The Soapbox: Excellence in Elmhurst, advice in Libertyville, arts in Buffalo Grove and more
An 'A' for Elmhurst College
Congratulations to Elmhurst College, which is celebrating its highest enrollment - 3,529 students - in the school's 146-year history. Elmhurst traces its record to a variety of achievements, from greater financial stability to national recognition for undergraduate teaching. That rates an "A" in our book.
His message rocks ...
Tom Morello, a 1982 graduate, returned to Libertyville High School this week. The Rage Against the Machine rocker and one of Rolling Stone magazine's 100 greatest guitarists, had this advice for students: "The world is not going to change itself. Imagine the world you really want and fight for it, whatever you do." Yes, whatever you do.
... and so does his
Joining Morello at the function was another Libertyville grad and rock singer-songwriter, Ike Reilly. It's less likely you've heard of him, but if you enjoy incredibly sharp and original songwriting, you owe it to yourself to check out Reilly's work.
What's that smell?
It stinks when you are stuck in traffic - as was the case on Golf Road last week when three lanes merged into on at Algonquin Road. It's even worse when you are stopped next to a dead skunk.
Happiness is ...
Connecting with old high school friends via Facebook. How did we ever do it before?
Do we need the speed?
As we reflect on too many recent high-profile crashes in the suburbs and federal statistics showing speeding-related deaths dramatically rising, we have to wonder: Why do speedometers in most cars go past 90? What message does that send?
Thrills that kill
It's dangerous enough for those of us who insist on traveling 10 or more mph faster than the highway speed limit. Those who race high-performance vehicles down suburban streets are a particular menace. Don't be one of them.
Nature's fury
Too wet in the Southeast. Too dry out West. What a heartbreaking and awe-producing year it has been for tragedies of nature. It's a good time to be grateful to live in the Midwest. (Of course, it always is!)
Help for the arts
Buffalo Grove has created a tax-free way to donate to village-backed arts programs and is exploring working through the Lake County Community Foundation to simplify record keeping and administration, avoiding the cost of another bureaucracy. Wise decisions.
Passing the torch
Willow Creek Community Church will announce senior pastor Bill Hybels' successor tonight. Hybels founded the South Barrington-based church - one of the 10 largest in the country - 42 years ago. Good luck to whomever follows in his footsteps.
Remembering John Zeile
The Rev. Erhard Adoph (John) Zeile served for decades at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mount Prospect, retiring as pastor in the 1980s. Reflecting on his death Sept. 19 at the age of 92, family and friends recalled compassion, openness, humor, independence and commitment to service. Talk about a life well-lived. Our condolences to all who knew him.