December 16, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Christmas Party

The Naples Sunset Rotary December 16, 2010 Christmas Party was called to order by President Carl Thome with invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. After a wonderful dinner we celebrated into the evening with dancing and singing. Gifts were collected for needy children and wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New years 2011 were given by all.

There will be no Naples Sunset Rotary Club meeting on December 23rd and December 30th due to the holidays. Our next regularly scheduled meeting will be January 6, 2011. All the club members wish everyone reading this blog a very Happy and Prosperous New Year 2011 !!

December 9, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The December 9, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting was called to order by President Carl Thome with Invocation and Pledge Allegiance. George Leamon introduced our guest speaker Andrew Hill, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Andrew discussed the latest happenings and the various projects of the Conservancy. He emphasized that the Conservancy was undergoing a major reconstruction of its entire campus and will be completely updated and finished in 2011. There were numerous questions from our members generated from the outstanding presentation. Additional information about the Conservancy of Southwest Florida is available by clicking here. The meeting was adjourned at 8:05pm.

Next week will be our annual Christmas Party starting at 6:00pm and continuing until 9:00pm with entertainment by Nevada Smith.

The December 2, 2011 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting was called to order by President Carl Thome at 6:30pm. After Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance a buffet dinner was given. A club discussion highlighted the program dicussing the latest Rotary happenings, upcoming Christmas party and introduction of guests. The meeting adjourned at 7:45pm

November 24, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Event

The annual Farm City BBQ on Wednesday November 24, 2010 at the Nobles Collier Packing Plant in Immokalee, Florida was attended by members of the Naples Sunset Rotary Club and their guests. The club rented a trolley and 40 folks were driven from Naples to Immokalee to celebrate the annual Farm City BBQ. Fun was had by all during this event which benefited youth leadership programs through 4H, Leadership Collier Foundation, Inc., and Collier County Junior Deputies League. Additional information on the annual Farm City BBQ is available by clicking here.

November 18, 2011 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The November 18, 2011 Naples Sunset Rotary Club meeting was called to order by President Carl Thome at 6:30am with invocation by Robert Bodine and Pledge of Allegiance. Naples Sunset Rotary member Bill Ford introduced our guest speaker Lt. Col. Robert Berlam, Commander, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol. Commander Berlam discussed the latest happenings with the Naples Civil Air Patrol and how they have participated in many emergency and non emergency events. A number of questions were answered from our members who enjoyed the CAP activities update very much. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45pm followed by a Naples Sunset Rotary Board Meeting to discuss the upcoming Christmas Party now scheduled for the 16th of December and a review/discussion of our new meeting location. The Naples Sunset Rotary Board Meeting was adjourned at 8:25pm.

November 11, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The November 11, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Club meeting was called to order by our President Carl Thome at our new location. Presidednt Carl gave the invocation and pledge allegiance. The program discussed our new location and its history. We decided that our Christmas Party would be held on Wednesday December 15, 2010 at our current meeting facility and President Carl to contact and invite other local Rotary Clubs. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45pm.

November 4, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Board Meeting

The November 4, 2010 Naples Sunet Rotary meeting was a Board Meeting to discuss the upcoming new meeting location(s). Naples Sunset Rotary Board Members discussed in detail the availability of various locations for our weekly Thursday evening meeting. Once a location either temporary or permament is determine it will be posted to this blog.

October 28, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The October 28, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting was called to order at 6:30pm by President Carl Thome. An Invocation was given followed by the Pledge Allegiance. After dinner a Club Assembly was given and areas for new meeting location were discussed. We were notified by the staff of The Naples Tennis Club & Resort that they are closing operations on Friday the 29th of October. The Club Asembly allowed members to dicsuss and to come up with new meeting location recommendations. Meeting adjourned at 7:45pm.

0ctober 21, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The October 21, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting was called to order by President Carl Thome at 6:30pm with the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation. After dinner Naples Sunset Rotary member Brady Young introduced the speaker Parker Stephen representing Reel Life Adventures a non for profit 501 (c)(3) connecting those who enjoy sport fishing and outdoor adventure with an avenue to make a real difference in the lives of impoverished children and families. Through the provision of various forms of humanitarian aid with special emphasis on the care of orphans, their objective is to rescue children from the street and offer true hope and a future to those who are suffering. Parker explained their latest activities as well as feaured article in Marlin Magazine. Additional information on Reel Life Adventures is available by clicking here. Many questions were asked and the meeting adjourned at 7:45pm. The Naples Sunset Rotary Club Board of Directors met directly after the meeting to discuss up coming events including our Christmas Party of December 15, 2010 as well as other activities and events. The Board meeting adjourned at 8:10pm.

October 14, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The October 14, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting was called to order at 6:45pm by President Carl Thome followed by Invocation and Pledge Allegiance. Assistant Governor Marcus P. Zillman introduced the speaker and Naples Sunset Rotary member Charles Ashback. Charles discussed his tenure at NASA and the many happenings that went on to improve our economy as well as improve the value of our standard of living. He was very concerned about the space program and the disassemble of the ongoing program for the future of space research and discovery. Club members had a number of questions and enjoyed the presentation very much. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00pm.


October 15, 2010 was Dictionary Day in Collier County and the Naples Sunset Rotary Club distributed dictionaries to 3rd graders in two elementary schools. Our Rotarians truly enjoyed giving these dictionaries to the many 3rd graders!! One school, Parkside Elementary School, thanked us by placing a "thank you" on their entrance sign!

October 7, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The October 7, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting was called to order at 6:45pm by President Carl Thome. The Invocation and Pledge Allegiance were followed by dinner. Naples Sunset Rotary board member Adoni Kokkinos introduced our speaker Lorrie Moore, Volunteer Supervisor/Team Leader for the local 20th Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Office. She discussed the program goals and the many positive outcomes that have been created locally. Additional information is available by clicking here. A questions and answer period followed and the club was adjourned at 8:00pm.

Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting September 30, 2010

The September 30, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Club meeting was called to order by President Carl Thome with the Pledge Allegiance and Invocation. After dinner the Sargent of Arms raised a few dollars from both guests and members for our favorite charities. Visiting Rotarian Dr. Leigh A. Readdy from Kirkland, Washington and Chief Lisison of the Rotarian Military Liaison Group discussed his mission with an excellent presentation. The highlight of the evening was the induction of two new members to our club. Carl Thome presented Bill Ford and Brady Young presented Josh Sparks. Bill will be classified in the media sector and Josh in the financial sector. President Carl then discussed upcoming activities for the club and adjournment was at 8:01pm.

Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting September 23, 2010

The September 23, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting was called to order by President Carl Thome at 6:45pm and continued with the Innvocation and Pleage Allegiance. After dinner President Carl introduced guests and then allowed Naples Sunset Rotary Member Adoni Kokkinos to introduce his mother and the Legislative Assistant to Senator Garrett S. Richter, Becky Kokkinos. Becky discussed the latest happenings in Senator Garrett's office and what is happening in the Florida State Senate. Following her presentation, the Naples Sunset Rotary members asked a number of pertinent questions. The meeting adjourned at 8:00pm.

September 16, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The September 16, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting was opened by President Carl Thome with the Pledge Allegiance and Innvocation. After dinner Naples Sunset Rotary Board Member Adoni Kokkinos introduced our guest speaker Harold Hall. He discussed his many years involvement with the charter form of government and the positive and negative aspects of such formats. There were many questions after his excellent presentation by members of the Naples Sunset Rotary Club. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00pm

September 9, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The September 9, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting was called to order at 6:45pm by President Carl Thome. The Pledge Allegiance and Invocation followed. After dinner the Naples Sunset Rotary Club member's guests were introduced and then President Carl Thome introduced Assistant Governor TRF Marcus Zillman and Assistant Governor Mick Moore. Assistant Governor Mick then introduced District 6960 Governor Don Thomas who discussed the many district activities and the goals for the district for 2010-2011. Governor Don also challenged the club to participate in a number of upcoming district projects as well as complimented the club on their many previous activities that served the local community as well as our international project and current ambassadorial scholar. After a question and answer period the meeting was adjourned. The attendance for this meeting was excellent including members spouses and guests.


Prior to the meeting the Naples Sunset Rotary Club Board of Directors met with the District Governor to go over past, current and future projects as well as to discuss the ongoing status of our international project that started in 2008. District Governor Thomas challenged the board of directors on goals for new members and gave us a lengthy discussion of local and district projects.

August 26, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The August 26, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting will called to order by President Carl Thome with Invocation and Pledge Allegiance. With 16 members and 2 guests in attendance President Thome discussed the upcoming District Governor's visit on September 9, 2010 with a board meeting prior to the meeting at 5:30pm. It should be noted that we will not have a meeting on September 2 in obervance of the upcoming Labor Day September 6, 2010. There will be a board meeting on September 2, 2010 at Past President George Leamon's office at Lutgert Insurance at 5:30pm. Past President Zillman highlighted some TRF ideas and plans being made by various club members. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55pm by President Thome.

August 19, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The August 19, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting was called to order by President Carl Thome and followed by Invocation and Pledge Allegiance. After the buffet served dinner President Thome presented the latest club and district information to the members. The District 6960 Governor will be visiting our club on September 9, 2010 and President Thome stated that we will have a club board meeting prior to the visit as well as a board meeting with the Governor 90 minutes prior to his club visit on September 9, 2010.

August 12, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The August 12, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting was called to order by President Carl Thome and followed by invocation and pledge. After dinner President Thome updated the club members with current happenings and events as related to local and district Rotary activities. Attendance was excellent with everyone enjoying the new meeting location.

Why are you a Rotarian? What does Service Above Self mean to you? How can you get more involved? Hear answers to these questions and more from Rotarians around the world with Rotary Minute. Each month, we’ll feature a new video about a topic of interest to you.

August 5, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The August 5, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting was held at our new location of The Naples Tennis Club and Resort. The meeting was called to order by President Carl Thome followed by Innvocation and Pledge Alligance. After dinner President Thome discussed the latest happenings within the Naples Sunset Rotary as well as happenings within the District. It was announced that the District Governor will be visiting our club on September 9, 2010 for his annual visitation. The club adjourned at 7:50pm.

July 29, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting of July 29, 2010 was a Ladies Night and was called to order by President Carl Thome. After the invocation and pledge dinner was served. President Thome introduced Rotarian Brady Young who delivered a report on The Rotary Foundation (TRF) Meeting last Saturday in Cape Coral. The District meeting was attended by 200 plus Rotarians.


President Thome then inducted our newest member Charles Ashback sponsored by Past President and current Assistant Governor Zillman.


Our program was introduced by Past President Zillman introducing Naples Sunset Rotary's Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar Jimmie Shubert who gave the club an excellent presentation on his previous year's activities including setting up a computer center in Ghana, Africa. Jimmie will be attending his PhD studies in New Zealand starting in June of 2011.

Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting July 22, 2010

Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting of July 22, 2010 was called to order by President Carl Thome with innvocation and pledge alligance. Dinner was served with a general discussion on Rotary activities.

This Saturday we will be attending The Rotary Foundation Meeting in Cape Coral for all clubs in District 6960 and will give a report on the meeting in an upcoming blog posting.

When our Rotary International President, Ray Klinginsmith, selected his theme for 2010-2011, he arrived at his theme after reviewing all the RI themes of years past. President Ray decided he wanted a brief theme that would fulfill two objectives – explaining Rotary to non-Rotarians and validating the work of Rotarians. The words he selected to describe Rotary’s current mission and highlight our achievements are what we do best: “Building Communities, Bridging Continents”. The below video highlights his speech covering his 2010-2011 Theme for Rotary International:

Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting July 15, 2010

The Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting was called to order by our 2010-2011 President Carl Thome. Carl had just returned from San Diego, California and mentioned his visit to various Rotary Clubs in that area. President Carl also discussed the additional use of Sgt-of-Arms activities and advised all members to not forget to wear their Rotary pins as well as to read the latest issue of Rotary Magazine. Our program was introduced by Rotarian Adoni Kokkinos and included Collier County Public Schools Gifted Department Supervisor Irene Benfatti discussing the mission of the Gifted Department. Their mission is to provide an educational program which encourages intellectual development, nurtures curiosity, stimulates a passion for rigor and challenge, and develop throughout the student’s academic career the desire to become a responsible, contributing citizen of the multicultural world. She also discussed the philosophy of the Gifted program. Gifted individuals exhibit abilities, talents, and interests which indicate exceptional potential. As students they require an educational program which is differentiated to accommodate their special strengths and skills. She also introduced two teachers who were actively participating in the delivery of the current Gifted program in elementary, middle and high schools. Additional information about the Collier County Public School's Gifted Programs are available by clicking here.

Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting July 8, 2010

The Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting for July 8, 2010; was called to order by President Elect Herb Buck and followed by Invocation and the Pledge Allegiance. The meeting then continued to dinner followed by a general round table discussion among members. The meeting adjourned at 8:00pm .

Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting July 1, 2010

The Naples Sunset Rotary meeting for July 1, 2010 was not observed due to the holiday period. The next meeting Thursday July 8, 2010 will be at the Collier Athletic Club and will feature comments on club activities and goals for 2010 - 2011 year.

June 24, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The June 24, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting was a Ladies Night and featured the installation of our 2010 - 2011 Naples Sunset Rotary Officers and Board Members. The installation was presented by our 2008-2010 President Marcus P. Zillman. The following are our 2010-2011 Officers: President Carl Thome, President Elect Herb Buck, and Secretary/Treasurer Gary Moore. 2010 - 2011 Board of Directors include: Adoni Kokkinos, George Leamon and Robert Bodine. Past President Zillman was awarded a placque with gavel for his two years as President and now serves as the 2010 - 2011 Assistant Governor of TRF for Rotary District 6960.

June 17, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The June 17, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting met at Naples Bath and Tennis Club with a club assembly discussing the upcoming club activities. It was noted that next week the club will be back at the Collier Athletic Club with Ladies Night and the induction of our 2010-2011 officers and board members. The induction will be led by Past Presidents Zillman and Moore. The Naples Sunset Rotary Club's year starts on July 1, 2010. It was also noted that due to the July 4th activities we will not have a July 1st meeting.

June 10, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The June 10, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting featured Elizabeth Gronlund, Safety Director, Hyperbarics Bonita Wound Healing Center that is part of the HCH Healthcare System. Elizabeth was introduced by Naples Sunset Rotary member Adoni Kokkinos, Program Chairman. The Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers at the NCH Would Healing Center are used for the following clinical indications: a) Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis, b) Osteoradionecrosis, c) Decompression Illness, d) Gas Gangrene, e) Acute Traumatic Peripheral Ischemia, f) Acute Peripheral Arterial Insufficiency, g) Preparation and Preservation of Compromised Skin Grafts, h) Progressive Necrotizing Infections (Necrotizing Fasciitis), i) Crush Injuries and Suture Reattachments of Severed Limbs, j) Diabetic Foot and Low Extremity Ulcer, k) Soft Tissue Radionecrosis - Proctitis - Cystitis, l) Gas Embolism, m) Actinomycosis, and n) Acute Carbon Monoxide Intoxication. The presentation was well received with numerous questions. Additional information is available by clicking here.

June 3, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Club

The June 3, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting featured speaker was Maria Wassef, Executive Director of Marias Cupcakes for the Homeless. Maria was introduced by Naples Sunset Rotary member Adoni Kokkinos. Maria explained that she started this project one year and three months ago and it has grown to serving birthday cupcakes to over 63 homeless shelters located throughout the United States with 14 volunteers. The tremendous growth has absolutely amazed Maria and now she is looking to help even more homeless by supplying more and more birthday cupcakes. This is truly a great project that is helping those who truly need help during this time of our economy. Many questions were asked and our Naples Sunset Rotary was truly impressed both with her original idea and her contstant passion to obtain the goals to help the less fortunate!

At the 5:00pm Naples Sunset Rotary Board meeting it was approved that we would not schedule any speakers for the months of July and August 2010. The President Elect 2010-2011 position will filled by Herb Buck.

May 27, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary

The May 27, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting was one of our very casual meetings prior to the Memorial Day holiday. Members enjoyed a wonderful filet meal while discussing the latest happenings both locally, nationally and internationally. The meeting adjourned at 7:50pm. There will be a board meeting at 5:00pm next Thursday June 3, 2010 directly before our regularly scheduled meeting.

May 20, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The May 20, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting featured Dr. Helena Sturnick introduced by club president Marcus P. Zillman. Dr. Sturnick is a leadership and transition specialist who has been the turn-around President for five universities and colleges, a Vice President for the American Council on Education and Director of a national office for leadership development in Washington, D.C. . Recipient of numerous global and national leadership awards, she has presented seminars and keynote addresses in nine countries, cofounded a major leadership development program in Sweden and consulted with the United Nations on global leadership issues. She is the cofounder of the recently founded Entrepreneurial Society of Naples (ESON). Dr. Sturnick discussed the many facets of successful thinking in today's new economy and described in detail the steps required to accomplish successful thinking. She also used a number of excellent examples including detailed scientific verification of results that can be achieved through successful thinking. Her PowerPoint presentation concluded with question and answers from Club members. All members enjoyed her presentation very much knowing that positive thoughts in today's economic environment is one of the major keys to a successful business.

An upcoming Naples Sunset Rotary board meeting was announced that will take place on June 3, 2010 at 5pm at Collier Athletic Club prior to our regularly scheduled meeting.

Rotary International District 6960 Annual Conference

May 13 - 15, 2010 was our Rotary International District 6960 Annual Conference in St. Petersburg, Florida at the Tradewinds Resort. The conference was very exciting with many new opportunities and statistics about Rotary's growth in the involvement in local communities throughout the world. Numerous projects were discussed and examples from throughout the world were shown. The Russian GSE Team gave an excellent presentation. We also witnessed numerous excellent speeches and presentations. The higlight of the conference for Naples Sunset Rotary was the receipt of the Governor's Award of Merit for 2009-2010 as well as the 2009-2010 Presidential Citation Award.

May 13, 2010 Naples Sunset rotary Meeting

The May 13, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting featured speaker was Pam Fultz, Director of Community Relations of The Terraces at Bonita Springs. This to be constructed in Bonita Springs, Florida lifecare retirement community by SantaFe Senior Living, will be offering all the conveniences you want and the protection for the future that you will need. Complete with Mediterranean inspired residences, a host of premium services and amenties, and the estate preservation of lifecare. Pam showed us a powerpoint presentation giving statistics and very interesting facts about lifecare in general and The Terraces in specific. Construction of The Terraces, which will feature maintenance-free, independent living in 150 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes, is anticipated to start in 2011. A number of questions were asked after her presentation which was enjoyed by all. Additional information is available by clicking here.

May 6, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The May 6, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting fatured speaker Officer William J. Gonsalves, Naples Police and Emergency Services and Police Coordinator with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Officer Gonsalves was introduced by Naples Sunset Rotary Member and Member of CERT Robert Short. C.E.R. T. is a group of concerned citizens that is organized and receives seven weeks of training that enhances their ability to recognize, respond to, and recover from a major emergency or disaster. Previous emergency experience is not required. The seven-week course is free with all books and materials provided. Officer Gonsalves discussed CERT and that participants received specialized training in the following areas: a) Fire Safety and Suppression, b) Disaster Medical OPerations, c) Light Search and Rescue Operations, d) Team Organization, e) Incident Command System, f) Disaster Psychology and g) Terrorism. The club enjoyed the presentation and a number of questions were asked. Additional information is available by clicking here.

April 29, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The April 29, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting was held in conjunction with the Bonita Springs Noon Rotary Club foundation's International Fest 2010 at the Mercato in Naples. A number of Naples Sunset Rotary members attended and enjoyed the various wine and beer tasting events.

April 22, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The April 22, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting featured our own Robert Bodine with hundreds of pictures projected through his laptop on his latest trip to Cape Town, South Africa in February. He discussed the area in detail along with a review of the Cobra automotive manufacturing plant that he visited and toured the manufacturing facility. The club members truly enjoyed his many pictures and the very beautiful and scenic Cape Town, South Africa environs. A lengthy period of discussion and questions after his presentation.

It was voted and approved by Naples Sunset Rotary Club members that our next Thursday (April 29, 2010) meeting will be held in conjunction with the The Mercato - International Fest 2010 in association with Rotary Club of Bonita Springs Noon Foundation at the Mercato Complex at Vanderbilt and U.S. 41 from 5:00pm - 8:00pm.

April 15, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The April 15, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Club meeting feature Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk. Sheriff Rambosk was introduced by Naples Sunset Rotary President Marcus P. Zillman. Sheriff Rambosk has been a resident of Collier County since 1978 and served as Collier County Sheriff since January 6, 2009. He was Chief of Police of Naples in 1995 and appointed City Manager in 1999. He originally joined the Naples Police Force in 1978. He has received numerous community awards and is a past member of numerous Naples and Collier County Community Service Organizations. Sheriff Rambosk discussed the current happenings of the Collier Sheriff's Office and the many exciting projects as well as community updates. Numerous questions were asked by Naples Sunset Rotary Club members and his presentation was extremely well received. We are highly honored and proud to have Kevin Rambosk involve in our community affairs over numerous years and now our fine Sheriff of Collier County.

April 8, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The April 8, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting featured Jane Hyttel, Southeast Team Leader, Cameron Hughes Wine, San Francisco, California. Jane was introduced by Naples Sunset rotary member John Martin. Jane presented the various wine offering of Cameron Hughes. With an obsession for quality and innovation, Cameron Hughes Wine, was founded by Cameron Hughes and partner Jessica Kogan, and is dedicated to building a reputation for delivering the best domestic and international wine values in the marketplace today. As a modern international négociant, they consistently deliver small "Lots" of high-end wines at very affordable prices. They source wines from the world’s best wine regions, including France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, and California. Cameron Hughes Wine brands—unique in character and integrity—include The Flying Winemaker, Hughes Wellman, RockRidge, Evergreen, and the Lot Series. CHW sells direct to retailers and distributors nationwide, and it owns and operates its own online store. Their company is founded on the concept that excellent wine should be available at a value price. They make high-priced appellations and varietals accessible to you without breaking the bank! Our John Martin's Costco in Estero is the exclusive retailer of their product in the Southeast. Our members enjoyed very much Jane's presentation as well as Cameron Hughes wines.

April 1, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The April 1, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting featured a presentation by Debbie Pickering, Mission Education Director, American Cancer Society. Rotarian Program Chairman Adoni Kokkinos introduced Debbie. Debbie explained that she was a cancer survivor and actively promoting the upcoming Relay for Life of Naples, April 16 and 17, 2010 at Gulfview Middle School with additional information available here. Debbie also highlighted the many freely available programs of the American Cancer Society including a) Reach to Recovery, b) Look Good ...Feel Better, c) Man to Man, d) Transportation: Road to Recovery, e) Resources, Information and Guidance, f) I Can Cope, g) New Patient Packet, g) Cancer Resource Center-Gift Closet, h) R.O.C.K. (Reaching Out to Cancer Kids) Camp, i) R.O.C.K. (Reaching Out to Cancer Kids) Family Weekend, R.O.C.K. (Reaching Out to Cancer Kids) College Scholarships, j) Financial Assistance, and k) Online Support Community. Her presentation was well received with a number of question. All appreciated very much Debbie's personal involvement and total commitment as well as we enjoyed meeting her grandson!! Additional information on the American Cancer Society is available by clicking here.


Gary Moore, Naples Sunset Rotary Secretary/Treasurer awarded the winners of last weeks annual raffle. Marcus P. Zillman, President Naples Sunset rotary congratulates the raffle winners as well .....

March 25, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The March 25, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting was our annual fund raise raffle event along with a guest speaker. Member Adoni Kokkinos introduced Paul Brigham, Stores Manager for the local St. Vincent de Paul Society, Naples District Council. The St. Vincent de Paul Society was founded in Paris, France, in 1833 by Frederick Ozanam, a 20 year-old university student. He and several of his friends were challenged to live the faith they professed. Under the patronage of St. Vincent de Paul, they began visiting the poor and needy and caring for their needs. In 1845 the Society spread to the New World. Today, Vincentians serve in 142 countries. The St. Vincent de Paul Society Naples District Council, Inc. is a Catholic lay organization whose members join together to grow spiritually by providing person-to-person service to the needy and suffering. They embrace all works of charity and justice, and make no distinction in those served because in them they see the face of Christ. The Society serves everyone, regardless of creed, opinion, color or origin. Their activities include Meals on Wheels, Scholarships, Personal Assistance, and Thrift Stores. Additional Information is available by clicking here.


After the presentation our annual raffle took place thus setting the stage for a successful budget for our upcoming Rotary year charity activities of 2010-2011.

Message from President Elect Carl Thome

The 2010-2011 PETS Seminar in Orlando is now history. We had 450 President Elects from Florida and the Grand Bahamas attending. There was a major emphasis on TRF, Members Retention and Polio Plus. Speaking of Polio Plus, as most of you know, Rotary received a 355 million dollar grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Rotary in return needed to raise 200 million dollars by June of 2012. Rotary is already at the 138 million dollar mark and we are well ahead of schedule. Last week alone over 70 million children in Africa were given the vaccine ..... quite an undertaking! A website of interest is http://www.blogger.com/www.polioeradication.org. This website updates on a weekly basis the cases of polio reported by country. Polio can only be considered eradicated if no cases have been reported 3 years from the very last reported case.

John Smarge of the Rotary Club of Naples was a keynote speaker at Florida Rotary PETS 2010 and discussed his favorite topic .... Membership and Retention. John is also Rotary International Director Elect. He is the first from our District 6960 and we are all quite proud of him. I have had the privilege of knowing John when first he arrived in Naples and have all the confidence that he will represent our District 6960 well. Speaking of District 6960 our current President will be Assistant Governor TRF Area 2 for the 2010-2011 year and we congratulate Marcus on his past two years as President of Naples Sunset Rotary and is continued involvement in Rotary district administration.

Naples Sunset Rotary Club will be facing some new challenges this upcoming new Rotary Year but I feel that we, as a club working together, will face these issues well and will become a stronger club for it.

Building Communities Bridging Continents

This is our Theme for the 2010-2011 Rotary year. Roy Klinginsmith, a 50 year Rotarian and incoming 2010-2011 Rotary International President felt that most themes spoke only to Rotarians. Roy wanted to develop a theme that would also tell non-Rotarians something about what Rotary does and to carry over Rotarians at the same time the importance of what we do.

March 18, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The March 18, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting featured the Collier County Tax Collector Larry H. Ray. Larry was introduced by Naples Sunset Rotary member George Leamon. In January of 2007, Larry joined the staff of the Collier County Tax Collector as the Compliance Officer. In this role, he is responsible for insuring that the various departments and the 12 satellite offices of the Tax Collector operate in accordance with accepted accounting procedures and conform to the provisions outlined in the Florida Statutes. Since joining the Tax Collector's staff, Larry has been instrumental design, construction, and opening of a new satellite office in North Naples that provides all tax collector functions to include the issuance of driver’s licenses. This office, a joint venture with the Clerk of Courts and the Collier County Sheriff's Office, features the latest in technology and is designed to serve as the prototype for future expansion as the county grows. Larry was elected by the citizens of Collier County to be their Tax Collector in November of 2008. Larry is active in the Naples community having served on the boards of Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida and the Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida. Additionally, he has been a member of the Collier County Privatization Committee and the Collier County Transportation Citizens Advisory Committee. Larry is graduate of Leadership Collier, and is currently enrolled in the Leadership Institute Executive Management Program at Hodges University. He is a past president of the Naples North Rotary Club. Larry excellent presentation was well received and many questions were asked by the members of Naples Sunset Rotary Club.

The Naples Sunset Rotary Club meeting adjourned and the Naples Sunset Rotary Club Board began its meeting to discuss our next week's Annual Raffle status as well as routine administrative information. The board meeting was presided by President Zillman and was adjourned at 8:50pm.

March 11, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The March 11, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting featured Eileen Wesley, SART Coordinator for Project Help. Naples Sunset Rotarian Adoni Kokkinos introduced Eileen to the Club. Eileen stated that Project Help, Inc., established in 1983, acts with dignity and compassion to ease the pain of those affected by rape, domestic violence, and crime and loss of a loved one. Their trained counselors are freely avaiable 24/7. Project Help, Inc. offers the following freely available services to our community: a) Rape crisis and Sexual Violence Program, b) Sexual Violence Forensic Medical Exam Program, c) Crime Victim/Homicide Survivors Program, d) Survivors of Suicide Program, e) Community Crisis Debriefing, f) Sudden Death Notification, g) Court Advocacy, h) Sudden Death Grief Crisis Resource, i) Support Groups, j) Individual Counseling, k) Family Counseling, and l) HIV Testing. Project Help's Rape Crisis and Suicide Hotline have been serving the community 24/7 for over 25 years. Naples Sunset Rotary members enjoyed her presentation very much and a number of questions were asked. For additional information on Project Help, Inc. click here.