Champion News

CHAMPION—November 28, 2011

          As in all years past, Champions digest their Thanksgiving dinner in a tryptophanic haze awash in Love and Gratitude.  To sit at the table with dear family and friends year after year, watching the children grow and the adults grow richer in understanding as they see themselves change as rapidly in their latter years as do the children in the full bloom of youth—to see it all happening and appreciate it—what a gift!  Old bones of contention, little hurts and slights, misunderstandings, unintentional missteps and insensitivities blur and dissipate (swerving aside into vain jangling) and the charity of pure hearts and of good conscience reigns in Champion.

          The sign designating Lonnie L. Krider Memorial Drive was installed over the Thanksgiving holiday on the South West corner of the Square in downtown Champion.  In lieu of a crass signpost sunk in concrete, city parents (fathers and mothers) chose the landmark oak tree just at the foot of Mount Champion.  It is the very tree under which all those musicians gathered to entertain on the day of the Champion Grand Opening Celebration back in October.  Many of those players, probably most of them, had the pleasure of making music with Lonnie at one time or another over the years, so it is wonderfully fitting for the sign to be placed there.  Go to www.championnews.us and hear some of the music played that day under that tree on David Richardson’s youtube movie.  For a treat look up the 2008 Champion School Reunion on the website and find a little mp3 recording of Lonnie Krider and Wayne Anderson singing “We Live In Two Different Worlds.”  Many long years ago this road, now named for one of Champion’s favorite sons, was the main road through town.  Now the upper part of that road remains mysterious as it is mostly unused winding west up the mountain and disappearing into the woods. 

          Charlie Haden’s lyrics to Old Joe Clark go, “Old Joe Clark, the preacher’s son Preached all over the plain The only text he ever knew Was high low jack and the game.”  A bright and warm spot at a table near the stove in the back room of Champion’s Mercantile turns out to be an ideal spot for a quick game of pitch.  “Eleven point” is the game of choice by many and to a novice it seems to be a loose enough game to allow for plenty chatter.  Hot coffee and a pleasant atmosphere in out of the wind could promote loitering, but respectful Champions do not abuse their refuge.  Small Business Saturday found Henson’s Grocery and Gas overrun with customers many of whom had come from out of state to inspect the Recreation and to take advantage of the eclectic stock of merchandize.  There has been a run on the Champion Picture Post Card that depicts the Old and the New.  Printers are struggling to keep up with demand.

          So much of life is perspective.  One percent of the population serves in the Nation’s military for the benefit and protection of the ninety-nine percent.  Champions support those serving and the Veterans who have served in past and current conflicts with Love and Gratitude.  The all-volunteer army of today, AVA, can be said to be one of the results of the social demonstrations of the 1960’s and 70’s.   That tumultuous time changed the country dramatically.  Equal opportunity and equal rights became the law of the land for American citizens regardless of their race, ethnicity, or gender.  The veil of secrecy that surrounded much of American foreign policy was, at least partially, removed.  The health of the nation’s environment became a national priority.  Citizen oversight of government officials became accepted.  Bernie Sanders of Vermont is on the Senate Budget Committee.  He says “This country does in fact have a serious deficit problem.  But the reality is that the deficit was caused by two wars—unpaid for.  It was caused by huge tax breaks for the wealthiest people in this country.  It was caused by a recession as result of the greed, recklessness and illegal behavior on Wall Street.  And if those are the causes of the deficit, I will be damned if we’re going to balance the budget on the backs of the elderly, the sick, the children, and the poor.  That’s wrong.”  He said that on November 18, 2011.  Opinions vary about the causes of the current economic situation and what ought to be done but things are definitely happening.  Champions pay attention.

          Black Friday and Small Business Saturday were good for good neighbors over in Norwood at the Plant Place and the Gift Corner.  While Charlene was minding the store, Linda paused in Lebanon on her way home from a Thanksgiving visit with her granddaughter in Kansas City to do a craft fair for Charlene. They work well together and are busy people.  For years they have been providing a local alternative to the big corporate businesses that seem to be taking over every little town.  Audrey of “Audrey in the Morning” on KZ88 Community Radio is a big fan of the Plant Place.  She likes to garden and likes to share gardening with her friends and family.  Some Champions are finally getting their gardens cleaned up with the idea of getting an early start next year.  Whether or not they do their chores and are ready at the right time, Linda will be there to help.

          That tiger-orange letter is going out by the handfuls every week to tax payers in the Skyline R-2 School District.  The Skyline R-2 School Foundation has been established as a way to provide support for the little country school that is so important to this part of Douglas County.  Like all schools everywhere the economy is taking a toll on operating funds.  As available resources are stretched thin the Foundation hopes to keep literacy programs and technology instruction supported in lasting and substantial ways.  Some Champions in distant places nostalgic about their own dear old golden rule days are not waiting for the letter in the mail but are already sending their checks, small and large, to Skyline R-2 School Foundation, Rt. 2, Box 486, Norwood, MO 65717.  

          Elgin put on her old gray bonnet with the blue ribbons on it while Vernon hitched old Dobbin to the shay.  It was not exactly like that, but they did celebrate their Golden Wedding Day and Upshaws and others far and wide congratulated the couple and partied down.  Describe your celebrations at Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717 or at Champion at getgoin.net..  Sashay on over to the Square in Downtown Champion to see how the place is recovering from the Thanksgiving Day Parade of 2011.  You will be amazed!  You will be in Champion, looking on the Bright Side!

CHAMPION—November 21, 2011

          Champions find Gratitude easy.   Much needed rain has settled the dust and hunters have taken their prizes home with them leaving the country side wonderfully quiet again.   Things can get back to normal just as the Champion Thanksgiving Day Parade forms up.  Look for a full report next week.  If you are looking for a good time, some fellowship, some fun Champion is the place for you!  Looking on the Bright Side!

CHAMPION—November 14, 2011

          Hunting season is always exciting in Champion.  Stories around the stove in the mercantile include descriptions of just how the buck came over the rise and just how he quartered just so and then turned to present a perfect target and then fell in his tracks.  Hunters have been telling hunting stories around the fire for as long as there has been fire.  Champions are glad to be part of the big continuum which these days has hunters exchanging text messages out in the field.  “Was that you?” One hunter said, “It was so windy on Saturday that the birds were walking!”  Kalyssa’s Mother took a fine eight-point buck and will have a trophy for her wall in what is called a ‘European mount.’  Freezers will soon be full and the generosity of Champion hunters is no small thing.  It is Champion!

           Friday the landline telephones in and around Champion went haywire.  By Saturday things had improved quite a little bit and parties were able to connect on the old fashioned phones again.  Monday telephone trucks were patrolling the area and though the lines are buried out here, it could be that all the high wind has caused some trouble somewhere.  Those folks do a good job of keeping Champion in the loop.  While Champions embrace change and technology, there are still a few rotary dialed telephones and a few typewriters in regular use in the area.  Louise’s eagle watching neighbor across the hill still uses the typewriter to a pleasant effect.  Louise was busy out on her computer Friday night looking at the pictures and movies of the Grand Opening Celebration at Champion that are posted on the Neighborhood Events page at www.championnews.us.  She saw quite a few people she knows and would have heard the music, except that her speakers are not hooked up to her computer at this time.  She watches the cooking shows on TV when she is not busy with various therapies.  Wilburn said that he and Fleming were mowing hay when the dirigible came over and it scared the little mare they were working.  He said it came over real low, just above the tree tops, and they could hear people talking.  Probably Wilburn could tell several interesting stories if he were in the mood to do so. 

          A Champion friend writes in from Elsemore, MO to say, “It is a surprise to read [Champion News—October 31, 2011] that our city police forces here in America are better equipped than our own soldiers going to war in foreign countries.   We need our police to protect and serve us, and we want them to be protected themselves, safe and careful in their work, but when you get to looking at their equipment, what do you suppose they are protecting us from?  It looks like they are protecting us from us.  It scares me to think that police could be turned against the very population they are hired to protect.  Does that ever happen?  Does it really only happen to people who deserve it—to those who not believe the right things and who says exactly what those things are?  To me the scariest thing that could happen would be for people to think there is nothing they can do or that it is too late to have a say in how the country behaves.  Maybe even worse would be if they just didn’t care and thought it’s not all that bad.  ‘Don’t make trouble.  Mind your own business and everything will be ok.’  Consider that as long as you stay on the good side of your own police force, you’ll probably be ok.  You don’t need to bother to pay attention, to study or to vote.  Just be quiet and stay in line.”  This reader makes a good point, if a little hysterical, but Champions are here to say that cynicism and apathy are not the way of things in these beautiful parts. 

          The one hundredth anniversary of the Great Blue Norther of 1911 occurred on November 11th.  On that day in Springfield the high temperature early in the day was 80⁰ and had dropped to 13⁰ before the day was over.  There were enormously destructive tornadoes and many weather related deaths all across the country that day.  Champions keep a weather eye out as there have been tornadoes in Douglas County every month of the year—not every month in every year, of course, but, well, you know.   Armistice Day and Veteran’s Day received a lot of good attention this year.  Armistice Day marked the end of the Big War—The War to End All Wars—It was a hard won peace that has not been very long lasting.  For whatever meaningful reasons people are pitted against each other, a saying one can apply is, ‘Hate the War—Love the Warrior.’  Champions understand that and applaud the willingness of individuals to serve the Nation.  When the Veterans come home, they could use some help, just like a lot of people who have served at home could use some help—Veterans, police, teachers, fire fighters, nurses, farmers, ad. inf.  Let the trickling down commence!  Love and Gratitude is what Champions have to offer.

           Harold March, writes, “When you are looking on the bright side, the day is bright and gay.  When you are looking on the dull side, everything is gray.  The word Champion is a Winner so the book does say. I would rather be a winner any old day.  I have been to Champion when I was a lad, riding Old Dolly with my brother at my side.  I would like to go back but now it is too late.  I still remember some stories Ed did relate.  How Deward’s old hounds ran that fox right through Johnnie’s front gate.  There was chickens in the yard and clothes on the line and Johnnie came out just a jumping up and down.  Oh!  He was mad at any rate.  He was not thinking about all of the chickens that Old red fox had already ate.  Cold Springs was not so very far away.  I went to school there in my early days.  I like to put to Poetry the things we did, so now you know I’m the Clever Creek Kid.” Thanks, Kid.  Even Champions can use some comfort and encouragement during troubled times and times of great loss and sorrow.  Young Dane Solomon had just started his life and friends and family will continue to hold him close in their hearts.

          Send poetry, reminiscences, songs, speculation, suggestions, requests, and rants to Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367 Norwood, MO 65717 or to Champion at getgoin.net.  Sing when you are by yourself or with somebody and go for a happy tune if you can–on key if you can, but don’t let that stop you.  Sing loud!  “Look on the Brighter Side—Sorrows will pass away!”  Champion!

CHAMPION—November 7, 2011

          Champions find themselves in pretty good shape to start out the week.  With much needed rain on the way, the garden harvest in, winter’s wood in the shed and a little brighter start to every morning with the time change, there is no complaint to be had by anyone around.  One or two might grouch about having to do their chores, but Champions kind of like to have them around for contrast as a bench mark for the Bright Side. 

          About a week before his first birthday, Richard was surprised to find that he had a brand new little brother.  Bob’s birthday is on the 8^th of November and Richard’s is on the 15^th.  They grew up together and are for a few days this week the same age and that age finally has some benefit to it.  They will have new identification cards to carry in their wallets and opportunities for health club memberships and reduced expenses in certain areas.  Jealous, snarky family members will just have to wait for years and years to enjoy these excellent aspects of accumulated years.  For some, age and maturity are not the same.  Champion friends and neighbors say, “Happy birthday, brothers!”  Since their birthdays are so close together they can party all week and chances are their celebrations will not get hijacked since most people only celebrate their own special day once a year and generally on the actual day.  Carry on you Champions! 

          Pete Proctor writes to inform about the Veteran’s activities in the area.  Pete is Commander of the VFW Post 3770 in Mountain Grove.  He and the Commander of the American Legion will be folding the flag and doing the POW/MIA Missing Man Table at the Mountain Grove Senior Center at 10:00 a.m. Thursday.  On Friday they will have a color ceremony at the Skyline School at 9:00 a.m. and then again at 11:00 a.m. that day on the Mountain Grove Square.  These Veterans organizations are very busy this time of the year as they keep the National observances in the public eye.  The support they provide for Veterans and active duty military personnel is invaluable.  As more people return from active duty in war zones there will be more need.  Champions join Pete in expressing Love and Gratitude to those who have served and to those who are doing so now.  Friday, November 11, Veteran’s Day—Champion!

          Strange slow moving pickup trucks are prowling the country roads again.  There are rules about road-hunting and it is probably true that there is more game on places that keep no-hunting signs and tape up year round.  By and large, the hunters who frequent Champion are respectful and well behaved and they do bring revenue into the area.  This year they will be surprised at the marvelous new facility available in Champion.  The Recreation of the Historic Emporium over on the North Side of the Square in Downtown Champion is an excellent place to stand around a warm wood stove and enjoy a good cup of coffee while swapping hunting tales.  

          Good conversation with Connie on Monday morning lets Champions know that Louise is doing well.  With a lot of hard work and help, she is making slow but steady progress in her recovery.  A note in the mail to a friend like Louise is a stamp well spent.  Who knows what unexpected encouragement you might provide?  Louise has typically worked circles around everyone and it must be very difficult for her to be sidelined this way.  She is at Rt. 2, Box 276, Norwood, MO 65717.  Wilburn gets down to Champion from time to time and he’s always a welcome sight.  He has some good stories.  He said that he and Fleming Geer were out in a field over by Skyline one time when they were boys and a dirigible passed overhead.  Probably not too many Champions have ever seen a dirigible.  Some may not even know that it is a big bag of inert gas.  (The General does claim to have spent a hitch in the air-force.)

          The General’s sainted wife celebrates her birthday on the 6^th of November.  That was Sunday and the news blackout from over in Vanzant was finally broken Monday morning with Himself nowhere in sight.   She is much younger than he is and overall better natured and ever so much more decorous.  Friends and neighbors have almost ceased shaking their heads at the unlikelihood of him being able to hold on to such a prize.  Their good neighbor, Esther W. says that the neighborhood is pretty quiet now and things are as tidy as if one of the Champion parades had been through.  Esther is busy piecing quilts and said that she and a bunch from the Fieldstone Church went down to help the folks at Odom with their meeting on Saturday.  She said it was a good meeting and that the Odom people are awfully good about coming up to Fieldstone.  Good neighbors are a Champion kind of thing.

          As Champions settle into some lovely autumn days, they can spend a few moments reflecting on recent excitement.  The fall was full of activity with the Champion School Reunion, the West Plains Wagon Club wagon train, the Pioneer Descendants’ Gathering, Bud Hutchison’s Fall Trail Ride and then the fantastic Grand Opening Celebration of Henson’s Grocery and Gas over on the North Side of the Square in Downtown Champion.  It has been a whirlwind of activity and Champions will be pleased to take a moment to catch their collective breath.  Thanksgiving will be the next order of business and Champions are already in the mood for it.  “Hooray for the fun!  Is the pudding done?  Hooray for the pumpkin pie!”  Send your favorite pumpkin pie receipts or better yet, sweet potato pie receipts to Champion Items, Rt. 2, Box 367, Norwood, MO 65717 or to Champion at getgoin.net.  Look in on www.championnews.us for that wonderful you tube movie of the Grand Celebration.  There are lots of good photographs there too from that day and from other big time Champion events, so enjoy.  For your overall betterment you are invited to come and Occupy Champion for a Look on the Bright Side!