The Soapbox: A dog sledder in Winfield, lifesaving in Elgin and West Dundee, holiday love in Arlington Heights and more.
Light 'em up!
We're not sure whether this is a commentary on the price of replacement bulbs or what, but we've seen an increasing number of people driving in the rain without their headlights on and a surprising number of people driving well past sunset without headlights on. It's the law. We can't see you and it's a wonder you can see much of anything.
Dog-sledding trip
Good luck to Bob Chase, the 62-year-old doctor from Winfield, who's trying to win a spot in a Fjallraven Polar contest to be one of 20 people from around the world - and only two from North America - chosen to go on a dog-sledding trip next April in the Arctic wilderness. We're pulling for you, Bob.
To serve and protect ... and save
Elgin Police Officer Jason Lentz saved the life of a choking man when he responded quickly to a 911 call from the River View nursing home on Thanksgiving Day. He performed the Heimlich maneuver to the unresponsive resident, who was taken to the hospital and is now OK. Officials will honor him next month, and we do so today.
Happy ending
Kudos also to officer John Scheffler, a 20-year veteran with the West Dundee Police Department who was honored this week with the village's esteemed Lamplighter "Life Saving" Award. His prompt response and caring efforts saved the life of a toddler, found earlier this year at the bottom of a pool. We join the family in expressing our gratitude.
Biking across I-90 on Barrington Road
On a bike ride to Barrington Road off Central in Hoffman Estates we were encouraged about the prospect of crossing the Addams Tollway. A path is nearly completed on the east side of the bridge. Bicyclists and pedestrians still have to cross the ramps, but it's still a good option to get to the Paul Douglas Forest Preserve or businesses to the north.
Lighting it up
The Christmas lights outside suburban homes went up quickly after Thanksgiving, especially given the warm weather. We're also seeing paid decorators doing the work, such as a crane working on a tall pine in a pretty normal Elk Grove Village neighborhood. People are finding ways to get the decorating done, and it sure looks good.
Made with love
This week we ran a story about Lorraine Kelly who over nearly 50 years sewed 73 Christmas stockings for her 11 children, 31 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and their spouses. Each year the 91-year-old Arlington Heights resident hangs these in her home, as well as hosts the family celebration. What a beautiful tradition.
Classic move
For the last 27 years, top high school girls basketball teams from the Midwest head to Willowbrook High School in January for a showcase event organized by Jim O'Boye. We applaud O'Boye, who this year has renamed the event Coach Kipp's Hoopfest, in honor of Maine West coaching legend Derill Kipp.
Classy move
Kim Eggert of Park Ridge exemplifies the giving spirit of the holidays, spending her own money and nine days of her time as a volunteer creating beautiful Christmas decorations for the White House for Christmas. Her generosity of spirit is an especially uplifting antidote to the rancorous politics that dominates our talk of Washington these days.