Page 8 - LifeInNaples_57

Naples

Potpourri

We hear and read many stories about the behavior and
attitudes of our youth today, some good, some bad, and I
had an experience last week that is worth writing about. I
bowl on Monday nights and last Monday I got to the lanes
early, parked my car and went in to do some socializing
before the league started. That night the lanes that we
were bowling on were located right near the entrance
door. A young man walked in and a group of us were
sitting at the first table. He approached the table and asked
if anyone had a red Lexus parked outside. My stomach did
a queasy turn and I answered yes, I do. He said “I’m sorry, I
just backed into your car and I didn’t want to hit and run
you”. I thanked him and we went out to assess the
damage, and exchange insurance papers, etc. He kept
apologizing and wanted to make sure he gave me every
piece of information he could. I was really appreciative of
his manners and the fact that he could have just driven off,
but didn’t. There was no damage to his vehicle which was
a pickup truck, but my car took somewhat of a beating. I
guessed he was in his early 20’s, and I thanked him again
and he left. His insurance company got in touch with me
Of all the articles I write for Life in Naples, the summer ones and all was resolved with the car. However, that same day.
are absolutely the hardest for me to write because we I received a call from his mother, and it turned out that I
don’t publish again until November. knew her and her family. She told me that her son was only
seventeen years old and was mortified about what
The Season is over, and our City is relatively quiet. City happened. She also said that both she and her husband
Council has gone on summer vacation. I will say, though, praised their son for doing the right thing. After chatting
that they went on vacation amidst a bevy of controversy for a few minutes, she laughingly told me that the look on
regarding the rebuilding of the Port Royal Club. There is a her son's face was priceless when she asked him if he
very upset neighbor who lives next door to the club and it realized that he ran into the former Mayor’s car! Anyway,
seems that there are many things about the new design what could have been a miserable experience for me
that adversely affects his home. One of the chief turned out to be one of those good life experiences that I
complaints is that the club’s swimming pool has been will likely not forget. Kudos to the parents. It was rewarding
moved from the center of the club to the neighbor’s side. to see these days.
There are more factors, and the interesting part is the
neighbor is also a member of the club. So, sadly, the It's that time of the year again when we head for vacation
Council with a 4-3 vote decided to have staff and the just outside of Buffalo, New York. The heatwave that has
attorneys and all who are involved try and make some engulfed most of the country has not left Buffalo
concessions so both sides will be satisfied and will pick up unscathed. Temperatures in the 90’s is something that’s
again when Council returns from vacation. Council doesn’t rarely seen up there and they are in a quandary during
return until August and, my personal opinion, which means these last days of school. We have a friend who has a
absolutely nothing, is that very few concessions, if any, will daughter who teaches and said it was 95 in the classroom
be given. Council had more than enough information to be last week and they are seriously considering just ending
able to put this item to rest. They not only had the Planning the school year a week or so early. Most of the schools up
Advisory Boards unanimous approval, but staff approval, there don’t have air conditioning because they really don’t
legal approval, and no stones left unturned. I do have need it.
sympathy for the neighbor- who has a very good legal Once again, I hope all of you enjoy the summer, stay
team assembled including acoustical engineers. If you healthy, and have fun! I will once again make a pledge to
have some spare time during these long hot summer days eat lots of chicken wings and definitely fresh corn every
you can go to Naplesgov.com and find that item and day. Let’s see how that works out!
watch it and come to your own conclusion. I will definitely
write about the final chapter to this story! Bill Barnett, Former Mayor, City of Naples

8 Life In Naples