Local checks item off bucket-list

Jean Clark Chapman Vanpell, age 94, has lived in Bear Valley Springs for 45 years. She has been checking off her bucket list. Last year she won the Apple Pie Baking Contest at the Apple Festival with her "Jean & Johnny's Apple Pie." Jean is a great-great-great-grandniece of John Chapman, AKA Johnny Appleseed.

This year her bucket list adventure was to get the nerve to go up in a hot air balloon. Hot air balloon rides are available in Bear Valley during the 4th of July weekend. The weather was getting warm that morning and only a few more rides were available. Her granddaughter, Tina Withee, and others came to the front of the line and asked if Jean could be next. Of course, said the entire line, and off went Jean and granddaughter Tina up in the balloon. Congratulations, Jean!