We had our mid-December meeting this noon with nineteen Naples Rotarians and our Youth Exchange Student Hikaru Karasawa from Japan. Our speaker today was Lindsay McMillan from Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT).

 

Jack brought the gathering to order at 12:05pm with the Pledge and our National Anthem. The inspiration was a quote from Lady Bird Johnson: "the environment is where we all meet; where we all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing we all share." Lindsay had this quote on the FLLT website. Lady Bird, as First Lady, was known for the Highway Beautification Act, which enhanced US highways by limiting billboards and planting flowers in roadside areas.

 

Announcements: Thanks to Judy and Skip for organizing our wonderful and delicious Holiday Dinner!

Thanks to Cindy and the Light Up Naples committee for a very successful event. Thanks to Rotarians who "rang the bells" to many compliments. * This coming Saturday is Operation Santa. Volunteer drivers were asked to meet after the meeting for route assignments.

* December is Rotary Disease Prevention and Treatment Month. Rotary encourages us to do what's needed to stay healthy this year!

 

Lindsay is the Hemlock to High Tor Project Director for FLLT. She formerly served the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association. She joined FLLT in 2025. Her project area includes from Hemlock and Canadice Lakes east to Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. FLLT works to establish nature preserves, manage long-term projects and hold easements on private properties for future conservation in the Finger Lakes Regions, "to conserve forever lands and waters". Currently, 35000 acres are conserved and open to explore for 365 days a year! The website is a great resource for it all: www.fllt.

The recent acquisition of 120 acres off Route 21 south of Naples is important to the preservation of fish habitat along Eelpot Creek and Naples Creek. Check out the FLLT YouTube video from August 26, 2025!

 

The Ace of Hearts ticket was Kevin's. He drew the King of Clubs. Many Happy Bills went to Lindsay's excellent presentation and to our Light Up Naples event!

 

Jack reminded everyone of next week's program from Parker Smith on his Exchange time in Sweden. There will not be a meeting on December 29th.

 

Jack's Rotary Moment was seeing a 100 Year Rotary Timeline displayed at Five Star Bank in the office formerly used by Vicki Martin, a long time Rotarian who passed last December. It is titled: Rotary's Century of Civic Service.

 

[Thanks to Sharon for taking notes and attendance in my absence at Monday's meeting. And heartfelt thanks to the fantastic Light Up Naples Committee 2025! 

Cindy]