"It's a beautiful morning, what with the trees laden with snow!" I always like to start out my weekly missive with a positive thought, and this quote from My Mom came to mind this morning, as I began to write. Though the trees are not yet "laden with snow", December is here, and it speaks of hope and joy for us, as we Naples Rotarians busy ourselves with helping our community.

It was a pleasure to have President Liz return to us from her trip to see family in Hawaii. We truly appreciated PP John and PE Karen "stepping up to the plate" during Liz's and Clyde's absence. 

After being warmly greeted by David, we were reminded of "old times", as we gathered in the front dining area this noon. It was cozy and comfortable, and reminiscent of Meetings past! We joined Pres. Liz, as we rose to say The Pledge. Liz also gave the Invocation, as she prayed that our hearts would be softened, and that we would serve others with this same attitude. After "mulling over" a good song choice in his mind, Jack chose "The Star-Spangled Banner" to lead us in song. Twenty-three Members were in attendance today, and that included soon-to-become New Members, Alexis (Corso), and Alan (Stone). We had the pleasure of welcoming DG Julie Carney, and AG Nancy LaTour, as well! Today's Program was threefold, and the Rotary Moment was twofold!

Liz had a few announcements to share, beginning with the mention that December is Disease Awareness and Prevention Month. December is looking busy! This coming Saturday, December 9th, is Light Up Naples! The Committee has been working hard to prepare for a memorable evening! Brochures describing the LUN Event have been placed at several area businesses, and the weather promises to cooperate! Many thanks to Rose for the update! She also noted that set-up begins at 3:30 (on Saturday) and help is surely appreciated! Decorated Birch Ornaments can be brought to Artizann's to hang on their porch tree for later judging.

Two host families are being sought after for the Governors-Elect, (who are from all over the world), and who will convene in our area, which will be from January 12th-19th, 2024. A luncheon will take place at Eagle Vale Country Club on January 15th. Please see Liz if you are interested.

Our Annual Christmas Party and Holiday Dinner will be next week at Engine 14! A delicious Asian Buffet will be served, and a fun evening is guaranteed! Please see Skip if you plan to attend.

The December Rotary Lite Meeting will be Wednesday, December 13th. Jo Anne and Albie have kindly offered to hold the "Meeting" at their home!

Pres. Liz and Nancy will be "manning" a table at the "Pickle Mafia" Event at BVT on December 16th. They will have information to share about Naples NY Rotary, and the myriad of things that it does.

Jack noted that Skip will be handling the Operation Santa proceedings this year. The Delivery Day will be December 16th.

Blanche reported that the Naples Historical Society will be hosting a "Cookie and Craft Sale" on December 9th at the Morgan Hose Building, from 12-5. Blanche prompted those bakers among us to possibly donate some homemade cookies to their sale. The cookies need to be six per package, and carefully wrapped. The NHS appreciates our help!

With the arrival of a new month, there were some birthdays and an anniversary to recognize. This month, we honor Albie, Jo, and Betty, who each have a birthday, and Albie and Jo Anne, who are celebrating 55 years of wedded bliss! Congratulations and Best Wishes to all!!

Part 1 of our program involved DG Julie, and AG Nancy, (who had come to witness this moment). Julie complimented Naples NY Rotary for our dedication and commitment to ending Polio! A Certificate was presented to us for our involvement in the Polio Plus Program through the contribution we, as a Rotary Club, had made to help end Polio. PP John strode to the front of the room to accept this Award. Julie also prompted us to become involved with the initiative, "Every Rotarian Every Year", as another avenue by which we could show our support.

Part 2 of today's Program featured our two Inductees! After introducing Julie Carney and Nancy LaTour, David introduced our two Guests, who were to become New Members. They were Alexis Corso, who has been sponsored by Liz, and Alan Stone, who was to be sponsored by Steve Richards. Laurie graciously stepped in for Steve, who couldn't be with us today. Pres. Liz gave a streamlined overview of Rotary, outlining our goals and initiatives. She talked briefly about the Avenues of Service, and how each Member's involvement (in Rotary) integrates with these Avenues. Our Newest Members were then welcomed with Badges and Packets. We readily accepted Alexis and Alan into the Club with a hearty round of applause, we welcome them both, and we look forward to hearing a little bit more about each of them in the near future!

Part 3 of today's Presentation focused on Club Leadership. Before us, on the screen, appeared the Roster of the Board of Directors for 2023-2024. The Office of Vice President is to be determined. Anyone who feels so inclined to put in his or her name for this Position of Vice President is urged to do so! If one feels this inclination, it is advised to contact a Member of the Nominating Committee, which includes John, Bo, Jack, Skip, Karen, and Pres. Liz, who would be "floating". We hope to have this position filled, and in place soon!

The Ace of Hearts was at $45.00 today. Ticket #0554 belonged to Skip! He drew the Ace of Diamonds from the pack. Right color, wrong suit, Skip!

The Happy Bills, this noon, were plenty! We were glad to have Liz and Clyde back. We welcome our Newest Members, Alexis and Alan. Light Up Naples is just around the corner. The Christmas Concert on Sunday went very well. DG Julie is pleased with the increase in Membership in District 7120.

The Rotary Moment today could be divided into two parts; the first being the visit from DG Julie to present us the Award, and the second being from Brenda, who shared an interesting experience while traveling. While "Down South", Brenda had the opportunity to attend a Rotary Meeting that consisted entirely of men. She, nevertheless, was welcomed by everyone! Their Program that day happened to be about "firearms". She found that topic to be intriguing, and she inquired as to what would happen at an airport! Brenda noted that visiting other clubs is always a nice experience!

As we came to the conclusion of today's Meeting, there were a few more reminders. Skip urged more people to sign up for the Holiday Dinner. (It's always a great time!) Liz mentioned that she needs volunteers to do a (short) Bio in January. She also noted that she will continue to wear her "Rotary Gear", in hopes of meeting more "like-minded" folks like us. David and Sherry have worked together to produce an outstanding Brochure for LUN, and he is willing to make more if needs be. Over the weekend, the "LUN Crew" helped to decorate the Memorial Town Hall and the Gazebo. Let the celebrations begin!

At the close of the Meeting, as we customarily do, we recited The Four-Way Test, Pres. Liz was delighted that she accomplished everything today in less than an hour!

Hope to see many Fellow Members at Light Up Naples this weekend! Our next Gathering will be our Christmas Party at Engine 14! See you soon!