I hope that everyone had a nice Easter! It sounded like many were able to “connect” with their families by safe distance, or virtual means. We had to be very innovative this year, under the circumstances, but leave it to us Rotarians to find ways to stay connected! I counted 25 members who were a part of today’s Online Meeting, along with DG Dave Hannan, who presented the program.
At 12:05, President Tom commenced the meeting, as we joined him in reciting The Pledge to Our Flag. We then listened to a recording of God Bless America. The Invocation came from Steve, who gave thanks to The Lord “in all things”. He then prayed for strength and guidance for our leaders, community helpers, and caregivers during this time. Our special guest today was DG Dave Hannan, who presented an excellent program.
Pres. Tom surmised that there must have been many “Zoom” Meetings with families over the Easter weekend, as he had done so, himself! He then gave an overview of the Spring Schedule, as he highlighted the programs that are slated to take place. Next, Marianna gave an update on the progress of the Rotary Responders. It has been considered a great “backup to the community” in terms of the work that it is doing. Marianna stated that 1-2 calls per day are being received, for requests to deliver groceries. The School and the Open Cupboard are doing fine also. The Open Cupboard always appreciates food donations, and, at this time, cereal and canned soup are most needed.
PE, Matt, introduced today’s speaker, DG Dave Hannan. “Dave has done a great job connecting at both the community and world level,” commented Matt in his introduction. “He has exemplified Service Above Self in the Wayne-Finger Lakes Area.” Dave, who hails from Newark, had served in the United States Air Force. Dave’s Topic today was entitled “Rotary In The Coronavirus Era”. Dave divided his presentation into four parts, but before delving into his commentary, he talked a bit about how Rotary is functioning during this time of challenge and uncertainty. There was fear that Rotary would “go dark”, but Naples has remained active! This constancy can be credited to leaders and members. Rotary’s mission statement encompasses the goals: to unite, and to take action, which, at this time, is a challenge. “This mission hasn’t changed, and needs innovation”, said Dave. “It requires thinking outside the box.” “We must prepare for the worst, and hope for the best”, were the words DG Dave used to encourage us. Seniors still need to feel safe when they go out. Hopefully, there will be a vaccine against Covid that will available later in the Summer. “There is a new environment in the midst of Covid”, he proclaimed. No doubt, the transfer of leadership will probably be no formality at the end of this Rotary Year, as Dave predicted.
The first focus(es) that Dave touched upon were Membership, and Our Doing Good In The World. It is essential that Club Meetings continue, and attendance is important. We need to be mindful of those who need help, and we, as Rotarians, need to be visible in the community. Secondly, Dave displayed a chart of numbers, which outlined District Growth. Naples R.C. has increased from 60 members to 61 members since last July. Hopefully, by year’s end, we will see a few more. District wide, the membership has increased from 2265 to 2268. Thirdly, Dave presented a District 7120 Fundraising Analysis Chart. He informed us that this information comes into play when we are applying for a District Grant. He urged us to contribute if we were able, to “bring up the numbers”. Finally, Dave talked about the Rotary Citation for this Rotary Year. He has encouraged Pres. Tom to get on “My Rotary”, and to check all boxes that are applicable. Subsequently, he should submit this information to Rotary International, as Naples Rotary is certainly deserving of this recognition!
Dave concluded his talk with some suggestions for us, as we have “some time on our hands” these days. One could register for “My Rotary”, if one hasn’t done so, as yet. To do so, use your E-Mail Account and create a password. There are various topics to explore, and one can learn more about Rotary in general. Concerning the District Website, there are Covid Resources that can be explored, and upcoming (Club) meetings can be posted, as there may be others who would be interested in the topics presented. Many Thanks to DG Dave Hannan for a very informative program!
The Happy Bills and Fines were next. May I add, many, many thanks to each and every one of you for stating the amount before giving your reasons for your Happy Bills and/or Fines. This will make my monthly tally of Fines and Happy Bills for each member so much easier to record! Of course, we all enjoyed having DG Dave “with us” today to share his insights, but here is a listing on an individual basis. Marianna and Andy were glad to have their daughter home for the Easter weekend, and they enjoyed the program. Bruce M. had missed some meetings, he enjoyed the program, he has enjoyed the sunshine, and he has a 5:00 virtual “Meeting” every Thursday. Penny has missed several meetings, and she was glad to be “with us” today. Skip noted that he and Matt were pictured in the Canandaigua Messenger. He enjoyed the program. Karen’s grandson turned 10, but she was sorry she couldn’t be with him to celebrate. Blanche enjoyed the program. Jack enjoyed the program, he liked seeing Bruce m. as a “Senior”, and he noticed Penny and Susan were being “productive”. Patrice liked the program, and she held a “Storytime” online for her grandkids. Steve noted that Skip’s photo in The Messenger happened to be right next to his dog! John F. had given a plug for Brew and Brats, he appreciates Tom, he was glad that Susan was on board, and he and Sherry went for a Gator ride over the weekend. Bo enjoyed the program. Susan is glad that all is well with us. Frank was happy about the program, Rotary Responders, and chalk drawings. Matt likes the program, and Nichole Green is the new H.S. Principal. Deb liked the program, and she enjoys hearing the birds sing. Carrie is glad that Billy can still be working, that she can be with family, and she liked the program. Jack was glad to see son, Jonathan return. Jill had missed some meetings and she liked the program. Tom had had the opportunity to have some Zoom time with both his and Michelle’s families. He liked the program, and Milo was “at his best”! Nancy enjoyed the program too! Penny and Jodi are working on a plan to have congratulatory signs for Our Seniors in yards about town. Penny will check with John Almekinder, and she will get a quote as to the cost, and she will let us know.
Frank had the Rotary Moment for today. When he and Kathleen had first moved to Naples, Kathleen’s Mom had lived with them. When her Mom had taken a fall, Frank and Kathleen had called the Naples Ambulance to come and help. It was the first Rotarian he had met, recalled Frank, when Bruce Clawson assured them that they would take good care of Kathleen’s Mom, and that everything would be alright. Such a poignant story to share today, Frank, when these days, it seems extra important to take care of each other! With that said, take care, everyone! Stay safe and well, and we’ll see each other online April 20th!
