The mood was so festive
On this sultry night,
As Rotarians and guests
Huddled together tight.
Opportunity to have fun
Never seems to end,
As four large tables
Were packed with friends.
We connected once more,
on the Brew and Brats “lawn.”
It was the perfect venue,
Thanks to Sherry and John!
Everything was perfect,
And as splendid as could be,
Thanks to the planning
Of Tom, “Our Emcee”!
It was sure to be a night
Of fellowship and fun,
When President Matt greeted us
With “Good Evening, everyone!”
We all stood up,
And did our part
In saluting Our Flag
With hand over heart.
A fervent Blessing
Our Judy did share.
She asked the Dear Lord
To keep us safe in His care.
Our guests were so many,
This you must know.
So, it only seems fitting
To list them below.
Special seats at one table
We would definitely save
For the Parents of Matt,
Who are Sue and Dave!
Close to Matt, sat Jackie,
And I can tell you this!
We enjoyed meeting Her Folks.
Who are Sue and Chris!
So many Members
Seemed to “fill the house”,
And alongside many,
Sat each one’s spouse.
Meeting “in-person”
Seemed so right.
D.G. Linda and Ken
Joined us tonight!
Since meeting “remotely”,
it has seemed so long.
We happily joined Jack
In a patriotic song.
After all guests were introduced,
D.G. Linda spoke for a while.
Naples Rotary being so vibrant
Has really made her smile!
It’s been a challenging year,
And Matt shared his thoughts too.
He thanked every member
For helping us get through!
He said it was our Stewardship
That helped us to survive.
Indeed, Naples Rotary
Is very much alive!
Tom created a video
For our viewing delight,
while we enjoyed supping…
our meal was just right!
Awards were next,
“Congratulations”, our refrain,
The Robust Rotarian
Went deservingly to Jane!
Two Service Above Self Awards
Went to Susan and Jane.
“Congratulations, Ladies!”
we did proclaim.
Eleven Rotarians
Were honored to receive
Perfect Attendance Awards
On this special eve!
Two Paul Harris Awards
Were issued this year.
One went to Jennifer Emmons,
Whose courage outweighed fear!
Here was an example
Of a nurse so fine,
Who bravely helped to save lives
Working on the “Front Line”.
A Paul Harris was bestowed
on a special person that we know.
It was Dr. Matthew Thomas Frahm,
Whom we all love so!
He lives his life
In a very special way.
He embodies “Service Above Self”
Every single day!
Sharing our love for this “fella”
Is easy you can tell.
Patrice wrote a little poem
for Matt as well.
Tonight, there would be
“A Special Guest”,
And our imagination
Was put to the test!
“Who could it be?”
Rotarians wondered each.
It was Dr. Matthew Frahm
Giving his Commencement Speech!
“There is honor and dignity
In all work”, he shared.
His message exemplifies
One who has really cared!
There is the eloquent Matt,
And “The Matt” that we know.
To everyone he meets,
His kindness shows.
Of his leadership and empathy
We’ve witnessed a sample.
Of Rotary, he truly is
A shining example!
Naples will always be special
In Matthew’s eyes.
And Darryl Abraham’s artwork
made a lovely surprise!
Evening’s end was drawing near,
We would all deduce.
It was time to pass The Gavel
From Matt to Bruce.
As Bruce handed Matt
The President’s Plaque,
He summed up our thoughts
With his special knack.
He’ll be a Gift to Clarence,
We surely know that!
“We’re all better off
For having known Matt!”
Here are the Perfect Attendance Recipients for this Rotary Year.
Skip Miller 36 years
Nancy Linehan 21 years
John French 8 years
Tom Hawks 7 years
Jack Fredericks 6 years
Karen Schenk 4 years
Laurie O’Brien 3 years
Matthew Frahm 1 year
Bruce McLellan 1 year
Sherry Brahm French 1 year
Liz Yee 1 year
Along with the 38 Members in attendance, listed here, are the guests whom we welcomed. D.G. Linda (Kohl), and Ken, Matt’s Parents, Sue and Dave, Jackie and her Parents, Sue and Chris, Jennifer and Scott, Bob, Leanna, Lori and Irma, Abby, Lisa, Sharon, Kathleen, Meg, Mindy, Sandy, and Leandra. (My sincere apologies if I have forgotten anyone! 😊)
