Above / Find the story of Wolf’s Crossing, a rich history dating back to the 1700s, posted at the new community park near 248th Street and 95th Street.
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.
The exact address for Wolf’s Crossing Community Park is 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
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.
Discover what’s new for 2021
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.
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.
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! Save the dates to sail into town for sizzling Summer Sidewalk Sale Days, July 8-10.
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.”
Moving right along toward Memorial Day, May 31
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.
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.
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. Just for fun, Tom Kuhn said his tractor club, “The Good Old Toys” will put on a display at Kreger’s from 11AM to 2PM today, Sat., May 29. “Its our way of giving a display while people pick up there order from their cars. We expect to have about 10 tractors there, parked in front of his place.”
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.
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.
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! The acronym 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 ‘everytime’…
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 to downtown.
- Andrew’s Garden – Now open at 32 W. Chicago Avenue
- Warby Parker – Now open at 140 W Jefferson
- Hizemans – Now open on Washington
- Lovesac – Now open on Jefferson
- Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea – Now open on Washington
- Front Street Cantina – Reopening Summer 2021 with a newly renovated interior and an outdoor dining garden, too!
- JoJo’s Shake Bar – Opening Summer 2021!
- Kerwell – Opening Summer 2021!
- The NOW Massage – Opening Summer 2021!
- James & Sons Fine Jewelers – Opening Fall 2021!
- Tinker Children’s Boutique – Opening Late Summer 2021!
More around town
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. Reservations also are now being accepted for Father’s Day.
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
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.
