Above / Blankets of bluebells have begun to blossom in Sindt Woods along the Riverwalk, another sign of springtime, even on an overcast morning. Enjoy the changing landscape during daily walks for exercise, keeping a distance of six feet and wearing a recommended face cover on local trails and walks. Thanks to all gardeners throughout the city for planting gardens in appropriate places for the community to view from sidewalks! Efforts are showing beautifully. Experience the natural beauty of every season. 

Hello, again! (Long post, lots of photos…)

Last weekend our Positively Naperville webmaster began a little spring cleaning and maintenance to better serve our online audience. Here’s hoping you find our pages faster now. 

April always is time to appreciate natural wonder in the Midwest, recognizing spring’s vibrant renewal. May Day is almost here with the added hope the pandemic is headed on a downward turn. Many business owners and workers we know are developing and following a whole array of new best practices, eager to return to the jobs they enjoy to serve the community. They’re also looking forward to special events they help sponsor that will take a “virtual” turn, displaying can-do spirit in support of the needs of nonprofits as well as the local economy.

Yesterday another extension of “Stay at Home” through May 30 was ordered by the Governor. The order opens up some opportunities to conduct business via phone and internet to be picked up curbside or just outside the door.

Folks have been forwarding cancellations and postponements.  

We admit, it’s difficult for this independent media outlet to keep up with so many requests. Plus, many emails also are filled with info that just is not 100 percent true.  We aim to earn our readers’ trust by presenting factual info and best practices. Beware of opportunists, mischief and shenanigans on social media.

Thanks for taking time and an interest get to know what’s still happening in this community. Many hyperlinks are included throughout this post to send you to other stories and local businesses ready to serve.

And as we’ve said since we launched this publication and its website in 2001, thanks for reading PN!

Stay tuned to local government next week and so on…

Be mindful that local school boards of education as well as the Naperville City Council, Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners and the Naperville Planning & Zoning Commission continue to meet. Though bodies of government who manage budgets are meeting remotely, watching local government in progress is as important as ever right here in your hometown.

Naperville Planning & Zoning Commission / The next Naperville Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting is set for 7PM Wed., April 29, via Zoom Webinar technology. That said, Zoom in not needed to watch the meeting via normal cable channels or streaming on the City’s website. Click here for details on how to participate.

Indian Prairie School Board / The next IPSD 204 Board of Education meets at 7PM Mon., May 11. To set a reminder, click here.

Thanks for supporting local, long-established charities

Note a couple cancellations 

***The annual Memorial Day Parade and all the observances that usually accompany the day to pay tribute to all who have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation have been canceled for 2020.

***The Naperville Woman’s Club has canceled its long-running Annual Naperville Fine Art and Artisans Fair at Naper Settlement, originally scheduled in late June 2020.

Event planners for summer festivities say they’re on pause, many now are waiting until May 30, 2020, to make final decisions of how an outdoor event might look with all the new best practices. Summer festival event planners are in “wait-and-see” mode.

But first… Continue to take precautions. Wash your hands. Cover coughs and sneezes. Hold on to hugs for future giving. Be a good example for young ones who might be watching. Help them feel safe. Eat nourishing food. Drink plenty of liquids. 

Stay home whenever possible. Take outdoor breaks in your yard. Exercise. It’s OK to take walks outside. Fresh air and sunshine are good for everybody. Practice social distancing of 6 feet apart. Face masks are recommended inside public places. Be safe.

Don’t be a Litter Bug!

Remember “Keep America Beautiful” campaigns? Times when folks helped to end littering, developed recycling plans and took pride to keep the landscape pretty? During recent weeks as folks have been staying home, trash has begun to grow along the parkways.

Thanks to everyone who keeps a trash bag inside the car. That way, used items can be saved for the trash instead of tossed out the car window. Note also that disposable gloves are NOT recyclable. They are garbage. In fact, they could be hazardous. Never dispose of disposable gloves in recyling bins.

Perhaps it’s time to consider whenever taking a walk, a pair of disposable gloves and a plastic shopping bag could come in handy to pick up and collect trash along the way. You can also use a plastic bag to pick up stuff the way folks clean up after their dogs.

Keeping our neighborhoods neat and free from throw-away wrappers, cans and other items tossed toward the curb is a way to help keep Naperville beautiful. Here’s hoping…

Here’s a shout out…

Keep in mind every day that small businesses are the driving force of our economy. They employ your/our friends and neighbors.

Thanks for supporting all local businesses whenever possible. Many offer online service and sales, too. Plus, many will deliver “no hands touched” to your door.

Thanks for becoming acquainted with your local business community that’s connected online.

***Click here to know participating members of the Independent Businesses Community in Naperville at IBN (New website coming soon!).

***Click here for members of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (New website!).

Visit yesterday today on this website via old photos & prior events

Right here on this website is a “search” tool that leads to photo galleries of previous parades, concerts and other annual events as well as many hyper local hyperlinks that depict Naperville, one of many great places in this great nation, a community that abounds with generous faith, hope and charity.

Be a good listener to other family members. Wash your hands often. Be kind. Be safe. Stay home and in your yard. Practice all the “best practices” that have been presented to prevent the spread of coronavirus, including 6′ social distancing and face covers inside public places. Repeat. Review. Repeat. Thanks for reading.

Thanks to PN’s archive in the cloud, this site is chock full of stories with photos, saved and current, about memories made here.

Now… for things to do!

***Last call! Get to know the fine work of local artists entered in the Annual Juxtapose Art Competion. Voting ends today via the website for the Naperville Art League! Click here for the story and to check out the competition that welcomes votes online today, Fri., April 24. 

***April is Safe Digging Month. If planning to plant gardens or build a new patio or put up a fence this spring, be sure to check what you need to know about safe digging and be sure to call JULIE before you dig at 8-1-1.

***DuPage Children’s Museum offers story times and other things to do for families with young children, too.

***Write down your thoughts. Start a journal. Naper Settlement encourages folks, all ages, to keep a journal of experiences and how to deal with these pandemic times. Compare notes. Read. Tell jokes. Make up riddles.

***Thank you, Dine Naperville! Consider supporting your favorite eatery sometime during this Stay-at-Home period. Click here for participating restaurants, ice cream stores and treat shops ready to serve to-go orders via Dine Naperville.  Thanks for tipping, too.

***Plan together and create a daily itinerary of “Things to Do.” 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.

Read recipe books. Cook. Bake. 

Find a deck of cards. Practice shuffling. Play solitaire. Deal for gin, bridge, euchre or poker. Just deal! And try to deal with it all.

***Carillon Concert Rings for Frontline Responders. Beginning at 7PM Wed., April 29, a concert series will begin on the 72-bell carillon nestled in the 160-ft. tower. Folks strolling along the Riverwalk are encouraged to enjoy it keeping 6′ social distance.

We have high hopes you’ll read all the way to the bottom of this long post to see some local businesses are ready to serve and many others have ideas to show appreciation. Thanks!

Note from Mike Havala at Loaves & Fishes Community Services…  “One of the messages that I am trying to get out to people is that, if they want to help provide people with food now, getting either funds or food directly to the various food pantries is the best way to provide help since it can get to the clients right here, right now.”

Thanks for being patient. Help spread kindness. Be safe. Stay well.

***Shop online or via phone… Make a Downtown business’s day! Buy a gift card from your favorite Downtown Naperville business now, and enjoy later! CALL the business from which you wish to order gift cards and they will mail them directly to you (many have special gift card and product deals, too). Need a list of downtown businesses? Here you go… downtownnaperville.com/directory/

Consider a gift card for springtime…

Downtown Naperville gift cards can be purchased ONLINE and Delivery is free! Purchase Downtown Naperville Gift Cards and feel great knowing that every card purchased goes toward strengthening the Downtown Business Community! CLICK HERE TO ORDER

***Look toward the future with gift card special for April. For every $50 in Downtown Naperville gift cards orders, you’ll also receive a bonus $10 gift card to a randomly selected downtown business. (Maximum $50 in bonus gift cards per mailing address). Click here to order gift cards. Thanks.

***More Things to Do in April (***With hyperlinks!)

***Check out giving opportunities and needs at Loaves & Fishes Community Services  Thanks to all!

***Enjoy special treats from DeEtta’s Bakery, open during regular hours with breads, cakes and other delicious pastries! DeEtta’s is accepting CREDIT CARDS ONLY in order to maintain a safe environment. Limited number of customers are allowed in bakery at a time and things will look slightly different for distancing purposes. Located at 428 W. Fifth Ave., curbside service is available upon request when orders are placed over the phone. Simply call ahead, (630) 548-4078. (Now!)

***Meson Sabika continues take-out service with menu specials including wine from 11AM to 7:30PM. Also, Meson Sabika is offering its carry-out and delivery menus. Advance orders can be placed via the Meson Sabika website or by calling (630) 983-3000 x2. (Order now by credit card! Ask how to leave a tip. They won’t ask you!)

“Write to a Joe or Jane”or draw a picture to send to U.S. military serving overseas. Doodle Bug Workshop seeks cards, postcards, letters, notes, drawings, and words of encouragement to send to service women and men deployed overseas. Simply MAIL to the Naperville American Legion Post 43, Attn: Doodle Bug, PO Box 4 Naperville, IL 60566. Local veterans will be sure your thoughts get into the right hands. Thank you, American Legion, for sending the idea our way.

Writing letters and/or sending greeting cards or postcards to all who serve during times of challenge just might make everybody feel better. Perhaps create a family project also to send notes of appreciation to Naperville Firefighters at Naperville Fire Department, 1350 Aurora Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540; Naperville Police at Naperville Police Department, 1350 Aurora Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540; or to the team of health care providers at Edward Hospital, 801 S. Washington Street, Naperville, IL 60540.

***Research “Fair Maps” for Illinois to benefit all folks who live in the beautiful Land of Lincoln. Check out the “Change Illinois” Fair Maps Amendment Fact Sheet here. It’s a Census 2020 year, a time when change can be made when voters go to the polls on Nov. 3. (Respond Now!)

***The Boxes Etc. Naperville in Cress Creek Square Shopping Center is ready to serve! Need hand sanitizer? Looking for gifts to send in special care packages? Find a variety of greeting cards and gifts ready to mail in store, too. Located at 790 Royal St. George, the independently-owned mail center is open during regular business hours, considered an essential business listed under the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

***Support Naperville Helps! / Donate to the cause! Send lunch to healthcare providers & first responders. Thanks to everyone for your support! (This week & so on…)

***North Central College Fine & Performing Arts events in April and May have been canceled or rescheduled. An informative video with comments from North Central College President Troy Hammond addresses the response to the COVID-19 outbreak from Naperville’s college in the heart of the city.

***Fish with social distance in May Watts Park / Link here to years of memories and other popular fishing spots around town. (Springtime 2020)

Remember! Park trails are open. Use the trails. Yet, playgrounds, sport courts and active park amenities for contact sports are closed by order of the State of Illinois. Use parks and trails for walking or taking in fresh air along with spring signs in nature. Enjoy the beauty and freedom of nature every day! Practice social distancing. Social distancing means 6 feet or more between individuals and not congregating or playing contact sports. Play safely.

***DuPage County Health Department Suggests: Be prepared for any emergency, any time! In case you have to go to the hospital, consider creating an emergency contact list including family friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, healthcare providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources. Download a free template from FEMA here: www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/133447

***While staying at home, perhaps you’ve uncovered keepsakes that would be better framed by Colbert Custom Framing & Art Printing for safe display. For details, call (630) 717-1448 or email service@colbertcf.com. Note: Due to the state’s “Shelter-In-Place” order, Colbert Custom Framing & Art Printing is currently operating under altered hours. Nonetheless, they look forward to working with you! (During business hours)

***Quigley’s Irish Pub in now re-opened for curbside pick-up Wednesday & Thursday 3-7PM as well as Friday & Saturday noon-7PM. Check the menu online. Be prepared for bright changes when EDAQ (Every Day at Quigley’s) regulars return when local pubs again open later this spring. Hope! Hope! Sláinte! Thanks for calling (630) 428-4774. Beer and wine also is available to go.

And did you know? To save folks from a trip to the market, Quigley’s also has available for purchase with curbside pickup paper towels ($2) and toilet paper ($1.50) by individual roll, bleach ($4.50), sugar (4 lbs. $5), 100-count boxes Nitrile powder-free gloves ($8) and ketchup packets ($3). Simply add to orders to-go. (Wed. through Sat.)

Observe public health advice. Wiggle your fingers & toes. Be safe. Be well.

***”Y on the Go” online offers classes and activities provided by YMCA of Metro Chicago. (From now on) Also note that all YMCA of Metro Chicago locations will be closed to its members through April 30. In addition, some of its local Ys have been converted into emergency shelters to house hundreds of displaced and homeless individuals. (Around the Clock)

***Donate / support needs at Edward-Elmhurst Health for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). (Now!)

***Naper Nuts & Sweets in downtown Naperville is available for curbside pickup from 10-5PM, Monday through Friday. FREE home delivery in Naperville. Phone orders only at (630) 355-5330. (During business hours)

***Naperville Park District Introduces NaperParks2You—a Webpage with Activities and Resources for Staying at Home… To help kids and adults stay busy and active while sheltering at home. (Around the Clock)

Here’s hoping PN’s calendar of traditional events will go live soon…

***Thanks for reading PN Posts on “Latest News.” Please consider that all special fundraising events are canceled until further notice. Note unmet needs of local nonprofits continue every day. Thanks for donating when you can. Every donation helps somebody.

Be alert to internet (including bogus social media) shenanigans and phone scams. They’re rampant. And don’t get hacked.

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., and without click bait.

We admit we have a huge bias toward good news and positive thoughts. More than ever, we appreciate everyone who contributes to our monthly publication, following our focus to bring our community together while we’re 6 feet apart.

Let there be more upbeat music!

Sing. Sing a song. Sing out loud, sing out strong… Don’t worry that it’s not good enough for anyone else to hear. Just sing. Sing a song.

Look forward with high hopes to our return to freedom, forever mindful of all the sacrifices made every day to protect us. If you’ve never heard the Oscar-winning song about an ant who thought he could move a big rubber tree plant, please listen. Share music with the youngsters in your life. Let the song of high hopes get stuck in your mind!

You gotta have high hopes and look on the bright side

You gotta have high hopes. Thanks to everybody who is working together while 6-feet apart, choosing to make good choices throughout our City as so much in our world is on pause, as we aim to get back to work soon to make it all a safer, better place.

Special thanks again to all critical care responders as well as letter carriers, grocery clerks and stockers, delivery drivers, gas station attendants, servers and all the knowledgeable people at the hardware stores.

Thanks again for reading. Positively Naperville is hyperlocal.

No matter where you live, however, support the local businesses in your hometown whenever possible. Support businesses and charities where your heart is.

Be safe. Be kind. Be calm. Be patient. Be prepared. Be supportive. Be grateful.

Wash hands! Cover coughs & sneezes! Stay 6′ apart!

Deal with facts!

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

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 freely available to all our dedicated readers.

To keep facts in check, Kevin T. Sur (External Affairs Officer), DuPage County, Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, suggests consulting the FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control website at www.fema.gov/coronavirus. 

Help rid the world of COVID-19 for Naperville & all!

Since January 22, 2020, when Edward-Elmhurst Health sent its first news release about coronavirus, PN has been keeping tabs on its growth.

Search “Coronavirus” using PN’s search tool (upper right) 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.

Keep moving forward…

***Stick to facts. Be mindful of adjectives and adverbs that slant information. Use commonsense. Stay healthy. Be sure to take time to think about all the frontline responders who are doing heroes’ work to provide care as they protect this community and beyond. God bless us, every one.

Be prepared to follow all guidelines to reopen economies, a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts. The steps in Phase One are featured here, detailing the downward trajectories within a 14-day period that must be followed, aiming to help state and local officials as individuals prepare to go back to work, continuing to protect American lives with best practices.

Naperville begins another month to stay home

Mindful that the pandemic, Coronaviris (aka COVID-19), is not discriminating, we must carry on in sync, keep calm and be prepared for Stay-at-Home Week #6. We’re all in this together, mindful to be 6-feet apart.

Note public events have been canceled. Public buildings, theaters, non-essential shops and all restaurants (except for take-out) are closed.

Folks tell us they’ve been cleaning out closets. Some families are defrosting refrigerators in the garage and freezers in the basement.

Couples are having “dinner with friends” via webcams, complete with meaningful conversations from one laptop to the other. Some service clubs also are meeting and even playing Bingo via Zoom.

Other folks have been digging into the past. For instance, old photo albums bring back fond memories to share. Tell stories. Listen.

And did you remember to reply to the 2020 Census? Be counted for your Naperville address. Complete the 2020 Census Questionnaire online in ten minutes or less at my2020census.gov.

And it’s the Grand Old Flag!

***Though Naperville Trolley & Tours currently is not running its historic tours, the fact remains that the trolley tour company with its all-American spirit and local lore rolled into downtown Naperville 25 years ago, with a Trolley Stop at Jackson and Eagle. Trolley Chick Annette Wehrli says she’s ready with 100 American flag miniatures to decorate her yard for Memorial Day. Thanks, Trolley Chick, for all the years of creating memorable weddings, special events and holiday light tours. Trolley-la-la-la, la-la-la-la! Ding! Ding!

Thanks to everyone for kindness and caring, doing whatever you can to help. Certainly these stay-at-home days are challenging to all. Be well.

Wash your hands often! But don’t wash away common sense…