“Happy almost Holiday Break!” announced President Matt as he ushered in today’s Noon Zoom Meeting. He also added that our decision to go “virtual” for a while seems to have been a wise one since the situation is still pretty risky at this time. We joined Matt in saying The Pledge. Many thanks to Bruce M. for providing us with an image of “Old Glory!” Past President Tom gave The Invocation. He said that there was a huge amount of hope along the way amongst us, and though there is a long road ahead of us. We are trusting in The Lord to keep us safe. We welcomed Sharon Fredericks and Cindy Skoda as today’s guests, and along with 23 members online, it made for an attendance of 25! We were delighted to have fellow member, Mike Joseph, present a great program for our enjoyment and enlightenment this noon.
Jack sets a high standard for a song,” noted Pres. Matt. Yet today, we were treated to the beautiful voice of NHS vocal/music teacher, Margaret Crabb. “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” was her selection for our listening enjoyment, and we would all probably agree that this song was an excellent choice in light of the current situation! Matt noted that Margaret was even better at teaching music! She added that in place of a Christmas Concert this year, she was sending out links to various performances and links to hand-bells as well. Her song was a lovely start to today’s meeting, that is for sure!
Matt had a few updates. For those of us who have signed up for the (Virtual) Gift Exchange, this event will be held next week, 12/21, at the Zoom Meeting. The Program on the New Sewer System by Mayor Brian Schenk will take place at a later date. There was a recent E-mail from Matt regarding the directions for the Group Gift Exchange. The maximum expense level is set at $25.00, and those of us who are participating must bring the gift to our designated person before next Monday’s Meeting. (Of course, Pres. Matt indicated that if one happens to have been given his name, there is no price limit!!)
Patrice gave an update on the Bauble Contest. There were 102 entries, and several people just wanted to give us a donation, which was so generous and thoughtful. There were three of us who helped to determine the winners of the Ornament Contest yesterday, and as Karen said, “We went around and around the tree, trying to decide, as there were so many wonderful ornaments to choose from.” After some careful deliberation, these were the ornaments that were chosen. “Best Nature Ornament” was awarded to Eve MacAllister, who had depicted a typical Naples Scene with pinecones, acorns and snow. “Most Artistic Ornament” went to two people; Karen Farner, who replicated a scene from Bristol Mountain, and John Henri, who included a Winter Scene with a cardinal. There were two “Most Impactful Ornaments” chosen. Liz Dormer created an ornament with flags of many nations, and she had inscribed the word “Peace” on both sides of the bauble. Jeff Long’s “Cheerful Snowman” provided inspiration for all of us, as we navigate these uncertain waters of 2020, and try to maintain a positive attitude throughout the Pandemic. Many, many thanks to Matt and Karen for all your help in choosing the “winning ornaments”. The “Best Nature” and (two) “Most Artistic” ornaments will each receive a Gift Certificate from Luigi’s, and the (two) “Most Impactful” ornaments will receive a Gift Certificate from Neapolitan Pizzeria, and Caruso’s Café. Oceans of thanks to each of these local businesses who provided Gift Certificates for the Ornament Contest! Our Rotary Tree in Perriello Park looks simply amazing, and has added to the splendor of our Light Up Naples Community décor!!
We were delighted to have our own Mike Joseph come online as today’s program presenter. “It’s been awhile!” noted Mike, as he joined us for today’s meeting, and granted, it was a pleasure to “see” him again! Mike’s topic was about the Naples Area Economic Development Coalition, which is an endeavor to help get businesses started in our Naples Community. “It took months to see where this was going,” noted Mike. Albeit a non-profit organization, Mike noted that Chip and Stewart Weismuller have provided funding for this project. (Many of you may recall that Chip has often visited our Rotary Meetings in the past. They have a Summer place in Naples, and they are often visitors to our area.)
There are some Naples Rotarians who are involved with this Coalition, those being Mike, of course, Wayne, (representing the NHS), Bruce, and Sherry. Mike stated that the Executive Director of the Coalition is now his daughter, Tessa, who is getting things off to a wonderful start. Having begun to meet last April, the goal of the NAEDC was to examine what was “good for Naples.”
Mike commented that the Naples Valley Visitor’s Association (NVVA) has helped to promote Naples as well. They have been responsible for the Vintage, Vines, and Valentines, which fortunately was allowed to take place last year, with the Pandemic ensuing. Granted, it’s been a tough year, yet five new businesses have evolved, we were told, and “Caruso’s Café” has been one of them, thanks to the ingenuity of Mark and Jodi! Three new businesses are slated to open in 2021, among some of them being breweries! Artizann’s is under new ownership, and a new sewer system is being installed in the village.
Thus the future is looking bright for the Naples Area! There have been some initiatives set forth that have spurred the economy in the village. This past Fall, in September and October, there have been two “Pop-Up Shops” with whom the Coalition has worked. The location has been at “Divine Designs”, and though it has been an “experimental endeavor”, it has been open on weekends for business. The Holiday “Pop-Up Shops” are hoping to entice customers to shop locally over the Holiday Season, as well. The Lobby of the BVT has also been the site of a “Music Shop,” which has stemmed from the Music Store in Wayland. At this most busy time of the year, here are two great shopping locations to bring business to the Naples Area and augment our local economy! “Naples is poised for growth!” noted Mike. “It would be great if there were no vacancies!”.
Another initiative of The Coalition is the hope to have Naples branded as a destination “for all seasons.” In addition to the attractiveness of the Summer, Naples Valley Harvest Days in the Fall, and the idea of a “Winter Wanderland” both offer an appealing option for tourists of all tastes. Mike’s daughter Tessa is hoping to add more publicity via Instagram in addition to Facebook, as a means of Social Media. There are many beautiful trails throughout the area, which offer exceptional features, and it is the goal of the Coalition to promote the idea of a “Winter Wanderland” to inspire locals, and visitors alike, to venture this way. The EDC is working on maps and documentation to help make these hikes worthwhile.
Through the encouragement and development of new businesses in the community, not only are young entrepreneurs being cultivated, but Naples will continue to be a “great place to live and work!” Following Mike’s program, many excellent questions were generated by some of the members. The presentation concluded with Pres. Matt having said that the energy and spirit of the Naples Community continues! Many thanks to Mike for joining us today. Your vision for the Naples Area certainly speaks of hope, optimism, and positivity for the growth of our beautiful town, and environs!
We have been missing the “50-50” segment of our meetings since going virtual for the last few weeks, so Blanche came up with a plan! She had 10 Trivia Questions about Naples for us to answer, and we had to be “on our honor,” when answering each item! Though Matt was a bit dubious about the French/Hawks/Miller Team, we all tried to do our best and think for ourselves! Jack was the winner, with Holly and Skip following close behind! The “prizes” included some handsome Gift Cards from Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Wegman’s. We jogged our memories, and we had a lot of fun! Thanks Blanche, and thank you, Matt, as you were the one who, no doubt prizes!
There were plenty of reasons for the Happy Bills to come forth at today’s meeting! We enjoyed Mike’s presentation on the Economic Development Coalition. We were enthralled with Margaret’s beautiful voice. We had a great time playing Blanche’s Naples Trivia Game! Light Up Naples looks fantastic! Skip noted that there is a Ham Dinner this Thursday at the VFW. Marty thinks Jack is a great golf coach! Matt forgot to introduce today’s guests, Cindy and Sharon, which is not typical of him!
Matt had asked me to do the Rotary Moment for today, and I thought about how many of us, during these unusual times, are helping our families out in various ways. On their “remote days” I help my grandkids with their schoolwork, as I know Jack and Sharon do. My oldest little granddaughter, Alma, who is a 4th Grader, had an article in her Scholastic News to read, and it was about the Pandemic, and the development of a vaccine for Covid 19. The article compared this present-day Pandemic to the Polio Virus of the early fifties, and how a Polio vaccine was developed to help eliminate that terrible crippling disease. I explained to Alma how Rotary International has been very influential in helping to eradicate Polio throughout the world, and how close we are to seeing its end. It was nice to be able to share this information with Alma, and to tell her of the good that Rotary does throughout the world.
That brings this edition of The Grapevine to a close. We are a positive, hopeful group, trusting in The Lord for better days to come. Just as Blanche’s Trivia Game brought a bit of joviality to the meeting, surely our Holiday Gift Exchange next week will do the same! Until then, take care, one and all! See you next week for our Virtual Christmas Party!
