“Reading is the key that opens doors to many good things in life. Reading shaped my dreams, and more reading helped me make my dreams come true.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg – 1933-2020 – Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court

 

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe – 1943-1993 – American Tennis Player

 

“A man’s mind, stretched by new ideas, may never return to its original dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. – 1841-1935 – United States Legal Historian and Philosopher

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the disgruntled gentleman from Connecticut, Ed Perry)

 

Robb noted that it was another successful year for the fruit sale. Please get your money from the fruit sales or donation to Lou as soon as you can.

 

Get out that holiday sweater and wear it Thursday morning for this week’s Club meeting. Be sure to email Darrell any old Holiday photos you wish to share. 

 

PROGRAM

 

Ondine introduced Tracy Parsons as our speaker this morning. Tracy is the Community Relations Manager for the city of Champaign. He is responsible for managing the Community Relations Division of the City Manager’s office. He advises the City Manager on issues relating to human rights and community relations and serves as a liaison between the city and various community-based organizations, advisory boards and committees. Tracy also is responsible for facilitating the work of the Champaign County Community Coalition.

 

He has served as President/CEO of the Urban League of Champaign County and on several Boards of Directors in local businesses and social service organizations. Notably, Tracy was the first person to receive the joint keys to both Champaign and Urbana.

 

Tracy’s program this morning was on the Champaign County Committee Coalition and its vision, mission and activities. The Coalition has five areas of focus.

 

Police Community Relations

This focus area serves to bridge the gaps between law enforcement and the community, including building better communication. They hold “Listening sessions” where community members can bring discussion issues to the table for discussion.

 

Community Engagement

This focus area helps to bring together neighborhood groups by holding various block events and community gatherings. Many areas of our cities feel as if their neighborhood is isolated from the rest of the city and this group helps to break down this isolation.  The “Walk As One” activity is an example of one community engagement event.

 

Youth Development

The focus here is to provide support for youth activities and education. The initiatives include activities in the arts, culture, recreation, leadership and mental health. Over 500 young people were engaged in these activities last summer. Virtual programming has been made possible from several program partnerships.

 

Community Violence

Incidents of violence have risen to historic heights. So far this year we have had over 250 shooting incidents in Champaign County. Town halls have taken place to address gun violence. Police have been integral in addressing these town hall meetings.

 

Mutual Advocacy

Groups have been formed and meet to discuss race relations in the effort to get all groups together.

 

The Coalition currently holds monthly Zoom meetings in which are open to the public. The meetings are scheduled for every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 3:30 to 5:00pm. Please check the Champaign County Community Coalition’s website for more information about the organization and information on future monthly meetings with the Zoom connection.  

 

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  Dec 17th Dec 24th Dec 31st Jan 7th
         
Reflection Ondine Gross No regular Evening social Mary Hodson
Notetaker Hodson meeting Instead of regular meeting Conforti

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

*All meetings via Zoom unless otherwise noted*

 

December 17th – C-U Sunrise Rotary Holiday Party (held during normal meeting time)

December 24th – No meeting

December 31st – Regular meeting canceled; social at 7pm (location TBD)

January 7th – TBD (Ondine)

January 14th – TBD (Tom)

January 21st – TBD (Bob)

January 28th – TBD (Cary)

February 4th – Tom Hodson, Shelter Box (Charlie)

February 11th – TBD (Mary)

February 18th – TBD (Ondine)

February 25th – TBD (Tom)

March 4th – TBD (Bob)

March 11th – TBD (Cary)

March 18th – TBD (Charlie)

March 25th – TBD (Mary)