Champion News

Country lanes are beginning to bristle with daffodils planted long ago by previous residents and scattered by the road graders over the years.  That bright yellow heralds the beauty to come.  Many gardens will feature sunflowers this year in solidarity with the folks in Ukraine as they struggle to defend their democracy.  While we acknowledge our own good fortunes in these difficult times, we are mindful of the suffering and chaos going on elsewhere.  In a rare and welcome consensus, we send our best wishes and prayers for those folks in harm’s way wherever they may be.

Sunday night’s threatening weather reminds us that spring is indeed on the way.  The almanac says that the next good days for starting seedbeds will be the 11th and the 12th.  The 13th is the day to remember J.R. Johnston on his birthday.  He passed away in 2019, but any banjo strumming to an old tune brings him sweetly to mind.  In last year’s episode of The Champion News we read, “The soothsayer said, ‘Beware the Ides of March!’”  We can be wary any day of things unknown, and we can celebrate any day for the good things we do know.  As to good things, the 15th of March (the Ides) is the birth anniversary of Supreme Court Justice Ruth B. Ginsberg; of Sam Lightnin’ Hopkins, Texas bluesman; of Jacob Masters, now batting about 400 for the Saints over in Liberal, Kansas; and of his crooning second cousin, 30 years his senior far over the wide Atlantic.  Another good thing coming up is the Skyline VFD Chili Supper on Saturday the 19th.  The star of the silent auction will be the Double Wedding Ring quilt made by Ruth Hamilton.  Good music, food, and fellowship in support of the VFD will make for a great evening.  Kaitlyn McConnell has been sent her Chili Supper Invitation.  She will get to see Ozarks Alive!  Many local activities will be happening that night, so everyone, be safe in your travels.

Champion friend, Kaitlyn, is out collecting stories from folks with long memories.  On March 3rd Dawn Henson posted a picture of herself and Kenneth (Hovey) marking 55 years of marriage.  She said, “55 years with this guy!”  The picture is of an attractive and optimistic young couple starting out on life’s journey together.  Their friends, Beverly and Alvin Barnhart, have recently commemorated their 60th anniversary.  Hovey and Alvin must have been a real pair of rapscallions back in Mountain Grove High School.  They could tell you stories.  Long lasting marriages and friendships are well worth celebrating.  It is a treat when distant Champions stay in touch.  Distant Kentucky cousins, Mickey and Cathie Alsup Reilly, made a surprise visit to the Vanzant jam on Thursday, treating The General and his big, wild bunch to a bunch of fun.  They were just out on a tear, dropping in on friends and kin who did not know they were coming.  Surprise of the good kind–always welcome in Champions!  Looking on the Bright Side!