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Naperville
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Memories of March and what a time it’s been in Naperville, Illinois, and way beyond

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Above / Good Morning! Daylight Saving Time 2020 in Illinois began at 2AM on Sun., March 8, the time to set clocks forward until Daylight Saving Time ends at 1:59:59AM Sun., Nov. 1. Spring began last evening, March 19. Today is the first full day of the season when nature appears to come alive with striking colors to spark basic needs that provide faith, hope and charity during this uncharted challenging time.

Most Thursdays PN publishes “Things to Do this Weekend in Naperville.”

Update, March 26, 2020 / Mindful of the pandemic, Coronaviris (aka COVID-19) is not discriminating, so we must carry on in sync, keep calm and be prepared for Stay-at-Home Weekend #2.

Take precautions. Wash your hands. Cover coughs and sneezes. Be a good example for young ones who might be watching. Help them feel safe. Eat nourishing food. Drink plenty of liquids. Exercise. 

Stay home if at all possible. Keep six feet away from other individuals. It’s OK to take walks outside.

Stick to the facts. Use commonsense. Stay healthy.

Folks tell us they’ve been cleaning out closets. Couples are having dinner with friends and conversations via Zoom.

Go find old photo albums that bring back fond memories. Share stories. Listen.

Write down your thoughts. Keep a family journal. Compare notes.

Clear an area on a table and begin working a jigsaw puzzle.

Play charades. Play “Celebrity Fish Bowl” (Fun game for four or more individuals. Find rules online.).  Play board games.

Find a deck of cards. Practice shuffling. Play solitaire. Deal for gin, bridge, euchre or poker. Just deal!

Deal with facts

We have found Worldometer to provide concise up-to-date data, details and charts with global and state-by-state information. 

Learn the “15 Days to Slow the Spread” now in progress.

With the unpredictability of this pandemic, webmaster Tim and I want to reassure our readers that every attempt will be to bring you up-to-date, hyperlocal news posts, aiming to be a trusted source of information brought to you by our forever-appreciated sponsoring advertisers and monthly subscribers. Throughout these challenging times, factual information from reliable sources must remain available to all our dedicated readers.

Further, since January 22, 2020, this website has been providing info first submitted then by Edward-Elmhurst Health.

Also search “Coronavirus” for posts from local school districts, nonprofit local social services as well as Linden Oaks at Edward on this hyperlocal website connected to the World Wide Web.


Update, March 21, 2020 / This repost yesterday on the first full day of spring was intended to be a reminder of the generous can-do spirit that has united this community every month throughout the year since the early days of its development and growth that began back in 1831. We appreciate the dedicated volunteers and event planners whose projects and fundraisers are now canceled or postponed. We also express extreme gratitude to all folks on the front lines of public service. Adhere to all precautions recommended and be safe.

Also, ignore “Upcoming Events” available on the homepage of this website. That feature has not been updated by the folks who handle it for PN and other media groups. Thanks.

Please note! For many years, PN has joined advocates who think Daylight Saving Time all year round would benefit our population and many daily routines.

Certainly, now with some extra time on your hands, you might consider some investigation. Click here for previous PN post. If you agree (or disagree), talk to your State and Federal representatives. Share you opinion. Times they are a changin’, in our opinion, for the need to change time twice a year! Perhaps as a diversion and as we mentioned, now is a time to do some internet research regarding pros and cons of Daylight Saving Time.


When voting early in the Illinois Primary Election at the Naperville Municipal Center, allow a little extra time to treat yourself to the School District 203 Student Art Show, now on display.

Be prepared to vote on Primary Election Day on March 17, 2020! Voting Early is now daily until March 16 at the Naperville Municipal Center.

Friday Night Fish Fry at Judd Kendall VFW (4:30-7:30PM every Friday during Lent through April 10, 2020) CANCELED

Seafood specials at Catch 35 every day during Lent / Also Friday Fish Fry (Now through April 10, 2020) CANCELED

Performing Arts and Art Gallery Events at North Central College (All Month) CANCELED

Editor’s Note / To save space, all the calendar listings below are linked to the sponsoring organization’s website where readers will find more info regarding who, what, when, where and why. Alert! Most are Canceled.

Events that are free of admission are marked ***. Thanks for reading!

When Barbara Walsh’s Irish eyes are smiling, it’s time for singing “The Wearing of The Green.”

Naperville puts on the green, now through St. Patrick’s Day, March 17

Annual Pictures with the Leprechaun at Quigley’s Irish Pub  (10AM-2PM March 8, 2020)***

St. Baldrick’s  (Various local events / Search “Naperville.”)

Tim Belgio and Tom Belgio, independent business owners of Belgio’s Catering, are particularly present throughout the March event season with the weekly Friday Night Fish Fry at the VFW and Rotary Sunrise St. Paddy’s 5K.

IndieBound Naperville (Independent Businesses) Meets / Kreger’s Brat & Sausage Haus (6PM March 9, 2020)

West Suburban Irish host Irish Mass & Soda Bread Reception at St. Raphael (6:30PM March 9, 2020)***

Public Safety & Health Forum / Recreational Cannabis (6:45PM March 9)***

Visit Veterans at Hines V.A. Hospital / Play Bingo! Depart from VFW, 908 W. Jackson (6PM March 10)***

“Uncork Your Support” / Ronald McDonald Family Room at Edward at Cress Creek CC (6PM March 12, 2020)

Think green and sunshine! Celebrate safely. Sláinte! Canceled!

Remember! The Naperville Police Department will conduct special patrols this St. Patrick’s Day weekend to crack down on impaired drivers and encourage people to wear seat belts.

Rotary/Sunrise St. Paddy’s Day 5K (8AM March 14, 2020) Spectators Welcome!*** CANCELED FOR 2020

Above / The first parade of the year in downtown Naperville is the St. Patrick’s Parade, set to begin at 10AM on the Saturday in March before St. Patrick’s Day. Hosted by the West Suburban Irish, the sounds of bag pipers and the steps of the McNulty Irish Dancers entertain spectators. Collectible scarfs with an Irish theme also are sold along the parade route for $5 each. In 2020, revelers expected to celebrate St. Patrick on March 14, then again with Michael Finnegan on March 17. (March 14 events were canceled.) Note also on March 21, 2020, McNulty Irish Dancers were scheduled to perform at the American Legion Dinner Social, also canceled.

WSI St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Naperville (10AM March 14, 2020)*** CANCELED FOR 2020

Naperville loves its parades!

Memories from WSI St. Patrick’s Parade 2019 / Photo Gallery

Memories from WSI St. Patrick’s Parade 2018 / Photo Gallery

Memories from WSI St. Patrick’s Parade 2017 / Photo Gallery

Memories from WSI St. Patrick’s Parade 2016 / Photo Gallery

Naperville Big Band Jazz Fest at Neuqua Valley High School (March 14, 2020) Postponed

North Central College Arts Calendar CANCELED

Watch CBS when NCAA Basketball bracket is set on the Road to the Final Four! (March 15, 2020) CANCELED FOR 2020

Image is from 2019 State of the City Address. (PN File Photo)

Mayor’s State of City Address at Marriott / Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (11AM March 16, 2020) POSTPONED UNTIL MAY 18, 2020

Alert to local hospitality business owners & general managers! On March 18, 2020, Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico signed an executive order extending all currently issued liquor licenses that were due to expire on April 30, 2020. All executive orders issued by Mayor Chirico under the current declaration of local emergency (signed on March 17, 2020) will be posted to the City’s COVID-19 webpage at www.naperville.il.us/coronavirus-resources.


Primary Election Day in Illinois / St. Patrick’s Day!

Be prepared in March to Vote! Vote Primary Election Day… (6AM-7PM March 17, 2020) CLICK FOR RESULTS!

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Quigley’s Irish Pub with live music & more! (March 17, 2020) CANCELED 

Alert! Postponed Until May/June! Fifth Annual Celebration of St. Patrick’s Day at Naperville Senior Center

2020 March Madness Tips Off / Watch CBS on March 15 when bracket is set on the Road to the Final Four! CANCELED FOR 2020


Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce “Advocacy Day” Trip to Springfield (March 18, 2020)

West Suburban Irish Sessions at Quigley’s Irish Pub / Musicians & Public Welcome!  (March 18, 2020)*** CANCELED.

For information with participating restaurants, visit www.dinenaperville.com.

Naperville Education Foundation Annual Building a Passion Breakfast (7AM-9AM March 19, 2020) CANCELED FOR 2020

2020 Census forms arrive via USPS letter carriers. Take the 2020 Census online! (March 19, 2020)

Spring arrives 2020!  (10:50PM Thursday, March 19, 2020)

Happy Birthday, Ashley! (March 20, 2020)

Rotary Sunrise Canned Food Collection at Naperville Country Club (7-8:30AM, March 20, 2020)

Friday Night Fish Fry at Judd Kendall VFW (4:30-7:30PM every Friday during Lent through April 10, 2020) CANCELED 

Seafood specials at Catch 35 every day during Lent / Also Friday Fish Fry (Now through April 10, 2020) CANCELED 

Downtown Naperville Gift Cards come in all sizes for dinner, shopping and entertaining in the heart of the City! Order gift cards online at www.downtownnaperville.com. Thank you.

Spring Style Weekend in Downtown Naperville (March 20 through March 22) CANCELED FOR 2020

Monthly Dinner/Social with St. Patrick’s Day theme hosted by American Legion Post 43 (6PM March 21, 2020) CANCELED FOR 2020

Naperville Helps! with lunches for healthcare providers & first responders (Noon, March 23, 24, 25, 26 & 27)

Kaz Zymantas, DDS, presents free Seminar on Implants (7PM March 26, 2020)***

Social Distance Fishing in May Watts Park linked to Memories (March 25, 2020)

Things to Do!

Give the gift of life. Donate via Naperville Park District Blood Drive. (March 28, April 4 & April 11, 2020)

Quigley’s Irish Pub reopens for weekend curbside pick-up. Check the menu (March 27, 2020)

Yes! Meson Sabika’s signature bacon-wrapped dates are on the to-go menu!

Meson Sabika continues take-out service with menu specials including sangria & wine (March 27, 2020)

Chili Cook-Off & Benefit Auction at the VFW (6PM March 28, 2020) CANCELED FOR 2020

Spring Break begins in School District 203 and School District 204 (March 30, 2020)

Everyone counts on Census Day 2020! Take part! Be counted! No fooling! (April 1, 2020) ***

Seafood specials at Catch 35 every day during Lent / Also Friday Fish Fry (Closed until further notice) CANCELED 

Friday Night Fish Fry at Judd Kendall VFW (4:30-7:30PM every Friday during Lent returns in 2021) CANCELED 


Editor’s Note / This page, a sampling of many traditional events that welcome participation, would have been updated continually with hyperlocal events throughout the month of March. But because of the pandemic, most planned events have been canceled. Thanks for taking time to get to know what usually is happening in this active can-do community.  Keep calm and stay healthy.

Mindful of the challenges we’ve all confronted during this month, we found cheerful yellow signs of springtime in Sindt Woods along the Riverwalk on March 12, 2020. We also were inspired by the words by Rabbi Yosef Kanevsky, forwarded by Naperville Municipal Band Board President Jon Walter…

“Every hand that we don’t shake must become a phone call that we place. Every embrace that we avoid must become a verbal expression of warmth and concern. Every inch and every foot that we physically place between ourselves and another, must become a thought as to how we might be of help to that other, should the need arise.” —Rabbi Yosef Kanevsky of Los Angeles

RELATED PN POSTS IN MARCH 2020 / Thanks for reading. Please consider that all events are canceled. Be alert to internet and phone scams. We appreciate your trust as we aim to help keep the community safe and healthy with information from the City of Naperville, schools and health departments. etc.

 

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PN Editor
PN Editor
An editor is someone who prepares content for publishing. It entered English, the American Language, via French. Its modern sense for newspapers has been around since about 1800.

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