Red Mill Meeting, October 23.

A dazzling Autumn Day had heightened our spirits, as did the stellar presentation by Fellow Member, Wayne Buchar this evening. The Meeting began with warm greetings by Cindy and Liz B., as we made our way into The Redwood. President Liz, along with the help of a few others, had arranged the tables in such a way, so that we could all see and hear the Presentation and Announcements that were being made from the podium.

Pres. Liz had us rise and join her in saying The Pledge. Led by John, we sang "God Bless America" tonight for our patriotic song. Patrice had chosen a little poem to recite, by Ralph Waldo Emerson, that expressed "thanks" for the many Blessings Thy Goodness sends. Twenty-seven Members were on hand tonight, and we welcomed 11 Guests! Joining us were Leandra, Graycen, and Sawyer, (family of Micah), Bill Cook, (friend of Nancy), Trish Lambiase, (From the Naples Historical Society), Lanny, (husband of Jill H.), Alexis Corso, Alan Stone, Mindy, (wife of Steve), Giovanna, (Our Exchange Student), and Christine, (wife of Wayne B.). The Program was brought to us by Wayne B., and it was about The Red Mill.

Trish, President of the NHS, began by thanking us for the invitation to Tonight's Meeting. She noted that Wayne had given his Presentation earlier this year in May. She also noted that there were significant contributions to the Preservation of History in the Naples Community. They are the restoration of the Old School by Joe Scardilla and Trish Aser, the preservation of 46 East Avenue by Phil and Kathleen Di Pasquale, and the Naples Hotel Renovation by Tom and Destiny Salviski.

There is a unique building in the center of the Naples Community that dates back to the 1800's and is rich in local history. It is known as "The Red Mill', and today we were treated to an exceptional review of its past by our very own Wayne Buchar. Back in the Summer of 1819, there was much building going on in our area, and mills were the "mecca of business and gossip, and provided the sap of life", said Wayne. The production of flour, feed, and cornmeal was a very lucrative business back then, and a snapshot of The Naples Mill that Wayne showed us was proof of that! On the screen was a detailed map displaying the layout of The Mill and its operation. We learned how The Mill worked, as we received an explanation of how flour was made and how the millstones worked in grinding the flour as part of the entire process. There were various types of water wheels, and The Red Mill had what was known as an "overshoot", remnants of which still remain.

Having shared "Mill Race Stories" from the 1870's-1890's with us, Wayne then gave us a glimpse into The Red Mill's past, and the history of its ownership. From 1849-1851, The RM was one of the best flouring mills. In 1870, steam power was added. In 1872, a new water wheel was constructed. In 1881, the wall was improved. In 1889, Clark became the owner. In 1906, the water wheel was converted to a turbine, which was more powerful. In 1918, waterpower and electricity were used. In 1920 things shut down. In the 1930's, Widmer's took it over. In 1975, Bill Vierhile bought The Mill with the hopes of converting it into a museum. Wayne showed us "priceless" photos of Bill amongst the memorabilia.

The final part of Wayne's Presentation was to tell us about the plans for the Red Mill's Renovation that are underway. Some of the goals are to create the Museum, including displays, and more permanent signs, to have an "Event Area" on the first floor, having displays in the basement, and bringing back The Sweet Shop. In 2015, Bill donated the building to the NHS, in the hopes of continuing "his dream" to preserve this unique building that has lasted for so long. Wayne noted that the Campaign Drive is nearly at the halfway point, and he urged us to consider making a donation to this endeavor to help Bill's Dream become a reality. Wayne is leading a Four Phase Plan as part of the initiative to see this hope of Bill's come true. Brochures were available for the taking, so that we could learn more about this project. Many thanks to Wayne for this excellent presentation!

Announcements were next, as John had Trish and Jo Anne join him at the podium. As he presented checks to Trish and Jo Anne, he said that the coming together for the 2023 Grape Fest was exemplary! Checks for $21000 each, were given to the NHS, (Trish), and the Naples NY Rotary (Jo Anne). This was the first of two payments. "Tune in next month for more!" exclaimed John.

Micah noted that currently 8 people, (4 couples), are signed up to attend the Camp O. Dinner on November 10th.

John noted that the World Polio Day is on October 24th. It will be observed at Brew and Brats at 5:30 PM. We were encouraged to bring a snack to share. 

Marty noted that the Grant Money for the Pickle Ball Court has been approved. The paving has been done and the fencing is next. 

Pres. Liz and David Dial had attended the Rotary Leadership Institute on Saturday, October 21st, and both had gleaned a great deal from the experience.

Ace of Hearts: Nancy's Ticket was chosen, and she drew the Jack of Spades from the thinning pack!

The Happy Bills this evening were for the Program, RLI, Bruce and Betty are heading south, (We'll miss you!), Judy Manser's Grandson's game, and Judy Miller grew up in Grimes Glen and Grandson, Blake, turned 13.

Who Am I? is a recent new twist on things, and Pres. Liz had three slips of paper with "Mystery People" for us to guess. The first one, who had worked in a prison for 12 years was not here. The sexual assault nurse was Rose, and The Redwood soup lover was Karen!

Liz introduced Alexis to us, then we ended the Meeting by reciting The Four-Way Test. 

World Polio Day...October 24, 2023

On Tuesday Evening, October 24th, several Naples Rotarians and Rotarians from Canandaigua, Newark, and Avon gathered at Brew and Brats to observe this annual day. Why is October 24th a day of celebration particularly for Rotarians throughout the world? This is a time to celebrate how Rotary has been so powerfully influential in the eradication of Polio worldwide, and with only a few cases having been reported, we are close to putting an end to this dreaded (childhood) disease!

We welcomed Guests DG Julie Carney, Jim Carney, Dr. Dave Hannon, Kim Tenreiro, Mary Green, Doug Merrill, Gareth Evans, Doug Doebler, and Judi Garenflo. 

We viewed and listened to Opening Remarks by Ingrid Neitch, who spoke of the power of Rotary, combining advocacy, initiative, and collaboration to "End Polio Now"!

Barry, a Trustee, spoke of the arduous efforts that have been made in striking out Polio in the countries of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Efforts have been made to inoculate every child possible in actually going from house to house. In Pakistan, 44 million children have been immunized! In Afghanistan, there is more of a challenge, but the health workers have been recognized as heroes for the work they are doing! Groups such as the CDC, WHO, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have pooled their efforts to work towards Polio eradication.

A woman by the name of Brenda, who has served many key roles in the Rotary Foundation, spoke next. "We must keep our promise to the children of the world!" Brenda prompted, as she focused on Rotary's efforts to end Polio. She shared a story written by her Grand Nephew, Micah, that put everything in perspective!

We viewed a video by Past RI President, Jennifer Jones, whose nine days in Pakistan moved her greatly. She added that a focus on nutrition is necessary for these at-risk youngsters, as well.

Brenda and Barry closed in saying that we can reach this impossible dream because we are Rotarians, People of Action!

Kim, who filled in for Janet this evening, talked about the Polio Plus Society, and he had forms available for those interested.

Dr. David Hannon spoke of how the eradication of Polio has been a signature project for the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International since 1985. This is a meaningful, focused, and achievable goal, and it certainly helps to "Create Hope in the World"! Dave talked about the progress that has been made over the years in working to end Polio, and the ways that Public Health Infrastructure can be maintained, such as valuing strong health systems and scientific knowledge. In the hopes of raising $1500, per club, each year, Dr. Dave ended by saying that we can keep our promise to the children of the world!