Autumn's Glory has been spectacular these past few days, and today, we were given an encore with plenty of sunshine and Summer-like temperatures. Sixteen Members met this noon at The Redwood, and we welcomed Guests, Alan Stone, who hopes to become a Member, and Bill Cook, friend of Nancy.

Immediate Past President John was the "substitute teacher" for President Liz for the opening part of the Meeting. John led us in saying The Pledge, we joined him in singing "God Bless America", and John shared Words of Wisdom from Ralph Waldo Emerson that focused on courage. Pat and Bo were today's Greeters, and Pat introduced our Guests. We gave each a warm welcome. Today's Program was given by David Dial, and John provided the Rotary Moment at Meeting's end.

Just as John was beginning to give the announcements, Pres. Liz arrived. On Saturday, October 21st, there will be RLI Training at the Victor High School. RLI refers to Rotary Leadership Institute, and the Sessions can provide invaluable insight into the many facets of Rotary. John proceeded to explain briefly what RLI entails, and he prompted Members to consider doing a Session.

The Camp O. Dinner will be on November 10th in Geneva at Club 86. 

Liz read Thank You Notes from recent NCS Graduates, Brynn Davis and Charlie Grove. Charlie was the recipient of the Brad Clawson Memorial Award, and Brynn received the Service Above Self Award,

Rotary Lite is next week on Wednesday, October 11th. Rotary Lite is always the second Wednesday of the month, and all are welcome to come. This week, it will be at the Naples Brewing Company. Steve R. explained that RL is a time to get together, relax, and discuss issues.

Rose gave a quick update on Light Up Naples. The first Organizational Meeting was held this past week. The Committee will be meeting this Tuesday at the Memorial Town Hall at 4PM. We will have our Meeting for the first hour, and then we will try to organize our Holiday Items afterwards. Rose encouraged anyone who would like to, to join us. All help is welcome!

Micah had sent an E-mail to the Membership about an (optional) second workday (at Camp Whitman) to help with Camp O. It will be on Saturday, October 14th. If interested in helping, one can contact Robin Mark.

Registration is now open for the Eastern Cities Fellowship Dinner. This year, it will be held at Strong Museum at 6PM. The RI President-Elect will be the Guest Speaker.

We sang "Congratulations" to Rose and Marty for their October Birthdays, and to Carrie and Bill for their October Anniversary.

Liz noted that October is "Economic and Community Development Month". She reviewed the Club Calendar with the Members. Upcoming Events and Programs are listed in Club Runner under the Title, "Events", and that will provide Members an opportunity to fill in their calendars at home.

Each year, on October 24th, World Polio Day is observed. Once again, Naples NY Rotary will meet at Brew and Brats for this observance. We will welcome Dave Hannan and Janet Tenreiro. John advised us to each bring a dish to pass. We will meet from 6-8PM.

The New Member Spotlight shown on David Dial, this noon, as he was our Program Presenter. "Thank you for having me!" David began, and with that, he went on to give us a glimpse at his intriguing and inspiring background.

Though his family background consisted of medicine and carpentry, David had a penchant for music, theater, and the arts. One could see that his acting skills certainly infiltrated his delivery, as his words were passionate and heartfelt.

Though he had had a "full ride" to Emerson, David chose to do his four years at NYU, and it was during this time that he gained theatrical experience. His work experience was in "triplicate", as he also was a personal physical trainer, and he worked in the retail business. During his time singing and playing the piano in NYC, David met an actor by the name of Mark Poppleton. Living in NYC was expensive, David found, and having worked at a bookstore, he decided to return to NYU for further training. David's and Mark's relationship continued to grow, and in June of 2000, they were married, finding that it was easier to pay bills! Later, they moved to Jacksonville, finding that locality to be a "cultural shock"! They wanted to start a theater, and start out by selling tickets, and it was then that David decided to go into Graphic Design and become a Web Developer.

In 2006, Mark's and David's lives were about to see yet another change, as Karin Bowersock called Mark, who had a fascinating acting career, to act (at the BVT). The fellas "fell in love" with Naples, and later moved to 21 Reed Street, where they still reside. Meanwhile, David continued with his Master's Degree. The untimely passing of his dad left him with much remorse, as David reflected on his dad's legacy of intelligence, individuality. and piano, but he was determined to "move beyond", going on to earning a Doctorate in Educational Technology! He and Mark supported each other, as Covid interrupted Mark's acting career for a while.

In 2020, they bought Artizann's, and the two partners have worked diligently to keep the atmosphere as pleasant as it had always been! Their two beagles, Thelma and Louise, who are "Rescue Pups" complete their family! Their mantra is "Do what you can with what you have!" BTW, both David's grandfather, and Mark's dad were Rotarians! With his rich background and multiple talents to bring on board, it is with great pleasure that we welcome David Dial to Naples NY Rotary!

Liz noted that John and Rose will do their Presentation on DEI at another time. Meanwhile, be sure to let Liz know if you would be willing to do the Invocation or Words of Wisdom in the future.

Ace of Hearts: The Kitty was up to $263! Blanche's Ticket, #1195 was drawn, and she pulled the King of Hearts from the pack.

Rotary Moment: John talked about the Honor Flight 80, of which Frank and Skip had recently taken part. John and Sherry had followed them on Face Book, and they were "blown away by the emotion"! Echoing our mutual sentiments, John thanked Frank and Skip for their service.

Happy Bills: As one would imagine, the Happy Bills, this noon, were for David's Program, and Skip's and Frank's Honor Flight recognition. Frank added that the letters they received from Amy Lincoln's Class really made their day! One of his best memories from the weekend was when they arrived in Baltimore! How nice it was also, that Frank's son, Shannon, and Skip's daughter, Carrie could accompany them, as well! John also gave kudos to Sherry, Judy, and Jean, who were working hard to organize the Open Cupboard.

Pres. Liz rounded out the Meeting by having us join her in reciting the Four-Way Test.