The Rotarian arrived today, and I happened to glance at the back cover first. The words, “Feel The Energy” were printed boldly across the top, and although they were meant to instill some “hype” for the 2021 International Convention, I couldn’t help but think how much those words describe Naples Rotary! It’s true, we haven’t literally met as a group for the past few months, but the energy can still be felt in our having virtual meetings!
Judy led us in saying The Pledge today, while Susan said The Blessing. She asked The Lord to lift us up during these challenging times. In His blessing of us, we are motivated to bless others, Susan prayed. We welcomed guests, Angie Rischpater and Sharon Fredericks to today’s meeting,
Matt and Patrice gave an overview of today’s Board Meeting. Matt reviewed the budget update. The cancellation of this year’s Grape Fest has made a significant impact on this year’s budget. It was our hope that $12000 would come in as a result of the GF, but since this won’t happen, a gap has been created. We are able to move $7000 from Special Grants, (which we have to turn away), to help close this gap. The recent Chicken Barbecue that Skip, Judy, and The Grove Boys held garnered about $600 to help close this gap. We are still looking at a deficit of $3900, therefore, we need to look at additional fundraising opportunities. After the WOL is over, in Mid-August, we will meet as a group to discuss these options. We cannot help with any additional monetary requests at this time. It was decided to leave the budget as is.
Pat reported on the remainder of the Board Meeting. There was a conversation about fundraising. Some ideas were generated, and it was decided to hold a Club Assembly to come up with ideas and suggestions, after the Walk of Life is over. It was noted that this would be an excellent opportunity for some of our newer members to share their ideas.
Susan offered to stay on as Treasurer for the remainder of Matt’s year. This met with complete Board approval. Susan suggested that if there was a member who would like to fill this position next year, she would be glad to have that person “shadow” her this year.
Recently, Matt sent out a survey inquiring about members’ preferences for continued virtual meetings, or in-person meetings. Matt said that about 35 people responded, and that there was an even distribution of responses. Jack has offered to meet with the staff at The Redwood to discuss the possibility of holding in-person meetings. The Zoom option would still be available for those who do not feel comfortable meeting in person. There does seem to be a willingness to try this, yet we will definitely have to “work out” the logistics for having our meetings in the “usual” way.
Jack has also offered to contact Al Mann’s family, so that a date can be arranged for the Dedication of Al’s Bench in the Community Park.
Karen has done an exemplary job in lining up programs until September. Next Monday, 7/27, at 11:00, there will be an online meeting, led by Matt. Any members who are interested may join the meeting to discuss ideas for future programs.
Jack shared the communications with us next. There was a note from Jessica Schwartz thanking Naples Rotary for the Bruce Clawson Service Above Self Award. PDG Dave Hannan sent us a $100 check to use as we see fit in praise of our commitment to education and literacy. Thompson Health had sent a request for our help with the addition of their new ICU. There is also a note from Sharon thanking us for the honor of being given the Paul Harris Award. She promises to live up to all that the Award and Rotary represent. We don’t doubt that although the Naples Rotary cannot honor any additional monetary requests at this time, Jodi asked if personal donations could be made when money is requested. Of course, we can continue to make personal donations, as we see necessary.
Jodi spoke for a bit about the Walk of Life. She gave a big “Thank You” to Nancy for having sat at Rennoldson’s for 3 hours selling T-shirts! Nancy raised $600 for the WOL! The Fun Run went well. Drew Reigelsperger and his sister, Erica came in first! Woody’s wife completed the walk as well! Thanks to all those who helped such as Skip. Judy, Karen and Liz! Sherry noted that there has been $1355 raised with the WOL Auction. There have been 45 bids so far. The auction items have been featured online, and Sherry urges us to keep bidding! Eight items will be auctioned off at the Desserts and Songwriters Event this Thursday, 7/23. Sherry will try to make this information sharable. John said that $205 was raised at the Putting Contest on Saturday as well!
Today’s program was brought to us by Angie Rischpater. Angie, who is a graduate of Keuka College, has been a Naples resident since she was in her teens. She and her family have been an asset to the Naples Community. She graduated from NCS in 1994. For six years, she and her husband, Matt lived in Miami, and it was there where she began to acquire some entrepreneurial experience. She attended Occupational Therapy School, and over the course of five years, she worked as a therapist. She moved to Naples when she and Matt were expecting their second son, Dean. Angie continued to maintain her “entrepreneurial mode”, and she continued with homecare. Over time, she was looking for network opportunities. In January of 2020, the first networking event occurred. Known as the Western Finger Lakes Networking, its goal was to bring people together, face to face, to offer support and encouragement. Angie partnered with Hollerhorn, and a one- hour program, along with appetizers, at $10/ticket was provided, along with a speaker. Eighteen to twenty people attended, and people shared their connections and services. “How do you pitch your business?” is a question that surfaces when Angie thinks about networking. She contests that the best marketing occurs when people are able to meet face to face, and this wouldn’t only include Naples, but surrounding towns as well! Bringing in small towns presents a challenge, of course. In February, Jodi presented a program entitled “Balance of Body, Mind, and Spirit”, and in March, different styles of business were presented, online. After that, things changed dramatically, as you know, however, tomorrow, there will be an event, (online), entitled “Doing Business Differently”. Three well-known Naples people will be participating. They are Karl Neubauer, Michelle Halloran, and Laura Schumacher. All three have been able to circumvent the effects of the current situation, and they have promoted their businesses in innovative ways. Speaker series have been lined up noted Angie, and education and inspiration can be gleaned from them and the business owners. Many thanks to Angie for presenting a very interesting program!
It was time for the Happy Bills and Fines to come forth, and as it has been customary since we’ve been meeting online, there has been an ample amount produced! Many were pleased with Angie’s presentation. Many were delighted with the Walk of Life proceedings.
“It has been a fun week, thus far!” noted Liz. John wanted to thank Holly, Tony, and Mike for their help at the Putting Contest. (I guess John liked my series of putts too!) Andy and Marianna have a brand-new grandson! Jack and Sharon are celebrating their grandson Jacob’s graduation. Nancy was sorry that she didn’t recognize Matt, “hidden” by his mask! Judy and Skip were glad to be helping with the Fun Run at the corner of Main and Vine!
Bruce had the Rotary Moment to close out today’s meeting. “Rotary is so fulfilling”, he commented. He sees enthusiasm growing, and it is a testament to the human spirit! Yes, we can certainly “feel the energy”! Have a great week, everyone! Hope to see many of you at the Desserts and Songwriters this Thursday! See you on the 27th!
P.S. We are in the process of getting, (hopefully), two teams together to golf in the Camp O. Golf Tourney on August 14th! It’s for a wonderful cause, and it promises to be a good time!
