Hugs, handshakes, and heartfelt greetings…Yes, folks, we finally returned to having “In-Person” Meetings this past Monday evening! President Bruce warmly welcomed us all to his first Meeting of the new Rotary Year, and it seemed like Becky and Annette were happy to have us return to The Redwood as well. We joined Pres. Bruce in saying The Pledge. Pastor Robin fervently thanked the Lord for our being all together once again. “Welcome to togetherness!” she said. Just as the rains have nourished the land, may we be nourished to serve others too. We welcomed guests, Kathleen, Luke, and Jim tonight, along with 30 Members, which formed a nice audience for this evening’s program. The Rotary Moment, at meeting’s end, was provided by Tom.
After Robin’s Blessing, we sang “Congratulations” to our fellow members who have July Birthdays and Anniversaries. Jack led us in song, and we extended our best wishes to everyone!
Jack gave a brief update on the District Cross-Over Dinner which was held last month at the Belhurst Castle in Geneva. The new District Governor for the 2021-2022 Rotary Year is Janet Tenreiro, from Canandaigua. The motto for this year is “Serve to Change Lives”. In tandem with this motto were pamphlets that outlined the “ABC’s of Rotary”, with each letter of the alphabet earmarking a way to serve others. Jack also noted that the table centerpieces included Acts of Kindness, that can be done both locally and worldwide.
Frank spoke next, and he shared information on Camp Onseyawa with us. Along with a hand-out that explains the mission and nature of Camp O., Frank added that the set-up will take place on August 15th, and that 3 Rotarians and a pickup truck will be needed on that day. There are also staffing needs, such as counselors, kitchen, and program. There is a “Wish List” on Amazon this year because of Covid, and that includes thermometers and wristbands. We were each given three Raffle Tickets to sell at 5.00 each, or 3 for 12.00, to help raise funds for Camp O. Frank has been on the Board for a few years. Bruce R. and Betty form an integral part of the staffing. It’s clear to see that the children are very important to them!
Jodi gave an update on the Walk of Life. The “Kick-Off” began this past weekend with the Pulled Pork Dinner and the Dog Parade. The “Perimeter of Pups” included 13 handsome dogs! This coming weekend, on July 17th, the Fun Run and Walk and the Putt for Life Events will take place. The On-Line Auction starts also. The WOL Hand-Out explains the events leading up to, and including the culminating day of the event, which is August 7th. People are needed on the corners for the Fun Run, and baked goods are needed for the Desserts and Songwriters. T-Shirt, Chicken Poo Tickets, and Luminary sales will be ongoing. Volunteer help is needed in various capacities, so be sure to sign up when and if you are able!
What better way to usher in the “New Year”, than to have two of our Members Rose, and Bruce M. provide some musical entertainment this evening! The “Duo”, Rose on the fiddle, and Bruce on the guitar, inspired and enlivened us with their tunes! Rose explained how music can be very soothing and therapeutic to people with various issues such as brain injury or trauma. Interestingly, hearing is the very last sense to leave us, thus, music has a way of speaking to people in various ways. Rose has read the works of some authors who have researched the power of music, and it has been shown that music can change one’s physiology, and its sounds can help one to meditate. Rose and Bruce treated us to the tunes of “Summertime”, “Porgy and Bess”, “Ashokan Farewell”, a “Beatles Tune” and ended their mini concert with “Happy Trails!” Rose has been playing the fiddle for only 10 years, but her heart and soul flows from her melodies, as is the same for Bruce! We extend our sincere gratitude to Bruce and Rose for providing such a splendid program!
The Fifty-Fifty came back tonight in a slightly different format, as there were no playing cards to draw. The kitty amounted to 27.00. Unbeknownst to Karen, she had the winning ticket, after we all claimed that we did not have that number! It’s fun to have some old traditions return once again!
Tonight’s Program of wonderful music, being back together again in-person, the Walk of Life, Pres. Bruce’s first meeting, and Camp O. were all the reasons so many of us contributed Happy Bills this evening. It was also nice to see new members, and returning members, whom we haven’t seen in a while!
Our Sargeant at Arms, Sweet Nancy has had a fall and is currently at Thompson Hospital in Room 331-West. She would appreciate hearing from us, that is for sure! Flowers have been sent from Naples Rotary. We will set up a “Meal Train” among members when Nancy returns home.
There will be a Memorial Service for Barb Halliley at Trinity Federated Church on Sunday, July 24th at 11:00. (If you remember, Barb was always so helpful to Dr. Chanler during the Dental Health Poster Contests.)
Here is a reminder that you can insert your badge, in the Badge Box once again if you wish.
As mentioned earlier, Tom had tonight’s Rotary Moment. He was inspired to think about (Naples) Rotary in a three-fold message. First of all, it is certain that Nancy is going to receive much help from many in the Club as she recuperates. Tom is going to be receiving a new treatment. As an incredible coincident, Tom’s brother Rick met a doctor in New Mexico during a make-up, who had just trained in this new method. Tom is feeling optimistic. Kudos to Jodi (and Mark) on the success of Caruso’s Café, and for Jodi on working so diligently on the Walk of Life! Tom also showed a short video of recent happenings for the WOL. Upon its completion, he ended the Meeting by saying that we take care of our community, we have fun, and we take care of ourselves!
Have a great week, everyone! No doubt, we’ll be seeing each other this weekend for some of the WOL Events. Until then, take care, and we’ll see each other for next Monday’s Noon Meeting when PDG Dave Hannan will pay us a visit.
