Save the Date!

A decision has been made!!!  Nautilus Chapter #909 has volunteered to host the 2026 Spring Council meeting.  Get your calendars out and mark the date before you forget it.  Date to remember is Thursday, March 26, 2026 at stately Aston Gardens located in Sun City Center.  Arrangements have also been made for group pricing for overnight accommodations at the Holiday Inn Express, also in Sun City Center. 

Bonus… International President, Daphne Davis, has graciously accepted our invitation and will be attending the event.  There will be a “Meet & Greet” the evening prior to our meeting at the hotel. 

Our lunch program features, Gary Mull, professional speaker, author, and past International Director for Toastmasters International.  Gary will be exploring the legend of Jose Gaspar and the annual Gasparilla festival, which has become a cherished part of Tampa’s heritage.

More information to follow on menu and pricing in the next newsletter.  We have big plans for you so get ready for an exciting day of activities.

THE SEVEN STAGES OF COLLECTING
(Printed with permission of Judith Paul (Judithpaul.com)
Submitted by Francine Webb

STAGE 1: I haven’t seen one of these since I was a kid.
STAGE 2: It’s really exciting. I saw it last week-end. It’s not that expensive. I’ll take it.
STAGE 3: Ooooh! This is just so good and that other one. This one too. Not that expensive. I’ll take them.
STAGE 4: Ooooh! It’s incredible. And it is incredibly expensive. But… I need just one good one in my collection. I’ll take it.
STAGE 5: Oh myyy… who did this? How much does it cost? I can’t afford it. I know I need only one good one… it’s almost Christmas. I’ll take it.
STAGE 6: It’s unbelievable. It’s fabulous! Oh no… I can’t. And this one too. Fantastic! They’re more than the mortgage but I’ll take them.
STAGE 7: It’s a limited edition. I know how much it costs. I know I can’t afford it. I know… I know. I’ll take it!

Q Q Q Q Q

QUESTERS… HAVE YOU WONDERED where fundraising profits from our Fall Convention and Spring Council meeting go?  The Florida Executive Board realized that many of our members (especially new ones), may not know where these funds are directed.  We felt it would be a good idea to spell that out for everyone.

OPPORTUNITY DRAW (Baskets) funds go to Preservation & Restoration (P&R)
YE OLDE CURIOSITY SHOPPE profits go to the General Account
RESOURCES & SALES – Funds are applied to the General Account