Hello readers! I’m back with this week’s edition of “What’s Up in Odenville.”

This past week has been an emotional one. My precious grandmomma gained her angel wings last Friday. She was diagnosed with stage-4 breast cancer and dementia in November, and after that diagnosis I decided she needed to come live with me so that I could “love her through it.”

We got off to a rocky start because she was not a fan of change, and I had moved her to another state. I upset her applecart, and she was none too happy about it. I had to sharpen negotiator skills, as they were a little rusty because the last time I had really put them to use my youngest child (now a teenager) was seven. Eventually, we bonded over morning coffee, her favorite food – pizza, talks of the olden days and trips to WalMart, which she dubbed her favorite hangout.

I honestly thought that I had more time with her, and her sudden passing took me by complete surprise. The fact that she was 89 and had lived a happy, fulfilling life doesn’t make it any easier. She was spunky and never complained, not once, about any pain or discomfort she might have experienced. I think because of that we forgot how sick she really was. She had decided to put it in God’s hands, and I know His hands guided her gently through her end-of-life journey. While I’m devastated at losing her, I’m so grateful for the past few months I had with her, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

Take advantage of every moment you possibly can with those you love because you never know when those moments will end.

Let’s get to the news:

I try to stay on top of news especially when it comes to the kids in our community, but every once in a while I drop the ball as I did in this situation. Two SCCHS seniors, Erica Smith and Caley Whitehead, were awarded the Keep 5 Alive Scholarship on March 2 in memory of Kenzie Ledbetter. Kenzie was a star softball athlete who passed away tragically in a car accident on April 28, 2013. Congrats, ladies!

Spring Break is HERE! St. Clair County Schools will be closed this Friday, March 25 for Good Friday – it’s also Prom Night at B&A Warehouse – and March 28-April 1 for Spring Break. The beaches where most will flock have cracked down on Spring Break shenanigans, so use your noodles and be safe! School will resume its regular schedule on Monday, April 4.

Some students from OES are having a big time in the Big Apple. Each year, students have the opportunity to travel to New York for several days as a learning experience. Becky Goodwin jokingly posted to social media “After day one in NYC, I think these kids have learned to drive aggressive, run red lights, lay on the horn and throw your hands up while yelling at people!” Although it looks like from the pictures everyone is having a blast, I will take Alabama ANY day.

Majestic Outdoors Ministry will be hosting its Fourth Annual “Top Tom” Turkey Challenge on April 1-2. A $50 registration per hunter is required, and proceeds benefit Majestic Outdoors Youth hunts. For more information, or to register go to majoutdoors.com. Also, Team Majestic is fishing the Fishers of Men’s Northeast Divisions 2nd stop this Saturday, March 26, on Guntersville Lake. Weigh-in is at 3 p.m. at the Bucky Howe public ramp. Good luck, guys!

The Greg Surles Memorial Ride is scheduled for Saturday, May 21, beginning at Pell City Police Department at 8:30 a.m. All monies go to the fund to give scholarships to high school seniors.

OYAA Cheerleading registration is coming up soon! Dates will be Saturday, April 23, 1-3 p.m., April 30 from 1-3 p.m., May 4 at 6-8 p.m., and May 7 from 2-5 p.m. Cost is $250. Registration will be at the OYAA field house.

If you want something fun to do this Saturday, The Church at Bradford Road in Springville will be having a huge Easter Egg Hunt from 2-4 p.m. The weather is supposed to be pure perfection, so take those little ones and have a good time.

The SCCHS JROTC let the good times roll this past weekend at the annual Military Ball. The Moore family, consisting of Brandon, Jennifer, Carter, Clara Grace and precious Colton were the honorary guests. Lookin’ good, gang!

SCCHS Class of 1956 will have a Class Reunion on April 16 from 1:30-4 p.m. at the high school. For more info contact Rex Riddle at riddles@knology.net

That’s all for this week! Email your news to OdenvilleNews@gmail.com.