When preparing to launch the website for this hyper-local publication 17 years ago, we needed a name. While trying to find the right word to support Naperville (An adverb to create alliteration didn’t surface.), “positively” kept rising to the top to define our reach.
According to Random House Unabridged Dictionary, positively is defined as “1. With certainty, absolutely; 2. Decidedly, unquestionably, definitely; 3. Used to express strong affirmation; yes.”
Back in 2001, this city of risk-takers and can-doers was undergoing rapid growth, new development and an initiative that became known as “challenges that unite us.” Groups of residents had many different ideas and debatable opinions of future needs for the community.
Trying to determine the difference between wants, needs and nice-to-haves; and the funding sources that would support their development, care and maintenance received a lot of ink on newsprint.
And ever since, PN also has intended to present Naperville positively to highlight the arts, special events and fundraisers for worthwhile causes; and support successful solutions for handling humanitarian needs and social issues such as homelessness, hunger, domestic violence and addictive behaviors.
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The other day, my husband, who lends some of his time to keep the locations of PN newspaper racks filled with complimentary copies of the current issue, was confronted by a woman picking up PN who said, “You know, sensational stories are what make the news? Bad news is what sells.”
When Jim delivered the story home, he recounted his retort. “I asked her, ‘And what’s sensationalism doing for our children… and for our stress and mental well being? What about the power of the press to seek solutions?'”
And I flashed to my early morning walks, mindful of how few daily newspapers find their way to driveways these days, hopeful folks read online.
All that said, with my eyes wide open, I love my lifetime of learning and I value our daily newspapers, especially the opinion page.
Enjoy a lifetime of learning
About a year ago, my husband and I met John Dallas during a presentation at ENCLAVE, a learning-and-earning center he founded in Elk Grove Village. I invited Dallas to speak at the Rotary Club of Naperville/Downtown and we coordinated a date in June at which time he provided food for “uncommon sense” and thought when he offered his views on economics and how every individual would benefit from focusing on “T4” or “Think Things Through Thoroughly.” I’m trying.
Dallas’ talk brought to mind a column that appeared in the Muncie Star-Press on Father’s Day, one my 95-year-old dad encouraged me to read: “Midwest communities need fact-based leadership, not bromides” by Michael Hicks, Professor of Economics and Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University.
In his column, Hicks addressed civic-minded folks with positive outlooks that can be ineffective if they fail to address their community weaknesses openly and honestly.
Curious, I emailed the online link to the story to several community leaders in Naperville. I’m using two replies and I’ll never tell who responded.
“I get the general gist of this, but would have appreciated some more specifics,” one replied. “Also, where we live is not anything to measure what is happening elsewhere in what would be rural America.”
“Really interesting,” wrote another. “I think the article speaks to much of what is wrong with our community. Focusing on all that is right has never been the source of change. Hicks makes it clear when he says, ‘This old-fashioned economic development approach creates two problems. It causes communities to dodge tough realities, which – consequently – forestalls realistic, motivating and attainable goal setting. Well-meaning efforts to boost the positive aspects of a community necessarily cause civic leaders to shy away from public discussion of unpleasant facts.’ So true.”
All this brings to mind the difference between positive and positively.
Here’s hoping to continue to spotlight many ways individuals in this community can work to be better together by illuminating our unmet needs as well as our singular successes.
Enjoy a safe, thoughtful and meaningful July. Celebrate independence every day. Peace.
—PN
