Community Briefs

Seeley-Swan Mountain Bells to Perform Carols by the Fire – Dec. 1

SEELEY LAKE - The Seeley-Swan Mountain Bells invite the community to join them as they ring in the Christmas season with Carols by the Fire. Enjoy an evening of traditional carols and holiday tunes in the Great Hall of the Double Arrow Lodge Thursday, Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m.

Admission is free. Donations to help support the choir, maintain the bells, buy music and so forth will be gratefully accepted. 

What is Your Big Idea?

SEELEY LAKE – Meet small business experts John Donovan from the Small Business Association and Jennifer Stephens from the Small Business Development Center to learn more about resources and tools for small businesses or entrepreneurs. They will be at the Seeley Lake Community Foundation office in the Bison and Bear Center Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Please call 677-3506 for more information.

Heritage Building Open House, Dec. 2

SEELEY LAKE – Join the businesses in the Heritage Building, 3195 Highway 83 N for their annual Open House Dec. 2 from 3-7 p.m.

Frostbite Festival in Condon, Dec. 3

SWAN VALLEY - The Upper Swan Valley Historical Society (USVHS) will host its Annual Frostbite Festival Saturday, Dec. 3 in Condon. A holiday bazaar and bake sale will be held from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Swan Valley Elementary School, Hwy 83, mile-marker 38-39.

Shoppers will be delighted with the quality and variety of gift items. The bake sale, according to one happy customer from last year is “the best bake sale for miles. It’s well worth the trip to the Swan!”

The event will also include holiday craft activities for all ages, a used book sale and raffle drawing. Lunch, offered by Swan Valley Café, will be available from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

“The Swan Valley Historical Society takes pleasure in hosting this annual event,” says Steve Lamar, USVHS President. “It’s our way of thanking all who support our mission and efforts. We hope that you will come and join in on the fun!”

For event details visit http://www.SwanValleyHistoricalSociety.org.

Ovando Old West Christmas Fest, Dec. 3

OVANDO - A reliable source reported that they spotted and even spoke with the elusive Cowboy Claus last week. This source reports that Cowboy Claus is indeed on his way to the Blackfoot Valley hamlet of Ovando, Mont.

Meteorologists along with astrophysicists have gotten together with area outfitters to determine that the arrival time for Cowboy Claus into Ovando, is predicted to be around 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.

Cowboy Claus, a cousin of Santa Claus, arrives every year to the rural ranch town of Ovando, aboard his trusty horse Nick. Being that ranch kids have different wishes than urban kids, Cowboy Claus is better to talk to them about what they want for Christmas. He then reports directly to Santa Claus.

To celebrate the arrival of Cowboy Claus, one day a year, the town of Ovando steps back 150 years to the Old West, with horse drawn wagon rides through town, axe throwing contests with Too Tall Tom, Gingerbread House making in the Fire Hall, Cook-Off Competitions, and Kids Snowdeo [think Snow Rodeo: kids ride stick reindeer and barrel race around candy canes]. There will also be face painting and holiday crafts offered at the Blackfoot Community Church.

Upon arriving in Ovando via Highway 200, Cowboy Claus will meet with the kids inside the town’s museum where they will sit on his antique saddle and give him their list of wishes, wants and needs.

Prior to his arrival, the Blackfoot Cattlewomen will be hosting the Annual Bite of Ovando Cook Off and a judging of the best meatballs made by local culinary hotshots. [If you have the best meat ball recipe your mother ever had, feel free to enter it for the Cook Off. Winner receives our undying gratitude and envy]. Also local artisans will be showing their wares of jewelry, woodcrafts and books throughout town.

And if meatballs won’t curb that hunger; burritos will be served from the Sheep Wagon, Indian fry bread from the Outfitter tent, Ray’s Famous Chili will be served by Trixi’s in the Ole Hoosecow, The Stray Bullet will be open for breakfast and lunch, the Blackfoot Commercial Company will have nachos, ice cream and holiday specialty coffees and the holiday special luxury chocolates will once again be for sale at the Blackfoot Angler.

What better way to welcome back Cowboy Claus for the 15th year in a row. Don’t let your kids, or those that are kids at heart, miss it.

Ovando Old West Christmas Fest is Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For questions contact Kathy at 793-0018.

Swan Valley Connections Open House, Dec. 7

SWAN VALLEY – Join Swan Valley Connections (SVC) for their Holiday Open House Dec. 7 from 2-4:30 p.m. at the Condon Work Center. This will be a great opportunity to meet and greet SVC’s staff and board. Refreshments provided.

Free Classes Offered with dōTERRA® Essential Oils

SEELEY LAKE – Join the dōTERRA® Wellness Classes Tuesdays at 4 p.m., Thursdays at 10 a.m., Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. in the Heritage Building. Two classes, Natural Solutions and Essential Emotions, will be offered several times and specialty classes will also be offered through December.

The Natural Solutions class gives attendees the knowledge and tools to: relieve stress and anxiety; ease digestive upset; boost energy and immunity; soothe occasional aches and pains; support healthy weight and prepare for life’s emergencies.

The Essential Emotions class focuses on the power of essential oils to support healthy emotions by: working with body chemistry to balance emotions; create a healthy mood lifestyle and empower others on their journey to emotional wellness.

The specialty classes include 12 Sprays of Christmas, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m .; SpOIL Your Pet, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. and Choosing Change, Dec. 30 at 7 p.m.

All classes are designed to be completed within one hour except Saturday classes which will be longer.

For a complete list of topics, questions and/or to RSVP call or text 406-210-1755.

Swan Valley Library Highlights

SWAN VALLEY - The Swan Valley Library has Christmas books for all ages that can make the season bright. There are craft books such as “The Family Everything Christmas Book”, “Christmas Cross Stitch, and “Christmas Ornaments”. The youngsters could enjoy the books “Marvin’s Best Christmas Present Ever” or the hilarious “Best Christmas Pageant Ever”. There is the classic DVD “A Christmas Story”. Several Christmas themed novels by Debbie Macomber are on the shelves along with non-fiction titles such as “Christmastime in Montana” and “America’s Christmas Heritage.” Come in and browse.

Patrons can search online for titles or titles by subject which are found in all of the Missoula County Public Library partners. A hold can be placed on the preferred book and it will be sent to Swan Valley Library for pickup.

Bring in canned goods through the month of December instead of paying fines. The canned goods will go to local families. Please bring non-perishable food.

On Dec. 7 at 1 p.m., a book chat on “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou will be held at the Swan Valley Library. Come in for your copy and attend the book chat.

The Swan Valley Library is open Mondays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For questions call 754-2521.