We welcomed 22 Naples Rotarians this evening with 6 guests joining us. Frank greeted us and he brought along his best gal, Kathleen. Other guests were our exchange students, Anna and Uryu, and our speakers from Naples Library - Mora Mundt, Allyson Makepeace and Jessica Winum.

 

President Jack convened the gathering at 6:05pm with the Pledge. He introduced us to the second verse of the Star Spangled Banner for our song. It was something new to us all! David wanted to give us an inspiration from Norway but it was elusive on his phone. The theme was Life, Love and Liberty. Hopefully he can share it next week.

 

Announcements: The Trout Derby is 8 days away! Volunteers are still needed at the firehall for set-up Monday evening and for Derby Day on April 1st. See Laurie to sign up. * Rotary Wellness Day is 3/30. Get in touch with Liz Yee for info. * Rotary 201 about Water and Sanitation is Thursday 3/28 on Zoom. Info at Rotary7120.org. * District Learning Assembly at Midlakes HS is April 5, 7:40 - 12:30. * Hospeace House major fundraiser is Monte Carlo Night on May 17th at the Maxfield Hose Memorial Hall. It's great fun! Tickets are $50 for $500 in chips. Chips can then be used to bid on fabulous raffle baskets! Our Club is sponsoring a table. Sue received our donation check from Jack tonight. 

 

Our speakers tonight included Naples Library Director, Jessica Winum. She worked at Naples in the past and is very happy to be back. She thanked us for the opportunity to share the plans for a Community Garden and turned the mic over to Ally and Mora. 

Ally introduced us to the Community Garden Project which will be starting this week with the construction of garden boxes. The project fits with the Library's Core Values, Mission and Vision. Their strategic plan will increase community partnerships, adult learning opportunities, social time for seniors and reach out to underserved populations in Naples. It aims to assist those dealing with poverty and disability.  Mora described the many facets of the plan. The community garden will include planting vegetables in front and in back of the library. A harvest share stand will help reduce food waste and provide easy access to fresh food right in front of the Main St. entrance. In addition, a bulletin space is planned on the stand. A farmer's market with 26 vending spaces will be located across the street on Tuesdays from 4-7 pm, June - October. This coincides with the Tunes in Town at Perriello Park which returns Tuesday evenings this summer. The last part of the project is beautification of the alleyway between the Library and Suttons. A mural, benches, plantings and a safer walkway will be welcomed additions. Many collaborations have helped this project come together - local businesses, community organizations, local government, farmers and other individuals and hopefully you will get involved too!

As the project proceeds, follow the Library website and Facebook pages for more exciting information!

 

The Ace of Hearts was up to $236 tonight. Laurie had ticket #5073. She chose the nine of hearts.

Happy Bills were given for the outstanding program and the hours of work and energy put in by the young leaders at the library! The Dusericks were thanked for their inspiration of the project. David appreciates the space, opportunity and materials the library provides for knitting classes on Saturday mornings. Happy Birthday greetings tonight to President Jack who with Sharon enjoyed time last week with their teenaged grandchildren. The Smiths are happy for Uryu to be enjoying the tennis team.

Rotary Moments: Jack had birthday greetings from their German exchange student. Nancy mentioned the new Rotary magazine, page 56, for the Code of Conduct.

 

We ended the evening with the Four Way Test and Jack rang the bell to adjourn at 6:57 pm. See you next Monday!