“Today is a new day. Even if you were wrong yesterday, you can get it right today.” – Dwight Howard – Basketball Player

 

 

“You are far too smart to be the only thing standing in your way.” – Jennifer J. Freeman – Actress

 

 

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust – 1871-1922 – Novelist-Critic-Essayist

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the erudite Mary Hodson)

Ed thanked the 12 members who helped fold newspapers for the Humane Society.

President Scott attended the Parkland Scholarship Ceremony. 

Rotary Leadership Institute will be held on April 29 at Richland Community College.

Nine members signed up for Books 2 Prisoners on April 24. 

The Champaign Rotary Golf Outing and Corn Roast will be held in August 21.

 

PROGRAM

Mary introduced Lorrie Pearson, Executive Director of the Champaign County Forest Preserve District.

Lorrie explained the Champaign Forest Preserve District’s three part mission:

1) to conserve nature;
2) to educate about natural and cultural resources; and
3) to provide compatible recreation opportunities. 

The Forest Preserve District manages 4,000 acres of natural areas with 45 miles of hiking trails, a golf course and museum at Lake of the Woods, and an interpretive center at Homer Lake.

To celebrate the Forest Preserve’s 75th anniversary, Mahomet artist Marla Beyer created vintage style posters depicting each of the six preserves.

Lake of the Woods, opened in 1948, is the oldest preserve in the District.  The par 3 golf course is Audubon certified as wildlife friendly.

Middle Fork River is an International Dark Sky-designed park where you can view the night sky free of light pollution.

The Forest Preserve District offers rental facilities too. Lorrie’s favorite is the Salt Fork Center at Homer Lake.  Near Homer Lake is Hidden Acres, a satellite site full of Bluebells right now. 

Eventually, the Kickapoo Rail Trail will be completed from Urbana to Kickapoo State Park. 

The CCFPD needs community volunteers to help with collections, clear invasive species and serve on committees.   Please contact the Forest Preserve District if you would like to help. 

Lorrie invited us all to explore the varied programs and awe-inspiring places the Champaign County Forest Preserves offer.

 

—

  April 27th May 4th May 11th May 18th
Introductions Jerry Payonk Allan Penwell Ed Perry Joe Rank
Reflection Darrell Hoemann Jacob Bilvin Eddie Bridges Paul Conforti
Greeters Jerry Payonk Allan Penwell Ed Perry Joe Rank
Oktay Baran Michelle Barbey Jacob Bilvin Eddie Bridges
Notetaker Crane Conforti Perry Hodson

—

 

UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

 

April 27th – TBD (Tom)

May 4th – TBD

May 11th @ 5:30PM – Janet Summers, will discuss the fall OLLI schedule (Bob)

May 18th – TBD (Cary)

May 25th – Joe Rank will discuss his Honor Flight

June 1st – TBD

June 8th @ 5:30PM – TBD (Charlie)

June 15th – TBD (Lisa)

June 22nd – Christopher Manson, VP for Government Relations at OSF, will discuss Ambulances for Urkaine (Lisa)

June 29th – TBD

 

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

 

April 3 – Mary Hodson

April 15 – Michelle Barbey

April 23 – Ray Elliott

April 24 – Mary Kay Smith