Greetings to one and all! This week's missive will be a "Two for The Price of One" Report, as I will try to do a short synopsis of last week's Evening Gathering for starters! 

As you know, the Naples NY Rotary Club has plunged into the process of Strategic Planning in order to improve upon, and maximize the health, well-being, and overall productivity of our club. 

Last week, there were 23 Members, along with guests, Wayne, Raul, and Sharon, and special guests, PDG Bill Gormont and DG Ralph Brandt, who met for the Evening Gathering. After being welcomed by Pres. John, and invited to recite The Pledge, Rose blessed us with a special version of the Lord's Prayer. John led us in singing "God Bless America".

"Where are you today?" Let's begin!" These remarks were the prompts that motivated us to partake in the Program, this evening, led by PDG Bill, and DG Ralph. Pres. John had sent out a Club Health Check to the Membership in order to gain a better perspective of where our club stands in various categories. The five categories were 1. Business and Operations, 2. Service and Social, 3. Membership, 4. Club Experience, and 5. Image. Within each of these five categories, a SWOT Analysis was done. (SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.) Based on the feedback gleaned from the Club Health Check, PDG Bill summarized the responses, and he welcomed immediate feedback from the Members who were present at the Meeting. DG Ralph acted as the scribe for the visual benefit of all, including those on Zoom.

A team of inspired Members were to meet on Saturday, October 15th, to analyze the data, and to address the following questions: Where are we today? Where do we want to go? How do we plan to get there? The group will have put together an Action Plan, based on all five categories. "You don't have to be broken to be fixed!" PDG Bill noted. In his customary motivational manner, he added "(The Strategic Planning) is your GPS to make your club extraordinary!" "You have a collection of energy, you make adjustments, and you progress!"

Pres. John concluded this evening's Gathering with another worthy quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson. "Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood!"

Here is "Part 2" of this week's "Double Feature"! The Noon Gathering of 10-17-22 was led by PE Liz, who was standing in today for President John. After being greeted warmly by Cindy, as we came in, Liz opened up the Gathering with a friendly "hello", and an invitation to join her in saying The Pledge. PP Bruce gave The Blessing, and he thanked The Lord for our "Rotary Family". He prayed that we would continue to be inspired to serve others, as we invest in what I would call our "stewardship" as Rotarians in our Service Above Self. Jack led us in singing "God Bless America". Along with the 17 members in attendance, we welcomed Guest Speaker, Matt Gallo, along with Sharon and Graycen. This evening's Program was about the Spotted Lanternfly, given by Matt, and the Rotary Moment was given by Jack.

There were a few announcements that preceded tonight's Program. Skip had talked with Jeanne Schenk, and St. Jan's Church is looking to Naples Rotary to help supply some (cooked) turkeys for their Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Three people have volunteered so far, and two more turkeys are needed if you are interested in helping. This is something we have helped with in past years, and St. Jan's has depended on us to "come through".

Micah announced that the Camp O. Dinner on 10-14 went well! There was close to a $3000 gain he told us! He thanked us all for buying tickets.

Here are some upcoming events, albeit some specific dates are not listed. Coming up are a Cornhole Tournament to benefit ROC City, a Haunted Hayride, an Annual Pasta Dinner on 10-22, a Taste Test 2022 on 11-5, a Euchre Tournament, the Thanksgiving Dinner, and a Play. No doubt, more specific information will be forthcoming at future Meetings.

October 24th will be the observance of World Polio Day. We will meet at Brew and Brats for fellowship, and to observe this event. Prior to this, there is a rescheduled Board Meeting at 4:00. We will enjoy a "Potluck", and those who are planning on attending are asked to bring a dish to pass.

Part 1 of today's Program featured our Fellow Member and NCS Superintendent, Kevin Swartz. Kevin gave us an update on the status of things at Naples Central School. "These are much better times!" Kevin noted as he told us what is happening at NCS these days. "Covid is present, but not impacting." Work is being done to align the K-12 Curriculum. Though there is a great deal of autonomy among the teachers, the staff are working hard, and doing a great job in meeting this goal. The Fall Sports Season is off to a good start with accomplishments being made by the students who participate in Soccer, Golf, and Cross-Country. There are JV and Modified Sports Programs as well. Bus Drivers are being sought. There is a 2023 Capital Project in the forecast with the HS Auditorium, the Elementary Classrooms, and the Playground being the focuses. Costs are currently being navigated, as Kevin told us. 

Part 2 of the Program Presentation this noon was entitled "Squishing the Spotted Lanternfly". Matt Gallo, a very well-spoken young man, thoroughly informed us about this invasive pest. Matt is part of a group known as Finger Lakes "PRISM", which stands for Partnership (for) Regional Invasive Species Management. This group, of which Matt is a part, is one of 8 PRISMS in New York State. The Spotted Lanternfly has some very objectionable attributes that renders it a real nuisance! It is not native to our area, it's aggressive, it has no natural predators, it has low nutritional value, and it takes advantage of human disturbance. The SLF is native to China, and it was first detected in Philadelphia in 2014. it feeds on many plant species, therefore in the Finger Lakes Region, it could be a threat to grapes and apples. Matt showed a diagram of the life cycle of the SLF, with the adult stage being the most harmful. He also displayed a map of its population spread in NY and PA. "Complete eradication is impossible", Matt told us, but here are some things that can be done to control its spread. Chemicals and pesticides can be used as well as mechanical means. Control can be achieved through awareness and research too. Many thanks to Matt for rendering such an informative presentation!

Today's Happy Bills centered upon the Program and the Strategic Planning that is being done within the Naples NY Rotary Club. 

The Ace of Hearts has started all over again, as Carrie won the Jackpot last week!! The Kitty was at $7. Matt picked Ticket #5785, which was Sue's. Sue drew the Two of Spades from the pack.

Jack's Rotary Moment was gleaned from his and Sharon's recent trip to Virginia. As they traveled, Jack noticed Rotary Signs popping up at many little remote villages along the way. "Rotary is alive and well throughout the world!" Jack exclaimed.

Liz shared another quote from Pres. John to close today's Gathering. "We cannot become what we want by remaining what we were."

After the Gathering today, I had the opportunity to chat with Rose a bit about the Strategic Planning Workshop which was held this past Saturday. Those involved were John, Sherry, Tom, Liz, Clyde, Blanche, Rose, Jack, Sue, and Jo. The day was spent analyzing the feedback from the Club Health Check in each of the five categories (Service and Social, Business and Operations, Membership, Club Experience, and Image). A Club Action Plan is being created, with specific tasks to be achieved. Each of the 10 participants, in groups of 2, will present to the Membership in each of the Five Categories at a future date. The group has "homework" to do, and they will bring their results to the club when that goal is accomplished. Your hard work, time, and commitment are very much appreciated! 

We will gather next Monday Evening, 10-24, at Brew and Brats for the World Polio Day Observance. See you then!