Monday September 19, 2011

Fall Foliage Abounds ~ Brilliant and Beautiful

As I gaze out my office window I can't help but muse over how brilliantlly our staff survived the busy summer season and a feeling of sadness as the fall wind down is upon us. 

The leaves are turning and starting their drifting dance to the forest floor.  The squirrls and bears are heeding their instinct to supply thier stores of nuts and pack on the  pounds for the approaching winter freeze and hibernation.   

There is a fresh crispness in the morning air, sparking our thoughts toward laying in firewood to enjoy a warm, cozy gathering around the fireplace in our Tap Room on those cold winter nights ahead.  I find myself grabbing a fleece vest or jacket as I head out the door in the morning and leaving it on all day!  Fall has arrived!

back to top ^

Changes At The Belton

As our peak season comes to a close, I would like to thank the wonderful staff for thier dedication and attention to excellence  during this busy time. It almost takes an army to provide the amenities, cleanliness, and quaint elegance that the Belton is noted for and we had the best! 

Our work and travel student staff were a pleasure to host. In their free time they enjoyed hiking, biking, rafting, camping, and fishing, along with many other activities, in and around the Glacier National Park area.   It is with a fond farewell and a hearty THANK YOU, that we send Petra, Zuzanna, Helena, Maros, Matoj, Lukas and Sam back to thier homes and lives in Slovakia.  May the path ahead be filled with your dreams coming true! Dovidenia!

As always, our seasonal staff was sensational also!  After taking a short breather, everyone will head to thier winter jobs, wherever that may take them.  We send them on their way with gratitude and look forward to thier return when we start gearing up for the next summer season in May, 2012!

All that will be left to man the helm at the Belton will be a skeleton staff, literally.......until preparations begins for a wonderful winter season of skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the park and surrounding areas.

 With Christie, our fearless, creative, talented and caring director at the podium, the Belton Chalet has grown to become a leader in the hospitality industry in the Flathead Valley and surrounding markets. 

Donna is our accounting wiz.  She is the "behind the scene" support and accounting manager.  We are all looking forward to her smiling face returning soon after she recouperates from her recent surgery.

Chef Melissa continues to craft her audaciouslly delightful cuisine in the restaurant and tap room.  She has rapidlly become a star chef in the Valley with her down right delicious offerings,continuous attention to detail and her fearlessly innovative menus.  If you haven't eaten at the Belton, your missing out!

Brad, our food and beverage manager, makes it happen for the front of the house.  Being somewhat non-commital, we are constantly asking him, "are you going to be here this winter Brad"?  "I don't know....ask me later"!  Either way, he is a wiz at what he does and greatly appreciated around here.

Noreen, our lodge manager, graciouslly handles all reservations and guest requests with a smile.  She also, fearlessly flips mattresses, fills trail mix bags, and competently directs her staff to make the Belton as inviting, elegant, and comfortable as it is. 

Laura is our housekeeping manager.  I have not known of anyone more dedicated to excellence and who takes more pride in her job.  I have seen her hand stiching torn rugs and sweeping someones gravel off the drive after peeling out in the flower beds.  Unbeliveably multi-talented!

Jeremy is our super man, jack of all trades, maintenance guy.  He will tirelessly shim 58 event chairs in the meadow for a wedding ceremony so the guests won't flip over backwards in the middle of "I do"!  Anything you need done or fixed or need a hand with, just ask and he WILL do. 

I, Cheri, stepped into Stacey's position as marketing and events manager in July.  I appreciate Christie's patience, allowing time for things to "soak in", and only occasionally leaving me two pages of "things on the list to do today"!!  Arrrgh......

I can't forget our gracious owners, Cas Still and Andy Baxter.  They are fiercelly dedicated to preserving the historical value and the sensitive environment that is what the Belton Chalet is. They also show a deep appreciation for all the talents and dedication of ALL the employees of the Belton Chalet.  Thank you!

That is the story of the Belton today, in a nutshell.  There are still many beautiful autmn days left of this season to enjoy dinner and drinks in the restaurant and stay in the Lodge or Cottages after a days outing along the river or in the park.  Come on out!

back to top ^

Keep Your Nose In The Wind ~ For There Lies The Future!

Recently, Cas and Andy had the oppoutunity to purchase another  historical property just up the hill from the Belton Chalet.  Of course, they jumped on it and have been working hard this summer to complete the renovation of the property.    A little history of the property; The original owner and builder was Jack Holtermann, well known for writing several books about Glacier National Park.  Jack had two adopted Navajo sons which influenced the Southwestern architetural design of the house.  The adobe bricks used in the construction were all shipped from Mexico.  Cas and Andy have kept and enhanced the southwestern style of the house by furnishing it with some very and eclectic pieces.  Interestingly, many of the materials they used in the renovation are 100% recycled and or original.  One of the most interesting pieces of furniture is the dining room table.  Andy had two doors shipped from Florida that began their life as doors in a Colonial House in Peru.  They framed them, covered them with glass and crafted them into a dining room table with matching benches.  Truly unique and beautiful!  When completed, the property will be available for rent year round.  It will be ideal for families or groups as a vacation rental as it will be self sufficient with a kitchen stocked with cooking equipment.  We are looking forward to adding the "Adobe House" to the portfolio of accommodations at the Belton Chalet so look for it in the near future!

back to top ^

Successes!

The Beer - Food tasting was September 17th.  We anticipated 24, and filled those spots immediately.  We increased it to 48 and seated 43 total with everyone having an outstanding evening of incredible food and beer provided by Chef Melissa and Blackfoot River Brewing of Helena.  Because of the success and popularity of this event, those that want to have a spot in the Winter Beer and Food Tasting should call to make thier reservations early!

 Our New Years Eve Party is taking shape as a "Denim and Diamonds Affair".  The all inclusive price of the package starts at $299.00 per couple and $215.00 single. Package inlcudes Lodging, Appetizer , Dinner, Dessert, Champagne Toast at Midnight, Breakfast New Years Day, tax, gratuity, AND live music in the Terrace Room for your dancing pleasure  with the Alley Cats from 9pm - 12:30am.  Reservations are coming in so don't miss out!  Call today to make your reservation to "Ring in the New Year with the Belton Chalet".

back to top ^