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The Soapbox: Puppy love, Buffone and bike lanes

The thanks due Debby Miller:

Those who campaign for term limits would do well to reflect on all the good that Debby Miller has done in her 42 years on the Schaumburg Township Library board. Her contribution has been a selfless dedication to the library and the taxpayers that has helped transform library service in that time.

Drop in bucket:

For the first time since the agency that supplies Lake Michigan water was rocked by a financial scandal more than five years ago. The DuPage Water Commission has cut rates by about 2 percent, savings already passed on to customers in at least one town. Hey, better than no savings.

Crazy for cocker spaniels:

Yes, Jana Frohlich admits her love for her dogs is "over the top." Her six cocker spaniels get rides in baby strollers to the grocery store; she celebrates their birthdays in a five-star hotel. Her Elgin home is pretty much a shrine to dogdom. Interesting as this is, let's not focus on that.

Not just the pretty ones:

What does matter is that Frohlich doesn't go gaga for the pretty dogs. She's taken in more than a dozen in as many years that are mostly old or disabled - a reminder that all of man's best friends need our love and attention. Especially when we're making a decision at the rescue center.

A tribute to No. 55:

Mike Imrem's touching tribute to former Bears linebacker and radio analyst Doug Buffone reminded us that one of Buffone's best qualities was that he seemed like "one of us." That was so true, as many others attested. The challenge for us, though, is to be more like him: full of life, charitable, positive, caring and honest. Let his spirit live on.

Bartlett Road bridge of the future:

We notice on the new Bartlett Road bridge over the Jane Addams Tollway the multi-use lanes on the east side, separated with a large concrete barrier. It's exciting to think of a new bike and pedestrian trail going through there as part of a Hoffman Estates plan, and that it was accommodated in the revamped bridge.

Got your go bag?

Are you ready for a tornado like the one that hit Rochelle and Fairdale less than two weeks ago? Of course, no one is ever ready for one. But having a bag of basic emergency supplies at hand for when weather turns foul is always wise. And don't forget to put on some sturdy boots when you head to the basement at the very least.

Good to see good business news:

It's nice to see more good business news in the suburbs. Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora this week announced 20 of the shops that will be part of a major expansion. The shops are part of a $110 million addition to the 10-year-old shopping center.

Not yet:

A couple of days of sun and mild temperatures is enough to make you think we're ready to bust into some nice weather. Then, WHAM, another cold spell, and flurries, and wind chill. Don't plant those flowers just yet.

Remembering Tom Valeo:

Longtime readers will recall Tom Valeo, who wrote beautifully for the Daily Herald for 23 years, most visibly as our arts and theater critic. Though he left the paper in 2000, he remained a lifelong friend. So we were saddened to learn of his passing this week at age 64, and we wish his family comfort.

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