“The more often we see the things around us – even the beautiful and wonderful things – the more they become invisible to us. That is why we often take for granted the beauty of this world: the flowers, the trees, the birds, the clouds – even those we love. Because we see things so often, we see them less and less.” ― Joseph B. Wirthlin 

“I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death.” ― Robert Fulghum 

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Notes provided by Allan Penwell)

On May 4th, DG Kevin Yonce attended our meeting and presented Paul Harris Fellow awards to Angie Schoonover, Bob LaCharite, Michelle Barbey, and Billy Stull.  Congratulations to all.

President Rod presented our March bucket money check of $175 to Isak Griffiths of Courage Connection. Funding has been a problem for them because the state is out of money, and she appreciated the generosity of our community for helping them in this difficult period.

Sonya Darter is a former club member who was the executive director of the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum. She is starting a new children’s venue at Lincoln Square called the Spark Museum + Play Café. Sonya needs volunteers to help renovate and prepare the space.  Talk to Ed Perry or check out their Facebook page for further details.

Phyllis said that residents at the Champaign County Nursing Home were very grateful for the 125 flowers that she and others planted this week.  Thanks Phyllis!

PROGRAM

Sarah Stumpf and her not-for-profit, Trinity Horsemanship Foundation, were the program last week.  Trinity brings horsemanship to all willing students in the Central Illinois area and Indiana. Trinity has a riding stable in the Sadorus area with specially selected horses for handicap/therapeutic riding students of all ages.  Trinity strives to increase their clients’ quality of life, self-confidence, and self-reliance.

When people ride horses, there are many mental, emotional, and physical benefits to riding.  The focus of Trinity is to serve clients with autism, cerebral palsy, PTSD, MS, and other physical and emotional impairments.  This is in addition to able-bodied adults and children.

—

—

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

May 11th – Brian Adams, IL State Archaeological Survey, will discuss the C-U area work of Joseph Royer and his family (Mary)

May 18th – Alicia Schneider, Champaign County Humane Society (Phyllis)

May 25th – Diane Marlin, Mayor, City of Urbana (Tod)

June 1st – David Grogan, Associate Director of University Compliance, UIUC (Mary)

June 8th – TBD (Bob)

June 15th – TBD (Laura)

June 22nd – TBD (Tom)

June 29th – TBD