This morning, I happened to glance at a little book that I have here at home, entitled “Country Blessings”. The saying on the first page says, “Hearts and homes are warmed by love”. I couldn’t help but think that it reminded me of our Rotary Meetings these last few months. Our hearts have been warmed by our virtual connection(s), each week, from the safety of our homes! Our weekly “get-togethers” online have certainly been a source of constancy for us, and we have been able to stay connected.
“Welcome all!” said Pres. Matt, as he invited us to join him in saying The Pledge, which was led by Skip. Alex did the Invocation, thanking Our Dear Heavenly Father for the bounty of the season, our fellowship, our service to others, and His many other blessings. We had a “remote musical moment”, as we listened to Jack sing God Bless America from his location at 3 Treetop Lane in Penfield. Today, we welcomed guests, Kari Wilferth and Vicki Waterman, who were the program presenters. There were 26 members online today, along with two guests.
First, on the order of business, were the Communications, which were given by PP Tom. There was a note of thanks from Dylan Bozeman, who appreciated being the recipient of the Tony Long Memorial Award. Kallyn Stekl sent a note of thanks for being chosen as the recipient of the Duane Schultz Memorial Award. Our own Sharon Fredericks sent a note of gratitude for being selected as a Paul Harris Awardee. Finally, our sweet Katie Brahm has sent us a check for $1000 to help reduce the deficit for the 2020-2021 Rotary Year, seeing as how the Grape Festival, (and our annual Wine Tent), will not take place this year because of the pandemic. Many, many thanks to Katie for her generosity!
Regarding the possibility of meeting in person, Jack met recently with Kirsten and Becky from The Redwood. They are ready and willing to welcome us back whenever we decide to resume our in-person meetings. Of course, there will be a few changes, as we would come to expect. The tables would be left “as is” in the large dining area for safety’s sake, and there would be more control at the entrance table, where Laurie, Nancy, and Karen usually are seated. The meals are now priced at $15 each, and upon entry, each member would pay his/her meal price, and receive 3 tickets for the 50/50. Each member would be responsible for his/her nametag. Fines and Happy Bills would be announced and recorded like we are currently doing. There is a plan in place! Let’s hope this works out for us! We will be discussing how to have a “Hybrid Meeting” in the event that there may be some members who do not feel ready to come back “in person”. Thanks to Jack for checking in with The Redwood!
Next, we heard from Sherry as pertains to the annual Rotary Calendar. We definitely are doing the calendar this year, Skip and Judy are in charge of sales, and Frank will be taking care of the advertisements. Sherry will be dealing with the company directly this year. We are encouraged to sell at least 10 calendars each. Pres. Matt says that we must “stretch our goals”! Many thanks to Sherry, Skip, Judy, and Frank!
Earlier this morning, a small group of members met to discuss potential programs for the upcoming year. Karen, who has lined up some great presentations for the next few weeks, reported on the proceedings. We are all set through September, and having brainstormed a bit, we have come up with some great ideas for future programs to be held later. If anyone has any ideas, Karen has urged us to let her know. As Pres. Matt stipulated, Karen is our “point person” with whom we may connect. We also have an “emergency plan” in place in the event that a presenter does not “show up”. Many thanks to Karen for all the legwork she has done in lining up some great programs for the next few weeks!
Jodi gave us a Walk of Life update. Although there was a moderate attendance at the Desserts and Songwriters Event last week, we raised over $1000! Jodi noted that we have been given approval to hold the pulled pork dinner at the Town Hall on August 8th. The luminaries will be on display as well. Everything will be conducted within safety guidelines. Also, volunteers are needed to work this Thursday and Friday in front of Rennoldson’s if anyone has a bit of time to help. Jodi wished to thank those that helped at the Desserts and Songwriters Event…Laurie and Karen worked at the dessert table, John and Sherry provided the venue, and Bruce M. and his colleagues provided some great music!
Today’s program was entitled “Becoming A Foster Parent”, presented to us by Kari Wilferth and Vicki Waterman. Both women have committed to protecting and enhancing the lives of our most precious commodity…our children. Vicki supervises adoption(s), while Kari is in charge of Child Protective Services. First of all, if reports are given of a child being in danger, (due to various reasons), they must determine if these allegations are true or false. There are many factors which affect a child’s well-being. Factors such as parenting skills, health and safety, and drugs and alcohol are circumstances that denote challenging times, and they are reasons for a child being in potential harm, and thus being removed from the home. Classes, which last 10 weeks, have been designed to fully help and inform parents of foster care. Many topics are covered. When children come into foster care, their foster parents receive a stipend. This can be a traumatic experience for a child, yet training is provided to give “parents” support, therapy, and counseling, as they take on their role. Regular visits from the birth parents are scheduled, of course, but with the current situation, visits have been conducted virtually. When children cross state lines, appropriate plans are made. Ontario County also has a partnership with neighboring counties. More information can be gleaned from the Ontario County Website, and the Department of Social Services, (under Foster Care). Of course, their goal is to reunite the children with their families. Another class is starting in September, it was noted, and that is designed to “help you decide”. When Pres. Matt prompted Vicki and Kari to give a summation of their presentation, they simply said, “You could be the difference!” Many thanks to both of these ladies for updating us on your selfless endeavors, and for keeping us aware of the importance of taking good care of our children!
I think we all realize how important the health, safety, and well-being of our children is, and therefore, many Happy Bills were donated in appreciation of today’s program. Many H.B. were given, as many of us enjoyed the Desserts and Songwriters Event last week, as a fundraiser for the Walk of Life. Many who participated in the Program Planning Committee were pleased with the outcome. Nancy recalled having “taken in” four children. (Her kindness abounds!) We appreciate Katie’s generous donation. John and Sherry and the Arbor Hill Team enjoyed the music last Thursday evening. Jack said that his little grandson, Jase, wishes that we could go to Kalihari again!
Patrice had the Rotary Moment today. Some of us who attended the RI Convention in Toronto, in 2018, had gathered with Rotarians of every creed, color, and classification at the House of Friendship. Our commonality was that we were all Rotarians from all over the world. Our hope is to be able to truly be together again, one day soon, in fellowship and in friendship, sharing our goals as Naples Rotarians!
Pres. Matt added that there is a podcast by John Meacham (sp?) entitled Hope Through History, which could provide some insight and meaning during these uncertain times. Our next meeting will be in August. Where did July go? We will be hearing from June Nolan next week. She will be talking about the Open Closet and the Open Pantry. Enjoy these beautiful Summer days, everyone! Stay Safe and well! See you on August 3rd!
