The Soapbox: A Holocaust survivor in Mundelein, pool expansion in Arlington Heights, heroism in West Dundee and more.
Moving message
Mundelein High School students heard German-born Holocaust survivor Marion Blumenthal Lazan describe the terrors she faced as a 9-year-old concentration camp prisoner. She urged students to be kind and respectful as a way to prevent future atrocities. A good message for us all.
Exciting expansion
Arlington Heights parks officials have heard from the public and studied the options. Now, they're unveiling their plans for the first major upgrade of the Olympic Indoor Swim Center in 15 years. The public can see the plans for a warm water pool, new gym, walking track and more at the district's website. Take a look.
Bowled over
Ready for not, the first of 40 college football bowl games gets under way over the next 24 days. Northern Illinois plays Dec. 26 in the Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit, and Northwestern waits until Dec. 29 for the Music City Bowl in Nashville. It all ends with the National Championship game on Jan. 8. Take it easy on the chip dip and pace yourself carefully.
Holiday homecomings
One of the coolest parts of high school holiday basketball tournaments, which start in earnest the day after Christmas, is seeing many graduates return to their schools to watch a game. We'll have plenty of action around the suburbs, including the 40th annual Hardwood Classic at Wheeling.
Serving those who serve
Matt Pawlowski may not have much in common with troops overseas or veterans struggling back home, but the Mundelein High School sophomore shares their sense of service. For him, that's meant founding the school's Helping Heroes of America club, which hopes to send care packages to troops and record local veterans' stories.
Centennial celebration
Congratulations to the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which will mark its centennial year in 2018 with a yearlong celebration that begins Jan. 26 with the group's 99th annual awards gala. Kudos all the way around.
Welcome to the suburbs
Lori Suddick is leaving her post as a top administrator at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College to take the helm at College of Lake County. She joins a rich tradition of excellence in community colleges throughout the suburbs. We look forward to her contributions.
More police heroism
Yet another suburban police officer has been recognized for quick thinking and skillful action that saved a life. West Dundee honored officer John Scheffler, who responded within 90 seconds of being called after 2-year-old Becket Neeley was found at the bottom of a friend's swimming pool.
Remembering Donna McAllister
Donna McAllister, who died Dec. 8, was appointed Des Plaines city clerk in 1982 and won every election for the position afterward until she was forced out of office by term limits in 2009. The woman who became known as "secretary to the city" also was active in a variety of community service projects. We mourn her loss.
Remembering Joe Newton
If there were a Mount Rushmore for suburban high school coaches, York's Joe Newton would be front and center. The former cross-country and track guru filled York's trophy cases with 29 state titles during his 60-plus years of coaching. His death at age 88 leaves a great void. We share our condolences.