Ideas for future holiday celebrations in Montezuma were discussed when the Montezuma Community Boosters had their December meeting at The Daily Grind.
Live window displays and horse-pulled carriage rides, similar to what happened about 15 years ago, was one idea. Another was having a family Christmas movie shown, possibly in Montezuma Memorial Hall.
Club treasurer Deb Ver Meer reported that a good share of the Christmas lighting on businesses has been completed, with the possibility of eventually running lights around all of the businesses on courthouse square.
A special guest was Phil Maxey, new administrator at Montezuma Specialty Care. He shared some of the activities that were to be going on at the facility during the holidays.
He said one enjoyed by staff members was a “blindfolded baking contest.” One person wore the blindfold with another guiding them through the cookie baking process.
It was noted that 12 dozen cookies were baked at Montezuma Specialty Care and donated for the Breakfast with Santa event. The care facility also has been collecting boys for Stead Children’s Hospital in Iowa City.
Ver Meer reported that Dennis Snook, longtime personaltiy at KGRN, had again donated $100 to be used in making the Santa Bags at the breakfast. He has been doing this for a number of years.
Jennifer Shuur of Montezuma Floral and More has done several Christmas plantings around the square.
It was decided to use artificial greenery instead of fresh. Half the cost for the planters was paid by Montezuma Community Development.
The tree decorating contest was judged by Abby Hubbard from city hall. Winners were: Mother’s Club, displayed at Family Dentistry, first place; Mahaska Communication Group, displayed in their office on the square, second; and Manestreet Hair Design, displayed in their window, third place.
It was reported that the building formerly occupied by Blooming Endeavors is being remodeled by Randy Simmons for a pair of new tenants to be announced.
Ben Schanbacher of County Bank said the Deep River American Legion Auxiliary was collecting items to be send to troops.
He also noted that County Bank in Deep River in Montezuma were sharing cookies with all on Dec. 20.
It also was noted that new city council members would be sworn in on Jan. 2.