The Soapbox
Welcome, Goliath!
Goliath, Great America's monstrous and terrifying new wooden coaster, is now open to the public. No slings and stones required to take on this beast - only courage and a strong stomach.
Hands-on learning:
It's commonly known that kids learn best by doing. And a student-built, four-bedroom home in Prospect Heights stands as a testament to dozens of Northwest Suburban High School District 214 teens' knowledge about not only construction and architecture but also problem solving and cooperation. Kudos to instructor Mark Sears and to other school districts with similar programs.
Sound off?
The idea of a sound system that would play ear-pleasing music to the shoppers who frequent bustling downtown Naperville hit a roadblock when city council members said they had more questions than answers about the plan. "I don't want to rush and get it wrong," council member Grant Wehrli said. Point taken, but how hard can this be?
A 'festive spirit':
The delay means the sound system likely won't be installed by the holidays, a disappointment to some merchants. Music, said Katie Wood of the Downtown Naperville Alliance, "is a wonderful amenity that infuses joy, a festive spirit, and simply makes people want to dwell in our downtown." Oh, we think plenty will continue to dwell downtown.
Recognition for veterans:
The Lakes Regional Historical Society in Antioch is undertaking a project to honor those in the area who have served in the armed forces. The organization is asking people to submit names, branch, rank and dates of service. Group leaders anticipate collecting hundreds of names. Here's hoping they get a great response.
The Big Read:
The Arlington Heights Memorial Library has announced a "One Book, One Village" program that will get started in late July. We hope it is as successful as Suburban Mosaic, the Northwest suburban community reading program that has been going strong for at least a decade. Anything that encourages reading is OK in our book. Can't wait to see the title!
A different role:
Though Congressman Peter Roskam of Wheaton lost his bid to become majority whip this week, his run was a compliment to the suburbs. We acknowledge his grace in defeat and urge him to be a force for moderation in helping to bring the GOP back together.
Politics trumps art:
The National Youth Orchestra of Iraq this week had to cancel its first U.S. tour, which was to include two concerts at Elgin Community College in August. Because of the nation's instability, the young musicians are not able to get visas. Too bad, but we'll cross our fingers for next year.
Red light, green light:
Remember when it was just stop on red and go on green? Simple, right? Well, those suburban intersections with the countdown to the green/red switch have had a somewhat hazardous side effect. Some drivers anticipate the red and stop on the green. Please, just keep going when the light is green.
Solace on solstice:
On this relatively temperate first day of summer, doesn't the long, awful winter of a few months ago seem so distant? Enjoy the day.