It's great to be "back in the saddle again", as I pump out this week's Grapevine! Many thanks to Cindy, who covered for me last week while Bo and I were away! She did a stellar job in highlighting all the important aspects of last week's Meeting, as she encapsulated all the important points of PDG Janet's Polio Plus Presentation. 

This noon, as we ushered in the month of February, we gathered at Brew and Brats, as The Redwood is closed this week for some updates. Bo and I were today's Greeters, and we were happy to see our Rotary Friends as they arrived. PE Liz welcomed us to this noon's Gathering, as she is filling in for Pres. John, who is spending some time in sunny St. Thomas with wife, Sherry, and MIL, Katie. John and Crew joined us on Zoom, along with 21 Members, and five guests. Today we welcomed our Exchange Student Raul, along with Interact Members, Charlie Grove and Drew Reigelsperger. Sharon, wife of jack, and Graycen, small son of Micah, rounded out the crew! We all filled the side portion of Brew and Brats nicely!

PE Liz had us join her in saying The Pledge. Micah gave The Blessing, thanking The Lord for the opportunity to be all together in fellowship, and Jack chose "God Bless America" to lead us in song. Today's Program was brought to us by Raul. and Bo and Pat did the Rotary Moment.

A few announcements preceded Raul's Presentation. There will be a breakfast this weekend, on Sunday, the 12th, at Trinity, to host the Rotary Exchange Students. If you would like to help at this event, please be there by 8:00 AM. It's the month of love, and the Annual Vintage, Vines, and Valentines Events will soon be upon us this coming weekend. Jack announced that the Renewal of Vows will be at the Naples Hotel on Saturday. The Bristol Valley Theater is hosting a "Kissing Booth" that will provide a great photo opportunity! The Chocolate Cake Contest, hosted by the Naples Historical Society, will be at the Morgan Hose Building. These events are a sampling of all that is to take place on Saturday, about town, so get your walking shoes ready!

With the new month upon us, we honored the February Birthdays with a Song of Congratulations. Our song of good wishes went out to John, Bruce, Billy, Bo, Steve, and Brenda. 

As mentioned earlier, Raul gave today's Program, as he took the podium to tell us a little bit about himself, and to share his impressions of his stay in Naples thus far. Unfortunately, although they were supposed to join us, Raul's parents couldn't be with us today.

Raul began by thanking us for having him, and he began to tell us about his family and his life in Spain. He was born on February 22, 2016, and he has lived in a town called Cerdanyola, which is near Barcelona. His family consists of his dad, Josep, his mom, Chari, his sister, Judtih, and himself. He has enjoyed spending time with his family, and Raul enjoys sports as well! He loves soccer, basketball, and tennis!

There are 17 Rotary Clubs in District 2202, in Barcelona, and the Rotary Club of Barcelona Millennium is the club that he identifies with. When asked about school life back in Spain, Raul said that there are six periods with playground time built in to each day's schedule. When asked what his strangest experience was since he has been here, Raul said that it was breaking his leg! Some of his best memories have have been spending time at the lake and making new friends. When asked about the weather back home in Spain, Raul jokingly said, "For you, it's warm, (right now), for you, it's cold!" When asked about seeing snow, he replied that he goes to the Alps o couple of times a year to ski. When he stepped on "frozen water", he recalled being with Charlie! We were delighted to have Raul join us today, and to see how well he has acclimated to life in Naples through the friendships he's made, and the activities he's participated in.

The Ace of Hearts was at $85 today. Bo's Ticket, # 4093 was picked, and Bo drew the Nine of Hearts from the pack.

"Oner More Thing" consisted of a short video that Liz showed us that focused on (Rotary) Global Initiatives. Some of these areas where action is being taken are Water, Sanitation, Peace, and Conflict Resolution. Liz added that this past year, Peace and Fellowship has been pushed.

Via Zoom. President John had many reasons for his Happy Bills. They included having Liz cover for him while he's been away, Brew and Brats hosting us today for the Meeting, and Raul giving today's Program. John said he would donate some more bills if Kevin and Beth show up for the Renewal of Vows at VVV! Other reasons from the rest of us included our pleasure in having Raul share his time with us. Carrie is pleased with the Swim Team being in the Sectionals, (that includes Charlie and Grady, who have earned many accolades!) Bo and Pat have returned from a trip to Jordan to visit their kids. Jo Anne and Albie asked us to keep their grandson, Alliet, in our thoughts.

Liz added a couple quick announcements. On 2/7 there will be a Pre-PETS Program on Zoom. The Rotary Lite Meeting will be this Wednesday, 2/8, at the home of Liz and Clyde. It will be at 6PM.

The Rotary Moment was given by Bo and Patrice. We brought back a banner from the Rotary Club of Amman - Citadel, in Jordan, to add to the Naples NY Rotary collection. Though the Rotary Meeting was mostly held in Arabic, the Club Members were very friendly and welcoming! We gave them a banner from the Naples NY Rotary, as well!

Hoping that everyone will have a great week, as we plunge into February. No doubt, we'll connect this weekend at VVV! See you soon!