On Saturday, March 14, Dave Humphreys carried on a longstanding tradition of presenting Rotary checks to the top two winners of the Senior Division of the annual Downers Grove Music Club Piano Festival and Competition.

Photos show Rotarian Dave Humphreys presenting award certificates and checks ($700 & $300) to 1st place winner Christopher Nakamura and 2nd Place winner Elizabeth Ly.

Little known fact:  Dave participated in this piano competition when he was a kid! It's been an annual event for a long time!

Dave gave a short speech about Rotary and about Rotary GroveFest, which provides the money for these awards, and many other grants to Downers Grove Nonprofits and scholarships to high-school seniors. 

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This week, Elizabeth Andaas from Blessings in a Backpack presented information about the meals that her organization provides to over 6,400 food insecure children in the Chicagoland area. Two hundred of these kids attend school in Downers Grove District 58 and are currently benefiting from the Downers Grove Rotary Club's generous donation of $2500.
 

These meals, tucked into the children's backpacks on Friday afternoons, bridge the gap between Friday lunch at school until Monday breakfast at school.  They have a Registered Dietitian that ensures the food in the meal packs meets or exceeds USDA and National School Lunch Guidelines. Each pack contains 6 to 8 name brand food items, carefully selected as containing whole grains, being high in fiber, low in sugar, and more nutrient rich than typical grocery store products. They prioritize portable, shelf stable foods that do not require adult supervision to prepare.

Elizabeth also highlighted a Corporate Partners program, providing corporate partners with powerful and compelling opportunities to help feed kids on weekends. Local companies host on site packing events at their locations as opportunities for employee engagement and volunteerism. The food packed at these events feeds children in their local community.

Blessings in a Backpack impacts students in 96 schools, after school programs, CHA housing locations, and Boys and Girls Clubs across the city and suburbs. 92% of students receiving food from Blessings report that they enjoy the weekend more because of Blessings, and 80% report that it is easier to focus in school.

For more information, visit Blessings In A Backpack or contact Elizabeth Andaas at ElizabethA@blessingsinabackpack.org.

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At our weekly meeting we had the pleasure of hearing from Adam Forker, the Executive Director of the DuPage County Health Department. Adam gave a brief overview of the Health Department’s services before offering a deeper look at a transformative new resource for the community, the DuPage County Crisis Recovery Center (CRC).

The DuPage County Health Department provides a wide range of behavioral health, crisis response, and public health services designed to support the well being of residents across the county. As part of this mission, the Department has expanded its continuum of care with the opening of the (CRC), a first of its kind facility in Illinois offering 24/7 support for individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises.

The Crisis Recovery Center, located in Wheaton, provides immediate walk-in care for both youth and adults, reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and easing the burden on law enforcement by offering a more appropriate, therapeutic alternative for crisis response. The CRC is the latest step in DuPage County's long-term effort to build a comprehensive crisis system centered on “someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go.”

During the meeting we learned more about the center and how to support the positive impact it is having on the community.  Adam’s presentation slides are available here, and those interested in learning more can view a short informational video on the CRC website.    DuPage County CRC | Official Website  

 

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On Saturday, December 20th, downtown DG got a dose of holiday harmony. Our talented team (Martin, Joe, Shanon, Kim, Barb, and Jeanette) brought the house down—specifically at Another Round, where patrons were literally chanting for an encore!

Between the high notes and handing out glowing Santa hats to the kids, it was a day to remember. Check out the highlights on Shanon Tully’s Facebook reel!

Sheila shared a deeply personal story about losing her son, David, to an opiod overdose in 2021. She spoke about how advocating for the widespread use of Narcan, the opioid overdose antidote, has helped her process her grief and create positive change.

Sheila joined the West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force, a coalition of harm reduction organizations. She brought forward the idea of getting Narcan-only dispensers on train platforms to a receptive group with powerful organizing skills. Through their tireless efforts, and the amazing support of some activist bureaucrats, they succeeded in launching a pilot program which has significantly increased the availability of Narcan to CTA riders.

As part of her presentation, Sheila also provided a brief training on the use of the nasal version of Narcan and passed out 'kits' to any members who wished to take some home.
 

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Nine Downers Grove Rotarians worked in Hanover Park, IL, to help Habitat for Humanity build housing for local residents.  Thank you volunteers for activating our motto of "Service Above Self"!

 

 
 

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It was a real surprise and pleasure to accept this prestigious proclamation from Mayor Bob Barnett, and the entire village council Tuesday night. Only a short 15 years ago, our Rotary Club took over a long-running village festival we all know as Heritage Festival. We have made every effort to offer the residents a safe, entertaining, and fun summer festival for everyone. “It’s All About Community”.

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Our club was a collaborator on the Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America (FORA) Local Global Grant. Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Chicago Cosmopolitan and the Rotary Club of Puebla Industrial on receiving approval of this grant to upgrade learning facilities to foster peace in a multicultural learning environment! FORA is located in the West Ridge neighborhood on Chicago's Far North Side and provides high-impact tutoring to refugee children to bridge educational gaps.

Our scholarship winners were joined by their parents and club members for a celebration breakfast feast hosted by Nick Doulas and family. Fifteen of our nineteen scholarship winners attended. Those that attended and could not attend sent the Club nice notes of thanks.  The scholarships are made possible by the work we do through our fundraisers, especially the upcoming Rotary GroveFest June 19 - 22 in downtown Downers Grove. Congratulations graduates!
 

The 2025 Charles Dickerman Memorial Music Scholarship winners:

Kevin Hernandez (Cello)                   DGS
Anthony Lopez (Trumpet)                 DGS
Caleb McCloud (Violin)                    DGN
Gavin Schnall (Drums/Percussion)   DGS
Varun Ganesh (Drums/Percussion)   DGN


The 2025 Service Scholarship winners:
DGS:
Jordan Reynolds
Holly Johnson
Lena Baker
Everett Lynde
Isabel Okuku

DGN:
Audrey Casten
Grant Schroder
Keya Gupta
Mallory Riske
Nathan Moawad

St. Ignatius:
Jack Ennis


The 2025 Skilled Trades/Certificate Program Scholarship winners:
Samuel Castro
Logan Loftus
Jacob Mateja



 

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Our Red Cross representative had this to say about our April 16 Blood Drive: "Thank you for coordinating the blood drive yesterday. It was a HUGE success - as you probably already know.  A total of 35 units were collected, which means hundreds of lives may be impacted. Thank you! I am amazed at the number of Power Reds we collected (8) and First-Time donors we had (19). You truly are helping us with these initiatives. And 36 donors registered - so you did a great job of recruiting. Thank you! Your new goal was set at 32 and you FAR exceeded it! Outstanding!"

The diverse cross-section of donors included Downers Grove Rotarians, Veterans from Post 80, and members of the community. Our thanks to Laura, Harry, Sean, Chris and Pat for organizing this humanitarian project.  Please mark your calendars for the next drive on October 17 at the Downers Grove Senior Center.

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On Tuesday, we had the pleasure of hearing from James Escortt, Director of Community Engagement, who shared insights into how Habitat for Humanity supports communities and helps families achieve their dream of homeownership.

DuPage and Chicago South Suburbs Habitat for Humanity partners with individuals and families with limited incomes to provide safe, decent, and affordable homeownership opportunities. Future homeowners complete a "sweat equity" requirement, contribute volunteer hours, and receive financial education to prepare them for the responsibilities of owning a home. Once these requirements are met, Habitat sells the home with an affordable mortgage, with payments 

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By Dave Humphreys

On Sunday, March 9, I carried on a longstanding tradition of presenting Rotary checks to the top two winners of the Senior Division of the annual Downers Grove Music Club Piano Festival and Competition. In my plug for Rotary before I presented the award checks, I told the kids that this event has been happening every year in Downers Grove for a long, long time. When I was their age, I played piano in this same Festival and Competition! Looks of disbelief resulted from my comments!

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(Pictured, Harry McCabe 1975)

The lead up to the day of the trip to Washington D.C., and the aftermath have combined to shake up old memories and create some thoughts and feelings that l will carry with me for the rest of my life. I cannot express how grateful this veteran feels about the Honor Flight Chicago (CHF) organization. I’ve observed close associates at American Legion Post 80 and their reactions to their Honor Flight experiences, but I never could imagine the impact. 
 

Dan Harrington was a CHF Ambassador and our Bus Captain on Wednesday. He did a marvelous job attending to all of us “Senior” Veterans' needs as he entertained us with his knowledge and compassion for our country.  Pictured With Dan outside the National Air and Space Museum:

The most moving part of the day was the homecoming reception we received at Midway airport.  The  Honor Guards, bagpipes, and military that met us at the gate were a prelude to the scene at the main terminal.  Throngs of people wildly cheering and waving welcome home signs & American flags. I was overtaken with tears of joy when I spotted my siblings and members of my Rotary family. Being so warmly thanked for my service had never happened before. 

The outpouring of love will never be forgotten.

In respectful gratitude, Harry M. McCabe, ARMY.

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Eric Rhodes, President of Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, presented at our club meeting along with Gina LaLa, Community and Cultural Liaison for the hospital.  Eric's upbringing in West Virginia coal country led him to a career in healthcare.  Eric has sons, 13 and 9.  He had this to say during his talk:

Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital is committed to continuing and cultivating relationships with organizations who share a desire to serve the Downers Grove community. The Rotary Club of Downer’s Grove Club is one such organization who epitomizes servant leadership. I was thrilled to share exciting updates with the Rotary Club and reinforce our partnership and commitment to serving the greater Downers Grove Community. As we prioritize quality care, service line growth and community engagement, we will continue to lean-in on our partnership with the Rotary Club.

(Pictured: Keith Hoffman, Eric Rhodes, Gina LaLa, Dean Malone)

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On Tuesday morning, we were presented by Amber Quirk, who was elected as the Chief Administrative Officer of the DuPage Regional Office of Education (ROE) in July 2023.

With nearly 24 years of experience in education, Quirk brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her leadership position. Her career began as a classroom teacher in Scituate, Massachusetts, before transitioning to teaching and coaching in Lombard School District 44. Quirk later served as an assistant principal for three years and principal for five years in Maercker School District 60. In 2021, she became the Assistant Regional Superintendent, a role she held until stepping into her current position.

Quirk’s commitment to integrity, accountability, and quality was a cornerstone of her campaign, and she plans to prioritize effective use of tax dollars to ensure all students in DuPage County receive an excellent education. Additionally, as a parent, Quirk is deeply committed to school safety, which she considers a key priority in her role.
Below, you can find more details about some of the required ROE services:

Amber Quirk stumped the entire crowd with her quiz except for Richard Lam and Ann Hattan, who won the tiebreaker and special prize!


 

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Villages In Partnership gets $40K Matching Grant with our donation. Timing is everything!

Our board of directors at our last board meeting approved a $22,500 donation to Villages In Partnership (VIP), a nonprofit we have supported the last few years. This money is designated for drilling 3 wells in Malawi. Each well will provide potable water for an entire village which consists of hundreds of people.

I received an email from VIP on Tuesday morning asking for help to unlock a $40K Matching Grant with the deadline at the end of the day. They had their Giving Tuesday a week before everyone else. Well, the timing was perfect! I called VIP and asked if our donation could be applied towards the matching grant. The answer was a resounding YES! Here was the email that I received from VIP the day after.
 

"He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness"- 2 Corinthians 9:10

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined our livestream last night! Thanks to your generosity and the support of our amazing partners, we unlocked our $40,000 matching gift! This will help our brothers and sisters in Malawi "moo"-ve on up from from scarcity to sustainability!

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