Above / Walk along South Washington Street and pause just before the 3-story building with Catch 35, located on the corner at Van Buren Avenue. That’s where folks will find details about the Century Walk mural, “Volunteers Welcome,” that graces the top of the building in downtown Naperville.
Updated Post, Oct. 17, 2023 / On behalf of the Senior Task Force, Mayor Scott Wehrli presented two 2023 Senior of the Year Awards during the Oct. 17 City Council Meeting. Volunteers, age 65 and older, who are Naperville residents with a history of community service and giving back selflessly, are eligible for the annual award.
Bonnie O’Donnell was honored for her longtime devotion to St. Patrick’s Residence, Ss. Peter and Paul, and Serendipity Resale Shop for Little Friends. Brand Bobosky was recognized for his volunteer efforts on behalf of Century Walk Corporation, downtown Naperville, Edward Hospital, Little Friends and School District 203.
Watch the presentations featured shortly after the beginning of the meeting, saved in the City’s archive of meetings and agendas.
Original Post, Oct. 11, 2023 / Although readers are most familiar with Century Walk’s references to safety in the form of “Dick Tracy” and “Officer Friendly,” please note that we also have a safety theme in our 26th location of public art dedicated May 15, 2006, entitled “Volunteers Welcome.”
Located along the sidewalk and the third story of the North face at 35 South Washington Street, this mural highlights the important work and fundraisers of several Naperville service organizations.
Represented viewing from left to right are seven local nonprofits: The Rotary Club, The Lions Club, The Exchange Club, The Jaycees, The Kiwanis Club, The Naperville Woman’s Club and The Naperville Junior Woman’s Club.
The focus of the latter is to highlight that Club’s volunteer efforts in the seventh scene as volunteers work with local police and fire departments to help youngsters learn about safety in a miniature town with small streets and buildings -“Safety Town” located at 1320 Aurora Avenue.
While most communities welcome visitors with signs simply displaying logos of service organizations, we announce their presence with this unique mural. A play on words, the name “Volunteers Welcome” implies two messages: “Volunteers welcome you to Naperville!” and “Volunteers are welcome to join us in our efforts to help others.”
About Century Walk
The Century Walk Corporation, founded in 1996, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing public art to Naperville, to add beauty to the town, build community and bridge generations by paying tribute to over 200 years of Naperville history through a diverse collection of murals, mosaics, sculptures and more.
Learn more about 50-plus pieces of Naperville public art at www.centurywalk.org.
Editor’s Post Note / Mayor Scott Wehrli and the Naperville Senior Task Force will honor Century Walk President Brand Bobosky with one of two Naperville Senior of the Year Awards during a brief ceremony at the City Council Meeting beginning at 7PM Tues., Oct. 17, 2023.
Senior of the Year Award recipients are Naperville residents that have a history of community service, giving back selflessly, and are age 65 or older. Bonnie O’Donnell also will be recognized for her volunteer efforts during the Oct. 17 City Council meeting.
