“Technology can be our best friend, and technology can also be the biggest party pooper of our lives. It interrupts our own story, interrupts our ability to have a thought or a daydream, to imagine something wonderful, because we’re too busy bridging the walk from the cafeteria back to the office on the cell phone.” ― Steven Spielberg 
 
“Preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.” ― Cesar Chavez 
 
“To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.” ― Buddha 
 
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
(notes provided by the disgruntled gentleman from Connecticut, Ed Perry)
 
Nestor reminded everyone about the Rotary Blood Drive that will take place July 30 to August 4 at the Blood bank on University Avenue. Most everyone qualifies to give blood, but if you have questions please contact the Blood Bank by phone or stop in and pick up a pamphlet.
 
Phyllis noted that volunteers are needed for a variety of activities at our Club’s volunteer project at Salt and Light in Urbana on Saturday, August 11 from 9-11am. Let Phyllis know if you can join in.
 
Darrell passed around a sign up sheet with time slots for our Club’s informational booth at the Taste of CU in West Side Park on Saturday, August 18. A special blend of CU Sunrise coffee will be sold at the booth too!
 
 
PROGRAM
 
Phyllis introduced our speaker, Jayne DeLuce, who is the President and CEO of Visit Champaign County. Jayne has been in the Sports and Tourism industry for over 30 years since getting her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UIUC in Recreation, Sport & Tourism, with an emphasis on marketing. Prior to heading “Visit Champaign County” in 2009, she worked on various national and local committees including the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games. 
 
Visit Champaign County is a primarily publicly-funded organization whose mission is to market the many attractions of Champaign and surrounding counties. Through the use of PowerPoint and video, Jayne explained the various marketing tools that they use, the national conferences and trade shows that they attend, and the local associations they are part of to get the word out and bring groups in to visit this area. Jayne highlighted several positive organizations, festivals and attractions here in Central Illinois. The University of Illinois, agriculture, technology, research, arts & crafts, nature and outdoor activities, sports, and food and drink are just a few of the attractions that makes this area unique and a great place to visit. She emphasized that the friendly and welcoming attitude of the people in our community are among our strengths. 
 
Jayne touched on various examples that they continue to market and develop. One such example is the recent growth of Champaign’s downtown and midtown areas with plentiful food and drink options. U of I sports continues to be a big draw with emphasis on maintaining and attracting new activities, including Illinois high school football and wrestling state finals, baseball, soccer and sport camps. The Illinois Marathon draws an estimated $10 million benefit to the area . In addition, various conferences dealing with agriculture, technology and research also bring in visitors. We have so many activities taking place and Visit Champaign County tries to show case it all. 
 
In closing, Jayne again emphasized that the people here are truly the ambassadors that make this area a friendly place to visit and stay.  
 
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  July 26th Aug 2nd Aug 9th Aug 16th
Introductions Ethan Chew Paul Conforti Oktay Baran Michelle Barbey
Reflection Jen Shelby Lou Simpson Charlie Smith Mary Kay Smith
Greeters Ethan Chew Paul Conforti Oktay Baran Michelle Barbey
Darrell Hoemann Larry Johnson Andrew Kerins Bob La Charite
Song Leader Ata Durukan David Henry Mary Hodson Darrell Hoemann
Notetaker Penwell Hodson Conforti Perry
Decker Weeding Patton Stull   Perry
Next Weekend        
Decker Garden Simpson Simpson Perry Perry
Watering        

 
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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee member responsible listed in parentheses)
July 26th – Dr. Darren Pascavage, Founding Head of School, Academy High (Tom)
August 2nd – Bruce Knight, Planning & Development Director, City of Champaign (Bob)
August 9th – District Governor Pennie’s visit
August 16th – Jerri Kirshner, CU Symphony (Charlie) 
August 23rd – Ondine Gross, mediator and consultant who participated in the Conflict Management Training provided by a Global Grant (Mary)
August 30th – No regular meeting
September 6th – Emily Reichman, Hope Lives Rescue Ranch (David)
September 13th – Lola Lewis, Donation Liaison, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network (Phyllis)
September 20th – Deb Feinen, Mayor, City of Champaign (Tom)
September 27th – TBD (Bob)
October 4th – TBD (Charlie)
October 11th – TBD
October 18th – Kate Williams, Associate Professor, UIUC, and Abdul Alkalima, Professor Emeritus, African American Studies, UIUC, will discuss New Philadelphia, the early settlement in western Illinois  (Ed)