The Club At Gateway
Golf Course Renovations
The weather held up nicely for us through the beginning stages of the course renovation with the warm weather and low rain amounts. Sprigs and sod have been planted on six holes while the cart paths have started being paved. We continue to be very happy with the progress to date.
Gateway Women’s Club
By Janice Eaton, Laurel Borgia, Marianne Kollasch and Donna Marchetti
Gateway Women’s Club (GWC) Focuses On The Future: Presenting Lee County School District Healthy Living Collaboration And Naming The First Winner Of The GWC Scholarship
In May 2021, Leisha Roy, Amy Carroll, Susie Hassett and Mary Graham began Healthy Living Collaboration This program is designed to bring together comprehensive health, environmental education, nutrition services careers and tech education. The core idea is wrapped around the idea,
“planting a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” And grow it did. Lee County schools from K to 12 bring together active participants. Students are involved in planting, harvesting, using technology skills creating a solar-powered pump watering system and finally serving up vegetables of all kinds to the students at all the schools. At the end of the school year, students clamor to take home the plants to continue nurturing them for the following school year.
Each founding member is a highly recognized teacher in her own field of study. Working together they introduced their idea now in 82 Lee County schools. Leisha Roy has been a health educator with the School District of Lee County for 31 years and is currently a Teacher on Assignment for Comprehensive Health Education. Amy Carroll is a Registered Dietitian and founding member of the Healthy Living Collaboration and serves as Coordinator of Special Projects & Student Wellness for The School District. Susie Hassett serves as an Environmental Education Resource Teacher. Mary Graham is a teacher in the School District of Lee County’s Career and Technical Education Department.
Golf Operations At The Club At Gateway
We hope everyone is having a great start to your summer and getting the chance to play some different golf courses this summer season. Although we have been busy in the Performance Center with club fittings and lessons, we welcome everyone to experience our Performance Center sometime this summer. Even if you are not interested in golf instruction or club fitting, we also offer simulated rounds on some of the best courses from all over the world. Speaking from experience, I can say this is a lot of fun. If you are interested in any of these experiences, please reach out to me via email: golfpro@gatewaygcc.com.
The golf shop is open from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, for all your golfing and clothing needs. Please feel free to come by during these hours, as we will be extending our member pricing to all Gateway residents throughout the summer months. We will be hosting a Fourth of July sale that includes a 25 percent discount on all merchandise in the shop. We will also have additional sales in the golf shop on golf balls, gloves, clubs and many more items. Please come by for more details.
With our course renovation fully underway, we ask that all Gateway residents stay off the golf course at all times. The new sprigs being put down on the greens, fairways and tee boxes are very delicate right now. The better the renovation goes, the better it is for all Gateway residents, as the better the course conditions, the more the home values will increase for years to come. We will have security on the golf course every evening, so please help
In addition, she works with the district’s Engineering, Digital Arts and Health Science programs. Graham helps CTE Agriculture programs in both middle and high schools. Select schools provide produce for their own cafeterias. Over 8,500 pounds of student-grown produce were harvested, processed and served in 2024.
For additional information about Healthy Living Collaboration, visit www.leeschools.net.
First Winner Of The GWC Scholarship Awarded Gateway Women’s Club motto is: Where friends meet for fun, learning and giving Daniella Ronda, a senior at Gateway High school, was awarded the first GWC Scholarship. Daniella was chosen from all the applicants received. The dedicated Scholarship Committee selected Daniella based on her academic achievement and giving spirit demonstrated throughout her school career.
Smooth new path on the left side of No.2
New liner and drainage going into bunkers
Fairway bunker on No.1
Bimini Sprigs going down on No.2
Close-up of the discs that cut in the sprigs to the soil
Whispers Of God
Two-Sided Tapestries
Dr. Mark P. Gonzales, Executive Director, Royal Palm Association of Churches, SBC
After preaching in one of our Southwest Florida association of 105 churches a couple of Sundays ago, I was chatting with several people as I always do when they come by to thank me for the message I shared, and/or ask a question or two, and/or give me a glimpse of their life story or current struggles. And it is my privilege to listen carefully and if needed, do my best to encourage them with a brief whisper of God or two. (I just love my job!)
On this particular occasion, one of the ladies introduced herself by saying, “Dr. Mark, my name is Sarah and I know you meet a lot of people, so let me just remind you that we first met five years ago at another church where I used to serve, but I moved here a couple of years ago.”
“Oh, thank you so much for that gracious reminder and update. It is good to see you again. So, was there anything in particular that led you to change churches?”
She paused and then gingerly replied, “Well, I don’t want to bad-mouth anyone or any church, but some things were happening behind the scenes over there and I just felt like I couldn’t stay any longer.”
The Club At Gateway from page 1
us out and steer clear until we reopen the course. If you have any questions about the renovation, please feel free to reach out to me: golfpro@gatewaygcc.com.
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Seeing that she was still wounded and tender over the experience, here is the whisper I felt led to share in that brief moment.
“Oh my. I am so sorry to hear that. Things can go awry in the church world sometimes. In fact, your story reminds me of a time when I was on a 10-day trip to Scotland during a season when the church I used to pastor was going through a few messy struggles.
“So, during a wonderful group tour through a large Scottish castle, I was awestruck by the beauty and intricacy of the huge tapestries in the banquet hall. But as the group was moving on to the next room, I lagged behind to sneak a peek at what the backside of the tapestries looked like. Of course there were tons of knots, frayed threads, spider webs, dead bugs, wads of dust, dried mildew and more, and that’s when the Lord whispered something to my heart.”
“You know, son, every church has a backside of the tapestry, doesn’t it? And every business … every school … every family … every person … and even you. It’s okay. Don’t be alarmed. This is why you all have a Savior.”
He went on, “The problem is not the reality of the backside. The problem is that people pretend that they don’t have a backside and try to tape or glue the edges of their tapestry lives to the wall to try and hide how messy they really are. So be patient with them. And with yourself. Just come to me and I will walk with you to clean up the backside, along with celebrating the front side of what I’ve already done for you … and them.”
As I shared that with this gracious but wounded woman, I could see how the Lord was touching and healing her
Pop-Up Fitness Classes At The Club At Gateway
Float Meditation was another successful pop-up fitness class! If you haven’t tried it, you are missing out! Another pop-up class to watch for is our Crystal Bowl Meditation with Rita. Just bring your mat, pillow and blanket, and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. Please keep in mind that the bowls tend to get loud. We look forward to seeing you at our next pop-up fitness class!
heart. After another brief pause, she shared, “Oh my. I needed to hear that story. I know that is not the only reason God brought you here today, but to me, it feels like it is. Thank you. Thank you so much.”
And now you have the story, my friend. I pray that you will lean into it. Take a deep breath or two. Hear the Lord. Receive that soul healing truth and give yourself and those around you much more breathing space to be a work in progress … as two-sided tapestries … in the hands of God. No need for duct tape or a hot glue gun. Just let Jesus do His healing work.
Ungluing my edges with you, Pastor Mark
Articles, videos and podcasts: markpg.org . Write and share at mark@quillpress.org. Hear me every Saturday, 8 a.m. on 91.5 FM.
The Gateway Girlfriends
Thanks to The Gateway Girlfriends, who research, plan and organize our ladies’ outings. They have done excursions ranging from horseback riding and kayaking to educational lectures and safety demonstrations. They host Bunco on the first Tuesday of each month, Mexican Train Dominoes on the third Tuesday of each month, and LCR on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Pictured to the right are our most recent LCR winners.
Massage Services At The Club At Gateway
Summer Massage Special – May to August
Get $10 off your first massage with Jennifer or Rebecca. Regular price – $100/60 minutes and $135/90 minutes Massage appointments are by appointment only. Call (239) 770-5590 to book your massage.
The Gateway Girlfriends enjoyed a walking tour of Downtown Fort Myers this past May.
Christmas in July!
Your dream home is here in prestigious Mahogany Run of Gateway! With over $200,000 in renovations including a new metal roof, new AC and new water heater - you’ll find everything you could want to live the ultimate carefree Florida lifestyle. Step inside and explore the beautifully updated kitchen, baths, and living spaces designed with casual elegance in mind. This gated golf course community offers a community pool, soccer fields, schools, restaurants, and other wonderful amenities a with low HOA fee. Or indulge in an optional membership at the Golf Club boasting a recent $5 Million renovation with world class practice field, gym, resort pool, dining at reasonable membership rates. OFFERED AT $600,000
1501 MIDDLE GULF DR A305
SANIBEL FL 33957
2 Beds | 2 Baths
The best of the best! Direct Gulf Front condo. Incredible unobstructed views of sandy white beaches of Sanibel Island. Sundial West offers the best rental income potential on the island. Owners can begin personal renovations Sept. 24’. Be ready for season 2025!
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2 Beds | 2.5 Baths
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Enjoy incredible paradise views from this 4th floor 1 bed, 1 bath condo at the Gulf front resort complex of Sundial. Community pool just steps away & incredible rental potential with nightly bookings permitted. Complete the renovation with your own finishes!
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CAPE CORAL FL 33914
.23 Acre Residential Lot Highly desired area right off Surfside Blvd in a well established neighborhood. Create your own dream oasis and enjoy quick access to everything you love in Cape Coral - repeatedly named one of the best places to live in Florida. Paradise awaits!
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Kimberly Powers
NEWLY PRICED! GATEWAY 11716 Mahogany Run Fort Myers FL 33913 | 3 Beds + Den | 2.5 Baths | 3 Car Garage | 2357 Square Feet
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Gateway Women’s Club from page 1
During her first two years of high school, she also took courses at a local community college. In 11th grade, Daniella started at FGCU as a full-time student. An advocate of expanding learning opportunities especially for students unrepresented in technical fields, she started a STEM Club (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Daniella looks to civil engineering as a lifetime career.
Stephanie Mena
Dining Out
in the sweet treats of apple strudel and Black Forest cake. GWC members look forward to returning to Heidi’s soon, where schnitzel dreams come true.
Susan Roberts
Book Club
The GWC Book Club will be meeting at Carol Brown’s home at 7 p.m. on July 9. Cohostess will be Mary Jo Cornell and the discussion leader will be Claudia Polzer. The group will be discussing the novel The Surgeon’s Daughter by Audrey Blake. The story centers on Nora Beady, the only female student at a medical school in Bologna, Italy. She faces challenges as she pursues her dream of becoming a surgeon. Please refer to your GWC Directory to find Carol Brown’s address and notify her that you’d like to attend. Jan Hartzell
Special Event
The Women’s Club recently enjoyed an exhilarating and fun-filled evening at Cape Cabaret in Cape Coral. The “Elvis Tribute Show” was an outstanding show. Besides Elvis (Dwight Icenhower) serenading both Mary Mills and Linda Steele (as seen in the photos), he performed many of Elvis’ early songs in the first half of the show. In the next half of the show after changing into a later outfit of Elvis, Dwight performed many of Elvis’ later hits. The show ended with a tear-jerking tribute to all members of the armed service with Dwight singing a medley of patriotic songs. Many members of the club and their guests were so impressed that they expressed a request to return to Cape Cabaret.
The members of Gateway Women’s Club continued their culinary adventures while enjoying a taste of Germany at Heidi’s German Restaurant in Fort Myers. Heidi’s menu showcases the rich and robust flavors of its authentic German and Bavarian cuisine, including a variety of schnitzels, sausages, sauerbraten and pork roast. The group complemented their entrees with potato pancakes, spaetzle, red cabbage and sauerkraut. Later, they indulged
Charitable Committee
Through the month of July, the charitable giving committee of the Gateway Women’s Club will be collecting donations for ACT (Abuse Counseling and Treatment) in Fort Myers. Items needed are pillows and pillowcases, towels and wash clothes, hand towels, twin flat and fitted sheets, zippered vinyl mattress covers, shampoo and conditioners – regular size, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes, African American hair products, canned goods, disposable diapers, children’s snacks and juices, meats and bus pass gift cards for clients in $10 increments. Cars will be available at the July monthly GWC meeting for donations.
Judy Hammond
Gateway Women’s Club on page 7
Kathy Flaherty
Gateway Women’s Club Scholarship winner
Members of the Scholarship Committee with Daniella Ronda (center) Valerie Emerson, Judy Hammond, Charlotte Stewart, Susan Roberts
Leisha Roy, Amy Carroll, Mary Graham, Susie Hassett of Healthy Living Collaboration
Jo Iwanski and Paula Kostycz
Maria Beacham and Robin Connolly
Norma and Arnold Barr, Kathy and Jeff Fabisiak
Steve Connolly and Arnold Barr
Russell and Maryann Schmidt, Alexis Roosa
Linda Steele
Mary Mills
Catch The Action
July On The Water
By Capt. Bill Russell
July is the month summer weather settles in bringing hot humid days, often with little wind until early afternoon as a sea breeze kicks in, followed by thunderstorms. Most anglers opt for an early start to take advantage of calm seas and avoid the mid-afternoon heat and storms.
For those looking to bring home fish dinner, mangrove snapper is a good choice through the summer. No need to make a long run offshore, as snapper are caught throughout the inshore and nearshore waters. Fish for snapper under docks, bridges, piers, or about any type of structure. Many anglers do very well from shore without the expense of a boat. After Ian, shore fishing locations are limited, but there are piers and bridges open to fishing. From boat, fish under deeper mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, sand potholes and rock ledges or structure in and near the gulf passes. Mangrove
snapper is one of our tastier fish and fight hard for their size. They make a great summer target. Often leader and hook shy if the water is clear, it’s often necessary to lighten the tackle. Inshore, I go with 3 or more feet of 12- to 20-pound fluorocarbon leader and a 1/0 circle hook.
Redfish and sea trout are caught throughout the summer. High tides give the best opportunity for redfish as they are foraging under the shade of mangrove shorelines. Sea trout often run in schools with the best bite often coming over the morning incoming tides as cooler water moves over grass flats. Grass flats with clear or clean water in 4- to 8-foot depths are favored areas.
Calm summer mornings give good opportunities to run offshore. American red snapper season is open in gulf waters for recreational anglers through the month of July for those willing to spend the fuel money for a long run offshore. Not sure of the reason but both gag and red grouper seasons are closed. To get updated grouper, snapper, and fishing regulations go to www.myfwc.com or download the Fish Rules app.
Closer in, within sight of land, reefs and wrecks can be productive with everything from snapper to goliath grouper. You will not hook any big red snapper, but you can fill a cooler with tasty filets and save a lot of fuel money. Anchoring up current of structure with a fresh chum bag is preferred. A variety of baits is a good idea as well as an arsenal of rods rigged and ready from light to heavy action.
Keep a lookout for speedsters such as bonito, Spanish mackerel and king mackerel harassing bait schools in depths from 20 to 90 feet. Small spoons or Tuna Jets in various colors can bring instant hookups when trolled around feeding activity. Watch for birds and surface commotion to locate the fish. If you have a live well full of baitfish, a little chumming may quickly get the action started. Artificial reefs are a natural attractant for baitfish followed by predators.
Catch and release snook fishing is strong through the summer. Large females are up and down the coast surrounded by smaller males as they are in their summer mating rituals. Often the best fishing happens in the surf along the gulf beaches. Snook will swim parallel to the beach, often just a few feet from shore in search of their next meal. This offers great sight fishing possibilities for both conventional and fly anglers. They can be located anywhere along the beaches, but if they find some type of structure in the water, such as a tree branch or rocks, they often congregate near it.
Sharks are another summertime favorite. Varieties of species both large and small are common catches both inshore and off. While they are a nuisance for some, many anglers target them for their fighting ability. Sharks play an important role in our ecosystem; please make every effort to quickly release them unharmed. Every kid loves to catch a shark of any size, now is a good time, just make sure and do it safely for both the angler and the shark.
Keep up to date with fishing regulations and seasons in the area you fish, as they change often. You can visit www.myfwc. com for all current state and federal regulations.
For charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service and “Catch the Action” with Capt. Bill Russell, call or text (239) 410-8576, website: www.fishpineisland.com, email: gcl2fish@live.com.
Capt. Bill Russell is a native and lifelong resident of Pine Island who has spent his entire life fishing the waters surrounding Pine Island and Southwest Florida. For the past 28 years, Bill has been a professional fishing guide who takes pride in customizing each trip to ensure everyone on board has a great time and will return again. Come join us and “Catch the Action.”
Gateway Women’s Club from page 6
Sit And Stitch
The next Sit and Stitch meeting will be hosted by Eleanor Stuart on July 10 at 1 p.m. Please contact Eleanor if you plan to attend. Her information can be found in the GWC Directory. The group includes many GWC members working on different projects. The members are still working on projects for Hospice and scarves for college-attending students who were in foster care. Any GWC member is welcome to join.
Bridge
Bridge 101 will meet July 2 and 16 at Hampton Park Amenity Center at 10 a.m. Please contact Susie Kravetz by phone or email, (information in the GWC Directory) to let her know if you are attending. The group needs a number count and name of attendees to get through the front gate. They welcome anyone who plays bridge.
Laurel Borgia
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Stoneybrook