The Soapbox: Thin Mints and life lessons
Daily Herald Editorial Board
The Girl Scout cookie sale teaches life skills such as goal setting and leadership. It’s unfortunate that for Troop 1347 in Cary the real-life experience had to include a lesson in heartless crime when the $417 the Scouts earned was stolen at their site. The story ended happily when donors more than replaced the money, and the girls gave the extra funds to tsunami victims in Japan. Call it a bonus life lesson — in charity.
Kudos, continued:
Last week we praised both union firefighters and bosses in Carpentersville for sharing the pain in a very tough budget year, and now we laud Elgin police for agreeing to a one-year contract with no pay increases to avoid layoffs.
Fishing for solutions:
A nationwide ban on live Asian carp began this week, thanks in part to the efforts of U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, a Hinsdale Republican who has been fighting to keep our waterways clear of the destructive species. The ban is one small step toward a solution, but the situation demands many more to keep the invaders away while still preserving jobs in Illinois.
That’s one brave cop:
We add our praise of Gurnee police officer Matthew Bendler, who received the village’s medal of valor this week for dragging a wounded man from an apartment to waiting paramedics last Christmas Eve while contending with a knife-wielding suspect. Tough guy for a tough job.
Inspiration on two wheels:
Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson’s return to cycling after last season’s accident is inspiring. He doesn’t remember the crash that occurred while he trained for the Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove, but his months of recovery are vivid. “Was it horrific?” he said. “Yes. But it doesn’t mean you quit.”
And now, this safety message:
Johnson has kept his bloodstained helmet and says that because he was wearing it, his life was spared. At the start of spring, can there be any more poignant reminder for bicyclists about safety? And drivers, remember to share the road politely with them.
Another pitch for safety:
As youth baseball season starts, consider whether it’s too early for some youngsters to pitch. Sometimes the arms aren’t quite ready for the stress and the batters don’t have the fundamentals to face the often erratic pitches. A good solution in many cases is to have dads throw so the youngsters can keep their growing arms uninjured and their eyes on the ball.
No pain, no gain:
Great news to hear that the much-needed widening of Butterfield Road in Wheaton should begin next month. The $70 million project will take a year or more but will result in a four-lane thoroughfare to the west of Wheaton Warrenville South High School. There will be some pain as intersections at Naperville and Wiesbrook roads are redone. Just remember the long-term gain.
What teens teach us:
We’re in awe of the determination shown by kids in Palatine High School’s Project Excel, which supports and prods minority students toward advanced courses and college. Many juggle homework, long hours at work to help support their families, and other responsibilities — all without losing sight of their goal.