Champions are making good progress in recovering from last week’s inundation. Neighbors have helped with projects on the square. The church is being cleaned. Song books are drying out. People have been working hard to get things working again. Steel fences down by Fox Creek are twisted and down and matted with debris. The great power of water is evident in many places in Booger County. Road crews have worked overtime to get us back on the road and their efforts are much appreciated. There is still plenty to do. Champions are resilient.

Unseasonably glorious weather had old gardeners out working to get ready for next year’s growing season. Tenacious vines, both tomato and morning glory, wrapped tight around the woven wire tomato cages, came loose with significant effort. Perhaps some creative person with time on her hands could become a basket maker. There are plenty grasses, vines and roots, willows and oak splits to work with, but time is the scarce commodity. Birthdays slipped by us. Skyline School third graders Elaina Homer and Aiden Strong have their birthdays on November 5th. Sixth grader Owley Sudderth celebrated on the 12th and the 13th was for kindergarten student Aceton Fox. Eighth grader Isabella Jeffrey partied on the 14th. The 27th will be the day for 5th grader Aubrey Lewis to party and the 29th will be the big day for Christopher Boyd who in the 3rd grade.

On November 11th, a dozen veterans attended the Skyline Veterans’ Day celebration that included the Pledge of Allegiance, and a parade of the Military Branch flags and anthems. Mr. Joe Henry Harley shared his experience of going on the Honor Flight and about his time in the Air Force. Ms. McKay said, “The Presentation of Poppies Ceremony was accomplished by David Ball’s ‘Riding with Private Malone.’ This is always a very touching part of the program.” She reported that Mr. Terry Prock, former teacher and coach at Skyline, attended and represented the VFW. Mr. Prock presented the Patriot Pen Awards to Skyline students: Grace Rystad, 8th grade, took 1st; Jersey Hall, 8th grade, took 2nd; and Morgan Johnson, 7th grade, took 3rd. Our Skyline students salute our Veterans as part of the education that will make them good citizens.

The Vanzant Jam enjoyed a good house full of visitors on Thursday, some who have not been there for a while. One such person, all the way from Las Vegas, had the opportunity to learn about reincarnation from her distant cousin who has, over the years, explained the complicated notion to a number of friends and family members. It is generally met with the good humor that goes along with the music that everyone agrees is good for us. Rudy Valley sang, “Keep a little song handy wherever you go, and nothing can ever go wrong.”

Sports fans understand that there is no glory in defeating a weak opponent. The Chiefs were not weak and are still on top in the rankings, but Buffalo came out on top on Sunday. Alas! Meanwhile, the woods are full of hunters and the deer harvest is on. It all started so beautifully then Monday came with gray skies, stiff winds, intermittent drizzle and rain. The General reported in a newsbreak, “From the Vanzant Big Q Channel 88 Eyewitless News Room: Gusty wind today toppled the three foot weather balloon launching tower. On a lighter note, winter is just around the corner.” The report was dated November 18, 2017. He said, “Dey jay view!” Better days are ahead. Youth hunters enjoyed much success last week and hopes are the firearm season will be productive and safe for all those out there in the woods stalking deer. Safety is the watch word for good memories around the deer camp, and good food around the table in Champion—Looking on the Bright Side!

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