It's a new Rotary year as we gathered at the Redwood today! President Jack welcomed 24 Naples Rotarians and 5 guests, who were introduced by our great greeter Frank.

 

Jack led the Pledge, with It's a Grand Old Flag for our song. He shared an inspiration provided by Sherry:

"Your journey is not the same as mine, and my journey is not yours, but if we meet on a certain path, may we encourage each other."

 

Our guests today were Paulina Erb, visiting from Germany and staying with Jack and Sharon's daughter Olivia. Her mother Nicole was an exchange student who lived with the Fredericks twenty five years ago! Also present today were our speaker, Erica Reigelsperger and her family, Heather, Brad and brother Drew. Erica will be leaving on her exchange student adventure to Germany in August. 

 

Anna Yang left a sweet Thank You note with Jack at last week's dinner, which was shared today. Anna had an "amazing year", Naples became her second home and she plans to visit again in the future.

Jack congratulated those who received Paul Harris Fellow and other club awards last week. He reminded us that dues are due now - $75 for 6 months, $150 for the year. See the QR code below to pay on Zeffy.

 

Carrie updated us on the travels of Anna and Uryu. Uryu left on 7/2, sad to leave, arriving in Tokyo where his sister lives. His parents joined them there and he was home by Sunday. Anna left Rochester early this morning and sent a note from Chicago, on her way to San Francisco and on to Taiwan. They both were a joy to have here this year!

 

Jill is our Youth Exchange Officer and Carrie is the Youth Counselor for Naples. Jill explained the lengthy process of becoming a Youth Exchange student. Students need to apply at age 14-15 by filling out an long application with details of their life and goals. The Youth Exchange committee interviews students and looks for many personal qualities needed for success in the program. Students need to be ambassadors of Naples, Rotary and the US in their year abroad. Next is the job of convincing parents that they will be okay while the student is away from home for 11 months, with no visiting until later in the year.

 

Erica described her journey to become a Youth Exchange participant. She recently graduated from NCS. Her family hosted Giovanna from Brazil last year

and they became great friends. She knew she wanted to pursue a career in nursing but also wanted to be an exchange student. She decided to apply for the Rotary program then go to Nazareth for nursing when she returns. Her first choice country was Austria and she was granted it! However, her visa didn't work out for there. She was disappointed but then happy she could travel to Germany instead. She will be living in Berlin.

She is looking forward to learning a new language and has spent 6 hours of language studies already. Drew learned that there are family connections in another part of Germany so perhaps she can travel to explore them. Erica thanked Naples Rotary for providing the opportunity to be our Youth Exchange participant.

 

July is Rotary's Maternal and Child Health Month. It's also New Leadership Month. We will learn more soon.

The birthday person of the month is Kris Saucke. The anniversary celebrations are Jack and Sharon Fredericks, Judy and John Manser, and John and Sherry Brahm-French. Congrats to all!

 

We started over with the Ace of Hearts. There was $7 and a full deck to choose from. The 10 of Clubs was picked. Happy Bills today were for a great Gavel dinner, the Awards given there and Paulina's visit. Nancy shared she had early morning visitors due to a mistaken 911 call. Many shared how great it is to have young people inbound and outbound from Naples. Erica was wished much luck and enjoyment for her travels. Charlie brought his 6 college friends to visit and they plan to return for the Grape Fest in September. Judy enjoyed the holiday weekend and is halfway through her radiation treatments. Heather thanked Rotary for the opportunities provided by the Youth Exchange program. Bo and Pat are home from the RI Convention but have welcomed their daughter's families home from Jordan and Boston this week.

 

John reminded us of the fundraiser for the Humane Society, "Brews and Barks" on Thursday 7/17.  Basket donations can be brought to B&B any time prior. 

David was notified of on-line treasurer training. He mentioned that there is a membership fund which can help members to afford the dues. He will have the QR codes available for dues next week.

Jack asked us to keep the victims of the tragic flooding in Texas in our thoughts. He will let us know of ways we can help.

 

We recited the Four Way Test and adjourned with the bell at 12:45pm. Have a great week and stay cool!