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ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS Announces A Blockbuster Lineup Of Summer Camps For Young Creatives
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The Club At Gateway
ACTIVITIES AROUND THE CLUBHOUSE
Another fun activity at The Club at Gateway is our Book Club. We meet once a month to discuss the book of the month.
The book for May was The Rose Code by Kate Quinn. The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Huntress and The Alice Network returns with another heart-stopping World War II story of three female code breakers at Bletchley Park and the spy they must root out after the war is over.
Up next for the month of June –Long Bright River by Liz Moore. This novel tells the story of two sisters, Kacey and Mickey, in Philadelphia, who are on opposing sides of the opioid crisis. Kacey is struggling with addiction, while
Mickey is a police officer patrolling the same streets. When Kacey goes missing and a string of murders begin in Mickey’s district, Mickey becomes obsessed with finding her sister and the culprit. The novel explores the complexities of addiction, family ties, and the impact of the opioid crisis on a city. All members are welcome to join on June 18 at 2 p.m. in the Club Room.
WK 1: June 16-19
WK 2: June 23 - 26
WK 3: July 7 - 10
WK 4: July 14 - 17
WK 5: July 28 - 31
9am - 12pm
Travis Raque Director of Racquets at The Club at Gateway
RACQUET NEWS
The key to improving your game, whether it be pickleball or tennis, is to practice relentlessly. People say that practice makes perfect, but I personally believe that the saying should really be “perfect practice makes perfect!” It is said that to master a stroke, you must repeat it at least 10,000 times. That takes dedication, hard work, and perseverance. It also takes good drills. That means drills that help reinforce good habits, but ones that are fun, practical, and competitive. Below I will show two
of my favorite drills, one for pickleball and one for tennis.
PICKLEBALL DRILL: FIRST THREE SHOTS
The “first three shots” drill does precisely what you’d think. It helps you improve your serve, return of serve, and third shot (drop in this case). You may also refer to this practice session as “Long, Long, Short” or “Serve, Return, Drop,” and there are many other names as well.
This drill is simple to understand but challenging to master. Start by simply serving the ball. Your opponent then returns it, and you attempt a thirdshot drop. Sounds super easy, right?
The key is you want to get your serve to land in the back 3 feet of the court, your return to do the same, and your third shot should drop into the no-volley zone (aka “kitchen”). After the third shot, play stops, and the next person serves.
The scoring helps make this drill fun because what’s better than a little competition? There are
many variations to scoring.
My personal favorite is 1 point for a deep serve within 3 feet of the baseline, 1 point for a correct deep return within 3 feet of the baseline, and 2 points for a correct drop into the kitchen.
While it is possible to do the drill by guesstimating if the serve and return are deep enough, it’s much easier and more fun if you have actual lines on the court. This can be done with chalk – don’t do it on our courts though – or better yet, with painters tape, or you can try the Gamma Court Lines, which make it super simple to toss down lines anywhere, or you can be imaginative and use your own court dividers.
Play to 21 and once you’ve finished the drill, you should feel like a pro starting off the point!
TENNIS DRILL: CROSSCOURT VS DOWN THE LINE
The “crosscourt vs down the line” tennis drill is not only good for your strokes, including your accuracy and placement, but also offers one of the best workouts humanly possible. It is a drill I learned growing up and one of my go-tos if you
need a good workout or want to learn to play like a pro.
This drill is also simple to understand but very challenging to master. Start on opposite sides of the court with both players in the middle of the baseline. Player A feeds the ball crosscourt, and then player B must return the ball down the line. Every shot from Player A must be crosscourt in the singles court, while every shot Player B hits must be down the line into the singles court.
While drilling, the goal is to keep the ball deep, past the service line. If a player hits the ball and it lands short of the service line, all bets are off, and the
player can approach anywhere for the rest of the point; you can use the entire singles court.
The scoring helps make this game a very competitive and fun way to improve your groundies and passing shots. If a player wins the point from the baseline, they receive 1 point. If a player gets a short ball and proceeds to win the point from the net (inside the service line), they receive 2 points. The first player to win 21 points is the victor. After the drill concludes, switch it up … with players now hitting down the line that were hitting crosscourt and vice versa, playing the drill the opposite way. This is an amazing skill and fitness drill and one of my alltime favorites!
Hi, I’m Mary Margaret, the new Fitness Director at The Club at Gateway. Most of you already know me, but if not, please stop by and introduce yourself.
I hope this message finds you energized and ready to embrace the joys of movement! I’m thrilled to share some exciting insights on how exercise can be your best ally in the journey of aging gracefully. Let’s dive into the fun details of how staying active can keep you feeling youthful and vibrant!
**Muscle And Bone Health**
Think of strength training as your secret weapon against muscle and bone loss. By keeping those muscles strong and bones dense, you’re giving sarcopenia and osteoporosis a run for their money!
**Cardiovascular Health**
By keeping your heart strong and your blood flowing, you’re reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, keeping those age-related cardiovascular issues at bay.
**Cognitive Function**
Exercise isn’t just for the body; it’s a brain booster too! It sharpens memory, attention, and reaction time, and may even help ward off cognitive decline and dementia.
**Mental Health**
Feeling a bit down? A good workout can lift your spirits! Exercise is a natural mood enhancer, helping to ease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
**Disease Prevention**
From diabetes to certain cancers, exercise is a powerful tool in preventing and managing chronic diseases. It’s like having a personal health shield!
**Improved Balance And Coordination**
Activities like walking and dancing aren’t
just fun—they’re fantastic for improving balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and fractures as we age.
**Increased Life Expectancy** Who doesn’t want to live a longer, healthier life? Studies suggest that regular physical activity can add years to your life and life to your years.
**Slowing Down Cellular Aging**
Here’s a cool fact: Exercise might even slow down cellular aging!
Active individuals often have longer telomeres, those nifty protective caps on chromosomes.
So, let’s keep moving and grooving, embracing the many benefits of exercise as we age. Remember, every step, stretch, and lift is a step towards a healthier, happier you!
Stay
active and fabulous,
Mary Margaret Tarutis
Director of Golf at The Club at Gateway
GOLF NEWS
Thank you to all of our members at The Club at Gateway for a great season. I would personally like to thank the staff, Michael, Adrian, Nelson, Joe and all the outside services staff that have worked very hard to make this season a special one. Congratulations to all of our Major Championship winners this season! They were honored at our Awards Presentation on Saturday, April 26 after our Member-Member Match play final tournament of the season.
We are now enjoying our summer members and we hope you enjoy the experience over the summer months!
The Club at Gateway Performance Center has enhanced our ability to fit members and guests for the clubs they need, and has given us the opportunity to teach at a higher level with video analysis via Trackman. Even if you are not a member, please feel to reach out to the golf shop to book a fitting or lesson with one our golf professionals.
For those of you with Junior Golfers in the family, we will be starting up our first week of Junior Golf Summer Camp June 27. We will be offering five separate weeks. Four half-day camps from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (ages 5 to 12). All of these camps include lunch, drinks and
snacks. Our instructors will be covering all areas of the game, with plenty of time to spend on the range, putting green, short game area, and golf course. For more information please see the flyer on page 16 or to sign up your favorite Junior Golfer, give us a call in the Pro Shop at (239) 561-1010.
GOLF TIP
WANT TO BE A BETTER CHIPPER?
There are some very important fundamentals when you are chipping. Use these fundamentals while practicing to improve your chipping in minutes.
Choose the club you want to use by imagining the shot you want to hit. If it’s a higher shot, you need more loft. If it’s a lower running shot, you need less loft. One of the most important parts of chipping is deciding where you want the ball to land. All the best players in the world are looking at the point they want to land the ball because they have decided how they think the ball will roll after it lands.
Make sure you preset your weight 60 percent on your leg closest to the target at address. If you do this correctly it will lock your lower body so your upper body can control the swing.
With your weight 60 percent on your left make sure the end of the grip is pointing at your belt buckle and your ball position is just in front of
the middle of your stance. (Your hands should be ahead of the ball.) *If you want to hit a lower chip shot you can move the ball back in your stance.
To control the tempo of your swing and therefore the distance of your shots, try and make the clubhead travel as far back as it does through.
Make sure you accelerate the club through impact (this can be scary for some people). If you have the correct fundamentals this won’t be as scary because you will create spin and ultimately have more control of the
golf ball. When these fundamentals are correct you will make the club bounce into the ball and brush the top of the grass.
In this tip I didn’t mention anything about opening stance or adding loft to your club. These are used for different shots, not a basic chip shot. If you would like to learn more about different types of chip shots and the technique we use to hit them please contact me at golfpro@gatewaygcc.com or go onto Foretees to book a lesson.
2025 Fazio Cup Championship Flight Winner - Josh Paulhus
2025 Fazio Cup Flight One III Tee - Greg Farrer
2025 Fazio Cup Flight Two III Tee - Dave Curtis
2025 Fazio Cup Flight Three III Tee - Paul DeAngelis
2025 Fazio Cup Flight Four III Tee - Bob Marshall
2025 Fazio Cup Flight One IV Tee - Bill Finger
2025 Fazio Cup Flight Two IV Tee - Jerry Clyatt
2025 Fazio Cup V Tee - Jim Doane
2025 Whitacre Cup Championship - Sharon Kelly
2025 Whitacre Cup Flight One - Jeannine Doane
2025 Whitacre Cup Flight Two - Michelle Farrer
2025 Ole Gal Flight One Champion - Pam Stevens & Betsy Lee
2025 Ole Gal Flight Two Champion - Lisa Safian & Kelly Douse
2025 Ole Pal Flight One III Tee - Bill Everett & Charlie Green
2025 Ole Pal Flight Two III Tee - Mark Maxim & Jeff Stevenson
2025 Ole Pal Flight Three III Tee - Dave Curtis & Bob Cameron
2025 Ole Pal Flight Four III Tee - TBD
2025 Ole Pal Flight IV Tee - Jerry Hamernick & Dave Conley
2025 Ole Pal Flight One V Tee - Mario DaPonte & Dan Tabor
2024 Men's Member/Member Champion - Doug Goff & Steven Dickey
2024 Women's Member/Member Champion - Lisa Safian & Kim Scott
2025 Mixed Couples Gross Champions - Bill Chapman & Julie Freitag
2025 Mixed Couples Net Champions - Derek & Camri Rasmussen
2025 Men's Club Champion - Josh Paulhus
2025 Men's III Tee Net Club Champion - Gary May
2025 Men's IV Tee Net Club Champion - Bill Finger
2025 Men's Senior Club Champion - Bill Everett
2025 Women's Club Champion - Sharon Kelly
2025 Women's Net Club Champion - Lisa Stanick
2025 Men's Member/Member Match Play - Jerry Hamernick & Dave Conley
2025 Women's Member/Member Match Play - Karen Wanke & Barb DeAngelis
2025 Women's Invitational - Sharon Kelly & Franice Elrod
2025 Men's Invitational - Bob Staffan & Steve Staffan
Gateway Women’s Club
JANICE EATON, LAUREL BORGIA, MARIANNE KOLLASCH AND DONNA MARCHETTI
BOOK CLUB
JAN HARTZELL
The GWC Book Club will meet at hostess Helen Cotner’s home, on June 10 at 7 p.m. The cohostess will be Lois Hyatt. The group will be discussing The Island of Sea Women. Helen will also be leading our conversation about this novel.
“ The Island of Sea Women is a 2019 historical novel written by American author Lisa See. Set on the Korean island of Jeju, the novel tells the story of a friendship between Mi-ja, the daughter of a Japanese collaborator, and Young-Sook, the heir apparent in a family of haenyeo (all female free divers). This beautiful, thoughtful novel illuminates a unique and unforgettable culture, one where the women are in charge, engaging in dangerous physical work, as divers, while the men take care of the children.”
Please see your GWC Directory for Helen’s address and let her know if you are attending by June 8 – so that she can leave your name for entry at her neighborhood gate.
SIT AND STITCH
ELEANOR STUART
The next Sit and Stitch meeting will be hosted by Kathy Fabisiak on June 9 at 1 to 3 p.m. Please contact Kathy 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
LAUREL BORGIA
Bridge 101 will meet June 3 and 17 at Hampton Park Amenity Center at 10 a.m. There is no fee. Anyone who wants to learn or enjoys playing bridge is welcome. The ladies are a low-key, fun-loving group! Contact Susie Kravetz (her information is in the directory). Email or call her if you plan to attend. She must give your name to the gate.
2025 GWC SOCK HOP SPRING LUNCHEON CHARLOTTE STEWART
They all came out to the Hop! Some stopped by the diner, some drove in the pink Cadillac, but all had a great time at the GWC Sock Hop! The Sock Hop had special guests the “Greaseballs” who sang a few songs from Grease, and they put on a great performance, as we all ate from the buffet and ice cream bar. Once lunch was over, DJ Jay came in
HELEN COTNER, CO-WINNER FOR BEST COSTUME
Thayer, Penny Messerknecht) and there were also two winners who dressed up for the Sock Hop who both won a $50 gift card. (Helen Cotner and Sharon Desrosiers). It was a great afternoon to take a hop back into time and have fun and cut loose!
loud and clear with his music bingo and boy did the room take on a whole new vibe. As we marked our bingo cards to the songs DJ Jay played, ladies would dance in their chairs or even make their way to an area in front of the DJ and dance. The music varied from the ’50s all the way through some from today. We had 16 winners from our music bingo, where they had their choice of either a bottle of wine from Cooper’s Hawk or a $25 gift card to local restaurants around the area. (Winners: Mary Anderson, Helen Cotner, Eleanor Stuart, Robin Connolly, Claudia Polzer, Barb Miller, Joyce DiVirgilius, Anita Kardon, Leslie Duncan, Barb Hanlin, Anne Cantafio, Kathy Fabisiak, Donna BARBARA MILLER, KATHY MULLANE, PATTI HEATH
CHARLOTTE STEWART, TEAM MEMBER AND PRESIDENT, GWC
MARILYN KELLY, LYNN LEWIS
LOIS HYATT, VIDEO PRESENTER AND PHOTOGRAPHER
TEAM CHAIR FOR SOCK HOP
MARIA BEACHAM, PHOTOGRAPHER
LINDA GRAHAM, PHOTOGRAPHER
HELEN COTNER, PENNY MESSERKNECHT
CAROLYN LUCE
SHARYL TUTELA, PHOTOGRAPHER
TEAM MEMBER
LESLIE DUNCAN
MICHELLE KARNES, TEAM MEMBER
JO IWANSKI, TEAM MEMBER
GATEWAY GALS ON THE GO
BOBBI KINKADE
Gals on the Go were able to play the mini golf event that was rained out in February.
They had great weather and lots of fun. There was a tie breaker playoff for holes in one between Barbara Cecerre and Judy Kading, with Judy taking the trophy.
BOBBI KINKADE, MIMI ROSSI
SHARON DESROSIERS, COLLEEN COYER, MARY DESILVA AND MARY ANN GEORGE
ELEANOR STUART, SANDY SCHWARTZ, MICHELLE KARNES, ELSIE RIVARD
JUDY KADING, KATHY MULLANE, BARB HANLIN
VIOLA MURPHY, BARBARA CECERRE, DEVRA GLANCY, YVONNE CRIBBS
ANN DYNIEWICZ, JANE YALE, SANTA BERTHELSON, JULIA RIZZI
The low scorer was Bobbi Kinkade and Santa had the most fun.
So, mark your calendars and join the group next February.
The committee is also planning a Nine and Dine four-person scramble for
DINING OUT SUSAN ROBERTS
The Gateway Women’s Club’s recent dining adventure to Blossom & Brie was a breath of fresh air (literally). The restaurant, situated on a picturesque 86-acre farm in North Fort Myers, provided the backdrop for a charming farm-side experience with outstanding farm-fresh cuisine.
From the moment the Women’s Club diners approached the farm’s gate, it was readily apparent that Blossom & Brie is where nature’s bounty shines. The farm setting offered beautiful vistas with fields beyond what the eye can see and shady oak trees dotting the landscape. Owners Stacey and Ronald Poole have created an inviting,
October, more information to come but start putting your foursome together.
Special thanks to Sandy Schwartz and Michelle Karnes for facilitating the outing.
Great job!
VICKI SCHMELZ, MARIA BEACHAM, SUSAN ROBERTS
BLOSSOM & BRIE OWNERS
RODNEY AND STACEY POOLE, SUSAN ROBERTS
warm atmosphere, stating “we want you to forget the stresses of your day, take in a breath of fresh air and enjoy the sights and sounds of the farm.”
So, it is no surprise that Blossom & Brie won the “Best Farm to Table” award in Gulfshore Life’s “Best Of 2025” and was recognized as finalists for “Best New Restaurant” and “Best Healthy/Organic Restaurant.” Blossom & Brie was also recently featured on Good Morning Gulf Coast on ABC 7.
Blossom & Brie provides a true farm-to-table experience, with local flavors and unforgettable taste. The earth’s bounty was on
full display for the Women’s Club with the delicious appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts offered by Blossom & Brie. The Pooles praised their awardwinning chef, Wesley Robbins, who “takes great pride in creating menus that are unique
and exciting.” From corn fritters and crab cakes to Beef Bourguignon, Black Angus Filet, roasted farm raised chicken or grouper, every bite was exceptional.
Before and after dinner, the group roamed the grounds of Blossom & Brie’s working farm, where cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, turkeys, ducks and donkeys added their own unique welcome and charm to the evening.
CONNIE AND BOB ROESSLER, SUSAN KITE
MARY KARAS, JUDY FOX, SUSAN ROBERTS, PATTI HEATH, BOB DEGUSIPE, KAREN MAXWELL, AND VICKI SCHMELZ
BLOSSOM, MATRIARCH AND NAMESAKE OF BLOSSOM & BRIE
ELEANOR AND RANDY STUART, BOB AND JUDY JONES, SUSIE AND ARTHUR KRAVETZ
Gateway Women’s Club enjoyed a spectacular evening at Blossom & Brie. From start to finish, with the warm welcome, to the impeccable service from the waitstaff and
the kitchen, and to the mouthwatering and delicious appetizers, entrees, and sweet endings, Blossom & Brie outperformed in every way. The guests were mesmerized and delighted with the entire dining experience and unforgettable evening.
CAROL AND GARY BROWN
DOROTHY AND KEN FREDA
DONNA AND DON MARCHETTI
BOB AND DEBBY STEPHANO
RUSS AND MARYANN SCHMIDT
MARYANN SCHMIDT AND ALEXIS ROOSA
The Spot For Gateway Greens
ENHANCING OUR COMMUNITY
Over the course of the next several months the Gateway Greens communities will benefit from a range of projects – all with the objective of enhancing our community. One of the focus areas is to improve our overall landscaping aesthetics. The Gateway Greens Homeowners Association’s Landscaping Committee is developing a multi-year plan to ensure that our homeowners live in a community that has a well-designed landscape plan that is attractive, wellmaintained and enhances property values by enticing prospective residents.
The first hurdle of identifying and contracting with a new landscaping provider is complete! Effective May 1, GreatView Lawn Care is now our primary provider. They are known and respected for delivering top-tier landscaping services with a passion for excellence to enhance the beauty and value of outdoor spaces. Over the course of the next months, expect to see a committed crew hard at work, dedicated to beautifying our community and creating a welcoming atmosphere. We will see a new, refreshed look with beautiful plants and by removing pine straw and replacing it with bark mulch.
Well-maintained landscaping can significantly impact property values and make the area more enticing to prospective homebuyers and residents in several ways, a few of which are:
• Maximize property value as potential buyers associate well-maintained landscaping with overall property quality. Healthy plants and thoughtful landscaping suggest that the homeowners understand the importance of their surroundings and the overall quality of life in the community.
• Faster sale times when both common and personal properties are in harmony with attractive landscaping, individual properties tend to sell faster.
• Environmental benefits include the use of native plants, proper irrigation, and sustainable practices to improve environmental conditions by reducing soil erosion, improving air quality, and supporting local wildlife.
Once the Landscaping Committee provides an assessment of both near- and long-term enhancements, the recommendations will be shared with the community. In the meantime, please be assured that work is already in process, including improvements around our monuments. We will need to be patient as we wait until painting concludes – which is soon, weather permitting.
Landscaping plays a multifaceted role in our lives, enriching our physical, mental, and emotional well-being while contributing to a more vibrant and sustainable environment. We are now partnered with the right supplier to support our vision!
CALLAWAY FROM:
WALDEN LAKES FROM:
CALLAWAY TO:
LAKES TO:
HIDDEN LINKS FROM:
HIDDEN LINKS TO:
WALDEN
The Spot For Gateway Greens
HURRICANE SEASON IS HERE!
Although our hurricane season, from June 1 to November 30, is our least favorite time of year in terms of weather, we understand that Mother Nature is in charge, and it’s our job to manage through the process as best we can! Welcome to “Hurricane Corner” where we will provide some helpful hints on how best to prepare for the potential of a hurricane, cope upon arrival and respond when it’s over. Even though the peak typically occurs between mid-August and mid-October, we all need to have a plan starting now!
This first article will help you better prepare, which can make a big difference in your readiness to protect you, your family, and your home. Start now!
Once a hurricane is forecasted for our area, it’s easy to dismiss the seriousness when the words “advisory” and “watch” are used versus the more imminent label of “warning.” However, for preparedness it’s best to act immediately – as the timeline for progression can be shorter than we realize – creating panic, long lines and shortages. Even at the lowest level of “advisory,” conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences that may be hazardous. A “watch” notice should trigger your family’s plan to take proactive measures. Prior to a “warning” being issued, all of your preparedness should be complete as hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours and you should be in your execution phase to ensure your safety.
Consider the following for your preparation plan:
• Ensure your vehicle’s gas tank(s) is at least half full. Load your vehicle with emergency supplies such as flashlights, flares, jumper cables, etc.
• Stock a supply of consumable water, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, paper towels, soap, bleach, etc.
• Plan an evacuation route – check the Florida Department of Transportation or Office of Emergency Management websites to find evacuation routes near you.
• Prepare family and pet “GO BAGs” – to include these suggested items:
○ Food and bottled water for family and pets
○ Batteries, extra phone chargers
○ Personal items such as medications (including any pet meds), toiletry and first aid kits, clothing and blankets
Note: Florida law allows pharmacists to refill prescriptions early if the county where you reside is under a hurricane warning, declared as a State of Emergency, or operating its Emergency Center and Emergency Management Plan
○ Pet leashes, ID tags, carriers and other important items like vaccination records
○ Cash (don’t rely on ATM’s being available)
○ Photocopies of essential documents (passports, birth certificates, driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, debit/credit cards, home insurance information, etc.) in a waterproof container
• Plan for an emergency shelter location – download the FEMA application at fema.gov/mobile-app.
Caution: Not all shelters accept pets so do your research!
• Develop one out-of-state contact that everyone in the family can call to check in and report their status.
• Trim trees prior to hurricane season; clean house gutters and clear street drains of debris
• Fill an extra bathtub with water if possible and/or fill empty gallon jugs with water for showering, flushing toilets, etc.
Remember the advice from both the Boy and Girl Scouts: Be prepared.
The Spot For Gateway Greens
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Communication is a two-way street, and the Gateway Greens community is no exception. The Gateway Greens Homeowners Communications Team implemented new communications platforms to ensure our homeowners have valuable and updated information about your home and community. Multiple ways to ask questions and submit ideas to the Board and Alliant, our property managers are now in place:
1. The Gateway Greens resident portal is a great overall resource, with new content added regularly. The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section provides key information to understand a range of questions that new and longtime Gateway Greens residents have asked –with the answers you need. You will find questions and responses while discovering information about:
a. When is garbage pickup?
b. Guidelines for the proper maintenance of your home and property
c. How to handle a speeding ticket
d. When is the next Board meeting?
e. How to rent your home
f. How to report an alligator nuisance
g. What are the parking rules?
h. And much more!
Check out https://www.gatewaygreens.com
2. It’s easy to submit ideas for the community and to ask specific questions with our new Communications email: HomeownersMatter@GatewayGreens.com.
Whatever your question, we want to hear from you! There are many great ideas coming from within a community of more than 1,400 homes. Plus, you may have a particular issue or challenge that needs an answer because it is not in the FAQ section. Your input will also help us in our quest to provide updates on a broader range of topics and add content to our website. Email us any day, any time – and we will get back with a response!
3. You can also submit requests at https:// home.alliantproperty.com/community/newrequest for a billing question, fee waiver, service or maintenance; or a general inquiry. Please be sure to select the option on the form that best describes the problem with plenty of detail, including the specific location or area of concern. Please note that you need
to submit separate requests for each individual issue reported. Our team will review your request and determine if it’s an association issue or something that the homeowner will need to address.
4. Our newest communications vehicle is the Gateway Lifestyle online magazine. The publication you are reading is loaded with recent Gateway Greens news and useful information pertaining to your home and community. It is emailed to you monthly or you can visit https://gateway.seabreezecommunications.com/ for current and past issues.
5. And finally – watch this space and via email to hear more about our Community Channel on Comcast! We are excited to be able to share 24/7 tidbits of news for you in a very different communications method. Stay tuned!
The Gateway Greens Communications Team is focused on being proactive in a variety of ways to ensure you get the information you need to enjoy your home and community. Now, let’s hear from you!
Whispers Of God…
DR. MARK P. GONZALES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ROYAL PALM ASSOCIATION OF CHURCHES, SBC
JELLO-HEARTS
Well, it’s summertime, school is out, and the kids and/or grandkids are probably more underfoot at home. How fun! But we all know this also means that things are most likely getting a bit noisier and spicier around the house, right? Okay, maybe a lot more. From testy fussing to feisty arguments, disagreements of all types can sometimes get out of hand, and tempers can flare. So, how can we navigate these normal life blowups?
As I think back to when Lindy and I were raising our three sons, and as we now watch them and their lovely wives raising our grandkids, we get to watch them do many of the things we tried to do back in the day. Like this.
When our little guys had their flare-ups, it was like two superballs bouncing off each other and ricocheting everywhere. So, first we calmed them down enough to share that word picture with them (the distraction or re-direction principle at work). “Okay, guys. You know those superballs we were playing with the other day? What if they were bouncing off each other in a glass house? What would happen?” Answer: “Break a lot of glass?” “Right! Well, that’s what you guys are doing to each other’s hearts right now.”
Next, we’d ask them to think about what would happen if one of them decided to let their hearts and actions become more like a wall by not fighting back, and just let the other one do the bouncing.
Answer: “Half the bouncing?” “Right again. Getting better.”
Then we’d have a little fun and ask them to think about what would happen if one of them decided to let their heart and actions soften into a glob of Jello—any flavor they like! Answer: “No bounce!” “Yup. Even a superball can’t bounce off Jello!”
Finally, we’d challenge them by saying something like: “Hey, why don’t you both be Jello-hearted! What flavor do you want to be?” This usually helped them settle down to be able to settle the dispute in a softer way. Why? The Proverbs puts it this way: “A soft answer turns away wrath.”
In short, to be “Jello-hearted” is to simply be patient, kind, humble, and soft. Life is not really a matter of winning and losing. Nor is it about fighting to get your way at any cost. It’s about
loving and serving each other. It’s about learning that people and hearts are far more important than power and things.
Speaking of which, sometimes when our boys started to fight over a toy or something, we had another component to add to the Jelloheart principle. We’d casually walk in with a Jello-heart and calmly ask what they were fighting about. If it was a toy, we’d just softly say: “Okay, well why don’t we give you guys a couple of minutes to think of a way to share it, and if you can’t, we’ll just throw it in the trash? Because brothers are much more important than things, right?”
Ten seconds later, they usually had a solution. This top priority principle, done softly and regularly, can work wonders.
Now here’s a bonus. If you do this type of thing regularly, the role modelling principle will also kick in as they reflexively remember to be Jellohearted just like you. Of course, that works with negative role modelling as well.
Lindy and I were about to enter a store one day when a mom was storming out, screaming at her young teen: “I can’t believe how rude you were in there, you little #*#*#*! Who do you think you are? Get in the freaking car! I can’t see how in the world you got to be this way!” (Uh, we do.)
So, why not put a box or two of Jello around the house to remind each other that softer is better, and sharing is sweeter. Not only that, but being the first one to switch to a Jelloheart response in a feud makes God smile –and most others as well. Sweeeet!
Chilling with a Jello-heart with you, Pastor Mark (mark@quillpress.org)
Articles, videos and podcasts: markpg.org. Write and share at mark@quillpress.org. Hear me every Saturday, 8 a.m. on 91.5 FM.
Catch The Action
CAPT. BILL RUSSELL
JUNE ON THE WATER
Warm sunny days with calm seas followed by afternoon thunderstorms is our typical weather pattern for June as summer sets in. Although Southwest Florida is rapidly growing, you notice a big decline of boaters and anglers over the next several months.
As far as fishing goes there will be good days and bad ones, strong tide days should give you the best opportunities. With the summer heat the bite is often better early and late in the day, however, be aware of thunderstorms in the afternoons. If you have the opportunity, fishing after a late day thunderstorm is often good once the storms pass. However, we have very nasty and dangerous thunderstorms, do not put yourself or others at risk if lightning is in the area.
Tarpon fishing is in full swing throughout the month, fishing around the full and new moon tides may give you the best shot at conquering the silver king. Warm water brings a lot of sharks to our coast, if you want to battle a big fish and avoid the tarpon crowds this may be for you. Anchoring up with fresh bait soaked on bottom or under a float while waiting in the shade with a cool beverage is relaxing and productive. Do not be surprised if you hook a tarpon though!
If you are looking to bring home dinner, snapper may be your best bet. Decent size mangrove snappers are moving inshore as well as the gulf passes. Large mangrove snapper plus grunts and other bottom dwellers are often plentiful in gulf waters within sight of land over hard bottom and reefs. Shrimp, squid, and small pinfish or pilchards are candy to snapper, but you need to remember they have keen eyesight and easily become leader shy. If the water clarity is good, dropping down to 10- or 12-pound fluorocarbon leader may be necessary to fool the larger fish. A fresh block of chum also helps with the bite, especially offshore.
The best snook fishing through the summer months is generally in and near the gulf passes and islands. Snook may range in size from fish under 20
inches to big females over 40 inches. This is their mating season with large schools of fish found along the beaches and nearby structure with strong tide movement. If they’re active and hungry they will pounce on a variety of baits (with live the top choice), if not, they can be difficult to entice.
With warm water and high tides, under the shade of mangrove shorelines and structures such as docks and piers are the place to hunt redfish. Live bait, cut bait, and lures all work, just some better than others at different times. Many anglers prefer to soak a smelly cut bait on bottom and let the scent bring in the fish. It works great for redfish, and often snook and trout, just be prepared to unhook a number of catfish.
Sea trout, another tasty inshore fish are plentiful and found throughout the inshore waters. Most are caught over grass flats in 3 to 8 feet of water. Fishing over grass flats one can expect a mixed bag including ladyfish, mackerel, jack crevalle, sharks, bluefish, and other species. The best trout action occurs before the midday sun heats up the shallow water. It’s possible to hook sea trout on a variety of lures and live baits.
Inshore and nearshore, anglers can expect Spanish mackerel and cobia. In the gulf, fishing around reefs is the best bet. Inshore, near the gulf passes and deeper grass flats. Watch for birds as they are following bait schools as are the cobia and mackerel.
If you’re making a day of it, as the midday heat sets in, it is the perfect time to head to one of our beautiful beaches for a swim and picnic lunch. This is also a great time to cool off while wetting a line and possibly get into some good catch and release snook action as schools are working up and down the surf. If a picnic lunch is not your thing, you can drop in to one of the many great island restaurants accessible to boaters for a fresh prepared meal and beverages.
As we enter summer, many anglers, including me, prefer to get an early start and back to the dock before the midday heat sets in. If you fish all day or only a few hours, bring plenty of water and drink often to stay hydrated. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment on a hot day and before you realize it you are past the point of return.
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 29 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.”
Alliance For The Arts Announces A Blockbuster Lineup Of Summer Camps For Young Creatives
This summer, the Alliance for the Arts is inviting young minds ages 3 to 16 to ignite their creativity, explore their passions, and dive into immersive arts experiences with a vibrant lineup of camps designed for every kind of young creator.
From theatrical storytelling and hands-on art exploration to high-tech movie production and behind-the-scenes theatre design, the Alliance’s Summer Camp Series promises a season of discovery, innovation, and unforgettable fun.
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS (AGES 3 TO 12)
Running weekly from June 16 to July 18, these themed camps offer half-day sessions for ages 3 to 6 and full-day sessions for ages 7 to 12.
Themes Include
StageCraft: The Art Behind the Curtain (June 16 to 20)
STEAM Studio: Where Art Meets Innovation (June 23 to 27)
Movie Making: The Art Behind the Scenes (July 7 to 11)
Masterpieces Through Time (July 14 to 18)
Younger campers (ages 3 to 6) can enjoy specially designed half-day versions, like Art in Nature, STEAM Art, and Art Around the World, each blending art-making with storytelling, sensory play, and cultural discovery.
Camp hours vary by age group. Extended care is available for ages 7 to 12. Space is limited—early registration is encouraged!
FOUR-WEEK FILMMAKING
INTENSIVE (AGES 11 TO 16)
Calling all future filmmakers! From July 1 to 26, join award-winning industry professionals to learn every aspect of filmmaking—from script to screen. Students will: Write scripts, storyboard scenes, and audition actors.
Operate cameras, drones, and lighting equipment.
Edit using Adobe Premiere Pro and explore Foley and sound design. Premiere their finished short film on the big screen.
This intensive runs Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $1,000 for members/$1,200 for nonmembers. Enrollment is limited to just 15 students.
TECH THEATRE BOOTCAMP: BUILD, DESIGN & SHINE! (AGES 11 TO 16)
From June 16 to 27, get a backstage pass to the world of technical theatre in this two-week intensive! Learn scenic design, lighting and sound, set construction, stage management, and more. Perfect for aspiring designers, stagehands, and creative builders.
Week 1: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Week 2: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost: $350 members/$420 nonmembers
Space is limited across all camps. For full camp descriptions, schedules, and to register, visit www.artinlee.org/explore/camps/youtharts-camps/.
For sponsorship opportunities, including sponsoring a camper, please email Jen Falk at jen@artinlee.org or Melissa at Melissa@ artinlee.org.
About Alliance For The Arts
From yesterday’s vision to tomorrow’s masterpiece, a legacy of art and soul. The Alliance for the Arts is celebrating 50 years as a nonprofit community visual and performing arts center located in the heart of Fort Myers. The Alliance campus and galleries are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Located at 10091 McGregor Blvd., just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. For more information, please call (239) 9392787, visit us at www.ArtInLee.org , find us on Facebook , MeetUp and Instagram .
What’s Blooming: Crape Myrtle
KAREN M. MAXWELL, HORTICULTURE SPECIALIST AND HORTICULTURE PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
Often mistaken for dead trees during the winter season, the family of Lagerstroemia, Crape Myrtles, are bursting forth with blooms ranging from white to deep magenta. At Edison and Ford Winter Estates, we have an unusually rare collection of species, as well as some uniquely tropical specimens.
The old-world spelling of crape probably originated in Europe with an old French word indicating the color crimson. Sometimes spelled as crepe, which is derived either from the old Greek for mulberry, a plant closely associated or in reference to the delicate paper-like flowers and thin bark. To clarify, both common spellings are acceptable and appear to be regional adaptations. While belonging to the plant order of myrtles,
these trees are not true myrtles, so botanists suggest the name be presented as a single world, i.e., crapemyrtle or crepemyrtle.
An exceptional tropical species is the Queen Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia speciosa), also known as Pride of India, which is far less cold tolerant than the more common Lagerstroemia indica that decorate many roadways and parking lots throughout the South. The Queen naturally produces lavender blooms and thrives in our zones 10-11. Pink flowered Queens exist but in 2015, the USDA in Miami introduced a new hybrid that produced the largest pink flower spikes ever seen.
Appropriately, the introduction was named Big Pink and it grows in the riverside gardens in front of Edison’s home. The Queen naturally grows as a multi-trunk, but good pruning will strengthen the tree to grow as a single trunk or “standard” flowering tree, reaching 50 feet or more in height.
The Queen Crape will suffer if grass or ground cover is planted around its base. For additional summer color, consider caladiums that will thrive in the Queen’s shade. As the common name implies, the Queen is native to Asia but it is not considered a nuisance or invasive species in Southwest Florida.
In Hindu, the Queen Crape is known as the Banaba tree. Naturalists or those who study traditional Ayurveda or Indian medicine may recognize the name Banaba. With many medicinal properties, scientists are still examining the efficacy of a concoction of the l. speciosa leaves, particularly in combination with the popular drug known as Metformin, used to reduce glucose levels in the blood, thereby helping diabetes patients.
Best planted away from the house – ideally on a boundary line or in a sunny corner –this large species produces a wide canopy; however, fallen flowers and leaves may make for a messy yard. Give them full sun and don’t be surprised if the remaining leaves turn red in the late winter. This is normal. Protect its lower trunk from errant mowers and similar landscape tools, as the bark is quite delicate and easily damaged; belying the fact that it
protects a trunk known for its high quality and extremely durable lumber with a similar ranking to teak on the Janka wood hardness scale. Wood from lagerstroemias is also quite termite resistant.
Much more widespread, with some specimens living as far north as Massachusetts, is the multi-trunked or shrub-like Lagerstroemia indica, the Crape Myrtle, growing to only about 20 feet in height. Certainly not a flowering tree for snowbirds, these China natives are completely deciduous in winter, providing an opportunity for the sun to stream through their bare canopies to winter flowering annuals planted beneath. This cold hardy lagerstroemia can die back with frost, but if not fed or watered late in the season in lower zones, such as zones 6-9, no harm will be done, and the shrub will bounce back with warmer temperatures.
Love the color but not the size? Consider dwarf varieties of L. indica with names such as Cherry Dazzle, My Fair Myrtle, Rikki Tikki Pink and Black Diamond (with red flowers against dark colored leaves). Dwarfs may be easily grown in pots, but when in the ground, super drainage is the key to success.
All lagerstroemias require regular water, particularly during extensive dry periods, to look their best. With additional water, these “southern lilacs” will also do quite well in arid gardens once they are established. These plants prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6 to 6.5 and if your soil is purchased for a
container or alkaline in the garden, mix in good compost or coffee grounds. Elemental sulphur can easily be purchased online and will also aid in lowering pH for a longer period of time than just using organics. If soil is too rich, the shrubs may grow healthy branches and leaves but have few flowers (which appear on new growth).
For our botany hobbyists, though generally bare during the winter months, L. indica has its unique features that include exfoliating or peeling bark and sprays of seed pods that are fun to use in floral arrangements. If shrubs are pruned to restrict the height of your Crape Myrtles, reaching the seed pods is a cinch.
Seed dispersal for lagerstroemia is known as explosive dehiscence because the dried pods literally explode or pop open, letting the wind disperse the shower of seeds. By looking around the gardens at Edison and Ford Winter Estates, you will find many varieties of plants that employ this method of seed dispersal. Upon close examination of the seed pods on henna plants in the wildflower garden or
community garden in late fall to early winter, it is easy to understand how these plants are both classified in the plant family Lythraceae, which also includes cuphea and loosestrife.
Crape Myrtles may be started from seed; however, they are quite slow to germinate and care must be taken to prevent the seeds from rotting before they germinate. Seeds from hybridized cultivars will not typically produce the same color flower – if it’s flower color you are looking for, then be sure to propagate the plant vegetatively.
A close neighbor to the Kapok tree at the Estates is the Siam Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia siamica or syn. L. floribunda var. cuspidate). Very similar in all its growth and flowering patterns to L. speciosa, this native of Thailand and Myanmar is indigenous to their humid forests and will grow to more than 90 feet in its native habitat, but only to approximately 30 feet in Southwest Florida (if conditions are right). This particularly tropical Siam Crape Myrtle has a smaller range of colors than the L. indicia and will not tolerate any frost. It is often chosen for tropical landscapes for its stunning exfoliating bark on the multi-stemmed trunk.
Another cultivar at the Estates can be found along the allée, leading to the fountain and just beyond the
security tent. “Natchez” grows to 35 feet or so, and is the most widely planted variety throughout the South. It produces white flowers and cinnamon-colored wood and is considered one of the few lagerstroemias that have a fragrance when in bloom.
The next time you visit, enjoy viewing the collection of Crape Myrtles, predominantly on the riverside, while the Thai or Siam (the old name of Thailand) Crape Myrtle is just across from the Kapok (near the laboratory).
It’s probably appropriate to close with addressing the issue of “crape murder.” A common problem in the South, it is the crime of crimes when it comes to pruning –often a case of “monkey see, monkey do.” It is never appropriate to hack this beautiful tree, creating nubby growths with weak flower stems. Some educated pruning is always encouraged, but the smart move is purchasing a cultivar that doesn’t grow too big for your garden so that you can always see its beautiful summer flower show!
Montage Women’s Club
The Montage Women’s Club is a social and philanthropic club open to all women residing in Lee County. We normally meet on the fourth Thursday of each month. Our June meeting will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn (Captiva Ballroom), 12600 University Drive, Fort Myers 33908, corner of College Parkway at the Summerlin Road overpass. Meetings begin at 11:30 a.m. with a short social period followed by lunch at noon followed by an informative speaker program and a short business meeting. Within the organization are various interest groups for members’ participation. Membership is open to both year-round and seasonal residents. We welcome you to visit Montage for a luncheon.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, June 26. Our speaker will be Nancy Olson, from The Friends of the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Center. Olson will be sharing valuable information about the slough’s diverse population of plants and animals, and its positive influences on our local community and environment.
Luncheon fee is $30 per person, and you have a choice of either a regular menu entree (Barbecued Pork with coleslaw) and/or a vegan plant-based entree (Eggplant Parmesan with vegan cheese and quinoa).
If you would like to attend a Montage meeting, need further information, or would like to make a reservation, please call Rita Artwohl at (239) 703-7787. Reservations cutoff to attend this meeting is noon, Thursday, June 19.
From The Desk Of Sheriff Carmine Marceno...
OPERATION MEDICINE CABINET
Many are unaware of the fact that a significant percentage of individuals that are abusing prescription opiates obtain these drugs from their own homes, the homes of family members and/or the homes of friends.
In the United States, in 2023, approximately 8.6 million individuals reported misusing prescription opioids. Once again, that statistic only represents “reported” abuse.
“Drug Free Lee” is working diligently to educate residents of these dangers and to help secure and/or dispose of these medications.
“Operation Medicine Cabinet is a program supported by the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties,” stated Deb Comella, executive director Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida. “The program educates Lee County citizens on the importance of proper disposal of prescription medications, both to prevention diversion, and to keep our waterways clean and safe. Data indicates that 52% of those abusing prescription drugs for the first time get them from friends and relatives, and we want to get those medications locked up and disposed of properly when they are no longer needed.”
We remind residents to avoid flushing medications and/or disposing of them down bathroom/kitchen drains as this eventually winds
up in our rivers, lakes and our drinking water. This also poses a tremendous risk to wildlife and can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Local law enforcement agencies have specialized lockboxes that are used to receive discarded medications. We encourage residents wishing to safely discard medications to contact their nearest law enforcement location.
“The DEA and area law enforcement sponsor take back days twice each year, in April and in October. Drug Free Lee coordinates a Deterra Bag distribution event, which provides an inhome disposal system,” Comella shared.
Reasonably believing that our medications are safe to store in our medicine cabinets and drawers, we unintentionally provide access to those who are abusing these drugs. Additionally, this creates a serious hazard when young children have access to these locations.
Those storing prescription medications should consider the use of a medication lockbox. Priced from as low as $17, these boxes are an excellent way to prevent theft and/or accidental consumption of your medications.
For “Operation Medicine Cabinet” events, please visit www.drugfreelee.org.
