Our annual Holiday Party is always a well-attended, festive occasion to top off the calendar year.  We've moved to a new location this year to accommodate our growing numbers and hope to see all alumni, Class XII members, spouses or guests at this popular event.  Please note that the date has been moved to Tuesday, December 11, from 6 to 9 p.m., for our cocktail buffet at Wyndemere Country Club, 700 Wyndemere Way, off Livingston Road.

 

Invitations have been mailed with a reply card and some suggestions for those who wish to bring an unwrapped gift for PACE Center for Girls.  The cost is $55 per person, and the deadline for reservations is December 7. If you have any questions or need another invitation, please call the GNL office 213-9211 or email GNLoffice@gnlwebsite.org.

Naples Daily News columnist Brent Batten will talk about the hot news items in Collier County at our second Alumni Luncheon of the season.  This is a great opportunity to get the rest of the story on the Collier County School Board and new school superintendent, the I-75 expansion, a property tax relief plan and much more.

 

All alumni and Class XII members are encouraged to join us on Thursday, December 6 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Moorings Park, 120 Moorings Park Drive, off Goodlette-Frank Road just south of Pine Ridge.  The cost is $15, payable at the table. Reservations are required for all attendees; any cancellations must be made no later than December 4. RSVP by November 23 at GNLOffice@gnlwebsite.org or by calling Karen Danni at the GNL office, 213-9211.

"It is our job to enforce the law," said Sheriff Hunter to a record-breaking crowd attending the first Alumni Luncheon of the GNL season on November 6 at Moorings Park. An estimated 115 alumni, spouses and guests heard the sheriff talk about illegal immigration and law enforcement in the U.S., in Florida and in Collier County.  Hunter went on to say that he believes that the immigration law should be enforced and that the Collier County deputy sheriffs are a key part of the formula that makes this country safe.

 

"Intelligence comes from us; we're out on the street," he said. Hunter provided data on immigrants who overstay their visas, those who have been identified but disappear (absconders) and other illegals.  He also talked about the inadequate staffing of border patrols and investigators to deal with the situation throughout the U.S. and locally.  According to Hunter, the economy doesn't need illegal immigrants to fill low-end jobs.  The statistics he offered indicated that there are plenty of people available to fill these positions.

 

Hunter's solutions are to (1) reaffirm the rule of law by fair, consistent and just enforcement; (2) clarify the authority of state and local law enforcement to voluntarily assist their counterparts and border patrol; and (3) increase the number of custom agents, border patrols and others in the system.

 

View Photos from this Alumni luncheon.

Not long ago he was responsible on any given day for moving 1,000 railcars and 2700 trucks on schedule, and she was running a thriving business in personalized products. Today they are helping disadvantaged young children in Naples.  

Read the conversation that Jen Walker had with Sue and Peter Manion (Class IV and III, respectively), co-chairs of the Fun Time Early Childhood Academy board of directors.

Nearly 175 GNL alumni and Class XII members turned out for the Welcome Back Party, held on October 25 at Grey Oaks Country Club.  With light refreshments and a chance to greet friends and make new ones, the party was deemed a huge success.  Class XII members were introduced by Team Leader Martha Forbes, and the board members were introduced by Frank Gorke.  This traditional social event is always a great way to kick off a new GNL year!  Linda Diaz (Class X) is shown in the photo with Stan Swihart (Class X).  View more photos of the Welcome Back Party.

Details are firming up for the first GNL Community Service Fair, to be held at the Collier Campus of Edison College on February 12 from 4 to 7 p.m.  Over 150 nonprofits have been invited to exhibit at this exciting event, where all of us will learn about leadership positions and other community service opportunities available with local agencies.  Educational panels are also being planned, as well as entertainment and refreshments.

                             

Stay tuned for more information!

On January 24, you will have the opportunity to take a VIP tour of the town of Ave Maria and Ave Maria University. Tom Monaghan will talk about his vision for this amazing development. University President Nick Healy and Barron Collier Enterprises' Blake Gable will also address us.  Space is limited to 100 people, so mark your calendars and be sure to reserve a seat when you receive the e-mail invitation in early December.

Anne Hale, Allen Shaffer (center), field superintendent and Ben Tiley tour the Oratory, Ave Maria University, earlier this fall.

The GNL Board Retreat on November 2 focused on the board report, GNL Outlook for the Next Ten Years.  Ann Berlam, who chaired the session, reports that discussion covered Masters Class, Alumni Programs, Community Service and Communications/Website. Read more about the board's analysis and focus for our future.

Joyce Coughlan, chair of the Class Representatives, reports that several classes have had reunions this fall.


Class I and II (shown above) gathered on November 14 at the home of JoAnne and Carl Kuehner for a joint 10th anniversary celebration of their respective graduations.

Class VIII members and guests had dinner on November 15 at the Royal Poinciana Golf Club, hosted by Farron Winges.  A total of 39 enjoyed an evening that included games and hearing about Paula Grady's recent Peace Corps volunteer work.

Class IX held a forum/round table on November 15, with classmates Mary George, Bob Juster, Wayne Mullican, Dick Munro and Ken Murray talking about their volunteering experiences, followed by a Q&A session and a reception at Moorings Park.

Class X met October 28 at Naples Sailing and Yacht Club for a buffet dinner and a chance to share news of volunteer activities. A total of 36 people heard about plans for the Community Service Fair.

Class XI has been incredibly active!  They have initiated "No Agenda" luncheons, held monthly at the Neighborhood Clinic, and also partied on November 8 at Jane and Chuck Berger's home.  In addition, they are holding a walk-a-thon for Laces of Love and Baby Basics.

View more photos of these reunions.  Additional photos will be posted on the Alumni Events page of the GNL website shortly after Thanksgiving. 

GNL alumni continue to serve our community in a variety of volunteer capacities.  Read about Mary Cooper's (left) appointment to the Advisory Board for the Dean of the College of FGCU's Health Professionals and Tom Becker's (right) appointment as chair of the Physicians Regional Advisory Board of our two local HMA hospitals  and much more in the Alumni News photo page.

Web manager Art Shafer advises:

1. Meet our officers, committee heads and class reps
2. Read the current and former newsletters and press coverage to keep track of classmates
3. Check the GNL calendar for details on upcoming activities
4. Keep your member profile current
5. Refer to the Alumni Directory for up-to-date listings
6. Review the current class directory to meet our new colleagues
7. Check the membership sponsorship page to review criteria and procedures
8. Review the board minutes
9. Read our bylaws
10. Check the volunteer listings for requests by nonprofits
    

Members of Class XII learned about Naples history through World War II, traveled to the Everglades for an airboat ride, had another history lesson and finished at Palm Cottage. 

The next class day focused on culture and communications in our area, including tours of the Naples Art Museum, the Philharmonic and the Sugden Theatre, as well as lunch with Myra Janco Daniels.  For Healthcare Day, members toured the new Physicians Regional Medical Center, Naples Community Hospital and the Neighborhood Health Clinic, with panel discussions at all three stops.  Read Team Leader Martha Forbes' report on all three days.

Business Currents magazine is published monthly by the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce.  Members of GNL and Class XII who wish to receive the magazine should e-mail GNLoffice@GNLwebsite.org or call Karen Danni at the GNL office, 213-9211, to provide your name and address.