“Times, they are a-changing…” Sing along now.
And enjoy the crisp, cool sunny days that will awaken you to the ever-changing seasonal colors and other reasons to pay attention to the local landscape.
This weekend the Naperville Art League will present its 30th annual Riverwalk Fine Art Fair in downtown Naperville where more than 40 eateries and 70 shops also welcome you during the two-day showcase of art against the backdrop of our city’s natural treasure.
The back-to-school days of September also are a time to think about education and all the merits of lifelong learning with practical and creative application in our high tech world. We advocate for “A” for Arts to be included in conversations about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
“Education is not the filling of a pail,” wrote Irish-born William Butler Yeats, considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. “But the lighting of a fire.”
Go, STEAM. Introduce youngsters to the re-imagined DCM.
Plus, lifelong learners know education goes beyond the classroom.
More than ever, on the home front, become educated by learning about unmet needs in the community. Figuring out ways to solve local issues requires insight and participation.
What will it take to ignite more interest?
During last spring’s election, it came to our attention that not all residents were acquainted with the governing bodies—schools, parks. City and townships— supported by local tax dollars.
In light of local budget processes, changes and funding challenges, we’re on a mission to encourage the knowledgeable minds of this city— many residents who moved here for the high quality education for their children and others who would like to remain here— to add their two-cents before our local economy becomes strapped and the cost of living here is no longer a good value.
We’re hopeful that all elected officials are mindful of the impact their decisions have on other governing bodies and citizens as a whole.
Stated Missions
The mission of the government of the City of Naperville is “to preserve the quality of life by providing municipal services that are responsive to the needs of the residents and businesses and are reliable, efficient and fiscally responsible.”
The Naperville Park District aims “to provide recreation and park experiences that enrich the quality of life for our community.”
School District 203 strives “to produce students who are self-directed learners, collaborative workers, complex thinkers, quality producers and community contributors.”
The mission of School District 204 is “Inspire all students to achieve their greatest potential.”
Pay attention!
“Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn,” wrote naturalist Elizabeth Lawrence about autumn.
Paying attention to new public policies being proposed on the local government scene needs to be on every to-do list, too.
Thanks for reading PN’s new weekly work in progress. Find us every day online. Look for the monthly in October.
Thanks for shopping, dining and entertaining in your hometown whenever possible. Observe the changing landscape.
“Come writers and critics who prophesize with your pen, and keep your eyes wide, the chance won’t come again…”
Then…
“Take me out to the ballgame!”
