Our gathering tonight at the Redwood included 22 Naples Rotarians and three guests. Lots of happy greetings were exchanged!

 

President Jack led the Pledge and The Star Spangled Banner. His inspiration was: to renew our service to mankind as spring renews growth in the world. As leaders, we must remember that charity is fulfilling and the Golden Rule is a richer yardstick than any bank account.

 

Guests today were introduced by Sue: Charlie Grove home from Clarkson, soon to be new member - Bill Stopka and our speaker, Andrew Goodwin.

 

Announcements: We had a great turnout of 14 Naples Rotarians for the District conference, which was inspiring and enjoyable. * The Memorial Day parade is May 25th. We will have a trailer to decorate and ride in. * Watkinstown Celebration of Naples early days is June 6, 11-4pm at the old town square. We will have a table to Meet and Greet our neighbors. * The Great Grape Derby was rescheduled to June 6 at 1pm by the digger off Mark Circle. Judy Miller has more tickets or buy them online. * Camp Onseyawa golf tournament is June 13th. Info is available from the District Grapevine May 2026, page 48 and the website: rotary7120.org. * Jill gave us an update on Rotary Youth Exchange program. Unfortunately, 5 of 14 students in our district this year returned home early. Host families have been hard to find - 40 were asked and none said yes for the next school year. If you have an interest or know of a family who could host, please let Jill know. We hope to restart our valuable participation in 2027.

 

May birthdays are Cindy, Kevin Swartz, Kelli and Sherry. Mike and Meg Joseph have an anniversary.

 

The Board met today at 4:30pm. Highlights are: NCS junior Liam Fahy will attend RYLA this summer. * The Rainbow Trout Derby earned $6255. * Monday June 29 will be our Gavel Dinner when new club leaders take office. It will be catered at Reservoir Creek. More info to come. * Next Monday's noon speaker will present info on Cumming Nature Center. She will lead a tour for us there after the meeting for all interested. * May is Rotary Youth Services month.

 

Andrew Goodwin is a 2025 NCS graduate. He started to learn the sport of clay target shooting at age 12 and found out he had a talent and passion for it. In high school, he joined the NCS team and became the captain. At age 17, he hit 200 of 200 targets to become NYS trap champion! The FLX region includes Penn Yan, Dundee, Marcus Whitman and Naples. They have reached the state title three times. Currently he practices at the Springwater Rod and Gun club and helps teach new shooters at Middlesex Conservation club. Hunter safety and gun safety training is a priority. He travels to competitions all over the east coast and southern states. He is sponsored by Wilkins RV (camper) and Friendly Ford (pickup) and so travels in style! He continues to pursue his sport at FLCC where he majors in police science. The team has 10 students and won the region in 2025. He is looking forward to competing at the Grand American World tourney coming up in Sparta, Illinois. Best of luck Andrew!

 

The Ace of Hearts was $94 tonight. Frank had ticket #0121 and drew the King of Diamonds. The pot grows!

Happy Bills went to Andrew's great talent and his program, Charlie and Grady home from college, Charlie and Skip healing from medical stays, the FL Chorale concert in Canandaigua, Jack's upcoming trip to a Rotary golf fellowship in W-S, NC. Good Luck, Jack!

 

Jack's Rotary Moment were photos from the District Conference: 14 Naples Rotarian and Rose, some of the speakers and "The End" photo of Jack's slip on a muddy golf course slope! A great time was had by all! Liz Yee gave an overview of the 2027 conference in Rochester planned by incoming District Governor Lisa Norwood and team. 

 

We ended the meeting with the Four Way Test and Jack rang the bell!