“A ship is always safe at shore but that is not what it’s built for.” – Albert Einstein – 1879-1955 – Theoretical Physicist

 

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” – William James – 1842-1910 – American Philosopher

 

“Life isn’t perfect, any failures you have are actually learning moments. They teach us how to grow and evolve.” – Phillipa Soo – Actress-Singer

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Notes provided by  Lisa Crane)

 

Thank you to Jen Shelby for the yummy donuts and fruit 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 2025.  Please see Lisa Crane.

 

Jerry gave an impromptu reflection about some interesting facts about the pledge of allegiance, including that Eisenhower added under God in 1954 to emphasize distinction between USA and atheist countries. The pledge used to include a military like salute and was changed to hand over the heart in 1942 (so as not to be confused with European fascists).

Welcome to the Les and Rita Schulte.

The Thirsty 5 will be playing from 5-7pm this Friday and Saturday at the Riggs Oktoberfest. Come see Joe Rank play.

 

Please complete your picks for this week’s Football games or go with the Swami.

GSLC needs help unloading pumpkins on from 9-11am on October 5th.

New member orientation wills tart at 2pm on Sept 20 at First Federal 3rd floor boardroom.

UPCOMING DATES

 

September 19 – Operation Orange all day community re-pack @ EI Foodbank

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

October 4-5 – District 6490 Conference

October 17 – Club Assembly

October 24 – World Polio Day

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

November 18 – Annual Veteran’s banquet at CITIVIEW

 

BUCKET BUCKS

 

Bucket bucks for September will go to The Family Room. Next month, the Living Room.

 

SPEAKER

 

Cary introduced our speaker Cole Alvis, Athletics, Inclusion and Volunteer Coordinator of C-U Special Recreation (CUSR).  Cole, who originally is from Villa Grove, has been in this position for two years.

 

Champaign Urbana Special Recreation has been serving our community since 1985.
In cooperation with the Champaign Park District and Urbana Park District, they provide year-round leisure and recreation opportunities for both children and adults with disabilities. They create awareness and advocate acceptance of people with disabilities so they can more fully participate in recreation and all aspects of society.

 

CUSR Programs and Services for adults which include Theatre/film, Adult Days in program, sleep over/overnight trips, community outings, dances, karaoke and a chef’s club.  They also have Special Olympic and Athletic Programs including a variety of sports and fitness programs.

For youths and teens they offer after school programs, summer day camps (2), therapeutic horseback riding, patents night out, junior chef club, and some sensory friendly events.

In total they have over 100 participants.

What are inclusion services?  They will provide adaptive equipment, accommodations, foster independence and build diversity.

 

There is a CUSR scholarship program to help financially support those who otherwise cannot attend programs. They have some fundraising events to help support their scholarship program.

 

They sponsor a Cupcake 5k run the first Sunday in November. This year the event will be November 3rd. CUSR is looking for volunteers for this event.

 

Cole provided us with recent updates:  Their Mustang bowling team competed at the Regional Special Olympics competition. Mustang Volleyball will compete regionally on Sept 22nd.

—

  Sept 19th Sept 26th Oct 3rd Oct 10th
Introductions Charlie Smith Mary Kay Smith JP Thompson Cary Woolard
Reflection Robb Patton Jerry Payonk Allan Penwell Joe Rank
Greeters Charlie Smith Mary Kay Smith JP Thompson Cary Woolard
Robb Patton Jerry Payonk Allan Penwell Joe Rank
Food Jen Shelby Jen Shelby Ed Perry Ed Perry
Notetaker Conforti Perry Hodson Crane

—

 

UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee members listed in parentheses)

 

September 19th – TBD (Charlie)

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

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

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

October 17th – TBD (Club Assembly)

October 24th – TBD (Mary)

October 31st – Club Social

 

 

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

 

September 25 – Tod Satterthwaite

September 25 – JP Thompson