Flavors of the Week gives out scoops of ice cream proportionate to candidates’ deeds during the past seven days. This week, the flavors are dictated by good will. Look at it like a scoop of Neopolitan ice cream. The niftiest person or group is honored with chocolate. Strawberry goes to second fiddle, with vanilla going to whoever warranted a “Yeah, nice try.”

Vanilla scoop: Ron Matekaitis and Clay Campbell. The NIU alumni, who debated in Swen Parson Hall Oct. 8, brought their campaigns for state’s attorney back to their old stomping grounds. It’s encouraging to see them taking the time to talk in front of a student audience. There are over 25,000 students at NIU, according to the university’s Web site. Getting the student vote in DeKalb is essential toward gaining political favor in this town. Good move, gentlemen.

Strawberry scoop: Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The Illinois governor announced Oct. 3 that federal financial assistance would be available to flood victims, according to an Oct. 6 Northern Star article. While the money only applies to those affected by flooding on Sept. 13 or 14, help is help in whatever form it takes. It’s a step in the governor’s favor to see that even in a state of economic crisis, he’s still thinking of his constituents.

Chocolate scoop: NIU German instructor Friedemann Stuebing reported this. His daughter went to a birthday party at The Confectionary in DeKalb. The birthday girl, sadly, lost her money on the way to her celebration. When she and her friends went to pay for their candy, they realized they didn’t have enough money to pay for their Jelly Bellies. They sadly debated aloud, before telling the cashier of their trouble. The cashier, however, surprised the kids when she said a kindly bystander had already paid for their treats. Kudos, mystery citizen, for your good deed. Your goodwill contributed to a happy birthday in this young girl’s life.