How gratifying it was on this dreary November day to have the back dining room of The Redwood literally bustling with members and guests! There were 30 of us Rotarians, plus five fine guests. Our visitors, who were announced by Laurie, included Tracey, the program presenter, Sharon, sweet wife of Jack, Andy and Marianna Beigel, soon-to-be members, and Nardine, who has also expressed an interest in becoming a member! Jane kidded me this morning, that I may have to get a second attendance sheet! That, of course, is not what one would define as a "problem"!!

President Tom commenced the meeting, as he bade us to join him in saying The Pledge. Jack chose God Bless America to lead us in song. Alex said The Blessing, asking The Lord to help us appreciate the beautiful aspects of Winter. Tom announced that today's program would be The Partnership For Ontario County, presented by Tracey Dello Stritto.

Patrice gave a summary of today's Board Meeting. Here is an overview of what transpired:

• In terms of our Rotary Website, we are going to continue to work on some specific areas in order to make documentation more accessible to all members. Pres. Tom urges us to "please keep communicating!'
• We'll definitely be meeting at Hollerhorn for our next meeting, which will be 11/25. We can discuss further Christmas Party details then. Our Christmas Party is slated for 12/09, at Hunts Hollow.
• Beginning in January, the fourth Monday of the month will be just a "connecting time" like we had last week. Topics for discussion among members will be determined.
• In terms of "What's Happening", plans for Light Up Naples are underway. The event is scheduled for December 14th. Susan will set up a separate account to show how our funds are being used in this capacity.
• The dictionaries were to be delivered today at 1:30, to the elementary students. Skip had asked for a few volunteers to help with this distribution. 
• Operation Santa Delivery will also be on 12/14. Jack announced that there will be a meeting soon to coordinate routes. Kelly VandeSande, Elementary School Nurse, is in the process of collecting more names of possible recipients. We appreciate the Yees and the Beigels being willing to help with this project!
• It was decided that during the Holiday Season, there would be no meeting on 12/23 and 12/30. 
• Bo, Roberta, Bruce M., Steve J., and Alex recently attended a Grant Management Seminar. It was determined that we would meet, as a Board, along with this committee, and decide how a potential grant could be used toward completing a project.
• It was decided that we would keep the plan to meet every 4th Monday at Hollerhorn, in place. We will do this from November to May. In the Spring, we will assess the situation, and make a decision then, as to whether or not we want to continue with this meeting schedule format.
• The Board reviewed and approved the Membership Applications of Andy and Marianna Beigel. In customary fashion, Mike will send out an E-mail to all members for their approval, as well.
• In terms of Committee Reports, Skip gave accolades to The Grove Family for all their work in the Youth Exchange Program.
• The Literacy Committee brought samples titiles of the books we plan to give the elementary students at the Santa Book Delivery in December.
• In memory of her late husband Bob, who loved children, Nancy has purchased little trophies for all youths, up to 16 years of age, who will have registered for the Naples Trout Derby , and who will have registered a legally-caught rainbow trout. It will be known as "The Naples Trout Derby Robert Linehan Youth Participation Award".
• We will do the Dedication Ceremony for Al Mann in the Spring when the weather is more cooperative. Thanks to Jack for keeping in touch with the family. 

As aforementioned, today's program was about the Partnership For Ontario County, and it was brought to us by Tracey Dello Stritto. In introducing Tracey, Tom said that this program was yet another way in which connections in our area were being made. Tracey, an eloquent, energetic, and enthusiastic young lady, told of how she grew up in Gorham, and of how she always enjoys coming down to The Valley.

The PFOC has been in existence since 1988, and "it has worked to create alliances that cultivate social exchange", as Tracey put it. The Program, whose mission is to fill gaps, operates under a Board of Directors, and it is involved in seven community sectors. Those sectors are Faith, Public Safety, Education, Government, Health Care, Community Service, and Business.

The PFOC is primarily grant funded, and 90% of its income is geared to services. Their services support youth and families, and here are five areas that Tracey focused upon.

• Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition-formally and informally helping youth and the community with monitoring, securing, and disposing of medications.
• Ontario County Youth Court-an alternative to justice in which minor offenders can move on without a record.
• EPIC Zone-a youth clubhouse located in Geneva where youth can gather in a safe and tolerant atmosphere.
• Community Support Center-counseling, a wellness program, and other options are available in collaboration with local businesses.
• Ontario County Suicide Prevention Coalition-meets 4 times a year, and creates awareness. Pres.

Fines: It seemed like today's fines were mostly in the form of missed meetings. Those fines came from Susan, Diane, Deb, Frank, Larry, Steve R., Tina, John M., aJamie, and Jane. It was great to have you all back! 

Happy Bills: Many dollars found their way into Nancy's basket, as we were pleased with several things that have happened! Among them were the program, the growth of our club, and the recent Community Thanksgiving Dinner, which was attended by 275 folks, 15 of them being Naples Rotarians, according to Jack! Marianna was also very appreciative of the turkeys, which were prepared and donated by the Club! Tom claims his Sweet Mr. Milo is gradually becoming housebroken! 

Fifty-Fifty: The Kitty was up to $182! Ticket #274, belonging to our John F., was picked. John drew the Jack of Diamonds. 

Win-Win: John F. wanted to see if we were really listening! He asked how many years the Partnership For Ontario County had been in existence. The answer was 31 years! It began in 1988!

Rotary Moment: Pres. Tom showed a picture of Karen getting pinned, as she recently completed the RLI Institute! Congratulations, Karen!

Additional Items:

• John F. noted that on 11/24, there will be a Fundraiser to support Hospeace House. Also, on 12/06, Keith Baker and the Gang will be at Brew and Brats to support Hospeace House as well. Don't forget!
• This coming Saturday, 11/23, there will be a Celebration of Life for Sally and Darryl Braun at the Parish Hill Barn. Surely, there are so many of us who will want to be there to honor and celebrate two special people who touched so many lives in a wonderful way!