“This is it, Gang! Our last Zoom Meeting!” exclaimed President Matt this noon. Typically, one doesn’t begin with an ending comment to start the “Weekly News”, but today, it seemed quite fitting that we focus on getting back together in-person real soon! That being said, we can all look forward to that day, which is just around the corner!
Today’s Meeting started off with Pres. Matt asking us to join him in saying The Pledge. Susan gave The Invocation, and she chose the perfect Biblical Passage to start our day! The Twenty-Third Psalm speaks of hope and trust in the Lord, and He surely has carried us through a year of much challenge and uncertainty! Along with 24 Members at today’s Meeting, we welcomed guests, Chris and Theresa Didion, who would be inducted as New Members today, along with Pepper Makepeace, today’s Program Presenter. The Rotary Moment would be given by Blanche.
“It’s great to see everyone!” said Pres. Matt, as he welcomed us all to the Meeting. “Our fingers are crossed that this will be our last Zoom Meeting!” In-Person Meetings will start up again on July 12th! We will maintain the format of having the Evening Meetings be on the second and fourth Mondays of the month.
Skip and Tom gave a quick update on the Gavel Dinner. The Dinner is planned for next Monday Evening, June 28th, at 6:30 at Brew and Brats. Hors d’oeuvres can be enjoyed by everyone at 5:30 prior to the actual dinner. Skip reported that there are 60 people signed up to attend thus far!
Patrice gave a summary of this morning’s Board Meeting. “Susan has built a bridge to Laurie,” noted Matt, and as the transition from Susan to Laurie as Treasurer is about to take place, Susan gave a brief summary of things. We are in very good shape financially, and she noted, “This is the most we have ever turned over to a new Administration.” Susan has transferred all the books and materials to Laurie at this juncture, and Laurie will take over as Treasurer for the 2021-2022 Rotary Year. We will remain conservative however, and from a financial perspective, we will “hold back” until after the Grape Fest.
Tom and Skip gave an update on the Gavel Dinner. “All the arrangements are in place for the In-Person Gathering at Brew and Brats,” noted John. The agenda is all set, and Skip noted that one can pay for the dinner on the actual night of the event. Let’s hope for nice weather!! We are planning on having In-Person Meetings starting on July 12th, as mentioned earlier. Matt has talked with Kirsten, and The Redwood Crew is looking forward to having us return! Things will be conducted in a normal fashion at the restaurant. If you have been fully vaccinated, you may continue as before, but if you haven’t, wearing a mask and following guidelines will be expected.
Matt had a Grape Festival Update. He has talked with Donna, and the hope is to have the Grape Festival return to Naples this year. Donna will get in touch with the Town and Village regarding specifics. She has someone in mind who would be willing to coordinate the Wine Tent, as well. It is anticipated that more Rotary volunteers will be needed this year! The July Board Meeting will be In-Person.
The Board thanked Susan for her dedicated years as Treasurer. We extended our thanks to Matt for his stellar leadership as our Rotary President this past year, as well!
Frank had sent some great pictures of the “Fabulous Foursome” at last week’s Camp O. Golf Tournament! Laurie and “The Boys” (John, Micah, and Joe) made an impressive-looking Team!
Today we added to our Rotary Family, inducting two New Members, Theresa and Chris Didion! We did an online version of our traditional Induction Ceremony. Theresa and Chris are very active members of the community, and we are hoping to hear a little bit more about them in the near future! We are proud to accept you both into Naples Rotary!
Today’s Program was brought to us by Pepper Makepeace, wife of Caleb. Before launching into her talk about “Building Websites,” Pepper shared some of her background and interests with us. She is relatively new to the community, having moved here with her husband, Caleb in 2018. She has a BA in Japanese Literature and Language, and in 2008, she became an entrepreneur in Web Design, and On-Line Marketing Strategy. Some of her hobbies include travel, hiking, crafts, and playing Bridge! She would like to find a group who enjoys playing Bridge, just as she does!
Pepper outlined some excellent points to consider when a business or organization is planning to develop a website of its own. Initially, in planning a website, the Domain Name must be carefully chosen. Here are some questions to consider. What features do you want? What is the purpose of your website? Are future growth and needs being factored in? Important points to consider are the first impression(s) that would be made on your Home Page, services, contact information, privacy statement importance, and call to action on every page.
Google Analytics are very helpful in letting one know how others found your site, which pages are most impactful, and demographics of people (traits). In terms of Search Engine Optimization, relevance is key, so that relevant information in response to a query makes complete sense. In comparing and contrasting a Website to a Face Book Page, Pepper noted that a website ensures control over content, and that credibility and professionalism are maintained.
Following Pepper’s Presentation, a Question-and-Answer Period yielded further useful information in the development of a website. It is important to keep your website updated, including your contacts, and to keep in tune with the current technology. Many thanks to Pepper for presenting such a timely and helpful program!
It is simply astounding to see the quantity and amount of Happy Bills that come forth each week! 😊 Today was no different! So many of us enjoyed Pepper’s Presentation. We are so pleased to add Chris and Theresa to the Membership! Here are some additional reasons for our happiness. John F. noted that the Canandaigua Wine Trail is this Thursday, 6/24, at 5:30. Jodi said that Mark’s Dad is doing well after recent surgery. Cindy’s son received his PHD at St. John Fisher. Like Chris, Nancy graduated from Geneva High School! Jodi also noted that Walk of Life Events will be posted on FB, and that Members can volunteer to help. Pres. Matt thanked The Board for their work and input this past year. We have appreciated all that Susan has done as our Treasurer for the past eight years. Finally, we are so grateful for the wonderful way Matt has led the Club during this past year!
Blanche had the Rotary Moment for us today, and though she admitted that she deliberated over what she would share, she came up with a great Rotary Moment! Back in 1965-66, when she was in High School, she spent the Summer as a Rotary Exchange Student in Bogota, Colombia. Her Dad was a Rotarian, and no doubt, that led to her being afforded that opportunity. Blanche attended a private school, lived with a friendly family, and learned Spanish! The school’s motto was “Through knowledge and friendship come understanding and goodwill.” Blanche even showed us her blazer from her school uniform!
Actually, our next “In-Person” Meeting will be next week at the Gavel Dinner! A wonderful evening is being planned, and it will be equally as wonderful to be all together again!
