A mild, Mid-March afternoon melted into a "spirit-filled" evening, as we Rotarians gathered at Brew and Brats for our 6:00 Meeting tonight. "Spirit-filled?" You ask. Yes, indeed, for we welcomed Special Guest, Karl Neubauer, who provided this evening's Program!

One might say that we had a few "stand-ins" tonight, as PP Jack filled in for Pres. Bruce who was a bit under the weather, Skip filled in for Sue as the Greeter, and Bruce was helping John out with the technology from his home. (John was doing the cooking!)

We joined Jack in saluting Old Glory as it waved majestically on the front screen. Rose gave The Invocation. She prayed to our Heavenly Father to open our eyes and see the value in all people. We bowed our heads, and we joined Rose as we prayed for the people of Ukraine. We joined Jack in song, as we sang God Bless America. There was a great turn-out of members tonight! There were 26 of us in attendance, (including Bruce, Karen, Robin, Betsy, Jodi, and Blanche who were on-line), along with our speaker, Karl, (via Zoom), Sharon, and Micah's family, Leandra, Graycen, and Sawyer! Now that was quite an age range!! Karl provided the Program, Skip greeted folks, and Sherry and JoAnne had Rotary Moments to share.

There were a few announcements and updates to share with the Membership before tonight's Program. To date, there are 12 Members who are planning to attend the District Training Assembly at Honeoye CS on April 9th.What a great representation from Naples Rotary! No doubt, there are many of us who are anxious to hear John speak about "Membership"! 

Micah gave an update on the Trout Derby, coming April 1st. He told us that most donations are in, and that the Raffle is progressing. A Volunteer List will be coming out soon! "All is going well!" reported Micah.

Jo Anne spoke next. "The Grape Fest is moving along great!" exclaimed Jo Anne with enthusiasm. She thanked Tom for getting the new website together. Applications are doing great. There are five new ones. There are already 10 signed up for the "Beverage Garden"! She has met with NCS Superintendent, Kevin Schwartz, who has been very supportive. The Grape Pie Contest is one of the "star events" of the Grape Fest, and Jo Anne said that four more judges are needed. (Usually, six judges are required). They would be working with Blanche and Trish from the NHS. The suggestion of having Rotarian Don Alhart, from WHAM as a judge was made. Surely, Don would have a discerning palate, don't you think?

There are many unique and wonderful turns that one can take in this charming community of ours, and one of those turns leads from the village up Hunts Hollow Road. Taking this turn, one will soon come upon a winding driveway known as Spirit Run, and atop this hill sits a very special and wonderful place known as Hollerhorn, which is owned and operated by Karl Neubauer, who was our guest presenter this evening. Coming to us, via Zoom, with barrels in the background, Karl began to tell us about "Mastering the World of Whisky".

Last September, Hollerhorn celebrated its Third Anniversary, and since then, Karl, and his wife, Melissa have created a wonderful venue that includes fine food, folks, music, tastings, and a distillery, where Karl has been creating some magic from local farm-grown barley and corn!

Karl and Melissa felt that this location was a great spot, well-positioned, and inspiring. and Karl's "artistry" has helped to create a "Whisky Region" in this part of New York State!

Displaying his enthusiasm for his work, Karl described how he is planning to release his first bourbon, which was started in a port wine barrel! He is excited about its flavor potential! He is passionate about whisky-"Finger Lakes Style"!

Another area which is exciting for Karl is that he is moving into fruit brandy! He has studied traditional Schnapps, and with having the Austrian influence from his dad, Karl is planning to create an apricot and apple brandy! He plans to develop a cognac type brandy using Naples' grapes! 

He talked about the distillation procedure, and of how brandy is achieved through this process as well. "There's true artistry in final distillation, and there you have it in a nutshell!" said Karl.

Karl's presentation was followed by several questions, which led to our learning some interesting facts. Typically, the time span for a "spirit run" takes about a month. He demonstrated how to "appreciate the spirit", and how to ingest its aromatic qualities, as well!

How were we able to truly understand this "process" Karl was talking about? Well, wouldn't you know? Our thoughtful Rose in collaboration with Karl, brought samples for us to enjoy! Now that truly made this a rich and delightful experience! As Rose passed around trays laden with some different whisky samples, many of us took the opportunity to taste Karl's "wares"! WOW!

Tom, who had just tasted a sample of what he compared to a single malt Scotch, was inspired to comment on how the presentation inspired him! He compared Karl's passion for what he does to that of John Brahm, and how he had a passion for the harvest and the grapes! Blanche kiddingly added that a mailing of the spirits might require a Mac and Cheese box! Laurie also mentioned how enjoyable the music venue has been too! We really enjoyed Karl's wonderful presentation this evening, and how he has "raised spirits in the Finger Lakes"!

Needless to say, the flood of happy Bills that poured forth tonight was a testimony of how much we enjoyed Karl's program! We were so grateful to Rose for her wonderful contribution to the evening, and we appreciated the "stand-ins"! Kelly's cheerful service at Band B was a delight, as well!

Along with the March Birthdays, we had another March Birthday to celebrate tonight! Micah's and Leandra's little boy, Graycen will turn three on March 22nd! Of course, we sang Happy Birthday to him!

Sherry had our first Rotary Moment this evening. As she was cleaning in the Memorial Town Hall, Bob Harrington came over and said how much he enjoyed Light Up Naples!

We heard from our sweet Jo Anne again, as she gave the second Rotary Moment. She and Albie, as New Members, are very grateful to be a part of Naples Rotary! Jo Anne's dream had always been to have a family, and that dream was begun when she married Albie, her soulmate for nearly 55 years! They were blessed with a wonderful daughter, Stacey, and a fine son-in-law, Jeff along with three sweet grandchildren. Adding to this "family feeling" for Jo Anne, has been being a part of our Rotary Club. She and Albie consider it to be a bit like their grandchildren: a ray of sunshine! JoAnne is inspired to live her life by the Four-Way Test. We are glad to have JoAnne and Albie in our club. We consider them to be "Rays of Sunshine" too!

Pres. Bruce passed along our Alex's new address in case folks would like to send her a card. Here it is.

Alex Leto 

6213 Italy Valley Road

Naples, New York 14512

In the words of President Bruce, "Good Night and God Bless!"

P.S. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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