Today was Presidents’ Day and the start of Mid-Winter Recess for our educators and school personnel, so it only seemed fitting that Pres. Matt should begin today’s meeting with a “Presidential Story!” Our Forefathers, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both passed on the same day, July 4, 1826, which was exactly 50 years after the Signing of the Declaration of Independence! Adding to that tidbit of information was Blanche, who said that both Washington and Jefferson were redheads! (I think we could trust Blanche. Her historic items are accurate!)

Afterwards, Matt had us join him in reciting The Pledge. Alex gave The Blessing, and as she thanked us all, she asked The Father to instill peace within each of us, and to use that peace to reach out to others. We welcomed guests, Sharon, Sue D., Atticus, and Karin Bowersock to today’s Noon Zoom Meeting. In addition to these fine guests, there were 26 members in attendance. Today’s Program was brought to us by Karin Bowersock, as she updated us on the Bristol Valley Theater.

Earlier this morning, the Board met for its February Meeting. Here is a summary of the items covered at today’s meeting.

• There was a discussion about the Annual Election of Officers. Matt did a screen share of the current officers. There will be three positions available at year-end. Tom, Sherry, and Jack have expressed interest in being on the Board. A member may self-nominate or nominate someone. Matt will send out an E-Mail to the Membership regarding the Proposed Slate of Officers.

• Tom, who is Chair of the Awards Committee, has prepared some modifications and clarifications to the By-Laws. The proposed modified By-Laws had been sent to the Board. The next step will be to send a proposed, updated version for vote by the Membership. There will be a discussion at the March Board Meeting about the awards to be given at the next Gavel Dinner.

• Marty and Jill will be the chairmen of this year’s Lucky Ducky Derby. Some changes have been made. It is going to be called “The Great Grape Race.” Instead of stuffed ducks, numbered purple balls will be floating down the creek.

• In the past, we have donated to the Canandaigua Lake Trout Derby, which supports Hospeace House, Camp Good Days, and Mercy Flight. Laurie is going to check with Susan to see if we can increase our donation this year.

• There was a discussion about In-Person Meetings versus Zoom Meetings. Items that need to be taken into consideration are the positivity rate of Covid-19, members getting vaccinated, and the financial component to The Redwood if attendance would be low. Matt is going to send out a survey to get members’ feedback on this issue. He will include an inquiry as to whether a member needs help linking on to Zoom Meetings.

• John F. read a letter from Naples Rotary that will be handed out at Sutton’s at the 2021 Trout Derby. It explained the changes that have been made this year.

Matt thanked Tom, John, and Bo for clarifying the By-Laws. Sherry read the letter (from Naples Rotary, mentioned above) describing this year’s changes in the Trout Derby in the interest of minimizing the spread of the pesky virus. Creative ways have been sought to hold this year’s Derby in a safe manner. The event will stretch out over a series of four days. Registration will be done by using a Smart Phone App. Sherry, along with Kim Torpey, has created a new Logo for the Trout Derby. She has ordered pins and they will be available at Sutton’s. We are thankful to Sutton’s for all their help, and we hope to return to normal in 2022.

Carrie reported on the Valentines for Vets. This year, 455 Valentines were delivered to the VA in Canandaigua by Skip and Judy! There was a nice picture on Face Book as well! The Vintage, Vines, and Valentines was “a whopping success” according to John F.! There were many pictures from this event on social media. Many thanks to Mike J. for all his involvement, and thanks to Jack and Wayne for the Renewal of Marriage Vows component! John noted that he and Sherry said “I do” for the eighth time! Matt had been talking with Norma Reilly. A Discussion Panel is being planned, dealing with the topic(s) of Recruiting and Retaining Members. Mike J. and John F. have agreed to take part in this panel. It seems that Naples Rotary has a bit of insight to add to this discussion, with the influx of new members that we’ve had!

With all the challenges and changes that we have experienced over this past year, it was refreshing to have Karin join us today with the assurance that Bristol Valley Theater will be “up and running” for the 2021 Season! Speaking from her office, and flanked by her fluffy, yellow kitty, Karin began by thanking us for recognizing BVT through the Bill Vierhile Award/Donation. Karin fondly recalled how Bill V. was her first friend when she came to Naples, as he was her landlord. Bill and Hope had provided her a fridge which was stocked with healthy purple grape juice and other essential items. That sounds so typical of Hope and Bill, doesn’t it?

Having been closed since last March, there is going to be a “reawakening” of the BVT on February 27^th at 7:00 PM. This event, which will be held on-line, will provide participants with a “sneak preview” of the upcoming season. Karin noted that there will also be a Basket Raffle. Ten baskets will be raffled off, and $25 will secure one’s entry into the raffle. Contributions can be mailed or given that evening, and winners will be drawn. In the meantime, specific information is being kept quiet until that day! All precautions are being taken, of course, but Karin described how the Theater will operate this coming Summer. The BVT is moving outdoors for its performances thus protecting the health and safety of all. The Performance Schedule will look different, and that will keep the employees safe. The shows will be performed on a smaller scale, including familiar and new actors. The BVT will be sending out a booklet the first weekend in March, and subscriptions and tickets will be offered at that time. Virtual options will be available too. Many excellent questions were raised concerning weather, parking, space, neighbors, and hosts. Karin addressed them all, commenting that we should pray for a dry Summer! We certainly appreciate her spending some time with us today, and we look forward to having Live Theater return to our Valley once again!!

This week, once again, the Happy Bills accumulated to a generous amount! We were pleased to have Karin join us with the promise of high-class entertainment this Summer. Marty and Jill are looking forward to the “Great Grape Race.” Carrie noted that today was Bill’s birthday, and Brenda has a birthday coming up! John had a Valentine Birthday yesterday! Your Editor had to “fess up” because apparently, a chocolate-covered bottle of wine was won over the weekend at VVV!

Tom had three special Rotary Moments to share with us this noon. “We all want to get back together,” said he. He had three different experiences recently, where members “reached out” to him. John and Sherry have graciously hosted the Zoom Meetings at their house over these past few months, welcoming Tom, Katie, Skip, and Judy. Jack and Sharon brought lunch to Tom from The Redwood. Karen gave Tom a plaque with the words to the poem, “I’d Pick More Daisies,” all written in calligraphy! “We’re still connecting, and we’re reaching out with our hearts!” exclaimed Tom. This must be the secret ingredient which lends strength and stability to our club, don’t you think?

Pres. Matt thanked Bruce for handling the technical end of the meeting. He also thanked everyone for the fun, friendship, and fellowship, and he reminded us to be sure and tune in again next week on Zoom for our 6:00 Evening Meeting.