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

This week's Clippable Quote

"If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate." - Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl whose plane went down in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on 9/11.

Love in a time of coronavirus

Now, if there is another shutdown order, Leslie Perez and Dakota Sineni will be at home together. The couple were married Monday in a West Dundee park, with their masked guests watching from their cars. Life's too short to be apart, they say. Indeed, the lockdown is much easier to bear when you're with someone you love.

Speaking of which ...

Zach Lefevre and Kayla Kennelly, both of Elk Grove Village, infused this difficult time with love when Lefevre popped the question and a bottle of champagne at LondonHouse Chicago's 23rd-floor outdoor cupola. Kennelly, a nurse, has been working constant overtime; Lefevre lost one job but managed to pick up another. Pandemics end. Love can last a lifetime.

And, what a lifetime

Standing in the rain outside her patio window at Victory Lakes in Lindenhurst, Catherine Ori's family - some of whom cam from as far away as Colorado and Montana - sang, "Happy Birthday" and wished her well on her 100th birthday this week. Her longevity secret is timely advice for us all: "Life is what you make of it, and every day I choose to be happy."

Barking up the right tree

Seen on message board outside Schaumburg police and fire departments during recent heat wave "Hot dogs are for bbqs. Don't leave dogs in hot cars." While the blistering weather is likely behind us, it's still something to remember ... and not necessarily just on the hottest of days.

Bright idea

The Morton Arboretum has announced its annual "Illumination Tree Lights" will be a drive-through experience. Instead of walking through the Lisle campus, visitors will remain in their cars and slowly drive along a two-mile path to view the exhibits. Seeing beautiful lights from the warmth and comfort of our cars sounds like a great time.

Flu shots

If there ever was a year to make sure you get your flu shot, it's this one. Health experts say the impending arrival of flu season and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic make it important for everyone - especially children 6 months and older - to get a vaccine. The Children's Health Alliance says families should get their shots before Halloween. Don't procrastinate.

Full throttle, mini style

Not sure how this happened, but what's with all the children on mini motorcycles this summer? Their numbers appear to be growing, as they travel alone or in groups on sidewalks, paved nature paths, school playgrounds - even neighborhood streets. Seems like just yesterday a simple bicycle was the way to go.

Progress in District 207

We're excited to see the progress District 207 is making on renovations to the three Maine high schools - East, West and South. Two years ago voters showed their faith in the district and their interest in our kids, by strongly approving a $240 million tax increase. Soon we'll be able to see what that looks like.

Use this time wisely

The IHSA is currently allowing winter, spring and summer high school sports teams 20 "contact" days. These are days coaches can have their teams together for limited activities. It's great for the kids to be able to see their teammates, work out and bond. We hope they all use this time to be productive in a safe environment.