By Karah Wilson

karah@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala.—Avery Phillips had no idea that one letter could make such a huge impact on her community. Phillips had written a letter to Mayor Larry Chesser last year requesting that there be a Christmas tree lighting in Fort Payne.

“I saw all these other towns with community trees and I thought it would be a good idea for us to have our own. That way people would have something to look at and be proud of,” Phillips said. Now because of this letter, Phillips was granted her wish. The lighting took place on December 1.

Mayor Chesser had been tossing the idea around for a community tree and then appointed Phillips as the Christmas Tree Chairman. “He said I would be responsible for working out all the details,” Phillips said. The tree that was planted last year ended up dying which led to planting a smaller tree this year.

The letter that Phillips sent Mayor Chesser said, “I would like to see the city of Fort Payne have a tree-lighting ceremony of its own. If this is possible, please let me know, and I will be happy to help with this by helping raise money or perform other needed tasks.”

“It made me feel excited and proud because I got to flip the switch myself for something I really wanted and worked hard on,” Phillips said. The tree is now on display at the Fort Payne City Park.