It was a pleasure to be "a part" of today's meeting via the Facebook Live Presentation! I felt as if Bo and I were right there with our Rotary Family, enjoying good fellowship, and learning more about some of our newest members!
It seemed as though John F. got the group started in reciting The Pledge. His beautiful voice could also be heard leading everyone in singing The Star-Spangled Banner. Steve R, gave The Blessing. He thanked Our Merciful, Heavenly Father for the strength to help our community. Laurie introduced the guests, who were Sharon and Chris. Many thanks, as well, to Laurie for taking the attendance today!
Communications were next. Karen read a letter of thanks from Kelly VandeSande, Coordinator of Operation Santa. As always, Operation Santa is most grateful for the help Naples Rotary provides. Kelly gave special recognition to Skip, Jack, and Sharon for all of their involvement with the program. We heartily applauded these three for all their efforts! Pres. Tom also announced that the Annual Margery Coughlin Pawluk Golf Tournament will be Friday, June 12th.
Flanked in the background by a pretty picture of new-fallen snow on the evergreens, Pres. Tom introduced the "Newcomers", who were today's program presenters. We were excited to hear from Andy, Marianna, and Nardine. Andy would be speaking on behalf of his wife, Marianna, who was volunteering at Hospeace House today. It was "ladies before gentlemen", so Nardine spoke first. We will talk about that in a bit.
In terms of the Board Meeting, held earlier today, Pres. Tom said that next week's meeting, though it was intended to be a social hour, will be devoted to the topic, "What is Rotary?" Tom also gave a calendar update of future programs and events. Donna announced that there would be a Grape Fest Committee Meeting this week for all who were interested. Jack and Sharon had visited Alex at Crest Manor, and they found her to be in good spirits, and "on the mend". She sends her regards to the Club, and she hopes to be back soon.
Many thanks to John French for giving a synopsis of today's Board Meeting. John, I wish I could be as succinct as you are! We approved a $500 Grant to help the Naples Angels. We are going to try to get Naples Rotary Club's events and projects listed on the District Calendar.
Steve R. spoke about the Friendship Exchange. He spoke with Jean McMillan from the Wayland Club, and they are hosting visitors from South Africa. More host families are needed, thus, this might be an opportunity to explore! Steve and Mindy are hosting a couple, and Steve urges us to consider this! This is a chance to learn about the culture of others, and to make new friends! This is, indeed, a way to make great connections, as we learn about each other!
Today, we learned a little bit more about three of our newest members: Andy, Marianna, and Nardine. In hearing their bios, it's easy to see why Naples Rotary is blessed with the addition of these three fine people! Nardine was first to present. Nardine started out as a "city girl", coming to Naples from Rochester. She worked as a volunteer at school, and she realized that she loved working with children. She went back to college to get her degree, and in doing her practicum, she had hoped for "anything but teenagers"! Evidently, Nardine did get placed with teens, and she claims it took about 20 minutes to feel the love! She continued to work with kids as she did some substituting while going to school. She was instrumental in starting the Youth Center in Naples. She remarried, and moved to Vermont, working as an Intensive Needs Specialist. Later, when her husband passed, she retired, and found her way back to Naples! She is on the Board for the Naples Youth Center. Adam, one of her former students, told her about Rotary, and it was then that Nardine knew that this would be "a fit" for her! Nardine said, "If you love what you're doing, then you never work a day in your life!" This seems to be her philosophy, as she continues to "give back" in so many wonderful ways. She makes lap quilts for Alzheimer's patients to help them with their needs. She thanks Adam for bringing her into Rotary, and "she hopes to make a difference in this next chapter"! Welcome, Nardine!
Andy spoke next, and he was here today, representing both himself and Marianna, as she was at Hospeace House volunteering. Andy, who is from the North Country, blended his and Marianna's stories together as he spoke. They had gone together for 10 years before they married. They both became dedicated to children, having worked as counselors: Marianna in a psychiatric unit, and Andy near Potsdam. Marianna also worked with children with multiple disabilities, and Andy returned to SUNY (Potsdam) to get his Master's in Special Ed. Both became involved in Special Education. Andy claims that Marianna helped him through his dissertation with spelling and such! They lived in Buffalo where they became involved with their church, then later moved to New Paltz, where Andy was involved in a Special Ed Program.He also did some coaching. They moved back to the Rochester Area, and both became very involved with their church. They later found their way to the Naples Area, where church, and now, Rotary have captured their interest and involvement. Andy and Marianna have spearheaded the Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at St. Januarius for the past few years, and this year they served 175 people! Andy and Marianna felt that Rotary was a logical way to get involved in the community, and we appreciate having them in our membership. Welcome to both of you!
With a few minutes to spare, Steve R got up and spoke about his reasons for joining Rotary. He told about how Billy G invited him to lunch so that he can see what Rotary did for the community. Now he sees a wonderful collective group, which makes him feel a part of the community.
This is as much as I was able to glean from the broadcast. See you all on the 24th for the Evening Meeting at the Redwood.
