We were a smaller group in attendance tonight, perhaps because the Winter winds were a factor, but it was a cozy gathering nonetheless. We numbered 24 members, with Katie being an Honorary Rotarian, plus two guests. Tonight's program would speak to each of us in a special way, and we were sure to leave with positive, renewed feelings toward each other.

President Tom opened the meeting, as we joined him in reciting The Pledge. It was very fitting that John F. chose The Star-Spangled Banner to lead us in song this evening, as today was Veterans' Day, and we were thinking of those who served Our Country. We are especially grateful to our own Vets in the Naples Rotary Club; specifically Bill C., Woody, and Skip. Alex said The Blessing, and Laurie introduced the two lovely guests, Sharon and Nardine.

In the Communication Department, there was not a great deal this evening, but Pres. Tom did have some recent pictures of Warren and Roberta "soaking up" the Florida sunshine! (Do you think Warren may have sent those pictures to tease us, knowing that we're having just the opposite kind of weather up here?) Tom said that tonight could be dedicated to "the Snowbirds"! He also reviewed the Club Calendar for the next few weeks.

Bill C then spoke of how he worked with Donna on the books for the Naples Grape Festival. He praised her for the excellent job that she does to make the Grape Fest so successful, and he presented a check for $14,000 from this year's GF!

President Tom and President-Elect Matt were tonight's speakers, and their program was entitled "The Importance of Connection". True, this topic aligns with the Rotary International Theme for this year, which is "Rotary Connects The World", but Tom and Matt talked about the importance of connection among ourselves. Today, we are more "connected" to the world and others in a technological way, but are we really "engaged"? Tom and Matt each went on to point out how important it is to talk to, and really listen to each other. Upon the screen, appeared a picture of Tom's lovely new kitchen. His hopes are to make this room, and his new home, a place to welcome friends and family on many occasions. Knowing the outgoing person that Tom is, there is no doubt that this will happen often!

Matt, who "exemplifies connection", as Pres. Tom said, was next to speak. As an ice-breaker, he had us share the most recent photo on our cell phones with our neighbor. Oh, and what an excellent prompt that was, as the level of chatter rose at each table! We then viewed a short video, in which the Surgeon General under President Obama spoke of a growing health epidemic: the lack of connection among people. Loneliness can have an impact on life span and health, thus, it's important to reach out to others.

Matt also had us divide into small groups, as he had a short set of questions for us to discuss among ourselves. The questions were about our individual family lives, and it was an opportunity to really get to know each other better! It was a pleasant form of "Group Therapy"! In conclusion, Matt and Tom left us with some food for thought..."How can we be more intentional about connecting with each other?" As Tom said, "We're all empowered to welcome guests, as well!" Guess I'll try to sit in a different spot next time!! BTW, Tom mentioned that after January 1st, there will be one Interactive Program per month, and the topic will be picked. 

It was time for the Happy Bills and Fines, and tonight, we were urged to actually state our reason(s) for liking the program. Many positive reasons were given, and it seems safe to say that Tom and Matt really touched our hearts tonight in a very special way. There were a few missed meetings, ( Bill S., Jill, Marty, Alex, and Adam).  Nancy recently had a birthday. Bill C. is back with us.  We remembered our Veterans, as well.

Fifty-Fifty: Ticket #162 was drawn. It belonged to Suzanne, who picked the Queen of Spades.

Win-Win: John F. asked if anyone knew who Sally Braun's protege was. Sally had taught 30 plus years, and her protege was Anne Braun.

Rotary Moment: President Tom shared memories of his sister, Sally, who left us unexpectedly last week. She was truly a gift to all who knew her, and for those of us who taught with her, she was a blessing, indeed. Our love and prayers go out to Tom, Katie, Sherry, John, Woody, and all their family at this time. Many of us have happy memories of Sally, also, which we will treasure in our hearts...always.

Have a nice week, everyone. See you on the 18th.