The Soapbox: The right thing in Barrington Township, a last parade in Roselle, inspiration from Hawthorn Woods and more.

A sign to seek help:

News that Prince died of an accidental overdose of the opioid fentanyl is chilling for those wondering if they've become too dependent on painkillers. If you're among them, see a doctor for help getting off the drugs or contact a referral help line, like the federal government's at (800) 662-4357 or https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/.

Praise for Smolinski:

Roselle's Gayle Smolinski will be riding near the head of Sunday's Rose Parade. After 23 years, DuPage County's longest-serving mayor will not seek re-election, and this will be her last time as an active participant in the annual parade. It's a perfect opportunity for residents to thank her for her service.

Doing the right thing:

It had to be hard, but Karen Fitzgerald did the right thing giving up becoming Barrington Township assessor. Having a husband on the township board should preclude a spouse from being appointed by that board to a paying job - regardless of whether she's an excellent candidate (she is), it's against the rules (it's not), or it's been done before (yep).

So long Gene, and thanks:

Speaking of Barrington Township, here's a tip of the cap to outgoing supervisor Eugene "Gene" Dawson. He has been a steady hand at the wheel for 15 years, a good government advocate for all his 28 years in public service and a huge advocate for the Barrington area in many acts of community service.

Animal advocates:

A special thanks to Candace Love of Libertyville and wildlife conservationists for helping an animal in need. While at Independence Grove in Libertyville, Love spotted a Canada goose with a large triple-barbed fish hook stuck in its side and she contacted Chicago Bird Collision Monitors. Volunteers rescued the bird and arranged for treatment.

Perseverance pays off:

After back-to-back tragedies kept Joel Schauer from fulfilling his dream of scaling Mount Everest during tries in 2014 and 2015, the Hawthorn Woods resident could have given up. He persevered and last month reached the summit of the world's tallest mountain. His refusal to quit and the rewards of his tenacity can inspire anyone facing a challenge.

Welcome:

Centegra Hospital-Huntley opens Aug. 9, and the public can get a preview July 16 of the $230 million building and its 110-acre campus. It's the third hospital in McHenry County for Centegra. "We've taken the best of everything we've got at McHenry and Woodstock and brought it together here," said Mike Eesley, Centegra CEO.

Welcome back, champs:

The Chicago Bandits, the defending Cowles Cup champions, returned to action this week in Rosemont. Time truly flies, because the National Pro Fastpitch league is in its 13th season. Seems like it was just yesterday when Jennie Finch got the ball rolling. Now a six-team league, the NPF sees more growth in its future. Good luck.

Rooting for The Mayor:

Our thoughts and prayers are with Naperville Mayor Emeritus George Pradel, who is battling a type of cancer that affects the immune system, the bones and blood. The longest-serving mayor in the city's history, the 78-year-old Pradel always has been an easy guy to root for. Hang tough, Mr. Mayor.