Shell Point Life September 2017

September 2017 Vol. 12 Issue 9

Influential Careers in Design and Advertising

Jump Into

Active Aging Week!

Hanging up the Hard Hat Project Development Director Builds His Dream Retirement

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Higher Education September often brings a wave of special memories from one’s school days. This issue profiles a number of residents who put their “book learning” to good use, along with opportunities for continuing education available right on campus.

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A Study in Creativity

Creative artist Lou “Flip” Phillips (Cellana) started his own in-house ad agency, inventing taglines for the best in the business. Find his story on page 4, and then turn to page 8 to read about the innovative legacy of industrial designer David Tompkins (Turban).

Leading the Class

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Turn to page 15 to explore the impressive career of Bruce McNaughton (King’s Crown), whose influential leadership at Inc. Media resulted in a continued presence on the publication’s mastheads.

Next, meet Wayne Robinson (Palm Acres) on page __.

His qualifications perfectly position Wayne as the chair of this year’s Employee Christmas Fund Campaign.

Taking Notes

31 On

the

Finally, the Academy of Lifelong Learning is no exception to the flurry of back-to-school preparation in September. Get the study guide from Academy Manager Teri Kollath on page 31.

Cover

Bob Southern, Shell Point’s former director of project development, recently hung up his hard hat after 38 years of growth and expansion. Get a history lesson on page 40.

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Shell Point Life | September 2017

John 10:10b

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

Director of Marketing & Communications Lynn Schneider Editor Sarah Nadal Creative Director Rich Cerrina Senior Graphic Designer Wendy Iverson Graphic Designer Kathy Grove Contributors Debbie Brewer, Renée Chastant, Robyn Church, Beth Crenshaw, Melody Desilets, Claude Emler, Tom Frackenpohl, Scott Graison, Janine Hammond, Andy Hawkins, Gabriella Kelly, Teri Kollath, Anne Lehotsky, Ginny Miller-Plaza, McKenzie Millis, Dotty Morrison, Steve Morton, Don Pullen, Dora Robbins, Emily Rose, Laura Slack, Michelle Tompkins, Dottie Trones, Matt Whelan, Randy Woods Do you have story ideas or photos to share?

Contact Editor Sarah Nadal by calling (239) 454-2055 or emailing sarahnadal@shellpoint.org Shell Point Life Available Online You can find the current issue as well as back issues of Shell Point Life magazine at www.shellpoint.org/shellpointlife.

15101 Shell Point Blvd. • Fort Myers, FL 33908 (239) 466-1131 • www.shellpoint.org Shell Point is a nonprofit ministry of e Christian and Missionary Alliance Foundation, Inc.

ACTIVE AGING WEEK! September 25-29

Programs to Challenge Your Body and Mind

S

ummer may be coming to an end, but the fun doesn’t have to stop there!

During the last week in September, Shell Point will celebrate Active Aging Week, a national initiative led by the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) that encourages a proactive approach to healthy aging.

During the week of September 25, Shell Point residents will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of events, trips, and more, which promote wellness and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle at Shell Point. Some of these engaging classes are brand-new offerings that may allow you

to explore new activities for the first time, such as learning the basics of snorkeling, or trying a stand-up paddleboard session.

Sign-up is required at either service desk for all classes and events. Everyone attending and participating in an Active Aging Week event will have the opportunity to enter a drawing, which will take place at the end of the week, allowing residents the chance to win some fantastic prizes.

The Resident Life team hopes to see you out and about during this busy, active week that celebrates wellness. See the Happenings Calendar starting on pages 24-27 for full event details.

MONDAY Active Aging Week Kick-Off Early Morning Stretch in the Park 8:30 a.m. • Island Park/IS Brain Boot Camp 10:15 a.m. • Social Center/IS How to Hear Well in Noisy Places 1:00 p.m. • Social Center/IS

TUESDAY Snorkeling Basics 8:30 a.m.

LifeQuest Aquatic Center/IS Senior Self-Defense 12:30 p.m. • Fitness Center/IS The Six Musical Dimensions of LifeQuest 2:15 p.m. • Choir Room/TVC

WEDNESDAY Buckingham Farms Tour & Lunch 8:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Balance and Mobility Training 10:15 a.m. • Social Center/IS

THURSDAY Ladder Golf 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. • Shuffle Board/IS Aqua Volleyball Skills Workshop 9:30 a.m. • LifeQuest Aquatic Center/IS Drumming for Fun and Wellness 1:00 p.m. • Hospitality Room/TVC

FRIDAY Paddleboard & Kayak Sessions 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. • Island Beach Smoothie Social Hour 1:00 p.m. • Fitness Center/IS Glaucoma Class 2:15 p.m. • Social Center/IS Shell Point Life | September 2017

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Living a

Charmed Life When he enters a gathering at Shell Point, some residents call out, “Hey, you’re the artist!”

A

BY KATHY GREY STAFF WRITER

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Shell Point Life | September 2017

lthough the three-year resident demurs from the accolades, Lou “Flip” Phillips (Cellana) has to concede that he is, indeed, an artist, and was instrumental in a number of creative endeavors, many on canvas, and many in the world of New York commerce… particularly in the fields of marketing, advertising, and public relations. Whatever he did, he did with heart, soul, and success, though he won’t take credit for it. “I’ve lived a charmed life,” he says.

They call him “Flip,” but his real name is Louis, or Lou, and he has mighty tales to tell.

He helped start the Harry Chapin Food Bank, worked closely with a man named Kissinger, worked to brand what is now known as Rooms to Go, and had connections to Esther Williams, the Kennedy family, President Ronald Reagan, and a consultant to New York governor Nelson Rockefeller.

God-Given Talent He was the gifted-artist son of Marcella, who remarried a man named Johnnie, a prize fighter. “Johnnie took on a wife with three kids when it was a struggle just to survive. My ambition in life was to be a prize fighter just like Johnnie,” he says. And so, for a time, he pursued the art of the fight instead of the art of making art. That’s when he came face-to-face with what he calls his “24hour miracle.”

“It was God’s way of telling me to smarten up and start using the talents God gave me,” laughed Flip.

He trained to be a fighter and lined up for a physical to get into the Golden Gloves. Three doctors checked him out, and all concurred that they heard a heart murmur. “They turned me down. I couldn’t go to the Golden Gloves,” Flip says. “The next day, I went to another doctor. There was no murmur. My heart’s been healthy my whole life,” the 88-yearold says. But it was that faux murmur, that “24-hour-miracle,” that shifted his course in life and put him on a professional track he never dreamed possible.

“I came from a poor family,” Flip says. “No one made money drawing pictures. My teachers recommended going

At first, putting on boxing gloves seemed a natural career fit for Flip, whose father made a living as a prize fighter. A twist of fate redirected Flip’s occupation to commercial advertising, a field where he pulled no punches in securing effective ad placement for his clients.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Ever the artist, Flip Phillips (Cellana) poses with oversized props, once used in a creative advertisement. Top right: This lighthearted illustration is inspired

by Flip’s service in the Navy.

to college, but we had no money for college. I was a good student and had acquired enough credits after only two years to graduate – so I left school after tenth grade and joined the Navy.”

That’s when he got the nickname Flip: doing flips on the trampoline during boot camp. He had a two-year enlistment at the end of World War II. Serving on a destroyer, he saw Egypt, Italy, and France.

He even attended the Prince of Monaco’s wedding when his ship was pulled out of the convoy, something he also attributes to his charmed life.

His military service entitled him to the G.I. Bill and he received an education at Farmingdale State College on Long Island (He would later become a consultant at this alma mater). He then graduated from Buffalo State University’s Albright School of Design. He married a girl named Phyllis, and they bought a house on Long Island in a community established for returning veterans. In their 61 years of marriage, Phyllis would be his lifelong love, the mother of his children, his soul mate, confidante, and a manager in his business.

Back then, Flip was working toward the unimaginable: a career based upon his artistic talent. “My first major art job was at Allen Marine, a company that sold marine accessories,” he says.

“I was hired as an art director, but the hiring manager lied. He needed someone with experience to recreate a catalog that was lost in a car accident the previous year.”

“After the catalog was recreated, they planned to let me go.” But the president of Allen Marine wouldn’t hear of it.

So the “big boss,” Todd Gittleson, hired him to do ads for the company – and for several other companies that he owned.

But it wasn’t all glitz and glamor!

Flip started his career working in what had been the company’s supply closet. “I brought in my own drawing board from home,” he says.

In time, Flip started an in-house agency. His was the only agency he knew of that had its own print shop and that gave

BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY Flip chose Long Island as home base for his advertising agency and quickly turned his sights to developing regional messaging to serve his local clients.

Continued next page Shell Point Life | September 2017

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Flip’s agency had a competitive edge, thanks to extensive in-house printing equipment and capable staff who could produce publications on a dime.

Living a Charmed Life Continued from page 5

Flip a distinct competitive advantage. In a day in which print media was king, he says, “I could turn around jobs fast.”

As Flip’s staff and client list grew, he turned his art department into a full-time advertising agency. He began attracting major accounts in the corporate field. Among these was the Allen Group, an international giant in the automotive industry.

Allen Group’s president and CEO was a previous acquaintance, Walter Kissinger – Henry Kissinger’s younger brother. “The Kissingers were ‘get it done’ people, unconcerned with cost. ‘Just do it now, do it right, and have it on my desk tomorrow morning,’ was common,” explained Flip.

“Only my agency could do exactly that, with what my in-house creative photography, typography, and printing facilities could provide. Walter later became a silent partner and important financial asset to my growing agency.”

With Flip’s creativity, Allen Group enjoyed the distinction of becoming, along with Disney and General Motors, one of the only three companies to ever win three “Best in the Nation” awards from Annual Reports, three times in a row.

Flip considers himself a writer, too.

“Creativity takes many forms, and one form of creativity can lead to another.” For a swimming pool company, Flip came up with the slogan “swim, sunbathe … 90 cents a day.” The company’s popular redwoo ddecked above-ground Futura model became the industry standard.

It was also instrumental in making backyard swimming pools a reality for middle-class Americans across the nation.

He used his inborn creativity volunteering with the Long Island Theater Society and met “all the movie stars because they did stage work in between pictures,” he says. “I met Henry Fonda, Buddy Hackett, June Allyson, Robert Ryan… anyone you can name,” he says.

“My job was to introduce society con-

...it wasn’t all glitz and glamor...

“I brought in my own drawing board from home.”

Flip tackled his dream career one job at a time. At Allen Marine, Flip created ads for the company’s marine accessories and more.

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“Creativity takes

many forms, and one form of creativity can lead to another.”

tributors to celebrities at cast parties.”

He used his artwork for charitable causes, too, notably for a Long Island school for children with disabilities. “I ran the annual art shows to raise money to take kids on field trips. I probably raised a half-million dollars

In retirement, Flip channeled his trained eye for design and knack for artistry into creating set designs for annual variety shows at Cinnamon Cove in Fort Myers. His wife, Phyllis, proudly stands with him in front of one such backdrop.

for that school,” he says.

“From 1960 to 1990, I owned my own business, Phillips, Miller, Speyer and Frost,” he says. One of the company’s many divisions was P&R Advertising, the first African-American ad agency. The year before he retired, Phillips, Miller, Speyer, and Frost handled 11 political campaigns and won 10. “Imagine,” he says, “a guy who started out on welfare, and managed to retire in a place as beautiful as Shell Point. I’ve surely had a charmed life.”

Marriage and Family

Under Flip’s guidance, the Allen Group won three “Best in the Nation” awards from Annual Reports – three times in a row! Here, Flip poses with several partners from the Allen Group in recognition of this prestigious accomplishment.

Integrity carried Flip through his business life and his 61-year marriage with his late wife, Phyllis. “Phyllis was the anchor of the family ship. As our two children were growing up, she always knew where they were because our family sandbox was the biggest and best in the neighborhood,” said Flip.

The Phillips children were the envy of their classmates when Phyllis rode her motorcycle to pick them up after school.

In time, everyone in the family had one.

“We’d go out on Sundays to Long Island’s North Shore by the estates and ride along on our motorcycles,” Flip reminisces.

Travel and adventure were integral in the Phillips family. “We’ve taken all the usual cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska.

I took the whole family on a Disney Cruise

around the Caribbean. That was the best thing you can imagine. We took a western tour into the mountains … Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone. We rented a car and drove from Oregon to Mexico.”

But Phyllis had asthma when she was young, a condition that advanced to COPD as she aged. Flip says they almost cancelled a winter vacation to New York to see their daughter and her family, “but we decided: ‘Right now you’re feeling good. Let’s go on our trip to New York to see the kids.’”

It was there that Phyllis became gravely ill and passed away. “When we married, we became one person,” Flip says. “We never went to a doctor or shopping without the other person. We were so close and had such a good life. It was part of my ‘charmed life’ that I had her.”

After Phyllis’ death, a friend at Cinnamon Cove started talking to him about Shell Point. They took a tour of the grounds and sat by the water, admiring the orchids. “There were people around. There were things to do,” Flip says. “Finally, I decided to come here.” And he’s grateful that his success in life has made it possible.

“I see a sunset, and I talk to God like he was a person. And I say, ‘Thank you.’”

For this, and for all the wonderful things that have happened in his charmed life, Louis “Flip” Phillips has two humble words: “Thank you.”

Shell Point Life | September 2017

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Design

Creating Iconic Designs

BY GERRIE BENZING, STAFF WRITER

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Shell Point Life | September 2017

Industrial designers create products that affect daily life. David Tompkins (Turban) enjoyed 35 years in this field.

Born in December 1934, David’s fascination with design began at a very young age. “Even as a kid, I had strong feelings about design. I had multiple erector sets and I remember thinking that some of the toy cars just weren’t put together very well,” recalled David.

He loved building models out of balsa

wood, and made a number of World War II airplanes.

But his favorite was his Tinker Toys. “I can remember the first time I built something that was bigger than myself. I think I was four years old and I was building a tower, lying on its side on the ground. I can still remember the moment I picked it up Continued next page

of the

Times

The innovative products created by industrial designer and resident artist Dave Tompkins (Turban) include a host of everyday consumer items from household goods to electronics and heavy equipment, and everything in between!

Shell Point Life | September 2017

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Design of the Times Continued from page 8

and set it in place. It was taller than I was, and I remember thinking ‘wow.’”

That feeling of wow continued to inspire David as he grew up. When it was time for him to attend high school, David applied to the High School of Music and Art in New York City. This public high school, established in 1936, was a place where students could hone their talents in music, art, and the performing arts.

David prepared a portfolio for the art department and was thrilled to be one of the 60 students accepted that year from the hundreds that applied. He had taken his first step on the road to his designing future.

World events intervened after his high school graduation, and David spent the next four years in the Air Force as a sergeant in the Korean War. During his enlistment, David was given aptitude testing, which showed he had an empathy for mechanical systems. He laughingly noted, “I didn’t even know how to drive at that time, but I learned in a huge weapons carrier.”

When David’s deployment finally ended, he was eager to take the next step in his design journey.

When he returned to New York City, David enrolled in the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. The Pratt Institute includes several different departments in which a student can specialize, including architecture, commercial art, and engineering.

David says, “I thought I would go into

“I looked around

the room (at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn) and I could see students creating product designs and three-dimensional models and I just knew in my heart that I was home.”

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David created many initial product designs with ink and markers, which was typical in the era before computers. After completing a sketch like the Igloo cooler pictured above, David would prepare a mockup to accompany the design.

the advertising design program. But as I was walking through the school one day, I wandered into the industrial design room.

I looked around the room and I could see students creating product designs and three-dimensional models and I just knew in my heart that I was home.”

David’s first job after graduating from Pratt Institute was with Walter Darwin Teague Associates in New York City.

Walter Darwin Teague Associates had a distinguished clientele including Proctor & Gamble. David began working in the consumer packaging department. One day, they were given the task of designing a 16-ounce bottle for the liquid version of Head and Shoulders Shampoo that could be sold in supermarkets. This bottle needed to have a broad base for the label and it needed to deliver shelf impact.

David started this task by sketching at his design table. Computers didn’t exist then, so all sketching was done with ink and markers. Once he had a sketch, the next step was preparing a mockup.

A mockup is a three-dimensional model

made out of clay. They used clay because it could be easily shaved off if the model was too big, or added to if the model was too small – and the volume had to be correct!

After a period of trial and error, the Head and Shoulders Shampoo bottle was ready to sell. David had created his first consumer-ready design! Many celebrities over the years would say, “After all, you never get a second chance to make a first impression,” while holding his Head and Shoulders bottle.

Off to Ohio After three exciting creative years at Walter Darwin Teague Associates, David left New York City in 1963 to join the Richardson/Smith consulting design firm in Worthington, Ohio. At this point, his industrial design career began to soar.

David’s product designs started appearing everywhere. He designed a gas pump that is still on the market today. He designed boats for Slick Craft that combined appearance and function to look

“zoomy” for clients. And yes, he was still designing bottles – including a hand lotion bottle for Jergens, an anti-freeze bottle for Dow Chemical, a carpet shampoo bottle for Bissell, and a three-gallon milk bottle for Liquidbox/Bordens. This bottle was also used for spring water, which is still sold in supermarkets all over Florida.

David’s years at Richardson/Smith were wildly productive. One of his signature designs was a lift truck for Crown Equipment. This lift truck was selected as one of the 10 best products of the decade (1980 to 1990) by the Industrial Designers Society of America. David says “Modern lift trucks still use the general operator’s controls that I designed, although the appearance has changed over the years.”

David had become recognized in the industrial design world.

During his time at Richardson/Smith, David began sharing his industrial design expertise with students. He started teaching courses in design history, presentation methods, and professional practices at Ohio State University. David loved industrial design and had a passion for creative concept. He taught that no matter what you are creating, the underlying tenants of design are similar.

“Although a powerboat, a gas pump, and a brain scanner seem to be radically different products, the basic design truths of form and function are constant. A successful product will answer the business needs of the company, and the functional and aesthetic needs of the end user,” explained David.

Although many of David’s product concepts spanned a wide range of industries, the basic design elements of form and function remained consistent.

David also served on the faculty of the Columbus College of Art and Design and guest lectured at many schools including the University of Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Purdue, and Harvard Business School. He is quietly proud of the fact that many of his former students now occupy leading positions in the industrial design world today, such as Mitsubishi, Black & Decker-DeWalt, Timex, and Crown Lift Trucks.

New Design Frontier In 1981, David joined RCA Consumer Electronics in Indianapolis as the Vice President of Design. He was in charge of a staff of 45 designers that worked closely with an engineering staff. During this time period, David’s team was responsible for more than 200 projects that made RCA a leader in the entertainment industry.

One of David’s favorite designs at RCA was the camcorder. He helped create a camcorder that gave you the option of on-screen programming. He designed a video cassette recorder (VCR) that gave viewers the option of picking programs to record from the television screen instead of buttons on the recorder. He designed console televisions, video cameras, and audio equipment used all over the world. The list at RCA goes on and on.

This camcorder is one of David’s favorite designs for RCA Consumer Electronics, where David served as the head of design in the 1980s.

A Match Made in Palm Springs But David did far more than design during his tenure at RCA. It was during this time that David met his future wife, Marcia Andrews. Marcia was a magazine editor, and in 1985 she attended a publicity junket that RCA hosted in Palm Springs, California. RCA would often invite the editors of popular magazines to Palm Springs or Key West to see RCA’s newest products and the advertisements they had prepared to promote them.

It was there, under the balmy skies of Palm Springs, that Marcia and David’s story began.

David said, “We were at the welcoming dinner the first evening and I asked if anyone would like to go on a hot air balloon ride the next day. Everyone raised their hands.

Then I said that we had to meet at 5 a.m. before the desert wind picked up. Almost all their hands immediately went down.”

The next day only five people Continued next page Shell Point Life | September 2017

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Design of the Times Continued from page 8

showed up to participate in the ride; David, Marcia and three other people. As the group floated up in the early morning air, romance began to sparkle between the editor and the designer. The hot air balloon basket may have tipped over upon landing but the relationship survived. Marcia and David married in 1987.

Around the World of Design 1987 was also the year that David was recruited by a joint venture company of Royal Dutch/Shell and Montedison S.p.A. of Italy. This company, which later became Montell Polyolefins, was the world’s largest producer of polypropylene and related engineering plastics. Polypropylene is used in a wide variety of consumer goods including automobile interiors, storage containers, fabrics, and bags.

One day, while walking around the engineering department, David noticed that the machine they used to melt the plastic would let the excess plastic dribble out onto the floor. He said “I want that plastic.

It looks like an alien brain.” David remembers picking it up and appreciating the way the plastic wove together. “Where others only saw discarded garbage, I saw beauty.”

He now proudly displays these plastic creations on the wall of his home.

David worked at Montell Polyolefins for 10 years, during which time he received design awards. He was elected president of the Industrial Designers Society of America 12

Shell Point Life | September 2017

in 1993 and was an active participant in this group for many years. During this time in his career, David was invited to travel all over the world to share his knowledge with other designers. He participated in the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design in Paris in 1986 and was one of only four designers selected by the USIA to conduct workshops for Iron Curtain designers in Budapest, Hungary in 1988.

In 1995, David retired from Montell Polyolefins and he and Marcia decided to move to Southwest Florida. Although he was “officially” retired, David did not slow down but instead, he kept on designing.

His designing skills, however, began to turn in a more creative direction. He designed

Showing a different side of his talents, David assembled this Beach Creature Trilogy sculpture from detritus gathered on North Captiva Island.

Several of David’s technical drawings were featured in a book called Conceptual Drawing: Freehand Drawing and Design Visualization for Design Professionals.

an unusual home on North Captiva Island where he and Marcia lived for 17 years.

This beautiful home had both a “day house” and a “night house” connected by a winding deck.

David and Marcia moved to Shell Point in 2014 and once again his designing genius began to express itself. This time he found his muse turning towards more artistic creations. He discovered that Shell Point was very supportive of the arts and had a thriving, artistic community.

David began painting and creating sculptured pieces out of driftwood. He enjoys the entire process and his home is filled with beautiful portraits and landscapes, as well as intriguing birdlike creatures that look like alien creatures and are composed of found objects like seashells, bones, and driftwood.

David also enjoys painting en plein air.

Plein air painting goes back many centuries and encourages artists to leave their studios to paint outdoors in the open air. With all of the beauty of surrounding Southwest Florida, there is a never-ending opportunity for him to enjoy this activity.

“Creating is relaxing to me,” said David. “I have a need, an urge to create things. And it’s fun when people enjoy my creations.” What does the future hold for David? “I’m just going to keep going, and see what happens.” n

ADMIRE THE “SCENES OF SHELL POINT” Residents and their guests are invited to browse a new exhibit of paintings created by members of the Painters Guild. The showcase is based on the theme “Shell Point Scenes,” and highlights various locations around Shell Point as captured by talented resident artists.

The display can be found in the Art Studio, located in the Creativity Tunnel on The Island. “It’s a lovely display of some of our members’ paintings, featuring iconic scenes and the spirit of our community,” said Renée Chastant (Rosemont), who serves as president of the Painters Guild.

Shell Point President Martin Schappell and resident Marge Lee (Lucina) reviewed art submissions and bestowed six Judges’ Awards that are displayed with the artwork.

The exhibition will be available for viewing on Wednesday mornings, from 9 a.m. to noon, through the end of September. Or, make a special appointment to tour the display by contacting Renée Chastant at (303) 902-8916 or Phil Hilton (Lakewood) at (239) 896-0559.

Clockwise from top: “Clock Plaza” by Phil Hilton (Lakewood), “Friday Market” by Dave Tompkins (Turban), and “Floating Sunrise” by Renée Chastant (Rosemont)

LifeQuest Discussion Group

EDUCATIONAL DIMENSION

Shy Wolf Sanctuary Education and Experience Saturday, September 16 • 10:15 a.m. • Social Center/IS Guest Speaker: Theresa Schultz, Shy Wolf Sanctuary Education Coordinator Hosted by: Michelle Tompkins, Wellness Manager The Shy Wolf Sanctuary Education and Experience Center provides a permanent home and rehabilitation to more than 60 captive-bred or rescued exotic animals every year. Most resident animals come from abuse, abandonment, or neglect situations and are supported by onsite volunteers. This nonprofit organization also places wolf dogs from across the country into foster homes for eventual adoption, working with a network of trusted organizations and rescuers.

Shy Wolf works year round to connect people and animals through education, stressing the importance of protecting these animals. Its Healing Hearts program partners with area organizations to allow children and adults with similar life experiences to have an animal encounter of healing and hope.

Join Shy Wolf Education Coordinator Theresa Schulz, as she shares recent tales from the Healing Hearts program.

Shell Point Life | September 2017

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Bruce McNaughton Continues to Make

Deals on Wheels

BY LYNN SCHNEIDER

If you picked up a copy of Inc. magazine last month, you’d notice two things. A handsome 30-something guy on the cover who managed to make $1 billion dollars (yes, that’s billion with a “b”) selling his internet razor start-up company and the name of a Shell Point resident on the masthead page: Bruce McNaughton, Senior Advisor, Autos.

Don’t bother asking Bruce McNaughton (King’s Crown) how old he is. It doesn’t matter. Bruce is a bundle of always moving, always talking, always laughing energy. And many of his sentences begin with the words, “Hey! I’ve got an idea.”

How’d Bruce come to be listed in the masthead of one of the most currently wellknown business pubs in the industry? Let’s go back a few years to post-World War II: New York City in the late 1950s through the 1990s— the Golden Age of magazines.

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Bruce, a product of the University of Illinois, was working for the New York Times on the editorial side of the Sunday magazine and although the work was fun, the pay was less than satisfactory. He took a look across the aisle and saw the ad executives and ad salesmen coming and going and he immediately recognized that this was where the action was, which of course meant this was where he was meant to be. Bruce shifted gears and joined the staff of Business Week magazine on the business side of the publication to become the youngest guy on the sales team in the magazine’s history.

“Let’s face it, that’s where all the money was,” said Bruce. “And, boy was it fun!”

Out for a Spin Bruce had a passion for cars— especially the foreign ones. “I learned to drive

on a Model T when I was 11 years old,” said Bruce. “When I was 16, I bought my first car for $200. It was a 1932 Model A Ford with a rumble seat. I became a very popular guy in high school because of that rumble seat.

Every guy I knew wanted to take their girl on a double date in my car.”

However, Bruce’s love for cars didn’t really take off until he bought his first foreign car. A stickler for word choices, Bruce is quick to point out that they aren’t foreign cars, they are imported cars. “Over the years, I’ve owned many English cars: two MGs, a Triumph, two Rovers, and five Jaguars. My personal all-time favorites were the MGTC, E-type Jag, XK8 Jag, my father’s 1937 Cord, and his 1941 Lincoln Continental.”

It was this passion for cars—particularly imported cars— that brought him success.

At that time, none of the business publications had tapped into the imported car ad sales market—until Bruce. Not only was he the youngest guy on the Business Week sales-

“

I’ve always loved cars.

I learned to drive on a Model T Ford when I was 11 years old.

”

force, he was the first to sell an imported automobile ad in the business publication by bringing in Renault Dauphine and he quickly became the imported car advertising sales expert.

Joy Ride Bruce’s career accelerated and he moved from Business Week to the general interest magazines Look, then Life. With each trip around the track, Bruce increased ad sales and introduced new accounts. After Life magazine folded, Bruce joined Fortune magazine, which was the powerhouse of corporate advertising, but had little import car advertising. “Every import car advertiser that ran in Fortune magazine never left,” said Bruce.

“We had a renewal rate of 100% for all of the import cars that stayed in the U.S. market.”

Bruce gave it a different spin as he

drove Fortune into one of the Top 5 magazines in imported car advertising and eventually ended up being responsible for the imported car advertising for a major group of Time Inc. publications, which included Fortune, Time, Sports Illustrated, the renewed Life, People, Southern Living, and Money magazines.

“The import car industry was like a club. It had an ‘us versus them’ attitude. It was the imports versus Detroit. The men and women of the import car industry were a bunch of entrepreneurs— freebooters who worked hard and played hard, but they managed to build their market share from less than 5% to almost 40% primarily using print advertising,” he added. “I loved cars, so it was a great industry to be in.”

“I always tell people that Bruce is the best salesperson I have ever met,” said John Donnelly, chief revenue officer of Inc.

Media. “I was lucky enough to be assigned an office right next to his in October of 1989, on my very first day in ad sales. Bruce was a rare salesperson who built such strong relationships at the top of the import car business that no one dared to challenge him. He taught me that the client is to be wooed. Show them affection and that you care. Nurture and cultivate the relationship.

Then, get your schedule locked up! BAM!” Advertising sales was the perfect vehicle for Bruce, and his success brought a number of perks including an unlimited expense account that allowed him to develop extraordinary sales tactics.

“He conceived ‘The Bash,’ an annual Fortune industry event recognizing great automotive work and honoring those who passed away,” said Donnelly. “The Bash took place in the Hemisphere Club at the top of Continued next page Shell Point Life | September 2017

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the Time/Life building, and Bruce was always the star of the show who showed up in a kilt, with bagpipes playing. It was glorious and blew my mind the first time I witnessed his genius at work. Everyone from CEO’s to ad managers attended, and every now and then an honorable agency executive was invited so they could see who the real ring leader was. The clients showed up in droves.”

“Bruce also pioneered an event under the auspices of the Fortune Showroom Bermuda Golfing Association, a private club reserved for the ultimate power brokers in the automotive industry. Each year, Bruce would fly his top clients and their wives down to Bermuda and play golf for a long weekend. This was a formula for building enduring relationships that could never be challenged.”

Get In Gear At 59, Bruce decided it was time to retire, but he didn’t leave the industry altogether. He spent three years as a consultant to Fortune magazine. “During that time, I enjoyed time with my wife, children, and grandchildren. I also played a lot of golf and gin rummy, drove my cars, was president of a local park, and raised the funds to restore a historic church building, which was built in 1812, in our hometown on Long Island,” said Bruce. “But eventually, you can only play so much golf.”

When Bloomberg bought out Business Week and they needed a guy who understood the car business, so they reached out to Bruce. Later, Inc. magazine was the next one to come calling and since then, Bruce has been serving as a consultant with the auto ad sales team for the past four years, hence his name on the masthead.

“Bruce loves his wife Barbara, his sons and their families, and did I mention ad sales?” said Donnelly. “Bruce’s passion for ad sales burns deep, and he is every bit as sharp today as he was the day he retired in 1993. Bruce is on our masthead because he truly contributes to our sales bottom line.

He was directly involved in generating over $1 million in revenues in each of the past three years.”

Richard Russey, publisher at Inc. Media agrees. “I have known about Bruce, 16

Shell Point Life | September 2017

Bruce welcomes top automotive executives in full kilt to The Bash, an annual Fortune industry recognition event that he devised.

her Audi and his Jaguar. Barbara has put up with Bruce’s passion for cars since the very start of their 62-year marriage. “It was love at first sight for me,” said Bruce. “She was smart, good looking, and best of all, she could drive a 5-speed.”

Riding around on their golf cart at Shell Point, you’ll see a treasure trove of memorabilia from Bruce’s automotive past. On the front of the cart is a shiny Jaguar Leaper hood ornament. There’s an MG Sacred Octagon badge behind the Leaper and an antique MG knob is attached to the simple gear shift. The personalized license plate from his old MG, states “MG Lives,” and rally medallions and driving decals add the final touches.

Bruce enjoys Shell Point: spending time with Barbara, playing golf, and participating in the Inquiring Minds discussion group where he enjoys meeting and talking with fellow residents who are interested in stimulating discussions about politics, current events, history, and other topics.

So, why is he still working? “It’s extended my ‘life in the fast lane,’ which for me is wonderful,’” said Bruce. “I loved what I did for all those years and I like keeping my hand in it. It keeps me positive and moving forward. It’s been the ride of a lifetime!” n

or should I say ‘the legend,’ for nearly my entire career and finally have been able to work with him in the last two years at Inc. He is a master of selling and understanding his client.”

“The skills Bruce brings to the table is simply the ‘Art of Bruce,’ continued Russey. “He brings his personality and flair to every sales call. That makes for a real and dynamic interaction that builds relationships in the most genuine way. Bruce is a master of homework, often understanding his client and their needs better than they do. He is always prepared for whichever way a meeting can turn.”

“Bruce is a mentor to our team in helping them better understand that selling is NOT sitting behind a computer but getting in the market and in front of customers. Most of all, Bruce never This “King of the Road” pays (and I mean never) gives up. He tribute to imported cars by is of the best seller mentality that adorning his Shell Point golf cart with memorabilia, such as a Jaguar ‘no is when the selling begins,’” Leaper hood ornament, an antique said Russey.

MG emblem and gear shift knob, According to Bruce, he proand a personalized license plate. vides his advice to the staffers he works with now with the admonition that they can use it, refine it, or ‘round file’ it. “It’s their race now, I’m just an advisor. I’m a nudge. I don’t worry about whether they like it or not,” he said. “This is fun for me. I still enjoy the travel.

I like working with these young execs and I hope I’m imparting a thing or two. I think I’m making a contribution.”

Bruce and his wife, Barbara, moved to Shell Point in 2005, with

Supplied for School B

y

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, R

e s o r t

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e r v i c e s

As Lee County schools begin a new school year, the children and grandchildren of Shell Point employees will be starting the year well equipped, thanks to supplies that were given to them

by Shell Point residents.

In April, generous residents donated more than $11,000 to the School Supply Fund Drive for this purpose. The money was used to buy many of the items that schools request each student to furnish.

Wallenbrock Marco Office Supply provided a bulk discount for the supplies, and also furnished book bags with a Shell Point logo.

July marked the eleventh year that residents have participated in this project appreciated by our employees. Wednesday, July 12, and Thursday, July 13, were busy days in the Manatee Room as more than 40 resident volunteers unpacked the boxes

M

a n a g e r

of supplies and filled Shell Point backpacks for each child.

Although individual schools or grades may require different items, residents filled the book bags with supplies that are common to every grade in the Lee County schools. These included notebooks, folders, glue, pencils, erasers, crayons, scissors, markers and several other items used throughout the school year.

On Friday, July 14, resident volunteers handed out the backpacks at different Shell Point campus locations to employees who have children entering kindergarten through fifth grade. Some of the employees even brought their children or grandchildren with them to collect the donated supplies and say a heartfelt “thank you� to residents.

Shell Point Life | September 2017

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TheArtsCenter AT SHELL POINT

The Arts Center Campaign Gains Enthusiastic Support Enthusiasm is growing as residents and groups at Shell Point rally together in support of the campaign to fund the addition of a dedicated Arts Center at Shell Point.

“We are off to a tremendous start, and I feel very confident we are going to meet our goal,” said Marge Lee, resident chair and organizer of Ageless Creativity.

“As of August 15, more than $12.3 million of the campaign’s goal of $15 million has already been raised, thanks to all who have made gifts to date.”

The creation of larger spaces to make and enjoy art at Shell Point came from a desire to move the art studios out of “The Tunnel” — where they were first built more than 25 years ago — and into an expanded space that would accommodate Shell Point’s increased population of approximately 2,500 residents.

“In addition to providing dedicated spaces with natural light and more room to work, this facility has also been designed with the audience in mind,” she said. “Artists enjoy displaying their artwork and residents enjoy seeing it,

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but Shell Point has no dedicated, easily accessed, all-media gallery space for this purpose. Our resident artists work hard to promote small exhibit areas associated with their studios, but “The Tunnel” location challenges their efforts. Large exhibitions and art and craft sales must take place in various common spaces that primarily serve other purposes. As a result, installations must be fast, the viewing periods must be limited, and the spaces are often crowded. This gallery will allow our residents’ artwork to be displayed properly and changed monthly.”

The 44,000-square-foot Arts Center at Shell Point will truly offer something for everyone, with exhibition spaces, galleries, a 300 tiered-seat auditorium, dance studio, multiple studios for painting, photography, pottery, quilting

and textiles, glass, jewelry and crafts, and more. Plus, practice suites for musicians and ensembles, classroom space, an outdoor patio and sculpture garden, a bistro, and a gift shop.

Since the initial presentation of The Arts Center design, the fitness center has been removed; three new spaces and one relocated studio have replaced it. The new spaces include a Literary Arts Studio, which can be used for meetings of writers’ groups, book clubs, and such. Next to it, the Literary Lounge will have casual areas of comfortable seating and house the Arts Library, a collection of art books that will be available for all residents to enjoy. In the center of this wall, a video screen will present residents’ literary works, such as poetry. Nearby is

a classroom for various classes or demonstrations. A Crafts Studio with a dedicated supply area has also been moved here.

Outfitted with basic crafting resources, including templates for easy projects, it will be a perfect place to create with visiting grandchildren!

The Dance Studio remains in The Arts Center, and when not in use for dance, it can host large classes, open-mic poetry and oratory readings, and other arts-related purposes. On the other side of the second floor is the Collector’s Gallery, where artworks on loan from residents’ collections will be rotated.

“There will be educational opportunities and programming in the performing, visual, and literary arts that will enrich our lives,” she said. “We will experience Academy presentations and musical performances like never before. We can create art in a studio, view art in the gallery, craft with our grandchildren, stroll through the sculpture garden, or just visit with a friend while enjoying a cup of coffee in the bistro!”

“During September, design refinements will continue as representatives from the various arts groups share their thoughts about what they need in their studio spaces,” said Marge. “We are grateful and excited about the progress on this fundraising campaign. This will be a superlative addition to the many amenities at Shell Point, and it will enhance the lifestyle of all Shell Point residents.”

The Art of Giving

A number of named giving opportunities are still available for the Arts Center at Shell Point, and will allow you to provide a memorial or tribute to a special person in your life. If you would like to be a part of the future of The Arts Center at Shell Point, contact The Legacy Foundation at Shell Point by calling (239) 466-8484.

Grand Entrance & Atrium..............................................$3,000,000 Auditorium..................................................................$1,000,000 Art Gallery...................................................................$1,000,000 Sculpture Garden & Inaugural Sculpture.......................... $500,000 Bistro & Sculpture Patio.................................................. $250,000 Painting Studio.............................................................. $250,000 Photography Studio........................................................ $250,000 Quilting and Textiles Studio............................................. $250,000 Glass Studio.................................................................. $250,000 Pottery Studio and Kiln Patio........................................... $250,000 Sculpture Overlook......................................................... $100,000 Music Ensemble Practice Room...................................... $100,000 Dance & Theatre Arts Studio........................................... $100,000 Crafts Studio.................................................................. $100,000 Classroom..................................................................... $100,000 Literary Lounge.............................................................. $100,000 Literary Arts Studio........................................................ $100,000 Boardroom...................................................................... $50,000 Collector’s Gallery............................................................ $50,000 Music Individual Practice Suite......................................... $50,000 Mat Room....................................................................... $50,000 Gift Shop......................................................................... $50,000 Instrument Room (New!).................................................. $25,000 Art Gallery Benches.......................................................$5,000 ea.

Auditorium Chairs.........................................................$1,000 ea.

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www.shellpoint.net/events

September LifeQuest Happenings Six Dimensions: Physical • Emotional • Spiritual • Educational • Community & Social • Natural Environment For questions about upcoming events or activities, please contact Resort Services Manager Beth Crenshaw at (239) 433-7925, or email: bethcrenshaw@shellpoint.org.

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FRIDAY MARKET FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 8:30 A.M.–11:30 A.M. ADMINISTRATION COURTYARD/IS Shop for locally grown produce, fresh caught seafood, homemade baked goods, Brisket Brothers Pulled Pork, baskets, and other unique items at the weekly market. The market is growing, and is a great place to get outdoors and chat with your fellow Shell Point friends and neighbors.

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 10:15 A.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS According to the National Institute of Health, 6 out of every 10 falls happen at home, where many tend to move around without thinking about safety. Many falls could be prevented by making simple changes in main living areas, in addition to personal and lifestyle changes. Don’t become another statistic! Learn from Roy Nestor, Shell Point’s safety specialist, about how you can live more safely in your own home.

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STEPS TO FALL PROOF YOUR HOME

LIFEQUEST’S LIVING WELL WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 1:15 P.M. OSPREY ROOM/IS Join Shell Point Fitness Supervisor Hannah Hosterman in a lively discussion on topics surrounding LifeQuest’s six dimensions of wellness. Topics will center around physical health, exercise, and nutrition. Attendees are encouraged to bring material to class they find interesting, meaningful, or something new they would like to share.

Wellness Connection

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Call service desk to sign up.

Island: 454-2282, Woodlands: 454-2054

DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR?

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 10:45 A.M. OSPREY ROOM/IS

Young and feisty Gilly Hopkins (Sophie Nélisse) devises a scheme to escape from her new foster home and reunite with her birth mother. But when the ploy blows up in Gilly’s face, it threatens to ruin the only chances she has ever had to be part of a real family. This comedy-drama is based on a 1978 children’s book of the same name.

Have you ever left the salon loving your new hair, but are later unable to recreate what your stylist did for you? Shell Point’s Salon & Spa staff will share valuable tips during this presentation. You will leave with an increased styling “know-how,” as well as new options for styling your hair.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 10:30 A.M. THE ISLAND 10:40 A.M. THE WOODLANDS 10:50 A.M. EAGLES PRESERVE/THE ESTUARY 1:30 P.M. APPROXIMATE RETURN COST: $7 (LUNCH ON YOUR OWN) There is much to be said for Gulf-style seafood, but sometimes the taste of good, New England cooking just

SATURDAY AT THE MOVIES: THE GREAT GILLY HOPKINS (PG) (2015) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 2:15 P.M. & 6:45 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS

HAIR STYLING TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

LUNCH AT THE CLAM BAKE

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hits the spot. The Clam Bake restaurant in Fort Myers is a family-run favorite that has been bringing smiles to the faces of customers for 15 years. If you are craving a fantastic lobster roll, whole belly clams, steamers, or “chowdah,” then join this group for lunch. Entrées range from $13 to $20.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 2:15 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS Discover the history of the state of Florida. During this fun, interactive event you will explore Old Florida and experience the days when swamp land stretched for miles. Travel back in time to an era when Fort Myers served as the cattle driving capital of the nation.

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Walking required

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NOSTALGIA MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 2:15 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS Let cheery Nostalgia lift your spirits during this entertaining performance. With lots of music, laughs, and tunes from “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” to “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” this concert will start your week off with a smile.

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BAYFRONT BISTRO MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 4:15 P.M. THE ISLAND 4:30 P.M. THE WOODLANDS 4:45 P.M. EAGLES PRESERVE/THE ESTUARY 8:00 P.M. APPROXIMATE RETURN COST: $7 (DINNER ON YOUR OWN)

as golf, pickleball, biking and walking. Special emphasis will be placed on hydration and preventing over-use injuries.

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Bayfront Bistro is located on the scenic Estero Bay, in a pristine preserve area on Fort Myers Beach. Enjoy air conditioned comfort in the Bistro’s dining room, where every table has a perfect view of the bay, or choose to dine outside on the deck. The restaurant’s talented chefs have crafted menus that will delight your senses, with prices ranging $19 to $45.

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Back by popular demand! Board an electric boat for a narrated, 45-minute tour along the Gordon River in Naples, Florida. After the ride, break for a picnic lunch before exploring the Conservancy’s wildlife hospital exhibits, Dalton Discovery Center, nature trails, and more.

Plus, receive a 10 percent discount for purchases in the gift shop on the day of the tour. Don’t forget to check the forecast and prepare for the day’s weather!

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 2:15 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS

ADULT SPORTS SAFETY! STAY ACTIVE FOR A LIFETIME THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 1:00 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS To play hard for a lifetime, it’s important to know how to play safely. Mark Tesoro, Lee County Trauma Center analyst, will lead this presentation focusing on many strategies that will extend your ability to participate in physical activities such

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 8:00 A.M. THE ISLAND 8:15 A.M. THE WOODLANDS 8:30 A.M. EAGLE’S PRESERVE/THE ESTUARY 2:15 P.M. APPROXIMATE RETURN COST: $28 (INCLUDES LUNCH AND BOAT TOUR)

PLAY BINGO!

Bring your friends and neighbors for an afternoon of bingo. Win fun prizes for every game, including a $10 Shell Point “Bingo Bucks” certificate during the grand finale’s whole card game.

Shell Point Life | September 2017

ELECTRIC BOAT ECO TOUR AT THE CONSERVANCY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

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SUNDAY MATINEE: A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT (PG-13) (1992) SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 2:00 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS The Maclean brothers, Paul (Brad Pitt) and Norman (Craig Sheffer) live a relatively idyllic life in rural Montana, spending much of their time fly fishing. The boys eventually part company when Norman moves east to attend college, leaving his rebellious brother to find trouble back home. When Norman finally returns, the siblings assess where they’ve been and where they are going.

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PATTY CARVER’S AMERICAN HEROINES MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 7:15 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 10:00 A.M. THE COVE/EST

Conceived and written by Patty Carver, American Heroines is a one-woman, tour de force musical presentation that portrays four women from American History. Watch Catherine Coffin, Molly Pitcher, Prudence Crandall, and Mother Jones come to life during this fun, educational program. Light refreshments will be served.

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Changes in memory occur naturally as one grows older, but memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a part of normal aging. Learn about the ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, differences in dementias, resources for diagnosis, and stages of disease during this presentation by Emily Reese, REACH program specialist with the Alzheimer’s Association. REACH, which stands for Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health, supports those who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia at home.

MOTE MARINE AQUARIUM TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 8:15 A.M. THE ISLAND 8:30 A.M. THE WOODLANDS 8:45 A.M. EAGLES PRESERVE/THE ESTUARY 5:00 P.M. APPROXIMATE RETURN COST: $30 (LUNCH ON YOUR OWN) Explore the secrets of the sea in Sarasota at the worldrenowned Mote Marine Aquarium. View working labs, experience high-tech interactive exhibits, and discover more than 100 species of marine life, along with shark, dolphin, manatee, and sea turtle exhibits. Aquarium docents will be onsite to educate the group about marine life, laboratory, and the aquarium during this self-guided marine adventure. Lunch at the Deep Sea Diner, a retro, 50s-style diner that boasts a fun family style menu. Meal prices start at $3.85.

THE BASICS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS

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BEACH DAY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 8:30 A.M. ISLAND 8:40 A.M. WOODLANDS 8:50 A.M. EAGLES PRESERVE/ESTUARY 3:00 P.M. APPROXIMATE RETURN COST: $16 (ICE CREAM ON YOUR OWN) A favorite outing for many residents, beach day will allow you to enjoy the sun, shade, and surf at Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park. A picnic lunch will be served, and the traditional stop for ice cream will be included on the return trip.

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Wellness Connection

Call service desk to sign up.

Island: 454-2282, Woodlands: 454-2054

Walking required

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JOIN IN THE EVENTS OF ACTIVE AGING WEEK • SEPTEMBER 25-29

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ACTIVE AGING WEEK KICK-OFF EARLY MORNING STRETCH IN THE PARK MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 8:30 A.M. ISLAND PARK/IS

BRAIN BOOT CAMP MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 10:15 A.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS Exercising keeps the body strong and able to meet the daily physical demands of life. Yet, as important as the mind and memory are, they rarely receive a good workout to keep them in tip top shape. Led by Shell Point’s fitness team, this brain boot camp will provide a unique brain workout, which provides challenges for everyone in an engaging, intellectually active workshop setting.

Join Fitness Coordinator Anna Valle for a morning stretch in the Island Park as Shell Point kicks off Active Aging Week. Get up, get outside and get moving! What a great way to start this week full of fun, exciting events to celebrate nationwide active aging. It is recommended that you bring either your own towel or stretch mat to participate.

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HOW TO HEAR WELL IN NOISY PLACES MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 1:00 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS The most common problem for individuals with hearing loss is understanding speech when there is background noise. Those environments can create great difficulty, with or without hearing aids.

This interactive presentation by audiologist Jack Adams will teach techniques, listening skills, and communication strategies, while demonstrating new technology that can help.

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MOVIE NIGHT: THE LITTLE FOXES (1941) MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 6:45 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS Regina Hubbard Giddens (Bette Davis) and her scheming brothers Oscar (Carl Benton Reid) and Ben (Charles Dingle) plan to get rich from a cotton mill – but first, they must tap into the wealth of Regina’s sickly husband, Horace Giddens (Herbert Marshall). When their initial plan fails, the escalating schemes devolve into theft and blackmail, driving an irreparable wedge between family members. Will they succeed?

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SNORKEL BASICS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 8:30 A.M. LIFEQUEST AQUATIC CENTER/IS Brush up on your snorkeling skills during this interactive aquatic program with seasoned swim instructor and Shell Point Fitness Cooridnator Melanie Brod. Learn how to properly put on your snorkel mask comfortably, practice your breathing in and out of the water, and ask any questions you may have. Bring your own snorkel gear; it will not be provided. Mask, snorkel, and flippers are recommended.

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HYDROPONICS: WHAT IS THAT? BUCKINGHAM FARMS TOUR AND LUNCH WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 8:00 A.M. THE ISLAND 8:15 A.M. THE WOODLANDS 8:30 A.M. EAGLES PRESERVE/THE ESTUARY 2:30 P.M. APPROXIMATE RETURN COST: $27 (LUNCH INCLUDED; SELECT YOUR MEAL DURING SIGN-UP) Hydroponics is an earth-friendly, agricultural technique, discovered in the 18th century. Learn everything there is to know about hydroponic farming and why it may be an even more critical practice in the future. Eat fresh, locally grown products with a lunch on the farm following the tour. Make your meal selection at sign-up, and choose from: roasted veggie flatbread, chef salad, or chicken salad wrap; a beverage is included.

SENIOR SELF-DEFENSE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 12:30 P.M. FITNESS CENTER/IS This informative, interactive self-defense workshop with taekwondo master Ingrid Oliver will teach participants the basics of self-defense in a fun, safe, and open environment. Practice basic blocks, strikes, and kicks, in this class designed for all ages and fitness levels. Physically participate as little or as much as your comfort level allows to empower yourself with knowledge that will be invaluable to your safety and comfort in situations where you may need to defend yourself.

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THE SIX MUSICAL DIMENSIONS OF LIFEQUEST

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 2:15 P.M. CHOIR ROOM/TVC The benefits of music extend far beyond what most people may realize. This musical program, led by Randy Woods, will highlight each dimension of LifeQuest and allow you to experience wellness in a unique setting. This all-encompassing musical presentation has been designed especially for Active Aging Week.

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Wellness Connection

Call service desk to sign up.

Island: 454-2282, Woodlands: 454-2054

Walking required

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JOIN IN THE EVENTS OF ACTIVE AGING WEEK • SEPTEMBER 25-29

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BALANCE AND MOBILITY TRAINING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 10:15 A.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS As one ages, the neuromuscular system becomes less responsive. Practicing good balance and mobility can activate and strengthen muscles, which are necessary to enjoy an active, independent lifestyle. Join Fitness Supervisor Hannah Hosterman for an hour-long, practical demonstration and participate with instruction. Good walking shoes are highly recommended!

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team. Each player has three golf ball “bolas,” or two golf balls attached by a nylon rope. The goal is to wrap your bolas around the rungs of a ladder, which are each worth different points. The first team to 21 points wins!

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 9:30 A.M. – 10:30 A.M. LIFEQUEST AQUATIC CENTER/IS Are you part of Shell Point’s already-formed aqua volleyball group and want to improve your game? Or, maybe you hope to learn the basic techniques and rules of Shell Point’s version of aqua volleyball? Now is your opportunity to learn the proper form to play the game while you participate in the water.

LADDER GOLF THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. SHUFFLE BOARD COURT/IS Are you ready to compete in a friendly game of Ladder Golf? This game is played with two or four players to a

AQUA VOLLEYBALL SKILLS WORKSHOP

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DRUMMING FOR FUN AND WELLNESS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 1:00 P.M. HOSPITALITY ROOM/TVC Creative Connection will be at Shell Point to conduct the community’s first wellness program in the basics of drumming. You’ll find a fun and playful atmosphere, and past program participants have reported reduced stress and anxiety, new connections made to oneself and others, and an increased feeling of peace. Drumming is great for the body and soul, and creates a sense of community among participants.

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AVIATION CLUB MEETING THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 1:15 P.M. – 2:15 P.M. OSPREY ROOM/IS Do you remember air mail stamps?

Now, they are only memories of the past. Come to the Aviation Club to relive the history of the U.S. Air Mail and learn about the men and women who were prominent in making early air mail “take off” as well as the airplanes that made it “fly.” You may be surprised to learn that the father of a Shell Point resident was one of these men!

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PADDLEBOARD / KAYAK TRIAL SESSIONS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 8:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. BEACH/THE ISLAND Curious about stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking for the first time? Naples Kiteboarding staff will visit Shell Point with kayaks and paddleboards in tow for brief instruction and trial sessions. Fit, active residents who may be looking for a challenge can hop on a paddleboard and test their balance skills! Participants must sign waivers prior to using equipment; a high level of comfort and experience swimming is recommended for paddleboarders. Life vests will be provided and must be worn at all times. Space is limited.

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SMOOTHIE SOCIAL HOUR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. FITNESS CENTER/IS Celebrate health and wellness with your neighbors and Shell Point fitness team! Enjoy a smoothie as Active Aging Week comes to an end with mix and mingle social hour.

The fitness team will be available to answer your questions about classes, personal training, and future Wellness Connection programs. Space is limited.

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GLAUCOMA: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 2:15 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS Eye health is important, and preventive care measures should be taken to preserve eyesight as one ages. Dr. Eccles-Brown’s presentation will highlight who may be affected by glaucoma, the eyesight problems that it causes, and current and evolving treatments.

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OCTOBER SAVE THE DATE

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WATER’S EDGE LIVE AT FIVE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 5:00 P.M. FRIENDSHIP POINT/IS Resident Life will launch a brand-new, outdoor concert series that will be held at Friendship Point. Watch for more information in the October issue of Shell Point Life.

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KALEIDOSCOPE — A SHOWCASE OF THE FINE & PERFORMING ARTS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10 7:15 P.M. THE VILLAGE CHURCH/IS Celebrate God’s goodness and the joy of community during this free concert series kick-off for the 2017-2018 season.

Details will follow in next month’s issue of Shell Point Life.

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FALL MASQUERADE DANCE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12 5 P.M. DINNER BUFFET 6 P.M. MASQUERADE DANCE THE CLUB AT SHELL POINT COST: $42 PER PERSON “Find a mask and wear it well, So your true identity, No one can tell.” Celebrate fall and put on your dancing shoes for “Masquerade!” A buffet dinner will be served prior to the dance. Entertainers Randy and Lori Thomas will provide dancing music that draws you onto the dance floor for a truly memorable evening. Price includes gratuity.

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Support Groups

GRIEFSHARE

SEPTEMBER 7, 14, 21 & 28 This is a thirteen-week program providing help and encouragement after the death of a loved one. GriefShare is a special weekly seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life. We know it hurts, and we want to help! Sessions run weekly through December 7, and are led by Jim and Judy Mayer (Junonia). Call the Mayers at (239) 454-3139 for additional information.

HEARING ENRICHMENT ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

THURSDAYS, SEPTEMBER 7, 14, 21 & 28 4:30 P.M. MANATEE ROOM/IS This is a fellowship of those who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others recover from alcoholism. This “open” meeting of AA welcomes those who struggle with alcohol issues. For information, call the intergroup phone number at (239) 275-5111.

NO MEETING IN SEPTEMBER Poor hearing can affect many aspects of one’s life. This group seeks to help residents cope with hearing loss, share information, and learn about services and products that may help and offer support to each other. Friends and family are also encouraged to attend. For more information, call Case Manager Brittany Harvey at (239) 225-2929.

MEMORY CARE

TUESDAYS, SEPTEMBER 5 & 19 MEDICAL CENTER CONFERENCE ROOM/IS These therapeutic groups are aimed at helping residents deal with issues of being a caregiver for someone with a memory disorder, whether the resident is cared for in independent living, assisted living, or skilled nursing. Dr. Nancy Spencer facilitates the groups and can be reached at (239) 454-2043.

Sign-up is required.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 & 19 9:15 A.M. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONFERENCE ROOM/IS These groups are designed to provide education and support to residents who have some type of memory disorder. The objectives of the groups are to identify practical strategies to help residents better manage their memory loss, address longrange planning, and offer an environment that fosters a sense of purpose and heightened self-esteem. Note: Individual assessment is required before joining a group. Kathy Fratrick, LCSW, facilitates the group and can be reached at (239) 454-2073.

Individual appointments are also available.

COPD SUPPORT

PARKINSON’S ENRICHMENT

DIABETES SUPPORT

VISION ENRICHMENT

CAREGIVER SUPPORT

NO MEETING IN SEPTEMBER This group meets quarterly, and its next gathering will be held in October. The objective of the COPD Support group is to provide information and discussions that will be relevant to individuals with a range of breathing problems as well as those dependent on supplemental oxygen. For additional information, call Case Manager Brooke Zanella at (239) 433-7939, or Ken Peterson (Oakmont) at (239) 482-3779.

NO MEETING IN SEPTEMBER This group is on hiatus until October. Both insulin- and noninsulin-dependent diabetics are encouraged to attend this meeting. Each monthly meeting covers a different topic and includes open discussion. For more information, contact Stephanie Devlin, case manager, at (239) 454-8246.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 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. Meetings include speakers, group discussions, and emotional support. For more information, call Janine Hammond, case manager, at (239) 454-2186.

NO MEETING IN SEPTEMBER This group is on break for the summer, and will reconvene on October 10. This group provides educational opportunities and support for those individuals dealing with low vision. Florence Putman (Turban) is the chairperson. For additional information, contact Case Manager Katy Quinones at (239) 454-2101.

Don’t Take Our Word for It!

Day Respite

Couple Shares What They Enjoy About the Program B

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Since the Day Respite Program at The Arbor first began in 2014, many residents and their caregivers have come to appreciate and rely on its services. They share the positive impact the program has made on both their loved one who is participating in the program, and themselves.

But don’t take our word for it! Day Respite participant Evelyn Landbo (Sand Dollar) and her husband, Harry, had plenty to say about the program.

SPL: When did your family first start using the Day Respite Program at The Arbor and why?

HL: Evelyn first started participating in the program in the fall of 2016. At the time, if we didn’t have an outing or activity planned, I would often hear my wife say how bored she was by the early evening. I knew it was time to give this program a try.

SPL: Evelyn, do you enjoy coming to the Arbor for Day Respite?

EL: I look forward to attending the activity group with [Day Respite Program Leader] Nicole. She is always available and engaging, and I enjoy hearing other people’s

SPL: Do you know what activities are planned before you arrive?

HL: Yes, we are provided with a monthly calendar, which provides us a glimpse into just some of the exciting programs that are planned for any given day.

EL: We enjoy lunch in the Arbor Dining Room as a group; it is a nice way to build friendships. stories during the reminiscing activities.

SPL: What do you appreciate most about the Day Respite program?

HL: As her spouse, it makes me so happy to see her smiling each day when I pick her up from the program. Evelyn always tells me she had a good time, even if she can’t remember exactly what they did during the day. Nicole always provides me with a little report on how the day went and what activities they participated in.

I find comfort knowing that she is happier, engaged, and more active than if we were at home just watching TV. It also allows me some time to get paperwork done and play tennis.

SPL: What advice would you give other caregivers who are considering trying this program, but may have been hesitant to make the leap?

HL: I would recommend going into it knowing that you are going to give it a true trial, and have your loved one attend more than just once. I really believe that it takes at least two to three visits before participants have the opportunity to interact with different people and try the mix of activities that this program offers before you can come to truly appreciate what the program has to offer for both you and your spouse.

To learn more about the Day Respite Program, please call The Arbor at (239) 454-2292.

Larsen Pavilion Achieves Five-Star Rating

Cameron Honeycutt, Director of Long Term Care

The Larsen Pavilion skilled nursing center recently earned an overall five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This federal agency is responsible for overseeing the quality ratings of skilled nursing facilities that participate in Medicare or Medicaid, including those who received a coveted five out of five star rating.

The Five-Star Quality Rating System is used to rank nursing facilities by reviewing facility performance for three types of performance measures: health inspections, where measures are based on outcomes from state health inspection surveys; staffing, which measures based on staffing levels; and quality measures, which are based on the CMS Minimum

Data Set that records outcomes of care.

“The Larsen Pavilion team is excited to achieve the highest CMS rating that is possible in all measures,” said Cameron Honeycutt, director of long term care. “This accomplishment is a direct reflection of the ongoing daily focus on quality outcomes for our Pavilion residents.”

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Witnessing the Great American Eclipse

O

n Monday, August 21, Shell Point residents and staff grabbed safety glasses and headed outdoors to observe the partial eclipse in Fort Myers, Florida. Some kept tabs on the celestial event from the comfort of the LifeQuest Aquatic Center waters, while others watched crescent shadows cast underneath shady palms. A few clever spectators even created pinhole projectors to safely monitor the stages of the eclipse. What fun in the sun!

A day without sunshine is like, you know, night. –Steve Martin

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12 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT PLANNING AN ACADEMY SEMESTER The award-winning, continuing education program known as The Academy of Lifelong Learning provides a wide breadth of engaging classes for the mind, body, and spirit.

Teri Kollath, manager of The Academy of Lifelong Learning, is busy planning the upcoming fall semester will begin in October.

Shell Point Life went behindthe-scenes for a lesson about the planning process, trends in education, and what residents can look forward to this fall.

Q: How long does it take to plan a semester of classes?

A: Actually, I am always planning classes for future semesters!

In the middle of each Academy semester, I nail down a final date, time, place, and course description for classes in the coming semester. Planning calendars track the major fields of study (history, the arts, technology, etc.) to minimize competition among classes of the same topic. Plus, scheduling is subject

to instructor and room availability. When finalized, the information is printed in the semester’s class brochure.

I usually wait until the very last minute to publish brochures, because our community is so vibrant and busy. Once other community-wide events are already in place for residents to enjoy, I plan classes around these dates. Hopefully, this prevents date conflicts and increases the number of opportunities for residents to become engaged in Shell Point programming.

Q: How do you happen upon course topics?

A: Topics are all around us! Working with residents on the Academy Advisory Board and related focus groups is very helpful.

These resident volunteers represent the Academy in their spheres of interest, and make good suggestions for future classes, while serving and long after. Academy Continued next page Shell Point Life | September 2017

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12 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT PLANNING AN ACADEMY SEMESTER Continued from page 31

Hosts serve at each standalone class, greeting residents and distributing evaluations.

Hundreds of evaluations are returned by residents each semester, many with good suggestions for classes. They are a good source of ideas. Many residents teach several times each year. Many classes develop from these strong relationships.

Q. Once you’ve chosen a class topic, how do you find instructors for the Academy of Lifelong Learning?

“The prospect of keeping residents’ minds, bodies, and spirits thriving – and my own – through lifelong learning is what motivates me each day.”

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A: Most Academy instructors are residents who contact me to teach a class. Sometimes, they call me before they even move in to Shell Point.

Non-resident instructors are only booked when there is a demand for topics that there are no resident instructors to cover. We are fortunate to have a number of highly engaging experts in the Fort Myers area, as well as fascinating winter residents in Naples and on Sanibel, who love to teach here.

Both resident and non-resident instructors love their chosen topics and thrive on developing new classes. The priority for each semester is to fit as many new resident instructors into the next brochure as possible, within the overall volume of courses that can be offered within one semester.

Q. How much do you pay resident instructors for teaching classes?

A: Our resident instructors are both knowledgeable and generous with their knowledge and their time. Every single class taught by a resident is taught on a voluntary basis! This pay-it-forward attitude is enormously important in creating the successful, affordable lifelong learning experience that is offered through The Academy. Shell Point is incredibly grateful for its resident educators.

Instructors receive a benefit from teaching as well. Teaching – developing ideas, creating courses, interacting socially, and filtering complicated information through the perspective of their unique lifetime – can add meaningful interactions and tremendous purpose to one’s life.

Q. How do you determine where a class should be held, or whether to limit the class size?

A: Available meeting space can often limit a class size. For example, the largest setting on campus will comfortably hold 125–150 people, outside of the Village Church Auditorium, which holds 900. You can imagine the excitement when residents learned that the new Arts Center building will include a room that can hold up to 300 people with graduated seating!

On the other hand, class size can also be limited by the subject matter. Personalized art instruction requires a smaller class size.

Writing classes are most effective when kept small, because writers have a better opportunity to share their work with others. Practically speaking, how many novices with an iPad can one instructor handle?

Ultimately, I believe it’s not the size of a class that matters as much as the variety of classes offered and the combined interests of resident instructors and learners.

Q. How many years have you been managing The Academy?

A: Today, “lifelong learning” is becoming an industry buzzword, but Shell Point already has 17 years of experience under its belt. In 2000, I began working at Shell Point during the same year that The Academy started. I focused on the Academy indirectly and later directly, and I feel privileged to have been involved for the duration of its existence.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A: The most rewarding aspect of my role, hands down, is the “people” part. I love getting to know our residents, watching their joy and excitement at the challenges of teaching, as well as the pure pleasure and exhilaration of lifelong learning.

The prospect of keeping residents’ minds, bodies, and spirits thriving – and my own – through lifelong learning is what motivates me each day. Lifelong learning is holistic wellness at its finest, and my favorite fitness classes are those that exercise my mind!

Q. Have you noticed changing trends in resident interest for certain course subjects?

A: Yes, without a doubt! Technology topics, for example, have drastically evolved through the years. We started with a high demand for Windows computer classes, which shifted to a high demand for Apple technology. Today, there is a thirst for what can be done with all technology, whether a standard desktop computer, an Apple or Android phone, mobile tablets, or wearable technology like the Apple Watch.

Resident technology instructors are really good at adapting individual classes from “take your new camera out of the box and we will show you how to use it,” to advanced techniques for using the iPhone to shoot complicated videography. Instructors are adept at teaching beginners, and make a point of helping students one-on-one in the clinics that run each semester.

Q. Could you reveal a few standout courses coming in the fall, as this semester’s classes are being finalized?

A: Actually, each class is a standout! We are packing as much as possible into October and November – which also holds the Thanksgiving holiday.

Current events are highly popular. We have been blessed to have three former college professors, with specialties in political science. These residents’ classes have helped many understand the reality of politics during the last election.

Residents will also find writing courses, and new art instructors, and much more.

Plus, I expect the communitywide interest in creativity will continue to soar as many have expressed their excitement for the potential of the new Arts Center. Recent research tells us that expressing creativity through artisan pursuits, fine arts, and music is beneficial for the brain, as well as the body and soul.

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner anywhere.

Q. You’ve sold us! When does registration begin?

A: Due to the community improvements going on, we have had to reduce the fall semester to two months, instead of the typical three. But skipping classes in September will be well worth it when the finished buildings are available for use!

However, this does create a tight turnaround for class registration for one particular class. Please note that our overnight educational field trip has a registration deadline of October 1. This Academy On the Go overnight trip will Visit Our Shell Point Sister Alliance Community in Deland, and Marvel at the Fantastic Stetson Mansion “Christmas Spectacular,” Experience Stetson University, and Explore the Unique Telephone Museum Complex in Maitland Florida on November 14 and 15.

Mark your calendars now for the registration deadline of October 1!

Classes begin on Monday, October 2 and run through the month of November.

The best way to plan ahead for other classes is to consult the class brochure. This contains a complete listing of all courses offered during the fall semester.

Q. When will the fall semester class brochure be available to residents?

A: The brochure will be delivered to resident mailboxes, and published on Shell Point’s resident website on Wednesday, September 13. Registration will begin at 8:15 a.m. the next day, both online and at either service desk.

Academy Program Coordinator Debbie Brewer handles class registration details, carefully and fairly coordinating the important first few hours of “Registration Day.” Debbie processes Academy Program all online and in-perCoordinator son registrations, begin- Debbie Brewer ning with those that arrive first at 8:15 a.m. on Registration Day. This means that there’s no benefit to leaving a registration form at either service desk ahead of time. In fact, this actually

slows the process down, as those won’t be entered until after the first registrations “in line” when the process starts at 8:15 a.m. on September 14. Smaller classes and trips that fill up fast are often repeated in subsequent semesters to satisfy the demand.

Jay Kelly Wright (The Estuary) is one of several new resident instructors offering political science classes during the next Academy semester. Review the fall course brochure and watch SPTV to learn more.

Q. In addition to the course brochure and monthly articles in Shell Point Life magazine, how can residents find out about upcoming classes and other relevant Academy news?

A: Promotional interviews with our gifted presenters on SPTV is my favorite way to promote Academy classes! Each person’s story is fascinating and, regardless of whether you take the class, the instructors share good information in their interviews.

One new series on SPTV, called Get to Know the Academy Instructor, affords a longer timeframe to introduce interesting people and their chosen subject matter.

Newest is a series of mini classes, geared towards residents across the continuum of care – especially living in assisted living and skilled nursing.

And of course, I am always available for questions, ideas, and more. Reach me by calling (239) 454-2254, or send me an email at terikollath@shellpoint.org.

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& Summertime SHELL POINT PROUDLY PRESENTS

Sunshine

2017 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Wild Coffee Duo Thursday, September 7, at 7 p.m.

Social Center/IS Tickets: $20 Formed in 2015 by pianist Abbey Allison and cellist Susie Kelly, this classically trained chamber music group will present an engaging repertoire that draws on a variety of musical styles. The versatile Wild Coffee Duo is dedicated to presenting chamber music to audiences in Southwest Florida.

Pianist Abbey Allison is a professional accompanist and collaborator, who holds a double degree in piano performance and string education from Ithaca College. She has worked with both student and profes-

sional musicians, ranging from national competition winners and contemporary music specialists to performers on live radio.

Cellist Susie Kelly is a member of the Palm Beach Opera Orchestra and Southwest Florida Symphony, where she served as prin-

cipal cellist for seven years. A Lois Rogers scholar at the Eastman School of Music, Kelly received a master’s and bachelor’s degree with distinction in cello performance, as well as a master’s in chamber music from the University of South Florida.

Peter Dys Receives Lifetime Achievement Award LeadingAge Florida recently recognized Peter Dys, president emeritus, with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the LeadingAge Florida Annual Convention in July. This award is presented to an individual who, through his or her body of work, has provided LeadingAge Florida and the state with significant, transformative leadership in aging services.

Peter held the role of president of Shell Point more than 30 years, and retired in December 2016. “Peter accomplished many significant initiatives during his tenure. He has demonstrated a tremendous commitment to this organization and a passion for its mission,” said Shell Point President Martin Schappell at the presentation.

Leading Age presented Peter Dys with the prestigious award in July.

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Shell Point Life | September 2017

Swing for Success

with New PING Line

The Shell Point Pro Shop, located in The Club at Shell Point, is now offering PING’s G400 Series golf clubs. This new product line, full of custom-fit, custom-built drivers, irons, fairway woods, hybrids, and crossovers, is engineered to help golfers lower their scores and increase their enjoyment of the game.

This new equipment is available today for pre-order and custom fitting at the Shell Point Pro Shop, which is an authorized PING Dealer. The PING series promises the fastest, most forgiving driver to date, and an iron that delivers tour-level distance and ball flight.

G400 irons and woods are known for helping golfers hit the ball higher, further, and straighter.

Along with new PING golf clubs, you’ll find ladies and men’s golf attire and equipment at the Pro Shop. Choose from popular brands like Bette & Court, Sports Haley, Monterey Club, FootJoy, Titleist and more.

All Shell Point residents receive a 10 percent discount every day, on merchandise at the Pro Shop – and resident golf members receive 20 percent off.

Golfers, Mark Your Calendars The Shell Point Golf Course will be closed from Monday, September 18 through Friday, September 22 for the final course aerification and verticutting. Dining venues, the fitness center, concierge services and the Seagrape Salon & Spa will remain open to serve members during regular hours of operation.

Bring Out the Dancing Shoes

New Zumba Fitness Class Gets Toes Tapping Chair Zumba is the latest fitness craze to sweep through Shell Point’s three assisted living centers, keeping residents at the edge of their seats! The class affords residents the opportunity to learn dance moves that are inspired by music from around the world.

Taught by licensed Zumba instructor Ingrid Oliver, or “Coach Iggy,” the fitness class helps assisted living residents stay as healthy and active through dance, exercise, and nutrition. “I am passionate about helping residents achieve their fitness goals,” said Ingrid.

Ingrid is a personal trainer, certified group exercise instructor, and sixth degree black belt in taekwondo. She has carefully structured the Chair Zumba class to keep all participants safe and injury-free while

working the entire range of joints and muscles possible to result in a full body workout.

The lighthearted fitness class, along with many other wellness programs, helps assisted living residents stay physically active with programs offered at the King’s Crown, The Arbor, and The Springs.

“Don’t tell my other Wellness Connections classes, but Chair Zumba is one of my favorites to teach,” said Ingrid.

“It is a truly fun experience that makes people smile, allows participants to be social with friends, and offers a great workout, all at once.”

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Campuswide Dining Improvements

Exciting improvements are happening around Shell Point, and resort-style dining is no exception. From a fresh coat of paint, to enhanced menus and staff trainings, this summer brings new ingredients to an already robust resort dining program.

A Change of Scenery for The Palm Grill Café Promenade

The Palm Grill closed at the end of June for renovations as part of the Woodlands Commons improvement project.

“Many residents had the opportunity to peruse conceptual renderings in advance of the project. Those who didn’t are in for a real treat when the Palm Grill reopens in the fall,” said Joe Smith, Senior Director of Hospitality. “The Project Development team is doing a fantastic job of ensuring that we stay on schedule with interior renovations.”

While the restaurant is closed, the Palm Grill team has been hard at Joe Smith, Senior work designing new menu Director of offerings, selecting new Hospitality plate-ware, glassware and Services silverware. “We’ve been focused on taking this interim renovation period as an opportunity to conduct training sessions with our service team,” shared Joe. “We’re so excited for you to experience what we have in store for the Palm Grill.”

The Club at Shell Point has offered

The new café venue will offer a trendy atmosphere to socialize and relax.

expanded hours of operation for residents during the construction period. “The dining team has also been offering a delivery service to The Woodlands while we complete our improvements to the Palm Grill,” said Joe. “We’ve received much positive feedback about the added services.”

A new venue is under construction in the Woodlands Commons building. “The space where the Oak Room was previously located is being renovated to become a casual, café restaurant with a great view,” explained Joe. “It will replace the Café Promenade and serve as a venue to relax and socialize, while enjoying a smoothie, coffee beverage, or light sandwich or salad.”

Revitalizing the Crystal Dining Room Plans to renovate the Crystal Dining Room are being developed as part of the

strategic, campuswide dining improvement initiative. “The Crystal Dining Room is The Island’s main dining venue, as well as Shell Point’s oldest and largest.

It is imperative to develop a dining service that offers the correct variety of selections, as well as an efficient and enjoyable operation,” said Joe. To ensure that there is adequate time to complete the project as efficiently as possible, renovations are currently scheduled for May 2018. “As we have more information about this project, Shell Point will certainly keep residents informed,” Joe affirmed.

For now, the Crystal Dining Room will close temporarily during the month of September – with the exception of Sunday Brunch. “This will give us some time to focus on some team training, as well as checking some summer projects off the list,” said Joe. “We’re preparing for a busy fall!”

Reserve Your Holiday Party Now Although it is only September and warm weather still prevails, it is never too early to plan for holiday parties, luncheons, and dinners. The Banyan Banquet Room in The Club at Shell Point has been popular for summer gatherings, and is now accepting reservations for the holiday season.

Host your next memorable occasion in this adaptable banquet room, which can seat from 40 to 170 guests, with parking to match. Guests will be impressed with the breathtaking views through wall-to-wall windows, which include expansive golf 36

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course views, and extending to the mangroves and estuaries leading to the Gulf of Mexico. It’s the perfect vantage point from which to appreciate colorful Florida sunsets.

The Club’s experienced hospitality team will support your private engagement from start to finish, and provide a polished presentation on the special day. Design the flavor, appearance, and style of your ideal catering menu with assistance from the Banyan Grille’s seasoned executive chef, Richard Brown. Our team will carry out your vision with impeccable attention to

detail, making your special event unforgettable and relaxing in every way.

Because The Club’s catering calendar is filling up quickly for the holidays, call Kari Mathein at (239) 225-2956 if you would like to host your next event at The Club.

Could Someone You Love

Have Sleep Apnea?

Sleep disorders, including sleep Medical Center in The Woodlands.

Dr. Lalla’s patients at the Arbor apnea, have become a significant health issue in the United States. It is esti- Medical Center have been diagnosed with mated that 22 million Americans suffer a wide variety of conditions, including from sleep apnea, and that 80 percent of pneumonia, bronchitis, COPD, and sleep moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea apnea. “I recommend that patients have ongoing sleep studies completed (OSA) cases are undiagnosed, to make sure we have the best according to the American treatment plan in place as their Sleep Apnea Association. health needs change and techThe most common of these nology advances,” said Dr. Lalla. disorders is obstructive sleep “Discuss changes in your health apnea, which can lead to high with both your primary care blood pressure, chronic heart physician and pulmonologist failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, to determine when it is best to and other cardiovascular problems when left untreated. It is Dr. Lalla sees patients have your sleep apnea retested. also associated with Type 2 dia- at the Arbor Medical This decision is often based on betes and depression, and is a Center on Thursdays symptom changes, type of sleep between the hours of disorder, recent weight changes, factor in many traffic accidents 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and other factors specific to your due to the persistent drowsiness personal health.” suffered by many OSA patients Dr. Lalla received a medical degree before the disease is recognized and treated.

Often, sleep apnea goes untreated alto- from Topiwala National Medical College gether. “I often hear patients say they had in Bombay, India. Following eight years of a sleep study once, many years ago, which post-graduate training, he opened a private determined that there is nothing else that practice in Fort Myers. This specialty physican be done,” said Sunil Lalla, MD, a pul- cian is certified by The American Board of monologist who sees patients at the Arbor Internal Medicine for Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Critical Care Medicine and currently serves as chair of the department of medicine at Gulf Coast Medical Center.

Dr. Lalla is accepting new patients and is available to Shell Point residents at the Arbor Medical Center every Thursday afternoon between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Schedule an appointment by calling (239) 561-2202.

Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but virtually everyone with sleep apnea snores.

DO YOU NEED TO BE TESTED FOR SLEEP APNEA? How many of the following symptoms do you exhibit?

• Loud snoring • Walking frequently in the night • Gasping or making choking sounds during sleep • Sore throat upon waking • Headaches in the morning • Tossing, turning during sleep • Waking feeling tired; irritable • Difficulty staying awake during the day If you have a concern related to the sleep apnea symptoms listed above, or any other concerns about a pulmonary care diagnosis, you are encouraged to speak with your primary care provider to determine if now is the right time for you to see a pulmonologist.

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Wayne Robinson Brings Expertise to His Role as Employee Christmas Fund Chair Palm Acres resident Wayne Robinson says that he was genuinely honored to be asked to serve as this year’s chair of the Employee Christmas Fund Campaign. “In my two-and-a-half years at Shell Point, I’ve discovered that the employees are so special and I am often touched by their kindness and consideration,” he said.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to be involved in this project and I am excited by the chance to do something for this group of individuals who work so hard on our behalf.”

Wayne Robinson’s educational background, combined with his multi-faceted career as a fundraiser for national and international nonprofit organizations, as well as his more recent career as a minister, have well-equipped him with the skills and enthusiasm to handle this volunteer role.

His prodigious education includes a Bachelor of Theology from Southwestern College of Christian Ministries; a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Oklahoma City University; and a Master of Theology and

Doctor of Ministry from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, as well as two summers of postdoctoral work in continuing education in World Religions at Oxford University.

Before entering pastoral ministry, Wayne served in a wide variety of nonprofit positions including television, radio, advertis-

Army, MADD, and World Vision, to name only a few. “This was before the age of the internet,” said Wayne. “We sent millions of pieces of direct mail to accomplish the fundraising goals of our clients.”

One of the things that Wayne learned early on was that the people who were being served by these organizations deserved special respect and needed to be presented in a way that made others want to help them. “Back then, it used to be common that fundraising writers would describe the dire circumstances of these people. Terrible situations. Starving people. Homeless families and refugees. But, we came to learn how a positive message that focused on the results obtained was often much more successful than the opposite. Donors want to know that their gift is going to make a difference and that it will actually help someone.”

As his career evolved, Wayne was a United Methodist minister, served as editor of The Oklahoma Methodist Newspaper, and was creative director of the United

“Donors want to know that their gift is going to make a difference and that it will actually help someone.”

Palm Acres resident Wayne Robinson is serving as this year’s chair of the Employee Christmas Fund Campaign.

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ing, fundraising, and direct mail. He held the positions of editor-in-chief of publications and executive producer of television for the Oral Roberts Association, and vice president for public affairs at Oral Roberts University.

Wayne was also senior vice president and creative director of the Russ Reid Company in Los Angeles, the world’s largest advertising agency for nonprofits. Their client list included UNICEF, The Salvation

Methodist Reporter. After moving to Southwest Florida in 1996, Wayne served as the settled minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers, and then became the founding minister of All Faiths Unitarian Congregation in February 2001.

A New Opportunity to Serve Following his retirement in 2013, Wayne and his wife Joyce, moved to Shell Point. Their original home was in Macoma on The Island, while they were waiting for their home in Palm Acres to be completed.

Wayne and Joyce quickly acclimated to their new community and one of the things that immediately impressed them was the happy, courteous attitudes displayed by the Shell Point employees.

“Every time we encountered a staff member, we were impressed by their dedication and friendliness,” Wayne said. He recalled the time a maintenance staff member was doing some touch-up paint work in their home. “He was smiling and laughing with us and really seemed to love his job.”

When Wayne first tried to give a small gratuity to a housekeeping staff member, he quickly learned of the “no tipping” policy at Shell Point. Instead of tipping individual employees here and there throughout the year, Shell Point residents are able to make a substantive gift to employees through the Employee Christmas Fund.

“The Employee Christmas Fund is a wonderful way to treat all employees equally and fairly,” said Karen Anderson, vice president of human resources for Shell Point. “Many of our employees are working behind the scenes in departments such as housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, the energy plant, in healthcare, the kitchens, and many other departments. You might not see them, but they are hard at work delivering the services that run this operation on a daily basis.”

“This gift during the holidays means so much to them,” she continued. “Our residents are incredibly generous and their gifts to the Employee Christmas Fund provide a meaningful benefit to our staff and also show them in a very real and tangible way how much their work is appreciated.”

What’s Up with the Employee Christmas Fund This Year?

By Wayne Robinson (Palm Acres),

When my wife Joyce Schaffer and I moved to Shell Point, we weren’t really sure what we were getting into.

Fortunately for us, we first moved into Macoma while our home in Palm Acres was being built. During the seven months of construction, Macoma residents gave us a wonderful seven-month orientation to our new community.

We chose Shell Point because of increasing age and concerns about present and future health issues. But we also came because we wanted our final years to be in a community that cared one for the other.

What we didn’t fully realize was that there is a superb work force of almost 1,100 persons working around the clock to make sure our hopes and dreams are realized.

We began to learn that on the first day when an unknown woman knocked on the front door: She was there to clean our home. She became almost like a member of our family. She was caring, effective, and positive about her job and her co-workers.

Even more surprisingly, when we tried the first day to give her a modest gratuity for her hard work, she smilingly refused, saying it would violate the rules of her work.

As time passed, we personally learned about the quality of Shell Point staff. when we needed emergency medical attention late at night…or when I stumbled and fell at the Crystal Room. A nurse and security officer appeared within minutes.

c o mm i t t e e

chair

Other examples include the wonderfully helpful person always on the other end of the 454-2190 telephone call, the warm and caring staffer who repaired a hole in our wall, another who hung pictures that were too high for us to reach, superb staff in the several restaurants, and the great golfing staff who are always on the job.

I could go on and on, but you know as well or better than I: At Shell Point, residents are privileged beyond belief. And it roots in two things: first, this community stems from a caring religious founding; and secondly Shell Point employees strive to ensure that those roots are realized in daily practice.

That’s why I was so honored when asked to be a part of the Employee Christmas Fund. It’s the one time in the year when we residents have the opportunity to provide concrete thanks to Shell Point employees.

Here’s how the Employee Christmas Fund Campaign is working this year: With the help of Court Representatives, I’ve been invited to visit each of the Courts this fall to explain more specifically how we can help each other to say thanks to every Shell Point employee. Joyce is providing my favorite chocolate chip cookies at each event!

So please, when you learn the time and place of your court meeting, put it on the calendar, and come join us to learn about this once-a-year privilege: saying thanks to Shell Point employees.

Shell Point Life | September 2017

39

BUILDING IT

BIG 40

Shell Point Life | September 2017

Feasibility Studies. Negotiations. Master Planning. Land Acquisitions. Permitting. Elevations. Blueprints. Demolitions.

Ground Breakings. Weather Delays. Hard Hats. Heavy Machinery.

Dedications. Ribbon Cuttings. Renovations. Expansions‌

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ext year, Shell Point Retirement Community will celebrate half a century in business. For 38 of those 50 years, Bob Southern has played a major role in the construction projects that have shaped Shell Point into a thriving, bustling community of six neighborhoods, healthcare facilities, and resort-style amenities.

While Bob’s time at Shell Point has come to a close with his retirement last month, his legacy will remain for decades to come.

Continued next page

Always willing to assist residents, Bob served as the train conductor in the 1970s.

Above: In the early 2000s, Bob supervises the addition of another floor to this Woodlands court.

Right: From tearing it down to building it up, Bob has overseen major construction projects in his 38 years at Shell Point.

Shell Point Life | September 2017

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BUILDING IT BIG

While the Project Development office has migrated around campus, Bob’s easygoing presence and dedication to excellence have never wavered.

Continued from page 41

Building one of the largest single-site CCRCs in the country has been a phenomenal task and for 38 years, it has been Bob Southern’s life’s work. Where did Bob acquire the tenacity and know-how to tackle such a monumental task? “You could argue that I began my career at the age of 15, learning building operation and maintenance in Baltimore, Maryland,” shared Bob. “I worked fast and I worked hard, and usually finished my duties by lunchtime. With my extra time, I found other maintenance staff and helped with their work, and I learned the various trades along the way.”

When Bob first put his boots on Shell Point soil in 1979, he was just 26 years old.

At that time, it was just a single neighborhood known as Shell Point Village. This 75-acre island had recently been created out of a mangrove swamp and much of it was still a blank canvas. The garden courts and the midrise apartments had been built, but an open field lay next to The Village Church, and the place where King’s Crown now stands originally served as a dumpsite for old appliances and such.

“When I arrived, it was this quiet little island with open spaces that hadn’t been

built up yet,” said Bob. Bob started his career at Shell Point in the maintenance department. He quickly moved up within the maintenance department to become the Director of Facility Operations.

Bob is familiar with all the nooks and crannies around the community – after all, he built them! “I have been everywhere in this community; every apartment, every closet, and every roof … I’ve just been everywhere,” chuckled Bob. “Each project presented its own set of challenges, but I love solving problems. The joy of watching residents and staff make use of the end result has been my reward.”

As Shell Point Village began to grow and plans began to develop several new buildings on the island, Bob was asked to oversee construction. Harbor Court, Sundial, the new maintenance facility, the Welcome Center, and the Employee Parking Garage/Hurricane Shelter were just a few of the many projects he helped bring out of the ground.

“For many years, we were focused on completing the build-out of the island.

Those were fun times,” said Bob. Building brand new buildings was not the only responsibility on Bob’s plate. He also maintained the quality of the older

buildings and was therefore responsible for the renovation of many of the original buildings, such as renovation of the Pavilion not once, but twice – including the $74 million healthcare renaissance that occurred in 2011.

According to Bob, it’s all in a day’s work. “There is no compromise when it comes to the quality of resident care and safety at Shell Point,” said Bob. “We strive to do things right, and we do things well.”

Shell Point Expansion In 1996, Shell Point purchased 695 acres of property along Shell Point Boulevard at a cost of $7.5 million for the purpose of expansion. Bob was tapped to handle the project and promoted to “Director of Project Development.”

This new position was to be responsible for the development and expansion of the Shell Point community. “It took the better part of three years to Bob’s office served properly plan for build- as a home for many rescued birds, like ing the first phase of this cockatiel. the new community,” said Bob. “There was so much to be done before we could put a shovel in the ground, including design work, securing permits, and site investigation.”

It was also decided that the expansion of Shell Point Village would require a new look at how the community was perceived throughout the region. To accommodate the growth of the community, it was decided to change the name from Shell Point Village to Shell Point Retirement Community, which would now be one community with multiple neighborhoods. The original neighborhood was now called The Island, Clockwise from far left: This 1979 aerial photo shows the community as it looked when Bob started in 1979. Wright Construction Group received a 2003 Excellence in Construction award for the Lakewood building. This westward view of The Island shows the construction of King’s Crown in 1986.

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Shell Point Life | September 2017

A commemorative groundbreaking marked the start of construction on The Arbor in January 2004.

and in 1998, Shell Point broke ground on what would be the first new neighborhood of the expansion, The Woodlands.

In 1999, as construction continued in The Woodlands, Bob began construction for the first nine holes of the golf course and the new chiller plant.

Southern Charm

Beyond building physical structures, Bob also forged lasting connections with those he served. “After 38 years on the job, I’ve gotten to know a lot of faces, and developed relationships with good people. I value them deeply,” said Bob. Bob not only had a heart for the people Hurricane Charley of Shell Point, but he is also known for his In addition to his responsibilities in love of animals and has always been interbuilding new neighborhoods at Shell Point, ested in the welfare of the wildlife in the Bob was also responsible for running the community. “It all started with a lost cockHurricane Shelter and planning the hur- atiel that landed on a Mid-Rise balcony, which I took under my wing ricane evacuation procedures. and named Crumb. My This role was put to the test in beaked buddy was a fixture 2004, when Hurricane Charley in the Project Development made an unexpected landfall in office for 27 years,” said Bob. Southwest Florida. The strong Word of his tenderconcrete foundations of the hearted care for animals Hurricane Shelter, used daily spread quickly. “Before long, as an employee parking garage, I turned into the person that provided a safe haven from the got called about animals,” coming storm. shared Bob. “I became the Bob sprang into action go-to guy for just about any alongside other members of Bob at the grand opening type of injured critter – Shell Point’s leadership team of The Springs renovated including raccoons, snakes, to come up with a quick, effi- dining room in 2014. pelicans, and ospreys.” cient manner of evacuating As Bob Southern residents. “We battened down the hatches on Eagles Preserve, which trades in his blueprints and hard hat for was under construction at that time, and retirement, what comes next?

“Anyone who knows Bob knows that focused on getting residents sheltered and he never stops moving,” shared his wife, safe,” recalled Bob. When the Category 4 storm hit, Rita Southern, who also works at Shell everyone was securely ensconced within Point. “Bob is always on the go. He is the sturdy Shell Point Hurricane Shelter. always thinking, evaluating, and conceptu“Volunteers and staff worked around- alizing. That isn’t going to end – it should the-clock to provide necessities and care be no surprise that he is already thinking of for 1,200 residents and more than 300 remodeling projects for our home!”

Bob has maintained many active hobemployees who stayed in the shelter for approximately 24 hours,” said Bob. “Our bies throughout his life and now he will Shell Point staff and residents really pulled have more time to spend on these. Bob is originally from Baltimore, so he is a huge together during Hurricane Charley.”

From top down: The Springs originally served as a Country Inn & Suites, pictured here before topping off in 2001. Bob “drives” construction forward during a $74 million renovation of the Larsen Pavilion, completed in 2011. Shell Point celebrates the topping off of its new clubhouse in 2016.

Baltimore Orioles fan. This avid sports enthusiast is looking forward to sitting in Camden Stadium at upcoming baseball games. “There’s something about the athleticism that gets me – to excel personally you have to have your teammates’ backs as well,” reflected Bob. Bob’s work ethic and desire to help others has not wavered since he first started working at Shell Point 38 years ago. “When players retire, they often say that they ‘left it all on the field.’ I would like to think I did the same.” n Shell Point Life | September 2017

43

IRA Charitable Rollovers

A Tax-Saving Way to Help Shell Point B

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Residents who are halfway through their 70th year or older can take advantage of a simple way to benefit Shell Point and receive tax benefits in return. You can give any amount from your IRA of up to $100,000, directly to a qualified charity such as Shell Point – without having to pay income taxes on the money.

This law no longer has an expiration date, so you are free to make annual gifts to our organization this year and well into the future.

Why consider an IRA charitable rollover gift as a means of giving? Your gift will be put to use today, allowing you to see the difference that your donation is making at Shell Point. Also, you pay no income taxes on the gift. The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you will benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions. Finally, if you have not yet taken your required minimum distribution for the year, your IRA charitable rollover gift can satisfy all or part of that requirement.

Throughout the years, several residents have embraced this method of giving back to their community, especially now that the IRS has made this charitable gifting option permanent. In fact, next month’s Shell Point Life magazine will introduce one such couple, who generously donated to the Arts Center campaign by using their IRA charitable rollover to support the arts at Shell Point.

What You Should Know About IRA Charitable Rollovers

1. Even if you have already named Shell Point as the beneficiary of your IRA, there are benefits to making the gift now, instead of after your lifetime. By making a gift this year of up to $100,000 from your IRA, you can see your philanthropic dollars at work.

You are jump-starting the legacy you would

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LEGACYFOUNDATION AT S H E L L P O I N T

like to leave and giving yourself the joy of watching your philanthropy take shape.

you can transfer a portion of it to fund a charitable gift.

2. If you have several retirement accounts, such as pensions or IRAs, it does matter which retirement account you use.

Direct rollovers to a qualified charity can be made only from an IRA. Under certain circumstances, however, you may be able to roll assets from a pension, profit sharing, 401(k) or 403(b) plan into an IRA and then make the transfer from the IRA directly to Shell Point. To determine if a rollover to an IRA is available for your plan, speak with your plan administrator.

5. There are many options to designate your gift to Shell Point. Some of popular choices include the Friendship Fund, Hope Hospice at Shell Point, and Shell Point’s memory care program, as well as wherever a gift may be needed most. Contact the Legacy Foundation to discuss your personal interests.

3. A gift can be used as one’s required minimum distribution under the law. If you have not yet taken your required minimum distribution, the IRA charitable rollover gift can satisfy all or part of that requirement. Contact your IRA custodian to complete the gift.

4. You do not need to give your entire IRA to be eligible for the tax benefits. You can give any amount under this provision, as long as it is $100,000 or less this year. If your IRA is valued at more than $100,000,

6. It is possible for couples to give more than $100,000. If one’s spouse (as defined by the IRS) is 70-and-a-half or older and has an IRA, he or she can also donate up to $100,000 from his or her IRA. 7. Any lifetime gifts totaling $100,000 or more, or naming Shell Point as a beneficiary of an IRA in any amount, qualifies the donor for membership in the Legacy Society.

Legacy Society members are invited to an annual luncheon and receive other benefits throughout the year.

Please feel free to contact Jeff Cory, CFP, or Melody Desilets at 466-8484 or by email at jeffcory@shellpoint.org or melodydesilets@ shellpoint.org with any questions.

Consult with your legal or tax professional if you are contemplating a charitable gift; this article is not intended to be legal or tax advice.

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Shell Point Life | September 2017

Lifecare Refresher Course Airs on SPTV Channel 12 D

Ronette Icso, vice president of Sales and Marketing, moderated a panel presentation that featured speakers with expertise in particular areas of lifecare. An interactive Q&A session followed the informative presentation.

The event also connected residents with Shell Point staff and healthcare resources to meet their individual needs.

Director of Sales Jan Coay with Carol Ann Ormes (Parkwood)

Karen Hubbard (Lakewood) and Sales Counselor Inga Bredahl

id you miss the recent Lifecare Refresher Course, presented by the Resident Support Services department? Shell Point Television will re-air this informative panel discussion on Channel 12 from Monday, September 18, through Friday, September 22, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day.

Tune in for a detailed presentation about what services and features are included with the Shell Point lifecare contract, as well as how Medicare, private insurance, long term care, HMOs, and other financial programs can affect your contract or your stay in assisted living or skilled nursing.

Or, if you prefer to watch the video online, visit www.shellpoint.net. You’ll find a graphic for the Lifecare Refresher Seminar, located directly under the slider image in the new featured content section. Click on the image, and the video will pop up and begin to play.

Legacy Foundation Officer Melody Desilets with Dick and Maureen Wright (Eagles Preserve)

Assisted Living Director at King’s Crown McKenzie Millis, with Case Managers Stephanie Devlin, Brooke Zanella, and Brittany Harvey Shell Point Life | September 2017

45

Labor with Purpose

By Rev. Andrew Hawkins, Ph.D., Senior Pastor, The Village Church

Labor Day means different things to different people.

The beginning of the school year, the last day of summer; those were the associations I most remember from my early years.

My father, a police officer, had a very different understanding of the holiday. While most people were off on Labor Day, he often had to work. He was one of the providers of “essential services.”

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Shell Point Life | September 2017

In my later teen years, Labor Day had another set of associations for me. I worked at community pools, life-guarding and managing the facilities. Labor Day was the last day that pools were open for the summer.

It was a festive holiday, as families with kids enjoyed one last fling before launching into the fall school and work calendar. We held special activities at the pools where I worked. It was great fun for the families and the pool staff. The day after it was all over, we really did labor to clean and “winterize” the facilities until the following spring.

Labor Day had greater significance for the rest of society. Its origin dates back to the late 19th century. The Labor Movement was in full swing. Trade unions were seeking better working conditions for their constituents.

Everyone was interested in recognizing how good, honest labor contributed to the health and well-being of our nation.

Labor is, indeed, central to who we are as human beings. Do we work to live, or do we live to work? Probably both! But, that is truly God’s design. The first Labor Day was ordained by Him. It happened even before the fall of Adam and Eve into sin. It was part of the original human condition.

Theologians call it “cultural mandate.” It was part of the original creation order: And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” –Genesis 1:28 (ESV) Human beings were given the created order as stewards. Not for their own selfish designs, but to be productive as superintendents of the good resources that God had created. That would require good, honest labor: The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. –Genesis 2:15 (ESV) Labor only became difficult after the fall into sin. But work was built into the human condition from the very beginning.

Labor with a purpose. Labor as stewards of God’s good creation. Labor designed for the glory of God and the good of people.

We live and work in a retirement community, but as we’re able, we still labor. Whether gainfully employed or not, we continue to work – for the glory of God and the good of our neighbors. We at The Village Church seek to build a community of forgiveness, purpose, and hope in Jesus Christ. And our purpose usually involves some form of labor.

Thanks for being part of our purpose!

Weaving a Better Web The Village Church team recently launched a redesigned website, www.villagechurchshellpoint.org. The website transformed from a simple site to a dynamic presence with comprehensive information and resources.

“You’ll find videos of weekly sermons with notes to follow along,” said Media Production Manager Jon Lough, who led the church’s initiative to establish its expanded web presence. “Plus, there’s a complete list of upcoming church events, opportunities to

connect with others through small groups, worship service times and directions, a church staff directory, online giving options, and much more.”

Questions about the new website? Call the Village Church office at (239) 454-2147.

The Village Church team is pleased to launch a new website. Find videos of sermons, dates of events, and more online at www.villagechurchshellpoint.org.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY

Four Residents Discuss Their Volunteer Contributions B

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Finding purpose in retirement is considered an essential element in aging well. For many residents, volunteering at Shell Point has brought purpose, while contributing to the community. For some, their passion has taken them off-campus to meet important needs in the greater Fort Myers area. The program, “Making a Difference in our Community” will introduce you to four such residents.

Jerry Bishop (Eagles Preserve) will talk about his work at ECHO (Environmental Concerns for Hunger Organization), a teaching and research facility that promotes

sustainable global farming. Jerry and others from our community travel once a week to help with maintenance needs.

Vida Burgess (Cellana) reaches out through the mail, helping Crossroads Prison Ministry with their Bible correspondence course. Vida helps prisoners better understand the Bible, and sends them encouragement through her letters as well.

Dr. Joy Ellyn Ryan (Junonia) will share about her work with ARTREACH, a program to help students with awareness about human trafficking. Joy Ellyn will explain how she has helped raise money through

the Pink Pig Project.

Mary Ann Maguire (Turban) will be the moderator for the morning. She will also share about her work with Path2Freedom, an intervention program that assists victims when they are rescued from human trafficking.

Are you making a difference? What’s your passion and how can it help others?

Women’s Connections invites everyone to be present on Wednesday, September 20, at 10:15 a.m., for this informative panel discussion. Refreshments begin at 10 a.m. in the Hospitality Room of the Village Church, followed by the program.

Shell Point Life | September 2017

47

Nature’s Notebook

By Steve Morton,

landscape

manager

Dr. Livingstone, I Presume In a well-known and very dramatic cinematic scene, Henry Morton Stanley marches out of the jungle, stares intently at a very thin David Livingstone and utters the famous line that titles this article. This 1939 movie, Stanley and Livingstone, told the story of the lost Livingstone and the brave, persistent Stanley as only Hollywood could, with liberal use of poetic license.

The film version of the story only served to pique my curiosity. Who was the real Dr. Livingstone, what was he doing in Africa, and how did he get “lost?” From a horticultural perspective, did he discover interesting plants during his journey?

Livingstone was a Scotsman, born near Glasgow in 1813, son of a Sunday school teacher. Young David was educated at the Charing Cross Hospital Medical School and his courses covered medical practice, midwifery, and botany. His future father-in-law advised him to enter into missionary service in Africa.

While Dr. Livingstone may have been a rather poor missionary, since there is no evidence that he converted a single person in Africa to Christianity, his love for its people, interest in the natural environment, and large dose of pragmatism made Livingstone a great explorer.

During his travels, the doctor crossed the Kalahari Desert to find Lake Ngami in what is now Botswana, a discovery that the Royal Geographical Society rewarded with a gold medal. He also pioneered the use of quinine to battle malaria, the scourge of Africa.

In subsequent journeys, Livingstone “discov-

ered” the majestic waterfall on the Zambezi River, to which he gave the English name of Victoria Falls to honor his monarch.

In 1855, Livingstone observed a giant tree so remarkable that he carved his name into the soft pulpy flesh. Adansonia digitata or commonly, the baobab tree, was stout and strong, with deciduous branches that looked

Shell Point’s single Baobab specimen can be found near the Arbor gazebo.

Some baobabs are estimated to be more than 6,000 years old.

like roots. The native tribes believed that the tree offended God and in revenge, he planted it upside down. Other tribal societies simply referred to it as the “Tree of Life.”

As a concentrator of nutrients, all parts of the baobab tree can be used to provide shelter, food and water for animals and humans. It has the only fruit in the world that dries naturally on its branch. Instead of dropping and spoiling, the fruit remains suspended and desiccates for six months,

transforming its green velvety coating into a hard coconut-like shell. The pulp of the fruit dries out completely. This means the fruit simply needs to be picked, deseeded, and sieved into a fine, delicious powder that is similar to gingerbread.

Some baobabs are estimated to be 6,000 years old. Livingstone began measuring the trunk circumference of specimens encountered during his journeys. Massive, hollow baobabs have been used as jails, inns, and even taverns. In South Africa, owners of one particular baobab tree claim that it is the largest in the world, with a circumference of 158.5 feet.

Shell Point has a single Baobab specimen, but you will need to seek your “inner Livingstone” to find it. Start at the gazebo located behind The Arbor assisted living building in The Woodlands, and walk directly through the gazebo into the flowering tree arboretum. Bear right at the fragrant ylang-ylang tree, make a quick left at the bottlebrush tree, and turn right once again at the Hong Kong orchid tree. Then, across the savannah, you will see a straight tree with a strongly tapering trunk standing all by itself.

Mr. Baobab, I presume?

This essay is dedicated to Robert Southern who retired after 38 years of service to Shell Point. Bob is like the “Tree of Life” in so many ways that perhaps we should rename the tree the BaoBOB?