"We live in the abundant, fertile Naples Valley", said Bruce this evening. "Naples is also plentiful in a more profound quality. A quality I call compassion." How true these words seem to ring, as our little community begins its healing process after a devastating month of losses! Part of the healing begins with the sense of closeness and comfort we feel when we're together, and this Evening's Rotary Meeting was one of those times.

After joining President Bruce in saying The Pledge, we were uplifted by the fervent words of Tom, as he gave The Blessing. Though we question why there is so much loss and suffering all around us, we ask the Lord to guide us, so that we can be shining examples of His will, do His good works, and follow our motto, "Service Above Self". Jack continued to elevate our spirits as he led us in singing "God Bless America". There were 23 Members in attendance this evening, and we welcomed guests, Jackie Paterson, (our speaker, and friend of Rose), Sharon Fredericks, wife of Jack, and Bill Cook, friend of Nancy. We were greeted warmly by Skip as we entered The Redwood. Jack would give The Rotary Moment at the close of the Meeting. After welcoming Our Guests, Pres. Bruce had us review The Four-Way Test.

There were plenty of announcements this evening! First of all, Jack gave us a summary of The Harris Cup (Golf Tourney) which was held on Friday. "It was small, but mighty!" exclaimed Jack. Though there were only 20 players, it was a great success! The format for the 18 Holes was great fun! Over $1000 was raised, and the participants vowed to be "ambassadors" in talking up this event for next year. Many thanks to Jack for organizing this fun event, where Rotarians from different clubs had a chance to get together!

The Camp Onseyawa Golf Tournament is coming up in June. Around 10-12 volunteers are needed. Also, more players are needed for the Margery Pawluk Golf Tournament.

Rose gave an update on the Walk of Life. Things are progressing well. We are in the process of asking local businesses to support the WOL through donations, either monetary, or items for the Silent Auction. Rose has sold several Pinwheels already but help with selling them is needed! The Pinwheels are colorful, and they can be displayed at one's home to show support for the WOL. One can sign up to help sell them via "Google Drive".

Liz thanked everyone for their "well wishes'. She is doing much better! She talked about the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend. On Sunday, the float will be moved to Rose's home to be decorated. Those who plan on walking in the Parade are prompted to meet at Wilcox's on Monday between 9:15-9:30.

Jill gave a review of the Great Grape Race which was held on May 14th. Judging from Tom's video, it appeared to be a very successful race, as colorful "grapes" meandered down Naples Creek! Jill thanked all those who sold tickets, and Laurie and Karen, who were the "money people"! 

In addition to his video of the Great Grape Race, Tom also shared his video of the Trout Derby. There were many smiles among the Winners...as young as five! In addition to trophies and prizes, a "panorama of goodies", such as Arbor Hill wine and grape juice awaited the fishermen, as well!

Our Treasurer, Laurie, gave a short summary of our finances. "We are doing well!" She began. We are further ahead on dues this year, and hopefully, things will be all set by June. She is producing a list of items due each month, and she is categorizing Venmo Accounts. "You can use Venmo for anything except the Ace of Hearts," noted Laurie. We thanked Laurie for her diligence with a round of applause.

Tom announced that the Paul Harris Award will be given at the Gavel Dinner on June 27th. With this award, $1000 is given to the Rotary International Foundation. Tom also noted that 58% of the tables have been sold for the Gala Dinner!

Bruce stated that a Vice President is needed for next year. Talk to him or John about this if you're interested. Also, nominations will still be taken to serve on The Board of Directors. There will be no Meeting on Monday, May 30th, as it is Memorial Day.

Perhaps some of you have had the opportunity to view "Rick Steves' Europe" on PBS, where Rick, the host, takes you on a visual "tour" of the European Countries he visits. This evening, our Speaker, Jackie Paterson, gave us a splendid "tour" of Egypt in her program entitled "Beyond the Pharaohs: Egypt Past and Present", or "Jackie's Egyptian Adventure"! She had flown to Cairo and was part of a Tour Group of 8. She vividly described her ride from the Cairo Airport to her hotel in Giza, telling us that the lines in the road were just a suggestion! Horses in carts were among the fast-paced vehicles, also! From her hotel balcony she could see the major Pyramids. As she showed us extraordinary pictures of her tour, Jackie described, in depth, the marvels (pyramids, temples, and tombs) that she visited. Thanks to an "extraordinary" guide who spoke English, Jackie and her Tour Group were able to learn much about the wonders of this ancient civilization.

The Pyramids, she told us, are solid with lighter tops. One picture even showed the Sphinx in front! She visited the Library at Alexandria, as well as Mosques and Temples. Jackie noted that there are Hieroglyphics on everything, and they seem to tell a story. The Obelisk, built to honor the Sun God, catches the first and last light of the day. She witnessed the sunset over the Nile, the longest river in the world. Visiting the Tomb of Ramses III made her wonder, "How did they do it?" She told us about the only female Pharaoh in Egypt, who was a great ruler, providing the people of Egypt with 20 years of peace and prosperity! 

As Jackie concluded her talk, she said that the people of Egypt really seem to like Americans! Her presentation was so interesting, and we, too, had a glimpse of this fascinating, unusual country!

Our appreciation of Jackie's Program garnered many Happy Bills this evening! Jill and Marty welcomed their first grandbaby, Emory Jane, on May 17th. Congratulations!! Pres. Bruce wasn't sure that he'd want to be one of those Monks back in Ancient Egypt! 

Jack did the Rotary Moment this evening. His first part told how Skip came to visit at the end of the Harris Cup, showing his support. Skip, like his father-in-law, Bruce Clawson, is truly a dedicated Rotarian. He will have the honor of 37 years of Perfect Attendance this Spring!

The Ace of Hearts was at $59 tonight. Jackie drew Ticket #3628, which was Pat's. She picked the Nine of Spades from the pack.

Jack had been to a Roc City Rotary Meeting recently, and he found the way they do things to be quite interesting! The New Member was "wreathed" in the RI Wheel! A List of Events and Member Highlights were available too. Jack said that it was nice to see how other clubs do things!

The Meeting concluded tonight with a short video, "Naples NY Rotary Salutes the Naples Community". Here is the link to that clip. https://vimeo.com/713092925

Enjoy the Memorial Day Weekend, everyone!