The Summer-like feeling of joy and warmth that these last few days have brought was augmented today by an awesome turn-out of Members and Guests, and a wonderful visit from Dear Friends, Sebastian and Judy!

Sue served as today's Greeter, as we were warmly welcomed upon our arrival at The Redwood. A group that spread far into the dining room rose to join Pres. John in saying The Pledge. "America, The Beautiful" rang out harmoniously, as Jack led us in song. We were inspired by Micah's fervent words, as he led us in Prayer during the Invocation. "Heavenly Father," Micah prayed, "Please use us as Lights in our Community!" 

Today' Special Guests included Sebastian and Judy, DG Ralph Brandt, DGE Julie Carney, and daughter Sarah, Assistant Governor for our Sector, Nancy La Tour, and Judy Manser. Along with these fine folks, 26 Members were in attendance at today's Gathering! Nancy was with us online. Pres. John seemed pleased as he gazed out at the lively crowd! Thanks to Sue for doing all the introductions!

Our Program this noon was about Building Minds in South Sudan. It had been quite a while since Judy and Sebastian had visited us...since before Covid 19, and with that being said, both gave an update on all that has happened since then. 

Fellow Member, Jo Anne rather slid into a perfect Rotary Moment, as she shared some of her thoughts and feelings with us towards Meeting's end.

There had been a busy Board Meeting earlier today, and John gave an overview of what had transpired, along with many upcoming dates for our calendars. * The Interact Appreciation Luncheon will be May 31st at Trinity. *Twelve Members are going to the District Training Assembly. * We will gather at the Community Park on April 26th to bag Arbor Day trees. *The Great Grape Derby is set for May 13th. *Micah has offered the use of his truck to pull the Rotary Float at the Memorial Day Parade. *The District Conference is May 6th. *The Watershed Cleanup will be May 27th, starting at Jack's. *The Parking Lot Treasure Sale will be on May 6th at the Community Park. Naples Rotary will join forces with Hospeace House for this event. *Ground has been broken for the Pickle Ball Courts! Marty gave kudos to Tony for the impressive work that has been done thus far. *The Gavel Dinner will be June 26th at Brew and Brats. We are hoping to have the same caterers who are doing our Spring Dinner. *DGE Julie noted that the District Change-Over Dinner will be June 21st in Lakeville.

DG Ralph promoted the upcoming District Conference (May 6th). It's affordable, accessible, and close by! The Conference will begin with a Memorial Service, followed by a Business Meeting. There will be the customary Parade of Flags by the Exchange Students, which is always an impressive part of the Conference. Three tents will be set up for the Circus Performers for our viewing delight, and children 12 and under will be free! Be sure to check the Online Schedule and go to the District Website to register!

Our Jo Anne gave us a Grape Fest Update. She thanked John for all that he has done, thus far, as the incoming LLC President. Thanks also, went to the Committee Chairs, and the Naples Historical Society. Vendors: There are 55 committed vendors. There are 21 food vendors. About 22 vending spaces are left. There have been some generous sponsor donations, as well. The website is continually being updated. Pie Contest: Josephs has continued its support. The NHS will again have Pie Baking Classes in conjunction with the Contest. Kim Torpey has created a new T-Shirt design, and there will be long and short-sleeved choices. Jeff Wells from The Olde Country Store is donating shirts to the Staff and Volunteers. About 8 Pie Judges are needed. The Entry Form for the Pie Contest is on the Website. Music: Mike Joseph is working on the "Line-Up". Beverage Garden: All 15 slots have been filled. This year's location will be to the rear of the Memorial Town Hall. The rental tables and chairs have been ordered. There will be portable hand washing stations, and guard rail fencing. Things seem to be progressing well!

The highlight of this noon's Meeting, of course, was the return of our "old" friends, Sebastian and Judy, as they brought updates and news from South Sudan! "Building Minds in South Sudan" has been a mission of theirs and has been endorsed by the Naples NY Rotary as well! Since BMISS aligns with one of the Areas of our Service, "Basic Education and Literacy", Naples Rotary has been a proponent of this worthwhile project, and we have sought to help Sebastian with his goal of giving the youth of the Sudanese Villages an opportunity to learn.

Sebastian, along with colleague, Mathon, were the founders of BMISS. Back many decades ago, when war waged in their homeland, Sebastian, his friend, and many others fled their homeland to reach safety in Kenya. Both Sebastian and Mathon are now American Citizens, and after their experiences of the past, they now realize the importance of having a solid education...and that has been Sebastian's mission ever since!! He had helped his brother to receive a University Education, yet there were others who wanted some help too. and Sebastian wanted to give them a chance!

Back in 2015, construction on a Primary School was completed, and the majority of the students were boys. The Naples NY Rotary had donated monetarily so that chairs and benches for the students could be provided! Sebastian wanted to build a school for girls so they, too, could have an opportunity to learn. Another school, completed in 2018, was built for girls, and there are over 800 girls who are attending classes! Solar lamps were provided, so the kids could bring them home to do their homework! The Bill Cook High School was built in another neighboring village and having been made possible by the Bill Cook Foundation, both boys and girls could attend school at different times of the day. Sebastian showed us pictures of the school with both the Flags of South Sudan and the United States waving proudly beside it! He told us that laptops were provided for the teachers. After having talked with the families, they allowed their girls to continue their education. Pads For Girls was another initiative that was introduced, so that girls could attend school full time. Purified Water Stations were also installed, making life easier for all. Sebastian's motto is "You can be whatever you wish to be!" This philosophy of his is certainly evident by the commitment he has for helping the youth of South Sudan to get a better education!

Judy spoke next, noting that much progress has been made since her last visit. They are in the process of building a sixth school in that region! The lives of thousands have been changed, she told us. She thanked us, saying that "we are a small, but mighty club!" 

Sebastian shared some facts and figures with us, bringing to mind the high degree of illiteracy that exists in South Sudan. Along with the boys, he is an advocate of girls, as well, because he thinks of his mom and sisters. Sebastian and Judy have always touched our hearts, and today's visit from them was no different! Our Treasurer, Laurie happily presented them with a check from Naples NY Rotary in the amount of$1000!

Fifty-Fifty: Jo said that the Kitty was up to $202. Skip's Ticket, #6242, was picked, and Skip fished the Queen of Hearts from the remaining deck!

Happy Bills and Rotary Reflections: Today's Program reached us all in a special way today, as we are devoted to youth, through education, both at the local level and worldwide. The "Full House" was a pleasure to see at today's Gathering! Many, especially Rose, were happy with the BVT Event over the weekend.

Rotary Moment: Jo Anne shared that since she and Albie have become Rotary Members, it has made a difference in her life! She oftentimes finds herself reflecting on The Four-Way Test as she makes decisions and deals with others. For this, she (and Albie) are very grateful!

Led by John, we recited The Four-Way Test, as the Meeting neared completion.

A Bit of Humor: Marty shared a picture of some Belly Dancers entertaining people at a Rotary Meeting in Key West, that he had attended. From the looks of the picture on the screen, it looked as if Goodwill and Better Friendships were being built!!

Closing Thoughts: This was John's RWE Quote to end this week's Gathering: "In order for one to learn the most important lessons in life, one must overcome a fear each day!"

Next week is our Spring Dinner at Engine 14! The Menu sounds delicious, and we know the company will be superb! See you then!