It was hard to believe that today marked the end of August, as our “Summer of Sheltering Safely” wanes, and we begin to think of crisper, cooler Fall days, which lay ahead. In reflecting upon all the beautiful changes that slowly take place in our lovely Naples Valley during this time of year, it’s exciting and encouraging to see more changes happen within our close-knit club, as we continue to add new members to “the fold”! There were 30 of us who gathered at The Redwood for today’s Noon Meeting, and that included two guests. We were pleased to welcome Rose Hogan, (who would be inducted as a New Member today), and Micah Moore, who is a proposed New Member.
After we were safely seated, our Live Meeting began today, as we joined Pres. Matt in saying The Pledge. Matt shared The Blessing from Susan with us, and her sentiments included thanks to The Lord for another wonderful day. She asked The Lord to bless the teachers and students as they begin a new school year, and she included the club members, as well, thinking of our service above self!
Matt expressed his thanks to all, for complying so willingly with all the precautions, and for maintaining safety throughout the meeting. He thanked all who have sent checks to Susan for school supplies. Tomorrow, Laurie and Patrice will shop for the Elementary School Supplies, and there was a basket on the podium for additional donations.
Skip updated us on the Lucky Ducky Derby. “The show will go on!” as they say! This event has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 10th, with the hope that there will be enough water in the creek! Skip has tickets available for purchase, but if you already have tickets that are dated May 9th, Skip says that you can merely change the date to October 10th!
Frank talked about the Blue Raffle Ticket Sale(s) in support of Camp Onseyawa. Each club member is asked to sell three tickets each, and the drawing will be held on October 20th. The two weeks at “Virtual Camp” went well, according to Frank. He also distributed color-coded sheets with various businesses listed, which have placed an ad in previous Rotary Calendars. Various members were assigned to contact these businesses for placing an ad in the 2021 Calendar. Some additional possibilities were added, and some members volunteered to contact these businesses for a potential ad in the upcoming Calendar for next year.
Matt read a letter from Sebastian and Judy, (Building Minds In South Sudan), who visited us recently. They were very appreciative of our recent contribution of $1000 toward their educational development. Over the course of 8 years, they have gone from lessons being given under trees, to the establishment of three different schools! Their intention is to build a Girls’ School over the next five years!
Now that we were able to have a Live Meeting, Perfect Attendance, (Including Service), Awards were given today! Congratulations to the following members who have earned this distinction: Skip Miller-35 years, Bill Cooper-31 years, Nancy Linehan-19 years, John French-7 years, Jack Fredericks-5 years, Karen Schenk-4 years, Laurie O’Brien- 2 years, and Tom Hawks-1 year! Many thanks for your devoted years of service to the Naples Rotary Club, and to others within, and beyond our community! Matt noted that, in meeting in reality, “We are able to keep that warm club culture!”
The Induction Ceremony for our newest member, Rose Hogan, took place next. Rose, who was sponsored by Marianna, was welcomed into the club with warm wishes, and a hearty round of applause from the Membership. Afterwards, Rose gave a short bio of herself, along with her reasons for joining Rotary. Rose, who stated that she was “happy to be here”, brings a variety of skills and talents with her, that will certainly enrich the Naples Rotary Club! She came to Naples in 2002, and she lived here for 14 years. She then moved to the Hudson River Valley. Recently, she returned to Naples, saying with deep emotion, that “It felt like coming home!” She has immersed herself in the Naples Community, as she has been part of the Bell Choir, and has directed music at St. Jan’s. Having been an ICU/ER nurse at Thompson, Rose claims that she has lived through many crises, and she is glad to be retired! Her additional hobbies include art, cooking, piano and fiddle playing. She has even played alongside the “Stid Hill Stompers”! (She even has a Black Belt in Karate, and she is very knowledgeable in women’s self-defense!) Rose thanked us for including her in our club, and she looks forward to being an active member. Welcome, Rose! We are pleased to have you join us!
Although Tony and Holly have been with us for a few weeks, today presented itself as the perfect opportunity for us to become “better acquainted” with these two! Tony began his talk by thanking us for putting Holly and him “in our group”. Tony grew up in the Wayland Area on a local farm. This farming community had a “sense of helping each other”, and he learned from his parents the value and importance of being involved with one another. He worked for the Fire Department, and this was yet another avenue by which he could become involved, and he could be of value to the community. Having received a degree in Agricultural Engineering from Cornell, he started his own computer business, and then later worked for a company that did construction of cross- country pipelines. He and Holly purchased the Reservoir Creek Golf Course in 2014.
Holly, on the other hand, grew up in the city of Rochester, yet, she too, had an upbringing that focused deeply on family values. Growing up as part of a big family, Holly learned the importance of doing the right thing, and of developing a sense of trust. Her caring and supportive family unit has influenced her. Holly graduated from the University of Buffalo, and she worked as a Customer Service Representative for Credit Unions. During this time, as Tony noted, with pride, she focused on what she could do for the customers. Together, they have raised a lovely family of their own, which includes Shelby, T.J., and Carly. They also have a sweet son-in-law, Chris, who is married to Shelby.
As mentioned earlier, Tony and Holly saved our beautiful Golf Course, Reservoir Creek, by purchasing it from the previous owner in 2014. They viewed this move as a “great opportunity”, and once again, their sense of serving others came through! Steve asked Tony how they were able to maintain RCGC during the pandemic, which was an excellent springboard for Tony to expound on what they have done to keep the golfers safe, and yet entertained. Although the official opening for the season was delayed by about a month, delicious fast food has been served through the window, along with pleasing beverages! The new pavilion has served as a site where customers can dine at a safe distance from each other. Tournaments, and leagues have been able to play this Summer, and even Nine and Dine on Saturday nights has been possible! Tony ended his talk with the words, “We hope we can serve you well!” Tony and Holly, we know you will be an asset to the Naples Rotary! Welcome to you both!
The Happy Bills were numerous today, as we appreciate having new members, Rose, Holly, and Tony! We look forward to having Micah join us sometime soon! Marianna was happy to sponsor Rose. John was glad to have Matt back! Jack and Sharon had had a little “Getaway Weekend” in the Adirondacks, and they had spent time with Sharon’s Mom, Carolyn. Tom was apologetic for having had his phone ring. Bruce was glad to have his wife back from her trip. Pat and Bo had been to Massachusetts to see their kids. Pres. Matt was glad to have had a trip to the mountains recently, and he gave a “thumbs up” for the fare and ambiance at “Caruso’s Café”!
The Rotary Moment came from Bruce M. On May 1, 1939, the Naples Rotary Club was officially accepted to RI, sponsored by the Canandaigua club. Robert Allen was its first President. Bruce highlighted some of the early initiatives of the club, which were interesting!
As we turn our calendars to September tomorrow, here’s a friendly reminder from Skip and Judy to submit your Rotary Calendar orders and checks if you haven’t done so already. Matt concluded the meeting by thanking the “Welcoming Team” of Nancy, Shanna, and Laurie for their efforts in making our entry smooth. “Everybody steps up!” added Matt. Indeed, we do! Hope you all will have a great Labor Day Weekend, as we savor these last sweet days of Summer…See you on September 14th!
