Hundreds gathered Monday evening in the gymnasium at George Washington Middle School in Lyons to listen, to talk, and to be present as this school community grieves what seem to be the bewildering deaths by suicide of two young boys in just three months.

Lyons Village President Christopher Getty won back control of Lyons-Brookfield Elementary School District 103 last week, with a slate of four candidates cruising to a win on the back of strong support in the village of Lyons and in the small enclaves of Forest View and McCook.

Maybe there was a time back before the mid-20th century that First Avenue between Cermak Road and Ogden Avenue was more of a country lane than a busy state highway. If that was ever the case, no one can probably remember it, and it certainly isn't the case now.

Election Day is behind us now, but for those who won their races – and congratulations to all of you who did – the hard work is just beginning. Getting elected is one thing.