The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
Vote for Mr. Franco
We're in the final days of a National Custodian of the Year contest, and we've got a finalist here in the suburbs. To vote for Francesco "Franco" Catalano. the face of Peacock Middle School in Itasca, go to www.custodianoftheyear.com.
Time for a mini vacation?
Now that the calendar has turned to April with its consistently warmer weather, many of us might want to spend more time outside. For a nice day adventure, check out some state parks that aren't a long drive: Shabbona, Rock Cut, Illinois Beach and Starved Rock. To ensure the park you pick is open, Google Illinois state parks or call (217) 782-6302.
North Shore at North Coast
Tickets for North Coast, the Labor Day weekend electronic, rap and dance festival, recently went on sale. North Coast's Friday headliners are all-North Shore: Winnetka-based DJ duo Louis the Child and Northbrook native Ryan Raddon, Glenbrook North Class of 1989. A chance to get up and dance!
Maybe not just a tollway?
A bicycling advocate we know points out that bicycling could be part of the massive planning for the I-490 tollway. Thousands of O'Hare employees live within 10 miles of the airport, he says; they could ride to work if the infrastructure were there. Could the path along Route 390 go east of York Road? And a bicycle facility be built at O'Hare?
Or maybe in place of a tollway
Why not reserve a trail/wildlife corridor for the length of the defunct Route 53 extension? It need not occupy all the land if the state decides portions must be sold, but a continuous north-south route would be a great addition to Lake County's trail system.
A Schaumburg 'Golf Road District'?
Schaumburg officials are considering making a 3.8-mile stretch of Golf Road its own business district, with its own zoning rules. They say generally the regulations need to be loosened to bring more businesses. Can you imagine the six-lane Golf Road corridor not being busy enough? Alas, the pandemic has brought vacancies there, too.
The week's over
Think back. Whose life did you make a little brighter? How will you answer that question next week?
Sweet tooth unsatisfied
Typically, this was the week the leftover Easter candy found its way to the office. But we're all working remotely. So no community Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs. No Jelly Bellies. No hollow chocolate bunnies. (On the bright side - no Peeps.)
Hanging up her cape
The Glenview Chamber of Commerce said goodbye to longtime director Betsy Baer last week. She retired after 10 years and helped double the chamber's membership and was part of some of Glenview's most popular seasonal events.
This week's Clippable Quote
"When you put love out in the world, it travels." - Actor Laverne Cox
Remembering Michael Carr:
Shirtless, smiling and inspiring is how we'll remember Michael Carr, the Bloomingdale 12-year-old who recently lost his battle with cancer. We met Michael when he charmed columnist Burt Constable with his positive attitude and ability to dole out joy to others. For that he earned the nickname mayor Lurie Children's. Sleep well Michael.