Cheers & Kudos for Jan. 16

The 48th annual Advent Tea on Dec. 5, held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, was well received. The program centered around the story of the Candy Cane. Ingrid Karges accompanied on the piano all who joined in to sing Christmas songs. The Schober brothers played the hand bells beautifully.

There was a display of holiday quilts made by the Community Crafters and candy cane table centerpieces with candles added to the other holiday decorations to make a comfortable setting. There was a wide assortment of cookies most of which were homemade and tea and coffee were served.

Friendships were rekindled and new friends were made. The ladies tea is a special time each year to look forward to. Calendars for 2011 can be marked for Dec. 4. The Advent Tea will be presented again with a new theme.

Char Sakakeeny

vice president, Bethany Circle at Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Once again the Dayton community has come together and made a difference for so many families during the holidays.

The Dayton toy drive received applications for over 650 kids this year and we were quite concerned that there would not be enough to go around. Fortunately a large, eager, group of volunteers came together who were quick to get down to business and get the donations and interest pouring in. It wasn't long before businesses, as well as community organizations and individuals were giving.

This year was also filled with recipients giving back. Many of our volunteers were parents and family members who have received and wanted an opportunity to pay it forward. Their hard work and desire to make a difference was felt by all who participated.

Every single person who gave their time and /or resources made a difference in helping to create a good experience for so many families. There were so many hugs and tears of happiness, so much gratitude and cheer all made possible because of so many generous actions and giving spirits.

Thank you all for taking part in something so big and so important to parents who needed a little bit of help ensuring a happy memory for their children.

A special thank you goes out to the following businesses and clubs:

Stand Tall - thank you for your annual coat drive, Kiwanis, Soroptimists, Northeast Masonry, Walmart, The Bookworm of Dayton, Celtic Lawn & Landscape, Dayton Valley Golf Club, Dayton Stor-All.

And a very special thanks goes to Dayton Intermediate School's Leadership and Honors class for their outstanding efforts with fundraising and volunteering!

We would also like to offer a special thanks to John Alexander and volunteers for all their hard work and time in getting fire wood to families in need, especially during the holidays.

Special thanks also to businesses that hosted donation barrels:

Curves, Dayton Utilities, 1st & 10 Grill, Subway of Dayton, Pizza Factory of Dayton, Coldwell Banker, Stor-All, Dayton Valley Learning Center, River Vista Fitness, Comstock Mortgage, Road Runner Cafe of Dayton, Greater Nevada Credit Union, Terribles, Dayton Post Office, Smiths Grocery of Dayton, Dayton Elementary School, Dayton Intermediate School, Dayton High School, Sutro Elementary, Riverview Elementary.

Wendy Madson

Healthy Communities Coalition and Community Roots