It was a double delight at this past Monday's Noon Rotary Meeting. We had two excellent programs, and there was a nice turnout of members and guests, and along with that, the weather was sensational on this glorious Fall day!

President Tom opened the meeting as we joined him in reciting The Pledge. Jack persuaded us to join him in singing The Star-Spangled Banner, as we were accompanied by Trish, on the organ, (from a video). Steve gave The Invocation, and he asked for The Lord's Blessing upon us, as we strive to serve others with hearts abundant and full. Today's programs were The Brazilian Friend Exchange and Budding Readers.

Laurie introduced today's guests. We welcomed Elizabeth Moser, representing the Budding Readers Program, along with Marianna and Andy Biegel. who are interested in becoming members. The Brazilian visitors were Luis, Louisa, Abel, Huberto, and Suzanna. (My apologies if I have misspelled any of these folks' names!) Along with these eight guests, there were 33 members in attendance, which certainly made for a "full house"! We also sang the Brazilian National Anthem in honor of our special guests.

Since there were two programs slated for today, we dispensed with the "What's Happening?" portion of the agenda. However, there were a few quick announcements. Bruce noted that runners were needed for the "Zombie Run", which will take place on Sunday, in support of The Walden Project. Pres. Tom noted that the World Polio Day Observance will be held at Brew and Brats this coming Thursday, 10/24. Members are urged to bring guests and friends if they wish.

As a testimony to how "Rotary Connects the World", NRC Member, Marty introduced our Brazilian guests from the Friendship Exchange, who paid us a visit today! This was the last segment of their visit to the District before returning home. Luis was the spokesperson for the group, and he began his presentation by expressing his thanks for the Friendship Exchange. Using detailed, descriptive  visuals, he began to tell us about his country of Brazil. Brazil, which has 2093 million inhabitants, is divided into five Regions. Luis talked about the economy, resources, products, population, and land features of each of the Regions in his country. His Rotary District is District 4670. One custom he focused upon was the "Festival of Lights" celebration which is near Christmas, and is known as "Natal Luz". We thank Luis and his cohorts for visiting us, and for giving us a chance to make new friends!

Next on today's agenda, we were pleased to have Elizabeth Mosher visit us. Elizabeth, who represents Budding Readers, came to give us an update on this wonderful program, which was begun by her, 12 years ago, in Bloomfield. Elizabeth, whose rich teaching background ranged from classroom teacher to Reading Specialist, realized the importance reading plays in the development of young children. Her passion for reaching the very young, through reading to them, inspired her to formulate the Budding Readers Program. She applied for a grant from the Teacher Resource Center in Newark, and thus, the BR Program was launched. BR is now in seven districts! BR gives a bundle of books to parents of newborns and young siblings, encouraging them to read to their babies and small children as a part of their regular routine. BR provides books at the last Birthing Class at FFT Hospital, at WIC, and recently, they've partnered with Family Promise. Tam Spitzer is the Program Coordinator. BR is now giving books from birth up to 36 months, and is providing sibling books up to age 10. Elizabeth told us that most funding for BR comes from grants. Naples is the third district to come on board, and as Elizabeth told us, "BR has grown and blossomed over the years"!

It was a"Fine Time" today, as many Happy Bills were added to Nancy's basket in appreciation of both programs...Our Brazilian Friends and Budding Readers. Brenda, Gerry, Jack, and Marty had missed meetings. Many, including Bruce, Betty, and Steve have enjoyed these beautiful Fall colors. Brenda had been traveling, as had Pat and Bo to see their kids. John F. is looking forward to the World Polio Day Celebration at Brew and Brats, and Pres. Tom is still hanging in there with the new pup!

50-50: The Kitty was at $113 today. Elizabeth drew Pat's ticket, #085. Pat drew the Nine of Hearts.

Win-Win: The flowers in Pres. Tom's picture were yellow mums!

Rotary Moment: The pictures from last week's Joint Meeting at Hunt Hollow said it all!!

Next week's Meeting is an Evening Meeting, and we'll enjoy hearing from our Exchange Student, Hjanne!