Shell Point Life September 2008 by Shell Point Retirement Community

September 2008 Vol. 3 Issue 9

Musical Musings Famous Music Quotes to Ponder: “A jazz musician is a juggler who uses harmonies instead of oranges.” —Benny Green

“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”

Sing a Song By Lynn Schneider, Editor

—Victor Hugo

Some people just like to

you’ll get to meet him in the ar-

make music. They sing in

ticle on page 14.

“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” —Berthold Auerbach

the shower, hum in the hall-

Next, when we look at

way, or croon in the car as

the musical continuum, we go

“Music is the universal language of mankind.”

they listen to their favorite

to the opposite end of the spec-

—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

radio station. Or perhaps they

trum with a story about Eagles

feel they can’t carry a tune in a bucket

Preserve resident Ella Wolf. Ella grew up

“He who sings scares away his woes.”

when it comes to singing, but they can play

in South Dakota, and as a young girl, she

—Cervantes

the piano, beat a drum, or pluck a guitar. It

set her sights on singing Opera in New

doesn’t matter — they just have a song in

York City. Her delightful story hits the

their hearts and they want to share it.

high notes on page 11.

Here at Shell Point, we are blessed

Another musical resident you’ll want

with many residents who have musical gifts

to meet is Nancy McDowell. Nancy dis-

that they are willing to share with the rest

covered the Native American flute years

of us, and this month’s issue of Shell Point

ago, and you can read about it on page 32.

Life is filled with stories about various indi-

In this issue we will also explore sev-

viduals and groups who enjoy making

eral of the harmonious groups that have

music. They might be a little bit country,

been formed over the years to provide cre-

like Parkwood resident Bud Smith who has

ative outlets for the musically minded here

a closet full of instruments that include a

at Shell Point. These groups range from the

banjo, mandolin, and dulcimer, not to

simple to the sophisticated, but they all

mention three guitars, and two ukuleles!

share one thing in common — a true love

Bud is often referred to as the Johnny Cash

for music.

of Shell Point’s Jazz N’ Stuff ensemble, and

ON THE COVER Woodlands resident, Bud Smith, struck just the right chord as he planted his country roots at Shell Point.

Shell Point Life | September 2008

Shell Point Life is published monthly for the residents of Shell Point Retirement Community. Editor Lynn Schneider Assistant Editor Rochelle Cherniawski Art Director Rich Cerrina Graphic Designer Wendy Iverson Contributors Gene McGonigle, Teri Kollath, Linda Rakos, Robyn Church, Rachael Dula, Carol Cooper, Tom Frackenpohl, Jessica Clark, Rochelle Cherniawski, Mary Franklin, Bev Rademacher, Ted Yeatts, Linda Hicks, Jason Powers, Josh Strnad, Sue Taylor, Glenda Stephenson, Peggy Holton

Do you have story ideas or photos to share? Contact Rochelle Cherniawski, communications specialist, by calling 239-454-2055 or e-mail: rochellecherniawski@shellpoint.org. Or you may submit suggestions in writing to Lynn Schneider at Shell Point Welcome Center.

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

Shell Point Concert Series BY

D AW N B O R E N , D I R E C T O R

RESIDENT LIFE

A Fantastic Musical Line up The Fine and Performing Arts Committee is pleased to announce the 2008-2009 Shell Point Concert Series. You may recall last season, along with the traditional Fine and Performing Arts Concert Series, we introduced two new musical series: the Concert & Conversations Series, and the Southwest Florida Symphony Series. This season we will again offer these popular series, plus, in addition we enthusiastically introduce the first-ever Shell Point Speaker Series.

New Speaker Series Added! The Canadian Brass

Pianist Andreas Klein

Fine and Performing Arts Series The Canadian Brass Thursday, November 13

Chanticleer

Tuesday, January 27

Butch Thompson & Chapman Family Singers Thursday, February 26

St. Patrick’s Day with

Concerts and Conversation Series Cellist and Pianist

Evan Drachman & Richard Dowling

Thursday, November 20

Andreas Klein, Pianist Saturday, January 24

Cherish the Ladies

ETA3

Concert Organist

Manhattan Piano Trio

Tuesday, March 17

Peter Richard Conte Thursday, April 16

Advanced Series Tickets: $125 Single Tickets $35 Concerts at 7:30 p.m.

Throughout the Academy at Shell Point’s eight-year history, community feedback has revealed that Shell Point residents desire rich learning opportunities to intellectually stimulate them. In a recent Academy survey, residents indicated that they supported the idea of a Speaker Series at Shell Point. Residents stated that they wanted topnotch speakers to speak on a wide variety of interesting topics, as well as current events. So, to the delight of many, we are pleased offer this inaugural series.

Friday, February 6

Monday, April 6

Advanced Series Tickets: $75 Single Tickets: $23

Concerts at 7:00 p.m.

Speaker Series Kent Moors, Ph.D.

Southwest Florida Symphony Series

Friday, January 16

200Voices in Song

Chris Wallace

SWFL Symphony Chorus & Sarasota’s Key Chorale

International Oil Policy Expert

Veteran Journalist and Host of FOX News Sunday Monday, February 9

Barrie M. Schwortz Shroud of Turin Photographer

Thursday, March 19

Advanced Series Tickets: $90 No individual speaker tickets. Available only by subscribing to the entire series. Speakers at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 26 4:00 p.m.

Late Great Works Spotlight on Mozart, Beethoven, and Arriaga Friday, October 31 7:30 p.m.

Advanced Series Tickets: $35 Single Tickets: $18/$25 $18 for the 10/26 concert $25 for the 10/31 concert

See the Shell Point 2008-2009 Cultural Arts Extravaganza Brochure for full artist descriptions and concert details, or go online to www.shellpoint.org. Reserve series tickets early. Tickets will go on sale to the general public in early September. Shell Point Life | September 2008

Announcing A Great Fall Semester Classes and Trips Educate and Delight B Y T E R I K O L L AT H , M A N A G E R

ACADEMY

AND

VOLUNTEER SERVICES

History prevails in the fall Academy! will present a historical overview of the past vided by two of our own doctors. Dr. Carol More opportunities to learn how to forty years. Taking us from empty land to Clark will share highlights from her research preserve and share your own personal his- one of the nation’s top life-care communi- study on the experience of Diabetes Type 2 in tory will be offered this semester. In addi- ties, we will enjoy the historical photos and married couples, and Dr. Chris Votolato will tion to the Creating Memoirs class his personal commentary in “Coffee with share current research and the advances in we have offered since the the Shell Point President.” the field of grief. Kathy spring of 2002, we will Hannon, LCSW at add two new memoirs Creative Endeavors, Shell Point, will join classes. Lucille Peterson Politics and More Dr. Votolato in the (Lakewood) and Marty Gibson Our senses will be richly representation that will (Lakewood) will teach a course warded as we explore the creative also walk us through on Writing Your Memoirs on a arts in a number of mediums. New how the process of Computer, and Ken Masters resident Nancy McDowell (Telligrieving affects us. Dr. Chris Votolato and Kathy (Turban) will start up a Memoirs dora) will introduce us to the Native You can also learn Hannon, LCSW will share current research and discuss “Grief” on group for residents who want to take new American flute in her “Coffee with a about the environThursday, October 30. paths in creating and sharing their memoirs. Neighbor” presentation. Bud Kent mental and genetic Maybe you are looking for tips on how to (Macoma) will offer insight on “The changes that conshare your family hisPlanets,” composed by Gustav Holst tribute to the development of Parkinson’s DisEmployee tory, as well as your while images of the planets, collected ease from a representative of the University Chaplain Don cherished traditions by Augusta Crane (Parkwood) fill the of Miami Institute for Human Genomics. Steenhoek discusses tips on ~ without making large screen. Phil Hilton (Parkwood) Can we ever have enough tips on worksharing your waves. If so, you will will introduce us to the lettering styles ing with our own bodies? Lynne Fraser of family history on October 22 get tips in a presentaof calligraphy. June Lockhart (Harbor Fitness on the Move returns with more “Fall and 23. tion by Shell Point’s Court) will present what can be done Proof! Balance and Mobility Training”, inEmployee Chaplain Don Steenhoek, aptly with clay in the Pottery Shop. Herb cluding the addition of an advanced class. titled “Passing the Torch without Getting Sklar (Eagles Preserve) will help stuChristine Nicole Smith, Personal Burned.” dents paint with torn paper, as well as Trainer at Shell Point, will teach give a lecture on “American Portrait us about breathing correctly. Olympic Studies Artists.” Retired Professor of Photography Robyn Church, Manager of the SaThis year while celebrating both the sum- Walt Craig (Arbor) will present “The lons at Shell Point, will share the mer Olympics and the Shell Point Olympics, History of Photography.” With Rachael basics of makeup. Golf pro, Jim Carpenwe will learn more about the history of the Dula, Activities Coordinator at the Arbor, ter, will share golf tips. rich Olympic traditions we still embrace in we will even make seasonal wreaths, one for “The History of the Olympic Games in fall and the other for Christmas. Academy on the Go Greece,” taught by Professor Adrian Kerr. Academy on the Go will take us to the You can learn more about the platform Professor Kerr will also offer three courses on of political candidates at the Candidate new Holocaust Museum in Naples, the his“The History of the Rise and Fall of Ancient Forum. Lee County Supervisor of Elections torical site of the Koreshans in Estero, the Rome” and two courses on “The Seven Sharon Harrington will demonstrate the Telegraph Cypress Swamp at Babcock Ranch, Wonders of the Ancient World.” We will new Optical Scan Voting System. The the new community surrounding Ave Maria take a look at the effects of missionaries on Legacy Foundation brings us Dr. David M. University, and the Fisherman’s Wharf on culture as Steve Hoke, the Vice President for Jones, President and CEO of DMJ Advisors, San Carlos Island at Fort Myers Beach. People Development of Church Resource LLC, a Denver-based consulting firm and In addition to many computer classes, Ministries, gives us his perspective of a Chairman of the Board of Investors’ Secu- the Computer College will offer nine oneprovocative topic in a presentation titled, rity Trust Company of Fort Myers. He will time seminars on topics requested by resi“Do Missionaries Destroy or Redeem Cul- share his perspective on the “State of The dents. All of our regular favorites return inture?” Economy” from his illustrious background, cluding poetry, bridge, Word Mysteries, At an afternoon tea we will enjoy an including authorship of the landmark classic AARP Safe Driving Courses, and sign lanhistorical reenactment by Betsy Perdichizzi, book on Federal Reserve policy, Fed Watch- guage for beginners and more experienced. as she portrays the work of a true local pio- ing and Interest-Rate Projections. Rita South- And there is much more! neer Tommie Barfield, who put Marco Is- ern, Director of Assisted Living and Reminders for classes will land and Collier County on the map. As Resident Support Services, will tell us all are in your Weekly Reminder. the grand finale to a year of celebrating our about “Assisted Living.” Updates will appear on SPTV Shell Point history, our President Peter Dys Current medical research will be pro- Channel 11. Happy Learning!

Teri Kollath

Shell Point Life | September 2008

Have Your Music Any Way You Like It! A Look at the Music Sung, Played, and Enjoyed at Shell Point B

U E

TAY

L O R

up still has some of its original players from thirteen years ago. The Tone Chimes currently have about fourteen members. Some of these are instrumentalists or singers who can read music. When a young man in high school But there are also those without musical thought that “Ruth Ann” was a long backgrounds, and Rani marks their music name needing to be shortened, little did he with the count. Most players will imagine that the name would stick play three different chimes, but acwith “Rani” Ward for her life. Movcommodations are made to fit the ing to Shell Point in August of music lover. Paralyzed on the left 1994, Rani brought her shortened side from a stroke, Carol Smith, name and a longtime love of music who reads and loves music, is a that began as an eight-year-old playvital part of the group, playing one ing the piano and continued chime from her motorized chair. through twenty-five years as a Rani Ward As Rani says, “It’s about playing for teacher in New Jersey. Her students (Turban) directs your own pleasure and for the in kindergarten, first, and second The Tone Chimes. pleasure of others.” grade enjoyed a teacher who loved The Tone Chimes can be found peradding music to the curriculum her children forming in a variety of places. They have experienced. After retiring and finding that North Carolina golf was not exactly her continued next page “cup of tea,” Rani came to Shell Point where she continues to enjoy her background in music, directing The Tone Chimes. Having played handbells in choirs for many years, Rani had a desire for adding that particular kind of music to the Shell Point scene. Somewhat less expensive to purchase, and easier to play, a set of tone chimes was acquired, and Rani worked to get a group of people interested in playing and enjoying such music in 1995. That first set of chimes wore out after about six years, and then Shell Point generously bought a three octave set of tone chimes for the group. That gro- Jackie Ormrod (Sand Dollar) practicing the Tone Chimes.

The Tone Chimes

Whether you’re a singer, an instrumentalist, an aficionado of music, a trained musician… whether you like classical, traditional, secular, sacred or jazz… whether you enjoy your music sung by an ensemble, soloist, singing group, guest artist or by a choir… whether you like it played on the piano, organ, flute, violin, recorder or guitar… Shell Point has it, and you can be a part of making it or just plain enjoying it! The offerings are rich and varied. Have a look at this spotlight on the internal music groups at Shell Point!

Shell Point Life | September 2008

The Rollicking Recorderists

bridge, and Chuck Durrell took over the directing and organization of The Rollicking Recorderists. Chuck began organizing a selection of music for the recorders that has now grown to a wide ranging repertoire of sixty-eight pieces. The group now consists of three soprano recorders (Barb Boynton, Jan van Laer, and Joan Walton – all who started learning to play just two years ago), two altos (Bob Chamberlain and Chuck Durrell), and two tenors (Ann Aldrich and Nancy Beecher). One month ago Shell Point gifted the group with a new bass recorder, and The Rollicking Recorderists would love to find a player to fill Shell Point musicians have many opthat voice part. In fact, a notice in portunities to perform for an audience, like The Weekly Reminder encourages at last fall’s Celebration! event held at the others who may have the same inVillage Church. Music and dancing groups terest in playing to come and join both shared the stage. in making music. Perhaps someone else once played a Tonette! Rehearsals are held every Tuesday at 1:45 p.m. in The Tunnel. The group is available to play both in and outside of his career in design work, marketing, middle Shell Point Music Groups Continued from page 5 Shell Point. In the past they’ve played in management, and finally ownership of his The King’s Crown, The Pavilion, in the own company for home alarm systems. atrium at Health Park, and for The UnitarChuck and his wife, Jane, came to Shell enjoyed playing at The King’s Crown, The ian Universalist Church of Ft. Myers, where Point from St. Louis, Missouri. Arbor, The Pavilion, and in The Activity “Jingle Bell Rock” was a real hit! In addition, Shortly after arriving at the community, Center on the Island, where they fill the The Rollicking Recorderists regularly perChuck became interested in the model house! They also share musical performform with The Holiday Sounds. train group at Shell Point, where he soon ances with some of the other music groups. became close friends with Lloyd Salt. That group would meet for supper once each week, and during one of these suppers, he was introduced to Ann Aldrich and a recorder. For someone who still had his original Tonette, Chuck found an immediate connection, and it wasn’t long until Rani Ward let him borrow an old wooden alto recorder with a book of instructions. At eight years old, Chuck Durrell was Chuck relates that he had some minimal For Dorothea Hansen’s father, violin on a ship headed for Europe. With a musical training, two years of piano and two was his life. Playing by ear, Dorothea’s father involved in banking, he would spend years of pipe organ, but he had to “learn father loved making music but also making his young years abroad, getting a taste of life from scratch” when he took up the recorder in Switzerland, Belgium, Argentina, Chile, violins. This was his hobby – making viosix years ago and became involved with The and even Havana, Cuba. But it was on this lins and giving them away. So for Dorothea, Rollicking Recorderists. ship to Europe that Chuck recalls his introbeginning to learn the violin when six years In 1991 George Cripps started this muduction to a Tonette – a small recorder-like old and living in Concord, Massachusetts, sical group by calling everyone he knew in instrument having a simple octave range was not an option; it was simply something the area that played a recorder. From a group and no sharps or flats. “I bought it for a expected. This expectation carried through of some thirty players, George was able to buck, and my first performance was for the all her years of schooling and led to a deform an ensemble of eight: two soprano, two shipmates on that ship.” At seventeen, gree in music from Boston University’s Colalto, two tenor, and two bass recorders. Chuck returned to lege of Music. Dorothea relates the Chuck Durrell Today Ann Aldrich is the remaining the States, went privilege and benefit of playing for Arthur (Oakmont) player of that original group. After into the Navy, and Fiedler as the conductor of her college ordirects the George’s death Rani Ward directed later went on to rechestra at that time. Following her college Rollicking until she was freed up to turn her atceive an MBA, years, Dorothea taught general music to stuRecorderists. preparing him for tention to The Tone Chimes and dents from kindergarten through 7th grade

The Rollicking Recorderists

Shell Point Life | September 2008

The Ensemble Group

Have Your Music Any Way You Like It! in eleven different schools in Maine. When her husband-to-be came home from the war, they were married; and Dorothea went back to Boston University to “ride herd” on the music program seniors who were doing their practice teaching. Playing the violin has alDorthea Hansen ways been integral to her life, (Turban) plays the violin with whether playing in churches or The Ensemble teaching students. Dorothea Group. says, “I used to practice every day. It was an important part in each day as I was growing up. When I hear music that I know, I love it and love listening to it.” That’s surely the reason for Dorothea’s participation in The Ensemble Group. Started by Mahlon Henderson, The Ensemble Group’s first trio of members was Ann Aldrich, Dorothea and Mahlon herself. They would simply get together and play. It has since grown to its present size of eight instrumentalists: Janet Smith, Miriam Armstrong, and Dorothea Hansen playing violin, Lois Johansson, Ray Sheline, and Ann Aldrich on flute, Cle Keeley on bassoon, and Barbara Owens on clarinet. As Dorothea says, they are always looking for a cellist! Perhaps someone’s father used to make cellos! Jazz N’ Stuff

The Ensemble Group can be found playing in each others’ living rooms, occasionally in The Village Church, joining The Holiday Sounds at Christmas, but mostly playing for their individual enjoyment and love of music.

Jazz N’ Stuff In 2003, Robert McCollum had a “C” harmonica, and he put out a notice asking for others to join him so that he could play his harmonica. Bill Johns, Chuck Durrell, John Williamson, and Jim Wallace took him up on that offer, and so the group Jazz N’ Stuff had its beginning. Meeting as a jam session, the group played mainly by ear, and because Bob’s harmonica was a “C,” all the music was played in the key of C. Never having played jazz before, Chuck Durrell remembers coming with his recorder, sitting and listening and slowly getting it. Some other people are really getting it as well. Although the group began as a jam session with no audience, people started stopping by to listen. Now

some sixty to eighty people “jam” in to hear Jazz N’ Stuff every Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. in the Grand Cypress Room. Of course, not just the number in the audience has grown since then. Jazz N’ Stuff has grown to a group of eighteen instrumentalists and vocalists: Tom Lasier, Pat Specht, and John Bendall on piano; Jerry Ingalls, Earl Mallick, and Don Schneff on trumpet; Paul Goodwin on clarinet; Don Modrall on alto sax; Mary McJoynt on tenor sax; Chuck Durrell on recorder; Beth Steen on French horn; (What other jazz groups can tout a recorder and French horn!) Jim Wallace on trombone; Bud Smith on guitar; Bill Johns on bass guitar; John Williamson on drums; Harvey Widmark on xylophone; and Woody Briggs, Art Sherrill, and Pat Specht on vocals. Bill Johns is the group’s able leader, having played professionally since high school. Although primarily a trombonist, Bill began playing bass guitar in the fifties when there just weren’t many bass players around. He now leads the group from his bass guitar. The group’s repertoire has also grown from merely “playing by ear” to the production of “fake books” of 1,000-2,000 melodies with chording. Pianists choose selections from those books each week, and Jim Wallace, the volunteer coordinator, organizes the group by emailing the players those selections to work through ahead of time. Even with that added practice, the spontaneity of the jam session is not lost as the group plays a variety of American popular and jazz music from the last sixty years. The sessions can get raucous, but the group’s signature ending seems always to include “Bill Bailey” featuring the drums, the traditional Dixie tune from the New Orleans area, and a favorite rendition of “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.” The numbers in the audience are indicative of the pleasure this group brings to the community. In addition to the weekly jam sessions, they’ve played with The Shell Point Singers, at variety shows, at Christmas, and have actually had continued on next page

Shell Point Life | September 2008

Have Your Music Any Way You Like It! Shell Point Music Groups Continued from page 7

to turn down requests for court parties. Life can get a bit too hectic, but a prevailing sentiment seems to exist. Bill Johns remarks that there is enjoyment in “playing for a forgiving audience that makes everyone feel very relaxed,” and Chuck Durrell says, “I’ve always loved music even though I’ve only been an amateur musician. But I’ve found with playing my recorder in this group, music has become a very relaxing thing for a very active man. I can unwind and have a good time.” Thanks to Jazz N’ Stuff, others are certainly relaxing and having a good time too!

The Holiday Sounds The Holiday Sounds has been performing at Shell Point since 1995. Every Christmas, this group presents a mix of both sacred and secular music with skits and readings intermixed in to the program. It is here that the audience can enjoy a joint program, combining the efforts of three of the other internal music groups at Shell Point: The Tone Chimes, The Rollicking Recorderists, and The Ensemble. Each group performs a series of separate pieces, and other talented people are added to the mix. Flautist Lois Johansson is joined by her husband Calvin on the organ, and Dot Beard is sometimes joined by her visiting daughter as vocalists for the performance. For the holiday time, this performance has special meaning. As Rani Ward suggests, “We’re like a family,

Lois and Calvin Johansson perform for their friends and neighbors. 8

Shell Point Life | September 2008

lage Church, who enjoys this voluntary activity with others who, he says, “share a common love in the joy of singing.” Those who share this common love also share the work that goes into such an organization. Some of these resident singers, of course, and this is important when we are often away also perform as soloists or instrumentalists from our individual immediate families. It’s during the special concerts. Wanda Dubbe, also interesting that we have challenged ourPat Specht, Nonnie Lette, and Anna Mae selves at our age to learn something new. Draggoo regularly serve as piano accompaMany of us had never played before joining nists, and Nita Deweese is on hand to come these groups to make music together.” alongside Dot in sorting music and being general helpers for all the group’s activities. The Shell Point Singers perform three times during the year, and are currently preparing for performances in October, December, and April. The literature for these concerts comes from a variety of traditional, popular, classical, and art song favorites. For Dot Beard, singing is a vital part of Director Randy Woods promises the Shell her life. “For seventy of my eighty-two Point community a light-hearted producyears, I’ve been singing, and I’ve always tion in the fall, using the African American loved it. It is a great outlet in these times of spiritual “Dry Bones” and a twentieth centurmoil, for singing seems to take you into tury art song, entitled “Some Little Bug” another realm. Music has always been a joy based on Roy Atwell’s poem In These Days and something I’ve done and will do of Indigestion. The December 2nd as long as I can croak!” offering will be a festive Christmas Much of Dot’s time is commitprogram with traditional carols folted to helping others with the orlowed by an April performance of ganization and coordination of a mixed favorites. group of seventy to eighty particiNo matter what the program or pants called The Shell Point Singers how much the work, Dot tells us Dot Beard This group comes together voluntar- (Cellana) helps that singing in this group is wonily, with no requirements or audi- with organizing derful and is a real joy. tion, although many of the singers The Shell Point “There are a lot of abilities and Singers. have had significant singing experieven inabilities that just get swept ence. Organized back in 1992 by its first diright along into forming a very harmonious rector, Kathleen Pearson, The Shell Point group in more than just musical ways. We Singers are now directed by Randy Woods, enjoy meeting together. We love doing what Minister of Worship and Music At The Vilwe’re doing.”

Shell Point Singers

The Shell Point Singers

The Christmas Cantata

composed of talented residents and their family members and friends that visit at Christmas time. Dr. Gordon Cathey and Mary If you catch Ruth Rodgers humming Fountain will supply the narration, Ruth will to herself or if she appears pre-occube at the piano, and audience participation pied, it might be that she’s writing her next will also be a significant part of the program. Christmas cantata. After all, she’s finished The performance is schedtwelve of them in that manner! uled for Christmas Day at Ruth sees her writing ability as a gift 4:15 p.m., and it’s usually that’s hard to put into words: “I can played to a full house. Last be walking around the community, year a resident showed up and it just comes to me, and then I an hour and half early, with go home and write it.” Cantata reading book in hand, so Number 13 is on its way! In fact, Ruth and Ted Rodgers Ruth claims that she usually has the collaborate on producing that she could get a good seat! As Ruth says, “This year’s cantata in a “bare-bones” form the Christmas Cantata. cantata is a means of inevery January, and then for the rest corporating the different gifts of all of us,” and of the year, she and her husband, Ted, engage it is the Rodgers’ hope that it is a Shell Point in an editing process that will take them Christmas for everyone without family until October when rehearsals for the peraround them and those with family close. formance begin. Surprisingly, Ruth’s first two cantatas were written over thirty years ago in Spanish while in Honduras, where she and her husband were missionaries. It was there, as well, that her first husband died as a missionary pilot. Dr. Ted Rodgers, Ruth’s present husband, came on the scene following the death of his first wife. Ted relates that his mother decided to write Ruth a letter, sugUpon completing a Masters in Choral gesting that Ruth might be a comfort to Conducting from West Virginia Univerhim, and vice versa. Perhaps that would apsity in Morgantown, Randy Woods turned his pear odd, but Ted and Ruth had actually attention and musical skills toward Florida known each other when they were twelve and Shell Point Retirement Community, and fourteen years old in Philadelphia, where Randy claims he is so happy to be in where they attended church together. It the land of sunshine and where he loves seems that the match was the beginning of working with seniors! As former Minister a real dynamic duo! Ruth claims that she of Worship and Music at The Christian and writes the script, lyrics, and musical comMissionary Alliance Church in Morganposition, but then Ted takes over by roundtown and as former Asing up the scraps of paper and bits of score sistant Conductor of that she hands him and giving it a final noThe Choral Union, a tation form. He rewrites and types and West Virginia Univerprints every note by hand for all the musisity-sponsored commucal parts needed. Ten years of training and nity and student choir, playing the trumpet certainly provided him Randy brought with with the ability to mesh his gifts with those him a musical backgiven to Ruth. ground and expertise Ruth and Ted’s 2008 Christmas cantata is Randy Woods that fits well with the entitled Let’s Party! There are usually forty to vision of The Village Church Choir that fifty voices, including Shell Point residents “serves to honor the Lord in expressing and vocalists from other places helping to fill praise and worship through excellent sacred the choir and solo parts. The orchestra is also

The Village Church Choir

music.” When reflecting on his work at Shell Point and comparing it to the past, Randy says, “I’ve been able to do even more with the people here. They are ambitious, able, willing to work hard and to always strive for excellence. I’ve never before directed a choir that has such rich life experience under their belt. This choir sings with a depth of understanding that goes beyond notes and rhythm.” The Village Church Choir is composed of seventy to eighty of those rich-inexperience voices with a focus on the performance of sacred music. The choir sings for Sunday morning worship, seasonal presentations, and special concerts with guest artists. This year’s special concert program will certainly prove to be an engaging and delightful one for those who appreciate excellent music, and it will certainly be a program to challenge and delight the skills and experience of those singing. These special concerts will be held throughout the season. All in all, the season again promises to be a good one for Shell Point residents. There will be plenty of opportunities for people to participate in the production of fine music, and there will be many occasions for all to attend some very fine concerts and worship experiences.

Hymn Sing Thomas Aquinas, in the introduction to his commentary on the Psalms, defined the Christian hymn: “A hymn is the praise of God with song; a song is the exultation of the mind dwelling on eternal things, bursting forth in the voice.” Since the beginning of the early church, Christians have involved themselves in the writing and singing of hymns. Modeled on the Psalms and other songs of Scripture, hymns have been and have remained an important part of the worship in the church, of community fellowship, and in the more private devotional lives of believers. Whether continued on next page

Shell Point Life | September 2008

SPTV Channel 11 Returns Shell Point Today is Back On Air Shell Point Today will be back on air on SPTV’s Channel 11 on Monday, September 1 according to SPTV Manager Dan Philgreen. “We’ve taken an entire month to research and plan a new show that we hope our residents will enjoy,” said Philgreen. With only a few short weeks to make major changes, the team divided the project into categories that included research, graphics and music, data management and archives, equipment, set design and studio, administration and work flow, volunteer opportunities, format and content, and training and staff development. “Our goal was not to completely overhaul the show, but rather to improve the content and the quality of reporting,” he said. “We hope to bring back the segments and features that our residents liked and improve the ones that might have seemed repetitive or uninteresting.” Although many improvements have been made during the month of August,

Have Your Music Any Way You Like It!

The SPTV Team (left to right): Lynn Schneider, Zachary Speights, Jessica Clark, Josh Strnad, Dan Philgreen and Rochelle Cherniawski.

there is still much to do. The staff of the television studio will continue to roll out additional changes and improvements gradually during the next few months.

readily to mind —Charlotte Staller is one of those with such a love for hymns. Charlotte grew up in a musical family Shell Point Music Groups with a mother who played the coronet and Continued from page 9 a father who joined her on both baritone and trombone for duets in church. Eager reminiscent of the plainsong chant of Middle to play the piano, Charlotte begged for one, Ages hymnody, the stricter biblical psalmody and a piano finally arrived. She began of the voice, unaccompanied by instrumenpiano lessons at age nine, and later began tation, or the full congregational singing of to study the organ. At thirteen, Charlotte chorales with voice parts and accompaniwas playing in church and continued to ment…whether the majestically toned explay throughout her life. pressions of God’s nature and works, or the Moving to Boca Raton in 1979 to help start a trust, Charlotte recalls that Charlotte Staller plays the organ or “It was banking in piano wherever the music is needed, for the daytime and Hymn Sing or at Southwest Baptist Church music at night.” and says, “My greatest love is to have a She spent fourcongregation singing behind me.” teen years each playing for the Boca Raton Community Church, and then more subjective Gospel testimonials in song, for Calvary Baptist in Fort Lauderdale. She hymns have an enduring and beloved history is the current organist at Southwest Baptist and practice for many. Hymn singers can alChurch in Fort Myers. ways be counted on to name a favorite, and for many of those singers, the lyrics and the Charlotte is reminded of two thrilling tunes of hymns sung for years come easily and opportunities that she’s had in her years of

Shell Point Life | September 2008

Tune in to SPTV Channel 11 in September to see the new and improved Shell Point Today. playing. The first thrilling moment was playing Roger Williams’ gold piano when it was at Shell Point. The second was playing Stephen Foster’s pipe organ in Pittsburgh, where she did her first professional recording. She still has a pipe from that organ as a memento. You can find her recording entitled, I Will Praise Him, in the Shell Point Gift Shop. Is it any wonder that Charlotte is so actively involved in the Hymn Sing? Started back in 1998 by Victor Lopez, Charlotte regularly accompanies as Bill Bezanson leads an active group of residents that sometimes reach fifty in number. Val Bezanson and Penny Modrich distribute a Hymn Sing notice to court representatives. Jerry Palmquist, Bob Hardwick, Neil Clark, and Lynn Wheaton share the leading of songs. And, of course, Charlotte is there to play, loving the group of voices behind her as all have the opportunity to select and sing their especial favorites. Hymn Sing is held on the first Tuesday of each month at The Resident Activity Center, from 6:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

g n i t t i H the High Notes The Girl Who Dreamed of the Metropolitan Opera BY GLENDA STEPHENSON

Ella Wolf was born and raised in rural South Dakota. Her father was a rancher and cattleman who loved classical music. Her mother was a student of both piano and voice. It was their influence that instilled in Ella a strong love for music and an unquenchable thirst for Opera. Ella was only five years old when she knew that more than anything else in the

world, she wanted to be an Opera singer. Every weekend, she could be found curled up by the radio, listening to the Metropolitan Opera broadcast and dreaming that one day she would be singing alongside other great opera stars at the Met. At the time she had no way of knowing just where the journey would take her or what opportunities would come her way. What she did know was that she was committed to her dream.

Music Camp

Ella was thirteen years old when she began taking voice lessons at the University of South Dakota. She studied hard, while keeping an eye on her singing goal. She was disappointed when her father insisted that she enroll in a two-year teaching program at the University. Wanting to please her father, she completed the teaching program and began teaching in the city, but the dream of singing just would not die. When Ella’s voice teacher encouraged her to audition for the soloist position at a large church in Sioux Falls, she pursued it, and was soon singing there every Sunday. This brought a number of new opportunities her way, and Ella soon found herself singing with some of the area bands.

Even though Ella’s music career was growing, her sister (a music teacher) decided that the two of them should journey to California, and participate in a threemonth music camp in Stockton. The camp was led by a number of prominent professionals who trained the campers in Opera. Ella and her sister spent three days on a train getting to Stockton and upon their arrival, had to immediately audition. Tired, but determined, the ladies landed parts in two major Operatic productions. Ella was given the role of the mother in Hansel and Gretel. Ella laughs as she remembers, “I had listened to Opera all of my life but had never had the opportunity to see one. All of a sudden I had a part in something I had never, even seen!” She loved every minute. Bump in the Road

The California experience was invaluable, but Ella’s lack of financial resources dictated her return to South Dakota. She was still determined to make Opera her life, and applied to Eastman Conservatory of Music. She was accepted and studied Opera there for two years. New York Bound

Watching her unwavering commitment and understanding her heart’s desire, Ella’s friends strongly encouraged her to go

Although Ella grew up in rural South Dakota, she had singing dreams that would take her to the big city. She landed her first singing parts after going to California to audition for two major Operas. Soon after, she moved to New York City, and took on a variety of singing parts for the stage, radio and TV. Her career travels eventually brought her to Europe, and beyond.

Shell Point Life | September 2008

to New York City to study. Ella finally went. She remembers, “When I got to New York City, I felt like I was home at last. It was where I belonged.” She loved the excitement, the challenge, and the stimulation. She even loved the traffic and city noise, something very foreign to a girl from rural South Dakota. Ella shared an apartment in New York City with several other girls and worked as a medical transcriber to support herself, but in her spare time, she studied, and she sang. She was accepted as a student of Madam Elda Ercole, an Italian opera singer, who taught at the Metropolitan Opera. Her dream was coming true. Career in Gear

Over the years, Ella Wolf has enjoyed the opportunity to sing on stage, radio, and TV. She was privileged to sing with the Punch Opera Company in the New York City Off- Broadway production of Aunt Caroline’s Will by Roussel. Her travels have taken her from New York City to New Jersey, Scotland, and England. Ella thought she was retiring when she moved to Florida, but in 1996 she was asked to sing one of her favorite works, the solos in the Grand Mass in C Minor, with the Venice Symphony and the Suncoast Chorale. Then just last year, while traveling with a tour group in Australia, Ella had the opportunity to sing some impromptu opera at the famous Opera House in Sydney - just for the fun of it. Musical Legacy Continues

All that aside, it is evident that one of Ella’s greatest rewards is the fact that she has passed her love of music to her children and grandchildren. She takes

Ella enjoys singing with the choir at church. Ella and Harry Wolf (Eagles Preserve)

obvious delight in their musical accomplishments, as well. Today, Ella Wolf resides in Eagle’s Preserve with her husband, Harry. He has been her biggest fan for the past thirty-five years. Shell Point residents were recently blessed when Ella sang one of her favorites, “O Holy Night,” at the 2007 Village Church Christmas Eve service. It touched many hearts. Ella is grateful for God's faithfulness to her and looks to Him daily for help and strength. She quotes Psalm 92:1-4 as her inspiration: “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High...For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.”

A 1951 letter to an audition from Radio City Music Hall. Ella at nineteen years old. A New York Times clipping of the opening night for an off-Broadway production of “Aunt Caroline’s Will,” playing at the Greenwich Village Theater in 1954 (she is far right).

Shell Point Life | September 2008

Hello, I’m Buddy Smith When two boys from Dalton, Georgia, brought a guitar with them to a bunker in Korea, little did they know that teaching Bud Smith and his friend to play three chords would be the start of a country boy’s fascination with the guitar.

orn in St. Augustine, Bud Smith is one of Florida’s beloved “crackers.” Surrounded by his family’s extensive ranches and farms, Bud grew up in the midst of cabbages and potatoes, of cattle and horses. With a grandfather growing crops in Spuds, Florida, and an uncle, who was the first to introduce the Brahma bull onto his cattle ranch, Bud was familiar with Whiteface Herefords, Black Angus, and the mixed breed woods cattle. Growing up a Cowpoke

As a little tyke, he was familiar with an older Florida that had no fence laws. Bud recalls the annual spring roundups when neighboring ranch hands would voluntarily join together and begin the push of cattle from the nearby swamps and woods herding them into the corral. A tally man would be sitting nearby to check for brands on the cattle or for the earmarks on calves that would then be singled out for branding. Bud remembers being a cowpoke from early on, first sitting in front of his dad on the saddle; and later, after carrying buckets of water to Dad supervising the fields and workers, Bud would be allowed to unhook the Georgia mule from the machinery for the day and climb on its back for the ride home, envisioning himself another “Tom Mix atop White-nosed Nellie!” When his father sold the farm, the family moved to New Jersey. But as soon as school was out for the summer, eight year-old Bud was put on a train called The Champion heading for Florida,

Shell Point Life | September 2008

where he would come and work for his grandfather and uncle, herding cattle and later breaking ponies and horses every summer until high school. High school sports ended those trips in the summer to Florida and to ranching as Bud developed another interest in playing both football and baseball. In fact, after returning as a veteran of the Korean War, Bud qualified to play two years of semi-pro football with the Linden Athletic Club. Those were the years of players playing the full sixty minutes, and Bud remembers playing offensively as quarterback and defensively as a linebacker. A Marine in Korean

lie roared through Southwest Florida, the Smiths decided it was the perfect time to move to their present home at Parkwood at Shell Point. It was at Shell Point that Bud found his notoriety as Shell Point’s Johnny Cash. Three Chords

Bud has a

closet full of in“That Good Old Mountain struments that Dew” could be played on the guitar include a banjo, with just three chords, the three mandolin, and dulcimer, not to chords that Bud learned in that Komention three rean bunker. Those three chords guitars, and two were enough to convince his ukuleles. mother to buy him a guitar for his birthday after his return to the States. Bud claims I’ve had no formal guitar training. I just play by ear and from memory. Sometimes I write ditties with lyrics and chords. When I hit that mine in Korea, my left hand was injured. So I don’t have a normal stretch with that hand, and I just play the bass chords that I can reach.” Bud started playing his guitar out in the backyard and for picnics. “I love music and to play it. I’m a country boy at heart, it’s the music I heard growing up that my mom would play on the radio — like “The Hometown Frolics.”

Right after high school Bud enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Bud relates, “My uncle was sort of like my big brother, and he had gone into the Marines during World War II. After sending me a Japanese rifle and medals from Okinawa, it seemed only natural to follow his lead.” In the same month that he enlisted, war broke out in Korea, and Bud was shipped out to Korea, where he was engaged in active combat from January of 1951 to January of 1952. It was for his determined participation in this conflict, that Bud would receive two Purple Hearts. Bud’s arrival in Korea was just on the heels of one of the most savage struggles of modern times, the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, where 30,000 UN troops, dubbed “The Frozen Chosin” or “The Chosin Few” followed General MacArthur into a bitter, freezing cold and muddy conflict against approximately 120,000 troops of invading Chinese Communist Forces. After the fall of Seoul, U.N. forces were sent replacements; and Operation Killer of February 1951 was begun to force the Chinese and North Koreans back across the 38th parallel. That is where Bud was unfortunately wounded twice, when he fought with the 11th Marines. First hit by 76 mm shrapnel, and then later hit by a landmine while driving an eighteen-ton When Bill Johns, the director of tractor diesel. Bud was incapacitated during June and Jazz N’ Stuff, helped Bud Smith July only to return to his regiment until heading home re- string his guitar, little did either of them know that it the next February. would lead to Bud’s evolution

Jazz N’ Stuff

Bud had heard about Shell Point’s Jazz N’ Stuff and stopped in to listen to a jam session one night. After meeting Bill Johns and getting his help with re-stringing his guitar, Bud played and sang a little and then took Bill up on his invitation to come over and play with the group. As Bud says, “They’re the Jazz, and I’m the Stuff!” Part of that stuff is to be Shell Point’s Johnny Cash, and audiences enjoy hearing Bud’s renditions of such songs as “I Walk the Line” and “Folsom Prison Blues.” Bud relates, “I just sing into Shell Point’s Man in Black. Returning Home his songs; I don’t impersonate him. I won’t say Home meant a return to New Jersey, and to a Parris Island Re‘Hi, I’m Johnny “Cash”’ but rather ‘Hi, I’m Buddy “Credit” …cause cruiter School as a recruitment sergeant. Coming out as a staff serI’m just a poor boy.’ However, after I started playing some of his geant, Bud also managed to play semi-pro football, and meet his songs, I went out and got a black outfit.” wife-to-be at a football victory celebration. He relates that Julie, his sweetheart and wife of fifty-four years, did not like him at all at Wardrobe that first meeting, thinking him too full of himself with his PR, TV, Of course, Bud’s wife, Julie, makes sure to lighten up his and newspaper connections. Undaunted, Bud who was a veteran wardrobe by buying him different colored shirts and and knew how to meet a challenge says, “I convinced her to marry boots for his playing engagements. Sometimes he’ll me. After all, I’m a marine, and once a marine, always a marine.” give in and wear a red shirt for Christmas. But in adOver the next twenty-four years, Bud worked in security, went dition to keeping him outfitted, Julie types all the to apprentice school, and became a millwright for Merck Pharmalyrics to some two hundred songs in Bud’s repertoire ceutical, where he installed and maintained heavy mechanical and hunts down new songs for Bud on the computer. Julie Smith equipment used in their research laboratories. “She’s been my real strength,” claims Bud. When asked if he has a favorite song, Bud claims to love all of them but does particularly enjoy the train songs and Merle HagFlorida gard. He just gets a kick out of singing and playing for others. “I In 1985 Bud and Julie Smith purchased a house as a rental property in Cape Coral, Florida, before moving to the area and building think that laughter is one of the languages of God, and I love seetheir own home in Punta Gorda later. Shortly after Hurricane Charing people laugh.” S T O RY B Y S U E TAY L O R

Shell Point Life | September 2008

EXPERIENCE

EXPERTISE

Shell Point’s Board of Directors Convene in September As Shell Point celebrates its forty year history, we reflect on the importance of the strong and consistent leadership that has been provided by the Board of Directors of The Christian and Missionary Alliance Foundation, Inc. (CMAF), which oversees the administration of Shell Point and provides guidance to its management. This group of experienced professionals, each an expert in his or her own field, meets at Shell Point three times a year in the spring, summer, and fall. The board’s next visit is scheduled for September 18 and 19. During these meetings management provides an update on various ongoing activities, and proposals are presented to the board for action. The annual meeting in the spring is unique in that the board attends the residents quarterly meeting and dines with court representatives of the Residents Council. The Executive Committee of the Residents Council is given an opportunity at each of the board meetings to present any resident concerns. “The caliber of our board members is particularly impressive,” said Ron Eastman, chairman. “These individuals willingly give of their time and expertise for Shell Point’s benefit, and the organization has been greatly blessed by their generous participation on the board.” “I feel the board’s greatest contribution to Shell Point through the years has been the expertise and background of its members,” he said. “Each of the board members brings a true wealth of experience, and we are fortunate that there are so many areas represented by these professionals who have backgrounds in health care, finance, marketing, business administration, real estate, and the law. Combine that with their personal faith commitments and we have a group who clearly want to serve Shell Point, its residents, and the Lord.” “We provide professional review and feedback to Shell Point’s management team as we meet every four months at the facility,” he said. “It is a privilege to serve on the board of such an outstanding community.” The structure of Shell Point’s Board provides a balance of individuals who are knowledgeable about senior services, as well as the history and tradition of the C&MA.

Shell Point Life | September 2008

“The caliber of our board members is particularly impressive,” said Ron Eastman, chairman. “They willingly give of their time and expertise for Shell Point’s benefit…” Officers of the Board

General Members

The Chairperson for the CMAF Board is Ronald E. Eastman from Marco Island. Eastman was elected to the board in August 2001, after serving as an Advisor. He is V.P. in Asset Management at the Marriott Vacation Club International. He pursued an MBA at the University of Minnesota and holds a B.S. in Economics from South Dakota State University. In addition to the CMAF Board, he serves on a number of other boards throughout the country. Donna J. Duss, R.N., from Alexandria, Virginia, serves as the Vice Chairperson. Duss is a registered nurse and Founder/President of Duss Healthcare Consulting. She joined the CMAF Board in 1994, with thirty years of experience in health care. The Secretary to the Board is Charles B. (Chip) DeWitt of Mendham, New Jersey. Rev. DeWitt has been a member of the Board since 1988 and is currently employed as a director of the Research Foundation for the American Diabetes Association. He has served multiple roles for the C&MA and is licensed to practice law. The Board Treasurer is Richard L. Arnold, of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Arnold is a CPA and investment manager/financial advisor for Smith Barney Citigroup. He joined the CMAF in 1995.

The CMAF Board is comprised of several experienced professionals, all of whom are dedicated to ensuring the success of Shell Point and The Christian and Missionary Alliance. They include: Wanda Anderson, Esq., Colorado Springs, Colorado; Paul Cass, M.D., Kennett Square, Pennsylvania; John W. Davidson, Columbia, South Carolina; James D. Glenn, M.D., Titusville, Florida; J. Keesey Hayward, Glen Ellyn, Illinois; Rev./Dr. Mark O’Farrell, New Port Richey, Florida; Michael G. Scales, Ed.D, Nyack, New York; Martin C. Schappell, Fort Myers, Florida; Robert M. (Mike) Scott, Omaha, Nebraska; and Archie White of Lakeland, Florida. Director Emeriti

The following individuals serve as Director Emeriti: Walter J. Helsing, Beaver, Pennsylvania; Merlin (Mike) C. Feather, DeLand, Florida; Dr. Gordon M. Cathey, Fort Myers, Florida; and Paul K. Page, Fort Myers, Florida. Advisors and Ex-Officios

Advisors for the board are: Rev./Dr. James Davey; Roger L. Schutte, AIA; and Steven L. Minter. Serving in the role of Ex-Officios are Charles Hughes and Kenneth Baldes.

SHELL POINT BENEFITS FROM SUPERIOR LEADERSHIP President and Board Member Honored at Conference The leadership of Shell Point Retirement Community was recently in the spotlight as the Florida Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (FAHSA) honored Peter Dys, President of Shell Point, and Donna Duss, RN, President of Duss Healthcare Consulting and Vice President of Shell Point’s Board of Directors. Peter Dys received the 2008 Distinguished Service Award, and Donna Duss received the 2008 Trustee of the Year Award for their outstanding achievements in their roles in the retirement and life care industry.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Peter Dys was referred to as one of FAHSA’s unsung heroes. For many years he has worked quietly behind-the-scenes to help the FAHSA staff with public policy issues and legislative contacts. Dys has provided consistent involvement and assistance to Florida Representatives and Senators on issues regarding senior care and serves on the Governor’s Continuing Care Advisory Council for the State of Florida. At the 2008 Legislative Workshop, he provided much-needed analysis of a very complicated continuing care bill, and he also took part in an effort to educate members of the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission about a proposed constitutional amendment that would adversely affect most FAHSA members. Dys has served for twenty-three years as president of Shell Point Retirement Community and has been responsible for the growth and financial stability of the organization. Dys is well respected for his business acumen and experience in the long term care field. His education in social services (graduated from West Virginia University in 1972 with a Master’s Degree in Social Work, and with an A.B. Degree from Dordt College) and early career in Pennsylvania, where he founded the Lancaster County Office of Aging, give him the passion and perspective that make him a superior administrator for a retirement community.

He assumed leadership at a time in the history of Shell Point when it was struggling with debt, financial instability, and deferred maintenance issues that had reached a critical level. Under his direction Shell Point has grown from eight hundred residents to more than 2,100, and has provided jobs for more than 850 employees, and he has also launched a variety Donna Duss, Vice President of the CMAF Board of Directors, and Peter of innovative programs Dys, President of Shell Point Retirement Community were recognized for their exceptional service by the Florida Association of Homes and and services that have Services for the Aging. benefited thousands of seniors. Additionally, the community has to leadership. Now in her fourteenth year of successfully expanded from one neighbor- service, she is a well-known and highly rehood of thirty-five acres to multiple neigh- spected leader among her fellow board borhoods of nearly one thousand acres. members, as well as Shell Point’s management team and staff. Duss freely shares her professional knowlTRUSTEE OF THE edge and experience with the staff of Shell YEAR AWARD Point. Through the years she has worked Donna J. Duss joined the CMAF Board closely with the nursing staff in all areas of the in 1994 and currently serves as the vice community’s health care throughout the conpresident. A resident of Alexandria, Vir- tinuum and serves as a professional resource ginia, she is a registered nurse, licensed in to the health care team. “Donna has been an excellent member multiple states. Duss has more than thirty years of experience in health care in clinical on the Shell Point Board of Directors,” said practice, education, and administration. Ron Eastman, Chairman of the Board. “She She has worked as Director of Staff Devel- is an advocate for patient rights, while acopment and Director of Nursing in Long- cepting the necessity for finding balance term Care, is the Founder and President of within an ever-tightening and highly-reguDuss Healthcare Consulting, and has served lated system of health care. She is a skillful since 1999 as a consultant and coach to nursing professional who stays abreast of the latest developments in nursing and health long-term care clients. Her services focus on quality improve- care, and we have been most fortunate to ment, regulatory compliance, and manage- benefit from her expertise.” Vice President of Health Care Services ment development. Duss also serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Al- at Shell Point, Steve Minniear, agrees, “As liance Community for Retirement Living in part of her serious commitment to her duDeLand, Florida. She is also an ordained ties as a board member, she adds an addiElder at National Presbyterian Church in tional day to most of her quarterly visits to the community to provide time for a walkWashington, D.C. Duss is a role model and mentor to through of our health care facilities with other women in the organization who aspire feedback for our administrators.”

Shell Point Life | September 2008

To include a listing for an upcoming event or activity, please contact Mary Franklin, Resort Services Manager, at 454-2152 or email: maryfranklin@shellpoint.org

Happy Labor Day!

Celebrate with Dan Klimonski in the Crystal Room

Monday, September 1 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Crystal Dining Room/IS Enjoy a delicious lunch in the Crystal Dining Room and welcome back one of Shell Point’s favorite performers. Dan Klimonski will play jazz favorites and requests while you fill your plate. This is the perfect way to spend a hot Labor Day afternoon!

The Williams Academy Black History Museum Tour

Tuesday, September 9 9:30 a.m. Island pickup 9:40 a.m. Woodlands pickup 9:50 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 2:00 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $8.00 (lunch at “The Oasis” on your own) Join us to take a tour of the 1942 addition to The Williams Academy Black History Museum in Fort Myers. The Williams Academy was the first government-funded school for black students. The museum depicts Lee County’s history of African-Americans and displays a variety of memorabilia, artifacts, and pictures.

Shell Point Life

Political Cartoonist Bill Sanders

Tuesday, September 9 3:45 p.m. Grand Cypress Rm/WDL Through the arts of speaking and drawing, nationally-syndicated and award-winning political cartoonist Bill Sanders will approach contemporary political and social affairs while offering historical context and insightful commentary. This event promises to be as topical as the morning newspaper and as fresh as the evening newscast—but infinitely more interesting!

Dinner Outing: Mamma Pasta

Thursday, September 11 4:30 p.m. Island pickup 4:40 p.m. Woodlands pickup 4:50 p.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 8:30 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $7.00 (dinner on your own) Many reviewers give this Fort Myers homestyle Italian restaurant high praise,not to mention they all seem to rave about Mama Pasta’s homemade ravioli and bread. The friendly service and the casual environment combined will provide an evening that is sure to please. Dinner prices range from $11.75-$24.95.

EVENTS

•

PROGRAMS • PARTIES • MOVIES • OUTINGS • EXCURSIONS

Information Forum presents: Caloosahatchee River and Everglades Restoration

Saturday, September 13 10:00 a.m. Grand Cypress Room/WDL Erick Kindblad and Rae Ann Wessell, both from the Sanibel–Captiva Conservation Foundation, will be here to speak of the proposed purchase of 187,000 acres of land currently owned by US Sugar. We’ll review new opportunities this landmark purchase brings to improving the conditions of the Caloosahatchee River and the Everglades. The River and the Everglades need help, and the proposed buyout of US Sugar has promised to rewrite the solution equation.

Beach Day

Thursday, September 18 8:30 a.m. Island court pickup 8:40 a.m. Woodlands pickup 8:50 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 3:00 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $15.00 (ice cream on your own) It’s beach time again! Beach Day is all about the sand, sun, water, and fun. Come along with your Shell Point friends and neighbors to DelnorWiggins State Park beach. A picnic lunch will be provided, but save room for an ice cream because we will stop at Royal Scoop creamery on the way home. Don’t forget your towels, sunscreen, lawn chairs, and other favorite beach supplies.

Lilly & Larsen Harp and Flute Duo Saturday DVD: Resurrecting the Champ (2007)

Saturday, September 13 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Grand Cypress Rm/WDL Sportswriter Erik Kernan (Josh Hartnett) wants nothing more than to discover a story great enough to make headlines. So when he discovers that a local homeless man, named Champ (Samuel L. Jackson), was once a famous boxer, long presumed dead, he knows he has a shot. As Erik digs deeper into the fascinating story and becomes friends with the down-and-out former star, he soon uncovers several disturbing questions about Champ’s background. Champ’s tale teaches Kernan that what truly makes a story great is the quality of the man behind it.

Introduction to Nintendo Wii

Tuesday, September 16 3:15 p.m. Grand Cypress Room/WDL No doubt you’ve heard of virtual bowling, but did you know the Wii can do much more? Join your Resort Services host and explore all the features this fun piece of technology has to offer. We’ll demonstrate and play games like tennis, baseball, boxing, and golf. Come see how the Wii might become your new hobby!

Thursday, September 18 7:15 p.m. Grand Cypress Room/WDL Welcome the accomplished harp and flute duo of Elizabeth Lilly and William Larsen as they perform a selec-

tion of classical pieces from Piazzolla, Bach, Debussy, Mozart, Chopin, and more. You are sure to be impressed by the talent and skill they bring to the music with their nearly fifty years of combined experience playing in symphonies across the country.

Coconut Point Shopping Extravaganza

Saturday, September 20 9 a.m. Island court pickup 9:10 a.m. Woodlands pickup 9:20 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 3:00 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $7.00 (lunch on your own) Enjoy Main Street-style shopping right in Southwest Florida. Coconut Point has over one million square feet of retail space, so whether you want to spend the whole day learning about Apple computers or you

want to try to visit every store possible, you are bound to find something you like! Just a few of the stores are Barnes and Noble, Swoozie’s, Dillard’s, Relax the Back, J Crew, Talbot’s, Tommy Bahama, World Market, and over 20 eateries where you can grab lunch. It is never too early to start your Christmas shopping, you know! Bev Rademacher, program coordinator, has a list of all the stores in the RAC, but you can also call 992-4259 for more information.

Virtual Tennis

Monday, September 22 3:15 p.m. Resident Activity Center/IS Have fun while learning how to play tennis…virtual tennis that is! If you like tennis, you’ll love this virtual version made for those of us who enjoy our sports with air conditioning. Who knows, you might just be good enough to compete in the Shell Point Olympics in November.

Library Book Talk Tuesday, September 23 2:00 p.m. Grand Cypress Room Ruth Deuber (Periwinkle) will be discussing Laura Shapiro’s book entitled Julia Child: A Biography. Refreshments will be served, and the entire community is invited.

Virtual Boxing

Tuesday, September 23 3:15 p.m. Resident Activity Center/IS This versatile activity is fun for those with limited mobility but can also be used for cardiovascular exercise. By the way, it’s a ton of fun, too! This activity requires absolutely no skill or coordination – just a good attitude. Why not give it a try?

Shell Point Health Care Services Expo

Wednesday, September 24 10:00 a.m. Village Church Auditorium Members of the Shell Point Health Care Team led by Steve Minniear, Vice President of Health Care Services, will review the medical and health care services that are available to residents right here in their own community.

Shell Point Life | September 2008

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

Virtual Golf

Wednesday, September 24 3:15 p.m. Resident Activity Center/IS Golf is perhaps the most challenging sport there is, and while this virtual version requires just as much practice to master, it is fun and accessible for even the novice. As you swing the remote, your video character swings his club. Leave your clubs at home and try your skill on our beautiful virtual golf course.

Mini Golf at Castle Golf

Thursday, September 25 9:30 a.m. Island pickup 9:40 a.m. Woodlands pickup 9:50 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 1:30 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $14.00 (lunch on your own) Remember Putt Putt? Everybody loves miniature golf — even real golfers! Castle Golf is a local favorite miniature golf course. You will even find live alligators in the castle’s very own moat. After golf, we will dine at a Davidson’s Bistro where we can rest our royal feet.

Lunch at The Fish House via Beach Cat

Friday, September 26 10:00 a.m. Departure from Macoma dock 3:00 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $39.00 (boat crew gratuity included, lunch on your own) The Beach Cat regulars chose the September lunch trip destination. Come aboard, and see why it was their unanimous choice. Some say it is the restaurant, and some say it is the longer boat ride. Why don’t you ride with us and see what you think? Menu items run $6.50-$20.00, and they say no one leaves hungry. Restroom onboard.

Shell Point Life | September 2008

Walking required

Special event bus will be running

Creative Theater Workshop Talent Showcase

Friday, September 26 7:15 p.m. Church Auditorium/IS Creative Theater Workshop has been helping young, talented artists gain experience and knowledge through theater workshops and the production of fulllength musicals performed at the Alliance for the Arts. Join the talented young cast of their upcoming musical Cinderella for a display of their singing and dancing talent as they perform many of your favorite songs from Broadway.

The Elephant Bar Restaurant— A Lunch Out Adventure

Monday, September 29 10:15 a.m. Island pickup 10:25 a.m. Woodlands pickup 10:35 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 2:30 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $7.00 (lunch on your own) Embark on a taste safari in an exotic setting where elephant-sized portions of fresh culinary delights are served with style. The Elephant Bar Restaurant specializes in Pacific Rim dishes complemented by a wide variety of casual dining favorites. They report their creations use only the freshest of the fresh ingredients. Chef and CoOwner Reinhard Dorfhuber has held chef tenures all over the world. Escape the ordinary! Twenty menu items under $10.00.

Walking up and down stairs

Movie Night: Arthur Ashe: Citizen of the World (1994)

Boating attire

Monday, September 29 7:15 p.m. Manatee Room/IS Join tennis greats John McEnroe, Billie Jean King, and world leader Nelson Mandela as they pay homage to the life and work of Arthur Ashe, who became the first African American tennis player to win the U.S. Open in September of 1968. This film tells the story of the sports legend that transcended his athletic gifts and grew to become one of the most inspirational celebrities to lend his name in the fight against racism and the race to find a cure for AIDS.

Mark Your Calendar: The Ransom of Red Chief by the Baillie Players Friday, October 3 3:15 p.m. Church Auditorium/IS Welcome back this talented family acting troupe as they present a cabaret version of Tim Brosnan’s wonderful musical comedy, The Ransom. The play is based upon the turn of the century short story written by O. Henry. There will be lots of laughs and great music. You’ll enjoy this one!

Hurricane Seminar on DVD in Library For information on Shell Point’s hurricane policies and procedures, visit the Shell Point Island Library. The library has a DVD of the Shell Point hurricane shelter seminar that can be checked out and reviewed at your convenience. LIBRARY HOURS: Mon-Sat 9:30-3:30 , Sun 2:00-4:00 Telephone: 454-2180

PLACES

TO GO,

PEOPLE

MEET, & THINGS

2008 Shell Point Olympics November 10-14 Heads Up! Season is Starting Come join the folks who enjoy reading plays! We have an exciting play to read, and we welcome everyone! See you at the first meeting of the season: S.P.O.T. Play Readers Thursday, October 2 at 1:15 p.m. Tarpon Room/Tunnel on The Island.

• Wii Competitions • Spelling Bees • Wacky Court Competitions • Flag Decorating Competitions • Swimming Events • Darts and More Much more information about the S.P. Olympics to come in the next issue of Shell Point Life.

Mark Your Calendar The following activities are planned by a variety of groups. All Shell Point residents are welcome to attend. Check your current Weekly Reminder, or watch SPTV for locations and/or changes.

SUNDAY 9:00 Christian Studies (WDL) 9:15 Christian Life Studies 10:15 Morning Worship 1:15 Mixed Golf League 6:15 Evening Service

9:15 Stamp Project (Stamp Rm/ISL) 12:45 Intro to Duplicate Bridge 1:00 Mixed Progressive Pairs’ Bridge 1:30 Stamp Project (Sabal Rm/WDL) 1:45 The Rollicking Recorderists 6:45 Hymn Sing (Sep 2)

9:00 Paddler’s Club/IS 9:30 Current Events Group 1:15 Mah-Jongg (Library Lounge, RAC) 1:45 The Shield (Sep 25) 2:15 Photo Club (Sep 11)

FRIDAY MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

8:45 Lap Robes (Sep 15) 9:15 Billiards 9:15 Pottery 9:15 Shuffleboard 10:15 Virtual Bowling 10:30 Disciple Men’s Bible Study 12:00 Mah-Jongg (Sabal Rm/WDL) 1:15 Table Tennis 1:15 Scrabble 1:15 Tone Chimes 2:00 Beading Club 3:00 Bible Study (Arbor) 2:00 Spanish Club (Sep 15, 22, 29) 7:00 Pinochle 7:00 Duplicate Bridge

8:45 Men’s Bible Study (Sep 17, 24) 9:00-12:00 Geraci Travel 9:15 Model Yacht Club Mtg (Sep 3) 9:15 Watercolor Group 9:45 Ladies’ Bible Study 10:15 Model Yacht Club (Garden Apt Pond) 11:00 Computer Q & A (Sep 3) 11:15 Computer Q & A (Sep 17) 1:00 Chess 1:15 Table Tennis 2:30 Jazz ‘N Stuff 3:00 Bible Study (King’s Crown) 2:00 Spanish Club (Sep 17, 24) 5:45 Village Church Choir Rehearsal 7:15 Bible Study & Prayer

TUESDAY 8:30 Women’s Golf League 9:15 Painting Class

THURSDAY 8:00 Men’s Golf League

8:00 Intrepid Bike Riders (Sep 12, 26) 9:15 Stamp Project (Stamp Rm/IS) 10:00 Genealogy (Sep 12) 1:00 Mixed Progressive Pairs’ Bridge 1:15 Quilters 1:15 Table Tennis 1:30 Vespers (Arbor) 2:00 Diabetes Group Appt (Sep 5, 26) 2:45 Vespers (KC) 3:15 Great Decisions (Sep 5, 19) 6:45 Game Night

SATURDAY 8:00 Adopt-a-Road (Sep 20) 9:00 Coffee Social 9:45 Bridge Supervised Play 10:00 Information Forum (Sep 13) 10:15 Model Yacht Club (Garden Apt Pond) 1:00 Chess 7:00 Duplicate Bridge

Shell Point Life | September 2008

A Trumpeter for All Seasons B

A R E N

O D E R H O S E

If Steve Mondora’s father had his way, Steve might have been an accordion player rather than a trumpeter. But destiny and turns of events in his life, along with Steve’s true desire, led him to become the talented trumpet player he is today. Steve’s interest in music began at age immigrants. It turns out that the conductor, they took on the task of running the internaeight, when he attended a concert, Steve Neopolitan, emigrated from Italy with tional distribution office. But the location, Perryville, Arkansas, was a small community “I was enamored by the trumpets,” he ex- Steve’s grandfather. “They had been great friends. He loved without much opportunity for Steve to exerplains. Immediately upon returning home, he told his father, the son of Italian immi- me because he knew my grandfather, even cise his musical talent. His trumpet lay in its grants, that he wanted to play the trumpet. though I was kind of out of place with every- case while Steve and his wife served to help the hungry around the world. His dad posed, “Wouldn’t you rather play one speaking Italian.” While in college, Steve was asked to be a the accordion?” With no desire to learn the Dusting off His Trumpet accordion, his musical pursuits were put on substitute for a concert put on by the profeshold. Two years later while at school, Steve sional Youngstown Symphony. This was the During their six years in Arkansas, the attended a musical demonstration given by same symphony that inspired him to play the couple bought a fifth-wheel travel trailer and a Mr. Omeis, who had recently traveled with some friends of theirs been part of the Ringling Brothers to Groves Campground in South and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Fort Myers, where their friends After explaining about the various often stayed. While there, their instruments, Mr. Omeis asked the friends took them to see a family students if they would be intermember who lived at Shell Point. ested in playing an instrument. The family member was Mrs. “My friend said he was interGrace Milbourne, one of the first ested in the clarinet, but I was residents. “We would have dinner silent,” Steve recalls. “Finally the with her in the Crystal Dining man approached me and asked me if Room and say this great place to I was interested in playing an inretire.” strument. I said, ‘Yes, the trumpet, In December of 2000, the but I can’t because my dad wants me Mondoras were ready to finally reSteve Mondora plays trumpet with the Florida Gulf Coast Symphony. to play the accordion.’ Upon retire. Their son lived near Miami turning home, my father told me and a daughter lived near Tampa, that a man named Mr. Omeis had called. I trumpet when he was eight years old. As his so the Fort Myers area seemed like an ideal lothought I was really in trouble, but instead my career later took him to Pennsylvania and cation. They purchased a home in Cape Coral. dad asked, ‘Why didn’t you tell me you wanted Washington, D.C., Steve continued to particIn 2004, they started thinking about the to play trumpet?’” Shortly thereafter, Steve’s ipate in area dance bands, concert bands, and possibility of long-term care and went back to brass ensembles. However, there was a time Shell Point. A promotion for Parkwood was dad signed him up for trumpet lessons. when he did not play. going on at the time — they ended up moving Jack Louis and the Bluejackets in earlier than planned due to the exceptional Arkansas Steve’s natural ability for the trumpet was incentive package offered at the time. exhibited early. He began to play professionAfter Steve retired from the computer in“It’s a great place to live!” Steve exclaims. ally at age thirteen when a professional musi- dustry at age 55, he and his wife were not ready After moving in, Steve dusted off his cian and teacher wanted to start up a Big to “retire” from the work force. Since Carolyn trumpet, took some lessons, and tried out for Dance Band for young talented teenagers like had been active over the years volunteering in the Gulf Coast Symphony, which he was acSteve. He joined, and the band became known various hunger organizations, it seemed natu- cepted to play with. The Symphony, made up as “Jack Louis and the Bluejackets. “ ral that laboring full time for such an organiof forty to sixty volunteer musicians, perform “We played at proms, high school func- zation would be a perfect fit. mostly classical music. Their most popular tions, and at a local amusement park. Some of One such organization was Heifer Interevents are the pop concerts they perform at the concerts were even broadcast on the local national, located in Arkansas. When they the Barbara B. Mann three to six times a year. radio station.” Big Dance Band music became heard about a need for workers, they applied. Looking back, it seems evident that the Steve’s favorite style of music to play. They were immediately told “they were an an- instrument that Steve was meant to play At age fifteen, Steve dad’s friend helped swer to prayer”. With Steve’s background in through the seasons of his life was indeed the him get into a concert band made up of Italian business and Carolyn’s as a reference librarian, trumpet, and not the accordion.

Shell Point Life | September 2008

Fall Spanish Language Classes to Start

Much of the world speaks languages other than English. As you study another language, you step out of your language boundaries and begin to get insight into how speakers of other languages think. In a strange way the study of foreign language gives new insight into English as well.

Have more confidence when traveling to Spanish-speaking countries — there is a feeling of confidence from understanding the basics, like “please” and “thank you.”

Spanish classes will be offered at Shell Point on Monday (Sept. 15-Nov. 17) and/or Wednesday afternoons (Sept. 17-Nov. 19.) Each of the ten sessions will be for one hour per week. The level you choose will depend on your background in Spanish. Assuming a minimal group of ten in each class, the cost will be $60 per person per class. Sessions take place in the Buttonwood Room at the Woodland Commons.

If you have studied Spanish in the past, you consider advancing your Spanish skills. If you are already fluent in another foreign language but want to pick up some Spanish, this is the perfect opportunity.

The study course will use Spanish Is Fun, Book I or II and other materials. Our instructor, Elizabeth Nolan, a lively native speaker, will lead us gently into Spanish speech. She teaches at Edison College and Florida Gulf Coast University and has taught at other local colleges; her previous Shell Point students highly recommend her.

Many psychologists point out that one way to keep your brain young is to exercise it. One more reward for studying Spanish is meeting other Shell Pointers who are interested in languages. Keep young, have fun, and try Spanish! Call Connie Curtin at 4811035 to sign up or to ask questions about the sessions.

The Garden Variety B

T E V E

O R T O N

, L

A N D S C A P E

I have heard that expression my entire life, yet it still puzzles me. Perhaps because the phrase combines words that I hold dear, garden and variety end up meaning something that is commonplace or ordinary. For me variety in the garden is special and sought after. An abundant garden stocked with strange and unusual specimens is a joy to behold. Nature’s endless parade of colors and shapes is fascinating, spiritual, and even peaceful, but certainly not ordinary. Rather than a “Garden Variety” planting at the Administration Courtyard, the Landscape Management Team is working toward “Variety in the Garden.” We hope you will note and enjoy the new and interesting specimens that we have recently placed in the garden at the Administration Courtyard. Let us be your guide to these curiosities of the plant kingdom. To start, you must first adjust the way you look at plants. Instead of looking down toward soil, look up at the Oak Trees, and see the newly established Orchids. As an epiphyte, Orchids

L A N N E R

grow without soil but yet produce some of the most exquisite flowers in nature. Look closely for fourteen different Orchid varieties including Cattleys and Dendrobians, some of which are fragrant bloomers. Coming back down to earth, the Red Button Ginger (Costus woodsonii) is located in a bed near the Amphitheater and is currently blooming with its strange red waxy-looking flower. We invite you to touch and feel both the shiny red bloom, as well as the corduroy-textured leaves which are arranged in a spiral around the stem. Just because a plant does not bloom does not mean it is not beautiful. Look for the pink and green Hawaiian Ti plants (Cordyline terminalis Kiwi) located near the door of the Administration Offices. Once used to make the “grass skirts” in Polynesia, the Ti plant has been hybridized to create a myriad of colors and shapes for landscapes. The stars of the shade garden are the new Bromeliads planted just outside the door of the Crystal Dining Room. After you enjoy a fine meal at the Crystal, pause

Red Button Ginger

and enjoy the fuchsia-colored Bromeliads known as Lila. The Bromeliad is a resourceful plant that keeps its own canteen with it. Arranged in a rosette pattern, the leaves tightly overlap to create a small vase to hold a water supply in times of drought. The Landscape Management Team is always seeking new and interesting specimens for the nature lovers among us, and we encourage you to observe and enjoy the new plants in our “Variety in the Garden” planting.

Shell Point Life | September 2008

Back to School Residents Provide Welcomed Gift to Employees and Their School Age Children Thanks to the generosity of residents and the hard work of the Intergenerational Committee volunteers, three hundred bags of school supplies went home with employees for their children in kindergarten through grades 5 on Friday, August 1. Reusable Publix grocery bags were used to disThe process began in April with the resident School Supply Fund Drive, supplies were ortribute the school supplies. dered in June, and they were all sorted and bagged in July – in preparation for the big distribution day. The bags included pencils, paper, markers, glue sticks, folders, composition books, and crayons just to name a few of the many items required for the new school year. This year, the committee went green, and the supplies were distributed in recyclable shopping bags donated by Publix and a Shell Point resident. Fund drive chairman Janet Bendall (Coquina) led the program for its fourth year. Janet, one of several former educators on the committee, knows full well how important it is to the child to have the necessary supplies to begin the school year. Each member of the committee feels joy that these chilJason Powers, Shell Point Web Designer, with his wife Rebekah dren will return to school, knowing the place where mommy and their three sons, Nate Ben, and Jonas, came in to pick up or daddy work really cares about them, too! school supplies for their two school aged children.

Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming Shell Point Resident Activity and Performance Group Shows and Concerts Be sure to mark your calendars now so that you don’t miss out on any of these great community-wide events that make Shell Point such a wonderful place to be!

It’s again time to start sorting through your unwanted treasure troves because the annual Trinkets and Treasure Bazaar is just around the corner! On Friday, October 17, the Grand Cypress Room at the Woodlands will be packed with tables covered with a variety of things for sale! It will be a giant bargain hunt for treasure seekers. So bring a bag and your spectacles to see if there is something you might want to buy from your neighbor. You never know what good things you’ll find at this mega garage sale! If you are interested in selling some of your things, sign-up will begin on Wednesday, October 1, at 8:15 a.m. at either service desk. Make sure to sign up as soon as you can because selling tables are limited. Only residents may sell, and residents must man their own tables. The cost is $5.00 per person for a table.

Shell Point Life | September 2008

OCTOBER

JANUARY

10/7 — Shell Point Singers Fall Concert

1/29 — Shell Point’s Own Theater (SPOT)

NOVEMBER

MARCH

11/7 — Craft Bazaar

3/13 - 3/15 — The Shell Point Art Show

DECEMBER

3/28 - 3/30 — Quilt Show

12/2 — Shell Point Singers Winter Concert

APRIL

12/9 — Holiday Sounds Concert 12/25 — Christmas Cantata

4/4 - 4/18 — Photo Show

AT YOUR SERVICE Residents Invited to Attend a Shell Point Health Care Services Information Expo

Make Sure the Tax Man Taketh as Little as Possible You’re Invited to Attend a Strategic Tax Planning Seminar

Moving into a new community can be challenging. Meeting new neighbors, making friends, even finding your way to the Woodshop or swimming pool can be difficult when you first arrive. So, it comes as no surprise that some new residents are not aware of all the medical and health care services that are available to them right here in their own community. To help with that adjustment and to ensure that these new residents have

access to the services they need, members of the Shell Point Health Care Team led by Steve Minniear, Vice President of Health Care Services, will present two brief presentations from Health Care Services, while representatives from Home Health, Behavioral Health, the Medical Center and the Pharmacy will be on hand to answer individual questions, on Wednesday, September 24, at 10:00 a.m. in the Village Church Auditorium.

The Legacy Foundation Presents:

STRATEGIC TAX PLANNING SEMINAR Wednesday, September 17 10:00 a.m. Grand Cypress Room/WDL TOPICS TO INCLUDE:

Have You Visited The Café Promenade Lately?

• Popular Tax Planning Techniques

One of Shell Point’s best kept secrets, The Café Promenade, is tucked away in a cozy corner of the Woodlands Commons. Catalina Peter provides hungry residents with friendly service, preparing tasty sandwiches, salads, and other snacks with a smile. On July 21, in addition to the previous menu selection, The Café Promenade introduced an ice cream shop with eight different flavors of ice cream (available in cups or waffle cones), and a variety of assorted toppings. Stop by the next time you find yourself wanting a frozen treat. As Catalina says, “Our ice cream tastes better than what you get anywhere else, because here it is always served with lots and lots of love.”

Ben Franklin is credited with the famous statement, “There are two things in life that are inevitable, death and taxes.” The major difference between the two is that death does not change every time the Congress meets. Join us in this Legacy seminar as we discuss tax-wise planning strategies that will keep as many dollars in your pocket as possible. We will discuss not only the popular planning techniques but will also take a look at the tax code for a few more obscure planning strategies that may be of significant help to you. We plan to allow plenty of time for Q&A. We look forward to seeing you there.

• Utilizing Lesser-Known Tax Code Planning Strategies • Question and Answer Session Presented by: Timothy A. Stephenson, C.F.C, and Alisa Alexander, C.P.A. Timothy A. Stephenson is a Chartered Financial Consultant and Executive Director of The Legacy Foundation at Shell Point

Catalina Peter serves up a scrumptious special each day at the Café.

Alisa Alexander, is a Certified Public Account and is the owner/operator of a CPA firm in Fort Myers.

Shell Point Life | September 2008

Women’s Ministries

Changing the World… Two Lives at a Time!

Join Kathy Miller, Founder, President and Executive Director of Lifeline Family Center located in Cape Coral, on Wednesday, September 17 at 10:15 a.m. in the Hospitality Room at The Village Church.

Many organizations and ministries desire to change the world ONE life at a time, but Lifeline Family Center in Cape Coral desires to change the world TWO lives at a time. That’s because they serve and minister to women who have found themselves in unplanned and sometimes difficult pregnancies. This unique ministry offers hope, love, and life to the women and the precious babies they carry. Teen Pregnancy: An Overwhelming Problem

The United States has the highest rates of teen pregnancy and births in the industrialized world, costing the U.S. over $7 billion annually. In 2005 there were 819 births to teens aged 1519 in Lee County. Nearly 80% of the fathers of babies born to teen mothers do not marry their baby’s mother. Less than one-third of teens who become pregnant before age 18 complete high school. This leaves them unprepared for the job market and more likely to raise their children in poverty. The epidemic of teenage pregnancy has not only created a moral dilemma but also a socioeconomic crisis. A Local Solution

Since 1996 Lifeline Family

Center has been providing young women in crisis pregnancy a safe home and learning environment, along with educational training, job training, professional counseling, parenting classes and spiritual direction during this very important time in their lives. Lifeline Family Center offers a positive alternative to abortion, giving both the mother and the baby hope for the future. A two-year Christian residential program prepares teen moms and their babies to become God-dependent, self-supporting, contributing members of society. The goal is to address the needs of both the mothers and the babies. This is all accomplished completely through God’s empowerment and without any government funding. An Opportunity to Learn More About Lifeline Family Center

The Women’s Ministries of The Village Church has invited Kathy Miller, the Founder, President and Executive Director of Lifeline Family Center, to share more about this wonderful ministry happening in our own community on Wednesday, September 17 at 10:15 a.m. in the Hospitality Room at The Village Church. Coffee and refreshments will be served, and all are invited to attend.

Shell Point Life | September 2008

What Role Will You Play in the Drama of Worship? BY RANDY WOODS, MINISTER

As work continues inside and outside the building, a new stage is being set at The Village Church for a drama you do not want to miss! With a state-of-the-art audio/visual system, a new roof, exterior painting and stone façade, the stage is being set for a dramatic production that goes far beyond the theatrical. As a church and community, we value the “tangible things” in life that are practical, necessary, and sometimes simply beautiful. The care for a building, the investment in appropriate equipment, and the appointment of furnishings truly help set the stage for dramatic excellence. And of course the drama of worship is somewhat characterized by its staging. The programs, concerts, and worship experiences we enjoy are significantly enhanced by a variety of props. But as the stage is set and the drama of worship begins, all of the players are yet to be seen. The Danish philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855), defined the drama of worship in a way that challenges traditional perspectives. What he observed was that in the drama

WORSHIP

AND

MUSIC

of worship, many people identified God as the prompter, the leaders (musicians, Scripture readers, preachers) as the actors in the drama and, the congregation as the audience. Kierkegaard taught that this understanding of our worship as drama was totally wrong. People were taking on the wrong roles. The leaders (musicians, Scripture readers, preachers) were to be the prompters in worship. All of us, the congregation as well as the leaders, are the actors in the drama of worship, and God alone is the audience for the drama. Wow, what an honor we are privileged to perform for the King of kings! As a new season begins, the stage is set as the drama of worship continues at The Village Church. Come join the cast, your friends and neighbors, as we take the stage and dramatically worship the God of creation. Don’t passively sit by as a spectator when you can be on center stage and express your praise and adoration to the One who alone deserves our attention. Come and participate in the drama of worship. The stage is set, and the Audience is waiting. What role will you play?

Village Church to Host Reception September 19 for President of Alliance World Fellowship On September 19 The Village Church will host a reception with Arie Verduyn, President of Alliance World Fellowship. The Alliance World Fellowship facilitates cooperation among its member churches as they work for the fulfillment of the Great Commission as referenced in the Gospel of Matthew. The reception will be held in the Grand Cypress room at the Woodlands and will begin with a continental breakfast buffet at 9:30 a.m. At 10:00 a.m., Arie Verduyn will present his topic for the morning, The Alliance World Fellowship in Review. Everyone is invited to participate in this special reception.

A Better You…

The Basics, Just for Men B

O B Y N

H U R C H

, M

A N A G E R

O F

T H E

H E L L

O I N T

Following are a few basic pointers on nail, hair and skin care for men.

A L O N

drying and maintain balance. The Salon offers hair care products just for men by Matrix and Redken. Men’s hair care products include shampoo, conditioner, gel, and hairspray. A quick spray of Yes, that’s right. Men need to care hair spray is just the trick to keep some unfor their nails too! Men’s nails generally wanted “fly away” hairs in place. So, place grow faster than women’s nails and tend to a travel-size shampoo and gel or spray in be stronger. Men’s nails are also larger with the gym bag for added control! Thinning Hair — If your hair is beginan increased surface area making them more ning to thin (or is thin), and you’re lookprone to trauma from bumps and bangs. Hand and Foot Detail — Consider ing for some options, Rogaine or another this…a manicure and pedicure is simply a product containing Minoxidil, is successful hand and foot “detail.” The word pedicure in stimulating new hair growth about 80% is derived from the Latin words pes (meaning of the time. The more recently the hair has thinned, the better the foot) and cura (meaning success rate. care). You would not deShampoo and hair prive your new Toyota care products containing Prius the attention it deDHT inhibitors as found serves. Proper care and in Nioxin hair care prodmaintenance can be ucts are milder than Mihelpful in preventing nail Manicured nails and smooth noxidil but also beneficial diseases and disorders. Conditions of the nail be- hands look nice on men for every to stimulating new hair day, and add a special touch to a growth. Nioxin hair care come more common as dressy or formal occasion. products are sold in The people age, making proper care even more important. So, have your Salon. The Salon offers a Nioxin scalp treatment and massage that aids in innails “detailed” today! creased circulation, conditions the scalp and hair, and feels great! Hairpieces — Hairpieces today are Shampoo — Sorry gentlemen, soap and made to look extremely natural with the water is not the best for your hair and scalp. use of human hair. Hairpieces can be seSoap can be a little too drying for the skin cured to the area of alopecia, or hair loss, on your scalp, and it is definitely too drying allowing a person to maintain an active for hair. Over-drying of the skin can cause lifestyle. If you are interested in pursuing redness and irritation. Soap will make hair this alternative, The Salon can recomcoarse and unruly. Shampoo is PH-bal- mend a hair replacement specialty salon anced to your skin and hair to avoid over- in the area.

Nail Care for Men

Hair Care for Men

September Specials for Men ONLY! Super Salon Savings

Coupon offers are now available in the Salons, so you don’t need to clip them out! Offer expires 9-30-08.

Skin Care for Men The skin on your face is sensitive to over-drying too. It is just as important for men to wear sunscreen and moisturizer as it is for women. The salon carries a skin care line just for men by Dr. Grandel. It is formulated with essential minerals to vitalize men’s skin. The Salon offers facials “just for men.” You deserve a little extra pampering – enjoy! Shaving Lotion — Shaving with a lotion versus the traditional shaving cream can add valuable moisture to the shave and reduce skin irritation. A heavy hair conditioner applied to the skin for shaving can also be a nice alternative. Hair conditioners are PH-balanced to the skin which is why they are so mild and non-irritating. Sunscreen — A nice alternative to sunscreen lotion or cream is powder. Colorescience and Peter Thomas Roth are two popular brands available. Powder sunscreens are a little more expensive than traditional lotions and creams. They are available online and cost between $30 and $50. They are water resistant, translucent, and leave no oily, greasy residue which is preferred by most men. Keep in mind the “X 3 rule” for sunscreen. If the SPF is 30, (30 x 3 = 90) the sunscreen will protect the skin for 90 minutes. After 90 minutes reapply. So, place a tube of sunscreen in the golf bag! Hours: Island Salon— Mon-Fri 8-4 • Saturday 8-12 Arbor Salon— Mon-Fri 8-4 Pavilion Salon— Mon-Fri 9-12 Call 489-8400 for an appointment.

Offers valid for the entire month of September.

Take Advantage of These Additional Men’s Promotions During the Month of September: ❧ $5 OFF a Nioxin Scalp Treatment and Massage ❧ 10% OFF Matrix and Redken Hair Care for Men ❧ 10% OFF Nioxin Hair Care Products for Men and Women ❧ 20% OFF Dr. Grandel Skin Care Products for Men Shell Point Life | September 2008

The Village Church Presents the 2008-2009

Season of Praise Concert Series Music ministry is a vital part of the wor- way” and “innovative and well played.” “Truly, forming ambitious symphonic music with confidence rivaling a young professional orchestra. The ship experience at The Village Church. an unforgettable experience!” Four celebrated artists with four Steinway eighty-member orchestra consists of Wheaton Again this season the stage is set for you to engage with some of the world’s finest Christian grand pianos will take the stage on Sunday, Feb- College students majoring in music, as well as artists as they share in The Village Church’s Season ruary 1, at 6:15 p.m. for a very unique, Festival of other disciplines. Keyboards! A Festival of Keyboards brings toNo doubt, toes will be tapping on Sunday, of Praise Concert Series. The concert series will begin on Sunday, No- gether today’s most gifted pianists, writers and March 29, at 6:15 p.m. as The Barbary Coast vember 9, at 6:15 p.m. with the uniquely inspira- arrangers for an unforgettable musical event! Dixieland Band presents an inspirational concert tional music of Two Tenors, Barry Craft and Ben This virtuoso foursome – Stephen Nielson, Ovid of Old Time Gospel Jazz. The Barbary Coast Dixieland Band is made Owens, presenting a sacred concert in white tie Young, Jeff Bennett and Gerald Anderson – feaand jeans. Barry and Ben will combine their tures sacred, classical, and popular favorites for up of six talented musicians who play eighteen instruments. This group of artistry to create an evening highlighted by the solo, duet, and of course the thrilling quartet — four versatile musicians, who uniquely inspirational music of Two Tenors. occasionally swap instruOn Sunday, December 14, at 6:15 p.m. a piano artistry at its finest! The annual patriotic ments on stage without Christmas Celebration will be presented by The missing a note, will inVillage Church Choir with special guest artist, concert will be presented on spire you with their very Ken Medema, a gifted singer, pianist, and com- Sunday, February 15, at 6:15 first tune as they present poser. From the time Ken Medema was born, he p.m. and Monday, February the best of Dixieland has been unable to see with his physical eyes. “Be- 16, at 7:15 p.m. This God Gabriel V Brass Ensemble Gospel Jazz! cause I have lived with some degree of being dif- and Country Celebration will be presented by The Village The Victorious Easter Celebration will feature ferent all my life, I have Church Choir with special the Gabriel V Brass Ensemble in concert on Sunsome sympathy for peoguest artist, Bob Ralston. day, April 12 at 6:15 p.m. Gabriel V offers the best ple who have been disenBob Ralston is probably in fanfare and solo brass works. As an ensemble franchised.” best known for his 44 years with Gloriae Dei Artes, the passion and creativity of The New Year will as pianist, organist, and Gabriel V Brass is evidenced by the lives of its membegin with Tim Zimmerarranger with the Lawrence bers and their commitment to artistic excellence man and The King’s Brass Welk Orchestra. through detailed preparation in a spirit of mutual presenting concerts on Alumni, family, and honesty, dignity, openness and joy. Sunday, January 11, at friends will not want to miss Because of the increased costs of travel, eco6:15 p.m. and Monday, the Wheaton College Sym- nomic challenges, and to financially support this January 12, at 7:15 p.m. phony Orchestra’s concert of music ministry, tickets for the concerts will be $10. Tim Zimmerman Classic Symphonic Praise on With this increase, there will not be an offering and The King’s Brass presWednesday, March 11, at taken at the concerts. Tickets for all of the Season ent hymn classics with a 7:15 p.m. The Wheaton of Praise Concerts will be available at the Church contemporary flair. SecuTim Zimmerman and The King’s Brass College Symphony Or- Office during regular office hours beginning, lar and sacred music critics alike applaud their concerts as “superb in every chestra continues to amaze audiences by per- Wednesday, October 1.

Generations Celebrate Rich and Gloria Meyer of Rosemont recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary and Rich’s 85th birthday. Their entire family (which includes three daughters, two sons-in-law, and six grandchildren) gathered for the celebration, flying in from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California and England. Back row L-R: Jeff and Rick Feher; and Bret Barrett. Middle row LR: Jules and Amanda Feher; Carolyn; Alison and Amy Mash; Karen Barrett; and Melissa and Tony Mash. Front row seated are Rich and Gloria Meyer.

Shell Point Life | September 2008

VILLAGE CHURCH MAKEOVER NEARING COMPLETION New Improvements Are Exciting Addition With the debut of the new state-of- community residents. Using this the-art digital audio visual equipment new equipment as a communicaduring the morning worship service on Sun- tions vehicle will also impart a renewed sense of participation for day, September 7 this massive project is nearing completion just in time for the upcoming everyone attending worship servseason. The new audio, lighting, and video ices, concerts and special programs. In addition to the upgraded system has taken a giant forty-year leap forward to the present time and is designed to im- equipment, the building itself is in prove the congregations sight-and-sound the midst of a makeover and will have a new look this season. On the experience. The new audio/visual system will improve outside structural upgrades to the the Channel 12 broadcast, as well as bring it roof are being made, as well as cosinto compliance with the new digital broad- metic improvements. The building casting requirements being implemented is being painted a beige-brown color to comacross the country in February 2009. Both the plement the new roof. A new stone façade is television broadcast and the live performances also being added to the front to enhance the will have marked audio improvements The visual appeal of the entrance. Inside the buildupgraded system will also allow the beautiful ing inspirational banners, floral arrangements Allen organ and the two Steinway grand pi- and plants have been added to define the anos to have better clarity of sound for broad- space and add warmth. Starting in September, as residents and casting as well as recording services. “Intelligent light” controlled by computer friends of the Shell Point Retirement Community attend the worsoftware programs will bring ship services, concerts a new dimension to the Benefits of the Village and other special properformances scheduled for Church Renovation: grams held at the Village the upcoming season, as • New Interior Look Church, the experiences well as for worship services. • New Intelligent Lighting there are sure to be This new system will have • Image Magnification marked by the new look the same capabilities used • Improved Sound and the benefits of the by mega churches and connew audio visual system. cert halls throughout the country, with all the features needed for topTradition of Excellence notch performances and presentations. Shell Point and The Village Church has The new image magnification screens and cameras incorporated into the video sys- a rich tradition of presenting significant protem will also take these performances and grams with celebrated artists performers presentations to the next level. Image mag- such as, Steve Green, Marvin Hamlisch, nification screens will enhance the live ex- Diane Bish, Roger Williams, Art Linkletter, perience inside the church, while the new and Pat Boone. digital robotic cameras will improve the With the new look and the improved viewing experience for all. digital audio/visual equipment, the Village Church has set the stage for excellence. Performers and entertainers will now have the Improved Sight and Sound There will be a noticeable improvement very best resources available to make this seain the quality of both sight and sound in the son one of the best in the history of the Village upcoming Season of Praise Concert Series, Church. The bar has been raised to provided the Fine and Performing Arts Concert Series, the best possible presentations for our church and other community-wide events as the new and community. To find out more about the audio, lightequipment is integrated into these performances. The Village Church is building upon ing, and video equipment and the upcoming its tradition of excellence, while working to season, Randy Woods (454-2147), Minister exceed the expectations of its members and of Worship and Music at The Village

Church, is happy to share the details and vision of this project. Generous Investment

The total Village Church makeover will cost over one million dollars Shell Point Retirement Community has paid for the roof and exterior renovations and the Village Church has paid $350,000 in designated funds towards the equipment upgrades. Designated funds are those funds contributed by church members and community residents specifically for capital improvements. Village Church members and Shell Point residents have also contributed an additional $98,000 towards these equipment upgrades. This leaves the audio, lighting, and video project with a remaining balance of $77,000 to be raised with benevolent gifts from the church family and community. According to Tim Stephenson of the Legacy Foundation, this audio/visual project provides universal benefit for the entire community. The Village Church has always been and will continue to be a multi-purpose building used for worship services, community events, and special events open to the public. When the makeover is completed at the beginning of the new season, the Village Church members and Shell Point residents will have access to an updated building with state-of the-art equipment to enjoy for themselves, as well as for future Shell Point generations. To make a contribution to the audio/visual project, please contact Tim Stephenson at The Legacy Foundation at 454-8484. Gifts of cash, stock, property, or other investments are graciously accepted, and the Legacy Foundation is ready to assist with any details.

Shell Point Life | September 2008

Free Spirit Discovers Ancient Art Resident Shares the Native American Flute B

Fifteen years ago, while Nancy McDowell perused the New Age

O C H E L L E

H E R N I AW S K I

ued to perfect her skills, she has practiced with a variety of different flutes, even spending top dollar for what she says, “Turned out to be a Black music section at her local book and music and Decker flute. It was only useful for hanging store, a certain CD caught her eye. It was Earth on the wall as a beautiful decoration.” While she Spirit, featuring R. Carlos Nakai, the world’s has learned that cost does not necessarily correpremier performer of the Native American spond with quality, she has also learned to stick flute. She bought the CD on a whim, not realwith the best – Ken Light. izing the effect it would have. In fact, when Nancy moved in to The haunting quality and healTellidora at Shell Point in April 2008 ing rhythm of the Native American with her sister and brother in law, Pat flute reached into her soul and immeand Carter Boynton (Turban), she diately took hold. After one month of celebrated the move by treating herenjoying the CD, listening to it just self to a new Ken Light flute! wasn’t enough; she wanted to learn Nancy marvels at the way the Nathe art of playing such a remarkable tive American flute can reach out to instrument. As luck would have it, others and connect on another level. she found an ad for a Native Ameri“The Native American flute brings a can flute in one of her clothing catacalming rhythm to meditation, healing logs. Since prices can vary from $30 tones to critical care patients, ministry to $1,000 or more, she opted for an to church services, and even a sense of inexpensive model for starters. freedom and exploration to youth.” Nancy’s instrumental backWhile Nancy, who has been ground, including years of playing the given the name “Walela” (“Humguitar, fiddle, recorder, and tradiYou can hear Nancy McDowell (Tellidora) play the Native mingbird” in the Cherokee language) tional flute, provided the perfect platAmerican Flute at her Coffee With A Neighbor presentation by a Native American friend, has most form for her self-taught lessons on the Friday, September 19 at 2:00 p.m. in the Grand Cypress Room. definitely found her voice through the Native American flute. ancient instrument, the self-proThere is no written music for the Native American flute. Instead, throughout the ered sacred among many tribes and is a favored claimed “child of the Woodstock generation” thousands of years that the Native American wood for construction, giving the flute a beau- continues to maintain her youthfulness. She is flute has been played, songs and techniques are tiful tone. When a branch from the cedar tree a retired, but still active, member of PepsiCo’s is selected to make the flute, the limb is split corporate RISE Native American network, passed on from player to player. down the middle. The red heart center is re- which embraces non-Native friends as well as Nancy learned to play by listening to R. Carlos Nakai’s CDs, as well as recordings of moved and discarded, and the two halves are its indigenous members. Between practicing her flute, playing mahother tribal flute players, and imitating the allowed to dry. After the two sides are joined sounds. Truly, it was a remarkable feat. The Na- together, the holes are drilled, and the instru- jongg, spending time with family, joining in a tive American flute typically has only five or ment is completed, it then becomes the re- game of chess, riding her bike, catching up on six holes and is controlled by a combination of sponsibility of the flute player to put the heart e-mail, reading a British mystery, or watching a fingering and breath. Essentially, the sound is a back into the cedar by using his own breath. DVD, Nancy can be found relaxing at the Isreflection of a player’s voice and breath as he or This process stems from the Native American land beach chikee hut and taking in the scenes philosophy that whenever something is taken of Shell Point with her iPod providing the acshe sing through the flute. After six months of devoted practice, away, in this case the life of the cedar branch, it companying soundtrack. Nancy has even ensured that anyone who calls her will be Nancy realized she had a true talent. She also must be given back. As her skills continued to develop, Nancy entertained with a custom ringback tone (a realized she needed a better flute. Finding the perfect flute became her next discovered an opportunity to train personally service created and provided by cell phone challenge. Naturally, Nancy looked to R. Car- with R. Carlos Nakai and Ken Light. In the companies, where songs are substituted for the los Nakai. All of Nakai’s flutes are handcrafted year 2000, Nancy and her flutes traveled to the ringing sound you hear when you call someby Ken Light, who lives on the Flathead Indian Feathered Pipe Ranch in Helena, Montana, to one) the theme song from The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. reservation in western Montana. Upon locat- attend the Renaissance of the Native AmeriYou can meet Nancy and hear her play the ing Ken Light, Nancy placed an order for her can Flute Workshop. For an entire week Nancy very own custom Native American flute – and and thirty other students were privileged to Native American flute as she shares her artistic abilities with the community at her Academy then she waited. Ken Light works alone and, train personally with Nakai and Light. Throughout the years as Nancy has contin- class on Friday, September 19. due to a long waiting list, customers usually have to wait from a few months to a year for their custom-ordered flute to be completed. Nancy came to understand it was well worth the wait. The creation of each Native American flute is an honored tradition and different types of wood may be used; however, cedar is consid-