Tonight was our annual Gavel Dinner when we celebrate the past year and welcome the new Officers and Board. We came together at Reservoir Creek Golf Course pavilion for a wonderful gathering of 38 Naples Rotarians and 14 guests. It was a great venue and delicious dinner. Thanks to Skip for making the plan for us! 

 

President Jack, in his final time as President, led us in the Pledge. We sang God Bless America which sounded great with the high ceiling of the pavilion. Carrie shared an invocation. "Teach us the value of collaboration and partnership. In Rotary, we believe that by working together, we can achieve so much more than we ever could alone. Bless our collaborations, both within Rotary and with other organizations, and may we leverage the power of unity to tackle the world's most pressing challenges. Amen."

 

Jack introduced our guests in leadership of District 7120: Jim Crane, Nancy Laughlin, Nancy Latour and Lisa Norwood. We also had 10 framily: Charlie and Grady Grove, Aimee and Mark Bristol, Carmen Stopka, Kathleen Duserick, Leandra Moore, Kristie Braun and Chip and Stuart Weismiller.

 

Carrie gave out the 2026-2027 Rotary pins with the theme this year: Create Lasting Impact. After dinner, Jack gave a review of some of our accomplishments. Jim Crane remarked that his year as District Governor was a good year and that Naples did a great job as we welcomed many new members. In all, the District gained 100, sadly it lost about 50. Jim's fund drive to support Rotary International is currently $2000 short of the $250K goal. He thanked us for our contribution to the fund.

 

Jack gave special recognition to several members for their contributions this year. He honored Jo, Cindy, Sherry, Karen, Laurie and Liz Yee for their part in keeping our Club running. Judy was invited up to help pin Skip for his Paul Harris Fellow +4, in honor of his four decades of service to Naples Rotary! Jack then announced an Oxymoron Award for John. Jack told of how John helped him in his previous presidency, just after John's presidential year. John has continued to support every president since, showing "Outstanding Dedication and Service" to Naples Rotary. The tongue-in-cheek award was for the "Quiet Rotarian".

John also announced that we are contributing the final $2000 to Jim's fund. It will go for two additional Paul Harris awards to be given at our evening meeting on July 27th.

 

Judy Miller accompanied Jack on the keyboards as he sang his Naples Rotary version of Frank Sinatra's "My Way". It was a fabulous performance enjoyed by all! Carrie, with Judy, followed with "We'll be there", the Jackson 5 tune, that shared their hopes and goals for the upcoming Rotary year as Co-Presidents! We are all looking forward to a great year ahead!

 

Jack thanked Bob and his crew at Res Creek for the wonderful dinner and service.

 

The moment then arrived to pass the Gavel to '26-'27 Co-Presidents Carrie Grove and Judy Miller with applause and photos taken. Carrie presented Jack with a pair of Hikaru's Japanese shoes and a plaque honoring his outstanding dedication as President from 2024-2026! Congratulations Jack and Thank You!