“Happy Monday, everybody!” proclaimed President Matt from the comfort of his home this noon. It’s Spring Break for Naples Central School this week, thus we were able to have Judy join us today from the French living room! Here’s hoping those temperatures will climb a bit this week for the staff, students, and fishermen!
We joined Pres. Matt as we said The Pledge, and then Bruce gave a very eloquent Blessing. He asked the Heavenly Father to guide each of our hearts, minds, and hands to help the world. He added that the promise of Spring is evident, as the sun shines on this extraordinary “spot of beauty” which is known as Naples. We welcomed guests, Sharon, and Angela MacAllister, who was the program presenter. There were 26 Members in attendance today.
Here are a few messages and updates to share with the Membership. Matt informed us that Mack Louthan, a Junior at NCS, will serve as our RYLA representative this year. The program will be held virtually at the end of June. Many thanks to Judy for your involvement with RYLA. There was an E-Mail recently from Karen Parkhurst regarding the District Conference. The Business Meeting will be held on May 7th. The actual Conference portion will take place on May 8th. The Business Meeting will be hosted by DG Linda Kohl. This year’s Conference is being hosted by the Penfield Rotary Club. It’s free, of course, and all are encouraged to attend. It is an opportunity to learn from one another, and to connect as Rotarians!
Sherry spoke a bit about the Trout Derby, which will take place this week. She will post a Google Doc for those who wish to volunteer to help on Sunday at the Fire Department. She added that people are needed to “walk around” throughout the four days to check, and to be sure that things are going as planned. People can also send Sherry an E-Mail if they wish. Apparently, the fish are biting at The Harbour! “A good place to go is at Jack’s!” commented Matt.
John introduced today’s speaker, Angela MacAllister, who is the Chairman of the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail. Angela, who had been a longtime co-worker of John Brahm, began by giving us a brief history of the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail (CLWT). Back in 2001, the New York Wine and Grape Foundation reached out to local wineries to form a “Trail,” and Naples said “Yes!” Signage, of course, was an integral part of the Trail. The CLWT, which was the fourth major organized Trail, was begun with John Brahm being one of its first Board Members and later also president. It oversees and dispenses grant money, and its goal is to astound and captivate the senses of customers and visitors according to Angela. It’s an impressive area, for sure, and during that first year, its goal was to “get the word out”. This was accomplished by creating brochures that would find their way into travel plazas and restaurants. Included were a map, along with a listing of things to do. Angela added that they will be switching to a Digital Brochure, along with a digital version of the Passport. The Passport previously was a paper version containing the name of each winery per page. Upon visiting each winery, the page would be “stamped” as if it were a real passport. Discounts were provided as well. Hopes are that people will spread the word, and that the trail will continue to gain popularity over time. Some of the Associate Members include Joseph’s Wayside Market and Monica’s Pies, two well-known businesses in the Naples Area. The combined goal is to create a “well-rounded experience,” stated Angela. The CLWT has had an opportunity to participate in community events, and it has been a host to the Waterfront Festival. It has also been featured in the magazine Life In The Finger Lakes. Local artist Cindy Harris, has been a contributor all along. The Finger Lakes Visitors Connection, established in 1985, has served as a “home base”, and it helps to co-promote the CLWT.
Things were going well, as Angela related, then the Pandemic descended upon us. Community members who were “tech-savvy” rose to the plate, and they volunteered to keep things going, so to speak. “Virtual Tastings” became available along with a “Trail Pack.” The CLWT contains five wineries that include Arbor Hill, Hazlitt, Inspire Moore, Sonnenberg, and Song Hill.
Some “Fun Facts” were included near the close of Angela’s Program, and here are a few from our “local wineries”. Inspire Moore began in 2007, and when they opened there were seven wines featured. Hazlitt Winery was purchased from Widmer’s. Arbor Hill, which first sold gourmet foods, was located where Plenty The Bakery is now. The current Arbor Hill building used to be a feed supply store!
Here are some of Angela’s responses to the various questions that were asked among the members. It’s interesting to note that climates vary among the Finger Lakes. The wineries that are involved are all very close-knit, and they help each other. Wine tastings are acquired through reservations now. Many visitors come from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York City. Groups may vary in size, but typically, a group of ten is preferable, as it is at Arbor Hill. It seems that Angela has been enjoying her new role, and she admits that taking on this chairmanship has been both rewarding and challenging.
In conclusion, Angela noted that this year, 2021, marks the 20th Anniversary of the CLWT! A Celebratory Party is in store in the month of June! There will be 20 tastings for twenty dollars! We will “get to know” each winery! That sounds “divine” doesn’t it? Many thanks to Angela for the great presentation! Wine is always a good subject!!
As one would probably expect, today’s excellent program rendered many Happy Bills! Rose put out a request from Hospeace House for more volunteers, and many appreciated her candor. “Even just 4 hours per month would make a difference!” noted Rose. Alex, Holly, and Frank had missed some meetings. Alex was glad that she had received her second Covid Vaccine, which means that she can go visit her grandsons! Bruce paid a Fine for his Podcast having been mentioned. Skip’s and Judy’s Grandson, Charlie turned 16, and now he can learn to drive! Jack and Sharon had a relaxing time at Brew and Brats over the weekend. Susan’s granddaughter Lauren recently graduated from college with honors! Susan will be getting a new pup soon, and she is thinking about having it be a therapy dog. Liz has raised therapy dogs, and she will be happy to share her experience and expertise with Susan! Bo and Pat were able to visit their kids in Massachusetts over the weekend.
Frank had today’s Rotary Moment. After retirement, Frank decided to take some Art Classes here in the Village. Of the eight people whom he had met, two of these eight people had daughters who had attended Camp Onseyawa. The Camp Experience had made a positive impact upon these youngsters, noted Frank, and he thanked us for the support we’ve given to Camp O. over the years. In the past, there have usually been about 100 youngsters who have attended the Camp, but last year, with the Pandemic prevailing, that had to be reduced to 50. This year, things will be better! There will be Virtual and Regular Camp available. Fifty kids will attend the first week, and 50 kids will attend the second week! In order to remain safe, all Staff Members will stay the entire two weeks. Many thanks to Frank and his co-workers for all the commitment they give to this worthwhile cause!
Past President Tom, in his typical light-hearted manner, added a bit of joviality at the conclusion of today’s meeting! He remarked that in spite of the Pandemic, we have done well! “We ain’t singin’ the blues”!! On that note, he proceeded to show us a video that he had put together that portrayed many members being goofy, and each having a great time! Here is the link to that video in case you’d like to watch it again. “I’m speechless!” echoed Pres. Matt at its conclusion! “Have a great week everyone! Enjoy the sun!” added Matt also. Happy Easter everyone!
