Champion News

Sunday’s sigh of relief whispered all through Champion. The 17.5 drops of rain fell along with the thermometer’s numbers to soothe suffering summer sojourners to the Bright Side, as well as those permanent residents who have lost count of how many days since it last rained. The promise of a few cool days ahead restores some optimism, though the ‘dog days’ will officially arrive on July 3rd and will last until August 11. Ancient Greeks named them after the dog star Sirius for their heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dogs, and bad luck. Champions will persevere in the air conditioning and in wide, cold swimming holes, hoping that our neighbors who are farmers will take care of themselves out there while they are keeping the rest of us fed.

The first day of summer has us celebrating the birthday of native Champion, Linda Krider Watts, and Sierra Parsons out in Oregon, the cousin of Felix the Farmer. Cinita Brown had a birthday on June 22nd. She has long been a force for education and community service in Ava, helping to make it the nice place that it is. Skyline School’s Kash Hurt won this year’s ‘Fun Run’ hands down. His birthday is June 24th. His fellow student, Alexander Bradley, has the 28th for his big day. His Mom, Tabby Hurt of the Skyline administrative staff, celebrates on the 29th. The 25th was the birthday of the well remembered, Nick Massey, from up on Tar Button Road. He had a wonderful laugh, a keen eye for nature and the natural progression of life. The 28th and 29th we remember two great Champion ladies, Esther Wrinkles and Eva Powell. Esther was notorious for her pies and quilts and for writing for The Herald for more than fifty years—the Champion and Vanzant items. She was a founding member and staunch supporter of the Skyline Volunteer Fire Department. She could spin a yarn. Friends are still enjoying the ‘neck-pillows’ that Eva made and shared. She was quite a yarn spinner as well and taught a good lesson about handling barking dogs chasing the car out on our country lanes. She said to just slow way down. The dogs will get bored and give up the chase. She was right.

Sherry Bennet also has the 25th for her day. She is out making music and organizing music. She already has the lineup ready for the Pioneer Heritage Festival in early October. Family and friends let her know how much she is appreciated. Folks at the Barn Jam, the Vanzant Jam, the Barber Shop Jam, and her Dance class all celebrated her beautiful smile, lovely voice, excellent musicianship, good humor, and good works. Music is one of the sweet ties that bind.

Music is happening all over this time of the year. One of the next musical events will be the 56th annual Vanzant Picnic. Friday and Saturday, July 8th and 9th will have Whetstone, Stringed Union, and Backyard Bluegrass on the stage. On Saturday, those great local bands will be joined by the Finley River Boys. The picnic motto is “Bringing the community together since 1967.” The event is the product of hard work by members of the Eastern Douglas County Volunteer Fire Department. Great music, food, games, raffles, and the chance to connect with friends and folks last seen at this picnic will make for a great time. Maybe one of those candidates for Douglas County Presiding Commissioner will be there to assure us that, if elected, he will vehemently support high speed internet in our very rural areas.

George Orwell was born on June 25, 1903. For many who are familiar with his writing, he seemed to have been describing our world today. We are given pause to think and sometimes the amount of self-control it takes to not say what is on our mind is so exhausting that we need a nap afterwards. Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!