The Soapbox: 'Tis the season, always
'Tis the season ... always
Happened upon the following in a horoscope: If you look for the good in everything and everyone, you will do well. So much more than a forecast of the future, these are self-fulfilling words to live by, with not a thing to lose. To which we might add, God bless us, every one.
'Tis the season II
Meanwhile, always search for the good in yourself. Just look around you this holiday season and figure out how you could make someone else's life just a little better.
'Tis the season III
The toll booth attendant extended her hand as the car pulled up. She was not amused when she was handed chocolate coins wrapped in gold. "I can't accept these," she scolded. The driver wasn't trying to pull a fast one; just expressing gratitude during the season of giving. The driver paid the attendant, who smiled, chocolate in hand, and said thanks.
Christmas past, Christmas present
Schaumburg's 2019 holiday ornament is simultaneously historical and contemporary. This year's design features Lengl's Schaumburg Inn, a century-old building that recently reopened as Phat Phat Chinese Eatery. You can pick one up for the local history buff in your life for $17 at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts.
Way to go, Hawk
Congratulations to White Sox broadcaster Ken "Hawk" Harrelson who goes into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in July after being named the Ford C. Frick Award winner Wednesday. The honor is bestowed annually by the Hall of Fame for excellence in broadcasting. Cubs radio man Pat Hughes was a finalist.
More Arboretum sculptures
Good news for fans of the Morton Arboretum in Lisle: Five new sculptures in the same scale as the giant trolls are coming to the outdoor museum in June. Designed by South African artist Daniel Popper, the figures will feature humanlike hands and curves. It's the arboretum's latest effort to dazzle visitors while helping them connect with trees.
Hail to the chiefs
Congrats to Allyson Bello, Oliva Cahill, Kelly Amaro and Toby Acosta. The four eighth-graders won their respective schools' anti-bullying poster contests and got to participate in Elgin Police Department's hands-on "Chief for the Day" program. They talked with Police Chief Ana Lalley, took part in roll call and met police dog Bauer.
Salt Creek bridge is sinking down
The winter freeze-thaw cycle has long been under way, creating new bad bumps on the roads. One example: The Golf Road bridge over Salt Creek outside Busse Woods between Schaumburg and Rolling Meadows. Don't know it? If you're going west by the forest preserve, you'll feel that thunk and wonder if you've taco'ed your wheels.
Plan to be safe
It's never too early to start planning for safety, and Metra can help you this New Year's Eve. The transit agency announced this week that holiday revelers can ride free to and from downtown stations beginning at 6 p.m. Dec. 31, until the last outbound trains leave at 1:15 p.m., Jan. 1. If you plan to party downtown, keep this safe alternative in mind.
Remembering James T. Ryan
One of his contemporaries noted that the death of former Arlington Heights Mayor James T. Ryan last week was "a passing of a piece of history in this town." Ryan was a driving force in the development that led to the village's prosperous and dynamic downtown of today. His impact will be long remembered.