Hindi group’s volunteers show appreciation for first responders
More than 25 Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh volunteers celebrated the ancient Hindu festival Raksha Bandhan this past week by organizing an event in which they thanked Naperville’s first responders, elected officials and community leaders.
Raksha Bandhan is a reminder that people have a responsibility to protect society and the world, organizers said. Traditionally, a sister ties a colorful thread, called a rakhi, on her brother’s wrist to remind him of his duty to protect her, and the brother accepts that responsibility.
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, a nonprofit organization, takes the tradition to a broader level by having its volunteers ties rakhis on the wrists of first responders and others and sharing sweets. The group has been celebrating the tradition in Naperville since 2009, organizers said.
Among those who participated Tuesday were Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli, Police Chief Jason Arres and Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis.
Petition packets available for would-be park board candidates
Petition packets for candidates interested in running for a seat on the Naperville Park Board in 2025 are now available at the Naperville Park District Administration Building, 320 W. Jackson Ave.
The building is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Anyone seeking a packet should ask for Monika Solomacha, executive administrative assistant and local election official.
Four four-year terms will be filled during the April 1 election. Candidates must be at least 18 and a park district resident for at least one year prior to the election date.
The terms for commissioners Rhonda Ansier, Mary Gibson, Leslie Ruffing and Alison Thompson will expire in April 2025. Gibson has announced she plans to be a Naperville City Council candidate.
Commissioners Chris Jacks, Rich Janor and John Risvold were elected in 2023 and will serve through 2027.
Naperville seeking high school students to serve on commissions
High school sophomores, juniors and seniors have until Monday, Sept. 9, to apply for student positions on city boards and commissions.
The non-voting positions are available on the Historic Preservation Commission, Naper Settlement Museum Board, Naperville Public Library Board, Riverwalk Commission, Special Events and Community Arts Commission and Sister Cities Commission, among others.
Selected students will serve until May. Being on a commission or board provides firsthand experience in public service and helps shape Naperville’s future, Mayor Scott Wehrli said in a news release.
Priority will be given to juniors and seniors, and students must live within the incorporated boundaries of Naperville.
Those selected also can become part of a leadership academy through the city’s partnership with KidsMatter. The academy is designed to help enrich the student representative experience by providing participants with leadership skills training and creating peer connections.
To apply, go to www.naperville.il.us/boards. For more information, contact Julie Dumler at 630-420-6031 or dumlerj@naperville.il.us.