A sunny afternoon found a couple of hundred people milling around on a hillside in north Ava. They were there reminiscing and celebrating the life of a dear fellow whose good humor and good heart touched them all. Though he will be much missed, any old fiddle tune will bring him sweetly to mind.

Where are those April showers? March winds have overstayed their welcome. That the weather is just weird in these parts these days is preferable to it being catastrophic and destructive as in numerous other parts of the country. We count our blessings and knock wood. The origin of that activity seems to go back to ancient pagans who worshipped and mythologized trees. Touching them could bring protection and show gratitude that would bring good fortune. The Gaelic May Day festival Beltane celebrated on May 1st, marking the beginning of summer, is another of those ancient beliefs that find their way into our modern world.

Skyline seventh grader, Jordan Ellingsworth, has his birthday on April 23rd. His big day is a palindrome 4-23-24—the same read backwards. It will not happen again. Jacob Moffett will enjoy the same anomaly the next day. He got his birthday present early—a turkey on the 19th. Ruby’s son, Gary, will celebrate on the 26th and Juniper Wiley, an eighth-grade student at Skyline, will still enjoy her palindrome on the 28th. Champion granddaughter Taegan Krider will be celebrated on the 30th. Third grader Holden Johnson will have his birthday on May 1st, the last day of school.

Summer school is slated to start on May 6th with all kinds of fun planned in the program. Our Skyline School’s central role in the community played out in a sweet way on Saturday with the fundraiser benefit for the Crews family. Mrs. Crews said that she would rather have met all these nice people under different circumstances but was so appreciative of the community support during this difficult time. Terri Ryan said, “Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Crews Family. Every dollar donated went directly to them, which means so much. I think the fundraiser was a huge success!!!” Many local merchants contributed merchandise and services, dedicated volunteers organized the event and did all the work, then the people arrived, friends, neighbors, new commers, and old timers.

The first alert for an important annual event comes from The General himself: “Denlow/Fairview School reunion, on Saturday, 25 May 2024, Memorial Day weekend. The scalawags, scoundrels, and scholars (a.k.a. formers students) are inviting themselves, their families, and friends to their annual school reunion to be held at the Denlow Baptist Church and cemetery. Master chef Ed Williams will again prepare fish and chicken under the close supervision of Sonja (his boss). Attendees are encouraged to bring a side dish and/or desert. Coffee and soft drinks will be provided. There will be an auction for any donated items/treasures. Hopefully, the Kentucky colonel (auctioneer) will be here with his lovely (ahem) beautiful wife. (P.S./FOOTNOTE: If you have been or have never been to one of these school reunions – you may be entitled to compensation).”

The quote of the week comes from a guy named Francis. “Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself, and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is…Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.” He sounds like a Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

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