A bleak, bleary, blustery day was turned into a glowing evening, as we enjoyed a great Zoom Meeting tonight, hosted by President Matt and technically run by Bruce M. We were treated to three very interesting “bios” given by our newest members, Cindy, Betsy, and Sandy, each of whom was a highlight of tonight’s Program!
“It’s great to see everybody!’ commented Pres. Matt, in his typical good-natured manner, as we joined him in saying The Pledge. For tonight’s Invocation Pat did a little poem, asking for The Lord’s guidance as we serve others, and praising Him for keeping us safe. Twenty-eight members (including Honorary Member Katie) gathered for the last Meeting of February. Now, with March approaching, we know that Spring can’t be far away!! We welcomed our “regular guest,” Sharon, of whom Bo said was a “money maker” for us, because often it is forgotten to mention her, and a Fine is incurred! All kidding aside, Sharon, we always enjoy having you with us!
Before sharing a handful of updates Matt said, “Bumpy roads lead to beautiful destinations!” Truly, though this last year has been unique, our weekly contact has been rewarding and uplifting thanks to all the members, and an optimistic leader!
Matt read a Thank You Note from the Vets. They were truly delighted with all the Valentines that were sent to them…455 in all! Included with their note were some guidelines and suggestions for the future. Matt reported on the outcome of the survey that he had recently sent to the membership. He appreciates the feedback from the 36 members who responded. There will be a short Board Meeting just before next Monday’s Meeting to review the outcome of the survey. Matt reassuringly said that the best recommendation possible will be made. Also, there are some available positions on the Board of Directors, and four members have expressed an interest.
Sherry and Micah are working hard to make this year’s Trout Derby a success. It will be the 60th year for this event! Sherry has prepared an informative advertisement, which she has put on social media, fully describing the event with some of this year’s necessary changes. Micah displayed the new pins that will sell for $5.00, and they will be available at Sutton’s. Stickers displaying the new motif will also be available. “People may think I’m a heck of a fisherman!” chortled John as he showed us one of the trophies. Nancy noted that the Youth Participation Award is in memory of her late husband, Bob. Many, many thanks to Sherry and Micah for all they are doing to prepare for this event, which for safety’s sake, will last four days this year. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for good weather! Mark your calendar! Rose mentioned that this coming Saturday, 2/27, at 7:00, the BVT Virtual Season Announcement will take place!
As mentioned earlier, this evening, we enjoyed “New Member Talks” from Cindy, Betsy, and Sandy. In terms of backgrounds, skills, and interests, each of these ladies is sure to add continued vitality to our unique and diversified club!
Cindy Scoda was the first to speak. It is five years this month since she came to Naples. Cindy, and her husband Tom, enjoy living in their cozy ranch they built on Eelpot Road. They have been married 11 years, and they have four children. Tom has two daughters, and Cindy has two sons. Cindy was a Science Major at Fredonia, and her focus was Micro-Biology. She worked at the U. of R. for many years, her career being in the Virus Lab. Before her retirement in 2017, Cindy wworked for three years at Thompson Hospital. She enjoys all forms of music, especially her involvement with the Bell Choir. Her love of nature is evidenced in how she has enjoyed landscaping her new home, planting, and feeding the birds. She enjoys Naples history, and she has become involved with the Naples Historical Society. When asked what prompted her to join Rotary, Cindy said that she wants to become part of the community. Welcome, Cindy! We are delighted to have you join us!!
Betsy Lewis was the next new member to tell us about herself. Having grown up in Honeoye Falls, she attended Geneseo, and her college experience and training led her to become involved with respiratory therapy. Betsy worked for 15 years at Rochester General. She retired last Spring. She has a son, and a daughter, who has three little girls, aged 10 months, two and four years. As some of us do with our grandkids, Betsy helps out. She is glad that her kids have moved back to the area. She had been involved with the Emergency ICU, and her work experience has taken her to Clifton-Springs, Newark, Highland, and Thompson. Like Cindy, Betsy enjoys the area, especially the water! Her hobbies include gardening, kayaking, biking and painting with water-colors. Betsy’s reasons for wanting to join Rotary are that she wants to get to know people, and that she hopes to do some volunteering. We welcome you, Betsy, and we look forward to getting to know you!
Sandy Bierbrauer, our third new member, was last to speak. Sandy, who has three children, grandkids, and cats, is a retired College Professor of Botany and Genetics. So, she too has a rich background in Science! Her husband was from Rochester, and she herself, had always wanted to live in the Bristol Area. Sandy has been involved with Cornell Horticulture, and she has been a Judge for 4-H Exhibits. As one of her goals, she’d like to plant a garden around The Cleveland House. She has donated plants that have found their way to the corner of Main and Mill Street. Having volunteered at Hospeace House has also been a vital part of this busy lady’s life! She jokingly said that she is still “digging, planting, and weeding!” She hopes someday to go on a cruise to Norway to see where her grandfather came from. She is eager to help with garden concerns, and as new member, she hopes to bring her expertise in this field to Rotary. She is glad to give advice on gardening saying, “I’ll point. You dig!” (When Marty asked about bringing an orchid along in an RV, Sandy advised him to leave it with a friend!) Welcome to Rotary, Sandy! We’re anxious to have you share your skills with us!
Pres. Matt came up with an innovative way to “round out the hour.” With Bruce’s technical help, we divided into small groups for “Breakout Sessions”. Matt’s question, “What is it that you’re most looking forward to after the Covid-19 restrictions are over?” triggered our small group discussions for a few minutes. No doubt, a variety of answers ensued, but it is very likely that many of us are longing to see loved ones whom we haven’t seen in a while, especially if they live a distance away!
“Gardening is a common connector!” said Matt. “Our membership is growing!” It is a pleasure to see this growth take place in our club, so many Happy Bills were offered because we are very glad to have Cindy, Betsy, and Sandy join Rotary! We appreciate Bruce’s technical savvy, and Marty gave recognition to the STEM people in Naples.
Rose concluded tonight’s meeting with a very appropriate Rotary Moment. When she became a member of Naples Rotary, before Covid-19 set in, she said that she could not think of a better place to be! Being involved with the Rotary Responders, shopping for folks, and volunteering helped to put her in a very special place…being among people who follow The Four-Way Test!
