Wednesday the Skyline Area Volunteer Fire Department posted a photo of the aftermath of an accident that occurred at the intersection of C Highway and 76. There were two cars—one with a damaged fender and one upside down. We later learned that it was the Barry family’s car that had been hit by a drunk driver. Rachel and their two small children were able to walk away from the crash, but Jeff was life-flighted to Springfield with a severe spinal cord injury. The other driver was taken into custody. Rachel is co-owner and operator of Jean’s Healthway which has been serving the area for many years. The Ava community, loyal customers and the staff family are stepping up to help in any way they can. Rachel says, “Things you can do–pray. Pray for my kids as they transition into change. Pray for the intoxicated driver. Pray for strength. Pray for neurogenesis.” With the whole world struggling one way or another, the chance to help anyone in any way is a gift.

Happy chance brought Tim Tamburino and Sarah to the Vanzant Jam on Thursday. They travel all over the country visiting and recording bluegrass jams for their Midwest Bluegrass Directory. They can be found on the internet highlighting groups and jams and keeping a calendar of events current. Tim is the guy in the red shirt and straw cowboy hat with all the photography and recording equipment. Sarah is the smiling support staff nearby. She is looking forward to her retirement and they are thinking about relocating to New Mexico one day. They probably have bluegrass out there, and they will have more when Tim and Sarah get there. Meanwhile, we will enjoy them while they are still in our neighborhood.

Happy (When do you ever see two newspaper paragraphs in a row start with “Happy”?) Happy Birthday to Veteran Dean Brixey on November 18th. His Dad built that rock house up on CR239 in 1941, and Dean was born in 1942. Champion Elva Ragland had her birthday on the 19th as did Seven Springs Julie January Ring in different generations. Thanksgiving Day falls this year on the birthday of the grandmother of Zack, Seamus, and Elizabeth, so she has triple reasons on top of many others to be happy and grateful. Holly Zappler up in Bethlehem, PA may party on November 24th. The 26th is for Lannie Hinote, beloved aunt and former Skyline School Teacher who has shared her teaching gift in Yukon Village, Alaska in recent years. John Webber’s grandson, Thomas Jernigan, over in Washington was two years old on the 26th in 2017. Carolyn Nunn Harvey and Skyline fourth grader Aubrey Lewis celebrate on the 27th. Aubrey is a fierce competitor in the game room at the Champion Store. Just ask the Prominent Champion. The 27th was also the birthday of Veteran W.A. Masters, born in 1914, in Frog Level, Oklahoma. He lived to be 73. He did a lot of hard work, a lot of good, and made a lot of music along the way. Any corny old country song you can think of was probably part of Uncle Al’s repertory from “The Old Knot Hole” all the way up to “The Flying Purple People Eater.” He played “Listen to the Mockingbird” on the French Harp. He and Tim Tamburino could have enjoyed each other’s company. Geoff Bartch plays harmonica and does a lovely rendition of “Amazing Grace.” His birthday is on the 28th. Christopher Boyd is in the second grade at Skyline. His birthday is the 29th. The paragraph will end as it started saying, “May all your birthdays be Happy!”

November 11th is the special day set aside to acknowledge our many Veterans who have willingly done what has been asked of them in service of our safety and security. Freedom and Democracy are ours due to their service and sacrifice. It is absolutely appropriate to recognize our Veterans every day. Thank you. Though Democracy seems kind of shaky these days, political divisiveness does not interfere with the good sense of community that keeps us Champions—Looking on the Bright Side!

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