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CHAMPION—March 7, 2011

        In Champion the reason for hope is always there. People looking on the bright side always have something to look forward to with optimism for a good outcome. Emily Dickinson said, “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune—without the words, and never stops at all.” She goes on to say that hope requires nothing from the people who are hoping. Such a Champion notion!

        Skyliners had another excellent chili supper on Saturday night. The food and music were wonderful as always and neighbors who rarely see each other got the chance to get caught up with visiting. It was lovely to see Ms. Velma Gray again. She has just celebrated living in her Skyline home for 63 years. Ruby Proctor was seen having a good time with her friends and she said that she had recently been down Champion to look at the progress on the new store building. She loves it and is looking forward to the grand opening. Big Murph Murphy out bid out-of-state bidders for the painting of the Old Store at Champion, by Pat Michaud of Marshfield. He plans to hang the painting in his barbershop there on the corner of the square in Mountain Grove, but someone said that Sue has her eye on it for their home. Esther Wrinkles said that if Sue wins out on this, she has some nice photographs of the old store that she will be pleased to share with Murph. The silent auction was quite exciting this year with so many nice pieces donated by local artists and craftsmen. Noted pie-artist Esther baked the coconut cream pie that was the big money maker, going for a record $80.00 to Bob Berry. Bob also won the drawing for the queen size quilt. He has been buying tickets from Esther every year since the first quilt was put on the block for Skyline back in the 1980’s. When M.C. Steve Moody read his name, the crowd roared! It is almost as wonderful to have friends win as it is to win oneself! Louise and Wilburn Hutchison, Sharon and Farel Sikes, Tina and Paul Boyd, Betty Elliot and others did all the hard work and heavy lifting in the kitchen that produced the excellent meal enjoyed by all those attending. All the behind the scenes work and planning that these dedicated folks do is the reason these fundraisers are so successful.

        This is the part of the world where people really reach out to help each other. Ed Miller had a heart attack back during the Christmas season and he can no longer work. So Gwen Banks (948-2707) and others are getting together to host a benefit for Ed and Kristy at the Vanzant community building on Saturday, March 12th. Chili and hotdogs will be served starting at 5:30 and an auction will begin at 7:00. Everyone is welcome to attend and to contribute pies and auction items. It is a real opportunity to meet good neighbors and to be one.

        E-mail arrived in the Champion News mailbox saying, “I can almost always figure out what you are talking about eventually, but I am lost about the Cowboy’s Lament and whatever is supposed to come before it.” Well, the Cowboy’s Lament is that song that everybody knows that starts out, “As I walked out in the streets of Laredo,” and goes on to tell the story of the dying cowboy. The poem that sometimes is recited before this song is about Fiddling Frank. The old Champion thinks that there is a first verse of the poem that she does not know. The part that she knows begins, “Now there was a doll-faced gal, by name of Salem Sal.” The story goes on about how she loved young Fiddling Frank and how he defended her against a rough customer and then picked up his fiddle. Anyone acquainted with the Fiddling Frank poem is urged to send it in its entirety to Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717. In a part of the world so blessed with good fiddlers, surely someone knows, “He tuned his strings, as a soul took wings, and a funeral march did play.”

        Daffodils are beginning to bloom all over the place. They are lovely anywhere, but it is especially sweet to see them blooming out lonely in a field or all by themselves in the woods by the side of a country road. It says that once there was a home place there that has disappeared except for the attentions of some long ago woman who did what homemakers do. People sell out, move on or die and the old house and outbuildings deteriorate and disintegrate over time, but the bulbs and shrubs so lovingly planted are living memorials to nameless old-timers who also had beauty in their lives. Gardening is a Champion pastime today. The state of the economy is such that many will be planting more vegetables this year than ever before. Farmers are sharing the old manure and people are sharing saved seed and good experience. Linda has her free monthly almanac available over at the Plant Place in Norwood (also at www.championnews.us) and will have those Cole crops ready when it is time to put them out. Perhaps the years only seem to go by this fast when a person has accumulated more than sixty of them! Zip!

        Twenty two year old Christopher Stark of Monett died in Afghanistan last Monday. He was trained as a bomb specialist and was on his way to a site where an improvised explosive device had been spotted when his vehicle was hit with another device. He and 25-year-old Chauncy R. Mays of Cookville, Texas are now among the more than 2,348 soldiers in the U.S.-led forces that have been killed there since 2001. As their families deal with their loss, it is to be hoped that they are able to do so with the support of their communities and with the Love and Gratitude that the Nation owes them.

        This time next year Champions will already be forgetting about that strange transitional year between the Old and the New. By then the New will be ordinary again and life will progress as if nothing out of the ordinary has gone on. The flavor and tenor of the new situation will be much as the old one except that the floor boards will not be worn through and it will be more spacious if still so cozy and sweet. Sing your tune with or without the words on your way down to Champion to Look on the Bright Side!

CHAMPION—February 28, 2011

           Sure signs of Spring in Champion include the emergence of many forgotten bulbs and the swelling of certain buds, and unsettled weather—hot, cold, windy, and wet—all in the space of a few hours.  Robins and buzzards come home and watch the geese going farther North.  There are subtle shifts in the shades of green and a lightness of heart as winter’s worries fade away.  Every season has its delights in Champion.

          Champion Esther Wrinkles is getting excited about the music at the Skyline VFD chili supper coming up Saturday night. She stays excited about music.  She is a real appreciator of the bluegrass and gospel and is very much looking forward to the jam session that will begin at the end of the scheduled performances by Big Creek, the Backyard Bluegrass and Green Mountain Messengers.  This part of the world is blessed with many talented musicians and it is a real treat to have a chance to hear people perform who may not have the time or opportunity to be part of a regular group, so jammers bring your axes!  It is shaping up to be another wonderful event.  Esther may also have one of her famous pies in the silent auction and her bright and beautiful utilitarian strip quilt will be on display before the drawing for it is held at the end of the evening.  People in the area who have homeowner’s insurance have it because the Skyline Volunteer Fire Department is there.  This is an excellent way to express appreciation and support.     

          Gardeners will be glad to know that the little cabbage and broccoli plants that their gardens will need are thriving over at the Plant Place in Norwood.  Linda’s Almanac is there too waiting for people who are ready to get their hands in the dirt.  It is also on-line at www.championnews.us in the links section.  According to it good days to transplant will be the 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, 9^th and 10^th. 

          “Fear less, hope more, eat less, chew more, whine less, breathe more, talk less, say more, hate less, love more, and good things will be yours.”  This is the Swedish proverb that has prompted conversation in Champion lately.  It all makes good sense.  Another clever observation was made by an old Champion whose high school classmate accused him of becoming an old radical.  The Champion said,  “The eagle needs both left and right wings to soar.  If one side becomes weak, the poor old bird just flies around in circles.”  This may be one of the best lessons in tolerance spouted lately.

          Interest in the community of Tigris is prompting investigation by local history buffs.  The city clerk for Ava, Marilyn Alms, has learned that the place was named for the Tigris River in Mesopotamia and that Robert E. Childress applied for a post office there in 1921.  This is good information gleaned from Journals of the Historical and Genealogical Society of Douglas County.  Champions have some very interesting neighbors and are looking forward to learning more about them.  Edward Peterka sends out the good news that a pre-1840 Blackpowder Rendezvous will be held in April.  More will be forthcoming about this event.  It proves out that one need only ask them in order to have those questions answered.  For example, a query was made a few years ago about the source of the term “huckelberry” as in “I’m your huckleberry!” and a concise informative response came from George Sims.  The self-described ‘snake doctor’ has a lot to say.  Look at www.theozarkian.wordpress.com to enjoy his interesting writing.  Now the new quest is for the forepart of the poem that is spoken before strains of The Cowboy’s Lament is played.  What comes before this part?  “There was a doll-faced gal, by name of Salem Sal.  She was running a faro bank.  Just as square a kind as a gent could find and she loved young Fiddling Frank.  Now there came one day to the Ace Café a man to beat all gambling games.  He was mean and tough, with a manner gruff, and eyes for the dance hall dames.  He got rough and pulled some stuff that wrankled this dance hall dame.  She slapped his face, just to show him his place, and he yanked out a knife to kill.  But a six-gun roared and a spirit soared to the heavens above boot hill.  Now to Fiddlin Frank, the dance hall drank, as he holstered his gun away.  He tuned his strings as a soul took wings, and a funeral march did play.”  Then comes that song, “Beat the drums slowly and play the fife lowly.”  Maybe someone like fiddler Jerry Wagner knows the beginning of that poem and will be willing to share it.    Whoever answers the question will be a Champion Huckelberry for sure.  Respond to Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717 or to Champion at getgoin.net.

          Champions are mindful of their friends and neighbors who are suffering ill health and they send their best thoughts and prayers for a good outcome.  They send their Love and Gratitude to all those serving at the behest of the Nation that provides for the domestic tranquility that Champions so enjoy.  Get over to Champion to see the painting by Pat Michaud that will be on display in the Temporary Emporium until Saturday.  It is a lovely representation of the Old Store, which looks remarkably like the New Store.  It is Champion!  Looking on the Bright Side.

CHAMPION—February 21, 2011

        An exciting week in Champion brings news of a Valentine gift to beat all gifts.  Shelby Elizabeth Ward was born at 6:00 a.m. on Valentine’s Day!  Everyone is well and there is a long line of Face-book friends and family saying, “Congratulations!” and good wishes abound.  What if when Richard and Kaye launched that canoe in the Bryant over at Rippee all those years ago and what if the water had not been so high and rough?  What if they had not tipped the canoe and lost their dinner box?  What if their inability to swim had been an issue?  What if Morton had been there with a different son-in-law in mind or if Lorene had had chores at home for Richard that day?  As it turns out everything happened just right and all these many years later that young couple splashing in the creek are now grandparents.  Sweet!  Word is that Shelby is lovely and that Madelyn is quite proud of her little sister.

        VFW Post Commander Lyman “Pete” Proctor e-mails to say that there have been some updates to the VFW website that will show what the organization has been up to since the first of the year.  It can be found at www.vfwwebcom.org/mo/post 3770.com.  Champions appreciate the update as well as the dedication of those in the Nation’s uniforms serving around the world.  Find the updated link to this website at www.championnews.us.  While there, check out the new post on The Dairymaid.  The Farmer’s Wife will have Champions educated about dairy cattle and pleasantly entertained while she is at it.  While he was at it Pete informed that his Mom, Ruby Proctor, has celebrated a birthday on February 19^th.  She grew up in Champion and considers it home though she does not get back out this way as often as her friends would like.  Champions wish her a belated but heartfelt “Happy Birthday!”  Reminders of the swiftness of time come when friends and family remember that it was seven years ago that they gathered to wish Staci a happy 21^st birthday!  There was a big party with lots of good food and music.  How ever she celebrates this year Champions wish her the best and many happy returns!  That party happened back when the General was still masquerading as the Admiral, before it was learned that he could no more swim than his sister Kaye!  Much has changed in seven years, but much of the truly good stuff is still the same.  New information about the old days continually comes to light.  Upshaw children playing on the high bluffs, swinging Tarzan-like on the grapevines, are lucky to have made it to adulthood, Vernon.  All this family history sheds light on the reasoning behind Staci’s choice of spouse.  It is becoming more clear as the years go by and Champions reconcile.

        Champions are pleased to hear that Dillon Watts is making a good recovery from a surgical procedure on his ear.  He lives over near Cripple Creek in Tennessee but makes it to Fox Creek for a few visits each year.  The place takes on an exciting air when he is around—kind of wild and interesting.  Champions are thinking about Louise’s daughter, Connie, (also wild and interesting) and are delighted to learn that she is feeling better.  Champion neighbor and radio personality, Butch Kara, is mending after one of those bypass surgeries that require the rib spreaders.  He says he has been wired back together and he is optimistic for a full recovery.  A newcomer to Champion, John Moreau, passed away suddenly last week.  Sometimes people are slow to make acquaintances, thinking they will stop in one of these days.  Sometimes it is too late and they miss getting to the chance to know an interesting person.  It is a caution.

        A group of Champions and friends were standing around visiting on Sunday afternoon, looking over at the Re-Creation of the Historic Mercantile on the North Side of the Square.  Everyone agreed that it has an excellent configuration and speculation about the possibility of a grand opening celebration was bandied about.  While the bandying was going on and weather observations were being made there came over the hill and floating right down the Fox Creek valley a wake of buzzards—dozens of them.  It is a sure sign of spring that they have returned.  Champions are relieved and delighted at the possibility of some much-needed rain.  Almanacs were traded around and Bill Long had special tomato seeds to share.  Linda’s Almanac from over at the Plant Place in Norwood is available on the Champion website, in the Temporary Annex of Henson’s Store on the West Side of the Square and at the Plant Place.  It will be time soon to set out those cabbages and broccoli.  Linda will have them ready for her Champion garden friends.

        Linda will not be able to attend the Skyline VFD Chili Supper on the 5^th of March.  It is her birthday and she will be off on a big get-together adventure with her granddaughter.  There is fun going on when they are together.  The Old Biddies will be getting together on Thursday for their monthly bridge game and it is a sure bet that she will be there and that great fun will be had.  Any bridge player will report the excitement around fanning each hand.  The chili supper will have its share of fun and excitement as well.  Wonderful things are being gathered for the silent auction.  Adam Michaud reports that his Mom has a good start on the painting of the Old Store in Champion.  There will be some real surprises on hand for this annual fund-raiser.  Those firefighters can use all the support they can get.  Lylle Luellen, Champion neighbor and long time Skyline Fire Department friend will be fondly remembered and missed.  He was a fixture at every Skyline event for many years with his good humor and pleasant smile.

        Sometime on Friday a new white Dodge Ram pick up truck was spotted on a county road off of Highway C dumping trash.  These were big things–a cable box for a dish-network and a television, farther down the road a microwave oven, some computer stuff and another TV.  Residents reported the incident to the sheriff’s office and quickly cleaned up the mess.  People are more likely to litter when litter is already present.  It was speculated that the stuff might have been stolen, but nothing further has been learned.  Someone said that people who do not know any better than to dispose of their refuse in this manner are probably not smart enough to understand ‘trash litters.’  “Who are you calling trash?”  If the shoe fits, please do not throw it out of your truck window!

        Champion is one of the fortunate places in the world where people are simultaneously devoted to their past, present and future.  History is a lovely thing.  A trip to Springfield via Highway 14 takes travelers through the community of Tigres.  These days there are just ruins of some old native stone buildings, but there was once a tomato canning factory there and it was a bustling place.  There are folks living around there who remember the history well.  Hopefully they will share it with someone who is interested and who will preserve it.  Share any history at Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717 or at Champion News.  Sing, “Way back in the hills, as a boy I once wandered.”  Or sing “She promised that she’d marry me as soon as the war was over.  She said we’d live together just like chickens in the clover.”  Any old song will do—on key if you can and if you cannot, not too loud.  Music is important in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side.

CHAMPION—February 14, 2011

        Champions felt a great deal warmer at ten below when they heard that Louise’s brother up in Davenport, IA, had eighteen degrees below zero.  Kurt over at the post office, said he didn’t know if he would be able to tell the difference between ten below and eighteen below if he were out in it.  That is all in the past now anyway, and by the time this is in ink, it is likely to be quite warm—up in the sixties!  With all these little snowfalls stretching out over weeks there has been plenty of time for that good nitrogen to have become fixed in the garden.  Now, a few warm days and some rain may bring some deep beautiful mud and lots of it.  “Be careful about what you wish (for),” admonishes one.  Always careful Champions consider that doing so–taking that extra care–would suggest that there is some control to be had over the weather.  With bluebirds flitting over the clean melting snow, Champions say, “What will be will be.”   They are busy looking on the Bright Side, which includes a lot of Gratitude.  Neighbors all around had deeper snow, more ice, lower temperatures and more difficulties in general than did fortunate locals.

        The General has been slipping around all winter doing good works on the sly.  It was very obvious that he had been shoveling sidewalks for Esther when the Auxiliary Ladies met at her house on Friday afternoon.  The Skyline VFD Chili Supper was the subject of the meeting and plans are very much coming together.  There will be three fine bands for entertainment and local musicians are invited to ‘jam’ starting at about 8:30.  It ought to be a fine evening.  Rita Fancher has donated a painting of a millstream in autumn for the silent auction.  It is a small painting in a barn wood frame—very pleasant.  Bill Long has made a lamp hanger of fancy yellow pine, and Tim Scrivner has promised another of his famous bird feeders and perhaps a bluebird house.  The advertisements will be in the paper soon with all the exciting details.  There is liable to be stiff competition for one of Esther’s pies.  Bob Berry and Murph Murphey battled it out last year over a coconut cream delight until some big bucks were spent.  Champions! 

        It is good news to hear that Crenna is feeling better and worrisome news that Connie is not feeling well at all.  Health care professionals do their work but Champions chime in with prayers and good wishes for a speedy recovery for their dears, their friends, and neighbors.  Get well soon.

        One of the highlights of the Skyline Auxiliary meeting was a colorful collage of photos of miss Miley Dae Schober.  She was born January 17^th.  Anybody curious about what true love might look like only needs to register the face of a young father holding his baby girl.  It is precious to see and the pictures generated ‘oos’ and ‘ahs’ from all those attending.  Grandmother Sharon Sikes was glowing and she tore out of the meeting ready to go see that girl (since she was in the neighborhood anyway).  Champion Taegan, “Peanut,” Krider is taking two steps at a time now.  It will not be long before she will be on the run.  Her folks, the Young Farmer and the Dairy Maid are enjoying the many aspects of parenting.  Check them out at www.thedairymaid.wordpress.com.  There is a link to this charming blog in the links section of www.championnews.us.  Find Linda’s Almanac from over at the Plant Place there too. It indicates some good planting days to begin on the 20^th of the month and pruning to encourage growth can be done on the 23^rd and 24^th.  There is also a link to the VFW Post 3770 to keep Champions reminded of the serious work being done by those serving in their Nation’s uniform.  Technology has changed the way many things are done, but not everything.

        A Champion son residing abroad has come upon a Swedish proverb that he has chosen to share:  “Fear less, hope more, eat less, chew more, whine less, breathe more, talk less, say more, hate less, love more and good things will be yours.”   This most comprehensive admonition allows Champions to see that there are good people all around the world and they share many fine traits—perhaps with more in common than not.  Tumultuous events in Egypt and other places give pause to citizens here to recognize that it is a beautiful aspect of this Nation that people who love each other, family and neighbors, whose votes all count the same, can have fundamental disagreements among themselves with no diminution of their mutual respect. A public figure viewed as a hero with a glorious legacy by some can be seen as a traitorous self-serving scoundrel by others.  Ah! Freedom!  Someone said that Champion is located in Douglas County, the way Douglas County is located in Missouri, and the way Missouri is located in the United States—a little to the south and a little to the right. That is looking at the map–standing on the map it might be a little to the left–this is the whole nature of perspective.

        An invitation for a first hand view of the application of the Golden Ratio was eagerly accepted the other day and it is to be reported that progress is sterling!   Constant effort is required to dial back the enthusiasm for describing every aspect of the Re-Creation of the Historic Mercantile.  In the fullness of time all will be revealed.  Send your revelation to Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717 or to Champion News. Sing “!Que` sera`, sera`!” to yourself—but not too loud.  It is kind of an annoying song. If you happen to come to Champion for an eye-full of the good stuff you can sing those praises all day long.  Champion—Looking on the Bright Side.

CHAMPION—February 7, 2011

        The tranquility of Champion sits unperturbed under another coat of snow. This one was substantial, beautiful and quickly melted. The next one will be what it will be and forward-looking Champions will make the most of it.

        Cabin Fever has claimed few victims this season and the slowness of pace gives ample time for reflection. It is a tribute to Champion that not much reflecting time is given over to regret. Only one example has emerged and this old Champion reigned in her impulse to spit on her own floor at the falderal of the centurial. “Remember instead,” she said, “the Triangle Shirt Factory Fire or the lightening strike that destroyed the State House in Jeff City 100 years ago. Regret that solar collectors came down off the White House and that dependence on foreign oil was not ameliorated by in-country investment; regret the shameful scandals that resolved the fate of the 52 after 444 days; regret the final nail driven into the coffin of organized labor that insured the decline of working class wages that we still endure; but most of all, regret the revisionism that obscures this history!” She rants, “Regret sucks.”

        Reflection is ever so much more pleasant and much of that shows up in the water—in canoes. Kaye’s sister recalled when she and Richard were first dating. With no canoeing experience, they took a box lunch and put in at Rippee when The Bryant was well up. Neither could swim to speak of and they both got wet and the dinner box was lost, but now they are grandparents and happy as clams. There are apparently several canoe stories associated with Harley and Barbara, but nobody really wanted to talk about it. The word is that Harley and Barbara are both feeling better over having had bad colds and bronchitis. Dusty Mike and his charming sweetheart went canoeing on one of their first dates and they have been an old married couple for some time now. There are some good stories about Foster and Kalyssa’s folks when they first started dating. One such has the young man up on a flat bed truck holding two little calves and Patch the dog. They were moving some young heifers from one place to another, and the idea was that the cows would follow the truck with the calves on it. Things started out well then went bad. The dairy heard was headed to the barn about that time and Patch managed to get all the animals excited and agitated. The cows were charging the truck and Patch was biting cow noses and barking. The young lady and her sister ran for safety and climbed up on a trailor that was sitting near by and their Mother slipped through the gate and closed it behind her. That left the young man in difficult straits trying to impress his future father-in-law. Some of his brothers-in-law say the whole thing was a set up by the Father to run the suitor off. It did not work.

        Someone who does work is Route 2’s mail carrier, Karen. The snow and ice has had no effect on the mail service and it comes with a smile. She stays well prepared with snow boots, coats, blankets, cleats, flashlights and all the safety equipment necessary to keep her appointed rounds. She is a grandmother of seven—some live nearby and some live up in North Dakota where their Dad is in the military service. She knows the value of mail to and from the grandchildren and so Champions are well served.

        Champion friend, Bill Long, has joined the growing list of artists and craftsmen who are donating pieces of their work for the silent auction at the Skyline VFD chili supper on the 5th of March. His contribution is a lamp hanger, for displaying and burning the old kerosene lamps that so many Champions keep as family heirlooms and as back up against loosing power. This piece is yellow pine with the beautiful grain typical of that lumber and a hard shiny finish. It is a generous gift that will find its way to the home of a lucky bidder. The chili supper will be held on Krenna’s birthday this year. Bill says that she has been under the weather for a couple of days, and Champions all wish her a speedy recovery.

        It is expected that after another little round of winter chill the weather will warm up next week into the fifties again. The last time it did that the armadillos came out in force. There was a report of a fellow over near Blanche having killed 46 in one day. The Fox Creek Farm family has rubbed out that many and more over the course of a couple of weeks. Good riddance. The gardeners are getting their seed orders in and keeping their shotguns, etc. handy against the menace. Copies of Linda’s Almanac will be available this week at Henson’s Store currently located in the cozy Temporary Annex on the West Side of the Square in Historic Downtown Champion. This fine document reveals that Valentine’s Day and the day after will both be good days to start seed beds. Champions are getting excited.

        The American Forces Network broadcast the Super bowl game to 175 nations where Americans are serving. Those wearing the uniform of the military service probably all know the words to the National Anthem. Champions know that until July 4th, the Nation will celebrate its 235th year of Independence because of their dedication. Some would say that soldiers enter into a contract with the government—their service for money. Perhaps that is true, but there is no doubt that those services are an imperative and Champions salute their soldiers and Veterans with Love and Gratitude.

        The Golden Ratio is 1 to 1.618 and it is most likely applicable to the Re-Creation of the Historic Mercantile over on the North side of the Square in Champion. Anyone familiar with classic architecture can be soothed by the graceful appearance of the edifice as it approaches fruition. “Now if you were a horsefly and I an old gray mare, I’d stand and let you bite me, and never move a hair. I’d stand and let you bite me and never move a hair, cause that’s how much I love you, Baby. That’s how much I love you!” This may not be the Valentine song you have in mind, so sing your own. Send favorite Valentine songs to Champion News. Look in on Champion in person for a sweet site or on the web at www.championnews.us. Keep a happy heart, because somebody loves you. Champion—Looking on the bright side!

CHAMPION—January 31, 2011

        On the eve of potentially bad weather, Champions are cool.  Adequate preparation and youthful optimism make the whole prospect of exciting weather…well, exciting!  Of course it is not easy for everyone and so intrepid Champion adventurers will be out helping where help is needed.  It is Champion.

        The big, big, big news in Champion is that Jacob Brixey, son of James and Jana Brixey, celebrated his first birthday on January 18th.  He had a birthday party with Dad and Mom, Grandpa Brixey and friend Vineta, Grandparents Nyalin and Gary Barnes, Uncle Rick and Aunt Jodi Klingensmith, cousins Maddax and Tyler, and of course, his big Sister Jenna, who is already three years old and will be four in August.  Reports indicate that this was not a party, but was a BLAST!  Congratulations Jake, et. al! 

        “What is the Champion view toward commiseration?”  What, after all, is commiseration?  The dictionary says that it is the part of an oration that causes the hearer to feel pity.  Another idea is that it is like the term ‘co-author’ where two people write something together.  They share authorship.  In this instance, it is as if some people want to share their misery.  Where is the line? How much will Champions share?   Champions choose to be compassionate.  They listen to each other’s troubles and do what they can to help.  However, it turns out that some people just like to talk about what is wrong, what breaks their hearts, what they just hate, and how often and how badly they are wronged, what the dismal future holds, and how it is most likely going to turn out really bad, and how the bad weather is just a part of everything else that is miserable.  The significant others of these people are abusive, thoughtless, wasteful, dumb and mean spirited. Nothing is ever right and these folks are only comfortable and content when things are bad.  Champions applaud anyone who can find happiness even in such a dreary way and are willing to do the right thing–ignore them.  They like it.  It fits the pattern they understand.  For some Champions, however, the whole trip is a total no fly zone.  They just cannot go there.   Misery loves company, but commiserate only if it makes you happy.

        Pat Michaud joins several other artists in dedicating a piece of art to the Skyline VFD to be used in the silent auction at the chili supper in March. She is a great friend of Champion and comes over from her Marshfield home as often as she can.   Her parents sent her to a school in a neighboring county when she was a child and she and some neighboring children were dropped off at a little country store, much like the Champion Store, where they waited for the bus to take them on to school.  Many of her pleasant childhood memories are associated with the little store and so she will apply her skills in oil paint to making a small representation of the Champion Store for lucky bidders to compete over at the fundraiser for the Skyline Fire Department.  What a good neighbor!  Other artists who have pledged pieces for the event are Louise Walker, potter, and Liz Jenkins of the Ava Art Guild.  Tim Scrivner writes, “Thanks for the “heads up” on the chili supper and your kind words. I’d be pleased to put together another bird feeder for the silent auction and perhaps a bluebird house as well. Always nice having some motivation to get me into the shop!”  This is shaping up to be a sterling affair!

        The Old Biddies Bridge Club had their regular monthly game at the Mansfield Community Center on Thursday the 27th.  There were four tables–sixteen bridge players–and the game was exciting.  This group formed about ten years ago and draws its membership from Mansfield, Springfield, Hartville, Mountain Grove, Plato, Macomb, Norwood, Champion, Ava and other places.  The group chose its name out of the sense of humor that comes with a little age, and from the bidding aspect of the game.  A talented quilter in the group, Joann Biros, of Plato, produced the banner that presides over the games.  Betty Swain, of Mansfield, was the high scorer at the end of the day and she will be the first to say it is a partnership game.  Betty is one of the founding members of the group.  She was quite ready for some good cards since she had missed the previous two games.  She and a number of players had been unable to attend in December because of the sudden bad weather, and Betty had missed the November game because she had a houseful of family who had come to celebrate her 91st birthday.  Three granddaughters and their husbands and children had flown down from Washington State.   It was a real celebration.  Betty has eleven great grandchildren.  She did not learn to play bridge until she was already out of college.  She said that her Mother had been a bridge player.  Her Mother taught school up on the North Dakota border before the turn of the last century!  Betty did not have the opportunity to play bridge with her Mother, though she learned to love the game by watching the friendships evolve among the players.  Her Mother also played piano quite well.  Betty does not play, though her sisters all do, but she has the great joy of passing music on to her seven-year-old granddaughter.  Betty has found a wonderful piano teacher near Mansfield, and the little girl has had her first lesson.  She loves it!  Betty is thrilled for her.  Hopefully, the granddaughter will have a chance to learn bridge while she is young too.  It seems to be a game that can hold a person’s interest for a lifetime.  Betty said that at this game the hands mostly played out in no-trump because of the distribution and she thought the last hand looked much like a slam, but it did not happen.  What did happen was some keen mental exercise surrounded by some lovely pleasant fellowship. 

        When Spring arrives in a few weeks, Champion gardeners will be glad to have had all the moisture that comes with winter storms.  These have been some dry months and the ground seems thirsty.  Gardeners are hungry for the chance to get their hands in the soil again and to experience the exaltation of new life again!  They will be content until then to watch the Re-Creation of the Historic Emporium blooming over on the North Side of the Square in Downtown Champion.  One day there will be flower boxes and hanging baskets on the porch there with wind chimes and the convivial commerce of customers coming and going, perhaps loitering for some laughter, and all will be right with the world.  It is all right already, with the excellent Temporary Annex providing for the communities needs.  Still, there is no harm in looking forward.  Linda’s Almanac will be out this week for gardeners to use as a guide for planting and planning.  Champions join friends and families of serving soldiers in looking forward to their safe homecoming.  Some Champions are looking forward to Valentine’s Day are already singing, “Let me call you Sweetheart.”  Sing what you will, but sing.  Get that shoulder set against the cold, hard wind and be a Champion–Looking on the Bright Side!

CHAMPION—January 23, 2011

           Champions are comfortable in their pastoral environs—the pleasant rural life—peaceful, simple and natural.  The luxury of quiet winter days is spent viewing the glorious ‘ordinary’ of Champion in wind blown puffs of snow bursting in disintegrating monochromatic explosions—sunlit fireworks–white on white, or in the sudden revelation when familiar topography, newly delineated by the snow, shows two hills where it had seemed that there had been only one and a resultant mysterious vale appears and disappears with subtle shifts of light.  So Champion is at once comfortably old and vibrantly new and mysterious.  It is such an exceptional place that chief residents may claim the full moon as their birthday, but only once a year. The diligent young Fox Creek farmer happened to be checking on his cows that snowy evening in time to witness the spectacle of the big orange moon rising full on Champion.  In the vernacular of the day, “Awesome.”

          Speculation concerning the reaction of the young farmer to the report of the now famous Fox Creek Rodeo was rife when the papers hit town.  Delicate questions and exchanged glances imputed uncertainty, which the young farmer used as good sport until he at last informed the friendly speculators that he was himself the source of the story!  They feigned much interest and made pointed inquiries as to the health and condition of the now absent uncle and agreed vehemently as to the assessment of the nature and temperament of the four remarkable young cowboy brothers.  They spoke at length about the perception of Champion by acquaintances in neighboring communities as being a boisterous and ‘happening’ kind of place and reported anecdotal conversations to substantiate these observations.  The young farmer postulates that certain of the townsfolk are rather pleased to have alternate subject matter occupying the thoughts of Champions and visitors.  “Too many words,” says one who rather hopes to be out of the limelight.  Word has come that Harley has been suffering with a cold, but is responding to the tender ministries of the fair Barbara.  The young farmer may have broken ribs from a mishap in the barn and Champions all wish him speedy healing.

          Monday morning found plenty of snow still up at Esther Wrinkles house over in Vanzant.  She said that somebody had slipped around on the sly and raked out a path for her.  She suspects that that sly guy was the General but she did not catch him in the act and so cannot definitively attribute this kindness to him.   Some folks think he is just looking for loose change when during the course of the year he might surreptitiously cut her lawn or rake her leaves.  Say what you will about the General, but he is an opportunist if nothing else, and he keeps a close watch on his neighbor’s place.   He knows the amount and caliber of company that Esther has parading in and out of her pleasant domicile.  He was not born yesterday—but rather some time way on the other side of the mid point of the last century!  He is quite old, but his wife is not. 

          The Skyline Ladies’ Auxiliary will parade into Esther’s house on February 1^st for their pre-chili-supper meeting.  There will be plenty to discuss as the date for the annual event rapidly approaches.  March 5^th is the date set.  It is also the birthday of Linda from over at the Plant Place in Norwood, and of Krenna Long, a regular Champion visitor from north of Norwood.  Some Champions are big fans of birthday eloping.  The Urban Dictionary defines birthday eloping as the act of going on a trip to avoid the drama of celebrating a birthday at home.  Others are big fans of the drama and it is a sure bet that this chili supper will be a dramatic affair—full of good food, music, fellowship and the chance to extend a helping hand to the dedicated volunteer fire fighters who protect the community.  Buying into the drama for their special day will be Kaye Alexander who celebrates on the 27^th of January and her son Zack whose birthday is on February 1^st.  Glen Cooley will also be whooping it up on that date and the second of the month finds Angie Heffern, Judy Sharon Parsons, Charlene Dupree and the Groundhog all kicking up their heels.  Who knows how Jackie Coonts will celebrate his birthday on the 7^th?  If the weather is good, he might saddle up his old horse, which a certain young farmer disparages as a sorry looking nag.  Horseflesh may not be the only flaw in judgment attributable to this individual, but for the nonce, Champions will just let it ride.

          “Shoot ‘em up!” That is the unofficial word from the office of the Missouri Department of Conservation regarding the armadillo.  Officially, according to the ‘code,’ if a species does not have a hunting season applied to it, then it is considered ‘protected.’  Since this non-indigenous species has become so pervasive the game wardens seem to turn a blind eye to their dissolution.  “If something is destroying your property, you can kill it,” was the advice of an unidentified agent.  A letter writing campaign to the Conservation Department might result in a year-round open season.  If a bounty were offered, well the state of the economy might produce an eradication wave that would put enough money in the pockets of the hunters to pay for the lead they would be putting back in the ground.  That is just what this part of the world needs.  The point seems fairly moot since so few people actually write letters any more and since it is not clear from where the funds would be drawn to pay such a bounty.  Express your views on the subject at Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367 Norwood, MO 65717 or at Champion at getgoin.net. 

          Donna Moskaly is home from a weeklong stay in St. John’s Hospital up in Springfield.  She is feeling much better now and had nothing but praise for everyone there.  She had the feeling that they all cared about her well-being.  That is high praise and goes along with the Champion notion that when something is good it needs to be recognized.  Champions are glad Donna is feeling better and glad for her to have Joseph looking out for her.  If you drive by their house up on C Highway, you will see flags flying.  The Moskalys are big supporters of the troops.  They join the rest of Champion in being grateful for those willing to wear the Nation’s uniforms and to serve in the dangerous parts of the world.

          Some Champions said they could just hear the nitrogen ‘a-fixin’ out in the garden.  The have been out spreading wood ashes and daydreaming about potato planting time.  Soon Linda’s Almanac will be out for the beginning of the gardening season and there will be enough to do.  Right now, some Champions could stand to just read seed catalogues and sing that Pete Seeger song, “Inch by inch, row by row, gonna make this garden grow.”  “Singing in the Rain” is a song some would like to be singing.  “What a wonderful feeling, I’m happy again.”  Be happy again. From the comfort of home enjoy Champion at www.championnews.us.  Make the drive over to Champion and get an eyeful of a beautiful place.  Builders there will not think you rude if you ignore them, but will rather think you are contributing to the speedy completion of grandiose ambitious projects there by not interfering.  There is always a positive way to look at things in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side.

CHAMPION—January 17, 2011

           Champions are pretty sure that winter is not quite over and some are hoping for some rain and snow.  The ground needs it and it is well known that Champions, for the most part, love the weather no matter what it is, most of the time.  Champions sympathize with other parts of the world experiencing weather related difficulties and count their own blessings.  There is no controlling the weather so Champions just stay optimistic because it is such a pleasant demeanor to assume and it is so satisfying to be able to say, “I knew it would be fine.” 

          A note from a regular Champion reader points out the muddy nature of the sentence structure in the description of the tumult of the Fox Creek Rodeo. (Amid the hooping, hollering, and hoorawing, arms flapping—the farmer, four young friends and the uncle on the four-wheeler was cutting doughnuts in the dirt, with the air full of dust and hoofs, wire, hair and fence posts.) Extensive repair to that sentence renders it thus:  “Amid the hooping, hollering, hoorawing and the flapping of arms of the farmer and four young friends, the uncle on the four-wheeler was cutting doughnuts in the dirt, adding clouds of dust to the air already full of wire, hair, hoofs and fence posts.”  Hearsay had the young farmer pleased with the report of the avuncular doughnuts but not so much with the vocabulary.  Barbara, however, was ebullient at the return of her hero.  She announced that she will be introducing a new line of armadillo handbags later in the spring or early summer.  It will be a limited edition as Harley and Dakota only killed nine on their last hunting trip.  When the eagles, crows, and other scavengers have finished with them, the shells will be collected and painstakingly transformed into those unique couture items so prized.  Barbara indicates that time is too short to have one ready for the silent auction at the Skyline chili supper in March.  Her cachet—her artistry, however, will not let her bypass the opportunity to bestow an example of her creativity on the Volunteer Fire Department that she so admires.  Her submission will be a surprise unveiled at the event on March 5^th.  It is to be expected that the bidding competition will be stiff as the General is a long-time admirer of his sister-in-law once removed:  i.e. the wife of the brother of the husband of his sister.  It’s like that in Champion. 

          Pete Proctor of the Mountain Grove VFW Post 3770 reports that he and four other Veterans from their post participated in the funeral of Sgt. 1^st Class Robert Wayne Pharris in Seymour on Sunday.  He said that there was an enormous crowd and the Freedom Riders lined both sides of the street with more than 300 flags.  Pete and his friends assisted the Freedom Riders in filling out their ranks as they stand to protect the mourners from the protesters who are attending military funerals these days.  The Freedom Riders, on their motorcycles, escorted the body to Saint Louis on Monday for the flight to Arlington, VA where Sgt. Pharris will be buried at the National Cemetery.  Pete thinks that he will join up with the Freedom Riders, not on a motorcycle, but they need drivers to transport materials from place to place as they go about their work of honoring the fallen Warriors.  These disrespectful protesters seem to be saying that Military deaths are the result of God’s wrath at the toleration of the United States Government of homosexuality.  These deaths are the result of the willingness of citizen soldiers to serve their One Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.  Champions all support their Veterans and those who are serving in the dangerous parts of the world with the Love and Gratitude they have coming to them. 

          Sgt. Parris was a farmer whose job it was to teach good farming practices to local farmers in the areas where he served—this time in Afghanistan   He was enthusiastic and optimistic about helping people learn efficient ways to make their soil productive and how to maximize their water.   World War I saw the beginnings of Victory Gardens planted to reduce the pressure on the public food supply brought on by the war effort.  The gardens also boosted morale as everyone could contribute. “Dig for Victory!”  That was a British slogan of the times.  With the world in such turmoil currently, a little effort toward self-sufficiency goes a long way toward allaying fears of an unknown and uncertain future.  The future is always unknown, but it is pretty likely that a person can expect a crop of something if he has prepared the soil, planted the seed and tended to its needs.  In Champion the last frost is typically around early May, so patience is another quality along with enthusiasm and optimism that makes for a good farmer.  This is a good time of the year for planning and dog-earing seed catalogues and resting up.  Victory Gardens will soon enough be flourishing in Champion.

          Champions are just tickled at the sight of the beautiful light fixtures up on the west side of the Re-Creation of the Mercantile over on the North Side of the Square in Downtown Champion.  There are two matching fixtures on the front porch as well and they are charming.  The apparent sturdidity (spelled ‘stur-did-ity’) of the structure is not softened by these delicate appearing, but well wrought fixtures, but is rather defined by them as elegant indeed—elegant sturdidity.  It has been pleasant to accustom the eye to the sight of the building without the scaffolding up on the East side.  The building looks more at home every day particularly since the building site has been kept so tidy during construction.  Hats would be off to the builders were it not so chilly out and Champions certainly do not go inside uninvited lest they in some way impede the progress.  No Champion wants to be responsible for putting construction at a stand still. 

          A note from the eagle afficianda on the other side of the hill (not over the hill) indicates that bird watching is brisk.  She says that she has received two letters from Eva (Lois Henson) this week.  They had been to Florida and Tennessee to visit Bill and Berry, their sons, for Christmas.  It is awfully nice to get an old fashioned letter in the mail from family or friends.  Champions love getting good mail so much that as they get older they find themselves writing more and more, oblivious to the laws of diminishing returns. 

See what it gets you to write to Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717 or to Chamion at getgoin.net.   Sing, “You’ve got me chasing rabbits, picking out rings, and howling at the moon!” January’s full moon is the Wolf Moon and requires being howled at just a little.  Especially in the moonlight in Champion—you’re looking on the Bright Side!

CHAMPION—January 10, 2011

           In Champion in January of 2011, numerologists are having a field day—01-02-2011—come on.  Then there was 01-10-2011, and of course 01-11-11 and soon 01-20-2011—all very interesting stuff and frequently adding up to 3, 5, or 7.  Numerology notwithstanding, in Champion the high level of civility manifescent in the populace is legendary.  Most any commerce waxes convivial perforce.

          Champions hear that Esther and Raymond Howard are slowing down the raucous social life and will be chilling out for the duration of the inclement weather.  Champions extend their best wishes for their continued enjoyment and for their good health.

          The Skyline Ladies Auxiliary had a productive meeting at Esther Wrinkles house on Tuesday evening, the 4^th of January.  They are all excited about their upcoming chili supper and were meticulous and methodical in their planning session.  The menu will be the standard excellent quality home cooked fare plus the communities donated pies.   The entertainment will include Backyard Bluegrass, the Green Mountain Messengers and Big Creek, plus a wealth of local jammers.  What part of the country has so many talented musicians among its regular population?  A call-out is being made to local artists and craftspeople to donate some of their special things to the silent auction for this special fire department. An emissary is being sent to Jerry Smith over in Seymour who has been making some lovely things from some of the lumber out of the old Champion Store building.  Some Auxiliary members will be using a few of the upcoming cold days to write notes to some of their talented friends and acquaintances for this purpose.  The meeting was well attended though Louise did not make it.  She had a grueling trip to Poplar Bluff on Monday and was still recovering.  If she had been there to make the treasury report, she would have reported the same bank balance as the last meeting, minus $2,500.00 to help the Fire Department to make it’s big fire truck payment.  That was not the first such big old check the ladies have written to the Fire Department and will not be the last.  That is the whole and only mandate of the Auxiliary—to support the firefighters.  In the past they have provided new ‘bunkers’ for each firefighter as he has earned his certification, a cascade system so they can refill their own oxygen tanks, radios, sirens and other equipment, plus the wire for the new lights at the picnic grounds and other similar improvements there.  Auxiliary President, Betty Dye, runs a good meeting and has another one set for February 1^st.  Meanwhile Esther provided some truly excellent blackberry cobbler for this meeting and members are glad the next meeting will also be at her house!

          “I wish you all the joy that you could wish!”  That is how William Shakespeare said “happy birthday” and that is exactly what Champions wish for Elizabeth Johnston, who celebrated her 30^th on the 9^th of the month.  She is one of a spate of Champion cousins and in-laws who reach that milestone birthday this year. Some people do not like to celebrate their birthday, but it seems that most people do.  Every single day of the year there are 10,000 people in the United States who become 65 years old!  Harley is way ahead of that bunch and while the ever-charming Ms. Henson has a birthday soon, she is not nearly that old.  Linda’s little birthday book is an excellent source for birthday inspiration.  While the Plant Place and Gift Corner are closed for the month of January, there is still much going on behind the scenes.  Little things are germinating and growing and will wind up in Champion gardens in just a few short weeks. “Ten weeks, “says Champion gardener, Carol Cleveland, and she knows whereof she speaks.

          Not since the great conflagration of the fabled Buzzard Stampede of October 2006, has there been such an epic cow tale as this.  It concerns ten claves and seven Brangus mothers, a stalwart farmer, a kindly uncle, and four young cowboy brothers.  It seems that the avuncular cattle baron purchased thirteen cow/calf units of the Brangus persuasion from some distant farm and they were summarily brought down to Champion to the Fox Creek Farms, where they remained for several days becoming accustomed to the terrain and the new people.  Now the lot was purchased on the shares and it was time to separate the groups—six to go to the uncle’s nearby spread and seven units to remain.  All was well that first evening.  Six of the cows and three of the calves were cut from the group and driven down the road to their new home.  It is to be noted here that the most docile and manageable of the lot were naturally the ones selected for this trip and that the selection was strictly random and first come first gone.  Hence, the rangy, wild and piqued bunch left behind agitated all night by the incessant bawling of the orphaned calves.  As the young farmer and his uncle set about that next day, Wednesday, to cut out the three orphans, began then the events henceforth to be known as the Fox Creek Rodeo.  Cow people will tell you that Brangus are just naturally jumpers and these left behind were plenty skittery already and not want to be prodded about.  The uncle on a four-wheeler and the young farmer afoot approached gently but purposefully to separate the orphans.  The cows responded with their own purpose which was to protect those little ones and to flee in every direction with much kicking and bucking, wreaking as much damage as possible on the farmer and his uncle, and all the gates and fences around.  Straightway it was discerned that no small amount of help would be required to effect the extraction of the three little calves and to that end four pleasant young brothers were enlisted for aid.  Now these young fellows are well regarded in the area.  They are willing, nimble, alert, knowledgeable young men between about sixteen and twenty years of age, well thought of in the community, well considered for their modesty and efficient workmanlike behavior.  So here they came and the cows took to the brush.  Amid the hooping, hollering, and hoorawing, arms flapping of the farmer and four young friends, the uncle on the four-wheeler was cutting doughnuts in the dirt, with the air full of dust and hoofs, wire, hair and fence posts.  For three hours the men drove and chased and caught and lost cows over seventy-five acres as fences were freely breached—every one and some several times.  And those boys–every one as brave as any running at Pamplona.  Indeed, it could have been in a bull arena is Spain as an infuriated thousand pounds of cow squared off with the uncle on the four-wheeler.  They called it a draw and called it a day with the brothers declining a wage since the task had not been successful.  The uncle headed to his distant home to be comforted by sweet Barbara, and the young farmer was left to clean up the mess and repair the fences.  By late Sunday afternoon he had all the calves and all but one of the cows rounded up and secured.  While searching the deep woods, hills and ravines for that last cow, he will be pondering lessons learned and will be thinking about how the story will be told to his little Taegan some day—the story of the Fox Creek Rodeo.

          “Woopie ti yi yo, git along little doggies!  It’s your misfortune and none of my own.”  Sing that one or any favorite cowboy song out loud on your way in to Henson’s Store in downtown Champion.  Just take a sidelong glance at the Re-Creation of the Historic Emporium over on the North Side of the Square.  Outside lights are being wired up and one of these nights Champion will be lit up like Time Square.  Dazzling!  It is Champion—looking on the Bright Side!

CHAMPION—January 3, 2011

          Champions stand at the portal of their new year shoulder to shoulder with optimism, purpose, tolerance, curiosity, compassion, love and gratitude.  Quite a snazzy bunch.  It has been five years since the big ice storm that devastated Springfield and made news the world around.  It seems that exciting things go on at this time of the year. Champions will be most interested to hear the results of the investigations into the enormous kill of red wing blackbirds down in Arkansas.  One report also included a large fish kill in a nearby waterway.  There is a lot of speculation, so it will be good to get the facts.  “Oh the moon shines tonight on pretty Red Wing.” 

          Esther Howard’s birthday is January 3.  Her Champion friends wish her well and celebrate their good fortune to know her.  Her maiden name is North, and it is told (by people who maybe should not be telling things they heard second hand) that when she and Raymond first married—some little while ago—when she would begin to speak, Raymond would say, “It’s that old North wind blowing again.”  The point was made that this was more than a little aggravating to Esther.  Champions do not wish to rekindle a fifty-odd-year-old tiff, but rather wish to remind Esther of the affection and esteem held for her by her Champion friends.  Should this get back to her she can blame Little Taegan’s Uncle Dusty for blabbing. 

In Champion, as in other places out in the world, one thing leads to another.  It is just as far to Barbara Krider’s house from Champion as it is to Champion from her house. The road has two ends and Champions could as well go to see her, except for the inconvenience it would create for her.  “Closeness is not all about geography,” says one Champion.  Harley was in town for a few days, but knee issues have kept Barbara at home lately.  As was the case with Esther Howard, Champions have been talking about Barbara, with much affection.  The story has filtered down to the “Items” that after leaving the funeral home, Barbara stopped by her house to change her shoes before going on to the cemetery for the graveside service of a friend.  After the service, her friends and family observed that she was wearing different shoes on each foot.  “Well, everybody does that,” you say.  Yes, but those different shoes are from the same pair.  Barbara was wearing one shoe each of two different pairs, as in a sandal and a pump.  Much fun was made of it and the trendsetter fasionista may well have set a tone of freedom and whimsy for fashion in Champion this year.  Barbara’s story leads to Mandinka warrior, Laurence Tureaud.  He is famous for many things including a great song, “Treat Your Mother Right (Treat Her Right)” and for teaching vulnerable children how to control their anger and to deal with peer pressure.  He most often wears mismatched sox as a way to have children with limited resources see that it is not what you wear but who you are that counts.  He stars in a video “Be Somebody… Or Be Somebody’s Fool!”  His birthday is May 21, 1952, so he is still a relatively young guy.  Lots of people will be celebrating his birthday this year, from California to Carolina.  Harold Camping, a retired civil engineer says that his studies have proven that the end of the world will begin on that date and that the end of days will occur in October. “If you still want to say we’re crazy, go ahead,” said Mary Exley of Raleigh, North Carolina, “But it doesn’t hurt to look into it.”  Most likely Mr. T would look into it with interest while continuing to live his Champion kind of life, which requires living each day as if it were the last.  William Miller predicted those events to have occurred on October 22, 1844.  Some called the uneventful passage of that date The Great Disappointment.  Champions recall a recent revelation that says without expectation, there can be no disappointment.  One thing leads to another.

Thurland Chattaway wrote the lyrics to Pretty Red Wing in 1907, and his friend Kerry Mills adapted the tune from an 1848, composition for piano written by Robert Schumann.  “The Happy Farmer, Returning From Work” was the name of Shuman’s piece.  Pretty Red Wing is the story of a young Indian maid’s loss of her sweetheart who has died in battle.   “Now the moon shines tonight on pretty Red Wing.  The breeze is sighing, the night bird’s crying, for afar ‘neath his star her brave is sleeping, while Red Wing’s weeping her heart away.”  Many sweethearts are weeping the loss of their loved ones in battle far away.  Champions will be glad when all those serving their Nation in the dangerous places come home.  Meanwhile Love and Gratitude are the words of the day.

Black-eyed peas make a good dinner for New Year’s Day as a way to say “If we eat this good all year, we’ll be lucky.”  Bill Long likes Crowder peas.  He says they are just about like black-eyed peas, but a little bigger.  Like many Champions and Champion friends, his mailbox is being choked full of seed catalogues already.  He already has his okra and corn seed for the year.  He plants a hybrid kind of okra that produces earlier than the standard Clemson variety and has a very high yield.  He says they have a lot of it in their freezer yet.  Krenna takes it from the freezer and rinses it before she breads it to fry.  He says it is wonderful.  He is from Alabama and is most partial to things being fried; he is pretty partial to Krenna too.  Now, some folks like their okra stewed with tomatoes, and some folks like it in gumbo.  Charlene Dupree makes a fine Louisiana style gumbo and some of her Champion friends hope for a dinner invitation soon.  She and Linda will be busy getting things ready for Spring.  Gardening is a year round activity and The Plant Place is a Champion kind of place for advice and supplies.  Before long Linda’s 2011 monthly almanac will be available again and then, “Let the plowing begin!”  At least the planning can begin.  The weather man said that the area can expect to be vulnerable to six more weeks of bitter cold, but that the days will be getting a little longer, and that by Valentine’s Day the worst of it should be over.  It will still be cold and wet (hopefully) in March so the chili will taste good at the Skyline VFD Chili supper on March 5^th.  That happens to be Linda’s birthday!  One thing leads to another all year.  Arne and Jacob Coon both have birthdays early in January.  Then Jan and Bob Liebert both celebrate on the 10^th and 11^th.  Elvis Presley and Miss. Rachel Evans of Edinburgh, Scotland also have birth anniversaries soon and Champions say, “Huzza!”

   Sing “Pretty Red Wing” on your way into Henson’s Store currently located in the Temporary Annex on the West Side of the Square in Downtown Champion.  The Annex has become a sweet little fixture on the Square and will be remembered fondly for the interim service it will have provided once it is no longer required.  Meanwhile it is to be appreciated and, in the spirit of not letting the perfect be the enemy of good, enjoyed for its duration.  Express enjoyment of any kind at Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717 or at Champion at getgoin.net.  Go on over to the website at www.championnews.us for an eyeful of the remarkable and most ambitious Re-Creation of the City Center’s Heart.  Go on over to the North Side of the Square and look at it first hand, but do it from a distance so as not to impede progress. You’ll be in Champion and looking on the Bright Side.