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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.    

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Club celebrate's Kate's graduation to home ownership

    

The Club was so proud and happy to share an exciting moment with our 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.

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             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.

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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!

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                   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. 

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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

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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.

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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 

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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.  

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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

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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. 

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Rotary Salutes Veterans Program 
      
It was a wonderful program filled with honor and gratitude. Community Services Co-Director, Alma Jones introduced Dr Benjamin White who served as Master of Ceremonies for the program. Mayor Steve Cherico read a proclamation declaring November 9, 2017 Rotary Salutes Veterans Day in Naperville. Boy Scout Troop #106 presented the colors. The Metea Valley Chamber Singers entertained with patriotic songs. 
The highlight of the program was the presentation of the Quilts of Valor to five deserving veterans. The quilts were presented by Susan Wing and Carol Andermann, from the Illinois Quilts of Valor Foundation. 

2017 Honorees: Wayne Fischer, John Kunsch,Sr., Terry Jelinek (accepted by wife Sue), Mike Barbour, Michael C. Rechenmacher

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