August 11, 2014
CHAMPION—August 11, 2014
A cool week ahead with the potential for a little rain has Champions comfortable and optimistic, but not smug. It is that kind of place where gratitude plays an active part in daily life. The anniversary of the Fox Creek Flood of 2013 was observed quietly. Some debris is still lodged in trees “higher than the Cowboy could reach if he were sitting on his high horse.” If memory does not serve, a review of the archives at www.championnews.us reveals that the previous August was a dry, hot one and in 2011, every drop was being measured and appreciated. Country folks, gardeners and farmers are particularly attentive to the weather as they go about their work in harmony with the atmosphere. Champions all!
The 28th annual Skyline VFD Picnic lived up to its reputation as one of the sweetest events around. Friday started out hot but as the sun went down the air became most comfortable and was filled with music and laughter and the sounds of happy reunions as old friends embraced and visited. At five o’clock Saturday the faintest little drizzle toyed with the hosts and would have been threatening had they not all studied the radar intensely. Some firemen used their radios to listen to The National Weather Bureau with its ominous impersonal voice crackling through the static saying, “thunder storms possible.” People began arriving anyway and, as if by virtue and force of confidence, the clouds dispersed leaving just enough humidity around to remind revelers that they were still deep in the throes of summer. Several hundred people from around the area and from distant parts settled in the natural amphitheater to enjoy the evening’s entertainment. Bluegrass and gospel music is really one of the great calling cards for this extraordinary gathering. The many local and area performers are most impressive not just in their talent but in their generous willingness to show it off. Ray Bradley continues to amaze with his rendition of The Star Spangled Banner. He hits those high notes solidly and makes us all feel good about the whole thing. Others of the hundreds milled about enjoying the food and games. The silent auction was brilliant as friends outbid each other for those Jewel Tea bowls, each hoping to give them to another of their mutual friends. Tim Scrivner’s excellent bird feeder was snapped up by another fine wood worker who will probably steal the idea. The author of the cedar lined red oak blanket chest can be satisfied that the raffle brought in a sizeable chunk of money to benefit the Skyline Volunteer Fire Department. Can he top it next year? Champion Jerry Garrison was the lucky ticket holder for that piece that is destined to become a family heirloom. His friends and neighbors are almost as happy for him to have won it as they would have been for themselves. Alas! The hard work of all the volunteers before, during and after the picnic gives them a special spot in the community heart. The merchants and organizations in the area that support the Skyline VFD can expect ‘mutual aid’ as the community pays back with patronage. KZ88 Community Radio was on hand to record all the evening’s music as well as a short interview with the Skyline Fire Chief. It will air sometime next week and those who were unable to attend will hear what they missed and those who were there will get to relive a lovely experience without the distractions, and, sadly, without the pie. The Champion News Facebook page (‘like’ us please) will report the KZ88 broadcast schedule of the recording when it becomes available.
It would be great to think that every part of the country is divided up into overlapping communities that rally for each other in their celebrations and in their need the way folks do around here. It seems that people never feel so good as they do when they are helping someone else. As people age they might wonder who is getting the comfort when the baby is being rocked. All the festivals, fund raisers and benefits tie communities together in a great network of compassion. Elmer was at the picnic both nights. He is happy about the job the men from the county road crew did on V Highway. Those fellows have a big job to do to keep the roads open and viable, tying all the communities together. One of them could use a little help now. Ashley Pierson (417-686-0164) can answer questions, take donations, and sign your volleyball team up for the tournament that will benefit a special one of those fellows as he deals with a serious health issue. The volleyball tournament, chili supper and auction will kick off at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 6th at the Skyline School—for Champion Ronnie Thompson.
It was quiet on Sunday afternoon as the little church yard emptied out. From up near the church, weaving through the trees along the creek bed came a red shouldered hawk, flying silently and low, crossing the drive to light in the big walnut tree behind the garage. It rested there a moment and then sailed across the road into Harley’s pasture and back along the creek. It is a huge bird. The American kestrel is quite a small hawk. Actually, it is called ‘North America’s littlest falcon.’ Ethel Leach sees them over in her North Champion neighborhood in the headwaters of Old Fox Creek. They hunt for insects and other small prey in open territory, perching on wires or poles or hovering facing into the wind, flapping and adjusting their long tails to stay in place. They are native year round residents of this part of the world. Big hawks, little hawks, turkeys, deer and bear are neighbors to other year round critters like bob cats, ground hogs, raccoons, possums and now armadillos. What a remarkable place!
Gardens are pouring forth and it is still warm enough to enjoy going to the creek. This must be the perfect time of the year. An old neighbor, Ruth Hicks, who used to write the Champion items, would recite a poem by Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1885). (Maybe kin to Myron.) “The golden-rod is yellow, the corn is turning brown, the trees in apple orchards with fruit are bending down.” The name of the poem is September, but already it comes to mind in the golden shower of walnut leaves and as the sneeze-causing wild aster, goldenrod, comes into full bloom. Presently the sumac will change colors and it will be time for the old Champions to gather. Deward Henson’s old home place is now being occupied joyfully by his granddaughter, Jenny Coradi John and her brush hogging husband. They had a good time at the picnic. Her cousins will soon be pouring out of Springfield and other places to come to the Champion School Reunion on the Saturday before Labor Day. Time marches on.
March on down to the village, as Deward called it, and bring some of those squash to share. Bring some poetry with you or some stories or a good song. “Every day (tenor), every day (soprano), every day (alto), every day (bass) God’s sun is shining brightest beams across the sky. On this way (tenor, soprano, alto, bass) we shall not falter, it’s the brighter side of life!” In Champion—Thanks for the motto, Deward. Looking on the Bright Side!
