Today's bright sunshine and rising temperatures sure have been a welcome relief from "the return of Winter" that we experienced over the weekend! However, Monday's Noon Meeting brought a smile to our lips, as we enjoyed hearing from our new School Superintendent, Kevin Swartz!

President Bruce opened the Meeting with the invitation to join him in saying The Pledge. Jack gave The Invocation via Zoom. His well-chosen words revealed a great deal about the nature of our club. His words went something like this..."Blessed are the man and woman who've grown like trees by the water...Rotary will succeed!" There were about two dozen Members at today's meeting, both in-person, and on Zoom. We welcomed guests Kevin Swartz, today's Speaker, Sharon, wife of Jack, and Louie Abbondanzieri, friend of Sue. John French led us in singing "God Bless America". Possibly it was Jo who was The Greeter, (Bo and I were on Zoom). Kevin did The Program, and Sue did The Rotary Moment.

Here are some updates and items for your calendars:

• Rose spoke on behalf of the Bristol Valley Playhouse. The Summer Season is fast approaching, and many of the actors need a place to stay! Offering housing to an actor, renders the host free BVT Tickets for helping! There is a monetary stipend also. Call Karin Bowersock if you are interested.
• Marty announced that the Great Grape Race Tickets are ready, and they will be sold in Packs of 15. The "Grapes", which are all numbered, will be dropped in the Creek at 1:00 PM on May 14th. Marty added that helpers are needed.
• The next few weeks are going to be busy ones for us, therefore, as Jack noted, the Watershed Clean-Up will be held in June instead of May.
• "Memorial Day is coming!" Liz announced. She has most of the supplies to build the Float, and she will work on it in her barn. Help will certainly be appreciated, and work is likely to begin in early May. Bo will pull the Float on his truck.
• John urged those who are interested to sign up for the Harris Cup, which will be May 20th. He also noted that close to 12 letters were sent to Tammie Hicks regarding a possible Grant. Tom added that should the Grant come through, there would be Handicap Accessibility at the Memorial Town Hall.

Here is a recap of the Board Meeting that was held, this morning, prior to the Regular Meeting. There was a presentation by Bill Gormont, Ralph Brandt, and Bruce Amey about developing a Strategic Action Plan within a club. There was a consensus from The Board that we develop this Plan within our Naples Rotary Club. The Watershed Clean-Up will be moved to June, since the next few weeks look pretty bus,y and it avoids disturbing anglers. A letter explaining the Harris Cup will be sent out this week to District Rotarians. The Motion to induct Kevin Swartz as a New Member of Naples Rotary was approved by The Board. The Board viewed the New Club Logo, which was designed by Kim Torpey. Sue has designed a Survey on the Trout Derby, which will come out soon to the public. It is only 10 questions, and the data collected will be reviewed by The Board.

It was our pleasure to welcome Naples New School Superintendent, Kevin Swartz to our Noon Rotary Meeting today! We were treated to an excellent presentation, as we learned a little bit more about Kevin, and his goals as our new NCS Leader. Introduced by his Sponsor, Tom, Kevin comes to us from Victor. His wife, Beth is an OT in Victor, and he has two children, John and Allie. Kevin shared with us what he called his "NCS Entry Plan Presentation", which he gave to the School Board and NCS Staff earlier this Spring. 

"We've survived a two-year ride," explained Kevin, referring to Covid 19. "There have been changes at many levels, and we have continued to survive and thrive!" He gave an overview of data, expectations, District Strengths, District Growth, and long-term hopes and goals, as our New Superintendent. 

He humbly admitted that he has "big shoes to fill" as a successor to Matt, but his focal points are commendable! He views it important to be visible and accessible within the school community. Family is of utmost importance, as is communication, being yourself, and being accountable. "Family is top priority for everyone," noted Kevin. "It's important to take care of yourself first!" He admitted to his family being supportive as he worked his way through his educational career.

Kevin imparted some of his Educational Beliefs. He feels that teacher collaboration is necessary, and it's wise not to be quick to "go all in" in terms of new-fangled ideas and concepts. The growth mindset of staff and students is vital. Relationships, student engagement, and clarity are significant, also. "Leadership in one life influencing another!" Kevin added.

NCS has many strengths, and Kevin was quick to name many such as kind and caring, teacher autonomy, school pride, supportive families, and rich programs, though it's small. This seems to be a recipe for success, for sure, though there (always) exist opportunities for growth.

Superintendent Swartz highlighted some of the concerns that act as factors that affect education. Some of these are the effects of Covid, the discrepancy between screen time and action time which can lead to depressive symptoms, and the increasing cost of higher education. "Are we, as a school system providing kids with varied opportunities?" 

Kevin rounded out his talk by focusing on the hopes and dreams of NCS. These goals and aspirations are reflected in the following ways: 1. Maintaining identity and pride, 2. Factors which increase learning, 3. High engagement, 4. Enthusiasm, 5. Growth mindset, 6. Relationship, and 7. Meeting kids where they're at.

"We are striving to get better collectively and individually." Kevin noted, as he came to a close. "NCS is a great School District! Like Tom Brady, we'll stay committed!" 

Many thanks to Superintendent Swartz for sharing your thoughts and goals with us! How fortunate Naples Students and Staff are to have him at the helm! On that note, this leads into the major reason for our Happy Bills today! Also, we are thankful to be in fairly good health!

Kevin drew the Ace of Hearts today! His Ticket, #823444, was selected, and much to our delight, he picked the Winner! Pres. Bruce had the Win-Win for us. The Oldest Temple, (Building of Significance), in Japan was built in 600 B.C.!

Sue Dominick had a special Rotary Moment to share with us today. After having retired in 2018, sadly, Sue lost her husband shortly thereafter. During Covid, her son, Josh came home for a while, and they reconnected. Josh did a Program at Rotary while he was here, based on his travels, and it was then that Sue was inspired to join Rotary, with Jack, Sharon, and Jodi as her Sponsors! She "took a step" back then, and she thanked us. Truly, it is we, who thank you, Sue! You have brought so much to the club already!

The Meeting concluded with the kind words of Pres. Bruce. "Have a good day, and God Bless!" 

P.S. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Spring Dinner next week!