Some wintertime thoughts while wishing my Christmas shopping was finally finished
A blue Christmas
Sadness prevails in Happy Valley, but here's hoping for brighter days in 2012.
The Jerry Sandusky scandal has cast a long-reaching shadow over Penn State, and while it is too early to pass final judgment on all of those involved, the healing process must begin for the alleged victims, the athletic department, the university and the Penn State community.
The current football players have dealt with unimaginable adversity, far beyond a coaching change; they now have to pull together for one final football game under world-wide scrutiny. But one thing that can be learned from the events of last few weeks is that while sports can teach us many things, there are much more important things in life than sports.
The rest of the Penn State community is searching for a reason to hold their heads up again, a sense of pride amid shame and scandal. There is still good at Penn State: THON, Think Pink, Coaches vs. Cancer, Special Olympics, and so many other ways that the Nittany Lion programs give back to the community and lead by example.
Hopefully, the university can find a way to learn from this tragic series of events, and become a voice for victims and a catalyst for change.
Silver and gold
The classic holiday song is a reminder of last weekend's battle for the PIAA football title. Tyrone may have come home with the state's AA silver trophy, but after an amazing season, they are as golden as Eagles can be.
More proof that the program and the community are football royalty in our region. Congratulations on an outstanding year, and here's to a well-earned holiday rest!
Black and gold carols
Perhaps the Steelers New Year's resolution is a trip back to the Super Bowl. That would be a great present for fans: football season continuing into February. I look forward to curling up by the fire for the Christmas Eve game knowing the Steelers' fate is in their own hands.
In the meantime, the Steelers website now features the team's annual Christmas carols, and if you need a chuckle, check it out. Timing and tone may be lacking, but the videos are sweet and humorous.
In the first installment, the defensive line sings "Winter Wonderland" with Chris Hoke carrying most of the tune while Ziggy Hood spends more time dancing in the kooky-but-festive rendition of the holiday classic.
The tight ends pretty well butcher the song "Sleigh Ride," obviously tripped up by the ring-ting-ting-a-ling and the wintery fairyland, but the Steelers obviously had fun sending the holiday greetings to their fans. The team known for the Steel Curtain has a softer side, which is a gift in itself.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Kellie Goodman Shaffer can be reached at Kellie@BedfordCountyChamber.org. Her column appears on Tuesdays.
