Red Rover, Red Rover, send May Days right over!
Seems like just yesterday in our neighborhood in Muncie, Ind., named “Rolling Oaks Addition,” whistles blew, bells rang and some mothers called their children at the dinner hour to end our outdoor after-school play as the days grew longer.
Many of us longtime adults recall celebrating the beginning of this merry month with May Day baskets for our neighbors. Creating cone-shaped baskets from colored construction paper to hold a few hand-picked violets or dandelions provided a way to mark the beginning of the month recognized for flowers from April showers.
Before school on May 1, we’d leave a little May Day basket on our across-the-street neighbor’s doorstep, ring the doorbell and run. If they caught us, we’d yell “Happy May Day!”
At school outside on the playground, we marked the day halfway between the vernal equinox and the summer solstice with a Maypole, adorned with colorful ribbons streaming from the top. The joyous occasion likely didn’t last long, but the fond memories of grabbing a ribbon and dancing around the pole with classmates have lasted a long, long time.
All these decades later, many kids look down at their smartphones while they navigate the sidewalk when there’s so much to see this time of year looking up as the trees blossom with foliage.
Hats off to a Triple Crown
On Sat., May 4, the Force will be strong in Downtown Naperville from 9:30AM-11:30AM as “costumed characters from a galaxy far, far away will take over Water Street.” The free family-friendly meet and greet is great for photos.
The 2024 DuPage Veterans Foundation Honor Flight Fundraiser is set from 11AM to 3PM Sat., May 4, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton.
The Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday every May is another way to welcome springtime. My husband went to college at Transylvania in Lexington, Kentucky. His memories of the annual race in Churchill Downs are much different than the Derby parties held to benefit Hesed House. The annual fundraiser is set again at White Eagle Golf Club on Sat., May 4.
Certainly, the support of Hesed House, Veterans and local businesses is welcomed year round.
Pay attention!
This past month especially has been one of reflection amid myriad reminders about societal changes and challenges our world is facing. Folks recognize those simpler times are simply memories. Yet, some of us who receive minute-by-minute news releases wonder where we’re headed as we search for common goals, common courtesy and common ground.
Thanks for reading!
PN readers recently have messaged us that our social media posts have been delayed, even suppressed. Several years ago when we first noticed our spirited posts did not receive traction, we wrote a story called “Nobody Likes Me (Guess I’ll Go Eat Worms),” a parody of the silly song remembered from childhood.
We observed that our aim to focus on the bright side of life—celebrating our city’s rich history with a preview of cultural events and charity benefits—had not been “liked” necessarily by high-tech/big tech platforms.
Like it or not
As a small independently-owned family business, several years ago we shared our social media publishing woes regarding blocked posts at in-person meetings with other small local independent businesses. Some business owners disregarded, even disputed and doubted, our claims.
No matter. We simply spent time with our website; saving stories, columns, photos and posts for perpetuity in the cloud, happy to have thousands of visitors every day checking what’s new. Other visitors tell us they use our “search” feature and have spent “hours” visiting posts with photos saved in our archive.
And, of course, thanks to everyone who sponsors and contributes in support of our monthly print publication as well as the whistles and bells found in what we call our “Daily Square Scoop,” available via email.
One more thought: PN’s unfavorable experiences on social media could be considered a form of censorship. Let us note similar experiences have been reported by a large, 200-plus-year-old publication in New York City, namely the New York Post, established in 1801 by Federalist Alexander Hamilton. Oh! The connections of history and all!
Observe Memorial Day with gratitude
Our city is blessed with many Veterans who have taken off their uniforms; yet, they continue to serve our community. Right now they’re planning our city’s annual Memorial Day Parade that begins at 10:30AM on Mon., May 27. Afterward, a 30-minute observance with patriotic music and wreath-laying will be presented in Central Park. In addition, the community is reminded to pause for the National Moment of Remembrance at 3PM.
Again, many thanks for reading!
– Stephanie Penick
PN Publisher
