“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” ― Helen Keller 

 

“Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend – or a meaningful day.” ― Dalai Lama 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(notes provided by the crafty and courageous Barb Lintner)

 

The Cliff Rocks! Foundation Benefit which provides scholarships for deserving ISU and Centennial youth with cancer, will be Memorial Day Weekend.  Find information on our website, cusunrise.org.

President Rod and the board are exploring international projects which will include the opportunity to volunteer in another country.  Please let him know if you would be interested.

Mary Hodson is looking for a program committee member.   You would be responsible for a CU Sunrise program once every 4 to 6 weeks.  Let her know if you would like to serve on the committee.

 

SPEAKER

Alicia Schneider of the Champaign County Humane Society gave an energetic talk on the independent organization which is supported solely by donation.  On Memorial Day weekend, they will hold their annual Garage Sale at the old County Market near Kirby and Neil.  Check the website at cuhumane.org for information on where to drop off donations for the sale.  The Fur Ball is their other fundraiser which will take place this year in October.

The mission of the not-for-profit society is to instill respect, kindness, and compassion for animals as community values and focuses on care for companion animals.   It is an open-door shelter which accepts companion animals including small birds, lizards, chinchillas, rabbits, etc. in addition to dogs and cats; who are well, sick, or in any condition if they come from an owner.  No farm or wild animals are accepted.  Stray animals are taken care of by Animal Control which keeps them for 10 days.  The society has no time limit and animals are kept until adopted.  Animals are euthanized only for terminal illness or extreme aggression.  The average number of animals at the shelter is 100 but varies a great deal.

Its primary purpose is to provide shelter, medicine and adoption services for the animals. The facility has large cages with shelves for cats, sky lights, and holding portals.  Surgery and heartworm and burn treatments are done on site.  The rate of adoption is high and there are special programs to encourage the adoption of older animals.

A further purpose is to educate.  Visits are made to Unit 4 first grades on the topic of bite safety, to university vet classes on topics like shelter management, and to adult care facilities with animals serving as memory triggers.   In addition, the society sponsors a Pet Pals Club for those 10 to 15 years old and an Adventure Camp.

Another purpose is to promote animal welfare by conducting investigations where workers at the facility visit people with pet challenges to try to help them cope rather than to take animals from them.  Education for prevention of cruelty to animals is important for many do not realize that it is a felony or major offense. 

The Humane Society works to increase public awareness of companion animal overpopulation; there are over 6 million animals in shelters in the US.  They also try to find solutions by providing low-cost spay and neuter programs in which they partner with the university vet med school students and their mobile van.  They also sponsor a trap and return program for feral cats.

Volunteers, 18 years old and up, are welcome and are used primarily for animal socialization, especially taking them out for walks.  In addition, help is needed for fund raisers and in the medical lab.  An orientation session for volunteers is held at The Urbana Free Library and an additional tour of the shelter is provided.  Contact Alicia at cuhumane.org or 217-344-7297 if you would like to volunteer or want more information.

 

 

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  May 25th June 1st June 8th June 15th
Introductions Darrell Hoemann Larry Johnson Andrew Kerins Bob La Charite
Invocation Jen Shelby Billy Stull Jeff Van Buren Cary Woolard
Greeters Darrell Hoemann Larry Johnson Andrew Kerins Bob La Charite
Phyllis Mischo Scott Paceley Robb Patton Allan Penwell
Song Leader Andrew Kerins Bob La Charite Barb Lintner BJ Lytle
Notetaker Conforti Perry Penwell Hodson
Decker Weeding Mischo Johnson Baran Schoonover
Next Weekend Simpson      
Decker Garden Mischo Johnson Johnson Penwell
Watering Simpson      

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

May 25th – Diane Marlin, Mayor, City of Urbana (Tod)

June 1st – David Grogan, Associate Director of University Compliance, UIUC (Mary)

June 8th – Cari Rinker, attorney, will discuss Mediation: An alternative to litigation (Bob)

June 15th – Sally Carter, CEO and Founder of Tap In Leadership Academy (Laura)

June 22nd – TBD (Tom)

June 29th – Pass the Gavel and Annual Club Awards Presentation

July 6th – Joe Rank, U of I Foundation, will discuss Illinois at 150 (Mary)

July 13th – TBD

July 20th – TBD

July 27th – TBD

August 3rd – TBD

August 10th – TBD