This was our last Evening Zoom Meeting, because our next Evening Meeting will be, (yes, Folks), Live, and In-Person for the Gavel Dinner at Brew and Brats on June 28th!! As things start to improve, we are thankful to have been able to keep in touch via Zoom, but we are surely looking forward to being all together again…in reality!! 😊
President Matt started us off this evening, inviting us to join him in saying The Pledge. Tom gave The Invocation, asking Our Dear Heavenly Father to look over this group, as “we get ready to pass the Gavel.” Our sentiments align with Tom’s when we pray The Lord will guide us in making it a priority to serve others. Twenty-nine Members were in attendance at tonight’s on-line meeting, along with four guests. We enjoyed having Sharon and Willow with us, along with the Program Presenters, Trish Aser and Joe Scardilla. Jack would have the Rotary Moment.
Pres. Matt had “sneaked in a run” before tonight’s meeting, and he shared a few thoughts with us. Though he is excited about his move to Clarence, with half of his family being from that area, he has found it to be an emotional time. For over a decade, Naples has been his professional and personal home, and we have all been together as friends. Matt hopes that the Gavel Dinner will be an ideal time for reminiscing and sharing. One thing is for certain, we will cherish having Matt with us for a few more weeks!
Here are a few more messages and updates. Please let Skip know if you plan to attend the Gavel Dinner. Please R.S.V.P. by June 21st. The cost is $35 per person, and Skip says that you can bring your check that night. It’s important that he has an accurate count in terms of the caterer.
Rose expressed the thought that there is a “liaison” between Rotary and Hospeace House! The Walk of Life is scheduled for August 7th, and volunteers are encouraged to sign up for activities. Returning this year are some favorite events such as the BBQ, Pulled Pork, Putt for Life, Desserts and Songwriters, and Disc Golf. Information can be gleaned from the Walk of Life Website. Sherry will send out Google Doc for sign-ups.
Frank reported on the Play For The Children Golf Tournament held last Saturday. There were 22 teams! Several items were available at the auction, and $2,600 was raised! There were a couple of winners from Naples Rotary, Karen, Bo and Adam! Frank thanked Holly and Tony, Arbor Hill, and Steve R. as they were some of the major donors. “The golfers did well under pressure!” mused Frank. John F. also noted that Frank was “quite admirable” on the 12th Hole!!
Venturing to Naples, New York constitutes a “tasteful experience”, that’s for sure! This evening’s Program Presenters, Trish Aser and Joe Scardilla proved that this tasteful experience is going to be extended, giving a progress report on The Old Schoolhouse. The Old Schoolhouse is turning into a new restaurant!
The Little Red Schoolhouse, through much work and planning, served as a “vision” for Trish and Joe, when they wanted to establish another eatery in Naples. Having gutted the building completely, they began to rebuild the interior, and using their own beams and boards, they have worked to “make it their own,” Trish and Joe wanted to maintain the building’s integrity by keeping the exterior the same, for it is an “iconic building”, as they said.
There will be a bar and restaurant on one side of the building, and a kitchen on the other side. Pictures revealed that the “school feeling” will be featured, with wall maps and charts part of the décor in the attractive interior. Joe, whose background includes Math and the Restaurant Business, has brought much skilled creativity to this project, and their hope is to open soon! The plan now is to have the Schoolhouse be open mornings and part of the day, with possibly Friday and Saturday night included. The “Ribbon Cutting” is slated for July 8th! Trish, whose background stems from The Brown Hound, said that she wanted to be back in Naples.
Many interesting tidbits of information arose from the many questions and comments that were posed. Evidently, the Little Red Schoolhouse was built in the 1870’s, and John M. said that it was the third schoolhouse on that site. Judy also noted that the Clawson Family once lived there! Many thanks to Trish and Joe! We will be anxious to try one of Naples’ newest establishments!!
The many Happy Bills that poured forth tonight were a solid indication that we enjoyed Joe’s and Trish’s Presentation. Though they hope to have a “Soft Opening”, we eagerly await that date! Holly’s and Tony’s son, T.J. became engaged over the weekend! Frank appreciated all the support for Camp O. Alex is back from a wonderful visit with her kids in the Pacific Northwest. Rose was pleased with the Concert benefitting Hospeace House. Pat had to pay a Fine for a new van. (Well, new to me, anyway!) John F. also enjoyed the Camp O. Golf Tourney. Laurie was glad that eldest son, Justin came home to surprise her!
Jack had a two-fold Rotary Moment this evening. He gave kudos to the wonderful staff at Reservoir Creek, particularly Holly and Tony. Evidently, on Hole 6, some “libation” really helped John to turn his game around!
Jack also reminded us that the District Gavel Dinner is set for July 1st, and that it costs $65. The money should be sent in by June 21st. It will be a chance to say “Thank You” to Linda, and “Hello” to Janet!
As we get closer to meeting in-person, many of us look forward to being together again in a more “relaxed” fashion, yet even though we have come through a challenging 15 months, there are some real positives to reflect upon! Bruce’s tech-savvy talents kept us going, and in the spotlight on Face Book Live. Overall, attendance was better than expected. The generosity exhibited through Happy Bills and Fines each week was overwhelming, and it helped the club so much financially. Our spirits and our willingness to serve others remained strong. Finally, that optimism that is so typical of Naples Rotarians was constantly encouraged by Our President, Matthew T. Frahm!
P.S. Don’t forget to “sign-up” with Skip! Skip says that so far, there are 40 signed up to attend the Gavel Dinner. Have a great week, everyone! See you on the 21st for our last Zoom Meeting!
