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Art at the Depot

Art at the Depot on will delight history buffs and art aficionados alike on Dec. 1. Organizers are busily preparing for the 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. exhibition that will celebrate the season at the historic train depot in downtown Montrose.

Visitors will be able to view the stunning improvements to the interior of the charming depot, which was still being renovated last year when the first Art at the Depot event was held.

Many Montrose area artists will exhibit work in a variety of mediums. The displays will include china painting by Jean Clarkson, photography by Keith Ross, rug weaving by Fern Russell, wood carving by Jim Helfrich, and painting in oils and acrylics by Forest Eastman, Reva Helfrich, Loxi Hoskins, Rita Polzin, Wanda Tarrant and Mickey Taylor. Hill-McCloy High School art students will share their creations, and artist Sarah Bostwick will be doing on-site demonstrations as she creates one of her paintings.

Guests will be treated to music provided by Carter Elementary School music teacher Kelly Splear and her talented students.

The depot Christmas tree will once again feature hand painted ornaments designed by many local artists. The ornaments can be purchased as keepsake of the special event, with all proceeds going to the depot landscaping fund. Note cards suitable for holiday greetings and gifts will also be on sale.

An added attraction to this year's event is the sale of prints and paintings by Reva Helfrich. Art lovers may purchase several different sizes of her "My Town," or "The Church on the Hill," with sales benefiting the depot landscaping fund.

Admission is free but donations are appreciated.

Christmas at Montrose Township Park

A Montrose holiday tradition returns to Montrose Township's Barber Memorial Park on Dec. 1. The Third Annual Christmas in the Park event will feature visits from Santa, carolers, hot dogs, coffee, hot chocolate and a beautiful candlelight walk along the nearly mile-long walking path.

The event starts at 4:30 p.m., when Santa will arrive via fire truck to listen to Christmas wish lists and spread holiday cheer. As dusk approaches, the park walkway will be lit with hundreds of candles so visitors can take a leisurely stroll and bask in the sights and sounds of this outdoor holiday event.

Admission and parking are free.

Montrose Historical Museum

The Montrose Historical and Telephone Pioneer Museum, 144 E. Hickory Street, will hold special holiday hours on Dec. 1 so the public can enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas. The museum's holiday open house will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Two special trees - one with vintage ornaments and the other decorated with handmade designs by local Girl Scouts - will greet visitors. Other fun displays include collection of orate vintage glassware, antique clocks, Beanie Babies, pencil sharpeners and other historic items.

The museum's vintage camera display has been popular with visitors, and will remain on exhibit through the holidays. Included in the collection are the Argus camera, which was manufactured in Ann Arbor, and the Brownie camera, which many people will remember using before the 1970s.

Looking for a gift for that hard-to-buy-for history buff on your Christmas list? The historical association is offering 10 percent off the cost of the complete collection of Montrose Gazettes during the holiday season. The series includes more than 100 editions from the past 25 years.

The open house will also feature door prizes and refreshments. Organizers say they hope to add some toy displays to appeal to children of all ages.

The museum is open throughout the year on most Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m., with group tours and school field trips by appointment. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

A picture is worth a community effort

CHESANING -- The Chesaning Kiwanis Club is having a unique fundraising event for our area that will create lasting memories for everyone. On Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and 2 Irishwoods Photography, of St Charles, will be at Market Street Square to take pictures of family, kids, and pets (or any combination thereof) to support many of the projects that Kiwanis is involved with around our community.

Photo opportunities will be Friday and Saturday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 2 from noon until 5 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling 989-642-8054 or 989-245-3606. Walk-ins will be welcomed with priority given to appointments. Cost for each setting is $25.00 and you can chose either an 8 x 10 photo, or a 5 x 7 and four wallets. Additional packages will be offered at extra cost. Turn around on the pictures will be in time for Christmas.

The money raised from this project will be used to help Kiwanis in their efforts to serve the community. "We support a number of programs for our Senior members and our children," stated project coordinator Jeff Murdoch. "Our club is very active, but it does take money, and by doing this type of project we can raise the funds we need while people who support us can receive a lasting memory of their family and/or pet."

"I recently snuck our pet cat out of the house a few weeks ago," said Murdoch, "to have her picture taken as a Christmas present for my wife. Unfortunately, we had to have Motor put down last week, but we have this beautiful picture now on our wall to always remember the love, friendship and fun she gave to us."

Pictures do say a thousand words, and this wonderful portrait by Irishwoods Photography will speak for a long time to you whether it be one of a loved pet, the kids, or the entire family. Help the Chesaning Kiwanis Club help others in our community by taking part in this unique fundraiser.