Champion News

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.