Joy! In a hectic, contentious, divisive, world, we should pause momentarily and think joy! Joy is good for the soul. Joy soothes the soul. Joy is good for the mind, body, and soul. What the world needs now is joy. That is the world needs love, peace, positivity, joy. Always
The Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan recently completed provided special viewing on many levels: Pageantry, competition, world cohesion, fun and games, drama, unexpected excellence, he joy of sports, and always a bit of controversy. Next in view will be the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, China in February
Family always is important. Interaction at more than during holidays brings family bonds more firmly together. Consider a few items below: • The Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry and Community Garden’s 8th anniversary at the Harvest Dinner will be from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14 at the Marie
August brings football in the sports whirl, professional, college, and high school. If the COVID-19 will relent, plans are for full schedules at all levels. Many high school games last Spring were canceled because of COVID virus. The modified schedule called for six games maximum. Some schools played as few
National Night Out will be Tuesday, Aug. 3 with participation by many communities. It is a break from the heat of the Summer and a link to a back-to-school mentality. From previous years an impression is that young children enjoy the variation from a usual Summer routine. It is an
There are reasons that Olympic Games are special events. They are sports, however, they transcend sports generously. Communities see the value in countries competing for a sense of national pride, however, the drama, excellence, and competition every four years, or twice every four years if you include both summer Olympic
Free and easy and a sense of individualism can be admirable and a positive sense for a proper lifestyle. There are limits, however. With the apparent easing of restrictions following fewer COVID-19 cases in recent months, it has been easy for many of us to think that sickness is over
Rumors are a part of big-time sports with the possibility of trades, contract expiration, and dashed hopes of qualifying for the playoffs. Likely it is more true for Major League Baseball. The discussion is possible movement, new contract, trades. Stuff which used to be called Hot Stove League talk. Now
It is truly a big world in many ways. We have many directions to go to find our way. Choices may include to find a COVID-19 vaccine site, or, decide to take chances we would avoid calamity and not be subjected to catastrophe with the virus which has altered our
Decisions on playing games have been highly important the last 18 months with the COVID-19 pandemic. It is more than playing games. It is sickness and health. The International Olympic Committee made the correct decision to hold the Olympic Games beginning July 21 in Japan, which already had been postponed
Growing interests provide food for thought. Independence Day offers clarity to a variety of items. It is more than honor and respect for the valuable Founding Fathers and the legacy they left. It is more of a focus on what our future can become. It is, at the same time,
Following Independence Day observances, traditions, and festivities, two things happen in sports, more than the old adage of corn will be knee high by the Fourth of July: There is clarity in status and paths in Major League Baseball (MLB); and football becomes a relevant point of conversation. • In
We have a tendency to gloss over the significance of the United States Declaration of Independence. It is the reason for Independence Day. It contains substance. Independence Day is understood and properly celebrated by a growing number of United States residents. There are many others who see it as a
High school sports are instructive to participants, enjoyable for fans, and traditional among adult supporters. The school year was completed with a sense of relief and a sense of joy that better times should be ahead. Think next season, if we, as a society can prevent virus variants from spreading
This week’s edition, filled with Independence Day materials, salutations, and references, limit other articles which are important. Therefore, without a scathing letter to the editor, or any letter, we have extra room to include information we think is important. Information and comments include: • There are two Rotary Clubs in
The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) reached its conclusion Saturday, June 19 with its school-year athletic competition. The year was memorable as much for its lack of games, stymied by the COVID-19, as it was for the competition conducted. Nonetheless the IHSA performed an admirable service under difficult circumstances. The
Gaston Stronk has steered his way through life imbued with many experiences. His PhD in history has created an added value of understanding in life ranging from Aurora to Luxemburg and duties as a Luxemburg ambassador to various countries, to include India, Russia, and the United States. He will retire
With Father’s Day on the doorstep, it is important for this writer to move out of the third person and state how blessed his life has been because of a wonderful father. He passed this life more than 50 years ago, however, the road map, love, connection, and role model
We pass the baton of space in this section to the thorough perspective of the Black Sox Scandal. Even in the early years we knew that “Shoeless Joe” Jackson was a premier player for the Chicago White Sox, however, discovered he compiled the third best career batting average. He was
Settlement of Europeans in northern Illinois began in the 1820s, 1830s, and 1840s. The largest ethnic groups to arrive in Aurora in the 19th Century were from Luxemburg and from Romania. Each group can cite a proud history of settlement. Frequently we receive reminders. The Luxemburg ambassador to the United
