Pres. Tom started us off, as we joined him in saying The Pledge. John French led us in singing "God Bless America". Steve R. said a beautiful Blessing. He asked The Lord to make us aware of others' needs, and for The Lord to help us to fulfill those needs as best we can. Our Sweet Laurie announced our most welcome guests. They were Michelle, Devin, Siobhan, Alex, Liz, Pat, Connie, Tom , and Sharon. It was a pleasure to have you join us, and have you learn a little bit more about Naples Rotary!

Here were a few announcements before the "Program" began. Jack reminded the Membership about the District Conference, which will be held in Niagara Falls this year, from May1-3. Registration for the Conference is now open. Carrie announced that 421 Valentines were given to the Vets! The cutest ones came from Liz Dormer's class complete with Hershey kisses!! Steve R. asked if Naples Rotary could donate to a Naples individual who needs help.

"What is Naples Rotary?"  Pres. Tom prefaced tonight's program by reminding us of the RI Theme, "Rotary Connects The World". Indeed, Naples Rotary makes some connections of its own, and this evening, some of our members expounded on that idea, for the benefit of all.

The first to speak was Judy, and she defined Naples Rotary as being "a cornerstone of the community". Naples Rotary has been a part of her family, and Skip is nearing the end of his 35th year! NR has sponsored events such as the Trout Derby, the Lucky Ducky Derby, the Walk of Life, and the Grape Festival.

Gary spoke next, and he talked about the Trout Derby. This year, he has assumed the chairmanship of this annual event. The Derby began in 1961, and at that time, there were 5000 participants! The Derby raises money for Rotary, and brings groups of local merchants together. Pre-registration is taking place now at Sutton Spoons.

Skip talked about the Lucky Ducky Derby. We are in year 21! Normally, we make about $2000 on this event. He also talked about the Naples Grape Fest. It began in 1962, with a bit of a hiatus, resuming in 1992. The Naples Rotary and the Naples Historical Society are jointly involved. The event is typically held during the last weekend of September.

Jodi, who was back from college, joined the group to talk about the Walk of Life, which takes place in August. The committee will meet at the end of March to plan events to "kick off" the WOL. Every year that this event has taken place, a considerable amount of money has been raised to help Hospeace House, and the Margery Coughlin Pawluk Cancer Fund. 

John French gave a summary of the Light Up Naples Event, which was held this Winter. He expressed his thanks to all who helped to make this event possible. This was our way of providing some entertainment for the community with the help of local businesses.

Jack Fredericks was the spokesperson for Naples Youth, and all that Naples Rotary does to enhance and elevate them. These are the various ways that Naples Rotary is involved with our youth: the Dictionary/Thesaurus Donations, the Christmas Books to the Elementary Students, the Dental Health Poster Contest, the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, The Oratorical and Vocal Contests, the NCS Band, NCS Student Assistance, Scouting and Eagle Scout Projects, and Youth Exchange.

Carrie talked about the Youth Exchange Program. She and husband, Bill are involved with the youth at NCS. NCS student, Jessie Norton, is interested in going abroad as a Rotary Exchange student. Aren Jensen is currently abroad in Brazil. Hjanne, our current exchange student from Belgium, is spending the school year with us. She will be with the Norton Family at the end of March. Carrie talks to the English classes about the opportunity. The students help to raise money for their funding. Prospective students are interviewed, and they have choices of places to go. Our outgoing students serve as ambassadors for our Country!

Frank talked about our involvement in the Naples community. Here are the many ways in which we are involved: The Naples Grape Fest, Operation Santa, the Trout Derby, the Lucky Ducky Derby, the Bristol Valley Theater, the Naples Library, NAC, the Naples Merchants, and the Naples Historical Society. The Naples Rotary has helped college-bound students as well. In his recent presentation, Dan Robinson mentioned how Naples Rotary helped his own family. NRC is also involved with Camp Onseyawa. Clearly, NR is an integral part of many facets of our community!

Matt spoke of Naples Rotary's connection in the regional and global realm. Clearly, our involvement with the Walk of Life, Camp O., and the Naples Blood Bank are beginning steps in the humanitarian aspect of our mission, but NR goes far beyond this! In the world-based view of service, we help with Operation Build-Up, Building Minds In South Sudan, Hurricane Relief, Hands Across The Pacific, and Polio Eradication!

Susan gave a brief summary of "Naples Rotary By The Numbers". She talked about the various programs that we donate to, and what we sponsor. "Most of our money goes back to the community", noted Susan. She gave a brief budget overview, adding that "We have never been in the red." Susan will be finished at the end of this Rotary Year, as Treasurer, and we can appreciate that she has been effective, and she will have left us "in pretty good shape!"

It was time for Happy Bills and Fines. Perhaps the most memorable series of "bills" came from our own Bill Cooper, as he produced dollar after dollar for many special reasons. Many bills were donated in appreciation of Bill, "Our Patriarch". More bills came forth in appreciation of tonight's program, and for those members that presented. Many were glad to have our fine guests with us. Bo and Brenda had February Birthdays. Bo's and Pat's cell phones also rang during the meeting. 

The Fifty-Fifty was at $109 today. John F.'s ticket,#772 was drawn. John picked the Nine of Diamonds. John also had the Rotary Moment for us. We enjoyed a snippet of John portrayed as "Johnny Cash" at the recent Open Mic at Brew and Brats!

That's all for this week. Many thanks to all who presented this evening. What is Naples Rotary? It is an ever-growing group of folks who are connected, committed, and caring, and that is what makes Naples Rotary so special. See you next week!