Harvest happenings and Halloween haunts throughout the city create a cornucopia of opportunities like no other month. So many in fact, our printed pages are simply a sampling. Brewing with Oktoberfest events, sweeping off with Witches Night Out on Oct. 10 and rolling toward the Pumpkin Race on Oct. 26 plenty occurs in between and before Jack O’ Lanterns glow in your neighborhood to welcome traditional trick-or-treaters on Oct. 31.
Local media outlets recently received a news release about the 10th Annual Oktoberfest at Naper Settlement that came with an enlightening story about German immigrants, Stenger Breweries, and many good reasons to celebrate yesterday today. The story featuring Naperville resident Ron Stenger, his son, Nick, and seven generations of his family’s entrepreneurial Bavarian roots reminded us of other local risk-taking entrepreneurs who also found Naperville to be the perfect place to live, play and set up shop.
Many of those local business also have lasted for decades, if not generations. Beidelman’s enterprises date back to 1861, Oswald’s Pharmacy to 1875, Anderson’s Bookshop to 1875, Kreger’s Brat & Sausage Haus to 1893, Friedrich-Jones to 1918, Dean’s Fine Clothing to 1969, to name just a few that have endured the test of changing times.
The Riverwalk Farmers Monument lists Naperville’s enterprising farm families with their deep pioneer roots. (See photo above with the Farmers Plaza at Eagle Street.)
The cornerstone on Old Main at North Central College, chartered in 1861, reflects its move to Naperville in 1870.
The cornerstone at the Kroehler YMCA was laid in 1910. The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce was established in 1913.
And philanthropic organizations such as the Euclid Lodge of Ancient and Accepted Masons since 1849 and Naperville Woman’s Club since 1897 touch three centuries with commitment to faith, hope and charity.
With rich history in mind, active folks in this city with a population of nearly 150,000 individuals continually work to meet the challenges that unite us, trying to avoid obstacles that get in the way of a successful future. Our generous can-do spirit embraced since Joe Naper’s arrival in 1831 as well as employment provided via the high-tech corporate corridor and the growing array of small and independent businesses benefit Naperville’s economy, our diversity and our lifestyle.
Share your opinions without cheers or jeers!
Right now proposed issues welcome public feedback, complete with pros and cons. Pay attention to budget workshops, the Fifth Avenue Redevelopment Project, recreational marijuana laws, a new policy about food trucks and more.
Try to consider unintended consequences. Your voice matters at City Council, Park Board and School Board meetings.
Public opinion helped save our ash!
‘Tis also the beginning of taking time every day to experience the gorgeous autumn season when parkway trees create colorful canopies along neighborhood streets before they fall for the annual cycles of leaf collection that begin Oct. 21. Many of us continue to be grateful that City of Naperville foresters helped save our ash with special treatment when the invasive Emerald Ash Borer came to town back in 2008.
Celebrate safely. Never park on top of leaf piles. Make healthy choices. Thanks for reading. Happy Halloween!
– Stephanie Penick, PN Publisher
