Jemison kicks-off Christmas season
Published 10:41 am Wednesday, November 21, 2018
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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer
Christmas cheer is in the air in Jemison following the official lighting of the city’s Christmas tree on Nov. 20.
“Our new tree is beautiful,” co-coordinator Tammie McGriff said, during the opening remarks. “I can’t wait to get it lit.”
McGriff and co-coordinator Cheryl English thanked everyone for attending and were pleased with the turnout.
A highlight of the event each year is the naming of Mr. and Mrs. Jemison. The recognition is given to community members who have made a positive impact on the city.
The 2018 Mr. and Mrs. Jemison are Clyde and Sara Northcutt.
“This is a couple that I think have been in Jemison all their lives, and they have worked really hard over the years,” McGriff said. “You all know them and love them. Any time I have asked for anything for the library or the city, they have been there for me.”
The Northcutts said they were surprised that they had been selected.
“It’s an honor,” Clyde said.
Sara owns Orell’s Beauty Salon, which was started by her mother, and has been a business in Jemison for 51 years. Clyde owns Central Alabama RV, which has been in business for 33 years.
“We are just truly blessed to have you all,” McGriff said. “Thanks for everything.”
Throughout the night, Jemison Scouts were raising funds through doughnut, cookie, hot chocolate and spiced cider sales.
The Scouts also participated in the event by bringing in the colors.
The Union Grove Baptist Church Praise and Worship Band led the crowd in traditional carols and some new Christmas worship songs.
Children enjoyed petting the sheep in the live Nativity scene as Center Hill Baptist Church Youth portrayed Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels and wise men. One member read a portion of the Luke version of the Christmas story.
An angel tree was also set up, so attendees could take an angel to buy a gift for a child in need this Christmas. McGriff said the children are chosen through a Jemison school counselor who asks the parents for information on what the students may want or need.
Participants bring the wrapped gifts to City Hall with the paper angel description taped on top. McGriff, with help from Jemison Police officers, delivers the gifts to the council who ensures they go to the right child.
McGriff said the children’s names are kept confidential.
“For each child, I did four angels, so don’t think you are the only one buying for that child,” McGriff said.
The angel tree is now in the Jemison City Hall lobby for anyone else who might want to take an angel to participate.
“These are truly needy children … We all have everything that we could ever want, but not everyone is like that in Jemison,” McGriff said.
McGriff and English thanked all of the city officials and workers who made the event possible.
“Everyone works really, really hard here,” McGriff said. “We do this because we love Jemison.”
