There was a little twinge in the air this morning that led us into thinking that Summer is waning, but the sunshine was resplendent on this beautiful August day! What could exude more joy than to have a nice turnout of members and guests, and to be revisited by our own Jennifer from Hospeace House? On these positive notes, today’s Meeting began, and it would prove to be a memorable one, for sure.
We joined President Bruce in reciting The Pledge, followed by Nardine, who gave The Invocation. She thanked The Lord for our having the freedom to honor Our Flag. She also gave thanks for each of the members, praying for our health and well-being, as we continue to serve others. Our Song Leader, Jack, led us in a heartfelt round of God Bless America. Today we enjoyed the company of 23 members and four guests. We welcomed Jennifer, Sharon, Kristin, and her baby son, Caleb, just 6 weeks old! Blanche would give the Rotary Moment.
As is customary, at the beginning of each month, the special dates are recognized. Pres. Bruce named the birthdays and anniversaries coming up during the month of August. Jack again led us in singing “Congratulations” to each!
Here are a few updates for our calendars and general knowledge.
Sherry noted that this the final week for the Walk of Life. The Online Auction continues (click here), and there is a plethora of handsome items to bid upon! We are encouraged to not only bid ourselves, but to encourage our friends and others to do so, as well. We are urged to sign up to volunteer our services at the events leading up to the Walk of Life also.
Mike added that there will be lots of fine music to enjoy this Saturday, so we are advised to “bring a chair”, as he suggested. Mike also displayed a Finger Lakes Award that Naples Rotary had received.
John announced that the District Golf Tournament is right around the corner. You know Fall is near when this event occurs! We have one foursome already, and perhaps another foursome can be formed from the additional golfers we have in our membership. The date for the Tournament is Friday, September 10th in Lima.
Frank concluded the memos with news on Camp O. There are children signed up for both weeks. Additional help is still being sought, such as folks needed to help set up on Sunday, August 15th. If there are a couple of members who would happen to have a pickup truck, their help would be greatly appreciated too.
Jennifer Emmons, Executive Nurse at Hospeace House, was today’s speaker. Flanked by a message that read, “Volunteers – A Gift to the Community”, Jenny gazed upon us, and said that when she looks out, she sees angels. Indeed, she is an angel herself, as she has brought comfort, joy, and peace to many families who have relied on the care and compassion the staff at Hospeace House provides for their loved ones.
Naples Hospeace House, of course, is one of the beneficiaries of the Naples Rotary Walk of Life, and to be sure, Jennifer is immersed in this Annual Fundraiser. She told us that Hospeace House began in August of 2018 when it welcomed its first family. What makes a house a home? Certainly, it is not the beautiful surroundings and furnishings inside, but rather, those who dwell within, and live together as a family. Those who come to stay, whether it be for a few days or a few weeks, are treated as “family” by caregivers and volunteers alike. It was on this note that Jennifer began to share her passionate story about some of the residents at Hospeace House who were part of “The Family” since it first opened its doors.
Here is a brief description of some of the residents who each left an imprint on the hearts of many. The first family that was welcomed, had 3-year-old twin boys who kept things lively, and helped to make the house a home. Mr. Baker, who was still working, always enjoyed a glass of wine before dinner! Wanda, whose family was very spread out, became very close to Sherie. David stayed 58 days, and he enjoyed drinking Pepsi. As Frank said, “He was a good card player!” Dick, who stayed about 3 weeks, was a Veteran and a musician. He received special recognition and honors that he so deserved. In the short time that Martha stayed, her family and Dick’s family connected. Bob, who was from a large family, stayed 10 days, and his little granddaughter said that HH was where you come when you want to “feel comfortable”. Jackie completed her journey on December 25th, which had been her husband’s birthday. She said that being at HH made her feel at home. Our Dear Marian became a resident at HH, and when she joined “the family”, she gave “parade waves”, exclaiming, “I am home!” Then there was Deb, whose granddaughter was able to get married under the gazebo so that her grandma, (Deb), could be there for the celebration. Jennifer showed pictures of each of these residents, as she talked about them. Her poignant story of each one captured our attention, and it tugged at our heartstrings!
Jenny thanked the many members of the Naples Community who have helped and volunteered in many ways. She specifically mentioned Owen Getner, who helped to install electricity in the gazebo, as part of a Scout Project. There is a book that sits in the Quiet Room at HH, and families and guests are invited to share their thoughts. One guest had written that it was important to take time to volunteer, and that it was the best part of his life!
The mission of Hospeace House is “to provide a warm, respectful environment, (for its residents), and to raise awareness of the Hospice philosophy of care”. It is ironic, in a way, that our Rotary Motto for this year is “Serve to Change Lives”. Indeed, Jennifer truly has the heart of a Servant, as she has helped to make so many lives better for those nearing the end of their journey. Her compassion for others is truly inspiring!
It was little wonder that the basket was filled with Happy Bills today, as so many of us were moved and inspired by Jennifer’s touching account of her guests at HH. Our own Nardine has been inspired to become a volunteer! We’re all “caught up” in the momentum of the Walk of Life, as the Big Event draws near. We were glad to have Kristin with us. Kristin is interested in becoming a member! Jack and Sharon had paid a visit to Nancy, and she is doing well. A few Fines had to be paid too! Donna has two new cars. Alex and Tom forgot their badges. Tom’s phone rang. John added that “Brew and Barks” was on Don Alhart’s “Bright Spot” on WHAM!
The Fifty-Fifty had climbed to $305! Ticket #205, (Pat’s), had been selected, and she drew the 8 of Diamonds from the middle of the pack. (Not even close! 😊)
Blanche completed this Noon’s Meeting as she shared a Rotary Moment with us. Back in the 1990’s, many area libraries were involved in service clubs, and it made for good public relations. Blanche was the Naples Librarian, of course, and she had enjoyed an International Fellowship Experience one Summer in Columbia. Nadina Stevens, one of Naples Rotary’s earliest female members, sponsored Blanche when she joined the club. Blanche concluded in saying that her experience abroad was good for her, and so was becoming a Rotarian in the Naples Club!
This concludes the Grapevine News for this week. It is a busy time for us as we prepare for the Walk of Life, which is this Saturday! If you are able, please sign up to help (click here), as there are still some available slots on the WOL Sign -Up Sheet. Let’s hope that we will have nice weather for Saturday’s events! Next week, we’ll have a “Sweet Program”, as Lynne Musclow, from Lynnie Lou’s, will join us for the Evening Meeting. Take care, one and all!
