Noon Rotary Club of Barrington Inducts New President

The Noon Rotary Club of Barrington has a new president, Alexis Portugal, who received the traditional Rotary bell and gavel from retiring president, Joe Kelsch Sr.

Portugal assumed the duties of president during the club's annual induction dinner on July 2 at Francesca's Famiglia in Barrington before presiding over her first club meeting on July 9. Portugal is the 52nd president of the Noon Rotary Club of Barrington, succeeding Kelsch who served since 2011.

Portugal is a partner and Certified Public Accountant in the Barrington accounting firm of Saunders, Portugal and Associates. Kelsch is a retired a corporate executive, but remains active in numerous community organizations and local philanthropic efforts.

The Noon Rotary Club of Barrington is supportive of many initiatives that range from regional to international, including the Shelter Box humanitarian relief effort, the Kenya Water for Life project, and the local Barrington Giving Day and the Barrington and Cuba Township food pantries.

The Rotary Club of Barrington was formed and chartered in 1960. Since then, club has been the sponsor of five other Rotary Clubs, including the Palatine, Cary-Grove, Lake Zurich, Barrington Breakfast, Wauconda and South Barrington Rotary Clubs.

There are presently 36 members of the Noon Rotary Club of Barrington, representing a variety of businesses and interests in the community. Weekly meetings are held each Tuesday from noon to 1:30 p.m. at The Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington.