In 1697, the English poet and playwright William Congreve said, “Musick has charms to soothe the savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.”  We do not know about rocks and oaks, but we know that music is a good calming force for us. The Prominent Champion reported that Johnny Cox from up around Kansas City joined The General, and Cheryl Hatch and Carissa Rene from the Hero’s Rest out on the wide veranda Wednesday.  He commented on Carissa’s beautiful voice, which it is.  The General reported that she and Cheryl were at Vanzant Thursday in the musical circle of fifteen, where Cheryl surprised and delighted the room with a beautiful rendition of “Ashokan Farewell” on her violin.  We did not know she was a fiddler!  The jam has been much in need of one, so maybe she will become a regular.  Meanwhile, over here in Edinburgh, Scotland, Paul (someone) on cello and Eddie Hanson on fiddle did that beautiful old tune in a crowded and usually very noisy pub on Friday and brought the room to a sublime stillness.

Music is so good for us that we will sing “Happy Birthday!” to Champion Leslee Krider and Skyline fourth grader Tinsleigh Miller on October 14th, to Joe Moskaly on October 15th, to Darlene Connor and Champion grandson Carson Cline on the 18th.  Your Champion correspondent will celebrate on the other side of the Atlantic on the 21st and will remember Champion Anna Henson that day.  October 22nd is for Donna Moskaly and Skyline second grader London Coon.  The 23rd is for Champion granddaughter Esther Grace Oglesby and her Aunt Breauna Krider has the 24th for her big day.  We remember the great singer songwriter, Roger Miller (1936-1992) on October 25th.  He wrote great tunes like “You Can’t Roller-skate in a Buffalo Herd” and “Dang Me.”  That is also the birthday of Skyline fifth grader Grant Strong and first grader Olyvia Wagner who moved to Champion this summer.  The 26th is for Brad Oglesby, Esther Grace’s dad, and Champion Shala Clark and the day we remember Champion Harley Krider. Harley had a wonderful singing voice.  Skyline fifth grader Kayleigha Crownover and kindergarten student John Sudderth share the 28th for their birthdays along with Nicholas Georges.  Connie Lansdown will party on the 30th and on that day we will remember Champion Royce Henson.  May the music uplift your spirits.  Tom Peters has been sharing good music online and good stories about music.  He also reports that Kaitlyn McConnell’s new book “The Ozarks Pie Project Diary” includes McClurg.  It includes Champion too and it is said that pie, just like music, brings people together.

The General reported that the Owsley family reunion was another enjoyable event.  He said there were twenty-four in attendance this year, down from the usual fifty or so of recent years.  His nieces from Idaho and Florida did not make it this time and a nephew who lives in Ava just waved as he drove by.  Cathie Alsup Reilly and her daughter Linda came over from Kentucky and said they had a great time. Johnnie and Lori Kline Cox made it down from around Kansas City for the gathering and then over to Champion for the fun of it.

Riding in taxis and buses over the ancient cobblestones here in Auld Reekie feels just like bouncing along our beautiful country lanes in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

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