Champion News

 

Champions were chasing their hats over the weekend as the unrelenting gusts sent them sailing across their gardens. Getting the soil ready to plant is rewarding work even when it requires more effort than some can muster at any one time. They will be happy for what little they do get done and happier for a rainy Monday to rest and revel in the aquafer being recharged. They will recharge themselves and be ready to get out there again some sunny day.

Skyline students are hoping for a sunny Saturday, April 23rd, for their Fun Run-Donut Dash. Meanwhile they are gearing up for MAP testing, which will be followed by a variety of field trips and end of the year activities. The Sunshine Committee at Skyline is holding a fundraiser selling Krispy Kreme donuts. They will be delivered the day of the Fun Run. Contact any Skyline student to make your order. John Phillip Rhodes, a seventh grade student, had his birthday on April first. Kindergarten’ Fredrick Smith had his party on the 4th. Saturday, the 9th, was the big day for Administrator Donnie Luna and third grade teacher, Candace Mayberry. Seventh grader Wyatt Lakey has the 15th for his big day along with G. Gary Jones over in Stockton, Champion son-in-law Dustin Kline, and Champion Vivian Krider Floyd.

Studebaker Bob Berry will be celebrated in Vanzant on the 14th. Hopes are he and Mary will be there to enjoy the music with their friend, Glen Brandstedder. Champion grandson and banjo player, Dillon Watts, has his birthday on the 12th. Hopes are he and his wife will find their way over from Tennessee to the jam some Thursday. Our favorite fiddler, hit a deer on the way to Vanzant last week. His headlights were still working so he came on. He was in fine voice and grateful the damage to his vehicle was not worse. It is a cautionary tale. Watch out, day or night, next fall’s venison on the hoof could cause havoc any time of the year.

April 15th, Tax Day, finds most of us glad to pay our fair share and grateful for the benefits of living in this wonderful country. Tax evaders enjoy those benefits too, and their fair share could greatly enhance them for all of us. A little update in the tax codes and some serious enforcement would help. A friend who is interested in word origins said that politics comes from the Greek word for many and from blood sucking parasites. Certainly, if vitriol were vitri-oil, the energy crisis would be well over. Would we could find a way to extract the ire-oil from the letters to the editor and certain inflationary articles, which should be published in the ‘op-ed’ section, we could fuel our tillers, our tractors, our trucks, and our Trans Ams. Political fervor can be mollified by a nice walk in the woods. Maybe you will find a mushroom and lower your blood pressure.

A brief, pleasant meeting with Ethel Leach at the feed store revealed that she and Bob are doing well and staying busy. She sends regards to Don and Reba and all their friends down on the wide, wild, wooly banks of Old Fox Creek, where good citizenship and optimism reign in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

Sometime after the next cold snap, some Champions will put out hummingbird feeders and will keep a steady watch for their southern friends. As things bud and sprout and bloom, so do the spirits of winter weary old folks ready for one warm day after another. Last Thursday marked the last snowfall for the month of March with a few flakes falling in Mountain Grove and Ava. A gathering of a great gaggle of girlfriends at Rockbridge happened that day, as well, and, reportedly, enjoyed a wonderful time together. A couple of individuals missed out by taking the wrong roads where the bridges were awash with flood waters and debris. By the time they corrected their various routes, the party was over. Alas! They will not miss the next chance to be in the company of seldom seen sisters.

Another party was much enhanced that evening, however, with the long awaited return of a favorite fiddler to the Vanzant jam. He was in the company of his sweet sister, Sally. They were well received and much entreated to come back often. It is a long drive for them after dark, which is what keeps some Champions from the newly established Tuesday Jam over at Roy’s Store in Dora. They get started about six in the evening and carry on until nine or so. Gina Hollingshead, who plays the only electric instrument–the bass, said she was surprised at how many people local to that area are coming with their acoustic instruments to join in. Bertie’s pies may also have something to do with the great turn out. The whole country is hungry for pie and music, both good medicine. Beverly Emery’s favorite is lemon merengue. Thursday, the seventh, at the Vanzant Jam, she will have that birthday song sung to her with enthusiasm by her many friends. She will most likely be on the look out for a gag gift from her irrepressibly silly sister. Irrepressible.

Twin Chefs in Kentucky are irrepressible as they teach us how to make pigs in the blanket. Mickey, the twin on the left, has been a visitor to the area on a number of occasions. It turns out he is married to the irrepressible Cathie Alsup Reilly of the local Alsups, kin to many folks in the Denlow/Vanzant/Champion triumvirate of desirable locations.

Windowsills bristle with seedlings of peppers, marigolds and milkweed waiting to be transplanted to the garden. The almanac says the best days in April for that activity are 16, 17, 25, 26, and 29. Champions generally figure May 10 to be the last frost day, but we have been fooled in the past. They say that it is easier to fool someone than to convince them they have been fooled. When it comes to gardening though, the truth is indisputable. Would it were so else wise world wide! Children, visiting from the city, have had a good work-out pushing wheelbarrows of manure and stacking firewood. It often happens that when we have help, we work harder than we do working by ourselves. A pleasant week-end and good neighbor help has some old Champions looking for the horse liniment on Monday morning and they do not have horses! Champions—Looking on the Bright Side!

The walk down to the mailbox might be full of anticipation or dread or just a chance to gaze out across a broad field to marvel at the little clumps of daffodils growing way out there, washed to their new ground by previous seasons’ flood waters.  And the mailbox may hold a surprise.  One such appeared in the cyber mailbox at champion@championnews.us  It came from a K. Brown who, having heard about the Champion Store from Brooks Blevins, googled us up and found The Champion News.  Kim had complimentary things to say about our website, administered by the talented Ms. Oyl.  The pandemic and ‘life in general’ have thus far thwarted Kim’s good intention to visit, especially the local feature known as Nelson Park.  In response to this kind letter, it was explained that the park is just a wide spot in the road at a crossing of Clever Creek where Fox Creek Road and Cold Springs Road join (or fork).  It was also suggested that the end of the pavement itself may well prove a good destination.  Hopes are it will happen yet.  We are always happy to receive mail, cyber or snail at The Champion News, Rt. 72 Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717.

“Y’all Come” is one of those country songs people of a certain age can remember.  “Oh, the kin folks are coming, yes, they’re coming by the dozens…”  And what a joy it is!  The preparations for house guests bring numerous things to mind.  One asks, “Why would we do so much for other people when we don’t do it for ourselves?  Don’t we like it when everything is clean and organized?”  Another one said, “You might just be trying to put forth your best foot.”  A favorable impression is not a bad thing.  A friend over in Champion South said that she and her family had been living there for a few years when a local person visited their house and said, “You people are a lot cleaner than I thought you’d be.”  Friends and family are what make the world a beautiful place, so a little extra elbow-grease is well spent making them comfortable and happy to come again.  Drop us a note with your thoughts on this or any other matter.

The General’s daughters were looking for thoughts on their debate of the difference between tart and tangy.  In short order, they received nine responses.  All said they were different, but only three suggested how.  Tim Wood suggested that tangy is about the intensity of a flavor, while tart is connected closely to sourness/bitterness.  Another Upshaw, Loni, said “Things sisters will debate over!  They’re different.  Tangy is a little sweeter.”  And Debbie Scott Russel said, “Tart is sharp.  Tangy is more mellow.”

Partisan fervor flavoring the letters to the editor makes them a delightful or disgusting read depending on point of view.  So, it was a nice change to read of the troubles of Mr. Brian Haynes in the January 17th, edition of The Herald.  He lives up on Old Highway 5 where he has significant complaint about the condition of the road.  He is eloquent in his grievance with vivid, jarring descriptions and serious safety concerns.  He said that he had driven on gravel roads that are in better shape than his pavement.  Certainly, if he is over in our neck of the woods, when the pavement ends, the gravel lanes are lovely, thanks to those hard working, handsome gentlemen of the Drury Shed.  We will wish Mr. Haynes good luck in dealing with his commissioners and, hopefully, off in the future, our Douglas County commissioners will look seriously at White River Electric’s proposal for good high speed internet service, the benefits of which will be many.  Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

Turnout for the Skyline Volunteer Fire Department chili supper on Saturday was excellent even with all the other events going on in the area. It was lovely to see old friends and neighbors again after such a long time. The food was tasty, the music wonderful, and the support of the community for this vital organization was most heartening. It will be exciting to see construction begin on the new fire station which is being funded by a block grant from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. When that will happen has not been determined, but it will be a boon to the organization and to the community when it does. Tim and Sara Tamburrino made the trip down from Springfield to enjoy the evening and to video the bands. Tim is about to have a knee replaced, so he said he would have plenty of time to edit and post while he is recuperating. He has also asked if the Skyline School is still looking for donations of guitars for their music program. There are probably good guitars languishing under the beds of any number of folks in these parts that could come to life again in the hands of Skyline students as taught by Cheyenne McIntosh of the New Grass Attack. An old timer said that if these instruments are not being played, they might as well be stove wood. There were several ‘old timers’ in the crowd on Saturday. In the event that some of them might not consider themselves to be in that group, names are being withheld to protect their illusion of youth. It was a good time for young and old thanks to the hard work of many volunteers. Champions all! Looking on the Bright Side!

Tim Tamburrino recording the show for the Midwest Bluegrass Directory.

This band is called Possum Trot. Herbie Johnston is the fiddler. In the front row watching is Alvie Dooms, Jerry Wagner and Sally Prock.

The Finley River Boys’ fiddler started playing when he was 4. https://finleyriverboys.com/

Skyline School’s music teacher, Cheyenne McIntosh, is on guitar and vocals with The New Grass Attack.

Sally, Jerry, and Alvie enjoying the show.

From one end of the fiddle to the other, these two have it covered.

 

Saturday’s sixteen degree morning did not seem to hurt the daffodils and the clock springing forward has little effect on old Champions who are no longer ruled by it. They awoke on ‘Pi (e) Day’ (03-14) with gardening in their thoughts. The almanac informs them that good potato planting time will be coming up from the 18th through the 21st. Meanwhile, one saw a bee on Sunday, a wonderful harbinger of Spring, which arrives officially on the 20th. The 23rd is a big day for birthdays. Skyline VFD firefighter, Don Powell, shares the day with Elva Upshaw, The General’s daughter, with Don Bishop whose firewood has not yet rolled down onto Highway 14, and with Judie Pennington who is ready for mushroom season. Enjoy your special day and all your other days as well.

One time, shortly after the turn of the century, a Champion invited Geoff over for chili. The dinner was going well until he said, “Chili? Where’s the beans? This is just hamburger soup!” It turns out the Champion was an ex Texan and couldn’t help it. She said her Daddy had said, “If you’re gonna have chili, have chili. If you’re gonna have beans, have beans.” But over time, she has grown to appreciate Ozarkian chili and especially as it is served up by the Skyline Area Volunteer Fire Department’s Ruth Hamilton. She and her friends are stirring up a batch that will hit the spot at the chili supper at the Skyline School on Saturday night. To their credit, there will also be ham and beans, an Ozark specialty, and pies of all kinds, baked up by the Skyline VFD membership. Ruth has also turned out a beautiful Double Wedding Ring quilt that will go on the silent auction block, together with some Branson tickets and other goodies. The benefit is for the volunteer fire department that helps us get home-owner’s insurance and helps us when we need help the most. First responders are cool. They will start serving food at 5:00 and the music will start at 6:00! Great music, by the way—Finley River, Possum Trot, and New Grass Attack. The proceeds of the evening will go toward essential firefighting equipment and general operating expenses. A chance to step up and help out is a chance to take!

The big circle at the Vanzant Jam leaves listeners and musicians all feeling better at the end of the evening. Woody Guthrie said, “Music is the winds that sigh in the leaves on the tree of life, and I find it pretty hard from day to day to keep from getting out on a limb. But in my day, there was lots and lots of folks out on limbs—I’m just hoping that in your day there won’t be so many.” It turns out that these days there are quite a few in that situation. In all the ways we can, if only in our best hopes and prayers, we strive to be of help to those struggling in these difficult days—Champion! Looking on the Bright Side!

Country lanes are beginning to bristle with daffodils planted long ago by previous residents and scattered by the road graders over the years.  That bright yellow heralds the beauty to come.  Many gardens will feature sunflowers this year in solidarity with the folks in Ukraine as they struggle to defend their democracy.  While we acknowledge our own good fortunes in these difficult times, we are mindful of the suffering and chaos going on elsewhere.  In a rare and welcome consensus, we send our best wishes and prayers for those folks in harm’s way wherever they may be.

Sunday night’s threatening weather reminds us that spring is indeed on the way.  The almanac says that the next good days for starting seedbeds will be the 11th and the 12th.  The 13th is the day to remember J.R. Johnston on his birthday.  He passed away in 2019, but any banjo strumming to an old tune brings him sweetly to mind.  In last year’s episode of The Champion News we read, “The soothsayer said, ‘Beware the Ides of March!’”  We can be wary any day of things unknown, and we can celebrate any day for the good things we do know.  As to good things, the 15th of March (the Ides) is the birth anniversary of Supreme Court Justice Ruth B. Ginsberg; of Sam Lightnin’ Hopkins, Texas bluesman; of Jacob Masters, now batting about 400 for the Saints over in Liberal, Kansas; and of his crooning second cousin, 30 years his senior far over the wide Atlantic.  Another good thing coming up is the Skyline VFD Chili Supper on Saturday the 19th.  The star of the silent auction will be the Double Wedding Ring quilt made by Ruth Hamilton.  Good music, food, and fellowship in support of the VFD will make for a great evening.  Kaitlyn McConnell has been sent her Chili Supper Invitation.  She will get to see Ozarks Alive!  Many local activities will be happening that night, so everyone, be safe in your travels.

Champion friend, Kaitlyn, is out collecting stories from folks with long memories.  On March 3rd Dawn Henson posted a picture of herself and Kenneth (Hovey) marking 55 years of marriage.  She said, “55 years with this guy!”  The picture is of an attractive and optimistic young couple starting out on life’s journey together.  Their friends, Beverly and Alvin Barnhart, have recently commemorated their 60th anniversary.  Hovey and Alvin must have been a real pair of rapscallions back in Mountain Grove High School.  They could tell you stories.  Long lasting marriages and friendships are well worth celebrating.  It is a treat when distant Champions stay in touch.  Distant Kentucky cousins, Mickey and Cathie Alsup Reilly, made a surprise visit to the Vanzant jam on Thursday, treating The General and his big, wild bunch to a bunch of fun.  They were just out on a tear, dropping in on friends and kin who did not know they were coming.  Surprise of the good kind–always welcome in Champions!  Looking on the Bright Side!

Way back before former President Regan did away with the F.C.C.’s Fairness Doctrine and deregulated the media, there was a news commentator named Walter Cronkite. He was often called ‘the most trusted man in America.’ He said, “War itself is, of course, a form of madness. It’s hardly a civilized pursuit. It’s amazing how we spend so much time inventing devices to kill each other and so little time working on how to achieve peace.” Some Champions managed to spend most of the week with no television, instead, enjoying the company of some young, energetic, interesting visitors who arrived just ahead of the ice storm. The grimness of the world situation will still be there when the fun of a family visit is just another lovely memory stored up in the hearts of Old Champions.

The Finley River Boys, Possum Trot, and New Grass Attack will be the entertainment at the Skyline VFD Supper on the 19th of March. Save the date! It is a chili/ham and bean affair with deserts donated by the fire department membership. If it is anything like those kinds of events in the old days, it will be a lively affair. Seldom seen neighbors will be there along with some of our new neighbors, all expressing support and appreciation for the dedication and hard work of our Volunteer Firefighters. Perhaps some representative of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks will be there to talk about the new fire station. For sure, it will be a good time for a worthy cause.

Buffy St. Marie was born on February 27th on the Piapot Cree First Nation reserve in Canada. She was adopted by a family in Massachusetts where she flourished in her musical gifts as she grew up. One of her great songs is “Little Wheel Spin and Spin.” In some cultures, it is a custom to burn a candle on the birthday of a deceased beloved family member or friend, just as an acknowledgement of that person’s life and of the affection felt for him. So, on March 2nd, a candle is lit for Leopold—a dynamic individual, much missed. Dennis is bluegrassing in the back yard and picking and grinning on various stages, in area living rooms, and local barbershops. His birthday is the third of March. The fifth is for Linda up in Norwood, tending her beautiful garden and dealing good bridge hands. That is also a day to celebrate Krenna Long who lives north of Norwood and Cindy Winchester, Texas’ precious San Antonio Rose. One of Diamond Jim Brady’s kin has the sixth of March for her big day and the eighth is for Sue Murphy over in Mountain Grove, playing her mandolin singing ‘Just Because.’ Kay, who used to make brooms and maybe still does, shares her birthday on the ninth with Micha who is a California cousin of Felix the Farmer. Birthday candles burn with delight because of you!

Hopes are that everyone enjoyed some good shut-in time during the cold spell. Lots of hot chocolate and afternoon naps have us rested up for warmer days to catch up on the outside chores. Country people rarely run out of something to do. Sometimes they just spend an hour gazing out at the beauty of the countryside. Get an eyeful of it for yourself down at the end of the pavement on the wide, wild, wooly banks of Auld Fox Creek in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

Champion daffodils in the snow.