A Festival of Trees returns to Havre

Paulette Preeshl-Shipp was covered with glitter as she decorated the Christmas tree at Triangle Communications Thursday afternoon.

She and co-workers were having a good time as they took part in the decoration of the tree that they hope will raise several hundred dollars for the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line.

"It's a fun time to get our employees together to decorate the tree," Preeshl-Shipp said.

Triangle workers enjoy doing something to help the Boys & Girls Club, she said, because so many employees take advantage of its services.

Preeshl-Shipp said the staff is just about finished on this year's tree that will be on display in Triangle's foyer.

Next week, the tree will be taken to the Boys & Girls Club where it will be auctioned at the annual Festival of Trees Saturday, Nov. 28. Triangle has been crafting trees for most of the eight years the festival has been in existence. As gifts, the winner of the tree will get gift certificates to J.M. Donoven Designs in Fine Jewelry and to Triangle's mobile telephone service.

This year, Triangle is designing a dress tree. The outline of the tree will be a like a dress with an elegant bodice.

Many other items will be sold in silent or live auctions.

The annual event is the biggest fundraiser the club has. The club provides after-school care, educational opportunities and fun for young people.

This will be first year that the festival will be held on the club's home grounds.

The recent expansion to the building includes a multi-purpose room large enough to hold the record 258 people who are expected to attend, said Krista Solomon, the executive director of the HELP Committee that oversees the club.

"We are beyond excited at being able to bring the festival here," said Solomon from her office.

She said that on top of the usual activities, a special surprise will be unveiled at the festivities.