Loading...
Otsego View Fall Newsletter 20232023 FALL NEWSLETTER WHAT’S INSIDE! www.ci.otsego.mn.us FIRE PREVENTION WEEK 05 2023 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT 06 PARKS & RECREATION 13 ONGOING CITY PROJECTS 24 FALL/WINTER PARKS & RECREATION PROGRAMS/EVENTS FALL ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PARK page 15 Photo by M. Mismash THANK YOU TO OUR TITLE SPONSOR OF ELK RIVER SATURDAY,SEPTEMBER 16 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m | Prairie Park – 13355 90th Street NE WEB: otsegoprairiefestival.com @otsegoprairiefestival AD_OtsegoFestival_2023_BankER.pdf 2 4/19/23 9:32 AM 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 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. PRAIRIE CENTER (Community Center and 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 Wright County Sheriff’s Non-emergency: 763.682.1162 CITY COUNCIL MAYOR Jessica Stockamp: jstockamp@ci.otsego.mn.us COUNCILMEMBERS Ryan Dunlap: rdunlap@ci.otsego.mn.us Tina Goede: tgoede@ci.otsego.mn.us Brittany Moores: bmoores@ci.otsego.mn.us Jeff Dahl: jdahl@ci.otsego.mn.us CITY STAFF City Administrator/Finance Director: Adam Flaherty City Clerk: Audra Etzel Human Resources/Assistant City Administrator: Sabrina Hille City Planner: Daniel Licht City Engineer: Ron Wagner Parks and Recreation Director: Nick Jacobs Street Operations Manager: Kevin Lamson Utility Manager: Kurt Neidermeier Building Official: Todd Geske 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: Meets quarterly (March, June, September, and December) the 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. FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Call 763.551.3705 or email community@primeadvertising.com primeadvertising.com © Copyright 2023. 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. 2023 PHOTO CONTEST The City’s annual contest opened June 1st. The Otsego photo contest is a great way to showcase how special it is to live and work in the City of Otsego! Everyone is encouraged to participate: residents, businesses, and students. Photos may be of Places (community events/activities, landmarks, streetscapes, buildings) or Nature (flowers, critters, weather, parks, sky, etc.). Contest Rules and Guidelines: • Participants will be required to sign a waiver (available on City website). • Photos that were submitted in past Otsego Photography Contests will not be considered. • The contest is open to Otsego residents, Otsego businesses, and students. All entries submitted must be your own work. • Photograph(s) must be taken within the city limits of Otsego. • Submit up to a total of five photographs, color or black and white. • All photographs must be a .jpg and follow these naming criteria: Photo Caption; First Initial; Last Name of photographer; and .jpg. Example: RiverJDoe.jpg • Minor digital enhancement is permitted, but images that have been significantly modified or appear unnatural will be disqualified. Contest photos accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2023. Voting will close Monday, October 2, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. Y0066_23SPRJ55188_C One-on-one help with your Medicare questions. Christopher Toring Licensed Sales Agent 763-497-4100, T TY 711 September 6 Deadline 2 2023 Fall Otsego View GREETINGS NEIGHBORS! I hope you all survived the very hot summer we experienced these past few months. Wow! Some of those days were just intolerable! Exciting things will be happening at the 22nd annual Otsego Prairie Festival on September 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. We hope to see many of you at Prairie Park that day. The Festival Committee strives each year to continue to improve the experience for our community and this year is no different! The Bank of Elk River has graciously stepped up as the title sponsor again this year with a donation that provides children free use of the inflatable jumpies and laser tag all day. New this year will be a pickleball and kickball tournament. There will continue to be Otsego Prairie Festival favorites that include food trucks, the Otsego Rod & Custom classic car show, live entertainment and performances throughout the day, a petting zoo, and Touch-a-Truck with Fire, Sheriff, and City vehicles and equipment. The Otsego Lions are hosting a pancake breakfast from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m., a bean bag tournament starting at 1:00 p.m., and a beer garden that will run all day. All proceeds from the Otsego Lions events at Prairie Festival are used for donations within our community! Under the Big Tent, music will be performed by Todd Hurst from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Gifts Anonymous then will host bingo from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. before Mojo Munk takes the stage from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Local businesses and many vendors will also be present with individual booths providing goods, services, and information. If you are interested in having a vendor booth at the Prairie Festival, space is still available. Please call Connie Schwecke at 763.235.3148 for more information. The City will also have various booths at the Otsego Prairie Festival, which are always a great source of information about what’s going on in Otsego or an opportunity to provide input. The Otsego Heritage Preservation Commission will have an interesting display about Otsego’s history and the Otsego Public Safety Commission will be providing information about the City’s newly established Emergency Services Department. Additional information will be presented regarding upcoming City facilities improvements that are in the planning stages. As always, the City website is up to date with more information on City projects and happenings at ci.otsego.mn.us or you can contact Assistant City Administrator Sabrina Hille at 763.235.3162. For more details on the schedule of events happening at the Otsego Prairie Festival throughout the day, visit otsegofestival.com or follow us on Facebook. With so much to do at the Otsego Prairie Festival, I hope you and your family can plan to stay all day or come back and take in the fireworks at dusk. MAYOR Jessica Stockamp Make Your Next Chapter 763-746-3400 | guardianangelsmn.org Independent Living | Assisted Living Memory Care Exceptional RIVERVIEW LANDING 7365 Kirkwood Court N, Suite 350, Maple Grove, MN 55369 Schedule an In-Person or Virtual Appointment Online MEDICAL SURGICAL COSMETIC CONVENIENT CARE CLOSE TO HOME FOR ALL YOUR SKIN CONCERNS Accepting New Patients Appointments same week. www.clarusdermatology.com | 612-213-2370 3www.ci.otsego.mn.us MAILBOXES Mailboxes can be vulnerable to damage from snow removal operations. Each fall residents should remember to review mailbox standards to evaluate the construction and sturdiness of your mailbox prior to the snowplow season. When you review your mailbox, make sure it is installed so that the bottom edge is 45” to 48” above street level, with the post 20” back from the curb or front of the box. That amount of clearance is needed to keep the plow’s wing from hitting the box. These are standards that are set by the United States Postal Service. If there are any plastic newspaper tubes attached to the mailbox, they should be above the 45” height requirement as well. Check to make sure the construction is stable enough to withstand the force of the wet snow and ice coming off of the wing of the snowplow. The City does not assume liability for mailboxes damaged during normal plowing operations, unless it is determined the plow made direct contact with a mailbox meeting the installation requirements. Decorative and plastic mailboxes are not within the requirements and will not be replaced if damaged. Always check with your local Postmaster for approval on custom-made boxes. If you do not have a raised curb, also ask your local postmaster for guidance on placement of the mailbox from the side of the road. As a reminder, Otsego properties are served by five post offices, each with a separate zip code. FALL HYDRANT FLUSHING The City of Otsego has 923 hydrants throughout the City. Each fall they are greased and drained! Hydrant flushing is necessary to test the hydrants and to remove sediment buildup. East: October 1-15 | West: October 16-31 If crews are working in your neighborhood, you may experience some water discoloration, but this does not affect the safety of the water. It’s best to avoid doing laundry until the discoloration has disappeared. For after hours Utility Emergencies, contact our Emergency Utility line: 1.877.274.6492 Due Clean | Due Confident Due North A Better Car Wash First Month of Unlimited Washing Only $9.99 New customers only. Must be redeemed in-store. SAVE TIME. SAVE MONEY.Feel Better! Become a member today!duenorthcarwash.comNOW OPEN IN OTSEGO! 15840 85th St NE, Otsego Whether for you, your business, or both, we have the skills to meet your unique accounting and tax needs for year end and tax preparation. Your One-Stop Accounting And Tax Shop Offices in St. Michael and Cloquet, MN CAER Food Shelf is here to help. Visit www.caerfoodshelf.org or call 763-441-1020 for more information. CAER offers the following services: Food assistance Shelter assistance Utility assistance Winter Outer Wear Kids Weekend CAER Package Food shopping with appointment includes nonperishable items as well as produce, dairy, meat, bakery, health/ hygiene products, and pet food. CAER Food Shelf is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving Elk River, Otsego, Zimmerman and surrounding communities. 4 2023 Fall Otsego View FIRE PERMITS AND RECREATIONAL FIRES Together with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the City regulates burning within Otsego in accordance with Title 5, Chapter 4, Section 5-4-4 of the City Code. A burning permit is required for all open burns larger than a 3-foot by 3-foot area. A burning permit may be obtained at City Hall or from the DNR website at webapps15.dnr. state.mn.us/burning-permits. Once a burning permit has been issued, it is the permit holder’s responsibility to confirm that no burning ban is in effect prior to starting an open burn or recreational fire. During the fire, the permit holder must be constantly in attendance of the fire. No fire may be allowed to smolder with no person in attendance and the open burn or recreational fire must be completely extinguished before the permit holder leaves the site. Recreation Fire Guidelines • Maximum size of 3-foot by 3-foot. • Must be 20 feet from structures such as homes, sheds, deck, or fences. • Recreational fires are limited to dry, clean wood that is unpainted or untreated including cord wood, branches, limbs, twigs, or dimensional lumber cut into lengths no longer than three feet. FIRE PREVENTION WEEK October 8-14, 2023 Every year for more than 100 years, National Fire Prevention Week has helped explain the dangers of fires and the importance of fire safety to keep families safe. Sunday, October 8 - Saturday, October 14 are the 2023 dates for Fire Prevention Week. Fire safety isn’t just for children; every age is at risk to the dangers of fire. Cooking safety starts with YOU The 2023 theme is focused on cooking safety. Did you know that cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries? Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths. The good news is that you can prevent cooking fires and burns. Here is what to do: TURN: Pot handles toward the back of the stove. DO: Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. WATCH: What you heat. Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking. HAVE: A “kid-free-zone” of at least 3 feet (1 meter) around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried. Otsego’s new Emergency Services Director, Daryl Rausch states, "As the Emergency Services Director, I emphasize the importance of fire prevention during cooking. This Fire Prevention Week, and all year long, let's turn up the heat on safety in our kitchens. Practice mindful cooking, stay alert, and make fire prevention your essential ingredient. Together, we can extinguish the risk of kitchen fires and create a safer community for all.” For more information, visit: www.nfpa.org/Events/Events/Fire-Prevention-Week. YOUR ONE-STOP AUTO REPAIR SHOP! 763.441.6592 • atrepairinc.com 17119 Hwy 10, Elk River (Corner of 171st Ave & US Hwy 10) • Tires • Oil Changes • Brakes • ABS Systems • Tune-Ups • Motors • Exhaust • Alignment • Suspension • Air Conditioning • Check Engine Lights • Transmissions AT REPAIR, INC. Over 31 Years in Business 5www.ci.otsego.mn.us 2023 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT The City of Otsego prepares an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (the Report). In accordance with Minnesota Statutes, the financial statements within the Report must be audited on an annual basis, which was completed by BerganKDV. On June 12, BerganKDV presented their opinion on the 2022 financial statements to the City Council, with the City receiving an Unmodified Opinion, also known as a clean opinion, and is the best opinion that can be given. Summary information regarding the City’s financials is provided below. Certificate of Achievement The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Otsego for its 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The City first applied for this award in 2012, and has received the award every year since. To be awarded a Certificate of Achievement, the City must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized annual comprehensive financial report. The report must satisfy both accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and applicable federal, state, and local legal requirements. A Certificate of Achievement is valid for a period of one year. It is expected that the 2022 report conforms to the Certificate of Achievement program requirements. It has been submitted to the GFOA to determine the City’s eligibility for another Certificate. Governmental Funds The City’s governmental funds account for all operations, capital projects, and debt payments, except for the public utilities of water, sanitary sewer, and storm water. Those funds are excluded as they are operated like businesses and are intended to be self-sufficient. Utility Operations The City of Otsego operates public water, sanitary sewer, and storm water utility systems, with more than 4,800 customers. The utility operations are not included with Governmental Fund operations and are not funded through the property tax levy. Rather, the utility operations are fully self-funded through user charges to the customers on the public systems. General Fund The General fund is the City’s primary fund and accounts for all the day-to-day operations of the City. Contact The City’s Report is available for viewing on the City’s website by scan the QR Code or clicking on the Finance page under the City Departments tab at the top of the page. Always feel free to contact the City Finance Director, Adam Flaherty, at 763.441.4414 with any questions. 6 2023 Fall Otsego View ! ATTENTION OTSEGO RESIDENTS ! OHPC (Otsego Heritage Preservation Commission) wants to hear from you! The OHPC works to safeguard Otsego’s heritage by preserving and documenting the history of people and events in the community to foster civic pride of the past. Enrich Otsego’s heritage by sharing your stories and historical photographs with us at the Prairie Festival! The OHPC will be giving away a gift to everyone who contributes toward Otsego’s wonderful history. Any shared photos will be scanned and given back the day of event. COMPOST SITES City of Otsego residents have options for leaf composting yard waste. Residents are able to bring leaf and grass clippings to the City of Albertville compost site. There are also options for private solid waste companies to provide a cart to service properties at a cost. • Otsego residents may dispose of yard waste free of charge at the Wright County Recycling Center located at 505 County Road 37, Buffalo, MN 55313. Please check with Wright County regarding days and hours of operation via their website at co.wright.mn.us under Planning & Zoning or by calling 763.682.7338. • Private garbage haulers within the City will also provide a separate container for yard waste for an additional charge. • Otsego residents may dispose of yard waste at the Albertville compost site located off of Maciver Avenue, approximately one-half mile north of CSAH 137/60th Street (between 63rd & 65th Streets). SERVPRO.COM TEAM HICKMAN 763-295-1161 WATER DAMAGE FIRE DAMAGE MOLD REMEDIATION COMMERCIAL SERVICES STORM DAMAGE BIOREMEDIATION SERVICES The #1 Choice in Cleanup and Restoration Cleaning. Restoration. Construction. Here to Help® 24/7 208 Dundas Rd, Monticello, MN 55362 8401 73rd Ave N #E24, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428 333 Washington Ave N, Ste 300-9196, Minneapolis, MN 55401 7www.ci.otsego.mn.us OTSEGO HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION ’Tis fall time in our wonderful town of Otsego. Many in the past enjoyed their lives much as we do today: enjoying garden fresh and preserved foods; spending time with those we love and call our friends; meeting new family members just born; and putting to final rest dear ones and consoling those left behind. As we go about these fall days, the Otsego Heritage Preservation Commission (OHPC) would like to share some memories from past residents of Otsego with excerpts from OHPC publications. (These publications are available to read online or to purchase as hard copies.) While fall is notoriously busy with harvesting and preservation, the residents did not lack in the balance of work and play. • Sept 29, 1880 Thrashing to Kings. Why is a lady’s belt like a skavanger (sic)? Because it goes around and gathers up the waist. Why are bookkeepers like chickens? Because they have to scratch for a living. • Sept. 30, 1881 Dance at Joe Parker Sr. at night. • Oct. 3, 1881 Dance at Finley McNeils. • Oct. 7, 1881 Dance at Harringtons at night. • Oct. 19, 1881 Dance at Pearson Goulds. • Oct. 26, 1881 Good Day. Dance at Spencers, I had a splendid time. • Nov. 3, 1881 Had a good time at the dance at Adam Woods. • Nov. 12, 1881 Dance at Eustache Bouchets at night. Above excerpt taken from The Holt Diary 1877-1890 No matter the time of year, planning and moving forward with a new home is always exciting. This Is the Song of the New Home: “When Alvah first took Margaret to see the sight for their new home It was a gold October day. The sun was gold; the woods were full of golden light; On the high bank above the river All the trees were gold, With here and there a splotch of oaken bronze or crimson maple.” Above excerpt taken from Woman in the Wilderness Dancing was a favorite with adults as well as the young people. “Our parents and the neighbors had dances and card parties at their homes. A week after an adult party, the young people would have theirs.” Interested? ENROLLING NOW! Our families and staff value educating the whole child and working together to provide our students with the best educational experience possible. Because of this partnership and dedication, you will see engaged, connected, and inquisitive students. If you are curious to learn more about KCS, where your student’s education is built to suit their unique needs and tailored to their individual strengths, we encourage you to contact us. Schedule a Tour Today! 8 2023 Fall Otsego View While we still celebrate the same holidays, traditions have changed some. “We celebrated Halloween with tricks; there were no treats. We carved faces in pumpkins and lit them with candles left over from Christmas. Party fun was bobbing for apples floating in a wash tub, playing pin the tail on the donkey, making and eating popcorn. We sometimes had friends stay overnight. Tricks involved soaping windows, and using a noisemaker to make weird sounds on windows. A favorite trick for the older kids was to tip over outhouses.” Above excerpt taken from Life at the Brick House 1911 – 1931 John Lewis Pepin died October 29, 1914 from pneumonia and other complications. He was a pioneer resident to our town and came with his parents from New York when he was just five years old. “They (John Pepin and his parents) settled at Otsego and Mr. Pepin has lived there ever since, farming being his principal occupation. Mr. Pepin was highly respected by his neighbors and held various town offices at one time or another, and was also a prominent member of the Odd Fellow Lodge of Elk River.” Above excerpt taken from Cemetery 1854–1996 If you or someone you know have any memories or stories you would like to contribute to Otsego’s heritage, please contact OHPC via Deputy Clerk Katie Kalland, Deputy Clerk, Otsego City Hall, 13400 90th St. NE or phone 763.235.3151. Email: kkalland@ci.otsego.mn.us Medicare Help? Dan Pfeifer Located in Otsego Contact your local Independent Agent Dan Pfeifer at 763.310.7627 pfeiferinsurancesolutions@gmail.com We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. A Unique Senior Living Community in Corcoran OPENING IN 2024! Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care A Truly Unique Setting ATTEND AN EVENT TO LEARN MORE! Do ordinary things with extraordinary love. The design of the campus, located at the northern end of the downtown district, will incorporate the look and feel of Main Street and welcome the public to: • Grab a cup of coffee • Take a class • Swim in our indoor pool • Attend an outdoor concert • Shop at a farmer’s market • Work out in the fitness center Older adults can often feel lonely or isolated from their communities. The unique setting of Saint Therese of Corcoran will provide a myriad of opportunities for intergenerational interaction and meaningful connections with the greater community. A Continuum of Care As residents’ needs evolve, access to all the care they need provides reassurance and peace of mind. 763.316.3414 with questions or for additional information. discovercorcoran.org Contact us today to attend an event to learn more! 9www.ci.otsego.mn.us A STATEMENT FROM YOUR SHERIFF Sean Deringer, Wright County Sheriff Wright County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy The Wright County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy offers residents a unique opportunity to engage with their local law enforcement and gain insights into its operations. By fostering understanding and trust, this program plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the community and law enforcement. The Citizens Academy provides participants with in-depth education on various aspects of law enforcement, including patrol procedures, crime scene investigations, and community policing. Through interactive sessions and hands-on activities, attendees gain practical knowledge of the challenges faced by officers in ensuring public safety. By bringing citizens and officers together in a non-adversarial setting, the Citizens Academy encourages open dialogue, dispels misconceptions, and addresses concerns. This initiative facilitates positive relationships and mutual understanding between law enforcement and the community. Graduates of the Citizens Academy become informed advocates for public safety in their communities. Equipped with a deeper understanding of law enforcement procedures, they often volunteer with local initiatives, join neighborhood watch programs, and serve as community ambassadors, fostering cooperation between citizens and law enforcement. The program is free of charge, and enrollment requests are open to any resident, business owner, or community leader of Wright County. Academies are typically held in the fall of each year. Look to the Wright County Sheriff’s Office website and facebook page for when dates are finalized. WATER SOFTENER SURVEY The overuse of water softeners is a major cause of salinity (salt) in wastewater, which could end up in nearby bodies of water. By not using your water softener as frequently, you can save money on electricity, softener salt, and water. Some things to remember are to check the softener settings to make sure they are at an optimal hardness level (City of Otsego is an average hardness of 15 grains per minute), change the timer to a demand-based softener that will recharge only when needed based on water use, and lastly, a water softener may not be needed or there are alternatives like salt-free water softeners which do not use electricity or chemicals and create no wastewater. Cutting down on salt use helps protect aquatic life, avoids potential fines, and extends the life of your home’s water pipes. Scan the QR Code to complete a survey on water softener use in your home! NorthCentralInsurance.com 16854 Hwy 10 NW, Elk River If you are turning 65 or becoming eligible for Medicare or if you have questions on your current coverage, give us a call! Medicare Questions? Part D Questions? Ben Bauman Licensed Agent763.241.7900 We’re here for you. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Request a Quote Today Quality • Selection • Pricing Friendly Knowledgeable Staff Family Owned and Operated Since 1975 No Appointment Necessary! 763-425-9666 | osseovacuum.com Try Before You Buy! 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! 10 2023 Fall Otsego View STAFF HIGHLIGHTS Nolan Ross ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN My name is Nolan Ross and I am the Administrative Intern for the city. I am a graduate of STMA High School and am currently a senior at UW-River Falls pursuing a degree in finance. My favorite parts of the internship are attending Council meetings, seeing what happens behind the scenes of a growing city, the variety of projects among the different departments in the city I get to work with, and also working with the friendly staff! When I am not working, I like golfing, fishing, and just enjoying the outdoors. Katie Kalland DEPUTY CLERK I’ve recently been hired as the Deputy Clerk at the City of Otsego. Everyone has been so friendly and welcoming – I’m excited to be a part of this great community! I’m married to my husband of 13 years and we have a 5-year-old son who keeps us very busy. When I’m not working I like to spend time with my family, friends, and doggo. We enjoy traveling, camping in our new fifth wheel, watching the Minnesota Wild, and being outside when the weather cooperates. Burnsville Showroom 12550 West Frontage Rd Burnsville, MN 55337 952-808-1412 Otsego Showroom 5600 Queens Ave NE Otsego, MN 55330 763-497-4407 Hardwood - Tile - Vinyl - Carpet - Cabinets - Blinds - Countertops BECOME AN ELECTION JUDGE! Are you interested in being a Head Judge or Election Judge for the 2024 Presidential Nominating Primary, Primary, and/or General Election? Please contact the City Clerk’s Office to be added to the list for your Precinct. Contact us at: elections@ci.otsego.mn.us or phone: 763.235.3143. 11www.ci.otsego.mn.us CITY CAMPUS PROJECT The City has operated its City Hall and Public Works Departments since 2010 in the building constructed in 2006 as a public works facility. Within the same City Campus, is the Prairie Center building, which was the City Hall facility from 1994 to 2010. Prairie Center was repurposed for the Parks and Recreation Department after City Hall operations relocated in 2010. In early 2021, the City of Otsego embarked with Wold Architects & Engineers on a comprehensive master plan that would anticipate the growing needs of its Public Works Department and assess the impact on its City Hall and Prairie Center parks facility. With a population projected to reach 40,000 people by 2040, the master plan needed to both address the existing space constraints and devise a new approach for providing services to the growing community. The City, through the master plan, sought to: • Create phased solutions that anticipate the needs for the next twenty years but are adaptable and allow flexibility in future programming. Solutions should also embody the overall vision for the City Campus. • Provide safe and effective spaces that protect both City staff and property but still create an open and engaging climate to serve the public. • Organize departments and workspaces in a logical manner to encourage flexibility, efficiency, and collaboration. • Integrate technology and sustainability practices that enhance workflows and building functionality. • Develop solutions that foster Otsego’s identity and promote professionalism and continual development. Based on the study’s findings, which examined the combined Public Works and City Hall facility, it was determined that constructing a separate, new City Hall, distinct from the Public Works Facility, was the best long-term approach. This allowed for an expansion of the Public Works Department and provided a clear space for City Hall operations that the public could more easily and safely access. Additionally, a new cold storage facility is needed to help with immediate seasonal storage needs and act as a stopgap until the full Public Works expansion could be completed. Moving City Hall operations out first to a new building is critical to the overall plan. Implementation is currently underway. Once these projects near completion, the remaining Public Works Facility and deferred maintenance for Prairie Center improvements will begin as part of Phase II. This stage will involve expanding the public works facility to provide a larger, safer mechanics space while at the same time, further developing the Parks & Recreation department at Prairie Center, ensuring a bright future for both. Join us on September 21 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. for an Open House at the current City Hall to learn more about this project. Scan the QR Code or visit the City website for more information!FREE one-hour marketing consultationFULL-SERVICE MARKETING AGENCY Your Fully Charged Creative Powerhouse Fueled by passion and integrity, we build partnerships, find solutions, and move businesses forward. what we do 763.551.3700 primeadvertising.com 6450 Wedgwood Rd N #100 Maple Grove COMMUNITY ADVERTISING BRANDING & IDENTITY WEB DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT DIGITAL MARKETING PRINT & PROMO VIDEO & PHOTOGRAPHY @PrimeAdvertising @primeadvertising 12 2023 Fall Otsego View FALL/WINTER PROGRAM GUIDE www.otsegoparksrec.com 13 Go online to register for events and programs at otsegoparksrec.com! The Otsego Parks and Recreation Department will be allowing participants to register for fall and winter programs. Preregistration is required for every event and program. No on-site registration will be allowed. WHAT’S INSIDE! 15 PUMPKIN PATCH 16 MONDAY & THURSDAY CAMPS 17 SATURDAY MORNING CAMPS 18 YOUTH PROGRAMS 19 ADULT PROGRAMS & ADULT FITNESS 20 ACTIVITIES FOR 55+ 21 HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR SUMMER PROGRAMS AND EVENT 22 STAFF HIGHLIGHTS 23 SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION: • Kurt Baldry • Kitty Baltos • Liz Benoit • Matt Danzl • Angie Dehn • Jessica Schaffer • Norm Witteborg OTSEGO PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTORY Parks & Rec Director: Nick Jacobs 763.334.3170 Recreation Coordinator: Connie Schwecke 763.235.3148 Parks Lead: Pat Launderville 763.226.9857 GEARHART ANOKA FUNERAL HOME 552 E. River Road, Anoka | (763) 421-4347 GearhartAnokaChapel.com Owned and Operated by Alderwoods (MN), Inc. Home of Jackie the Funeral Home Therapy Dog Funerals | Cremations | Cemeteries | Advanced Planning Every Detail Remembered ™ Proudly Serving MY Otsego Community Ryan Scharfencamp, Otsego Resident, Manager & Director 14 2023 Fall Otsego View To register, please visit otsegoparksrec.com. PUMPKIN PATCH We will have a friendly Pumpkin Patch Trail in Prairie Park. Plan on dressing up in Halloween costumes and walk along the trail where there will be fun trick-or-treat stops for your kids. At the end, your child/children will be given a pumpkin to take home. There will be a fall-themed area to take selfies and treats for your furry four-legged friends (leashed), too! Registration is required to participate and guarantee a pumpkin; one pumpkin per child. Space is limited, so please register early. Please see our website for further details. Please bring a nonperishable food item for CAER. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 (FREE) 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Preregistration required LOCATION: OTSEGO PRAIRIE PARK, 13355 90TH ST. NE PUMPKIN PATCH ART/BUSINESS/CRAFT FAIR You won’t want to miss out on our show. Stop in under the Prairie Park Shelter after you walk through the Pumpkin Patch Trail. Bring your family and start your holiday shopping early with great, unique gifts. Coffee and food trucks will be available to satisfy everyone. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 (FREE) 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. LOCATION: PRAIRIE PARK SHELTER, 13355 90TH ST. NE Calling all vendors…………... interested in selling? We would love for you to join our show. Please check out our website for more info or call our office at 763.235.3148. 15www.ci.otsego.mn.us SUPER SAVER $10 OFF WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR 2 CAMPS OR $20 OFF WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR ALL 3 SAME-DAY CAMPS. CALL FOR DETAILS AND TO REGISTER. MONDAY & THURSDAY CAMPS MONDAYS & THURSDAYS: 9:00-11:30 a.m. These camps are designed to help your child develop social and fine and gross motor skills all through fun and play activities. OPEN PLAYTIME AGES BIRTH-5 This is time for you and your child to jump and play, create artistic masterpieces, and just spend time together and enjoy watching your child making friends and having fun! Activities will include crafts, games, and stories. Fun is guaranteed . MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS September 25 - May 16 10:00-11:30 a.m. $3/child Please check website for days not meeting (Oct. 16 & 19, Nov. 13 & 23, Dec. 4, Dec. 25-Jan. 2, Jan. 15, Feb. 2, Feb. 19, March 25-29). In case of inclement weather, please check website and Facebook. LOCATION: PRAIRIE CENTER, 8899 NASHUA AVE. NE MUSIC AND ME CLASS AGES 1-5 Participate with your child in singing, dancing, and playing instruments. Musical skills such as rhythm, pitch, and loud and soft tones are taught using instruments, making crafts, and playing games. Kid-friendly props also add to this music- making experience. Kids will improve coordination. The main goal is to have fun and develop an overall sense of music appreciation. Parents are expected to participate with their child with some skill development. MONDAYS, 6 SESSIONS September 25 - November 6 9:15-9:45 a.m. $40 Not meeting Oct. 16 LOCATION: PRAIRIE CENTER, 8899 NASHUA AVE. NE KIDS YOGA AND ME AGES 1-5 Participate with your young child as they strengthen their bodies through basic poses. Through games, songs, and imaginative play, they will develop tools (skills) to feel calmer, healthier, and more peaceful. Mats are provided. MONDAYS, 3 SESSIONS November 27 - December 18 9:15-9:45 a.m. $25 Not meeting Dec. 4 LOCATION: PRAIRIE CENTER, 8899 NASHUA AVE. NE NATURE CAMP AGES 2-5 The camp is all about being outside, having fun, and learning about nature! Activities will include nature crafts, games, exploring, and stories. Fun is guaranteed. Parents are expected to participate with their child with some skill development. THURSDAYS: 6 SESSIONS September 28 - November 9 9:15-9:45 a.m. $35 (Not meeting Oct. 19) LOCATION: OUTSIDE PRAIRIE PARK, 8899 NASHUA AVE. NE (BEHIND PRAIRIE CENTER) OR INSIDE PRAIRIE CENTER IF INCLEMENT WEATHER SANTA’S WORKSHOP ART CAMPS AGES 3-5 It’s never too early for your child to get into the holiday spirit and start making their own personal gifts to give to family members. In this camp, your little elf will make five gifts, all wrapped and ready to put under the tree. THURSDAYS: 3 SESSIONS November 30 - December 14 9:15-9:45 a.m. $30 LOCATION: PRAIRIE CENTER, 8899 NASHUA AVE. NE INTRO TO TUMBLING AGES 2-3 In this toddler-and-me class, your child will develop skills of coordination, balance, flexibility, and rhythm in a fun and safe atmosphere where they will be introduced to the balance beam, bar, and vault. Students are encouraged to wear leotards or shorts, sweatpants, and t-shirts. Please tie back long hair. Parents are expected to participate with their child. THURSDAYS: 4 SESSIONS October 26 - November 16 5:30-6:00 p.m. $35 LOCATION: PRAIRIE CENTER, 8899 NASHUA AVE. NE TUMBLING BASICS AGES 4-5 In this class, your child will develop skills of coordination, balance, flexibility, and rhythm in a fun and safe atmosphere where they will be introduced to the balance beam, bar, and vault. Students are encouraged to wear leotards or shorts, sweatpants, and t-shirts. Please tie back long hair. THURSDAYS: 4 SESSIONS October 26 - November 16 6:05-6:35 p.m. $35 LOCATION: PRAIRIE CENTER, 8899 NASHUA AVE. NE ULTIMATE NINJA CAMP AGES 3-5 This camp is all about Ninja fitness and activities, keeping your child engaged and active all in a fun and safe environment. THURSDAYS: 4 SESSIONS October 26 - November 16 6:45-7:15 p.m. $35 LOCATION: PRAIRIE CENTER, 8899 NASHUA AVE. NE 16 2023 Fall Otsego View To register, please visit otsegoparksrec.com. SATURDAY MORNING CAMPS FALCON SOCCER/BASKETBALL/T-BALL CAMP AGE 2 This camp is all about the basics of soccer, basketball, and T-ball! 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! Parents/ adults are expected to participate with your child at all times. SATURDAYS: 4 SESSIONS October 28 - November 18 9:00-9:25 a.m. $35 LOCATION: PRAIRIE CENTER, 8899 NASHUA AVE. NE WILDCAT SOCCER/BASKETBALL/T-BALL CAMP AGES 3-4 This camp is all about having fun, making friends, and learning skills! 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 and safe atmosphere! Parents/adults are expected to participate with your child with some activities. SATURDAYS: 4 SESSIONS October 28 - November 18 9:35-10:05 a.m. $35 LOCATION: PRAIRIE CENTER, 8899 NASHUA AVE. NE EAGLE SOCCER/BASKETBALL/T-BALL CAMP AGES 5-6 Coaches focus on basic drills while providing the players with a fun workout. Your player will start to develop a basic understanding of the sports of soccer and basketball. Parents/ adults are expected to participate with your child with some activities. SATURDAYS: 4 SESSIONS October 28 - November 18 10:15-11:00 a.m. $40 LOCATION: PRAIRIE CENTER, 8899 NASHUA AVE. NE SANTA’S WORKSHOP ART CAMPS AGES 3-5 AND AGES 6-9 It’s never too early for your child to get into the holiday spirit and start making their own personal gifts to give to family members. In this camp, your little elf will make five gifts, all wrapped and ready to put under the tree. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Ages 3-5 9:00-10:15 a.m. $30 Ages 6-9 10:30-12:00 p.m. $35 LOCATION: PRAIRIE CENTER, 8899 NASHUA AVE. NE SUPER SAVER $5 OFF WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR SANTA’S WORKSHOP AND TUMBLING OR SPORT CAMPS. CALL FOR DETAILS AND TO REGISTER. 2 1 4 1 5 1 3 6 t h A V E N R O G E R S , M N T H E B E S T B A R I N T O W N M A Y N A R D S -R O G E R S .C O M (7 6 3 )4 2 8 -0 7 0 0 CONGRATULATIONS to our 2023 Minnesota Super Lawyers honorees Craig T. Dokken | Business Litigation - 13 YEARS Steve M. Graffunder | Banking - 22 YEARS Susan T. Peterson-Lerdahl | Estate and Probate - 3 YEARS James E. Snoxell | Nonprofit Organizations - 16 YEARS Mark V. Steffenson | Business Litigation - 17 YEARS Tifanne Wolter | Family Law - 3 YEARS Rachell L. Henning | Elder Law - RISING STARS HONOREE Jennifer Nixon | Family Law - RISING STARS HONOREE 763.560.5700 | hennsnoxlaw.com | 6900 Wedgwood Road, Suite 200, Maple Grove 17www.otsegoparksrec.comTo register, please visit otsegoparksrec.com. YOUTH PROGRAMS INTRO TO PICKLEBALL (YOUTH) AGES 12-17 Pickleball is a paddle/ net sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. You and other players will learn the rules and etiquette of pickleball from a professional who will teach all the fundamentals of hitting and serving. By the end of the class, you will be playing the game but most importantly, you will have the opportunity to meet other players who are interested in playing this fun social sport. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. $15 LOCATION: PRAIRIE PARK PICKLEBALL COMPLEX, 13355 90TH ST. NE YOUTH SNOWMOBILE TRAINING AGES 12+ The Otsego River Riders is offering snowmobile safety training to receive your Minnesota Snowmobile Safety Certificate. Students can register if they will be 12 years of age or older by January 1, 2024. Students 16 years or older are encouraged to do the online training found at the Minnesota DNR website. This is a two-day class and both sessions must be attended to pass the certification. There will be an outdoor driving course on Saturday, December 2. Students need to dress for the weather and bring a helmet if you have one. The driving test will be held with or without snow in the parking lot. Must preregister by November 28, 2023. Please bring child’s birth certificate to the Thursday evening class. Thursday, November 30 6:00-9:00 p.m. Saturday, December 2 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. COST: $5 LOCATION: PRAIRIE CENTER, 8899 NASHUA AVE. NE MOONLIGHT SNOWSHOEING CLASS AGES 10-ADULT It’s time to discover winter’s wonders off the beaten path as we venture to and through areas accessible only by snowshoe in winter. Under the full moon this winter, explore the wonders of Otsego Prairie Park! Snowshoes are included in the program. FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 Ages 10-17 7:00-8:30 p.m. $18 Ages 18 and up 7:00-8:30 p.m. $20 LOCATION: PRAIRIE PARK, 13355 90TH ST. NE THE VILLAGE OF OTSEGO Luxury, resort-style community CALL US TODAY TO FIND YOUR LUXURY DREAM HOME! 763-330-2701 www.thevillageofotsego.com 8555 Quaday Ave NE, Otsego eric.schultz@thevillageofotsego.com Amenities include: • Heated parking included • Trash and water included • Pet park and spa • Interactive golf/sports simulator • Wi-Fi Café • Indoor pool/spa • Game room • Interactive fitness center • Studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units • Den options available • Oversized patio door and windows • Pickleball court and shuffle board Only minutes north of I-94 & Rogers 18 2023 Fall Otsego View To register, please visit otsegoparksrec.com. To register, please visit otsegoparksrec.com. ADULT PROGRAMS ADULT FITNESS WEEKLY CLASSES AT PRAIRIE CENTER, 8899 NASHUA AVE. NE ALL LEVELS AGES 12+ Did you know we offer group fitness and training options to the community? This fall we will continue offering Zumba, Cardio Drumming, and Barre Strength classes. A complete class list with dates and times is available under Adult Fitness on the otsego.recdesk.com page. If there is a class you would love to see, even as a one-time event, let us know! Sign-up is easy! Using SignUp Genius, you sign up monthly for classes that fit your schedule. CLASS FEES: Electronic Group Fitness Punch Cards – Each class, unless otherwise specified, is one punch. • 10 class punch card = $45 • 5 class punch card = $35 • Family Pass - 5 class punch card = $45 Follow us on social media for the latest updates: @otsegoparkrec. INTRO TO PICKLEBALL (ADULT) Pickleball is a paddle/net sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. You and other players will learn the rules and etiquette of pickleball from a professional who will teach all the fundamentals of hitting and serving. By the end of the class, you will be playing the game but most importantly, you will have the opportunity to meet other players who are interested in playing this fun social sport. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 9:00-10:30 a.m. $15 LOCATION: PRAIRIE PARK PICKLEBALL COMPLEX, 13355 90TH ST. NE WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL WINTER LEAGUE JANUARY 2024 We are back and ready for some fun! Adult Women’s Volleyball League consists of an eight-game regular season schedule with a single elimination tournament to follow. Matches are on Sunday evenings from 6:00-7:30 p.m. and 7:30-9:00 p.m. at Prairie View Elementary. There will be a Captain’s meeting at 6:00 p.m. on January 4 at Prairie Center to turn in all paperwork (8899 Nashua Ave NE). SUNDAYS, JANUARY 14-MARCH 10 Single elimination tournaments March 10 and March 17 Not meeting Feb. 11. Inclement weather makeup day is March 24 (if needed). MOONLIGHT SNOWSHOEING CLASS AGES 10-ADULT It’s time to discover winter’s wonders off the beaten path as we venture to and through areas accessible only by snowshoe in winter. Under the full moon this winter, explore the wonders of Otsego Prairie Park! Snowshoes are included in the program. FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 Ages 10-17 7:00-8:30 p.m. $18 Ages 18 and up 7:00-8:30 p.m. $20 LOCATION: PRAIRIE PARK, 13355 90TH ST. NE 19www.otsegoparksrec.com To register, please visit otsegoparksrec.com. ACTIVITIES FOR 55+ ALL EVENTS ARE HELD AT PRAIRIE CENTER, 8899 NASHUA AVE. NE (UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED) Prairie Center is home to the Otsego 55 and Over Activity Center. We post a calendar of events which includes activities, speakers, and exercise classes. Please visit our website and click on the Adults 55+ button for more information. Questions about any programs? Call the Rec Line at 763.235.3148. Mondays & Wednesdays 10:00-2:00 p.m. (Closed on City holidays) INDOOR PICKLEBALL Come give pickleball a try! We have rackets and balls for you to use. Players rotate in and out. Beginners are always welcome. Call the Rec Line at 763.235.3148 for more info. Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:00-8:00 p.m. LOCATION: GUARDIAN ANGELS, 9200 QUANTRELLE AVE. (GYM) MONDAY CARDS (FREE) Come join a small group of card players every Monday. They play Hand and Foot, 500, and other fun card games. Beginners are always welcome. Come give it a try. Coffee and treats are provided. Mondays 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. MONDAY BINGO (FREE) Come celebrate and socialize with others at this fun event. Bingo is a great way to keep your brain fit. Prizes will be awarded. The third Monday (unless holiday) will be themed and a surprise Bingo Day!. Mondays 1:00-3:00 p.m. MONDAY ENTERTAINMENT (FREE) 2:00-3:00 p.m. (After BINGO) October 16 Fall Pie and Bingo Social *1:00-3:00 p.m. November 27 Holiday Concert CODA Musical Duet Pianist and Saxophone December 18 Celebrating the Holidays SENIOR FITNESS (FREE) LINE DANCING Learn all the dance moves and have a great time exercising. Please call 763.235.3148 for info, schedule, and to reserve your place. Wednesdays 2:15-3:15 p.m. BOOK CLUB (FREE) For the book list or questions, please call 763.235.3148. Second Monday of the month 12:00 p.m. ACOUSTIC JAM (FREE) Strummers and pickers are invited to bring your acoustic guitar, ukulele, or other stringed instruments to our acoustic music jams at Prairie Center. All ages and all skill levels are welcome. Join the fun of making music with other musicians in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. For more information, contact the Parks and Rec Line at 763.235.3148. The second and fourth Wednesday of the month 6:00-7:30 p.m. WHAT IS MAHJONGG? NOW’S YOUR CHANCE TO CHECK IT OUT! We are now playing Mahjongg at Otsego Prairie Center on Tuesday mornings starting at 10:00 a.m. until noon. We have been playing for a few months now and have a great group of people. This group is for all skill levels. Hope to see new faces each week. Questions? Call 763.235.3148. Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. VOLUNTEER TECH SUPPORT FOR SENIORS Do you want help learning how to use your tech devices better, learn how to use Zoom or FaceTime, or download pictures or apps? Senior Community Services HOME Program has a great team of knowledgeable tech support volunteers to help seniors, 60+, with your mobile tech devices. Please call Laurie at 763.231.6283 to schedule an appointment at Otsego Prairie Center with a tech volunteer. SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICES 20 2023 Fall Otsego View CAMPS To register, please visit otsegoparksrec.com. ACTIVITIES FOR 55+HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR SUMMER PROGRAMS AND EVENTS OTSEGO FARMERS MARKET Fresh produce, amazing handmade crafts, and delicious delights. Those are some of the items that were sold at the Otsego Farmers Market this summer. Our farmers market ran every Tuesday from June 13-August 29 (3:00-6:00 p.m.) at the Otsego Coborn’s parking lot. We wouldn’t be able to achieve any of this without all our market family vendors who every Tuesday showcased and sold some of the best produce and items in town. We started the season strong with our Kids Power of Produce (POP) program which offers a $2 token for kids to buy abundant fresh fruits or vegetables weekly. There were over 350 kids who registered. We also offered a Senior POP which allowed seniors to get a $3 token for any fresh produce, and we had over 100 seniors registered this season. Overall, we have had great support from the community and surrounding areas since we’ve estimated close to 7,000 people came to our farmer’s market this season. None of this would be possible without our sponsors, and we’d like to give them a big thank you: to the Lions Club for sponsoring Kids POP Club; to Guardian Angels for sponsoring Senior POP; and lastly, to the Otsego Coborn’s for giving us ample space to use their parking lot to host our farmers market. Looking forward to a bigger and better Otsego Farmers Market in 2024! 21www.otsegoparksrec.com To register, please visit otsegoparksrec.com. STAFF HIGHLIGHTS Kevin Martinez Del Arca PARKS AND RECREATION My name is Kevin Martinez Del Arca, and I use he/him/his pronouns. I am a recent addition to the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Otsego. I recently graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato, with a Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services Major and a Mathematics Minor. I have enjoyed my short time at Otsego and appreciated the outstanding guidance and support that I received from the city. I am glad that I learned so much from working with the city, and a special thank you to Connie for being a great mentor. My favorite thing about working with the Parks and Rec Department was how many people I interacted with throughout the day. I have enjoyed talking to the little two-year-olds all the way to the 86-year- olds about their day and how they are doing. A little fun fact about me is that I love gardening and plants. I have a plant collection of over 30 different types of plants at home! I have helped with planning and implementing various recreational activities for the city. A couple of the activities I have helped with are Senior Bingo every Monday from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and Summer Entertainment on Tuesday mornings and some evenings throughout the summer. I also worked at the Otsego Farmers Market and enjoyed meeting all the children and seniors who registered for our Kids and Seniors POP (Power of Produce) Club. We’ve promoted sustainability and healthy living with both of these programs. Lastly, I assisted in running the T-Ball and Soccer Leagues on Wednesdays. I really enjoyed working with all the great parent coaches and kids! It was an exceptionally energetic and action-filled summer, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. of Albertville 6050 LaBeaux Avenue NE, Albertville 763-497-4211 | acehardware.com Stop in today and check out our full selection of Snowblowers Shop ACE of Albertville for all your Winter needs Mon-Fri 8am-8pm Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 9am-6pm 22 2023 Fall Otsego View SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS To register, please visit otsegoparksrec.com. Our summer staff had such an incredible summer this year with a variety of camps, clubs, activities, and events occurring. We wanted to highlight a few of the major activities that happened this summer. Starting with our Annual Kids Color Run, we hosted not one but two magnificent color runs, and we were thrilled to have a total of 450 enthusiastic children sign up to participate. There was a new course for the kids to run and new obstacles to overcome that challenged their agility and coordination. The atmosphere was electric and the excitement was palpable as each station had volunteers throwing colorful powder and slime at the runners, creating a rainbow of colors. Our next major activity was our soccer league. We are excited to announce that we had a record number of players participating this year on our Wildcat and Eagles teams, with twice as many kids joining compared to last year. We made significant strides by introducing a new age group that expanded the opportunities for players to display their talent on the field. Despite the sweltering heat, our young athletes had a tremendous time playing and honing their skills on the field. Our last memorable activity was with our seniors. From the fast-paced action of pickleball to the relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere of card games like 500 and Hand and Foot, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re looking for something a little more cerebral, Mahjong and Bingo are a great way to challenge your mind while also enjoying the company of others. It was fascinating to see how participating in these activities sparked so many fond recollections and provided a sense of belonging and community. It’s hard to believe that the summer season has ended, but the memories that we created together will last a lifetime. We want to extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who participated and to those who volunteered to ensure these events were a tremendous success! We are already looking ahead to next summer, anticipating even more enjoyable and enriching experiences for all involved. Rogers • Elk River Buffalo • Maple Grove • Medina Minnetonka • Monticello • Waconia Boost Self Esteem • Improve Grades Build Confidence • Increase Focus Mighty Dragons Classes Also Available for Kids Ages 3+ $29FOUR CLASSES Free Uniform Included. Call to schedule a class - day and time in advance. Mighty Dragons Classes Also Available for Kids Ages 3+ Visit our website dojokarate.com WE RECYCLEAppliances | ElectronicsBatteries | BulbsCardboard | Cans | Scrap MetalVehicles | Mattresses B&E recycling station, inc. 16501 E. Hwy 10 - Elk River (1.7 miles East of Hwy 101) banderecycling.com | 763.441.7211 PICK-UP SERVICEAVAILABLE Hours: M-F 8:30-5:00Sat 8:30-1:00 23www.otsegoparksrec.com ONGOING CITY PROJECTS East-West Watermain Connection Project (completion around November 2023) Plans and specifications have been prepared for the East- West Watermain Connection Project. The project will entail connecting the City’s east and west watermain systems to increase redundancy of the water system, improve water quality and water pressure, and be able to fill both west water towers to maximum capacity. Contractors have stated obtaining pipe and vaults is approximately two months out once the contract is awarded. The specifications published will note that the contractor cannot start work on portions of the project for which easements are not yet obtained. The substantial completion for the project is proposed for November 30, 2023. School Knoll Park Renovation (throughout 2023) School Knoll Park will be undergoing exciting renovations for 2023! These park improvements include trail reroute, playground renovation, basketball renovation, replacing the site amenities, tree relocation, parking improvements, new park lights, and new signage. West Wastewater Treatment Facility Project (completion summer 2024) The Otsego West WWTF opened bids in April 2022 with a construction contract awarded to Rice Lake Construction Group of Deerwood, Minnesota. Equipment procurement is under way, and field construction began in the Fall of 2022 with operational completion anticipated for the Summer of 2024 and final completion in late 2024. MINNESOTA'S BUSINESS LOAN EXPERTS Empowering local businesses to maximize their potential. 763.441.1000 | thebankofelkriver.com Andy MeyerDusty BredlowGina Artisensi-Skime Neil Gagnon Becky Moritz Ryan Nelson Rob Riedel Michelle Thatcher PROUD SPONSOR OF THE OTSEGO PRAIRIE FESTIVAL Creating# 24 2023 Fall Otsego View Prime Advertising + Design, Inc. 6450 Wedgwood Road N., Suite 100 Maple Grove, MN 55311-3649 PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PRIME PERMIT NO. 2 **ECRWSSEDDM** POSTAL CUSTOMER