We gathered at the Redwood with Sue greeting us with a smile! There were twenty Rotarians and two guests attending tonight.

 

President Carrie led the Pledge and God Bless America.

The inspiration was "Networking is not about just connecting people. It's about connecting people with people, people with ideas and people with opportunities." Michele Jennae  It speaks well to our Area Gathering last Thursday with 15 Naples Rotarians and a total of 35 from across 6 nearby Clubs. 

 

This month's birthdays were Tim and Marty. Carrie and Bill celebrate their anniversary on Tuesday!

Coming events include World Polio Day 10/22, Victor- Farmington fundraiser 10/24, Camp O Dinner 11/6 and District 7120 Conference 6/5/2027! * John mentioned that "America the Bountiful", a film including a Naples Grape Festival segment is up for a Daytime Emmy on October 30th. * The first meeting of the 2026 Light Up Naples committee is Tuesday at 5:30 at the Library. * We are seeking Board members, including Vice President candidates, for the upcoming election in December. If you can contribute to our Club's future in this important way, see Carrie or Judy for info. * Chip and Stuart are on their way back to Florida for the winter - they send greetings to their "Naples Rotary buddies"!

 

Our program today was presented by Don Burkard who was accompanied by his wife, Marcella. Marcella is a chiropractor and they own a grass fed black angus herd. Don is a ruminant nutritionist. Ruminants include cattle, goats, sheep, deer and elk. Don's specialty is providing the best diet to keep these animals healthy and especially for enhanced milk production for dairy farms. The average cow produces 12 gallons of milk a day - equivalent to running a marathon. Don recommends the best diet including grasses, grains, protein, vitamins and minerals. He also helps dairy farmers to monitor rumination time, genetics, milk production and overall health by sending samples to a lab. Cows need up to 160 lbs. of feed per day! A milk producer lifespan is about 6 years before their output falls and they become meat. He also interacts with veterinarians, bankers and crop producers. We learned about all the important factors that dairy owners face in getting product to the market. Farmers are facing a difficult time financially. Don has opted to grow beef raised on a special grass variety, as it has better profit than dairy farming.

 

We had a special visitor this evening - Mr. Potts! He sounded like someone whose voice we recognize! In the past, there were Halloween events at the South Bristol Grange hall hosted by Mr. Potts. This Saturday, the fun returns with a costume party to benefit the Bristol Hills Historical Society. It starts at 7 pm for $10. Music and refreshments are available.

 

The Ace of Hearts pot totaled $206. Lucky ticket #615 was again in Bill S's hand! He was so close with the Queen of Hearts!

Happy Bills went to Don's passionate and informational program. Several people had connections to dairy farming life - we are thankful to the farmers! Carrie reported that Bill and his dad had a successful 17 day elk hunt out west. Carrie also thanked all who helped with set up and take down for the Area 4 gathering, special thanks to Denise for her cupcakes. Judy was happy to have time with Charlie home this week. Tim was thanked for his work on the Welcome to Naples sign reno. The Johnson's were thankful for having Denise's dad here and his safe return home to NH.

 

The Rotary Moment was from Bill S. An organization he supports had a magazine article about a Rotary Club project called Hearts United in Guatemala!

 

We said the Four Way Test and ended with "Go Bills!"