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Otsego View_Winter2016-17 SANTA DAY Santa Claus is coming to town on Saturday, December 10 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. + There is no parking on any public street between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM 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 2.0 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 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. 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. NEWSLETTER • WINTER 2016/17 VIEW what you need to know for WINTER IN THIS ISSUE: Winter Reminders Crow River Regional Trail Update Parks and Recreation Insert Otsego Volunteer Highlights Otseg o The City of Otsego has adopted several regulations as part of the City Code to protect public safety and aid the Streets Department in maintaining streets during winter that residents need to be aware of, which include: Motorists are also urged to use caution during winter weather conditions and be aware of possible City, County and MN/DoT snow plowing operations. Slow down and stay behind the snowplows. Drivers should ALLOW AT LEAST FIVE CAR LENGTHS between their vehicles and snowplows. The street behind the plow will be the safest place to drive: STAY BACK STAY ALIVE. ICE SKATING IN OTSEGO The Parks and Recreation Department is again this year providing an opportunity for outdoor ice skating for pleasure and sport. A 100� by 200� rink will be located at Prairie Park for pleasure skating and a hockey rink with boards. The rinks, located at the corner of Nashua Avenue and 90th Street, east of City Hall where there is available parking, are lighted extending skating to 10:00 pm. Benches will be provided although there will be no staff attendant and no shelter at the ice rink this season. The ice rink is anticipated to be ready for use on December 15, 2016 with a targeted end date of February 20, 2017 (weather permitting). Check the Parks and Recreation page on the City’s website for any announcements. Snow Plowing in Otsego The clearing of snow and ice from the City streets is one of the most important functions of the City of Otsego Streets Department. Each snow event is monitored and staff is on-call between November to April to respond within one hour of the Street Operations Manager’s decision to mobilize once two inches of snow has accumulated on the streets. Every effort is made to clear the streets as soon as the snowfall has ceased. However, there are many times that the Streets Department must also respond to light blowing snow, freezing rain, heavy wind, etc. The Otsego Streets Department has a number of tools for snow and ice removal including, anti-icing, chemical pre-wetting, salt/sand application and mechanical snow removal are the main ways the department battles the winter elements. The City’s current equipment includes seven heavy trucks, four pickups with v-plows, three tractors with snow blower or plow attachments, and loaders or road graders as needed. The City is divided into seven main snow plow routes and five cul-de-sac routes completed by full-time and seasonal on-call staff. Based on current equipment and staff levels, it takes approximately six hours to plow every street and cul-de-sac in Otsego. The City does not have a “bare pavement standard” to clear all snow and ice from City streets or to treat all residential streets end to end with salt due to cost. Plow operators have different combinations of chemicals that they apply to the street surface as they are plowing based on the type of street and conditions. Operators are directed to apply chemical to stop signs, turn lanes, intersections and curves. The travelling public needs to drive appropriately for the conditions of the streets and realize that there may be times when there is snow and ice on sections of City streets for the duration of the winter. Otsego Volunteers! OTSEGO BOY SCOUT TROOP 590 IS CELEBRATING ITS FIVE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY THIS PAST OCTOBER! Boy Scout Troop 590 was established to offer boys in our community an opportunity to get involved in Scouting. The boys have several opportunities to camp throughout the year, including a week at an amazing summer camp. Not only does Boy Scouts offer the opportunity to go camping and learn outdoor skills, it is a great place to learn leadership, public speaking, team work, planning, and organizational skills while working toward a common goal. The Scouts give back to our community by volunteering during several of Otsego’s community events such as Prairie Festival, fall Pumpkin Patch, and spring Easter Egg Hunt. Troop 590 began with 12 boys and we are proud to say that six of them have achieved Eagle Scout; the highest rank in Scouting. The landscaping at Prairie Center and landscaping at the splash pad, the military tribute, and archery range at Prairie Park, as well as a fire pit at Christ Church Otsego and the benches at Otsego Elementary School are the handiwork of our Eagle Scouts. Boys who have completed 5th grade through age 17 may join Troop 590 at any time during the year. Parent involvement is highly recommended. Together with your son, you will make amazing memories while watching him grow into a fine young man. Troop 590 meets Tuesday nights during the school year at Christ Church Otsego and go camping several times throughout the year. For more information about joining Troop 590, visit their website at www.otsegotroop590.org or find our link on the City of Otsego’s website under the Living Here tab; Community Organizations folder. Snowmobiling continues to be an enjoyable, safe winter activity in Otsego due to the efforts of the Otsego River Riders. Otsego River Riders work together with the City and local land owners to answer questions or address concerns related snowmobiling in the community. The Otsego River Riders also maintain 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 two-day safety training class will be December 1st and 3rd at Prairie Center. Please see the Parks and Recreation Winter Program Guide include in this Otsego View or visit the City’s website for more information. Snowmobilers are responsible for informing themselves about local regulations for snowmobiling including areas of Otsego where snowmobiling is allowed. A summary of Otsego’s City Code regulating snowmobiling follows: – Persons under 14 years of age may ride on City streets only when accompanied by an adult. Minors age 14 years but under 18 years of age may ride on City streets with a valid snowmobile certificate in their possession. – Snowmobiles are prohibited from riding upon public sidewalks and paved trails or within City parks or other City properties. – On City streets with curb, snowmobiles must be ridden on the street, single file in the direction of traffic as close as practical to the curb; where no curb exists, snowmobiles may ride off of the paved surface but not more than six feet from the edge of the pavement. – Snowmobiles may only be operated in the City between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. – The City has designated residential areas where snowmobiling upon City streets is prohibited except to go to/from your property to a designated trail. Snowmobiles may not exceed 10 MPH within these designated residential areas. A map of the designated areas is available on the City website or from the Otsego River Riders. – Information statewide snowmobile trails and regulations can be found at www.dnr.state.mn.us/snowmobiling. Information regarding the Otsego River Riders is available at their website at www.otsegoriverriders.com. – If you have any questions or concerns about snowmobiling in Otsego, please do not hesitate to contact City Hall or Otsego River Riders Board of Directors at 612.860.0955 or otsegoriverriders@gmail.com. The City Council greatly appreciates the efforts of the Otsego River Riders and encourages snowmobilers in the community to support them. The City Council also appreciates that all snowmobilers in the community be safe and respectful of their neighbors while enjoying their rides. SN O W M O B I L I N G IN O T S E G O OTSEGO LIONS GIFTS ANONYMOUS The Otsego Lions are busy making plans for this season’s toy distribution in December at Prairie Center. This program assists local families that are unable to provide Christmas gifts for their children by collecting gifts and money at locations throughout the community. Last year’s donations provide gifts to 686 kids from the Otsego and Elk River area. If you would like to donate, collection boxes will be available between Thanksgiving and Thursday, December 15 at local businesses and organizations. Cash donations for Otsego Lions Gifts Anonymous are also excepted at Bank of Elk River offices. For more information about Otsego Lions Gifts Anonymous, please visit their webpage at www.giftsanonyomous.org, on Facebook, or call 612.470.GIFT. The Otsego Lions Gifts Anonymous thanks you for your generous support and wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! WINTER 2016/17 – PROGRAM GUIDE &PARKSRecreation CITY OF OTSEGO Visit the City’s website to receive the most up-to-date information! Register online at www.ci.otsego.mn.us. ALL CLASSES/EVENTS HELD AT PRAIRIE CENTER WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THOSE NOTED. TUMBLING CLASSES TUMBLING BASICS AGES 3-4 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 should wear leotards or shorts and t-shirts. Please tie back long hair. – THURSDAYS – 6 SESSIONS: 6:00 – 6:40 p.m. – January 12 – February 16 – Prairie Center – $35 INTRODUCTION TO TUMBLING AGE 2 W/PARENT 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 should wear leotards or shorts and t-shirts. Parents are expected to participate with their child. – THURSDAYS – 6 SESSIONS: 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. – January 12 – February 16 – Prairie Center – $35 TINY TOT 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. Please check the website for days that we are not meeting. – WEDNESDAYS: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. – THURSDAYS: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Prairie Center – $3 a time per child DOG SLEDDING CLASS 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 pre- sentation, 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. – SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 – 9:00 – 11:00 a.m – All ages welcome – Prairie Center – $20 Kids 4 and under free with paid adult. SNOW SHOEING CLASS Otsego Parks and Rec is teaming up with Wright County Parks and offering you a chance to get out this winter and discover the beauty of Otsego while learning to snowshoe. In this beginner class, you’ll learn basic snowshoeing techniques. Snow Shoes will be provided by Wright County Parks. – SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 – 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. – Ages 10-Adult – Otsego County Park (15198 96th St NE, Otsego,) – $5 FAMILY HOLIDAY PARTY Bring your family and join us for an ornament making party. We’ll make four different ornaments to take home. These ornaments are great keepsakes or holiday gifts. We will also decorate a delicious cookie for a snack. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2 – 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. – Prairie Center – Ages 3 and up – $25 for parent and up to two children – $10 each additional child KIDS SWEET TART BINGO PARTY We will play bingo, make a valentine craft, play other fun games and treat ourselves to a sweet snack. Fun prizes will be awarded to the BINGO winners! Don’t miss out on the party! Parents can drop off your child or stay and watch all the fun! – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10 – 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. – Ages 5-10 – Prairie Center – $10 HEALTH EXPO at Prairie Center New Year, New You. There is no better time than NOW, to start living healthy. Let 2016 ring in the best version of YOU. Come experience a wide variety of tools, products, services and information to help you reach your health & wellness goals. Visit each booth to earn a chance at the grand prize! SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | FREE Interested in being a vendor at the Health Expo? For more info or to register, please visit our website. OTSEGO PARK AND REC DAYS AT 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 winter months. Kids and parents will enjoy everything the Holiday Inn and Water Park has to offer for only $10. All kids must be ac- companied by an adult. – THURSDAY, MARCH 9 – 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Otsego Holiday Inn: 9200 Quaday Ave NE, Otsego, MN – ONLINE REGISTRATION, $10; child and parent is free. Online registration closes the day before the event. – AT THE DOOR REGISTRATION, $15 – Pizza/pop Buffet: Additional $6/person EMPTY BOWLS FUNDRAISER What is Empty Bowls? Empty Bowls is a way to help fight hunger in our community. Otsego Parks and Rec once again is teaming up with Holiday Inn to offer the second annual Empty Bowls. 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 hand- crafted 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. – THURSDAY, MARCH 9 – 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Otsego Holiday Inn: 9200 Quaday Ave NE, Otsego, MN – FREE WILL DONATION During the Empty Bowls event, Otsego Parks and Recreation is offering their Parks & Rec Days Waterpark at the Holiday Inn Water Park. YOUTH SNOWMOBILE TRAINING Students can register if they will be 12 years of age or older by January 1, 2017. Students 16 years or older are encouraged to do the on-line training found at the Minnesota DNR website. There will be an outdoor driving course on December 3rd. 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 2-day class and both sessions must be attended to pass the certification. Must Pre-Register by November 29, 2016 and please bring child’s birth certificate on the Thursday evening class. – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3: 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Prairie Center – $5 ARCHERY CLASS Archers come out together and learn or refine your archery skills. Otsego Parks and Rec and Archery Country of Rogers are working together to provide a quality archery program. Kids will learn archery with the instruction of the professional staff of Archery Country. All Equipment is provided by Archery Country. – THURSDAYS, FEBRUARY 2–23 – 6:00-7:00 p.m. – Archery Country 21135 S. Diamond Lake Road – $55 PRINCESS PARTY At this party, your princess will have story time, arts and crafts, proper dance etiquette, musical games and lots of fun! Dreams really do come true at this Princess Party. Dress-up is highly encouraged. – SATURDAY, JANUARY 7 (Deadline to Register Wednesday Jan 4) – 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Prairie Center – Ages 3-8 – $15 KIDS PAINTING CLASS This is your child’s chance to paint on a real canvas. During this guided painting lesson, your child will create their own wonderful masterpiece. No painting experience necessary! KIDS SNOWMEN THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16 – Ages 6-8: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. – Ages 9-12: 6:45 – 7:45 p.m. – Prairie Center – $25 ADULT PAINTING CLASS This is your chance to paint on a real canvas. During this guided painting lesson, you will create your own wonderful masterpiece. No painting experience necessary! WINTER SCENE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Prairie Center – $25 SNOW BALL Come shake your tail feather for our “Fall Ball”. Your PCA or chaperone is also welcome to join you! Refreshments will be for sale at the event. A photo prop area will also be available — cameras are welcome! Reserve your spot on our website or buy your tickets at the door. – FRIDAY, JANUARY 20 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Prairie Center – $5 ADULT FITNESS: NEW YEAR NEW YOU! FREE FITNESS CLASS; TRY ONE OR ALL JANUARY 11, 2016 AT PRAIRIE CENTER ZUMBA: 6:15-7:00 p.m. YOGA SCULPT: 7-7:30 p.m. ZUMBA Ditch the workout and join the party. Come dance your way to a firmer, better body with motivating music with unique moves and fun dance moves. It is a ‘feel happy’ workout and you’ll love the results. – WEDNESDAYS – 10 SESSIONS: January 18 – March 22 – 6:15 – 7:00 p.m. – $35 HOLIDAY FITNESS PARTY 1.5 HOURS OF FUN! Zumba, Yoga, and Instructor Choice. Come dressed up in Holiday Fun! – WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21 – 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Prairie Center – $10 YOGA SCULPT A fun and challenging class that fuses Vinyasa yoga and strength training. This unique workout incorporates hand weights and is designed to tone and shape your body. The added resistance of weights gives poses more muscle-carving and calorie- torching power. Come burn some extra calories, build healthy bone density, and leave feeling calm, strong, refreshed and rejuvenated. This is an energetic upbeat class. (Please bring your own 3-5 pound dumbbells). – 10 SESSIONS – WEDNESDAYS – 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. – January 18 – March 22 – $35 SIGN UP FOR TWO OR MORE ADULT FITNESS CLASSES FOR $5 OFF ALL FITNESS CLASSES ARE HELD AT PRAIRIE CENTER. Also, mark your calendar for our Spring Fling dance on March 31! Check out the sample paintings on our website! PRSRTD STDU.S. POSTAGEPAID PERMIT NO. 1791 TWIN CITIES, MN Time Dated Material 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 an information meeting at 7:00PM on December 12, 2016 to review the proposed 2017 City Budget and property tax levy. The public is invited to attend the information 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 Finance Director at 763.441.4414. CITY HALL: 13400 90th Street NE Otsego, MN 55330 PHONE NUMBERS Main: 763.441.4414 Building Dept.: 763.441.2593 Utility Billing: 763.441.2310 Fax: 763.441.9163 RECREATION INFO LINE: 763-235-3155 OFFICE HOURS: Monday–Thursday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. – Noon CITY COUNCIL: Jessica Stockamp (Mayor) Tom Darkenwald Vern Heidner Doug Schroeder Jason Warehime CITY WEBSITE* www.ci.otsego.mn.us * Information listed herein as being available on the City website will also be mailed upon request by calling City Hall. Concert: HOLIDAY CONCERT WITH ELVIS! DECEMBER 12, 2016 1:30 – 3:00 P.M. BOOK CLUB: SECOND MONDAY OF THE MONTH 12:00 p.m. For the list of books or for more info, please call us at 763.235.3148 or online at www.otsego.recdesk.com. WINTER ACTIVITIESAdults 55+ ADULTS 55+ HOURS: Mondays and Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Prairie Center Bingo! Every Monday! EVERY MONDAY OF THE MONTH! 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. | FREE! WINTER 2016/17 – PROGRAM GUIDE &PARKSRecreation CITY OF OTSEGO Visit the City’s website to receive the most up-to-date information! Register online at www.ci.otsego.mn.us. ALL CLASSES/EVENTS HELD AT PRAIRIE CENTER WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THOSE NOTED. TUMBLING CLASSES TUMBLING BASICS AGES 3-4 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 should wear leotards or shorts and t-shirts. Please tie back long hair. – THURSDAYS – 6 SESSIONS: 6:00 – 6:40 p.m. – January 12 – February 16 – Prairie Center – $35 INTRODUCTION TO TUMBLING AGE 2 W/PARENT 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 should wear leotards or shorts and t-shirts. Parents are expected to participate with their child. – THURSDAYS – 6 SESSIONS: 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. – January 12 – February 16 – Prairie Center – $35 TINY TOT 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. Please check the website for days that we are not meeting. – WEDNESDAYS: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. – THURSDAYS: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Prairie Center – $3 a time per child DOG SLEDDING CLASS 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 pre- sentation, 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. – SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 – 9:00 – 11:00 a.m – All ages welcome – Prairie Center – $20 Kids 4 and under free with paid adult. SNOW SHOEING CLASS Otsego Parks and Rec is teaming up with Wright County Parks and offering you a chance to get out this winter and discover the beauty of Otsego while learning to snowshoe. In this beginner class, you’ll learn basic snowshoeing techniques. Snow Shoes will be provided by Wright County Parks. – SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 – 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. – Ages 10-Adult – Otsego County Park (15198 96th St NE, Otsego,) – $5 FAMILY HOLIDAY PARTY Bring your family and join us for an ornament making party. We’ll make four different ornaments to take home. These ornaments are great keepsakes or holiday gifts. We will also decorate a delicious cookie for a snack. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2 – 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. – Prairie Center – Ages 3 and up – $25 for parent and up to two children – $10 each additional child KIDS SWEET TART BINGO PARTY We will play bingo, make a valentine craft, play other fun games and treat ourselves to a sweet snack. Fun prizes will be awarded to the BINGO winners! Don’t miss out on the party! Parents can drop off your child or stay and watch all the fun! – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10 – 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. – Ages 5-10 – Prairie Center – $10 HEALTH EXPO at Prairie Center New Year, New You. There is no better time than NOW, to start living healthy. Let 2016 ring in the best version of YOU. Come experience a wide variety of tools, products, services and information to help you reach your health & wellness goals. Visit each booth to earn a chance at the grand prize! SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | FREE Interested in being a vendor at the Health Expo? For more info or to register, please visit our website. OTSEGO PARK AND REC DAYS AT 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 winter months. Kids and parents will enjoy everything the Holiday Inn and Water Park has to offer for only $10. All kids must be ac- companied by an adult. – THURSDAY, MARCH 9 – 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Otsego Holiday Inn: 9200 Quaday Ave NE, Otsego, MN – ONLINE REGISTRATION, $10; child and parent is free. Online registration closes the day before the event. – AT THE DOOR REGISTRATION, $15 – Pizza/pop Buffet: Additional $6/person EMPTY BOWLS FUNDRAISER What is Empty Bowls? Empty Bowls is a way to help fight hunger in our community. Otsego Parks and Rec once again is teaming up with Holiday Inn to offer the second annual Empty Bowls. 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 hand- crafted 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. – THURSDAY, MARCH 9 – 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Otsego Holiday Inn: 9200 Quaday Ave NE, Otsego, MN – FREE WILL DONATION During the Empty Bowls event, Otsego Parks and Recreation is offering their Parks & Rec Days Waterpark at the Holiday Inn Water Park. YOUTH SNOWMOBILE TRAINING Students can register if they will be 12 years of age or older by January 1, 2017. Students 16 years or older are encouraged to do the on-line training found at the Minnesota DNR website. There will be an outdoor driving course on December 3rd. 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 2-day class and both sessions must be attended to pass the certification. Must Pre-Register by November 29, 2016 and please bring child’s birth certificate on the Thursday evening class. – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3: 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Prairie Center – $5 ARCHERY CLASS Archers come out together and learn or refine your archery skills. Otsego Parks and Rec and Archery Country of Rogers are working together to provide a quality archery program. Kids will learn archery with the instruction of the professional staff of Archery Country. All Equipment is provided by Archery Country. – THURSDAYS, FEBRUARY 2–23 – 6:00-7:00 p.m. – Archery Country 21135 S. Diamond Lake Road – $55 PRINCESS PARTY At this party, your princess will have story time, arts and crafts, proper dance etiquette, musical games and lots of fun! Dreams really do come true at this Princess Party. Dress-up is highly encouraged. – SATURDAY, JANUARY 7 (Deadline to Register Wednesday Jan 4) – 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Prairie Center – Ages 3-8 – $15 KIDS PAINTING CLASS This is your child’s chance to paint on a real canvas. During this guided painting lesson, your child will create their own wonderful masterpiece. No painting experience necessary! KIDS SNOWMEN THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16 – Ages 6-8: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. – Ages 9-12: 6:45 – 7:45 p.m. – Prairie Center – $25 ADULT PAINTING CLASS This is your chance to paint on a real canvas. During this guided painting lesson, you will create your own wonderful masterpiece. No painting experience necessary! WINTER SCENE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Prairie Center – $25 SNOW BALL Come shake your tail feather for our “Fall Ball”. Your PCA or chaperone is also welcome to join you! Refreshments will be for sale at the event. A photo prop area will also be available — cameras are welcome! Reserve your spot on our website or buy your tickets at the door. – FRIDAY, JANUARY 20 – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Prairie Center – $5 ADULT FITNESS: NEW YEAR NEW YOU! FREE FITNESS CLASS; TRY ONE OR ALL JANUARY 11, 2016 AT PRAIRIE CENTER ZUMBA: 6:15-7:00 p.m. YOGA SCULPT: 7-7:30 p.m. ZUMBA Ditch the workout and join the party. Come dance your way to a firmer, better body with motivating music with unique moves and fun dance moves. It is a ‘feel happy’ workout and you’ll love the results. – WEDNESDAYS – 10 SESSIONS: January 18 – March 22 – 6:15 – 7:00 p.m. – $35 HOLIDAY FITNESS PARTY 1.5 HOURS OF FUN! Zumba, Yoga, and Instructor Choice. Come dressed up in Holiday Fun! – WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21 – 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Prairie Center – $10 YOGA SCULPT A fun and challenging class that fuses Vinyasa yoga and strength training. This unique workout incorporates hand weights and is designed to tone and shape your body. The added resistance of weights gives poses more muscle-carving and calorie- torching power. Come burn some extra calories, build healthy bone density, and leave feeling calm, strong, refreshed and rejuvenated. This is an energetic upbeat class. (Please bring your own 3-5 pound dumbbells). – 10 SESSIONS – WEDNESDAYS – 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. – January 18 – March 22 – $35 SIGN UP FOR TWO OR MORE ADULT FITNESS CLASSES FOR $5 OFF ALL FITNESS CLASSES ARE HELD AT PRAIRIE CENTER. Also, mark your calendar for our Spring Fling dance on March 31! Check out the sample paintings on our website!