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March 2010Rena Be Counted! U.S. Census Begins in March T his month United States Census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States, and is required by the Constitution to take place every ten years. The 2010 Census is important because it will help determine the number of seats each state, including Minnesota, has in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as in forming planning and funding decisions for federal tax dollars. When you receive your form, just answer the 10 short questions and mail the form back in the postage -paid envelope provided. If you don't mail the form back, you may receive a visit from a census taker, who will ask you the questions from the form.Questions include name, sex, age and date of birth, Hispanic origin, race, household relationship, and if you own or rent your home. Census information is protected by law, and the census cannot share your personal information with anyone — including other federal agencies and law enforcement. The U.S. Census is an important tool! Please send your form back right away so you get counted! If you do not receive a form during the month, please call 1.866.872.6868. For more information about the U.S. Census, visit wwwcensus.gov. Hel!I h orewood Deer Stay Healthy innesota Department of Natural Resources wildlife managers are urging people not to feed deer, even though it may appear they need help to make it through the cold and snowy conditions. According to the DNR, deer have special hair that helps them retain body heat. In the winter, their metabolism slows down and they live on body fat reserves. During especially cold times, deer move to areas where they are more protected from the temperatures, such as around conifer trees. When people put out feed, the deer tend to leave their protected surrounding exposing them to temperatures they might not be able to handle. When there is a common area for deer to eat, they end up feeding in close contact with one another. This is against their nature and increases the likelihood of disease and parasite transmission. Deer that become accustomed to eating from feeders become more tame, and their ability to survive in the wild is compromised. Deer feeding also creates hazards by drawing deer across roadways. Nationally, about 29,000 people are injured and 200 people die from deer - vehicle collisions each year. Although many enjoy seeing the deer around, large concentrations of deer brought to areas due to feeding, tend to be destructive and result in less tolerance for deer. To help keep deer in the area healthy and under control, resist the temptation to feed them. Enjoy their wild nature and let them co -exist naturally in the community. March, 2010 www.ci.shorewood.mn.us Recycling Weeks for March 2010 All recycling must be curbside no later than 7 a.m. on recycling day. Mainland residents recycle March 3, 17 and 31; Island residents recycle March 4, 18 and April 1. Where Does Our Garbage Go? innesotans recycle over 40% of all waste that is generated. We do an excellent job of recycling and are a national leader in this area. However, this still leaves roughly 3.2 million tons of solid waste to be disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. Vhat is the problem? The problem is that we are generating more solid waste each year and we are running out of landfill space. If our disposal trends continue, the available capacity of landfills in Minnesota will be exhausted in the next 10 to 20 years. `+That can we do? First, we should reduce the amount of garbage we produce. Then we can look for creative ways to reuse items. For ideas on how you can reduce the waste you generate and reuse items, visit the www.reduce.org web site. Once we are reducing and reusing "Addition as much as possible, the recycling carts next step is to no charge. Co recycle. One 952.96 0 important thing we can do to jmoore @ci.sh take recycling to make to the next level is to look for and buy products made from recycled materials, and to purchase products in packaging you know can be recycled in the curbside program. Even if we master the three R's (reduce, reuse, and recycle), there will still be a need to dispose of some solid waste. Another step you can take is to find out where your garbage is going. By state law, your trash hauler is obligated to tell you where they take your garbage. al or larger Find a hauler who are available at brings your trash to a resource recovery ntact the city at facility rather than .7906 or to a landfill. By sending your solid orewood.mn.us waste to a resource a request." recovery facility (or waste -to- energy facility), your trash will be converted to energy and the volume of trash to be landfilled will significantly decrease. A list of trash haulers licensed in the City of Shorewood is on the city web site, www.ci.shorewood. mn. us. Man's Best Friend and the Neighbors A mericans love their dogs! /- hall, a pet owner, you must take responsibility for your pet, just as you expect others to take responsibility for their children. Not only is it part of being a good neighbor —it's the law! .icensinq All dogs in the City of Shorewood require a license from the city. The city keeps license fees low ($10) to ensure that cost will not be a factor when licensing your pet. Licensing allows the dog to be identified if it gets away from its owner and is picked up by animal control or if it gets hurt. It also gives community members peace -of -mind that the pet has its proper shots. Please take a moment to license your pet. Contact city hall, 952.960.7900, for more information, or download the form from the city web site. Pet Control One of the biggest complaints, other than people not cleaning up after their pets, is owners who refuse to use a leash. It is the law in Shorewood that all dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Just being under voice command is not an option. Although your dog may never have harmed anyone, and may be well trained and never misbehave, no one wants to be liable if something happens. Some people, especially children. are afraid of unknown dogs, and the fear can make even the calmest dog act strangely. Cleaning Up We all know we are to pick up pet waste in parks, along roadways, and on trails. We also know that not everyone takes this responsibility seriously. If you want to continue to be able to bring your dog to the park, follow the rules. Some cities have "no pet" ordinances in place because of pet owners who are unable to take care of their pet in public. If you would like to report an animal issue, please contact Animal Control at 763.525.6210. Prepare for the Melt March brings snowmelt, and the fi1'1;1if i � f l'q "," running water goes right to the g 'V lakes! Please make sure pet waste and debris are picked up from your yard and street to keep our lakes clean and clear for summer!` Owners Must Maintain Private Wells A pproximately 50% of the homes in Shorewood are served by private wells. As long as these wells remain properly maintained and in good working order, most homeowners are safe and enjoy their private well system. But well owners must take responsibility for their wells and have them inspected properly to eliminate possible health hazards to their family. Well owners should follow a good maintenance and inspection plan with a reputable well company. Water should be tested by a certified lab, not only for bacteria, but for heavy metals which have been found to be creeping into area wells. Well owners should also have wells inspected for cracks which appear over time and can allow contaminates to enter the well. Well owners must also be cautious about what they do around the area of their well. There are certain isolation distances required between a well and utilities, such as electrical lines or gas pipes, and potential sources of contamination. These distances need to be maintained when planning for new buildings or additions, or other property improvements. The top of the casing cannot be cut off or buried when making changes in landscaping, adding a driveway, or other property improvements. The top of the casing must be maintained at least 12 inches above ground level. If the required isolation distances cannot be maintained, the well must be permanently sealed. More information on caring for your well is available from the Minnesota Department of Health, www. health. state. mn.us, or 651.201.4600. The city does not inspect or maintain private wells. Solar Water and R ebates up to $10,000 per home are now available to Minnesota homeowners who install qualifying solar electric and solar hot water systems. Rebate reservations are available on a first -come, first - served basis for Electric System solar systems that are installed at an applicant's primary residence by a licensed contractor that meets program participation criteria. Download the appropriate application materials from www. Rebates state.mn.us, enter solar rebate in the search engine. You may also pick up a copy of the application at City Hall. For more information contact the Minnesota Office of Energy Security, 651.296.5175. Summer Programs Plan ahead and mark your calendars for a great summer of entertainment in Shorewood parks! Watch the city web site for up -to -date information! Community Garden Residents can reserve a Shorewood Community Garden plot by calling city hall at 952.960.7902. Plots are located at South Shore Community Park, next to the skate park. Cost $30 /residents; $45 non- residents. Spots are going fast! Reserve your space right away! Garden Classes Hennepin County Master Gardeners will offer free garden classes throughout the summer. Classes will begin with planning your garden, and do not end until the grand harvest party! Watch the April Shore Report for a complete schedule of classes. Fridays at Freeman Avariety of free events are being planned for preschool through gradeschool age children at Freeman Park this summer. Events take place most Fridays. A complete schedule will be in the May Shore Report. Tennis Tennis Block Party Badger Park Saturday, June 5; FREE 10:30 -Noon ages 4 -10 Noon -1:30 pm ages 10+ Learn about upcoming tennis lessons, and get a free intro lesson! Register at www.carl- sontennis. com. Co -spon so red with Carlson Tennis and USTA. Free Intro Lessons Badger and Manor Parks June 25 and July 30 11 -noon; noon -1 pm Tennis Camp Badger Park July 6 -9, August 3 -6, August 31 -Sept 3 Watch for more details on the tennis programs in the April Shore Report! Skateboard Camp June 21 -24, 9 am — Noon; $85 Skateboard enthusiasts ages 6 -12 have the opportunity to learn some great skills at the Sports Unlimited Skateboarding Camp. Individual skills /tricks taught. Skateboard and Helmet required. Bring water bottle, snack, sunscreen. Camp includes T- Shirt, water - bottle and sportsmanship medal. To register, call city hall, 952.960.7902. Maximum number 24 — minimum is 8 Garage Band Jam Freeman Park July 23; 6 -9 pm The hunt is on for the best garage band in the Twin Cities! This event was introduced in 2009 and promises to be even bigger and better this year! Musicians compete for a variety of prizes, and the chance to be named number one! Bands interested in competing should contact the city at 952.960.7902. Safety Camp Badger Park August 11, 9 am -3 pm; $20 Children entering third or fourth grade are encouraged to attend Safety Camp. Children learn bike and personal safety, water safety, fire safety and more! Snack, lunch and a t -shirt are included. A great day for kids to learn and to make new friends! Register at 952.960.7902, or download a registration form from the city web site, www. ci. shorewood. mn. us. Co- sponsored with Excelsior Fire District, South Lake Minnetonka Police Department and AAA. Kayaking Instruction Crescent Beach Friday, June 25, 5 -7 pm; $15 Kids ages 9 -13 can learn kayaking skills with Three Rivers Park District staff. Kayaks provided; no experience necessary. Maximum number 10 -- minimum 6. Night to Unite August 3; Freeman Park A citywide event is being planned in cooperation with South Lake Minnetonka Police Department. Watch for more information on this great event, and save the date for a fun family and community evening. More events are still being plannedl Watch the April Shore Report for up -to -date informa- tion and more detailsl importance of clothes dryer fire prevention. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated annual 15,500 fires, due to clothes dryer fires each year. The financial costs come to nearly $100,000,000 per year. Many of these fires can be prevented with maintenance, professional cleanings, and proper dryer venting. Fire is not the only danger. Several hundred people a year are subjected to carbon monoxide poisoning from Safety Tips • Clean the filter screen after each load! This keeps the vent clear and prevents the dryer from overheating. • Keep the dryer vents clean and have your dryer and the vents professionally cleaned annually. • At least twice a year vacuum out your dryer vent from the back of the dryer all the way to where it vents to the outside. Vacuum the dryer motor if it is accessible, the area where the lint trap inserts, around the base of the dryer, and behind the dryer. • Limit the distance, the sharp turns, and the bends in your dryer vent. • Stay at home while the dryer is in use and turn off your dryer before leaving your home. • Have a CO detector in your home and a smoke detector in your laundry room. For more information and additional tips, go to www. excelsiorfire. org. Fire Prevention: Dryer Safety V ery few people realize the improper dryer vent setups. Southshore Community Center Great events for all ages happen at the Community Center! To find us, just enter the city hall parking lot entrance and drive past the ice rink. It couldn't be easier! For event updates, go to www.southshore- center.org. Contact the center at 952.474.7635 to register for events unless otherwise indicated. Pre -Prom Fashion Show Friday, March 5, 7- 9:30pm; Advance tickets $8 /two for $15' See the latest trends in teen and spring fashion featuring local high school youth modeling Heartbreaker and Cynthia Rae fashions and accessories. Moms will enjoy fashions from Sanctuary Spa's Mary Jane Boutique! Entertainment provided by a variety of local young artists, musicians, and dancers! Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and sparkling beverages as you visit with friends and admire the beautiful spring lines. Call Southshore Community Center, 952.474.7635, to reserve your seat - -space is limited. Tickets $10 at the door if space allows. In partnership with Heartbreaker Stores, Cynthia Rae Clothiers, Sanctuary Spa, and Charthouse Catering. " Donate your 'gently used' Prom Dresses to receive FREE admission to the show! Build Your Own Portfolio: Teen Class Ages 13 -18; Thurs, March 4, 11 & 18, 4:30- 6:30pm; $92 Are you college bound for art school and not sure how to prepare your portfolio? Find out what colleges are looking for and complete class projects that build a stronger portfolio. Observational drawing and other painting and drawing techniques may be covered. Students will have a stronger portfolio and gain confidence in presenting their portfolio. Open to all visual art students. Explore Home Winemaking Thurs, March 18, 7 -9 pm; $29 Discover the tricks to making great wine at home for yourself or to give as a fabulous gift! Learn the step -by -step process to make wine from fresh fruits, fruit juices and kit wines from around the world, as well as bottling and labeling techniques. Optional wine starter kits available for purchase ($34) from instructor. To register for this class, contact MCE at 952.401.6800 or online, http:// minnetonka. registryinsight. com. Prom Dress Sale Friday, April 16, 3pm - ?; FREE Sale featuring prom dresses donated at the fashion show! Get a great deal and help raise money for Southshore Community Center and Haiti relief efforts. Some dresses will be re- stylized by Cynththia Rae! First -come, first - served until they are gone! Studio Art Class: Oils and Acrylics Wed, April 7 -May 26, 9 -Noon; $115 Paint a landscape, still life, or subject of your choice. As you paint you will learn or enhance your technical skills to compose a painting, draw shapes, mix paint colors, and understand values to create your own masterpiece. Instructor will provide individual time, instruction, and demonstrations. Beginners welcome. Instructor: Michele Combs Southshore Senior Partners (SSSP) offer many programs at the community center for residents 55 and older! To get on the SSSP newsletter list, contact the community center, 952.474.7635. Easy Artisan Bread & More Friday, March 12, Noon; $25 Learn tried and true methods of baking artisan breads at home from Chef Mary Fran Woell! The class size is limited. Reserve a space by 3/8. IRS Certified AARP Tax -Aide Counselors Trained AARP Tax -Aide representatives will be available for seniors and low- income families to assist with simple tax preparations. This service is a free AARP service. Appointments gam — 2pm can be made Mondays through April 12. Call t for an appointment. Healthy Hearts Thursday, March 18, 10:30 am Cardiac Care Nurse J. Hilgers, RN, in coordination with Ridgeview Medical Services, will discuss foods & exercise to maintain a healthy heart. Please register by 3/15 G L 6 N OF SouChS0006 Old Wild West Thursday, March 25,10am Lyndon Griffin, an entertaining balladeer, presents an entertaining new look at the Old Wild West with songs and comments. Following the program a special Chuck wagon style lunch will be served. Call to reserve a space for lunch ($6) and to register for the entertaining program. Introducing The Glen of Southshore! This exciting venture housed at Southshore Community Center will feature a variety of social events and enrichment classes! Watch the April newsletter for details! NW'SIIOdv3NNIW 1890£# 11 Wa3d OIVd 3S)ViSOd *s'n as d INd1S (131aoS38d City of Shorewood Planning Commission Hearings There are no public hearings scheduled for the March 2 Planning Commission meeting. An agenda for the meet- ing is available on the city web site, www.ci.shorewood.mmus. Web Survey Available The city is conducting a short survey to gain information about your browsing experience and how best our web site can meet your expectations. The survey can be found by clicking on the link located on the city home page at www. ci. shorewood. mn. us. Christine Lizee, Mayor; Laura Turgeon; Jeff Bailey; Richard Woodruff; Scott Zerby City Administrator: Brian Heck; Newsletter Editor: Julie Moore I.££SS NW `POOMOJoyS peon qnl:) A.4uino:) SSLS poonnaaoyS ;o 4D at