“One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes… and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.”― Eleanore Roosevelt 

 

 “The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.”― Rabindranath Tagore 

 

“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” ― Abraham Lincoln 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the unconventional and unorthodox Paul Conforti)

 

This weeks meeting was held at Good Shepard Lutheran Church at the corner of Prospect and Devonshire in Champaign.

 

Les Schulte from Illini After 5 promoted his club’s upcoming fundraiser, Brews for Books, to be held this upcoming Wednesday, June 13 from 5-8 at Riggs Brewery in Urbana.Tickets are $12. Each ticket is good for one of the following: a full-sized beer or three sampler-sized beers or a full-sized beverage (like wine or soda). Additional beer and beverages available for purchase. Rosati’s Pizza will be there with $6 slices. A portion of all pizza sales goes to support C-U Illini After Five Rotary literacy projects. Music by Wellspring Duo (5 to 6:00 p.m.) and Riders of the Golden Maize (6 to 8:00 p.m.)

Angela introduced Central High School student Mikaela Williams, the winner of our annual Rotary Scholarship. Mikaela, who attended with her mom, made a very nice acceptance speech and thought our breakfast offering was a big plus!

Lou reminded everyone about the volunteer activity to clear invasive species on Saturday, June 9 at Urbana Park District’s Weaver Park. Meet at the park at 8am, and plan on finishing by 10am.

Neal Chamberlain and his wife Bernie will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Saturday June 16th at 2pm at First United Methodist Church in Champaign. All are invited to stop by to celebrate this amazing milestone.

 

PROGRAM

Mary introduced our speaker, Timothy R Pauketat, who is professor of medieval studies in the Department of Anthropology at UIUC. Professor Pauketat’s spoke about his interest in the ancient Illinois civilization that existed near and around Cahokia.  He discussed the culture that nurtured it, why it thrived for several centuries and why it eventually declined and disappeared.

At its peak around 1050 AD, Cahokia had between 40,000-50,000 inhabitants. Professor Pauketat revealed what we know about early urbanization of a place this size that was able to exist for so long. Anthropologists are beginning to understand that communities of people can exist and thrive when an area appeals to the spirituality of the people, whatever that might be. Indeed, if you visit Cahokia, one of the more important historical places in Illinois, you will now be able to explore how the “city” was designed to align with a variety of astrological markers including a once per generation moon occurrence and how 12 specific mounds pertain to 12 astrological “months”.

Professor Pauketat has an amazing Wikipedia page that those curious about ancient Illinois civilizations will find fascinating.

 

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  Jun 14th Jun 21st Jun 28th July 5th
Introductions Lou Simpson Jeff Van Buren Adam Wright Oktay Baran
Reflection Robb Patton Allan Penwell Ed Perry Rod Roberts
Greeters Lou Simpson Jeff Van Buren Adam Wright Oktay Baran
Ethan Chew Paul Conforti Diana Dummitt Ata Durukan
Song Leader Oktay Baran Michelle Barbey Keith Brandau Ethan Chew
Notetaker Perry Penwell Hodson Conforti
Decker Weeding Loyd Shelby    
Next Weekend        
Decker Garden Henry Henry    
Watering        

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee member responsible listed in parentheses)

June 14th – Alternate Location – Micah Putnam, Allerton Park and Retreat Center (Mary)

June 21st – Mark Herriott, Columbia Street Roastery will discuss coffee, tea, and the roastery (Charlie)

June 28th – Annual Awards and Pass the Gavel Ceremony

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 – TBD (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 – TBD (Mary)

August 30th – No regular meeting

September 6th – TBD (David)

September 13th – TBD (Phyllis)

September 20th – TBD (Tom)

September 27th – TBD (Bob)

October 4th – TBD (Charlie)