The abundance of sunshine, vivid autumnal colors, and a handsome group of enthusiastic helpful Rotarians all combined to make a very successful weekend, when this year saw the return of our Annual Grape Fest. Folks seemed glad to have the annual tradition return, and the spectacular weather last weekend was a bonus! (As you will see later, this was one of the main reasons for so many Happy Bills to come forth! 😊)

President Bruce welcomed us all to this Evening Meeting, the last for the month. Where has September gone? Though the days are getting shorter, the grandeur of color is beginning to seep forth here and there, and the beauty of The Lord’s Paintbrush is becoming evident. (Can you tell that Your Editor likes Fall?) Fellow Member, John French, gave tonight’s Invocation, asking The Lord to help us to continue to serve others with passion and purpose. Brenda’s beautiful voice led us in song as we joined her in singing “My Country Tis of Thee”. Brenda noted that in 1931, the song of choice would have been The Star-Spangled Banner, but tonight, it would be the former. (Perhaps a bit easier to sing!) Guests whom we welcomed were the Program Presenter Evan Bay, Sharon, Ray, soon-to-become Member Kristin, and her sweet baby son Caleb. Upon entering The Redwood, we were greeted by Judy’s warm smile! Along with our five guests, thirty Members joined in the Meeting.

Next on this evening’s agenda was the Induction of Naples Rotary’s Newest Member, Kristin Hanggi. Kristin, who is in her fifth year of teaching Animal Science at Mount Morris BOCES, comes to us with a desire to connect, form relationships, and help our community. She is also Mom to three young children, and her commitment to her students already proves that she is a caring person, who is ready to serve. Our Induction Committee welcomed her warmly this evening, and we look forward to having her join us every other week at our Evening Meetings.

Before the Program began this evening, there were several updates and announcements. As a result of Pres. Bruce’s recent survey, there remains a portion of the Membership that wishes to continue to “meet” on-line. They will be able to connect via Face Book Enhanced, and they will be able to share their thoughts and comments with the group via comments to the live video feed1.

Speaking of connections, Tom has communicated with Past President Matt, whom we dearly miss and think about often. Having sent Matt a text, he learned that Clarence has indeed offered challenges, not normally encountered in civilized Naples! They talked about Rotary, of course, and Matt is doing well, though he misses us also!

Liz talked a bit about the Barn Quilts. If any of you have driven by Joseph’s, no doubt you’ve noticed that beautiful array of colorful Barn Quilts mounted on the side building! Leah has brought down four or five of them for display and sale. “They are going!” noted Liz. “If you know of anyone who makes these, send them in!” She added. They will be displayed on the wall until November 7^th.

Laurie visited Honorary Member, Bill Cooper and wife Kit over the weekend when she brought them food. Bill was very grateful to have had the company, Laurie told us, and he hopes to come to a Meeting and enjoy good food and fellowship soon.

John F. noted that there will be a District 7120 Membership Seminar this coming Saturday, October 2^nd in Pittsford available In-Person, or via Zoom. The Seminar starts at 9:00 AM. The World Polio Day Celebration will be in Syracuse on October 29^th. Be sure to check your E-Mail for further details! Randall-Standish Vineyard is having a Fifty-Year Celebration on Saturday from 10-5. Proceeds will go to the John H. Brahm Scholarship Fund. Jack noted that the Overlook Area was “packed” this weekend.

Skip took the podium next, and expressed his thanks to his family, all the Rotarians, and those who helped at the Grape Fest this past weekend. Sincere thanks went to Donna, JoAnne, and most especially Mike, for all they did to help make the Festival a success. Skip held up a photo of Arbor Hill, which was in the Canandaigua Messenger, making sure that John F. wouldn’t forget at fine time. Face Book Updates showed that Jo, Jodi, and John M. were with us.

This evening, we had the pleasure of hearing from former NCS Student, Evan Bay, who is the Project Manager at Fusion Energy. His topic was centered on Solar Energy, and we learned much about an eco-friendly system, which is becoming popular in many areas,  including Naples. While traveling about, you may have seen panels mounted on roofs, barns, and open fields. These are the solar panels which collect the sun’s rays and converts them to electric energy.

Evan told us that there were three types: 1) The Off-Grid Solar System, which is the least common, 2) The Battery-Storage System, which is more common, and 3) The Utility Interactive System, which is the most common. The systems work well in this area, and aspects to consider are open land space, with very little tree shading, and a south-facing area for best results. If one is interested in acquiring a Solar System, there is a procedure to follow, of course, and one must consider what size array to use on his property. The total price is high, and typically customers take out a short-term loan, with moderate monthly payments. Evan added that the environmental impact of using a Solar System is very beneficial. It reduces carbon emissions, and it’s “good for the planet”. Upon seeing pictures of surrounding areas that employ a Solar System, we recognized the solar panels on Naples Creek Apartments, owned and operated by Steve Richards! The panels typically have a 25-year warranty and then they are recycled and repurposed. The utmost care should be taken to make sure the rooftops are structurally sound before installation. John F. said that there were 72 solar panels on the building at Brew and Brats! As Evan neared the conclusion of his Program, Jack asked him what he remembered learning in Mrs. Fredericks’ Fifth Grade Class. Evan’s immediate answer was “Public Speaking!” It was obvious tonight, that he learned that skill well!

There were three main reasons that we mutually agreed upon in giving our Happy Bills tonight…1) We were glad the Grape Fest went so well. 2) We enjoyed Evan’s informative Program. 3) We are delighted to add Kristin as a New Member! Here are some more reasons for Happiness and/or Fines. Marty and Jill have a new pup. Steve liked Karen’s dress. Billy loves Carrie. Brenda had been on vacation in New England. Nancy was glad to be back after some missed Meetings. Holly loved helping at the Grape Fest. It was Jack’s and Sharon’s son, Jonathan’s Birthday. John paid for the picture of AH in the paper. Milo ate at Tom’s seatbelts! Karen was happy to be here tonight. Bruce and Betty are glad to be back. Pres. Bruce echoed his sentiments for all the above major reasons, and he added a thought which we all may have had. He appreciates the fellowship that we share, and he gave high praises to Mike for having run the sound at the Grape Fest, and for lining up so many great musicians at a reasonable cost.

The Fifty-Fifty was over $100 tonight! Evan drew Ticket # 1607, and it belonged to Carrie, who then pulled the Ace of Hearts from the deck! Congrats to Carrie!!

The Win-Win was provided by Jack, who asked if anyone knew a specific vendor on the school side at the GF. Sorry I didn’t get the name, but evidently the fellow was a Member of the Rochester Rotary Club, and he is Chairman of the Events Committee.

The Rotary moment couldn’t have been more perfect at tonight’s Meeting, and it was provided by Blanche. She said she was proud to be a Member of Naples Rotary and the Naples Historical Society. She particularly expressed gratitude for the yeoman’s work of Mike Joseph, and our sentiments probably aligned with hers when she said it seemed so good to see Nancy back up on the porch of the Town Hall! It was a memorable weekend indeed, and Tom’s video of the highlights from the Festival sealed that memory for sure! Next Monday’s Meeting will be at noon, and the Program will be “Building a Hurdy-Gurdy” with Craig Hohm. Hope to see many of you then, meanwhile, enjoy your week, everyone!