As we were preparing this issue, mindful that students are back in school, Last Fling is set for Labor Day weekend, and public safety is everybody’s responsibility, we also got to thinking about the humongous number of contributors upfront and behind the scenes who have shared their thoughts and insights to bring us to September 2016.
We noted our first columnist, Barb Dwyer; first poet, Greg Asimakoupoulos; first teen webmaster, Ben Cross; first teen intern, Daphne Tice; first contributing writer, Frank Allston; first contributing historian, Frank Osterland; first Realtor, Gene Darfler; and many other firsts who lent their time and talents.
Of course, we’ll always be grateful to the first folks who supported our vision as we sought to find 10 sponsoring advertisers before we launched. When we were stuck on eight, one of our outspoken supporters said, “Get on with it or stop talking about it,” so we did.
While several of our original sponsors have retired or moved on to other ventures, Ray Kinney, Rick Spencer and Dick Kuhn have been constants, running with us since the beginning.
Ever since, our adventurous ride along an often bumpy, winding road with uncertain turns has been powered by dozens of local business owners.
Sometimes we feel like a broken record when we express our gratitude while telling our story.
Yet, just the other day when I was in Dean’s Fine Clothing taking photos, a women I’ve known for years was surprised to learn that Positively Naperville has been my private independent creative venture. She seemed interested, wanting to know more about my quest to promote small, independent businesses; advancing the choice to shop, dine, bank, entertain and volunteer locally whenever possible.
And while representing free enterprise, we like to say we’ve highlighted opportunities to explore our natural open spaces that dot our developed landscape. From the Riverwalk to Knoch Knolls Park, DuPage River Park to MicDowell Grove and beyond, the beauty of nature abounds every day. Let wildlife be wild!
Life goes on in the city where we’ve enjoyed chronicling 15 years of growth and development, sometimes met with challenges. Sometimes we wish we’d been more outspoken about some of the plans.
The back-to-school theme reminds us of educational opportunities for upcoming elections. Many residents have complimented our Election Guides that focus on local candidates. Meanwhile, we hope the community will watch public meetings where residents question public officials eyeball to eyeball. People care here. They want answers.
Yet even during times that test us, most local citizens pull together via education, communication and connection to strive for a better future.
Finally, after 15 years, we received the most adorable PN-focused photo ever. The photo captures Nicki and Bill Anderson’s granddaughter, Matilda Sue, devouring the August issue of PN.
Again, many thanks for reading!
—Stephanie Penick
