Blaine CityConnect - 2014 Nov/Dec

ne BlaiCityConnect

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November/December 2014

Construction of the Lexington Athletic Complex is Underway

Earlier this summer, work began on Blaine’s newest athletic facility, the Lexington Athletic Complex. The new complex is located on the east side of Lexington Avenue just north of Woodland Parkway. It is located to the east of the future wetland complex entrance.

The Lexington Athletic Complex will feature: • • • • •

2 full size baseball fields - lighted 4 multi - purpose fields for football, lacrosse and soccer - 2 of them lighted 2 tennis courts - lighted 4 pickle ball courts - lighted A full size basketball court

• • • • •

A playground area with shelter A park building with meeting space, concession stand and warming house in the winter months A temporary outdoor skating rink Lighted trails throughout park Parking for up to 400 vehicles

The total cost for the Lexington Athletic Complex project is roughly five million dollars. Funding is from the Park Dedication Funds that are generated from lot development. The project is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2015.

Toys for Joy! Looking for a place to drop off your new unwrapped toys for children in need during the holiday season? The Blaine Police Department and The Blaine City Hall will begin accepting toys on December 1 and will continue to accept toys thru December 12. Just look for the holiday wrapped donation box in the atrium at City Hall.

Toys for Joy is an Anoka County based program that operates out of the Anoka County Armory. We are looking for some older kid toys this year to help with Toys for Joy. If you have any questions, please contact Officer Michelle Moore at 7 6 3 - 2 8 6 - 2 0 9 3 or by email at MMO O R E @C I . B L A INE . M N. U S .

the big

Five-O

After years of being a township, then a village, Blaine became a City in 1964.

JOIN US TO CELEBRATE Bring the Whole Family !

City of Blaine’s

50th BIRTHDAY PARTY WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD AT 7:00 - 8:30 PM BLAINE CITY HALL Cake, balloons, and displays.

Please Note:historical Bikes for Kids will not be Along with the collecting bikesthe at annoucement the monthly of recycling Calendar of Activities drop-off day until April of 2015! See page for the coming year to connect Blaine’s past, present ... and FUTURE !

No Bike Collection

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City Council*

Nov. 6 | Nov. 20 | Dec. 4 | Dec. 18 7:30 pm | City Hall Council Chambers

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

CITY COUNCIL MAYOR Tom Ryan

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Blaine City Hall

RECYCLING CALENDAR

City Council Workshops

WARD 3 Kathy Kolb

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

CITY MANAGER Clark Arneson

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

ABOUT

Russ Herbst

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

Nat’l Resource Conservation Board Nov. 18 | Dec. 16 7 pm | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room Nov. 11 5:30 pm | City Hall Lunch Room

Police and Fire...................................................... 911 Police (non-emergency) .......................... 763-785-6168 Fire (non-emergency).............................. 763-786-4436 Anoka County Dispatch........................... 763-427-1212 Advanced Disposal................................. 763-786-7233 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 Sewer Backup....................................... 763-785-6165 Streets ................................................ 763-785-6165 Stormwater........................................... 763-785-6188 Utility Billing ......................................... 763-785-6141 Water & Sewer System .......................... 763-785-6165 Web..................................................... 763-717-2638 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: W W W. C I . B L A I N E . M N . U S / G O / N E W S L E T T E R

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.

WWW.CI.BLAINE.MN.US/GO/ EMAILUPDATES

STAY CONNECTED

CITY DIRECTORY

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

Nov. 25 | Dec. 23 7 pm | City Hall Council Chambers

*Meetings can be seen live on cable channel 16.

Dick Swanson

Mike Bourke

Park Board*

Nov. 11 | Dec. 9 6:30 pm | City Hall Sanctuary Room

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

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

Nov. 11 | Dec. 9 7 pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Historical Society

WARD 1 Wes Hovland

WARD 2 Dave Clark

Planning Commission*

Arts Council

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

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

Nov. 6 | Nov. 13 | Nov. 20 Dec. 4 | Dec. 11 | Dec. 18 6:30 pm | City Hall Cloverleaf Room

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BLAINE.MN WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BLAINEBIZMN WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BLAINEPARKSMN WWW.FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/ CITYOFBLAINE/ PLUS.GOOGLE.COM, THEN SEARCH BLAINE MINNESOTA WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/ CITY-OF-BLAINE-MINNESOTA WWW.PINTEREST.COM/ BLAINEMINNESOTA/ WWW.TWITTER.COM/BLAINEMINNESOTA WWW.TWITTER.COM/BLAINEBIZMN WWW.TWITTER.COM/BLAINEPARKSMN WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/ CITYOFBLAINE

november | december 2014

Fall Leaf Season is Here!

Leaf Disposal Options

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 the Cities ponds and streams contributes to greater phosphorous levels and poorer water quality. Please do not rake leaves into the street.

Curbside Collection Available Curbside leaf and grass collection is also available from Advanced Disposal. Call 763-786-7233 for more information on seasonal fees for yardwaste collection.

Drop-Off Options

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BLAINE RECYCLING

SATURDAYS! 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 3rd Saturday of Each Month Aquatore Park 9150 Central Avenue NE

You may bring your leaves and grass to the Anoka County Compost Sites. The fee is $5 per carload.

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 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 partcipate.

Please Note: No garbage will be accepted.

Fall Home Maintenance Tips It seems like summer just arrived and now it’s time to get ready for another Minnesota winter. It’s time to start working on that fall maintenance “to do” list. Some of the items may take a bit of time or require the assistance of a trained professional and by starting now you can avoid the last minute rush before the snow flies.

Windows and Doors • Check weather-stripping on doors and windows for damage and a snug fit. Weatherstripping is inexpensive and easy to replace. Lack of proper weather-stripping is a source of cold air drafts, which can get very expensive in Minnesota.

• Inspect door and window caulking between siding and trim.

• Check storm doors and windows for proper working order. Repair any damaged or missing glass. Storm window sashes can usually be repaired at your local hardware store.

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 $5 each.

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.

Heating System • Have your heating system inspected by a qualified service person. If any service person recommends replacing your whole system, get a second opinion from licensed heating professional.

• Replace the filter on your furnace every month during the heating season. Furnace filters are relatively inexpensive and can help to prolong the life of your furnace.

• If you have a built-in humidifier, clean or replace the filter as recommended by the manufacturer.

• Test and change the batteries on smoke and CO detectors every year. (Try to pick a day like your birthday to help you remember!)

Randy’s Environmental Services

Insulation • Roof and attic spaces are major sources of heat loss. This not only contributes to higher heating bills but also causes snow melt and ice dams, which in turn can produce leaks and permanent roof damage. If you had problems last year with ice dams, check if you have the proper amount of insulation and check for obstruction (bird nests) in the roof and soffit vents.

• Insulate hot water pipes and warm air heat ducts in the basement. Pipes and ductwork can be wrapped in fiberglass batts, foam pipe covers or foil backed bubble wrap. This is a great time to look for small leaks in pipes. Don’t cover leaking pipes.

search keyword RECYCLE

763-972-3335

•

Free paper shredding.

Recycling Opportunities 763-785-6192

•

Call for more information about recycling opportunities available in Blaine or visit: WWW.CI.BLAINE.MN.US |

Advanced Disposal 763-786-7233

For Information regarding curbside yardwaste service or to report missed garbage, recycling or yardwaste pick-up.

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Mayor Tom Ryan’s Office Hours 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 Drive 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 drop-in basis.

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

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.

Three Highest Paid Positions Minnesota state law, Chapter 156 of the Session Laws of 2005, requires that “a city or county with a population of more than 15,000 must annually notify its residents of the positions and base salaries of its three highest-paid employees.” For the City of Blaine, names, titles, and salaries are as follows: Clark Arneson City Manager – $149,676.18 Joseph Huss Finance Director – $126,820.52 Bryan Schafer Planning and Community Development Director – $125,846.60

Santa Parade Fall Chimney Cleaning/Repair

Getting an annual chimney cleaning is an important bit of maintenance.

The buildup of creosote in your fireplace, woodstove and chimney is unavoidable. A natural byproduct of the wood-burning process, creosote forms a black and powdery, flaky, or glazed coating on the inside of your chimney. Creosote is a potential fire hazard: it’s the primary fuel in most chimney fires. Creosote and soot may also reduce the draft and diminish the efficiency of your heating system.

&

If your chimney is blocked by leaves, bird nests or other debris or is not airtight due to a crack/break in the flue tile, carbon monoxide may seep into your home unnoticed. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those of the flu: headaches, fatigue and nausea. If undetected, this odorless, colorless gas can be fatal. An annual chimney inspection, cleaning and repair will give you peace of mind.

Outdoor Wood-Burners (Boiler) Due to rising fuel costs, homeowners may be seeking alternative means to reduce heating bills. If you are considering installing an outdoor wood-burning furnace, you must meet the following guidelines. Due to smoke nuisance concerns, wood-burning furnaces are only allowed on lots 2.5 acres or greater.

In addition, wood burners cannot be installed closer than 50 feet from property lines.

A building permit and inspection are required for all mechanical work associated with installation. Please contact Building Inspections at 7 6 3 - 7 8 5 - 6 1 7 0 with questions.

Clean Water Tip: Winter Salt Alternatives Sand Creek, Coon Creek & Rice Creek, like the rest of the Metro, are getting increasingly polluted with chlorides, primarily from rock/road salt. This pollutant is a potent one in that it doesn’t go away. Prevention is key! Since most road salt is used for highway safety we can all help reduce its use by slowing down during icy or snowy weather.

Cities are using methods to reduce road salt use like applying a liquid salt brine before a storm to lower the freeze-point and delay the formation of ice. This requires knowing how cold the pavement is to determine the best time for chemical application. The chemicals then remain effective until washed away by rain, fog, or humidity. Other chemicals used for antiicing include magnesium chloride and potassium acetate; each has different environmental impacts. Research continues for new cost-effective ways to have safe roads in winter that don’t pollute our waters.

To find out what YOU can do to have safe walkways and prevent chloride pollution of our waters, visit H TT P : / / M OOU R L . C OM / C L E A NW ATE R T IP 8 or check out a short 1-minute video of winter salting tips at home at H T TP : / / M OOU R L . C OM / WIN T ER S A LT VIDEO .

Information provided by Coon Creek Watershed District 7 6 3 - 7 5 5 - 0 9 7 5 or W W W. C OONC R E E KW D . OR G ).

Christmas Tree Collection Schedule As in past years, Christmas trees will be collected during the first two FULL weeks of the new year for all single-family homes. These are the weeks of of January 5-9, and January 12-16, 2015 on your regular garbage day. Please remember, you must remove ALL ornaments, wire, lights garland, etc., for the tree to be collected.

Residents of apartments and manufactured housing parks should check with your management office to find out your collection schedule.

november | december 2014

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Santa Parade

&

Food Shelf Collection SBM Fire Department December 1 thru 4

The Spring Lake Park Fire Department is proud to announce the Santa Parade for the communities of Spring Lake Park, Blaine, and Mounds View. Along with the Fire Department, there will be vehicles from the community police departments and emergency services. Non-perishable food items will be collected for local food shelves.

The Parade will start at 6:30 pm on days/routes listed below. Non-perishable food items can also be brought to Station One located in Spring Lake Park during that week.

Visit the SBM Fire Department website at W WW. SB MFI R E . C O M for additional information.

Shop Safely this

Holiday Season As the holiday season approaches, retailers are more crowded than usual with busy shoppers. During this time, use extra caution when going out to shop. The following are some helpful safe shopping tips not just for the holidays, but also for the entire year: • T

ell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package. The same applies when taking mass transit: report any unattended packages to security or staff.

• D o not buy more than you can carry. If your packages are making it hard for you to walk upright or see, ask a store employee to help you carry them to your car.

Dec. 1

• C heck receipts to see whether your full credit card number appears. If a receipt has your full number on it, take a pen and thoroughly scratch it out.

• D ouble-check that you have your credit cards and check book after you pay for your items.

Dec. 3

• I f shopping with children, keep the following advice in mind for everyone’s safety: • E nsure any children with you know your cell phone number. Give cards with contact information to any who do not.

Dec. 1 - West Blaine

Parade Start: 131st Ave and Jefferson St

Dec. 2 - East Blaine Dec. 2

Parade Start: Rice Creek Pkwy and Xylite St

Dec. 3 - The Lakes in Blaine Parade Start: Eldorado St and 113th Ave

Dec. 4 - Moundsview Dec. 4

Parade Start: Arden Ave and Spring Lake Park Rd

Dec. 4 - Spring Lake Prk Parade Start: Able St and 81st Ave

• M ake a plan with children in case you are separated. Have a central meeting place and review with your children who they can turn to for help if they find themselves alone.

• G o over the dangers of strangers so that they know who not to talk to or follow.

Following this advice can help reduce the stress of shopping during the holiday season. As always, keep your personal safety in mind and be on the lookout for fraud and identity theft.

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Winter

20 15

n Recnrneeacttiio on Co

Frozen Muscial Theater Class

Lego Wedo Robotics

We will dance and sing to the music from Frozen and put on a show! Everyone will learn how to put together a professional show from start to finish.

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes and bring a nut free snack and a beverage.

Friends and family are invited to observe a special performance during the last 30 minutes of the last day.

Held at Sunnyside Park Building.

Build a Lego eating alligator and program it! For more details, please visit the website at YouthEnrichmentLeague.com.

Program held at Blaine City Hall Cloverleaf Room B.

AG E S : DAT E S : T I M E : F EE :

Blaine Parks and

Youth Activities

Recreation

Winter/Spring Programs Available Online November 10 Visit BLA INEPA RK S. C O M .

Free Indoor Concert Series

Finding Christmas The Lake Country Chorus join voices with the North Star Chorus to begin your holiday season in “Finding Christmas”. Join us as we search for the true meaning of Christmas.

DATE: Tuesday, December 2 TIME: 7 pm

A Morning at the North Pole Spend the morning with your family at the North Pole! We will take a picture of your kids with Santa and email it to you or bring your own camera for pictures with Santa. Fee includes continental breakfast for one child and one adult. , crafts for one child, and a visit with Santa. Maximum 25 kids per time.

DATES: Saturdays, December 6 or 13 TIMES: 9, 10, 11 or Noon TIMES: $10 per child resident

$11 per child non-resident

Fee includes Adult, additional

Adults are $2 each.

More information about Parks & Recreation programs is available at 763- 785- 6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online at W W W.B L AINEPA RKS .COM .

FACEBOOK.COM/ BLAINEPARKSMN

TWITTER.COM/ BLAINEPARKSMN

7 to 12 Saturdays, November 8 & 15 9:30 am to 12:30 pm $64 residents/ $70 non-resident

GR A D E S : D ATE S : TIM E : F E E :

1 to 5 Saturdays, December 6, 13, & 20 10 am to Noon $51 residents / $56 non-resident

Find out more about these programs and others online at BLA IN EPA R KS . CO M or call 7 6 3- 7 8 5 - 6 1 6 4 .

Adult Activities Portrait Photography

First Aid

You will learn everything from posing and lighting guides to clothing and location suggestions. Learn what to look for and what to watch out for when photographing people.

Requirements: Properly functioning camera and manual. Tripod if available. Class held at Blaine City Hall Cloverleaf Room.

A 4-hour course for anyone interested in or required to implement first aid training in an environment serving adult populations.

Class does not meet the needs of health care providers. Held at SBM Fire Station 3. Fee includes AHA First Aid Manual.

DATE: TIME: FEE:

Wednesday, November 12 & 19 6:30 – 7:30 pm $48 resident / $53 non-resident

Adult Co-Rec Volleyball Register now for our non-officiated CoRec Volleyball League! Blaine and Fridley teams will combine to form a cooperative league. Players must be 18. Registration deadline is November 14.

DATE: TIME: FEE:

Wednesday, November 19 6 – 10 pm $45

Find out more about these programs and others online at BLAINEPARKS.COM or call 763-785-6164.

Community Outings All day trips leave from Blaine City Hall unless otherwise noted and include lunch, tickets and transportation.

For more detailed information about these trips, call 7 6 3 - 7 8 5 - 6 1 6 4 .

Casino trips depart and return to the Senior Center.

Jail Bailers DAT E: Tuesday, December 9 T I ME: 8:20 am – 5:45 pm F EE: $67

Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story D ATE : Thursday, December 18 TIM E : 8:45 am – 3:15 pm F E E : $52

For more information on the Senior Center daily activity schedule, or to be added to the Senior Center monthly newsletter, please contact Shelley or Ann at 763-786-9375.

november | december 2014

Is it Legal to Snowmobile in Blaine?

The short answer is “yes”, but there are a number of State and local regulations which limit the use of a snowmobile in the City of Blaine. Generally, there is no snowmobile use west of Hwy 65.

Snowmobiles may not be used in any area zoned R-1, on any public property, or public roadways. To use a snowmobile on private property, the rider must have written permission from the property owner in their possession. There are a number of other requirements that also need to be followed. Before riding, check to make sure you are following all State and local requirements.

For State of Minnesota rules visit:

HTTP://BIT.LY/S NOWMO B I LE - MN D N R

For City of Blaine rules visit:

HTTP://B I T.LY/S NOWMOBI LE - B LAI N E C O D E

Winter Parking Restrictions City plow trucks generally begin plowing after two inches of snow has fallen. To avoid a citation, keep vehicles off city streets until they have been plowed from curb to curb. This will ensure that the plow drivers can finish the job safely and efficiently. The below ordinance will go into effect midNovember.

Don’t forget from November 1st to April 1st vehicles cannot be left on the street between the hours of 2:00 am and 7:00 am regardless of snowfall amounts. Help keep city streets safe and clear for everyone by keeping vehicles off the street until plowing is complete!

Sec. 82-152. Parking during snowfall: It shall be unlawful to park or permit to be parked, or to continue to park or permit to stand, any vehicle upon any street after two inches (2”) or more of snowfall, until such time as the snow has been plowed from the street, curb to curb.

Please Keep Fire Hydrants Clear The fire and public works departments are asking for your help. Please remember to shovel out around fire hydrants after each snowfall.

It is very important for residents and business people to keep hydrants clear of snow and visible from the street.

If the fire department has to spend time trying to find a fire hydrant under the snow, they lose precious time needed to fight fires. Please help us out by keeping your fire hydrants clear of snow.

The house you help save may be your own.

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A Friendly Winter Vehicle Reminder from the Blaine Police Department

Winter in Minnesota is inevitable. And so is remembering our winter driving and vehicle skills.

The Blaine Police Department would like to remind you of a few vehicle safety tips this winter: If you must warm your vehicle before you leave: • Lock the door and don’t let the vehicle out of your site. Many winter auto thefts occur because of an easy opportunity.

• Don’t warm your vehicle while it’s still in the garage. Carbon monoxide can quickly build up and drift into your home.

• If you’re at the gas pump, shut your vehicle off, lock the doors and take the keys with you. Don’t leave your purse out in the open. It takes seconds to break a window and steal it.

• Never, ever leave an unattended child in your vehicle. It takes a few minutes to remove the child from his/her car seat.

Take the extra time and bring them inside with you – this includes gas stations, convenience stores or restaurants. “I was only in there for a few minutes” isn’t an excuse and can put your child at risk if someone decides to take the opportunity you left for them by stealing your car.

When the first snow/slush hits the ground, take your time and slow down. Stopping distances increase – and just because your car has anti-lock brakes doesn’t mean you’ll stop before hitting the car in front of you.

Don’t speed up to make it through that yellow traffic light. Slow down and prepare for the red light to follow.

Check your wiper blades, are they worn out and need to be replaced? Is your snow brush in the trunk? Taking a few moments to prepare will save you the headache of not being able to wipe that ice off your windshield or wipe the snow off your vehicle when you leave work.

Let it Snow While shoveling, the City would like to remind residents that City Ordinance does not allow residents to “throw” snow onto neighboring properties or into public rightof-ways without permission.

The City’s snow and ice policy is available online at H TT P : / / W WW. CI. BLA IN E. MN . US / IND E X . C F M?ID= 4 0 2 2 9 .

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

Celebrating Cultures, Cuisine, Dance, Music, and Art from Around the World The 7th Annual Blaine World Fest was held Saturday, September 20 from 1-4 pm.

Approximately 1000 people came out to see the 8 entertainment groups and sample food from 10 local restaurants. Cultures represented in this year’s entertainment included Asian dance, Indian dance, AfroBrazilian Capoeira, Mexican dance, Russian & Ukrainian songs, Appalachian dance, and West African drums.

Mark your calendars for next year’s festival, Saturday, May 16, 2015!

New this year was the Spin Zone featuring toys from around the world such as flags, ribbons, crystal sticks, Chinese yo-yo, balance board, hula hoops, and juggling.

People were also able to write their name in Chinese, learn simple Japanese phrases, learn Chinese relaxation techniques, make a craft, and browse hand-made Hmong crafts.

Professional Photography provided by

The participating restaurants included Chili’s, Acapulco, Umbria, Hajime, Dosa King, Broadway Pizza, Buffalo Wild Wings, the Roadside (formerly Bluzy’s), Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Gabe’s Rinkside. Target supplied water and 14 volunteers to serve refreshments.

Twelve volunteer students from Centennial and Spring Lake Park High Schools carried flags and assisted in crafts and clean up.

Four Arts Council members also volunteered their time to lead the kids’ crafts.

Thank You to Our 2014 Sponsors !

This activity is funded, in part, by appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State’s general fund, and its arts and cultural heritage fund that was created by a vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.