Above / At least one family of Naperville residents puts the big rock in their front yard to good use to celebrate all-American holidays! This month they’re prepared for St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.
Whether a “SHAM” rock for St. Patrick’s Day, “‘Rock'”-ets red glare” for Independence Day (not pictured), “Plymouth Rock” for Thanksgiving or “Jingle Bell Rock” for the Christmas holidays, years ago folks along Whispering Hills started a tradition with the big rock of ages in their front yard, always creating a joyful message for passersby to appreciate.
Rock along the Naperville Riverwalk
Along the Naperville Riverwalk, milestone markers on big rocks designate our City’s Centennial Anniversary in 1931 (above), and DuPage County’s Sesquicentennial in 1989 (below). Look for them along the winding brick path whenever visiting the community’s natural treasure in the heart of downtown Naperville.
Keep walking and you just might meet up with a honking Canada goose near the Farmers Plaza along the Riverwalk.
Tune into the North Central College award-winning radio station, WONC, for some “Pure Rock” around the clock at 89.1 FM. Since 1968, WONC has been the College’s student-run broadcast station in the heart of Naperville. Today the station’s programming is described as “AOR.” AOR is “radio lingo” for album-oriented rock. Listen to find a balance between classic rock and new rock.
Spectators Welcome!
Getting back to the message of the cover photo “SHAMrock,” for the past year, the West Suburban Irish had been planning a week of special events, sure to entertain everybody who wants to be Irish in honor of St. Patrick. Singers, bagpipe players, Irish dancers, runners and participants with parade entries were energized to put on some green to launch the new season of events. Thousands of spectators prepared to watch!
Then came the announcement that the weekend events were canceled due to the pandemic coronavirus.
West Suburban Irish Mass and Soda Bread Reception / 6:30PM, Mon., March 9, at St Raphael Church, 1215 Modaff Road, Napervile, Illinois.
Rotary Club of Naperville-Sunrise St. Paddy’s Day 5K / 8AM Sat., March 14, in downtown Naperville. Canceled for 2020
West Suburban Irish St. Patrick’s Parade / 10AM Sat., March 14, in downtown Naperville. Dr. Mark Goodwin is serving as Grand Marshal for this year’s festivities. Canceled for 2020
For 2020, WSI President Mike Reilly and three of the most recent past Grand Marshals —Nancy Quigley, Chuck Corrigan and Christine Jeffries— served on the committee to select the 2020 Grand Marshal. Dr. Mark Goodwin was chosen for his big heart as well as his rock-solid love for life, his family, his kids, his golf game and Notre Dame.
“A Chicagoan through and through, Dr. Goodwin hails from the Englewood neighborhood on the south side,” said Reilly. “Both sets of his grandparents emigrated from Ireland in the 1920s and we’re thrilled that he’ll be this year’s Honorary Grand Marshal in our St. Patrick’s Parade.”
The 2020 WSI Collectible Scarf, the sale of which serves as a fundraiser for the nonprofit group, is still $5. Scarfs are available at Quigley’s Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson Ave.
Cheers to good health, happiness and the luck of the Irish! And rock on with thoughts of the Blarney Stone, considered in Irish lore to grant those individuals who kiss it with the “gift of the gab.”
If the news that the City of Naperville has canceled local St. Patrick’s events has rocked your routine for the weekend, keep kindness top of the morning and every day.
Sláinte!
A few more things… Remember that St. Patrick’s Day also is Primary Election Day in Illinois. Click here for PN’s Voters Guide, a listing of candidates running to serve Naperville. Polls will be open from 6AM to 7PM on Tues., March 17.
The drawing for the trip to Ireland is set to take place at Quigley’s Irish Pub on St. Patrick’s Day.
The three-leaved shamrock in Ireland was used by Saint Patrick to illustrate the doctrine of the Trinity. The popular symbol for Ireland has grown to stand for faith, hope and love. A fourth leaf is where the Irish find a bit of luck, folklore says.
