Shell Point Life February 2020

ALSO INSIDE: Love Stories • Destination Old Florida • Birding Abroad February 2020 Vol. 15 Issue 2

Beautiful

BIRDS Resident Birders Share Southwest Florida's Feathered Treasures

And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.”

– Genesis 1:20

Destination Florida Did you know that 150 new residents moved into Shell Point last year? The secret is out, and many young, active retirees are flocking to tropical Southwest Florida for its resort lifestyle and beautiful waterfront setting.

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A Focus on Fauna

In recognition of Southwest Florida’s natural beauty and wildlife – and perhaps also its snowbirds – Shell Point Life recently issued a challenge to the community’s talented photographers, asking them to share their favorite images of local birds. The quality of the resulting submissions, beginning on page 3, will blow you away.

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Birds of a Feather

There are many residents qualified to speak to birding and photography, and that number includes Sallie Rich (Tellidora) and Dotty Morrison (Cellana). Sallie recently won a prestigious award from the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, joining the company of acclaimed photographers like Clyde Butcher. Turn to page 10 to read about her love for the islands of Sanibel and Captiva.

Next, flip to page 14 to read how Dotty became an avid birder, passionate about spotting new “lifers” while traveling around the world. You will also find more information about Dotty’s upcoming Academy of Lifelong Learning class recounting her birding adventures in Ecuador.

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 Designer Wendy Iverson Graphic Designer Brianna Dorsey Contributors Pat Bubb, Betty Bullock, Betsy Conrad, Sue Earnhardt, Claude Emler, Barbara Freeman, Dr. Gary Goforth, Christina Grochowski, Janine Hammond, Wray Hiser, Tom Irwin, Gabriella Kelly, Barbara Linstrom, Erica May, Jordan Meiser, Ginny Miller-Plaza, Dotty Morrison, Adrienne Prokop, Don Pullen, Krissy Chin Quee, Amanda Robbin, Ashley Robbin, Emily Rose, Laura Slack, Lilli Spolar, Adam Thompson, Monica Tison, Michelle Tompkins, Dottie Tronnes, Susan Uhleman, Verla Wallace, Terry Wellman Do you have story ideas or photos to share?

Contact Editor Sarah Nadal by 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.

On The Cover This stunning roseate spoonbill, captured mid-ruffle by amateur photographer Dr. Theresa Baldwin (Parkwood), frequents the wildlife drive at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Theresa, who lived on Sanibel for 25 years before moving to Shell Point, said she took up the hobby because the abundant local wildlife practically begs to be photographed.

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Shell Point Life | February 2020

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

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

Feathered

TREASURES The Birds of Shell Point and Southwest Florida

What happens when you combine two passions into one? At Shell Point, a number of residents have combined their passion for birdwatching, or “birding” as they call it, with their passion for photography and the results have been spectacular!

Florida is home to more than 535 species of permanent and migratory birds. Here in Southwest Florida, we enjoy the opportunity to see many of these birds in their natural habitat.

Since Shell Point is brimming with talented artists, photographers and hobbyists. Shell Point Life recently invited residents to submit their favorite photographs of birds, taken at Shell Point and the surrounding Southwest Florida region. More than 30 residents answered the call, submitting a total of 181 incredible images that expertly display the key elements of composition, light and movement. The following collection of photos is a proud testament to the skill and eye of the community’s resident photographers.

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Welcome, welcome, little stranger, Fear no harm, and fear no danger; We are glad to see you here, For you sing “Sweet Spring is near.”

— Louisa May Alcott, 1840 KILLDEER Pat Fishburne (The Estuary)

ROYAL TERN Liz Noffsinger (The Estuary)

SNOWY EGRET Stokes Fishburne (The Estuary)

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GLOSSY IBIS Phyllis Ingalls (Eagles Preserve)

EAGLE Tony Quinn (Lakewood)

Feathered

TREASURES

ROSEATE SPOONBILL Christl Smith (The Estuary)

AMERICAN WHITE IBIS David Tompkins (Turban)

OWL TRIPLETS Pam Blough (Cameo)

Feathered

TREASURES L-R: FLORIDA SCRUB Dotty Morrison (Cellana) RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER Sallie Rich (Tellidora) CARDINAL Steve Canton (Harbor Court) GREAT EGRET John Ippensen (Royal Bonnet) RED WINGED BLACKBIRD Mary Hirsch (Eagles Preserve)

OSPREY Gerald Langberg (Sundial)

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ANHINGA Alvin WIlliams (Lucina)

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Feathered

TREASURES RED-SHOULDERED HAWK Larry Talbot (The Estuary)

WOOD STORK David Pavey (Coquina)

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GREAT BLUE HERON Gerri Harris (Cameo)

REDDISH EGRET Jan Van Lear (Turban)

WHITE PELICANS Carol Krafft (The Estuary)

CURLEW Prue Harris (Cellana)

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Brush THE

OF

EXCELLENCE B Y B A R B A R A L I N D S T R O M , C O M M U N I C AT I O N S D I R E C T O R , S C C F

Nature photographer Sallie Rich (Tellidora) was elated to receive the 5th Annual Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) J.N. “Ding” Darling Brush of Excellence Environmental Art Award in December 2019. The Brush of Excellence award is a tribute to Ding Darling, the Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist, artist and conservation champion who had a winter home on Captiva Island.

Recognizing her long-standing contributions in capturing the natural beauty of the barrier islands through photography, the SCCF award committee selected Sallie’s entry from a series titled, The Courtship of Great Blue Herons.

Brush of Excellence committee chair and SCCF board member Sandy Gross was

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thrilled to present Sallie with the award.

“This year, our prize recipient spoke to 29 middle schoolers at Sanibel School about her work, her process and her relationship with photography accompanied by a video of the entire sequence of her photographs from The Courtship of Great Blue Herons,” said Sandy. “She is inspiring a future gener-

ation of conservationists.”

A self-taught photographer, Sallie started taking photos in 1937 with her father’s box camera that she still owns.

Throughout her lifetime, she has enjoyed various photographic opportunities, including time ashore on the Azores and Madeira Islands, hiking in Europe and Scandinavia,

Self-taught photographer Sallie Rich (Tellidora) chronicled The Courtship of Great Blue Herons in a series of photos captured at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

and a 10-week camping trip in the American West.

Sallie moved to Captiva with her husband in 1988. “To live within minutes of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge has been the gift of a lifetime,” she said. “My wish is that all people will follow their passion to find their own joy as I find mine in looking through the camera lens.”

The true love of Sallie’s photography career has become focused upon the amazing natural beauty and wildlife of Sanibel and Captiva over the past few decades. “I enjoy taking all my pictures, being outside, and living here, so thank you to the SCCF for all the work you do to preserve it for our families and posterity,” said Sallie.

A current resident of Shell Point Retirement Community, Sallie is deeply attached to saving habitat for wildlife. “ We all love it and every single time our family comes back, they don’t want anything to change, so thank you for keeping it so much the same and natural.”

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The Brush of Excellence Continued from page 11

In her 2019 book, The Courtship of Great Blue Herons, she wrote, “Nature provided wilderness for life on Earth. Now, it is for us to resolve to protect and increase what nature has given us.”

Sallie was also presented with an honorarium generously provided by Andrea Koss in memory of her husband Kip, Darling’s grandson and torchbearer.

Prior honorees of the Brush of Excellence include Jaye Boswell, Clyde Butcher, Jim Sprankle and Ikki Matsumoto. Works of art by all five Brush of Excellence artists will be on exhibit Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Bailey home at SCCF’s Bailey Homestead Preserve at 1300 Periwinkle Way through April 2020.

An image from The Courtship of Great Blue Herons

Sallie often teaches photography classes for young shutterbugs, sharing her passion for the natural beauty and wildlife of Southwest Florida with the new generation.

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Winged A

WINNER Three cheers for Liz Noffsinger (The Estuary), who was recently awarded an honorable mention in an amateur photo contest hosted by the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society (DDWS). Her photograph, Waiting for Food, competed with 191 entries representing 20 states – and Switzerland. All photo submissions were taken onsite at the wildlife refuge.

Waiting for Food

by Liz Noffsinger

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NOTES FROM A

Shell Point

BIRDER

BY DOTTY MORRISON (CELLANA)

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Little did I know, when I arrived at Shell Point in 1993 to help my parents move into their Coquina apartment, that the richness of bird life on The Island and the surrounding area would draw me into a 27-year (and counting) quest to see, identify and photograph birds. On that trip, I became a “birder,” which is someone who “birds,” or looks for and identifies avian life.

“You don’t even need to go to Ding Darling,” my mother said during an early visit. “We have every bird you can think of right here at Shell Point.”

In the years since moving here, her words have proven nearly true. The annual Christmas Bird Count, as well as a year of intensive birding on the Shell Point golf course with Iver Brook (Royal Bonnet) and the late Bill Saunders, have documented over 100 species of birds that find their way to our campus. Some come as seasonal

flocks, like the white pelicans and many warblers, while others live as year-round residents, like the white ibis, killdeer and red-bellied woodpeckers.

During my years of teaching public school in Texas, birding happened only during summer vacation trips or return visits to Shell Point. But little by little, I added “lifers,” or birds I was seeing for the first time, to my “lifelist,” which is the record I keep on my computer.

Moving to Shell Point after retirement in 2008, however, expanded the time I had to bird and travel to new locations. My first international birding trip was a visit to Central America and Grand Cayman – a cruise I won in a drawing at Shell Point. The number of new species I was able to see increased my desire to do more travel, and trips to Costa Rica, Switzerland, Israel and Jordan allowed me to see and photograph hundreds of birds

never found in the United States.

A trip in June 2019 to the Downeast coast of Maine not only allowed me to photograph Atlantic puffins up close, but gave me my 1,000th lifer – a boreal chickadee.

My third trip in three years to Ecuador gave me 180 more species, so I’m now on my way to 2,000 lifers.

But birding is more than just a chance to add more and more species to my lifelist, although that is always exciting. It is also about learning from people who know the habits of birds and can identify a bird just by its song. I have had so many mentors who have shared their knowledge unselfishly, so I also try to share what I know with others.

I love it when a neighbor says, “I saw a bird the other day and I wondered what it was.

It was smaller than a robin but had gray and white . . .”

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Dotty captured photographs of this indigo bunting (left) and the pileated woodpecker (right) during her birding forays at Shell Point.

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NOTES FROM A SHELL POINT BIRDER

A cactus finch plunges his specialized beak into cactus flowers for food. 17 different species of finch have been identified since Charles Darwin first visited the Galapagos islands in 1835.

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L-R: A 180-foot tower, located in the Amazon forest, offers 360-degree views of some of South America’s most exotic avian life. Ecuadorian birds: a golden-headed quetzal, a violet-tailed sylph and a scaled fruiteater.

It’s such fun to see the spark of interest begin in someone else. I also have a greater feeling of responsibility to be part of protecting the world entrusted to us by our Creator. My love of birds makes me care deeply about protecting and preserving their habitats both now and for the future.

Take a look around as you walk anywhere at Shell Point. Just think of it — more than 100 species of birds are waiting for you to enjoy.

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BIRDING IN ECUADOR FRIDAY, MARCH 6 The Galapagos Islands, Cloud Forest and the Amazon Join Dotty Morrison in the Grand Cypress Room at The Woodlands on Friday, March 6 at 2 p.m. for a presentation of photographs and videos of Ecuador birds, taken over the last three years. Enjoy hummingbirds and tanagers in their hab-

itat in the Cloud Forest, the famous parrot clay licks of the Amazon River basin, as well as the blue-footed boobies in the Galapagos. Climb a 180-foot tower above the Amazon forest for looks at toucans and woodcreepers from above.

Ecuador is smaller in square miles than the state of Nevada, but is home to over 1,600 species of birds. Come and enjoy the color and variety of Ecuadorian birds as Dotty takes you on her birding journeys.

SIGN UP FOR THIS OVERNIGHT TRIP NOW!

Springs, Sponges and Mermaids

Explore Old Florida in April

B Y A S H L E Y R O B B I N , O F F S I T E P R O G R A M C O O R D I N AT O R

Join your fellow Shell Point residents to jump back in time and discover Old Florida. This overnight adventure will begin on Thursday, April 2 with pick-up times starting at 8:30 a.m. Residents will return on Friday, April 3, at approximately 6 p.m.

Tarpon Springs

First, head straight to Tarpon Springs for an authentic, unique experience where visitors can still hear Greek spoken in the streets and enjoy Greek restaurants, diners, bakeries and sponge markets.

Crystal River

After you get your fill of Tarpon Springs, the bus will head to the Plantation Hotel located on the Crystal River. Each hotel room comes with a gorgeous waterfront view. Dinner has been arranged at the West 82 Grill, located within the hotel, and is included in the trip price.

Following dinner, you will take a sunset cruise on the Crystal River. There are so many wildlife and nature sights to enjoy during this sunset cruise that you might think you traveled back in time to before Florida was inhabited!

Weeki Wachee Springs

On Friday, April 3, wake up to a breakfast buffet with all of the fixings, from grits to oatmeal. You will need this hardy breakfast before your last stop at

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. It is one of Florida’s oldest roadside attractions, founded in 1947. Visitors have been mesmerized by its one-of-a-kind mermaid show ever since!

The 538-acre park features a first-magnitude spring and a 400-seat submerged amphitheater to view the live mermaid show. Also featured is a wildlife presentation that provides audiences with an entertaining, educational look at domesticated birds and reptiles. A river boat tour, offers a great way to spot local flora and fauna in the clear spring water. Plan on spending a half day exploring before heading home to Shell Point.

Reserve Now!

Reservations are required in advance for this trip, and will begin on February 3.

Single occupancy costs $492 per person, and double occupancy is $404 per person.

There will a meeting to go over the itinerary for those who have signed up. Space is limited, so please call Ashley Robbin at (239) 454-2239 to sign up or with any questions about this trip.

Turn back time to the early days of Floridian history and explore the beauty of wild, wonderful Old Florida with stops in Tarpon Springs, Crystal River and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

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Dan Philgreen, SPTV technical advisor and licensed airplane and drone pilot, meets FAA requirements to operate the Shell Point aerial camera for commercial purposes. L-R: Dan Philgreen, Rich Nation, Dave Nixon, and Teddy Byrne

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A Bird’s Eye View Flying camera offers a whole new perspective

U

nmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), popularly called “drones,” are lightweight aircraft that can serve many purposes. While some have been associated with the military, they are also used for search and rescue, surveillance, traffic and weather monitoring, firefighting and aerial photography.

It’s been four years since Shell Point purchased an aerial camera system, which has allowed the Shell Point Television (SPTV) team to bring residents a whole new perspective on their community. The addition of this flying camera provides an economical tool to showcase the unique location and natural beauty of Shell Point, and to tell stories from a bird’s eye view.

The drone is designed as a “quad” copter, named for the four rotors that lift and propel the airborne machine. The aerial camera is navigated remotely through software-controlled flight plans, working in conjunction with the global positioning system, or GPS.

Licensed to Fly The evolution of related technologies has brought huge improvements to the steadiness and maneuverability of the aircraft, camera stabilization and control, and quality of the imagery. “Highly sophisticated integration of these functions into an overall system of spectacular flight performance and stellar photographic capability, all delivered at a surprisingly low price, have launched the dawn of a golden era for aerial photography, and Shell Point is happy to be a part of it!” said Dan Philgreen, SPTV technical advisor, FAA licensed airplane pilot and UAV pilot.

The SPTV aerial camera provides a viewpoint of the 700-acre retirement resort that was not readily possible in the past.

“The smoothness of the camera makes for breathtakingly beautiful video. It has taken the overall quality of our show to new heights,” said SPTV Manager Dave Nixon.

A great example is the Vision 2020 Kickoff Picnic, held in November 2019.

The drone’s high-flying capability allows the SPTV team to capture a bird’s eye view of the crowd at events like the Vision 2020 Kickoff Picnic.

With more than 1,100 residents present, the aerial camera zipped above Serenity Cove on The Island to catch guests waving and giving a big thumbs up to the Larsen Health Center project.

But the aerial camera isn’t just about taking “chamber of commerce” pictures. Aerial photography of building construction, such as Tribby Arts Center, is a project requirement. This was previously a task that could only be accomplished by hiring expensive, full-size helicopters. Transitioning to using the aerial camera meant that the machine more than paid for itself through savings within just a few flights.

To address any concerns regarding personal privacy, the aerial camera in use at Shell Point has no zoom capability; it can only capture wide-angle shots, so it poses little threat to residents’ solitude. “Current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations are focused on public safety and rights. Shell Point uses an abundance of caution to keep our operations within the established parameters on these issues,” said Dave.

For example, commercial use of a drone originally required that the operator be a licensed pilot. “Dan Philgreen has had a pilot’s license for many years, and completed training in full-size airplanes, allowing Shell Point to apply his pilot status to operate an aerial camera for our needs. Then, about a year into our drone program, the FAA came up with a UAV license specifically for commercial drones, which Dan obtained. We have gone to great lengths in our efforts to keep our aerial camera operation compliant with all FAA rules,” said Dave.

While the presence of an aerial camera occasionally flying around may seem a little unusual, residents can be assured that security and confidentiality are paramount.

“Our goal at SPTV is to present Shell Point and its residents in the best way possible,” said Dave.

“Ultimately, having our own aerial capability means we can take advantage of the prettiest days to take golf course beauty shots – or catch big community events as they happen. What a win for Shell Point!”

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“One cannot think well, love well and sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

– Virginia Woolf

Love at First Bite Have you ever been suddenly awakened from a deep sleep in the middle of the night and glanced over at the clock on the nightstand, just to realize its only 2 a.m.? With a slight smile, you’d probably roll over and peacefully fall back asleep.

It’s just the opposite for the Shell Point Resort Dining team! 2 a.m. is when all the action begins as the bakers arrive and turn on the lights, preparing to make that day’s delights. As the early morning hours quickly go by, all nine kitchens start to buzz as fryers, ovens and coffee makers start chirping and chiming in unison.

Each day, the Dining team feeds more than 3,600 mouths – both residents and employees combined. Shell Point’s public restaurants let diners explore many culinary styles and cui20

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sines while serving appetizing farm-totable and sea-to-table dishes made from home-grown, Floridian ingredients.

“Shell Point houses the most talented, loyal and caring dining team I have ever had the privilege of being a part of,” said Director of Dining Paul Tison. “The work that is being done, whether it’s sourcing ingredients, writing recipes, creating the final product or providing excellent service to customers, is delivered with pure love and dedication.”

In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to cook and serve a stranger you may never see again, but it takes true hospitality to come to work every single day and make a difference in the health and longevity of all who work and live at Shell Point and the surrounding community.

Made with Love Are you looking for a special way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? The Resort Dining team has several suggestions for those who want an option that’s close to home, made with love and served with great care.

The Crystal

Banyan Grille

Palm Grill

4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For Valentine’s Day, The Crystal will offer an exclusive buffet experience – no Crystal platters or à la carte menu will be available. You’ll find a soup and salad bar, seasonal vegetables, herb roasted fingerling potatoes, grilled asparagus, stuffed chicken breast, jumbo lump crab cakes, halibut and carved beef tenderloin. Be sure to save room for the gourmet dessert buffet.

Residents may enjoy this Valentine’s Day meal for $26, plus gratuity; non-residents dine for $29, plus gratuity. For reservations, please call The Crystal at (239) 454-2199.

The Banyan Grille team invites you to celebrate the joys of love by enjoying a delicious Valentine’s Day dinner. Selections include your choice of crab cake appetizer or poached pear and brie salad.

Choose from entrées such as Chilean sea bass and prawns, chicken roulade and filet mignon choron. For dessert, try a triple chocolate fondue with berries, pound cake and biscotti.

This meal costs $45, plus gratuity, for residents and their guests; $50, plus gratuity, for non-residents.

Beverages are included. Reservations are required by calling (239) 2252953. Please note that the Banyan Grille will serve lunch from its regular menu from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Following regular lunch service from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Palm Grill will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special dinner starting at 4 p.m., with live music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Entrées include filet mignon, Lamb chops, sea scallops, Salmon picatta, lobster tails and “The Loving Couple,” which is a petite filet mignon and lobster tail.

Prices range between $22 and $30, plus gratuity, and include a sweetheart salad or a Caesar salad. Choose a special holiday dessert.

For reservations, please call (239) 454-2059.

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Resort Dining Team!

Blend

Island Café

Breezeway Café

This welcoming café will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for service from its regular menu.

The Island Café team would love to serve you on Valentine’s Day, any time from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Enjoy a fresh selection from the regular Breezeway Café menu between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m.

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Seeing 20/20 and Staying Focused

BY JON HIGH, MANAGER OF THE ACADEMY OF LIFELONG LEARNING

“There are many things in life that catch your eye, but only a few that capture your heart. Pursue those.”

–Mike Nolan As we continue thinking about our theme of Seeing 20/20 in 2020, I am reminded of how important it is to stay focused and to not become easily distracted.

When I was a coach, helping my athletes maintain their focus while playing was an important part of my job. For some, a simple coaching command of “focus” was all they needed; while others needed more guidance and instruction as to what and where they needed to turn their focus.

See, I believe that focus is a mental skill that can be developed, just like shooting a basketball or any other physical sport action.

An athlete, or someone who is said to be “focused,” is usually characterized by being single-minded and driven towards

the completion of a specific task or goal.

In order to do this, it would require the individual (athlete) to develop the skill of concentration. Concentration is defined as “the action or power of focusing one’s attention or mental effort.” In sports, mental training exercises for skills such as concentration, confidence, and motivation are used to enhance an athlete’s performance and are often attributed as the “key” when describing their ultimate success. Concentration training would include activities such as goal setting, visual imagery, positive self-talk, and how to deal with situational distractions.

These days, distractions seem to be coming at us in all shapes and sizes and bombarding us from every angle. As a result, we often turn our attention to “avoiding the distraction” when we really should keep our focus on the task at hand. For sure, this is easier said than done, but if I were your coach, this is the exact message that I would

be communicating to you.

Sports psychologists categorize distractions as either internal or external. Internal distractions, such as worries, performance anxiety, and fatigue can have a severe negative effect on one’s level of play. Dwelling on poor past performances or allowing doubt to invade one’s attention usually causes a negative result. External distractions are usually visual or auditory in nature; and an athlete’s success may very much hinge on their ability to “block out” these disruptions.

Our challenge then is to learn effective ways to help us maintain our focus and concentrate on the task at hand. Are we allowing fears of the unknown (future) to cause us to lose focus? What about past mistakes? Are we allowing them to limit us from achieving our full potential?

To conclude, staying focused (seeing 20/20) will be a key factor in order for us to move forward with clarity and fulfill our chosen purpose.

WHAT’S NEW IN FEBRUARY ACADEMY ON THE GO

TECHNOLOGY CLINICS

GOOGLE & ANDROID

ECHO GLOBAL FARM

Computer or technology troubles? Head to one of the Academy’s walk-in clinics.

Experienced and trained individuals will be there to help.

Monday Afternoons 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Woodlands Commons Computer Center/WDL Coordinator: Patty Waters

WOODLANDS COMMONS COMPUTER CENTER

GOOGLE & ANDROID

Monday Through Friday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Coordinator: Paul Neighbors

Thursday Mornings 10 a.m. to Noon Island Computer Center/IS Coordinator: Larry Brock

February 6 ECHO gathers solutions from around the world that help solve hunger problems. These solutions promote sustainable farming techniques and improve the nutritional qualities of plants. Plus, don’t miss breakfast at Keke’s Breakfast Café.

NAPLES ZOO February 10 Roam more than 40 acres of animal exhibits and botanical gardens.

National Geography photographer Joel Sartore has artwork featured throughout the zoo. You’ll also enjoy lunch at South Street Grill.

ALL THINGS APPLE (IPAD, IPHONE, MAC) Saturday Afternoons 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Community Room at King’s Crown/IS Coordinator: Penny Modrich

of Lifelong Learning At

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S hell

Poi nt

COFFEE WITH A NEIGHBOR JOHN THORP, DIRECTOR OF CONNECTIONS Monday, February 3 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Grand Cypress Room/WDL John leads the Connected Living team and Shell Point’s memory care program, called Connections. This program is designed to meet the needs of individuals and their caregivers who are concerned about memory impairments.

T3 – TECHNOLOGY FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW IPHOTOGRAPHY BASICS – PART 2 (OF 4) Tuesdays, February 4, 11, 18 & 25 10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Teaching Center/IS Instructor: Bruce Findley Fee: $20

INTRODUCTION TO ANDROID SMARTPHONES AND TABLETS Friday, February 7, 14 & 21 9:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Teaching Center/IS Instructor: Larry Brock Fee: $15

APPLE WATCH: UNDERSTANDING & USING APPS Mondays, February 10, 17 & 24 10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Teaching Center/IS Instructor: Bruce Findley Fee: $15

APPLE IPAD: IPAD 4 Wednesdays, February 12 & 19 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Teaching Center/IS Instructor: Bob Jakubiec Fee: $10

Join Academy On The Go for a trip to explore ECHO Global Farm in North Fort Myers. ECHO (Environmental Concerns for Hunger Organization) exists to reduce hunger and improve the lives of small-scale farmers around the world. Everything they grow and farm is edible.

FOR LOVE OF LEARNING

MATH IN ART, MUSIC AND NATURE (FLL25)

SCHUBERT AND THE ART SONG (FLL21)

Wednesdays, February 12, 19 & 26 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Oak Room/WDL Presenter: Dick Brown Fee: $15 (for supplies)

Thursday, February 6 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Grand Cypress Room/WDL Presenter: Dr. Thomas Cimarusti Fee: $10

SHARKS (FLL22) Friday, February 7 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Grand Cypress Room/WDL Presenter: Cheryl Black

TRADE: A DRIVING FORCE OF HISTORY (FLL23) Monday, February 10 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Grand Cypress Room/WDL Presenter: Prof. Adrian Kerr Fee: $10

THE CENSUS, SHELL POINT AND YOU (FLL24) Tuesday, February 11 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Grand Cypress Room/WDL Presenter: Dr. Melissa Butler

CHURCH HISTORY (FLL26) Thursday, February 13 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Grand Cypress Room/WDL Presenter: Senior Pastor Andrew Hawkins

ACADEMY LUNCH & LEARN: CARIBBEAN ISLANDS I HAVE KNOWN (FLL27) Saturday, February 15 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Banyan Grille Banquet Room/CL Presenter: Prof. Adrian Kerr Fee: $35 (includes lunch)

RAIN: A NATURAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY (FLL28) Monday, February 17 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Grand Cypress Room/WDL Presenter: Cynthia Barnett, author Continued on next page Shell Point Life | February 2020

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ALLIGATOR IN B-FLAT: IMPROBABLE TALES FROM THE FILES OF REAL FLORIDA (FLL35) Saturday, February 22 Grand Cypress Room/WDL Presenter: Jeff Klinkenberg, author

SHAKESPEARE’S ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL (FLL36) Part 1 – Monday, February 24 Film Version, 9 a.m. to Noon Part 2 – Tuesday, February 25 Lecture and Discussion, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Grand Cypress Room/WDL Presenter: Ray Boyce

Join Ray Boyce (Rosemont) in late February for a two-part film review and lecture about William Shakespeare’s All’s Well that Ends Well.

SEEING 20/20 AND STAYING FOCUSED Continued from page 23

HISTORY OF MIDDLE EAST TO PRESENT TIMES (FLL29) Monday, February 17 (continuing for 5 sessions) 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Grand Cypress Room/WDL Presenter: Prof. Adrian Kerr Fee: $10 each

FRAUDS, SCAMS, AND IDENTITY THEFT (FLL30) Tuesday, February 18 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Grand Cypress Room/WDL Presenter: Lee County Sheriff’s Office

INTERMEDIATE BRIDGE – CLASS B (FLL32) Continuing for Five Sessions Wednesday, February 19 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Game Room/WDL Presenter: Steve Linehan Fee: $55

RELATIONSHIP FOUNDATION: AUTHORITY AND SUBMISSION (FLL33) Thursday, February 20 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Grand Cypress Room/WDL Presenter: Pastor Don Pullen

SCORE (FLL31)

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS GEORGIA? (FLL34)

Wednesday, February 19 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Grand Cypress Room/WDL Presenter: Jim Bolinger and Michael Hochschild

Friday, February 21 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Grand Cypress Room/WDL Presenter: David Fetherlin, Speaker at Global Impact Week

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Shell Point Life | February 2020

PADDLE SMART (FLL38) Tuesday, February 25 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Teaching Center/IS Presenters: San Carlos Bay Power Squadron Fee: $15

BEETHOVEN AND THE STRING QUARTET IN C MINOR, OP. 131 (FLL39) Thursday, February 27 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Grand Cypress Room/WDL Presenter: Dr. Thomas Cimarusti Fee: $10

Did You Know…?

2020 is a leap year. Julius Caesar is considered the father of Leap Year. He introduced the idea of adding a day to the calendar every four years – back in 45 BC.

Let’s Talk Heart Health

BY M I C H E L L E TO M P K I N S , W E L L N E SS M A N AG E R

Health and wellness isn’t just about being physically fit and active; it’s also about taking care of your body from the inside out. February is American Heart month and the American Heart Association’s goal is to educate the public about heart disease risks and how to take your health into your own hands to prevent this disease.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. There are many things you can do to prevent it, such as: Do not smoke, reduce stress, increase physical activity and nourish your body with foods that support a healthy lifestyle, to name a few.

Residents are encouraged to learn more about healthy eating through a variety of

nutrition-based Wellness Connection programs offered in February.

Carol Clark, APRN, of the Shell Point Medical Center, will lead a Medical Learning Session on Thursday, February 13 that will highlight some of the popular fad diets on the market today. She will take an in-depth, facts-based look at several of the most wellknown diets, presenting the pros and cons of each, as well as answering your questions.

In celebration of American Heart Month, the Wellness Connection will also welcome presenter Diean Rovenstine, RD, on Tuesday, February 18. She will share tips

about how to incorporate foods into your lifestyle that support heart health during the Heart Healthy Nutrition for Vitality presentation.

Another way to prevent heart disease is to manage diabetes; learn more at www. heart.org. Therapists from Shell Point’s Rehabilitation Center will take a look at diabetes symptoms and how to control the disease through your food choices during Diabetes and Nutrition on Wednesday, February 26. This will be an informative presentation for those who are looking to improve their overall health and manage diabetes.

For more information on these Wellness Connection programs, please see the Happenings section. Stay well!

dents were greeted by many Shell Point employees and their families, along with members of the Fitness team and Shell Point Medical Director Dr. Gary Goforth.

The program began with the honor guard and a pledge of allegiance, which was very moving. Many vendors offered refreshments from a colorful display of tents nearby. Next, heart attack and stroke survivors shared testimonials, followed by acknowledgments from generous donors to the American Heart

Association. Finally, residents and staff gathered around for the traditional Shell Point Cares group photo.

Once it was time for the walk, however, considerable gusts of wind, lightning and rumbling on the horizon caused many walkers to change their minds about doing the long trek down the street, over the bridge and back. Those that still chose to brave the weather did just that, and although they got wet, they accomplished what they set out to do.

A Heart for the Community

BY GINNY MILLER-PLAZA, P R O G R A M C O O R D I N AT O R

This year’s annual Heart Walk started out like many from the past, with weather that was cool and breezy. Weather reports were undecided if it would rain or hold off, but Shell Point Cares participants decided to head out into the crisp air anyway. Shell Point Transportation picked up the eager residents for a pleasant ride to Centennial Park along the lovely royal palm-lined McGregor Boulevard.

Upon arriving at the event, resi-

Shell Point Life | February 2020

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Put A Little

Spring Into Your Style

B Y R O B Y N C H U R C H , S A LO N & S PA M A N AG E R

Are you ready for a change or a refresh of your hairstyle? Why not start this spring season with a little “me” time?

Many can relate to the feeling of comfort that comes from having your hair or nails spruced up. A good, massaging shampoo is absolutely wonderful and can be extremely relaxing. Think of the way your hair feels and moves after a blow-out with amazing products! Looking down to see a fresh coat of beautiful color on manicured nails can easily result in a smile. And it’s Shell Point Salon & Spa’s goal to help you feel relaxed, comfortable and happy with your look.

The beauty industry is constantly changing, which creates new opportunities to try something different. A shift in your style doesn’t have to be extreme. Subtle

changes are just as fun. Perhaps consider how your bangs are styled, the shape of your hairstyle in the back, and the length around your ears.

Permanent waves are very effective in creating volume, something many women are after. A permanent wave does not have to be tiny curls all over your head. Large rods, along with a few other professional tricks, will produce a soft wave and body.

Another change you may be interested in is color. Some women like the way they look in their natural grey or white hair; others, not so much. If you can find the right shade to match your unique skin tone, you’ll look fabulous! Skin tones combined with the wrong hair color may wash out your complexion entirely.

One thing is for sure: Natural grey or white

hair is in style right now! Stylists at Shell Point Salon & Spa are always available to discuss options with you and guide you through a color change, if desired. If you are interested in a consultation, please call and make an appointment so that your stylist will have ample time to spend with you.

After all, a little change goes a long way!

SPECIAL OFFER

Save $5

on a Permanent Wave or Color service that includes a haircut and style.

Expires 2/29/20

Have You Tried Blue Radiance at Seagrape Salon & Spa? Do you have enlarged or clogged pores, rough skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles, mild or moderate sun-damaged skin or unwanted pigmentation? If you answered yes to any of these descriptions, you will love what Obagi’s Blue Radiance Treatment can do for your skin!

Seagrape Salon & Spa offers this treatment, which includes Obagi’s chemical peel followed by a blueberry cooling mask. After the treatment, your skin will feel a little tight and some areas may be slightly more red and sensitive for a day or so. The skin in these areas may flake; this is normal and can be managed with moisturizer. The blue peel targets the top layer of skin, exposing a younger epidermis that is more prone to sun damage and burning. That means it is important to plan your Blue Radiance Treatment when you will not be in direct sun for an extended period of time – sun26

Shell Point Life | February 2020

screen of at least SPF 30 is imperative.

When it comes to the Seagrape’s Blue Peel Radiance Treatment, you’ll find it highly effective at treating rough and dull skin and restoring your natural glow. The blue peel provides instant radiance. After just one session, you will notice a dramatic improvement in your skin’s tone and texture! For optimal results, Seagrape Salon & Spa recommends four to six treatments.

From personal experience, the Blue Radiance Treatment does give an instant glow. I have seen huge improvements in my skin, and I have received valuable feedback from customers who have also been impressed with this treatment and their new Obagi medical homecare products.

Are you ready to reveal beautiful, younger looking skin? Call Seagrape Salon & Spa to schedule your treatment while benefiting from special savings this month.

SPECIAL OFFER

Renew your skin with a

Blue Peel

Radiance Treatment

and receive one FREE Obagi Travel Cleanser and Toner – a $28 value!

While supplies last.

Expires 2/29/20

Painters and Photographers,

Have You Entered Yet? The 2020 Art Show and Sale will be held March 20 and 21. Entry forms are now available at all three concierge desks, and the deadline to enter is February 28.

Be daring! Be creative! Show off your work! This fabulous show is open to all painters and photographers who reside in Shell Point. Don’t miss out on this biennial opportunity to show and sell your artwork to your community and all of Fort Myers.

Space is limited to the first 27 entries received, so enter now!

2020 Shell Point

Photo Contest What an exciting year to be an artist at Shell Point! What has the lens of your camera focused on this year?

Birds or other wildlife? Beautiful landscapes or close-ups of flowers?

Architecture or people? The Photo Club invites you to share those wonderful photographs in the 2020 Shell Point Photo Contest.

Beginning on Monday, February 17, rules and entry information will be available at any concierge desk. Information will include how to submit your completed photograph or make an appointment for help with light editing and other assistance. The final date for entries is Thursday, March 5 at 5 p.m. All entries must be submitted in digital format.

Images must be no more than 2 years old and fall within one of the eight contest categories. Up to five photographs may be submitted, with only one photo allowed per category. For more information, pick up a Photo Contest packet or attend the Photo Club meeting on Wednesday, February 19, at 2:15 p.m. in the Social Center on The Island.

Ready!

Set! Shoot!

2020 Photo Contest Categories 1. Botanical (Close-Up Flowers and Plants) 2. Landscape (Scenery at a Distance) 3. People 4. Still Life 5. Birds

Exciting News!

6. Other Wildlife

The 2020 Shell Point Photo Contest Gala will be held in The Village Church on The Island on Monday, March 23, at 7 p.m. Mark your calendar!

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www.shellpoint.net/events

February LifeQuest Happenings Six Dimensions: Physical • Emotional • Spiritual • Educational • Community & Social • Natural Environment For questions about upcoming events or activities, please contact any concierge desk. Unless otherwise noted, sign-up for each event will begin on the first business day of the month. If you are unable to attend a program that includes a fee, five business days’ notice is required to receive a refund.

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BINGO! WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 2 P.M. THE COVE/CL

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Will you be the first to shout B-I-N-G-O? Who will get to spin the wheel for exciting prizes? Join the Resort Services team for a great afternoon of gaming and fun.

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When you moved to Shell Point, you had the comfort of knowing that your needs will be taken care of now and in the years to come. However, it is easy to forget some of the details regarding your lifecare contract and what is included. All residents are invited to attend this panel presentation for a better understanding of the benefits you are entitled to, 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.

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Shell Point Life | February 2020

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6 6 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M. FRIENDSHIP POINT/IS The Tru Kountry band is back for another Water’s Edge concert comprised of classic country hits! Grab your hats and boots for an evening of toe-tapping, boot-scooting country music. There will be plenty of clapping and singing along with Tru Kountry’s unique blend of traditional and new country hits, southern rock, and old-time rock and roll. Sign-up is not required for this free concert, which is co-sponsored by the Legacy Foundation.

LIFECARE REFRESHER COURSE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6 10 A.M. THE VILLAGE CHURCH/IS

WATER’S EDGE: TRU KOUNTRY

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WALK WITH A DOC FRIDAYS, FEBRUARY 7, 14, 21 & 28 7 A.M. MEDICAL CENTER BUS STOP/IS Lace up your walking shoes and join Shell Point’s physicians in an exhilarating morning walk around The Island.

You will have the opportunity to learn more about the medical staff while getting physically fit together. Water will be provided.

Wellness Connection

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Sign-up required; call a concierge desk: Island: 454-2282, Woodlands: 454-2054, Coastal Links: 225-2900

HEALTHCARE FORUM

Adding variety to your exercise routine and changing things up can result in positive changes to one’s physical and emotional well-being. Learn the latest information and recommendations on the form and function of exercise in this active discussion with Fitness Supervisor Anna Valle. Topics will include the effect of various types of exercise both physically and mentally, important considerations on functional exercise, forms and focus, practical application, safety factors, stretching techniques and options for getting motivated!

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LIVING WELL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 1:15 P.M. OSPREY ROOM/IS Are you Living Well? Whether you’re a health and fitness enthusiast or just beginning your wellness journey,

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VALENTINE TRIVIA WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 2 P.M. THE COVE/CL Join the Resort Services team for a fun game of traditional paper and pen trivia. Come with a team or come by yourself to test your knowledge of the month of February and Valentine’s Day. There will be prizes for the top team!

FITNESS: FORM AND FUNCTION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 10:30 A.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS

Stairs

you are welcome to attend. The goal is to encourage a discussion on topics such as exercise, healthy eating, unique recipes and general wellness. Residents share their own input and ideas to create an active discussion. Every month is different and everyone is sure to leave with a better understanding of how wellness plays a role in daily life.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 1:30 P.M. GRAND CYPRESS ROOM/WDL Representatives from Shell Point’s Healthcare Team will host a forum for Shell Point residents that will share a summary of the many exciting events and changes that took place in 2019. Additionally, the healthcare leadership team will cast a vision for 2020 that will address all areas of service, including future initiatives that will enable the healthcare team to better care for, serve and satisfy residents at Shell Point. The program will be repeated on February 13.

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Walking required

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CENTER FOR GREAT APES AND JAVA CAFÉ BRUNCH THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 8:20 A.M. THE ISLAND 8:30 A.M. THE WOODLANDS 8:40 A.M. COASTAL LINKS 5 P.M. APPROXIMATE RETURN COST: $36 PER PERSON (BREAKFAST ON OWN) LOCATION: WAUCHULA The day will start with breakfast at Java Café in downtown Wauchula. Tucked away in the small rural community in southern central Florida is the Center for Great Apes. A beautiful tropical habitat surrounded by orange groves, the 100-acre sanctuary provides a home for more than 40 great apes that were rescued due to animal testing or from film production companies. For the tour, no food or beverages other than non-colored water bottles are allowed; please wear closed-toed shoes.

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HEALTHCARE FORUM THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 2 P.M. THE VILLAGE CHURCH/IS

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 15501 OLD MCGREGOR BLVD. SUITE 2

Representatives from Shell Point’s Healthcare Team will host a forum for Shell Point residents that will share a summary of the many exciting events and changes that took place in 2019. Additionally, the healthcare leadership team will cast a vision for 2020 that will address all areas of service, including future initiatives that will enable the healthcare team to better care for, serve and satisfy residents at Shell Point.

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Take 50% off storewide as you shop a wide selection of merchandise from furniture and appliances to boutique clothing and an array of home goods. For more information, contact Community Thrift Store at (239) 225-6529.

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MEDICAL LEARNING SESSION: POPULAR DIET FACTS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 11:30 A.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS

COMMUNITY THRIFT STORE VALENTINE’S DAY SALE

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 15501 OLD MCGREGOR BLVD. SUITE 2 Shop a wide selection of merchandise and take 50 percent off any red item! Choose from red coffee machines, tools, sweaters, shoes and purses – and everything red in between.

For more information, contact Community Thrift Store at (239) 225-6529.

EDISON FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 4:05 P.M. THE ISLAND 4:15 P.M. THE WOODLANDS 4:25 P.M. COASTAL LINKS 10:15 P.M. APPROXIMATE RETURN COST: $13 PER PERSON (DINNER ON YOUR OWN) LOCATION: DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS Named the largest night parade in the Southeast year after year, the Grand Parade is a two-hour extravaganza featuring national participants and local marching bands, floats, local government and law enforcement officials, clowns and more. The parade celebrates the life and achievements of one of Fort Myers’ most famous winter residents, Thomas Edison. You will arrive early to find dinner from vendors along the street, then enjoy reserved Shell Point seating along the parade route.

If you’ve been scrolling the internet, watching talk shows and reading magazines, you are likely to have heard about the many trendy diets out there today. Carol Clark, APRN, will educate you about the diets everyone is talking about: Keto, Paleo, Mediterranean and more – so that you’ll have the information you need to make sure you are choosing the healthiest diet for you!

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COMMUNITY THRIFT STORE PRESIDENTS’ DAY SALE

HEART HEALTHY NUTRITION FOR VITALITY WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 10:30 A.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS February is national American Heart Month. Learn how your nutritional choices play a role in your heart health as Diean Rovenstine, RD, shares tips on how to ensure the vitality of the strongest muscle in your body, your heart.

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Shell Point Life | February 2020

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Wellness Connection

Sign-up required; call a concierge desk: Island: 454-2282, Woodlands: 454-2054, Coastal Links: 225-2900

Walking required

Stairs

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MUDBUGS CAJUN KITCHEN DINNER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 4:15 P.M. THE ISLAND 4:25 P.M. THE WOODLANDS 4:35 P.M. COASTAL LINKS 7:45 P.M. APPROXIMATE RETURN COST: $4 PER PERSON (DINNER ON YOUR OWN) LOCATION: SANIBEL ISLAND

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Ready to spice up your evening? Jump on the Shell Point bus to visit Louisiana, right on Sanibel Island.

At MudBugs you can enjoy Cajun and New Orleans cuisine with as little or as much spice as you like. Enjoy favorites like chargrilled oysters or a crawfish crab cake.

Entrées start at $12 .

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SWEET SCOOP PAVILION OPEN HOUSE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20 2 P.M. LARSEN PAVILION/IS Residents are invited for an ice cream social, presentation and tour of the Rehabilitation Center. Enjoy a delicious scoop of Love Boat ice cream while Larsen Pavilion Administrator Rachel Zellers details the range of services and what you can expect during a short-term rehab stay. This is the perfect opportunity to get answers to your rehab and skilled nursing questions before taking a guided tour of the Pavilion. RSVPs are required by calling Jeane at (239) 989-2458.

MASALA MANTRA LUNCH THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20 10:15 A.M. THE ISLAND 10:25 A.M. THE WOODLANDS 10:35 A.M. COASTAL LINK 1:45 P.M. APPROXIMATE RETURN COST: $3 PER PERSON (LUNCH ON YOUR OWN) LOCATION: CAPE CORAL Take your taste buds on a trip, all the way to India! It’s as easy as boarding the Shell Point bus for a voyage to Cape Coral’s first Indian Restaurant. The Masala Mantra’s name reflects the restaurant’s commitment to give each guest an authentic Indian food experience while letting you control your desired level of spice.

There’s even a vegan menu! Entrées start at $14.

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PILL PACKING PARTY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 3 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS Shell Point volunteers are invited to help package medical supplies in advance of the upcoming medical mission trip to Honduras, which is explained in greater detail on page 59. Volunteers will bundle the nearly 200,000 pills that need to be transported by airline to Central America for the trip. Packing the medication in advance significantly reduces shipping costs and benefits the medical mission effort.

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FEBRUARY BEACH DAY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24 8:30 A.M. THE ISLAND 8:45 A.M. THE WOODLANDS 8:55 A.M. COASTAL LINKS 3:30 P.M. APPROXIMATE RETURN COST: $18 PER PERSON (ICE CREAM ON YOUR OWN) LOCATION: DELNOR-WIGGINS STATE PARK PASS

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 5 P.M. BANYAN GRILLE BANQUET ROOM/CL COST: $30 PER PERSON (ALL INCLUSIVE) Join Resort Services for an evening of Fat Tuesday-inspired fun! The Banyan Grille will serve up a New Orleansinspired buffet. Sauces will be provided in such a way that you can control the Cajun spice levels. What would Fat Tuesday be without great music to put you in the festive mood? Nostalgia will be playing old Louisiana tunes that will have you feeling like you’re actually in New Orleans.

Grab your personal beach supplies, skincare products and your chair to join your fellow neighbors for a day at the beach! Shell Point staff will serve beverages and a picnic lunch for you. On the way home, there will be a traditional stop for ice cream at the Royal Scoop!

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DING DARLING MOVIE VIEWING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24 1 P.M. GRAND CYPRESS ROOM/WDL Guests from the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge will present Queen of the Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us? The movie viewing offers an alternative look at the global bee crisis. The film will examine the damaging impact of the disappearance of bees and the unknown world of the beehive.

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Shell Point Life | February 2020

FAT TUESDAY AT THE BANYAN GRILLE

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DIABETES AND NUTRITION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 10:30 A.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS Guests from the Rehabilitation Center at the Larsen Pavilion will take a look at diabetes symptoms and discuss how to control the disease through a variety of pathways including proper nutrition. Staying active and choosing the right foods, at the right times, is of utmost importance to control this disease. This will be an informative presentation for those who are looking to improve their overall health.

Sign-up required; call a concierge desk: Island: 454-2282, Woodlands: 454-2054, Coastal Links: 225-2900

Wellness Connection

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BOB’S TRAIN

FASHION FRIDAYS: RAZZLE DAZZLE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 SEVERAL LUNCH SEATING TIMES AVAILABLE. CALL TO RESERVE YOUR TABLE. BANYAN GRILLE/CL Tea room modeling is coming to the Banyan Grille!

Unlike a formal fashion show with narration, this will be a casual presentation featuring the latest fashion trends

Fashion

Stairs

from Razzle Dazzle, a local clothing store. Resident models include Eunice Murray (Oakmont), Marilyn Horvath (Eagles Preserve) and Debbie Melchi (Periwinkle), who will be joined by Christy Skinner, Vice President of Healthcare. Purchase lunch from the regular Banyan Grille menu, and see what pieces are must-haves for your wardrobe! A few lucky ladies will go home with a special door prize. Reservations are required by calling the Banyan Grille at (239) 454-2953.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 10:40 A.M. THE ISLAND 10:50 A.M. THE WOODLANDS 11 A.M. COASTAL LINKS 5:30 APPROXIMATE RETURN COST: $33 PER PERSON (ALL INCLUSIVE) LOCATION: SARASOTA Meet Bob, the owner, operator and chef of Bob’s Train – a Sarasota restaurant that is covered in circus memorabilia. It is made up of four train cars that once transported circus performers and equipment. Bob will cook residents a special three-course meal in the converted and restored train cars, followed by a short presentation!

Bob is the only individual in the world who owns train cars like these, and has detailed knowledge both about circus and Sarasota history.

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Walking required

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TWINS VS. RED SOX SPRING TRAINING GAME FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 11:30 A.M. THE ISLAND 11:40 A.M. THE WOODLANDS 11:50 A.M. COASTAL LINKS 5 P.M. APPROXIMATE RETURN COST: $30 (LUNCH ON YOUR OWN) LOCATION: FORT MYERS Hey, batter batter! Take a trip to CenturyLink Stadium to watch the Red Sox take on the Twins for a fun-filled spring training game, right here in Fort Myers. Take advantage of your favorite teams playing right in your backyard and against each other. Enjoy shaded stadium seating and food from the concession stand.

Tickets are limited, so make sure to reserve your seat!

Fridays

THE BANYAN GRILLE COMBINES FRIENDS, FOOD AND FUN WITH FABULOUS FASHION!

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tips for healthy living. Participants will also be asked to share their experiences with the group. This presentation requires no reservations and there is no cost to attend. The final event of the month will be a 30-minute session of chair yoga with Fitness Supervisor Anna Valle. There is no cost for this event and reservations are not required, but you’ll feel the benefits in your body and mind. For additional information about any of the four February events, contact Healthy Living Coordinator Alice DiFalco at (239) 433-7939.

Support Groups ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

THURSDAYS, FEBRUARY 6, 13, 20 & 27 4:30 P.M. SABAL ROOM/WDL 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.

CAREFREE CONNECTIONS

THURSDAYS FEB. 6 • 10 A.M. • SERENITY COVE/IS FEB. 13 • 2:45 P.M. • SUZY Q BOAT DOCK/IS FEB. 20 • 1 P.M. • GRAND CYPRESS ROOM/WDL FEB. 27 • 10:45 A.M. • FITNESS CENTER/IS Carefree Connections offers caregivers and care partners with dementia an opportunity to build authentic friendships while promoting a culture of wellness, community involvement and a positive life experience for couples. To foster easy participation, outings take place four times per month. For the first event, meet up at the shuffleboard courts at Serenity Cove for fun in the sun! There is no cost for this event and reservations are not required; please bring your beverages and sunscreen. The second event is a Valentine’s Day inspired sweetheart’s event that will include a scenic tour on the Suzy Q, followed by dinner at The Crystal! Meet at the Suzy Q boat dock at 2:45 p.m. to depart at 3 p.m. Head to The Crystal upon your return for dinner at 5 p.m. Reservations are required for this event, and the cost of this sweetheart’s event is $5 per resident for the boat ride, in addition to covering your meals at The Crystal. The third event is an interactive, educational presentation that will share

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Shell Point Life | February 2020

CAREGIVER SUPPORT

TUESDAYS, FEBRUARY 4 & 18 9:15 A.M. 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 that resident is cared for in independent living, assisted living or skilled nursing. Sign-up is required.

Dr. Nancy Spencer facilitates the groups and may be reached at (239) 454-2043.

COPD SUPPORT This group meets quarterly, and the next meeting will be held in April. The objective of this group is to provide information and foster discussions relevant to individuals with a range of breathing problems as well as those dependent on supplemental oxygen. Call Ken Peterson for further information at (239) 482-3779.

DIABETES SUPPORT

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 1 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS Both insulin- and noninsulin-dependent diabetics are encouraged to attend this monthly meeting, which covers a different topic and includes open discussion. This month, help Shell Point welcome a guest speaker from Quantum Medical Supply Company, Joe Reyes, to discuss diabetic shoes. For more information, contact Healthy Living Coordinator Vivian Ciulla at (239) 225-2929.

GRIEFSHARE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 13, 20 & 27 1:30 P.M. TO 3 P.M. SABAL ROOM/WDL This is a 13-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! Call group leaders Jim and Judy Mayer (Junonia) for additional information at (239) 454-3139.

Continued

HEARING ENRICHMENT

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 • 1:15 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS Poor hearing can affect many aspects of one’s life. This group seeks to help residents cope with hearing loss, share information, learn about services and products that may help, and offer support to each other. This is a great opportunity to try out the assisted listening devices available in the Social Center.

For more information, call Healthy Living Coordinator Robert Torres at (239) 433-7975.

VISION ENRICHMENT

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 • 2:15 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS This group provides educational opportunities and support for individuals dealing with low vision. Monthly meetings may include learning new techniques, exploring low vision aids or finding out more about the conditions that cause low vision among mature adults. For additional information, contact Healthy Living Coordinator Katy Quinones at (239) 454-2101.

HEART HEALTHY

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3 • 10 A.M. MANATEE ROOM/IS Come and join the Heart Healthy group where registered dietician Laura Norris will discuss heart health and nutrition. She will share useful information and answer questions from group attendees. For more information, please contact Healthy Living Coordinator Nola Mokeyane at (239) 454-7976.

MEMORY CARE

TUESDAYS, FEBRUARY 4 & 18 • 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. Please note that individual assessment is required before joining a group; individual appointments are also available. Kathy Fratrick, LCSW, facilitates the groups and may be reached at (239) 454-2073.

PARKINSON’S ENRICHMENT

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 • 10:15 A.M. KING’S CROWN COMMUNITY ROOM/IS The objective of this group is to provide support and educational opportunities to those affected by Parkinson’s disease, such as a patient, caregiver, family member or friend. Meetings include speakers, group discussions and emotional support. For more information, call Janine Hammond, director of healthy living coordination, at (239) 454-2186.

SELF-CARE

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 • 2:30 P.M. OAK ROOM/WDL Stress is experienced by everyone, although it can get increasingly difficult to cope. This wellness-focused group aims to provide support for individuals experiencing stress, through educational opportunities and discussion with peers who are experiencing similar emotions and situations. Discussion of various topics includes recognizing the signs of stress, the effects of stress on the individual and promoting effective ways to reduce and manage stress. For more information, call Healthy Living Coordinator Channelle Bastardo at (239) 433-7974.

The Village Church Hosts Spring Food Drive As the season marches forward, shelves at the South Fort Myers Food Pantry become depleted and the number of clients increases. Help stock the shelves and feed more of your Southwest Florida neighbors by participating in The Village Church’s sponsored food drive from Sunday, February 2 through Sunday, February 9.

There is a great need for canned meats such as tuna, roast beef and chicken, as well as protein-packed soups, peanut butter and jelly, as well as reusable grocery bags. Won’t you consider donating one item (or many!) to this food drive?

If you prefer, monetary donations may be made payable to the South Fort Myers Food Pantry and returned to the church through campus mail.

The Village Church and Shell Point residents have had the opportunity to partner with the South Fort Myers Food Pantry since 2008. Each of you is a blessing to your Southwest Florida neighbors, and your care and concern is evident many times over to the clients at the food pantry.

FOOD DRIVE COLLECTION BOX LOCATIONS • The Village Church • Island Commons • Woodlands Commons • Mail Rooms at Lakewood, Oakmont, Parkwood and Rosemont • Fitness Center at Eagles Preserve • Golf Pro Shop at Coastal Commons • The Cove at The Estuary

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2019 H O S T E D BY

2020

What Is It and How It Can Improve Healthcare 2019

Julie A. Johnson, Pharm D. Dean and Distinguished Professor University of Florida College of Pharmacy Tuesday, February 4, at 7 p.m.

The Legacy Foundation, in conjunction with the Shell Point Wellness Connection, is pleased to welcome Julie A. Johnson, Pharm.D., as the third speaker in the 2020 Medical Breakthroughs & Discoveries Series. The educational healthcare speaker series is designed to share updates from prominent local and national experts about the latest advances in medical research and healthcare practice.

During this presentation, Julie will discuss the advances in medicine that are taking into account individual factors, especially genetics, in making decisions about a person’s healthcare. She will also address these advances, especially as they relate to helping select the right medications for individuals based on their genetics.

Meet the Expert

Julie serves as dean of the University of Florida’s College of Pharmacy and is a distinguished professor of pharmacy and medicine. She received her bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the Ohio State University, and her Pharm.D. from the University of Texas at Austin and the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas.

She completed a post-doctoral fellowship in cardiovascular pharmacology and pharmacokinetics from Ohio State University.

Her research focuses on cardiovascular pharmacogenomics and genomic medicine implementation. She is an internationally recognized leader in pharmacogenomics and genomic medicine, with more than 290 peer-reviewed publications and nearly

$45 million in research funding as principal investigator. In 2015, 2016 and 2017, she was named as a Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Scientist in Pharmacology and Toxicology, and in the Cross Discipline category in 2018, indicating that Johnson is in the top 1% of the most highly cited scientists in the field globally.

Julie has served on the Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee of the FDA, the XNDA Study Section at National Institutes of Health (NIH), and in numerous scientific capacities with NIH’s National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). She has held leadership roles in the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP), the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Society of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (ASCPT), for which she completed her term as president in 2017.

All Medical Breakthroughs & Discoveries presentations are free and open to the public; however, sign-up is required.

Shell Point residents may contact the Legacy Foundation office at (239) 4668484, and the general public may call the event line at (239) 433-7936.

2019

Sponsored in part by: UBS Financial Services Inc. Genesis Wealth Management

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Shell Point Life | February 2020

2

LOVE Is in the

AIR

American poet Maya Angelou once wrote, “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”

Those words couldn’t be more true for the seven couples featured in this month’s issue. While each couple’s story is unique and special to them, there is a common thread that runs through each – and that is their enduring love for one another. Grab the tissues and get ready to enjoy this short collection of love stories.

Teri and Karen Hall

LOVE Is in the

AIR

A 47-Year Wait for a Second Date

When 91-year-old Charles Shepson (Sundial) first met his 93-year-old wife Colleen in Bible college, he was smitten and asked her out immediately. She accepted. But when he asked for a second date, she turned him down. He had to wait 47 years to learn why.

“All those years I wished I knew what I did wrong or what I said wrong,” Charles said, “but there was no explanation. Just a gracious turndown.”

Charles reluctantly moved on, four years later marrying another woman with whom he raised two boys. Forty years later, his first wife was diagnosed with breast cancer which the couple battled together for eight years before it took her life.

Charles continued to pastor several churches in the United States and Canada, eventually accepting an invitation to preach a week of meetings in the tiny town of Ellisburg, New York. “I had never heard of Ellisburg,” Charles said. “But when I found it on the map, I realized I would be

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lier. “I turned him down because I liked him,” Colleen said with a wide smile.

“I was called to be a missionary and he was called to be a minister. I didn’t want anything to come between me and God and what God had asked me to do, so I felt I couldn’t date Charles.

But now that I was retired, I was happy to date him.”

Their courtship felt like no time had passed at all and six months later they happily married. Now, 23 years later, the couple hold hands and gaze at each other like newlyweds. “It was all so natural,” Colleen says. “Our mutual love for the Lord, pastoral teaching and missions made us an easy fit.”

driving within four miles of the town where I remembered Colleen lived.”

Charles wrote her a letter and invited her to lunch but never received a response.

Disheartened, he called his son Brian, a missionary in South America, to get his advice. Bryan explained Colleen was a retired missionary and was probably away on a speaking engagement. More time passed.

Still no response.

Then one day while preparing to go to church, he picked up a Bible he didn’t usually carry with him and when it fell open, there was the letter. “It had never been mailed,” Charles admitted sheepishly. “That’s why she hadn’t answered me.”

He immediately contacted Colleen, confessing his mistake. She eagerly accepted his lunch invitation and 47 years after their first date, they finally had that second date.

As the couple continued dating, one night over dinner Colleen finally explained why she never accepted that second date 47 years ear-

It All Began in the Tunnel of Love

Census figures show that only 0.01% of marriages last 70 years – but Ray and Doris Nandal (The Arbor) qualify. They claim at least partial credit goes to a Tunnel of Love and a one-room Sunday School house.

Ray left high school in his junior year to join the Navy during World War II. After

returning home in 1947, he went back to high school to earn his diploma. Then just before graduation, on a senior class bus trip to Washington, DC, Ray met Doris. When he learned one of their stops would be an amusement park with a Tunnel of Love ride, on a lark he asked Doris to accompany him on the ride.

“When we got on the ride, we learned it was basically for newlyweds and we had just met on the bus. It wasn’t even a date,” Ray explained. “But we laughed about it, had a good time and decided we would go out again.”

After final exams, Ray invited Doris to play hooky with him and take the trolley to Atlantic City to walk on the boardwalk. Doris was worried because they weren’t allowed to leave the campus without permission. Ray insisted, urging Doris to “live a little.”

The day ended up a rousing success.

“She was attractive and didn’t try to impress me in any particular way. She was just fun to be with,” Ray remembered.

Two years later they wed in a simple ceremony in a one-room Sunday School house Doris had attended her whole life, directly across the street from her home. “It was the only wedding ever held in that little room,” Doris smiled. “The marriage lasted, so we must have done something right.”

The couple began building a life together and wanted to buy a home.

However, they had no money for the down payment. Their solution?

Build their own house.

Doris explained, “Ray’s brother went to an auction and bought a box of old books. One of them described how to build your dream home for $2,500. It had all the step-by-step directions for how to do it, so I said, ‘Let’s try it.’”

“We worked side-by-side,” Ray said. “We’d both be up on the roof with Doris handing me shingles.

It cemented our marriage and we both felt really good about it.”

Doris agreed. “We’ve always worked hard at building a strong marriage. But, in the end, it doesn’t matter who you know, what you do or how much you have. It’s who you have beside you. And I’ve had this wonderful man beside me for 70 years. Our life has been a wonderful adventure and I’m looking

forward to all the future adventures that will be coming our way.”

It Only Took One Dance

When Fuzz Farrell (Eagles Preserve) and a bunch of his buddies from Pottstown, New York, returned home from the army after the war, they heard about a dance at the Amvets Post 282. Fuzz suggested they go to celebrate their return home.

Fuzz spotted Nancy right away across the room and asked her to dance, a scene played in hundreds of towns across America after the war. What happened next was not typical. “While we were dancing, I said to her, ‘Would you want to marry me?’ Fuzz said.

Nancy laughed. She explained that she had just graduated from high school that spring and, besides, she already had a boyfriend who was serving in the Air Force.

Fuzz didn’t give up and finally snagged her phone number. “I called her the next morning at 7 a.m.” Fuzz said, “and asked, ‘Well, are you going to marry me or not?’

Nancy reminded him again that she already had a boyfriend but Fuzz, undeterred, asked her out to a movie. “What’s the big deal? It’s a movie with a friend,” he argued. She accepted.

“He was funny and made me laugh,”

Nancy remembered. “It was just a fun night.

We continued to do things together as just ‘friends.’ And two years later, we married.”

Right away they committed themselves to common goals. For example, early in their marriage each of them was making $50 a week. They decided to live on Fuzz’s wages and save Nancy’s for a house. When they had saved $350, they found a piece of land they wanted to build on. But the farmer who owned it wanted $3,500. Fuzz told him, “If you will sell us this land for $350, in one year we’ll pay the rest.”

“I had a part-time job pumping gas at a local station and driving trucks,” Fuzz says.

“I came home one night and told Nancy the owners of the service station where I worked wanted to sell the business to me.”

Nancy said to him, “You don’t own one screwdriver! How are you going to run a service station?”

Nevertheless, they bought the station with the money they had saved to build a house. Fuzz went to school to learn how to service cars, and four years later they finally had money to build their house. It was under roof in nine days.

“It was exciting,” Nancy said. “It was a goal we had had for ten years and we finally had the money to do it. Over the years, we’ve always had shared goals. We trusted each other. We worked hard and worked together. Always together.”

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LOVE Is in the

AIR

He Claims She Spoke a Different Language

New Jersey boy Peter Nanfelt (Tellidora) chose to go to Nyack College to prepare for the pastorate. Jerry Nanfelt lived 500 miles away in North Carolina, but also chose Nyack because she wanted to be a missionary and that’s where Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) missionaries trained.

During the first week of Peter’s sophomore year, he was assigned to host a group of freshmen for a tour of various faculty members’ homes. Peter immediately singled out “this extraordinary lady from North Carolina whom I could hardly understand.”

“I spoke a different language…the perfect language, by the way,” Jerry grinned through her soft-spoken southern accent.

Two weeks later they had their first date.

On their second date, he invited her to take a short car trip with him and another couple to his New Jersey home. On their way home, he asked if he could hold her hand and said, quite unexpectedly, “I know you may not feel this way, but I’m sure you are the person I’m going to marry.”

Three years later, the couple married.

Their first assignment was to start a small church in western North Carolina. It was a standard C&MA assignment to give new pastors and missionaries some stateside practice with a church start-up before heading overseas.

Two years later, after the birth of their first child, they left for Indonesia on a freighter. It tok them two months to reach their destination. “We had our second child during language school, so during our first term we lived in the jungle with two preschoolers,” Jerry said. “We had no electricity and no running water. It was exciting.”

“We had a wonderful time,” Peter added with a smile. They served in Indonesia for 18 years.

In 1979 the couple returned to C&MA’s 40

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stateside headquarters in New York where Peter worked as the regional director for 350 C&MA missionaries deployed in East Asia, while Jerry worked nearby at the college.

When the C&MA moved its headquarters to Colorado 12 years later, the couple followed. Shortly thereafter, Peter was made responsible for all missionaries in Asia, then later all C&MA missionaries worldwide.

In the course of their missionary career, the Nanfelts traveled all over the world.

“Peter eventually became president of the C&MA denomination in the US,” Jerry said. “We shared a lot of remarkable experiences along the way.”

Peter added, “When you first get married, I don’t think you realize all your spouse’s qualities that you later come to appreciate. We dated for three years, but since marrying my bride, I’ve come to recognize many more of Jerry’s exceptional qualities, in addition to being quite beautiful.”

“It also helps to have shared goals,” Jerry added. “We both had a calling from God to serve people. Everybody knows marriages are not perfect and you go through tough times. But we have loved each other and loved God. And together, those goals gave us a happy life.”

He Fell for the Lawyer Who Wrote Limericks

Deeply committed to their careers, neither Renée Chastant nor Steve Canton

(Harbor Court) ever planned to marry.

Then, a water quality hearing changed their minds.

Steve, an aquatic biologist, was often called as an expert witness at water quality hearings. Renée was a water rights attorney.

Steve was asked to testify at a hearing in Colorado over proposed new quality standards for local wetlands. The night before the hearing, the principals involved were invited to a meeting to prepare their strategy, although this is the first time Steve was part of the team.

Steve noticed Renée when she first walked into the room, but was particularly intrigued when she began taking notes.

“Her notes were in limerick form,” he said, “correctly using technical terms like cryptosporidium and ceriodaphnia, and even including people’s names. Impressive.”

Fast forward to April 1993, to the opening of baseball season. Steve had also noticed Renée seemed as interested in baseball as he was. He invited her to a game between the newly-minted Colorado Rockies and the Montreal Expos. She agreed – if they could go Dutch and if she met him at the game. She would buy the tickets and he would buy the food.

Unfortunately, 80,000 other people also wanted to go to the game. “The only tickets that were left at that point were the dollar seats way out in centerfield-nowhere-land,” Renée grinned.

Nevertheless, the date went fine and Steve asked her out again. She said no. “He kept asking and wouldn’t go away,” she said, “so, I finally agreed. I told him, ‘All I do is

work and sports and you don’t do sports like I do, so this is absolutely our last date.’”

But Steve refused to go away, even after their “last date.” Renée relented when Steve agreed to build a carport for the old mountain hunting lodge where she lived.

In fact, Steve was ready to get married but Renée still wasn’t convinced. Renée’s boss, an old friend, told Steve, “If you take her to France, she’ll probably marry you.”

He was right. Steve asked, and Renée said yes – but there was one small hitch: She wanted to keep her name. “I’m from an old New Orleans family that’s lived there for 300 years and I like the name Renée Chastant,” she explained.

“No problem,” Steve told her. “Do you mind if I keep mine?” Problem solved.

They were married in her home by a retired judge on the day of a major snowfall. No one could get up the road to their house. So the judge and two friends walked a quarter mile through deep snow from the nearest paved road! And then the couple went to France.

This April, they will have been married for 25 years. “We’re very devoted and respectful toward each other,” Renée said.

“Even though we have our separate interests, we’d rather be with each other than with anyone else.”

Steve added, “We enjoy each other so much. We’re just best friends.”

An Unexpected Second Chance at Love

Florida. How would you like to find a condo and live there? We need an office manager there.’ Synchronicity happens in life and this was one of those times. I wanted to get out of Buffalo and away from all the snow. They paid for my move and I found a condo. It was great! When I got to Florida I never wanted to leave.”

In another act of serendipity, after Bill

retired to Florida one of his buddies mentioned to Bill that a former carpool colleague, Maxine, lived in Florida and he should ask her out. “We met for drinks,” Bill said. “We had such a good time we stayed for dinner.”

“I think maybe one of the reasons Continued on next page

Bill Brooks (Eagles Preserve) spent 29 years as a public relations executive in New York, enjoying every minute of it. But when his first wife Eileen died in 1985, it rocked his world. “The next year was tough,” Bill admitted. “In 1986, I decided I’d had it. I left New York and moved to Florida.”

Meanwhile, Maxine Brooks worked for a law firm until 1986 in Buffalo, New York, as office manager. She learned her firm was opening a new office in Fort Lauderdale and needed an office manager.

“I’ll never forget,” Maxine said. “I was in an elevator around Christmas time and one of the attorneys got in the elevator and said, ‘I hear you’re going on vacation to Shell Point Life | February 2020

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LOVE Is in the

AIR

we hit it off was that we were both from ‘away,’” Maxine added. “We just clicked.”

In 1988, they married. Bill admits it was a difficult decision to commit to another marriage—not because he didn’t love Maxine, but because losing his first wife had so devastated him. “I was hesitant about going through that again. But one night we met for dinner, and I surprised her and got down on one knee in a restaurant and asked her to marry me.”

Their mutual love of travel set the tone for their 31 years together. “We’ve been on 19 cruises. We’ve been everywhere,” Bill said. “We went to Tahiti, across the Atlantic, to Rome and Greece, to the Baltics. It’s been fun.”

Since moving to Shell Point, Bill has enjoyed watching his wife thrive as an artist. “Max is really good. She works in oils, watercolors, acrylics and collage. It’s wonderful to watch her work and sometimes even to help her.”

Maxine, on the other hand, loves Bill’s affirming, upbeat personality. “He’s a happy guy who’s always smiling. I think that’s what attracted me to him. We get along very well.”

“I love her,” Bill added. “That’s the main thing. I love her.”

A Blind Date and an Instant Connection

It all began when Karen Hall (Nautilus) needed to find a date for her all-female nursing school’s annual Florence Nightingale banquet. Her roommate remembered a friend from back home in Pennsylvania who was then attending a nearby college affiliated with the nursing school. Karen wrote him a letter, inviting him to be her date.

When the invitation arrived, Terry was intrigued. “We had a book on campus that had pictures of all the students at our college and the nursing school. I looked up her 42

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picture and accepted the invitation.”

“We hit it off right away,” Karen said.

“We knew almost right from the beginning that this might be it.”

The couple didn’t marry for nearly four years because Karen’s dad wanted her to finish school first. They married the week she graduated. “I didn’t have a chance to get nervous on my wedding day,” Terry remembered. “I was a wedding photographer in college, and the day of our wedding I had two other weddings to photograph first.”

The couple moved to Dallas where Terry attended Dallas Theological Seminary, after which he pastored a church and later became a professor at Moody Bible Institute. He began teaching seminars around the country on weekends about how to study the Bible, the big picture of the Bible and creative teaching methods. They became so popular he left Moody to devote full-time to the endeavor.

Working on his own, the couple now needed health insurance. Terry explored jobs that would offer them health insurance, but also give him the flexibility to continue the teaching seminars. He soon became a flight attendant for United Airlines.

“It was a wonderful new career,” Terry recalled. “We were going to Asia, Europe and South America. Some people have to wait for retirement to travel. We didn’t. We

also became experts at playing the standby game. Because I worked for the airlines, we could fly free if we flew standby. That could be quite an adventure all by itself.”

They both especially remember their 40th wedding anniversary. “We decided we wanted to do something special and take a trip a month for a full year,” Terry said.

“We ended up taking 14 trips that year— the highlight of which was nearly a month spent in New Zealand.”

For their New Zealand flight, there were 36 standby people ahead of them on the list. They assumed there was no way they would get on the flight. When the announcement came that the plane was full, all the other standbys left. Terry and Karen waited. Someone failed to show up at the last minute and they got a free ride all the way to New Zealand.

“We were really fortunate to do so much travel during our marriage,” Karen added. “I remember two six-week trips we took—one to Asia and one to Europe— with the military chaplains. It was one of the highlights of our marriage.”

“Karen is my best friend,” said Terry.

“Even after 55 years, we still enjoy hanging out together, whether it’s going to the store, playing Rummikub or walking The Island at Shell Point. It’s been quite an adventure.

And it still is.”

We Want To Hear From You

BY JORDAN MEISER, RESIDENT ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Last year, Shell Point partnered with an independent research firm named Holleran to conduct an online survey for independent living residents. The response rate was excellent at 71.4%, with a satisfaction score of 90% and an engagement score of 4.0 on an 8.0 scale (50%).

With residents’ feedback, opportunities for improvement were noted.

Resident work groups formed to address opportunities concerning housekeeping and work orders, purpose and communication. Shell Point is grateful to the residents who have participated in the work groups over the past several months. Many of these recommendations have already been implemented.

This year, Shell Point will once again conduct an online survey of independent living residents, from Monday, March 2 to

Friday, March 13. You can access the survey at www.shellpoint.net/survey. It should take no longer than 20 minutes.

The online survey may be accessed from any computer or device with an internet connection, including personal or community computers, tablets and iPads. Should you desire assistance as you

Soul Sisters Our Family, Our Friends, Our Neighbors, and Our Relationships with Our Lord

“Women and Their Relationships” is the theme for an upcoming, four-week Ladies Bible Study at The Village Church, which will take place at 9:30 a.m. on four consecutive Wednesdays, beginning on February 26. Several different dynamics will be explored.

Come and share in this new opportunity with the Women’s Connections. All ladies are welcome. Sign-up will take place on Sunday mornings, February 2, 9 and 16, as well as Monday through Friday at the Village Church Office. The church office may be reached by phone at (239) 454-2147.

complete this survey, the Island and Woodlands Commons Computer Centers are available for your use Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Resident volunteers will be on hand to help.

All responses collected will be kept strictly confidential and anonymous. No one from Shell Point will see your completed survey; instead, all information will be sent to Holleran for processing. The data will be compiled into a summary report for Shell Point that protects confidentiality and preserves anonymity of respondents.

Once the survey period is complete, the data report from Holleran will be reviewed

by Shell Point and presented to residents.

As with last year, action plans will then be formulated.

Thank you in advance for your participation in this important effort!

Ladies Spring Bible Study Week 1 — Wednesday, February 26, at 9:30 a.m.

Speakers: Janet Schappell and Joan Watson Topic: Our Family – Biological and Church Week 2 — Wednesday, March 4, at 9:30 a.m.

Speakers: Carol Clark, APRN and Sue Stranahan Topic: Our Friends Week 3 — Wednesday, March 11, at 9:30 a.m.

Speaker: Sunny Torres, Director of Spiritual Services Topic: Our Neighbors Week 4 — Wednesday, March 18, at 9:30 a.m.

Panel Speakers: Bobbi Crumpton, Carolyn Erbst, Dona Farrell and Mary Ann Maguire Topic: Our Relationship with Our Lord

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Introducing the 2020 Residents’ Council The Shell Point Residents’ Council is comprised of a dedicated group of residents who serve on a volunteer basis to represent the interests and needs of their fellow residents.

The council consists of one representative for each court, and serves as the residents’ governing body to act on sponsorship of proposed programs, such as fundraisers like the United Way Campaign, Bakeless Bake Sale, Library Fund Drive, School Supply Drive and Employee Christmas Gift Fund. Each court representative also serves as the court contact in the event of evacuation to the Shell Point hurricane shelter.

The Residents’ Council holds reg-

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ular monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of every month, with the exception of no meetings during the months of July and August. While only the acting court representative has the power to discuss and vote on issues, all Shell Point residents are welcome to attend and hear the issues presented by court representatives.

Executive management staff from Shell Point is also present at these meetings to provide information and respond to residents. Occasionally, staff from various departments are invited by the council to attend and present informative updates about ongoing Shell Point activities.

Shell Point is pleased to introduce the newly elected 2020 Residents’ Council, and expresses its gratitude for their volunteer service in these important positions.

STANDING L-R: Ann Erickson (Lucina), Jerry Palmquist (Coquina), Joan Lee (Harbor Court), Christl Smith (The Estuary), George Waters (Palm Acres), Karen Riecks (Eagles Preserve), John Bendall (Coquina), Larry McBee (Periwinkle), JIm Rudolph (Sundial), Don Sloan (Tellidora), Carol Ann Ormes (Parkwood), Rick Marton (Turban), Don Adams (Junonia), Lynn Castellano (Sand Dollar), Jerry Murray (Oakmont), Jane Haines (The Springs), and Liz Schilling (Rosemont) SEATED L-R: Ed Thomson (Lucina), Harold Roth (Royal Bonnet), Jean Gilman (The Arbor), Vicki Waterstradt (Cellana), Wayne Robbins (Nautilus), and Steve Baluch (Cameo)

2020 Court Representatives: The Arbor...................... Jean Gilman Cameo............................. Steve Baluch Cellana............................ Vicki Waterstradt Coquina.......................... John Bendall Eagles Preserve.......... Karen Riecks The Estuary................... Christl Smith Harbor Court................ Joan Lee Junonia........................... Don Adams King’s Crown................ Melvin Bleiberg Lakewood...................... Barry Solomon Larsen Pavilion............ Ann Erickson Lucina.............................. Ed Thomson Macoma.......................... David King

Nautilus.......................... Wayne Robbins Oakmont........................ Jerry Murray Palm Acres.................... George Waters Parkwood....................... Carol Ann Ormes Periwinkle...................... Larry McBee Rosemont...................... Janet Medina Royal Bonnet................ Harold Roth Sand Dollar................... Lynne Castellano The Springs................... Jane Haines Sundial............................ Jim Rudolph Tellidora......................... Don Sloan Turban............................. Rick Marton

2020 Officers: Chairman Jim Rudolph Vice Chairman George Waters Corresponding Sec John Bendall Recording Secretary Liz Schilling Council Chaplain Rev. Jerry Palmquist

2020 Residents’ Council Meeting Dates As you schedule your calendar for monthly activities, you may want to attend one of these meetings to observe this group in action. It presents a wonderful opportunity to learn about ongoing initiatives at Shell Point, along with issues and concerns among your fellow residents.

February 5......... 8:45 a.m.......Social Center/IS March 4............... 8:45 a.m.......Social Center/IS April 1..................9 a.m.............Grand Cypress Rm/WDL May 6...................8:45 a.m.......Social Center/IS

June 3........................ 8:45 a.m....... Social Center/IS September 2........... 8:45 a.m....... Social Center/IS October 7................ 9 a.m.............. Grand Cypress Rm/WDL November 4............ 8:45 a.m....... Social Center/IS December 2............ 8:45 a.m....... Social Center/IS

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Dick Brown (Parkwood) and his family generously provided a commemorative naming gift for the Connie Brown Hall, Tribby Arts Center’s versatile theatre and concert hall, in honor of Dick’s late wife.

TRIB NOTES

What’s New with Tribby Arts Center Many of us have been watching in wonder as Tribby Arts Center rises from the ground.

And rises. And rises. And rises!

For those of you who may have missed Vice President of Operations Adam Hinds’ most recent SPTV update, that tall wall is the back of the stage. And it’s 51 feet high.

Why so high? Two reasons. First, Connie Brown Hall has a balcony. But second—and here’s how the magic will occur—the height of the stage provides for complex rigging in the ceiling. That will allow for such effects as curtains—and there are several—that rise into the ceiling, rather than split and move to the sides.

That will make a significant difference in the impact of stage productions.

This space is filled with such details to provide an experience unlike any other at Shell Point, starting with the seats. They are “raked,” or positioned on an upwards slope, away from the stage, which pro46

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vides a better view for all. The acoustics should deliver a quality listening experience, as well.

The stage is 80 feet wide and 39 feet deep, with a 42-foot proscenium opening that is 20 feet high. For orchestral concerts and the like, a portable orchestra shell will provide excellent, concert-hall sound.

This apparatus attaches to the stage rigging system, allowing the stage to acoustically transform from a theatre for drama and lectures into a concert hall for music, all in a matter of minutes.

Supporting all this is an ample backstage area, which is critical to attract and host quality productions. It includes dressing rooms with showers and room to move equipment in and out.

In the mood for a movie? Then you will appreciate those presented in Connie Brown Hall, thanks to a high-definition laser projector and a large projection screen that is 24 feet wide by 15 feet high.

BY MARGE LEE (LUCINA)

While Connie Brown Hall will seat approximately 400 people, it will feel intimate – the perfect venue for smaller ensembles and theatrical productions, movie showings, and presentations of Academy lectures and other programming.

We are grateful to the Richard “Dick” Brown Family for its generous contribution to name this space in honor of the late Connie Brown, as we are grateful to all donors who have helped make Tribby Arts Center possible.

Connie Brown Hall will be even more wonderful if resident funding is provided for purchase of the large piano for the stage; video screens, such as are in The Village Church; and the addition of equipment to allow Shell Point to record programs for broadcast on Shell Point Television.

Residents interested in helping with these needs are invited to talk to Jeff Cory in the Legacy Foundation at (239) 466-8484 for more information.

2019 •2020 FINE & PERFORMING ARTS SERIES February Concerts CONCERTS & CONVERSATIONS SERIES

T” U O D “SOL

PENNING & LANGFORD Wednesday, February 12 at 7 p.m.

Grand Cypress Room/WDL This concert is sold out! Those who registered right away for tickets will enjoy a fantastic musical journey with soprano Diane Penning and tenor/pianist Paul Langford that will feature a remarkable variety of great music. Expect to hear many favorites from the Great American Songbook, encompassing Broadway and standards by Gershwin and Cole Porter. Both musicians are accomplished, seasoned artists who seamlessly combine their individual gifts and talents into a duo. Penning & Langford offer class, beautiful music and an experience that ticket holders will love!

FINE ARTS SERIES

EMBRACEABLE YOU: THE MUSIC OF GEORGE GERSHWIN Thursday, February 27 at 7 p.m.

The Village Church/IS

CO N TAC T T H E B OX O F F I C E FO R T I C K E TS AT ( 239 ) 45 4-20 67.

Embraceable You features two of today’s most talented young artists, Dean Balkwill and Lisa Ferguson Balkwill, singing, dancing and falling in love. Dean and Lisa are brimming with charm and charisma, and will perform the music of George and Ira Gershwin at its finest, from sizzling dance numbers to nostalgic ballads and romantic comedy. If you like Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Lena Horne, with a little extra modern flair and pizzazz, then you will be dazzled by this scintillating show, Embraceable You. INDIVIDUAL TICKET PRICE: $35 RESIDENT • $40 GENERAL PUBLIC

Shell Point Life | February 2020

47

Cruising to

Useppa Island B Y A S H L E Y R O B B I N , O F F S I T E P R O G R A M C O O R D I N AT O R

On December 16, 26 Shell Point res- Inn. Diners chose from options such as idents boarded the Lady Chadwick grouper sandwiches and fish tacos, accomand cruised to Useppa Island for a nar- panied by key lime pie made from scratch.

Next, residents explored the Barbara rated tour of the area’s history and informaSumwait Museum tion about how people that turned back time live “off the grid” on all the way to the these small islands. days when the Calusa As residents Indians inhabited cruised, the osprey and Useppa. Travelers also pelicans flew around briefly explored the the ship and dolphins island to marvel at its rode the waves created beautiful homes, as by the boat. It was Teresa Smyth (Nautilus) and well as to appreciate its truly a perfect day to be Philip Pruna (Turban) enjoy the views of Pine Island Sound. flora and fauna. on Southwest Florida Stay on the lookout waterways!

The intrepid voyagers arrived at for future trips on Captiva Cruises to explore Useppa Island and enjoyed a delicious, some of Southwest Florida’s islands that can three-course meal in the historical Collier only be reached by boat!

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Maggie Nesteruk (The Estuary) and Joan Koebernick (Parkwood) enjoyed lunch at the historic Collier Inn.

Annual Shell Point Library Fund Drive 2020

BY MARY RICHARD (SAND DOLLAR), CHAIR

Since its inception almost 50 years ago, the Shell Point Library has succeeded in its mission of providing a wide range of reading, research and listening materials for residents and employees.

In the early days, funds were raised through the sale of resident-made items such as crafts, food items, plants and household decorations, as well as a penny jar and book sales throughout the year.

Currently, the library depends on residents’ generosity during its annual fund drive, held this year from February 3 through February 17. Your support will allow you to continue to access more than 8,000 up-to-date regular and large print books, audio books, CDs, DVDs, four daily newspapers, as well as periodicals such as Consumer Reports, Value Line and Barron’s. As an added benefit, you can use the library’s website at www.shellpoint. net to check the availability of all items, to view your personal record of usage and even to put an item on reserve – all from the comfort of home!

The staff of nearly 60 volunteers, who donate more than 10,000 hours annually, works hard to maintain the highest level of quality and convenience. The library serves you throughout Shell Point: on

Judy Horgen (Junonia) browses the latest bestselling novels at the Shell Point Library, which also offers periodicals, non-fiction titles and audio-visual materials.

The Island in the Island Commons, at the Woodlands Genealogy Library, and at King’s Crown, The Arbor, The Springs and the Larsen Pavilion.

The continued success of the Shell Point Library is totally dependent on resident support. Please consider giving generously so that your library can refresh its

resources, improve your experience and continue to serve the needs of the entire community. Your donation can be sent to the library through campus mail or dropped off at the library or at any concierge desk.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

A Stock Market Outlook of Lifelong Learning At

Sh ell

Poin t

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

Thursday, February 13 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Grand Cypress Room/WDL Presenters: David J. Moreland, CPRC, and Jason Scoggins, CMFC Genesis Wealth Management at UBS As economic and political worries increase, investors are faced with more challenges. Topics covered will include: Will the tariffs ever end? How will the elections affect your portfolio? Is the country headed for recession? What is the next move for interest rates? How will the Federal Reserve impact markets in 2020? How should you position your portfolio as 2020 begins? Is your vision clear for the year ahead? Join the Legacy Foundation and Genesis Wealth Management for insights into these issues and much more!

Sign-up is required to attend this seminar by calling (239) 489-8472.

Shell Point Life | February 2020

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Bridging Generations

B Y M C K E N Z I E M I L L I S , D I R E C T O R O F A S S I S T E D L I V I N G AT K I N G ’ S C R O W N

Many remember growing up in small towns where everyone knew everyone and it was commonplace to have regular, if not daily, interactions with older adults – relatives, neighbors, church members and so forth. In this day and age, it’s often the opposite; there’s greater separation between the generations.

Summit Christian School and King’s Crown assisted living recently partnered to create opportunity for meaningful engagement and relationships, bringing schoolchildren to Shell Point’s campus for a social visit. The gathering in December at the King’s Crown was just the first of many future events together.

During this event, King’s Crown residents and Summit Christian School middle school students came together for a morning of activities that included playing assorted games, meaningful conversation, singing together and learning about each student.

Residents enjoyed getting to know students,

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asking about their favorite subject and what the children hoped to become when they grow up.

Whenever there is an occasion that encourages engagement between different generations, something special happens.

“During the trip to Shell Point, our middle school students’ faces lit up with smiles and laughter as they learned how to play a new game with the residents. Some even served in the ‘teacher role,’ explaining to others how to play the game,” said Summit Christian’s middle school math, social stud-

ies and Bible teacher, Lincoln Rus. “We knew this was going to be a powerful experience for them. Many of us remember visiting senior living communities when we were in school, and it left a positive impression on our lives. We knew we needed to build a partnership with Shell Point to be able to provide this same enlightening experience for our students.”

Helen Schneider enjoyed hearing about the career aspirations of the Summit school children. Many felt driven to go into future jobs as pediatricians, surgeons, lawyers, engineers and even the future president.

“I was quick to encourage the kids to take after me and to become a nurse, so that they could join the future Shell Point care team,” said Helen.

This program not only brought out the inner child in each resident, but also provided a great learning opportunity for the next generation.

h s u r B A with Creativity!

B Y L I L L I A N N ATA L Z I A , K I N G ’ S C R O W N A C T I V I T I E S L E A D E R

Ellen Chrouch and Michael Hopkins King’s Crown welcomed resident expert Phil Hilton (The Springs), who coached aspiring painters like David Ammerman (left) to recreate a wintry night scene.

February is the month of love, and King’s Crown residents recently took the opportunity to indulge their love of art with a special class taught by one of Shell Point’s own resident artists. After all, how better to explore art with residents than by bringing in an expert who could help deliver a fun, exciting night of painting?

King’s Crown invited accomplished painter Phil Hilton (The Springs) to help with the teaching component of the class. While the

Activities team provided each table with paint supplies, Phil imparted his wisdom and techniques for creating a stellar painting.

The Saturday Night Bridge Club even snuck into the King’s Crown Community Room to play bridge in the far corner, watching and enjoying seeing all the artists at work. The soft strains of Christmas music combined with lots of paint, resulting in the many beautifully decorated canvases that filled the room.

Maryann Thompson with her sister Trish Hickey

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THE SCORE BOARD

News from Shell Point Golf Club B Y PA U L F I T Z PAT R I C K , G O L F C O U R S E D I R E C T O R

The Shell Point Golf Club is back in full swing after the conclusion of several recent renovation projects. The driving range is now open full time after the installation of a berm that separates it from The Enclave. Rangers have heard many positive reports about the condi52

Shell Point Life | February 2020

tions of the golf course and the new platinum paspalum grass on the front nine.

In addition to the changes on the course itself, there have also been a variety of changes to golf operations. This includes the arrival of new staff, merchandise and vendors, along with a num-

ber of additional events.

In September, Shell Point Golf Club welcomed its new director Paul Fitzpatrick.

Since then, several new staff members have joined the friendly team of familiar faces at the Golf Pro Shop.

First Assistant Golf Professional Sam

LEFT: Shell Point Golf Club recently welcomed its new director Paul Fitzpatrick, along with Second Assistant Golf Professional Sean Balliet and First Assistant Golf Professional Sam Olson. Together, the team works together to offer golf lessons and clinics, manage operations and supervise course conditions. BELOW: Merchandise Coordinator Ed Antonelli has recently expanded the selection of clothing and other golf items at the Pro Shop, where residents will receive a discount on purchases.

Olson comes from Redding Country Club in Redding, Connecticut, after 22 years of service. Sam served as the head golf professional and was instrumental to Redding’s operation, helping it grow and conducting a variety of lessons and clinics. He is also a graduate of Clemson University. Like so many, Sam decided to escape the cold winter weather and return to his southern roots.

The team also recently welcomed Second Assistant Golf Professional Sean Balliet. Sean has worked at both The Dunes and Hideaway, and will now join Shell Point Golf Club on a part-time basis to assist and grow golf operations.

Additionally, Ed Antonelli, who has worked with golf merchandise for more than 25 years, will step into the role of merchandise coordinator. Ed is originally from Massachusetts and has a son who is a PGA Professional and head golf professional at Marshfield Country Club.

Additional Merchandise & Club Brands The Golf Pro Shop is excited to announce the arrival of club brands Cleveland and Callaway, which means there will be demo days in the near

future. You’ll also find new varieties of clothing and additional brands, such as Bermuda Sands, that have been added to existing merchandise. The goal in expanding the merchandise selections is to provide all residents and members with ample options and quality products that will meet your needs.

Please feel free to stop by and visit the Golf Pro Shop, located in the Coastal Commons. Plus, don’t forget that all Shell Point residents receive a discount when shopping at the pro shop!

You’re Invited With the season being in full swing, regular golf play has picked up. Both the Men’s Golf Association and Ladies’ Golf Association leagues have had good participation at their recent events.

The Golf team has also worked to create new opportunities to socialize, like the upcoming Be My Valentine Nine & Dine. At this fun event, four-person teams will play a ninehole scramble with dinner to follow.

The social will take place on Friday, February 7 and is a 3:30 p.m. shotgun start. The entry fee for golf members is $40, and $50 for non-member residents; it covers the cart and greens fees, dinner, prizes and a gift from Norman Love for your valentine.

Also, last month kicked off a series of clinics that were offered three times each week and at varying times. These clinics covered numerous topics related to the golf swing and are a great tool to help you improve your game – or just to get out and hit some golf balls. Shell Point Golf Club will continue the clinic series this month, so if you are interested, please reach out to the Golf Pro Shop at (239) 433-9790 for more information or to register.

If you have any questions about merchandise, golf leagues, clinics or demonstration days, please feel free call (239) 433-9790. The team at Shell Point Golf Club is happy to assist you!

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Special Gifts at Christmas PHOTOS BY PATTY WATERS (PALM ACRES)

On December 11, the Women’s Connections of The Village Church hosted its 2019 Christmas program, themed Special Gifts at Christmas. The event showcased Trailways Camps, and proceeds from the event ticket sales were donated to provide scholarships for Trailways campers.

Trailways Camps was founded and is run by Shell Point residents Sharon and Jerry Miller (Harbor Court) in honor of two of their four children, Robert and Benjamin, who both received special needs diagnoses. The program highlighted the camp by introducing campers in video and in person, sharing their motivating stories.

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Holiday Happenings!

The 2019 holiday season offered plenty of fun programs for residents to enjoy with their guests, from the Shell Point Singers concert to a Christmas lights cruise.

One popular event among residents was the horse-drawn carriage rides through The Woodlands, followed by cookies with “Santa” in the Woodlands Commons. The following week, residents brought their festively decorated golf carts to the Island Circle for a decorative showcase that left guests feeling a great sense of holiday cheer.

But it all started on Thursday, December 5, when Shell Point kicked off the Christmas season with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Friendship Point. The evening began in the festively decorated Island Courtyard as The Crystal dining team served delicious desserts, warm apple cider and hot chocolate. Guests were treated to the beautiful sounds of Christmas provided by Jade Strings Trio, making the courtyard come to life. The photo booth with a holiday background gave many a reason to smile!

The Naples Carolers started the ceremony with classic carols and President Martin Schappell welcomed residents with a special scripture reading. Senior Pastor Andy Hawkins, also gave a short message about the joy that underlies the Christmas season.

The highlight of the evening was illuminating the Christmas tree. This year, five centenarians had the honor of flipping the light switch: Mike Klein (Periwinkle), Maryann Bennett (Oakmont), Jane Hanks (King’s Crown), Margaret O’Connor (The Springs) and Alice McCready (King’s Crown). Many thanks to these residents for their participation in the annual ceremony!

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55

Green Mountains and Sandy Beaches

N

ewcomers to The Village Church learn very quickly that the congregation is “seeking to build a community of forgiveness, purpose, and hope in Jesus Christ.”

This vision speaks primarily of our personal relationship to God as individuals, and of our relationships with one another. The God we worship is a forgiving God who has demonstrated how we are to forgive others, and He has also given us a living hope that assures all who receive His salvation of an eternal home in heaven.

But what is the purpose of The Village Church? Why does the church exist? There is no question that The Village Church

exists to nurture the spiritual lives of all who are part of its fellowship. But its purpose is so much broader than this. The Village Church is committed to meeting many of the spiritual and material needs of communities in the Fort Myers area, and is also devoted to the task of proclaiming Christ’s Gospel all across the world.

This commitment to local and global outreach is not just a mission statement posted on a wall somewhere. Meeting the needs of the world with the Good News of Jesus is the passion of The Village Church congregation. This past year, attendees contributed over $65,000 to local ministries outside the church, and

“To know the will of God, we need an open Bible and an open map.”

—William Carey, pioneer missionary to India

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over $625,000 to the ministries of the International Workers who serve in more than 70 countries worldwide.

One of the ways this global passion is sustained is by inviting a variety of International Workers to minister periodically to The Village Church congregation.

Each year at this time, the church hosts a full Global Impact Week, which provides multiple opportunities for Shell Point residents to hear firsthand reports from individuals who have recently returned from their posts overseas. They come from different countries and cultures, speak different languages, and represent vastly different religious and governmental situations.

Who’s Speaking at Global Impact Week?

At this year’s Global Impact Week, which will be held February 16-23, the community will be able to hear from David, who, with his wife and three young children, have lived and worked for the past nine years in “The Green Mountains.”

What are the Green Mountains, and where are they? Well, we won’t know this until David speaks to us directly, because he works in a place that has been identified as a “creative access” country – a location where regular Christian missionaries are not permitted to serve. David, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Bible theology and political science from Wheaton College,

Global Impact Week February 16–23

and who also received an MBA from Letourneau University in Texas, has been teaching at a language learning center in a Central-Asian city where he leads a team of International Workers. Together, David and his co-workers are seeking to share the Gospel with people who have never had a chance to hear a clear presentation of Christ’s message, while at the same time endeavoring to establish a network of house churches.

The Dominican Republic also has some green mountains, but it is a country known primarily for its beautiful sandy beaches.

The Village Church’s other Global Impact Week guests, Zac and Julie Stutler, have lived and served in the Dominican for the past 31 years. After completing their education at Toccoa Falls College and Dallas Theological Seminary, where Zac received a master’s degree in theology, they planted a new church in Mount Airy, Georgia before beginning their ministry in the city of Santo Domingo where they planted two more churches. Most recently, they have worked in the resort area of Punta Cana where they have helped to establish yet another church.

Unlike David and his co-workers in The Green Mountains, Zac and Julie have been free to minister publicly in multiple ways. Among other things, Zac has been engaged in preaching and teaching, discipleship and leadership development, and has also served recently as the missionary

team leader. Together, the Stutlers have had an effective marriage coaching ministry and Julie has had fruitful ministries with women and youth.

The visit of Zac and Julie to The Village Church has special significance because it will mark the second time that they have ministered here. Their first visit was tied directly to the decision of The Village Church to develop a partnership with the Dominican team. Several church members traveled to the Dominican Republic at that time to contribute to the lives and ministries of missionaries and local church leaders. It will be of particular interest to hear what has occurred since that visit took place.

Schedule of Events The Shell Point community will have many opportunities to hear from David, Zac and Julie during Global Impact Week.

David will minister on Sunday morning and evening, February 16, and will also be the featured speaker at the annual Global Impact Week Banquet on Monday night, February 17 when he will make a special presentation about The New Face of Alliance Missions. Tickets are required for this outstanding event, but they are free, and available at The Village Church.

Zac and Julie will be the primary presenters on Tuesday night at an event enti-

tled appropriately, Desserts and Dominican.

On Wednesday morning at 10:15 a.m., Julie will speak at the Women’s Connections meeting on the subject, Beyond Our Comfort Zone, and all three Global Impact Week guests will participate in the Wednesday evening service, at 7:15 p.m., which will focus on Prayer for the Regions Beyond.

On Friday evening, at 7:15 p.m., the visiting missionaries and church musicians will collaborate in a special celebration, entitled When Lost Sheep Are Found.

Then, on Saturday morning, at 8:30 a.m., David will give his final address at the Men’s Breakfast to be held at the Banyan Grille.

Global Impact Week 2020 will conclude on Sunday, February 23, with the Stutlers speaking in both the morning and evening services. In their concluding message, Zac and Julie will share about the new vision God has given them for ministry in Guadalajara, Mexico!

Everyone in the Shell Point community is invited to attend as many of these Global Impact Week activities as possible.

Many have said in the past that this special week at The Village Church has changed their lives. Come. It might change yours!

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As the Waters Cover the Sea

BY R E V. ANDR EW HAWKINS, PH.D., SENIO R PASTOR, T H E V I LLAG E CH URCH

Dangerous places.

That’s where many of our international workers end up. When I say our international workers, I’m talking about those that The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) sends to other countries. The C&MA is the denomination with which The Village Church and Shell Point are associated. Certainly, the same can be said about the many other fine organizations that send workers cross-culturally. Many end up in dangerous places.

I’m reminded of this every year when we have our Global Impact Week. This year, it falls from February 16-23, and our guests are workers who are assigned to challenging places. One of our speakers this year is working in a place that we can’t identify. Christian workers are not welcome there. The other couple is transitioning from a fruitful field where Christian workers are welcome to another country which also welcomes missionaries. But their new location is a hotbed of crime, trafficking and drug cartels. It’s a dangerous place for anyone who doesn’t 58

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look like they belong.

Those places are dangerous not because our international workers are seeking to change the political system or create social unrest. Just the opposite – they almost always come with humanitarian programs and development projects along with the good news of Jesus. They are a blessing to the people both materially and spiritually.

But when the good news of Jesus is embraced, values are changed. And when values are changed, many of the oppressive power structures are threatened. Whether those power structures are political or criminal, there can be danger. We’ll hear about that during Global Impact Week.

So why do we do it? Why do we send people to dangerous places? Why do they willingly go to dangerous places?

There are many reasons. One of the obvious ones is the command. God commands that we take the good news of Jesus to every corner of the globe. We call it the Great Commission. There are several instances of this command, but the most

familiar is Matthew 28:18-20 which says in part, “...Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...”

But another reason is the promise.

God promises fruitful ministry, even in the hard places. He promises that there will be people from every “tribe, tongue and nation” in heaven who are bought with the sacrificial death of Jesus (see Revelation 5:9).

In fact, God promises that the Gospel will eventually find its way into every crevice in our world. “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14, NASB; see also Isaiah 11:9). Water is an incredible image of pervasive transformation. Not by political or military conquest, but by the self-sacrificing love of Jesus Christ!

That’s the kind of confidence our international workers have when they journey to difficult places. It’s compelling! It’s inspiring! I hope you’ll connect with us during Global Impact Week and share the inspiration.

Heading to Honduras Space Available on Medical Missions Trip Residents and employees have the opportunity to participate in an international medical mission trip to Honduras, which will take place from March 13 to March 21 through the efforts of Shell Point Medical Director Dr. Gary Goforth.

Dr. Goforth serves as a team leader, board member and chairman for Volunteers in Medical Missions (VIMM), an interdenominational, Christian nonprofit organization founded in 1986. Since 1991, Dr. Goforth has led more than 50 medical mission teams, sponsored by VIMM, to Africa, Asia and the Pacific, the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

The mission trip to Honduras can accommodate 35 team members. Teams typically consist of physicians, mid-level providers, nurses, pharmacists and non-medical team members. While medical team members evaluate and treat ill patients, non-medical team members will assist with crowd control, distributing vitamins and deworming medicines and assisting in an evangelism station by distributing Scriptures, praying for patients and

Packed and Ready to Go

sharing the Gospel, if fluent in Spanish.

Medical mission teams serve roughly 1,200 to 1,500 patients per week in remote villages and nursing homes that do not have local medical resources. The group provides primary care services that include minor surgery, joint injections and eyeglass fittings. These clinics are conducted for five to six days, followed by one day of rest and recuperation at the end of the trip. On Sunday, the group will attend a local church in Olanchito, Honduras and assist with translation services and other support.

Medical mission teams offer rural clinics for patients in remote villages.

Before each trip, VIMM purchases and pre-packages medicines and supplies, such as a one-month supply of vitamins, a week’s supply of antibiotics and a one-month supply of hypertension medicines. All medicines and supplies are brought with the team as checked baggage.

The estimated cost for this trip, excepting any souvenirs purchased, is $1,990. Every team member must cover his or her own expenses for the trip; however, VIMM arranges the most economical airline flights for the group as well as the in-country hotels, transportation and meals. Team members will stay at Hotel Beverly, which is owned by a Rotarian and offers comfortable rooms with hot showers, Wi-Fi internet service and excellent security.

Since VIMM is a 501(c)(3) organization, the payment for each medical mission trip is tax-deductible. Additionally, the organization provides travel insurance for each team member and has contingency plans for medical emergencies, evacuation and blood borne pathogen exposure.

Dr. Goforth will be glad to meet individually with any interested Shell Point residents, answer questions and help you prepare for the trip. If you are interested in joining him and serving with the Honduras team in March 2020, learn more information or apply by visiting the VIMM website at https://vimm.org/events/23/show.

Shell Point Medical Director Dr. Goforth leads the trip to Honduras.

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Love Birds I could not help but notice the couple. They were sitting very close together, and appeared to be oblivious to the world around them. With their eyes fixed upon the other, each partner’s movements were observed and responded to with a corresponding counter movement.

This was a dance that this mourning dove pair had clearly done many times before, choreographed by love. I watched surreptitiously from the corner of my eye as he nuzzled the nape of her neck. She let out a barely audible sound that can only be described as “Orh, Orh.” It wasn’t a language that I recognized, but he clearly understood the meaning and placed his neck very close to her face. As she buried her eyes into the contour of his neckline I watched them, ashamed of my intrusion, yet unable to look away.

Ornithology was an elective course class at the University of Missouri, taken in pursuit of my horticulture degree. I had previously met the cute teaching assistant at an off-campus party and she tipped the decision toward learning about birds – as opposed to the rock n’ roll music class that my friends chose. As I commenced my lessons, I soon realized that the study of

Natu re’s Noteb ook

BY ST E V E M O RTO N , D I R E C TO R O F L A N D S C A P E O P E R AT I O N S

birds was the perfect complement to horticulture. Birds and plants go together like peas and carrots. I began to gain a kinship with those adventuresome souls in the 17th century known as naturalists. They weren’t specialists in any particular detail of biology, but rather sought to discover the entirety of nature by understanding the complex interrelationships.

A chance encounter with that pretty girl led me to a lifetime fascination with birds. These feathered follies, like love itself, seems to be the ultimate contradiction. There are birds that have lost the use of their amazing wings and now must walk.

There are birds that fly both underwater and above. There are birds that can fly, yet still lay their eggs on the ground.

I turned my attention back to the mourning dove pair perched on the wire above the road, I thought to myself that they must be among the world’s most affectionate birds at least by human standards.

She continued the “Orh, Orh” sound as they nestled close to each other.

Our two lovebirds don’t give a hoot for Shell Point’s fancy ornamental plant specimens or annual flower beds. Mourning doves need grass seeds to survive.

Shell Point has created just the environment for them. On the Shell Point Golf Course, we planted acres of paspalum grass that produces seeds for birds and other wildlife. We very purposely established native plantings as corridors to allow wildlife to transit the property and flourish.

We have also achieved four of the six certifications needed to become an Auduboncertified golf course.

In the spring, I saw a female killdeer standing in our fabricated swamp. No amount of camouflage would fool the experienced eye of a birder. As I approached, she launched from the ground and began making a loud peeping sound. Her left wing dropped unnaturally and she appeared injured. I laughed at her, not with cruelty nor malice, but rather with the understanding that her theatrics were designed to lure predators away from her ground nest. She need not have been alarmed because it was the humans of Shell Point that created this environment she found fit to nest in. Later that summer, after the chicks had hatched, the drenching rains came and wading birds arrived. The water retention area became the cypress strand environment that we intended because at Shell Point, we love birds.