The Month of March continued with its trickery, as this morning, we awoke to a blanket of snow, and by sundown, it was nearly back to green grass again! Things, however, were cozy inside The Redwood, as we gathered for our first Evening Meeting of March.

After being warmly welcomed by Skip, we socialized a bit, and then joined PP John in saying The Pledge. John was our "substitute teacher" this evening, as he filled in for President Liz. "You're A Grand Old Flag" was the tune Jack chose to lead us in song. Patrice gave The Invocation equating the blanket of snow, which nourishes the earth, to the blanket of care which we give in order to help others. Along with 25 Members, (Rose joined us online), we welcomed Guests, Kristin and Craig Smith, Cathy Cheasman, JoAnne B. (online), and Sharon. John was responsible for tonight's Program on Naples Open Cupboard.

Here are some of the announcements that were given before John did his presentation. Jack told us that our Jill Hotelling has had some health issues with her heart recently. She has been at Thompson, and she may stay until the weekend. Jack spoke with Lanny, and he says that there has been some improvement. I'll add Jill's address at the end of my report in case you would like to send Jill a card. We all wish Jill a speedy recovery!

Club Calendar: The dates for events are all in place for the next few weeks. Sue sent around a Sign-Up Sheet for the Trout Derby. Set-up will take place the weekend before the Derby, and the day of the Derby, April 1st, will be a "Working Meeting".

Bo noted that the "Badge Box" is a convenient way to store and keep your Badge between Meetings. He has updated the List of Members, and the Membership Data is available on Club Runner.

Blanche reminded us that there will be volunteers from the Naples Library to help with taxes on March 12th and March 26th. Those in need of assistance are welcome.

John exhibited the Club Calendar dates on the screen for all to see. The District Grapevine, of course, has more information in detail. John said that the Program for the District Training Assembly looks good!

"The best way to find yourself is to get lost in service to others!" exclaimed John, as he launched tonight's Program about Naples Open Cupboard. "Volunteerism reduces stress and increases positive feelings" John added, as he aligned this with Rotary's Areas of Focus. In covering the various ways that we meet these goals, he continued to explain how the Open Cupboard has grown into the success that it has become today.

Beginning with the moniker, "Alice", which stands for Assisted Limited Income Constrained Employed, John noted that over 40% of US households are able to afford basics with Naples being at 47%. Clearly, there is a huge need within our community, and the Open Cupboard seeks to fulfill that need for many Naples families!

Having begun as a "closet" at St. Januarius, the O. C. has seen many changes over the years. In 2006, the O.C. became affiliated with Food Link, which is so beneficial in providing nourishment to those in need. John noted, that over the years, there have been many productive changes that have occurred within the O.C. Some of these changes include procedural ways, a Vision Statement, data storage, By-Laws, document sharing, and data-driven decisions, all of which have helped to makes things more effective and efficient. Weighing everything that comes in and out has helped in securing grants, we were told. The physical improvements that have been made and the camaraderie among the volunteers have added to the overall feeling of positivity as well!

John continued to explain how the "Five Day Food Pantry" helps families in need who qualify for assistance. The "Pop-Up Pantry", which takes place the first Monday of each month, provides food rations for needy families in the area.

Though the Open Cupboard has navigated through the years with wonderful changes having been made, John noted that there are some future goals that it seeks to fulfill. Among some of these goals are better education, lighting, parking, space, public restroom, a mobile doctor and dentist, and a van. Hopefully, over time, we'll see some of these goals reached and changes implemented!

John concluded his talk with the words of Winston Churchill: "You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give!"

There were "two tries" for the Ace of Hearts tonight! The Kitty was at $120, I believe. The first Ticket drawn was #2062, but there were no takers, so the next Ticket was #7061. It belonged to Liz B., and she selected the Queen of Hearts form the pack!

John's Presentation on the Naples Open Cupboard surely garnered many Happy Bills this evening! John appreciated Bo's getting Sherry a Badge. It was Kristin's Birthday, so we all sang "Happy Birthday" to her! Judy said that Grandson, Grady was now driving solo! Our Liz Bailey is now a volunteer at Open Cupboard!

Tonight's "Rotary Moment" was provided by John, as he shared that Carrie gave a nice presentation at the Honor Flight last Saturday!

We wrapped up the evening, as we recited The Four-Way Test, keeping in mind that this is a recipe for life!

PS Don't forget that the March Rotary Lite Meeting will be this Wednesday, March 13th, at the Naples VFW from 6-8 PM.

Here is Jill Hotelling's address.

Jill Hotelling

4710 West Avenue

Middlesex, New York

14507