Above / Paddleboat rides around the quarry are opportunities to watch waterfowl such as double-crested cormorants opens to the public and signals the beginning of the 2025 summer season The quarry will be open on weekends only from 10AM -7PM until Memorial Day weekend when daily hours for the Park District’s aquatic recreation facilities including Centennial Beach and its two splash pads The Paddleboat Quarry is located on the Riverwalk adjacent to Rotary Hill Centennial Beach is the community’s unique and historic swimming facility first-served basis for 20-minute or 40-minute rides Paddleboats can accommodate up to four people and kayaks include one-person or two-person rentals Paddleboards are available for patrons 13 years of age or older Those individuals under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to sign a waiver Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult Persons 13 years of age and up may operate a kayak or paddleboard Persons under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to sign the wavier One-person kayak rental 20 minutes $11 / 40 minutes$16 Two-person kayak rental 20 minutes $16 / 40 minutes$23 The District’s two splash pads are located at Wolf’s Crossing Community Park and the 95th Street Community Plaza at Frontier Sports Complex Centennial Beach has a full lineup of aquatic programs scheduled for the summer Special Needs Nights are scheduled from 6:30 to 8PM for June 15 Families with individuals who have special needs can enjoy a quiet relaxing evening at Centennial Beach after regular operating hours Beach memberships for the 2025 season are available for purchase at napervilleparks.org/beachmemberships; memberships are available at a discounted price through May 26 Benefits of membership include early entry on weekdays 10% discount at the Centennial Grill and two guest passes Facilities are open daily from 9AM to 8PM from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Naperville is always very lively over the summer There are programs through the park district so grabbing a cold drink is a must in order to cool off In this article I will share some of my favorite spots in the area to grab a drink I hope you consider trying some of these places this summer if you haven’t already Potter’s is a great place to hang out and enjoy the weather this summer With a spacious patio and regular live music They offer delicious Mexican food and tons of drink options Some of the most popular drinks include their large variety of Margaritas and the bartenders are sure to spark a conversation the minute you sit down Make sure to get there early so you get a great spot on the patio Gia Mia Naperville has become the place to be since opening in downtown Naperville a couple years ago Their patio is large with big red umbrellas that provide shade when it gets too sunny but most people come for their wood-fired pizza and it shows because it’s really the tastiest pizza in the area This summer they have a variety of drinks available including some non-alcoholic cocktails Their signature Lemon Travolta is here to stay but there are a couple new and bright additions to the list All of their new drinks feature summer flavors like strawberry Make sure to stop by this summer to try them all before you choose your favorite Bottoms Up is pretty well known in the area as a sports bar and grill they always have the game playing on the TV’s and room for all your friends and family their patio is always pretty lively in the summer as well and they’re open till midnight Monday through Thursday Whatever time you decide to come in they’ll always be more than happy to serve you up a juicy burger They also have many fun drinks like the Blue Lagoon This is a great place to catch up with friends while watching the game If you’re looking for a more upscale place to try this summer then Up North Ale House is the spot for you With a combination of a relaxed atmosphere and drink specials to enjoy inside or on the patio it’s a great place to be and famous pork chops marinated in brown sugar You can also checkout their Instagram page to keep up with their latest offerings This modern American kitchen has unique and delicious drinks to make your date night or gathering really special They’re known for their Espresso martinis and Old Fashioned but you have to try them all to know just how well-crafted each drink is Their menu also offers some non-alcoholic options as well For food the menu highlights their signature entrees such as the Dry-Aged Wagyu Bolognese They also specialize in Linz Heritage Angus steaks as well as seafood If you haven’t tried Entourage yet then you have to plan a visit this summer Show the world you care by the belt you wear the Naperville Police Department will join with numerous police agencies in northern Illinois to conduct a traffic safety initiative along the Route 59 corridor participating agencies will use education and traffic enforcement in an effort to increase the safety of motorists using the thoroughfare Naperville Police Department’s efforts will concentrate on speed Police departments from the cities of South Barrington Wauconda and Warrenville are expected to participate in this initiative along with the Cook County Sheriff Department Each jurisdiction will implement their own enforcement action based upon the needs of their communities The Naperville Police Department would like to remind all motorists to always drive safely by using proper restraints It was a great weekend for the Naperville North boys water polo team as the Huskies competed in the very powerful Stevenson Invitational 2-ranked Naperville North beat York 16-8 and Lyons 13-8 on Friday before rolling past Lincoln-Way East 13-5 in its first game on Saturday 1-ranked New Trier (25-2) and the Huskies (25-4) the title game consisted mainly of junior varsity players And the Trevians swam away with the team title 8-5 over Naperville North Senior Mason Hoffmann was the leading scorer for the Huskies in the tournament with strong support from senior teammate Jack Reif Junior Caden Tsao scored 2 goals against New Trier but the Huskies were missing six seniors in the championship game and plus this is a really competitive tournament with the top four teams in the state here," said Naperville North assistant coach George Horn but New Trier just had a little more experience out there than us." 4-ranked host Patriots 12-8 in the third-place game as sophomore Ethan Allen had a game-high 5 goals for the Dukes York sophomore Teddy Kamenica scored 3 goals as the Dukes led 9-7 heading into the fourth quarter "They (Stevenson) are one of the top teams in the state and they're well coached so to beat them is a confidence booster," said York coach Brian Drumm whose team beat Lincoln-Way East 14-3 on Friday and he had two shot blocks in the fourth quarter." The Patriots (20-9) had balanced scoring as Armeet Gill Sophomore goalie Anthony Cardone was under heavy fire from York throughout the contest "We're missing our starting center (Ben Tosyali) but our other guys really stepped up and played well," said Stevenson coach Sean Wimer whose team lost 15-10 to New Trier on Friday "They were focusing on Armeet Gill and some of the other guys got opportunities and they made the most of them." The fifth-place game was a real shootout with Naperville Central (20-7) holding off defending state champion Lyons 15-13 for the win the Lions (13-10) could not contain James Behrend "This has been one of the better tournaments in the state since I've been coming here and all eight teams are ranked in the top 10 in the state," said Naperville Central coach Bill Salentine and the assists were coming from all over." "I thought we played well last night in our two games and we usually don't give up this many goals," said Lyons coach Doug Eichstaedt whose team beat Lincoln-Way East 9-4 and lost to York 7-4 on Friday "We just couldn't convert on some opportunities but our defense wasn't good enough to win." the Pirates (22-7) fell 11-7 to the host Patriots Doggy Daycare Franchise Hounds Town USA Opens 2nd Illinois Location in Naperville Listen to this article FeatherSnap’s new Hummingbird Feeder captures beautiful high-res photos and[...] Listen to this article Vitakraft’s Berry Glazed Swing Ring for cockatiels and parakeets is an [...] Listen to this article Pet House by One Fur All has introduced the invigorating new fragrance Listen to this article Oratene’s Enzymatic Brushless Water Additive features two complete enzy[...] Listen to this article Add charm to your kitchen with Knollwood Lane’s 100 percent cotton flour sa[...] Listen to this article Pet House Candles by One Fur All has launched Silver Birch as its newest frag[...] Listen to this article Fresh Wave has launched its pet line that features the brand’s trusted Listen to this article Higgins inTune Duets are made with a blend of wholesome ingredients The most requested trade magazine in the pet industry Pet Age is a media brand that appeals to the pet supply merchandising and service market by delivering timely and critical content Get our free Pet Age e-alerts & breaking news notifications Subscribe for access to the latest digital and special editions the Naperville Woman’s Club celebrated its many philanthropic achievements for the year In addition to in-kind assistance and volunteer efforts Charitable gifts were made available through fund-raising efforts such as Glam Witches Night Out and the Clay Space Empty Bowls project and in partnership with the Downtown Naperville Alliance and local businesses as well as NWC member donations Charity grant recipients in attendance included Loaves & Fishes represented by Susan Ochoa; Metropolitan Family Services Families Helping Families represented by Vicky Joseph; KidsMatter represented by Nina Menis and Sherilyn Hebel; Humanitarian Service Project represented by Jennifer Olson; Ready Amy Phillips and Roxanne Lang; Naperville Riverwalk 2031 represented by John Joseph; Almost Home Kids represented by Paula Millan; Alzheimer’s Association Vision 1948 represented by Daryl Varney and Tina Hinch Educational funds were distributed to North Central College represented by Lisa Pettaway Indian Prairie Education Foundation represented by Dr Naperville Education Foundation represented by Wendy Goettsch and College of DuPage Foundation represented by Anne Farnum and Rachel McKay the Naperville Woman’s Club’s encouraged everyone to Drop Everything & Read project.” This date was chosen as it’s also the birthday of the beloved children’s author Cleary motivated children to read with 91 million copies of her books sold worldwide Studies have shown that reading offers many benefits including improved focus enhanced empathy and is a fun way to exercise the brain and stay mentally sharp Supporting the Naperville Woman’s Club in this effort with a promotional photo op were Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli Naperville Public Library Executive Director Dave Della Terza President & CEO of Naper Settlement Rena Tamayo-Calabrese and NWC President Nina Casey NWC encourages families to read—read with a friend The 65th annual Fine Art & Artisan Fair presented by the Naperville Woman’s Club is set for 10AM to 5PM June 28-29 This free event will feature juried work by more than 100 artists from around the country displaying their crafts in ceramics Guests can enjoy entertainment from local musicians soft drinks and adult beverages will be available while shopping for the unique works only fine artisans can provide several art-oriented interactive experiences will be featured for the whole family to experience Once again the NWC will select an exhibitor’s painting that will be reproduced into an 8×12-foot mural Attendees of all ages and skill levels can contribute to this by duplicating their own 8×8-inch painted square that will be stapled to a wood frame all 216 squares will create the 8’x12′ mural Children can enjoy and express their creativity at the Petite Picasso area This includes face painting and yard games presented by KidsMatter on Saturday and picture painting on Sunday sponsored by Pinot’s Palette ClaySpace will provide clay for young budding sculptors to mold on both days there will be photo opportunities to become part of a painting masterpiece Founded in 1897, The Naperville Woman’s Club focuses its philanthropic activities on art, education and community service. NWC, a nonprofit organization, is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, an international organization. For more information about the club, its activities, or becoming a member, visit napervillewomansclub.org The following events and programs are happening at Naper Settlement during May 2025 the museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10AM-4PM and Sunday from 1-4PM with general museum admission $12 for adults (13+) Naperville residents with proof of residency and members receive complimentary admission May 1 & 2; 1-4PM Sun.,May 4 / Free admission to the sale The Weed Ladies Spring Sale features creative seasonal floral arrangements for sale 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 Weed Ladies Spring Sale is free Please enter Naper Settlement’s main entrance and inform the Guest Services Team that you are attending the Spring Sale you will step back into the past to learn the stories of pioneers and everyday heroes who once breathed life into the very streets you walk today The tour lasts approximately 60 minutes and covers about two miles May 8 / $8/person (recommended for families with children 12 and under) and create flower-inspired experiments that the whole family will enjoy This program is recommended for families with children 12 and under Visit Naper Settlement for Sensory Friendly Saturdays where families can explore the museum’s historic grounds in a calm and welcoming atmosphere Enjoy hands-on activities and sensory stations designed for those with sensory sensitivities diverse stories of our community in this immersive workshop for high school teachers This professional development offers hands-on activities and practical teaching strategies to help bring local history to life in the classroom The year is 1915 – the second year of the first World War You and your party are cargo shipping analysts for the Great Lakes Naval Intelligence Office They need your help in figuring out where to land an Allied ship full of secret cargo Explore how pioneers preserved and prepared food on the frontier and connect these historic techniques to modern food science Listen to stories from Naperville’s founding to the generosity of Caroline Martin Mitchell on a walking tour of the west side of downtown Naperville May 17 / Included in general admission / Free to Naper Settlement members or DuPage Children’s Museum members with proof of membership Visit Naper Settlement for a delightful day of discovery at Naperville Plays This hands-on event will immerse your little ones in the wonders of plants Jump start your summer and discover history Visit Naper Settlement for a day of discovery and hands-on activities Bring your family and make memories while exploring the past You have been recruited to help a local detective agency track down Prohibition’s most notorious crime boss It is up to you to gain entry into the speakeasy Community Conversations is a dynamic program funded by Illinois Humanities that explores “A Place in the World.” Centered on curiosity and active listening it invites you to see familiar surroundings in a fresh light Come share your own stories and listen to the rich narratives of our community we will de-familiarize the familiar and rediscover each other in new contexts Be a part of this transformative dialogue and help shape our collective identity Teachers will earn one hour of professional development credit as they explore the threads connecting our diverse experiences participants will transform vibrant neon paints into a stunning work of art on canvas and connect with friends in a lively atmosphere filled with color and creativity This program is for adults only – you must be at least 21 years of age to participate Created for Naperville’s 150th anniversary the Naperville Riverwalk has become a core part of downtown Learn about the history and growth of the Naperville Riverwalk and enjoy a brief tour of the original footprint Participants are welcome to bring a lunch as the program will start with a historical presentation at Naper Settlement Naper Settlement is located at 523 S. Webster Street. For more information about registration for a specific event or program and to purchase museum admission tickets, visit NaperSettlement.org Above / That’s “Big Joe,” the largest of 72 bells in the Millennium Carillon on parade to show the community its size before it was lifted up in the bell tower Big Joe was funded in part with coins collected by local school children back in 1999 Named to honor Captain Joe Naper who arrived here in 1831 Here it’s the merry month of May and we’re still pondering all that’s happened since last year Just 12 months ago our light-hearted front page asked go bass fishing and explore the great outdoors?” And since that time plenty was taken seriously during the General Election in November then in the local Consolidated Election campaigns last month state and local votes remind us of resilience and a quote from American wit philosopher and publisher Elbert Hubbard (1856- 1915) it’s likely we’ll forever wonder just how we ended up here looking toward America’s 250th birthday in 2026 and Naperville’s bi-centennial in 2031 During a recent walk along the Riverwalk with a much younger friend She suggested it might be beneficial for PN to include more stories regarding Naperville’s rich history and how good things happened here would feel responsible to embrace that can-do spirit we oftentimes think presenting this city’s storied history with so many passionate citizens making things happen is all we’ve been doing in print and online While we’re confident repetition is the way to learn and remember we’re also mindful that some readers chide us for our resounding theme What’s a local publication striving to be upbeat to do Certainly we’re mindful that risk-takers in this community have had deep roots in recognizing unmet needs solving problems and finding ways to meet the challenges that unite us—even among imperfections Naperville has evolved from a small farm town along the DuPage River and growing to be one recognized among the best known and safest cities with a population of 150,000 in the U.S study and educate each other via service clubs nonprofit boards as well as City boards and commissions This community aims continually to improve the quality of life that attracted folks to this active community in the first place around 27 years ago when ideas for a bell tower and a labyrinth were first pitched as millennium projects Some had a vision to create a large musical instrument that would stand for the future The iconic tower later was built and named Moser Tower in memory of Margaret and Harold Moser We recall the evening when thousands of residents descended on Rotary Hill to hear the bells ring for the first time in concert with the Naperville Municipal Band and the Naperville Men’s Glee Club Moser Tower was illuminated blue for Autism Awareness To please another group associated with Celebration 2000 a labyrinth was set in bricks as the floor for the Riverwalk Amphitheater Walk the path and you’ll have walked the length of a football field the Riverwalk was built to commemorate the city’s sesquicentennial in 1981 Winding brick paths welcome brisk walkers and slow strollers right in the heart of the central business district We often observe visitors pausing to remark about the Dick Tracy Century Walk sculpture Fredenhagen Park as well as commemorative bricks and benches the full bloom of spring is arriving cooler and a little later than normal this year its delay provides a chance to look at the strong structure of this nationally-recognized Tree City and to be mindful of its striking emphasis on parks and cultural amenities that have withstood uncertain times led this year by Past VFW Commander Leo Jaime is dedicated to many observances planned that day Mother may I suggest finding a spot along the Memorial Day Parade route Linda Whaley was recognized for her efforts and dedication to create a new fundraising initiative in support of Be the One The Air Force Veteran and member of American Legion Post 43 also provided her story and why it’s important to remember “The American Legion initiated the Be The One program for suicide prevention several years ago The estimated number of Veteran suicides per day was 22 at that time The program has evolved over the years to include a free 90-minute online training course developed by the American Legion and Columbia University The number of those who succumb has evolved including several Posts organizing marches and walks “I participate in Funeral Honor Guard details regularly with the VFW/American Legion I have participated in details of nine Veterans who committed suicide; one of whom was the nephew of one of my high school friends I arranged military honors for my cousin’s stepdaughter who succumbed to her personal demons last April So…I decided to stand up since I could not stand by any longer “I approached both the VFW and the American Legion officers here and suggested the ruck march/walk that took place on March 22 We were pleasantly surprised at the overwhelming interest and attendance at this first annual event ‘I Will Help Carry the Load,’ was my idea to send a message that everyone participating in this event in any way is willing to help carry the heavy burden many of our Veterans and active duty personnel carry especially those who put a lot of work into making this happen and those individuals who participated as caring citizens just as we did the day we took our oath as enlisted and officers.” at the Naperville Riverwalk Grand Pavilion located at 912 Honorary Sindt Memorial Court Registration starts at 9:30AM and the event starts at 10:30AM All proceeds support HDSA’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by Huntington’s disease (HD) and their families.  Team Hope is HDSA’s largest national grassroots fundraising event which takes place in over 100 cities across the U.S and has raised more than $28 million for HD since its inception in 2007 and communities walk together each year to support HDSA’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by HD and their families.   contact Lillie Paxson at lilliepaxson@gmail.com HDSA’s Team Hope Walk Program is nationally sponsored by Neurocrine Biosciences and Teva Pharmaceuticals.   The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) is proud to mark 33 years of Huntington’s Disease (HD) Awareness Month a nationwide initiative dedicated to educating the public and empowering families impacted by this devastating hereditary neurodegenerative disease HDSA will lead a series of educational programs and community gatherings designed to raise awareness and offer support to those affected by HD HDSA invites you to join and turn up the volume on HD by participating in one of the many HDSA events happening across the country fundraiser and awareness event helps not only spread the word about HD but also raises vital funds to support HDSA’s mission programs HD Awareness Month traces its roots to May 1992 when President George H Bush issued a proclamation recognizing the significance of this cause His statement urged the nation to learn about HD and show compassion for those affected by it—a message that continues to resonate 33 years later For more information about Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month and how to become involved Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and currently has no cure Every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene approximately 41,000 Americans show symptoms of HD The Huntington’s Disease Society of America is the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by HD From community services and education to advocacy and research HDSA is the world’s leader in providing help for today and hope for tomorrow HDSA was founded in 1967 by Marjorie Guthrie who lost his life to HD complications at age 55 Read Today’s Top Story: Matthew Gardner’s Q1 2025 market insights by Chicago Agent Building a luxury real estate brand starts.. Our Real Data report covers residential real.. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited Above / From January 2005 to December 2014 Ed Channell wrote a monthly column in print and online for Positively Naperville I’ve been soaking up the endless summer of Sarasota Florida—a place where the sun doesn’t just shine The Gulf Coast air hums with salt and possibility the beaches stretch out like a lazy promise and winter feels like a myth told to scare northerners I’ve traded flip-flops for sneakers and returned to Naperville There’s a rhythm to life down there that hooks you: morning walks along Siesta Key the way the horizon swallows the sun each night in a blaze of pink and gold a temporary escape from the Midwest’s mercurial moods I watched snowbirds like me flock to the farmers’ markets and debate the best shrimp shack—myself included where time slows and the biggest decision is whether to hit the pool or the patio I felt it immediately—the familiar grid of streets the DuPage River cutting its quiet path through the heart of things The air here has a crispness that Florida can’t muster a bite that reminds you the world keeps turning the bare branches of oaks and maples felt like old friends even if they’re still shaking off winter’s grip though—crocuses are poking through the soil The contrast hits hardest in the small stuff I’d grown used to the hum of air conditioners and the chatter of geckos darting across porches it’s the rumble of lawnmowers and the distant chime of the carillon tower I’d sip coffee watching pelicans dive-bomb the bay; now I’m back to cardinals flitting between feeders in my backyard There’s a groundedness to Naperville that Sarasota can’t touch—a sense of roots that don’t sway with the next breeze My wardrobe’s still half-packed with tank tops The grocery store feels overwhelming after months of minimalist beach-town hauls And don’t get me started on the pollen—Florida’s palms don’t wage the same war on my sinuses as Illinois’ budding trees Naperville’s bustle—kids biking down Jefferson the line snaking out of Lou Malnati’s—feels alive in a way that Sarasota’s laid-back vibe never quite manages Wintering in Florida taught me to savor the slow burn of sunshine but returning here reminds me why I stay: the rhythm of seasons the way spring feels earned after months of gray As I unpack my suitcase and eye the forecast—70 degrees by next week—I realize the trade-off isn’t so bad Sarasota gave me a reprieve; Naperville gives me a life Editor’s Note / Thanks for reading PN in print and online Print readers will note at the bottom of the page 27: “Ever wonder why Ed Channell thought he needed to try AI?” Five Illinois cities made a list of best places to live in the United States Livability, a marketing company, annually highlights the nation's best small to mid-sized cities with affordable living costs. In partnership with Applied Geographic Solutions the company commissioned data on thousands of cities Livability curated the list based on nearly 100 data points that included local economy The company limited the study to communities of between 75,000 and 500,000 residents Here's how Illinois cities fared in the the marketing company's 2025 list of "Top 100 Best Places to Live." Naperville was the highest-rated Illinois city placing fourth nationwide behind Flower Mound The city received high marks for its school system Evanston receives high marks for sceneryLivability ranked Evanston 17th nationwide for its historic charm, intellectual life, scenic lakefront, busy downtown and affordability. The company noted that Evanston is home to several universities, including Northwestern, which Forbes magazine placed on its 2025 list of “New Ivies.” Bloomington economy is recognizedIllinois’ Bloomington placed 25th nationwide five spots behind its Minnesota counterpart The city’s tranquil setting was a key selling point Champaign known for arts and educationChampaign came in as Livability’s 80th best place to live in the U.S In addition to an education system creating job opportunities that stimulate the economy the city offers affordable housing and an active arts scene Champaign is also home to the University of Illinois which was also deemed by Forbes as one of the “New Ivies." More: Two Illinois universities considered among the 'New Ivies' by Forbes. See the list Peoria made Livability’s list for the third straight year Livability cited the city’s strong sense of community affordability and diverse recreational options Hersey would claim its third consecutive MSL East crown after its hard fought 1-0 victory Saturday afternoon over visiting Fremd at Roland Goins Stadium in Arlington Heights With its hands wrapped around the division trophy following back-to-back 7-0 victories over Wheeling and Buffalo Grove on Friday night,the Huskies put the squeeze on their closest rivals to advance into the 35th MSL Soccer Cup on May 14 in Arlington Heights Junior Gracie Lisota netted the winner in the 72nd minute when she unloaded a 30-yard free kick off of the bar and over the endline and I am so happy to help give our seniors another division title and a chance to win a conference championship at the Soccer Cup," said Lisota who earlier in the week moved into second place overall in program history when she scored her 50th goal Lisota would pass former Hersey and University of Illinois star Hollie Schurr We've had a really difficult schedule lately but we've managed to stay mentally and physically strong during that time," added captain Kiki Craft who will attend the University of Kentucky in the fall With the three points earned with this victory the Huskies (9-6-2) are now 8-0-1 in league play While the Huskies are finishing up a four-game stretch in its 12 days 7-2-0-21 points) have just ended an exhausting 11 days that saw Gwen Zimmerman Cami Tofilon and their teammates play 8 games four or which were at the high profile Ed Watson Naperville Invite We fought through the mental and physical toll these last 11 days to give us a chance to win (But) when you give a great player like Gracie (Lisota) a chance she's going to make you pay for it," said Zimmerman The Vikings junior was recently called up to play for the U-19 Wales National Team and would turn in three 90-minute efforts during UEFA qualifying matches and do our best to recover from this tough schedule we just finished and to remember that last year we had a great run in us in the postseason to a third-place finish at state," added Tofilon This MSL contest was fairly even all throughout the first half with neither side conceding quality chances on frame as the defensive posture from both sides the reason for little success going forward The first 10 minutes of the second half were played mostly between the top of both boxes with the best chance going to the Vikings (8-5-3 7-2-0) when Lily Mayer played a lovely ball to Zimmerman who fired wide with her angled attempt Freshman Lexi Miyares would call Jazz Ocampo into action when she snap-shot from 22 yards forcing a save from the Vikings keeper in the 50th minute The 1v1 battle between Lisota and Erika D'Angelo was a good one to watch but there would be no way the visitors could stop the Lisota strike eight minutes from time and we had our struggles to match their physical play it's a strong senior group that we have that carried us through," said Hersey coach Mike Rusniak The Huskies will finish up regular season play with Rolling Meadows and Prospect next week while the Vikings have Conant and Palatine at the annual Kinsella Cup to complete play in the MSL Class 2A state power Peoria Notre Dame will be in town for the season finale for both the Irish and Vikings on May 10 PND was third a year ago at the state tournament earning its fourth state trophy in program history The 25th Ed Watson Naperville Invite final will played on Monday night with tourney host Naperville Central and reigning city champion Lane Tech meeting at 7 p.m 1 for the last four weeks in the Daily Herald Top 20 poll advanced following its 2-0 semifinal victory over Barrington Friday night sending the Fillies (11-1-2) to their first loss of the season The Fillies are closing in on their 13th consecutive MSL West title and can do so by defeating Palatine on Wednesday Callie Tumilty bagged the eventual game-winner in the 8th minute before Nicole Sacek put the finishing touches on the Redhawks victory at 64 minutes one of the best I've seen all year," said Fillies coach Ryan Stengren This shutout victory is the 11th of the season for the Redhawks and would extend their winning streak to seven Emerson Burke and Rebecca Ruggiero found the net for Troy Adams’ club in its 4-1 quarterfinal victory on Thursday against Lincoln-Way East The Redhawks thrice have won this prestigious invite: 1999 2006 and in 2012 when it beat crosstown rival Naperville North in penalties and later Neuqua Valley 1-0 in quarterfinal play before dashing the hopes of reigning 3A state champion New Trier of a second straight championship The Trevians (17-1-2) beat Benet Academy a year ago here 16 received at least a top four seed for the upcoming postseason Minooka and New Trier each was anointed the top seed in its respective sectional The views expressed here are the author's own Honor the most important women in your life when Vanille brings cupcakes which is owned and operated by classically trained pastry chef Sophie Evanoff Order individually wrapped cookies letting mom know just how sweet she is There are also cupcakes with custom-printed macarons and a macaron gift box anyone will be thrilled to open Please note that orders need to be placed by 9am on Friday Your order will be available for home delivery starting at 11am We’re delivering this bakery event to Naperville, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Bolingbrook, and Lemont. Learn more about our delivery zones here View menu + order: https://dwell.social/3EzTKMZ Wednesday, 4:00 pmWestmont, IL The nationally and locally acclaimed Pequod's Pizza is coming to Naperville on Friday with Pequod’s world-famous caramelized crust and will be available for PICK UP at 5:45pm at Noon Whistle Pequod's was just named the "Best Pizza in the US" by Yelp But don't wait until the last minute to place your order Each month, we bring Pequod's to the suburbs for home delivery and pickups. Click here to learn more about different events coming your way View menu + order: https://dwell.social/3EUSmo0 Kids can make a one-of-a-kind creation for Mom or the mother figure in their lives at our annual Mother’s Day kids’ activity — painting a pot and planting it with a flower Join our discussion with the Illinois Attorney General's Office on identity theft and scams They will cover what to watch for and how to protect yourself Tune in to Facebook at 7pm on Tuesday, May 13th, to watch live (you do not need to have a Facebook account) but will find the event at this link Please submit your questions ahead of time by registering on our web-site Participants can also ask questions live by leaving questions in the comment section during the event Pre-submitted questions will be addressed first and Naperville Central (13-1-1) Redhawks in Naperville Invite final Metea Valley (11-2-0) Mustangs fall in Bettendorf Barrington (11-1-2) Fillies look to claim 13th straight MSL West title Wheaton Warrenville South (11-1-2) Outscored last two opponents 14-0 Neuqua Valley (10-3-0) Wildcats reached Naperville Invite quarters Lake Zurich (12-1-2) Sophomore Novak the engine in Bears attack Charles East (15-4-1) Saints look to rebound from 0-2-1 week Naperville North (9-3-3) Naperville Central on Thursday Stevenson (8-3-2) Host Warren on Tuesday for NSC lead Warren (9-3-3) Amezquita sisters water tight along the back Fremd (8-5-3) Vikings just need to get healthy for stretch run Francis (9-2-0) GCAC showdown Tuesday with Loyola Lakes Community (10-2-0) Five consecutive shutout victories Hinsdale South (13-3-0) DGS on Tuesday for WSC Gold lead Hersey (9-6-2) 6th straight win gives Huskies MSL East title You can find a collection of city information relevant to everyone in Naperville from new residents to long-time community members Go to this section running or visiting a Naperville business - find resources to help you Go to this section DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced today that three Chicago women have been charged with stealing from the Naperville Nike Well Collective store each appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Burglary (Class 2 Felony) and one count of Retail Theft (Class 3 Felony) Barney is charged with one count of Misdemeanor Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer All three defendants were released pre-trial with the condition that they are prohibited from entering any Nike Store Shannon and Outlaw entered the Nike Well Collective It is further alleged that once inside the store the pair selected approximately twenty items of clothing with a value of more than $300 and left the store It is further alleged that the pair then fled the scene in a car driven by Barney It is alleged that when a Naperville police officer activated the squad car’s emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to conduct a traffic stop Barney did not pull over and continued to flee With the assistance of a Chicago Police Department helicopter all three individuals were tracked into Chicago where they were taken into custody a short time later “DuPage County law enforcement is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our residents and retail businesses,” Berlin said “The apprehension of the defendants in this case sends the simple message to would-be thieves that if you come to DuPage County to steal we will work together and use every tool available to us Retail theft is not a victimless crime and results in lost profits for business owners lost wages for employees and higher prices for consumers I commend the Naperville Police Department for their work on this case and for their continued efforts in keeping our retail establishments safe Willowbrook and Chicago Police Departments for their assistance as well as Assistant State’s Attorneys Sean Kinsella and Kevin Kosman for their work in securing charges against these three defendants.”  “The collaboration involved in this case highlights how dedicated Chicagoland law enforcement agencies are to catching criminals Even though the crime didn't happen in their community these agencies are willing to provide people and other resources to help each other and achieve our common goal of holding people accountable for victimizing our communities,” Arres said “I am so grateful to the departments that helped us with yesterday’s apprehension and DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office for working so closely with us to hold the suspects accountable for their actions.” The next court appearance for all three defendants is scheduled for May 5 in front of Judge Mia McPherson.     Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendants’ guilt The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt Naperville Police DepartmentPublic Information Office(630) 305-3399npdpio@naperville.il.us Receive the City of Naperville information that matters to you the most when you want it Receive the most recent news from the City directly in your e-mail inbox 2025 (Noting Kentucky Derby victor Sovereignty.) Brats at Kreger’s / 10AM to 3PM Fridays and Saturdays at Kreger’s Brat and Sausage Haus – 606 N. Ellsworth Naperville, IL 60563 / Stop by for lunch, conversation and camaraderie. While Bob grills, let Bill know that you know his wurst is the best, especially for weekend grilling. Brats are back. Stop by and find out what Bill’s been up to! www.kregersbrats.com Serendipity Resale Shop Benefits Little Friends / 10AM-5PM / Volunteers give time to benefit Little Friends recognized as a leading service provider for children adults and families challenged by autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities The retail resale shop accepts donations of clean quality clothing (especially winter wear most of the time) bedding and jewelry when the shop is open 10AM to 5PM Monday thru Saturday Donors and shoppers will find convenient storefront parking at Serendipity Resale Shop Weed Ladies Spring Sale at Naper Settlement / 10AM-3:30PM / The Weed Ladies Spring Sale features creative seasonal floral arrangements for sale Each one-of-a-kind silk or dried floral creation has been designed by the Weed Ladies of the Naperville Heritage Society volunteer group Admission to the Weed Ladies Spring Sale is FREE Please enter through main entrance at the Birck Family Innovation Gateway along Webster Street Enjoy Every Day at Quigley’s Irish Pub / 11AM – 2AM / Quigley’s Irish Pub is located at 43 E. Jefferson Ave. in downtown Naperville. / Quigley’s Irish Pub features live music Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The pub also offers a variety of spaces for all types of special events and fundraisers. Meanwhile stop by for honest pub fare and an Irish Coffee or enjoy a cold pint in the warm Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at The Matrix Club / 4PM / Dinner 4PM – 12AM Fri. craft cocktails and global cuisine in the Matrix Room and Meg’s Lounge Choose from new Spring Dinner menu and Lounge menu prepared by Chef Alonso Beckford of “Chopped” fame Additional performances at 7:30PM Saturday and 2PM Sunday Asian Heritage Fest / noon to 5PM at Mall of India – 776 Rt IL 60540 / This free event is being organized to celebrate the various Asian American communities who bring their vibrant and varied heritage and enrich the city of Naperville and the entire region The attendees to this event will be treated to dance performances and sample a variety of authentic culinary delights (complementary) from the diverse regions of Asia The event is designed to appeal to all ages and offers opportunities to the attendees to go back with not just memories but small mementoes of this day and Celebrate Mom at Naperville’s Mother’s Day Market / Noon / Streetz Artz Alliance is proud to bring back its much-loved Mother’s Day Market to Noon Whistle Brewing from 12PM to 5PM free-to-attend market features 28 carefully curated artists and vendors—just in time to find the perfect gift for the mothers in your life  Shop with Heart: Mother’s Day Market Blends Art Derby Party for Hesed House / 3-7PM / The annual benefit and auction to help Hesed House end homelessness is set for White Eagle Club, featuring a hat contest and the 151st run of the 2-minute horse race in Kentucky style and tradition. Find info here. UPDATE “All the way to the wire,” Junior Alvarado takes Sovereighnty (7-1) to the finish on the sloppy track to outpace favored Journalism (3-1) (FYI: Though we’ve never placed bets at the OTB we heard from folks who went to the Hawthorne OTB in N Potential betters were told that no off-track betting on the Kentucky Derby because of a dispute between Hawthorne Park and Churchill Downs.) Annual MS Walk – Circles of Support / 9:30AM / Registration: 9:30AM organizers expect more than 1,000 participants to attend the festivities set up along the Riverwalk near the Grand Pavilion Reserve a Table at Mesón Sabika for any day / 11:30AM to 9PM / Find a choice in dining rooms and private spaces at Mesón Sabika to sample Spanish tapas and delicious sangria for lunch and dinner every day Located just west of downtown Naperville at 1025 Aurora Avenue Mesón Sabika has been serving the community since 1990 the historic mansion with eight air-conditioned dining rooms is set in a beautifully landscaped four-acre estate providing a welcoming sight with plenty of parking for lunch meetings and family gatherings throughout the year North Central College Commencement Ceremony / 12PM / Residence Hall/Recreation Center Brainard.  Doors Open for Guest Seating: 10:30AM | Residence Hall/Recreation Center Graduate Line Up: 11AM at Merner Field House Naperville City Council Swearing-In Ceremony / 2:30PM / Naperville City Council will seat recently elected members Benjamin White* Mary Gibson and Ashfaq Syed to serve four-year terms Council Chambers will open at 2PM in advance of proceedings.  *Incumbents Outgoing Council members Jennifer Bruzan Taylor and Paul Leong received proclamation tributes during the City Council meeting on May 15 The inauguration ceremony will take place at the Naperville Municipal Center Century Walk Tours Every Day / Around the Clock – Daylight / The recently published 88-page Naperville Century Walk Public Art Guide to more than 50 locations featuring local stories with public art by renowned artists is now in its second printing Soon free copies again will be available at the Naperville Art League Gallery take a self-guided free-winding tour throughout downtown any day— winter Keep in mind that sidewalks and the Naperville Riverwalk are for pedestrians folks know “Walk Your Wheels”!  Also if time permits while visiting downtown Naperville to shop and dine the Riverwalk welcomes folks to the city’s natural treasure where can-do spirit is on display from the Jefferson Avenue Bridge to the Hillside Road Bridge all along the path of serpentine-shaped bricks Note restoration projects are now in progress that might require a slight detour near the Grand Pavilion and the Eagle Street Bridge the Summer Sculptures and the Riverwalk Duck Race are returning with tales to tell Find everything you need to know about taking a quack to participate in this year’s splash of special events on the downtown Naperville website under Then… Visit local shopping destinations N.E.W.S and all along Ogden Avenue as it winds through town showcasing car dealerships and other service centers “Peace begins with a smile…  Every time you smile at someone Note also that this post may be updated throughout the weekend it has been interesting to be involved with an organization that serves children and their families dealing with intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism I have received multiple calls and questions asking for my opinion related to the information and opinions shared by federal government leadership dealing with the news that according to the CDC data indicates that one in thirty-one (1 in 31) children are being diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum While the prevalence of diagnosis is significant the comment based upon the belief that the cause of autism is more likely caused by environmental factors stirred some A statement was made with the generalization that kids with autism will “…never pay taxes Many of them will never use a toilet unassisted” was probably the set of comments together that created an emotional reaction from many for those individuals whose needs are significant but from what we see it is more of an extreme than the likelihood So many things are being done to help children on the Autism Spectrum and our experience and outcomes for those we serve don’t support the generalized position shared by federal leadership The extreme position taken and shared as a commentary “flies in the face” of the good work done by so many organizations and for that matter families who are committed to helping their children The data recently released by the CDC certainly gets everyone’s attention The impact of a diagnosis on a child and family is no doubt life changing related to the introduction of therapies and support to provide assistance and address whatever their unique individual needs may be As a service provider who works with hundreds of children and adults on the Autism Spectrum we’ve experienced children who have come to us nonverbal and left our therapeutic day school not only communicating but fully capable of advocating for themselves in a manner that will help them achieve greater levels of independence It is not without hard work to make something like this happen which makes the use of the word “never” inappropriate from my vantage point We have helped individuals on the Autism Spectrum secure and maintain employment that includes making a living wage and paying taxes We have established programs and resources to help make this happen We have programs that connect individuals and know that relationships have blossomed from these interactions Dates are not only something that happens but a part of their lives as well I guess my point and position is that stating the extreme as the common situation misleads the public about Autism and its impact on individuals and families We see firsthand the engagement of the entire family with therapies that help their child learn and grow and know of the commitment needed to make this work My observation is that parents do whatever is necessary to help their child accomplish tasks that maybe otherwise they wouldn’t have been able to achieve on their own I guess my last point related to the comments made about Autism is that there is no doubt the increase in prevalence is concerning There are so many different thoughts as to what is driving this and the data uncovered so far does not indicate that it is solely caused by environmental factors I will let the scientists who are far more knowledgeable on the subject opine as to what the causes may be What needs to be remembered in these discussions is that while the challenge is real organizations with family support make incredible progress and help those on the Spectrum achieve some amazing things the word “never” should be omitted from the explanation and discussion challenging better explains the work for most and when challenges are overcome it implies that things can be made better This is something we and others know from our data that can happen Post Offices Open with Mail Delivery as Usual / Today which means some businesses and services will be closed Yet Good Friday is not a federal holiday Good Friday is a holy day for Christians marking Jesus Christ’s crucifixion It falls during what’s known as the Holy Week which concludes with Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday UPDATE / Judd Kendall VFW Friday Night Fish Fry / 4:30PM to 7:30PM at Judd Kendall VFW – 908 Jackson Ave. IL 60540 / The Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 will host its Friday Night Fish Fry beginning at 4:30PM Friday evenings through April 18 this week is it for 2025 as Draft Picks in Naperville again catered the  menu and patrons enjoyed tasty treats offered in the bake sale Watch for return of the Fish Fry same time next year beginning seven Fridays before Easter Or simply mark your calendar to watch the red white and blue tribute in the heart of town with gratitude to all who sacrificed while serving this nation ***Keep in mind every day that sidewalks and the Naperville Riverwalk are for pedestrians. Throughout the USA and Canada folks know… Walk Your Wheels!  Test Drive for Autism Awareness / Turning Pointe is partnering with local car dealerships including Naperville Toyota as part of the “Test Drives for Autism Awareness” campaign For every test drive taken at participating dealerships this month $20 will be donated to Turning Pointe Autism Foundation supporting their vital programs and services for individuals with Autism Remember that car dealerships are closed on Sundays Hotel Arista is located at 2155 CityGate Lane.  Reserve a Table at Mesón Sabika for Easter / 11:30AM to 9PM / Find a choice in dining rooms and private spaces at Mesón Sabika to sample Spanish tapas and delicious sangria for lunch and dinner every day Reservations are now being accepted for Easter Sunday the Easter event includes the always- popular egg hunt And take note, it’s almost time for brunch and photos with the Easter Bunny— and other egg-citing activities from April 18 through April 20. Note also that this post may be updated throughout the week A body discovered Saturday at Burlington Park Forest Preserve in Naperville was identified on Monday as a Naperville resident A final cause of death of the 44-year-old male is pending determination by the DuPage County coroner’s office Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate foul play was not a contributing factor Forest Preserve District of DuPage County police and the Naperville Police Department responded to a call for a death investigation after a body was found floating in the West Branch DuPage River Officials said there is no threat to public safety 2025 at 10:45 am CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}New York Times best-selling author Mary Kubica will cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the Barnes & Noble at 9 Jackson Ave IL — Naperville will herald the opening of its Barnes & Noble store on April 23 with a visit from New York Times bestselling author Mary Kubica The author will cut the store's ceremonial ribbon and be on hand to sign copies of her most recent book The new Barnes & Noble store will occupy 12,000 square feet of space at 9 Jackson Ave The opening comes just over a year after the Barnes & Noble at 45 E "We closed our doors at the old location when our lease expired and have been in search of a new location," Janine Flanigan "This location allows us to come back to the Naperville community “We are very happy to return to Naperville where for 25 years we were a community staple,” said Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt said in a statement “Our longtime booksellers are as eager to be back in town as they are to welcome customers into their brand-new Naperville Barnes & Noble.” Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. A network of correspondents providing impartial news reports and analysis in 33 languages from locations around the world Up-to-the-minute news and analysis from around the world and in Chicago Hosted by WBEZ's Mary Dixon and NPR's Steve Inskeep Newshour is the award-winning flagship program of the BBC World Service the world’s largest news gathering operation 1A convenes a conversation about the most important issues of our time smart reflection on world news as it’s happening innovators and artists from around the globe with news from Chicago from WBEZ’s Lisa Labuz Reset digs into how the news has moved since you left the house discussing and unpacking the biggest stories and issues in Chicago and beyond right in the heart of the day Fresh Air is a weekday “talk show” that hardly fits the mold Fresh Air Weekend collects the week’s best cultural segments and crafts them together for great weekend listening The show is produced by WHYY and hosted by Terry Gross and features from Chicago and around the world Hosted by WBEZ’s Melba Lara and NPR’s Ailsa Chang A daily take on business and economics news for the rest of us hosted by Michael Barbaro and powered by The New York Times’ journalism 7pm Hour -- A focus on what’s changed here in the U.S since President Trump was inaugurated -- looking at everything from the culture to the shape of the federal government From tariffs to the downsizing of the Department of Education how has Trump made good on his campaign promises From shifting alliances to trade agreements to changes at the U.S we’ll ask how President Trump has altered international relations since January 20 Covering everything about science and technology — from the outer reaches of space to the tiniest microbes in our bodies — Science Friday is your source for entertaining and educational stories and activities From their humble beginnings on Chicago’s radio airwaves to their evolution through television and today’s streaming platforms "Stories Without End" unpacks how soap operas have shaped popular culture and told intergenerational stories that continue to resonate a new theme and a variety of stories on that theme Sound Opinions is hosted by Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot In-depth interviews with brilliant creators A mix of live performances and interviews from WXPN Philadelphia’s daily program featuring important established and emerging artists Weekly film podcast and radio show from Chicago featuring in-depth reviews The first 50 years of modern advertising was based on hard-sell The next 50 years was persuasion through creativity and media tonnage But as advertising squeezed into the 21 century it was forced to shed its elbowing ways and become a delicate dialogue The goal is no longer to triumph by weight CBC's Under the Influence is hosted by Terry O'Reilly A wrap up of the week's news and a mix of analysis and features on a wide range of topics Have a laugh and test your news knowledge while figuring out what's real and what we've made up It's Been a Minute features people in the culture who deserve your attention Plus weekly wraps of the news with journalists in the know Exploring the biggest questions of our time with the help of the world's greatest thinkers A radio journal of news and culture produced from a Latino perspective and offbeat features from Chicago and around the world with only a microphone and a roomful of strangers How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior shape our choices and direct our relationships Your guide to examining how the media sausage is made Important ideas and practical advice: Code Switch features fearless and much-needed conversations about race—and Life Kit offers practical advice on things in life no one prepared you for Created by The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX Reveal is public radio’s first one-hour radio show and podcast dedicated to investigative reporting A weekly program presented by the New Yorker magazine’s editor killer beats and the edgiest new talent in storytelling come together for a weekly show that straps audiences into an audio rollercoaster Radiolab is known for its deep-dive journalism and innovative sound design Created in 2002 by former host Jad Abumrad the program began as an exploration of scientific inquiry Over the years it has evolved to become a platform for long-form journalism and storytelling Radiolab is hosted by Lulu Miller and Latif Nasser Naperville was named America’s best city to live in for 2025 Niche examined characteristics such as quality of life Naperville has been named the best city to live in the U.S Niche suburbs and big-city neighborhoods to determine the best places to live Cities across the country were graded by combining dozens of the most up-to-date public information including census data and Department of Education research — with reviews from users Naperville was ranked tops for best cities to live in America Naperville also ranked first in best cities in which to buy a home best cities to raise a family and cities with best public schools economy and affordability score are what made the western suburb stand out compared with other top-ranked cities scored in the top 50 in the Niche rankings of best places to live in America followed by Clarendon Hills at 25 and Hinsdale at 29 “Where you live shapes so many aspects of your life from career opportunities to the sense of community you feel,” Luke Skurman we are proud to provide rankings that empower people to make informed decisions based on what matters most to them affordability or access to parks and local businesses.” Here are this year’s top 20 best places to live in Illinois: Terms of Use • Privacy Notice • Cookie Policy • Terms of Sale 2025 at 7:20 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The investigation is ongoing IL — A body was found in the water Saturday at the Burlington Park Forest Preserve in Naperville The Naperville Police Department told Patch that the body was recovered Saturday afternoon According to the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Forest Preserve District of DuPage County officers were dispatched to Burlington Park Forest Preserve in Naperville for a death investigation The individual's identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin "There is currently no known threat to the public," a representative of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County said Naperville Police added that the investigation was turned over to the DuPage County Forest Preserve District Police May 01, 2025 at 11:40 am CDTExpandBlock 59 will feature a central outdoor plaza. (Photo provided by Brixmor Property Group) In a city with hundreds of restaurants, the anticipation around the Block 59 development in Naperville is starting to sizzle. The new dining and entertainment district will boast an outdoor event plaza and a cluster of trendy restaurants on tap to open this year and next at the northeast corner of Route 59 and Aurora Avenue. “While this city obviously has downtown Naperville, which we could never replace, and would never want to, we provide a second destination for folks to come and really have a great dining and entertainment experience,” said Rich Dippolito, vice president of redevelopment of Brixmor Property Group, the company behind the project. The Cheesecake Factory and brunch spot First Watch plan to open at Block 59 in June, followed by Stan’s Donuts and then later in the summer, Piccolo Buco, a concept by Cooper’s Hawk. The Cheesecake Factory is one of the first restaurants coming to Block 59 in Naperville. (Brian Hill) Velvet Taco, FreshFin Poké, Crisp & Green, Yard House and Cava — with its Mediterranean-inspired menu — are all slated to open by the end of the year. Ruth’s Chris Steak House is expected to open in 2026. Brixmor has done a “tremendous job of leasing to some very prominent restaurants and fast-casual facilities,” said John Melaniphy, president of retail consulting firm Melaniphy & Associates. “They’ve really created a concentration of higher-end restaurants that will generate consumers on a highly frequent basis,” he said. “And that will help drive the retail sales in the retail stores in the project, in an environment where a lot of the big-box stores have not been growing as rapidly as they had in the past.” More than 50% of the storefronts in the area were vacant and the developer was committing $53 million in the revitalization project, Mayor Scott Wehrli added. “I think this is a real wonderful opportunity for the city,” Wehrli said. The Block 59 developer has brought some of the “newest concepts to this project,” said John Melaniphy, president of retail consulting firm Melaniphy & Associates. (Photo provided by Brixmor Property Group) Brixmor demolished much of the former Heritage Square shopping center to make way for the new project adjacent to Westridge Court, which it also owns. “The portion on the corner, Heritage Square, had about 200,000 square feet. One building was a two-story former department store,” Dippolito said. “And it was very difficult to lease … in addition to that, there were several very large, big-box locations, and there’s just a lot of that type of product along Route 59.” Brixmor, however, saw an opportunity to reimagine a prime corner, blend it into the rest of Westridge Court and “really make it a cohesive development that has lots of retail and lots of restaurants,” Dippolito said. “The big box stores are no longer so desirable,” Wehrli said. “So finding something new that’s going to bring people out, have a very walkable, unique experience, where there’ll be a mix of both retail as well as dining and entertainment, is going to be a really great mix, and I think that’s what the consumer wants.” Block 59 will have about 91,000 square feet of new construction. That combined with Westridge Court, which includes The Fresh Market and Hollywood Palms Cinema, adds up to roughly 550,000 square feet of space. “So, this brings the restaurant component into a very big retail environment,” Dippolito said. There is space available at Block 59, with Dippolito pointing to a couple building pads around the event plaza. The outdoor space could host exercise classes, dance recitals or concerts. “It’s a space for Naperville to come and enjoy, and then in the wintertime, we’re going to convert it to an ice rink,” Dippolito said. The city created a business district to spur redevelopment of the area. The city will use funds generated by a special 1% tax on sales in the district to reimburse the developer for eligible infrastructure work and other upgrades. Wehrli expects it to be a regional destination due to its proximity to Aurora and location along Route 59. The project is expected to be complete by the middle of 2026. Naperville has long been the No. 2 dining destination in Illinois, based on revenues alone, Wehrli said. https://www.dailyherald.com/20250427/business/dining-destination-napervilles-block-59-district-to-bring-very-prominent-restaurants-to-route-59/ A Naperville builder has a portfolio of luxury custom homes with names like “Modern Chateau” and “Newport Coastal.” Family-owned Charleston Building & Development also developed the row houses near Rotary Hill and the Riverwalk Charleston has now received city council approval to move forward with plans for another project: a residential community geared toward seniors and still within walking distance of downtown “We've heard from numerous buyers in the past that they can't find anything near downtown Naperville with first-floor primaries,” said Erik Van Someren president of Charleston’s development division “They can't really find anything period with first-floor primaries let alone close to downtown neighborhoods.” Charleston intends to put 30 homes on a vacant property between All Saints Catholic Academy and Mesón Sabika the Spanish tapas-style restaurant housed in a white mansion along Aurora Avenue The project will add some diversity to the housing stock in Naperville “I think the city council saw that and appreciated the fact that we're trying to bring something that has a little bit more uniqueness as well as with the same luxury and customization that we're known for Charleston is working with Charles Vincent George Architects Van Someren said “upscale cottage-style home” will be the theme throughout the new subdivision He estimated that those 55 and older purchased roughly 75% of Charleston’s row homes “We want to make sure that we're appealing to everybody but we do understand that the major marketplace will probably be that 55 and over which is a growing demographic here in Naperville The city council unanimously approved a rezoning of the property to facilitate the development of 30 single-family homes on the north side of Aurora Avenue three-bedroom and four-bedroom home options so they’re going to be designed on an ad hoc basis,” said Vince Rosanova suggested an age-restricted development to only allow people 55 and older to purchase the properties Rosanova said the design of the community with smaller first-floor primary bedrooms and a homeowner’s association being responsible for maintenance “makes this very appealing” to that demographic “It's going to solve a compelling need in our community but it's also going to pay land cash fees to the school district which would be waived if it was restricted,” Rosanova explained He also noted that when “you start putting covenants on properties like this,” then they become “very difficult to finance in the construction process.” makes a lot more sense here than having a development where we don't get a cash donation towards parks or schools,” City Councilman Ian Holzhauer said of age-targeting I don't know that 100% of the residents in this community would be 55 and up It’s just so desirable near downtown Naperville I think people will be snapping this up of almost any age “But I'm actually OK with that … I don’t know that I love the idea of a community where we have a section of town that's the senior part of town and the family part of town,” Holzhauer added Charleston also developed the Jefferson Estates neighborhood to the north of the property NAPERVILLE, Ill., March 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pickleball Kingdom the world's largest indoor pickleball entity bringing a premier indoor pickleball facility to Naperville and Dhaval Sheth will lead this exciting development delivering top-tier indoor pickleball to one of the Midwest's most vibrant communities "We're excited to bring Pickleball Kingdom to Naperville," said Ace Rodrigues and Dhaval's dedication to community and passion for excellence make them the perfect team to bring Pickleball Kingdom to Naperville We know that this club will become a premier pickleball destination in the Midwest." Pickleball Kingdom is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and dedication to building a thriving and welcoming community for all players The franchisees are actively seeking a location in Naperville to create an ideal environment for players and spectators this club will feature climate-controlled indoor courts and comprehensive training programs designed to elevate the player experience "We are thrilled to bring Pickleball Kingdom to Naperville a city that has been our home for over 25 years," said Saumil franchisees of the new Pickleball Kingdom location "Our deep-rooted friendships and shared passion for pickleball have inspired us to create a top-tier indoor facility for this rapidly growing and inclusive sport Naperville holds a special place in our hearts and we are excited to offer a year-round space where players of all ages and skill levels can enjoy pickleball enriching the lives of everyone in Naperville." bringing us closer together and giving us a new passion to share with our community," said Saumil Parikh "Naperville has always been more than just a city to us and Dhaval to our expanding franchise family," said Rob Streett President and Chief Global Officer of Pickleball Kingdom "Their leadership and passion for growing the sport will play a vital role in establishing Pickleball Kingdom as a cornerstone of the local community." Pickleball Kingdom is the premier indoor pickleball franchise dedicated to fostering community and providing world-class facilities With a mission to create a global network of pickleball venues Pickleball Kingdom is at the forefront of the fastest-growing sport in the U.S Pickleball Kingdom offers franchisees the highest industry AUV (average unit volume) per location demonstrating the strength of its business model and the comprehensive support provided to franchise owners As pickleball continues to surge in popularity, Pickleball Kingdom invites driven individuals to explore franchise opportunities and join this exciting growth. For more information on franchise opportunities, visit https://pickleballkingdom.com/franchise/ For the latest updates and information, visit the Naperville, IL club page: https://pickleballkingdom.com/naperville-il/ For Franchise & Media Inquiries:Mitch Kistner – Sr. Director of Marketing[email protected]Phone: 888-788-0999 announces its newest facility coming to 169 Hale Rd announces its newest facility coming to Bryan Entertainment Sporting Events General Sports Corporate Expansion Do not sell or share my personal information: The City's Road Improvement Plan recommends road and intersection improvements needed to improve Naperville's traffic flow Engineering and Development (TED) Department is working with Kimley-Horn an engineering planning and design consultant to update the plan to identify issues and recommend future improvements This update aligns with Naperville's strategic goals, as mentioned in the Naperville 2027: Investing in Our Community Priorities Plan under the Mobility focus area This focus area's goal is to improve community mobility The Road Improvement Plan was created to determine what roadway improvements were needed to accommodate the City’s growth the City has implemented many of the roadway improvement projects identified in that plan including To ensure the City’s roadways have adequate capacity the plan will be updated after evaluating existing traffic conditions Some of the information being analyzed includes traffic volumes crash history and signal timing data at intersections and along road segments.  long-term evaluation of the City's roadways recommended improvement projects will be incorporated into the City's Capital Improvement Program within the next 20 years Each of these projects will undergo detailed engineering and design there will be additional public engagement opportunities the plan's recommended improvement projects will reduce travel time Public feedback will be considered throughout the planning process and will influence the plan’s recommendations There will be future opportunities for the community to share thoughts or ideas concerning areas where they experience traffic delays Issues specific to bicycles and pedestrians should be addressed as part of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan which is anticipated to occur in 2025-2026 Major construction projects may take years to complete Road improvements will be phased to minimize disruption to residents and businesses More information about impacts will be shared once specific Road Improvement Plan recommendations are approved ...is the resident newsletter produced by the City of Naperville Take a moment to check out the latest issue now in PDF format 2025 at 12:55 pm CT.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The "No Taxes for Tyrants" rally and march will coincide with Tax Day demonstrators will gather in Naperville for the No Taxes for Tyrants rally and march organized in protest of nationwide funding cuts to education "Every day we hear about more funding being cut and more agencies on their way to privatization by Trump taking away tax dollars from our communities and funneling them upward to the oligarchs as No Taxes for Tyrants to demand that our tax dollars be used to fund public education The protest will feature remarks from EPA chemist Colin Kramer West Suburban Teachers Union Vice President Kyle Stern and other local figures Readers may click the link to register for No Taxes for Tyrants Incumbents were in a battle Tuesday night in some of DuPage County’s most heated village board and city council races Here is a look at the unofficial results for those races Two incumbents and two challengers appeared to have won in an eight-person race for four seats on the Naperville City Council According to unofficial totals from DuPage and Will counties and incumbent Ian Holzhauer had 12,452 votes Challenger Ashfaq Syed appeared to have won the fourth seat with 11,135 votes The other candidates in the race were incumbent Jennifer Bruzan Taylor and Naperville planning and zoning commissioners Derek McDaniel and Meghna Bansal has been on the city council since 2017 and served previously on the Indian Prairie Unit District 204 school board Bruzan Taylor has served on the city council since 2021 Gibson is board president of the Naperville Park District Syed is board president of the Naperville Public Library All the candidates in the race listed public safety and infrastructure among their top concerns They also agree the city should not be forced to renew an electricity contract with an agency that has minority ownership stakes in two coal-fired power plants incumbent Kelley Kalinich was on her way to reelection jumping out early in a four-person race for three available village trustee seats Three of the four trustee hopefuls — Kalinich Sonia Desai Bhagwakar and Stephen Szymanski — ran as part of the Civic Betterment Committee roster of candidates Szymanski had 2,476 votes and Margetts had 2019 votes a retired superintendent and lifelong Glen Ellyn resident who serves on the village’s capital improvements commission and worked for US Steel believes the volunteer fire department needs new facilities and new training centers said one of her priorities is continued economic development of downtown Glen Ellyn while maintaining its charm wrote in a candidate questionnaire that the replacement of lead pipes should rank as a top priority each and every year until that work is completed Two candidates faced off for one 4-year seat representing the North District on the Wheaton City Council who serves on Wheaton's Historic Commission the council has built fund balances to address flooding issues and to improve the city’s aging sewer and sanitary systems Hussain said he would bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the council He said he would like to promote growth while retaining what makes Wheaton special There were three contested races for seats on the Elmhurst City Council incumbent Jacob Hill faced a challenge from Kevin Kirby Mike Baker and Bobby Fontana faced off to become one of the two aldermen representing Ward 4 A new alderman was chosen to represent Ward 5 The candidates in the race were Daniel Virgil and Adam Park There were three contested races for village board seats in Lombard Incumbent Bob Bachner and newcomer Umar Haque competed to represent District 6 on the Lombard Village Board incumbent Bernard Dudek faced a challenge from Shahaab Uddin Derek Cantu and Patrick Egan ran for an unexpired 2-year term five candidates competed for three seats on the village board incumbent Daniel John Grecco and Afaq Syed four candidates competed for three seats on the village board Updated, April 13, 2025 / Today we’re remembering longtime friend and local business owner, Bev Eigenberg. An obituary is posted at www.friedrichjones.com. Bev will be remembered during services on April 27, 2025. passed away peacefully with family at her side on April 6 at Lombard Place Assisted Living & Memory Care in Lombard According to the Friedrich Jones website, a complete obituary is pending Visitation will be held from 1 to 5PM Sun. followed by a celebration of Bev’s life at 5PM in the funeral home Positively Naperville always enjoyed Bev’s friendship generous heart and ways to share news about Creative Nursery School More than a few times we dined at Heaven on Seven back when it was located on Main Street in downtown Naperville When she joined the Rotary Club of Naperville-Downtown (aka 4:44 Rotary) we also got together on a weekly basis until she moved Every advertisement Bev ran featured a memorable image of two youngsters going fishing with her motto Below the small sampling of photos stored in PN files is a story Bev wrote about some of the individuals who had touched her life I owned and directed Creative Nursery School for 30 some years where all the children where loving people care for us as we move through our journey of life good food and no need to cook and clean up I pause often to think of all the special people in my life that I love I know I’m one of the luckiest people in the world I know now that I was one the people who loved to go to work every day I have a degree in early childhood development All of our teachers—some who were parents of children who came here first—were degreed and had to be warm and wonderful with senses of humor we began to read newspaper stories about the children we had nurtured made us a large bulletin board to hang in the front hallway We found so many articles about so many of our children this past fall Conner Joyce made headlines as a football star at Naperville Central High School His story would have appeared on our bulletin board a figure skater who practiced hard to make the Winter Olympics He talked to the 4 and 5-year-olds about following their dreams don’t ever give up on your dreams,” he said Then he showed us his video of winning a Silver Medal in Italy He brought me a magazine featuring his figure skating and a personal note Thanks for the amazing foundation you gave me and all the children Your dedication and kindness is changing the world for kids I’m so grateful I saved all those articles and beautiful notes written to me One last line I heard at Christmastime… “This old world has been awful good to me.” I plan to write more about my wonderful experiences at Creative Nursery School heartfelt stories that will be saved at positivelynaperville.com Miss Bev’s Wit and Wisdom is shared here via heartfelt and funny stories from 30 years with young children at Creative Nursery School We always appreciated her kindness and love for happy times former owner/founder of Creative Nursery School and her philosophy about teaching preschoolers.  The KIN campaign became a grassroots initiative in support of promoting good-natured civility in a fun-loving community Naperville Police were dispatched to the 1600 block of Westminster Drive for a report of a suspicious vehicle The caller reported that the vehicle was parked on the wrong side of the street and that the headlights were being turned on and off The responding officer located the suspicious vehicle and made contact with the driver of the 11000 block of Maplewood Avenue in Chicago After observing fresh cannabis in plain view inside the vehicle the officer’s investigation led to the discovery of a concealed firearm with no serial number and an extended magazine in the suspect’s pocket and an airsoft rifle that looked like a real firearm in the vehicle Davis was charged with four felony counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon one felony count of possession of a firearm with no serial number and one misdemeanor count of unlawful possession of cannabis He was released from custody pending his next court date in compliance with state law “I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for our residents to call us when they see something out of the ordinary in their neighborhoods,” said Police Chief Jason Arres one simple observation and phone call led to the recovery of an untraceable gun and the arrest of the person illegally in possession of it That’s a strong example of the good that can come from residents working in partnership with law enforcement The Naperville Police wish to remind the public and the news media that a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty Receive the most recent news from the City directly in your e-mail inbox.