Good News Sunday: Lifelong fan of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ chosen to play Calpurnia in national tour

This is Good News Sunday, a compilation of some of the more upbeat and inspiring stories published recently by the Daily Herald:

During the initial Broadway run of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” adapted by Aaron Sorkin from Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, veteran Chicago-area actress Jacqueline Williams was approached about taking over the role of Calpurnia — Atticus Finch’s beloved housekeeper and surrogate mother to his children — from LaTanya Richardson Jackson.

Williams was unable to join the show then. But when producers began organizing the production’s national tour, they contacted her again. This time the stars aligned for the Evanston resident.

A lifelong fan of Lee’s beloved 1960 novel and the 1962 Academy Award-winning film, Williams has been with the tour since it commenced about 16 months ago.

“The story is not only beloved, it’s important,” she said. “It’s even more relevant today than in 1934, when the story takes place.”

Touring with this show, means “fighting the good fight for change,” said Williams, referring to the country’s persistent racial divisions.

To be part of its potential to effect change is one reason Williams has committed to touring in the production long-term. That and playing Calpurnia, a character Sorkin fleshed out in his adaptation, which gives audiences a fuller picture of where Calpurnia fits in the family.

She urges fans of the novel or the movie to experience the story they love live. National performances continue into 2024.

For the full story, click here.

Wilbur Dumas, Jr., 39, of Elgin cuts the hair of Jose Gomez last year. Dumas’ Lincoln Avenue Barbershop and other local barbershops will provide free back-to-school haircuts to students in need on Sunday, Aug. 13, at the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin. – Courtesy of Wilbur Dumas

Free back-to-school haircuts at Boys and Girls Club of Elgin

Several Elgin-area barbershops again are partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin to offer free back-to-school haircuts for students in need.

Haircuts and hairdos will be offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (2 p.m. for the last walk-in) Sunday, Aug. 13, at the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin, 355 Dundee Ave. It is open to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. There also will be informational booths from community partners, activities for families, and food and beverages.

“I’m very thankful for all the community partners, local barbershops, salons and barbers schools coming together to help this event come to light,” said Wilbur Dumas Jr., owner of Lincoln Avenue Barbershop in Elgin, a product of the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin and graduate of Larkin High School in Elgin.

“It’s our duty to give back to the community and send our youth back to school with that ‘can-do’ attitude. My motto is, you look good, you feel good.”

Elgin City Council member Corey Dixon, the Windy City Bulls and DeeJayRoby entertainment company are event partners.

“I’m happy to be leading this service to the community with community partners, Lincoln Avenue Barbershop and the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin,” Dixon said. “Without great people such as them, this isn’t possible.”

For the full story, click here.

Doug and Cindy Hubert of McHenry participate in the Jeeps on the Run Toys for Tots Run in 2022. Registration is under way and spots are filling fast for the 2023 event, set for Dec. 3. – Courtesy of Brandon Wilk, Jeeps on the Run

Registration opens for annual Jeeps on the Run Toys for Tots Run

Registration has opened for the 2023 Jeeps on the Run Toys for Tots Run. And although the 11th annual event is five months away, excitement already is high for this run and after-party that draws hundreds of Jeeps, thousands of participants, tens of thousands of toy donations and generous cash donations.

In fact, Jeeps on the Run has raised nearly $2 million since its inception, said Mike Missak, president of JOTR. The event organizers coordinate with U.S. Marines Toys for Tots to benefit families in Lake and McHenry counties, with roughly 40,000 families supported to date. Cash contributions are used to buy additional toys after the run, Missak said.

Additional funds stem from raffle ticket sales, registration fees, sponsorships and flat donations. This year, for just $20 each, raffle ticket buyers can take a chance on winning a new, 2024, hydro blue, four-door Jeep Wrangler donated by title event sponsor Ray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Fox Lake.

“It is a great pleasure to support Jeeps on the Run in general, and this event in particular,” said Ray Scarpelli Jr., president of the dealership.

“It’s become a holiday tradition for many. It’s always an exciting day to see all of these charity-minded families gathering here in their decorated Jeeps on the morning of the run.”

The Jeeps on the Run Toys for Tots Run takes place the first Sunday in December, which this year is Dec. 3. Registration is $30 per Jeep, regardless of the number of passengers. The event is open to owners of any model of Jeep.

For the full story, click here.

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