Gateway Women’s Club |

A Powerhouse At Hertz Arena

By Stephanie Mena

Hertz Arena’s cavalcade of winning entertainment and community outreach programs doesn’t just happen by accident. Collette McCormick is the reason why. She is the first female Vice President at Hertz, the largest venue in Southwest Florida. McCormick brings with her over 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. Her background started as a young girl on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. McCormick’s know-how incorporates working at family-owned restaurants, wineries/vineyards, chain restaurants, fine dining/catering, and food trucks. At Hertz arena, she oversees concessions, Breakaway Sports Pub Restaurant, Hertz #1 Private Club, 25 Luxury Suites and a full catering department. Hertz Arena also attracts business to surrounding hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers.

The members of Gateway Women’s Club were pleased to learn Hertz Arena Hosts events from WWE to private wedding celebrations and everything in between. Most people from Lee and Collier County have been to the arena over the last 25 years and experienced the shows, food and shelter it provides. Yes, Hertz Arena keeps people safe from harm during dangerous storms and hurricanes. People seeking protection are often separated from their homes and possibly loved ones. It’s McCormick’s job to see they are sheltered, well fed and cared for until the storms settle.

Dave and Terri Hoffman bought the Arena in 2019. Currently, The Everblades play 36 home games there. They are the first team in ECHL history to win three consecutive Kelly Cup titles: in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Hertz arena has three ice rinks and offers a full Olympic training program, a variety of leagues, and a learn-to-skate club. But, wait, there’s more. Hertz Arena also hosts special community events such as: Military Night, First Responders Night, and Breast Cancer Awareness to name just a few. To keep the audience connected during hockey games, the Swampy blimp floats along and amazes audiences of all ages.

McCormick also schedules big name entertainers with shows for the entire family.

Hertz Arena is located at 11000 Everblades Parkway in Estero, Florida. For a complete listing of upcoming events, and to learn more, you are invited to visit their website at https://hertzarena.com.

Gateway’s Women’s Club always provides unique, fun, and informative guest speakers at each of their meetings.

Book Club

The GWC Book Club will meet to discuss the novel “The Ride of Her Life” by Elizabeth Letts, on Tuesday October 8th at 7:00 PM. The hostess will be Prudie Fournier, and her co-hostess is Marilyn Steiner. The discussion of this true story will be led by Barbara Nicholson. Please refer to your GWC Directory for the address of Prudi’s home in Silverlakes. If attending, you will need a gate code to enter.

“In 1954, 63-year-old Maine farmer Annie Wilkins embarked on an impossible journey. She had no money and no family, she had just lost her farm, and her doctor had given her only two yeas to live, but Annie wanted to see the Pacific Ocean before she died. She ignored her doctor’s advice to move into the country charity home. Instead, she bought a cast-off brown gelding named Tarzan, donned men’s dungaree and headed south in mid-November, hoping to beat the snow.”

–Jan Hartzell

Sit And Stitch

The next Sit and Stitch meeting will be hosted by Paula Kostycz on October 7th at 1:00 pm. Please contact Paula 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.

-Eleanor Stuart

Bridge

Bridge 101 will meet October 1^st and 15^th at Hampton Park Amenity Center at 10 a.m. Please contact Susie Kravetz (her information is in the GWC Directory), to let her know if you are attending. The group needs a number count and names of attendees so you can get in the gate. They welcome anyone who plays bridge.

–Laurel Borgia

Gateway Gals On The Go

Gals on the Go is ready to go! The next event will be Axe-throwing on Tuesday, October 22nd. It will be held at HeadPinz from 11:30 to 12:30. The cost is $13.00. Members, spouses and guests are welcome. Lunch at Nemo’s will be on your own. Contact Mary Ann George for more information. Mary Ann’s information can be found in the GWC directory.

Dining Out

Hurricanes are no strangers to residents and businesses in Southwest Florida. But did you know that Fort Myers’ inception was due to an 1841 hurricane that destroyed Fort Dulaney at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee? Despite their immense power, hurricanes have never dampened the community’s strength and resilience. Downtown Fort Myers is no exception. When the storm surge from Hurricane Ian flooded The Firestone Grill with over three feet of water, the 100-year-old building stood firm. Now, the flood waters have been replaced with mouth-watering cuisine.

Gateway Women’s Club recently enjoyed dinner in Firestone’s unique historic waterfront dining room with a picturesque view of the sunset over the Caloosahatchee River. The restaurant’s exposed brick walls showcase vintage photos. Conveyor belts full of tires moving around the perimeter of the high ceiling of the Grill Room complete the nostalgic ambiance.

Yet, there is more to The Firestone than its decor. GWC diners savored fresh seafood and wood-fired grilled steaks, chops, and burgers infused with smokey flavors. The only dilemma remaining for the GWC members, and their guests was whether they had saved room for dessert!

–Susan Roberts

Alexis Roosa and Maryann Schmidt