August 10th, 2023 Newsletter

 

“Difficult and meaningful will always bring more satisfaction than easy and meaningless.” – Maxime Legace – Professional Ice Hockey Player

 

“The great thing in this world is not so much where you stand, as in what direction you are moving.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes – 1841-1935 – Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court

 

“I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong.” – Audrey Hepburn – 1929-1993 – British Actress-Humanitarian

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

August 10 – Rotary Leadership Institute

 

September 8-9 – District 6490 Conference

 

August 21 – Tom Costello Memorial Golf Outing and Corn Roast at Lake of the Woods

 

August 26 – Rotary Leadership Institute

 

September 8-9 – District 6490 Conference

 

October 8 – ShelterBox fundraiser in memory of CU Sunrise Rotarian Gary Olsen

 

November 9 – CU Sunrise Anniversary and Veteran’s Day Dinner at City View; No AM meeting

 

Bucket Bucks – August – CU at Home

 

 

 

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

 

August 21- 26 – Rotary Blood Drive

 

August 21 – 26 – CU Sunrise Diaper Drive

 

September 2, 9-11 AM – Salt and Light

 

September 9 – Feeding Our Kids

 

September 30, 3 – 11 PM, Octoberfest

 

October 3, 5-6:30 PM, Books 2 Prisoners

 

October 14 – 6:30 AM – Noon,  CU Sunrise Rotary Booth at Urbana Farmer’s Market – Save your Rotary magazines to hand out.

 

 

PROGRAM

 

Michael Hogue introduced Kelly Russell representing the Champaign County Home Visitors Consortium.   Kelly introduced Hailey Ogle, Nursing Supervisor for Carle’s Home Visiting Program, and Bobbie Webb from DSC, who are also members of the Consortium.  

 

Six years ago, the local agencies with home visiting components decided to coordinate their efforts.  There are currently eight member agencies, including the United Way, serving approximately 750 families.   Six of the programs serve birth to age three and the other two serve children birth to age five.   Due to the shortage of bi-lingual home visitors, there is a waiting list for Spanish speaking families to receive services.

 

Kelly said their programs are the “springboard to the schools.’   Her program, CU Early Learning, has four home visitors, including two who are bilingual.   They make at least two visits per month to the homes of families enrolled.  

 

Bobbie Webb is with DSC’s Parent Wonders Program.   She does all of the child developmental screenings for Champaign County.   Her agency serves children to age five and connects children to early intervention programs.    She said that the children she evaluates have fallen behind because of Covid.   She said that they are coming into schools without skills, like sitting for story time, that the teachers expect them to have.   Home visitors model reading to the children.  About 25% of the parents are illiterate so the program has incorporated books with pictures for those families.   

 

Bobbie also does a teen moms and dads program at Rantoul High School.  Last year, they had 14 students enrolled and six so far this year.

 

Hailey Ogle said that Carle has two home visiting programs.  Family Foundations is a post-partum program.   Healthy Beginnings serves from pregnancy to age 2.

 

On behalf of CU Sunrise, Kelly Russell and Michael Hogue are writing an application for a District Grant.   If received, the grant will provide “winter kits”, hats, mittens, socks and books for children enrolled in their programs.   CU Sunrisers will help with packing the kits.

 

  Aug 17th Aug 24th Aug 31st Sept 7th
Introductions Diana Dummitt Darrell Mary Hodson Darrell Hoemann
Reflection Allan Penwell Ed Perry Joe Rank Rod Roberts
Greeters Diana Dummitt Oktay Mary Hodson Darrell Hoemann
Allan Penwell Ed Perry Joe Rank Rod Roberts
Notetaker Crane Conforti Perry Hodson

 

UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

 

August 17th – District Governor

August 24th – Joe Rank, Taste of Northern Italy

August 31st – TBD

September 7th – TBD

September 14th – TBD

September 21st – Poets Corey Van Landingham and Chris Kempf (Thom)  

September 28th – Jarrod Scheunemann will discuss his mission trip and park development project in Bilisht, Albania

October 5th – TBD

October 12th – Brittany Millington, Director, Champaign Public Library (Thom)

October 19th – TBD

October 26th –  John Clark, who will discuss Storybook, a program that allows inmates to maintain a connection to children by recording stories for their children (Mary)

November 2nd – Dr. Dan Simons, Professor, Psychology, UIUC, co-author of “The Invisible Gorilla” and “Nobody’s Fool”

November 9th – no morning meeting – Anniversary Dinner at CityView

 

 

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

 

August 24 – Allan Penwell

August 30 – Darrell Hoemann

August 30 – Ed Perry

By |2023-08-14T10:50:46-05:00August 14th, 2023|Newsletter|0 Comments

August 3rd, 2023 Newsletter

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 August 21 – Tom Costello Memorial Golf Outing and Corn Roast at Lake of the Woods

 August 26 – Rotary Leadership Institute

September 9 – District 6490 Conference

November 9 – CU Sunrise Anniversary and Veteran’s Day Dinner

Bucket Bucks –  August – CU at Home 

Shelter Box Stock the Box Fundraiser – See http:// http://www.shelterboxusa.org/

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

August 8, 5:30 – 7:30 PM – Assemble School Kits at United Way

August 21 – 26 – Diaper Drive

September 2, 9-11 AM – Salt and Light

September 9 – Feeding Our Kids

September 30, 3 – 11 PM, Octoberfest

Program

Cary introduced Jared White as our speaker this morning. Jared is the Executive Director of the Prairie Lands Council for the Scouts of America. The Council consists of nine counties in east central Illinois and western Indiana, and current has approximately 1,900 active Scouts. The group includes boys and girls from kindergarten to 20 years of age. Four full-time and three half-time employees are the paid staff with an average of 600 volunteers. 

Jared presented information about the many activities that the scouts can be involved in locally and nationally along with the council’s ownership of Camp Drake and it’s activities, facilities and history. Local Rotary clubs have helped to provide cabins and facilities since the beginning of Camp Drake.

Jared noted that prior to COVID there were approximately 3,000 active scouts in the local Prairie Lands Council.  He is on a mission to increase the current numbers back to the pre-COVID numbers and continue stressing diversity in the membership and leadership. Jared noted that Prairie Lands is one of the top 10 diverse scouting groups in the country. 

He presented the current Prairie Lands budget numbers, noting the costs to maintain their properties and programs and how funds are raised by individual membership cost, fundraising activities with candy bar and popcorn sales, and the need for donations by individuals and groups. 

By |2023-08-10T08:53:19-05:00August 10th, 2023|Newsletter|0 Comments

July 27th, 2023 Newsletter

 

“I am grateful for the blessings of wealth, but it hasn’t changed who I am. My feet are still on the ground. I’m just wearing better shoes.” – Oprah Winfrey – Actress – Talk Show Host – Producer – Philanthropist

 

“The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence.” – Roy T. Bennett – 1939-2014 – Author

 

“Love and gratitude can part seas, move mountains, and create miracles.” – Rhonda Byrne – Author

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the erudite Mary Hodson)

 

July 30 4-8 PM – Lou Simpson Celebration of Life at the Rose Bowl.  Please bring salsa and chips to share.

 

August 2, 7 AM – Zoom Board Meeting.  Contact Charlie for meeting link.

 

August 21 – Tom Costello Memorial Golf Outing and Corn Roast at Lake of the Woods

 

August 26 – Rotary Leadership Institute

 

September 9 – District 6490 Conference

 

November 9 – CU Sunrise Anniversary and Veteran’s Day Dinner

 

Bucket Bucks – July – Feeding our Kids,  August – CU at Home

 

Larry announced the passing of CU Sunrise past president and Shelter Box USA board member Gary Olsen on July 26.

 

Shelter Box Stock the Box Fundraiser – See http:// http://www.shelterboxusa.org

 

 

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

 

August 8, 5:30 – 7:30 PM – Assemble School Kits at United Way

 

August 21 – 26 – Diaper Drive

 

September 2, 9-11 AM – Salt and Light

 

September 9 – Feeding Our Kids

 

September 30, 3 – 11 PM, Octoberfest

 

October 14 – 6:30 AM – Noon, CU Sunrise Rotary Booth at Urbana Farmer’s Market – Save your Rotary magazines to hand out.

 

 

PROGRAM

 

President Charlie introduced a tape of RI President Gordon McInally at the International Convention.

 

President MacInally’s theme is “Create Hope in the World”.  He said that performing acts of kindness is the most important thing we can do to improve our own sense of well-being.  

 

This Rotary year, Rotary will prioritize mental health.   President McInally shared that his brother Ian suffered from depression, and despite having a successful life, ultimately took his own life.  

 

RI has started a Rotary Action Group for Mental Health.  President McInally also talked about two new programs “Think Like Me”, an emotional literacy training, and “Wellness in a Box.”

 

President McInally asks all Rotarians to become champions of the effort to help erase the stigma of mental illness and to become caring friends for those who suffer.

 

 

  Aug 3rd Aug 10th Aug 17th Aug 24th
Introductions Paul Conforti Lisa Crane Diana Dummitt Ata Durukan
Reflection Robb Patton Jerry Payonk Allan Penwell Ed Perry
Greeters Paul Conforti Lisa Crane Diana Dummitt Ata Durukan
Robb Patton Jerry Payonk Allan Penwell Ed Perry
Notetaker Perry Hodson Crane Conforti

 

UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

 

August 3rd – Jared White, Executive Director of Prairie Lands Council of Boy Scouts (Cary)

August 10th – Kelly Russell from the Champaign County Home Visiting Consortium (Michael)

August 17th – District Governor

August 24th – Joe Rank, Taste of Northern Italy

August 31st – TBD

September 7th – TBD

September 14th – TBD

September 21st – Poets Corey Van Landingham and Chris Kempf (Thom)  

September 28th – Jarrod Scheunemann will discuss his mission trip and park development project in Bilisht, Albania

October 5th – TBD

October 12th – Brittany Millington, Director, Champaign Public Library (Thom)

October 19th – TBD

October 26th – TBD

November 2nd – Dr. Dan Simons, Professor, Psychology, UIUC, co-author of “The Invisible Gorilla” and “Nobody’s Fool”

November 9th – no morning meeting – Anniversary Dinner at CityView

 

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

 

August 24 – Allan Penwell

August 30 – Darrell Hoemann

August 30 – Ed Perry

By |2023-07-30T15:49:39-05:00July 30th, 2023|Newsletter, Uncategorized|0 Comments

July 20th, 2023 Newsletter

 

“The soul is stronger than its surroundings.” – William James – 1842-1910 – Psychologist

 

“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” – Cynthia Ozick – Writer

 

“In order to move others deeply we must deliberately allow ourselves to be carried away beyond the bounds of our normal sensibility.” – Joseph Conrad – 1857-1924 – Author

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(notes provided by Lisa Crane)

 

July 29 – Rotary at the Park

July 30, 4 PM – Celebration of Lou at the Rose Bowl.  Bring chips and salsa.

August 21 – Tom Costello Golf Outing and Corn Roast

August 26 – Rotary Leadership Institute

September 9 – District Conference

November 9 – CU Sunrise Anniversary and Veteran’s Day Dinner

 

Bucket Bucks for July – Feeding Our Kids

Bucket Bucks for August – CU at Home

 

Shelter Box Stock the Box Fundraiser – See http://www.shelterboxusa.org

 

Phyllis’ reflection was on the origin of the fortune cookie by a Japanese chef in 1914. We each received a cookie to share the fortunes during bucket bucks

  

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

August 8, 5:30 – 7:30pm – Assemble School Kits at United Way

August 21 – 26 – CU Sunrise Diaper Drive

September 2, 9-11am – SALT & LIGHT in Urbana

September 9 – Feeding our Kids

October 14 – Rotary booth at Urbana Farmer’s Market

 

 

PROGRAM

The speakers this week were Tom Mitchell and Joy Hoffsommer who presented The Midwestern Roots of Tennessee Williams (1911-1983).  Joy is retired from Parkland College, and Tom is retired from the UIUC Theater department.

Tennessee Williams was the most productive playwright from 1944-6, including writing eight plays which became movies.  These movies included The Glass Menagerie, Street Car Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Night of the Iguana.

Tom and Joy read from The Caterpillar Dogs which is a collection of previously unpublished stories that came out in 2023.  Tom is the editor of this collection.

There are annual Tennessee William festivals in St Louis and New Orleans.  The next Provincetown Tennessee Williams Festival will be Sept 7-17 in University City, MO.

We were entertained with a poem from Middle West. Tom and Joy also performed a series of anecdotes, jokes, newspaper, clippings, and advertising jingles. 

One short story was written after his bus station stop in Champaign, IL called Ten Minute Stop short story after trip to Chicago 1936

Another one of Tennessee Williams’s short stories was based in Springfield, IL – Entrances to Heaven or the Dream of Springfield IL.

They read the poem and discussed connections they have to Illinois and the Midwest.

Williams was buried in St Louis by his brother, but he wanted to be buried at sea.

The name Tennessee perhaps came from fraternity brothers who called him that due to his southern accent.

 

Next week’s speaker will be RI President Gordon McInally.

 

  July 27th Aug 3rd Aug 10th Aug 17th
Introductions Eddie Bridges Paul Conforti Lisa Crane Diana Dummitt
Reflection Scott Paceley Robb Patton Jerry Payonk Allan Penwell
Greeters Eddie Bridges Paul Conforti Lisa Crane Diana Dummitt
Scott Paceley Robb Patton Jerry Payonk Allan Penwell
Notetaker Conforti Perry Hodson Crane

 

UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

 

July 27th – RI President Gordon McInally’s speech announcing this year’s theme (pre-recorded)

August 3rd – Jarod from Boy Scouts of America prairie land council (Cary)

August 10th – Kelly Russell from the Champaign County Home Visiting Consortium (Michael)

August 17th – District Governor

August 24th – Joe Rank, Taste of Northern Italy

August 31st – TBD

September 7th – TBD

September 14th – TBD

September 21st – Poets Corey Van Landingham and Chris Kempf (Thom)  

September 28th – Jarrod Scheunemann will discuss his mission trip and park development project in Bilisht, Albania

October 5th – TBD

October 12th – Brittany Millington, Director, Champaign Public Library (Thom)

October 19th – TBD

October 26th – TBD

November 2nd – Dr. Dan Simons, Professor, Psychology, UIUC, co-author of “The Invisible Gorilla” and “Nobody’s Fool”

November 9th – no morning meeting – Anniversary Dinner at CityView

 

 

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

 

July 28 – Cary Woolard

 

August 24 – Allan Penwell

August 30 – Darrell Hoemann

August 30 – Ed Perry

By |2023-07-25T13:51:40-05:00July 25th, 2023|Newsletter|0 Comments

July 13th, 2023 Newsletter

 

 

“The wisest route to a successful solution to nearly any problem begins with understanding its history.” – David McCullough – 1933-2022 -Historian-Writer

 

“Please remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.” – Margaret Mead – 1901-1978 – Anthropologist

 

“It’s time to start living the life we’ve imagined.”- Henry James – 1843-1916 – Writer-Author-Novelist

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the erudite Mary Hodson)

 

July 29 – Rotary at the Park

 

July 30, 4 PM – Celebration of Lou at the Rose Bowl.  Bring chips and salsa.

 

August 21 – Tom Costello Golf Outing and Corn Roast 

 

August 26 – Rotary Leadership Institute

 

September 9 – District Conference 

 

November 9 – CU Sunrise Anniversary and Veteran’s Day Dinner

 

Bucket Bucks for July – Feeding Our Kids

 

Bucket Bucks for August – CU at Home

 

Shelter Box Stock the Box Fundraiser – See http://www.shelterboxusa.org

 

 

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

 

August 8, 5:30 – 7:30 – Assemble School Kits at United Way

 

August 21 – 26 – CU Sunrise Diaper Drive

 

September 2, 9-11 AM – Salt and Light

 

September 9 – Feeding Our Kids

 

October 14, 6 AM to Noon – CU Sunrise members will staff the Rotary booth at the Farmer’s Market

 

 

PROGRAM

 

Jennifer Shelby continued her presentation about movie making.  She got the idea to become a producer after hearing a Rotary speaker on the subject in 2013. Today she is a line producer for Shatter Glass Films.

 

Shatter Glass films currently has three very different films showing.  “Revealer” was shot during Covid.   “Black Mold”, featuring our own Mary Kay Smith as an extra, was shot in March, 2022, at locations such as Ott’s Diner in Rantoul and at the Morgan Funeral Home in Savoy.  It will make its international debut at the London Fright Fest in August.   “Revealer” was shot during Covid, and they just finished “Holiday Hotel”, a heist comedy.

 

The last time Jennifer spoke to the club, she explained how they “break down” a script to arrive at a budget for a film.  Then a pre-production schedule and a detailed production schedule, listing cast, make up, props and vehicles needed for each scene are put on spread sheets.  Make up artists take a picture of each actor on the first day of filming to ensure that they are made up the same way each time they appear.  Cell phones are not allowed on sets, so pieces of script called “sides” are handed out each day of filming.

 

The SAG provides that actors be paid at the rate of $379 per day or $1539 per week.   They are paid overtime if they work over 12 hours per day or 44 hours per week.   Added to the actors pay is a 10% fee for their agents.  Their contract requires that three meals a day or a per diem ($12, $18, $30) as well as transportation and lodgings, are provided.

 

Jennifer explained that her success lies in the business background and philosophy that she brings to the artistic side of film making. 

 

  July 20th July 27th Aug 3rd Aug 10th
Introductions TBD Eddie Bridges Paul Conforti Lisa Crane
Reflection Phyllis Mischo Scott Paceley Robb Patton Jerry Payonk
Greeters TBD Eddie Bridges Paul Conforti Lisa Crane
Phyllis Mischo Scott Paceley Robb Patton Jerry Payonk
Notetaker Crane Conforti Perry Hodson

 

UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

 

July 20th – Tom Mitchell and Joi Hoffsommer, will discuss Tennessee Williams (Michael)

July 27th – RI President Gordon McInally’s speech announcing this year’s theme (pre-recorded)

August 3rd – TBD (Cary)

August 10th – TBD (Michael)

August 17th – District Governor

August 24th – Joe Rank, Taste of Northern Italy

August 31st – TBD

September 7th – TBD

September 14th – TBD

September 21st – Poets Corey Van Landingham and Chris Kempf (Thom) 

September 28th – TBD

October 5th – TBD

October 12th – TBD

October 19th – TBD

October 26th – TBD

November 2nd – Anniversary Dinner

November 9th – Dr. Dan Simons, Professor, Psychology, UIUC, co-author of “The Invisible Gorilla” and “Nobody’s Fool”

 

 

SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

 

July 20th – Tom Mitchell and Joi Hoffsommer, will discuss Tennessee Williams (Michael)

July 27th – TBD (Tom)

August 3rd – TBD (Cary)

August 10th – TBD (Michael)

August 17th – District Governor

August 24th – Joe Rank, Taste of Northern Italy

August 31st – TBD

September 7th – TBD

September 14th – TBD

 

 

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

 

July 6 – Paul Conforti

July 28 – Cary Woolard

 

By |2023-07-17T20:57:34-05:00July 17th, 2023|Newsletter|0 Comments

July 6th, 2023 Newsletter

 

 

“Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will.” – James Stephens – 1880-1950 – Irish Poet-Storyteller

 

“The roughest roads often lead to the top.” – Christina Aguilera – Singer-Songwriter

 

 

“Increase your confidence in your self-worth and in your ability to contribute good things to the world.” – Lindsey Stirling – Violinist

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

 

As our new club treasurer, Tod, noted that our club is moving to the Rotary record keeping and financial reporting software. There may be a few bumps and glitches with this switch, but in the long run it will be a benefit now and in the future. If you have any questions or issues, please contact Tod.

 

Additional Announcements:

July 18 Mahomet Golf Outing

July 29 Rotary at the Ballpark

July 30 Lou Celebration at the Rose Bowl

Aug 21 Champaign Rotary Tom Costello Golf Outing

Aug 26 Rotary Leadership Institute

Sept 8 & 9 District Conference at the I Hotel

Nov 9 CU Sunrise Anniversary Party

 

Upcoming Service Opportunities:

Aug 8 – 5:30 to 7:30pm – Assemble School Kits at United Way in Savoy

Aug 21-26 CU Sunrise Diaper Drive

Sept 2 – 9:00 to 11:00 am – Salt and Light in Urbana

Sept 9 – Feeding our Kids

Aug. 12 or Sept 9 or Oct 14 – Rotary Booth at Urbana Farmer’s Market

 

SPECIAL REQUEST

 

From Christopher Manson, OSF Healthcare (Christopher.M.Manson@osfhealthcare.org) – “I am looking for someone to pick up about a vans worth of supplies. Including some extrication equipment, some other tools and fire department turn out the gear. I’d need them to bring that stuff down from the upper peninsula of Michigan near Chassell and bring it all the way down to Schiller Park in Illinois which is where our warehouse is located near O’Hare airport. So if that’s something that someone can do we can even pay to rent a van if needed.  We need to have this delivered to our warehouse by 7/13.  If anyone is able to help I can provide exact addresses and such.”

 

C-U Sunrise Rotary Club Awards

 

Oktay presented, with the club’s deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication to the ideals of Rotary, the following awards:

 

Rotarian of the Year: to Scott Paceley

 

New Rotarian of the Year: to Lisa Crane

 

Alive-Alert-Awake and Distinguished Service Awards: to Ed Perry

 

Courage Award: to Trina Simpson in memory of Lou Simpson for his past 36 years of dedicated service to our Club. Trina thanked the club and recalled how Lou loved Rotary and C-U Sunrise. She then presented a check to the club from Lou. Scott also noted that a tree in Lou’s memory will be planted later this year just to the west of the C-U Sunrise Don Decker Garden. 

 

  July 13th July 20th July 27th Aug 3rd
Introductions Oktay Baran Jacob Bilvin Eddie Bridges Paul Conforti
Reflection Bob La Charite Phyllis Mischo Scott Paceley Robb Patton
Greeters Oktay Baran Jacob Bilvin Eddie Bridges Paul Conforti
Bob La Charite Phyllis Mischo Scott Paceley Robb Patton
Notetaker Hodson Crane Conforti Perry

 

UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

 

July 13th – Jen Shelby, The Sequel (Mary)

July 20th – Tom Mitchell and Joi Hoffsommer, will discuss Tennessee Williams (Michael)

July 27th – TBD (Tom)

August 3rd – TBD (Cary)

August 10th – TBD (Michael)

August 17th – District Governor

August 24th – Joe Rank, Taste of Northern Italy

August 31st – TBD

September 7th – TBD

September 14th – TBD

 

 

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

 

July 6 – Paul Conforti

July 28 – Cary Woolard

By |2023-07-10T09:23:53-05:00July 10th, 2023|Newsletter|0 Comments

June 22nd, 2023 Newsletter

 

“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”- Anthony J. D’Angelo – Author-Speaker

 

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt – 1884-1962 – Former First Lady of the United States

 

“Too many people miss the silver lining because they’re expecting gold.” – Maurice Setter – 1936-2020 – English Football Player & Manager

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(Notes provided by Lisa Crane)

Mary’s reflection on her experience hosting International Rotarians from Bhopal and Indore India was very entertaining! We were instructed to sit for this reflection!  She was given several gifts and gave some gifts in return. She also gained flags from the two clubs.

Bucket bucks for June will go to Ambulances for Ukraine.  Bucket bucks for July will go to Feeding our kids.

Club & District Installation Sunday, June 25, 2023.  We will have a good group attending.

Weekly Decker Garden watering. Please sign up for slots after 7/3.
June 29 Social at Riggs 5:30.pm  THIS WILL ONLY BE A SOCIAL.
July 6 PASS THE GAVEL
July 10 Mahomet Rotary GOLF
July 29 ROTARY at the Ballpark St Louis
July 30 Lou Celebration of Life at Rose Bowl in Urbana

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES 
July 5 – 5-7pm Books to Prisoners *note updated date*

July 8 – 7am-noon – Rotary Booth at Urbana Farmers Market

Aug 8 – 5:30-7:30pm – Assembling the United Way school kits at United Way in Savoy

Week of Aug 21 – Diaper Drive.  Our goal is 20,000 diapers.

Sept 2 – 9-11am – Salt & Light in Urbana

Sept 9 – Feeding our Kids

 

SPEAKER
Our speaker last week was Christopher Manson, Vice President of Government Relations for OSF Healthcare in Peoria. He manages all local, state & federal legislative and regulatory issues that impact OSF Healthcare. Prior to that, he worked as a Regional Director for 11 years for Providence St Joseph Healthcare in California.   In addition to his professional career, Chris has served in the US Marine Corps Reserve and has served as a volunteer firefighter. He and his wife are the proud parents of a 7-year-old daughter.

AMBULANCES FOR UKRAINE was an idea that began in March 2022. His daughter wanted to do something for the Ukrainians she saw on the news. An idea to help with providing a fully loaded ambulance evolved.

Discussions with the Ukrainian consulate in Chicago led to the first ambulance from Peoria (with local support of supplies) being sent on March 29 2022.  After this success, requests for more ambulances were surfacing. Chris was able to find additional interest in supporting the Ukrainians with supplies and ambulances. Chris met with regional and federal levels of government in Ukraine including the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America (UMANA).  He has made two trips to Ukraine to see what was needed and how they were being used. The areas of Kyiv, Kharkiv and Dnipro have benefitted.

To date there have been donations from 18 states with the most coming from Illinois.
He has named each operation and the latest one, Operation Florian, was in January 2023 which was sponsored by grants from Rotary International in the amount of $100,000.  This operation included a few fire engines. July 2023 will mark the 9th shipment totaling 50 ambulances and approximately 10 fire engines.  They are also looking for some SUVs to help with providing medical supplies.  

 

  June 29th July 6th July 13th July 20th
Introductions Mary Kay Smith Cary Woolard Oktay Baran Jacob Bilvin
Reflection Darrell Hoemann Larry Johnson Bob La Charite Phyllis Mischo
Greeters Mary Kay Smith Cary Woolard Oktay Baran Jacob Bilvin
Mary Hodson Darrell Hoemann Larry Johnson Bob La Charite
Notetaker Conforti Perry Hodson Crane

 

UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

 

June 29th – Pass the Gavel

July 6th – Club Assembly

July 13th – Jen Shelby, The Sequel (Mary)

July 20th – Tom Mitchell and Joi Hoffsommer, will discuss Tennessee Williams (Michael)

July 27th – TBD (Tom)

August 3rd – TBD (Cary)

August 10th – TBD (Michael)

August 17th – District Governor

August 24th – Joe Rank, Taste of Northern Italy

August 31st – TBD

September 7th – TBD

September 14th – TBD

 

 

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

 

July 6 – Paul Conforti

July 28 – Cary Woolard

By |2023-06-26T15:45:50-05:00June 26th, 2023|Newsletter|0 Comments

June 15th, 2023 Newsletter

 

“The real difficulty is to overcome how you think about yourself.” – Maya Angelou – 1928-2014 – Poet-Singer-Activist

 

“Dream big and dare to fail.” – Norman Vaughan – 1905-2005 – Dogsled Driver-Explorer

 

“Seek to be whole, not perfect.” – Oprah Winfrey – Television Personality, Actor, Philanthropist

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the erudite Mary Hodson)

 

Effective immediately, the second Thursday meetings will return to the 6:45 AM meeting time.

 

June Bucket money is going to Ambulances for Ukraine.  July bucket money will go to Feeding Our Kids.

 

Please email Cary with suggestions of places to meet for club socials.

 

Help is needed at the Decker Garden.  Sign up online.

 

Mail your dues to Todd or bring them to the next meeting.

 

July 8 – Rotary booth at Urbana Farmer’s Market

 

July 29 – Rotary day at the Ballpark

 

July 30 – Lou’s celebration of life at the Rose Bowl

 

August 21 – CU Sunrise Diaper Drive begins

 

November 9 – Charter and Veteran’s Day Charter Banquet at City View.  No AM meeting

 

 

PROGRAM

 

Jerry introduced Perry Morris, VP of the CC History Museum and President of the CC Genealogical Society.   Perry has a keen interest in the history of local arts.

 

The Champaign County Historical Museum is currently housed in the Cattle Bank, the oldest extant building in CU, located at 102 East University.   Building on the Cattle Bank began in 1856 and it opened in 1857.   The president, BF Harris, was an owner of prize-winning beef cattle, hence the name Cattle Bank.   The bank failed and the building housed a drug store for many years.

 

The Champaign County History Museum was located in the Wilbur Mansion until 1997 when the city sold the building.  In 2001, the museum relocated to the Cattle Bank.   Last year, the Illinois Museum Association named it the “Small Museum of the Year.”

 

The museum has a local research library and an on-line catalogue of its artifacts, at http://www.champaigncountyhistory.org.  They are currently digitizing the St. Joseph Record and want to digitize other small town newspapers in the future.  At the History Harvests, the public is invited to bring in objects relating to local history for scanning.  They also record oral histories.

The museum is currently seeking artifacts and stories about Farm Aid, in preparation for the 50th anniversary. 

 

History talks are held by zoom or in-person on the third Thursday of every month.

 

The museum is open Wednesdays 1-5 PM, Thursdays, 1- 7 PM, Fridays, 1-5 PM and Saturdays 10-5 PM.

 

  June 22nd June 29th July 6th July 13th
Introductions Charlie Smith Mary Kay Smith Cary Woolard Oktay Baran
Reflection Mary Hodson Darrell Hoemann Larry Johnson Bob La Charite
Greeters Charlie Smith Mary Kay Smith Cary Woolard Oktay Baran
Ray Elliott Mary Hodson Darrell Hoemann Larry Johnson
Notetaker Crane Conforti Perry Hodson

 

UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

 

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

June 29th – Pass the Gavel

July 6th – Club Assembly

July 13th – Jen Shelby, The Sequel (Mary)

July 20th – TBD (Michael)

July 27th – TBD (Tom)

August 3rd – TBD (Cary)

August 10th – TBD (Michael)

August 17th – District Governor

August 24th – TBD (Joe)

August 31st – TBD

September 7th – TBD

September 14th – TBD

 

 

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

 

June 17 – Jacob Bilvin

June 19 – Joe Rank

 

July 6 – Paul Conforti

July 28 – Cary Woolard

By |2023-06-19T13:47:07-05:00June 19th, 2023|Newsletter|0 Comments

June 8th, 2023 Newsletter

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” – Edith Wharton – 1862-1937 – Writer

 

 

“We first make our habits, then our habits make us.” – John Dryden – 1631-1700 – English Poet-Translator-Playwright

 

 

“Success in life is not for those who run fast, but for those who keep running and are always on the move.” – Bangambiki Habyarimana – Author-Community Worker

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the distinguished gentleman from Urbana, Ed Perry)

 

Scott welcomed everyone to our monthly evening meeting which included members from the Illini After Five Rotary club and the Savoy Club.

 

Scott noted that Volunteers are needed to water the Decker Garden, see Darrell’s email for the sign-up sheet.

 

This month’s bucket bucks will be going to Ambulances for Ukraine.

 

Larry will pass around a sign-up sheet for Books to Prisoners at this week’s meeting.

 

Members were reminded that Rotary dues are due June 15.  See Tod’s email on 5/29.

 

Pass the Gavel Day will take place June 29

 

“Rotary Day at the Park” in St. Louis is July 29

 

Lou Simpson’s Celebration of Life will be the evening of July 30 at the Rose Bowl in Urbana.

 

CU Sunrise Rotary Club’s “Diaper Drive” will be the week of August 21

 

PROGRAM

 

Darrell introduced Kirk Banner as this evening’s speaker. Kirk is a recently retired air traffic controller who presented a program on the annual EAA Aircraft event in Oshkosh, WI of which he has been an active participant for many years.

 

With 650,000 attending last year’s event, the activities for this weeklong gathering include:

-1,400 Forums and workshops

-3,226 Show planes

-10,000 Aircraft

-40,000 campers

 

Kirk began his presentation with the history of the Experimental Aircraft Association up through the current EAA AirVenture events. The event attracts participants who drive, fly or bus to the event.

 

For the week of the event, the Oshkosh airfield is the busiest air control tower in the world. Kirk explained how the team of air traffic controllers handle the constant plane traffic in and out of the landing fields. With all the people moving in and out, camping, staying at hotels, workshops, museums, children’s activities, concerts, shopping and just watching the various airshows, it takes many volunteers to plan, organize and handle the six square miles of activities and do it safely.

 

Kirk showed photos and videos of the many examples of the types of air and space craft one would see at the event. From the early days of flight, through the various aircraft used in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, up through the present day, various types of planes are available to see. Experimental aircraft, home built planes, Sea Planes, gyroplanes up to the largest transport planes, and the Blue Angels, day and night, one can see them all!

 

This year’s show will be the week of July 24 to July 30. For more information go to http://wwweaa.org

 

  June 15th June 22nd June 29th July 6th
Introductions Jen Shelby Charlie Smith Mary Kay Smith Cary Woolard
Reflection Ray Elliott Mary Hodson Darrell Hoemann Larry Johnson
Greeters Jen Shelby Charlie Smith Mary Kay Smith Cary Woolard
Ata Durukan Ray Elliott Mary Hodson Darrell Hoemann
Notetaker Hodson Crane Conforti Perry

 

UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

 

June 15th – TBD (Lisa)

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

June 29th – Pass the Gavel

July 6th – Club Assembly

July 13th @ 5:30PM – Jen Shelby, The Sequel (Mary)

July 20th – TBD (Michael)

July 27th – TBD (Tom)

August 3rd – TBD (Cary)

August 10th @ 5:30PM – TBD (Michael)

August 17th – District Governor

August 24th – TBD (Joe)

August 31st – TBD

September 7th – TBD

September 14th @ 5:30PM – TBD

 

 

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

 

June 14 – Bob LaCharite

June 17 – Jacob Bilvin

June 19 – Joe Rank

 

By |2023-06-09T20:38:20-05:00June 9th, 2023|Newsletter|0 Comments

June 1st, 2023 Newsletter

 

“When within yourself you find the road, the right road will open.” – Dejan Stojanovic – Poet-Writer-Essayist-Philosopher-Businessman

 

 

“There are no wrong turnings. Only paths we had not known we were meant to walk.” – Guy Gavriel Kay – Fantasy Fiction Writer

 

 

“Every morning is a fresh start. Wake up with a thankful heart.” – Kristen Butler – Editor-Producer

 

 

Announcements and Volunteer Service Projects

(notes provided by the distinguished gentleman from Connecticut, Edward Perrie)

The list of next year’s club officers was approved. Charlie Smith will be our next president and the president-elect position is still open. Tod Satterthwaite will be our new treasurer.

 

June 8: This Thursday we will meet in the evening starting at 5:30pm. The speaker will be Kirk Banner who will present a program on the EAA event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Please invite friends or any of your aviation enthusiasts to attend this meeting.

 

This month’s Bucket money will go to Ambulances for Ukraine.

 

Don Decker Garden weekly watering sign-up sheet has been emailed to members. Please sign up online. Unlocking the hose and spigot requires opening locks with the numeric combination of 1408. The spigot and hose are connected to the Park District’s yard hose bib and then to the garden’s sprinkler system. If watering volunteers have any questions text Ed at 217-369-3064.  Texts preferred between 10pm-6am.

 

June 10: Feeding our Kids

 

June 10: the start of the Rotary Booth at the Urbana Farmer’s Market

 

June 15: Due date for everyone to pay for next year’s Rotary Dues and select a payment plan for meals and possible donations. See Tod’s email.

 

June 29: Club meeting for Pass the Gavel Day

 

July 6: Club meeting with the yearly awards presentation

 

July 29: Rotary Day at the Ballpark in St. Louis

 

July 30: “Celebration of Life” for Lou Simpson at the Rose Bowl in downtown Urbana under the Tent. Festivities will run from 4pm to 8pm+/-

 

November 9: Currently scheduled for our annual club charter night dinner.  It may be combined with a Veterans Day celebration to be held that evening with dinner at The City Center. More information to come.

 

Club Assembly 

The floor was opened for random discussion on various future and past club projects and activities and additional topics. 

 

Here’s a summary:

Charlie asked for any and all ideas for future recipients for our Bucket Bucks donations.

 

Oktay noted that “iRead iCount” is a very worthwhile volunteer opportunity for our members. Additional info can be found at  https://www.champaigncounty.org/iread-icount

 

Evening club meeting attendance and combing meetings/activities with Savoy and Illini after Five Rotary clubs.

 

Books to Prisoners projects will be a regular club volunteer project with  scheduled meetings every 2 to 3 months.

 

Possible volunteer projects discussed included Holiday Shop with the Crisis Nursery, working with the local Park Districts on volunteer projects, and working with the Savoy Rotary Club on their litter pick up.

 

Club member birthday cards and happy birthday singing will continue.

 

Our Annual Fruit Sale Fundraiser is being considered as a joint project teaming up with Sola Gratia Farm as a fundraiser for both of us.

 

Planning has begun for a future “Krannert Uncorked” as a club social.   

 

  June 8th June 15th June 22nd June 29th
Introductions Larry Johnson Jen Shelby Charlie Smith Mary Kay Smith
Reflection TBD Ray Elliott Mary Hodson Darrell Hoemann
Greeters Larry Johnson Jen Shelby Charlie Smith Mary Kay Smith
Diana Dummitt Ata Durukan Ray Elliott Mary Hodson
Notetaker Perry Hodson Crane Conforti

 

UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

 

June 8th @ 5:30PM – Kirk Banner will discuss the EAA event at Oshkosh (Darrell)

June 15th – TBD (Lisa)

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

June 29th – Pass the Gavel

July 6th – Club Assembly

July 13th @ 5:30PM – Jen Shelby, The Sequel (Mary)

July 20th – TBD (Michael)

July 27th – TBD (Tom)

August 3rd – Club Assembly

August 10th @ 5:30PM – TBD (Michael)

August 17th – District Governor

August 24th – TBD (Joe)

August 31st – TBD

September 7th – Club Assembly

September 14th @ 5:30PM – TBD

 

 

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

 

June 2 – Oktay Baran

June 7 – Lisa Crane

June 9 – Diana Dummitt

June 14 – Bob LaCharite

June 17 – Jacob Bilvin

June 19 – Joe Rank

By |2023-06-06T13:52:15-05:00June 6th, 2023|Newsletter|0 Comments
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