Another sunshine-filled day greeted us once again, as we gathered for the first meeting of August. Though the lazy, hazy days of Summer linger, that didn’t stop us from having a great attendance at today’s meeting! There were 34 members, (plus one inductee), and 10 guests, (including the two speakers), who gathered for what was to prove to be a very busy meeting!!

We joined Pres. Tom in reciting The Pledge, followed by Jack, who led us in singing God Bless America. In his Blessing, Warren asked The Lord to guide us in our efforts to serve others, and to especially look down upon us as we do the Walk of Life this weekend. The following friends were our welcomed guests today: Bruce M., who was to become a member today, Sebastian and Judy, who were today’s presenters, Sandy, Chris, Sharon, Chip, Betty, Charles and Hillary. The decision to move to the back dining room for every meeting was a good one!!

There was much on today’s agenda to be covered before the actual program. Pres. Tom shared a note from NAC, thanking us for our donation. Tom scanned the Calendar of Events for the next few weeks, and he prompted us to go to the Naples Rotary Website to keep abreast of what’s happening within the club.

Heartfelt “Congratulations” resonated from the room, as we wished those with August birthdays and anniversaries our best. August Birthdays include Wayne, Tom, Jane, Karen, Michael, Bessie, and Elizabeth. August Anniversaries include Gerry, Debbie, Bo, Pat, Adam, Bessie, Jamie, and Shanna.

Jodi spoke next, and she shared some items pertaining to the Walk of Life, which is this Saturday, August 10^th. Since Hospeace House is one of the entities that WOL supports, she had pamphlets about HH that explain its mission. Checks in support of the WOL should be made out to Naples New York Rotary Club Foundation. The Luminary Bags, which were available for $5.00 each, will be lit around 8:30. They are, of course, in recognition of those friends and families who have battled cancer. Chris Abraham is in charge of the Mulligan Disc Golf Competition, and he can have up to 40 members. He has raised much $ in the past! Help is needed in the Dog Parade. Also, this week, Mon-Fri, from 4-6:30, help is needed to work on WOL sales in front of Joseph’s Wayside Market, if anyone can spare the time. Mike spoke next, and he said that there was a new Sign-up Sheet that was being passed around. The inclusion of the Rotary Grill is still undecided at this point. We are encouraged to continue to sell Chicken BBQ Tickets!

Here are some additional items. In the spirit of our commitment to children, Susan and Jane purchased 34 backpacks for the H.S. kids! As the new school year approaches, each member is urged to donate school supplies for the students of NCS who are in need of such. No doubt, there will be a container for these items at a meeting in the near future. Many thanks to Susan and Jane for doing this, and equal thanks to Superintendent Matt for your ongoing support!!

Donna was pleased to let us know that the Naples Grape Festival was recently voted the “Best Fest in the Finger Lakes”! Frank and Bruce talked a bit about Camp O., which is coming up soon. There was a sheet for everyone that explained the various ways that we can be of service during the Camp Session. Bruce and Betty need help in the kitchen. Steve has generously volunteered to help with set-up Sunday morning. We are invited to participate in whatever way we can. Sherry noted that she would like to get started on the Calendar soon. Many thanks to Sherry for your hard work in this department! Pres. Tom thanked everyone for the commitment, dedication, and service that the NRC Members display.

August is Membership and Club Development Month, and what better way to usher in the new month than to have one of our “regular guests” become a member! Flanked by his sponsor, Laurie, and the line-up of speakers, Bruce McLellan formally joined Naples Rotary today! Each speaker shared a portion of what being a part of Rotary entailed, and Bruce eloquently spoke his acceptance. Welcome, Bruce! We’re sure you’ll be an asset to Naples Rotary!

These were the reasons for the Happy Bills which were collected in Nancy’s basket today: the program, the Walk of Life, New Member, Bruce, The Naples Fire Department, Camp O., our students, the great weather we’ve been having, our many guests, and the many ways in which we serve. 

 

The Fines gathered were for missed meetings: Steve, Andrea, Robin, Leah, Bill C., and Jack, though Jack did a Make-Up at Rochester A.M.!

 

Today’s busy meeting was wrapped up with a poignant Rotary Moment. Recently, Tom presented his “I’m Not Dead Yet” Program to the Canandaigua Rotary Club, of which his brother, Rick is a part. After having received a (well-deserved) standing ovation, Tom was embraced and congratulated by Rick, who was visibly touched by his (Tom’s) courage. Rotary touches lives in so many wonderful ways! Now it’s on to the Walk of Life !!