Christmas in the Bitterroot - 2022

Christmas in te

Festival of Trees a win-win for Bitterroot Valley

The recent Festival of Trees was the Bitterroot Health Foundation’s first-ever collaborative community charity event. The Foundation has been raising money through its Colors of Cancer program for the planned cancer infusion center at Marcus Daly Hospital. The Colors of Cancer program this year culminated in the Festival of Trees, a four-day event that included an auction of trees that represented the various “colors of cancer.” In addition, dozens of other local non-profits were invited to submit trees and wreaths to the auction to raise money for their own causes, and some of the best of those were auctioned of at a special event on Tuesday, November 22nd.

Gina Collins, who co-chaired the Festival of Trees along with David Evans, designed the top-selling tree, which raised money for the Hamilton Players and is featured on the front cover of this publication. It was purchased by RS Aesthetics.

Another top-selling tree, pictured at right, was designed by Jan Perrin for Project 59870. It was purchased by Robb and Amy Horlacher who are pictured with their daughter Robin. Victoria Howell, chair of Project 59870, an organization with a mission of supporting and facilitating projects that improve the quality of life of residents of the 59870 zip code, is also pictured. Currently Project 59870 is helping to raise funds for the Kids Backpack and Pantry Program at Stevensville Schools, which supplies children with food for the weekends. For more information contact Victoria at 406-207-8793.

I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas Open House

Jay and Ashlee, owners of The Sour Doe in Stevensville, ofer the food they grow on their land and prepare at their farm store/bakery/cafe.

The Sour Doe owners share a personal vision about food

The genesis of Jay and Ashlee Hayward’s businesses started long before the couple ever met. Separated by thousands of miles, Ashlee and Jay actually shared a common vision when they were teens. Simply put, this was an organic farm linked directly to some sort of food establishment.

Serendipitously, they met a decade later, both on independent rock climbing trips in the Sierra mountains of California. Their love grew strong, fueled, in part, from the long conversations about agriculture, cooking and health. Their shared vision grew more acute, narrowing the focus down to beginning a farm, and, perhaps one day, a

place to prepare great food for their community. Whether it be a fine dining restaurant or cafe, it didn’t matter to them, as long as their principles were steadfast. Grow food with human health in mind, and cook from scratch.

Fast forward to the 2020 pandemic, Ashlee and Jay are newlyweds. Jay is breaking ground at their property to begin his agricultural journey, while Ashlee is finishing up her degree in Holistic Nutrition. Like many others during the pandemic, Ashlee is dabbling in the world of sourdough baking. One day, she is reading some recipes and conjures up some sourdough bagels from scratch. Barely through his first bite,

Peace of Mind

Jay says, “You absolutely have to sell these bagels at the farmers market.”

With some apprehension and no more than one sheet pan in hand, Ashlee stumbles into a career in baking. To complement the expanding array of produce at Fern Co.’s market booth, Ashlee starts to bring a handful of loaves and bagels. Then, dozens. They quickly realize there is a high demand for these products and a serious gap in the market. The season draws to a close, but the customers are still hungry. They say, “Where will I be able to buy your products all winter?”

And so, the grand vision came to be. The Sour Doe Cafe & Farm Store opened its

doors in early summer of this year. They currently ofer a rotating breakfast and lunch menu with sourdough products baked in-house daily, and complemented by their farm’s organic produce. On any given day, you can sink your teeth into their popular English mufns or chewy sourdough bagels. Stop on in. Afterall, how often do you get to witness both your farmer and baker, a husband and wife, working together to model a better way to eat?

You can visit The Sour Doe Cafe & Farm Store at 101 Church Street in Stevensville, Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Debra Kroger, owner of Burning Sage Studio, sells the work of many local artisans as well as her own artwork. Victoria Howell photo.

Burning Sage Studio a ‘must-stop’ shop

Burning Sage Studio located in the red barn right of Main Street, at the corner of Main and Central in Stevensville, carries a variety of merchandise created by Bitterroot and Montana artisans. The shop is in its third year and going strong. The main foor displays items from 40 artisans while the second foor is the art studio and gallery for the owner, Debra Kroger. Debra creates and displays her work in the studio. She is a member of the Artists Along the Bitterroot and participates in the annual Studio Tours.

At Burning Sage Studio you can purchase a wide variety of

items including original artwork. Price range of items fit any budget, starting at $1 up. It’s a perfect place to get that handcrafted unique gift for someone on your Christmas list or gift yourself!

Items range from wood, leather, originally designed jewelry, hand blown glass, pottery, and much more… for men, women, and children.

Burning Sage Studio has some new items for Christmas including hot chocolate bombs, and an assortment of tree ornaments. The shop will be open up to Christmas Eve! Be sure to add Burning Sage to your must-stop Christmas shopping stops.

Burning Sage Studio in Stevensville has original gift items from 40 local artisans. You can fnd something for all ages and tastes. Victoria Howell photo.

Ways to Give

compiled by the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce

Mountain of Giving Trees

Mountain Broadcasting is collecting toys for families in need. Visit a tree at one of their partners - Clearwater Credit Union in Stevi, Harper’s Les Schwab in Stevi, Jerry Wessels Tire Center in Hamilton and Taco Del Sol in Hamilton.

Angel Tree for Linda Massa Youth Home

The Angel Tree to benefit the Linda Massa Youth Home is up at The Edge Restaurant.

Angel Tree for Ravalli Head Start Families

The Angel Tree to benefit the Ravalli Head Start families is up at The Massa Home Center.

Angel Trees for Sapphire Lutheran Homes Residents

There are Angel Trees at Faith Lutheran Church, Grace Lutheran Church, and First Presbyterian Church all located in Hamilton to help gift each of the residents at Sapphire Lutheran Homes.

Bell Ringing at Super One & Murdoch’s the Rotarions & Corvallis High School Interact Club

Visit Super One and Murdoch’s in Hamilton on Dec. 17th to donate to help provide Christmas for kids

Bitter Root Brewing’s Giving Board

The Giving Board will run through December 17th. The board includes gift card requests for items that are needed for SAFE, Emma’s House and Linda Massa Youth Home, 101 Marcus Street in Hamilton

Stevensville United Methodist Church

~You’re Invited to Celebrate the Season with SUMC~ All of our Sunday services at 10:30am are virtual and can be streamed live on: YouTube-Stevensville United Methodist Church and on Facebook @ SteviUMC

• November 27th-Advent Begins

• Dec. 22nd - 1st Day of Winter

*Advent Readings & Refectons available at steviumc.org

• Dec 4th-Communion Sunday

• Dec 8th- 6pm Blue Christmas Contemplatve Service

• Dec 11th– Hanging of the Greens ~Choral Music Celebraton & Fellowship Cookies following the service

• Dec. 24th - Christmas Eve Services 4pm Outside Service with Bonfre 7pm Indoor Candlelight Service

• Dec 22nd- 1st Day of Winter

• Dec 24th- 4pm~Outside with Bonfre & 7pm Indoor Candlelight Christmas Eve Services

• Dec. 25th - 11:30am Christmas Day Service with Lunch

• Dec 25th-11:30 am Christmas Day Service with Lunch

• Jan. 1st - 10:30am Worship Service

• January 1, 2023-10:30 am Worship Service

216 College St Stevensville (406) 777-5443

Steviumc.org

Live Stream Sundays beginning at 10:30am

Giving Tree for Emma’s House

The giving tree to benefit Emma’s House is up at Hamilton Advanced Dentistry through December 19th.

Linda Massa Youth Home Wish List

Donate any of the following items to requested by the youth at the Linda Massa Youth Home: Wireless MP3/Headphones, Nerf Light Up Football, Pajamas, Tenzie, LED Strip LIghts, Moon/Galaxy Lamp, Makeup Kits Glow-In-The-Dark Blanket, Nightlight Bluetooth Speaker, Gaming Headset, Drawing/Art Kit, Warming Stufed Animals. Contact Mary Blankenbaker at mblankenbaker@youthhomesmt.org with questions or if you would like to sponsor a youth.

“Moms to Moms” with St. Francis of Assisi Parish & the Salvation Army

Help serve single mothers in our community by helping fill 86+ gift bags with items every mother needs. Drop of donated items at St. Francis of Assisi’s Parish Life Center by Friday, December 16. Contact 701-8664983 for more information.

One Warm Coat Campaign at Berkshire Hathaway

Donate a new or gently worn coat at the Hamilton Berkshire Hathaway Ofces.

Ravalli Electric Co-Op “Warming Tree”

Ravalli Electric Co-op will be putting up their traditional ‘Warming Tree’ at their ofce in December. We collect cold weather accessories to help keep the community warm in the winter. People can donate new or gently used hats, gloves, scarves, socks, blankets, etc. to our tree. At the end of December, they donate these collected items back into our community to those in need

Chili Cook Of Toy Drive by Ravalli County

Bikers

The Christmas Chili Cook Of Toy Drive sponsored by Ravalli Bikers is scheduled for Saturday, December 17 at 1:30 pm at the Stumble Back Inn, 2420 Railroad Ave., Victor. Cost is just $5 per person or an unwrapped toy. Another way to donate is to visit their gift registry on Amazon at https:// www.amazon.com/.../custom/1DKECTXJBY883/guest-view. This will bring up the Ravalli Kids Christmas list. Order any gifts you choose; they will be mailed directly to use for distribution to the children in need.

SAFE Thrift Store Giving Tree

The store is collecting items during November and December which are given to survivors and their families who live at SAFE. The tree is up at 153 Old Corvallis Road in Hamilton.

Salvation Army Angel Tree

The Salvation Army Angel Tree program helps provide Christmas gifts for children in our community. Donations of new clothing and toys are being accepted now at the Salvation Army ‘s Hamilton location at 217 N. 3rd Street, Suite B2 in Hamilton. Open Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 9am-2pm.

Consider making donations to these other organizations that provide services to those in need:

Bitterroot Humane Association

Darby Bread Box

Family Shelter of the Bitterroot Haven House Food Bank

Loads of Dignity

Pantry Partners Food Bank

The Clothes Closet free store Project 59870

Christmas Tree Ornaments

Pachyderm Club Christmas lunch

The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, December 16 at 12 noon at The Frontier Cafe, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. This is the Christmas Lunch and White Elephant gift exchange so come and have some fun. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

Christmas dinner

The 11th annual free Christmas Dinner will be held Christmas Day, December 25th at First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 1220 W. Main, Hamilton. Please join in as the congregation worships the Savior’s birth by retelling the Christmas story through scripture and song. The meal will begin at 11 a.m. All food will be provided, prepared and served by the church. This will include turkey, ham, gravy, rolls, dressing, vegetables and dessert. Christmas Dinner at 11 a.m., worship and carols at 11:30 a.m. and dessert at 12 p.m.

Happenings

Our Savior Lutheran holiday schedule Advent season is upon us and with it, Our Savior Lutheran Church’s pre-service soup and sandwich suppers, as well. Every Wednesday evening, 6:15-6:45pm, from now until Christmas, church members ofer their neighbors simple suppers to make it easier for families to join us for the 7pm Advent service. Come to prepare spiritually for the coming of Christmas and the Savior at Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Holiday Service Schedule: Early Christmas Eve—4pm

Christmas Eve Service of Carols—9pm

Christmas Day Festival Service—10am

Our Savior, afliated with the Lutheran Church––Missouri Synod, is located at 184 Pine Hollow Road, south of Stevensville of the Eastside Highway. Proceeding past Burnt Fork Market and beyond Burnt Fork Veterinary Clinic and through the curve, turn east onto Pine Hollow Road. Cross the tracks and the canal, and Our Savior will be on your left, marked by three crosses.

Have a Happy Turkey Day From Everyone at the Coffee Cup! Happy Holidays!

Holiday Appetizers

Ingredients

2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent rolls

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ½ cup basil pesto, divided 12 sprigs fresh rosemary, or to taste 1 pint cherry tomatoes, or to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Draw a 5-inch circle on the center of the parchment paper.

Open both cans of dough and separate crescents into 16 triangles. Arrange the triangles on the prepared baking sheet the fat edges lined up and overlapping along the 5-inch circle and the points facing outward; it will resemble a sunburst.

Combine cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and 6 tablespoons pesto in a bowl. Mix until well combined, then spread around the center of the ring of crescent dough.

Wrap each dough triangle up over filling and tucking it under the bottom to secure. Repeat around the entire ring. Brush remaining 2 tablespoons pesto on top.

Bake in the preheated oven until the dough is golden brown and cooked, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Slice into individually portioned rings, but keep all the rings in place in the shape of a wreath. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and cherry tomatoes.

Ingredients

1 small wheel of brie (about 6 to 8 inches), chilled ¼ cup dried cranberries

¼ cup chopped walnuts

1 sheet frozen puf pastry, thawed, plus extra for design

1 egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon water

Wishing yo the blesednes and joy of that first Christas. May the light of Christ fill yor hear and life in this coing year.

Directions

Score the side of a wheel of brie all the way around with a sharp paring knife. Cut directly on the “equator” through the rind. Using a long piece of string or dental foss, wrap the string around the brie on the newly made cut. Loop one end of the string over the other (a half knot). Then pulling the ends of the string in opposite directions, cut the brie in half.

Press the dried cranberries on one cut side of the brie, and the walnuts on the other. Quickly put the 2 sides back together with the cranberries on top of the walnuts. Press together and stuf back in any cranberries or walnuts that fell out.

Roll out a thawed sheet of puf pastry on a foured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Place brie in center of pastry. Gently pull up edges to ensure you have enough dough to entirely wrap the brie. You can trim of the corners if there is too much dough. Brush the dough with the egg wash. Fold one edge of the dough over the brie and then the opposite side. Fold over the remaining edges and complexly encase the brie. You can trim of excess pieces of dough, if necessary. Flip the brie over so the seam is at the bottom; gently press in the sides to snug the dough against the brie. Brush the top and sides of the wrapped brie with egg wash.

If you choose to decorate the brie with cut-out shapes of additional puf pastry, use very cold (almost still frozen) dough to ensure sharp lines. Lightly brush the decorative pieces with egg wash. Place the brie in the freezer for one hour (this is a crucial step; see note below).

Please join us at one of our Christmas liturgies

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the brie on the prepared baking sheet. Bake on the center rack in preheated oven until it is browned and leaking cheese, about 20 minutes. (Only rarely does the brie not leak through, but 20 to 25 minutes is about how long it takes to melt the cheese and brown the pastry.)

Recipes courtesty of allrecpes.com

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Community and St. Philip Benizi Mission

Saturday, December 24 3 p.m. at St. Philip Benizi, 312 E Miles Street, Darby 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi, 411 S 5th Street, Hamilton Sunday, Deccember 25 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi, 411 S 5th Street, Hamilton 406.363.1385 mail@stfrancishamilton.org www.stfrancishamilton.org

The Nativity, 1897 by Gari Melchers, at the Gari Melchers Home and Studio

of the same old thing? Try something new this year and crown your table with this Hamilton Pack exclusive. Frenched pork loins tied together to make the same of a crown. This table centerpiece defnitely gives the wow factor and is a meal ft for a King!