Here are this week’s City Notes, a look at upcoming happenings in Naperville, Illinois.
City Notes feature many ways to participate in this thriving community. Discover opportunities for shopping, dining, fundraising and sporting events from all points N.E.W.S.
Veterans Day was observed a week ago and our city abounds with many places to reflect every day about peace as well as the sacrifices and dedication to serve in the name of freedom. Patriotic tributes stand throughout Naperville from Veterans Park to the Riverwalk and from Central Park to Burlington Square Park, just for starters.
Leaves are falling
Whenever it’s damp outside with the threat of rain, be sure to clear your curbside drains from the new-fallen leaves to help prevent possible flooding. Thanks a bunch! The City’s Curbside Leaf Collection continues through November 23, etc. …
Once crews have completed the final bulk curbside collection in your area, remember to rake all remaining leaves to help keep drains open and prevent flooding.
Meanwhile, enjoy the ever-changing colors of the mature trees in Central Park, throughout the Naperville Historic District and the campus of North Central College and all along the Riverwalk, too!
And venture to Downtown Naperville, a happening place chock full of reasons to window shop and go inside, too!
From the Main Street Promenade to Washington Corners and all points in between, find plenty of reasons to shop, have books signed, dine and be entertained by all the new development in the city’s central business district.
Stop by Naperville Plaza at Washington and Gartner to plan for the upcoming holidays. See the spacious additions at Oswald’s Pharmacy and Casey’s Foods. On weekends, weather permitting, Casey’s will grill during lunchtime on the patio every Saturday and Sunday. And visit look for other independents displaying the bright red sign such as First Community Financial Bank where they recently celebrated their first $1 billion in assets!
Or venture north or south along Route 59 to finds signs of celebrations. And in the spirit of public safety, always pay attention! Drive carefully.
When you head to the Hotel Arista at CityGate Centre or Top Golf on Naperville’s northwest side, be mindful of the new traffic configuration at I-88 and Route 59 that may create a little confusion for first-time users. As always, drive with caution. The innovative diverging diamond interchange is expected to enhance traffic flow on and off I-88.
(Note: The first diverging diamond interchange opened to traffic in the state of Illinois on I-57 at Marion on August 12, 2015. Diverging diamond interchanges are now operational in 18 states across the nation, with plans to construct them in six other states.)
Our community is blessed and we are grateful!
Historic Meson Sabika, located at 1025 Aurora Ave., offers a variety of spaces for special holiday parties.
Happy Thanksgiving to all! Meson Sabika and Tapas Valencia again will open their doors on Thanksgiving Day for anyone in need who would appreciate a complimentary traditional turkey dinner. 2,500 reservations are completely booked at the Naperville location.
Limited seating for Thanksgiving is available at Tapas Valencia in Chicago. For info, call (630) 983-3000 x2 by November 19, 2015.
The Naperville Noon Lions Club Turkey Trot 5K is Thanksgiving Day! Register now! Register in advance only for the family-friendly run or walk on Nov. 26.
City Notes courtesy of the City of Naperville — Updated Nov. 18, 2015 — Photos by PN
COMMUNITY EVENTS
New thru November 18
“IN THE GAME” SCREENING. The community is invited to a free screening of “In the Game” at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18 at Waubonsie Valley High School, 2590 Ogden Ave., Aurora. “In the Game” is a documentary that follows the ups and downs of a girls’ soccer team to reveal the very real obstacles that low-income students confront in their quest for higher education. A panel discussion with the producer and several of the students in the film will follow the screening. For more information about the film, visit http://inthegamedoc.com.
New thru November 19
LIFE LESSONS IN LOSS AND GRIEF. Learn how to support individuals with developmental disabilities through the difficult experiences of loss, illness and death at this informational session from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 19 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 815 S. Washington St. For more information or to register, contact Laurie at (630) 922-3232 or jeruefamily@comcast.net.
New thru November 19
BROWN BAG LECTURES. Bring a sack lunch to the library at 12:30 p.m. and stay for an engaging lecture beginning at 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 19 at 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive. This month, Jim Gibbons returns to discuss “Chicago’s Mayor Richard J. Daley: The Man, His Times, and the City He Loved.” For more information, visit www.naperville-lib.org.
New thru November 19
FREE MOVIE @THE LIBRARY. The library will screen “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” (rated PG-13) from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 19 at Naper Blvd. Library, 2035 S. Naper Blvd. For more information, visit www.naperville-lib.org.
New thru November 19
SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCE FAIR. The Indian Prairie Special Needs Parent Teacher Association is hosting a free Resource Fair from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 19 at Peterson Elementary School, 4008 Chinaberry Lane. Visit with more than 60 local resource providers, therapists and community support groups who provide resources for children and adults with special needs. For more information, visit http://ipsdweb.ipsd.org/ipsn.
New thru November 20
TOYS FOR TOTS GALA. The 6th annual Toys For Tots Gala in support of DuPage County Toys For Tots will kick off the holiday season at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 20 at the Hilton of Lisle, Naperville, 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle. The public is invited to attend, and each attendee is asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the event. For more information, visit www.dupage-il.toysfortots.org.
New thru November 21
HOMEOWNERS CONFEDERATION MEETING. Hear from the directors of Naperville’s Electric and Water/Wastewater Departments about rates and billing, upcoming capital projects, assistance programs and more at the Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation meeting on Saturday, November 21 at 8 a.m. at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St. For more information, visit www.napervillehomeowners.com.
New thru November 21
“A TRIBUTE TO BENNY GOODMAN.” North Central College presents “A Tribute to Benny Goodman,” featuring swing music from the ‘30s and ‘40s performed by The Julian Bliss Septet. The concert begins at 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, in Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. For more information, call (630) 637-7469 or visit www.northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.
Starts November 21; New thru November 22
“TRIO AND TRIUMPH.” The DuPage Symphony Orchestra presents “Trio and Triumph,” featuring the Lysander Piano Trio at 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 21 and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 22 in Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (630) 637-7469 or visit www.northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.
New thru November 29
“FROSTY.” North Central College welcomes Theatreworks USA’s production of “Frosty,” a brand new rendition of the story of Frosty the Snowman, for two performances at noon and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 29 in Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (630) 637-7469 or visit www.northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.
Starts December 1; New thru December 2
CUP OF CHEER HOUSE WALK. Tour four Naperville homes decorated for the holidays, take part in holiday shopping and enjoy coffee, tea and homemade cookies during the Naperville Garden Club’s annual Cup of Cheer House Walk, Holiday Market and Tea from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, December 3 and 4. The event starts at the Harold and Eva White Activities Center, 325 E. Benton Ave. For more information, visitwww.napervillegardenclub.org.
New thru December 1
ALL-CITY DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION. Teams from all five Naperville high schools are invited to compete in an all-city tournament from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 6 at River Woods Elementary School, 2607 River Woods Drive. Teams must register by Tuesday, December 1 at 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.napervilleparks.org.
Starts December 4; New thru December 6
“THE SOMEWHAT TRUE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD.” Naperville North High School presents “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” at the North Performing Arts Center, 899 Mill St., at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 4; at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 5; and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 6. For tickets, visit www.naperville203.tix.com.
New thru December 5
HOLIDAY COOKIE WALK. Create your own selection of festive cookies, fudge, candies and dog treats for holiday treating or gifting at the Holiday Cookie Walk to benefit area homeless animals from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 5 at the Fifth Avenue Station, 200 E. Fifth Ave. For more information, contact (847) 852-0895 or sandyhollyboston@yahoo.com.
Starts December 5; New thru December 6
“LEGALLY BLONDE, JR.: THE MUSICAL.” Kids ages 8 through 18 are invited to audition for the BrightSide Theatre Youth Project production of “Legally Blonde, Jr.: The Musical” on Saturday, December 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St. or on Sunday, December 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1321 Ogden Ave. in Downers Grove. For more information, visit www.brightsidetheatre.com.
New thru December 5
“CHRISTMAS PRESENCE ADVENT CONCERT.” The Naperville Men’s Glee Club presents the “Christmas Presence Advent Concert,” a program of music about the anticipation and joy of Christmas, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 5 at St. Margaret Mary Parish, 1450 Green Trails Drive. For more information, call (630) 448-0518 or visit www.napervillemensgleeclub.org.
New thru December 6
“CHRISTMAS PRESENCE YOUNG AT HEART.” Fun for the entire family, “Christmas Presence Young at Heart” is a one-hour concert by the Naperville Men’s Glee Club that celebrates the joys of the holiday season through music. The concert begins at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, at Knox Presbyterian Church, 1105 Catalpa Lane. For more information, call (630) 448-0518 or visit www.napervillemensgleeclub.org.
Starts December 7; New thru December 18
BOOK SALE. The library will host a 25-cent book sale at 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive, from Monday, December 7 through Friday, December 18. The sale will include books, CDs and DVDs. For more information, visitwww.naperville-lib.org.
Starts December 12; New thru December 13
HOLIDAY MANSION TOURS. Take a guided tour of the Martin Mitchell Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, decked out in full Edwardian splendor for the holiday season by the Naperville Garden Club. Tours will be held at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13 at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St. For more information, call (630) 420-6010 or visit www.napersettlement.org.
New thru December 13
THE LEGEND OF ST. NICHOLAS. A presentation of “The Legend of St. Nicholas” will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 13 at Naper Settlement’s Century Memorial Chapel, 523 S. Webster St. This History Speaks Lecture Series presentation will include festive tales and explain the influence of St. Nicholas on holiday traditions throughout the world. For more information, call (630) 420-6010 or visit www.napersettlement.org.
New thru December 16
GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING. Enjoy hot cocoa and festive holiday music while you decorate your own family gingerbread house on Wednesday, December 16 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. or from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Barn Recreation Center, 421 W. Martin Ave. For more information, call (630) 848-5000 or visit www.napervilleparks.org.
Good thru November 19
PARK DISTRICT HOLIDAY VOLUNTEER TRAINING WEBINAR. To help volunteers prepare to serve at popular Naperville Park District holiday events such as Santa House, the Park District is holding its second annual Holiday Volunteer Training webinar on Thursday, November 19 from 7 to 8 p.m. Volunteers are needed for Santa House, Olaf’s Birthday Bash, Skating with Santa and Donuts with Santa. To request the webinar invitation, contact Lynnette Hoole atlhoole@napervilleparks.org. To apply as a volunteer or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit www.napervilleparks.org.
Good thru November 20
“DEVELOPING YOUR PERSONAL PARENTING ROADMAP.” Create a personal “Parenting Roadmap” reference guide you can use as a checklist as you train your children to be productive citizens with strength of character from 9 to 11:15 a.m. on Friday, November 20 at Trinity Church of the Nazarene, 1451 Raymond Drive. For more information, visit www.growingkidschicago.org.
Good thru November 21
OPEN MIC NIGHT. Students from all five Naperville area high schools are invited to participate in an Open Mic Nite hosted by the Naperville Park District Youth Ambassadors on Saturday, November 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Riverwalk Eatery, 441 Aurora Ave. For more information, contact Program Manager Fred Gusel at fgusel@napervilleparks.org.
Good thru November 26
MILLENNIUM CARILLON RECITAL. Carillonneur Jim Brown’s Thanksgiving Day concert, which is the final Carillon special event this fall, will take place at noon on Thursday, November 26 at the Millennium Carillon, 443 Aurora Ave.
Starts November 27; Good thru January 1
NAPER LIGHTS. Stroll the grounds of Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., and experience a holiday lights celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays from Friday, November 27 through Friday, January 1. For more information, visit www.napersettlement.org.
Starts November 2; Good thru November 28
“MARY POPPINS.” The School of Performing Arts presents Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins” at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 27 and at 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 28 at Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. For more information, visit www.schoolofperformingarts.com.
Good thru November 29
LITTLE FRIENDS PARADE OF LIGHTS. Bundle up for an evening of festivities, brightly lit floats and musical entertainment at the annual Little Friends Holiday Parade of Lights on Sunday, November 29. The parade begins on Jackson Avenue, just west of Eagle Street, at 5 p.m. Various festivities on the Main Stage, located at Main Street and Van Buren Avenue, will take place between 4 and 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.littlefriendsinc.org.
Starts December 1; Good thru December 23
SANTA HOUSE ON THE RIVERWALK. Take a special holiday trip to visit Santa on the Naperville Riverwalk at Jackson Avenue and Webster Street from Tuesday, December 1 through Wednesday, December 23. Times vary depending on day of the week. For specific times or themed events at Santa House, call (630) 848-5000 or visit www.napervilleparks.org/santahouse.
Good thru December 4
MAYOR’S COMMUNITY BREAKFAST. The community is invited to join Mayor Steve Chirico and featured speaker Michael Vickery of the Institute for Community for an early morning of inspirational speakers and music at the 11thannual Mayor’s Community Breakfast beginning at 6:30 a.m. on Friday, December 4 at the Fry Family YMCA, 1220 W. 95th St. For more information, contact Jane Bowers at (630) 420-0960 or jbowers@ymcachicago.org.
Good thru December 5
COOKIE WALK & BOUTIQUE. Buy by the pound, purchase pre-packaged or stroll among the tables of a vast assortment of cookies at the Guild of St. Patrick’s Residence’s annual Christmas Cookie Walk & Boutique from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, December 5 at St. Patrick’s Residence, 1400 Brookdale Road. Cookie bakers are also sought. For more information, contact Jill Whitledge at (630) 416-6565, ext. 528, or jwhitledge@stpatricksresidence.org.
Good thru December 5
SKATING WITH SANTA. Celebrate the season and skate with Santa beginning at noon on Saturday, December 5 at Rocket Ice Arena, 180 Canterbury Lane, Bolingbrook. Participants enjoy private ice time, photo opportunities with Santa, holiday music and hot chocolate. For more information or to register, call (630) 848-5000 or visit www.napervilleparks.org.
Good thru December 5
VICTORIAN HOLIDAY TRADITIONS. Indulge in a guided, holiday-themed tour of the Martin Mitchell Mansion, classically adorned for the season, and then learn about Victorian holiday traditions in the historic Tavern from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 5 at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St. For more information, call (630) 420-6010 or visit www.napersettlement.org.
Good thru December 7
WELCOME COFFEE. Join the Naperville Newcomers and Neighbors Club for a welcome coffee on Monday, December 7 at 11 a.m. at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street. Children are welcome along with new and established residents looking to socialize and/or become involved in a wide variety of activities. For more information, visit www.napervillenewcomersandneighborsclub.com.
Good thru December 27
MILLENNIUM CARILLON WEEKLY RECITALS AND CONCERTS. Weekly recitals and concerts at the Millennium Carillon, 443 Aurora Ave., are held every Saturday at noon and Sunday at 3 p.m. through December. For more information, visit www.Naperville-Carillon.org.
Happy Thanksgiving!
THE NAPERVILLE NOON LIONS CLUB TURKEY TROT 5k IS THANKSGIVING DAY! Register now!
Register in advance for the family-friendly run or walk on Nov. 26.
After the Turkey Trot, gather at Quigley’s Irish Pub Thanksgiving morning to celebrate another fun run. Celebrate safely. Cheers!
GENERAL INFORMATION
Citizens Appreciate Public Safety (CAPS) is now accepting orders for commemorative bricks to be placed at the Fire and Police Memorial in the Naperville Public Safety Center. For more information, visit www.napervillecaps.com.
Citizens Appreciate Public Safety recently established a Commemorative Brick Program to augment the sculpture in the Public Safety Memorial Plaza located in the Naperville Public Safety Center. Individuals who would like to make a contribution to CAPS in support of the plaza may purchase a commemorative personalized brick ($250 each) by visiting napervillecaps.com and/or contacting Ruthi Sommers at sommersr@naperville.il.us or 630-305-5900. Thanks for appreciating first responders.
New thru November 26
THANKSGIVING OBSERVED. All three library buildings will be closed at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25 and will remain closed all day Thursday, November 26 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. The libraries will be open at 9 a.m. on Friday, November 27.
New thru December 18
PARK DISTRICT WINTER PROGRAM GUIDE. The Naperville Park District Winter 2016 Program Guide will be delivered to Naperville doorsteps beginning Thursday, December 3. If you are a Naperville resident and do not receive yours by Monday, December 7, please call (630) 848-5000 through Monday, December 18 to request prompt redelivery.
Good thru November 26
PARK DISTRICT THANKSGIVING CLOSURES. The Naperville Park District Administration Building, 320 W. Jackson Ave., will be closed on Thursday, November 26 through Sunday, November 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Additional recreational facilities will also be closed on Thursday, November 26. For more information, visit www.napervilleparks.org.
Good thru November 28
THANKSGIVING OBSERVED. The Naperville Municipal Center and all other non-emergency City offices and buildings closed in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27.
Good thru December 5
DIGITAL FOOTPRINT VIDEO CONTEST. Students in Indian Prairie School District 204 and Naperville Community Unit School District 203 are invited to submit student-created videos individually or as a group to help promote cyber-safety and combat electronic bullying. Entries are due by Saturday, December 5. For more information, visit www.ipsd.org.
New thru May 22
LIBRARY SUNDAY HOURS. Nichols and 95th Street libraries will be open from 1 to 9 p.m. every Sunday through May 22. Stop in to get last-minute projects, homework or reading time in before the week begins. Naper Blvd. Library will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. every Sunday. For more information, visit www.naperville-lib.org.
NAPER NOTIFY. Naper Notify provides emergency and quality-of-life information via phone call, text message, email or smart phone app. For more information and to sign up, visit www.napernotify.com.
SMART911. When you make an emergency call from a registered phone, Smart911 displays your profile on the 9-1-1 call taker’s screen. To register, visit www.naperville.il.us/smart911.aspx.
POWER OUTAGES. If you are experiencing a power outage, please report it 24 hours a day, seven days a week to Naperville City Dispatch by calling (630) 420-6187.
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE FACILITY. Household Hazardous Waste may be safely disposed of at the new drop-off facility located at 156 Fort Hill Drive. For more information, visit www.naperville.il.us/hhw.aspx.
HOLIDAY GARBAGE COLLECTION. When residential garbage collection falls on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving or Christmas, pickup will resume one day later for the remainder of the week.
NAPERVILLE SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM. The Naperville Search and Rescue Team helps locate persons who are missing and in distress. They also may assist with evidence recovery and help out at local festivals, such as Ribfest and Last Fling. For more information, contact Judy Cittadino at beyondthefinish@yahoo.com.
“CLUNKER” VEHICLE DONATIONS. The Naperville Fire Department is seeking donations of used and otherwise “clunker” vehicles. To donate, contact Ruthi Sommers at (630) 305-5900.
MUNICIPAL VOLUNTEER PROGRAM. The City of Naperville has shifts for its front desk reception volunteer position. If you are interested, contact bradleyj@naperville.il.us to obtain an application.
ONLINE LIBRARY NEWSLETTER. Patrons can subscribe to the Naperville Public Library’s monthly newsletter to receive up-to-date library news by visiting http://bit.ly/nplnewsletter.
RECYCLE MY FRIDGE. Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) customers can recycle secondary refrigerators and receive a prepaid card. For more information, visit www.RecycleMyFridge.org.
FIRST AID AND CPR/AED TRAINING. The City is offering first aid, CPR and AED certification classes for residents and businesses. For more information, visit www.naperville.il.us/cpraed.aspx.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT HOURS. The Finance Department is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 7:30AM to 5PM and Wednesdays from 10AM to 2PM.
MUNICIPAL MEETING SCHEDULE
Please note that all meeting locations listed below are rooms in the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St., unless otherwise indicated.
Planning and Zoning Commission: Wednesday, November 18, 7 p.m., Council Chambers
City Council Budget Workshop: Monday, November 23, 6 p.m., Council Chambers
Board of Fire and Police Commissioners: Tuesday, November 24, 4 p.m., Mayor’s Conference Room
And there’s more on this website…
Charity Golf Season has hanged up the clubs for the season. To plan for next year, find listings at Charity Golf to note when golf events typically are held.
Links to regular meeting schedule for other municipal governing bodies…
Also check out PN’s Events Calendar for other events as well as to help plan next week and upcoming weekends. On the navigation bar atop the Events Calendar, find calendars specific to Runs & Walks, Charity Golf (Updated!), Festivals & Traditions over the course of the year as well as this month’s Book Events hosted by Anderson’s, North Central College Performing Arts and happenings at Naper Settlement.
Read all about it!
For a view of PN’S Latest N.E.W.S. in between issues, CLICK HERE.
Thanks for supporting the arts—culinary, performing and fine!
