The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
A day that still lives in infamy
It has been 78 years since a surprise Japanese attack on the Hawaiian base at Pearl Harbor claimed more than 2,400 lives and brought the United States into World War II. Don't let this day pass without pausing to remember the victims and to reflect on the events of Dec. 7, 1941 that still resonate in the memories of Americans and the annals of world history.
Back in the hunt?
So, the Bears prove they can win a big game, after all. But did their 31-24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys create any believers? Let's see what happens in the rematch next weekend against the Packers.
Hobson Oak lives on
DuPage County's famous 250-year-old Hobson Oak was cut down in 2016 but it has lived on for good causes ever since. It's wood has produced a guitar, bowls, vases and for the second consecutive year, beer. Local breweries used the bur oak's wood chips to produce Hobson S'more Stout sold Friday at a fundraiser. The tree is a gift that keeps giving.
Kudos to Warren's Blue Devils
The high school football season may not have ended the way Warren and coach Bryan McNulty had hoped, but the Blue Devils did bring home the Class 8A second-place trophy from Huskie Stadium in DeKalb last weekend. They finished the season 13-1 and brought home the program's first state trophy. Nice job.
Alzheimer's and the holidays
The holidays can be stressful, especially for families living with Alzheimer's. The Alzheimer's Association offers tips for caregivers: Set realistic expectations, scale back on shopping, try to maintain a regular routine, simplify decorating, talk about and share photos of the holidays and know that it's OK to say no if you're feeling overwhelmed. For more, see alz.org.
'Back to the table'
We don't know what's going on between the George Gullo Development Corp. and Elk Grove Village that is holding up agreement over property the village wants to annex, but we do know it shouldn't have anything to do with an upcoming term limits referendum. Both sides should heed a Cook County judge and "Go to that table and see what you can make happen."
Congratulations to the 421
Of the 4,600 students who registered for the Harper College Promise program five years ago, 6% today are enjoying up to two years of free Harper tuition, thanks to their good grades and attendance, community service and on-time graduation from high school. It wasn't supposed to be easy, but you proved you have the self-discipline to succeed.
Remembering Christopher Lambert
In a ceremony Thursday, family members and Illinois State Police officials unveiled a sign designating a stretch of I-294 in honor of Trooper Christopher Lambert, who was killed in a crash while protecting stranded motorists there. We mourn his loss but take comfort that his legacy will be, as a commander noted, "a daily reminder to drive responsibly."
Remembering Andrew Whowell
We, like so many others, were saddened to learn of the passing this week of Andrew Whowell, retired deputy police chief of Arlington Heights who served the community for three decades. "Who needs a hug?" Whowell used to say. We're sending one today to his family and colleagues.