The Ashville High School Girls Cross Country team placed fifth as a team at state. The boys placed 7th. Wyatt Knight took 6th place and Joe Stevens placed 11th.

Congratulations to all and a bittersweet goodbye to graduating seniors Grace Staples, Meghan McCarthy and Callie Stewart. It is never easy to see them leave the nest. But these girls definitely have their wings.

The Ashville U1 13 Soccer Team took home the trophy at the end of the season tournament. Great job, players. And we all thank Coach David Hall.

We all love the thought of a needy child, senior citizen or weary warrior in a vet’s home opening our donated gifts. And there are plenty of opportunities to do just that. More will present themselves.

Burma Hill Baptist Church is collecting for their adopted day cares, children in surrounding areas, people in nursing homes and other adults. They will be taking donations until Dec. 20. Call Pastor Patrick Washington at the church for more details or visit Ashville’s Facebook page.

Wynika Hendricks has set a goal to give 100 kids Christmas this year. Her drop box is at 1709 Hillyer Parkway Suite D. She asks for one new unwrapped toy donated before December1st. Or, if you have a large donation, call 256-454-3036. To give a monetary donation, her cash app is $wrynikshendrix.

Some causes aren’t so festive but still so worthy.

Tigers of Tomorrow at Untamed Mountain is a nature park and animal protection reserve. They had to close for six months when it was discovered Tigers could contract COVID-19. Recently, thanks to their supporters, they have opened on the weekends.

Angels in Distress has donated a 50,000-matching grant. The Angels donate ten or match any other amount up to fifty thousand dollars. Donating is as easy as a click on Ashville’s Facebook page or the parks page.

Just a few dollars from enough people will save the animals, preserve the parks purpose for education, the jobs of the employees and the 140 acres of pristine land where it all happens.

A lot of people don’t realize the value of land. It’s a discontinued product. No one is making anymore.

Now, Ashvillians, get out your calendars. Save the Date Holiday Fundraiser at Gorgus Market I’d December 5th. It starts at 8 a.m. Get there early for better selection.

Nov. 22 is tryouts for The St. Clair Elite nine and under Baseball Team at Moody Ball Park at 2 p.m.

Nov. 29 is The Looney House Bicentennial and Tree Lighting Festival. Bring the kids so they can help make decorations. Bring a blanket and a chair to enjoy Bluegrass music, Christmas Carols, square dancing and tree lighting. No charge for admission. But donations to keep this bedrock of Ashville history going will be appreciated now and for generations to come.

Kids, don’t forget tomorrow is the deadline to submit your decorated and disguised Thom the Turkey. Upload, email at mainstreetclinic.peds@gmail.com or drop it off at the clinic in Pell City. Winner gets to save Thom and a $50 gift card to Edgar’s Bakery. That is a lot of goodies.