NAPERVILLE RESIDENT FEATURED IN TIMES SQUARE VIDEO
Naperville resident Lily Goodfellow will be featured on Saturday, Sept. 12, as part of the National Down Syndrome Society’s annual video presentation in Times Square, New York.
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The one-hour video features more than 500 photos of children, teens and adults with Down syndrome from all 50 states and 12 countries. It will be displayed on two screens in the heart of Times Square and live-streamed on the Down syndrome society’s Facebook page at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 12.
Goodfellow, a graduate of Naperville Central High School, was selected from more than 2,700 entries, a news release said.
Goodfellow attended the College of DuPage, where she earned a Journalism and Media Literacy certificate in 2025. She has a YouTube channel called Lily’s Sports Beat in which she interviews professional and Special Olympics athletes and other sports professionals. She also works as a guest services associate for the Chicago Cubs, United Center and Chicago Stars.
The Times Square video presentation kicks off the New York City Buddy Walk, which raises funds and awareness for the National Down Syndrome Society.
More than 150 Buddy Walk events will be held in communities across the country, including the Chicagoland Buddy Walk Oct. 11 at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. For more information, go to www.chicagolandbuddywalk.org.
NAPERVILLE TO HOLD 9/11 REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY
The city of Naperville and Naperville Responds for Veterans will mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Cmdr. Dan Shanower Memorial behind the municipal center, 400 S. Eagle St.
The Naperville Municipal Band will begin playing at 4:45 p.m.
Naperville resident Charles Lynn Lowder, a retired Marine major and decorated Vietnam veteran, will be this year’s keynote speaker. Lowder is a motivational speaker and co-founder/CEO of the Veteran Business Project, a nonprofit that assists service members, veterans and their spouses who are interested in small business ownership.
Lowder is also one of the owners of Rosie’s Home Cookin’ diner, profits from which help veterans and their families.
The Cmdr. Dan Shanower Memorial pays tribute to Shanower, a Naperville native and Navy officer who died in the attack on the Pentagon.
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In case of inclement weather, the remembrance event will be held in the City Council Chambers inside the muncipal building.
BLOCK 59 FOOD DRIVE TO BENEFIT LOAVES & FISHES
Block 59, the restaurant/entertainment complex at 404 Route 59 in Naperville, will hold a food drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11 to benefit Loaves & Fishes Community Services.
Community members can drop off nonperishable food items on The Green at Block 59, located between Yard House and The Cheesecake Factory.
Donated items can include canned protein such as tuna, salmon and chicken, canned fruit and vegetables, soup, pasta, oatmeal and cereals, rice and grains, and personal care items such as toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant.
For more information, go to www.theblock59.com.