The sun slowly faded into the Summer sky, on this mid-August evening, (each day, being a bit sooner), as we Members and Guests gathered for our Evening Meeting. We were warmly welcomed by Blanche, Our Greeter, as we entered The Redwood, finding our place in the big semi-circle of tables. Facing President Liz, we all stood to say The Pledge, as the Meeting commenced. Led by Jack, we sang "America, The Beautiful". For The Invocation, Pres. Liz referred to "the peaks" and "the valleys" that life presents us, and how we can learn, benefit, and become stronger through both. Having these "ebbs" and "tides" in life can be applied to Rotary, as well. It is through these life experiences that our club can grow and prosper, and we seek The Lord's guidance in helping us to do so.

Next, we had Guest Introductions, and tonight's Special Guests included Interact Member, Charlie, son of Carrie and Bill, and grandson of Skip and Judy, Lanny, husband of Jill, David Dial, and Liz Bailey. Along with 22 Members in attendance, (Nancy and Cindy were online), there was a nice turnout of attendees!

You know Fall is around the corner, for beside each of our place settings was a memo reminding us of the Annual Steak Roast! That event will be held September 11th at the VFW. Further details were included in the Flyer.

Liz noted that the Recruitment Social went well! There were 17 Members and 8 Guests in attendance, and the good news is that we may have "reined in" some possible New Members! Hopefully, the Trifolds that were prepared, can be used in the future too!

The District Golf Tournament will be held at the Lima Country Club on September 17th. It appears that we may have a few teams representing Naples Rotary!

The Camp O. Preparation went well on Sunday. We had six Members from Naples Rotary there to help, not to mention the commitment that Bruce and Betty devote to these kids each year! The new location at Camp Whitman near Penn Yan seems to be ideal, and the travel distance takes a little less time! The facilities seem quite nice, and the view overlooks Seneca Lake. Volunteers are needed to help at the Carnival, which is August 20th.

Liz reiterated the fact that the first and third Mondays of each month are designated for a Noon Meeting, and the second and fourth Mondays of the month are the Evening Meeting, which is at 6PM. 

Rose promoted the "Cash Bash" for BVT, stating that every donation will help. She had Tickets available for sale this evening for those interested. This endeavor is to help BVT meet some of its maintenance expenses.

Liz added that the upcoming dates worth noting appear on the Club Calendar. Upcoming Programs and Events can be found on the Club Runner Site listed under "Events".

Tonight's Program was about "Getting To Know New Members", and Liz introduced Judy Manser and Jill Hotelling, who each gave us a nice "Bio" of herself! Liz mentioned that we would be doing Bios (Intros) as the year unfolds, and there are dates from November on, for slots. Rose shared a novel idea worth trying...each of us should write something about ourselves that we think that no one else would know, and each week, we could draw a note from the hat, and try to guess who it might be. Fun Idea!!

Jill was first to take the podium. Though, we've gotten to know Jill a little bit over the last few weeks, it was nice to learn more about this fine lady! "It's hotel plus ling", joked Jill, as she explained her last name. She met her husband, Lanny when she was in 7th Grade, and he, in 8th Grade. Married for 50 years, they have two daughters, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren! Jill has had a lifetime of involvement, and community relations. She had been a Member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Victor. She was involved with Community Relations through being a part of the Farmington and Victor Chamber of Commerce. In 2003, she received a Paul Harris Award! She has been a part of the Naples Ambulance and has served as Assistant Treasurer for Trinity Federated Church. Upon retirement in 2008, Jill continued with her trend of helping others, as she joined the Naples Central School Staff as a Bus Monitor and Teacher's Aide. Like Nancy LaTour, she had been an Area Governor, and it was through Karen that Jill decided to become a part of Naples Rotary. She desired the involvement and the socialization that Rotary offered, but moreover, it was the Area of Service (to others) that prompted Jill to join Rotary. "Now, I am part of it!" Jill joyfully proclaimed. We are so pleased to have Jill as a New Member of our wonderful club! We are sure she will add to it in many ways!!

New Member, Judy Manser was next, and we learned of her excellent background through an "Interview" conducted by Pres. Liz. She moved to the area in 2012, and along with her husband, John, they have a blended family of four children, and two grandchildren, and a pup named "Porter"! Judy's Degree in Finance, (from RIT), and her 30 years of experience in Banking has provided her with the perfect background to serve as the Bookkeeper for John and Sherry at Brew and Brats and Arbor Hill! "It all began with the French Family!" Jill mused, as she admitted that her experience in this field has continued in her current role! Judy wanted to meet people, give back, and get involved, and she saw Rotary as the perfect conduit for reaching these goals! Through the efforts of John and Sherry, Judy has become a part of our club, and we're sure she'll add a great deal to its vibrance and vitality! PS Laurie is hoping that Judy will be able to add her skillset to the role of Treasurer, in a combined effort, as well!!

Our President, Liz, was last to speak, as we wrapped up the Evening's Introductions. Though we know our Liz very well, as she and Clyde have been with us for a while, it was interesting to hear about her marvelous background! Born and raised in Pittsford, Liz actually hails from this "region", having received her Conservation Degree from CCFL. Before moving out West, Liz worked for Bill Banaszewski for a year. Having moved to Colorado, she worked at a "Dude Ranch" as a part time chef and maid. She gained many "city experiences" at this juncture. She applied to the national Park Service for the State of Colorado, as they needed a Park Technician. Having enjoyed working with Rangers and Firefighters, Liz felt compelled to go into Law Enforcement. She had had a "long talk" with the Supervisor, and lo and behold, the next day, she had received a Letter of Recommendation!! Liz described her duties in this role, along with the attire she was expected to wear! She later went to Michigan State Park System, where she worked for 17 years. She really enjoyed this part of her career, having been able to talk to everybody, and enjoying her Winters skiing! Next, was a move to New Brunswick, Georgia at the Law Enforcement Academy. She met Clyde through mutual friends, and they were married in 1996! The pagers all went off during the ceremony, but everything turned out well! That was just a "Normal Day" for a Park Ranger!! Clyde and Liz ventured out West, working on patrol at the Grand Canyon. They dealt with many facets of their work, including EMS calls throughout the day. In 2014, they "came home", found their "Little Piece of Heaven" up on Garlinghouse Road, and had their home built. Horses, dogs, and cats complement their beautiful bucolic residence, not to mention the warm welcome you'll receive when you visit! "The hills were alive!" Pres. Liz commented, and joining Rotary was another "Avenue of Service" for them to pursue, and we're glad they did!!

The Ace of Hearts was up to $146 tonight, and we had Guest, Charlie choose a Ticket. Wouldn't you know, Charlie picked his Mom's Ticket, #121, which was that of Carrie?  Carrie drew the Ten of Spades!

Our Happy Bills this evening, were given in support of the New Members, the successful Meet and Greet, Camp O, and our increasing Membership! "It's all good!" as Tony would say!

IPP John shared a few stats on World Polio Day, (October 24th). It is noteworthy that our club participates in this observance each year! There was a quote that was shared from Dr. Jonas Salk that focused on Dreams, Imagination, ad Courage regarding the eradication of Polio throughout the world. Camp O. Day Set-Up Pictures were shared, ad it seems like Jill and Wayne will help with the Carnival!

A video of “Country Roads” being sung at Brew and Brats rounded out the evening, before we recited the Four-Way Test. Pres. Liz brought the Meeting to a close as she shared a quote from DG Julie, (from the International Conference, and her recent visit with us). “This is the year to take our dreams, projects, programs, and ideas, and make them a reality!”