The time change discombobulates even old folks who do not have to punch a clock on Monday mornings. Change is hard. Change is the only constant. It must be embraced even as we embrace the changes in ourselves from one birthday to the next. Bob Leach had a birthday on November 4th. He is a fan of Gene Autry and is a real cowboy himself. Ask Ethel. Skyline second grade student Elaina Homer had her birthday on November 5th. That was also the big day for Emerson Rose Ogelsby, a Champion granddaughter. Lee Richardson, of Lee’s Bees and hero luthier for the Skyline Guitar Class, was celebrated in a big way by his sweetheart. She made him three dozen breakfast tacos with Salsa Fresca and mango habanero hot sauce. Wayne Wiseman, grandfather of Champion grandchildren, Foster and Kalyssa Wiseman, had a big 90th birthday party on the 7th. Tree hugger, wood worker Bob Heffern in Champion South will be celebrated by friends and family on the 8th. Skyline fifth grader Owley Sudderth has the 12th as a day to party and seventh grader Isabella Jeffrey will enjoy the 14th for her big day. The 13th is for the multitalented Jill Sterling and the 14th for Carol Callahan Barnhart. Richard Heffern, Bob’s not very much older brother, will enjoy the 15th as the anniversary of his birth. He lives in a big town but has a cabin in the Champion woods that gives him happy respite from city noise and traffic.

Anyone looking for a definition of community need look no farther than the Eastern Douglas County Volunteer Fire Department chili supper on Saturday night. Thanks to all the volunteers who made it happen, the Vanzant Community Building bustled and bulged with good will, appreciation, great food, music, music, music, frivolous fun, fellowship, generosity, gratitude, veneration, and support for the great organization of volunteers who leave their tables, jobs, and beds to protect community lives and property. Backyard Bluegrass showed up as they routinely do for every good cause in the area. More than entertainment, they have history going all the way back to the beginning of these benefit socials. Esther Wrinkles was a big fan of the band and predicted that D.J., who was a young teenager at the time, would become a great musician. She made him strawberry rhubarb pies. She made those original coconut cream pies that brought high dollars at these benefit auctions. Area merchants and community members donated a wide variety of interesting items for the auction. Dave Ellis has auctioneering skills would be something to write home about if one could put that many syllables on paper. With humor, cunning and guileless intimidation, he drew competitive bids between people paying out of the same pocket in an evening of laughter and excitement. Teresa Wrinkles’ coconut cream pie, made from Esther’s big money recipe, sweetened the deal. It is sweet to be part of a real community that goes way back and promises to go on yet. Bravo to the EDCVFD.

A few unseasonably beautiful days in a row has Old Champion gardeners getting ready for spring, hoping to find a way to minimize the damage the deer will do next year. The deer population is surprising large. Hunting season is here, and road hunters are on the move. Gina Hollingshead reported some in her neighborhood and warns friends and neighbors to be on the lookout. She says to get license numbers if you can and report to the Conservation Department or the sheriff.

The chili supper included a salute to our Veterans. Veteran’s Day is Saturday, November 11th. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it as Armistice Day to honor the end of World War I. After World War II, the holiday was recognized as a day of tribute to the Veterans of both wars. British Commonwealth countries now call it Remembrance Day. We acknowledge all those who serve and sacrifice and those who have done so for our security and wellbeing. There will be parades and speeches for them that go along with hopes for peace and understanding the world over. Over here is the very seat of optimism—Champion! Looking on the Bright Side!

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