Announcement: Rotary Lite is cancelled this week.

 

What a great gathering we had tonight! Thirty Rotarians were joined by 5 guests. Exchange Students Anna and Uryu, Mark Poppleton, Martina Wismer and our speaker Christie Mattice from Explore Naples were welcomed by Frank.

 

President Jack rang the bell and opened the meeting with the Pledge. He chose America the Beautiful and asked for a special blessing on our organization as we care for and share with the less fortunate. May we continue to be in a life of service to our community.

 

Announcements: District Learning Assembly is 4/5/25 at Midlakes HS, 8:30- 12:30pm. It's free, registration is on-line at District 7120 website: rotary7120.org * District 7120 Conference is 5/2-4/25 in Corning. The early-bird discount registration goes until Friday, 2/14. Registration is at rotary7120.org. * The vocal contest was cancelled for lack of participants. Bella Leach will be here singing her songs on 2/24. * We received a Thank You note from Oscar Austin for our assistance to Operation Santa.  They served 50 families including 140 kids. Senior citizens received gift cards to the pharmacy. * Jill is collecting pull tabs from cans for the Interact fundraiser for Ronald McDonald house until Friday 2/14. * Hospeace House Euchre Tournament is Sunday 2/16, 2 pm at Engine 14. Register on-line. * February is Rotary Peace and Conflict Resolution Month. "Imagine all the people living life in peace..." John Lennon.

 

Christie Mattice is the Executive Director of Explore Naples NY. She lives outside of town but has been a frequent visitor here for many years. She has a career in not-for-profits, recently in crisis management. She has been in this position for only 2.5 months and sees her mission as inspiring excitement for the Naples area, viewing it as the gem of the Finger Lakes! Naples has something for everyone! We are well known for summer and fall so Explore Naples is hoping to increase awareness of winter and spring activities. Vintage Vines and Valentines this past weekend was part of that focus. Explore Naples has 60 local partners who are benefitting from the marketing provided. A new kiosk in the park near Old School Cafe lets visitors know what we offer here. A grant for $20K and another $20K from an "angel donor" is funding trail improvements on the many hiking options around our valley. The 2025 mission is greater collaboration among local businesses and groups. They would love to help Rotary and others with advertising events. Explore Naples wants us to be a destination and a staycation! Christie would like feedback on how visitors learn about Naples and she's open to any ideas we can provide. She thanked Rotary for all we do in our community. Naples Rotary is a member/partner. Info: explorenaplesny.com

 

Ace of Hearts was $122. Sue had the ticket #9718 but selected (with Uryu's help) the 10 of diamonds.

Happy Bills were given for the informative program, Uryu's haircut, the Gordon's new granddaughter on 2/7, the great attendance tonight, for Bill's mother-in-law baking him cookies, a new place for Laurie to sit, for Tony and Holly being here, for Blanche being okay after a fall, for a successful Vintage Vines day and welcome back Karen. Jack also mentioned a podcast called Show Us Your Naples, put together by Rick Constantino and Ed Robb. Joan Luther spoke about BVT and other local music events.

 

Rotary Moments included a t-shirt with "Paul Harris is my homeboy" on the back. Several of our members were visible on CBS Sunday Morning show highlighting Hollerhorn Distillery, filmed over the last few years. What a great tribute to our community! 

 

Jack led the Four Way Test and adjourned at 6:56 pm.