A handful of hearty humans huddled happily “by the hearth” at the homey spot of Brew and Brats tonight for our Evening Meeting, and to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Please bear with me…seeing as we just celebrated Vintage, Vines, and Valentines over the weekend, I thought a bit more alliteration would help to describe a wonderful evening! Having taken refuge from that biting temperature outside, we were warmly greeted by Tom’s infectious smile, as he offered us a chocolate, or two, upon entry. Feeling the toasty warmth of Brew and Brats, starting off with something sweet, and seeing friendly faces, we knew this would be a great Meeting, and indeed it was!!
Old Glory waved proudly on the front screen as we joined President Bruce in saying The Pledge. We sang God Bless America with great fervor, as Jack led us in song. Sherry’s heartfelt Invocation truly fit the occasion, sharing a Valentine Prayer in the form of a poem that focused on the gift of friendship, which we Naples Rotarians share and impart to others. Sixteen Members supped cozily in the “Side Room” of B and B, and we enjoyed the company of guests, Sharon, and tonight’s speaker, Tom Pawluk. Joining us online were Members Rose, Betsy, Cindy, Liz and Clyde. This evening Tom would be talking to us about the return of the Margery Pawluk Golf Tournament Fundraiser. Karen and Tom (H) would provide the Rotary Moment.
Before Tom’s Presentation, there were several announcements and updates to be shared with the Membership. Laurie was first to speak, and she announced that she had acquired several Rapid Covid Tests that she was willing to give to anyone who would be interested in obtaining one. She read a Thank You Note from the Rotary Club of Mayfield, KY, expressing its appreciation for our monetary help regarding their recent disaster. Laurie also read an eloquent letter from Scott Kickbush, thanking the Naples Rotary Club for all that we did to help their family during the unexpected loss of their beloved son, Justin. A generous check in the amount of $500, was presented to Naples Rotary from Scott. Also, a generous check in the amount of $200 was presented to Naples Rotary from Jenny LaMatta, (Scott’s stepdaughter, and Justin’s stepsister). Naples Rotary is very appreciative of these two kind gestures.
Sherry talked a bit about the forthcoming Trout Derby this Spring. She will be sending out an E-Mail to the Club Members, as help will be greatly needed. Help will also be required in getting donations from local businesses. Sherry hopes to get the Interact Students involved as well.
Tom H. announced that a Schedule of Events and Dates will be forthcoming, in the form of an E-Mail, pertaining to the Grape Fest of 2022.
Skip read a letter of thanks from Kelly VandeSande, Naples Elementary School Nurse. On behalf of Operation Santa, Kelly thanked us for our donation this past Christmas Season. “We are very grateful for your thoughtfulness!” Kelly said. Operation Santa participant, Willow Caruso, also had sent us a letter of appreciation. Skip noted that the February Issue of the District Grapevine contained some important dates. The District 7120 Training Assembly will be Saturday, April 9th at Honeoye Central School. The District 7120 District Conference will be held at the Lake Ontario Event and Conference Center in Oswego from April 29th through May 1st.
President Bruce gave kudos to Laurie for the outstanding job she is doing in serving as our Treasurer, and for the excellent way she is handling the Venmo Accounts. Bruce also thanked Pat for the writing the Grapevine each week. Thank you, Bruce! 😊
Write the date June 17th on your calendars! That date will mark the return of the Margery Pawluk Golf Tournament! With that being said, we welcomed longtime friend Tom Pawluk to our Meeting this evening. He talked about a fundraiser that has been dear to his heart for many years. After losing his dear wife Margery to cancer back in 2004, Tom started the Margery Pawluk Golf Tournament as a fundraiser to help cancer patients and their families as they navigate the trials and tribulations connected with this dreaded disease. It was also a way to keep the memory of his wife alive in a positive and productive way. Naples Rotary has been a longtime supporter of this worthwhile cause. With the surge of Covid 19, the Golf Tournament has not been able to take place these past two years. Things are looking better, however, and this year the MCP Golf Tourney shall return! Tom noted that volunteers and sponsors are needed, and though the sponsorship amount hasn’t been raised in 18 years, costs are going up, which includes the costs of Golf Tourney prizes. The money raised goes directly to the patients we were told. Close to 3000 patients have been helped thus far! “It’s been a long journey!” said Tom, whose chairmanship ends next year. He thanked the Naples Rotary for all its support over the years. “Volunteers who would be willing to help at Registration, putting out items the day of the Tournament, Cash Donations, Gift Cards, and Silent Auction Items are all needed and appreciated,” Tom told us. In their typical generous way, John and Sherry graciously offered to supply the 144 bottles of wine that will be needed for the MCP Tourney. Many thanks to these “Jewels of Arbor Hill,” and thanks to Tom for joining us this evening!
Before the “Flood” of Happy Bills, John had a few more announcements to add. The Watershed Clean-Up will be April 23rd. The “Harris Cup” will be later in May. The Camp O. Golf Tourney will be June 11th. (Micah is helping Frank with this). There will be a Friday Morning Golf Tourney at the District Conference in Oswego. There will be many opportunities to “work on our skills” for all interested golfers!!
We celebrated the birthdays of John (French) and Pres. Bruce this evening, as Jack led us all once again in singing a hearty round of “Congratulations” to these fine fellows. We also wish Bill G. a very Happy Birthday on Tuesday as well! Best Wishes to you all!
Many Happy Bills came flowing forth in appreciation of Tom’s Presentation. It’s encouraging to have events that we’ve enjoyed in the past return! “Reverend Jack” officiated this past weekend at V3, as many couples renewed their Wedding Vows. We have many February Birthdays to celebrate. Skip and Judy are so proud of Grady and Charlie for their swimming accomplishments. Being that today was Valentine’s Day, we were thinking of those whom we love.
Karen’s poignant Rotary Moment almost seemed to align with the message of friendship that Sherry’s sweet poem reflected. Karen has enjoyed being a Member of the Naples Rotary Club, and she thanks Mike J. for the encouragement. She realizes the bonds of friendship that are created in being a part of this club. She recently asked a friend from our club to go for a fish fry, and that friend said “yes!” Another Rotarian joined them too, making it a Trio! A great deal of caring, compassion, and comfort took place during this rendezvous, and therefore being a Rotarian means so much to Karen!
Tom “piggy-backed” on Karen’s message as he encouraged us to “Do more and become a friend!” We need to take the time to really get to know one another, and to find out what makes each of us special. “It’s the Rotary Way!” Tom said. Wise words, Tom!
Our Valentine’s Evening Meeting not only included chocolates and plates of yummy cookies at each table, but Tom also showed us a video of our “Rotary Diva,” Rose, saucily singing her way through “Ride, Sally, Ride,” at one of her recent shows!!
“Good Night and God Bless!” said President Bruce as he concluded the Meeting. Have a great week, everyone!
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