Nearly two dozen times we’ve previewed October by promoting harvest happenings and Halloween haunts, many local events that create a cornucopia of opportunities like no other month. In fact, our printed pages are simply a small sampling of can-do spirit. Brewing with Oktoberfest events, sweeping off with Glam Witches Night Out on Oct. 17 and rolling toward the Pumpkin Race on Oct. 26, plenty is planned before Jack O’ Lanterns glow, welcoming traditional trick-or-treaters on Oct. 31.
Settling down to business
Successful events are often thanks to local sponsoring entrepreneurs that have found Naperville to be the perfect place to live, play and set up shop.
Naperville has attracted risk takers since the days of Joe Naper, the city’s namesake. Innovative folks continually map out the vision and fellow residents participate on many different levels, giving generously to sustain the city’s success, healthcare options, remarkably low crime rate and quality of life. It didn’t and doesn’t just happen.
Daring diligence since 1831 and employment provided via the high-tech corporate corridor since the 1960s as well as the always growing array of small and independent businesses benefit Naperville’s economy, our diversity and our lifestyle.
Many local businesses also have lasted for decades, if not generations. Local landmark Beidelman’s enterprises date back to 1861, Oswald’s Pharmacy to 1875, Kreger’s Brat & Sausage Haus to 1893, Friedrich-Jones to 1918, Dean’s Fine Clothing to 1969, to name ones that have endured the high test of changing times with dreaded pandemics.
The Riverwalk Farmer’s Monument lists Naperville’s enterprising farm families with their deep pioneer roots.
The cornerstone on Old Main at North Central College, chartered in 1861, reflects its move to Naperville in 1870.
The cornerstone at the Kroehler YMCA, no longer there, was laid in 1910 along Washington Street where the building has been demolished and the property is now used for staging while construction workers finish up the downtown Naperville streetscape.
The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce was established in 1913.
And philanthropic organizations such as the Euclid Lodge of Ancient and Accepted Masons since 1849 and Naperville Woman’s Club since 1897 touch three centuries with commitment to faith, hope and charity.
Keeping rich history in mind, active folks in this city with a population approaching 150,000 individuals continually work to meet the challenges that unite us, trying to avoid obstacles that get in the way of a successful future.
Share opinions without jeers or cheers
Right now proposed issues welcome public feedback, complete with pros and cons. Pay attention to school and forest preserve referendums on the Nov. 5 ballot. Pay attention to upcoming budget workshops, Fifth Avenue redevelopment proposals, video gaming interests, and other new policies that could be looking for a solution to an issue that might not exist.
Try to consider unintended consequences. Your voice matters at City Council, Park Board and School Board meetings.
Remember! Public opinion helped save our ash!
‘Tis also the beginning of taking time every day to experience the gorgeous autumn season when parkway trees create colorful canopies along neighborhood streets before they fall for the annual cycles of bulk-curbside leaf collection that begin Oct. 21. Many of us continue to be grateful that City of Naperville foresters helped save our ash with special treatment when the invasive Emerald Ash Borer came to town back in 2008.
Connect with change
Even with rapid change, it seems we’re all connected if we just take a little time to talk.
Whether keeping track of former Naperville residents who move, savoring family memories, or saying hello to folks you encounter on the sidewalk, life is richer when we take the time in our busy schedules to make connections.
And while we’re rambling here more than ever, we appreciate our contributing columnists and advertisers that help us reach out with good news and a few good laughs in print monthly with our complementary digital companion every day at www.positivelynaperville.com.
Finally, in a world of wonder, our “ever wonders” line the bottom of every printed page.
Yet, we never wonder why it’s important every day to appreciate our city’s accredited police and fire departments. October is both Crime Prevention Month and Fire Prevention Month.
Celebrate safely. Never park on top of leaf piles. Make healthy choices and purchase fresh produce available from local grocers. Thanks for reading PN in print and online.
– Stephanie Penick
PN Publisher
Editor’s Update / Devastation, destruction and deaths created by the deluge of Hurricane Helene that began Thurs., Sept. 26, continue to be noted in the South, revealing one of the most horrific storms in U.S. history. According to the Associated Press, the death toll had topped 130 by Oct. 1. Well-known humanitarian organizations such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse and World Vision already seek financial aid and volunteers to assist. If you’re able to donate, thank you.
Updated, 5PM, Oct. 1 / On Tues., Oct. 15, 2024, 100 percent of sales at Mesón Sabika will be donated to the World Vision disaster relief operation for the victims of Hurricane Helene. To make a reservation for lunch or dinner on Tues., Oct. 15, call (630) 983-3000 x2. Open from 11:30AM to 9PM, Mesón Sabika is located at 1025 Aurora Avenue.
