Above / A trek along the Riverwalk and through Sindt Woods will introduce visitors to local wildlife right up close 365 days a year.
Your PN publisher always will remember our first glimpse of downtown Naperville (New Year’s Day 1993) from the parking lot at Main and Jackson along the Riverwalk, just steps from the Main Street Bridge over the DuPage River. During that late afternoon visit that kicked off a week of working with a Realtor to find a new home, all the twinkling white lights from the Grand Illumination brightened the landscape, shedding light on the remarkable can-do spirit in the community where our family would move two months later.
Downtown Naperville, the Riverwalk, North Central College, Naper Settlement, the DuPage Children’s Museum, Central Park and this entire community of destinations all the way south to Knoch Knolls Park attract residents and visitors to shop, dine, relax and entertain; though for now, a Governor’s Order has everyone observing Phase 3 of Restore Illinois.
Thanks more than ever for the Riverwalk, all neighborhood parks and to everyone who chooses to recognize the City’s unmet needs by supporting the local economy. Dining out on one of the patios of many local restaurants, ordering lunch or dinner for take out as well as shopping locally and purchasing gift certificates for future purchases make a difference. We’re looking forward to the return of the vibrancy, charitable fundraising events and volunteerism that attracted us here in the first place. Follow safe practices. Be prudent. Be healthy. —PN
Long post, often linked to more info
Many business owners and workers we know have developed and are following a whole array of new best practices, eager to return full-time to the jobs they enjoy to serve the community, step by step.
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.
Remember to support your local business community first
We admit, it’s difficult for this family-owned independent media outlet to keep up with so many changes and requests. Plus, sorting out the bogus offers mixed with legitimate news creates a challenge. We aim to earn our readers’ trust by presenting factual info and best practices. After a brief vacation this past week, we aim to get back on the beat, mindful of the best practices that now must be followed.
Beware of opportunists, mischief and shenanigans on social media.
Remember! Treat Dad for Father’s Day on Sun. June 21
- Consider a new pair of running shoes from Naperville Running Company or a comfortable new golf shirt from Dean’s Fine Clothing.
- Treat Dad to a special meal out at one of our many restaurants and eateries with outdoor dining.
- Purchase a best-seller at Anderson’s Bookshop or Barnes & Noble.
- Paint him a special handmade gift with take home paint kits from Pinot’s Palette or pottery pieces from Pottery Bayou.
- Grab a sweet treat (chocolates, caramel corn, famous candy bars) from Naper Nuts & Sweets.
Stay tuned to local government
Be mindful that local school boards of education (Watch Mon., June 15, 2020, NCUSD 203 Board of Education Meeting at 7PM.) as well as the Naperville City Council (Click here for agenda Tues., June 16, 2020), 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 Area Chamber of Commerce offers a Back-to-Business Tool Kit via Reopening Resources on its website. Communication templates, posters, guidelines, State and Federal links, resources for cleaning measures for all business, and much more… To learn more, download full printable pdf of the Back-to-Business Tool Kit.
Note cancellations
- Naperville Municipal Band Summer Concerts in June & July in Central Park. Leaders of the Naperville Municipal have announced, “It is with great sadness that we must recognize the toll that COVID-19 has taken on all public gatherings, including our Summer Concert Season in Naperville’s Central Park. As much as we love Naperville and playing music for our dedicated fans, and as heartbreaking as this decision is, health and safety must come first. We therefore must cancel all concerts and rehearsals in June and in July through July 16. At this time, we are leaving open the hope that a change in the public health situation could allow us all to gather again in Central Park later this summer.” Meanwhile, stay tuned to rebroadcasts of NMB classic concerts during June and July beginning at 7:30PM Thursdays, thanks to NCTV-17. Enjoy memorable music from the safety and comfort of your own home or yard.
- 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.
- The Riverwalk Foundation Annual Duck Race in August will take a break. Waddle the group do in its place? Stay tuned. Already Foundation members have been up at the quack of dawn in search of the next duck tale. Meanwhile, never feed crackers to quackers. Feeding crackers, bread and other human snacks can be deleterious to wildlife.
- Derby Party for Hesed House was canceled when the annual Run for the Roses on the second Saturday in May was postponed until September. In its place, event organizers have presented a challenge for all supporters via its “Pass the Hat for Hesed House” campaign, welcoming everyone to get in the race in support of the homeless shelter that provides for families at this time of great need.
- The Inaugural Naperville Salute, a hometown-focused Fourth of July celebration to recognize all veterans, first responders and frontline healthcare providers, will be postponed until July 3-4, 2021, due to public safety and logistic concerns from the COVID-19 epidemic. All major activities planned for Rotary Hill and Naperville Settlement are canceled for July 3-4, 2020. Update! A Salute Fireworks display is still tentatively being planned for Independence Day, July 4, at Frontier Park. The spectacular event high in the sky to celebrate America’s birthday was approved by the City Council, but final details regarding a second location at Knoch Park are still in the works.
- The four-day Naperville Exchange Club Ribfest held in conjunction with Independence Day in Romeoville is canceled.
- The Inaugural Irish Fest at Frontier Park, hosted by the West Suburban Irish, set for the first full weekend in August has been canceled for 2020. (Monthly WSI Quiz Nights are now being hosted virtually online. The championship trivia game will begin at 7PM Tues., June 16.)
- Naper Nights at Naper Settlement are canceled for June, July and August. Stay tuned for update featuring tentative Naper Nights event the second weekend in September.
- The 2020 Centennial Beach Season, previously scheduled to open a few weeks late, but in time for Father’s Day Weekend, now has been canceled.
- National Night Out in Naperville, held annually on the first Tuesday in August, has been canceled. The 2020 event would have been the 25th anniversary. With that in mind, the 25th year of the event will be celebrated in 2021, organizers said.
Other event planners for summer festivities say they’re on pause and looking forward to the summer in 2021. Final decisions of how an outdoor event might look with all the new best practices and protocols just might become “pop up” events. Summer festival event planners are in “wait-and-see” mode.
But first… Continue to take precautions. Wash your hands often. Cover coughs and sneezes. Stay home when you’re sick. 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.
Wash your hands often, but don’t wash away common sense.
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 6’ social distancing. Beginning May 1, face masks have been required inside public places. Follow safety precautions.
Note also that some businesses discourage the wearing of latex or nitrile gloves, considering they can contribute to cross contamination. Folks wearing gloves may be asked to sanitize them just as they may be asked to use a wipe on their hands. Alcohol sanitizer is not detrimental to latex or nitrile gloves.
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 recycling bins.
Perhaps a pair of disposable gloves and a plastic shopping bag could come in handy to pick up and collect trash along the walk. 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, bottles and other items tossed toward the curb will help keep Naperville beautiful. Here’s hoping…
Note our shout outs…
Dean’s Fine Clothing for men and women posts a sign of the times for all its services at 226 S. Main Street at Jackson Ave. Meanwhile shop small and independent with the purchase of a Dean’s gift card for future use at the family-owned shop that’s been around since 1959. And check out what’s new online for Father’s Day or any old day at www.deansclothing.com.
Shop local and small! Keep in mind every day that small businesses are the driving force of our economy. They employ your/our friends and neighbors.
Thanks! Thanks for supporting all local businesses whenever possible. Many offer online service and sales, too, as well as curbside pickup. Plus, many will deliver “no hands touched” to your door.
Kreger’s Brat & Sausage Haus, 605 N. Ellsworth St., is open 11-2PM Friday and Saturday with curbside service. Just give them a call for the specials at (630) 355-4418.
Again, thanks for becoming acquainted with your local business community that’s connected online.
Check out independent Naperville businesses at www.indieboundnaperville.org.
And check out members of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce at www.naperville.net.
Visit yesterday today!
Check out PN’s website via old photos & prior events
A handy “search” tool at www.positivelynaperville.com (upper right corner) leads to photo galleries of previous parades, concerts and other annual events as well as many hyper local hyperlinks that depict Naperville, a hometown for nearly 150,000 residents that abounds with generous faith, hope and charity.
Now… Things to do in June!
- Public welcome for prayer and reflection as communities seek commitment to racial justice. Everyone is invited to participate in a live-streamed ecumenical rally and prayer for racial justice beginning at 11AM Sat., June 13, via www.dioceseofjoliet.org.
- Fishing is never out of style in the good old summertime! So, buddy up and go fish! Catch and release is a fun way to learn patience and while away time in the great outdoors.
- Hey, kids! Create a video and help promote Loaves & Fishes Community Services.
- Join the YMCA every weekday at 9AM via Free Virtual Pre-camp for some stimulating camp fun, right from your home!
- In-person Summer Camp begins Monday, June 15, a great first step in the phased reopening of the YMCA of Metro Chicago at Fry Family Y on 95th Street. The reopening plan will consist of three steps, thoughtfully planned to ensure the safety of the Y community, members, and staff. After Summer Camp on June 15, limited use of the Fitness Center opens July 1, followed by laps in the pool on July 15. (Note: Kroehler YMCA closed for good on June 1, 2020.)
- Remember dad, teachers and graduates! Give a gift card for future shopping, dining or entertaining.
- Always prepare in advance to dig safely. If planning to plant gardens or build a new patio or put up a fence, be sure to call JULIE before you dig at 8-1-1.
- Encourage students, ages K-12, to learn about the “Miss a Meal Experience, a video-producing opportunity to learn about hunger via a contest hosted by Loaves & Fishes Community Services. Find details at www.loaves-fishes.org. Submit videos between June 15 and July 12, 2020.
- Pay tribute to Juneteenth, a blending of “June and nineteenth” to celebrate freedom. Juneteenth, aka Emancipation Day, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and told slaves of their emancipation, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. In 2003, Illinois became the 14th state to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday.
- DuPage Children’s Museum offers story times and other things to do for families with young children, too.
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Check out the 2020 Play Soirée as the DuPage Children’s Museum team has reimagined a way to support learning through play. Enter a creative space to help Keep the Play Growing via PEER-TO-PEER FUNDRAISING. Learn more. Spread the word!
Monday, June 15 | Noon View Silent Auction ItemsThursday, June 18 | Noon Silent Auction Bidding OpensSaturday, June 20 | 7PM Live Benefit Ball Program RSVP Now!Sunday, June 21 | 11PM Silent Auction Closes
- 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.
- Catch 35 now offers take-out & curbside service! It’s Nashville Hot Chicken Week! Choose between the Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders or Sandwich entree with fries- Both only $12. (Available for a limited time while supplies last) Order now at ChowNow, Grubhub, or in Catch 35’s Outdoor Cafe. Order now at www.catch35.com. Offer valid until June 14, 2020. Note! $5 off pickup orders of $50 or more. Mention the discount when you call and place your order at (630) 717-3500.
- Thank you, Dine Naperville! Consider supporting your favorite eatery sometime every week during this Stay-at-Home period. Visit www.dinenaperville.com for ready to serve to-go orders via Dine Naperville. Thanks for tipping, too.
- Quigley’s Irish Pub! Quigley’s menu with Irish fare and delicious Angus burgers is ready to go! Located at 43 E. Jefferson, Quigley’s patio is now open. Also, its menu is ready for take-out and curbside pick up. To place an order, call (630) 428-4774.
- 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, go-fish, poker. Just deal! And try to deal with it all.
- Carillon Concert Rings for Frontline Responders. Beginning at noon Wednesdays enjoy a concert series performed on the 72-bell carillon nestled in the 160-ft. tower. Folks strolling along the Riverwalk are encouraged to enjoy, keeping 6′ social distance.
Thanks for being patient. Help spread kindness. Be safe. Stay well.
Consider gift cards for springtime…
- 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… www.downtownnaperville.com.
- If Downtown Naperville is one of your favorite destinations, be mindful to support local merchants now and as often as you can. Many shops and restaurants are open for curbside pick up, mindful of best practices and 6′ distancing.
- Check out giving opportunities and needs at Loaves & Fishes Community Services at www.loaves-fishes.org. 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 and spirits from 11AM to 7:30PM. Located at 1025 Aurora Avenue, Meson Sabika is open for Father’s Day, too. Advance orders can be placed via www.mesonsabika.com or by calling (630) 983-3000 x2. Editor’s Hint: Consider ordering signature dishes such as garlic potato salad and bacon wrapped dates and let the folks at Meson Sabika help you with the daily specials and other delicious menu selections. (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. Check out the “Change Illinois” Fair Maps Amendment Fact Sheet at www.changeil.org. It’s a Census 2020 year, a time when change can be made when voters go to the polls on Nov. 3. (Due to the pandemic, the Illinois State Legislature was not in session to address this important issue.)
- 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 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.
- 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. Sports teams need time to play in spring and summer. Here’s hoping programs open soon. 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: Colbert Custom Framing & Art Printing is currently operating under altered hours, offering curbside pick up for orders. Stephanie Corbert Randall and the team at Colbert Custom Framing look forward to working with you! (During business hours)
- The dog-friendly patio at Quigley’s Irish Pub is now re-opened. Check the menu online, now with new family meals. Be prepared for bright changes when EDAQ (Every Day at Quigley’s) regulars return. Well-behaved pets are welcome. Sláinte! Thanks for calling (630) 428-4774. Beer and wine also available to go.
Wiggle your fingers & toes. Be safe. Be well.
- “Y on the Go” online offers classes and activities provided by YMCA of Metro Chicago. 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) Remember many dads like chocolate! Father’s Day is June 21.
- 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)
- Hugo’s Patio under the Promenade is now open! Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House in Naperville continues current delivery + carry-out menu, and now has a new addition: family-style meals to feed four. To order, simply call (630) 548-3764. (During business hours)
- Dine Naperville features restaurants to whet every appetite. Whether tastes from around the world, farm to table or seafood to steaks, the Naperville restaurant community offers all the delicious menus.
Here’s hoping PN’s calendar of traditional events will go live soon…
Though the NMB Spring Concert was canceled, followed by cancellation of its summer season in Central Park, band fans are hopeful the summer concert season will be as upbeat and memorable when encore performances appear weekly on NCTV17. As Conductor Ron Keller says, “Music is for life!”
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, sensational headlines and drama.
PN’s web master just returned from a week’s respite via a long bike ride to Wisconsin. 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.
We’re highly sensitive to the state of our community and the world; and without question the combined impact of coronavirus, local lockdown, economic slowdown and racial injustice has created an uncharted time.
We all need to be better listeners, giving others time, respect and our attention to tell their stories. We all need to reflect on reforms that take the rule of law “and justice for all” to heart.
–PN
Deal with facts!
With the unpredictability of this pandemic, we 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.