Here we are in November already! The clocks have been changed and most of the leaves have fallen. However, there are still a few lovely fall days left for us to enjoy with our Rotary friends! Today Frank greeted 18 of them including today's inductee, Jan. There were no guests today.

 

Past President Liz started the gathering with a light ringing of the bell, improvising for the gavel. Jack led It's a Grand Old Flag with a little help from the words on the screen. Liz's invocation asked for blessings on us as we serve those in need, softening our hearts to be loving in all we do.

 

Announcements: The Light Up Naples committee is in need of heavy duty extension cords to electrify the Memorial Town Hall. John and Frank volunteered. *  Saturday morning is the Rotary One Summit in Avon. John, Jack and Liz will attend. * The calendar is up to date through December. Liz had to make a few changes due to speaker availability so check it out below or on- line.

 

Our speaker today is Stephen Fine, a Rotarian from Massachusetts, coming to us on Zoom. He is the founder and president of the Melanoma Education Foundation (MEF). His son Dan died of melanoma at age 26 in 1998. Steve has been working to educate health and athletic teachers and their Middle and High School students on how to self detect melanomas early so they can be successfully treated. He founded MEF in 2000 and has been talking to Rotary Clubs since 2022.

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma. The most serious and most fatal is melanoma. Basal cell is most common, slow growing and prevalent in people over 40 years. Squamous cell often start as actinic kerotosis and can be fatal if untreated. It starts as dry red patches that may bleed or scab. Melanoma can be treated in early stages but can quickly progress with 200,000 cases per year in the US! That's one death per hour in the US. In younger ages, 25-29 years, it's the most common cause of cancer deaths. It can occur in exposed or unexposed skin at any age. It is not related to family history, health, age or complexion. Often there are no symptoms until it's too late.

Self detection is key and outpatient surgical removal is successful in early stages. Melanoma can arise from normal moles or atypical ones. A sudden change in a mole is cause for getting medical attention asap. Melanomas have two types: radial or nodular. In radial, look for increasing size showing the ABCDs: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, multiple Colors and Diameter of greater than 1/4 inch. These account for 80% of melanomas and can be fatal in 6-12 months. Nodular melanomas are most dangerous because they may not be noticed as they have vertical progression and can spread through the bloodstream within 3 months. 

Your self exam should be performed once a month and takes only 10 minutes! Use a wall mirror, a hand mirror, hairbrush or dryer, a flash light and look at your whole body, especially the scalp. If you find something, see a dermatologist right away and be persistent!

Prevention is also very important. Your lifetime of sun exposure is relevant. Tanning beds are the worst. Sunless tanners are available. Use broad spectrum sunscreen to limit UVA and UVB light. Sunscreen sticks containing zinc oxide are best for nose, lips, cheeks and the top of ears. Wear protective clothing with UPF 50, a large brim hat and 100% UV protective sunglasses. Limit outside time between 10 am and 4 pm. And avoid reflected light from sand, water, etc. Clouds don't protect from UV light. Sunscreen application must be a hand full applied every two hours and after swimming, sweating and exercise. MEF's info is at skincheck.org. 

 

Jan Bartleson was inducted today after being away for the summer. Her sponsor was Laurie, with Jack, Rose, Cindy and Liz taking part in the ceremony. Jan shared a bio of her many hometowns and diverse experiences. She looks forward to getting to know her new Rotarian friends.

 

The Ace of Hearts was $79 today. Kevin had the winning number 6016 and he picked the Ace of Hearts from the deck! Congrats Kevin!

Happy Bills went out to the NHS Boys Soccer team who won the Class D Section V championship. The girls soccer and the cross country teams had successful seasons as well. Many thanks went to the educational program, welcome to Jan and to our great NHS district - "the basis of a wonderful community". Rose is hopeful for a sale of her home soon.

John's Rotary Moment was for the eight Naples Rotarians attending the Camp Onseyawa dinner on Saturday evening. The speaker shared how important the respite time is to the families while their children enjoy camp.

Liz wrapped up the gathering with the Four Way Test and sent us on our way at 1:15pm.