DOWNIEVILLE — Attendees to the Boomtown Lounge and the Empire Creek Provisions Craft and Sip event Saturday, December 17, hailed from as far away as Rhode Island. Alleghany, Pike, Camptonville, and North San Juan residents also could not
be kept away and arrived to gather around a large table with friends and family in Downieville to make holiday wreaths under the instruction of Therese Hopfinger. Hopfinger is a part-time employee at Cold Rush and Boomtown Lounge and a long-time collector of everything "crafty." With felicity, passion for creating unique pieces, and a spirit of generosity, Hopfinger eagerly sold some of the precious supplies
she has collected over the last two decades to community crafting events. The event was a smashing success, with some folks turned away at the door as seating was at capacity. Last summer, San Diego Artisan Jen Powell hosted an acrylic pour session at the Pour and Sip community crafting event held outside the Boomtown Backyard. To make reservations to attend the January 14 Hoop Charms crafting event or any artisans interested
in hosting a crafting affair should contact the Boomtown Lounge at 530-862-5043 to discuss details and payment for services. In addition to Saturday's festivities, the hard work and dedication of the employees at Empire Creek Provisions, Boomtown Lounge, Cold Rush, Carriage House Inn, and The River Mountain Lodge were honored at a joint end-of-year celebration Sunday, December
18. In this remote area, it is undoubtedly a big deal that nearly 20 Sierra County residents are employed at these five companies and not simply employed—but happily employed. The Mountain Messenger, invited to this shindig featuring a taco bar and cocktails galore, observed a staff wearing the hugest of smiles. Bellows of laughter from the positive reactions of employees were constant. The tsunami of generosity in the gifts
by the management, and the efforts of folks who ensured the past year's success of these fine establishments were genuinely honored and rewarded. Children of staff were also invited, showered with gifts, merriment, and cheer at this jolly time. Simply
another excellent example of the positive impact of these establishments. Hardworking and responsible individuals seeking employment should inquire with these organizations.
Therese Hopfinger assisting Kevin Lozano with his wreath during the Craft & Sip event held last Saturday at Empire Creek Provisions in Downieville.
Jaden Henslee, son of Lydia Henslee the Assistant Manager of the Riverside Mountain Lodge, is pictured above opening his White Elephant gift during her employer's end-of-year party.