The early morning blanket of frost and those chilly temperatures seemed a bit premature for this time of the year, but they signaled that the month of October is here, and the splendor of Fall in the Finger Lakes is certainly unfolding!

We were met with the cheery greeting of Holly as we entered The Redwood this noon! After welcoming us to today's Noon Gathering, John prompted us to join him in singing The Star-Spangled Banner, Pat gave The Blessing, asking The Lord to strengthen us in body and spirit to enable us to serve others. Today's Program would be given by Sandy Bierbrauer, one of our newer Members. Cindy would be giving the Rotary Moment. Along with our 24 Members, we welcomed Graycen, little son of Micah, and Sharon, sweet wife of Jack. President John would have a thoughtful quote for us to ponder at Meeting's End.

Before the announcements were to be given, we clapped for Holly, as she was an exuberant Greeter! We then honored the October People! Celebrating Birthdays this month are Diane on the 3rd, Rose on the 13th, and Marty on the 23rd. Carrie and Bill will celebrate their Anniversary on the 13th. Led by Jack, we sang "Congratulations" to these fine folks!

There were several announcements to be shared with the Membership before today's Program began. First of all, Bruce R. strode to the mic, and assured us that "He was here and still standing!" Bruce and Betty are headed down Florida way to investigate the effects of Hurricane Ian on their respective homes. Bruce said that only authorized people are allowed in the area where he and Betty live, so that will keep their place safe from looting. He noted that an extended stay for them would probably not happen for at least a couple of years. We pray for their safe journey and return!

Rose, who thankfully has recovered from Covid, was there to share some updates on Hospeace House. The Volunteer Schedule for October needs to be filled in order to bring in a new resident. Rose urged those of us who are able to, to please sign up for a shift (which is just 4 hours) if possible. "Please do what you can!" she pleaded.

Micah still has Tickets for the Camp O. Dinner, which is October 14th, to sell. If there are some folks who are interested in going, Micah is the man to see.

President John Noted that there were some leftovers from the Walk of Life for sale, in case anyone is interested.

These items were from the last Board Meeting: The Board voted to donate (monetarily) to the installation of a new flagpole at Rose Ridge Cemetery. We will be purchasing a Shelter Box, and we will be contributing to the Boy Scout Fund. 

World Polio Day is October 24th, and we will observe that day at Brew and Brats at our Evening Gathering.

John has sent out the results of the Club Health Check Survey to the Membership. We are advised to peruse the Survey, and its results. Bill Gormont and Ralph Brandt will be with us next week, October 10th, at our Evening Gathering, to do the "SWOT" Analysis. (SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats). The Naples NY Rotary Club will be moving forward with Strategic Planning, and these are the initial steps!

The announcements wouldn't be "complete" unless we heard from Tom, and he didn't disappoint!! He was glad to report that there was a very positive feedback from the recent Grape Fest Survey! Here are some of the results: Community Events - 83.4% Excellent or Very Good. Gala Dinner - 94% Excellent or Very Good Historic Grape Festival - 75% Excellent or Very Good  " It was phenomenal!" Tom exclaimed. The results, in further detail, will be shared at the next Board Meeting.

Tom has added that Grape Festival T-Shirts are still available, for $20. There are 7 Long Sleeve 2XL, and 16 Short Sleeve 2XL. Contact Lisa at (585)374-6540. Make your check out to Naples Grape Festival.

It was a pleasure to hear from Sandy Bierbrauer, who was our Program Presenter this noon! Sandy, who is a Cornell Master Gardener, talked about "Landscaping With Native Plants" and it was an opportunity for us to learn more about the varieties of plants that are germane to our area. She told us that the climatic areas are divided into "Zones", and that our Zone, or region, here in the Finger Lakes is conducive to growing plants such as lilacs, perennials, and early Spring flowers. This area is also good for growing ornamental shrubs, which benefit wildlife. Some of these shrubs even retain their berries throughout the Winter! With the Question and Answer Period that followed Sandy's talk, we learned some useful information. She promoted "Native Plants", which are very adaptive, and are more likely to result in success. It's wise to designate an area for "test plants". Professionals are able to answer your questions by phone. There are some varieties of plants that make good, lasting ground cover. We also learned a bit more about Sandy, herself! She has enjoyed working with plants over the years, and perhaps her interest in such was prompted by a course that she once took in Gardening. She likes ferns, the Christmas one being the heartiest, and her favorite perennial is the iris! She noted that Roses seem to do well here, and that it is important to put straw around them them the first year. "Be sure to keep milkweed, for it is good for ecology and the butterflies!" Sandy added. We truly enjoyed Sandy's presentation today, and it was very interesting and informative!

Steve also encouraged Members to attend the Camp O. Dinner on the 14th, adding that it was important for us to keep connected to, and involved with Camp O.

Our Treasurer, Laurie was next to speak. Last Saturday, there was an RLI Seminar at Avon High School. (RLI stands for Rotary Leadership Institute). Laurie, Karen, Patrice, and Bo attended. Laurie had gleaned much from the RLI Part 2! She shared that she had learned much about such topics as Team-Building, Leadership, and Member Retention. Bo, Karen, and Pat took the Graduate Course called "Removing the Fear of Strategic Planning". Bo talked about that portion, noting that the course was skillfully taught by PDG Bill Gormont.

Pres. John, in referring to the Club Survey, noted that Naples (NY) Rotary Club has been very flexible over the years. "We have been adaptive to change!" John added with optimism. On that note, we started today, to have a container by the Sergeant At Arms for people to put in their Happy Bills and Fines. If people wished, they could voice their reasons for their Bills and Fines, but it wasn't mandatory. Nonetheless, we still had Members speak their reasons for their monetary submissions! We might come up with a moniker to replace "Happy Bills and Fines".

The Ace of Hearts was up to $295 today according to Jo. Graycen picked Nancy's Ticket, and Nancy did, indeed, draw an Ace from the pack, but it was the Ace of Clubs!

Cindy, for her Rotary Moment, referred back to the Grape Fest Weekend, when she worked alongside Skip, Judy, Carrie, and Sue at the Entrance to the "Wine Walk". "Guests were waiting to come in at 9:45!" Cindy recalled. "It was tricky checking the birthdates on some of those out-of-state licenses!" It had been a beautiful day, and it was Cindy's first time working at the Brahm-Moore Beverage Garden. Cindy enjoyed working with Skip, Judy, and The Gang, and she was made to feel so welcome. "It is a well-oiled Team!" commented Skip.

John's "Parting Quote" this noon was: "The only person you are destined to become is the person you desire to be." On that note, let us move forward, as we begin to develop our Strategic Plan, and "Imagine" Naples NY Rotary to be all that it can be!