The sun was a welcomed sight today as we gathered at the Redwood. Smiling Frank greeted 22 Naples Rotarians, 5 guests and Rose who visited us from Victor.

 

Jack led the Pledge and we sang the third verse of America the Beautiful! No one knew those lyrics! Cindy gave the day's inspiration with the lyrics of the 1969 Hollies song "He ain't heavy, he's my brother".  It was inspired by Boys Town, an orphanage and school for boys in Nebraska, founded by Father Flanigan in the 1930s. It reminds us of the Rotary goal of "service above self".

 

Our guests today were exchange students Anna, Uryu, and future exchange student to Austria, Erica Reigelsperger. Also joining us were speakers Thomas May from ROTEX and NYS Trooper Jason Klewicki.

 

Birthday greetings for March were sung to Jill, Carrie, Kristin and Jack. 

 

Announcements: Nancy spoke about the Rainbow Trout Derby - they are in good shape! Volunteers are needed for set up at the firehall on Monday, 3/31 at 5 pm and on Derby Day, Tuesday 4/1 at 5 am. Contact a committee member to sign up * Rotary learning options are listed at RLINEA.org * Rotary Wellness Day is March 30, 6-9 pm * ROTEX Polar Plunge is April 6th at noon. Thomas is here to give details - see below. * Rose gave us the info on BVT this spring. There is a "garage sale" this Saturday during Women's Weekend. April 13th is a Bob Dylan fest, May 30th is Queen music. Victor- Farmington Rotary has a Taste of the FLX at Ravenwood Golf Club in Victor on March 23, 2025 at 1pm. See their FB page for info. * March is Water and Sanitation month in the Rotary Calendar. * After today, Venmo payments go to treasurer David Dial. 

 

Thomas May came to tell us about the ROTEX Polar Plunge. He was a youth exchange student from Geneseo to Thailand in 2015-16 and continues involvement in ROTEX and Rotaract. The fundraiser event is Sunday April 6th, at noon at the Beachcomber restaurant on Conesus Lake. Funds will go to the five District camps, the youth programs and the top fund raising Clubs in District 7120. They encourage teams and enlisting local business partners. Information and registration info is on the district site: rotary7120.org.

 

Trooper Jason was here to share the history of the NYS Police. He has been a trooper for 27 years starting in the Adirondacks area and community based. The last 13 years he has been in Monroe County working highways, teaching defensive techniques and doing school and community outreach.

The early State Police were called Grey Riders, serving rural areas with no local police. They were on horseback and later, motorcycles. The service was advocated for by two women, Moyca Newell and Katherine Mayo in  Westchester county who were friends of a murder victim, Sam Howell in 1913. In 1917, NYS Governor Whitman authorized $500,000 to start the force. The grey uniform distinguishes them from other police groups. The black stripe on the pants honors lost officers. The purple tie was inspired by the Roman Praetorian Guard robes. Stetson hats reflected the horseman of the western US. They carry their badges in their pocket as wearing them would interfere with horse riding. The first group of 232 men graduated from the academy at Camp Newayo in Manilius. Bases were set up in Batavia, Syracuse, Albany and White Plains with 150 miles of service area. Model T's were added in 1918 and motorcycles soon followed. Horseback riding was phased out in 1948. Jason gave a timeline of events in the development of the current State Police, including boats on the St. Lawrence river in 1930s, planes and helicopters in the 1960s and the use of radar for speed enforcement after the opening of the Thruway in 1954. They have been called to duty for Woodstock music festival in 1969, Attica prison riot in 1971, the Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid in 1980 and NYC after 9/11/2001. Over the years there have been advances in weapons and vehicles used. More recently, they are playing an increased role in school safety and drug enforcement. Soon, the cars will go to grey with yellow stripes. When asked, Jason estimated that his belt weighs 15 - 20 pounds so chasing a suspect on foot deserves many kudos!

 

The Ace of Hearts was $162 today. Bo had ticket 9872 but picked the Queen of Hearts. So close...

Happy Bills were given for both Thomas's and Jason's programs. Jason was a good resource to NCS. The Polar Plunge was wished success. Mamma Mia was great!

Rose enjoyed Sunday Dinner with her whole family at her new home.

Rotary Moment was all the support and participation for the NCS musical - fantastic production!

 

Jack led the Four Way Test and we adjourned at 1:22pm.