2015 Hometown Holidays

Hometown

Holidays 2015 Ellensburg & UPper Kittitas County

Holiday Fun for the Family Community Events Calendar Holiday Treats & Healthy Tips A publicAtion of the DAily RecoRD · · ·Holidays · 1· · · · Hometown 2015

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Save

the

Date

e v E s ’ r a New Ye n o i t a r b e l e C y t i n u m Com w o h S s k r & Firewo m p 9 • 1 3 r Decembe tEr

n E C t n E v E y nt g r Kittitas Cou u b s n E l l E n ds i n u o r g r i a f at thE Sponsored by J E R RY L A E L

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Hometown Holidays 2015

A Look 2 Seasons Greetings

Inside

17

17 Teddy Bear Tea

3 F avorite Children’s Books for Christmas Eve 4 Moments to Remember 5 M oments to Remember at the Fairgrounds

19 Christmas in Kittitas 20 Healthy Holiday Food Recipe & Tips 21 Girls Night Out

5

22 Little Elves Gift Making Workshop 23 Music, Memories & Brazil Nuts

6 Plaid Friday 8 Cookie Scavenger Hunt 8 Snowball Drop with a New Bang 9 Community Events Calendar 14 G ingerbread House Decorating Contest

23 Ellensburg Downtown Association’s Pint Night

6

24 New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show 24 U.S. Postal Service Holiday Shipping Schedule

24

15 Coconut Snowball Cupcakes 16 Snickers Hot Cocoa for Adults

KITTITAS COUNTY FARMERS MARKET

Holiday Markets

Local Produce • Fresh Pressed Cider • Handcrafted Arts & Crafts October 30th & 31st 25% off Springboard wines only

Check out our Wine & Coffee Cards to earn in-store discounts!

BBuy 10 Bottles of Wine & get the 11th for only a $1

November 21 & December 12 9 am – 2 pm 423 North Main Street Ellensburg, WA (509) 929-4247

Kittitas County Fairgrounds 512 N. Poplar St. Ellensburg kittitascountyfarmersmarket.com

Wino Wednesday ’s $5 glass of wine 1363372 HH15 MW

1363303 Holidays15 GP

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Season’s Greetings Thank you for picking up this copy of Hometown Holidays. The Ellensburg Downtown Association is pleased to bring you the fourth annual edition in partnership with the Daily Record. Inside you’ll enjoy reading about upcoming events and activities that highlight why Kittitas County is a great place to call home. Don’t miss the listing of events included in the publication.

It’s been quite a year for the downtown, with many new businesses opening to serve the community and visitors.

For the holidays, the EDA has continued to expand the roofline lighting, decorated the planters to make them festive, and planned activities to welcome the whole family to enjoy the downtown.

While we’re working on a fun-packed November and December, we’re also busy getting ready for 2016. It will be the year of bike racks for downtown Ellensburg. With help from the City Parks and Rec and a great, functional design by J.Dubs Metalworks, downtown Ellensburg will become more bike-friendly. We’re excited to add these to the planters, trash receptacles, and benches.

GRAND BENEFACTOR

Our Holiday Greeting would not be complete without thanking the many volunteers who donate their time and talents as board and committee members and event support. If you’d like to be involved, please contact the EDA office at 509-962-6246.

SHINING STARS

We also want to thank our annual donors and especially our Hometown Holidays Grand Benefactor Sponsor Kelleher Motor Company, Shining Star Sponsors Invenergy and Kittitas Valley Healthcare, and our Promotions Sponsors MyEllensubrg.com and CentralWashingtonColor.com.

PROMOTIONS SPONSORS

Special thanks to Bloomtime Nursery, our event sponsors and our major donors, Iron Horse Brewery, Yakima Federal Savings & Loan, Puget Sound Energy, Fitterer’s Furniture, Ellensburg Pasta Company, Ideal CPAs and Advisors, and Ward Rugh

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So enjoy your downtown this holiday season.

We’ll see you out at the shops.

Hometown Holidays 2015

Children’s Books Christmas Eve is a time to get together as a family, to share old memories, and to create new ones. It’s an evening of bringing people together, enjoying mug after mug of hot chocolate, and sitting by the fire.

The Nutcracker by Susan Jeffers The Teddy Bear’s First Christmas by Donna Nylander The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg The Wild Christmas Reindeer by Jan Brett Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto The Elf on the Shelf by Carol V. Aebersold Dream Snow by Eric Carle Bear Stays up for Christmas by Karma Wilson Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry

Reading a good book aloud, the family surrounding the tree, all with pajamas and sleepy eyes, is a great way to spend Christmas Eve for family members young and old.

The staff at the James E. Brooks Library and Ellensburg Public Library compiled a list of their favorite titles and are happy to share it with you and yours. You can find these wonderful children’s book titles at either library and share them with your family on Christmas Eve.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

512 N. Pearl St. • Ellensburg 509-925-1475 • www.shawsfurnitureandappliance.com 1363088.HH15.cnr

M-F 8:30am - 5:30pm | Saturday 9:30am - 5:00pm

1363208.HH15.cnr

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Moments to Remember Sponsored by

The Holidays have arrived faster than anyone could realize, and soon it will be time for Moments to Remember. On Friday, November 27th, enjoy a day of shopping, activities, and holiday lighting as the Ellensburg Downtown Association and the City of Ellensburg kick off the holiday season.

Event info at a Glance

MOMENTS TO REMEMBER November 27 Downtown Ellensburg Free Family Fun

In the morning, come dressed in your Plaid Friday best to get deals from many of the local merchants. Shops will be open all day, so be sure to dress warmly as you make your way around town for this national event.

In the afternoon, take your kids on a Cookie Scavenger Hunt at the Rotary Pavilion from 2-4pm or take them to watch The Teddy Bear’s First Christmas at Fitterer’s Furniture at 2pm, put on by the Ellensburg Children’s Musical Theatre. Later in the afternoon, dancers will perform live in the State Farm Insurance window, following the 7pm premiere of Streets of Bethlehem, which is a beautiful nativity scene through the alley on 4th Avenue, between Pearl and Pine Streets. Line up for the Streets of Bethlehem on the 4th Avenue sidewalk.

MOMENTS TO REMEMBER EVENTS all morning starting as early as 5am!

COOKIE SCAVENGER HUNT begins at Rotary Pavilion 2-4pm

TEDDY BEAR’S FIRST CHRISTMAS

performance by Ellensburg Children’s Musical Theatre at Fitterer’s Furniture 2pm

COMMUNITY DANCE GROUPS at State Farm

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STREETS OF BETHLEHEM 7pm STEWFEST at the Fairgrounds 12-6pm HOLIDAY CRAFT BAZAAR

at the Fairgrounds 12-6pm

LIGHTING AT THE FAIRGROUNDS 6:05pm SAFEWAY TREE LIGHTING 6:15pm DOWNTOWN LIGHTING CEREMONY AT ROTARY PAVILION 7pm

Sunflowers, Bollywood Dance Group of Ellensburg is a non-profit organization for women and girls, formed 2014.

Our group is focused on bringing a variety of Folk, Cultural and “Bollywood” style dances from India to share with and entertain the Ellensburg community, who appreciates and encourages other cultures and dances.

Contact: Rhythms Dance and Fitness 2060 Vantage Hwy, Ellensburg WA Email: eburg.bollywood@gmail.com, Phone: 509-952-3395 Central Washington Dance Academy Under the direction of Reyni Brothers and Sara Bachman Rhodes. We are an ABT certified ballet studio that also offers young children's classes, Modern, Hip Hop and adult fitness.

Located at 200 North Pine, 509-925-2058 Central Washington Dance Ensemble.

Cindy Bruns, Artistic Director. 200 N. Pine Street, Ellensburg, WA 98926 cwdeperformancecompany@yahoo.com

In the evening, start the lighting ceremony at the Fairgrounds at 6:05pm. After that, head on down to Safeway at 6:15pm and watch their tree light up.

Finally, come down to the Rotary Pavilion and see the downtown lighting at 7:00pm.

PLAID FRIDAY

ABOUT THE DANCE GROUPS

Hometown Holidays 2015

Dance Craze out of Cle Elum will perform routines in Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop and Lyrical, with dancers ages 3-12! Contact Misty Favero on Dance Craze Facebook page or at (509) 304-4851 for information on classes.

Ellensburg Community Dance is a free dance program for the youth of Kittitas County ages 6-18. Our program strives to make sure we not only teach dance, but teach confidence, self-worth, responsibility, work ethic, teamwork, and respect for others and self. All those who are involved from Director Samantha Grover to parents, volunteer their time and resources from choreography to costuming. The Dancers work very hard each week not only in dance, but in academics, after school activities, other sports, jobs, church life, and helping with home life. The program hosts various events and fundraisers throughout the year including Dance Camps, Princess Tea Parties, Halloween Masquerades, and Shirts for a Cause. Information on these activities and how to join are at ellensburgcommunitydance. weebly.com or visit us on Facebook!

Moments to Remember

By Ann Riley, Youth Services Board Member

at the Fairgrounds Moments to Remember at the Fairgrounds will be a little different this year. Friends of the Fair and Youth Services Mentor Program are working together to organize StewFest on Friday November 27th at the Fairgrounds! A delicious stew from three local restaurants will be featured at the event.

The event will be at the Fairgrounds from 12-6pm on Friday, November 27th. The cost is $5, with proceeds going to the Community Christmas Basket and the Youth Services Mentor Program. The meal will include beverages and Winegar’s ice cream.

The Holiday Craft Bazaar will also be happening at the same time, and we have heard rumors that Santa might make an appearance!

The goal of the Community Christmas Basket program is to provide families with plenty of food to last through Christmas time. Youth Services Mentor Program provides year-round mentor-mentee matches.

The goal of the Mentor Program is to provide local children or teens with the experiences of a nurturing one-to-one relationship and community support. We know that when children feel supported and connected to their community they are more likely to succeed in school, less likely to use drugs and alcohol, and more likely to develop nurturing relationships later in life.

The Fairground lighting will happen at 6:05pm. After this event make your way down to Safeway for the annual Christmas tree lighting at 6:15pm followed by the downtown lighting at 7:00 pm.

You’re not alone.

We’re here to help.

Prep early, Ship early

You are invited

T O O U R H O L I D AY

NOV 6-8

OPEN HOUSE FRIDAY

SATURDAY SUNDAY The UPS Store #2112

Celebrating our

20th Anniversary, Thank you Ellensburg!

Copying • Printing • Packing Shipping • Notary • Faxing Mailboxes

Historic Downtown Eensburg 120 East Fourth Avenue 509.925.4149

www.ellensburgfloral.com 1363272 HH15 MW

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110 W. 6th Ave., Ellensburg WA 98926 Ph: (509) 962-3810 Fax: (509) 962-3508 Email: store2112@theupsstore.com

1363286 HH15 MW

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Plaid Friday Plaid Friday is a national event taking place the Friday after Thanksgiving, encouraging shoppers to support local businesses as they kick off their holiday shopping. The event celebrates the diversity and creativity of independent businesses, serving as a small town alternative to the Black Friday that larger, big store cities see.

Plaid Friday brings back many fond memories of when holiday shopping for friends and family was a pleasurable and fun activity. Many of our downtown merchants are thrilled to see you in their stores the Friday after Thanksgiving, all decked out in plaid. You never know what specials or discounts you will find at participating businesses. For a full list of participating stores, check out the Hometown Holidays page at ellensburgdowntown.org.

Event info at a Glance

PLAID FRIDAY November 27 Downtown Ellensburg Free Shop Local

Ellensburg’s Best Kept Secret

Exquisi Exquisite Handcraf Handcrafted Natural Be Beautyy Product Products.

Western Decor & Handbags • Collectibles • Avon • Tamales • Full Salon

Free Gift Wrap

Holiday Open House Soaps, lotions, sug sugar scrubs, medicinal salves, lip balms, medicin gift baskets & more.

Saturday, December 19 10am - 4pm ~ Snacks ~ Free Drawings ~ Specials ~

508 N. Ruby • Downtown Ellensburg • 509-962-4887 • www.puritysoap.com

Check

g for up-to-date info!

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Located in “Historic” Downtown Ellensburg

1363367.HH15.cnr

Hometown Holidays 2015

413 N. Pine, Ellensburg • (509) 962-4104

1363369 Holiday15 GP

From our home to yours, we wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season!

COMMUNITY REALTY

Roger Weaver

Marlene Pfeifer

Colleen Anderson

Wayne Stroscher

Susan Ferrell

Craig M. Smith

Judy Jacobs

Deana Pogue

Toby Vicki KoskoWilliams Brennan

Gina Styler

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2109 W 2109 W.. D Dolarway olarway R Rd., d., S Suite uite 2 2,, E Ellensburg, llensburg, W WA A | (8 888 88) 933-6156 933-6156 • (5 509 09) 9 933-7300 33-7300 | remax.com remax.com · · · ·Holidays 9· · · · Hometown 2015

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e i k o Co r e g n e v Sca nt Hu

During Plaid Friday, let your child’s creativity run wild as they collect materials to decorate a special cookie for the holidays on Friday November 27th from 2-4PM. This annual event is a favorite for children as they explore downtown businesses, collecting candies and decorations along the way. Begin the hunt at the Rotary Pavilion, where you’ll pick up a map of participating businesses.

Then it’s off to the many merchant shops to pick up your decorations. Once you’ve collected all of your goodies, come back the Rotary Pavilion to Event info at decorate your custom cookie! a Glance Wrap it up to take home, or COOKIE SCAVENGER eat it right then - it’s up to HUNT you! Thanks to Dakota Cafe November 27 • 2-4pm for supplying the cookies Downtown for this fun family event.

Ellensburg Free Family Fun

Event info at a Glance

SNOWBALL DROP WITH A NEW BANG November 28 • Noon Rotary Pavilion Free Family Fun

This year’s snowball drop will have quite the bang, as we add a canon to help with the snow storm. Join the Ellensburg Downtown Association and MyEllensburg.com for the 4th annual Snowball Drop in the Rotary Pavilion. It will be quite the flurry as hundreds of snowballs explode on to waiting shoppers. The Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue will also be on hand with the big ladder truck to drop them on to the crowd. This will be quite the spectacle. Each snowball, or ping pong, displays a discount, gift, or give-away to be redeemed at a participating business.

This free family event takes place on Saturday, November 28 at noon, just outside the Rotary Pavilion on North Pearl Street between 5th Avenue and 4th Avenue in downtown Ellensburg.

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Hometown Holidays 2015

Community Calendar

Events

November Thus. November 5

Fri. - Sun. November 6 - 8

Sat. November 7

11am

All day

8am-10am

Santa Paws Pictures

20th Anniversary Ellensburg Floral & Gifts Holiday Open House

Veteran’s Day Community Breakfast

120 E 4th Ave • Ellensburg Floral & Gifts

Sat. November 7

Fri. - Sun. November 6 - 8

Christmas Decor Workshop

US Bank Mortgage One office, Cle Elum AARF

Fri. November 6 5 pm

First Friday Fun - Becky Parmenter Gallery One

Fri. November 6

all day

Closed for the Winter “See Ya in the Spring” Sale Nov. 6-12, 25% off Nov. 13-18,. 50% off Terrace Fashions

5 - 7 PM

First Friday Art Walk Ellensburg Arts Commission

Nov. 6 - Dec. 30

Fri. - Sat. November 6-7 November 6, 9 am - 7 pm November 7, 9 am - 4 pm

Bloomtime Holiday Open House

all day

Putnam Centennial Center, Cle Elum

11 am & 1 pm

Walter’s Floral

Sat. November 7 1-3pm

Picturing Our Veterans Ellensburg Library

Sun. November 8 6pm-7:30pm

Gallery One Art Student Show

Night of Worship

Gallery One

Ellensburg Foursquare Church

Nov. 6 - Dec. 30

Tues. November 10

Bloomtime Nursery

all day

Gallery One Annual Holiday Show Gallery One

Sat. November 7 9 AM - 3 PM

Hearthstone Cottage Annual Holiday Bazaar 802 E Mt View Hearthstone Cottage

7 PM

CWU Flute Choir Concert

CWU McIntyre Music Building Recital Hall CWU Music Department

Wed. November 11 6 PM - 8 PM

Photograph Your Art Monica Miller Gallery One

Sat. November 7 9am-3pm

Annual Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale 304 N 2nd St Roslyn Roslyn Episcopal Church

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November Cont.

Wed. November 11

Thus. November 19

Sat. November 21

Fri. November 27

Sat. November 28

11 AM

7 PM

9 AM - 2 PM

2pm

noon

Veteran’s Day Parade & Lunch

Casa Patas, Flamenco of Madrid

Teddy Bear’s First Christmas

Snowball Drop for Prizes

Thus. November 12

CWU Music Department

Kittitas County Farmers Holiday Market

6 PM - 9 PM

Thus. November 19

Sat. November 21

Fri. November 27

Sat. - Sun. November 28- 29

6:30 PM

9 am - 3 pm

Ladies Night at Knudson Lumber

Holiday Bazaar

Art Play - Becky Parmenter and Guests Gallery One

Fri. November 13 6:30 PM

PechaKucha Night Gallery One

Sat. November 14 10 - 1 PM

Mimosa Saturday Gallery One

Sat. November 14 9 AM - 3 PM

Women of the Moose Christmas Bazaar 201 N. Main Moose Lodge

Sat. November 14 9 am - 2:30 pm

20th Annual Grange Country Christmas Bazaar Swauk Teanaway Grange 1361 Ballard Hill Road • Cle Elum

Sat. November 14 9 am - 6 pm

Baubles and Blessing Crafts and Vendors 469 S Maple St Church of Christ

Thus. November 19 6 PM - 9 PM

Glass Fused Ornaments Class Tony Davey

Knudson Lumber

1893 Railroad St Easton Easton Jags and Community Organization

Thurs. - Sun. November 19-22

Sat. November 21

19-21 @ 7:30 PM, 22 @ 2 PM

The Red Curtain Broadway Review CWU McConnell Auditorium Central Theatre Ensemble

10 am - 1:30 pm

Holiday Bazaar

1307 E 3rd Ave Ellensburg Presbyterian Church

Sun. November 22 4 PM

Fri. November 20 7-9pm

6th Annual Community Adult Spelling Bee

CWU Choir Concert

CWU McIntyre Music Building Concert Hall CWU Music Department

Wed. November 25

Ellensburg Library

noon

Fri. November 20

Thanksgiving Community Dinner

7 PM

Putnam Centennial Center, Cle Elum

Wed. November 25

CWU Music Department

3 pm

Fri. November 20

Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Gingerbread House Registration Ends Ellensburg Downtown Association

Sat. November 21 Registration @ 10 AM, Race @ 11 AM

Turkey Trot 5K with Maximus, the Gym, & Anytime Fitness Rotary Park The Gym

Ellensburg Moose Lodge 206 Main Street

Fri. November 27 Times Vary

Plaid Friday

Ellensburg Downtown Association

Fri. November 27 2-4 PM

Cookie Scavenger Hunt Rotary Pavilion Ellensburg Downtown Association

Gallery One

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Rotary Pavilion

1 - 8 PM

Downtown Moments to Remember

10am-4pm 28th, 12pm4pm 29th

Fri. November 27

7280 Highway 97 McIntosh Ranch

Downtown Ellensburg

Noon - 6 PM

Moments to Remember: Holiday Crafts and Gifts & StewFest

Hometown Holidays 2015

Holidays in the Country Holiday Bazaar

December

Kittitas County Fairgrounds

Tues. December 1

Fri. November 27

Gingerbread House Display Begins

6:05 pm

Moments to Remember: Fairground Lighting

Kittitas County Fairgrounds

Fri. November 27 6:15 pm

CWU Percussion Ensemble Concert

5 pm

Fitterer’s Furniture

Hal Holmes Center

Moments to Remember: Safeway tree Lighting Safeway • Ellensburg

Fri. November 27 7 pm

Moments to Remember: Downtown Lighting Rotary Pavilion, Downtown Ellensburg

Sat. November 28 11 am - 4 pm

Cookies and Pictures with Santa at Fitterer’s Furniture Fitterer’s Furniture

Various Locations

Wed. December 2 7 PM

CWU Wind Ensemble Concert

CWU McIntyre Music Building Concert Hall CWU Music Department

Thus. December 3 6 PM - 9 PM

Glass Fused Ornaments Class Tony Davey Gallery One

Thus. December 3 6pm-7:30pm

Whole Foods for the Holidays KVH Hospital

Thus. December 3 7 PM

CWU Symphonic Bands Concert

CWU McIntyre Music Building Concert Hall CWU Music Department

December Cont.

Thus. - Sat. December 3-5 T-F: 10 AM - 6 PM S: 10 AM - 3 PM

CWU Ware Fair

SURC Central Washington University

Thus.-Sun. December 3-6 Dec. 3 - 5 7:30 PM Dec. 6 2:00 PM

Twas the Night Before Christmas Milo Smith Tower Theatre Central Theatre Ensemble

Fri. December 4 5 PM - 7 PM

First Friday Art Walk Downtown Ellensburg Ellensburg Arts Commision

Fri. December 4 Registration - 5:45pm, Rehearsal -6pm, Show 7pm

Bethlehem Bound Ellensburg Foursquare Church

Fri. December 4 6pm

Hospice Friends Tree of Love 209 N Ruby St Hospice Friends

Opens December 4th All Day

Annual Miniatures Show Clymer Museum & Gallery

Fri. - Sat. December 4-5 December 4, 7 pm december5, 3 pm

Mountain Voices Christmas Choir

Fri. - Sat. December 4-5 All day

Sat. December 5 8 - 10 am, breakfast 8 am - 3 pm, bazaar

Thus. December 10 5 pm - 9 pm

6pm

Holiday Girls Night Out

Choir Concert

Christmas in Cle Elum

Santa Breakfast & Craft Bazaar

Downtown Cle Elum

Putnam Centennial Center, Cle Elum

various locations downtown Ellensburg Downtown Association

Fri. - Sat. December 4-5

Sat. December 5

Thus. December 10

Christmas in Cle Elum Parade of Lights

6 PM - 9 PM

7pm 4th, 3pm 5th

Christmas in Cle Elum 201 E 3rd St, Cle Elum Mountain Voices Christmas Choir

Fri. Sat. December 4 - 5 10 AM - 4 PM

Briarwood Holiday Bazaar

Briarwood Commons Clubhouse @ 1001 S Chestnut Street Briarwood Commons Apartments

Sat. December 5 Noon - 2 PM

Photos With Santa at Ellensburg Floral & Gifts Ellensburg Floral & Gifts

Sat. December 5 11am-1pm

Teddy Bear Tea

Kelleher Motor Company Ellensburg Downtown Association

Sat. December 5 7pm

Community Choirs Holiday Concert

CWU McIntyre Music Building Concert Hall Community Choirs

Sat. December 5 9am-2pm

Kids Build a Decorative Birdhouse

Downtown Cle Elum

Sat. December 5 6 pm

Christmas in Kittitas Festival Downtown Kittitas

Sat. Sun. December 5 - 6 5th - 3pm-6:30pm, 6th - 9am-11am

Gifts and Goodies Sale 401 S Willow St St. Andrews Church

Sun. December 6 1-3 pm

Swauk-Teanaway Grange Community Christmas Dinner, 13161 Ballard Hill, Cle Elum

Art Play - Becky Parmenter and Guests

1pm-3pm

Community Christmas Dinner 1361 Ballard Hill, Cle Elum Swauk-Teanaway Grange

609 N Chestnut Chestnut Street Baptist Church

Sat. December 19 1 pm - 3 pm

Elves Workshop Starts at Gallery One Ellensburg Downtown Association

Gallery One

Sat. December 19

Thus. - Sun. December 10-13 A Christmas Carol

Purity Soapworks Holiday Open House & One Year Anniversary Celebration

Performed at Ellensburg High School Valley Musical Theatre

Purity Soapworks 508 N. Ruby

Fri. December 11

Thus. December 24

December 10-12, 7 pm December 12 &13, 2 pm

6pm

Community Christmas Basket Fundraiser Location: TBA

Fri. December 11 6 PM - 9 PM

Sip & Paint - Sam Fisher Gallery One

Sun. December 6

Sun. December 13

Fri. December 11 6 PM - 8 PM

Pizza & Clay Family Night - Mark Tarabula

10 am - 4 pm

4pm

Christmas Eve Service

Ellensburg Foursquare Church

Tues. December 29 6 - 9 pm

Pint Night with the EDA Iron Horse Brewery

Thus. December 31 9pm

Fireworks Display Kittitas County Event Center

Gallery One

Sun. December 6 4 PM

CWU Fall Orchestra Concert

CWU McIntyre Music Building Concert Hall CWU Music Department

Sat. December 12 9 AM - 2 PM

Kittitas County Farmers Holiday Market Kittitas County Fairgrounds Kittitas County

1791 Vantage Highway Knudson Lumber

3rd & Harris, Cle Elum Cle Elum

· · · ·Holidays 13· · · · Hometown 2015

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My favorite tradition is getting together with my family on Christmas Eve at my Aunt & Uncles and doing a big gift exchange. I also love having dinner and visiting with family members who I don’t see much throughout the year.

– Amber Larimer

My favorite (exhausting) Christmas Holiday tradition is spending all of Christmas Eve with my sister baking over 10 different kinds of goodies, which we hand decorate, for 9 different holiday containers. We bring these containers to each family member’s house that we visit on Christmas day.

– Janie Commeree

I love heading to the hills and cutting down a Christmas tree with my family!

– Justin Girgus

I enjoy working with the family to put together all the gadgets that we get as presents.

– April Sheeley

My favorite Christmas Holiday tradition is the Christmas Eve Candle Light Service. We get to sing all the old traditional Christmas carols and remember what Christmas is really all about.

– Dave James

My favorite Christmas tradition is playing football (especially when it is snowing) with all of my friends from high school, and then going home and taking a hot shower and having dinner with my family and friends on Christmas Eve. – Jair Garcia

Unique

Lighting Ideas

My favorite tradition is eating the cookies “Santa” didn’t eat.

– Jacob Bonsen

$

My favorite holiday tradition is eating all of the Christmas dinners! I love being with the whole family and not having to cook myself is a plus!

– Colton Hougnon

My favorite Christmas tradition is my whole family getting together at my grandparent’s house. We have several home cooked meals from early morning to the end of the day, and the second you walk in the door you can instantly smell whatever delicious thing my grandma is cooking.

I know everyone says their own grandma has the best cooking, but I will bet that my grandma’s cooking is the best, no ifs ands or buts about it. My mom’s cooking is a close second (had to put that in here).

Family is our tradition and I have been fortunate enough to have a huge loving family and when we get together around Christmas it reminds me of all the good times I’ve had while growing up. My family has taught me that in this life, time is short and you must truly live it to the fullest. I know dealing with family can be tough at times, but at the end of the day I know my family has my back no matter what. I have truly been blessed with something that money could never buy, a loving family that will be there for me no matter what happens in this crazy thing called life and I love being reminded of that when we get together at every year at Christmas.

When – Bobby Salinas Christmas comes I like to crank up the Black Sabbath and cook all day long. My house has also become the traditional hang out Making fudge spot for my son’s stray friends every year since I and anyone else who has can even remember nowhere else to go for Christmas. the holidays.

– Lane Roberts – Jack Stanley

Open 7 Days a Week

· · · · 14· · · ·

This is a gre experience Knudso generation indep lumberyard, wher to over 65,00 item improvem

2799

160-Ct Swag Light Set • 6' L • Red/white

$

5499

400-Ct Shooting Star Light Set

900191

• 20' L • Clear 900230

Solar White Stake Light Lawn Ornament

5

$ 99

• Includes angel, snowflake, starburst or Christmas tree designs • 34" H 701897

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Hometown Holidays 2015

Your Choice $

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4-Pk Color Changing Path Lights • 14.5" H • 3 AAA batteries sold separately 900160

5-Pk Color Changing Candy or Star Path Lights • 23" H • 3 C batteries sold separately 900029 900030

My favorite Christmas Holiday tradition is not being able to go anywhere for my wedding anniversary because all of the restaurants are closed on Christmas Eve. – Martin Shelley

eat time to on Lumber, a fourth pendently owned re you have access ms for your home ment needs

The annual eating of food!

– Isaac Johnson

Make

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Stop in and check out our great in-store specials!

Seahawks Fan Seattle $ $ 99 Seahawks Duct Tape

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My favorite Christmas Holiday tradition is putting up the tree and decorating it with lights and ornaments. I also love making fresh eggnog!

– Ian Skov

4

4

EACH

100-Ct Miniature Light Set • Green or blue bulbs 905348 904732

2499

9999

$ 99

EACH

18' Rope Lights

My favorite tradition is meeting with my family and having great food and opening presents.

– Jake Patterson

I have so many favorite traditions during the holidays it is hard to just pick one to share, so I am going to share a few. I love decorating my house for Christmas. I have stuff in every room of the house to bring a bit of holiday cheer to every corner.

My anniversary is Christmas Eve, and I guess you could call that a holiday tradition because my grandparents were Seattle married on Christmas Eve, and Marty’s great-grandparents Seahawks were also married on Christmas Eve. Every Christmas Eve (or Key close to) we have some friends over for our anniversary dinner and we cook Prime Rib. Then we usually go to my parent’s house for a holiday feast and our Christmas Pizza on Christmas day. I Seattle think my favorite tradition for the holidays is picking out my Seahawks Baking favorite charities and donating to them. There is something Hardhat 818441 with my family. about doing that during the holidays that makes it feel From childhood on I more meaningful, because it reminds me that Christmas 6 Cu. Ft. Contractor remember always baking is supposed to be about giving to others and it kind Steel Wheelbarrow Christmas Cookies, making lefse, • Heavy duty 500 lb. capacity of keeps thing in perspective during the • 26" x 38" steel tray 703271 candies and holiday breads. We had whole holiday season. our family recipes we would make each – Kari Shelley year, as well as trying a few new recipes!

Now I love to make holiday goodies with my own children and hope they will pass along the tradition when they have their own families.

My favorite – Renee Kraft Christmas Holiday tradition was going out to Ronny Johnson’s pond My favorite and shooting some sort tradition is making of obsolete electronic a breakfast casserole device. for Christmas morning.

– Zach Lopez Spending the whole 1791 Vantage Hwy., Ellensburg day playing games, 279-0756 (509) 962-9811 watching movies and eating leftovers from our big FAX (509) 962-1650 Christmas Eve dinner.

– Tracie Russell

$

for the

$

Being newly married I am excited to m sstart our own traditions aand still spend time with both of our families during the holidays.

– Blake Hale

I love the family, friends and food during the Christmas holidays, but I especially love making cookies with my parents and brother.

– Nikki Carollo

My favorite Holiday tradition is playing games with the family and enjoying an awesome breakfast.

– Joe Kelleher

Coming Home on Christmas Eve and eating fondue and cookies for dinner!

– Clara Wetzel

$ 99

Fun Stuff 6

We open gifts on Christmas Eve and at the same time celebrate my sister’s birthday because her birthday is on December 27th.

– Shannon Rowland

I love to go up to the mountains with my family to try and find the perfect tree and then bring it home to decorate.

– Preston Whitman

ww www.knudsonlumber.com · · · ·Holidays 15· · · · Hometown 2015

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GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING CONTEST

Here’s to another year of showcasing great creativity! Now in its fourth year, we’re excited to see the Gingerbread Houses displayed in the businesses for the entire month of December.

Again this year, we’re taking the stakes a little higher as we work to raise money for the Youth Services of Kittitas County Mentoring Program. Instead of voting for your favorite Gingerbread House creation with a paper ballot, we’re encouraging you to vote monetarily. Clean out your couch cushions and piggy banks - use the loose change in your pocket to have fun voting for your favorite gingerbread house or houses and to support a great cause!

Enjoy a stroll downtown with your family and friends to view these incredible creations. A $25, $15, and $10 prize will be awarded to the highest earning entry in three categories: adult, children, and mixed age.

Contestants are asked to supply their own gingerbread and other supplies. Pre-registration is required and will be accepted until Friday, November 20th at 5PM. The EDA will contact you with your assigned host location. You will be responsible for arranging drop off and pick up with that store. Please contact the EDA for more information and a registration form at (509) 962-6246 or download a form online at ellensburgdowntown.org.

Event info at a Glance

GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING CONTEST Month of December Various locations A free friendly competition

Be Ready for the Holidays Pre-Order Now Party Deli Tray, Homemade Pies, Cookies, Breads, Rolls & Treats

Fresh Baked Breads Daily

GIVE THE gift of art!

Dealers in

Find the perfect present in our expanded gift shop full of unique handcrafted items.

• Bulk Bu Foods • Deli Items • Baked Goods

D A I L Y lunch specials y FRESH, HOMEMADE soups!

2014

Kittitas County

Sandwiches fashioned on our fresh breads with quality meats and cheeses from our deli

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As voted by the readers of the Daily Record.

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Hometown Holidays 2015

Coconut Snowball

by Molly Allen

CUPCAKES

When wintertime hits, all of the leaves have fallen from the trees and the temperature begins to drop. It’s a celebratory time for the changing of seasons and the holidays to come. It’s also a time to look forward to the magic of the first snowfall!

Ellensburg hasn’t received much snowfall in the past few years, but that doesn’t stop us from dreaming about it. Whether we find ourselves with more snow than we know what to do with in the coming winter or very little as we’ve had, we’ll make the most of it.

These Coconut Snowball Cupcakes celebrate the coming of winter and that first snowfall - the excitement we all get as it’s time to put on our mitts and go out and play. With a fluffy, coconut-filled cake, coconut icing, and rolled in coconut and sprinkles, these cupcakes are the perfect way to kick off a funfilled holiday season!

Coconut Snowball Cupcakes Makes 24 cupcakes

Ingredients: 1 Cup Butter, softened 2 ½ Cup Sugar 4 Eggs 4 Teaspoons Coconut Extract

2 ½ Cups Flour 3 ½ Teaspoons Baking Powder 1/2 Teaspoon Salt 1 ½ Cup Milk ¾ Cup Shredded Coconut

Directions: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, and then add the coconut extract and mix well.

Add a third of the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat until incorporated.

Add half of the milk and mix well. Add another third of the flour, mix, and then add the remaining milk. Add the remaining flour and continue beating until well mixed.

Fold in the coconut.

Using a measuring cup, pour batter into a lined or greased cupcake pan.

Bake for 16-18 minutes until golden. Set aside to cool before icing.

Coconut Icing Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Butter, softened 2 1/2-3 Cups Powdered Sugar 3 Teaspoon Coconut Extract 1 Tablespoon Milk Directions: Beat the butter and a 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar.

Add the coconut extract and milk and continue beating.

Continue to add powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Once cooled, top cupcakes with Coconut Icing. Roll iced cupcakes in a mixture of shredded coconut and white sprinkles.

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For Adults

Snickers Hot Cocoa When the weather is frigid, there’s nothing better than sitting inside, watching the snow fall, reading a good book, and enjoying a hot drink. And if you’re stuck inside for the day with (hopefully) too much snow to possibly shovel, then a wintertime cocktail is the perfect treat.

Every year, Starlight showcases their Snickers Hot Cocoa, providing a great treat for their guests to come in and warm up from the cold.

We’ve included their signature recipe here, enough to make one mug, but this recipe can be multiplied to serve a crowd.

Enjoy responsibly!

Adult Ingredients: .5 oz Bailey’s 1 oz UV Candy Bar Vodka Hot Cocoa Whipped Cream Chocolate Sprinkles Mini Snickers Bar for garnish

Directions: Pour Bailey’s and Candy Bar Vodka into a tall mug.

Prepare hot chocolate. Pour into mug.

Top with whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, and mini Snickers for garnish.

Get your kids something they really need this season…

…we also have toys. www.washingtontractor.com ELLENSBURG (509) 962-6801 1364995 Holidays15 GP

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Hometown Holidays 2015

Teddy Bear Tea Presented by the Ellensburg Downtown Association Sponsored by

Santa and Mrs. Claus are back for another year of stories, dancing, and teddy bears galore! Come dressed in your Sunday best for a light lunch, story time with Mrs. Claus, craft time, and children dancing.

Teddy Bear Tea will be held on Saturday, December 5 from 11am to 1pm at Kelleher Motor Company, 602 N Pearl St. Tickets will go on sale on November 13 at Fitterer’s Furniture and are $10 for children and $15 for adults. This is a limited event, so be sure to get your tickets early.

Event info at a Glance

TEDDY BEAR TEA December 5 • 11am-1pm Kelleher Motor Co. $10 children $15 adults

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE

44th Annual

National Fine Art how& Auction

S

May 20-22, 2016 AT THE

KITTITAS VALLEY EVENT CENTER BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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· · · ·Holidays 19· · · · Hometown 2015

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Hometownq a Holidays

Christmas h D Decor Workshop Saturday, November 7th 11am and 1pm

Special pricing during the event on ~ Garlands ~ ~ Wreaths ~ Trees ~ & much m more

inspiring fibers for inspiring people

Call to ur reserve yo spot in the y! class toda

Visit us for all your knitting needs 312 N. Pine Ellensburg (509) 925-4004

304 N Pearl St • Ellensburg, WA • 509.304.4588

Tuesday -Friday 11am - 7pm | Saturday 10am-5pm | Sunday 12pm -4pm

waltersinellensburg.com Find us on Facebook - Waltersdesign

BOOKS For The Howlidays

All Books Buy 2 Get 1 Free Gift Certificates Gift Quality Books

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And More!

Serving Kittitas County over 35 years Locally owned Family operated baileysbibliomania.com facebook.com/baileysbibliomania

404 N Pine St., Ellensburg 962-9195

· · · · 20· · · ·

Hometown Holidays 2015

Come see us at our new location

509-925-3176 319 N. Pearl. Ellensburg williamsfloristofellensburg.com

Christmas in

Kittitas

Head to downtown Kittitas on the evening of Saturday, December 5th as they kick off their festivities with a lighted tractor parade at 6 pm. Stay warm around the fire pits while roasting hot dogs. Kids will receive FREE hot chocolate and will stay entertained with plenty of activities. Watch as Main Street in Kittitas lights up as the tractors roll through town, with a special appearance from Santa. After the parade, kids can see Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Kittitas Community Hall and enjoy all of the kids activities, including a cake walk and face painting.

Hay rides, carolers, and a pie auction will be going on during the festival. Kids and parents are encouraged to dress up in lights. Children will received free glo necklaces, and there will be a prize for the best dressed spectator. Donations of non-perishable foods will be collected that evening at the Fire Hall on Main Street, as well as at many downtown Kitttias businesses during the month of November.

Before you head home, drive through the residential areas in Kittitas to view the homes participating in the holiday house decorating and lighting competition.

Event info at a Glance

CHRISTMAS IN KITTITAS December 5 • 6pm Kittitas Free fun for the family

Porter Queen e Storag Bed IIncludes l d h headboard, db d storage t footboard and rails reg. price $999.99

sale $89999

CHEST Reg. Price $899.99 • Sale $799.99 DRESSER Reg. Price $799.99 • Sale $699.99 NIGHT STAND Reg. Price $499.99 • Sale $399.99 ELLENSBURG

108 S. MAIN ST.

Hours: MON – SAT 9-6 • SUN 11-4 Visit our website at

509-962-4663

www.cramersfurniture.com

· · · ·Holidays 21· · · · Hometown 2015

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Healthy

HOLIDAY

FOOD brought to you by Kittitas Valley Healthcare

Roasted Sweet Potato & Apple Salad

Planning a healthy menu that everyone can enjoy is sometimes a challenge – especially during the holiday season.

We all know that food choices are one of the most important contributors to your overall health. Combined with physical activity, good nutrition can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Preparing your own food is the easiest way to understand what you are actually eating. When you prepare your own food, you know what ingredients have been added to each dish. If you’re serving or eating a pre-packaged food, you have easy access to the nutrition labels. Even if you aren’t hosting a holiday event yourself, most hosts would be happy to include a dish that you provide.

When preparing your own food, here are a few possible substitutions that you can use to make foods healthier.

Ingredient

INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Arrange sweet potatoes in single layer on baking sheet. Spray with nonstick cooking spray, season with ¼ tsp salt and pepper. Roast 20 – 25 minutes or until potatoes are tender, stirring halfway through. Cool completely.

Substitution

Heavy cream For each cup of heavy cream try any of these alternatives: • One cup fat-free half and half • One cup fat-free evaporated milk • One cup 1% milk plus 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Meanwhile, whisk apple juice cocktail, oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, chives and remaining ¼ tsp salt in small bowl until smooth and well blended.

Frosting Make a meringue topping instead. Meringue is made from just egg whites and sugar.

Mashed potatoes Mashed cauliflower. A fraction of the calories, and the taste is nearly the same. Try half potato and half cauliflower for picky eaters.

Oil or butter Unsweetened applesauce. One cup of applesauce replaces one cup of oil or butter.

This works for sweet breads (like banana or zucchini), muffins, and even boxed brownie or cake mixes.

Creamy dips Try a hummus instead of a creamy dip. Dip vegetables sticks instead of chips to make the snack even healthier.

· · · · 22· · · ·

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed ½ tsp salt, divided ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper 3 tbsp low calorie apple juice cocktail 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 1 tbsp honey 2 tsp snipped fresh chives 1 medium Gala apple, cored and chopped (about 1 cup) ½ cup celery ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion Lettuce leaves

Combine sweet potatoes, apple, celery and onion in medium bowl. Drizzle with dressing, gently toss to coat.

Arrange lettuce leaves on 4 serving plates. Top evenly with sweet potato mixture.

Makes 4 servings | Per serving: calories 133, total fat 4 gm, protein 1 gm, carbohydrate 26 gm, cholesterol 0 mg, dietary fiber 3 gm, Sodium 424 mg Diabetic Cooking Sept/Oct 2013

Hometown Holidays 2015

An ever-popular event! Join us for an evening with friends, family, fun, and fabulous deals on Thursday December 10th from 5:00-9:00 pm.

Local businesses promise to bring a special evening of pampering, refreshments, shopping discounts, and much more to downtown Ellensburg. This unique semiannual event is a “Hometown” favorite that residents and business owners look forward to year after year. Even though it’s an evening for the ladies, we often spot a few gentlemen out and about enjoying a night on the town.

Girls

Night Out

Hit the streets of downtown and check out the deals. For every $10 you spend at participating stores, you will be entered to win one of two gift basket, each filled with merchandise and gift certificates from each participating store.

Maps of downtown venues participating, along with their Girls Night Out specials, will be published the week of the event. This popular event is brought to you by the Ellensburg Downtown Association and sponsored by Ellensburg Floral & Gifts and Alente Spa Salon. Stop in that evening to check out their specials and see the generous gift baskets awaiting a winner.

Event info at a Glance Sponsored by

GIRLS NIGHT OUT

December 10 • 5-9pm Various local businesses Free evening of fun

This Holiday Season….

Give The Gift Of Dance Gift Certificates available in any amount

Ballet—Hip Hop Modern—Young Children’s n’s Gymnastics—Pilates Barre Fitness 200 North Pine St. in Ellensburg 509-925-2058 www.cwdance.org centralwadance@outlook.com

Find us on Facebook!

Formerly Stage Door Dance Studio

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Our friendly staff has been providing confidential, affordable and quality treatment since 1972. Let us help you down the path of recovery. We provide walk-in drug and alcohol assessments on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning at 1 pm.

We want to help you move forward in life.

509.925.9821 507 N. Nanum #30 Ellensburg

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· · · · Holidays 23· · · · 2015 Hometown

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Gift Making Workshop Presented by the Ellensburg Downtown Association

Sponsored by

Event info at a Glance

Another great kids event is the Elves Gift Making Workshop sponsored

by Fairpoint Communications. Kids love to take part in the magic of gift giving during the holiday season. Join us for an afternoon of crafting and gift making on December 19th in downtown Ellensburg. Children, ages 4-12, will have the opportunity to create, personalize, and wrap a variety of gifts to take home and put under the tree for their friends and family. In previous years, our elves have made bird feeders, tree ornaments, and hot cocoa reindeer to name a few.

LITTLE ELVES GIFT MAKING WORKSHOP December 19 • 1-3pm Gallery One $5.00/child

This year’s crafts are a surprise, and Santa is the only one that knows until the big day. This event wouldn't be complete without a special guest appearance by Mrs. Claus, so keep your eyes peeled! Don’t miss this fun crafting opportunity for you and your children at various downtown businesses on December 19th from 1-3 PM. The fun starts at Gallery One where you pick up your bag and map. Admission is $5 per child and space is limited, so arrive early.

e c r e m m o C f o r e b m a Ch ICATES

Pizza

GIFT CERTIF Shop locally with Kittitas County Chamber Gift Certificates perfect gift for anyone

b baking on an open fire…

307 E. 5th Avenue 509 933-3600 Cornerstonepie.com

ocking Stuffers • Last Minute Gifts for Folks • St hite Elephant Gifts •W who have Everything ES S COUNTY BUSINESS ER 90 KITTITA

REDEEMABLE AT OV

…

Fresh Roast

waftingg past your nosee 4

Convenient Locations

Purchase at Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce Office 609 N. Main, Ellensburg, WA • (509) 925-2002 www.KittitasCountyChamber.com 1366053 HH15 MW

· · · · 24· · · ·

1. 307 E. 5th Ave. 2. 301 N. Pine 3. 204 S. Water 4. 1711 Canyon Rd.

925-5313 962-9333 962-6333 925-7410

www.dmcoffee.com

HAPPY HO HOLIDAYS TO YOU

Hometown Holidays 2015

1366455 Holiday15 GP

By Melina Meador

Melina Meador teaches music lessons in Ellensburg. Find out more at www.KastleMusicStudios.com

Kelly’s Pump Sales and Service

Event info at a Glance

EDA PINT NIGHT December 29 • 6-9pm Iron Horse Brewery Pub 21 years and older only please

Celebrate with the staff, board, and volunteers of the Ellensburg Downtown Association at the Iron Horse Brewery Pub on December 29th for Pint Night! Drink in the fun as we raise a glass to the great projects the EDA will be working on in 2016. Come meet our staff, the members of our board, and find out more about what the Ellensburg Downtown Association works toward day after day. Iron Horse will generously donate 50 cents of every pint purchased to our project – installing new bike racks around the downtown. Join us from 6-9 PM, December 29th, for a preview of the bike racks, a silent auction, and plenty of other activities. Discover how you can get involved in your downtown!

You know what your inner Nerd wants!

Ask us about our SANTA STORAGE for all your present hiding needs!

Water well system installation & maintenance Bonded & Insured

Store Hours: 11am – 7pm

Emergency Service • Irrigation Pumps Submersible Well Pumps • Jet Pumps • Pressure Tanks Draw Down Test • Inspections

Kelly Hunter

Ellensburg Downtown Association Pint Night

(425) 835-3459

321 N. Pearl St. Ellensburg, WA 98926

509.607.6292

KELLYPS88538 885L8

Drop-off location for Toys for Tots 1362831 HH15 MW

· · · · Holidays 25· · · · Hometown 2015

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1364684 HH15 MW

Music & Memory & Brazil Nuts

It’s the wintry holiday season - Christmas music is being played everywhere, and I find one song on repeat in my mind - but it’s not even a Christmas tune!

It’s an old piece called “The Holy City.” It was one of my paternal Grandpa’s favorite songs, and he’s been gone now for two years. His name was Elven Backholm and he was born in 1918, the third child of young Swedish immigrants in Hoquiam, Washington. Quiet and studious, slightly wry, this man worked for most of his career in a plywood factory, but one of his favorite things was music: especially playing jazz on his cornet. He played in concert bands in high school and had jazz band gigs on weekends to pay for college, and in later years played in venues around the country as a proud member of the Elks Band.

He met his wife Doris, a musician in her own right, when she stepped in as a guest singer with his band. That night was special; they ended up making music together for 62 years.

Christmas time was when Grandpa Elven would really shine. Not a chatty guy, he loved to be hospitable and usually had a giant bowl of assorted nuts with nutcrackers at the ready for snacking. The scent of peeled satsumas filled the room as we enjoyed those, and coffee, and sometimes – if Grandma Doris hadn’t made her luscious little wild blackberry pie- he would surprise us by casually tossing mini snickers bars into our laps. He knew how to enjoy small moments. Those small moments are what I remember now.

This is my husband’s and my first Christmas with our little baby daughter, and I find myself thinking with love of the many ways Grandpa Elven made us smile. Funny how those small things – scents, an old treasured song, the shine of a Brazil nut even – can bring back fond memories of the past.

Happy Holidays to each of you!

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show Plans are on track for a spectacular Dec. 31 in Kittitas County, with fireworks planned at the Kittitas County Event Center at the fairgrounds in Ellensburg on New Year’s Eve. Organizers moved this year’s July 4 fireworks to New Year’s Eve because of concerns about fire danger during a record hot summer.

Joanna Markell, general manager of the Daily Record - who helps coordinate and plan the event, said the plan is to light off the fireworks at the Kittitas County fairgrounds at 9 p.m. on Dec. 31.

“We had a number of requests for an earlier start time so children and families could watch,” she said.

The Daily Record helps coordinate the fireworks, with support from local businesses, community groups and individuals. The show should be visible throughout town, with good viewing from the Ellensburg Rodeo Arena.

“We’d like to thank the county commissioners and Kittitas County Event Center for graciously agreeing to host the event,” Markell said.

Plans are coming together for other activities at the fairgrounds that evening.

Contact Mickey Webb, Event Center director, at 509-962-7639 for information about vendor space and facility rentals.

U.S. Postal Holiday Shipping Dates It’s not too early to start paying attention to the U.S. Post Office’s shipping deadlines, especially if you are trying to get those fruitcakes to Uncle Bob before Christmas.

Customers are encouraged to ship early, whenever possible.

Here are this year’s holiday shipping deadlines to ensure timely delivery of cards, letters and packages within the United States by Dec. 25, according to the Postal Service: Domestic mail dates: • Dec. 15 - standard post: Ground service for less-than-urgent deliveries and oversized packages.

• Dec. 19 - first-class mail: Service for standard-sized, single-piece envelopes and small packages weighing up to 13 ounces with delivery in 3 business days or less.

• Dec. 21 - Priority Mail: Domestic service in 1, 2, or 3 business days based on where your package starts and where it’s being sent, variety of Flat Rate options.

• Dec. 23 - Priority Mail Express: Fastest domestic service, guaranteed overnight scheduled delivery to most locations. Some restrictions and exceptions apply.

International mail Customers mailing internationally during the holidays are advised to review specific deadlines based on the locations they are mailing to and the service they are using. When mailing and shipping internationally, customers must also follow necessary customs guidelines. Visit the International Shipping page on usps.com for more information.

Military shipments The Postal Service is committed to ensuring those serving in the nation’s armed forces and diplomatic service receive their presents, care packages and cards in time for the holidays. Complete military mailing deadlines to APO/FPO/DPO (Air/Army Post Office, Fleet Post Office and Diplomatic Post Office) destinations worldwide, as well as tips and guidelines can be found at usps.com.

Bring Big Apple Home for the Holidays

We’re on Canyon Rd at Exit 109, Ellensburg Locally Grown Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

Event info at a Glance

NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS SHOW

SOUVENIRS • GIFTS S P E C I A LT Y F O O D S • AND MUCH MORE!

December 31 • 9pm Kittitas County Fairgrounds Free

“Family owned & operated since 1974”

Big Apple Country & Gifts (509) 925-2900

1711 South Canyon Rd., Ellensburg 1364984 Holidays15 MW

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Hometown Holidays 2015

Come by for an Espresso or a Hard Ice Cream Cone While Shopping!

No matter how you live, make every step count with Vivofit 2 Dog Training Products

Features: backlit display, calories, step goal, sleep monitoring, water resistant, heart rate, auto sync, time, activity timer Back on Track creates products that help people, horses and dogs achieve a more active and comfortable life through Heat Retention. It is well established and documented that long wave infrared heat radiation increases the blood circulation.

The increased blood circulation in the tissues helps to relieve muscles tension and improves performance. One important property is the injury prevention effect, which you get when the protections are used for training and competition.

Human Products

Equine Products Equine Sheets, wraps pads

Delta XC E-Trainer and Delta Sport XC ETrainer and Bark Limiter in one

Socks, elbow wraps, T-shirts, knee braces, back braces, long johns

Open 7 Days a Week

500 W. Third Avenue | 925-5397 1366895 Holiday15 GP

AmericAn Hickory witH Solid BlAck wAlnut inlAyS

Enjoy the beauty of this hand crafted bedroom set in your home for the holidays.

Amish in design with side panels that have been steam bent by hand to create this elegant silhouette that you really must touch to truly appreciate. See this collection today at Fitterer’s Furniture in downtown Ellensburg.

We can have this set in your home just in time for the holiday season.

4th & Main • Downtown Ellensburg 509-925-9828 • 800-992-9828

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fitterersfurniture.com | Open 6 days a week | d r

Hometown Holidays 2015

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Always free delivery in the heart of Washington