Above / As officers assume their official duties through 2017 Ribfest, Exchange Club Memories Fountain in Fredenhagen Park is a peaceful place to take notice of the mission of the service organization, dedicated toward ending child abuse and domestic violence. (PN Photo Sept. 25, 2016)
Though the new 2016-17 Exchange Club of Naperville Board of Directors took office immediately following 2016 Ribfest, held in conjunction with Independence Day in July, members officially were installed during special ceremonies at the service club’s annual dinner held on September 24 at Cress Creek Country Club.
The new officers are President Bob Pschirrer, President-Elect Robin Choquette, Secretary Trish Krenick and Treasurer Jerry Kochurka.
Serving as Directors are Janet Jacobs, Emy Trotz, John Dunham, Diane Simmons, Peggy McGuire and Rick Grimes. Vice Presidents are Joel Carlson, Todd Peterson, Dot Maginot, Bruce Erickson, Jeff Coros and Scott Duenser.
Also on the Board are Past Presidents Dan DeBoo, Bob Black, Dawn Portner and Jennifer Cavalier.
Above / Dan DeBoo, Judy McCormack and Bob Black were honored during the Exchange Club of Naperville Annual Installation Dinner on September 24. (Photo by Mary Howenstine)
After Ribfest, members of Exchange Club also nominate other members in the categories of “Exchangite of the Year” and “Rookie of the Year.” Then members are invited to vote for their choices anonymously.
At the 2016-17 Installation Dinner, two dedicated members, Bob Black and Dan DeBoo, tied for the distinction as Exchangite of the Year.
Bob Black / Exchangite of the Year
As a long-time club member and Past President, Bob Black has demonstrated a leadership ability that is crucial to the existence and success of the Club. He has assumed responsibilities in the Committees of Americanism, Governance, Community Service and Allocations. His time with the club dates all the way back to volunteering for the Grand Prix.
Black’s nomination notes he has played a key role in executing the mission of each of those committees through his thoughtful contributions and implementation of their programs in the community.
His sense of humor and affable nature but yet clear focus on the mission of the club, engages other members to contribute. It also reaffirms the positive and selfless nature of the projects supported.
Black also has contributed to the success of the Club’s signature fundraiser, Ribfest, mainly working for years with a team at the Sponsor Tent Gates. He brings a depth of understanding of the legal implications of the decisions and actions of the club which contributes to the Exchange Club’s stature in the community as a well-managed nonprofit.
In his many leadership roles, Black has represented the Club at other community events such as the annual September 11th commemoration ceremony.
Dan DeBoo / Exchangite of the Year
Since 2008, Dan DeBoo has been an Exchange Club member. DeBoo’s volunteer spirit within the Exchange Club speaks to his capacity to be vibrant and true to the goal of the Club to give back to the community.
During his first eight years with Exchange Club, DeBoo has served on the Ribfest (RF) Gates Committee 2009, RF Security Committee 2011 and 2010, RF Food Vendor Committee 2012, RF Logistics Group 2013. He also has been on the Exchange Club Membership Committee for the past two years and has been a Board of Directors member from 2011 to present.
He also was Ribfest Chair in 2014. DeBoo recently completed a year of leadership as Exchange Club Board President 2015-2016.
Last year, he participated in serving Christmas Dinner for Jr. Exchange/Community Service Committee 2015 and this year is serving as Past-President and as a committee member on the Governance Committee 2016.
The remarks in his nomination for the Club’s high honor noted he is equally at ease in leadership positions as he behind the scenes. In all his efforts, “his keen intellect, his kindness, wit, dry sense of humor, and work ethic make him not just a dedicated Exchangite, but a friend to all.”
Judy McCormack / Rookie of the Year
Judy McCormack was recognized as Rookie of the Year. Making the most of her first year as a member, she participated in the Memorial Day Parade as a flag bearer and in the Labor Day Parade for the Give a Kid a Flag program.  In addition, she served on the Ribfest-Sponsorship Committee, Ribfest-Food Vendor Committee, the Allocations Committee and supported many social events hosted by the club.
Many additional photos by James Hoch Photography are available on the Exchange Club of Naperville Facebook page. Exchangite Kathy Mackowiak also was recognized with appreciation for organizing the special dinner.
For more info about Exchange Club of Naperville, Project H.E.L.P., its programs, membership, meeting schedule and Ribfest, visit www.exchangeclub.org.
Story and photo courtesy of Emy Trotz and Mary Howenstine for Exchange Club of Naperville.Â
