Being greeted by Sherry's warm smile, as we entered The Redwood this noon, coupled with the return of Our Dear Frank, surely were the makings of a very splendid Noon Gathering today! It was a pleasure to see Frank again! The tables in the dining room were once again arranged in a "U" shape, which afforded a great opportunity to chat with one another! The Program today was an extraordinary presentation, and that also was a highlight at today's Gathering! 

Seeing that it was Presidents' Day today, we honored President John, who drew us in, as he invited us to stand for The Pledge. Jack chose "The Star-Spangled Banner to lead us in song, which was an excellent choice for today! JoAnne gave The Invocation, asking Our Father to continue to provide us with inspiration, as we create warm memories in serving others. Along with 20 Members in attendance, we welcomed Special Guest, Rebecca Weaver, who was today's Program Presenter. We were also so very pleased to have Frank back, who seems to be doing much better! Liz rose to the occasion as she gave a very meaningful Rotary Moment.

It had been a busy morning, as there had been a Board Meeting prior to the Regular Meeting. Pres. John gave a "recap" of items that were covered earlier. *The Naples Rotary Club will be donating $100 to the Canandaigua Lake Trout Derby. *We are going to donate $75 to the NCS Drama Club to help with an Ad for their upcoming Musical. *Trees are being provided for the Elementary Kids by Meadow View. We are going to help bag these to give away for Arbor Day. *The 62nd Annual Trout Derby is April 1st. Help is needed securing donations from area businesses. * On April 3rd, we are doing a service Project at Rose Ridge Cemetery. *April 22nd is the District Training Assembly. *The Great Grape Derby is on May 13th. *The Harris Cup will be on June 2nd. * JoAnne gave a brief Report on the Grape Fest of 2023. *Currently, the Naples Rotary Club has agreed to donate $2000 to Hospeace House. Hospeace House will match that amount in its Matching Grant Proposal. * There will be a luncheon (date to be determined) to thank the Interact Members for all they have done to help us. BTW, did you know there are 28 Interact Members?

Pres. John had a picture of four distinguished gentlemen on the screen for us to examine, and it turned out that it was Paul Harris, the Founder of Rotary, and The Boys! This Thursday, February 23rd, marks the 118th Anniversary of Rotary! 

It was befitting that John displayed a picture of four noteworthy individuals who spearheaded Rotary, prior to Rebecca's extraordinary Presentation today, as she told of four noteworthy women who made a significant difference in American History as well! Her Presentation was entitled "Women's Suffrage, Revolutionary Roots". Rebecca, who has been part of the National Park Service for about seven years, introduced herself, noting that she has been in this area for about five years. She began to share "The Story of America" with us, focusing on the history that surrounds Seneca Falls. Rebecca's vivid descriptions, coupled with a detailed Power Point, brought four renowned women "to life". They were Lucretia Mott, her sister, Martha Coffin Wright, her friend, Jane Hunt, and Mary Ann M'Clintok. Lucretia was very vocal, and good at public speaking. Martha had sarcasm and wit. Jane was the planner, and Mary Ann was the organizer. Together, these four ladies who hailed from Pennsylvania, were determined to make a difference in equality for women.

Adding to these four brave and focused women, was a fifth member", Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who came from Boston. These five women formed a "coalition" to share their frustrations, to challenge others, and to use their skills gleaned from Anti-Slavery involvement. They put the items that they had discussed, (at a previous Convention), into words, and prepared a "Declaration of Sentiments". Noting the beginning of The Declaration of Independence, they purported to establish that it meant that all men and women were created equal! In presenting their grievances, they went on to insist that women, as well as men, should have the right to vote! They felt that men and women should "work together"! 

The Women's Rights National Landmark in Seneca Falls is home to the historic events that led to this important change in history, and the Women's Rights Movement in America. The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery, the Fourteenth Amendment gave equal protection, the Fifteenth Amendment included the Declaration of Sentiments. This year, 2023, we celebrate 72 years of women having the right to vote with the installation of the Nineteenth Amendment! We are so appreciative of the outstanding Program that Rebecca gave us today! As Pres. John said, "It was phenomenal!" Many thanks, also, to Liz, for arranging such excellent Programs throughout the year! 

The Ace of Hearts was at $104 today! The Ticket drawn was that of Blanche, #5874. Blanche picked the King of Spades from the pack!

February is Peace, and Conflict Prevention Month, and for his "One More Thing, John showed a short video. The message gleaned was that if you are invested in people, you can find the potential and power to change the world!

Today's Happy Bills were in appreciation of Rebecca's stellar Program! Rose's Musical Group, "Tonal Recall", will be at Palmer's Last Stop in Wayland this coming Friday night! We wish Liz and Clyde safe travels and a great time, as they leave this week to visit Clyde's Mom in Hawaii!

Liz, for her Rotary Moment, talked about her sister, Claire, who has some serious medical issues. A woman in her area, whom she must know fairly well, has offered her apartment and much help for her! Truly, Liz feels, this is "Service Above Self "!

John's ending message and take-away thought for us this afternoon was from Ralph Waldo Emerson. "Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true!"