Welcome to Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Club

Welcome to the Official Blog of the Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Club, Naples, Florida. This blog will be updated frequently giving the latest meeting information and speakers as well as highlighting the important functions of Rotary both on the local level as well as the international level. Feel free to eMail us at anytime by clicking here. Our postal mail address is P.O. Box 352, Naples, Florida 34106 and telephone contact is 239-435-6308 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Club was chartered in July 1, 2015 with Naples Sunset Rotary Club and Gulf Shore Rotary Club merging. It meets the first and second Wednesdays at the Hyatt House Naples, 1345 Fifth Avenue S., Naples, Florida at 7:30am and the third and fourth Thursdays at 5:30pm.

Upcoming Rotary Schedule

December 6, 2017 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Cliub Meeting

 

November 30, 2017 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Club Meeting

 

On Thursday evening, November 30, 2017, President Jim Juliano led the club in the invocation and pledge.  Sgt at Arms Olga Schulz collected Happy Bucks and introduced our frequent Rotarian guest from England, Syd Horsfield. Doug Haughey then introduced  two guests  /prospective new members Carol Franciosi  and David Johnson and gave a brief summary of our service  volunteer efforts at the  recent CME golf event.  Treasurer Jim Davidson  introduced his guest, a prospective Rotaract candidate and his spouse Kim. Attendance total  11; club members 6.

 

President Elect Mel Drury presented a  PP draft of the new Naples Gulf Shore Sunset  Rotary Club website  being  developed and asked  for input from all members on ideas/suggestions to  enhance its effectiveness as  a communications tool for our club and a PR/ image  builder for Rotary as well.

 

President Elect Mel Drury then introduced guest Speaker Leslie Dean Drury. Leslie is a VA Accredited Attorney & Financial Advisor assisting Veterans with appeals in the federal courts and the little known VA benefit called “Aid & Attendance” which provides veterans (or their surviving spouse) a tax-free monthly benefit of up to $2,800, making a gigantic difference in their lives.  She handed out literature/application forms and presented a  video of the American Association of Wartime Veterans mission  and accomplishments.

Since 2002,  AAWV has obtained $145,000,000  fo needy and deserving veterans by working through the Federal VA  veteran appeals system. Leslie provides her services  pro bono to veterans or their surviving spouse/child and urged  any member who knows someone who may need help and believes they are eligible to receive these tax free improved pension benefits, to contact her office. Her service is not limited to veterans  with a Florida residence,  as she can provide help to veterans residing anywhere in the USA.

Our guest speaker Leslie , then led the club in the Four Way Test to  conclude the meeting.

Below is the calendar schedule of upcoming events and club meetings. unless otherwise stated, all club meetings are at the Hyatt House

DECEMBER IS DISEASE AND PREVENTION MONTH

 

Calendar Events

December 2        - 5:00PM at Mercato  starting at Cavo ( 5-6PM), then Capital Grille 6-7:30PM and Burn(7:45 PM-?) – Christmas/Holiday Party

December 4        - 5:30PM Board Meeting at Rob Samouce’s office (Officers and members only)

December 6        - 7:30AM on Wednesday - Speaker Adams Roberts,CEO  Rotary Action Group- Hepatitis Zero

December 13     - 7:30AM on Wednesday – TBD

December 15     - on Friday- Salvation Army Bell Ringing Service Project ( Jon Titus coordinating  - Wynn’s market

December 16     -  0n Saturday -Meals of Hope volunteer  Rotary  food packing event- Ritz Carlton Naples Beach - 1:30 PM-3:30 PM Register  on line

December 21      - 6:00PM on Thursday - Speaker -  Octagon CME volunteer group ( not confirmed)

December 25      -Christmas Day - NO CLUB EVENTS  - MERRY CHRISTMAS TO  ALL MEMBERS AND YOUR FAMILIES

December 28      - Thursday 6:00PM  SCHEDULED MEETING CANCELLED - NO MEETING

March 18             - Colors of Hope fund raising  dinner  Naples Sailing  and Yacht Club  - SAVE THE DATE

Upcoming Meeting Schedule

November 16, 2017 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

On Thursday evening, November 16, 2017 President Elect Melvin Drury led the club in the invocation and pledge.  Sgt at Arms Olga Schulz collected Happy Bucks and introduced our frequent Rotarian guest from England, Syd Horsfield.  It’s always a pleasure seeing and hearing from our visiting Rotarians. 

The Hallowine attendee results were reviewed and discussed among the members with great ideas for improvement in 2018.  We are asking anyone who would like to participant as Hallowine Chair next year and set on the committee to contact Melvin Drury.  More importantly, we are already in the hunt for 2018 main sponsor, so please submit any suggestions to Melvin Drury.  We are looking to fill the sponsorship by the end of the year.  This is our club’s signature fundraiser and involvement is very rewarding, so please show your Rotarian spirit and volunteer!

In an effort to help improve your club experience, Melvin Drury presented a presentation from the Atlanta Rotary International Convention on “Flexibility & Change” centered towards Rotary clubs and meeting formats.  Members present were very engaged and optimistic with some great ideas and solutions to position our club on the path of future success.  A special committee will be formed to assist with the development and implementation of a future successful plan.  Everyone is encouraged to call or email Melvin Drury with any member’s suggestions.

With all that great fellowship, we extended our time slightly and then Walter Douglas led the club in the Four Way Test to conclude the meeting.

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

Upcoming Speaker Leslie Dean will be November 30^th.  Leslie is a VA Accredited Attorney & Financial Advisor assisting Veterans with appeals in the federal courts and the little known VA benefit called “Aid & Attendance” which provides veterans (or their surviving spouse) a tax-free monthly benefit of up to $2,800, making a gigantic difference in their lives.  Come hear how Leslie positively impacts veterans’ lives.

Calendar Events

November 22     -  Farm City BBQ at Cambier Park

November 23     - Thanksgiving Day (no meeting)

November 30     - 6:00pm on Thursday – Speaker Leslie Dean, VA Accredited Attorney and Financial Advisor

December 2        - 5:00pm at Mercato (starting at Cavo, then Capital Grille and Burn) – Christmas Party

December 4        - 5:30pm Board Meeting at Rob Samouce’s office (Officers and members only)

December 6        - 7:30am on Wednesday - Speaker Adams Roberts, Hepatitis Zero

December 13     - 7:30am on Wednesday – Speaker TBD

December 15     - Salvation Army Bell Ringing Service Project

Dictionary Day 2017

Celebrating Dictionary Day 2017 with all the below local pictures where our club Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary gave out dictionaries!! Greattime for all!!

November 1, 2017 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

On Wednesday mornring, December 1, 2017 President Jim Juliano led the club in the invocation and pledge. Sgt  at Arms Olga Schulz  collected Happy Bucks and introduced guest , Bob  Zottola, whose Jazz  band performed outstandingly at Hallowine 2017 for our club last Wednesday. Hallowine Chair Mel  Drury then gave a detailed financial  wrap of the most  successful Hallowine event in our club’s history.  A discussion of  how to improve for ext years event followed. Congratulations to Mel and the 16 Naples Gulf Shore Rotarians  who volunteered their time to make  Hallowine 2017 a tremendous  success.  Attendance was seven (7).

Jim then introduced guest speaker, J.R. Philp, Board Director  of Naples Greater Leadership. JR discuss the makeup  and mission of GNL,  stating is  was a group  of 850 Naples residents bonding together to give back to the community based on the ski;; they acquired  during they  career   before  settling in Naples , FL. It is a private organization  whose members pay  dues and meet regularly to discuss projects and programs. Painting  Cottage House  in downtown  Naples, Meeting  with  Collier County Commissioner Penny Taylor to discuss community needs  and hosting the  National Director of the Alzheimer’s Association.  GNLfocus is to "make a difference” in our community by  their service.  Sounds similar to this years  Rotary International President Ian Reisley’s Theme  -  Rotary- Making a Difference     

JR Philp then led the club in the Four Way Test to conclude the meeting.

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

Wed morning Nov 6, 7:30 AM: Club Assembly - Speaker Jon Kukk- Rotary Foundation and PHF

Fri. morning Nov10, Dictionary Day .. Bill Towers coordinating  volunteers at four Collier County school venue

Nov.13 , 5:00PM  Area 1 Presidents meeting  Joey D’s Pizza

Nov.16, 17, 18, 19 -  CME Concession volunteers at Tiburon Golf Club- Doug Haughey coordinating club volunteers

Thurs Evening Nov16 -  Speaker TBD

Thurs November 23- Happy Thanksgiving to  all - No meeting

Thurs evening Nov 30, 6:00 PM Speaker TBD

Monday  Evening Dec 4, 5:30 PM  Board meeting  Rob Samouce office

Wed Morning Dec 6,  Hepatitis Zero Speaker - Adam Roberts

October 11, 2017 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Club Meeting

On Wednesday mornring, October 11, 2017 President Jim Juliano led the club in the invocation and pledge.Visitor introduction of guest Rotarian Sandy Harter( Pelican Bay Club). Sandy discussed ongoing  Hurricane Irma relief efforts  by Rotary  clubs in  our district being  coordinated bySandy Hempstead  at District 6960. A brief Hallowine planning update followed.

Jim then introduced guest speaker, Cecilia St. Arnold, the Executve Director of Blessings in a Backpack. Cecilia presented an update of Blessings in a Backpack efforts to provide elementary school children in Collier County who are on Federal Free and Reduced lunch programs, with a pre-pack of food to take home every Friday.She gave updated statistics on how the number of elementary school children in the program since Hurricane Irma has increased from 3,200 to 4,000 in Collier County alone. 16 elementary schools in Collier/Lee Counties are in the program.  The total potential for providing  these meals  in Collier  County is 31,000 children. Blessings in a Backpack coordinates efforts in Collier County with Meals of Hope and other organizations to increase their services in the aftermath of Irma. 

Cecilia committed to provide at least 15 college students to volunteer at Hallowine 2017. Her volunteers will man participant venue locations to stamp passports and assist in the many raffle prize ticket sales during the evening. They will arrive early on the day of the event and be assigned locations and given brief training on  their duties. The Club is  grateful to Ceeilia and Blessings in a BackPack for providing this support.

She then led the Club in the Four Way Test to conclude the meeting.

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

Thurs. Evening October 19, 6:00PM: Club Assembly  - Final  planning session for Halllowine 2017

Wed Evening October 25,6:00PM- 9:00PM: Halliwine  2017 event  Mercato

Thurs Evening October 26,2017 6:00PM  - Digital Operating Systems for Small and Medium Size Business - Marcus P. Zillman, M.S., A.M.H.A.

Wed Morning November 1,7:30 AM : Collier County Leadership -   JR Philp

October 4, 2017 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

On Wednesday morning October 4, Membership  Chair Robbie Selby led the club in a moving invocation and pledge. Sgt. at Arms Olga Schulz collected happy bucks. Olga then introduced guest Ricardo Ferrer, a prospective club member. President Jim Juliano introduced visitig Rotarian Sandy Harter,who, along with club members  Jon Kukk and Tony Powers participated in Hurricane Irma disaster tree clearing relief efforts in Everglades City last week. Jim then introduced two visiting Rotarians from Illinois and Missouri ,Christopher White and Charles Pinkston who have been in Naples for two weeks with the Salvation Army helping with Irma disaster relief efforts in Collier County. Chris and Charles described their their efforts to provide relief for hurricane victims in detail. They will be here  for  a few more weeks. Thanks to all the Rotarians who demonstrated true "Service before Self” Rotarian Spirit. Our  community is grateful to them.  Members attendance - 10.

Hallowine Chair Mel Drury, then updated the club on the status of Hallowine 2017 fund raising efforts. We have secured 10 restaurant  venues to participate this year and collected  over 20 items from raffle sponsors, a record number to be used to generate additional revenues. Mel then handed out posters to members to be used to promote sales and reported that over 90 tickets have been sold already, toward our goal of 350. A great start to this years major fundraiser for our club. An "all hands on deck" effort to use for ticket sales will be implemented during the next 20 days. Thanks to all Hallowine Committee and club members engaged in this effort.

Mark your calendars, unless otherwise noted, all our meetings are at the Hyatt House Naples

October is Economic  and Community Development Month

Wed Morning Oct 11, 7:30 AM Cecilia St Arnold Blessings in a Backpack

 

Friday  evening Oct 6, 5:00PM -  Club Social at The Pub - a participating  Wine walk  venue 

 

Thursday Evening October 19, TBD - Final Hallowine 2017 Committee meeting

 

Wednesday Evening October 25,  6:00PM- 9:00PM Hallowine  2017 at the Mercato

 

Thursday Evening October 26 6:00PM TBD First Hallowine 2018 Committee meeting SPONSORS

Upcoming Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting & Event Schedule

September 28, 2017 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

On Thursday evening September 28th, 2017, President Jim Juliano  led the club in the invocation and pledge.  Sgt. at Arms Olga Schulz collected happy bucks ( a large response from members about hurricane Irma experiences and recovery efforts. Olga then introduced guest Steve Mastrangelo  a prospective club member. Mel  Drury updated the club the planning efforts  for   Hallowine 2017 as we move to the ticket sales promotion phase. Total member attendance 10.

President Jim Juliano introduced guest speaker Deb Logan, Executive Director Blue Zones Project -SouthWest Florida. Deb gave an outstanding Power Point presentation on its mission. Sponsored by NCH, Blue Zones has a long term program to become  a part of transforming well being so the healthy choices become easy for individuals, companies and your community. She outlined a POWER 9  set of principles focused on having people live longer by applying these mental and physical principles learned from people in areas of the world that have lived the longest ( Blue Zones). Global studies have proven that lifestyle choices have 80% impact on healthy living  and longevity, as opposed to  genetic and inherited makeup factors. People in communities and organizations are encouraged to  take actions via a personal pledge that helps them achieve the following promises: a) Live Longer; b) Have more energy and  become healthier; c)Meet new people  and nurture supportive  friendships; d) Discover your purpose and put it to work; and e) Be the change makes your community a better place to live

Blue Zones Project  will participate in our annual Hallowine Event by manning a table and handing out information on their organization's efforts to  have everyone LIVE LONGER BETTER. Hallowine  participants will be exposed to a POWER 9  principle called  Wine@ Five, among others, which states: "Enjoy a glass  wine with friends each day.”

Deb Logan was presented  with one of our Club banner flags, to reinforce that our Rotary club  and Blue Zones Project  will continue to mutually support this health initiative in the future. She then led the club in closing with our Four Way Test.

Mark your calendars, unless otherwise noted, all our meetings are at the Hyatt House Naples

October is Economic  and Community Development Month

Wed Morning Oct 4 7:30 AM: TBD

Wed Morning Oct 11 7:30 AM Cecilia St Arnold Blessings in a Backpack

Thursday Evening October 19, TBD - Final Hallowine 2017 Committee meeting

Wednesday Evening October 25,  6:00PM- 9:00PM Hallowine  2017 at the Mercato

Thursday Evening October 26 6:00PM TBD First  Hallowine 2018 Committee meeting SPONSORS

             

September 6, 2017 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

On Wednesday, Sept 6, 2017 7:30 Breakfast meeting, President Jim Juliano led the invocation and pledge. Sargent at Arms Olga Schulz took attendance and introduced her her guest Steve Mastrangelo, a prospective new member. Total attendance was three members.

President Jim Juliano introduced guest speaker Penny Taylor - Chair of the Collier County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Taylor gave a  timely presentation on Collier County flood zones and the need to remedy the situation in the future. Rapid growth and development has exacerbated flood prone areas and streets. The County has not funded the necessary projects to prevent future flooding incidents and  this will  be recommended in funding requests later this year. She cited one case where attempts to remedy flooding on Central Ave and US 41 had failed this year, after spending millions. 

Commissioner Taylor fielded questions on how Rotary can serve community needs  from  the County Commissions perspective and she recommended serving the children of Collier County.
With respect to any tree planting Rotary initiative, she indicated Baker Park might be a great place for Rotary to consider. Commissioner Taylor led the club in the 4 way test and the meeting was closed.

The Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary club expresses its appreciation  to and and respect for  Commissioner Taylor  who took the time to address our club despite having an  emergency Hurricane Irma Commission meeting scheduled  later that morning. We are  grateful to her for sharing her thoughts on  serving community needs in Collier County .

Mark your calendars, unless otherwise stated all are meetings  are at Hyatt House Naples( Expected to reopen  Sept 19)

Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Social August 17, 2017

The first social event of the 2017-2018 year was held last night at the Mercato. Social Committee co- chairs Anne Towers and Robbie Selby did a great job planning and organizing this. Thanks to both of you. Attendance was 14, including two spouses and one new prospective club member who will be sponsored by Secretary Mikael Groendahl. We took the opportunity to recognize and congratulate the 2016- 2017 Rotary Board Member of the Year, Jon Titus, who was presented with a pin and the award for organizing the most successful Paintball event ever. Thanks Jon, for being engaged and your support.

We supported two of our participating venues for the upcoming Hallowine 2017 event, BURN and Naples Flatbread. Hallowine Event Chair and President Elect Mel Drury discussed some of the sponsor acquisition activities and ideas to expand sponsorship participation. All ideas and any sponsor candidates should be sent to Mel ASAP. Two raffle sponsor gifts were collected from two Mercato venues, McCormick & Schmick’s and Hand & Stone. We now have four sponsor gifts in hand. Our target is at least 12. Tony Powers is working on securing raffle sponsors from non restaurant venues at the Mercato, Dan Herrington  is contacting  new management at The Silver Spot to remain as a  Venue participant and sponsor, and Olga Schulz is putting the finishing touches on Wicked Wicker’s  showpiece furniture raffle prize.

Remind all your friends, Facebook contacts,relatives ,etc. that tickets are now on sale for Hallowine 2017 at the Eventbrite website.

Mark you calendars, unless otherwise stated, all our meetings are at the Hyatt House Naples:

Thurs. Evening, August 24, 6:00PM: Club Assembly- Hallowine 2017

Thurs. Evening, August 31, 6:00PM: TBD

Wed. Morning, Sept 6, Breakfast 7:30 AM: Penny Taylor -Collier County Board of Commissioners

Upcoming Meeting Schedule - Naples Gulfshore Sunset Rotary August-September

August 9, 2017 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

On Wednesday morning August 9, 2017, President Jim Juliano led the club in the invocation and pledge. Sgt. at Arms Olga Schulz collected Happy Bucks and introduced visiting Rotarian Sandy Harter from the Pelican Bay Club. Club member attendance was eight (8).

A few items from the Atlanta International meeting were reviewed with attendees. An autographed book on Rotary Peace Fellows titled “A String of Pearls by Rotarian David C. Forward, which was introduced to 20,000 Rotarians in Atlanta, was acquired by the club and will be auctioned off at a future meeting, A Rotarian Action Group ( RAG) has been established with a mission to eradicate the world  from Hepatitis. Over 500 million people worldwide are carrying the virus and they show no signs of the condition until late stages.

President Jim Juliano then introduced Guest Speaker Keith Maples, Chief Development Officer for the Neighborhood Health Clinic. The organization was started in 1999 with a vision of its founders Nancy and Dr. Bill Lascheid. Their mission was to “make a difference” in the lives of needy Collier County residents by providing quality medical  and dental  care to low income, working adults, with a professional staff of volunteer doctors and dentists. The Clinic is completely funded by private philanthropy- No government funding. In 2016, 90% of every income dollar went to patient services. Also in 2016, almost 10,000 patient visits took place and 27,000 procedures were performed on patients. Keith showed a brief PP Presentation on the organization and two short videos on their doctors and dentists. The service provided by the Neighborhood Clinic is truly amazing and demonstrates the “Service before Self” approach of its founders and volunteers.

Reminder: August is Membership and New Club Development Month on the RI calendar

Mark your Calendars, unless otherwise stated, all our meetings are at the Hyatt House Naples

Thursday Evening Aug 17 – No Meeting – Club Social at The Mercato venue Burn

Thursday Evening August 24,Dinner 6:00PM TBD

Thursday Evening August 31,Dinner 6:00PM TBD

Wednesday Morning 7:30 AM Penny Taylor - Collier County Board of Commissioners