Many deserve thanks for Christmas creche exhibit

Dear editor:

The Christmas Creche Exhibit was a success this year because of the outpouring of hundreds of volunteers that gave of their time, talent, and experience to this event.

Katie Gibbons was the instrument of gathering performers and choirs for this years creche performances; we appreciate all her hours she dedicated towards this event.

We want to give our appreciation to the talented performers, LaVan Smith, Ryan and Tara Reilly, Messiah Choir directed by Mona Jackson, Taylor Thompson, Stake Youth Choir directed by Katie Gibbons, Amanda Campbell, Love Abiding Christian Church Choir, Mountain Home High School Jazz Choir, 2nd Ward Choir and Sting Trio (Sara Wakefield, Sierra Batten, and Taylor Thompson), Matiu Call (Bagpipes), Dan Borgholthaus (organ), Katie Gibbons (piano), Ksyenya Peterson (piano), Desert View Christian School (Chimes), Forgotten Carols performers, Stake Children's Choir directed by Tara Baldridge, and the First Congregational Church Bell Choir. We appreciate those that ushered for the Messiah, and of the many hosts and hostess that volunteered their time to welcome visitors into the creche exhibit.

In addition, to music at the Christmas Creche Exhibit, hundreds of hours were given by volunteers that started in March of this year, with planning and organizing the creche exhibit. With planning, Valerie and Heidi Rawlins spent their weekends making 150 wooden stands of all sizes to be used in set-up for the nativities, Julie Vogl donated from her business (Mulberry Place) decorations and tablecloths to enhance the beauty of the nativities. It is with great appreciation that we noted the work of Bruce Crisman, Dan Crumbliss, and Bob Norstebon, Robert and Ruth Steele, Troy and Deborah Pierson, Blaine and Karen Thompson, Gary Cnudde, and Stanley Spagnolo in picking-up and delivering; the props and tables from the many storage units to be used in the nativity displays.

Volunteers donated hours of their time, pressing tablecloths and fabric that was draped on the tables and the wooden stands. The 6th Branch Singles Adults spent Monday evening staging the tables and hanging garland in preparation of volunteers on Tuesday, in setting-up the nativities. Registration was the key point to the Creche Exhibit. LaRae Robinson with her dedicated volunteers inventoried and assigned exhibit numbers to each nativity that was displayed at the Creche Exhibit.

A total of 980 nativities were displayed and we appreciate the community in lending their beautiful nativities to the Creche Exhibit.

Sherilynn Buckner coordinated the Live Nativity with 24 couples and at times with their children, depicting the touching scene of Mary, Joseph and the Christ child wrapped in swaddling cloth in Bethlehem, so many years ago. A manger scene collage was created with the help of 172 primary children's photos, the children depicted Mary, Joseph with baby Jesus. The work of art was a highlight in the crehe displays.

We want to give a special acknowledgement to Teresa Seng for her vision of the nativity children's room; that created a place for children to go and view the nativities. Loretta Crisman, Robin Rawlins, Sherida Noyce, Danakae Nelson, Karla Kellogg, Karen Thompson, Sandy Norstebon, and many other volunteers, in creating beautiful settings in the cultural hall, in preparation for the nativity displays. In addition, for Whitney and Wanda Little, for donated time, talent, quilting and wood working skills, to the creche displays, they provided immeasurable help to many of the volunteers at the creche exhibit.

Work could have not continued, late in the night, without the help of Carol Jensen. She volunteered endless hours of work the week of the creche exhibit.

We appreciate all the volunteers that provided meals for those that worked at the creche exhibit. Volunteers that helped with shoveling the sidewalks and parking areas; those that lent trees, garland, lights, fabric, stands, for the babysitting that was provided, and especially, the wonderful men and woman that helped take down the creche exhibit and clean the building.

We also want to thank the Mountain Home News for the support in covering the creche exhibit, the KMHI radio station for the announcements, and the Chamber of Commerce for putting the creche exhibit in its calendar events. In addition, for the community businesses, for letting the Christmas Creche Exhibit flyer be displayed in your business. Moreover, for the community for coming to the annual creche exhibit, it is our gift to you at this Christmas season. It is a gift of love.

-- Joy Norstebon, 2010 Creche Director