July 4, 2011
CHAMPION—July 4, 2011
“Champions are pleased to be Americans and to sit in safety under their own vines and fig trees where none make them afraid. Here paths are scattered with light and in all their several vocations Champions are useful and accustomed to happiness. It would be inconsistent with the frankness of their character if these Champions were not to avow that they are pleased with life in this lovely place and grateful.” It seems that the General drew heavily on the style of that other General George Washington in this oration, though it was to a sleepy crowd at the Champion’s Annual Sunrise on Independence Celebration. The poor attendance was counterbalanced with the tidiness of the throng so that when it was all over, it appeared never to have happened. Look at www.championnews.us to find a stirring rendition of America The Beautiful particularly that verse that says, “O beautiful, for heroes proved in liberating strife, who more than self their country loved and mercy more than life!” Find all the words and music there too for When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again—“Hurrah! Hurrah!”
“Since it is Independence Day, I think I’ll do just as I please,” said a particularly popular and productive Champion.
A nice note from Eva Henson Phillips of Bella Vista, AR says that she recently attended her All School, Ava reunion where she had a great time. Her friend, Cathy, brought her the Herald where she read about Esther Wrinkles having a 94th birthday. She knew Esther back in Champion when her family lived near Rufus Keller’s farm. He was Esther’s dad and his farm is still in the family. Eva said she would send a card. Hopefully Eva will make it to the Champion Reunion again this year. Esther will be there. On the Fourth, Esther was expecting her son Larry and his wife Teresa and her son Lonnie, his wife, Verla, their daughter Deanna and her husband Greg, and their son Gavin, and maybe others. Ah Family! How Champion!
The Skyline Ladies Auxiliary celebrated Esther’s birthday with a cake and a song at their meeting under the pleasant canopy of the Loafing Shed on Tuesday. Then they got right down to business with the picnic planning. It is just around the corner a few weeks away, but the very next corner is the Vanzant Picnic coming up on the 8th and 9th. This is likely to be an excellent picnic this year on account of a recent influx of interest in the old Clifty Hall School and all the enthusiasm of all the fine folks that live in that neighborhood. Champions will be there in bunches to celebrate with the Vanzantians.
A favorite Champion curmudgeon celebrated his birthday on the 1st and Karen, the mail carrier, said, “He’s almost a Firecracker!” Almost?! Karen, herself, is a Firecracker with two big gardens, 100 tomato plants and green beans to give away already! They say if you want something done to give it to the busiest person around. The Nation celebrated 235 years on the 4th and on the 6th Darrell Haden turns 80. He was raised over in Smallett and made some youthful memories, cutting a fine swath around Ava. They have their Haden Family Reunion on the same day as the Champion School Reunion every year on the Saturday before Labor Day. Perhaps when the Hadens come for their reunion, they will have a chance to take a gander at the recreation of the Historic Emporium in Downtown Champion, so long as they are in the neighborhood. Darrell shares his birthday with the Dalai Lama who will be 76 this year. He has stepped down from his political role in Tibet, but is still the spiritual leader. He says that whether one believes in a religion or not, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t appreciate kindness and compassion. Everyone finds himself in a situation where he would like to ease the suffering of some dear friend or family member. Sometimes there are chores, errands, and meals that can be taken over for a while and sometimes there is nothing to be done apart from affirming that desire to help.
The tree huggers were out in force at the Mill Pond again on the Fourth. Old friends so seldom seen have much to share with one another—a year’s worth of happenings, births, deaths, marriages, gardens and yarns. There was one story told about how a prominent lawyer and public servant on his way to the funeral of a dear old friend came upon the hearse broken down on a lonely dirt road. The ‘old friend’ was not in a coffin but just on a gurney covered with a blanket on his way to a little country chapel where his many friends waited in the 102º August heat to bid him farewell. There was no way to repair the hearse quickly and time was ticking by so it was decided that the two of them would transfer the old gentleman’s body into the Jeep of the friend for transport. And so it was done with just exactly enough room to accommodate him in his supine position. Meanwhile, back at the chapel, mourners were waiting and wondering. When the Jeep backed up to the door questioning glances were exchanged and when the pop cans and beer bottles left over from a recent outing, rolled out of the back as the door was opened a ripple of laughter passed through the crowd. Their old friend would have loved it! Things do not always happen for the best, but they happen and it is up to friends to make the best of them. That is a Champion precept.
Wonderful rain and wonderful natural fireworks kept the night sky busy as the Fourth of July gave way to the fifth. Gardens are flourishing and the air is heavy with optimism. There is a report that the First Ripe Tomato in Champion Contests has been won and so life goes on in Champion. Linda’s Almanac from over at the Plant Place in Norwood says that from the seventh to the eleventh all those days are good for planting, thus gardeners who have been slow to get things in still have some time for some nice fall crops. Find that almanac at www.championnews.us or at the Plant Place or posted on the fridge at Henson’s Store temporarily located just across the broad expanse of Lonnie Krider Memorial Avenue from the Recreation of the Historic Mercantile which is approaching perfection. Autumn will be here in the blink of an eye. Keep your eyes wide open and your happy hearts light. Music has real medicinal qualities. “Look on the brighter side, shadows will pass away.” That is from a song frequently sung in Champion where the citizenry is always Looking on the Bright Side!
