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The Whitefish Community Center would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year! We look forward to new activities and fun at the Center and we look forward to seeing you at the Center in 2023.

Continuing the Whitefish Community Center’s proud and longstanding tradition of representing our senior population at Whitefish Winter Carnival festivities, we would like to announce the Center’s king and queen for the LXIV Winter Carnival: Pat and Colin Colbert. Pat and Colin moved to Whitefish 19 years ago after Colin retired from Consumers Energy in Essexville, MI, as an electrician and Pat retired from the banking industry. Moving to Montana greatly enhanced the couple’s lives by being able to share time with their two grandchildren, two daughters and a son-in-law. Meanwhile, their “new” home in Montana required extensive renovation and it kept them very busy! Colin and Pat each have a heart for volunteering and community service, so when their home was close to completion, they became more involved with the community. Colin found his niche with the North Valley Food Bank as a driver collecting donations two days a week. Pat volunteered at the Food Bank as a gleaner and then as a member of the North Valley Auxiliary, where she served on the Scholarship Committee and as the President. At North Valley Hospital, she volunteered at the desk for Same-Day Surgery and as back-up for individual jobs. She now helps prepare meals for our Center’s Meals on Wheels deliveries. Both Colin and Pat think the Whitefish Community Center is a “terrific” organization and are pleased to represent it. In turn, the Center is honored to have them represent us. The theme for this year’s Winter Carnival is Fire and Ice, Celebrating Montana’s First Responders. Coronation ceremonies will be held on Thursday, February 2, at 11:00 am. The entire 2023 Winter Carnival Court will join us at the Center, so, as in the past, we can anticipate lots of fun. All are welcome to attend. Just give the Center a call to let us know you will be coming.

Ring in the New Year by dancing a Sunday afternoon away at the Whitefish Community Center. The Center will be hosting a Winter Ballroom Dance on Sunday, January 8 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. The dancefloor is large, and the songs will be some of your favorites. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. There is no dress code, but dressing up can be fun! Admission is free.

Brrr!! As everyone knows, the month of December brought some sub-zero temperatures to our area. Even so, our faithful Meals on Wheels kitchen workers and drivers continued to work through the bone-chilling weather and deliver meals to our grateful recipients. Thank you volunteers for all your hard work, not only through this recent frigid weather, but in all temperatures and weather related conditions.

This January, the Center revived a past tradition of a monthly birthday celebration hosted by the Center. Members with January birthdays celebrated with good food, good company, fun and a delicious birthday cake! So, if you are a member with a February birthday and like cake, you have a FREE birthday lunch to look forward to on Thursday, February 16, at 11 am. Come join in on the fun. Please call for a reservation: (406) 862-4923

As part of their Senior Speaker Series, My Glacier Village will be presenting “The 4 Phases of Retirement.” This series shares the experience and wisdom of seniors with their community. Join Kathy Cozad, retiree from My Glacier Village, who asks, “Is retirement all it’s cracked up to be? You bet it is, if you know what to expect.” Join Kathy at the Center on Friday, January 27 from 11 – 12:30 for lunch and lively discussion about the realities of life after work! Lunch is optional, and the cost is $4.00 for seniors or donation, and $8.00 for individuals under 60. Reservations for lunch are needed. Call (406)862-4923 for reservations.

Katja is an experienced professional social services administrator. Born and raised in Switzerland, she earned her Masters of Advanced Studies in Business Administration from the Fachhochschule Zentralschweiz in Lucerne. In her previous work, she contracted, monitored and evaluated the services of numerous nonprofit organizations. Since 2015, she, her husband and their three children have lived in Whitefish, where Katja also works as a childbirth educator and doula. She and her family enjoy hiking, skiing and spending time with family and friends. Katja manages the Center’s daily operations and works closely with the Board to help coordinate programs.

Mel was born and raised in eastern Iowa. Through her education and work experience, she has been involved in both environmental and conservation issues and research. She received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, and a Master’s Certificate in GIS from the University of Wyoming. Between semesters at college, she worked with county naturalists and park rangers at Benton County Conservation as a seasonal conservation aide. For the past two summers she has worked as a park ranger at Glacier National Park. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast and often can be found hiking and biking in and around the valley. In the winter, she sharpens her computer skills through creating digital art and writing code for video games. Mel is responsible for the coordination and day-to-day operation of our Meals on Wheels program.

Start your holiday shopping at the Whitefish Community Center. Crafty Women is hosting a Christmas Sale at the WCC on Saturday, December 3, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. There will be a variety of high-quality merchandise where you will find that special gift you have been looking for, and maybe something for yourself too. We look forward to seeing you!

Members of the Whitefish High School Choir will treat us to joyful and heartwarming Christmas songs on Monday, December 19, at 5:00 pm. All are welcome. Please come to the WCC and bring family and friends!

Our annual holiday meal will be served on Friday, December 23, at 11:30 am. The menu, as scheduled, is Yuletide Pot Roast, potatoes, vegetables, gravy, croissants and frosted spice cake. All are welcome. Come enjoy good company and a tasty meal! Suggested donation is $4 for seniors and $8 for non-seniors. Please call (406) 862-4923 for reservations.

Break out the finery! Come join others for an afternoon of dancing to your favorite Christmas songs under lights and surrounded by Christmas décor. The ball will be held at the WCC on Sunday, December 11 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. with a photo station set up to take pictures of you and yours in your holiday attire. Come and dance the afternoon away. Admission is free.