Here in Park Ridge we claim celebrities like Hillary Clinton and Harrison Ford as our own. But also Thomas Frost. He died this week at age 88, but is survived by his 1967 creation, Officer Friendly. The ubiquitous, blue-uniformed visitor who reminded our children of the many ways the police "serve and protect."
It's a good image, but maybe with some graying at the edges. Why? Because in today's more sophisticated, hurry-up age, kids barely have time to accept Santa Claus let alone Officer Friendly. It's a great time for them to learn, to explore, and to travel like no other generation before them. And yet, also a great time to doubt, to challenge, to nourish an abiding cynicism.
When kids see and experience so much so soon, it's not as easy to convince them authority can be gentle...good deeds still exist....everyone new is not a threat...and following the rules is not being dorky.
Mr Frost was a friendly neighbor here in Park Ridge. Let me guess -- Park Ridge isn't the only place where people hope his happy creation will live on in the lives of the young.
And while we're hoping, perhaps nine other hopes will add up to a new Top Ten for the little ones: Talk as well as text, play outdoors as well as in, have some games without adult supervision, climb a few trees, waste a few days, set up a lemonade stand, make something without a keypad, call grandma & grandpa, and for heaven's sake don't forget to lie flat on the grass to study the clouds.
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Jack,
ReplyDeleteI worked with Harrison Ford's father, Chris, who was a VP at a leading Chicago Ad Agency. He was an outgoing, good looking fellow. No wonder his son did well. They lived in Glenview where Harrison grew up. Did not know he wound up in Park Ridge.
Jerry,
ReplyDeleteNice little town here...but oh I still miss our old leafy green Austin