The pressure was on for "Christmas in Middleburg" Chairman Jim Herbert this year. Failure was not an option and a gentleman's "C" would have been counted as a failure. Herbert gets an A . . . plus.

Still blessed with the ability to blush in the face of praise, Herbert inevitably gives credit to those he says credit is due for the outstanding success of this years celebrations: the Town; the Business Association; police officers at the state, county, and local level; volunteers; the thousands of visitors who made the celebration a joy to behold and an even greater joy to share with their friends and families.

Those who know, however, know just how important, indeed, how indispensable a role he played.

Those who, in Jim's words, REALLY made the day special worked their hearts out. We know they don't do that for just anyone.

Thanks, Jim, for an extraordinary Christmas gift . . . delivered three weeks early . . . just in time!