Our brief story…After more than a year of planning a lifelong dream to begin a community newspaper, Positively Naperville was launched during the Jaycees Last Fling on Sept. 1, 2001. We are forever grateful to members of the Naperville Jaycees and Roosters who appeared in Jo Lundeen’s photo featured on PN’s first cover, lending a hand to help in the spirit of community.
With eight local sponsoring advertisers—Minuteman Press, North Central College, Roseland Draperies and Interiors, Art & Frame Naperville, Wehrli World Travel, Newstar Jewelers, Great Western Flooring and Kuhn, Heap & Monson—investing in the idea to highlight the city’s sunny side of activities, we first caught folks reading
PN along the 2001 Last Fling Labor Day Parade route. Yet, we were without our camera!
Interest and momentum began to flourish during the days that followed as we met with other small, independent business owners to support the cause. We were enthusiastic that already the 8-page edition seemed to be growing to 12 pages for the October edition.
Then early on Tues., Sept. 11, 2001, the horrific attacks of terrorists shocked the world. We were stunned. Business stood still.
Our city paused to reflect on the loss of one of its native sons, Navy Commander Dan Shanower, killed that fateful morning at the Pentagon.
Almost instantly, thousands of American flags created a big wave of red, white and blue along our streets. Tiny American flags were planted behind City Hall. Carillon bells rang on Rotary Hill. And the inspiration for a Sept. 11 Memorial began.
Three days later on Sept. 14, Naperville’s first-ever United Way Auction featuring painted baby giraffe sculptures went on as planned, raising “new heights” in awareness and much-needed funds for social service agencies.
That’s when we dug in our heels, determined to move forward through economic ups and downs with a vision to connect a growing community with ways to support our local culture of remarkable generosity, volunteerism and meeting unmet humanitarian needs.
We strive to support the independence of independents, local businesses, freedom and jobs, jobs, jobs.
As we celebrate 14 years of organic growth, we again thank our advertising sponsors. We thank everyone who contributes creativity and insight to this publication. Thank you for shopping, dining, banking and supporting the local economy whenever possible.
At 6PM on Fri., Sept. 11, the community is invited to pause and reflect on the event that changed our world 14 years ago. The Exchange Club of Naperville again will organize the annual remembrance with patriotic music performed by the Naperville Municipal Band at the Commander Dan Shanower-Sept. 11 Memorial.
God bless America and the freedom of the press.
—PN
P.S. Beginning Wed., Sept. 9, PN will go weekly. The limited edition will be available at ten locations for personal pick-up.
