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

CityConnectJanuary/February 2013

Shop With a Cop is a Success AgainFor the third year in a row, the Blaine Police Department teamed with Blaine SuperTarget to make the holiday season extra special for 30 local children.

With the help of school social workers, the Blaine Police Department identified children from six local elementary schools who needed an extra special holiday season. Target, with the help of many employees, then put together a special holiday shopping event for each these children.

To make the day special, Blaine police officers, explorers, community service officers and reserves, all wearing Santa hats, picked up the children at home prior to their shopping spree. Once they arrived at SuperTarget, children received a donated $85 gift card to complete holiday shopping for their family members.

Target’s donation of $2,000, along with $700 in donations from Blaine City employees, the Blaine Police Federation, and a private Blaine citizen, enabled kids to receive the $85 donation. Another $200 was set aside for non-gift necessities such as food, underwear, socks, boots, and mittens.

The children, many with shopping lists in hand, were paired with police helpers to guide them throughout the store. They were also treated to a meal at Target’s Food Avenue. After loading their carts and purchasing the presents, cops and kids gathered with Target employees to wrap the gifts.

At the end of the day, Blaine’s officers returned the children home with bags of presents to share with their families so they could help spread the holiday cheer at home this season.

Blaine’s 2013 Tax Levy is Six Percent Lower than its 2009 Tax LevyThe Blaine City Council recently set the property tax levy for taxes payable in 2013, City Council kept the City’s property tax levy flat. Even with significant budget constraints, the City continues to provide the quality services that citizens have come to expect, and to develop initiatives to promote efficiency and productivity in order to “do more with less”. For this effort, Moody’s Investor Services rewarded the City with a high credit rating of Aa1. Blaine also received national recognition from Money magazine.

At the outset of this budget cycle, the City Council’s goals were to maintain services, achieve structural balance (where revenues match expenditures over the long term), maintain a flat tax levy, and utilize a reserve draw of $500,000. The City Council achieved these goals while setting a no-increase tax levy and reducing the reserve draw to $440,000. The 2013 City Council Adopted Budget gives Blaine the lowest tax rate for any full service city in Anoka County, and makes it one of the few cities in the County not to have a levy increase in the last four years. Since 2009, the City Council has cut the levy by $1.2 million and the monthly cost of all City services for the average homeowner has continually dropped.

As part of the City’s goal to achieve structural balance, the City uses a 5-year budget model as a forecasting/planning tool. In part, because of the City Council commitment to long-range budget planning, the City had its Aa1 bond rating reaffirmed by Moody’s Investor Services. This is one notch below Aaa, the highest rating a City can achieve. A high bond

rating means lower interest rates on borrowed money and reduced costs to Blaine taxpayers.

While the City Council continues to hold the tax levy flat, Blaine has continued to grow despite the economic downturn. For 2012, Blaine outpaced all other cities in metro housing growth. Blaine is also a state leader in new housing growth. As the City continues to grow, the additional tax base will provide financial resources to assist with additional service levels that are required to meet the needs of new residents and businesses. The City has maintained service levels despite reduced staffing levels and without additional financial resources. Since 2008, the City has reduced staffing levels by 17 positions.

With reduced financial and staffing resources, the City is investing in new technology in order to maintain existing and future service levels, and “do more with less”. Examples of new technology the City is using to increase productivity include a new financial software system that utilizes efficiencies in utility billing and human resources, updated technology on utility meters that allows for more timely and accurate readings, and in-squad cameras that digitally record and download street patrol activities.

As we look to the future, we expect to have more challenges ahead. However, the City Council has positioned the City well to meet the future challenges and to continue to meet its mission to provide quality services to residents and businesses.

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PUBLIC MEETINGS

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Blaine City Hall10801 Town Square Drive NEBlaine, MN 55449

763-784-6700763-785-6156 (fax)

CITY COUNCILMAYORTom Ryan12147 Radisson Road NEBlaine, MN 55449

763-757-3390tryan@ci.blaine.mn.us

DISTRICT 1Wes Hovland 8650 Van Buren St. NEBlaine, MN 55434

763-228-1117whovland@ci.blaine.mn.us

Dick SwansonP.O. Box 49725Blaine, MN 55449

763-370-2557dswanson@ci.blaine.mn.us

DISTRICT 2Dave Clark10833 Fillmore St. NEBlaine, MN 55434

763-754-7643dclark@ci.blaine.mn.us

Mike Bourke83 103rd Ave. NEBlaine, MN 55434

763-784-1986

DISTRICT 3Kathy Kolb11308 Jefferson St. NEBlaine, MN 55434

763-757-6887kkolb@ci.blaine.mn.us

Russ Herbst12875 Lever St. NEBlaine, MN 55449

763-784-6143rherbst@ci.blaine.mn.us

CITY MANAGERClark Arneson

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

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Police and Fire ............................................... 911Police (non-emergency) ...................763-785-6168Fire (non-emergency) .......................763-786-4436Building Inspections .........................763-785-6170Cable Channel 15 .............................763-780-8241City Cable Channel 16 .....................763-785-6192City Clerk .......................................763-785-6124City Manager ...................................763-785-6120Community Standards ......................763-785-6187Crime Prevention .............................763-785-6113Economic Development ....................763-785-6147Engineering .....................................763-785-6172Fire Inspections ..............................763-785-6187Forestry .........................................763-717-2660Housing Services ............................763-785-6146Human Resources ...........................763-785-6109Job Line .........................................763-717-2679Newsletter .....................................763-717-2735Operator .........................................763-784-6700Parks and Recreation .......................763-785-6164Planning & Zoning ...........................763-785-6180Public Works ...................................763-785-6165Recycling & Solid Waste ..................763-785-6192Senior Citizens Center .....................763-786-9375 Streets ...........................................763-785-6165Stormwater .....................................763-785-6188Utility Billing ...................................763-785-6141Water & Sewer System ....................763-785-6165Web ...............................................763-717-2638

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All city legal notices are published in the city’s official newspaper, the

Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life.

About this Newsletter...

CityConnect is published bimonthly by the City of Blaine and distributed to all residents and businesses. Past copies of the city newsletter are available at www.ci.blaine.mn.us. Feedback can be directed to newsletter @ ci.blaine.mn.us .

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www.FaceBook.com/Blaine.mnwww.FaceBook.com/BlaineBizMNwww.FaceBook.com/BlaineParksMN

Learn more about the City of Blaine and keep updated with happenings by following the city online.

www.Twitter.com/BlaineMinnesotawww.Twitter.com/BlaineBizMNwww.Twitter.com/BlaineParksMNwww.YouTube.com/CityofBlaine

www.ci.blaine.mn.us/go/emailupdates

City Council*Jan. 3 | Jan. 17 | Feb. 7 | Feb. 217:30 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers

City Council WorkshopsJan. 3 | Jan. 10 | Jan. 17Feb. 7 | Feb. 14 | Feb. 21 6:30 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Room

Planning Commission*Jan. 8 | Feb. 127 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers

Park Board*Jan. 22 | Feb. 267 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers

Natural Resource Conservation Board Jan. 15 | Feb. 197 p.m. | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room

Arts CouncilJan. 8 | Feb. 126:30 p.m. | City Hall Lunch Room

Historical Society Feb. 126:30 p.m. | City Hall Sanctuary Room

*meetings can be seen live on cable channel 16

Holiday

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Anoka Conservation District Annual Tree and Shrub SaleThe Anoka Conservation District is now accepting pre-orders for the annual tree and shrub sale. The District offers a wide variety of native stock, including black cherry trees, mixed oak trees, red maple trees, and white pine trees. The trees and shrubs are sold in bare root seedlings or transplants and are approximately 18” to 24” in height. They may be purchased in bundles of ten for $17, or twenty-five for $30. Native prairie seed and tree aides are also available.

If you are interested, go online and check out the Anoka Conservation District website at www.AnokaSWCD.org. Once there, you can go to the tree sale products section of the website and click on the species title, which contains links to detailed descriptions and photographs of each of the varieties offered. The website also contains information about the kinds of trees and shrubs to plant in your particular situation along with planting directions. If you would prefer you may talk directly to Anoka Conservation District staff by calling 763-434-2030.

You may purchase these trees and shrubs in one of the following ways: Go to the website and use the online ordering option or to print a form and send it in with payment. Call the ACD office at 763-434-2030, ext. 10, to have a form sent to you or order by phone. Orders accepted until Thursday, April 11. Trees and shrubs will be available for pickup Saturday, April 27, at the Anoka County Fairgrounds from 8 to 10 a.m. Please order early to guarantee availability.

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What is the Radon Risk in Your Home?By Rebecca BookerSpring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department

Radon is a known cancer-causing agent and is the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths nation-wide. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that 21,000 people a year die of lung cancer caused by radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, which is produced by the decay of uranium and radium in the soil. It is odorless, colorless and tasteless. The radiation from this gas can harm cells that make up our body’s tissues with the lungs being most vulnerable.

The Minnesota Department of Health estimates that about one in three Minnesota homes have enough radon to pose a large risk to the occupants’ health over many years of exposure and that all homes be tested.

Radon enters the home through:

1. Cracks in concrete slabs.

2. Spaces behind brick veneer walls that rest on uncapped hollow-block foundations.

3. Pores and cracks in concrete blocks.

4. Floor-wall joints.

5. Exposed soil, as in a sump or crawl space.

6. Weeping (drain) tile, if drained to an open sump.

7. Mortar joints.

8. Loose fitting pipe penetrations.

9. Open tops of block walls.

10. Building materials, such as brick, concrete, rock.

11. Well water (not commonly a major source in Minnesota homes).

For more information, visit the website: www.health.state.mn.us. Sign up for a free home safety survey and receive a free radon test kit for your home from the Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department at 763-767-4003 or log on to homesafetychallenge.org.at 763-767-4003.

Are You Ready for a Winter Storm?

Here are some preparation tips:

• Have extra blankets on hand.• Ensure that each member of your

household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat and water-resistant boots.

• Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing: • First aid kit and essential medications• Battery-powered weather radio, flashlight

and extra batteries• Canned food and non-electric can

opener• Bottled water

• Have your car winterized before a winter storm.

• Assemble a winter storm supplies kit for your car.

When a winter storm watch is issued:• Listen to local TV and radio stations for

weather updates. • Be alert to changing weather conditions.• Avoid unnecessary travel.

When a winter storm warning is issued:• Stay indoors during the storm.• If you must go outside, dress in several

layers of clothing.• Understand the hazards of wind chill,

which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person’s body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature.

• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.• After the storm, if you shovel snow, be

careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.

Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must:• Have emergency supplies in the trunk.• Keep your car’s gas tank full in case of an

emergency, and to help keep the fuel line from freezing.

• Let someone know your destination, the route you are taking, and when you expect to arrive.

Put together an emergency kit for each trunk of each car used by members in your household. Include blankets, extra sets of dry clothing, a shovel, sand, jumper cables, a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, and a brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna.

Snow Plowed Sidewalks and TrailsDid you know that residents have access to over 60 miles of trails and 80 miles of sidewalks throughout the City of Blaine and that most are available for use during the winter? Even though streets are the first priority, the majority of trails and sidewalks that provide connectivity to schools, libraries, businesses, parks, and open spaces are generally plowed in 1 to 3 days depending on the amount of the snow event.

A map that shows the plowed trails and sidewalks is available at www.blaineparks.com. Go to Parks, Trails and Open Space, and click on Park Maps, Plowed Trails and Sidewalks Map.

Boulevard Tree Trimming Continues this WinterCity crews began trimming boulevard trees this fall. Trimming will continue through the winter as weather permits. Check the City website for details, and trimming locations.

The City typically trims the street-side of trees for traffic clearance. For more information on the City’s tree trimming policy, call 763-785-6165.

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Crime Prevention NewsStay informed about what’s happening in the city. Sign up for the “weekly update” which is a free email subscription. The email consists of a “calls for service” report. These are calls that BPD officers responded to the previous week. The email also includes timely safety tips, trends, and information on events hosted by the Safety Services Division. To sign up, send an email to: kkiley@ci.blaine.mn.us. The City DOES NOT sell, share, or trade your e-mail address and you can unsubscribe anytime.

How visible are your house numbers from the street? In the event emergency personnel need to respond to your home, it’s crucial they are able to see your address and or unit number (for townhomes or apartments).

Stand in the street, make sure your exterior lights are on and look at how visible – or not - your house numbers are.

If you ordered an item that is shipped via USPS, UPS, FedEx, or other delivery service, and it hasn’t arrived, contact the shipping company to verify delivery. If the shipping company verifies delivery, you will need to file a report with the shipping company and the company from which you ordered the item.

Theft from auto is a preventable crime and it takes but a few simple steps to prevent. Remove anything of value, whether it’s a book bag, sports equipment, work identification, purses, wallets, computers, notepads, e-readers and more. Leaving these items out in the open are an invitation for a thief to break into your vehicle and take them. Remember to record serial and model numbers of all personal property that have them.

Lastly, help prevent auto theft by following these simple steps: Take your valuables with you – remove the keys – and lock your doors.

Accepting ApplicationsNatural ResourcesConservation Board The City will make three appointments to the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) in early 2013. The City Council makes one appointment for each City Council Ward. The NRCB recommends policy to the City Council and the City Manager pertaining to the City’s natural resources and dedicated open spaces. The NRCB holds its monthly meetings in the evening on the third Tuesday of each month at Blaine City Hall. Requirements include being a resident of Blaine and having a community interest.

Applications are available online at www.ci.blaine.mn.us

and search keyword vacancy. Please call Jim Hafner at (763) 785-6188 for more information.

Salt the Fish on Your Plate, Not the Ones in the LakeDid you know that our creeks and lakes can get polluted during the winter months? Since the early 1950’s, metro area waters have become increasingly more salty. Chloride (salt) levels in our water have become so high that many metro area creeks are now considered unhealthy, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Standards are being developed to identify area lakes with chloride levels that are too high.Chlorides are applied on our roads, sidewalks, and parking lots to melt ice. However, once dissolved in water, the salty mixture goes directly to our creeks and lakes from our streets and homes via our storm drainage system. Chloride is considered a “conservative pollutant”, meaning it does not break-down into a non-toxic substance. Once chloride is in a stream or lake, it is nearly impossible to get rid of. Salt harms plants and animals, contaminates our drinking water, and damages buildings. It also corrodes vehicles, roads, and bridges. Too much salt results in costly damages and serious environmental consequences. Even if your bag of de-icer says environmentally friendly it does not mean it is friendly to our waters, especially if the word ‘chloride’ is listed in the ingredients.

Make a difference this winter; help us keep salt out of our waters! If you would like to know more about this topic and other topics related to water quality,

go to www.ricecreek.org to sign up for the RCWD eNews on the right side of the homepage.

1. Before the storm, apply a liquid de-icer before snow storms to prevent snow and ice from building up. This is not a substitute for shoveling; it just makes it more effective.

2. Shovel that snow. Shoveling, snow blowing, plowing, and/or sweeping are all effective measures that will remove snow and minimize ice build-up.

3. Less is better. When applying salt, if there are leftover crystals still visible, then the salt has been over-applied. The left-over salt can be swept up and reused or disposed of in the trash.

4. Temperature matters. At low temperatures, salt begins to become less effective. When the temperature falls below 15°F, consider using small amounts of sand for traction.

Tips to Keep Your Roads, Driveways and Sidwalks Safe and Our Waters Healthy

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As the snowpack continues to build this winter, the City of Blaine would like to remind residents of some important snow-related safety concerns: 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. Snow Tunnels and Forts

Do not allow children to build snow structures or tunnels in the snow banks at the end of driveways, in cul-de-sac or along roadways. Snowplows and other snow removal machinery may pass by at any time to remove snow or make space for future snow events. For your children’s safety, don’t let them play in the right-of-way!Garbage and Recycling Carts

Each winter as we get more snow, it becomes harder to find a place for garbage and recycling carts at the curb. Please DO NOT place garbage and recycling carts in the street where they can be hit and damaged by snowplows. Not only will this create problems for the plow drivers, but is also creates problems for the garbage and recycling truck drivers as well as creating a great deal of litter left on the ground when the snow melts each spring!Snowmobile Regulations

During the winter months, we receive inquires from the public wondering where they are allowed to operate snowmobiles in Blaine. In general, snowmobiles may not be operated anywhere in the City west of Highway 65.

East of Highway 65, snowmobiles may operate on non-residential properties that are not next to residential areas. The operator of the snowmobile must have written permission from the property owner in their possession. Snowmobiling is not allowed on any City streets.

Snow-Related Safety Concerns include Keeping Fire Hydrants Clear

There is no parking on any Blaine street between the hours of 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. from Nov. 1 through April 1. Please note that there are several posted signs regarding this parking restriction throughout the City, while a sign is not posted on every street. There is no parking on any highway, street or alley for more than 12 hours after snow begins to fall.

For questions call, 763-784-6700.

Winter Parking Restrictions Went into Effect Nov. 1

Monthly Recycling at Aquatore ParkEach third Saturday of the month, the City of Blaine sponsors a recycling drop-off program in the parking lot of Aquatore Park.

The collection event is staged near the Mary Ann Young Senior Center and recurs the third Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Most appliances cost $10 each; air conditioners and water softeners are $15. Most electronics, including televisions, will cost between $2 and $25, depending on size. Tires and rechargeable batteries may also be recycled for a small fee. Mattresses and box springs are $15 each.

Free items include scrap metal, car batteries, used clothing and all items collected as part of the city’s curbside recycling program. A free paper shedding service is also available to shred sensitive documents. Please note, no garbage will be accepted.

To learn more about the city’s recycling drop-off program and for a list of acceptable items and associated fees,

call 763-785-6192 or visit www.ci.blaine.mn.us and

search keyword recycle.

In Case of Sewer Backup, Contact Public WorksResidents 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.

January Curbside Tree CollectionChristmas trees will be collected curbside during the weeks of Jan. 7 and Jan. 14, on regular garbage days. Please remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, garland, wires, etc.

Sounds of the CityIndoor concerts held in the atrium at Blaine City Hall are free and open to the public.

Alison ScottTuesday, Jan. 15 – 7 p.m.Soul vocalist/singer-songwriter.7 Cats SwingTuesday, Feb. 19 – 7 p.m.Traditional jazz, swing and blues from the 30’s to the 80’s.

Minnesota Sea Life Aquarium Mall of America(Ages 10 to 15)

DATE: Tuesday, March 12TIME: 9:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.FEE: $12/child

Shoreview Community Center(Grades 1 to 5 )DATE: March 11 – 15TIME: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.FEE: $36/child/day

NEW – Cardio Dance(Adult Class)This low impact cardio class combines various styles of dance and low impact cardio exercises into a fun workout! Geared for those who have not been actively involved in a regular exercise program or who are just starting to exercise, and want a fun way to get back into good health. Class held at the Sunnyside Park Building.

DATE: Mondays, Jan. 21 – March 25TIME: 7:30 – 8:15 p.m.FEE: $60

Heartsaver Facts First AidThis course is ideal for anyone interested in or required to implement First Aid training in an environment serving adult populations. Upon successful completion of practical skills testing, participants receive a course credential card. Held at SBM Fire Station 3.

DATE: Wednesday, Feb. 20TIME: 6 – 10:00 p.m.FEE: $45

Upcoming Recreation Programs and Events

SPECIAL EVENTSSnow DayAll ages welcomeParticipants of all ages will have a chance to partake in a variety of winter activities, including: snow shoeing, ice fishing, kick-sledding, cross-country skiing, winter crafts, temporary tattoos and Live Animal Presentation. Refreshments provided. For more information, call Wargo Nature Center at 651-429-8007. Event held at Wargo Nature Center. No registration required, just show up!DATE: Saturday, January 26 TIME: 1 – 4 p.m. FEE: FREE

Sweatheart PartyAges 8 and under with parent/adultDance to deejay music, make a valentine craft, get a sweet temporary tattoo, play in the gym, enjoy some refreshments, and have your pictures taken in front of our sweetheart backdrop! (bring your own camera). Registration is required. Event held at Centennial Elementary School.DATE: Friday, February 1 TIME: 6:30 – 8 p.m. FEE: $8/child

Super Hero CarnivalAges 10 and under with parent/adultYour child can dress up like their favorite Super Hero and fly around and try activities which include; carnival games, bingo, crafts, face painting, tattoos, coloring sheets, relay races - all with our Super Hero Theme! Refreshments provided. Event held at Blue Heron Elementary School.DATE: Saturday, March 2 TIME: 10 – 11:30 a.m. FEE: $8/child

More information about Parks and Recreation programs is available at 763-

785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online at www.blaineparks.com .

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2013 Adult Softball LeaguesSummer softball leagues for Men’s, Women’s, Co-Rec, and Church teams. Games are played at Airport and Aquatore Parks. Registration begins February 4. For more information call Jerome at 763-785-6161.

Summer EmploymentAre you looking for that perfect summer job? If you have enthusiasm, energy, and excitement to work with kids, then this is the perfect job for you! Applicants must be 17 years of age or older. Applications will be available February 1 in our office or at blaineparks.com. Application deadline is March 22. Call 763-785-6164 for more information.

Mary Ann Young Senior Center9150 Central Ave. | 763-786-9375

JanuaryJan. 3, 9:30 a.m. – Take Down Decorations Jan. 24, 11 a.m. – Laughter - Stress

Reduction ClassJan. 27, 12:30-4 p.m. – Square Dance

Regional MeetingJan. 28, 1 p.m. – Prize/Nickel Bingo Jan. 29, 9-noon – Wii Bowling Tournament

sign up!Jan. 29, 1 p.m. – “500” Card TournamentJan. 30, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Birthday Party:

Entertainment, noon luncheon, prize bingo at 1p.m.

Jan. 31, 1 p.m. – Cribbage Tournamentsign up with partner by Jan. 24.

FebruaryFeb. 1, 11 a.m. – Super Bowl Party

Dress in football atire. Feb. 4, 11 & 25, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – Income

Tax appointmentsFeb 14, 11 a.m. – Valentine Coronation

and Celebration, with entertinament.Feb. 21, 11 a.m. – Gettysberg the Turning

Point, picture presentation by Military Historian, Dan Hartman

Feb. 27, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Birthday Party,Entertainment, noon. luncheon, prize bingo at 1p.m

Senior Scene

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The Blaine Police Department, Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department, and Safe Kids Anoka County will host a free car seat clinic on Tuesday, January 15. The clinic is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at SBM Fire Station 2, 1141 - 89th Avenue NE, in Blaine, and is open to all Anoka County residents by appointment only.

In Minnesota, four out of five car seats are installed incorrectly. During this free clinic, experts will inspect your child’s installed car seat, provide installation tips, and check the seat for recalls. Parents will demonstrate proper installation of their seats and have an opportunity to ask specific questions of trained technicians.

Effective July 1, 2009, a child who is both younger than age eight and shorter than 4 feet 9 inches, is required to be fastened in a child safety seat or booster seat that meets federal safety standards. Booster seats are designed to keep the lap belt positioned properly around a child’s hips, and the shoulder belt in the correct position. Under this law, a child cannot use solely a seat belt until they are age eight or 4 feet 9 inches tall, whichever comes first.

For more information, or to make an appointment, contact Connie Forester, SBM Fire Department, 763-767-4003, ext. 100.

Car Seat Clinic Set for January 15

Community Garden Plots

Community garden plots will be available to residents interested in growing flowers and vegetables. Plots are located adjacent to Blaine City Hall’s south parking lot. Plots are 15-by20-feet. Rental fees for gardeners are $53.57 per plot for Blaine residents, $42.85 for Blaine senior residents ages 55 and older and $74.99 for non-residents (all rental fees include tax). Only one plot will be assigned per household.The registration dates and priority for renting a garden plot will be as follows:• Returning 2012 Blaine resident

gardeners from last year can register for their same 2012 garden plot beginning Feb. 25 through March 15.

• Returning 2012 Blaine resident gardeners who would like to switch to a different garden plot beginning March 18 through March 20, if different plots are available.

• New Blaine resident gardeners can register on March 21 and March 22, if plots are available.

• Returning non-residents gardeners can register beginning March 25 through March 29, if plots are available.

• New non-resident gardeners can register beginning April 1, 2013, if plots are available.

Call 763-785-6164 for more information.

Annual North Metro Home and Garden ShowFebruary 23, 2013

The 15th Annual North Metro Home nd Garden Show will move to the Sport Expo Center at the National Sports Center in Blaine. This year the standard booth size will increase to 8 feet deep x 10 feet wide. New times beginning this year at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Seminars will be shorter and more frequent on an open stage in the main hall. Please join us for this great event. Admission is free and door prizes will be awarded.More information about the 2013 North Metro

Home & Garden Show is available at www.northmetrohomeandgarden.com.

Casino TripTreasure Island Casino

DATE: Monday, Feb. 11DEPART/RETURN: 8:30 a.m./4:30 p.m.FEE: $5 ($3 food coupon & 10 pull tabs)REGISTER BY: Feb. 4

“Counting Harry” – History TheaterDATE: Thursday, March 7DEPART/RETURN: 8:45 a.m./3:15 p.m.FEE: $30REGISTER BY: Jan. 30

Spring Training (Florida)Minnesota Twins March 8 - 18, 2013Call 763-785-6164 for more information.

Chocolate MarchPick up will be at the Circle Pines Credit Union, 4 South Pine Drive.DATE: Tuesday, March 19DEPART/RETURN: 10 a.m./5 p.m.FEE: $63REGISTER BY: March 1

“Bye Bye Birdie” – Chanhassen Dinner TheaterDATE: Wednesday, March 27DEPART/RETURN: 10 a.m./5:15 p.m.FEE: $64REGISTER BY: Feb. 27

**Please call for dates/times of all continuous

community outingS

Bus departure/return locations will be Blaine City Hall except casino trips depart/return at Blaine Senior Center, 9150 Central Avenue NE. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. No phone in registrations please. Registrants will be notified only if outing is cancelled. For more information please call 763-785-6164. Cancellation Policies: Refunds cannot be guaranteed after the registration deadline, due to policies of attractions, restaurants and transportation establishments. Absolutely no refunds 24 hours or less prior to the outing date.

activities including bingo, “500” cards, line dance, Wii bowling, blood pressure checks, woodcarving, computer sessions, bunco, hand and foot cards, driving refresher classes, foot care, canvas/craft class,

legal service, garden club, quilting, North Country Jamboree and more.

The Mary Ann Young Senior Center offers a variety of programs, social events, and dining options on weekdays. Call 763-786-9375 for more information and times

or learn more online at www.ci.blaine.mn.us and search keyword senior center.

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

ECRWSSPOSTAL CUSTOMER

DATED MATERIALPREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

POSTMASTER: TIME SENSITIVE MAIL

The Park and Recreation Department is excited to conduct the second annual triathlon in the City of Blaine on Saturday, May 18, 2013, beginning at 8:00 a.m. The venue for the Blaine Triathlon will be held at beautiful Lakeside Commons Park located at 3020 Lakes Parkway. The race is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. From novice to veteran triathletes, the Blaine Triathlon will be a fun and challenging race consisting of a .3-mile swim, 16.7-mile bike ride, and a 3.5-mile run.

If swimming or biking or running is not your favorite exercise, participants can register a relay team of two or three individuals whereby they choose the leg of the race they want to compete. With the options of an individual racer or relay teams, it maximizes participation for many different age and ability levels.

The registration fee is $75 for individuals and $100 per relay team and includes a dry fit race tee shirt, swim cap, post race refreshments, and all finishers receive official race hardware. An awards ceremony follows the completion of the race to recognize the top three overall finishers in each age category and the top two finishers in each team relay age category.

We are also seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help at the triathlon that will include a wide range of duties throughout the race.

For more information, please go to www.blainetriathlon.com and click on volunteers for details.

We always welcome community businesses and organizations that are interested in a sponsorship opportunity for this exciting event. Please check out the sponsorship brochure on our website under the sponsors tab to see how you can be part of the Blaine Triathlon. The following are current sponsors who have kindly contributed to the triathlon; Blaine Medical Center, Fitness Pros, Foss Swim School, Pioneer Cycle, Spring Lake Park Lions Club, North Park Dental, Today’s Window Fashions, Financial One Credit Union, Jack, Jill Childcare, Andrea-Studio.com Web Design and Development, Edina Realty – Kris Lindahl, State Farm – Tom Holland Agency, and Envoy Mortgage – Nathan Raich Team.

We hope to see many people from our community participate, volunteer, or cheer at this new and exciting event here in Blaine!

Course maps for the Blaine Triathlon are included below.

Coming May 18, 2013

Sponsored by: Blaine Medical Center

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage PAIDPermit No. 29418Minneapolis, MN

Blaine Triathlon Back for a Second Year

Swim0.3 miles

Bike16.7 miles

Run3.5 miles

Swim0.3 miles

Bike16.7 miles

Run3.5 miles

Photo Courtesy of Jeremy Johnson