West news briefs

Humane Society seeks help in 'cat season' Saying that "cats are in crisis across the country," the Animal Humane Society is making a special appeal for help in giving homes to the nearly 20,000 cats it will shelter this year.

Referring to the period of May to September as "cat season," Kathie Johnson, the society's director of animal services, said, "We see an average of 70 cats per day brought in to our five sites. Unfortunately, right now there aren't 70 homes per day looking for a cat."

Last year, the society took in 35,989 animals, 20,646 of them cats.

"Imagine Target Field - 40,000 seats filled with cheering Twins fans. Now imagine all those seats filled with homeless animals. This year Animal Humane Society will care for enough animals to fill nearly every seat at Target Field, and more than half of those animals ... will be cats," the society said in a news release.

The organization is tackling the issue with its "Double the Love" promotion. "Double the Love" allows cat adopters to get a second cat for no additional fee -- but it must be an adult cat.

For more information on the society and some of the animals it has available, go to www.animalhumanesociety.org.

Opportunity Partners rock 'n' fundraiser "Rock and Raise," a benefit concert for Opportunity Partners, is scheduled for 6 p.m. to midnight Friday at the Medina Entertainment Center.

Tickets will be available through Thursday for $20 at www.medinaentertainment .com , and at the door for $30.

Opportunity Partners provides employment, housing and education programs for people with disabilities. For more information, go to www.op portunitypartners.org.

Pomerania is subject of 'photo journey' The German-American Fellowship Association will present a "photo journey" into the past of Pomeranian villages and towns and their manor houses at 8 p.m. Saturday at Bloomington Living Hope Lutheran Church, 9350 Portland Av. S.

Professor LaVern Rippley of St. Olaf College will look at towns such as Schwerin, Güstrow and Schlemmin. Admission for non-members will be by donation, with $3 suggested.

For more information, go to www.gafa.org or e-mail gafaorg@gmail.com.

The second day of the sale will feature reduced prices, including a $3 "bag day" special. For more information, call 952-473-1247.

STAFF REPORTS

Arboretum's garden gala June 16 The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Foundation is hosting its Gala in the Gardens from 6-9 p.m. June 16 with KARE-TV meteorologist Belinda Jensen as emcee.

The event will include cocktails and dining in the gardens, a live auction and music.

Proceeds will support Arboretum educational programs, including the creation of a NatureScape play yard for early childhood learning and creative play. The play yard has been designed by nature-play expert Robin Moore.