Briefs Christmas in November
We knew Thanksgiving was early this year, but Santa's arrival at Woodfield on Thursday and Randhurst on Friday caught us a little off guard. Actually, it shouldn't have. He arrived Nov. 9 at the Deer Park Town Center.
Teddy bear tradition
Every community enjoys its defining traditions. One of the best in Mount Prospect is the library district's annual Teddy Bear Walk. Youngsters and their bears will gather at the library on Dec. 1 to hear stories and then greet Santa's arrival by fire truck. This year's event is at least the 25th. Which means that some parents attending now might have participated as youngsters in this holiday celebration, which continues to delight each new generation of toddlers and preschoolers.
Beyond braggin' rights
For the first time in 43 years, today's game between Northwestern and Illinois will mean something to both teams. The winner moves up the bowl bid ladder. The last time both teams had winning records coming into the game was 1964 when someone named Dick Butkus roamed the sidelines in the Big Ten. All over the state, colleges and universities are battling for postseason play. Kudos to Southern Illinois (9-1) and Eastern Illinois (7-3) for being among the best in their divisions.
Someone to be thankful for
Kudos to Carole Rita Nolan of Arlington Heights on being inducted into the Illinois Senior Hall of Fame for a lifetime of activism that involves service on many boards and numerous volunteer efforts.
The good and the ugly
It's too bad unfortunate incidents after the game had to take away from what people really should have been talking about last Saturday night in Carol Stream. They should have been saying they just watched one of the most exciting games in area football history. They should have been marveling at the way young athletes from Fremd and Glenbard North responded to pressure situations as the lead bounced back and forth in dramatic fashion. They should have been talking about high school football at its finest. They should have … but they weren't. And now this wonderful game may be forever remembered for its ugly side.
Piece of history saved
The wooden Viking ship that sailed from Norway to Chicago for the 1893 Columbian Exposition and long was displayed in Lincoln Park won new life this week. The decaying ship, pieces of which are in the Museum of Science and Industry, now sits under a canopy in Good Templar Park in Geneva. It has won a $52,000 reprieve from the Partners in Preservation Program. The ship, a reminder that Viking Leif Erikson journeyed to the New World 500 years before Columbus, will get a fix-up and a new storage facility. And a tiny piece of history will be saved. Better yet, it'll be saved without taxpayer money.
Can't be defamed in church?
Interesting argument from a Crystal Lake priest being sued by a man who claims the priest defamed him in a speech in church. The Rev. Luis Alfredo Rios of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Crystal Lake argued that the court should dismiss the suit by Angel Llavona against him and Rockford Diocese because religious ceremonies are protected from government judgment and interference. Maybe so, but it's just as likely a court could argue that no one loses their civil rights just because they decided to go to church, either. A case worth following.
Happy Thanksgiving
In the spirit of the original celebration -- a meal of thanks shared with family and friends -- Soapbox wishes you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving.