This “Deep Freeze” that we’ve been experiencing these last few days has been relentless, but some warmth was felt among us at this evening’s Zoom Meeting! Every component of our virtual gathering seemed to hold a bit of positivity, beginning with President Bruce’s warm welcome, and invitation to join him in The Pledge to Our Flag. Jack’s Invocation called upon the Heavenly Father to help us be like Benjamin Franklin, who was all about kindness, and who was always ready to serve others. Our guests tonight were our faithful Sharon, and new NCS Superintendent, Kevin Swartz. Along with 20 members, we made a cozy on-line group of attendants. Tom and Jo Anne were this evening’s Program Presenters, and Cindy did the Rotary Moment.

Speaking of guests, Superintendent Swartz commented that he could feel the warmth of Naples. He thanked us for all that we do, and he admires the way we look out for each other. He himself has goals for the growth of the NCS Community.

Here are some updates from Monday night’s Meeting:

• Pres. Bruce met with Laurie, our Treasurer, and the Venmo is up and running. This alternative can be used to pay Dues, Fines, and Happy Bills. Next week, there will be a “Mini Course” on its use. You can send Laurie your Venmo Name @Laurie-Obrien-2. Type in what your payment is for (accounting purposes). Although you can still send checks to Laurie, using the Venmo Account should prove to be a very handy tool.
• Cindy inquired about where one should enter at NCS if one has coats to donate. Cindy was advised to contact either Kristina Sauke at the Elementary School or Nicole Greene at the High School for further information.
• The Light Up Naples Committee held its Follow-Up Meeting last week. It was agreed that generally, everything went well this year despite a few changes in plans. The Committee discussed the possibility of enlarging its group by one or two members next year, thus making the sharing of responsibilities a bit easier.

It was with enthusiasm, exuberance and excitement, that Tom and Jo Anne gave their presentation this evening on “The Naples Grape Festival 2022.” They presented a Power Point Slide Show, encompassing an Overview, The Past, The Present, and The Future of this “Famous Festival of the Finger Lakes.” Here are some highlights from each of the categories covered in Tom’s and Jo Anne’s outstanding presentation.

Overview: Now being known as the Naples Grape and Arts Festival LLC, it is considered a Naples Community Event, and it reports directly to the Naples Rotary Board of Directors. Its goal is to raise money to benefit the Naples Rotary and the Naples Historical Society.

A New Beginning: Additional Goals of the Naples Grape Fest include enhancing the quality of the Festival, bringing back some aspects of the past, adding new events, and planning for the future.

The Past: This includes a rich legacy, which has celebrated the grape harvest in Naples. Celebrating our unique area, it had grown to include many additional events.

The Present: The historic Naples Grape Festival included the Memorial Town Hall grounds and the South Parking Lot of NCS. In 2021, it was awarded the Reader’s Choice Award for The Best Festival in the Finger Lakes! To date, 11 vendors have been confirmed, along with 4 fresh food sellers. Skip Miller will oversee the Brahm-Moore Beverage Garden, and 4 wineries, 1 craft brewer, and 1 distillery have been confirmed. (The goal is to have 10-13 BG participants.) The Music Arena will be chaired by Mike Joseph.

Festival Finances:  Currently, work is being done with the Operations Committee on the budget. The final submission will go to Mitch Bay, LLC Treasurer. The budget will be reviewed and approved by LLC Executive Team. Banking Processes are in place, with Nancy Linehan being the Naples GF Bookkeeper.

Going Forward: Obtaining permits from Village, Town, and NCS. Write letters to Ontario Co. Police, NYS Police and local fire and ambulance. Develop a Refund Policy. Contact Hazlitt. Secure grape growers participation. Secure quotes from new suppliers. Determine awards. Provide refreshments for vendors and volunteers. Develop processes for volunteers. Set up Meeting Schedule for NGF Committee Chairs.

Naples Grape Festival Survey Key Results: There were 285 respondents. 76% agreed the NGF met their expectations. Respondents wanted to see more Arts, Crafts, Food Music, and Kids’ Activities. Comments included more seating, more parking, and shuttle service etc. Activities that people would like to see included were Food Truck Rodeo, Grape Stomping, Fireworks, Local Winemaker’s Competition, Hot Air Balloon Rides, Car Show, Carnival, and Grape Country Gala.

Survey Action Plan: Including more activities for kids (working with new NCS Administration). Creating additional parking. Creating a shuttle service. Adding special events for Naples Community residents to enjoy.

Naples Grape Festival Special Events Calendar: Community-focused activities one week prior to the GF, including fireworks, a parade, and a street dance. Added to this, would be a Local Winemakers’ Competition and a “Boots and Blue Jeans” Grape Country Gala just before the start of the NGF.

The Future: This will be a three-year plan. The NGAF LLC now has the structure to ensure transparency, accountability, and collaboration. All its components are in synchronization to create a foundation for a sustainable organization. This year’s focus is to execute the NGF 2022, the remaining two-year plan will be formulated throughout this planning year.

Tom and Jo Anne ended on a very positive and hopeful note, asking Rotary for its support. “It’s thrilling and it’s spellbinding!” chimed in Pres. Bruce. (Many thanks to Tom for sharing his presentation vis-à-vis a PDF, so that I was able to include all the important aspects of his Power Point.) Tom and Jo Anne, we thank you for all you have done, and we are looking forward to the Naples Grape Fest 2022, sharing your excitement!

After their Program, Tom and Jo Anne entertained questions from the Membership. Many useful comments and suggestions were made. Tom added that we’re looking to raise a substantial amount this year, after expenses are paid, and that amount will be split between the Naples Rotary Club and the Naples Historical Society.

Appreciation for Tom’s and Jo Anne’s Overview of the Naples Grape Festival 2022 garnered many Happy Bills this evening! There were kudos given to Albie, who has been very supportive of Jo Anne! They were proud of their Granddaughter Chloe, who has excelled in Sign Language. Jack was pleased that Superintendent Kevin was able to join us. Jack and Sharon are also enjoying their new Pastor at Trinity, Matthew Finch. Bruce is so appreciative of Laurie. “We’re lucky to have her!” said he. (I think we all agree!)

The Rotary Moment was given by Cindy tonight. It was one year ago that we welcomed Cindy as a New Member into Naples Rotary, and we certainly made “a good call” adding this vibrant lady to our Membership. Cindy recollected that her first year in Rotary had been a busy one, and being that she was, and is, such a viable member, she “plunged right into service!” Here is how she recalled her first year. She collected money and shouted out orders at the Chicken BBQ. She helped clean along Canandaigua Lake. She cheered for Rotary at the Memorial Day Parade. She attended the Gavel Dinner. She served at the Pulled Pork Dinner. She sold T-Shirts at the Grape Fest. She presented a Program in the Fall about her hometown Attica. She helped assemble Snow Globe Kits and helped with the selling of them for LUN. She attended Tom’s Christmas Open House to round out the year. She is very grateful for becoming a part of Naples Rotary, and she said that everyone was so welcoming. She says that she is ready for 2022! It was an excellent Rotary Moment, and Cindy really lives the motto of “Service Above Self”!

Have a great week, everyone! Stay warm! See you on Zoom for our Noon Meeting next Monday, January 31^st. (Yikes! Where did January go?)