The 2005  Mt. Carmel FSA Christmas Party was a great success!   The two little girls, Kathy (Cundiff) Hazle and Lori Detwiler, that you trusted to come through for our Mt. Carmel friends scored a rousing success. They had thought, planned, cooked and visualized a beautiful dining room, decorated in Christmas mood and mounds of food and various drinks inviting the hungry and the curious (to taste the new arrangements of vittles) to dig into the attractive, kitchen masterpieces. Lori and Kathy carried the load of responsibility. They did a fine job.

The menu was planned, food and drink prepared, and the dining hall decorated  - tree, walls and tables.  We decorated the alcove with a fireplace from our former apartment and also brought over the rustic rocker that I had used as a tiny boy at War Creek.  

The FSA workers who added various talents to make the party a success were: Kathy (Cundiff) Hazle, Lori Detwiler, Debbie (Cundiff) Merrill, Leroy Detwiler, Mary (Combs) Detwiler, Melody (Short) Thompson and husband Tommy, Ruth (Davis) Cundiff and her husband.

The FSA members who did our program of inspiration and entertainment were: James Neihof, Phyllis (Davis) Mills, and Eldon Neihof.  Phyllis rendered beautiful Christmas music specials on the piano and accompanied Eldon as he led our group in a sing-along of Christmas carols.  James Neihof did a super job entertaining the crowd with hilarious stories (mostly true) of life in the boys' dorm as witnessed by Eldon & Agnes Neihof's youngest son. The stories that involved his older brother John were thoroughly enjoyed.

James Neihof served as Master of Ceremonies and did a great job inspiring the Mt. Carmel folk to get involved in acting out Christmas phrases while others guessed  what they were doing, directing the activities and presenting the money gifts that were donated by our FSA family to the Christmas on the Mountain Fund. We were able to give the same amount as last year to the Mt. Carmel workers, part time workers and retirees.  In light of all the giving to people in the disaster areas of our country our Christmas on the Mountain Fund is down. The gifts at the party were the same as last year, but we do not have much on hand as we usually do for the after Christmas gift. Our people are appreciative of the Christmas help and the party given in their honor.

 Steve Hazle took a lot of digital shots which we can post on the website.  The luminarias were a hit lined along the outside sidewalk - very pleasant to observe - good girl, Celia.  Great idea.

 James Neihof and his sweet wife Dorenda along with several others pitched in and helped clean up the dining hall, wash dishes and store the decorations for next year. In years to come the FSA Christmas Party can be just as good but never any better than the one this year.  So far we have had three parties, and each has been unique and special. Our FSA just does outstanding work.  We know how to throw a party!!!