Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County announces winners of the 13th annual Eldridge Hotel Gingerbread Festival & Auction. The event raised about $40,704 for the organization and was conducted at the Eldridge Extended, 201 W. Eighth St. More than 110 children and adults created and donated homes made of graham crackers and gingerbread.

Jim and Vicki McMurray and Jose took first place in the Big and Little division. Ginny Pilarz was first in the gingerbread division, while Gregg Thompson was second and Jeannie Robinson’ third.

Cali Burek won a grand prize for 13 years of excellence. Ainsley and BryAnn Burke received a grand prize for 11 years of excellence.

Winners in the graham cracker division include:

¢ 5- to 8-year-olds: Lila Alvarado’ first; Rowan Laufer’ second; and Will Swan’ third.

¢ 9- to 12-year-olds: Sophia Santee’ first; Alexa Harmon-Thomas’ second; and Mason Denneler’ third.

¢ 13- to 18-year-olds: Helen Hawkins and Grace Goulding, first; Hannah Buchner’ second; and Sophie Tate, Sophie Laufer and Annie Wildgen’ third.

Other awards included Christian Espinosa’ most traditional; Erica and Bryce Lignell’ most interesting construction; Lindsay Kelly, most detailed; and Althea Wilson, committee’s choice. Receiving honorable mentions were Alyssa Denneler, the Four Leaf Clover 4-H Club, Brooke Glasnapp, Will Laufer, Meghan Perry and Kari Rainbolt.

Evan Williams provided the gourmet buffets, and Hank Booth and Becca Booth-Myer served as emcees. Mark Elston was the auctioneer.

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Jennifer Lemus, Beth Sheeley and Tabitha Wilson, all of Lawrence, are among the 56 baccalaureate graduates of the Washburn University School of Nursing. Commencement was set for Friday, and a recognition and awards ceremony is planned for today.

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Chad and Lesley Clutchey, Lenexa, announce the birth of their daughter, Cameran Avey Clutchey, born Dec. 3, 2007, in Overland Park.

Cameran’s maternal grandparents are Rick and Brenda Gammill, Lawrence. Her paternal grandparents are Ed and Judy Clutchey, Topeka.

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The Lawrence Accredited Music Teachers will present two recitals Thursday at the Lawrence Arts Center, 945 N.H. Scheduled performers for the 6:30 p.m. program include Will, Rowan and Sophie Laufer; Ellie and Quinn LeBar; Everett Waechter; Julia, Max and Ben Munson; Benedict and Mariam Ali; Madeline Dethloff; Saskia and Maria Ferrara; Omar Roth; Karen McCain; Brian Chang; Aimee Neilsen; Naomi Kurata; Melissa Birnel; Alexsus and A.J. Payne; Zachary Mick; Alita Joseph; Margaret Bireta; and Garrett and Nolan Frank.

Performers scheduled for the 7:30 p.m. recital include Amelia Duncan; Jessica and Jeffrey Chen; Ben Katz; Spencer, Marlee and Calvin Yost-Wolff; Sam Allen; Duncan Murray; Grace Stinnet; Sabrea Platz; Ellie Young; Abby Hosek; Sydney Combs; Wyatt Bugh; Calvet Young; Yihan Li; Sarah Long; Zach Stites; Samantha Schueler; Rodi Torres-Gavosto; and Tammy Liu.

These students represent the studios of Carol Cook, Elaine de San Miguel, Jean Drumm, Lisa Enns and Sylvia Frank.