“Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” – Roy T. Bennett – 1939-2014 – Author

 

“Not in doing what you like, but in liking what you do is the secret of happiness.” – J.M. Barrie – 1860-1937 – Novelist-Playwright

 

“When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.” – Carol Burnett – Actress-Comedian-Singer

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the distinguished gentleman from Connecticut, Edward Perry)

 

We welcomed several guests and possible new members as Charlie explained how he sees our club: “Casual, Effective and Close”.

 

Larry thanked those who helped at last night’s service project, Books2Prisoners.

 

Ed asked everyone to start saving their newspapers for our Newspaper folding project for the Champaign County Humane Society that will take place in May. 

 

Charlie reminded everyone to bring their phones or laptops to next week’s meeting as we will learn how to use Rotary’s online DACdb101 record and information system. 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

January 23, 4:30pm – Rotary Webinar, “Welcome U.S. Uniting for Ukraine” 

February 2, 6:30pm – Champaign Comedy Night @ Jupiter’s

February 10, 9 to 11am – Salt & Light

February 24, 7pm – “That’s What She Said” Club social at the Virginia Theater. The show will feature cub member Jen Shelby. Cary noted there is a block of seats still available in Section 2, Rows L & M. An after party and autograph signing party is being scheduled. 

March 16 & 17 – District President Elect Training

April 19-21 – RYLA Leadership at Allerton Park

April 27 – District Assembly 

 

PROGRAM

 

Lisa introduced our speakers this morning. Jackson Burlew and Jamila Amartry.

Both are Rotary Youth Exchange rebounds who told about their recent trips to Germany and France.

 

Jackson, a student at Tuscola High School, began telling us about his stay in a small town in central Germany. His two host families included him in many of the family activities. He traveled on family trips and with Rotary exchange groups and school trips to see many parts of Germany and Europe, including Munich, Paris and London. He spoke of the cultural differences he encountered and how his schooling and people were more formal, structured and punctual than what he was used to. While not knowing the German language upon arrival he was able to speak it as time went by and his whole experience was very positive and made many friends.

 

Jamila, a high school student from Charleston, spent her Rotary Exchange year in Lannion and Perros Guirec, France, which are located along the northern coast of France. While having difficulties at first with the language as she had little knowledge of French (and she found no one who spoke English) she now speaks French as her second language.  While difficult and uncomfortable at first to make friends, she ended up having a very positive experience. Jamila attended a large school of 2,000 students and she found that the school system in France are more strict and serious than here. Her two bus trips through France with other RYE students were fun and amazing as they visited Paris and Leon. The people she met, the group activities and the friends she made are what she enjoyed and will remember the most. 

 

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  Jan 18th Jan 25th Feb 1st Feb 8th
Introductions Mary Kay Smith Cary Woolard Phyllis Mischo Scott Paceley
Reflection Larry Johnson Eddie Bridges Paul Conforti Lisa Crane
Greeters Mary Kay Smith Cary Woolard Phyllis Mischo Scott Paceley
Larry Johnson Eddie Bridges Paul Conforti Lisa Crane
Notetaker Hodson Crane Conforti Perry

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

 

February 1st – Elise Belknap, Licensed Professional Counselor, will discuss the social/emotional issues in our community (Michael)

February 8th – TBD (Tom)

February 15th – Aaron Bird from the Salvation Army (Cary)

February 22nd – TBD (Joe)

February 29th – No AM meeting (5th Thursday)

March 7th – TBD (Lisa)

March 14th – TBD (Mary)

March 21st – TBD (Michael)

March 28th – TBD (Tom)

April 4th – TBD (Cary)

April 11th – TBD (Joe)

 

 

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

 

January 18 – Jen Shelby

January 27 – Rod Roberts

January 28 – Scott Paceley