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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Updated for last week in March! Consider choices of things to do in Naperville

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Above / The view of the Ss. Peter and Paul clock tower from Central Park during the winter is known to ignite memories of summer band concerts. For 2022, concerts will performed at 7:30PM Thursdays, June 9 through Aug. 11. Admission is free of charge. 

Welcome to springtime!

May Watts Park provides a walking and biking trail, natural habitat, and a pond for fishing. Springtime also welcomes visitors to a peaceful place for reflection. Just be mindful that early in the morning the wooden slats on the bridge may be slippery. (PN Photo March 20, 2022.)

K9s for Veterans Fundraiser at the VFW

Karaoke Fundraiser for K9s for Veterans is set for 6PM Sat., May 26, upstairs at the Naperville VFW Post at 908 Jackson Ave.

The fundraiser will include Karaoke, 50/50 Raffle, Cash Bar and a dinner buffet from Texas RoadHouse

Tickets are $25 at the door.  One or two of the service dogs are scheduled to be on hand along with their Veterans, organizers said. Veterans are appreciative of all support of an organization that routinely saves veteran lives from suicide and at the same time have some fun with your friends and comrades. 

Questions? Contact Kathy Thornton at (630) 667-6704.

Note also that registration for the annual Naperville Memorial Day Parade on the last Monday in May is now in progress until May 1, 2022.

Naperville Mayor presents 2022 State of the City on March 24

Mayor Steve Chirico will present the annual State of the City address on March 24. (PN File Photo)

Hosted by the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Steve Chirico will present the 2022 State of the City during an in-person luncheon event on March 24, a time to reflect on 2021, look forward to a year of optimism in 2022, and encourage “the leaders of tomorrow to be bright and bold in their relentless pursuit of painting Naperville’s future picture,” open invitations noted.

Update! Note! The text of the State of the City (click here) address with photos is now featured on this website. It takes a few minutes to read. Thanks for reading. 

Observe National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29

National “Vietnam War Veterans Day” 2022 will be observed in Naperville beginning at 10:30AM Tues., March 29, at Veterans Park, 303 E. Gartner Road.

The 30-minute ceremony will honor all men and women who served as well as all who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Founded in 2017, this national day now is recognized annually on March 29. Last year was the first time Vietnam War Veterans Day was observed publicly in Naperville.

“March 29, 2022, marks the 49th Anniversary of our departure from Vietnam,” noted Wayne Fischer, VN ’67-68, USMC.

This observance will be open to the public, especially to all Veterans, Fischer said.

Parking will be available across the street at Grace United Methodist Church.

Spring season arrives at Naper Settlement 

Weed Ladies Spring Sale
10AM-3PM Thurs., March 31-Sat. April 2 / 1-3PM Sun., April 3| Free admission
The Weed Ladies Spring Sale features creative seasonal floral arrangements. Each one-of-a-kind silk or dried floral creation has been designed by the Weed Ladies of the Naperville Heritage Society volunteer group. Proceeds benefit the Naperville Heritage Society. Admission to the sale is free. Please enter the Pre-Emption House Visitor Center and inform the Guest Services Team that you are attending the sale.

Naper Settlement is located on spacious grounds along Aurora Avenue at Webster Street. For more info about the City’s outdoor history museum, visit www.napersettlement.org or call (630) 420-6010.

Think green! Think VFW Plant Sale! Orders due March 31

Simply put, orders continue being accepted through March 31, 2022, for the 21st Annual VFW Plant Sale.

The sale offers all sorts of annuals available in flats with geraniums, specific specialty plants and grasses, as well as gorgeous hanging baskets.

“Prices are reasonable and the quality of the plants is just excellent!” said Plant Sale Chair Marcy Maughan.

The order form is featured on the VFW website at www.NaperVFW3873.org.

Orders must be returned to the VFW (908 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville, IL 60540) by Thurs., March 31, 2022. Pickup day is Fri., May 6, just in time for Mother’s Day on Sun. May 8.

Look forward to 2nd Annual Naperville Irish Festival on Aug. 5-6

While on the subject of St. Patrick’s Day in March, the West Suburban Irish suggest that families mark their calendars and 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 throughout the year, check out www.WSIrish.org. Begorrah!
 
Last Updated, March 26, 2022

A few memories of the March that has been…

CityGate restaurants aim to help chef’s Ukraine aid campaign 

CityGate Centre, home of Hotel Arista, is located at Route 59 and Ferry Road in Naperville.

On Tues., March 15, 2022, the community is welcome to join five restaurants located at CityGate Centre in support of the front-line food provider campaign #ChefsForUkraine.

CityGate campus restaurants – CityGate Grille, Che Figata, Tap In Pub, Lavazza and Zorba Cocktail Bar – located at Route 59 and Ferry Road in Naperville, will donate 30 percent of proceeds from all food and beverage sales Tues., March 15, to support the #ChefsForUkraine campaign launched by World Central Kitchen (WCK), the front-line food provider founded by humanitarian and Michelin Star Chef José Andrés. 

Dine in person or via carry out

To contribute to this campaign through CityGate Hospitality, community members can dine at participating locations – CityGate Grille, Che Figata, Tap In Pub, Lavazza and Zorba Cocktail Bar – or order online from CityGate Grille, Che Figata, Tap In Pub and Lavazza websites – on Tues., March 15, 2022, when a portion of their purchase amount will be donated by CityGate Hospitality. 

Links to each restaurant’s website can be found at www.citygatecentre.com/carryout

P.S. On March 17, folks at CityGate Hospitality expressed gratitude for all community and employee support and dedication to Tuesday’s fundraising initiative to benefit the #ChefsForUkraine campaign launched by World Central Kitchen. The final tally announced March 21 was $31K. 

Meanwhile, anyone who wishes to support World Central Kitchen with a donation of any size may contribute at donate.wck.org/give.

West Suburban Irish host Irish Mass with St. Patrick’s Confessio

Decked out in a collectible commemorative WSI scarf at Treasures Games & Gadgets in downtown Naperville with memories of the WSI St. Patrick’s Parade in 12-degree temperatures, 2-year-old Hailey has fingers crossed as the community wraps up festivities for the luck of the Irish.
Original Post, March 14, 2022 / The community is welcome to 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, complete with heart-warming Irish music, at the Irish Mass at St. Raphael Church at 1215 Modaff Rd.
 

The service spoken in the Irish and English languages also features the Naperville Highland Guard Bagpipers, Irish dancers, the Naperville Police and Fire Department Honor Guards, and the Knights of Columbus.

Mary Mulligan will sing “Lady of Knock, my Queen of Peace.”

Attendees also will enjoy the stunning voice of Paddy Homan, a Traditional Irish Tenor who is described by LiveIreland Radio as “an incredible talent” and “truly gifted.”

Admission is free of charge. Watch for the WSI Irish Mass to return in 2023.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day and E.D.A.Q.!

Inside and outside, Quigley’s Irish Pub, located at 43 E. Jefferson Ave., is set to welcome revelers with Irish music and more EDAQ and on St. Patrick’s Day. 

‘Tis the holiday when everybody dons something green from head to toe and is happy and frolicking with others in good spirits.

School children have thoughts of “leprechaun catchers” on their minds to enhance legends and lore of the Irish spirit and pots of gold. No matter what nationality, political affiliation or religion, individuals share something in common that magically arrives every March 17.

And, of course, there’s the old riddle that asks, “What do many people turn into on St. Patrick’s Day?” Answer: “Pubs.”

EDAQ, the Cottage Room at Quigley’s Irish Pub pays tribute to St. Patrick’s Day.

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated every day at Quigley’s (EDAQ) and especially beginning at 10AM Thurs., March 17. The Chicago Irish Band will begin playing at 1PM, followed later by Cirrus Falcon at 7PM.

Throughout downtown Naperville, local eateries are adorned with shamrocks to welcome folks to St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

Yep! Everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Find Front Street Cantina at 15 W. Jefferson Ave. Venture throughout downtown Naperville where dozens of longtime and recently established eateries welcome guests every day. 

Members of the West Suburban Irish added, “We wish you a joyous and safe St. Patrick’s Day!”

The nonprofit organization that hosts Naperville’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities reminds trivia aficionados that the next WSI Quiz Night begins at 7PM Tues., April 5, 2022, at Quigley’s.

Billy Elton Benefit Concert at NVHS is set for March 18

Billy Elton, a band that celebrates the music of Billy Joel and Elton John, will be making its seventh appearance in the Neuqua Valley High School Auditorium beginning at 7:30PM Fri., March 18. The benefit concert features Reid Spears on piano and lead vocals along with NVHS music staff members Ryan Rimington and Brad Pfeil.

The band previously was scheduled to perform its last benefit concert at Neuqua Valley on March 13, 2020. However, due to the onset of the pandemic, the performance was canceled just the day before it was scheduled to take place.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door, with general admission seating. Tickets may be purchased in advance www.neuquamusic.org/billy-elton.

For anyone who chose not to get a refund on the canceled 2020 event and still holding those tickets, those 2020 tickets will be honored at the door.

Stay tuned for the concert to return in 2023.

Neuqua Valley High School campus is located at 2360 95th Street.

Waubonsie Valley hosts 2022 Spring Craft Fair March 19

Waubonsie Valley High School will host its 2022 Spring Craft Fair from 9AM to 3PM Sat., March 19. A Bake Sale, Raffle and unique gifts from more than 70 crafters and vendors will be featured at the popular fundraiser. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children.

Waubonsie Valley High School is located at 2590 Ogden Avenue.

American Legion Social will honor teachers on March 19

The Naperville American Legion Post 43 will host its March social at the Judd Kendall VFW Post, 908 W. Jackson Ave.

The Naperville American Legion Post 43 will be honoring teachers from School District 203, School District 204 and local parochial schools at its March Social to begin at 6PM Sat., March 19.

Ten teachers will be honored from Naperville, according to Gary Michalowksi, Jr. Vice Commander.

Following the social hour, the dinner will be served at 7PM, featuring corned beef and cabbage and all the fixings, prepared by Nadia Rios and the Post 43 Cooks, with dessert to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

The dinner will be held at the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873, located at 908 W. Jackson Ave. The cost is $15 per person, $7 for kids, and children under 6 eat free. A cash bar will be available.

The public is invited.

RSVP to Gary Michalowski via email at gmichalowski@sbcglobal.net or call or text to (630) 988-0106. The reservation deadline is Wed., March, 16, 2022. Payment will be accepted at the door by credit card, cash, or check payable to “American Legion Post 43.”
All updated CDC recommended guidelines will be followed. FYI: The next American Legion Social will feature the annual Commanders Dinner at the VFW on April 17, 2022. Again, the public is welcome.

Postponed for now…Real World Self-Defense workshop for adults is set for March 20

Update, March 20, 2022 / Today’s Real World Self-Defense Workshop has been canceled. Watch for news about the event to be rescheduled in April 2022.

Original Post, March 15, 2022 / RJM Strategy Group, a local leader in law enforcement, safety and security for business owners and residents, is hosting Real World Self-Defense, a workshop for adults to become empowered with self-defense knowledge and skills to protect themselves in domestic or street violence situations.

Designed for adults of all ages with little to no self-defense knowledge or experience, the workshop will be held from 11:30AM to 1:30PM Sun., March 20, in North Central College’s second-floor Wrestling Room, located inside Merner Fieldhouse at 450 S. Brainard Street. Event check-in will begin at 10:45AM. 

The cost to attend is $40 for adults and $30 for students; payment will be taken on the day of the event via cash or check made payable to RJM Strategy Group. Pre-registration is requested; email: ray@rjmstrategygroup.com or call (630) 360-1965 and provide your name and email address or phone number. Attendees will be required to sign a waiver the day of the event prior to participating.

A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Naperville Area Humane Society.

Find a previously posted story about this event with a click here.

Naperville Municipal Band performs Winter Concert on March 20

The Naperville Municipal Band takes the stage at 3PM Sun., March 20, at Wentz Concert Hall.

Established in 1859, the Naperville Municipal Band continues to perform with the Naperville Community Concert Center in Central Park as its home base during its Thursday evening concert series every summer. In between summers, three seasonal concerts are held inside for fall, winter and spring concerts. 

Up next is the annual Winter Naperville Municipal Band Concert set for 3PM Sun., March 20, at Wentz Concert Hall. Concerts are approximately 60 to 90 minutes. All concerts are free of admission.

Wentz Concert Hall is located in the North Central College Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Avenue, just steps from downtown Naperville.

Learn more about the Naperville Municipal Band at www.napervilleband.org.

NMB also welcomes applicants to host bake sales for Thursday concerts…

Note also that the band announced earlier this week it is now accepting applications from local nonprofit organizations to participate in the lottery to host bake sales during its summer concert series, June 9-August 11. For more info about hosting bake sales, click here.

Think lunch or dinner and the show!

Downtown Naperville is bustling with restaurants to please every taste just steps from Wentz Concert Hall in the North Central College Fine Arts Center. Click here for an array of specials and more. Cheers!

NEF Building a Passion Breakfast returns on March 23

Naperville Education Foundation will host a special Building a Passion Breakfast fundraiser to connect NEF’s past, present, and future with a trivia-themed program consisting of networking opportunities, an anniversary breakfast program, and stand to show support, emceed by ABC7 anchor Alan Krashesky.

The breakfast is planned from 7AM to 9AM Wed., March 23, at Embassy Suites, 1823 Abriter Court.

Tickets are $80 each. For reservations, visit www.nef203.org.

Cheers to the end of lockdowns! Welcome springtime!

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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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