After what seemed to be an amazing Christmas Party that we had at Engine 14, last week, it would be difficult to imagine a Rotary Gathering that would be equal to that, but tonight's "Trivia Night" proved to be just as much fun in many ways!!

Cindy's bright smile greeted us warmly, as we stepped into the Redwood, which was festively decorated for Christmas. Just as we had brought food supplies for the Open Cupboard last week, many Members brought bags of Winter togs this week for the Open Closet. We try not to forget our brothers and sisters in need, especially at this time of the year!

Another "Jolly Soul" welcomed us with enthusiasm to this evening's Gathering, and that was President John, of course! We rose to join John in saying The Pledge, and we bowed our heads as he said The Blessing, asking The Lord to give us the verve and energy to continue to serve others. Jack led us in singing "America, The Beautiful", and do you suppose, many of us probably contemplated how lucky we are to live in this beautiful part of the country! This evening, there were 20 of us in attendance, with Nancy joining the Meeting on Zoom. Tonight's Sweet Guests were Micah's Family, Leandra, Graycen, and Sawyer. The Program, called "Trivia Night" was cleverly organized by PE Liz, and proved to be lots of fun! Our Cindy stepped up to the plate and provided a great Rotary Moment at Meeting's end.

We celebrated the December Dates with a "Happy Birthday" Song for Jo, Betsy, Dan, and Betty, and we crooned a "Song of Congratulations" for Albie and Jo Anne, who have an Anniversary this month.

Here are some more updates and announcements. Per our ballots last week at the Christmas Party, the Slate of Officers for next year is set, with the Office of Vice President to be determined.

John expressed heartfelt thanks to all for their generosity in giving to the Naples Angels last week, via the "gift retention" component. A nice sum of $140 dollars was raised!

Jack stated that the Operation Santa deliveries will be this coming Saturday, December 17th. All those who have planned to help, are to meet at 9:00 AM. Jack is waiting for more information from Kelly, the Elementary School Nurse. Those Members who've planned to help are Skip and Judy, Clyde and Liz, John and Sherry, Jo, Jill, Cindy, Blanche, Karen, and Laurie. (Our Senior Citizens will be receiving Gift Certificates from the Apothecary later on.)

John posted a few dates for the Club Calendar on the big screen. Looking ahead, the District Training Assembly in the Spring, will be held at the Bath High School on April 22nd. There will be a different format this time with Booths being set up that will touch upon various "Focus Areas". This sounds very interesting! Change can be a very good thing!

After the Strategic Planning Committe had met earlier this evening, Liz was busy rearranging the tables so as to set up "Teams" for Trivia Night! There were three teams of very competitive players. Liz had prepared 40 questions based on Rotary Information, Local Naples History, and Miscellaneous Facts. Just like in "Jeopardy", you had to tap on your glass to "ring in" for the answer! Many questions were of the Multiple-Choice Format, so if one team gave an incorrect answer, another team could try!

Teams One and Three ended up in a tie, but Team Two was victorious, having garnered the most points! Perhaps having the Local Historian (that is, Blanche), was a plus for Team Two!! Emcee Liz said that she had gleaned many of the questions from the Rotary Magazine and Strategic Planning, and she managed to "stump" some of us! Team Two donned Gold Medals for its win, including tots Graycen and Sawyer! Needless to say, we had a lot of laughs and tons of fun!! John jokingly added that collecting the winning Team Members for a photo was like "herding cats"!!

The Ace of Hearts was up to $24 this week. Ticket #3889 was selected, and it belonged to Bill Shepard. Bill drew the 10 of Clubs from the pack.

Happy Bills were given in appreciation of Liz's novel program idea tonight. Laurie noted that when the Snow Globes were being sold, there was a donation from someone from another Rotary Club! The Light Up Naples Event seemed to be one of the best ever, and though it was a bit chilly, the weather was sunny that day!

In keeping with the theme of asking questions, Cindy, in her Rotary Moment, posed a couple of questions too! She was curious as to when the "Rotary Moment" part of the Meeting was begun, which, in fact, has not been too long! She also asked if we found the RM to be worthwhile, to which we all replied with affirmation, "Yes!" She thought perhaps one could volunteer at each Meeting, if he or she had something special and Rotary-related to share. We thought that this was a good idea, and it would certainly be a great way to get to know each of Our Members a little bit better, as well!

Laurie added that "Santa" and his "Elves" will be delivering the Christmas Books to all our young friends at the Elementary School this Friday, December 16th, at 9:00 AM. 

Appreciation was expressed for Light Up Naples, all the workers, Marianna and Andy, The Fire Department, Engine 14, and all the businesses that helped to make LUN so successful. Our service to others continues, as we help with Operation Santa, too!

In this Season of Giving, Cindy summed up our sentiments perfectly when she said, "Always give without remembering, and always get without forgetting!"