John greeted us this noon in his navy blue Rotary shirt with golden shoulder stripes that Sherry nicknamed his "bowling shirt"! He welcomed members, soon-to-be member David Galas, Sharon Fredericks and our speaker and husband, Pat and Steve Kiernan. After we recited the Pledge, Jack led the Star Spangled Banner followed by John's invocation. Blanche greeted 23 members which included Bo and Patrice zooming in from Jordan!

 

Birthdays this month include Patrice, Holly and Wayne C. (omitted by John who then owed a fine!). Anniversary greetings go out to Frank and Kathleen.

 

June is Rotary Fellowship Month. John encouraged participation in these specialty groups such as RV, beer, and wine fellowships that some of our members enjoy.

 

David Galas was inducted today, sponsored by Judy and Skip. John highlighted Rotary Avenues of Service and the Rotary 4-way test. Skip presented David's card and pin. David lives in Penn Yan. He came to Naples for fishing and found a friendly town and welcoming people. He is excited to participate in Rotary activities as often as possible.

 

We received many Thank You letters from Elementary students who received trees on Arbor Day. Also in the mail was information on the Naples Historical Society fundraiser to repair the Red Mill and create a museum in fulfillment of "Bill Vierhile's Dream". More info is available from Cindy and Blanche.

 

Pat Kiernan was introduced by Liz, who had met her at Joseph's Wayside. Pat is from Kingston, Jamaica. She came to Boston to attend college, married and had 3 kids. Over the years she started several businesses. When one ended, she realized her talent was cooking and began a cuisine and catering company in Boston in her 50s! With incentive from her brother, her specialty became a pepper jelly using all natural ingredients and bringing in her favorite Caribbean flavors. Her secret is using scotch bonnet peppers. Stir It Up Cuisine has 6 flavors including mango and pineapple. Fame at local Farmers Markets lead her to an appearance on a cooking show in LA and a win of $10,000! She used it to market her products, selling on-line. Retirement from catering led to moving to Naples, nearer to her son, who insisted she needed to make a grape pepper jelly! Her jellies are sold at Joseph's and used in dishes at Caruso's. She also brought samples for us to taste after our meeting - delicious!

 

JoAnne had the Ace of Hearts ticket but drew the Queen of Hearts instead. Happy Bills included a welcome for our new member David, a great presentation by our speaker Pat and Sue's great golf shots. Jack had a spectacular Rotary Moment involving the load of bottles and cans he collected for Hospeace House - a huge pile. He was inspired to write and sing a country song he entitled "Drinking for Hospeace"! It's destined to become a classic!