Whether a lion, or a lamb, we just never know, which way the winds of March will blow! Those few warmer, sunny days last week sure help us to think that Spring can’t be far away, however! “Good afternoon! It’s great to see everybody!” said Pres. Matt as he welcomed us to the first Meeting of March. Bruce held The Flag up for us, as we said The Pledge. Tom gave The Invocation today. He asked The Dear Lord to bless our meeting, and to bless each one of us, “Lord, may we feel Your Presence among us,” he added. Tom also included a little prayer for the pets as well! Along with the 24 members gathered for today’s Zoom Meeting, we welcomed guests, Sharon, Sue, and our speaker, Renea. “Kathleen looks a bit different!” remarked Matt, referring to the bunny sitting beside Frank!
Matt had some updates to share with the club. Just before today’s meeting, an extra Board Meeting was held to address two items. A Slate of Officers needs to be adopted for the Rotary Year, 2021-2022. Jack, Tom, Sherry, and Liz have expressed a desire to fill the vacant seats. Since John (French) has indicated that he is willing to become Vice President, that means that there are four slots for four members. (The Position of Treasurer will be filled by Laurie.) Matt will prepare a Written Slate which will be up for vote by the membership at next week’s Zoom Meeting. The Slate of Nominees will be accepted at that time.
Whether to continue with Virtual Meetings, or to return to In-Person Meetings was the next item on the agenda for discussion. Rotary International has advised clubs to continue to meet virtually until the end of the Rotary Year (June 30th). After much discussion it was decided that we comply with this advisement. We’ll continue to meet on-line for the remainder of this Rotary Year. We shall continue to be cautious, and Matt thoughtfully added that come July 1st, we can look at the data that is available. (Matt said that folks could blame Pat if things weren’t copesetic! 😊)
John Talked a bit about the progress of the Trout Derby. Things are moving along well, as Sherry and Micah are conversing daily. Registrations are coming in regularly. To obtain an application, one can go to the Naples Creek Trout Derby Page where the website is available. The Trout Derby is only one month away!
The Awards Committee had also met earlier this morning, and Tom reported on their meeting. The process involving the Paul Harris and Robert Allen Awards was discussed. Tom noted that it was important for members to truly understand the meaning of these awards, and that they both signify “Service Above Self”. In terms of the By-Laws, the President becomes the Past President. The changes that have been made to the By-Laws will be voted upon by the membership next month.
Matt expressed sincere thanks to Judy for sending out RYLA Applications to the NCS Juniors. This program will, of course, be done virtually this year.
Today’s Program was presented to us by Renea Rennoldson. Thank you, Karen, for “twisting her arm” to join us today! Almost a year ago, (3/16), Renea recalls how things changed so drastically, and of how very busy they (Rennoldson’s) were at this time. The onset of Covid 19 had changed our lives in so many unexpected ways, but Rennoldson’s Market had remained a constant for us as they tried to “get ahead of Covid”. Luckily, there have been zero cases at the store, which has been very fortunate. Renea recalled how, last year, getting supplies in, and getting the shelves stocked was such a challenge. It was then, that she remembers the Rotary Responders coming to the rescue! Every week, on Thursday, she recalls that 2-5 Rotarians were at the store helping out in various ways. She reflects on how for about six months, she was putting roughly 80 hours a week in, working at the store! Some of the ways in which Rennoldson’s has helped the Naples Community can be seen in how they have shopped for seniors who have been worried during this pandemic. They have done deliveries to shut-ins, thanks to various volunteers. On-line shopping was not available to customers then, but now, it is an option! Some of the challenges that were being faced were that jobs were available, but people weren’t applying, due to the pandemic. Some supply issues prevailed, but things are getting better according to Renea. She conveyed her heartfelt thanks to all who helped, and she added that it was “amazing”! A question and answer period followed Renea’s presentation. Paper products and cleaning products, of course, were in demand during this time. Renea noted that some of the creativity practices during Covid will probably continue, such as their cleaning procedures, and making sure that everyone is okay: specifically, their staff. Frank and Bruce concurred that we are very fortunate to have Rennoldson’s Market right here in the center of our community, where it is so conveniently available to everyone! For sure, we would all agree! “Nothing is more important than food and nutrition!” added Matt, and for those very reasons, we thank you, Renea! Renea also noted that Rennoldson’s Market has always helped The Open Cupboard in the past, and it will continue to do so. Thank you, Renea, for being with us today, and thank you to Rennoldson’s for all you are doing for our community!
It was time for the Happy Bills and Fines, and as one could imagine, many bills poured forth in appreciation of today’s program, and all the good that Rennoldson’s Market does for the Naples Community. Jack was glad that, although he received a message that his Internet Connection was “unstable”, he and Sharon weren’t deemed as such! John F. “wondered” about that bunny that was perched next to Frank! He was happy that he had “survived three consecutive meetings with Matt, as well!! In turn, Tom was glad that he had “survived” three consecutive meetings with John!!! Robin had enjoyed the program, and she had missed some meetings. Matt appreciated the efforts of the Awards Committee, the Extra Board Meeting, and he thanked Micah and Sherry for all their work on the Trout Derby. Susan has appreciated all the cards and memos she has received about the loss of her pup, Maxi. Rose appreciated the Saturday Night BVT Program! The expectations were exceeded!!
Jack had today’s Rotary Moment, and it was threefold! First of all, Mike, John, Sherry and Jack made it a promotional moment at the BVT Summer Preview! Jack
and Sharon will have delivered some homemade soup to one of our own…Joan Slating, whose husband, Jim is currently in hospital after having had a fall recently. Finally, in light of the “Great Lakes Clean-up”, Jack wondered if maybe Naples Rotary could do the same in terms of our own Naples Creek. Maybe we, the Naples Rotary, could do a “clean-up” ourselves!
Rose had some recent updates on the BVT. There was a nice response to Saturday’s On-line Preview. The event was taped, therefore, it can still be viewed by those who would be interested. This season, the BVT will be rehearsing and performing two shows at a time. There will be six shows throughout June, July, and August. Of course, they can be obtained virtually! Rose noted that there is a diverse line-up this Summer Season, and it sure to entertain!!
Congratulations and best wishes to the March Birthdays and Anniversaries! March Birthdays include Jill -March 5th, Bill C.-March 7th, Carrie-March 8th, and Jack-March 24th, and Adam-March 28th! Andrea and Doug Rohr celebrate their Anniversary on March 21st!
“Stay healthy, and be well!” prompted Matt, as he closed today’s meeting. In the time it has taken me to write this weekly report, we’ve gone from a relatively calm day to a mini blizzard! That’s March for you in this neck of the woods!! See you all next week for our Evening Meeting, and a visit from Karl Neubauer from Hollerhorn! Take care, everyone!
