Date Night!

Sustainably Sadie

Sustainable Social Life

As a young couple who have settled in the Ruby Valley, there have been times when we longed for a social life.  I remember when we lived in Silver Star wishing we had couple friends who weren’t my parents (not that spending time with them isn’t lovely; it’s important to diversify your circle of friends).  I’ve come across some great ideas for couple gatherings you can do at home—it’s sustainable as you could save money staying in vs. eating out.  It’s also easy to go overboard if and when you start to get excited about educating your palate with new (exotic?) flavors and tastes.

I, of course, don’t want you to stop going out to local restaurants (and remember to factor tip into your dining out budget).  This past Sunday’s TBCA Wine Tasting Fundraiser was an excellent event.   Wine tasting is a game where everyone wins.  You can host at-home wine tastings.  My brother-in-law of Domaine Pouillon Winery in Lyle, WA introduced us to blind tastings (where you hide the bottles inside paper bags so you can discuss and write wine notes without the information from the bottle influencing) and suggested starting by tasting different Yellowtail wines.  Cosmo Radio suggested tasting different cheeses or chocolates.  There are many creative ways to branch out past wine—Microbrew beers of Montana tasting?  Blind tasting Coke v. Pepsi? 

Another couple date night idea:  a Top Chef-style dinner party.  Team up (boys v. girls?) and see who can create the best gourmet meal in a specified time limit. 

Winter (as it may have finally arrived) will at some point seem unending.  Enriching your social life after high school basketball wraps up will help to alleviate the doldrums.  Getting together with friends, smiling, laughing, and sharing common interests are beautiful, healthy ways to pass the days.  If you’re new to the area and are hoping to make friends, from my experience, you just have to reach out.  Strike up conversations with other parents at school events; fine tune your small talk skills at the grocery store.  Share your experiences and socializing success at www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com. 

Twin Bits

TBCA meetings Friday March 2^nd and March 16^th, 8:30 am @ Old Hotel.  Membership dues need to be paid by March 30^.  

GRVCCA monthly meeting Tuesday March 6^th at RVNB in Twin, Noon.

Mark your calendars:  the TB Public Library is hosting a Memoir Writing Workshop, Sunday June 10, 1 to 5 pm taught by Michael Czarnecki.

Mar. 07- St. Mary’s, Laurin

Mar. 14- Dayspring Church 3648 Hwy 287, Sheridan

Mar. 21- Notre Dame, Twin Bridges

Mar. 28- New Beginnings, Sheridan

Ruby Valley residents gather on Wednesdays during Lent to receive words of encouragement and challenge from local ministers and lay people. This has been, and continues to be, a very ecumenical gathering.  Every one is welcome regardless of their personal religious convictions. Breakfast is scheduled early, 6:30 a.m., so that folks can make it to work on time. 

          A basket will be available each Wednesday for those who would like to donate non-perishable items or money to the local food bank.

          If you need a ride to the breakfast, you may call Carol Braach, 842-5521, or Carol Wilcox, 684-5142.  If you would like to offer rides, please let Carol Braach or Carol Wilcox know.

Congratulations to Western Division Champions, the Twin Bridges Falcons!!

From the TBS Calendar:

Thurs. March 1: Regional Science Fair @ Butte MAC ctr (5^th – 8^th Grades)

Sat. March 3: Lil’ Guy Wrestling Tourney (MP & Main Gym)

March 1 to 3:  Boys’ State C Basketball Tourney, Billings

Sunday March 4:  Our Community’s Future Mtg (Clyde Carroll), 2 to 4 pm in MT Room

Monday March 5:  Close-Up Parent/ Student Mtg (Required) Art Room

Tuesday March 6:  Pre-Season Girls Softball Mtg for Parents & Students, B.W. Lodge Gym @ Dillon

March 8 to 10:  Girls’ State C Basketball Tourney, Great Falls

Sarah Miller, 531-1422, sustainablysadie@hotmail.com, www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com

Volunteerism

Sustainably Sadie

Sustainable Community:  Volunteerism

Volunteer plants offer themselves up to the world in surprising locations.  It’s like finding hidden treasure, those free herbs, vegetables, flowering treasures that enrich our garden bounty.  Perhaps instead of looking at volunteerism as a prison sentence, liken yourself to those surprising, beneficial, low-cost volunteer plants, popping up in a surprising and appreciated fashion. 

There will always be a need for volunteers.  School boards, city councils, fire departments, search and rescue, senior centers, libraries, community gardens, community organizations, and chambers of commerce (to name a few, add to this list at www.sustainablysadie.blogpost.com) need people, need bodies to make these organizations work.

Serve your time, do your part, and show gratitude to those people who give their time and energy.  It’s hard to give your time if you feel that people only complain to you. 

Don’t give all of yourself away.  Those who do volunteer easily get offered up and asked after for every enterprise.  Save time for your family and yourself but if you have the time to give, enrich your life with public service.  Teach your children through example.  Encourage the younger generation.  Trade organizations, 4-H, youth sports and activities, local/ state government, hospitals, and church groups need volunteers to serve.  “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”  If you don’t like the way an organization runs, make changes by working from within the system. 

Create a time budget; using info from your daily planner, assess your monthly calendar—maybe you have 5 hours a month to donate.  Perhaps the time is right for you to sink those roots deep into the local community, pop up in an unexpected venue and give yourself up to the greater good.  Volunteering is good for the soul.

And to those who serve, thank you for all your hard work and donated time. 

Twin Bits

The Twin Bridges Community Association is hosting its Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser Sunday February 26^th, 1 to 4 pm at The Shack .  Ticket prices are $25 per person or $40 per couple.  Silent auction, door prizes, and souvenir wine glasses.  Tickets can be purchased at The Shack, RVNB, Jumping Rainbow Espresso and The Old Hotel. 

The February Deborah’s Art Wall artist at the Twin Bridges Public Library is Chuck Oppegard, specializing in small home accessories and gift items.   Each piece is selected for its unique character, rustic features and is individually hand crafted. You can find his work locally at the Rivers Edge Gallery in Twin Bridges, MT and the Galloping Horse in Dillon, MT.  Oppegard’s Art Reception is Friday, Feb. 24^th 4 pm to 5:30 pm.

2012 Lenten Breakfast Schedule

Feb. 29 - Christ Episcopal Church, Sheridan

Mar. 07- St. Mary’s, Laurin

Mar. 14- Dayspring Church 3648 Hwy 287, Sheridan

Mar. 21- Notre Dame, Twin Bridges

Mar. 28- New Beginnings, Sheridan

Ruby Valley residents gather on Wednesdays during Lent to receive words of encouragement and challenge from local ministers and lay people. This has been, and continues to be, a very ecumenical gathering.  Every one is welcome regardless of their personal religious convictions. Breakfast is scheduled early, 6:30 a.m., so that folks can make it to work on time. 

          A basket will be available each Wednesday for those who would like to donate non-perishable items or money to the local food bank.

          If you need a ride to the breakfast, you may call Carol Braach, 842-5521, or Carol Wilcox, 684-5142.  If you would like to offer rides, please let Carol Braach or Carol Wilcox know.

From TBS Calendar:

Feb. 22 to 25:  BB Divisional Tournament, Butte

Wed. Feb. 22:  Spring Picture Day; Rotary Presentation for Community, 6:30 pm, MT Room, Biologist Bruce Smith, “Where Elk Roam;”

Fri. Feb. 24:  Butte Symphony Concert for 5^th & 6^th Grades @ Mother Lode in Butte

Tues. Feb. 28:  Community Blood Drive (MT Room); Softball Mtg w/ Coach, Main Gym, 12:15pm

Wed. Feb. 29:  County Spelling Bee in Virginia City; PTO Book Exchange

Thurs. March 1: Regional Science Fair @ Butte MAC ctr (5^th – 8^th Grades)

Sat. March 3: Lil’ Guy Wrestling Tourney (MP & Main Gym)

March 1 to 3:  Boys’ State C Basketball Tourney, Billings

March 8 to 10:  Girls’ State C Basketball Tourney, Great Falls

Sarah Miller, 531-1422, sustainablysadie@hotmail.com, www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com

Composting

Sustainably Sadie

 Composting

          Organic matter from once-living organisms can be recycled as fertilizer through the composting process.  Composting cuts down on the amount of trash that has to be hauled to the landfill.  It is a low-cost (free?) way to boost your garden production and self-harvested bounty.  Sustainable farms and gardens rely on compost.  A composting bucket is a great gift idea for your gardening friends and family. 

          A quick Google search for sustainable composting ideas found gleanorganics.com, a company on a “mission to make composting easier and more practical for everyone.”  Their website includes a blog that discusses sustainable composting.  National Geographic offers greenliving.nationalgeographic.com/sustainable-composting with many helpful suggestions.  Your coffee grounds, tea, egg shells, fruit and vegetable food scraps, grass clippings, newspaper etc can be composted. Dairy, meat, bones, grease, pesticide/herbicide treated foods are not compost appropriate.  Compostable food containers, like the ones used at Jumping Rainbow Espresso, The Shack and The Old Hotel are made out of corn, vegetable or sugarcane fibrous material and designed to break down in commercial composting facilities within approx. 60 to 90 days.  The internal temperatures of commercial compost heaps range upwards of 140°F.  Your backyard compost heap or compost tumbler may not be that hot but the as the bacteria breaks down the decaying organic material, heat will naturally occur.  Your compost heap also needs to be damp not dry.  You may have to add water and stir the compost, aerating and participating in the process. 

          Even if you live in town, you can compost.  Small scale composting can be accomplished using a compost tumbler, pallets, straw-bales, or even a cardboard box.  Ask your local hardware stores about compost systems.  Searching Acehardware.com found compost systems ranging from $32 to $110 for a tumbling composter.  

          Bacteria break down biodegradable products into nutrient rich soil-like material.  Coffee grounds are an excellent addition to your compost heap.  If you would like coffee grounds from your local coffee shop, I suggest you ask the owner for grounds for your garden.  Starbucks sometimes provides large bags of grounds for gardens, complimentary.  If you’d like coffee grounds for your compost from Jumping Rainbow Espresso (of course complimentary) please bring your containers to our drive-thru, Under the Water Tower, 104 N. Bridge Street, Twin Bridges.  Do your own research; talk with your friends and neighbors; borrow gardening books from the library or friends.  Thanks and happy composting, Sarah Miller, Sustainably Sadie.  Share your successes and questions at www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com, sustainablysadie@hotmail.com. 

Twin Bits

2012 Lenten Breakfast Schedule

Feb. 22 - Bethel Methodist Church, Sheridan

Feb. 29 - Christ Episcopal Church, Sheridan

Mar. 07- St. Mary’s, Laurin

Mar. 14- Dayspring Church 3648 Hwy 287, Sheridan

Mar. 21- Notre Dame, Twin Bridges

Mar. 28- New Beginnings, Sheridan

Ruby Valley residents gather on Wednesdays during Lent to receive words of encouragement and challenge from local ministers and lay people. This has been, and continues to be, a very ecumenical gathering.  Every one is welcome regardless of their personal religious convictions. Breakfast is scheduled early, 6:30 a.m., so that folks can make it to work on time. 

          A basket will be available each Wednesday for those who would like to donate non-perishable items or money to the local food bank.

          If you need a ride to the breakfast, you may call Carol Braach, 842-5521, or Carol Wilcox, 684-5142.  If you would like to offer rides, please let Carol Braach or Carol Wilcox know.

The February Deborah’s Art Wall artist at the Twin Bridges Public Library is Chuck Oppegard, who has lived in Montana for 37 years. He worked in forestry for 31 years and as a private contractor in home construction and remodeling until moving to Dillon, MT where he currently lives.  He now has a wood crafting business specializing in small home accessories and gift items. Each piece is selected for its unique character, rustic features and is individually hand crafted. You can find his work locally at the Rivers Edge Gallery in Twin Bridges, MT and the Galloping Horse in Dillon, MT.  Oppegard’s Art Reception is Friday, Feb. 24^th. 

The GRVCCA Annual Membership Meeting is Thursday February 16^th, 5:30 to 7:30 at The Philanthropy Building in Sheridan. 

The Twin Bridges Community Association is hosting its Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser Sunday February 26^th, 1 to 4 pm at The Shack .  Ticket prices are $25 per person or $40 per couple.  Silent auction, door prizes, and souvenir wine glasses.  The next TBCA meeting is Friday February 17th, 8:30 am at The Old Hotel. 

From TBS Calendar:      

Feb. 15 to 18:  BB District Tournament, Butte MAC Center

Thurs. Feb 16:  Girls play @ 9 am, Boys play @ Noon

Mon. Feb. 20:  No School, President’s Day; Trailblazers 4-H Mtg, Lunchroom, 7 pm

Tues. Feb. 21:  School Board Mtg, MT Room, 7 pm

Feb. 22 to 25:  BB Divisional Tournament, Butte

Wed. Feb. 22:  Spring Picture Day; Rotary Presentation for Community, 6:30 pm, MT Room

March 1 to 3:  Boys’ State C Basketball Tourney, Billings

March 8 to 10:  Girls’ State C Basketball Tourney, Great Falls

 

Sustainable Valentine's Day

This is a web-only article.

While listening to my guilty pleasure, Cosmo Radio on Sirius satellite radio, I heard some great Valentine's Day gift ideas that are budget friendly and sustainable.  While Valentine's is geared toward gifts for women, this "Hallmark" holiday can also be a great time to acknowledge your partner with love notes, a special surprise and romantic time together.  Hiding love notes around the house, in his dresser drawers, in his car etc can be an low-cost, low-tech way to remind your man how much you love him.  You could surprise your man with a special lunch.  If he is brown-baggin' it every day with the same ham and American cheese slices sammie maybe take a few minutes to make a deluxe sandwich with grilled peppers and onions, roast beef and pepper jack cheese-- you know, spice things up!  If you can get away, maybe take a hot pizza or burger to your man for lunch. 

It seems that lots of people are trying to stick with their healthy New Year's Resolutions.  Valentine's could be the day of your free pass, a day to splurge on the guilty pleasures you've been denying yourself.  Your and your loved one could splurge by making a pasta dish together and sharing a bottle (or two) of wine.  If going out for dinner strains the family budget, plan a special dinner at home.  Valentine's can be about the little things, the little loving ways to show you care.  Buy your man his favorite beer and display it in a bucket of ice.  Make super duper nachos and then a beautiful chocolate dessert.  Acknowledging your man and making the day/ evening about both of you will make it a truly memorable and lovey experience. 

And drop hints.  Drop hints or just be flat-out honest and say, "This is what I would like for Valentine's Day."  I've asked for house plants-- a sustainable alternative to cut flowers or a dozen red roses.  Be realistic when making wish list, being mindful of family budget and time constraints.  Perhaps your man doesn't have the time to hand-craft a spice rack, brick-a-brack shelf, or new bed.  But if you make him monster nachos and chill his favorite beer on ice, he may become more romantic than you could ever imagine. 

You could always boycott the day or your could combat the giant global corporate greediness by having an at-home, homemade card, sharing of quiet time date with your loved one.  Light some candles, turn on your favorite record, and pour some pink champagne (New Age has a delicious rose' that is effervescent, fruity and slightly dry, $10 at Main Street Market).  Include the kids, get a sitter, or share a succulent dessert after the kids go to bed.  This Valentine's Day 2012, it's all about the LOVE.

Love and Light,

Sustainably Sadie

Sustainable Business Community

Sustainably Sadie

Sustainable Business Community

My husband and I are preparing for the grand re-opening our drive-thru espresso business, Jumping Rainbow Espresso. As we face our third season in business in Twin Bridges, I find myself evaluating the past.  We haven’t yet had the opportunity to grow the business like we would like; however we are blessed to be able to continue taking the leap and attempting doing small town business on scale we can afford. 

I was fortunate to have been invited to the GRVCCA’s first Buy Local meeting in February, 2010, right before we first opened JRE. I was freshly influenced by Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (2007), one of my favorites from author of the fiction, The Poisonwood Bible.  Kingsolver, husband and two daughters chronicled one year of eating as close to home as possible.  We strive for a 100% sustainable home, we also brag about our business being a “green” coffee shop and try to be as sustainable as possible.  In terms of business, staying in business is the first step towards being sustainable. 

We joined the Chamber for exposure and support from other business owners.  I volunteer as chair of the Buy Local committee of the GRVCCA. 

The Greater Ruby Valley Chamber (www.rubyvalleychamber.com) supports the greater area west of the Tobacco Root Mountains:  Alder to Silver Star.  The Chamber sponsors community organizations and events.  I also am a member and volunteer of the Twin Bridges Community Association (TBCA).  The Sheridan Main Street Improvement Team (MSIT) is a similar organization that is working hard at beautifying Main Street, Sheridan—check ‘em out on Facebook. 

The two larger communities in the Ruby Valley, Twin Bridges and Sheridan, receive equal sponsorship from the Chamber for their summer festivals and Christmas Strolls.  The Chamber hosts the Local Business Expo and the Ag Appreciation Banquet, celebrating the agricultural heritage of our area.  Membership to the Chamber gets you a fully custom page of internet exposure and a listing in the Business Directory (distributed throughout Southwest Montana), advertising in Madison County Directory and discounted rates for the Local Business Expo.

The GRVCCA Annual Membership Meeting is Thursday February 16^th, 5:30 to 7:30 at The Philanthropy Building in Sheridan.  The focus of this year’s meeting to learn from other business owners in a moderated panel/ group discussion.  It will be an informative evening filled with food and drink and business networking.    There will also be a Buy Local presentation.  I look forward to seeing you there.  Post/ email at sustainablysadie.blogspot.com and sustainablysadie@hotmail.com

Twin Bits

The Twin Bridges Community Association is hosting its Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser Sunday February 26^th, 1 to 4 pm at The Shack .  Ticket prices are $25 per person or $40 per couple.  Silent auction, door prizes, and souvenir wine glasses, delicious appetizers, a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  The next TBCA meeting is Friday February 17th, 8:30 am at The Old Hotel. 

From TBS Calendar:

Thurs. Feb 9:  JrHi BBB w/ Sheridan @ Home; JV B & GBB @ Butte High

Friday Feb. 10:  State Wrestling Tourney @ Billings Metra; BB @ Lima, 5:30 pm, GB, 11:30 am Pep Rally in MP Gym

Sat. Feb 11:  State Wrestling @ Billings Metra; JrHi BBB @ Sheridan Tourney; BB w/ Sheridan @ Home GBGB, 2:30 pm, Senior Night!  FFA/AG on-line students Dessert Silent Auction Fundraiser @ games,

Sadie Hawkins Dance in Lunchroom 9 pm to Midnight

Feb. 13 – 18, TBS Spirit Week.

Mon. Feb. 13:  JrHi BBB @ Cardwell, 4 pm; FFA Mtg in MT Room @ 7:30 pm; Honor Choir in Whitehall

Tuesday February 14:  Valentine’s Day; JrHi BBB w/ Ennis @ Home

Feb. 15 to 18:  BB District Tournament, Butte MAC Center

Mon. Feb. 20:  No School

Feb. 22 to 25:  BB Divisional Tournament, Butte

March 1 to 3:  Boys’ State C Basketball Tourney, Billings

March 8 to 10:  Girls’ State C Basketball Tourney, Great Falls

Building a Sustainable Business

Sustainably Sadie

Building a Sustainable Business

There are many ways for a business to practice sustainability.  Being mindful of the business’s carbon footprint, recycling, and making environmentally friendly choices are a few examples.  Food service businesses can cut down on waste by composting or feeding scraps to chickens and pigs.  Turning off unnecessary lights and lowering the heat at night will help save on energy costs; and the less we use (consume) the more we benefit the environment. 

To be a sustainable business you must stay in business.  Keep up with current trends.  Check out trade associations (we subscribe to Fresh Cup magazine) and Chambers of Commerce for new tips and opportunities.  Force a smile for your customers, even on a bad day.  A negative impression will stay with a customer forever.  Rotate stock and move displays often so that there is something new for customers to take in as they shop.  Thank your customers with sales, discounts, free samples that your business can afford to give in order to lure in new customers and keep current customers raving.   

You have in your mind the ideal result for your small business venture.  Despite how you feel about your business and how you reach your customers, there may be forces outside of your control that make your desires unrealistic.  Sure the countryside gift shop sounds quaint and fun but if you’re new to the area, don’t have clear signage, and have difficulty promoting your business you may find yourself wasting away behind a cash register, staring at an empty shop, wondering where the customers are. 

Join your local Chamber of Commerce.  If you don’t like the way your Chamber operates, then become a board member and create the change you wish to see.  The Chamber is an organization of business people in your area who care about doing business well.  The Chamber hosts social gatherings in order to connect local business people, sponsors local events and activities, and provides special advertising opportunities for members.    

It is difficult to figure out the best way to promote your business where we live.  There’s the media blitz with press releases to the local newspapers, advertising in those papers, putting your information on community calendars and Did You Know posters from Beacon Business Center.  The GRVCCA loves to promote local events.  And in this internet age, there is the f-word ….Facebook.  I was told to stick with it for our business, not to give up promoting Jumping Rainbow Espresso there.  It isn’t going anywhere, Facebook and the internet.  I think it is important even for our small, rural businesses to have an internet presence.  You could requisition the help from the younger generation to help manage your Facebook account.  The cost of membership to the GRVCCA includes a web presence through the chamber website www.rubyvalleychamber.com. 

Whatever steps you take to sustain your business, your small business success is necessary for the enrichment of our community.  Small businesses and ranches are the heart of the Ruby Valley, a community worth preserving. 

Twin Bits

Tom Agnetti, published artist, is teaching at The River’s Edge Gallery on Mondays and Tuesdays starting Jan, 9th.  Classes start after school and go until approx. 6 pm. Monday classes are for 4-8th graders and Tuesday is geared towards High School and adult students. The class is $5. All you need to get started is pencils and a pad or paper. Show up and leave when you want, pick Tom's brain to get your art on paper!!!  Check out The River’s Edge Gallery on Facebook.

The Twin Bridges Community Association is hosting its Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser Sunday February 26^th, 1 to 4 pm at The Shack .  Ticket prices are $25 per person or $40 per couple.  More details to come regarding entertainment, door prizes and silent auction items.  The next TBCA meeting is Friday February 3^rd, 8:30 am at The Old Hotel. 

The GRVCCA Annual membership meeting is scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 pm at The Philanthropy Building in Sheridan, Thursday February 16.  This is business networking opportunity that will involve sharing local business successes and struggles and a Buy Local presentation. 

From TBS Calendar:

Thurs Feb 2:  Happy Groundhog’s Day!!  JrHi BBB @ Three Forks Tourney; BB @ Ennis, 2:30 pm BGBG

Fri Feb 3:  7^th Grade Fundraiser Chili Feed tba; BB w/ Manhattan Christian @ Home, 3 pm BGBGB

Sat Feb 4:  JrHi BBB @ Three Forks Tourney; SW “A” Divisional Wrestling @ Anaconda

Tues. Feb 7:  JrHi BBB @ Whitehall, 4 pm

Wed. Feb 8:  Elementary Spelling Bee, MT Room, 1 pm

Thurs. Feb 9:  JrHi BBB w/ Sheridan @ Home; JV B & GBB @ Butte High

Friday Feb. 10:  State Wrestling Tourney @ Billings Metra; BB @ Lima, 5:30 pm, GB

Sat. Feb 11:  State Wrestling @ Billings Metra; JrHi BBB @ Sheridan Tourney; BB w/ Sheridan @ Home GBGB, 2:30 pm, Senior Night!

Feb. 13 – 18, TBS Spirit Week.

Tuesday February 14:  Valentine’s Day; JrHi BBB w/ Ennis @ Home

Feb. 15 to 18:  BB District Tournament, Butte

Feb. 22 to 25:  BB Divisional Tournament, Butte

March 1 to 3:  Boys’ State C Basketball Tourney, Billings

March 8 to 10:  Girls’ State C Basketball Tourney, Great Falls