Another beautiful Winter day, glistening with sunshine, graced our Valley on this Martin Luther King Holiday. I think it would be safe to say that “Our Greeter” came as a “pair” this evening, as we were delighted to have Tom, and his newest fur baby, Zoey spend a few moments with us at the beginning of tonight’s Gathering. Zoey was introduced by Tom as “Milo’s Little Sister”, and a cutie she is for sure!

The Meeting convened with President John bidding us “Good Evening”, and asking us to rise for The Pledge. Rose gave The Invocation, and she talked of how life is filled with peaks and valleys. It is easy to feel “on top of the world” during the peaks, but it is during those times spent in the valleys that we are able to seek truth and meaning in our lives. After being introduced to Zoey, we welcomed tonight’s additional guests, Wanda, (our presenter), Jill, (friend of Karen), Sharon, Charlie and Raul. Along with 26 Members, (Blanche and Nancy were on Zoom), many tables were filled this evening at The Redwood! After we sang the Star-Spangled Banner, with Jack in the lead, we learned a bit of history regarding our National Anthem. The original song was called “The Defense of Fort McHenry! Club Calendar-wise, John reminded us of the two ClubRunner Webinars on January 19th and 24th led by Leslie Vecchiotti.

Tonight’s Program was entitled “Relief Corp”, and our printer was Wanda Martinez Johncox, a member of the Canandaigua Rotary Club. Wanda, who is originally from Puerto Rico, met one of our members, Carrie through RYLA. Though Wanda has only been in Rotary a short time, she has made a difference in the lives of others through her service and commitment. The author, Matthew Kelly, in his book entitled Holy Moments, describes these moments as being spiritually-driven, having clarity, and containing pure, unmitigated joy. These Holy Moments give life purpose and meaning, and in creating them one derives a sense of joy in performing acts of kindness, and this is just what Wanda does through her involvement with Relief Corp. here is her story…

Wanda, who is originally from Puerto Rice, has been a Member of the Canandaigua Rotary Club for only a short time, but her sense of service above self is fully developed. She told us that Relief Corp (RC) is focused upon providing relief for others during crisis situations. The RC has helped people during such disasters as Hurricane Maria in 2017, in Puerto Rico, ad Hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas. Help was provided during an earthquake in Puerto Rio also. The work of RC happens at the International Level too, as they have worked with churches in Guatemala in helping with groceries. RC was on hand to help during the Kentucky Flood during the Summer of 2022. Wanda told us that every time they help during a disaster, they connect with a Rotary Club. The ext two rejects that the RC is becoming involved with are in Puerto Rico and very locally in Rochester. The “Solar For Puerto Rico” seeks patients who are ill, and will try to provide them with dialysis or respirators. The “Pace Village” in Rochester is the creation and placing of tiny homes to serve as shelters for the homeless in the area. Wanda told us how warm clothing is a great need for these folks during the cold Winter months. She, herself, had once been homeless, thus, she feels especially committed to these people. She is learning about Grants from Karen Pankhurst, who has been a great help. The Relief Corps consists of about 20 members, who hail from area Rotary Clubs. Wanda, thank you for your dedication and service to others, and for all the Relief Corp has done!

The Ace of Hearts was at $57 tonight. Karen’s Ticket, #3971 was picked, and Karen drew the Nine of Diamonds.

January is Vocational Service Month, and John for “One More Thing” shared the Declaration of Rotarians In Business with us. Charlie gave each of us a copy of the Rotary Objectives, reminding us of what our Rotary goals should be. John summed those up perfectly with the words, “They profit most who serve best!”

Wanda’s Program and her dedication to others were the main reasons for our Happy Bills this evening. Other great reasons were the Bills’ win yesterday, and the Grove Boys’ sports achievements. We were glad to have Sue back also!

Marty gave us an update on Anna-Lisa Chapman. While she is receiving chemotherapy, Colleen Betrus will fill in as Moderator of the Interact Club. Carter’s parents, Candy and Gene, are here with the family to help. We send our heartfelt prayers to Annalisa in the hopes that she will make a full recovery!

Jack shared a humorous Rotary Moment about Nancy! Evidently, Nancy is taking steroids, and Jack presumed that would ban her from sports, but Nancy said that she’d also have to give up pole dancing!!

As the Meeting drew to a close. We recited the Four-Way Test. John quoted a saying from Ralph Waldo Emerson that paralleled with the mindset that Wanda possesses. It was about one being happiest when he is serving others.

Bill Cooper and Kit Corti have moved to be closer to their daughter. For those wishing to drop them a line or two, here is their address.

330 Amity Road

Woodbridge, Connecticut

06525

Have a great week, everyone! See you next time!