Elk Grove woman holds lemonade stand for charity

People often strive to make lemonade when life gives them lemons.

One nonprofit organization takes the adage quite literally.

In 2000, a 4-year-old Pennsylvania cancer patient named Alex Scott decided to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help doctors find a cure for kids with cancer. She passed away in 2004 but left a legacy of a foundation in her name.

The novel idea has drawn the interest of an Elk Grove Village woman.

Lindsay Tobia, 22, will be holding a lemonade stand starting today at 30 Smethwick Lane, Elk Grove Village. It will continue from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. today through Sunday.

It will be in honor of Tobia's partner's cousin, who was diagnosed with brain tumors at 15 years old.

All proceeds will go toward pediatric cancer research as part of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.

Tobia got the idea from a cousin on the East Coast.

"I thought if my 13-year-old cousin was doing something, I could do something as well," Tobia said.

Condolences: Des Plaines is mourning the loss of longtime resident Roger LaPlant.

LaPlant, a resident of Des Plaines for 50 years, passed away last week.

LaPlant, 77, volunteered for the Des Plaines Police Department and was a fixture in his hometown.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. LaPlant late last year while researching a story about Sim's Bowl and Lounge up for sale.

He and his wife, Liz, were hanging out at their favorite haunt, Sim's adjacent Depot Restaurant.

The LaPlants, who recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary, talked about their days bowling in a league years ago.

Roger LaPlant at the time shared a charming story about the time he narrowly averted a lifetime ban from Sim's after hurling a 16-pound ball "on the fly" - without touching the lane.

That feat earned a lecture from an employee.

"He said, 'Had I seen it, you never would have bowled here again,'" Roger LaPlant remembered.

Services have already been held.

Mayor Tony Arredia, 1st Ward Alderman Patricia Beauvais and 3rd Ward Alderman Laura Murphy took time at this week's city council meeting to offer their condolences, saying he will be greatly missed.

Your tips and happenings can be forwarded to rboykin@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4492.