Alva Review-Courier -

Actress and activist Jane Fonda once said, “Women’s friendships are like a renewable source of power.”

Judy Devine, Dixie Stansberry and Shona Blakley are three friends who have been working tirelessly to bring the women of Freedom the annual Christmas brunch that will be held at Shona Blakley’s new business, The Other Place (TOP).

The Annual Ladies Christmas Brunch will hold its 10th annual event this Saturday at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Other Place, six miles south of Freedom at the Alabaster Caverns exit. A sign will be posted outside so women interested in attending will know where TOP is.

In the past, the brunch was held at the homes of Devine or Stansberry, but this is the first event that will be held at TOP, as Blakley is using this as an opportunity to show off her B&B for the first time. Blakley is from Liberal, Kansas.

“I’m looking forward to hosting the Christmas Brunch and getting better acquainted with the Freedom ladies,” Blakley said.

Women interested in attending should expect an array of food, such as potato and broccoli and cheese soup, and other Christmas-themed snacks and desserts.

“It started out as a chance to get our friends together and then it really grew,” Devine said.

Devine also said that she gives opportunity for the women attending to tell Christmas stories and share them with other brunch goers.

“Judy and I realized a few years ago that this was the best way to see all of our old friends,” Stansberry said. “It has become an annual event and we look forward to it each year.”

“It’s a chance for us all to meet together before Christmas, since we all go separate ways during Christmas to spend it with our families,” Devine said. “This is our chance to visit and eat, ya know? What’s more fun than that? It puts everybody in a holiday mood.”