Upcoming Meetings and Events

Hunter has taken some amazing photos of the Golf Outing Dinner at Meson Sabika, you can see them all here:

http://gallery.me.com/willbyington#100954&bgcolor=black&view=mosaic&sel=0

I am from Naperville and have a life- long friend who is one of the most amazing women I know. She continuously gives everything although she has very little. She is always the first person helping anyone in need.

She has never had the silver spoon syndrome, and frankly has struggled her entire Life.

She is a 47 years old and was widowed at 32 with 3 young children . As a stay home mom she was Literally overnight and suddenly thrown in to finding a way to support her children. She found a way to keep her family together and along the way foster and then adopted A special needs child. A child who was diagnosed at 6 years old with what they thought was terminal leukemia. He is now 17 year old is attending main stream high school as a Junior! She recently had her daughter accepted And she will be attending Michigan State pursuing an engineering degree.

The Rotary club just awarded her (a much needed ) $6,000.00 scholarship for an essay she wrote. She Called me to share her good news and good fortunate with me. Last week-end we were together And she expressed her concern about how she was going to make it through the next two years as she tries to Pursue her own career ambitions while she continues to support her family.

I have never been so proud to be from Naperville. When her phone call came in to tell me that The Naperville Rotary Club Just awarded her a scholarship for $6,000.00 to help her out. She is the most deserving person I know And Naperville is the one to help her family and her dream. There is good in this world!

Louise is so deserving of this and I just had to say you are doing such a good thing, for such a giving women and I am so proud that the community I live in cares and helps good people.

With everyone always complaining of the bad I just had to express the good I see in this world. Thank you Rotary Club of Naperville. I will work RIbfest every year to continue to do good things for the people of our community.


Thank You,
Kim Andreas

This second semester has been amazing. It was definitely a lot more busy since I am helping to start up the Business Careers in Entertainment club, adding more time to our book, and starting many other business ventures. I was highly doubtful I would be able to receive another 3.8 like I did first semester, but to my surprise (I guess the professors liked me), I got a 4.0! The more I'm in school, the more I realize that technical skills are only about 50% of what it takes to be successful in life. Interpersonal skills are just as important. I'm glad I learned this early on because I've been able to refine those throughout the year as well. 

I am currently looking into what it would take to get an agent for our book and at the same time, do research on an entirely different project. I have contemplated the idea of doing a diabetes documentary after I graduate from college, so I need to start doing some research with doctors and potential producers to see if it is feasible. If you want more details, just ask. I'd be glad to share. If you know any producers or agents or anyone who would know people who know these professionals, it would be great to get in contact with them!

As announced at the banquet this morning, I just returned from Turkey, Ireland, and Holland. We went to Turkey with the College of Business Honors Program to explore the international business lanscape abroad in Turkey. It was very insightful. They then let us travel Europe after by ourselves, so myself along with 7 other students split up and scattered Europe. This is when a friend and I went to Ireland and Holland. It was SOOO picturesque. I've attached a few photos for you to check out. 

Well, that's all I can think of for now. Let me know about some of the events Rotary is taking part in if you have time. 

I ensure you, your money is not going to waste! Thanks Again!

Michael Lyons

--
Pura Vida,

Michael Lyons
University of Illinois
College of Business Honors

Rotary Clubs of Naperville 13th Annual Golf Outing Net proceeds benefit Loaves and Fishes  Please join other local Rotarians, prospective Rotarians, and guests at our annual golf event! Click here for the Registration Form Interested in being a Sponsor for the event and showcasing your business or service to hundreds of Naperville community leaders, volunteers, and residents? Click here for the Sponsorship Opportunities packet

ROTARY CLUB OF NAPERVILLE

 HONORS COMMUNITY MEMBERS AS PAUL HARRIS FELLOWS

The Rotary Club of Naperville recently honored six individuals as Paul Harris Fellows. From left to right the are: David Wentz, attorney with Brooks, Adams & Tarulis; Dr. Michael Litow, founder and executive director of The Education Center; Ruth Baneszova, the Rotary exchange student from Naperville’s sister city, Slovakia; Joshua Mooi, Lance Cpl., United States Marine Corps; Nancy Wiersum, community development director for NCTV, and Reverend Scott Field, Sr., pastor of Wheatland Salem United Methodist Church.

The Rotary Club of Naperville honored several community members during its Annual Paul Harris Fellow Luncheon on Thursday, May 20, 2010.  Being honored this year were Ruth Baneszova, the Rotary exchange student from Naperville’s sister city, Slovakia; Reverend Scott Field, Sr., pastor of Wheatland Salem United Methodist Church; Dr. Michael  Litow, founder and executive director of The Education Center; Joshua Mooi, Lance Cpl., United States Marine Corps; David Wentz, attorney with Brooks, Adams & Tarulis, and Nancy Wiersum, community development director for NCTV.

The Paul Harris Fellow is named after Paul P. Harris, founder of Rotary International.  Paul Harris formed the world’s first service club, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on February 23, 1905. 

Today Paul Harris Fellows contributions to the Rotary Foundation support a wide range of humanitarian grants and educational programs that enable Rotarians to bring hope and promote international understanding throughout the world.  For example, contributions to the Rotary Foundation helped to provide:  a well for clean water to a community in India; equipment for a children’s library in Ecuador; polio vaccines for numerous children; playground equipment, musical instruments and therapeutic toys for rehabilitating orphans in the Czech Republic; and eyeglasses for needy adults in the Philippines.

The Naperville Noon Rotary Club holds a luncheon meeting every Thursday at 12:15 a.m. at Key Wester Restaurant. 

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Background on the Paul Harris Award Honorees:

International Exchange Student

Ruth Baneszova, Exchange Student 

Our club-sponsored exchange student has demonstrated commitment to study in another culture and promoting good will and understanding between cultures.  She has truly made a difference in the lives of those around her. She has also demonstrated commitment to the Rotary ideal of “Service above Self”, and has participated in the community of Naperville and activities of the Rotary Club of Naperville. We hope one day she will become a Rotarian continuing a life that values service above self.

Club Service

Nancy Wiersum, Naperville Community Television

Nancy has contributed to the community of Naperville placing service above self by “giving voice” to the many non-profit organizations in Naperville through NCTV17’s flagship program “Spotlight on Naperville: Community That Cares.”  Through this program she has given voice to these non-profits and their missions helping them to promote awareness of efforts, fundraising initiatives, unique needs and special events. She also was the chair of the 2009 Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Not for Profit Network and has served on several NFP boards over the years including her Church Council. 

Vocational Service

Dr. Michael Litow, The Education Center

Dr. Litow is the founder and Executive Director of The Education Center and has been affiliated for 30 years with the Chicago Public Schools in many roles and has helped countless youth to succeed in school as well as in

life.  Dr. Litow reaches out to youth from all social, cultural and economic backgrounds and provides help to families or youth regardless of their financial resources. His vision to help youth discover their own strength and dreams and to pursue those dreams against all odds is an outstanding example of service above self.

International Service

Rev. Dr. Scott Field, Wheatland Salem United Methodist Church.  Dr. Field believes that our world is much larger than our community.  He encourages people to become involved with our brothers and sisters around the world living in very difficult environments.  He believes we all have something to give to others in need—our time, money, prayers, or our intellectual property.  Some international projects that he has initiated include a sewing school for women in Paraguay so they can support themselves; setting up transportation for fish farmers in Peru; building a community center in Tanzania as a safe place for children, many of whom have AIDS; gaining support for a school for slum children in India; sponsoring a Grace Children’s Hospital bed in Haiti, as well as an orphanage and girls school in Haiti.

Community Service

David Wentz, Esq., Of Council Brooks, Tarulis, Shafer & Tibble.  A lifelong DuPage County resident and long time Naperville resident, David provided extraordinary leader-ship as the Chair of the Naperville Healing Field of Honor, a powerful display of United States flags on Rotary Hill in Naperville honoring our veterans on November 11, 2009.  This event was a breathtaking display of patriotism that brought together the entire community in a resounding demonstration of love and support for our veterans and their families. The proceeds raised from the event support the operation of Fisher House, a soon to be completed “home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at Hines VA Hospital in Chicago. 

Military Service

Lance Corporal Joshua Mooi  

Cpl. Mooi has exemplified extraordinary heroism during his service in the United States Marine Corps that truly demonstrates “service above self”.  His valiant efforts were essential to saving the lives of ten Marines.  His actions are an outstanding display of decisive leadership, courageous actions, total devotion to duty and strong yet humble character. He is the recipient of the distinguished Navy Cross.

 

Dear all Rotarians,   Well, It's a new semester and it's about time the Rotary Club gets an update on my progress! At the end of last semester, I was officially initiated into the Theta XI fraternity. I am currently in the very beginning stages of organizing a brand new big recruitment event for next fall. It's just an idea at this point, but it has potentilal (a poker run).   Over break, my two parnters and I made progress on our book. We started writing letters to professionals inquiring about interviews. We are trying to get some big names ontop of our growing network of professionals so that it will have appeal to the average reader. On top of that, we are in the process of attaining the correct legal release documents for our interviewees to sign. It's a slow, but steady process as a whole.   I am also in a case competition for Rockwell Collins involving overcoming generational diversity. It is a 2 week long case competition and the winners not only get the glory of winning but each team member gets a $800 reward, so wish us luck. If you know anyone who has great advice on generational diversity or presentations in general, their help would be greatly appreciated!!!   On the triathlon team, we are starting to recruit people for Tri the Illini. It is our big university wide triathlon that is open to anyone and everyone for all those Rotarians who are interested in such activities. It should be a great race held on April 24th.   Last but not least, I thought I'd throw in that I recieved a 3.8 GPA at the end of my first semester.   Well, that's just about it for now. Hopefully, you feel that your money went to the right person still! If there are any events going on in Naperville you think I should know about, feel free to share!   Thanks again for everything.   Sincerely, -- Michael Lyons University of Illinois College of Business Honors

Jeremy Marie was our guest speaker at Rotary this week. Jeremy set out in Oct 2007 to hitchhike his way across the world. So far he has been across Africa, the Middle East, Mexico, Canada, and is currently going through the U.S. He's traveled over 80,000 km so far, in almost 1000 different vehicles.  At our meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Furstenau presented Jeremy with an Proclamation from Mayor Pradel making Jeremy an honorary citizen of Naperville. You can keep up with Jeremy's travels by visiting his website at: http://www.tour-du-monde-autostop.fr/   The Naperville Running Company and Reebok, graciously donated a new pair of shoes for Jeremy's travels, thanks so much to Kris Hartner for making this possible.

Joe Raoul and Wendy & Jeff Gross opened their hearts and their homes to Jeremy, who stayed at their homes for 2 days each. Jeremy came in on Wednesday afternoon. Sun Kwok visited them in the evening to make plans and discovered that Joe and Jeremy were having a great time! Joe is an accomplished French speaker. Unfortunately Joe did not sing any French Opera for us!

At our Rotary Meeting on Thurday, Jeremy gave an amazing summary of his travels and was made an honorary citizen by Mayoral proclamation and Mayor Pro Tem Dick Furtenau, and he was presented a new pair of shoes for his travels from The Naperville Running Company and Reebok!  After the meeting, Sun showed Jeremy around town, taking him to the Naperville Municipal Center, Naper Settlement, Naperville Running Company, Naper Nuts & Sweets, Starbucks, the Library, and the downtown area.

Photo & Caption from the Naperville Sun for a newspaper article on Friday February 12th.

We did have a little fun with the cardboard cutouts at the Apple Store

A nice shot by the bridge by the Library and Municipal Center

On Thursday evening, a small group of Rotarians Joe Raoul, Hillary Decent and husband Ross, Rich Stompanato, Sun Kwok treated Jeremy to dinner at another Naperville institution, Meson Sabika, before going back home to rest with Joe Raoul. Hossein Jamali and host Dave were great, and the food and service were amazing as usual!

Dinner at Meson Sabika, Thanks Hossein!

Horsing around with the Cat in the Hat at the Library

On Friday, Jeremy visited Sun's office so he could work on his blog, print photos of his journeys, and update a book of his travels with notes and photos. Grace and Sun Kwok treated Jeremy for lunch at Stir Crazy where we made him make his own food, and then a movie, Avatar 3-D. Friday evening Jeremy had a scheduled presentation at the 95th Street Library to a small audience of about 30 communty members, and Jeff Gross picked Jeremy up for a dinner party at Wendy & Jeff Gross's place, with Rotarians Liz Zienty, Pat Merryweather, and others!

Jeremy Marie at lunch at Stir Crazy with Sun & Grace Kwok. We made him "cook" his own food. :)

On Saturday, Wendy & Jeff's son, Ben, came back from school and brought Jeremy along to celebrate his birthday in some restaurants and bars in downtown Naperville, and John Gallagher's son dropped off a ticket to the Chicago Auto Show for Jeremy that was donated by Liz Zienty, so that he could experience another special treat when he goes to Chicago this week.

Thanks so much to everyone who participated in Jeremy's visit, I hope you all had fun!

-Sun

We are planning mission trips into Haiti to help assess the structural integrity of remaining schools, cleanup schools to help put them back into operation and begin the process of planning to provide new schools where needed.  You can help by making donations at the following web site.  100% of donations received will go toward Haiti relief.  All volunteers including SCW staff pay their own way including a small donation toward facility improvements. http://sites.google.com/site/haitischools You can also sign up at this site if you are interested in joining a mission team.  We are estimating the cost of participation will be $1500-$2000 per person including all transportation from O’Hare, and room and board while in Haiti.   While all volunteers will be put to good use, we have particular need for structural engineers with seismic experience and project managers. As always, please call me if you have an questions I can help with. Let’s count our blessings that we have the resources to help in an emergency and that we don’t have to worry about disaster of this magnitude in Naperville. Chuck Newman

Enclosed is a video about The Rotary Club of Naperville's Safe Wheels and Safe Return Program, headed by Ron Czalbowski:

You can download a PDF of the powerpoint presentation here

or you can get the actual powerpoint presentation here

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