Saturday Soapbox

Signs of recovery:

Construction is moving along nicely for a new grocery store in Arlington Heights on the site of the former Lattof Chevrolet dealership. And now just to the east on Northwest Highway there's a proposal to build a restaurant facility where Mark Motors once stood. Perhaps things really are starting to turn around.

When life gives you lemons:

Fifteen-year-old Jonathon Ruiz has sound advice for anyone socked with a setback. "Life doesn't wait for you. Life just has to keep going," he says. Five years ago, back surgery put him in a wheelchair, but this fall the Glenbard North High School sophomore was part of the U.S. junior national wheelchair basketball team that earned a gold medal in the Australia Paralympics Youth Games.

Residents heard around the suburbs:

Suburban government leaders have to know people are watching what they're doing based on recent village and school board meetings jammed with residents speaking their minds. Firefighters and police officers rallied to save jobs in Hoffman Estates, Elgin Area School District U-46 parents protested a change in the school year, supporters of a Lisle autism school challenged Navistar's plans to build a diesel engine testing site and young teens in Arlington Heights lobbied to keep the Teen Center open. We applaud those who speak up to prove there's no voter apathy here.

'Twas the time to be quiet:

Did you see or hear Sen. Roland Burris reading his health care reform version of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas?" Yeah, so did we. Senator, spare us, please.

Hotel heck:

Just when the economy seems to be stabilizing a bit comes word that prominent hotels in Arlington Heights, Rosemont and Oak Brook are not surviving the storm. Our thoughts are with all those suffering through job losses as a result, as well as the local government workers facing the same fate.

Helping students shine:

Our applause and thanks to teachers, administrators and others who have found creative ways to help the increasing numbers of lower-income suburban students stay healthy so they have a better chance of learning. School food pantries, reading specialists and extra computer software are among the sound investments in our future leaders.

Lighting the way:

Adam Germann of Gurnee could have been content to just show off his home holiday lighting skills with a display of 6,000 bulbs accompanied by music with a wireless connection. Instead, the Warren Township High School senior added a touch of good deed by providing a box in the yard to collect nonperishable food items he'll give to Northern Illinois Food Bank.

Neighborly ways:

Kudos to residents of Sheffield subdivision in Schaumburg who stepped up after a fire put a family of five out of their home. Neighbors, led by Michelle and Kim Diaz, donated hundreds of dollars after the blaze, which officials believe was caused by fireplace ashes.

Speaking of fire:

The Keep the Wreath Red campaign emphasizes safety this time of year, when Christmas lights can spark a fire. The lights will come down soon, but fireplaces still will burn as winter keeps us cozied up at home. Please, stay safe.