The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
A beautiful blue-sky day
It was 3 on a gorgeous Friday afternoon. Such a summery spring day. In our offices, we already were looking forward to our weekends. Then, in an instant, horror. This morning, 40 years later, we pause on behalf of the 271 people on board American Airlines Flight 191 and of the two on the ground. Peace be with them and with the many responders affected by that tragic day.
A smashing good time
Throw Nation, a new "competitive socializing" venue that's to open this fall at 630 W. Lake St. in Elmhurst, will allow patrons to throw baseballs at fine china, hurl footballs at bowling pins or chuck axes into planks of wood from 15 feet away. Catharsis, anyone?
Farewell to a familiar face
Jeff Lawler has been a familiar fixture in Barrington since he started a job as a patrol cop in 1975. He retires as village manager, a fountain of local knowledge and the kind of leader you'd want with you in a fox hole, Village President Karen Darch said. We wish Lawler well as he winds up 44 years working for Barrington and its residents.
Triple crown for Katelynne
What a special accomplishment for Glenbard West junior Katelynne Hart, who last weekend became the first "big school" girl in the history of the IHSA state girls track meet to win three events. Hart was victorious in the 3,200 meters, the 1,600 meters and the 800 meters. Truly an amazing feat and one to be celebrated.
Talk to us, Mayor
New Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has a lot on her plate as she brings her reform agenda to the city. But as she does so, here's hoping she doesn't forget about forging a constructive relationship with the suburbs. For the suburbs to succeed, the city must succeed. And the reverse is also true. We're all in this together, Mayor. Work with us.
This week's pothole alert
Algonquin Road on the Arlington Heights-Rolling Meadows border is a virtual pothole obstacle course. It's state Route 62 and repairs are planned. They can't come too soon
Thinking big
Nobody impresses little kids quite like big kids. So, it's been great to see more suburban high schools team with their grade school colleagues for "Senior Walks." That's when graduating seniors, wearing their caps and gowns, march through the halls of their former elementary schools greeting younger students and inspiring them to follow in their footsteps.
Thank you, Jeffrey Berman
Thirty years is a long time to do anything, and do it with as much enthusiasm at the end as you had in the beginning. But that's Jeff Berman, who has stepped down from the Buffalo Grove village board after two decades, and another 10 years on the plan commission. He personifies public service, and Buffalo Grove is better because of him.
Summer Fun
With Memorial Day weekend comes the Daily Herald's annual Summer Fun festival guide. From patriotic parades, art fests and July 4 fireworks to Frontier Days and Ribfest and a whole lot more, check out all of the upcoming fests happening across the suburbs. Look for the special section in Sunday's paper, and keep it as a reference all summer long.
Memorial Day reflection
The long Memorial Day weekend will provide some extra-time yard work, backyard grilling and maybe a picnic or two, but it should also include setting aside a few moments for the meaning of the holiday. Take in a parade, attend a ceremony, fly the flag, spend a few minutes in quiet reflection to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.