Saturday's District Conference in Bloomfield was a great success and a fun day of gathering with Rotarians! Those who attended were inspired by the many ways clubs show Service Above Self.
We were cheerfully greeted this evening by Wayne Chanler. John started us with the bell, the Pledge and the Star Spangled Banner. Rose's Invocation inspired us with a quote from a Buddist nun.
Our group numbered 20 this evening including new member Judy! Nancy joined on Zoom. There were no guests for Wayne to introduce.
Reminders this week include Rotary Lite on Wednesday, 6 pm at Reservoir Creek and Rotary Day of Service, Saturday 5/20 with continuing clean up at Rose Ridge Cemetery. This coming Saturday is the Great Grape Derby! Please get remaining tickets and money to Jill and Marty asap.
Gareth Evans, a member of Canandaigua Rotary, was our speaker tonight. He is the Boy Scouts of America Executive for the Glacial Lakes District of Seneca Waterways Council. His district includes Seneca, Yates and Ontario counties. He is responsible for unit development, recruitment, training, and fundraising for 45 scout units. There are 16 cub scout groups (boys and girls groups, ages kindergarten to 5th grade), 25 BSA troops (6th grade - 18 year olds) and 2 Venture troops for 14-20 year olds. Scouts BSA is now co-ed with 781 scouts registered currently, although many cub groups are boys only or girls only. Fund raising the $22000 budget is going well. Camping is a big part of scouting: Family Camp, Leadership Camp and Community Camp are positive experiences. Out of 450 possible Cub Scouts, 150 went to camp last summer at Camp Cutler here in Naples.
District goals for the future include increasing to 50 units this year, possible Stem Camp for middle and high schoolers and Explorer groups in science. Changes post-Covid are greater inclusion, co-ed participation, more community and school events to be added.
We viewed a video by Jennifer Jones, Rotary International president, on Youth Service Month. She is encouraged by young people taking on more active roles within Rotary. Her year as President of RI has been a lifelong aspiration and the service of a lifetime. She believes Rotary is where dreams come to life. Young people are the Future of Rotary but youth are also our Now!
Ace of Hearts is $246. Gareth drew Karen's ticket and she drew the Ace of Hearts! Congrats Karen!
Happy Bills were given for Hospeace House volunteers, District Conference (8 members attended), and the Naples Flea Market. We also thanked Gareth for a great program. JoAnne and Albie gave an update on their grandson, a new puppy and new kegerator. Nancy was happy that she was a girl scout where she learned to knit!
Rose gave the Rotary Moment about the District Conference where she met an exchange student carrying the flag of Slovakia where her Mom's family is from. She was able to tell him that she had visited his town and her grandmother's village. It was an amazing opportunity!
Jill and Marty asked for help in the Creek for the Great Grape Derby, especially for catching the balls at the digger falls. The high school students who usually help will be marching in the Lilac Festival parade that day!
John closed the meeting in his usual manner with a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson.
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