"I'll be your pilot today!" announced President Jack, as he began today's Noon Meeting. Indeed, we were in for a treat this noon, as we heard from two exceptional young men, Parker and Uryu, each sharing his experiences with us. Since we were "traveling" to Sweden to visit Parker, we were advised to put our cellphones on "Airplane Mode".

Having begun with The Pledge, Jack led us in singing "My Country Tis of Thee" for today's patriotic song. Jack's Blessing reminded us to pray for more opportunities to serve others both near home and beyond. Sherry's friendly welcome, as today's Greeter, set the stage for a very pleasant Meeting! Anna and Uryu, accompanied by Kevin, were our Guests. Along with them, were 23 Members, with Bo joining us on Zoom.

Jack had several announcements this noon, beginning with a recap of this morning's Board Meeting. He began with a reminder that a Program Coordinator is still needed. Here some of the Board Items that were covered.

• There will be an updating of QuickBooks.
• We are going to switch from Venmo to Zeffy.
• The Spring Dinner is April 28th at Engine 14.
• Registration for the District Conference is still available until April 25th. There will be the Parade of Flags with Outgoing and Incoming Exchange Students.
• The details for the Interact Luncheon are being planned.
• It was voted upon for the Sponsorship Fee for the Camp O. Golf Team to be increased.
• We have been encouraged to keep selling tickets for the Great Grape Derby, coming up in May. Sherry will put this information on Explore Naples.
• Five Benches have been ordered. 
• We will get plaques for the benches.
• We will be updating the plaques for the Past Presidents that are at The Redwood.
• Alex Leto and Vicky Martin will be remembered at the Sunday Memorial at the District Conference.

Further announcements included a letter from a Rotary Club in Ukraine that expressed a desire to exchange views and make a connection with us. The Focus for April is Maternal and Child Health and the Environment. With that being said, we will be helping to bag trees, for Arbor Day, after today's Meeting. 300 trees will be for the Naples students, and 200 trees will be for the Prattsburgh students.

Today's Program was twofold, with Rotary Exchange Student, Parker Smith being our first presenter. Coming to us, via Zoom, Parker was introduced by Marty, who along with Jill, Carrie, and Bill is part of the Youth Exchange Committee. Parker is currently living in the village of Trosa, and from this location, he gave us a "virtual" tour of the country of Sweden, as he described the sensational year he has been having. 

Parker divided his talk into segments, as he described his experiences, beginning in August, where he spent time at a camp, along with other Exchange Students. It was here where he began to learn a great deal about Sweden, along with meeting other Exchange Students as well. Summer concluded with a "Crayfish Party", typically enjoyed by many Swedish Families.

As the year has progressed, our Young Ambassador has had opportunities to visit some special attractions in this beautiful country. Flygvapenmuseum featured many various aircrafts. Kolmaarden contained a "giant zoo" that Parker enjoyed with his second host family. Christmastime was complete with the special Swedish holiday drink known as "Gloegg". 

Easily accessible by train, Parker enjoyed a visit to Stockholm with friends. He visited the Vasa Museum, and he was able to be on Stockholm's narrowest street, describing it as a place where you could touch both sides with your arms outstretched!!

A week was spent in a more northerly town called Kiruna, which contains various ice sculptures that Parker described as being "very cool"! Ice bathing dogsledding, and snowmobiling (near Sweden's highest mountain) made for some memorable times for this adventurous young man!

Parker enjoyed a Rotary Weekend in the town of Jungkoping, and he enjoyed a Swedish favorite, "Pan Beef" along with lingonberries! Other things that he recollects as being momentous were celebrating on a boat, a fishing competition, and visiting a Nature Reserve with all three Host Parents and Families! He recalled his first time skiing back in February, and he enjoyed a traditional Swedish sauna!

Parker graciously answered many questions that arose from the Membership regarding Swedish schools, the Swedish Language, and the climate. Most Swedes can speak English, and the language barrier is not harsh, Parker noted. In talking to Bo for a bit, he had a chance to show us his Swedish skills! Parker concluded his talk by telling us how his learning the Swedish Language has inspired new friendships!

Next on this Noon's Program Agenda was our Exchange Student, Uryu, as he spoke about his experiences that he has had thus far, while being here with us in Naples. He has had "many fun and interesting experiences", as he put it, highlighting a visit to Keuka Lake, a trip to Niagara Falls, and a visit to New York City, which he dubbed as being "a bit busy"! While visiting Myrtle Beach, he enjoyed boating, fishing, and swimming, as well! His Host Families have provided him with some memorable adventures, for sure!

Uryu said that his sister had been in an Exchange Program, and that was what prompted him to want to do the same! He wanted to make his own choices, learn new things, and "take action". He didn't do sports in Japan; thus, he was prompted to try basketball and cross-country. Though he didn't make the cut in basketball, he took this moment to realize how, nevertheless, it made him stonger as a person. "Challenges don't always end in success", Uryu added. Even if he were to fail, he knew that he had tried, and that was important. "I discovered who I am!" Uryu admitted. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart!"

The Ace of Hearts was up to $344 today! Judy had Pres. Jack draw the Ticket. It was #347, belonging to Kevin. Kevin fetched the Queen of Clubs.

We appreciated the wonderful presentations given by Parker and Uryu this noon, and many Happy Bills given on our part, reflected this spirit. 

A Rotary Reflection was found in John, as he raised money for FLCC and the Viticulture Program.

President Jack brought the Meeting to a close, as we joined him in reciting The Four-Way Test.

Hope everyone had a nice Easter! It looks like Spring is here to stay!