The crickets are chirping near the pond at dusk, the evening shadows are lengthening, the temperatures have cooled down a bit, (thankfully), and we are reminded that our Summer is slowly waning. We are prompted to enjoy what's left of Summer, to savor these carefree days, and to remind ourselves that each day is truly a gift! With that being said, it was a gift to get together for our Noon Gathering, enjoying fine food and fellowship.

In addition to meeting Jo's warm smile as we entered The Redwood, President John opened the Meeting with his usual bubbly demeanor, as well! We stood for The Pledge to the Flag, and Cindy then gave The Invocation. Her heartfelt message centered upon The Golden Rule, as she prayed to The Lord to give us the ability to heal, help, and work together to promote peace in the world. Since our Song Leader, Jack, was away at Lake George, Pres. John "filled in", leading us in singing "God Bless America". Twenty Members were in attendance, today, with Liz and Clyde joining us on Zoom from Hawaii! We welcomed guests Bob Brancato, our Program Presenter and Lisa Messineo, friend of Tom. Today's Program would be an Update From Hospeace House. Bo would do the Rotary Moment, and the Meeting would culminate with the Four-Way Test, and a worthwhile saying from Pres. John.

Here are a few announcements that Pres. John shared with the Members. John thanked Bo for doing a little soldering job that greatly improved the sound system. He thanked all those who were willing to help Coop's Family with transportation. They ended up renting a vehicle, so they were all set. If anyone gets a chance, Bill would enjoy receiving visitors. Jack is looking for help to restain Al Mann's Bench at the Community Park.

John gave a recap from this morning's Board Meeting. We have at least one possible candidate for the Sergeant-At-Arms Position on the Board. We reviewed the Club Committee List, and filled in the existing blanks. "Feather Flags" (which will be used to highlight various aspects of the Grape Fest, and placed about town) have been ordered, and they will be funded out of our profits. A group of Naples Rotarians, (John, Sherry, Micah, Frank, Bruce, Bo, and Pat) gathered to help set up for Camp O. yesterday. 

Micah gave a short summary of happenings at Camp O. also. Yesterday would be the last year to set up at Babcock-Hovey, as Camp O. will move its location to Camp Whitman, across Seneca Lake. The group of volunteers accomplished a great deal yesterday. The Camp O. Carnival will be August 21st, Alex and Jo will do Face Painting. Skip, Judy, Charlie, Grady. and Raul will oversee the Games. Micah will have more Raffle Tickets to sell next week. If you'd like to join the kids for a meal, be sure to let Micah or Frank know. The suggested cost would be $10. There are more projects coming later in the Fall.

Jo Anne took a turn at the podium next. Of course, she talked about the Grape Fest, as she is the Director of Operations, but her message took a slightly different route this noon! Jo Anne and Albie had been to a Reader's Choice Event in Geneva recently. They were proud to present John and Sherry each with a Plaque, as Heads of Business, for the Naples Grape Fest being the "Best Festival in the Finger Lakes" for the 5th year in a row!! She recalled with fond memories, of when John H. Brahm served his family and community with those same high standards as well! Sherry and John will add their award to the "History Wall" at Arbor Hill! Congratulations!!

John covered the Club Leadership Committee Roster with the Membership. Many slots were filled at this morning's Board Meeting. There are several opportunities, at various levels, to become involved in club activities.

Tom and Lisa had colorful T-shirts (highlighting the Grape Fest) for pre-sale today! The whimsical design on the back was done by local artist, Darryl Abraham! There will also be posters for sale with a design by Darryl that captures the essence of the Grape Fest! The poster will actually be suitable for framing! The T-shirts are available in either short sleeves, or long sleeves, and those Members who are planning to volunteer their services at the Grape Fest were able to purchase them at cost today! "Bringing families and friends together" is the theme for Naples Grape Fest 2022!

As mentioned earlier, Bob Brancato, the President of Hospeace House was today's Speaker. Bob joined the Board at Hospeace House back in 2019. Hospeace House is "in transition" now, as he told us, and it is working to meet its goals. HH is involved with URMC and the Ontario-Yates Hospice. Currently, there are seven nurses and a Resident Care Team. HH continues to pay trained staff. Theresa Hayes is the Volunteer Coordinator, and she has been very helpful! Bob added that Covid had changed so much, (concerning HH), but they were looking at ways to continue to raise funds. He thanked Naples NY Rotary for all that we do to ensure the continuation of "Comfort Care" for families. Grants, of course, have helped. Things are looking brighter, as they hope to have a resident by mid-September! Volunteer Shifts are only four hours at a time, and people can "pair up" if they wish. Ideally, two people at a time are best. Some volunteers have come on a continuous basis, and they would be the ones with whom a newcomer , or "less experienced" volunteer could shadow, until he or she felt "ready". If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at HH, you can contact Theresa, or send her an E-mail. Skip thoughtfully found the number which is 374-2090. If two residents were to be welcomed, then there definitely would have to be two volunteers available. Bob noted that a more active promotion in seeking volunteers is in the planning process. Two of our Members, Jo and Rose, who are regular volunteers at HH, explained the volunteer's duties. "Anything you would do around the house, indoors or outdoors!" Jo and Rose exclaimed. Rose added that families can help with movement, and the resident can be helped at Shift Change too. Both ladies admitted that they have received far more in return from their (volunteer) experiences than they felt they had given. Sometimes, all the resident just needs, in addition to what you would expect, is just someone to keep them company. "Thinking about it? Visit Hospeace House, and get to know us!" urged Bob. (He added that Monte Carlo Night will be October 15th.) Believe me, sometimes seeing that faint smile of gratitude come over the resident's face is all the "reward" one needs! Many thanks to Bob for visiting us today, and for giving us such a hopeful outlook for the future of Hospeace House.

We were very pleased with Today's Program, and we're happy to see the future of Hospeace House moving in a positive direction. Rose is excited about having a new grandchild on the way! John was happy to have heard Jo Anne mention the integrity of his father-in-law, John Brahm. 

The Ace of Hearts was at $203 today. Lisa drew Bo's Ticket, #65391. Bo chose the right suit, but it was a Nine!

Bo had the Rotary Moment for us this noon. All bedecked in his Beer Fellowship shirt and RV Fellowship cap and badge, Bo recounted the fun we had yesterday helping to set up at Camp O. Another avenue of fun and fellowship for Rotarians across the country is to belong to one of the many (over 100) Fellowships that are available. Bo and Pres. John belong to a (Rotary) Brew Fellowship. There are so many Fellowships that encompass various interests that Rotarians share, and belonging to such is sure to increase friendships and relationships with folks from all over, who share some common threads. (Our favorite is the RV Fellowship!) To learn more about the District Friendship Exchange, go to Rotary7120.org, log in, click "What we Do", and select Friendship Exchange. To learn about International Fellowships, try Rotary Fellowships | Rotary International.

The backpacks for the older kids have been ordered, and Kudos to Laurie for her frugal and resourceful ways in saving a bundle of money this year! She ordered them from the JC Penney Website while they were having a huge sale! Laurie says they have started to arrive, and they look amazing! We will get the younger kids' backpacks this week, hopefully, and the children will be all set to begin the new school year! 

As is customary, Pres. John concluded the Meeting with some wise words..."For every minute that you're angry, you lose 60 seconds of happiness!" Next week, at our Evening Meeting, we'll enjoy hearing from Charlie Grove, as he talks about RYLA! Take care, and see you soon!