“Welcome back, and Happy New Year! It’s good to see all of you!” exclaimed President Matt as he opened the first Zoom Meeting of 2021. It did seem nice to be back together again after our “Holiday Hiatus!” It was reassuring to see such a nice turnout today, as well! There were 23 members present, along with four guests, one of whom was Mayor Brian Schenk, today’s program presenter.

We held our hands over our hearts as we recited The Pledge to our Flag, which Bruce made available. Alex gave a fervent Blessing, as she asked the Heavenly Father to guide us, and keep us safe, as we work to spread light, love, and compassion to others. We welcomed today’s guests to the meeting, and that included Mayor Brian Schenk, Sharon Fredericks, Betsy Lewis, and Cindy Scoda. Pres. Matt expressed appreciation for Mayor Schenk in making time during his busy schedule to be with us today.

Pres. Matt had a few announcements to follow the introductions. Next week, the Meeting of January 11^th will be an Evening Meeting, thus, we hope to accommodate some of our members who are normally not available at midday. That 6 PM Meeting will feature Bruce M., who will demonstrate his “Podcast.”  The following week, January 18^th, there will be a Noon Meeting with Renea Rennoldson the program presenter. The plans for January 25^th are yet to be determined. On January 18^th, there will be a Multi Club Panel Discussion at 7PM which will focus on the aspects of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This event will, of course, be on Zoom. Matt reminded us that our dues for the next 6 months are due! You can send in your dues ($75 per half year) to Susan, and her address is available on Club Runner.

Patrice gave an update on the results of the 2020 Light Up Naples Event. Although Covid-19 did present its challenges, we did well! We made an overall profit of over $540 with our Bauble Sale! Our Naples Community looked simply splendid over the Holidays with all the efforts Committee Members put in to decorate our village! We shall be meeting, online, as a Committee, to discuss ways in which we can improve on certain aspects next year. Many thanks to Sherry and Liz for spearheading this Committee, and to Committee Members, Karen, Rose, Alex, and Andy, as well, for all your fine efforts in helping to make this a successful event! Sherry also added that she has some “leftover” baubles. There are apparently four baubles without an identification. She wanted us to share that information in the hope that the owners can be located. She expressed her thanks to Mayor Schenk for allowing us to “revamp” the snowmen. There was a boatload of them!

Rose gave an update on the BVT. They are planning on announcing next year’s schedule, which will, of course be virtual. The question was raised if Naples Rotary would want to be a sponsor. There is an event coming up in February. It is free to the public, but for every $25 donated, one raffle ticket will become available toward winning a Gift Basket with local themes. This Drawing will be held on Live Broadcast. Pres. Matt noted that we could run this request by The Board, and we could also put out a call for donations amongst the membership. Regarding the BVT Hearts, Joan Luther is willing to give them a “touch up”. These hearts, like the snowmen, are stored by the Village.

We are currently looking for a Leader for the Trout Derby. Matt said that there is possibly one Rotarian who would be willing to take on this role. More information regarding this topic will follow.

President Elect Karen introduced today’s speaker, Mayor Brian Schenk. “What does a Mayor do during a Pandemic?” was the question that prompted Mayor Schenk to expound on all that he, and our local government are doing to help our little community continue to thrive during these most challenging times. Mayor Schenk’s response was “Nothing, without the help of others!” It is, indeed, the collaboration of this unique community which has helped us all to survive during this Pandemic. “The year, 2020 witnessed a myriad of effects on State and Local Government,” began Mayor Schenk. He added that our entire community is navigating this crisis, since last March, when the entire “scenario” began. Mayor Schenk referred to a quote by St. Francis of Assisi to launch his response to the current situation. St. Francis said something like this: “Start by doing what’s necessary, then do what’s possible, then do the impossible.” Many things have been achieved by our community navigating through Steps One and Two, as Naples quickly collaborated and found ways to rise to the challenge during these last nine months. There are many communities encircling this School District, and there has been cooperation, communication, and adaptation which has helped immensely, as noted by Mayor Schenk. He has been in close communication with Jennifer Emmons, (Hospeace House), and there has been a weekly Online Forum, including Pres, Matt, which has kept abreast of the situation. Brian noted that many local businesses and groups rose to the occasion when help was sorely needed. Rennoldson’s Market, The Open Cupboard, The Rotary Responders and The NCS Staff all worked to provide help, support, and necessities during this critical time. This is what helped our community to survive!

“Our local economy was at risk,” noted Mayor Schenk, “Yet there has been a collaboration of small businesses that have addressed this.” There has been a revitalization of our Downtown Area. We have gained more businesses during this Pandemic, and for example, there is Caruso’s Café, a new owner at Artizann’s, and a new proprietor at the Naples Hotel. As Brian noted, “This speaks to the efforts of our community.”

In terms of the Timeline for our Naples Community, here is what Mayor Brian shared with us. 1.The Sewer Construction is ongoing. The funding was achieved for this 11 million- dollar project. 2. There is a new system being installed for the water meters. 3. The water main replacement is in effect. In summation, communication, collaboration, and cooperation have been the catalysts which have made all the difference in our community!

Pres. Matt concluded in saying that “It’s not the quantity, but the quality of government that matters.” This adage can certainly be attributed to our local leadership! When questioned, Mayor Schenk said the safety of our community was foremost. Secondly, the engagement of all of us was definitely important! Many, thanks to Mayor Brian Schenk for your encouraging presentation, and for your ardent leadership, as well!

Today’s Happy Bills and Fines centered around our appreciation of Mayor Schenk, and all that he is doing to promote our little town, and to keep us all safe and secure. We really enjoyed today’s program! Here are some more specific Happy Bills and Fines. Jack is pleased with the success of the Buffalo Bills. He is appreciative of all the Village and Town are doing at this time. The Naples Angels continue to thrive, thanks to recent donations. Sharon has a new truck!! Bruce succumbed to a sugar-related temptation over the Holidays! (I think we all could agree to that!) Blanche likes Bruce’s mic! John F. is pleased with the LUN results. Bo, Pat, Blanche, Frank, Rose, Tom, John, Susan, Matt and Nancy  are  pleased with “all of the above”!

Frank noted that Camp O. will be “virtual” again this coming Summer. Perhaps there will be a “Two Part Program”, in which the younger kids will participate first, and then the older kids will take part in the program next.

PP Tom had the Rotary Moment for us today. It was very poignant, of course. He noted that during this past year, 2020, Naples Rotary Club continued to exemplify “Service Above Self”. During the Winter of 2021, we will prevail, as we are Naples Rotarians, and we are under Matt’s leadership! Our Service Above Self will continue!! Tom thanked us for our hard work this past year. Let’s make the year 2021 the best yet!! I can’t think of a better note in which to end this Newsletter! Let us move forward in love and in service to one another! See you all on the 11^th for our Evening Meeting!!