“Welcome, everyone!” exclaimed President Bruce, as the start of today’s Noon Meeting. The last couple of days have produced a little tinge in the air that lets us know that the “endless days of Summer” are waning. Another (pleasant) hint that Fall is on its way were the memos that graced each one’s place setting, reminding us of the Annual Steak Dinner, coming in September! It’s so gratifying to see some of our “traditions” returning! Thanks, Skip, for the boost!
We joined Pres. Bruce, as we recited The Pledge together. Rose gave today’s Invocation. She spoke fervently about the “Interconnectedness” that we have, as a Rotary Club. She asked The Father to help us continue to weave this thread of service among and beyond ourselves, as we work for the betterment of others. Jack heightened our patriotic sentiments, leading us in The Star-Spangled Banner. There were 25 Members in attendance, including John, Sherry, and Marty, who were on-line. We welcomed guests June and Cara, who represented the Open Cupboard, along with Jo, from Hospeace House, Nancy, from Trinity, and our regular stand-by, Sharon! We mingled and greeted one another before the Meeting. Micah was the official greeter and Bruce would provide the Rotary Moment at Meeting’s end.
The August Board Meeting was held earlier this morning, and Patrice shared highlights from the Meeting:
- Marty joined us via Zoom. He described a project for the Board, proposing that a Pickleball Court be installed at the Community Park, which would include the Naples Rotary name. He showed the proposed facility on the screen, which would have eight courts. Pickleball is becoming a very popular activity among all ages, and the benefit of having such an area (in Naples) would be that it also would appeal to many skillsets, including handicap inclusiveness. The overall cost could be reduced with support from local contractors, willing to donate some services. All were in favor of this proposal. Marty would be the Project Leader, and he would be willing to do a Program in the future to outline further details.
- The Membership Application of Kristin Hanggi was approved by the Board. Her application will be brought before the Membership for its approval.
- With the changes that have been made in terms of the Slate of Officers for next year, the office of Vice President has become available. The Board has two candidates in mind to fill this vacancy, who are Liz and Rose. Liz has been a member for just over two years, and Rose will have been in the Naples Rotary Club for one year, come the end of this month. Nominations will be accepted from the floor at next week’s Meeting. Those who are interested in filling this role are encouraged to let Pres. Bruce know. We will vote on this next week.
- With Tom assuming the Immediate Past President position after Matt’s departure, Karen will fill the vacancy on the Board of Directors left by Tom. Karen will continue to serve as Sergeant at Arms until Nancy returns.
“We will go forward with the Grape Fest!” exclaimed Donna, as she gave us an update on the planned procedures for this Fall’s Event. All precautions will be taken as Covid protocols will be observed. Masks and face shields will be available. Anything that requires sanitation is out, of course. Restrooms for workers will be in the Town Hall. Donna noted that many volunteers are needed, and one should plan on working a four-hour shift. The Thursday before the actual event is a time when much “muscle” is required, according to Donna. This will be a time that will necessitate some “manpower”!
Bruce talked about the Steak Roast coming in September! It will be held at the VFW, and it will serve as our September 13th Evening Meeting. The cost is $10 per person, and our checks made out to Naples Rotary should be sent to Skip by September 6th. Skip passed out flyers to each of us which include more details. This promises to an enjoyable time!
Micah gave an update on the set-up at Camp O. Micah, Frank, Steve, Bo, and Pat went over to help, early Sunday morning, energized by a hearty breakfast at Denny’s beforehand! Three trucks were available, and everything went “super smooth”, as Micah noted. Bruce R. was there to greet us, and Betty was busy in the kitchen. Bless them for their dedication to the children! “Camp O. is ready to rock and roll!” mused Micah. The Camping Experience for the first 50 kids begins this week.
Rose announced that she is looking for used men’s flannel shirts for a scarecrow project for a Fall Event at Angela Ingraham’s Farm. They need not be in great condition, but they would certainly defray the cost of buying brand-new ones! One can drop off the donated shirts at Rose’s home.
Today’s Program was brought to us by June Bassett (and Cara) from the Open Cupboard. June had visited us earlier, when we were doing our Meetings via Zoom, if you’ll remember. We strive to adhere to the Rotary Motto for this year, “Serve to Change Lives,” and the same could be said for the Naples Open Cupboard! The work that the volunteers do, and the nourishment they provide to the needy families in our community exemplify the true meaning of service to others! June also spoke of some of the changes that are going to be taking place for the Open Cupboard. The facility is eventually going to be moving to a much safer building on Main Street. Space has been donated by Dr. Chanler. There is still paperwork finish before this can happen, but the new building will offer so much more space for the Open Cupboard to operate! June told us that there are donations that continue to come in, and the Naples Council of Churches has backed them up too, but further funding is needed. Everything is “on hold” for the time being, until State Approval has been met, and insurance on the building can be secured. Currently, the Closet is “packed full”, noted June, but essential items for the Cupboard are needed, such as meat and frozen foods. Last year, during Covid, 3000 families were served in the NCS District! Many homeless persons and families need help as well. When the Open Cupboard is ready to move, Foodlink will come in, and set up everything! More volunteers are sorely needed, and when the change occurs, Open Cupboard will require additional help. Rennoldson’s has donated much, and on that note, Jack added that the Naples Angels will provide food vouchers to Rennoldson’s for people in need. They would refer people to the Open Cupboard, and the OC would open for people in great need at any given time. Many thanks to June and Cara for spending some time with us today! How blessed our Naples Community is to have these wonderful sources of help for our friends and families in need!
Many Happy Bills poured forth, as we all enjoyed June’s presentation. Perhaps this may have prompted some of us to donate our time and/or funds in the future, in the hopes of making a difference in this worthy cause. We’re all about helping each other, you know! We’re looking forward to the Grape Fest, and its return this Fall! Hopefully, the help that is needed will become available! Participating in the Grape Fest always proves to be a pleasant experience! Nardine shared a poignant moment. Her nephew, Dominic, is battling some serious health issues. Nardine said that Tom’s positivity, (regarding his own health crises), has been such an incentive for Dom. Many thanks to Nardine for her sincere sentiments and generous donation!
The Fifty-Fifty had risen to $349!! Sue Dominick’s Ticket, # 661379 was selected. Sue drew the Five of Clubs! On we go…
Pres. Bruce provided today’s Rotary Moment, as mentioned earlier. Just as Tom has been influential to others with his positive outlook on life, so has Bruce been during his career! He taught in a high school for troubled kids, and he hopes that he has made a difference in their lives. No doubt, anyone who has had a connection to Bruce is better off for having done so! Bruce also gave kudos to all those who volunteered at the Walk of Life. We applauded each of them as they stood. “We’re creating change right here in Naples!” commented Pres. Bruce. Indeed, we are, step by step!
Our next gathering will be an Evening meeting on 8/23. The Program will be provided by Scott Waldeis, a local Chiropractic Physician. We look forward to hearing from Scott, and to our being all together again!
