It was a lovely assortment of friends who gathered tonight for our first Evening Meeting of May, as Members and Guests joined together for fellowship, and two outstanding Programs!

President Liz was unable to be with us tonight, thus Immediate Past President John and President-Elect Karen joined forces to conduct the Meeting. John gave the "Welcoming Message", as he noted that tonight's Meeting had an "International Flair", while Karen led us in reciting The Pledge to the Flag. The Invocation was given by David, who read us a poem entitled, "Don't Just...". It was a poignant reminder for us to "go the extra mile" when it came to serving and supporting others. Jack led us in singing "God Bless America".

There were 24 Members present, and Our Friendly Greeter Jill introduced our Special Guests, who added that "Flair" that John spoke of. They included Parker, Sergio, Lydia, Eliza, Gia, Daniella, Sharon, and our soon-to-become Member, Greg Bendzlowicz.

PE Karen made the Announcements, as she summarized some upcoming events this Spring. 

• Sunday, May 19th is the Memorial Service for Jill Hotelling at Trinity at 1PM.
• Next week, May 20th, there will be a Board Meeting at 10:30 AM, before the Regular Noon Meeting.
• Next week's Program, May 20th, will feature the Home School Coop, with Amy Bahr-Olmsted
• The Memorial Day Parade is slated for May 27th. There will be no Meeting on that day.
• Club Dues are due June 3rd.
• The Camp O. Golf Tournament is June 8th.
• June 8th is also the Memorial Service for Bill Cooper at Reservoir Creek.
• Carrie will talk about her trip to Costa Rica on June 10th.

John flashed a picture on the screen of the "Crew" at Rose Ridge earlier this morning. The clean-up was much easier this year, as the cemetery was in much better condition this Spring. The project only took about an hour, and Judy kept everyone energized with freshly baked Snickerdoodles!

The first of this Evening's Double Program was the Induction of Gregory Bendzlowicz, who was sponsored by Nancy. Recently, Greg, a retired Deputy Lieutenant for the City of Geneva Police Department, came and spoke to the Club. Greg had intimated, through his application, that he had hoped to become a part of Naples NY Rotary, that supports the local community. With his having been approved, we welcomed Greg as a New Member tonight! Encircled, in an informal way, by His Sponsor Nancy, Skip (standing in for Liz), John, Jack, and Rose, Greg received his initiation. Each spoke of what being in Rotary entails, and of how that involvement expands opportunities, and adventures, and creates a channel for making new friends. The Four-Way Test was recited, and upon receiving his Membership Packet, Greg enjoyed a warm round of applause from the Members, as we welcomed him "aboard"! Congratulations, Greg!

Marty stepped up to the plate and reported that the Pickle Ball Court is nearly ready! Scheduled to open soon, this new section of the Community Park will offer a great place to play for those who enjoy Pickle Ball!

"When we met her, we knew this young lady from Brazil was a Gem!" exclaimed Marty, as he introduced tonight's Special Guest, our 2023-2024 Inbound Exchange Student, Giovanna de la Cruz.

"Gia", as she is warmly known among those of us that know her, was our Guest Speaker this evening, and as she told us about her homeland, we were transported to Brazil through her beautiful photographs and vivid descriptions.

As we viewed the map of Brazil, Gia noted that she hails from the area of District 4670. Her state is known as "Rio Grande de Sul", and her city, "Canela" has a population of about 60,000. Her family, which consists of her mom, dad, older brother, and pups seems very much like our families, as she noted how her dad enjoys barbecuing! "A Special Tea" is typically enjoyed, as they all sit in a circle and enjoy sipping from/`+ the same cup! Based on what Gia told us, Brazilian foods sound delicious! Parks, churches, restaurants, waterfalls, a Sports Stadium, and modern schools such as Gia's, make this part of South America seem like a very pleasant place to visit indeed!

Gia then proceeded to tell us about the experiences that she has had while being with us in Naples, New York. She summed up her time with each of her Host Families by saying, "They were everything to me!" While staying with each Host Family, she gave Soccer, Basketball, and Tennis the "old college try", as she made a gallant effort to become part of the Naples School Community. Pictures of her newly made friends and activities were definitely proof of the success Gia reached in acclimating to a new environment, and a new culture! In short, everyone has grown to love Gia very much, and we will miss her when she returns home on July 5th! 

The last segment of Gia's Presentation was a bit more serious and sobering, as we viewed a video of the tragic flooding that has occurred in her area. We can help with donations to help offset the devastation that has happened there. As she presented her Club Flag, we were infused with some inspiration! "Obrigado!" said Gia at the conclusion of her talk.

Jo had the Tickets ready for the lucky number to be picked, and as it turned out, Number 2423 belonged to Blanche! Blanche had the chance to garner $262 tonight, and she sure came close, picking the Ace, but it was the Ace of Clubs!

Many Happy Bills were collected tonight, as we are pleased to welcome Greg as our Newest Member! We were enthralled with Gia's Presentation, as well! 

The collection of Members, Visitors, Exchange Students, and their Families all gathered together in friendship, in itself, made for the Perfect Rotary Moment this evening!

The Meeting concluded as we recited The Four-Way Test, and Karen wished us all a great week.