"Old World" charm, friendly faces, a warm, inviting atmosphere, and delicious food...these were the features that made our Evening Meeting at Hollerhorn so memorable, and so pleasant this past  Monday. This week's Grapevine will be a "potpourri" of various items, as this meeting was a "social event" only.

Immediate Past President, Jack led tonight's meeting, as President Tom was unavailable. Jack opened the meeting, as he beckoned us to join him in reciting The Pledge. John F. followed Jack, as he led  us in singing God Bless America. Jack said The Blessing, thanking God for the many opportunities, as Rotarians, to render our services.

In addition to the 14 members in attendance, Laurie announced our eight delightful guests. They were Hjanne, her "sisters" Phoebe and Frazee, Jessie Norton and her dad, Tad, along with Patty, Kathleen, and Sharon. Tonight's program was meant to be a "Social Hour", and a time for us all to connect.

Here are some items worth noting.

• We will continue to do the Valentines For Vets again this year. Carrie tells us that they are due on February 10th, or they can be dropped off at the Naples Library around that same time.
• John F. has invited everyone (who can make it) to a Superbowl Party at Brew and Brats this coming Sunday, February 2nd. There will be brats, and brew, and other goodies too! 
• Our Laurie will have an opportunity to be an ambassador for our Naples Rotary! She announced that in May, she will be going to Australia, on a Rotary Friendship Exchange! If you'll remember, Laurie hosted some friends from Australia not too long ago. We are pleased that Laurie will have this opportunity, and we are certain that she will glean much from this experience!

On January 18th, the Oratorical Semi-Finals were held here in Naples. Although we did not have any Naples students that were able to participate, we are grateful to Matt for the encouragement that he provided to the potential candidates. There were six students who participated in the contest. Anna Bovay, from Seneca Falls Central School, spoke about The Use of Integrity in Social Media. Yazmin Rodriguez, from EMHC Charter School in Rochester spoke about The Opioid Epidemic. Devan Melendez, also from EMHC Charter School in Rochester spoke about The Dangers of Obesity. Julia Ross McGuire, from James A. Beneway High School spoke about Advocating For People With Special Needs. Areen Zen, from Wayne Central School spoke about Empowerment of Women. Abigail Christopher, who is a part of HSALEAH Home School spoke about Integrity In Everyday Life. All six students did a fine job. The students selected to go on to the Finals were Areen, Abby, Julia, and Anna, in that order. The Finals will be held on February 15th at FLCC. We wish these young people the best of luck! Next year, it is our goal to get our Naples students "on board" earlier in the Fall, so they have adequate time to prepare their speeches for the contest. As you know, our students become pretty busy, and their schedules become filled as the year unfolds! Many, many thanks to the members who helped in various ways with the contest. They were Matt, Tom, Frank, Jack, Skip, Judy, Karen, and Laurie.

On January 20th, we did not have a meeting, per President Tom's suggestion. Instead, many members paid tribute to one of our "fallen members", Walt Zerrahn. Walt had been a Rotarian for many years, and had maintained perfect attendance. Fourteen members were able to attend his Memorial Service at St. Januarius that day. Those of us who had worked under Walt when he was NCS superintendent remember his excellent leadership, and his support for teachers and students alike.

Please keep Our Dear Alex in your thoughts and prayers, as she is currently at Unity Hospital in Rochester dealing with some health issues. She has shared the address on FB if you would like to send her a card. I'm sure that would really lift her spirits!

PP Jack commented that we were "an intimate group" at this past Monday's Evening Meeting. Indeed, even if it was a meeting of smaller attendance, it was a great chance to "catch up" with one another! This social time was highlighted by the wonderful hospitality of Karl and Melissa and their family. We truly appreciated being with you! Our next meeting will be at Noon at The Redwood on February 3rd. See you then!