September 23, 2015 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

The September 23, 2015 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Club meeting was called to order at 7:30am by President Dan Herrington followed by Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Visiting Rotarians and Guests were then introduced. President Herrington said our website is live and accepting ticket orders for our upcoming October 28 HalloWine Walk at Mercato and available now to order and pay for tickets at http://www.MercatoWineWalk.com/ . President Harrington introduced our guest speaker Mark P. Strain, Chief Hearing Examiner, Collier County Government. He discussed the many happenings in Collier County planning and what the future holds. This was a very exciting and eye awakening presentation on what our future will look like both in Naples and in Collier County. Many questions were asked due to the great interest in the subject and the excellent presentation. Meeting was adjourned at 8:40am. Our next meeting will be our 5th week of September (September 30th) and will be a dinner on the beach of Naples. It will start at 6pm and continue to 8pm. Additional information will be sent to all members with specific questions and answers needed.

September 16, 2015 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

The September 16, 2015 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary meeting was called to order at 7:35am by President Dan Herrington followed by Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Following introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians President Herrington briefed the club members on the latest happenings and projects including our upcoming Mercato WineWalk on October 28, 2015. He stated that tickets will be available online on September 23, 2015. Our guest speaker Penny Taylor, Collier County Commissioner, was introduced by President Herrington. Penny was elected Collier County Commissioner for District 4 in 2014. She is a ten year veteran of Naples City Council and former Vice-Mayor of Naples. She is a photo-journalist with a professional studio in Naples for over thirty years. She is a graduate of the University of South Florida. She is also a members of the Women's Republican Club of Collier County and League of Women Voters. Penny has served as a "foster" mom to over 44 "at risk" children. She discussed the latest happenings at the Collier County Commission and what the future holds. She explained in detail the many opportunities that are present now and in the future. Numerous questions by club members followed her excellent presentation. Additional information on Commissioner Penny Taylor is available by clicking here. The club was adjourned at 8:40am. The Club will be participating in a Beach Clean Up next Saturday September 19th at 8am at the beach parking area at 33rd Avenue South. Next week's meeting will be at 7:30am Wednesday September 23rd at Jane's Cafe with our guest speaker of Mark Strain, Chairman of the Collier County Planning Commission.

September 9, 2015 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

September 9, 2015 Naples Gulf shore Sunset Rotary Meeting was called to order by President Dan Herrington followed by Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Folowing introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians the Happy Dollar was presented. Our guest speaker was the Mayor of Naples, Florida John F. Sorey, III who discussed the many exciting past, current and future events and happenings in Naples, Florida. Mayor John F. Sorey III served on City Council from 2004 to 2012, and was elected Mayor in 2012. With an MBA from the University of Tennessee, his professional background is in manufacturing and distribution management. Mayor Sorey is currently the Executive Director of the Naples Players which is a local community theatre. He was an Army Infantry officer in Vietnam. His volunteer activities include: Chair, Coastal Advisory Committee: Member Tourist Development Council; Board Member, Harvard Club of Naples; Board Member, Community Foundation; and a Member of the Collier County Republican Party Executive Committee. Mayor Sorey is the first mayor of Naples elected to the Florida League of Mayors, Board of Directors. He first came to Naples in 1979 and moved here fulltime in 1998. Mayor Sorey has served many organizations to include: Board Member of the Naples Players, 2000-2013 and President 2001-2003; Member Planning Advisory Board, 2000-2004, and Chairman, 2003-04; Past Board Member, Friends of the Library; Past Member, Environmental Affairs Committee; Past Vice Chair, Big Cypress Basin Board, 2006-2012; Past Board Member, Naples Zoo, 2007-2013; and is a Master Gardener. He and his wife Delores have two children and twin grandsons. Many questions were asked from members after his excellent presentation and all were very excited about the bright and positive picture for Naples now and in the future. Additional information may be found by clicking here. John also mentioned the Naples Players and handed out literature for the upcoming season. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45am. The next meeting will be next Wednesday September 16th at 7:30am at Janes's Cafe on Third with our guest speaker Collier County Commissioner Penny Taylor.

September 2, 2015 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Club Meeting

The September 2, 2015 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Club meeting was called to order by President Dan Herrington followed by Invocation by member Joseph Davidow followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. President Herrington discussed our upcoming October 28, 2015 Mercato Wine Walk (HalloWine) to be held at the Mercato from 6Pm to 8pm. This will be the 3rd annual Mercato Wine Walk event with 17 establishments participating with reservations/tickets available online within the next few weeks at MercatoWineWalk.com . Our guest speaker Cotrenia Hood, Director of Development, Youth Haven was introduced by our President Dan Herrington. Youth Haven provides emergency shelter and counseling services to abused, neglected and abandoned children, and counseling and family support and prevention service to at-risk families. Cotrenia discussed the latest happenings and events of Youth Haven that has operated continuously for more than 42 years. Their services touch more than 2,400 children and family members annually. Youth Haven's core programs and services include: a) Emergency Shelter; b) Children and Family Counseling Center; c) Family Support and Prevention Services; and d) Homeless and Runaway Youth Program. Their mission is to protect and empower children and strengthen families in Southwest Florida through comprehensive care and community collaboration. Their vision is every child in Southwest Florida will grow up in a safe and nuturing family environment. Youth Haven is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA). It is a member agency of the United Way of Collier County and beneficiary of the Naples Children and Education Foundation. Additional information can be found by clicking here. Many questions were asked by members who enjoyed her presentation very much. Our next weekly meeting will be at 7:30am Wednesday September 9, 2015 at Janes's Cafe on Third with guest speaker Naples Mayor John F. Sorey, III.

August 27, 2015 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Club Meeting

The August 27, 2015 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Club meeting was called to order by Past President Bill Towers followed by Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Visiting Rotarians and guests were introduced followed by our guest speaker Robbie Spencer, Executive Editor the Naples Herald. Robbie also introduced his staff writer Tyler Mosher. Robbie explained the history and current happenings at his digital newspaper. The Naples Herald is committed to bringing its readers trusted news and premium content, free of charge. Its mission is to support local businesses and people who are making a difference in the community. Naples Herald also offers an up-to-date business directory, classifieds website, and job board, with more premium features on the way. After his excellent presentation a number of questions were asked. Additional information about the Naples Herald is available by clicking here. Our membership was updated about the upcoming October 28, 2015 Mercato Wine Walk (HalloWine) and activities surrounding it. Our next meeting will be Wednesday 7:30am September 2, 2015 at Janes's Cafe on Third Street. We will be having a Club Assembly to discuss the various upcoming activities and fund raisers.

August 20, 2015 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

The August 20, 2015 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting was called to order by President Elect Rob Samouce at 6:00pm followed by Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Guests and Visiting Rotarians were introduced followed by collection of happy dollars. Our speaker was Karl Williams, Chapter Chairman and Business Counselor of SCORE Naples and Volunteer representing the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. He described all the latest happenings at the Conservancy that was founded in 1964 including the following facts: a) 21 Acre Nature Center, b) 3,300 Animals Treated per Year, c) 125 Animals On Exhibit, d) 70 Resident Gopher Tortoises, e) 1,000+ Wetland Acres Saves, f) 245,000 Sea Turtle Hatchlings, and g) 10,000 Students Reached Annually. Members had a number of questions following his excellent presentation. Additional information on the Conservancy of Southwest Florida is available by clicking here. Meeting was adjourned at 7:45pm. Our next meeting will be Thursday August 27th at Pompanos with Happy Hour at 5:30pm and Meeting at 6:00pm. Robbie Spencer the Executive Editor of the Naples Herald will be our guest speaker and in addition we will be discussing notes from club board meeting of Tuesday August 25th and our upcoming HalloWine Walk fund raiser at the Mercato. Please note that Pompano will be closed the entire month of September and we will be having 7:30am morning breakfast meetings at Jane's Cafe on 3rd Street for the entire month of September 2015.

August 12, 2015 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Club Meeting

The August 12, 2015 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Club meeting was called to order by President Dan Herrington at 7:30am followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation. Guest and visiting Rotarian were introduced followed by our guest speaker Pamela Hughes, D.O.; Functional Medicine Specialist with the Hughes Center. Dr. Hughes discussed the immediate history and the mission of the Hughes Center including the creation of a therepeutic partnership with patients and families to empower the patient to take ownership of their own healing and well-being. With individualized analysis they examine the root of imbalance and then provide patients the tools to restore their health and prevent disease. Dr. Hughes then introduced her associate Carol L. Roberts, M.D.., who discussed the differences between functional medicine, alternative medicine and holistic medicine. Questions were answered and all members enjoyed learning about the Hughes Center. Additional information is available by clicking here. Also congratulations to Kristen Petry recognized as our clubs Rotarian of the Year for 2014. We appreciate your dedication and value your friendship! Picture below with Past President Anne Towers with Kristen Petry. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 am. Note: Our next meeting will be Thursday August 20, 2015 at Pompano Surf and Turf starting with Happy Hour at 5:30pm and Meeting at 6:00pm. Our speaker will be Karl Williams of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and members please bring a guest!!

August 5, 2015 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

The August 5, 2015 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting was called to order by President Dan Herrington at 7:30am followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation. The visiting Rotarian Brent Frigaard Rasmussen from Otterup, Denmark swapped banners with our President Dan Herrington. Following breakfast our guest speaker Dianne Reed of the Collier Child Care Resources, Inc. discussed the many happenings and resources available from CCRC. Their mission is to support the needs of Collier County's children, families and early learning professionals by providing high quality education, resources and child care services. Additional information about CCCR is available by clicking here. As the original Naples Sunset Rotary Club sponsored a number of CCRC activities our newly created merged club of Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary was extremely proud to give the CCRC a check in the amount of $5,000. All members enjoyed the discussion and presentation. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30am. The Naples Daily News article is available by clicking here. The press release is available by clicking here. Our next meeting 7:30am Wednesday August 12, 2015 at Janes's Cafe will be featuring Dr. Pamela Hughes from the Hughes Center for Functional Medicine.

July 30, 2015 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

This week being the fifth week of the month generated a social outing in lieu of a regular scheduled meeting at either Jane's or Pompano. Robbie Selby, our awesome social chair, set up a great evening for us at Avenue Wine Café located at 483 5th Ave South. It was a game night mixer and all games were a hoot especially since they were topped with and fueled by an ample supply of wine. The game played was Taboo and was a blast and we thank Robbie for another best social!! Thanks are also in order for Mr. Titus for the obligatory after party at his office. Our next meeting will be Wednesday August 5th in the morning at 7:30 am at Jane's Café. Dianne Reed from Collier Child Care Resources will be our speaker.

July 23, 2015 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

The July 23, 2015 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting was called to order by Past President Bill Towers followed by by Joseph Davidow followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Following dinner and introduction of guests our Rotary member Jon Titus gave his classification presentation discussing that he had been an architect for the last thirty years. He reviewed his many architectural activities throughout his career up to present day. He mentioned that he is also a rum connoisseur for many years and displayed one of his aged rum samples. All club members enjoyed his presentation very much.

July 16, 2015 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Club Meeting

The July 16, 2015 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Club was called to order by Past President Bill Towers followed by invocation by Joseph Davidow. Following dinner Past President and Secretary Gary Moore presented the out going President of Naples Sunset Rotary Club Bill Towers a Paul Harris Fellowship and all members welcomed Bill as a Paul Harris Fellow. Meeting was adjourned at 8:00pm. Our next meeting will be on Thursday the 23rd of July at Pompano Surf and Turf starting at 6:00pm.

Rotary Fundraiser - Free Drinks Pompano Surf and Turf July 2nd 5pm to 7pm

We are celebrating the 4th of July and the new merger of our Naples Sunset Rotary Club and Naples Gulfshore Rotary Club effective July 1, 2015 into Rotary's newest club called Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Club with a fundraiser with donations benefiting Collier Child Care Resources, Inc. (CCCR). All drinks will be free but donations are highly recommended for each drink received. Visit and socialize with fellow Rotarians and enjoy!! Time: 5pm to 7pm Date: Thursday July 2, 2015 Place: Pompano Surf & Turf, 1100 9th Street North (Ramada Inn), Naples, FL Additional information flyer available by clicking here.

June 25, 2015 Naples Sunset Rotary Last Meeting

The June 25, 2015 Naples Sunset Rotary Last Meeting was called to order in short form by President Bill Towers followed by Invocation by member Joseph Davidow. As this was the last meeting much was discussed about the past, present and future. It has been a good 32 years since our original chartering in April of 1983 with two original charter members still in the club .... George Leamon and Marcus Zillman. Naples Sunset Rotary and Naples Gulf Shore Rotary will be discontinued effective June 30, 2015 and members of both clubs will become part of a new Rotary Club created Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Club with its President of Dan Herrington. The first meeting will be July 1, 2015 at 7:30am Jane's Cafe on 3rd. The formal induction of new officers and board members will be on July 9, 2015 at 5:30pm Hobnob on 5th with District 6960 Governor officiating. The first and second weekly meetings will be at Jane's Cafe on Wednesdays at 7:30am and the third and fourth weekly meeting will be at Pompano Surf and Turf at Ramada Inn on Thursdays at 6:00pm. This blog will be repointed to the new site once up and running. Also remember the July 2nd Fundraiser!!

June 18, 2015 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The June 18, 2015 Naples Sunset Rotary meeting was called to order in short form by President Bill Towers. Following dinner a general discussion was held on the merger activities and the upcoming July 2nd fund raiser. Following the discussion the meeting was adjourned at 8:00pm.

The June 11, 2015 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The June 11, 2015 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting was called to order in short form by President Bill Towers. Following dinner a discussion of the current status of the merger that will be happening on July 1st as well as our upcoming fundraiser on July 2nd from 5pm to 7pm at Pompano. More information will be available within the next week and available from this site. Meeting was adjourned at 8:03pm following a cigar handout by President Towers on his latest arrival!! Congratulations President Bill!!!

June 4, 2015 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting

The June 4, 2015 Naples Sunset Rotary Meeting was called to order by President Bill Towers at 6:45pm followed by Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance led by member Joseph Davidow. Our speaker Robyn Quataert, Program Specialist for the United Way of Collier County presented an overview of their 211 local system to get connected and get answers. She explained that the 211 service is a freely available referral and information service provided by the United Way of Collier County to help with freely available information and referrals for all Collier County residents. Additional information is available by clicking here. After the presentation dinner was served with remarks by President Towers on our upcoming merger plans and meeting time. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10pm.