Spring certainly conveyed “her glory” this past weekend, and no doubt, that taste of warm weather and sunshine gave us all a bit of inspiration and hope! Our first meeting of May commenced with Tom’s invitation to join him in saying The Pledge. We then listened to a recording of God Bless America. From our homes, our heads were bowed, and our hearts were lifted, as Tom gave The Blessing. There was virtually a great turnout of members and guests at today’s meeting. Twenty-five members attended the Zoom meeting, along with five guests. The guests included PDG Mike Slovak, Ralph Brandt, Linda Kohl, “Ecdouthit”, and sweet Hjanne.
We sang hearty “Congratulations” and “Best Wishes” to Joan, Robin, Roberta, Andrea, Penny, Shanna, and Sherry, who have a May Birthday, and to Mike J., who has an Anniversary this month.
Andy reported that the work of the Rotary Responders continues to go well. Those in need within the Naples Community are being helped in a safe and effective way. Pres. Tom gave a shout out of “Thanks” to the “Team”.
Matt spoke briefly about the Robert Allen Award (Ballot). We were prompted to click on the Survey, and to select 3 choices for this year’s RA Award. To date, approximately 1/3 of the Membership has voted.
Today’s Program was entitled “World Class Off-Road Racing: A Champion in Our Backyard”, and was presented by fellow Rotarian, Marty Gordon. Matt introduced Marty, giving him kudos for being part of the Rotary “Connection” in leading this collegiate program. Working together in teams, the students, who are from R.I.T., create custom-built “vehicles” that will take part in a competition, once tested and completed. One year, the competition took place in Brazil, and it was known as the “Baja Sae”. The students, 30% who are women, design, build, test and modify these vehicles so they are “Ready”.
Marty’s coverage of this collegiate program was presented in three segments, done in video format. The first video displayed various examples of the different vehicles that the teams of students had designed, as well as the many surroundings where the competition(s) take place. The second video provided a glimpse of the hard work that is involved in preparing for, and in taking part in this contest. The students race at 35 mph during the event! Marty noted that there is a nice transfer of knowledge, (at this time), between the classroom and the students’ many hours of work. The third video focused on the personal set-ups and construction of the vehicles. Essentially, the event could replicate a “Moto-Cross”, as these participants drive over very rugged terrain! Marty said that the next event will be 2022, at R.I.T. and Palmyra.
After the program, Marty welcomed several questions, and we learned that everything is mostly designed and modified by the students themselves. In terms of funding, the students are responsible for this, and they seek sponsorships for supplies and travel. The students come from a diverse array of educational backgrounds including, Technology, Liberal Arts, and Computing. The majority is involved in technical areas. Marty has been leading this program for 25 years! He noted that these students are highly sought after in the workforce. Now we understand why he has given them the distinction of being called “Champions”! Many thanks Marty, (and to Jill, his #1 Supporter), for providing such an interesting program!
Having had such a nice number of participants at today’s Zoom Meeting, an ample assortment of Fines and Happy Bills was garnered! Collectively, here they are. Jack is happy to be with his family, as he continues to teach school from his son, Jonathan’s home. Brenda was a bit late, and she has missed some meetings, however, she was happy to see PDG Mike with us, and she is glad her kids are safe. Bruce M. is glad for the work that Marty does. Jamie enjoyed the program. Mike S. enjoyed the program. Nancy visited Bob this weekend up at Rose Ridge. Laurie has kept in contact with our Australian Friends. She gave us details about how they are surviving the Pandemic. Carrie enjoyed the program, and she was happy to have Hjanne join us. Patrice liked the program, and she was happy to really see the grandkids this past weekend. Liz liked the program, and the weather this weekend. She’s back to work at Joseph’s now. She “left” the meeting early, so she could celebrate her Dad’s 97th Birthday! Blanche appreciates Marty and Jill. John F. liked the program. He appreciates Tom’s work with Facebook Live. He and Sherry both appreciate Hospeace House, and the work Jennifer is doing. Skip and Judy liked the program. They were glad to see Mike, and they appreciate Matt at NCS. Matt thanked Skip for the compliment, and he noted that it was Teacher Appreciation Week. Jill noted that Marty “gets kids back” long after they have finished the Race. Marty says Jill has supported him all the years that he has been involved in the Race. Their daughter is a Special Ed Teacher. Bo appreciates the teachers. Pres. Tom completed the list. He enjoyed the program. He took a trip to Oneonta this weekend, with Milo on board. His daughter, Chelsea graduated from the U. of R., and she is now a Nurse Practitioner! He thanked the teachers at NCS.
Jamie added a bit more about Robert Allen. He was our first President, noted Jamie. He had a pragmatic spirit that could “envision change”. We, too, have that positive spirit, and in maintaining it, we can envision change as well!
Nancy had the Rotary Moment for today. Back in 91-92, at the District Conference, the Naples Rotary took First Place for The Grapevine, and Second Place for Environmental Projects. He is too humble to say anything, so I will have to do it. Bo was the Editor of The Grapevine back then!
To all the members, I have compiled a list of what everyone owes, (in Fines and Happy Bills), for the last 3 meetings of April. I know some have already sent a check to Susan. I’ll have my “trusty assistant” send an E-mail out to each of you!
Since it’s Teacher Appreciation Week, as Matt noted, let’s give a shout of thanks to all those in the teaching profession. Nowadays, they’re teaching lessons from home, both to their students, and to their children. They truly are an inspiration!
Have a great week, everyone! We’ll see each other online next week, as we gather to hear Nicole Green talk about “Leading Learning During Times of Crisis”.
