The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
Still plenty of good
Students at all four Glenbard high schools - and plenty of elementary school kids, too - prepared Valentine's notes to troops. Students in Glen Ellyn made blankets for children with cancer. And students at Medinah Intermediate School completed five projects designed to make the world a better place. In troubled times, there's still lots of good in the world.
Take your shovel to work day?
Who's in charge of clearing sidewalks and Pace bus shelters along Algonquin Road in Arlington Heights? We bet bus riders would like to know, as would the drivers who are frequently faced with people walking in the lanes of traffic to get to and from the bus stops. It's a real hazard during snowy rush hours.
From football to pinball
Elk Grove Village-based Stern Pinball will have a moment in the national spotlight after hobnobbing with ESPN at the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl, which the village sponsored last December. The company's Pro Circuit Championship on March 9 will be featured Aug. 7 on "The Ocho" - the network's one-day ode to fringe sports. Now that's a bonus.
'One Small Step'
For those planning to watch the Academy Awards Sunday night, you just might get to see a former Aurora resident accept an Oscar. Growing up, Andrew Chesworth dreamed of being an animator. Now he's up for an Oscar for his short film, "One Small Step," about a girl who dreams of becoming an astronaut. Best of luck, Andrew!
March Madness, in February
The IHSA boys Class 3A and 4A boys basketball state tournament series commences Monday with regional tournaments. We encourage everyone to get out to some games the next couple of weeks as student-athletes from across the state vie for a trip to Peoria and the state finals. And best of luck to all the teams. Play hard, play to win, and have fun!
Now, let's stock the shelves
Congratulations to the Wheeling Township Food Pantry, which has wrapped up a four-month renovation and is operating on a bigger scale than ever before - with more room for food, personal essentials and paper products. The food pantry is a much used, much loved institution, one of the prides of the township. The need is great. Please give.
Wish come true
Touching story from Grayslake, where Travanse Living senior community officials granted a Christmas wish for 85-year-old Mary Perucca to see her three younger sisters. Health issues have prevented Mary from seeing her siblings since 2015 and she couldn't attend her older sister's funeral in 2017. Mary's daughter.
Machado, smashado!
Manny Machado spurns the White Sox? Well, let's face it. With Tim Anderson. Yoan Moncada and Nick Madrigal, Machado probably would have been coming off the bench anyway.
And the envelope please
It being Oscar weekend and all, today is an appropriate time for us to toast the irrepressible Dann Gire, who last August crossed the 40-year mile marker as a film critic. It's been a delight to work with him all these years and enlightening to read him,