The trophy in Naperville, a new brand for Lake County Forest District, a bike path in Rolling Meadows and more

These Cubs didn't strike out:

Have the good feelings generated by the Cubs' magical season worn off? Not hardly, based on the 2,000 or so folks who lined up in the bitter cold last Saturday to catch a peek of the World Series trophy on display at Naperville city hall. More than a few of those fans were shedding tears of happiness. Yes, there is still joy in Cubville.

What's in a name?:

Plenty, if you are the Lake County Forest Preserve District trying to rebrand and market its museum set to reopen late this year at the district's Libertyville headquarters. The ambitious effort starts with renaming the Discovery Museum for Bess Bower Dunn, an early advocate of local history and a woman of firsts. Eager to see the rest of the plan.

A good move:

We applaud the decision by several smaller high schools in northern Illinois, including Westminster Christian, to try eight-man football this fall. The Illinois High School Association is also considering eight-man football as an emerging sport. It's a step in the right direction for a sport where safety is a big concern.

Pedal pathway:

Rolling Meadows got the project rolling, now it's up to Arlington Heights to approve a cost-sharing agreement that would allow the communities to supplement a $691,260 federal grant and build a bike path along Euclid near the Arlington Downs development. It's a nice opportunity for suburban cyclists.

It's a start:

Repairing the sense of distrust some Palatine-area residents feel toward Palatine Township Elementary District 15 leadership won't be easy, after a controversial 10-year teacher contract and failed referendum, but the district's launch of a 44-member community engagement planning committee is a positive step in the right direction.

White House visits:

When the Cubs visit the White Sox' top fan at the White House on Monday, they'll become just the latest Chicago franchise honored by President Barack Obama, following the Blackhawks, the Bulls and even the 1985 Bears. One more thing, though, Mr. President: The Cowles Champion Chicago Bandits of Rosemont are still waiting for their call.

Signs of winter:

It's not just the cold, sleet or snow that reminds us winter is here, it's the return of the fishing, travel and golf shows. And there are plenty to enjoy from St. Charles to Chicago to Rosemont and Grayslake. You may have to bundle up to get there, but for a small price, you can step inside and start thinking about spring. Go for it.

Honoring Dr. King's legacy:

Let us extend our thanks to the Rev. Clyde Brooks and the Illinois Commission on Diversity and Human Relations for recommitting the suburbs to Martin Luther King's dream with a dinner in his honor every January.

Remembering Alice Terrill:

In any organization, there are people who come to represent the spirit of the place. At our offices, that was Alice Terrill, whose spunk, dedication and charm left anyone who ever crossed her path with a special memory. She retired 29 years ago, but she never really left - until she passed away this week at age 99. Gosh, how we're going to miss her.