It was heartwarming to have so many of us in attendance at our Evening Meeting last night, when we gathered cozily by the woodstove at Brew and Brats. Even though we had to be wary of Winter, seeming like a soccer ball “bouncing back” to us over the weekend, it was encouraging to know that the March days and beginning of Spring are close at hand! Crowded as we were, in a good way, we rose to say The Pledge, led by President Bruce. Following The Pledge, our hearts and thoughts turned to the people of Ukraine, as Tom led us in prayer. “Rotary has made peace the cornerstone of its global mission,” said Tom. Focusing on the blessings we have been given, such as peace, fellowship and freedom, we prayed to The Lord that sanctuary, safety, peace, comfort and hope be bestowed upon the people of Ukraine. We were led in song by Jack, singing loud and strong, “God Bless America”. Our guests this evening were Analisa Chapman, Charlie Grove, Drew Reigelsperger and Sharon, of course. Tonight’s Program was presented by Analisa, who talked about the newly formed Interact Club at NCS. Including our on-line participants, there were 31 members at tonight’s Meeting! Cindy added to the warmth, as she was the Greeter, and Rose provided the Rotary Moment.
Before the Program, there were a few updates. Sherry announced that the Registration for the 2022 Trout Derby begins on March 1st. Marty added that the Great Grape Race is scheduled for Saturday, May 14th. Skip rounded out the announcements in telling us that the Spring Dinner this year will be held at Hunt Hollow on April 25, beginning with the Social Hour at 5:30, Dinner at 6:30. The menu is to follow.
We gave a warm Rotary Welcome to Analisa Chapman, NCS Spanish/Italian Teacher, who is the Advisor of the new Interact Club at NCS. Along with her were Juniors Charlie Grove and Drew Reigelsperger. Charlie is the President of the Interact Club. Interact is a Rotary sponsored Service Club for Youth. “Thank you for having me!” said Analisa as she shared that she is in her 23rd year of teaching in Naples. Developing an Interact Club has been a long-time goal of Naples Rotary, and it has finally come to fruition! About 10-12 years ago, another teacher from Wayland had worked with Analisa, and they had talked about Interact. Under the leadership of Matt Frahm, this goal was able to become a reality! Matt had said that it was time to pursue Interact, and to “get it going”!
Currently, there are about 14 students who were persuaded to join Interact, and all of them have participated in some way. The minimum requirement is two projects annually, one community-based, and the other international.
Why join Interact? The benefits are immeasurable! Leadership skills are developed. It’s an opportunity to meet new people. It’s a chance to help make the community, and the world a better place. Additionally, being an active member of Interact opens scholarship opportunities, since it is a valuable item to add to one’s resume when applying to colleges. (The Community Service Component also makes you eligible to become a member of the National Honor Society.)
There are expectations of the members of Interact. Officers must be elected. One must be able to generate ideas. Creativity is important. One must attend periodic meetings. Participation is expected. One must volunteer at Rotary Events.
On a broader basis, Rotary concerns such as peace, health and wellness, clean water, mothers and education are some areas that would serve as a springboard for an International Project (for Interact) to name a few. Ideas for Community Projects could be snow removal at Hospeace House, Naples Little Bunch, Operation Santa, bottle and can drive(s), area clean-up, parks, and Habitat for Humanity. Already, the NCS Interact Club has intervened, as its members have helped at the Community Thanksgiving Meal, and they worked to collect over 100 coats in the Coat Drive held between January and February! Between March and April, the Interact Club plans to discuss International Ideas. Jack added that he would be glad to enlist the youth help for the Watershed Clean-Up, and perhaps they could be involved with the Golf Tournament coming up in May.
Analisa noted that there are safety protocols to keep in mind. Guidelines must be followed that are in accordance with NCS protocols. The youths must be with district-approved adults. There needs to be a balance between NCS Insurance and Naples Rotary Club Insurance. Creating a safe environment is of utmost importance.
“Teachers are models for kids in a work life balance,” noted Analisa. Kids are very busy with their school activities, and balancing their involvement is challenging. Two excellent examples of this ability were Charlie and Drew. Although they both had Jazz Band on this same evening, they both maintained, “We need to go to Rotary!” Tom suggested that the Interact kids could possibly help at the Grape Fest. (Analisa will talk to Nicole Green about a “Kids’ Section”). Currently, the Interact Club is helping Naples Little Bunch with cookie dough and flower sales.
There are Interact Clubs in Bath and Geneva, and now Naples has one too! Analisa’s Presentation was outstanding tonight! Her organization, commitment, and enthusiasm make her the ideal Advisor. Charlie and Drew are perfect examples of the stellar youth we are raising in our (NCS) Community! Naples Rotary appreciates all you have done to make this goal a reality!
We appreciated having Analisa, Charlie, and Drew join us this evening, and the many Happy Bills that came along afterward proved this! Skip and Judy, and Carrie and Bill were especially proud of these boys! Tom enjoyed John’s cooking tonight! He noted that it was Ed Joseph’s birthday. John gave kudos to Laurie for her skill as Treasurer, and he and Sherry have registered for the District Conference in Oswego. He thanked Kelly for her wonderful help serving the dinners tonight. We thank Jack and Sharon for their work with the Naples Angels. Steve and Mindy have helped a Naples Community member. Sherry was glad that Jack remembered the Rotary Banner, and Marty noted that “Brew and Brats at Arbor Hill” could be seen just above it!! Pres. Bruce was glad to see so many members in attendance tonight!
Perhaps some of you may have read the article, “Girls Empowered” in the recent March Issue of Rotary Magazine. This cover story was the subject of Rose’s excellent Rotary Moment tonight. The article tells how the members of Rotary in Uganda and USAID are helping adolescent girls stay in school by providing them with reusable pads, so they can remain in school those days during each month when they have their period. Most families couldn’t afford to buy their daughters commercial sanitary pads, so the girls would stay home during that time each month, missing important school lessons. With the help of Rotary and USAID, these young women have been able to attend school every day of each month, thus becoming more enabled and empowered to succeed. Rose shared that her granddaughter, Aria, age 11, showed much empathy when she learned of these girls, and the challenges they have faced.
The Finale this evening was brought to us by President Bruce. Having lost a son of his own, also named Justin, he showed much compassion for our Laurie, who lost her Justin last Fall. He had written a song to hold the memory of Justin in our hearts, and as he strummed softly on his guitar, sweet words that came from Justin’s Memorial Service flowed gently from his lips. Accompanied by Jack, John, Albie, and Rose, Bruce’s beautiful tribute to Justin gently tugged at our hearts, as he softly sang “We’ll love you forever.” “Being together and sharing everything is so sweet,” said Bruce. “Good Night and God Bless!”
P.S. John had asked me to include this link to the District Conference, so here it is!
https://www.districtconference.org
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