Above / Surrounded by her family, Jane Bowers was honored upon her retirement from the YMCA by Councilman Patty Gustin at the most recent City Council Meeting. “August 25, 2021, is Jane Bowers Day in the City of Naperville,” Gustin proclaimed. (PN Photo)
During the City Council held on Aug. 17, Councilwoman Patty Gustin read a Mayor’s Proclamation recognizing that Aug. 25, 2021, is “Jane Bowers Day in the City of Naperville.”
Even folks who might not recognize this energetic, dedicated woman by name, likely will recognize Jane Bowers’ dedication to this community via her commitments to the Naperville YMCA as well as the Naperville Noon Lions Club.
Bowers has served the YMCA for 36 years of its 111-year history in Naperville. She began as executive administrative assistant in 1985, and quickly became known for her “trustworthy, talented and caring” ways.
To watch the presentation, simply click here. The City Council agenda notes the presentation under Awards and Proclamations F-2 “Proclaim August 25, 2021 Jane Bowers Day in the City of Naperville.”
The special tribute left us wondering if any other individual’s office desk, recognizing professional and personal service, has been or will be saved in the YMCA Collection at Naper Settlement!
Jane Bowers / Dedicated to Service
During the final Naperville Municipal Band Big Band Concert held on Aug. 19, the Naperville Noon Lions Club hosted the weekly Bake Sale. A conversation with bake sale volunteer Donna Kearney, Immediate Past President of the Noon Lions Club, led to kudos for Bowers as well as to information provided by Steve Hertzberg, the Lions Club historian.
Hertzberg recalls that Jane Bowers joined the Noon Lions Club in 2001 and became secretary in 2002, a position she has kept for 19 years.
Prior to having this special day in her honor, Bowers also received the Lion’s District I-J 100% Secretary Award 2002-2021; Naperville Noon Lions Club “Lion of the Year” (2010); Melvin Jones Fellowship Award (2008) and Lion’s; and District I-J George Lazansky Distinguished Service Award (2012).
“Jane has been a member of the Naperville Noon Lions Club Board of Directors from 2002 until today, having served multiple chairmanships of fundraising committees, including the Summer Raffle and the Peace Poster Contest,” noted Hertzberg, adding that she’s also website coordinator for the Club.
In addition, Bowers is recording Secretary for the Parish Council at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.
Herzberg mentioned Bowers also was a member of the organizing committee for the 100th Anniversary Gala of the Naperville YMCA in 2010.
In the past, Bowers has helped organize the Mayor’s Community Prayer Breakfast held annually at the Fry Family Y on 95th Street. And she’s served on the Mayor’s Charity Golf Outing Committee hosted at local golf courses.
“Jane and her husband, Mike, have been a constant presence at all club functions and fundraisers for 21 years. She has been on the Board of Directors since she joined the club. She has faithfully represented our club at myriad Zone, District and State Lion’s Club meeting and functions,” said Hertzberg. “Simply put, Jane has been your average Central Nervous System for the Naperville Noon Lions Club for 20 years.”
Join Mayor Steve Chirico, the City Council, and the entire community in recognizing Jane Bowers upon her retirement from the Naperville YMCA. Recognize today, Aug. 25, 2021, as “Jane Bowers Day in the City of Naperville” in honor of an exceptional and gracious community player.
—PN
