What does it mean to be apart from one another, yet virtually connected during these uncertain times? Today, we would hear from many of our members, as to how these days of being somewhat isolated are affecting us, and how keeping “connected” in Rotary has been a bonus, for sure! Today was our Club Assembly, led by President Tom, and President-Elect Matt, and a great display of ideas was generated from the topics for discussion.
Pres. Tom opened the meeting, as we stood to recite The Pledge. Pat gave The Invocation, thanking The Lord for all His good gifts, and asking that He help us use them to better serve others. Our guests were Hjanne, our Exchange Student, and Jill Walther, Honorary Member. Today’s Program, as mentioned earlier, was the Club Assembly. There were 28 people in attendance, including our two guests.
What’s Happening? Andy and Marianna reported that things are “settling down a bit” with the work that the Rotary Responders are doing. The stocking of the shelves at Rennoldson’s and the shopping for some of the regulars is still consistent. There will be no meeting next week, as it is Memorial Day Weekend. Jamie reported that the votes are in for the Robert Allen Award, and we’ll find out who this is at the Gavel Dinner. The Paul Harris choices are forthcoming, and nominations are welcome. We’ll know who this is at the Gavel Dinner, as well. Skip noted that the Gavel Dinner will, hopefully, be at Brew and Brats. Also, there will be no Duck Race this year. Matt said that the Gavel Dinner will be on June 29th, and it will be done in a “safe way”.
Patrice gave an overview of the Board Minutes. There are some things which have been done, and are being planned to honor Our Graduates. Signs honoring each Senior have been placed on the High School front lawn. Staff members are “adopting” each Senior. There will be two staff members per student. The kids will be “highlighted on Social Media. Luigi’s is giving each Senior free pizza and wings. There may possibly be a parade, as well, to salute these students and their achievements. We, the Naples Rotary, agreed to help in any way we can. In terms of our current budget, (2019-2020), it was decided that we go ahead with our usual scholarship monies. Included also, are the Cub Scouts, The Paul Harris Awards, and the Open Cupboard. In terms of next year’s budget, (2020-2021), it is advisable that we use caution as far as expenses are concerned. Slate of Officers for 2020-2021: A partial slate of officers has been established. Nominations from the floor will be accepted. This can be put out as a ballot for vote by the Membership. Susan has graciously offered to “stay on” until September to help the new Treasurer. The Gavel Dinner is set for Monday Evening, June 29th. Hopefully, we will be able to meet outdoors, under the tent, at Brew and Brats, keeping the safety of all in mind. If that “Plan” doesn’t work, “Plan B” will be to have a Virtual Dinner online. Skip noted that the Duck Race and Chicken BBQ are cancelled for this year. Jack will touch base with The Redwood in terms of when we return. Matt noted that we would be looking into procedures for meeting in person, eventually.
Matt and Tom were the Leaders for today’s Club Assembly, and the approach chosen by Matt was to generate six questions that spurred our interest as well as some insightful feedback. We were encouraged to use the “Chat Function”, including the “Unmute Bar” to give our feedback.
- What do you miss most about (Regular) Rotary Meetings? / Handshakes and hugs/ Person-to-person contact/ Seeing and talking to everyone
- What keeps you “tuning in”? /Seeing how others are doing/ Rotarians are encouraging/ Keeping informed/ Positivity/ New format/ Able to attend most meetings/ Sense of purpose among us/ Fellowship
- What is your purpose? Helping our community/ Being part of something greater than us/ Service Above Self/ Closure
- How do we serve others at this time? Rotary Responders/ Seclusion/ Community help/ NRC taking the lead/ Supporting small businesses/ Broadening our thinking/ Being aware of our purpose/ Defining what we’re supposed to do/ Learning and growing in spite of obstacles
- What have we learned? We’re unstoppable/ We’re resourceful/ We’ve learned safe ways to connect/ There’s a deep bench of support among us/ We’re more grateful
- Virtual Fundraising? It’s necessary/ A new “normal”/ Think outside the box/ Virtual wine-tasting/ Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail/ Get creative!/ Use social media/ support local businesses/ Pie tasting
At this juncture, Matt urged each of us to pull out our cellphone, and to make a contact with someone whom we haven’t talked to in a long time. We were prompted to send a text with a “How are you doing? I’m thinking of you” theme. Pres. Tom misses our connection of being together, (physically), but he is very optimistic for the future. He says, “We are in good hands!”
Here were our Fines and Happy Bills collectively. Nancy enjoyed the Board Meeting, and she is going to her “Lake Place”. Skip liked the Board Meeting and seeing everyone at the Regular Meeting. Jack thought it was a productive Board meeting. He has played some golf. He enjoyed seeing all, and he checked out Brew and Brats. He liked having Hjanne with us. Andy and Marianna got a call. Pat enjoyed the Club Assembly. John liked the Meeting, and the floors at Arbor Hill are taking on a new look. Carrie liked the Program, and her Charlie is looking forward to golf. Deb is glad to have her Caitlin home during the Pandemic. Leah liked the Program. She had some missed meetings. She talked of the Barn Quilt Trail, and how great it is! Bo noted that we can enjoy Zoom Meetings internationally! Matt appreciates all of Susan’s work as Treasurer. Sue wants to be sure Our Club stays safe. Marty enjoyed the Program and the fellowship. Pres. Tom thanked Matt for running the Board Meeting. He says that we’re a wonderful team!
Jack had a great Rotary Moment! He talks to his sister, Jill each week. Jill lives in Tampa, and she told Jack about the work that the Tampa Rotary Club is doing to help others during this pandemic, such as packing meals for others in need.
Matt announced that there are possibilities in the making for future programs. Thanks to both Matt and Tom for a great Club Assembly today! Many excellent ideas and sentiments stemmed from our discussion! Reminder, there is no Meeting next week. Stay safe, stay healthy, and have a great Memorial Day Weekend!
