Our hearts have been heavy, laden with losses recently in our community, and what could be more uplifting than to be with so many Fellow Rotarians and wonderful guests today, all under a Banner of Love? This was the scene this noon as 25 Members and six lovely guests gathered for our Noon Meeting at The Redwood. One might say that we gathered in solidarity as a group committed to promoting hope and healing amongst us all.

President Bruce opened today's Meeting with an invitation to us all to join him in saying The Pledge to Our Flag. Each of us had been warmly greeted by Tom, as we came to The Redwood. John F. gave the Invocation, asking The Lord to heal Our Community after the losses of special people and places that have been dear to our hearts. We sang a strong stanza of "God Bless America" led by Jack. We welcomed guests, Ardie Neubauer, Hollis Lawler, Lisa Messineo, Angela MacAllister, Kathy Riesenberger and Trish Lambiase, each of whom would share a bit with us today about her part in helping to make the Grape Fest of 2022 an event to remember! Tom's Program today focused upon the Progress of Grape Fest 2022. Jodi provided the Rotary Moment at Meeting's End. We repeated the Four-Way Test after Pres. Bruce's prompt before leading into announcements.

Pres. Bruce, (via Laurie), asked that those who wish to pay through Venmo should please pay then. (He also gave us a demonstration.) It will help Laurie greatly with her bookkeeping! The following information is from the Board Meeting which took place this morning before the Regular Meeting. The Rotary Year, which goes from June 30th to July 1st, is winding down, and with that, some positions on the Board have become available, as John pointed out. The Position of Vice President will be open. This is a sequential position, as it goes from Vice President, to President-Elect, to President, to Immediate Past President. One must have been a member for at least a year to qualify for this role. Karen has agreed to serve as Sergeant at Arms, and there are two Director slots available. 

Next, each of our guests gave a short talk on the role each of them would be playing leading up to, and during the Grape Fest of 2022. It promises to be an event to remember!

Rose urged those of us who are able, to please sign up to help sell Pin Wheels for the Walk of Life. Sherry added that there is a plethora of positions and ways to help, (for the WOL), and she will put this on Google Doc.

Skip, (via Carrie), noted that there is an Exchange Student coming in from Barcelona, Spain. Also, Charlie Grove has earned a scholarship for RYLA.

Jodi announced that there will be an "Impromptu Gathering" with Music ND Speakers on Tuesday night at Perriello Park to honor Ryan Rector. Please let her know if you wish to participate.

Skip also added that former Naples Rotary Member & PP, Warren Jordans, is facing some serious health issues right now (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). We are sending our prayers to him!

John noted that the Gavel Dinner will be June 27th at Brew and Brats. We hope to have the same caterer that we had for the Spring Dinner! Also, John said that the District Change-Over Dinner will be on June 30th, at King's Catering, and will cost $35.00/person.

The Grape Fest of 2022 is unfolding, with many exciting events to look forward to! As Tom began his Program today, he likened the development of Grape Fest 2022 to that of a mother anxiously awaiting the birth of her child. "We are seven months working on this!" exclaimed Tom, and indeed, each month brings us a little closer to some wonderful happenings! 

"The Grape Fest will be bringing families and friends together!" said Tom, excitedly. "It will be nurturing, and it is turning into a community event!" There will be three Different Opportunities for Engagement, and they are: 1. Community Events, 2. Grape Country Gala, and 3. Historic Grape Fest, all of which will afford opportunities for "engagement"! "Knowing that our community stands for generations", Tom talked about "Grape Festival Week". 

Flanked with the background of Darryl Abraham's Typically Winsome Artwork, the individual guests talked about each of the components. Under the umbrella of Community Events, Tom spoke first about the Fireworks Extravaganza. Jodi and Kathy talked about The Parade where "roots will grow stronger and happiness will be shared". There will be a Street Dance, and the Finger Lakes Band will play outside The Hotel. Jack will be the Announcer at the Parade. Trish, (from Naples Historical Society), said that there will be a Grape Pie making Class! Rose added that there will be Events to support Hospeace House on Basset Road. Hollis talked about the Chili Cook-Off that will be at Engine 14 Brewery. Lisa talked about the Winemakers' Competition, (drawing upon those local winemakers in Naples), with Matt Frahm and Jake Makepeace serving as judges!

The Second Opportunity for Engagement, the Gala "Boots and Blue Jeans" "Hoedown" will take place at Parrish Hill Barn, as Lisa explained, and with food, music, and two bands, it will kick-off the Historic Grape Fest Weekend!

JoAnne, with heartfelt enthusiasm, talked about the Third Opportunity, the Historic Grape Fest itself! She noted that things are progressing well, and in a timely manner, with Artisans, Food Vendors, and even a Wellness Area in place! The Brahm-Moore Beverage Garden is being steadily filled! Skip will continue as Chairperson of this portion. Mike Joseph is handling the Music Portion. He is putting together a Line-Up of Performers! The Pie Contest is in "full swing" with Shanna, Trish, and Blanche in charge. Jack will be the Announcer. JoAnne is hoping Albie would be willing to "get down" and do the measuring on the GF Gounds! "Thanks to all for the new vision!" JoAnne concluded warmly. "We are giving to the community memories for a lifetime!" Tom added. If you need information, he's the one to talk to! We also gave Ardie a warm round of applause for her involvement in the GF Committee.

The Kitty was at $45 today. Kathy R. (Nancy's daughter) drew Ticket # 3615, which was that of Karen. Karen drew the King of Diamonds.

Today's Happy Bills were given for many reasons. We've appreciated all that Tom, JoAnne, and the Grape Fest 2022 "Crew" are doing to ensure that Grape Fest 2022 will leave lasting, happy memories for the Naples Community. Kevin reminded us to vote tomorrow evening on the proposed NCS Budget. JoAnne and Albie were thinking of their grandson, Alliet. We are grateful for the strength that The Lord has given us to be able to withstand hardships, and to be able to encourage one another.

For the Rotary Moment, Jodi shared that she was at the Dansville Parade this past weekend, and that she was glad and proud to proclaim that she was a Naples Rotarian!

P.S. Sandy shared that she would like to give a Program on Landscaping sometime. We will look forward to that!

P.P.S. Many thanks to Karen and Nancy for filling in for Laurie today!

Kindness, compassion, and support are a part of our club as well, and Pres. Bruce echoed this feeling as he closed the Meeting with his gentle words..."Goodbye and God Bless."