As we were finishing up last month’s issue, I ran into Mary Corrigan. Recognizing I had a lot on my plate, she asked what PN was featuring for July and I replied, “Summer Rules.”
If you’re lucky to know Mary, you know she’s always got a sunny disposition. During that exchange, I experienced her unexpressed disappointment as she imagined our stressing rules, rules and more rules at a time when everyone wants easy living.
“Don’t we have enough rules? It’s summer. Lighten up,” I sensed she was thinking.
Shortly after last month’s issue hit the streets, Mary told us how much she enjoyed our play on words.
And so it goes.
Here’s hoping this summer has provided opportunities to explore the wide open spaces that have been preserved in this city for play, walking, biking, fishing, dog-walking, picnicking, concerts and festivals. For instance, for the first time, we explored Whalon Lake along the DuPage River Trail, another natural wonder within our borders and just beyond.
As has been tradition for several years, our August issue highlights the Dog Days of summer that end on August 11. We try to shoot for the stars at a time when summer begins to end and signs for back-to-school sales dominate shop windows, signaling the start of School District 203 on Aug. 20 and District 204 on Aug. 26.
Pass the Friendship Plate, Please
Since the end of June, we’ve been following the Friendship Plate that first was presented to us as a way to commemorate the 130th Birthday of the Martin Mitchell Mansion. We encourage you to follow its journey through June 2015 as it’s posted online at www.napersettlement.org.
Since a trip to the DuPage County Hounds baseball game in the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex in mid-July, PN has been hamming it up, trying to photograph Frank E. Fling, the mascot of the
Jaycess Last Fling, as he makes connections of give and take, mano y mano. Who’d have thought this initiative would align with the stars, resulting in a dog-eat-dog story for August?
And summer rules? We broke one of PN’s long established rules. PN’s editor has had a 13-year policy not to appear pictured in the publication since its launch in September 2001. Note how she’s sandwiched right between Page Hound and Beth DeGeeter.
In order to connect the dogs, the publication has been enhanced by youthful sarcasm. PN’s digital editor insists rules had to change in order to pass the Friendship Plate from place to place to help showcase Martin Mitchell Mansion, the crown jewel of Naper Settlement, set in another amazing outdoor space in Naperville where you can enjoy Naper Nights, Aug. 22-23.
Celebrate safely!
Post UPDATE Aug. 4, 2014 / The Last Fling Bed Races are slated for 11AM Sat., Aug. 30, between Naper Settlement and School District 203 Administration Building.
For everything else you want to know about Last Fling events, activities and concerts from Aug. 29-Sept 1, visit www.lastfling.org. Cheers for sunshine!
