Saturday Soapbox: Sun City quilters in Huntley, a Ranger remembered in Grayslake, inspiration in Schaumburg and more
Love these Sew 'n Sews:
We love the name of the Sun City-Huntley Sew 'n Sews, but we love even more the good they do. It took 15 years, but members, ages 55 to 89, just completed their 10,000th quilt. Most go to Linus Project, which gets blankets to seriously ill or traumatized children. Wonderful mission.
Naperville's India Day parade:
Naperville's efforts to reach out to its growing Indian population are bearing fruit with the announcement of plans for the inaugural India Day Parade on Aug. 16. The parade and related festivities are expected to draw 10,000 people and showcase Indian heritage and culture.
A truly happy birthday:
You know how it's supposed to be better to give than receive? Kate Schultz will tell you that's true. For her 33rd birthday, the Naperville woman collected enough fixings to donate 106 party bags to Loaves & Fishes Community Services to help make birthdays a little happier for area kids in need. Bravo!
Thanks, Lt. Dan:
Today at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, a site dedicated to preserving military history, an actor dedicated to serving military members and veterans will give a concert to support an organization that aims to boost morale and build camaraderie in the military community. We salute Gary Sinise for his commitment to Operation Support Our Troops.
Different paths:
Sinise, by the way, has won the Golden Globe, the Emmy, an Oscar nomination, the U.S. Presidential Citizens Medal, honorary doctorates, accolades for his work in theater, TV and movies and respect from the military. Yet, poor grades forced him to attend an extra semester at Highland Park High School. Looks like he overcame the setback.
Welcome home the champs:
If you enjoyed the Women's World Cup, you may want to attend today's Chicago Red Stars game in Lisle (7 p.m. Benedictine Sports Complex). The team will honor its eight World Cup soccer stars, including four champions from the U.S. squad: Julie Johnston, Christen Press, Lori Chalupny and Shannon Boxx. They deserve a rousing welcome.
Ranger remembered:
It's been five years since Army Ranger Joseph Dimock II died in Afghanistan from injuries he suffered in an ammunition holding facility explosion, but his memory and his name live on along a stretch of Route 120 near Grayslake. A sign" was installed last week to honor the soldier who lived near Wildwood and graduated from Warren Township High School.
Sales Tax Hike 2.0:
Sadly, the Cook County Board couldn't muster the backbone to stop a harmful sales tax hike virtually the same board had eliminated. Though President Toni Preckwinkle has a point that the legislature deserves some blame, this hike still isn't justified. So, as Commissioner Tim Schneider said, if it can be approved twice, it can be repealed twice. Let's do it.
Lasting impact:
You know someone made an impact when he inspires great accomplishment. The late Rev. Matt Peterson mentored young people at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Schaumburg. Four years after his death from cancer at age 41, Conant High grad Kristin Decker continues her cross-country run to raise money and awareness for young adults with cancer. Inspiration breeds inspiration.