Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.
Pounding the turf
Some of the finest thoroughbreds in the world will compete this afternoon in the 36th Arlington Million, gracing the suburbs with a spectacle that, as writer Kimberly A. Rinker says elsewhere in today's edition, is "saturated in tradition and elegance." The race is a jewel on the suburbs' entertainment calendar. Enjoy it - and to competitors and bettors alike, good luck!
A fair compromise
Congrats to the U.S. Postal Service for its amicable agreement with a local gardener and a conservationist on the "pollinator garden" outside the Naperville post office on Ogden Avenue. The postal service wants a more manicured look at the front of its building, but will allow Carolyn FInzer to move the native plants to another spot on the property.
Excellent role models
Congrats to the organizers behind this weekend's "Empowering Girls for Life" conference in Rosemont. The endeavor, featuring female leaders in athletics, business, entertainment and education, allows girls from 7 to 17 to interact with high profile women who have found success in their chosen field. It's an impressive cast that figures to change lives.
Lasting legacy
The star of tonight's Night to End Hunger Gala will be what's left of the old Hobson Oak. The tree that stood for 250 years along Hobson Road near Naperville until it was chopped down in 2016 lives on in pieces of art created from its wood and saplings grown from its acorns to be auctioned off to benefit Loaves & Fishes Community Services.
Pass the DEET
Local health officials are warning there's more to be concerned about than simple annoyance from the nightly swarm of mosquitoes in your back yard. Scientists at the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District says they've seen the most evidence of West Nile infection since 2012, when 290 Illinoi residents became ill. Be prepared. User your repellant.
It's that time again
In addition to high school football practices being well under way, student-athletes around the state are preparing for their seasons in all fall sports. Here's wishing them, and their coaches, a successful beginning to the 2018-19 school year. Remember to play hard, play to win and have fun. And, stay healthy!
On that back-to-school note
Sleepy students, less daylight - it adds up to a need for drivers to be particularly vigilant as everyone gets used to the school-year routine. And don't forget to stop for crossing guards and buses that are loading children.
Best wishes, Jim
Jim Galetano's worked for the paper since most of us were pups. As Senior Vice President of the Circulation Department, he oversaw its transformation to respond to the challenges and advances of the changing newspaper environment, always with a commitment to customer service. Today, Jim retires; we wish him much happiness.
And best wishes, Tom
Tom Quinlan's been an institution in our newsroom for the past 40 years, more than half of them as the editor directing our talented staff of sports writers and reinventing our sports section for the digital age. He has been devoted on behalf of Chicago-area sports fans and Daily Herald readers. Our heartfelt best wishes to him on his well-earned retirement.