Blaine CityConnect - 2013 Sept/Oct

ne BlaiCityConnect

W W W . C I . B L A I N E . M N . U S

Returning September 21

Join the City of Blaine and residents from across the north metro on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 1 to 5 pm, at Town Square Park for the 6th Annual Blaine World Fest. This event has continued to grow in popularity each and every year, with over 1,300 people in attendance last year.

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Blaine Surpasses 60,000 Residents

According to the latest population figures from the Metropolitan Council, Blaine has an estimated population of 60,199 residents. This new population figure reflects the continued growth that Blaine sustained during the past economic downturn.

Over the past 5 years, Blaine has seen growth of 1600 households, which equals 3,600 new residents. This represents an additional 400 millions dollars in new tax base during the worst recession in the past 60 years. Because of Blaine’s commitment to a managed growth strategy that provides a life cycle mix of housing, quality amenities, and high quality retail and commercial developments, Blaine remains one of the most in demand locations to live in the north metro area.

This growth, coupled with growth in our commercial and industrial areas, has allowed the Blaine City Council to maintain quality City services while reducing or holding flat the amount of tax dollars collected from residential properties via property taxes over that same period of time.

The Blaine World Fest is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the growing cultural and ethnic diversity that exists in our community by enjoying music, dance, cultural learning booths, demonstrations, and delicious ethnic food.

World Fest continues to add new and exciting opportunities and festivities every year.

For $5, festival-goers may purchase a punch card good at all participating food vendors.

All other activities and entertainment are free.

Remember to bring a lawn chair!

For more information about Blaine World Fest, contact Blaine Parks and Recreation at 763-785-6151.

September/October 2013

Enjoy Cultural Entertainment by: • • • • • • • •

Argentine Dance & Tango (Dance with Lois Donnay) CAAM Chinese Dance Theatre Fiesta Latina (Performed by QC Dance Studio) Kalpulli Yaocenoxtli: Traditional Mexica Aztec Dance and Drum Circle Jawaahir Dance Company (COMPAS Artists) Loveworks and Best Academy Drum and Drill Team Rene Dance Studio Titambe West African Dance Ensemble

Sample Ethnic Foods Courtesy of: • • • • • • • • •

Acapulco Bricks American Pub Chili’s Dixie Blue BarBQue Dosa King Hajime Mei Wei Snapple (Samples of beverage) Umbria Pizza

• • • • • • • • •

AFS (Foreign Exchange Student Program) Anoka County Child and Teen Checkups iAsian Language Institute Chinese Heritage Foundation Friends Cilongo Foundation Emma B. Howe Family YMCA (Diversity Committee) Guatemalan Exhibit by Guatemalan Society of MN Phancy Airbrushing and Balloon Art Plus Hmong Folk Art, Inc.

Informational Learning Booths from:

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30 A Zone Recycling

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

WARD 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

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

WARD 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

FOLLOW US

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

Sept. 5 | Sept. 12 | Sept. 19 Oct. 3 | Oct. 10 | Oct. 17 6:30 pm | City Hall Cloverleaf Room

Sept. 24 | Oct. 22 7 pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Holiday

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MAYOR Tom Ryan

City Council Workshops

Park Board*

B Zone Recycling

contacts August

CITY COUNCIL

Sept. 5 | Sept. 19 | Oct. 3 | Oct. 17 7:30 pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Sept. 10 | Oct. 8 7 pm | City Hall Council Chambers

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

City Council*

Planning Commission*

Blaine City Hall

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PUBLIC MEETINGS

Natural Resource Conservation Board

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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.....................763-785-6180 Engineering......................................763-785-6172 Fire Inspections ...............................763-785-6187 Forestry ..........................................763-717-2660 Housing Services .............................763-785-6146 Human Resources ............................763-785-6109 Job Line ..........................................763-717-2679 Newsletter ......................................763-785-6192 Operator..........................................763-784-6700 Parks and Recreation .......................763-785-6164 Planning & Zoning ............................763-785-6180 Public Works....................................763-785-6165 Recycling & Solid Waste ...................763-785-6192 Senior Citizens Center ......................763-786-9375 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

Sept. 17 | Oct. 15 7 pm | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room

Arts Council Sept. 10 | Oct. 8 6:30 pm | City Hall Lunch Room

Historical Society Oct. 8 6:30 pm | 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/go/newsletter.

Feedback can be directed to:

newsletter @ ci.blaine.mn.us .

All city legal notices are published in the city’s official newspaper, the Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life.

september | october 2013

Prescription Drug Take Back Program

The Prescription Drug Take Back Program addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Each day, approximately 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

The Blaine Police Department recently partnered with the Anoka County Sheriff ’s Office to provide the fourth prescription drug drop off location in the county. The three other sites are The Sheriff ’s Office, Columbia Heights Police Department and Fridley Police Department. Since the beginning of the program in Anoka County, hundreds of unwanted prescription drugs have been collected and disposed of.

The goal of the Prescription Drug Take Back Program is to provide a convenient drop off location for the public to dispose of unwanted or unused prescription drugs.

The Prescription Drug Take Back Program will accept unwanted prescription drugs from non-commercial, residential users only. No syringes, needles, or other hazardous materials will be accepted. The police department cannot pick up unwanted medication.

Participation in the Take Back is free and anonymous; all prescriptions will be disposed of with “no questions asked.”

The Prescription Drug Take Back Drop Box is Located at the: Blaine Police Department Lobby Hours Monday thru Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm After hours drop off is also accepted.

Use the red phone located in the after hours lobby to contact dispatch for an officer to respond.

Fall Leaf Season is Here!

Don’t Rake Your Leaves into the Street!

Many of our residents live in fully wooded areas. As the leaves from the trees turn color and fall, they provide both a beautiful show and plenty of cleaning up effort.

Please keep in mind that all decaying plant material that ends up in City ponds and streams contributes to a greater phosphorous load and poorer water quality. Please do not rake leaves into the street. Your cooperation in requested.

You may bring your leaves and grass to the Anoka County Compost Sites (see information below).

Drop-Off Options You may bring your leaves and grass clippings to the Anoka County Compost Sites for a cost of $5 for up to 4 cubic yards. The hours are: •

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Bunker Hills Site (Hanson Blvd. 1 mile north of Hwy 242 in Coon Rapids)

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Fall Lawn Care Turf grass has a growth spurt in the fall to store up energy for winter. You can help your grass, save on your water bill, and prevent water pollution at the same time: 1. Mulch: Mulch leaves and grass with your lawnmower to return nutrients to the soil and to help keep them off the streets…and out of our waters!

This is so important that there is an ordinance against such ‘Illicit Discharges’ in our stormwater (Blaine Ordinance: Sec. 34-568).

2. Aerate: Aerate your lawn late August, earlySeptember. How? Use a core aerator, available for rent at many home & garden stores, and offered by some lawncare services. Water and air can reach the grass roots more easily with aeration.

3. Wait to Fertilize: Wait to fertilize until after aeration.

If you use fertilizer, use it after aerating your lawn. Then it can be absorbed and saved by plants for spring.

Make sure your lawn fertilizer has no phosphorus – look for a “0” in the middle of three numbers on the bag indicating nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), & potassium (K) amounts. Fertilizing once per year should be enough.

If you regularly mulch your clippings and leaves, you may not need to fertilize.

Healthy lawns are good for water quality because they absorb precipitation and need less watering.

Information provided by Coon Creek Watershed District at 763-755-0975 or email: info@cooncreekwd.org

Mondays through Fridays 10 am to 7 pm or sundown, whichever is first; Saturdays 9 am - 5 pm; and Sundays Noon -5 pm

WEB Resources:

Lino Lakes Site (County Road 14 to the east of I-35W)

Aeration:

Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 am to 7 pm or sundown, whichever is first; Saturdays 9 am - 5 pm; and Sundays Noon -5 pm

www.gardening.cornell.edu/ homegardening/scene5e77.html

Curbside Collection Available

Test your soil via UMN Extension:

Curbside leaf and grass collection is also available from Advanced Disposal Services for a fee. Call 763-786-7233 for more information on their program.

http://soiltest.cfans.umn. edu/how-to-submit-samples/ lawn-garden/

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Mayor Tom Ryan’s Office Hours at City Hall

Blaine Mayor, Tom Ryan, holds regular office hours every Tuesday, from 2:30 to 5 pm. You can stop by Blaine City Hall, 10801 Town Square Dr. NE, and meet with Mayor Ryan on any issue you want. There is no need to call and make an appointment; visits are done on a dropin basis.

Office visits with Mayor Ryan are held in the Laddie Lake Conference Room located on the second floor of Blaine City Hall.

National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month (NPM) is sponsored by the Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Advertising Council. NPM is held each September to encourage Americans to make sure they are prepared for disasters or emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities.

September 2013 marks the tenth annual NPM and the goal this year is to transform awareness into action by encouraging all Americans to take specific steps to ensure that their homes, workplaces, and communities are prepared for disasters and emergencies of all kinds. By doing so, individuals, business, and organizations can commit to doing at least one of the following: 1. Learn about Emergency Hazards and their Appropriate Responses 2. Build an Emergency Kit 3. Make a Communications Plan 4. Get Involved in Preparedness in their Community

Take the PLEDGE to Never Text and Drive 100,000+ crashes a year involve drivers who are texting. Take the pledge to never text and drive now at itcanwait. com and spread the word about the dangers of texting and driving.

NO TEXT IS WORTH THE RISK! For more information go to: www.itcanwait.com Cell phone use is a factor in nearly 1 in 4 crashes according to the National Safety Council.

For more information go to: www.focusdriven.org Get involved. Educate others about the risks of distracted driving.

For more information: www.nsc.org/safety_road/ Distracted_Driving/Pages Distracted driving has emerged as one of the key safety issues in the United States.

For more information go to: www.minnesotatzd.org

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Individuals, businesses, community organizations, and places of worship can register to become a National Preparedness Coalition Member by visiting www.ready.gov and clicking on the Pledge to Prepare banner. NPM Coalition membership is open to all public and private sector organizations. In 2011, nearly 10,000 individuals and organizations registered to become coalition members in what was our largest number since the beginning of the awareness campaign.

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Each September, Coalition Members share preparedness information with their colleagues, customers, employees, and communities. Members are encouraged to find ways to participate in existing events and meetings throughout their communities to share preparedness information, or create a preparedness event of their own.

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The NPM coalition website offers resources for Coalition Members that include: 1. Toolkit 2. Discussion Forums 3. Calendar of Events

Throughout the year, the Ready Campaign promotes individual emergency preparedness at home, at their place of work, and throughout their communities. Ready is a national campaign, produced in partnership with The Advertising Council, designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies, including natural disasters, and potential terrorist attacks.

The Ready Campaign’s websites (ready.gov and listo.gov) and toll-free numbers (1-800-BEREADY and 1-888-SE-LISTO) provide free emergency preparedness information and resources available in English and Spanish.

september | october 2013

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Addressing the Challenge of Fire Safety for those with Disabilities

City Seeks to Fill Commission Vacancies

According to the United State Fire Administration (USFA 2012), approximately 3,500 Americans die and 18,300 are injured in fires each year. People with mobility, sight, health, and hearing disabilities can significantly increase their chances of surviving a fire by practicing proven fire safety precautions.

Three appointments will be made for a term of two years. One vacancy will exist in each of the three council wards.

Planning Commission:

Park Advisory Board:

Any one or combination of these can inhibit the ability to take the quick action necessary to escape during a fire emergency.

There are things loved ones and caretakers can do to significantly increase the chance of surviving a fire in the home:

Four appointments will be made for a term of two years. One vacancy will exist in each of the three council wards and the chair-atlarge position.

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Requirements include being a resident of Blaine and having a community interest.

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Mobility challenges- Can they get to a phone in an emergency? Is the wheelchair or walker near the bedside? Have you made any necessary accommodations, such as providing exit ramps and widening doorways, to facilitate an emergency escape?

Search the home for trips/fall hazards such as rugs, cords, and things on the stairs.

Does the lighting need to be addressed to provide light in dark halls or stairs? Are the shoes being worn providing good support to help prevent falls? Would the individual benefit from a written or pictorial plan in the bedroom as a reminder of what to do?

Sight challenges- Consider devices in the home that “talk” or give commands such as microwaves, thermostats, watches, and smoke alarms. Are their glasses and/or cane always at the nearby bedside when asleep? Is there a phone, glasses, lists of medications they are currently on (and a copy with the family) near the bedside? Is the water temperature under 120 degrees to prevent scalding?

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Hearing challenges- Consider alarms in the home for the deaf or hard of hearing. Is there a method for communicating with 911?

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Autism- These individuals often have increased sensitivities to sound, sight, and touch stimuli. Loud noises may cause sensory overload and in some cases, they are ignored altogether. If this is found to be a problem, there are other types of alarms, such as, digital voice message type of detector or those with a strobe and vibrating paddle.

Discuss what you will do about the door locks that are in place to prevent wandering.

Discuss what to do with the loud noises and chaos of an emergency. Work your plan around what you know best for the individual’s actions for an emergency. Develop a pre-emergency relationship with emergency responders to help decrease the fearfactor. Practicing a plan is vital!

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Safe Escape- If there should be an emergency have a safe escape plan developed.

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Are there working smoke alarms appropriate for the disability in the home placed in the bedroom, in the hall, and on every level? Are the batteries being changed every 6 months to a year? Are the alarms less than 10 years old?

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Is there a working carbon monoxide detector in the home? Are the batteries being change every 6 months to a year? Is the alarm less than 5-7 years old?

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Does the resident sleep with the door closed at night to prevent the intrusion of smoke and heat in a fire situation?

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Are there two exits available for safe escape?

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Are the house numbers on the home clearly marked so emergency responders can see them in the dark?

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Is there a meeting place where everyone goes in an emergency? Has everyone been instructed to stay outside in a fire situation?

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If the person is in an apartment, plan the escape down the stairs to the outside without mobility devices, such as, wheel chairs and walkers.

No matter whom the resident is, practicing the plan helps reinforce the successful steps to safety.

For further help contact the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department at 763-767-4003 or visit us at www.homesafetychallnge.org.

Appointments will be made by the Mayor in February 2014. Please call the Clerk’s office at 763-785-6122 or 763-785-6124 for an application and additional information. Interested citizens should complete an application or send a brief biographical sketch by Nov. 1, 2013 to: Jane M. Cross, CMC, City Clerk City of Blaine 10801 Town Square Drive Blaine, MN 55449

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 ion t a e R Rec ection conn

n creatio and Re 13 ParkSsummer 20

Check Out the Fall Recreation Connection Brochure Online To view our 2013 fall recreation connection brochure and to register, please visit our website at www.blaineparks.com.

Sounds of the City Free Indoor Concert Series Banjo Boys Band (old classic banjo style music for all ages) Tuesday, Oct. 15 – 7 pm Locklin Road (celtic & original folk music) Tuesday, Nov. 19 – 7 pm

Adult Volleyball Leagues Non – officiated co-rec and women’s fun volleyball leagues. Players must be at least 18 years old. Both leagues play at Roosevelt Middle School; co-rec also plays at Hayes Elementary in Fridley. Register by Oct. 18 for women’s and Nov. 15 for Co-Rec. DATE: Women’s - Mondays

beginning November 4

Co-Rec - Wednesdays

beginning December 4 FEE: $200/team

Adult 5-Person Basketball Leagues Officiated men’s basketball league.

Players must be at least 18 years old.

Games played at Westwood Middle School. Includes 10 games plus playoffs. Two officials per game and scorekeeper. Register by Nov. 1.

DATE: Wednesdays

beginning Nov. 13 FEE: $475/Blaine Team

$525/Non-Resident Team More information about Parks and Recreation programs is available at 763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online at www.blaineparks.com .

w w w. b l a i n e p a r k s. c o m Barnyard Boogie Open to ages 8 and under with parent/adult.

Interact with a donkey, pony, goats, sheep, rabbits, chicks and ducks! Wear overalls and get dancing to your favorite songs played by our family friendly deejay. Kids will also be able to make an animal craft and get an animal temporary tattoo! Refreshments provided. Registration is required. Event held at Aquatore Park.

DATE: Friday, September 27 TIME: 6 to 7:30 pm FEE: $8/child

Shoreview Community Center Open to grades K to 5. We have a busy day planned with activities that include; open gym, indoor playground, swimming, and arts and crafts time! Please bring a swimsuit, towel, lunch and two snacks. Transportation leaves from Blaine City Hall.

DATE: Thursday, October 17 TIME: 8:45 to 4 pm FEE: $30

Zero Gravity Trampoline Park Open to ages 10 to 15. Join us for an afternoon of fun in the 11,000-square-foot indoor trampoline park.

Zero Gravity Zone in Mounds View has multiple trampolines connected together for an incredible experience of free jumping. You can bounce from trampoline to trampoline or off the walls. Zero Gravity also consists 16 trampolines connected together to create a dodgeball court. Pizza will be served for lunch at Blaine City Hall before taking off for an hour and half at Zero Gravity.

Transportation leaves from Blaine City Hall.

DATE: Thursday, October 17 TIME: 12:15 to 3:45 pm FEE: $18

Pump it Up & Anoka County Farms Open to grades K to 5. We have a fun-filled day planned to keep you kids busy! We first will go to Pump it Up and bounce our way to a jumping good time. After an hour and a half of jumping we will eat lunch which will be pizza and a beverage.

The kids will then go to Anoka County Farms for pumpkin painting, hay maze, pony rides, inflatables, and much more! Lunch is included.

Bring snack if you would like. Transportation leaves from Blaine City Hall.

DATE: Friday, October 18 TIME: 9 am to 4 pm FEE: $30

Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt & Family Dance Open to families with children ages 10 and under. Children along with their parents, can search the grounds for one pumpkin of their choice, celebrate by dancing under the stars with our family deejay, make a S’more, and play Flashlight Bingo!

Come in a costume for our costume contest and bring a flashlight! Registration is required.

Event held at Aquatore Park.

DATE: Saturday, October 26 TIME: 7 to 8:30 pm FEE: $9/child

Princess Party Open to ages 8 and under with parent/adult. Your little princess can meet Belle and Cinderella at our Princess Party! We will have crafts, nail painting, photo opportunities, games, stage, refreshments, a deejay, and lots of dancing! Come in your favorite princess dress and don’t forget your camera! Event held at Blaine City Hall. Max. 175.

DATE: Saturday, November 2 TIME: 6 to 7:30 pm FEE: $9/child View more programs online at www.BlaineParks.com.

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

September 9/19, 1 pm – Movie Day 9/25, 11 am – Birthday Party & Entertainment 9/26, 5:30 pm – Harvest Dinner 9/30, 9 pm – Flu Shot Clinic

October 10/7, 1 pm – Prize/Nickel Bingo 10/8, 11 am – Live Polka Music, Octoberfest

Party and Luncheon 10/8, 1 pm – “500” Card Tournament 10/9, 8:15 am – Lutefisk Ticket Sale 10/10, 1 pm – Cribbage Tournament 10/15, 9 am – Jewelry Sale 10/23, 11 am – ”What’s new at Anoka

County Library” 10/24, 1 pm – Movie Day 10/30, 11 am – Halloween & Birthday Party

with Entertainment

september | october 2013

Recycle to the Max and Save!

One of the best ways to save money on your garbage bill is to recycle as much as possible. Under Blaine’s curbside recycling program, ALMOST ALL of your household waste is actually recyclable. Putting more recyclables in your recycling cart will not cost you any more money. It will make it possible to save money by using a smaller garbage cart.

You can join the thousands of Blaine households that recycle the maximum amount of their household refuse and save money by using a smaller garbage cart. The following materials are all recyclable in Blaine’s single-family recycling program with Advance Disposal. Recycle these materials to Recycle To The Max! • • • • • • • •

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Newspapers, and all inserts All magazines and catalogs Phone books Training manuals All mixed mail including envelopes (if it comes in the mail and is paper, you can recycle it!)

All office and school papers, file folders, fax sheets, notebooks, etc Paperback books Corrugated cardboard boxes cut up to fit in recycling cart (or flatten and bundle 3 feet by 3 feet by 1 foot thick, and place next to the recycling cart) Box board (cake, cereal, cracker, tissue, and shoe/shirt boxes)

• • • • • •

Milk and juice cartons Brown paper bags Aluminum cans Tin/steel cans Glass bottles and jars (clear, brown, and green) Plastic containers and packaging number 1 through 7 Please DO NOT recycle the following items: • • • • •

Plastic bags Styrofoam Plastic motor oil bottles Pizza boxes Any type of used tissue product

If you need an additional recycling cart to handle all of the recycling material, you can get one AT NO ADDITIONAL COST! That’s right, you can put out as much recycling as possible with out an increase in cost. In fact, it will save you money by allowing you to use a smaller garbage cart.

Join the thousands of Blaine residents that are recycling to the max and saving money on their garbage bills! To change your level of garbage service, call 763-785-6141. For an additional or larger recycling cart, call Advanced Disposal at 763-786-7233. Remember, Recycle to the Max and Save!

Community Outings All casino trips leave from the Mary Ann Young Senior Center. All day trips leave from Blaine city Hall unless otherwise noted and include lunch, tickets, and transportation.

For more information, visit www.ci.blaine.mn.us and search keyword senior center.

“Baby Case” Branson Christmas Tour December 3 thru 7 at History Theater For complete itinerary, please call 763-785DATE: Thursday, October 24 6164.

Register by September 18 TIME: 8:45 am to 3 pm John Denver Concert FEE: $50 at St. Cloud Theater “Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed” at the Science Museum DATE: Tuesday, November 19

Register by November 5 TIME: 9:30 am to 3 pm FEE: $25 St. Croix Casino - Danbury DATE: Wednesday, October 9

Register by October 2 TIME: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm FEE: $5 ($5 back at casino).

DATE:

TIME: FEE:

Tuesday, December 17 Register by November 17 10 am to 5:45 pm $64

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Monthly Recycling Drop-Off Day at Aquatore Park

The City of Blaine sponsors a recycling drop-off day the third Saturday of each month in the parking lot at Aquatore Park.

The parking lot is near the City water tower and water treatment plant.

The collection event runs from 10 am until 2 pm, and is open to anyone. You do not need to be a Blaine resident to bring items to the drop-off day.

JR’s Appliance Recyclers

651-454-9215

• Appliances, florescent lamps, electronics, rechargeable batteries, and tires.

Please note that there is a fee for some items.

Most appliances are $10 each. Air conditioners are $15. Most electronics are between $2 and $25 depending on size. You can also drop off tires and rechargeable batteries for a small fee.

Free items include scrap metal and car batteries.

Bikes 4 Kids • Old bicycles for free to refurbish and distribute to needy children.

Salvation Army

612-332-5855 • Furniture (good condition, no rips, stains, scratches, and pet hair) • Textiles (clothing, bedding, towels, etc.)

• Tools and sporting goods (including bicycles) • Household items (dishes, pans, collectables, etc.)

Salvation Army does not accept: • Mattresses & Box Springs (per MN law) • Recalled items (car seats, cribs, etc.)

• Products made of particle board Randy’s Environmental Services

612-332-5855

Treasure Island Casino DATE: Monday, November 4

Register by October 28 TIME: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm FEE: $5 ($3 food coupons

and 10 pull tabs)

• Free paper shredding.

Please note: No garbage will be accepted at the drop-off day.

To learn more about recycling opportunities available in Blaine, call 763-785-6192 or visit www.ci.blaine.mn.us and search keyword recycle.

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

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

17th Annual Blaine Safety Camp a Success Two-Day Camp Focuses on Reducing the Number of Accidental Injuries and Deaths Among Children

Another collection of Blaine soon-to-be fourth graders now possess the knowledge and tools to live safe, healthy lives after the 17th annual Blaine Safety Camp.

On July 9 and 10, 155 local children gathered at SBM Fire Station 3 for the comprehensive educational program. Organized by the Blaine Police, SBM Fire and Blaine Parks and Recreation departments, Safety Camp is designed to reduce the number of accidents and injuries among young children while providing the skills needed to manage emergency situations. The two-day Safety Camp went precisely as planned, instructing campers on a variety of safety-related topics ranging from first aid to brain injury prevention while mixing in enough fun and excitement to make the experience one the children will never forget!

The camp counselors – firefighters, paramedics, police officers and parks and recreation staff – were invaluable contributors to the Safety Camp experience. In a fun twist, the professional identity of each counselor was withheld from the kids to set up a surprise reveal at the awards ceremony at the end of camp.

Safety Camp kicked off with three successive morning programs. First, a poison safety activity taught the kids to differentiate between poisonous and non-poisonous household products. Then, campers were trained in personal safety, learning about the buddy system, checking first, and listening to your uh-oh feeling. The morning was complete with an engaging an interactive bully prevention program.

After a hearty lunch and dancing off extra energy to music from a deejay, campers jumped right into four afternoon sessions. All campers were measured for booster seats and fitted for bike helmets.

One of the goals of Safety Camp this year was to educate parents on the state’s booster seat law, which requires children to sit in booster seats if under specific height and weight guidelines. Bike helmets and instruction on a proper fit have been given to campers at each Safety Camp since the beginning of the program 17 years ago. That totals more than 2,500 bike helmets provided for Blaine children to ensure safe bicycling.

After campers received helmets, representatives from Mercy and Unity hospitals hosted an interactive sports injury prevention and first aid presentation. Then, Don Bania Jr., an artist and annual guest, shared his inspiring story. Don is a quadriplegic who developed his artistic skill by learning to draw with his mouth. He also revealed to campers that he designed and drew the Safety Camp logo on their camp shirts.

The afternoon sessions ended with an animal expert sharing several creatures with campers while discussing animal safety.

To end the day, magician Brian Richards entertained children with his energizing and entertaining “Drugs Steal the Magic” act.

The next morning picked up where the previous day left off. An animated appearance by an SBM Fire Department firefighter showed how to react in case of a home fire.

Workers with Connexus Energy displayed the hazards and deadly power of electricity in a shocking electrical safety presentation. The morning was complete by learning about internet safety and the dangers associated with talking to people online and sharing personal information.

Before lunch, Blaine Police Officer Greg Rowe and his K9 partner Gunner, and Officer Reggie Larson and his K9 partner Rex, treated campers to a drug sniff and criminal apprehension demonstration.

Afterward, children were allowed to meet Gunner and give him a pat on the back.

A pizza lunch energized the campers for a fun afternoon of water safety at the Roosevelt Community Pool.

After the two busy days of safety education, it was time to surprise the campers with the true identity of their counselors and for campers to relax and be rewarded for their dedication to keeping themselves and their families and friends safe. Campers were presented with a medal and certificate proclaiming successful completion of the 2013 Blaine Safety Camp at an awards ceremony, emergency vehicle display, and ice cream social at Spring Lake Park High School.

Blaine Safety Services thanks the many employees, volunteers and sponsors for making the 2013 Safety Camp an extraordinary success. A special thank you also goes out to all our campers for their enthusiastic participation.

Information about the 2014 Safety Camp will be available in the Parks and Recreation Department’s summer 2014 Recreation Connection next March.

Thank you to the many sponsors who made 2013 Safety Camp possible: Allina Medical Transportation, Big Bell Ice Cream, Blainbrook Bowl, Blaine Public Safety Association, Blaine Youth Hockey Association, Connexus Energy, McDonald’s of Blaine, Mercy Hospital, Stanley and Patricia Peterson Family, Pizza Hut of Spring Lake Park, SAFE KIDS Anoka County, Spring Lake Park Community Education, Spring Lake Park Lions Club, SuperMom’s Bakery of SuperAmerica Photos Courtesy of Jeremy Johnson