Welcome to April! Our first meeting (after the Trout Derby) brought out a good crowd of 25 Rotarians and 5 guests. Frank, who greeted us, brought his "girlfriend" Kathleen. Anna and Uryu, our exchange students joined us. Our speakers were Canandaigua Rotarian Nancy Stelnyk and one of the founders of ONYA, Peggy Kane.

 

Jack led the Pledge which was followed by the 4th verse (who knew?) of the Star Spangled Banner! Are there more verses? David gave the words of inspiration, in the Norse language, which fits with the Rotary ideals: "You do not write your life with words but with actions". It sounded amazing!

 

Announcements: The Trout Derby was great! Thanks to the committee and everyone who helped out! The final wrap up is pending so we will learn more soon. * The District Learning Assembly on Saturday was attended by eight Naples Rotarians. It was an excellent way to network and learn from other Clubs. John presented 3 sessions related to Club membership. We then enjoyed some great fellowship at Warfield's Restaurant. * The Great Grape Derby is coming up on May 10th. Get your tickets sold soon! * The Monte Carlo Night benefit for Hospeace House is on May 17th. It's always fun for a great cause! Tickets are available from Sue or Jo. * We are in need of a program coordinator to find speakers for our meetings. If you can volunteer, see Jack or Liz Yee. * Rotary Lite is on Wednesday this week at Brew and Brats at 6 pm. * Saturday morning 4/12 at 9 am, we are sprucing up Rose Ridge Cemetery. A sunrise service will take place there on Easter. * April is Rotary's month for the Environment and Maternal & Child Health Month. * Birthdays this month were celebrated in song for: Judy Miller, Sharon, Liz Bailey, Frank, Lawrence Letteney and Bruce Richardson!

 

Our speakers are here on behalf of ONYA - Ontario/ Yates Fund for Women and Girls. It was founded in 2000 by six women, contributing $100 each to fill the great needs of women and girls in both counties. It is a non-profit fund raising group to foster personal growth and economic stability. The goal is to provide grants to  local partners who will help those living in or near poverty to acquire life skills, motivation and self-confidence to complete their education and make good decisions for their future. The number of families in Ontario Co. living below poverty level ($24,848) is over 10%. Yates Co. is over 13%. For single parent households, poverty level is greater than 33% in both counties. Grants have gone to mentoring programs for "at risk" teens, support for women and girls who have lived with domestic violence, legal advocacy, job training, educational support and housing. Since 2000, 9320 women and girls have benefitted from over $470,000 in grants to 129 programs. Nancy and Peggy are working to increase awareness of the group by visiting Rotary Clubs and other organizations that can support their important work. It was suggested that school guidance counselors and food pantries are good places to learn of local needs. Volunteers and donors are greatly welcomed! To learn more or to donate, visit www.ONYA-NY.org or email onya14424@gmail.com.

 

Jack learned from Gretchen, a District Youth Exchange coordinator, that our outgoing Naples student, Lyra in Thailand, is safe after the earthquakes that devastated Myanmar and Bangkok. He suggested we learn how to better stay in touch with our students abroad. 

 

Skip is taking reservations for our Spring Dinner on 4/28 at Engine 14. Catering by Barton Hospitality.

 

The Ace of Hearts today was $296. Judy Manser had the ticket #5204 but picked the 10 of Clubs. Only 10 cards left for next week! John stated we are never playing with a full deck! LOL!

Happy Bills today were for the great presentation, the successful Trout Derby, 170 Rotarians at the DLA, the great feedback John had at his talks there and our wonderful youth exchange students. We learned that Alex Leto is improving but still hospitalized - still in need of our thoughts and prayers.

A Rotary moment from David reflected the value of our fellowship connections when Jack and Sharon couldn't attend and gave their tickets to David and Mark to see Mandy Patinkin in Geneva.

 

Jack led the Four Way Test and adjourned with the bell.