A warm and welcoming spot close to home, luscious food beautifully prepared and elegantly served, warm greetings and laughter being heard amid the chatter, and lively music topping off the evening...yes, we are talking about Naples Rotarians enjoying their Annual Spring Dinner!!

As 27 Members and 8 Guests joined for fellowship and renewed camaraderie, President Bruce began the celebration as we stood to join him in saying The Pledge. In her typically eloquent way, Jodi gave The Invocation. She prayed to the Heavenly Father that we, as Rotarians, continue to be a source of light and peace to all. Led by Jack, we sang God Bless America for our opening song. The Guests that we welcomed this evening were Sandy, wife of Pres. Bruce, Sharon, wife of Jack, Mindy, Wife of Steve, Leandra, wife of Micah, Lisa, friend of Tom, Ben, husband of Kristin, Mark, husband of Jodi, and Our Special Guest, Kevin Swartz, who was to be inducted as a New Member this very evening! Tom served as both Greeter and the Bearer of the Rotary Moment tonight.

After we had enjoyed an hour of socializing, and before we had begun to partake of our sumptuous feast, Pres. Bruce asked the Induction Team to come forward. It was time to welcome NCS Superintendent, Kevin Swartz as the Newest Member of Naples Rotary! Tom, who is Kevin's Sponsor, spoke with candor in describing Kevin's qualities. "He looks at Naples with fresh lenses," said Tom. "He has an impressive background, and he asks questions!" If you'll remember, last week, we enjoyed hearing about Kevin's background, and we learned of his mission and personal goals for the NCS Community. We are doubly blessed to have him as our new School Superintendent, and now a Member of Naples Rotary! We extend a warm welcome to Kevin!

Our lovely meal was served to each of us, plate by plate, which made it seem even more special. As we were enjoying the delectable dessert, Tom gave the Rotary Moment. He told how pleased and excited he was to be the Sponsor of Kevin, and he recalled when he, himself, had first joined Naples Rotary. His (first) Sponsor, back in 1987, was Bruce Clawson, father of Judy. When he (Tom) returned in 2014, Skip, soulmate of Judy, was his Sponsor then! Tom noted how the rules (of Sponsorship) were different back then, but Naples Rotary still exhibits the same degree of quality today! Pres. Bruce added that this Rotary Moment was inspirational and an example to follow!

The "frosting on the cupcake" came near the very end, as we were treated to some fine music by Pres. Bruce, Rose, Jack, and Kevin! We knew of the musical talent of Bruce, Rose, and Jack, but we were pleasantly surprised to learn that Kevin plays a mean bass guitar too!!

The District Conference is this coming weekend, April 29th to May 1st, in Oswego. There is a group of Naples Members who are planning to attend. John brought along the handsome Display Board created by Sherry and Pat for all to see. As evidenced by all the pictures and captions, we certainly are an active Club! The District Conference is always a nice opportunity to meet and visit with other Rotarians in our District 7120, and the weather forecast is looking better and better!

President Bruce noted that the Special Awards, including the Robert Allen Award, will be given at the Gavel Dinner. Our next Meeting will be May 2nd at noon at The Redwood. (Also, the Walk of Life Committee will meet before the Regular Meeting at 11:00). Have a good week everyone!