Today is International Peace Day! We will celebrate by dedicating our two new Peace Poles later this afternoon.
President Judy brought the group to our feet to recite the Pledge. The inspiration was "It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting." Paulo Coelho.
We had 22 Rotarians gathered today and no guests.
Today was Denise's birthday. Also celebrating this month are Micah, Alan S., Tony and Blanche. September anniversaries are Skip and Judy and Clyde and Liz. We recognized them all with song!
Announcements:
Micah reviewed a successful summer at Camp Onseyawa with campers enjoying a "Survivor" theme. There were 68 campers who had fun and all went well. More staff is needed for next year so let Micah know if you'd like to volunteer. Naples had 4 helpers for set-up. Thanks to Craig and Kristin who ran a game for the carnival again. This was the 70th year of Camp O! Their annual dinner is November 6th at Club 86 in Geneva. Tickets are $50. Micah also has raffle tickets - $5 each or 3 for $12. * The Area visit with Governor Lisa Norwood is 10/8 at BVT. * World Polio Day is 10/22 at the VFW. * Victor- Farmington Rotary has a masquerade ball on 10/24. * The District Conference is June 5, 2027 in Rochester. * Naples Angels fund is run by the Naples churches. They help families meet emergencies with up to $400 per year. The needs have been high with $4000 given out since April. Donations are needed and much appreciated. * The Alzheimer's Assn. Walk is Sept 26th in Canandaigua. Anyone wanting to donate with the Club can use the envelope at the back table or the QR code provided. * We received a Thank You from Annabella Leach for the scholarship. * Our Naples Rotary T-shirts are here! Please consider wearing them for Grape Fest this weekend!
Cindy gave an overview of the District Grant process.
We can apply annually for funds from the Rotary International Foundation, to be used for local projects that benefit the community and fulfill the mission of Rotary. After attending training and completing the forms we have been awarded funds for two projects: wash stations at Camp O in 2025 and for 2026 - a Gaga Ball Pit playground equipment for Naples Elementary School. Once the project is completed and final report is filed, we will be reimbursed for $1400 of the $2000 we committed to the project. We will have our meeting at the Pit in the spring.
Our speaker today was Stacy McIlduff who represented the RAM project (Remote Area Medical) happening in Mt. Morris in October. Stacy is a Rotarian in Scotia NY since 2018. She serves as the Executive Director of NYS Dental Foundation, a non-profit supporting continuing education and dental care for those who can't pay for this essential service. In 2014, they started Mission of Mercy, which provided free dental care for over 500 people in one weekend. It was very successful but very expensive in time and services. Medicaid rates have crashed and many dentists can't afford to treat Medicaid patients. In addition, many dentists retired and hygienists left the workforce, especially during Covid years. The Foundation has been working to provide services by using dental students and hygienists for Veterans, Special Olympics, My Healthy Smile NY and Access to Care programs. The RAM clinic, supported by our Rotary District 7120, is coming to Mt. Morris Middle/High School on 10/3 - 10/4. It is free for anyone, no ID required, and is first-come-first-served. It will provide dental, vision and medical care including women's health. Local volunteers number 200. They hope to serve as many needy people as possible with this grant to Livingston County, where health care facilities are very limited.
John announced some Grape Festival updates. Vendor coffee will be outside near MTH. Golf carts will be trailered to MTH and secured overnight. There will not be food coupons this year. Brandon and Trevor are the new grounds workers this year. They will be wearing fluorescent vests. Weather looks great so far - fingers crossed!
The Ace of Hearts was $156. Judy Manser had the ticket #950 but pulled the Ace of Spades.
Happy Bills were given for John and Kevin's efforts with keeping the Zoom going despite the challenges. * Carrie prepped the computer assist for Judy's meeting. * Brenda is thankful that her son's neighbor in Salt Lake City noticed smoke after a lightening strike and alerted the family to action. They are all okay and dealing with the aftermath. * Kevin honored Denise's birthday with a "sweet" story. * Denise told of her 93 year old dad's upcoming Honor Flight on October 3-4. They will arrive back to ROC about 11:45 on Sunday. See info below for joining the reception there. * Wayne has helped with free dental care in the past and is hoping to connect with Stacy for info that can help. * The photos of the wash station and the Gaga Ball Pit came on the screen. * Everyone appreciated the program today. * Jo Anne says misery loves company for the Grape Fest weekend. * Nancy thanked Karen for driving her today.
One Rotary Moment was the completion of our Peace Pole project. The first pole is in the Old Town Square/ Kiandaga Park and the second was planted on Saturday at the Naples Youth Corp area on Academy Street. The dedication of both was at 5pm at the Youth Corp today, honoring International Peace Day. (It was a very nice ceremony. We had 13 Rotarians attending and 10 other community members. We sang "Let There Be Peace On Earth". Thanks, Jack. Thanks to Jo for chairing the project and Leslie for pulling the dedication together. Thanks also to Tony, his sister Rita and Holly for doing the installations.)
Another Rotary Moment was pictured with John, Sherry and Katie visiting Frank and Kathleen Duserick in their new home at Cloverwood. Their address is: 1 Sinclair Drive, Apartment 219, Pittsford, NY 14534.
We said the Four Way Test and adjourned the meeting.
See you all at the Naples Grape Festival!
NOTE:
Brittany sent directions for attending the Welcome Home for Honor Flight on 10/4 at the ROC airport:
We have a designated spot at the Welcome
Home ceremony. Attendees should park in the 3rd floor garage. Upon entering the airport there will be a table with someone who can direct attendees on where the spot is so that everyone is grouped together. Just tell them you are with Naples VFW. Parking tickets will be validated as well.
Attendees should plan to arrive by 11:30am at the very latest, the welcome home parade starts at approximately 12:25pm - traffic, parking and entering can take time. Bring your welcome home signs and bring your flags! Also bring the tissues. ❤️
