It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood, especially for the end of November! We had a gathering of twenty Rotarians tonight. Our speakers were Ally Makepeace and Mora Mundt from Naples Library. Charlie joined us, home from Clarkson, and new member applicant Leslie Stoops was our guest. 

 

Jack led us in the Pledge and the song was God Bless America. Our Service Above Self inspiration was "When you can give without expecting anything in return, you have mastered the art of living." Jon Mead

 

Announcements:

Next Monday will be our Annual Meeting and the Election of Officers at the noon meeting. Email ballots will be sent out for those not in attendance. We are still in need of a candidate for Vice President. This person would become President Elect the following year, then President the year after that. Rotary leadership training is part of the program. If you would like serve our club and join a great team, please let Jack know asap. * Our holiday party is December 8th at the The Naples Hotel. Skip is taking reservations. * On December 7th, the annual Community Concert will be at St. Januarius at 2 pm. * Light Up Naples is December 13th, 5-8 pm on Main St. Detailed info will be distributed this coming week. Hope to see you there! * Operation Santa is December 20th. We will be helping with deliveries. * Jill made a plea for help securing hosts for our exchange student Hikaru. Thirty families have been asked without a yes. If you know of anyone in the Naples school district who could volunteer, please contact Jill asap.

 

Ally and Mora were here tonight to update us on the Naples Library. Ally is Library Directory, Mora is the Community Services Coordinator. The Collection Manager is John Heinis and Tina Newton is Support Staff. This year, Ally attended the NYLA conference where she attended seminars for new directors and library leadership. She was inspired by sessions on social workers in libraries, art exhibits and technology for seniors. In January, a social work intern from Keuka College will be starting to work at Naples Library. She will put together a binder of local resources and help patrons access available assistance. The Library already has art and tech help but both of these will be expanding in 2026. Mora spoke about expanding programs for community interaction, collaboration and educational opportunities. Literacy is always a focus. They will continue to expand on last year's community garden and farmers market. They will collaborate with Naples Youth Corp, promote social interaction with discussion groups and sponsor self-care Saturdays. Grants will be pursued to fund on-line healthcare and therapy.

Ally and Mora welcome any ideas or skills to be shared for the community. They ended the program by helping us access the December calendar using a QR code!

 

Ace of Hearts was $26. The lucky ticket was John's #9759. He chose the King of Hearts - so close!!!

Happy Bills were given for the outstanding program by Ally and Mora. Our library is amazing with great leaders. Patrice remembers how wonderful the Story Hours and reading lists were for her granddaughters. Compliments to the LUN team, decorating the Town Hall on Saturday. Thanks to Tim Williams and Kevin Johnson for help at Naples Open Cupboard food distribution. The Thrift and Thrive shop open house is Sat/Sun 11/29-30! Several members helped with the Rotary Youth Exchange interviews last weekend. Rotex members commented on the great life impacts of the Exchange program. The Millers and Groves are happy for Charlie and Grady being home. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

 

John's Rotary Moment was attending a Club Assembly at Elmira to speak on membership enhancement. Their club numbers 22 members. John was proud to share some of the things we have done to enhance Club growth. A former member, who had been away for 18 years, attended and was excited to see several people who he brought into their club.

 

Jack led the Four Way Test and we adjourned at 7:09pm.