Vintage tractor donated to Primrose Farm

Primrose Farm in St. Charles has received an early Christmas gift in the form of a working antique tractor.

No, it wasn't wrapped.

But the 1948 Farmall-A tractor did come with a new paint job, a good cleaning and some mechanical and body work.

The refurbishing was a project of Butch Griswold's diesel technology class at Kishwaukee College in Malta, Ill.

The students came to the rescue after the St. Charles Park District contacted them about fixing up the vintage machine, which was donated by Morton Grove resident Gertrude Zenner.

The district plans to use the tractor to demonstrate farming methods of the early 20th century at the farm, a 190-acre spread along Bolcum Road.

Maybe when it warms up, you'll check it out.

Help yourself: If you think what Kishwaukee College did for the park district was great, don't forget that you can get involved, too.

As always, the district is looking for volunteers and corporate sponsors to help put on popular community events, such as the annual Concerts in the Park series, Fourth of July bash and Easter Egg Hunt.

You can view a complete listing of these and other opportunities online at www.st-charlesparks.org. Click on the "sponsorships" or "volunteer" links.

Of course, you can call the district directly at (630) 584-1055. Surely, they wouldn't mind….

Water works: Driving through downtown St. Charles might be a little tougher the next few days, while crews reconfigure a water main at First and Illinois avenues.

But, hey, at least the Illinois Street Bridge is staying open.

The reconfiguration was expected to start Wednesday and should be wrapped up in about a week, officials said.

Drivers will be detoured around the work zone but won't be asked to stay off the Illinois Street Bridge, as was the case this year with First Street redevelopment project work on the west side of the Fox River.

Got lights? Think you're the Clark Griswold of your block? Does your house resemble the character's blinding décor in the classic holiday movie "Christmas Vacation"?

If so, the Daily Herald needs your help.

We're putting together a list of the best places in the Fox Valley to see Christmas lights this year and you just might be able to make the cut.

To nominate yourself, send us an e-mail at foxvalley@dailyherald.com with the exact street address (the house number and city), driving directions from a major intersection and a description about what makes your display special.

The more information you provide about your decorations, the better chance you have of becoming a tour stop.

Also, please include your name and phone number (Don't worry; this information won't be printed).

Nominations are due by Wednesday. We'll round up the best of the best and publish our list in the Dec. 21 Neighbor section.