It was another beautiful day in paradise as we gathered at noon at the Redwood! Skip greeted all with a smile as many reflected on the great weekend we had at the District 7120 Conference in Saratoga Springs.

There were 22 members present plus Bo and Patrice on Zoom from Massachusetts where they are enjoying their new granddaughter! Our visitor today was Chad Hunt, Business Administrator at NCS who joined Kevin Swartz, NCS Superintendent, to present our program.

 

President Liz rang us in and John led "God Bless America". Rose gave the invocation written by a 13th century Persian poet, Rumi in "The Guest House".

Being human is a guest house with new arrivals of many types. We should welcome and entertain all. Treat each honorably for they may bring new delights. Be grateful, for each is a guide from beyond.

 

Announcements:

* We need 3-4 retrievers for the Great Grape Derby balls in the creek this Saturday May 4th *Rotary Lite will be at the VFW, Wednesday May 8th at 6 pm. *On Monday 5/13, meet at 10am to spruce up Rose Ridge Cemetery. *Memorial Day Parade is May 27th. We need volunteers to decide on a float or to just march in the parade.

 

One of this year's goals for Rotary is awareness and action for better mental health. Jack reached out to several members we haven't seen in awhile to ask "how are you, really?". A response from Steve Janto was shared. Others of concern include Alex, Bill, Sandy, Jane, Lawrence and Gerald. Please reach out if you can. If anyone would like to join the District Committee on Mental Health, let Liz know.

 

Evergreen trees were recently bagged and given to Naples (300) and Prattsburgh (200) students in honor of Arbor Day. Rotarians enjoyed the project and several extras were available today for those with green thumbs!

 

Kevin introduced Chad and together they highlighted the trials of putting together our school budget for the coming year. Changes in state funding, particularly the end of Covid related assistance, and decreased enrollment here have necessitated a very close scrutiny of each item to be funded. Staffing has been hard to find but that facilitates no layoffs as attrition has eased reducing staff size. The good news is that we were able to get grant funding for 2 new electric (EV) buses. We are ahead of many neighboring districts who have come to Naples for info on how it's going. Through multiple budget changes, the Board approved budget has an increase of 1.57%. There will be 3 propositions on the ballot: reducing the number of Board members from 9 to 7; a transportation capital reserve proposal; and purchase of one additional EV bus. The Naples Library budget and board members will also be voted on. Much more info will be mailed soon. The vote will be Tuesday May 21st, 2024 at the High School Library, 7am - 8pm.

 

Reminder was given for The Monte Carlo Night to benefit Hospeace House. It is on Saturday May 4th, 6-10 pm at the Maxfield Hose Memorial Hall on Maxfield Rd. A great cause that is lots of fun!

 

Cindy gave a Rotary Moment to highlight 3 takeaways from the District 7120 Conference: A reminder from District Governor Julie Carney to ask- "how are you, really?"; our new motto from speaker Price Finley - In Rotary, we are "Better Together"; and the 5th part of the 4 Way Test used by several clubs - "Is it FUN?!"

 

Ace of Hearts is up to $213. Ticket #1026 was Judy Manser's and she drew the King of Diamonds. Liz spoke to the "rule" to keep your winnings rather than donating it back. For some people it really is a needed gift!

 

Happy Bills went out to Kevin and Chad for the great detailed presentation and their hard work on the NCS budget; the wonderful time members had at the conference (18 adults and 4 students went); the great weather; to Jack for his help and patience for his golf team; to Skip for his time and efforts with the Grape Derby tickets and Arbor Day trees.

 

We had time for three rounds of "Who Am I" but there were no correct guesses! Be sure to add more clues to the jar for future games!

 

We rounded out the meeting with the 4 Way Test and Liz rang the bell to send us out into the lovely spring weather!