The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
This editorial represents the consensus opinion of The Daily Herald Editorial Board.
This week's Clippable Quote
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." - Anne Frank
The comfort of Corey the Corsair
In the past, Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein hired therapy dogs to soothe students during exam time. Now, Corey the Corsair, a goldendoodle, spends most days on campus, lending a supportive paw. "He clearly shows his ... love for being around students, and the students feel value and worth in that," said Principal Jason Huther, who trained the dog.
Pioneers in Palatine
Police officers Eddie Christudhas and Taylor Black are becoming the first cops in Illinois to use an all-electric motorcycle as Palatine revives its motorcycle unit. The vehicle has a range of 157 miles, top speed of 102 mph, is outfitted like any patrol vehicle and saves money. Oh, and it helps save the planet, too. Good decision.
Leading the way on sustainability
A new committee that's been organized in Mount Prospect is looking at sustainability - meeting the needs of the current generation without compromising future generations - in a way that other communities can benefit from. We'll be eager to see the panel's recommendations next February, and so should other suburbs.
Lottery winners deserve privacy
The two people splitting the $1.3 billion Mega Millions have chosen privacy over publicity - a wise move. They took their time claiming the prize, most likely to get their legal ducks in a row, and enduring unwanted attention should not be part of the deal. Bravo to Illinois for being one of only a few states allowing lottery winners anonymity.
Sweet New Year
This year's High Holidays begin Sunday evening with Rosh Hashanah - Jewish New Year - and bidding adieu to 5782 and debuting 5783. Rosh Hashanah is a time for introspection, apologies and forgiveness in order to start the New Year with a fresh slate. L'Shanah Tovah - a good year - to all.
Good bridge news
How nice to see the historic Long Grove bridge in the news for its true mission, rather than as an example of driver carelessness. The village held a ceremony to officially name the structure for Robert Parker Coffin, an early village president who made it his mission to preserve the small-town flavor of the village.
And there was more
Long Grove's ceremony also dedicated trees to the memory of Coffin and two other past community leaders - conservationist Barbara Reed Turner, who died in 2020, and Maria Rodriguez, a former village president and candidate for Congress and lieutenant governor who died a year later.
We're in this together
As things are getting closer to normal regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, don't forget that there are still many vulnerable people out there, especially the elderly and immunocompromised. And they need everyone's help to avoid catching the disease. If you are sick, please stay home and avoid crowds. Someone else's life may depend on it.