It must have been that beautiful weather today that prompted folks to "step out", and come to this evening's Gathering, for we had a great turn-out of Members and Guests tonight!

President John opened tonight's Meeting in asking us to rise and join him in saying The Pledge to our Flag. Past President Bruce gave The Invocation. In his soft and eloquent voice, Bruce thanked The Lord for all He's given us, for example, our flexibility. He prayed that we continue to remember those who have gone before us, and he was thankful that we live in a place such as Naples, that could be considered a "Sanctuary". Jack chose a nice key for us to start on, as we sang "The Star-Spangled Banner". After having been greeted warmly by Cindy upon entering The Redwood, that same warm feeling ensued throughout the Meeting. Cindy also introduced tonight's Guests. They were Captain Terry Stewart, of the "True Love", and his wife, Lisa. Also joining us were Jill Hotelling, Judy Manser, (both of whom are to become Members), John, from Canandaigua, and Sharon, of course, who is a "Regular Guest"! Along with these Guests, and 26 Members in attendance, (Nancy joined us on-line), it made for an impressive crew tonight! The Program was given by Terry, and the Rotary Moment was given by Marty.

Pres. John prompted us to recognize the Special Dates of April with a song of "Congratulations". Judy, Frank, and Bruce R. have birthdays this month, and Steve and Mindy have their anniversary. Jack had us sing to Sharon, as it was her birthday today!

There were many announcements this evening, as many things are happening, which involve Rotary. 

Rose announced that a nurse is needed for Hospeace House. That position can be either an LPN or an RN. Also, an Office Manager is needed at BVT. On April 16th, there will be a "Season Kick-Off" at BVT at 2PM.

Skip passed out the Memo for the Naples Rotary Spring Dinner. The Dinner will be held at Engine 14 on the evening of April 24th. It is being catered, and the menu looks amazing! It will be a Greek Buffet! Skip reminded us to have our reservations in by next week if we plan to attend! The cost is 29.00 per person. 

Daughter Carrie came next. There will be a Golf Tournament on June 4th to benefit the Naples Band Boosters. It will be at Reservoir Creek, with a shotgun start at 2PM. The cost is 85.00 per person, or 75.00 per person if done by early May. Raul is now residing with his third Host Family, which happens to be that of the HS Nurse! Raul has been able to do some extensive traveling, and he has decided to postpone his surgery until he returns home.

Jill and Marty are spearheading the Great Grape Race, which is coming on May 13th. Marty expressed thanks to Skip and Judy who have helped to get it going. Tickets will also be available for purchase on-line. "Be down at The Digger!" exclaimed Marty. Marty also talked about the Pickle Ball Courts that are to be installed at the Community Park. There will be 6 courts, and the plans are going forward! The groundbreaking is soon, and the hope is to have the courts ready this Summer! Marty thought that having a "Rotary Pickle Ball Tournament" would be a novel idea!

Judy spoke next. The Hospeace House is having their Monte Carlo Night at the Maxfield Bingo Hall on May 20th. It starts at 6pm, and those who are interested in helping, may talk to Rose or Judy.

Pres. John rounded out the announcements in noting that the April Rotary Lite Meeting will be this Wednesday, April 12th. at Brew and Brats at 6PM. John scanned the Rotary Calendar of Events for our perusal, and Jack was hopeful that the Harris Cup would be promoted at the District Training Assemby, and the District Conference.

PE Liz introduced this evening's Speaker, Terry Stewart, Captain of the famous sailboat, the "True Love". If there are any of those among us who have a propensity for the nautical, then this was the Program for you! Terry, who grew up in Rochester, spent time with his family, who had a place on Keuka Lake. He loved sailing, and he became an excellent sailor, with 22 years of experience! It was interesting to hear that Terry had been a NYS Trooper, and he had come to know Doug Vittum, Robbie Anger, and Peachy Grove!

Captain Terry shared some historical background with us, having noted that John Alden, (a Descendant of John Alden from the Puritans), was born in Troy NY, and being passionate about boats, he loved to sail on the Hudson River. Between 1920 and 1930, he designed many sailboats. The True Love was built in 1926, therefore being almost a century old! 

In 2008, Terry began helping on the True Love, which was originally designed to be a pleasure craft, and still is to this day! He displayed sketches of its architectural design and layout, The craft is 67 feet in length, and it is possible to live aboard! During Covid, he told us, he stayed near the Florida Keys, then later, he brought the sailboat back to the Hudson River Area. During the las two years, many miles have been clocked by Lisa and Terry!

Today, the True Love remains a source of pleasure and enjoyment for those who enjoy being on the water. It is located near Watkins Glen, and private and special events can be experienced while setting sail aboard this special craft, which has even been featured in movies! Its diesel engine provides power, if the wind isn't blowing, so a pleasurable "cruise" is guaranteed to happen! Terry also noted that the Coast Guard has been great to work with, regarding this "100-year-old boat"! When the True Love turns 100, that will "truly" be special! Terry concluded his talk by showing us a short video, reflecting his passion for sailing. We truly enjoyed Terry's Talk tonight!

Ace of Hearts: Jo announced that The Kitty was at $188 tonight! karen's Ticket was picked again! She drew the Jack of Diamonds from the pack.

Happy Bills and Rotary Reflections: There were many reasons for our appreciation this evening, as evidenced by the many stops Jo made with her basket! We enjoyed the Program. We had a great Strategic Planning Committee Meeting earlier today. We enjoyed having our delightful Guests join us. We're looking forward to the addition of our New Members. Jill H. was happy to be with her Great Grandson. Rose is getting a new sunroom at her house. We had a great Service Project at Rose Ridge last week. jack and Sharon had a nice call from their former Exchange Student, Nicole. Grady Grove has been a nice addition to the staff at Brew and Brats. Marty's and Jill's little granddaughter will be turning one soon! Carrie was pleased that Captain Terry knew her father-in-law, Peachy. Sharon's been with us for seven decades!

Rotary Moment: Marty had the honors this evening, as he brought a flag from a Rotary Club in Key West, where he had had the pleasure of attending a Meeting. He had found the Meeting to be "very exhilarating". The Program had consisted of Instructors from nearby Dance Studios, who had come to present to the group of Rotarians. People from the audience were picked to participate as well! Marty and Jill had stayed on Stock Island.

As the Gathering drew to a close, Pres. John and the Membership recited The Four-Way Test. John left us with another RWE Quote to ponder. "Nothing great is ever achieved without enthusiasm!" 

Hope that everyone had a nice Easter, and that you were able to celebrate with family and friends! Next Monday, at our Noon Meeting, we will hear from "an old friend", Judy Schwartz, as she will give us an update on "Building Minds in South Sudan". Until then, have a great week, everyone! Take Care!