The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do. ― Sarah Ban Breathnach 

 “We’ve got this gift of love, but love is like a precious plant. You can’t just accept it and leave it in the cupboard or just think it’s going to get on by itself. You’ve got to keep watering it. You’ve got to really look after it and nurture it.” ― John Lennon 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Our newest member, Michelle Barbey, introduced herself to the club. Michele is originally from Metairie, La. She received her BS from the University of Texas at Dallas and her Masters of Actuarial Sciences from Georgia State. She and her husband, Aron, live in Urbana and Aron is an Assistant Professor at the U of I. Michele is an actuary for Aon Hewitt, headquartered in Lincolnshire, IL. and works out of her home. Her hobbies include travel, reading, baking, and cooking.

Robb reported that the oranges and grapefruit for our annual fundraising fruit sale have been ordered with delivery expected next week or so. Five hundred cases were ordered and Robb thanked everyone and noted he will send out an email with the day and time for pick up and location.

Tod passed out signup sheets for our December community service projects. First, on Saturday, 12/17/16, we will once again ring bells for the Salvation Army at the south door of the Champaign North Prospect Walmart. Second, we will also do some gift wrapping for Habitat for Humanity.  Gift wrapping will take place on Sunday, 12/11/16, from 12 noon to 2:30pm at Marketplace Mall. If you missed the signup sheets, see Tod.

Jen will again open her home for our Club’s Holiday Party starting at 5pm on Dec. 13th.  Additional information will be emailed to everyone.  Beer, bourbon, and pig will be provided.  Attendees are encouraged to bring food and wine.

Keith also announced that the club’s next social will take place on 12/29/16 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Destihl in downtown Champaign. This will be a great casual get-together and a perfect event to bring a guest.

PROGRAM: CLUB ASSEMBLY

This week we had a club assembly in which we reviewed the current status of our club’s strategic plan. Rod handed out a multi-page summary of our club’s Mission Statement, Purpose Statement and a breakdown of each club committee and its goals. After each committee reviewed the information, Rod led an open discussion among all club members and included in that discussion were the following committee reports.

Bob led the discussion with regard to the membership committee.  He handed out note cards to each club member and asked them to write down three names of people they know who would make good Rotarians.  Rather than collecting the cards Bob asked that members follow-up with the three people on their list. The list of people to contact about membership can include young (40 and under), recently retired and even past members.

With regard to the Program committee, Mary asked for input from club members for names of possible speakers and possible topics that you would like to see as a program.  Ed Perry suggested that Brian Cashman, the General Manager of the New York Yankees, would be an excellent guest speaker.

Tod noted that the Community Service committee is looking for suggestions for club volunteer opportunities.

Ata and Cary noted that they continue to plan and gather information for a future International Service project within the next 3 to 5 years.        

Rod thanked the club and the “Visionary” committee for all the work thus far and noted that the next step is to put all the information gathered and put it in an Action Plan.

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee member responsible listed in parentheses)

December 8th – Janice Jayes, Instructional Assistant Professor, Illinois State University, will discuss the state of ISIS today (Bob)

December 15th – Isak Griffiths, Executive Director, Courage Connections (Laura)

December 22nd – Mitch Davis, Muscular Dystrophy Association (Mary)

December 29th – No AM meeting; evening social instead?

January 5th – Family Meeting? (Phyllis)

January 12th – TBD (Tod)

January 19th – TBD (Tom)

January 26th – Josh Whitman, Athletic Director, UIUC (Bob)

February 2nd – TBD (Laura)

February 9th – TBD (Mary)

February 16th- Nick Osborne, Director, Center for Wounded Veterans in Higher Education, UIUC (Phyllis)

February 23rd – Dr. King Li, Dean and Chief Academic Officer, Carle Illinois College of Medicine, will speak about the new Carle Illinois College of Medicine (Tod)