Many helped out at tree lighting ceremony

Sometimes thank you just doesn't seem to be a strong enough expression of one's gratefulness. As I proceed you will soon see what I mean. It takes many people willing to give unselfishly of their time to make something happen for many to enjoy, the community tree lighting that was held Saturday at Town Square was one those times.

Debbie Vandeberg

Many hours of behind the scenes planning and work goes into the community tree lighting, from the hanging of the holiday decorations to decorating the community tree, to arranging for music and even Santa. Thank you to the all who helped with the organizing of this year's tree lighting — Chandra Moomey, Brian Jenkins, Joe Ross, Jacob Lorang, Kathy Palmer, Shawn Holden and the Chamber Ambassadors.

Thank you to the weekend city crews for making our community look festive by again repairing and hanging the holiday decorations and banners. To Greg, Nick and Dave Rhines — thank you for your time to make our community tree at Town Square a magical site. Thank you to all who participated to make the evening a holiday memory: from the wonderful music provided by members of HHS Hi-Liters, to the Leadership High School students, Jacob Holden, Alexia Stingley and Kody Hickman for entertaining the crowd with your holiday costumes.

Thank you to Ezzie's for donating the burn barrels and Lon and Stacy Waid for providing the wood and to the Salvation Army for providing the hot chocolate, all helping to take off the edge of the winter cold. Thank you to the Border Patrol for providing our visitors from the north an escort for the evening, and to Santa and Mrs. Claus — thank you for making the tree lighting a magical gathering for the children.

Thank you to Rotary for sponsoring the holiday movie over Thanksgiving weekend and thank you to all who volunteered at the movie.

As you can see, many volunteered to make this holiday season in Havre so special.

During this time of year, many people give unselfishly of their time to make the holidays a little more special for all of us. And we are very grateful to their efforts and time. Those who volunteer during the holidays and throughout the year are community members who are willing to step up and undertake a service and give back unselfishly to something they believe in and support.

The Havre Area Chamber of Commerce has hundreds of people who support the Chamber and its many activities hosted for the community to enjoy. Thank you to each and every one of you. The Chamber is strong because of you, and Havre is a great place to live because of you.

As you work down your shopping list, I would like to encourage all to think about shopping at home first. You may be pleasantly surprised at the great holiday gift selections you will find. This economic support fuels the sustainability of our business community, which employs our friends and family and sponsors hundreds of community, school and youth activities. Let's have a wonderful and merry Christmas season together.

From the Chamber Board of Directors and the Chamber staff, a very happy holiday wish to all.

(Debbie Vandeberg is executive director of the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce.)