The evening shadows are lengthening, the sun is setting a little sooner each day, and the tree toads are buzzing away...yes, these are the signs that let us know that August had arrived!

President John ushered in our first Noon Gathering of August, as he invited us to join him in saying The Pledge. Jack followed, as he led us in singing "America, The Beautiful". Micah asked The Lord to bless us, and to help us be fruitful in the work that we do, and in the service that we give to others. Along with the 23 Members in attendance, we welcomed guests, Lisa Messineo, close friend of Tom, and Gareth, a New Member of Canandaigua Rotary, having recently joined that club in March of 2022. Today's Greeter was Sue, and Cindy gave the Rotary Moment. Today's Program was about the Shelter Boxes.

Following the Opening Activities, there were a few announcements. Led by Jack we sang "Congratulations" to the "August Folks". Celebrating birthdays this month are Jo Anne, Wayne, Tom, Jane, Karen, Bessie, and Liz. Bo and Pat, Bessie and Jamie, and Shanna and David have August Anniversaries.

Micah gave us an update on Camp Onseyawa. Camp Babcock-Hovey is being sold this year. The Board searched for a place to host Camp O. next year. The Board camp up with the decision to have the Camp Experience be at "Camp Whitman", which is on Seneca Lake, across from where Babcock-Hovey is located. They are willing to do upgrades that will make this site suitable for the campers. On Sunday, 8/14. the Set-Up at Camp O. will be at 9:00, if you would like to lend a hand. The "Wild West" is the theme for this year, with the dining hall being decorated to resemble an Old West Town. The Carnival will be on 8/21 from 1-4PM. Again, there will be fun activities such as face-painting and a variety of games, including prizes! If you wish to volunteer, be sure to talk to Micah! Micah had Raffle Tickets to sell today, and he will bring more next week. They are $5/Ticket, or 3 Tickets/$12. If there are any Members who would like to attend the Camp O. Dinner, (date TBD), Micah will get tickets.

Before giving an overview of August, Pres. John shared a cute photo of "Our Newest Honorary Rotarian", Lenny, Karen's new pup!

Here is the "Line-Up" of Programs for August. 8/1 will be Shelter Box. 8/8 will be Lending Hands For Learning. 8/15 is TBD. 8/22 is Charlie Grove, representing Interact.

We viewed a video this noon, about the Shelter Boxes, which gave a detailed summary of the mission and impact that this "humanitarian effort" has made upon a multitude of lives. This year, 2022, marks the 20th Anniversary of the Shelter Box Program. Its impact has made a difference around the globe since it first helped countries such as India and Pakistan. The Shelter Box Program, when it was established in the USA, began with energy and action, incorporating an Ambassador, and a Response Team. Shelter Boxes are "Emergency Shelters" that provide household needs and tools to families in times of great need, such as crises, disasters, and displacement. Over the years, Shelter Box has helped families who have faced these great challenges. The Shelter Box Program is "passion in action" which gives hope, and that need is even greater nowadays! Rotary was thanked for being the "heart and soul" of the Shelter Box Program.

With the onset of John's new term as Club President, some changes have been made in the format of the Weekly Gathering. First of all, the term "Meeting" has been changed to "Gathering" per John's request. We also have "Rotary 101" as part of the weekly schedule. The "Win-Win" has been changed to "One More Thing", and Tom will be handling that portion. One More Thing will be featured from time to time. The Rotary 101 for today was Areas of Service" the Five Avenues of Rotary Service are Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, International Service, and New Generation Service (Youth). John briefly explained each area, so that we could better understand each.

Club Leadership: Today elections were held to select Club Members to fill open slots on the Board of Directors. Paper Ballots were passed out to the Membership for its vote. The votes will be tallied, and the results will be forthcoming.

Happy Bills and Fines: Here are some of the reasons for which the happy Bills were given today. John conducted an efficient Meeting (Gathering). The Silent Auction Items were being distributed. It's August, and we've much to look forward to! Judy shared a memory from her Dad, Bruce Clawson, that referred to Polio being on its way out in the 80's. We enjoyed today's Program very much also.

The Ace of Hearts was up to $171 today! Pat's Ticket, # 5285 was selected, and she drew the King of Spades.

Cindy gave today's Rotary Moment, and it couldn't have been timelier! Cindy talked about the Polio Plus Society, having received a recent E-Mail from PDG Janet. Cindy admitted that this project "hit home" as she recalled taking the sugar cube vaccine in the 1950's when she was in school. Polio had been a feared disease back in the 1950's, and the virus seemed to have spread in different ways. Children were not permitted to swim in outdoor pools for example. Dr. Jonas Salk developed the vaccine to eradicate Polio in the 1950's, and by 1979, it was declared eradicated in the USA. Cindy remembered having a friend and teacher who had Polio, and she recalls that it was a "scary time". She noted that some people who suffer from Post-Polio Syndrome experience muscle spasms, fatigue, and the like. Historically, Rotary has helped to eradicate Polio in a tremendous way, with only two countries, (Afghanistan and Pakistan) having recorded an outbreak. Cindy wonders, could we, as a club, participate in PPS? (This would mean pledging to give $100 annually, until Polio is eradicated completely). 

Our Annual Steak Roast will probably be in early October, as there is a conflict in September with the Strategic Planning Calendar. That date will be determined.

That brings this week's Grapevine to a close. I'd like to end by including a quote that Pres. John shared with us last week. These words of wisdom are from Ralph Waldo Emerson. "The mind, well-stretched, never returns to its original shape." 

Have a great week, everyone! See you on the 8th!