“Good Afternoon, Everybody!” President Matt’s friendly voice rang out, as he welcomed us to our first Zoom Meeting for the month of December. Though it’s hard to believe that December is here already, our beautifully decorated little village tells us that the Christmas Season is now upon us! Bruce M. produced The Flag and we joined Matt in saying The Pledge. Alex gave The Blessing, thanking Our Dear Heavenly Father for the sunny day, and she asked Him to give us joy and patience during this Season of Hope. Today’s Program was about Painting, brought to us by our own Tina Newton. Along with the 22 members in attendance at today’s meeting, we welcomed guests, Sharon, and Cindy Skoda.
“It’s beginning to feel like the holidays!” added Pres. Matt. To punctuate that optimistic comment, we had the pleasure of hearing Jack sing for us! How lovely it was to have music in our midst again, as Jack rendered a pleasant rendition of “Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire” in the “key of Jack” for us to enjoy! This is Matt’s 11th year in Naples, and he recalled having met Sharon first, then Jack, whereupon he heard him sing at a sports event. Yes, hearing Jack sing is always a delight!
There were a few announcements and upcoming events which Matt shared with the group. Matt thanked everyone who was involved with Light Up Naples, especially Liz, Rose, and Sherry, whose efforts have helped to make our little community look positively splendid! “It looks beautiful!” noted Matt, and I think we would all agree! The Ornament Sales have gone well, with very few ornaments remaining. This week, people who have purchased an ornament to decorate may bring their completed ornament(s) down to Perriello Park, and hang them on the Rotary Tree. The Rotary Tree, which was installed on Saturday, and Jodi’s Memory Tree make that little park look so festive!
The times may be unusual, and a bit trying this Holiday Season, but that won’t stop the Naples Rotarians from enjoying the Christmas Season in a safe and splendid way! We are planning to do a “Rotary Secret Santa” online! There are 17 of us who have signed up to participate in this year’s Gift Exchange. Matt will print out the list and there will be a random drawing of names. He will E-mail the person selected for each participant. A gift, not to exceed $25, will then be purchased for that person. The December 21st Program (a Zoom Meeting) will feature the opening of the gifts we chose for each other, and in doing so, we can share our Christmas Cheer in a special way this year! (It will be our individual responsibility to take the gift to the person picked for us prior to December 21st).
“People connecting with brush on canvas,” as Matt put it, seems to be the perfect way to set the stage for Tina’s refreshing Program on Painting today. First of all, it was wonderful to have Tina join us after quite a hiatus!
Tina has been a member of the Naples Rotary for about 2 years and she has been involved with the “Decorative Painting Society” (D.P.S.). Having attended Craft Shows and enjoyed the artwork, Tina was prompted to branch out on her own. She kept learning new techniques and she showed her friends what she had learned. She came up with the idea of “painting with a twist,” whereby friends could gather, learn from each other, and enjoy a cup of coffee.
The D.P.S. provides the patterns and tools, yet no two results look exactly the same. Tina offers free classes on Zoom every Monday evening for one hour. The benefits are immeasurable, as bonds are created, according to Tina, and art seems to have a way of changing a person’s outlook. Inasmuch as each participant is different, “you’ll get different designs,” noted Tina. She often has “repeat folks” take her classes, so they must meet with widespread popularity! She enjoys “Retreats” which provide her with an opportunity to explore and expand her skills. “You just have to keep learning!” exclaimed Tina at the close of her presentation. Truly, doesn’t this attitude represent a great outlook on Life itself? Many thanks to Tina for sharing your amazing talents with us! Perhaps some of us will try our hand at Decorative Painting?
Some of the members had excellent questions and comments following Tina’s program. Brenda inquired about the use of charcoal as a medium. She also complimented Matt on his mode of presentation. Indeed, Matt has a unique way of interacting with others in such a positive way. Frank and his wife Kathleen had taken classes from Tina, and found it to be so rewarding. Frank showed a drawing of Old St. Nick that he had created! Karen added that she had found Tina’s Painting Classes to be very helpful too. Sherry said that she had rediscovered her own talents from having taken classes with Tina.
Last week, Matt did a little segment on Random Acts of Kindness. This week, we were asked to recollect and share some of our fondest Christmas Memories. Here are some poignant moments… Matt started us out. He remembers enjoying the Chevy Chase movie, “Christmas Vacation,” when Clark reminisces while exploring in the attic. Bruce has enjoyed the movie, “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Karen loves decorating outside. Alex remembers “the seven fishes” from her Italian background. Jack says that one of his favorite family traditions is the Advent Calendar. Susan now has “Rusty” under the tree to prevent her kitty from climbing it! Blanche recalls reading from her Dick and Jane Book! Frank recalls sleeping in the attic under many quilts at his grandparents’ dairy farm. Sherry remembers singing carols. Rose’s favorite cousin sends her a special wooden ornament each year. Though I didn’t mention it, I remember my brother and I finding a new litter of kittens in my doll carriage one Christmas morning, and we were both elated! Christmas and Holiday Memories are indeed special, and they give us wonderful moments to look back on, don’t they?
There was plenty for us to be joyful about this chilly, yet sunny December day. We thoroughly enjoyed Tina’s uplifting program. It may inspire a few of us to try something new, perhaps? Our spirits are lifted in seeing how beautifully “Light Up Naples” has turned out! Many thanks to Andy and Marianna for making glad the children’s hearts, as they cruised around the village Saturday evening, escorted by John, and handing out candy to the youngsters. Liz, Rose, and Sherry have done an amazing job of decorating in town! Liz and Clyde brought the Rotary Tree down to Perriello Park, and Tom, Andy, John, Jack, and Bo helped to erect it. Thanks to Bo for making the stand! Naples is ready for Christmas! Liz’s and Clyde’s collie, Bella, enjoyed the music, and though John is normally flanked by two pups, today we could only see one at his feet! Also, many thanks to Bruce M. for doing the Zoom and Facebook aspect of our meetings!
Sherry concluded the meeting by adding a great “Rotary Moment”. She noted that while she and Liz were decorating at Skip’s Flooring, many positive comments came from passersby. That sure brings encouragement! “Walk the town and enjoy the lights!” added Matt. “Stay healthy and stay well!” Such good advice, Matt! Have a great week, everyone! See you on the 14th!
