Money sought for Forest Lake dog park

The Forest Lake Park Board is proposing to build an off-leash dog park at Bixby Park. There is an area within the park that the City of Forest Lake has made available for such use, but it needs fencing and some basic site amenities before it can be opened to dogs and their owners for exercise, officials say.

The Park Board has estimated the building cost to be $26,000. That amount would cover fencing and gates, a picnic table, signs and dog waste stations. However, there is no city money available for the project, so private donations are being sought from businesses and individuals.

As soon as funds become available, city crews can start work, the city said.

Donations can be made to the City of Forest Lake. See www.forestlakeparks.net/images/Dog_Park_Donation_Request.pdf for a donation form.

Bixby Park is situated between Broadway Avenue and Hwy 8. The park was previously used as the city's compost site, but is now ready for redevelopment. The dog park would open within the existing park and could be accessed by a short gravel road.

The site includes a mix of trees and open areas. A small pond will be situated outside the fenced area and accessible by gate for owners who would like their dogs to get wet.

Friends of the Stillwater Public Library will be holding a spring book sale in April, and will collect contributions from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, March 29 and April 5 in the library parking ramp of Third St. N.

The sale starts at 5 p.m. April 9 with "members only " preview, then runs from 10:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. April 10; and 10:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 11 and 12.

Author Joanne Fluke will discuss her latest Hannah Swensen mystery "Blackberry Pie Murder," starting at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 21, at Valley Bookseller, 217 Main St., Stillwater.

Along with the discussion, the free event will include a book signing, treats and a gift basket giveaway.

"The Drowsy Chaperone — A Musical within a Comedy," a Woodbury Community Theatre production, will begin its limited run on March 21 at the Loft Stage at East Ridge High School.

The play, which enjoyed a long run on Broadway and at the Ordway Theater, is a satire of 1920s musical comedy, organizers said. Winner of five Tony Awards in 2006, including Best Book and Best Score, the "Drowsy Chaperone" employs more than 100 cast, crew and orchestra members from across the metro.

Angelina's in the Park, the new food and beverage provider at Woodbury's Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place, will open on Monday, March 17. The shop will have the same operating hours as the Central Park building.

The new café will offer a full menu of coffee and espresso drinks, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner options. The menu also will feature ice cream in addition to many gluten-free and vegetarian choices.

Angelina's in the Park is operated by Angelina's Kitchen, which was established in the Eagle Valley Market Place in 2006. The restaurant will remain open. Angelina's in the Park will be on the upper level of Central Park in the space previously occupied by Cups 'n' Scoops.

Families looking to avoid run-of-the-mill winter experiences might try an afternoon of learning about the art of maple syruping.

The Discovery Center will host a special event on March 22 where families will have an opportunity to learn how maple syrup is made, watch sap being collected and the syrup being made, and then sample fresh syrup with ice cream.

For more questions, call Deb Ramsey at 651-747-3860.

Entries are being sought for a new Community Art Show at Park Grove Library, 7900 Hemingway Av. S.

Local artists age 14 and older can share their work with the community art show, scheduled to run from April 1 to May 31. About 40 to 50 art pieces in a variety of media will be exhibited.

Each artist may submit up to two items, any media, no larger than 3-by-4 feet and no heavier than 30 pounds. The deadline to apply is March 24.

Interested artists should contact RaeAnn Palmer at 651-459-2040 or RaeAnn.Palmer@co.washington.mn.us.