Book Club
JAN HARTZELL
The GWC Book Club will meet at hostess Helen Cotner’s home, on June 10 at 7 p.m. The co-hostess 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 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 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!
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.
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 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!
DINING OUT
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, 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 award-winning 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.
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.
BLOSSOM & BRIE
