It was almost Spring-like today as we gathered for our first meeting of March, though we know that it won’t last! Flanked by a picture of sunny Hunt Hollow in the background, President Tom welcomed our members and guests, and he invited us to join him in saying The Pledge. Jack led us in singing God Bless America, and Patrice gave The Blessing. Today, we remembered our fellow Rotarian, John H. Brahm III, who passed away one year ago today. We were honored to have known him, and he has left us a legacy that speaks of service, honor, and friendship to all that knew him. His memory will be forever in our hearts, as we think back on all that he did for Rotary, and the Naples Community.
Laurie introduced today’s guests. We were pleased to have with us, Kris Saucke, NES Principal, Cindy Myers, NES Secretary, and Dawn Mahan, NES Kindergarten Teacher, who was also today’s program presenter. Along with the 20 members in attendance, that made a cozy group at today’s meeting!
Jack announced the March Birthdays and Anniversaries. The March Birthdays include Jill, Gloria, Carrie, Adam, and Jack, himself! Andrea celebrates an Anniversary this month, as well!
With regard to Communications, Gary announced that volunteers are needed for the upcoming Trout Derby on April 1st. Gary appreciates getting the donations from the various area businesses in a timely manner. John F. read a Thank You Note from Chris Zerrahn. She was touched to see so many Naples Rotarians at Walt’s funeral, and she was very grateful for the meat tray that we provided. The 2020 District Training Assembly is coming up on April 4th. Many have expressed an interest in attending. It will be so worthwhile, as our own Tom and Jack will be participating on a panel that will be about attracting (new) members. How does Naples do it? What is our secret? We’ll find out more about that if we attend the DTA, and offer support to Tom and Jack! Both have had a way of bringing newcomers to our club, as have John F. and Bo. Registration has been extended to March 15th.
Pres. Tom asked Kris Saucke to introduce today’s special guest, Dawn Mahan. (Typically, Matt would’ve been with us today, but he was attending a workshop). Dawn has been a Kindergarten Teacher at Naples Elementary for four years. In addition, she has a background in Special Education, as well as Intervention. She launched her talk with the saying, “Mind Full, or Mindful?” Having received sound advice from her dad, Dawn realized how important it was to “pay attention on purpose”, and to savor each moment with openness and curiosity. It was at this juncture that “mindfulness” and meditation became necessary. The result of doing so can reduce stress, and even improve relationships!
The first video Dawn showed us focused on how being mindful can be a way to help one learn to respond wisely in various situations. “The roads in our brain are pretty paved,” said Dawn, and with that, we viewed a second video that explained how the brain works. The brain is shaped by experiences and thoughts, and we can help to make that road a little easier to travel by being mindful and meditative. Worry is detrimental, and calmness strengthens. Mindfulness and meditation help us to manage stressful situations more successfully!
Dawn had us partake in three different exercises to prove her point. The first activity dealt with meditating for a full minute. Secondly, we did an activity known as “box breathing”, which is supposed to help mindfulness. Finally, we did “three- part breathing”, from stomach, to rib cage, to chest. When Dawn completed her talk, Jack, Bo, and Frank added personal comments that endorsed her ideas. We enjoyed hearing from Dawn, and we were glad to have her, along with Kris and Cindy join us today!
The Fines Happy Bills were as follows: Marianna, John M., and Bruce M. had missed meetings. Pres. Tom, in his E-mail, had somehow called it “Medication”! We thoroughly enjoyed the program. Today’s nice weather was a hit! Jack appreciated the NCS Staff. He also remembered Maddy Barton. John F. said that JHBIII had received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Surely, most of us had JHBIII and family in our thoughts today…
John M. reminded us of the Blood Drive being held today. The Fifty-Fifty was at $127. Bill S. picked Pat’s Ticket, # 794. Pat drew the Nine of Hearts. The Win-Win was when Pres. Tom asked if anyone noticed any “changes” in the front of the room. Had anyone noticed that he had shaved off his moustache? The Rotary Moment was from John F. Yesterday, at “Savor The Flavor” in Fairport, he saw Rotarians from all over the District! “Have a wonderful day!” said Pres. Tom as he concluded the meeting. Our meeting next week is an Evening Meeting. Have a great week!
