What a beautiful autumn day we had today! Perfect!

Sue greeted 16 Naples Rotarians and 2 guests at the Redwood. 

 

President Judy led the Pledge and offered an inspiration from Harriet Tubman: "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the PASSION to reach for the stars to change the world."

 

Our guests today were our speaker, Nancy Olney and her husband Brian. 

 

Announcements: World Polio Day is at the VFW on Thursday with Wayland and Prattsburgh Clubs. Naples brings main dishes at 5:30pm. * Victor-Farmington Rotary Masquerade Ball is Saturday 10/24. Sue has an extra ticket if you need one! * Camp O dinner is 11/6 in Geneva. Sign up by 10/30. Micah said it is a great event. * You can register now on-line for District 7120 Conference on June 6, 2027 in Rochester. * The Gaga Ball Pit (supported by a Rotary District Grant) will host two tournaments behind the Elementary School - 10/23 and 10/27 from 2:20 - 3:20 pm. They welcome us to attend. * Patrice announced her resignation from the literacy committee. New members are welcome to join.

 

Nancy and Brian are active members of the Naples Council of Churches. Nancy is known for announcing the community concert in December at St. Januarius Church. They also hosted a Rotary exchange student from Italy in 2003-4!  She visited today to tell us about the Council of Churches. It is a volunteer group funded entirely by donations. It came to be years ago as clergy and local volunteers came together to assist with charitable needs in the Naples area. The Naples Activity Center was started by the Presbyterian pastor. Other activities include supporting families and youth services, FISH (who would drive people to their appointments), UNICEF collections, Crop Walks, vacation bible school and assisting Asian refugees living in our area.  Pastor Gordon Pearsall and the Council of Churches began the Naples Open cupboard. The closet was run out of St. J's. The new version of NOC on Mill St., no longer part of the Council of Churches, celebrated their one year anniversary this month. The always wonderful holiday event hosted by C of C is the annual concert of talented musicians at St. J's the first Sunday in December. All are welcome to participate! They also host a very popular Harvest Dinner each fall at St. J's. This year's feast is Saturday 10/24 at 3 pm. In addition, a monthly senior lunch on the third Wednesday at noon was started three years ago. It is free to seniors and take-out is delivered to shut-ins. Any donations given are passed on to Hospeace House or the Council of Churches. C of C uses the funds to help with rent, utilities, medicines and car payments of those in need. The most important need is for volunteers, to bring new ideas and adventures to C of C. Three committee members each from Trinity and St. J's meet bimonthly. Other congregations are always welcome to join!

 

The Ace of Hearts was up to $218. Jack (who was sitting next to Bill S.!) had lucky ticket 870 but pulled the Queen of Spades. Only 11 cards left for next week!

 

Happy Bills were given for Nancy's informative program. Many were thankful for the good work of the Council of Churches, especially for the history of the Naples Open Cupboard. * Skip was happy to be here! * Cindy is sad to miss the Polio Day but excited to be attending her son's wedding next weekend! * Sharon and Jack will celebrate Sharon's mom's 96th birthday with her brothers. Their daughter-in-law has been ill but is doing better. * Alan and Kristie were supposed to be on a Danube cruise but the rivers are too dry! They rescheduled and feel blessed to be able to enjoy this beautiful fall weather here! * Katie Brahm celebrated her 80th birthday this week! They enjoyed dinner with Frank and Kathleen who send us a hello. * Kevin S. thanked us for the Gaga Ball Pit. He alerted us to info coming re: the next NCS capital projects - maintenance and upkeep for old buildings and athletic fields over the next 3 years.

 

The Rotary Moment was the Rotary Learning Institute held at Victor HS last Saturday. It was intense but valuable information and interaction with other Rotarians. John recommended it for everyone.

 

We recited the Four Way Test and adjourned at 12:38 pm.

 

Alan mentioned the District fundraiser based on Bills TD's in November. Don Alhart advertised it on Facebook. Go Bills!