The last few winter months have been spent looking up in the treetops to create a new 26-letter set of the alphabet to complement an incomplete set started nearly a decade ago. Studying twists and turns of branches is a peaceful exercise that takes us away from the keyboard and other electronic devices. And there’s great joy of accomplishment when a letter takes shape such as the “S” in TRUST that also stands for scarfs featured in memorable photos such as these silly salespeople back in 2011!
For our cover in January 2022, we searched for TRUST in the treetops to promote our respect for nature and the changing season. Then in February 2022, we aimed to take time to appreciate the HEART and traditions that attracted us to this community.
When a couple readers called out the weakness in our heartfelt “H,” we took steps to find a better representative for the eighth letter of the alphabet.
Without success in local parks, while looking out the back window of our kitchen, a better letter “H” just happened to appear in the tree in our neighbor’s backyard. Mindful that spring begins on March 20 and the treetops will take on the haze of green when left buds begin to appear, we’ve been trying to finish up the alphabet to include photos of all 26 letters.
“P” also stands for peace.
Moving right along toward the memorable month of March with the St. Patrick’s Parade on our mind, we also were lucky to find a “P” pop at just the right time.
It’s not always easy to find curves and humps in branches that are needed to round off large and small letters such B, C, D, G, J, m. n, O, P, Q, R and S. In fact, try to imagine our surprise while walking along the Riverwalk near the west end of Centennial Beach in late December when we suddenly spotted a nearly perfectly shaped “S” high in the treetop to use for our January “TRUST.” We wonder if we’ll be able to see the “S” this spring. And if we’ll find it there next winter. We digress.
‘P’ is for party to honor St. Patrick in Naperville
Lá fhéile Pádraig sona duit AKA “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” in Gaelic
St. Patrick’s Day is set for Thurs., March 17! But wait! Event planners hope you’ll make the most of the holiday’s traditional festivities with the West Suburban Irish all during the month of March and then some.
WSI’s Quiz Night at Quigley’s / 7PM first Tuesday of the month
For starters, WSI’s Quiz Night at Quigley’s Irish Pub was on March 1. Next up is Tues., April 4. Get a team and snag a table at Quigley’s, 43 E. Jefferson Ave., for four rounds of trivia and a whole lot of fun. First round starts at 7PM.
Apply for 2022 Nona Moran Marovich Award / Applications due March 5
Collectible scarfs in different Irish-themed patterns again serve as a fundraiser during the WSI St. Patrick’s Parade on March 12. Proceeds from scarf sales, $5 each, help benefit the Nora Moran Marovich Service Award, named in memory of “Nonnie” Marovich, a fun-loving founding member of the West Suburban Irish, always an active participant who also served as a Grand Marshal. Four scholarship awards are available to high school juniors and seniors as they pursue post-secondary education. Applicationsfor the 2022 awards are due March 5.
‘S’ also stands for Saturday, March 12
St. Paddy’s Day 5K Run Walk / WSI St. Patrick’s Parade March 12
Spectators are welcome to gather in gobs of green garb in downtown Naperville on March 12 when the WSI St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at 10AM, following the Rotary Club of Naperville-SunriseSt. Paddy’s Day 5K Run Walk that begins at 8AM.
St. Patrick will be portrayed in the parade!
The parade begins at the south parking lot at Naperville North High School at Mill Street, heads south along Mill Street to Jackson Avenue, turns east, then winds its way along Main Street to Water Street.
The 2022 Parade Marshal Dr. Mark Goodwin will help the WSI celebrate health care workers for their tireless efforts to keep our community healthy especially during the past two years.
Irish Session / 1PM March 13
Share a taste of music and “all things Irish” with family and friends during a traditional Irish Session at 1PM on Sun., March 13, at Quigley’s Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson Ave.
Irish Mass / 6:30PM March 16
Then there’s the Irish Mass beginning with a prelude at 6:30PM and Mass at 7PM on Wed., March 16. Celebrate the good deeds of St. Patrick at the Irish Mass at St. Raphael Church at 1215 Modaff Rd. Afterward, everyone is invited to the Soda Bread & Tea Reception.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day March 17!
Members of the West Suburban Irish added, “We wish you a joyous and safe St. Patrick’s Day!”
2nd Annual Naperville Irish Festival / Aug. 5-6
Also, save the first weekend in August 2022, Fri., Aug. 5, and Sat., Aug. 6, for the 2nd Annual Naperville Irish Festival at Frontier Park.
For more activities and events celebrating the fun, frolic and flavors of Ireland this month and throughout the year, check out www.WSIrish.org. Begorrah!
Stay Connected!
Get the latest local headlines delivered to your inbox each morning.
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.
When a couple readers called out the weakness in our heartfelt “H,” we took steps to find a better representative for the eighth letter of the alphabet.
