It’s rare to have a May column to write after Memorial Day, usually we happily turn our attention to June.
Since I’m tired from holiday festivities and am feeling just plain unimaginative, let’s take this time to revisit Loose Ends, an occasional column dedicated to the smaller, but still interesting issues that flavor our world rather than shape it.
First today is one of those small items that can feel much bigger to some, depending on your perspective. Recent reports document discussions regarding construction of an access road from the new kindergarten building at Vernon Hills Park District’s Sullivan Center behind the library and ending up at Phillip Road.
The purported purpose is to relieve traffic on Aspen Drive.
Seems pretty innocuous, right? I’ve often wondered why Phillip Road ends abruptly just short of the Vernon Plaza shopping center. However, there are voices sharing concerns over sending traffic that way, including some from the adjacent Victory Center.
Having seen the intense traffic flow during school hours, I can understand their point. What is currently a peaceful, safe passageway for senior citizens to the library and shopping areas could transform into a version of human pinball with cars and buses dominating the new roadway that would split the area in two.
Relief of traffic is certainly a good goal, but not necessarily at the expense of other residents and their safety as pedestrians. I hope this idea is fully vetted before any action is taken.
Next up is a subject that is receiving increasing attention lately: youth tackle football and the possible ramifications for children.
A recent attempt to ban tackle football under age 12 in Illinois by state Rep. Carol Sente was pulled before hitting the State House floor, coming up short in the estimation of positive votes. It will stay alive through year’s end, so perhaps a vote may still come.
However, many have cited a discomfort in telling parents what to do, rather than allowing them to decide for themselves and take precautions accordingly. As I’ve often mentioned here, we are a diehard football family. However, I find myself increasingly concerned with some of the data coming out regarding the potential effects on children who play tackle football for many years.
If nothing else, a continued dialogue will allow both sides to hash out a plan that will protect players, as well as parents’ rights. It’s a slippery slope, but communication and research will help guide the way. In the meantime, coaching philosophies must adapt to their own version of “first do no harm.”
Football always ends, but players’ lives go on far longer. We need to assure they have a life of quality and health after gridiron days.
And finally, I love my new Menards. The first time I walked in it felt like your first glimpse of Disney World. It’s huge, sparkly clean and full of areas to explore. There are so many in fact, that my two GrandGirlies have asked that we go there to shop when we’re on one of our “dates.” That’s a big stamp of approval.
Well done, Menards.
