Saturday Soapbox
Time for a talk
A 2008 Lake County Health Department survey of 20,000 middle school and high school students shows fewer used alcohol, marijuana, inhalants and cigarettes than was reported in 2006. That's a positive trend. However, 22 percent of the high-schoolers surveyed claimed they do not have clear rules about drug or alcohol use from their parents. That's not good. Parents: That's your cue to step in.
A new language to learn
Barrington Unit District 220 took a step in the right direction this month by choosing to add Mandarin Chinese classes to its middle and high schools. China has become the third-largest economy in the world, yet fewer than 50,000 teens nationwide are learning Chinese at school. District 220's new classes will give an advantage to a few hundred suburban kids who eventually will seek jobs in an ever-increasing global economy. Mandarin already is offered in Naperville-area schools.
Stamp out these potholes
Yes, we know this is the season for killer potholes throughout our suburbs. But we still have to bring attention to those in the drive-through at the Schaumburg Post Office, creating a unique and aggravating little obstacle course. Here's hoping this is a quick fix. In the meantime, if any mail goes missing, the first place they might want to check is the bottom of a few of those holes.
Self promotion
Itasca is showing initiative with a number of Web sites that promote jobs at local businesses and restaurants. Some eatery owners say it seems to be working. This is the kind of leadership decision that has the potential to benefit everyone in town - from the entrepreneur to the average resident looking for an evening out.
When free isn't really free
Some Illinois lawmakers want to allow casinos to stop charging for drinks. Our message today is for patrons who might be excited at the prospect of saving a few bucks: If you think you'll make the same betting decisions at a casino while consuming free drinks, don't bet on it.
Ooooh, Aaaaaah, hurray!
Hats off to the unsung heroes who are working hard now to find ways to finance our summer fests and fireworks in these tough times. You do so much each and every year to make sure some affordable fun is available. It's time we said a simple thank you. For those who are interested but not yet involved, it's also time to encourage you to speak up. Volunteers are more valuable now than ever.
Creativity abounds
Congratulations to 12 students whose short films will be showcased tonight at Screen Test Student Fest at Schaumburg's Prairie Center for the Arts. In all, 34 junior high and high school filmmakers entered works that organizers say are more artistic and technically impressive than previous years.
End of an era
Libertyville lost a legend this week when Dean Larson died at the age of 78. Mr. Larson was known throughout the community he loved as a former teacher, school administrator, and village trustee. He was a fixture at Cook Memorial Library in town, and he was named the village's first historian. His knowledge of Libertyville High School and the Libertyville area was remarkable. A triangle of green space at Rockland Road and Crane Boulevard was dedicated in his honor. We should all be so lucky to leave such a footprint.