"Imagine Rotary" is the theme for this New Rotary Year, and with John French being our New Rotary President, we are going to see his initiatives take this adage to soaring heights! 

We stood alongside with President John to say The Pledge, as the Meeting commenced. On this beautiful Summer evening, we joined Rose as she led us in singing "God Bless America". In his Invocation, Tom prayed fervently to The Lord in asking Him to grant us the wisdom and inspiration to act with kindness in serving others as this New Year begins. There were no guests tonight, but we enjoyed a nice turn-out, and the fellowship of many Members! Along with 25 people present at the Meeting, Jack joined us online, as well. Tonight's Program, which would be given by Pres. John himself was called "Rotary 101". Cindy was the Greeter, and Immediate Past President Bruce gave the Rotary Moment.

There were several announcements this evening, as much is happening within the Naples NY Rotary Club, as the New Year unfolds! Rose gave an update on the Walk of Life. The Pulled Pork Dinner was delicious, though more dinners could have been sold. (Fortunately, leftover pork and coleslaw were available for sale after tonight's Meeting, and it seemed as though we had some takers!) The Bake Sale and the Auction went well, each of them having brought in a fair amount of money. This Saturday, 7/16, the second series of events for the WOL will take place. The Chicken BBQ, the Pet Parade, the Go-Go Goat Contest, and the Live Silent Auction are some things to look forward to! If there is a number that hasn't been purchased, and the goat decides to "go" on that particular number, we'll do a fifty-fifty instead, for all who bought a ticket. The Pet Parade will include all pets of various sorts. There has been a great return on the Pinwheels! (Not many are left!) We'll see you on Saturday! In August, we'll have a review of the WOL, and your input is appreciated! We'll see you on Saturday! Thanks so much, Rose! 

Liz has asked if there would be someone who would be willing to "take over" the (Rotary) Float for the Grape Fest. 

Jill and Marty are the new chairpersons for the Youth Exchange Committee. Jill reported that we will have a new Exchange Student arriving on August 18th! The young man, who is from Spain, will be hosted by the Grove Family for the first part of his stay!

Jack reported that he came in second place at the Golf Tourney that he and his son, grandson, and son-in-law played in earlier today! "The Four J's", Jack, Jonathan, Jacob, and Jeff played for the Penfield Sports Boosters. Well done, boys!!

Tom was last to share an announcement. As you may be aware, Tom Pawluk is finished with the Margery Pawluk Golf Tournament Fundraising Initiative, therefore creating an opportunity to try something else, (perhaps on behalf of Naples NY Rotary)?

 Tom intimated that he would like to see Naples NY Rotary do an initiative devoted to family members who are affected by pancreatic cancer. This is certainly an idea that is worth some investigation!

"Mapping Out Our Year Ahead" was the springboard for tonight's Program, and it was certainly befitting that our 2022-2023 President, John French, would give the "Inaugural Program"! John has great expectations for our year ahead, and his vision for the Rotary Year, 2022-2023 is one that takes on imagination, incentive, inspiration, and input, and we are just the club that do this!

"Time flies when you are caring", and this saying can certainly apply to the time and talent that each of us gives toward the betterment of the community and others. "Don't let Q-1 slip by" is an encouragement to each of us to make Naples NY Rotary continue to be a vital part of our community and the world. This can be accomplished, (in the first quarter), through the connections that we make. A "road map" for our plans would include making calls to Members we have not seen lately, asking what they would like to see, and sharing ideas between ourselves. Another idea for continued growth, (within the club), is to visit other clubs, as a group, which was shared by Marty, make calls, share thoughts, and glean some ideas that we can bring back to "our table".

Get involved! Join a Service Project or become a Committee Chair! There is no better way to immerse oneself in Rotary, than to get to know others, and become an integral part of the Club! Learning, fellowship, and exchange...these are the factors that make for a vibrant club, and Naples NY Rotary is well on the way! We look forward to a year of exciting things happening within our club, as we continue to serve others above ourselves! Remember, fun, focus, fulfillment, engagement, exchange,

and fellowship are of utmost importance, and these are the elements that will result in a successful Rotary Year!

Additionally, when making a Venmo Payment, be sure to include a description for what you are paying, such as "dues", "meals", Happy Bills", or "Fines". This will be of great help to Laurie!

Pres. John noted that someone is needed to coordinate the Song and Invocation person for each week. Please let him know if you are interested! You can plug that information into the Spreadsheet. 

Tom added that it should be made a priority to keep the website updated! Pictures of Rotarians having fun and engaging photos are highly recommended!

The Happy Bills and Fines centered around the following categories tonight! We are all looking forward to the "New Year" ahead, as Pres. John takes over the helm! We are most grateful for the wonderful year of Rotary Service that Past President Bruce gave us in 2021-2022 in "serving to change lives"! Rose was pleased to have her BVT guests stay with her. Jodi's and Mark's son, River, has been accepted into the Music Academy! Bruce was grateful for his (past) year as our Rotary President. We are appreciative of the service rendered by Bruce this past year, we welcome John as our new Rotary President, and we look forward to Liz being our President next year! Each of these individuals has and will give so much to the betterment of our club!

The Ace of Hearts seems to be a "Karen Thing" these days!! Karen had Jo Anne select a Ticket Number, and wouldn't you know, it was Karen's Ticket Number, #123!! Karen chose the Jack of Diamonds!

The Win-Win tonight was a tricky one! "What was Thor's Hammer's Name?" Well, this was tricky for sure, unless you had some Scandinavian background!! It was "Mjolnir"!! :)

There was a friendly little "Banter" going on between Past Presidents, John, Skip, Bruce, and Tom regarding Immediate Past President Bruce's "losing the badge"! All "fines" were resolved when Holly graciously offered a $20 Fine! :) P.S. John had his gavel hung around his neck tonight!! :)

The Rotary Moment couldn't have been more perfect tonight, as Immediate Past President Bruce shared an excerpt from the poem by Robert Frost, "The Road Not Taken". "I took the road less traveled by, and that has made all the difference!" Let us, as Members of the Naples NY Rotary Club, with the help of God, make a difference in the lives of others, as we each choose to take a road not taken!  Amen!