The song from the early 60’s, “The Lazy-Hazy Days of Summer”, by popular singer Nat King Cole, could well describe how things have been going for the Naples Rotary Club these days…except for the “lazy” part! We have been busily preparing for the upcoming Walk of Life by holding several fund-raising events leading up to this special annual event. The month of July has seen us holding fundraisers such as the Dog Parade, the Pulled Pork Dinner, Desserts and Songwriters, Putt for Life, and the Fun Run and Walk, along with the ongoing Silent Auction. Each of these events has brought us one step closer to raising adequate funds to benefit the Margery Pawluk Foundation and Hospeace House. Our combined efforts will culminate on August 7th, when the actual Walk of Life occurs, but meanwhile, the events leading up to it have garnered a nice amount thus far!
We rose to our feet, with hands placed over our hearts, and joined President Bruce in saying The Pledge. Frank was chosen to give tonight’s Invocation, and he centered his prayer around the theme of “thankfulness”. Some of his reasons for being grateful were the July rain and sunshine, Rotary members, and guests, WOL volunteers, WOL beneficiaries, and the Naples Community, including businesses and the school district. Lastly, he gave heartfelt thanks to his parents, children, and grandchildren. Each generation has something special to offer, right? “Thank you, Lord!” said Frank. Our Rose “rose” to the occasion, as she led us in singing “God Bless America”. This evening, we welcomed guests Jake Joseph, and Sharon, who along with 25 Rotarians made for a nice attendance. Skip would provide the Rotary Moment.
Pres. Bruce thanked all the volunteers who have diligently worked at the recent fundraisers. Thanks to the effort and commitment on the part of these many individuals, these Pre-WOL Events have been successful! Rose gave an up-to-date summary of the various amounts that have been collected. A total of over $3000 has been raised thus far! She reminded us that more sign-ups are needed for Walk of Life “Holes”.
Patrice gave a summary of the Board Meeting which was held last week. The Board expressed its appreciation to Laurie for taking on the role as Treasurer. Dinners will cost $16, and lunches will cost $13. Sherry has created a Website for the WOL Auction. We are encouraged to bid often! We are encouraged to volunteer for the various events leading up to the WOL, in addition to promoting each. There will be a Red Wings Rotary Night the evening of August 7th. Mike J. anticipates that our estimated revenue this year for the Grape Fest will be between $5000-$7500. More volunteers are needed to help with the Camp O. experience. Someone with an available pick-up truck is needed to help set up on August 12th. Photos from the Change-Over Dinner will be shared on the District Grapevine. Pres. Bruce will take on the interim role of submitting pictures and articles to Marilyn Lyon for the District Grapevine. Tom will assume the vacant role on the Board of Directors left by Immediate Past President Matt. This has created an opening on the Board. (Tom will resume his role as Director the following year). Jack will be our “Point Person” for the singing potion of our meetings, and Tom will be the “Point Person” for the greeting portion of the meetings. Pres. Bruce will provide a link to the WOL Sign-Up Spreadsheet to the members. In order to simplify things, there was a discussion about creating a template for every event that we do. A motion was made to create a Fund-Raising Events Coordinator. All were in favor. The Annual Steak Roast will be held on September 13th at the V.F.W.
Pres. Bruce, along with Rose and Karen, who were the sponsors, invited four of our newest members, Sandy, Sue, Betsy, and Cindy up to the podium. We enjoyed hearing each new member’s “Bio” via Zoom earlier this Spring. Now it was time for each lady to receive her Rotary Packet, including a Certificate of Membership, the Rotary Four-Way Test, and Rotary Pin. We applauded each new member with sincere appreciation, and they have already proven themselves to be a welcome addition to the club!
Our Program this evening was presented by our special guest, Jake Joseph, who told us about the history of Joseph’s Wayside Market. Joseph’s Wayside Market has been a familiar “landmark” in Naples since 1955, when Jake’s parents took over the business. Initially, JWM was known as “Johnson’s” when it was run by a local farmer back in the 1940’s. When Jake’s family adopted the business, Jake, and his two brothers, Gordon and Ed became a part of it, working weekends and Summers as kids. It seems Joseph’s has been a “Family Tradition” ever since!
The original building began as 7 bays, then later on, 2 bays on the north end, and two more at the south end were added on. Jake attended Cortland State, as it was known at the time, trained to become a Physical Education teacher. He taught PE in Naples from 1966-1969! In 1972, he took over the business. The “Double L” Restaurant, which was next to the market, was run by his parents from 62-63. Jake was encouraged by a friend to grow plants. He has two greenhouses at his home on Eelpot Road, where many of those lovely plants we see are planted! Later, display areas were added.
As Jake’s and Nancy’s family grew, Marcy, Rick, and Jason became a part of the family operation. Though Marcy is now living in England, Rick and Jason have continued to work at JWM. Rick gained much experience from having worked at Indian Pines in Penn Yan. Jake’s business flourishes throughout the warm weather, but as Jake noted, “Naples really buzzes up in the Fall!” The Market has served enthusiastic customers during the Annual Grape Fest, the first of which began in 1961, according to Blanche. In the year 2000, the bakery portion was added, bringing further delight to the area customers and visitors! Joseph’s business has acquired a License, and in following state regulations, wine is also featured in a separate section at the south end.
The beautiful plants that we see, as we round the bend near Routes 21 and 53 are typically started February 1st with hope that they will all be sold by July 1st. Jake maintains a connection to the business as he comes down early in the morning to do the bookwork. When asked by Pres. Bruce to recall a “tough” time, and a “good” time, Jake said that when the road was dug up in the early 90’s, it was a challenge. Good times recalled were when his brother, Gordon, came down to pack grapes and apples with his sons.
Tom remembers having Jake as a teacher, and Laurie recalled how Joseph’s would regularly supply fresh fruit when she owned the Maxfield Inn. Those of us who are retired teachers in our club enjoy being waited on by Rick and Jason, who are so polite and accommodating! In fact, all the JWM Staff are so pleasant, including our own sweet Liz! Many thanks to Jake for joining us this evening! Joseph’s Wayside Market is, indeed, a special place, and “It’s in good hands!” said Jake. Tom added that it’s a family legacy, and we are very grateful to have this familiar icon in our Naples community!
No doubt, there is nary a one of us who hasn’t stopped by Joseph’s to add some delight to his/her day! It’s no wonder that many Happy Bills were collected in the basket tonight in appreciation of Jake and his wonderful family. We’re looking forward to August 7th, as we take part in the events leading up to the Walk of Life. We remember Barb Halliley. Jack mentioned that Norma and Gary Reilly were at her Memorial Service. Brenda and John noted that it was special having Liz be at JWM. Pres. Bruce said that Joseph’s provides a nice social environment for his wife, Sandy! His son-in-law is recovering from Covid, thank God. Alex’s family out West is doing better too! Tom had been to Alex Bay, and Pat and Bo had been to Burlington.
Skip had tonight’s Rotary Moment. He is proud to be a part of Naples Rotary! NRC is out doing projects, and it’s being proactive! He recalls that Nancy was the first female member of the Naples Rotary Club, and now, we have many women in our group! John added that Nancy was watching on Facebook Live, so that added one more member to the meeting this evening!
The Fifty/Fifty segment returned last week with the resumption of the In-Person Meetings. Tonight’s total in the Kitty was $277! Brenda’s ticket was pulled. She came close! She drew the Ace of Spades!
The Win-Win was back also! John F. found a question to tease us! “How much were the Annual Dues at the first Rotary Club?” The answer: nothing! The group had voted that there would be no dues, all expenses would be paid via 50 Cent Fines!
As July winds down, and August approaches, let us focus upon what we can do, individually, to help get totally ready for the Walk of Life, as this big event draws near. We can continue to make a difference, each in his own way, as we “serve to change lives”! Have a great week, everyone! See you Monday at noon!
