March 2019
Celebrating Life By Doug Potts, Arbor Administrator
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he United States has many traditional, fun and sometimes bizarre daily celebrations. Some of the newer ones include National GoofOff Day, Hug a Caregiver Day, Fat Tuesday and National Potato Chip Day. There is even a Peanut Butter Lover’s Appreciation Day! At Shell Point, assisted living residents embrace the opportunity for celebration. Each building observes many traditional events, from St. Patrick’s Day and Arbor Day to the Super Bowl, as well as other activities specific to the community like the recent Shell Point Games. In fact, that’s one of the many things to love about assisted living at Shell Point: how much more active and engaged these residents are when compared to other retirement communities! Assisted living residents can be spotted all over the campus, involved in various programs, competitions, classes and shows, or enjoying special events or celebrations right in their buildings. For more physically active residents, there is pickleball, aquatics, zumba, jazzercise and monthly bus outings to one of Southwest Florida’s many restaurants or shopping centers. Competitive residents also enjoy numerous game nights, including brain dusters, cranium crunch, card games, bingo, Wii golf and bowling, and jigsaw puzzles with friends. There are also a multitude of activities offered each month that are designed to stimulate the creative side of assisted living residents, such as music programs, educational seminars, or arts and crafts projects. As you can see, no matter what you choose to celebrate or what goal you may tackle, there are many opportunities in assisted living to participate and enjoy life!
Published monthly for assisted living residents at Shell Point.
THE ARBOR
8100 Arbor Court (239) 454-2292
KING’S CROWN
3699 King’s Crown Court (239) 454-2175
THE SPRINGS
13901 Shell Point Plaza (239) 600-6400
Shell Point is a nonprofit ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance Foundation, Inc.
Go Team! By Lillian Natalzia, King’s Crown Activities Leader
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veryone enjoys a little competition from time to time; this time, it was serious business. As part of the Shell Point Games, held during the week of January 21, assisted living residents from all three buildings competed against Larsen Pavilion residents. Assisted living residents came together as a community for this good-natured competition, which found everyone cheering each other on – even across teams! Many residents displayed a dedication and drive that inspired others on their team. Take, for example, Harold Moore. One day, before the Shell Point Games began, his family came to visit and found Harold sitting on the floor of his apartment. He was moving the controls of his electric wheelchair from the right side to the left side, because he knew these measures would allow him the best access to play golf, indoor bowling and the bean bag toss. What determination – not only for himself, but also in support of his King’s Crown team! The results? Harold won first place in bowling at King’s Crown! How inspiring. Congratulations and a big bravo! to everyone who participated in the Shell Point Games. Each and every team member played a valuable role during the competition. They not only brought home medals for each building, but they also came together as a community to support each other and have fun. Now that’s a win!
A Super Time By Amanda Pendergrast, Springs Activities Leader
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s the end of football season came to a close, assisted living residents in all three buildings took the opportunity to enjoy football, food and fun on Super Bowl Sunday. Residents gathered to watch the Los Angeles Rams play the New England Patriots. There was some friendly ribbing among viewers, as several diehard fans represented each team. It may have been the lowest scoring Super Bowl game in history, but nonetheless the Patriots fans left proud. Is it too soon to start planning a Fall Football Party?
MARCH
Birthdays
Abandon Ship!
THE ARBOR Marcia Stokes.......................2 Robert Crossman.................7 Dick Boynton.......................7 Frank DiVesta......................8 Rusty Shaver......................12 Shirley Robbins..................13 Wally Mercer.....................15 Margaret Jensen.................16 Ruth Campbell...................16 Cecil Wallace.....................18 Eugenia Bacon...................26 Barbara McMaster..............26 Marge McIntyre.................29 Cathy Armstrong...............29 KING’S CROWN Ellen Graham.....................11 Judith Perlstein..................20 Melvin Bleiberg.................21 John Eder...........................24 Jane Hanks.........................27 Eunice Hoisington.............29 THE SPRINGS Beryl Bouchard.......................2 Renee Budke..........................4 Edith Johnson........................6 Louis Jeffrey............................7 Wayne Spielman..................11 Mary Joe Zehntner...............14 Jane Cole..............................17 Patricia Straup.....................17 Dolores Serra........................20 Stephen Zaverdinos.............28 Louis Freyre..........................29 Mary Ryder...........................29 Renata Winsor.....................29
IN LOVING
Memory William Staples (The Arbor).......... Feb. 5 George Bail (The Arbor)................ Feb. 10 George Croft (The Arbor)................. Feb. 10
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By Sunny Torres, Director of Spiritual Services
ver walked on water? “Impossible!” you say? A short account given in scripture tells of an attempt made by the disciple, Peter. Jesus had earlier sent the whole batch of the disciples off in their boat to precede His arrival on the distant shore, but contrary winds had worked hard against their efforts. In the wee hours of the morning, they were still grappling with the elements when they saw a figure walking toward them on the water. They all began screaming in terror as “the ghost” approached. A familiar voice alerted them to the fact that this apparition was none other than their Master Himself. Jesus never generated a miracle without circumstances necessitating it or an integral purpose designed to instruct. Though the rest of the disciples cowered in the boat, Peter wasn’t going to waste this moment. He said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” As Jesus invited Peter to join Him, he stepped out onto the stormy waves and began to walk. With whom do you identify in this story? I’m afraid fear would have held me back; fear of the impossible, fear of failure, fear of drowning in the dark. Peter, instead, used this circumstance as an opportunity to grow his faith in God. Yes, he did get overwhelmed with his surroundings and began to sink shortly thereafter, but Jesus quickly caught him as he suffered no more than a soaked suit. Who really failed? The eleven disciples who stayed aboard, or Peter who abandoned ship? Jesus may have said that Peter displayed “little faith,” but that’s a great deal more than none! We can’t let our tempestuous experiences leave us ravaged and empty. Peter was willing to take shaky, risky steps away from the boat toward the One he believed had the power to hold him up regardless of the violent storm surrounding him. If we follow Peter’s example, our faith can draw us closer to God even in our darkest hours. Walking on water instead of wallowing beneath the waves is Christ’s desire for each of us… If only we’ll come to Him.