Mark Twain was correct when he noted, "He was as shy as a newspaper is when

referring to its own merits."

That's why we appreciate what our readers are saying about Positively Naperville!

Please scroll down for all of this year's comments.

Greetings from Our Readers

First Lady Laura Bush makes our day!                              Click Right

Here's what our readers are saying about Positively Naperville...

(Edited for space, of course!)

I enjoy getting the Positively Naperville paper, however, in the latest issue there was a recipe for Pineapple Zucchini Bread  calling for a #2 can of crushed pineapple.  What is a #2 can?  I have never seen pineapple

measurement or any measurement for that matter shown in that way.  The recipe sounds very good, but I can't make it until I know how much pineapple to put in.

---Barb Nemeth

Editor's Note: A #2 can is a 20 ounce can, or about 2 1/2 cups.  When I was a kid, we always referred to the #2 can as the standard or taller can as compared to the squatty kind for crushed and sliced pineapple.

Happy baking!

…I am an artist from  Galena  IL and my wife has been working with the Naperville Schools recently. Many of the people she works with suggested I do a “GraphicVision” image of Naperville and Naper Settlement. Perhaps your readers would be interested in a blurb about the whimsical Naperville pictures. The Canterbury Shoppe is carrying the canvas images… 10x40” and the mini canvas 5x20”….Thanks for your time… check www.paulchase.net for more info…and other local towns I have “re-created.”

---Paul Chase

Editor's Note:  The Canterbury Shoppe is located at 175 W. Jackson Ave. across from the Riverwalk. It's a great place to visit for all types of seasonal and Naperville gifts.

I was just testing the link from your website to our church website and noticed it is going to the wrong location. ... Would you please correct the link so that when folks click on "Unity" (under Area Places to Worship), it takes them to www.unityinnaperville.org.

---Rev. Kitty Benson, Unity in Naperville

Editor's Note:  We really appreciate it when readers tell us that Web links become disabled or when Web addresses change. Thanks for helping us keep our links to the community current!

I just want to give you a recap of the Kick-Off and thank you again. ...We had 140 guests, not including returning members, and 50 joined the Club on the spot.  That brings us to around 240 members, just a couple of weeks into the new season. ... We had lots of ladies, a couple of husbands and a multitude of children. ... Unfortunately, the Mayor was not able to join us this year ... he was called away to Washington, ... but hopefully the Mayor will be able to join us next year.  Thank you so much for your continued support.

---Sue Maloney, Publicity, Naperville Newcomers and Neighbors Club

Please pass on to your readers this information regarding Naper School's Fall Adult Clothing Resale. I have been enjoying Naperville Nostalgia on www.positivelynaperville.com. ... My husband and I both attended North Central College and he bought his first "Interview Suit" at the Naper School Clothing Resale in 1983!

---Leigh Finnegan

Editor's Note: The 2008 Naper School Clothing Resale runs Oct. 2-4. Hours are 6-8:30PM, Oct.2; 9AM-2:30PM; Oct. 3; and 8-11:30AM, Oct. 4.  Call 630-848-3990 for more information.

I am happy to share with you the incredible results of the First King’s Court Showcase Home Tours to benefit Sharing Connections Furniture Bank. ... We are truly blessed to have such an extraordinary response---the $20,000 came from the Showcase Home Tours itself and the two major gifts (totaling $100,000) resulted from the event and home sale, separate from the tour proceeds. This is unprecedented for us and we look forward to helping so many more families with the funds. Thanks!

---Anjali Alva, Director of Development and Communications, Sharing Connections Furniture Bank

Editor's Note: Sharing Connections Furniture Bank’s primary business is to collect and distribute furniture and other basic necessities to make a home for families and individuals in need. For information, visit www.sharingconnections.org.

Did everyone catch the article in this month's Positively Naperville, "A Teen's View of the Carillon"? If not, see the attached PDF (online at www.pnmonthly.com) and scroll to page 12.  Awesome!!

---Nicki Scott, Member Millennium Carillon Board of Directors

Thanks so much for your help!

--- Megan Berck, A Walk to Remember Coordinator

Editor's Note: Berck's calendar posting on October 19 promotes the 4th Annual A Walk to Remember that steps off from the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion that Sunday morning. For more information and to register online, visit www.napervillewalktoremember.org.

The Naperville Junior Woman's Club, along with the Naperville Police Department, is gearing up for the annual Safety Town Trick or Treat. ... On behalf of NJWC, our organization greatly appreciates publication exposure to showcase our contributions to our community!

---Heather Queen, NJWC PR Coordinator, www.napervillejuniors.org

Editor's Note: The Naperville Junior Woman's Club will host its Annual Trick or Treat from 11AM to 3PM, Sat., Oct. 25, at Safety Town.

I just wanted to let you know that the 2008 Bike MS ride was incredible!! Thank you for you support, donations and all the 'at a girls!!  It really makes a difference.  I biked 152.5 miles in two days and raised $2200.  Check out my website for totals and pictures on the url listed below. ... My team, The Chicago Campus Cyclers, raised almost $12,000 and we are still counting. The 2008 Bike MSTour de Farms fundraising campaign is not closed until September 31; so if you haven't and can there is still time to send donations to NMSS via the web, US mail or email me.  Thank you again and Happy Trails.

---Darlene Ebel

Editor's Note:  Look for Ebel's team, The Chicago Campus Cyclers, in the October issue of PN.  Her Web Page is http://www.msillinois.org/site/TR/Events/2008BikeMS?px=1177816&pg=personal&fr_id=1220

Thanks so much for including announcements for Mini Med School for H.S. Students Program.  We appreciate your support for this community project!

---Dr. Ira Rubin, www.minimedicalschool.com

Editor's Note:  The deadline to apply for the January 2009 6-week session at Edward Hospital is Oct. 24.

Just a note to let you know that Families Helping Families has found all of the furniture we were looking for, so you can remove that portion from the paper's website.  Thank you so much for all of your help.

---C. Cowan, www.famhelpingfam.org

Naperville's second annual Celebration of Peace has scored a coup, adding two renowned featured speakers, Bob Thurman and Martin Luther King III, to our month-long program. ... I've also included the 30 Days and Ways to Practice Peace in case your publication has the means to help us disseminate this opportunity for shared community reflection.

---Donna Limper, Publicity, Think Global Arts

Editor's Note:  Keynote Speaker Robert Thurman will speak to NVHS students only during the morning of Oct. 1 as well as to the public from 7-10PM, on Oct. 1 at Pfeiffer Hall on the campus of North Central College. Keynote Speaker Martin Luther King III will speak to NCHS students only during the morning of Oct. 29.  For more information, visit www.thinkglobalarts.org.

I've heard that there have been a couple more Naperville soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Such grief and sadness. Help us, Lord. ... Here's the poem I wrote when Jack Hennessy died four years ago. If you think it appropriate to reprint in PN (in light of the recent deaths) feel free.

---Greg Asimakoupoulos, Mercer Island Covenant Church, Box 2 Mercer Island, WA 98040

Editor's Note: Greg Asimakoupoulos was known as the Awesome Rev when he lived in Naperville prior to his relocation to Washington. He wrote a weekly column for the Daily Herald and contributed poetry every month to Positively Naperville.

Hey Soldier!

Hey soldier,

even though I never knew you,

I want to thank you.

You loved our country just like I.

You bled red, white and blue.

You didn’t run when Uncle Sam said

“Young man, I need you!”

The things you fought for

are the possessions I cherish.

They are privileges

I could never afford on my own.

Freedom from fear.

Freedom from want.

Freedom of speech

and freedom to worship God.

A treasure chest of priceless gifts.

That’s what you bequeathed to me.

Because of you (and others like you),

I am wealthier than I can fully comprehend.

Still, in the end, in the pursuit of justice

(in which you gave your life),

it doesn’t seem fair at all.

Why should you be called to give up

some of those freedoms

in order to make all of them possible

for those who are sometimes hesitant

to show their gratitude?

Hey soldier,

even though I never knew you,

I want to thank you.

I cried the day I heard you died.

As your flag-covered casket

was carried in slow-motion precision

to a waiting hearse,

my heavy heart grieved

with sighs too deep for words.

Hey soldier,

even though I never knew you,

God knew you intimately.

What is more He loved you.

He gave His Son to die for you.

And I’m praying that this loving God

will overwhelm your loved ones

with His comfort and compassion

as He under girds them

with His grace and peace.

After all, thanks to you I have

the freedom to publicly declare

my dependence on Him.

Hey soldier,

I’m grieving you’re gone,

but I’m grateful for what you gave.

And even though I never knew you,

I just wanted to say thanks.

Greg Asimakoupoulos

www.micc.org

www.partialobserver.com

August Naperville Nostalgia Photo: My aunt was Helen Schmidt and she lived on the family farm which was down College road about where the Country House restaurant is currently located. If you still have the picture (featured on PAGE 9 of the August Issue) I would deeply appreciate receiving it.

I grew up in Naperville living on Water Street where the city hall is. My father died when I was about 18 months and my Aunt Helen would take me out to the farm during the week and bring me home on weekends until I was old enough to go to school. I have two older sisters and my mother had to work to support her family. …Thank You.

---Otto Osterland

Editor's Note:  PN followed-up with a phone call to Otto Osterland to connect him with Alva Jean Tannery/ Chastain who found the framed photo of Helen Schmidt among the belongings of her mother, Verna Meisinger. Osterland said he picked up a copy of PN at Wilma's Cafe and was really surprised to see his aunt featured in Naperville Nostalgia!

What we have here is a failure to communicate. The price of steel is off the boards; India and China will pay 100% over spot.  Where is the steel? Sitting in yards from sea to sea across the fruited plain. Private salvage yards are SCREAMING for junk cars. Anywhere from $400 to $1500, check the daily newspapers! The operative verb here is PRIVATE enterprise ... WHAT WE NEED IS AWARENESS. Media expertise. Beautify America. Why not start in Positively Naperville?

---J. Gower

Thanks for my copy of PN.  I enjoyed it.  By the way, in Ed Channell's article, the hardware store is spelled Soukups.  I hope it was spelled correctly on the Century Walk mural! 

---Shirley Pace

Editor's Note: Shirley Pace lived in Naperville for more than 40 years. She recently moved to St. Charles (and she will be missed by all her friends!) and now subscribes to Positively Naperville.  PN always appreciates it when our readers correct our mistakes and provide us with feedback.

To Columnist Ed Channell: Just a note of thanks for mentioning Roseland Draperies in your August column in PN.  Paul & I always enjoy the sense of humor in your writing (no matter what Bo says about you).  We especially liked your topic – “Downtown Naperville.”  ... By the way the hardware store was spelled “Soukups”. ... Hope you are enjoying your summer.  See you at the next Naperville event.

---Mary Ann Junkroski

Another great publication. Thank you for putting us in the calendar.

---Veronica Porter

Editor's Note: Watch for news coming soon about Fashion Week in Naperville, Oct. 19-25.

Thanks for your coverage of the (18th Annual NCO) auction. Every little bit helps!!!

---Julie Lichter, www.ncoyouth.org

Thank you very much for the two great articles about the NWC art fair and our trip to France. It looks great. By the way the church behind us, is Notre-Dame, cathedral of Paris. Thanks again.

---Jean-Paul Eskenazi

Editor's Note: Your PN editor has never visited Paris, France, and when the partial view was described by the photographer who sent the photo, PN didn't select the correct photo to go with the caption. Instead the caption states that Jean-Paul and his son Samuel were visiting the Town Square at St. Mere Eglise, France.  We regret the error in the August issue.

Rcvd - thanks. My next trip back to Naperville (left in 1956) will be when the Cubs are in the World Series.

---Marty Merrick, NCHS '56

Editor's Note: Marty Merrick subscribes to the online edition of Positively Naperville posted monthly at www.pnmonthly.com.  Part II of Marty's greeting is posted on Naperville Nostalgia.

Thanks again for running that article (July issue / Bonsai trees at Morton Arboretum).  We had a record turnout this year. By noon on Saturday, we had as many people thru as we had all last year!  Needless to say our vendors were very pleased!

---Jay Kolaya, Member Prairie State Bonsai Club, www.prairiestatebonsai.com

I love the (promotions at www.PNMonthly.com) page. It looks great! Thanks!

---Cheri Tompkins, Marketing Communications Assistant, Naper Settlement

Editor's Note:  The special offers and promotions page at www.pnmonthly.com is a place for advertisers to post and promote "extra" good stuff in between issues of the monthly PN. Specifications and prices are available online.  Be sure to check it out regularly for savings and bargains.

This site, http://osotil.org/rockin2008photos.html, includes pictures of the Rockin for the Troops concert that OSOTIL and the VFW put on this year. We sold 10,000 tickets and raised some major dollars. Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan band were the featured performers. Jan and I were involved with the Green Room, food vendors and security. ...  All funds raised go to sending packages to the troops. As a Vietnam Veteran, we say that no generation will abandon its military again. These folks are helping us realize that goal. There are a lot of pictures so some night when TV sucks just scan through them. The good things that have happened already for the troops from this concert are too numerous to mention.

---Mike Barbour, Past Commander, Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873

By now you know Ribfest 2008 was a huge success!  (2008 Ribfest Chairman) Don Emery's excellent presentation at the July 15 Exchange Club meeting really provided a "behind the scenes" viewing of what made it so successful.  He showed what it takes to put on an event like this!  Also shown was an well done film clip made by CBS.  Several of our members were interviewed on site and CBS gave us several minutes of positive promotion. ... A big thanks for all this positive publication...getting into the history and nostalgia of Ribfest as was featured in the July Positively Naperville...  with two pages dedicated to a recount of the first 21 years of Ribfest with a lot of history given by former chairmen.

---Fred McEwen, Naperville Exchange Club Membership Chair

Editor's Note: Kudos to all Exchange Club members and dedicated volunteers for another successful and safe Ribfest. A supplement to the featured article (unedited) is now posted online at Naperville Nostalgia with several representative photos by Joe Lichter. http://www.positivelynaperville.com/ribfestnostalgia.html

Thanks for your time on the phone today regarding your Positively Naperville publication/site.  Seems like you've got a unique angle in presenting news and we'll keep that in mind as we get our business off the ground.

---John Reh, Chief Dog Runner

Thank you to all the Positively Naperville readers who stopped in for the Make A Wish Rotary Auction at Raffi's on Fifth on July 21. I served on a great team of new members, lead by Bill Mitchell.  It was truly a great success and so many children will benefit from the generosity of the community we live in. Thanks again!

---Liz Zienty, Auction Committee, Rotary Club of Naperville, www.napervillerotary.com

We are very glad to have our news items published by you!

---Kay Hedeen, Executive Director, CASA of DuPage County, Inc.

Editor's Note: CASA of DuPage will host its annual Gulf Outing at Stonebridge on August 4. Individual play format with 1PM, shotgun start. For information, contact Christina at 630-221-0889 ext. 308. For details and/or reservations, visit www.dupagecasa.org.

This month, I will do again the ad for the German Service at St. John (first Sunday every month). Next month Frau Betterman takes over again. ...I saw also my comment about your good paper in the last edition.  It goes in the scrapbook of St. John. Thank you for your help. Keep cool in these nice summer days.

---Gudrun Haas

Enjoy immensely reading Positively Naperville. You are doing a great job with it.  The Knights of Columbus Council 1369 will be having its annual golf outing in August.  Could please post the below announcement in the next edition of PN.  Knights of Columbus Council 1369 Golf Outing at Tamarack. 12PM - 8PM, Sat., August 23. For more information out the Knights or the outing contact Jack Guasta at (630) 357-6061. Thanks.

---Tom Rehak

While sitting under a beautiful shade tree at the BEACH yesterday, I showed my sister Calista this picture (Naperville Nostalgia / July) and she rattled the names off like it was yesterday, so here goes.  Top left is Dale Frank [who she said died in a tragic sledding accident coming down Jefferson Hill, many years ago] next is Don Darfler, then Ed Keserg, Ian Dornburg, Herb Matter and Don Hoin.  The only one I questioned was Ian Dornburg, because I thought it was one of the past lifeguards at the beach, but for the life of me I can’t come up with his name.  Anyway give Calista Wehrli credit for having a pretty clear mind yesterday.  I really love Positively Naperville and pick it up at Casey’s or the tennis club monthly….Thanks.

---Ann Jansen

I sure got a kick out of the photograph of the lawn in your places to sit and enjoy Naperville. Excellent!

---Mary Lou Wehrli

Editor's Note:  The "grassy lawn" photo taken at Rotary HIll along the Riverwalk was one of several photos taken by Ray Kinney from atop the Moser Tower, featured in the July 2008 .)

I am a cast-member of The School of Performing Arts production of Little Shop of Horrors. I am having a wonderful experience in learning how  to put on a show, both on and off the stage. Not only are I and my fellow cast-members being taught the secrets of dancing, singing, and acting in a professional show, but we are also getting the chance to learn how to promote the show as well. It would be so great if you could help us promote our show. Thanks so much for your consideration.

---Julianne Quaas

Editor's Note:  Little Shop of Horrors will be performed at 7PM, Friday, July 11; 7PM, Saturday, July 12; 3PM Sunday, July 13, at the Theatre Building Chicago ( 1225 W. Belmont Ave.- Chicago , IL ); TICKETS: $15 General Admission (at door); $12 Advance, student & senior. Tickets are available at the TBC box office: (773) 327-5252 and all TICKETMASTER outlets, including WWW.TICKETMASTER.COM or (312) 902-1500.

This (Tabor Hills news items on Naperville News Blog) looks great.  Thanks for all of your help.

---Dee McHale, Marketing Director, Tabor Hills Premier Retirement Community

Thanks so much to all who supported the Parkinsons Benefit Garden Walk (June 23). It was a success. Mary Anne Ostrenga, initiator of the walk, says she raised around $35,000 for this important research.  A little rain didn't dampen the spirits of those in attendance. In fact it added an air of excitement and an opportunity to meet new friends.  All of the gardens were beautiful. Many thanks to the gardeners who welcomed us.

---Carol Massat, The Growing Place, www.thegrowingplace.com

From 5-10PM, Monday, June 23, six High School choral groups from D203 and D204 - along with some young people from The School of Performing Arts - will be performing at Lou Malnati's in downtown Naperville as part of a fundraising event for KidsMatter.

In an effort to spread the word about this worthwhile event -- and ensure a good crowd for our young singers who are donating their time and talent to this cause -- could you please share the this message with your friends? 

With appreciation for any support you can provide - this is definitely a POSITIVELY Naperville type event!

---IdaLynn Wenhold, Executive Director, KidsMatter

You have a thought on page 29 in your paper, "Why is it that people say they 'slept like a baby' when babies are likely to wake up every two hours?"  All I can say is wait until you get to your second childhood.

---Don Crookston

You have a great paper. I always stop at Oswald's Pharmacy and get 5 papers, and give it to friends.

---Gudrun Haas

Wow!  All I can say is a big thank you for including KidsMatter in your picture line up for the Chamber Awards article (June issue).  What an honor to be there among the organizations who won the awards.  For KM, it was truly an honor to be nominated.  Thanks to PN, the mission of KidsMatter is communicated in a myriad of ways.  What better venue than the paper that promotes positive youth and family development through its articles, news, and many authors!

---IdaLynn Wenhold, Executive Director, KidsMatter

While it is still fresh in my mind, I want to let you know how much I appreciate your support you gave to the Lexus of Naperville Jazz Festival this year (June 6-8, 2008) ... All proceeds go toward the Heritage YMCA Group Strong Kids Campaign and Turning Pointe Autism Foundation.  Both organizations seek to assist kids and families throughout our community. ... Thank you again.

---Walter J. Johnson, Vice President, Heritage YMCA Group, www.heritageymca.org

I loved Kyla Quigley's column this month.

---Joan Hennessy

"The Day without Hunger" event last week went beautifully!  Thanks for helping us to promote it!

---Jody Bender, Community Relations Coordinator, Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry

I am the fundraiser here at CASA! We are busy planning the up-coming golf outing on Aug. 4 and I was wondering if you could publish ... our sponsors for the event?  "Thank you to our powerful sponsors: MedCore International; Schiller, DuCanto & Fleck, LLP; Renaissance Medical Group; Crossroads Chevrolet & Buick; Lyn & Bill Shean; Casey's Foods; Jim &  Sue Herrmann; J.A. Gachette Consulting; Kramer Tree Specialists; Langan, Haeger, Vincent & Born; Massage Envy and Blistex."  ... Thank you for your time!

---Christina Thomas, Fund Development Specialist, www.dupagecasa.org

Special Ed from Alabama... It's a great country, isn't it?  I really do love Channell's column.

---Tom O'Donnell

Though I like his selection of topics, please shorten Ed Channell's column.

---Marvin Rathjen

"Ed's Many Hats" is priceless.  Just like MasterCard.

---Mike Phillips

Just want to bring to your attention my posting this evening at the World of Naperville.  www.naperville.wordpress.com.  Thanks again for the promotion.

---Stuart Meyer

Editor's Note: Beginning June 28, Art & Frame/Naperville will feature B & W Naperville photographs by Stuart Meyer, 9:30 TO 4:30PM, Monday thru Saturday. Exhibit of 20 images will hang through July 31. Art & Frame Naperville is located at 702 W. 5th Avenue, west of Mill Street behind NNHS / Phone: (630) 355- 0703 / INFO: www.artandframenaperville.com

The Naperville Area Humane Society “Putts for Pets” Golf Outing was a huge success, and on behalf of our four-legged friends and the people whose lives they touch, we’d like to thank all of the wonderful people and businesses that contributed to it.

This year’s outing was held at the beautiful Tamarack Golf Club in Naperville , and raised over $40,000.00.  All proceeds from this fundraiser support the many programs and services provided by the Naperville Area Humane Society.

Jennifer Imbrugia returned as the Golf Outing Chairperson, doing an outstanding job managing the silent auction and awards ceremony, and inspiring all of us.   We are especially grateful to our Title Sponsor Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, our Lunch Sponsors Exelon Nuclear and Navistar International Corporation, and Beverage Cart Sponsors Dommeruth, Brestal, Cobine and West and Myers-Briggs & Company and our Hole Sponsors, Allegra Printing and Imaging, Belgio’s Catering, Bob Nevismal, Fair Oaks Ford, Fast Signs of Naperville, Kay Stephens, Gierach Law Firm, Heritage Moulding, Inc., JAKS Technology Solutions, Inc., M & M Orthopaedics, Ltd., Mark James and Associates, Newman Architecture, Standard Bank, State Senator Kirk Dillard, Superior Printing Services, West Suburban Living Magazine and for contributing to the success of this event.  We want to give particular thanks to Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery for providing gifts and refreshments to our golfers.  Also, special thanks go out to Crossroads Chevrolet and Buick for making the “hole in one” Buick available to our participants.  No one took them up on it this year, but we’re all practicing for next year!  We are very grateful for the many silent auction items donated by local area businesses.  There was quite a contest going for the wide variety of treats available to the highest bidder.  And, to the golfers, thank you for enjoying the day with us and supporting our work.  You make it possible!

----Linda L. Linford, Executive Director, Naperville Area Humane Society

Editor's Note:  PN is happy to post local golf outings all year on our Web site so golfers can get into the swing for local charities, including the Naperville Area Humane Society and more than a dozen more.

I could not access your link to list the upcoming Knights of Columbus annual golf outing. The event will once again be at Tamarack golf course and is a shotgun start at 1PM, Saturday August 23.  This annual fund raiser event which benefits a number of local charities, is $90 per golfer and includes box lunch, golf and cart, on course and hole in one contests, plus dinner following the event. Donors and sponsor contributors are very much welcome.  Please use me as the contact . . . Jack Guasta, Grand Knight and Golf Chair. We appreciate you including this in your listing, and upcoming publication.

---Jack Guast, Naperville K of C Council #1369, www.napervillekofc.org

I just wanted to forward an email I just received from one of the students involved in the Crone play, "Into The Woods." It was really great to hear from one of the students.

--- Scott "Dr. Music" Itter, PN Columnist who write Pulse of Naperville Music Scene

Hello Mr. Scott,

My name is Aaron and I just read the review you wrote on the musical Into the Woods (June 2008 issue PN). I took part in this production as one of the chorus members on the sides. That review was very kind and I thank you because I have forwarded your review to all of my friends in the cast and I will to my teacher, Nathan Bramstedt. It means a lot.

---Aaron, Student, Crone Middle School

Thank you, Positively Naperville, for including the wonderful photo of me with Michael J. Fox and for promoting our Garden Walk and Sunset Reception (1-5PM, June 22) to benefit Parkinson's Disease. Everybody is mailing me copies of it!

---Mary Anne Ostrenga

Editor's Note:  For tickets, call (630) 357-4175.

Mary (Corrigan/PN columnist who write Off the Shelf) is so supportive of libraries and reading.  She’s great!

---Susan Greenwood, Community Relations Coordinator, Naperville Public Library

Thank you so much for mentioning me and the 2008 Bike MS event in Positively Naperville. I am showing the article at raffles we are having on campus and around Naperville. Thanks again.

---Darlene Ebel

Editor's Note: The MS Tour de Farms is June 21-22. Three cheers for No. 123! For more information, visit http://www.msillinois.org/site/PageServer?pagename=08bikems_homepage. To lend support to Ebel, call (312) 413-3612.

The Kev Kev Birdwatch Club website has been updated with pictures from May. Congrats to the winning photographers!

---Kevin Corrigan (and Chuck Corrigan)

Editor's Note: Are you a bird watcher? Do you have photos of birds? Check out www.kevkevbirdwatch.org  and send your photos to the fun and informative Web site. Kev Kev Birdwatch Club has been featured in Positively Naperville and Chicago Wilderness Magazine.

We have two police officers who I hear are very excited to participate in WOW, Walk on the First Wednesday at May Watts School. (June 4, 2008)  They had the idea to ride their bikes along our walking routes.  And, one of our PTA moms is going to be wearing the McGruff costume.  Thanks for all your coverage of the WOW events this year!

---Cindy Brennan, May Watts Elementary School PTA

I just opened my PN June Issue which I always read & I saw this beautiful article about Shop and Celebrate Local Business and saw my building there. I really appreciate it. I just cannot thank you enough for that.

---Zaidi Syed

Editor's Note: Steaks, seafood and sushi will be featured at Zaidi's, a new independent upscale restaurant being built just south of 83rd St. along the east side of Route 59.

Reminder, our summer welcome coffee will be on at 10:30, Mon., July 21 usual time and place. This coffee is usually very well attended because of all the moving over the summer.  And then the Kick-Off is planned for September 10 at the 95th Street Library.  ...Thank you all again for helping us reach those who need us.

---Sue Maloney, Naperville Newcomers and Neighbors Club

During intermission at "Anything Goes" (Spring production at Naperville Central High School that Ed said his wife Kathy loved!) a gentlemen passed me by in the men's room, shook my hand and said, "Really like your PN column's. Keep up the good humor."  Hummm.

---Ed Channell

Thanks for your continued coverage of Little Friends. We really appreciate it! Nearly 100 guests helped Naperville-based Little Friends, Inc. raise more than $4,000 at its first annual Expressions of Us: Art & Interpretive Creations exhibition and auction on Sunday, May 18, at the Naperville Art League.

---Carolyn Hamilton, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Little Friends, Inc.

Editor's Note: The Expressions of Us: Art & Interpretive Creations exhibition and auction was generously supported by the Naperville Art League, the McShane Foundation and Cressman Esser, Inc. For more information, visit www.littlefriendsinc.org.

It has been an amazing year, but unfortunately, it must come to an end. I am about four weeks away from making my transition to Washington University in St. Louis. As such, this month's article (June 2008) will be my last for Positively Naperville.

I wanted to thank you again for giving me the incredible opportunity to gain actual journalistic experience. The opportunities you gave me far surpassed anything I could gain in a school newspaper. Seeing my

words printed in an actual newspaper, and having people I hardly knew, such as a hair stylist, comment that they enjoyed my articles, was an amazing feeling that I'm going to miss in college.

Thank you again for such an amazing opportunity, and I hope you find someone even better to take my place.

I will have my article emailed to you soon. I want it to be perfect.

---Robert Pino, Columnist, Graduating Senior at NVHS

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Robert!  Positively Naperville has appreciated Robert's dedication and thoughtful insights during the past three years. We wish him lots of success at college.

Again, thanks so much for letting me write these articles. I showcase Positively Naperville every chance I get.  It is a great community paper.

---Marilyn Krueger, Naperville Garden Club

We are about to kick off our eighth Summer Recital Series at the Carillon and the Visitors' Center and tours began two weeks ago. On Tuesday, June 3, we are hosting the Mobile Millennium Carillon here in Naperville.  It's a four-octave, concert-quality carillon on a large flat bed truck that tours the country.  I know, hard to believe, there's such a thing as a portable carillon!   It will be at the DuPage Children's Museum in the morning and at the Jewel Food Store on south Rt. 59 in the afternoon.  At 7PM on June 3, the instrument will be on the Riverwalk to join our Carillon in playing a program of Duets.  The Summer Recital Series starts on the following Tuesday.  Just in case you haven't received it yet, the program for the summer can be found at the link below. http://naperville-carillon.org/summer-concert-schedule/

---Chuck Seidel, Board of Directors, Millennium Carillon Foundation

Naperville Nostalgia (May 2008) / That's my mom's dad, Grandpa Netzley ... Clyde Clayton Netzley I ... we're up to IV on the name.

---Ginger Boyce

We know this may be a bit late, but are hoping you might be able to squeeze it in to the June issue of PN.  Thanks for your consideration. On Monday evening, June 23, Lou Malnati's will be supporting the youth of Naperville by generously donating 20 percent of the evening's sales to KidsMatter, a local not-for-profit organization dedicated to building Developmental Assets in youth. Lou’s customers will also enjoy listening to five very special high school choral groups perform live on the front porch.

---Jane Wernette, KidsMatter

My brother, Bob Wehrli is featured twice this May, once on the front cover and the other on page 9.  I believe it is him “riding high” on a bike in front of the Pre Emption House and the year is probably 1929 or 1930. Thank you for your effort in publishing and editing this great paper in our great town.

---Joyce Wehrli

Thanks for being so positive. It's refreshing.

---Charlie Brown

We would like to extend a hearty thank you for your coverage of CASA’s 15th Anniversary celebration. Thanks for all of your help that you have given to us over the year.

---Curtis Reed, CASA of DuPage Board of Directors, www.dupagecasa.org

You have been so gracious, since 2003,  with publishing the NBB press releases in Positively Naperville.  Now it's 2008 and we're still going strong. I cannot express, enough, my thanks & appreciation for your support of the NMB/NBB concert. Thank you!                                                                   

---Ken Kalina, Director of the NMB Naperville Big Band                                              Editor's Note:  Salute to the Big Bands concert is at 7:45PM, Thursday, July 17, at the Naperville Community Concert Center in Central Park.

Thank you for letting me write for PN. I am starting to get feedback from the readers and it is very exciting!

---Angel Whitt, Contributing Columnist for CERT

Thank you so much for the ad in Positively Naperville (May issue) for the Run for Reading. You did a beautiful job and the placement is wonderful. Thank you!!!

---Mary E. Bazan

Editor's Note:  Run/Walk for Reading steps off at 7:30AM, Sunday, May 18, at River Woods Elementary School, 2607 River Woods Drive. Sign up in advance at www.nicaricoliteracyfund.org.

Volunteers are one of the nation’s most valuable resources who work tirelessly to improve our community.  During National Volunteer Week, April 27-May 3, thousands of these dedicated men, women, and young people here in DuPage County will be recognized for their efforts and their commitment to serve others.  The week’s theme, “Volunteer to Change the World” reflects the power volunteers have to create positive change in the lives of those they serve!

On behalf of all of us at DuPage PADS, I want to say a special thank you to the many volunteers here in DuPage County who are part of the solution to end homelessness everyday in our communities and in the lives of many of our neighbors.

Over 4,000 volunteers make a difference in the lives of more than 1200 men, women, and children who are homeless or living at risk of becoming homeless in DuPage County . Because of the willingness of people who said, “Yes” to providing food, shelter, and support, we continue to provide critical Interim Overnight Housing, Transitional Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing, and Support Services to move people from homelessness into housing.

Volunteers create a sense of hope and shared responsibility for people’s future. They are the heart and soul of our work and help to bridge the gap between people who are homeless and our communities.

Thank you DuPage PADS Volunteers!  Together we are part of the solution to end homelessness in DuPage County !

---Carol Simler, Executive Director, DuPage PADS, Inc.

I fear I have missed your deadline, but here are the events for the Club’s May events: Monthly meeting at john greene Realtor at 7PM, Mon., May 5, and Annual Naperville Community Gardeners Club Plant Sale at the Garden Plots on May 10. Thanks for helping us out.  We appreciate it so much.

---Linda M. Thompson, www.napervillecommunitygardeners.org

Editor's Note:  More information about these events is posted on PN's monthly calendars.

Please add the following to your community events calendar for the month of May as soon as possible.  Thank you so much!

---Carol Anne Kacz, REACH Adult Board Member

Editor's Note: 19th Annual R.E.A.C.H. Duck Race and Carnival Saturday, May 10, 2008 / Carnival runs from 10:AM until Noon near the Riverwalk at the base of Rotary (sled) Hill / Duck Race begins promptly at 1PM.

Your publication does such a great job of letting people know about the good things happening in Naperville.  We, therefore, hope it will be possible for you to include the following press release article in your May 2008 issue of Positively Naperville. On Saturday, May 31, 2008 the Women of Naperville Wesley United Methodist Church will be having its second annual "Teatime at Wesley" from 2-4PM in Fellowship Hall.

---Audrey Bueche, VP, Wesley United Methodist Women

Just a quick note to remind  you that we have one more coffee and then we take a little break. I'm including the May coffee info (10:30AM, Mon., May 5, at the Naperville Municipal Center, Children welcome) incase you need it.

 

The Welcome Coffee for April was Monday. Again, attendance was a bit light, but our new members were very enthusiastic. Our membership is now at 379.

 

About the Bake Off, that is now up in the air. Naper Settlement has said they are changing some things in the Naper Days line up, so we're waiting to hear back from them.

 

That's all for now.  Thank you all for keeping us visible in the community.

---Sue Maloney, Naperville Neighbors and Newcomers

We are planning again for the 3rd Annual Kathryn Bender Memorial Dance Showcase. I have attached an article that I was hoping you would be able to place in the May issue of Positively Naperville. This year, as stated in the article, we are donating some of the proceeds to Midwest Heart Foundation's Young Hearts For Life Cardiac Screening program. We really appreciate your help in spreading the word about this event.

---Doris Bender

Editor's Note:  The 3rd Annual Kathryn Bender Memorial Dance Showcase will begin with a raffle preview at 6PM, and show at 7PM, Friday, May 23, 2008 College of DuPage Arts Center Mainstage in Glen Ellyn

TKTS: Call COD Ticket Office at (630) 942-4000 or online at http://www.cod.edu/ArtsCntr/ then click on “Order Tickets Online” / $15 adults, $12 seniors/students.

I hope you can put the following in your Positively Naperville publication. Thanks in advance for any efforts you make on my behalf. Our dad, John Spinner worked 25 years at Kroehler's and then was co-owner the Naperville Liquor Store (where Starbucks is now) until his death in 1961. Our mom, Louis Rechenmacher Spinner worked at Wehrli's Home Appliance for many years.

Chuck Spinner, born and raised in Naperville and now a resident of Ashville, New York, has recently published A Book of Prayers: To the Heavens from the Stars. The book is a collection of  beautiful favorite prayers from 118 wonderful celebrities including Oscar winners, Olympic Gold Medallists, four-star generals, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and even a Monarch and three former Miss Americas. Prayers have come from the only hurler to ever pitch a perfect World Series ; from the player who hit "the shot heard round the world"; from the only two time Heisman trophy winner; and from the only four time NCAA wrestling champion.  Former Cleveland Browns lineman Doug Dieken wrote the Foreword and Spinner added a chapter on the qualities and power of prayer along with engaging introductions to each of the celebrities.

  You can find a synopsis of the book, Spinner's biography, and a sample section from the book by going to http://ABookofPrayers.com.  The book can be ordered by the online sources listed or can be ordered at Waldenbooks or Border Books.

---Spinlake Spinner

PN is such a great community resource for residents, businesses and non-profits. Keep up the great work!

---Heather G. Wachter, www.ExplorersCommunications.com

As club pro at the Naper Olympic Fitness Center for more than 20 years, I have come across many people who have become good friends. One of those is Christopher "Kit" Lawson, who recently posted and sent me an e-mail with your site. What a great idea to create a nostalgia web site.

I live now in Bolingbrook, and have an avid interest in history, especially local history. I have walked the old cemetery just south of downtown Naperville as well as others... and I once served on the Bolingbrook Historic Preservation commission.

I'll continue to check in on the site to read other interesting articles.

---Don Grigas

Editor's Note: We are grateful to Don Grigas and Christopher Lawson for taking time to write wonderful stories for PN's Naperville Nostalgia on this Web site. Don's tribute to his uncle, "Ed Geary, Educator," is sure to bring back memories for many former students at Ss. Peter and Paul.

By the way, the “Pradelville” April Fool’s joke was very funny.

---Gary Pradel, Founding Member / Naperville Independent Film Festival / http://www.naperfilm.org

Editor's Note: Another Red Carpet NIFF Fundraiser is from 5:30 to 8PM, Mon., April 14, at City Club, located at 1163 E. Ogden Ave. $25 for Adults; $15 for Students.

I am so happy to know that CASA is getting exposure in Naperville. That was a tough nut to crack until Positively Naperville came along!  I recently joined the Chamber, hopefully that will help as well.

---Kay Hedeen, Executive Director, CASA of DuPage County, Inc., www.dupagecasa.org

Editor's Note:  CASA of DuPage is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year during a dinner on April 19 at Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton. Naperville resident Neal Cerne is President of the Board of Directors.

I thought the April fool's joke was to put flowers on the front of PN and NOT have a gardening column inside!

---Ron Ory, Naperville Community Gardeners Club

Editor's Reply to Ory:  It's just luck that the gardening column is on page 13 inside PN. Thanks for the e-mail!  No joke!

Ory's Reply:  Thanks for pointing out the garden column.  The speaker at the club's next meeting, "Contrary Mary," is quite interesting and 'down to earth'; I heard her at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show where the room was packed to overflowing.

---Ron Ory, Naperville Community Gardeners Club

Editor's Note:  The Naperville Community Gardeners meet at John Greene Realtor, at 7PM on the first Monday of the month.  John Greene is located at 1311 S. Route 59 at 83rd St.

I have been volunteering on the Weekday Children's Center Board and have recently been drafted onto the Marketing Committee. One of the items noted in an informational meeting was that there used to be a link on your Web site to Weekday.  Was there a change in policy or was there a fee that had to be paid that was neglected?

---Diane Hoffman

Editor's Note: PN posts Web sites for nonprofit organizations at no fee. For-profit businesses can be linked up for a one-time charge for perpetuity of $365 with a presence on both PN companion Web sites, www.positivelynaperville.com and www.pnmonthly.com. Be sure to check out the promotions page on PN Monthly.  In April 2008, you'll find savings on potting soil, hair coloring and picture framing!

I just wanted to let you know about the 7th Annual 5K Run/Walk for Reading to benefit the Jeanine Nicarico Literacy Fund that will be held on Sunday, May 18 at River Woods School in Naperville. It is our main fundraiser for the literacy fund. This year we will be awarding over $16,000 in grants to the Naperville schools at the Awards Night for the Naperville Education Foundation on April 22.  Proceeds from this 5K Run/Walk for Reading make it possible for us to continue to award these grants. Any help you can give us once again in getting the word out about the event will be greatly appreciated.

---Pat Nicarico

Thanks again for your publicity regarding my show. I can only assume it helped, because we played to packed houses. ... It was a real community event in that we all had types of people in the audience.

---Hilary Decent, Director, Passover the Musical at Congregation Beth Shalom

I am a recent transplant from Lincoln Park and have found I clutch your paper as my Naperville bible for people, places, events, wisdom, etc. ... Looking forward to learning more. Best wishes.

---Elizabeth Page

...What a classy paper Pos!tively Naperville is, too! I read it from the front page to the last and found myself enjoying feature after feature almost as much as if I actually lived in Naperville .  It is that kind of feeling your paper generates.  Feel proud of what you print and what a good feeling it promotes ...even among relative strangers who happened to spend a couple of nights at the Country Inn Suites!

---Dave and Jan Thompson, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Editor's Note:  Positively Naperville received a letter dated March 10, 2008, from the Thompsons who happened upon the "soft opening" fundraiser for the Heritage YMCA and ribbon cutting ceremonies for White Chocolate Grill, during a weekend visit on March 7-8.  During festivities, they met Mayor George Pradel, WCG co-owner Chef Robert Kabakoff, Heritage YMCA staff and many community leaders from Naperville.  While singing their praises about the "absolutely incredible" experience, Thompson said, "You have a first-rate community and now another first-class restaurant! We hope all of you appreciate what a truly special place Naperville is!"

Happy St. Pat's Day!  Thanks very much for the wonderful coverage of our West Suburban Irish events in the March issue of Positively Naperville. We really appreciate the way your publication lets people know the good things that are happening in town.

---Chuck Corrigan

P.S. The KevKev Birdwatch Club article is now viewable on the Chicago Wilderness Magazine Web page.

http://chicagowildernessmag.org/issues/spring2008/naturalYouth.html.  Thanks for putting them in touch with Kevin (Corrigan).

Editor's Note: Positively Naperville has featured the story of 9-year-old Kevin Corrigan and his The KevKev Birdwatch Club Web site. For more information about birds, visit http://www.kevkevbirdwatch.org/.

We'd love to have PN attend the Job Fair this Wed., March 19, from 5 - 7 PM at Merner Field House, North Central College.  We have 51 businesses registered - lots of options for our youth!  Plus this year, in addition to our regular Information Station to give the kids an "edge" in that job searching process, we'll have the Community Career Center and the Department of Labor on hand - as well as Harris' Money Matters table.

  Thanks for all you continue to do to help NFP like KidsMatter through your positively encouraging positively informing newspaper!

---IdaLynn Wenhold, Executive Director, KidsMatter

Please pass on to your readers this information regarding Naper School's Spring Adult Clothing Resale.  I am a fourth generation Naperville resident and I love and appreciate your paper!  Keep up the great work!

---Leigh Finnegan

Editor's Note: The Naper School Spring Clothing Resale runs April 17-19.  6-8:30, April 17; 9AM- 2:30PM, April 18 and 8-11:30AM, April 19.  Scroll down OVERFLOW NEWS for more details.

Thank you from We Grow Dreams Bowl-A-Thon! Thanks to everyone who participated in our Bowlathon this year! We had a record number of bowlers, lane sponsors, corporate and community supporters! Congratulations to our prize winners!  www.wegrowdreams.org

---Donna F. Jarmusz, We Grow Dreams Greenhouse and Garden Center, West Chicago

Thank you so much for putting the notice in Positively Naperville about the Gin Blossoms! We had a nice turnout at our volunteer meeting the other day. Things are coming together. I'll keep you updated,

---Sara Snyder, Naper Days PR

Editor's Note:  Naper Days will be held at Naper Settlement Father's Day Weekend, June 13-15.

Been so busy with the show that I have forgotten if I have thanked you or not for the photo and article (Passover: The Musical on 8PM, March 15 and 3PM, March 16, at Congregation Beth Shalom) in this month's PN. So just in case I did, many thanks, it's much appreciated!

---Hilary Decent

TO ED CHANNELL: I really enjoyed your latest ("Ed's Many Hats").  It was creative, clever, and humorous.  I never knew you to be such a grammarian.  I always used to tell my students that the verb is the most important word in a sentence.  If writers use strong verbs and nouns, they don't have to use many modifiers.  And, yes, Naperville can be used as both a noun and an adjective.  (I did, however, see one error that your editor should have caught:  "There was some grumbling among the shorter sentence's...." It may have been a typing error.  The word sentence's should not have an apostrophe.  Using an apostrophe means possession.  Sentences is plural in the way that you have used it.)  Anyway, I really think that you did an outstanding job.  Keep those articles coming.

---Marilyn  Vonch

TO DR. MUSIC, SCOTT ITTER: I read your article about the Millennium Carillon in (March) PN and wanted to take a moment to thank you for such a sensitive reaction to the carillon's music. It was a short article but I could tell it came from the heart of a writer and, more importantly to me, the heart of a music lover. 

 

From the beginning, the carillon has been a project filled with emotion, passion, and the devotion of hundreds of people.  This is what makes it so special and personal for me and has been the best part of the ten year journey.  As you know, there have been some criticisms of the project along the way.  We knew, from the beginning, that this would be the case.  You can't do something so big and monumental and not become a lightning rod for some negative comments.  The negatives have always been greatly outweighed by the positives.  And, when the remarks come from the heart; when they reflect passion and a sincere appreciation for this unique musical format, the few negative comments become a faint and insignificant memory. 

 

Tim Sleep cc'd me on his email to you.  I was going to extent the same invitation to you and your family.  However, Tim will be a much better guide for you as he will undoubtedly treat you to a mini-recital while you're in the players' cabin.  I'm certain you would enjoy that very much.

 

Once again, thank you for sharing your feelings about the carillon with so many Napervillians via PN. 

---Chuck Seidel, Founding Member of the Millennium Carillon

TO DR. MUSIC, SCOTT ITTER:  My name is Tim Sleep and I am the Naperville City Carillonneur.  I enjoyed your article in Positively Naperville.  I'd like to offer to take you and your family up in the tower and give you a first hand tour of the instrument and how it's played.  I think you'd like it, the view is amazing and the instrument elegant.  I am, however, positively biased towards the instrument. ...I look forward to getting together. ...Thanks.

---Tim Sleep, Naperville City Carilloneur, Millennium Carillon

PN: Looks like a WINNER!  Nice, clean, layout. Good ad ratio. Quigley's Irish Pub on Jefferson Street looks like my kind of joint.

---James Gower

As you may recall, the Naperville Memory Walk was in the Positively Naperville calendar listing last September in the web version at www.pnblogs.com. (It was the first year that we held a Memory Walk route in Naperville starting at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion … and more than tripled the original goal and raised $167,000!) I’m writing to ask you to include our 2008 Naperville Memory Walk again this year on Sept. 28.  I’ve included a short blurb, similar to last year, and an event description if space allows.

---Teresa Gruber, Manager, Special Events, Alzheimer's Association - Greater Illinois Chapter

Editor's Note:  Naperville Memory Walk begins at 9AM, Sept. 28, hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Illinois Chapter / Register at (847) 933-2413 or visit http://napervillememorywalk.kintera.org/2008.

Will you be joining us on March 7?  I know that you folks have promoted the event heavily over the past three years, and I'd like to meet you and thank you for your support of the St. Baldrick's Foundation - Shaving the Way to Conquer Kids' Cancer!

---Tim Jordan, Training Sergeant, NPD and Co-organizer of the Naperville St. Baldrick's

Editor's Note:  Doors to St. Baldrick's will open at 6:30PM, Friday, March 7, 2008 at the Holiday Inn Select, 1801 N. Naper Blvd. Ceremony starts at 7PM with Naperville Fire and Police Honor Guards posting the Colors. INFO: http://www.stbaldricks.org/

Positively Naperville: it's just chock full of information and a delight to read!  Bravo!

---Dianne McGuire

Last year you were kind enough to help us spread the word about Troop 100's Pancake Breakfast. I was wondering if we could ask for your help again. I am sending the info for our upcoming breakfast, basically the same as last year, with obvious updates. Thanks again.

---Tom Perzentka Jr., Boy Scout Troop 100, Naperville

Editor's Note:  The All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast, is from 7AM to Noon, Sat. March 15, at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 21 East Franlkin Ave.  Tickets at the door are $5.

What a cool website!! ... The info regarding the Rosemary Martin Democracy in Action Award looks great---thanks for getting it out there for us!

---Karin Snodgrass, Naperville League of Women Voters

Editor's Note:  The Rosemary Martin Democracy in Action Award is presented during The LWV State of the Community Dinner at 6:30PM, Wed., March 5, at White Eagle Golf Club. For tickets, call 630-820-0255. 

I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful ways you included our “Decision 2008: Primary Election” coverage in Positively Naperville. It was great to see the live coverage listed on the calendar page. The crew swelled to nearly 60 for the production so it was so nice to see it highlighted. As you know, NCTV17 is very committed to keeping the community educated and informed; you helped us do that by pointing them to the broadcast.  I loved the fantastic way you presented our program in “Overflow News”, too. And of course, continued thanks for including our column. We always appreciate being a part of Positively Naperville. ...Keep up the great work!

---Nancy Wiersum, Community Development Director, NCTV, Channel 17

We have a unique opportunity. We have a chance to honor both a person and an organization that honors the military on a daily basis. Deb Rickert has been nominated as the Woman of the Year in the Chicago area. I know Deb well enough to know that she will say that if I win I am accepting on behalf of OSOT and all the volunteers. ... Visit www.chicagowoy.com every day and vote for Deb. Send this to your friends and relatives and have them vote too. Soldiers on active duty who have received packages from OSOT can vote too.

---Mike Barbour, Past Commander, Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, www.napervfw.org

I picked up a copy of PN (while voting in a heavy turnout for the Primary at City Hall), and loved it, as usual. I always look forward to both Ed Channell and Hilary Decent. 

---Shirley Pace, 42-year resident of Naperville

On to the next show!  Here is the information for Naperville North's spring play The Philadelphia Story. I'm thinking this is early enough to make your print version of PN, and, of course, your web page. We sure got a great position in your last issue covering the musical Once Upon a Mattress,so I thank you for that.Take care, and stay warm :)

---Gale Ganet, Publicist, Naperville North High School Theatre Department

Editor's Note: The Philadelphia Story will be performed at 7PM, May 1, 2, 3, 2008., on stage at Naperville North High School. Tickets available one hour before show time. $6 students and seniors; $7 adults.

This press release about a significant, multi-year grant might be a great feature article in Positively Naperville about a new collaborative relationship with RR Donnelley and the Heritage YMCA Group. I know Tom and Jen would be happy to comment further about it.  As always, thanks for elevating the good work of the Heritage YMCA Group in your publication.

---Dee Dee McDevitt, Director of Marketing & Customer Satisfaction, Heritage YMCA Group

Editor's Note: The gift announcement is being made as the YMCA begins its 2008 Strong Kids Campaign to raise $500,000 to provide the funding necessary to insure that no child or family will ever be denied YMCA services because of an inability to pay the cost of participation in Y programs.  The Strong Kids Campaign kicks off with a breakfast at 7AM, Tues., Feb. 19, at the Naperville Country Club. Free with RSVP by calling(630) 420-3988.

Congratulations on your growth and circulation.Yes, we are PROUD that NAHC is part of PN with our Page 10 every issue article. It has been widely read and promoted, as a result a lot more residents go to our NAHC website or call me on various issues to help on. We are also PROUD that we have a top NAHC PR/Communications/Web site Director as Bob Fischer.  THANKS again!! What a solid relationship we have with you and you with all in the City.

---Chuck Schlabach, President, Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation

Thank you so much for the wonderful coverage on the front page of the Positively Naperville paper!  The electronic ad looks great too!  We really, really appreciate all of your support and are hoping for the biggest turnout ever this year!  I'll let you know how we did after the event.  Again, thanks for helping us out so much!

---Sue Rickert, International Programs, North Central College

Editor's Note: The International Festival is from noon to 4PM, Sun., Feb. 10, at Merner Field House, on the campus of North Central College.  Follow the signs from E. Chicago Ave. that day.

The Roseland Shares ad in the February PN looks great!  Also, I enjoyed reading the story both in PN and the Daily Herald today about the YMCA.  I really got a lot out of that bus trip.  There are so many things we just don’t realize.  And seeing that pool in Kroehler was amazing.  We pass that building (Kroehler YMCA with a swimming pool built in 1910, the oldest indoor pool in DuPage County) all the time and never realize the history.  Thanks again.

---Mary Ann Junkroski, Roseland Draperies and Interiors

Editor's Note:  During 2008, Roseland Draperies is celebrating its 25th anniversary in downtown Naperville.  Month by month, the store will feature different nonprofit organizations in its window and a portion of profits from sales will be donated to different charities during its yearlong Roseland Shares promotion.

BTW -- I have already sent one person to your Web site for that AWESOME election information page that you have set up!  Thanks for doing that....

Nadja Lalvani, Community Relations Manager, City of Naperville

45-year Naperville newcomer wants answers!

As a newcomer, 45 years here since birth, so much of the older things are just at the edge of my memory. I could write all day but instead I'll just ask a question and mention a few things not mentioned.    

Someone mentioned A&W Root beer.

I thought it was a Dog 'n Suds and remember it was East of the Animal Hospital (my dad used to joke about that). Which one was it?

No one mentioned the outdoor roller rink West of the Swap Shop, Bart's Hobby shop in Naper Plaza, the old pop machine that dropped the cup at Naper Theater, listening to the Civil Defense group during the 71(?) flood on my walkie talkie and all the debris piled up in a huge mound near Sportsman Park the next day, Tasty Bakery was good but Lora Mae's donuts were better, even though the place was smoke filled.

There were snowball fights in summer when Cock Robin defrosted their freezer, watching the houses moved to the Settlement, the sprays coming out of the beach bathhouse, the "bubblers" at the beach, YMCA Day Camp at McDowell Woods, Park District summer program at Elmwood School.

The Hippies on the bridge? I too wish I had a picture of Wheel o Meal. My mom said the only person that she saw win a free meal (next visit) was a relative with out of state plates. My brother worked as a bus boy at Golden Bear where Pizza Hut is now at Odgen Mall.

Does anyone else remember a short lived Steak n Shake at corner of Ogden and Iriquois where the liquor store is now?    

I, too, de-tasseled corn, but they bused us South. We'd show up in the morning with a container frozen solid and by lunch you'd have water. My friend's crew got left in a field on his birthday once. I'm starting to write down complete stories from events and adventures from my youth. I guess I'll see if the Settlement wants them. Growing up here in the 60's and 70's was amazing.

I will always love this town because of such a great childhood here.

---Daniel Bulley, dbulley@wideopenwest.com

We are so glad that your publication is still going strong after all these years.

---Debbi Polivka, Organizer, Spring for a Cure, 7PM, Sat., March 1, The Pavilion of Meson Sabika

Editor's Note:  Spring for a Cure will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. For tickets ($100 each), contact springforacure@hotmail.com or (630) 355-1029.

I would like to thank the Naperville Exchange Club for their generous holiday contribution to Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) and the Drop In Center program held at the Riverwalk Community Center.

The Drop In Center provides individuals with mental illness an opportunity to spend leisure time together in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. WDSRA provides activities every Wednesday evening.

...Recently, the Exchange Club donation made it possible for each of the 40 clients that attend the program to receive a personalized gift.  I would especially like to thank Dee Bingham and Cindy Allston of the Exchange Club for taking time out of their own busy holiday schedules to shop and wrap each gift so beautifully.

...Thank you ... for providing that excitement and showing the clients that there are people that care. The Naperville Exchange Club is truly a group of outstanding people!

---Becca Mruk, Coordinator of Cultural Art & Social Programs, WDSRA

I was talking to Thomas Genin the chef at Shaggy’s (in Pass Christian, Miss.) this morning and mentioned his restaurant was mentioned in your paper.  He asked if I could bring a few copies for him and his family to see.  It is the volume 7. No. 5 edition.

---Jack Persin, Ryan-Hill Realty

Editor's Note:  After their successful event that raised $24,000 for Naperville Responds in December, brokers at Ryan-Hill Realty are headed to Pass Christian on a 4-day work mission trip in late January.

This letter represents why the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 supports OSOT-IL with both funds and time.

“Thank you for the box I received. The box was in good condition and filled with more than enough to help lift my day. It is always great to receive mail at anytime of the year.  Both my soldiers and myself appreciate all that you at OSOTIL do for us.  We are due to return in the May '08 time frame. Here are my soldiers’ names and we all share the same address.  (he listed eight names) Thanks again and we all love you and appreciate all that you do.   God Bless.  ---SSG Eric, FOB Hammer”

---Mike Barbour, Past Commander, Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873

Editor’s Note: To participate in Operation Support Our Troops - Illinois, Inc., call their office at 630-971-1150 or visit www.osotil.org. Send checks to help mail packages to 1807 South Washington Street, Suite 110, #359, Naperville, IL 60565.

I hope you are doing well in this very strange January weather. Thanks for providing us with the ongoing forum to talk about ourselves!

Bob Fischer, Publicity, Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation

Editor's Note:  The Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation holds monthly meetings from September through May on the third Saturday of the month. A NAHC meeting will be Jan. 19 at the Municipal Center and on Feb. 16, the meeting will be at the 95th Street Library.  For updates, visit www.napervillehomeowners.com.

Jody and I were just talking about the great job you did tying everything together in your recent article about the pantry in PN.  We appreciate your highlighting a summary of our year end results and recognizing the outstanding philanthropy of the Exchange Club and ConAgra. Folks like you and Jake (Reporter Jake Griffin of the Daily Herald) do such a great service for the community.

Joanne Mitrenga, Executive Director, Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry

I just noticed the January issue of Positively Naperville online at www.pnmonthly.com. You need to let people know. ... I've used your Web site instead of other search features online for some time because it takes me directly to Naperville sites I want to visit, but I didn't know the newspaper was online. ... Keep it up. ...Thank you.

---Penelope Weitz

Editor's Note: PN just started posting the pages of the publication online in October.  We're doing our best to let people know via the monthly publication. www.pnmonthly.com

I can hardly wait each month to read PN.  Especially when I'm out of town.

---Ed Channell, Snowbirding in University Park, Florida

Many, many thanks for the wonderful publicity you gave us for our lecture on the Book of Kells in December at the Naperville Library. Because of your help, we had a full house of 118 on a very "iffy" weather evening! ... I send your newspaper each month to two former Napervillians. Hope the holidays are good ones.

---Bettye Wehrli

Merry Christmas to you and yours. Thanks so much for the PN, too.

---Tim Drendel

I would like to compliment you on the content of the December PN. It was particularly interesting to me to read the columnists’ holiday greetings. That was a nice idea. Have a great holiday.

---Patti Koltes

Just a heads up! Our Evening Kiwanis Pancake Festival in ’08 will be on Sat. March 08, 2008 at Naperville Central. Tickets are $5 in advance at National City Bank, Park National Bank, and Casey's Foods. $6 at the door. Thank you.

---Millie Mika, Naperville Evening Kiwanis

Thanks again for that nice Christmas ad.  We had two concerts that were sold out.  I am sure the ad in PN was a big contribution.  Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

---Bonnie Roberts, Director, Naperville Men's Glee Club

The DuPage County Historical Museum is in danger of closing due to the crisis in the 2008 County Budget, if this happens it will be a great lost to the residents of DuPage County.

I encourage you to visit the Museum.  You will be amazed at the building’s architecture, the beautiful craftsmanship, the DuPage County Exhibit that details the development of the county, the auditorium with its vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows….but you will never forget the trains.

The Museum has a model train display with over 2000 foot of track that is one of the largest train exhibits in the country.  They are HO-gauge trains that are designed to model the railways of DuPage County and the communities of DuPage.  It is an authentic reproduction that delights people of all ages.  It is something you have to see.

The trains run on a limited basis when the Museum is open, however, the third Saturday of every month is Train Day.  This month, on Saturday, December 15 the Museum will be hosting “TrainFest”.  All the trains will be in action, there will be train memorabilia dating back to the 1800’s, as well as special programming and activities with a train theme.

The Museum will be open from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm for TrainFest, the trains will run from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm.  Come and see one of the largest and best train exhibits this country has to offer and it is right in your own backyard!

---Veronica Porter, President, DuPage County Historical Museum Association, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton

Thank you so much for the excellent coverage of Our Mystery Event in this month’s Positively Naperville as well as the Coat Drive.

---Nicki Scott, Rotary Club of Naperville/Sunrise

Editor's Note:  The next Rotary fundraiser is a Naperpalooza on Feb. 9 at the warehouse of Jackson Moving and Storage, located at 740 Frontenac Road off East Aurora Road.  Admission to the rock 'n' roll fundraiser is $150 per person. The Play Doctors and The Ides of March are scheduled to play.  For more information, visit www.napervillesunrise.com.

Thanks for linking your site to www.ncyyouth.org. Also, we appreciate the picture of our float on the back page (Friends of Little Friends Hometown Holidays Parade featured in the December issue.)  It looks great.

---  Julie Lichter, jlichter@ncoyouth.org

Editor's Note:  If you'd like to request that your nonprofit organization Web site be posted on "Useful Links" on the PN Web site, please send your Web site address to pnpartners@positivelynaperville.com and tell us what category best suits your organization.

Somehow the incorrect prices got published in the Dec. issue. They are correct as submitted below.  Anything we can do about a correction?

Thank you ---

---Patty Samojedny

Editor's Note: DanceWest Ballet Company presents its 15th annual production of the Nutcracker on 7PM, December 14; 1PM and 5PM, December 15 and December 16 on the campus of North Central College at Pfeiffer Hall.   Ticket prices are $29 Adults, $23 for Seniors and Children 12 and under, $22 for Group Rate of 20 or more for same performance.  For Tickets call (630) 637-SHOW.

A quick thank you for dropping Bubble Bash Blast onto page two of the December issue of Positively Naperville.  We really appreciate it.  Wishing you a delightful holiday season.

---Lynne Jele, DuPage Children's Museum Marketing and Membership

“Wow! Talk about an extraordinary man! The 2-day workshop and concert (Dec. 1) by Kirk Whalum were a tremendous success. You guys gave us great press coverage and for that we are truly grateful. We sold over 600 tickets (at $25 each) and made over $2,000 in the donation jars that night. Our kitty is growing. We have some expenses but this was a resounding success in terms of impact on community and provision of creative academic exposure for over 1,300 kids.

---Dr. Joy Ross, Assistant Principal, Waubonsie Valley High School

As always, we could not reach out to the community without you, so thank you for your continued support. ...The January coffee is Monday, January 7, 2008, at 10:30AM at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street, Lower Level. Children are Welcome. February's will be held on February 4.

---Sue Maloney, Publicity

Thank you very much for including our events in your paper.  We are paling the Chanukah event to be big and hope to have nice crowd. FYI: The holiday comes from the Hebrew word Chanukah. Some people have a hard time saying it so they just say Hanukkah and by now a lot of people spell it Hanukkah, too.

All the best!

---Rabbi Mendy Goldstein

To Dr. Music:  "I loved the article that you wrote in Positively Naperville about music in our schools! I've been passing it out to all my principals. Thank you for your support of music education."

---Robert Provost, Band and Orchestra Teacher, Clow Elementary School,

District 204

Now I know where to check local events!  I need to look deeper into your website.

---Laura Bratkovskyte

On behalf of the Naperville Noon Lions Club, I would like to thank you for your support this year and to wish you a very happy holiday season and the very best for the New Year.

---Mike Hollman, Naperville Noon Lions Club

I love the paper.  Positively Naperville is extremely informative about the City.

---Millie Mika, Woodridge

Rob Davidson, our National Exchange Club President (from Tucson AZ) and Christopher Rice, our National Executive Director (from Toledo) were in Chicago this past week for an international service club convention organized by Rotary International. Once a year all of the national and international directors and presidents from all service clubs in the world gather together in one place. This year it was in Chicago.

A couple of really cool things happened later that afternoon. After our luncheon I gave our esteemed guests a brief tour of Naperville.  We first stopped by Minuteman Press where Mike McManus and I gave President Davidson and Director Rice a copy of the latest edition of Positively Naperville. 

They were extremely impressed with the marketing opportunities you provide to all not for profits in our community. They told me they have never seen anything like your newspaper  anywhere in the country. I then drove them over to Freidenhagen Park to show the two most powerful Exchange Club leaders on Earth our little piece of the world. Words cannot describe their reaction or the pride I felt at that moment. I think both of them will be buying a brick as their way of saying thank you to the Exchange Club of Naperville for the impact our club has had on other clubs across the nation. 

Thanks again for all you do to help promote the Exchange Club and other service clubs in Naperville.

---Dave Wentz, Past President of Naperville Exchange Club, President of Lincoln Land District Exchange Club

Just wanted to send a quick e-mail to say thank you for your continued support of Little Friends. I picked up a copy of Positively Naperville today- and we really appreciate all of the coverage on the parade and our volunteer needs…

---Carolyn Hamilton, Director of Marketing and PR, Little Friends, Inc.

Thank you for plugging our Picnic event in Positively Naperville on Dec. 1. Dave Savini is emceeing and we have some amazing silent auction items, including a studio tour with Dave!

 

Happy Thanksgiving, and thanks for all you do to recognize organizations such as ours. It's appreciated!

---Jody Bender, Loaves and Fishes Community Pantry, www.loavesandfishespantry.com

Even though I am in Downers Grove, I always smile when I end up with a copy of Positively Naperville.

---Michelle Eppley, Director , The Sound Center, Inc.

I am still in shock how a conversation I had with Coach Whelan about where I work, Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA), turned into a Ss. Peter & Paul School volleyball fundraiser. The 8th grade volleyball teams played to raise money for WDSRA. 

I realize this could not have happened so quickly without the willing support of so many: Coach Whelan, Mr. Glowaty, Mike Chiarito, John Larson and the Athletic Association, Nancy Fitzgerald, Mike & Cindy Rafferty, and all the 8th grade coaches and players who rallied around the cause. WDSRA thanks you all! 

I was truly touched by all the fans that gave their support, many who gave more than the $2 admissions fee. The total raised was $1,137. 

I take great pride in where I work and equal pride in where I send my children to school.  It was incredible to see these two great organizations join together for a wonderful cause.  I cannot thank you all enough!

---Sharon J. Gedvilas, Superintendent of Finance & Personnel, Western DuPage Special Recreation Association and Proud SSPP Parent

Thanks for your October issue of PN and the promotion of public safety in our community. As a downtown Naperville business owner, I respect, support and count on the protection provided by the men and women who serve in our police and fire departments.

Since 2003 I have served on the Naperville Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and at the Naperville Police Department volunteering alongside many first responders, learning how to assist at the scene in the event of a disaster. I've always been impressed by their professionalism, integrity and accountability, often under risky and dangerous conditions.

I wish I'd thought to write this letter in October during Crime and Fire Prevention Month, but any day of every month is appropriate to show appreciation to the dedicated law enforcement officers and firefighters who put their lives on the line for us every day.

I am co-chairing the St. Patrick's Day parade, along with Chuck Corrigan, and this year we decided to dedicate the parade to public safety, to honor both of these great departments.

---Nancy Quigley

We look forward to reading Positively Naperville every month. I think the most fun is to open up the publication and look at all the pictures to see if you recognize anyone.  Thank you so much for listing the Naperville United Way Partner Agencies in the publication each month.  I am attaching an updated file of our Partner Agencies for you to publish. Thank you again.

---Deena Manna, Assistant Director, Naperville United Way, www.napervilleunitedway.org

Thanks for ("Open Letter to the Community ...Just in Time for Veterans Day, 11-11-11" included on Overflow News) the inspiring letter. We are a long way from home and it's nice to keep in touch with Naperville and to again remind us of why it is such a great city to be "from".

 

Just got our PN in the mail with Bruce's picture receiving Jo's picture on the back page.  Keep up the good work!

---Chuck George, Arizona in Autumn

I got my copy of Positively today, and it's great, as usual!  I especially liked the way you incorporated the PN Web site into the front page. The Web site looks fabulous, and I hope more folks will take advantage of it. 

---Shirley Pace

Editor's Note: Shirley Pace has lived in Naperville for 40-plus years.  She has been a great source of constructive comments as the PN Web site has been constructed and the paper has developed since 2001. We always appreciate her feedback. We also appreciate it when she discovers a broken Web link!

Thanks for running the Lions Club Turkey Trot release (Turkey Trot 5K is Thanksgiving morning at 8.).  Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

---Mike Hollman, Naperville Noon Lions Club

I trust all is going great with PN.  I venture to the PN web site occasionally to see what’s going on in Naperville .  Never a dull moment as usual J  Have a great day!

--- Sharon Mahoney

Editor's Note:  Former Naperville Jaycee Sharon Mahoney wrote a column titled "Career Corner" for PN for several years until she relocated out West. We always enjoy hearing from our friends!

Thanks for the PN info. I hope to use it for both the school and the theatre, if you don’t mind! I’ll try to keep you up to date in a timely manner for both as well. Our next show (for The Grounded Theatre, Inc.) is Crimes of the Heart and it opens March 8.

---Karen E. Rosenberg, The Grounded Theatre

How appropriate and what a perfect time for me to pay respect to the silent independent business person, Camille Hoffmann. The November Issue of PN acknowledged Local Independent Business owners. My name appearing on a street sign in the Kinloch subdivision is due to a very dedicated local firm, the Oliver-Hoffmann Corporation. Camille and her late husband, Paul, have remained anonymous while being very generous to support many worthwhile projects in and around Naperville. The Oliver-Hoffmann organization quietly with discretion is the true benchmark of philanthropic activity.                                  ---Gene Darfler

In the past month our VFW Post has had some hard times. Beloved members passing and other members have the audacity to get sick. A lot of our members have been down because of those circumstances. Today, the Crazy Eights from Kennedy Junior High came to the Post to do the fall clean up. They do spring and fall clean up every year but for some reason this year it was especially welcome. A lot of us have the enthusiasm but not the physical wherewithal to get the job done. Ah, youth!

The Post is standing tall! All the beds have been weeded and are ready to go for spring planting. We even planted daffodils.

Thank you Kennedy and The Crazy Eights!  You have made veterans happy!

---Mike Barbour, Past Commander, Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873

We will be hosting a big public program Tuesday, Dec. 11 in the Community Room, Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave.  Coffee served at 7:00 p.m. ; the program starts at 7:30 p.m. I hope we can get some coverage from Positively Naperville. The event is a public lecture about The Book of Kells, the beautifully illustrated manuscript of The Bible that was created in the Middle Ages.  A lecturer from the Art Institute of Chicago will be presenting the slide lecture.  I think it’s the perfect personal holiday gift – an hour of enjoying something wonderful without the clean-u eed to exercise!

---Susan Greenwood, Community Relations Coordinator

Open Letter to Citizens of Naperville            

The citizens of Naperville have a long track record of 

doing great things when presented with challenges.

          

In the depths of the Great Depression, city leaders 

established Centennial Beach.  Also in the 1930s, Caroline Martin-

Mitchell gave the public 212 acres in what today is the center of 

town. And 25 years ago, faced with a slumping downtown, people worked 

together to establish the Riverwalk, the envy of many other cities.

          

Today we once again have the opportunity to do something 

great.   Thanks to the foresight of School District 203 leaders, 

discussion is underway about the future of the Martin-Mitchell property.

          

The District 203 school board has responded to the fact 

that the community needs to invest in the improvement of our 

educational facilities, especially Naperville Central High School, 

which has been cobbled together with more than a half dozen additions 

since being opened in 1950.

          

School district leaders believe time is of the essence 

and want to decide soon whether to renovate Central or replace it 

with a new school perhaps elsewhere on the Martin-Mitchell property.

But there is a larger issue: the future of the entire Martin-Mitchell 

property.  Over the years, the city has sold or leased parts of her 

donation. Uses include NCHS, Knoch Park, Naper Settlement, the garden 

plots, Sportsman’s Club, Ribfest and parts of Naperville Cemetery and 

Edward Hospital.  The Von Oven Scout Reservation is on land deeded to 

the city and to be made available to the scouts of Naperville.

         

We urge those who use or administer these facilities to remember that 

Caroline Martin-Mitchell did not give them the property; rather, she 

gave it to the public.  Therefore, we believe it is imperative that 

the public be involved in the planning process.

         

To date, the school district has held numerous information sessions 

and conducted surveys about the future of NCHS, but there has not 

been any forum for public input regarding the future of the entire 

212 acres. We call for such a “town hall” meeting—possibly sponsored 

by the League of Women Voters and the Naperville Homeowners 

Confederation--to take place in the very near future.

         

We do not want to sidetrack progress on Naperville Central, nor do we 

know what will come out of a public participation effort for the 

larger property.  But we do know this: Once again, Naperville has the 

opportunity to do something great.

---Mary Lou Wehrli, Judith Brodhead, Bob Hofmann, Joe McElroy and Bruce Lund

Thank you for including previous news releases of mine and the Authors Marketing Group.  Please include the information below in Positively Naperville. Any consideration is greatly appreciated.  Thanks again.

---Jim Durkin, Founder, Authors Marketing Group

Editor’s Note: The Authors Marketing Group will hold its next meeting at 7PM, Thurs., Nov. 29 at the Woodridge Public Library. Need info:  www.authormarketinggroup.org

It is so wonderful that you say in the PN calendar, "Let your kids catch you reading...and when it's PN, let them know it's for pleasure." An important way that kids are going to get hooked on reading is seeing adults do it! Thanks!        ---Susan Greenwood, Community Relations Coordinator, Naperville Public Library

As I sit here typing and looking out my window, it makes me even more aware of why I love Positively Naperville.  The beauty of our surroundings in this community is reflected through the words of your articles, many writers, and inspirational reminders that there are many POSITIVE things in our community of Naperville to be thankful for, in the midst of what sometimes appears to be a very chaotic world.

 

It was a pleasure to hear you speak last Tuesday (at the Naperville Sun offices) and shed some light on the inner workings of our key media outlets.  Thanks for all you continue to do to keep us positively informed!

---IdaLynn Wenhold, KidsMatter Executive Director

The article you placed in the October issue was awesome!!  Thank you very much.

---Cindy Brennan, Walk to School Day Coordinator, May Watts Elementary School

I navigated most of Positively's web-site today, with no problems, and no criticism at all.  It's gorgeous, and full of tons of information. 

 

You'll find this particularly interesting.  When I read in the paper about the new film festival, I mentioned it to our friend in Chicago who has been making independent films for years. He also performed with Second City. 

 

Anyhow, when mentioning it, our friend said "forget about it," since it's already pre-arranged.  So I did just that, and "forgot about it."  I was thrilled to see it on your site, and forwarded the address to Eric, so he could decide if this is something he might like to do. 

 

Thanks again for all the great information you provide, not only for me, but the whole town.

---Shirley Pace

Loved the Naperville Nostalgia!!!  That picture is of the very beginnings of Kidz Kabaret - that wonderful youth theatre troupe that is taking Naperville by a storm (and growing in leaps and bounds!). And, of course, Crossroads is where the now Comedy Shrine exists!!  So fun to see the old photos!

---Lynn Hodak

Can someone help me get a copy of your September issue? My brother's restaurant Tapas Gitana is written up on page 32. I would like to buy a paper for him. How can I get a current paper?

---Cynthia Bock

Editor's Note:  An order form for past issues ($5 first issue / $250 each for limit of three or more.) is available at  http://www.pnmonthly.com/downloads/archive%20order%20form.pdf.

PN is looking super!

---Jeanne Johnson, Oswego

I just received the current issue of Positively Naperville - very nice work indeed!  My daughter was on the outside back cover as part of your "Walk to School Day" article.  Cheers!

---Karen Pomazal

Our deepest gratitude to all the volunteers who made the PADS Run/Walk 2007 run so smoothly and to our event co-chairs, Mary Schulte and Steve Essig, who devoted countless hours and plenty of sweat equity to take this race to the next level! We are gearing up for PADS Run/Walk 2008. (Close to 400 runners and walkers took to the streets of Wheaton on September 9 and raised over $63,000 to help end and prevent homelessness in DuPage County .)  Join us and help plan for next year’s success!

---Maureen Gallagher, 682-3846, ext. 242

Thank you so much for the great PN front page coverage of the Crime Prevention Calendar! We really appreciate the publicity. It is so nice to give our sponsors the recognition they deserve. Thanks!

---Marcia Schild, Crime Prevention Specialist, Community Education/Crime Prevention Unit

Thanks for the parade picture in the October edition!!!

---Gerry Cassioppi

We visited Naperville once during the summer and again two weeks ago.  We love it!  It is our new favorite weekend getaway---maybe someday our new home.  We are very interested in the activities that go on.  Thanks for Positively Naperville.

---Lynn Bedeker, Streater, Illinois

Thank you for running the nice press release about Stephanie. (Stephanie Colbert recently became the third generation to join the family business, Colbert Custom Framing.) Of all the local media I contacted, you were the first who responded. Thank you so much.

---Sue Colbert

We are writing you on behalf of Naperville Central High School's fall show. Our theatre program will be putting on a show called It Was a Dark and Stormy Night. The show dates are November 1, 2 and 3, with a matinee performance on October 31. The show is about several innocent people who unknowingly get caught up in the frights and fears that occur in a Massachusetts hotel, known as the Ye Olde Wayside Inn. They must come together and outwit an insane old man and his crazy tactics. We were wondering if you would be able to come to learn more about the show and if you would be willing to let more people know about it through an article in your newspaper. Thanks for your time.

---Shannon March, Lindsey March, and Sarah Lipski

A Tribute to Chicago's Wrigley Field

It is a place where ivy grows.

A field of dreams where Santo knows

that baseball fans of every team

can't help but feel at home.

It is a park where home runs sail

when fly balls catch a west-east gale.

The Friendly Confines really are

when home team bats prevail.

It is a refuge near the Lake

with class and charm much like The Drake*

that calls to mind the glory years

that made Chicago great.

It is a storied stadium

the oldest park except for one

and that one boasts a monster green

where Boston's Red Sox rule.

But give me Wrigley any day

where Lou Paniella's Cubbies play.

For win or lose in autumn's warmth

it's cool just being there.

---by Greg Asimakoupoulos

Thanks so much for putting the garage sale on Positively Naperville-the article is great!  We have extended the garage sale hours to 8AM -2PM on Sept. 29 if you are able to change the hours on the garage sale listing.  Just for your information, Kids in the Kitchen is donating cupcakes and cookies for sale at the event and Krispy Kreme has also donated donuts for that day.  It is wonderful to see how generous and kind everyone has been with this event.  Once you meet Angie she touches your heart! 

Thanks also for the great picture of Colleen and for all you have done to help us promote this fundraiser!

---Kathy Henniff

Sounds like Positively Naperville is the town crier with all the news that fits. 

---Van Barclum

I'm glad to see Positively Naperville expanding in new ways onto the Internet. It's neat to think that, potentially, someone in France is reading my column!

---Robert Pino

We had over 30 women join the Newcomers on Wednesday with checks still coming in.  We appreciate the fact that everyone there saw the coffee information in articles, on calendars or saw ads in your publications or on your web sites.  We couldn't reach as many as we do without you.  Thank you.

---Sue Maloney, Publicity, www.NapervilleNewcomersandNeighborsClub.com

Thanks in behalf of all the NAHC BOD and members for the posting.  Hope to see you 8AM, Sat, Sept. 15, at the Naper Settlement for our first interesting and informative monthly NAHC meetings on the 3rd Sat of each month going forward now for our 2007-2008 Calendar year. Thank Bob Fischer, our PR Director, for our great communication and to you for Positively Naperville.

---Chuck Schlabach, President, Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation

Thanks for including the info ("The Art of the Solo" at Chicago Jazz Festival) in your publication.  Just picked up the September issue the day after the festival and saw the item on page 20.  I do appreciate your continued support!

---Janice Borla, Jazz vocalist, www.janiceborla.com, AND educator,  www.janiceborlavocaljazzcamp

Just wanted to say THANK YOU so VERY much for including all of the PNW information in your September issue. We appreciate your support so much!

---Donna Dunckel, Paige Nicole White Pediatric Cancer Foundation, www.pnwfoundation.org

Thank you so much for your quick response and EXCELLENT publication!

---Leigh Finnegan, Naper School Fall Clothing Resale, Publicity

Editor's Note:  The annual sale to raise funds for student activities runs Oct. 4-6 at Naper School.  Please see PN's online October 2007 calendar for times.

Thanks for your support. We're excited, and appreciate PN's help getting the word out. Thanks for the link to PN monthly (www.pnmonthly.com). I perused it to see what I'm missing as I meander the New England area this month. Looks like you folks haven't been bored!

---Diane Nilan, HEAR US, www.hearus.us

Thanks for including information in Positively Naperville about our Community Engagement process. We are getting a lot of great feedback.

---Nina Menis, Community Relations, Naperville Unit School District 203, www.naperville203.org

Just got our newest edition of Positively Naperville in the mail. Happy Anniversary to you !!!.  A great idea to show the community in a positive light. Am I supposed to remember when my subscription runs out or will you notify?

---C V George

Thank you! Thanks to the article in Positively Naperville, we received another auction item (that makes 2 from your paper) for the September 22 golf outing (at Tamarack) to benefit Loyola University Medical Center's burn unit.  Thanks for the exposure in the newspaper and for any other advice you might have for marketing this worthy event.

---Marjorie Gonzalez and Tony Gonzalez

The mystery photo in PN (Sept./PAGE 31) submitted my Mary Lou Wehrli is of Bev Patterson Frier and she is playing the Carillon.

---Barb Dwyer

Thanks so much for the positive plug about the Skaters' Picnic -- we appreciate it.  It was a wonderful day on Saturday with over 200 young skaters in the park at any one time and lots of parents and siblings hanging out with the Mayor as well as the City and Park District Police.  I've attached a few photos taken by Melea Smith, our KidsMatter Board President, in case you can use them.

 

As always, KidsMatter appreciates the support of Positively Naperville as we try to educate and encourage adults to build Developmental Assets in our community's youth.

---Jane Wernette, Director of Marketing, KidsMatter

I just discovered the incredible Positively Naperville Web site. I am absolutely amazed at the wealth of information you have on it. I bookmarked it. Please add my name to the email list to receive reminders and updates. Thank you.

---Joanne Millea

Naperville Nostalgia on PAGE 9 of September 2007: In 1994, Naperville residents HARRIS FAWELL and RUTH FAWELL, pictured here with costumed guides, helped to organize Constitution Day at Naper Settlement.  Constitution Day is celebrated throughout America on Sept. 17.  What elected office did Harris Fawell hold in 1994? The answer is below:

Harris Fawell was a member of the U.S. Congress.......in the House of Representatives.

---Nancy Zimmermann, Naperville

I love what you've done through the years and am grateful you allowed me to be a part of it.

---Greg Asimakoupoulos, (Former Naperville Resident/Contributing PN Poet), Mercer Island Covenant Church, Box 2, Mercer Island, WA 98040  www.partialobserver.com

It took only a few seconds for your new website to come up. Thanks for including our November 3 Nitra Night event on the monthly calendar.

---Rich Mikolajczyk, Sister Cities Commissioner

Congratulations!  What a great feature. (www.pnmonthly.com)  I have spread the news to all my friends around the world.

---Hilary Decent

Can’t thank you enough for all the wonderful mention in Positively Naperville this month for United Way and Tessa’s wine dinner for Families Helping Families.  Sincerely appreciate your kind consideration.  Thanks a million! 

By the way, we have increased the agencies that the Naperville United Way partners with – Access DuPage; Boy Scouts of America, Three Fires Council; Breaking Free; Bridge Communities; Campfire USA, Illinois Prairie Council; Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet; ChildServ;  Community Career Center; DuPage PADS;  DuPage Senior Citizens Council; Easter Seals, DuPage; Ecumenical Day Care; Family Shelter Service; Girl Scouts, Prairie Winds Council;  JUST of DuPage; KidsMatter; Literacy Volunteers of DuPage; Little Friends; Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry; Metropolitan Family Services – DuPage; NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) of DuPage; Naperville CARES; NCO Youth & Family Services; Prairie State Legal Services; Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Center; Serenity House ; Suicide Prevention Services;  Teen Parent Connection;  The Salvation Army; YMCA – Heritage Group; YWCA, Western Suburban.

Just FYI.  Thanks again! 

---Jeanne M. Buddingh, Buddingh & Associates, Inc.

WONDERFUL! Positively Naperville just keeps getting better!  I love having PN online and in the pdf format.

Congratulations on six great years as publisher, journalist, and community promoter.  Have a nice holiday weekend.

~~Jini Clare, Clare Communications

We had a great crowd and wonderful night (NHS 60th Class Reunion on August 24, 2007, at the Judd Kendall VFW).  All went more than smoothly. A big thanks to you. If I had been more on the ball I would have invited you and had you bring your camera.  We had five graduating from the early 30s.

---Dee Schumacher, NHS Class of 1947

CONGRATULATIONS "PN" !! SIX YEARS & Still Growing STRONG !!  My how times flies, eh?  So happy for this wonderful community publication. And thanks for the kind words & photo on page 32 of the current issue! My Mom called me about it, and hearing the pride in her voice really made my day.  THANKS, again!

---Bart Darfler, Auctioneer, etc.

Editor's Note: Bart Darfler will serve as auctioneer for the United Way Auction at Bobak's Signature Events on Sept. 14 and the Rotary Shares Auction at the Pavilion of Meson Sabika on Oct. 4.

Positively Naperville just keeps getting better and better! Thanks so much for your support of Naper Settlement -- we really appreciate it!

---Donna DeFalco, Public Relations, Naper Settlement

I just wanted to say thank you for the nice coverage of NCTV17 in Positively Naperville. We are so pleased to be a part of PN and were especially delighted to see so many mentions and the nice photograph. Everyone at NCTV17 has really been working hard to try to capture as many Naperville moments as possible - thanks for noticing.  Congratulations on your 6th Anniversary!

---Nancy Wiersum, Community Development Director, NCTV17

Just a note to thank you so much for helping us spread the word on our exciting upcoming children’s musical theatre camp ~ Doo Wop. ... This is going to be an incredibly fun camp and we are so appreciative of ALL you do in helping the Naperville community know all the exciting things that they can take part in! Thanks again for all you do!

---Kathleen M. Myles, Myles Above Productions

YEAH!!!  Thanks a TON, Positively Naperville!  Now all we need is runners...  :-)

---Jan Erickson, Chairman of the Exchange Club 5K Race Against Child Abuse

Editor's Note: The 5K Race will step off at 8 a.m. on Sun., Sept. 16 from NCHS, 440 W. Aurora Ave.

Considering the stormy weather in August, I question our residents' overall preparedness, in spite of the information they should have received. I especially have some concerns regarding senior complexes. 

Two weeks ago I had lunch with my friend in one of the senior residences. I asked about their safety-awareness, and she said "all she knows, is that in the event of a fire, fire-doors will be locked in various areas of the hallways."  This is logical. However, when I asked her what she would do in the event of a tornado, she had no idea. The building has a basement, she told me, but they have not had a tornado drill since she moved in a few months ago. 

Are we all as aware as we should be? This latest bout of weather should be a wake-up call to all of us, myself included. I keep meaning to stock the bathroom on the lower level with a battery-operated radio, a good book, a flashlight, and some Sauvignon Blanc. Why do I keep putting it off? 

---Shirley Pace, 42-year resident

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