The Soapbox: Joy in Buffalo Grove, leashing crime in Naperville, theater honors throughout the suburbs and more
Applause, please
Congrats to the suburban theaters and professionals who earned Jefferson Award nominations. Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire topped the list with 11 equity nods. Nominations also went to Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace, First Folio in Oak Brook, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble in Glen Ellyn, Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest and others.
Welcome back, Lake Arlington
So good to see Lake Arlington re-open after its construction period. It's one of the treasures of Arlington Heights.
Tugging at the heartstrings
The feel-good story of the week had to be 11-year-old Sofia Sanchez of Downers Grove, who is recovering from heart transplant surgery Monday. That momentous occasion came a week after her favorite musical artist, Drake, fulfilled her birthday wish and visited her. She waited a long time for both and then had the week of her life.
Busy weekend
A convergence of events will make for a busy Saturday at Palatine High School. With Fremd's football field still out of action, the Vikings will play their varsity football game against Hersey at 1 p.m. Saturday at Palatine. Meanwhile, nearby Celtic Park is Ground Zero for a large soccer tournament. The wise fan will leave plenty of extra time to find a parking spot.
Helping homeless students
School is hard enough. But when students don't have the right supplies, it gets even more difficult. So, thank you to the Elgin Junior Woman's Club and its "Fall Fling" Sept. 29 trivia fundraiser, benefiting District U-46's program for homeless students. For information, contact Allison Hale at (847) 533-3843 or email allison.meyer22@gmail.com.
McGruff on the leash
Naperville has launched a new "Paws on Patrol" program designed to help frequent dog walkers keep an eye out for crime in their neighborhoods. A similar program in Bartlett hasn't netted any crooks yet, but police say it's help build positive relationships. One more way, as the saying goes, to take a bite out of crime.
Making connections
Helmets off to the Active Transportation Alliance's plan to solve a problem that makes little sense. There are 1,100 miles of trails in the suburbs and Chicago ... as well as 200 miles of gaps. Frustrating for cyclists and hikers forced to take their chances in traffic and all sorts of other obstacles. Closing the gaps will take time, but it will be well worth the wait.
Suburbs and race
The Rev. Clyde Brooks and the Illinois Commission on Diversity and Human Relations are hosting conversations in the suburbs aimed at improving racial understanding and race relations. A workshop is scheduled at the Daily Herald Thursday to advance the discussion. The self-reflection will help assess the state of inclusion in our communities.
Remembering Richard Frisbie
Richard Frisbie, 91, of Arlington Heights, who died in his sleep Tuesday, found time to serve for 44 years on the Arlington Heights Memorial Library board, despite a busy career in advertising and marketing and as a writer and editor. With municipal election season starting soon, it's a good time to remember the importance of such service.