We had a January thaw today (40 degrees!) that brought out 25 Rotarians to enjoy a warm evening of togetherness! Our Guests were Megan Webster, our speaker, and soon-to-be new member Alan Braun.

 

Jack led the Pledge and we sang America the Beautiful. Skip read a humorous Dear Heloise letter about how millennials are unfamiliar with things like LP records and corded dial phones, etc. Are we really old?

 

Announcements: Dues are due! * The District Grapevine newsletter is full of important info this month - check it out! * The Rotary Eastern Cities Dinner is on April 17 at Locust Hill CC in Rochester. Limited tickets are available for $75 each. Jack will try to reserve a table for 8. The speaker for this 100th anniversary is the Rotary International President! * The District Oratorical and Vocal contests are cancelled this year. * Grant Management seminar is on Saturday in Bath or online. We need to have two people trained to apply for grants. *  We will have an induction ceremony on 1/26 at 6 pm for five new members! * January is Rotary Vocational Service Month.

 

We had a Board meeting this afternoon. Topics:

Laurie is working with new treasurer, Judy Manser, to update the financial reports. * We discussed a plan for how to determine what organizations and projects to donate to. * We reviewed the process for new members to be added to ClubRunner and the orientation process. * We are considering sponsoring a medical equipment loan program. There is not currently one in Naples.

 

Megan Webster was our speaker today. She is Kristin Smith's sister and lives in Naples. She is the manager of the Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District (Ontario SWCD). There are 58 districts in NYS. 

It is based in Canandaigua and has been in existence since 1940. They work collaboratively with municipalities, agencies and individuals to protect water quality and soil health. They advise large and small farms on nutrient management and protecting lakes and streams from stormwater runoff. Natural resource protection involves stream stabilization, aquatic habitat, flood mitigation and culvert maintenance. Naples Creek has been part of that effort. They support erosion control and road stabilization for local towns and are working to reduce road salt use with innovative plow blades that leave less snow on the road surface. They also help fund septic system replacement and inspections. Lastly, they work to identify and control invasive species like the wooly adelgids that are killing hemlock trees that are so important to prevent erosion near our lakes. About 30% of their projects are funded by NYS based on need and the degree of impact. Megan encouraged all to sign up for their quarterly newsletter on the website: www.ontswcd.com.

 

The Ace of Hearts was up to $113 tonight. Tony had the magic ticket #9968 and drew the Ace of Hearts! Congrats!

Happy Bills went to the great informative program from Megan, the work of Rotary committees, the LUN clean up team, a productive Board meeting, Tony and Holly's upcoming trip to Antarctica and GO BILLS! Sadly, Brenda lost her oldest sister last week and Bill Trude passed at FFTH this morning. 

 

A Rotary Moment was the Zoom presentation from the District Environmental committee that was viewed at Brew & Brats last week. Info and fun in one place!

 

Jack led the Four Way Test and adjourned at 7:01pm.