It was absolutely delightful to be back together again for today’s “In Person” Meeting! There were 21 of us who met at The Redwood, plus guests, Rose Hogan, and Mark Caruso. No doubt, there were many other members who joined us on-line, as well! The Redwood welcomed us back, having the tables all set up in a safe and pleasant array. The stream-lined procedure for entry seemed to have worked well today. We were cheerfully greeted at the door by Tom. A few steps later, Sweet Nancy checked each one’s temperature, then upon taking even further steps, we were met with the warm smile of Laurie, as she collected our checks for lunch, Fines, and Happy Bills. A smiling Shanna graciously showed us to a table marked with a Happy Face, and we were “ready to roll”!

Today’s Meeting was conducted by PP John French, as Pres. Matt has been away on a well-deserved vacation. Bruce M. handled the technology, so that others could be with us via Face Book Live. John led us in The Pledge, and he also gave The Blessing. His Invocation asked The Lord to help us use our gifts and talents to the best of our ability, so that we may serve others well. As previously mentioned, there were 22 members present, plus two guests. Today’s Program would be about Caruso’s Café, Naples’ newest “Eatery”!

John shared some recent communications and updates with us. He thanked Tom, Nancy, Laurie, Shanna, and Bruce for helping things to run so smoothly this noon. The District Golf Tournament is on 9/11 at Island Oaks, in Lima. There was an E-mail from Linda Kohl regarding the Environmental Action Committee. A note from Sherry indicated her sincere appreciation for having received the Paul Harris Fellow and the Robert Allen Award(s). A letter from Judy and Sebastian thanked us for having them visit us. They were especially grateful for the desks which the Naples Rotary provided their students. Pres. Matt has reminded us that donations for school supplies are due by 8/28. There is no program set for 8/31, but we will induct the newest member to the club, Rose Hogan. Skip and Judy have delivered the Calendar (2020-2021) Materials to all. We are encouraged to sell as many calendars as possible to those we know. Our information and checks are due to Skip and Judy by this Friday, 8/28. Many thanks to Skip and Judy for helping out! Skip was glad to announce that the Duck Race will go on!! It will be held on 10/28, so hang on to those tickets!

The Happy Bills and Fines were announced by John before the Program began. Karen recently had a birthday on 8/23. Nancy, Rose, Skip, and Diane were glad to be together in person, today. Betty had her great-granddaughter visit, and Bruce was glad to be “vertical”! Bruce M.’s wife is in Maine, so he is having a little “break”! Tom has a birthday on 8/25, and he enjoyed the program. Bo and Pat celebrated their 40^th Anniversary on 8/23. John is glad that Matt will be back next week!

We were pleased to welcome our own Jodi, and her husband, Mark to today’s meeting, as they were the program presenters. Creative cuisine, consummate camaraderie, and complete contentment…we are talking about Naples’ Newest Niche, Caruso’s Café! Jodi and Mark, Naples’ newest restaurant owners, were with us today to talk about their new establishment, named after Mark’s family. During the Quarantine, (of the Pandemic), Jodi’s Open Arms Yoga could not handle the normal number of participants, as only two at a time were allowed. This meant that some changes were necessary, as Jodi told us. The former “Grainery” was not to reopen, and after having talked to Beth, Jodi and Mark saw an opportunity to try something new! A business plan was needed, and they soon found themselves to be “café owners”! That was the pivotal point from which 110 South Main Street began to take on some amazing physical changes! Day and night, Mark and Jodi, and friends and family could be seen within those walls this Summer, making some amazing changes and renovations! Mark would come in early to help before going to work at Cummings Nature Center, and before long, changing lightbulbs and outlets led to more, as Jodi explained. Jodi’s Mom has come on board to help, and there are some pleasant teenagers on hand, who are eager to serve customers as well! Our Blanche, along with Trish, both of whom are with the Naples Historical Society, have created a “Bulletin Board” on one wall which depicts scenes from Naples’ Past. That will change periodically, we were told. Various artists, such as Lauren Hirsh, will have displays on the opposite wall where the booths once stood. Along with the works of local artists, such as Stephanie Marshall, being available, many delicious items from local farmers will be offered too…even baked goods from Michelle, owner and baker at Plenty, the Bakery! Jodi and Mark plan to have vegetarian and gluten-free items available for those folks with that type of need. The re-purposed “Fifties-Style” tables have been artfully refurbished by Darryl, Phoebe, and Jessie, and the chairs are from an Arby’s! It is a unique and delightful experience to visit Caruso’s Café, which offers a potpourri of local talent, and the food is superb! The Grand Opening is this coming weekend, so stop in for a real treat! Currently, their hours are from 7:00-2:00, Tuesday through Sunday. Jodi and Mark wish to thank the Naples Community for the help they have received in bringing this business opportunity to fruition!

It just made sense that Jodi would have today’s Rotary Moment ready for us! With the opening of her new business, she wanted to offer heartfelt thanks to all the Naples Rotarians who have volunteered in helping her get started. As with many things that we help each other do, it is certainly a “work of heart”! Best wishes, Jodi and Mark!