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Otsego View Winter 20172017 WINTER NEWSLETTER WHAT’S INSIDE! 03 Mayor’s Corner 06 Community Spotlight: Gifts Anonymous 08 Otsego Heritage Preservation Commission 11 PARKS & RECREATION Fall/Winter Programs www.ci.otsego.mn.us • cityhall@ci.otsego.mn.us • 13400 90th Street NE, Otsego • 763.441.4414 PHOTO CONTEST Thank you to all who shared their talent in this year’s photography contest. We received 52 amazing photos that showcased the beauty of Otsego! All entries can be viewed on the city website (www.ci.otsego.mn.us). 2017 Viewer’s Choice Congratulations to Photographer Chris Preimesberger! t CITY HALL Address: 13400 90th Street NE Phone: 763.441.4414 Website: www.ci.otsego.mn.us Email: cityhall@ci.otsego.mn.us Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 am to 5 pm & Friday 8 am to 12 pm PRAIRIE CENTER (Council Chambers) 8899 Nashua Avenue NE TELEPHONE NUMBERS Department of Building Safety: 763.441.2593 Utility Billing: 763.441.2310 After Hours Emergency Service: 1.877.274.6492 Parks and Recreation: 763.235.3148 CITY COUNCIL MAYOR Jessica Stockamp: jstockamp@ci.otsego.mn.us COUNCILMEMBERS Vern Heidner: vheidner@ci.otsego.mn.us Tom Darkenwald: tdarkenwald@ci.otsego.mn.us Jason Warehime: jwarehime@ci.otsego.mn.us Corey Tanner: ctanner@ci.otsego.mn.us CITY STAFF City Administrator/Finance Director: Adam Flaherty City Clerk: Tami Loff City Planner: Daniel Licht City Engineer: Ron Wagner Parks and Recreation Director: Ross Demant Street Operations Manager: Kevin Lamson Utility Manager: Kurt Neidermeier MEETING SCHEDULE City Council: 2nd and 4th Monday of the Month. Planning Commission: 1st and 3rd Monday of the Month. Parks & Recreation Commission: 3rd Tuesday of the Month. Heritage Preservation Commission: 2nd Tuesday of the Month. Public Safety Commission: 2nd Tuesday of the Month . *Meeting dates are subject to change; call city hall to confirm dates and times. EDITOR Otsego View Editor: Tami Loff FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Call Greg Anzelc at 763.551.3726 or email Community@PrimeAdvertising.com PrimeAdvertising.com • MyPrimeGuide.com © Copyright 2017. City of Otsego and Prime Advertising & Design, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the publisher. Printed in the United States of America. This publication is a community service and the City of Otsego and Prime Advertising & Design, Inc. do not make any warranty of any kind with regard to the services or products of the advertisers herein. The City of Otsego and Prime Advertising & Design, Inc. do not assume any responsibility or liability for any of the content within this publication and for any errors or omissions to such content and reserve the right to not publish any material. The costs of the publication are offset by the advertisers. Prime Advertising & Design, Inc. is in control of the advertising content of this publication. SANTA DAY Santa Claus (real) is coming to town on Saturday, December 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Prairie Center! This annual event hosted by the Parks and Recreation Commission is in its tenth year. Planned activities include children visiting with Santa Claus, cookies and hot chocolate, and horse drawn sleigh rides for the whole family. Quality Photo will also be present to take pictures of your children with Santa for purchase or you may bring a camera and take your own. People attending are also encouraged to bring food goods for donation to CAER in the spirit of the season. Overnight Boarding 1st dog $32/day 2nd dog $26/day 3rd dog $15/day Overnight Boarding 1st dog $32/day 2nd dog $26/day 3rd dog $15/day Grooming Self Bath $15 Staff Bath $25 Nail Trim $7 Grooming Self Bath $15 Staff Bath $25 Nail Trim $7 Doggie Day Care 1/2 day (1-6 hrs) $15/day Full day (6-12 hrs) $23/day Doggie Day Care 1/2 day (1-6 hrs) $15/day Full day (6-12 hrs) $23/day Open from 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week. Call 763.441.8102 or visit RinTinInnKennel.com Ask about our Doggie Day Care Packages! Ask about our Doggie Day Care Packages! 2 | 2017 Winter Otsego View [ Mayor’s Corner ] GREETINGS NEIGHBORS! The City Council has always made the safety of the community a top priority. The City works together with the Wright County Sheriff’s Office to provide contracted local police protection services 24/7 within Otsego. Otsego has been contracting for law enforcement services with the Wright County Sheriff’s Office for over 25 years. In 2003, Otsego achieved 24-hours-a-day coverage and maintained that level of service until 2005, when the coverage increased to 32 hours a day. In 2007, Otsego again increased the law enforcement contract to 40 hours a day, which is the current level of coverage. This approach provides a high level of protection in the most cost-effective manner given the extensive resources of the Wright County Sheriff’s Office. An important part of their service to Otsego is that the Wright County Sheriff’s Office assigns individual Deputies to regular patrol shifts within the City so that they become familiar with the community and any local issues that require more directed attention. Otsego has experienced a 23% increase in population since the last law enforcement increase back in 2007. Along with the increase in population over the past 10 years, Otsego also has seen substantial growth in commercial and industrial districts, including the opening of two additional schools during that time. With this growth comes extra demands on law enforcement services: • Heavier volume of vehicle traffic that creates a larger demand on the Deputies to promote safety on the roadways within Otsego to reduce traffic crashes and enforce traffic laws. • Residents and business owners moving into Otsego have an expectation of a visible law enforcement presence and quick response to their calls for service. • Nature of calls take longer to investigate than in years past due to complexity (e.g. fraud, identity theft). • The need to stay ahead of trends and patterns such that law enforcement is proactive in their patrol habits. • Deputies need the ability to maintain a call load that allows them discretionary time to detect and deter crimes; actively patrol neighborhoods; work high traffic-volume areas. The City Council will be increasing the law enforcement contract to 48 hours for 2018 in consideration of these factors, and will review the level of service from the Wright County Sheriff’s Office as needed to ensure that Otsego continues to be a safe community. The Wright County Sheriff’s Office has developed a great working relationship with the citizens of Otsego. At the same time, the City and Wright County Sheriff’s Office need to continue the open lines of communications to solve crimes and have residents feel comfortable reporting suspicious activity by calling 911. MAYOR Jessica Stockamp Sheriff Joe Hagerty Our Area’s Preferred Eye Care Specialists It’s Cool to be Cool… But make sure your eyes are protected in winter. The glare of snow and sun can be especially hard on your vision. Check out our new Oakley wall and eyewear! Please visit our website at dojokarate.com Buffalo • Elk River • Maple Grove • Medina • Monticello • Rogers • Waconia Mighty Dragons Classes Also Available for Kids Ages 3+ Kick IT INTO Gear! $14 95 1 Month of Karate Classes w/ FREE Uniform Expires 2.28.18 www.ci.otsego.mn.us | 3 FIRE SAFETY In 2016, fires caused over $259 million in damages to properties in Minnesota, a 16% increase compared to the previous year. Tragically, 43 people lost their lives and countless others were injured. It serves as a primary mission of the fire service to prevent fires and other emergencies from occurring in the first place. We need to collectively work together to eliminate fires. As we approach the winter season, here are some great tips to keep you and your family safe. • Install and maintain carbon monoxide (CO) alarms inside your home to provide early warning of CO. • Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, space heaters or candles. • Never use an oven to heat your home. • Turn space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. • Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected each year by a professional. • Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or sparks jumping out. • Put ashes in a metal container with a lid, outside, at least three feet from your home. • Have your furnace and fireplace inspected each year. The City of Otsego receives contracted fire protection services from our neighboring communities of Elk River, Albertville and Rogers. Please see the Fire Districts map on the City website to determine which department services your area. DID YOU KNOW? The Otsego Park System Has: • 13 Parks – Lily Pond Park – Norin Landing – Kitteredge Park – Zimmer Farms Park – Beaudry Park – Prairie Park – Lefebvre Creek Greenway – Wilson Preserve – Davis Park Preserve – School Knoll Park – Carrick’s Landing – Northwood Park – Frankfort Park • Over 22 miles of paved trails • 6 Tennis Courts, 3 Pickleball Courts, 8 Basketball Courts • 6 Baseball Fields, 4 Soccer Fields • Dog Park • Archery Range • Skate Park • 9 Shelters Otsego Recreation • Provides programs for ages 2- Active Adults. • Provides programs to humans and dogs. • Partners with over 40 local businesses generating over $11,000 in sponsorships throughout the year to provide free community events. • Works with over 100 volunteers annually generating over 900 volunteer hours. • Offered over 100 programs and special events in 2016 which had an estimated 17,000 participants in attendance. • The look of the Rec website was just updated. Check it out! Ice Rinks Located at Prairie Park, 13400 90th Street NE Hours are from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. • There is a hockey rink and a pleasure skating rink. • The rinks are lighted. NEW! This year we will have a heated shelter available to change into your skates and warm up! Depending on weather we try to open the rinks by Christmas break and keep them open until Presidents’ Day. 250 E. Broadway, Monticello 763-295-2918 peterson-grimsmochapel.com 805 Main Street NW, Elk River 763-441-1212 daresfuneralservice.com We oer many options in both traditional burial and cremation services, allowing families to personalize funeral or memorial services for their loved ones. A Tradition of Quality Funeral Care 4 | 2017 Winter Otsego View SNOWMOBILING IN OTSEGO Snowmobiling continues to be an enjoyable, safe winter activity in Otsego due to the efforts of Otsego River Riders who work together with the City and local land owners to answer questions or address concerns related to snowmobiling in the community. The Otsego River Riders Club also maintains 17 miles of groomed trails within Otsego including posting all directional and warning signs. Education about snowmobiling is also an important part of the Otsego River Riders’ activities. The Otsego River Riders annually host youth safety classes to teach about safe snowmobile operation as well as provide information about local and state laws. This year’s dates are Thursday, November 30 and Saturday, December 2. To register or for more information please see the City of Otsego Parks and Recreation website. The City Council greatly appreciates the efforts of the Otsego River Riders and would encourage snowmobilers in the community to support them. Information regarding the Otsego River Riders is available on their website at www.otsegoriverriders.com. The City Council also appreciates that all snowmobilers in the community be safe and respectful of their neighbors while enjoying their rides. • Otsego River Riders website: www.otsegoriverriders.com • Otsego City’s Code regulating snowmobiling can be found on the City website at www.ci.otsego.mn.us • Information on statewide snowmobile trails and regulations can be found at www.dnr.state.mn.us/snowmobiling *Offers are product and community specifi c and may not be combined. Values on special offers are approximate, retail value of complimentary washer and dryer valued at $1,350. Offer available on select inventory homes in Laurel Creek if the purchase agreement is fully executed between 10/30/17 and 11/30/17 and closes and fully funds on or before 12/30/17. Purchase agreements fully executed prior to 10/30/17 are excluded. Offers, incentives and seller contributions are subject to certain terms, conditions and restrictions, which may include use of designated lenders and closing agents. Certain incentives could affect the loan amount. Offer good for a limited time only. Lennar reserves the right to change or withdraw any offer at any time. Offer is subject to borrower meeting approval guidelines. Contact a Loan Offi cer for fi nancing details, or a New Home Consultant for home purchase details. Elevations of a home may vary and we reserve the right to substitute and /or modify design and materials, in our sole opinion and without notice. Please see your actual home purchase agreement for additional information, disclosures and disclaimers related to the home and its features. †Source - BATC, 2016 Top 25 Builders List. Visit Lennar.com or see a Lennar New Home Consultant for further details and important legal disclaimers. This is not an offer in states where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. Copyright © 2017 Lennar Corporation. All rights reserved. Lennar and the Lennar logo are U.S. registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. U.S. Home Corporationd/b/a Lennar – Lennar Sales Corp. – Broker License #40021205. MN Bldr. Lic # BC001413. (23262) 10/23/17 Find your Dream Home at Complimentary Washer & Dryer* with the purchase of a home at Laurel Creek Bring in this coupon for a Fe a t u r i n g S i n g l e - F a m i l y , on e - l e v e l t o w n h o m e s , V i l l a s & t w o - s t o r y t o w n h o m e s LENNAR.COM 877-203-7086 www.ci.otsego.mn.us | 5 GIFTS ANONYMOUS BRINGS THE MAGIC OF THE SEASON TO THOSE IN NEED The most wonderful time of the year can be one of uncertainty and stress for many in our community. Added expenses for things like heating costs and winter clothing leave little room in the budget for toys or other gifts for family members. In 1970, a group of educators from ISD 728 recognized this need and created an organization to provide Christmas gifts for children (birth to age 18) in low-income families in Otsego and Elk River. In 2016, Gifts Anonymous expanded to include homebound or disadvantaged senior citizens. Donation barrels were placed at more than 40 drop-off locations at local businesses last year. Donations of gifts and money then served 286 families, including 686 children and 80 seniors. Gifts Anonymous is a non-profit organization administered by a Board of Directors and funded solely by donations of new, unwrapped gifts and money. The program relies on the support of businesses and individuals in the area who donate or volunteer. Local organizations host fundraisers throughout the year, including restaurant dining events and the Otsego Lions’ annual fall kickball tournament. The organization works closely with Wright and Sherburne County representatives, school social workers, and CAER to find families in need. Registration for the program opened to Otsego and Elk River residents on November 13. When a family signs up, they select a time to come to Otsego’s Prairie Center to select gifts for their children. Gift-wrapping stations are also available. Gifts Anonymous board member and Otsego resident Jamie Reznicek suggests several ways that businesses and residents can lend their support. “Businesses can become a collection site and host fundraisers for their employees or customers, even something as simple as Denim Day, when employees can wear jeans if they make a donation,” Reznicek says. “Holiday parties are also great for collecting donations.” In partnership with Meals on Wheels and CAER, Gifts Anonymous also puts together a gift for homebound or otherwise disadvantaged seniors. These gift packages will be dropped off the week of Christmas. Email info@giftsanonymous.org or call 612.470.4438 if you know someone who might benefit from this program. As the need for donations has grown over the years, so has the need for volunteers. Individuals and groups are encouraged to contact Gifts Anonymous organizers to learn how they can help. Visit www.giftsanonymous.org or the organization’s Facebook page to learn more and to view a list of suggested donations, including gifts for boys and teens. 9010 Quantrelle Ave. NE, #109, Otsego, MN 55330 NMLS #1504997. MN #MN-BR-1504997. WI #1504997BA. Corp. NMLS #1796. Purchase/Refinance, FHA/VA, USDA, Jumbo, Reverse Mortgage, Manufactured Homes, and Multiple Properties Financing Choose Land Home as Your Residential Mortgage Lender! Your Preferred Community Lender sm Land Home Financial Services, Inc. is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender & only conducts business in states licensed and approved to. Call your loan officer for details. Not a commitment to lend. 9010 Quantrelle Ave. NE, Suite 109, Otsego, MN 55330. www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org 5-2-17 612.999.2322 BAKE UP SOME HOLIDAY MEMORIES! 763-428-6464 Pharmacy: 763-428-6080 13855 Rogers Dr, Rogers cub.com 6 | 2017 Winter Otsego View To make a monetary donation (cash or check), stop in at any of The Bank of Elk River locations, or mail your check to: Gifts Anonymous, PO Box 576, Otsego, MN 55330. Board of Directors President: Jessica Stockamp Vice-President: Amy Berthiaume 2nd Vice-President: Colleen Bernard Secretary: Mary Murphy Treasurer: Jamie Reznicek GIFTS ANONYMOUS Gifts Anonymous is a program that has been in place since 1970, assisting local families from Otsego and Elk River who are unable to provide Christmas gifts for their children, by collecting gifts and money at locations throughout the community, and then allows parents to shop for gifts for their own children onsite. We are busy making plans for this season’s toy distribution in December at Prairie Center in Otsego. Last year’s donations provided gifts to over 645 kids from the Otsego and Elk River area. If you would like to donate new toys, collection boxes will be available now through December 15th at local businesses and organizations. If you are interested in making a cash donation, the donation can be dropped off at The Bank of Elk River under the Otsego Lions GA account – the account # is 135829. For more information about Otsego Lions-Gifts Anonymous, please visit their webpage at www.giftsanonyomous.org, on Facebook, or call 612.470.GIFT. Thank you to the community for your continued support! GIFTS ANONYMOUS Creating a point of interest. Your home! 5600 Queens Ave., Otsego (2 miles north of I-94 on Highway 101)763-497-4407 FocalPointFlooring.com 12550 W. Frontage Road, Burnsville, MN 55337 • 952-808-1412 Flooring • Cabinets • Countertops • Hunter Douglas Blinds • Design Assistance 10% DISCOUNT! IF YOU SHOW THIS AD www.ci.otsego.mn.us | 7 OTSEGO’S HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION PRESENTS…SARAH CONNETT Not many of us can trace our heritage to the beginnings of a city. Sarah Connett can. Sarah is a direct descendent of the first permanent white settler in Otsego: John McDonald and his second wife, Zilpah. The youngest in a family of 8 children, Sarah was born to Edna Davis and Orrin Peavey in 1924 in what is now known as the Sorenson house1. Sarah’s family had 40 acres around the house that included a gravel pit, from which they would sometimes sell gravel for 25 cents a load. Sarah’s dad Orrin also worked in his blacksmith shop on their property. Sarah spent a lot of time in her father’s shop and remembers she and her friends putting on “plays” on the wide entrance (it was big enough for farm equipment to enter for repairs). Her dad would yell for them to “get out of the way!” when he would plunge a red-hot piece of metal into a rain barrel outside. Sarah and her best friend, Marie Vail, always loved creating and performing plays, even without an audience. They would often use the piano and stage at the school in Otsego, where Marie’s dad worked as a janitor. Southwest of the house was a tabernacle where church “meetings” were held in the summer and people would camp. Sarah loved it when the church was still in Otsego because there would be plays, singing, and gatherings there as well. She doesn’t know why the church eventually closed, but she remembers that there were local dances in people’s homes or barns after. When Sarah was three or four, the Lily Pond School burned down. Sarah remembers she was so glad because then she wouldn’t have to go to school! As Sarah grew older, she learned to enjoy school and the many other activities Otsego had to offer. “Kitten” or softball was a perennial favorite–they had teams and would compete with other schools. In the summer, her mother would take them to the river to go swimming if she weeded the carrots first (which she hated!) They could not go alone. They loved swimming to a big rock in the water – local rumor was that it was a meteor – that was fun to climb. In the winter, the children could slide down the big hill and right onto the river when it was frozen over. When Sarah was 14, they walked across the river and went into downtown Elk River to get a ham sandwich for 10 cents and a Coke for 5 cents and walked back home without their parents knowing! The farmers brought their milk into Otsego by sleigh in the winter and kids would catch a ride with them to school. Sarah’s family moved across the street into what became known as the McDonald house2 when she started high school. Sometimes Sarah could earn 25 cents ironing shirts at a neighbor’s house. She hated ironing, especially when the mistress would ask, “Is that all the further you are?” There were usually eight shirts she had ironed and four more to do. After graduating from high school, Sarah left Otsego and went to work in Anoka as a sales clerk, as there wasn’t money for more schooling. Sarah lost her first husband, Leslie Lange, to cancer, leaving her with two sons to raise. With her second husband, she added three more sons and one daughter. They are a close and successful family today with many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also, Sarah loves and misses all the dogs she has had in her life! Times could be tough in the early days of Otsego, but the people were tougher. Although Sarah broke both hips within the last year and is now using a walker, her mind and her wits are as sharp and strong as ever. At 93 years young, we salute Sarah for her perseverance, her passion for life, her sense of humor, and especially for sharing HERstory with us at the Otsego Heritage Preservation Commission. 1 The Sorenson house still exists today. It is situated across from where the McDonald/Peavey house once sat. 2 The McDonald/Peavey house was deconstructed in 2012, but you can find its location on the Otsego Driving Tour map which is available in the Prairie Center or online on the City of Otsego website. In the City Government dropdown list, choose Heritage Preservation Commission and look for the link along the right side. Sarah Connett being pulled by older sister Laura The well-traveled path from the blacksmith’s shop, across the road to the McDonald Peavey house 8 | 2017 Winter Otsego View JUVENILE CURFEW Parents should be aware of the established curfew hours for minors. Except when accompanied by a parent or other guardian, or under specific circumstances outlined by the City Code, persons under the age of 18 may not be in any public place or establishment during the following hours: • Under 16 years of age: Between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. each day of the week. • Age 16 or 17: Between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday-Thursday; 12 midnight and 5 a.m. Friday-Saturday. The full curfew ordinance is Chapter 5, Section 3 of the City Code and is available by contacting City Hall or on the City’s website under Codes/Ordinances. MAIL BOX Check your mailbox, post, and support arms for items which are deteriorated, loosely constructed or in disrepair. Suggestions: • Tighten loose hinges • Take care of rusty or loose parts • Replace missing or faded house numbers • Check to make sure wood post is not deteriorated or metal post is not rusted A minimum 30” clearance from the ground must be maintained for snow removal. The City will not replace damaged mail boxes caused by snow removal if 30” of clearance is not provided. Let Us Do the Shopping for You! ~ Request a Quote Today ~ 763.241.7900 northcentralinsurance.com 16854 Hwy 10 NW • Elk River Auto, Home, Business, Life, Health Insurance Do you have a special memory or photo of Otsego that you would be willing to share? The Otsego Heritage Preservation Commission wants to hear from you, whether you have been here most of your life or are new to the city. What brought you here? What do you enjoy about living here or think makes it special? We believe we are all a part of making history and look forward to hearing from you! EEO/AA River view L anding Coming to Otsego in 2018! Call today for more information. 763.746.3400 www.ci.otsego.mn.us | 9 John McDonald Zilpah McDonald Lewis McDonald Climena Spencer Laura McDonald Orion Peavey Orrin Peavey Edna Davis Sarah Connett REPORT STREET LIGHTS OUT With the end of Daylight Savings Time, more people notice when a street light is not working. If you observe a street light not working, please contact City Hall at 763.441.4414 to report it. City staff will contact the appropriate utility to have the street light repaired to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians. PROPERTY TAX INFORMATION The City Council will hold the annual Truth-In-Taxation meeting at 7:00 p.m. on December 11, 2017 to review the proposed 2018 City Budget and property tax levy. The public is invited to attend the meeting to offer comments and/or ask questions. If you have any questions or comments regarding the proposed budget and tax levy you may also contact the City Administrator/Finance Director at 763.441.4414. The City Council attended the Nystrom Ribbon Cutting Riverview Landing groundbreaking celebration! Making Winter Cleaning Easier!$10 OFF Any Repair Service Trade in and Save up to $300 on the Purchase Price of Any New Vacuum OsseoVacuum.com | 763-425-9666 608 Central Ave, Osseo Try Before You Buy! 763-241-0125 • ElkRiverKarate.com • 15613 90th St. NE, Otsego 10 | 2017 Winter Otsego View 2017-18 WINTER & SPRING PROGRAMS Otsego Parks and Recreation, through its employees and volunteers, is committed to preserving heritage while providing quality and innovative services, parks, and programs to residents and visitors. Registration is available online or call 763.235.3148. DOG SLEDDING CLASS ALL AGES WELCOME Silent Run Adventures offers you a chance to learn all you need to know about the awesome sport of dog sledding in an up-close and personal way. After the presentation, you will meet and have the exciting opportunity to be pulled in a dogsled by a beautiful team of Siberian Huskies. You are sure to leave with memories that will last a lifetime and make some new 4-legged friends. You will want to mark this adventure off of your bucket list! SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 2 sessions: Limited number of space so register early! 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. or 11:00 - 1:00 p.m., Prairie Center $20 | Kids 4 and under free with paid adult. To register, please visit otsegoparksrec.com or call 763.235.3148. OTSEGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 8125 River Rd NE, Otsego, MN 55330 Park Nicollet Clinic—Rogers 13688 Rogers Drive Internal Medicine and Pediatrics appointments: 952-977-0300 parknicollet.com/rogers Same-day appointments available. www.ci.otsego.mn.us | 11 KOO KOO KANGA ROO DANCE PARTY Come and bring all your friends and party with the amazing dance duo of Koo Koo Kanga Roo. Bryan and Neil have entertained audiences all over the country. You won’t want to miss this concert. Check them out on YouTube! THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Prairie View Elementary (12220 80th St NE, Otsego) 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. $10 PRE-SUPER BOWL PARTY AGES 4-7 Are you ready for some football? Let’s celebrate and have our own party. Kids will be creating their very own original Super bowl commercial (available to download after the party). Kids will practice basic football skills by running through an indoor obstacle courses, football themed crafts and snacks will also be provided. Wear your favorite football team apparel. (MN Vikings) SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 2018 (Deadline to Register: Monday, January 22, 2018) 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. $15 TOT BASKETBALL CAMP AGES 3-4 This camp is all about the basics! Campers will learn good techniques in dribbling, shooting and the defensive stance. Developing and improving motor skills and fitness is the focus of this camp in a fun atmosphere! SATURDAYS, 4 SESSIONS February 24 - March 17, 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. $35 PRINCESS PARTY AGES 3-6 At this party, your princess will have story time, arts and crafts (tiaras and wands), musical games, princess snack and lots of fun! Dreams really do come true at this Princess Party. Dress-up is highly encouraged. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2018 (Deadline to Register: Monday, February 12, 2018) 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m, Prairie Center $15 BASIC DANCE AGES 3-4 In this class, your child will learn basic creative dance movements in a fun, interactive and musical atmosphere. Students are encouraged to wear leotards or shorts, sweatpants and t-shirts. Please tie back long hair. TUESDAYS, 4 SESSIONS November 28 - December 19, 6:00 - 6:30 p.m. $35 INTRODUCTION TO TUMBLING AGE 2 In this toddler-and-me class, your child will be introduced to gymnastics and will develop coordination by learning balance, flexibility, rhythm and mat exercises. Students are encouraged to wear leotards or shorts, sweatpants, and t-shirts. Parents are expected to participate with their child. THURSDAYS, 4 SESSIONS January 4 - January 25, 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. March 1 - March 22, 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. $35 12 | To register, please visit otsegoparksrec.com or call 763.235.3148. TUMBLING BASICS AGES 3-4 In this class, children will learn the basic skill of gymnastics in a safe environment by learning a variety of mat exercise, low balance beam, vault and tumbling exercises. Students are encouraged to wear leotards or shorts, sweatpants and t-shirts. Please tie back long hair. THURSDAYS, 4 SESSIONS January 4 - January 25, 6:00 - 6:40 p.m. March 1 - March 22, 6:00 - 6:40 p.m. $35 TINY TOTS OPEN PLAY TIME AGES NEWBORN-5 WITH PARENTS Kids bring your caretakers to this super-fun open playtime. Come meet up with your future classmates and learn skills. We will read stories, do crafts, and play. WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS 10:00 - 11:30 a.m., Prairie Center Please check the website for days that we are not meeting. $3 EACH TIME OTSEGO PARKS & REC DAYS AT THE HOLIDAY INN WATERPARK Get out and enjoy one of the gems of Otsego. The Holiday Inn and Water Park is pairing up and offering Parks and Recreation Days throughout the fall and winter months. All kids and parents who are swimming pay only $5 each and parents who are watching and not swimming are free!!! All kids must be accompanied by an adult. Deadline to register online is one day before the event or $10 each swimmer at the door. Otsego Holiday Inn, 9200 Quaday Ave NE, Otsego, MN SUNDAYS JANUARY 14 & FEBRUARY 18 Noon - 4:00 p.m. $5 online registration only or $10 at door. Deadline to register online is Saturday, January 13 and Saturday, February 17. Minneapolis NW - Elk River Wild Woods Water Park Mississippi Valley Grill & Bar To register, please visit otsegoparksrec.com or call 763.235.3148. Providing personalized care for women of all ages including OB/Gyn, midwives and more, Stellis Health is located in Albertville, Buffalo and Monticello with Urgent Care on evenings, weekends and holidays. Call 763.684.8300 today to schedule your same-day appointment. stellishealth.com Think of us for women’s healthcare. Serving the Northwest Communities for More Than Two Decades Dreaming of a Beautiful Lawn? Call Jeremy’s Lawn Service Today! Mowing | Trimming | Weed Control | Fertilizing Shrub Trimming | Ground Maintenance | Snow Removal 612.685.0392 JeremysLawnService.com Residential | Townhome | Commercial Maintenance Best Lawn Care Service! www.ci.otsego.mn.us | 13 NEW! PAWS IN THE PARK Introducing our newest program, Otsego Parks and Rec will be hosting community events for our four-legged friends and their owners throughout the year. For safety, please have your dogs leashed during PAWS events. SANTA PAWS TUESDAY December 12, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Prairie Center Photos with Santa – please bring your own camera. Paradise Paws Spa will be handing out doggie bags full of wonderful goodies! There will be a drawing, treats for you and your dog. Please visit our website for more info. Mark your 2018 calendars: Hoppin Hounds Egg Hunt: Saturday, March 24, 12:30 - 1 p.m. YOUTH SNOWMOBILE TRAINING Students can register if they will be 12 years of age or older by January 1, 2018. Students 16 years or older are encouraged to do the online training found at the Minnesota DNR website. There will be an outdoor driving course on December 2nd. So students need to dress for the weather and bring a helmet. The driving test will be held with or without snow in the parking lot. This is a two-day class and both sessions must be attended to pass the certification. Must pre-register by November 28, 2017 and bring child’s birth certificate to the Thursday evening class. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., Prairie Center SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Prairie Center $5 SNOW BALL Otsego Park & Rec and Community Ed are offering a winter dance for young adults with disabilities. We guarantee you will have a blast shaking your tail feathers off! Your PCA or chaperone is also welcome to join you! Dance will be from 7-9 p.m. Refreshments will be for sale at the event. A photo prop area will also be available...so cameras are welcome! Reserve your spot or buy your tickets at the door. SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., Prairie Center $5 14 | To register, please visit otsegoparksrec.com or call 763.235.3148. ADULT FITNESS CLASSES ALL CLASSES HELD AT PRAIRIE CENTER ZUMBA Ditch the workout and join the party. Come dance your way to a firmer body with motivating music and fun dance moves. It is a ‘feel happy’ workout and you’ll love the results. WEDNESDAYS January 10 - February 28, 6:15 - 7:00 p.m. (8 sessions) $30 YOGA SCULPT FUSION Taking the best of the best. This class fuses Pilates, Vinyasa yoga and strength training. Each class will bring a new challenge, and maybe even some props. Come tone and shape your body while increasing full-body strength, balance, and control. This is an energetic upbeat class. Participants are encouraged to bring their own hand weights and yoga mat. Contact us if you have any questions.  WEDNESDAYS January 10 - February 28, 7:00 - 7:45 p.m. (8 sessions) $30 HOLIDAY FITNESS EXTRAVAGANZA Come prepared to sweat, laugh, smile and enjoy a refreshment (non-alcoholic). Guest Instructors Trish and Nicole will incorporate multiple fitness styles, as well as a relaxing cool down, into 90 minutes of heart pumping JOY. Holiday spirit is highly encouraged. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. $10 SIGN UP FOR TWO OR MORE ADULT FITNESS CLASSES FOR $5 OFF, PLEASE CALL REC LINE AT 763.235.3148 TO REGISTER AND RECEIVE YOUR DISCOUNT. EMPTY BOWLS FUNDRAISER What is Empty Bowls? “Empty Bowls is a grass root movement to help end hunger.” Otsego Parks and Rec once again is teaming up with Holiday Inn to offer the second annual Empty Bowls. All donations go to CAER (Local Food Shelf). In exchange, for a free will cash donation, guests will be served soup (provided by Holiday Inn) and bread and will be able to choose a handcrafted bowl made by students from Rogers H.S. and Otsego Elem NHS & Student Council. All money collected will go to CAER, our local food Shelf. TUESDAY, MARCH 6 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Otsego Holiday Inn 9200 Quaday Ave NE, Otsego, MN Free Will Donation ACTIVITIES FOR 55+ Prairie Center will be home to the Otsego 55 and Over Activity Center. We will be posting a calendar of events which will include activities, speakers, and exercise classes. Please visit our website and click on the Adults 55+ button for more information. MONDAY & WEDNESDAY 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Otsego Prairie Center Schedule: Mondays 10:00 a.m. – Cards (500 or Hand and Foot) Mondays 1:00 p.m. – BINGO Second Monday of the Month 12:00 p.m. – Book Club Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. – Bridge Entertainment is the second Monday of each month: Holiday Party with Elvis: Monday December 11, 2-3 p.m. All activities are free unless noted. Entertainment is also scheduled. Please check the website for more info or call the rec line at 763.235.3148. OTSEGO BLOOD DRIVE Check out our website for information and make a difference in someone’s life. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Prairie Center To register, please visit otsegoparksrec.com or call 763.235.3148. 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(612) 991-7168 | (763) 295-0912 Chuck@ChuckHartell.com www.ci.otsego.mn.us | 15 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR WINTER The City of Otsego has adopted several regulations as part of the City Code to protect public safety and aid the Public Works Department in maintaining streets during winter that residents need to be aware of, which include: • There is no parking on any public street between 2:00 and 6:00 a.m. between November 1 and April 30. Vehicles parked on public streets during these hours are subject to immediate ticketing and/or towing. • There is no parking on any public street after a snowfall of 2.5 inches or more until after the street has been plowed to its full width. Vehicles parked on public streets during a snow emergency are subject to immediate ticketing and/or towing. • Snow from private property may not be deposited on the traveled portion of any public street, sidewalk or trail. • Property owners are responsible for removal of snow, ice and other debris from concrete sidewalks adjacent to their property within 12 hours after the snowfall has stopped. • Property owners are responsible for clearing snow from around fire hydrants and mailboxes. Mailboxes can be especially vulnerable to damage from snow removal operations and the City assumes liability for mailboxes damaged during plowing only if it is determined that the plow made direct contact with a mailbox that was properly placed in accordance with City standards. • The City is not responsible for damage to plantings other than grass within the boulevard portion of the yards. The boulevard is the area within the public right-of-way that is approximately 16 feet behind the curb along local urban streets (or between the curb and sidewalk), 10 feet behind the curb for cul-de-sacs and that part of the ditch approximately 18 feet from the edge of pavement or gravel of local rural streets. • Residents are encouraged to stake the edge of their property where it meets the street to assist plow operators and minimize potential property damage. The Otsego City Code is available for review on the City’s website at www.ci.otsego.mn.us. If you have any question regarding this information, please do not hesitate to contact City Hall at 763.441.4414. Your cooperation in following these rules this winter season is greatly appreciated to ensure the safety of Otsego residents and motorists within the community. 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