The Soapbox: Orchestral honors in Hoffman Estates, steadfast leaders in Lake County, Elgin bike race
Constructive instruction
"See orange. Slow down. Save lives." Or how about this one? "No phones in the zones." Straightforward and simple enough messages from IDOT to keep workers and drivers safe through construction areas. If only it didn't seem so difficult for some to heed them.
Travel plans
The Hoffman Estates-based Midwest Philharmonic Orchestra, made up of 45 students and 20 professionals, this month is touring Austria, a country known for its music, performing four concerts and learning more about their musical heritage and the culture. It sounds like a grand adventure for all.
No automatic cell tower here
The Lake County Forest Preserve District did not waver from its policy last month of not allowing a new cell tower on its land without a public hearing. This even after a Verizon subcontractor, according to the forest board leader, wanted a commitment to the tower before agreeing to participate. That's government putting citizens first.
Drop the mic, Madam Mayor?
Gurnee Mayor Krysti Kovarik apparently is hip with social media. Sharing a news release on a legal opinion in a political matter, she tweeted, "Drop (mic) walk off stage." Except she used a microphone emoji rather than the word "mic." Thumbs-up emoji to you, Madam Mayor.
Festivals, fairs and fireworks
Thank you to the scores of volunteers who donate their time and talents during the Fourth of July - and the summer - to give the rest of us a great time!
Not a green thumb
So far, nature has been doing its job and taking care of our gardens. We haven't watered one of our gardens since May and it still looks great. Of course, that could be because prairie plants and perennials need very little tending.
Hot reads
We'd simply like to applaud any of our young people who have chosen to spend some of their summertime reading for the sheer pleasure of it.
Curator will be missed
Lance Tawzer will be missed when he leaves the Elmhurst History Museum this month for a gig at another DuPage museum. Tawzer became the museum's curator in 2008 and has built a solid reputation for interesting, often offbeat exhibits featuring everything from jazz and jelly beans to toys and his latest display on Disco Demolition.
Make bike race a success
The Dennis Jurs Memorial Race is named for the avid cyclist who died in a riding accident two years ago near his Hampshire home. The race is part of the Intelligentsia Cup July 18 in Elgin. His death led to "Dennis' Law," which says bicyclists are entitled to the right of way. Jurs started riding as a form of therapy to heal wounds from Vietnam. He touched many lives.
Really precise school days
Barrington Area Unit District 220 officials are preparing to implement new start times among the district's schools, and they will come with some really precise ending times. Like 3:21 p.m., 3:13 p.m., 3:18 p.m. or 3:48 p.m. Alas, support employees won't get off until, simply, 4:30 p.m. Don't be late.
Happy birthday!
Happy belated birthday to Scott Homola, who turned 58 this week. The Elgin man, who has Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease, has been receiving cards from all over the country in an effort to make this birthday, which his sister fears may be his last, special. Kudos to all who helped.