The Soapbox
Whiskers for charity:
Who knew that not shaving could feel so good? Gurnee police officials are winking at the department's personal appearance policy to benefit charities. Officers can grow beards for the rest of the year. They raised $2,000 during No-Shave November and will provide gifts to military families during Double-Down December. It's a good look.
Saturday salute:
Tonight's a busy one for our high school sports staff, but it's also very special. One of our editors, John Radtke, will receive the Distinguished Media Service Award from the Illinois High School Association between games at Burlington Central. Among those cheering will be Bob Frisk, who was among the first class of winners. Congrats, John!
Different direction:
Did anyone else note the unintended irony when DuPage Forest Preserve Commission President Joe Cantore announced the district "is moving in a different direction" in hiring former DuPage Chief Judge John Elsner as head counsel? Seems like the district has been moving in many directions of late.
Can we get a director here?
To recap: There was the hiring, then firing, of Arnie Biondo as forest preserve executive director after eight months on the job. Then the awkward hiring (three separate votes taken amid concerns adequate public notice wasn't given) of court administrator John Lapinski. Turned out Lapinski was too sick to take the job, which is again posted.
Positive direction:
Let's hope Elsner can help the district move not just in a different, but in a positive direction. He comes with strong credentials. In addition to his judicial background, he also was as an attorney for public and private groups.
Well-deserved honor:
Congratulations to Stephen May, assistant principal at Wheeling High School, one of 10 educators nationwide awarded a 2014 Distinguished Service Award for "outstanding contributions to interscholastic athletics." May has had a hand in many of the successes at Wheeling. It's a well-deserved award for man who always thinks "Kids first."
Eyes of youth on Ferguson:
Hundreds of South Elgin High School students marched Thursday to advocate equal treatment of minorities by law enforcement. "They did a great job ... it sparked awareness to maybe those students who may not have been privy to what's going on," Principal James Edwards said. We commend the teens for their example in seeking change through peaceful means.
Running for Ryan:
Hats off to those raising funds for Palatine High School cross country runner Ryan Kissane, who was hit by a car. While the T-shirt sales are impressive, so is the perspective of his mom: "We know that Ryan's injuries will heal, but his life is changed forever, having gained an even greater understanding of what it means to be part of a loving community!"
RIP, Bernice Gromer:
When Bernice Gromer died at 91 this week, a piece of Elgin did, too. She and her husband, Dick, fed plenty of local families for decades through Gromer Supermarkets. Bernice was active in many charities and women's clubs and played the piano at the Oak Crest Residence of Elgin. She will be laid to rest today but long remembered.