SaVour

Welcome back the sunshine with us.

An unseasonably warm winter left me a bit confused, and surprisingly disappointed. I wanted nothing more than for it to snow on Christmas. The season seemed so sad. I was looking forward to unwrapping my presents with snow on the ground and lights shining against the snow. Instead, I unwrapped my presents with the view of dead grass outside my living room window. How festive. The one positive thing to come out of the warm weather was I got to spend the winter months outside when the weather permitted

instead of bundled up and hiding in my bedroom.

But with positives come negatives, such as tick season coming earlier than many pet owners expected. I sadly do not have any pets anymore, but many on the SaVour team do. Some said they had already begun to find ticks between their dog’s toes after being outside.

For the Spring, we have created this issue based on our four-legged friends. We have accumulated a list of off-leash dog parks around the area and provided tips on how to prevent ticks from coming into your home after a long day spent in the sunshine. We also provide a “how to” when it comes to proper tick removal and

preventative tick tips you can implement around your home.

Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about the amazing cat owners out there. We found a cat café in Roseville that is perfect for cat lovers, and animal lovers. We also sat down with the founder of Second Chance Rescue to talk about how fostering can bring joy to both foster families and animals.

From dog parks to fostering pets to a cat café, there is a little bit of everything for you and your best friend in this issue.

— Hello Spring! You’ve been missed.

Madeline

Dolby & the SaVour team

The Cafe Meow has two locatons in the metro area.

Caffeine Meets Cat Friends

By Logan Gion Photos contributed

“When I started, I didn’t know how to make a latte professionally,” laughs Jessica Burge, owner of The Cafe Meow, “Now, I can even make a cat face on the top if you want one!”

As she says this, two baristas sell cranberry scones to watching eyes. On the other side of a glass-windowed wall, a dozen kitties—referred to as “cat staff”—stare at the customers, curious about which human will next enter their domain and what forbidden snack they’ll bring.

Such is life at The Cafe Meow, a hybrid coffee joint and feline adoption center. With a location in Roseville and one in New Hope, Burge boasts that, between the two spots, her business homes three-to-seven cats per week. “All our cats are up for adoption. We’re a transition home,” Burge explains. “For a cat to come here, they must be up-to-date on shots, have no record of behavior problems, and are either social or would benefit

from socialization… Fosters and rescuers do a great job at vetting personalities.”

Jessica got the inspiration to combine coffee and cats in 2014. “I saw a pop-up cat cafe in New York City,” Burge recalls. “After that, it took four years to open because of the partnerships with rescues and finding a location.”

In 2018, the first Cafe Meow opened in Minneapolis. A second location opened in New Hope in 2022, and the first location moved to Roseville in 2023 because of business growth and building lease agreements.

Expenses are an area on which Burge keeps a close watch. “Upkeep isn’t cheap,” Burge chuckles. “Cats are personally clean, but their surroundings are a disaster.” To combat this reality, cafe staff clean the lounge top-to-bottom before opening and right after closing as well as hourly check ins during hours of operation.

Though the cafe doesn’t serve customers on Mondays, the staff is still hard at work—claws are trimmed, ointments are applied, tangles are brushed. “We use a special bathing tissue for cats if they need it,” Jessica adds before grimacing. “When we first opened, we tried giving a few regular baths. That… did not go well.”

What goes surprisingly well are the cats’ interactions with one another. Despite The Cafe Meow housing 10-12 felines per location, there are rarely any behavioral issues. “We have so many different cats, so it feels different than a home. A new arrival might take a day to themselves; they come around the next day, though,” Burge says. She believes the cat staff intuitively understand that The Cafe Meow isn’t their forever home, so they rarely fight for territory—unless it’s a customer’s lap! “Every cat is so open

here, so their personalities shine through,” Burge beams. “Here, you can meet a cat and experience who they truly are.”

Highlights of the New Hope location include Rouge, a real-life Garfield who lets nothing disturb her slumber except belly rubs; Newt, a tuxedopatterned male who just so happens to brush against every human to get pets on his way to his food tray; and EJ, an attention hound who keeps headbutting a certain customer’s pen so that they cannot take notes for a magazine story!

Behind EJ, three of the cat staff roll around on customer Mitch Kenney, a regular who’s already adopted two cats from The Cafe Meow. “The staff is good, the drinks are good, the atmosphere is good,” says Kenney, laughing as one of the cat staff begins pawing his beard, “And the

cats are good. It’s a very relaxing environment.”

Burge prides herself on cultivating that mellow vibe, noting that such a low stakes environment is important for the cat staff to leave a good impression upon the customers. “Some people are scared,”she points out. “So this can be exposure therapy. Partners will come in where one will love cats and the other is terrified. People from cultures where cats in the home isn’t common come to learn more,” she smirks. “Close to always, everybody leaves a little more loving of cats.”

To learn more about The Cafe Meow, visit their website at thecafemeow.com or follow them on Instagram @cafemeow and @cafemeownh

Mexican Hot Chocolate Snack Mix

Servings: 8 people

Ingredients

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

• 1 tsp. canola or vegetable oil

• 4 cups Chex cereal, such as Cinnamon Chex, Chocolate Chex or Rice Chex

• 1/2 cup Kowalski’s Signature Hot Cocoa Mix

• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt

• 1/4 tasp. cinnamon (or more to taste)

Directions

1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and oil on 50% power in one-minute increments until smooth, stirring between intervals.

2. Add cereal; toss gently until evenly coated, being careful not to crush cereal. Set coated cereal aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients.

4. Add coated cereal to cocoa mixture; toss gently until evenly coated, being careful not to crush cereal.

5. Scoop snack mix onto a baking tray or cooling rack lined with parchment or waxed paper, leaving any excess chocolate behind; spread out and let dry for 15 minutes.

6. Store, covered, at room temperature for up to five days.

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Recipe provided by Kowalski's Markets

Animal rescue provides second chance at companionship

By Madeline Dolby Photos contributed

It has been 30 years since Second Chance Animal Rescue was created.

The organization was formed in 1994 and since then, Nancy Minion, a cofounder and current president, said that Second Chance Animal Rescue has saved 10,800 dogs and cats.

Second Chance Animal Rescue is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing animals with a second chance at life and companionship.

“We saw a need in Minnesota for a recuse back then,” said Minion, at the time “there were only about four or five other animal recuse organizations in the state. Now, there are hundreds of recusing organizations.”

Minion mentioned that she saw a need to save people’s pets, and that is another reason Second Chances was started.

The goal of the organization is to rescue strays from animal control impound centers and find them homes with caring and responsible families. Until these adoptions occur, animals are placed with equally caring foster families.

Second Chance Animal Rescue does not have a designated location in White Bear Lake Township. The organization relies solely on foster homes to look after rescues.

“We provide all the supplies the foster needs,” said Minion. Some supplies provided include food, litter, dog kennels, toys, dog collars and even veterinary care. All cats and dogs that Second Chance takes into the program have all of their medical needs taken care of—they are checked for heartworm, vaccinated, dewormed, spayed or neutered and they receive any other procedures they might need.

About 10 years ago, Second Chance started providing spay and neuter grants to low-income organizations and reservations in Northern Minnesota, Minion said.

“The organization is doing everything we can to maintain the population,” she added. By providing these grants, the organization is hopeful to continue to educate the community on the importance of spaying and neutering animals.

The biggest need Second Chance is looking for is volunteer foster homes. The organization can’t take in new animals unless they have a place to go. To become a foster family or to adopt, you can go online to the Second Chance website at secondchancerescue.org or call 651-771-5662.

BlueberryBasil Lemonade

Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

• 1/2 oz. (a generous handful) fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish

• 1/2 cup Kowalski’s Blueberry Jam

• 48 oz. Kowalski’s Signature Freshly Squeezed Lemonade

• Ice

• Fresh blackberries and lemon slices, for garnish

Directions

1. Place basil in a glass pitcher; use a wooden spoon to bruise the leaves and release essential oils.

2. Add jam and lemonade to the pitcher; stir until well combined (it may help to loosen the jam by heating it in the microwave for about 30 seconds).

3. Refrigerate mixture for 2-3 hours.

4. Strain lemonade; discard basil leaves and blueberry solids.

5. Serve strained lemonade over ice with berries, basil and lemon slices for garnish.

Recipe provided by Kowalski's Markets

Let the dogs out at these local dog parks

By Madeline Dolby Photos contributed

The warm weather means it is time to let the dogs out. We have gathered a list of dog parks in the area for you to allow your dog to stretch their legs and burn a bit of energy they might have built up from the months spent indoors.

MAPLEWOOD

Battle Creek Regional Park

Where: 2350 Upper Afton Rd.

Hours: 6 a.m.- 10 p.m. on weekdays and weekends

More information: The Battle Creek off-leash area is 35 fully fenced acres. The space is large enough for dogs to move around in, and there are plenty of on-site trails for humans and dogs to explore together. Find out more information by calling 651-748-2500.

WHITE BEAR LAKE

Bald Eagle-Otter Lake Regional Park

Where: 5750 Otther Lake Rd., White Bear Township

Hours: 5 a.m.- 11 p.m. on

weekdays and weekends

More information: This dog park is on a 12-acre property that provides plenty of space for dogs to run and play. It includes some fenced and non-fenced areas. Find out more information by calling 651-748-2500

MATOSKA DOG BEACH

Where: 4835 Lake Ave.

Hours: 6 a.m.- 10 p.m. on weekdays and weekends

More information: Complete with a sandy beach and shallow water perfect for fetching. Dogs may swim in a small, separate part of the beach, as long as they do not cross into the public area. Dogs are required to be on a leash at all times and have visible dog tags.

SHOREVIEW

Rice Creek Off-Leash Dog Area

Where: 595 Lexington Ave. N.

Hours: 5 a.m.- 10 p.m. on weekdays and weekends

How to protect your pets from tick season:

• Talk to your veterinarian about the best tick-prevention products for your dog.

• Know the types of tickborne diseases in your area.

• Check your pets daily for ticks, especially after they spend long periods outdoors to reduce the chances of a tick bite making your dog sick.

More information: The trail is an off-leash area of 13 fully fenced acres. Find out more by calling 651-748-2500.

ROSEVILLE

Woodview Open Space

Where: 481 Larpenteur Ave. W.

Hours: 5 a.m.- 10 p.m. on weekdays and weekends

More information: Designated small dog area for dogs under 30 pounds. For more information call 651-748-2500.

OAKDALE

Bark Park

Where: 4957 Helena Road N.

Hours: 5 a.m.- 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and weekends

More information: An approximately five acre dog park. Includes a wood chip walking trail, wooded areas, a pond, four-foot-high fencing around the park, pet waste bags, trash cans and benches and tables. For more information call 651-730-2740

• If you find a tick on your pet, remove it right away.

• Reduce tick habitat in your yard. This can be done by using pesticides, but do not solely rely on this method. Other methods can include removing leaf litter, clear tall grasses and brush from around your yard and stack wood neatly in a dry area.

BLAINE

Swanson Dog Park

Where: 9150 Central Ave. NE.

Hours: 5 a.m.- 10 p.m. on weekdays and weekends

More information: Separate, fenced-in areas for large and small dogs. Includes clean bag containers, drinking fountains, picnic tables and a shelter. For more information call 763-785-6164.

STILLWATER

Friends of Stillwater Dog Park

Where: 1900 West Myrtle St.

Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset on weekdays and weekends

More information: The Stillwater dog park has a fenced, off-leash dog park established in 2014 to promote responsible dog ownership through community-based

recreation and education. For more information call 651-439-6688.

WOODBURY

Andy’s Bark Park

Where: 11664 Dale Road

Hours: 6 a.m.- 10 p.m. on weekdays and weekends

More information:

Approximately 70 acres. The park is not completely fenced in but includes mowed walking trails with benches, a sheltered area with picnic tables, a pet watering station and pet waste disposal stations with bags.

ST. PAUL

Arlington/Arkwright Off Leash

Dog Park

Where: 400 Arlington Ave. E.

Hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekdays and weekends

More information: This five acre off-leash park winds through a well-shaded forest and provides wooded trails, open spaces and a large bowlshaped area for dogs to roam around in.

Dogs must be leashed before entering and when leaving the parks. Dogs also must be licensed and vaccinated. No puppies under four months old or aggressive dogs are allowed in the parks. Owners must clean up after their dogs using plastic bags and provided trash containers. Service dogs, regardless of size, are welcomed in either the small or big dog parks at all times.

Best Man = Man’s Best Friend

By Logan Gion

Photos contributed

Photo by Uppercase L Photography

Photo by HL Photo

Photo by Vanessa Lee Photography

“Taz was my best friend of 16 years. I just wanted a picture of him with me in my wedding dress,” sighs Lara Leinen, “but I didn’t want to put my family though all that—or my husband.” A month later, Leinen and her husband adopted another dog. Since dogs and weddings were on her mind, Leinen thought, “What about dogs at a wedding?” Thus the idea for Doggy Social, a service that integrates pets into their owners’ weddings, was born.

“I got tunnel vision,” Leinen remembers, “but it was crystal clear. I had no idea if anyone out there wanted it… It started going pretty fast once I let people know.” Doggy

Social now has a staff of seven in Minnesota, and satellite operations have started in Chicago, Denver, Phoenix and Whitefish. “If the last one sounds weird,” Leinen laughs, “It’s because my sister lives there. She’s really good at it.”

“It” consists of keeping three parties happy during the wedding: The venue, the couple and the pet. “Over the years, my mission has been to connect with vendors,” Leinen explains, though she admits that it took a while before vendors treated Doggy Social seriously. Every location, unfortunately, had horror stories. Leinen reports that many came around when she told them that, “We all want what’s

Photo by Alexis Chanel Photography

Photo by Eric Vest Photography

Photo by Abby Lynn

Photo by Flow Event

best for the couple.” Now, Doggy Social is preferred at most venues. “We’ve never yet had a situation,” Leinen boasts. “Vendors know they don’t need to worry with us. We stay close with the animals. This is why we exist—so certain timeframes or areas are respected.”

On that front, Leinen credits extensive planning with the couple to ensure everyone is prepared on the day of the ceremony. “Every wedding is custom,” Leinen states, “because every dog and every couple are different… Some people have vows with their dogs in them or have their pup come up to them on their wedding day. By then, we’ve already checked the personality. We know what plans B and C are.”

Leinen emphasizes, however, that Doggy Social is NOT a wedding planner. “Doing that much is ridiculous,” Leinen chuckles. “We definitely connect with the planner, or, if they know us, sometimes the planner connects with us.” To earn such respect in a relatively short time speaks to Doggy Social’s ethic. “I work hard,” Leinen states, “and my attendants work hard. The biggest piece of feedback we get is ‘We knew going in that Doggy Social was trustworthy, but you went above and beyond.’” Leinen emphasizes that her staff is the reason Doggy Social has a sterling reputation. “Hiring the right people,” Leinen states, “in business, there’s never a better decision than hiring a really special person who gets it and is into it.”

Meticulous hiring practices is one reason why Leinen keeps Doggy Social’s growth controlled. "I want to keep growing organically,” Leinen expresses. “I’d like to keep the quality where it is now. Plus, we’re always learning. Our surveys have requested that we add a video element, so we’re starting to do videos of the dog’s day at the wedding—it’s nuts cute!”

Crossing these T’s and dotting these I’s are what has earned Doggy Social a perfect 5-star rating on Google, an honor which Leinen finds misleading. “‘Perfect’ is not a sentiment we’re striving for,” she cautions. “Wonderful, yes, but ‘perfect’ means no room for life or creativity.” What Leinen believes the 5-star rating truly promises is peace of mind. “Essentially, if you love animals so much that you want your pet in for even a moment or a photo, that can happen,” Leinen concludes. “We make it so much fun—and easy! We work hard so that you (and your pet) are completely carefree on your wedding day.”

To learn more about Doggy Social, visit their website at doggysocialwedding.com or follow them on Instagram @doggysocialwedding.

Photo by Flow Event

Photo by Urban Daisy

Safely prevent your pets from ticks

By Madeline Dolby

Ticks can harm your pet by transmitting tick-borne infections such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Pets can bring ticks into the home, exposing you and your family to illness from a tick bite.

Hundreds of pesticides, repellents and growth inhibitors are available to protect your pet from flea and tick bites. Some of these products are only available through your veterinarian and others can be bought over the counter at your

local pet store. Products range from pills and chews to collars, sprays, shampoos and powders.

With all these options available, it is hard to know what products are effective, and safe, when it comes to preventing your furry friend from ticks and fleas. It is strongly recommended that you involve your veterinary when deciding what products to use, especially if your pet has any health conditions.

Make sure you are carefully reading the label, the package inserts and any accompanying literature with the product to ensure you’re using it correctly. You should save the packaging in case a problem does occur and you need to report it. When to treat your pet:

Typically, pet owners start treating their pets at the beginning of flea season. The length of flea season, which peaks during warmer months, can vary depending on where you live.

Talk to your vet before using products on weak, old, medicated, sick, pregnant or nursing pets, even

if they have been fine with previous uses of the product. The same goes for pets that have previously shown signs of sensitivity to flea or tick products. Tell your veterinarian about any other products you might be giving your pet because it could make a difference in their recommendations.

After giving your pet flea or tick treatment, monitor them for side effects. Side effects might occur immediately or could happen ater. Monitor your pet closely if it is the first time using a particular product. Call your veterinarian if your pet shows signs of illness such as dizziness, wobbliness, incoordination, poor appetite, depression, vomiting or excessive salivation.

Ticks can be found in some places year-round. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in most parts of the U.S., the greatest chance of being bitten by a tick is in spring and summer, with another spike in the fall

What’s happening

WHITE BEAR LAKE

Spring Fling

When: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, April 27

Where: Downtown White Bear Lake

Contact: downtownwbl.com

Dog Days

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 18

Where: Downtown White Bear Lake

Details: Stroll about with your pooch in downtown White Bear Lake or just come and feel all the canine love. Receive doggie swag, learn about dog rescues and adoption, enjoy free doggy treats and relax on a pet-friendly patio.

Contact: downtownwbl.com

Marketfest

When: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Thursdays, June 13July 25

Where: Downtown White Bear Lake

Details: Live music, car show, kids activities and vendors

Contact: downtownwbl.com

Farmers Market

When: 8 a.m.- noon Friday, June 28

Where: Downtown White Bear Lake, 2nd Street and Clark

Details: The market features more than 50 vendors. Occurs every Friday from the last Friday in June through the last Friday in October.

Contact: 651-429-8500

20th Annual 10-minute Play Festival

When: Thursday, May 30 through Sunday, June 23

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave.

Details: Ten short, never-before-seen plays from around the world are presented by Lakeshore Players Theatre directors and performers. Watch each show and cast your ballot for your favorite 10-minute play of 2024. Tickets are available online.

Contact: 651-478-7427

Manitou Days

When: June 13- July 4

Where: Downtown White Bear Lake

Details: A three-week summer festival showcasing the great lakeside community of White Bear Lake.

Contact: manitoudays.com

SHOREVIEW

Spring Cookie Decorating

When: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, April 18

Where: Shoreview Community Center., 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: Come join us for spring cookie decorating. Each child will get one dozen cookies and be provided with all the decorating supplies. Pre-registration is required. Ages 12 and under. $25 per person.

Contact: 651-490-4750

Springfest

When: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, April 21

Where: Shoreview Commons Destination

Playground, 4580 Victoria St.

Details: Shoreview is celebrating Earth Day. Events happening during the afternoon in the lower level parking lot of the Shoreview Community Center. Live entertainment, enjoy activities for kids and visit ecology-related vendors.

Contact: 651-490-4750

Spring Royal Tea Party

When: 3 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 19

Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: Your afternoon will consist of crafts, a special appearance by a princess, storytelling, refreshments and lots of fun. Come in your favorite princess look. Ages 10 & under. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $15 per person.

Contact: 651-490-4750

Concert in the Commons

When: 7- 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 26

Where: Shoreview Commons Destination

Playground, 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: Bring the whole family for a free outdoor concert! Bring a lawn chair, blanket and snacks.

Contact: 651-490-4750

FOREST LAKE

Spring Fling

When: 1- 4 p.m. Saturday, April 27

Where: Forest Lake City Center, 1408 Lake St. S.

Details: This family-friendly event features bounce houses, crafts, activities, music, the Forest Lake Fire and Police Department vehicles and more.

Contact: 651-464-3200

LAKE ELMO

Food Truck Extravaganza

When: 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Saturday, June 15

Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, 12300 4th St. N.

Details: A day filled with delicious bites, live music and family-friendly fun. Pet friendly.

Contact: 651-439-4001

SCANDIA

Taste of the Lakes

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25

Where: Scandia Creamery, 21279 Olinda Trail N.

Details: A fun-filled evening connecting the community and supporting the Lakes Center. Sample appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages from local restaurants and have fun playing games. Cash bar.

Contact: 651-464-3685

BLAINE

Alice in Wonderland Tea Party

When: 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Saturday, May 11

Where: Blaine City Hall Atrium, 10801 Town Square Dr. NE

Details: This tea party consists of fingersized refreshments, crafts, bingo and a lot of fun. Children 10 and under are welcomed but must be accompanied by an adult. $20 per person.

Contact: 763-784-6700

Performance in the Park

When: June 10 through August 15

Where: Tom Ryan Park, 10802 Town Square Dr. NE

Details: Bring your own lawn chairs. Food trucks will be available at select concerts.

Contact: 763-785-6164

Craft Fair

When: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, June 8

Where: Blaine City Hall, 10801 Town Square Dr. NE.

Contact: 763-785-6164

Blaine Festival

When: June 28- 30

Where: Aquatore Park, 9191 Lincoln St. NE.

Details: A weekend full of activities that include a parade, car show, a dog contest, bags tournament and much more.

Contact: 763-785-6164

What’s happening

presspubs.com/savour

Bark in the Park

When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, August 8

Where: Aquatore Park, 9191 Lincoln St. NE.

Details: Bring your favorite four-legged friend to visit with companies and nonprofit groups specializing in dogs. The event will feature nail trimming for a fee and dog merchandise for sale at the vendor booths.

Contact: 763-785-6164

MINNEAPOLIS

Bark at the Park

When: Monday, April 22

Where: Target Field, 1 Twins Way

Details: New for this year will be "Bark at the Park" night, Target Field’s first-ever night that will allow canine Twins fans to catch a glimpse of the game, and perhaps make a new friend. The four-legged fans will be allowed in the park, and their human companions will receive a Twins-branded portable dog water bottle as part of their admission.

Contact: twins.com/tickets

Global Running Day 5k

When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 5

Where: Fulton Beer Taproom, 414 N 6th Avenue

Details: Run, jog or take a stroll with your canine friend at this event. Once you cross the finish line, you’ll receive a craft beer from Fulton Beer Taproom. Dogs must remain leashed. After the race, you and your pup can hang out on the pet-friendly patio at Fulton Beer Taproom.

Contact: 612-333-3208

ST. PAUL

Walk for Animals

When: Saturday, May 4

Where: Minnesota State Fair Grounds

Details: Celebrating the Walk with animal lovers is always an awe-inspiring reminder of the incredible impact owners have when they come together. The walk raises funds for the Animal Humane Society.

Contact: 763-432-4841

AFTON

Strawberry Festival and Marketplace

When: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22; 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday, June 23

Where: Afton Town Square Park, 3418 St. Croix Trail S.

Details: This free, two-day outdoor festival will feature a blend of 80+ artist vendors showcasing and selling their goods, vintage and 2nd hand vendors selling repurposed or vintage treasures and a business expo. There will be food, live music and fun activities.

Contact: 701-269-4639

HUGO

Spring Planting Pot Event

When: 6 p.m. Friday, April 5; 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 6

Where: Lebens Flowers & Greenhouse, 16155 Forest Blvd. N.

Details: Plant a patio pot with all your favorite annuals. Prices vary depending on the side of the pot. Registration required.

Contact: 651-488-6707

Good Neighbor Days

When: Friday, June 7 through Sunday, June 9

Where: Hugo Lion’s Park, 5524 Upper 146th St. N.

Details: Hosted by the Hugo Lions. There will be a carnival, vendor craft fair, cornhole tournament, a parade and live music.

Contact: hugomnlions@gmail.com

VADNAIS HEIGHTS

Waffle Breakfast & Fire Department

Open House

When: 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. Sunday, April 7

Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 East County Road F.

Details: All-you-can-eat freshly made waffles served with three sausages and your desired toppings. Gluten-free options are available. The cost for varies breakfast varies.

Contact: 651-204-6000

ROSEVILLE

Feline Fest

When: Tuesday, June 11

Where: The Café Meow, 1718 Lexington Ave. N.

Details: Drink coffee, meet adoptable cats and feel good about helping rescues. The event includes a raffle, donation-based cat lounge visits, a coloring challenge and more.

Contact: 651-212-8471

Going Beyond Shelter Walls to Save Homeless Dogs and Cats

A nonprofit 501(c)(3) all volunteer dog and cat rescue organization

Mini Corn Dogs

Recipe provided by Kowalski's Markets

Servings: 8 people

Ingredients

• 2 qts. Canola oil, for frying

• 1 cup flour

• 1 cup cornmeal

• 2 tsbp . Sugar

• 1 tsp. baking powder

• 1 tsp. kosher salt

• 1/2 tsp. baking soda

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 2 eggs

• 8 Akaushi hot dogs, cut into thirds crosswise

• Kowalski’s Classic Ketchup and yellow mustard, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. In a large, deep pot, heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375 degrees.

2. While oil heats, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a large mixing bowl; set aside.

3. In another large mixing bowl, whisker together buttermilk and eggs.

4. Add wet mixture to dry mixture; whisk until mostly smooth.

5. Drop hot dog pieces, 6-8 at a time, into the batter; stir to coat. Scoop from the bowl with a wire mesh strainer or slotted metal spoon; shake gently to remove excess batter. Fry in hot oil until golden brown (4-5 minutes); remove from pan with a clean strainer or spoon. Drain on paper towels.

6. Repeat with remaining hot dogs and batter, monitoring the oil and adjusting the heat setting as needed to ensure the oil temperature stays at 375 degrees.

7. Let corn dogs cool for 3 minutes,

8. Serve with ketchup and mustard for dipping, if desired.