Casino DATE: Monday, August 6 FEE: $5 get $3 food coupon and 10 pull tabs from Casino Coffee and donuts prior to departure at the Mary Ann Young Senior Center. Depart at 8:30 a.m. Return: 4:15 p.m. 14 Day Alaska Land & Cruise Adventure DATE: Aug. 30 - Sept. 12 We will fly to Anchorage where we will board a deluxe motorcoach to see some spectacular scenery. We will head to Fairbanks and the North Pole, take a riverboat Discovery Cruise on the Chena and Tanana rivers, visit Denali National Park, and more. On day 7 we board the Island Princess for a 7 day cruise. Each day filled with sightseeing and adventure. This is a trip that you won’t want to miss. For a complete itinerary call 763-786-9375.

The Mary Ann Young Senior Center offers a variety of programs, social events, and dining options on weekdays. Call for more information and times or learn more online. Visit www.ci.blaine.mn.us and search keyword senior center.

Killebrew Memorial Miracle League Field Dedicated The Blaine Miracle League Field located at the Blaine Baseball Complex was ceremoniously renamed Killebrew Memorial Miracle League Field, in a dedication ceremony held on May 5, 2012. In a dedication honoring the late Minnesota Twins Hall of Famer, Harmon Killebrew, over 200 people came to watch the festivities leading up to the unveiling of the new sign that represents the compassion that Harmon held in his heart for the kids that play on this field. The Miracle League provides opportunities for children with disabilities ages 3 -19 to play baseball, regardless of their abilities. In 2005, Harmon attended the Blaine ground breaking for the first ever Miracle League Field in Minnesota, and Killebrew’s foundation has given more than $250,000 since 2006 to build more fields. The dedication was part of the opening day ceremonies for players of the Miracle League of MN Metro North. The day was highlighted with appearances by TC Bear, Mudonna of the Saints, Homer the Miracle League mascot, Subway Sandwich Man, and live music from the North Suburban Band. Subway and Killebrew Root Beer provided food and refreshments. Thoughtful and caring words that reflected the meaning of the dedication were spoken by Anita Killebrew (Harmon’s wife), Cam Killebrew (Harmon’s son), Mayor Tom Ryan, and Jim Kappelhoff, Blaine Park and Recreation Director.

Lakeside Commons Park & Beach Hours Beach Season: June 8 - August 26 Beach Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Park Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Splash Pad Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Boathouse Hours: Monday - Wednesday, Friday 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Noon to 9 p.m. Weekends, Noon to 6 p.m. Parking Passes Required

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID TWIN CITIES, MN Permit No. 29418

10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine, MN 55449-8101 (763) 784-6700

ECRWSS

POSTAL CUSTOMER DATED MATERIAL PREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

POSTMASTER: TIME SENSITIVE MAIL

First Annual Blaine Triathlon Completed The first Annual Blaine Triathlon held on Saturday, May 19, was considered an overwhelming success according to participants, spectators, volunteers, and the community. Tri-athletes enjoyed excellent weather and cheers of encouragement as they negotiated the swim, bike, and run legs of the triathlon. The event featured 199 individual racers and another 63 participants in the team relay. Maplewood’s Brandon Ordway took home First Place in the Male Division by completing the .3 mile swim, 16.7 mile bike, and 3.5 mile run, with a time of 1:13:45. Greta Simpson of Minneapolis won the Female Division with a time of

This community event would not have been possible without the concerted efforts by all of our volunteers and City staff from Blaine Police, SBM Fire, Engineering, GIS, Public Works, Park and Recreation and the Anoka County Highway Department. Due to its success this year, we are intending to make the Blaine Triathlon an annual event. If you didn’t get a chance to participate or watch the triathlon, we hope to see you next year. 1:23:35, and the top team relay was Team YES of Minneapolis, featuring Nicole Cueno, Paul Johnson, and Kym Zhao, with a time of 1:13:15.

For information and results from this year’s event, please go to our website at www.blainetriathlon.com.

Thank you to our Sponors ! Blaine Medical Center, Fitness Pros, Foss Swim School, Pioneer Cycle, Blaine Chiropractic Center, Blaine Sportswear, Caribou Coffee, Envoy Mortgage – Nathan Raich Team, Financial One Credit Union, MultiCenter Physical Therapy, North Park Dental, Rasmussen College, SLP Lions Club Suburban Imaging, State Farm – Tom Holland Agency, Twin Cities Gateway, Edina Realty – Kris Lindahl, Fitness 19, GU, Jack and Jill Childcare, Super 8, Today’s Window Fashions, The Blaine Bridge, $5 Pizza, Andrea-Studio Web Design and Development, DixieBlue BarBQue, Green Dragon Acupuncture, Performance Healthcare, Chain of Lakes Church