Our evening meeting followed a productive Board meeting tonight. Sue greeted three guests and 28 Naples Rotarians as we gathered and chatted with each other at the Redwood.

 

President Judy led the Pledge tonight. Carrie shared an inspiration: "Let Purpose lead your way, Plan rule your day and Understanding guide your ways." Francis Mensah.

Our guests were our summer friends Florida Rotarian Chip and Stuart Weismiller and our speaker Ken Poole, a Canandaigua Rotarian.

 

Announcements: Today is Kristin and Craig Smith's anniversary. They missed the list last week but we will make sure to add them into ClubRunner for next year. * The order sheet for T-shirts was circulated, color TBD. * Next summer's District Conference registration is open and at a discount of $135 until 8/15. It will then be $150 until May 2027. The Conference is in Rochester on 6/5/2027. Register at: bit/ly/DC-2027. * Area 4 of District 7120 will meet here in Naples at Bristol Valley Theater on 10/8/2026 at 7 pm. Please RSVP to Carrie or Judy. District Governor Lisa Norwood hopes to greet many members and we will get to know Rotarians from other neighboring Clubs. Desserts and drinks will be provided. You can use the suggestion box to share your ideas for programs and District topics. * Our Membership Meet and Greet will be next Thursday, 8/20 at Lynnie Lou's from 6-8pm. Bring your family, friends and potential new members to enjoy some ice cream and social time! * There are two fundraisers coming soon at Flint and Steel Farm: Bluegrass and Old Trucks for the VFW (9/12) and Fall Fest for Hospeace House  (9/19 and 9/20). 

 

The Board meeting was today: The Club budget for 2026-2027 was passed. * We will observe World Polio Day on October 22 with Prattsburgh and Wayland Clubs. Details to follow. *  Camp O Board needs an alternate member from Naples as Frank steps down after many years of service. Let Micah or Carrie or Judy know if you could serve in this way. * The District Grant to fund new playground equipment for Naples Elementary School was approved. The school will be ordering soon and we plan to have a meeting there next spring. * The Peace Poles will be installed soon. A dedication will be planned when they are ready. * Memorial benches will be placed soon as well. We will remember past Rotarians with name plaques. * We are looking at a service project providing a medical equipment loan closet. In the past, the Naples ambulance had one but now the ambulance is part of Canandaigua Ambulance. If you are interested in working on this project, let Carrie or Judy know. * Would you be interested in having our meetings available on Zoom? We need people to take on this project - let our president's know. * Carrie shared print-outs of our goals and bylaws. * John announced that the District golf tournament is Friday 9/11 at Reservoir Creek. We will need volunteers to help. * The fall steak dinner will be on Monday 9/14 at the VFW. More info to come. 

 

The Committee Spotlight was on Skip for Youth Service, Part 1. He spoke about the thesaurus and dictionary gifts for 6th and 3rd grades, which have been going on since 2003. We also give students, pre-K up to 6th graders, trees for Arbor Day in April. Rotarians package and label evergreens that are delivered to Naples and Prattsburgh students.

 

Judy introduced our speaker, Ken Poole. Ken lived in Naples from 1975 to 2005, running the programs at the Mill School and participating in the Community Band. He is currently Town Historian. His topic was local artist Ira Randall. Ken met him during his time in Naples and has researched his life and times. Ira was an art teacher in Naples for 30 years. Ken showed photos of Naples during Ira's lifetime and many of his paintings. Ira focused on many types of creations including oils done with palette knives, sketches, signs and cartoons. He especially liked to paint landscapes, ocean views and the homes for his clients. Later in life, he managed the Woodcroftery Shop in Wayland, which made hand painted home decor. Ira passed away in 1986 and is buried in Hunt Hollow cemetery. Ken has initiated a gallery at Naples Library of Ira Randall and Jane Loomis art.

 

Ace of Hearts was $91. Ticket #0744 was Alan's. He selected the 9 of Diamonds. Better luck next week!

Happy Bills were given for Ken's informative presentation. Cleveland House Museum is open on weekends 11-3pm and has two Randall paintings on display. Lysell's had a great time with their visiting daughters and their families. Carrie and Judy are doing a great job. BVT's show Moon over Buffalo is fantastic! Gordon's had a visit from their daughter and family. Ken and friends were thanked for the work they are doing on rehabbing local cemeteries. Naples is a town with lots of heart for great local art and artists. Bill Vierhile was remembered for his slide shows. The Board meeting was very productive today.

 

Judy had a Rotary Moment of Skip in his first year as Naples Rotary President - a flashback of the family seen at right! She then led the Four Way Test and adjourned the meeting at 7:20pm. 

Have a great week!