I was reminded of the story, “The Mitten”, by Jan Brett, today, as I saw the front dining room of The Redwood literally swell with members and guests! There were 33 of us, plus seven guests, which made for a houseful, and Becky managed to serve us all in her usual pleasant way. Judging from the weekly attendance, it looks like we’re going to need that back dining area at all meetings! That is a good “problem” to have though, as our club continues to expand!
As Pres. Tom opened the meeting, we rose to join him in saying The Pledge. Jack chose America, The Beautiful to lead us in song, while Larry gave The Blessing. He thanked The Lord for the beauty that surrounds us, and he prayed that we be given the strength, courage, and desire to serve others. Today, we welcomed guests, Betty, Chris, Corti, Bruce, Alvaro, Sharon and Liz.
Flanked by a lovely picture of Bare Hill on the screen, Tom had a few communiques to share with the Club. There was a letter from the Secondary Principal, Bridget Ashton, thanking NRC for the monetary donation towards the four Rotary Awards. Stefan Radak received the Brad Clawson Memorial Rotary Award. Joseph Yates received the Duane Schultz Memorial Rotary Award. Hannah Steff received the Bruce Clawson “Service Above Self” Rotary Award. Nicholaus Clearman received the Tony Long Memorial Rotary Award. There was a Thank You from Building Minds in South Sudan for the $1000 donation, which will help in the construction of schools. Tom also shared a letter from Jodi asking us to consider sponsoring the purchase of a 5 gallon cooler for the Marching Band.
Patrice gave a summary of this morning’s Board Meeting:
- The bench in memory of All Mann has been ordered from Joseph’s. Larry has obtained a name plate for the bench.
- The bench will be placed in Rotary Grove.
- Tom reviewed the Naples Rotary Website and ClubRunner with The Board. There will be a time set aside for the entire membership to receive an overview in the near future.
- The application of Bruce McLellan has met with Board Approval, and it will be sent out to the membership for their approval.
- Our club will $500 to the Musical/Theater group at NCS, which they may use for their wireless microphones and mixing system.
- We will be considering the installation of Little Libraries within our community to enhance literacy. More information is to follow.
- Be it known that all Naples Rotary Members are welcome to attend Board Meetings.
It was not surprising, with the Walk of Life drawing near, that today’s program featured Mike and Jodi, who each spoke about the upcoming event on August 10th. Mike prefaced Jodi’s presentation by telling us that Jodi had run Relays For Life in the past. The idea that perhaps we, (NRC), could do our own relay/walk came to mind. With that, Mike prompted Jodi to join Rotary, and as Paul Harvey would say, “You know the rest of the story!”
This year will mark Naples Rotary’s Third Annual Walk of Life, and it will take place right here in town, in front of the Memorial Town Hall! The WOL benefits Hospeace House and The Margery Pawluk Cancer Fund. Inspired by her own Dad’s battle with cancer, Jodi has been a champion for helping those in need who have been afflicted with cancer, and their families.
The various events leading up to the WOL have been described in a colorful brochure designed by Kim Torpey. The Desserts and Songwriters Event has already taken place, and there was a good monetary return! Next week, will be the Silent Auction at Hollerhorn, which is sure to draw a crowd! There are a myriad of other events which will happen, and are fully described in the brochure.
Our own Tom recently celebrated his ten-year battle with cancer, and a respectable amount of funds was raised then, as well! The beautiful purple shirts that are being featured this year are in memory of our own John H. Brahm III.
Jodi felt that it wasn’t just “meetings” that drew her to Rotary, but instead, the stories and memories that were being shared. She so perfectly summed up what we’re all about when she said that it was “a chance to learn, to communicate, and to connect”! Ironically, the Rotary Motto for this year is “Rotary Connects The World”, and our communal energy makes this happen! Thank you, Mike and Jodi for your inspiration!
The Happy Bills and Fines filled Nancy’s basket for many wonderful reasons! Among the most prominent reasons were the Walk of Life, the various fundraisers, the closeness of our club, the new Website, Tom’s new year as President, and of course, the sunshine! There were a few missed meetings on the part of Roberta, Suzanne, Penny, Bruce and Mike. There was gratefulness on the part of Bill C.-family, Warren and Roberta- successful eye surgery, Mike- growth of the Club, Jodi- for all the desserts, Joan- being here, and Jack- 45th Anniversary!
The 50-50 was at $225. Mike, whose ticket, #3275 was drawn, picked the Ten of Diamonds!
John F. had the Win-Win today. How many nubs are on the Rotary Wheel? (24!)
There were two Rotary Moments at the end of today’s Meeting! Tom jokingly shared the “tale of the velcro shorts”, and the gavel being in the velcro pocket! Lastly, Penny ended with a wonderful Rotary story of how Wayne, (the Maxfield Inn), John and Sherry, and she, herself, helped the wedding guests in need last weekend, when the Naples Hotel suddenly closed. Brew and Brats graciously hosted the rehearsal dinner, and thanks to the above mentioned, everyone had a place to stay! True Rotarians in every sense of the word! Enjoy the rest of the week! See you Monday evening!
