It sure seemed like fall was on it's way! There will be more summer to come but a cool day was a nice break. We had 23 Rotarians gathering today at The Redwood, with two guests greeted by Frank. Grape Fest shirts were on display in the lobby and many were happy to get their Ts or hoodies to proudly wear asap! 

 

Karen brought us to our feet for the Pledge followed by God Bless America led by Jack. Rose quoted C.S. Lewis for our invocation today. Guests were Trish Lambiase, NHS President and our speaker, Tom Hawks, telling us about Celebrate Naples plans for the first weekend in September.

 

Announcements: Rose has volunteered to co-chair the Light Up Naples committee with Cindy. The date is December 7th and planning meetings will start soon. We hope last year's volunteers will happily join in again!

*Rotary 201 is an opportunity to learn about organ donation. Information for online participation is in the District Grapevine. It happens at 8 pm this Thursday, August 22. See info below. *The program bringing sewing machines to remote villages received their grant. Those who pledged should send their donations to Laurie to be forwarded to Rotary International. Our club purchased two machines.

*Info for the Steak Dinner was handed out by Skip. Please RSVP to him. It will be on September 9th at 5:30pm at the VFW - bring a dish to share. *Naples Grape Fest shirts will be on sale again next Monday as well as Thursdays at the Morgan Hose Building (NHS headquarters) from 1-3 pm. *New member Jan will be inducted at a meeting soon. We received a new application from the Meet and Greet last Thursday, with several other folks interested. It was a fun night at Lynnie Lou's!

 

Tom was here to talk about Celebrate Naples, which is happening September 6th through September 8th at many locations throughout Naples. it is a special event for Neapolitans to enjoy "where we call home"! Friday evening is the Boots & Blue Jeans Gala which has already sold out. Saturday afternoon is the Community Parade on Main Street at 4 pm followed by a Street Dance from 6-9 pm on West Avenue. Fireworks will start at 9 pm from Lake Niagara Lane! 

All three days will include special happenings at 22 businesses, from 10am and 4 pm. Many proceeds will go to Hospeace House. Tom gave us all a copy of the flyer which will be included in the local PennySaver on 8/23rd. What a great weekend to look forward to!

 

The Ace of Hearts was up to $162. Alan had the lucky ticket again but drew the 9 of Clubs. One of these days...

Happy Bills were given to thank Tom for all he does for the community, especially for all the planning of Celebrate Naples. (Look for the Naples Facebook posts for spotlights on Naples people, businesses and organizations). Tom's selection of Hospeace House as the beneficiary is much appreciated. Happy Bills also went to the Camp O Carnival and the Meet and Greet.

 

Rotary Moments shared by John was the time he and Sherry spent with Craig and Kristen Smith, setting up and running a ring toss game for the Camp O Carnival. Kristen is happy that she will be working at Naples Central School this year. John and Sherry also chatted with Betty Z. who spent the whole 2 weeks at Camp O, helping where she could. Bruce was also there but having some struggles. Bruce, Sandy Bierbrauer and Jane Schenk will be in our thoughts as they face some difficulties.

John also mentioned the enjoyable and successful evening at Lynnie Lou's with 5 potential new members. And the ice cream was great too!

 

We recited the Four Way Test and Karen adjourned the gathering.