Above / Hello! Happy 2022 in Naperville! Throughout the year, Rotary Hill, pictured above, along the Naperville Riverwalk provides the natural setting for many annual charity events, concerts and sledding!

Let it snow! Bundle up! And joyful noises will reverberate throughout Rotary Hill, aka “Sled Hill.”

In 2018, thanks to funds raised by the Riverwalk Foundation’s Duck Race (on hiatus for 2020 and 2021), a new flag pole and American flag were placed near the Riverwalk Covered Bridge at Webster Street near the Naperville Township Building. 

The Riverwalk Foundation also contributed to help fund the pedestrian path along the Naperville Township parking lot, just south of the Moser Covered Bridge. This location between Jackson Avenue and Water Street attracts visitors to cross the DuPage River in downtown Naperville where more than 300 shopping and dining experiences help create the vibrant heart of the community every day of the year. 

This month’s post is chock full of photos that showcase a small sampling of community spirit that began on the banks of the DuPage River when Capt. Joe Naper and his family settled here in 1831. We like to think that our past gives richness to our present.

Note Traditions, January Sales & Bold Shout-outs…

Welcome to longstanding and more recent traditions! Though it’s a new year, things to do posted here are not new: They’re repeats.

Instead of mixing, mingling and connecting in this active community, the uncertainty of the pandemic prevents some traditional events from happening. Keeping up with cancellations is a challenge and time-consuming. We regret errors, really we do.

For now, the page you’ve visited here is likely to have only updated happenings for the month of January 2022. (Whatever post you read on this website, be sure to check the posted date/year. Stories are saved in PN’s archive dating back to the launch of this website, the third one since 2001.)

Stay safe. Wash your hands often, but don’t wash away commonsense. If you’re not feeling well, stay home.

Here’s a little more about PN’s website…

Since September 2001, Positively Naperville has been on a mission to focus on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness via the bright side of can-do spirit with smiles, local lore and good news. As history would have it, PN supports opportunities in Downtown Naperville to shop ’til you drop (an old saying from the late 1900s!). Find plenty of treasures in local shops in between delicious meals at eateries around town, sure to ignite delight.

Remember! Help keep the community safe. Pandemic or not, stay home when not feeling well. Follow local advisories and protocols upon entering a business or restaurant. Always cover coughs and sneezes. That’s just commonsense.

Most importantly, help protect physical and mental health of everyone around you. Eat healthful foods. Drink plenty of water. Take in fresh air and sunshine whenever possible.

Wash your hands often, but don’t wash away your commonsense.

Hold onto hugs for future giving. Keep a reasonable social distance. Take walks and appreciate the changing seasons.

Call family and friends.

Have faith, hope and charity to fulfill unmet needs of less fortunate with appreciation for all critical care providers and first responders.

Be safe and continue vigilance. Follow best practices. Play it safely so schools and all businesses, all essential, can thrive with open doors.

No matter where you live, aim with enthusiasm to support businesses at a local shopping destination near you.

Stay healthy and fit!

Happy January Traditions!

Plenty of cultural events welcome your attendance in this active city. A number of events listed here, are marked free*** of admission charge.

Dine Naperville via choices at www.dinenaperville.com. Consider to-go orders for pick up or delivery. Enjoy a hot time in the cold town this weekend…

Bundle up for winter to create fond memories and have a ball!

Jan. 4, 2022 / Positively Naperville goes to press a little later every January to avoid being thrown out with the holiday wrapping paper. Look for the first edition of PN on Jan. 6, 2022. 

Jan. 4, 2022 / West Suburban Irish Quiz Nights at Quigley’s Irish Pub (7PM First Tuesday of most months)

Jan. 7, 2022 / Friday Thermometer Check – Temperature is minus four degrees. (6AM Fri., Jan. 7)

Jan. 7, 2022 / Kreger’s Sausage and Brat Haus is where Bill Kreger has grilled classic sausages and Chorizo today. Hickory smoked brisket, pulled pork sandwiches and homemade chili are available, too. With a history in Naperville dating back to 1893, Kreger’s now is located at 6th & Ellsworth in Naperville, just one block north of Historic 5th Avenue Station. Open Fridays and Saturdays. (11AM-3PM Fri. & Sat., Jan. 7 & Jan. 8.)

Jan. 8, 2022 / Naperville Park District / KidsMatter Student Job Fair at Fort Hill Activity Center (10AM to 1PM Sat., Jan. 8, 2022) ***

Jan. 14, 2022 / Annual Indoor Winter Sidewalk Sales throughout downtown Naperville are the perfect time to redeem Downtown Naperville gift cards to help local merchants make room for spring times.  (Fri., Jan. 14-Mon., Jan. 17, 2022)

Jan. 15, 2022 / North Central College Arts Calendar – Jim Peterik’s World Stage at Pfeiffer Hall (8PM Sat., Jan 15, 2022)

Jan. 15, 2022 / Wedding Showcase at Naper Settlement (Sat., Jan. 15, 2022) ***Pre-Registration

Jan. 15, 2022 / American Legion Monthly Dinner/Social hosted by American Legion Post 43 at the Judd Kendall VFW Post. (Sat., Jan. 15, 2022)

Jan. 15, 2022 / Naperville 2022 Restaurant Week (Jan. 15-Feb. 6, 2022)

Jan. 16, 2022 / North Central College Arts Calendar – Chicago Sinfonietta “MLK Tribute Concert: Joie de Vivre” at Wentz Concert Hall (3PM Sun., Jan 16, 2022)

Jan. 17, 2022 / MLK Annual Tributes to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday (Jan. 15, 1929) at North Central College (Mon., Jan. 17, 2022)

Jan. 17, 2022 / Ever wonder what Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), Betty White (1922- 2021) and Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) have in common? Each one was born on January 17.

Jan. 18, 2022 / Happy 91st Birthday to Ann Good Lord!

Jan. 18, 2022 / Meson Sabika hosts fundraiser for disaster relief…Call (630) 983-3000 X2 or visit www.mesonsabika.com.

Jan. 28, 2022 / It’s Magic! Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala (7PM Fri., Jan. 28, 2022) (Note! The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC) recently honored Naperville business Paul Gregory Media with its inaugural “Shining Business Award” for the business’ commitment to providing the nonprofit community with grants and pro-bono services during the pandemic.)

Jan. 31, 2022 / Paczkis for Fat Tuesday. Plan ahead to call DeEtta’s Bakery (630-548-4078) to place preorders for the donut-like filled pastry called “pączki,” a traditional Polish treat popular for Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. DeEtta’s Bakery is known for the tasty treats (and much more!) at 428 W. 5th Ave., just off Mill Street. (Fat Tuesday is Tues., March 1, 2022)

Wrap up wisely for winter…

Dozens of shopping destinations throughout Naperville promote winter sale days now in progress. Find big bargains at your favorite local businesses. Remember safety protocols whenever entering a store or restaurant.

Take some “feel good” time to treat yourself and use gift cards that may be stashed in your wallet. Downtown Naperville is ready to get you fit and dressed for every season, with plenty to do in between meals at local eateries that’ll whet every appetite.

“Exercise, eat right and be your best self,” say downtown merchants. Follow local protocols. Stay healthy! Click here to find out what’s happening throughout downtown Naperville!

More EVENTS / STORIES under ‘Latest News’

Thanks for linking up and reading PN. Many stories about this active community are saved in the PN archive. Try using the “search” tool to find posts about the “Riverwalk,” “Naper Settlement,” “North Central College,” “Century Walk,” “Dine Naperville” or the “DuPage Children’s Museum,” for example.

Whenever possible, shop, dine and bank locally. Your support of the local business community is appreciated greatly.

Naperville’s musical tradition since 1859!

Strike up memorable music classics and upbeat marches with the city band that’s been around since 1859! Supported by the City of Naperville and its SECA Fund, Naperville Municipal Band Concerts, under the leadership of Conductor Ron Keller with enlightening narration by emcee Ann Lord, are free of charge and open to everyone. Considered a “year-round band” since 1969, stay tuned to the indoor concert season from November through April followed by the Thursday evening concerts outdoors in Central Park from June through August. (Note: Though a NMB concert is not planned for January 2022, Ann Lord’s 91st birthday is January 18. Cheers!)

Then celebrate safely. Thank you.

Final thoughts… Longstanding “repeat” events posted on this page are open to the public, providing plenty of happenings featuring local culture, social engagement and community spirit in Naperville, Illinois.

First-time events have yet to become traditions and will not be listed here. 

For information regarding sending news for consideration to PN, please CLICK HERE. Simply put, kindly keep news releases to fewer than 250 words without flowery and descriptive adjectives. Include who, what, when, where, why, cost and public contact info. Always avoid sending a new release that resembles a volume of War and Peace.