“It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.” ― Confucius 
 
“Never respond to an angry person with a fiery comeback, even if he deserves it… Don’t allow his anger to become your anger.” ― Bohdi Sanders 
 
“True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island… to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing.” ― Baltasar Gracian 
 
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS          
(notes provided by the distinguished gentleman from Connecticut, Edward Perry)
 
Many activities and chances to volunteer are taking place these next few weeks:
*October 19: and 20th, Rotary District Conference in Normal, Illinois
*October 20: Eastern Illinois Food Bank’s food distribution in Mansfield, lL. at the Fire Station
*Nov. 3: Central Interact Club’s 5k run fundraiser 8:30 to 11:30am at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana
*Nov. 12: Veterans Luncheon at the Round Barn Center
 
Rob announced more information about this year’s club Fruit Sale. Our annual fundraiser will officially start in the next couple weeks, but you can start selling fruit now. Our goals for this year are for each club member to sell an average of 14 cases ($27 each) or contribute $200+/- in cash. A portion of the money this year will go to The Crisis Nursery. Orders will need to be in by November 16th with an estimated delivery date of the fruit on December 10th. 
 
Phyllis noted that The Times Center has purchased bed sheets and pillow cases for their men’s shelter with our donation from last year’s Fruit Sale. 
 
PROGRAM
 
Allan Penwell presented a program on his recent trip to Paris, France. He and his daughter, Ali, along with his son-in-law and family visited Paris for ten days in early September.
 
Staying in the heart of the city in a typical Paris street apartment with its elegant entrance doors, views from large windows and interior court yards, they were able to visit many historic locations, museums that contained the original works of art, enjoy fresh French pastries and meals, or just relax with a bottle of vino in many locations on the streets of Paris. 
 
Allan and family enjoyed the perfect fall weather for walking through the various neighborhoods, took advantage of Paris’ fine subway system, individual tour guide services, and a dinner cruise on the Seine river through the heart of Paris.   
 
His presentation included many photos of the trip such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triumphe, the Palace and Gardens of Versailles and a short trip to a region of Normandy, France.
 
Allan mentioned that he took art history classes in college and was able to see and enjoy the original works of several France’s great painters. 
 
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  Oct 18th Oct 25th Nov 1st Nov 8th
Introductions Darrell Hoemann Larry Johnson Bob La Charite Candy Loyd
Reflection Ata Durukan David Henry Mary Hodson Darrell Hoemann
Greeters Darrell Hoemann Larry Johnson Bob La Charite Candy Loyd
Ed Perry Rod Roberts Tod Satterthwaite Angie Schoonover
Song Leader Robb Patton Allan Penwell Ed Perry Rod Roberts
Notetaker Penwell Hodson Conforti Perry

 
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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee member responsible listed in parentheses)
October 18th – Kate Williams, Associate Professor, UIUC, and Abdul Alkalima, Professor Emeritus, African American Studies, UIUC, will discuss New Philadelphia, the early settlement in western Illinois  (Ed)
October 25th – Chris Gleason, Executive Director, Rosecrance Central Illinois, will speak about the heroin/opioid crisis in central Illinois (Phyllis)
November 1st – Kim Bryan, Executive Director, Rattle the Stars (Diana)
November 8th – Dr. Angela Williams, Associate Director, Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, UIUC (Bob)
November 15th – Bryan Medlin, Illinois Wrestling’s Regional Training Center (Charlie)
November 22nd – No Meeting – Thanksgiving
November 29th – Sue Grey, President / CEO United Way of Champaign County (David)
December 6th – TBD
December 13th – TBD
December 20th – TBD
December 27th – TBD