Tonight was President Tom’s first meeting of the new Rotary year, and it was “kicked off” with a nice turnout of 30 members, five guests, plus this evening’s speaker, Karin Bowersock. The beautiful, balmy Summer evening encircled us, as we gathered in the open, airy back dining room of The Redwood.
President Tom began the meeting, as we rose to join him in saying The Pledge. Being that it was so close to the Fourth of July, John F. chose the perfect song for us to sing tonight…God Bless America. Reverend Robin, in her Blessing, gave thanks to The Lord for the Good Gifts He has given us…the beauty all around us, the willingness to serve others, the nourishment of the fine food, and the fellowship that we share in this wonderful club!
We welcomed guests Kathleen, Katie, (honorary Rotarian), Patty, Betty, Chris, and Karin. It’s always a pleasure to have friends and family join us at one of our meetings!

Upon getting into the heart of the meeting, President Tom thanked Immediate Past President Jack for a year of fine leadership and inspiration this past (Rotary) year. We were treated to some enjoyable slides, as well, courtesy of Tom’s daughter, Chelsea.

Bristol Valley Theater

As mentioned earlier, the program presenter this evening was Karin Bowersock, Artistic Director at Bristol Valley Theater. Just mention “BVT” to anyone who has had the good fortune to attend a performance there, and visions of grandeur and delight come to mind! This “once-upon-a-time church on the corner” is now a center of cultural delight for the Naples community and environs.

Each Summer Season, there is an exciting repertoire of programs and events at BVT to suit everyone’s taste, and Karin was here this evening to tell us about them. BVT is the only live theater within a 50 mile radius of our area, and its actors come from all over. With its mission being to produce a variety of live theater and concert events, BVT also attracts many visitors to the area, thus augmenting tourism in the Naples community, also!

Two performances, So Happy Together, and Becoming Dr. Ruth, (featuring Karin, herself), have been shown thus far. Murder For Two is upcoming, and the three shows that will round out the Summer Season are Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily, The Roommate, and The King’s Legacy. Karin briefly described each show, and each promises to be enjoyable and entertaining! In fact, three area libraries, Naples, Wayland, and Canandaigua, are collaborating in conjunction with The King’s Legacy.

Karin also told about the New Works Initiative, which began about 4-5 years ago. This program involves and encourages up and coming playwrights. The Children’s Apprentice Program also encourages youngsters who have a propensity for acting as well. Karin thanked us for our contribution(s) and help in solving last year’s “bat problem”. In conclusion, she announced that on September 7^th, there will be a Chili Cook Off and Beer Tasting Event at BVT to thank all of their patrons! Sounds yummy!! Thank you, Karin!

“Rotary Connects” is the new motto for Rotary International this year, and Tom is right in step with this theme! He talked about the new website, naplesrotary.org, which Mike has worked on. We can reach this new website on both our phones and computers, and this will increase the communication within our club. Also, the ClubRunner application is an excellent way to keep informed about members and events both within our club, and at the District level. The listing of programs, (and events), all the way through December, can be found on the ClubRunner site. It will be very convenient for all us!

Here are some more items to mention. We are gong to two Evening Meetings per month starting in this new Rotary year. The next Evening Meeting will be July 22^nd. Hopefully, having the meeting schedule set up this way, it will allow more members to attend. We congratulated Jack (Sharon) and Joan (Jim) on their July anniversaries, and Alex and Tina on their July birthdays. The Dessert List for the Desserts and Songwriters Event (for the Walk of Life) on July 11^th was passed around. Get your baking skills going!! Sherry also spoke about the WOL Silent Auction on July 23^rd. Items for gift baskets can be donated, or a monetary donation is appreciated too. Don’t forget! Dues are due!

Here are the combined Fines and Happy Bills. We welcome Nancy as our new Sergeant at Arms, and we thank Karen for a job well done! We were all in appreciation of Karin’s presentation, and we are glad to have the cultural advantage of the BVT right here in our neighborhood! We all appreciated having had Jack as our leader last year, and we welcome Tom as our new President. Many members remembered Tim Moore, and all he did for our community. There were a few missed meetings as well.

The Ace of Hearts was up to $203 tonight. Steve J.’s ticket, #0948, was drawn. He picked the Jack of Clubs!

The Win-Win was from Pres. Tom. Where was Matt Frahm? It was a specific place in Cambodia!

The Rotary Moment was from John F. Sherry found an “old” program from Naples Rotary’s 50-Year Celebration. The program had been designed by Nancy! Who was President then? None other than our own Skip, of course! Marty also added to this RM, by telling of how he belongs to a Cycling Fellowship.

Since tonight marked our 80^th Year for the Naples Rotary, Tom added a “sweet touch” to the meeting! He had ordered a delicious cake for all to share in recognition of this memorable moment!