We count our blessings every day. We appreciate the rich culture celebrated here that respects its past, present and future; a culture focused on history, arts, education and business that continually attracts folks to live, work and entertain here.
Community input reminds us to appreciate all that’s been achieved here since Capt. Joseph Naper and his extended family arrived on the banks of the DuPage back in 1831, even before Chicago was known as Chicago.
In recent months, two significant structures that stand for our local culture — the Old Nichols Library building and Moser Tower with the 72-bell carillon — have made headlines while their condition maintenance costs and ownership have been assessed. Even when considered for demolition, folks have had varying views; sometimes with facts, sometimes not. Yet, whatever your opinion, no one can deny that these two uniquely designed architectural structures and their stories distinguish this community from every other city in the world.
What’s more, the future of the city’s landscape from downtown to Fifth Avenue to the East Ogden Avenue Corridor has created quite a stir of citizen engagement.
Folks have had opportunities to weigh in on the Washington Street Bridge design, the scope and redevelopment of Fifth Avenue, as well as enhancements for Ogden Avenue.
During the homecoming dedication of the Myron Wentz Science Center, attendees were welcomed to North Central College and its many venues that showcase a variety of local and world-class events, performances and spaces for public use.
And the community bought some time to consider it all and we’re grateful.
OOOOOOh, the memOries!
A year ago my mother’s death at age 88 from the slow fade of dementia, then Alzheimer’s, still was being realized. All last month, I found myself reminiscing about the many creative and simple ways she made every day, every month and every holiday special.
For instance, imagine a smiley face in every capital O with a stalk on top to lOOk like a Jack O’ lantern. That’s what my mother did to Os every October whenever she wrote letters. The fond memories just never end and I’m grateful.
My respect and love for Veterans began as a kid when I learned my dad, now 94, had served as a Navy Seabee in World War II. Several uncles served in the Army. And years later my brother, Jim, served on a Navy ship in Vietnam. Though they rarely talked about their service, my mother proudly shared their photos as handsome sailors. And I’m grateful.
Thanks for reading!
Educators remind us to read to our children at least 15 minutes every day. When I was a teen and expected to be home by an 11PM curfew, my dad always waited up for me with a good book about economics or free markets and he’d read to me. And I’m grateful.
Forever emblazoned in my mind are images of our three young children, all squeezed together on their father’s lap for at least an hour of bedtime stories every evening after he’d returned home from work. Again, I’m grateful.
Several years ago, son Tim joined the Positively Naperville team to redesign our website and bring us into the digital age. Combined with generous sponsoring advertisers, contributing columnists and photographers, and a steady stream of community news for PN readers to know, we aim to present a month of choices so everyone can feel welcome here some way, somehow. And I’m grateful.
Cheers to November!
