Wow! What a great turnout of members who attended Monday’s Evening Zoom Meeting! There were 30 of us, along with four guests, and President Matt said that it was a pleasure to see so many of us on a dark, rainy evening! Indeed, seeing so many smiling faces brought a “ray of sunshine” into the picture.
Bruce, our “technician,” provided a picture of The Flag, as we joined Matt in saying The Pledge. Rose gave a beautiful Blessing, thanking God for bringing us into another Spring. As this is a season of rebirth, so may our kindness to others be enkindled as well. Along with the 30 members, we welcomed guests, Ken Poole, tonight’s program presenter, our ever-faithful Sharon, Graycen, young son of Micah, and a fourth guest who included a phone number. That is the beauty of a Zoom Meeting, - so many of us can be together safe and secure at this time!
Here are some updates to keep in mind, and some upcoming events for our calendars. The Great Grape Race, formerly known as the Lucky Ducky Derby, is being chaired by Marty and Jill this year, with direction and help from Skip. Plans are to hold the Race on Saturday, May 8th. Instead of “Ducks” floating down the creek, there will be “Round Floaters” in grape colors of purple, red, and green. These “Grapes” have all been prepared and numbered by Jill, and they will no doubt make a pretty sight as they float down Naples Creek! There will be a sheet available with all the members’ names. Marty said that packets of 20 tickets will be given to each member to sell. Tickets are $5 each, or 3 for $10. John F. said that tickets may be picked up at Arbor Hill, and Vicky will have them available at Five Star Bank. Some volunteers will be needed at the actual event, of course. Liz noted that there will be a Chicken Barbecue held across from Joseph’s on that same day with serving starting around 11AM. Some helpers will be needed for that event also. Marty jokingly added that saying “Great Grape Race” five times in a row could be quite a tongue twister!
Tom hopes to produce a video about Naples Rotary, and how we have handled the Pandemic, to show at this year’s District Conference. The District Conference will also be held on Saturday, May 8th, virtually. Tom would like pictures from the Walk of Life if there are any members who happen to have some. If so, you can send them to Tom via his E-mail address which is TomHawks2@Icloud.Com. Tom appreciates any and all input from the Membership!
Frank talked a bit about Camp O. They are planning on having 100 campers this year. The camping experience will cover a two-week period, with 50 kids participating each week. This way, everyone will remain safe, and yet they will be able to have a memorable experience. The Camp O. Golf Tournament will take place this year on Saturday, June 12th. Last year, Naples Rotary sent two teams to the Tourney! Perhaps this year, we can do the same!
Last Saturday, April 10th, was the District Assembly. Two of our members, John F., and Mike J. were part of a Panel that focused on Increasing and Retaining Members. John noted that it will be available for viewing on 4/17 on the District Website. Hopefully, those of us who missed it last week will be able to catch it this Saturday! Kudos to John and Mike for representing our vibrant and unique club!
Matt confirmed that our 2021 RYLA Candidate, Mack, is all set to participate in this year’s RYLA Program. He added that Kim Torpey and Chris Abraham are interested in doing an “On-line Naples Paper”, and they would like to include School items and Rotary items. They would very much appreciate any feedback we could provide. Matt reminded us that next week, there will be a Board Meeting at 10:30, and the 12:00 Program will feature Jake Hall.
Tonight’s Program, “Community Outreach,” featured Ken Poole, whose theme of Literacy struck a fond note in many of our hearts. Ken, a member of the Canandaigua Rotary Club, and former neighbor of Jack and Sharon, told us that he, and the CRC have always been “funders of activities,” and their Rotary Book Program is proof of this statement! Their mission has been to collect used books, in boxes of 25, to distribute to places such as Day Care Centers throughout Ontario County, and the Bristol Camp. Ken’s wife sent books to the Chautauqua Indian Reserve which was closed because of Covid. The Rochester Public Library has discarded books that make up about 1/3 of the titles distributed! Many children who have never had a book of their own to read and keep, have benefitted from this outreach. What a wonderful way to “re-purpose” these valuable treasures!
Ken talked about a second-hand store in Canandaigua known as Treasure Trove. Many people have faced difficult situations, and they need some help getting back on their feet. TT carries items for a modest price, that will enable these folks to recover from setbacks. Among some of these available necessities are interview clothing, suitcases to carry belongings, toiletry kits, and bedding. Ken added that these items are always appreciated, and they can be donated to the store for resale. There is a small charge for the merchandise to maintain honesty among the shoppers.
Ken leaves a business card indicating the Community Outreach Program with the books he helps to distribute. Tuesday is the day when he drives around collecting items. He has learned that Rotary is known for pitching in, and that Rotary is helpful in making connections with different sources. “That’s what I’ve been doing!” he concluded. Many thanks to Ken for the excellent program, and for all he and the Canandaigua Rotary are doing to help others!
Ken’s presentation generated some positive feedback, of course! Sharon commented that within the Naples Community, we have the Little Library, Budding Readers, and gently used books, which are donated to the Open Closet. Jack mused that their home probably contains about 10,000 books!! Cindy noted that the Treasure Trove was begun after the Goodwill Store closed. Naples Rotary also gives a book to each child in Grades Pre-K to Six every year at Christmastime.
Blanche recollected that Ken had been a part of the Naples Community Band, which consisted of 35 members. There had been a Bicentennial Band and a Fife and Drum Corps, as well! Ken is currently writing a book about this era, which he hopes to finish soon. He plans to dedicate his book to the Naples Historical Society! (Frank also thought that the Voce Canto, of which John F, was a part, should be included 😊!)
There were plenty of Happy Bills in appreciation of Ken’s Program this evening. Literacy and helping others in need are two areas that are very important to Rotarians! Ken has a fourth grandchild! Laurie has enjoyed listening to the Marching Band as it practices its routine. Karen’s grandson, Kaiden, is celebrating his eleventh birthday. Jack appreciates the entire group. It was great to have John M. join us this evening! We’ve missed you! He paid a Fine for having missed several meetings. John F. was happy to have been able to participate in the District Training Assembly. He said that there were two people there who were from the Philippines and Istanbul! Marty is thankful for nice Rotarians everywhere! Speaking of Marty, we are very thankful to him and Jill for taking on the Great Grape Race this year, and we thank Skip for his guidance as well!
As mentioned in last week’s Grapevine, here are the April Birthdays and Anniversaries. Happy Anniversary to Bill C. and Kit, Frank and Kathleen, and Steve and Mindy. Happy Birthday to Frank, Larry, Judy, John M., Bruce R., Donna, Lauren, and Sharon. Best wishes to all!
Judy gave us an update on Honorary Member, Joan Slating. She is currently at Thompson Hospital, and is not doing well, according to daughter Sharon. Her husband Jim is convalescing in Penn Yan. We send our love, thoughts, and prayers to Joan, Jim, and Family, praying for comfort and strength for all of them.
The Rotary Moment was given by Patrice tonight. Upon finding My Dad’s Rotary Apron recently, it made me think of how he served so diligently in the Massena Rotary Club. Naples Rotarians are the same, being helpful and of service to others, but most especially, being kind. When we think about how we have survived during these challenging times, surely these qualities will help us face the future with hope and confidence!
It sure has been nice seeing that sunshine today! May everyone have a wonderful week! See you all at noon next Monday!
