Hometown Holidays 2020

Cookies are from Udderly Espresso Downtown and the hand sanitizer was made locally by the Ellensburg Distillery PHOTO BY JACOB FORD

DOWNTOWN ELLENSBURG | 2020

Happy Holidays H from

Kelleher Ford

What’s under your our Christmas tree?

“Our family serving your family since 1911”

KELLEHER FORD

1911

110

th

2021

602 N. Pearl Street | Ellensburg, WA | 509-925-1911 | www.kelleher-ford.com 2035310

‘Tis the Season

Inside

A

A Winter Wonderland Awaits ........................Page 4 Kid’s Corner ..............................................Page 5 Holiday Gift Ideas ......................................Page 6 Online Gift Ideas .......................................Page 8 Hotel Windrow Holiday Events Spotlight ..........Page 9 Non-Profit Spotlight ....................................Page 10 Holiday Recipes .........................................Page Page 11

s I am writing to you all, there are small snow flurries falling outside. Much to my shock of seeing those magical flakes before Halloween, I find that they also bring so much joy. In a year that has been anything but comforting, I find comfort in the changing season and a time to start anew. Cherishing each one-of-a-kind snow flurry, existing together to cover our community with stretching blankets of snow. I welcome their presence, celebrate their arrival and to me there is no sweeter sound than those first quiet moments of snowfall.

The Ellensburg Downtown Association is pleased to partner with the Daily Record to bring you yet another wonderful Hometown Holiday’s publication featuring your favorite businesses, local gift guides, go-to holiday recipes and more! There is so much work, and even more love crafted into these pages and we want to thank our Hometown Holidays Committee, volunteers, sponsors and businesses who have made this edition so special!

While this year has looked very different than most, the sentiment remains the same. This season is meant for reflection, it’s meant for giving and it’s meant for celebration! Cherish those around you, take solace in those quiet snowfall mornings and eat that extra holiday cookie! Bask in the moments that turn into memories and take the time to give thanks to those around you.

Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones from the Ellensburg Downtown Association, staff, board, and volunteers!

-Megan West, Board President

Holiday Spirit Week

Coming December 7-12 in downtown Ellensburg For more information visit, www.ellensburgdowntown.org

Happy Holidays from the Ellensburg Downtown Association

Ordering and sending packages this week?

Plan ahead for holiday shipping with UPS!

An Elegant Evening of Music & Poetry

Last days for holiday shipping: gifts by Christmas Eve

Valley Musical Theatre is looking forward to our second annual holiday event celebrating the music and poetry of the Christmas season. You will be entertained by acclaimed chamber musicians and dramatic readings by local actors.

Held the Saturday immediately after Thanksgiving, this is the perfect capstone to a holiday weekend, and perfect to bring extended family members and friends to. And this year, you can watch it all from the comfort of your home.

Dec. 15th UPS Ground 2036488

Date: Saturday, November 28, 2020 • Time: 7:00 PM • Location: Virtual Streamed Event Tickets: $10 individual, $25 family ticket • Information and tickets: https://www.valleymusicaltheatre.com/2020-noel

Come Visit Us For Our

Holiday open House November 7th and 8th

1663 Vantage Hwy Behind Armstrong Stove & Spa

509.925.BLUE (2583)

2035154

Fresh-cut trees, evergreen wreaths, and holiday decor including ornaments and more!

Stop by for some cookies and hot cider.

Dec. 21st .

3-Day Select

The UPS Store 110 W 6th Ave Ellensburg, WA 98926

Dec. 22nd 2-Day Select

Dec. 23rd Next-Day Air

(509) 962-3810 (509) 962-3508 store2112@theupsstore.com

A Winter Wonderland Awaits …

One of the positive outcomes of this new way of Covid life is a renewed appreciation for the magic of the outdoors. And this year, being outside is one of the easier things you can do with friends and family while social distancing.

Fortunately, Ellensburg and its mountainous neighbors offer several opportunities for winter outdoor fun, whether basking under chilly blue skies or gliding through glistening snow.

Tami Walton, owner/founder of Mountain High Sports for the past 31 years, says with the right equipment and clothing, there are many ways to safely experience the winter beauty of the area.* HIKING During a typical winter in Central Washington, there are still plenty of days without snow to enjoy your favorite hiking trails at the lower elevations.

Equipment needed: supportive footwear and layered clothing; when trails are icy, traction devices for shoes are helpful.

SNOWSHOEING Snowshoeing is a great way to stay in shape during the winter; and once there are a few inches of snow on the ground, you can use snowshoes anywhere you can hike.

They provide floatation to keep you on top of the snow and traction on ice and snow.

There are some groomed trails that allow snowshoe travel.

Be sure to know the rules of the trail to avoid damaging the grooming for skiers. You will need a Sno-park Permit for some areas.

Places to go: John Wayne (Iron Horse) Trail, Manastash Ridge trail system (both mountain bike and hiking trails are

great for snowshoeing), Umptanum trail system, Blewett Pass area, Suncadia, Salmon La Sac, Snoqualmie Pass area.

Equipment needed: snowshoes, poles (not necessary, but some people prefer to use them to help with balance), waterproof shoes and gaiters or boots which are comfortable to hike, layered clothing.

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING Cross country skiing is an easy sport to learn and enjoy. If there is snow in Ellensburg, there are now several miles of groomed trail at West Ellensburg Park, which are open to the public and free to use.

Places to go: Non-Groomed: Blewett Pass; Groomed: West Ellensburg Park, Suncadia, Leavenworth, Salmon La Sac, Cabin Creek, Hyak Crystal Springs. Most areas require a Sno-Park permit or a daily ski pass.

Equipment needed: skis, boots, poles, layered clothing.

DOWNHILL SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING Ellensburg is surrounded by great ski areas just a short drive away!

Places to go: Snoqualmie Pass (one hour drive); White Pass, Mission Ridge, and Steven’s Pass (about a 90-minute drive).

Equipment needed: skis, poles, boots, snowboard, layered clothing. *With rapidly changing weather, colder temperatures, and snow accumulation, winter adventures bring about some added risk. Before you head out, check the weather forecast and if you are heading into the mountains, be sure to check the avalanche forecast as well. Make sure to dress in layers and avoid wearing cotton clothing. Bring additional clothing, food, water, and the 10 essentials on every adventure.

Written by: Tami Walton, owner of Mountain High Sports and Jan Bollwinkel, EDA Volunteer

#SHOPLOCAL Mountain High Sports, Inc. 105 E. 4th Avenue - Downtown Ellensburg (509) 925-4626 Apparel and footwear, snowshoe sales and rentals, cross country ski sales and rentals, alpine ski and snowboard sales. Sno-Park and Trail Park Permits.

4 • 2020 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS

Written by Hailey Lankford ith all the uncertainty in the world today, the least we can do is keep a consistent and somewhat normal holiday season for our children. The holiday season is approaching quickly, but how do we adjust our traditions to comply with social distancing and safety protocols? Well don’t worry, we have a few suggestions to keep you and your family entertained and safe in the world of COVID-19.

Keeping our children entertained at home can be a challenge in itself. One suggestion that we have is a zoom play date. While on a zoom call, kids can draw pictures, write a letter to Santa, or decorate cookies together. It’s a lot less messy and kids can interact with each other while in the comfort and safety of their own home. If you are up for a challenge, making your own play dough can be a wonderful activity to do as a family. This is a project that an adult needs to be present for.

W

MAGIC REINDEER FOOD

1 cup oats 2 teaspoons red glitter 2 teaspoons green glitter Mix all ingredients in a zip lock bag or bowl.

Sprinkle on the lawn Christmas Eve for the reindeer to see in the moonlight.

CHOCOLATE SCENTED PLAY DOUGH 1 ¼ cups flour ½ cup cocoa powder ½ cup salt ½ tablespoon cream of tartar 1 ½ tablespoon cooking oil 1 cup boiling water

Mix dry ingredients. Add cooking oil and boiling water. Mix well. Knead until blended, forming a ball. Store in an airtight container.

As Christmas Eve approaches we all get excited for Santa’s arrival with a cold glass of milk and a pile of cookies, but what about the reindeer?

We have you covered for that one. Our recipe for Magic Reindeer Food is sure to guide Santa’s friends to your home. Make sure you sprinkle the food on the lawn and wish the reindeer a safe flight.

Christmas shopping is one of the most loved and hated times of the year. You love to give and celebrate with everyone, but you hate the thought of “what do I buy for them”. Yet again we have you covered, at least for the kids. Stores like Cascade Kids are a wonderful option for newto-you clothing. They have a wide selection and various sizes, you are bound to find something for every kido on your list. Mountain High Spots is another great location to grab all your

outdoor equipment along with a new winter coat and mittens. With the very knowledgeable employees, they are more than willing to help you find the right fit for any Christmas list. Another great idea for shopping is Pearl Street Books and Gifts, everyone needs a good book to read during the cold months. While you are in the store be sure to ask what the latest books are for all ages, the wonderful staff there will gladly help you find everything you need.

Sometimes the big items

are the easiest, and the little items to add to a stocking are the hardest part. A few really great, and reasonably priced, items for anyone on your list can include: chapstick, hair bands, travel size shampoo or body wash, mini flashlight, deck of cards or a card game, candy or a snack, new colored pencils, sidewalk chalk, and of course a new pair of socks.

On behalf of the Hometown Holiday Committee, we hope you have a safe and happy holiday season.

2020 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS • 5

y a d i l o H t f i G s a e d I Written by: Danette Cariveau, EDA Volunteer

The dreaded teenage girl gift that we all fear we will never find.

Well, Ellensburg Downtown has you covered at Mountain High Sports with the arrival of Birkenstocks. The iconic sandal has become a statement piece for our younger generation, and yes even in the winter they will appreciate them.

Let us step in to the historic 420 building for a little 21 and over gift idea. For the beer lover in your life you can give the gift of indulgence with a trip to Pretty Fair Beer. With gift certificates available they can sit down to enjoy a variety of beer including a classic extra stout from Lower Case Brewing for those cold nights, or you take one of their rotating pre-bottled beers as a gift to the host of your small holiday gathering.

Nerd alert! Central City Comics has everything you need for your favorite nerd. From comics to POP figurines they have you covered with some amazing gift ideas to keep them busy or feed the need for nostalgia.

Maybe you have a bookworm in your life? just a few blocks away is Pearl Street Books and Gifts. Not only did I find my favorite childhood book “The Giving Tree” but also some great regional that would be great conversation pieces for a coffee table.

After enjoying Ellensburg downtown I came across such a fun and meaningful gift at Ellensburg Floral. There were so many wonderful items for your favorite gal pal like SNARKcity wine glasses, but the “I wrote a book about you” was such a great find. You fill in the blanks and create your very own personalized book about someone meaningful in your life.

Endless ideas and so many opportunities to support local business right here in Ellensburg. Remember it’s the thought that counts.

G

ift giving… It’s the thought that counts. Well let’s think local!

Ellensburg downtown shops are full of gifts for everyone on your list. Here are some top picks that are sure to inspire you and delight those you are thinking of during the gift giving season.

We could all use some positive vibes as we reach the tail end of 2020 and what better way than a visit Devine Wellness for a variety of soul soothing gifts. Splurge on mom with a majestic massage from one of their many talented massage therapists or put together a small wellness basket that includes hand crafted soaps, unique teas with a side of local honey, and beautiful calming lavender satchels.

From dads to grandsons we can keep the men in our lives looking sharp with a gift from Clean Cut The Men’s Shop. There is nothing ordinary about receiving an amazing hair cut with a side of Dracula pomade, and some “Clean Cut” swag. With an extensive line of Suavecito brand products Clean Cut will have your boys saying “looking good me.”

6 • 2020 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS

Devine Wellness

Mountain High Sports

Devine Wellness

Pretty Fair Beer

Central City Comics

2020 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS • 7

Online s a e d I t Gif

Written by Taylor Villwock, Ellensburg Downtown Association

T

o say that 2020 has been a strange year for us all would be an understatement. It has forced us to stay inside and figure out new creative ways to entertain ourselves without leaving the house. Many people took up new hobbies like bread making and art. Others, like myself, took to the internet to soothe their worries with some good old fashioned retail therapy. The quarantine also forced local business owners to reevaluate their business and adapt it to suit the needs of social distancing and understanding that some people just feel safer at home.

So what did they do? They joined the world of ecommerce. Now more than ever, our local businesses need support during the holiday season.

You will probably hear this a million times for the remainder of 2020, but I urge you to #SHOPLOCAL! So pour yourself another glass of wine and get your laptop and wallet out. Here is the official online shopping guide to help you buy gifts for your loved ones this holiday season.

Evolve Clothing + Jewelry- www.evolve-clothing-jewelry.myshopify.com/ Evolve is the perfect place to shop for your spiritual and worldly friends and family members. Many of the products you can find at Evolve are purchased directly from small businesses out of India, Thailand, and Nepal so you can have peace of mind that your money is supporting small businesses all over the world! You can purchase anything from recycled sari flags and tapestries to fine jewelry and all natural henna.

Gallery One- www.gallery-one.org/ Gallery One has a wide variety of items that could help check a lot of people off of your holiday shopping list. You can visit their online gift shop and find fun products that are made by local artists such as ceramic mugs and bowls, needle baskets, and glass art. I personally love their selection of C.A.R.E. Packages that are filled with goodies from different artists. Does online shopping get any easier than that!?

NW Barber- https://www.northwestbarber.com/ This one is pretty self-explanatory. Does the man in your life participate in “No Shave November?” Give him a subtle hint by purchasing a gift card to NW Barber online so he can experience the best haircut of his life and you can get your freshly shaved man back.

Cascade Kids- www.cascadekidsswap.com/online-store Throughout the 2020 pandemic one thing is for sure, a new generation of quarantine babies are on their way! Cascade Kids offers affordable and gently used children’s clothes, toys, and accessories as well as fun Claim Clothing- www.claimclothing.com stuff for mom too! You can even help out a new mom by signing up for Claim Clothing is the perfect place for gifts for that special woman in their Cloth Diaper Service which ships 100% cotton diapers to your your life. With trendy, seasonal clothing options, beautiful hand-crafted home every week. local jewelry, delicious fall candles, and shoes for any occasion you can Keira Grech Design Co.- www.ellensburgweddings.com/ never go wrong with something from Claim Clothing! To top it all off, What better way to show someone how much they mean to you by shipping is always free! sending a beautifully crafted bouquet of flowers. Sending flowers or Purity Soapworks- www.puritysoap.com If we can learn anything from this year, it’s that you can never have too many hand soaps or yummy smelling products to pamper yourself.

Purity Soapworks offers handmade soap, bath bombs, facial cleansers and masks, as well as eco-friendly products. Purity Soapworks has something for everyone, even your four-legged friends!

CELEBRATE THE SEASON OF

even a plant is a great way to brighten anyone’s day. Keira Grech has recently moved her workshop downtown and is a great addition to the community.

Yarn Folk- www.yarnfolk.com With the colder weather approaching, what better gift to give than the gift of warmth? Yarn Folk offers a wide range of quality yarn, needles, and more. Don’t know how to knit? Learn a new skill by joining their frequent online social stitching gatherings!

There are many ways to show your support for local businesses this holiday season and I hope this gift guide makes it easy for you to shop online while you’re cozied up in your humble abode.

ellensburg f loral

SHOP PLAID FRIDAY HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 27 NOVEMBER 5-7 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM FOR ALL OF OUR UPCOMING HOLIDAY EVENTS

ellensburgfloral.com

8 • 2020 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS

Remember to always

#SHOPLOCAL

Holiday Events Spotlight November 11 | Special Menu at Basalt ft. Iron Horse Brewery and PNWBeef

Join Iron Horse Brewery, Kyler Beard with PNWBeef, and the Hotel Windrow/Basalt teams for a one-night-only special menu highlighting local brews and beef! If you don’t want to travel far after this superb meal, Hotel Windrow is offering discounted room rates for the evening. Additional details will be shared at www.basaltellensburg.com and www.facebook. com/basaltellensburg.

November 20 & 21 | Casual Holiday Photos on the Hotel Windrow Grand Staircase

The Hotel Windrow and Basalt teams will be hard at work early in the week to make the lobby and mezzanine festive with garlands and our centerpiece holiday tree, designed by Ellensburg Floral. Join us on November 20 & 21 for hot cocoa and casual holiday photos in front of the tree and on the Grand Staircase! Additional details will be shared at www.hotelwindrow.com.

November 26 | Thanksgiving Feast Crafted by Basalt

The Basalt culinary team is crafting a delicious and festive menu, perfect for dining in or ordering to-go. Basalt will be open for limited hours, and will only be offering the Thanksgiving menu on this day. Additional details will be shared at www.basaltellensburg.com.

November 27 | Plaid Friday Sales

Shop local this holiday season, and give yourself a little gift too! When you purchase our gift set of Hotel Windrow Artist Series wines, you will receive a $10.00 dining credit to Basalt restaurant. For every $100 in gift cards you purchase, you will receive a $10 certificate to use at a later date.

Additional details will be shared at www.hotelwindrow.com.

Throughout November and December | Hotel Windrow Holiday/ Shopping Packages

Be on the lookout for fun, festive vacation packages and room discounts through Hotel Windrow. We’ll be encouraging visitors (and locals) to shop small and savor the season, while providing perks and discounts along the way. Additional details will be shared at www.hotelwindrow.com.

2020 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS • 9

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT - HopeSource

by Samantha Puntenney “Hope Changes Everything.” For HopeSource, it is more than a motto you might see on T-shirts around town. It is the guiding principle behind every initiative launched by the nonprofit, with the aim of improving the quality of life for people in Kittitas County.

From housing to transportation, education to conservation – HopeSource steps up to meet the need.

The Community Action Agency, serving the county since 1966, specializes in a wrap-around service approach. That means meeting people where they are, offering a variety of programs to lift them up and ensuring they are connected to other resources.

Winter can be especially hard for low-income families struggling to meet basic needs.

HopeSource’s Upper County Community Food Bank partners with Owens Meats and the Cle Elum Community Church to provide a Thanksgiving turkey to needy Upper County families, in addition to the nutritious, plentiful food available yearround. The Energy Assistance program helps people facing large utility bills, ensuring they stay warm through the coldest months.

Weatherization services focus on the home itself, adding insulation and making other health and safety improvements to help lower those bills over the long term. [last sentence can be cut for space] Meanwhile, folks needing reliable transportation can hop on Central Transit or the Kittitas County Connector buses, operated by HopeSource. The housing outreach team is out in the field talking with people who are homeless, setting them up with services to improve their living situation. At the same time, construction continues on schedule for Spurling Court, HopeSource’s new affordable apartments in Ellensburg, to be completed by spring 2021.

HopeSource’s offices in Kittitas County are at 700 E. Mountain View Ave., Suite 501, Ellensburg, and 110 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Cle Elum. For more information about HopeSource programs, call (509) 925-1448 or go to www.hopesource.us.

10 • 2020 HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS

NO NUTS, NO FUSS B ANANA BREAD

INGREDIENTS:

•1 1/2 c white su

gar

ASSEMBLY:

• Preheat oven to

350 • In a large mixin g bow •1 c sour cream and sugar together l, beat eggs until creamy.

•1 tsp baking so • In a separate bo da wl combine sour cr • 2 1/2 c all-pur eam and baking soda pose flour and then fold into the eg g and sugar mixtu •1 tsp baking po re. wder • Slowly stir in flo •3 ripe bananas ur and baking pow der • Add the banana (room temperature s and beat well. ) • Grease a large loaf pan and fill ab out 2/3 with mixture.

• Bake at 350 ap prox until a toothpick co imately 1 hour or mes out clean.

•2 eggs

No Nuts, No Fuss Banana Bread

By Jodi Olson, Udderly Espresso

When I think of the holidays, I think of that warm sense of “togetherness” the holiday season can bring. It’s a time to cherish the moment and to make memories with loved ones, but it’s also a

time for tradition and storytelling. The holidays are a time for sharing memories of Christmases past, and of our loved ones no longer with us.

When we were asked to share a favorite holiday recipe, I knew I wanted to share a very special recipe that has been with me for years. It came to me from a dear friend, Delores Vietzke, who

has since passed on, and I’ve been baking it up for my customers at my espresso stands ever since.

We hope you enjoy: Udderly Espresso’s No Nuts, No Fuss Banana Bread by Delores Vietzke Warmest Wishes, Jodi Olson and Everyone at Udderly Espresso

Wild Rice and Oyster Stuffing

By Kelley Cook, Basalt Executive Chef

This is a colorful, delicious addition to a holiday table. Not everyone in my family loves oysters, so it is quite easy to split this recipe into two baking dishes (and add oysters to only one).

Ingredients 1-1/2 cups wild rice 1 pound pork sausage 1 onion, ¼ inch diced 1 red bell pepper, ¼ inch diced 1 cup celery, ¼ inch diced ½ teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning ½ cup Italian parsley, sliced thin 1 pint extra small pacific oysters, rinsed (find the smallest oysters available) Salt and pepper to taste

Baking Instructions Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit Butter a three to four-quart baking dish.

Rinse rice under cold water and drain. Place rice in a four-quart pot and cover with two inches of water. Simmer covered for 45 to 50 minutes. When rice is tender, drain in a sieve and set aside.

Prepare other ingredients while rice is simmering.

Cook sausage in heavy skillet, breaking apart large pieces. When fully cooked, remove from pan and pour off all but two tablespoons of remaining fat.

Add chopped onions and sauté until onions become translucent and start to brown. Add red peppers, Old Bay seasoning and celery, cooking until soft.

Combine rice, sausage, onion, pepper and celery mixture, then stir in the oysters and parsley.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Place everything in the baking pan. Cover and place in oven for twenty minutes or until thoroughly heated. Enjoy!

(That feeling when the grownups wash their hands, too.)

Clean hands, warm hearts, and good health to you and yours this holiday season.

KV

Kittitas Valley Healthcare

Your Home for Health