SaVour

SAVOUR

WINTER 2025-2026

PAPERBACKS PLUS Page 6

THE JOY OF LIVING MAGAZINE

LAKE COUNTRY BOOKSELLERS Page 10

POMEGRANATE CARROTS Page 23

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4 SAVOUR WINTER 2025-2026

Content From the SAVOUR TEAM SAVOUR WINTER 2025 - 2026

‘R Photo by Paul Dols

About the Cover Books on display at Valley Bookseller show colorful and detailed examples of sprayed or stenciled decorative edges.

SAVOUR MAGAZINE Vol. 12 No. 4 COPYRIGHT © 2025 PRESS PUBLICATIONS Material may not be reproduced in whole or part in any form whatsoever.

Publisher Carter Johnson Managing Editor Shannon Granholm

est and Read,” the three words my fouryear-old nephew used to dread. Too old for naps but too young to power through the day nonstop, the process consisted of asking his mother for a twelfth glass of water and tossing his Berenstain Bears books like frisbees.

Now, Rest and Read is his favorite part Logan Gion of the day.

Why? His grandmother began resting and reading next to him. After some shut-eye separately, the two escape to lands of ursine-operated automobiles, and he gets to

practice his lowercase letters.

Then, it’s back to “helping” his grandpa winterize the garage.

Too often, I tell myself that I don’t need Rest and Read; I’m a grownup. My life then becomes “See Jane run” … until I burn out. Forget enriching myself with reading or spending time discussing that reading with friends, I just want to collapse.

This issue of SaVour is about taking the necessary time to recharge by reading.

Inside are five stories that chronicle the value reading has for one’s self, family and community.

Paperbacks Plus’ owner refers to her store in North St. Paul as a refuge. Lake Country Booksellers in White Bear Lake provide suggestions for using reading to strengthen

relationships. Writer Madeline Dolby visits Valley Bookseller in Stillwater and uncovers friend groups made via niche book clubs. Amber Gutebier details how hearing and reading others’ works at The Writer’s Well can empower you to tell your own story. And the CEO of Little Free Library explains the generational dividends helping others read can pay.

Sure, most of us know reading is important, but I hope the gift or resolution you give yourself this winter is to set aside the time necessary not only to read, but also to let the words sink in.

Booking time to read should not be a novel idea.

Logan Gion and the SaVour Team

Editor Logan Gion Shoreview Editor Madeline Dolby

Lake Country Booksellers

Photographer/ Photo Editor Paul Dols

Writer’s Well Page 12

Page 10

General Manager Patty Steele Multimedia Sales Associate Brad Solem Production Manager Mary Peterson

Little Free Library

What’s Happening

Page 15

Page 20

Lead Production Designer William Peter Production Designer Michael McNamara SaVour Magazine connects our readers and local businesses through personal stories and compelling images. We foster shared ideas to highlight creativity, the beauty of nature and perseverance.

Our mission is to humanize the economic and community impact of supporting local merchants.

The majority of content is paid for by our advertisers.

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Paperbacks Plus adds ‘refuge’ to its vocabulary

By Logan Gion | Photos by Paul Dols

T

ime and time again, customers who enter Paperbacks Plus in North Saint Paul will be surprised, then comforted by the sheer amount of tomes compiled in the cozy, secondhand bookstore. Owner Kathryn Harris has seen this happen so often, she joked that she may install a motion-sensor camera, then compile the results into a video.

“There’s a comfort in being surrounded by books, a calmness,” Harris said. The History Cruzers Car Show, for instance, displays 1,800 cars every Friday from June to September less than a block away from Paperbacks Plus. Little of that noise, however, reaches into the store.

“The people that make the french fries? They all have families. The people that bring the cars?

6 SAVOUR WINTER 2025-2026

They all have families. And these people are stuck here,” explained Harris. “So I provide a refuge on a Friday night, and we close the door and it’s nice and quiet.”

Harris has been providing this sanctuary since 1993, but the store has been around since 1988. After a cancer diagnosis, original owner Kathy Benker sold the bookstore to Harris, then the two women worked together while Benker was in remission until her passing in 2001. “I always had this feeling that I’m keeping the store until I can give it back to her,” Harris recalled.

Since that time, Harris has made the store her own—a gallery of her grandmother’s paintings resides above the checkout desk, an expanded

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE Enrichment Daycare comic book and manga collection sits nearby, space now exists between the bookshelves and the ceiling.

“I could fit more books in here,” Harris remarked. “A few years back, I’m like, ‘Nah, they’re going to fall on me,’… It’s hard not to go up because there’s so many books. What are you going to do?” Harris believes a balance between selection, organized curation and not sweating the results is what has kept Paperbacks Plus open. “Yesterday, there was a girl in here, and she was looking at some kids’ books,” Harris gave as an example. “She’s like, ‘Oh, well, I can get this book for (your) price new at this, that and the other.’ And I’m like, ‘Fabulous! You have to do it.’”

Harris also encourages her customers’ to read what they want. One of Harris’s regulars is highly educated and worked in the literary world for decades.

“She would buy just the no-brainiest, trashiest (books),” Harris said. “I read hard things because I’m dumb, and I want to be smarter, okay? She’s really smart.

She don’t need to read smart things. She can read dumb stuff, you know? … As long as you’re not causing problems for other people on this planet, it does not matter a whip how you spend your time.”

One thing that personally matters to Harris, however, is that Paperbacks Plus lives on after she does. “We don’t need another bar. We don’t need another dentist. We don’t need another realtor,” Harris said. “Having a bookstore in North Saint Paul is way more interesting … I’ve got a lot of valuable things in here.”

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Joy. Full.

We’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to our customers for shopping here, to our employees for working here, to our partners for growing and making great products and selling them here. Thank you.

May your holiday season be full of happiness, kindness and, most of all, the joy of good food.

1 1 T W I N C I T I E S L O C AT I O N S • K O W A L S K I S . C O M

8 SAVOUR WINTER 2025-2026

APPLE CRANBERRY GLAZED TURKEY BREAST SERVES 6

Ingredients • 1 cup water, very hot • 2 tbsp. kosher salt • 1 1/2 tbsp. freshly ground Kowalski’s Black Peppercorns • 1 tbsp. poultry seasoning • 2 cups Kowalski’s Minnesota Grown Apple Cider (from the Produce Department), cold • 2 1/2-3 lb. bone-in skin-on Ferndale Market Minnesota Grown Turkey Breast • 1/2 cup Stonewall Kitchen Apple Cranberry Chutney (from the Deli Department) • 2 tbsp. rice vinegar • 1 tsp. very finely minced fresh thyme leaves, plus a few sprigs for garnish • balsamic glaze (such as Cucina Viva brand), for garnish • fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries), for garnish

Directions 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Pour water into an extra-large mixing bowl; whisk in salt until salt is dissolved.

Stir in pepper, poultry seasoning and cider.

Place turkey in bowl; cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hrs.

Preheat oven to 325°.

Remove turkey from brine; discard brine. Drain well; pat dry with paper towels.

Transfer turkey to a baking dish or roasting pan; bake in preheated oven for 75 min.

Increase heat to 400°; cook until turkey registers an internal temperature of 155° and skin is dark golden-brown (10-15 min. more).

8. While turkey cooks, combine chutney and vinegar in a small microwave-safe dish; microwave a few seconds at a time until mixture is warm and whisks together easily.

9. Stir in thyme; set apple-cranberry glaze aside and keep warm.

10. When turkey is done, remove from oven and brush with apple-cranberry glaze; loosely cover with foil and let rest for 10-15 min. before carving (temperature will increase to 165° as turkey stands).

11. Drizzle turkey with balsamic glaze; garnish with cranberries and thyme sprigs.

12. Serve immediately, passing extra apple-cranberry glaze at the table.

PRESSPUBS.COM/SAVOUR

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Lake Country Booksellers reads their customers

By Logan Gion | Photos by Paul Dols and Contributed

W

hen people visit a bookstore, oftentimes they have a vague sense of what they are looking for, but not specifics. Susie Fruncillo believes one of the reasons that Lake Country Booksellers, which she co-owns, has been in White Bear Lake for 45 years is because the store’s staff has the right recommendation for each request.

“I think the big, huge bookstores overwhelm people,” Fruncillo remarked. “A lot of our customers who have been coming for years … like our suggestions.”

Faith Basten, one of the co-owners, commented that guessing what people will like is her favorite part of the job.

“I love days leading up to the holidays, when our store is all decorated and we have tons of new books coming in every day.

We’re trying to guess which books will be the most popular so we can stock up before our wholesaler runs out,” Basten said.

Co-owner Nancy Thysell agrees. “I so enjoy sharing my love

10 SAVOUR WINTER 2025-2026

(From left) The owners of Lake Country Booksellers: Faith Basten, Roberta Kiemcle, Susie Fruncillo and Nancy Thysell. of reading and books with our customers. It is definitely the best job that I have ever had,” Thysell stated.

Fruncillo explained that, because the staff members all have different tastes, they can cater to customers of any kind. Those varied tastes are writ large on a slate chalkboard behind the counter that lists what each staff member is currently reading. Roberta “Bert” Kiemele, for instance, reads the latest mysteries. Lance Abramson understands

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experimental fiction and children’s books. Kia Johnson knows the ins and outs of “romantasy,” fantasy books that blend magical adventures with passionate love stories.

“It’s extremely rewarding when someone comes in, and I get to say, ‘We have a book I think you will love,’” Johnson stated. “I also love talking to our young customers about what books they are excited to read.”

Johnson’s love of connecting readers with books has led to a new initiative at Lake Country Booksellers: Blind Date with a Book. Fruncillo explained that Johnson pairs the book with tea and other small items, then wraps them in gift paper. Many who have purchased these blind dates wish to savor the surprise, but Fruncillo assures that they can look up the title if a customer needs to know. “When (Johnson) first started doing these, she had a woman come in and buy one for her friend that was having a birthday,” Fruncillo remembered, adding the customer did not ask for the title because she wanted to be surprised as well.

“The next day, the woman called

and said, ‘You know what? My friend was turning 80, and the book that I bought was “Still Life at 80.”’ I was just blown away.”

Blind Date with a Book is not the only romantic option Fruncillo has suggested to customers. She recalled an instance of a husband and wife who did not want to purchase two copies of a book they both wanted to read. “I said, ‘Why don’t you take turns reading to each other?’” Fruncillo recollected. “They came in two months later, and they said, ‘Okay, we're ready for (another) book.’ She said, ‘It was really fun, it was kind of romantic and it got us away from the screen.’”

Fruncillo believes features such as these show that reading can be both personal and interpersonal. The interpersonal connection is why Lake Country Booksellers always seems to have the right suggestion. No sooner had Fruncillo finished this comment when longtime customer Sharon Klumpp politely interjected, “It’s the curating. Sometimes I’ll read books out of the library or ebooks … but if I’m going to buy a book, this is my stop.”

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Amber Guetebier cultivates good at ‘The Writer’s Well’

By Logan Gion | Photos Contributed

A

mber Guetebier, under the pen name Varla A. Ventura, has just finished a tour of the Northeastern United States, promoting her book “Enchanted Plants: A Treasury of Botanical

12 SAVOUR WINTER 2025-2026

Folklore and Magic.” She regularly freelances for well-known online publications, worked in San Franscisco as an editor for almost a decade and oversaw a parenting publication as the managing editor.

The project about which she gets most excited, however, is helping other writers find their voices during sessions of “The Writer’s Well” at White Bear Center for the Arts (WBCA).

Guetebier got involved with WBCA shortly after moving to the Twin Cities area for an editing job. “The moment I walked in there, I just felt completely comfortable,” Guetebier remembered.

“I was like, ‘This is a place that has people that I understand and are going to understand me.’”

Guetebier’s son began attending classes and even threw a birthday party there. Guetebier then decided to take a class there herself. A couple years after that, WBCA’s director encouraged Guetebier to run a bi-weekly writing group, ages 16 and up, on Thursday afternoons.

The result is “The Writer’s Well,” which Guetebier describes as a place for writers to refill their personal font of inspiration. “We all tap out sometimes, and we need to have a collective well that we can draw from,” she explained. Since starting the group, attendance has grown so much that Guetebier has added a second group on Wednesday evenings.

Guetebier is amazed not only at the growth, but also the breadth of people who attend. “There’s a woman who’s 26 and a woman who’s 76, and I caught them having coffee together talking about poetry and life one day,” Guetebier said. “It’s just become a place where people collectively identify as writers, but it’s become a community.”

“The Writer’s Well,” Guetebier stresses, is for all levels and all projects. A former board member of the Screenwriters’ Workshop, a science-fiction short-story aficionado, a self-published memoirist in her 80s—all have come away rejuvenated for their next project.

That said, “The Writer’s Well” is not necessarily a feedback workshop. “It’s not a critique group,” Guetebier clarified. “Ideally, the laughter is

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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feedback, or the people have comments… This is a creative space where people can be and share, and it’s a community.”

Guetebier assures those thinking about attending—but nervous to do so—that she was nervous herself going in. “There’s that kind of leap

that you make where you’re like, ‘Okay, I’m going to take myself seriously now. I’m going to be held accountable, and I’m going to identify that this is the direction I want to go,” Guetebier related. “But you know, you don’t give yourself credit for certain things … Reading counts, talking with

other people who are writers, going to writers groups. Those are all things that contribute to you being a writer and keeping that inspiration.”

To attend a session of “The Writer’s Well” at WBCA, register at whitebeararts.org/language-writing, or call 651-407-0597.

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14 SAVOUR WINTER 2025-2026

Little Free Library makes big community impact

By Logan Gion | Photos Contributed

I

n your community or even on your street is likely a miniature house with a plexiglass front that is filled with books or materials for anyone to take or leave. They are Little Free Libraries, and as of March 2025, there are 200,000 of them officially registered on all seven continents.

That’s right—Antarctica too.

In 2009, however, there was only one, in Hudson, Wisconsin.

Todd Bol honored his mother’s job as a teacher by building a model of a little red schoolhouse in his front yard and filling it with books. Rick Brooks of UW-Madison saw the project and was reminded of the “take a book, leave a book” features found in coffee shops. The pair began building more book-sharing boxes, eventually receiving national media attention.

In 2012, over 4,000 locations existed, and Little Free Library became a registered nonprofit based in Saint Paul.

Little Free Library’s CEO Daniel Gumnit believes there’s a simple reason for the exponential growth in locations over the past 13 years. “It really meets a need,” Gumnit said. “It really strikes a chord and touches the hearts and the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

PRESSPUBS.COM/SAVOUR

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minds and the spirits of hundreds of thousands of people.”

That need, Gumnit stressed, is in conjunction, not competition, with local libraries. “You will see literally hundreds of Little Free Libraries right in front of public libraries,” Gumnit stated. “They see Little Free Libraries as the twig to their branch.” Gumnit noted that public libraries provide a depth and breadth of service that his organization cannot.

On the other hand, Little Free Libraries are open 24/7.

What Little Free Libraries do have in common with public libraries is their ability to house more than books.

Gumnit has seen it all—vinyl records, dog treats, arts and crafts supplies. “Pretty much anything that’s relevant and that people want to share with each

16 SAVOUR WINTER 2025-2026

other,” Gumnit summarized.

There are many ways a community member can help Little Free Library, either the nonprofit or their local site. If people see a local box in distress, Gumnit encourages them to fill that location with better materials. Little Free Library also has a world map on its website as well as a mobile app so that community members are aware of nearby locations. Finally, if everything looks good in your neighborhood, Gumnit suggests donating financially to Little Free Library so that the nonprofit can establish new sites in “book deserts,” areas that have limited access to books because of geography.

Book deserts could be rural areas far away from a public library or urban areas that do not have easy access to one.

Establishing a Little Free Library in these places is Gumnit’s top priority as the nonprofit’s CEO. Gumnit formerly worked at a regional

homeless shelter for families and children. The shelter discovered that if a child is not reading at grade level during early elementary school, that child will likely experience poverty or homelessness. “Just being able to read at first grade level or third grade level is not sufficient for breaking the cycle of homelessness,” Gumnit added, “but it is absolutely necessary.”

Combating systemic childhood poverty may seem like a big responsibility for such a little box, but remember that Little Free Library has 200,000 “twigs” and is still growing. Nurturing the twigs near you will help keep the whole tree healthy. “These are community owned,” Gumnit said. “As a community, we can help maintain these libraries.”

To find a Little Free Library near you or to financially contribute, visit littlefreelibrary.org.

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Valley Bookseller: A hub for the St. Croix Valley community

By Madeline Dolby Photos by Paul Dols and Contributed

L

ocated in downtown Stillwater, Valley Bookseller continues to serve as a hub for the St. Croix Valley community through various events and even a new book club. The bookstore, which opened in 1990, carries new titles and has a small selection of used books that is curated based on what the store’s buying team believes the community would be interested in.

“Our customers shape what we have on the shelves,” Gretchen West, Valley Bookseller manager, said. “We’ve found

18 SAVOUR WINTER 2025-2026

customers love the experience of being in a brick-and-mortar store, browsing and chatting with booksellers, and holding a physical book in their hands when they leave. There’s nothing like opening a new book, and I think most readers would agree.”

In addition to traditional bookstore genres, Valley Bookseller carries regional fiction and nonfiction memoirs to showcase and support talented authors in town, the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota and Wisconsin.

“We are continually collaborating with authors as they release new books with launch parties and other events. Since there is a plethora of writing talent in Minnesota, it's impossible to do an event for everyone, but we do our best to stock their books, share social media posts and help spread the word about new releases,” West said.

Not only does the bookstore carry multiple titles, genres, and authors, but it also hosts events for the community throughout the year. One that has

“

West said the most rewarding part occurred on a regular basis is Totally Criminal Cocktail Hour, which takes place of her job was being able to talk about books all the time. She said finding a on six to eight select Wednesdays from connection with someone through 5-6 p.m. at the Lowell Inn. The event has books gives meaning to her work every been going on for about a decade and day. has a devoted following.

“Putting books in the hands of “It was created to bring mystery readers, encouraging kids to love authors and readers together in a casual reading environment and share to highlight stories with new releases,” customers— West said.

What could be She explained better?” She that those said. who attend West added can expect that the store to hear about also thrives on an author’s bringing new background and interesting and writing Gretchen West events to the process, have an Valley Bookseller Manager community. opportunity to Valley ask questions, Bookseller helps sponsor events local get to know some of their favorite to Stillwater, such as the Harvest writers and meet new ones.

Fest, Hometown for the Holidays and Recently, the store introduced a new ArtReach St. Croix annual Big Read. book club that focuses on cook books.

“There’s so much to do in this “I hope to see that group grow and beautiful town,” West said. “And no trip flourish as much as our two other book is complete without a visit to the local clubs—The Classics Book Club and the indie bookstore!”

Thursday Evening Book Club,” West said.

No trip is complete without a visit to the local indie bookstore!”

SAVOUR

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For Advertising in the SaVour Magazine Call Brad at 651-235-3968 or email Savour@ presspubs.com

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What’s Happening presspubs.com/savour

BOOK CLUBS Award Winners Book Club

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays, Dec. 11, Jan. 8 and Feb. 12 Where: Valley Bookseller, 217 Main St. N., Stillwater Contact: 651-430-3385

Classics Book Club

When: 2-3 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 8, Jan. 4 and Feb. 1 Where: Art Reach, 224 Fourth St. N., Stillwater Contact: 651-430-3385

Knitting Book Club

When: 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays Dec. 16, Jan. 27 and Feb. 24 Where: Darn Knit Anyway, 423 S. Main St., Suite 423b, Stillwater

STILLWATER The Stillwater Nutcracker

When: 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 28-29, 1 and 6 p.m. Nov. 30 Where: Stillwater Area High School, 5701 Stillwater Blvd.

Details: A family-friendly version of the classic ballet, choreographed to the music of Tchaikovsky. Our version includes live narration and the exuberant dancing of children from the age of five and up who grace the show with beauty and spirit.

Contact: 651-439-2820 or stcroixballet@gmail.com

The Murder Mystery Co.’s Dinner Theater Show

When: 7 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 6, Jan. 9, Jan. 31 and Feb. 14 Where: 1910 Greeley St. S. Details: Get ready for a night

20 SAVOUR WINTER 2025-2026

Contact: 651-342-1386 or info@darnknitanyway.com

Place, Woodbury Contact: 651-731-1320

Lake Elmo Book Club

Shelf Indulgence

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. First Tuesday of the month Where: Lake Elmo Library, 3537 Lake Elmo Ave. N. Contact: 651-275-8515

North St. Paul Book Club

When: 6:30-7:45 p.m. Third Tuesday of the month Where: North St. Paul Library, 2300 North St. Paul Drive Contact: 651-724-6005

RHS Book Club

When: 6:30 p.m. First Tuesday of the month Where: 8595 Central Park

of twists, turns and tantalizing mystery. Mingle with intriguing suspects, uncover shocking secrets and savor a mouthwatering three-course meal. But watch out, you could end up as a cold-blooded killer. Each month’s mystery is different.

Contact: 888-659-2952 or murdermysterydinnerminneapolis.com

Guided Bird Hike

When: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 Where: Pine Point Regional Park, 11900 Norell Ave. N. Details: Whether you’re a beginner or experienced birder, these hikes are a great way to learn to identify birds that call the St. Croix Valley home. Participants also have the opportunity to contribute to citizen science

When: 6 p.m. Second Monday of the month Where: Stillwater Public Library, 224 Third St. N. Contact: 651-275-4338 or splinfo@stillwatermn.gov

Shoreview Mystery Book Club

When: 7-8 p.m. Third Tuesday of the month Where: Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria St. N. Contact: 651-724-6006

Sleuth Mystery Book Club

Wednesday of the month Where: White Bear Lake Library, 2150 Second St. Contact: 651-724-6007

Swoonworthy Book Club

When: 6 p.m., Third or fourth Wednesday of each month Where: King Coil Spirits, 550 Vandalia St., Suite 140, St. Paul Contact: swoonworthybooksellers.com/events

Wildwood Book Club

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Second Monday of the month Where: 763 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi Contact: 651-426-2042

When: 1:30-3:30 p.m. First

data collection by completing bird-count surveys with your guide.

Contact: 651-430-8370 or parks@co.washington.mn.us

The Big Stillwater Holiday Sing

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 Where: Grand Banquet Hall, 301 S. Second St. Details: Eat and drink, tell stories in the dark and sing together.

Dan Chouinard leads from the piano, with song lyrics on a screen to sing along. Come early to have Grand’s pizza or other delicious treats.

Contact: calyssa@stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org

WHITE BEAR LAKE Jingle Bear 5k and Fun Run

When: 8-10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6

Where: Ramsey County Beach, 5050 Lake Ave. Details: This event is open to all abilities and ages as well as well-behaved, leashed dogs. Dig out your Santa outfits and join in the fun. A professional photographer will be on site to capture those great family memories.

Register online by Friday, Dec. 5.

Contact: 651-440-9625 or customerservice@midwestevents. com

Festival of Trees

When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 6 and 13 Where: White Bear Lake Armory, 2228 Fourth St. Details: See who in the area has the best tree decorating skills at the Festival of Trees. We’ll be offering cocoa, fun holiday treats and activities—even a possible

What’s Happening presspubs.com/savour

sighting of Santa himself.

Contact: 651-407-5327 or office@whitebearhistory.org

Winter Open House at WBCA

When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 Location: White Bear Center for the Arts, 4971 Long Ave. Details: Bundle up and embrace the magic of winter with our annual, festive Winter Open House. Experience snowy activities outside and hot cocoa inside.

Contact: 651-407-0597 or wbca@whitebeararts.org

‘The 39 Steps’

When: Jan. 23-Feb. 7 Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave. Details: Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, throw in a dash of Monty Python and you get “The 39 Steps”—a fast-paced whodunit bursting with theatrical magic.

It’s an unforgettable experience blending high-stakes hilarity and classic mystery.

Contact: 651-426-3275 or office@lakeshoreplayers.org

MAHTOMEDI Christmas with The River City Chorale

When: 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 Where: St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Roadz Details: Join the Chorale, Ensemble Singers and Instrumentalists for an afternoon of great music to celebrate Christmas.

Contact: andy@therivercitychorale.org

Comedi in Mahtomedi

When: 8 p.m.-12:45 a.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 31 Where: Dugout Bar, 96 Mahtomedi Ave. Details: Come see a free standup comedy show in downtown Mahtomedi on New Year’s Eve. Stay for awesome food, a beer or your favorite drink.

Contact: 651-440-9128

SHOREVIEW Santa Cruise

When: 6-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8 Where: Shoreview Commons Park, 4580 Victoria St. N. Details: Santa Claus is coming to town! Santa will be riding around Shoreview on one of the Lake Johanna Fire Trucks, following a dedicated route map. Santa and his helpers will be collecting food shelf items for the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf and toys for Toys for Tots.

Contact: 651-490-4600 or shoreviewmn.gov/Parks-rec/ Special-events

Holiday Tea

When: 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17 Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N. Details: Come enjoy an afternoon of music with the North Suburban Chorus, a variety of teas and desserts. Pre-registration required by Dec. 12.

Contact: 651-490-4750

New Year’s Eve Party

When: 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31 Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N. Details: Ring in the new year with family fun at the community center. Enjoy inflatables,

face painting, waterpark access and more. Pre-registration and tickets are required for each guest.

Contact: 651-490-4750 or shoreviewmn.gov/Parks-rec/ Special-events

LINO LAKES Winter Wildlife Tracking

When: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 13 and Jan. 10, Feb. 21 Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St. Details: Uncover the journey of an animal by the tracks, trails and signs they leave behind.

Explore the winter landscape of Minnesota with wildlife trackers (certified by Tracker Certification North America).

Each session will differ due to changing winter landscape and animal activities.

Contact: 763-324-3350

AFTON Afton Village Holiday

When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and 13 Where: Downtown Afton, 3418 St. Croix Trail S. Details: The charming St. Croix river will be transformed into a winter wonderland—horse and wagon rides, strolling carolers, a Christmas Tree lighting, festive food and more.

Contact: 701-269-4639 or info@exploreafton.com

ROSEVILLE Cookies and Cocoa with Kris Kringle When: 9-10:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6 Where: Cederholm Community Building, 2323 Hamline Ave. N.

Details: Families with children ages 2-10 can register to have a photo taken with Santa. Enjoy hot cocoa, and create your own holiday cookies and crafts.

Contact: 651-792-7110

Breakfast with Friends: V. V. Ganeshananthan

When: Saturday, Feb. 28 Where: Midland Hills Country Club, 2001 Fulham St. Details: Listen to “NPR Best Book of the Year” award-winning author V. V. Ganeshananthan speak on her book “Brotherless Night,” about a young Sri Lankan woman trying to protect her dream of becoming a doctor during a civil war.

Hosted by Friends of Ramsey County Library.

Contact: 651-724-6127

WOODBURY Storytime with Santa

When: 8-9 a.m. Sunday, Dec.. 7 Where: Eagle Valley Golf Course, 2600 Double Eagle Lane Details: Santa Claus is coming to town, so bring the whole family! Take pictures, make holiday crafts and listen to a story read by the man with the bag himself.

Contact: 651-714-3500

New Year’s Eve Matinee

When: 2:30-4:30 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31 Where: M Health Fairview Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive Details: Families with children under 12 can ring in 2026 with inflatables, moonwalks, bingo, ice skating and more. It all ends with a countdown to the new year.

Contact: 651-714-3500

PRESSPUBS.COM/SAVOUR

21

TAKE WINTER BY STORM! With John Deere The Ultimate Mini 25 Horsepower Brush Clearing, Trench Digging, Snow Clearing Machine.

2025R Compact Tractors

• Powerful and fuel-efficient Tier IV Yanmar engine • Hydro transmission with TwinTouch™ pedals for ease of use • AutoConnect™ 7-Iron Drive-over mower decks up to 60 inches

Financing Available See Dealer For Details

UNWRAP YOUR OFFER BLACK FRIDAY TURNS GREEN

Enter to win up to $5,000 off select zero-turn mowers, riding lawn tractors, compact tractors and utility vehicles November 18 2025 through January 7, 2026. For complete offer details and contest rules, go to JohnDeere.com/BlackFriday

Century Power Equipment 5920 Memorial Ave. North Stillwater, MN 55082 • 651-439-2035 SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS

Some restrictions apply. See participating dealer for details and other financing options. Offer is available only at participating United States dealers. Prices and savings are in U.S. dollars. Some restrictions apply. See participating dealer for details and other financing options.

Offer is available only at participating United States dealers. Prices and savings are in U.S. dollars. Prices and savings are in U.S. dollars. Prior to finalizing the transaction, your John Deere dealer will verify your John Deere Rewards eligibility and discount level, which may impact your final purchase price. Sales to government agencies, company direct sales or other individuals or entities participating in any John Deere Special Discount Program or Rental Business Program are not eligible.

22 SAVOUR WINTER 2025-2026

Pomegranate Roasted Carrots SERVINGS VARY

Ingredients • fresh carrots, scrubbed and dried, peeled if desired • Kowalski’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil, as needed • freshly ground Kowalski’s Sea Salt and Black Peppercorns, to taste • pomegranate seeds, to taste • pomegranate molasses (find it near the maple syrup), to taste • fresh Italian parsley, chopped, to taste

Directions 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Preheat oven to 450°.

Cut carrots into 1" pieces.

Completely but lightly coat carrots with Kowalski’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil; season to taste with salt and pepper.

Spread carrots out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; roast in preheated oven until browned and tender when pierced with a fork (18-20 min.).

Toss cooked carrots with fresh pomegranate seeds to taste; drizzle to taste with pomegranate molasses.

Season with additional salt and pepper to taste; serve garnished with chopped Italian parsley.

PRESSPUBS.COM/SAVOUR

23

Voted BEST Roofing Company of 2025!

2021

of the Press White Bear Press

White Bear Press Best of 2021 • Stillwater Gazette Reader’s Choice Award 2025 ROOFING INSTALLATION

SIDING INSTALLATION

GUTTER SERVICES

We install several types of roofing materials including asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, metal, slate and more.

We install vinyl, wood or metal siding for your home or business. We can help you determine the best option.

Water damage from poor gutters can lead to expensive repair.

We install and repair gutters to keep the water away from your home.

STORM DAMAGE REPAIR

SOFFIT & FASCIA

WINDOW INSTALLATION

We repair roofs and siding damaged by severe weather. We are happy to work with your insurance company as well.

Usually part of a roofing or siding project, soffit and fascia are important feature for a finished home exterior.

New windows can make a huge difference for your home both in appearance and energy efficiency.

Professional Achievements PREFERRED CONTRACTOR MN LICENSE #BC415614 • WI LICENSE #855969

JTR ROOFING, INC.

11200 STILLWATER BLVD. N. STE 106B • LAKE ELMO MN 651-777-7394 • WWW.JTRROOFINGINC.COM 24 SAVOUR WINTER 2025-2026