The Soapbox: A swimming 'Rocket' in Aurora, blended learning Barrington, a mother's strength in Elmhurst and more.

Breathing easier

There may be reasons for caution in the scenario of a state contractor paying for Illinois to resume notifying people when their auto emissions tests are coming due, but we are glad to see the anti-pollution program get back on track. A smoggy summer averted.

Fish, meet Jaeddan:

Fish, it turns out, wish they could swim like Aurora's Jaeddan Gamilla. The 10-year-old, nicknamed "The Rocket," won all 10 of his events at the National Age-Group Swimming Association Elite Showcase Classic in Florida and has become the top swimmer in his age group as ranked by USA Swimming. Way to make a splash, Jaeddan!

Encouraging, but ...:

Hoffman Estates officials said they're encouraged that Canadian National Railway has given signs it will allow right of way for a 2.4-mile connection completing an off-road bike trail between the Northwest suburbs and Elgin. Let's hope the permission will come soon. An idea for 20 years, the plan now has a funding promise - but it expires in 2018.

Saying yes to Aurora library:

Prom season can be financially challenging for teens and their families. So it's nice to see organizations sponsor programs such as last weekend's Say Yes to the Prom Dress event at Aurora's Santori Public Library. Girls got to choose from among 300 gently used dresses that could be had in exchange for a food donation to a local pantry. Say yes, indeed.

Keep on truckin':

West Chicago Mayor Ruben Pineda truly walks the walk when it comes to encouraging fellow residents to exercise. Pineda has resumed his Team Pineda 5K walks, where he encourages others to walk with him through different parts of the city almost every Saturday and Sunday through November. Quite the feet, er, feat, Mr. Mayor!

Barrington High blends learning:

Blended learning - a combination of traditional instruction and independent study - is coming to Barrington High School. While some parents worry it could lower the school's quality of education, benefits like more self-reliance and one-on-one time between student and instructor make it worth exploring the possibilities.

Golf greats:

Most of us won't ever get to visit Augusta National Golf Club, let alone play the Masters course. But four suburban kids - Stephanie Su, South Barrington; Eric Klutke, Crystal Lake; Emily Duan, Schaumburg; and Christian Kim of Vernon Hills - did both in the national Drive, Chip and Putt competition. Kim won the 10-ll-year-old boys title.

It's a long season:

Cubs GM Jed Hoyer may be the only one in Chicago with this perspective, but it's a good one. Realistically, he'd be happy if his team goes 6-4 in every 10-game stretch. That pace correlates to 98 wins a season. Pace yourself, Cubs fans. Pace yourself.

Making a difference:

We should all have the strength and perspective of Shelly LeGere, an Elmhurst mom who lost her 13-year-old daughter, Annie, to an unexpected allergic reaction. Now she's helping others by advocating a law to put epinephrine in the hands of school, police and government officials.

Video access:

We're glad Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 is considering putting videos of their meetings online. If a cellphone on a tripod can record the meeting well enough for viewers to clearly hear the conversation, that's sufficient. And a simple, valuable bit for transparency.

Farewell, Haeger Potteries:

The company that fired the bricks that helped rebuild after the Great Chicago Fire will soon toss its final pot. A victim of changing tastes and markets, Haeger Potteries in East Dundee will shut down its kilns next month. We hate to see such long-standing, independent business fall by the boards. Best wishes to the Haeger family, and thanks for 145 years.