Today’s Zoom Meeting started off on a pleasant note, as we were privileged to have had a “Virtual Tour” of President Matt’s office! Behind Matt was a lovely depiction of the Naples High School, painted by his Mom, and to the left of that picture was a photo, from long ago, of the Naples Academy. Thanks to Blanche, the picture was identified and she told us it was from before 1940, which correlates well with Operation Santa, as this was when this benevolent program began. Ironically, Operation Santa, which was brought to us by Elementary School Nurse, Kelly VandeSande, was the subject of today’s program!

Bruce M. provided us with a graphic American Flag, and as we placed our right hand over our heart, we joined Matt in reciting The Pledge. Bruce provided a sincere Blessing, as he asked Our Dear Heavenly Father to inspire our hearts. “We can always ask for Your help,” Bruce went on to say, and that is for sure, as The Lord always listens! Our guests today were Kelly VandeSande, Elementary School Nurse, and Sharon, Dear Wife of Jack. There were 20 members present. Kelly was the focus of today’s program, she would later tell us about Operation Santa.

“It’s a cold, gray and rainy day,” noted Pres. Matt, “but it’s great to see everybody!” Matt had a few announcements to share with us. First of all, on behalf of all of us, he expressed his thanks to Jodi and Mark for the lovely Thanksgiving Dinner that Caruso’s Café provided to the Naples Community last week. Around 200 meals were enjoyed by the people of Naples, and it was a generous act of kindness for sure! Matt noted that many Rotarians helped, specifically, Skip, Judy, Tom, and Suzanne, for example.

Secondly, Matt reminded those of us who wish to participate, to sign up for the Christmas Gift Exchange on the Google Sign-Up Sheet. This Sign-Up will be available through 12/04.

Next, there was a message from Andy. He is hoping to have a few volunteers on Saturday, 12/05, to help decorate at Perriello Park for Light Up Naples. Jack has gladly offered to supply a ladder, which is needed. Thank you, Jack! John F. added that he would be “the elf driving the sleigh with Santa” this coming Saturday, 12/05, for the Light Up Naples Celebration. John, Andy, and Marianna, you’ll make a great team, that’s for sure!

“There is a connective tissue that binds Light Up Naples and Operation Santa!” noted Matt, as he introduced Kelly, today’s speaker. No doubt, Matt was intimating that both “projects” attempt to bring greater joy to those of us in the Naples Community. As the Chair of Operation Santa, and a nurse during the Pandemic, Kelly has exuded generosity and kindness in every way, and we have appreciated her involvement with Operation Santa over the last four years. Kelly stated that though it’s been very different and challenging this year, she is happy to continue in this role.

In past years, the “Elves” (typically, Juniors and Seniors) have gone out to do the shopping for families, after needs lists have been established. This year, because of Covid-19, the giving plan looks different. Wal-Mart Gift Cards in the amount of $100 each will be sent, via certified mail, to each of the families. Food Coupons from Rennoldson’s will also be distributed.

This year, for the Seniors in our community, Gift Cards to the Naples Apothecary will be issued. Many thanks to Jack and Sharon for assembling this list.

Kelly noted that individual hand-written cards have been sent out to the community requesting a donation, and that donations continue to come in. Although things look different this year, she remains confident. The virus has changed everything this year, thus, no new “Elves” have been accepted this year. Just under 30 eleventh and twelfth graders are involved with O.S. E-mailing the helpers has worked very well, versus using text messages. Of course, the scenario of past years is just not feasible this year, but the aim is to make things possible. This process takes time, as the necessary information is collected, beginning as early as October.

Matt enquired if this year has created a need in the community. Kelly admitted that between the months of March and September, she had “felt out of touch,” as she knows her families so well. Currently, however, as far as families go, the numbers are in the 40’s. Some have communicated with her to let her know that they’re “doing okay.” Many have been able to work from home during the Pandemic, and this has helped them to save on gas and lunches, for instance. With the donations of Gift Cards this year, it’s easier to add families to the list, Kelly noted.

When asked if there was anything else Naples Rotary can do, Kelly replied that they are “pretty well set for now”. Although she truly misses Skip’s Hawaiian shirt, she is amazed at the time we give. We could reciprocate and say how amazed we are, that Kelly herself has done so much, especially during these uncertain times! “Please let Sharon and Jack know if you can think of other Seniors in need,” Kelly added. Jack said that there were a few more Seniors to add to the list. Brenda said that she had received a lovely card/note from one of the helpers, requesting a donation. Many thanks to Kelly for her presentation! Having been around for 80 years, Operation Santa continues to bring Christmas joy to the many families in our community!

There was a plethora of Happy Bills which came forth, in appreciation of Kelly, and all that she is doing to make Operation Santa a reality this year. We are thankful to Jodi and Mark for their wonderful outpouring of kindness last week, in making a Thanksgiving Dinner for the Naples Community. We’re glad that Light Up Naples will be adding some Christmas Cheer to the town, as well! Tom admitted to having bought a new car… another “Mini”! Jack was proud of Tom for “fessing up!” Bruce’s son, Kevin, got a 6-point buck! Blanche likes the decorated barrels along Main Street. Robin was late, but she enjoyed being “with” us. Bo thought that 3 Past Presidents on “Mt. Rushmore” aka “Mt. Hawkspro” needed one more PP!! Nancy said that she had been “laid up”. Hope you’re feeling better, Nancy! Matt appreciates Kelly for being a wonderful health provider in our school.

Leave it to Pres. Matt to generate a wonderful conversation about Kindness at the close of today’s meeting! He recalled when someone paid for his coffee recently, and that “Random Act of Kindness” led him to ask us about various way that we, as Rotarians, could do the same. There were many heartfelt responses, and here they are: Bruce said that giving someone a smile always helps. John said that sending a note to someone is appreciated. Tom said that though we’re wearing masks these days, one can detect a smile by looking at someone’s eyes. Rose said that giving others a “Thank You” means a lot. Laurie delivered groceries to a shut-in, and that person told her that she had “the kindest eyes”. Jack gives the workers at the Transfer Station a tip for their services. Sharon was glad to see a picture her friend had sent her of a little one wearing some special “hand-me-downs.” Frank enjoyed delivering Meals-On-Wheels. He recalls when he and his brother shoveled snow for a neighbor, “incited” by his mother. Robin enjoys receiving cards and notes from Sharon. Susan said that she appreciated being remembered on her birthday yesterday. What wonderful examples of spreading a little happiness around!

Tom had the Rotary Moment, and in keeping with the Kindness Theme, he was right on target! He likes the way we all “reach out to each other”. Not long ago, Karen came along, when he had lost his cleaner for his Air B and B. She now helps him, and she does an amazing job! “She is a hard worker, and she is willing!’ said Tom. “She will make a great President!” Karen truly is an example of kindness. Great RM, Tom!

Enjoy the rest of your week, everyone! Be safe and take care!