Good morning, Naperville.

The Park District is hosting multiple spooky season events — Creepy Critters Month at Knoch Knolls Nature Center, the free Halloween Happening on Oct.

25, Pumpkin Smash on Nov. 7, Santa’s Workshop and Hotline from Nov. 30 to Dec. 20, and winter youth basketball registration starting Nov. 3.

At the recent Naperville Sister Cities International Festival in Central Park (celebrating community ties), Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli presented the Sister Cities 2026 Community Service Award to Mike Havala from Loaves and Fishes Community Services, while Claire Shen and Kendall Nghiem received awards in art and essay showcases (honoring young talent).

Dine Naperville invites locals to try signature bites at $5, $10, $15 and $20 from over 20 restaurants from Oct.

9-18. The event will help families and couples enjoy budget-friendly dining in our community.

This weekend, Naperville hosts LOTUS, a glowing art installation at Paddleboat Quarry from 4 to 10 p.m. daily + Oktoberfest at Naper Settlement offers German food and live music on Friday and Saturday + the Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

KidsMatter 2 Us shows how teen volunteering builds skills+boosts self-esteem while strengthening community ties that could help with school and future job prospects, encouraging Naperville teens to explore volunteer opportunities for personal growth.

Sara Gmitro, a local breast cancer survivor, began knitting free alternative prosthetics called Knitted Knockers after her mastectomy to help other women feel more comfortable.

The initiative now distributes these handmade prosthetics in Illinois to offer support soon after surgery.

Construction started last week behind Cheesecake Factory and Yard House as two new buildings in Block 59 are set to house five restaurants (including a Michelin-recommended dumpling spot and a Japanese steakhouse), with tenants planning build-outs to open later this year.