Senior Task Force Report
Established in 2014, the Senior Task Force (STF) seeks to address the unique needs of Naperville’s growing senior population. According to the 2020 United States census, more than 21,000 Naperville residents were over the age of 65, which accounts for approximately 14 percent of the City’s population.
Some of the task force’s ongoing efforts include participating in health and wellness fairs (including the annual Healthy, Wealthy & Wise conference), providing free Silver CPR classes in collaboration with the Naperville Fire Department, and educating seniors via a quarterly newsletter. To ensure seniors’ needs are being met, the task force works with service providers to promote efficiencies and new partnerships that address local needs.
Vision
The task force promotes and advocates for seniors and their caregivers, collaborating with the city government and various service providers to ensure that Naperville provides comprehensive, intergenerational living and services for seniors.
Mission
The task force enhances the quality of life for Naperville seniors through supportive independent living, promotion of their health and well-being, educational opportunities, and recognition of their self-worth and community belonging.
Meeting Information
The STF meets at 6PM on the second Tuesday of each month at a task force member’s home. Email the STF at napervilleseniortaskforce@gmail.com for more information if you would like to attend a meeting.
Senior of the Year Award
Every year, the Senior Task Force accepts nominations for the Senior of the Year Award. The award honors two seniors, one man and one woman, for their community service. The inaugural SOY award was August 21, 2018, when a woman was chosen. As of 2021 a man and a woman are selected annually and awarded with a plaque by the mayor at a city council meeting. Nominees must be 65 or older and a Naperville resident. Nominees should have a history of community service and giving back selflessly. Nominations are open from July 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026. Awards will be presented at the October 6 City Council meeting. The task force is the recipient of a 2026 SECA grant from the City of Naperville to help with this project.
The 2025 Senior of the Year Award was presented to Thaddeus (Ted) Mazurski and Margaret Rusch at the Oct. 7, 2025, City Council meeting.
Mazurski enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps 54 years ago, where he was placed on select embassy duty, protecting presidents and diplomats on the security details team while they were abroad. Since moving to Naperville, he has been involved with local environmental efforts, the Knights of Columbus, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Naperville Police, Citizens and Fire Academies. He served as a Lieutenant with the Naperville Emergency Management Agency and is currently involved with the Naperville Community Radio Watch.
Rusch is the current president of the Naperville Newcomers and Neighbors Club, where she collaborates with many area businesses and organizations. She interacts with the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, Naper Settlement’s Naper Nights, and area scholarship programs with 360 Youth Services and Loaves and Fishes. She also leads community initiatives connected with Feed My Starving Children, K9s for Veterans and Little Friends, to name just a few.
Congratulations again to the 2025 recipients! Nominate a 2026 senior for the award.
