The brilliant sunshine and clear blue skies of the last few days have certainly been welcome, but I think we would all agree that being in our cozy homes for today’s Zoom Meeting was a bonus! Those temperatures have been frigid lately and it’s a blessing that we can still be together through technology!

As an image of Old Glory waved from the screen, we joined President Bruce in saying The Pledge. Cindy gave The Invocation today. “We were created for community,” said she. “Technology brings us together!” Cindy added that we continue to pray for love, peace, hope, joy, and healing among all. Our guests this noon included Meg Joseph and Ansley Jemison, who were the Program Presenters, and Sharon of course, one of “Our Regulars.” Today’s Program was entitled “Friends of Ganondagan.”

Eighteen Members were online, and two of those Members included Bruce and Betty, whom we haven’t seen in a while! Bruce and Betty were tuning in from Sanibel Island in Florida, and they claimed it was in the 40’s there. We would think that was balmy, compared to our recent temps, right? Today’s Rotary Moment would be given by Nardine.

Cindy inquired about Alex, and Jack and Sharon provided an update on how she is doing. She is still at Wellsville Manor getting rehabilitated. Her new home in Italy Valley is being prepared for her, with a ramp to be installed for help with her mobility. The encouraging news is that Alex is walking down the hall, successfully, with her walker. We wish Alex continued progress!

Pres. Bruce gave us a brief introduction to Venmo, - an alternative way of paying Happy Bills, Fines, and Dues. Venmo Payment is not required. You can still send checks to Laurie at her Naples address. We viewed a short video on the installation and application of Venmo, as a means of paying one’s bills. You can send and receive money digitally, using your Bank Account, Debit Card or Credit Card. Using Venmo, sending, requesting, or transferring funds is possible. If choosing Venmo as a means of payment, it is extremely helpful to Laurie to state the purpose of the payment.

Today’s Program, entitled “Friends of Ganondagan”, presented by Meg Joseph and Ansley Jemison, not only gave us a peek into the historic past of the Indigenous People of our area, but it focused upon their invaluable contribution to our rich cultural heritage as well. Meg prefaced the presentation with some background information about Ganondagan. This location is the original site of a 17^th century Seneca Town, which is funded by grants, private donations, and memberships. Its goal is to continue the work of Peter Jemison, who was very connected to the Seneca Nation.

With the work of Peter Jemison continuing, Meg’s Overview led into the introduction of Ansley Jemison, son of Peter, who is in a cultural liaison position. Ansley said that he was happy to meet with us, and he added that he was a member of the Wolf Clan of the Seneca Nation. Sharing his rich background with us, he told of his lineage having been traced through his mother. Brought up in the Allegany Region, Ansley also spent time in the Brooklyn Area, a sharp contrast to the pastoral region of the Southern Tier in New York State. Nevertheless, he felt that this dual experience helped him to understand cultures. Later, his dad took on his role at Ganondagan, and Ansley found himself playing Lacrosse at Canandaigua Academy, being the only Native American on campus. After continuing with his athletics at Syracuse University, he traveled out West, lived in New Mexico, and became involved with the Pueblos. He built adobe houses, as well. Ansley called his experience “Receiving a Master’s Degree in Life”. Before returning to this area, he continued his travels, teaching in Brazil and learning their culture. Upon returning to The States, he coached lacrosse at St. John Fisher. He met his wife, Amanda, and they have three children, all of whom are “growing and learning,” as Ansley put it. He worked at Cornell University, as the Executive Director of Iroquois Nationals. Ansley has had a rich background indeed!

The Indigenous People have become involved with treaties, Ansley told us, and they consider themselves Sovereign People. Common grounds have been reached through the “language” of sports. He is hoping that Lacrosse will one day become an Olympic Sport!

“There is a very real present group of people at Ganondagan,” Ansley told us. They are trying to keep connected through Podcasts. Their goal is to open up, and to share with others that the Indigenous are present, and that they are friends. Ansley stated that it is important for (future) generations of kids to know about their area and their ancestral roots. Ganondagan wants to be known as a “Place of Peace,” and the goal is to welcome Blacks and Latinos as guests at that territory, as well.

There are plans in place for this Summer. Audio-sensory experiences will be available for those who wish to reacquaint themselves with the Indigenous Culture. This February, Ansley shared that a “Snow Snake Adventure” will be available, and that a sensory experience will create a picture in one’s mind. Activities such as husking corn can produce soothing sounds, viewed through an “Indigenous Lens,” we were told. Ansley hopes to continue the work of his father in a new and creative way!

Questions from the Membership followed Ansley’s Presentation. In his Native Language, he spoke the words, “Hello, everybody! I’m happy that you’re well!” Through his Podcasts, he hopes to create connections among cultures. “The legacy left to us from the Native Americans is more than just a paragraph in a history book. Indigenous People have contributed much to our culture!” Ansley added. After hearing his excellent presentation, it is without a doubt, that many of us will want to pay a visit to Ganondagan if we haven’t done so already! Many thanks to both Meg and Ansley!!

Many Happy Bills were offered this noon in appreciation of Meg’s and Ansley’s terrific Program! We are so fortunate to have such a rich cultural heritage in our midst, from which we can learn much!

Today’s Rotary Moment was brought to us by Nardine. In poetic format, she recollected that about 40 years ago, the Naples Rotary was instrumental in finding a safe place for the Naples Youth to congregate. It is known as the Naples Youth Corps!

Pres. Bruce shared that he was happy to learn that he has some Indigenous background, himself! Laurie also added that currently, there is $467.00 in Venmo! Stay warm, and stay safe and well, Dear Friends! See you in February!! 😊