“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John Fitzgerald Kennedy – 1917-1963 – Politician – Former President of The United States

“Appreciation can change a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” – Margaret Cousins – 1878-1954 – Indian-Irish Poet

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness, that most frightens us.” – Nelson Mandela – 1918-2013 – Political Leader – Philanthropist – Former President of South Africa

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Notes provided by Allan Penwell)

 

Our holiday party is Thursday, December 19th (this week!). There are custom omelets for breakfast so we would like to have everyone come around 6:30 a.m. so all can be served.

 

In the membership contest, the Porridge Packs and the Gurts are not doing so well so they need to step up their game plan.

 

Diana has distributed cards on the table to complete for contact information of guests that you bring.

 

Paul sent an email to members about the college football bowl games. It is the same deal as last year that half of the pot goes to Sunrise Charitable Foundation, and the winner(s) takes the rest. Please participate.

 

 

Program

 

Molly Delaney was our guest speaker on December 12th, and she is vice president of development for Eastern Illinois Foodbank. Many of us have helped with repacks and mobile food distribution so it was informative to get an update from Molly.

 

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank exists to alleviate hunger in eastern Illinois by providing a reliable source of food for the hungry through cooperation with a network of food pantries and agencies. It distributes foods in 18 Illinois counties from Livingston in the north to Clay in the south. Last year over 10.5 million pounds were distributed with the help of staff and 2,100 volunteers.

 

In 2018, there was over $12.3 million in contributed food to EIFB plus $1.4 million in cash donations so this is a large operation.  One in 8 people in eastern Illinois struggle with food insecurity, including 1 in 6 children. The Foodbank does not directly serve clients, but food is provided to agencies like food pantries, soup kitchens, snack programs, and shelters who serve the hungry. Through agencies and programs, Eastern Illinois Foodbank supplied food to more than 58,000 people a month last year.

 

Thanks Molly, and it was good to see you again.

 

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  Dec 19th Dec 26th Jan 2nd Jan 9th
Introductions Diana “Shredding sledder” Dummitt No No Ata Durukan
Reflection Eddie “Claus” Bridges regular regular Larry Johnson
Greeters Diana “Shredding sledder” Dummitt morning morning Ata Durukan
Allan “Frosty” Penwell meeting meeting Ed Perry
Song Leader Robb “Rudolph” Patton     Allan Penwell
Notetaker Hodson     Conforti

 

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

December 19th – CUSR Holiday Party

December 26th – No meeting

January 2nd – TBD (David)

January 9th – Club Assembly

January 16th – Rush Record, Executive Director, CASA (Mary)

January 23rd – TBD (Bob)

January 30th – TBD

February 6th – TBD (Cary)

February 13th – TBD

February 20th – TBD (Charlie)

February 27th – TBD (David)

March 5th – TBD (Mary)

March 12th – TBD

March 19th – TBD (Ondine)

March 26th – TBD (Tom)