Wow! the Month of March sure knows how to tease us, doesn't it? We wonder if Spring is really on its way, after waking this morning to another dusting of snow! Yet, being greeted by friendly Micah this noon seemed to take the chill away!

We joined President Liz, as we stood to recite The Pledge. and today, it was John who led us in song, as we sang "God Bless America". For his Invocation, Jack prompted us to pause and remember, Our Dear Jill Hotelling, who passed away unexpectedly last week. We shall also keep Lanny and Family in our thoughts and prayers as well. Dan Ulmer couldn't be with us today, so Robin Mark gave the Program Presentation this noon. She, along with Diane Parker were today's Guests, introduced by Micah, and they joined the 24 Members who were present.

This morning there had been a Board Meeting, but before Pres. Liz began her summary of the BM, she asked us to keep Our Sweet Laurie in our thoughts and prayers, as she is experiencing some health issues right now. Thanks to Karen for covering for Laurie this noon. Liz also expressed her appreciation for our well wishes for Her Dad.

Here is a summary of the items covered in this morning's Board Meeting: 

• There is going to be a new Induction Ceremony, which we will try next week when we induct The Smiths.
• The District Training Assembly will be on April 13th at the Canandaigua Academy. You can register for the DTA on-line. Here is the link.
• We are going to donate $1500 to the Uganda Water Project.
• We are going to donate $500 to the Naples Clay Target Team.
• There was an Ad for Naples Rotary in the Program for the NCS Play, "Matilda".
• The Programs are up to date through May.
• The Naples Trout Derby will be a "Working Meeting".
• The Camp O. Golf Tournament is June 8th. We may have two Teams.
• Tickets will soon be on sale for the Great Grape Race, which is slated for May 4th.
• The Spring Dinner will be April 22nd at Engine 14.
• We'll determine a date to bag the trees.
• Sue will have patches for the Naples Trout Derby available.

Robin Mark stepped in this noon to give us an overview and some updates on an entity that is near and dear to our hearts...Camp O. She gave us a brief history of Camp O., adding that it has been in existence for 67 years! Dedicated to children with all types of disabilities, this "Summer Camp Experience" services youngsters between the ages of 8 and 16, giving them a chance to enjoy two weeks of recreation, learning, and camaraderie. 

As Camp O. was "looking for a new home", the perfect spot was chosen at Camp Whitman, which is near Penn Yan. Last Summer, the Summer of 2023, was the first year at their new location. Providing sleeping accommodations for 84, the camp now offers cabins for the campers instead of tents, which makes for a safer and more pleasant overnight stay.

Robin shared the Projects Lists (for Camp O.) for the years 2023 and 2024. Costs are considerable for those two weeks, as well! Grants and endowments have helped immensely, and Robin added that they are doing well keeping their budget balanced. Payroll workers return, and at that juncture, Robin told us how Bruce and Betty have had a long commitment to the children.

Some changes that have been implemented are the reduction of paperwork with applications being completed on-line, and the hope of expanding into the Amish and Mennonite Communities also!

Campers who have "graduated" can become volunteers after a two-year period, and they can be "incorporated" back in. It was on this note that Robin ended her talk with these words of encouragement to us: "Come as a club, or volunteer on your own!" 

Jo had the Ace of Hearts ready for selection. The Kitty was at $135 today. Ticket #2137 belonged to Kevin, and he picked the Ten of Clubs from the pack.

Our Happy Bills today were for the Program, and the recent NCS Play, "Matilda". Rose's little grandson will soon be turning one! We are going to miss Jill H. Though she was in Rotary for many years in another club, she endeared herself to us, being in Naples for just a year. Frank also spoke of how Camp O. not only helps the children, but it gives the parents "a break" as well. Robin went on to state how sometimes, that two-week Summer Experience is just as beneficial to many parents as it is for the participants. Liz thought that Robin's words made the perfect Rotary Moment.

The Meeting ended as we joined Liz in saying The Four-Way Test.

Seeing as tomorrow, according to the calendar, is the First Day of Spring, it seems fitting to share this little poem, by William Cullen Bryant, that Sharon sent.

The stormy March has come at last,

With wind, and cloud, and changing skies:

I hear the rushing of the blast,

That through the snowy valley flies...

For thou to northern lands again,

The glad and glorious sun dost bring,

And thou hast joined the gentle train

And wear'st the gentle name of Spring.