Saturday soapbox

Smart school move:

As the state weighs consolidating school districts, hooray for those starting to share administrative services on their own. One, Oak Grove Elementary District 68, which is losing its top two business managers, might pay a fee to use Libertyville Elementary District 70 financial services rather than hire new administrators.

Life preserving:

Even though we are a week or two into the summer season, it's never too late to remind suburbanites with backyard pools to take every precaution to keep them childproof for both family and neighbors. A few minutes to check that all is secure can save a lifetime of sorrow and regret.

What a setup at Willow Creek:

Did you see our behind-the-scenes pictures last week of Willow Creek services, with all the A/V and computer electronics? Pretty cool, impressive stuff. Also impressive: Some 1,200 volunteers helping put on the services. That kind of regular dedication and equipment might be rivaled only by Oprah.

Did you bike to work?

Bike to Work Week in Chicago and the suburbs has ended. It's not always easy in the suburbs, but it's getting better. The Active Transportation Alliance, activetrans.org, sells an excellent map showing good bike routes to get around. Now, we hope more workplaces make allowances for cleaning up and looser clothes.

Biker beware:

While we praise bicycle commuters, we remind them that they too need to follow the rules of the road. Stop signs are there for the use and safety of all.

Nice tribute

How cool to see more than 3,400 sailors, instructors and veterans, all in their dress whites, lined up in formation to create a living “100” this week at Great Lakes Naval Station? It was a Flag Day tribute to the base's 2011 Centennial celebration.

What if Lincoln had email?

An intern from Gurnee working at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum found two previously unknown documents handwritten by the former president. In 100 years, what great documents will interns find? A president's emails pecked out on a Blackberry? Will the discovery have the same thrill?

Free tuition!!?

Benedictine University in Lisle is offering free tuition to unemployed adults who have been out of work for at least 18 months and do not have a bachelor's degree. “It's simply the right thing to do, Benedictine's President William Carroll said. “People are hurting and it's time for Benedictine to get in the game.” What a wonderful gift.

Speaking of gifts

A “wow” and our deep gratitude to Marybeth Lernihan, Nonie Brown and Michele Polvere, three suburban women who founded Impact 100. They recruited 126 women to give $1,000 each and split it up this week among five worthy charities. Talk about impact. Talk about making a positive difference.

At long last:

Thirteen years after businessman Thom McNamee donated land and money for a small park in honor of his slain twin, Tim, Carpentersville is finally moving forward with plans to build a canoe launch there that also will assist the fire department in getting its rescue gear in and out of the river. Kudos to the village for following through.