Blaine City Connect - 2015 September/October

Blaine CityConnect Record 147 Block Parties for this Year’s

Night to Unite

September/October 2015 Blaine Switching to Walters Recycling and Refuse January 1, 2016

Blaine experienced a banner year for the number of registered block parties with 147. Registration opened in February and picked up considerably in July.

Night to Unite (formerly National Night Out) is the first Tuesday in August. The goal is to bring neighbors outside for an evening of getting to know each other and to receive a visit from a city staff member. This year, besides police officers and the fire department, we also had our two K9 Teams, McGruff and Sparky who were accompanied by a Community Service Officer, four public works staff, our GIS supervisor, our web coordinator, our communications technician, two crime prevention specialists, Mayor Tom Ryan, Councilmembers Jason King, Dave Clark, Dick Swanson and Russ Herbst, and Clark Arneson, City Manager, all team up with a staff members for a grand total of forty staff members!

Another first is that we had a social media team taking pictures and live tweeting at various block parties. Officer Brandon Fettig and Heidi Andrea enjoyed visiting with residents.

We were fortunate to have great weather this year and are already working towards making it an even better event in 2016.

Save the Date: Tuesday, August 2, 2016 View the Photo Recap on Flickr:

HTTP: / / W W W. C I. B L A IN E . M N . U S / GO / 2 0 1 5 N 2 U PH O TO S

Beginning January 1 of 2016, Blaine will have a new recycling and refuse company. Walters had the lowest priced proposal over the five and a half year contract period. They are located at 2830 101st Avenue NE. Walters Recycling and Refuse has been a local Blaine company since 1988. They are a family owned, independent hauler with a very good reputation for technological innovation and customer service.

Their fleet of garbage and recycling vehicles will feature new trucks that run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). CNG vehicles run much cleaner and quieter than traditional, older garbage trucks, and will have a positive impact in our community.

With a change from Advanced Disposal to Walters Recycling and Refuse, there will be a new cart distribution process, as well as a collection of old garbage, recycling, and yard waste carts. Watch for future mailings and newsletter articles on the timing of this process, and what residents will have to do with their old carts, and when they will have to do it. We ask for your patience during the changeover period.

For more information, contact Roark Haver, Garbage and Recycling Coordinator at 7 6 3 - 7 8 5 - 6192 or visit

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

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City Council*

Sept. 3 | Sept. 17 | Oct. 1 | Oct. 15 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

P U B L I C MEETI NGS

Blaine City Hall

REC YCL I NG CAL ENDAR

City Council Workshops

WARD 3 Jason King

424 - 122nd Avenue NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-360-5266 jking@ci.blaine.mn.us 12875 Lever Street NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-784-6143 rherbst@ci.blaine.mn.us

CITY MANAGER Clark Arneson

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

ABOUT

Russ Herbst

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 & Social Media............................... 763-717-2638

Nat’l Resource Conservation Board Sept. 15 | Oct. 20 7 pm | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room

Arts Council

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

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

STAY CONNEC TED

C ITY DIREC TORY

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

Sept. 22 | Oct. 27 7 pm | City Hall Council Chambers

*Meetings can be seen live on cable channel 16.

Dick Swanson

Mike Bourke

Park Board*

Sept. 8 | Oct. 13 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 612-940-5207 dclark@ci.blaine.mn.us

Sept. 8 | Oct. 13 7 pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Historical Society

WARD 1 Wes Hovland

WARD 2 Dave Clark

Planning Commission*

Sept. 8 5:30 pm | City Hall Lunch Room

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

8702 Hastings Circle Blaine, MN 55449 763-370-2557 dswanson@ci.blaine.mn.us

Sept. 3 | Sept. 10 | Sept. 17 Oct. 1 | Oct. 8 | Oct. 15 6:30 pm | City Hall Cloverleaf Room

FACEBOOK.COM/BLAINE.MN FACEBOOK.COM/BLAINEBIZMN FACEBOOK.COM/BLAINEPARKSMN FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/ CITYOFBLAINE/ PLUS.GOOGLE.COM, THEN SEARCH BLAINE MINNESOTA INSTAGRAM.COM/ BLAINEMINNESOTA LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/ CITY-OF-BLAINE-MINNESOTA WWW.CI.BLAINE.MN.US/GO/ NEXTDOOR PINTEREST.COM/ BLAINEMINNESOTA/

Feedback can be directed to:

NEWSLETTER @ CI.BLAINE.MN.US

TWITTER.COM/BLAINEMINNESOTA TWITTER.COM/BLAINEBIZMN TWITTER.COM/BLAINEPARKSMN

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

YOUTUBE.COM/ CITYOFBLAINE

september | october 2015

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Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

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 2015 marks the eleventh 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, businesses, 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 Individuals, businesses, community organizations, and places of worship can register to become a National Preparedness Coalition Member by visiting WWW. R EA D Y. GO V 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.

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.

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.

Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a fire. That’s the message behind this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month!”

Along with firefighters and safety advocates nationwide, the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View (SBM) Fire Department is joining forces with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) during Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11, to remind local residents about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home and testing them monthly.

According to the latest NFPA research, working smoke alarms cut the chance of dying in a fire in half. Meanwhile, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

“In a fire, seconds count,” said Connie Forster, Community Risk Reduction Bureau Chief. “Roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported at night between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep. Home smoke alarms can alert people to a fire before it spreads, giving everyone enough time to get out.”

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign includes the following smoke alarm messages: • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.

• Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. This way, when one sounds, they all do.

• Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.

• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they don’t respond properly.

• Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke alarm and understands what to do when they hear it.

The SBM Fire Department will be hosting activities at four different Open Houses to promote “Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives!” Through these educational, familyoriented activities, residents can learn more about the importance of working smoke alarms and testing them monthly.

To learn more about smoke alarms and “Working Smoke Alarms Saves Lives,” visit NFPA’s website at WWW.FIREPREVENTIONWEEK.ORG .

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities, how smoke alarms work, or to sign up for a free home safety survey please contact the SBM Fire Department at 7 6 3 - 7 6 7- 4003.

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Prescription Drug Take Back Program The Prescription Drug Take Back 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 has partnered with the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office to provide a prescription drug drop box at the Blaine Police Department, along with the Sheriff’s Office, Columbia Heights Police Department and Fridley Police Department. Since the beginning of the program in Anoka County, several hundred unwanted prescription drugs have been collected and disposed of.

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

The Prescription Drug Take Back 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.”

Fall Lawn Care Tips 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 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 your lawn early-September at the latest. Water and air can reach the grass roots more easily with aeration. Best is to use a core aerator, available for rent at many home & garden stores and offered by some lawn care services.

3. 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 can be good for water quality by absorbing rainfall that might otherwise run off, and also by using less groundwater (think drinking water!) for watering.

Information provided by Coon Creek Watershed District 763-755-0975 or email at INFO@COONCREEKWD.ORG.

New Cost Sharing Opportunity through

Clean Water Legacy Fund

If you have an old well that is no longer in use there is a new opportunity for cost-share dollars to defray the cost of sealing that well.

The City of Blaine is currently in the process of implementing its Wellhead Protection Plan. This Plan is a means by which Blaine protects public drinking water wells (and the aquifers that serve those wells) from becoming contaminated. All municipal public water suppliers in the State of Minnesota are required to develop wellhead protection plans for their communities.

One of the implementation actions is offering cost-share dollars to landowners for the purpose of sealing private wells no longer in use. Any unused or abandoned wells may act as a conduit for contamination into the aquifer(s). If the contamination reaches the aquifer(s), other wells in the area may be at risk for becoming contaminated. The City of Blaine started offering city water hookup in the early 1960’s. Homes built before that time will have a well on the property, as well as some built after that. Those wells were not required to be sealed at that time and it was not until 1989 that the State Department of Health began requiring the sealing of abandoned wells.

The City of Blaine, in conjunction with Anoka County Environmental Services and the Anoka County Wellhead Protection Group, has obtained a cost-share grant from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to assist landowners in sealing their unused wells. The grant draws on Clean Water Legacy funds and will pay the landowner fifty percent of the amount to seal the well, up to $500.00 of the direct costs.

Wells eligible for cost share funding must be located within a drinking water supply management area or a wellhead protection area managed by the City of Blaine. Check the following web site to see if your property is within a wellhead protection area, making you eligible for this program. Visit H TTP: / / GIS . A N O K A C O U N TY M N . GO V/ D W SMAS/ and zoom in on the map to find your address.

The MDH requires that owners of properties containing unused wells should either seal those wells or apply for a permit to keep the well open. If you are thinking of selling your home now or in the not too distant future, an old well can be an issue and sealing it an unexpected cost to the seller. Minnesota Statutes, Section 103I.235, requires home sellers to declare the number and status of all wells on their property. Buyers will usually require the well be sealed before the purchase. Now is a good time to take advantage of this cost share and seal the unused well.

A licensed well sealer must be used to satisfy state regulations.

Through a city survey and direct mailings, the City has previously informed residents of the need to protect drinking water supply management areas and that sealing old wells is beneficial to that effort. To date, 28 property owners have taken advantage of previous costshare programs. The average cost of sealing these wells has been $660, with a range of $370 to $1200, and 10 of the 28 projects under $600.

This round of funding will end April 15, 2016. Funds are limited and will be awarded on a firstcome first-served basis.

For further information on well sealing or to find out if your home qualifies contact Jim Hafner at 763-785-6188 or email JHAFNER@CI.BLAINE.MN.US.

september | october 2015

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

Curbside Collection Available Curbside leaf and grass collection is also available from Advanced Disposal for a fee.

Call 7 63-786- 7233 for more information.

You may also bring your leaves and grass to the Anoka County Compost Sites.

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BLAINE

RECYCLING SATURDAYS! 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

3rd Saturday of Each Month Aquatore Park, 9150 Central Ave

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. You do not need to be a Blaine resident to bring items to the drop-off day.

Please Note: No garbage will be accepted.

Green Lights Recycling 763-785-0456 W W W. C I. B L A IN E . MN.US/ GO / R E C Y C L IN GS ATU RD AYS

Recycle to the Max and Save!

Can You Really Put Most of Your Refuse in Your Recycling Cart?

Yes, You Can! Did you know that most regular household waste is recyclable? IT IS! 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 Advanced Disposal. Recycle these materials to Recycle to The Max and Save!

• Newspapers, and all inserts • Brown paper bags • All magazines and catalogs • Aluminum cans • Phone books • Tin/steel cans • Training manuals • Glass bottles and jars (clear, brown, and green) • All mixed mail including envelopes (if it comes in the mail and is paper, you can • Plastic containers and packaging recycle it!) number 1 through 7 • All office and school papers, file folders, Do not recycle the following items: fax sheets, notebooks, etc • Plastic bags • Paperback books • Corrugated cardboard boxes cut up • Styrofoam to fit in recycling cart (or flatten and • Plastic motor oil bottles bundle 3 feet by 3 feet by 1 foot thick, • Pizza boxes • Any type of used tissue product and place 3 feet from the recycling cart) • Box board (cake, cereal, cracker, tissue, and shoe/shirt boxes) 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 without 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.

Collects mattresses, box springs, carpet, appliances, fluorescent lamps, electronics, rechargeable batteries, and tires.

Please note that there is a fee for some items.

Mattresses/box springs are $20 each. Most appliances are $5 each. Most electronics are between $2 and $25 depending on size.

Carpet - $5 one roll, $8 two rolls, $12 three rolls, $16 four rolls, $20 five rolls, and $25 six rolls. You can also drop off tires and rechargeable batteries for a small fee.

Free items include scrap metal and vehicle batteries.

Bikes 4 Kids B IK E S 4 K ID S M N . O RG

Drop off any size bicycle that you no longer want at Blaine’s monthly recycling drop-off day. The bikes will be accepted by Bikes 4 Kids to be refurbished, or have their parts used in refurbishing other bikes. Bikes 4 Kids then donate the bikes to people in need.

There is no charge to drop a bike off at the monthly recycling drop-off day. Bikes 4 Kids are a part of The Robert & Wilma Burbach Bike Foundation.

Randy’s Environmental Services 763-972-3335 Offers free paper shredding.

Other City Recycling Opportunities 763-785-6192 WWW.CI.BLAINE.MN.US | search keyword RECYCLE Call for more information about recycling opportunities available in Blaine.

Advanced Disposal 763-786-7233 For Information regarding curbside yard waste service or to report missed garbage, recycling or yard waste pick-up.

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Photography by Jeremy Johnson

Safety Camp 19th 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 19th Annual Blaine Safety Camp.

On July 7 and 8, 150 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 safetyrelated 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, workers with Connexus Energy displayed the hazards and deadly power of electricity in a shocking electrical safety presentation.

Next, an appearance by an SBM Fire Department firefighter showing us how to react in case of a home fire. The morning was complete with an engaging and 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.

First, Don Bania Jr., an annual guest at Blaine’s and other Minnesota safety camps, shared his inspiring story. Don is a quadriplegic as a result of a motorcycle accident, 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. Representatives from Mercy and Unity Hospitals hosted an interactive sports injury prevention and first aid presentation. Then, campers were taught about internet safety and the dangers associated with talking to people online and sharing personal information.

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. First, a bicycle stunt professional used his bicycle and message to inspire students to live out their dreams through determination, goal achievement, drug awareness, peer pressure, and wearing a helmet.

Next, an animal expert shared several creatures with campers while discussing animal safety. Campers also were trained in personal safety, learning about the buddy system, checking first, and listening to your uh-oh feeling.

Before lunch, Blaine Police Officer Reggie Larson and his K9 partner Rex, and Officer Mark Allen and his K9 partner Remy, treated campers to a drug sniff and criminal apprehension demonstration.

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

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

Upon returning, 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 19 years ago. That totals more than 2,500 bike helmets provided for Blaine children to ensure safe bicycling.

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 2015 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 2015 Safety Camp an extraordinary success.

A special thank you also goes out to all the campers for their enthusiastic participation.

Information about 2016 Safety Camp will be available in the Parks and Recreation Department’s summer 2016 Recreation Connection next March.

Thank you to the many sponsors who made 2015 Safety Camp possible: Allina Health, Mercy & Unity Hospitals, Allina Medical Transportation, Big Bell Ice Cream, Blainbrook Bowl, Blaine Festival, Blaine Public Safety Association, Connexus Energy, McDonald’s of Blaine, Stanley and Patricia Peterson Family, Pizza Hut of Spring Lake Park, Rotary Club of Blaine and Ham Lake, SAFE KIDS Anoka County, Spring Lake Park Community Education, Spring Lake Park Lions Club, SuperMom’s Bakery of SuperAmerica - Blaine

View the Photo Recap on Flickr:

H T T P : / / WWW. C I . B L A IN E . M N . U S / GO / 2 0 1 5 S A F E TY C A M PPH O TO S

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Recreation Blaine Goes

Back to the The Blaine 50th Anniversary hosted a Back to the 60s party on Tuesday, August 11.

The evening included entertainment by the Rockin’ Hollywoods, a pig roast, and 60s retro activities such as yard Yahtzee, lawn twister, hippity hop races, and playdough.

Nearly 700 area residents attended the event. Special thanks to the Blaine Festival Committee for sponsoring the Rockin’ Hollywoods and the Blaine 50th Anniversary Committee for discounting the pig roast.

60s

Sponsored by the Blaine Festival

TWITTER.COM/ BLAINEPARKSMN

BlaineEvents.com 20 15

Recreation Connection

2015 Fall Recreation Connection BLAINEPARKS. COM/REGISTER .

Blaine Parks and Recreation

View the Grand Opening Photo Recap on Flickr:

FOR FAMILIES W/CHILDREN AGES 10 & UNDER W/ADULT Pumpkins are hiding and waiting to be found at Aquatore Park! 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! Fee includes a treat bag, one pumpkin, one craft, and refreshments. Come in a costume for our costume contest and bring a flashlight!

Registration is required, Max. 200. Event held at Aquatore Park. Registration deadline is October 16 or when spaces fill.

Friday, October 23 DATE: TIME: 7 – 8:30 pm FEE: $10/child resident;

$11/child non-resident

FACEBOOK.COM/ BLAINEPARKSMN

Register online at

HT T P://WW W. C I . B L AI N E. M N. U S/ G O/ 2 0 1 5 B A C K TO TH E 6 0 S

Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt & Family Dance

BlaineParks.com

More information about Parks & Recreation programs is available at 763- 785- 6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online at B LA IN E PA R K S . C O M .

Fall

Connection

Barnyard Boogie

AGES 8 & UNDER W/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, Max. 120. Event held at Aquatore Park.

Registration deadline is Sept. 22 or when spaces fill.

DATE: TIME: FEE:

Friday, September 25 6 – 7:30 pm $10/child resident; $11/child non-resident

Princess Party AGES 8 & UNDER W/ADULT Your little princess can meet Belle, Cinderella, and Elsa at our Princess Party! We have crafts, balloons, hairdos by Kids Hair, 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. 200. Register now, spaces fill quickly.

DATE: TIME: FEE:

Saturday, November 7 6 – 8 pm $10/child resident; $11/child non-resident

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Youth Activities

Spooktacular

Halloween Cupcakes

NEW! Are you looking for a fun Halloween activity? Then you will definitely want to participate in this creative edible art class! You will be introduced to beginning cupcake decorating. Create your own designs or use the instructor’s photos as guides. Have fun learning basic preparation and easy decorating techniques. You will use colorful bags of icing and a variety of metal decorating tips to create your festive Halloween cupcakes.

All artistic abilities welcome! Supplies are included in this class. Class held at Blaine City Hall lunch room. Max. 25. Please note: All cupcakes and icing are purchased through Cub Foods. If you have any food allergies, please contact the Cub Foods Bakery to inquire about all ingredients used in these products. Sign up now!!

Space is limited.

AGES 3 TO 6 Amazing Athletes programs are specifically designed to enhance your child’s learning experience through movement. Your child will learn the basic fundamentals and mechanics of 9 different sports while also building selfconfidence, practicing teamwork, and improving their fine and gross-motor skills. Each class focuses on 2 different sports and incorporates activities proven to increase your child’s overall cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, hand-eye coordination, reaction time and more! Each class is six weeks long and runs for 45 minutes.

Program held at Lexington Athletic Complex. Max. 10 per class.

SESSION 1: SESSION 2: TIME:

FEE:

Wednesdays, September 9 – October 14 Wednesdays, October 28 – December 2 Ages 3 & 4: 5:45 – 6:30 pm Ages 4 to 6: 6:30 – 7:15 pm $57/child resident; $63/child non-resident

Lego X: Yachts & Hot Rods GRADES 1 TO 5 Build a land yacht propelled by a fan, a race car built to tackle hills and jumps, and much more. Students will build specific projects to investigate wheels and axles and then be challenged to design, build, test, and modify their own creations to compete in contests against their classmates. Start your engines! For more details, please visit our website at YouthEnrichmentLeague.com. Max. 16. Program held at Blaine City Hall Cloverleaf Room B. Register by October 30.

DATE: TIME: FEE:

DATE: Saturday, October 3 TIME: 9–10:30am (ages 3 to 5 w/parent) 10:45–12:15 pm (grades 1 to 5)

Saturdays, November 7, 14 & 21 10 am – Noon $51/child resident; $56/child non-resident

FEE: $20/child resident;

$22/child non-resident

DATE: TIME: FEE:

Saturday, October 24 9 am – Noon $36/child resident; $40/child non-resident

Lego Ziplines & Battler

GRADES 1 TO 4 New class! Join our building teams as we make an experiment with different LEGO ziplines. Build LEGO contraptions that travel up and down ziplines, climb across a tight rope, and more.

Experiment to make your LEGOs zip faster or slower, then get them back to the top of the line. We will also create and battle spinner tops, speeders, and more. Max. 24. Class held at Blaine City Hall Cloverleaf Room B. Register by October 17.

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Mayer Arts teaches proper technique, terminology, body awareness and an appreciation for the arts. Our goal is that students will not only find a love for the arts, but also build healthy habits and self-esteem. For more detailed descriptions of these classes, please visit blaineparks.com or call 763-785-6164.

Annie Musical Theater Class High School Musical 2 AGES 4 TO 8 The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow! Come learn songs and dances from the new upbeat version of the Broadway Hit Musical about Little Orphan Annie and put on a musical! Everyone will learn how to put together a professional show from start to finish. Learn how to properly speak lines, block a scene, develop a character and much more! We will also play fun creative games with scarves, animals, and parachutes! No experience necessary. All that is needed are comfortable clothing and lightweight tennis shoes or dance shoes. Please bring a nut free snack and beverage daily. Friends and family are invited to observe the final 30 minutes of the final class. Max. 25. Program held at the Sunnyside Park Building. Register by Nov. 1.

DATE: TIME: FEE:

Saturdays, November 7 & 14 9:15 am – 12:15 pm $64/child resident; $70/child non-resident

ALL FAMILIES AT TARGET CENTER The Blaine Parks and Recreation Department will be selling tickets to the Shrine Circus at the Target Center.

Check our website at BlaineParks.com or call 763-785-6164 for more specific details. Ticket prices are based on ages 24 months & up.

DATES: Saturday, November 28 TIME: 3:00 pm FEE: $20/resident; $22/non-resident

AGES 7 TO 12 Are You Fabulous? We will learn music and choreography from High School Musical 2 and put together a show that we will perform on the last day of class.

Everyone will learn how to put together a professional show from start to finish.

Learn how to properly speak lines, block a scene, develop a character, and much more! No experience necessary. All that is needed are comfortable clothing and lightweight tennis shoes or dance shoes. Please bring a nut free snack and beverage daily. Friends and family are invited to observe the final 30 minutes of the final class. Max. 25. Program held at the Sunnyside Park Building. Register by Nov. 1.

DATE: TIME: FEE:

GRADES K TO 5 Transportation leaves from Blaine City Hall. Max. 20. Register by Oct. 9.

DATE: Thursday, October 15 TIME: 9 am – 4 pm FEE: $30/child resident;

$33/child resident

Saturdays, November 7 & 14 1 pm – 4 pm $64/child resident; $70/child non-resident

ALL FAMILIES AT TARGET CENTER The show will feature the Chipmunks and the Chipettes performing classics, original songs, and pop hits - including music by One Direction, Maroon 5, Carly Rae Jepsen, Elvis Presley, and more! Alvin and the chipmunks: Live on Stage is a dynamic, engaging, funfilled show that’s sure to delight fans of all ages and delivers on an authentic Alvin and the Chipmunks live theater experience with memories to last a lifetime. Tickets are lower level seating.

Transportation is not provided. You will be notified when tickets arrive at the Parks and Recreation office.

Register by November 6. Max. 50.

DATE: Sunday, November 22 TIME: 2 pm FEE: $23/child resident;

$25/child resident

(12 mths & up)

GRADES K TO 5 Transportation leaves from Blaine City Hall. Max. 20. Register by Oct. 9.

DATE: Friday, October 16 TIME: 9 am – 4 pm FEE: $30/child resident;

$33/child resident

AGES 0 TO 11 Various dance classes held at QC Dance Studio, 1051 - 109th Avenue.

Visit our website at BLAI NE PARKS. C O M or call 7 6 3 - 785- 6164 for more specific details.

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Youth Activities A Morning at the

North Pole

AGES 10 & UNDER W/ADULT Spend a morning with your family at the North Pole! Don’t miss out on this memorable event. 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 a continental breakfast for one child and one adult, crafts for one child, and a visit with Santa. Preregistration is required and limited to 25 children per time slot. Event held at Blaine City Hall Atrium.

DATE: Saturdays, Dec. 5 or 12 TIME: 9, 10, 11 am or Noon FEE: $10/child resident;

$11/child non-resident Fee includes 1 adult. Additional adults are $2 each.

Cookie

Decorating AGES 2 ½ to 8 W/ADULT You and your child will have a great time decorating cookies for the holidays. We will supply one dozen cookies and all of the toppings! Bring a container to take your cookies home. Dress for the mess! Max. 20.

Event held at the Blaine City Hall lunchroom. Registration deadline is December 1 or when spaces fill.

DATE:

Thursday, Dec. 10

SESSION SESSION FEE:

1: 5:30 – 6:30 pm 2: 6:45 – 7:45 pm $10/child resident; $11/child non-resident

Group Guitar Lessons: Beginner and Intermediate AGES 7 & UP Dust off that guitar and come learn how to play it! Beginning group lessons are a great way to learn basic chords and instrumentals while having a good time.

Intermediate guitar is for those who have already learned the basics of guitar. Must have your own guitar (bring amplifier for electrics). Max. 10. Program held at Blaine City Hall Cloverleaf Room.

Register by September 19.

DATE: Saturdays, September 26 –

October 31 BEGINNER, AGES 7 TO 10:

1 – 1:45 pm INTERMEDIATE, AGES 11 AND UP:

2 – 2:45 pm FEE: $60/child resident;

$66/child non-resident

Tae Kwon Do AGES 5 TO ADULT Tae Kwon Do is a modern martial art based on Korean tradition that incorporates techniques of kicking, punching, and blocking. Learn self-defense and controlled movements through sparring.

This is a great class to develop discipline, strength, stamina, and flexibility. Join at any time, fee will be prorated. Please wear comfortable clothing. Testing and uniforms are available for an extra fee through the instructor.

Max. 20 per class. Program held at Westwood Middle School gym balcony. Instructor Mr. Bill Frauly, 3rd DAN black belt.

AGES 5 TO 7 W/ADULT DATE: Mondays, September 14 –

December 7

No class October 12 &

November 23 TIME: 6:15 – 6:45 pm FEE: $45/parent & child resident;

$50/parent & child non-resident

AGES 8 TO 12 & 13 TO ADULT DATE: Mondays & Wednesdays,

Sept. 14 – Dec. 9

No class October 12, 14 &

November 23, 25 TIME: AGES 8 TO 12: 6:45 – 8 pm

AGES 13 & UP: 8 – 9:15 pm FEE: $75/resident; $83 non-resident

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Adult Activities

september | october 2015

Community Outings Watercolor: Luminous Light, Stunning Shadows Award winning Minnesota watercolor artist David Smith will guide students in developing gorgeous shadows with a variety of your favorite colors. Students must furnish all supplies from a list which will be given upon registration. Class held at Blaine City Hall.

DATE: Saturday, November 14 TIME: 9 am – 4 pm FEE: $75/resident; $80/non-resident

Zentangle This drawing method enables people of all abilities to create beautiful images by using repeating patterns. Zentangle is an abstract art that can be adapted to decorate recognizable forms (animals, botanicals). You will create 8-10 tangles (patterns) and complete one Zentangle tile and two Bijou tiles. Class held at Blaine City Hall Cloverleaf Room A. DATE: Saturday, September 26 OR

Saturday, December 12 TIME: 10 am – Noon FEE: $36/resident; $39/non-resident

All adult outings depart from and return to the Senior Center, 9150 Central Avenue NE, unless noted otherwise and include motor coach transportation. Times include pick-up and return. Outings include lunch and ticket, unless noted otherwise.

Please call 7 6 3 - 7 8 5 - 6164 for more detailed information on these trips.

Germany in New Ulm DATE: Wednesday, October 7 TIME: 7:30 am – 6 pm FEE: $66

Velocity of Autumn DATE: Wednesday, October 21 TIME: 11 am – 5:15 pm FEE: $5

Autumn Photography Safari Our instructor, Sarah Filipi, Owner of Sarah Grace Photography, LLC, will lead the group on a hike through a pristine Minnesota State Park during late afternoon/sunset hours, to some great outlooks during the best times to photograph them. Fee includes safari guide, guide’s mileage, guide’s instruction and entrance for 2 vehicles into state park.

Carpooling from Blaine City Hall.

DATE: Sunday, October 11 TIME: 1 – 6 pm FEE: $99/resident; $109/non-resident

Zumba/Zumba Gold Zumba is a Latin inspired fitness class that incorporates music and dance movements creating a dynamic, exciting, effective and nonintimidating exercise environment.

Classes begin the week of October 5th and are held at QC Dance Studio. Please visit our website at B L AI N E PA R K S . C O M or call the office at 7 6 3 - 7 8 5 - 6 1 6 4 for dates, times and fees.

St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake

Treasure Island Casino

DATE: Wednesday, Oct. 14 TIME: 8:30am – 4:30pm FEE: $7

DATE: Monday, Nov. 9 TIME: 8:30am – 4:30pm FEE: $7

This casino trip departs from and returns to the Senior Center, 9150 Central Avenue NE and includes motor coach transportation and coffee & donuts prior to departure. Times include pick-up and return. Please call 763-786-9375 for more specific information.

Church Basement Ladies DATE: Wednesday, November 4 TIME: 10:45 am – 4 pm FEE: $51

Extended Trip: Bentleyville/Black Bear Tour of Lights Please call 7 6 3 -785- 6164 for a complete itinerary.

DATE: December 3 – 4 FEE: $99/person Double;

$129/person Single

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

Lexington Athletic Complex Blaine’s newest park, the Lexington Athletic Complex, is NOW OPEN!

The park is located at 4286 - 121st Avenue, and features tennis courts, basketball courts, pickleball courts, soccer fields, multi-use fields, a playground, and trails. Stop by and check out Blaine’s newest recreation area.

View the Grand Opening Photo Recap on Flickr:

H T T P : / / WWW. C I . B LA IN E . M N . U S / GO / LA C GR A N D O PE N IN G

Thank you to our generous sponsors so far!

Ages 15 and up

Saturday, September 12, 8:00 am Lakeside Common Park

www.BlaineTriathlon.com