Greetings, everyone! Hope that you all had a nice Easter! “Hopefully, everyone is outside enjoying the sun!” remarked President Matt, as he welcomed us to the Noon Meeting today. Bruce provided the image of Old Glory as we joined Matt in saying The Pledge. In choosing a quote, to begin her Blessing, “Life stands before me…” Alex paralleled these words to our mission as Rotarians to serve others in our lifetime. There were 26 Members who attended today’s meeting and we welcomed guests, Sharon and Deidre Stevenson, who was today’s program presenter. We were delighted to have her join us, and we were equally as pleased to welcome Jill and Marty back from Florida!
As is customary at the beginning of each new month, the April Birthdays and Anniversaries were observed. There were several on the list, and I apologize for not naming these folks in today’s missive, as I do not have the list of Special Dates with me. Jack sang a Happy Birthday/Anniversary Song to congratulate these fine folks, noting that April is also a “Big Month” for his family as well! (I’ll try to have this list of names next week! 😊)
Sherry and Micah gave a report on the 2021 Trout Derby held over the weekend. The Derby was very successful! There was a great turnout of fishermen, and many beautiful fish were caught. Micah said that most of the winners showed up to receive their awards as well. There were many excellent pictures on display on the Trout Derby Face Book page for all to enjoy. Sherry noted that in addition to having everything flow smoothly, people seemed to have enjoyed the “Fish Donkey App,” and that it may be used again next year. Approximately $3000 was made thanks to the wonderful donations that were made! Many small businesses contributed, which is greatly appreciated. The number of participants reached around the mid 140’s, so our Naples Creek must have been dotted with hopeful fishermen of various ages throughout those four days! One of the winners (in his category) was Charlie Grove! There were some other local winners too, and their pictures are available on the TD FB Page. John F. said that the Awards Ceremony is on FB also. Matt gave much credit to Sherry and Micah for “going above and beyond” to make this year’s Trout Derby such a success! Many thanks to both of you!
It would only seem appropriate that today’s program would be about a familiar fixture in Naples that has been around for some time, - Sutton Spoons! We welcomed Deidre Stevenson, who shared the history of this unique business with us in a most interesting presentation. Scott Sutton, a successful fisherman, was the original spoon maker, and he set up his business where the Village Hall is located. He made his own spoons and spinners, and they were sold in his jewelry store also. After his passing, George Wells continued to make spoons under the management of Sutton’s son-in-law. After he passed, the store was going to be auctioned off, but three gentlemen wanted to maintain it. All the equipment was moved to the second floor of the Firehouse, and things continued. Deidre’s Grandfather saw potential, and the spoon business grew to full-time. He would make prototypes of spoons for others, and he developed the line. Plating went from using nickel to silver, and that shift increased its success. In the mid 1940’s the Toby Clothing Building became available, and in 1947, men’s sports clothing was added. That additional business has always been subsidized by Sutton Spoons Deidre told us. Thousands of spoons have been made over the years, and they were made just like in the 1930’s! In 1971, the addition of Monty Miles as an employee helped the business to continue to flourish. A hydraulic press was added. Her grandfather modified some machines but spoons were hand-pounded. Deidre herself knows how to do this! It is interesting to note that Sutton Spoons has never advertised nationally! Its fame has spread by word of mouth! SS sells spoons locally, of course, but they also sell their spoons to other places such as New England, the Carolinas, Montana, and Canada!
Many great questions from members Rose, Blanche, Jill, Marty, Frank, Nancy, and Jack followed, and further interesting tidbits were uncovered! Sutton Spoons Tee Shirts are widely known throughout, and many great memories have been created. Nancy had one such memory to share! She and Bob were married on January 10, 1959, and that date is engraved on a Sutton Spoon! Deidre said that Sutton Spoons even appeared on an advertisement on a billboard in Germany! We thanked her for an excellent and timely program, and for the store’s continued help with the Trout Derby!
Today’s Happy Bills flowed forth in abundance in appreciation of Deidre’s Program, and for how well the Trout Derby turned out. We are very grateful to Micah and Sherry for all they did to make this turn out so successfully! Bruce and Alex had missed some meetings. John F. paid a Fine for coming home with the Rotary Banner! Brenda, along with many of us, appreciated the sunshine. Alex’s little grandson is named Sutton! Marty had many reasons to be happy, - being home, his daughter, and new pup, Fozzie Dog! Skip was glad for Judy’s Birthday today, April 5th! There were “Pups on Parade” today, thanks to Laurie, Nancy, Susan, and no doubt, Sherry and John! Also, Rose noted that just 4 hours a month would be all that it would take from volunteers to make the Hospeace House Schedule work out better.
Nancy had the perfect “fish story” for today’s Rotary Moment! During past Trout Derbies, she and Bob would rent out rooms to visiting fishermen. Nancy said there would even be cots set up in the cellar! She came home from work at lunchtime to find a trout in the bathtub!! Apparently, the fella who had caught the fish didn’t want it to lose any weight!!
That’s enough “Fish Stories” for now! Hoping that everyone will have a great week. See you next week, April 12th, for our Evening Zoom Meeting. Until then, take care!
