It is always such a delight, and a real pleasure to meet each week at our Zoom Meetings, especially when greeted so warmly by President Matt! This evening’s welcoming words began this way: “Good evening, everybody! It’s great to connect over Zoom, and what a great conversation we had last week!” Thank you, Pres. Matt, for always starting us out on a positive note!
Bruce “brought out” Old Glory, as we joined Matt in saying The Pledge.
Alex gave a very fervent Blessing. In thanking God, she asked Him to guide us, and to let this be a special time in our lives to open our hearts. She prayed that we could be the best that we can be, - today, tomorrow, and always. Tonight, we welcomed several guests. DG Linda Kohl joined us, along with three ladies who were to be inducted as new members. They were Sandra Bierbrauer, Betsy Lewis, and Cindy Scoda. Added to this fine group were Susan and Sharon, and Tracey. Altogether, there were 28 attending tonight’s Zoom Meeting, along with the Grove Pups! Tonight’s Program was two-fold, the Induction of three new members, and a visit from DG Linda Kohl.
Before the Program(s) began, Matt had some updates for us. As a reminder, dues are due and they may be sent to Susan at her home address. Carrie noted that the Naples Rotary will do the “Valentines For Vets” again this year. Collection places will be at both schools, and the Naples Library. The collection date will be on February 10th. (No envelopes are necessary.) Many thanks to Carrie for spearheading this project, which brings joy to our Veterans!
Rose had recently watched a Press Conference with President Biden. A major concern and question that arose was “Are people willing to drive others to get the vaccine?” Matt had met with area superintendents. Processes and procedures are being worked on, and they should be smoothed out in the upcoming weeks. DG Linda asked what Rotary could do to bring people to the site(s)? Rotarians can help get the word out. “We can play a pivotal role at the District Level!” noted Linda, and Matt concurred in saying, “We can be proactive!”
Part I of tonight’s Program featured the Collective Induction of three new members; Sandy Bierbrauer, sponsored by Karen, and Betsy Lewis and Cindy Scoda, sponsored by Rose. Rose said that she met Cindy during Exercise Class, and she found her to be funny, friendly, and kind. She felt that Cindy would be a good fit in Rotary. Betsy, who also wishes to help the community, wanted to join Rotary, along with Cindy. Thus, both women came on board together! Karen met Sandy when she joined Trinity. Karen said that Sandy was always there to help, so she felt that she would make a great Rotarian, as well! We did the Formal Induction Ceremony on-line, this evening, and when we return to in-person meetings, these ladies shall be given their pins and documents. (Mike J. has these). No doubt, we will be treated to a short “Bio” from each of these new members at a future meeting! We extend a warm welcome to Cindy, Betsy, and Sandy! “Rotary becomes more meaningful, the more involved you get,” added Pres. Matt.
Part II of this evening’s Program included a virtual visit from DG Linda Kohl. She is to be commended for how well she has handled her role as District Governor during a year of many challenges and uncertainties! Tonight, we were pleased to have her join us, and share some of her goals and initiatives for this Rotary Year. Before delving into her objectives, she congratulated our three new members. “Membership is always a concern,” she noted. She added that Naples is keeping members engaged! (Perhaps this is the “secret ingredient” that is keeping our membership on the upsweep?) Linda said, “keeping members active” was important, and it seems that our club strives to do just that!
During her presentation, Linda discussed three major areas of focus. The first one was about Fund-Raising Projects, and Service Projects. Planned for April 24th, The Great Lakes Clean-Up Initiative is designed to help the environment. Potentially, clubs may be able to work together to accomplish this goal. The second area of focus is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, which, in learning how to treat others with kindness and respect, works to make those persons feel welcome. Thirdly, Linda tapped into the aspect of Social Media Output, which gives Rotary, and all that it does, more publicity.
Finally, in looking ahead to the District Conference, Linda has prompted each club in District 7120 to submit a video telling of how it has survived during the Pandemic. Each video could be placed on the Website for all to see. She said that it would be a positive way to go forward! Matt thanked DG Linda for helping to keep the Clubs in District 7120 engaged, safe, and healthy during these unusual times. When asked by Matt if she could sum up these last 6 months in three words, Linda responded with “Challenging, opportunities, and exciting!” Many thanks to DG Linda for spending time with us this evening, and for sharing her goals and insights with us!
Many Happy Bills were offered tonight, for many great reasons! We are pleased to have Betsy, Cindy, and Sandy become a part of Naples Rotary. We enjoyed having DG Linda join us. We are very appreciative of Sherry and Micah, who have taken on the chairmanship of the Trout Derby! Nancy’s daughter, Kathy, has earned the honor of becoming A Naples Graduate of Distinction!
So clever at prompting a great “discussion,” Pres. Matt asked the membership to think of three words that would “define” our club. Here are some of the responses that were shared: Confidence, Perseverance, Inspirational, Friendly, Motivating, Flexible, Teamwork, Resilience, Determined, Humor, Impressive, Heroes, Leadership, Kindness, Talented, Humble, Adaptable. Such a plethora of great thoughts!! In adding to the positivity, Matt urged us when we get up each morning to think and say, “Thank God, it’s morning!”
Blanche said that the Naples Historical Society, in cooperation with the Naples Library, is collecting stories about how Covid-19 has affected people’s lives. There is a form/survey that can be filled out by anyone who is interested. “Each one paints a picture of our life and our legacy!” exclaimed Blanche.
You could say that there were two Rotary Moments tonight. The first was provided by Tom. He fondly remembered Bruce Clawson, father of Judy, who was an avid Rotarian. Bruce inspired his family, Skip, Judy, Carrie, Bill, and Aimee, as they all became Rotarians too! Tom recalled that Bruce was his sponsor when he became a member of Rotary back in the 80’s!
Secondly, Jack told the new members about another avenue of service that is a part of Rotary, and that is the Youth Exchange Program. He and Sharon have hosted some students in the past, and each of them has left wonderful, indelible memories in their hearts!
In closing, I’d like to share a little clipping that Sharon sent me. It was by Martin Luther King Jr. It says, Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?” It seems that Naples Rotary is spot on! See you for our Noon Zoom Meeting on February 1st! We’ll hear a bit more about the Trout Derby from Sherry and Micah.
