The Soapbox
No time for panic:
After the terror attacks of Sept. 11, did you refuse to leave your home, fly or go into tall buildings? Yes, there have been “flash mob” incidents of some criminal teens terrorizing people in Chicago. But that's no reason to succumb to panic. Go ahead. Head into the city.
Young activists:
The future may not look so good for Warp Skatepark in Lake in the Hills, which is set to close due to economic difficulties. But for teens like Ali Tawoosi of Hoffman Estates and his friends, who have mounted a campaign to try to save the park, their experience with community activism might help make their futures a little brighter.
Close the book on this dispute:
Wheaton Mayor Michael Gresk refused to reappoint two members to the city's library board. The snub stems from bad blood between the city and the library over Friday closings last year as a way to combat a budget crisis. It's clear from the comments of the ousted board members the animosity still exists. Let's hope the new board members and the city can get on the same page.
The green route to work:
Employees of Buffalo Grove Village Manager Dane Bragg's office are teaming up for next week's Bike Commuter Challenge sponsored by the nonprofit Active Transportation Alliance. As they ride to work each day, they and other teams will be examples to commuters who also could think about ditching the car once in a while.
Motoring with care:
And for drivers and motorcyclists, it's the time of year to check your defensive driving skills and respect other vehicles on the road. That's a recipe for avoiding tragedies that already have claimed several suburban lives this spring.
Get the read out:
As of this week, more than 2,000 kids are signed up in Elgin alone for the library's summer reading program. As lawmakers wrestle over education funding, there should be no debate about the benefits of keeping students reading over the break. If you're a parent or caregiver, stop by the library and see how it can help.
Dreams that need time:
Tim Lazicki of Wheeling is a prime example of how the spark to learn hits people at different times. Tim wasn't interested or adept at science while attending St. Viator High School, but after taking an introductory psych course at Dominican University he decided he wanted to understand why his grandmother behaved the way she did. Et voila! He becomes a major force in brain trauma research. Never give up on learning, Tim, and everyone else.
Remembering Mark Beaubien:
We join many others in offering our sincere condolences to the family of state Rep. Mark Beaubien of Barrington Hills. His sudden death Sunday shocked us all. He was a chief budget negotiator and a helpful friend to members of both parties. He also was one of a few Republicans to vote to allow gay couples to create civil unions, saying we should all “live our own lives and speak our own truths.” Beaubien did that so well.