Executive Club Newsletter

December 2009

December Program

Central Illinois Children’s Choir

by Ellen Schmidt

Champaign Country Club
Thursday, December 17, 2009

11:30 a.m.: Registration and Networking

11:45 a.m.: Buffet Opens

12:15 p.m.: Mtg/Program

Don’t miss our December program!

Excellence in choral singing is the goal of Central Illinois Children’s Chorus.

Founded in 1978, CICC provides choral music instruction, vocal training, and performance opportunities for singers in kindergarten through twelfth grade.

The chorus includes four choir levels (see below) and draws members from communities within a 30-mile radius of Champaign-Urbana.

Members are taught sound vocal technique, musicianship, musical styles, and performance etiquette. They learn repertoire covering a diverse range of music, languages, and composers.

CICC singers present annual concerts in winter and spring, perform with area orchestras and with the University of Illinois School of Music, and participate in choral festivals, as well as community, corporate, and private events.

Most importantly, CICC choristers experience the joy, discipline, pride, and teamwork of high-quality choral singing.

Registrations are due by noon on Monday, December 14. Please indicate if you are bringing a guest. Register online now!

*Remember, there will be a $5 late fee for reservations received after the Monday Noon deadline. Attendees with late or no reservations will be permitted to attend as seating is available.

Pre-register online and send a check for $15 to ECCC, P.O. Box 61, Champaign, IL 61824-0061 OR pre-register online and pay on day of luncheon. Contact the Treasurer with questions about registration.

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President’s Message

The Gift of Good Health

by Jeannette Beck

Thanksgiving and the end of every year is a natural time to reflect on our blessings, the year just about to end, and on our accomplishments to date. This time of year can also be a gluttonous time as we celebrate with friends and family, which always seems to include decadent food and self promises of moderation; yeah, right! The holidays meant to bring joy and celebrations are also known to create stress. It is year-end, or busy season for many businesses and just a generally hectic time creating even more stress.

As I reflect on this year, I’m focusing on personal joys rather than work accomplishments. My daughter earned an MBA, my son bought his first home, and we celebrated my mom’s 80^th birthday in style. I traveled to the Czech Republic with my mother, sister and niece, and served on a mission trip to Ciudad Juarez for the first time. I’ve embraced the “empty nest” and have taken up dancing with my husband making new friends in the process.

To reduce stress and expense at Christmas, we have evolved to a tradition of minimal gift giving. In my immediate family, each of our four children and son-in-law receives three gifts; one “major” gift from us, a special ornament, and the kids draw names for an exchange. Oh, and they get a pack of new socks in their stocking from Santa. My family also has a gift exchange followed by a rowdy White Elephant gift exchange. Our tradition doesn’t do very much for the economy, but it’s very manageable.

It occurred to me recently that I’ve given myself a gift this year … didn’t really think of it as a gift initially, though. It’s the gift of good health that has also reduced my stress levels. In order to join the mission team to Juarez; I needed to have a physical exam. I hadn’t gone to the doctor in a few years (avoiding the bad news I knew was waiting for me) and learned I had very high cholesterol scores. I asked for an alternative to the statin prescription ordered for me and was referred to the weight loss program. For the first half of 2009, I attended the Carle Weight Loss Program’s weekly meetings, changed my food choices considerably, and went to Jazzercise workouts to improve my health. The accountability is what I needed and I was able to reduce my cholesterol levels enough so that I don’t need meds. I’ve also lost some weight and have more energy. Going to seriously concentrate on maintaining moderation during the holidays!

Wishing you happy reflections on your year, good health, love from family and friends, and prosperity in 2010!

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Dues Reminder

by Joni Utnage

Executive Club dues were mailed out on November 23. We have received a few invoices back from due to incorrect addresses. If you have not received your invoice, please email Joni Utnage at joni.utnage@busey.com. Remember-dues are "due" at the end of December.

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Healthy Cooking Class with Tien

Tentative Date: January 12

by Kathy Reeves

We are looking at hosting a healthy cooking class with a community teacher who is a lot of fun! We will keep you posted as we get all information finalized. Until then, if you have an interest in attending, please email Kathy Reeves at reevesks@hotmail.com. The tentative date is January 12 at 6:30 p.m. and the cost will be $25 per person.

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New Board Members

by Jennifer Greene

The Executive Club Board would like to welcome a new member! Jeannie Vansickle has graciously agreed to take over as Logistics Chair until the next Board transition in September 2010. Jeannie is a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and has previously served on the board. With this change, Joni Utnage has now moved into the Membership Chair role.

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November Program

Lovin’ Yourself with Laughter!

by Ellen Schmidt

Debra Joy Hart was our November Speaker. As Debra navigates in the business world she has had to learn and apply compassion and love for herself and others. She has learned to use therapeutic humor to keep herself emotionally flexible and she strengthens her immune system with heart healthy laughter.

Debra is a nurse who noticed a need to help bring laughter to those going through difficult times. She is known as “Daisy the Clown” and makes her rounds at Provena and Carle.

Debra engaged the membership in laughing exercises. Masha Trenhaile demonstrated a giggle, laugh and a 15 second laugh. Claire Prudhomme demonstrated a sob and crying. Debra pointed out that laughter is a release for the mind, body, and spirit.

She offers tips on how to get through the week:

Monday’s you should compliment yourself.

Tuesday’s you should practice mental flexibility.

Wednesday’s you should practice gratitude.

Thursday’s you should practice kindness to yourself and others.

Friday’s you should practice forgiveness to yourself and others.

Saturday’s and Sunday’s are for chocolate!

You can find more information about Debra at debrajoyhart.com.

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December & January Birthdays

by Jeannette Beck

December

05 Julie Melton

09 Willie Hansen

10 Jan Simon

12 Nancy Mella-Oliver

15 Cheryl Mitchell

17 Kate Brown

17 Janice (Jan) Buerkett

23 Marilynne Davis

28 Anita Pride

31 Carolyn M. Pribble

31 Cindy Schmitt

31 Laura Wilhelm-Barr

January

01 Cindy Clennon

01 Emmie Fisher

01 Shayla Maatuka

01 Janice McAteer

01 Anna Mehl

02 Ellen Schmidt

08 Julia Overstreet

11 Annette Duitsman

12 Linda L. Hamilton

12 Rachael Wright

18 Maria Ehmann

18 Safiya Noble

21 Carol Koenecke-Grant

22 Terri Carr

22 Sunny Jeong

22 Julie Roth

28 Linda Bauer

28 Joan R. Zernich

29 Karla Peterson

30 Maria Trenhaile

31 Jan Kiley

31 Jacqueline Phillips