My mother-in-law lost her battle to ovarian cancer several years ago.

A former co-worker to whom I was close conquered leukemia and has since had a child.

Both will be remembered Friday when Sun Prairie turns out for the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life event at the high school track.

Throughout the night, participants will share inspirational stories, hug and hold hands, and maybe even shed some tears (both of sorrow and joy).

It's an uplifting and emotional event for the hundreds who take part. Particularly noteworthy is the survivors' lap, in which those who are beating this deadly disease walk in unison around the quarter-mile oval.

If you've never taken part in Relay, please consider doing so this year ... for all of those who've gone before us and all of the people who are battling the disease now.

We'd also like you to share your story here. Please tell us why the fight against cancer is important to you, personally.

Your words may encourage others to get involved in the fight.

-- PB

Several weeks ago, we asked a poll question about whether you'd support a citywide smoking ban. Unfortunately, due to technical problems, much of the data was lost.

The results, at the time of their demise, were leaning 3-1 in favor of prohibiting smoking in local bars and restaurants. To the best of our memory, many of the comments fell into the following categories:

** Smoking is bad, but let local businesses decide for themselves whether to permit it.

** The effects of second-hand smoke are too detrimental to allow it to continue in public settings.

** The issue should be addressed at the state (or federal) level, so as not to drive business from one municipality to the next.

We feel bad for not being able to report out on all of the great feedback we received, so we're asking you again to take a few moments to share your views in response to this blog item.

Please note, this topic is not currently being discussed within Sun Prairie's local government, but like it has for many of our neighboring communities, the topic will no doubt arise in the future.

Let your elected officials know how you feel. Should Sun Prairie implement a communitywide smoking ban for bars and restaurants?

In determining elementary boundaries for the upcoming academic year, the Sun Prairie School Board is faced with a long division problem for which there is no clear-cut answer. No matter how the numbers are sliced, there will be a remainder of students who cannot attend their neighborhood school.

See related story: http://www.sunprairietoday.com/news/story/3764

Here's your chance to weigh in on the issue, without even having to attend a public hearing. What guidance can you offer the School Board? How important is it for all children to attend the school closest to where they live? Do you have a suggestion that hasn't been considered yet?

More important, what are your thoughts on developing boundaries as the district grows? Should a more comprehensive plan be put in place in anticipation of the district's ninth elementary school?

Your thoughts will help educate your community.

PB

On Tuesday, strong participation is expected in Wisconsin's presidential primary. Locally, a Sun Prairie Today poll showed significant support (48 percent) for Barack Obama. A key factor cited with responses was a need for change.

While educated voters look at the big picture -- weighing each candidate's views and actions on the myriad issues facing the nation -- it's also important to consider the impact our top elected official has at the local level. With that in mind, we'd like your thoughts on how Barack or Hillary, John or Mike -- or any of the others still on the ballot -- would help (or hurt) Sun Prairie.

Share your thoughts. If we get enough, we'll summarize them in an upcoming article.

PB

As my family enjoyed a meal this evening at Market Street Diner, I gave some thought as to why the experience was so pleasant. Was it the quality of the food? There's no question we savored the contents of our plates. Was it the atmosphere? The clean, bright interior was certainly a plus. Was it the convenient location? I'd much rather stay in town that drive to one of the numerous chain restaurants in Madison.

While all of these factors were certainly part of the formula for a pleasant dining experience, the top reason I enjoyed the meal was the friendly, helpful nature of the staff. They welcomed us as soon as we walked through the door. They regularly checked on our table to make sure we were content ... but they weren't overbearing. They smiled. In short, they made us feel appreciated; they were thankful we had chosen their restaurant.

And because of how we were treated, we will return many times over.

Of course, I can think of other experiences -- some local, some not -- where the manner in which I was treated is why I am unlikely to return. In some cases, the discourteous reception may have been an anomaly. Maybe a clerk was just having a bad day. But to me, the customer, that is not relevant. I expect to be treated as a valued customer every time I walk through the door ... just as I am at Market Street Diner.

To highlight the value of outstanding customer service, we'd like to hear about your positive local experiences. Where have you been treated well? Which stores or restaurants do you frequent because of their people skills? Who does it best when it comes to customers?

Let us know where the customer is king.

PB