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Potpourri
NAPLES

BILL BARNETT

eason is almost over and as you pick up this month’s Life in been that I like to stay busy whether it was politics, volunteering
Naples you might still be here or possibly heading back to your for local charities, playing golf, tennis, or running. At one time or
Ssummer residence. I know one thing for sure: this was probably another I did them all. I don’t do any of the above sports anymore,
the busiest season, I have ever seen in Naples. I used to be fortunate but I love to brisk walk and I manage to get at least 12 miles a week
during the season to know all the shortcuts to be able to dodge the in. I am still very much involved with local charities and all in all I
highly congested areas in the City but now they are all gone and the stay busy. With that being said at the beginning of last summer I
whole City is congested. Now whining about heavy traffic and bad went to a bowling birthday party for my granddaughter. Now I hadn’t
drivers who don’t signal when turning, clog all the three lanes at the picked up a bowling ball in over 50 years. I used to be an avid bowler
same time, go 15 miles an hour in a 45 miles per hour zone won’t in high school but it kind of faded out of my life as the years went by
do you any good, it’s not going to get and we moved to Naples. I really had
any better. I can assure you the City of a good time that day, I couldn't break
Naples and Collier County have and 100, but I caught the bowling bug.
keep exploring any and all solutions I went to the local lanes and talked
for better technology to deal with I think retirement with the pro about perhaps joining a
traffic but the old story of putting senior league and maybe getting some
ten pounds of potatoes in a five- can be what you make it. lessons. Other than golf I have never
pound bag is exactly what we have seen a sport that has technologically
in Naples. Now don’t misunderstand In my case even though changed as much as bowling has.
me, I figured out that once all of my It was like starting all over from
I am retired
shortcuts had been discovered I would choosing a bowling ball that’s suited
just allow an extra 10 or 15 minutes to for you from beginner to advanced.
my overall trip and be thankful that it I sure don’t feel like it! So, I bought a beginner ball, some
isn’t the Long Island Expressway or shoes, and took some lessons. Here
the freeway in California. I am seven months later bowling in
At the beginning of each season, two leagues, averaging about 150 and
I always write in my article to make slowly improving, and have moved up
sure if you’re visiting or just having to an advanced ball. I practice a lot,
company to make dinner reservations or you’ll get shut out. Well thoroughly enjoy it, and have met lots of nice people.
last week it was a Monday when seven of us decided to get together I think retirement can be what you make it. In my case even
for dinner for that Friday night of that week and 6:30 p.m. was the though I am retired I sure don’t feel like it!
consensus that would work for all of us. So, I turn on the computer Safe travels for all that are heading back to your summer
and go to the site, hit make a reservation and they use Open Table residences!
which works fine for me as I use it as well. Imagine the look on Former Mayor,
my face when I see the only available times are 4:45 or 8:30 that Bill Barnett
evening. We took the 4:45 and realized that this season is a record
setter and what normally would work isn’t going to. Yes, there was I do respond to e-mails at: mayornaples@gmail.com
some grumbling, but it worked out fine. So, heed what I say make
those reservations absolutely as early as you can or take what you
can get!
Even though it’s been two years since I retired from politics, I’m
constantly asked do I miss it and how do I like retirement? Yes of
course I miss it. I had 28 years invested in City politics, kind of grows
on you. Now retirement, that’s another story. My nature has always

8 Life in Naples | April 2022