Even the grinchiest of Grinches have to warm up inside when they see such events as what took place Monday night-that of the Children’s Lantern Light Parade and the naming of St. Nick.

I know of nothing better that can get you in the Christmas spirit.

Jennifer Roeman is the person who has chaired this event for several years and she continues to do a superb job with it.

As most of you are already aware, the person who was named COTR’s St. Nick for 2005 was Terry Sprinkle.

From the reaction of everyone I have talked to, he was, indeed, a very worthy selection.

I looked at the stage that had all of the various nominees for this year’s Saint Nick. They all were great nominations.

There was Paula Parr, Dr. Wesley and Barbara Hill, Mike Black, Mike Marshall, Drew and Genida Johnson, and Terry Sprinkle.

All of these are people who add much to the life of Demopolis.

The following is some of what was written by various individuals who nominated Terry Sprinkle for the St. Nick award:

Coach Sprinkle has influenced so many people and has helped this community in so many different ways and I feel that naming him St. Nick is a way we can express back to him our appreciation….I have learned more life lessons from him than any other teacher I have ever had….he has taught me that with hard work comes great happiness….he is a teacher that really cared about me and my grades….he challenges and encourages…there is probably not a single alumnus or current student in this area over 13 years of age that has not been directly influenced by Coach Sprinkle….he teaches with a passion that inspires…he is not only great in the classroom, but he is also involved in so much extracurricular activities like being a sponsor of the Key Club for twenty plus years….he is also known for putting in many hours on the city’s ball fields and playgrounds…he is someone who loves students and loves what he is doing…..

So, to all of the 2005 St. Nick nominees-thank you for your selfless, caring, giving spirit.

The original St. Nick of the fourth century, when asked by a prominent minister of his day “Who are you?” responded humbly and simply by saying “I am Nicholas, a sinner and a servant of Christ.”

No air of pomp or prestige.

A very similar spirit was present on stage Monday night.

Now, all of you get out and enjoy the remaining festivities of this year’s Christmas on the River.

And as you bump into the various St. Nick nominees, say “Merry Christmas and thanks” to them.