Can it be that it's August already? When this last month of Summer rolls around, we begin to wonder where the "endless" Summer went, yet this month ushers in a busy time for us at Naples NY Rotary! Today, "Your Reporter" was on Zoom, while traveling, so I hope you'll forgive me if I have omitted some details in this week's missive!

It appeared that today's Meeting was led by both President Liz and Immediate Past President John, as we were prompted to rise for The Pledge. The Patriotic Song chosen for us to sing was The Star-Spangled Banner, which was led by Jack. I'm not sure who the Greeter was this noon, but I do appreciate Rose for keeping today's attendance! From my vantage point, it seemed like there was an ample group of Members at today's Meeting, and I believe that that were two Guests present, who were Kathleen and Sharon. Linsey Rousseau, our Guest Speaker, joined us for a video presentation. Jack would have a Rotary Moment for us later on, at the close of the Meeting.

Pres. Liz reminded us that our August "Rotary Lite" will be this Wednesday, August 9th, at Engine 14 from 6-8 PM. This month our Rotary Lite Gathering will take on the form of a "Meet and Greet" Gathering! The M and G "Committee" has worked hard, under Sherry's guidance, to prepare for this Special Meeting. Several Trifolds have been assembled which, pictorially, convey all that the Naples NY Rotary does for Our Community, Our Nation, and Our World. Along with these colorful displays are included prompts and reasons for joining Rotary! In other words, we want to let others know what Naples Rotary is, and we are hoping to bring on some (possible) New Members, as well! There was a Sign-Up Sheet being passed around for people to bring snacks, and Engine 14 will have a Cash Bar available. Greg and Kate have graciously arranged for us to have the "Engine Room" for our Gathering. Hopefully, we will have a nice turnout!

Micah spoke next, giving us a follow-up on Camp O. This Sunday, August 13th, will be the Set-Up. Some Members have agreed to help with that project. Micah noted that the travel arrangements can be coordinated. Volunteers are also needed to help at the Carnival, which is a little later on.

All you golfers, get in the "swing"! The Annual District Golf Tournament is set for September 8th in Lima! We have a number of golfers in the club to make up a few teams, so dust off your clubs and sign up! See Jack or John for more details!

Rose gave an update on the BVT. She encouraged us to please help, monetarily, in any way possible. The roof on the building needs to be repaired, for example. Buying Theater Tickets would help, of course, but even $25 from each of us would make a difference. Please consider helping to keep the BVT a vibrant part of the Naples Community.

Being that today was the First Meeting of the Month, all the August Birthdays and Anniversaries were observed. Jack led everyone in singing a heartfelt round of "Congratulations" to those being honored.

The Club Calendar Events can be found on Club Runner, and typically, the Main Events appear on the sidebar of The Grapevine. Liz said that some slots still need filling, so put on your thinking caps for possible ideas!

Liz introduced today's Guest Speaker, Linsey Rousseau, whose Presentation was called "Voice Over Actress". As puzzling as this topic sounded at first, we would soon learn (from Linsey's talk) what it meant! Linsey is someone who has an "extensive biography", Liz told us, as she has served in the US Army (Iraq), has been an actress in many film genres, has earned a Degree in Journalism, and has sabre skills, as well! After Liz had shown a short video, we "tuned in" to Linsey's video presentation, and her story began to unfold...

Linsey grew up in a "non-traditional" family, and with both her parents having been Park Rangers, she experienced many moves during her childhood. The woods and forests were her home, she told us, thus, she developed a profound respect for nature and the environment. Her parents encouraged her with these words: "Anyone can do any kind of work!" It was this motto that gave Linsey the impetus to try many things, and her rich career is indicative of this!

During her high school years, she became interested in music and theater. Having earned a degree in Sociology, she learned of many cultures throughout the world, and she became a part of many Human Rights Organizations. Later, when she joined the Military, she approached this phase of her career with the attitude, "I can do this! "Her wide range of experiences while serving included photography, and she did both internal and external coverage. She would even send videos to families to help them keep "in touch" with their loved ones serving overseas.

After the Military Segment of her illustrious career, Linsey attended Grad School for Journalism. She loved doing Investigative Reporting, and she found this part of her career to be an "incredibly valuable experience". Her Thesis for her Masters' Program centered on the topic, Dealing With Mental Health Issues, (PTSD). Surely, Linsey's Military Role had enabled her to research this topic with expertise!

Yet again, Linsey's Career Journey took another avenue, as she turned to the Theater! She worked as a Certified Teacher by day, and dabbled in Theater at night, and she loved it! She found this to be a "healthier choice", and coupled with her efforts in helping Disabled Vets, this combination gave her a "wonderful feeling"! Helping others, caring for the environment, (Park Clean-Up), and being involved in Labor Issues, have given her purpose! She is now stationed out in California, but looking back at the three career changes that she has made in her life, she would have to agree that family and the people surrounding one's life are what is important. Linsey's final remark could certainly resonate with us: "When you see an opportunity, jump on it!"

In the Question-and-Answer part that followed, we learned that "Voice Over Actress" involved character voices, telephone prompts, and dubbing, all of which Linsey has done!

I believe the Kitty for the Ace of Hearts was up to $125 today. The Ticket that was drawn was #6778, but I'm sorry, I was unable to hear whose Ticket it was. The King of Spades was pulled from the pack.

One could say that Jack's Rotary Moment today was all about "Connections". Jack had recently been to a Make-Up Meeting at the Rochester Rotary AM. He said that it was a great Meeting, and very informal! He had had the opportunity to hear DG Julie Carney speak about the various projects that are being done. He was glad to have had the opportunity to be inspired by Julie's words, as Naples Rotarians were a few weeks ago!

Liz gave us an update on Clyde. He is doing better! Yesterday had been a good day, and he and Liz had taken a little road trip to Keuka Lake. They had enjoyed a meal at Esperanza and had even indulged in some Girl Scout cookies!! We're happy to hear that Clyde is coming along! Speaking of "coming along", Cindy is improving steadily too!

A couple more little notes...Jack mentioned that the Mulligan Disc Golf Tournament had been a great success! Liz was pleased to have joined a challenge to fight cancer. "Come Wednesday night!" She urged us.

Before our Meeting concluded with the Four-Way Test being recited by all, Liz left us with another inspiring quote from Julie. "This is our year to make our dreams a reality!"