Businesses often showcase signs of the times and independents

“Signs! Signs Everywhere!” Rock groups sing songs about signs that block out the beautiful scenery, creating distractions in the landscape across this wide open country.

The signs we appreciate are the small, well-designed and informative ones that communicate Naperville spirit, keeping folks posted about opportunities to participate in this bustling community and just beyond.

For instance, signs around downtown Naperville welcome women to visit the popular destination for three days of fashion, food, friends and shopping during “Girls Weekend / Fall 2013.” when it kicks off Fri., Sept. 20.

For starters on Friday, friends and neighbors can mix and mingle during Lunch & Learn Cooking Demos at The Wise Boxer Pour House. Then Sat., Sept. 21, meet up with friends during a Brunch and Fashion Show at Sullivan’s Steakhouse. Or simply make a reservation at one of downtown’s eateries in order to attend many planned shopping events, sure to provide a taste of what’s happening in the heart of Napervile, a charming city where nearly 150,000 residents live.

What’s IndieBound Naperville?

From downtown Naperville to other shopping destinations throughout the city, independent businesses are set up in all shapes, sizes and services, always adding to the balance of the unique culture that thrives when local businesses succeed.  “Indie” means independent.  IndieBound Naperville is a community-oriented movement that’s been embraced and growing in Naperville since 2008 in support of national awareness begun by independent booksellers, including Anderson’s Bookshop.

More than ever, the aim of Positively Naperville is to remind local residents that these mostly small independent businesses are the nation’s leading job creators.  Ergo, when shoppers support independently-owned businesses, the entire community benefits.

Also be mindful that many local independent businesses have websites where you can purchase their services and special product lines, too. Local merchants welcome your business and your inquiries both at their places of business as well as online. Plus, event planners can order signs and other promotional keepsakes from local printers such as Minuteman Press to help spread the word.

Further, independents such as Oswald’s Pharmacy in Naperville Plaza even deliver orders to your Naperville home. And The Boxes in Cress Creek Shopping Center can box up your college student’s forgotten treasures and mail them off to the dorm.

Connect events!

Over on Chicago Avenue the shiny window of Cookie Dough Creations,  a popular independently-owned ice cream shop, sports many signs promoting events this week.  One poster promotes the Naperville Independent Film Festival, now running at Classic Cinemas Ogden 6 Theater through Sept. 21. The NIFF Awards Gala will be held at Center Stage Theater beginning at 6PM on Saturday.

‘The Power of Choice” reminds residents, parents and students that in Naperville “Most local teens are alcohol and drug free” and to visit a new website, www.ThePowerofChoice.info, sponsored by 360 Youth Services.

Another poster welcomes runners to a Race for a Cure in Lombard on Sept. 22.  Closer to home, Saddle Up for Project H.E.L.P. is slated from 6-10PM on Tues., Sept. 24. at the Saddle Up Saloon & Dancehall, 4440 W. Ogden Ave., Aurora.

Independent Row along S. Main Street

Over at Heaven on Seven at 224 S. Main Street, sandwiched between Dean’s Fine Clothing and Roseland Draperies and Interiors, another set of posters is showcased in the windows of several independent businesses all in a row.

One poster promotes Soup’s On Rotary, a fundraising event on Oct. 20 featuring samples of soup, gumbo, stew, chowder and more from 25 local eateries, including Heaven on Seven. Alongside it hangs a reminder of another event, the Lagunitas Beer Dinner, at the New Orleans-style restaurant planned at 7PM on Tues., Oct. 8.

This weekend, here and there

At Liam Brex Custom Design Fine Cabinetry a colorful flyer features details about Midwest SOARRING Foundation’s returning to Naper Settlement for its 19th Annual Harvest Pow Wow this weekend Sept. 21 and 22. Hours are 11AM-10PM on Saturday and 11AM-5PM on Sunday. For more information call (773) 585-1744 or visit www.midwestsoarring.org.

Keep moving to see event notices for Scott’s Walk Sunday, Sept. 22.  Hosted by the West Suburban Irish, this year’s Scott’s Walk to raise awareness about testicular cancer and to benefit St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a stroll through DuPage River Park.  Registration ($25 per person or $45 for a family) begins at 8AM for the walk that steps off at 9AM.

Then Sunday afternoon at 1PM, stop by Quigley’s Irish Pub where barbers will be shaving heads, also to raise funds for research for childhood cancers via St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

For many other events happening today, this weekend and way into the future, visit PN’s online Community Calendar.

Thanks, merchants!

It occurred to us the other day how beneficial store windows are to help promote events with the printed word from one shopping destination to the next throughout this thriving city. Thanks to businesses owners who provide the space! 

Not only can window shopping be a great way to see what’s new, it can be a great way to find out what’s happening around town. Signs remind folks that this community is continually moving forward.

Thanks also for shopping, dining, banking, printing, entertaining and supporting fundraisers locally whenever possible.  Thanks for reading PN’s Latest N.E.W.S!    —PN