Mindful to recognize January 17, 1709, as the birth of Ben Franklin, PN again touts his many inventions, theories and discoveries.
Never ever a self-proclaimed perfectionist, Franklin can be credited for his insatiable curiosity and communication skills while improving the world in countless practical ways via a city hospital, electricity, fire departments, higher education, postal service, public libraries, weather forecasts and vaccinations.
As a prolific inventor, Franklin never patented a single innovation. He considered his inventions (bifocal lenses, swim fins, Franklin stove, lightning rod, to name four) as gifts to the public. You could say his aversion to patents embraced the concept of “open source.”
Every time we head to watch public meetings saved in local archives or broadcast live from Washington on CSPAN, we’re grateful to Franklin for the electronic technology he sparked. Try to imagine a world without his genius.
Being able to watch local school board, Naperville City Council and park board meetings as they happen or afterward is the way to observe proceedings without edits.
Furthermore, proclamations, public comments and new business during City Council meetings such as Jan. 16, 2024, especially, are ways to learn about good things happening in this community as well as concerns on the minds of local residents that oftentimes become news stories.
Watch, learn and interpret presentations as a critical thinker without editing, soundbites or hearsay.
And while thinking about electronic technology, be mindful of progress to save lives via AEDs (automated external defibrillators), as presented during public comments at the Jan. 16, 2024, City Council meeting.
Create ‘Cardiac Conscious Community’
An AED is an electronic device used to help individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Naperville is fortunate to have AEDs throughout the community at public buildings, schools, churches and many businesses.
On Jan. 16, Mayor Scott Wehrli proclaimed January and February 2024 in Naperville a “Cardiac Conscious Community,” as presented by City Councilman Patrick Kelly. The initiative aims to assist in the purchase of additional AEDs to be placed throughout the city.
Paying attention to all public meetings in a timely fashion is a good thing. Curiosity is the best! Thanks for reading.
—PN
Kindly Note / City Council meetings begin at 7PM Tues., Feb. 6 and Feb. 20, in Council Chambers at the Naperville Municipal Building, 400 S. Eagle Street. Find “Streaming Media Archives, Videos and Meeting Documents” at naperville.granicus.com.
Editor’s Note / This post appears in the February print publication of Positively Naperville now available at 25 locations around town. Subsequently, the City of Naperville sent news about the opportunity to purchase AEDS for $500 each in a story here promoting heart safety.
