“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Viktor E. Frankl – 1905-1997 – Psychiatrist and Author

“A dead end is just a good place to turn around.” – Naomi Judd – 1946-2022 – Singer-Actress

“If you can do what you do best and be happy, you are further along in life than most people.” – Leonardo DiCaprio – Actor-Producer

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(Notes provided by  Lisa Crane)

 

Rotary member birthdays:  We sang to Happy Birthday to Jen, Rod, and Scott!

Please sign the thank you note for Larry Craig.  We are sending him the card and a gift card for loaning his warehouse all these years for the fruit sale.

Welcome our new members Garrett Colbert & JP Thompson!

Fruit sale distribution went well. We made $1000 more than budgeted.  Darrell moved, Robb seconded, and the motion passed to donate $5000 to Sola Gratia.

 

CLUB ASSEMBLY

Thoughts on spending down our excess foundation funds.  Darrell suggested three chunks to spend down.

We discussed making a budget item to send a club representative to the International Rotary Convention.

We discussed Bucket Bucks. Michael ask, does it have to be a nonprofit? He knows of a government children’s advocacy group that is in need. We should schedule them to talk to us.

Robb suggested a defining project; something that has a signature on it like an accessible park.  Mary suggested spreading it around and having the ability to help more people. Darrell suggested more money to less places.  Another part of discussion suggested we have a club-focused area (e.g. youth, elderly).

It was requested that board minutes be sent out.

Survey monkey was suggested to get more ideas from members.

It was suggested that a subcommittee look at the themes of Rotary and suggest recipients for Bucket Bucks.

Phyllis gave an update that Decker Garden is going well.

The club agreed that one to two service projects per month is good.  

Orphan Art Sales update – We need a date. There are art festivals in spring and summer, and a lot of from August through December. Is there really a good time? Jen will come up with some dates.

Darrell announced CU SUNRISE fundraiser Karaoke Nite Feb 24, 2025 at Jupiters. We will be looking for a budget, committee, sponsors. Other places were charging a lot for the
venue rental. Jupiters does not as long as we add them as a sponsor.

Bucket Bucks for Feb Meals on Wheels was suggested, moved, and passed by membership.

Ideas for the foundation grant due in September. The club needs to match in some way to have a better chance of being awarded because the grants are getting more competitive. Do you have an idea for grant? Talk to Phyllis.

Otay gave an update on I read I count – Unit 4 and Chamber of Commerce are seeing results.

UPCOMING EVENTS & SERVICE OPPORTUNITES

February 2nd (6:30pm) Champaign Rotary Comedy Nite @ Jupiters

February 10th (9-11am) Salt & Light

February 24th (7-pm) That’s What She Said Social – Get your ticket Section 2 Rows L & M @ the Virginia

March 2 (10am-1pm) Read Across America @ Lincoln Square

March 16-17 PETS training – Ata & Lisa will be attending.

April 19-21 RYLA at Allerton

May 4 (9-noon) District Assembly

May 4 (9-noon) Newspaper folding @GSLC

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  Feb 1st Feb 8th Feb 15th Feb 22nd
Introductions Phyllis Mischo Scott Paceley Robb Patton Jerry Payonk
Reflection Paul Conforti Lisa Crane Diana Dummitt Ata Durukan
Greeters Phyllis Mischo Scott Paceley Robb Patton Jerry Payonk
Paul Conforti Lisa Crane Diana Dummitt Ata Durukan
Notetaker Conforti Perry Hodson Crane

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

 

February 1st – Elise Belknap, Licensed Professional Counselor, will discuss the social/emotional issues in our community (Michael)

February 8th – TBD (Tom)

February 15th – Aaron Bird from the Salvation Army (Cary)

February 22nd – Lex Tate, the Evolution of Campustown (Joe)

February 29th – No AM meeting (5th Thursday)

March 7th – TBD (Lisa)

March 14th – TBD (Mary)

March 21st – TBD (Michael)

March 28th – TBD (Tom)

April 4th – TBD (Cary)

April 11th – TBD (Joe)

 

 

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

 

February 14 – Ata Durukan