“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” – Oscar Wilde – 1854-1900 – Poet-Playwright

“I have found that if you love life, life will love you back.” – Arthur Rubinstein – 1887-1982 – Pianist

“Enjoy the journey and try to get better every day. And don’t lose the passion and the love for what you do.” – Nadia Comaneci – Former Gymnast-Gold Medalist

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Bucket Money for this month continues to go to the Champaign County Humane Society.

The “Books to Prisoners” service project was a success this past Wednesday evening.

The All Area Rotary Clubs Social will take place January 29th at the Illinois Women’s Basketball game.  See Scott’s email if you already bought tickets.

An Axe Throwing social get together will take place January 31, 7pm, at the Axe Bar located at 114 S. Neil, Champaign. Those wishing to participate in the throwing of these ash-handled cutting tools will be charged $15. The bar also serves food and drink for those wanting to cheer on those who are enjoying the stress relief of implanting sharp steel into a wooden target. Contact Lisa for more information.

Our first evening Club meeting will be at 5:30 pm on Thursday, March 9th with location to be determined.

Upcoming Club Service Opportunities

Feeding Our Kids on February 11, 10 to 11:30 am

Reading Across America on March 4

Eastern Illinois Foodbank Repark on March 15

Rotary PETS meeting will be March 18

Humane Society Newspaper Rolling will begin in April so please keep collecting newspapers and either bring to April’s rolling or bring to any Thursday meeting for Ed to collect.  Ed would prefer unsoiled papers.

PROGRAM

Patty Porter was last week’s speaker and she gave an interesting program titled “Confessions of a Fifth Grade Teacher Turned Sorority House Mother.”

Patty moved to Mahomet with her family from Naperville. She and her husband (the UIUC Wrestling Coach and later Assistant Director of Athletics) raised two sons who were outstanding wrestlers in high school, college and internationally. 

Patty taught 5th grade students with behavioral disorders in Mahomet. She shared many enjoyable stories about her students and reflected fondly upon how her biggest disciplinary action was dealing with gum chewing in class.

Once retired from teaching she began the 24/7 job as “House Mother” at the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority house at 1101 W. Nevada, Urbana, on the eastern edge of the UIUC campus. Gamma Phi Beta has 90 residents and Patty had her own apartment in the house; her 24-hour full time position followed UIUC’s calendar.

Patty shared several memories of the various activities that could occur in a Sorority at any time of day. The women in the sorority, while partaking in the many activities of college age students, were dedicated to obtaining good grades, completing their education and entering successful careers. 

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

January 26^th – Cathy Warnes, life coach (Lisa)

February 2^nd – Club Assembly

February 9^th – TBD (Mary)

February 16^th – TBD (Tom)

February 23^rd – Dr. Donald Wuebbles, Harry E. Preble Emeritus Professor, UIUC  (Bob)

March 2^nd – Club Assembly

March 9^th – TBD (Cary)

March 16^th – TBD (Charlie)

March 23^rd – Marching Illini director Barry Houser (Joe)

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

January 27 – Rod Roberts

January 28 – Scott Paceley

February 14 – Ata Durukan

“Our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. – 1928-1968 – Minister and Civil Rights Activist

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.” – Jimi Hendrix – 1942-1970 – Guitarist-Singer-Songwriter

“If you’re offered a seat on the rocket ship, don’t ask what seat! Just get on.”  – Sheryl Sandberg – Former COO of Facebook

UPCOMING CLUB VOLUNTEER/SERVICE
(Notes provided by  Lisa Crane)

The 2022 Fruit Sale is almost over! The fruit is $30 per case – our goal is 400 cases sold. Asking for 100% participation with a 15-case minimum or a donation.  Proceeds will go to the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen and the Four Osprey Mobile Market. The order will go in MONDAY.  We will also purchase 40 cases to sell at the Farmer’s Market in December on the 10^th & 17^th.

We remain solid in third place in Football Picks.  Keep pickin em!  Paul shared the week’s picks

The Eastern Illinois Food Bank Repack was the night before our last meeting. Thanks to those who participated. In 2 hours, we repacked 22.5K of Land O Lakes Snickerdoodle hot chocolate packets.

Winter lights will be on display at Champaign Park District’s Prairie Farm from Thanksgiving to New Year. Groups can sign up to assist with serving hot chocolate on weekends. More information to come.

The annual C-U Sunrise Rotary Holiday Pary will be December 15 during our regular meeting. Significant others are invited. Please wear a holiday sweater and/or holiday socks. We will have our annual White Elephant exchange. Please bring a wrapped fun gift.  Lisa will email a signup so we can get a good count of how many are planning on attending.

Mary will get out email about donating gifts to the Nursing Home residents. A list will go out.

We will do our annual bell ringing for the Salvation Army at Walmart on December 10^th 10am-7pm.  People can up for 1 hour slots.

PROGRAM

Bill Behrends, Vice Principal of Champaign Centennial High School, came to talk about the current status of the high school.

Bill believes that the violence that ensued last year was the fallout of kids not being in school for a year due to COVID. The last time these freshmen were in school for a whole year was when they were in 7^th grade.

They now have weapon detectors installed which is going smoothly; they believe the machines help make students and staff feel safe at school.

As Vice Principal, his job is to mainly put out fires. He checks in with students. He enjoys helping students get through high school.  They also have a food bank at school and often send food home with needy students.  

Bill also remarked about the renovations and indicated they now have state of the art industrial, wood welding and automotive classrooms with 3D printers.

Bill announced that they have a Mentor program where mentors come in at lunch to eat with students. He encouraged the group to consider being a mentor.

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

December 1^st – Club Assembly

December 8^th – TBD

December 15^th – CUSR Holiday Party

December 22^nd – TBD (Cary)

December 29^th – Club Social

January 5^th – Club Assembly

January 12^th – TBD (Charlie)

January 19^th – TBD (Joe)

January 26^th – TBD (Lisa)

February 2^nd – Club Assembly

February 9^th – TBD (Mary)

February 16^th – TBD (Tom)

February 23^rd – TBD (Bob)

March 2^nd – Club Assembly

March 9^th – TBD (Cary)

March 16^th – TBD (Charlie)

March 23^rd – TBD (Joe)

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

December 1 – Larry Johnson

December 29 – Jerry Payonk

“You’ve got to get up every morning with determination if you’re going to go to bed with satisfaction.” – George Lorimer – 1867-1937 – Journalist-Author-Publisher

“Your circle should want you to win. Your circle should clap the loudest when you have good news. If they don’t, get a new circle.” – Wesley Snipes – Actor

“If I am going to use influence, it has to be inside me first.” – Kara Mack – Creative Director-Founder of Africa in America-Performing Artist

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Rebecca McBride, Founder and President of Four Osprey/ Mobile Market received a check from our club’s monthly bucket money.  Rebecca talked about Four Osprey and the Mobile Market bus that delivers donated food, diapers and personal hygiene items to three neighborhood locations in Champaign-Urbana for those with limited access to grocery stores and food pantries.  They have distributed over 20,000 pounds of food to 10,000 people this past year.

Club Service Projects/Activities

Green Light a Vet

Paul brought in Green light bulbs for everyone to use the week of 11/7 to 11/13 as a way for us to participate in the nationwide Green Light Veterans celebration.

Chez Veterans Center Luncheon

We will help serve lunch at the Chez Center on Nov. 9 from 11am to 1 pm.

Veterans Day Banquet

In lieu of our regular morning meeting on Nov. 10, will have a dinner from 6pm to 8pm. Guests from the Chez Veterans Center will be present and speak.

Eastern Illinois Foodbank Repack

On Nov.16 from 5 to 7pm we will help repack food at EIFB.

Central Interact Club Fundraiser 

Saturday morning, Nov. 19, we will help the Interact Club with their annual fundraiser 5k Run through Crystal Lake Park. 

Fruit Sale

Our annual fruit sale continues this month. Please send your orders to Lou. 

Salvation Army Bell Ringing

Our annual bell ringing for the Salvation Army will be Dec. 10 with a signup sheet to be available as that day approaches.  

Holiday Party

This year’s club holiday party will be during our regular Thursday morning club meeting on Dec. 15. Wear festive holiday attire and bring a fun gift to share. 

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

November 10^th – No morning meeting – Charter Anniversary Dinner

November 17^th – Bill Behrends, Assistant Principal, Centennial High

November 24^th – No Meeting – Turkey Day

December 1^st – Club Assembly

December 8^th – Dr. Donald Wuebbles, Harry E. Preble Emeritus Professor, UIUC

December 15^th – TBD (Holiday Party?)

December 22^nd – TBD (Cary)

December 29^th – Club Social

January 5^th – Club Assembly

January 12^th – TBD (Charlie)

January 19^th – TBD (Joe)

January 26^th – TBD (Lisa)

February 2^nd – Club Assembly

February 9^th – TBD (Mary)

February 16^th – TBD (Tom)

February 23^rd – TBD (Bob)

March 2^nd – Club Assembly

March 9^th – TBD (Cary)

March 16^th – TBD (Charlie)

March 23^rd – TBD (Joe)

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

November 4 – Tom Ulen

December 1 – Larry Johnson

December 29 – Jerry Payonk

“You just have to know that feeling good matters, and do your best to feel good.” -Unknown

“The highest form of ignorance is when you reject something you don’t know anything about.” – Wayne Dyer – 1940-2015 – Author

“Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you’ll be able to see further.” – Thomas Carlyle – 1795-1881 – Essayist-Historian-Philosopher

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(notes provided by the unconventional and unorthodox Paul Conforti)

We are awaiting the announcement on the Books 2 Prisoners grant. We need to contribute some of our own money to help fund the books. $20 is suggested.  Any Rotarians who would like to be added to their newsletter list can contact Rachel at rachel@books2prisoners.org.

Urbana Rotary is hosting their Whiskey Tasting fundraiser on November 5 at the Atkins Golf Room.  

CHEZ Center luncheon with U of I student veterans will be from 11am-1pm on November 9th.. We will be serving the food.  All are welcome to attend; there usually are over 100 students. Andy Bender is in charge.

Greenlight A Vet: Ray Elliott is promoting Greenlight A Vet, especially on Veterans Day November 11th, but also between the dates of November 7-13. Green is the color of hope, renewal and well-being. Greenlight a Vet is a campaign to establish visible national support for our veterans by changing one light to green.  Honor veterans changing one light to green in a visible location – porch, office as a symbol of appreciation and support for our veterans. To help share your support, take a picture of your green light and post it using the hashtag #greenlightavet.

Our Charter Veterans Day Banquet will be November 10. Tickets are $42/person. The event will start at 6pm with a cocktail hour.

The 2022 FRUIT SALE is ON! Fruit is $30 a case; our goal is 400 cases sold. Asking for 100% participation with a 15-case minimum or a donation.  Proceeds will go to the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen and the Four Osprey Mobile Market.  Sample emails have been sent and online order form has been created.

The Eastern Illinois Food Bank repack will run from 5-7pm on November 16.  See the signup sheet at our next meeting.

Winter lights from Thanksgiving to New Years at Prairie Fruit Farms. Groups can sign up to assist. More information to come.

Our annual CU Sunrise Rotary Holiday party will be on December 15^th during our regular meeting time. More information to come.   The Newsletter editorial board has heard there’s a good chance that Santa and a full team of reindeer will attend this year’s party (thanks Jarrod for volunteering for reindeer clean-up crew).

PROGRAM

The speaker this week was Dr. Tahir Saif from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. 

Aging brings about a decrease in the size of the hippocampus, the learning and memory center of the brain. Dr. Saif has researched the role of exercise in maintaining or even increasing volume in the hippocampus.

Dr. Saif defined exercise as 40 minutes of elevated heart rate (above 125bpm) at lease 3x’s per week.

The hippocampus shrinks in late adulthood, leading to impaired memory and increased risk for dementia. In randomized controlled trials with older adults, it was found that aerobic exercise training increases the size of the hippocampus, leading to improvements in memory. Exercise training increased hippocampus volume by 2%, effectively reversing age-related loss in volume by 1 to 2 years.

It was also learned that increased hippocampus volume is associated with greater serum levels of BDNF, a mediator of neurogenesis. These findings indicate that aerobic exercise training is effective at reversing hippocampus volume loss in late adulthood, which is accompanied by improved memory function.

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

November 3^rd – Club Assembly

November 10^th – Charter Anniversary Dinner

November 17^th – Bill Behrends, Assistant Principal, Centennial High

November 24^th – No Meeting – Turkey Day

December 1^st – Club Assembly

December 8^th – Dr. Donald Wuebbles, Harry E. Preble Emeritus Professor, UIUC

December 15^th – TBD (Holiday Party?)

December 22^nd – TBD (Cary)

December 29^th – Club Social

January 5^th – Club Assembly

January 12^th – TBD (Charlie)

January 19^th – TBD (Joe)

January 26^th – TBD (Lisa)

February 2^nd – Club Assembly

February 9^th – TBD (Mary)

February 16^th – TBD

February 23^rd – TBD (Bob)

March 2^nd – Club Assembly

March 9^th – TBD (Cary)

March 16^th – TBD (Charlie)

March 23^rd – TBD (Joe)

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

October 29 – Robb Patton

November 4 – Tom Ulen

“Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around.” – Henry David Thoreau – 1817-1862 – Essayist

“Enthusiasm moves the world.” – Arthur Balfour – 1848-1930 – Former British Prime Minister

“The bravest thing you can do when you are not brave is to profess courage and act accordingly.” –

Corra Harris – 1869-1935 – Writer-Journalist

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Notes provided by  Lisa Crane)

We are awaiting the announcement on the Books 2 Prisoners grant. We need to contribute some of our own money to help fund the books. $20 is suggested.  Any Rotarians who would like to be added to their newsletter list can contact Rachel at rachel@books2prisoners.org.

World Polio Day will be celebrated from 4:30-6:30 PM on October 24 at the Museum of the Grand Prairie, Mahomet.

Urbana Rotary is hosting their Whiskey Tasting fundraiser on November 5 at the Atkins Golf Room.  

CHEZ Center luncheon U of I student veterans November 9^th. 11am-1pm signups. We will be serving; all are welcome to attend, there usually are over 100 students. Andy Bender is in charge

Our Charter Veterans Day Banquet will be November 10. $42/person. Starting at 6pm with cocktail hour.

The 2022 FRUIT SALE is ON!. Fruit is $30 a case; our goal is 400 cases sold. Asking for 100% participation with a 15-case minimum or a donation.  Proceeds will go to the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen and the Four Osprey Mobile Market.  Sample emails have been sent and online order form has been created. 

Football picks, we are in third place!  Keep pickin em (aka – keep doing whatever you are doing differently this year as compared to all of the previous years)!  Lou shared the week’s picks hot off the CA putt-putt course from Paul.

The Eastern Illinois Food Bank repack is 5-7pm on November 16.  See the signup sheet at our next meeting.

Winter lights from Thanksgiving to New Years at Prairie Fruit Farms. Groups can sign up to assist. More information to come.

Our annual CU Sunrise Rotary Holiday party will be on December 15^th during our regular meeting time. More information to come.   The Newsletter editorial board has heard there’s a good chance that Santa and a full team of reindeer will attend this year’s party (thanks Jarrod for volunteering for reindeer clean-up crew).

PROGRAM

Nestor Ramirez from Champaign West Rotary came to talk about his club’s Global Grant Award.

They applied and were awarded a grant to assist the town and school of Puerto Cortez in Honduras to build a bathroom to improve sanitation and teach proper handwashing/hygiene. They developed the

WASH/WINS: Water Sanitation Hygiene  and Wash In School programs.  They have almost finished this project and will soon start on their second school.

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

October 27^th – Dr. Taher Saif, University of Illinois and Carle Illinois College of Medicine, will discuss physical exercise and mental health (Lisa)

November 3^rd – Club Assembly

November 10^th – TBD

November 17^th – Bill Behrends, Assistant Principal, Centennial High

November 24^th – No Meeting – Turkey Day

December 1^st – Club Assembly

December 8^th – Dr. Donald Wuebbles, Harry E. Preble Emeritus Professor, UIUC

December 15^th – TBD (Holiday Party?)

December 22^nd – TBD (Cary)

December 29^th – Club Social

January 5^th – Club Assembly

January 12^th – TBD (Charlie)

January 19^th – TBD (Joe)

January 26^th – TBD (Lisa)

February 2^nd – Club Assembly

February 9^th – TBD (Mary)

February 16^th – TBD

February 23^rd – TBD (Bob)

March 2^nd – Club Assembly

March 9^th – TBD (Cary)

March 16^th – TBD (Charlie)

March 23^rd – TBD (Joe)

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

October 23 – Jarrod Scheunemann

October 29 – Robb Patton

November 4 – Tom Ulen