Sunshine and blue skies greeted us today as we gathered at the Redwood. Sue was our greeter, welcoming two guests - Alan's wife Kristie Braun and our speaker, Sarah Jacoby Murphy. There were 15 Naples Rotarians here.

 

Past President Liz Yee is filling in for President Jack, who is away at a Rotary Golf tournament in North Carolina today. Liz led us in the Pledge. Alan B. led the singing of God Bless America. We were grateful to be here on this beautiful day and we are sending prayers and thoughts to Sherry as she is healing from her serious illness.

 

Announcements:  Bill Stopka is our newest official Club member! * We received two thank you notes for our donations to Naples Open Cupboard and Budding Readers. * Memorial Day parade is 10am on May 25th. Liz Yee will send an email to all re: where to meet to ride a float. * Watkinstown Day is June 6th, 11-4. We need volunteers to Meet and Greet at our table there. Please let Cindy know if you can help. * The Great Grape Derby is June 6th at 1 pm. We will need folks at the digger on Naples Creek to catch the "grapes". Denise has tickets. * Naples Historical Society is hosting Bill Vierhile's 100th birthday celebration on June 13th, 3-5pm. Who can tell us about Bill's contributions and give a history of his Rotary years? Please let Cindy know. * Camp O golf tournament is June 13th. Liz is looking for others to play - let her know if interested. * Our Gavel Crossover dinner is June 29 at Reservoir Creek. More info to come from Skip soon! * Dues are due in June for membership for July - December 2026. The new bylaws updated the due dates to enable accurate payments to Rotary International on July 1st and January 1st. * May is Youth Services Month. 

 

Sarah Jacoby Murphy was here today to speak about Cumming Nature Center (CNC) on Gulick Road. Sarah has been working there on events and communication since 2019 but has recently taken on the Director role. She asked us to think back to our childhood and remember what memories we have of outdoor play. Today's kids spend a lot of time indoors but outdoor adventures are still a very valuable learning experience. CNC has been a part of Rochester Museum and Science Center for almost 50 years. The land was donated and was developed to meet their mission: "to create a better world through inspiring curiosity, exploration and engagement across history, science, culture and the natural world." CNC programming is aimed at all ages but is truly focused on children gaining outdoor skills such as fire building, compass use, building outdoor shelters and FUN! Last year there were over 35000 hours of outside learning for children. For all ages, there are hiking trails, cross country skiing, pancake breakfasts and Finger Lakes Symphony concerts. Kids benefit from connections through play and cultivating curiosity in the Forest School, at summer camps and school field trips.

Sarah is very involved in new projects which includes upgrades to the facilities built in the late 1970s and early 80s. 2025 brought grant money for the Visitor Center, renovating the theater into a large meeting space with level floor and windows. Doors and windows have been replaced and fire safety system enhanced. Outdoors, walkways to trails and a fire place are improved. One of the most exciting builds is a large treehouse that has been a dream for many years. It is expected to be completed this fall and open to the public next spring. Increased visits and accessible use is expected with an outdoor classroom. In the local conservation vein, CNC works on invasive species management, citizen science programs and partnering with other environmental focused organizations.

Frost Town was a historic logging village which is on the CNC property. In past years, archeological research and digs have occurred. This fall there will be presentations of Frost Town info presented by the Brockport professor who leads those studies. Sarah offered to give a private tour of the CNC for any of us who wants to go right after the meeting. Many took her up on the trip!

 

The Ace of Hearts was $114 today. New member Bill had ticket #0157 but drew the Ace of Spades. Good luck all for next time!

Happy Bills today went to Sarah's great presentation! Marty and Jill celebrated their granddaughter's 4th birthday. Jill is with her dad today for appointments. Alan and Kristie just bought an RV and are joining the Rotary RV Friendship club. We are keeping Sherry, John and Katie in our thoughts and prayers in their journeys home from Florida. The syrup used for the pancake breakfasts is delicious and comes from Rocky Ridge Maple Farm.

 

Liz led the Four Way Test and adjourned the meeting at 12:53pm.