The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
Don't forget Mom
Mother's Day is a week away. Do you have plans yet? Yes, the pandemic makes it challenging, but you can arrange for takeout, get kids working on homemade gifts and more. And remember to reach out to moms who may be spending the day alone.
Enjoy - at a distance
The opening of some state parks and golf courses gives stir-crazy Illinois residents more recreation options, but people who take advantage of them need to be mindful of the rules and maintaining social distancing. Be careful out there, friends.
A summer without Ravinia
Enjoying concerts at Ravinia - with a fabulous picnic, of course - is one of the great joys of summer in the suburbs. So we will miss the Highland Park music festival, which canceled its season over COVID-19 concerns. We understand the decision, and look forward to its safe return.
The show choir must go on
A live high school show choir competition is an event for any music lover to behold. So, what to do after the coronavirus closed the season before the scheduled Choral Classic at Wheaton Warrenville High School? Not to worry. The show, featuring 11 choirs from the suburbs and across the country, will go on virtually beginning at 10 a.m. at www.wwsshowchoirs.org/ Tune in.
It was fun while it lasted
John McDonough's firing was a stunner to most people. Certainly if he wants to work again, he will. There is no shortage of teams that could use his help. He did a masterful job of leading the Blackhawks for 13 years. Every fan will forever remember the three Stanley Cup victories. No doubt, he'll be hoisting another trophy in the near future.
Go get 'em Cole
St. Viator graduate and Arlington Heights resident Cole Kmet grabbed the spotlight last weekend when the Chicago Bears made him their first pick in the second round of the NFL Draft. Kmet, a tight end who played at Notre Dame, should have a chance to become a contributor to the team right away. We look forward to seeing him in the orange and blue.
Searching for answers
Word came this week that one-third of Kane County's pandemic deaths are at a single care facility. The most vulnerable also are the most reliant on others - low-paid service workers who can't stay at home. How to better protect both parties to this relationship seems to still be in doubt.
Cascade reopening
Some of the happiest news of the week came with word that the new owner of the Cascade Drive-In in West Chicago is working to reopen the theater that closed in 2018. The Cascade is more than just a throwback, it's something of a suburban institution dating to 1961. Here's hoping the proposed comeback becomes reality.
Wear a mask
A mask doesn't just help protect you. It also helps protect everyone you encounter. Besides, it can be stylish!
Keep a journal
We've heard from readers who are writing daily journal entries through this historic time. Or writing letters to grandchildren to pass along observations about it. How about you? Please do. (And then let us know at newsroom@dailyherald.com.)