Welcome to The Rotary Club of Naperville
Chartered in 1941, the Rotary Club of Naperville is one of the area's oldest civic organizations. Thank you for visiting our website, we'd love to have you visit in person. Our luncheon meetings are held Thursdays at 12:15 pm at Meson Sabika.
If you are looking to make a difference in our local community and around the world while meeting new people and having fun, please consider joining us, click on Join Now to be contacted by our membership team.
Rotary Salutes Veterans Program - RSVP
Call for Nominations
We as Rotarians wish to honor our US veterans for their Service Above Self at the 3rd Annual Rotary Salutes Veterans Program (RSVP) on November 7. Each honoree is awarded a unique handmade Quilt of Valor at the RSVP Luncheon. Please recommend a local veteran for this honor by completing the Nomination Form and returning it by September 30 to one of the RSVP committee members: George Arges, Dick Galitz, Roger Iliff, Alma Jones, Nina Menis, Brian O'Malley, Marlin Reishus.
Thank you Rotarians for helping at this year's
Show your
Rotary Club of Naperville Spirit!
Shop for your Club Wear
click here!
Annual Picnic
Thanks Mother Nature for a beautiful evening!
Click on the image to see all the photos from the picnic!
Rotary Club of Naperville
appears on
NCTV 17 Spotlight
Rotary Club Of Naperville from Naper Shows on Vimeo.
Thank you 2019 Rotary Ride Participants
Riders had to dodge a few raindrops in the 23rd annual Rotary Ride.
The Rotary Ride raised monies to End Polio and support local charities.
WGN Morning News selected Downtown Naperville
for their annual Summer Neighborhood BLOCK PARTY!
Robin, Larry, Paul, Pat and the gang all came to Naperville
to broadcast live from the Dandelion Fountain on the Riverwalk on
Friday, July 12.
The BLOCK PARTY included a televised Parade
and the Naperville Rotary Clubs had a spot.
Everyone wore their Rotary gear and proudly joined the fun!
Read all about and see more parade photos at Positively Naperville
Rachel Ossyra installed as 2019-2020 President
Club celebrates a year of good works!
Telling Our Story .... Rotary Connects the World!
It was a family friendly evening of fun, celebrating the Club's achievements of the past year and recognizing Club members who helped make it happen. Members and guests gathered at Stonebridge Country Club to thank outgoing President Randy Ems and the 2018-2019 Board of Directors,
and welcome new Club President, Rachel Ossyra and the 2019-2020 Board.
See pictures from the evening HERE
photos courtesy of Hunter Byington, thank you!
The Rotary Club of Naperville hosts the
2019 Rotary Pursuit of Life Awards Luncheon
Congratulations Seniors!
Gene Drendel Scholarship
This scholarship honors Gene Drendel, who was a distinguished Rotarian, a long-time and well-respected educator, and life-long resident of Naperville. The scholarship is awarded to one high school senior who demonstrates academic and athletic excellence while providing service to his or her community.
Caymen Woods - Waubonsie Valley High School, attending University of Iowa
Frank Slocumb Scholarship
This scholarship honors Rotarian and Rotary Club of Naperville Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Frank Slocumb. The scholarship is awarded to two students who currently attend, or will be attending, a local community college.
Lauren Aoki - Waubonsie Valley High School, attending College of DuPage
Wendy Agas - Waubonsie Valley High School, attending College of DuPage
Service Above Self Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded annually to two high school seniors who successfully demonstrate academic excellence and a substantial commitment to service.
Olivia Benson - Waubonsie Valley High School, attending University of Michigan
Shria Haldipurkar - Neuqua Valley High School, attending Loyola University
Make a Difference North Central College Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to local high school seniors who will be attending North Central College and have an interest in leadership, service, and displays the spirit of Rotary.
Axel Hageman - Naperville North High School
Matthew Quinn - Neuqua Valley High School
At-Hope Scholarship
This scholarship is for high school seniors who are able to demonstrate overcoming a challenge over the course of their high school career.
Claudia Sentman - Waubonsie Valley High School, attending University of South Carolina
Catherine Guan - Waubonsie Valley High School, attending University of Toronto
Alana Cervera - Naperville Central High School, attending Cedarville University
Donnie Minor Jr. - Waubonsie Valley High School, attending Central Michigan University
Carly Cast - Metea Valley High School, attending Aurora University
William Dillon Bramlett - Naperville North High School, attending Grand Canyon University
Dhara Patel - Neuqua Valley High School, attending University of Pittsburgh
Above and Beyond Scholarship
This scholarship is sponsored by Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise. It recognizes academic achievement and service to community.
Scott Markey - Naperville North High School, attending Illinois State University
Community Service Committee celebrates
a very successful
Rotary Day of Service, Saturday, May 11
Volunteers supported the American Red Cross “Sound the Alarm” program
installing smoke alarms in homes in Bolingbrook.
Volunteers did yard work at St. Patrick's Residence Nursing and Rehabilitation
helping them with their Spring Clean Up.
Rotarians supported the NAMI Gala at the Marriott Hotel in Naperville.
Over twenty Rotarians and family members participated in the Rotary Day of Service.
Thank you to all the club members who volunteered!
2019 Paul Harris Community Awards Luncheon
The Rotary Club of Naperville awarded community members
with the highest recognition that Rotary bestows on individuals who exemplify Rotarys motto "Service Above Self". The Club honored individuals who have made a positive, lasting impact on the quality of life for people in our community and around the world
and have shown leadership in volunteer service.
This year's ceremony recognized
Ned Bacon, Paul Hinterlong, Rita Pennington, Susie Wing, Jerome McDonnell,
Dr. Vemuri S. Murthy, Bill Novack, Janice Borla, Jack Mouse, Julie Rothenfluh, Ann Cluxton, Kathy Gasser, and Ellen Spitalli.
Check out NCTV17's Coverage
International Service Summit a Success!
The 2nd Annual International Service Summit, hosted by the International Service Committee of the Rotary Club of Naperville and Naperville Rotary Charities, was held April 6 at Benedictine University.
"The summit is a wonderful opportunity to bring interested parties and resources together. We want to facilitate global projects and give people and organizations the tools they need to be successful" said Rich Tatara, 2019 ISS Chair.
Attendees heard Keynote Speaker, Wendy Pearlman, author and Northwestern University professor, discuss her latest book about her many experiences in regions of world conflicts. Audience members then participated in a Panel Discussion, International Service as a Catalyst for Peace, moderated by WBEZ's Jerome McDonnell.
There were over thirty exhibitors from a wide variety of global service organizations.
Congratulations to all the committee members who made this possible.
See additional Photos 2019 International Service Summit
Listen to International Service Committee Members, Chuck Newman and Rich Tatara
on WBEZs Worldview hosted by Jerome McDonnell HERE
2019 College of DuPage Scholarship Luncheon
Yashica Weeks - Development COD, Randy Ems, Carrine Risch, MIchael Williams, Jeraldine Quinones, Brooks Wogelius, Kelly Vetter, Joshua Jacoby, Rachel Chapman, Stephanie Rodriguez, Dr. John Sims, Diana Christopher - Financial Aid COD
College of DuPage Scholarship recipient's were recognized March 7.
Recipients are chosen based on financial need, academic excellence, and community service and citizenship. Students shared stories of their personal struggles and their heartfelt gratitude for the very real impact the scholarship makes in their lives.
"Each year, we look forward to meeting the Rotary scholarship recipients. It is a very emotional day for us," said John Sims, COD Scholarship Committee Chair. "We are supporting the future of this country's best citizens, and we have a wonderful group of students here today to prove that point. Assisting students with their college education is one of the greatest and most important things we do here at Rotary Club of Naperville."
Thank you to Dr. John Sims, Yashica Weeks and the COD Scholarship Services Offices for their leadership in this important club program.
2019 COD Scholarship Recipients
Rachel Chapman, Joshua Jacoby, Jeraldine Quinones, Carinne Risch, Stephanie Rodriguez, Kelly Vetter,
Michael Williams, Brooks Wogelius
Disco Fever Fun!
It was a fun night of Boogying' Down at White Eagle Golf Club
for all the Naperville Rotary Clubs.
see all the photos
Funds Distributed from Festiville
Local Service Organizations say Thanks!
The Rotary Club of Naperville Charities and Naperville Rotary Charities awarded $40,000 in checks
to local community service organizations.
"We are proud to offer support to these outstanding organizations that provide service to our cause of assisting vulnerable women and children in our localcommunity," said Rachel Ossyra, 2018 Festiville Co-Chair. "Rotary's goal is to help transform lives of those in need locally and globally."
“Festiville is our signature fundraiser,” added 2018 Festiville Co- Chair, Janet Derrick. “It’s a fun day for everyone who attends, but in the end it’s the good we do that matters. The day we award the checks to the recipients is a really gratifying day for everyone.We are especially grateful to our generous sponsors and donors who have made this possible.”
This year the club distributed $40,000 to 4localcommunity service organizationswho support vulnerable women and children:
Compassionate Communities for Children, DBA Reclaim 13
Family Shelter Service
Teen Parent Connection
CASA of DuPageCounty
Amy Adler/Reclaim 13 Chris Scudder/Teen Parent Connection Lisa Drake/CASA DuPage Lauren De Simone/Family SHelter Services
Some of the proceeds will also support Rotary Harmony Park.
Rotary Salutes Veterans Program 2018
The Rotary Club of Naperville honored five local veterans for their Service AboveSelf at the
Rotary Salutes Veterans Program (RSVP). The program honors the contributions of veterans in our community who have served to ensure our freedom and liberty.
The Rotary Club of Naperville partnered with the Illinois Quilts of Valor Foundation to honor veterans for their service and award them the beautiful works of art created by volunteers. Representatives from the Quilts of Valor organization alongside Rotarians presented each honoree with a beautiful, handmade quilt, personalized with the veterans name. The quilt was wrapped around their shoulders in a symbolic hug of thanks during the ceremony.
This year’s honorees are: Jack Persin, NAVY (1967-1971), Joe Modaff MARINE (1961-1967) , Nina Petru AIR FORCE (1992- 2017), Pablo Araya NAVY (1983-1990), and Don Dutton, MARINE (1964-1968). Joe Modaff was unable to attend and will be honored at a later date.
Dr. Benjamin White, US Army Lt Colonel (Retired) served as Master of Ceremonies. Dr White introduced, The Honorable Steve Chirico, Mayor of Naperville, who proclaimed Nov 8, 2018 Rotary Salutes Veterans Day.
Rotary Harmony Park Opens
The Naperville Riverwalk is about to get a little more musical. Rotary Harmony Park opened up to the public on Saturday after a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Located next to Rotary Hill, the park features four outdoor musical instruments that anyone is free to test out. Leaders from the Rotary Club of Naperville, Naperville Century Walk, the Riverwalk Commission, Naperville Park District and the City of Naperville came together to make the project happen and hope it will drum up some good vibrations on the Riverwalk.
Rotary Foundation Educates the Public about Polio
Iron Lung Exhibit illustrates the history of the disease
and how everyone can help END Polio NOW
Click on the picture for photos and watch below
Rotary Mobile Blood Van Saving Lives in Hyderabad India
Video from Rotarians Pravin Gupta and Pat Merryweatherof the Rotary Mobile Blood Van global grant project in Hyderabad sponsored by the Rotary Club of Hyderabad Deccan and the Rotary Club of Naperville. The mobile van has significantly increased the blood supply to the Rotary Challa Blood Bank. The blood bank is supplying blood free of charge to several charitable hospitals and organizations for accidents and emergencies, treatment for cancer and other illnesses, and also to Thalassemia patients. Great job Rotarians!
2018 FESTIVILLE A SUCCESS!
Thank You to All of Our Generous Sponsors
See photos of the fun, click 2018 Festiville
In Memoriam
A. George Pradel (1937-2018)
George Pradel is being remembered as a man who was genuine through and through, loved his family first and foremost, and had an unbridled pride for the city of Naperville. He passed away Sept 4 surrounded by his family.
George grew up in Naperville the oldest of six children and graduated from what is now Naperville Central High School. He served for three years in the US Marine Corps. In 1966 he joined the Naperville Police Department and spent much of his time on the force visiting schools and teaching safety to children, earning him the moniker "Officer Friendly". In 1995 he was elected mayor. He became Naperville's longest serving mayor, he retired in 2015. A friend to many and Honorary Rotarian, Mayor Pradel received the club's Lifetime Achievement Award. He was awarded a Quilt of Valor for his service to his country.
His dedication to our community and his energy and enthusiasm for serving Naperville will never be forgotten.
The Rotary Club of Naperville celebrate's
Kate's graduation to home ownership
The Rotary Club of Naperville was proud and happy to share an exciting moment with Bridge Community graduate, Kate and her family. It was a grand celebration as Kate's new Habitat for Humanity home was dedicated on August 3.
Kate has expressed so much appreciation for the Club's support and mentors John & Jeannette Gallagher and Curt & Sonya Stowers were on hand to watch Kate receive her house keys.
It is a celebration of Kate's hard work and determination, and of the club's partnership with Bridge Community and ultimate involvement with DuPage Habitat for Humanity that made one family's dream a reality.
2018 Community Service Grant Recipients Luncheon
The Rotary Club of Naperville awarded checks to this year’s Community Service Grant Recipients, Thursday, July 19. Recipients are nonprofit organizations operating in Naperville and the surrounding area, that provide humanitarian needs.
This year the club distributed $110,000 to 20 different community service organizations:
360 Youth Services Naperville Education Center
Bridge Communities Naperville Education Foundation
CASA of DuPage Naperville Elderly Homes
Community Career Center Riverwalk Adult Services
DuPage Pads SamaraCare
Ecumenical Adult Care Samaritan Network
Edward Foundation Senior Home Sharing
Family Shelter Services Teen Parent Connection
Loaves & Fishes Community Services Turning Pointe Autism Foundation
NAMI of DuPage YMCA of Metro Chicago
We thank all these organizations for the much needed work they do and are proud to be support their efforts! Thank you to all our members whose efforts make this possible.
INSTALLATION of RANDY EMS and the 2018-2019 Board
and
CELEBRATION of JOHN NORMAN's YEAR!
It was an evening of celebrating the club's achievements of the past year and recognizing some of the club members who were instrumental in that success. Over 100 members and guests gathered at Elements at Hotel Indigo to thank this year's club leaders and welcome in new Club President, Randy Ems and the 2018-2019 Board
See pictures from the evening HERE
photos courtesy of Hunter Byington, thank you!
2018 SCHOLARSHIP BREAKFAST
The Rotary Club of Naperville hosted the annual Scholarship Breakfast on Thursday, June 7th.
Gene Drendel Scholarship
This $5,000 scholarship was introduced to honor Gene Drendel who was a distinguished Rotarian, a long-time and well-respected educator, and life-long resident of Naperville. This scholarship is awarded to one high school senior who demonstrates academic and athletic excellence while providing service to his or her community.
Nikhil Gupta, graduate of NVHS, attending University of Pennsylvania, majoring in International Studies and Business.
Service Above Self Scholarship
This $4,000 scholarship is awarded annually to two high school seniors who successfully demonstrate academic excellence and a substantial commitment to service.
Andy Wang, graduate NVHS, attending Harvard University, majoring in Applied Math and Economics.
Trisha Prabhu, graduate of NVHS, attending Harvard University, majoring in Computer Science and Psychology.
Make a Difference North Central College Scholarship
This $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a local high school senior who will be attending North Central College and has an interest in leadership, service, and displays the spirit of Rotary.
Trevor Tresmond, graduate NVHS, attending North Central College majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
Berit Vandenbroucke, graduate NCHS, attending North Central College, majoring in Chemical Engineering.
At-Hope Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is for a high school senior who is able to demonstrate overcoming a challenge over the course of their high school career.
Alexa Jordan, graduate MVHS, attending Harvard University, majoring in Government.
Nicholas Kiersteed, graduate WVHS, attending Miami University of Ohio, majoring in Architecture.
Sara Grimm, graduate NCHS, attending Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, majoring in Art Therapy.
Gelene Rivera, graduate NNHS, attending Carthage College, majoring in Nursing.
Hannah Morrow, graduate NVHS, attending Iowa State University, considering Education.
Click HEREto access all the photos from the breakfast.
Rotary Presidential Peacebuilding Conference
Saturday, June 2 - South Shore Cultural Center, Chicago
It was a day of showcasing Peacebuilding through Education and Literacy.
Rotary International President Ian Riseley hosted the final Peacebuilding conference in a series of six held throughout the world in 2018. Chicago was the only site in the US, and the conference was hosted by Zones 28 & 29. Our own Past President and Past District Governor, Pat Merryweather-Arges was conference chair and many club members were involved in the planning and executing of the day.
The conference explored the relationship between education and peace, and the role of youths and educational programming in mitigating conflict. It was an inspiring day for all. Attendees were able to network with international dignitaries and hear powerful global innovators share their best practices in effecting peace.
It was an exciting day for young diplomats as they gathered to debate resolutions, represent their assigned countries, and propose amendments. Over 135 high school students, representing 42 countries, participated in a Rotary UN Model
Conference. At the end of the day, student leaders joined Ian Riseley and visiting US diplomat, Scott Lang on stage to discuss issues affecting todays youth.
It was an impactful day and Rotary Club of Naperville was proud to be an integral
part of its success. Congratulations to Pat Merryweather Arges, Conference Chair and her committee.
See all the photos HERE
North Central College Rotaract Club Chartered
The Rotary Club of Naperville is proud to sponsor North Central College's Rotaract Club.
Rotaract brings together young people to organize service projects, develop leadership and professional skills, and have fun.
Congratulations the club on its Charter.
We look forward to building relationships and working together in Service above Self.
Paul Harris Fellows Award Luncheon
The Rotary Club of Naperville honored community members with Paul Harris Fellow Awards for Service. Rotary Foundation Chair, Curt Stowers introduced the awardees.
The ceremony recognized this year’s recipients:
Club Service
Steve Rubin - Kitchens To Go, River Main
Community Service
John & Agnes Anderson - Volunteer
Margie Tarpey - Volunteer
International Service
Moses Baryoh - TriMedX Foundation
Kathryn Boyens - Naperville D203
Vocational Service
Chuck Papanos - Naperville Park District
Youth Services
Caroline Senetar - Realtor
Steve Skorup - Indian Prairie D204
The Paul Harris Fellow Award is the highest recognition that Rotary bestows on individuals who exemplify Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self”. The Club honors individuals who have made a positive, lasting change in the quality of life in communities at home and abroad and have shown leadership in volunteer service.
Congratulations to all of this years' awardees!
Special Thanks to Hunter Byington, event photographer
See all the pictures
Click here for the 2018 Paul Harris Awards pictures
2018 College of DuPage Scholarship Luncheon
College of DuPage Scholarship recipient's were celebrated March 8.
Recipients are chosen based on financial need, academic excellence, and community service and citizenship. Students shared stories of their personal struggles and their heartfelt gratitude for the very real impact the scholarship makes in their lives.
"Each year, we look forward to meeting the Rotary scholarship recipients. It is a very emotional day for us," said John Sims, COD Scholarship Committee Chair. "We are supporting the future of this country's best citizens, and we have a wonderful group of students here today to prove that point. Assisting students with their college education is one of the greatest and most important things we do here at Rotary Club of Naperville."
Thank you to Dr. John Sims, Yashica Weeks and the COD Scholarship Services Offices for their leadership in this important club program.
2018 COD Scholarship Recipients
Olivia Celinski, Carina Cabral, Clare Mayer, Mary Adduci, Alexis Cornelio, Lauren Hill, David Mechura, Aimen Ahmed, Jaklyn Erker, Marcanthony Marciel, Joshua Traynere, Nemi Achebo, Octavio Lopez Ortega, Christine Nwaezeapu, Jessica Richards, Jessica Halder, Plamen Pavlov, Catherine Burlage, Thomas Koza, Chrisi Madlom.
Rotary Club of Naperville's International Service Committee
hosted it's first annual
The Keynote Speaker was
Atia Abawi - Former CNNForeign Correspondent and recognized Author,
who talked about her latest book,
A Land of Permanent Goodbyes.
The presentation was followed by a discussion panel moderated by
WBEZ's Worldview host Jerome McDonnell
"How to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of international projects."
2018 Summit Photos - Click here!
The summit had over 25 exhibitors representing service organizations involved in global service projects and support businesses.
The summit provided attendees the opportunity to network, share resources,
and find volunteer opportunities.
For more background information please visit www.internationalservicesummit.org
2017 Festiville Checks Awarded
Thank you to our sponsors, the committee and all who attended.
And thank you Naperville Rotary Charities for your support.
Rotary Harmony Park - Rotary Club of Naperville will work with Century Walk to design and build an interactive musical park over the next three years.
Human Trafficking - Reclaim 13, a Downers Grove organization dedicated to helping victims of sex trafficking locally, will use their monies to produce an educational video for at risk children.
Community Services - These local organizations received money to support their vital iwork:
Family Shelter Services, CASA of DuPage, and The Teen Parent Connection.
The Education Center Honors
Three Rotary Clubs of Naperville
Club President's John Norman, Kevin McQuillan, and Justin Klestinski
The Education Center honored The Rotary Club of Naperville, The Sunrise Club and The Downtown Club at the Kid's Best Friend Benefit that was held on October 20.
Congratulations to The Rotary Clubs of Naperville upon receiving the "Making A Difference" award.
Three Rotary Clubs of Naperville
present check to Police Department
Through a collaborative effort, The Rotary Club of Naperville, The Sunrise Club and The Downtown Club, presented a check to the Naperville Police Department at the annual CAPS Banquet. The monies will be used to purchase NARCAN, an anti-opiate that helps officers save lives.
Help us celebrate 100 years of the Foundation
Help us achieve 100% of club participation Every Rotarian Every Year
Help us achieve every member at the sustaining level of $100
The contributions to the Foundation come back to clubs around the world as Grants focused on International projects. As a club, we have gotten back far more than we have contributed!
Please follow this link to help us reach our "300 GOAL"
| Come Join Us! Join Rotary Today! |
Do you believe in Service Above Self?
Would you like to make a difference in Naperville and the world beyond?
The Rotary Club of Naperville is a group of business, civic, non-profit leaders and people interested in helping their community by providing their time and talents to promote world peace, understanding, and helping their fellow man.
It's a great way to make new friends, to get out of the office for lunch once a week, learn about your community, and to give back to your community. If you are interested in joining our club you are very welcome to visit one of our meetings!
Please click on Become A Member
for more information.
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Polio epidemics have crippled thousands of people, mostly young children.
The disease has caused paralysis and death for much of human history.
A global effort to eradicate polio began in 1988, led by the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and The Rotary Foundation. These efforts have reduced the number of annual diagnosed cases by 99.9%; from an estimated 350,000 cases in 1988 to a low of 22 cases in 2017!!
.
If the global Polio Eradication initiative is successful it would be only the third time humankind has ever completely eradicated a disease, after Smallpox in 1979 and Rinderpest in 2010.
We are THIS CLOSE, to ENDING POLIO FOREVER!
World Health Organization Polio Status Website
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