This week's Soapbox congratulates Marian Hossa
Congrats, Hoss!
In his first year of eligibility, Marian Hossa, stalwart forward of the Chicago Blackhawks, has been elected to the NHL Hall of Fame. Hossa, who was arguably Chicago's greatest free agent pickup, was loved by teammates, a generous assist man and a nightmare for goalies everywhere. A well-deserved honor, Hoss.
Independence nights
Recent tweet from a Kevin somewhere: "ok do we all collectively have that one dude shooting fireworks in the neighborhood every night?" Pretty much so, yes. More than one even. The local July Fourth celebrations began very early this year, often going late into the night. How about some consideration? And be careful.
Paul Douglas trail flood finally wins
Those who use the Paul Douglas Forest Preserve trail, surrounded by Hoffman Estates, are having to jump onto Freeman Road near Mundhank Road to avoid flooding. The flooding has occurred the past several springs, but finally this summer the water is staying put. It looks like the county is starting to address it, but it may be a while.
This week's clippable quote
"You cannot make yourself feel something you do not feel, but you can make yourself do right in spite of your feelings": Pearl S. Buck, author
A precious gift
Our state is facing what the Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers is calling "a critical shortage of blood." That's a result of the drop in off-site blood drives coupled with an increase in surgeries that were put off during the height of the COVID-19 crisis. So if you can donate, now is the time to do so. You may just save a life.
Colorful display
Downtown Wheaton is looking especially colorful these days with windows of dozens of businesses painted with Pride art in support of the LGBTQ+ community. The brainchild of organizer Jacob Kniep, artist Jose Sanchez and the Downtown Wheaton Association, it sends a bright and welcoming message. And it's fun!
The right direction
The Illinois Tollway made significant cuts this week in fines for toll violations - setting fees of $3 for missed payments compared to the current fines from $20 to $50 per violation. Executive Director Jose Alvarez said the new system "works for customers and not against them." Director Alice Gallagher said the action was "moving in the right direction."
We've said it before
It bears repeating, especially as the reopening begins: Wear a mask.
Remembering Nick Longobardi
People loved the food at the Pompei Ristorante that Nicola "Nick" Longobardi and wife Mathilde, of Buffalo Grove, opened in Arlington Heights in 1980. But a big part of what kept them coming back for three decades was Nick's boisterous personality - full of song, magic and laughter. Longobardi died June 18 at 82. Our condolences to his family.
Remembering Ken Snow
There were few suburban soccer stars as talented and versatile as Ken Snow, who scored a onetime state record of 128 goals at Hoffman Estates High School. As an adult, Snow promoted interest in the sport through his soccer camps across the suburbs and even throughout the country, We lost him at age 50 a week ago, gone much too soon.