March 15, 2010
CHAMPION—March 15, 2010
Champion is one of the green places in the world, not just because its residents are environmentally conscious, which many are, and not because spring is so rapidly approaching will all the glorious daffodils and henbit, but because of the decided Irish influence. An Irish nobleman, the 8th Earl of (Champion?) or something could easily be the antecedent of a prominent Champion, who may think he is of Scotch extraction. It probably does not matter to this particular Champion what with the past all having happened so long ago and all and him being nigh on to a tea totaler Scotchwise. The other day as he exited the Emporium on the North side of the Square in downtown Champion, in the company of one Elmer Banks, there approached another Champion from Champion-North up Cold Springs way. “Now there is somebody who knows exactly what’s going on!” piped up Elmer with an accusatory pointing gesture. The newly arriving Champion agreed and said, “Yes, Elmer I believe I do know exactly where the coon scat (stuff/excrement) is on the pump handle!” By this she meant to say that if she knew she would tell the whole story of anything, and she had chosen that particularly colorful saying as an homage to Elmer with his roots in Louisiana. Now the Scotsman (really Irish) much taken aback by the crudeness of the statement and the unseemliness of a woman speaking in such a vulgar manner said, “Around here we say ‘axel grease,’” meaning the stuff on the pump handle. Yes, Champion is indeed a decorous place and green and Champions are reminded that a rough exterior can easily mask the most delicate sensibilities.
The Skyline Volunteer Fire Department’s new fire truck has seen some action already. It is a beauty! The old one was also quite nice as the firefighters are sticklers for maintaining their equipment in the best possible condition. The dispensation of the old one has yet to be determined though it is generally thought that after all the useable fire fighting apparatus is salvaged, the truck will be sold. It is to be noted that the truck has a big 350 Cummings diesel engine and it is in fine shape. The drive train is solid and has been well serviced. This old truck has tremendous power. In the words of one who has driven it, “It just wants to go!” It has a good Jake-break as well. It can be viewed at the fire station and any of the firefighters will have more information to share. Perhaps some of them will also be willing to divulge the history of the choice of ‘monkey’ for a mascot as opposed to say “Dalmatian,’ as is so often the case with other fire departments. The monkeys brought in good money at the silent auction at the Skyline VFD Chili Supper. It was a very worthwhile fundraiser designed to help the fire department acquire equipment; the latest acquisition was that fabulous new (used) truck. Since this worthy organization has, so far, been overlooked for FEMA assistance or other funds, that big old truck payment falls onto the membership. A genuine red-heel sock monkey is being offered in a silent auction at Henson’s Store. All proceeds will go to offset that big old truck payment. The monkey will be on display starting Friday the 19th and the Auction will close at the end of business on the 31st. It is a chance to do some good, have some fun and to get a monkey! Look for a picture of the monkey on the neighborhood events page of the website at www.championnews.us.
Family and friends gathered last week to commemorate the life of Ms. Ruby Anderson who passed away on Sunday the 7th. She lived ninety-seven years in the community and had an expansive family tree. She will be missed. Many who came to say goodbye to her congregated at Plumbers on Thursday evening and enjoyed some excellent reminiscing. In addition to renewing old acquaintances, there was much good music to be enjoyed. As if his past demonstrations of the now famous ‘moonwalk’ and the speed skating exhibition a-la-Appolo Ono, were not enough, the General seemed quite transported in his interpretative dance to the tune of Kalija. The results were not what one might consider to be representative of any of the Native American Peoples, but rather of another poor old woodenhead. Say what you will, the General is irrepressible, and it is sure that his Shannon ancestry will come out in full bloom of four leaf clovers for the Champion St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Whether or not St. Patrick actually ran the snakes out of Ireland, there are plenty of them in Champion and some just waking up from their long winter’s naps. The General best step lively, and Champions know he will.
For the nonce, the controversial mailbox shootings are set aside to address another issue. Rumor and innuendo are rife. What was euphemistically described in an e-mail to Champion at getgoin.net as a ‘gated’ community, wherein resides one of the infamous Hoppers, turns out to be gated all right, but from the outside! That is not to say that he is in any way confined in the sense of incarcerated, but there is no indication that he is free to leave at will. This e-mail reported a litany of injuries not dissimilar to those often sustained in those famed prison rodeos: i.e. a broken nose, cracked and broke ribs, perhaps even blackened eyes and undisclosed internal injuries. This wild horse must have been a nightmare! Ride ‘em cowboy! Wally Hopper wrote himself to say, “I wanted to let you know that I received a letter from Pres. Obama in response to my letter about my Marine grandson, Jake Hopper, who assisted the Republic Police while he was on leave. It was about catching a serial car thief who was in our area and holding him until the police arrived. I appreciate getting the letter and will frame it and put it with the other awards Jake has earned. Jake is at Camp Pendleton, CA now as platoon leader training for Special Security Services and will be sent to Washington DC upon completing this training. As you can tell, I am a very proud grandpa!” Champions join Wally in supporting with Love and Gratitude all those who serve at the request of the Nation.
Champions are glad to hear Elizabeth Johnston is doing well. She is making a good recovery from her broken ankle and is back to work already. Champion!
Spring begins officially on Saturday about 12:30 Champion time. Linda’s Almanac from over at the Plant Place in Norwood says it is a good time to plant above ground crops and to transplant. “Sowing in the morning, sowing in the evening, sowing in the noon time and the dewy eve…” There is always plenty to do when you live in the country and it is always easier with a song in your heart. Champion! Looking on the Bright Side!
