Christmas is about giving and Obion Countians know it

Nothing quite says Xmas to me like that annoying holiday tune, “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” Or is it “Jingle Bells” as performed by dogs barking incessantly?
But this isn’t about Xmas. It’s about Christmas, where we prefer “Silent Night,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful” and “Away in a Manger.”
Having 9- and 11-year-old daughters, I get excited watching as they walk with that extra bounce in their steps as Christmas approaches.
I know they love the gifts — whether from friends, family or Santa Claus — but they are also reaching the age when they better understand the joys of giving. And, thanks to the giving traditions within Obion County, they are learning it at every turn.
They’re learning it in some common and not so common places, like the Capitol Theater. That’s where Ebenezer Scrooge takes the stage tonight, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon in Masquerade Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol.” If you haven’t seen it, take the whole family for a night of excellent local entertainment and learn an important message at the same time.
To learn more about giving, just look around.
We are surrounded by businesses, civic groups and individuals whose generosity knows no bounds. Some are able and willing to donate on a grand scale, providing us with a state-of-the-art library or a one-of-a-kind museum. Those are fabulous gifts and we are all fortunate to benefit from them.
Others give on a smaller scale but are deserving of high praise as well.
During the holidays, dozens of businesses raise money through different methods, including angel trees and wish trees, where names or descriptions of the less fortunate are displayed for strangers to shop for or donate gifts to during the holidays.
Also, for more than 70 years, Chimes for Charity has been raising money to buy food baskets to distribute on Christmas Eve, while also hosting a shopping tour for more than 100 youngsters each year who would otherwise get little or nothing. Want to help? The organizers welcome it. To donate money or your time, call 885-2098 or send your donation to Chimes for Charity, P.O. Box 661, Union City TN 38281.
Some people give us music.
While I’m probably one of the finest shower singers in the world, my musical talents do not go beyond there and definitely should stay there.
Thankfully, there are pianists and vocalists, among others, who fill the air with beautiful music.
The children of our county took center stage at the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the courthouse earlier this week and have continued to shower us with holiday music during the Chimes program.
Churches are always an excellent place to get in the holiday spirit, as choirs and musicians put their talents on display with inspirational Christmas hymns.
So, I thank you, Obion Countians, for being there to help continue teaching the tradition of giving for our children’s benefit.
While we’re at it, let’s make sure we keep the “Christ” in Christmas tradition going as well.
This and that: Ground was broken today on a new million-dollar medical center at the intersection of Sherrill and Home streets in Union City. A press release detailing the development will be published soon. ... In the same neighborhood, Lennox will soon be expanding and a new city street will be built behind the plant. ... On the sports front, coaches come and coaches go and, sometimes, coaches come again. The rumor mill is churning out lots of names for the Union City High School football coach’s post with four of those having already coached at Union City or in Obion County. The most prevalent names being mentioned are former UCHS coaches Larry Shanks and Randy Barnes, while former Obion County Central coaches Chris Hilll and Darrin Bowling have also made some of the wish lists. Stay tuned. ... Parades will be abundant this weekend. Obion’s parade will line up at the ballpark tonight at 6 and start at 7. Hornbeak’s parade will be held Saturday afternoon at 2, with lineup at 1 at Black Oak and the former feed mill. Troy’s parade will kick off at 7 and travel around the square, with lineup for large floats at Hillcrest and the remainder of the participants at Trojan Park at 6. Union City’s parade will be held Monday and starts at 7. Lineup will be at Cheatham and First streets at 6.
David Critchlow Jr. may be reached by email at dgc@ucmessenger.com.
Published in The Messenger on 12.07.07

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