"Let's get started!" boomed President John, as he opened the Gathering on this last day of October. After being warmly welcomed by Rose as we arrived at The Redwood, we joined John in saying The Pledge. John also gave The Invocation, as he asked The Lord to bless us in our labor, in choosing to serve others, as part of Rotary's mission. Jack chose an attainable key to lead us in singing The Star-Spangled Banner this noon. There were 16 Members in attendance, (Jodi was on-line), and we welcomed Guests, Sean and Raul. Today's Program was about Explore Naples, and Skip provided the Rotary Moment at Meeting's end.

"Rotary is like Scouting for adults!" commented Pres. John as he gave us a refresher in what he calls "Rotary 101". In viewing the Rotary Code of Conduct on the big screen, we were reminded of the attributes that (should) reflect a Rotary Club and its Members. Some of these characteristics include integrity, fairness, respect, mentorship, adversity avoidance, and a harassment-free environment. This Code of Conduct seems to align with the ideas found in the Four-Way Test, and it serves to remind us of the importance of kindness.

John reported that there were a handful of upcoming events and dates throughout District 7120, and that they could be found, and described in detail, in the District Grapevine. The Club Calendar Site can be found on Club Runner. Also, this Wednesday, Nov. 2nd, there will be a Meeting at Naples H.S. to discuss the status of Hospeace House. The time is slated for 7:00 PM.

The Holiday Season is approaching, and one indication of that is Light Up Naples! We had our first LUN Meeting this past week, and Rose gave us a brief update. Rose noted that we have a great Committee, and many items have been addressed already. Help with lighting and clean-up are certainly appreciated, and of course, suggestions are always welcome!

The LUN Committe will be meeting weekly in preparation for Light Up Naples which is scheduled for December 10th. Many thanks to Rose and Sherry, who are chairing this Committe, and many thanks to Rose, who will give a brief weekly update. Our next Meeting will be at Rose's home on Wed. Nov. 2nd at 4:00.

"Rotary Lite" is coming back! A few years ago, when John had been President, he instituted a component to regular Rotary Meetings, known as Rotary Lite. Rotary Light was optional, of course, but it was another opportunity to discuss ideas and concerns in an informal manner. President-Elect Liz has chosen to bring back this feature! The first Rotary Lite Meeting will be this Thursday. Nov. 3rd, at 6:15 PM in the basement of the Naples Library. All interested Members are welcome to attend!

Today's Program was brought to us by Village Trustee, Sean Sullivan, who came to Naples 11 years ago from Pennsylvania. Sean appreciates Naples, and its proximity to wildlife and nature. His wife had been offered work at FLCC, and he enjoys raising his family in this community. He immersed himself into life in Naples by becoming involved in village activities, and by joining the BVT Board. He also joined the Green Committe in Naples, which has a clean energy focus and was appointed to the Village Board. 

Sean, who is Commissioner of Economic Development, proceeded to tell us about one of its initiatives: Explore Naples New York. He talked about an Economic Development Plan which encompasses opportunities, creating a vision for Main Street, and involving key stakeholders. These areas of focus include a vision which purports to create year-round tourism in our fair community.

There is an Action Plan, including a timetable, for Explore Naples NY, which involves Village Board Members and Mayor Schenk. Within its Mission Plan is the goal to keep Naples' businesses sustainable beyond tourism. Sean recalled that during the height of Covid back in 2020, area businesses were helped. Supplemental rent was provided to "Pop-Up" businesses during this time of economic uncertainty. An example of a new business that flourished was Finger Lakes Music, with Rick Constantino as the proprietor.

Looking to 2023, Rick told of some future plans, which are sure to keep the Naples Community vibrant, especially during the "low season". In January and February, there will be Workshops, a Wellness Weekend, and A Taste of Winter, which will be collaborative. "Swing Into Spring" will see the reopening of Hollerhorn! Now that is something to look forward to!! Sean said that he would love to see Naples NY Rotary become involved. On Mon. Nov. 7th, at 6:00 PM there will be "Collaborative Talking" at the Naples Hotel. Also, events and information are available on Instagram. Clearly, Sean has vested much interest in our community, and his hopes seem to point to making this Little Gem of a town continue to shine! We truly appreciate the time he spent with us today!

Sergeant-At-Arms Jo had the Ace of Hearts ready, and Sean drew Kevin's Ticket Number, #3781. Kevin pulled the Eight of Clubs out from the pack.

Wayne announced that his Associate gave birth to a son yesterday, and both are doing well!

From The Mailbag: John read a Note from the Naples Angels, thanking Naples NY Rotary for its recent donation. (Jack and Sharon are the Contact Persons).

In reflecting upon Rotary's commitment to children, Skip had the perfect Rotary Moment for us this noon! He talked about the history of the Dictionary Project, which began in 1992. "Having begun in the State of Georgia, the DP has now spread all over the United States, helping children to become readers, writers, thinkers, and learners!" Skip told us. The 3rd Graders receive dictionaries, and the 6th Graders receive thesauruses. "This helps to create the bridge between learning to read and reading to learn!" said Skip passionately. The dictionaries and thesauruses will be distributed to the children this Thurs. Nov. 3rd at the Elementary School.

"One More Thing": John showed a video of RI President Jennifer Jones during her recent visit to Pakistan. She had spent time with healthcare workers, while there, and she is passionate about bringing an end to Polio worldwide.

The brilliance of color has slowly faded from our rolling hills, but the optimism of Pres. John has not! His quote today seemed to sum up his ongoing positivity. It went something like this: "What lies behind us, and what lies before us doesn't compare to what lies within us!"