“We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” – Dolly Parton

 

“The direction of the mind is more important that its progress.” – Joseph Joubert – 1754-1824 – Essayist

 

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” – John Steinbeck – 1902-1968 – Author-Nobel Prize Winner, Literature

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the distinguished gentleman from Connecticut, Ed “Snowball Throwing” Perry)

 

Bucket money for April will go to CU @ Home

 

Mary Kay announced this morning that Darrell will be our next President starting his term this July. The office of President-elect now needs to be filled. Those interested please contact Mary Kay.

 

Mary Kay noted that The Rotary Club of Champaign has started in-person meetings on Mondays at noon at the Holiday Inn in Champaign. The Urbana, Champaign West, Illini After 5 and Savoy club meetings continue online. We plan to start in person meetings in June. 

 

PROGRAM

 

Cary introduced Ryan Reid as our speaker this morning. Ryan is the Director of Sports Operations for the new Rantoul Family Sports Complex.  Ryan gave an update on the new sports complex activities and all of its facilities and future plans.

 

The Complex is now open for business and sports tourism activities and local recreational use. The facility is planned for local, regional, state and national sport activities. The sports complex consists of over 60 acres in Rantoul, Illinois, and is easily accessible from Interstate 57. 

 

It contains 8 baseball/softball fields and can handle baseball for youth leagues up to minor league games. In addition, there are 8 soccer/multi use fields also available. All playing fields are 100% state of the art synthetic turf with LED lighting, scoreboards and interconnecting  technology. Along with the playing fields the complex includes ample parking space, large concession building and office space, water park activities and playfields for those with special needs. 

 

Starting this weekend, many activities have been booked through October. Ryan touched on the economic impact for Rantoul and the surrounding area and noted there are sponsorships and advertising opportunities still available.

 

For more information please go to the web site, www.rantoulsportscomplex.com or contact Ryan directly at rreid@myrantoul.com.   

 

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  Apr 22nd Apr 29th May 6th May 13th
         
Reflection Cary Woolard Michelle Barbey Keith Brandau Paul Conforti
Notetaker Hodson Conforti Perry Hodson

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

*All meetings via Zoom unless otherwise noted*

 

April 22nd – John C. Stark, Artistic Director and Derek Munson, Managing Director, Illinois Shakespeare Festival (Charlie)

April 29th – Club Social – no morning meeting

May 6th – Winnie Stortzum will discuss her trip to Portugal (Mary)

May 13th – TBD (Bob)

May 20th – TBD (Tom)

May 27th – TBD (Cary)

June 3rd – Teresa from Lodgic (Charlie)

June 10th – Club Assembly? (Mary)

June 17th – Jon L. Seydl, Director of Krannert Art Museum (Ondine)

June 24th – Pass the Gavel ceremony