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
"Are you breathing just a little and calling it a life?" - poet Mary Oliver
When in doubt, throw it out
Please don't donate expired food to the local pantry. We know you mean well, but that can of green beans with a 2019 date stamped on it should be thrown away. Ask yourself: Would I serve this to my family?
Ticket giveaway or business promo?
A St. Charles couple announced last week they are giving away two Taylor Swift tickets. Sounds generous, but the contest rules reveal you have to visit their business website and then follow and like their business Instagram and Facebook accounts. So, maybe promotion is just as much a factor as generosity.
Special needs students SOAR
Children with special needs hear all too often about the things they can't do. Which is why programs like SOARBucks at Mount Prospect's Lincoln Middle School are so important. Not only does the on-campus coffee business teach students necessary life and job skills, but it gives them an opportunity to show just how capable they are. Cheers!
Creative finance?
Credit the Chicago Bears with creative thinking, at least, in the disclosure that they're considering an unusual financing tool to bolster their $5 billion proposal for a development at the former Arlington Park site. But this tool is intended to help non-profits and would require state intervention for a business enterprise. Stay tuned.
The Byrne is back
It's four years late and nearly $300 million over its initially projected budget, but Chicago motorists are surely glad to have the Jane Byrne Interchange upgrade completed. Officials say the improvements will mean a 25% reduction in accidents and a 50% cut in traffic delays.
Disappointment, then pride
The abuse of a special needs student by bullies in a York High School restroom brought a sense of shame and disappointment. Then, the overwhelming spirit of York students took over in a massive show of support. As Elmhurst Unit District 205 board President Kara Caforio said, the students' response was "nothing short of amazing."
Welcome back, Hub
According to his colleague Sean Hammond at Shaw Local, sports broadcaster and journalist Hub Arkush hopes to be back at work covering the Bears and professional football after suffering a heart attack that has sidelined him since August. Hub, whose work also appears in the Daily Herald, is a legend with Bears fans. We'll be thrilled to see him back on the beat.
Remembering Edward Wolowiec
With imagination, love and good cheer Edward Wolowiec built the unique Port Edward Restaurant into an Algonquin landmark. Employees and friends gathered last week to celebrate the speciallife of the gentleman they called "The Renaissance Man" because of his many skills and interests. Wolowiece died a week ago at 92. He will be missed.