November 9th, 2017 Newsletter

“A hero is someone who, in spite of weakness, doubt or not always knowing the answers, goes ahead and overcomes anyway.” ― Christopher Reeve 

“The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no person. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.”― Alice Morse Earle 

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Notes provided by Allan Penwell)

Bob asked members to bring guests to our club meetings. We have interesting speakers that many people would enjoy. He also passed around the most recent Central Illinois Business Magazine that features this year’s group of Forty Under Forty. He asked members to invite someone out of this group to our club. We need new members as our goal for this year is 8.

Our club will be sponsoring a student through the Rotary Outbound Youth Exchange Program. More details to come.

Bell ringing for the Salvation Army will take place again this year on December 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the North Prospect Walmart.  Sign-up sheets will be coming.

The fruit sale is in full swing. Orders need to be in by November 16th to Robb.

Veterans in the audience were asked to stand up. After the meeting, Robb and Allan spoke with Oktay who is also a veteran when he lived in Cyprus. In the 1960s Greeks controlled Cyprus although Turks were 30% of the population which included Oktay. Trouble broke out, and Oktay was a commando lieutenant for the Turks. Oktay’s experiences would be a great program in the future.

We need a few more volunteers for the CHS Interact 5K run on November 18th at Crystal Lake Park. See Michelle. We are a primary sponsor and will donate $500.

Cary is now our official President-Elect. Thanks for serving and hats off to you, Cary.

Bucket money for November will go to Veterans Day One on One. Bucket Money for December will go to Prairielands Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

PROGRAM

Mary introduced our speaker, Kari May.  Kari May has been involved with children throughout her career. She has degrees in psychology and criminal justice. For 10 years she was with Head Start and worked with children and their families to make sure both were on the right path. Kari is now the Executive Director of Children’ Advocacy Center (CAC) in Champaign.

A segment of our population that she talked about is at high risk. These citizens have issues of brain development; triple the rate of heart disease; and a life expectancy that is 20 years lower than the general population. These are children who have been sexually abused. Statistics show the abuse occurs in one in four girls and one in six boys.

These children are typically abused by family members and close friends, and they are traumatized for the rest of their lives. They become vulnerable and may even come in contact with a second predator at their young ages. They have health problems, sleeping problems, and have a life in confusion.

Initial contacts are made through the Department of Children and Family Services. DCFS than contracts with CAC for interviews and handling the case. Kari reports that her agency interviews over 200 children a year. On staff is an expert interviewer who is a former police officer and is a specialized counselor. The CAC is funded by grants and donations. They are a participant charity in the Illinois Marathon as well as other local opportunities.

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

November 16th – Adelaide Aime, Executive Director, RACES