“Good Evening, Everybody!” said President Matt, as he welcomed us to the Zoom Meeting on this sunny April evening. The shadows are falling a little later each day, as the promise of Spring unfolds and lifts our spirits. We enjoyed hearing that Little Reggie, Susan’s new pup, is sleeping through the night in his crib, just as a new baby would do! We’re glad that Reggie is bringing Susan so much comfort and joy!

As we gazed upon Our Flag (thank you, Bruce), we joined Matt in reciting The Pledge. Susan was chosen to give The Blessing this evening and her thoughts were as follows. She gave thanks to The Lord for the sunny day, and for family members. She thanked The Lord for keeping us going throughout this Rotary Year, for we have stayed strong! In closing, she asked God to change us to His image, and to create in each of us, a pure heart.

There was a great turnout of members and guests this evening with 28 Members along with guests, Melissa, Sharon, Kaiden, Graycen, and Zara. This evening’s program was brought to us by Melissa Knoblauch, and she talked about the Finger Lakes Visitors’ Connection. The Rotary Moment was given by John French.

Marty and Jill gave an update on the Great Grape Race, which is coming soon! According to Marty and Jill, ticket sales are going great, and if everybody sells their allotted tickets, there will only be 15 tickets left! Marty thanked John and Sherry, Brew and Brats, and Vicky for establishing ticket sale sites. He instructed us to mail him our ticket stubs, filled out and sorted by numbers, and to send him our checks as well. Marty also produced a spread sheet indicating times and volunteers who have signed up to help during the event. We can use that spread sheet to select times in which we are able to volunteer. If you wish to help  at the Chicken Barbecue, you may contact Liz also. Marty mused that each of the 8 bags of balls (“grapes”) that were ordered, should have contained 100 balls, but there were only 97 balls in each bag! Oh well…Marty advised us to return any unsold tickets. Perhaps they can be sold that very day!

The Camp O. Golf Tournament will be held in Waterloo on June 12^th. Typically, we have had a great participation from Naples Rotary. Last year, we had two foursomes! Hopefully, we can muster up two teams this year as well. This is such a worthwhile cause, since the proceeds serve to benefit the children with special needs that attend Camp O. during the Summer.

Last week, Jack mentioned two possible ideas. One was the possibility of holding a District-wide Golf Tournament that would take place at Reservoir Creek in May of 2022. This would be an opportunity to have fun and fellowship between our neighboring clubs. A committee to plan for this event would be formed, and Jack is hoping that some members will express an interest in becoming a part of that committee. Also, there is the possibility of helping to “clean up” along the stream, as part of the Watershed Clean-Up. About 5-10 people would be needed for this project, and a date and plan would be put in place. Jack has encouraged anyone who is interested to E-mail him at jackf374@gmail.com, or to send him a text message. Jack hopes to hear from some interested members.

As the days continue to lengthen, and Spring slowly evolves into Summer, we can’t help but think of the wonderful bucolic beauty of the Finger Lakes, and of our own little “Piece of Paradise” known as Naples. With that being said, we were pleased to welcome Melissa Knoblauch, this evening’s program presenter. Melissa, who is the Partner and Community Relations Manager, has worked for 6 1/2 years at the Finger Lakes Visitors’ Connection. “Tourism matters!” noted Melissa as she began her presentation. In 2019, before the Pandemic, a total of $3.3 billion was spent in the Finger Lakes, with Ontario County representing a portion of the regional tourism sales. When visitors come to the area, they customarily stay 2-3 nights. Some of the goals of the FLVC are to preserve our historic and cultural resources, to enhance the character of communities, to create a sense of place, and to promote the quality of life, while being inspired by their mission of increasing economic vitality. Unique meeting places throughout the Finger lakes serve to meet those goals. Geneva, Victor, Canandaigua, and Naples serve as the “Gateways” to the memorable experiences that await visitors to this unique area. The FLVC is more focused on promoting tourism as opposed to “drumming membership” we were told, and a primary focus is to create “leisure visitation” throughout the year. Visitation is measured by hotel occupancy. That clientele can be defined as travel parties, and multi-generational groups as well. The data gleaned from these overnight stays at various places of lodging serves to plan and improve the tourist industry, overcome challenges, and build awareness. “Change is important to thrive and strive!” noted Melissa as she neared the end of her talk. What are the attractions that make the Finger Lakes such a “jewel?” Here are but a few…scenery, food, wine, beer, outdoor activities, arts, music, entertainment (BVT), and golf, of course!! It is important to be creative and tech-savvy, and to be research-based, along with being able to target many age groups Melissa told us. The Gateway Displays, vis-à-vis the signs in town, tell it all! More information can be found at their new website also. Many thanks to Melissa for giving us more reasons to appreciate our lovely “neck of the woods!” We also enjoyed seeing her Little One, Zara, who joined us at the end of the program! “There’s a light at the end of the tunnel!” exclaimed Matt, “and we can’t wait to get closer to Summer!”

Melissa told us that lodging places generally charge an occupancy tax, so Matt told Tom to “watch out!” Frank noted that the FLVC had a great website, and that they even had Brew and Brats listed! 😊 The Happy Bills rolled in this evening, as we all enjoyed Melissa’s presentation. Matt paid a Fine for calling Jack, “Jack French!” Marty and Jill enjoyed Matt’s “dig” at Tom! Alex is going to visit her daughter and family. Safe travels, Alex! Laurie mentioned that when she owned the Maxfield Inn, she had had connections with Melissa’s mother-in-law! We are thinking of our sweet Joan Slating, as we remember her fondly, and we are keeping her family in our thoughts and prayers.

John French had the Rotary Moment for us this evening. John presented a short video that featured many renowned individuals, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, all of whom promoted the theme that “Rotary Inspires in Global Health.” On a worldwide basis, we have worked to bring and end to this dreaded disease polio, and we are very close to seeing its eradication. We were inspired by its message. “Together, we must continue to persevere!”

Next week, we’ll gather at noon for our first Meeting of May! We hope to hear from Judy Voss, as she will talk about Finger Lakes Denim. Until then, everyone, take care, and enjoy the rest of your week!