The song, “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over”, from the musical, “Carousel”, could certainly apply to the wonderful stretch of warm, sunny weather we’ve had lately, don’t you think? Not only has Summer revealed her charms, but wasn’t it wonderful to have our Memorial Day Parade return last week? Phil Bariteau’s amazing NCS Marching Band, the Arbor Hill Gang, and many of the “regulars” from the past, and a Naples Rotary float all added up to the making of a splendid day! Indeed, it was wonderful to return to an annual Naples custom!
Today, Past President John French conducted the meeting, as Pres, Matt had another commitment. John led us in saying The Pledge. Susan was asked to give The Blessing, and her words couldn’t have been more fitting! She thanked The Lord for His Blessings throughout the week, and she asked for Blessings upon the Clarence School District in the same way that Matt has blessed us. There was a nice turn-out of 25 Members at today’s Noon Meeting, along with our “Regular Guest”, Sharon. The Program this noon was provided by our own Bruce McLellan, and the Rotary Moments were given by Jack and Bruce.
Here are a few announcements that preceded today’s program. Rose announced that on Sunday, June 13th, there will be a benefit concert at Hospeace House. There will be three bands performing for your listening pleasure! A case of Arbor Hill wine will also be auctioned! 😊 Sounds like a pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
Pres. Matt passed along an update from Frank on the Camp. O. Auction, which has begun. The bids have been accumulating nicely, so far! So that more bidding can occur, here is the link. WWW.32auctions.com/camponseyawa. Bidders can log in with their email address, so that they can be notified of their winning bids. Five of the auction items have been donated by Naples Rotarians!
Speaking of Camp O., the Annual Play For The Children Golf Tournament is this coming Saturday, June 12th! We will root for Team Naples, which is comprised of Laurie, John F., Micah and Adam! Hit them far, and “putt” them in!! All kidding aside, Good Luck to this Awesome Foursome!
Today’s Program, “Explore Naples, NY and the New Maps”, was brought to us by our own Fellow Rotarian, Bruce McLellan. Treasure maps, by nature, lead to a marvelous find when the treasure is discovered! The same could be said of the Trail Maps that have been developed by Naples Rotarians, Bruce M., Michael J., and Sherry, with Bruce being the Project Manager. Bucolic beauty, verdant valleys, lustrous lake, and a delightful destination…all these descriptors could certainly encapsulate our beloved community of Naples, and the “Explore Naples” Project has endeavored to draw visitors to our unique area!
“The goal is to make Naples, NY vibrant, and to keep this community culturally unique, and inviting to both residents and visitors!” Bruce told us. We want to think of Naples as the “Finger Lakes Outdoor Mecca”, and what better way to keep visitors and residents “in the loop” than through the usefulness of area maps! There have been a couple of area events, recently, that have helped to keep Naples sustainably vibrant. The Naples Valley Winter “Wanderland” and the Swing Into Spring Events have helped to maintain the momentum in our community, all occurring amidst the Pandemic! An Autumn Event is being planned as well!
Three maps have been developed by Bruce and his team. They are the Naples Historic Trail Map, the Naples Village Historic Trail Map, and the Explore Naples Trails Map. These maps are easily accessible and very descriptive! Bruce, who has been a member of the Explore Naples Group since 2020, adds that bolstering our area as a destination site is influential in building our economy.
“There are lots of beautiful accesses to the outdoors, and the trails are well-managed”, noted Bruce. Hiking, of course, whets the appetite, and there are excellent eateries throughout the Naples Area to satisfy one’s palate, thus, “fine fare” should be added to the list of superlatives!! These illustrative maps can be found at the kiosk near Bob’s and Ruth’s.
In answering questions from the Membership, after his presentation, we learned that Bruce has hiked all the trails! Tony asked about a display board for the maps, and he offered to have one become available at Reservoir Creek! Bruce would be the one to ask regarding level of difficulty for each of the trails as he has even hiked Ski Valley on West Hollow Road! Being from the state of Maine, which is variegated in terrain, has provided him with much experience!
John F., who would like to do a bit of hiking himself, was encouraged to start at Reservoir Creek!! Bruce concluded his talk by saying that feedback is always appreciated! Many thanks to Bruce for an enjoyable program. Dee-Dee, the pup, even yipped her approval!
We really enjoyed hearing about the Explore Naples Project, as evidenced by the many Happy Bills that came forward. We were so glad, as well, to be able to have the Memorial Day Parade take place this year!
Blanche, Susan, and Mike read the applications for the Bruce Clawson Service Above Self Award, and the essay of Alicia Livermore, NCS 2021 Valedictorian, was chosen! Susan’s granddaughter graduated with an excellent average! Nancy had recently spent time in Fair Haven. John F, said that there was a good turnout for the Canandaigua Lake Trout Derby, which supports Camp Good Days, Mercy Flight, and Hospeace House. A 29-pound fish was caught!
John thanked Liz and Crew for the Rotary Float that participated in the Memorial Day Parade. Tom had a good check-up today, for which we are glad! Rose appreciates our support of Hospeace House too! Karen has a new daughter-in-law, and she is grateful to add a new member to her family! We are glad to have Bruce R. and Betty Z. back with us. Welcome home, friends!
Today’s Rotary Moment was a “double-header” as John put it. The first RM was provided by Jack. Nine bottles of wine were visible on Jack’s kitchen table, all purchased at Pittsford Rotary’s Auction. Jack noted that the Pittsford Rotary Club seemed interested in the possibility of our forming a Naples Interact Club soon!
The second RM, provided by Bruce M., tapped into the videography of Tom Hawks, as he showed a re-cap of last Monday’s Memorial Day Parade. It was a lovely note upon which to end today’s meeting!
Best wishes to the “June Folks”! June Anniversaries include Frank and Kathleen, and Larry and Peggy. June Birthdays include Dan, Jodi, and Pat.
P.S. Don’t forget to send your checks to Skip if you are planning on attending the Gavel Dinner. (Skip says checks are due by the 21st!) It will be so special this year, since we will all be able to be together in person! 😊 Have a good week, everyone! See you all on the 14th for our Evening Meeting!
