The Northwest suburbs in the movies, a dodgeball fundraiser in Naperville, an honor at Prospect High School and more

Let's make it clear

Unseasonably warm temperatures this weekend offer an opportunity to assist public works departments by removing leaves, twigs and debris from curbs. This is especially true if living near downspouts. There's still plenty of winter ahead, and it's helpful to keep things flowing when the next snowfall melts.

Winning dodgeball

Congratulations to a pair of Naperville Central seniors, Delaney Gibbons and Taylor Morrissey, who will play host next month to their final fundraising dodgeball tournament. The young women started the tourney when they were in seventh grade to raise money to fight ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, to honor the wife of their gym teacher.

Lights, camera ... Georgia

Film fans who see "The Founder" this weekend will find the Northwest suburbs get a starring role - sort of. The biodrama about Ray Kroc (played by Michael Keaton) shows scenes set at his Arlington Heights home, the site of the first franchised McDonald's in Des Plaines and more. Too bad they were all filmed in Georgia.

Taking part in history

It will be remembered as the trip of a lifetime for students from Crystal Lake, Naperville and Wheaton who attended Friday's inauguration in Washington. The trip required students to study and in some cases work summer jobs to help pay for it. Nothing like seeing the democratic process up close.

A day to remember

It must have been interesting being a child in the McManaway family, sharing your Jan. 19 birthday with members from four other generations spanning the suburbs from Arlington Heights to West Dundee and beyond. But the statistical rarity makes remembering birthdays a lot easier and getting together extra special. A belated happy birthday to all.

Remembering bygone days

It's been slowly dying for a long time, victim of changing tastes and animal cruelty fears, but it's with nostalgia that we view the passing of Ringling Bros. circus. So many memories, from the circus train passing through town, to the elephants marching through Des Plaines, to the many enchantments of the show itself.

Andersen's meet

On Saturday in the pool at Prospect High School, which is home to the aquatics programs for both Prospect and Hersey, a big invitational meet will be renamed in honor of Don Andersen. For many years, Andersen was a leader in District. 214 aquatics, so he's the perfect choice to have his name attached to this event.

Eye to the future

Eileen O. Daday described the impressive work by Palatine native Katie Dziedzic conducting research on coral and how it is coping with climate change. Also impressive is the fact that Dziedzic is pursuing a dream she's had since she was young. Way to go, Katie.

Eat healthy, until after school?

Barrington High School has installed vending machines, with potato chips and more, to serve students who stay late for sports and other activities. Students can't use them during school hours in part because it would violate national health guidelines for schools. Isn't student health important after school as well as during?

Remembering Officer Murrell

Let us pause today to remember the sacrifice of Bloomingdale Police Officer Raymond Murrell, who died in the line of duty Thursday when his SUV crashed on route to the scene of a reported retail theft. And in doing so, let's remember all officers who put themselves on the line for us every day.