The snowflakes are gently falling, and my computer is calling, as I sit down to write this week's Grapevine, contemplating what a wonderful Noon Meeting we had yesterday! Though the Members' attendance was rather slim, (probably because of the frigid weather we've had lately), the collection of Guests was overwhelming! Together, we were packed into the back dining room of The Redwood, and it was awesome!

Frank had the honor of being today's Greeter, and he surely had his work cut out for him! Today, we had a number of Special Guests, hailing from India, Indonesia, and Pakistan, along with their hosts! Frank warmly welcomed each and every visitor, as they trickled in, ready to get a taste of the Warm Naples Hospitality!

Prompted by President Liz, we stood to recite The Pledge to Our Flag. Since we were hosting International Guests and Dignitaries today, Jack made the perfect choice to lead us in song...Our National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner! Cindy's choice for a Moment of Reflection was perfect, as she focused on "Kindness" being a Great New Year's Resolution for everyone.

The Program, this noon, focused on having Our Special Guests, (Governors Elect), with us, and on having the pleasure of hearing from a few of them. Thanks to Jo for lending me the Visitor Sign-in Sheet. I shall do my best to try and include everyone! With us today were Suzana Chandra and Octavius Tjiantor from Indonesia, Anish Malik, Seema Malik, Anish Vinod, Raja Ramakrishnan, and Asha Nathili Kesavan from India, and Salman Mubarak and Dr. Bushra Maryam from Pakistan. Also joining us were John and Margo Brown, Ralph Brandt, Dave and Ann DeMers, Lisa Norwood, Tom Weidemuss, Trenton Laughlin, and Karen Emerson. Some of these Visitors have served as Hosts for our International Guests. Last, but not least, we mustn't forget Sharon Fredericks, one of "Our Regular Guests"! (My sincere apologies if I have misspelled or forgotten any names!) Introductions were done by Ann DeMers of the Spencerport Rotary Club.

Pres. Liz shared a few Announcements with the Membership. * The recent Coat Drive went very well! Many coats were collected at the designated sites, and there are still more that need to be gathered and some will require laundering. * Today's Board Meeting went well. We are in the process of "tweaking" the Induction Ceremony and Procedure. * The Light Up Naples Decorations will be removed after the Noon Meeting on January 29th. (Today was much too cold!) * Sue Dominick passed around a Sign-Up Sheet for the Trout Derby, which is always held on April 1st. Liz then explained a little bit about the Trout Derby. January is Vocations Month, and the Club Calendar is up to date, according to Liz.

We got to know a little bit more about our Special Guests this noon, as some of the Dignitaries each spoke a few minutes about themselves, and their Rotary Club(s). Suzana from Indonesia was first. Suzana has been in Rotary for 15 years, and she said that she had really enjoyed meeting so many District Governors Elect recently in Orlando. We enjoyed viewing a video called "Indonesia at a Glance". Bali, where Suzana lives, has 21 Rotary Clubs. The highlights of their Service include Sanitation, Literacy, Water, Cleft Lip Repair, Garden, and Environment.

Salman, from Pakistan, was next. He has been in Rotary for 44 years! They are trying their best to make the world Polio free in his country. His Rotary is focusing on Malnutrition, Blindness, and Traffic Control. He welcomed us to come and visit his country. "We are very hospitable!" Salman added.

Anish, from India, had been in Rotaract when he was young and in 2009, he joined Rotary. In 2019, he started a new Club, and he's hoping to reach 65 Members! Anish showed us a map called "About Our District", and we learned a little more about his region, as well. Their Project Goals include Health and Environment. "This is us, and we have great hospitality too!" Anish added.

Raja and Asha, from India, are College Professors, and this was their fourth visit to the U.S.A.! Raja briefly explained their goals which include Environment, Health, and Women's Health and Safety. "Rotary is an investment for the future!" said Raja. "Thank you to all!"

In between the Guests' speeches, Dave introduced Ann, who said that she had really enjoyed the camaraderie in Orlando. There had been exceptional speeches. The focus had been on Increasing Membership and Retention. Next year's Theme will be "The Magic of Rotary".

Ralph noted that at the Multi-District PETS this Spring, there will be a "Model Induction Ceremony". (Seems like we (Naples NY Rotary) are keying in on an important topic!)

The Ace of Hearts was next, and Liz picked Ticket 0673, which belonged to Karen. Laurie drew from the pack for Karen, who had to leave early, and by golly, she pulled out the Ace of Hearts!! She will enjoy hearing that good news!!

There were many reasons for today's outpouring of Happy Bills! They include The Program, meeting these lovely Guests and Hosts, making new International Friends, promoting peace, appreciating our likenesses and differences, and, of course, "Go Bills"!

Our Guests said that they had had an "overwhelming experience", and that they had "felt at home" with their Hosts. "Our happiness is boundless!" exclaimed Salman.

Pres, Liz brought the Meeting to a close, as we recited The Four-Way Test. How coincidental that today, on the occasion of Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday, as we exchanged Club Banners, and solidified new friendships, we perpetuated his "Dream of Peace"!

Banners were exchanged left and right, and look at the handsome textile president Liz is sporting. A gift from DGE Anish. Also, at right, is 7120 DGE David DeMers.