The nippy days of November have been slowly teasing at us these past few days, as the new month greets us. Though the days are getting chilly, there was an abundance of warmth to be found among us at today's Noon Meeting.

President Tom opened the meeting, as we rose to join him in saying The Pledge. Jack led us in the singing of God Bless America. Larry, who gave The Invocation, spoke eloquently when he said that even though the colors of the Fall season are ending, there is always an opportunity for interaction among (we) humans to be of service. Our lovely "receptionist", Laurie, introduced the many guests who joined us for lunch today, bringing our total to 32. They were Sharon, wife of Jack, Chris, wife of Wayne, Jenny, from Hospeace House, Tom, Martina and Carol, friends of Liz and Clyde, Marianna and Andy, and Laurel, John, and David from Lagom Landing.

Led by Jack, we sang a hearty round of "Congratulations" to those members who have November Birthdays and Anniversaries. Susan, Mike, and Nancy are celebrating birthdays, and Bruce and Donna Scott have their anniversary this month. Jack also shared a "Trick or Treat" memory, as he expressed his thanks to Penny and Bruce for all their work and involvement with the "Trunk or Treat" Event held recently. 

Communication Update: Matt read a Thank You Note from Elizabeth Mosher, who expressed her appreciation for her recent visit to Naples Rotary. She is very thankful for our ongoing support of Budding Readers.

Jodi spoke next, and she talked about the Walk of Life. This year was the 3rd Annual WOL, and $16,000 was raised. Over the three year period, $47,000 has been raised! She praised Hospeace House for the love and support it provides in times of great need for families. Mike also spoke of the WOL being one of our best service projects.

The first check from the WOL was presented to Tom Pawluk  in the amount of $6,400, in support of the Margery Pawluk Cancer Fund.

The second check, in the amount of $9,600, was presented to Jennifer Emmons, the Director at Hospeace House. Tom said that, at this point, gas cards are predomina ntly issued to families of cancer patients. Jenny said Hospeace House has served 30 families, and she appreciates our financial support, and the volunteerism displayed in the Naples Community. 

What's Happening? Pres. Tom gave an overview of the Club Calendar for the month of November. Hopefully, we will be able to have our Club Evening Meeting of 11/25 take place at Hollerhorn. Billy will talk to Karl about this.

Many thanks to Liz, Karen, Laurie and Jodi for volunteering to prepare turkey(s) for the Community Thanksgiving Dinner, to be held 11/17 at St. Jan's. Marianna and Andy greatly appreciate this!

The Santa Books for Grades 1-6 have been ordered from Book Depot, and they are on their way! Many, many thanks to Laurie and Shanna for your expert help in choosing this year's titles! Tam Spitzer, from Budding Readers, has graciously offered to provide the books for the UPK and K students. We greatly appreciate this gesture!

Speaking of books, the Naples Little Library is now in its permanent location between the Naples Elementary Parking Lot and the Naples Youth Corp Property. It is being filled, and Naples community members, both young and old alike, are most welcome to "take a book, or leave a book", as the sign suggests. The Naples Little Library is the result of the collective efforts of the Naples Youth Corp, and the Naples Rotary Club. Many thanks to Bo for its handsome construction!

Today, we welcomed back Laurel Nelson, from Lagom Landing, along with two of her participants, John and David. Lagom Landing, which is located in Sparta. is in its 8th year of operation. LL offers an alternative to students, upon completion of High School. Laurel, who is a pastor, along with her husband, Rock, who is a builder, are the founders of LL.

Lagom Landing is a nine-month program that offers students experiential learning in helping to "fine tune" their skills in order to prepare them for the work world. Both John and David, who are students at LL, spoke of their experiences, and how their individual skills are being tapped in order to better prepare them for their future(s). Up to six students are able to participate at a time, and from the video that we viewed, it was evident that they seem to work, play, and thrive in a supportive environment. Laurel concluded her presentation by adding that Western New York is very "connective". Many thanks for all you do to help young people make important transitions in life, and for visiting us once again!

Fines and Happy Bills: Clyde, Jane, Wayne, Mike, and Penny had missed meetings. Many were pleased with the program. We remembered Marian and Al Mann. Nancy and Mike chipped in for their birthdays. Woody and Tom P. remembered "friends lost". Penny and her husband have gained custody of their youngest son, Sam! We're thankful for Hospeace House and the Walk of Life!

Fifty-Fifty: The Kitty was at $146. I think it was Larry's Ticket that was drawn, Shanna drew for him. It was the Ten of Clubs.

Win-Win: Bo came up with one. A few years ago, Al Mann had asked Jack to sing "Going Home" for him at his funeral. How many years did Jack have to prepare his song? The answer was eight, just a little short of the ten years he asked for when Al was 96. Jack sang "Going Home" in honor of Al, last night at Zion Lutheran Church, in Cohocton.

Rotary Moment: Once again, Jack was able to share his beautiful gift of song today, as he sang "Going Home" for our Sweet Marian. Many Naples Rotarians were there at Marian's Service to support her lovely family, and to honor this beloved lady.

Next week, 11/11, will be our Club Evening Meeting. Our Program will be The Importance of Connection, featuring Matt and Tom. That should be very inspiring!