The Soapbox: Naperville's last fling, folk music in Geneva, the end of a losing streak in Mundelein and biking in Elk Grove Village.

Frightfully delightful:

What better way to remember horror legend Wes Craven than to have his ex-wife, actress Mimi Craven, hold a tribute with his fans at the Hollywood Palms Cinema in Naperville. And wouldn't the director, a Wheaton College alum who died last week, find delight in the tribute being held on Halloween weekend?

Back to school:

One of the best things about school curriculum nights for parents is a chance to chat in the hallways with old friends and acquaintances. Of course, that sometimes means being late to class!

Ounce of prevention:

In this age of digital this and digital that, you would think the simplest thing that doctors could do to help patients is to print a list of what was discussed during the visit and hand that to the patient at the end of the appointment.

Finding a new board member, Part 1:

Nice to see nine candidates applied to fill a two-year vacancy on the Glen Ellyn Elementary District 89 school board to replace Frank Zak, who resigned citing personal and professional reasons. Not so nice to see the six remaining board members will interview the candidates in two closed-door meetings rather than in open sessions.

Finding a new board member, Part 2:

Candidates who run for elected office go through a public vetting process. The same should hold true for those appointed to such posts. The District 89 school board should conduct its interviews in the open so residents know where the candidates stand on important issues before anyone is seated.

Summer's Last Fling:

The Naperville Jaycees' Last Fling festival is celebrating the end of summer - and its 50th anniversary - this weekend. The party in the city's downtown is truly a family affair that features plenty of great music and food, but also some wacky games and contests designed to resemble an old-fashioned picnic. It's a holiday party not to be missed.

Sweet 16:

The 16 home cooks competing in this year's Cook of the Week challenge were introduced Wednesday. They come from range of suburbs and professions, but all share a love of preparing good food. We can't wait to see what they cook up in the coming weeks.

Feel the heat:

This first week of September turned out to be hot and humid, and the effects of the humidity were perhaps worse than we feared. High school football players were cramping up, and we still saw runners out there at the hottest times of the day. Let's be careful out there: Hydrate and try to work out at cooler times.

Busse Woods double detours:

The community bridge over I-290 in Elk Grove Village leading to Busse Woods was closed for repairs, with a detour on Biesterfield Road. Fine. But then at least one day this week the path to Biesterfield Road also was closed for a new blacktop, forcing cyclists onto Rohlwing Road. Bad timing there?

Busse Woods bridge detour II:

Busse Woods trail users knew a detour was coming at the bridge over a dam being reconstructed because signs were posted well ahead of time. The detour forces people across Arlington Heights Road and down a sidewalk. Not ideal, especially when school lets out from Elk Grove High. Maybe the better choice is to just turn around.

Going strong in Geneva:

The 39th annual Fox Valley Folk Music and Storytelling Festival - the largest in the state - is Sunday and Monday (with a preview Saturday) at Island Park in Geneva. This well-attended fest features 36 musicians and storytellers on eight stages. There's something for everyone at the family-friendly event.

Mustering a win:

Congratulations to Mundelein High's football team on snapping a 17-game losing streak last weekend. High school sports shouldn't be solely about winning, but a taste of triumph sure makes the physical sacrifices made in football seem more worthwhile.

Cover me:

Democrats Scott Drury of Highwood and Jack Franks of Marengo say they would have opposed overriding Gov. Rauner's arbitration-law veto even if Chicago Democrat Ken Dunkin's absence hadn't provided political cover. We hope so. Too bad more suburban Democrats didn't share their reservations about a bad law.

Remembering Pat Pradel:

As Naperville's first lady for 20 years, Pat Pradel never sought the spotlight. But those who knew her found her always quick to help family, friends and people who worked to make the city a better place - especially her husband, longtime Mayor George Pradel. A classy lady who will be greatly missed.