Blaine CityConnect - July/August 2019

BlaineMN.gov

CityConnect JULY/AUG UST 20 19

What’s Inside Veterans Memorial Park Rendering

Blaine’s New Resident Participation Center...........................3

Census Spotlight Everyone Counts......................................................4

Veterans Memorial Park The Veterans Memorial Park of Blaine will be built in Town Square Park next to Blaine City Hall. The mission of the park is to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of service members, veterans, and their families.

Additionally, the non-profit group behind this project desires to honor the bravery, courage, and sacrifice of military members and educate others about the cost of freedom.

The city is honored to be a partner on this project. The Blaine City Council has budgeted to match donations up to $100,000 for the construction of the park. Residents and businesses can purchase a personalized brick to honor a friend or family member or donate to the construction of a particular monument. The project will cost $1.25 million to construct. To date over $230,000 has been raised and the first sections of the park will be under construction this summer.

For more information, visit VeteransParkofBlaine.org

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

Night to Unite and Blaine’s First Emergency Notification Test..............................8

City of Blaine 10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine MN 55449

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2019 Blaine Police Explorers

Blaine’s Police Explorer Program Continues to Excel The Blaine Police Explorer Post #3939 attended the 44th Annual Minnesota Law Enforcement Explorer Association State Conference this past April in Rochester, MN. The explorers participated in 13 separate scenario based competitions based on different types of police calls for service, a pistol shooting competition, academic training sessions, and other individual events.

Blaine’s Explorers again took home awards in several events. Team “A” placed 2nd overall in White Collar Crime, which simulates executing a search warrant regarding fraud. Team “C” placed 5th overall in Bomb Threat Response. Team “D” took 1st place in Interview Interrogation, which simulates a complex investigation for a missing child. Team “E” placed 3rd overall in Domestic Crisis Intervention. The explorer drill team placed 2nd overall in Drill and Ceremony. Several of the explorers placed 3rd overall in a timed test following an academic session about DWI Investigations. Individually, Explorer Matt Stuber took 1st place in the men’s 5k, and Explorer Alexis Peach took 2nd in the women’s 5k. Explorer Andrew Blilie took 3rd place in the police bike course.

The Explorer program is currently recruiting. Students age 14-20 who are interested in learning more about law enforcement and wanting to help their community are encouraged to apply.

Contact Officer Travis Hale, THale@BlaineMN.gov, for more information.

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BlaineMN.gov - CityConnect

Upcoming Meetings

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Natural Resources Conservation Board* July 16 | August 20 7PM | City Hall Council Chambers Planning Commission* July 9 | August 13 7PM | City Hall Council Chambers

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WARD 1 Wes Hovland 8650 Van Buren Street NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-228-1117 WHovland@BlaineMN.gov Dick Swanson 926 - 97th Lane NE Blaine, MN 55434 763-370-2557 DSwanson@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 2 Julie Jeppson 1702 - 116th Avenue NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-354-4709 JJeppson@BlaineMN.gov Jess Robertson 4175 - 114th Lane NE Blaine, MN 55449 612-964-0503 JRobertson@BlaineMN.gov

WARD 3 Andrew Garvais 12744 Petersburg Street NE Blaine, MN 55449 612-229-8890 AGarvais@BlaineMN.gov Richard Paul 1560 - 123rd Lane NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-390-1499 RPaul@BlaineMN.gov

CITY MANAGER Clark Arneson 763-785-6120 CArneson@BlaineMN.gov

Historical Society August 13 6:30PM | City Hall Sanctuary Room

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MAYOR Tom Ryan 12147 Radisson Road NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-757-3390 TRyan@BlaineMN.gov

City Council Workshops July 8 | July 15 August 5 | August 12 | August 19 6PM | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room Arts Council July 9 | August 13 5:30PM | City Hall Lunch Room

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For more information, visit WaltersRecycling.com or call 763-780-8464.

City Directory

Mayor’s Office Hours July 9 | August 13 2:30 - 5PM | Laddie Lake Room

Park Board* July 23| August 27 7PM | City Hall Council Chambers Traffic Commission* July 2 | August 6 6:30PM | City Hall Council Chambers *Meetings can be seen live on cable channel 16.

Stay Connected

Police & Fire................................................. 911 Police (non-emergency) ... 763-785-6168 Fire (non-emergency)........ 763-786-4436 Public Works Aft. Hours.... 763-427-1212 Building Inspections.......... 763-785-6170 City Cable Channel 16 ...... 763-785-6192 City Clerk ............................ 763-785-6122 City Hall............................... 763-784-6700 City Manager...................... 763-785-6120 Communications................ 763-785-6181 Community Standards...... 763-785-6187 Community Outreach........ 763-785-6113 Economic Development.... 763-785-6180 Engineering......................... 763-785-6172 Finance................................ 763-717-2677 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 North Metro TV.................. 763-780-8241 Parks & 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

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BlaineMN.gov/CommunityConnect 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 BlaineMN.gov/ Newsletter.

July/August 2019

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Blaine’s New Resident Participation Center Interested in attending a city council meeting but never been to one before? Have an issue that you want speak on? Stop by the new resident participation center located on the second floor of city hall outside the council chambers. Here you can find an agenda for the next meeting, the public officials guide with information on the city council and other boards and commissions, and helpful information on how to participate in a city government meeting.

Blaine Wetland Sanctuary photo by Modular Trail Structures, LLC

Longtime Community Development Director Retires After 33 years at the City of Blaine, Planning and Community Development Director, Bryan Schafer, is retiring.

Bryan started with the city in June of 1986 as a code compliance officer. In 1990, Bryan became a planner with the city and eventually the principal planner. He became the Planning and Community Development Director in 2000.

For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/ ResidentParticipationCenter

During Bryan’s time with the city, he has been involved with the largest, most prestigious developments Blaine has seen. These include: • • • • •

The development of the TPC of the Twin Cities golf course, now home the 3M Open PGA Tour event.

The development of The Lakes residential development that added 2,700 housing units and millions of dollars in tax value to Blaine.

The continuing build out of the northeast area of the city, which is adding quality housing and more tax base to Blaine.

Several large redevelopment projects such as Lee’s Wrecking (Blaine Medical Center), Oak Park Plaza (Cub Foods) and Cemstone Concrete Plant (Kwik-Trip).

Negotiated the acquisition of the 580 acres of land that became the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary as shown above.

Join us in thanking Bryan for his many years of service to the City of Blaine and involvement in helping Blaine to develop many quality projects during his career.

For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/PlanningDevelopment

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City Manager Search Update

The 2020 Census is less than a year away and the planning and preparation for this important event is well underway. City staff have been meeting with local partners to put plans in place to help get a complete count in the city. The census provides vital information for the community. In Blaine census data provides statistics that helps in planning for future roads, schools, and emergency services. Additionally, business owners and developers use census data to determine where to open new commercial and retail businesses. Watch for more reasons why a complete census count is important in upcoming issues of the Blaine CityConnect.

With the retirement of City Manager Clark Arneson at the end of July, the Blaine City Council has been working with Strategic Government Resources to find the next Blaine City Manager. A total of 38 people applied from across the country and the city council selected a pool of semi-finalists in May and then selected five finalists in early June. The finalists spent two days in Blaine on June 24 and 25 for meetings with staff and the public plus interviews with the council. The announcement of the new city manager is expected in early July.

For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/2020Census.

For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov

Census Spotlight Everyone Counts

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BlaineMN.gov - CityConnect

Don’t Fall Behind

It’s Time to Spring Forward with Home Improvements

With spring and summer comes rain, flowers, and the perfect weather to get started on your home improvement projects. Whether you have been putting off fixing your roof, getting new windows, or want to update a bathroom, there has never been a better time to get started.

The City of Blaine has partnered with the local nonprofit Center for Energy and Environment to help you finance your projects. The financing options include low interest rates and flexible terms, meaning your monthly payments will be affordable and you can check that project off your list.

To learn about financing options available to you visit MNLendingCenter.org or call 612335-5884.

Lawn Sprinkling Restrictions

Year Round, Odd/Even Sprinkling Days, No Sprinkling 10am to 6pm

This policy is in place to help limit the impact of heavy water usage. It is not necessary to water every day to promote a healthy lawn.

The city’s sprinkling restrictions are as follows: • •

Year round, odd/even sprinkling days – addresses that are an even number can sprinkle on even numbered days. Addresses that are an odd number can sprinkle on odd numbered days.

No sprinkling between 10AM and 6PM from May 15 until September 15. This is the hottest part of the day and most water is lost to evaporation.

Exceptions • • • •

Private wells used for watering.

City owned athletic fields.

Hand watering of gardens and trees using a watering can or hose.

Watering of new landscaping or sod for a period of 30 days after installation.

For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/LawnSprinkling

1. Now is the time to take the first step towards a home remodeling project. Blaine is offering low interest financing programs to help you complete home projects. Visit MNLendingCenter. org to get started.

2. With low rates and flexible terms completing your home improvement projects has never been easier. Get started today at MNLendingCenter.org.

Have a Fun and Safe Summer Summer is the time for getting outdoors and having fun. The following are some safety tips for favorite summer activities. By using these simple tips residents can help to ensure that everyone has a fun and safe summer season.

Grilling Safety 3. Crossing those home improvement projects off your list has never been easier.

Blaine has special, low-interest financing programs to help.

Do not delay – apply today at MNLendingCenter.org.

4. Brighten up your home with solar. It has never been easier to finance a solar project with low rates and loans up to $50,000.

Visit MNCEE.org/Solar for more information.

• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.

• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below.

• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

• When you are finished grilling with charcoal, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

• Never leave your grill unattended.

Beach Safety Tips • • • • • • • •

Learn to swim and know your swimming ability.

Swim near a lifeguard.

Keep children within arms-length.

Obey posted signs.

Pay attention to buoys and swim within them.

Stay out of water during thunderstorms.

Do not rely on swimming aids.

Do not swim immediately after a meal.

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Alcohol and swimming do not mix.

Enter water feet first. Diving can be dangerous especially if you do not know your surroundings.

Do not swim in dark.

Use sunscreen and drink water.

Take frequent breaks. Every hour take a sun, water, or bathroom break.

Keep the beach and water clean.

Fireworks Safety •

Leave fireworks to the professionals. Do not use consumer fireworks such as sparklers and firecrackers. The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause thirddegree burns.

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The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.

After the firework display, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over as they may still be active.

July/August 2019

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BLAINE

Annual Precipitation 45

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RECYCLING SATURDAYS Green Lights Recycling Enter at 1525 - 99th Lane NE

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The City of Blaine sponsors a recycling drop-off day the third Saturday of each month. You do not need to be a Blaine resident to bring items to the drop-off day. Please note, no garbage will be accepted.

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Recycling drop-off day is funded by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners and State SCORE funds (Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment).

Green Lights Recycling

763-785-0456|GLRNow.com

Water Levels at Record Highs Due to Record Precipitation

Many residents have contacted the city about water levels in the city’s ponds and wetlands. Record precipitation amounts have caused high water levels this year. The record precipitation started with the very wet fall last year, followed by record February snowfall, and then above average rainfall in May. With the recent rains the metro area is more than eight inches above average for the year.

With this amount of rain the soil becomes saturated. Any additional rain that falls is unable to be absorbed into the ground. To manage this added water the Rice Creek Watershed District and Coon Creek Watershed District have been doing inspections to make sure the ditch systems are functioning. City stormwater crews have also been out doing inspections to make sure ponds are functioning as designed and sweeping streets to remove debris that could clog storm pipes.

Wetlands and ponds in the city are designed to fluctuate. They hold water during spring and allow that water to slowly soak back into the ground and flow out through the system. Even without any additional significant precipitation events in the coming weeks, many drainage and utility easements and other low lying areas will continue to see saturated conditions.

The fluctuation of water levels in the stormwater ponds is a major reason why drainage and utility easements are not allowed to be altered. Things such as docks, rip rap, or landscaping can impact the flow of water and cause blockages which leads to flooding. Property owners with basement flooding issues are encouraged to check the grading around their homes and make sure downspouts are pointed away from the home.

In some instances, introducing deeper rooted and native plants into the landscape may alleviate certain flooding or standing water issues.

If you are interested in finding information about your drainage and utility easement, visit BlaineMN.gov/Stormwater

Pesticides and Our Water Do Not Mix Summertime is lawn care time but maintaining lawns with synthetic pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides), can pollute water.

This happens because rain can wash off any improperly applied pesticide. The polluted rainwater runs into street storm drains and then water bodies. Pollution control methods, such as stormwater ponds, clean up this water but were not designed to remove pollutants like synthetic pesticides.

Coon Creek Watershed District has a new online resource guide about maintaining lawns that are nice for both homeowners and the environment at CoonCreekWD.org/Lawncare.

Here are some quick tips on how to keep pesticides out of water and save money: 1.

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Always follow the pesticide label directions.

Only apply pesticides when it is below 85°F, not windy, and no rain is predicted for 48 hours.

Do not use weed and feed products; spot treat weeds instead.

Buy the smallest amount of pesticides and try to use them up. Take old or frozen pesticides to the Anoka County Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

For more information, contact Britta at the Coon Creek Watershed District at 763-755-0975.

Funding provided by the Minnesota Department of Health via the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment.

Cash or Check Only Collects mattresses, box springs, carpet, appliances, florescent lamps, electronics, rechargeable batteries, and tires. Free items include scrap metal and vehicle batteries.

Items with a small fee: • Mattresses/box springs are $20 each.

• Most appliances are $10 each.

• Most electronics are between $2 and $50 depending on size.

• Carpet - $6/ roll (up to 7 rolls).

Drop off tires and rechargeable batteries for a small fee. See the complete list of fees at BlaineMN.gov/ RecyclingSaturdays

Randy’s Environmental Services | 763-972-3335 RandysEnvironmental Services.com Randy’s offers free paper shredding. Please note, there may be long wait times for shredding.

Bike Collection

Bikes4KidsMN.org Drop off any size bicycle that you no longer want. Bikes will be refurbished or have their parts used in refurbishing other bikes. Bikes are then donated to people in need.

There is no charge to drop of a bike. Bikes for Kids is part of the Robert & Wilma Burbach Bike Foundation.

Walters Recycling & Refuse

763-780-8464 | WaltersRecycling.com/Blaine Contact Walters to report missed garbage, recycling or yard waste pickup.

City Recycling Information 763-785-6192 | BlaineMN.gov/Recycle

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BlaineParks.com or BlaineEvents.com - Recreation Connection

Kids Triathlon The Blaine Kids Triathlon is back for the 6th annual event. Distances will include a 100 or 165 yard swim, a 2.3 mile bike, and a 1 mile run. This race is not timed. Parents are encouraged to be the timekeepers for their children. Fee includes race shirt, swim cap, refreshments, and a medal. For more information, please call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com.

parks & recreation

Saturday, July 27, 8am Lakeside Commons Park $30 resident; $33 non-resident Activity #7302

connection

Family Fun Night Free for all ages

Summer 2019

Enjoy kiddie carnival games, jump in more than 20 fun inflatables, explore a police car and fire truck. Concessions will be available for purchase. This is a fun night for the whole family!

Tuesday, July 16, 6–8pm Aquatore Park For more detailed information, visit BlaineParks.com/FamilyFunNight.

Perpetual Motion Gymnastics All gymnastics classes are conducted at Perpetual Motion Gymnastics, 12440 Aberdeen Street NE, Suite 101. Session 2 begins the week of July 24 through August 21. Tiny Twisters, Cyclones, Tornadoes, Beginners…..ages 16 months to age 10 years.

For more detailed information including dates, times, and fees, please call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com.

Summer 2019 Online Registration The Summer 2019 Recreation Connection catalog is available to browse at

BlaineParks.com/ RecreationConnection Register online for summer programs at

BlaineParks.com/Register The Fall Recreation Connection will be mailed to homes the week of August 19. Online registration begins August 26.

Stay Connected BlaineParks.com More information about Parks and Recreation is available at 763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online.

BlaineEvents.com

QC Dance Classes and Camps QC Dance Studio, 9967 Ulysses Street NE QC Dance provides quality dance instruction and a variety of fun opportunities to learn and demonstrate dance skills while building selfesteem.

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Tummy Time Infant Movement Class Tutus for Tots Story Time with a Twist Melody Bear Jo Jo Bow Camp Self Defense Kids Yoga For more detailed information including dates, times, and fees, please call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com.

Jam Hops - Inspiring Kids to Become Life Champions Ages 5 to 18, Jam Hops All classes are held at Jam Hops, 1460 – 133rd Lane NE, Ham Lake.

Ninja, Nerf, and Open Gym, ages 5 to 18 Saturday, July 20, 10am-noon $16/child, Activity #7297 $40/family max, Activity #7298 Ninja Zone, ages 3 to 5 Thursdays, July 11 – Aug 1, 6:30-7:30pm $95, Activity #7233 Ninja Zone, ages 6 to 11 Thursdays, July 11 – Aug 1, 7:30-8:30pm $117, Activity # 7234 For more detailed information including dates, times, and fees, please call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com.

Summer 2019

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Enrichment Camps For more detailed information including dates, times, and fees, please call 763-785-6164 or visit BlaineParks.com.

Tech Academy

Java Minecraft Modding: Infinity Gauntlet, Grades 3 to 6 Battle Royale Game Coding, Grades 3 to 7

Mad Science

Rocket Blast Off, Grades 2 to 6

parks & recreation

Skyhawks Sports Camps Ages 4 to 12

connection Summer 2019

The progression of camps and programs, led by expert staff, are geared toward youth looking for a sport introduction or those who want to refine and master their sport-specific skills. Camps include basketball, multi-sport, volleyball, tennis, minihawk, and flag football.

For more detailed information including dates, times, and fees, please call 763-785-6164 or visit our webpage at BlaineParks.com.

Fall Bean Bag League The city is teaming up with Sticks and Stones Restaurant to offer the first Fall Bean Bag League. Teams consist of two players of any gender. There will be a beginner league and an intermediate league. League matches will be played at Aquatore Park behind the restaurant.

This is a seven week league, plus playoffs.

Community Outings All community outings depart from and return to the Mary Ann Young Senior Center. Outings include lunch and ticket unless otherwise noted.

For more detailed descriptions of these trips, please call 763-786-9375 or visit BlaineParks.com.

Sundays beginning August 4 at 5:30, 6:30 or 7:30pm $60/team, Activity #7340

Owatonna Museum and Fair

Paddleboarding Ages 12 and up Fun, new, easy, cool, and a great workout. Class sizes are very small and the instruction is short and easy so most of the time will be out on the water. No experience necessary. Class held at Lakeside Commons Park.

Participants under 18 must have parent or guardian sign waiver before class.

Tuesday, July 16, 5:30-7pm, Ages 12-15, Activity #7328 Tuesday, August 6, 2:30-4pm, Ages 12-15, Activity #7330 Tuesday, August 6, 4-5:30pm, Ages 16 & up, Activity #7331 $30 resident; $33 non-resident

The trip will start with a stop at the MN State Public School Orphanage Museum for a guided tour. After the museum, it will be time to head to the Steele County Free Fair with everything the state fair has in a much smaller, less crazy environment.

Enjoy food, vendors, animals, music, shows, and tons more. The group will arrive at the fair by Noon so you can have plenty of time to eat. Fee includes transportation and guided tour.

Thursday, August 15, 7:55am-6pm $45, Activity #7345

Treasure Island Casino

Adult Dance/Zumba/Zumba Gold QC Dance Studio, 9967 Ulysses Avenue NE Zumba Thursdays, July 18 - August 15, 7:15-8pm $30 RES; $33 NR, Activity #7318

Ballet Wednesdays, July 24-August 21, 8-9pm $45 RES; $49 NR, Activity #7323

Zumba Gold Wednesdays, July 17 - August 14, 7:15-8pm $30 RES; $33 NR, Activity # 7320

Beginning Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata Ballet Thursdays, August 1-22, 8-9pm $40 RES; $44 NR, Activity # 7325

Fall Softball The City of Blaine offers fall softball leagues for men, women and co-rec teams. Games are played at Aquatore Park. The registration fee includes 12 games, softballs, and umpires. All games are doubleheaders. Registration dates are July 8-26 or until leagues are full. Leagues begin the week of August 12.

For more detailed information including dates, times, and fees, please call 763-785-6164 or visit our webpage at BlaineParks.com.

Monday, August 12, 8:30am-4:30pm $7, includes $3 food coupon

Citizens Academy

Registration Now Open Attention Blaine residents and those who work in Blaine, Citizens Academy is a great opportunity for individuals to learn about how the police and fire departments work.

For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/CitizensAcademy

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BlaineParks.com or BlaineEvents.com - Recreation Connection

Sign Up Today to be a part of the

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2016 Blaine WorldFest Photo by Sarah Grace Photography

Night to Unite and Blaine’s First Emergency Notification Test On the first Tuesday of August each year, Blaine joins communities around Minnesota for Night to Unite, an evening of neighborhood festivities aimed at crime prevention and building a strong community. Members of the Blaine Police Department and SBM Fire Department make an effort to visit as many registered block parties as possible during the event. Find a party near you or start your own event.

For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/N2U This year the city will conduct the first ever test of the CivicReady notification system on Night to Unite.

CivicReady is a service available to Blaine residents to receive emergency notifications from the city. Residents need to sign up to receive the notifications and can customize how and where you receive the notifications.

To sign up, Visit BlaineMN.gov/CivicReady

WorldFest September 14 from 1-4

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Join the City of Blaine and residents from across the north metro for the 11th annual Blaine World Fest celebration. This event is a great opportunity for the city to recognize and share its growing cultural and ethnic diversity. Bring the entire family and learn about different cultures through a variety of entertainment and festivities.

Experience a wide array of music, dance, cultural learning booths, demonstrations, and delicious ethnic foods.

Blaine World Fest has continued to grow with more than 2,000 people enjoying this exciting and festive cultural celebration last year, and this year’s event promises to be even bigger and better. Be sure to bring a lawn chair.

#BlaineN2U2019 Do not forget the #BlaineN2U2019 selfie contest. Get your party together for your best selfie at Night to Unite. Post on Instagram using the hashtag. Like your favorite pictures.

For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/WorldFest

The selfie with the most likes by Monday, August 12 at 12PM wins a special public safety visit at their 2020 Night to Unite party and a $100 gift card for party supplies.

Blaine Wetland Sanctuary The City of Blaine has partnered with Growing Green Hearts and Wargo Nature Center to bring residents a variety of programs for families of all ages to discover and appreciate this valued Blaine resource. All programs are held at the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary at the Lexington Avenue trailhead located at 11980 Lexington Avenue NE and will include walking. All programs are $5/person and $10/family.

Reptiles & Amphibians Thursday, July 18, 6-8pm Welcome Hike & Belly Biology Tuesday, July 23 OR Tuesday, August 6 10:30-11:30am

Superheroes & Systems Tuesday, July 30 OR Tuesday, August 13 10:30-11:30am Author & Art Thursday, August 1, 9:30-10:30am

Boardwalk & Books Thursday, August 8, 9:30-10:30am Connecting with Nature Thursday, August 15, 9:30-10:30am Biodiversity Hike Tuesday, August 20, 9-11am

Bark in the Park

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Red Rock Swing Band 7pm Town Square The Teddy Bear Band, children’s 10:30am Aquatore Family Fun Night, family, free games, food 6pm Aquatore Vinnie Rose, variety 7pm Town Square Tricia and The Toonies, children’s 10:30am Aquatore QC Dance, dance recital 7pm Town Square Wendinger Band, polka 6pm Aquatore The Alphabits, children’s 10:30am Aquatore Echo’s of Elvis, tribute 7pm Town Square

2 Will Hale Tad Pole Parade, children’s 10:30am Aquatore 7 Harmonic Relief, show choir 7pm Town Square 8 Wendinger Band, polka 6pm Aquatore 9 Bob the Beachcomber, children’s 10:30am Aquatore 14 Inside Out, classic rock 7pm Town Square 15 The Backyard Band, Bark in the Park 5pm Aquatore 16 Kids Dance, children’s dance party 10:30am Aquatore 21 Brueske, classic jazz & broadway 7pm Town Square

To mark the start of the “Dog Days” of summer, Blaine is hosting Bark in the Park.

Bring your favorite four-legged friend and visit with companies and nonprofit groups specializing in dogs.

The event will feature nail trimming and dog merchandise for sale at the vendor booths. You and your dog can also enjoy the pup-arazzi photo booth, food trucks, music by the Backyard Band, and more. Free dog licenses are available on site with proof of vaccination.

For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/BarkinthePark