January 26, 2017 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

On Thursday evening, January 26, 2017, Kevin Hutchison led the club in the invocation and pledge. Sgt. At Arms, Robbie Selby, then followed with happy bucks,  visitor introductions and announcements about our upcoming Social event at Wyndemere in March and the Atlanta trip in June to attend the RI  convention. Activities and logistics to the convention are being planned by Robbie and Anne Towers.

A visiting Rotarian form Switzerland, Arthur Bowliger and  his  business partner Thorp Freemen a former  Rotarian from Vermont, summarized Rotary activities  at the 100+ member NewGand Club.

President Elect, Jim Juliano, introduced Guest Speaker Aimee Schlehr,  CEO /Executive  Director of the Naples ART Association, who spoke about her vision to strengthen NAA’s roots in the  community: to  continue supporting  and promoting artists and to inspire new audiences ( particular  focus on  young  children  in Naples  schools) to discover and create art. She then introduced Amy Kessler ,Volunteer Services  Manager at NAA,  who described the upcoming sponsored ART exhibits NAA will  sponsor in February (Cambier Park)  and  March (5th Ave). Amy  mentioned the need  for  volunteer help to  manage  donation collection points, and asked if anyone might be interested.

Mark your calendars, unless otherwise stated, all our meetings are at Hyatt House Naples.

Wed. Morning Feb 1, 7:30 a.m.:  Collier County Chief Hearing Examiner Speaker

Wed. Morning Feb 8, 7:30 a.m.:  Polio Plus Speaker

Thurs. Evening Feb 16, 6:00 p.m.:  CCCR Speaker

Thurs. Evening Feb 23, 6:00 p.m.:  Love a Child Speaker

January 19, 2017 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

On Thursday Evening, January 19th, 2017 Ryan Benson lead us in the invocation and pledge followed by happy bucks, visitor introductions and announcements by President Rob Samouce. Rob then introduced our guest speaker, Teresa Shaw, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County.  She was also joined by Boys & Girls Club Board Members Jose Baez and Jim Kemp (picture attached).  Teresa Shaw, originally hailing from Virginia and North Carolina gave an excellent presentation about the local Boys & Girl Club located on Davis Blvd.; and now with a campus in Immokalee. The local Club serve more than 3,000 youth age 6 to 18 after school and in the Summer.  The Club’s vision is to “provide a work-class Club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters their doors, with all members on tract to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle.”  Their 5 core program areas are: education & career development; the arts; sports, fitness & recreation; character & leadership development; and health & life skills. 

January 11, 2017 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Club Meeting

On  Wednesday Morning, January 11th, 2017 we had our second meeting of the New Year.  Kevin Hutchinson lead us in the invocation and pledge followed by happy bucks and visitor introductions by Sgt. at Arms, Robbie Selby.  President, Rob Samouce, then gave an update on searching for a new venue for our annual Paint Ball tournament and Robbie discussed our next Social at the end of March and preliminary club plans for the International Rotary Convention in Atlanta in June.

Rob then introduced our guest speaker, Greg Turchetta, Executive Director of Communications and Community Engagement for the Collier County Public Schools (CCPS).  Greg and his team is responsible for district-wide communication with 45,000 students, parents and 7,5000 employees (largest employer in Collier County).  Prior to working with CCPS, Greg had an award-winning 21 year news career as a News Director in Fort Myers, Atlanta, Orlando, Seattle, and Austin.  He was Executive Producer & Assistant News Director here in Southwest Florida for NBC2 and ABC7. 

Mr. Turchetta presented a well-made video showing all the facets of CCPS and then a power point presentation of facts and trends in the local School System.  In the last 10 years the school district has morphed from a majority white student population to a majority Hispanic student population and at the same time has grown 14 percentage points in its graduation rate to now graduating 82% of the CCPS Students! Achievement programs such as Cambridge and Advance Placement has grown significantly and high school students are introduced to College Programs at FGCU and area Technical Schools. The takeaway from the presentation is that we in Collier County have one of the best Public School Systems in the State of Florida that keeps getting better every year.  We should all be very proud of our Collier County Public Schools.

Mark your calendars, unless otherwise stated, all our meetings are at Hyatt House Naples.

Thurs. Evening Jan 19, 6:00 p.m.:  Boys and Girls Club Speaker

Thurs. Evening Jan. 26, 6:00 p.m.: Naples Art Association Speaker

Wed. Morning Feb 1, 7:30 a.m.:  Collier County Hearing Examiner Speaker

Wed. Morning Feb 8, 7:30 a.m.:  Polio Plus Speaker

January 4, 2017 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Club Meeting

On  Wednesday Morning, January 4, 2017 we had our first meeting of the New Year.  Melvin Drury lead us in the invocation and pledge followed by happy bucks and visitor introductions by Sgt. at Arms, Robbie Selby. President, Rob Samouce, then inducted into the Club our first new Member of the year, Brian Willett, with his sponsor Melvin Drury.  Brian is VP of Operations of Dale Carnegie Training recently relocated from Kentucky and is married to his lovely wife Jennifer. Please welcome Brian.

Our guest speaker, Mike Dalby, CEO of the Naples Chamber of Commerce told us all about the Chamber.  It has over 1,600 members promoting smart business growth in Collier County.  Mr. Dalby has been CEO of Chambers of Commerce for the last 23 years after a career in the Air Force.  He worked with chambers in Utah, New Mexico, Texas, Indiana and Ohio and grew up in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Mike went over the networking advantages of being a member of the Chamber and gave an overview of all the things the Chamber does in promoting future leaders in the Community.  He then discussed the challenges of providing housing for workers in the Naples Area which is needed to keep up with the expected explosive growth as having workers commute from Lee County is not a lasting solution.     

Mark your calendars, unless otherwise stated, all our meetings are at Hyatt House Naples.

Wed. Morning Jan 11, 7:30 a.m.:  Collier County Public Schools Speaker

Thurs. Evening Jan 19, 6:30 p.m.:  Boys and Girls Club Speaker

Thurs. Evening Jan. 26, 6:00 p.m.: Naples Art Association Speaker

December 29, 2016 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

On Thursday, December 29th, Sandy Harter lead us in the invocation and pledge followed by happy bucks. President, Rob Samouce, then presented a club check in the amount of $5,000 from funds we raised at the Hallowine Walk to Dianne Reed and Howard Isaacson of CCCR in gratitude for their help with the Wine Walk and the great things CCCR is doing for the young children of Collier County.

Our guest speaker, Julie Frizzi, was then introduced and gave us a great presentation about her new book “Powerful You!”  Ms. Frizzi is a guidance counselor at Lake Park Elementary School and teaches an empowerment class to all the 3^rd graders in her school using her new book, “Powerful You!” The book contains 26 real stories from children she has counseled with issues.  She shares a story each week with a class and gets the kids to open up and share about their own issues to help in stopping such things as bullying.  Her book is available on Amazon.com and she wants to get the book and instruction course in every school in Collier, Lee County and beyond.

Mark your calendars, unless otherwise stated, all our meetings are at Hyatt House Naples.

Wed. Morning Jan. 4, 7:30 a.m.:  Chamber of Commerce Speaker

Wed. Morning Jan 11, 7:30 a.m.:  Collier County Public Schools Speaker

Thurs. Evening Jan 19, 6:30 p.m.:  Boys and Girls Club Speaker

Thurs. Evening Jan. 26, 6:00 p.m.: Naples Art Association Speaker

December 14, 2016 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

On Wednesday morning, December 14th, President Rob Samouce lead us in the invocation and pledge followed by happy bucks and guest introductions by Sgt. at Arms Robbie Selby.  Jon Titus updated us on the upcoming Salvation Army Bell Ringing at Wynn’s Market this Friday, December 16^th and Kristen Petry let us know what will be happening at the Club Christmas Party at her home on Thursday, December 22^nd.  Don’t forget your $10 and under Secret Santa gift and please contact Olga Schultz (Olga Schulz <olga@wickedwickerflorida.com) and let her know you have, or need, to sign up for your gift.

Rob then presented Cecilia St. Arnold, Executive Director of Blessings in a Backpack SWFL with a Club check in the amount of $3,000 from funds we raised at the Hallowine Walk.  Blessings had 14 volunteers from FGCU help us with the Wine Walk.  Our donation will feed 30 underprivileged kids in Collier County for a full year.

Our guest speakers were Kristine and Juliana Meek, owners of the oldest American Art Gallery in Florida; the Harmon-Meek Gallery.  They gave us a history of the Gallery that opened its doors in January 1964 in the then new Fleischmann Central Building on 3^rd St. South. Two of the top ten most prominent art collectors in America and clients of the Gallery in the 1970’s were Naples Residents Joseph and Olga Hirshorn of Greenwich Connecticut and Mrs. Harry Lynde Bradley of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Many of you may have viewed the Hirshorn collection at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.  The Harmon-Meek Gallery has lent over 300 exhibitions of its artists and artists’ estates to more than 80 museums in 27 States across the County.  The Gallery is now located on the 3^rd floor of the Capital Bank Center on 6^th Ave. North and US 41.  You and your friends may want to stop by the Gallery, take a look see at the famous art work, and say hi to Kristine and Juliana.

Mark your calendars, unless otherwise stated, all our meetings are at Hyatt House Naples.

Friday all day Dec. 16:  Salvation Army Bell Ringing at Wynn’s Market

Thurs. Evening Dec. 22, 6:30 p.m.: Club Christmas Party at Petrys’ Home

Thurs. Evening Dec. 29, 6:00 p.m.: Powerful You Speaker

Wed. Morning Jan. 4, 7:30 a.m.:  Chamber of Commerce Speaker

Wed. Morning Jan 11, 7:30 a.m.:  Collier County Public Schools Speaker

December 7, 2016 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

On Wednesday morning, December 7th, Sandy Harter lead us in the invocation and pledge followed by happy bucks collected by President Rob Samouce.  Rob then gave announcements including the upcoming Salvation Army Bell Ringing on Friday, December 16^th and the Club Christmas Party at the Petry's  on Thursday, December 22^nd. 

Our special guests, the “Doppenburgs in Guatemala” gave us an enlightening presentation of the School of Hope they have built in a southern province of Guatemala for malnutrition indigenous Mayan Indians.  In the area where the School is located, due to the lack of water and poor soil many of the young suffer the consequences of protein deficiencies (mental decline, stunted growth, blindness etc.).  The school is designed for 50 and they have 150 on a waiting list.  It can take 6 months to a year to wean the malnutrition children back onto minimal necessary protein. The Doppenburgs, originally from Niagara, Canada, now live and work full time at the School of Hope.  At the end of the presentation, the Doppenburgs were presented with a check from the Club in the amount of $2,000 to further help with their endeavor.  Finally, Mel Drury was presented with a nice custom leather Rotary Gulfshore Sunset Club brief case for all the hard work he did in making the Hallowine Walk a success this year.

Mark your calendars, unless otherwise stated, all our meetings are at Hyatt House Naples.

Friday all day Dec 16:  Salvation Army Bell Ringing at Wynn’s Market

Wed. Morning Dec. 14, 7:30 a.m.:  Harmon Meek Gallery Speaker

Thurs. Evening Dec 22, 6:30 p.m.: Club Holiday/Christmas Party at Petry’s Home

Thurs. Evening Dec 29, 6:00 p.m.: Powerful You Speaker

November 17, 2016 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

On Thursday evening, November 17th, Walter Douglas lead us in the invocation and pledge followed by happy bucks from Sgt. At. Arms Robbie Selby. Special Guest Mayor Bill Barnett gave us a background of how he became Mayor and kept the office on and off (mostly on) for many, many years.  He then took many questions and answers ranging from beach and bay re-nourishment to a memory lane history of early Naples to future growth issues in the City. We have been fortunate to have such a dedicated and thoughtful public servant over the years. 

Gary Moore then gave us a progress report of the LPGA concession tent we are running at the putting green. Sandy Harter told us the Doppenbergs will be in town and visiting us on December 7^th to give us an update on the Guatemala School of Hope that we contribute to.  Robbie Selby reminded us of our social we will be having on Thursday, December 1^st at 5:30 p.m. at the new St. Germain’s Restaurant (previously Stoney’s Steakhouse). Rob Samouce passed around the sign-up sheet for Salvation Army Bell Ringing at Wynn’s Market on December 16^th and Kristen Petry updated us on the Club Christmas Party that we will be having at her house on Thursday December 22^nd.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  

Mark your calendars, unless otherwise stated, all our meetings are at Hyatt House Naples.

Thur. Evening Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m.: St. Germain’s Restaurant

Wed. Morning Dec. 7, 7:30 a.m.: Guatamela School of Hope Speaker

Friday all day Dec 16:  Salvation Army Bell Ringing at Wynn’s Market

Wed. Morning Dec. 14, 7:30 a.m.:  Harmon Meek Gallery Speaker

Thurs. Evening Dec 22, 6:30 p.m.: Club Holiday/Christmas Party at Petry’s Home

Thurs. Evening Dec 29, 6:00 p.m.: Powerful You Speaker

November 9, 2016 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

On Wednesday morning, November 9th, President Rob Samouce lead us in the invocation and pledge followed by happy bucks from Sgt. At. Arms Robbie Selby. Announcements included Gary Moore filling us in on who and when we will be manning the refreshment tent on the putting green at Tiburon for the LPGA tournament, Nov. 16^th to 20^th.  If you want to work the tournament contact Gary directly at: gmoore721@comcast.net, if you have not already.  Robbie told us about our social we will be having on Thursday, December 1^st at 5:30 p.m. at the new St. Germain’s Restaurant (previously Stoney’s Steakhouse).   

Rob then introduced our guest speaker,  Fran Bratcher, CEO of the non-profit Family to Family, Kid’s Crisis Closet.  Located at 4750 Enterprise Ave. #101,  https://www.bizapedia.com/fl/family-to-family-kids-crisis-closet-non-profit-charity-llc.html,  Kid’s Crisis Closet accepts all kinds of donations and the turns around and provide the stuff to families in town who have nothing; many relocating from abusive spouses.  Many do not even have beds to sleep in, anything to cook with, or even a towel. Please give what you can and drop off your extra stuff at the Kid’s Crisis Closet from 11-1 Monday, Thursday, and Friday.  They will also accept money donations to pay the rent for the closet.

Mark your calendars, unless otherwise stated, all our meetings are at Hyatt House Naples.

Thur. Evening Nov. 17, 6:00 p.m.: Mayor Bill Barnett Speaker

Nov. 16 to 20:  LPGA Golf Tourney at Tiburon-Manning the Putting Green Refreshment Tent

Thur. Evening Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m.: St. Germain’s Restaurant

Wed. Morning Dec. 7, 7:30 a.m.: Guatamela School of Hope Speaker

Wed. Morning Dec. 14, 7:30 a.m.:  Harmon Meek Gallery Speaker

Thurs. Evening Dec 22, 6:30 p.m.: Club Holiday/Christmas Party at Petry’s Home

Thurs. Evening Dec 29, 6:00 p.m.: Powerful You Speaker

 

 

November 2, 2016 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

On Wednesday morning, November 2nd, new member Kevin Hutchinson lead us in the invocation and pledge followed by happy bucks from Sgt. At. Arms Robbie Selby. Announcements by President Rob Samouce included Dictionary Day, Club Shelterbox Donation of $1,000 for Haiti, LPGA manning of the refreshment tent on the putting green at Tiburon and our annual Christmas Party to be held at Kristen Petry’s home this year.  Mel Drury gave a recap of our great 4^th annual Hallowine Walk wherein we had over 320 participants and netted over $15,000 for our charities! The bar has been raised for next year’s 5^th annual Walk.   

President Elect Jim Juliano then introduced our guest, Dr. Janice M. Green, President of Zonta. Dr. Green explained that Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.  They have 21 members locally derived of  women in business who are selectively asked to join.  Zonta started in 1919 and means honest and trustworthy in Native American Sioux. It is not in 66 countries.  Zonta is very much like Rotary with International, National and Local activities.  Zonta advocates for women’s human rights and gender equality.  To find out more about Zonta go to:  www.zonta-naples.org

Mark your calendars, unless otherwise stated, all our meetings are at Hyatt House Naples.

Wed. Morning Nov. 9, 7:30 a.m.: TBA

Thur. Evening Nov. 17, 6:00 p.m.: Mayor Bill Barnett Speaker

Nov. 15 to 20:  LPGA Golf Tourney at Tiburon-Manning the Putting Green Refreshment Tent

Thur. Evening Dec. 2, 6:00 p.m.: Social TBA

Wed. Morning Dec. 7, 7:30 a.m.: Guatamela School of Hope Speaker

Wed. Morning Dec. 14, 7:30 a.m.: TBA

Thurs. Evening Dec 22, 6:30 p.m.: Club Holiday/Christmas Party at Petry’s Home

Thurs. Evening Dec 29, 6:00 p.m.: Powerful You Speaker

Costume Contest Winners at Our Mercato Wine Walk Hallowine 2016

Congratulations to Jason and Christy on winning the costume contest at our Mercato Wine Walk Hallowine 2016! They will be receiving a $100 Wine Loft gift certificate! Congratulations again!! Their title: Zika mosquito and exterminator!

October 27, 2016 Fourth Annual Hallowine Walk at Mercato Event

On Thursday, October 27th, we had our Fourth Annual Hallowine Walk at Mercato.  Preliminary numbers are around 300 tickets sold and net proceeds of around $10 K.  Kudos to Mel Drury (the wizard behind the Curtain), the Wine Walk Committee Members, Other Club Members who helped out, the Volunteers from CCCR and Blessings in a Backpack, our Sponsors, the Eleven Participating Venues at Mercato, Mercato Management, and all Attendees. What a wonderful evening for our worthy charities!  Great fun was had by all!

Mark your calendars, unless otherwise stated, all our meetings are at Hyatt House Naples.

Wed. Morning, Nov. 2, 7:30 a.m.: Zonta Speaker

Wed. Morning Nov. 9, 7:30 a.m.: TBA

Thur. Evening Nov. 17, 6:00 p.m.: Mayor Bill Barnett Speaker

Nov. 15 to 20:  LPGA Golf Tourney at Tiburon-Manning the Putting Green Refreshment Tent

Thur. Evening Dec. 2, 6:00 p.m.: Social TB

Wed. Morning Dec. 7, 7:30 a.m.: Guatamela School of Hope Speaker

Wed. Morning Dec. 14, 7:30 a.m.: TBA

Thurs. Evening Dec 22, 6:30 p.m.: Club Holiday/Christmas Party at Petry’s House

Click here to check out our blog site: http://www.naplesgulfshoresunsetrotary.club/

Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Upcoming Meetings for November and December 2016

Rotary Hallowine Walk October 27th 6:00PM - 9:00PM Mercato

Well it’s that time of year again for our annual Rotary Hallowine Walk. This is our 4th year for the event and we think it will be bigger and better than ever. If you have been before you know what it’s all about. If you have not, it is about strolling through Mercato with a group of friends on Thursday Evening, October 27th, from 6 to 9 p.m. (with or without a Halloween costume) and getting a glass of wine and a bite to eat at over 10 different venues. There will also be neat items raffled off and you can get your picture taken on the red carpet. The proceeds will go to various charities supported by the Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary.

To get your tickets click on: http://mercatowinewalk.com/ You can pay with Pay Pal and tickets are $50 in advance and if you buy 4 you get one free.

We look forward seeing you on October 27th.

October 20, 2016 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

On Thursday, October 20th,  President elect Jim Juliano opened the meeting, gave the invocation and  led the pledge.  Dan Herrington introduced guests  and Sargent at Arms Robbie Selby collected Happy Bucks.