Bit of history:

There's no doubt Aurora's historic Masonic Temple has to come down after a fire. But we're glad the city is salvaging four massive columns and the cornerstone, which perhaps contains a 1920s time capsule. We hope we'll see them again as part of some future Aurora icon.

Teacher worth celebrating:

Congrats to Jen Leban, a creative technology teacher at Elmhurst's Sandburg Middle School, who has been recognized as one of 10 finalists for the 2020 Illinois Teacher of the Year Award from the Illinois State Board of Education. "When something like this is handed to you, you almost want to ask, 'Are you sure?'" Leban says. We are.

Speaking of teachers:

We have to admit to shaking our heads at the disruptive strike in the Chicago Public Schools, where well-paid teachers appear to have been offered generous raises and still somehow, that isn't enough. With the city budget in severe shape, and the state budget in no real shape to responsibly offer a bailout, when is enough enough?

Speaking of teachers again:

Still, no matter what you think about occasional contract disputes, always remember one of our favorite education testimonials: If you're reading this, thank a teacher.

Driving home a worthy message:

We admit it. We enjoy it when the notes on expressway signs get creative. For example: A sign Monday, Columbus Day, on the Eisenhower Expressway. "Columbus made it because he didn't text while sailing." What a fun way to, um, drive home the point.

Market on your calendar:

While most of the farmers markets have left for the season, there are still a few in the area that have not. One of those is the Schaumburg market at the Trickster Gallery on Roselle Road. It's always a great place to mingle among the friendly folks at the booths, but there's only one Friday left.

Making the most of Mayslake:

Kudos to the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and its initiative to revitalize the Mayslake Peabody Estate and increase offerings there. The historic Oak Brook site and its lush grounds are full of potential for additional arts events, fests and exhibits. If you haven't been, schedule a visit - and look for upcoming reasons to return.

You can fly with a passport, too:

A reader rightfully took us to task for failing, in our editorial Wednesday on the demand for REAL ID driver's licenses, to point out that after Oct. 1, 2020, you aren't required to have a REAL ID to board a plane. Essentially, REAL ID is a convenience. But you'll also be able to fly with a valid passport.

A deserved honor for Len Ziehm:

Congratulations to Daily Herald golf columnist Len Ziehm on his induction Friday night into the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame. Len has reported on golf for more than 50 years and still treats each assignment with robust enthusiasm. We're lucky to have him in our pages.

Remembering Dick Stephens:

Our condolences to the family of Dick Stephens, the first football coach at Bartlett High School and before that, a coach who took Elgin High School to multiple conference championships. He died at age 84 at his home in Michigan Thursday. Coaching truly was his life and he used it to make a lasting impact of the lives of scores of student athletes.