Today's abundant sunshine put us in just the right mood to enjoy a fun-filled evening of commotion, calisthenics, and camaraderie! More on that a bit later! We were greeted warmly by the infectious smiles of Holly and Tony, as we entered The Redwood last evening, and that was just the start of many more smiles and chuckles to follow! 

We welcomed President John, who is back from a trip to St. Thomas with wife, Sherry, and MIL, Katie. His nice tan was indicative of having spent some "quality time" in the sun! He started us off with The Pledge, and Patrice gave the Invocation, being thankful for the sun that we've had, as well! We missed our Song Leader, Jack, who was "with us" on Zoom, so John successfully led us in singing the Star-Spangled Banner.

Today's guests were Micah's Family, Leandra, Graycen, and Sawyer. who were introduced by Micah, and Sharon and "Freddie" who were on Zoom with Jack. Tonight's Program was brought to us by PE Liz. and Sue and Rose did the Rotary Moment.

After Micah had introduced his darling family, there was a bit of correspondence. John read note from the Exchange Students thanking us for the breakfast that we had for them on Sunday. Liz talked for a bit about the breakfast. She and Clyde had arranged this event, and it was a "hit" with the students. Trinity Federated Church was kind to let us use their facilities. Liz, Clyde, Jack, Sharon, Bo, and Pat helped serve, and Interact Members, Charlie, Drew, and Parker helped also! Liz had made some scrumptious breakfast casseroles which the kids enjoyed, and there were pastries too, which went over well! Some leftover food was shared with the TFC parishioners, who came for fellowship after their service. Extra food was also brought to Hospeace House, thus, the hospitality of Liz and Clyde spread much cheer to many! Kudos to both of them!!

Here were a couple more announcements. Mark Smith, who had been a Member of the Naples Rotary Club, passed away recently. Mark was very involved with Camp O. In his obituary, it is noted that donations may be made to Camp O. in his memory. Mark was 94.

Rose noted that Hospeace House has received a Grant in which up to $60,000 will be matched. Rose said that Hospeace House really needs the monetary help more than anything at this time.

With these unusually nice days (for February) we were reminded that the Harris Cup will be Friday, June 2nd at Reservoir Creek. Calling all golfers, dust off your clubs!!

Liz was in charge of tonight's Program, known as "Challenge Night", and Liz "kept us in the dark" as to what it would be about! Based on the Health Survey Outcome from the recent Strategic Planning, it was determined that our club needed a "little stirring up" in terms of our group interaction, if you will. "The Spider Web", as Liz called it did just that! We mingled with one another, that's for sure! Those who wished to volunteer formed two circles of seven, each with our left and right hands joined to another, so that a "web" was formed. The object of the game was to end up forming a circle with everybody facing the same direction.

Well, you can be sure that that was more easily said than done, as it resulted in a great deal twisting, tangling, and turning! We "rose to the occasion", as our laughter, creativity, and flexibility filled the room, all while photographer, Blanche captured the moments from the sidelines! You know, things seemed "suspicious" when the tables were set up in a "U" shape all around the dining room! Thanks, Liz, for planning such a fun way for us to get a little "revitalization" in the club! Laughter is the best medicine, they say! How true!!

John told us that he had had a great time while he was away, and he had even managed to get a little Rotary work done along with soaking up the sunshine! He had brought a bottle of spirits for Liz, who had "held down the fort" while he and Sherry were away.

There were many reasons for the Happy Bills to fill up the Collection Basket tonight! Liz thanked everyone for their participation in tonight's activity. We all enjoyed the Program, that's for sure! John, Sherry, and Katie had had a wonderful trip. Rotary Lite went well! The Breakfast for the Exchange Students went well. The Chocolate Cake Contest was great, as were all aspects of VVV. Laurie's brother, Brian is doing well too!

Sue and Rose shed a little light on the history of Valentine's Day. Sue told us that St. Valentine was the Patron Saint of beekeepers! The Feast of St. Valentine in Rome began in 496! Rose added that St. Valentine married soldiers on the sly. Interesting! Also "noteworthy" is that Valentine's Day happens to be Pres. John's Birthday, so we sang him another round of "Happy Birthday"!

We rounded out the evening in reciting the Four-Way Test, then John shared a Ralph Waldo Emerson Quote. "Treat a man as he should be, and he'll become that. Treat a man as he is, and he will be what he should be."

PS I meant to add that we had a nice turnout of Members and Guests tonight. There were 24 Members, (with Jill, Marty, Nancy, and Jack online). We also had Guests, Leandra, Graycen, Sawyer, and Sharon and Freddie, who were on Zoom!

Have a great week, Everyone! Enjoy that lovely sunshine!