First NameLast NamePassword

Birthdays
James Bergeron - 2/14

Club Anniversaries
John Sims - 2/12/1981 - 29 years
Jini Clare - 2/15/2001 - 9 years
James Bergeron - 2/15/2001 - 9 years

Today's Visitors
Ron Davidson 2/8/2010 - 10:00:17 AM
Linda Linford 2/8/2010 - 11:13:45 AM
Larry Decker 2/8/2010 - 11:38:41 AM
Roy Bynum 2/8/2010 - 11:56:33 AM
Jeffrey Fabbri 2/8/2010 - 5:16:22 PM
Erin Odonnell 2/8/2010 - 7:43:50 PM
Diane Ferris 2/8/2010 - 8:00:49 PM
Frank Slocumb 2/8/2010 - 9:34:04 PM

Nairator - Meet at the Key Wester on Thursday, February 11th, at 12:15pm
Sunday, February 07, 2010 by Robert Estvander

 

Next MeetingThe Rotary Club of Naperville will meet at 12:15pm on Thursday, February 11th, at the Key Wester Restaurant in Naperville. Jeremy Marie Will deliver a talk titled “Travelling the world for 5 years.”

Club News
 
Community Service Grant Applications – Community Service Director, Diane Ferris, reminded members at the last luncheon meeting that the deadline for submitting Community Service grant applications is February 15th.  A grant application form can be obtained by visiting the Club’s internet site at www.napervillerotary.com and clicking on the “Grants and Scholarships” button.
 
Membership Drive – Membership Committee Chair, John Knobloch, announced that the Club will pick up the $15 lunch bill for invited guests during February.  This is your chance to invite a potential future Rotarian to lunch without incurring the normal $15 charge for a guest’s lunch.  Demonstrate to your fellow Club members that you know at least one person (friend, acquaintance, business associate, customer, etc.) who would make a great Rotarian!
 
Community Paul Harris Fellow Nominations Club members are encouraged to nominate non-Rotarian individuals in the community who deserve to be awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship to recognize their demonstrated commitment to service.  Contact Scott Mitchell, Foundation Committee Chair, to nominate a candidate for this prestigious award (smitchell@samaritancenter.org)
 
The luncheon programs scheduled for the next several weeks are:  
 
February 11 - Jeremy Marie Will deliver a talk titled “Travelling the world for 5 years.”
February 18 - Sherid Smith, wife of Rotarian Anderson Smith, will discuss the new Naperville Boys and Girls Club.
February 25 – New School District 204 Superintendent, Kathy Birkett, will discuss  District 204 status and plans.
March 4 – To Be Announced
 
Club Information
 
House of Dreams (HOD) Charity Raffle - Buy your HOD tickets by February 10, 2010 and qualify for all three drawings: the Customer Appreciation Drawing (over $105,000 in prizes), the Early Bird Drawing (over $80,000 in prizes), and the Grand Prize Drawing (over $1,400,000 in prizes).  Naperville Rotary Charities has given over $2,000,000 to non-profits and charities around the world.  NRC has supported many non-profits and international projects focused on the needy based on recommendations made by the Rotary Club of Naperville.  Every member of the Rotary Club of Naperville should seriously consider supporting NRC’s HOD Charity Raffle through the purchase of tickets and by promoting the raffle through the display of marketing materials in their place of business.  $50 of every $100 ticket sold through the Rotary Club of Naperville will be made available to the Club to support the Club’s service efforts.  Visit www.houseofdreamsraffle.org to purchase tickets.
 
February – March 2010Travel with SCW!  Schools for Children of the World (SCW) is a 501.c.3. registered not-for-profit in the United States committed to improving Educational Opportunity in under-developed countries by providing quality school facilities.  Several week-long trips will be made to Haiti within the next two months to conduct assessments of the country’s schools following the recent disastrous earthquakes.  Each volunteer can expect to pay $1,500-2,000 to participate.  If you are interested in participating in this life changing, worthwhile effort, talk to Chuck Newman (chuck@newmanarchitecture.com), co-founder of SCW. Volunteers may sign up at  www.SchoolsForChildren.org.   Donations for this effort may be made through Schools for the Children of the World.   Know that 100% of donations received will go towards schools relief in Haiti.  Sign up now and make a difference!    Also, please consider Schools for the Children of the World for any donations you plan in the future.  All donations are fully tax deductible, and all funds received go directly toward improving educational opportunity in developing countries around the world. For more information on SCW, visit www.SchoolsForChildren.org.
 
CHANGING YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS or your personal or business address?  If your contact information changes, please remember to notify skwok@integralcorp.com and rotaryerin@comcast.net in a timely manner. 
 
REMINDER - Items for inclusion in the Nairator should be sent to Bob Estvander at bob@estvander.com.
 
Remember to wear your ROTARY PIN!
 
Rotary News

 

February 20 –Naperitaville, also known as Naperpalooza 3, will be held at Jackson Moving and Storage from 7:00pm to ???? on Saturday, February 20, 2010. Dress “beach causal” for a great island themed party hosted by the Rotary Club of Naperville/Sunrise.  There will be great live music featuring the music of Jimmy Buffet, the Eagles, etc., gourmet food from fourteen of Naperville’s finest restaurants, and drinks (margaritas, etc. etc.) all for $140 per ticket!  This event will help fight autism in our community (Turning Pointe) and will also benefit Little Friends, local needs-based scholarships, and Tikondane projects in Zambia, Africa.  Get your tickets online at www.naperpalooza.com.

 

February 23 – TheRotary Club of Chicago, the world’s first service club, invites you to join them on February 23, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency, Crystal Ballroom located at 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL in a Celebration of Rotary’s contribution to eradicate Polio. The Crystal Ballroom is the only ballroom in Chicago at street level, providing for spectacular views of the city lights and downtown landmarks. Rotary International will Light Up the Wrigley Building with END POLIO NOW! The event will begin with a reception at 5:30pm with music provided by the Great Lakes Navy Band. This will be followed by the lighting ceremony at 6:00pm and an international buffet dinner at 7:00pm. The program which will begin at 7:45pm will feature several distinguished speakers including Rotary District 6450 Governor, Jim Czerwionka, and Glenn Estess, Chairman of the Rotary Foundation. Registration is $105.00 per person for reception, dinner, two beverage tickets, and entertainment ($115 after February 19th).  Register Online, please click here. 

 April 29 – May 2, 2010 – The 2010 Rotary District 6450 Conference will be held at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort in Lincolnshire, Illinois.  Take advantage of this opportunity to experience Rotary at a District Conference that is close to Naperville.  You can stay overnight at the Marriott or you can “commute,” pay the $25 registration fee,  and select from a number of a’ la cart meals/events. Click on this link for more information and details http://www.rotary6450.org/tools/fckeditor/UploadFolder/2010_DistConfRegis_V8C.pdf.
 
June 20-23 - 2010 RI Convention in Montréal, Québec, Canada - Sophisticated yet friendly, Montréal offers an ideal setting for Rotarians to gather at the 2010 RI Convention. More than 80 nationalities and ethnic groups reside in Montréal.  In addition, it is also the largest francophone city outside of Paris, making it the most bilingual metropolis in North America. Register early now for “An International Experience” and to receive the best rates and accommodations. To go to the convention and experience the fellowship and Rotary at an international level:
-       Register for the convention and ticketed events
-       Reserve your hotel
-       Purchase host event tickets
-       Online registration
-       Download the registration form
Registration for one preconvention event (except for the International Institute) is included in the price of your convention registration. Find out about preconvention events.
 
Contribute to the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund - The Rotary Foundation has established the Haiti Earthquake Relief FundRotary International News -- 14 January 2010  , a donor advised fund, to streamline the flow of contributions from U.S. Rotarians.  The fund will be directed by account holders who will work with local Rotary clubs and districts, as well as emergency relief agencies, to meet the most pressing needs of people in affected areas.  Use your cell phone to make a one-time US$5 donation. Text ROTARY to 90999. 
Community News  (Many thanks to the Positively Naperville website for community event dates – www.positivelynaperville.com)
 
February 11 - RELAY FOR LIFE CELEBRATION AT HOTEL ARISTA / 6PM, Thurs., Feb. 11 / Hotel Arista at CityGate Centre, Sponsored by the American Cancer Society / INFO: Bonnie McKnight, bonnie.mcknight@cancer.org or (630) 932-1141, ext. 3.
 
February 14 - 14th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL / Noon to 4PM, Sun., Feb. 14 / North Central College’s Office of International Programs will host its 14th annual International Festival at Merner Fieldhouse, 450 S. Brainard St.  Activities include dance and musical performances, games and crafts, children’s activities, cultural booth exhibits and more. Sign up for popular Language Immersion Rooms in advance. Service Project: Share Your Soles (So bring gently used shoes to donate!) Admission: $5 per person /  INFO:  bkshammas@noctrl.edu; (630) 637-5132
 
February 21 - NAPERVILLE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS GROOVY SENIORS FASHION SHOW AT BOBAK’S SIGNATURE ROOM / 11AM, Sun., Feb. 21 / Doors will open at 11 AM for raffle prize viewing and a performance by the Naperville North Jazz Band.  Lunch begins at 12:15 PM, followed by the fashion show at 1:30 PM.  Early bird tickets are available through Feb. 1 for $35/person and $20 for NNHS students and children under 12.  TKTS: $40/person and $25 for NNHS students and children after Feb. 1. / Proceeds benefit the NNHS Booster Club so they can continue to financially support all Huskie athletic teams, activities and clubs. TKTS: e-mail Jolene Corning at Jolenecorning@gmail.com or call (630)637-3381.
 
February 24 -  ZAIDI'S CELEBRITY BARTENDERS / 5:30PM, Wed., Feb. 24 / Zaidi's will donate ALL of their tips and 20% of ALL bar food sales from the evening to NCO Youth & Family Services.  Zaidi's is located at the Southeast corner of Route 59 and 83rd Street at 1975 Springbrook Square Drive, Naperville, 60564.
 
March 4 - For the fourth year in a row, area chefs and restaurants are once again partnering with DuPage PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) to offer a Late Winter’s Feast, highlighting the outstanding dining choices available in DuPage County. This well attended and lively event will be held on Thursday, March 4th, 2010, from 5:30- 9:30 PM at Abbington Banquets, Glen Ellyn. Tickets are $80 per person or $800 per table and proceeds from the event will benefit the programs and services of DuPage PADS.  It is not unusual for this event to sell out!  Purchase tickets online or call Jen at DuPage PADS for more information, 630-682-3846 x242 or visit www.dupagepads.org.
 
March 13 - WEST SUBURBAN IRISH ST. PATRICK'S PARADE / 10AM, Sat., March 13 / Downtown Naperville / INFO: www.wsirish.org   This year's Grand Marshall is Ray McGury, Executive Director of the Naperville Park District.
 
March 13-14 - Up with People Coming to Naperville ! - Up With People, a high-energy, upbeat, family-friendly entertainment group, will be coming to Naperville for a weekend of performances and community service projects while staying with local host families. A cast of 90 young people, representing 19 countries, will arrive in Naperville on Thursday, March 11th. They will immediately prepare for two incredible musical performances to be held at North Central College ’s Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton , on Saturday, March 13, at 7 p.m. and Sunday,
March 14, at 2 p.m.  The group will also appear in Naperville ’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and lead community service projects with Naperville School Districts 203 and 204. Up With People is a nonprofit organization that uses the performing arts to deliver messages of hope and goodwill throughout the world.  Their show, called “A Song for the World,” shines the spotlight on people and organizations in each community they visit. Ticket information is available at www.finearts.northcentralcollege.edu or by calling the box office at (630) 637-SHOW. Up with People’s visit to Naperville is sponsored by RR Donnelley and Sons.  Heritage YMCA, KidsMatter, Kidz Kabaret, and NCO Youth and Family Services are the beneficiaries of the show proceeds.   For more information, please visit www.upwithpeople.org/naperville
 
Thought for the Week– You only live once, but if you work it right, once is enough. – Joe E. Lewis
 
Bob Estvander (bob@estvander.com)

Upcoming Rotary
Meetings and Events

2/11 Jeremy Marie - Travelling the world for 5 years
2/18 M: Naperville Boys & Girls Club
2/25 M: District 204 Superintendant Kathy Birkett
3/4 M:
3/11 M:

February is World Understanding Month
Saturday, February 06, 2010 by Patricia Merryweather-Arges

Greetings Rotarians!

February for Rotarians is World Understanding Month. This is a time to reflect on all of the initiatives and opportunities to help people in need, both locally and internationally. It is a time to demonstrate to others how effective Rotary is as members pull their resources and talents together to make a difference in the world and how Rotarians live by the motto of “Service Above Self.”

Invite Someone to Lunch

When I reflect on the difference our Rotary club is making in the lives of so many by working together, I am struck by how many others that are not Rotarians would like to be a member of this great community of givers. John Knobloch, chair of our Rotary Club’s membership, is asking each of us to bring someone to a luncheon during February to share the value and experience of Rotary. During February, our Club through some District membership fund grants, will be providing free luncheons to the guests you invite that have an interest in learning more about Rotary. Take this time to share with someone one of the best kept secrets of our time – Rotary !

Celebrating 105 Years of Rotary

This month is also the celebration of the birthday of Rotary International 105 years ago on Tuesday, February 23rd. In honor of this special day for Rotarians, our District 6450 in partnership with Rotary International and District 6440 are going to be part of a larger initiative to light up the world and tell everyone about Rotary! On the evening of February 23rd, the Wrigley Building in downtown Chicago will have the logo of Rotary and Polio Plus displayed. This display will be repeated around the world on the same day in major international cities.

The Chicago event starts at 5:30 with the Great Lakes Navy Band followed by the lighting at 6:00 by Rotarian Mayor Daley, Governor Quinn, Rotary Foundation President Glen Estess, and other leaders of Rotary International. Following the lighting, the Rotary Club of Chicago will be hosting a reception and dinner. The lighting and reception is open to all Rotarians and their guests. The dinner is open to all, but there is a charge of $105 with some of the proceeds going to Polio Plus. For more information, you can contact Pat Merryweather at rotarysolarpat@aol.com or go to Rotary Club of Chicago’s web site at www.rotaryone.org

Did you know?

That some of the members of our Club and community are international celebrities? Recently our own Liz Zienty, our Exchange student Ruth, and several of the students our Rotary Club sponsored from our local high schools are in a video on RYLA that is on Rotary International’s web site. The video is THE featured video this month on Rotary’s Interactive portion of the web site and has had many international viewers – all giving it high five scores! Also featured in the film is Ruth’s home sponsor and District Director, Linda Yates, along with all of the students from inner-city Chicago that Naperville Rotary Charities sponsored. To see the video, please go to http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/Newsletters/Interactive/Pages/201002/Index.aspx

Speaking of Naperville Rotary Charities…..

You still have time to get in on the Customer Appreciation Drawing by February 10th. You could be the lucky prize winner of one of the over $105,000 prizes to be given away! You could be taking off on a fun filled trip in your Ford Mustang or Honda – or you could be heading to Hawaii or Las Vegas – or you could decide to take the money and take us all with you. Any way you buy a ticket – you have everything to gain. Naperville Rotary Charities has supported many of our club’s local community grants, international projects, scholarships, and countless special projects and initiatives. So buy a ticket or go in with people at your table and buy a ticket – while you may be the lucky winner of the grant prize, we all are winners because of the difference we can make in the world with the support of Naperville Rotary Charities. Please remember to tell your friends and family to select Rotary Club of Naperville as the Rotary Club referral.

*******************************

I could go on and on about Rotary, but I will stop with one final note. Who do you think of when everyone said Polio could not be eradicated from the world; when people don't abandon causes because they are no longer popular such as rebuilding after the Tsunami or wondering who will be there helping the people of Haiti a year from now; when you wonder who will step up to the plate and award 140 fully funded master degree programs every year at major universities in the world aimed at peace and conflict resolution; when you look at the largest number of non-government scholarships awarded for international study by a private organization; when you think of who is making a difference in their local community every day including business leaders, not for profit organizational leaders, scholars and academic leaders, public servant leaders, retired professionals providing leadership in our community, restaurateur leaders, spiritual leaders --- I think of you, my fellow Rotarians.

Share Rotary --- as Rotary Shares……..

Rotary Is In Your Hands!

Yours in Rotary,

Pat

Haiti Mission Trips
Thursday, January 21, 2010 by Chuck Newman

 

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

Community Service Grant Application Deadline February 15th
Tuesday, January 19, 2010 by Sun Kwok

The Rotary Club of Naperville Community Service Grants

 

The deadline for applying for the Rotary Club of Naperville's Community Service Grants is February 15th.

Non-profit organizations interested in applying for a grant for humanitarian, building or equipment projects should visit the Grants Page of our website to download the application form.

 

 

Thank you from a mom who received our Christmas Gifts
Thursday, January 07, 2010 by Jason Altenbern

 

Fellow Rotarians,

Enclosed is a letter we received from a mom who participated in our Rotary Christmas gift program.

 

Dear Gombert,

I am writing to the school as a whole (and the Rotary) because I don't know who exactly to address it to. It is about a very generous deed called the "Mitten Tree." A couple of months back, I was sent a discreet letter asking if I needed a winter coat for either of my kids and also did I want to participate in this "Mitten Tree."

 

Now I must mention, I am new to Aurora. We only moved here in April 2009, so I never heard of the "mitten tree." But thru the generosity of others, my kids would be able to pick one toy item they wanted and I think clothing size. But I wasn't to tell them. So a few months pass and in the mail comes a note saying, "Your pick-up date for the 'mitten tree' is Dec. 16th..."

 

Well, I almost forgot about signing up for it. Then I remembered, I put down one toy each and a clothing size. When I went to the school that Wednesday, I was expecting to pick up a gift or two for each of my two children. Instead, there were TWO HUGE GARBAGE BAGS FULL OF GIFTS!!!

 

I was speechless! I am and was overwhelmed at the kindness, love and generosity of the Gombert community. My kids, even at 9 and 11, still believe in Santa Claus! This year, I did too because no one knew what was beneath those beautifully wrapped gifts.

 

They got clothes and games and hats and scarves and gloves and little pet shop and the game of Life and Yahtzee and so many things, I ran out of storage on my camera!

 

It was a true x-mas blessing that my family was the recipient of such a treasured holiday! It will be quite a memory! And I know it's not all about the gifts and toys. That's why next year, I'm gonna take a name off that "mitten tree" and give some other needy, deserving family the Christmas joy we experienced next year!

Thank you from ....

And their very honored, emotional, grateful, thankful mom :)

P.S. My daughter who attends Gombert got suspicious about the labels looking like "mitten tree" labels, but I told her it was just a coincidence.

December - a celebration of family, friendship, and fellowship
Thursday, December 24, 2009 by Patricia Merryweather-Arges

My dear Rotarians,
 
During the month of December, Rotary celebrates a month of family and friendship.  I am reminded how these are some of the most precious gifts we possess and cherish deeply.
 
Whether you celebrate during the month of December Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa --- or all three --- they are a celebration of what binds us all together through love, friendship, peace, fellowship – and for Rotarians, Service Above Self. However, Rotarians live out the motto of Service Above Self – every day and in every way.   It is a year long celebration that reminds us of the beauty and joy we find in each other and in serving people in need.   Rotarians are among the most generous people one could ever want to meet --- and they cut across politics, religion, cultures --- to join together in Service Above Self.
 
During the month of December, we have all received many warm expressions and acknowledgment of our special holidays and holy days. One of the more surprising events for me when I visited Jordan a couple of years ago in December with Mary Jean Eisenhower and others; was the celebration of Christmas in Jordan, despite the country being 98% Muslim. Everywhere you went in Jordan, stores and hotels were decorated and the country in 1956 declared Christmas Day as a holiday, for to the Muslims in Jordan, Jesus was a great prophet to all people. I also found out the Jordanian Rotarians also recognized the Jewish holydays as many Jordanian Rotarians had businesses and friends in Israel – and had service projects with Rotarians in Israel. I was also impressed when I traveled to Turkey for a Rotary Middle East peace conference, how the Rotarian leaders from all of the Middle Eastern countries wanted peace and how they rose above the politics to join together to build bridges of peace through dialogue; celebrating each other’s cultures; and learning to work together through Rotary service projects.
 
At this time of year and throughout the year, let us build on our Rotary dreams of peace through understanding and good will – and let Rotarians continue to be the shining light in often times dark and troubled times – as we continue to work together to serve others in need and lead the world by our example in peace and understanding.
 
Enjoy your holidays with your loved ones – and I wish you and your loved ones a very happy, healthy, and joyous 2010!
 
Pat

Update from our Gene Drendel Scholarship Recipient
Tuesday, December 08, 2009 by Sun Kwok

Hello to all those at the Rotary Club,

 

I have been having an amazing time here at U of I. I recently joined a new start up trading club in which we utilize x-trader to make real life stock trade simulations with current day data. Triathlon team is going well and since it's been off season, we have just been working on building up our stamina. Also, I am pledging the fraternity Theta XI and I will hopefully be an active member by early December. Theta XI here on campus is the largest national chapter and we just got a brand new house this year -- it is the Taj Mahal compared to their last house I've heard.

 

In the Business Honors program we have been meeting with many industry professionals who come in to speak with us and reveal how they got to where they are today from when they were in our shoes. It's been very interesting. In fact, we found that many of the success traits of these individuals are very unique to certain generations and that their education was not necessarily the primary reason for their success. After learning this information, 2 partners and I have teamed up to write a book/possibly make an interactive web site that outlines the unique success traits of our generation and how they differ from those of the past. We are just in the very beginning stages of the process, so we'll see how it goes...

 

Without your donation to my college fund, this would not be possible. Thanks again so much.

 

Sincerely,
--
Michael Lyons
University of Illinois
College of Business Honors

<thanks for forwarding this to me Liz Zienty!>

Honoring our Veterans - Photo from Last weeks Meeting
Thursday, November 19, 2009 by Sun Kwok

Click to see a larger version

Dick Locher (Dick Tracy) Visits Naperville Rotary
Friday, November 06, 2009 by Sun Kwok

Photo Credit: Hunter Byington

Pulitzer Prize winning Cartoonist Dick Locher was our guest at yesterday's Rotary Luncheon. Winner of the 1983 Editorial Cartoon Pulitzer prize and long time cartoonist for the Dick Tracy comic strip, Dick spoke about his career and upcoming Dick Tracy statue dedication.

Illinois State Board of Education 2009 Award Of Excellence
Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Sun Kwok

This whole article was written really just to show this picture. Look closely  :)

On Saturday, October 24th, the Illinois State Board of Education held its annual awards banquet, honoring the Teacher of the Year and some of the best and brightest educators, staff, and teams in Illinois. A delegation from Naperville went down to the awards ceremony, including (left to right) Mark Mitrovich, District 203 Superintendant, RIch Fiore (D203 IT Director), Barbara Holtz (IT Manager), Melea Smith (Communications Director), Rich Stompanato and Sun Kwok. During the evening, Melea Smith recieved an Award of Excellence for her work in 203, and the Computer Redeployment Team also earned an Award of Excellence. The Award of Excellence is the highest award given by the State Board of Education.

 

Prakasam Tata featured in India Tribune article on his Clean Water Initiatives
Monday, September 21, 2009 by Sun Kwok

INDIA TRIBUNE, Chicago  September 12, 2009

Chicago NRI scientist cleans up polluted lake in Indian town   By J.V. Lakshmana Rao,,Chicago:

 

Water is one of the five natural elements on which all living beings sustain their lives.  Pollution is a worldwide phenomenon and safe drinking water is a rare commodity and even availability of water in any form is difficult in some parts of the world.

Despite several rivers criss-crossing India, and ample rainfall with occasional drought conditions most of rural parts of the country suffer  for want of clean drinking water.

While some cities do have water treatment plants and piped water supply, there are cases where sewage water getting mixed into treated drinking water, thus spreading several diseases. Villages are generally served by small water tanks either manmade or natural, and/or open wells and bore-wells.

Identifying the severity of problem, some Non-Resident Indians (NRI) with the help of local non-governmental organizations have taken up the cleanup of polluted tanks and construction of water treatment plants. One such NRI is Dr. Prakasam Tata, president of India Development Coalition of America (IDCA) and executive director of the Center for Transformation of Waste Technology, Wheaton, IL. He hails from a district headquarters town of Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh.  For several years, Vizianagaram had suffered the wrath of the existence of a highly polluted big water tank called Pedda Cheruvu. Thanks to Dr. Prakasam, the town now enjoys pollution-free Pedda Cheruvu.  He had taken up the much delayed cleanup process of the tank and the construction of a treatment plant of sewerage water that was let into the tank.

Speaking at a forum on water and sanitation organized by IDCA at the Oak Brook Library on August 29, Dr. Prakasm made a power-point presentation about the two cleanup  projects -- one in  Vizianagaram,  and another at Duppada, a village nearby.

The first project was on the abatement of pollution of a manmade Pedda Cheruvu of 170 acres, which has a catchment area of 184 square miles.  About one million gallons of sullage and sewage enters the lake daily.  It has been a perennial nuisance for the past several decades emanating strong stench and sending swarms of mosquitoes in the evenings, although it had its days of glory as a multipurpose and recreational reservoir when it was first constructed about 120 years ago based on the design of a French architect who was hired by the Maharaja of Vizianagaram.

Dr. Prakasm, who  as an environmental scientist and engineer with 55 years of experience in the field of water supply and wastewater treatment, was able to convince the district collector of Vizianagaram in 2002 after more than a decade of persistent efforts to remediate the grotesque condition of this heavily polluted lake.  He advised the district collector that the mechanical wastewater treatment system proposed by the Visakha Urban Development Authority at an estimated cost of about $7 million that guzzles a lot of energy and demands skillful operations and maintenance would be a white elephant to reckon with.  He suggested a relatively simple system comprising a deep wastewater stabilization pond system that neither requires power nor skilled operations to maintain the system, and he volunteered to provide the designs.  After his advice was accepted by the district administration, the treatment system was constructed at one-tenth of the cost that  was originally estimated on the lakebed itself, and it went into operation within nine months after its construction began.  All the wastewater that was indiscriminately discharged into the lake was intercepted for treatment by the wastewater treatment system.  The treatment plant area was beautified with a park like environment and benches were placed on the banks of the lake, where people sit and relax in the evenings without the nuisance of odors or mosquitoes. For  more than four years the plant has been operating without any problem.  However, since last year some of the wastewater is being discharged once again directly into the lake rather than into the treatment plant.  The local municipality felt that they had to do this to alleviate monsoon flooding upstream of the treatment plant.  Dr. Prakasam said that during his recent visit he met with the district collector and explained to him how the problem could be solved The district collector met  with the municipal commissioner and the Visakha Urban Development Authority  in the presence of Dr. Prakasm. Currently they are working on a solution to mitigate the direct discharge of sewage into the lake that is now occurring. Dr. Prakasam volunteered to take up the maintenance and operation of the water treatment plant  under the aegis of Bharathi Theertha, a nonprofit organization established in Vizianagaram in 1924 and also registered in Illinois as a 501 C 3 nonprofit corporation.

Dr. Prakasam said that the second project he had undertaken was to provide water supply and sanitation facilities at Duppada village for 400 dalits, who do not have access to the facilities.  The project is financially supported by a matching grant of $43,000 obtained from Rotary International by the Rotary Club of Naperville of which he is a member. The project involves the construction of two bathrooms and a lavatory complex  for men and women on a site separated by a small park.  The project would provide livelihoods to at least four people from the income generated through the project.  A portion of the water produced by reverse osmosis would be supplied to the villagers at a nominal cost, and the rest would be sold to other customers. A part of the income generated would be used for maintaining the reverse osmosis plant, bathrooms and lavatory.

Dr. John Sheaffer, managing director of Center for the Transformation of Waste Technology, spoke on how income could be generated by treating wastewater discharge by cities in India along with storm water that caused havoc during monsoon season.  He suggested that the storm water collected in cities like Mumbai during monsoon season and the wastewater generated daily in the metropolitan area could be collected and stored in large reservoirs. The stored water could be used for the irrigation of arid lands elsewhere in the state of Maharashtra or even could be transported through pipelines to irrigate arid and desert areas of Rajasthan to make the desert bloom.

Earlier welcoming the gathering, Anupam Mehta, chairman of the Water Initiative of IDCA, opened the forum with an invocation.  He cited Dominic Barton, worldwide managing director of McKinsey and Company, who articulated the importance of water, its conservation and management for sustaining development in all parts of the world in the future; particularly the forecast for sustaining growth of emerging nations like India, it was important for them to properly manage their water resources.

As he is extremely passionate about correcting the degenerating situation in the quality and quantity of water in India’s water resrouces, Anupam Mehta announced that he would be returning to India soon to spend the rest of his life to lead a peaceful agitation in Gandhian style to encourage citizens of India for conserving water and improving quality and quantity of water resources. 

In the absence of Dr. Ranga Reddy, chairman of Department of Anesthesiology at the Memorial Medical Center, Springfield, his paper on the opportunity of affording the construction of water treatment systems by the Andhra Pradesh Medical Graduates in USA (APMGUSA) Foundation, which has a memorandum of understanding with Naandi Foundation, Hyderabad, was presented by Dr. Prakasam. According to the plan if a donor or donors contribute Rs. 500,000 to install a water treatment system, Naandi Foundation matches the donation with a grant of Rs. 400,000.  Naandi Foundation will build the system and maintain it provided the villager community provides the land and a source of water.

T. Venkataramayya, a Gandhian ideologue and social activist from India, spoke about the need for the people in India to follow the principles of Sanatana Dharma and resort to peaceful agitation for raising the living standards of the poor as India had degenerated to a state of lacking character, integrity and moral commitment, and people were divided on the bases of greed, religion, caste and selfishness.

Exchange Student Ruth Picnics with Dist Gov Czerwionka
Saturday, August 22, 2009 by Hunter Byington

Naperville Rotary Exchange Student Ruth connected with her fellow rotary exchange students at a welcome to America picnic this afternoon...in the picture, she is greeted by District Gov. Jim Czerwionka on her first full week in the states.

-Hunter Byington

Pictures from Picnic at Centennial Beach, August 13
Sunday, August 16, 2009 by Patricia Merryweather-Arges

Great Luncheon Meeting at Centennial Beach

On August 13, Rotarians and family and friends enjoyed a beautiful summer afternoon of fun and fellowship at one of Naperville's many jewels, Centennial Beach.  Naperville Sunrise Rotarian and Beach Bum Mary Lou Wehrli shared her passion and love for Centennial Beach and provided a historical background on its continuous development for nearly a century.  John Gallagher, Club Service Chair, organized the event and worked closely with Andrea Coates, Aquatics Director, and wife of Steve.  Bill and Karen Garlough of My Chef Catering provided the scrumptious food for our picnic.  We also had former Rotarians  Peter Gates, Kent Demuth (relocated to California), Joe McElroy, and Jim Jacobson join us as they reconnected with friends in a day of fun and fellowship.  Here are some pictures from the afternoon picnic.

                                              

 

                         

    

 

                   

 

                    

 

 

Larry Decker and his daughter right before they took off

for an afternoon in the water at Centennial Beach

July 16 Fundraiser - Results and Pictures!
Thursday, July 30, 2009 by Patricia Merryweather-Arges

Amazing Things Happen When Amazing Partners Come Together

July 16, 2009 Upendo Village Fundraiser

269 Attendees - $6,515 Raised - Over 75 Microenterprise Jewelry Sets Sold

To view the pictures from the event, please go to http://www.napervillerotary.com/pdf/july16fundraiser.pdf

Rotarian and Owner of Meson Sabika, Hossein Jamali, generously opened up his beautiful patio gardent ot 269 people that attended a Tapas and Sangria Tasting on Thursday evening, July 16.  Hossein generously donated all funds raised to Upendo Village.  Throughout the evening, microenterprise jewelry made by the women of Upendo Village was on display and purchased by many attendees.  All funds raised from the jewelry sales went back to Upendo Village to the women that made the hand crafted jewelry and the microenterprise. 

The Rotary Club of Naperville and Naperville Rotary Charities has been generously supporting Upendo Village since 2003.  Since 2003, they have provided HIV rapid screening kits, water well, water defluoridation system, water storage and pump system, family size ovens, goats, and support for the jewelry and other accessory microenterprise programs

 

A big welcome to Curtis Reed's new Grandson!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 by Sun Kwok

A very special welcome to Curtis Reed's new grandson, Noah Bo.

Born:   Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Time:   8:44 AM

Where: Northwestern Hospital

Weight: 6 lbs. 13 oz.

Very Cute! Congratulations Curtis!

Bill Gates, Rotary and the Fight Against Polio
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 by Sun Kwok

 

In 1988 the world adopted a goal of making polio the second disease to be eliminated, after smallpox. The United Nations Fund for Children and the World Health Organization led the charge. Rotary International has been a primary supporter of the work, and we wouldn’t be anywhere on this without their efforts. Many people probably think polio has already been eradicated...

Read more in Bill Gates' 2009 Annual Letter from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Rotary Luncheon Menu Through October 8
Saturday, July 25, 2009 by Sun Kwok


Have you ever wondered who the guest speaker for our lunch would be? Or who is doing the invocation? Or even what's for lunch?

Just click on Events above and you can find out! The lunch menu through October 8th has been posted!

Note that this information is subject to change. Please check back for any updates..

RCN Charter Photos!
Wednesday, July 01, 2009 by Sun Kwok

 

The Rotary Club of Naperville South A.M. was chartered yesterday. This new club, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Naperville, received a new Rotary Bell as a gift from our club. In attendance were Mike Slevnik, DG, Art Davis PDG, Bill Garlough, President of the Rotary Club of Naperville, Jeff Davis, Hunter Byington, Devki Desai, and many others! Congratulations!

You can view photos of the event here.

Happy Birthday Rita!
Thursday, June 25, 2009 by Sun Kwok

 
Naperville Rotarians Celebrated Rita Harvard's birthday today during our meeting.  Happy Happy Birthday Rita! Thank you for sharing your special day with us!

Service Above Self Scholarships
Thursday, June 04, 2009 by Sun Kwok

Today was a special day as the Rotary Clubs of Naperville - Sunrise, Noon, Downtown, and South, awarded $85,000 in scholarships to local Naperville students. These students are some of the finest representatives of Naperville youth, for their community involvement, leadership, academic prowess, and civic spirit. Special thanks to Scott Mitchell, Liz Zienty, Jason Altenbern, and the Scholarship committee for all of your hard work in putting this together! Click HERE to see the winners and their plans .

Click Here to See Hunter's Photos

Service Above Self Scholarship Recipients
Friday, May 15, 2009 by Sun Kwok

 

Announcing the 2009 Service Above Self Scholarship Recipients!

After reviewing many scholarship applications for so many fine candidates among our youth, the following students were selected to receive Scholarships from the Rotary Club of Naperville:

Gene Drendel Scholarship

Michael Lyons - Waubonsie Valley High School

 

Service Above Self Scholarship

Robert Nelson - Naperville Central High School

 

Service Above Self Scholarship
Jen Cepko - Naperville Central High School

 

 

 

District Awards Naperville Rotary Club
Thursday, May 07, 2009 by Bill Garlough

  Today was a meeting with many pleasant surprises!  At last week-ends' District Conference,  DG Mike Slevnik handed out awards both Friday and Saturday nights.  I stayed until 10:30 Sunday morning and thought the only topic left was for incoming DG Jim Czerwionka to share his vision for next year.  I learned today that 5 minutes after I left the meeting room, DG Mike started to hand-out these Club awards.  Sorry I missed this!  Anyway, it lead to a fun meeting today.

 

I would like to personally congratulate all of our winners for outstanding Club service.  The successes kept on coming today, but I think I remember the awards in order.

 

1.  Best New Community Event for Soup's On! - A great team effort!

2.  Vocational Service, Second Place - Liz has turned our Interact/Vocational program into a club strength!

3.  PR, First Place - Hunter has secured the most media coverage ever for both our club and Rotary in general!

4.  Website, Third Place - Sun has worked tirelessly to improve our website, with great results!

5.  International Service, First Place - Chuck (and Pat) provide us with wonderful International programs and opportunities to serve abroad!

 

Let's see, 3 First Place finishes, 1 Second Place and 1 Third Place.  And to top it off, Pat Merryweather receives RI's prestigious Service Above Self Award.  In my book, our club is tops! 

 

It has been my privilege to lead this club.  We have all done ourselves proud this Rotary year.  Congratulations again for this District recognition of our outstanding effort and great results.

 

Bill Garlough

My Chef Catering

Naperville Rotary Donates Ambulance / Video Update
Thursday, May 07, 2009 by Sun Kwok


Behind the scenes there are many members that work tirelessly to do good.

 It is with the help of those that are aware of what is going on around them and those that can act when asked. To that end we have been able to donate 

an ambulance to Hardin County, one of the poorest counties in Illinois, so poor that the simple requirement of emergency services take over 1.5 hours for an ambulance to arrive.

With the assistance of many Naperville Rotarians, a local business, not a Rotarian, we have been able to donate an equipped ambulance to these folks in need. I can not tell you how great this makes me feel and how proud I am of our Naperville Rotarians!

I thank those Rotarians, the Naperville Fire Department and the Naperville City Council.

In this video you see the initial presentation of the ambulance to 4 Sheriffs deputies from Hardin County at Naperville's Key Wester restaurant, for transport down to Hardin County.

"Rotary Shares" to
Make Dreams Real
Art Davis

Members - Board Meeting Minutes have been updated in Members Section
Monday, April 27, 2009 by Sun Kwok

 

 

We have updated the Rotary board meeting minutes in the Members section, so if you would like to review the minutes of past board meetings you can see them online once you are logged in.

Click on Members, then Board Meeting Minutes.

 

 

Naperville Rotary Safe Wheels / Safe Return Program
Friday, December 07, 2007 by Sun Kwok

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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