"This snow is just fertilizer for the ground!" exclaimed President Bruce as he welcomed us to this Evening's Meeting, with his usual optimistic charm. We were glad to be gathering, once again back at The Redwood after a few months' hiatusl. We have been so grateful to John French, and the Crew at Brew and Brats for having hosted us for the past few months this Winter. Everything worked out well, and it was a cozy place to be for that period of time.

We arose to say The Pledge to Our Flag, as we were led by Pres. Bruce. Our voices rang out beautifully when Jack led us in the Star-Spangled Banner. We certainly appreciated Albie's fervent Invocation: "Time weighs heavily upon us," said he. "Sadness and sorrow flow through the air, but truth remains inside us!" Albie, your positivity reflects a hallmark of Rotary, and how we try to remain hopeful during the best and worst of times. The Program this evening was delivered by special guest, Evan Schapp, of 1808 Tattoos. Evan joined us via Zoom from his shop. Skip served as both Greeter and Rotary Moment Provider tonight.

A nice collection of 23 Members, (Betsy joined us on-line), along with five guests, spread out comfortably in the back dining room of The Redwood tonight. The delicious warm food hit the spot, since it was pretty chilly outside along with snow showers.

Pres. Bruce introduced our guests. We welcomed Evan, of course, along with Tim Williams in person, (from the Honeoye Rotary Club), Mark, spouse of Jodi, Heather, sister-in-law of Kristen, and Sharon, of course, bride of Jack. 

Jodi rose to make an announcement about the upcoming Trout Derby this weekend (April 1st).  She had brought Raffle Tickets to sell, and it seemed that many of us were glad to purchase a bunch. She also talked about the Buttons which are available at Caruso's Cafe. This Friday at the Cafe there will be "Open Mic" we were told. Many Members will be helping out in various capacities the day of the Derby.

Rose gave a Walk of Life Update. There are many events being consolidated on two specific dates: Sunday July 10 and Saturday July 16. Some of these events will include a Pulled Pork Dinner, Singers, Songwriters and Desserts, a Silent Auction, a 5-K Run, a Pet Parade, a Chicken Barbecue, a Go-Go Goat, and the Selling of Pinwheels to name a few!

We continue to be a busy and active club, as evidenced by the list of upcoming dates which Pres. Bruce shared with us. Here are some items for the calendar. 4/1 is the Deadline to select someone for the Robert Allen Award. 4/1 is the Rotary Trout Derby, which starts at 7 AM. 4/9 is the District Training Assembly at Honeoye C.S. 4/19 is the Eastern Cities Fellowship Dinner. 4/23 is the Watershed Clean-Up. 4/25 is the Spring Dinner. 4/29-5/01 is the District 7120 Conference in Oswego. 

Expressions of art exist in many forms, as you know, and the art of tattooing is definitely a unique way of creating designs as well as messages. "Thanks for your interest!" Evan, told us, when he began to tell about his interesting career. Originally, his business began on Mill Street, but as the shop "picked up speed", Evan found it necessary to move to a renovated space on Main Street. This move took place back in October of 2020, at the height of Covid!

Evan said that apprentices in the tattooing business build upon their skills by starting out with small tattoos. Gradually, as they acquire more expertise, they are able to move on to more elaborate designs. Evan showed us a collection of a few months' work, as he swirled through examples of some of his recent work. Many elaborate and intricate patterns revealed his excellent talent!

Some of the Members' questions which followed Evan's Program yielded interesting information. People have different tastes, and each person has a different style, we learned. There are many options available to clients in terms of what type of medium is used. The walls in Evan's shop display "classic imagery" to choose from, but he is happy to do "custom work" as well! The age group that enjoys getting tattoos ranges from 18 to 75! Pres. Bruce wondered if "lifelike hair" could be a possibility!

Evan noted that people have stopped in to show their gratitude and support, while others have just popped in to talk. Rose shared a couple of stories from her nursing days at Highland Hospital. Some of her cancer patients had "different avenues of body modification." The perfect closing feature to Evan's Program came from guest, Tim Williams, who had been Evan's High School Art Teacher! Tim said that he was very proud of him! What a coincidence that Tim should be here with us tonight!

The many Happy Bills that were offered were proof that we enjoyed Evan's Program tonight! Kristen was glad to have Heather join us. Jo Anne was relieved that granddaughter, Chloe had changed her mind about being a "Ball Girl" for the NY Yankees! Clyde is waiting to hear about Tom's "pending tattoo!" Guest Tim was glad to be with us at this Meeting. Jodi was appreciative of Evan, Tim, the WOL, and Mark being with us. Tom had recently seen a good movie starring Sandra Bullock. John was glad to be back at The Redwood, and he was happy to see such a nice crowd!

We gave Nancy a hearty round of applause, as we were very glad to see her strolling about with the pack of cards for the Ace of Hearts. Jack's Ticket, #276 was drawn. Jack then drew the King of Spades. 

The Win-Win came from Pres. Bruce in a very "timely" way! Did you know that it takes rain two minutes to fall to earth, but it takes a snowflake 45 minutes to do the same? 

For his Rotary Moment this evening, Skip talked about how Rotary has been such an important influence upon his entire family. Back in 1985, his father-in-law, Bruce Clawson convinced him to join Rotary. Daughter, Aimee joined the Plattsburgh Club. Son-in-law Billy joined NRC, then daughter, Carrie, and his wife, Judy came on board. His Grandson, Charlie, student and charter member of the Interact club at NCS, will represent Naples at RYLA this Spring. Skip has given Service Above Self for 37 years, and for 37 years, he has had Perfect Attendance! 

Bruce added a nice touch as this evening's Meeting drew to a close. He brought the microphone around to each of our guests for feedback. Sharon, Heather, Mark, and Tim each said a few words. We learned that Tim is involved with the District Youth Exchange Program, as a matter of fact! Bruce said that he was glad to see so many faces! He ended the Meeting with his kind and gentle words, "Goodnight and God Bless!"

P.S. At next week's Noon Meeting, Pres. Bruce will hold a Club Assembly. For our new Members who may not know, a Club Assembly is when the Members get together and discuss any questions, concerns, or ideas they may have. A Club Assembly often affords Members further clarification on various items, as well as the opportunity to share what's on their mind. It's typically a very informal discussion, yet it is usually very productive!