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Trash sits by the bank of the Coosa River. A local group holds celanups, but human negligence is harming the river, an important source of hydroelectric powe, recreational opportunities and identity for the area.

Trash sits by the bank of the Coosa River. A local group holds cleanups, but human negligence is harming the river, an important source of hydroelectric power, recreational opportunities, and identity for the area.

By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Community members came together to embrace the Christmas spirit with a time of music and fun, culminating in the lighting of the Christmas tree, at the Jemison Tree Lighting on Nov. 26.

This year’s talent included Thorsby Strings and young pianists.

Members of the Thorsby Strings ranged in age from 6 to 80, and four of the members were in their first year of studying the instrument.

Youngsters enjoyed spending time with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and getting their photos taken.

Mayor Eddie Reed reminded attendees not to “forget the reason for the season.”

“Let us not forget the birth of a child who was given to the world to help redeem men back to God,” Reed said. “That is the greatest gift we could ever unwarp under the tree this coming Christmas and give thanks to God Almighty for his son Jesus Christ.”

Union Grove Baptist Church youth group presented the live Nativity display.

Attendees had the opportunity to take a paper angel from the tree to buy a present for a child in Jemison that may not otherwise have Christmas.

All of the pageant queens in Chilton County were also introduced and recognized for their volunteerism.

New for this year was a candle lighting ceremony in which the mayor and council started a chain reaction of lighting other’s candles, who then lit the candles others were holding. City Administrator Shannon Welch had suggested the idea.

Just prior to the tree lighting, a couple favorite Christmas Carols were sung.

Organizers Tammie McGriff and Cheryl English thanked all of those who came together to make the event a success. Reed thanked the organizers.

“They have worked tirelessly putting this together,” Reed said. “… As you see these two people working, you almost want to duck because they are going to put you to work.”

He said he “thanked God for such a group of people” and all of the city employees for all they do throughout the year.

McGriff reminded attendees that the library has moved to across street from the fire department.

“The city was so gracious to purchase that building, and Cheryl and I have had a blast,” McGriff said.

McGriff said they are working on extending library hours to later in the afternoon.

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