“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern.” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross – 1926-2004 – Swiss-American psychiatrist

“With age comes wisdom. With travel, comes understanding.” – Sandra Lake – Author

“One who conquers the sea today is ready to conquer the ocean tomorrow.” – Matshona Dhliwayo – Philosopher-Author

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(notes provided by the unconventional and unorthodox Paul Conforti)

October Bucket Bucks will go towards Polio Plus

Our annual Fruit Sale drive kicks off next meeting!

Feeding Our Kids—repack event, Saturday, October 31, 10 am-Noon at Champaign Church of Christ 1509 W John St. Champaign, IL 61821. Contact Mary Kay if interested.

Save the Date: Rotary Day for Salvation Army Bell Ringing is December 12th. More info to follow. Last year district Rotarians rang up $30,000 in donations.

Darrell has added a PayPal button to our website to make donations more convenient. PayPal charges 2.2% of the total plus 30¢ per transaction for non-profit groups.

 

PROGRAM

This week’s speaker was Sebastian Klein from the Angel Forever Foundation (Angelforever.org). 

Suicide has now become the 2nd leading cause of death for teenagers.  The Angel Forever Crusade is about filling the void of silence that is masked by “veils of stigma.” It is about being proactive on the frontlines in the battle against suicide, enhancing awareness involving the signs and risk factors related to mental health challenges and suicide, through lived experience, knowledge and support. 

The number one obstacle in suicide prevention is silence. The thoughts, feelings and emotions that cause afflictions within our minds, due to mental health challenges, are hidden behind veils of stigma; these stigmas create the silence, for both the afflicted and those that care about them.

Sebastian’s daughter Angel battled mental health challenges due to anxiety and hidden depression. She was a victim of bullying, and a victim of the silence stigma. Angel Forever is dedicated to piercing those veils of stigma and helping to break the silence and save lives.

Parents should never, ever, take “fine” as the answer to the question “How was your day today at school?”. Ask again and ask again and keep asking. It will take patience, it’s not always going to be“pretty, your child may act defensive, but they will eventually open up – and that is the most important thing. Eventually your child will reveal how their day really went, good or bad.

On Halloween, Saturday October 31st, Sebastian is having an open house at the Angel Forever Foundation Urbana location (218 W Main St Suite 101, Urbana 61801). He encourages everyone to stop by, say hi, and learn more about what he does and is trying to do.

Facebook: @angelforevercrusade

Instagram: @angel_spirit_forever

Twitter: @AngelForeverF13

 

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  Oct 22nd Oct 29th Nov 5th Nov 12th
         
Reflection Jerry Payonk Michelle Barbey Keith Brandau Eddie Bridges
Notetaker Perry Hodson Conforti Perry

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

*All meetings via Zoom unless otherwise noted*

 

October 22nd – Dr. Vik Amar, Dean, UIUC College of Law, will talk about “The Flaws of the Electoral College and How to Replace It”  (Tom)

October 29th – TBD 

November 5th – Sam Banks, President/CEO, Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club (Bob)

November 12th – TBD (Cary)

November 19th – TBD (Charlie)

November 26th – No meeting – Thanksgiving

December 3rd – Susan Zola (Mary)

December 10th – TBD

December 17th – TBD