Tonight was a big night at the Redwood as we joined together to induct six new members into Naples NY Rotary Club! We were 29 members strong plus 10 guests.
President Jack led us in the Pledge and we sang God Bless America. Jack's moment of inspiration spoke to our opportunities for service and making a better life for future generations.
Greeter Sherry introduced our guests: family members Stacey, Jeff, Jordan and Alliet Shearing, Jordan Davis, Christy Braun; and District 7120 leaders Kim and Janet Tenreiro, Pete Vogt and Rich de Asis. Our new members being inducted were Chloe Shearing, Brittany Tierson, Destiny and Tom Salviski, Alan Braun and Theresa Hays.
Jack recounted highlights of the Board meeting this afternoon. Thanks go to Laurie and Judy Manser for updating the club budget for this fiscal year, which was passed by the Board. Committee reports were given by the trout derby, program, mental health, bylaws, environmental, membership and grape fest chairs. We have again funded the Charter of Cub Scout Pack 40. Vintage Vines and Valentines hosted 100 visitors to Naples with eleven couples reaffirming their vows, hosted by Jack in the warmth of the Naples Hotel (thanks to the Salviskis!).
February is Rotary Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month. January was Vocational Service month which Jack planned to expand on, with the varied vocations of our new members. Since the induction had to be rescheduled due to bad weather, he shared a list of all 10 new members in this Rotary year with their broad ranging careers. All will be huge assets in our service to our community! Congratulations to all our 2025-2026 new members!
Youth Exchange student Hikaru from Japan spoke about recent activities: ice fishing, attending a hockey game at Clarkson and participating in a bowling tournament!
Our speaker tonight was Brittany Tierson, Naples VFW Auxiliary president. She noted that the VFW post is named in honor of James Moore, a Naples grad and Marine, who is missing in action in Vietnam since 1967. Brittany's husband Matt is also a Marine, veteran of combat in Iraq from 2002 to 2010. They moved to Naples in 2016. Matt was recruited to become Commander of Naples VFW by Bob Hubbard. Brittany has several veterans in her family, including her grandfather who is a Vietnam vet. She has served as president of the Auxiliary since 2022.
Some of the services provided by the VFW are a buddy check on the 22nd of each month. Any veteran needing a friend to talk to can go to the VFW at 6 pm. The group donates to the Bath VA and Canandaigua VA hospitals and local veterans in financial need. They host Wounded Warriors in Action yearly when 3 Purple Heart hunters come to Naples for camaraderie and support. In 7 years, they have raised $90K. VFW supports the Honor Flight out of Rochester, contributing $7K so far. The next flight is on March 14th. They also Adopt a Platoon, sending packages every month. They host a fish fry the first Friday of each month. All are welcome to the post Wednesday to Sunday but only Veterans of Foreign Wars can be members. The building hosts other veteran groups, including American Legion who are veterans in wartime but not deployed. Naples VFW has 76 members with 53 members in the auxiliary.
Brittany makes sure to include her children in her passion, looking to the future of veteran support. She was thanked for her efforts in placing nearly 90 veteran banners on the light poles along Main St!
The Ace of Hearts was $60 today. Chloe drew ticket #9400 which was Nancy's. She drew the 10 of diamonds so the game continues.
Happy Bills were given for Brittany's great program, our new members of a variety of ages, the great work of our Club, keeping track of our neighbors in the cold, the growth of our Club, the success of Vintage Vines and 10 years of vow renewals. Skip and Judy enjoyed pouring wine at V3 and Judy appreciates the VFW honoring of Jim Moore who was her high school classmate. Thanks to Denise Johnson and Plenty the Bakery for the sweet treats tonight. John and Sherry will be back home in May but will stay in touch for meetings from a warmer climate.
Our Rotary moment featured photos from Europe from outgoing exchange student, Erica Reigelsperger who is spending her year in Germany.
Rich de Asis thanked us for the invitation and congrats to the new members. His club in Rochester is much larger. He thanked us for supporting a global grant for a Uganda water project.
Janet Tenreiro mentioned upcoming District learning opportunities in March and April. More info soon.
As is tradition, we recited the Four Way Test and adjourned at 6:57pm.
