Gerry and Jan Smith, Sun City Veteran residents of 20 years, orchestrated a Sun City trip to the Museum of Science and Industry.
How long have they been facilitating trips for Sun City Residents?
Sun City residents Gerry and Jan Smith have been hosting holidays trips to the Museum of Science and Industry since before Prairie Lodge was built. (Photos by Christine Such/Sun Day)
Jan said, “We’ve been doing this from the beginning. We moved here before the Lodge was built.”
Residents boarded the bus and the Smiths welcomed everybody aboard.
Gerry asked each passenger “Can I give you a kiss and a hug?”
In response to a yes, Gerry gave a chocolate kiss and chocolate hug. The Smiths shared the warmth of the season with neighbors and new friends heading to see the tradition at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago’s (MSI) Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light.
For some, attending Christmas Around the World is a tradition that that is passed down from generation to generation. Why do people continue to return?
One resident said, “We took our kids every year, we have seen many changes. It used to be free and of course, the Train has been greatly updated. And like many happy traditions now my kids take their kids and it has passed throughout our families. It’s just a great way for families to enjoy the holidays and also kind of see trees that represent their history.”
The Museum began this celebration in 1942 with a single tree. This year the Museum has a four-story, floor-to-dome, 45-foot Grand Tree, surrounded by more than 50 trees. The displays and trees decorated by volunteers to represent the holiday traditions from all over the world. This process starts in July. Each year the museum selects a theme. This year the theme is Holiday Together. The decorating of the trees begins in October, with the volunteers creating a tree that reflects the tradition of their Culture. But it is not all about just celebrating your own traditions, but it’s a way to see how others celebrate the season. Trees are decorated with Window scenes of Chicago, good luck spiders, facts about Blackhawk star, Stan Mikita, and some very intricate origami ornaments and so much more.
Mary Bogenski, said, “It’s my first time here. I love all the trees. It is so beautiful.”
Her friend, Beverly Hornickel said, “I was here when I was about 12. It was a Girl Scout trip from Wisconsin. I enjoyed it then and I am enjoying this adventure very much.”
When asked what was their favorite tree, they both agreed, “We loved the Scandinavian tree”
The 77-year-old tradition shows how people celebrate the season all around the world all one floor in the museum. It’s quite an accomplishment to see. It is not just Christmas that is highlighted and celebrated at the museum, it is about other holidays, too. As an added bonus, “snow” falls from the rotunda every 30 minutes. The lighting display will be up for everyone to enjoy until January 5.
The excursion included an entrance to a special exhibit ‘Wired to Wear.’ Technology might make aging a little easier. There were over 100 inventions from brands, designers, engineers, and artists across 15 countries, representing innovative ideas. You could interact with a dress that knows when you’re looking at it. Residents tried tattoos that turned the body into a musical instrument. A jacket that barks in a warning if someone approaches too close. Ray and Carole Wieczorek tested the jacket.
Carol thought, “This jacket could be useful in the grocery store or fun to scare someone that gets too close.”
Residents tried on football pads like armor that vibrated if you got too close to any obstacle. There was a flexible spacesuit ideal for Mars exploration or lasers that give people with Parkinson’s disease the visual guides helpful for walking.
But unfortunately, no items were for sale to help Sun City Residents get back home. Fortunately, 10-year Veteran Driver for Sun City excursions, Ken Wisniewski helped passengers board and without obstacles – all arrived safely back.
