President Bruce welcomed us in his usual warm manner Monday Evening. Along with his pleasant greeting, he expressed his delight in having had so many of us attend the recent District Training Assembly in Honeoye this past Saturday. There were 13 Naples Rotarians among the 300 attendees at the DTA, indicating that we all must have been glad to be together, in-person, at an event, after a two-year hiatus!

We joined Pres. Bruce in saying The Pledge, as the Meeting began. One of our newest, and possibly our youngest Members, Kristin, gave the Invocation. She asked for The Lord's Blessing upon us, our families and friends, our Ukrainian Neighbors, and our Military Folk during these trying times. Bo was the Greeter this evening, and Jack led us in God Bless America. We welcomed guests Sharon and Heather, sister-in-law of Kristin. In addition, there were 22 Members in attendance. The Program was given by PE John, and the Rotary Moment was provided by Kristin as well.

Before the Updates and Announcements, Pres. Bruce had us recite The Four-Way Test, as a reminder to all what motives should guide our thoughts, words, and actions. 

There was a plethora of upcoming dates for our calendars, which are all pretty busy for most of us these days. The DTA, of course, was this past Saturday. The Watershed Clean-Up is April 23rd. The Spring Dinner is April 25th. The District Conference is at the end of the month. One can still sign up to attend on the District Website. The Walk of Life plans are moving along. The Great Grape Race is May 14th. The Harris Cup will be May 20th.

There was a Camp O. Overview. "Onseyawa" refers to "Land of Happiness" and that surely proves true for the work and effort that is put into the Campers' Experience by the workers, volunteers, and counselors! On that note, we were advised that they are looking for more staffing this year. 

Marty noted that the Tickets for the Great Grape Race will be available soon. He advised us to take just the amount that we think we can sell.

Tom noted that the selection for the Robert Allen Award has been made. The Award will be given at the Spring Dinner, which is coming soon. He added that there was a great turn-out for the District Assembly this year. There were great sessions offered, and those who attended are, no doubt, feeling a little bit more inspired! He gave kudos to John for presenting an interesting Session on Membership also. The DTA also afforded the fellowship among area Rotarians that we all have missed over the past couple of years!

Rose has been our Program Planner this year, and she has done a marvelous job lining up speakers. It has been a considerable effort on her part, that is for sure! Rose suggested that perhaps we need not have a weekly Program, or that we could possibly have a Program once in a while, when we would hear from individual Members, (such as a Bio). We will talk more about this later.

Bruce read a letter from Frazey Neubauer. She thanked the Naples Rotary for its support in the opportunity to study abroad. Unfortunately, Frazey won't be pursuing this endeavor at this time due to the existence of Covid 19, but she hopes that she may be able to study abroad in college. She appreciated having had the opportunity to interview, however, which gave her some valuable experience. We wish Frazey all the best, as she pursues her future plans!

Tonight's Program, entitled "Where Does Our Rotary Money Go?" was provided by PE John French who helped to shed light on this topic which may be puzzling to some. He showed us a short video which helped to alleviate some confusion, and which helped to inspire a bit, as well. It is reassuring to learn that the money comes back (to us) for use in local projects. John told us that about 75% comes back for District Use, and The Foundation will use the other 25% for other needs.

John shared some interesting facts with us that helped us to understand where and how Naples Rotary fits in, in the large scheme of things. We are part of an Area, and there are 14 Areas in our District. There are 63 Clubs in our District. There are 34 Zones worldwide, and we are part of Zone 32. "Rotary makes the world a smaller place!" noted John. Seeing how we "fit in" certainly makes that seem true! 

With our money source, we take on initiatives, and those initiatives are local, national, and global! They align with Our Mission Statement which John reiterated for us. "Together we see a world where people unite to take action to create lasting change, across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves."

John noted that anyone is welcome to attend a Board Meeting to learn more about how we meet our expenses. Tom added that with judicious budgeting, money has been set aside to meet (various) expenses. He gave thanks to Bill C. and Bo for "managing funds". Also, our Treasurer, Laurie is deserving of thanks for her careful money management, as well.

Applying for a District Grant is actually very simple John told us. This is another tool through which we are able to secure funds. We were told that next year we plan to do this. If a project seems magnanimous, we can get other clubs to help us.

Our Happy Bills poured forth in appreciation of the District Training Assembly, and John's enlightening Program. Tom noted that the Training has given us tools! "Imagine Rotary" is the theme for this upcoming year, and with that, we have New Members becoming involved and asking questions. Bruce added that new ideas keep us going. "Rotary has done a lot for me!" he exclaimed.

Guest Heather picked the Ticket #3431 for the Ace of Hearts. It was Clyde's Ticket, and he drew the Queen of Diamonds tonight.

Jack provided the Trick Question for the Fifty-Fifty. The Masters was of, course, this past weekend. What is the place called where Scottie Scheffler received his green jacket? That is known as Butler Cabin!

Kristin not only gave a fervent Invocation tonight, but she had a poignant Rotary Moment to share as well! She recalled that at one of her first meetings, she had connected with Jennifer. The kids from 4-H with whom she is involved got donations in order to provide the residing family with dinner. Kristin teaches Agriculture and Animal Science, and she has been involved with the Future Farmers of America (FFA), who have helped to make a difference in the community. Some of these youths (from NCS) have worked at Lynnie Lou's, and they have been much appreciated by their customers. Kristin and her husband Ben worked diligently to create a handsome facade at the Memorial Town Hall for Light up Naples this year also. Kristin said that it wasn't so much about what she has done for Rotary, but what Rotary has done for her! She's youthful, she's vibrant, and she's a keeper for sure! 

That brings this week's Grapevine to a close. Here's wishing everyone a Healthy, Happy Easter!