The Soapbox
Charged for the future:
We commend Naperville for its cutting-edge step toward greener transportation. This week leaders announced the city’s first public vehicle charging station at a downtown parking lot. The city hopes people with electric cars will park, charge for up to three hours, and then shop or dine downtown. If all goes well, up to 10 stations are envisioned.
Dedicated runners:
Congrats to Lisle’s Kristen Heckert and Schaumburg native Patrick Rizzo, who were the top finishers from the suburbs in Sunday’s Chicago Marathon. Rizzo finished 21st overall with a time of 2:15:44 while Heckert placed 19th among women at 2:47:56. What remarkable commitment, something they have in common with all the runners.
Also impressive:
A hearty bravo goes to Kirk and Beth Disrude of Mundelein for completing the marathon in a little more than 5½ hours — only 13 months after Kirk suffered a debilitating stroke. Beth stayed with him for every step. The Disrudes are an inspiration to stroke victims and their caregivers everywhere.
Of Lovie and leaves:
Be honest now. With the Bears off this weeked and sporting a 4-1 record, will it be easier to rake those leaves and put the garden to bed without the distraction of another NFL game? Imagine the drag on that rake if they were 1-4. Who’s going to get more work done this weekend — Packers fans or Bears fans?
Keep the race clean:
When USA Cycling and Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson said recreational cyclists could be drug tested at future Tour of Elk Grove events after the Lance Armstrong scandal, will that include those in the Mayor’s Charity Time Trial, where the charity gets money based on how many riders go faster than the mayor? The mayor will be beat only fair and square.
But seriously in Elk Grove:
Mayor Johnson is to be lauded for imposing a tougher penalty for testing positive in a Tour of Elk Grove race — a ban from the race for life — than USA Cycling would impose. We should be impressed by the cyclists’ pure abilities. Even the recreational cyclists in the mayor’s time trial can average 30 mph.
Buuuurp:
Not sure what makes us queasier: video gambling at pizza joints or beer swilling during political debates.
Lasting memorial:
While the death of Lombard soccer star Kirk Urso two months ago from a congenital heart defect is tragic, his Columbus (Ohio) Crew soccer team has found a terrific way to keep his spirit alive by planting an oak tree in his honor near the stadium. In addition, the team is moving ahead with a “Kirk Urso Heart Award” and a memorial fund in his name to help children suffering from heart defects.
Feel the buckling:
Drive Higgins Road through Busse Woods west of Arlington Heights Road, west of Arlington Heights and Elk Grove Village, and you’ll feel that thu-THUNK about a half dozen times. The road is buckling badly in spots. Can someone just grind those bumps down?
Last chance for locavores:
If you’ve been meaning to visit a farmers market this summer, there’s still time, but not much. For some, like Wauconda’s, this was the final week. Check one out, and eat locally.