The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
Not over yet
Ride a bike. Eat an ice cream cone. Go to the drive-in theater. Dine al fresco. You've got one more week to fulfill your summer bucket list. Get out there and make some memories!
Going for it
We should all be as daring as Michelle Korpalski of Hanover Park. She was on the Runaway to Paradise cruise last month and responded when rocker Jon Bon Jovi asked for a volunteer to join him on stage to sing "Livin' On a Prayer." He wanted someone who didn't need the teleprompter. Korpalski, a nursing assistant for a Schaumburg woman, nailed it.
Rate relief
Metra riders got some welcome news courtesy this week courtesy of the state's new capital bill. In a change from recent experience, they won't see rate hikes next year. With $1.45 billion coming from the state over five years, Metra will expedite repairs and replacement on its aging system. It's not free, of course. A variety of tax increases funded the capital program.
Sad sign of the times
It's a sign of the changing times, but still sad to see demolition crews tearing down the former Macy's at Stratford Square Mall in Bloomingdale. The silver lining A Woodman's Food Market is coming to the site in a stand-alone building.
Consolation prize
Oak Brook had hoped Amazon would choose the DuPage County suburb for its vaunted second national headquarters. The company chose East Coast locations instead, but Oak Brook hasn't been left out altogether. We learned this week that Oakbrook Center will host a brick-and-mortar Amazon 4-star store.
Cherish high school sports
During this week of 9/11 reflection, we're reminded that during that horrible week 18 years ago, many high schools decided to go on with their games. We remember the tributes and moments of silence. Now, many of those student athletes are parents of kids in high school sports and it reminds us of the purity of teenagers playing games. Support them as you can.
Where to find help
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org/) offers resources for those struggling with suicidal thoughts and for friends and families of those affected. If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Hotline at (800) 273-8255 or text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor.
Making beautiful music
Here's to two Stevenson High School seniors, Allen Beckwith and Kiran Mohan, who formed Crescendo for a Cause so they can share their musical gift with others. Recently, they played jazz for memory-impaired senior citizens and plan to present an education program for detained teens at Illinois Youth Center in St. Charles. Thank you!
Be careful out there
The weather has been volatile, with tornado warnings issued on Wednesday night for Lake and McHenry counties and on Thursday in Kane, Kendall and elsewhere. Remember the National Weather Service's advice in the event of a funnel cloud: Stay inside, move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, and avoid windows.