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Friday, March 29, 2024

Mix and match what’s happening throughout Naperville

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Above / Wolf’s Crossing Community Park, complete with splash pad, is now open for fun, sun and play. Explore all the amenities at the Naperville Park District’s newest park, including its first challenge course. Find a playground, a trail, a nature play area as well as tennis, pickleball, sand volleyball and basketball courts. For now, however, help the turf grow where signs ask visitors to stay off newly-seeded areas. Wolf’s Crossing Community Park is located at 3252 Wolf’s Crossing Road, south of Trumpet Avenue.

We’re looking forward to the return of the vibrancy, traditions, events, new ideas and volunteerism that attracted us here in the first place. 

Be safe. Be prudent. Be healthy. Follow local protocols as they advance. Help reestablish pre-pandemic life.

—PN

Post Last Updated, May 26, 2021 / Note that already-past events have been deleted.

May Watts is remembered for her love of the great outdoors

As a Naperville resident, May Watts lived in a historic home on Jefferson Ave. on the campus of North Central College.

As nature lovers approach the good old summertime with more enthusiasm than ever, the colorful flowering landscape surrounding May Watts Pond is a fitting tribute to a Naperville woman, May Theilgaard Watts, who enjoyed a passion for preserving, writing and teaching about the great outdoors.

Every May, the park comes alive with all kinds of action from its footbridge over the pond to the ball fields where joyful noises and cheers are in play to its shoreline where lily pads shade sights of schools of fish.

Dozens, maybe hundreds, of finger-length fish sometimes show up along the shoreline in May Watts Pond.

Naturalist Watts (1893-1975) is remembered for her dedication to the Illinois Prairie Path via this park, trail and the District 204 elementary school named in her honor. May Watts Park is bordered by Countryside and West Wind subdivisions in Naperville.

Visitors can enter the May Watts Park from Oakton, Whispering Hills and Sequoia roads where they’ll find accessibility to its .89-mile path through the park and around the May Watts Pond.

Go, Fish!

Every spring, then summer, one of the biggest uses of PN’s “search” feature is by folks looking for places in Naperville to go fish. Here’s the link that includes plenty of pictures when “just by chance” we witnessed the big catch. Imagine the ones that got away!

On May 22, 2021, we watched another big catfish catch from the footbridge over May Watts Pond.

Thanks to a night crawler, this angler had big catfish success twice in one morning. Next time he’s packing minnows with hopes to catch a bass in May Watts Pond that will be released back into the pond.

Discover what’s new for 2021

Main Street at Jackson Avenue provides a view of historic downtown Naperville as well as its growth as a lifestyle center in the community. Dean’s Fine Clothing, one of Naperville’s oldest small, independent family-owned businesses, is hosting special sale days this week. Find convenient free customer parking located at 226 S. Main Street.

Main Street leads to the heart of downtown Naperville where Century Walk sculptures, murals and other outdoor art bring local history to life around every corner. Note the new speed bumps along Main Street and Jackson Avenue. Drive the speed limit of 25 mph or less. Watch out for pedestrians.

Drive slowly throughout downtown Naperville. Drive carefully over new speed bumps that now cross Main Street and Jackson Avenue.

Many business owners and workers we know are eager to return to the jobs they enjoy to serve the community, step by step. Thanks to everybody who returns to work. Thanks also to all who aim to help fill “help wanted” job offers here and there.

Local business owners tell us they’re looking forward to special events— traditional events expected to return to their in-person live timeslots that display can-do spirit in support of the needs of nonprofits as well as the local economy.

Nonetheless, folks have been forwarding updates, changes, postponements and some cancellations such as 2012 Ribfest. We’ll attempt to keep up-to-date and informed one month at a time.

For now, we’re closer to full reopening. Some have called it a “mask exodus.” Illinois is currently on target to hit Phase 5 on June 11, 2021, set for normal business operations, free of pandemic-related mitigations. Barring any significant changes in COVID-19 metrics within the state, Centennial Beach is set to open Memorial Day Weekend with high hopes of smooth sailing into summer.

Sailing into Summer with sales and other surprises

Watch for 14 summer sculptures expected to drift into downtown Naperville a little later than originally scheduled, now on Wed., June 2.

Ahoy! So many folks planned to drop anchor for the Downtown Naperville Wine Walk on June 13 that the event is now sold out. Still, visitors can mix great shopping and match dining all day. And save the dates to sail into town for sizzling Summer Sidewalk Sale Days, July 8-10.

Fourteen sailboats are expected to depict whimsical, creative and colorful themes for another artistic display throughout Downtown Naperville beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Plan now to drop anchor in Downtown Naperville!

Remember to support your local business community first

We admit, it’s difficult for this fun-loving 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 around the clock. We strive to earn our readers’ trust by presenting factual info and best practices. We aim to get back on the beat, mindful of the joys of freedom and good news to follow.

Beware of opportunists, mischief and shenanigans featured on social media. Remember the age-old saying, “Be safe, not sorry.”

KidsMatter presents a free online program focused on Adolescent Mental Health with Dr. Aaron Weiner at 7PM Wed., May 26. More than ever, mental health education to address uncharted challenges is important. For information about KidsMatter, its programs and services, visit www.kidsmatter2us.org.

NAPERVILLE CRIME STOPPERS offer up to a $1,000.00 reward for information leading to the to the arrest of person(s) responsible for criminal incidents posted at www.napervillecrimestoppers.com. Individuals who witness or have any information about the suspect(s) are asked to contact CRIME STOPPERS at (630) 420-6006. Information is important to Crime Stoppers and all callers may remain anonymous. Keeping the community safe is everyone’s responsibility. Thank you.

Click here to read Julie Smith’s story featuring “Two Words,” a column that appeared in Feb. 2015. We are grateful to all for their honorable service and their sacrifice.

Moving right along toward Memorial Day, May 31

Discover this history of Central Park, located between Benton Avenue and Jefferson Avenue, just east of Washington Street, where the Naperville Community Concert Center opens its big stage door for seasonal concerts.

The Annual Memorial Day Parade and Observances in Central Park that usually accompany the day to pay tribute to all who have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation have been shortened for 2021. All Veterans are welcome. Suggested attire for the day will be short/long khakis and appropriate Post/military polo and headgear, but if suggested attire is not available, simply join the parade. Park behind the VFW Post, 908 W. Jackson Ave. Simply plan to line up to walk near the VFW at 8:30AM. Transportation is available for Veterans to participate onboard the Naperville Trolley, too. The abbreviated march will begin at the VFW at 9AM, accompanied by the Naperville Municipal Band along Jackson Avenue. Any questions? Contact Tom Parker at tomparker60@gmail.com.

The special ceremony will occur near the Dandelion Fountain located at Jackson and Webster Street, and will be followed by visits via Naperville Trolley & Tours to local cemeteries and memorials.  (9:40AM, Sept. 11/Shanower Memorial; 10AM, Naperville Cemetery; 10:20AM, Veterans Park; 10:40AM, Ss. Peter and Paul and 11AM Burlington Square Park.)

For up-to-date details, visit www.napervillememorialdayparade.com.

At noon, the annual Memorial Day Observance with music performed by the Naperville Municipal Band, short speeches, and wreath-laying will begin in Central Park. The observance is planned to be 45 minutes.

Flag Etiquette / Memorial Day, Mon., May 31, is a time to pay tribute to all individuals and their families for giving the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military to protect the freedoms of the United States of America. Fly flags at half staff until noon on Memorial Day.

National Moment of Remembrance / At 3PM local time every Memorial Day, no matter where you stand, pause for a moment of silence with the entire nation, recognizing sacrifices of all military and their families to protect peace. Remember all individuals who have died in military service to the United States.

For 2021 and public safety, this week local Veterans and other volunteers will present poppies from Styrofoam trays, appreciating all support for rehabilitation and other needs of disabled Veterans. (PN File Photo)

And this week, support the Buddy Poppy program wherever Veterans and other volunteers are stationed at a location near you, here at home and across the nation. Thank you.

Here comes summer…

Naperville Municipal Band Summer Concerts in June, July and August. Leaders of the Naperville Municipal Band have announced its 11-week Summer Concert Season in Naperville’s Central Park will begin at 7:30PM on Thurs., June 10. Save the dates. Plan to join the audience of band fans when upbeat and memorable music begin as the big stage door goes up. Stay tuned for details about opening night and local protocols. As Conductor Ron Keller says, “Music is for life!”

Returning for all vintage car enthusiasts… Downtown Naperville will host its Father’s Day Weekend Classic Car Show, 9AM to Noon Sat., June 19. Weather permitting, enjoy the exhibit of up to 100 Classic Cars in all makes and models. Free admission. Preregistered vehicles only will be on display on Jackson Avenue, between Eagle and Main streets. Registration is now closed.

The Naperville Woman’s Club again will host its long-running Annual Naperville Fine Art and Artisans Fair at Naper Settlement, set to return 10AM to 5PM June 26 and June 27, 2021.

Celebrate Independence Day Weekend!  Naperville Responds For Veterans will host The Naperville Salute, a hometown-focused Fourth of July celebration, on July 2-4, 2021. The Salute has been designed for the Naperville community to honor hometown heroes, first responders, military and Veterans.

The 2021 Independence Day weekend event, put on hold last year, aims to blend community, local entertainment, food and family fun at Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk on July 2-3. The festivities will conclude with fireworks Sun., July 4, at Frontier Park in south Naperville. All local safety protocols are being followed as plans for this inaugural event develop day by day.

The Riverwalk Foundation Annual Duck Race in August will take a break for the second year in a row. Waddle the group do in its place? Since the Riverwalk’s 40th birthday is Labor Day Weekend, a rededication ceremony will be held on Mon., Sept. 6, 2021, after the Jaycees Labor Day Parade. It’ll be brief, just long enough to mark a moment a history. Watch for details, likely to include “Cake and Ice Cream 40th Birthday” coupons, good for ice cream or cake at one of downtown Naperville’s treat shops. 

During the past couple of Riverwalk Duck Races, organizers added a fun “Costume Contest for Jumbo Ducks” to the mix and many local businesses decorated ducks to display with a theme. That just ducky display may return for Labor Day.

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—ducks and geese are wildlife. Among the educational missions of the Riverwalk Foundation are to remind folks to let wildlife be wild. Let wildlife find food in nature.

But first… Continue to take precautions for good health all the time. Wash your hands often. Cover coughs and sneeze into your elbow. 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.

Remember, whatever the circumstance, fresh air and sunshine are good for everybody. On May 13, 2021, the CDC announced that individuals who are vaccinated do not require face masks inside public places or outside. Be safe. Follow what’s best for you.

Note a few shout outs…

Dean’s Fine Clothing for men and women is located 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 graduates, then Father’s Day, then any old day at www.deansclothing.com. Watch for the big tent to return for Summer Sidewalk Sales in July.

Kreger’s Brat & Sausage Haus, 605 N. Ellsworth St.  Just give them a call for spring hours and a list of the specials at (630) 355-4418. 

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 for supporting all local businesses whenever possible.

Check out members of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce at www.naperville.net.

Check out the Downtown Naperville Alliance (DNA) of businesses.

Again, thanks for becoming acquainted with your local business community situated at destinations all over town and often connected online.

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 with sights on reopening!

  • Remember teachers, graduates and dads! 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. 
  • DuPage Children’s Museum has reopened via reservations with lots things to do for families with young children, too. The museum will open its regular schedule beginning Sat., June 5, reopening for general admission. Guests can expect the same high-quality early learning experiences (and fun) but with new practices in place such as timed admission and reduced capacity to help keep everyone safe. Tickets need to be purchased in advance.
  • Write down your thoughts. Start a journal. Naper Settlement encourages folks, all ages, to keep a journal of experiences. Compare notes. Read. Tell jokes. Make up riddles.
  • Plan together and create an itinerary of “Things to Do” in the great outdoors all throughout this city with nearly 140 parks.

Here and there…

Thank you, to all who serve with Dine Naperville! Consider supporting your favorite eatery sometime every week with patience and good will. Visit www.dinenaperville.com for ready to serve to-go orders via Dine Naperville.  Thanks for tipping, too.

Quigley’s Irish Pub! Located at 43 E. Jefferson, Quigley’s spaces inside and outside on the spacious patio are now open daily. Be prepared for bright changes when EDAQ (Every Day at Quigley’s) regulars return without masks. Sláinte! Some protocols may apply. Need an order to go? Thanks for calling (630) 428-4774. 

Find lots of history standing here in the Jefferson Hill Shops, located at 43 E. Jefferson. The original core of the mansion was built in 1840s, formerly the home of Naperville Mayor Francis Kendall, father of WWI hero Judd Kendall. Since 1998, Quigley’s Irish Pub and its spacious patio have welcomed folks year round. In 1997, a Century Walk sculpture was created to showcase of the tools of business, industry and the household from the 20th century. Around the east side of the mansion is Green Basil Vietnamese Cuisine. Note curbside seating for Quigley’s, additional space outdoors.

West Suburban Irish Quiz Night returns in person at Quigley’s Irish Pub beginning at 7PM Tues., June 1. Put a team together, gather wit with wisdom and test trivia just for the fun of it.

RED T-Shirt Fundraiser for Gold Star Family Memorial! RED stands for “Remember Everyone Deployed,” created to show solidarity and support for our deployed service members and Veterans. Wear RED every Friday to show support for our troops. Meanwhile, also show support for the Naperville Gold Star Family Memorial fundraising effort. 

Each RED shirt (V-neck women’s sizes or regular t-shirt) costs $20.  Simply fill out the form and mail with a check to: American Legion Riders, PO Box 4, Naperville IL 60566. To order your shirt via a printable PDF form, CLICK HERE. To order shirts in person, visit the porch from 1-3PM on Sun., May 30, 908 W. Jackson. Other dates are planned in June.

Note that photographer Jim Hoch plans to take a group photo of folks wearing RED shirts at 10AM on Sat., July 3, also in the VFW parking lot of the Judd Kendall VFW, just in time for Independence Day Fireworks.

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 Naperville businesses? Here you go… www.downtownnaperville.com.

Pay attention to what’s opened recently and what’s coming soon.

After Mayor Chirico cut the ribbon, he mentioned how excited he is to have a florist in downtown Naperville again. What’s more, Andrew’s Garden, located at 32 W. Chicago Ave., is recongized as “a carefully curated collection of unique gifts, stationery and home décor.” (Photo courtesy Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce)

More around town

Find patios all around Meson Sabika, ready for summertime, day and evening. Watch sun umbrellas open all day!

Meson Sabika is located at 1025 Aurora Avenue, offering spacious outdoor patio dining as well as its carry-out and delivery menus, too. Advance orders can be placed via www.mesonsabika.com or by calling (630) 983-3000 x2. 

Enjoy special treats from DeEtta’s Bakery, open during regular hours with donuts, breads, cakes and other delicious pastries! DeEtta’s is 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. 

The Boxes Etc. Naperville in Cress Creek Square Shopping Center is ready to serve! Looking for graduation gifts? 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 with ideas for gifts for dads, too.

During recent stay at home, perhaps you’ve uncovered keepsakes that could be better framed by Colbert Custom Framing & Art Printing in Market Meadows Shopping Center, 1283 S. Naper Blvd., for safe display. For details, call (630) 717-1448 or email service@colbertcf.com. Note:  Colbert Custom Framing & Art Printing, Stephanie Corbert Randall and the team at Colbert Custom Framing look forward to working with you! 

Experimax Naperville is an electronic device specialist, simply put, that buys, sells, trades, repairs and upgrades all Apple products and Windows, too. Experimax is located in the Riverbrook Shopping Center, 1523 N. Aurora Rd. Suite 111, where plenty of convenient parking is available. For more information, call (630) 857-9984 or visit www.experimax.com/locations/naperville-il.

Wiggle your fingers & toes. Be safe. Be well.

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.

Naper Nuts & Sweets at 10 W. Jefferson Avenue in downtown Naperville offers the very best treat shop for caramel corn, ice cream and all your favorite candies. Phone orders are available at (630) 355-5330.

Discover the wonders of nature in local parks

Female Mallard ducks (hens) quack a “hail call” to their baby ducklings, ordering them to line up to follow. Get it? “Getting ducks in a row.” On Saturday, the Mother hen was leading her three ducklings to May Watts Pond where her drake already was swimming.
The hen and the drake Mallard ducks look very different. They don’t quack the same either.

Help make the world a free and safe place for all!

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

Thanks for reading PN Posts on “Latest News.” Please consider special fundraising events. Note unmet needs of local nonprofits continue every day. Thanks for donating when you can. Every donation, small or large, helps somebody.

Check out giving opportunities and needs at Loaves & Fishes Community Services at www.loaves-fishes.org. 

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 without click bait, sensational headlines and drama.

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 no matter how far apart we are.

PN may not be first, but we aim to be accurate.

Deal with facts!

Considering the unpredictability the pandemic has presented since March 2020, 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.

Here’s what was posted on the CDC website on May 13, 2021:

  • If you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic.
  • Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
  • If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, find a vaccine.

Throughout these challenging times, factual information from reliable sources must remain freely available to all dedicated readers in print and online.

– PN

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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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