President Bruce was back tonight, as he welcomed us to the first Evening Meeting of May. The emerging beauty of Spring in the Naples Valley is all about us, encouraging us as we look upon the busy days ahead!

We stood for The Pledge, being led by Pres. Bruce, who was feeling much better this week. Jack led us in singing a very fitting song for this time of year, "America, The Beautiful". For The Invocation, Cindy prayed for peace...especially for our neighbors in Ukraine. She concluded her fervent prayer, as she shared a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson that celebrates the coming of Spring. There were 25 members in attendance this evening along with two guests that included Judy Manser and Joanna Meyer, who was the Program Presenter. It was so nice to have Bruce R. and Betty back with us, after their Winter stay in Florida! Our Greeter this evening was Holly, Marty gave the Rotary Moment, and The Program was about Camp O.

There were several updates and announcements to share with the Membership before tonight's Program began. First of all, we recognized the Birthdays and Anniversaries that the Month of May brings. We honored these Fine Folks with a Congratulatory Song, once again, led by Jack. Following that hearty round of well wishes was the Introduction of Guests.

Tom came to the podium to speak next. He had a couple of important announcements. First, some new events are going to be added to the Naples Grape Fest 2022, such as Fireworks, a Street Dance, a Parade, a Winemaker's Competition, and a Chili Cook-Off Competition. We are prompted to donate just $2.00, (or more), to help make this happen! A special Venmo Account has been set up to accept donations, and of course, checks will work also. As Tom pointed out, "It's 2 for 22!"

Secondly, tickets for the Gala Event ("Boots and Blue Jeans"), which will be Thursday, September 22 from 6-11 PM have begun to sell. The cost is $600 for a table of 8, ($75/person) until July 31st. The Regular Price will be $680 for a table of 8, ($85/person) from August 1st -September 22nd. There is an order form to complete if you are interested. Payment must accompany one's ticket order, and they will be sent to you in the mail. Tom urged us to consider coming to this brand-new event which aligns with the Grape Fest 2022 in a unique and special way!

There will also be artwork by Darryl Abraham featured at the Silent Auction, in conjunction with the NGF. For more information, visit the website.

Marty was next to speak. The Great Grape Derby is nearly here! The Race starts at Mark Circle, and the "Grapes" go in the water at 1:00 sharp! More tickets need to be sold, however! Karen and Laurie have kindly offered to help at the 50/50 beforehand, which will start at noon. This "Race Down Naples Creek" will garner some handsome cash prizes for the Winner and 5 others who reach the finish line first! Let's hope for a nice day!!

Rose announced that there is a Sign-Up Sheet available to volunteer to sell Pinwheels for the Walk of Life. These Pinwheels can be displayed at your home to honor friends and family who have dealt with the many faces of cancer. Sign up, if you can, to help! It is much appreciated!

Jack strode to the mic to talk about the Harris Cup, a new venture this year for Naples Rotary. The Multi Club Event will be held at Reservoir Creek on May 20th, and it begins at 10:00. Jack has prompted us to "reach out" in order to have more interested individuals sign up to participate. The Deadline for signing up has been moved to next Monday, May 16th. John will put a post on the Face Book Page for the District 7120. "We're hoping to get about 30 players!" Jack said. "We can still do it!"

John concluded the updates by noting that there will be a couple of Board Seats available with the New Rotary Year approaching. A Vice President will be needed also. There will be more information available next week.

Micah introduced tonight's speaker, Joanna Meyer, who is a longtime supporter of Camp O., and a Staff Member as well. She works in the Palmyra-Macedon Area as a Pediatric Physical Therapist, thus, she brings her caring and compassionate skills with her, as she works with the children who partake of this unique "Camp Experience". "It is a true outdoor living experience for kids with disabilities," Joanna began, as she proceeded to tell us about Camp Onseyawa, or "Camp O. as it is known. Its name is comprised of the four-county area, of which it is a part. Its mission is to provide a true camping experience for kids with a range of disabilities from the ages of 8-16. The disabilities in the children who participate can be physical or cognitive, or social-emotional, depending on their needs, but the camping experience can be beneficial in so many ways for the children's overall growth and development. "Living at camp is like a family!" exclaimed Joanna. "When the children are at school, they are on the same time frame as their peers, but when they are at Camp O., they are on their own time frame!" This idea truly explains how the Staff at Camp O. is geared to reaching the individuality of each camper! The end of the Camp Experience each year culminates in the Rotary Carnival, and many return for this special event! There are a wide variety of activities that are sure to please each of the campers, and this opportunity is afforded the children during the last two full weeks in August. The lasting benefits, of course, are the friendships and the memories that are made amongst the campers and counselors. Joanna shared a poignant story of how a little girl with autism spoke, saying, "Look! A rainbow!" And the rainbow is a promise, isn't it? Funding for Camp O. comes from the Annual Golf Tournament, of course, but the Annual Dinner, private funding, and private donations all serve to help with expenses, as well. Joanna said that they are always looking for new staff. Lifeguards, counselors, and nurses are always needed. Joanna even related how she got her husband "on board" going to "Camp" to help! Their son made strong friendships too, overlooking any "obstacles", as children, in their perfect way, will do. Our own Bruce R. and Sherry will be helping Frank out at the Golf Tourney with those "special shots" at the "appointed times"! Bruce R. and Betty have helped at Camp O. for many Summers, and Bruce summed up the experience with these memorable words. "You'll always get more out of it than what you'll put in!" Many thanks to Joanna for an excellent presentation! Hopefully, many of us will be able to help out this Summer! "It's an experience like no other!"

Many Members were so pleased with the Program and its content, that many Happy Bills came forth! Bruce and Betty each had a new Grandbaby join their families, as did Karen! 

The "Kitty" was set at $25 tonight. Judy pulled Ticket # 823536, which was that of Karen, who drew the Nine of Clubs!

Tonight's Rotary Moment was provided by Marty. When Bill Grove put in their septic, (Marty's and Jill's), connections as engineers were made, and of course, they talked about Rotary! They came to a Meeting, and now Marty and Jill are very glad to be a part of Naples New York Rotary! 

Hope that everyone's week is going well, and that you've all had a chance to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine! Here's hoping that the Great Grape Derby goes well on Saturday also! See you on the 16th for our Noon Meeting at The Redwood!