The first day of June was a beautiful sunshiny one! We gathered at the Redwood with 20 Naples Rotarians, Rotarian Chip back from Florida and our Interact seniors joining us. Sue was our smiling greeter today.

 

President Jack began with the Pledge and led God Bless America. Fred Rogers was our inspiration: "Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else." Words of wisdom for the high school seniors and our Rotary leadership team!

 

Announcements: Watkinstown Day is Saturday from 11-4 pm, celebrating the founding of Naples, at the Old Town Square in front of Fairview Cemetery. We need a few more volunteers to help meet and greet there. * Saturday is also the rescheduled Great Grape Derby at Naples Creek by the "digger" on Mark Circle. Race starts at 1 pm. * The Camp Onseyawa golf tournament is June 13 in Waterloo. Let Jack know if interested. * Our annual Crossover/Gavel dinner to welcome the new Board is June 29th, 5:30pm at Reservoir Creek. Skip will start taking reservations next week. * June is Rotary Fellowship Month. Jack participated in the US-Canada International Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians two weeks ago in NC. There are many other Fellowships available including RV trips that Bo and Patrice enjoy (and soon Alan and Kristie will too). * Birthdays this month are: Wayne, Patrice and Holly. Anniversaries are: Frank and Kathleen (60 years!), Alan and Kristie, David and Mark and Lawrence and Peggy. We sang our congrats to them all!

 

Carrie and Jill brought the Interact seniors to our gathering today. This was Carrie's first year as their advisor. The students each introduced themselves and their plans for college. They told what they valued about their Interact experience. The group was student led and had multiple speakers that broadened their knowledge of the world. They engaged in several fund raisers and selected the recipients of those efforts. They recognize the value of service and the Rotary goals. Their giving went to the American Cancer Society, Miss Julie's School, Polio Plus and Linking Hands for Education. They took part in the Grape Festival, Light Up Naples, World Polio Day, Caruso's Thanksgiving dinner, VFW and the Polar Bear Plunge. Carrie thanked them all and recognized Jill and Kristen Smith for assisting. Certificates and t-shirts were given to: Carly, Trenton, Rowan, Colin, Alessandra, Oscar and Lily. McKinley wasn't able to be here but will also be recognized.

Carrie spoke of Joyce Doran's effort to start our Interact Club and Charlie's role as the first president of the club. Analisa Chapman was the advisor for the first years. Initially, 10-12th graders could join but this year it was expanded to 8th-12th grades. The year started with 27 students who committed to attending 7 of 10 meetings which were once a month. The students felt it was a valuable experience that enhanced the college application process. We all agree that these students are great representatives of Naples Central School and Rotary!

 

The Ace of Hearts was $132. Ticket #0201 was held by new member Bill. His card was the 10 of Hearts.

Happy Bills went to the golf event Jack enjoyed. Many thanks and best wishes were given for the Interact seniors! They have impressive HS records and great futures as remarkable leaders. Advice given was to follow the 4 way test, keep an open mind and open eyes. One person can make a huge difference and Naples is proud of them all! Thanks went to Carrie and Jill and Kristen for their involvement with Rotary youth. Judy was thankful for nursing friends advice as Skip went to the hospital last week. We welcomed Brenda back after a long recovery. Welcome back to Naples to Chip. Sadly, Frank and Kathleen will be moving closer to family in Rochester this fall but he will come here as much as he can. We are keeping Sherry and John in our thoughts and wish them home again soon!

Jack's Rotary Moment were several photos of his golf Fellowship in NC. He met some new and old friends and Sharon enjoyed a bit of sightseeing. His team won 5th place!

Judy Miller still has a few Great Grape Derby tickets and a few more "grape" catchers in waders will be helpful on Saturday!

We all said the Four Way Test (including the Interact students) and Jack rang the bell at 1 pm. Have a great week and see you Saturday!