In the early days of PN, we were grateful for every phone call, every FAX and every email we received as we tried to get the word about this monthly publication, supported by sponsoring advertisers, contributing columnists and community events planners.
Back then, social media had yet to make a difference.
One mother with students at Naperville North High School always will be remembered for catching the spirit to help us promote the arts. She regularly emailed informative news releases regarding stage performances and marching band competitions. At the bottom of every email under her signature was a quote: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
I don’t recall to whom she attributed those wise words, but when I recently searched online for “who first said…?”, I found the thought has been attributed to Plato, Socrates, Philo of Alexandria, Ian MacLaren, John Watson and anonymous.
No matter. It’s the thought that counts.
Kindness, compassion and empathy emerge within human nature, though sometimes not the dominant force that might make every day brighter. Other challenges seem to get in the way in the rush of the day.
After the first mention of the thoughtful quote some 20 years ago, PN readers including former local business owners Bev Frier and Beverly Eigenberg began sharing experiences when they’d received special acts of kindness. Their thoughts inspired the “Kindness in Naperville” campaign, promoting the concept of “KIN” with an image created by graphic designer Tom Tortorich. KIN was placed on stickers with a smiling message “Join a grassroots community movement to promote good-natured civility.”
The primary green image, sometimes blue, with the big red KIN has been featured someplace in this publication ever since. And stickers were made available to organizations such as KidsMatter to hand out during special events.
And, of course, during the creation of the KIN campaign, we recall some of the mocking that came with it.
One participant mentioned when she presented the idea of promoting “nice” to a board of directors on which she served, she practically was laughed out of the room.
Several men, almost in unison, replied, “Nice guys finish last.”
Still, we persisted in our pursuit. “Kindness in Naperville” became KIN for short, mindful of a family-focused community.
If folks want to ridicule us for striving to be free, considerate, courteous, compassionate, caring, accepting, loving, forgiving, helpful, joyful, peaceful, faithful, patient, gentle, truthful, reasonable and self-controlled (hard as it can be for outspoken individuals who are mindful of unintended consequences), welcoming and independent; so be it.
What We Need
Since 1979, a stone memorial marker along the DuPage River with an inspirational poem has been a constant reminder of “What We Need” in this imperfect world. The Naperville Riverwalk extends to this thoughtful message beyond the former Netzley House, just steps from Moser Tower with the 72-bell Millennium Carillon. Find the stone for peaceful reflection just west of the footbridge that leads to Centennial Park. Share it with family and friends every season of the year.
As we wrap up our rambling commentary, our thoughts wander to recounts about the founders of this nation, liberty-loving individuals who influenced America’s story.
We recall a story that back in the 1700s when George Washington was 14 years old, he focused on writing “110 Rules of Civility in Conversation Amongst Men,” influenced by even earlier writings from 1664.
For instance, Washington wrote, “Speak not when others speak, sit not when others stand, and walk not when others stop.”
If you search for “George Washington’s Rules of Civility” online, you’ll find many rules, awkward as they may sound, still apply to today.
The other day a reader asked if we were voting early? Before we could say “yes,” she asked, “What do you care about the most?”
“First up,” we began, “Family, faith, health and freedom come to mind. Local is what we care about most.”
Celebrate safely. Pause at 11AM Mon., Nov. 11, to observe Veterans Day. Happy Thanksgiving!
– Stephanie Penick
PN Publisher
