The Voice offers a voice continually for as many readers and in as many corners as possible. Military veterans have been a focus for many reasons. One military veteran, who served in World War II, Richard Williams, recently, with the able assistance of his wife, Christine Williams and Wayne Johnson, published his fourth book of verses. The most recent is his thickest book, however, he would not say it was best. He will leave it up to the readers. He sends verses to The Voice which we run every week.
The latest book of verses is Santaland, which he calls the definitive saga of who, what, when, and where Santa lives. In other words what Santa does apart from Christmas. Books are available through the mail.
Earlier books include the first, Freedom, Veterans, and You, published in 2013. It was followed by A Potpourri of Fun, Inspiration, and Humor, published in 2015. The third in the America series is The Christmas Book, published in 2019.
Any and all would make a nice Christmas gift. Dick Williams, which his friends call him, has been writing verses for many years as a hobby, for fun, and as a passion. He writes on a variety of topics.
• December is Peace Month for good reason, although it does not have to be confined to one month. Each one of us can begin the process of being a little more peaceful in our actions, talk, and outlook. What the world needs now is peace, even more than love. The key word, however, is understanding. If you understand, the aim is peace and love.
• Notable from the reliable Capitol News Illinois nonprofit, nonpartisan, news agency based in Springfield to cover the Capitol news: The unemployment rate in Illinois fell three-tenths of a point in November to 5.7% and employers added 19,500 payroll jobs to the economy, according to writer Peter Hancock. The jobless rate in the State was 1.5 percentage points higher than the national rate, which was 4.2% in the Nation. One year ago the State’s jobless rate was 8.1% and since then employers have added back 230,200 jobs.
• The Voice contributor Al Benson, reports that the Aurora area deaf and hearing-impaired kids used American Sign Language to talk Christmas wishes with Santa Claus Thursday, Dec. 16. The Aurora Noon Lions Club was host to its 15th annual party with pizza and presents for 60 deaf and hearing-impaired students, parents, caregivers, and teachers from both West Aurora School District 129 and East Aurora School District 131 at Luigi’s Pizza and fun Center in Aurora. Santa was portrayed by Dan Basalone, a hearing-impaired Lisle resident who is fluent in American Sign Language.
• The Aurora Police Department was host to Shop with a Cop Saturday, Dec. 11 at Meijer, 808 Illinois Rout 59 in Aurora. The event brings together police officers with underprivileged youth. It helps them shop for holiday gifts. The youth normally do not have the resources to buy, or, receive Christmas gifts.
• East Aurora High School will serve as a vaccination site for the COVID-19 vaccine Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, 9 a.m.. to 1 p.m., at the East Aurora Field House. The day is Martin Luther King holiday.
• Clear and Concise, Week 51 Year 2: Peace is always possible if we think peace, allow peace, and want peace, instead of friction, fighting, and finger-pointing.