CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR PUTS PEOPLE IN THE SPIRIT

The Old Lorberg Mill sits in the back yard of the Lorberg home it will be a part of the tour.

The Zion Lutheran Church in Gordonville will be one of the stops on the tour. Here music will be performed throughout the afternoon to entertain the tourists.

For years the Jackson Community Swim Team has held the annual Christmas Home Tour and they will again this year.

The number one fund raiser for the organization will be held Sunday, Dec. 8, from 1-5 p.m.

Four houses and one church will make up the tour. And a special treat at the Zion Lutheran Church where several local musical groups will be performing throughout the afternoon.

The homes on the tour will be Stephanie and Mark Cummings on Dana Drive in Jackson, Susie and Tom Kohm on N. Russell in Jackson, Ellen and John Lorberg in Gordonville and Jackie and Doug Seabaugh also in Gordonville.

The money made from the tour will go to pay the payroll, equipment and operational funds for the team, according to Bonnie Poythress.

This year the tour was organized by the planning committee of Dreda McElrath, Debbie Toole, Darlene Bullinger and Janet Statler.

The parent run organization has been preparing for the fund raiser by getting tickets printed, getting home owners involved and getting some support from area florists to help with decorations.

This fund raiser usually raises $2,000 for the team. The team is growing as the community is growing, Poythress said.

The team has hosted the conference swim meet the past two years and when that event is held there has been a good economic impact on the community, according to Poythress.

The swim team is a very positive activity for kids in the community, according to Poythress.

There are many incentives to keep the kids interested in the sport.

At the home of John and Ellen Lorberg tourists can expect a home filled with tradition and Christmas spirit.

A unique feature of this house is that all the tongue and groove paneling, hardwood floors, cabinets, mouldings and counter tops were made from lumber taken from the Lorberg farm.

Some highlights on the tour will be the beautifully decorated stone fireplace, the numerous Christmas trees and the Old Lorberg Mill with a working water wheel.

The Zion Lutheran Church will be another interesting stop on the tour. Here music groups will perform throughout the afternoon.

The church will beautifully decorated for the season.

The church, which was built in 1915, will have a nativity scene out front. Inside the church will feature numerous beautiful decorations to view as you listen to the holiday music being performed.

The other homes on the tour will be equally as beautiful and unique in their own way.

The Cummings home will display how traditional Christmas styles blend beautifully with modern designs.

The Seabaugh home will bring the feeling of warmth to those touring the wonderfully decorated ranch style home in Gordonville.

The Kohm home will be the first home on the tour. It will set the tone for the tour. This nearly 100 year old house will be beautifully decorated inside and outside with traditional Christmas decorations.

Tickets for the tour can be obtained at Horst Pharmacy, Roziers and Jones Drug Store.