It's the merry, merry month of May, and it was good to be together today! President-Elect John did an excellent job of running today's Meeting, as President Bruce is currently under the weather. We joined PE John, as we rose to say The Pledge. John also led us in singing "God Bless America". Patrice gave The Invocation in the form of a poem that gave thanks to The Lord for our willingness to serve others. Skip was our Greeter today, and we appreciated his warm smile when we entered The Redwood. There were no additional guests today, but we did garner 20 Members, both in-person, and on Zoom. The Program for today was a multi-focused approach, as John told us about the District Conference, which was held this past weekend, and he showed us a video from Jennifer Jones, RI President-Elect. The Rotary Moment was provided by Cindy.

There were a few announcements and updates to share with the Membership before the Program. There was a Walk of Life Committee Meeting before today's Meeting. Since Rose had led today's WOL Meeting, (as Sherry was not feeling well), she gave an update on how things are progressing. The pinwheels are in, and they will be available at the price of $5.00 for a large one, or $5.00 for two small ones. She has created a roster for specific days to sell them. There is a sign-up sheet (for certain days to work) for those who may be interested in helping. The Silent Auction will accept various items. Please contact Rose, Sue, or Sherry if you have an item to donate. The Pet Parade and the Go-Go Goat Events are in place.

John talked about the District Conference which was held this past weekend in Oswego. Seven Members, (John, Sherry, Skip, Judy, Bo, Pat, and Tom), attended. It was a very enjoyable Conference, and as John pointed out, it was so good to be together in person again! There was a Golf Tournament prior to the Conference, and though it was chilly at Tamarack Golf Course in Oswego, it was lots of fun! John was very humble, and it required Jack's prodding to note that he had won "Closest to The Pin" on one hole!! There were excellent "Breakout Sessions" at the Conference, and one of them was called "FLX Vineyards, The Ice Age, and Rotary-Exploring the Similarities" and it was given by John himself! Of course, most of us "Naples Rotary Hecklers" had to attend his presentation, and we sat in the first row!! Nonetheless, John did an excellent job! 

Well, it will definitely be a "change" next year for the District Conference, as John pointed out! The Conference will be close by!! The 2023 District Conference will be "in our own back yard", as it will be held in nearby Bloomfield! We viewed a short video, (at the Conference) narrated by Don Alhart, that described what is to come next year! It will feature three circus tents, all family-friendly, which will encompass all the events! The cost will be $50.00 per person, with kids under 12 being admitted free! Kudos to DGE Ralph Brandt for coming up with such a novel idea!

Jill had Great Grape Race Tickets available today for us to sell. They are in packets of 15. Tickets are $5.00 each, or 3 for $10.00. The Great Grape Race, which is being held in place of the Lucky Ducky Derby, will be held on May 14th. Marty and Jill are in charge of this event.

Liz noted that this Wednesday, she and Clyde will be picking up the lumber for our Rotary Float for the Memorial Day Parade. Anyone who can help is prompted to come to their barn at 6:30 this Wednesday to help with its construction.

The second part of John's Program this noon featured a short video by RI President-Elect, Jennifer Jones, from Windsor, Canada. Jennifer will be relocating to Evanston, Illinois soon, as she takes on her new role. She shared a couple of incidents in which the efforts of Rotary prevailed in one of them. One such situation was when the endeavors of a Rotary Peace Fellow Activist helped to safely evacuate a woman from Afghanistan. She recalled the end of the Cold War when the Berlin Wall was torn down. It was a celebratory event, and though she was in Canada, she knew it was history, and this incredible news was worth sharing! "We create world peace through sharing!" Jennifer added. "It's important to weave in diversity, equity, and inclusion." In a short clip from 1933, we heard the words of Paul Harris. "We are in perfect accord!"  "We must engage Members," Jennifer advised. "We need to adapt and care for Members. We need to ask them what they want (from Rotary) and give them responsibility." As of July 1st, an official Rotoractor (college-age person) will be appointed to provide empowerment. It seems like it will be an exciting year for Rotary as Jennifer takes the helm!

The Happy Bills and Fines were as follows today. Those Members who had attended the District Conference had enjoyed their weekend. We enjoyed today's Program. Blanche, Jill, and Bill put in Fines for missed Meetings. Kevin, our newest Member, appreciated being made to feel so welcome at last week's Induction.

The Kitty was fairly low, only $15.00 today, for the Ace of Hearts. Jill was asked to draw the Ticket, and it turned out to be #823470, that of Blanche! Blanche drew the Ten of Diamonds.

Cindy gave the Rotary Moment this noon, and what an excellent RM it was! Though she had visited Naples many times over the years, she first came to Naples to live back in 2011. In 2010, she and her husband Tom found a spot on Eelpot Road. She had met lovely neighbors such as Carol and Ross Thompson, and Holly and Tony Deusenbery. She recalled that Tony had helped do some mowing for them. She had met Sharon and Jack and had learned of the Trinity Bell Choir of which she later became a member! She had met Pat and Bo too, at the Maxfield Inn, at Wayne's Open House. Eventually, Betsy had talked to her about joining Rotary, and so it was that Cindy became a Member of Naples Rotary, with Rose as her Sponsor. One couldn't ask for a more delightful and involved member than Cindy! She is a gem for sure! In the New Rotary Year, Cindy (per Tom's request) will be the one to line up the Greeters for the Weekly Meetings. Many Rotarians were friends that Cindy had met! What a wonderful story of how Rotary connects!!

Many thanks to John for leading today's Noon Meeting! Our next Meeting will be on the evening of May 9th. Have a great week, everyone!