Gratitude shines on many faces in Champion.  The Prominent Champion is grateful that his chain saw is in the emergency room and not the morgue.  The Cowboy is grateful for himself.  Beverly Hutchison’s friends from over in Ozark are grateful to have had a glorious sunny day in November to go ‘four wheeling’ on their fancy ‘side by sides’ with friends on a scenic escapade through Champion going on toward Rockbridge for lunch.  First time visitors to the Bright Side seemed to find the place quaint and reminiscent of a former more convivial time.  Out on the wide veranda, The General, was also grateful for Champion, for the wide veranda, and for the Historic Emporium on which it stands, along with the merchant’s genial hospitality.  He expressed gratitude for a root-beer float and for the opportunity to get acquainted with so many of the interesting newcomers to the area.  He can usually tell them history of the piece of land they now own.  Little Stewarts, two year old Elena and six week old Benjamin will be signing up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.  Champions are grateful for children, reading, Dolly Parton, family and friends and the mild weather that has deer hunters cozy in their stands.

Reports are that deer season has been good so far.  Trophies will be mounted; freezers will fill when the processing’s done.  Many people in these parts process their own deer–a good skill to have.  “Road Hunters Beware” signs have shown up in some very rural areas.  Deer hides donated to the Veterans for wheelchair gloves and ‘Sharing the Harvest’ are good programs.  Anyone with a favorite venison jerky recipe to share can send it to champion@championnews.us or to The Champion News, Rt. 72 Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717.  Please.  Dustin says that when he is out truck driving, he buys the Teriyaki Jerky in the truck stops.  He also likes the Mongolian Jerky.  Wolf Pen Hollow’s cattle rancher and dump truck driver says the best jerky recipe left his family in a divorce.  A Tennessee Champion by marriage is said to have a good one.

Friends headed to Norwood for a bridge game almost found themselves in the middle of a parade.  Apparently, Santa and the Missus made a sashay through the town with fire trucks, floats, marching bands, and horses.  The main thoroughfare was lined with expectant onlookers.  Candy was flung among the children and a glorious day weather-wise made it one of those days they will remember when they are old folks.

Community support for the Barry family has been inspiring.  It is beautiful to see.  The Peace Valley Poultry folks stepped up immediately with solid support.  Many others are finding ways to help this precious young family.  Jason Barry has organized a GoFundMe page, raising funds to allow Jeff access to a good physical rehabilitation center, purchase a wheelchair van, pursue additional alternative treatments, cover medical bills, and assist with future unforeseen expenses that will arise while the Barry family focuses on healing.  Find all the information on the “Jean’s Heathway” Facebook page if you spend time online.  Otherwise, pop into the store on the southwest corner of the square and do what you can.  Jason says, “We have great faith that Jeff will recover, and yet this journey will be an epic one.  Let us ease the burden for this family who has dedicated so much of their life in service to others.”

“What do you have to be grateful for?”  It is a good question.  Maybe it gets asked this time of the year more than at other times.  All year, daily, we count our many blessings in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

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