Truckers invite community to Christmas Convoy
BY SEAN BATURA | BELGRADE NEWS
Local families will get to see trucks decked out in Christmas lights at two events next month in what’s become a Belgrade holiday tradition.
The Truck Village will be held at the Gallatin Valley Speedway from 5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and the Christmas Convoy will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 7 when 100 trucks will leave the speedway, 2290 Tubb Road, and travel through Belgrade. There will be a variety of vehicles represented, such as dump trucks, plumber trucks, semis, side dumps, end dumps, and cranes.
The Truck Village will feature food and drink vendors and be an opportunity for children to see the trucks up close and personal and talk to the drivers.
“It’s turned into a really big thing,
and the kids love this,” said Ken Murphy, board member of the Montana Convoy Foundation, which organizes the events. “Our main goal, honestly, was, it’s huge in our industry to get kids excited about what we do. There’s a lot of opportunity to make good money in our industry, but people just don’t think about that when they think of a truck driver.”
The events will be free, but donations are encouraged, as the foundation uses the funds to give scholarships to teens annually. The foundation awarded five $2,000 scholarships to Gallatin Valley teens earlier this year.
“We really want to hit up the kids that might not even think they have an opportunity for a scholarship,” Murphy said.
The foundation emphasizes the
value of trade and vocational schools to help alleviate a worker shortage and give more options for young people who otherwise might have to move away from their families and hometowns to find work.
“It is expensive to live here, there’s no question, but there’s plenty of
job opportunity here,” Murphy said. “You could just name any construction company you want to do, these guys are constantly looking for kids out of high school that are excited to go work there. These kids can make a lot of money really quick because they excel.”
The Belgrade Christmas Convoy and Truck Village in 2023.
The Belgrade Christmas Convoy and Truck Village in 2023.
The Montana Convoy Foundation Board consists of Murphy; of TMC Inc. Sand & Gravel; Ben Fliss, of D&D; Jon and Travis Westervelt, of Westervelt Trucking; Stacy Paul, of William Civil; and Keelen James, of Easy Lawn Hydro Seeding.
The Belgrade Christmas Convoy and Truck Village began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 as a way to bring the community together during a difficult time when many other events were canceled to comply with social-distancing restrictions.
“We’d hoped to get 25 trucks in the first year, and we ended up with 69,” Murphy said. “And the next year was 100 and we’re turning people away.”
In 2021, the Belgrade police asked the convoy to top out registrations at 100 so that traffic can be managed, according to a previous Belgrade News article.
Staff with the City of Belgrade, including the city manager, police chief, and others, have been very helpful in making the events possible, according to Murphy. Also providing vital logistics support are L&L Site Services, which provides garbage cans, and Little Stinkers Septic Service & Portable Toilet Rentals, which donated porta potties. Mountain West Toward donates road cones and signs, Marsh
McLennan Agency donates event insurance coverage and New Sky Landscaping & Excavation provides volunteers to help with traffic control and vehicle parking.
More volunteers are needed. People interested in helping out with the Belgrade Christmas Convoy and Truck Village can sign up at www. mtconvoyfoundation.com.
“It’s amazing all the people that just donate to this and make it happen,” Murphy said.
The Belgrade Christmas Convoy and Truck Village in 2022.
The Belgrade Christmas Convoy and Truck Village in 2023
Anonymous Angels
BY DAN HOLLAND
The girl stared forlornly from her classroom window at the enormous, wet snowflakes falling from the ashen sky. She shifted apprehensively in her desk seat as she watched her classmates cavorting on the playground in the rapid accumulation of white stuff. She pulled her still wet hair behind her ear and wiggled her still wet toes inside her threadbare socks and worn tennis shoes.
“Como esta, Alicia?” the ESL aide asked, deliberately drawing out the young girl’s name — ah-LEE-see-ah.
“Estoy bien,” she replied, then thought of her mother’s encouragement to speak English as much as possible before adding, “I’m okay, just a little wet.”
The older woman smiled benevolently. “Oh good. Winter can catch people by surprise. You’ll have to dress warmer tomorrow. Here, I printed out some puzzles for you to work on while the class is at recess.”
Alicia absentmindedly played with the aide’s puzzles before turning her focus back outside the window. The sudden change in weather had indeed caught her by surprise. Up until today the autumn had been glorious. She’d worn short pants and short sleeves to school every day. Sure it was chilly first thing in the morning and once the sun went down in the evening, but nothing a sweatshirt couldn’t solve. Now this. It was her first snowstorm.
Alicia had been born in Oaxaca, in southern Mexico, and her father immigrated to the US when Alicia
was still a toddler. She and her mother were reunited with him two years prior in Las Vegas where he’d found work as a drywall plasterer.
Unfortunately the contractor went bankrupt so her father followed a couple of coworkers up to Montana where there was plenty of work building luxury homes in a resort community. There were trade-offs for that steady paycheck however.
One was a lack of affordable housing. The other was the weather.
That night Alicia ravenously ate two bowls of her mother’s soup, allowing the savory broth to warm her body from the inside out. As her spoon clattered into the empty bowl she asked, “Donde esta Papa?”
“En Inglés, por favor,” her mother reminded her.
“Sorry. Where’s Papa?”
“There was a…” she struggled to find the right word, “accident on the highway, so all the traffic is backed up in the canyon. He won’t be home until late.”
“Mama, I need some boots. My feet get so wet and cold. And a jacket.”
“I know, mija. But the rent is very high for this apartment. We just can’t afford any extras right now.”
It wasn’t snowing the next morning, but Alicia still managed to get her tennis shoes wet again walking to school. Half of the previous day’s snow had melted, but that just meant puddles formed where there wasn’t snow. Once again her teacher asked her to stay in the classroom while the rest of the class frolicked in the snow during their first recess period. While Alicia
stared wistfully out the window, the ESL aide interrupted, “Alicia, please come to the office with me. I have a wonderful surprise for you.”
Alicia was apprehensive, a trip to the office usually spelled trouble. She recalled one of the troublemakers in the class being sent there on multiple occasions during the first
few weeks of school before getting transferred to another class. As they walked through the imposing doors of the office, Alicia tried to stay as close to the aide as possible, hoping to use her as a shield. So when the aide stopped walking, Alicia bumped into her. The aide turned and could see the anxiety on Alicia’s face.
The aide knelt down, gathered both of Alicia’s hands in hers and met her gaze with empathy. “There, there, dear,” the aide said with a smile in an effort to comfort the child, “there’s nothing to be afraid of here. I want you to look at those tables.” Alicia turned to look where the aide had motioned. In the space between the secretary’s counter and the principal’s office door there were three long tables piled high with brand new winter clothing.
“That’s right, honey,” it was the secretary offering words of encouragement, “there’s nothing to be afraid of here,” she continued while winking at the aide. “Today is a good day, because from now on you won’t have to stay inside during recess. And it looks like you get first pick at an outfit.”
Alicia shook her head, “No comprende,” she said, baffled,
before correcting herself, “I don’t understand.”
“Ah,” the secretary smiled and explained, “a local church group provides winter clothing to students like you every year. They know there are kids that for whatever reason just don’t have access to proper clothing.”
“But just last night my mother said we can’t afford new boots and a jacket for me,” Alicia protested.
“Oh honey,” the secretary replied compassionately, “this is free for the taking, no strings attached.” Then she added, “Although you may want to attach strings to your mittens.”
Both the secretary and the aide laughed as the aide guided Alicia over to the tables.
The aide grabbed a pair of pink, bibbed snow pants and held them next to Alicia, “I think these will work.” Soon enough she was outfitted with those snow pants, a
hooded jacket, waterproof boots, and lined mittens. As the two walked back to the classroom, Alicia tried to get used to the sound the pants and jacket made with each step she took. She said excitedly, “I can’t wait to show my Momma and Papa.” Then she added, “I can’t wait to go out to recess.”
The aide looked at her watch,
“There’s still a couple of minutes left if we hurry.” They dashed out of a side door and Alicia clumsily ran through the snow toward a couple of her normal recess friends. As she approached them Alicia suddenly stopped in her tracks, slowly fell backwards into the soft cushion of snow and began to make her very first snow angel.
Plethora of themedholidayevents slated for December
BY SEAN BATURA | BELGRADE NEWS
The city’s biggest park is ablaze with holiday cheer again this year as part of the Belgrade Festival of Lights, and several free, family-friendly events are coming up.
From dusk to 11 p.m., and from 5-8 a.m., Christmas lights and displays turn Lions Park into a winter wonderland for residents and visitors to enjoy. In addition to the sparkling lights, there is a giant ornament great for photo ops, Memorial Lights Tunnels, and more. The park, also called Senior Center Park and Light
Park, is at 92 East Cameron Avenue.
“It’s a pretty amazing experience, especially when it’s lightly snowing outside,” said Tiffany Maierle, director of the Belgrade Community Coalition, which is organizing the display. “It’s very, very magical. And you know, we’ve heard from people of all ages, from the little kids who love to run as fast as they can through the park to the older generations who just like to stroll through it. People love it and find it a very magical place to be.”
Saturday, Dec. 14 will be full of
holiday events organized by the coalition. Opportunities to buy Christmas gifts will abound from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Belgrade Holiday Market, which will feature more than 100 local vendors at the Belgrade High School Special Events Center, 220 Spooner Road. Vendors will have jewelry, homemade jellies, salsas, chocolates, tea, cocoa bombs, ornaments, candles, soaps, Santas, snowmen, gnomes, signs, tumblers, pottery, art, boutique clothing, furniture, dog accessories, gluten free baked goods, Scentsy, Mary Kay, Norwex, Color Street Nails, and more.
For those who want to get their blood pumping amidst the brisk winter weather, the Jingle Jog 5K will be held the same day, Dec. 14. The event will begin at 10 a.m. at 11 W. Main and will be open to runners and walkers of all ages – and dogs.
“People often bring dogs that are dressed up in Christmas outfits,”
Maierle said.
The first 150 registrants who participate will be given race swag, and prizes will be given to winners in various categories.
5K participants are encouraged to wear festive gear, as they’ll automatically be entered into the GET UGLY Christmas Outfit Contest that starts at 11:30 a.m. after the race at 11 W Main St. The 5K will begin near the lounge and will take participants on a “Reindeer Route” throughout the surrounding neighborhoods before returning to the starting location.
Parking is available in the city parking lot across from the Mercantile Building and along the surrounding streets. Optional registration packet pickup will be held the night before from 5-8 p.m. in the Mercantile Building lobby, 11 West Main St, where people can grab their BelGREAT goodie bags and race number. Those unable to
PHOTOS COURTESY BELGRADE COMMUNITY COALITION
A variety of Christmas-themed events will be on tap this year as part of the Belgrade Festival of Lights, the Belgrade Holiday Market, Jingle Jog 5K, Get Ugly Christmas Out Contest, Holiday Hoopla, and Memorial Lights Night.
COURTESY BELGRADE COMMUNITY COALITION
A variety of Christmas-themed events will be on tap this year as part of the Belgrade Festival of Lights, the Belgrade Holiday Market, Jingle Jog 5K, Get Ugly Christmas Out Contest, Holiday Hoopla, and Memorial Lights Night.
make it Friday night can still check in and pick up 5K registration packets between 9-9:45 a.m. the day of the race. People also can register online for the 5K at https://www.belgreatmt. org/jinglejog.
After the 5K, participants are invited to gather for lunch.
“The Local Saloon has graciously offered every Jingle Jog participant a
warm lunch and the Rhino Lounge will be providing a pint to each racer over 21,” reads the event website at https://www.belgreatmt.org/jinglejog.
To participate in the GET UGLY Christmas Outfit Contest, bring two non-perishable food items which will be donated to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. Those not participating in the 5K can register for the contest
at the lounge at 11 a.m., Maierle said. Cash prizes will be awarded -- $100 and a liquor basket from the Rhino Lounge will be awarded to the Best Overall Ugly; $50 to Most Festive Ugly, Best Homemade Ugly, and Classiest Ugly; and $25 to Best Ugly (Kid’s Division, 12 years & under).
From 4-7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 will be the Holiday Hoopla, or Belgrade Holiday
Stroll where families can mingle on Main Street, visit downtown businesses, check out local vendors and organizations, and listen to Christmas carolers with Bridger Mountain Harmony. Anyone who wants to join the carolers can find out how by emailing belgradefestival@ gmail.com.
See more on pages 10-11
Festival of Lights
November
The GET UGLY Christmas Outfit Contest will begin at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 14 at 11 W Main St.
Holiday Hoopla will be carnivalthemed, according to Maierle. There will be food trucks, and Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance. “Many of the restaurants will have food and drink specials,” Maierle said. “So, it’s just a great way to come downtown and meet your friends and your family and stroll along Main Street and have fun. A lot of the vendors are nonprofits and churches, and most of them do free hot chocolate or cider. A lot of them have smores on hand.”
Businesses that don’t already have downtown storefronts can arrange to have a booth at the Holiday Hoopla by visiting belgreatmt.org/fol-vendor.
At 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, there will be a Memorial Lights Night where community members can gather to honor the memories of their loved ones. A local pastor will share a message of hope, and there will be a moment of silence before
people walk through the Light Park and Memorial Light Tunnels and see the ornaments bearing the names of loved ones who have passed.
Memorial ornaments are $20 per person (not per couple) the first year a loved one is honored and $10 each year after. They can be purchased at https://www.belgreatmt.org/ memorial-lights.
To help volunteer for any of these events, visit https://www.belgreatmt. org/belgreatvolunteer.
“We have lots and lots of volunteers throughout the community who help make our events happen,” Maierle said.
For more information about what’s in store this holiday season from the Belgrade Community Coalition, visit https://www.belgreatmt.org/.
Set the tone for a holiday party with this beloved seasonal beverage
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Holiday season celebrations have a reputation for being especially jovial. The spirit of the season undoubtedly has something to do with that, as people from all faiths and backgrounds tend to have an extra hop in their step and a slightly wider smile on their faces each December.
Holiday hosts also do much to promote the festive spirit of the season. Hosts often go to great lengths to ensure holiday guests enjoy their visits, and that even extends to the food and drinks they serve the people they welcome into their homes. Many celebrants would insist no holiday season gettogether is complete without eggnog, a classic beverage that’s most popular in December. This holiday season, hosts can treat their guests to this recipe for “Eggnog” courtesy of Lines+Angles.
EGGNOG
Makes 2
2 ounces brandy or cognac
2 ounces dark rum, plus more for sugar rim
THE BELGRADE COMMUNITY COALITION
HolidayHoopla
1 cup eggnog, prepared
1⁄8 teaspoon nutmeg
1⁄8 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon light brown sugar
2 sticks cinnamon, for garnish (optional)
2 pods star anise, for garnish (optional) Shortbread or gingerbread cookies, for garnish (optional)
1. In a cocktail shaker with ice, add the brandy, rum and eggnog together, cover and shake.
2. Add the nutmeg, cinnamon and sugar to a small plate and stir around to combine. Wet the rims of 2 glasses with rum. Roll the rims of the glasses in the spices to coat.
3. Strain the eggnog mixture into the two glasses. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, star anise pods and festive shortbread cookies, if desired.
Carnival Games Downtown Business Open Houses Carolers Drink and Food Specials Vendors Hot Chocolate Smores Food Trucks Santa
Bring your family and meet your friends and neighbors for a hometown holiday celebration as you meander down Main Street visiting downtown businesses, checking out local vendors and organizations, and listening to carolers share the sounds of the season.
Found in a manger
BY SUE SPINELLI
Snow clung to the fence rails like meringue to a lemon pie. Fred savored his cup of coffee. He knew what he’d be doing this morning— shoveling lots of snow.
He struggled to get his coveralls on as his joints complained. No longer was Emma there to help pull them up. It wasn’t fair that Alzheimer’s disease now robbed his wife of their forty-five years of memories and jumbled their conversations. There was little he could do about it, but just love her and rejoice in the few lucid moments he had talking with her during his daily visits to the nursing home. He tried to tell himself it was for the best. But accepting the idea of his Emma having to live there was hard to swallow.
Fred kicked the frozen door loose with his boot and stepped out onto the back porch. He watched the early morning sun light up the unusually large snow crystals that glittered like shards of glass. “You sure outdid yourself this mornin’, Lord,” he whispered.
Deer hoof prints circled the apple tree. The few dried apples that had refused to drop were gone.
Then he saw some tiny prints made by somebody so short that his belly left a trail in the snow. That trail led towards the small old barn that had once housed a family cow. Only the manger, a wooden stanchion, and a wooden T-shaped milking stool remained.
Now the manger held straw to line the nests of the few Rhode Island Red chickens he kept for fresh eggs.
Having chickens had been Emma’s idea, but now he couldn’t bear to part with them—a thread linking him to Emma.
He pushed the shovel ahead of him on the way to the barn. He cleared the cement landing and unbolted the door, glad he had taken the time last summer to spruce up the old building with paint and new hinges. But he had purposefully not replaced a tiny window pane on the side by the manger. He had seen a few cat hairs clinging to the rough old wooden window frame. One day he found his gray and black tabby—Lucy—lounging on the straw. Nowadays she lounged on one side of the sofa, coming over to his side when he sat down to eat supper, hoping for a tidbit or two.
Fred popped the lid off the metal trash can and scooped out some grain for the chickens. The rooster crowed his approval and led his harem of hens to eat.
He closed the door to the chicken run side of the barn and headed over to the manger. He jumped back as a little black head with white whiskers popped up out of the straw. The cat stood up, revealing his black and white hair coat. “A tuxedo cat,” Fred mused. “He must be around four months or so.”
“You hungry? Suppose so after trudging through the snow last night. I’ll get some food. Be right back.”
Fred brought back a bowl filled with dry cat food and several kitty treats sprinkled on top. He nestled it in the straw and backed away to watch.
The young cat waded through the straw to the bowl. He gobbled the food, raising his head now and then to keep an eye on Fred. Fred inched over to the manger and held out his hand. The cat smelled the treats in Fred’s palm. He meowed at Fred, walked closer, and let Fred pet him.
“I think you need to be some place warmer, Tux. I’ll give you a few days in my laundry room before introducing you to Lucy. She’s cranky with other cats.”
Christmas morning dawned clear and bright with a magical frost covering everything. “Rise and shine, Tux. Today you are gonna meet Emma. I have permission to take you into her room.”
Emma saw Tux in Fred’s arms
and exclaimed, “He looks just like Teddy, that black and white cat we had when the children were growing up! Remember how Melanie used to dress him in doll clothes? Seems like just yesterday. I remember how Teddy used to ride on your shoulders when you walked out to the garden.”
For a blessed hour that Christmas Emma was back. Memory sharp and clear. As Fred drove home, vibrant reds and yellows splashed the horizon. He wiped the tears from his eyes and whispered, “Thank you, Lord, for two gifts from the manger—Tux and your son, Jesus. This has been the best Christmas ever!”
We would like to thank you for your support and extend our very best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season!
Gifts for holidays hosts
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Millions of people open their homes to relatives and friends each holiday season. Taking on the task of holiday host can be a labor of love, as it involves not only a commitment of time, but also a financial investment. Lending Tree reported that 60 percent of Americans considering hosting holiday gatherings in 2023 expected to spend an average of $556 on their celebrations. Six-figure earners planned to spend even more, indicating they expected to spend $764 on holiday hosting.
Guests benefitting from holiday hosts’ hospitality can offer tokens of their appreciation upon arrival. The following are some great gifts to offer hosts this holiday season.
• Beverage of choice: A bottle of wine or another spirit can be a great gift for holiday gatherings. Let hosts decide if they want to serve it with the meal or save it to enjoy at a later time.
• Curated food basket: A guest can put together a basket of different foods, including crackers, cheeses, jams, bread sticks, and other items that can be enjoyed as snacks or appetizers.
• Holiday plant.: A poinsettia or Christmas cactus may be fitting this time of year, and a holiday host can enjoy seeing it grow during the season.
• Kitchen tools or serving items: A beautiful olive wood serving platter or cutting board might be appreciated, particularly if guests arrive with it covered in a charcuterie spread.
• Scented candle: Hosts can set the mood and add to the ambiance of an entertaining space with lit, scented candles, which make for a great gift. Guests can inquire as to the hosts’ preferred aromas or stick with safe bets like vanilla or cinnamon.
• Holiday ornament or decorative piece: Guests can offer ornaments for the tree or another decorative item for hosts who are repeat entertainers. Dating the decoration or having it engraved can transform it into a memento hosts can relish through the years.
• Comfort and care assortment: Hosting takes effort, so a box of items to pamper holiday hosts can be a great gift. Fill the box with a loofah, bath bombs, shower gel, moisturizing cream, and massage oil.
Holiday hosts invest time and money into making their homes welcoming spaces to spend the holidays. Guests can treat these hosts with gifts to show how much their efforts and hospitality are appreciated.
Holiday Magic Abounds at the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Stroll
BY ABBY WEINGARTEN
Visit with Santa Claus, marvel at a fireworks display, and hop on a hayride with draft horses at the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Stroll.
From 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thurs. Dec. 12, a variety of events will animate numerous areas throughout the city. Festivities will begin with Santa Claus appearing at the Manhattan Community Library during children’s craft time. Manhattan State Bank and other local businesses will host open houses. There will be a craft fair at the Conservation District Conference Room with homemade local goods and gifts, hayrides, and food vendors.
“This event has been a community favorite for many years and an opportunity for our local businesses
to shine,” said Betsy Mancuso, the president of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Incorporating the Christmas spirit with the warmth and charm of the Manhattan community is a perfect way to start the Christmas season.”
The event typically draws about 1,500 attendees, Mancuso said.
“This is a time for socializing with friends and neighbors, and for taking in a little Christmas shopping while supporting local businesses,” Mancuso said. “There is always something warm to eat and drink, and there are tons of activities for kids of all ages. And people enjoy visiting the open houses of the local businesses and visiting with their neighbors.”
The live nativity scene and the petting zoo embody the rural aspect of the town of Manhattan, Mancuso said. More photos with Santa, a gingerbread house contest, and a raffle with enviable prizes will be available at Manhattan State Bank.
There will be a stamp scavenger hunt with area businesses. And the evening will conclude with a lively fireworks display from the team at the Manhattan Volunteer Fire Department.
“Sponsors of the Christmas Stroll allow organizers to invite Santa all the way from the North Pole, decorate spots throughout the town in lovely Christmas adornments, maintain the iconic ‘Season’s Greetings’ sign, and keep the Manhattan Christmas Stroll
an enduring event for many years,” Mancuso said. “It’s the perfect event for bringing the family, and it’s so much fun for the children – a delightful, small-town, traditional Christmas celebration wrapped in a
warm sense of community.”
For more information on the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Stroll, visit manhattanareachamber.com/ annual-manhattan-christmas-stroll.
A festive guide to Caroling
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Christmas caroling is a joyful tradition that has endured for centuries. Christmas caroling can be traced to the fourth century in Rome. Latin hymns were written to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Historians believe that even before the emergence of Christianity midwinter songs existed to lift people’s spirits through the bleak weather and extended hours of darkness.
Christmas caroling continues to unite communities and spread holiday cheer through song. It is time to inspire a resurgence of caroling by planning to gather friends, family, or neighbors for a caroling session. This guide can help anyone plan a memorable caroling event.
GATHER YOUR GROUP
Begin by assembling a group of singers. No one needs to be an expert singer, as enthusiasm goes a long way. Reach out to friends, family, coworkers, and/or local community members. Try to get a diverse group of people together whose main goal is to have fun.
FIND THE RIGHT TIME AND DATE
Typically evening hours after work or during weekends are when you can reach the greatest number of people. The goal is to enable participants to relax and enjoy the experience.
MAP OUT A CAROLING ROUTE
Carefully identify neighborhoods or locations that are known for being festive. While the organizer may choose to carol around his or her own neighborhood, it may be possible to engage more of the community in other settings. Look at local nursing homes or even community centers as caroling locations. Contact businesses along Main Street to see if caroling in the center of town to coincide with holiday shopping may be a good idea.
COMPILE A LIST OF CLASSICS
Most people will want to hear the carols and other songs they know and love. Make a list of classic Christmas songs that aren’t overly complicated and singers will already know how to sing, such as “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” If a particularly accomplished singer is in the group, he or she might do a featured solo. Be sure to have printed copies of the lyrics and sheet music for all participants.
ENLIST SOME MUSICIANS
Although caroling is traditionally done a capella, having someone who plays an instrument, like a guitar or violin, can ensure everyone is on the right note and can keep the pace of each song.
PLAN TO REST
Singing can be joyful, but also
tiring. Bring along refreshments so the carolers can rest their voices and stop to grab a drink or snack. Tea, coffee and cocoa can warm up participants on chilly days. Perhaps make one of the caroling stops in front of a local coffee shop and pop in after a set.
COORDINATE ATTIRE
Although everyone does not have to dress alike, a similar element, such as a red scarf or green mittens, can unite the group.
ADD A CHARITABLE ELEMENT
Consider incorporating a charitable aspect to the caroling. Collect financial or food donations for a local food pantry, or do a toy drive while caroling, encouraging people to offer a wrapped gift in exchange for some beautiful music. Christmas music often sets the holiday scene, and carolers can bring familiar songs into neighborhoods this time of year.
Tips to simplify holiday cooking
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Food is an important component of the holiday season for millions of people across the globe. Many a holiday host has wrestled with what to serve for their gathering and how to prepare meals while still finding time to spend with loved ones. Sometimes simplicity is the way to go when hosting for the holidays. Just because certain dishes are less laborintensive to prepare does not mean they lack flavor. Hosts can consider these tips to simplify holiday cooking this year.
• Utilize shop-from-home services. Supermarkets can be particularly busy this time of year. By shopping from the comfort of home, holiday hosts can sort through their lists and let someone else
navigate crowded store aisles. The small fee involved for this service can be well worth the time saved.
• Scale back the sides. Some hosts feel an impressive dinner spread is one with plenty of options. Several side dishes requires a lot of time and money, and such foods may take away from the star of the table. Guests might fill up on rolls, potatoes and salads, leaving little room for the main course. Scaling back on sides creates more time for hosts to mingle with family and ensures everyone gets their fill of the main course.
• Delegate some of the work. Asking guests to bring a little something to the meal doesn’t immediately turn it into a
potluck. However, it can reduce some of the work the host has to do. Figure out who is bound to be an early arrival, and ask that person to bring an appetizer. Individuals who like to be fashionably late can bring side dishes or desserts. Delegating beverage detail also can be a time-saver.
• Familiar is often fabulous. A major holiday is seldom the right time to experiment with a new, labor-intensive dish. Rather than risk an epic fail, hosts should stick to meals they have prepared before. Also, familiar flavors may appeal to a greater number of guests.
• Include some prepared foods. While it is perfectly alright to cater the entire dinner, that can prove costly. If budget
doesn’t allow for a fully catered meal, supplement with some prepared dishes to help save time, particularly those recipes that can be complicated.
• Make it a buffet. Sit-down dinners require careful timing to ensure all foods are set out hot and ready-to-eat. A buffet-style meal involves preparing trays of food in advance, and then setting them to heat in chafing dishes until meal time. This involves far less strategizing with meal preparation and frees up time for hosts to spend with guests.
Holiday meals require a lot of effort, but some handy suggestions can ensure hosts have ample time to spend with loved ones.
Memorial Ornaments
Memorial Ornaments
At the Belgrade Holiday Light Park
Honor the memory of loved ones this holiday season by purchasing an ornament in their name. Their personalized ornament will be displayed in the Memorial Lights Tunnels at the Belgrade Holiday Light Park starting December 19.
To purchase your ornament, visit belgreatmt.org/memorial-lights
Brought to you by the
ANDUGLYHOLIDAYOUTFITCONTEST 5KJINGLEJOG
the link above
9 am race check in 10 am race start 11:30 am ugly outfit contest free chili lunch & a Beer/Soda post race
Belgrade Community Coalition
Brought to you by the Belgrade Community Coalition
Whether Grandma got ran over by a reindeer or Flick stuck his tongue to a pole, B2 is here to help.
Know when and where to go when you need care.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
PRIMARY CARE
for when Clark Griswold hangs up Christmas lights. Your first stop should always be your primary care provider. If your provider is unable to see you, they will help guide you when and where to go to get the care you need.
B2 CARE
for when Flick’s tongue gets stuck to a pole.
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EMERGENCY CARE
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Three Forks Christmas Stroll 2024
A Very Vintage Christmas Saturday, December 14th
12 pm - 6 pm
Connect with the Community at the Three Forks Chamber of Commerce Christmas Stroll
BY ABBY WEINGARTEN
As the annual Three Forks Chamber of Commerce Christmas Stroll returns to town this season, plenty of winter magic is in store.
From noon to 6 p.m. Sat. Dec. 14, the Stroll will begin with traditional festive activities and newly added family events, including an indoor cornhole tournament at noon, a chili cookoff, a children’s craft corner, a scavenger hunt, and gingerbread and sugar cookie competitions.
There will be indoor and outdoor vendors, delectable food trucks, professional photo sessions with Santa Claus (taken in exchange for a donation of a new, unwrapped toy or food item for the Headwaters Food Bank), a Christmas tree and wreath auction, and a Candy Cane Lane at the library.
“This year’s Christmas Stroll is a wonderful opportunity for our community to spread some holiday cheer, while at the same time support local businesses and vendors,” said Jill Peterson, the vice president of the Three Forks Chamber of Commerce. “We have added many new fun activities for all ages.”
Main Street will close early to allow attendees to visit area businesses and get a head start on Christmas shopping. The stroll will end with a lighted parade led by Santa Claus, followed by a fireworks show. Businesses will decorate their storefronts and stay open late.
Individuals, groups, and businesses will adorn floats for the parade, and prizes will be awarded for the best float per category. Students from local high school choirs and children from the community will sing Christmas carols, and there will be performances from student bands.
The Three Forks Chamber of Commerce has also organized merchant bingo game to support local shopping. To play, each bingo
space must be stamped or signed by participating businesses on the designated spaces.
For the silent auction, everyone in the community is invited to make and donate a creatively decorated Christmas tree or wreath, and proceeds will benefit the Future Farmers of America. Attendees can even grab “stroll buttons” to show their holiday spirit, and funds raised will support the Three Forks School
Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America.
The town will also celebrate the holidays with Christmas concerts at area schools on different days, as well as Small Business Saturday gatherings on Nov. 30.
For more information on the Three Forks Chamber of Commerce Christmas Stroll, visit threeforksmontana.com/events/ christmas-stroll.
How to keep guests entertained this holiday season
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Gatherings with loved ones are a big part of what makes the holiday season such a special time of year. As families grow and spread out across the map, they may not get too many chances to spend quality time with one another. But the holiday season is a time each year when families make a concerted effort to get together.
As families get together under the same roof during the holiday season, individuals tasked with hosting gatherings tend to have a lot on their plates. Memories tend to be made around the holiday dinner table, but the season also presents ample opportunities to create nights to
remember outside the house as well. Hosts can keep the following ideas in mind as they look for ways to entertain guests this holiday season.
• Take a turn as a tour guide. Locals may not make the rounds of nearby tourist destinations too frequently, but the holiday season is a great opportunity for hosts to show guests what makes their towns so unique. Serve as a tour guide for guests on a sightseeing day with visits to local monuments or museums. Wrap the day up at a holiday bazaar where local small business owners have set up shop. This affords guests a chance to tour a new community or a hometown they haven’t visited in awhile, and also makes for a great
chance for all to squeeze in a little last-minute holiday shopping.
• Plan an ugly sweater bar crawl. If hosts and their guests are all of age, an ugly sweater bar crawl can make for a fun night out on the town. Encourage guests to wear an ugly holiday sweater and map out a route and schedule of visits to local bars and restaurants. Hosts must prioritize safety on these types of excursions, so arrange for a bus to take guests from one spot to the next if establishments are far away from one another. If Main Street has a local bar district, arrange for transportation downtown at the start of the crawl and home when the night ends.
• Take in some local entertainment. Whether it’s a holiday lighting display show or a local theater performance of a classic holiday tale like Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol,” a night of local live entertainment is a great way for hosts and their guests to get out of the house. Hosts can even book a reservation for a pre-show meal at a local restaurant so they can be free of cooking and give guests their undivided attention.
• Host a holiday movie night. Weary travelers who want to stay in may appreciate a holiday movie double feature. Hosts can let guests pick a pair of holiday films and then host a double feature, complete with
1st Saturday, December 14th
traditional movie fare like popcorn and candy. Hosts can even offer adult guests a glass of homemade eggnog during the films to up the holiday ante even further.
Holiday hosts can embrace various ways to entertain guests during a time of year when there’s no shortage of fun ways to spend a night.
Merry Christmas
As 2024 comes to a close, we thank you for the privilege of being your neighbor in this wonderful community we call home. On behalf of all of us at Stockman Bank, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.