Happy New Year 2026! We had a great group of 26 Rotarians today along with four guests. Frank did a wonderful job of greeting us with a smile!

 

President Jack started with the Pledge followed by God Bless America. Patrice read an article on the Feel-Good Effects of Giving Back. "No act of kindness is too small. The gift of kindness may start as a small ripple that over time can turn into a tidal wave affecting the lives of many."

 

Our guests today included our exchange students, Romane and Hikaru, membership applicant Alan Braun and Denise's friend Kim. 

 

Announcements: Dues are due now for those who pay $75 in January and July. * Tuesday, 1/6 at Brew & Brats will be a Zoom presentation by the District Environmental Action group concerning the polar environment. Bring a snack at 6pm, the Zoom starts at 7pm. * We will de-decorate at Memorial Town Hall on Saturday, 1/10 at 9 am. Bring a ladder if you have one. * January is Rotary Vocational Service Month. More info to come. * We sang congrats for January birthdays to Craig, Laurie, Leslie, Bill, Skip and Clyde. Anniversaries are Jill and Marty, Kelli and hubby, Bruce and Sandy. 

 

Christy Mattice was here today to share info about the Explore Naples event on February 7th - Vintage Vines and Valentines! She thanked Rotary for our support and for many who have purchased Explore T-shirts. This year's V3 is the 14th year of this fun winter celebration! There is a limit of 200 tickets which are now available online at ExploreNaplesNY.com for $25. The event is from 1-4 pm, starts at The Naples Hotel and includes 14 locations featuring samples from local vendors. New this year are "mocktails", a basket raffle, a photo booth and live music in several locations. The popular Renewal of Vows will by officiated by Jack on the porch of The Hotel at 4 pm. Christy shared a wonderful poem that highlighted the music, romance and laughter of the day! The Naples Historical Society has their Chocolate Cake Contest then at Morgan Hose Building on Mill Street. Multiple categories of winners are crowned and pieces of cake will go on sale after 1 pm once the judging is complete. It's a great and sweet day to enjoy winter in Naples!

 

We held an induction ceremony today for Leslie Stoops. She is the first of five new members joining this month!

Congratulations Leslie! We are happy to welcome you!

 

The Ace of Hearts was $88. Frank had ticket #9940 but pulled the 10 of Spades. Best of luck for next week!

Happy Bills were given for Christy's informative program and her poem about Vintage Vines and Valentines, our new members, welcome to Leslie, Brenda's holidays in Salt Lake City with family, Miller and Grove trips to St. Martin and Delaware and John's personal groundhog's day at V3's Vows!

 

Leslie shared a Rotary Moment when several Rotarians attended the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Fairview Cemetery in December. As Regent of the Naples DAR chapter who sponsored it, she appreciates the Rotary Service Above Self motto in action. 

Jack also mentioned the email from District 7120 regarding the passing of two long time members and Past District Governors. He and Sharon attended calling hours for former Neopolitan, Bill Domm, a Rotarian in the Ontario - Walworth club.

 

Jack led the Four Way Test from memory and rang the bell to adjourn at 1 pm.