The "Spirit of the Season" has surely rung in, as evidenced by all the pretty decorations at The Redwood last evening, coupled with Blanche's warm, welcoming smile, upon our entry!

President John welcomed us with his typical exuberance, as he ushered in the last Gathering of November. In addition to leading us in The Pledge, John also gave The Invocation. He prayed that we, as Rotarians, always keep focused on the Object of Rotary, as we work to serve others. Jack led us in singing "God Bless America", while a picture of Kate Smith appeared on the screen. Those of us of "a certain age" can surely remember how Kate would belt out that patriotic tune with gusto, many years ago! As mentioned earlier, Blanche was The Greeter, and tonight, we welcomed guests, Tom Pawluk, Theresa from Hospeace House, and of course, Sharon. There were 23 of us at tonight's Meeting, and Jo joined us online. The Program this evening was perfect for this time of year, as we welcome the Holiday Season! Kristin Hanggi told us all about Hanggi's Tree Farm. The Rotary Moment was given by Jack, who also added a "Holiday Note".

There was a plethora of announcements tonight, as we are approaching one of the busiest times of the year. First of all, there will be a Special Board Meeting at Brew and Brats on 11/29, at 6:00 PM. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss ideas for the 2023 Grape Fest with the Naples Historical Society. "Rotary Lite" will be held at the Naples Library on the following day, 12/01, at 6:30 PM.

Skip announced that things are "pretty well set" for our Christmas Party on December 5th. Our Evening Gathering that night will be at Engine 14! We'll begin to assemble at 5:30, and for our musical enjoyment, the NCS Jazz Band will entertain us! For those who wish to do so, you may purchase a gift at a cost of $15, to take part in the Gift Exchange. It will be in the form of a Chinese Auction, and Carrie and Marty will be the hosts! We are encouraged to bring items for the Open Cupboard on that evening as well. There will also be the Election of Officers taking place. The position of Vice President for 2023-2024 is available. "Throw your hat in the ring!" John advised.

Rose gave an update on Light Up Naples, which is coming up soon. The List of Events on that day has been shared on social media, and December 10th promises to be a day filled with lots of fun and memorable activities for all ages! Rose wished to express thanks to Trinity Church for providing the essentials for the Live Nativity Scene, which will be set up on the grounds of Neapolitan Pizzeria. 

Jack gave a brief update on Operation Santa. Deliveries to the families will be made on December 17th. Please touch base with Jack if you are able to help deliver on that day.

 Rose told us that on December 3rd, there will be "A Charlie Brown Christmas" at BVT. John noted that the 12/12 Meeting will be kept as an Evening Meeting. On 12/19, there is a Board Meeting before the regular Noon Meeting. There will be a two-week break, and then we'll return for our regular Meetings in January. 

We were so pleased to have been able to present the checks from the Walk of Life to Tom, from the Margery Pawluk Cancer Fund, and Theresa, from Hospeace House this evening! We have been very committed over the years to these two very deserving beneficiaries of the Walk of Life.

"Tis the Season"! were the words Kristin used to begin her most interesting Program this evening, as we learned all about Hanggi's Tree Farm. This locally owned and operated Tree Farm was begun in 1975, we learned, and it has covered six generations! Kristin's and Ben's three little children comprise the sixth generation! The Hanggi Family is managing about 80 acres on this Naples site, which is an Historic Landmark. The railroad tracks, which were very instrumental in years past, run behind the Hanggi house, and only two families have lived there.

Each year, 3000 to 5000 trees are planted, and the process of planting is begun in early April. Each acre can handle about 1000 trees, Kristin told us, as she gave an overview of the year at the Tree Farm. Pinecones are removed from each tree, which takes about 2-3 weeks, and in late Summer, pruning begins. Later on, more pruning is done, and as the Fall Season approaches, the color is added! We have been fascinated by the "purple trees" which have appeared and were told that they were done specially for the Grape Fest! They were painted with a bio-degradable, breathable paint, which seems to fit in ecologically.

During the Winter, the trees continue on, and it takes about 6 to 8 years to grow a seven-foot tree! This year, the cost of a tree is $10 per foot, and the draught over the Summer has been a factor in the increased cost. Cuttings are done two times per week in preparation for the Weekend Sale during this time of the year. There are seven different varieties of trees grown at the Hanggi Farm, and there are even wreaths, (many created by Our Liz), as well as decor! "We are building the next generation!" commented Kristin, as she showed us a picture of her little daughter helping to make wreaths also!

In addition to a wonderful selection of trees, wreaths, and "Kissing Balls", (which date from Medieval Times, and are made of excess greens), there is something new at Hanggi's Tree Farm this year...reindeer from Alaska!! The reindeer, which are cousins of the caribou, will provide a nice experience for the children. It's interesting that the females have antlers too! Kristin told us that at least three good frosts help to strengthen a tree, thus, the acres of trees at the Hanggi Farm have truly been strengthened so far! It was evident that Kristin is a teacher! She presented such an interesting, well-planned Program that included a little bit of everything from past history to the present! Thanks to Kristin for adding to the "Spirit of the Season"!

The Ace of Hearts: Karen drew Ticket #843 this evening. She was filling in for Jo this evening and consequently she couldn't both shuffle the deck and pull a card. Jack was selected to shuffle the cards and Sharon cut the deck before Karen picked a card. It was the King of Diamonds!

The Rotary Moment: "The biggest Rotary Moment of the week is yet to come!" said Jack. This coming Sunday Afternoon, (12/04), is the Ecumenical Concert at St. Januarius. The "Songs and Sounds of the Season" will ring through the rafters, beginning at 2:00 PM. Some of our very own Naples Rotarians will be a part of the Annual Christmas Celebration! They are Jack, Sharon, Rose, Cindy, and Bruce, all of whom are sharing their musical talent with us in various ways! Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be there as well, and it will be great to see these folks, otherwise known to us as Andy and Marianna Biegel! P.S. The cookies afterwards are yummy!

Happy Bills: We were delighted to have Tom and Theresa join us this evening, so that we could present them each with a check from the Walk of Life. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing from Kristin about Hanggi's Tree farm. Rose has two new grandchildren on the way! Jill reported that Raul is out of his cast! His next Host family will be the Louthan-Green Family. Marty noted that there are only four Outgoing Exchange Students in the entire District. "Outgoing controls the number of Inbound Students, and this Program needs promoting," said Marty.

Final Thoughts: Pres. John had us recite the Four-Way Test without the prompt of the screen before us, to see if we have these words of wisdom committed to memory. It's probably a good idea to do so, eh? 

Words of Wisdom from Ralph Waldo Emerson, via John, were: "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead, a different way, and leave a trail!"

Hope to see you all at Engine 14 next Monday night for an evening of great food, fun, and fellowship!