Decorating season for the Wild Roses

By: 
Jade Smith

“November comes, and November goes, with the last red berries and the first white snows. With night coming early, and dawn coming late, and ice in the bucket and frost by the gate The fires burn and the kettles sing, and earth sinks to rest until next spring.” — Elizabeth Coatsworth.
The Shell Valley Women’s Coffee was hosted by Liesa Barnum and Mary Beth Cochran at the Barnum home Thursday, Oct. 5. Those attending: Veda Gerrard, Mary Whaley, Melanie Hirschfeld, Judee Deepe, Linda Vandersnick, Holly Barnes, Diana Saam, Irby Nelson, Jade Smith, Joan Mackey, Patty Harrington, Carolyn Walton, Kristy Cushing, Linda Reed, Karen Hayes along with special guests, former resident Carol Miller and her daughter Sue Jenkins, who traveled over the mountain from Gillette.
The women enjoyed the opportunity to visit and relax. A special thanks to Linda Reed for organizing Carol Miller’s visit. It was wonderful to see Carol again. She is missed in our little community.
Melanie Hirshfeld spoke to the group about the upcoming Shell Christmas Festival in December. She requested baked items for sale and free rafting items, $1-$5 items for the kids Christmas shopping area where they can shop for presents for family, wrapping paper, tape, ribbon and tags.
The November Shell Valley Women’s Coffee will be hosted by Karen Hayes at her home, 1470 U.S. Highway 14, west of Shell, on Thursday, Nov. 2. Watch for a bright green kid figure with an orange flag at the turn off. Please bring a small treat to share if you are able, and do invite a Shell area neighbor to come with you. The coffee begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends by 11:30 a.m. For more information, give Karen a call at 765-2732.
Members of the Wild Roses Garden Club met in the Fellowship Hall of the Shell Community Church on Thursday, Oct 14, for their annual pumpkin decorating event. Everyone enjoyed creating their “masterpiece” to welcome Halloween. The garden club will meet in the Fellowship Hall of the Shell Community Church Thursday, Nov. 9, beginning at 12:30 p.m. The group will be making holiday decorations from natural resources. Bring anything you want to create that extra special wreath or decoration you want to create. If you have any questions or need directions, give me a call at 765-9239. Be prepared to have a fun filled afternoon.
The Shell Fall Festival on Oct. 7 at the Historic Shell Store was a great success again this year. Thanks to Emily and Kevin for providing this wonderful event for the community.
Check the date and mark your calendars for the upcoming events in Shell this November and December.
The third Shell Valley Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary Online Auction will be held this year December 1 – 8. We are steadily receiving some wonderful donations, but we certainly can use more. If you are willing to donate an item or gift certificate to help our firefighters and EMTs continue to serve our little community, please give me a call at 765-9239 with any questions you may have. Don’t forget to write those dates on your calendar so you can check out this year’s great gift items. We will need your donations before Friday, Nov. 17.
Looking ahead, the Shell Christmas Festival will be held on Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Shell Community Hall, 201 Smith Ave.
This family-oriented event will feature horse-drawn carriage rides, a Santa visit, tree decorating, kids activities, a bake sale, a craft fair, hourly door prizes and free coffee and cookies. This festive event will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 2 p.m.
Have a wonderful November and a happy Thanksgiving.
If you have an event in the Shell area that you would like to have appear in my monthly column, please contact me before the third Friday of the month. I can be reached at trappertours.com or by calling 765-9239.
“Don’t wait until the fourth Thursday in November, to sit with family and friends to give thanks. Make every day a day of Thanksgiving!” — Cjarmaine J Forde