Naples Philharmonic CEO Kathleen van Bergen

The Right Angle men's Club's first speaker of the new season was Kathleen van Bergen. Her leadership as CEO of the Naples Philharmonic Center for the arts began 14 months ago when she succeeded Myra Daniels, founder and CEO for the previous 27 years.

Ms van Bergen began with her family background growing up in new jersey and playing violin from the age of 4.. She was fortunate to have supportive parents and studied music and performance under some of the best teachers.

In her performing career, Ms van Bergen played in large symphonies and has toured the world in that capacity. Several years back she developed an interest in the business and management aspects of classical music. She has held management positions in the St. Louis Symphony and the Philadelphia Orchestra and most recently before coming to Naples, she was managing Director of the prestigious 130 year old Schubert Club in St. Paul MN.  Over the years she has added a degree in Visual arts and Business management to her credentials and has studied Museum Management as well.

Speaking about her first year in Naples with the Orchestra and the facility, she has begun engaging other groups in the Naples Art Community. We learned a little about the hiring of musicians and how Ms van Bergen plans to make The Phil more appealing and available to everyone. She has already begun to make changes to the Museum.

Kathleen answered questions from our members and took time to speak with many after our meeting concluded. We enjoyed having such an articulate and gracious speaker.

Dr. L Dennis Smith, About Stem Cells

Dr. Dennis Smith did well explaining a complex area of science regarding Stem Cell Research. His presentation was orderly and well delivered with the aid of Power Point slides. He detailed what stem cells are as well as their function of replacing cells in the body every moment of our lives. He went on to show how they can differentiate into other cells and the future practical uses of this process in healing.

Smith agrees with the FDA go-slow policy in their trials with humans. Some doctors have already treated patients with stem cells but the results are inconclusive at best. Since stem cells and cancer cells have a commonality in rapid replication, it would be wise to wait until the science progresses further before risking wide scale human applications.

We enjoyed a very large attendance for this program and all who attended went away much better informed on the topic.

Brian Holley, CEO of The Botanical Garden

Brian Holley, CEO of The Naples Botanical Garden, informed as well as entertained at our speaker's meeting today. Brian has a long resume which include stints as Executive Director of The Cleveland Gardens and served in many prestigious international panels in his field.

Brian brought a slide presentation showing before and after pictures of The Naples Garden. He gave the history of the Naples Gardens beginnings as incorporating 20 years ago and after land acquisitions and fund raising, construction began in earnest a little over 5 years ago.

When the great recession began, the projected 50 million needed for the project fell short, so temporary buildings are in place until enough money is raised to build more permanent buildings. An army of over 700 volunteers and 45 paid workers maintain the grounds and care for the extensive plantings which are mostly native to the region. Also many plants have been imported to complete this beautiful place.

Brian answered many questions and urged us to visit the Naples Garden which is open daily. If you wish to have a guided tour, they begin at 11 am daily. Volunteers from all walks of life make these tours possible.

Our next speaker's presentation will be given by our own resident, Dennis Smith. Dr. Smith has an extensive resume in molecular biology and biochemistry. He is the former President of University of Nebraska and will talk to us on April 12th on Stem Cell Technology.

Sheriff Kevin J. Rambosk

Our Sheriff's presentation began with the business aspect of running Collier County's Sheriff's Department. With his background of 8 years in the City of Naples Administration, his experience enabled him to reduce the department's budget by over 20 million dollars in the last four years.

Because of the 287G program, the department has been able with the help of ICE, many arrested illegals been deported. This has enabled the county to shut down one of it's jail facilities saving the taxpayers millions of dollars.

Rambosk boasted of our county's low crime rate but stated that Florida has an epidemic of narcotic pain pill prescriptions, many of which are being sold illegally. This creates a cycle of addiction and criminal acts to support such addictions. Collier was one of the first counties to promote a state wide monitoring program to inhibit doctor shopping and other abuses.

Sheriff Rambosk fielded several questions from the audience. He expressed that his office is always open if we should encounter any law enforcement problems.

We were left with the impression that Collier County Law Enforcement and Public Safety is in good hands with Sherrif Rambosk

Naples Chamber of Commerce President Mike Reagen

The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and CEO Mike Reagen entertained and informed our Right Angle Club and guests today. Mr. Reagen spoke about Collier County politics and how the citizens perceive the direction that Collier should have taken in the past and how things must change for the County to grow and thrive in the future.

Mike spoke about the affluence of the citizens and the apathy about growth in commerce and interest was only in the growth of housing. We now have a county in need of industry to create jobs to keep our young people here. A new task force is to be announce in February that will tackle pending issues with impact fees and issues which discourages growth in commerce.

At the end of his presentation, Mike answered questions from our members. We are fortunate to have such an informative and dynamic speaker.