“Grief starts to become indulgent, and it doesn’t serve anyone, and it’s painful. But if you transform it into remembrance, then you’re magnifying the person you lost and also giving something of that person to other people, so they can experience something of that person.” ― Patti Smith 

 “Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.”
― Voltaire 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the distinguished gentleman from Connecticut, Ed Perri)

There will not be a meeting this Thursday morning, 8/31/17.  Instead, there will be an evening social on the Slow Ride. The “Slow Ride” get together on the pedal bus begins at 5:15pm at Tumble Inn’s parking lot, 302 S. Neil, Champaign. Bring your own refreshments, preferably in cans, and music. Multiple people have requested Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon”.

Happy birthday was sung this past Thursday morning honoring Jack Kamerer, Allan Penwell and Ed Perry. Together these esteemed members of the club have accumulated 218 years of knowledge, some of which may even be useful.

Adam reminded everyone of Rotary’s Five Avenues of Service: 

  1. Club Service: strengthen fellowship through training and hospitality

  2. Vocational Service: encourages members to serve people through their vocation

  3. Community Service: club projects to improve community life

  4. International Service: expanding Rotary’s humanitarian work around the world

  5. Youth Service (New Generation): to engage the youth and young adults in leadership roles

This past Saturday CUSR club members provided a day’s worth of volunteer service helping with a new home that Habitat for Humanity is building in Champaign.

The Rotary Joint District Conference is being held September 8-9th in Springfield, IL.

Ed Perry shared that he plans to direct, star, and produce an upcoming one person musical production of The Yankee Doodle Dandy.  Stay tuned for more details.

PROGRAM

Tod introduced Don White, Professor Emeritus in Crop Science, UIUC, who presented a program on the Master Gardener Program. The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program started in 1975. The program’s mission is “Helping Others Learn to Grow”. The objectives of the program are to distribute horticultural information to communities, develop and enhance community programs related to horticulture and to develop Master Gardener volunteers.

Don noted several projects the Master Gardener program has developed in Champaign-Urbana, including the Idea Garden on Lincoln Avenue, the gardens at the Champaign County Juvenile Detention Center, and the Prosperity Garden on north First street in Champaign.  

The Idea Garden on Lincoln Avenue in Urbana was built in 1997 and has received over 2,500 annual volunteer hours and has expanded to 15,000 sq. ft. In 2016, this garden was made wheelchair accessible. Don explained the various garden plot themes, plants and structures that make up the Idea Garden.

The Master Gardener programs relies on knowledgeable volunteers who undergo the training program and provide various volunteer services. To become a Master Gardener one must attend once a week classes and do an internship of approximately 60 hours of volunteer services. The next class session with begin this January and classes run through April. To get more information see the University of Illinois Extensions Master Gardener web site.

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

August 31st – No morning meeting – Club Social on the Slow Ride

September 7th – First Followers (Ethan)

September 14th – Belegarth Medieval Combat Society (Ethan) (Meeting in Savoy Room)

September 21st – Meagan Smith, Three Spinners (Mary)

September 28th – Jim Rossow, Vice President-News, News-Gazette Media (Phyllis)

October 5th – State Senator Scott Bennett (Bob)

October 12th – TBD (Tom)

October 19th – TBD (Tod)

October 26th – TBD (Mary)

November 2nd – Derek Fultz, Director of Facilities, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, UIUC will discuss the renovation of the Natural History Building (Phyllis)

November 9th – TBD

November 16th – TBD

November 23rd – Thanksgiving, No Meeting

November 30th – TBD

December 7th – TBD

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson 

“Educating yourself does not mean that you were stupid in the first place; it means that you are intelligent enough to know that there is plenty left to learn.” ― Melanie Joy 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the erudite Mary Hodson)

The Club thanked Barb Linter for her service to CU Sunrise and to the many children of our community whose lives she has touched.   

CU Sunrise will be participating in a joint club District Grant application to help fund a permanent homeless men’s shelter in Champaign.  Our club will be contributing $500.

There will be no morning meeting on August 31.   Those who are going on the Slow Ride will meet at the Tumble Inn at 5:15 PM.  Bring your own drinks.

Help is needed for the Habitat Build scheduled for 8 AM to 3 PM on August 26.   Contact Tod.

Mary announced that the “Almost A Trio” will be giving a free concert at Champaign County Nursing Home at 2:00 PM on August 27.   Ice cream will be provided by The Red Bicycle.

The joint District Conference and Zone Institute will be held on Sept. 8-9 in Springfield.  

PROGRAM

Jennifer Shelby talked about the latest projects at Shatterglass.  

They have postponed production of “Rantoul or Die”.  They are still working on getting the life rights for “Death of Innocence”, the documentary about Emmet Till.

In the meantime, Shatter Glass has two new projects.  The first is a film about Roger Ebert and his concept of empathy in films.  The other new project is a feature length live action film of a popular graphic novel called “Revival”.   

Shatter Glass is working with Revival creators Tim Seeley and Mike Norton on this project.  “Revival” is the story of a Wisconsin town where the dead come back to life one day each winter.  The sister of the female protagonist was mysteriously murdered and she is one who comes back.    The movie is being filmed in Wausaw, Wisconsin.

They have hired a casting director and hope to attract one or two big name actors to play short parts that would involve only a few days of shooting.  These include David Morse, Kurt Russell, Patrick Stewart and Christopher Plummer.

Jennifer said that they are in the development stage and she passed around a copy of the “Director’s Look Book” to show one way that they promote the film concept.   They are looking for 100 investors who could contribute $40 K each.  Investors typically get perks such as cameo appearances, free bacon for life, and back rubs on set by the one-and-only Jen Shelby (limited time offer).   

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

August 24th – Don White, retired Professor in Crop Sciences, UIUC, will discuss the Master Gardener program (Tod)

August 31st – No morning meeting – Club Social on the Slow Ride

September 7th – First Followers (Ethan)

September 14th – Belegarth Medieval Combat Society (Ethan) (Meeting in Savoy Room)

September 21st – Meagan Smith, Three Spinners (Mary)

September 28th – Jim Rossow, Vice President-News, News-Gazette Media (Phyllis)

October 5th – State Senator Scott Bennett (Bob)

October 12th – TBD (Tom)

October 19th – TBD (Tod)

October 26th – TBD (Mary)

November 2nd – Derek Fultz, Director of Facilities, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, UIUC will discuss the renovation of the Natural History Building (Phyllis)

 “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” ― Mark Twain 

“One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” ― Bryant H. McGill 

“Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks. Not in what they say. Just in what they are.” ― Markus Zusak 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the distinguished gentleman from Connecticut, Edwin Perri)

Diana asked everyone to come early to the meeting this week (August 17) and wish Barb Lintner the best as she heads west to live with her daughter.   

Tod passed around the signup sheet for the Habitat Build on Saturday, August 26, starting at 8:00am and going till approximately 3pm. The home we will be working on is located at 610 Phillips, Champaign.

Keith noted that a few seats are still available for the SlowRide pedal party, and he reminded everyone that the ride departs at 5:30pm on Thursday, August 31. Please plan to meet at the Tumble Inn parking lot 15 minutes before departure. He also noted that there will not be a Thursday morning meeting on that day.

Bob noted that our club is expected to plant 40 trees this Rotary year to meet the RI President’s goal for each club to plant trees equal to the number of their membership. Phyllis and Lou are looking into a tree planting club project, but each member can plant an individual tree and that tree can be part of the club total. BJ noted that he planted a peach tree earlier this week, albeit in an unusual fashion.

Diana mentioned that the Membership Committee will be having an informal meeting with new members to gather information on what our club can do to better to attract new members and to keep new members involved. Stay tuned for further details on the date and location of the meeting.

Jen noted that the local premiere of “The Pooka” will be shown at The Art Theatre on Monday, August 14, starting at 7:00pm. Filmed in Champaign the short film is making the rounds at film festivals. The movie classic “Harvey” will follow.

Bob mentioned that a Rotary District Grant is being put together to help the local Men’s Emergency Shelter. Our club’s contribution to this cause is estimated to be approximately $500.00.

PROGRAM

Jen introduced Kenny Chumbley as our speaker this morning. Kenny comes from a publishing background but this morning he focused on children’s books and plays, particularly in the fantasy genre. Kenny gave a brief history of children’s fantasy literature by famous authors of the past including 19th and 20th century authors such as George MacDonald (Phantastes), C.S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia), J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings) and L. Frank Baum (The Wizard of OZ).

Kenny is a co-author of an award-winning children’s book, “The Green Children”. The book is based upon a 12th century English legend about the green children of Woolpit. The story centers on the tale of two young children who were green in color and ate nothing but green beans. Kenny’s book is available on Amazon.com.

Kenny’s current project has been to have his book turned into a musical play. Teaming up with local producers and sponsors, a talented cast and crew has been assembled to perform the play in September. Joining Kenny this morning was Steve Condon who plays the villain in the play. He sang a song from the play and his performance was praised by the club. “The best singing during our club meeting in a long time” was heard among the applause. A video from “CI Living” was also played showing two young very talented performers from the play singing.

The play’s performances will be at Parkland College Theater on September 15-17 with tickets available on line. The cost of the tickets for the performance on the 15th will also benefit the Cunningham’s Children Home.    

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

August 17th – Jen Shelby will discuss what’s next for Shatterglass

August 24th – Don White, retired Professor in Crop Sciences, UIUC, will discuss the Master Gardener program (Tod)

August 31st – TBD (Social)

September 7th – First Followers (Ethan)

September 14th – Belegarth Medieval Combat Society (Ethan) (Meeting in Savoy Room)

September 21st – Meagan Smith, Three Spinners (Mary)

September 28th – Jim Rossow, Vice President-News, News-Gazette Media (Phyllis)

October 5th – State Senator Scott Bennett (Bob)

October 12th – TBD (Tom)

October 19th – TBD (Tod)

October 26th – TBD (Mary)

November 2nd – TBD (Phyllis)

“If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” ― J. K. Rowling 

“If you think about disaster, you will get it. Brood about death and you hasten your demise. Think positively and masterfully, with confidence and faith, and life becomes more secure, more fraught with action, richer in achievement and experience.” ― Swami Sivananda

“I have never listened to anyone who criticized my taste in space travel, sideshows or gorillas. When this occurs, I pack up my dinosaurs and leave the room.” – Ray Bradbury

Announcements

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

Diana asked everyone to come early to this week’s meeting, 8/10/17, and enjoy a special gathering prior to the regular meeting to honor Barb Lintner for her many years of  service to our club and community. Barb in planning to move to Oregon to be with her daughter.

This morning’s meeting was started off by Paul with an stirring “Ode to Coffee”.

Bob reminded everyone of several up coming events including the Rotary appreciation gathering at Baxter’s Restaurant on August 15thfrom 4 to 7 and the Rotary District Conference in Springfield on September 8 and 9.

Keith noted that this month’s club social get together will be the Rotary Slow Ride on August 31and we are to meet at Tumble inn’s parking lot at 5:15pm for stretching exercises and fluids prior to peddling the Slow Ride Bus. Keith also noted that the Rotary Club Party barge get together at Lake Shelbyville is reserved for Sept. 23 starting at 8am.

Tod thanked everyone for their help at the Habitat Build a week ago and noted that another is being planned for later this month on the 19th or the 26th. More info will be sent out.

Darrell announced that he continues to offer portrait photos for club members in his studio. Contact Darrell for more information.

Program

Mary introduced Adam and Annie Morrisette this morning. Adam is the manager for the local Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Adam came to Champaign-Urbana after attending William& Mary and running the Habitat Re-Store in Bangor, Maine. Annie is currently completing her doctorate at EIU.

Adam spoke on the mission and operation of the local Habitat Re-Store. With a full time staff of 8 and volunteers the ReStore takes donated gently used furniture, appliances and building materials and sells them out of their store at 119 E. University. The ReStore provides pick up service and the donated items may also be dropped off. The money earned from sales helps fund many Habitat for Humanity activities. This work while providing bargain priced used items to the community, also keeps nearly 500 tons out of the local landfill yearly. There are nearly 1,000 Habitat ReStores through out the United States.

The ReStore relies on volunteer help and donations. Individuals or groups can volunteer to help for numerous activities in the store. The volunteer activities include retails service to customers, general store clean up, organizing and repairing merchandise. Currently the Champaign store has a full warehouse of items to sell and is now looking to add another store in Urbana. Adam is going to also focus on long term local business partnerships in an attempt to obtain “overstock” materials.   

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

August 10th – Kenny Chumbley, author of The Green Children, Literary Classics Book Award Finalist (Mary & Jen)

August 17th – Jen Shelby will discuss what’s next for Shatterglass

August 24th – Don White, retired Professor in Crop Sciences, UIUC, will discuss the Master Gardener program (Tod)

August 31st – TBD (Social)

September 7th – First Followers (Ethan)

September 14th – Belegarth Medieval Combat Society (Ethan) (Meeting in Savoy Room)

September 21st – Meagan Smith, Three Spinners (Mary)

September 28th – Jim Rossow, Vice President-News, News-Gazette Media (Phyllis)

October 5th – State Senator Scott Bennett (Bob)

October 12th – TBD (Tom)

October 19th – TBD (Tod)

October 26th – TBD (Mary)

November 2nd – TBD (Phyllis)