Above / Back in August 2001, many members of the Naperville Jaycees and its Roosters posed for a photo that appeared on the first cover of Positively Naperville, launched on Sept. 1 during the Last Fling. Funny thing happened after a neighborhood youngster passed out that first edition to spectators waiting for the Labor Day Parade to begin on Sept. 3. What a sight to see folks all along the parade route reading PN! Unfortunately, PN’s editor went to the parade without her camera. Nonetheless, the idea for “Catch someone reading PN” was begun 18 years ago. (Photo by Jo Lundeen)
When I was a kid, my mother’s birthday on Sept. 2 sometimes fell on Labor Day, as it does this year. Back then, school began immediately following the September holiday that marked the end of summer vacation. And everyone began a more scheduled routine.
In 2001, we added another deadline to our September schedule. September 1 was chosen as the date to publish the first issue of Positively Naperville in collaboration with the Jaycees Last Fling.
After a year of planning a strategy to connect the community with a monthly focus on the arts, hospitality, fundraising events, shopping locally and other noteworthy things that keep this community thriving as a safe place to live, work and play; the Naperville Jaycees and its Roosters agreed to be pictured on our first cover. The Jaycees Gazebo, a gift to the community with funds raised at earlier Last Flings, had just been completed along the Riverwalk near the Washington Street Bridge. Photographer Jo Lundeen’s photo of Naperville Jaycees at the gazebo helped launch this publication aimed at showcasing this community’s active lifestyle and can-do spirit.
Then, eleven days later, the horrific attacks on the World Trade Center stunned the world. The terrorist attack on New York City’s bustling Financial District, a top tourist attraction with Twin Towers that stood 110 stories high, representing America’s devotion to innovation, progress and the future, took the lives of nearly 3,000 individuals. This community further was overcome with grief with news that Naperville native Dan Shanower had been killed in the attack at the Pentagon where he served as a U.S. Navy Commander.
When American flags began to grace the landscape around City Hall and throughout every neighborhood, we recognized that our city had come together with love for liberty, prepared to move forward. Those images are still vibrant in my mind.
What’s more, as a young adult, I lived in Manhattan when the WTC was begun in 1973. The Windows of the World is where my husband and I celebrated our wedding day in July 1978. For even more reasons, publishing PN became a personal passion to showcase resilience, independence and hope for the future.
We’ll never forget the outpouring of love and respect for first responders that united a group of Naperville citizens led by Chuck Johanns to create the Sept. 11 Memorial, a Century Walk location and tribute to Cdr. Shanower and all victims of that fateful day.
And ever since the Sept. 11 Memorial was completed in 2003 along the Riverwalk, this community has never forgotten to take time to observe that “Freedom isn’t free.” This year’s Remembrance Ceremony is planned for 6PM Wed., Sept. 11.
Thanks for paying attention
Running an independent news source for 18 years has come with many ups and downs, always providing my curiosity with time to listen, learn and study the ever-changing value of the print medium that is challenged today by click bait, e-devices and social media. At Positively Naperville, we aim to share experiences, responsibly; presenting facts and welcoming thoughtful points of view in collaboration with our local columnists as we preview the month ahead. We hope you’ll smile as we forever wonder.
We value your time. We appreciate that you take an hour or so out of your month to read PN in print and online daily, chock full of upcoming events and lifestyle commentary from community contributors and supported by local advertising.
Psychologists continue to report an attitude of gratitude is good for health and heart. Other studies say focusing on matters with undivided attention makes folks happier. We appreciate your time and attention. Thanks for reading.
– Stephanie Penick, PN Publisher
