Sharing in Naperville, bravery in Arlington Heights, champions in Geneva and more.
Sharing a little love
The SHARE program at Naperville's Edward Hospital is a support group for parents in the first year after they have lost a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death. Now the program is being expanded to include Elmhurst Hospital. We all wish there were no cause for such a group, but it's good to know it's there for those in need.
Thank you, officer, again
We had yet another example his week of why we rely on and appreciate the dedication and training of local first responders. This time, it was in Arlington Heights, where Officer Adam Plawer was honored for his swift, brave actions that likely saved the life of an unconscious driver whose SUV crashed into a utility pole. Thanks, Officer Plawer.
Final kudos to the Vikings
Geneva's girls basketball team captured our attention again last weekend when the Vikings did the Redbird Repeat, winning the Class 4A state championship for the second straight year. Stephanie Hart, who made the game-winning shot in the 2017 title game, did the same this year. Kudos to the team, fans and community as a whole on another incredible season.
Welcome back
Round Lake Beach is reintroducing a drop-off center for electronics recycling at a former sanitary plant starting next month, thanks to a contract extension with Waste Management. The service was discontinued in Lake County in 2015 because of cost. You may not realize how important these centers are until you have an old TV you need to dump.
The countdown is on
Major League Soccer's season gets under way today for the Chicago Fire, with the Chicago Red Stars opening their National Women's Soccer League season on March 25. And there are only 19 days until Major League Baseball returns for Cubs fans and White Sox fans. All good distractions for fans of the Bulls and Blackhawks disappointed about missing the playoffs.
The 'L' in Loyola means local
As the Loyola men's basketball team gets ready to open the NCAA tournament next week, let's give a shout out to its Chicago and suburban talent coach Porter Moser (Benet Academy), Donte Ingram (Simeon), Lucas Williamson (Whitney Young), Christian Negron (Larkin), Cameron Krutwig (Jacobs), Nick Dinardi (Providence), plus four assistant coaches with Chicago and suburban ties. Homegrown talent rocks!
Gone soon, but not forgotten
Though we've known for weeks it might be coming, it was disappointing to hear the official news this week that Palatine's iconic Orbit Skate Center would be closing for good at the end of the month. For two generations of Northwest suburban kids, Orbit was a favorite spot for birthday parties, school events or just a night out. We'll miss you, Orbit.
Just one more lap?
If you'll be among those mourning Orbit's closing after 46 years, consider heading to an "all skate" at Lombard Roller Rink, Bella's Bouncies Skate on Grand in Fox Lake or Xtreme Wheels in Crystal Lake to show your support for the sport.
Speaking of sad goodbyes ...
Time marches on in radio as elsewhere. As Erich "Mancow" Muller told Rob Feder, WLUP 97.9-FM has been "the stuff of legend" in Chicago and the suburbs for decades, introducing us to album rock, keeping classic rock alive and entertaining us with lively and often unpredictable personalities. So long, Loop. Thanks for the memories.