A beautiful July afternoon, a gathering of like-minded Rotarians, and a heartfelt message of hope from DG Julie...what more could one ask for? These were the features of today's Noon Meeting, along with having some distinguished guests join us for Julie's Presentation.

Immediate Past President John filled in for President Liz, today, as Liz was at an appointment with Clyde. After being warmly welcomed by Sue, today's Greeter, John commenced the Meeting, with an invitation to say The Pledge. John read Liz's Invocation, in which Liz expressed thanks to The Lord for our many gifts, and for helping us to share our time, talents, and treasures with those whom we serve. John led us in singing "God Bless America". Along with our 20 Members in attendance, we were joined by some very Special Guests, which included DG Julie Carney, PDG Ralph Brandt, DGN Dave DeMers, and Nancy Latour, Area Governor. Also joining us were Judy Manser and Chip Weismiller. Cindy and Jill joined us on Zoom. Susan announced each of these fine people, and we applauded their being with us this noon! Julie presented today's Program, and the Rotary Moment would evolve from her Message of Hope.

John gave a quick synopsis of this morning's Board Meeting. *The Treasurer's Report looks great! We will eventually be transferring to Quickbooks. *The Pickleball Court is progressing well. It will be a six-court complex with the name, "Naples Rotary Pickleball Court at Deusenbery Field". * We will hold a Meet and Greet event at Engine 14 on August 9th from 6-8 PM. The purpose of this planned activity is to invite people whom we feel would potentially make good Members, and to spark their interest in Rotary. We will have light refreshments, donated by Rotarians who attend, and we will have prepared posters available telling of the various things that Naples Rotary does. The trifolds will be mostly pictorial, but a picture is worth 1000 words, right?

Here are a couple of announcements that John added. The Club Health Survey is in the In-Box. Those who have not completed the Survey as yet are encouraged to do so. It closes on July 24th. The Board Positions are in place for the 2023-2024 Rotary Year, with the exception of the Office of Vice President. On July 31st, there will be a Club Assembly, and the results of the Survey will be given at that time.

Naples NY Rotary won The Literacy Award for this past Rotary Year, and PDG Ralph was with us to present the Award! Literacy Committee Members, Laurie and Patrice accepted the Award. Shanna, also a Member of the Literacy Committee was present also.

Nancy Latour, Area Governor, had the honor of presenting today's Special Guest, District Governor 23-24, Julie Carney. Julie, who hails from Avon, joined Rotary in 2009, and from that moment forward, she has been highly involved in Rotary, and she has made a tremendous impact on youth! This deep commitment that she exhibits toward youth is evidenced in her being involved with Interact, RYLA, Youth Exchange, Hosting in 2010, Inbound Chair, Outbound Chair, District Chair, and Hosting Additional Students. Clearly, Julie's impressive connection with our youth indicates that she believes in the promise that they hold for our future! She is a Paul Harris Recipient, who appreciates her Avon Rotary Club! From this impressive introduction, Julie's "Story" continued...

Julie began by telling us that it was great to be with us, though she was missing Liz. Evidently, she likes Pickleball too! Her talk then gravitated toward this year's theme, "Create Hope in The World", and she proceeded to tell us that there is a direct link between this year's message, and last year's theme, "Imagine Rotary!" This connection centers around "believing", and Julie said that hope governs many aspects of our lives, and it gives us the support to build upon. She reflected upon her mom, who demonstrated courage and hope in her life, and who passed this same outlook on to her. One of the greatest joys in her own life has been to have married her husband, Jim, and to have raised a family of four! She is happy with the theme of hope, and she is equally pleased to be serving as District Governor this year!

Julie continued with the idea of "Creating Hope", as she went on to cite RI President Gordon McInally in his quest to break the stigma of mental health. This is a very personal issue for her, and it really speaks to her heart, as one of her family members has had struggles in this area. "We need to stop the stigma, and really get out there and listen!" Julie advised. "Ask, "How are you?", and really mean it!" Reminiscing about a RYLA activity, she recalled how the kids seemed to miss being asked how they truly were doing. When talking to these young people, it's important to inquire about their future(s). "Not everyone is building the same puzzle!" Julie wisely added.

A Mental Health Committee is being created at the District Level, and Julie encouraged us to reach out if we are interested. She also went on to point out that the aspect of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is more of a focus on the individuality of others, and that empathy is the ultimate goal in bringing people of all backgrounds together for the common good. Julie is proud to be a part of this year's initiative. She concluded her poignant presentation with these words: "Let's create hope in the world together!" Let this be the impetus that we need to fulfill this dream!

Sergeant-At-Arms Jo reported that the Ace of Hearts "Kitty" was up to $78 today. The Ticket chosen belonged to Skip, #613. Skip selected the Jack of Hearts from the group of cards.

The Naples Banner was proudly given to DG Julie for the Avon Rotary Club. The Happy Bills and Rotary Reflections were focused on the inspiration that Julie provided us today with her message of Hope! Our Dignitaries were also very glad to be here with us today, as well!

The Rotary Moment was generated from the Message of Hope that DG Julie gave us today! Her message continues to spread among us, as this was her eleventh visit to Area Clubs!

We hope that Cindy will continue to feel better, as she recuperates from her fall! Cindy also noted that no one, as yet, has gotten a Snowman to paint for Rotary, (in terms of the Winter Display). Sherry noted that this would and could be a Rotary Lite Project.

In conclusion, John prompted us to join him in reciting the Four-Way Test. He ended with the RWE Quote: "Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you!"

It was a delight to see our Liz and Clyde show up midway during the Meeting! Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Clyde during his health journey!

Enjoy the rest of your week, Friends, and we'll see each other next week!