Back in September 2001, this publication first hit the streets along the Labor Day Parade route. We will always remember the thrill of surprise when we saw Mill Street lined with folks staked out for the parade reading copies of the new publication that had been distributed by local teens. We also will remember that day because we forgot our camera to catch people reading PN for the first time!
We are forever grateful to Rob Budney who was serving as Jaycees president that year. Budney along with Ray Kinney and Chuck Corrigan helped coordinate a photo by Jo Lundeen for our first cover.
The headline above a front page photo featuring a large group of Jaycees at the Jaycees Gazebo along the Riverwalk read, “Jaycee volunteers rally for Last Fling.” A subhead followed, “Last Fling provides a fun chance to end summer—and to benefit others all year long.”
The opening paragraph of the story went on to say, “The Jaycees Marina is the best place in town to pedal a paddle boat. The Jaycees Community Events Sign along S. Washington promotes the best events. But no matter what anyone says, the Naperville Jaycees are best known as organizers of the Last Fling, the community’s biggest and best Labor Day weekend event for families.”
In this fast-changing world with challenges around every corner, we find comfort in the spirit of things that remain the same.
Thanks, Jaycees!
Seeing all those folks reading that first issue gave us the idea to feature individuals reading PN, here and there. During PN’s first 12 years, hundreds of folks have been photographed reading the publication at locations throughout the nation. Folks have packed PN in their suitcases for photos at such international landmarks as the Great Wall of China, Eiffel Tower, Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam. PN Readers have been spotted in Sweden, Honduras, Alaska, along the Riverwalk and most recently at Naper Homestead.
If anyone is headed to Antarctica, the most southern continent that holds bragging rights as the least populated of seven continents with the coldest landmass and fewest native plants and animals, let us know. Our aim is to cover all seven continents and we’re more than halfway there.
There’s a double-super-secret-grand prize for the first picture of someone caught reading PN in Antarctica, and first prizes will be awarded for originality and for those photos submitted from select foreign lands. So grab your camera or smartphone and catch someone reading PN. Readers may submit photos at www.positivelynaperville.com.
Going forward in this digital age where a search can lead to Pangaea, a supercontinent with a single global ocean, we’ll continue to say what we’ve said month after month for a dozen years, “Thanks for reading!”
Enjoy the four-day Jaycees Last Fling through Mon., Sept. 2. The Labor Day Parade starts at 10AM.
Editor’s Note: We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to many business owners as well as contributing writers and photographers who have had confidence in our independent initiative. Thanks for joining our adventure over the past 12 years in an effort to connect community spirit, culture and the traditions of Naperville.
