Sweet September, you sped along so swiftly, didn’t you? I think we would all agree, as this past month was truly a busy one for us in Naples Rotary, as we worked to prepare for the Annual Grape Fest. As it turned out, it was a beautiful weekend all the way around! Thirty members, plus two fine guests, turned out for today’s noon meeting. As is customary, President Tom led us in the reciting of The Pledge, while P.P. Jack chose America, The Beautiful to lead us in song. Indeed, it was the perfect choice, as the Naples Valley is all aglow with the colors of Autumn! Larry, in his fervent Blessing, thanked The Lord for His Gifts unto us, our energy to serve others, and the beauty all around us at this time of year. Laurie announced today’s guests, who were Jo-Anne, and Paul.
Tom asked Jack to talk a little bit about the Eastern Cities Dinner, which was last Monday evening. There were just under 300 in attendance. There were nine of us from Naples in attendance, including Sharon, wife of Jack, and Hyanne, our exchange student from Belgium. The keynote speaker was RI President Elect 2019-2020, Holger Knaack, and he gave a very inspiring presentation.
Pres. Tom gave an overview of the October Club Calendar, and it seems The Fall Season will continue to be busy for the club. Two important upcoming events are the Joint Rotary (Family) Picnic at Hunts Hollow on October 15th, and the observance of World Polio Day, hosted by Brew and Brats, on October 24th. There are some excellent programs in store for this month as well. FYI- the tickets for the Picnic are $11.00 for adults, while children are free. Please give your payment to Skip at your convenience. Thanks!
Next on today’s agenda was an update from Frank. In terms of the Rotary Calendar for 2020, Frank says we are in “good shape”. The goal is to try to have each member sell at least 4 calendars. 250 calendars have been ordered. Frank thanked members for contacting local businesses to rent an advertising space on the calendar. Many thanks to Sherry and Frank for their hard work!!
Frank also Gave an update on Camp O. The kids did well, and they had a wonderful experience. There were four kids from Naples who attended. The Annual Dinner will be on October 19th at the Sons of Italy in Geneva. The cost is $35.00/person, and an Italian Buffet will be offered.
Warren and Mike gave a report on the Grape Fest. Warren thanked everyone who helped at the event. Special thanks went to Donna and Jo-Anne, and the folks who worked at the Brahm-Moore Craft Beverage Area. Warren said that the vendors were sold out, and that the Beverage Area was deemed one of the best run tasting areas! Mike was able to touch base with many publicists, thus the Grape Fest 2019 had excellent coverage throughout the area. The GF 2019 reached 27.5K people, and a great number shared, liked, and checked in! Pres. Tom showed a short video of the Grape Fest afterward, saying that the GF Experience was a success!
Rotary Connecting the World continued today, as we enjoyed a special presentation by new member, Bruce McLellan, entitled, “My Superpowers”. Now, looking at this title, one would’ve expected that Bruce was about to expound on his own inner strengths, but, instead, he led us each into exploring our own innate abilities.
Using the “Breadcrumb Trail” from Hansel and Gretel, as a springboard, Bruce, in his motivational way, told us that we could each “find our way back home” by tapping into the strengths that lie within each of us. One might ask, “What is a Super Hero?” Bruce tells us that it simply means that one is “fearless to do good, and uses his/her super powers to get it done”.
Bruce derives many of his life’s lessons from the teachings of Mahatma, and works such as Man’s Search For Meaning and The Power of Myth. He has challenged each of us to be the best we can be, and to master the leader in ourselves. We can try to achieve this goal if we try to be a “luminary”, not a shadow, and thus, be our authentic, confident selves.
Bruce, who at age 13, wanted a better world, has challenged us to reflect on “our three luminary qualities” that would help (us) to make a better world. We can help to create the changes that would affect future generations in a positive way! We can “explore the Breadcrumb Trail”! Bruce prompted us to check out his FB Page, entitled The Mindful Leader. Thanks so much, Bruce, for your motivation and inspiration!
Here were today’s Fines and Happy Bills. Matt, Robin, Clyde, Betty, Bruce, and Alex had missed meetings. Penny and Frank didn’t have their badges. Brenda is going to be traveling. Larry had been to a wedding. Mike, Skip, Penny, and Warren, Laurie, and Tom were pleased with the Grape Fest. Roberta found her badge! Frank was thankful for Donna and Jo-Anne. Jack’s and Sharon’s son, Jonathan, turned 40! Bruce and Betty had been on vacation. Many members were pleased with Bruce’s Motivational Talk today.
The 50-50: The Kitty was at 79.00. Jo-Anne drew Ticket #225, which was Frank’s. Frank drew the 9 of Spades. The meeting ended with the Rotary Moment, as Tom showed a video of Warren at the BMCBA, better known as the Brahm Moore Craft Beverage Area! Enjoy your week, everyone, and we’ll see you all on the 7th!
