The Town of Decatur’s Christmas decorations wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of the Cherry Family, and last Tuesday the Board of Aldermen recognized the Cherrys for their efforts.
Mayor David Marshall called on the board to recognize the time and money the Cherry family put into Christmas decorations and preparing the town for the holidays each year.
“We all know the Cherrys do a whole lot on the Christmas decorations, and I know they just bought some more to add to the collection this year,” he said.
Marshall said he had discussed the situation with Town Clerk Brenda Harper, and both of them felt it right for the town to do something to help. He said he would like the town to donate some money to offset some of the out-of-pocket cost for lights and other decorations.
Alderman Mark Buntyn said he agreed. The Cherry’s efforts, he said, go directly toward benefitting the town.
“What the Cherrys do for the town is above and beyond, and it’s always been that way. And, the town directly benefits,” he said. “I know they buy a lot of stuff local when they can.”
Much of the Cherrys’ purchases are made at Massey’s, Buntyn said, which also helps support local business and the town’s economy. He agreed with Marshall the town should do something to recognize the Cherry family’s efforts and help offset the cost.
“I would like to present to the board that we set up an account to the town,” he said. “(Danny Cherry) could buy that material and have it charged to the town versus having to come out of his pocket.”
Town Attorney Mitch Thomas agreed setting up an account in the town’s name would be the best way to handle the situation legally. The board, he said, would need to set a dollar limit on what could be spent.
The Board of Aldermen unanimously approved Buntyn’s motion to set up an account at Massey’s NAPA, allowing the Cherrys to spend up to $2,000 for Christmas decorations. Alderman Danny Cherry abstained.
Additionally, Buntyn, who also serves as president of the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce, informed the board the Cherry family had been recognized by the Chamber at its Nov. 4 meeting.
This year, Buntyn said, the award for the first-place float in the annual Christmas Parade will be named after Merita Cherry, who passed away in June.
“During our annual Christmas parade, the first-place winner, the award is going to be named the Merita Cherry Spirit of Christmas Award,” he said. “We thought that was real fitting for the Cherrys for what all they do.”
