“You teach people how to treat you by what you allow, what you stop and what you reinforce.” – Tony Gaskins

“Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” – Gloria Steinem

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.”  – Walt Whitman

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Notes provided by Allan Penwell)

We welcomed back Tod Satterthwaite from his Peace Corps mission to the Philippines.  Hopefully we will hear more on his adventures with a program.

There is no meeting on Thursday, 5/30.  Instead, please come out to Old Orchards Lanes at 5:30 p.m. for a little fun and bowling.

Please see Lou’s email to sign up for a time to help with the Decker Garden.

Darrell will be in touch with members as to committee assignments for next year.

The board has agreed to donate $350 for a Buddy Bench to the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club in honor of Penn Nelson.

PROGRAM

Our program last week was presented by Erin Lippitz and Lisa Bralts. Erin is the Major Gifts Director for Illinois Public Media (WILL AM-FM-TV), and Lisa is the Director of Content and Strategic Communication.

WILL is a vital part of our community and has many different venues to communicate with listeners and viewers. Major funding of WILL comes from the Friends of WILL, the University of Illinois, the state (tiny), and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

WILL started in 1922 as part of the U of I Engineering School and had its first full-time employee in 1939. The original FM station had 250 watts of power, and now WILL-FM is the most powerful FM station in the country. While FM has more limited range, WILL-AM has a signal that goes from Chicago to Effingham and over to Indiana. Content includes local news, classical music, National Public Radio, and the Public Broadcasting Service.

Be on the lookout for a Ken Burns special titled Country Music which is a 16 hour television series that will broadcast this fall. WILL is complementing it with a local program on Illinois Country.

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

May 30th – No AM meeting – Club Social – 5:30PM Bowling at Old Orchard Lanes in Savoy

June 6th -Kelsey Langley and Beth Hogan, KOOP (kid-owned and operated play) ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND (Ondine)

June 13th – Nichole Millage, Environmental Sustainability Specialist, City of Champaign Recycling, will speak about recycling(Phyllis)

June 20th – TBD (Tom)

June 27th – Karl Gnadt, Managing Director, Champaign-Urban Mass Transit District (CUMTD) (Bob)

July 4th – TBD

July 11th – Pass the Gavel and annual Club Awards ceremony

July 18th – Tod Satterthwaite will discuss his journey abroad

July 25th – TBD

“You are not your struggles. You are the survivor who keeps moving forward in spite of them.” – Lori Deschene

“May your life preach more loudly than your lips.” – William Ellery Channing

“When you move on, the universe moves with you.” – Rune Lazuli

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Instead of our regular meeting on Thursday, May 30th we will have a “bowling” club social that evening starting at 5:30 at Old Orchard Lanes in Savoy. All are invited to attend. Keith will check at next week’s meeting as to who plans to attend for bowling, pizza and/or liquid refreshments.  

Bob reported that last Saturday’s volunteer project for the Habitat build was a success.

Cary noted that Scott and Paul have put a booklet together of our club’s personal memories of Penn Nelson. The plan is to share this with the Nelson family. Also, there are plans being put together to do a Buddy Bench project with the Boy’s and Girl’s club in Penn’s memory.

Our club’s “Pass the Gavel” day will take place on July 11th. 

PROGRAM

Darlene Kloeppel presented information about her responsibilities as the first ever Champaign County Executive. Champaign County is only the second county in Illinois to establish this form of government (the other is Will County). In 2016, Champaign County voters approved a ballot measure to restructure to an executive form of county government.  Darlene was elected in November 2018 as our first County Executive. This three-branch form of government – administrative, legislative and judicial – creates checks and balances in public decision making. 

Darlene explained her many responsibilities which include budget making, working with an independent staff, and having veto power over the county board. Part of her responsibilities also include supervising the Departments of Administration Services, Informational Technology, Planning and Zoning, Facilities, Assessments and the Board of Review.

Currently 90 employees are under her responsibility and she has made over 40 appointments to the many county districts. She has planned to travel throughout the county and meet the public. The next big task will be the county budget. The budget making process officially starting in July and completes in November. For additional information about her office and the services provided check out the website www.co.champaign.il.us.  

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

May 23rd – Erin Lippitz and Lisa Bralts, both from WILL, will discuss the 45th Anniversary of Friends of WILL and the upcoming documentary Illinois Country, respectively (David)

May 30th – No AM meeting – Club Social – 5:30 Bowling at Old Orchard Lanes in Savoy

June 6th – TBD (Ondine)

June 13th – Nichole Millage, Environmental Sustainability Specialist, City of Champaign Recycling, will speak about recycling(Phyllis)

June 20th – TBD (Tom)

June 27th – Karl Gnadt, Managing Director, Champaign-Urban Mass Transit District (CUMTD) (Bob)

July 4th – TBD

July 11th – Pass the Gavel and annual Club Awards ceremony

“The expert in anything was once a beginner.” – Helen Hayes

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” – Beverly Sills

“A little progress each day adds up to big results.” – Diana Martin

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Rotary International has eliminated the Rotary Senior Active dues waiver. Therefore, our club will not offer a senior active dues waiver effective this coming fiscal year.

Club Dues and Cash Flow: If you can please pay your dues in advance, either quarterly or yearly. This helps the club more effectively budget the year.

Bob reminded everyone that there is a Habitat for Humanity event Saturday May 11 from 8am – 4pm at 903 W Beardsley. Lunch will be included.

Keith announced May 30th as our club’s next social. It will be a bowling event, most likely at Old Orchard Lanes in Savoy.

Darrell announced that Mayor Deb Feinen is asking for Rotary support for the CU Schools Foundation ‘Goal Getters” program, created to provide academic and behavioral guidance, mentorship, family focused activities and positive community experiences to a select group of Unit 4 high school males.

May Bucket Money is for Children’s Advocacy Center, 201 W. Kenyon Rd., Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820

PROGRAM

Mary introduced Nestor Ramirez, MD, MPH (Master Public Health). Dr. Nestor Ramirez-Lopez is a neonatologist in Champaign, a board member of The Illinois State Medical Society and a member of Illinois’s Medical Cannabis Advisory Board whose mission was to identify the now 40 conditions allowed for the legal use of marijuana in the state of Illinois. Nestor is also a Champaign West Rotarian and a frequent visitor to our club meetings.

Nestor’s presentation was the History of Marijuana, changes in laws in some U.S. states, and specifically Illinois’ legalization of the “compassionate use of marijuana”.

The presentation covered the entire known history of the usage of the Cannabis plant, which has two species; Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica of which Indica is the most well known as the type associated with physical and mental effects commonly known as a “high” with Sativa more suitable for hemp use.

While there are many active ingredients in the type of cannabis most commonly known as marijuana there are 4 major components:

– THC which produces a psychoactive “high” feeling of euphoria and well-being.

– CBD which produces a relaxation/sedation feeling that is known to relieve pain from a number of maladies including migraines and arthritis, decreases in seizures and has anti-cancer properties.

– CBG which is non-psychoactive acting as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-convulsive, anti-insomnia and antidepressant.

– THCV which moderates the effects of THC while suppressing appetite and treating metabolic disorders (obesity, diabetes), Parkinson’s, PTSD, anxiety and stress.

Nestor concluded that marijuana is not always “that” marijuana but because the DEA classifies all cannabis as a Schedule 1 Drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (Schedule 1 includes heroin, LSD, Peyote, Ecstasy, Quaalude and Psilocybin mushrooms) cannabis cannot be scientifically studied in the United States. This legal sitaution leaves the usage of medical marijuana and its components largely supported by studies outside the US and conjecture. And, while one would think that medical marijuana can be prescribed in states in which it has been legalized, it still cannot be prescribed. A doctor can only certify that you have one of the 40 conditions (in Illinois) in which medical marijuana can be “compassionately” dispensed. Medical marijuana cannot be covered by insurance and is difficult to use in a controlled manner.

There are many forms of cannabis. Some strongly narcotic, some not. Some useful medicinally and some useful commercially. However, being classified as a Schedule 1 drug (codeine and morphine are Schedule 2) it is illegal to research cannabis in this country and it cannot be prescribed in a manner that allows for control and feedback.

Cannabis is a useful plant, and research is needed to better mine its potential.

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

May 16th – Todd Gleason will discuss the future of farming (Charlie)

May 23rd – TBD (David)

May 30th – No AM meeting – Club Social – Bowling TBD

June 6th – TBD (Ondine)

June 13th – Nichole Millage, Environmental Sustainability Specialist, City of Champaign Recycling, will speak about recycling(Phyllis)

June 20th – TBD (Tom)

June 27th – Karl Gnadt, Managing Director, Champaign-Urban Mass Transit District (CUMTD) (Bob)

July 4th – TBD

“We need much less than we think we need.” – Maya Angelou

“Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The club sent condolences to the family of our friend and past president, Penn Nelson.

Les and Rita Shulte are selling tickets for the Illini After Five Brews for Books fundraiser.  It will be held at Riggs Brewery from 5-8 PM on May 22.   Proceeds will go to support their Dictionary Project and the International Prep Academy.

The next Habitat for Humanity event is scheduled for Saturday, May 11.  Contact Bob if you can help out.

May Bucket Money will be donated to the Children’s Advocacy Center.   

David and Tiffany Henry have returned from visiting their Rotary Youth Exchange daughter, Lauren, in France.

Jon Rector brought a potential member, Blake Quinlan.

We were sad to hear that Maarten will be moving out of state in July.

PROGRAM – ASSEMBLY

The Fundraising Committee is looking at a number of options.   Robb will be making a trip to Key West to attend a singer-songwriter fest, with the thought that it might be an event that we could replicate.   Another member of the committee suggested a bike race.  In the meantime, we will continue the fruit sales.

Michelle reported for the Youth and Vocational Committees.   They are exploring the ideas of starting an Early Act club at Edison and of working with the vocational program at Central High School.

Diana’s committee will be doing a survey regarding membership.

The Program Committee needs another member.   This would involve making speaker arrangements about once every five weeks.   Contact Mary at maryfhodson@aol.com if you would be interested in joining the committee or helping out with a single program.

Lou will be getting the Decker Garden schedule out soon.

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

May 9th – Nestor Ramirez will discuss his recent book on the legalization of marijuana (Bob)

May 16th – Todd Gleason will discuss the future of farming (Charlie)

May 23rd – TBD (David)

May 30th – No AM meeting – Club Social TBA

June 6th – TBD (Ondine)

June 13th – Nichole Millage, Environmental Sustainability Specialist, City of Champaign Recycling, will speak about recycling(Phyllis)

June 20th – TBD (Tom)

June 27th – TBD (Bob)

July 4th – TBD

“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.” – Albert Einstein

“Saying yes to happiness means learning to say no to things and people that stress you out.” – Thema Davis

“Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life.” –Eleanor Roosevelt

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Notes provided by Allan Penwell)

Pat Kovar of Champaign West Rotary stopped by to sell raffle tickets for their forthcoming fund-raising event. Tickets are $10.00 each. Proceeds go to Carle’s mobile clinic, and others.

There were eight Sunrise members who volunteered for a food repack at East Illinois Food Bank last Tuesday night. Repacked were pinto beans, creamed corn, and potatoes. No word on how many beans or potatoes Ed Perry made off with.

Bob announced that May 11^th is a work day for Habitat for Humanity. There is availability for a morning shift and an afternoon shift. Location is 909 West Beardsley which is in the first block east of Prospect. See Bob for sign-up information.

Club Assembly is next week. If you are a committee chair, prepare updates on what is going on. We also want to know any suggestions you have for our club to make it better.

PROGRAM

Our speaker at the meeting last week was Rachel Graham of Crisis Nursery. We presented her with a check for $3,700 as the primary beneficiary of our 2018 Fruit Sale fundraiser. Rachel is Director of Development for Crisis Nursery, and she discussed the history and mission of the organization.

Crisis Nursery was started in 1984 by a few nurses and social workers at the old Burnham Hospital. They saw the need to help parents who had babies, toddlers, and young children who needed a place to go in a family crisis. Crisis Nursery creates an island of safety for children as well as help to strengthen families on a 24/7 basis. Their location is 1409 West Hill Street next to the north side of OSF.

Children come there for many reasons, including domestic disputes, family work issues, and abuse. The average stay is 8 hours with a maximum of 72 hours. When needed, referrals are made to social agencies for those children and families who have issues that cannot be resolved.

Crisis Nursery can hold up to 20 children, and it is staffed in a ratio of 3 children to one staff member. There are 30 staff members and over 150 volunteers. Funding comes from the state, OSF, United Way, and their two major events—a wine tasting and a golf outing. Another event is their holiday shop in which CUSR has helped in the past.

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

May 2nd – Club Assembly 

May 9th – TBD (Bob)

May 16th – Todd Gleason will discuss the future of farming (Charlie)

May 23rd – TBD (David)

May 30th – No AM meeting – Club Social TBA

June 6th – TBD (Ondine)

June 13th – Nichole Millage, Environmental Sustainability Specialist, City of Champaign Recycling, will speak about recycling(Phyllis)

June 20th – TBD (Tom)

June 27th – TBD (Bob)

July 4th – TBD