The month of March brings the winds of change, and what better time would there be to have a Program today, that would tell us about some significant changes that are being made within our community? The answer, of course, is the renovations that are currently being done at one of the most vital parts of our community, the Naples Library! This was the perfect Program for today’s “Menu”, and there will be more details forthcoming as this week’s Grapevine gets “pumped out”!

We were warmly welcomed by Greeter, Rose this noon, who, in the spirit of the forthcoming Trout Derby, was donning a fisherman’s cap! Equally as welcoming was President John, as he prompted us to rise for The Pledge. Micah gave The Invocation, as he thanked Our Father in Heaven for the sunshine, our Members, our Guests, the food, the Servers, and the work that we do in Rotary. Just to “spice things up a bit”, Jack had chosen “You’re A Grand Old Flag” to lead us in song. We had 22 Members on board this noon, plus Liz and Cindy via Zoom. We welcomed Guests Sharon and Kaiden, along with Special Guest, Kendyl Litwiller-Sutherby, who was today’s Program Presenter.

President John expounded on Jack’s choice of songs by giving us a little bit of background on the creation of “You’re A Grand Old Flag”. he then proceeded to introduce our Guests, Kendyl, Sharon, and Kaiden.

Naturally, with the beginning of a new month, there were some special dates to recognize! We sang a heartfelt round of “Happy Birthday Wishes” to Jack, Jill, Jean, ad Carrie!

Micah gave us in update on things that will be happening regarding Camp O. The Annual Cmp O. Golf Tournament, “Play For The Children” is scheduled for Saturday, June 10th. he sent around some Sponsorship Flyers for anyone who would be interested in participating in that capacity. Micah noted that one can also go on their website to sign up, or gather more information. Jack added that one can “warm up the week before” by participating in the Harris Cup, which is scheduled for June 2nd!

Pres. John gave us a few dates to keep in mind, beginning with “Rotary Lite”, which will be this Wednesday, March 8th, at the Naples Hotel at 6 PM. One of the items that we will discuss is Club Goals. John said that food and beverages will be available!

Chronologically, here are some more dates for the calendar. The Naples Trout Derby is just a month away! April 1st is the big day, and Sue and Micah are looking for help. A Sign -Up Sheet was sent around, and one can offer help the day before, the day of, and the day after. Bo kindly offered to put this List of tasks on-line.

District-wise, the District Training Assembly is slated for Saturday, April 22nd in Bath. The District Conference will be in Bloomfield this year on Saturday, May 6th. John added that it will be very affordable and “kid-friendly”!

Rotary 101: John pointed out that the Month of March is focused upon Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene. John challenged us, as Rotarians, to commit the Seven Areas of Focus to memory, prompting each of us to reflect upon the good that Rotary does throughout the world!

As mentioned earlier, the “winds of change” are in the air, and this was reflected in the theme of today’s Program, “The Expansion of the Naples Library”, brought to us by Kendyl Litwiller-Sutherby. It seems so appropriate that this Program was chosen at this time, because March denotes the birthday of a beloved children’s author, Dr. Seuss. What better past-time is there for children, teens, and adults than to be connected to books, and the on-going renovations at the Naples Library are making this connection even more of a reality for everyone!

After we welcomed Kendyl, she began to tell us about the scope and sequence of the Library Expansion Project. The Groundbreaking had begun this Fall on October 13th, and the project is expected to be finished by (hopefully) this Summer in 2023! Kendyl expects that most of the projects should be done between May and June. There are some groups that are involved with this expansion, and that includes a Library Construction Committee, the Architectural Team, the Construction Team, and Plumbing. Kendyl joyfully reported that about 1000 feet of space will be gained from this Expansion Project, and those changes involved will be an updated entry, the Children’s Area, a Young Adult Area, an elevator installation, and climate control. Showing us pictures of “before” and “after” we could envision the wonderful facility these changes would create!

Kendyl showed us the floor plans for the Main Street level, as well as the floor plans for the lower level, each creating more accessibility for its patrons, both young and old alike. Some of these additions include many of the children’s books being relocated to the Playroom, and even a “Stroller Parking Area” for those with very young library goers!

Funding for this grandiose project has come from various sources. The Naples Library has applied for State Aid, which has helped to provide some sufficient funding, there has been a Library Endowment, Friends of the Naples  Library have helped, and a Grant. The local tax levy has not had a direct impact on this project, fortunately! 

We’ll still feel “at home” upon entering the Naples Library, as the Main Circulation Desk will remain the same amidst all these changes! Many detailed pictures followed, as Kendyl highlighted all the spectacular changes that are being made to one of the greatest sources of enjoyment in our community.