The early Spring snow clung delicately to the branches outside The Redwood tonight, and it was to be an evening of relaxation, renewal, and restoration, as NHS Grad, Jessica Witherow, gave an inspiring presentation on her trip to Thailand last Fall.

We socialized a bit before tonight's Gathering, after being warmly welcomed by Our Greeter, Judy. President John asked us to rise, and to join him in saying The Pledge, after wishing us a warm welcome. Jack was unable to be with us this evening, so John also led us in singing "God Bless America". Steve R. gave The Invocation, asking The Lord to bless each of us, and the work that we do in serving others. There were 21 Members present, and two Members, Blanche, and Nancy, joined us on-line. We welcomed Guests, Jessica Witherow, her husband, Alan, and Lauren Hirsch, friend of Jodi. In fact, it was Jodi who gave the Rotary Moment.

Remembering Woody... John asked us to keep Woody and his family in our thoughts and prayers. Sadly, Naples Rotary lost a fine Member last week, and no doubt, many of us probably remember Woody for his great stories and clever witticisms. He had a great outlook on life, and he will truly be missed!

Introduction of Guests: Judy had the pleasure of introducing tonight's Speaker, Jessica Larter Witherow, and her husband Alan. Jodi was pleased to introduce her friend, Lauren Hirsch, whom we know for her exquisite framing business here in town.

Calendar Dates: John reminded us that next week's Gathering will be at Rose Ridge Cemetery. We will do our part to make another difference in the community, as we work together to "spuce up" the cemetery, and its grounds. We'll bring supplies with us to "get the job done"! "Many hands make light work", as the saying goes, and hopefully, with the combined efforts of those who are able, we'll accomplish this goal!

Around The District: The Harris Cup is being planned for the Month of May. The Camp O. Golf Tourney will be in June, and the District Golf Tourney is slated for early September. John noted that are six golfers signed up thus far for the Camp O. Match. He thinks it would be nice to have two teams hail from Naples Rotary, so if there could be a couple more golfers, they are prompted to dust off their clubs! The District Training Assembly is going to be in Bath this year, on April 22nd. For those of us who are planning to attend, we hope to do lunch afterwards at the "Chat-A-Whyle" Restaurant. That should prove to be an enjoyable end to a busy morning of learning! It will also be a memorable time later on, "under the Big Top", when we attend the District Conference in Bloomfield on May 6th. The price of $50 covers everything, meaning the food, and the carnival price. This certainly is a novel idea and setting for a District Conference!

Naples Rotary Trout Derby: It's coming soon! This Saturday, April 1st, the fishermen, of all ages, will be casting their lines in the Naples Creek! Sue stated that things are progressing well. The Registrations are going well also. We may need some extra help on Saturday if there are some Members who would be willing to do so.

Great Grape Derby: You know that Spring is here to stay when Skip passes out the Great Grape Derby Raffle Tickets! Each of us received a Packet of Tickets to sell at $5 each, or 3 for $10. On Saturday, May 13th, 800 "Grapes" will be plunged into the Creek, and yours could be one of the Grapes that comes in first, or in the next five Grapes to follow! The Last Grape wins a prize too! A lot of fun is sure to ensue!!

This Evening's Program was entitled "A Journey For Health, A Thailand Experience", and it was brought to us by Jessica Witherow, whom PE Liz had the honor of introducing. Jessica, who graduated from NCS in 2000, as mentioned earlier, had learned Massage Therapy Techniques, and had become the owner of a Private Massage Practice here in Naples, back in 2017. Jessica had developed auto-immune health issues, and the quest to find recovery prompted her to visit Thailand to seek alternative ways to regain her health both in mind and body. Tonight, Jess told us "Her Story"...

"Good Evening, Naples Rotarians, and Good Morning, Thailand!" exclaimed Jessica, as she took the podium, noting that there is a 12-hour time difference between the USA and Thailand. Jessica, a Graduate of FLCC, began in her soft, soothing voice, "Surrender. Breathe in and breathe out 3 times." In this gentle way, she prepared us for an evening filled with learning and inspiration. Having been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, Jess attempted to handle her health issues on her own. She had researched foods that were "culprits", restricting these items from her diet and in so doing, she had hoped to avoid a lifetime of being on meds. Unfortunately, her efforts seemed to be of no avail, until a "turning point" in her life came along in 2018, when she journeyed to Thailand. It was during this visit when things began to look up for Jess in terms of her health maintenance, and she learned some incredible skills!

Jess had opened a private practice at 17 Mill Street, after having spent a few months getting the building renovated. She had been open for a few months before fire swept through her facility, having shattered her plans to build on her practice. It was during the "Covid Years" that her auto-immune issues flared up again and Jess found herself desperately in need of healing. She had gone to see a specialist in NYC and had been hospitalized. A friend whom she had reached out to, in Thailand asked her if she was still meditating, and she offered reassurance. It was in 2022, that Jess took a "leap of faith", and she traveled to Thailand to regain a handle on her health, both physically and emotionally. She acquired a "partnership of spirituality" with her trainers and colleagues as she embraced acceptance, healing, and adjustment; each component having been influential in her total healing process.

Jessica's daily schedule was rigorous indeed, yet each day brought her closer to her goal, with self-care and much meditation lending greatly to the healing process. "It's a mind and body connection to healing", Jess told us. "We create our circumstances, we learn from the past, and we go forward!" "You find the inner will of peace, and you learn to call upon it!" Her "Masters" taught her this tranquil way of looking at life through their instruction and guidance. Herbal teas contributed to the overall calming effect, including a diet that contained many vegetables. Over time, Jess was able to introduce many food items that she previously had not been able to consume. She did some traveling on her own, and she felt very safe the entire time! As her Visa was nearing expiration, Jess was coming to the end of her "Health Journey", and it was time to come home. Her family welcomed her back home, as she returned fully renewed, having achieved the goals that she had sought...wellness in mind, body, and soul!

One More Thing: Pres. John gave us a little challenge, asking us if anyone knew how many Rotary Clubs there were in Thailand. We were all fascinated to learn that there are 325!!

Ace of Hearts: The Kitty was up to $170 tonight! The Ticket selected, #6158, belonged to Jodi. She drew the Queen of Spades!

Happy Bills and Rotary Reflections: As one could probably surmise, the Membership was enthralled with Jessica's beautiful presentation tonight! Not only was she very articulate, but her presentation was embellished with beautiful photographs for us to enjoy, as well! Rose is also very delighted with the arrival of Grandson, Luke on 3/23/23!!

Rotary Moment: Thanks to our Jodi, who shared a poignant remembrance of Woody this evening for a stellar Rotary Moment. Jodi reminisced about how Woody would visit the Cafe regularly six days a week, at 1:15pm! Sometimes, when he sat alone, Boo and John Herman would invite him to join them. She remembers Woody for always having great jokes. His personality and wit were infectious! Jodi recalls too, how our sweet Tom always shows up each day, at the Cafe, around 7:15 AM!

In Memoriam: Evidently, Pres. John was up at Rose Ridge Cemetery recently. He showed us a picture of the Plaque that memorializes Bruce Clawson, father of Judy, and a beloved Member of the Naples NY Rotary Club. He also saw Rachelle, who was visiting her son, Ryan.

Closing Thoughts: We recited The Four-Way Test, and John gave us some food for thought with yet another RWE quote to ponder. "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." 

The days of Spring are getting busy, as we prepare for the Annual Trout Derby, and many more events to come! We look forward to the Annual Trout Derby this weekend, as a "kick-off" to the warmer days that lie ahead. Our Gathering at Rose Ridge will be special, as well! Hope to see many of you next week! Take care, and have a good week!