“Be healthy and take care of yourself, but be happy with the beautiful things that make you, you.” – Beyonce – Singer-Songwriter-Actress

“You will always have the time for the things you choose to put first in your life.” – Brad Turnbull – Author

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” – Henry David Thoreau – 1817-1862 – Essayist

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the bionic man from Connecticut, Edward Perry)

Ata presented Allan Penwell a special pin for his multiple Paul Harris contributions.

Lisa noted how she met Rotary’s International President Elect at the recent Presidents Elect Training Seminar (PETS) that she attended.  

April 4, 6pm Central Interact International Fair

April 12, 7am CUSRC Board Meeting by Zoom

April 16, 8:30am-1pm Marathon Hydration Station at GSLC

May 17 10am to 12noon CC Humane Society Newspaper Roll at GSLC – please keep saving your Newspapers!

May 30 Champaign Rotary’s Action Auction

June 12 Final Club Assembly of the year and next year’s committee assignments

June 14 Rotary Expo and Installations

June 21-25 Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada

Sept 8 Diaper Drive Week

PROGRAM

Les introduced our speaker this morning, Todd Gleason. Todd is with the College of ACES here at UIUC and has been the voice of agriculture in the State of Illinois since 1984. He currently can be heard daily on his half hour show starting at 2:00pm on WILL radio along with numerous other avenues where he reports on all aspects of  agriculture.

Todd works hard to present unbiased reporting with information on everything dealing with his farm reports. He noted he has always been a non-commercial broadcaster, and he is proud to be part of the history of WILL Radio. WILL Radio reporting started back in 1922. 

This morning’s message centered on how Todd has continued to improve over his 40+ years, including the best ways to produce and deliver his agriculture messages. He gave several examples of the ways he has made his work more efficient, faster and more focused for his listeners. Starting with one of the first laptops so he could work from home to now the use of a phone, camera with monopod and laptop he can produce a total presentation anywhere and send it to the WILL studio for broadcasting. He has begun experimenting with AI to put his information into a “Broadcast” mode.

Todd finished with answering various questions from the group on the history of tariffs to the importance of Pot Ash. While touching on tariffs and farm subsidies, Todd noted that 48% of Illinois’ corn and soybeans production is shipped out of the country.

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

March 27^th – Dr. Jeffery Mondak, James M. Benson Chair in Public Issues and Civic Leadership, UIUC, will discuss the relationship between personality types and political opinions (Mary)

April 3^rd – Andrea Fain, District 6490 International Service Committee Chair, will discuss their recent trip to Guadalajara (Cary)

April 10^th – Melissa Courtwright, Executive Director, CU at Home (Charlie)

April 17^th – Zack Schweig, Executive Chef, Hamilton Walkers, will discuss how COVID changed the restaurant industry (Joe)

April 24^th –  Dr. Joyce E. Hofmann, Research Affiliate, Illinois Natural History Survey, PRI, UIUC will discuss catching bats in the wild in Illinois (Les)

May 1^st – Dr. Whitney Gutierrez of Christie Hospital (Lisa)

May 8^th – TBD (Mary)

May 15^th – TBD (Cary)

May 22^nd – TBD (Charlie)

“Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald – 1896-1940 – Novelist

“Most people are rowing against the current of life.  Instead of turning the boat around, all they need to do is let go of the oars.” – Esther Hicks – Inspirational Speaker-Author

“The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” – John Maxwell – Coach-Author

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the erudite Mary Hodson)

March 24, 3-5 PM – Feeding Our Kids, contact Larry to sign up.

April 4, 6 PM – Central Interact International Fair

April 12, 7 AM – CUSRC Board meeting by Zoom

April 16, 8:30 AM – 1 PM – Marathon Hydration Station at GSLC

May 17, 10-1 – CCHS Newspaper rolling at GSLC – keep saving newspapers

May 30 – Champaign Rotary Action Auction

June 14 – Rotary Expo and Installation

Sept. 8 – Diaper Drive Week

Dean Olson from GSLC visited to recruit people for their Habitat for Humanity Build Trip to El Salvador, June 6-15.  Contact Dean at DeanLOlson@gmail.com for more information.

Governor-elect John Calderon announced that the District will sponsor the cost of membership for one new member in each club this year.  They will be inducted at the Installation on June 14.   He also encouraged members to sign up for the Rotary International Convention in Calgary from June 21-25.   

 PROGRAM

Joe introduced Brandon Fischer from the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

The ReStore, located at 1914 Glenn Park Drive, Champaign, kept 225, 000 items out of the landfills last year.   The ReStore accepts donations of furniture, building materials, electronics, hardware, tools, sporting goods, etc., but not clothing.   Donations can be dropped off during business hours, Tuesday 10-6, Wednesday – Friday, 10-2 and Saturday 10-4.   Donations are also accepted between 5-6 PM, Wednesday – Friday.  You can arrange for free pick up of larger items at cuhabitat.org/request-a-pic-up or by calling 217-819-5112.

The store has a website and Instagram account where they feature newly donated items.

Habitat for Humanity will dedicate its 137th home on March 27.   Recipients must give 300 hours of volunteer time in order to qualify.  Habitat also maintains a community garden within walking distance of 70 of the Habitat built homes.

Volunteers are needed and orientations are held on Wednesdays at 3:30 PM and Saturdays at 9:30 AM.

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

March 20^th – Todd Gleason, Farm Broadcaster with the College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences (ACES) at UIUC and WILL Radio (Les)

March 27^th – Dr. Jeffery Mondak, James M. Benson Chair in Public Issues and Civic Leadership, UIUC, will discuss the relationship between personality types and political opinions (Mary)

April 3^rd – Andrea Fain, District 6490 International Service Committee Chair, will discuss their recent trip to Guadalajara (Cary)

April 10^th – Melissa Courtwright, Executive Director, CU at Home (Charlie)

April 17^th – Zack Schweig, Executive Chef, Hamilton Walkers, will discuss how COVID changed the restaurant industry (Joe)

April 24^th – TBD (Les)

May 1^st – TBD

May 8^th – TBD (Mary)

May 15^th – TBD (Cary)

May 22^nd – TBD (Charlie)

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

March 14 – Michael Hogue

“Each day provides its own gifts.” – Marcus Aurelius – 121-180 – Roman Emperor

“Technique and ability alone do not get you to the top; it is the willpower that is most important.” – Junko Tabei – 1939-2016 – Mountaineer-Author-Teacher

“When you choose to collect experiences rather than things, you never ever run out of storage space.” – Joshua Becker – Author-Writer-Philanthropist-Pastor

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

(notes provided by the distinguished gentleman from Urbana, Edward Perrey)

Lisa noted that one meeting in March is needing a breakfast cook 

February Bucket Bucks are going to DSC

Feb 27, 6:30 to 8pm- Central Interact Trivia Night in Central’s Library. Contact Lisa if you want to be part of the team.

March 8 – Read Across America. Contact Mary Kay to sign up.

March 11,5-6:30pm- Books to Prisoners. Let Larry know if you can make it.

April 4 – Central Interact International Fair

April 26 – Help GSLC at the Marathon Race at a water station

May – date to be determined, C.C. Humane Society Newspaper Roll

May 30 – Champaign Rotary Club’s Action Auction

June 14 – Rotary District Expo & Installation   

CLUB ASSEMBLY

Ata asked members and committee chairs to report to the club on past and future activities.  

Fundraising 

Robb reported that the club’s Karaoke event was a success in raising money and was a fun evening. Let Robb know of any thoughts you may have for future fundraising events. Also let Robb know of any song suggestions for his next gig.

International Service

Eddie announced that he is looking at a way to help Zambia with their Radio Station and/or medical supply needs. A contact at Bloomington’s Rotary club was suggested.

Membership

Ata noted that continued success in gaining members relies on each member and to keep up the good work.

Community Service Projects

Larry brought the club up to date on the many service projects our club has done this past year and continues to do. 

The Salt & Light, Books to Prisoners, and Feeding our Kids projects have continued on a quarterly fashion. 

Feeding our Kids is now taking place at EIFB and are serving 7,200 in 44 area schools every week and helped EIFB with several food Repacks. 

We have helped the local United Way with School Kits, Winter Kits and Signs assembly. 

We also helped with Crisis Nursery’s Holiday Shop and Salvation Army’s Bell Ringing. 

Larry thanked everyone who has helped with all the various projects and thanked Garrett for his work with Sola Gratia Farm and Eddie with the Don Decker garden.

Program Committee

Mary thanked the committee members for once again putting together great speakers for our club meetings. Mary noted that Lisa will be leaving the program committee as she begins as our club president and a new committee member(s) is needed. Any and all suggestions for speakers are welcome.

Public Relations

Darrell continues to do a great job in getting our name out to the public with his ideas in print, Facebook and photos.

Social

Cary continues to organize Social events for our club for the 5thThursday of the month. Any ideas from members for socials are welcomed. 

Central High School Interact Club and CU Sunrise Scholarship

Mary Kay noted how active our High School Interact club is and that we help sponsor each year their Fall Race in Crystal Lake Park. She also noted that our club provides a $1,500 scholarship to Parkland Community College for a high school student.   

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

February 27^th – Mitch Marlow, Sales & Public Relations Manager, Virginia Theatre (Charlie)

March 6^th – TBD (Lisa)

March 13^th – Brandon Fischer, Director, Salvation Army ReStore (Joe)

March 20^th – Todd Gleason, Farm Broadcaster with the College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences (ACES) at UIUC and WILL Radio (Les)

March 27^th – Dr. Jeffery Mondak, James M. Benson Chair in Public Issues and Civic Leadership, UIUC, will discuss the relationship between personality types and political opinions (Mary)

April 3^rd – TBD (Cary)

April 10^th – TBD (Charlie)

April 17^th – Zack Schweig, Executive Chef, Hamilton Walkers, will discuss how COVID changed the restaurant industry (Joe)

April 24^th – TBD (Les)

May 1^st – TBD

May 8^th – TBD (Mary)

May 15^th – TBD (Cary)

May 22^nd – TBD (Charlie)

“Don’t dig up in doubt what you planted in faith.” – Elizabeth Elliot – 1926-2015 – Author

“The only journey is the one within.” – Rainer Maria Rilke – 1875-1926 – Poet-Novelist

“People who shine from within don’t need the spotlight.” – Unknown

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by Mary Hodson)

Condolences to Jen Shelby in the loss of her father.

CU Sunrisers sang Happy Birthday to Ata and Susan.

Ata thanked all who helped with the Karaoke Contest and announced that it netted $956.00, plus one anonymous donation.  He also read a Thank You note from Nestor and Lynda Ramirez.

February Bucket Bucks will be donated to DSC.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Feb. 22, 9-11 AM, Salt and Light

Feb. 27, 6:30-8 PM, Central Interact Trivia Night in the library den.   Let Lisa know if you would like to be part of the CU team!

March 8 – Read Across America – contact Mary Kay to sign up.

March 11, 5-6:30 PM – Books 2 Prisoners

April 4 – Central Interact International Fair

April 26 – Help GSLC man water station for the Race

May 30 – Champaign Rotary Action Auction.

June 14 – District Expo and Installation

PROGRAM

Lisa Crane, with the able assistance of Winona Kerins, gave us a lesson in self- care.

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

February 20^th – Club Assembly

February 27^th – Mitch Marlow, Sales & Public Relations Manager, Virgina Theatre (Charlie)

March 6^th – TBD (Lisa)

March 13^th – Brandon Fischer, Director, Salvation Army ReStore (Joe)

March 20^th – Todd Gleason, Farm Broadcaster with the College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences (ACES) at UIUC and WILL Radio (Les)

March 27^th – Dr. Jeffery Mondak, James M. Benson Chair in Public Issues and Civic Leadership, UIUC, will discuss the relationship between personality types and political opinions (Mary)

April 3^rd – TBD

April 10^th – TBD

April 17^th – TBD

April 24^th – TBD

May 1^st – TBD

“Forever is composed of nows.” – Emily Dickinson – 1830-1886 – American Lyric-Poet

“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.” – Andy Rooney – 1919-2011 – Radio, Television Writer

“Don’t confuse your path with your destination. Just because it’s stormy now, doesn’t mean you aren’t headed for sunshine later. Don’t lose faith.” – Trent Shelton – Football Player

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Last week was our karaoke fundraiser at Jupiters.  Many thanks to those who helped organize such a successful event.  More details, including photos, to come soon.

In honor of his upcoming birthday (Friday, 2/14), Ata has requested the usual happy birthday song be sung with extra gusto this week.  Don’t let him forget to have us sing!

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

February 13^th – Spa Day (Lisa)

February 20^th – Club Assembly

February 27^th – Mitch Marlow, Sales & Public Relations Manager, Virgina Theatre (Charlie)

March 6^th – TBD (Lisa)

March 13^th – Brandon Fischer, Director, Salvation Army ReStore (Joe)

March 20^th – TBD (Les)

March 27^th – Dr. Jeffery Mondak, James M. Benson Chair in Public Issues and Civic Leadership, UIUC, will discuss the relationship between personality types and political opinions (Mary)

April 3^rd – TBD

April 10^th – TBD

April 17^th – TBD

April 24^th – TBD

May 1^st – TBD

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

February 14 – Ata Durukan

“It’s okay to be proud of what you’ve done. It’s okay to believe you deserve something because you’ve put in the work for it.” – Rugby star Ilona Maher on she doesn’t struggle with imposter syndrome.

“Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you.” – Eileen Caddy – 1917-2006 – Author

“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line.” – Lucille Ball – 1911-1989 – Entertainer-Businesswoman

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This week we will not have a morning meeting.  Instead, we will gather at 5pm at the Axe Bar in Champaign. Rumor has it that Ed Perry will bring his own axes and show off his skillz.

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

January 30^th – Evening social at Axe Bar

February 6^th – Karaoke fundraiser (no AM meeting)

February 13^th – TBD (Cary)

February 20^th – Club Assembly

February 27^th – Mitch Marlow, Sales & Public Relations Manager, Virgina Theatre (Charlie)

March 6^th – TBD (Lisa)

March 13^th – TBD (Joe)

March 20^th – TBD (Les)

March 27^th – TBD (Mary)

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

January 18 – Jen Shelby

January 27 – Rod Roberts

January 28 – Scott Paceley

“Not everything that is faced can be changed but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”  – James Baldwin – 1924-1987 – Writer

“Without commitment, you cannot have depth in anything.” – Neil Strauss – Author-Journalist-Writer

“Courage of the heart is very rare. Let it guide you.” – Sarah J. Maas – Author

ANNOUNCEMENTS

No AM meeting on Feb. 6.   Karaoke Fundraiser at Jupiter’s at the Crossing starts at 5:30 PM

Feb. 22 – 9-11 AM, Salt and Light

March 26 – Read Across America

PROGRAM

Mary introduced Pavlo Dziuba, Visiting Professor of Economics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-CHampaign. Dr. Dziuba and his family came here from Ukraine under the Illinois Scholars at Risk Program. He shared “one family’s experience” of the Russian invasion.

At the time of the Russian invasion, Dr. Dziuba was teaching at the Department of International Economics in the University of Kyiv.  He and his family lived in Irpin, which is adjacent to Bucha.   Irpin was occupied in the first days of the Russian occupation.  On February 24, Pavlo, his wife and two children moved to the basement of their apartment building.    Fortunately, his mother was in the subway when her apartment was bombed. 

Pavlo’s apartment building was hit, destroying the rooftop boiler room   He decided to evacuate his family on March 2.   The Ukrainians had blown up the bridges leading to Kyiv to block the Russian forces, leaving just once escape route to the south.   He said there was a 50/50 chance of making it through “The Road of Death”.  

They stayed with friends in the Carpathian Mountains until April 19, when he returned to Irpin.   He had to pass through road blocks, answering questions that only Ukrainians would be able to answer.    He brought his family back in June.   The area was heavily mined.  Pavlo showed a picture of a mine in a tree where his children played.    

He and others in his building made repairs but couldn’t replace the boiler.   So he and his family left again in late October.   They couldn’t go to his wife’s parent’s home as they were in an occupied area.   He did research and learned about the Visiting Scholars Program.   He is now in the U.S. under a G-I Visa.   His family have G-2 Visas.  They are valid for up to five years.

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

January 23^rd – Lynne Barnes, Advocates for Aging Care (Michael)

January 30^th – TBD

February 6^th – Karaoke fundraiser (no AM meeting)

February 13^th – TBD (Cary)

February 20^th – Club Assembly

February 27^th – TBD (Charlie)

March 6^th – TBD (Lisa)

March 13^th – TBD (Joe)

March 20^th – TBD (Les)

March 27^th – TBD (Mary)

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

January 18 – Jen Shelby

January 27 – Rod Roberts

January 28 – Scott Paceley

“I don’t like to gamble, but if there’s one thing I’m willing to bet on, it’s myself.” – Beyonce – Singer-Songwriter-Actress

“When within yourself you find the road, the right road will open.” – Dejan Stojanovic – Poet-Writer-Essayist-Philosopher-Businessman

“The final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.” – Olivia Newton-John – 1948-2022 – Singer-Actress

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the distinguished gentleman from Rhode Island, Edward Perry)

There will be no morning meeting on February 6^th.  Instead, that evening our club will host our Karaoke Fundraiser at Jupiter’s at the Crossing.  Cocktails will start at 5:30pm before the real pros start singing at 6:30pm. Mary K passed around a Sign-up sheet for various ways for everyone to help.

Jan 18^th – Jen Shelby’s birthday party in Miami – BYOB

Feb 22^nd – 9 to 11am – Salt & Light in Urbana

Mar 2-6 – Read Across America

PROGRAM

Garrett introduced Lauren Gramly, Business Specialist, with the Champaign Public Library. Laura has an MBA from the University of Illinois and has over 20 years of experience in small business and nonprofit management.

The Champaign Public Library began to provide information for those interested in entrepreneurship about seven years ago. Lauren recently joined the library and has been directing and organizing this free service on how to start and grow your own business. This service includes free workshops, powerful online tools and one on one consultations. The focus is for those first-time business owners, beginning a non-profit start-up, and young entrepreneurs.

Lauren helps to show the path using business workshops, YouTube videos, online information sources such as Mergent Intellect, Reference Solutions, Gale Business Plan Builder and Gale Entrepreneurship, and one on one meetings with Laura. Included in this path is how to determine your business concept, how to conduct market research and analysis, how to create a business plan, making it legal, get funding, how to market, and deciding on the scale of the business.

In the workshops she brings in local businesspeople as speakers to help explain how to start and what is needed to maintain a business. She is also teaming up with the local schools to help young people who are interested in entrepreneurship. 

Additional information about the program and how you can help please contact Lauren at lgramly@champaign.org.

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

January 16^th – Dr. Pavlo Dziuba, Visiting Professor, Economics, UIUC  (Mary)

January 23^rd – Lynne Barnes, Advocates for Aging Care (Michael)

January 30^th – TBD

February 6^th – Karaoke fundraiser (no AM meeting)

February 13^th – TBD (Cary)

February 20^th – Club Assembly

February 27^th – TBD (Charlie)

March 6^th – TBD (Lisa)

March 13^th – TBD (Joe)

March 20^th – TBD (Les)

March 27^th – TBD (Mary)

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

January 18 – Jen Shelby

January 27 – Rod Roberts

January 28 – Scott Paceley

“The key to abundance is meeting limited circumstances with unlimited thoughts.” – Marianne Williamson – Author-Speaker

“Not everything that is faced can be changed but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin – 1924-1987 – Writer-Civil Rights Activist

“Being happy never goes out of style.” – Lily Pulitzer – 1931-2013 – Fashion Designer

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the erudite Mary Hodson)

February 6 – No AM meeting – Karaoke Fundraiser at 5:30 PM, competition starting at 6:30 PM at Jupiter’s at the Crossing

February 22 – 9-11 AM – Salt and Light in Urbana

PROGRAM

Les introduced Sophie Becker, Marketing, Communication and Engagement Manager at Eastern Illinois Food Bank and member of Champaign West Rotary.

EIFB serves food pantries in 18 counties covering 14,500 square miles. In that area, at least one in eight people are facing food insecurity.  The Food Bank is serving 90% more people than they did in 2022.  Sophie said the need has never been higher.

Every day, their fleet of eight box trucks deliver food to 160 partner agencies. Their food mobile reaches about 100 rural communities each month. Some of the counties have just one food pantry that is open just once per month.   

There is an urgent need for volunteers to staff the local food pantries.  The food distribution at Champaign’s own Vineyard Church serves 500-600 families per week.

Sophie told us about a new state funded program, the IL Food Purchase Assistance Program.  Food Banks sign cooperative agreements with disadvantaged farmers to provide meat to food banks.  

You can sign up to volunteer at their website, http://www.eifoodbank.org.  There is a good chance you will be volunteering alongside UIUC athletes who are there a couple of times per week.   The Food Bank especially needs volunteers during the summer months.

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

January 9^th – Lauren Gramly, Business Specialist, Champaign Public Library, will discuss entrepreneurship (Lisa)

January 16^th – Dr. Pavlo Dziuba, Visiting Professor, Economics, UIUC   (Mary)

January 23^rd – Lynne Barnes, Advocates for Aging Care (Michael)

January 30^th – TBD

February 6^th – Karaoke fundraiser (no AM meeting)

February 13^th – TBD (Cary)

February 20^th – Club Assembly

February 27^th – TBD (Charlie)

March 6^th – TBD (Lisa)

March 13^th – TBD (Joe)

March 20^th – TBD (Les)

March 27^th – TBD (Mary)

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

January 18 – Jen Shelby

January 27 – Rod Roberts

January 28 – Scott Paceley