The NPPF day was the first day for the members of the Master’s Class XXlll. It was a beautiful day for the scheduled outside activities. One was a tour at the Government Center Museum; the other a self guided tour at Crayton Cove.

The program was developed, organized and presented by the following team: Tim Diegel, Team Lead, with Lee Bewley, Katrina Reusche and Don Lawson. The plan for the day was to expose the class to the history of Naples and Collier County along with a discussion of the future growth. The first speaker was Todd Turrell, President of Turrell, Hall and Associates who discussed The Geography of Southern Florida. Nancy Olson, the Regional Manager of Collier County Parks and Recreation followed with her topic The Development of Southwest Florida, Part l – Humans up to World War ll.

Amanda Townsend gave presentation of the 5 museums of Collier County.

One of the highlights of the day was a beautiful lunch at the Bleu Provence restaurant in Crayton Cove. A walking tour followed.

Jackie Pierce gave a warm welcome to the  Woman’s Club. The afternoon session started with Lodge McKee, an active historian lived here for 47 years. The title of his presentation was The Development of Southwest Florida Part 2 – WWll to the Present. Mark Strain, the Chair of the Collier County Planning Commission then spoke on the topic: Our Future: the Rural Eastern Lands.

Tim Diegel gave a summary and perspective of the day. A reception was hosted by the Class XXll Representatives Jan Temkiewicz and Julie Wade. This class was also invited. The first day of The GNL Master Class XXIII was a full day of education, meeting new friends, enjoying good food, and being outside on a beautiful day.

Written by Tim Diegel, Class XXII