“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. 

 

—

  Jan 26th Feb 2nd Feb 9th Feb 16th
Introductions Jacob Bilvin Eddie Bridges Paul Conforti Lisa Crane
Reflection Robb Patton Jerry Payonk Allan Penwell Ed Perry
Greeters Jacob Bilvin Eddie Bridges Paul Conforti Lisa Crane
Phyllis Mischo Robb Patton Jerry Payonk Allan Penwell
Notetaker Hodson Crane Conforti Perry

—

 

UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

 

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

February 2nd – Club Assembly

February 9th – TBD (Mary)

February 16th – TBD (Tom)

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

March 2nd – Club Assembly

March 9th – TBD (Cary)

March 16th – TBD (Charlie)

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

 

 

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

 

January 27 – Rod Roberts

January 28 – Scott Paceley

 

February 14 – Ata Durukan