“We wish you a merry Christmas!” sang the students of Skyline Bus #5 to Mrs. Betty at the Champion Store.   They posed on the steps for their photo while enjoying their ice cream, compliments of their favorite bus driver.  ‘Twas a perfect way to start Winter Break.  Later that day    Patricia Harrison shared some lovely videos of the festive Vanzant Jam that had Ruby and Betty dancing along with David to some lively tunes.  The crowd joined in on a rendition of “Jingle Bells.” Sources report that Mary Goolsby may have been overwhelmed by the rousing ‘happy birthday’ song directed toward her.  Surely The General added “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!”

Serious severe winds seemed to be directed toward the Bright Side that night.  People out on long county roads hesitated to try to make it to the pavement as roadside trees swayed wildly in the wind, letting go of big branches in the process.  Electricity blinked off and on during the evening.  Porch furniture, piles of aluminum cans and plastic destined for recycling, and broken limbs were strewn wildly across yards.  Friday found Champions enjoying a lovely calm day for the cleanup.

Jacob Brixey cleaned up at his first Archery tournament in Hollister on Saturday.  He placed 3rd overall high school boys.  He scored 282 out of 300.  Hit 50 twice.  It was at the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and their “Santa Shoot-Out” with archers from all over the state.  Skyline’s archery program gives students the opportunity to learn safe, international-style archery, focusing on focus, physical fitness, and self-improvement.  Archery, like music, is an activity that proves that practice pays off in proficiency.

Page 22 of Kaitlyn McConnell’s “The Ozarks Pie Project Diary” features the Olde-Tyme Apple ‘n’ Cheese pie.  The recipe was shared by Louis L. Johnson on behalf of Betty Jefferson.  It was published in the 1980s by the Ava United Methodist Church in Missouri.  An Old Champion served it to guests Saturday evening. Reviews were good.  The baker is a novice, who plans to make a pie a month in the New Year.  Kaitlyn’s book will be her guide.  It is available at Jean’s Healthway in Ava and at The Champion Store.

Sunday morning found thousands of people cheering and dancing around Stonehenge as the sun rose over the prehistoric stone circle.  Of the Winter Solstice J.C. Owsley said, “The days will gradually get longer, and my spirits will be lifted.”  A Champion friend’s mother used to say, “We need each other’s light, so the dark won’t gobble us up.”

Sunday evening had Champions and folks all around the Ozarks in awe of an incredible sunset. “Red sky at night—sailor’s delight,” they say.  Gurdeep Pandher says, “May your holidays sparkle with wonder you didn’t see coming, and may the season’s warmth seep into your bones and stay there long after the last ornament returns to its box.”  We second that sentiment in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

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