Distinctly Montana Magazine

www.DistinctlyMontana.com 67 drama club neatly stacked on the circulation desk. The drama club is based out of the library, and is run by Christina herself. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Christina was brought to Montana by a seasonal gig at the opera house. After falling in love with the town, she decided to stay. She is co-operator of the opera house with her husband, and she accepted a job at the library to further en- gage with the community. Working at the library turned into starting a children's drama club that takes place in the spring, and very recently an en- terprising teen from nearby Sheridan came to her looking for creative sanctuary and the opportunity for fellow teens to express themselves. Thus, the VigilanTeens was formed and unofficially begins the off-season events in Virginia City. Adolescents from all reaches of Madison County meet, prac- tice, and perform in October. They make good use of the library's community room, which is host to myriad activities throughout the year. The library has arranged Paint and Sip nights for those of artis- tic inclination and legal wine-sipping age, weekly movie nights, Pilates classes, as well as story and craft time for children and parents across the coun- ty to enjoy. VIRGINIA CITY ELKS LODGE #390 Before I departed the library, Christina provided me with two more leads: the mayor of Virginia City and the manager of the local Elks Lodge. Known for their generous donations to county hospitals and the small-town feel of their organization, the Virginia City Elks Lodge frequently collaborates with the library to keep bringing the community together. As the season turns to autumn, the Hal- loween Carnival delights children and adults alike with pumpkin decorating, costume contests and an abundance of fun. As the snowfall begins, the lodge brings holiday cheer with the help of volunteers, who decorate the town with beautiful Christmas wreaths and boughs adorned with festive red ribbons. Decem- ber activities include a poker tournament on the first Saturday of the month, and the famous Vir- ginia City Christmas Stroll on the following week- end. Once again, folks from all over the county and state flock to Virginia City to enjoy the festivities, such as crafts booths for ornament-making, the chili cook-off, Christmas cookie swaps, and much more. Christmas comes and goes, but any post-hol- iday malaise is combated by the lodge's Bingo and Brunch Sundays, starting the second weekend of "VIRGINIA CITY WOULD HAVE FAVORABLE LUCK ONCE MORE WHEN CHARLES AND SUE BOVEY SET THEIR PHILANTHROPIC SIGHTS UPON THE TOWN."

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