Shell Point Life December 2014

Also Inside: Sounds of the Season: Holiday Concerts • Nature’s Notebook December 2014 Vol. 9 Issue 12

Celebrating

CHRISTMAS

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

at Shell Point

PERFECT GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel.

E cclesiastes cclesiastes 3:1

Thanks for the Memories

By Rochelle Cherniawski Each year, as I sit to write this letter for the December issue of Shell Point Life, I reflect on the abundance of blessings in my life and the memories of the year that is coming to a close. This year, I’m adding another message to my December Editor’s letter: “Farewell.” And while it feels surreal to be parting ways, I’m pleased to share that I’m leaving with a thankful heart.

I’m thankful that I found such an outstanding job opportunity at Shell Point when I moved from Michigan to Florida back in 2007. I remember feeling nervous as I drove down Shell Point Boulevard for my first day of work. The nervousness turned to confusion as I tried to find my way to the Human Resources office. And the confusion turned to relief as a friendly employee offered me a ride on her golf cart. I truly feel that the friendly atmosphere that stood out on my first day of the job is just as strong, if not stronger, today.

I’m thankful that, as the editor of this magazine, I have had the privilege of sharing many of your personal stories. I have

always said that every person has a story, and it has been an honor to share yours through this wonderful publication. Although, I have to admit, the nervousness related to writing articles about your lives and accomplishments has never passed.

Each new interview has brought a refreshed sense of apprehension as I have struggled to put words together in a way that reflects the magnitude of your remarkable experiences.

I’m thankful that so many residents and readers have reached out to share messages of appreciation, encouragement, and support. It was certainly rewarding to hear positive feedback from people living at Shell Point, but I was always surprised when I heard from people outside of the community who read the magazine each month.

I’m thankful for the meaningful friendships that have entered my life directly as a result of my job at Shell Point. And now, as I write my final Editor’s letter, I’m thankful for the opportunity to explore a new chapter of my personal life.

Thanks for everything. But, most of all, thanks for the memories!

Shell Point Life is published monthly for the residents of Shell Point Retirement Community.

Editor Rochelle Cherniawski Director of Marketing & Comm. Rich Cerrina Senior Graphic Designer Wendy Iverson Graphic Designer Kathy Grove Contributors Mary Franklin, Teri Kollath, Bev Chandley, Ginny Miller-Plaza, Melody Desilets, Robyn Church, Randy Woods, Glenda Stephenson, Katelyn Van Skoy, Reverend Andy Hawkins, Dawn Boren, Brian Gainey, Anna Smith, Sarah Nadal, Brad Blackburn, Steve Morton, ­­Dotty Morrison, Ann Erickson, and Susan Uhleman Do you have story ideas or photos to share?

Contact Rochelle Cherniawski, editor, by calling 239-454-2055.

Back Issues Available Online Is there an issue of Shell Point Life that you just have to have? Was your friend or family member in a recent issue but you lost it?

You can find the current issue as well as back issues of the magazine at www.shellpoint.org/shellpointlife

15101 Shell Point Boulevard • Fort Myers, FL 33908 (239) 466-1131 • www.shellpoint.org

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Shell Point is a non-profit ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance Foundation, Inc.

Shell Point celebrates the joy of the Christmas season.

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Shell Point Life | December 2014

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2014

Holiday Gift Guide The quest for the perfect gift seems to get harder and harder with each new season of giving. This year, Shell Point is adding cheer to your holiday shopping with these great gift ideas from your very own community.

Look Inside

!

Shell Point Life | December 2014

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Salon & Spa With three locations at Shell Point, the Salon & Spa offers convenience with its array of services. The Island Salon & Spa boasts a full menu of services, including hair, nails, facials, massage, makeup, and more. The Arbor Salon and the salon located in the Larsen Pavilion offer an extension of salon services in a more intimate setting. The Shell Point Salon & Spa also offers the option of inhome appointments by special request.

For more information, or to purchase a salon gift certificate, visit The Island Salon & Spa, call (239) 489-8400, or go online to www.shellpoint.org/salon.

Portraits Golf Shell Point’s 18-hole, championship golf course is one of the many amenities enjoyed by residents and members of the surrounding community. And following an extensive greens renovation project, as well as a variety of overall course improvements, the team at Shell Point Golf Club is proud to report that the course is better than ever and ready for play! In addition to hitting the links, Shell Point Golf Club also offers custom club fittings, licensed merchandise, lessons by PGA professionals, and more. For information about club membership, tee times, rates, and hours of operation, call (239) 433-9790 or visit www.shellpointgolf.com.

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Shell Point Life | December 2014

Since opening the new Photo Studio in the Creativity Center on The Island, the Shell Point Photo Club has been offering portrait sessions with trained photographers. A $25 fee covers a 30-minute session for 4-5 people. You will receive a CD with the photos, including 16 of the best photos on a contact sheet.

The CD will enable you to have prints made at any outlet, post the photos to social media, or use the photos for your own cards or letters.

For more information or to schedule your photo session, call the Photo Studio at (239) 4337900.

Concerts

With two spectacular concert series offered at Shell Point this season, the options of outstanding on-site entertainment are certainly impressive. With numerous shows offered through the Shell Point Concert Series, as well as the Season of Praise presented by The Village Church, you’re sure to find more than one option for the music lover on your list. For more information about the Shell Point Concert Series, including the full lineup of concerts, stop by either service desk, visit www.shellpoint.org/ concerts, or call (239) 454-2067. For tickets and information for to the Season of Praise Concert Series, visit the church office, go online to www.shellpoint.org/sop, or call (239) 454-2147.

Thrift Store

Give the bargain shopper in your life the gift of a great deal with a gift certificate to the Community Thrift Store. Available in the denomination of your choice, the Thrift Store gift certificate will allow your dealseeker the opportunity to enjoy guilt-free shopping. The Community Thrift Store is located in the Miner’s Plaza at the corner of McGregor and Gladiolus. To purchase a gift certificate, stop by the store during their business hours of Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (239) 225-6529 or visit www.communitythriftstore.org.

Delicious Dining When it comes to dining at Shell Point, on-site restaurants present tempting options, including a bountiful buffet in the Crystal Dining Room, casual elegance at the Palm Grill, made-to-order meals in The Island Café, and charm at the Café Promenade. The choice is yours when it comes to giving a gift card at Shell Point.

You select the dining venue and you choose the amount. To purchase a dining gift certificate, simply visit either service desk.

Continued next page Shell Point Life | December 2014

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www.shellpoint.net/friendsandfamily

Shell Point Gift Card

When in doubt, the Shell Point Gift Card is the gift that lets recipients enjoy their choice of service or event within the community.

Whether it’s a delicious meal, entertaining concert, enriching class, or relaxing massage, the Shell Point Gift Card gives the gift of choice! With so many amenities and “gift giving” ideas found throughout the community, the hardest part about receiving a Shell Point Gift Card will be deciding where to use it first!

Shell Point Gift Cards are available at either service desk in denominations of $25 and $50.

Gift Shop Cruising

Shell Point’s very own pontoon boat, the Suzy Q V, offers the perfect opportunity to get out on the water and socialize with friends, fill your soul with God’s blessings of Shell Point’s beautiful setting, and just unwind from life’s cares. The gift of a cruise aboard the Suzy Q is one of the most affordable options of the list, with single cruises available for just $5. The Suzy Q is also available for private charters for Christmas parties and other special events. To register for a regularly scheduled trip, contact the Resident Activity Center Greeter Desk at 454-2136.

To schedule a private charter, call Melody Desilets at (239) 454-2290.

Often, the best gifts are those made from the heart. The Shell Point Gift Shop, located in the Administration Circle on The Island, is filled with items that have been handmade or enhanced by Shell Point residents. The Gift Shop offers an impressive selection of jewelry, wood carvings, ornaments, children’s gifts, and more. There is also a section of the store dedicated to the sale of books authored by Shell Point residents. You will even be able to find the perfect card to finish off the gift.

The Gift Shop is open Mondays through Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Christmas & New Year’s Dining The Hospitality Services team invites you to celebrate Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day by choosing one of our Shell Point dining locations where the holiday season is always a joyous and festive occasion.

Bountiful Buffet

On Christmas Day, a traditional Christmas buffet will be offered in the Crystal Room from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Menu choices will include hand-carved prime rib of beef, baked salmon, and roast turkey, accompanied by traditional side dishes. You can choose from such festive holiday desserts as pumpkin, mincemeat, pecan, and apple pies, or an assortment of cakes on the dessert buffet table. The extensive Crystal salad bar and freshly baked breads and rolls are also included, and the price is $24.95. Seating in the Crystal Room is based on the availability of tables.

On New Year’s Eve start your celebration off with live smooth jazz music provided by Charlie Sherrill during dinner service, and a sparkling grape juice New Year’s Eve toast.

Then join us again on New Year’s Day for a lunch buffet featuring typical good luck foods such as roast pork, sauerkraut, greens, and black eyed peas.

Elegant Dining

The Palm Grill will be featuring a special Christmas Day dinner served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Start your meal with lobster bisque or North Pole shrimp cocktail. Entree choices include filet mignon, roast turkey, the popular surf and turf (boneless short ribs with pan sautéed sea scallops), or sea bass and Gulf shrimp scampi. Entrees include a salad, and prices range from $23 to $28. Finish off your meal with a festive Christmas dessert.

On New Year’s Eve the Palm Grill with offer a special dinner menu and live music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Palm Grill will be open for normal dining hours on New Year’s Day. Call-ahead seating is available by calling 454-2059.

Casual Comfort

Looking for something lighter? Enjoy a casual breakfast or a light lunch at the Island Café. They will be offering mini or regular size fresh baked holiday pies for take out during the holiday season. Stop in or call 454-2286 to place an order.

Christmas Day Family Feast

Hours

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Service

DEC. 24 CHRISTMAS EVE

Island Café:...................... 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Crystal Room:.................11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Palm Grill:......................11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Café Promenade:..............8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

DEC. 25 CHRISTMAS DAY

Island Café:...................... 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Crystal Room:................. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Palm Grill:...................... 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Café Promenade:..................... closed

DEC. 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE

Island Café:...................... 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Crystal Room:................. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Palm Grill:......................11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Café Promenade:..............8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

JAN. 1 NEW YEAR’S DAY

Island Café:...................... 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Crystal Room:.................11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Palm Grill:......................11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Café Promenade:..............8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Another popular option for Christmas Day is the Family Feast meal available from the Crystal Room. The ready-to-serve feast includes a whole roasted turkey or baked ham dinner. The turkey dinner includes whipped potatoes, dressing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and vegetable. The ham dinner comes with fruit sauce, sweet potatoes, and vegetable.

Each option is available for $56.95.

Pumpkin pies, apple pies, and dinner rolls are available for an additional cost. Order by noon on December 19 and pick up at the Social Center on Christmas Day between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Call 454-2199 or stop by the Crystal Room to place your order.

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Trimming the Tree

SpreadingChristmasCheer,

One Ornament Time ata

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Every month, Bob Benjamin (Eagles Preserve) views Shell Point Life magazine cover to cover. It’s almost a ritual the way he sits with each new, glossy issue, studying page after page. And after he’s looked at all of the different photos spread throughout the publication, he raises his scissors and starts cutting. With purpose and precision, he clips out the fresh faces of people he will surprise at Christmastime with their own personal ornament.

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Shell Point Life | December 2014

Bob Benjamin is known for spreading Christmas cheer throughout the Shell Point community by creating custom ornaments for both residents and staff.

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Above: Bob stands front and center among a small sampling of people who received his personalized Christmas ornaments. From L-R: June Anderson, Bob Southern, Gerayne Tomkinson, Ted Benjamin, Woody Briggs, Judie Moore, Sue Earnhardt, and Midge Briggs.

Left: The first Christmas craft Bob ever completed was a wooden sleigh designed to hold Christmas cards and ornaments.

Trimming the Tree Continued from page 9 Bob and his late wife, Lorraine, shared a strong Christian faith that proved to be the lifeblood of their marriage. While raising three sons, one of their favorite family traditions was their Christmas celebration. “We tried to always open a gift on Christmas Eve 10

Shell Point Life | December 2014

after going to church,” he recalled. “Then, we would hang our stockings on the fireplace overnight and open the rest of the gifts on Christmas morning.”

The tradition continued until the boys were out of college and living on their own.

And when Bob retired from his position as the president of ENPO (Engineered Power) Pump Company in 1989, the couple started

a new tradition. “It all started after a trip to Sears and Roebuck, where I bought saws, drills, and all of the things a guy would need for his home workshop. I love to work with wood and I started making wall plaques and such.”

That Christmas, when Bob was searching for a creative way to display the more than 150 Christmas cards they had received from family and friends from around the world, he went straight to his workshop. “I had the equipment, so I made a sleigh to hold the cards.”

Each year, as Bob and Lorraine opened their mailbox to find new Christmas cards, they would add them to the sleigh. The cards remained in the sleigh throughout the year and became a part of the couple’s daily routine. “Every morning when my wife and I had our prayer time, we would pull out one of the cards and include that family in our prayers for the day.”

By the end of the year, when they knew they wouldn’t pull the card again, they would throw it away.

But each time a card reached the trashcan, Bob and Lorraine shared a troubling sense of regret. “It was a shame,” he said. “There were so many beautiful cards. I figured there had to be a way we could use them.”

Creative Memories After the couple moved to Sarasota in 1993, Lorraine suggested turning the cards into Christmas ornaments. So, once again, Bob got to work in his workshop. “I used my jigsaw to cut out various shapes. Then, we cut up the old cards, taking images like wreaths, trees, and creche scenes.

We made the ornaments by gluing the images to the wooden shapes, applying shellac, and adding a little sparkle.

From that point forward, we didn’t send traditional Christmas cards. Instead, all 100 to 150 people on our list got custom ornaments.”

Each ornament was mailed with a letter that offered an update on what was happening in the lives of Bob and Lorraine and their three sons.

The ornament design process changed after Bob and Lorraine moved to Shell Point in 2007 to be closer to their youngest son, Ted, Shell Point’s assistant vice president of sales and marketing. “I kept my equipment at Ted and Carolyn’s place for a while, but eventually got tired of driving over there and discovered that local hobby shops had wooden forms ready to go. Sure, I could go to the Shell Point Wood Shop, but I really just need my electric hand drill to cut a hole in the top.”

In 2008, with his new pre-made forms, Bob started making ornaments for people at Shell Point. “It started with just a few key people – everyone in the Egret building, and some other special people we connected with along the way.”

them to ornaments. I started with people I knew. Then, through my prayer life, I got a message one day that I could do something different and shock some people I don’t even know. Since then, I’ve sent personalized ornaments to dozens of people I have never met. And I have been amazed by the barrage of L-R: Bob made his first, hand-cut Christmas ornament thank you notes, perin 1989. The idea of making Christmas ornaments sonal words of thanks, came from Bob’s late wife, Lorraine, when the couple and positive feedback. was looking for a way to reuse beautiful Christmas All just over a little cards. Bob with his son, Ted, his daughter-intree ornament.” law, Carolyn, and his granddaughter, Kirsten.

Although Bob has created well over 3,000 ornaments, he These colorful has never paid attention to the time Christmas envelopes spent on the project. “It’s impossible to are just a representative estimate. I just do a little at a time.” handful of the “cheer packages” that Bob He manages the workflow by sends to friends and spreading it out over the year, starting family each year. right away each January. In fact, by July of this year, Bob had already created more than 300 ornaments for Shell Point residents and staff members. His goal was to create 500 personalized ornaments by the time he was ready to mail them in December. “I feel a lot better doing something like this than sending a beautiful Christmas card.

But, I certainly enjoy getting the cards and I continue to pray on the cards I receive each year.”

As for his personal Christmas tree, it is filled with Bob’s most meaningful ornaments reminiscent of fond memories from years past. “When I hang my After Lorraine passed away in January 2010, Bob committed to continuing the ornaments every year, I see the phototradition of spreading Christmas cheer with graphs of my family members and I stop and just think a little bit about what they the meaningful craft. mean in my life.”

And this month, as he prepares to send Friendly Faces more than 500 handcrafted Christmas tree In 2012, the design process changed ornaments, he thinks back to the peronce again as Bob began adding photos to son who was responsible for starting the the ornaments. “I got the idea while flip- heartfelt tradition. “I wish Lorraine could ping through Shell Point Life. I kept going be with me today so we could be sharing through and seeing pictures of people and in this joyous ministry. I know she would I realized that they were going to read the join me in wishing everyone near and far a magazine and put it away on a shelf. So, I Merry Christmas as we remember and celdecided to cut some pictures out and add ebrate the birth of Christ.”

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Curling Crew A Family Finds a Unifying Sport B

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The saying “A family that plays together, stays together” certainly applies in the case of Don and Nina Wilson (Rosemont) and their children, who developed a love of the sport of curling that spanned over two decades.

While they were teenagers growing up in Glencoe, Illinois, Nina met Don through her brother, who was Don’s classmate at New Trier High School in nearby Winnetka. The couple both graduated from New Trier, and after Don attended the University of Don and Nina Wilson turned the sport of curling, nicknamed North Carolina, the two wed in 1944. “chess on ice,” into a 20-year, family affair. In curling, teams Don embarked on a successful career use brooms to direct, or sweep, 44-pound granite stones in insurance while he and Nina started across a sheet of ice toward a target. Points are awarded to the stones closest to the center of the target area. their family. Eventually, he opened his own Mutual of Omaha agency while raising social activities. Little did they know the two girls and two boys—Donna, Leslie, club would be the root of what would become Craig, and Roger—with Nina, in the family a 20-year family affair for the Wilsons.

It began when their daughter Donna, home in Glencoe.

In 1958, Don and Nina joined Exmoor then twelve years old, asked if she could join Country Club in Highlands Park, as a place the Junior Curling team at Exmoor. After where Don could golf and Nina and the months of bringing Donna to the Club for soon began competing in both mixed teams children could enjoy some recreational and practice on Sundays, Nina had an idea: and a men’s team known as the “Wiz Kids” she’d like to play too. “And I was good at it! for their prowess on the sheet, which is the I like challenges, and I became a skip, or frozen surface on which the game is played. captain of the team, rather quickly.” With the Wiz Kids, Don won the Illinois The sport suited Nina to a “T.” State Championships many times over, Soon after, she talked Don—a and competed in the U.S. Men’s National golfer and a bowler—into Curling Championships in Utica in 1964; Seattle in 1965; Hibbing in 1966; Madison trying it as well.

Don recalls the first in 1968; and in Detroit in 1975. “It was a time he tried curling. gentleman’s game,” said Don, adding that “I threw the rock (the the players were very polite and always said 44-pound polished granite ‘Nice Shot,’ … “Even if they didn’t mean stone) as hard as I could, it!” he said playfully.

Nina also competed on mixed and and it bounced off the back wall,” he recounted. women’s teams. She attributes some of her insight on the sport’s technique to “Everyone got out of the way!”

Much like Nina, Don found his watching games with D. J. Howard “Pappy” curling skills improving quickly, and he Wood, Sr. A Guinness World Record12

Shell Point Life | December 2014

Clockwise from left: The Wilsons swept up awards at many regional, state, and national championships. Strategy and teamwork are especially important to the game of curling, so Don and Nina made the most of their pre-game time on the ice. Don and Nina also played on co-ed teams. Don reminisces about his curling days in his Periwinkle home, where photos of winning teams from family games are on display.

holding Canadian curler who headed Exmoor’s curling program. Wood was a member of the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame. “I was fortunate that he would often sit with me and discuss the strategies of the game while we watched the men play.”

Over the years, Nina competed in mixed and ladies’ teams. She also took over managing the Junior Curling team at Exmoor, and she fondly recalls introducing new players to the sport and travelling to bonspiels, which are curling tournaments, with the energetic young players.

While daughter Donna moved out of the area and stopped playing, daughter Leslie continued curling and was actually part of the first U.S. ladies’ team to compete in the World Championships in 1975. “It was very exciting, but we were no match for the Swedish girls,” Leslie shared.

She noted that curling being added to

the Olympics as an official sport in 1998 has helped American curlers become accustomed to the differences in the way the sport is played around the world.

“Much has changed in the way the game is now played.”

The Wilson’s son Roger also curled through high school. The only Wilson

Curling originated in Scotland, and is one of the world’s oldest sports. The earliest-known curling stones were made in the Scottish regions of Stirling and Perth during the early 1500s, and were used on frozen ponds and lochs during winter.

child who wasn’t a curler was son Craig, who thought curling was “too slow.” While he favored sports like football and baseball, Craig would curl with the family at least once each year: for the long-standing Christmas Day curling rivalry between the Wilsons and the neighboring Fucik family. One year, the Fuciks’ son Monty was sporting a twirl-ended, oiled mustache that was the disdain of the Wilson sisters. So that Christmas, the stakes were particularly high: Monty’s mustache was on the line.

After a particularly spirited game, the Wilson family prevailed, and Nina herself was awarded the prize of shaving Monty’s mustache!

When asked if he preferred playing with a mixed team or all men, Don joked “I preferred after the game was over!”

The Wilsons spoke fondly about the camaraderie of sharing bonspiel dinners with the other curlers and families. “It was a ton of fun, and we met such wonderful people over the years,” said Nina.

Both Don and Nina curled for about 20 years before they gave up the sport. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in April at Shell Point with their children, who have given them four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. And no, Don and Nina have no plans to start a Shell Point curling team!

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Matter Brothers furnished both the Sanibel and Captiva preview homes. Here, guests tour the Sanibel home with its calming shades of blue and green, and Old-Florida accents.

Exploring The Estuary

In early November, the Shell Point Sales and Marketing team welcomed more than 50 people to The Estuary, including future residents of the new community as well as distinguished guests. Upon their arrival, the visitors were given a bus tour of the active construction site, providing views of homes nearing completion. Following the bus tour, the group enjoyed the opportunity to explore the new Sanibel and Captiva twin-villa preview homes.

“The response from our guests was overwhelmingly positive as they saw the progress of the community and toured the newly-finished preview home,” said Ted Benjamin, assistant vice president of sales and marketing. “We are looking forward to welcoming our first residents in the near future.”

L-R: Future residents buzzed with excitement as they toured the spacious twin villas. Guests explored each nook and cranny of the preview homes. VP of Sales and Marketing David Moreland visited with guests.

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Shell Point Life | December 2014

The Captiva twin-villa home features a spacious 1,632 square feet of tropical living space.

www.shellpoint.net/contactinfo

INCORPORATE YOUR UPDATES FOR 2015 Save the Date

Gala 2015

New Resident Roster to be Distributed in January

Friday, January 30

Shell Point’s annual Gala celebration will be held on Friday, January 30. In order to accommodate all residents, the event will take place at both 2:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

This year’s entertainment will be the young prodigy Ethan Bortnik. The 13-yearold has inspired audiences nationally and internationally as a pianist, composer, singer, entertainer, and driven humanitarian. Ethan is dedicated to combining his musical pursuits with his charity work.

Personal invitations to this special annual event will be mailed to each residence in early January.

An updated version of the Shell Point Directory will be distributed in January 2015. If you are interested in making changes or additions to your contact information, such as your primary phone number or email address, please visit www.shellpoint.net/contactinfo and submit the form online.

You can also contact Pat Cunningham, resident support services, at 454-2299 or patcunningham@shellpoint.org. Changes and updates must be submitted by Friday, December 5.

Holiday Tech Tip:

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With the holiday season upon us, and Christmas shopping underway, it’s important to know how to protect yourself and your personal information while shopping online.

First, consider using PayPal. It acts as the go-between for you and the company you are purchasing from online.

It’s a safe service with a great history on security. The only downside is that not all shopping sites accept payments from PayPal. For more information, visit www.PayPal.com.

The second option is called Google Wallet. This online service operates a lot like PayPal with a few extra bells and

s e r v i c e s

whistles. For example, they do private auditing of companies and then allow the ones that

pass to use a logo that says “Google Trusted” on their checkout page.

Google Wallet also allows you to do money transfers and they will keep track of your transactions for you.

For more information, go to wallet.google.com and sign in using your Google account.

Those are my two favorite ways to lower some of the risk involved with shopping online. As always, if you have any questions or problems, please call 454-2190 to place a work order or e-mail me at briangainey@shellpoint.org.

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www.shellpoint.net/lifequest

Expo Exploring the Six Dimensions of Wellness B

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Fitness Classes

Nutrition Education

Specialty Doctors

Shell Point Salon & Spa

Medical Center

FineMark National Bank

Lee Memorial

Pharmacy

Sun Harvest Citrus

Skinny Pantry

Assisted Living

The Legacy

Spiritual Services

Skilled Nursing

Social Opportunities

Housekeeping

Securitas

Academy & More!

The Shell Point LifeQuest Expo will be held on Tuesday, January 6, in the Village Church from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This event will showcase 50 booths, including Shell Point’s health services and programs, and local businesses that will support your individual wellness goals.

LifeQuest encourages each resident to find a balanced approach through the six dimensions of wellness that promote an active lifestyle that continues to feed one’s mind, body and spirit. Each resident’s level of participation in LifeQuest at Shell Point is all about endless opportunities and personal choice to maximize one’s happiness and ability to live a holistic approach each and every day. The expo will be a great tool to gather information to enhance your quest.

Representatives from the Medical Center will be on hand to answer medical questions, and talk about physician services.

This is a great opportunity to meet many specialty doctors and their staff. The Shell

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Shell Point Life | December 2014

LifeQuest Discussion Group

More than 50 booths at the Expo will feature services that support your good health.

Point Pharmacy will review the new insurance plans, answer medication questions and provide information on the many sundries and medical supplies available to you.

Learn about rehabilitation services available here, along with other support services including Shell Point’s home health agency, resident support groups and services, assisted living, skilled nursing, and Hospice.

The hospitality team will be there to give you tips on healthy eating, nutrition education, “Ask the Dietician,” and updated news from dining venues. Be sure to stop by and learn about the Legacy Foundation and the many financial support services and programs they offer. Other expo booths will include facility operations, housekeeping, specialty services, transportation, and Shell Point’s avenues of communication.

Securitas will also be on hand to share tips on how to avoid identity theft and other personal scams.

Wellness-focused businesses throughout Fort Myers have also been invited to attend. Stop by to learn more from Daily Bread local grocery delivery service, Skinny Pantry, Lee Memorial’s Trauma Prevention, local specialty doctors and Talking Books – just to name a few.

The LifeQuest Expo will provide information on various healthy lifestyle choices available at Shell Point. Staff from the resident life team and The Village Church will be on hand to share exciting news about physical fitness classes, personal training, travel and education, monthly social activities, volunteerism, cultural events, spiritual care, and special interest programs.

The LifeQuest Expo will also feature give-a-ways, door prizes, and healthy refreshments. Shell Point offers such wonderful programs and services to develop a healthy and positive lifestyle. Be sure to join us Tuesday, January 6 to find out more!

“Being Versus Doing” with Sue Stranahan Saturday, December 20 10:00 a.m.

Grand Cypress Room To “be” or to “do,” that is the question. American culture places a high value on doing, on productivity and achievement. Keeping active is a mantra that follows us into retirement, but may leave little time or energy for developing the inner being.

The art of “being” is a discipline that encourages a lifestyle of contentment and spiritual maturity. The discussion will focus on learning how to be more while doing less.

www.shellpoint.net/suzyq

Boating in December

Suzy Q

The Suzy Q schedule for November and December, as well as information about private charters, is available online at www.shellpoint. net/transportation.

Information about the Suzy Q is also available at either service desk. To register for a trip, contact the Resident Activity Center Greeter Desk at 454-2136.

Shell Point Life | December 2014

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The Health Connection

Opportunities for Physical Exercise and Educational Exploration B

y

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r a n k l i n

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r e s o r t

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w e l l n e s s

m a n a g e r

www.shellpoint.net/healthconnection

Schedule yourself for some You time this month!

Join one of the many fitness classes, educational classes, or sign up for the American Heart Association Heart Walk.

Wellness Specialty Classes The regularly scheduled specialty classes continue through the month of December. The cost for each of the classes is $5 and sign up is not required.

Two of the classes take place at the LifeQuest Aquatic Center. Aqua Agility and Conditioning takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. Craig Norling teaches this medium- to high-intensity aquatic workout. Aqua-Pilates Stretch is taught by Certified Instructor Jane Fenzer and meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:30 p.m.

The Island Health Club is the place to be for Pilates – Stretch and Bend, Breathe and Balance. Fitness Supervisor Michelle Smith teaches Pilates – Stretch on Mondays and Wednesdays at 3 p.m. and Melanie Brod teaches Bend, Breathe, and Balance on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:15 a.m. Both classes offer opportunities to work on your flexibility, core strength, and balance.

Specifics in Cardio Conditioning with a Twist – Session A starts a 12-session series on December 15. The class will be meeting on Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. in The Island Health Club

until January 28. This year, Melanie Brod will be adding some light weights and rapid in-place movements to increase the overall cardio workout.

Shell Point as Your Resource Certified Personal Trainers Michelle Smith and Craig Norling are available to give you a one-on-one workout. Each trainer will focus on specific individual needs and will provide guidance to achieving fitness goals either in a fitness center, aquatic center, or at home. Call Michelle Smith at 454-2107 to make your appointment to get personal help on your quest to physical health.

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Shell Point Life | December 2014

Have you always been curious about massage and how it could benefit you?

Attend Massage Magic – Session B on Wednesday, December 10, at 2:15 p.m. in the Manatee Room. Robyn Church, Salon and Spa manager, and Marianne Dabinett, licensed massage therapist, will answer the hows and whys of how massage works!

Attendees will receive a $5 coupon for a massage, redeemable at Shell Point Salons.

Your Medical Community The onset of choking is often sudden.

Knowing how to properly perform The Heimlich Maneuver, and being willing to use

that knowledge and skill, can save someone’s life. The Heimlich Maneuver is a three-step emergency response technique.

This training will include Heimlich for an adult and steps to take if you are by yourself and choking. Lauri McMahon, Iona- McGregor Fire Protection and Rescue Service District, will complete the twenty-minute training sessions on Tuesday, December 9. Trainings will take place at 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. in the Oak Room.

The Heart Walk is the American Heart Association’s premiere event for raising funds to save lives. The Fort Myers’ Heart Walk will be held at Centennial Park on December 13. The Community Thrift Store has made a donation for Shell Point residents and employees to participate. Choose to walk either the 1-mile or the 3-mile walk. All participants will receive a Shell Point T-shirt to wear to the event.

Participants can choose to ride on the bus or meet the group at Centennial Park. If you are signed up to ride the bus, court pickups will begin at 7 a.m.

Sign-up now for the Senior Fitness Test. The Senior Fitness Test provides a way to measure your current fitness level within your designated age bracket. In January, the Shell Point fitness team will guide you through these exerciserelated tests. For more information, contact Michelle Smith, fitness supervisor at 454-2107. The tests will be given in 20-minute intervals. Appointments must be arranged prior to January 9; however, appointments are available for the entire month of January. Exact times and locations will be given when the appointment is made.

T’ai Chi Chih S AV E T H E D AT E S January: 6, 13, 20, 27 February: 3, 10, 17, 24 March: 3 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Health Club/IS Cost: $45 for 9 classes Sign-up Required Minimum:10, Maximum: 20 T’ai Chi Chih is a gentle practice often referred to as joy through movement. Those who practice T’ai Chi Chih report improvements in balance, sleep patterns, muscle tone, blood pressure levels, patience, weight control, energy levels, sense of joy, and more. The 20 T’ai Chi Chih movements revolve around the gentle shifting of your own weight; there are no strenuous movements, no special breathing, or impacts on the joints.

Justin Stone originated T’ai Chi Chih after many years of teaching a more complex T’ai Chi (108 movements) to create a practice that is easier to do, simpler to learn, and yet still yields great benefits. This class is designed for beginning to novice students. Bev Chandley, accredited T’ai Chi Chih instructor, will lead all sessions.

UPS Extended Holiday Hours During this Christmas season, the volunteers in the UPS room will extend their hours to assist with box selection, expedite the packing process, and send off your packages safely and securely - just in time for your loved ones to receive a Christmas bundle or two!

Please note that the UPS room accepts cash or checks only.

Extended Holiday Hours: Weekdays December 8 to 19 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (Pre-packaged boxes only) 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. (Box selection and packing assistance)

Shell Point Life | December 2014

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www.shellpoint.net/events To include a listing for an upcoming event or activity, please contact Mary Franklin, resort services and wellness manager, at 454-2152 or email: maryfranklin@shellpoint.org

Gift Shop Extravaganza

2

Tuesday, December 2 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Gift Shop and Social Center/IS ‘Tis the season to be shopping with the holidays right around the corner, and the Gift Shop suppliers have you covered! Join in the joy of fun festivities by participating in the annual Gift Shop Extravaganza.

Demonstrations, refreshments, music, complimentary gift wrapping and raffle drawings should put you in the spirit to purchase one-of-a-kind gifts that you won’t find in any department store! Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, this sale lasts one day. Oh what fun it is to buy enough to fill a sleigh!

Shell Point Garden Society

3

Wednesday, December 3 11:00 a.m.

Oak Room/WDL This month the Garden Society will have an exciting speaker. Adrienne Diaz is a master gardener and will be talking about the interesting and useful topic of container gardening! Make sure you attend this exciting event!

Photo Club

4

Thursday, December 4 2:15 p.m.

Social Center/IS Join the Photo Club and challenge yourself with new photographic experiences. The Critics’ Wall for this month is “My Best Friend at Shell Point.” Take an 8x10 photo of someone (no pets, please) and bring it to this month’s meeting. At 3:15 p.m., we will be showing a 30-minute National Geographic DVD on travel photography.

We hope to see you there!

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

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Thursday, December 4 5:45 p.m. Festivities and Entertainment 6:30 p.m. Tree Lighting Ceremony Amphitheater/ IS A beautiful sight to behold is this year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony. Join us as we embark on a dazzling journey through a winter wonderland and listen to the enchanting sounds of the Southwest Florida Christian Academy Chorus. Sit back, relax and enjoy Christmas cookies and cider while we celebrate the joyous start of the holiday season together!

Events

•

Programs • Parties • Movies • Outings • Excursions

The Shell Point Singers Festive Holiday Concert

4

Thursday, December 4 7:15 p.m.

The Village Church/IS “Say hello to friends you know” at the holiday concert directly following the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

This festive concert will put you in the Christmas spirit and will have you singing your favorite holiday songs.

The talented Shell Point singers will be serenading you with their voices. Please join the fun as we continue to celebrate “the most wonderful time of the year!”

Friday Market Place

sauces and bold Asian spices, each creation leaves you with the feeling that you’ve just found paradise.

Entrees are priced higher than average.

Many residents call Roy’s their favorite restaurant and always want to return.

Suzy Q: Sunset Christmas Caroling December 8, 18, 22, 23 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Cost: $5 per person Suzy Q Dock/IS

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Friday, December 5, 12, 19 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

12 & 19 Administration Courtyard/IS Come out and support local farms and artistry as the weekly Market Place comes to Shell Point. This is a great time to enjoy the weather, mingle with friends and shop for

anything from fresh produce to jewelry and hand-crafted items. Join us on December 12 for the extended Market Place to shop for special Christmas gifts and souvenirs.

Due to the holiday, there will not be a Market Place occurring on December 26.

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Monday, December 8 4:15 p.m. Island pickup 4:30 p.m. Woodlands pickup 4:45 p.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 8:00 p.m. approximate return Cost: $8 (dinner on your own) Nowhere else will you find a culinary experience encompassing the flavors, textures and colors found in Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine in Bonita Springs. Combining the freshest local ingredients with European

Tuesday, December 9 7:15 p.m.

Village Church/IS Get ready to sway to the sweet sounds of the Memory Makers swing band. This 18-piece band will be playing a collection of classic and traditional Christmas songs to commemorate the holiday season. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this passionate group of musicians perform for the first time right here at Shell Point!

Holiday Sounds

Kick back and relax on a sunset cruise with a holiday flair! You will enjoy the scenic ride along the canals and sing some of your favorite Christmas carols. Enjoy cookies on the ride while soaking in the holiday cheer along with a beautiful sunset!

A Christmas Carol at The Broadway Palm Dinner Theater

An Evening at Roy’s

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18,22 & 23

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Tuesday, December 9 5:15 p.m. Island pickup 5:30 p.m. Woodlands pickup 5:45 p.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 10:45 p.m. approximate return Cost: $63 (includes buffet) Based on Charles Dickens’ story, A Christmas Carol is a musical version of the classic story.

Fabulous sets and rich costumes bring to life the story of grumbly old Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and future as they help him discover the true spirit of Christmas.

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Memory Makers Big Swing Band

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Thursday, December 11 7:15 p.m.

Village Church/IS This eclectic assembly of performers will give you the chance to hear the many sounds of the season. Refreshments will be served as we enjoy the festivities of the evening. Come out and support your Shell Point friends and neighbors for a joyous holiday occasion!

Lunch Outing to: Fish Tale Grill

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Friday, December 12 10:00 a.m. Island pickup 10:10 a.m. Woodlands pickup 10:20 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 1:00 p.m. approximate return Cost: $7 (lunch on your own) Location: Cape Coral

Cape Coral’s newest seafood dining experience is here! At Fish Tale Grill they pride themselves in offering more choices, better quality and greater value than most other seafood restaurants. Fish Tale evolved from the well-known Merrick Seafood. Their cuisine is a fusion of New England and local fresh seafood with an international flair.

Selections are moderately priced.

Shell Point Life | December 2014

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Happenings

Places

to go,

Veterans’ Club Meeting

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Saturday, December 13 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Grand Cypress Room/WDL Million Dollar Arm is based on the true story of two young boys from India who are brought to America to be trained as Major League pitchers.

This movie stars Jon Hamm, Alan Arkin and Bill Paxton and is an exciting baseball drama. We hope you will come out and enjoy this inspiring film.

Charlotte Harbor Holiday Lights Tour

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Tuesday December 16 2:30 p.m. Island pickup 2:40 p.m. Woodlands pickup 2:50 p.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 10:00 p.m. approximate return Cost: $26 (dinner on your own) Location: Fisherman’s Village, Punta Gorda

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to

Meet, & Things

12

Friday, December 12 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Grand Cypress Room/WDL This month the Veterans’ Club will be featuring a speaker that will be sure to have you intrigued. Don Parsons (Oakmont) served as an officer in the United States Air Force for 20 years.

After retiring from the service, Don worked for the National Security Agency for 20 years and was ranked equivalent to a three star general. Make sure you don’t miss this special program!

Saturday DVD: Million Dollar Arm (2014)

People

Shell Point Life | December 2014

to

Organ Concert with Ned Spain

This trip is designed for those who love boat rides, holiday light displays, having dinner out, and holiday shopping. The bus will deliver the group to Fisherman’s Village for some unique holiday shopping and dinner.

After dinner the group will join King Fisher Cruise Lines on a colorful light-filled journey through the canals of Charlotte Harbor.

This nautical experience is bound to make anyone’s season bright.

Beach Day

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Thursday, December 18 8:30 a.m. Island pickup 8:40 a.m. Woodlands pickup 8:50 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 3:00 p.m. approximate return Cost: $16 (ice cream on your own) One of the best things about living in Florida is that you can enjoy the beach all year round. Our beach day group will head to Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park for fun, food and holiday sunshine. A picnic lunch will be served and a traditional stop for ice cream will be included on the trip back to Shell Point.

Friday, December 19 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Woodlands Commons/ WDL Ned Spain, a frequent guest musician at Shell Point, will be performing a variety of music including some Christmas carols at this organ concert. Ned has been playing the organ since serving in the Marine Corps. Join in on this delightful occasion.

Do

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New Orleans Bowl at RonDao’s Pizzeria and Sports Bar

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Saturday, December 20 10:15 a.m. Island pickup 10:25 a.m. Woodlands pickup 10:35 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 3:00 p.m. (after the game ends) approximate return Cost: $7 (lunch on your own) Location: Fort Myers

RonDao’s is a sports fan’s paradise. Not only do they have incredible pizza, their entire menu is very good. They have 65 HD televisions for watching your favorite sports. The New Orleans Bowl is an NCAA-sanctioned post-season college football bowl game that will be the featured game on this day, but if you prefer to watch other games – just do it! This will be a fun time for all so sign up today. You can even enjoy some pool in their billiards room if you like.

Sign-up required for this activity. Call Island (454-2282) or Woodlands (454-2054)

Sunday Matinee: The Sound of Music

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Sunday, December 21 2:00 p.m.

Grand Cypress Room/WDL Don’t miss the most popular family musical of all time, a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic featuring the Von Trapp family. Since this fabulous film is about three hours, there will be a brief intermission about halfway through the movie. The hills will be alive with the sound of music and popcorn popping.

Family Bingo by the Pool

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Tuesday, December 23 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Aquatic Center/IS Join us with your families to play Bingo and enjoy refreshments at the beautiful Aquatic

Special event bus will be running

Center. This will be a great time of laughter and fun with your family or friends and will hopefully have you yelling “BINGO!” Prizes will be awarded to the winners.

Walking required

Come and celebrate a forever Christmas with your friends and neighbors. This moving performance will be sure to instill the Christmas spirit on Christmas Day. Don’t miss the opportunity to remember the real reason for the holiday season.

Movie Night: White Christmas

Christmas Cantata: Forever Christmas Thursday, December 25 4:15 p.m.

Resident Activity Center/IS

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New Year’s Eve Dinner Wednesday, December, 31 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Crystal Dining Room/ IS with Entertainment 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Palm Grill/ WDL with Entertainment This will be a night to remember as we welcome the New Year!.

You are sure to enjoy the great entertainment at either the elegant Palm Grill or the festive Crystal Dining Room.

This evening will be filled with celebration and laughter as we say goodbye to 2014! You won’t want to miss it!

Walking up and down stairs

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Monday, December 29 6:45 p.m.

Social Center/IS This 1954 classic film follows Bob Wallace (Bing Crosby) and Phil Davis (Danny Kaye) as an impromptu duet while serving in the U.S. Army.

The two make it big back home and have a few laughs along the way.

This movie will bring back great memories and will have you singin’ the classics!

Save the Date

Pavilion Auxiliary Annual Meeting Thursday, January 15 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Grand Cypress Room The Pavilion Auxiliary annual meeting, with a theme of Caring Hearts, will take place in the Grand Cypress Room at The Woodlands. on January 15.

Shell Point Life | December 2014

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Diabetes Group Appointment Friday, December 5 1:00 p.m.

Social Center/IS Both insulin and non-insulin diabetics are encouraged to attend this meeting. Each monthly meeting covers a different topic and includes open discussion.

Finding Joy Thursday, December 18 1:45 p.m.

Manatee Room/IS This group promotes coping with caregiving through shared experiences and uplifting programs. Guest speaker Dr. Sue Stranahan will discuss The Holidays and Family Communication. Contact Jane Johnston (Lucina) at 464-5903 for information. Coffee and dessert reception will start at 1:30.

Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting Thursdays, December 4, 11, 18, 25 4:30 p.m.

Sabal Room/WDL This “open” meeting of AA welcomes those who struggle with alcohol as well as those who support them. For more information, contact the intergroup number, 275-5111.

Healing Journey Grief Support Wednesday, December 3 2:45 p.m.

Hospitality Room/IS Healing Journey is a series of sessions which examine the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual effects of grief. This group will meet once in December due to the holidays.

The sessions are led by Dotty Morrison (Cellana) and Judy Mayer (Junonia).

Register by calling Dotty at 337-4015 or the church office at 454-2147.

Hearing Enrichment Group

The goal of this resident-led program is to establish group mentoring connections between newly diagnosed cancer patients and cancer survivors. Contact Barbara Maruchi (Springs) at 333–0120.

Monday, December 22 1:15 p.m.

Manatee Room/IS Poor hearing can affect many aspects of one’s life. Katalin Carrow, case manager and group leader, will help residents cope with such issues. The December meeting will be a holiday social. If you have any questions please call Katalin at 454-8246.

­Caregiver Support Group

Memory Care Support Groups

Cancer Support 1-on-1 Mentoring

Tuesdays, December 2 & 16 Group 1: 9:15 a.m.

Group 2: 10:30 a.m.

2nd Floor Educational Room #2 Pavilion Rehabilitation Building/IS This therapeutic group is aimed at helping residents deal with issues of being a caregiver for someone with a memory disorder.

The resident with a memory disorder may be cared for in independent living, assisted living, or skilled nursing. Dr. Nancy Spencer facilitates the group and can be reached at 454-2043. Sign up is required.

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Shell Point Life | December 2014

Note - Individual assessment is required before joining one of the following groups: Tuesdays, December 2 & 16 Group 1: 9:15 a.m. or Group 2: 10:30 a.m.

2nd Floor Educational Room #1 Pavilion Rehabilitation Building/IS Wednesdays, December 3, 10 & 17 3:00 p.m.

Behavioral Health Office 2nd Floor Medical Center/IS

Residents with memory issues are encourage to attend these groups to identify practical strategies to help better manage their memory loss and address longrange planning in an environment that fosters a sense of purpose and heightened self-esteem. The last Wednesday of every month will be facilitated for the caregiver who already has a loved one attending the Wednesday meetings. Kathy Fratrick, LCSW, facilitates the group and can be reached at 454-2073. Individual appointments are also available.

Neuropathy Support Group Wednesday, December 17 11:00 a.m.

Oak Room/WDL This group provides support and educational opportunities for those dealing with neuropathy. Contact Lenny Wodarczyk (Parkwood) at 443-4769.

Parkinson’s Enrichment Group Monday, December 1 10:15 a.m.

King’s Crown Community Room/IS This group aims to provide support and educational opportunities to those affected

by Parkinson’s disease as a patient, caregiver, family member, or friend. Each meeting includes a speaker, group discussion, and opportunities for emotional support. For more information, contact Janine Hammond, resident support services manager, at 454-2186.

Shell Point C.O.P.D. Support Group This group meets quarterly and the next meeting is in January. Jack Hubbard (Lakewood) and Bill Staples (Arbor) lead this informative group to share information and knowledge among individuals who are oxygen dependant. For more information please call Ken Peterson (Oakmont) at 482-3779.

The Vision Enrichment Group Tuesday, December 9 10:15 a.m.

Social Center/IS The Vision Enrichment Group is a place to network and to share stories and information. Florence Putman (Eagles Preserve) is the chairperson. For more information, contact case managers Angie Prichard at 454-2134 or Mary Jude Moffat at 225-2929.

Picture Perfect

Shell Point Photo Club Offers Portrait Sessions in New Studio

With the introduction of a new Photo Studio in the Creativity Center on The Island, the Photo Club has begun offering residents of Shell Point the opportunity to have their own portraits taken by trained photographers.

A $25 fee will cover a 30-minute session for 5-6 people. You will receive a CD with the photos, includ-

ing 16 of the best photos on a contact sheet. The CD will enable you to have prints made at any outlet, post the photos on social media, or use the photos for cards or letters. To sign up for your session, call the Photo Studio at (239) 433-7900 and leave a message. Appointments will be held on Fridays between 1 and 4 p.m.

Resort Services Manager Mary Franklin and her daughter Morgan posed for family photos taken by the Photo Club Studio

Legacy Foundation Seminar

2014 Year End Wrap-Up and the Outlook for 2015 The Legacy Foundation presents The stock market is setting all time highs and interest rates are at historic lows. The current challenges facing investors are unique from anytime in recent history.

Please join us for a timely review of the past year in the markets and our outlook for 2015.

Academy Announcement The brochure for the spring session of The Academy of Lifelong Learning will be delivered to residents on Wednesday, December 17. Registration will begin on Thursday, December 18 at either Service Desk and online.

2014 Year-End Wrap-Up and the Outlook for 2015 Wednesday, Dec. 17 10 a.m.

Grand Cypress Rm/WDL Speakers: David Moreland, Assoc. V.P. and Jason Scoggins, V.P. of UBS Financial Group The Scoggins/Moreland Group

Dave Moreland

Jason Scoggins Shell Point Life | December 2014

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2014 HOLIDAY BAZAAR

Great Gifts and Holiday Inspiration Scarf and jewelry

by Helen Remington (Lakewood)

Shell Point resident crafters and guests alike joined in the celebration of the holiday season by participating in the 9th annual Holiday Bazaar located in the Woodlands Commons on October 31 and November 1. Over 1,200 shoppers came to this popular event to purchase handcrafted items that are only found at Shell Point.

Rhoda Zipperer, a first time guest of the Holiday Bazaar, thoroughly enjoyed her

Bill Byrus (Oakmont) 26

Shell Point Life | December 2014

shopping experience and exclaimed, “I was so impressed with the wide variety and quality of the items. I found wonderful gifts for my child’s teachers that I have never seen in any department store. I will mark my calendar for next year’s bazaar!”

In addition to first-time guests, new crafters also took part in this year’s successful event. From homemade cranberry relish and chocolate to glazed butter dishes and scrubbies for cleaning dishes, this event had a little something for everyone.

An air of positivity was felt after the Holiday Bazaar concluded, with many anticipating their next shopping experience at Shell Point. If you were unable to take part in the festivities at the Woodlands, you will have another chance to enjoy a shopping spree on Tuesday, December 2 during the Shell Point Gift Shop Extravaganza.

Stop by the Gift Shop and Social Center located on The Island from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to do a little holiday shopping and visit with resident artists. Jingle bells, jingle bells, this sale lasts one day! Oh, what fun it is to buy enough to fill a sleigh!

Top: Dozens of Shell Point artists had tables and booths with their handmade artistic items on display and for sale on both floors of The Woodlands Commons. (L-R): Cecil Wallace of Turban holds up one of his wood craft boxes.

A Florida-inspired painting of a Great Heron

by Lois Sullinger of Cameo. Sharon Terestenyi of Lakewood holds one of her fabric purses.

This holiday shopper browses through a selection of quilted purses made

by Barbara Hilton.

Holly B. English (Cellana)

Frank Moore (Lakewood)

One happy customer displays a collection of just-purchased handmade paper books and journals.

Debbie Umphries with her mother Willie Chandley of Sundial.

Handmade journals and scrapbooks by Debbie Melchi (Periwinkle)

Carol Chihocky (Periwinkle) and Carolyn Mondora (Parkwood)

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Golfing for a Good Cause Shell Point Open Golf Tournament Wins for Memory Care Center The 2014 Shell Point Open Golf Tournament hit high marks this year as players enjoyed a day of perfect weather combined with an exceptional golf experience. According to Gary Keating, PGA professional and director of golf at Shell Point Golf Club, 147 players spent the morning in friendly competition while also enjoying the latest course improvements.

“The major goal of any charity golf tournament is to raise funds for a worthy cause; however, we still wanted to deliver a great golf experience for each player and I

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Shell Point Life | December 2014

think we accomplished that goal as well.”

This year, the tournament helped raise more than $38,000 for the Memory Care

Center in the Larsen Pavilion, which provides care to those who have loss of memory and dementia, due to Alzheimer’s and other progressive brain diseases.

“This is a very worthwhile cause,” said Gary as he thanked the sponsors, participants, and volunteers for their outstanding support of this year’s tournament. “I am delighted to see golfers and sponsors alike continue to support and enjoy this tournament each year. This tournament is just one way that we can help individuals receive the best

Above: First place team (L-R) Johnathon Brook, John Gamba, Gary Matter, and Rinn Newmeyer

Special thanks to all of the sponsors for supporting the 2014 Shell Point Charity Open.

Top right: Second place team (L-R) Bill Fellows, Jay Allen, Skip Tutor, Jack Tukey (Macoma)

TITLE SPONSOR: UBS Financial Services

Right: Charles Acario won the award for the Men’s Longest Drive.

CORPORATE SPONSORS: Alexander & Hoover CPA’s PA Alliance Development Fund, Inc. Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral Homes & Cremation SE Wright Construction Group, Inc.

Far right: Mary McJoynt (Eagles Preserve) took home the prize for Ladies Closest to the Pin.

Title sponsor Genesis Wealth Management Group of UBS Financial Services presented Shell Point with a $10,000 sponsorship check on the morning of the tournament.

L-R: Jason Scoggins, Tim Stephenson, David Moreland, Jeremy King, and Bill White.

healthcare possible, while also enjoying a great day of golf.”

The title sponsor of the event was the Genesis Wealth Management Group of UBS Financial Services. Many other businesses in the Fort Myers community also joined in as Corporate or Hole Sponsors. “We could not throw a successful tournament without our sponsors,” said Dawn Boren, director of resident life. “Many of our sponsors come back

year after year and we greatly appreciate their support. These individuals and businesses see the value of our ministry here at Shell Point and know how important these healthcare services are to senior adults in Southwest Florida.”

Following the tournament, a barbecue lunch was held as the winners were announced and numerous awards and prizes were distributed to the crowd.

GOLD SPONSORS: American Senior Benefits/ Lincoln Investment Planning C. Mark Auto Repairs of Lee County, Inc. Crowther Roofing Elmquist Eye Group FineMark National Bank & Trust Flint Financial Investments Mgt. Corporation Gorman Co. Hahn, Loeser and Parks, LLP Henderson, Franklin, Starnes, & Holt, PA Hope Hospice and Community Services Hughes, Snell & Co, PA Independent Order of Foresters Investors’ Security Trust Co. ISING Travel Leisure Time Cleaning Marsh & McLennan Agency – Seitlin Matter Brothers Furniture Northern Trust Osterhout & McKinney PA Park Royal Hospital Povia Paints Sanibel Catering Company by Bailey’s Sheppard, Brett, Stewart, Hersch, Kinsey & Hill, PA Stevens Construction, Inc. Tuscan & Company PA Weinstein Wilkes Financial Group Ziegler Investment Banking

Shell Point Life | December 2014

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Q&A

FineMark National Bank & Trust Answers Your Personal Banking Questions

By Anna Smith,

managing

executive

of

finemark

national

bank

and

trust

Question:

Recently, I’ve heard about the credit and debit card security breaches at major retail stores across the country. How can I protect myself from this fraudulent activity?

Answer: Many retailers have

You can receive alerts for:

been affected by hackers who breach a store’s security system and steal customer data, including card numbers, zip codes, expiration dates, etc. Home Depot is the latest retailer to be hit in this string of data breaches.

Others include Target, Neiman Marcus, Sally Beauty, P.F. Changs, and even Goodwill. Data breach is on the rise and continues to be a concern.

While we cannot eliminate debit card fraud, FineMark does offer one way to possibly limit the risk with our Debit Card Alerts system. A convenient e-mail or text message alerts you when a purchase has been made with your debit card. So, if

1. Funds Added/Funds Removed 2. Signature Transactions 3. Card Status Change 4. Suspected Fraud 5. Declined Transactions 6. High Risk Transactions: • Card Not Present • International • Out-of-State • Pay-at-the-Pump you notice transactions you did not make, you can contact us immediately and we will take appropriate action. The service is free for all FineMark Debit Card holders and the alerts are customizable.

You’re Invited!

We would be happy to set up these text alerts for interested clients. If you would like to set up alerts or if you have questions, stop by our office on The Island or give us a call at (239) 461-5999.

FineMark National Bank & Trust invites you to join Dennis Landfried, Nick Wychocki, Chris Smith, and Read Sawcyzn for an open forum discussion on the markets and the economy.

Thursday, December 11 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Manatee Room/IS FineMark’s Experts Will Discuss: • Market Concerns • Asset Allocation Decisions • Long & Short Term Concerns in the Economy • What We Are Buying & What We Are Selling • How Much Risk You Are Taking in Your Portfolio Seating is limited.

RSVP to Anna Smith: asmith@finemarkbank.com or call (239) 461-5930.

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Shell Point Life | December 2014

Shell Point

Concert Series

www.shellpoint.org/concerts

2014-2015

Sounds of the Season

The 2014-2015 Shell Point Concert Series continues in December with two performances.

CONCERTS & CONVERSATIONS MARY ELIZABETH BOWDEN, TRUMPET WITH PIANIST

Tuesday, December 2 7:00 p.m.

Highly regarded for her artistry and virtuosity, as well as the clarity, purity, and power of her sound, Mary Elizabeth Bowden has emerged as a dazzling young trumpet soloist.

An experienced orchestral musician, Bowden has performed with such orchestras as the Baltimore Symphony, Naples Philharmonic, New World Symphony, and Fairfax Symphony. In addition to playing in several international festivals, she also recently performed as Principal Trumpet for orchestras in New Zealand and Korea.

Mary Elizabeth Bowden began full-time college at age 14, receiving an associate’s degree from Joliet Junior College.

Subsequently, she earned her Bachelor of Music degree from the Curtis Institute for Music, where she studied with the principal trumpeter of The Philadelphia Orchestra, David Bilgaer.

She was awarded her Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music, she studied with Allan Dean on a full scholarship.

This concert will take place at The Grand Cypress Room, located in The Woodlands Commons. Following the concert, participants will enjoy a beverage and dessert while they are conversing with the featured artist and friends.

Individual tickets are available for $25, or there is still time to purchase tickets to all four concerts in the Concerts & Conversations Series for a total price of $80 – a savings of $20. Stop by either service desk or call 454-2067 for more information. The full concert lineup can be found online at www. shellpoint.org/concerts.

SWFL SYMPHONY SERIES HOLIDAY POPS

Monday, December 15 7:30 p.m.

Leif Bjaland, Conductor

The much-anticipated Holiday Pops Concert celebrates the joyous holidays of December in an unconventional way this season. Maestro Leif Bjaland returns to conduct the Symphony in Christmas in Paradise, featuring tunes like Feliz Navidad and Mele Kalikimaka-The Hawaiian Christmas, along with traditional seasonal favorites.

This show is sure to light up the stage at The Village Church.

Tickets for this special seasonal performance are available for $25 and can be purchased at either service desk. For more information, call 454-2067 or visit www.shellpoint.org/concerts.

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Spread Holiday Cheer and Relaxation with the Latest Salon & Spa Services B

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The Salon has recently added several new services that make great stocking stuffers. During the month of December, order one of the services described here and save an additional 10%.

Salon & Spa gift certificates are available in the Island Salon & Spa or by calling 489-8400. Front door delivery is available upon request until noon on December 24.

Facials

The Islander Facial Our new signature facial hydrates skin and creates a refreshing glow, with natural ingredients such as almond oil, vitamin E, and coco butter. The powerpacked premium ingredient, Matrixyl 3000, promotes collagen production to tighten and lift the skin.

M

Arbor Salon Now Open Saturday!

For appointments call: 489-8400 ext 1

a n a g e r

Nails

Hair

Artificial Nails

Holiday Hair

We offer a fiberglass and gel product to build thicker, stronger nails. Fiberglass and gel is comparable in strength to acrylic nails, but less harmful to the natural nail bed. Yes, we can fill your acrylic nails with gel for an easy transition.

Gel Polish This is sometimes referred to as “shellac.” Gel polish usually lasts up to two weeks without chipping with normal wear.

Additional nail strengthener can be added for fragile nails. Include a little shimmer of festive glitter for a great holiday look.

Vinylux Polish Keep your nails looking sharp with Vinylux polish! This new nail polish mimics vinyl coating, and lasts for eight days with normal wear.

Rita Foster of Macoma has dressed up for the holidays with this classic bob.

What really makes this style stand out is the multi-dimensional hair color! The contrasting colors shimmer in natural sunlight. Foils can be added to any hair color to Rita Foster brighten, create volume, (Macoma) and accent any style.

S a l o n S AV I N G S

Dress Up Your Hair

Save 10% on

haircolor and foils

Add at least four foils for savings to be valid. *One per customer, please.

The Glycolic Peel This deep skin treatment focuses on renewing skin to reveal a brighter, more youthful complexion. Mild micro-dermabrasion further refreshes the skin.

The Holiday Pumpkin Spice Facial This seasonal special calms the senses, and leaves skin smooth and soft to the touch.

Relax with a facial massage to promote collagen production. Don’t miss this holiday favorite before pumpkin season is past!

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Shell Point Life | December 2014

What do you give someone who has everything? Not another knick knack. Instead, pamper that someone special with the gift of relaxation and rejuvenation! All Salon & Spa gift certificates purchased during the month of December will receive an additional 5% value for free!

Giving in the Spirit of Christmas Thank you to each and every resident who showed their support to the hard-working employees of Shell Point by making a donation to the 2014 Employee Christmas Gift. Please note, if you have not yet contributed your donation, the final deadline is Friday, December 5.

The distribution of the Employee Christmas gift will take place throughout the day on Friday, December 12. Be sure to see the January issue of Shell Point Life for photos of our smiling employees receiving their gifts.

Once again, thank you to all who helped to make the season bright for the employees of Shell Point!

ALPHA

Veteran’s Day 2014

Invitation to Participate in Faith Exploration Course B

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Now is the time to register for the Alpha course, co-sponsored by The Academy and The Village Church. The program will be offered on Tuesday evenings from January 13 to March 17. Each session will begin with a Palm Grill catered dinner served in the Grand Cypress Room, followed by a video lecture and a small-group discussion.

An Anglican vicar, Nicky Gumbel of Holy Trinity Brompton Church in London, gives the video lectures. His humor and clarity of expression, coupled with a low-key presentation style, make the fast-moving talks the focus of each evening and a natural lead into small group discussions.

These informal interchanges focus on discovery rather than dogma. There are no dumb questions. As people share experiences and opinions, new friendships form and we learn from each other.

Alpha is of special appeal to those who may not attend church, but are seeking answers to life’s big questions. It also offers insights to those who are uncertain of their beliefs or want a refresher course in Christianity.

All programs will start at 4:30 p.m. and end at 6:45 p.m.

The course is free to participants, but space is limited and fills up quickly. To reserve your seat call at the Alpha table, call 4542147. Registration ends Wednesday, January 7.

Residents celebrated this past Veterans’ Day with a service of remembrance, held in the Island Amphitheater. Special speakers, musical talent, and a patriotic salute extended a heartfelt thank you to all who served.

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B

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Advent

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One test of a person’s love is the extent to which he or she will stoop below one’s station to come to the aid of others. There are people who immediately come to mind when we think in those terms.

Mother Teresa, who spent a lifetime of ministry to the poorest of the poor in Calcutta and elsewhere in India, is perhaps the most immediately recognizable. Dr. Paul Brand, who devoted much of his life and medical practice in service to those with leprosy – in

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Remember the Grand Descent V

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India, Africa, and in the U.S. – is another.

Many of us know of people much closer to home who are devoted to those whose circumstances are extremely challenging. Love for those who are unlovely is remarkable in any time and place, and many people in our own community quietly spend their lives engaged in that vocation of service.

The Christmas season is a time when such love is often on display. We recognize that, while most of us easily celebrate with creature comforts far above the norm (in this country especially), there are many others within our sphere of activity who are much less well off. The season motivates our charitable inclinations and we are given many opportunities to respond.

But as much as many seek opportunities to serve others who are needy, Christmas is a reminder of the greatest love of all. That God would stoop to descend to a lowly humanity is an astonishing act of love. And that is what the Advent – the birth of the

Son of God, the incarnation – is all about.

Whatever distance you may imagine exists between the most charitable among us and the lowliest outcast of society, that distance is barely perceptible compared to the distance covered when God became man in the birth of Jesus.

The birth of Christ, the Advent, the incarnation is the Grand Descent. As the hymn writer put it:

Out of the ivory palaces, Into a world of woe, Only His great eternal love Made my Savior go.

So in this Advent season, remember the Grand Descent – the great distance traversed by our loving Heavenly Father in sending His Son to be born as a child.

All so we might experience a love beyond anything we deserve. What great love is on display in the incarnation!

And then, of course, allow that understanding of the Grand Descent to fuel your inclinations to serve others. And do it in the name of the One who “descended into the lower regions.”

Blessings to all of you during this holiday season!

... what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?

– Ephesians 4:9 (ESV)

Country Christmas B

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Recording artist “Mrs. Kate” Carpenter will perform a special concert for all Shell Point residents on Wednesday, December 10, at 10:15 a.m. in the Church Auditorium. Kate will share her unique blend of folk songs and stories, which has delighted audiences of all ages. This songwriter, and storyteller from Callahan, Florida, has been writing and performing for more than forty years.

Songs like The Porch Swing, The Old Sew 34

with “Mrs. Kate” Carpenter

Shell Point Life | December 2014

and Sew, and Nothin’ I Can Do About Wrinkles give a glimpse into the down-home style that will tickle your funny bone and have you tapping your toe.

Invite your friends for a morning of fun, laughter, and memories. Pick up your free tickets now at The Village Church for this event, sponsored by Women’s Ministries.

Arrive at 9:45 a.m. to enjoy refreshments before the concert.

Celebrating Season

the

oF

Join us at The Village Church throughout the Christmas Season as we celebrate the miracle of God’s love during each worship service and special programs. Sunday Morning Worship Services are at 10:15 a.m. and Sunday Evening Praise Services are at 6:15 p.m.

A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION oF Presented

by The Village Church Choir and Festival Orchestra Sunday, December 7, at 6:15 p.m.

Don’t miss the holiday spectacular presented by The Village Church Choir & Festival Orchestra with special guests Joel Raney (pianist) and Jane Holstein (organist). Come join in this Christmas Celebration led by Randy Woods, minister of worship and music, for the presentation of A Thrill of Hope.

This musical was written in 2009 specifically for The Village Church Choir by Joel Raney and has been published and distributed internationally by Hope Publishing Company. Filled with an array of familiar carols and hymns, all arranged in a wide variety of moods and musical styles, this musical creates a rivet-

ing retelling of the Christmas story. As a composer and arranger, Joel Raney provides a musical tapestry that is warm and familiar, yet uniquely fresh. The Scripture, underscore, and thoughtful narration transform this work into a truly meaningful Christmas worship experience. A Thrill of Hope looks at the birth of Christ from four distinct vantage points – celebrating the Hope he brought, the Love he showed, the Peace he promised, and the Joy of Emmanuel, God with us, forevermore!

Tickets for this special Season of Praise concert are $10 each and are available in the church office or online at www.shellpoint.org/seasonofpraise.

Joel Raney and Jane Holstein

Service of Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 14, at 6:15 p.m.

This traditional worship celebration will include Scripture readings, carol singing and Christmas music performed by guest organist, Claire Marie Faasse, former organist at Covenant Presbyterian and New Hope Presbyterian Churches of Fort Myers and a past dean of the Southwest Florida Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Mrs. Faasse holds diplomas in organ performance from Trinity College of Music, London. All are sure to appreciate the retelling of the prophecy of Christ and the Scripture lessons that recount the message of God’s plan for redemption.

Christmas Eve Carols & Candlelight Services Wednesday, December 24, at 4:15 p.m. & 7:15 p.m.

Come celebrate the birthday of a King as we retell the Christmas Story and sing our praises to the Christ Child by candlelight. There will be a late afternoon service at 4:15 p.m. and an evening service at 7:15 pm. Enjoy gathering with

your family and friends on the eve of our Savior’s birth for a very special Candlelight Service – both services will include caroling, candlelight, special music and an inspirational message from senior pastor Andy Hawkins.

Shell Point Life | December 2014

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Nature’s Notebook

O Tannenbaum

I promised to be at her house by 6:30 p.m. It was already dark and there was a distinct chill in the early winter air. She smiled sweetly while gracefully gliding into the passenger seat after I clumsily opened the door. Earlier in the day, I washed and waxed my first brand new car. After selecting my best clothes, I prepared a vacuum thermos of hot chocolate. For ambiance, I created a “mixed tape” of music to listen to while driving, and, remarkably, the weatherman predicted a rare early season snowfall.

At the time, I was not consciously aware that I would marry Dianne four years later. Perhaps I was motivated by the unfathomable magic of human chemistry to leave nothing to chance on this special night. Turning the ignition key, the stereo immediately set the theme of our date with Nat King Cole’s silky baritone voice.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, How lovely are thy branches!

Not only green when summer’s here But in the coldest time of year.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, How lovely are thy branches!

This majestic Norfolk Pine tree towers above Shell Point, and prepares to send its offspring Our plan was to purchase a live into the world via this unassimng pinecone.

Balsam Fir and then to decorate the Christmas tree together at my apartment.

Combining preparation, with the luck of romantic weather, this date had the potential of achieving Currier and Ives magnitude.

While the history of Christmas trees in the Northeastern United States is commonly known, I began to wonder what species of evergreen people used for Christmas Trees in the tropics where traditional fir and spruce trees do not grow. In a time before “big box stores” and truck trailers full of trees cut from farms in Oregon, how did the people of Miami find a Christmas tree?

The Casuarina tree or Australian Pine

was introduced to South Florida at the turn of the century and for a while was used as a Christmas Tree.

Considering the invasive nature of Australian Pines, it would have been better if every single specimen was cut down for family trees, unfortunately the Casuarina remains in our native environment wreaking havoc. Recently a newer, more benign exotic tree has taken over for live Christmas trees in South Florida.

Discovered by James Cook in 1774 on his second voyage to the Pacific, Norfolk Island has some remarkable trees. As a

sapling, the Norfolk Island Pine superficially resembles a fir tree with a straight central truck and perfect, symmetrically spaced branches creating an overall pyramidal appearance. The tree is now commonly sold, in pots as a “Living Christmas Tree” and is used for festive tabletops. However, as the tree matures, its true nature is revealed. Growing to over 200 feet in its native range, a mature Norfolk is a giant that towers over other trees in Southwest Florida. While driving over any humpbacked bridge in Lee County, at the highest lobe, scan the horizon to see Norfolk Pines punctuating the landscape.

Shell Point has Norfolk Island Pines in two locations.

At The Woodlands, enjoy a nature walk on the north perimeter sidewalk until you reach the Dog Park. The young Norfolk Pine is located just north of the park within reach of the sidewalk. At The Island Café, order your date a hot mug of cocoa with whipped cream and enjoy al fresco dining on the patio. Look up to marvel at a mature Norfolk Pine near Kings Crown that has earned its character from the ghosts of hurricanes past.

While searching for the hidden ornaments I have placed in the two trees, try singing a verse of “O Tannenbaum” with someone you love to get into the Christmas spirit. It worked for me.