February 25, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The February 25, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting featured Kimberley J. Ouimet, Executive Director and Jacki Strategos, Board Member; both of the Miss Southwest Florida Pageant. Jacki was introduced by Naples Sunset Rotary member Herb Buck. Jacki gave an overview of the Miss Southwest Florida Pageant which is the preliminary for Miss Florida and then Miss America and then Miss Universe. Kimberley explained that The Miss America parogram is not a "beauty pagent", rather an American icon and community service organization that is committed to professional and personal development of "the girl next door". There is no entry fee and the young women who participate in the Miss America program are intelligent, talented and articulate. The Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and Volunteers come together to change the lives of young women from all over Collier and Lee Counties by producing the "Miss Southwest Florida" pageant. The presentation concluded with pictures of prior pageants and questions and answers from Naples Sunset Rotary Members. For additional information please go to MissFlorida.org or MissAmerica.org .

February 18, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The February 18, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting featured Barbara G. Posner, Chairman of the Fresh Star for Abused Women Fund. Fresh Start is dedicated to supporting Collier County women and their children who leave violent homes to become economically independent through grants of financial assistance. Fresh Start serves Collier County women who have left their abuser and have souight assistance from a social service agency. They are referred to Fresh Start by the agency for futher financial help. Grants can be for: a) Housing, b) Transportation, c) Child Care, d) Education, and e) Other approved purposes in order to help these women become self-sufficient. Fresh Start is a fund of the Community Foundation. Barbara was introduced by Naples Sunset Rotary member Dr. Michael Finkel.

February 11, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The February 11, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting featured guest speaker Karen Rollins, President and CEO of Avow Hospice. Avow Hospice has been caring for Collier County since 1983. They are a not-for-profit agency with a strong sense of mission and commitment to our community. Thet are "everyone's" hospice, caring with equal compassion for those of all ages, races, cultures and menas. Until 2007, they were known as Hospice of Naples (with the divisions Hospice of Marco Island and Hospice of Immokalee). They changed their name to Avow Hospice because they vow to provide personalized, exceptional care for those who need them. They take that vow so seriously that they have taken it as part of their name. Karen discussed their numerous services for patients, families and friends. The non for profit agency is active in the continuing education of the community at large as well as related professionals in the field. Questions and answers followed her presentation that was very well received by all members of the club. Additional information about Avow Hospice by clicking here.


John Wheelwright and wife Pauline, visiting Rotarians from the Elland, West Yorks, United Kingdom Rotary Club presented our Naples Sunset Rotary Club their banner which was accepted by Club President Zillman. John gave us the greetings from all his club members and we will be sending John and his club our banner.

February 4, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The February 4, 2010 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting featured Don Evans, economic consultant, discussing the latest happenings and events of our economy. He discussed what he felt the future economic maze holds for business and investors and presented facts and figures including charts to back up his thoughts and opinions. Don talked to our club last year and it is always good to have him return with his latest updates and economic happenings in our New Economy. Don was introduced by Naples Sunset Rotarian Herb Buck.