Announcements
(notes courteous of the distinguished gentleman from Connecticut, Ed Perry)

Robb reminded everyone to get their Fruit Sales moving as only 10 days are left before the order has to be placed. The club’s goal is for 100% club participation and to raise $10,000.  Send reminder emails, sell a kidney, just get out there and sell some fruit!

Andrew announced that The TIMES Center has put together a list of items for which they could use volunteer help. An immediate project is “Caroling for a Cause” a fundraiser to benefit the Times Center which will take place Friday, Dec. 7th from 6pm to Midnight. Our part would be to help set up, take down and assist with various tasks as needed during the event. (They have not asked us to sing!). More information will be coming. Please contact Andrew, andrew.kerins@gmail.com, if you are interested in volunteering.

Patrice noted that our Club’s Holiday Party will be Dec. 13th – please RSVP to let her know if you’re coming, how many guests you’ll be bringing, and the age of any children (as well as hints for gifts).  Patrice can be reached at patrice.grant@busey.com.

Jeff thanked those that have volunteered for the Salvation Army Bell Ringing on Dec. 15th from 10 am to 7 pm at the Walmart on North Prospect.

Program

Lisa Sprinkle, Marketing Coordinator with the Champaign County Forest Preserve District, presented information about the forest preserves in our county and what they provide. There are 5 forest preserves and each have unique offerings to people of all ages.

Homer Lake: 828 acres with boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking, birdwatching with educational hands on activities for all visitors. This current preserve also contains the original early 1900’s destination “Homer Park”. Neal and Penn recall fondly how they would take the Inner urban train to the park on special occasions.

Lake of the Woods: 900 acres adjacent to Mahomet, has the Museum of the Grand Prairie, Botanical Gardens and golf courses. A covered bridge and a Bell Carillon /Observation tower are also part of this forest preserve.  Scott recalled terrifying memories of going down the large, old water slide at the lake.

Middle Fork River: 1,702 acres, located north of Penfield, with nature trails, camping, lake swimming and one of the area’s premier waterfowl management areas. Cross country skiing is a popular sport here too!

River Bend: 280 acres with two lakes –  one of the lakes is the largest in the county and is located just south of Mahomet. It is one the newer of the forest preserves and includes Possibility Pier, a pier accessible for people with disabilities.

Sangamon River: 160 acres along the Sangamon River and tributaries south of Fisher with the goal to restore the area to its pre-settlement conditions.  There is a home on the site, occupied by a Park Superintendent, that was built by the original settlers in the area.

The District offers a variety of building and shelters that can be rented, educational/program activities and opportunities for volunteering. We are fortunate to have such a fine Forest Preserve District who continues to improve our quality of life. For more information go online at www.ccfpd.org or call 217-586-3360.

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Upcoming Schedule

Nov 15 – Larry Pennie, DGE, Rotary Foundation and Future Vision

Nov 22 – Thanksgiving – no meeting, but join Chuck for tofurkey at his place

Nov 29 – Jim Angel, State Climatologist

Dec 13 – Holiday party

Dec 20 – Kerri Spear, Austin’s Place – Emergency Shelter

Dec 27 – Benny Lapid will discuss Jerusalem