Naperville News Digest: Rotary Club’s annual fundraising bike ride planned for Aug. 11; Naperville resident the latest recipient of National Merit Scholarship; free rapid HIV testing, support group offered by Will County

Rotary Club’s annual fundraising bike ride planned for Aug. 11

The Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise’s annual Rotary Ride to benefit youth and family initiatives will be held Sunday, Aug. 11, at Naperville’s Commissioners Park, 3704 111th St.

There are three ride options 21-, 41- and 62-mile routes, open to participants in an event that’s designed for both beginner and experienced cyclists, a news releases said. Riders may start as early as 6:30 a.m., but no later than 10 a.m.

Prepackaged food and drinks will be available at staffed rest stops, the release said. Helmets are required.

Registration is $40 per person through July 31 and then $50 per person after Aug. 1.

Kids and families also can participate in the 1.4-mile Family Fun Loop by walking, running or riding anything with wheels for $15 per family.

Register at napervillerotaryride.com.

Naperville resident the latest recipient of National Merit Scholarship

Parnitha S. Bandla, a Naperville resident and graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, was selected to receive the National Merit PPG Foundation Community Scholarship.

Bandla wants to pursue a career in biochemistry, according to a National Merit Scholarship Corp. news release.

Candidates in the scholarship competition are among those who have the strongest combination of academic skills, achievements, extracurricular accomplishments and potential for success in college studies.

Last fall, more than 16,000 semifinalists were announced, representing less than 1% of each state’s seniors. The students compete to be finalists by submitting their academic record, being endorsed and recommended by the school principal, earning high SAT or ACT scores, writing an essay and providing information about their activities, awards and leadership positions, the release said.

Free rapid HIV testing, support group offered by Will County

The Will County Health Department will offer free rapid and confidential HIV tests from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday, June 27, in a mobile unit outside the health department’s main office, 501 Ella Ave., Joliet.

No appointments are needed. The service is free, and the results are available in 15 minutes.

Health department officials said that one in eight people with HIV do not know they have it.

The department also is bringing back a support group for people living with HIV, a news release said. The Positive Vibes Only group will hold its first meeting in the health department’s community room from 4 to 6 p.m. June 27 at its Joliet office.

Group members can meet Care Clinic staff and Dr. Dan Garganera, the new infectious disease doctor, and learn about resources available. Food and refreshments will be served.

To attend the support group, RSVP to Michael Ward by calling or texting 815-325-8004 or emailing mward@willcountyhealth.org.

 

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