The sights, sounds, and smells of the season are upon us, as the Annual Grape Fest returns after a one-year hiatus. The changing colors of nature, the crunching leaves underfoot, the vines laden with fragrant grapes, and that Fall breeze swishing here and there remind us that it’s good to have our annual tradition return once more! With that being said, we know that we are in for a busy week!

President Bruce welcomed us to today’s Noon Meeting, as he asked us to rise and join him in saying The Pledge. Tom’s Invocation said it all…He gave thanks to The Lord for the close-knit fellowship of its members, and the common goal that we share in “Serving Above Self”. Jack led us in singing “God Bless America”. We welcomed guests, Jo Anne and Chip to our meeting, who along with the 26 members in attendance, comprised our group. Tom would also provide today’s Rotary Moment, and Jack would do the Win-Win.

Jack also led us in singing a hearty round of “Congratulations” to the September Folks. September Birthdays include Matt, Woody, Micah, Tony, and Blanche. September Anniversaries are observed by John and Janice, Skip and Judy, and Liz and Clyde. Best wishes to everyone!

Here are a few updates to share with the Membership. John stood in for Sherry as he announced that The Board passed the proclamation that we will no longer do the (Rotary) Community Calendar. We will search for other fund-raisers to increase our revenue. A huge “Thank You” goes to Sherry for all her hard work on the Community Calendar in these past years!

Patrice gave a brief summation of the Board Minutes from this morning’s Meeting. Pres. Bruce had the recent Covid Survey available. As a result of the survey, 70% of the membership wish to continue with the In-Person Meetings, while 30% of the membership would like to have the meetings be on-line. After some discussion, it was agreed that John and Bruce will work on an enhanced Face Book experience for those wishing to continue to “meet” on-line. A survey will be sent out, inquiring if assistance is needed, and support will be available for those who prefer not to come to In-Person Meetings. It was decided that we discontinue the Rotary Community Calendar, as mentioned earlier. “The future can be reshaped”, noted Pres. Bruce, and on that note, we will seek other ways to raise funds within our club.

Donna was our speaker today, as she talked about the return of our Annual Grape Fest this coming weekend. “We will make this a Careful Fest instead of a Super Spreader!” Donna encouragingly told us. Having checked with the New York State Guidelines, and in keeping in touch with the Department of Health, she has done her homework in terms of planning how our Grape Fest 2021 will function this year. Here is how this year’s Grape Fest will operate, regarding the Wine Tent. When one has shown his/her Proof of Vaccination I.D., a mask will be provided, but not required in being outdoors. Mask wearing will not be enforced, but one will be provided for people if they wish. Covid-screened wristbands will be available as well. “Decisions can be made on the go”, noted Donna.

Donna systematically covered each facet of the Grape Fest for clarity on the part of the Membership. The Music Tent has been revived. It will be on a smaller scale this year. The back area will serve as the “Family Picnic Area”, and the music will be directed toward them. The Pie Contest and the T-Shirt Sale will share a 20 by 20- foot tent. The T-Shirts will be sold by the Naples Historical Society. This year’s Staff Shirts have been designed by Kim Torpey. Judy Miller will be our centrally located credit card cashier, along with the help of daughter, Carrie. The Parking will be done by the same family as before, and they are very reliable. This Thursday, 9/23, will be the big day for set-up, however, the weather doesn’t sound too promising, thus, some preparations will be done today, starting at 2:00 PM. The straw delivery will be tomorrow. This Friday, 9/24, the Vendors will set up their booths, and registration will take place. Donna added that a “Creative Person” is needed to design a “Selfie Area” that would have an Autumnal aspect about it. Getting back to the pies, they will be covered while on display, but then, they will be transported to the inside of the Town Hall for judging. No spectators will be allowed for safety’s sake. Many thanks to Bo for helping to design a ground layout form. Donna concluded her talk by thanking the many Rotarians along with Skip, Judy, and family, Shanna, Nancy, and Wayne as well as Jo Anne, who have been willing to help. Blanche was recognized for all that she has done! Donna presented her with a “cool wand”!

Jack had the Win-Win for us this noon. It was a “Sports Question”. How did the idea of a tennis bracelet come about? Come to find out, back in 1978, tennis pro, Chris Everett, had lost her diamond bracelet during a match. Since then, the idea of having a “tennis bracelet” has gained in popularity!

The winning ticket for the Fifty-Fifty was #661549, belonging to Cindy. Cindy drew the Nine of Spades from the pack.

Today, we welcomed our newest member, Jo Cornish, to the Naples Rotary Club! We did our Induction Ceremony, and sponsor, Nardine, presented Jo with a plaque and Rotary Pin. Jo is a retired nurse, and she has volunteered at Hospeace House. She is aware of all that Naples Rotary does for the Naples Community, and she wants to be a part of that process too! We know that she will be a “good fit” with having an attitude such as this! Welcome to Rotary, Jo!! We will hear more about Jo at a future meeting.

Our thanks to Donna, and our hope for a safe and successful Grape Fest headed the list of reasons for the Happy Bills today. We are pleased to add Jo as a New Member to the Club! Liz says the Barn Quilt Sale (at Joseph’s) is going well. Chip was glad to be with us. Jack appreciates all that we do. Nancy has appreciated the Meal Trian during her recovery. Blanche has a birthday this month. Cindy and John appreciated the Fall Festival to help Hospeace House. John also enjoyed the District Golf Tournament earlier this month. Nardine visited her daughter, Greta. Alex appreciates her Rotary friends. Jo feels quite welcome! Bo and Pat enjoyed the RVF Rally in Canandaigua last week. Pres. Bruce concluded by saying, “Great volunteer work by Rotarians!”

Tom gave today’s Rotary Moment, and it fit in so nicely with our upcoming Grape Fest! He said that we have created a “Legacy”. Back in 1961, Naples enjoyed its first Grape Fest. Our Blanche posted some great pictures from that era on Face Book, so we could take a walk down “Memory Lane”. Nancy noted that she has been involved with the Grape Fest for 33 years! Skip is married to the Grape Fest Princess of 1961, none other than Judy!! Our tradition of the Grape Fest goes on! “We are Worker Bees!” says Tom.

Two of our Dear Fellow Rotarians are currently having some health issues. It was decided that we each send a card to Bill Cooper and Frank Duserick, so they could each have a “Card Shower” from the members, and they’d know that we are thinking of them. (Laurie will have flowers sent to each fellow, as well).

Here are their addresses.

Bill Cooper

7228 Eelpot Road

Naples, New York 14512

Frank Duserick

PO Box 67

9038 Strong Hill Road

Naples, New York 14512

It’s going to be a busy time for us, as we prepare for this weekend! Let’s pray for good weather, that we have a safe, and successful Grape Fest, and that everyone stays healthy and well. Pres. Bruce’s words are perfect for concluding this week’s Grapevine. “Good-bye and God Bless!”