Fabulous February Senior Lunch

February’s Lunch with Friends brought together over 200 seniors at the Marco Lutheran Church as they enjoyed a specially prepared classic favorite, Quiche Lorraine by Chef Barbara Canton, served with a fresh, colorful, and delicious Mediterranean salad. Thanks to all our volunteers from Al’s Pals and sponsors, Marco Lutheran Church, Al’s Pals, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry (ODBFP), and the YMCA.

Sharon Lockwood, Area General Manager for JW Marriott, was the program speaker. Nancy Kot made the introduction and remarked, “She is one amazing woman executive!”

In 1983, Lockwood accepted a hostess role at Allie’s Pantry restaurant at the Bethesda Marriott Hotel, and it was supposed to be just a summer job. Instead, Lockwood worked in catering, human resources, rooms operations, and hotel operations at the Bethesda Marriott. Now with over 43 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Lockwood has worked in hotels spanning from the DC area to Southern California to Philadelphia. Her most recent positions with the Marriott before moving to Marco Island were as the General Manager for the Key Bridge Marriott from 2002-2010, the Crystal Gateway Marriott from 2010 to 2012, and the Renaissance, Washington, D.C. downtown hotel from 2012-2016. From there, she joined Gaylord National Resort as their General Manager in October 2016 and then took over the JW Marriott Marco Island in January of 2018 as the General Manager.

According to Lockwood, Marriott International’s founders’ philosophy of putting people first is part of their DNA and has consistently earned Marriott awards and recognition around the globe. Sharon's long-term career as a Marriott GM earned her the prestigious Marriott International General Manager of the Year for the Americas in 2018. Locally, Lockwood is active with the Marco Island Academy, the American Cancer Society, and is a volunteer for Our Daily Bread Food Pantry.

NCH distributed a Community Health Survey to the attending seniors, partnering with the Florida Department of Health in Collier County, and the Healthcare Network to conduct a community survey on healthcare needs on Marco Island. The community’s input will directly influence the development of programs and resources that better meet the community’s needs. Please scan the QR code attached to complete the survey.

Once again, the ever popular door prizes were the perfect ending to an eventful senior luncheon!