Champion News

Champion Tomato Blossoms

Sunday, we remembered our old Fathers, our Dads, our Papas, great and grand, living and gone on, but far from forgotten. Menfolk often get short shrift because of their ‘sun to sun’ work while the women are somehow never done. Chainsaw and weed-eater wielding gentlemen can rest guilt free. They can feed cows and bale hay and then take a nap or go to the creek. They can hoe the garden and mow the grass then come in for a good lunch and a “Thanks, Honey.” Appreciation for the providing, protecting, and the good humor and good example set is a year-round idea that comes home around Father’s Day. The celebration includes gratitude for Uncles, Godfathers, Foster Dads, Stepdads, Mentors, and Big Brothers. Despite what the song says, a good man is not hard to find. Thank you, fellows!

Father’s Day fell on the first official day of summer this year. It was a convergence of good things. Hundreds of people attended the summer solstice at Stonehenge even though officials asked them not to travel to the site in line with Covid restrictions. Normally, more than 10,000 people would gather to watch the sun rise over the stones on the longest day of the year. Now each day is getting a little shorter, but more good things are on the way. Gardens are flourishing and gardeners are grateful for a little Monday rain.

The Vanzant Community Picnic is fast approaching—July 9th and 10th at the community center. Organizers are looking for sweet confections for the cake walk. Cakes, cookies, cupcakes, or some other sweet confection would be greatly appreciated. They say if you would like someone to pick up your donation, you can call 417-254-2219. There will be music, games, and the sense of community missing too long. There will be door prizes, food, friends, and fun. Look for the ads in The Herald for more information when the time comes.

“Y’all Come” is a great old country song that people of a certain age may have heard back in the 1940s and earlier. One of the verses goes, “Oh! The kinfolks are a comin! Yes, they’re comin by the dozens and they’re eatin everything from soup to hay. And right after dinner, they’re not looking any thinner and you can hear them say, ‘Y’all come!’” The song goes on, “Grandma is a wishin they would all come to the kitchen and help do the dishes right away, but when they all start to leavin, even though she is a grievin, you can still hear Grandma say, ‘Y’all come!” It is a joyful thing that people are feeling like traveling again, feeling like being with family again. Young folks came up from Texas during the past week to see what help they could be to the old timers. They brought fancy food and fun and were of immense help in a variety of ways. LaSchell Upshaw Bearden came up from Arkansas for the second time in recent weeks. She took her folks on a road trip to Rockbridge, with a leisurely pause to admire Fox Creek, and then the grand finale, a visit to the Historic Emporium where they enjoyed a rendezvous with more family. Summer has begun in earnest in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

Champion Green Tomatoes

 

June 14, Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States 244 years ago.  We are encouraged to reflect upon the values of our Republic and the valor of the men and women in uniform who have defended it.  There are rules and protocols for flying the flag and when one becomes tattered or excessively worn it is to be retired in a dignified way.  The American Legion can take care of that for you and can also provide you with the rules to help you fly our banner respectfully.  Pete Proctor reported that the VFW Post 3770 and the American Legion Post 30 had a Flag Ceremony at 9:00 a.m.  Monday in Mountain Grove.  He also shared a link to the American Legion site that answers the 10 common questions about the American Flag.  www.legion.org/flag  It is well worth the read.

Teeter Creek

A Saturday celebration brought Old Champions on a ramble down around Teeter Creek and then over to Rockbridge for trout and for the joy of being out.  Recent rains filled the creeks and fortified the oak and pine forests of the new Bryant Creek State Park, a lovely drive irrespective of celebration.  The Teeter Creek Herb folks have extract of turmeric which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, a great help to old folks with osteoarthritis.  They have a great website at www.teetercreekherbs.com and their products are available in local health food stores.  It was a treat to see Lil’ Deb at Rockbridge.  She commutes to her job there from Sparta now, but has deep ties to Champion.  She asked to be remembered to Ms. Betty, as she recalled her often daily trips to the Historic Emporium in past years.  Rockbridge is gearing up for its big annual 4th of July celebration.

1946 Studebaker

Mary Goolsby reported that Bob Berry won the “Top 40 Award” for his 1946 Studebaker pick-up and “Best Other” for the 1963 Lark at the Wheels and Deals Car Show in West Plains on Saturday.  She said it was a great show, but that it was a hot day.  Mary and Bob are regulars at the Thursday night Vanzant Bluegrass Jam.  Perhaps Gofer John will show up sometime and identify himself.  Maybe he is a musician.  Music is good for everyone.

Pigweed

Careless weeds are the mean, ugly stepsisters in the otherwise lovely Amaranth family.  Pretty enough as tiny seedlings, yet as they grow, their prickly thorns on the stems make them an aggravation to pull even from loose and giving soil.  Wear gloves.  Swine love them so much they are called Pigweed.  Bully for the pigs, though neither they nor their weeds are welcome in Champion gardens.  Some Brushy Knob gardeners already have sweet corn more than knee high.  Things are starting to look good.  Even the peppers are recovering from the extended rain and cold.  The seasons go round and round.

Sunday, we will remember our old Fathers, our Dads, our Papas, great and grand living and gone from sight but far from forgotten.  Menfolk often get short shrift because of their ‘sun to sun’ work while the women are somehow never done.  Chainsaw and weed-eater wielding gentlemen can rest guilt free.  They can feed cows and bale hay and then take a nap or go to the creek.  They can hoe the garden and mow the grass then come in for a good lunch and a “Thanks, Honey.”  Appreciation for the providing, protecting, for the good humor and good example set is a year-round idea that comes home around Father’s Day, this June 20th, also the first official day of summer this year—a convergence of good things.  Converge on the old guy with your love and gratitude like Champions—Looking on the Bright Side!

A beautiful drive.

June 6, 1944, 77 years ago, 160,000 allied troops from America, Britain, Canada, and France attacked German forces on the coast of Normandy, France to liberate Europe–D Day. General Eisenhower said, “The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you….” Of the 4,400 allied dead on that day, 2,500 were Americans. Memorial Day observances included those casualties and all those who have been sacrificed for the sake democracy and the high ideals of our Nation going back to its beginnings. Somehow saying, “Thanks for your service” does not seem quite enough. If you have a chance to help a Veteran, go for it. Great local organizations like the American Legion and the VFW can give you some good advice about how best to be of help to those who have given so much.

Detour!

Felix the Farmer

Old Champions were headed to an Old longtime friend’s house for a visit after more than a year when they found trouble. Other friends were also headed that way on the narrow muddy road and were stuck at the bottom of two hills, not being able to back up a long grade for the slickness of it, and not able to get the oomph to get over the next rise. It was a conundrum. Fortunately there was not a big rock in the road, and one of the Old Champions had much mud driving experience and the willingness to rev it up and floor it. In the interim, another rig had joined the parade. It was a clown fiesta with all the ferrying and laughter. Eventually everyone arrived at the Octogenarian’s cabin and a drizzly afternoon was made bright by the love of dear friends. Conversations bounced from weather to garden to archaeology to politics to history to technology to music and to catching up with the events in their lives since last they feasted and laughed together. At parting, Felix the Farmer showed his skill as master of the hug. He is the go-to guy if you need the stuffing squeezed out of you. He is the kind of fellow who would blow the candles out on your birthday cake, and you would not even mind. He can howl like a Redbone coonhound. He is three and a half years old, a big help to his Papa in the garden and he loves to go to the library. His Champion friends will keep better tabs on him now that they feel more comfortable in socializing.

Attendance is picking up at the Vanzant Jam. Two weeks ago, thunderstorms kept all but the most stalwart at home. Last week the circle filled up as the evening went along. It was lovely to hear Ruth Collins’ velvety voice again and to see friends who are just venturing out. Doug and Bonnie Bean’s grandson sang, “I am a Man of Constant Sorrow,” but he is not constantly sorrowful or he would not be able to smile the way he does. When granddaughters join the circle, as Gina Hollingshad’s did, the whole future of good bluegrass music seems more hopeful. Music is good medicine.

Pepper plants would like to have been transplanted after the overnight temperatures were consistently in the 50s. Alas. They are starting to look a little better and soon enough they will be enjoying the kind of heat that makes them thrive. The gateway to summer opened at Memorial Day, but it does not arrive formally until the summer solstice on Sunday, June 20, at 10:32 p.m. Champion Daylight Time. The cool and damp has slowed the progress of some things while tomatoes and weeds are flat going to town. This time of the year, hardly anyone is as optimistic as a gardener in Champion–Looking on the Bright Side!

“If Tears Could Build A Stairway And Memories A Lane, I’d Walk Right Up To Heaven And Bring You Home Again.”

Our Memorial Day weekend found local cemeteries around the country visited by family groups decorating graves and honoring Veterans and other dear ones passed on. Saturday was cold, but Sunday and Monday were beautiful days for such outings. Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts held solemn ceremonies commemorating the service and sacrifices of those who have protected the rest of us since our beginnings as a Nation. We are pleased to be reminded.

Sweaters on the 29th of May just seemed wrong. Still the Denlow/Fairview School Reunion was another fine event. A few former students were joined by many family members and friends for an afternoon of feasting and fun. Chilly temperatures and a brisk breeze brought the music inside this year. It was provided by the group known as TLC. Teresa Lindsey, Lynette Cantrell, and Carol Green defied the poor acoustics of the church basement and entertained with “Feeling Mighty Fine,” “Bury Me Beneath the Willows” and other great tunes. The potluck luncheon was a delight and the chance to socialize with seldom seen friends and family was the objective of the whole affair. Fun came with the auction and some folks bidding against themselves, bidding backwards, and bidding for aggravation. Mike Bearden, Arkansas Upshaw son-in-law, did an excellent job of auctioneering and will likely be called on again in years to come. There were no fights or hard feelings, but some sides were sore from the laughter.

Potluck and Fellowship

Cousins, Teagan, Kalyssa, and Luxe Barbara and Kenneth Anderson

TLC

Mike Bearden, auctioneer, chats with Pete Proctor   Family catching up

An Old Champion who does not get out much happened by the Skyline Area Volunteer Fire Department fire house the other day and saw a new sign featuring a fancy logo, emergency and information phone numbers and notices that training sessions occur on the second Tuesdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. and board meetings are on the third Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Because of this great little organization, we can buy home-owners insurance and are comforted to know that first responders and fire-fighter volunteers will answer our call when we have health emergencies, accidents, or fires. Any opportunity to support our fire department is a good one.

“What a Day That Will Be” is an old gospel song, the favorite of the late Louise Hutchison. Wilburn requests it when he makes it to the little Wednesday Jam. He also asks for “Rank Strangers.” Picking and grinning out on the Wide Veranda in Downtown Champion last Wednesday marked, at last, the change in seasons, or so we thought. Cold, damp months had kept the little musical interludes inside in the gracious hospitality of the Historic Emporium. On that sunny day, regular visitors leaned on the porch railing and sat on the steps listening to the music and telling stories: A gent, who is not named Mr. Sutherland, talked about an easy to milk Ayrshire cow named Heart. (Other cows were named Reddy, Clover and Syd.) The Milk Cow Blues is not about the ornery cows that were dealt with harshly by some old timers. There was a story told about Punk picking a fight during a revival meeting that erupted on the church porch and rolled out into the yard. No one was badly hurt. Then, there was the time Arch Lambert was sitting on a mule that stuck its head through the window and brayed during a church service. All this and more happened in Champion. According to people who claim to know what they are talking about, much of it is best forgotten.

Haymakers are at it already. Rabbits feasting on beets and baby green bean plants in the garden do so at their peril. Ticks are being plentiful. The weather is volatile, and the hummingbirds are relentless. Now we just need a big influx of kinfolks, and we will be all set for the summer in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

 

Bud Hutchison’s Memorial Trail Riders

Ten riders made the 9.5 mile ride out of Champion and back on Wednesday, May 19th. Sisters, Debi Grace and Jennifer Wolf, went a little further for a total of 15.7 miles. Andrew Harden has been leading Bud Hutchison’s Memorial Trail Rides since Bud passed away in 2018. Pictured here, perhaps in order, are Jennifer Wolf of Pontiac, Debi Grace of Edgar Springs, Isabel Warren, Jeannie Kapraum, all of Dora, Dana Harden, Caleb Harden, Andrew Harden, all Champions, Calvin Chambers and Sara Johnson, of Dora, and Bill Winkelman of Ava. About half of them were personally acquainted with Bud, and the rest enjoy hearing the many stories about him as the Champion of the Road Rides.

A venerable Old Timer once said that when he was a kid, Champion would be so crowded with people and horses and wagons on Saturdays, that you could hardly get around. It was a market day with buying and selling, trading, and visiting. Wednesday was kind of like that with Bud Hutchison’s Spring Trail Riders going and coming and the regulars drifting in and out. It is a treat to sit on the veranda and listen to the old folks reminisce. There were some rowdy days way back then. Ever time I go to town, the boys keep kicking my dog around.

A Fox Creek Family had grandparents visiting from Idaho. They live near the mountains and like to explore the little communities that they say remind them of Champion. This was their first visit here in three years and they were very much enjoying it. One of their grandsons, a Skyline student, beat the daylights out of The General in checkers. The General said he would not play with the youngster any more, but he did pick up his guitar again and the family joined in for a few songs with their sweet harmonies. They are generally acapella singers, but didn’t mind a little accompaniment in this informal setting.

Sharon Sanders is another accomplished checker player who has had rivalry with The General in the past. They may each tell a different story about those school days long ago. She says that the Douglas County Museum will have a drawing for a beautiful red, white and blue quilt in August. August 21st, she thinks is the date. The pattern is called Kaleidoscope Star. Stop by the Museum on Saturdays between 10:00 and 2:00 to get a look at it and to buy tickets. Sharon reminds us that the $20.00 membership dues in the Douglas County Historical and Genealogical Society are due on July 1st. You can mail them in: Douglas County Museum, P.O. Box 986, Ava, MO 65608. You can get your quilt tickets in the mail too. Quilts have long been excellent fund raising items in this part of the world. Last year, when we were unable to have the Skyline Area Volunteer Fire Department Picnic because of the pandemic, Connie Freeman donated one of her creations that brought in about $1,200.00 for the fire department. Most of those tickets were bought through the mail at six tickets for $5.00. We live in a generous part of the world and we like our quilts.

After a long year of mostly being at home, it will be a joy to gather again at Denlow for the 35th Annual Denlow/Fairview School Reunion on Saturday. There is always an excellent pot-luck luncheon and then fun and fellowship out in the pavilion. Everyone with a connection to these little schools or with a connection to someone connected with them is welcome to attend. There will be get togethers all over the country during the Memorial Day weekend to acknowledge those who serve and who have served in the U.S. Military. It is a chance to say, “Thank you.” While we are at it, we also pay respects to our families and many friends who have passed away. That growing number makes us aware of our own mortality and of the joy and beauty of being alive. It is a good time to express our love for each other while we are on this side of the ground. Champion–Looking on the Bright Side!

 

 

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow,” said Audrey Hepburn.  After a year of anxiety and uncertainty, it is a reassuring exercise to be out in the plot again with the weeds, the compost, the loamy loam, and the optimism.  The coldest May on record has some gardeners running behind their routine schedule.  Others, who never rush to get things in, are generally as successful as the early birds.  The first ripe tomato in Champion is on its way one of these days.  The quest may again be canning jar lids.

Bud and Wilma Hutchison

It was a lovely surprise to see Wilma Hutchison at the Vanzant Jam on Thursday.  She was in fine voice and knows all the old songs.  Most likely she will be at Champion on Wednesday to welcome the trail riders when they come in from the adventure called Bud’s Spring Trail Ride.  Bud passed away three years ago, but his friends have kept his spring and fall trail rides going.  They doubtlessly share good memories of him as they amble along.  From The Champion News on May 23, 2016:  “It was reported that Bud Hutchison gave a short but brisk bronc-riding exhibition and managed to stay on top the whole time.”  It would be nice to hear more about that escapade.

Lena’s younger brother returned to the Bright Side for a little fun on Wednesday.  He declined the chocolate cupcakes saying he was on a diet.  Other than his weight, he had not much changed since early last winter—still full of it — “it” being yarns, popular opinions, observations and clever quips.  One of these days Bob and Ethel might make an appearance and perhaps Don and Reba will show.  They will be a welcome sight.

2019 Denlow Reunion

The 35th annual Denlow/Fairview School Reunion is coming up on Saturday the 30th.  There will be about a dozen or so students of those schools and several dozen of their kinfolks and friends in attendance.  “They’ll sing of the old and they’ll sing of the new.  They’ll sing of the changes in years.  I can’t tell a lie.  Last night we had pie for the first time in twenty-four years.”  That may not be one of their songs, but there will be some music and definitely a lot of fine reminiscing.  Some of those memories will harken up old farmer advice like making fences horse high, pig-tight and bull strong.  There will be admonitions to still keep skunks, bankers and lawyers at a distance and to plow around stumps.  Hula hoops will be strictly banned this year as the spectacle from several years ago is yet too vivid in our collective memory.

A gentleman is said to be someone who can play the accordion but does not.  The General is, therefore, a genuine Gentleman.  Lynnette Cantrell says, “It is a fact that one of the only activities that activates, stimulates, and uses the entire brain is music.”  Lynette plays a wonderful mandolin and encourages music everywhere she can.  In a letter to Alan Lomax in 1940, Woody Guthrie said, “Music is some kind of electricity that makes a radio out of a man and the dial is in his head and he just sings accordingly to how he’s feeling.  The best stuff you can sing about is what you saw and, if you look hard enough, you can see plenty to sing about.”  The Gypsy has plenty to sing about.  She is lucky for numerous reasons.  One reason is Buddy the Wonder-dog.  Last week she had taken plants in against a sudden cold snap, when Buddy snapped to a black snake that had hitched a ride inside.  Between them, they ushered the reptile out and summarily dispatched it.  The Gypsy will warns plant lovers to take care in your beautiful flowering pursuits.  Pursue beauty and music at www.championnews.us or in person down on the wide, wild, wooly banks of Old Fox Creek in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

Ivy-leaf Geraniums

A Champion spring…

Pete, Uncle Ray and Frankie

Local ancient lore had us believe that the last frost date for Champion is today.  After a few warm days, a cold morning seems extreme and a personal affront to have to pick ticks out of one’s long-handles.  The season of rapid change transformed those vertical gray and brown brush piles into glorious full-blown oak trees in just a week.  August will be here soon, and we will long for what we now think of as too much rain.  Last week Reba said Don caught a seven pound, twenty-seven-inch-long Walleye at Stockton Lake in perfect weather for a good day of fishing.  Pete posted pictures of himself and his Uncle Ray Hicks holding crappie on their foray last week.  Pete said his was the biggest one he ever caught.  It may be good fishing weather, but gardeners are holding off on planting their tender crops.

Maybe Uncle Ray will be at the Denlow School Reunion again this year.  It always happens on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.  LaShell Upshaw Bearden will there.  She had such a good time with all her kinfolks at the Vanzant Bluegrass Jam on Thursday, she will not be able to stay away.  She was related to almost all of them in the whole people-packed Community Building.  Her second cousins, Kalyssa and Foster, took their turns in the music circle on fiddle and mandolin doing “Boil Them Cabbage Down” and other great tunes.  (There was a great video of the song posted on the Facebook by Grammy Upshaw Krider, but Facebook would not share it with The Champion News, so readers will have to settle for a version by The Grascals.)  This bunch is a splendid example of a big loving family and of the music of family laughter.  LaShell had always tried to get www.championnews.us on her phone, with no success, but when she tried with her computer, she was rewarded with fifteen years of fun, much of which involved her family.

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2021

The last week of school at Skyline will be a busy one.  Nine eighth graders are graduating on Tuesday.  Prekindergarten to fifth grade will have their Field Day on Wednesday.  Thursday will have the eight graders on their class trip to Silver Dollar City and Friday will be the Awards Day and the last day of school.  The year has gone by quickly or slowly depending on who is asked.  Mr. Luna says there will be no summer school this year due to a construction project in the kitchen area.  There have been several excellent upgrades to the school this year.  We do not know if Mr. Luna and the Skyline School Board will be doing the actual building, but we know their good efforts have made the students feel valued.  Our little rural school is the heart of the community and those students will be running things in just a few short years—the schools, farms, businesses, banks, hospitals, and government.  Go Tigers!

Humming birds are humming and Indigo Buntings are bunting.  Out every window is an avian delight.  Gardeners look up from their toil to locate that bird whose song has caught his ear.  It is a beautiful time of the year.

Robert Frost said, “Half the world is composed of people who have something to say and can’t, and the other half who have nothing to say and keep on saying it.”  We will keep saying that Bud Hutchison’s Champion Trail Ride will happen on Wednesday the 19th.  Riders will rendezvous on the Square and be ready to take off at 10:00 a.m.  Yard dogs and deep creek crossings will be some of the challenges, but they will amble back in after a few hours to enjoy ice cream and fellowship on the wide veranda of the Historic Emporium in Downtown Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!