The sun was shining on us this hot May day while we gathered at the Redwood. Frank greeted 23 Rotarians, our guest speaker and his canine companion!

 

John filled in for President Jack today. He led the Pledge and followed with God Bless America. John's words of inspiration were short and sweet: Failure we can do alone, Success always takes help!

 

Frank introduced Bill Martin, Director of Ontario County Humane Society / Happy Tails Animal Shelter. Bill brought his best three legged pal, Chip, with him.

 

Announcements: The Great Grape Derby will now be held on Saturday 5/31/25 at 1 pm.  The rains raised the water level in Naples Creek to a dangerous level last week. We still have over 100 tickets to sell. * Rotary Lite will be Wednesday, 5/14/25 at Engine 14 at 6pm.* 

Next Monday, Joan Luther will talk BVT and we will honor NCS Seniors in Interact at lunch. * There is no meeting on 5/26 but volunteers are needed to walk in the Memorial Day Parade. * Monte Carlo Night for Hospeace House is Saturday, 5/17/25, 6-10 pm. Tickets are available from Jo or Sue and online. * Naples Historical Society Plant Give and Take is also on Saturday 5/17 from 9am -1pm at Cleveland House Museum. * Looking ahead - the Gavel Dinner will be 6/23/25 at Brew and Brats. * May is Rotary Youth Service Month and Mental Health Month. See the District Grapevine for more info.

 

Bill Martin is the Director of Ontario County Humane Society, for the last 6 years. He is also the Director of Happy Tails Animal Shelter, an animal control officer (ACO) and a part time Ontario Co. Sheriff. Chip is a 6 year old animal cruelty rescue and has been with Bill for 5.5 years, visiting schools, community groups, fairs and other events. The office and shelter are located across from the County jail in Canandaigua. Most days they can house 40 dogs and 20 cats. About one third of animals come from cruelty situations, some others are reclaimed by their owners. The services follow NYS Agriculture and Markets Laws related to dog control. This includes licensing, rabies vaccination, and complaints about dangerous dogs. Three ACOs in the county are responsible for seizing stray and dangerous dogs, providing humane veterinary care and enforcement of dog laws. There are also a bookkeeper, and 5 part-time shelter workers. Volunteers are essential to keeping the shelter going. There is a board of directors and the society contracts with the county to provide control services and investigations of cruelty. Recently they have added a vet tech who can do shots and wellness checks. Rabies vaccination must be up to date before animals are adopted. There is also a traveling veterinarian who performs spay/neutering. Happy Tails is a no-kill shelter, unless there is disease or aggression. Many of the cases involve dogs in cars or strays. A huge percent of animals do not have licenses. Cruelty cases often need follow up in court cases. Dogs are considered property so custody must be given to the shelter for seizure to happen. Adoption requirements are filling an application, having a vet, owning rather than renting and a fit between the dog and the housing situation. A benefit for OCHS will be held at Brew & Brats on July 17th.

 

The Ace of Hearts is up to $406.50! Ticket #5584 belonged to Jo Anne but she drew the 9 of spades. Only 6 cards left for next week - good luck!

Many Happy Bills were given for the informative program, Mother's Day, a new location for the Open Cupboard, Prom fun and pics, great weather, Patrice reading to cats at Happy Tails, the need for pet adoption, a grandson's birthday, the Senior Tennis Team celebration and a cheeseburger for tennis star Uryu!

David's Rotary Moment was when he spied a sign with Uryu's name in his neighborhood, spoke to his current Mom, happy that he knows Uryu from being a Naples Rotarian!

 

John wrapped up the gathering with the 4-way test and rang the bell softly with his pen. Have a great week!