Will you put on your Easter best?

There's an outside chance I could show up for Easter Sunday services this morning wearing blue jeans. Or, better put, none of us spend as much time contemplating what we will wear on this holiest of days, unlike churchgoers did some 50 to 60 years ago.

And that's OK. All aspects of our lives have become more casual, and as I said even as a little kid, "Jesus won't care if I don't wear a tie to church."

Still, one can't help thinking about how time has changed the way many families view Easter Sunday. It's not likely we'll ever get back to what it used to be - the Sunday to show off your new clothes or, as it was coined, "your Sunday best."

Some families still do that, of course. But in the past it was always the Sunday in which boys wore clean, new shoes and maybe a tie, even if it was a clip-on, as was the case for me most often.

And girls and their moms wore Easter bonnets that either matched or at least complemented their spring dresses.

Sure, it was flashy, and it took some effort to get ready for Easter Sunday. And, yes, most of us of the male species weren't enamored with the idea. But it just seemed worth it in order to make sure the day was getting its rightful respect and attention.

Last week, the padre at our church coined Easter Sunday as the "Super Bowl" of our religion. He made the comparison to remind everyone of its importance.

It was a good reminder, considering Easter has always played somewhat of a second fiddle to Christmas in terms of family preparation and celebration.

Sure, we created the Easter Bunny and colored eggs for the kids, and tons of chocolate for all generations. But it doesn't carry the glow or the excitement of a Christmas morning.

In the eyes of the church, of course, it is on equal if not higher footing, with the entire promise of a religion coming to its monumental moment with the Resurrection.

And I just talked myself into not wearing blue jeans this morning.

Some time at Wrigley

More than a few of my retired friends figure it would be cool to get a job with the Cubs, working as an usher at Wrigley Field.

Those ushers may not don the Andy Frain uniforms of past years, but their jobs are essentially the same: Help people find their seats, keep people who don't belong in certain seats out of them, and tidy up the place a bit after games.

My retired friend Gary Knapp of Geneva is ready to take on that dream, starting his new job at Wrigley Field on opening night April 11.

This will be quite a switch from his many years as an air traffic controller, and most recently as an auto salesman. But his love of all things Cubs is making it easier.

"The only thing I am worried about is driving in there for every game, so I'll have to think about the train and 'L' for some games," Knapp said. Ah, those tough work-world choices.

It might be smart for Knapp and any others curious about the world of being a Wrigley Field usher to attend a session at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Geneva Public Library titled "Diary of a Wrigley Field Usher."

Avid Cubs fan Bruce Bohrer spent nine seasons working as an usher at Wrigley, and he'll share his experiences with those interested in what all takes place at the ballpark other than the game.

Those attending should register on the library website or by calling (630) 232-0780, ext. 251.

A dark area

A reader who travels Randall Road at night wonders why there are no overhead lights at the intersection of Randall Road and McDonald/Stearns Road.

She considers it a dangerous intersection at night, and she also feels the street lines need to be repainted.

We know from past experience that those paint jobs take place during the summer, better known in these parts as road construction season. So maybe this driver will get her wish.

As for overhead lights, there are plenty of dark spots along Randall Road and we suspect it's a matter of the budget and priorities for transportation projects. Traffic flow also comes into play with these decisions.

For stamp collectors

Avid stamp collectors probably have this one tucked away in their stamp displays. But for those who don't, here's an interesting stamp fact: In 1980, the U.S. Postal Service chose the Fabyan Windmill in Fabyan Forest Preserve as one of its five 15-cent stamps in a "Windmills USA" booklet.

Yes, it was great for one of our area's landmarks to get national recognition. But how about that price? Can't beat 15 cents for a stamp.

Festival of Color

TriCity Family Services has come up with a catchy name for its annual benefit in "Festival of Color - Live Life Brilliantly." But regardless of the name, this agency's annual fundraiser has always been an enjoyable affair.

This 27th version of the event takes place at 6:30 p.m. April 16 at Pheasant Run Resort with cocktails and a silent auction, followed at 8 p.m. with dinner and a live auction.

Reservations are taken at (630) 232-1070 or at tricityfamilyservices.org.

dheun@sbcglobal.net