Holiday Events 2011
Constitution-Tribune
Monday, November 21, 2011

C-T Photo / Butch Shaffer

CAPTION: A member of the CHS band toots her horn.

With just over 90 entries, the 65th Annual Holiday Parade, sponsored by Hedrick Medical Center, Chillicothe Hy-Vee and Midwest Gloves and Gear was timed at one hour and 20 minutes. Masses of onlookers lined Washington Street for the annual parade, collecting candy, waiving at the floats and dancing to the sounds of several area bands.

Duo grand marshals, Coach Dave Kinen and John Cook, followed the stars and stripes at the start of the parade. John Cook is a lifetime Chillicothe resident, and has been involved with many boards and volunteer activities throughout his life and career. Over the years, he has been involved with the Chillicothe R-2 School Board, the CMU Board of Public Works, the Chillicothe Park Board, Hedrick Medical Center Board, the Grand River Historical Society, Grand Oaks, First Baptist Church, the YMCA Y-Pal program, Kiwanis, Operation Help and many others. In addition to being a CPA with the firm of Harden, Cummins, Moss and Miller, Cook is the Pastor of Wheeling Baptist Church. Additionally, he is an Army veteran and has been involved throughout the years with the American Legion. Coach Dave Kinen, elementary teacher and middle and high school coach in the Chillicothe R-2 School District, was nominated by the administration, teachers and students at Field School. Though a native of Atlantic, Iowa, he has lived in Chillicothe for the past 13 years. The dedication to and care for his students that he shows in the classroom, on the wrestling mats or on the track, is inspirational. In 2009, Dave was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease. Throughout the progression of his condition, Dave has remained a positive force in the lives of the students, sharing his positive attitude through his coaching and teaching.

The parade was announced live from the courthouse location on Washington Street by Bill Shaffer and Chuck Haney. Dave Rogers and Betty Preston announced for the live broadcast of the parade on 98.5 FM and 1010 AM KCHI and Windjammer Cable Channel 6. Entries were judged on use of theme (Sharing the Gift of Christmas), originality and appearance.

Winners of the Float Division - Youth:

• First place, CMS Anti-Bullying Group and Custom Doors
• Second place, Grace Baptist Church Team S.O.S.
• Third place, Cub Scout Pack 120

Float Division Business/Organization:

• First place, Mrs. Missouri and Missouri Princess
• Second place, Former Missouri Princesses and Princess of America
• Third place, Chillicothe Area Arts Council

Float Division - Non-Profit Organization:

• First place, Chillicothe United Methodist Church
• Second place, Bishop Hogan Memorial School
• Third place, Hope Haven Industries, Inc.

Band Division - Trophies:

• Hamilton, first place
• Green City, second place
• Linn County R-1 in Purdin, third place

C-T photo / Catherine Stortz Ripley
The Grand Marshal Trophy Winner was the Mrs. Missouri and Missouri Princesses float.

Jenkins Ceremony Lights Up the Night
11 21 11

CAPTION: Although most youngsters were eager to see Santa, this little guy was a bit taken aback by his holly jolliness.

C-T Photo / Amanda McKay

Madisen Hayes, a third grader from Field Elementary School, aided Santa in flipping the switch to turn on the holiday lights at Jenkins Townhouse Friday evening. Brisk winds blew through the carol of songs performed by Central Stinger Choir, under the direction of Dan Venner. Every voice could be heard as the Stingers and Venner led the entire crowd in singing "Jingle Bells."

Chillicothe Mayor Chuck Haney emceed the evening's festivities, stating later that he thought this year's crowd was the largest he's seen at Jenkins. The annual holiday display was sponsored this year by the Chillicothe Rotary Club and the Salvation Army. The anticipation was nearly too much as the crowd burst into chatter at the sight of the Chillicothe Fire Department's arrival with Santa in tow. Santa and Madisen threw the switch together, that lit the night with hundreds of twinkling lights.

Madisen, who is in Heather McGraw's class at Field School, is the granddaughter of David and Joan Ganske.

John Flanagan, major of the Chillicothe Salvation Army, gave the prayer, stressing how each person needs to remember that we celebrate Christmas with lights because the son of God is the light of the world and to let each time Christmas lights are blazing serve as a reminder of the true reason for the season.

Chillicothe Hy-Vee, once again, provided hot chocolate and everyone was invited to walk through the majesty of lights and visit Santa.

C-T Photo / Drew Van Dyke 11 15 11
Alice Ferguson poses with a gingerbread house set-up at the Jenkins Townhouse Christmas display.