ANNOUNCEMENTS
(notes delivered by smoke signal from the venerable Neal Chamberlain)

Meeting was called to order by President Jeff, with invocation by Rod.

Jeff announced Benny Lapid’s  CUSR anniversary, he joined our club March, 2007.

Paul announced that there was still time (4 hours to the deadline) to join the NCAA Final Four Tournament pool.  The winning ticket – 50% to the winner, 50% to Shelter Box.  Some confusion about the entry fee, it was announced and revised, it’s presumed to be $5 (or maybe $10 – with perhaps $5 of the $10 donated to Paul’s wallet – ha).

Ed thanked the volunteers who helped Tuesday at EIFB, and Wednesday at Wesley Food Pantry.  No mention of the multiple granola bars eaten by Ed during the repack at EIFB.

Mary announced that a fellow Rotarian is her “Knight in Shining Armor” – something about a mouse – she identified the Rotarian but this note taker refuses to include his name in this write-up. (EDITOR’S NOTE: It was the old rascal, Ed Perry).

Jeff read a note from Coletta.  She has been in Texas much of the last several months to be with her daughter who is dealing with very serious health issues.  Recent results have given reason for optimism.  Please keep Coletta and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

PROGRAM

Kris Young introduced the speaker for the day – Kimberlie Kranich, Director of Community Content and Engagement, WILL, Illinois Public Media.

The emphasis of Kimberlie’s presentation was describing a program which is a cooperative approach between  Champaign School District 4 and  Radio/TV Station WILL.  Of the 400 students in Stratton Elementary School, 20 volunteers (may also be chosen be the teacher)  participate in simulated a city named “Strattonville”.  The students of Strattonville are of various ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds.  The students are assigned, or elected, to various positions of responsibility in Strattonville.  They meet one hour each day in this “make-belief” setting to address situations which are similar to “real world” issues. Through this they grow in their ability to work together in finding  resolutions to problems.  Students grow in their communication skills, understanding of others and in their own self confidence.     “Strattonville” is proving to be an exceptional learning tool.

—

—

Upcoming Schedule

Mar 28 – GSE team from Italy will present

Apr 4 – The Honorable Rita Garman, Illinois Supreme Court Justice

April 11 – Dan Hartleb, UIUC Men’s Baseball Coach

April 18th – Karen Kane and Yvette Whitely, Daily Bread Soup Kitchen

April 25th – Eliabeth Buckley, Developmental Specialist at Provena Covenant Medical Center, will discuss Women4Women

May 2nd – Ida Simila, Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) student

May 9th –

May 16th – David and Dorothy Deem will discuss upholstering and furniture

May 23rd – Dr. Tom Ramage, President of Parkland College

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(notes delivered by the unconventional and unorthodox Paul Conforti)

1) Ata invited CU Sunrisers to participate with a reservation to our table for the bi-annual Champaign Rotary’s Action Auction on June 1st. Tickets are $75, includes dinner and more fun than $75 is worth.

2) Ed is rounding up volunteers for the Eastern Illinois Food Bank’s / Wesley Food Pantry event this Wednesday 3/20 from 6:30-8:30. The students are on break so volunteers are especially needed.

3) Mary announced that our International Efforts will be lauded with an award at this springs District Conference (April 19 & 20)

4) CU Sunrise is prepping for a table at the District Conference focused on the clubs 25th anniversary and history. We may also have a retrospective video.

5) The Monticello Club on April 6th is having an auction/dinner at Piatt County Trail Blazers at 5:30. Tickets are $20, call Shelly at 217-369-7853

SPECIAL NOTE

Proceeds from our fruit sale bestowed $2,500 each to Eastern Illinois Food Bank (Director Jim Hires accepted) and the Times Center (Director Brad Buldak accepted).

PROGRAM

Our program was given by John Alexander, the Annual Givings Chair for Rotary District 6490.  John is the Executive Director of the Danville YMCA.  John is also a past club President (Danville Sunrise), Assistant District Governor, participant in many district committees, and  a member of the district’s Hall of Honor. John is also a trustee for his Alma Mater Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais.

John distributed a particular helpful guide to the Rotary Foundation (previously thought to be a difficult task).

John challenged CU Sunrise to become a Star Club in which to qualify the club must average the equivalent of $100 annual donation to the foundation per club member. We are not that far away, only $1600 additional donations to the foundation before April 1st to obtain this recognition.

John’s presentation is not presently available as an online source, however we are working to get the Power Point copy as it would serve useful with new members or anyone needing a refresher on foundation giving.

—

—

Upcoming Schedule

Mar 21 – Kimberlie Kranich, Director of Community Content and Engagement, Illinois Public Media

Mar 28 – David and Dorothy Deem will discuss upholstering and furniture

Apr 4 – The Honorable Rita Garman, Illinois Supreme Court Justice

April 11 – Dan Hartleb, UIUC Men’s Baseball Coach

April 18th – Karen Kane and Yvette Whitely, Daily Bread Soup Kitchen

April 25th –

May 2nd – Ida Simila, Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) student

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

Jeff reminded everyone about the Rotary District Conference meeting in Normal on April 19th and 20th. See Jeff’s email for information and registration form.

Dave announced that last week’s Big Brothers Big Sisters “Bowl for Kids Sake” was a success. Our club exceeded its goal and will contribute over $1,800 to BBBS. While a few laughs were shared about the Club’s bowling abilities, Dave received a round of applause for his work in getting it all organized.

Andrew announced that RYLA could use a few more volunteers the weekend of April 19th to help with the activities and noted that our club is sponsoring 3 Central High Students from our Interact Club to attend that weekend.

Gary noted that an organizational meeting is being held for a Shelter Box fundraising activity with our Interact students.

Last weekend’s Read Across America at Lincoln Square was a big success due to Barb’s continued help and the readings by several other members of the club.  Thank you Barb for all your leadership on this event!

Jeff’s Recommended Reading List includes Fred A. Carvin’s book “Paul Harris and the Birth of Rotary”. It contains important facts about Rotary and includes information on Paul Harris not available in print before. Paperback book is available at amazon.com for $25.

PROGRAM

Mary Hodson enthusiastically introduced our speaker, Lana Sample with the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission. Lana is the Director of Senior Services for the CCRPC. Senior Services provides information and referrals to those over 60 with the mission to support and promote safe and dignified living.Through telephone consultations, private office visits or individual home visits, Senior Services provides information and assistance to connect seniors to an array of community programs and services.

If you have questions regarding health care, housing, insurance, legal issues, metal health, Medicare, Social Security, transportation, or even veterans services Senior Services should be your first call at 328-3313. Senior Services is one of the main reasons that Champaign County has been designated one of the most senior friendly counties in the country.

FLAG EXCHANGE

Last week Ida Similia, our Rotary Youth Exchange student, and her father attended the C-U Sunrise meeting.  Chuck was acting President for the day,  and he nobly exchanged Rotary flags with Ida.

—

—

Upcoming Schedule

Mar 14 – John Alexander, Executive Director of the Danville YMCA.  Immediately following the meeting will be a special meeting for the WILL Community Conversation.  This special meeting will take 60-75 minutes.

Mar 21 – Kimberlie Kranich, Director of Community Content and Engagement, Illinois Public Media

Mar 28 – David and Dorothy Deem will discuss upholstering and furniture

Apr 4 – The Honorable Rita Garman, Illinois Supreme Court Justice

April 11 – Dan Hartleb, UIUC Men’s Baseball Coach

April 18th – Karen Kane and Yvette Whitely, Daily Bread Soup Kitchen

 ANNOUNCEMENTS
(notes courteous of the erudite Mary Hodson)

Stand-in President Chuck welcomed our RYE, Ida Similia and her father, Esse. He is a Rotarian and farmer from Finland.

The Cunningham Children’s Home Festival of Quilts is April 12 and 13. Tickets are only $5 and can be purchased from B.J. Lytle.

PROGRAM

Jim introduced Reverend James Ellison from St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. Last year, Father James and his wife Linda started a local chapter of Bereaved Parents of the USA. Linda is the Bereavement Coordinator for infant deaths at Carle Hospital.

BP/USA seeks to provide a haven for all bereaved parents to meet together and to aid and support those who have lost a child, brother, sister or grandchild regardless of race, creed or financial status. Together they learn how little it matters where they live, what color or level of affluence or what faith they uphold as they confront the tragedies of their children’s deaths. Another goal is to inform and educate professionals, friends, employers, co-workers, clergy and others on the nature of parental and sibling or grand-parental grief.

Meetings include programs and discussions. They are held at 4:30 PM on the second Sunday of each month at the Champaign Public Library.

—

—

Upcoming Schedule

Mar 7 – Lana Sample, Senior Services through the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission

Mar 14 – John Alexander, Executive Director of the Danville YMCA.  Immediately following the meeting will be a special meeting for the WILL Community Conversation.  This special meeting will take 60-75 minutes.

Mar 21 – Kimberlie Kranich, Director of Community Content and Engagement, Illinois Public Media

Mar 28 – David and Dorothy Deem will discuss upholstering and furniture

Apr 4 – Chuck Reifsteck will discuss his recent experience with UFOs

April 11 –

April 18th – Karen Kane and Yvette Whitely, Daily Bread Soup Kitchen