As a society we continue along the path of constructing a mentality of pitting one person against another; of bringing two groups into a clash; of making minimal effort to seek true compromise. Those who make true efforts should be blessed with enough courage, wisdom, and understanding to help the rest of us to make a better world. Politics is the first thought in such efforts of trying to get along. Politics is a part of the scenario, however, there are many more elements. We become thrust into bickering over rights, liberty, and freedom, the avenues of expression. Greater understanding should be the goal.
The vaccine variations can cause a standoff: Government control versus individual freedom. Too much government control can lead to authoritarianism. Too much freedom can lead to anarchy. Extremes seldom prevail for the majority.
We have vaccines for children 5 to 11 years and parents are seen to relish in relief. It stands to reason because the vast majority in the hospitals for COVID-19 are not vaccinated. We hear less today than in previous months that vaccinations are infused with damaging chemicals or injected with demons of all types. The bottom line is we must continue to find ways to allow healing across divisions.
Notes which find their way across our desk with interest and in no particular strain, or substance:
• The Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity will dedicate its first home in Batavia Saturday, Nov. 20. The public is invited. Habitat for Humanity, among the originators, is former president of the U.S., Jimmy Carter, and has spread across the country. See page 1 this week for six Habitat groups which have come together in Will County to do wonderful work. According to tireless Al Benson, the celebration will be at 11 a.m. November 20 at 1600 W. Wilson in Batavia. The speakers will include Batavia mayor Jeffery Schielke; Steven and David McCormick, First Centennial Mortgage; State representative Maura Hirschauer; and Margaret Perreault, Geneva Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. The future homeowners are Janice and George Owino, immigrants from Kenya. Ground was broken in October 2020.
• Veterans Day is a special salute to those military veterans who served our country in many capacities, and should include families of veterans which carry on in moments of peril, darkness, and fatigue.
• Veterans compose an exceptionally large portion of those who are homeless and in need of help. Food pantries, homeless shelters, and organizations offering assistance are extremely valuable.
• Longtime Deuchler Engineering, an engineering and environment firm in Aurora, has joined the Fehr Graham family. Both firms are in Aurora. Deuchler was started in 1916 by Walter Deuchler and his brother, Gustave on LaSalle Street. Its specialty is in municipal engineering. Deuchler, as a division of Fehr Graham, will keep its office at 230 Woodlawn Avenue in Aurora.
• The Naperville Police Department announced that Jason Zbrozek has been appointed to position of deputy chief. He is a 23-year veteran of the Naperville Police Department who recently was commander of the Investigations Division. Jason Arres of Naperville was ready to be sworn in a police chief Wednesday, Nov. 10, so the leadership renewal is under way. Deputy Chief Bob Lee will assume leadership of the Patrol Division.
• Six Cypress Boutiquie of Batavia will participate in Pink Friday Nov. 19.
• Clear and Concise, Week 45, Year 2: No advice this week on English sentence structure, or, seeking to refrain from using nouns as verbs. Rather, just a note on truly critical thinking, not on politics, however, on balance, seeing things clearly with understanding, empathy, and reducing self from the equation. Walk a mile in others’ shoes. It all helps.