July 5th, 2018 Newsletter

 
“Forgiveness is not always easy. At times, it feels more painful than the wound we suffered, to forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness.” ― Marianne Williamson 
 
“Someone who hates one group will end up hating everyone – and, ultimately, hating himself or herself.” ― Elie Wiesel 
 
“Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory.” ― Mahatma Gandhi 
 
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
(notes provided by the erudite Mary Hodson)
 
Global Scholar Miranda Meng made her last visit to our club.   She will be returning to Taiwan on July 19.  
 
There will be a volunteer opportunity at Salt and Light on August 11.  
 
 
PROGRAM
 
Darrell Hoemann and Mary Hodson attended the Rotary International Convention from June 23 through 27, 2018 in Toronto.   
 
Over 25,000 Rotarians from around the world were in attendance.   During the convention, they heard from Her Highness Princess Anne, former First Lady Laura Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau, the outgoing and incoming Rotary International Presidents and many more.  
 
The opening session on Sunday featured unique Canadian entertainment which included Cirque de Soleil performers, First Nation dancers and music performed on an Earth Harp.  
 
The schedule for the succeeding days consisted of a morning general session featuring inspiring speakers followed by afternoon break-out sessions and an evening ticketed social event.  
 
Darrell showed several slides from the House of Friendship, which showcased projects and programs from around the world.   
 
Mary signed up early enough to go to the Zone 30/31 Toronto Harbor Cruise and the Home Host Hospitality event.   She and Tom attended a barbecue hosted by three small rural Ontario clubs.  There they met many interesting Rotarians.  Mary was particularly impressed with PDG Wade Nomura from California.    Wade is a Foundation Cadre who travels the world to assess Rotary Global Grant projects.   Wayne supervises the volunteers who work on the Rotary Rose Bowl float.  Starting this year, he will also be in charge of 33 multi-District PETS.   Wade volunteers about 40 hours a week for Rotary, in addition to running his business and serving as vice-mayor of his town!
 
Darrell spoke about an informative breakout session on alternate membership categories.   Mary attended Wade Nomura’s break out on the new Global Grant requirement for a pre-project community assessment.  
 
Both Darrell and Mary agreed that the most valuable aspect of the convention was making new Rotary friends from around the world, and both recommended signing up early for the 2019 convention in Hamburg.  The 2020 Convention will be held in Hawaii, and the 2021 Convention will be held in Taiwan.  
 
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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee member responsible listed in parentheses)
July 12th – Dylan Gunn, Champaign Central High School Senior, will discuss his trip to Guatemala  (Mary)
July 19th – Jayne DeLuce, President and CEO, Visit Champaign County  (Phyllis)
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 – TBD (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)