Christmas bells, those Christmas bells
Ring out from the land
Asking peace of all the world
And good will to man
Snoopy’s Christmas by The Royal Guardsmen
By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org
Attention!
For the Dec. 10 basketball game between the South Christian Sailors and the Godwin Heights Wolverines, it was not about the score (the Sailors won) but about honoring those who served: 72-year-old U.S. Army veteran Ken McKenneym, who served in the Vietnam War, and 92-year-old U.S. Navy veteran Pete Zimmer, who served in World War II. For about the special celebration, click here.
School’s Out…for Winter Break!
Whether you are excited (most area students) or dreading it (probably most parents), many area schools let out for Winter Break this Friday. But no one has to panic once the holiday activities are a wrap as there are still holiday lights and Christmas Around the World at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park; Snowflake Break at the Grand Rapids Public Museum; and Studio Drop-In tours and fun at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. To learn more, just click on the organization’s name. Also do not forget that there are plenty of snow hills, such as the one at the City of Wyoming’s Pinery Park, for sledding and other winter fun.
Build It and They Will Come
Today there is a plethora or state-of-the-art music venues, many of which are owned and operated by local schools. How did this phenomenon happen? Believe it or not, it started with a school district more known for its farming that its art offerings. Byron Center Public Schools built the Van Singel Fine Arts Center in the 1990s not only for its students but for the community, offering a mix of touring shows and student productions.
Fun Fact: Snoopy’s Christmas Song
Alvin and the Chipmunks were not the only cartoon characters with a holiday song. “Snoopy’s Christmas” written and performed by the group The Royal Guardsmen, was released in 1967. (Today’s quote is from the song.) Originally from Ocala, Florida, the six-man group released a little ditty called “Snoopy vs. the Red Baron” in 1966, which reached number two in Billboard charts for 12 weeks and was certified gold. This lead to the group releasing several other Snoopy songs including “Snoopy’s Christmas.” Due to a charting policy, “Snoopy’s Christmas” never made the Billboard charts. The group disbanded in 1969. It had a revival in 2006 with the song “Snoopy vs. Osama.” The group currently tours today.
