The Apalachicola Board of City Commissioners presented a key to the city and a certificate of appreciation to eighty-year-old Apalachicola resident Cleveland Alex Moody at their Dec 8, regular scheduled meeting.The commission singled out Moody to receive the acclamation at the suggestion of Anita Grove, executive director for the Apalachicola Bay chamber of commerce.
For the past 17-years, Moody has assisted Grove during the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and has brought smiles to the faces of many Franklin County children in the role he has played as Santa Claus.
According to Moody’s wife Laura, due to health related reasons this year will be the last year that the man who really resembles Santa, with his natural white beard will grace the city with his outgoing personality, and jolly laughter.
Due to sickness, both Moody and his wife were unable to attend the meeting. However, Grove was on hand to accept the award on Moody’s behalf.
While making the presentation, Apalachicola Mayor Van Johnson commented, “Alex Moody never complained about what the city wasn’t doing for him, he just rolled up his sleeves and showed what he could do for his city and for that we are eternally grateful”.
Mayor Van:
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea, and so well deserved! So sorry that the Moodys couldn't be on hand for all of us to thank them in person. By the way, I have been wanting to tell Brenda what a terrific photo she took for your blog of "Santa" Moody with the Apalachicola children on his knee. Well done!