Above / Take a quack to begin Phase 4 of Restore Illinois on this good day for ducks at May Watts Park. Keep dry during indoor dining at a restaurant now open near you. For nearly 300 local choices to whet any appetite, visit www.dinenaperville.com.
Long post, often with links to more info
Phase 4 of the Governor’s Restore Illinois plan begins today. This phase includes the reopening of schools and child care programs, more non-essential businesses, restaurants for indoor dining, health clubs, some movie theaters and other establishments with social
distancing and safety measures in place.
While our “Things to Do this Weekend” posts used to feature events day-by-day, hour-by-hour; for the time being our listing is a random sampling, with ways to while away the time as the days quickly seem to run together as they begin to get shorter. Our best advice is to follow protocols while discovering the reopening of businesses that support our local economy. Then enjoy natural habitats in local parks and all along the winding DuPage River. Explore the great outdoors!
Always wash your hands, but don’t wash away common sense…
In a video message to the community released on June 26, 2020, Mayor Steve Chirico encourages residents to be diligent about safety precautions in the weeks and months ahead. The COVID-19 virus remains a significant concern throughout the state, and a sustained increase in positive tests or a significant outbreak could force a region to move back to a previous phase with tightened restrictions.
Guidelines regarding social distancing, occupancy limits and face coverings should be closely followed to prevent a resurgence of the virus. Additionally, residents are still encouraged to stay home when sick, practice social distancing and wash/sanitize their hands and frequently-touched surfaces regularly.
Municipal Center Procedures
At the Naperville Municipal Center, residents will no longer be asked to submit to a temperature check and health screening beginning Monday, June 29. However, visitors will still be asked to enter the building through the doors adjacent to the upper-level parking deck near the fountain, to wear a face covering and to use available hand sanitizer stations during their visit. The public may visit the Finance Department or the City Clerk’s office. Other departments are available by appointment only. Meeting rooms remain closed to the public at this time.
Community members are encouraged to do business with the City online to the greatest extent possible while the COVID-19 pandemic continues. To keep the community and City staff safe, visits to the Municipal Center should be reserved for business that must be done in person. For a complete guide to accessing City services remotely, please visit the City Services Guide.
For more information on Naperville’s response to COVID-19, a listing of all local executive orders issued, and more, visit www.naperville.il.us/coronavirus-resources.
Today guests can dine inside!
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.
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 last week, we aim to get back on the beat, mindful of the protocols that now must be followed.
Beware of opportunists, scams mischief and shenanigans on social media and via emails with job offers
The Employment Scams Report examines findings from an April 2020 survey of 10,670 U.S. and Canadian consumers reporting employment scams to the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker. According to Naperville resident Steve Bernas, President & CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois, one surprising result is that 65 percent of consumers reported that their “job offer” was related to becoming a “warehouse redistribution coordinator” or some similar titles involving the reshipment of packages (which often include stolen goods). In many cases, these scammers impersonated well-known retailers like Amazon and Walmart to seem legitimate, posting jobs on major online employment platforms with few prerequisites or requirements, Bernas emailed.
Survey results reinforced that consumer education is a critical component of fighting back against these scammers who target all ages. Individuals who avoided losing money were much more likely to report previous knowledge of employment scams and tactics (20% versus 7%). For tips on how to avoid employment scams, visit BBB.org/EmploymentScams.
Note summer 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, July and August beginning at 7:30PM Thursdays, thanks to NCTV-17. Enjoy memorable music on electronic devices 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.
- The four-day Naperville Exchange Club Ribfest held in conjunction with Independence Day in Romeoville is canceled.
- North Central College Fine & Performing Arts events this summer have been canceled or rescheduled until further notice. Special thanks to Fine Arts Director Brian Lynch for many years of developing the performing arts program and bringing an array of exceptional talent to the theater venues for the entire community to enjoy.
- 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 began at 7PM Tues., June 16. Next up is August 4.)
- 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.
- Jaycees Last Fling, held annually throughout the 4-day Labor Day weekend, has been canceled for 2020.
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. Some summer event planners remain in “wait-and-see” mode.
- Update! It’s official. A Salute Fireworks display will begin at 9:30PM Independence Day, July 4, at Frontier Park. After careful consideration, confirmation of the 30-minute spectacular event high in the sky to celebrate America’s birthday will be hosted by the City of Naperville, Naperville Park District and Naperville Responds for Veterans. Celebrate safely. Leave the fireworks to the professionals.
- United as One for a Night to End Hunger. A Night to End Hunger, a benefit for Loaves & Fishes, will be presented as a virtual gala beginning at 7:30PM Sat., Aug. 29. United as One for a Night to End Hunger will be broadcast LIVE with silent and live auctions, a virtual raise-the-paddle and much more! Everyone is welcome to be part of the good time for a good cause to help end hunger and prevent financial crisis. RSVP by August 14.
- Naperville Park District programs open for Phase 4. Click here for photos and links to protocols and summer happenings at local parks and the Fort Hill Fitness Center. Play safe for freedom.
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. Be optimistic that the State of Illinois will enter Phase 4 of Restore Illinois by the end of June.
Wash your hands often, but don’t wash away common sense.
Stay home as directed. Take outdoor breaks in your yard. Exercise. It’s OK to take walks outside around the neighborhood. Fresh air and Vitamin D from sunshine are good for everybody. Practice 6’ social distancing. Since 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.
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. Limited product availability. Dad’s love bratwurst!
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 throughout the summer…
Fishing is never out of style in the good old summertime! So, buddy up and go find a favorite fishing spot! Catch and release is a fun way to learn patience and while away time in the great outdoors with family and friends. Local anglers have been caught using canned corn, hot dogs and worms as bait! Fish are biting!
Tune into encore performances of the Naperville Municipal Band during June, July and August beginning at 7:30PM Thursdays on NCTV-17. Enjoy memorable themes of music introduced by Conductor Ron Keller and Narrator Ann Lord on TV or streaming on electronic devices from the safety and comfort of your own home or yard.
- 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 now through July 12, 2020.
- 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 gift cards create great gifts! 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. Call 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.
- 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.
- Catch 35 indoor dining reopens Fri., June 26 in their newly redone interior. Outdoor dining and curbside pickup/delivery will still be available as well. Call and place your order at (630) 717-3500. Or reserve a spot on the patio or along the expanded seating space. Also ask about to-go only choices of four different family dinners to serve four for the Fourth of July. Hours are 11:30AM to 10PM Friday, 4-10PM on Saturday 4-9PM on Sunday.
- 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.
- Summer Camp Registration is open at The Conservation Foundation. Sessions of Nature on the Farm Summer Camps at McDonald Farm in Naperville will be held 9AM to Noon July 20-25 (children entering grades 1st – 3rd) and 9AM to noon July 27-31 (children entering grades 4th – 6th) Register kids now for summer camp in July at The Conservation Foundation.
Thanks for being patient. Help spread kindness. Be safe. Stay well.
Consider gift cards for summertime…
- 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.
- Meson Sabika opens inside and continues take-out service with menu specials including wine and spirits from 11AM to 7:30PM. Located at 1025 Aurora Avenue, 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 for every occasion 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! / Organized by the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and DNA, this fundraiser, now closed, brought in more than $80,000! Lunches purchased at local eateries continue to be delivered to healthcare providers & first responders. Thanks to everyone for your support! (This week & so on…)
- Remember! Park trails are open. 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.
- Naperville Park District Summer Season. The Naperville Park District is opening up several recreation programs and facilities for residents this summer. The District continues to follow the Governor’s Phase 3 and Phase 4 guidelines per the Restore Illinois Plan, which means there are many fun things to do this season. Registration for summer camps and all of our summer programs – both in-person and virtual – is currently in progress, so don’t wait. Register today! To view the NPD Program Guides for in-person and virtual programs, click here.
- Sportsman’s Park Trapshooting Range reopened June 18. Trapshooting at Naperville Park District’s Sportsman’s Park resumed on Thursday, June 18, in compliance with Phase 3 of the Governor’s Restore Illinois Plan. Trapshooting is available from 6-10PM on Thursdays and noon to 6PM Sundays. Participation guidelines for the trapshooting program can be found at www.napervilleparks.org/coronavirus.
- 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 offers curbside pick up for orders. Stephanie Corbert Randall and the team at Colbert Custom Framing look forward to working with you!
- 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 inside! Well-behaved pets are welcome on the patio. Sláinte! Thanks for calling (630) 428-4774.
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)
- 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 who loves chocolate! Independence Day is July 4th.
- Naperville Park District Introduces NaperParks2You – a Web page 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.
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.
Right now your PN editors are preparing pages for production of the July issue so it can be ready for the printing on Monday and delivery thereafter.
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, public safety “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.
Stay tuned to local government next week & beyond
They Zoom to Serve. 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.
City Council Workshop on June 22 addressed zoning regulations for recreational cannabis businesses. The 3-hour workshop is featured online, with a final outcome of setting a cap at no more than three dispensaries within the City’s boundaries. City staff was directed to draw up on ordinance based on rules the city has had in place since Naperville opened the first medical marijuana business in 2014. Their aim will be to notify the press/public of the discussion that could appear on the agenda of the July 15, 2020, before the Planning and Zoning Commission. Unlike liquor, which is dual licensing (requiring both a state license and a local license with oversight by the Liquor Commission), adult-use cannabis is exclusively licensed by the state without controls by the City, according to the City Attorney. Watch the Naperville City Council discuss the zoning options and more. Lend your voice to future discussions. Stay tuned.
Naperville Education Foundation (NEF) Update. The nonprofit arm of Naperville School District 203, welcomed Joseph Harriman, Kelly Llewellyn and Amit Thaker to its Board of Trustees. The Board also elected new slate of board officers, effective July 1, 2020. Kitty Ryan was elected board chair, Kimberley Henderson board vice chair, Jenny Tank board secretary and Jordan Johnson as board treasurer.
Back-to-Business Tool Kit. 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.