Above / With the strength and structure of the trees beginning to show during “curbside leaf collection time,” walks along the Riverwalk are brilliant reminders of words by gardener Elizabeth Lawrence: “Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.”
Update, Nov. 10, 2020 / Happy Birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps!
Please note the following message from the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 Commander regarding cancellation of Veterans Day ceremonies at Veterans Park and the Naperville VFW on Nov. 11, 2020:
Note some very brief briefs from Editor’s Comments
Here’s to November, a month chock full of important dates that welcome annual attention and attendance.
The U.S. Marines Corps will celebrate its 245th birthday on Nov. 10, followed by Veterans Day, Nov. 11, when all service men and women from all four armed service branches in the U.S. Department of Defense will be honored at 11AM. Pause and reflect for peace.
Lew Breese notes that the Naperville Marines again will host a flag raising to celebrate the 245th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps at 10PM Tues., Nov. 10, at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle Street. The public is welcome to attend.
In response to inquiries, Breese also said this year’s Naperville Marines Birthday Ball was canceled.
Did you know? “Semper Fidelis—Always faithful” is the motto of the U.S. Marine Corps adopted in 1883. And since the mid-1900s, “Oo-rah!” has been known as the enthusiastic battle cry among members.
Update! Veterans Day Tribute is canceled… On Wed., Nov. 11, the Naperville Municipal Band will perform a salute of upbeat music beginning at 10:45AM, followed by a brief ceremony hosted by the American Legion and Judd Kendall VFW at 11AM, a special tribute to all Veterans at Veterans Park, located at 303 E. Gartner Road.
Folks unable to attend are encouraged to pause and reflect for peace at 11AM on Wed., Nov. 11 and every Veterans Day.
Naperville Responds hosts ‘virtual’ Reverse Raffle, Friday the 13th
And the Annual Cheers! Event in support of Naperville Responds for Veterans will begin virtually at 6PM Fri., Nov. 13, at the Judd Kendall VFW. The lucky date is set for flag waving, horn tooting, bell ringing and fund raising to assist Veterans and their families in need of home repairs. (Click here) for 2020 Cheers! details and a chance to win $10,000 and other cash prizes. Online silent auction items are now posted, welcoming bids.
Naperville Illinois Secretary of State Facility is closed temporarily
Naperville’s DMV, located in Hobson West, is closed due to an employee’s testing positively for Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).
Located in the shopping mall at 931 W.75th Street where long lines of patrons have been following social distancing and other local protocols, the DMV is expected to reopen on Thurs., Nov. 19, after following recommendations of the CDC. Employees currently are quarantined for 14 days.
Update: Driver Services Facilities will be closed for in person transactions from Nov. 17 until Dec. 7, 2020.
Earlier this month, PN used USPS to update registrations for vehicles. Those quick-turnaround mail services and other renewals continue to be available online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com, the official website for the Secretary of State.
Poppy Days are here again
The Annual Buddy Poppy Sales are now in progress at a local street corner in downtown Naperville or in front of a supermarket. Thanks for supporting the fundraiser for the benefit of Veterans, an annual event in Naperville usually held in conjunction with Memorial Day in May. The “Poppy Appeal” dates back to November 1921 in Great Britain.
DuPage Foundation is set to host virtual ‘Spotlight Ball’ on Nov. 14
Tickets are available now through Nov. 6, 2020, at dupage2020.givesmart.com for the Spotlight Ball, a virtual celebration of philanthropy in DuPage County presented by DuPage Foundation. The program airs live from Naperville’s NCTV17 at 7:30PM, Sat., Nov. 14, 2020.
DuPage Foundation’s “World of Goods” auction opens to the general public for bidding on Nov. 7, with bidding wrapping up and winners announced at the conclusion of the live broadcast on Nov. 14. Auction items range from golf packages at area courses to unique experiences such as classes (virtual) in art, cooking and more.
Proceeds benefit DuPage Foundation, the area’s local community foundation, which supports DuPage County nonprofits through grant programs and by connecting donors with areas of need.
One ticket level creating much excitement is the DuPage Delights attendee. These ticket holders will receive a DuPage Delights box filled with an assortment of items curated from local DuPage County retailers and manufacturers.
National Community Foundation Week & National Philanthropy Day
DuPage Foundation annually celebrates national Community Foundation Week and National Philanthropy Day, November 12-18 and November 15, respectively, by hosting its fall gala. This year participants are invited to roll out the red carpet and celebrate from home. Last year DuPage Foundation granted more than $8 million to area nonprofits, supporting people in need. Learn more at DuPageFoundation.org/Gala.
For more info, contact DuPage Foundation at (630) 665-5556 or visit dupage2020.givesmart.com.
Listen to the bells on World Pancreatic Cancer Day, Nov. 19
Throughout the year, Moser Tower with the 72-bell Millennium Carillon along the Riverwalk is illuminated at night with different colors at to heighten awareness for important initiatives such as blue for Autism Awareness Month in April. When the sprinklers are running in the summertime, visitors to Rotary Hill also can try to catch rainbows.
At 6:30PM Thurs., Nov. 19, a special “purple” tribute concert is scheduled to highlight World Pancreatic Cancer Day.
This week, Alex Trebek, the longtime and popular gameshow host from Canada, most known for “Jeopardy!”, died from pancreatic cancer at age 80. Among many news reports about his death is this account of an encounter regarding a “Jeopardy!” answer aimed at stumping him.
“The American flag flies here 24 hours a day, every day of the year,” the stranger noted in typical Trebek style.
Trebek answered, “What is the moon?”
This week with Old Glory on many minds out of respect and reflection for Veterans Day, patriotic tunes that ring out from the carillon will appeal to passersby with all-American spirit. It’s also likely that Trebek and other notables and family members who lost their lives to pancreatic cancer will be remembered on Nov. 17 with the theme song from “Jeopardy!” as well as other memorable songs in the medley played on the nine-octave musical instrument housed in Moser Tower.
Then additional free carillon concerts in November and December continue at noon on Saturdays and 3PM on Sundays until New Year’s Eve.
Order a good time ‘to-go’ and more at Quigley’s Irish Pub
The last evening before the recent indoor lockdown, Quigley’s Irish Pub hosted the Presidential Debate Coverage. A lively group stopped by for dinner, a beverage and good spirits, all following local safety protocols, said owner/GM Michele Michael.
Though seating inside is temporarily closed, outdoor dining continues to be available, weather permitting, with the warmth of heaters on the spacious patio.
Since March, Quigley’s, located at 43 E. Jefferson Avenue in downtown Naperville, has offered take-out with curb service pick-up. To place an order, call (630) 428-4774.
Looking forward to the holidays and re-opening, Quigley’s has two rooms, the Cigar Room and the Cottage Room, available to reserve for two-hour limits for special events that can accommodate groups of up to 10. To inquire about reserving a room, ask for “The Manager” at (630) 428-4774.
2020 Naperville Noon Lions 5K Turkey Trot runs virtual
For more than 23 years, the Naperville Noon Lions 5K Turkey Trot has welcomed residents of Naperville and surrounding communities to join with their friends and families to enjoy a little exercise before celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday.
Due to public health risks brought on by the coronavirus pandemic as well as the restrictions placed on gathering by the State of Illinois we are not able to hold an in-person 5K race safely this year.
The Naperville Noon Lions invite you to keep your holiday tradition alive by joining our Virtual 5K Turkey Trot. Pick you favorite course and run any time between November 14 – 29. After running, share your time, your photos and your stories and they’ll celebrate the holiday season with you and post them on their Facebook Page and Instagram. Full race results will be available on the Naperville Noon Lions race website in early December 2020.
Registration is open online at www.napervilleturkeytrot.com. The registration fee is $35 for adults, $30 for children ages 10-14 and $25 for children age 9 and under. All registered runners will receive a long sleeve technical running shirt and a special edition 2020 race decal. All race packets will be mailed.
Proceeds from the Turkey Trot will support the Naperville Noon Lions Foundation Social Service Program which provides eye examinations, eyeglasses and hearing examinations free of charge to children and adults who cannot afford this type of service. During the past year over 300 individuals where provided free services. In addition, research and education grants are provided to various organizations related to vision and hearing initiatives.
Running in a 5K race provides you a chance to win and be the best in your age category and get some much-needed exercise. But the real winning is that you are helping people in need in our community.
About Naperville Noon Lions: The Naperville Noon Lions Club is a member Club of Lions Clubs International. Lions Clubs International is the largest service organization in the world with over 1.4 million members and 44,000 local Clubs. For more info call (630) 364-3922 or visit www.napevillenoonlions.org.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Also, on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26, 2020, Quigley’s will continue its tradition of being open for beverages only from 8AM to noon during the (virtual) Naperville Noon Lions Club Turkey Trot. Last call will be at 11AM. All local protocols will be followed.
Meson Sabika again will serve 2,000 complimentary traditional turkey dinners to folks in need. This year, however, all dinners, already pre-ordered before the November deadline, will be prepared “to go.”
Then for many of us, Thanksgiving Day, the special holiday that welcomes memorable family gatherings with sumptuous turkey dinners, accented with delicious dressing, side dishes, and desserts, will be scaled down for 2020.
To find Naperville restaurants with to-go dinners for Thanksgiving Day, visit www.dinenaperville.com.
Come on downtown Naperville! Shops are open. Gift cards available…
The countdown has started with less than eight weeks until Christmas and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, merchants in downtown Naperville are more grateful than ever to everyone who ventures there to shop.
Brighten shorter days in Downtown Naperville where the magic of thousands of holiday lights glisten and more colorful displays soon will follow along Water Street to delight visitors throughout the season.
Indoor dining is temporarily closed; yet, thanks to warm November weather, many downtown eateries still offer outdoor service. Of course, online to-go orders are sure to whet every appetite for lunch or dinner.
Check out the list of all downtown restaurants open and ready to serve at downtownnaperville.com.
- Downtown Naperville Alliance – 55 S. Main Street, Suite 367 (gift cards sold 9AM to 3PM Monday – Thursday)
- J. McLaughlin – 216 S. Main Street
- Karisma Boutique – 232 S. Washington
- Trails & Tides – 120 Water Street
Follow local protocols for public safety. Wash hands often, but don’t wash away commonsense.
