The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.

The words of John F. Kennedy

"In a time of domestic crisis, men of goodwill and generosity should be able to unite regardless of party or politics."

Suburban Mosaic book program

Our current climate of division makes this a good time to remind you of the Suburban Mosaic Book of the Year Program, the successful community program now in its 16th year. The books are age-appropriate and confront issues of racial and social justice, although we just think we're reading a good story. Check them out at www.suburbanmosaicbooks.org.

Balloons for Brad

Thursday marked one year since beloved Bartlett girls basketball and softball coach Brad Hunt passed away unexpectedly at age 43. Brad's colleagues loved him, his players loved him and the Bartlett community loved him. So much so, that even in these difficult times, they were able to get together and send hundreds of balloons into the air to honor their lost friend.

Jarring closures

YMCAs in Des Plaines, Naperville and Niles have been a big part of the suburban fabric, with some people holding decadeslong memberships. The three Y's are closing because of COVID-19 financial losses in what is perhaps a forewarning of how our communities might change because of the pandemic.

Creative coping

The past couple of months of the stay-at-home order have been tough - physically, emotionally and mentally. Many suburban students have created artwork as a way to cope. And, wow, have they been innovative. See for yourself in Friday's Neighbor section and online in a gallery of submitted artwork from students of all ages.

Public good, public health

We recognize those who have exercised their First Amendment rights to gather for peaceful demonstrations against racism. But please get a COVID-19 test in five to seven days. "If there are known cases, we can make sure those people are quarantined and not exposing other individuals," says the state's director of public health, Dr. Ngozi Ezike.

Remembering Sheila Schultz

Wheeling was Sheila Schultz's home for 65 years, but she did more than just live there. Schultz, who died last week at 90, was elected a village trustee in 1979, and two years later became its top elected official - the first woman to do so - and served 16 years. The list of village accomplishments while she sat in the big chair is long and impressive. We mourn her loss.

Remembering 'Father George'

The Rev. Jerzy "George" Gawlik died this week of COVID-19 at the age of 66. A native of Poland, "Father George" served 40 years in the priesthood, the last 16 at St. Joseph the Worker parish in Wheeling. He was remembered as a committed "missionary priest" especially beloved by children. He will be missed.

And, one more for Sheila

Sheila Schultz was tough, smart and dedicated, and she didn't go quietly after losing her reelection bid to Greg Klatecki in 1997. She still had plenty to say, sometimes in candid and sharp letters to the editor. Schultz's affection for Wheeling was boundless. She never gave up on it, and she's one of the reasons Wheeling never gave up on itself.