1-1 Premeier Issue FINAL PROOF.pdf Holiday 2013 | Page 12

COVER STORY H By Laresa Watkins & Photo by Martha Manning Al Capehart Santa AL-Spreading the Joy of Christmas Year-Round I received a voicemail from Santa AL on the day that I was to meet him for our interview. He would plan to meet me at the Chatham Community Library at 5:00 that afternoon. “I will just let you find me,” he said, with no hint as to what he looks like. As soon as I stepped out of my car, I recognized Santa AL walking across the parking lot towards the library. His long white beard, perfectly trimmed mustache, and clear blue eyes left no doubt as to his identity, even without the addition of the red suit. More than that, though, was the Spirit emanating from Santa AL. For just a second, the child living deep inside me leapt to the surface, giddy with excitement. I was meeting Santa Claus! 12 continued page 14 a