2016 bitterroot holidays

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2 - Ravalli Republic, Thursday, November 24, 2016

Giving trees

By Stacie Duce For

the

Ravalli Republic

Giving trees are a common charitable holiday project at many Bitterroot Valley businesses, but none are more busy than the angel trees at valley schools.

In the Hamilton School District, all four schools recently decorated foyers with brightly lit evergreen trees with white angelshaped ornaments. Each ornament is numbered and lists the need of a child in the school district.

Reba Howells has been coordinating the angel trees at Washington and Daly schools for the last four years. With the combined efforts of school secretaries, counselors and teachers, she has been accumulating a list of families to contact.

“I give them a call and try to find out

some of the needs of their children and coordinate with those who have older children in middle school and high school as well,” she said. “People are very grateful and sometimes it’s like pulling teeth to have them give me ideas.”

Aside from cold-weather outerwear, the biggest needs are clothes and shoes, she said. “But then I always try to give the kids something fun as well. We don’t do expensive things or electronics. That’s not what this is all about. But art supplies or something small really helps make the holidays nice.”

Howells said The Greater Ravalli Foundation donates all outerwear needed for all the children on her list.

“They give us all the coats, gloves, hats, snowpants and boots that we need,” she

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said. “It’s really a generous and overwhelming, but really helps us meet everyone’s needs. The number of angels on our trees would obviously go up without their help.”

Howells said each family served also receives grocery gift cards with their bundles of presents, “since everyone needs to eat.”

“The whole thing really touches my heart,” she said. “I love it when families come in and grab five angels. We have very generous people in our community. And even if someone just provides a present for one, it makes such a difference.”

Howells said local businesses often call and take care of the needs of an entire family or write a check for a certain amount.

“We all work together and it’s just awesome,” she said.

The angel trees at Hamilton Schools will be up for the next few weeks. Howells said all gifts and donations are due back to the school by Tuesday, Dec. 13 so that she has time to shop if needed, bundle the gifts for families and have them pick them up before the holiday break from school.

Although numbers are down a bit from last year, Howells is certain that more names and needs will trickle on to her list over the next week.

“Our angel trees are a great way to provide the needs for kids to be successful and it certainly puts us all in the right spirit for the season,” she aid.

Other valley businesses hosting “giving trees” include: • Rocky Mountain Bank in Stevensville • Farmer’s State Bank in Florence, Stevensville, Victor, Hamilton and Darby • Massa Home Center in Hamilton

Stacie Duce

The angel tree decorated in the foyer of Washington Elementary is one of four trees

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4 - Ravalli Republic, Thursday, November 24, 2016

St. Francis Bazaar: Crafts for Kindness

By STACIE DUCE For

Stacie Duce

The St. Francis Ladies again hosted a successful holiday bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 19.

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For decades, the women’s organization at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Hamilton has organized a vast holiday bazaar to raise funds for local and international charitable work.

“I’ve been in the valley for 40 years, and we’ve done it at least that long,” volunteer Pat Gilcrist said as she sorted holiday knickknacks and decorations. “Everything we sell is made or donated – new and used, crafts and jewelry – all at very low prices.”

Although it took days to set up the tables, the bazaar was open on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 8:30 to 2 p.m. with breakfast and lunch food served from the kitchen of the church’s community building.

“Our holiday fundraiser is the biggest of the year,” said Treasurer Cathy Fahrenbruck.

“The money we earn will be donated to several local organizations – SAFE, Haven House, Bread Box, Bitterroot CASA, Linda Massa Youth Home, Therapeutic Riding, Birthright of the Bitterroot. We also give to several churchrelated organizations like our church’s missions in the DeLaSalle Blackfeet Indian School and a clinic in Guatemala.”

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Ravalli Republic, Thursday, November 24, 2016 - 5

St. Francis Ladies and readily volunteer for the annual bazaar as well as meet monthly for lunch at the parish center.

“It is a support group for each other and its following Christian principles,” Fahrenbruck said. “Being part of the Hamilton community is very special because of the support that we personally get and the opportunities we have to support other organizations.”

The bazaar included a large section of traditional knitted, crocheted and embroidered items and was a joint effort with another charitable group ladies, “Share and Care” who’s major project is making denim quilts for those who are homeless, Fahrenbruck said..

Arlene Preuss of Corvallis, is the current chairwoman of the St. Francis Ladies’ and applauded the joint effort of both groups to organize the daunting task of such a large bazaar. More than 20 long tables were set with items to sell.

“It’s a great effort by all of our ladies of St. Francis who participate in one way or another to bring about this successful bazaar.

We’re motivated by knowing we can share what we receive in funds to other charitable organizations,” Preuss said. “The cooperation with the Share and Care group of ladies allows us to offer Stacie Duce an impressive event. While their funds go for other endeavors, Pat Gilcrist, who was volunteering to help organize the items to sell said the women's group ours go for the endeavors that we have voted for in our council has been a part of the holiday bazaar for at least 40 years. meeting and have proven to be what we want to support.

“It’s part of our beliefs and our premise is that we do share with others,” Preuss said. “The hours spent by our ladies are absolutely phenomenal. It is a charitable endeavor and such a wealth of giving – not only of hours, but of love. We put out there that we need some help and we’ll have 15 or more women show up.

Everyone invests time and effort and money if necessary.”

Preuss said that the legacy of the holiday bazaar is strengthened by having such a nice facility to host the event.

“The St. Francis community building is used for so many functions. It’s just incredible,” she said. “It’s not just for church functions but other civic events. We have the commercial kitchen there so we can serve meals and give a lot of meals to those in need. The building is used tremendously. It’s a great asset to the community.

“We have a wonderful ministry,” Preuss said, “and many ministries within the church that provide a lot to the general population as well as out of the country. We have a ministry that makes rosaries that are sent to other countries and prisons. We have our outof-country ministry for the Guatemala area that we support and, of course, all the local organizations.

“We’re very proud of our parish and what we can accomplish Hamilton Hometown Store together,” she said. “This bazaar helps fund most of what we do 1704 North First St., Hamilton, Montana 59840 for the coming year.”

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6 - Ravalli Republic, Thursday, November 24, 2016

ThinkWhole Nutrition

By MICHELLE MCCONNAHA For

the

Ravalli Republic

Gathering for a traditional meal and dessert is often the plan for celebrating holidays.

Monthly workshops at Simple Yoga by ThinkWhole Nutritional Counseling owner Faylee Favara provide tools to feel great about food, stay happy and healthy.

“Sugar, Sugar Everywhere” is the workshop 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 that looks at sugars and sweeteners and how to eat the best and healthiest form of sweets.

“Food is such a huge part of our

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Ravalli Republic, Thursday, November 24, 2016 - 7

lives and should be a wonderful thing and yet so many people feel guilt, and blame, and shame and regret about food and it shouldn’t be that way at all,” Favara said. “I’ve had my own journey through food issues and I get it. We have wonderful times coming up and sharing social events and family with food is ideal but let’s take the sad and regret out of there.”

Favara said her goal as a nutritional counselor is to help people feel happy around food.

“Happiness is so much more important than pleasure,” she said. “It is great to have the instant of pleasure but let’s go for happiness. Let’s make food a component of your life where it is not just an instant fix or pleasurable moment but something that nurtures and nourishes you to the point where life is happy.”

Favara said good food and healthy nutrition make an immense difference in life.

“This has to do with feeling good when you wake up in the morning,” Favara said. “No one should feel joint pain in the morning from just moving from being overweight. This is looking at how we can incorporate food to be the beneficial thing it really is.”

Favara said eating good nutritious food could provide weight control, healthy body balance, a healthier, longer life and reduced risk of disease.

She said taking a global perspective on food can be helpful.

“In a lot of cultures food is not an enigma. It is not a negative thing. It is just how to survive and thrive,” Favara said. “Trying to get to the ‘survive and thrive’ is what we should be thinking about food.”

In the New Year, the workshop series continues with “Resolution: A Healthier New Year!” on Jan. 19.

“It is about New Year’s resolutions and how they can be beneficial and harmful,” Favara said. “We’ll look at dieting and being on a diet instead of just eating for nutrition.”

“The Chocolate Crave” on Feb. 15 will be about the cravings and getting rid of the guilt. “Alcohol: Eat, Drink and Be Wise” is the workshop set for March 15. “On The Go: Smart Fast Foods” is the workshop on April 19 and “Hydration 101” is the final workshop in the series on May 17.

The workshops explore the basics of holistic nutrition, healthy consumption of alcohol, reading food labels for the best foods to eat and feature a tasty and nutritionally beneficial treat.

Preregister at least a day before the ThinkWhole Nutritional workshops at Simple Yoga by emailing thinkwhole@yahoo.com or call 406-351-0238. The cost to attend is $10 preregistration, $15 at the door.

Visit the ThinkWhole Nutrition website at thinkwholenutrition. com for the schedule and online registration. Favara also offers nutritional counseling for individuals, couples and families. She will assist with grocery shopping, menu planning, exercise con-

cepts and provide other tools for a balanced relationship with the food.

“If we let it, it can embellish our lives each and every day,” Favara said. “It is a brilliant sensation for our tastes, our eyes, our olfactory senses. When we truly honor its power, food can be lifeaffirming and life-enriching.”

Simple Yoga is located at 100 Skeels Street #B, Hamilton. The phone number is 360-9542.

10 - Ravalli Republic, Thursday, November 24, 2016

Saving during the holiday season

By KATELYN ANDERSEN For

the

Ravalli Republic

The holiday season is quickly approaching and there are some perceived expectations this time of year, such as throwing big parties and gift giving to friends and family.

Many people have limited funds and may not have the same level of financial commitment as past holiday seasons. It can be very easy to whip out the plastic credit card and charge your expenses.

However, simple planning techniques can help reduce the stress of spending too much money.

They include: *Plan the shopping list.

Whether it is the holiday dinner or a football game, food can be a key part of the event. The cost of food is higher than past years so it can make a big dent in the budget. Plan your meals in advance and stock up on items weeks or months ahead of the event. Check out the local grocery store sale ads for lower prices of traditional holiday meal ingredients. *Economic gift giving. Every family has different traditions of gift giving and it is okay to follow those traditions. It is also okay to take a real look at the spending level of your gifts and cut back if needed. Brainstorm free or low cost gift ideas, such as baking bread for your gift to friends and neighbors or offer a free hour of child care or some other low cost item. *Credit card woes. There are pros and cons to using a credit card to make holiday (or any) purchases. Credit card users can receive air miles, rebates, coupons and other incentives but credit cards can be a major pitfall if balances are not paid in full every month. On the flipside, various fees can rack up if a payment is late or the card is not used.

The average annual interest rate for a credit card is 18% and it may not seem like a large cost for using the credit card until the cost is broken down. If a family charges $1000 on holiday goodies to their credit card, it will take eight years to pay off that debt if only the minimum monthly payment is paid. The family will end up paying $684 in interest charges in addition to the $1000 charge.

If you have credit card debt, the wisest decision is to pay more than the monthly payment and not charge anything else.

According to Dr. Marsha Goetting, MSU Professor and Extension Family Economics Specialist, credit card debt can be paid off in 3.88 years following some easy guidelines. If a family continues to pay the initial monthly payment (3% of the initial debt) the debt can be paid off in 3.88 years if nothing else is charged to the credit card.

Most people have a mixture of attitudes, values and beliefs about money. Some people save money on some items where others splurge. The main idea this holiday season is to spend only what you can afford and be creative in gift giving ideas.

Katelyn Andersen, M.S., is an Associate Professor for Montana State University. She serves as the 4-H/Youth Development and Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent for Ravalli County. Contact: 375-6611 or 215 S. 4th Street Ste G, Hamilton.

Ravalli Republic, Thursday, November 24, 2016 - 11

Stevensville Country Christmas promises a trip back in time

By JOAN PRATHER For

the

Ravalli Republic

Stevensville Country Christmas” – First Friday, December 2nd in Stevensville will take you back in time to a beautiful setting of true holiday spirit inspired by Norman Rockwell.

The evening will begin with the Parade of lights starting at 6:30 p.m. at Veteran’s Park and ending at the center of town at Third and Main. Dress warm, bring your flashlights and your best singing voice!

At the center of town there will be a live nativity scene, beautiful caroling and the Christmas Story will be read.

At 7 p.m. there will be a faint jingle that will grow with intensity as Santa arrives aboard a horse drawn wagon. Santa will proceed to Valley Drug where he will be able to greet the children and hear their hearts desires and pose for pictures by family members to share. The horse and wagon rides will take place throughout the evening loading at Cenex. Wagon rides will run downtown and one wagon will take you to the Historic St. Mary’s Mission.

There will be open houses at the downtown businesses as we kick off the holiday season in Stevensville. Great food, bargains, horse drawn wagon rides free to the public. Visit the Historic St. Mary’s Mission where the chapel will be open for visitors and the gift shop will host a wonderful nativity exhibit. The First Friday event will run from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and promises to be fun for the whole family.

Saturday, Dec. 3rd, the Booster Club Bazaar will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Stevensville High School gymnasium. It is one of the best shows of the year and has many vendors with incredible creations for your gift giving ideas.

The downtown will be open, of course and restaurants ready to serve you.

Then on Saturday evening the closing event of the “Stevensville Country Christmas” will be “Splendor on Main” a special holiday gala, 6:30 pm, hosted at the Living Center, 63 Main Street.

Enjoy fine wine and beer tasting, delicious hors d’oeuvre buffet, a fantastic and fun live auction and raffle, live music by Julie Ludington, and a festive evening with friends.

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12 - Ravalli Republic, Thursday, November 24, 2016

Downtown Hamilton offers myriad of Christmas events

By CLAIRE KEMP For

the

Ravalli Republic

The holiday season is here, a time of traditions and festivities.

Downtown Hamilton’s holiday events have been part of the community’s tradition for many decades. Though each generation of downtown “elves” bring their own flavor in changing décor and activities, it has always mirrored the warmth and welcoming our community values.

Hamilton Downtown Association has family activities lined up for the entire season starting with the lighting of the Christmas tree on Friday, Nov. 25th at 6 p.m. The tree is located on the lawn of the old post office. The Montana A Capella society will grace the event with their melodies, Santa will be present to take wishes and everyone is invited to make s’mores over our cheery warming barrels located on various corners throughout the downtown. Take a stroll to enjoy instore specials and refreshments as stores remain open late.

If the big sales in the big stores were your focus for Black Friday, you can stay and shop local on Saturday, Nov. 26th to celebrate Small Business Saturday. This nation-wide event was created to give appreciation and support to the small businesses that make our towns so unique and special. Each business will feature exclusive sales and offers, so make a day of shopping locally.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pioneer Carriages will offer horse-drawn trolley rides through historic Downtown Hamilton courtesy of Hamilton Downtown Association.

On Friday, Dec. 2nd from 5 to 8 p.m., the Grinch will be visiting Downtown Hamilton. Kids can shake hands with the Grinch and receive a booklet to track their good deeds through the holiday season so they can grow their heart three sizes. Hamilton-ville will be

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open late for shopping and festivities.

Also kicking off on Dec/2nd is a new and exciting event, Countdown to Christmas! Inspired by the joy of opening the doors on an advent calendar to receive your treat, 48 Hamilton businesses have been assigned a date throughout the month of December to offer special promotions. Visit each business on their day to see what they’re offering and enter to win one of two grand prizes, each valued at over $1,500! For more information visit Hamilton Downtown Association on Facebook.

The following Friday, Dec. 9th from 5-8 p.m. is Hamilton Tonight!

The Knotty Knitters Guild has created 12 cuddly and crafty sheep hidden throughout downtown businesses for you to find. When you’ve found all 12, enter the drawing to take one of the fluffy sheep home!

Friday, Dec. 16th from 5-9 p.m. is the observance of the Winter Solstice, The Celebration of Light. Make s’mores over the warming barrels and light a candle with us, making a wish or a prayer for you or loved ones. Stores, restaurants and drinking establishments will all be offering seasonal fare to lighten your spirit!

Lastly, Friday Dec. 23rd, stores will be open until 8 p.m. for your last minute shopping needs. Holiday shopping completed? This would be the perfect time to take a break, grab a glass of wine with a friend and stroll downtown to take in the ambiance. Hamilton Downtown Association will also be drawing the winners from the Countdown to Christmas promotion.

Countless volunteers from Hamilton Downtown Association and the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department make the holidays magical by decorating the downtown. Take a stroll down our quiet streets under the twinkling lights and enjoy the nostalgic charm of Downtown Hamilton this holiday season.

Shop locally and give thoughtfully!

Ravalli Republic, Thursday, November 24, 2016 - 13

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THE MANTEL Add some sparkle to even the most classic mantel with pine garland and red ribbon by adding shiny silver stocking

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14 - Ravalli Republic, Thursday, November 24, 2016

hangers. Choose shapes such as reindeer, stars or wreaths. Another option for adding shine is metal-tone figural Christmas trees. Why not start a collection of gleaming metal trees on your mantel?

Of course, if you really want to go all in with shine, replace your stockings with new ones heavy on gold fabric and details, and tie it together with gold ribbon dotted with gold-tone ornaments.

Don’t be afraid to mix gold and silver elements for a unique look that lets you jingle and shine all the way.

THE TABLETOP The tabletop is an easy place to let your holidays sparkle. Stemware with silver- tone stems, plates with metal details, and napkin holders made of miniature glittery silver or gold garland. Silver-dipped pine cones and branches, gold wire-wrapped reindeer figurines — there really are hundreds of ways to make the holiday table bright.

For a simple centerpiece, layer metal-tone ornaments in a tall vase or arrange various sizes of them on a fancy serving dish. They will reflect the light nicely and attract attention. If your holiday meal isn’t the talk of the table, the centerpieces certainly will be.

THE TREE Glitter-covered figural snowflake ornaments have long been an inexpensive way to add sparkle to the tree. For a modern twist, pair silver

details with pale teal accents. Silver beaded garland is another way to add a layer of glam.

Gold pairs well with red, so pull out your red Christmas décor and put it to use in a new color scheme. Deep, warm red tones work especially well. Under the tree, use foil-accented wrapping paper to carry on your chosen theme, or simply choose GET CRAFTY No matter the metal tone you’re looking to employ, mirror- finish spray paints are the crafter’s friend. Visit your local craft store to check out their offerings, then spend some time at home practicing with the paint. It doesn’t go on as smoothly as flat colors, and keeping the can moving while applying is key. Paint the inside of glass items so the smooth, mirror-like finish is visible on the outside.

Use the paint to add shine to just about anything: ornaments, glass candleholders and vases, mirrors, stemware, even pine cones. A trendy finish is the mercury glass effect. To achieve this look, spray a layer of mirror-finish spray paint in your chosen tone (silver is popular) on glass and then distress the look with a mixture of vinegar and water. A mist of the right consistency will leave small areas of the finish missing, and when you wipe away the spray after letting it sit for a few minutes, the distressed look will be as good as any you buy in a home décor store.

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Ravalli Republic, Thursday, November 24, 2016 - 15

Christmas Eve Traditions Christmas Eve Traditions

NEW PAJAMAS What’s better than a set of new pajamas on Christmas Eve? Christmas Eve is one of the most tradition-filled days on the calWatch the holiday spirit envelop you and yours as you settle into endar. From wide-eyed children to full-grown adults, it is a special hristmas Eve is one of the most tradition-filled days oncomfy the calendar.

From for a marathon Christmas movie your new PJs on the couch day that fills our bodies with anticipation and excitement. And wide-eyed children to full-grown adults, it is anight. special day that fills our sugar. Don’t forget the sugar.

Find pajamas are the brightly colored and vibrantly designed bodies with anticipation and excitement. And sugar.

Don’t that forget sugar. in holiday themes.

The more fun and outrageous your holiday Cookies and treats aside, it’s easy to start a Christmas Eve tradipajamas are the better — and try to find matching sets for the tion. You just need okies and treats aside, family and even a dash of imaginasy to start a Christmas family pets to really andneed a pinch of radition. tion You just a create some family youthful of imagination andexubera camaraderie. h of youthful exuberance ance to make it ake it happen. happen. n’t forget to include lesSANTA TIME Don’t forget about the true meaning Many families include lesristmas iftoyou’re looking have an elder uncle about volve the sons kids with yourthe or grandparent ions. It’s true easy to get meaning of play the role of St. ped up inChristmas the presents, if you’re rations and cookies, but Nick on Christmas looking to involve ing children about the Eve. Enlist the help the kids with your ning of Christmas from a of a willing particig age cantraditions. be on of theIt’s easy pant and start the to traditions get wrapped important tradition in your make for up yourinfamily. the presents, family. decorations and HEAD TO CHURCH Make reindeer cookies, but teachny churches will have sounds on the ing children al Christmas Eve ser- about roof to excite the the meaning to help celebrate the of youngsters and n. CarveChristmas out a couplefrom of have Santa show s of your aday or night to young age can our church members in up with a full sack be on of the most g just that. Teach your of toys. Have Santa important traditions ren the stories of take a seat near tmas andyou howmake it has for your the tree and have family. to be such a big part of © FOTOLIA each child come up ves. end time together as a for their chance to HEAD TO CHURCH y discussing the meansit on his lap and receive their presents. This can create magical Many churches will NEW have PAJAMAS special Christmas Eve services to help f Christmas over a nice TIME — and and brightly colored and vibrantly have Santa show up with a memoriesSANTA for children adults — that last for years to come. celebrate the season.

Carve hours of day or after church.

Ask your What’s betterout thanaacouple set of ofdesigned in your holiday themes.

Many families have an elder full sack of toys. Have Santa nighttotopique join your church members in doing just ren questions new pajamas on Christmas Thethat. more Teach fun andyour outrauncle or grandparent play the take a seat near the tree and interest and test their Eve? of Watch the holiday spirit your holiday role of St. Nick on Christmas have each child come up for children the stories Christmas and how itgeous has come to bepajamas such ledge. If a they’re old of ourenvelop Eve. Enlist the help of a willing their chance to sit on his lap big part lives. you and yours as you are the better — and try to gh, encourage them to settle into your new comfy PJs find matching sets for the participant and start the tradiand receive their presents. This Spend time together as a family discussing the meaning of nue researching the on the couch for a marathon family and even family pets to tion in your family. can create magical memories nice meal after church. Askreally yourcreate children on their Christmas own time —over a Christmas movie night. some quesfamily Make reindeer sounds on the for children — and adults — tions to pique their interest and ust at Christmastime.

Find pajamas thattest are their knowledge. camaraderie.If they’re roof to excite the youngsters that last for years to come. old enough, encourage them to continue researching the topic on their own time — not just at Christmastime.

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