“Patience is not simply the ability to wait, it’s how we behave while we’re waiting.”  – Joyce Meyer – American Author-Speaker

“Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.” – Auguste Rodin – 1840-1917 – Sculptor

“No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.” – Taylor Swift – Songwriter-Singer

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Notes provided by  Lisa Crane)

Ed thanked everyone who helped to fold newspapers for the Humane Society. We folded six month’s worth of cage liners, and they were very appreciative. Thanks to GSLC for hosting.

Youth exchange is looking for families to host a student.

May and June’s Bucket Bucks will go to the Child Advocacy Center

UPCOMING EVENTS & SERVICE OPPORTUNITES

May 18 (9-3:30pm) – RYLA  Rotary Leadership Institute @ Richland Community College in Decatur (the club will pay your $50 registration fee).

May 18 (9-11am) – Salt & Light

May 30 (5:30-7:30pm) – Fifth Thursday Social beer & pizza at 1607 Sandpiper Ct (Charlie & MaryKay Smith)

June 8 (9-10:30am) – Books to Prisoners

June 27 – Pass the Gavel

July – Mahomet Rotary golf outing.  Is anyone interested in getting a squad of duffers together?

PROGRAM

Last week’s speaker was Jeff Scott, Executive Director, Stephens Family YMCA.  Jeff is also a Champaign Rotarian.  He has been at the YMCA for six years. Prior to that, he was the principal of Unit 4’s Carrie Busey Elementary School.

The YMCA’s vision is to be a ray of hope in our community that inspires people to be better. The YMCS’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. He stressed that it is truly for all.

Jeff noted they are more than gym and swim. They have three basic pillars: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.  They had over 400,000 facility check ins in FY2022-23 serving 7,351 families.

Jeff discussed the different programs that they have to offer, including: after school care, home school exercise facility, Girls on the Run, a Rock Steady Boxing program for persons with Parkinson’s, and fitness programs for cancer survivors with their Nancy Yanello Cancer program.  They also provide 90 min of free care everyday with their Child Watch program.

They have Larkin’s Place which is a facility for inclusive programming with children with special needs.  Last summer hey provided inclusion care for 22 summer campers.

A new program bringing the YMCA communities that cannot reasonably travel to the Y which is called their Y on the Fly. They rented the old Swann care place and recently decided to expand and rent the entire building. They hope to include a teen program, pantry and  job training activities.

Their number one complaint is that the facility is too crowded.  So they are looking at facility expansion and hope to add another 50k sq ft.  They are also looking to focus on mothers – what do they wand need – as well as expanding their gym and preschool programs.

Other interesting facts:

*They have awarded scholarships to at least 1000 families to help with membership costs. Some people pay only $15%.

*The is YWCA not affiliated with YMCA

*Jeff explained that the YMCA has 340 year round employees.  That number increases to 450 with summer camp staff.

*They have tried in the past to partner with the Park district but it can be hard given the differences in public and private support.

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

May 16^th – Dr. Pam Lau, President, Parkland College

May 23 – Cooper, the Child Advocacy Center Comfort Dog (Joe)

May 30^th – No morning meeting
June 6^th – TBD

June 13^th – TBD

June 20^th – TBD

June 27^th – Pass the Gavel

July 4^th – ?

July 11^th – TBD

July 18^th – TBD

July 25^th – TBD

August 1^st – TBD

August 8^th – TBD

August 15^th – TBD

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

May 29 – Phyllis Mischo