Har Mar Pet Store Closes
The Har Mar Pet Store in Roseville has finally closed after years of complaints about the conditions for animals in the store. Last spring, the Roseville city council banned the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores from large commercial breeders (puppy and kitten mills) from whom the store bought many of their animals.

Thanks to everyone who attended ARC protests at the Har Mar Mall, where the pet store was located, and contacted their council members about the proposed ban. You made a difference by helping to bring the issue of pet stores selling animals from puppy and kitten mills to the public's attention. 

See the Fox 9 news story about the Roseville ban, which showed footage from an ARC demonstration at Har Mar Mall. Kudos to HSUS and Animal Folks for their great work on the Roseville ban on the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores. Photo shows puppies for sale at the Har Mar store.

Welcome Ashley Riddle as ARC's New Program Director
Please welcome Ashley Riddle as the new Program Director for ARC. Ashley is well known in the Twin Cities animal rights community, having volunteered and attended demonstrations with Animal Rights Coalition, Minnesota Animal Liberation, Anonymous for the Voiceless, CAA, and Direct Action Everywhere. She brings this experience to work for ARC, along with her positive energy and enthusiasm, to support a rapidly growing coalition of people who want to make compassionate choices for animals.

Two Free Workshops: Vegan Meal Planning and Nutrition
Vegan Meal Planning Workshop
Have you ever been confused about what vegan recipes to make or wanted tips for quick meals on the go? If so, join Katie for an in-depth Vegan Meal Planning workshop where Katie will review everything from salads, sandwiches, and week-night recipes to convenience foods and restaurants that will fit your lifestyle and goals. Katie will provide a list of "must" pantry items, easy last-minute food options when your fridge looks empty, and tips she wished she had received when she started her vegan journey. Come with questions! Free recipes will be provided.
When: Sunday, January 7 at 1 PM - 3:30 PM
Where: Penn Lake Library, 8800 Penn Ave. S, Bloomington
RSVP: on Vegan Meetup or Facebook. 

Vegan Nutrition Workshop
Join knowledgeable Vegan University volunteer Dave and learn vegan nutrition 101. Dave will cover different nutrients and what foods they're found in. Free recipes and ideas to build your plate will be available. Dave will help you sort through the confusing and often conflicting nutrition advice in the media so you can make better diet choices as you move forward on your plant-based journey. 
When: Wednesday, January 10 at 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Penn Lake Library, 8800 Penn Ave. S, Bloomington
RSVP: on Vegan Meetup or Facebook.

Thank You Chelsea, and Our Very Best Wishes
We'd like to thank Chelsea Younquist, ARC's Program Director for the past several years, for her dedication and hard work in helping ARC grow and finding new ways to help even more animals. We will miss her always positive, inclusive, we-can-do-it attitude. Chelsea organized the protest when Cecil the lion was killed by a Minnesota trophy hunter. This protest was attended by hundreds of people, made the national newscasts, and brought the issue of trophy hunting to the awareness of thousands of people. Later that year, she organized a protest of the Safari Club's annual meeting of the Minnesota chapter, which also received extensive news coverage.

Chelsea is deservedly famous for her vegan baking skills and supplied many an ARC event with her amazing cupcakes. Her interest in making delicious vegan food led to the creation of ARC's "Feed Me Vegan" cable TV show, which won an award for best new show the first year it was on Northwest Community Television. 

These are just a few highlights from Chelsea's time at ARC. We wish her all the best in her new adventures, and we're happy that she plans to remain involved with ARC as a volunteer. Chelsea said, "I have loved this organization since the day I walked in over 8 years ago. I have been beyond blessed to have the opportunity to help lead ARC for the last few years. We have built something really wonderful together. We have a dynamic and tight knit community that warmly welcomes newcomers to animal advocacy. We have stood up for animals experiencing every form of exploitation. Each and every one of you who have volunteered alongside me, I admire you and thank you. I know that the next advocate ARC chooses to lead the organization will be incredible and will continue advancing our great causes of justice and compassion. I have every intention of remaining involved with this wonderful organization. I hope to see each and every one of you at future events. For Justice, For Peace, For the Animals - Chelsea" 

Dedications
Thank you to everyone who donated to help animals in response to our holiday appeal this year. The following special dedications were made:

In honor of Angie Chesney – Steven Chesney

Tribute to Angie Chesney  – Steven Chesney

To all non-human animals who need a voice – Melissa Siebke

In memory of Dutch – Susan Weinlick