It looked like a snow globe as we arrived tonight at the Redwood! Judy Miller greeted our twenty-three Rotarians and six guests. 

 

President Jack led us in the Pledge and in singing God Bless America. Patrice shared a poem of inspiration from the PennySaver called Finger Lakes Winter Beauty. It ends with "The Finger Lakes inspire awe and trust, Awakening hearts with nature's grace, A quiet beauty, time cannot erase."

 

Our guests today were youth exchange students Romane and Hikaru, Al Voss and our speakers Amy Lincoln, Oliver Bruen and Roman Biggs.

 

Announcements: The Trout Derby sign-up sheet was passed again. * A couple events for Hospeace House are coming soon. A Euchre tournament is Sunday 3/1 at Engine 14 at 2 pm. The Monte Carlo Night will be April 18th. * Rochester Rotarian Don Alhart issued a challenge to benefit the Rotary Foundation from District 7120. He will give $1 for each degree of the high temperature on St. Patrick's Day. He will be in Aruba and will definitely be donating more than those of us here the Finger Lakes! More info to come! * Ro had a fun vacation last week, visiting Cranberry Lake and Lake Placid, having the opportunity to ski at the Olympic slopes of White Face Mountain. She will be going to Hawaii with other Rotary students soon. * Hikaru went skiing twice over vacation and a sno-cross race. He will be going to bowling sectionals this week!

 

Amy Lincoln is a teacher at NCS. She is the new advisor for Operation Santa. With her tonight were NHS Seniors Oliver Bruen, President, and Roman Biggs, Treasurer, of Operation Santa. Together, they shared this year's giving experience. Operation Santa has been in Naples for 90 years! It provides Christmas gifts for kids and grocery gifts to families in need. Naples Rotary has helped with deliveries for many years. Forty-five students participated this year in writing letters to donors, shopping and wrapping gifts for 75 children! The process is confidential all the way. Amy sent emails to staff to identify families. Interested families filled out a form giving age, size and likes of the children. The Operation students work in teams to purchase items at Target. Wrapping 450 gifts is the most time consuming part but it was fun and accomplished in good time. Gifts are then bagged and ready for delivery by Rotarians. It is a heartwarming and very appreciated activity for us. In addition, eleven handmade Valentines with gift cards for Caruso's were sent to local seniors. The leadership team for 2026 Operation Santa has been set. The students feel it is a great way to learn life skills and contribute to our community.

 

Al Voss attended tonight to let us know about an Eagle  Scout project happening at the VFW this spring. NCS student Aaron Hall will rehab the flag pole, adding a staircase, before Memorial Day. We were asked to contribute to the project, which will be discussed by the Board at the March meeting.

 

The Ace of Hearts was $98. Ticket #9578 was in Hikaru's hand. His card was so close - King of Hearts!

 

Happy Bills were for the presentation and program of Operation Santa. Many had memories of it over the years  - "Secret Santa" in the past, helping with shopping, ornaments made by former advisors and how confidential it has always been. First time delivery drivers felt is was fun and humbling. Everyone appreciated having HS students involved in community service. Carrie was happy to have her boys home briefly. Chloe hopes to be attending more soon - she and her fiance have purchased a new home!

 

Rotary moments: Naples Interact will be jumping into Conesus Lake in April for a Polar Plunge fundraiser for Rotex. The Miller/Groves found a Rotary Wheel sign and group when on vacation in St. Martin!

 

After reciting the Four Way Test with our new banner, Jack rang the bell to adjourn at 6:52pm.