“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” ― Dalai Lama 

 

“A true friend is the greatest of all blessings, and that which we take the least care of all to acquire.” ― Francois de La Rochefoucauld 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

President Rod channeled Frank Sinatra who led us in America the Beautiful.

On Saturday, 8/20, Rotary District 6490 is sponsoring a Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) at Richland Community College in Decatur. Visit http://www.hoa-rli.org/ for more info (these are excellent, and all Rotarian’s should go to one).
Our Thursday, 8/25, our regular morning meeting will be preempted by our club’s 8/25 evening Visioning meeting. Please find Bob LaCharite’s email, a response is requested from all club members.

President Rod announced that Rotary District 6490 has approved a $33,000 grant to sponsor an exchange student from Taiwan.

Phyllis Mischo announced that the Champaign Park District has awarded our club VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH for July, 2016 in recognition of our stewardship of the Decker Garden.

 

PROGRAM

Bob introduced our speaker this week, Deb Frank Feinen, the Mayor of Champaign.  Deb was elected Mayor of Champaign in 2015.

Mayor Deb Feinen has been a resident of Champaign for over forty years. She is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College in 1989 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education. In 1991, she received a Juris Doctor from the Illinois Institute of Technology Kent College of Law, and in 1992 was admitted into the Illinois Bar.

Mayor Feinen’s presentation focused primarily on the development and evolution of the downtown area throughout the 20th century taking us through the growth and development of the past 15 years.

Between 1965 and 1980 over 50 buildings were razed, and that wasn’t necessarily a good thing. Older structures typically have not only character but also are made to last. In 1980 a TIF district was created downtown which has been renewed several times and expires for good in 2017. The city is looking to establish a wrap around TIF district to the north of downtown.

There has been $4M invested by the city in the TIF district with another $27M coming from private investment. Food and beverage taxes partially fund downtown decorations, sculptures and benches.

The next big project will be to develop a $95M downtown hotel and conference center.

Mayor Feinen’s approach is to create a culture in which investors look to Champaign as great place to invest in “places, buildings and fun”.  To contact her: Email: Deb.Feinen@champaignil.gov or Office Phone: 217-403-8720.

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  Aug 18th Aug 25th Sept 1st Sept 8th
Introductions Keith Brandau Reuben Chambers Paul Conforti Diana Dummitt
Invocation Ben Mast John McDaniel Phyllis Mischo Scott Paceley
Greeters Keith Brandau Reuben Chambers Paul Conforti Diana Dummitt
Larry Johnson Andrew Kerins Bob La Charite Barb Lintner
Song Leader Darrell Hoemann Mary Hodson Larry Johnson Andrew Kerins
Notetaker Penwell Hodson Lintner Conforti
Decker Weeding Simpson Paceley    
Next Weekend        
Decker Garden Perry Simpson    
Watering        

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE

August 18th – Cassie Carroll, Champaign West Rotarian and Program Director of The Land Connection

August 25th – Regular meeting canceled; 5:00PM Club Visioning Session at (Xpm) at Hawthorne Suites

September 1st – TBD

September 8th – TBD

September 15th – Michelle and Gary Olsen will discuss their recent trip to Cuba

September 22nd – TBD

September 29th – TBD

October 6th – TBD