It’s hard to believe it’s already November! The holidays are just around the corner! I know, I know…you don’t want to hear that, but you know it’s true! Do you remember the holidays of your childhood? I have so many wonderful memories that it’s hard to pick just a few. I’ve always wanted to make sure my children have those same types of memories, so tradition is very important to me.

Many years ago, I thought it was important to spend the holidays with my family in Billings, but we have made it a point to do Thanksgiving in Billings and Christmas at our own house. While I love the idea of spending Christmas with my mom, sisters and their families, the thought of trying to schlep the presents 400 miles without raising suspicion from the prying eyes of four children was near impossible.

Last year, my now teenage and grown children asked us if we would consider doing a trip instead of getting presents. They too, wanted to “make memories”. I was thrilled! Now instead of trying to find just the “right” presents for each personality, we are planning a skiing trip. The kids are all looking forward to the mini vacation and time spent with family, as am I, plus we will get to spend Christmas Day with my mom and family. This is definitely one of those “win-win” situations!

As we slip into the fall and then the winter, I am extremely busy at the Chamber! Ethics Day is coming up on Nov. 16 and we have some great dilemmas and presentations to offer the students. We are still in need of some table facilitators, so if you can help out, please let me know. Our co-emcees are Scott Wild and Molly Sullivan. They are definitely going to bring it this year with their hard hitting, provocative discussions. I can’t wait!

The fall also brings a need for many, many Junior Achievement volunteers. The need grows each year and each year, we search for great classroom volunteers. You do not need to be a teacher to be a volunteer. All of the materials are laid out for you. All you need to bring is your personality, creativity and interest in making sure today’s youth is tomorrow’s well educated adult. While I’m on the topic, I ask you to consider supporting and/or sponsoring JA. You may not get as flashy accolades as you might by sponsoring another Chamber program, but I will guarantee that you will make an amazing difference in a student’s life. JA is an expensive program to run, but we think it’s worth it and I hope you will too!

The Student Chamber also kicked off in October. What an amazing group of young adults! Sometimes I look back at being their age and wonder what I was thinking! Oh, to do things over again. I would have immersed myself in school and all aspects of it. I would have sought out more challenging programs and not been afraid to join new things. I look at these students and see an amazing future for all of them. They are mature, focused, and willing to soak up everything this world offers them. I so very much enjoy spending time with them! So, as we come to the end of fall and enter our winter season, I wish you all the best and hope your upcoming holidays are as special as you are! Thank you for all of your support of the Chamber and its programs and events!

Sally