Cast of thousands ensure traditions live on
Holiday traditions are as important as any we cling to, especially during difficult times. And the past few years fall into that category.
Before we settle down for Christmas joy with family and friends, we should stop for just a moment to thank those who made some of our traditions - old and new - so grand again this season.
Thanks must go out to everyone who was involved with the planning or participation in: The St. Charles Electric Christmas parade; the Geneva Christmas Walk; the Batavia Celebration of Lights and decorating of the downtown; the Turkey Trot, Santa Shuffle and Snowflake Shuffle running events; the holiday concerts and events at schools, churches and community centers; the Bethlehem recreations; Christmas Carol plays; "Nutcracker" presentations; Toys for Tots programs; Salvation Army bell-ringing; high school holiday basketball and wrestling events; coat and food drives; and last but not least, the jolly Santas at malls and other locales.
Her shot at a Bug: I recently mentioned that Madison Hannah of Geneva was in the running for a new car from Fox Valley Volkswagen because of a "Love Bug" writing contest in which her cousin submitted a story about why she deserved a new car.
She finished second, but will get a Volkswagen to drive for a year to promote next year's "Love Bug" contest. So in the process, she is doing work to aid her communications studies at DePaul and learned about how much her cousin cherishes their friendship, in addition to the community rallying around her with votes.
A worthy Badger: Jack Brens of St. Charles was a legend among area basketball fans who knew about his glorious role on a Wisconsin basketball team that was able to defeat the fabled 1959-60 national champion Ohio State squad of Jerry Lucas and John Havlicek, handing the Buckeyes their lone Big Ten loss that season.
Jack was an active supporter of all sorts of local charitable organizations and we were sad to hear of his passing last weekend after a long fight with cancer.
Sims is the Scrooge: Which Christmas movie is your favorite? As the family gathers over the next few days to celebrate the season, it's quite possible that a holiday classic will find its way onto your TV screen.
I've always been a big "Christmas Carol" fan, but there are so many versions. The American version from 1938 with Reginald Owen as Scrooge is enjoyable and excellent for kids, mostly because of Gene Lockhart's portrayal as Bob Cratchett.
But I highly recommend the English version released in the U.S. in 1951 with Alistair Sims in the lead role of the movie "Scrooge." This movie showcases an excellent literary interpretation, bringing up so many details about how and why Ebenezer Scrooge became the man he was. It allows you to get a thorough understanding of the traits of human nature that created anguish for Scrooge.
And Sims is widely acclaimed as the best Scrooge ever on the big screen. If you haven't seen this one, make a point to gather the family around and get the full story behind the "Christmas Carol."