A sizzling Summer day was the setting for our zoom meeting this noon, as many of us tuned in from the comfort of our homes, and perhaps, our back porches. Pres. Tom welcomed us to the gathering, noting that this was his next-to-last meeting, as our President. He noted how quickly the year has passed, and he thanked the membership for all the support given him during this unusual year. With that being said, we stood to join Tom in saying The Pledge.
The Invocation was provided by Bruce M. He asked for blessings upon all the fathers in our midst. He thanked Pres. Tom and PE Matt for their inspiration and compassion during these challenging times, and he asked for guidance for the new slate of officers in the coming year.
We enjoyed the company of 24 members, and four guests. We welcomed today’s program presenter, Ben Frahm, brother of Matt, along with Kaiden, grandson of Karen, Mahina, daughter of Shanna, and our own Hjanne.
Tom gave a brief overview of the schedule for the upcoming meetings. Next week, of course, we will enjoy the Gavel Dinner, as we bid “farewell” to Pres. Tom, and welcome Matt, as our new President for 2020-2021. Tom suggested that we make a fun evening out of the “dinner”, even though we can’t literally be together. Having our own individual meals and donning Hawaiian “threads” might be a novel way to enjoy our virtual gathering! Even with the restrictions, we can still get creative, and have a great time! Naples Rotary can “rise to the occasion”! The July 6th meeting will feature Dr. Sim Covington (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity).
Jodi spoke next, and she gave us an update on the schedule of events for the Walk of Life. This Sunday, June 28th, there will be a pulled pork dinner, to be held near Joseph’s Wayside Market at 12:00. It is hoped that we will sell at least 150 meals. (Five people are needed to help). Also, help is needed at the Dog Parade the same day, which will take place at Luigi’s. Twenty donations are needed for the Silent Auction (contact Jodi). Desserts and Songwriters will be at Brew and Brats on 7/16. Many, many thanks to Mike J. for spearheading this event! Help is needed for the Fun Run/Walk as well. The Chicken Barbecue and “Cock-a-doodle Poo” will be on August 8th. Sherry noted that Tom has posted a listing of the events on our website. (Go to NaplesRotaryWOL.org) A huge amount of thanks goes out to Jodi, Sherry, Mike, John F., and Kim for all they have done to make our WOL become a reality this year!! Matt added that we’ll work along with Tom in terms of helping with the WOL.
Rotary Responders: Andy noted that fewer calls are coming in these days, as people are generally starting to feel more comfortable. The recipients have seemed to appreciate the help provided by the RR. Again, many thanks to Andy and Marianna, as well as Steve R., and all the helpers, for strolling down this avenue of service in such a positive way!
Engaging, exciting, and entertaining are words that could describe today’s presentation by Ben Frahm. Entitled “Adventures in Screen Writing”, Ben proved to be as charismatic and well-spoken as his brother Matt, who introduced his younger sibling. Ben has had quite an interesting career. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree at Cornell University, he traveled to Hollywood to become a screen writer. While there, he enjoyed some valuable experiences like selling a screen to Universal Studios. It carried him back this way and led to his current role as Professor of Screen Writing at Syracuse University.
Ben gave us a “taste” of a typical lecture he might give to his students early in the semester, starting with the question, “Why do we go to the movies?” For many of us who enjoy movie-going, though it’s expensive, we find it to be relaxing and entertaining. Ben pointed out that there is this idea of “transformation” that takes place, as we establish a relationship with a hero. It’s attractive to us, and as we become who we are throughout life, it’s exciting to connect with screen heroes. Quoting Linda Oakes, Ben said “We enjoy someone else’s story, and it pulls us through our own."
Ben gave us five examples of well-known movies, each with a thematic message that could very well align with many typical experiences that many of us may have had throughout our lives. The King’s Story tells of starting and ending in different places, in other words, taking a journey. The Social Network tells the story of Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Face Book, who struggled with a friendship. The movie, Gravity,dealt with physical transformation. In the 40 Year Old Virgin, there was a specific predicament, and connection was lacking. Lastly, in 500 Days of Summer, a romantic comedy, there was the development of a new relationship. Ben tells his students, “Take some of these principles, and apply them to your own life.” He also noted that all stories, if done effectively, can trigger that “campfire emotion”. (Perhaps many of us who have become truly engrossed in a movie, can relate to that specific emotion.)
Though he admits that his years in Los Angeles were “a different journey”, Ben said that it was a “transformative” time for him. His experiences at UCLA led to his desire to teach. A “change of pace” was warranted, and now that he is raising a young family, teaching seems to be just the right choice! A question and answer period followed, and a lively discussion ensued after excellent questions were raised by Bruce, Blanche, and Frank. Pres. Tom said that it was exciting to watch Ben, and very engaging. Like Brother Matt, he possesses that same ability to “draw us in."
Happy Bills and Fines were next. We were so delighted with Ben’s appealing program! We are all so grateful to Jodi, Sherry, Mike, John F., and Kim for all they are doing to promote the Walk of Life this Summer. We are truly appreciative of Pres. Tom’s excellent leadership throughout this most unusual year! We’re glad that the NCS budget passed, and that Graduation 2020 is going to be held on June 27th. Karen said that her little grandson is now home, and he is doing well. Let’s keep Suzanne in our thoughts. Skip said that she is recovering from knee surgery. Frank was glad to report that there will be a Virtual Camp O. this Summer! Between 40-60 “campers” will be doing online projects. The Camp O. Golf Tournament has been rescheduled for August 14th, also! On 7/11, there will be a Chicken BBQ at 143 North Main Street, served by the famous Grove Boys. (This will serve as a fundraiser for us.) John F. says the store at Arbor Hill is coming along nicely!
Pres. Tom had the Rotary Moment for today. He praised the WOL Team for all they are doing. On a Zoom Call he noted that everyone “jumped right in” to help!
That’s all for now! Have a great week, everyone! Hope that many of us will be able to join our Gavel Dinner Zoom Meeting next week, dressed in our Hawaiian garb! We’ll thank Pres. Tom for a job well done, and we’ll welcome Matt as our leader for 20-21! Above all, we’re sure to have a good time.
