Naperville resident Jan Gricus received the esteemed Sustained Excellence Award at the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Conference held in Springfield. Gricus was one of four master gardeners from DuPage County honored for their exceptional volunteer work, which includes a commitment of over 200 hours annually to local gardening projects. This recognition highlights her significant contributions to the community, particularly at the Naperville Giving Garden, where her leadership has led to over 1,000 pounds of food donations to local pantries each year.
The Master Gardener Awards acknowledge volunteers who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and community engagement, according to a news release from the University of Illinois Extension. Gricus previously received an Outstanding Award in 2014 and has consistently been a driving force in the local gardening community. Fellow DuPage County master gardeners recognized with Outstanding Awards include Carol Burck of Hinsdale, Pat Miller of Westmont, and Suzanna Viravec of Huntley.
DuPage County Initiatives to Support Food Security
In a separate initiative, DuPage County is actively working to connect recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) with local food providers. More than 67,000 residents depend on SNAP for grocery purchases, and the recent halt in the program, which began on November 1, 2023, poses a significant challenge for these individuals.
Residents in need of food assistance can call 211 or visit www.211DuPage.gov to locate nearby food pantries. County Board Chair Deborah Conroy emphasized the importance of this service, which also assists residents with rent and energy bill payments. The 211 DuPage program connects individuals with local resources for basic needs such as housing and food through trained specialists.
For those looking to support their community, opportunities to donate or volunteer at local pantries are available through Giving DuPage at www.GivingDuPage.org. One significant provider is Loaves & Fishes Community Services, located at 1871 High Grove Lane in Naperville, which offers food assistance on a schedule that includes hours from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, and additional evening hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Other pantries in the area include Loaves & Fishes at 580 Exchange Court, Aurora; People’s Resource Center at 211 South Naperville Road, Wheaton; and West Suburban Community Pantry at 6809 Hobson Valley Drive, Unit 118, Woodridge. For a full list of food resources, residents can visit www.dupagecounty.gov/food.
Naperville Bank & Trust Receives Community Recognition
Lastly, Naperville Bank & Trust has been recognized as a “Best Friend of Illinois Parks” by the Illinois Association of Park Districts. The bank received this honor at a recent gala, following a nomination from the Naperville Park District. This recognition illustrates the bank’s commitment to supporting local community initiatives and enhancing recreational opportunities.
The award is part of a broader initiative to acknowledge businesses that assist local park districts and conservation efforts. The park district noted the bank’s support through volunteerism and its sponsorship of the Fee Assistance Program, which helps make recreational programs accessible to residents facing financial difficulties. The bank also entered into a five-year agreement to name Knoch Park’s synthetic turf field as Wintrust Athletic Field.
These achievements reflect the strong spirit of community engagement within Naperville, showcasing the dedication of local residents and organizations in enhancing the quality of life for all.
