The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
Suburban standouts
Thirteen suburban schools were among 25 in Illinois honored this week with a Blue Ribbon from the U.S. Department of Education. It takes some doing for schools to stand out amid the high standards of education common throughout the suburbs. Congratulations to all.
Eagerly awaited history of Spiegler's
The history of Des Plaines is indelibly tied with Spiegler's, the downtown department store that thrived from 1900-1992. Now, Allan Spiegler has written, "If a Store Could Talk ... The Spiegler Family Remembers." Local histories by the people who lived them are priceless. Can't wait to read it.
211 hotline help
Help is here for Lake County residents seeking information on a range of services. It's called 211, and it will offer a great resource for those who need assistance in various categories, including housing, legal matters, education, food or mental health and addiction.
The suburbs go for the gold
The U.S. women's national volleyball team recently qualified for the 2020 Olympic Games. The roster will be trimmed to 12 prior to the games. Here's hoping two local products - Lauren Carlini of West Aurora and Kelsey Robinson, a Bartlett native and Wheaton St. Francis graduate - are not only part of the final roster but contribute to bringing home the gold.
Bravo for Elmhurst arts center
After three years of planning, the nonprofit Elmhurst Centre for the Performing Arts has found a downtown location for its proposed 50,000-square-foot, $30 million facility. Now comes the hard part: Raising the money to build and operate the facility.
Get your flu shot
It's that time of year when colds and the flu are starting to make the rounds. According to the CDC, the best prevention is an annual flu vaccine before the end of October for everyone 6 months and older. Other tips include washing your hands often with soap and water, avoiding close contact with sick people and when sick, staying home.
And this one, too
Stevenson High School announced this week that three students have been diagnosed with whooping cough, or pertussis, a highly contagious respiratory ailment, It can be prevented. Medical advisers recommend that children get the pertussis vaccine at 2, 4, 6 and 15 months old and another dose at 4 to 6 years old. There is a booster shot for adolescents and adults.
To serve and protect, and to care
We hear plenty of negative stories about interactions between police and the public these days, but the story of Palatine police Sgt. Art Delgadillo and his special bond with Alexa Mang, a 2-year-old he encountered with serious health challenges, is refreshing. Delgadillo exemplifies what it means to put on the police uniform and serve.
Thanking the Braithwaites
Barrington recognized William and Dyllis Braithwaite this week as they prepare to join family in another suburb. Dyllis, 92, was a fashion designer known for her wearable art. William, 91, was a longtime local attorney, and with their charity and community work, they have been, as one trustee said, "our foundation and pillars."
Happy trails, Pam
Few appreciate the value of community news as much as Neighbor section News Editor Pam Baert, who this week began what she calls her "transition" to a life outside the newsroom. Thanks for the years of dedication and hard work, Pam.