Saturday Soapbox: Neuqua Valley, Volo Auto Museum, baseball legends
Another legend passes:
It's been a painful winter for Chicago baseball fans. First, "Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks passes. Then a little more than a month later we lose "Mr. White Sox" Minnie Minoso, another giant in the hearts of all who shared his joyous and eternally youthful love for the game. Rest in peace, Minnie.
Fitness center:
Maybe the idea won't happen, but congrats to Neuqua Valley High School students Gabriella Arizzi, Christina Hui, Aarushi Shrivastava, Kim Turner and Quincy Vandermeulen, who won a marketing contest with their plan to fill vacancies at Naperville Crossings with health-enhancing businesses and restaurants, plus an indoor go-cart venue and rock climbing facility. Very creative.
Cubs win, you win:
How fun would it be to have Doc Brown's DeLorean from the "Back to the Future" movies? The Volo Auto Museum is giving away a 1981 model featuring all of the movie car's props. To win it, visit the museum after March 21. Oh, and one small issue: the Cubs must win the 2015 World Series, as predicted in 1989's "Back to the Future Part II." No problem.
Speaking of back to the future:
The North Cook regional superintendent has put Gerald Chapman, a former Palatine Township Elementary District 15 school board member, back on the board for two years, because the sitting school board couldn't decide for itself. Chapman was voted off by a voter-led shakeup in 2011. Will this renew voter interest in this board April 7?
Yes, Johnsburg:
How well do you know Johnsburg, waaaaaaaay north in McHenry County? Sam Saboura, fashion stylist to celebrities with roles on Food Network and TLC, got his start as a performer there. Johnsburg High School had "an exceptional theater department," Saboura said. "It was amazing training for what I do today," he said. Go, Johnsburg.
No elephant in the room:
The elephant has been an iconic symbol of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus practically from the beginning. Now, the circus says it's time to put the pachyderm performers out to pasture. Some in the suburbs may miss the annual parade and other sightings when the circus comes to town. But no doubt the event will find new ways to excite and entertain families.
A stylish return:
It was great to see Turner Sports reporter Craig Sager back at courtside of the Thursday's NBA contest between the Bulls and Oklahoma City. Sager, a Batavia native who has been battling leukemia for 11 months, is well respected and loved in the industry. We missed his colorful and often-loud jackets. Welcome back, Craig.
Noah sticks out his neck:
Bulls center Joakim Noah has grown into a highly respected NBA veteran who hasn't lost his passion for the game or for Chicago. Off the court, Noah has launched an anti-violence initiative with the help of a video and a teardrop necklace he designed with his mother. We love his commitment: "I think it's important also to see what the problems are and to find solutions."
It could be you
"There are no words" for the joy of saving the life of a child, bone marrow donor Maximilian Eule says of meeting 8-year-old recipient Sabrina Chahir of Mount Prospect. You could be that lifesaver. Go to http://bethematch.org to find out about registering as a donor.