Champion News

“We wish you a merry Christmas!” sang the students of Skyline Bus #5 to Mrs. Betty at the Champion Store.   They posed on the steps for their photo while enjoying their ice cream, compliments of their favorite bus driver.  ‘Twas a perfect way to start Winter Break.  Later that day    Patricia Harrison shared some lovely videos of the festive Vanzant Jam that had Ruby and Betty dancing along with David to some lively tunes.  The crowd joined in on a rendition of “Jingle Bells.” Sources report that Mary Goolsby may have been overwhelmed by the rousing ‘happy birthday’ song directed toward her.  Surely The General added “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!”

Serious severe winds seemed to be directed toward the Bright Side that night.  People out on long county roads hesitated to try to make it to the pavement as roadside trees swayed wildly in the wind, letting go of big branches in the process.  Electricity blinked off and on during the evening.  Porch furniture, piles of aluminum cans and plastic destined for recycling, and broken limbs were strewn wildly across yards.  Friday found Champions enjoying a lovely calm day for the cleanup.

Jacob Brixey cleaned up at his first Archery tournament in Hollister on Saturday.  He placed 3rd overall high school boys.  He scored 282 out of 300.  Hit 50 twice.  It was at the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and their “Santa Shoot-Out” with archers from all over the state.  Skyline’s archery program gives students the opportunity to learn safe, international-style archery, focusing on focus, physical fitness, and self-improvement.  Archery, like music, is an activity that proves that practice pays off in proficiency.

Page 22 of Kaitlyn McConnell’s “The Ozarks Pie Project Diary” features the Olde-Tyme Apple ‘n’ Cheese pie.  The recipe was shared by Louis L. Johnson on behalf of Betty Jefferson.  It was published in the 1980s by the Ava United Methodist Church in Missouri.  An Old Champion served it to guests Saturday evening. Reviews were good.  The baker is a novice, who plans to make a pie a month in the New Year.  Kaitlyn’s book will be her guide.  It is available at Jean’s Healthway in Ava and at The Champion Store.

Sunday morning found thousands of people cheering and dancing around Stonehenge as the sun rose over the prehistoric stone circle.  Of the Winter Solstice J.C. Owsley said, “The days will gradually get longer, and my spirits will be lifted.”  A Champion friend’s mother used to say, “We need each other’s light, so the dark won’t gobble us up.”

Sunday evening had Champions and folks all around the Ozarks in awe of an incredible sunset. “Red sky at night—sailor’s delight,” they say.  Gurdeep Pandher says, “May your holidays sparkle with wonder you didn’t see coming, and may the season’s warmth seep into your bones and stay there long after the last ornament returns to its box.”  We second that sentiment in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

We have too much stuff, but it is hard to let go of it.  Stacks of the White River Valley Electric Cooperative magazine “Rural Missouri” and the wonderful “Missouri Conservation” magazines are too precious to discard with all their wonderful photographs and pertinent information.  The  December 2023, edition of “Rural Missouri” has a wonderful article that says, “Vanzant farm brings magic of the North Pole to southern Missouri.”  The article was about the Prescot Family Reindeer Farm over on W Highway east of Vanzant.  Christmas is all around us.  Enjoy the season and the reasons for it.  Save the decluttering for next year.

When were you last on a horse?  An old Champion asked The Prominent one.  It turns out he claimed to have been riding with Jesse James.  Well, not really, but his great, great grandmother who was born in 1797 and is buried in the Denlow Cemetery had the maiden name of James.  The information was corroborated by his own second cousin, twice removed, who indicated he was on the other side of the family and so not related to the infamous outlaw. Stories circulated about the James gang swinging through this part of the country securing fresh mounts on the fly, some with permission and some not.  We are full of history.  Previously Champion was known as Pleasant Ridge.  It may have had other names as well and perhaps someone knows why it is called Champion now.

The holidays are fast upon us with all the many reasons to be glad.  Champion by marriage and talented photographer Shannon Alexander celebrated his birthday on December 14th.  That is also the day we remember Judy Gale Ing, who loved Champion and was as good a friend as anyone could ever hope to have.  She shared the day with Spike Jones who embodied musical fun.  Google him if you are unacquainted. Jesse Ing, Judy’s handsome son out in Hollywood, spent time in Champion as a lad. His birthday is on the16th as is that of Amanda Mastin who lives up in Springfield.  Skyline first grader, Dusty Simon, has the 18th for his day.  Mary Goolsby and Herby Johnston will both be partying on the 20th.  They will surely be enjoying music as part of their celebrations and will be remembering fiddler Jerry Wagner whose birthday was on the 21st.  That is the day Skyline eighth grader Paige Jonas celebrates.  Braxton Loveless is a kindergarten student with December 22nd as his birthday.  The 23rd is a big day for a bunch of people:  Butch Stone, six grader Chase Cauthron, cow farmer David Cauthron, and Sharon Sikes, great grandmother of Blaine Denlow as well as others—Champions all.   Joann Anderson, aka Grannie Grunt, was born on Christmas Day.   Carrington Kate Fogle is a seventh grader who has a birthday on the 26th, the same day as Skyline 5th grade teacher Heather Decker.  Champion grandson Eli Oglesby was born on the 30th.   Robert Upshaw shares his big day with young Arvin Schroder on the 31st.  The General may be about recovered from celebrating his daughter Loretta’s big milestone birthday.  Her sisters know how to party.

Joy to the world!  We have cold days, warm days, sad days, beautiful days, joyful days, dreary days, days full of memories and days full of expectations.  If we have a choice of days, joyful ones are the winner.  A brilliant red cardinal sitting in a gray brush-pile sparks a visual moment of joy, just a flash.  The more we can pay attention to those minuscule unexpected flashes of beauty the better we will be able to let go of some of the dreary, sad and scary.  So, grab some joy any time you find it wherever you are.  We find lots of it in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!