Marco Y Rolls Out the Red Carpet for the Rotarians

Sometimes there is such a thing as a free lunch. Recently, a group of Marco Rotarians dined on freshly prepared broccoli ceviche and shrimp rolls during a goodwill visit to the YMCA of South Collier. The meal, prepared by Chef Michael Passero, underscored the Y’s commitment to healthy living. The visit was part of an off-season initiative by the Marco Island Rotary Club Noontime to link up with island businesses and organizations to see how they tick.

Rotarian Mary Zachrich participates in the fitness assessment session.

During the visit, they enjoyed the delicious creations of Chef Michael Passero and subjected themselves to a fitness and flexibility assessment session. By way of a tour, they also had a look at the Y’s Youth Development Center, the pool, the tennis and pickleball courts, the fitness center, and also the “Partnership Area”–housing representatives from the David Lawrence Center as well as Core Health Partners. The latter organization—in line with the Y’s philosophy—promotes “optimal wellbeing for individuals and communities through health and wellbeing programs, consulting and wellness education.”

Noontime Rotary immediate past president Pat Rutledge found the fitness assessment session eye-opening. “We had different stations, testing flexibility, endurance, mobility, and strength. All was good for me with the exception of flexibility.”

Mike Richards concurred. “I guess I’m not in as good shape as I thought,” he said with a chuckle.

Pat Rutledge said her club had decided to visit various businesses and organizations during the slower summer season. She said members had so far enjoyed visits to the JW Marriott, Our Daily Bread (providing food to lesser privileged families), and also Sunshine Stitchers—which provides embroidery, screen printing, and banners.

Cindy Love-Abounader, the Y’s CEO and also a Rotarian, suggested the visit. At the end, she provided the Rotarians with assorted promotional literature and encouraged those who weren’t Y members to join.

The Noontime Rotary Club website is marcoislandrotary.org. For more on the Y’s wide variety of programs and activities for adults and children, visit marcoymca.org or call 239-394-9622. Follow them on Twitter and Instagram at ymcamarco, or on Facebook at marcoymca.