Rap on Aldi misdirected; go shop, save

Since the controversy surrounding Geneva's plans for an east side Aldi first made the news more than a year ago, I have taken it upon myself to scope out the new Aldi stories popping up in the region for comparison's sake.

Last year I noted that the new Aldi in North Aurora on Randall Road was quite nice and I am happy to report that the relocated Aldi store on the west side of St. Charles is also worthy of some high praise.

And even though some Genevans questioned a need for an Aldi on the east side, and there was the accompanying fireworks regarding its location near the Safanda law offices, it is safe to say that these are clean, well-lit stores with good products and decent prices.

Someone is laughing all the way to the bank every time we fill our cars with gasoline or go buy a gallon of milk, so residents near new Aldi stores are going to appreciate the nickels and dimes they save on groceries.

Know your chocolate: If you are ready for the festive holiday mood, you're likely to know that St. Charles is having its tree-lighting ceremony Friday and the Electric Parade Saturday, while Batavia is hosting its Celebration of Lights Sunday.

There will be plenty of places to grab a bite to eat during these events, but any reminder about where to find hot chocolate is worth passing along.

I have been reminded that ladies at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, just east of downtown St. Charles, will serve hot chocolate, popcorn and other goodies before, during and after Saturday's parade.

And during Batavia's event, hot dogs and hot chocolate will be for sale near the Batavia Teen Center.

Run, Toto, run: Most of us have seen the "Wizard of Oz" numerous times, but maybe have not paid much attention to one of its key actors. I saw a promotion for an upcoming special showing of the film and it reminded me again that Toto, the little cairn terrier, never got the credit she deserved.

Toto was played by Terry III and she spent several weeks at the home of Judy Garland prior to making the film, which explains why her tail wags every time Dorothy speaks and she is right at Garland's heels all of the time.

You can see that Toto is a little spooked when the Tin Man's metal hat blows smoke or during the noise and commotion when they first encounter the wizard in his lair or when the flying monkeys swoop in on her.

Terry III was born in 1933 and died in 1942 and had a role in 11 movies, including one with Shirley Temple.

Victor Fleming directed "Wizard of Oz" in 1939, somehow doing it at the same time he was putting together "Gone With the Wind." In other words, he didn't have time for a canine actor who didn't know what she was supposed to do. For my money, Terry III was as good as her more famous counterparts like Lassie and Rin Tin Tin.

dheun@sbcglobal.net