“Welcome back, Rotarians!” announced President Matt this noon, as we gathered, in person, for the first time since March! It would be a “bare bones” meeting today, as Matt put it, but it turned out to be a wonderful reunion of Rotary Friends, who have missed seeing each other over the last few months. Many thanks to our technician, Bruce M., who had the meeting streamed on Face Book Live, for those of us who weren’t quite ready to meet in person.

It was great to see our friends at the Redwood again, and they were well-prepared for us to meet in the large dining room, as it was very well arranged for a safe group gathering. After seating ourselves safely, and heartily greeting one another, Pres. Matt beckoned us to join him in saying The Pledge. PP Jack said The Blessing. Invoking Our Heavenly Father, he asked Him to look after us, just as a father looks after his children. Indeed, we are thankful that The Lord has kept us safe, so that we can continue to be of service. We welcomed guests, Justin Cogswell, and his friend, Nikki, who came to talk to us about Operation Build Up.

Before today’s presentation, there were a few updates. Pres. Matt, via Susan, reminded us about dues if they have not yet been taken care of. With the reopening of school this Fall, supplies will be needed. Laurie and Patrice will do the necessary shopping for those items, once a specific list of needs has been established. A big “Thank You” goes out to all the Walk of Life workers and volunteers, who helped to make this year’s WOL a success in the midst of a pandemic! John F. announced that thus far, we have reached a grand total of $9,344.50!

Today’s program, entitled Operation Build Up, was presented by Justin Cogswell and Nikki. Justin told us that this mission started out as “a couple of Marines and a home garage”. Being of compassion, and of a desire to help others, he decided to become involved. He started buying cheap, used cars to fix up, to give to Veterans. The goal was to enable these Vets to transition back to living a “normal” life, once they returned from active duty. “This isn’t just a young Vets population,” noted Justin. Operation Build Up attempts to help those Vets who have “fallen through the cracks”.

In providing vehicles for these folks, not only is transportation available for them, but that includes a means of getting to appointments, and getting groceries, as well. Justin recalled how he refurbished a 1991 Buick Park Ave. to donate to a needy Vet. This donation helped him to get around, find a job, and turn his life around!

The goal of Operation Build Up is to help these heroes during their most needy times, to offer them the most assistance, and to “help them get back in the trenches”, according to Justin. He added that there is a documentary worth viewing called “Returning The Favor”. It’s about Vets helping other Vets.

Many thanks to Justin and Nikki for all you are doing to make a positive impact on these returning heroes! Karen passed the collection basket afterwards, so that we could help with this wonderful mission.

A few more updates followed the program. Donna mentioned that this evening, on WXXI, at 8:00, there was to be a program entitled, “Journey Through The Finger Lakes”. There was a lovely segment about Naples, and the Grape Fest, narrated by our own Mike Joseph! We sure are lucky to live in such a beautiful, bucolic, and bountiful area, that’s for sure!

Jodi added some more information on the Walk of Life. A check for $1200 was presented by Chris Abraham for the Disc Golf! The course was beautiful, thanks to Gerry Bay, who helps maintain it. Bill S. caught the Rooster, and Mike J. won the Cock-A-Doodle Poo Contest. Mike graciously donated his winnings back to the Naples Rotary Club. Donation jars will remain strewn about town for a while. Jodi noted that the WOL was “reimagined” this year, and that Naples Rotary made connections on social media! A hearty round of applause arose for Jodi and her team!

Skip thought that possibly a “Duck Race” could be held in October if things continue to improve. Our response was “Let’s go for it!” Donna said that she has received some interest from some of our vendors to possibly have a small scale “fest” in November.

The Happy Bills and Fines were collected next, and it was great to be able to give these in person, and to have Nancy pass the basket around! Many HB were collected in appreciation of the program, the Walk of Life, school reopening, and simply just being together once again! Holly had taken her kids, Shelby and Andrew, back to Minnesota after a nice long visit home. Bo and Pat have an Anniversary this month, and Bo got a hole in one, recently. Laurie was glad that a fallen tree hadn’t damaged Jacob’s new truck. There had been a few missed meetings, understandably. Nancy noted that today was a “special day”, because back in 1957, she had a blind date with Bob, and married him two years later!

The Fifty-Fifty was back, and the ticket drawn was that of Betty, Number 923! The Kitty was at $176, but it will continue to increase, as Betty pulled the ten of Spades from the pack.

The Rotary Moment today was given by Immediate Past President Tom. Tom shared a letter of “Gratitude” and “Giving” with us. In addition to being so pleased to literally see us all, Tom humbly thanked us for bestowing a Paul Harris Fellow upon him. He was truly touched and honored, and he appreciated our support this past year, when he was Club President. In the spirit of giving, Tom has donated $1000 to the Naples Rotary Club, so as to help us with our 2020-2021 budget during these challenging times. Our heartfelt thanks to you, Tom, for your generous donation!

Next Monday, we’ll enjoy having our friend, Sebastian, visit us, as he will talk about Building Minds In South Sudan. Meanwhile, we have two Golf Teams, (from Naples Rotary), who are ready to send that golf ball down the pike this Friday, as we Play For The Children Of Camp O.! Take care, one and all, and enjoy the rest of your week!