It was a dank, dark, and dreary day this past Monday, and one would have thought that this typical, late Fall weather would succeed in “lowering our spirits”, but, “au contraire”! Sunshine was surely in our midst, on this, the last Evening Meeting of October, and our thanks goes to Blanche for giving us such an outstanding program!
We were an ample gathering of members at (last) Monday’s Evening Meeting. Twenty-five of us met for dinner and fellowship at The Redwood. Six members, John, Sherry, Katie, Rose, Brenda and Susan joined us on Facebook Live. We welcomed guests, Kit Corti, Christine Buchar, and Gumpol, nephew of Suzanne, which brought our total to 28!
President Matt opened the meeting, as we stood to join him in reciting The Pledge. Past President, Tom gave The Blessing. He thanked The Lord for this day, and he asked Him to give us the strength and guidance to meet the challenges we continue to face. Tonight’s Program was brought to us by Blanche, as we peeked back at a bit of Naples Rotary History! Pres. Matt extended a special welcome to Honorary Member, Bill Cooper, his wife, Kit, Wayne’s wife, Chris, and Gumpol, nephew of Suzanne. Matt noted that this would certainly be an evening of fun and fellowship, all while keeping safe. Next week, 11/02, we will have a Club Assembly, hosted by Pres. Matt and P.E. Karen. Club Assemblies are always an ideal opportunity to share questions, comments, and concerns related to our club. Carrie presented Pres. Matt with a colorful Rotary Banner from Belgium, courtesy of our Rotary Exchange Student, Hjanne.
It was black and white, it was historic, it was nostalgic, and it was memorable! Tonight’s presentation, narrated by Blanche, was called “Naples Rotarians From The Fifties”, and just as its title implies, it made many of the club’s members reminisce! Back “in those days”, Rotary consisted of men only, and although we saw pictures of well-known Neapolitans, one frame showed Blanche’s Mom, Betty, shooing away a would-be magazine salesman! There were many, many fine Naples Rotarians shown on the film, and here are some of the ones that were highlighted, who are worth mentioning.
Charles Standish, uncle of Jane, was President (of the club) in 1940. He was pictured, in the film, near his Purina Chows Store. He was an active member of the community, and he served on the School Board.
Robert Allen was the first President in 1939. (We have an award given to deserving members that honors his memory). Robert owned a funeral home, and he later went into partnership with Bill Moore.
Bud Huber who started the 4-H Program in Naples, had been an educator in the Naples School District. He taught sixth grade. Bud also worked at the Bank, (which is now known as the Community Bank N. A.) He was President of what was then called Security Trust.
Ted Harwood, Father of Kathy Mannella, also was a teacher in the Naples High School. He taught business. He received his Master’s Degree at Alfred University. He was co-founder of the Canandaigua Credit Union. Blanche related a cute story from Kathy. Evidently, Ted met Kathy’s Mom, Kathleen, when he went to her to receive some dental work. They must have hit a sweet note, because they were married five months later!
John Widmer, father of Carl, was filmed painting the cottage on Canandaigua Lake, where Carl and Sue now have their Summer Residence. Carl is a part of the Widmer Family, founders of Widmer’s Wine Cellars in Naples.
Richard Hawks, father of our own Tom, was Treasurer at Widmer’s. Tom told of how his father and mother wanted to raise their family in this beautiful, rural area, and thus, they settled near the lake. They raised seven children, of whom Tom is the youngest. Tom noted that the picture of His Dad holding a small girl was one of his sisters.
Bill Vierhile, our Town Historian, had 64 years of Perfect Attendance! A World War II Vet, he started his furniture business in Naples, and customers could always be guaranteed of the finest service! He was noted for his collection of impressive Naples memorabilia!
Irving Barber, Father of Cindy Domm, who, along with Bob Rennoldson, was co-owner of Bob and Irv’s Red and White Supermarket. Even today, this store, now known as Rennoldson’s Market, is a pleasant place to shop, and the staff are so friendly.
Brad Clawson, Suzanne’s Dad, and Judy’s Uncle, ran a Service Station where Crosby’s now stands. He was very active with the Maxfield Hose Company, and he was a longtime member of Trinity Federated Church.
Bill Moore, Grandfather of Micah, owned Moore’s Funeral Home here in Naples. His son, David, was also a Naples Rotarian, and now David’s son Micah, has become one of our newest members. Undoubtedly, Bill had comforted many folks during their time of need.
Of course, there were many other fine folks that were featured in the film, but time and space present a bit of a constraint. Jane noted that it was important that we establish our history. At many junctures in the program, she was a big help to Blanche in remembering specific details about various people. Jane noted that women were allowed in Rotary in 1987. (Hallelujah!) Oodles of thanks to Blanche, (and Jane too), for sharing this memorable movie with us this evening!
For the Rotary Moment, Frank noted that Jane had won a trip to Toronto in the Camp O. Raffle. Blanche had also been a winner, as well. H-m-m-m?
The Happy Bills came rushing in, as we really enjoyed tonight’s program, and all the work that Blanche put forth in bringing this snippet of Naples (Rotary) History to us. Another reason for many Happy Bills was because we had Bill Cooper with us, whom we haven’t seen in a while. It was a pleasure to have him with us this evening, along with Kit! We’re glad you’re doing well, Bill!
Yesterday evening, 10/28, was the World Polio Day Observance, which was very graciously hosted by John and Sherry, at Brew and Brats. There were 15 present, and we viewed a very uplifting and encouraging film dedicated to the eradication of Polio. Rotary has been very involved in helping to end this virus. Since 1998, there has been a significant decrease in Polio by 99%! Only two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, have seen cases of Polio. In this year, 2020, Africa is Polio free! From awareness to working toward a solution, Rotary is getting closer to its goal to “End Polio Now”!
The books that were ordered for the Annual Christmas Book Distribution, (for the Elementary students), have arrived! The titles seem enticing, and we will look for direction from Matt, as to when and how they shall be delivered safely to the kids.
The Light Up Naples Committee has met a few times since the end of September. The Committee has been planning carefully for the Light Up Naples Event to be conducted safely this year. More information will follow soon.
Stay safe, and stay warm, friends! The forecast is calling for “you-know-what” this weekend! We’ll gather on Monday at noon for the Club Assembly. See you then!
