The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
Take the shot
"We have yet to see a patient admitted to the hospital who is fully immunized," we were told Thursday by Dr. Jonathan Pinsky, of Edward Hospital in Naperville. And, as people over 65 have gotten vaccinated, the median age of COVID-19 patients has dropped from 70 to 50, he said. It's hard to get more convincing than that.
This week's Clippable Quote
"We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives." - John F. Kennedy, as proclaimed on a sign outside Our Lady of the Wayside School in Arlington Heights.
McHenry Outdoor opens soon
April 30, to be exact. We can't wait.
More celebratory Seders
Chag Pesach sameach to our readers who are celebrating the start of Passover this evening. The increased availability of coronavirus vaccines means families can come together for Seder dinners, which will bring another sense of miraculous liberation after a year of social distancing.
Good luck, Ramblers
Loyola's men's basketball team isn't sneaking up on anyone in the NCAA tournament as they did in 2018 when they made a surprise trip to the Final Four. No, this year, they're meeting and beating teams head on; just ask Georgia Tech and Illinois. Today, the Ramblers move to the Sweet 16 and a date with Oregon State. Ramble on.
Tough, but right call
We hate to see the pandemic rob us of another of our traditions, but organizers of the Arlington Heights Memorial parade and ceremony made the right call by canceling the event for a second straight year. It seems we're starting to turn the corner, but for an event that typically draws thousands - many of them aging vets - we're not there yet.
Give a reason
Debate was one-sided in an Illinois House committee vote on requiring public schools to teach a unit on Asian American history. No one voiced opposition, but all nine Republicans voted no. Voters would have benefited from hearing the reasoning.
Congrats to Hersey
With its Week 1 win over Rolling Meadows, the Hersey High School football program earned the 250th win in program history. That's no small feat in high school football, where most teams play just nine games in a season. Kudos to everyone associated with the program and to head coach Joe Pardun, its current steward.
Congrats to Coach Purdy
Congratulations to Glenbrook North football Coach Matt Purdy, named Chicago Bears High School Coach of the Week for Week 1. In his second year as head coach, he dealt not only with the pandemic but also with the death of the team's quarterback, Dylan Buckner. Purdy's response helped the community come together. True Spartan Spirit.
Best in state
Glenbrook South High School senior Max Iida had a record-smashing time in the 200IM at Central Suburban League conference swimming meet. His time of 144.86 was the fastest time recorded in Illinois State swimming history. And who's record did he break? His brother Sam's, set at the 2017 state meet. Great job, Max!
Remembering Bob Untiedt
Bob Untiedt, who died Sunday at 64, was a Geneva all-star. He was an annual fixture giving away candy at the Friday Christmas Walk, led a praise band with his wife Becki for 10 years, and, in the mayor's words, embodied the essence of Third Street, "warm, welcoming, authentic and always fun." A sweet legacy in every way. Our condolences to his family.