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.

Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Upcoming Meeting Schedule November 2016

October 12, 2016 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

On Wednesday October 12^th, Past President Anne Towers lead the meeting with the introduction of our guest speaker Bill Barnett, Founder and Executive Director of Storytellers Creative Arts.  Bill gave the invocation and pledge followed by Club announcements and an update on our annual Mercato Wine Walk – Hallowine 2016.  Tickets are available at www.MercatoWineWalk.com.  This year’s event will have Red Carpet Photos and a raffle of many items, including a wicker chair set worth over $1,000!

Our guest speaker Bill Barnett from Storytellers Creative Arts provided us his vision as Founder of the organization.  Storytellers Creative Arts believes that there is a generation of rising artists who will have a cultural impact using all areas of the arts. The vision of “transforming lives through the arts” guides the mission of developing communities of connection, celebration and creating art that expresses faith, elevates culture and transforms lives.  Three initiatives enable us to accomplish the mission: Arts Outreach to the underprivileged, Creative Expression Groups for local artists and Events that connect, inspire and equip creatives.

It was a pleasure having Bill as a guest speaker and quality questions being addressed by our members.

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

Thurs. Evening, Oct 20, 5:30 p.m. Newborns in Need Speaker
Friday Morning, Oct 21, a.m. Dictionary Day-Naples Park, Vineyards, Laurel Oak, Parkside
Thurs. Evening, Oct 27, 5:00 p.m. Hallowine Walk at Mercato
Wed. Morning, Nov 2, 7:30 a.m. Zonta Club Speaker
Wed. Morning, Nov 9, 7:30 a.m. Naples Chamber of Commerce Speaker

Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Upcoming Meeting Schedule October/November 2016

October 5, 2016 Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Meeting

On Wednesday October 5th, Sandy Harter gave the invocation and pledge.  Dan Herrington introduced guests and collected happy bucks. Mel Drury gave an update on the upcoming October 27^th  Hallowine Walk. Tickets are now on sale and are available at:  http://mercatowinewalk.com/.  Rob Samouce discussed the upcoming Dictionary Day on October 21st and LPGA Golf Tournament wherein our club will be manning the refreshment tent on the putting green from Nov. 15^th  to the 20^th.

Our guest speakers were Mary McDonough and Christian Gehring from the  SWFL Regional Human Trafficking Coalition. Human Trafficking includes forced workers, indentured servants and prostitutes.  In Southwest Florida, most of the prostitutes are coerced into labor starting from the ages of 10 to 12 with a ratio of 5 girls to 1 boy and are required to have sex 15 to 60 times a day. The pimps are both men and women and 17 were recently busted in our area alone.  They work from hotel rooms many times moving from hotel to hotel.  If you notice a child or teenager with an older person where things just don’t look right, you are encouraged not to try to intervene but to call The National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 and report what you see.  You do not have to give your name.

Next  Wednesday Morning, October 5th, our Speaker will be Bill Barnett (not our mayor but another Bill Barnett) telling us how Story Tellers are transforming the disadvantaged through the arts.

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

Wed.  Morning,  Oct 12, 7:30 a.m.     Story Tellers Speaker

Thurs. Evening,  Oct 20, 5:30 p.m.     Newborns in Need Speaker

Friday Morning,  Oct 21, a.m.              Dictionary Day-Naples Park, Vineyards, Laurel Oak, Parkside

Thurs. Evening,  Oct 27, 5:00 p.m.     Hallowine Walk at Mercato

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

Wed.  Morning,  Nov 9, 7:30 a.m.      Naples Chamber of Commerce Speaker

Naples Gulf Shore Sunset Rotary Upcoming Meetings