“People aren’t born good or bad. Maybe they’re born with tendencies either way, but its the way you live your life that matters.”― Cassandra Clare 
 
“When I hear somebody sigh, ‘Life is hard,’ I am always tempted to ask, ‘Compared to what?’” ― Sydney J. Harris 
 
“The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.” ― Ernest Hemingway 
 
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
(notes provided by the distinguished gentleman from Connecticut, Eduardo Perrie)
 
Bob and Robb handed a $3,500 check to Michael Ujcich of the Courage Connection. The money was made possible from our annual Fruit Sale fundraiser. The Courage Connection provides services so that individuals and families can achieve safety, stability and self-sufficiency.
 
Rotarian Nester Ramirez joined us this morning and brought us up to date on his life as he recently moved back to Champaign from Chicago. All his life, Nester has been very active in community service projects and various Rotary-related activities. 
 
David noted that the cookies that are part of our breakfast this morning were provided by his daughter as she is preparing to leave for France on the Rotary Exchange Student Program.
 
 
PROGRAM
 
Oktay was the master of ceremonies and presented awards for our annual club’s awards and pass-the-gavel meeting. He thanked Bob and the Club’s board of directors for their service this past year and gave special mention to Lou, Phyllis, Allan, Andrew, Rod, Mary, Adam, David, Darrell, program committee and note takers who work throughout the year providing the critical, behind-the-scenes service for our club and district. 
 
The following Rotarians received recognition and awards this morning for contributing significant amount of time and service to our club and community.
 
Perfect Attendance
Michelle Barbey, Keith Brandau, David Henry, Mary Hobson, Bob LaCharite, John McDaniel, Phyllis Mischo, Robb Patton, Allan Penwell, Rod Roberts, Charlie Smith, Mary Kay Smith and Oktay Baran. All receive Rotary hats as the award. 
 
Special Awards
Finn Kerins received an award wrist band for his attendance at many meetings and his great attitude, charm, passion and energy. 
 
Keith Brandau received a CU Sunrise Rotarian Captain’s Hat as a special thanks for hosting the club social events this past year on his boat at Lake Shelbyville. He captained the party boat cruise, provided boat rides in his speed boat around lake Shelbyville, and hosted get-togethers on his and Kim’s house boat.
 
Alive, Alert, Awake & Enthusiastic Award
Cary Woolard
 
Courage Award
Scott Paceley
 
Distinguished Service Award
Lou Simpson 
 
Special Presentations
John McDaniel for his considerable ground work for the Hot Air balloon Festival project. 
Lou Simpson for his 30 years of unending service to our club and Rotary.
   
The New Rotarian of the Year Award
Mary Kay Smith
 
Rotarian of the Year
Robb Patton for this year’s club service, leading our successful Fruit Sales fundraiser and is an excellent example of “Service above Self”. 
 
The meeting ended with Bob receiving his past president’s pin as well as his plaque/gavel.  Cary also received his new president’s pin. Bob cited our club’s many achievements of the past year, and Cary stated plans and thoughts for our club’s coming year. 
 
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  July 5th July 12th July 19th July 26th
Introductions Oktay Baran Michelle Barbey Keith Brandau Ethan Chew
Reflection Rod Roberts Tod Satterthwaite Angie Schoonover Jen Shelby
Greeters Oktay Baran Michelle Barbey Keith Brandau Ethan Chew
Ata Durukan David Henry Mary Hodson Darrell Hoemann
Song Leader Ethan Chew Paul Conforti Diana Dummitt Ata Durukan
Notetaker Conforti Conforti Perry Penwell
Decker Weeding Hodson Johnson Kerins  
Next Weekend        
Decker Garden Johnson Simpson Simpson Simpson
Watering        

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee member responsible listed in parentheses)
July 5th – Mary and Darrell will discuss the Rotary International Convention
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 – TBD (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 – TBD (David)
September 13th – Lola Lewis, Donation Liaison, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network (Phyllis)
September 20th – TBD (Tom)
September 27th – TBD (Bob)
October 4th – TBD (Charlie)