Sanders County Ledger - Your Best Source For Sanders County News

by Ed Moreth

The people of Plains probably could have used Rudolph's guiding nose on Saturday to see Santa Claus at the VFW, where he had set up a temporary workshop.

Santa - played by Dave Williams of Plains - had set up shop at the one-room log schoolhouse along Railroad Street for the last four years, but this year it was moved to the VFW hall and is co-sponsored by the VFW and Joint Operation Mariposa, a nonprofit organization headed by Williams designed to help veterans in Sanders County.

Santa and Mrs. Claus - Callie Timmer - stationed themselves at the VFW for some four hours and saw about 30 children, said Heather Allen, the club quartermaster and head elf. Chloe Monselet, 11, also helped. For a short time, the famous Grinch - Rachel Johnson - made an appearance. "The main purpose was to take pictures with Cocoa (Allen's dog) because with antlers she looked like Sandy, the Grinch's dog. Unfortunately, Johnson got a bit claustrophobic in the costume and was there only about 20 minutes," said Allen, who sported an elf outfit complete with "crakows," curly pointed elf shoes.

Williams said he loves being Santa because he gets to look into the eyes of the future when talking with the young kids. "I think that they will build a beautiful future that we old people will be proud of," he said.

Allen felt the bazaars at the Thompson Falls and Plains schools and the snow storm might have been the reason so few showed up at the workshop, but she said those that did show had fun.

In addition, the Plains Lions Club, the Plains Woman's Club and the VFW Post Auxiliary had tables set up for the kids to make Christmas ornaments. The Lions Club was operated by Marv and Margo Tanner and accompanied by their elf, 10-year-old Kendall Spurr. The Auxiliary tabletabled was manned by Angela Muse, Janet Brandon and Shelby Traslavinia, whose 4-year-old boy, Daxton, sported reindeer antlers. Lores Porter, Deb Cleveland and Cecelia Ferguson represented the Woman's Club.

Allen said they held the workshop at the VFW because there was more space and it was heated, unlike the old log schoolhouse. She also made it available for churches and other nonprofit organizations to participate, sending out more than 30 letters to groups, but was disappointed at the low response. She plans to get the word out earlier next and advertise more. She said there is also the possibility of having Santa's workshop at the Plains School bazaar next year.

"We may even do a Christmas in July so people can get pictures with Santa to have Christmas cards made up for that year extra early," said Allen, who added they would still do one in December. Despite the low turnout, she said they had a great time. The event also included cookies, hot chocolate and hot apple cider, and Santa gave each child a magic key.