Addams ramp working as intended: poorly
That dreaded ramp:
Ah, the holidays are over and now perhaps we can get through the ramp from the Jane Addams Tollway onto I-290/Route 53 - you know the one, heading toward Woodfield. This shopping season proved once again that having cars go through a tollbooth and funnel into one lane still isn't working so well. Argh!
Lesson earned:
A tip of the mortarboard to Palatine's George Rubschlager for being awarded his degree from Harper College this week. A nice holiday gift, for sure, but what makes this one worth mentioning? Rubschlager is an 80-year-old who left high school for the Army before spending six decades earning that degree. Just goes to show, if we keep our minds open, we never stop learning.
Words of wisdom:
Sure, we all snickered when the Cook County Sheriff's Office snagged 230 fugitives with the promise of free stuff. It's also a reminder for everyone who has been tempted by an offer of cash or a free vacation just by clicking a link or making a call. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
New to Roselle
Roselle Vikings football team and cheer squad will bring an emphasis on athletics and academics to town this year with a new team for the Pop Warner Little Scholars league. Welcome to town.
The carbon ice print:
Perhaps someone at the Planet Green channel can help us, but we're curious about the upcoming Winter Classic hockey game at Wrigley Field on Jan. 1. What's the carbon footprint left behind in bringing a refrigeration truck from Mobile, Ala., to Chicago to make ice and the hundreds of NHL workers it will take to turn a baseball field into an outdoor ice rink? It's looks like it's going to be a great event, but a monumental one to put on. Here's a thought: park the truck here and make it an annual event.
Many happy returns:
When you're frustrated because a store can't take back something without a receipt or you can't make an exchange because the right size is out of stock, please remember that the person on the other side of the counter probably has been working long hours and dealing with frustrated shoppers for weeks. The policies are not personal. The rules were set by their employers.
We dare you:
Schaumburg, Elgin and others are cutting DARE from very tight police department budgets. With years of studies that suggest the program that encourages kids to "Just Say No" isn't that effective, this looks like an opportunity. Police departments, educators and mental health professionals should work together develop a new approach to teach children the dangers of drug use using fewer resources.
Paging Dr. Santa:
During this busy season Dr. Tom Sheagren reminds us there's always time for good will and compassion. For 31 years, the Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital neonatologist has played Santa to make his rounds and bring joy in a place where it might be hard to come by.
Kids helping kids:
Kudos to students of Madison and Pleasant Lane schools in Lombard for their recent toy drive, which brightened Christmas for families who utilize the Lombard/Villa Park Food Pantry.