Talented Troupers Made It Work

As of Friday, December 24, 2010

The Pinehurst Business Guild and the village of Pinehurst would like to extend a huge thank-you to our residents who attended and the following who made our Christmas tree lighting another success:

102.5, Rich Rushforth, and Billy “Bag of Doughnuts” for being great troupers and performing in such a wonderful fashion as the masters of ceremonies under a difficult situation with the lack of a true sound system.

Thanks to Jan Liverman, 102.5, for all of her assistance. We would also like to thank Charles Meacom, “Mr. Jingles,” balloon artist; Meaghan Herrington, face painting; David Nicoll Photography; Frank Riggs, hayrides;

Nancy Olson, part of our team; Andrea Correll, planning and inspections director; VOP Fire Chief Carlton Cole; Deputy Fire Chief Floyd Fritz and crew, Randy Cox, Seth Dawkins and Matt Hilderbrand;

Pinehurst Police Department Lt. Jerry McDonald, Lt. Ricky Gooch, Det. Lt. Daryl Bender, Sgt. Jesse Cheek, MPO Jeff LaFave and MPO Todd Maness; Walter Morgan, director of public services, and Darrell McKenzie, Carl Smith, Eric Williams, Patrick Marion, Joe Disney and Chris Coen;

Caroline Miller of Cameron & Company; Santa and his elves; Pinehurst Resort; Richmond Rentals and crew; and Jeremy William, of Chili the Doggies.

Thank you to the following performers (you were all so wonderful — we hope you come back and perform next year!): Dick Curl and the Golf Capital Chorus; Erin Plisco, Pinecrest Chamber Ensemble; Kay Fritz, business manager for Miss Greater Sandhills Scholarship Association and her performers; Pat McMurray, Sandhills Business and Professional Women and her performers; Kellye Parks, of Terpsichore and her performers.

Gwendy Hutchinson

Pinehurst

More like this story

soccermom 1 year, 5 months ago

Actually, I think that the VOP Tree Lighting festivities have gone steadily downhill over the past five years. I'm not referring to the folks performing/ providinfpg entertainment, rather the manner in which the event is staged.

In years past, the ceremonies were spread out more, a raised platform provided for performances made them easy to see, with more room to move around. Plus, it does seem as if there were more performances with local school bands, music, group singing, etc...

The most recent festivities were all crammed up against Poppies, Villager Deli and Gentleman's Corner, so that folks couldn't see the performers, couldn't hear ANTHING(unless standing in a very small overcrowded area) and then they stuck Santa on the porch to add to the congestion...

It seems as if attendance has declined since I began attending in 2005 as well. The entire event is missing a certain feeling of festivity and has become rather lackluster and boring. I continue to come as I like the idea of making this a family tradition, and we want to support local events like these - but even the kids are balking at going. Maybe it's only me, but I think this last event was very poorly organized and planned.

And if I was a business owner in the VOP, I might actually consider having my business OPEN until after the event has concluded as I know people finding nothing to do other than eat - pack up and leave, taking their money with them. Just saying, it's the holiday shopping season and all.

I'm not ungrateful to the time and effort folks spend to put on an event like this, it's a lovely idea and a great setting - but I do wish organizers would consider making some changes moving forward.

proudmom83 1 year, 4 months ago

to soccermom: You certainly have a lot of complaints and negative things to say to a group of VOLUNTEERS who put in a lot of time and hard work to do something positive for the community. I don't remember seeing any thing in the letter asking for your comments why be so critical of VOLUNTEERS, (theres that word again) ? It seems that you may have a lot of time on your hands since you obviously don't volunteer, if you did you would appreciate everyone who was involved and their effort - Use that time to do something positive for your community, if you do maybe you will appreciate the efforts of others.

soccermom 1 year, 4 months ago

I see tolerance of differing opinions and the right to state such aren't your strong suits - might I suggest adding them to your 2011 resolutions?

I would like to redirect you to the last paragraph of my original post, which stated: I'm not ungrateful to the time and effort folks spend to put on an event like this, it's a lovely idea and a great setting - but I do wish organizers would consider making some changes moving forward.

As you have no idea of what I do with my time, I'll just say you're dead wrong. I do volunteer in many different areas. The difference between us is that I don't expect accolades and praise from everyone, satisfaction should come from within with the knowledge that you may have made a difference or contributed good deeds or goodwill. And, unlike you, I welcome feedback and critiques as a way of reflection and moving forward. So, take a deep breath and have a very Happy New Year.