“You can’t be that kid standing at the top of the waterslide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute.” – Tina Fey – Actress-Comedian-Writer-Producer

“Everything you need to be amazing is already inside you.” – Darren Hardy – Author

“Ships don’t sink because of the water around them; ships sink because of the water that gets in them. Don’t let what’s happening around you get inside you and weigh you down.” – Unknown

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Notes provided by Lisa Crane)

Thanks to Jen Shelby for the home baked breakfast!  If there is anyone with dietary restrictions, please email Lisa.

We still need members to sign up for breakfast for the months of January, February, and March Please see Lisa.

We are asking for donations for the raffle basket at the District Conference. See Lisa Crane. We will include gift certificates to area breakfast places and our signature coffee.

Bucket bucks for September will go The Family Room.

UPCOMING DATES

September 26 – 5-6:30pm – Books to Prisoners

October 4-5 – District 6490 Conference – see the website for sign-up details

October 5 – 9-11am – GSLC needs help unloading pumpkins

October 8 – 5-7pm – EI Foodbank repack sign up online

October 17 – Club Assembly

October 24 – World Polio Day

October 26 – 1-3pm – Sola Gratia work day with UI student group @ Sola Gratia farm

October 26 – Central Interact 5K + costume contest

November 18 – Annual Veteran’s banquet at CITIVIEW

PROGRAM

Charlie interviewed the Schultes and they shared some interesting personal stories.  Rita was born in Evergreen Park and went to school in South Holland.  Les was born and raised on a farm in Missouri. They met in college and have been married for over 50 yrs.

Rita talked about eradicating Polio as she was a Polio victim. She brought her elephant which they told her to look at when her legs were being stretched.

Les spoke about a little river town down from St Charles, West Dalton, Missouri.  He was a broadcasting DJ for 40 years in Missouri.  He has since worked for WDWS and WILL.

The Schultes have two daughters.  One daughter is a Physics professor at the University of Illinois.  The other daughter has a theater degree and works as a film editor.  She moved from Chicago to LA and has been out there for 22 years.

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

September 26^th – Tom Kacich, retired News-Gazette staff writer (and continuing contributor), will discuss the 2024 election (Joe)

October 3^rd – Dr. Michael Aiualasit, Assistant Research Scientist, Environmental Archeology, Illinois State Archaeological Survey (Darrell)

October 10^th – Michelle Gonzales, Executive Director/CEO,  Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation (Michael)

October 17^th – TBD (Club Assembly)

October 24^th – Bob Cloverdill will talk about finding the crash site of his father’s B-24 in 1944 (Darrell)

October 31^st – Club Social

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

September 25 – Tod Satterthwaite

September 25 – JP Thompson

“Your passion is waiting for your courage to catch up.” – Isabelle Lafleche – Writer

“No one is ready for a thing until they believe that they can acquire it. The state of mind must be belief and not mere hope or wish.” – Napoleon Hill – 1883-1970 -Author

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the erudite Mary Hodson)

We welcomed guests a few guests, including Good Shepard pastor Chatman and Les and Rita Schulte.

President Ata thanked Rob and Vickie Patton for hosting last week’s social at their Lake Maynard home.

Joe will perform Octoberfest-themed music with his group, The Thirsty Five, at Riggs Brewery from 5-7 PM on Sept. 21 and 22.

UPCOMING EVENTS

9/9 – 3-5 PM – Feeding Our Kids

9/12 – Ties and Tennies fundraiser for Champaign Park District

9/19 – Operation Orange – 6-7:30 PM – Help needed – contact Michael

9/26 – 5-6:30 PM – Books to Prisoners

10/4-5 – Rotary District 6490 Conference

10/8 – EIFB Repack

10/24 – World Polio Day

10/26 – Sola Gratia Work Day

PROGRAM

Charlie introduced his friend, Kathy Grill, who has written 80 books.  She encouraged anyone with an urge to write to “just do it!”  Kathy said Amazon sells 70% of books sold on-line and they will help you self-publish.

Kathy started with children’s books.   She writes children’s picture books that encourage readers to interact with their children.  She gave away copies of “Play with Me” and “Play outside with Me” written under the pen name of Kat Chen.   See http://www.kat-chen.com. for a complete list of the “Play with Me” series.

She has published 28 books that she calls “naked man” books under the name of Katherine Grail.   A book inspired by her Chinese family is under the name of Jade Li.   She has also used the penname Kathy Lyons.

Kathy said that after you have written a few unsuccessful books, you should adopt a new pen name, ideally, a “girl next door” name.    For optimal shelf placement, the last name should start with a letter in the middle of the alphabet.    Before using the name, be sure to google it to see what else comes up.

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

September 12^th – Cole Alvis, Athletics, Inclusion, and Volunteer Coordinator, Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation (CUSR) (Cary)

September 19^th – TBD (Charlie)

September 26^th – Tom Kacich, retired News-Gazette staff writer (and continuing contributor), will discuss the 2024 election (Joe)

October 3^rd – Dr. Michael Aiualasit, Assistant Research Scientist, Environmental Archeology, Illinois State Archaeological Survey (Darrell)

October 10^th – Michelle Gonzales, Executive Director/CEO,  Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation (Michael)

October 17^th – TBD (Club Assembly)

October 24^th – TBD (Mary)

October 31^st – Club Social

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

September 11 – Eddie Bridges

September 25 – Tod Satterthwaite

September 25 – JP Thompson

“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.”  – Anatole France – 1844-1924 – Poet

“I will not lose, for even in defeat, there’s a valuable lesson learned, so it evens up for me.” – Shawn Carter – American Rapper-Entrepreneur-Songwriter-Record Executive

“The ability to remain calm and focused in stressful situations is central to making positive decisions.” – Goldie Hawn – American Actress

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the distinguished gentleman from Connecticut, Ed Perry)

This Thursday there will be no morning meeting (due to it being the fifth Thursday of the month). 

Football guessing has begun. Please reply via email to Cary before Thursday’s game.

Darrell announced that the planning has started for our next CU Sunrise Karaoke party and fundraiser at Jupiter’s from 5-7pm on February 6, 2025.

DATES TO REMEMBER

8/28 – 5pm to 7pm – Club Social at Rob and Vickie Patton’s house (3222 Lakeshore Drive, C)

9/1 – District Grants Due

9/5 – Feeding our Kids

9/6 – Deadline for sign up for iRead-iCount volunteers

9/12 – Ties & Tennies Gala fundraiser for the Champaign Park District Foundation

9/26 – 5pm to 6:30pm – Books to Prisoners

10/24 – World Polio Day

PROGRAM

Michael introduced Sophie Becker as this morning’s speaker. Sophie is the Communications & Engagement Manager for the Eastern Illinois Foodbank (EIFB). Sophie presented a summary of what the EIFB does and how it helps to alleviate hunger and helps to nourish stronger communities.

Eastern Illinois Foodbank serves 18 counties in a 14,500 square mile area with more than 134,000 people facing food insecurity. The recent additional warehouse space, which also includes more space for the volunteers, has helped to meet that challenge.

The work at the foodbank begins with monetary and food donations from our community. Volunteers help them to repack bulk food and pack boxes that are then distributed throughout the week. The food is also distributed by agencies that pick-up food at the warehouse for their programs and the foodbank has a staff of truck drivers to facilitate the pickup and delivery to agencies. The foodbank partners with 160 food pantries and feeding program agencies in the 18-county service area. Sophie noted that a $1 donation equals three meals that the Foodbank can provide, 

The foodbank also distributes meals directly to the community with its own Foodmobile program that serves rural communities and many underserved areas and neighborhoods. As the cost for food continues to rise, the need at pantries has grown 90% since 2022.

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank is open to volunteers to help with repacks in their Urbana warehouse location, 2405 N. Shore Drive, Urbana, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 3pm. Individuals or group volunteers are welcome.

For more information on how to donate and volunteer please contact the foodbank at https://www.eifoodbank.org.

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

August 29^th – no morning meeting – meet on 8/28 from 5-7 at Robb’s house

September 5^th – TBD (Tom)

September 12^th –  Cole Alvis, Athletics, Inclusion, and Volunteer Coordinator, Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation (CUSR) (Cary)

September 19^th – TBD (Charlie)

September 26^th – Tom Kacich, retired News-Gazette staff writer (and continuing contributor), will discuss the 2024 election (Joe)

October 3^rd – TBD (Lisa)

October 10^th – TBD (Michael)

October 17^th – TBD (Club Assembly)

October 24^th – TBD (Mary)

October 31^st – Club Social

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

August 24 – Allan Penwell

August 30 – Darrell Hoemann

August 30 – Ed Perry

“Allow yourself to be a beginner.  No one starts off being excellent.” – Wendy Flynn – Consultant

“There is meaning in every journey that is unknown to the traveler.” – Dietrich Bonhaeffer – 1906-1945 – Pastor

“If you really want to be successful and you really want to be happy, don’t have a job, have a purpose. When you’ve got a purpose, the whole world is your office.” – Paulo Coelho – Author

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

8/20 – 5-6PM – United Way Dunlap Dr. Savoy, Read/Talk/Play Sign assembly

8/26 – Tom Costello Memorial Golf Outing

9/1 – District Grants Due

9/3-8 – Zone Institute

9/6 – Deadline for Sign up for iRead-iCount Volunteers.  Register here.

9/9 – Feeding Our Kids 3pm to 5pm at Eastern, Illinois Food Bank

9/12 – Ties & Tennie’s Gala Fundraiser for Champaign Park District Foundation

9/26 – 5-6pm – Books to Prisoners

10/4-5 – District 6490 Conference

10/24 – World Polio Day

PROGRAM

Mary Hudson presented Part Two of her program on the 80th Anniversary D-Day Cruise around the United Kingdom. The cruise ship stopped at several ports and islands around Great Britain that were used during World War II along with many historic harbors and towns. Mary highlighted many interesting facts about the various ports and towns that she and Tom visited.

Portsmouth, England

*The dockyard is home of the wooden warship HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860mand the conserved Tudor ship Mary Rose

Scilly Islands 

*The Royal Family uses it as a secluded get away. The Tresco Island has a well-known sub-tropical garden.

Cobh, Ireland

*The colorful town is known as the last port of call for the Titanic and home of St. Colman’s Cathedral. Completed in 1919, the cathedral is the single tall spire overlooking Cork Harbor.

Snowdonia, Wales

*Well known for the Snowdonia National Park.

The Hodsons made several additional stops in this tour which included the West Highland Heritage Narrow Gauge Railroad in Scotland, St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkland, Scotland, Skara Brae a stone built Neolithic settlement, a World Heritage Site Orkney Scotland, Fraser Castle, and Scapa Flow waters and the Orkney Islands.

It was a wonderful tour consisting of 13 days on a cruise ship of 1,400 passengers and including bus travel with an excellent and delightful international crew.  If you want additional information and details, Mary and Tom would be happy to help. 

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

August 22^nd – Merry Mitchell from the Eastern Illinois Foodbank (Michael)

August 29^th – Club Social

September 5^th – TBD (Tom)

September 12^th –  Cole Alvis, Athletics, Inclusion, and Volunteer Coordinator, Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation (CUSR) (Cary)

September 19^th – TBD (Charlie)

September 26^th – TBD (Joe)

October 3^rd – TBD (Lisa)

October 10^th – TBD (Michael)

October 17^th – TBD (Club Assembly)

October 24^th – TBD (Mary)

October 31^st – Club Social

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

August 24 – Allan Penwell

August 30 – Darrell Hoemann

August 30 – Ed Perry

“Your life is your story. Write well. Edit often” – Lisa Nichols – Author-Motivational Speaker

“When you get, give. When you learn, teach.” – Maya Angelou – 1928-2014 – Poet-Singer-Memoirist-Civil Rights Activist

“Commitment is the foundation of great accomplishments.” – Heidi Reeder – Author

ANNOUNCEMENTS

(notes provided by the distinguished gentleman from Calcutta, Ed Perry)

Sign-ups are still needed for member provided breakfasts. Please let Lisa know the month you can help.

The meeting on August 1 will be the annual visit from the District Governor so let’s have 100% attendance.

Bucket Bucks for July went to DREAM and August’s bucks will go to Luella’s Lodge.

UPCOMING EVENTS

8/1 – District Governor Mike Martin will be our speaker

8/17 – 9-11am Salt and Light (note new date)

8/26 – Tom Costello Memorial Golf Outing at Lake of the Woods. Duffers needed!

9/3-9/8 – Rotary Zone Institute in Huntsville, AL

10/4 – Rotary District 6490 Conference

10/24 – Rotary World Polio Day

PROGRAM

CUSR’s very own Charlie Smith gave a demonstration and information use of DACdb, Rotary’s online communication software. This online reference site is where Rotary members, committees, clubs and districts can manage their information and communicate with each other. 

Charlie demonstrated how each of us via mobile phone and/or laptop can access a variety of information. It can be very useful to contact club members, check committee assignments, and check the calendar of club events. You can sign up for volunteer projects, see who is doing that project, and the location where it will take place. Past club newsletters and district information can all be found there.

Each member has a certain level of information that you can gain access to. The different levels (1 to 6) are dependent on your level of club positions and District activities. 

A spirited, open discussion was followed by a question-and-answer period. Questions about login frustrations, passwords, and other glitches were discussed.  Charlie answered questions and demonstrated step by step how to navigate through the system. 

Charlie noted if anyone has questions to please email him and he can help. 

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

August 1^st – TBD

August 8^th –  Fionia Munro, Outreach/Education Coordinator, Solia Gratia Farm (Garrett)

August 15^th – Mary Hodson will discuss Round Britain Cruise – Pt. 2

August 22^nd – TBD (Michael)

August 29^th – TBD

September 5^th – TBD

September 12^th – TBD

September 19^th – TBD

September 26^th – TBD

October 3^rd – TBD

October 10^th – TBD

October 17^th – TBD

October 24^th – TBD

October 31^st – TBD

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

July 28 – Cary Woolard

August 24 – Allan Penwell

August 30 – Darrell Hoemann

August 30 – Ed Perry

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall – Primatologist-Anthropologist

“Nothing in the universe can stop you from letting go and starting over.” – Guy Finley – Writer-Philosopher-Spiritual Teacher

“Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you.” – Mary Lou Retton – Retired American Gymnast

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Notes provided by  Lisa Crane)

Tod did a great job on our first member-delivered breakfast!  A suggestion was made that the next month breakfast person assist the current month breakfast person to learn the ropes.

We still need members to sign up for breakfast for the months of January, February, March and April. Please see Lisa Crane.

UPCOMING EVENTS & SERVICE OPPORTUNITES

July 20 – 9am-4pm – Zone Leadership Seminar in Springfield

August 1 – District Governor Mike Martin visit

August 10 – 9am-11am – Salt & Light volunteering in Urbana

September 3-8 – Zone Institute Emerging Leaders Program in Huntsville, AL

October 4-5 – District 6490 Conference

October 24 – World Polio Day

BUCKET BUCKS

JULY DREAM

AUGUST LUELLA’S LODGE

SPEAKER

CU Sunrise Rotarian Mary Hodson discussed her latest cruise which was a D-Day Anniversary Cruise around Britain.  They had stops at the British Landing Beaches, the D-Day Museum at Arromanches, Pegasus Bridge, and Café Gondree.

D Day was originally supposed to be June 5, but there was bad weather so it was postponed until June 6.

This cruise lasted for 13 days and was only for seniors.  The cruise included nine people from the Chicago area.  The first port of call was Portsmouth on the southern coast of England.  Here the Museum showed the trajectory of where planes and forces attacked. There was a Memorial service and many military stories told.  They experienced a Sunday roast which included Yorkshire pudding, beef, parsnips, potatoes and carrots.

Another stop on the cruise was Saint Malo Brittany.  This area was bombed for two weeks and was rebuilt 

Pegasus bridge was a strategic target. An area was cleared for gliders to land just after midnight.  The bridge was guarded by old men and young boys which made it easier to obtain.

The next port of call, one of Mary’s favorites, was Guernsey! There is so much to see here, and they have the best shopping. The Guernsey Channel Islands got a choice to join France or England. They wanted to be their own land.  It is a tax-free island, and thus a Meccah for billionaires.  The Guernsey Rotary club has an annual fundraising event: a 39 mile walk around the island. They raise over 100,000 pounds for a charity. It is always the second Saturday in June.

The next port of call was Scapa Flow which is the largest natural harbor in the northern hemisphere.  It was the base of the British fleet in WW1 and WW2.  The oldest stone circles are located there. They are older than Stonehenge and you can touch them.

Another stop was the Orphny islands. The Germans poured massive amounts of concrete there to create an Underground tunnel system which is the world’s largest. Mary was amazed at how many underground areas there were, including a hospital and living areas.

Down forget to download the app for our next meeting – Charlie will discuss DACdb. 

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

July 25^th – Charlie Smith will discuss DacDB

August 1^st – TBD

August 8^th – TBD (Lisa)

August 15^th – TBD (Mary

August 22^nd – TBD (Michael)

August 29^th – TBD

September 5^th – TBD

September 12^th – TBD

September 19^th – TBD

September 26^th – TBD

October 3^rd – TBD

October 10^th – TBD

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

July 28 – Cary Woolard