“Hopefully, everyone is healthy, and staying warm!” President Matt commented, as he welcomed us to the first meeting of the month on this frosty, frigid February day. Indeed, February is a popular month for 10 of our members, Marianna, Suzanne, John F., Bill G., Bruce M., Bo, Leah, Steve R., Brenda, and Deb, all of whom celebrate their birthdays this month! Congratulations and best wishes to all!

We joined Pres. Matt in reciting The Pledge, as Bruce M. held up The Flag for all to see. Bruce also gave The Blessing, and his words were heartfelt as he said, “ Heavenly Father, Divine Friend, thank you for being a part of Rotary, and help us to be kind to all.”

This noon, we welcomed the following guests to our Virtual Meeting: Mary Jane Milano, (program presenter), Donna Dunn, Nancy Latour, (AG 3), Sharon, and Sue. Twenty-five members were in attendance as well, bringing the total to nice group of 30! Today’s Program would be about Organ Donorship.

“We have January under our belts!” noted Pres. Matt, as he reviewed the first half of the Rotary Year. “The front nine are easier,” he added, as he prompted us to be thinking about possible programs, people, and topics for the “second half”. Don’t forget, dues are due, and they can be sent to Susan.

Many thanks to Sherry and Micah for taking on the chairmanship of the Trout Derby this year! They had some updates to share with us regarding some changes this year. Micah noted that, although it would be a bit different, here are some features about the Trout Derby 2021. There will be a “catch and release” format. There will be no “weigh-ins,” but there will still be the longest fish part of the contest. The trophies will be re-purposed. We are encouraged to ask community members to participate, and to canvas local businesses for their support. Micah will reach out to the community via E-mail. This year, it will be a four-day tourney. Micah will give the App. Link to Matt. Signing up to participate, and offerings of help are encouraged! Micah and Sherry both conveyed their thanks in advance to all.

Here are some further updates regarding the Covid-19 Vaccination(s). Help is being sought, and it would certainly be appreciated from Registered Nurses and EMT persons in administering the vaccine(s). One can keep checking the DOH Website to learn more. Evidently, the Rite-Aide Pharmacy in Canandaigua has available vaccines. Cindy added that Quinlan’s Pharmacy in Wayland also has available vaccines.

Matt read a Thank You Letter from Karin Bowersock. The Bristol Valley Theater was very appreciative of the Bill Vierhile Award of $500 that we donated. In addition to recalling all that Bill V. had done for the Naples Community, Karin assured everyone that Live Outdoor Entertainment is being planned for the Summer of 2021!

“It’s a pleasure to have Mary Jane join us!” exclaimed Matt as he welcomed our special guest. Mary Jane Milano is the Community Development Manager for the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network, and today, she was here to tell us about the gift of organ donation. The Organ Procurement Organization is federally designated, and there are four of them in New York State. The Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network (FLDRN) has a mission of being dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissues for those in dire need, and for increasing awareness and understanding among the public. Mary Ann displayed a map reflecting the FLDRN Donation Service Area in New York State, and the expanse ranges from St. Lawrence County, up north, all the way to the Southern Tier.

Mary Ann told us that the need for organ transplants is so very urgent, as a person is added to a transplant waiting list every 10 minutes! Nationally, the number is 119,216, with 9,337 in New York State.

A very poignant testimony was shared by Donna Dunn, a Donor Mom. Her daughter, Mary Dunn Houston, who was married in July of 2007, passed away tragically from a car accident in the Fall of 2007. Having been a blood donor in her high school years, she had said “yes” to the prospect of organ donation. Her Mom said that four of her organs were used to save four lives, - her heart, liver, kidney, and pancreas. Sometime later, the organ donor recipient met with the family. (This takes time, according to Donna.) That recipient decided to establish a scholarship in Mary’s memory. Donna shared that much scholarship money has been given over time to high school students who have been interested in pursuing a career in teaching, (since that was the field in which Mary was interested). Donna has become involved with Organ Donation, as she gives speeches, and tells “her story” throughout the area, including a Rotary Club in Syracuse. 

Mary Ann went on to explain some additional important points. Donor Registration is important as it makes end-of-life wishes clear, and the person’s family does not have to make those decisions. The United Network of Organ Sharing maintains the National Organ Transplant Waiting List. Donors are matched to waiting recipients on a 24/7 basis. Factors which affect urgency of need are blood type, tissue type, organ size, body size, how sick, distance from donor, and time on waiting list. In the event that a patient is not a registered donor, then, the legal decision maker must make this decision about organ donation. Mary Ann added that “registering as an organ donor documents your end-of-life decisions”.

In summation, she said, “It’s like making a wish.” “If I can, I want to give the gift of life.” Many thanks to Mary Ann and Donna for rendering a powerfully important program!

Generous Happy Bills were offered in praise of today’s program. Nancy had shared that her beloved Bob had been an organ donor. This program topic really spoke to her. Rose related a story of when she worked at Strong. There was a family, however, who felt differently, so some Happy Bills were given for Rose’s story! We’re glad to be able to do the Valentines for Vets again this year. Rose reminded us that they are due on 2/10. (Thanks again, Carrie!) Holly and Tony were glad to have their kids all home to celebrate Christmas. We’re glad to have our new members, Betsy, Cindy, and Sandy on board. (BTW, a little correction needs to be added to the data on Cindy and Betsy. Cindy is the lab scientist, and Betsy is the respiratory therapist.) Many, like Jack, are thankful for our ever-growing group! Matt was glad, as were we, to have Nancy Latour with us.

Nancy Latour spoke about the Great Lakes Watershed Clean-Up. It is going to take place in April, around the time of Earth Day. Many Rotary Clubs are becoming involved, and she suggested that Naples Rotary partner with Canandaigua Rotary. Nancy will send Matt a Power Point.

Skip had today’s Rotary Moment, and it was a perfect one! He is glad, as are we, to have three new members! Once again, a warm welcome is extended to Betsy, Cindy, and Sandy! We now have 61 members!!

Next week, 2/8, is the second Monday of the month, so we’ll meet, on-line, in the evening! We’ll brainstorm some ideas for future programs in the next few months. Matt says to stay warm, stay healthy, and stay tuned!