Shell Point Life March 2009 by Shell Point Retirement Community

March 2009 Vol. 4 Issue 3

The Pursuit of Knowledge Reflections on Education “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – N ELSON M ANDELA

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”

Learning Curve By Lynn Schneider, Editor This month’s issue of Shell Point Life is filled with some pretty heady stuff. Literally! It’s all about education and you might be surprised to discover the many forms this topic takes as we explore some of the avenues for lifelong learning at Shell Point. The most obvious place to start is a story about Shell Point’s lifelong learning program called The Academy at Shell Point. The Academy has been successfully providing a series of varied and interesting educational sessions for residents to choose from for almost a decade and what makes the program unique is the fact that most of the classes are taught by highly qualified residents. This provides opportunities for residents to enjoy both the processes of learning and teaching. The Academy was recently named one of 2008’s most innovative active aging programs by the International Council on Active Aging. Read more about The Academy and the award recognition beginning on page 3. Or, perhaps you might like to meet some individuals who made a career out of teaching. If so, you’ll want to read Making the Grade on page 14 where we profile a number of individuals who were educators before they retired including several school teachers, a cosmetology teacher and even a dance teacher. Another resident who understands the benefits of passing on knowledge to the next generation is Richard Gaede of Eagles

– H ENRY B. A DAMS Preserve. Richard puts his skills as a former businessman to good use by serving as a business mentor through SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives. Now more than ever, America needs small business and SCORE volunteers provide invaluable expertise and guidance to this important group. Read Richard’s story on page 12. This month, The Academy at Shell Point joins a county-wide effort to launch the Healthy Brain Initiative. This initiative, which has the support of the National Institute of Health, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Alzheimer’s Association is designed to improve brain fitness and memory. If you want to learn about this new brain fitness program, then be sure to check out the details on page 10. Employees of Shell Point will also have an opportunity to advance their educations and further their knowledge through a new scholarship program that has been established using a gift from former employee, Pam Gehring, following her death in 2007. The scholarship, named in her honor, is dedicated to providing Shell Point employees with the incentive and opportunity to pursue additional education that will improve not only the quality of the lives of those they serve, but of their own as well. This new program is explained on page 9. Don’t be late for class!

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The eternal flame represents lifelong learning through The Academy at Shell Point. 2

Shell Point Life | March 2009

“A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimensions. “ – A NONYMOUS

“We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own.” – B EN S WEETLAND

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, Linda Hicks, Tom Frackenpohl, Jessica Clark, Mary Franklin, Bev Rademacher, Ted Yeatts, Randy Woods, Tim Stephenson, Jason Powers, Sue Taylor, Glenda Stephenson, Paula Watson, Garth Francis, Dawn Boren, Peggy Holton, Barry Smith Do you have story ideas or photos to share? Contact Rochelle Cherniawski, communications coordinator, by calling 239-454-2055 or e-mail: rochellecherniawski@shellpoint.org. Or submit suggestions in writing to Rochelle at the 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.

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Spark The Academy at Shell Point Keeps the Fire for Learning burning Strong

ome say that people can learn something new every day of their lives. At Shell Point an award-winning continuing education program provides the perfect spark to engage the mind, body, and spirit of residents. For residents and staff participating in The Academy at Shell Point, it has been obvious that the variety of programs offered is remarkable. In the fall of 2000, the first Academy brochure was formalized, offering 11 classes to the community. The current Academy brochure clearly reflects how greatly the course offerings have grown, as well as the wealth of knowledge shared by each course instructor. Academy courses are arranged into semesters covering spring, summer, and fall. The spring semester, which runs from January through March, offers around 90 classes. The summer semester, running May through July, offers approximately 50 classes. And the fall semester, running September through November, offers around 70 courses. Registration is only required for those classes including fees or size restrictions. All residents are welcome to attend any number of classes.

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At the Core of The Academy Academy classes fall under six major areas of interest: Coffee with a Neighbor; Community Enrichment; For the Love of Learning; Legacy Seminars; Mind, Body, and Spirit; and Academy on the Go. There is also a comprehensive Computer College, offering courses for all skill levels. In Coffee with a Neighbor courses, residents have the opportunity to experience a taste of an intriguing life, as presenters share their personal backgrounds and interests. Teri remembers discovering a Shell Point resident who volunteered in a clown group that regularly entertained children, a resident who was a clown with the Shriners, and two others who had attended clown school. The discovery led to Coffee with the Shell Point Clowns, a March 12 course where residents will learn about the clowns’ personal experiences. The Community Enrichment series provides the opportunity to connect with the community outside Shell Point. People from local organizations and institutions present topics from government, the sciences, the

arts, the not-for-profit arena, the media, and more. For example, the spring semester brought FGCU President, Wilson Bradshaw, to Shell Point for an update on the status and activities of Florida Gulf Coast University. The Legacy Seminars segment offers classes, sponsored by The Legacy Foundation, regarding a variety of financial issues, such as investments, estate planning, and leaving a legacy. Academy on the Go classes provide excitement outside the Shell Point campus. Trips have included tours of the Franklin Locks National Recreation Area, historical walking tours of downtown Fort Myers, the Norman Rockwell exhibit at the Naples Museum of Art, and other exciting and enriching destinations. Mind, Body, and Spirit classes bring a holistic approach to learning. Class offerings have included balance plus, creating memoirs, Hospice care, Old Testament stories, and many more. The spring semester Mind, Body, and Spirit courses will conclude with two class offerings: Hospice Training for Volunteers and a Memoirs Workshop.

Clockwise, from top left: As an artist, June Lockhart (Harbor Court) practices many disciplines. During a summer Academy she presented a class on paper sculpting. In her class June demonstrated how to make paper people, including faces and curled hair. Inez and Brad Patten (Lucina) enjoy an Academy-On-the-Go airboat excursion on Lake Trafford. Other residents take in the sights during the Lake Trafford excursion into the Corkscrew Swamp, keeping an eye out for birds, fish, and of course, Florida Alligators.

Shell Point Life | March 2009

For the Love of Learning courses present a creative montage of classes that cater to the varying interests of the resident population. Classes in poetry, theatre, photography, hymnody, bridge, recycled wreaths, torn paper portraits, quilting, sand casting, and even international cultures are all offered for those with a true love of learning.

Teaching in The Academy The list of resident volunteers and staff that bring their teaching skills to The Academy is as extensive as the course roster. As Teri reflects on teaching, she finds Shell Point “a most giving community. Half of the residents of Shell Point serve as volunteers, willing to share their expertise in a variety of venues. It is a population heavily involved in science and industry, as well as being former founders of schools, colleges, and other institutions of education and the arts. Many residents have volunteered for their entire lifetimes. And I’m delighted that our newest residents are as generous with their abilities and time as our long-term residents have been. The Academy has grown as the community has grown.” As the resident population continues to grow, and interests continue to change, Teri strives to provide educational opportunities that appeal to the community as a whole. “With this rich resource of experience, it is both a delight and a challenge to keep a good balance in the course offerings and to present classes of current interest, such as new developments in medicine, nutrition, fitness, and wellness. I do a lot of reading both in periodicals and online, and we have a tremendous Advisory Board consisting of eight resident members, willing to serve two-year terms during which they make suggestions and give Shell Point a feel for what residents want. Those fields of interest are broad, covering areas such as environment, energy, education, technology, language, and management. It’s wonderful for me to get their perspectives. We receive

Landscape manager Steve Morton took residents on a Plant Walkabout through the grounds of Shell Point. Steve made a stop in the courtyard on The Island to tell residents about a particular plant there.

feedback via evaluations that are garnered from every single class offering. Suggestions and offers to teach come back on these, so we really get to know the interests of our residents.” Similar to the residents, Shell Point staff is heavily involved in The Academy. Dr. Sue Stranahan, Pavilion chaplain, has been involved with teaching in The Academy since 2004. “I try to intertwine my role as chaplain or spiritual caregiver and some area of spiritual growth and development with my teaching. And, I do that from an interfaith, non-denominational perspective that I believe all can relate to. Shell Point is a community where residents are very active and are willing to think outside the box and continue to grow intellectually and spiritually. They tend to be drawn to learning that follows naturally with spirituality, because spiritual growth never stops and is not hindered by physical decline. In fact, sometimes a physical decline leads to spurts in spiritual growth and learning. The Academy offers opportunities for residents to Patricia Myers (Junonia) will join other clowns for Coffee with the Shell Point Clowns on Thursday, March 12 in the Grand Cypress Room of The Woodlands.

learn new material or think in a different way. It allows a wholesome development of spirituality which is always growing.” Dr. Stranahan has offered quite a few classes through The Academy that reflect her vision, such as last year’s offering in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Celtic spirituality. She has also offered courses on meditation, prayer, spiritual wellness, and the role that faith plays in healing. “Every class is an opportunity for me to grow, too. I learn so much myself, and residents affirm that the same is true for them. They seem to enjoy the classes. So, I’m learning from residents, and hopefully, they are learning from me as well.”

The Academy’s Computer College Discussion of The Academy would certainly not be complete without looking at its technology division, the Computer College, and its founding coordinator, Richard Nelson (Lakewood), affectionately known as the “father of the Computer College.” Working in the continuing education department of Edison College in Punta Gorda, Richard was one for learning in retirement. And, as a volunteer, he was very familiar with working with retirees. While volunteering, Richard got to know Mike Peterson from Computer Medics, who had been teaching some computer classes at Shell Point, as well as holding question and answer sessions for the community. Richard traveled to Shell Point two or

Residents have the opportunity to improve their fitness during a Balance Plus class.

three times a week to teach with Mike on the beginning levels of word processing and the Internet. In 2002, when making the decision to move to Shell Point, Richard claims that he asked just two questions, “How much does it cost to live at Shell Point?” and “What are you doing with computers?” Richard now knows what Shell Point is doing with computers because he’s right in the thick of the Computer College along with an extremely active and visionary steering committee: head, Janet Medina (Rosemont); and members, Bruce Findley (Palm Acres), Ed Mitchell (Lakewood), Frank DiVesta (Lakewood), Penny Modrich (Nautilus), Jim Baumgarten (Rosemont), and Russ Kraay (Oakmont). With direction by Richard and the steering committee, Shell Point’s Academy now offers 25-30 computer courses each semester. Richard handles the first cut of classes, recruitment of

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Instructor Russ Kraay (Oakmont) teaches a number of classes in the Computer College curriculum.

instructors, and decision-making regarding which courses will be re-offered and which new classes are to be added. Russ then takes Richard’s rough copy and plots the classes on a calendar and solves any problems by making necessary class switches. Even with two computer labs at Shell Point, the increased resi-

people who want to enter the big ocean of computer usage. Often times residents come with minimal or no computer knowledge and sometimes with various physical limitations. We go slowly, and I have four to five assistants available for one-on-one help.” Other class offerings include Microsoft

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I am so fortunate that I have these wonderful role models as I age. The ideas never stop coming, and the conversations with residents are truly inspiring.

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Teri Kollath, Manager of The Academy and Volunteer Services dent demand indicated additional equipment was needed. Janet and Richard began visiting nearby schools and saw their mobile labs in action. Seeing this as a real solution to their problem, the group raised $40,000 to buy a mobile lab with twelve laptops. Looking to the future, Richard said, “In the fall, plans are in place to add another mobile cart so that one will be available for The Woodlands and another for The Island. This takes a big load off the computer lab, and we can have more class offerings.” A wide range of classes is offered through the Computer College in order to meet the needs of the variety of users. Classes offer everything from beginner’s basics to building your own website. Richard has found he enjoys working with beginners. For them, a new concept was developed called the Computer College Prep School. Richard explained, “The prep school was designed for 6

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overview, word processing, introduction to Excel, introduction and intermediate use of the Internet, g-mail, sharing photos, using Print Shop and Photoshop, and computer workshops. Richard and the committee are always looking for new initiatives. One such initiative headed by Bruce and Richard, regarded other forms of technology that residents deal with such as cell phones, electronic book devices, GPS systems, geocashing, and brain fitness technology. “In order to manage training in the use of this technology, we formed a School of Technology,” Richard said. “In the summer, we’ll be offering two levels of cell phone usage: the beginning level (Jitterbug) and the middle level (Motorola). Perhaps in the fall, we can expand to the Blackberry and iPhone.” Richard continued, “Brain fitness is an important consideration when developing class offerings. Mental activity is just as

important as physical activity as people age. Organizations such as Alzheimer’s Association and The National Institute of Health have gathered studies that show brain activity on an MRI having greater functioning in people who use computers and the Internet. Bruce has worked with Ted Yeatts on the Nintendo Wii fitness system to bring mental fitness into the Computer College. Nintendo DS Lite is another innovative software package for brain fitness that we’re looking at. Big Brain Academy is a chip that fits into the DS Lite and exercises five different parts of the brain: memorization, thinking, identification, computing, and analyzing. Each exercise has three different games and each has three different levels: easy, medium, and difficult. In addition to Big Brain Academy, there are two other programs, Brain Age 1 and Brain Age 2, each stimulating brain development. It’s understood that using such exercises every day for just half an hour can help minimalize and slow the onset of dementia. In the summer, we hope to have eight Nintendo DS Lites that will be offered along with cell phone courses. Everyone should be able to play!” Richard summed up his vision for the Computer College by saying, “I really have two major goals for the Computer College since coming to Shell Point: no wait lists, and no resident left behind. Anybody living in the 21st century is going to be handicapped if they are not able to use the Internet. We have to provide support for that kind of learning.”

Excellence for Residents Is it no wonder that The Academy has been recognized as an industry innovator. The Academy is truly a whole community effort of excellence. As Teri reflected on the resident volunteerism that makes this program exceptional, she said, “I am so fortunate that I have these wonderful role models as I age. The ideas never stop coming, and the conversations with residents are truly inspiring.What they’ve done, their thirst for knowledge, and the opportunity to share, makes this a very dynamic community and makes The Academy possible.”

Academy at Shell Point Receives prestigious Industry Award

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The Academy at Shell Point was named one of 2008’s most innovative active aging programs by the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA). ICAA is a national association that supports and recognizes professionals who develop wellness and fitness facilities and services for adults over the age of 50. Director of Resident Life, Dawn Boren, and Manager of Academy and Volunteer Services, Teri Kollath, accepted the 2008 ICAA Industry Innovator Award for The Above: Teri Kollath, manager of the academy and volunteer services and Academy’s creative programming at the annual ICAA conference Dawn Boren, director of resident life attended the International Council on that was held in San Antonio, Texas. Active Aging Conference where they received an award for The Academy at The ICAA analyzes programs for seniors throughout the year, Shell Point being named one of the country’s most innovative active aging then hosts the conference to recognize and honor excellence and creprograms. Below: Dawn Boren; Colin Milner, CEO of International Council ativity in the fields of health and wellness. They also recognize organof Active Aging; and Teri Kollath during the ICAA’s 2008 conference. izations that have developed cutting-edge programs to support active aging, plus spotlight one innovative piece of fitness equipment for ties that enhance one’s quality of life.” the active older-adult market. The award-winning offerings target As an ICAA Innovator award recipient, The Academy at Shell any or all of the six dimensions of wellness — emotional, vocational, Point received a crystal award of recognition, a one-year ICAA facilphysical, spiritual, intellectual, and social. ity membership, and a full pass to attend the ICAA Active Aging More than half of the Shell Point resident population volun- 2008 conference in Texas. In addition, an in-depth profile of The teers in some capacity in various areas throughout the community, Academy at Shell Point will appear in the ICAA’s bi-monthly Journal with more than 400 individuals volunteering as instructors or class on Active Aging. The article will spotlight the cutting-edge initiatives leaders for The Academy. of active aging industry leaders and governmental organizations. The Academy offers the opportunity to participate in lifelong “Shell Point’s Academy provides an inspiring example for everyone learning initiatives and programs. The Academy offers a well-rounded striving to support healthy, vibrant living for adults ages 50 and older,” curriculum of educational classes and field explained Colin Milner, ICAA founder trips — presenting as many as ninety classes and CEO. “The Academy offers an innoper semester. Academy class offerings are vative, high-quality approach to wellness provided in a variety of categories, includ— one that promotes health, well-being, ing: Computer College; Coffee with a and quality of life for older adults and helps Neighbor; Community Enrichment; For the individuals stay independent,” praised Love of Learning; Legacy Seminars; Mind, Milner. “ICAA congratulates Shell Point Body, and Spirit; and Academy on the Go. Retirement Community on the excellence “Interestingly, despite its zero-based and creativity demonstrated in this awardbudget, the program has attracted the winning effort.” highest resident participation,” said Boren. You can get The Academy brochure “Nearly three out of four residents take at either service desk or by logging on to part in The Academy, with equal reprethe resident website, www.shellpoint.net. Shell Point’s Academy provides sentation across all of the levels of care,” If you are interested in teaching an an inspiring example for those she said. “We believe The Academy at Academy class, please contact Teri Shell Point is innovative because it offers Kollath at 454-2254. Take part in the striving to support healthy, vibrant mental stimulation and lifelong learning in award-winning programs offered in The living for adults ages 50 and older. all areas of one’s personal well-being, while Academy by signing up for an upcoming Colin Milner, ICAA founder and CEO engaging residents in volunteer opportuniclass or program.

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The Academy Spring Semester Marches On! B

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The spring semester of The Academy continues in March with a refreshing assortment of class offerings

For the Love of Learning On March 2, at 7:15 p.m., Dr. Grant Wacker, professor of church history at Duke University Divinity School and a well-known expert in American religion, will present Part 1 of the series, Changes in American Religion 1948 – 2008. Dr. Wacker will continue Part 2 of the series on March 3, at 9:15 a.m. After a break with light refreshments, Dr. Wacker will be joined by Dr. Nathan Hatch, president of Wake Forrest University and one of the most influential scholars in the study of the history of religion in America, for a dialogue on issues raised by the first two presentations. Sessions will be held in The Church Auditorium. On March 5, resident photographer Sallie Rich of Tellidora will lead a Nature Photography Walk About. Cameras and walking shoes are encouraged for the walk around Shell Point. Professor Adrian Kerr will return on March 10, 17, and 24, to present Ancient Egypt and Us – The Impact of Ancient Egypt on Our Lives Today. The courses will include an introduction to Professor Kerr’s new book, providing fresh insight into what

A “Honey” of an Opportunity Has Been Added to Sweeten the Spring Academy Find out what all the buzz is about... Ed Karle (son-in-law of Mark and Lois Hoepfner of Oakmont) will teach a class about honey bees on Thursday, March 12, at 1:00 p.m. in the Grand Cypress Room of The Woodlands. All are welcome to attend; registration is not necessary for this class.

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Academy brochures are available at either service desk and online at www.shellpoint.net.

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we have learned from the ancient Egyptians from astronomy and women’s empowerment, to medicine, education, and much more. The popular AARP Driver Safety Class will be held on March 18 and 20. Caroline Sapsford of Junonia will lead the course that will help tune up driving skills and update knowledge of Florida driving laws. On March 20, Bud Kent of Macoma and Augusta Crane of Parkwood will present Spring Fever, a musical and visual extravaganza representing the love of spring. Visual images of spring, compiled by Augusta, will embellish Bud’s observations of ways that composers create tone poems. In Getting to Yes through Mediation, on March 25, Drs. Linda R. Forcey (Parkwood) and Sheila Sklar (Eagles Preserve) will share personal experiences of the mediation process that leads to the resolution of 80 percent of all small claims cases in Florida. The For the Love of Learning spring series concludes on March 26, with Sand Casting. Enjoy the Shell Point beach while making plaster castings of fish, stars, footprints, crosses, birds, and more.

Academy On The Go On March 4, tour the historic Bok Tower Gardens to enjoy the more than 50 identified species of butterflies in the beautiful Olmstead Gardens. There will also be a half-hour 60-bell carillon concert from the 205-foot-tall “Singing Tower.” On March 18, experience the world’s largest cypress/royal palm forest during the Fakahatchee Strand State Park Guided Nature Tour. The 20 mile forested swamp features wildlife as diverse as its flora.

Mind, Body and Spirit Hospice Training for Volunteers will be held on March 4, 6, and 27, to provide more resident volunteers for the Hope Hospice at Shell Point program. Memoirs Workshops will be held on Monday evenings throughout March, beginning on March 9, led by Steve Oberbeck, a nationally-known arts critic and cultural writer for Newsweek, the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and other publications.

Coffee With A Neighbor March 12 brings the opportunity to have Coffee with the Shell Point Clowns. Meet four residents with a wide variety of interests and accomplishments, who enjoy the common ability to bring smiles, laughter, and love to young and old alike. Learn how each resident made the decision to become a clown, what it took to get there, and why they have gone the extra mile to make the world a better place.

Community Enrichment On March 20, hear about encounters regarding The Urgency of Including Mainstream Sustainability in Higher Education Globally and at FGCU. The presenter, Peter Blaze Corcoran, Ed.D., professor of environmental studies and environmental education and director of the center for environmental and sustainability education at FGCU, will discuss the Earth Charter – a declaration of basic principles for building a just, sustainable, and peacePeter Blaze Corcoran, ful global society for Ed.D., is a featured the 21st century. March presenter.

Computer College Richard Nelson (Lakewood) introduces students to the second information revolution during the Intermediate Internet course on March 2. On March 6, Lucille Paterson (Lakewood) will demonstrate How to Build a Personal Web Site. Clip Art, taught by Penny Modrich of Nautilus and Denton Smith of Oakmont, will begin on March 12. And a new Introduction to Excel course, taught by Denton Smith, will begin on Friday, March 20. Plans are underway for the summer semester of The Academy at Shell Point which begins Friday, May 1. Please see the spring Academy brochure for additional information on course content, class locations, instructors, and sign-up information.

Scholarship Established A new benefit, the Pamela Gehring Memorial Scholarship, has been established for Shell Point employees. Many future Shell Point employees who benefit from the Pamela Gehring Memorial Scholarship may not have known the woman who initially made the scholarship possible; however, her legacy will have a lasting effect on their lives. Pam Gehring was the Director of Business Services at Shell Point from 1996 to August of 2007, when she passed away from lung cancer at the age of just 57. In the few short weeks between her diagnosis and death, Pam told her husband, Bob Gehring, that she wanted to make a gift to Shell Point in support of the community’s on-going ministry and mission. Shortly following her death, her husband contacted Shell Point president, Peter Dys to communicate Pam’s wishes and finalize arrangements for a gift of $50,000. The money was set aside to establish a scholarship fund for Shell Point employees. “Shell Point was a special place to Pam and she was very touched by the people who lived there and by the people she worked

with,” said Gehring. “Pam wanted to contribute to the organization that she felt was making such a great difference in people’s lives.” Pam’s life touched countless others and at Shell Point she was a mentor and coach to many around her. She had a BA from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. In 1996 Pam joined the staff of Shell Point Retirement Community as the Director of Human Resources and then Director of Business Services. Her logical approach to business, high standards, and unwavering ethics made her a strong addition to the management team where she served as a strategist and long-range planner. Pam was at Shell Point for eleven years and was respected by both staff and residents of the community. Today, Pam is remembered as a woman of many unique talents and gifts who shared herself with those around her and who brought something special to the world we live in. “Pam’s generosity and vision will have an impact well into the future,” said Dys.

Pam Gehring was Director of Business Services for Shell Point from 1996 to 2007. Her logical approach to business, high standards, and unwavering ethics made Pam Gehring a strong addition to the Shell Point management team where she served as a strategist and long-range planner for eleven years.

“Many employees of the community will directly benefit from her generosity and vision.”

Legacy Opportunities Available to Participate in Scholarship The Pamela Gehring Memorial Scholarship program has been established to provide funds to eligible employees interested in pursuing education opportunities which will be beneficial both to the employee and to Shell Point. Scholarships will be awarded only as funds are available. Among the criteria to qualify, employees must be classified as active full-time or part-time and employed at Shell Point for at least one year. The course for which the employee is seeking a scholarship must be directly applicable to the employee’s present or potential job within Shell Point. The principal factor in determining eligibility will be whether or not the course(s) material and/or degree will enhance the employee’s job performance, or prepare the employee for a reasonable career path within Shell Point. The program includes college credit of-

Donor Opportunities Available fered by accredited educational institutions, The awarding of scholarships will occur such as universities, colleges and community colleges, as well as courses taken to complete only as funds are available. According to the requirements for a high school diploma Tim Stephenson, executive director of The Legacy Foundation at Shell (including GED); accredited corresponPoint, this program offers an dence and on-line courses; and accredited outstanding opportunity for restechnical and vocational schools. Also idents who would like to make a included are review courses leading to pomeaningful gift toward the ensition-related certificates and licenses. hancement of the lives of the The annual maximum payment per employees at Shell Point. employee for courses and programs as de“I am often asked by residents scribed above is $1,500 per calendar year up to a total maximum of $4,500 during Tim Stephenson if there is something they can do for our employees,” said Stephenson. “This an employee’s tenure with Shell Point. Funds are awarded, based on the cost of new scholarship is an excellent opportunity for tuition, lab, registration fees and other miscel- resident participation. Although the scholarlaneous expenses, such as books and uniforms. ship has been initially funded by a former emSelection of scholarship recipients will ployee, resident participation can keep it going be made by the Scholarship Committee long into the future.” To learn more about donor opportunities based on eligibility, academic achievement, work experience, community standing, and to the Pamela Gehring Memorial Scholarship contact The Legacy Foundation at 466-8484. career goals. Shell Point Life | March 2009

Barrie Schwortz Thirty Years of Shroud Science Revealed B

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The first two speakers in Shell Point’s Inaugural Speakers Series—Dr. Kent Moors and Chris Wallace—received rave reviews from hundreds of attendees. The last of the three lectures by distinguished American speakers will be delivered by Barrie M. Schwortz on Thursday, March 19. Individual tickets are still available; so don’t miss your opportunity to hear over thirty years of scientific and historic research on one of the most fascinating and studied artifacts in human history. Barrie M. Schwortz

The Shroud of Turin is a centuries old linen cloth that bears the image of a crucified man. A man that millions believe to be Jesus of Nazareth. Is it really the cloth that wrapped his crucified body, or is it simply a medieval forgery, a hoax perpetrated by some clever artist? Modern science has completed hundreds of thousands of hours of detailed study and intense research on the Shroud. It is, in fact, the single most studied artifact in human history.

Barrie Schwortz was the Official Documenting Photographer for the Shroud of Turin Research Project team that conducted the first in-depth scientific examination of the Shroud in 1978. Today, he plays an important role in Shroud research as the editor and publisher of the internationally recognized Shroud of Turin Website, the largest and most extensive Shroud resource on the Internet. He is co-author of a Shroud book with Ian Wilson titled Turin Shroud: The Illustrated Evidence.

Mr. Schwortz has participated in programs on Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, History Channel, Sci-Fi Channel, CNN, CBS, NBC, PBS, and the BBC. His photographs have appeared in hundreds of books and publications including Time Magazine, Life r to Researche oint Magazine, National P ll e h S 9 Close 08-0 ries Geographic, and in Speaker Se countless television documentaries. He has conducted Shroud lectures all around the world and is frequently called upon as a leading imaging expert. He has also presented papers at numerous Shroud conferences and Symposiums. Mr. Schwortz’s engaging multimedia lecture will feature high quality images that will give you a detailed look at the Shroud with an emphasis on the image it bears. He will also provide an overview of the science performed on it in the last 30 years, a look behind the scenes of the groundbreaking 1978 scientific examination and an evaluation of the latest scientific information regarding the 1988 C14 dating of the cloth. He will also discuss his personal story of how his work with the Shroud has impacted his life.

Barrie Schwortz will speak on Thursday, March 19 in the Church Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for this Speaker Series presentation are available for $35 each.

The Healthy Brain Initiative This month, The Academy joins a county-wide effort to launch the Healthy Brain Initiative. This national initiative, which has the support of the National Institute of Health, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Alzheimer’s Association, is spearheaded in Lee County by Lee Memorial Health System through their Gerontology Department. Envisioned as a three-year initiative,

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LMHS has trained 100 trainers who will offer Brain Fitness classes to residents in the area. Two Shell Point residents, Emily Kletzien (Periwinkle) and Bruce Findley (Palm Acres), have become trainers and will offer the first two classes through The Academy beginning March 11 and March 24. Created by Dr. Gary Small, director of UCLA Center on Aging, The Memory Training Program, also know as “Brain Camp,” has become the initial class of the Healthy Brain Initiative of Lee County. Classes will meet for five weeks, once each week for two hours, and will include

tools to improve your personal cognitive health. Exercises, which will be practiced in class as a group and at home, are geared toward improving and sharpening short-term memory. The $5 cost for the class covers the handout materials and Dr. Gary Small’s book, The Memory Bible. Each class will accommodate 20 residents, but more classes will follow, beginning in the summer Academy at Shell Point. Please contact Teri Kollath, Manager of The Academy at 454-2254 with any questions, or register at either service desk. Refer to the Weekly Reminder for more information.

One Elegant Evening

with Over One Thousand Stars

The stage is set for this year’s annual volunteer appreciation event to honor Shell Point volunteers and the generous services they provide. In mid March we have traditionally gathered in the auditorium of The Village Church to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism present here in our Shell Point community. Because that spirit of volunteerism is so large, representing more residents each year, our gathering has outgrown the building forcing us to consider a new method for recognizing and celebrating this rich tradition of volunteerism. This year we are taking the celebration outdoors. There will be no walls and no formal ceremony.

What there will be is the same deep and sincere appreciation for the service you perform in your home community. At this year’s celebration, you will have opportunity to meet and greet your fellow volunteers as you stroll under the stars in the Administrative Courtyard area to the soft background music of wind and string instruments. Management staff will be on hand to greet you and personally thank you for your volunteer service and they will also assist in serving you as you enjoy a beverage and sampling from a

Tuesday, March 10 7 - 8 p.m. Administration Courtyard

selection of miniature desserts and fruit. The Administration of Shell Point looks forward to greeting volunteers, the “stars” of the evening as they enter the Administration Courtyard to the sounds of string and wind instruments at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, for the elegant evening dessert reception. Volunteers will receive a warm welcome, which extends the thanks and appreciation of the entire community for the thousands of hours of service provided by more than 1,000 star volunteers! If you have not yet received your invitation to this year’s annual volunteer recognition event, please call Teri Kollath, manager of The Academy and volunteer services at 454-2254.

Press Article Leads to Train Room Volunteers Helping Local Children’s Home Repair Their Train Sets Shell Point residents possess expertise in a diverse range of subjects that touch on almost any topic you can think of. Recently, Train Room volunteers were able to share their knowledge of model train maintenance and operation with visitors. After a recent article in The NewsPress featuring the Gulf Coast Model Railroad, (also known as the Shell Point Train Room), the train room experiences record-breaking numbers of visitors. In the first week following the press coverage, the Train Room saw over 100 people visit each day. That was not the only attention the news article brought to the train room. Lending a Hand in the Community

Ed and Annie Ravish, proprietors of The Gabriel House in Fort Myers, contacted Shell Point and explained that they operated a home for disabled, abandoned, and neglected children. The Gabriel House

Ed Ravish and some of the children from Gabriel House visited the Shell Point Train Room for a special VIP tour of the Gulf Coast Railroad.

had several donated train sets which were not running properly and when Ed saw the News-Press article featuring the Gulf Coast

Railroad he called Shell Point to find out if someone would be able to assist him with their train repairs. Phil Steen of Coquina and Bill Benysh of Sand Dollar offered their assistance and visited the Gabriel House to assess the operational state of their train sets. “We were happy to help the children get their trains working again,” said Bill. “And we made sure to invite them to see our display at Shell Point.” Ravish took the gentlemen up on their offer, and brought some of the Gabriel House children to the Gulf Coast Model Railroad so that they could see the impressive display and even operate some of the trains. Their eyes lit up as they watched the Tropicana train chug along the Florida landscape. “A lot of work goes in to the operation and upkeep of the train room,” explained Phil. “We love for all generations to visit the train room, and possibly even pick up a new hobby!”

Shell Point Life | March 2009

Richard Gaede Knows the

Service Corps of Retired Execut B

U E

TAY

L O R

conomic downtowns, the erratic stock market, fluc-

tuating gas prices, a shaky job market, and the plummeting situation of the housing market are just a few of the current challenges the country has been facing. It seems that everyone is aware and affected by the struggling economy. Perhaps some of the hardest hit by the recent economic conditions are the small businesses of America. And when the going gets tough, small business owners know to turn to SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives. A Rich History

SCORE has a rich history, stemming back to 1953 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed The Small Business Act into law, creating the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). It was recognized that small businesses are critical to the growth and strength of the country and that the federal government should “aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small businesses.” Following the inception of the SBA, business leaders across the nation began providing no cost or low cost business counseling. And in 1964, SBA administrator, Eugene P. Foley, launched SCORE as a national volunteer group to unite independent efforts into a national force. At that time there were over 2,000 members. Today, SCORE, with more than 11,000 volunteers nationwide, still stands strong as a nonprofit association that is dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and focuses on the formation, growth, and success of small businesses. SCORE offers unlimited, free, and confidential advice to small businesses through face-to-face counseling, online counseling, online workshops, and more. The organization has served more than 8 million 12

Shell Point Life | March 2009

clients; through the volunteers who are working or retired business owners, executives, and corporate leaders. Giving Back to Business

Richard Gaede, a resident of Eagles Preserve, serves as a “counselor to America’s small business” as a member of the executive committee and the present treasurer of SCORE’s local chapter 219. He is dedicated to SCORE’s mission of “providing professional guidance and information access to all to maximize the success of America’s existing and emerging small businesses,” and its vision is to be “a respected association of volunteer busi-

ness counselors providing professional guidance and information to small business owners through a national network of chapters, strategic alliances, and a partnership with the SBA.” Presently, the chapter boasts thirty members with varying degrees of expertise spanning a wide spectrum of businesses, including banking, manufacturing, law, retail, and many more. Involvement in the organization was a natural fit for Richard. After growing up in Rochester New York, and serving in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, Richard began his college career at Heidelberg College in Ohio. It was there that he met his wife Joanne. After Joanne

e SCORE!

tives Provide Leadership Mentoring graduated, the couple moved to her hometown of Buffalo, where Richard finished a degree in Business Administration and Economics at the University of Buffalo. From there, he moved on to New York and a career in mid-management with the New York Phone Company. In January of 1965, Richard, Joanne, and their son, Reed, were drawn down to the balmy, breezy Fort Myers area, where Joanne’s parents had a small business on Fort Myers Beach. Some time after the move, Richard began working with Eckerd Drugs; it was a career that spanned thirty years. Moving to Shell Point

Following retirement, the move to Shell Point was an easy transition for Richard. As

can give back to others. Volunteerism is a significant piece of Richard’s satisfaction and contentment in Southwest Florida, as he volunteers with SCORE. His interest in volunteering with SCORE was evident when he met a vice chairman of SCORE during a church meeting close to eight years ago. At that time the organization did not have an executive in retailing; and having heard about SCORE previously, Richard did not need much arm-twisting to become involved in the counseling and mentoring that SCORE provides to small business professionals. His experiences have been challenging, interesting, and rewarding. Richard recalls cyber counseling a young soldier in active for-

Richard Gaede works with entrepreneurs offering them guidance and mentoring, all from his home office.

he reflects on how magnificent and beautiful he finds the community, he says, “Every whim is catered to, and you’re never bored. Our building houses a homogeneous group of people who enjoy one another with parties at least once a month.” And Richard recognizes the enormous spirit of volunteerism that happens at Shell Point. As with many other residents’ philosophies, he finds that it’s not only about what Shell Point can give him, but what he

eign duty, who emailed him from the war zone, wanting to know how he and a fellow soldier could set up a soda fountain business when discharged from the service. Richard was able to communicate what was necessary and help them develop a business plan which resulted in the successful establishment of a small soda shop after their return from active service. Online counseling can offer solid guidance and solutions, but sometimes a more

developed and sustained relationship is more appropriate. In cases where business owners or clients seek more substantial counseling than that offered in one-hour counseling sessions, SCORE can also provide mentoring services. Clients having more specific issues or problems needing several areas of expertise, are met by a team of counselors who examine their issues and problem-solve by pooling their volunteer resources and expertise. The “Funsy” Part

Mentoring is what Richard refers to as the “funsy” part. He remembers one young lady who wanted to give up her accounting job and start her own bookkeeping service but was having trouble attracting clients. Richard offered her advice on advertizing and personal contact strategies, and she was soon able to grow her own successful business and support herself independently. Although Richard jokingly describes his fellow SCORE volunteers as “just a bunch of gray-haired old men,” anyone who has benefited from their years of knowledge and experience in the business world understands that they are much more. Richard believes that, “The guy that can’t afford to go to a counselor and pay $300 an hour still deserves the extraordinary services that many servants’ hearts can offer.” As Richard reflects on the many Shell Point residents who so willingly give of themselves in service to others, he hopes that some will be encouraged to pool their knowledge, experience, and expertise alongside him in SCORE. He also looks forward in his future contributions to maximizing the success of existing and emerging small businesses.

Shell Point Life | March 2009

Making the Grade

By Sue Taylor

Shell Point Teachers Reflect on Their Experiences as Educators

At Shell Point there are a number of past educators with diverse and remarkable experiences, but one thing they all have in common is lives that were dedicated to teaching. Education comes in a wide variety of forms. There are all kinds of students, all kinds of learning needs, all kinds of teaching methods, and all kinds of educators. They come with varied training, differing interests, and significant individual talents and desires. Whether they are parents, nursery school teachers, high school teachers, vocational tech specialists, fine and performing arts teachers, Sunday school teachers, or Shell Point Academy facilitators, educators are as unique as their students. That overwhelming diversity is understandable, for education is truly a lifelong process. From the minute a child breathes in his first breath, he begins the learning process. It has been said that the person who thinks he has no more to learn may actually have the most to learn. At Shell Point there is a gold mine of past educators with diverse

Elsie Barney (back left-hand corner) with her third grade class in 1977.

and remarkable experiences. Here are just a few educators from Shell Pointâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s storehouse. Elsie Barney

For sixteen years, Elsie Barney (Turban) put her gift of teaching to work in the lives of little ones at Valley Cottage Elementary School in the Nyack School District. Her teaching career followed years of

interesting travel experiences. After finishing two years of college, Elsie married Linwood Barney and they began a trip that would take them far off to the mission field of Laos. It was there that they met the Hmong tribe that had been instrumental in helping the CIA during the Vietnam War. Continued on next page

Making the Grade Continued from page 15 The Hmong people had only an unwritten language, and it was Linwood’s assignment from The Christian and Missionary Alliance to transform their oral language to writing. Elsie raised their two girls while Linwood devoted his time to the language. Due to Linwood’s efforts, the Hmong people now have the Bible written in their very own language. After working with the Hmong people, Linwood and Elsie returned to the states and both pursued further education. Linwood enrolled at the University of Minnesota where he completed a Masters program and later would complete his Ph.D. Elsie finished a BA in Literature from Bethel College. Shortly after degree work, Elsie once again followed her husband on assignment for the C&MA. This time it was to Nyack, New York, where Linwood trained missionaries at the Jaffray School of Missions, which later became the seminary for the C&MA. During this time Elsie was a stayat-home mom, but soon she began doing substitute teaching in order to bring in additional money for the family. Her first teaching job was at the junior high level. She quickly determined that the middle school age group was not for her. With higher education available, Elsie began adding elementary certification to her credentials and student teaching for both first and third grades. That is where Elsie discovered her gift. She relates, “I so enjoyed teaching these grades. I loved dealing with the beginning content areas. I remember especially when a young blind boy was sent to public school and into my classroom for the first time in his life. It was a wonderful experience for both me and the children. I saw the children accepting him more and more each day. He was a bright boy and ended up teaching the other students a lot. Everyone was very supportive; all the parents were glad that their children had had the experience.”

Gladys Davis “From the time I was a little girl, all I dreamed of was being a teacher. I never changed my mind, and I was never sorry!”

Shell Point Life | March 2009

Gladys Davis (King’s Crown)

These words reflect the passion and spirit that Gladys Davis (King’s Crown) still feels for teaching. It was a passion that was passed on by another impassioned teacher, her father. Gladys relates, “My father had been a teacher, and although he had to give up that profession for another job in order to support his wife and four children, he was always a teacher. He was so good in math! He taught me all my math. I can still remember coming home from school and starting on my homework. At bedtime I’d start crying when the work got too hard. My daddy was already tired from work and ready to sleep but when he heard my crying, he always came in to ask what was wrong. ‘I just can’t do this old math problem,’ I’d cry. ‘Well, I’ll bet we can do this, honey. Let’s just look at it together.’ Then he’d explain it so well, it was like looking in a mirror!” Gladys carried on in her father’s tradition by becoming a teacher and making those mirrors for her students. Growing up in Lexington, Gladys headed to the University of Kentucky for her degree and began teaching fourth graders, whom she loved dearly. She began teaching at the elementary level, then moved on to junior high seventh and eighth graders, where she taught a full range of subject matter. Gladys remembers, “They were the most challenging, but they still loved me because they understood me, and I understood them. I feel I was just born to be a teacher.” From there it was off to senior high school, teaching both English and social studies, which had always interested her. At the university level, Gladys became part of the

English and social studies faculty and completed Ph.D degrees in both subject areas. “It was just so convenient to be able to go to school at night and have my summers off from work and free for school and for myself. I just hit it lucky, I guess.” Reflecting on her life, Gladys is thankful for well-educated parents, who were both always willing to help her with math, spelling, and reading, and who set an example she was to follow with her daughter, as well. “I never had any problems with my daughter. She was a hard worker, studying late into the night. She teaches now in Miami and took after me when it comes to teaching. She loves it, and her students love her just like mine loved me. You know, you have to love them, and they have to know it!”

Meryon Bail During World War II, Meryon Bail (Lucina) began a more unorthodox career in teaching. She held a BA in English, Speech, and Social Studies, and began teaching as a Red Cross hospital worker. Her work involved teaching reading and English to native men and women in New Guinea, the Philippine Islands, and New Britain.

Meryon Bail experienced joy in her dancing.

In Europe Meryon continued traveling and working as a Red Cross worker, in particular in Germany where she worked in a general hospital in Frankfurt and at a psychiatric center in Wiesbaden. Meryon relates that these experiences and further travel opportunities to Italy and Switzerland inspired her later teaching in public high school, where she worked with eleventh graders in social studies and loved to incorporate field trips to foreign places. When Meyron returned to Washington, DC, she discovered two more interests that would keep her occupied throughout her life: dance therapy, and a young architect, named George Bail. Meryon claims that meeting George at a bus stop in DC was the beginning of an arranged marriage. Both of their

ments in psychiatric therapy. One of those experimental developments was in dance therapy. Meryon found a niche there and remembers how valuable dance was to the patients. “They responded so wonderfully, and dance gave them a tool with which to communicate.” Teaching dance was also carried over in Meryon and George’s own family with their three girls. At young ages Meryon taught them to dance, and then they furthered their skills and attended advance training. One daughter now teaches special education and incorporates dance into her teaching. A second daughter teaches dance in a magnet school. And the third daughter is an architect!

Marian recalls that the friends she left behind felt she was doing anything to get rid of being a Girl Scout leader. Although she was no longer being pulled into the Girl Scouts, 4-H lured her into a leadership position. Marian remembers, “I found the request

Marian Chambers

Meryon Bail (Lucina)

fathers had been friendly rival architects and manipulated the meeting of their children. Meryon remembers it was “love at first sight.” Because Meryon had studied ballet for about ten years and had some teaching skills in dance, when she took a job at St. Elizabeth Hospital in DC, that second lifelong interest found fruition. St. Elizabeth Hospital was a psychiatric center interested in develop-

Marian Chambers of Tellidora approached education just like she approaches life…with a lot of energy and passion. She claims, “I’ve had a lot of fun in my life, and I’ve always loved children.” She finished high school in just three years, and college in another three. Marian wasted no time applying her major in Child Study from Vassar College. Having training in the psychological aspects of working with children and having written a thesis in the comparison of children’s art, Marian’s credentials appealed to a superintendent of schools in Logansport, Indiana. She was quickly hired for their kindergarten program, where she took great joy in the children and related well with the parents. After marrying, Marian moved to Springfield and volunteered in the Junior League, which sponsored a hospital nursery for children who had family difficulties. It was yet another place for her to apply her Child Study experience. This type of work continued after having two children of her own and a move to Danville, Illinois. She immediately volunteered at the hospital, became Junior Auxiliary President, and joined the Board of Danville’s Children’s Home. Marian remembers using her expertise in reading backgrounds of children and in working with the children and parents who had home difficulties. Marian relates, “There were all kinds of difficulties, such as abusive parents, broken marriages, and poverty. Yet, I truly enjoyed the work I did.” Soon there was another family move.

Marion Chambers (Tellidora)

quite funny since I couldn’t sew a stitch, but I knew how to find all the capable women who did know how. My daughter actually became a wonderful seamstress. That’s what you have to do in life; go out and find the right person to pull in!” With her second daughter, Marian became a Brownie leader in the midst of another educational leadership role. Marian became very politically active with her work in the Republican Workshop, a forum educating others to what was going on in the government of the day, where their leaders stood, what the issues were, etc. When Marian moved to Ft. Myers, she sold real estate in Pelican Bay and lived in a condo on the Gulf. Seven years ago, Marian moved to Shell Point. You will still find her engaged in volunteer work centered on education. She was one of the first volunteers at the Hospice House of Fort Myers. The day Hospice opened their doors, Marian was there to work and has even helped to train other volunteers. Marian continues to volunteer and has a lot of fun in the process.

Harriet Heckler More than sixty years ago, Harriet Heckler (Rosemont) began a career in Cosmetology. As a hairdresser and owner of Shell Point Life | March 2009

manents, and even the new use of hot curling irons (marcelling). For practical experience students often gave shampoos in local three beauty shops, Harriet remembers, “As salons. The public was also invited to have a shop owner, my patrons became like family. students do their hair at reduced fees. Over the years we celebrated marriages, child Naturally, the course of study led the stubirths, and school graduations. But most dents to graduation, the state exam, and importantly, whatever we talked about in the licenses to practice. Harriet remembers, “As shop, stayed in the shop.” a teacher, I would ‘sweat-out’ the exams right When the public school systems began along with the students. After all, they were to establish vocational tech schools, Harriet my kids, and their passing was also a reflecheard about a program in cosmetology, and tion on my teaching.” She also recalls the she became interested in teaching. It annual trip to the International Hair Show required an Associates Degree from Penn in New York City to see all the latest hair State University, which she was able to garstyles and remembers the “beehive” and the ner by taking summer and night classes. But “upsweep.” “That trip to New York City was there was much more involved. On the the highlight of each year. Many of the stuschool site the whole business for teaching dents had never been to a big city or a hairdressing had to be set up in a former Broadway show, and the dinner at Mama machine shop. Harriet was soon ordering Leone’s made our visit complete.” As Harriet reflects on her students over the years, she remembers that “they would come in at tenth grade looking very young, then you would see them starting to grow up, and by the twelfth grade they had their make-up on, and they looked so grown up.” But for Harriet a teacher’s job was not done when the students left the classroom. “After passing the state exams, it was a joy to see them using their new skills in local shops. Some of these students still send me notes about their lives and their grandchildren. Yes, it’s been that long ago!” Harriet’s job as a hairdresser was never ending. “As a hair dresser, you seem to always be on call. I had six sisters, and when we got together it was ‘Hey, Sis, will you do my hair?’ I still threaten to send my husband a bill for fifty years of hair cuts!” Now that Harriet is at Shell Point, she d e in a tr is enjoying retireHarriet Heckler (Rosemont) eckler Harriet H cosmetology. ment, “The last five in students supplies, supervising the installayears have been tion of sinks, and making sure all of enjoyable here at Shell the appropriate equipment was on Point, and it’s a real treat to use the services hand. It became Harriet’s responsibility to of the excellent Shell Point Salons!” develop a curriculum of theory and practical experiences for tenth, eleventh, and twelfthCarolyn Brink grade students. The course of study was a full Majoring in Early Childhood at Syracuse one, including: bleaching, hair coloring, perUniversity, Carolyn Brink (King’s Crown) Making the Grade Continued from page 17

Shell Point Life | March 2009

Carolyn Brink (King’s Crown)

obtained certification for teaching children of nursery age through third grade. It was the perfect match for Carolyn, who loves that age group! Carolyn explained, “I went into teaching because I just enjoyed children. And, I must admit, I also enjoyed that vacation time in the summer that a teacher gets!” Carolyn began as a full-time second grade teacher. After two years in the classroom, Carolyn married, began her own family, and also began substitute teaching in a private nursery school that ran a two-day program for three- and four-year-olds. As her own children got older and more rambunctious, Carolyn joked, “I went back into substitute teaching. Instead of being a referee at home, I could have lunch in the teacher’s room.” Those six or seven years of substitute teaching were a fulfilling time for Carolyn. “It was so exciting to be teaching little first graders how to read. It’s just so thrilling to them when they start to read!” But the life of a substitute teacher is a different one. It’s not always easy to come into another teacher’s room and smoothly pick up where she left off. There are someone else’s lesson plans to sort out, someone else’s rules and routines to follow, and someone else’s children to get to know…quickly. Carolyn remembers trying to orient herself into a classroom one day by asking a little one, “Does your teacher ever have any helpers?” Instead of the usual, “I’m the line leader” or “I pass out the papers!” or “I’m the door holder,” the little boy responded with a helpful “I’m Santa’s helper.” Fortunately for Carolyn, her years of experience helped her get through the day.

Joyce Crone Joyce Crone’s (Sundial) teaching career spread out over three states, South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida, as she followed her husband Bob through various job transfers. In fact, as it happens with many women in the educational field, the demands and delights of marriage would often dictate the course of Joyce’s educational career. Certainly one of the benefits of teaching is its flexibility for women who want to work in the profession they trained for, marry the man that they love, and raise a family. Joyce started her educational career at Miami University of Ohio. During this time, she and Bob married, and Joyce left the University with three years of training toward her degree. After Bob entered the U.S. Air Force, Joyce had the opportunity to complete her BA in Elementary Education at Texas Tech. Joyce remembers clearly, “I had a baby three days after I graduated. Timing is everything… it all just worked out!” Three children and eleven years later, Joyce began a teaching career that would last seventeen years. She dedicated three years teaching in a self-contained second grade class. The rest of her career was spent teaching remedial reading. “I worked with slower learners and those that had problems with reading. I never really thought of any other career than teaching. Of course it was nice to have the same vacations that my children had and to

Joyce Crone (Sundial)

not be living on a teacher’s salary alone! I just did my job, and I enjoyed it!”

Barbara Edwards Aside from her own schooling and supporting the schooling of her children and grandchildren, Barbara Edwards (Oakmont) is part of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), Chapter AI. As a national organization with many local chapters, the PEO fosters the continuing education of women, who have dropped out of college. For Barbara this is an organization worth supporting with both her time and energy. Founded on January 21, 1869, by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, PEO has grown to a membership of almost a quarter million members in chapters throughout the United States and Canada. In agreement with a mission statement that encourages “women to celebrate the advancement of women; educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans, and stewardship; and to motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations;” women like Barbara have become part of a supportive sisterhood. As Barbara relates, “For many different reasons, such as illness, marriage, financial concerns, and sometimes just not seeing the need for education, some women leave higher education. However, many of them later discover the necessity of a good education. We

women in PEO want to help them return to what they need. After two years of being out of college, women may qualify for help from PEO, and go back to what they started out to do or just want to do.”

Barbara Edwards (Oakmont)

Although there are other PEO chapters represented by other residents at Shell Point, Barbara’s Chapter AI is presently sponsoring three women involved in the field of nursing: one who will graduate at the end of this summer or fall, and two who are soon taking their boards. One of the women, who has no other means of support, was simply found working at Health Park by a Shell Point resident and member of AI. The Chapter has been helping the young woman for two years. Each PEO Chapter can set their own parameters for selection and help, and funds are raised in many ways. Barbara’s Chapter AI will be hosting a card party and luncheon on Monday, March 9, at 11:30 a.m. to benefit the women they are sponsoring. Barbara recalled, “I got into this years ago. I like the education priority and the fellowship. PEO is a good organization.” Continuing Education

These women’s stories represent just a sampling of the many educators living at Shell Point. Today, residents can be found teaching and attending classes through The Academy at Shell Point proving it’s never too late to learn or teach. Shell Point Life | March 2009

THE FINE

AND

P E R F O R M I N G A RT S S E R I E S P R E S E N T S

Cherish the Ladies,

A St. Patrick’s Day Celebration The Fine and Performing Arts Concert Series welcomes the traditional Irish sounds of Cherish the Ladies. When describing Cherish the Ladies, the critics say it best: “It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn’t enjoy what they do”– The Boston Globe. “An astonishing array of virtuosity” – The Washington Post. “Expands the annals of Irish music in American…the music is passionate, tender and rambunctious”– The New York Times. For the past twenty years, Cherish the Ladies has lived up to their accolades, and in doing so, have become one of the most engaging ensembles in the history of Irish music. They have grown from a one-time concert concept to an Irish traditional music sensation and the most successful and sought after Irish-

American group in Celtic music. Cherish the Ladies is organized by folklorist and musician Mick Moloney and sponsored by the Ethnic Folk Arts Center and the National Endowment for the Arts. They began as a concert series featuring the brightest lights in Irish traditional music. The group, which is named after a traditional Irish jig, initially won recognition as the first and only all female traditional Irish band. They feature a unique and spectacular blend of virtuosi, instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements, and stunning step dancing. The powerhouse group combines all the facets of traditional Irish culture while presenting an immensely humorous and entertaining show.

The all female Irish music group, Cherish the Ladies, will perform traditional songs and step dancing at their concert on St. Patrick’s Day.

Cherish the Ladies has appeared on CBS This Morning, Good Morning America, Evening at Pops, PBS, NPR, and the BBC. Cherish the Ladies will perform on Tuesday, March 17, at 7:30 p.m. in The Church Auditorium for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Tickets to this special concert are $35 each and can be purchased at either service desk. For more information, call 4542067. Don’t delay; buy your ticket today!

Bay Singers to Perform Shell Point resident Dave McJoynt (Eagles Preserve) has sung in choirs The Bay Singers will perform a free concert on since he was in third grade. When he retired to Bonita Springs in March 5th at 7:15 p.m. at The Village Church. 1998, he asked Bonita Bay about a community choir. The self-directed singing group Christ concerts, and continue to play private “I traveled all over during my was eager to sing, and after a few community concerts. career, so I never had the opporturehearsals and their first performThe Bay Singers are currently under the nity to sing in a steady chorus. ance they decided to become more direction of Dr. Becky Weese, who has taken When I retired, I thought I would serious. the choir to new heights over the past six years Dave McJoynt finally have the chance,” says Dave. “I had been in business my with her good humor and demand for excel(Eagles Preserve) He quickly discovered that whole life, so the business side of lence. Dr. Weese holds a D.M.A. in Choral there was not yet a choir at Bonita Bay, but leading the group came naturally, but I am not Conducting from the University of Miami and there certainly was interest in one. His inquiry a choir director,” said Dave. The group is also the Minister of Music at the Naples led him to from a choir to sing at Bonita Bay decided to hire an accompanist and a profes- United Church of Christ. functions. This was the beginning of “The sional director. This quickly led to the group The choir’s toe-tapping performances Bay Singers of Bonita Bay.” Twenty singers becoming well-known in Southwest Florida as include religious hymns, Broadway hits, and with a wealth of musical backgrounds showed they performed at other communities and patriotic songs. Their fast-paced concerts up at the first meeting. Many had been music churches outside of Bonita Bay. include something for everyone. teachers or members of church singing groups Today the singing group consists of 40 Shell Point is proud to welcome the Bay before retiring to Bonita Bay. Dave bought the Bonita Bay residents and alumni. They have Singers back for their second performance on music for the group, arranged gigs and reserved also performed with the Naples Steinway con- March 5 at 7:15 p.m. in the Village Church space for their practices. cert series and the Naples United Church of Auditorium. This concert is free. 20

Shell Point Life | March 2009

The Village Church presents two Concerts in March that You Will Not Want to Miss!

OLD TIME GOSPEL JAZZ WITH THE BARBARY COAST DIXIELAND BAND

CLASSIC SYMPHONIC PRAISE THE WHEATON COLLEGE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Sunday, March 29 • 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday, March 11 • 7:15 p.m.

Back by popular demand, The Barbary Coast Dixieland Band will set your toes to tapping as they present an inspirational concert of old time gospel jazz music. The Barbary Coast Dixieland Band has been together since 1967. Elected to the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 2001 and rated among the finest entertainers in the Midwest, the band has played everywhere — from the Mississippi paddlewheel boats and the Minnesota State Fair, to Nagasaki, Japan. The band is made up of six talented musicians who play 18 instruments. Led by left-handed banjo/guitar player Dick Petersen, the band includes Tom Andrews on drums, clarinet, and vocals; Jim ten Bensel on trombone, cornet, drums, and vocals; Russ Peterson on trumpet, trombone, sax, clarinet, flute, bass, and vocals; Steve Pikal on bass, trombone, and piano; and, finally, Dick Ramberg on piano and clarinet. This group of versatile musicians, who occasionally swap instruments on stage without missing a note, will have your feet tappin’ from their very first set! In 1984 the band began playing for church services. Over the years since they started, they have shared their music ministry at churches throughout the nation. Tickets are $10 and are available at the church office during regular business hours.

On Wednesday, March 11 at 7:15 p.m. The Village Church sanctuary will be filled with classic symphonic praise as the Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra performs under the direction of Daniel Sommerville, conductor. The program will include the music form Wagner’s Lohengrin, Debussy’s Nocturnes, Vaughan Williams’ Five Variants on Dives and Lazarus, Nielsen’s Symphony No. 2, and more. Also, there will be a cameo appearance by soprano Carolyn Hart, faculty member of the Wheaton Conservatory. The Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra continues to amaze audiences by performing ambitious symphonic music with confidence rivaling a young professional orchestra. The orchestra is committed to continued exploration of major orchestral literature and exposure to its technical and expressive demands. The mission of the orchestra is to foster musical excellence and to promote an awareness of God’s generous gifts; its members perform as an offering of worship to Him and as an act of service and witness to the community. The 80member orchestra consists of Wheaton College students majoring in music, as well as other disciplines. Tickets for the Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra concert are $10 and are available at the church office during regular business hours.

Shell Point Life | March 2009

Annual Shell Point Photo Contest Entries Due by Friday, March 20 The 8th Annual Shell Point Photo Contest will soon be underway, and the deadline for entries is 4 p.m., Friday, March 20. The contest is open to all residents of Shell Point, and each resident can enter up to eight photos in the contest. Entries in the photo contest are divided into eleven categories: 1) The Shell Point Community, 2) Scenery at Shell Point, 3) Wildlife at Shell Point, 4) Friends, Families and Children and Pets, 5) Fun and/or Festive Events, 6) Still Life, Portrait and Abstract Photos, 7) Nature Elsewhere, 8) Wildlife Elsewhere, 9) Travel USA, 10) Travel Elsewhere, and 11) All Time Favorites. The photos will be on display in the RAC from Monday, April 6 through Friday, April 17. Winners to be announced at the opening Gala on April 7. Contest entry forms, along with a complete list of 2009 rules, are available 2008 Still Life honorable mention at either service desk. By Robert Mikes (Coquina)

Investing in an Uncertain Economy— Financial Recovery & Fixed Asset Investing As a part of our ongoing series meant to help assess the impact of the current financial climate, three financial experts come together to present this month’s investing seminar. This Academy presentation will feature the following speakers: Timothy A. Stephenson, Chartered FinanTim Stephenson cial Consultant, Executive Director of The Legacy Foundation; Paul Weinstein, Certified Financial Planner, Raymond James Financial Services; and Larry McCooey, CPA, President, Alliance Development Fund. Wednesday, March 18 at 10:00 a.m. The Grand Cypress Room/WDL RSVP to either Service Desk by calling 454-2282 on The Island or 454-2054 at The Woodlands.

Now Seeking Performers!

CALLING ALL PLAY READERS Seasoned Cast Members and New Play Readers are Encouraged to Audition “There will be something for everyone in our new ‘potpourri of comedic sketches,’” promises Ruth Deuber (Periwinkle), SPOT director. According to Ruth, the upcoming show will be a collection of comedies from Carol Burnett to a sketch that takes place in a typical retirement home. All are welcome to audition on Friday, March 27, at 3:00 p.m. in the Sabal Room of The Woodlands. And mark your calendar; the performance will be held on May 7!

Shell Point Life | March 2009

3rd Annual Shell Point Resident & Staff Variety Show Do you have a talent for song, dance, skits, drama or other form of entertainment?

we want you! This is your chance for 15 minutes of fame — be a part of the Third Annual Variety Show! You can perform by yourself, with a friend, activity group, or as a court. The performance will take place on Tuesday, April 28 — the “salary” is applause and audience appreciation. Register by calling Ted Yeatts at 4542057.

Annual Library Fund Drive B

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The 2009 Shell Point Library Fund Drive will commence on March 4 and continue through March 18. The annual appeal, approved by the Residents’ Council, is the library’s only source of funds to purchase new materials. Shell Point residents have always been interested in people, places, and events beyond their walls. Almost immediately after Shell Point Retirement Community began, volunteers organized a residents’ library, a small collection of books in an empty apartment. The library has since found a more permanent home and grown to over 8,000 print and non-print items including regular and

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large print books, DVDs, music CDs, and audio books, as well as newspapers and financial publications. In addition to the main library at the Resident Activity Center, the library facilities include sites at King’s Crown and The Arbor. There is also a Genealogy Library at The Woodlands. In 2008, 70 volunteers donated 10,281 hours to the libraries. They choose the new materials each month, assisted in the circulation of more than 2,400 items each month from the main library, provided the New Acquisitions List, and maintained the new catalog search website. Shell Point administration provides the

In addition to the main library at the Resident Activity Center, the library facilities include sites at King’s Crown and The Arbor, and include a Genealogy Library at The Woodlands.

space, furniture, and shelving for the libraries. However, the purchase of all of the library books and other materials is made possible through donations. It is hoped that Shell Point residents will once again give generously to support this important segment of life in our community. Tax deductible donations may be sent through internal mail, dropped off at the Library, or turned in at either Service Desk.

Global Outreach

Looking at the Lives of Women in Guinea, West Africa What parents wouldn’t be thrilled for the opportunity to visit their daughter and son-inlaw? And of course if there are four wonderful grandchildren as well, the visit becomes even more exciting. Now if the daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren live quite a distance away and the opportunities to visit are limited, the time is even more special. And if they happen to live in a somewhat exotic location that’s an added benefit. Palm Acres residents Gail and Jim Krauss had just such an opportunity last summer. Their visit lasted two full months! However, the exotic location was not Hawaii or Europe or Australia. It was Guinea, West Africa, where daughter Emily and son-in-law JD work as missionaries in medical outreach, soccer coaching and literature distribution. That’s Guinea, West Africa, where electricity

is not available 24/7, drinking water must be filtered and cooking “from scratch” is not a hobby but a necessity. Furthermore the “visit” was not just for family time and leisure. Jim worked as an interim accountant for the CM&A Guinea mission’s office, and moonlighted as fixer/builder for son-in-law JD. Gail was busy too! She helped daughter Emily finish the year of homeschooling those four wonderful grandchildren. She also helped cook for the summer interns working with JD and Emily and worked in Emily’s garden. Gail will be the featured speaker this month at the Alliance Women’s Global Outreach Wednesday, March 18 at 10:15 a.m. in the Village Church Hospitality Room. Through an interesting program of drama and dialogue, Gail will share what life is like for women in Guinea gleaned from her experiences last summer. Gail grew

Learn about the lives of women living in Guinea at the Outreach program on March 18.

up in Akron, Ohio and has lived there most of her adult life. She has been married to Jim, an accountant/treasurer for forty years. Social work consulting in nursing facilities throughout Ohio was her career for over 20 years. Jim’s parents were residents of Sand Dollar court. Ladies are encouraged to come and hear about Gail’s interesting summer “visit” to see and work with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.

Shell Point Life | March 2009

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

Smucker’s Stars on Ice

Monday, March 2 5:30 p.m. Island pickup 5:40 p.m. Woodlands pickup 5:50 p.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 10:30 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $43.00 (snacks on your own) See Olympic medalists, world champions, and special guest stars perform on ice at America’s premier figure skating production, Stars on Ice, at Germain Arena. You’ll be amazed and thrilled by the speed of these athletes and their immense talents. Please note: there are limited tickets available, and crowd maneuvering will be required on this trip.

uplifting, energetic music featuring sacred songs, show tunes, and patriotic music.

Italy’s Fabled Islands at The Broadway Palm Dinner Theater

Friday, March 6 11:00 a.m. Island pickup 11:10 a.m. Woodlands pickup 11:20 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 3:30 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $45.00 (lunch buffet included) Watching “Italy’s Fabled Islands” sounds like a wonderful way to spend a March afternoon. Who wouldn’t want to escape to an enchanted fabled island? Sicily, Stromboi, Capri, Ischia, Aeloian, and a mystery island surprise await you on this journey. One of the highlights of this adventure film is a visit to Capri’s Blue Grotto. Enjoy centuries of culture, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people.

Mac Users Group

Thursday, March 5 1:15 p.m. Manatee Room/IS Looking for a simple way to keep everything in sync? Wally Mercer (Lakewood) will be introducing the club to MobileMe. It is a way to keep all information in an online server that can be accessed from anywhere at any time. Please join us.

Bay Singers Thursday, March 5 7:15 p.m. Church Auditorium/IS Founded in 1998, by Eagles Preserve resident Dave McJoynt, the 40 singers of this talented chorus are Bonita Bay residents. They come from different backgrounds but many have years of singing experience. This concert will be a delightful evening of light,

Shell Point Life | March 2009

The 3 Swingin’ Tenors

Thursday, March 12 7:15 p.m. Church Auditorium/IS Three national recording artists have combined their vocal and theatrical talents to create a performance sure to excite and entertain. The Tenors offer the very best of the Great American Songbook delivered with warmth and humor. Their musical selections will include a tribute to the Mills Brothers, songs from WWII, vocal groups from the 60s, The Rat Pack, Sinatra, Dean Martin, Motown, and 50’s doo-wop.

EVENTS

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PROGRAMS • PARTIES • MOVIES • OUTINGS • EXCURSIONS

Pacific Coast — Top to Bottom at The Broadway Palm Dinner Theater

Friday, March 13 11:00 a.m. Island court pickup 11:10 a.m. Woodlands pickup 11:20 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 3:30 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $45.00 (Broadway Palm luncheon buffet included) From the Canadian border to the Mexican border, you will find some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of the United States. You will see coastlines, forests, mountains, and untamed rivers through the lens of Bob DeLoss as he takes you on a journey to the Pacific Coast, Top to Bottom.

Information Forum Presents: The Healthy Brain Initiative of Lee County

Saturday, March 14 Grand Cypress Room/WDL Wondering what you can do to keep your mind sharp? Sue Maxwell, system director of gerontology at Lee Memorial Health System, will describe the Healthy Brain Initiative of Lee County which offers The Memory Training Program. The program, developed by UCLA’s Center on Aging, will be offered at Shell Point in the near future, so come and find out what it can do for your brain fitness.

Saturday DVD: Vantage Point (2008)

Saturday, March 14 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Grand Cypress Room/WDL Moments after he arrives in Spain for a landmark anti-terrorism summit, U.S. President Ashton is assassinated. The 15 minutes leading up to the shooting are rehashed from the perspective of various onlookers: two Secret Service agents (Dennis Quaid and Matthew Fox), a TV reporter (Sigourney Weaver), and a tourist (Forest Whitaker). This political thriller will have you guessing until the end.

This restaurant came highly recommended by a Shell Point resident from France! Sign up today and bring a friend.

New Bible Study Group— Through the Bible

Tuesday, March 17 10:15 a.m. Manatee Room/IS Louie Bayus (Coquina) will be hosting the newest resident Bible study at Shell Point. The group will meet weekly for a Bible teaching session using recorded video presentations of Through the Bible as taught by Les Feldick. His teachings are non-denominational as he simply teaches the Word. Starting with the book of Matthew and continuing verse by verse through the New Testament, Les’s teachings use Scripture readings to substantiate other Scripture readings, making it very easy to understand. All are welcome to attend regardless of gender, religious preferences, or beliefs.

Lunch Outing to Le Beau Bistro Monday, March 16 10:30 a.m. Island pickup 10:40 a.m. Woodlands pickup 10:50 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 1:30 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $6.00 (lunch on your own) Le Beau Bistro is an authentic family-operated French restaurant/bakery right here in Fort Myers. They specialize in omelettes, quiches, pastries, and much more. It’s a little taste of Paris right in our own back yard.

13, 14, 15 Shell Point Art Show and Sale Friday, March 13 - Sunday, March 15 Friday & Saturday- 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday- Noon – 4:00 p.m. Social Center/IS The talented artists of Shell Point invite you to their annual Art Show and Sale. Resident artisans will display and sell their paintings, clay sculptures, intricate wood carvings, glasswork, polished stonework, cards, jewelry and more! Don’t miss this opportunity to view and purchase beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces.

Beach Day

Thursday, March 19 8:30 a.m. Island pickup 8:40 a.m. Woodlands pickup 8:50 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 2:30 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $15.00 (BBQ lunch included, ice cream on your own) One of the very special things about living in Florida is being able to go to the beach! Even when the weather is cooler than usual, we are still the envy of the nation as we can bask in the sunshine while they shovel snow! So get your beach gear together for the monthly beach outing to Delnor Wiggins State Park. A trip to the Royal Scoop Ice Cream Parlor on the way home will be the sweetest way to end the day.

Shell Point Life | March 2009

HAPPENINGS PLACES

Nifty Thrifty

TO GO,

PEOPLE

MEET, & THINGS

Movie Night: Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967)

Saturday, March 21 9:15 a.m. Island pickup 9:25 a.m. Woodlands pickup 9:35a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 2:30 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $7.00 (lunch on your own) Shell Point bargain shoppers will enjoy an intriguing line-up of thrift store visits in the greater Fort Myers area. Those great bargains are out there, just waiting to be found! Our thrift store loop will include lunch at Panera Bread Bakery and Café at Page Field Commons. Panera Bread offers fresh soups, sandwiches and many wonderful baked goodies!

Annual Quilt Show Saturday, March 28 – Monday, March 30

28, 29, 30 Social Center/IS Hours: Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sun: Noon – 4:00 p.m. The Quilt Show is an annual Shell Point tradition. Enjoy viewing quilts made by Shell Point quilters, along with some very special quilts of interest made by others. You’ll be amazed by the creativity and intricacy of the displays.

Organ Concert with Bob Baker Spring Dance 2009

Monday, March 23 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Grand Cypress Room/WDL Cost: $15.00 Celebrate the Splendor of Spring by dancing the night away to the sounds of the very talented Billy Dean & Dawn. Bring your special someone, a neighbor, a friend, or come alone and meet someone new. Light refreshments will be served.

Meet & Greet

Wednesday, March 25 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. Palm Grill/WDL Hosted by Shell Point management, Meet & Greets are a great way to get to know friends and neighbors. Enjoy an offering of hors d’oeuvres while resident musician Pat Specht (Lakewood) plays. Be sure to make plans to enjoy dinner at the Palm Grill afterward.

Shell Point Life | March 2009

Friday, March 27 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Woodlands Commons Welcome back to Shell Point accomplished organist, Mr. Bob Baker! This Southwest Florida favorite is a true entertainer and crowd-pleaser. In addition to his church organ playing duties, Bob is the senior organist at the Tampa Theater. Be sure to make one, or both, of his concerts.

Monday, March 30 7:15 p.m. Social Center/IS Julie Andrews stars as Millie Dillmount, a small-town girl who comes to New York during the “roaring twenties” determined to experience life. Before you can say “23 skidoo,” Millie befriends fellow single girl Miss Dorothy Brown (Mary Tyler Moore) and comes across a white slavery plot run by a hysterically funny Mrs. Meers (Beatrice Lillie). Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen contributed to the tuneful score that won an Oscar for Best Original Music Score.

Red Sox Baseball

Tuesday, March 31 11:00 a.m. Island pickup 11:10 a.m. Woodlands pickup 11:20 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 5:00 p.m. approximate return Cost: $33.00 (includes ticket and transportation, snacks on your own) Or is it Tampa Bay Rays baseball? Which ever team you are cheering for, it is bound to be a great afternoon enjoying the best of the best as we head downtown for a Red Sox spring training game between these two top notch teams. There are limited tickets available so sign up as soon as you can or you may be “out” of luck.

Mark Your Calendar: Ernesto Tamayo

Ariani’s Dinner Outing

Monday, March 30 4:15 p.m. Island pickup 4:25 p.m. Woodlands pickup 4:35 p.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 8:30 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $8.00 (dinner on your own) Due to popular demand we are taking another trip to Ariani’s in Cape Coral! Ariani’s has been given “four stars” by restaurant critic Jean Le Boeuf every year since 1994 and has won the “Best of the Cape” dining award six years in a row! An early sign up for this event is advised. Entrees are priced from $15.95 to $28.00.

Thursday, April 2 7:15 p.m. Church Auditorium/IS Welcome back Ernesto Tamayo — one of the most accomplished and sought-after classical guitarists of his generation. Born in Havana, Cuba, Ernesto began studying the guitar with his father when he was five. He made his television debut at the age of nine. He made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1999 with a sold out performance. Last year, residents raved about his brilliant performance. Music fans should not miss this one!

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

Special event bus will be running

Walking up and down stairs

Walking required

Boating attire

Policy Review for the “Smaller” Residents of Shell Point For many individuals, a pet is more than just a pet; they are a member of the family. Therefore, Shell Point permits the ownership of pets in the independent, and some assisted facilities. Shell Point management understands that this opportunity is just one way to help enhance the quality of life for residents. More than 130 residents currently enjoy the privilege of pet ownership. All pets must to be registered with Resident Support Services. Owners of unregistered pets should contact McKenzie Boren at 454-2299 to register

their pet. The cost for registration is $250 per pet. This fee is associated with covering the expenses occurred related to the administration of the pet program. Recently, a meeting was held to review the policy on pet ownership at Shell Point. The current pet policy allows small-breed dogs, as well as cats, tropical fish, and small birds (excluding parrots). Additional regulations are in place to ensure the safety of other Shell Point residents and the community as a whole. During the meeting, Rita Southern, director of resident support services,

reviewed the pet policy and took questions, suggestions, and statements from the audience. For those who were not in attendance at the pet policy meeting, please note that the volunteer pet committee will reconvene at the end of the month. Both pet owners and nonpet owners are encouraged to attend the volunteer pet committee kickoff meeting scheduled for Friday, March 27, in the Manatee Room at 10:15 a.m. If you are interested in getting a pet or currently have an unregistered pet, please contact McKenzie Boren at 454-2299 for any questions, to obtain a pet application packet, or to receive an updated copy of the Shell Point Pet Policy.

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

Monday 8:45 Lap Robes (Mar 2, 16) 9:15 Billiards 9:15 Pottery 10:15 Virtual Bowling 10:30 Disciple Men’s Bible Study 12:00 Mah-Jongg (Sabal Room, WDL) 1:15 Table Tennis 1:15 Scrabble 1:15 Shuffleboard 1:15 Tone Chimes 2:00 Beading Club 3:15 Virtual Golf 4:30 Bourne Jewelers 6:45 Duplicate Bridge 7:00 Pinochle

1:00 Mixed Progressive Pairs’ Bridge 1:30 Stamp Project (Sabal Room/WDL) 1:45 The Rollicking Recorderists 3:15 Virtual Tennis 6:45 Hymn Sing (Mar 3)

1:15 SPOT Play Readers (Mar 5, 19) 2:15 Handwork Group (Mar 12) 2:15 Photo Club (Mar 12) 2:15 Computer Club (Mar 19) 7:00 Trailblazers Bible Study

Wednesday

Friday

7:45 Men’s Bible Study 9:00-12:00 Geraci Travel 9:15 Model Yacht Club Meeting (Mar 4) 9:15 Watercolor Class 9:45 Ladies’ Bible Study 10:15 Model Yacht Club (Garden Apt Pond) 11:00 Computer Q&A (Mar 18, Sabal Room/WDL) 11:15 Computer Q&A (Mar 4, Osprey Room/IS) 1:00 Chess 2:15 Knitter’s Anonymous (Mar 18) 2:30 Jazz ‘N Stuff 3:00 Bible Study (King’s Crown) 5:45 Village Church Choir Rehearsal 7:15 Prayer & Praise

8:00 Intrepid Bike Riders (Mar 13, 27) 8:15 Stamp Project (Stamp Room/ Tunnel/IS) 10:15 Inquiring Minds 10:15 Genealogy (Mar 13) 1:00 Mixed Progressive Bridge 1:15 Quilters 1:15 Table Tennis 1:30 Vespers (Arbor) 2:00 Diabetes Group Appt (Mar 6) 2:15 Art Club (Mar 20) 2:45 Vespers (KC) 3:15 Great Decisions (Mar 6, 20) 6:45 Game Night

Tuesday 8:00 Women’s Golf League 8:15 Stamp Project (Stamp Room/Tunnel/IS) 9:15 Open Painting Group 10:15 Trim & Healthy Support Group 12:45 Duplicate Bridge

Thursday 8:00 Men’s Golf League 9:00 Paddler’s Club/IS 9:30 Current Events 10:15 Online Investors (Mar 19) 1:15 Mah-Jongg (Library Lounge, RAC)

Saturday 8:00 Adopt-a-Road (Mar 21) 9:00 Saturday Coffee 9:45 Duplicate Bridge – Supervised Play 10:00 Information Forum (Mar 14) 10:15 Model Yacht Club (Garden Apt Pond) 1:00 Chess 7:00 Duplicate Bridge

Shell Point Life | March 2009

March’s Featured Hair Style B

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Beverly Roberts of Junonia sports this month’s featured style. Beverly models a modified bob with medium length layers which create fullness and bounce. This modified bob is flattered by a half bang to soften and balance the style. Beverly's face shape is oval, giving her great flexibility in her choice of style. The steps to Beverly’s style begin with blow drying the hair with a round brush for lift and bend. The style is supported by the use of a medium barrel curling iron. Beverly’s hair is teased at the base for volume and smoothed into

Beverly Roberts wears a flattering and versatile bob style.

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soft waves around the face. This style gives Beverly the freedom to change her style by adding more or less curls. A simple blow dry style with little to no curling iron will give Beverly a classic bob look. while supporting the entire style with the curling iron creates the fullness and bounce. Beverly’s hair color is soft and flattering in a pale neutral blonde. Permanent hair color applied to Beverly’s hair adds color and definition to Beverly’s skin tone. The hair color also adds shine, manageability, and volume to the hair.

Beverly Roberts and Noble Carroll.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY SPECIAL

Toes for Two! Buy One Pedicure– Get One ½ Off

New & Improved

Pavilion Salon The Salon in the Larsen Pavilion has been relocated to its final and permanent location. The Salon is now on the first floor, just before the annex section of the building. Guests were able to visit the new salon during tours of the completed Pavilion renovation. They were impressed with the soothing music, new tropical atmosphere, beautiful artwork, and wood floors. Many were surprised by the spaciousness, making wheel chair maneuvering a breeze. In addition to hair care in the Pavilion Salon, nail care and massage services are offered in the comfort and privacy of customer’s room at no additional cost. Salon services are important to customers in the Larsen Pavilion. After all, looking good helps people feel good. Call the Pavilion Salon at 489-8400, extension 3, for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Find a little gold at the end of the rainbow as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in The Island Salon. Share a pedicure appointment with a friend, spouse, or a family member to take advantage of a fantastic savings of $17.50. This is the perfect time to get your toes ready for sandals and to spend some time relaxing with a friend. You will each enjoy all the pampering of a full spa pedciure. Green nail polish is available for the high-spirited St Patrick’s Day enthusiast. Offer exp 3/31.

For appointments call: Age-Proof Your Smile To minimize lines and plump the lips, try this at-home spa treatment to exfoliate your lips. Mix a single sugar packet with a bit of olive oil and rub over lips for 60 seconds. Gently wipe away with a damp facecloth. The result will be softer and smoother lips! Also, use chapstick to relieve winter chapped lips. Choose a lip balm with an SPF 8 or higher for added sun protection. 30

Shell Point Life | March 2009

489-8400 Island Salon Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. - Noon

Island Dining Guide B

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The Crystal Room Friday – Seafood Buffet When it comes to dining at Shell Point, the Crystal Room features something for everyone. The traditional hot lunch buffet is offered Monday through Friday, each week night brings specialty cuisine, and even the weekends present delicious dining options.

The seafood buffet presents a bounty of offerings that vary each week, including options such as fried shrimp, sautéed scallops, stuffed sole, and seafood crepes. Special dishes will tempt taste buds and satisfy appetites. The soup and salad bar, as well as dessert, are included.

Hot Lunch Buffet Monday through Friday, the extensive hot lunch buffet includes a choice of entrees, vegetables, starches, homemade soup, and a large salad bar. There is also a dessert buffet featuring a choice of tempting sweets and reduced calorie selections.

Saturday Lunch – Pizza Parlor On Saturdays, the Crystal Dining Room is turned into a pizza parlor offering an assortment of homemade pizza and pasta. The price is just $8.95 and includes the soup and salad bar, and dessert. The only thing missing is the gondola.

Monday – Baked Potato Night Baked Potato Night features an array of toppings for regular or sweet potatoes, making a meal for the light or hearty appetite. The buffet includes homemade chili, steamed broccoli and cauliflower, creamed chicken, chipped beef, fresh biscuits, and cornbread. Baked Potato Night is just $8.95 and includes the soup and salad bar, and dessert. Tuesday – Full Buffet

with Carved Fresh Roasted Turkey Enjoy carved fresh oven roasted turkey along with all of the traditional buffet choices. The soup and salad bar, along with an extensive dessert selection, accompany the buffet to make the perfect meal.

Wednesday - Pasta Night Pasta Night features an array of pastas, meats, seafood, vegetables, and sauces, all cooked to order and prepared on site. The price for the Pasta Night buffet is just $10.95 and includes the soup and salad bar, and dessert.

Thursday – Light and Healthy The light and healthy menu is the healthy alternative to the traditional buffet. It offers an opportunity to enjoy great taste and nutritional balance without the guilt or the extra calories. Menu options vary each week, including mouth-watering options such as pan seared tuna, skewered pesto chicken, whole wheat pasta with olive oil, oven roasted asparagus with garlic, and much more. The light and healthy buffet includes the soup and salad bar, and dessert.

Sunday - Brunch The popular Sunday brunch starts off with breakfast selections such as eggs Benedict, pancakes, bacon, smoked salmon, and freshly baked breakfast pastries. The hot buffet includes hand carved meat, along with additional entrees, vegetables, and starches. The buffet also includes the soup and salad bar as well as the dessert buffet. All meals are available for carry out by calling 454-2199 and placing a “to go” order. Hours Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Island Café The Island Café, with its casual atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious food, offers a great alternative to Island dining. Coffee, hot beverages, and ice cream are offered throughout the day along with a wide variety of ala carte items. Choose from specialty salads, desserts, and freshly baked breads and pastries. There are daily breakfast and lunch specials such as, corned beef hash and eggs, Monte Cristo sandwiches, and chicken cheese quesadillas. There are also evening specials such as Monday’s Thai Night. The Island Café even offers the option to carry out by placing “to go” orders. You can also pick up a container of your favorite ice cream, quart of milk, or Sun Harvest fresh-squeezed orange juice. To place an order, please call 454-2286. Hours: Open Daily 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Equator Excursions 75 Adventurous Shell Point Residents Cruise to

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In January, a rather large Shell Point travel group headed out a 10-day n the luxury d America cruise on Holland liner, the Ms Zuiderdam (pronounced Zider-dam.) The ship set sail so smoothly that we barely knew we were moving out to sea. Some in the group were experienced cruisers, while others were on their first cruise ever. But one thing was certain, we all were excited to be

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e stopped at our first port of call, Half Moon Cay. If you have ever received a post card from the Bahamas and thought they fudged the color of the sea to make it look so spectacular…you were wrong! The waters were so clear and aqua in color that it seemed unbelievable. Many Shell Point travelers took advantage of this beautiful stop by participating in shore excursions such as Eco Lagoon cruises, historic nature walks, and horseback riding by land and sea. Others chose to enjoy the beach or just relax on the ship.

1) John Bendall, Dolores and Bob Serra, and Janet Bendall relaxing at Half Moon Cay. 2) Bev Rademacher brings up the rear on a fun shore excursion 3) The beautiful span of beach at Half Moon Cay.

O O R D I N AT O R

headed for points near the Equator. During our “sea days” we had many opportunities to relax, sunbath, exercise, walk, read, play games, and to go to various shows and demonstrations provided by Holland America. Everyone thought the entertainment was out of this world and residents saw everything from comedic ventriloquists to high-energy steel drum bands. The

food was amazing and abundant. The staff at Holland America made us all feel pampered and well attended. Daily, our towels were folded to be the shape of a critter from either the sea or jungle. All Around Wonderful Residents report that their Panama trip was relaxing, adventurous, and all around wonderful. Many are already asking “when is the next Shell Point trip?”

Aruba and Curacau

Bahamas

ur second and third port of call, brought us to the Dutch islands of the Lesser Antilles. Aruba was very volcanic in composition and offered some rugged terrain and impressive vistas. Even though it was a rainy day on the island many residents took tours which led to the Casibari rock formation, the natural bridge, and Aloe Vera Balm facility, the ostrich farm and California lighthouse. Aruba has a volcanic formation known as a haystack which is formed by the stacking of different lava flows over time. There are three types of cacti on Aruba which

was hard to fathom as it was so rainy! They are the barrel cactus, prickly pear cactus, and organ pipe cactus. The nearby island of Curacau, where most of the residents here found the shopping to be very enticing, offered street vendors and specialty gem oriented jewelry shops. Curacau was discovered just 7 years after Columbus landed in the “New world”. The architecture was bright and beautiful as well as very uniquely Dutch.

2. 3.

4. 4) Judith and Jack Krug with Curacao in the background. 5) Willemstad Curacao 6) Dutch Fort established in Dutch 1808.

Shell Point Life | March 2009

9. 10.

Costa Rica

11.

T 7) Bill Staples and John Burden “deck walking” on the ship. 8) “Hunkey Dorey,” everyone’s favorite steward, with (clockwise) Judith Moore, Barb Hayes, and Margaret Slingerland. 9) First floor ladies Margaret Slingerland, Mim Sargent, and Barb Hayes. 10) (L-R) Carol Palermo, Carol Fountain, and Barb Wagner dining together. 11) Shirley Hoch and Dee Kaiser lounging and catching up.

Panama Canal

n the early morning on the day we arrived in the Panama Canal residents could look out their cabins to see that the ship was only just 18 12. inches form the wall of the lock! Two locomotives are used to stabilize these huge ships so they do not become destroyed as they move through the locks. Soon there will be a second lock system designed to take the larger boats through without the use of locomotives. Excursions in Panama took residents on tours of the locks, tours of the countryside, and on nature hikes. White faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and sloths were seen in the wild as the buses 13.

went through the Panamanian countryside. Those who chose hiking saw huge termite nests up in trees, black palm trees with nasty spikes, big belly trees, and leaf cutting ants busy taking their leaf remnants back to the nest where they would be chewed and left to grow fungus for ingestion by the ant colony. Native musicians and dancers were on site in the local flea market adding festive Panamanian flare to our flea market experience. Beading and basket weaving demonstrations took place on site and it was interesting to observe that aspect of Panamanian culture.

he final port of call on the Panama cruise was was Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. Human inhabitation dates back to 12,000 BC and the earliest settlements are dated at 4,000 BC. Costa Rica is known for it’s strict environmental laws and the excursion guides seemed to emanate a very caring attitude towards their lands. Costa Rican coffee is amongst the best in the world but is grown inland rather than on shore — plenty of coffee was available for purchase. Shell Point travelers took many different excursions in Costa Rica. The weather was wet and chilly but many still ventured off to explore the sloth 14. sanctuary, take nature walks, enjoy the rainforest canopy zip lines, and tour the countryside. Sloths have to be one of 15. the most interesting creatures living on the planet. They breathe only 4-6 times per minute, yet can hang from their arms and legs all day without getting tired. Related to 14) Residents gathered each the aardvark, anteater evening to share friendship and and armadillo, the sloth to tell of their day’s adventures. 15) Jeannette Keyers at the is a slow moving gentle Exploration Internet Café. little animal Costa Rica is fighting hard to protect. One hiking group even encoun- 16. tered a yellow eyelash viper on their walk. 17. 16) An eco tour guide holds a brown-throated three-fingered baby sloth at a sanctuary. 17) Bev Rademacher holds the sloth.

12) The ms Zuiderdam clears the locks in the Panama Canal. 13) L-R: Pauline Staples, Bob Serra, John Bendall, Dolores Serra, Janet Bendall, Bill Staples, John Burden, and Anne Burden enjoying “formal night” on the ship.

Shell Point Life | March 2009

Online Golf Tee Times 30-day Advance Reservations Are Now Just a Click Away www.shellpointgolf.com — Give it a try! Scheduling a tee time at the Shell Point Golf Course is quick, easy, and just a click away. Mike Mongoven, director Mike of golf, says he has seen a steady Mongoven increase since the online system was implemented in September of 2008. Once logged in at www.shellpointgolf.com, members can book a tee time online 30 days in advance, and non-members can book a tee time online 21 days in advance.

How To Make an Online Tee Time Reservation Once you’ve made an online reservation, you’ll see just how wonderfully fast and easy the process really is. From the Shell Point Golf Club home page, www.shellpointgolf.com, (figure 1) click on Book A Tee Time, this will open the Tee Time Registration screen (figure 2) where users need to log in. New users will need to click on Register (upper right side of screen) to create a profile with their user-

fig. 1. To make a tee time reservation for the Shell Point Golf Course visit the golf course website and click on “Book A Tee Time.”

Shell Point Life | March 2009

fig. 2. After clicking on “Book A Time” from the homepage, the above screen will appear. New and existing users will log in from this page. New users will click on “Register.” Existing users will enter their username and password.

name, address, phone number, email address, and password. Current users will need to enter their username and password and click Login to access the system. The username is pre-set to match each person’s email address which was entered into the user’s profile at the time of registration. Once registered, the user can make up to three tee time reservations starting with Request 1 (figure 3). For each tee time you request, the Facility line must be changed to the option “SHELL POINT GC” from the dropdown arrow. The Date field is selected using the calendar function. The Time field is selected using drop-down arrows and the AM or PM button. Up to twelve Players can be selected using the drop-down arrow. The number of Holes is selected using the 9 or 18 button.When the request is complete, scroll down and click Submit. Five tee time choices, that are closest to or matching your requested time, will be listed. Click the button next to the time you prefer and then click Book Reservation. A confirmation email of your reserved tee time will be sent to your email address.

fig. 3. Once the user has logged in, they can enter their desired date of play, tee time, the number of players, and the choice of 9 or 18 holes. Users must change the Facility field to SHELL POINT GC from its default of All Facilities.

How To Cancel a Reservation If your plans change and you would like to cancel a tee time reservation, simply click on My Reservations. Select the button next to the reservation to be canceled and then click Cancel Selected. The system will delete the reservation. Of course, golfers who prefer to phone in their reservations can still do so by calling the Shell Point Golf Club at 433-9790.

It’s always a great day for golf at The Shell Point Golf Club.

Saving A Live Oak Tree B Y

O L F

A R K

A C O B S

O U R S E

U P E R I N T E N D E N T

The Shell Point Golf Course is just one of many prized possessions of Shell Point Retirement Community. With its breathtaking beauty and native habitat, the Shell Point Golf Course provides a scenic and challenging golf experience for golfers of all skill levels. As stewards of the environment, it is our duty and responsibility to preserve these wonders of nature for years to come. In this case, that meant saving a tree from what looked to be a sure demise. The par-3 hole, number nine, is home to the only large group of native live oak trees on the course. The entire hole is surrounded by these majestic, sometimes twisted and overgrown beauties. They provide an “Old South” feel with the Spanish moss hanging from their limbs. Some of the tress are estimated to be 100 years old. Oak trees can produce large canopies of limbs that put a tremendous burden on the trunks and root systems. The trees can handle dry to moist soils but do not like to have extremely ‘wet feet’ (roots). If a root system is weak or compromised by too much water held in the soil, eventually the top-heavy weight

can cause the tree to uproot and fall over. In the case of the oak tree on number nine, this occurred; and it ended up lying on its side with the roots exposed to the air. The golf maintenance team determined that the fallen beauty could be saved and went to work. The team, led by Frank Moran, began by selectively pruning the canopy and the root system to re-shape and adjust the weight of the limbs and remove broken and damaged branches. Once pruned, the tree was returned to its upright position. After the live oak was once again standing tall, workers began to cover the roots that had been exposed by bringing in loads of fill dirt to the site. The area around the tree was built up to give the root system a new environment to develop. The newly-

Top: Live oak stand at hole Number Nine. Above: Kevin Irons (left) and John Basile (right) helped in the effort to prune and replant the toppled tree.

planted tree was then watered extensively to ensure that all of the air pockets, created when the tree fell, were removed. This is not a normal task for the golf maintenance team. Despite the unusual challenge, they pulled together to save a piece of the Shell Point Golf Course’s natural beauty, making hole number nine even more special than it already was.

Premier Junior Tour Plays Shell Point Golf Club With wind gusts up to 28 mph and a chill in the air, Luke Schaap shot an 18-hole round of 76 from the white tees. The next day, he followed it up with an even par round of 71. Luke’s Sunday round included 4 birdies as well as 4 bogies. The wining total of 147 was the low score of the

weekend. Luke was able to show off his trophy when he returned to elementary school the next day. Luke Schaap is only 10 years old. You may want to remember his name because he could be playing on the PGA Tour in a decade. The Shell Point Golf Club hosted the

Premier Junior Golf Tour on Saturday, January 31, and Sunday, February 1. The event was a 36-hole tournament with boys and girls ages 8 to 18 participating. Jeffery Alexander was the winner of the boys 16 to 18 flight. He shot rounds of 87 and 83 for a total of 170 from the gold tees.

1. Georgia Price; Spencer Alexander; and 10-year old Luke Schaap, who was the winner of the tournament. 2. Anthony Myrs, Jeffrey Alexander, and Tyler Doyle. 3. Kaleb Johnson and Chris Prozeralik. 4. Kyle Erdner with his father.

Shell Point Life | March 2009

SHELL POINT RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS DESIGNATIONS CARF-CCAC, the national non-profit accrediting body for continuing care retirement communities, announced that the accreditation for Shell Point Retirement Community has been renewed for another five year term, and that Shell Point has been certified as a Person-Centered Care Community with additional designations. The specialty designations are Person-Centered Long-Term Care Community: DementiaCare Specialty Program and Person-Centered Long-Term Care Community: Stroke Specialty Program. Shell Point is the first, and currently only, community in the nation to receive the stroke specialty designation. According to Steve Minniear, vice president of health care services, the desire to participate in the rigorous CARFCCAC process was part of an ongoing commitment to health care excellence. “For the past five years, Shell Point has been on a journey of quality improvement to its entire health care system. Our health care services have always been recognized for excellence, but we felt it was time to take health care to the next level, and it has been gratifying to see the result of our initiatives and efforts. While we are pleased to receive this recognition, we receive greater pleasure in knowing that we are providing the finest care possible to our residents.” An organization that earns CARFCCAC accreditation is commended on its quest for quality programs and services, and the two new specialty designations highlighting Shell Point’s stroke and dementia

Cindy O’Grady, executive assistant; Sherry Brown, director of long-term care; Peter Dys, president of Shell Point; Tim Ficker, executive vice president and COO; Steve Minniear, director of health care services; Joyce Heckber, executive secretary; and Karen Anderson, director of human resources.

the persons served,” said Brian J. Boon, president and CEO of CARF-CCAC in a letter to the community announcing the designations. “The services, personnel, and documentation clearly indicate that this organization has an established pattern of conformance to the standards of CARF and CCAC.” Shell Point’s health care facilities have received a great deal of recognition recently for the services provided in our skilled nursing facility. In addition to receiving these designations from CARFCCAC, Shell Point’s skilled nursing

the community recently completed a $24 million dollar renovation to the skilled nursing facility that was part of an overall $60 million investment in the enhancement and expansion of the health care facilities at Shell Point. The Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (CCAC) was founded in 1985 as the nation’s only accrediting body for continuing care retirement communities and similar organizations. In January 2003, CCAC merged with the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), a nonprofit accreditor founded in 1966 that touches close to six million indi-

THE SPECIALTY DESIGNATIONS ARE — • PERSON-CENTERED LONG-TERM CARE COMMUNITY: DEMENTIA CARE SPECIALTY PROGRAM • PERSON-CENTERED LONG-TERM CARE COMMUNITY: STROKE SPECIALTY PROGRAM.

care programs underscore the community’s efforts to expand and enhance the services in its skilled nursing center, the Larsen Pavilion. “This achievement is an indication of the dedication and commitment Shell Point offers to improve the quality of the lives of

facility was also recently awarded a Five-Star Rating, the highest possible, from the federal government’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in December. Shell Point was the only facility in Lee County to receive the Five-Star Rating. And, perhaps most significantly,

viduals served in a wide range of human service organizations. Shell Point has been nationally accredited since 1992 and is a recognized leader in the retirement industry. For more information about the accreditation process, visit the CARF-CCAC website at www.carf.org.