Good Evening, Everyone! It's great to be back, and pumping out The Weekly Grapevine again! I'm hoping that I won't overwhelm you too much this week. It's going to be a "Double Whammie", as I hope to give you a summation of last week's meeting, as well.

Last week, at our Noon Meeting, on June 6th, President Bruce held a Club Assembly. Many thanks to Jack, who kept track of the attendance. Liz and Clyde, Pat and Bo were in Houston, and they joined the Meeting via Zoom. It appeared that there were approximately 22 in attendance. Jack led the group in singing "God Bless America", and Micah prayed for "healing for all" in his Invocation. As is customary these days, we stated the Four-Way Test, being prompted by Bruce.

Pres. Bruce recognized the June Birthdays and Anniversaries. Chris, Pat, Holly and Jodi have birthdays this month, and Frank and Kathleen and Larry and Peggy have anniversaries. "Congratulations" was wished for all!

Pres. Bruce went over dates and upcoming events, and so as not to be redundant, I will cover this portion in the "second half" of my report.

Rose gave an update on the Walk of Life. The Pinwheel Sales have been going well. At this point, the sales had amounted to $760! One can sign up online to sell. The pinwheels can be picked up at Rose's house. The WOL Committee was looking for five Pet Judges for the Ped Parade on July 16th. Donations can be made for the On-line Auction.

Jack noted that Tom Pawluk was hoping to get more teams to play in the MCP Golf Tournament to be held later this month. John also noted that one can register for the 2023 International Convention in Melbourne, Australia between June 4-8. 

Why have a Club Assembly? Here are three excellent reasons. First, it's an opportunity to share information and maintain perspective. Secondly, it's a time when issues can be identified, and finally, it affords time to discuss future plans. Pres. Bruce used this platform as he began to talk about the "health and well-being" of Naples NY Rotary. He mentioned all the events that we've held throughout the year, keeping our heads above water in spite of Covid. We've kept meeting as a club both in person, and offering Zoom as a choice for those who have preferred to meet in that way. We've had extraordinary Programs throughout the year, thanks to Rose. Our retention rate is "healthy". "Our club continues to thrive!" Pres, Bruce commented.

Here are some of the concerns that we currently have. Growth seems to be slow, and the majority of the Members are over 60, though folks like Kevin, Micah, and Kristin have helped us grow in positive ways. There hasn't seemed to be a lot of deviation in attendance, as less than 50% of the Members show up at each Meeting. This, of course, is an ongoing concern. Jack said that one can go to "My Rotary" to update information, and there are Members who are happy to help with this.

Our Goals appear to be as follows. We want to stimulate growth, attract New Members, and improve attendance. Bruce talked about the Strategic Planning Program, (presented by Bill Gormont at the District Assembly in April). There will be a Workshop later this Summer which will involve a scope and sequence in planning. We will identify our Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, and with guidance, will create a plan for club improvement and growth. "Our "homework" is to do some deep thinking and reflection!" urged Pres. Bruce. 

Bruce then opened the floor to shoulder questions, comments, and concerns from the Membership. Many worthwhile ideas were generated and discussed.

The Happy Bills and Fines centered around the Program which was very beneficial. Karen's Ticket was picked for the Ace of Hearts. Jack's Win-Win was a question about baseball. About 120 baseballs are used in an average Major League Game! Sherry, in her Rotary Moment, told how John had found "tons" of slides, (from past Grape Festivals, I believe). Tom ended the Meeting in showing us videos from the Memorial Day Parade, and the Pride of Naples, the Award-Winning Marching Band and the Colorguard!

Last Meeting:

This past Monday's Evening Meeting at The Redwood was very enjoyable, and it was good to be back with the "gang"! Pres. Bruce shouldered many responsibilities tonight! He led us in saying The Pledge, he shared the Prayer of St. Francis for the Blessing, and he led us in singing "My Country Tis Of Thee". Music is a part of who he is, so we enjoyed hearing his fine voice, of course! Cindy's warm smile greeted each of us as we came in to the restaurant. There were 21 Members in attendance, with Frank joining us online, and we welcomed Sharon, and Chip and Stuart, as our guests this evening.  

After repeating the Four-Way Test after Bruce, announcements were given. The Gavel Dinner will be 6/27 at Brew and Brats. The cost is $35.00/person. The Camp O. Auction is 7/10. The District Gavel Dinner is 6/30. The WOL Silent Auction begins 7/1. Singers, Speakers, Sweets, and Supper is 7/10. The actual Walk of Life will be a two-day event this year, 7/10 and 7/16.

The Walk of Life Committee Members, Sherry, Rose, Sue, and Cindy took time out of their busy schedules to give us an update on the WOL. Here is a summary of the items that these ladies shared with the Membership.

The attractive and informative brochure that was created by Sherry gives all the dates and details for the WOL events, many of which will be held on two different days this year. Many wonderful Auction Items have been submitted to date, and more items can be accepted until 6/15. Sherry has created a website to sign up to help. It's a Google Doc. Sue has been busy gathering donations, Rose has been handling the Pinwheel Sales, and Cindy has placed the collection canisters about town, and she has collected the money received. 

"People have been generous and receptive!" Sherry commented. She went on to explain how the rainbow, (symbolized by the Pinwheel), represents life, which can be bright and colorful, (at times). "Everyone has a walk of life, and we're pulling together!" Sherry said. 

The Committee talked about the events that will be held on July 10th and July 16th. A Sign-Up Sheet was passed around for interested Members who would like to bring a dessert for the Singers, Speakers, Sweets, and Supper on July 10th. The Pulled Pork Dinner, the Live Silent Auction, the Go-Go Goat Bingo, the Rotary Chicken BBQ, the Pet Parade, and the Pinwheel Sales help to round out the array of events that are being planned to help make the 6th Annual Walk of Life a memorable time for all!

Rose said that there is a splendid collection of items for the Auction, including artwork, Gift Certificates, shirts, food, and Darryl Abraham's Painted Guitar, which is on display at FLX Music! The Pinwheel Sales have reached $800 too!

Laurie can take donations on Venmo too, if one wishes to donate in that manner. The WOL Committee welcomed feedback from the Members. The Magery Pawluk Cancer Fund and Hospeace House are the benefactors of the WOL. Many thanks to the WOL Committee for giving us such a thorough update. Let's hope that this will be the best year yet!

The "Houston Team", (Liz and Clyde, and Bo and Pat), gave a short presentation on the 2022 Rotary International Convention. It was an illuminating experience for all of us, being together with Fellow Rotarians from all over the world! We share mutual goals for making the world a better place, and that is the common thread that unites us in friendship. Our Liz will be well-heeled to take on the Presidency when her turn comes around, as she took advantage of every opportunity to learn from the various Breakout Sessions! The General Sessions were excellent as well, featuring keynote speakers such as John Germ. The House of Friendship was where one could engage in conversation with Rotarians from different nations and learn of their missions and goals. It was fascinating! A Flag and Pin from the International Fellowship of Rotarian Musicians was presented to Pres. Bruce. Bruce had slides from the Convention to share with the Club. There was even one of Clyde in a spacesuit, and he looked pretty cool!! Houston is "sizzling" in the Summer, that is for sure, but the Southern Hospitality that we experienced equals that high degree of heat!

The "Double Program" this evening garnered many Happy Bills. Pres. Bruce's granddaughters touched his heart in writing him a song! We had great representation from Naples NY Rotary at the Camp O. Golf Tourney this past weekend!

The Ace of Hearts was up to $85.00, and Pat's Ticket was drawn. She drew the Queen of Diamonds.

"It's nice to see everybody!" Frank exclaimed as he began to give his Rotary Moment. He was so pleased with the Naples NY Rotary contributions at the Camp O. Golf Tournament. he talked about the "great libations" at the famous 12th Hole. Fellow Member, Steve Janto made the green! Going back to the children, Frank said that there is a "Wish List" that has been created. We can help with that Wish List so that these youngsters can have a memorable and special Camp Experience this Summer

I'll say like Pres. Bruce..."Goodnight and God Bless!"