 Greater Naples Leadership, Inc.
www.gnlwebsite.org |
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GNL Connection
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April 2008
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Print & Go Links
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April Newsletter
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Dear Member,
 It is time to "begin again" as GNL transitions from one year and one board to the next. At the conclusion of the April board meeting, the president's gavel was passed to the very capable Jeanne Bolds (Class VIII). Seven new board members for the 2008-2009 year attended the meeting to observe the process of governing our great organization. They, along with 14 continuing board members, will be our leaders for the next year. We are in strong hands.
I would like to thank the most recent board for its hard work during the past year. Thanks also go to our Class Reps and many committee members for their participation and leadership.
We have much to look forward to--especially the enthusiasm that Class XII will demonstrate as session leaders for Class XIII. Planning for our Alumni activities for next year is well under way, and we will continue to work hard to find leadership volunteers for the agencies in Collier County.
One season is coming to an end, and another is upon us. It is time to "begin again" using our skills to accomplish our mission of bettering the community.
Thank you for giving me the honor of serving as your president for the past year.
Very truly yours,
Frank Gorke Jr.
President |
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A Year Worth Celebrating
More than 160 alumni, Class XII and Class XIII members joined Frank Gorke on April 10 at the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club for our annual Celebration Luncheon. When Frank concluded his long list of "firsts," as well as other accomplishments deserving celebration, he asked all those specifically mentioned and those who worked on these programs and projects to stand. Nearly the whole room rose for a round of hearty applause. It was evidence that GNLers are committed to the organization and that they work hard to keep it vital.
At the first GNL Annual Meeting, which preceded lunch, Ann Berlam introduced the directors assuming new board positions and the list of officers for membership approval, as stipulated by our bylaws. Frank then recognized outgoing board members Ann Berlam, Joyce Coughlan, Kate Henry, Chuck Krause, Jack Morgan, Dick Munro and Ed Owen.
Of course, every Celebration Luncheon ends with a forward look, and this year Frank introduced President-Elect Jeanne Bolds as the "person who does more for GNL than anyone." In turn, Jeanne spoke about Frank's dedication to GNL and its mission and then echoed his words about the many firsts and the ongoing accomplishments of GNL members. She called GNL a work in progress . . . an organization that continues to be vital by defining the best of the old and keeping it and using the best of the new to enhance and capitalize it.
It was a sunny day filled with camaraderie, standing ovations . . . and much to celebrate! View photos by Art Shafer and Linda Diaz.
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Board of Directors
2008-2009
Jeanne F. Bolds
President
Benjamin Tiley
President-Elect
Robert F. McCarthy
Vice President-Alumni
Douglas Johnson, Ph.D.
Vice President-Class XIII
Marsha J. Murphy
Vice President-Community Service
Jinny Johnson
Secretary
Anne D. Hale
Treasurer
Frank H. Gorke Jr.
Immediate Past President
Directors
Richard J. Borchers
Richard W. Borel
William H. Buchanan Jr.
Michael Fleming
Martha M. Forbes
Joan Lukowiak, Ed.D.
Thomas D. McCann
Marsha A. McDonough
R. Wayne Mullican
Arthur Shafer
Barbara H. Teaford
Jennifer B. Walker
Susan Warren
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Honoring Dottie
 In receiving the Parke Wright III Award, GNL's highest recognition for service, at the April 10 Celebration Luncheon, Dottie Gerrity was gracious, humorous and generous in applauding GNLers for all they do. She broke up the room when she thanked her husband Bob for his patience in living with a wife who is "never there" or who is on the phone or the computer when she is. She had a long list of "wifely duties" that she doesn't get to while doing all of her good works.
GNLers recognized Dottie and thanked Bob for his role in her considerable contributions to the community. If you missed the luncheon, or would like a reminder, read Dottie's remarks. |
Art, Autos and Nonprofits
 Her world is filled with museums, classic automobiles, travel with a very handy husband, nonprofit agencies and charitable donors, a teenage daughter and a young dog who eats everything. Meet Mary George (Class IX), president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Collier County, in a conversation she had recently with Jen Walker (Class IX).
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Pomp and Circumstance
photo by Rick Wayman, Ritz Camera Team Leader Doug Johnson (Class XI) reports that Class XII members passed from matriculate to graduate status on April 3. The occasion was celebrated at the Port Royal Club with cocktails, dinner and a variety of presentations. Photos of class members and activities during the year were projected during the reception and dinner. Class XII Chair Martha Forbes introduced President Frank Gorke, who lauded the class for their achievement, enthusiasm and tremendous potential for community service. Program Chair Jack Morgan followed with congratulatory remarks and turned the mike over to Class XII Representative Karen Gregg, who then introduced several classmates who played the role of reporters talking about nine reasons to join GNL. Bill Hall and Jack Heidt were two particularly vocal "reporters."
Karen presented gifts to the Class XII Leadership Team, in appreciation of their efforts to make the master class experience satisfying, informative and, at times, inspiring. Concluding the evening, Frank Gorke and Martha Forbes presented each graduate with a gift and a group photo taken earlier in the evening.
Special thanks for the success of Graduation go to committee members Deb Black, Bill Buchanan, Karen Gregg and Eileen Mann and to Dick Munro (Class IX), who sponsored the celebration at the Port Royal Club. Thanks also to Robert Halman and Joan Sehdev for their work all year as class photographers and for their preparation of the graduation night slide show.
The evening was a fitting conclusion to a wonderful year of new experiences, new friends, new challenges and new opportunities.
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GNL Then and Now
Over the 12 years of GNL's existence, we have definitely changed. One couple witnessing those changes, Bob (Class VI) and Sue Reynen (Class XII), recently told Jen Walker (Class IX) about some of the differences in their respective experiences. Bob was recruited by Gordon Watson (Class III), a friend from New Jersey, to join GNL within days of moving to Naples. Everyone said the program took a lot of time but that it was very worthwhile, something Sue repeated about her recent experiences.
Bob's class numbered 36; Sue's, 42. Bob was "bowled over" by his class days--the speakers, the topics and his classmates. He'd return home after each session "really pumped" and full of conversation, according to Sue. It was a great introduction to their new home, and Bob joined the GNL board soon after graduating, went on to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and also became an officeholder with the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club. Today he is on the board of the Boys & Girls Club.
Sue had too many commitments to participate in GNL for several years. Meanwhile, Bob sponsored both Dick (Class IX) and Jean Ann Lynch (Class XI). When Sue was finally able to devote the time, Steve Teaford (Class VIII) sponsored Sue for this year's class. 
Bob and Sue talked about how each session team wants to improve upon the session days that they organize for the following year's class. Sometimes it's adding something different; sometimes it's a little more or less time on a particular topic. Bob's team was in charge of Arts & Communication Day, and he takes great pride in the program that they planned, which included a visit to the Naples Daily News and a chance to take a behind-the-scenes tour of The Phil and see a rehearsal there, followed by a tour of the Sugden Theatre and The von Liebig Center.
Sue's team is in charge of History Day for Class XIII, and they are already looking at adding some new features. But they are very conscious of the need to design a manageable program, realizing that there's just so much time and energy that classmates can give to any one session day.
Despite the differences in their experiences--and the many changes in Collier County in the past six years--both agree that GNL has stayed focused on its mission and that it continues to attract the talent needed to make a long-term difference in this community. photo by Jen Walker
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Class XII Law Day
Team Leader Doug Johnson (Class XI) reports that Class XII concluded their regular session days with a stimulating and well-orchestrated Law Day on March 19. The class first received an orientation by the Honorable Lauren Brodie, who spoke of the challenges that the court system faces. She then escorted the group into two courts in session so that they might observe the various proceedings. These visits were followed by a panel of Sheriff Don Hunter, an immigration attorney, an academician and a U.S. attorney, all of whom examined the complex issue of the immigration impact on Collier County.
Following lunch at the Collier County Jail, classmates heard Chief Scott Salley and his staff talk about the operation of the jail and other matters of law enforcement. His willingness to answer all questions so frankly was well received by the class members, most of whom had limited knowledge of enforcement concerns. Two additional panels followed, including one where Judge Brodie spoke movingly about the challenges in the juvenile justice system. Don Campbell, guardian ad litem, was also well received when he described his role in supporting children. The session day concluded with a demonstration of special operations capabilities, including a perennial favorite--the police canine unit.
All in all, the Class XI session team of David Rowe, Pat Scoville, Bob Shafto and Marty Tardy did a superb job! |
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Board Highlights
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On April 14, the GNL board approved a balanced budget for 2008-2009, including an increase in alumni dues to $135 annually. The board also approved an increase in the Masters Class tuition to $1,600 for Class XIV.
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The Alumni Committee announced that First Book-Collier County has been selected as the charity recommended for the Holiday Party gifting this December.
Alumni event topics for 2008-2009 will include: - November 13: Robert Van Winkle, NBC-2 Meteorologist
- December 10: Dr. Dennis Thompson, Superintendent, District School Board of Collier County
- January 29: In-Depth Session, FGCU
- Men's Reunion/Social to be offered for the first time.
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The Communications Committee announced the hiring of a new web design/development firm, Bocock Technology Group, to redesign our website for greater ease of use. |
Reunions Galore
GNL classes held several gatherings for classmates and spouses in the final weeks of this season. Dina Sewell hosted a Class VII reunion on January 15. View photos by Jinny Johnson.
Class VI had a barbecue at the home of Ann and Bob Berlam on March 19. View photos by Ann Berlam.
Class IX had a "Spring Fling" at the home of Arlene and Don Shapiro on April 2. View photos by Gretchen Green and Jen Walker.
Class X enjoyed an evening of fellowship on April 17 at Royal Poinciana, attended also by three of their leadership team--Joyce Coughlan, Kate Henry and Dick Munro. Stan Swihart reports, "GNL is a wonderful launchpad into this awesome community, and we are well represented with four from our class on the GNL board!" View photos by Stan Swihart.
Class III is holding its reunion at Royal Poinciana on April 23.
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Mission
To provide proven leaders with a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about the issues and needs in Collier County and to encourage the use of their skills in bettering the community.
Communications Committee
Jen Walker, Chair* Jinny Johnson* Jeanne Bolds* Art Shafer, Website Manager* Dick Borel Kaye Willette Linda Diaz Frank Gorke, Ex-Officio* Gretchen Green *Editorial board members
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Jean Ann Lynch (Class XI)
