The August days have sped swiftly along, and we're soon ready to sing the "September Song"! I don't know about other members, but Fall is my favorite season, and Autumn in Naples continually captures the aura of it all, as the leaves slowly change color from green to crimson, to scarlet, to gold! With that being said, "Bring on September!" It promises to be a month of exciting events and happenings for Naples NY Rotary.

Our Gathering began as were greeted warmly by Jill at the front door. "Welcome everyone!" boomed President John as he invited us to rise for The Pledge to the Flag. Jack chose "You're A Grand Old Flag" to lead us in song this noon. Many knew the words to this song that we had not sung in quite a while!

Micah gave the Invocation, thanking The Lord for all His Gifts, and asking Him to bless and guide us in our work. Jo apparently had picked up the duties of Sergeant-At-Arms for Karen, who is enjoying some vacation time in Myrtle Beach with family. Along with 21 Members at today's Gathering, we welcomed guests Chip Weismiller, Wayne Chanler, (soon to return to Naples NY Rotary), our Exchange Student Raul, and one of our "Regulars", Sharon, wife of Jack. Holly and Tony joined us on-line. Today's Program was the Walk of Life Wrap-Up, given by Rose, and Tom had the Rotary Moment.

Our Friends, Bruce and Betty, were up first to tell us about the Camp O. Experience. Having said that they were glad to be back, Bruce revealed that the Western Bound Train for Oregon had been "captured" by "Captain Covid". Unfortunately, the two-week camping experience had to end early, as it was cut short by two cases of Covid which flared up during the beginning of the second week. Bruce and Betty related that after 66 years at Babcock-Hovey, the Camp O. Experience will move to Camp Whitman next year. "We're Camp O. We'll be back!" promised Bruce, "We'll do a presentation when our pictures are ready!" Oceans of thanks go out to Bruce and Betty for their many years of devotion to the kids at Camp O.!

Micah spoke next, with further information regarding Camp O. He still has Tickets for the Camp Onseyawa Drawing, which will take place at the Dinner on October 14th. They are $5.00 each, or 3 Tickets for $12.00. The Dinner, which will be at Club 86 in Geneva, costs $50.00 per Ticket. The Dinner will be from 6-10PM, and the menu sounds delicious! Micah also had kudos and praise for Betty, who has done so much for Camp O., especially securing an annual grant of $20,000 from the Galisano Foundation.

Next, came the Mail Bag! Pres. John read a heartfelt message of thanks from Roberta Jordan. Roberta was certainly touched by the outpouring of warm thoughts and remembrances for Warren, who sadly passed over the Summer. She truly appreciated that Steve R. and Skip made the trip down to Florida for Warren's Memorial Service. There is a tribute to Warren on You Tube. Here is the link.

Naples Grape Fest T-Shirts are still available, as are the Posters! The Posters are artfully done by Darryl Abraham, and they truly are worth framing as a Naples Memory! They are available for sale at Caruso's Cafe and Brew and Brats, if you are interested in purchasing either!

Pres. John noted that are still some quantities of (frozen) pulled pork and barbecued chicken available for sale, if anyone is interested.

Jack informed the Membership that the re-staining of Al Mann's Bench at the Community Park will definitely take place this Fall, but it seemed to bead the water nicely.

As noted earlier in this week's missive, September is going to be a busy and exciting month! Tom gave us an overview of some of the upcoming events leading up to the Naples Grape Fest 2022. The Fireworks Display, on 9/16, will take place on Lake Niagara Boulevard in front of Hazlitt's Winery. It will start at 6:00, and it is most definitely casual! Engine 14 will have a Food Truck, and there will even be novelties for the kids! The Parade through town will be on 9/17, as will the Street Dance. The Chili Cook-Off aims to tantalize our taste buds with a Contest on 9/18. On 9/19, the Naples NY Rotary Club will prepare for the Grape Fest of 2022!

Before the Events leading up to the Grape Fest of 2022 take place, the District Golf Tournament at Lima Golf and Country Club will be on Saturday, September 9th! Naples NY Rotary has fielded two teams for this Annual Event! We have Holly, Tony, Jack, and John on one team, and Micah, Wayne, Bo, and Pat on another team! Naples NY Rotary is well represented!! It promises to be a good time had by all!!

Our Rose noted that on 9/10, which is a Saturday, there will be a Pig Roast at the VFW. The "Total Recall Band", of which she is a part, will be playing! Be sure to include that evening on your calendar!! 

We voted on the Proposed By-Laws today. Jack made the motion that we accept the By-Laws ,(as presented). Bruce M. seconded the motion. All were in favor, as we voted with a "hands up".

Today's Program, The Walk of Life Wrap-Up, was given to us by Rose, a leading member of the WOL Committee. Rose, upon her presentation, asked each of the members of the WOL Committee to stand. The WOL Committee consisted of Rose, Sherry, Sue, Cindy, Jo, Laurie, Judy, and Pat. The WOL did very well monetarily, this year, and Laurie will have that financial report available soon.

Unfortunately, overall, there was poor attendance at each of the WOL Events this year. During the Summer, there is lots of competition, and this could be a factor, and the reason, for our low attendance at many of our events. Perhaps another time during the year might prove to be more profitable in terms of attendance? Perhaps Winter or Spring might be better times during the year to hold our WOL Events? Although the food was "fabulous", there was poor attendance at our scheduled events, and that could be due to the fact that there were lots of other chicken barbecues taking place throughout the community over the Summer. The WOL Committee suggested that a "Pancake Breakfast" might be a possible alternative. Perhaps it could be held at St. Jan's, which offers a spacious area to hold such a fundraiser. We will look into this possibility.

The "Walk Of Life " name may require some thinking, and renaming, perhaps. Originally, the WOL Event was an actual walk, whereby loved ones were honored and remembered for their battle with cancer, whether they lost or survived. It was suggested that we might change our name to "Spirit Of Hope", or "Walk Of Hope", or "Relay For Life", to ensure that our message was that of remembering our loved ones who have battled cancer, or other life-threatening issues. We hope to return to the previous format, where the WOL Event actually included a walk, and a Memorial for those of us who have experienced a personal loss. 

We could possibly return to the Community Park, but it is important that we remain visible to the Naples Community! It is very important that we "get the word out" to the community, so that people are aware of all that is happening, in terms of the WOL Events. Some helpful suggestions were given that might help alleviate this concern. Further publicity could include putting information on the Community Bulletin Board, having a Banner that stretches across Main Street, having various businesses on Main Street display Flags or Banners, having emblems on telephone poles, and using a Sign On Wheels, (near the Naples Fire Department). The Walk of Life Committee appreciates all the suggestions and feedback given during the discussion! Many thanks to Rose for doing this presentation! As Rose said, in closing, "Let's soon be thinking about Light Up Naples!"

At this juncture in our Gathering, Pres. John inserted a "Rotary 101" Segment, and he gave us some food for thought. He talked about our "Club Culture" in asking, "How warm and inviting are we?" As a Rotary Club, John pointed out that we are fun and dynamic in whatever we do! Recruitment of (more) young people is important, in order to maintain the vibrance and efficacy of Our Club.

"One More Thing" came next, as John shared a video clip of RI President, Jennifer Jones. She talked about creating inclusive club experiences that would keep members engaged. Members would derive more out of their club involvement, if they could know what is expected of them, and if they could have their needs be known also. Keeping members engaged is important, and that goal can be achieved in establishing what is known as "comfort care" within a club. Regular check-ups and surveys, periodically given to the membership, can help to keep members satisfied and informed. Communication is important, as is honoring our commitment to diversity, as well. "Imagine how Rotary can grow with comfort care of its members!" exclaimed Jennifer, as she concluded her talk.

Happy Bills and Fines were next on today's Agenda. We appreciated Rose's Walk of Life Wrap-Up, we enjoyed having Raul join us this noon, and Jack prompted us to go and see the Final Summer Play, "Amy and the Orphans" at BVT. Both Jack and John were missing their badges today! John admitted that with several of their vehicles being serviced, his badge has to be in one of them!

The Ace of Hearts was up to $235 today! Albie drew Ticket #5516, that of President John! He picked the Ten of Spades from the pack.

Tom gave today's Rotary Moment. He entitled his Moment, "Volunteering From The Heart". Tom recalled when he established his business, and he worked near Naples, he wanted very much to "get involved" with the Naples Community. Bruce Clawson was his Sponsor when he became a Member of Naples Rotary, and Tom said that it was then, that things took on a meaningful change for him. He became involved, (in the community), he volunteered, and even his business "took off" as he coined it. "Getting involved overcomes vulnerability!" exclaimed Tom. These are wise words, Tom!

Since the beginning of his term, Pres. John has been ending the Gatherings with a worthy quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson for us to ponder. Today's quote was "You become what you think about all day long!" With that thought, let's think, and imagine that Naples NY Rotary Club can grow in extraordinary ways this year!

PS Skip said that Hospeace House has asked if there was anyone with a pick-up truck who would be willing to collect bottles and cans (around town) once a month for a week. These Collection Sites are the ones designated for HH.

PPS There is no Meeting on Monday, September 5th. That is Labor Day. Our next Gathering will be on the 12th.