What is the best way to water a Christmas cactus? Donna DeWitt and a young nurse at the Douglas County Health Department had that conversation while Donna and Jim were waiting the requisite 15 minutes after their vaccination to verify no reaction. Others, who were also waiting, joined in the discussion. Some say watering from the bottom is the best. Another heard that a few ice cubes every now and then was the best way. The nurse said her plant came from her great grandmother and that many in her family have descendants of the same plant. Fifteen minutes is enough time for a lot of conversation. Jim was happy to get his vaccination on the occasion of his 80th birthday. He had received some funny birthday cards which he very much appreciated. He was looking forward to being comfortable about being more active. Donna thought he was active enough, reporting that he had multiple episodes of snow shoveling during the recent storm. They weathered it well, but some of their children in Texas had serious problems.

February was fraught with difficulties. Meteorologists are saying the Valentine week ice storm was not necessarily a ‘one off’ event as climate change advances. In the future, southern building contractors may be adding insulation and rethinking running a water line through the attic to the ice maker in the refrigerator. Driver education classes may enhance the curriculum for driving on snow and ice. Learning from complications is progress. Does that make us progressive? We march into March with optimism and a willingness to learn.

National Guard troops shepherded scores of second timers through the vaccine maze on Saturday. Local health care personnel, firefighters, law enforcers and others joined the Douglas County Health Department in generating another efficient event. A fleet of golf carts driven by civilian solid citizens ferried folks from and to their distant parked cars on a beautiful day when they might have otherwise been playing golf. Alighting from one, an Old Champion complimented the driver on the excellent organization. He said that he really appreciated hearing that. His hat said, “City of Ava.” She asked, “Do you work for the city?” “I’m the Mayor!” said Burrely Loftin, “I love this town!” “Then, you’ll read about yourself in The Champion News!” He was pleased to say he knew a lot about Champion. Stan Lovan had told him about Wednesday gatherings at the Historic Emporium. Besides that, he had been well-acquainted with Clifford and Esther Wrinkles as well as numerous others in the area. He said Esther was a good friend and he enjoyed dinner at her house on occasion after their move to Vanzant. In the brief encounter it was clear that he is enjoying being Mayor of the Treasure of the Ozarks. City administrators have serious responsibilities and seem to be doing an excellent job. For some reason, other administrators come to mind these days: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, real Champions—Looking on the Bright Side!


The buzzards are back!
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