Exchange Club will be recognized by City Council on Tuesday

Beginning at 7PM, Tues., June 19, the Naperville City Council will recognize the Exchange Club of Naperville and 2012 Ribfest during the awards and recognition portion of its regularly scheduled meeting on the third Tuesday of the month. The City Council meets in Council Chambers of the Naperville Municipal Center, located at 400 S. Eagle St.

Chartered in 1987, the Exchange Club of Naperville will present its 25th annual Ribfest beginning June 29, running through Tues., July 3.

Since its founding, the Exchange Club of Naperville has raised more than $12 million dollars for social service agencies, all with a mission to help prevent child abuse and domestic violence.

FYI:  The Exchange Club of Naperville is a member of the National Exchange Club, a service organization with 700 clubs and more than 21,000 members throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Mark Wright is the 2012 Chairman of Ribfest. Walter Johnson is the current President of Exchange Club of Naperville. Anna Zimmerman is Chairman of the 25th Anniversary Committee.

The Exchange Club of Naperville, via its Americanism Committee, also promotes patriotism with a variety of programs including  its “Give a Kid a Flag” program, One Nation Under God Breakfast and the Sept. 11 Observance. The Exchange Club will partner with many community groups again Nov. 8-13 in conjunction with Veterans Day for the Healing Field of Honor with 2,012 American flags at Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk.

The Exchange Club Community Service Committee and its Allocations Committee also offer ways for members to serve the club.

In addition, by establishing a special  partnership with the Riverwalk Foundation, the Exchange Club has sold more than 600 commemorative bricks and 40 granite stones to underwrite the funding of the Exchange Club Memories Fountain, the centerpiece of Fredenhagen Park. The fountain surrounded by a brick plaza was dedicated in 2003.

Today  Exchange Club Memories Fountain serves as the backdrop for wedding photos as well as a popular place to find a park bench for peaceful reflection, by day or evening.

For more info about the Exchange Club of Naperville and other local service organizations that  contribute to the quality of life in this community, click here.

For everything you need to know about 2012 Ribfest, visit www.Ribfest.net.

Volunteers are still in need for some six-hour shifts at Ribfest from June 29 to July3.  Also, note that for 2012, the spectacular fireworks display hosted by the Exchange Club, the City of Naperville and the Naperville Park District will begin at dusk on July 3.

Exchange Club of Naperville and all service organizations continually seek new members and they welcome citizens to get to know about their missions and service projects.

Here are a few reasons to join a service club:  Friendships; networking and getting to know like-minded citizens from all walks of life to help build a better community; personal growth and development with opportunities to listen and learn; leadership development by serving on committees; fun and camaraderie via social activities and special events; public speaking skills that help develop confidence; chance to meet nice people who are active in the community; and the opportunity to serve provides enrichment on many immeasurable levels, always with a look toward the future.

Click on any photo to enlarge. Use the arrow to advance.  Photos were taken on June 15-16, 2012.