ENJOY NATURE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND HELP SONGBIRDS SURVIVE THE HARSH WINTER WEATHER!

       One of my favorite things the Lord has blesses us with is the "changing seasons." The arrival yesterday of the Juncos verifies that winter is on its way.

       So how do wild birds cope with the colder weather? Birds have a number of tricks that they use to deal with the cold. The most obvious feature is simple - they are feathered. Feathers have the ability to trap air pockets, which serve as an insulation during cold weather. Also, like humans, many birds shiver when they are cold which is a simple technique they use to generate short-term warmth. Birds will also roost together sleeping against each other creating extra body heat. Roosting numbers of American Robins have been known to grow as big as a quarter-million during the winter. Even with these tricks, wild birds struggle to survive the cold weather and there are many ways people can help.

       The ways we can help the wild birds in winter include: having unfrozen water available in a heated birdbath, providing roosting spots, and supplying them with food they need during colder months. Stop by Hillermann's and we would be happy to show you seed and feeders for our fine feathered friends! Enjoy their antics.

Sandi

Wine Making, California Merlot

Saturday, November 22 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

       This class will cover filtering and back sweetening. A handout outlining each step in the process will be available.

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Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 29

       We will be open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses across the country. American Express cardholders can receive up to three $10 statement credits on purchases in small businesses of $10 or more for up to $30 in statement credits per registered card. Visit this site for more information: http://www.smallbusinesssaturday.com/

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First Saturday Kids

Saturday, December 6

       Bring the kids anytime between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm to enjoy a FREE activity - make a Christmas ornament!

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Santa & Reindeer at Hillermann's

Saturday, December 6 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm

       The wonder and excitement only Santa can bring comes alive at Hillermann's! Children are invited to experience the thrill of visiting with Santa and telling him their Christmas wishes. You can even see live reindeer! Pets are also welcome to visit Santa. YHTI Internet will take and print pictures for you to take home. Children can enjoy holiday crafts and activities. In the giving spirit of the season, we request donations to Loving Hearts Outreach and Grace's Place for this event.

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Wine Making Class, California Merlot

Saturday, December 6 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

       The last session of the multi-class series. This class will demonstrate bottling. A handout outlining each step in the process will be available.

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Lunch With Santa

Saturday, December 13 from 1:00 to 3:00

       Enjoy quality time and have lunch with Santa at Hillermann's! Children are invited to join us from 1:00 to 3:00 pm to have lunch, make some fun crafts and have pictures taken with Santa! YHTI Internet will take and print pictures for you to take home. Proceeds will benefit Loving Hearts Outreach and Grace's Place. $10.00 per child. Please call to RSVP at 636-239-6729. 

       As winter rolls in there are several ways you can prepare your yard to be an amazing stopping point for birds, of all types.

     FEEDERS - During winter, birds need high calorie food intake to keep their little bodies warm. Now is a great time to clean & sanitize your existing feeders, and grab some new ones. The more feeders, the more birds!

       SHELTER - Birds will seek refuge from the winter wind wherever possible! House them! Keep them safe from the winter chill.

       WATER - Birds need flowing water throughout the winter months to continue upkeep on their feathers for insulation. Help them through winter with a heated birdbath.

       Our wildlife section has everything necessary to create, and maintain an appealing environment for birds throughout the cold winter months. Visit us for supplies and helpful advice. 

Fall Décor for Thanksgiving

Keep your fall decorations out for the Thanksgiving Holiday, November 27th! Save on great items to add to your fall decorations with this special:

40% OFF

Fall Décor Items

Good while supplies last. Fresh flowers and arrangements excluded. Not good with any other sale, coupon or discount or on previous purchases.

Visit us for your last minute Thanksgiving decor, or stock up for next year!

KID'S CORNER - 15 MINUTES WITH BIRDS

       I recently read an article that when children spend 15 minutes once a week with birds, it can enhance both their interest in their local habitat and their ability to think scientifically (making observations and predictions, questioning, reaching conclusions, revising their prediction based on evidence, and sharing results).

Here are four ways for children to spend 15 minutes with birds:

       1. BIRD WATCHING: bird watching is a great way for beginning birders to start becoming aware of birds. Birds are a great way to connect with the environment because they can literally be found anywhere, all year round. To watch birds, just gather the basic gear-a notebook, field guide, binoculars, if you have them-and go outside. The venue could be a backyard, school campus, our riverfront trail, a park in the community, anywhere outdoors. Have your kids watch birds a few times each month so they can observe and record the seasonal changes they notice.

       2. FOLLOW A BIRD: after observing birds informally, begin to choose a favorite or two. Then invite them to follow a particular bird and observe its behaviors. Observe closely; what does it look like; how does it sing? What does it do? Does it interact with other birds? Sketch and describe the bird. This is a great hands-on experience.

       3. LISTEN TO BIRD SONGS: on an unexpected rainy day, listening to bird songs is a great way to keep connecting with birds. As you listen to the songs and calls, imagine what messages the bird is conveying to other members of its species.

       4. FEED BIRDS: simply install a few bird feeders and watch the birds show up, especially during the winter! It's easy to make feeders from recycled materials. Small feeders will give children the experience of filling, cleaning and watching what birds come to "their" feeder. Start today...

Fresh Cut Christmas  

Trees are Here!

       Fresh cut Fraser Fir Christmas trees are now HERE! Plan a day to come and adopt your Christmas tree.

       Adopt a fresh cut Fraser fir tree and receive a $20.00 Gift Card good towards a nursery tree purchase next spring! Come in and ask us for details.

       Don't fear the rain or snow! Come choose your real tree and greens under the roof of our open bay greenhouse.

Clear a pathway to your front door with ease! Be ready for winter with a Snow Thrower!

TORO Power Clear Snow Thrower

518 ZE 18" width

99cc OHV 4-cycle engine

Electric start

$399.95

Have a large area to clear?

MTD GOLD 26" Snow Thrower

2 Stage 208cc OVH 4-cycle engine

Heated Handles

4-Way Chute Control

$899.00

636-239-6729

 

       Come in and see the creative handmade pottery items we have for sale in the store! You can learn to make your own pottery items at the Pot Shop! Call us to learn more about classes and membership at the Pot Shop.

       Think outside the box this holiday season and get your loved ones a gift that they will never forget! The Pot Shop offers Gift Certificates that can be used toward merchandise or pottery classes. What a neat gift idea! Call us for more information.

Pot Parties

       Want to try something fun for a birthday party, home school activity, scout group or other group? Have a Pot Party at the Pot Shop! Pot Parties are just $25.00 per person and can host 3 - 12 people.

For more information,

call Carol at (636)221-5593or Noreen at (636)584-3169 

or send us an email to potshopathillermann@gmail.com.

Featured Adoptable Pet 

       Hi, my name is Dusty! I am about 8 months old, and I only weigh about 35 pounds. I have very pretty rusty colored fur (yes, boys can have pretty fur) that is so soft that you won't be able to stop petting me, just the way I like it. I love people, and I have a very gentle and happy personality. Please come to see me if you are looking for a sweet and fun little friend.

Wags, Dusty