Chocolates by Leopold, Montrose's gourmet chocolate factory and store, donated a 3 foot tall Chocolate Santa to be raffled for the benefit of the Association. Click to watch a video of the Christmas Festival, when the Chocolate Santa was rolled down Public Avenue to spread the chocolate evenly in the mold. Joann Slee won the spectacular Santa and the raffle raised $212. Congratulations to Joann, and our deep appreciation to Michelle DePue, Tom Follert, and of course Leopold! Chocolates by Leopold is also the sponsor of the Chocolate and Wine Festival, held on the 3rd Saturday in May, which benefits our organization and the hospital.

The Association's Annual Meeting was held on Saturday, November 5. About 60 people listened to reports on the Association's activities during 2011, enjoyed a great talk about the new Montrose Historical Preservation District by Jeffrey Marshall, Chief Preservation Officer of the Heritage Conservancy, and socialized over refreshments. New by-laws were approved.

The Annual Meeting was held soon after the launch of the 2012 Support Drive. It's never too late to help support library and historical society services across the county. Donations are gratefully accepted at any time. Please print out our donation card if you would like to become a supporter.

The lovely garden at the Hallstead-Great Bend location is planted and maintained by the Hallstead-Great Bend Civic Club. In order to have beautiful flowers in the growing season, winter maintenance is crucial, so the Civic Club has "winterized" the beds. Please help us extend a special thanks to Linda Anesi!