Snippets of sunshine and snippets of rain are so typical of Fall in this domain, yet the bursts of color here and there, tell us we’re in a beautiful place, so special and rare! It’s known as the Naples Valley in Autumn! President Bruce opened today’s Noon Meeting with an invitation to join him in saying The Pledge. As we remained standing, Jack then led us in the singing of The Star-Spangled Banner. Skip gave The Invocation. He asked The Lord to oversee us, as we join forces in amicable ways, to achieve our goals in service to others. Our Greeter today was Micah, and we welcomed guests, Dr. Vicky Ramos, (our guest speaker), Sharon, and Chip Weissmuller.

Here is a summary of the October Board Meeting, which was held earlier this morning:

• Sherry reported on the Light Up Naples Committee proceedings. We hope to have our entire village lit up, so a stroll through town would be advisable! The Beigels have agreed to be Mr. and Mrs. Santa again this year. We will be working in conjunction with Rick Constantino, from Finger Lakes Music, for our music portion of LUN. Also, the Bells of Trinity will be playing from the church porch of Trinity Federated Church. Sherry has purchased “Snow Globes,” which we will be selling. Hopefully, the Naples Historical Society will participate in some capacity once that item is addressed at their Board Meeting tonight. The Naples Library has agreed to participate. Neapolitan Pizzeria will hopefully have a Live Nativity this year. Derek Hallancia will talk this over with his church members at Branch of the Lord.
• Our Annual Holiday Party is scheduled for Monday Evening, December 13^th. The location is yet to be determined, but the Naples Hotel is a strong possibility. There will be a Gift Exchange, as has been done in the past, maybe with some modifications.
• October 29^th, which is a Friday evening, marks the World Polio Event. It is to be held in Syracuse. Some members from our club will be attending. Those people will be Jack, Sharon, Robin, Bo, and Patrice.
• Laurie had received a recent communique from Budding Readers. Typically, Naples Rotary has donated to this organization. The Board approved the motion to reinstate our annual donation of $200 to BR. Budding Readers has provided books for our UPK and Kindergarten students over the past few years.
• Both Laurie and Jack have spoken with the Redwood Staff about the possibility of adding some variety to their menu choices for us on Meeting Days. President Bruce will send out a “Food Survey” to the Membership to get an idea of what entrees we would like to see on the menu for those Noon and Evening Meetings.
• PE John French announced that the Membership Monday Event will be held tonight, via Zoom, at 7:00. The main topics covered will be “Successes” and “Opportunities”.
• The Camp O. Dinner, which was held over the weekend, was attended by Bruce, Betty, Steve, and Mindy. Bruce reported that over $10,000 was raised at the dinner!

Following the Board Meeting, there was a special Grape Fest Meeting, which was led by Tom. He gave a brief synopsis of what that GF Meeting entailed. Tom had prepared a detailed Naples Grape Festival Proposal, which he shared with the Board and some Members of the Naples Historical Society, who were in attendance also. Tom thanked The Board and the NHS for their valuable input. He had given a brief history of the Grape Fest at the Meeting. “The GF is going to take a positive turn”, he added. “There will be more involvement, and more sustainability!”

Today’s Program couldn’t have been timelier, as we welcomed Dr. Vicky Ramos, District Superintendent of the Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES. Dr. Ramos, who has had a rich background in the field of Education, had taught for 20 years in the Rochester City School District, and she had been a Superintendent in a school system in the Capital Area, where she learned much.

Since the search began in August, she has been helping Naples school board navigate its search for a new Superintendent. Dr. Ramos oversees 25 School Districts in the area, and she noted that Naples has “a great School Board with lots of energy.” Indeed, selecting a new Superintendent the caliber of Matt Frahm for Naples will present a challenge. Dr. Ramos outlined some critical aspects to consider when selecting a new Superintendent. In looking at those who have applied, these are qualities that are being sought in this potential role. Listening to staff, accepting of challenges, supportive of staff, students, and parents, and having the power to form positive relationships are examples of those attributes. The hope is to have a candidate selected by mid-November.

The Board has decided upon a confidential search. They will look at everyone who has applied, and then they will bring in a select few for an interview. The Board will do the first interview, and Vicky’s job is to guide The Board, as they aim to keep focused on the attributes they’ve established. The stakeholders are part of the final interview, providing feedback to The Board. A semi-finalist may not necessarily be a finalist, Dr. Ramos told us, but the final selection should result in “a marriage” between The Board and the person whom they select. Dr. Ramos also indicated that every Board is unique, and it is important to get to know them. “If a School Board has been “totally embraced” then the search has been successful,” noted Dr. R. “That final choice should be someone who is accountable, who is close to the community, is committed to making students’ lives better, and whose decisions are right by the children,” she added.

When asked by a member what she was most passionate about, Dr. Ramos, who hails from Puerto Rico, reflected for a moment. She recalled that she always wanted to be a teacher, and she practiced on her dolls as a child. “There is something about loving your profession!” she told us. Tom added that the main criteria come from the heart. Finding someone with that potential is Naples’ goal!

Happy Bills and Fines: It seems more like they’re simply Happy Bills these days, as the reasons for giving them seem so positive. Today’s reasons were, of course, Dr. Ramos’ excellent program, which we thoroughly enjoyed. We have appreciated Tom’s diligent efforts in preparing the Naples Grape Festival Proposal. Nancy had a visit from friends, Bill, and Gloria. Blanche enjoyed a visit with her brother and sister-in-law. Bo and Pat spent the weekend with their kids in Massachusetts. Bruce R. was pleased to report that over $10,000 was raised at the recent Camp O. Dinner. Laurie was pleased that she won the “Golf Package”!

Fifty-Fifty: Special guest, Dr. Ramos, chose Ticket #1803, which was the one belonging to Jack! Jack drew a very appropriate card…the Jack of Spades!

Win-Win: Cindy had today’s Win-Win! Did anyone happen to know Alex Trebek’s middle name? Come to find out, his real name was George Alexander Trebek!

Rotary Moment: Jack reflected on the Service for our dear Joyce that was held at Rose Ridge Cemetery last week. He said that white balloons were released in the air bearing the words, “Naples Rotary loves Joyce”. “That is the truth!’ exclaimed Jack. Jack also noted that this Saturday, 10/23, there will be a Celebration of Joyce’s Life, (in the afternoon), near her home.

Hope everyone has a splendid week! Next week’s Evening Meeting will feature John Edwards, who will give a Covid Update. Until then, I’ll borrow President Bruce’s words. Good-bye and God Bless!