Naples Rotarians sure know how to communicate and keep connected! Due to the coordinated efforts of President Tom, and PP John French, we enjoyed an “On-Line” Meeting this evening from the comfort and safety of our homes. The Zoom Feature that we installed on our computers virtually enabled us to chat with, and see each other in an innovative way!

As is customary, Pres. Tom commenced the meeting, as we all joined in saying The Pledge, while viewing Old Glory online. John’s beautiful voice led us in the singing of God Bless America. “Heavenly Father, guide us through these coming weeks”, prayed Steve R, and with The Lord’s guidance, we will persevere in providing service to others, while trying to keep safe. Our special guests this evening were DG Dave Hannan, Chris, (husband of Leah), and Grady, (son of Carrie and Bill).

Communications: Pres. Tom has made the decision that all our meetings, for the time being, will be online, and at noon. DG Dave announced that the District Training Assembly has been cancelled. Highlights from the DTA will be available in a “Power Point” format, however. Club meetings throughout the District are being encouraged to continue to “meet” online, thus, maintaining structure and consistency.

Tonight’s program, entitled, “Why Rotary Today?” was brought to us by our own John French, who graciously stepped up to the plate to provide some worthwhile thoughts for us to ponder. After welcoming DG Dave Hannan to the online meeting, John used the question, “What does Rotary mean to me?” as a springboard for his presentation. Back in 2017, when he was about to take on the role as President, (of Naples Rotary), John attended the Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. It while he was there that he received some valuable insights on what Rotary entails. That year, there were 40,000 plus attendees at the Convention, and John felt that he learned so much. RI President, John Germ, along with his wife, Judy, had led some impressive sessions, according to John. Having sat next to a wheelchair-bound lady, by the name of Rhonda, he, (John), got the idea for “Cow Pie Bingo”! Other highlights that John gleaned from his experience were listening to a talk given by Bill Gates on the subject of polio, and hearing from Golf Pro, Jack Nicklaus, who, himself, had contracted polio. A presentation by Andrew Young heightened the awareness of helping Rotary International, and John admitted that he learned a great deal about fellowship as a result of this “overwhelming” talk. John concluded his speech by adding that the Four-Way Test could be applied to the Covid 19 Crisis, and that the “Rotary Response” is definitely a good application of those inherent principles. “We can all get through, and we can stay connected!’ Thank you, John, for your inspirational words! Why Rotary? Why not Rotary?

Fines and Happy Bills: Since being online this evening, it was possible for Pres. Tom to ask each of us our reason(s) for donating Fines and/or Happy Bills, and each of us could be heard quite clearly! Having had our meeting conducted this way, it was so easy to hear each person’s response, therefore I will be fairly explicit in reiterating the outcome! First of all, we were pleased to have DG Dave Hannan be a part of tonight’s meeting. We were also delighted with John’s program. It was very motivational during these trying times. Now, specifically…Nancy was glad to be on board. Andy was happy with the installation of the Rotary Responders. The Lees were home, and they thanked everyone. Blanche enjoyed the program. Bruce M. has a new baby granddaughter! Carrie and Bill were thinking of the teachers at this time. Laurie was glad to have her sons and her dogs with her. Leah has missed some meetings, but she is hoping everyone will stay healthy. Marty’s and Jill’s youngest daughter has become engaged, and their daughter in Santa Monica, CA, is doing okay. Matt enjoyed the program and he is grateful for the NCS Staff and the recent musical. Skip and Judy have enjoyed the online meeting, and they are proud of their grandsons, Charlie and Grady for having done so well in the recent NCS Musical. Warren and Roberta were glad to be a part of tonight’s meeting. They have been hanging in there, and they’re enjoying the Florida sunshine! Steve thanked Warren and Roberta for their participation. Jack thought that Tom and John had done a good job delivering tonight’s meeting. Bo paid a fine for having golfed a bit last week during that warm spell, and Pat was pleased that the Rotary Responders has taken effect.

The “Rotary Moment” this week, couldn’t have been better! Last week, at the Monthly Board Meeting, Andy and Marianna expressed their concern for the families and friends in need of assistance during this time of uncertainty. As a result, a group of Rotarians met last week, and they formed a committee known as the “Rotary Responders”. (Thank you, Steve R. for the name!) This group, along with some community members, has volunteered to help those in need. The Rotary Responders will assist in shopping for groceries for Seniors (on special days) as a means of protecting them, if they don’t wish to go in the store to shop on their own. The Rotary Responders are working in conjunction with Rennoldson’s, our local grocery store. Many, many thanks to Rennoldson’s for your wonderful response, and utmost cooperation! In addition to shopping for, and delivering groceries to specific individuals if needs be, the RR will also be working with the Open Cupboard. Here again, is an example of “Service Above Self”! in every sense of the word! Thank you, Andy, and Marianna for spearheading this wonderful endeavor! Many thanks to Steve, Bo, and Laurie for being a part of this committee, as well! Andy concluded his Rotary Moment by adding that this a “Work in Progress”, and that anyone who is interested in helping and being a part of this committee may contact Marianna. Our Online Meeting concluded with Pres. Tom’s words to us…”Stay safe, and stay healthy!”