The message of “Joy” on the front screen, this noon, served as the perfect reminder for us to focus on the positive, as this New Year unfolds, and that feeling of joy was certainly a part of our Midday Gathering today!

”Happy New Year, Fellow Rotarians!” President John said, as he welcomed us to the Meeting today. We then rose to join John in saying The Pledge. Micah gave the Invocation this noon, thanking The Father In Heaven for the sunshine, our presenters, and the work that we do as Rotarians. We heartily sang “God Bless America” with Jack in the lead. We had been warmly welcomed by Our Greeter, Liz, and then we extended that friendly welcome to our guests, Nancy, Kathy, Elizabeth, (our presenters), and Sharon, of course! These fine folks, along with 18 Members in attendance, brought the number to 22 today! Today’s Program was about the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery, and the Rotary Moment was delivered by John.

With it being a brand-new year, and a brand-new month, our January Folks were recognized with well wishes and song. January Birthdays include Steve J., Laurie, Clyde, Kristin, and Skip, and the January Anniversary belongs to Bruce and Sandy. Jack led us in singing a splendid round of “Congratulations” to them.

John announced a few upcoming dates for our calendar. He has sent out an E-mail to the Membership, but I’ll note it here, as well. On January 19th at 7PM, and on January 24th at Noon, there will be Informational Sessions about ClubRunner. Both Sessions can be attended via Zoom. The next Board Meeting will be January 23rd at 10:30. (The Strategic Planning Committee Meeting has been postponed for now.) Looking ahead, the District Assembly is slated for April 22nd, and the District Conference is scheduled for May 6th. Rotary Lite will be this Wednesday, January 11th, at 6PM. 

Among all gifts, given and received, what gift could mean more than the Gift of Life? Today, we welcomed Nancy, Kathy, and Elizabeth, who are a part of the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery. Nancy, who is the Director, spoke to us, and she began by urging us to bring her message back to our families, because organ and tissue donor ship can be life-giving to those in need.

The Finger Lakes Donor Recovery (FLDR) is part of the OPU, which stands for Organ Procurement Organization, and it covers a wide area, extending from the Southern Tier to St. Lawrence County. That is a total of 20 Counties! Nancy, who is a donor recipient herself, (dental surgery), asked if any of us has had experience with organ or tissue donor ship, and some of us were able to relate to friends we have known who have experienced this wonderful gift. She showed us faces of young and old alike, who have benefitted from organ and/or tissue donation, and the number of organ, eye, and tissue donations within the last year has been very impactful on the lives of many! Nancy told us that people whose lives hang in balance await that call, and the impact that one donor can make on a life is immeasurable! There are Transplant Centers in both Rochester and Syracuse, and it was mind-boggling to learn that every 9 minutes, a person is added to the list of those in need! The Graph that she displayed was indicative of this urgency.

How can we help, as concerned individuals, to make a difference for those in dire need? There are a number of ways that we can make an informed decision that really matters, with indicating Organ Donor on one’s Driver’s License being one of the most widely-used ways. Taking the time to register, and making one’s decision clear, using appropriate documentation, can assure legality, and provides relief for the family. There are Portals available, also, such as the DMV and Online, which can be used as vehicles for donor ship.

Many body organs are transplantable, and the same can hold true for many body tissues we were told. “Do not rule yourself out!” Nancy pointed out. Anyone aged 16, and beyond, can be an Organ Donor. Medical history is not a consideration at the time of enrollment. Nancy also took the time to dispel some of the myths that have encircled organ donor ship that could lead to a person’s not wanting to become an organ donor.  She completed her presentation with a picture of local Weatherman, Scott Hetsko, who, himself, is the recipient of a new heart! “Make your decision, and let your family know!” Nancy urged. “This is a way a person can live on! It’s not the end of a person’s story!” We were truly grateful to Nancy, Kathy, and Elizabeth for taking time out of their busy schedules to join us today. Many, many thanks for encouraging us to become more aware of viable ways in which we can help to make a significant difference in the lives of others!

The Ace of Hearts was up to $42 today, I believe. Our Sweet Jo brought the “deck” over to Jack after his Ticket, #3937, was selected. Jack drew the Ten of Diamonds from the pack.

Rotary Reflections brought in many “Bills” in appreciation of today’s Program, and the impact it has had on the lives of many. Jack, for example, shared a poignant remembrance of how the organs of Nehemiah Warren were donated for the betterment of others.

The Rotary Moment this noon, was delivered by our President John. Last Thursday Evening, a group of fellow Rotarians presented a generous check to the Naples Fire Department  in thanks for all that they have done. The NFD has been so supportive of  Naples NY Rotary, and we are very appreciative of all that they do for our Naples Community!

John left us with this valuable quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, from whom he enjoys gleaning “our weekly parting message”. “Unless you try to do something beyond what you’ve already mastered, you’ll never grow!” I imagine that we, the Naples NY Rotary Club, will continue to grow in many ways this year, as we embrace our purpose in serving others! Have a great week, everyone! See you on the 16th for our Evening Meeting!