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CityConnectNovember/December 2014

No Bike CollectionPlease Note: Bikes for Kids will not be collecting bikes at the monthly recycling drop-off day until April of 2015! See page

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

Toys for Joy is an Anoka County based program that operates out of the Anoka County Armory. We are looking for some older kid toys this year to help with Toys for Joy.

If you have any questions, please contact Officer Michelle Moore at 763-286-2093 or by email at MMOORE@CI.BLAINE.MN.US.

Five-OJOIN US TO CELEBRATE

City of Blaine’s50th BIRTHDAY PARTY

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3RDAT 7:00 - 8:30 PM

BLAINE CITY HALL

After years of being a township, then a village,

Blaine became a City in 1964.

Cake, balloons, and historical displays.

Along with the annoucement of the Calendar of Activities

for the coming year to connect Blaine’s past, present ...

and FUTURE !

Bring the Whole Family !

thebig

Construction of the Lexington Athletic Complex is Underway

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

The Lexington Athletic Complex will feature:

• 2fullsizebaseballfields-lighted• 4multi-purposefieldsforfootball,

lacrosse and soccer - 2 of them lighted

• 2 tennis courts - lighted• 4 pickle ball courts - lighted• A full size basketball court

• A playground area with shelter• A park building with meeting space,

concession stand and warming house in the winter months

• A temporary outdoor skating rink• Lighted trails throughout park• Parking for up to 400 vehicles

The total cost for theLexingtonAthleticComplex project is roughly fivemilliondollars. Funding is from the Park Dedication Funds that are generated from lot development. The project is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2015.

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Blaine City Hall10801 Town Square Drive

Blaine, MN 55449763-784-6700

763-785-6156 (fax)

CITY COUNCILMAYORTom Ryan

12147 Radisson Road NEBlaine, MN 55449763-757-3390tryan@ci.blaine.mn.us

WARD 1Wes Hovland

8650 Van Buren Street NEBlaine, MN 55434763-228-1117whovland@ci.blaine.mn.us

Dick SwansonP.O. Box 49725Blaine, MN 55449763-370-2557dswanson@ci.blaine.mn.us

WARD 2Dave Clark

10833 Fillmore Street NEBlaine, MN 55434763-754-7643dclark@ci.blaine.mn.us

Mike Bourke83 103rd Avenue NEBlaine, MN 55434763-784-1986mbourke@ci.blaine.mn.us

WARD 3Kathy Kolb

11308 Jefferson Street NEBlaine, MN 55434763-757-6887kkolb@ci.blaine.mn.us

Russ Herbst12875 Lever Street NEBlaine, MN 55449763-784-6143rherbst@ci.blaine.mn.us

CITY MANAGERClark Arneson

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

Police and Fire ..................................................... 911Police (non-emergency) ......................... 763-785-6168Fire (non-emergency) ............................. 763-786-4436Anoka County Dispatch .......................... 763-427-1212Advanced Disposal ................................ 763-786-7233Building 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 ......................... 763-785-6180Engineering .......................................... 763-785-6172Fire Inspections ................................... 763-785-6187Forestry .............................................. 763-717-2660Housing Services ................................. 763-785-6146Human Resources ................................ 763-785-6109Job Line .............................................. 763-717-2679Newsletter .......................................... 763-785-6192Operator .............................................. 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 Sewer Backup ...................................... 763-785-6165Streets ............................................... 763-785-6165Stormwater .......................................... 763-785-6188Utility Billing ........................................ 763-785-6141Water & Sewer System ......................... 763-785-6165Web..................................................... 763-717-2638

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CityConnect is published bimonthly by the City of Blaine and distributed to all residents and businesses. Past copies of the city newsletter are available at:WWW.CI.BLAINE.MN.US/GO/NEWSLETTER Feedback can be directed to:NEWSLETTER @ CI .BLAINE.MN.US

Allcitylegalnoticesarepublishedinthecity’sofficialnewspaper, the Blaine/Spring Lake Park Life.

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

City Council WorkshopsNov. 6 | Nov. 13 | Nov. 20 Dec. 4 | Dec. 11 | Dec. 186:30 pm | City Hall Cloverleaf Room

Planning Commission*Nov. 11 | Dec. 97 pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Park Board*Nov. 25 | Dec. 237 pm | City Hall Council Chambers

Nat’l Resource Conservation Board Nov. 18 | Dec. 167 pm | City Hall Cloverleaf Farm Room

Arts CouncilNov. 115:30 pm | City Hall Lunch Room

Historical Society Nov. 11 | Dec. 96:30 pm | City Hall Sanctuary Room

*Meetings can be seen live on cable channel 16.

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WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BLAINE.MN WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BLAINEBIZMN WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BLAINEPARKSMN

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PLUS.GOOGLE.COM, THEN SEARCH BLAINE MINNESOTA

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The City of Blaine sponsors a recycling drop-off day the third Saturday of each month in the parking lot at Aquatore Park. The parking lot is near the City water tower and treatment plant.

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

Please Note: No garbage will be accepted.

BLAINE

JR’s Appliance Recyclers651-454-9215• Appliances, florescent lamps,

electronics, rechargeable batteries, and tires.

Please note that there is a fee for some items. Most appliances are $5 each. Most electronics are between $2 and $25 depending on size. You can also drop off tires and rechargeable batteries for a small fee.Free items include scrap metal and car batteries.

Randy’s Environmental Services 763-972-3335• Free paper shredding.

Recycling Opportunities763-785-6192• Call for more information about

recycling opportunities available in Blaine or visit:

WWW.CI.BLAINE.MN.US | search keyword RECYCLE

Advanced Disposal763-786-7233For Information regarding curbside yardwaste service or to report missed garbage, recycling or yardwaste pick-up.

Aquatore Park 9150 Central Avenue NE

RECYCLINGSATURDAYS!

10:00 am - 2:00 pm3rd Saturday of Each Month

Fall Leaf Season is Here!Leaf Disposal OptionsMany of our residents live in fully wooded areas. As the leaves from the trees turn color and fall, they provide both a beautiful show and plenty of cleaning up effort. Please keep in mind that all decaying plant material that ends up in the Cities ponds and streams contributes to greater phosphorous levels and poorer water quality. Please do not rake leaves into the street.

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

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

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

Windows and Doors• Checkweather-strippingondoorsandwindowsfordamageandasnugfit.Weather-

stripping is inexpensive and easy to replace. Lack of proper weather-stripping is a source of cold air drafts, which can get very expensive in Minnesota.

• Inspect door and window caulking between siding and trim. • Check storm doors and windows for proper working order. Repair any damaged or

missing glass. Storm window sashes can usually be repaired at your local hardware store.

Heating System• Haveyourheatingsysteminspectedbyaqualifiedserviceperson.Ifanyserviceperson

recommends replacing your whole system, get a second opinion from licensed heating professional.

• Replacethefilteronyourfurnaceeverymonthduringtheheatingseason.Furnacefiltersare relatively inexpensive and can help to prolong the life of your furnace.

• If youhave a built-inhumidifier, cleanor replace thefilter as recommendedby themanufacturer.

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

Insulation• Roof and attic spaces are major sources of heat loss. This not only contributes to higher

heating bills but also causes snow melt and ice dams, which in turn can produce leaks and permanent roof damage. If you had problems last year with ice dams, check if you have theproperamountofinsulationandcheckforobstruction(birdnests)intheroofandsoffitvents.

• Insulate hot water pipes and warm air heat ducts in the basement. Pipes and ductwork canbewrappedinfiberglassbatts,foampipecoversorfoilbackedbubblewrap.Thisisa great time to look for small leaks in pipes. Don’t cover leaking pipes.

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Fall Chimney Cleaning/RepairGetting an annual chimney cleaning is an important bit of maintenance. The buildup of creosote in your fireplace, woodstove and chimney isunavoidable. A natural byproduct of the wood-burning process, creosote formsablackandpowdery,flaky,orglazedcoatingon the insideofyourchimney.Creosote isapotentialfirehazard: it’s theprimary fuel inmostchimneyfires.Creosoteandsootmayalsoreducethedraftanddiminishtheefficiencyofyourheatingsystem.

If your chimney is blocked by leaves, bird nests or other debris or is not airtight due to a crack/break in the flue tile, carbonmonoxidemay seepinto your home unnoticed. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similartothoseoftheflu:headaches,fatigueandnausea.Ifundetected,thisodorless, colorless gas can be fatal. An annual chimney inspection, cleaning and repair will give you peace of mind.

Christmas Tree Collection ScheduleAsinpastyears,ChristmastreeswillbecollectedduringthefirsttwoFULLweeksofthenewyear for all single-family homes. These are the weeks of of January 5-9, and January 12-16, 2015 on your regular garbage day. Please remember, you must remove ALL ornaments, wire, lights garland, etc., for the tree to be collected.

Residents of apartments and manufactured housing parks should check with your management officetofindoutyourcollectionschedule.

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

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

To find out what YOU can do to have safe walkways and prevent chloride pollution of our waters, visit HTTP://MOOURL.COM/CLEANWATERTIP8 or check out a short 1-minute

video of winter salting tips at home at HTTP://MOOURL.COM/WINTERSALTVIDEO .Information provided by Coon Creek Watershed District

763-755-0975 or WWW.COONCREEKWD.ORG).

Outdoor Wood-Burners (Boiler)Due to rising fuel costs, homeowners may be seeking alternative means to reduce heating bills. If you are considering installing an outdoor wood-burning furnace, you must meet the following guidelines. Due to smoke nuisance concerns, wood-burning furnaces are only allowed on lots 2.5 acres or greater. In addition, wood burners cannot be installed closer than 50 feet from property lines.

A building permit and inspection are required for all mechanical work associated with installation. Please contact Building Inspections

at 763-785-6170 with questions.

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

Office visits with Mayor Ryan areheld in the Laddie Lake Conference RoomlocatedonthesecondfloorofBlaine City Hall.

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.

Three Highest Paid PositionsMinnesota state law, Chapter 156 of the Session Laws of 2005, requires that “a city or county with a population of more than 15,000 must annually notify its residents of the positions and base salaries of its three highest-paid employees.” For the City of Blaine, names, titles, and salaries are as follows:

Clark ArnesonCity Manager – $149,676.18

Joseph HussFinance Director – $126,820.52

Bryan SchaferPlanning and Community Development Director – $125,846.60

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Santa Parade& Santa Parade&

Food Shelf CollectionSBM Fire Department

December 1 thru 4

The Spring Lake Park Fire Department is proud to announce the Santa Parade for the communities of Spring Lake Park, Blaine, and Mounds View. Along with the Fire Department, there will be vehicles from the community police departments and emergency services. Non-perishable food items will be collected for local food shelves.The Parade will start at 6:30 pm on days/routes listed below. Non-perishable food items can also be brought to Station One located in Spring Lake Park during that week.

Visit the SBM Fire Department website at WWW.SBMFIRE.COM for additional information.

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

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

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

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

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

• If shopping with children, keep the following advice in mind for everyone’s safety:

• Ensure any children with you know your cell phone number. Give cards with contact information to any who do not.

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

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

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

Dec. 1 - West BlaineParade Start: 131st Ave and Jefferson St

Dec. 2 - East BlaineParade Start: Rice Creek Pkwy and Xylite StDec. 3 - The Lakes in BlaineParade Start: Eldorado St and 113th Ave

Dec. 4 - MoundsviewParade Start: Arden Ave and Spring Lake Park Rd

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

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Winter/Spring Programs Available Online November 10

Visit BLAINEPARKS.COM.

Free Indoor Concert Series

Finding ChristmasThe Lake Country Chorus join voices with the North Star Chorus to begin your holiday season in “Finding Christmas”. Join us as we search for the true meaning of Christmas.DATE: Tuesday, December 2TIME: 7 pm

A Morning at the North PoleSpend the morning with your family at the North Pole! We will take a picture of your kids with Santa and email it to you or bring your own camera for pictures with Santa. Fee includes continental breakfast for one child and one adult. , crafts for one child, and a visit with Santa. Maximum 25 kids per time.DATES: Saturdays, December 6 or 13TIMES: 9, 10, 11 or NoonTIMES: $10 per child resident $11 per child non-resident Fee includes Adult, additional Adults are $2 each.

More information about Parks & Recreation programs is available at 763-785-6164 or in the current Recreation Connection online at WWW.BLAINEPARKS.COM .

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For more information on the Senior Center daily activity schedule, or to be added to the Senior Center monthly newsletter,

please contact Shelley or Ann at 763-786-9375.

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

For more detailed information about these trips, call 763-785-6164 . Casino trips depart and return to the Senior Center.

Portrait PhotographyYou will learn everything from posing and lighting guides to clothing and location suggestions. Learn what to look for and what to watch out for when photographing people. Requirements: Properly functioning camera and manual. Tripod if available. Class held at Blaine City Hall Cloverleaf Room.

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

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

First AidA 4-hour course for anyone interested in or required to implement first aid training in an environment serving adult populations. Class does not meet the needs of health care providers. Held at SBM Fire Station 3. Fee includes AHA First Aid Manual.

DATE: Wednesday, November 19TIME: 6 – 10 pmFEE: $45

Find out more about these programs and others online at BLAINEPARKS.COM

or call 763-785-6164.

FACEBOOK.COM/BLAINEPARKSMN

TWITTER.COM/BLAINEPARKSMN

Jail BailersDATE: Tuesday, December 9TIME: 8:20 am – 5:45 pmFEE: $67

Buddy - The Buddy Holly StoryDATE: Thursday, December 18TIME: 8:45 am – 3:15 pmFEE: $52

Frozen Muscial Theater ClassWe will dance and sing to the music from Frozen and put on a show! Everyone will learn how to put together a professional show from start to finish. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes and bring a nut free snack and a beverage. Friends and family are invited to observe a special performance during the last 30 minutes of the last day. Held at Sunnyside Park Building.

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

Lego Wedo RoboticsBuild a Lego eating alligator and program it! For more details, please visit the website at YouthEnrichmentLeague.com. Program held at Blaine City Hall Cloverleaf Room B.

GRADES: 1 to 5DATES: Saturdays, December 6, 13, & 20TIME: 10 am to NoonFEE: $51 residents / $56 non-resident

Find out more about these programs and others online at BLAINEPARKS.COM

or call 763-785-6164 .

Youth Activities

Adult Activities

Community Outings

Parks and RecreationBlaine

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

The City’s snow and ice policy is available online at HTTP://WWW.CI.BLAINE.MN.US/

INDEX.CFM?ID=40229.

A Friendly Winter Vehicle Reminderfrom the Blaine Police DepartmentWinter in Minnesota is inevitable. And so is remembering our winter driving and vehicle skills.

The Blaine Police Department would like to remind you of a few vehicle safety tips this winter:

If you must warm your vehicle before you leave:

• Lock the door and don’t let the vehicle out of your site. Many winter auto thefts occur because of an easy opportunity.

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

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

• Never, ever leave an unattended child in your vehicle. It takes a few minutes to remove the child from his/her car seat. Take the extra time and bring them inside with you – this includes gas stations, convenience stores or restaurants. “I was only in there for a few minutes” isn’t an excuse and can put your child at risk if someone decides to take the opportunity you left for them by stealing your car.

Whenthefirstsnow/slushhits theground,take your time and slow down. Stopping distances increase – and just because your car has anti-lock brakes doesn’t mean you’ll stop before hitting the car in front of you. Don’t speed up to make it through that yellowtraffic light.Slowdownandpreparefor the red light to follow.

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

Is it Legal to Snowmobile in Blaine?The short answer is “yes”, but there are a number of State and local regulations which limit the use of a snowmobile in the City of Blaine. Generally, there is no snowmobile use west of Hwy 65. Snowmobiles may not be used in any area zoned R-1, on any public property, or public roadways. To use a snowmobile on private property, the rider must have written permission from the property owner in their possession. There are a number of other requirements that also need to be followed. Before riding, check to make sure you are following all State and local requirements.

For State of Minnesota rules visit: HTTP://BIT.LY/SNOWMOBILE-MNDNR

For City of Blaine rules visit: HTTP://BIT.LY/SNOWMOBILE-BLAINECODE

Winter Parking RestrictionsCity plow trucks generally begin plowing after two inches of snow has fallen. To avoid a citation, keep vehicles off city streets until they have been plowedfromcurbtocurb.Thiswillensurethattheplowdriverscanfinishthejobsafelyandefficiently.Thebelowordinancewillgointoeffectmid-November.

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

Sec. 82-152. Parking during snowfall:

It shall be unlawful to park or permit to be parked, or to continue to park or permit to stand, any vehicle upon any street after two inches (2”) or more of snowfall, until such

time as the snow has been plowed from the street, curb to curb.

Please Keep Fire Hydrants ClearThe 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.

10801 Town Square Drive NEBlaine, MN 55449-8101

763-784-6700

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAID TWIN CITIES, MNPermit No. 29418

ECRWSSPOSTAL CUSTOMER

DATED MATERIALPREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER

POSTMASTER: TIME SENSITIVE MAIL

The 7th Annual Blaine World Fest was held Saturday, September 20 from 1-4 pm. Approximately 1000 people came out to see the 8 entertainment groups and sample food from 10 local restaurants. Cultures represented in this year’s entertainment included Asian dance, Indian dance, Afro-Brazilian Capoeira, Mexican dance, Russian &Ukrainiansongs,Appalachiandance,andWest African drums.

New this year was the Spin Zone featuring toys from around theworld such as flags,ribbons, crystal sticks, Chinese yo-yo, balance board, hula hoops, and juggling. People were also able to write their name in Chinese, learn simple Japanese phrases, learn Chinese relaxation techniques, make a craft, and browse hand-made Hmong crafts.

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

Twelve volunteer students from Centennial and Spring Lake Park High Schools carried flags and assisted in crafts and clean up.Four Arts Council members also volunteered their time to lead the kids’ crafts.

Celebrating Cultures, Cuisine, Dance,

Music, and Art fromAround the World

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

Thank You to Our 2014 Sponsors !

Mark your calendars for next year’s festival,

Saturday, May 16, 2015!

Professional Photography provided by