Ah yes, this was my moment in the sun. Or rather, my moment in the dark; close to the Winter Solstice. But I’m totally cool with that. This was the year I first sat on a floor in a recreation room of a church to string popcorn and cranberries together as a Cadette Girl Scout. Later, we would appear in person at this local event to join in the festivities with a sing-along and tree-trimming.

It’s funny because I remember the prep work, but I have no recollection of posing in this photo. It’s not a secret that I was a bit of a ham, so it’s possible they picked me because I raised my hand yelling “pick me!”

I’m wearing braces, so I’m 13 which means that it is 1973. Upon closer examination, I realize that I’m wearing my favorite pair of bell bottoms which had whales on them mixed with some paisley accents. Could they scream more 70’s fashion if I tried? (It is tough to see in a black and white photo, but you can make out the shape of two or three whales.)

The copy accompanying the photo captured all the detail, but I’m also sharing it below:

“Placing a string of popcorn and cranberries on the living Christmas tree in the mall at Cedar and Lee roads, Cleveland Heights, Thursday evening, was Melanie Vanderhoff, Girl Scout Cadette Troop 294. The tree decorating was part of the kick-off for the holiday season sponsored by Cedar-Lee merchants and neighborhood groups.”

If Cleveland Heights is ringing a bell, it was the hometown of current football mega star brothers, Jason and Travis Kelce. Their parents still live there. The brothers play for the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs respectively. Jason is known for the documentary “Kelce” showing on Prime and Travis is known for dating um, Taylor Swift. (Hey, anytime I can reference Taylor Swift for a little extra exposure, I’m going to do it.) They also have a popular podcast name “New Heights.” It is a name which pays homage to where they grew up. Personally, I love that they love Cleveland Heights and it feels like an equal character in their story. But, I digress.

Since it is December 1st, it felt like this was a perfect moment to post and do my own version of a kick off to Christmas and holiday themes. Plus, I really wanted to unveil those pants.

The feature photo and copy capture the seasonal moment, but like in so many local cover stories where reporters rush in and out, they managed to spell my last name wrong. I never did demand a printed correction. For the record, it’s Vanderhoof. Happy December!

#flashbackfriday