“The turning point in the process of growing up is when you discover the core of strength within you that survives all hurt.” ― Max Lerner 

 

“Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out.” ― Frank A. Clark 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

 

Adam is looking for a couple more volunteers to help with the Eastern Illinois Foodbank food distribution in Mansfield on April 28.

 

Mary noted that she had dinner with Maranda, our Rotary Global Scholar, who will be finishing her 2-year stay in May.

 

Cary reminded everyone of the upcoming Club elections next month.

 

 

PROGRAM

 

Darrell Hoemann gave a very informative presentation of the river cruise he and his wife took last December in Germany. The trip started in early December aboard a vessel cruising the Danube and Rhine rivers visiting the Christmas Holiday Markets of several German villages. Flying into Munich, Germany, they joined a group of 150 travelers, a portion of which included a group of U of I alumni.  The river boat included three levels of state rooms and a crew of 50. Starting in Nuremberg and navigating the Danube and Rhine Rivers, they sailed through and docked at towns along the way to Cologne, Germany. Travelers could spend time walking through the various cities and towns or just relax on board the boat and enjoy music, food and drink.   

 

The 8-day river cruise passed thru 41 locks, where the boat would raise and lower with the water levels. Many historically significant buildings, castles, vineyards and Cathedrals were seen along the way with each city and village containing Christmas celebrations and decorated Christmas markets. Darrell’s presentation contained photos of the trip including local buildings, beautiful building interiors, vineyards, Christmas markets, streetscapes, Christmas decorations including merry-go-rounds, and cobblestone walkways. 

 

At each stop, the travelers were able to take a bus or walk to the holiday celebrations that were set up in the city squares.  Christmas mulled wines (Gluhwein) and smoked beer were among the various drinks with a wide choice of Bratwurst, meats and Christmas sweets, to mention only a few, local meals to eat. Many of the stops served the mulled wines in special designed mugs from that particular city or region. Darrell brought home several such mugs for souvenirs. Each market would contain large, specially designed and built displays for that area with vendors displaying an endless variety of Christmas items for sale (think knickknacks, but better). The river cruise ended in Cologne, Germany, with it’s Christmas market and the 13th Century Gothic cathedral.  

 

 

  Apr 26th May 3rd May 10th May 17th
Introductions Robb Patton Allan Penwell Ed Perry Rod Roberts
Reflection Andrew Kerins Candy Loyd BJ Lytle Ben Mast
Greeters Robb Patton Allan Penwell Ed Perry Rod Roberts
Lou Simpson Jeff Van Buren Cary Woolard Adam Wright
Song Leader Rod Roberts Tod Satterthwaite Angie Schoonover Jen Shelby
Notetaker Penwell Hodson Conforti Perry

 

 

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

April 26th – Dennis Hesch, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, The Carle Foundation, will discuss  Carle’s expansion/development at the Curtis/I-57 interchange (Phyllis)

May 3rd – TBD (Charlie)

May 10th – Zayd Jawad, Business Buddies (Mary)

May 17th – Laura Bleill, Associate Director, Research Park, will provide an overview of Research Park and future development (Phyllis)

May 24th – Barbara Kessel, Books to Prisoners (Mary)

May 31st – TBD – Club Social

June 7th – Hostile takeover of CUSR leadership

June 14th – Micah Putnam, Allerton Park and Retreat Center (Mary)

June 21st – TBD

June 28th – TBD