The Soapbox: Healthy eating in Naperville, Olympic gold in Algonquin, swimming in Mount Prospect and more.

The Daily Herald Editorial Board

Nutrition and healthy eating

Mariel Thompson is just 16, but that's not stopping the Naperville girl from sharing her knowledge about nutrition with even younger kids. Mariel presented a workshop on healthy eating Friday that was developed by the National Institutes of Health for kids ages 11 through 13. Better still, Mariel practices what she preaches.

Being proactive in St. Charles 303:

Congratulations to St. Charles School District 303 officials for testing their water for dangerous lead levels and fixing the problems. All 19 buildings were tested and 24 of 263 drinking fountains will be replaced or fixed. And 106 of 345 sink faucets will carry warning labels and be used for hand washing only.

Making the medal stand - and history

Congrats to Algonquin's Evan Jager for winning the Olympic silver medal in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, finishing one second behind Kenya's Conseslus Kipruto. The last time the U.S. claimed a medal in that event was in 1984, and it was bronze.

So long summer?

For lovers of summer, it is tolerable for schools to start early, but to see the term Oktoberfest so early? It may suggest crisp air, colorful leaves and pumpkin-spice are not far behind. But not to worry - it's Buffalo Grove's 139th "Oktoberfest in August." The celebration of German culture began Friday and continues through Sunday. Prost!

Maybe not Chicago, but still

The Naperville City Council is excited about five restaurants applying for liquor licenses downtown. They say the places, which include Mexican fine dining and upscale Japanese, "are restaurants that you would see in downtown Chicago." Not to get ahead of ourselves, but this does sound great for Water Street.

Pool party

The first meet in Prospect's new natatorium is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, when Warren will compete against host Hersey. While the Huskies still don't have a pool at their own school, splitting the dazzling facility on the Knights' turf will benefit all of the student-athletes in Dist. 214.

Complex world, complex needs

Reading last Sunday's centerpiece story on the incredible growth in recent years in the number of items on the list of school supplies kids need (from four to 27) and in the cost (10 times as much) was enough to make one wish for a simpler time. Still, the changes reflect the demands of an increasing complex world. Best be prepared.

Worth a look

It's understandable that some officials are reluctant to jump on board with a local group's unexpected proposal to merge Round Lake, Round Lake Beach and Round Lake Park into a single town. They want - and obviously need - more information. Still, the idea sounds intriguing. Organizers at least deserve credit for creative thinking.

Our job to keep them safe

We said it in an editorial earlier this week, but it bears repeating. School is back in session. Let's be even more cautious behind the wheel. Obey red stop arms on buses. Slow down in school zones. Be mindful of students walking or biking at crosswalks. Of course, put the cellphone down and keep it down.