What a great way to start a new year!  Our January 13th luncheon was opened by President Esther Byrd, invocation was given by City Councilman Al Ferraro, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by former RWCDF President Sharon Light.  Ellen Sullivan introduced our exceptional guest speaker, Australian-born Mr. Nick Adams, who is a new United States citizen as of December 2021.  He is a four-time best-selling author, motivational speaker, TV commentator and Stage IV cancer survivor.  If you want to hear someone speak of their love and admiration for this country, listen to this man (or read his books.)  He runs the Foundation for Liberty and American Greatness (FLAG) which is a non-profit organization that teaches civics nationwide and informs parents and students on the power of the American Dream.  He received a standing ovation at the end of his speech and we all came away significantly inspired by his story.  We also had an update on the progress of our female high school seniors' scholarship program this year, updates on the actions of our Jacksonville City Council, and heard from several candidates who are running in upcoming elections including our February 22nd Republican candidate, Nick Howland, who is running for the City Council At-Large Group 3 seat.  This election is open to all voters as it is an at-large seat (not a specific district) and ALL members are urged to get out the vote for this important city election.   Pictures from the luncheon are posted first, and individual pictures as well as pictures taken of many of our members with our speaker, Mr. Adams, follow those.