The refreshing air and atmosphere in The Redwood sure were welcoming tonight, as we joined together for our Evening Gathering. These hot, humid, and hazy days lately have been positively draining! Seeing that it's August already sure reminds us that the "lazy" Summer days will soon evolve into crisp Fall ones...yeah!!

President John began the Meeting in asking us to rise and join him in saying The Pledge. Our Song Leader, Jack chose The Star-Spangled Banner as our patriotic tune this evening. In his fervent Invocation, Immediate Past President Bruce asked The Lord to fashion in each of us the heart of a servant that is kind, willing, caring, compassionate, and forgiving. There was a nice turnout of Members and Guests this evening, as we were 23 Members and 4 Guests who filled the tables in the Dining Room. We welcomed Jeanine and Rob Lupisella, our Program Presenters, along with Judy Manser and our familiar guest, Sharon. Patrice was the Greeter, and Bo was to have given the Rotary Moment. Tom was in charge of "One More Thing".

There were plenty of announcements tonight before the Program began. John shared a couple of Thank You Notes from recent 2022 Graduates for the Scholarship Money given them from Naples NY Rotary. 

In terms of Club Leadership, the Slate of Officers is in place. Skip and Rose will assume the two Director's Positions, that were available, and Micah will become the Auditor. The Sergeant-At-Arms position will be decided upon at the next Board Meeting which is scheduled for August 15th.

This coming Sunday, August 14th, is the Camp O. Set-Up. It will start at 9:00 AM according to Micah. There are a few volunteers and trucks already lined up, but if you would like to help out, please get in touch with either Micah or Frank.

Here are some upcoming dates for your calendar. The Walk of Life Summary and Presentation will be next week, 8/15. Charlie Grove, representing RYLA will be 8/22. The 8/29 Program is TBD. The Avon Corn Festival will be 8/13. Tom noted that in just six weeks, the Naples Grape Fest will be upon us! With that being said, Jo Anne announced that help is needed with the grounds at the Grape Fest. One must be at least 18 years of age. She asked us to "reach out" in search of two needed individuals: possibly using Face Book as a tool.

Kristin added that "good ideas are coming forth" in terms of the Grape Fest Parade. She would like to know who wants to drive the truck, and who wants to ride on the Float.

We have learned that our Dear Bill Cooper is not doing well. Kit has reached out to us and has asked for driving help for the family on 8/14 and 8/16. Please let John know if you can be of help.

Bill Grove was all smiles as he announced that their family is soon to have an "addition"! He, Carrie, Charlie, and Grady will soon welcome Exchange Student, Raul from Barcelona, Spain! The boys will enjoy having this "new brother" until around Thanksgiving, when Raul will join another Host Family in the Naples Area.

With the start of school in just a few short weeks, tonight's Program couldn't have come at a timelier moment. The presenters, Jeanine and Rob Lupisella are former educators and Rotarians from Avon, and thus are friends of John, who has known Rob for 22 years. Jeanine and Rob, each donning T-shirts with a special symbol representing their mission known as "Helping Hands for Learning", shared their passion in helping to improve education for the children of Nicaragua. The Peace Symbol on their shirts was partly blue for Nicaragua, partly green for Avon, and partly yellow for Honeoye Falls-Lima, representing the bond that these school systems have formed with Nicaragua in helping to establish (better) schools for the children in this very poor country.

Rob, who was first to speak, began by telling us that 11 years ago, they began this family Project in conjunction with the Honeoye Falls-Lima School System, and called it Helping Hands for Learning. Both Rob and Jeanine had an innate desire to help kids learn, thus they partnered with family, school, and community to begin their goal in helping to build a school in Nicaragua. This was the beginning of Jeanine's "journey" as a Rotarian. Their family traveled to Nicaragua, and lived in a mountain community for four months, experiencing the living conditions in this poverty-stricken area, yet they "fell in love" with the people. Their goal of creating a place for the children to learn came to fruition as the 2nd year, another school was built, and the 3rd year, Interact helped! HFL and Avon teachers became involved also! Actually the "Team" never gets to stay for the completion of the school. but they see the schools "well on their way" as Rob described. The government is very supportive as well. The fourth year, they continued to bring groups to help build schools until 2018, when Covid hit upon the globe. Now that 2022 is here, they hope to return! HHFL has built 12 schools in 10 communities so far!! Though Rob and Jeanine found it challenging to be away during the school year, their dream of bringing education to the second poorest country in the Western hemisphere became a reality! Over ten years, about 85 people, young and old alike, have traveled with them in the quest of making a difference!

Next, we viewed a video given by one of the HHFL participants, which gave us a very personal glimpse of the relationship between the people of Nicaragua and the Americans. Though struck by extreme poverty such as dirt floors, dirt roads, and farm animals living in the meager homes, the endless laughter and smiles permeated the atmosphere. Thanks to interpreters, the bond between the helpers and the inhabitants grew, of course, and they became like family! The workers did everything manually under an "unforgiving" sun, yet the joy, optimism and gratitude of the people remained steadfast. When a school would be nearly complete there would be a celebration! Poverty has not crushed their creative spirits either, with impeccably woven baskets made from pine needles reflecting their capabilities! "Each new day brings progress!" we were told. Can you just picture those "honey-skinned children with thick eyelashes" rejoicing over a new school in which to learn? That surely conjures up a sweet image, doesn't it?

Rob hopes to return to Nicaragua within the next five months, since he is looking to build another school. He shared some factual information with us. The cost of building a school is approximately $17000. Volunteers take care of their own expenses. They have host families and use the weekends to get to know the country and surroundings. (They may visit a major nearby city.) Typically, it may cost between $1500-$2000 to be a volunteer traveler. Helping Hands for Learning is a non-profit organization. Much to our delight, Rob and Jeanine brought along some beautiful display boards which chronicled their experiences in Nicaragua. Pres. John noted, this endeavor has surely helped to fulfill our "Avenues of Service" in a most profound way!

As one would expect, numerous Happy Bills were offered in appreciation of tonight's Program. Our sincere admiration goes to Rob and Jeanine for such a worthy endeavor...the improvement of education for children! Carrie and Bill have recently returned from a stellar trip cross-country, having visited 20 States with their sons, Charlie and Grady! Bruce and Betty have enjoyed family time camping with their loved ones. Rose enjoyed the Rotary Play in Bloomfield over the weekend. Carrie and Billy are looking forward to the arrival of Raul. Jo Anne truly appreciates Albie! Billy has missed a few Meetings, yet he has a new truck! Jack appreciates the Naples NY Rotary Club, and all that we do!

The Ace of Hearts was at $188 tonight! Billy's Ticket, #5343, was selected, and  Billy drew an Ace from the pack, by golly, but it was the Ace of Diamonds!!

"One More Thing" is the new "Win-Win", and Fellow Member, Tom will be providing this segment to the Meetings from time to time. Tonight, Tom "revisited the past" as he showed a video from the Naples Bicentennial back in 1989! It was fun to see "familiar faces" from back then, that is for sure!! Our Laurie had the "perfect Win-Win", as she asked if anyone remembered who the "Head of the Ball" was! Of course, it was Laurie herself!! Tom also noted that the Gala Dinner is sold out!! Hee-Haw!!

Since time was a factor this evening, Bo will do his "Rotary Moment" at next week's Noon Meeting. After having us repeat the Four-Way Test, Pres. John concluded tonight's Gathering with a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson. "What you do, speaks so loudly, I cannot hear what you say!" Let us hope that what our Naples NY Rotary Club does, will speak volumes about our commitment to others, and the way we "Imagine Rotary" this year! Take care and see you soon!