A dreary dank day was surely brightened this noon, as we were greeted by Cindy's warm radiant smile, as entered The Redwood for our Midday Meeting. Being that it was the last Monday of October, and nearing the end of the month, it makes us wonder how time can pass so swiftly!

The layout of the tables in the back dining area afforded good visibility and acoustics for all of us, and we were able to mingle and move about successfully. We rose to join President Liz in reciting The Pledge. John's Words of Wisdom focused on the "Sacred Dance for Life", and how we can apply its message to living joyfully as we serve others. Jack chose "You're A Grand Old Flag" to lead us in song. Twenty-four Members gathered this noon, and Nancy joined us on-line. Along with these folks, we welcomed Guests, Jordan (Betts) Sahr, our Program Presenter, Monica, Graycen, Sharon, Aimee Bristol, daughter of Skip and Judy, Rose's Daughter-in-Law, and Alan Stone, who will soon become a Member.

Several announcements were to follow before Jordan delved into her Presentation, and they are as follows. 

*The Camp O. Dinner is coming up on November 10th. It will be held at Club 86 in Geneva. Micah has Camp O. Drawing Tickets to sell.

*Rose noted that the next Light Up Naples Meeting will be this Wednesday, November 1st, at 4PM, at her home.

*Pres. Liz talked about having a "Member Spotlight" possibly on November 6th and December 4th. We are requested to let Liz know if you would like to do a "Bio" about yourself on one of those two nights.

*Blanche announced that John Murphy would be giving a talk about Fairview Cemetery at 5PM today, October 30th, at that location.

*Laurie let us know that Nancy was in Thompson Hospital in Room 225. Nancy's Birthday is coming up, on November 10th, and sending her a card would surely boost her spirits! Her address is P.O. Box 562 29 East Avenue (Naples, NY).

*Skip noted that our Christmas Party will be on December 11th. The location is to be determined.

*Judy said that there will be a Silent Auction on November 4th, at the Maxfield Bingo Hall to support Naples Little Bunch. She had Tickets to sell for the Silent Auction, or one could also just give a donation.

*Liz went over the Club Calendar for November, beginning with the District Foundation Brunch on November 5th. Programs, further dates, and events can be gleaned from Club Runner.

Sue noted that this Wednesday, November 1st, there will be an Informational Meeting (at the Elementary School) on Hospeace House. News and updates on Hospeace House will be given.

*Liz reminded us that next Monday's Meeting will be at noon.

* Possibly, Nancy can come home on Wednesday! Let's keep her in our thoughts!

Today's Program was entitled "Miss Julie's School of Beauty", and it was brought to us by 2005 Naples Grad, Jordan (Betts) Sahr. The topic of Jordan's Program was a bitterly sobering one indeed, as its focus was "Dismantle Sex Trafficking". "It feels good to be home!" exclaimed Jordan. "Cosmetology changed my life!" she added. It was from these opening remarks that she proceeded to tell her story...

Jordan found herself in a difficult situation, as she was a working single mom, who was trying to make ends meet. She pointed out that the majority of single moms are at, or below the poverty line, and she, herself, was that person that (sex) traffickers look for. The unconditional love of her parents helped her through a very rough period, as did becoming involved with Cosmetology.

She explained how young women are forced into this situation through media, movies, and social media. They find themselves in dire economic straits, and they are lured into a "relationship" (through force, fraud, or coercion), that "promises a better life". In exchange for these "benefits" they are expected to render acts of sex. 

Jordan showed a video of a young woman who shared her personal experience, and who succumbed to these aforementioned forces. Force is displayed as victims may be subject to physical abuse or restraint. Fraud enters into the picture when seduction and promises are made. It can take on many forms such as food and childcare. It's deceptive! Coercion keeps victims in bondage by creating dependence on them.

Jordan talked about "Biderman's Chart of Coercion", and how, for example, during the Korean War Sex Trafficking was employed, and victims felt "trapped".

Jordan shared some alarming statistics with us, as she said that there are 48 million ST victims worldwide! It was disturbing to learn that NYS ranks 4th in this area. There are 12 Support Homes in Rochester alone! Victims fall into the categories of being mostly female, under the age of 25, and being a part of the LBGTQ Community. It's happening everywhere!

Now, where do hairdressers enter the picture? When the women come into the salon to get their hair done, hairdressers can detect telltale signs of abuse in their clients' scalps. Cosmetology helps get these young women out of this horrible situation by helping to train them to become cosmetologists, and Miss Julie's School of Beauty is one facility that does just that! Its mantra is, "The path won't keep you from having a beautiful future!"

Jordan noted that MJSOB needs 1 million dollars to reach its goals. Additional training and materials are needed. There is an agreement with NYS to accept these applicants, provide them a license, and give them a second chance. The Cosmetology Training is extensive, but when young women can be given this opportunity, it provides them with a solid means of getting their lives in order and becoming productive. They can look to a brighter future in many ways! Our sincere appreciation goes to Jordan for sharing her story, and for telling us about this wonderful outreach intended to improve the lives of so many!

The Ace of Hearts' Kitty was up to $381 today! Jordan drew Jack's Ticket #1486. Jack picked the Nine of Diamonds from the ever-dwindling pack!

Our Happy Bills today were for Jordan's Program, Jack experienced Good Luck in a drawing, and won two golf bags, Skip and Judy enjoyed Family Weekend at Clarkson with Charlie, Sue was glad to be back, and Pat and Bo enjoyed a visit from their Family in Vermont.

Liz shared a Rotary Moment with us. She admitted that she had been to many meetings lately, and that she has found, from her recent conversations, that Naples NY Rotary seem to be "on the cutting edge". "Let's keep it up!" said Liz.

Before bidding "farewell" to one another, we ended our Meeting in reciting The Four-Way Test. Have a nice week, everyone!