Another Seabreeze Publication www.seabreezecommunications.com
VOL. 21 NO. 11
NOVEMBER 2023
The Club At Gateway We are thrilled to announce that The Club at Gateway was voted the Best Golf Course and Country Club in Fort Myers for the fifth consecutive year! We also took first place in several other categories, including: • Spa • Family-friendly dining • Wedding venue • Happy hour • Golf shop And we were a finalist in: • All-around restaurant and barbeque We couldn’t have achieved this without the support of our amazing members and guests. Thank you all for voting and making us the top choice in Fort Myers.
Employee Spotlight By David Pagel, Director of Agronomy Ted Vance, our longesttenured employee, has been working with our golf course maintenance crew since 1988, when the course was built. Ted is originally from Decatur, Ill., and has now been with the Club at Gateway for 35 years. He is a valuable employee and a
great person with a positive attitude. I can’t say enough nice things about Ted. He’s always willing to help others and has a vast knowledge of the golf course. He never complains and has a great work ethic. He is one of the first ones to work and the last to leave. I haven’t met anyone who cuts and sets a better cup when changing hole locations. This is just one of many tasks he does well, and he takes pride in everything he does. I would hire an entire crew like him if I could.
Scrabble Club The Club at Gateway recently started a new Scrabble Club. Members are welcomed and encouraged to join on the first, second, and fourth Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. in the Fazio Room at the clubhouse. Scrabble is ranked as the second-best board game in U.S. history, second only to Monopoly. Playing Scrabble has numerous benefits that make it a fantastic game for people of all ages. Firstly, Scrabble is an excellent way to enhance your vocabulary and improve your language skills. Additionally, Scrabble is a great mental exercise that helps improve cognitive skills. It can enhance critical thinking abilities and boost memory and concentration. Moreover, Scrabble is a social game that promotes interaction and bonding. Playing with friends not only provides an opportunity for quality time together but also encourages healthy competition and friendly banter. It can be a fun way to connect with others and create lasting memories. For more information, please contact Lorraine Tobin or the Administration Office.
Cribbage The Club at Gateway recently added cribbage to our activities list. Gordy Olson will be the point of contact (or our Administion Office). Members are welcome to join us on Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Fazio Room. This is a game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It offers a perfect balance of luck and skill, making it accessible to beginners while still challenging enough for experienced players.
Golf Tournament A Labor Day golf tournament followed by a barbeque buffet at The Club at Gateway was the perfect way to celebrate the holiday and enjoy a day of fun and relaxation. The tournament brought together golfers of all skill levels, creating a friendly and competitive atmosphere. After the tournament, the club hosted a barbeque buffet. The buffet featured our famous salad bar, house-smoked specialties, and a variety of desserts. This was a great way to socialize with friends and unwind after golf. Many players and families chose to end their day with a cold beverage by the pool. Below are the winners in each flight: Flight 1: Kevin Callans, Greg Moore, Matt DenBoer, and Shane Basso The Club At Gateway on page 4
Gateway Women’s Club By Janice Eaton, Laurel Borgia, Marianne Kollasch and Donna Marchetti Gateway Women’s Club welcomed speakers Brian Wierima, Tricia Boone, and Grady from the Gulf Coast Humane Society to the recent meeting. Grady is the four-legged furry ambassador representing the nearly 3,000 animals in need of compassion and care given annually by this Gulf Coast Humane Society nonprofit, no-kill, 501(c) C o m m u n i t y R e l a t i o n s (3) shelter. While Grady Coordinator Brian Wierima (a Black Mouth Cur hound and Grady mix) stole the hearts of the ladies in attendance, Brian (community relations coordinator) highlighted some of the many services they Gateway Lifestyle
offer. Brian and Tricia explained how the shelter offers adoption programs and so much more. The Cell Dog Program works in conjunction with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Dogs are teamed up with qualifying inmates. The dogs are trained in how to live in a loving home while the convicts learn responsibility for another life. At graduation, all leave with a sense of accomplishment. The dogs then become available for adoption at a near 100 percent success rate of finding forever homes. The Senior-to-Senior Program (funded by United Way) holds meet and greets for adults who cannot have permanent pets at home. The love and caring they share, even for a short time, is heartwarming. Children Advocacy Center partners up for the Puppy Program for children. The Foster Program is flexible and works on an individual basis. Gulf Coast Humane Society does not receive any federal, state or county funding or monies from the Humane Society of the United States or ASPCA. They rely solely PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID FT MYERS FL PERMIT 751
on donations, grants, bequests and fundraising events. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations are tax deductible. It takes approximately $14,000 a day to operate Gulf Coast Humane Society. That’s on a typical day, however, exceptions happen often. Brian explained four puppies just came in. Two of the puppies had parvo. It is treatable, but an expensive procedure averaging about $6,000 per dog. Once cured, the dogs are fine. Parvo is not a chronic disease. For such occasions, they rely on the Second Chance fund. Brian explained the shelter has had about 1,800 adoptions this year. Their mission statement is to care for companion pets’ needs by offering safe refuge, provide medical care and facilitate adoptions. “That’s what we do,” Brian concluded. For more information about Gulf Coast Humane S o c i e t y, c a l l ( 2 3 9 ) 3 3 2 - 0 3 6 4 o r g o t o w w w. GulfCoastHumaneSociety.org. Gateway Women’s Club on page 2
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
Please submit all articles for Gateway Lifestyle To Seabreeze Communications 5630 Halifax Ave. • Fort Myers, FL 33912 E-mail to lee@seabreezecommunications.com by the 6th of the month preceding the month of publication.