It was a great turnout for our gathering at the Redwood. Frank greeted 28 Rotarians, plus Trish and Joan selling Naples Grape Festival shirts, and our two speakers, Butch and Ghost Rider.

 

President Karen opened with the Pledge after Jack brought in the flag. He then led us in God Bless America. Soon to be inducted new member Jan gave the invocation. She shared the story of a young man who had been abused and how she helped to bring him help and hope.

 

John and Liz had some announcements: *World Polio Day is October 24th. We will meet at Brew & Brats to raise funds and awareness. It will be a pot luck. *16 people attended Rotary 201 on-line last week to learn about organ donation and membership initiatives. *Congrats to a new club in District 7120 - International Children NY USA - more info to follow. *There is no meeting next week on Labor Day. *the Steak Dinner is the next Monday 9/9 at the VFW. RSVP to Skip by 9/3. *the Light Up Naples committee is seeking volunteers - see Rose to join in. *Golf tourney teams are being finalized - see Jack for info. *Laurie reminds those donating to the RI sewing machine project to get their checks to her asap.

 

Our program was given by Butch and Ghost Rider, members of the Rochester chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse - B.A.C.A. They belong to one of 8 chapters in NYS and cover the area from Lake Ontario to the southern tier. Groups in NYS include Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Syracuse, and Long Island. B.A.C.A. was founded in Provo UT in 1995 by a biker who was a therapist and social worker. There are chapters in 47 states and 18 countries. They played a video that showed how the motorcycle groups assist in helping children who are abused to escape the situation and gain a sense of self determination and safety. Once a parent reports to 911 and enrolls in B.A.C.A., members are able to approach the child to see if they want to participate. The primary contacts are then available 24/7 to protect the child, including escorts to school, appointments and court. The program is available for children 5 - 18 years old. The program is short term with a goal of empowering the child and freeing them from fear. The child receives a denim vest with their biker name and a backpack of items to assist them through the process. B.A.C.A. blankets are given for birthdays. Picnics and parties throughout the year provide opportunities for fun and support for the children.

B.A.C.A. members go through a rigorous recruitment and training program lasting over a year and must be approved by the board before becoming active members.

To support the group efforts, a spaghetti dinner happens in February at the Moose Lodge in Henrietta. Donations also come from other civic organizations and individuals.

Butch and Ghost Rider asked each of us to share our "biker name". Frank won a prize (a B.A.C.A. bracelet) for the Lithuanian name his grandmother gave him!

 

The Ace of Hearts was $183. Sue had the winning ticket. Out of 16 cards, she drew the 9 of hearts.

Many Happy Bills went to the amazing program and organization represented by Butch and Ghost Rider. Their mission is "extraordinary" and will be recommended to other Rotary Clubs. Rose was thankful for a wonderful weekend at Ashokan and her daughter's engagement. John and Sherry's nephew was just promoted to Captain in the Air Force. Frank thanked Bruce and Betty for their devotion to Camp O. David was happy to be back from doing double duty while Mark was in the BVT play. Carrie and Bill have their new exchange student here from Japan. Another from Taiwan is in Naples too and we will meet them soon. Our speakers thanked Rotary for all we do.

 

Karen closed the meeting with the Four Way Test and rang the bell at 7:30 pm.

Enjoy the long holiday weekend!