Champion News

CHAMPION—July 30, 2007

        Great news in Champion is that Foster’s parents are feeling better.  The lad spent a couple of days with his grandparents during the week while his folks recuperated.  Part of that time was spent hanging out at the store with his Granddad, Doug & Jackie learning how to spin yarns.  He helped with the hay and proved himself to be an excellent kitten wrangler.  Cousin Dillon has also been down of the farm.  He and his Mom came in from Tennessee and spent a few days while Dakota made a fishing trip to Alaska with his other Grandfather.  It is always a pleasant time to have Linda home.  She enjoys milking and her folks enjoy her company and the help.

        Neighbors over on EE had a wonderful picnic!  Saturday night it was estimated that there were four to five hundred people there!  Some one said that the Holt “UP’N AT’T” 4 H Picnic has been going on for 57 years!  The Champion community was well represented.  Some Champions have been attending for most of those years!  When a particular Mr. Upshaw was asked if he had made ice cream for the affair, he said, “Well, I offered to but they said they had had some over at Vanzant and they thought they would just pass.”  Everyone was glad to see Mrs. Esther Wrinkles there.  She is a great appreciator of the local good music and there was plenty to be had there.

        Eighteen people, Firefighters and Volunteers, met up at the Skyline Picnic grounds on Tuesday the 24^th to discuss the Picnic upcoming on the 10^th and 11th and all the work that has to be done in preparation for it.  It was good to see that the new freezer is doing it’s job so that there will be plenty of cold treats for Picnickers to enjoy.  Local merchants are being generous in donating items for the door-prize drawings.  There will be some new activities this year combined with all the old favorites.  Plans were made to cut the grass short and treat the grounds for ticks and chiggers.  The Fire Chief said he has never had a single chigger bite!  (Must be they come in multiples!)  Anyway there won’t be any of those critters around come Picnic Time!  New members and volunteers are excited to pitch in and be a part of what promises to be a lovely Picnic.  New neighbors up on the High Road on the Pleasant Ridge have a swing set in their front yard!  It will be interesting to see how many personal invitations to the Skyline Picnic will be extended to the new family in the neighborhood!  Champion is a friendly place!

        A letter arrived on the 26th from Raul!  He is Champion’s adopted soldier serving in Naray, Afghanistan.  He says,  “Dear Champion,  Well it is nice to hear that you are playing bridge.  I hope that you won.  Well sorry that I have not been able to write to you sooner.  Reason was that we were on black out (where they shut the internet and phones off).  I don’t mind the article that you posted about the letter I wrote to you.  In fact, I think it was a good thing that way people can see a little bit of the hardship that me and my Soldiers have to go through on a regular basis.  I have to say ‘Thank You’ once again for your concern of my Soldiers and me and my family.  I want to say thank you to everyone there at Champion and your supporters for every thing that you have done, to include keeping us in your prayers.  I have to say that this country is Beautiful, aside all the fighting and shooting.  My FOB is in a valley.  When the sun rises and sets the light on the mountains looks beautiful.”  He goes on to say that he will try to send pictures and that his wife and daughter will be moving to a different house soon.  He says that he and his wife are thinking of buying a house in McAllen, Texas and is wondering if anyone has any advice to give as far as what to look for and what questions to ask.  He wonders if anyone knows of a good book or website to learn about buying a house.  There are some envelopes addressed to Raul at Henson’s Store.  It just takes a regular 41 cent stamp.  His package got off to him on Wednesday, full of beef jerky, tuna, crackers and various other things.  He’ll have pictures of Champion, notes from Champions and an idea of what the community is all about.  His address is SSG Moreno, Raul / 4-319^th, TF SABER /  FOB NARAY / APO AE 09354 /  Email:  raul.morenojr(at)us.army.mil  People all over the country are reaching out to help those serving their nation in dangerous places.  It speaks well of Americans everywhere.  3,652 US Service People have lost their lives in Iraq since the conflict began, including Lawrence Parrish of Lebanon, MO who died there  October 7^th, 2006.  As of July 24^th, 2007 at least 346 members of the US Military had died in Afghanistan.  Love and Gratitude to them and to those they leave behind is a given.

        Wilburn allows that he’ll probably get a third cutting of hay in October and that he has had trouble with the hay being too thick and heavy.  It’s hard on his equipment.  Such problems!  Others are being over run with huge squashes.  Cucumbers are coming out of some Champion ears and the few ears of corn that the raccoons don’t get are just luscious.  Water bath canners are bubbling over-time and the “shh shh shh” of the pressure cookers guarantees that green beans and stewed tomatoes will fill pantry shelves.  In late winter when everything is drab and brown, these glorious summer days will be appreciated when those jars are opened.

        Granddaughter Day was a grand success!  Grandmothers and Granddaughters met at Vera Cruz on Monday afternoon just for The Fun Of It and for no other reason.  Among them were Danielle from Kansas City and Sierra from Portland, OR, who have been going to the Mill Pond with their Grandmothers most summers since they were babies.  Danielle is 12  years old and Sierra is 10 now.  They became acquainted on Granddaughter Day and learned that they have many common interests such as cats and Mardi Gras  beads.  They may become life-long friends.  Grandmothers who live too far from their Granddaughters could suffer with great bouts of loneliness and jealousy but they content themselves with observing at a little distance the joys of their Grandmother Friends.  Patients is one of those qualities often attributed to Grandmothers.  There must be some kind of trick to it.  Linda’s sister Charlene from over at the Plant Place and the Gift Corner in Norwood sent a note from Virginia where she is taking care of her Granddaughter, Olivia, while her Mother, Sherrie, who is in the US Navy, is serving on an aircraft carrier in the Middle-East.  She says, “Hi ,I really enjoyed hearing from you and reading your “Champion” articles.  I feel like a celebrity now I’m in the paper!  Alls fine here.  Olivia and I have been playing and talking and having a good time.  Of course I miss being home and she misses her Mommie.  I have been working in the yard some.  I turned over a little patch in the back yard for a vegetable patch and transplanted some tomato plants sewed a few green beans and planted some basil plants.  So you see I still have my hands in the dirt to some extent.  We’ve had a little excitement here.  They had strong wind the other day and it blew a tree down in the back yard which broke through the fence.  Of course Buddy and George immediately found the hole and now can get out of the back yard.  They don’t go far but I don’t like them running loose.  Olivia and I have made a little playhouse for her in the garage.  I have bought a shelf and a little kitchen cabinet for her a garage sales (what else).  So, we go out there quite often and she plays while I clean up my garage sale finds and price them.  I hope to be coming home with Olivia September 5.  I hope it will still be warm enough to go down to the creek with Olivia.  She talks about going to the beach and playing in the sand so hopefully we will be able to do that. .I’d better go wake up Olivia and get started on another day.  Charlene”

        “Where in the world is the Amicable Asylum of Champion?” ask a regular reader of the Champion Items.  “I been living around here all my life and I never heard of such a thing as that.”  The term was meant to describe Champion as a Friendly Place—a Sanctuary.  Living in this Beautiful Spot it is easy to forget that much of the rest of the world is covered with concrete and crowded with unhappy people.  Champions do not take their good fortune for granted.  Sometimes an Itinerant Musician will pass through spreading sweet sounds and good will, full of stories from the Big World.  It is exciting out there and he reports even handedly the miraculous and delightful things together with the dour and dreary.  He is a great, marvelous disruption and a ravenous appreciator of  garden produce!  There Is No Place Like Home.

        Clichés of all sorts, excellent disruptions of daily routine, or any kind of Trick for gaining Patients is welcome at Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717.  Big garden bragging or any kind of Good Champion Gossip is welcome at Champion News.  Any of those things or yarns about Champion’s old timers or the old days can be spun in person at Henson’s Store…in the Friendly Refuge of CHAMPION—LOOKING ON THE BRIGHT SIDE!

CHAMPION – July 23, 2007

        Good news in Champion takes many forms.  The ‘second cutting’ of hay is a wonderful thing.  Last year by this time things were parched and dry and the first and only cutting of hay was slim and dismal.  Next year is a mystery yet and that’s the best way.  Richard and Kay were down visiting from Marshfield all smiles talking about granddaughter Madelynn Ward and her sweet antics.  Her cousin, Foster Wiseman, is making a good recovery from his recent bout with a stomach flu.  That’s very good news because he is such a Ray of Sunshine nobody wants to think of him as not feeling well.  Dustin Cline was in the neighborhood from Rogersville, working on a painting project and a personal agenda involving a local Beauty.  He is energetic and optimistic, both excellent qualities.  She is thoughtful and patient…… admirable traits as well.

        More good news is going on in local gardens.  Neighbor Bob Berry over in Gentryville said that he never saw such a good year for potatoes.  He planted one short little row this year that yielded more than the three long rows he planted in previous years when sometimes we was lucky to get his seed back.  “And big beautiful potatoes,” he said with his hands held out holding a great big invisible potato.  Squash bugs had decimated his squash and cucumbers though and Louise was aggravated that the coons had beat Wilburn to harvest the corn.  They got or spoiled all but about 150 ears…24 nice bags in the freezer.  She shared her favorite receipt for putting up corn.  It came from the mother-in-law of her son, Gary Hutchison.  Mrs. Leora Graham from over at Sweden was Marsha’s Mother and her relationship to Louise is that of ‘mishbucha.’ (That is a Yiddish word for kinfolks not related by blood.)  Louise remarked at what a lovely person she was.  Anyway Ms. Graham’s receipt calls for 4 quarts of corn cut from the cob.  In a pan heat one quart of water, 1 cup of sugar and 4 teaspoons of salt to boiling.  Add the corn and bring it back up to boiling.  Simmer for twenty minutes.  Cool and kept it in the refrigerator over night.  Then put it in containers and freeze it.  Someone had said that the variety known as “peaches and cream” does not freeze well.  Well, that’s the exact variety Louise uses and she said she never has had any complaints.  A taste of it was an absolute delight and proved her point.  It is Policy now not to brag on people’s cooking (or ice cream) by pure hear-say.  Champion’s friend and friend of Purna Mae from out Tulsa way, has had bad ground-hog problems in her garden on west of Champion.  Some of them have paid dearly for the destruction they caused and there is a smell of dead groundhog around now that may caution others.  She also made a trip to the barber shop and spread hair around the outside of the garden.  That is thought to be a deterrent for a variety of unwelcome visitors.

        Visitors are always welcome in Champion and the Champion Wood-Chuck is a monstrous fellow.  He’ll be laying low until about February when he’ll expect to be the Grand Marshall of the Great Ground Hog Day Parade.  There is a lot going on between now and then, so he had better just bide his time, stay out of the gardens, and try to hold on to his hide.  Skyline Firefighters and Volunteers met Tuesday up at the picnic grounds to get the ball rolling (the Auxiliary Ladies are on record as rolling already) on the Picnic that will be the Highlight of the summer social season.  There are going to be some real surprises in the silent auction this year and Volunteers are going out on their visits to the supportive local merchants collecting the door prizes that will be given away.  Excitement builds!  Champion neighbors over at 76 and EE highway will hold the Holt 4-H Picnic on 27^th & 28^th.  It’s always a lot of fun and the Skyline/Champion folks always try to get out there to support the “Up and At ‘Em 4-H Kids.”  Then it will just be two weeks until the Skyline Picnic; then the first Saturday before Labor Day will be the Champion School Reunion.  There is the Sesquicentennial Celebration coming up and then the Pioneer Decedents Gathering down at Yates on October 6^th & 7^th.  Staying abreast of the Social Calendar in Champion is a full time job.  It was a pleasure to receive an e-mail from Betty Thomas down at Yates.  She produces a hand-quilted quilt for their annual event.  It will be exciting to see what she has quilted up for this year!  Champions will be standing in line to buy tickets for a chance at it!

        Dean Brixey has wandered off to town.  He’s bought a nice rock house on a shady street within an easy walk of all the necessities and diversions.  He is settling in there and Champions are glad that he is happy and still not too far from ‘home.’  Once a Champion, always so!  He’ll have several good reason to come back this way and he’ll be a sight for sore eyes.  There have been reports of tricycles parked in front of his old place up on the High Road so there may be new neighbors in the offing!  How Grand!  The Russell Upshaw family is relocating for the nonce in Mt. Grove.  Champion family and friends wish them all the best as they regroup from the loss of their country home.  They are part of the extended Champion Family.  Once a Champion….always so!

        Darrell Haden who asked the unanswered question:  “Was Gene Autry’s horse from Champion?” now asks “…..do the folks you write into your column all enjoy Wheaties?”  His family reunion is coming up over in Smallet soon.  Perhaps he can be lured over to Champion for a get-together while he’s in the Neighborhood and maybe his questions will be addressed.  His cousin, Ms. McCallie of Nowata, certainly sounds up for it.  Visitors are Always Welcome in Champion.

        No word has come this week from Champion’s Soldier, SSG Raul Moreno.  A Care package is being put together for him and should be ready to mail by the end of the week.  So far it has some tuna packs, some beef jerky, a red beans and rice microwave dinner in a pouch, some almonds and apricots.

        Other things are going in including some photos of Champion, some notes from some Champions and a copy of the Douglas County Herald.  Afghanistan is a little smaller than the State of Texas.  FOB Naray is over on the southeast border with Pakistan. It sits at about 4200 feet above sea level.  (Champion is at about 600 feet.) The mountains there are steep and rugged.  It’s a dangerous place.  To Raul this week a Champion wrote:  “Dear Raul,  It has been a quiet and beautiful week here in Champion and we are grateful for the peaceful existence we enjoy.  We know things are not necessary like that for you, but we want to tell you that we are not worried about you.  You are a professional.  You have had good training and you are smart and pay attention.  We are concerned because we know that you are in a volatile part of the world, but we trust you to take care of yourself and those in your charge.  We join the rest of your family back home in wishing for your speedy and safe return.  We’ll be glad to meet you when you get here.  With Love and Gratitude for your service,  Your Champion Friend”  Any Champion resident or anyone who is a Champion of our US Service people can write to Raul at.  SSG Moreno, Raul, 4-319^th, TF SABER, FOB NARAY, APO AE 09354 or e-mail him at raul.morenojr(at)us.army.mil.  Sixty four people from Missouri have lost their lives in Iran since this conflict began.  Among them is Lieutenant Daniel P. Riodan of St. Louis, who died there on June 23rd, 2007.  627 Missourians are reported to have been wounded there, though that figure does not reflect the walking wounded whose injuries will not be apparent for some time.  The current total loss of US Personnel in Iraq is 3636.  408 Americans are reported to have died in Afghanistan as of July 23, 2007.

        Ruth Hamilton is over in Tulsa romping with her grandchildren for a few days.  Linda is having fun with her Granddaughter, Daniell, down from Kansas City and they are getting garden things ready over at The Plant Place for the rest of us for fall.  Charlene Dupre is still in Virginia with her granddaughter, Olivia, learning how to listen!  Sierra from Portland is entertaining Grandparents, Mark & Judy, and so life goes on in a sweet extended family way!  Sweet family stuff of any kind, Good Champion news, garden tips and harvest reports, receipts, poetry and song are all welcome at Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717.  Send those things or report any otherwise neglected local social doings to Champion News.  Hand deliver any kind of Champion pertinence or any items for the package to Champion’s Soldier or donation for it’s postage to the proprietress of Henson’s Store in the Amicable Asylum of CHAMPION – LOOKING ON THE BRIGHT SIDE!

CHAMPION—July 15, 2007

        Champions, like good people everywhere, can sometimes take a good thing for granted.  A couple of weeks ago up on Cold Springs Road (‘up’ because it’s North of Champion) an enormous stone (as big as a small car!) responded to all the wonderful rain and took a trip down into the road.  It occurred on a hill, on a curve, in a steep and rugged place with a big drop off and the thing blocked more than half the road.  It was an early Monday morning and those Douglas County fellows were right on it with a back hoe, a dump truck and a road grader.  In no time it was cleared away, squared away and a now a lollygagger wandering down a beautiful country lane has no idea of the effort it takes to keep the roads open and in such lovely condition.  So Thanks to those nice men out of the Drury Shed.  They are our Champions!

        Champion’s Soldier, SSG Raul Moreno (4-319^th, TF SABER, FOB NARAY, APO AE 09354) raul.morenojr(at)us.army.mil has had a busy week.  He and his fellow soldiers are doing what is asked of them out there in Afghanistan.  Dear Raul,  It’s Saturday night here.  Not too much is going on.  Some of us old people play bridge.  It is a partnership card game with many rules.  We are trying to use it to keep our brains working.  Someone remarked this evening that we seem to forget a lot of things with our brains, but our old bodies remember everything that has ever happened to them…every broken toe and sprained elbow.  We hope you enjoy getting old as much as we do.  When we were your age we thought 40 was old!  Now some of us are looking at 70!  It’s funny.  We just wanted to say that we are thinking about you and your fellow soldiers and your family back home.  Send us a picture sometime if you can….  We think of you as one of Our Boys and so we know that you are truly Handsome!  Keep you heart as light as you can.  People over here think a lot of you.  Sincerely, Your Friend in Champion.”  There are envelopes addresed to Raul at Henson’s Store for any who would like to write to him or to include a note in the package being put together for him there.

        The Ladies of the Skyline VFD Auxiliary had a productive meeting on Tuesday the 10^th.  Esther Wrinkles made everyone welcome in her home and the ladies got right down to business.  Betty Dye and her sister have made and donated an exquisite quilt called Jacob’s Trail.  It is done in gold and brown tones and has been beautifully executed.  All aspects of the upcoming Picnic were discussed.  It was agreed to buy the new freezer.  Arrangements were made to distribute the tickets that will go on sale for the quilt and for the $100.00 in free power being donated by White River Electric CoOp.  Soon posters and flyers will be up all over the place with all the wonderful details.  There is a tremendous amount of behind the scenes work that goes on to make one of these Country Fairs’ go over so well.  Again this year Gary Hutchison will bring a group of Inmates for Action down to help with the grooming of the grounds and other preliminaries.  They were a great help last year.  There will be some new attractions this year and some surprises.

        Mrs. McCallie of Nowata, Okalahoma wrote that Justin Carter of Mansfield, who was killed in Iraq in February of 2005, could have been “…. a little shirt tail relation to our family.  My great grandmothers name was Lucretia Carter, and was born and raised at Atlanta, Georgia, so you probably can guess who I am related to.  Yep, a 4^th Cousin to Jimmy Carter, and I don’t care what folks say or think of him.  I think he’s one of the most moral and best most decent presidents we ever had and he is still doing things to help poor people.  I’ve had several letters from him.  I was and am very sorry to hear this 21 year old Carter young man had died or got killed.  Well, we are loosing our young men very swiftly….”  The number of US Service People who have lost their lives in Iraq is now 3616.  Among them was Sergeant 1^st Class Randall L. Lamberson of Springfield, MO, who died there April 10, 2006.  408 American troops have died in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom — the War on Terror — in Afghanistan.  At least 1,380 U.S. personnel have been wounded in action there according to the Pentagon.  Ms. McCallie is joined by Champions in expressing Love and Gratitude for their service.

        Another nice person from Oklahoma, the friend of a Champion friend is suffering terribly from a cat bite.  Her name is Purna Mae and she lives out Tulsa way.  She is hospitalized and being treated with powerful antibiotics.  Champions all know someone who can benefit by being remembered in their best thoughts and prayers.  Many are thinking now about an Upshaw family that has just lost its home to fire and news that Lannie Hinote has been ill is distressing for all who know her and admire her great energy and selflessness.

        C. Maria Escondida wrote to correct the spelling of her name (ending in ‘a’ not ‘o.’) and to praise Champion for adopting a soldier.  “Champions!  I commend you for adopting your soldier!  It is absolutely insane that those dear young people should be without one thing that they need.  Your Country is giving Billions of dollars to huge corporations in no-bid contracts to take care of those soldiers and that they may be lacking anything that they need is Criminal!  The CEO’s of those corporations should be prosecuted!  We read that North American Mothers have had to buy the body armor for their kids and that the field soldiers do not always get the best protection while ‘important’ people get good quality ‘dragon-skin‘ body armor.  Pardon me,  I was not going to Rave at you this time.  It is enough to say that you are special people in Champion to do this thing to send your love and letters to them over there.   The kindness of the people and the beauty of the place is what lingers in my memory, though I have not been to Champion for many, many years.  I remember summers there as being hot and steamy.  Here is my poem and tell me does it describe a place down of your Fox Creek, your Clever or the Bryant?  ‘The South Breeze breaths sighs and a quiet light glides, Through dense boughs overhanging the deep cool soft sand.  Dragonflies dance while small spiders dangle by sticky silk strings among silent sun beams in the still air.’  Con amour, s. s. s. C. Maria Beatifica Escondida, Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico.”  Yes.  Ms. Escondida’s poem does sound like an afternoon down on a beautiful creek bank.  Perhaps she will reveal some day how she came to live in Champion and when she was here.

        Grandmothers and Granddaughters are planning some creek bank activities soon.  Linda’s granddaughter, Danniel, will be down from Kansas City for a few days.  Things are kind of slow over at the Plant Place this time of the year, but they say Linda has put in a wonderful herb garden where a person can go pick a bag of fresh herbs for a nominal price.  It’s a great idea!  Judy Sharon’s granddaughter, Sierra, is visiting from Portland.  They have been doing a lot of art work over there.  Charlene Dupre’s granddaughter, Olivia, out in Virginia is almost four years old and is a world Champion talker who doesn’t know that Grandmothers sometimes like it quiet.  It sounds like a sweet problem to have!  Plans are for Danniel and Sierra to get acquainted over some craft projects and then go to the creek with their Grandmothers.  There will be other Grandmothers there whose Granddaughters can’t come this time, but Champion Granddaughter Day will be a good time nonetheless.

        Memories of Champion good times, poetry, some generalized raving about good things or bad things if necessary, and tales of summertime adventures on the creek are all welcome at Champion Items Rt. 2, Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717.  Those things or any stories about the old days, and old folks around Champion can be sent by e-mail to Champion News.  Someone objected to Champion being called a ‘languid backwater,’ because it makes the place sound kind of backward and lazy.  The place is Remote and Peaceful!  Verify this information with a first hand visit to Henson’s Store in the Bucolic Middlemost.  Leave any Champion News with the proprietor there and leave the place with an renewed vision of its Placid Prosperity and Enduring Enlightenment.  CHAMPION—LOOKING ON THE BRIGHT SIDE!

CHAMPION—July 9, 2007

        It was Champion’s pleasure to host Esther and Raymond Howard again down from Marshfield for the day.  They joined friends for lunch at the North/South where Raymond discovered his cousin to be a principal in that going concern.  Their Grandmothers were sisters.  Perhaps this chance meeting will encourage more frequent visits.  There was no squirrel hunting, but a pleasant time nonetheless.  They reported adventures avoiding the flood waters on a recent trip to Texas to see their Grandson marry.  Champion is glad they made a safe return and they are glad to have their New Granddaughter.

        Bachelor Brothers Ewoldt, from up in Iowa were down visiting with their Champion sister.  They come every year and turn their hands to help out around the place.  They seem to like it here and say that they are also from a hilly area, but not so steep and rugged as these hills.  Their friendly smiles and dispositions must be a family trait.

        Champion has adopted its own soldier!  His name is SSG Raul Moreno Jr.  His address is: SSG Moreno, Raul,  4-319th, TF SABER  FOB NARAY  APO AE  09354  Email:  raul.morenojr(at)us.army.mil  Raul is a staff sergeant with a number of soldiers in his care.  He says that he is a religious person and that he prays every day.  He is married and has a daughter.  His e-mail said, “Dear Champion,  I would like to take this time to thank each and everyone of you there in the Champion community.  I too grew up in a small little town, Grafton N.D.  There is a lot of hard working people there in Grafton just like in Champion.  So thank you very much for the news letter, it does make me feel like home.  Well “F.O.B. Naray means (Forward Operations Base) and Naray is just the name.”  In an e-mail to a volunteer with the Adopt a US Soldier program he says, “My Solders and I are in a remote FOB here in Afghanistan.  We do not have a store.  A phone center is set up here, but it only has 3 phones.  Sometimes they don’t work and we’ll be without phones for days.  We have computer slots here, but only four of them for about 400-500 Soldiers.  We hardly see mail but once a week, even then depends on the current situation.  We would appreciate anything that you can send that we can cook without having a stove—microwavable or food that can be heated with/by water (ramen noodle, tuna packages, crackers, cookies, canned foods, beef jerky…etc.)”  There are envelopes addressed to him at Henson’s Store for any Champion who would like to write to him.  Anyone who would like to add items to the package being put together for him or to contribute to the cost of postage may also do that at the store.  The opportunity to support soldiers in the field is a gift.  Expressions of Love and Gratitude are always appropriate.

        There are eleven deaths waiting Department of Defense confirmation currently, bringing the number of US casualties in Iraq to 3606.  Sixty three of those people were from Missouri, including Corporal Dallas L. Kerns of Mountain Grove who died July 5^th, 2004.

        Down at Vera Cruz, the Mill Pond, was just overrun with the same bunch of tree-huggers and old friends that rendezvous there every year on the 4^th of July.  It was an excellent gathering with many old acquaintances renewed and stories of the past year past around.  New grandchildren and old timers mixed with good results.  Someone suggested that getting in the water was very like climbing into a Margarita.  That must mean cold.  There has been a lot of good fortune among the group and in the mix a story of some hard dirty dealing in Douglas County full of Murpheyisms and Shenanigans.  There was a song written about it:  (1) “There was some Dirty Dealing down in Douglas County,  It was one of those Real Estate Deals.  Neighbors met in the woods and agreed on a price  For those acres of trees and hills.  But along came a logger with a few more bucks That the seller could realize.  He went back on his word, The miserable bird, And his Neighbor has a tear in his eye!  He went back on his word, The Miserable Bird, And his Neighbor has a tear in his eye!  (2)It’s a cautionary story of Money and Glory, One designed just to break your heart.  How a Big Wheel Rolls with his land and gold  Never minding his own part In the meeting of Honor and Neighborly Trust.  His morals he’s completely forgot.  But his pocket’s full of money And he and his honey  Can just go to Blazes and Rot!  But his pocket’s full of money And he and his honey Can just go to Blazes and Rot!”  There are several more verses to it and the tune to it is kind of reminiscent of an old saw called “The Little Black Book.”  It ought to be played on a radio before it gets on the Missouri Song list.  In Mrs. Ethel (Haden) McCallie’s letter of June 24^th, she remarked that she liked the emphasis on music and was interested in getting the tapes and CD’s of the songs on the List.  It sounds like a lovely notion to have a single CD with all these songs on it, but for now the List is all there is.  It goes like this:

1. The Missouri Waltz
2. Meet Me in St. Louie, Louie
3. I’m Goin Back to Whur I come From
4. The Westphalia Waltz
5. The West Plains Explosion
6. My Missouri Home
7. Kansas City, Here I come
8. May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You
9. Walking in the Sunshine
10. Keep a Little Song Handy
11. Company’s Comin’ 

        “Beyond the Missouri Sky” is a collaboration between Pat Metheny and Charlie Haden and is much anticipated in Champion.  If “Dirty Dealing” makes it to the Hit Parade, it will go on the list as well.

        Neighbors over in Vanzant had a wonderful picnic on the 6^th and 7^th of July.  The fireworks were said to be spectacular as was all the music and food and particularly the home-made ice cream.  There were many freezers going at the same time and everyone just raved about it.  Bill and Karen Griswold hosted his brother and family visiting from Illinois for a week and impressed the daylights out of them with the fireworks display over in Norwood and then those at the Vanzant’s Picnic were just icing on the cake.  They didn’t see the Champion Stealth Parade, but Karen said they heard it was lovely.

        The Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Skyline Area Volunteer Fire Department will have had its meeting before the Herald goes to press.  Among the items expected to be covered in this meeting will be the success of the Concession Stand at the Bluegrass Festival back in June and plans for the Skyline’s Annual Picnic that will occur the second week end in August.  Jeff Pardeck of the White River Valley Electric Cooperative has contacted the Auxiliary to confirm that another gift certificate has been awarded to the Fire Department to be passed along to one of it’s lucky members.  Look for more details of the Auxiliary’s activities next week.  Last year Susie Griswold bought the winning ticket and it was a nice welcome to her and her family.  They had just moved here from Florida.  They have pitched right in to make Champion their home and to contribute their efforts to the overall good of the community.

        Examples of Shenanigans, stealth, good humor, good pitching and good deeds are welcome at Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367 Norwood MO 65717.  Any kind of pleasantry connected with Champion, past, present or future, or any musical delight or original ballad is eagerly accepted at Champion News.  Opportunities for impressing the daylights out of Champions with any of those things or any other things abound at Henson’s Store in tranquil center of the languid backwater.  CHAMPION—LOOKING ON THE BRIGHT SIDE!

CHAMPION—July 1, 2007

        Champion has been awash with luscious rain and Patriotic Ecstasies!  The First Ever Secret 4^th of July Parade came and went with fanfare enough to leave shreds of crape paper, burst balloons, colorful confetti, drooping bunting and an unusual number of spent shotgun shells.  Odd it was that none heard a thing!  The phantom echo of crashing cymbals, piccolo and tinkling glockenspiel in Stars and Stripes Forever lingers, haunting the damp forest undergrowth surrounding Champion.  Humidity and Expectation combine to steep the deep thoughtfulness of a Grateful citizenry.  Happy Birthday! America!  Huzzah!  The detritus was discovered by Henson’s Store proprietor at the opening of business on Wednesday.  The July 4^th Stealth Parade remains a Mystery, though it must have been a doozie.  Neighbors came in to help with the clean up and just looked at each other in Wonder.  The Champion Parade Committee is to be commended!

        Happy Birthdays were in order for those Nettleton girls too!  Saundra took her Mother, Eva,  up to Lamberts to meet with her sisters Shirley and Helen to celebrate their mutual birthdays on Friday the 29^th.  Among them they have accumulated 202 years!  They are a lively group.  There were stories about how Helen of Ava poured the brown beans on their Father’s head and how Shirley, now of the Purdy area, lost her doll in the outhouse and who had to clean it up and why.  Very interesting stuff.  Happy Birthday Ladies!

        Corrections have to be made from last weeks column:  It was Danny Dry, not Gray who came out from the courthouse in Ava to Esther’s Birthday party.  He has always been fond of Esther (join the club) and very supportive of the Skyline/Champion communities.  Then there is the matter of the travesty of having attributed the Ice Cream Fandango at Esther’s house on Saturday the 23^rd of June to Robert Hamilton instead of Robert Upshaw.  This is a grievous error since this ice-cream maker has such an excellent reputation for his craft.  It is, however, an easy mistake to have made, since there has been no real first hand knowledge of the ice cream, its purported excellence and variety, only hearsay from satiated ice cream-aholoics.  Apologies, nevertheless, are extended with the caveat that nothing further will be said about the ice cream until it has been tasted.  Both Roberts, however, are active in the Skyline Fire Department and both have lovely spouses and grandchildren, so the mistake is understandable if not excusable.

        Donna Moskaly is the proud owner of the Blue Ball Mason Jar, a quart, that was the Grand Prize in the First Ripe Tomato in Champion Contest!  She came down to Champion on Thursday afternoon, the 28^th, with the complete willingness to share her luscious ripe tomato with the judges.  She didn’t know the name of the variety.  It was a medium sized bright red jewel.  It was the first ripe tomato to be entered into the Contest, but not her first ripe tomato of the season since she and Joe had previously enjoyed one at their own table.  Therefore, any dispute or disparagement that could be brought by Louise and her Parks Whoppers is rendered Moot.  Fortunately, these ladies are convivial neighbors and while everyone knows how competitive Louise is, they also know she is gracious to the bone.

        An e-mail from Carl O. Johnson of West Plains says that all the members of the group touring in Champion last Sunday will plan to come back sometime when the store is open.  “ Have a great 4th of July Independence Day ‘Secret’ Parade—-I like the idea of celebrating it ‘all the time.’”  Carl O. Johnson.

        A letter  has arrived from Ethel McCallie of Nowata, Oklahoma!  “To the Writer of the Champion Items in the Ava paper:  Dear Sir, Or Madam,  I read and love your items, I think you are a great writer.”  (Thank you.)  “Now I’ll tell you who I am.  I’m a cousin to Darrell Haden and he suggested that I read your items.  I’m not aware of where Champion is.  I’ve heard of it all my life, but had no idea where it was…or is.  I was born at Smallett.  It’s about 9 miles S.W. of Ava and near Rome, McClurg, Bradleyville and some of the other small areas’………  “When I was a child we never got any farther away from home than Squires.  That’s where my Mother’s parents lived, their name was Warden.  My Grandpa was s school teacher, lawyer and Justice of the Peace.  You may have known of him as he taught school all over that area around Ava, Squires, Noble, Wasola and Kolb.”  …..”I seen Esther Wrinkles name in the paper and her photo saying she was having her 90^th birthday, June 28^th, so I sent her a card with a note in it congratulating her and telling her that I though 1917 was a very good year because it produced her and me and I told her I’d be 90 on August 11^th.  I hope she doesn’t mind me doing that.”  (Esther said that had received her card and appreciated it.)  She goes on:  “Have you heard of any Hadens besides Darrell?  He is my Dad’s oldest brother’s first grandchild.  My uncle’s name was Walter Haden, and my Dad’s name was Blake Haden.  We have a Haden Family reunion first weekend in September and if I get to come, My cousin and me are going to try to find your place of Champion.  Maybe you’ll have a sign back up by then.  I liked what you said about someone taking the sign, but not the hole.”………”I also enjoyed your comments about gooseberries.  My Granny had some bushes in her yard near the back porch and us kids and our cousins used to go and pick a bunch of them, then go behind the old cellar shed and see who could eat the biggest mouth full without frowning.  Haha!  It was fun, but those berries were so sour, I never could get enough sugar on a pie to make it sweet enough for me.  I said you have to use 13 sugars to each berry!”  Ms. Ethel (Haden) McCallie writes a lovely letter and covers a wide range of subjects which will be reported in future items.

        The article in the Herald concerning the Adopt A US Soldier program has been well received.  Any opportunity to show Love and Gratitude to those serving their Nation is Welcome.  When Champion’s Own Soldier is assigned, the name and address will be made available to any Champion who would like to correspond.  To date, in Iraq there have been 3,580 US Service People who have lost their lives there.  Lance Cpl. Patrick R. Nixon, 21, of St. Louis, MO was killed when his amphibious assault vehicle was hit by enemy fire in Nasiriya, Iraq on March 23, 2003.  He was with the 1^st Battalion, 2^nd Marine Regiment, 2^nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

        Some people complain that the rain is making for too much mowing.  Some people figure all the rain will make the tomatoes split on the vine.  Some people just don’t know how to be happy.  That’s not the Champion way!  No one has answered the question about Gene Autry’s horse yet, but some are studying on the matter.  A copy of Champion School Memories, a very interesting book compiled by a real Champion has surfaced and merits some study.  Perhaps there will be copies available for the Champion School Reunion that will be held on Labor Day.  Between now and then there will be many picnics, reunions, and ice-cream socials.  This promises to be a delightful Summer.  July’s full moon is called The Thunder Moon, its flower is the Larkspur and its birthstone is the Ruby, says Linda’s Almanac.  Compliments, complaints, corrections and any charming correspondence are welcome at Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717.  E-mail those things, tales of Summer Delights or garden tips (Linda’s almanac says that the 8^th and 9^th of July will be good for planting root crops) to Champion News.  Hand deliver those items or any excuses and commendations to an exhausted Patriot and Inspect the sight of the Great Invisible Parade from the lofty perch of Henson’s Store in the blissful bosom of CHAMPION—LOOKING ON THE BRIGHT SIDE!

CHAMPION—June 25, 2007

        The official Summer Social Season was set in full swing at Skyline on Saturday with the Celebration of the 90^th Birthday of Champion’s own Esther Wrinkles.  Well over a hundred of her friends and family enjoyed refreshments and each other’s fine company for an afternoon.  The occasion was full of smiles and laughter and lots of photographs as well as some good natured humor and a fine rendition of the Birthday Song.  Among the dignitaries attending were Kerry Davis, Douglas County Clerk and her assistant, Valery.  They came out from Ava for the party as did Tax Assessor Danny Dry.  Ashley Reece flew out from North Carolina for her Grandmother’s birthday, joining her parents, Theresa and Larry, and many other family members in the celebration.  It was a pleasant gathering full of sweet reminiscences and Love and Gratitude for Esther.  She has received over a hundred birthday cards she reported on Monday and they are still coming in.  Esther raised some nice children who Love their Mother and sure know how to throw a party!  The party continued on at Esther’s house until late in the evening as she then hosted twenty-six people for home-made ice cream.  Her neighbor Robert Hamilton is fairly King of Homemade Ice Cream, they say.  Everyone agreed it was wonderful!

        It was pleasant to see Jack and Sue Slagle at Esther’s birthday party.  They are long time supporters of the Skyline Volunteer Fire Department even though they live quite East of the district.  Sue was kind enough to donate one of her beautiful quilts to the Fire Department for it’s raffle a couple of years ago.  She is currently finishing a quilt that she is making for her Grandson, Kirk, who is a US Marine currently home on leave from Iraq.  He is touring around the country visiting friends a family for a few weeks before he will go back to Iraq where he works in communications.  He is their only grandson and Jack and Sue will be glad to see him in a few days for a few days.  Champions all wish for him “God’s speed.”

        Wilma Hutchison, the charming spouse of a Champion’s double cousin, inquired about the Champion sign.  Stephanie Stogsdill called on Monday to say that the sign has been special ordered and it will be made in Jefferson City.  It will be a few weeks or perhaps a little longer before it will be given to the instillation specialists to put in place.  As soon as MODOT releases the date of the sign instillation, arrangements will be made and announced for The Dedication Ceremony.  Someone suggested that it probably won’t be long before the sign is stolen again once it is back in place since it has had so much attention.  Attention was drawn to an episode that occurred a few years ago when a Champion had described in the press, or on the radio, a certain historic hand pump that was still in use and functioning well.  Within a very short time the thing had been stolen.  The pump had to be replaced at quite a significant expense.  The new one works but without the charm and memory evoking history of the old one.  One person muttered that it’s not right to be so afraid of losing something that you wonder whether or not you want to get it to begin with. “Nobody would ever have anything.  It’s like being held hostage by vandals!”  Well, Champions won’t be held hostage and they want the new sign.  It was one of the party-going Ms. Hutchisons or perhaps the proprietor of Henson’s Store who suggested that a bad dog might be kept tied at the sign for a while.  There were only a few veiled comments directed toward Spotted Hog when the matter was under discussion.  It is nice to have some of those tensions easing somewhat.

        Saturday evening did see a spectacular rainbow draped over Spotted Hog after a brief but heavy downpour, and there were sounds of early July 4^th fire-works around the Norwood area.  No one knows how long The Champion Parade Committee has been meeting in secret.  A key member, who would like not to be identified, has reported that the secret meetings are so much fun that the committee has decided to keep the Fourth of July Parade a secret too!  “It’s going to be a Happening!”  extolled this committee-member, just at an undisclosed time and location.  “It will be ‘happening’ all the time,” he continued, “…..continually any time Champions are thinking about Freedom and The Great Good Fortune they have to live in this Fine Country!  Just come to Champion any old time and sit on the porch at Henson’s Store.  Listen for the drum and fife!  It beats to the time of Champion’s heart!”  Such emotional patriotic zeal suggest the Champion Parade Committee might be ‘tipplers.’

        A Texas double cousin inquires if there is a ‘blush of pink’ showing yet in tomato patches around Champion.  Indeed!  Louise claims to have three Parks Whoppers on her table right now (Saturday) getting red ripe.  As it turns out, she already has a blue Ball Mason jar just like the one being given as the Grand Prize for the First Ripe Tomato in Champion Contest so when she learned that the tomato being entered in the contest would be judged by the eating of it, she decided that she will not share her first ripe tomato and forego the prize.  It is to be hoped that off in the future when the Grand Prize is Awarded, that Ms. Hutch will refrain from spoiling the moment for the Real Winner with dispute.

        Young Dillon and brother Dakota are back in Tennessee after making a fine showing at the fair.  They went home with various ribbons and awards as well as some wild calf experiences.  There were bruises earned by several in that camp.  The camp seems sort of quiet without their ruckus.  Harley, weary of gooseberries and hay-making, headed back to Barbara to enjoy their own ruckus of grandchildren and community.  He said he didn’t know if they would make it back for the CHAMPION REUNION which comes up on Labor Day.  Other Champions hope they do make it, Barbara is such fun!

        A big wheel came rolling through Champion!  Carl Oscar Johnson, of West Plains was showing his family and friends the sights of the area on their way to a rendezvous at Rockbridge for Sunday dinner.  He became acquainted with Barbara Henson Cogdill when he lived in Branson and used to buy Christmas Trees from her farm there.  It was a pleasant coincidence to learn of Barbra’s connection to Champion when he happened in to the store by chance a few years ago.  The store was closed on Sunday, but the group took some pictures and visited with some locals for a few minutes.  Mr. Johnson is the Executive Director of the West Plains Civic Center.  He said that when his Mother had just become a school teacher she moved into West Plains and rented a room from the Mayor.  They were all on the veranda of the Mayor’s house when the West Plains Explosion occurred.  He said that they saw the huge fire ball and that the town was very affected by the disaster for many years.  Champions have interesting neighbors.

        Specialist Benjamin J. Ashley, 22, Independence, MO, died May 24^th, 2007.  Corporal James E. Summers III, 22, Bourbon, MO, died May 28, 2007.  Sergeant Shannon V. Weaver, 28, Urich, MO, died May 22^nd, 2007.  Specialist Justin B. Carter, 21, Mansfield, MO, died February 16, 2005.  1^st Lt. Amos C. R. Bock, 24, of New Madrid, MO, was killed when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq, on October 23, 2006.  He was with the 4^th Battalion, 320^th Field Artillery Regiment, 45h Brigade Combat Team, 101^st Airborne.  There are now 3,549 deaths of US Service Personnel in conflict in Iraq confirmed by the Department of Defense and eleven more deaths pending confirmation.  The total is now 3,560.  Champions, together with the Whole Nation, will acknowledge their sacrifice with Love and Gratitude as they celebrate the Nation’s Birthday on July 4^th.

        Come to the first ever Champion 4^th of July Secret Parade!  Please send any reviews of the parade, or any other community news to Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717.

        Champion Friend Darrell Haden recently queried, “Was Gene Autry’s horse from your community?”  Answer that question or pose one by mail or e-mail to Champion News.  Elbow the hot-dog and apple pie vendors out of the way and hand deliver those things to Henson’s Store somewhere on the parade route (maybe) in The Throbbing Heart of the Community!  CHAMPION—LOOKING ON THE BRIGHT SIDE!

CHAMPION—June 18, 2007

        Dads, Daddies, Pops, Papas, Pappies, and Grand versions of all those Fathers and others were Hailed and Lauded, Revered and Appreciated with Love and Gratitude in Champion on Sunday.  Phone calls from far places and cards with and without money poured in.  There were many fine gatherings and many meals out.  A sudden,  violent and very noisy little thunderstorm came up and left a little rain and no damage.  No complaints were heard from the City Fathers on any account..

        In Champion they say if you see a pretty garden there is generally someone in it.

        Things are fairly burgeoning.  The First Ripe Tomato In Champion Contest is spurring a modest amount of enthusiasm, though it is thought that as things “pink up” the excitement will surely swell.  It is to be noted that if blossoms are only now appearing, there is scant chance for a victory.  Linda’s almanac says that the 23^rd all the way through the 27^th will be good for planting anything that bears fruit above the ground—the 25^th-27^th will be especially good.

        It was a swell time for Foster Emit’s second birthday!  He had cousins from Nebraska and Tennessee and a Great Uncle from Illinois at his party last week.  Another Great Uncle and Champion ice-cream maker furnished two kinds of the good homemade stuff to go with the cake and burgers and other excellent fair.  Foster entertained a substantial crowd with his mandolin and several selections from his expanding repertory.  His Tennessee cousins, Dakota and Dillon, have recently attended a singing school where they learned fundamentals of music together with some songs about skunks and bees.  They are having adventures in breaking some wild calves to show at the Fair in Mountain Grove on Saturday morning.  They are already Champions, but locals are wishing them good luck in their efforts!

        Saturday afternoon will see the community gathering to honor Esther Wrinkles at her Party at the Skyline School at 2 p.m.  It promises to be a lively affair with well wishers pouring in from all segments of society, from near and far.  Some of Esther’s friends are going to give her gooseberry bushes and plant them wherever she wants them in her yard so that when she gets old she won’t have to rely so much on others for her gooseberries!  Linda has three or four of them over at the Plant Place and she’s starting a sale on Thursday that will provide some great bargains.  As to the lies about gooseberries and the people who love them, apologies are to be made.  The admonition had been, “Don’t go telling any big lies about me.”  The thought had been that there would be fun in a small lie about a small thing.  Apparently, it was a Big Thing, since he hates gooseberries sooo much and he is now hesitant to talk about anything.  It just goes to show that there is no profit to be made from lying on any scale.  And Esther’s birthday is on the 28^th, of June and not the 27^th as was reported last week.  That was just a mistake—not a lie.

        Stephanie Stogsdill is in charge of District Eight of the Missouri Department of Transportation.  Her office is in Springfield, but she is quite well acquainted with this area.  She says that the Champion sign is on order and that she will release the date it will be installed as soon as it is available.  Nothing was said about whether the same hole would be used.  It still has not been taken.  Anyone wishing to compliment Ms. Stogsdill’s efforts for the betterment of her District can do so at MODOT, 3025 East Karney, Springfield, MO 65803, or go to www.modot.org on line.  Speculation that someone from Spotted Hog took the sign is slanderous.  That’s the way rumors are started.  It is agreed that is too bad that they don’t have their own sign over there, but Champion’s sign would clearly be of little use to them.  In an effort to quell further contention, nothing more will be said concerning this matter.

        Louise Hutchison and Sharon Sikes have been slipping around to do extra cleaning on the sly in the cook shack at the Skyline Fire Department Picnic Grounds.  They seem to feel that it’s OK for them to work harder than everyone else.  They dismantled the new refrigerator and cleaned it thoroughly, cleaned the deep fryer and the grill, and who knows what all?  Wilburn was there too sweeping and pitching in as a solid citizen.  Membership in the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Skyline Fire Department is a year-round thing.  These are some special Ladies (and gentleman.)  A good buy on a big deep freeze from a local merchant is being pursued.  The old one has finally given out and there will be a real need come Picnic Time.  These things and others will be discussed at the next meeting which will be held July 10^th, at Esther Wrinkle’s house.

        Spec. Justin B. Carter, age 21, of Mansfield, Missouri died at Forward Operating Base McKenzie near Samarra, Iraq on February 16, 2005.  He is one of sixty who died there that month.  The total of US Service People who have lost their lives in this conflict as of June 18, 2007 is 3,526.  Neighbors near and far are active in the US Military Services on behalf of the Nation.  The pride and patriotism of their service must be reflected in the Love and Gratitude of their Nation.

        The first foreign e-mail to the Champion News e-mail box is from Piedras Negras, Mexico!  It is subject line says “Bare it or bear it.”  The e-mail is as follows: “Salud! Champion!  The bare facts are that you barely speak your own language if you choose to use ‘bare’ for ‘bear.’  English is the official language of Champion, no?  I find your column a curious mix of charm and tedium, but it is a reminder of a place I have loved so well.  s.s.s.  C.Maria Beatifica Escondido, Piedras Negras, Mexico”  The response is:  “Dear Ms. Escondido, Thank you for reading the Champion Items.  Thank you for correcting the poor word choices.  Every effort will be made to do better.  Please feel free to share any fond memories that you have of Champion.  Sincerely, Your Champion Friend.”  A chance meeting with a great nephew of Ed and Anna Henson the other day promises to yield some good stories about them in the future.  The ‘old timers’ set the tone for this lovely place and it is a pleasure to know that they are remembered.

        Champions here and those abroad are welcome to correct spelling, usage, grammar, facts, dates and moral principals or principles (so much pressure!) by writing to Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717.  Send those things and any stories or good memories of the old timers to the e-mail address that Ms. Escondido used, or drop them off in person to one of the City Fathers of Champion who may be found at any odd time lounging about at Henson’s Store on the tree lined boulevard in the nerve center of the fair town.  Any examples of good works done on the sly will also be accepted.  CHAMPION—LOOKING ON THE BRIGHT SIDE!