Shell Point Life August 2009 by Shell Point Retirement Community

August 2009 Vol. 4 Issue 8

“A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.”

My, How Times Flies!

—JAMES DENT

By Lynn Schneider, editor August, already? It’s hard to believe how quickly time flies here at Shell Point and yet here we are at the end of summer and barreling into the fall. Someone will probably be wishing me a “Merry Christmas” later this week. It used to be that things would slow down in Southwest Florida during the summer: the tourists would all go home, our Snowbirds would head back up North for a few months, and the rest of us would enjoy a brief breather as we breezed into restaurants without having to wait and could get an oil change in fifteen minutes. But not anymore. Now summer is just as busy as any other time of the year, but the good news is, it is busy with fun things to do. Unlike many other communities, the Resort Services department here at Shell Point keeps a full cadre of activities and events going all year long and this month is no exception. Turn to the Happenings section starting on page 26 for an interesting selection of places to go and things to do this month. There are two behind-the-scenes tours – one is of the Mosquito Control in Fort Myers. This group of dedicated bug-busters was profiled in last month’s edition of Shell Point Life and this month residents will have

the opportunity to see firsthand how the group tackles the pesky pests. For individuals interested in learning more about Shell Point, there is no better way than the tour of the SPTV studio that will be offered August 4. The Communications team will be on hand to discuss the various methods of communication at Shell Point. Plus, you’ll get an opportunity to see the sets used to produce segments of the show. There are also several dinner trips planned this month and there’s something for everyone on the menu from a casual downhome lunch trip to Famous Dave’s Barbecue to dinner at The Verandah. Once you’ve eaten one of those big meals you might feel the need to work off a few of the calories and if so, you’ll want to read up on the group of employees who recently lost weight in Shell Point’s own Biggest Loser competition. And for further inspiration we’ve got two stories on a couple of real hot shots, Jack Dreyer and Max Liberles, who have quite a racket going here at Shell Point – in tennis, that is. Their stories volley side by side on pages 4 and 5. It’s a busy month here at Shell Point and that’s just the way we like it!

ON THE COVER Max Liberles of Eagles Preserve hits the tennis courts regularly to work on his game and stay in shape.

Shell Point Life | August 2009

Photo by David Pavey (Coquina)

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, Tom Frackenpohl, Jessica Clark, Mary Franklin, Bev Chandley, Rachael Dula, Inga Bredahl, Randy Woods, Tim Stephenson, Bev Patten, Sandra Ashley, Sue Taylor, Glenda Stephenson, Paula Watson, Garth Francis, Peggy Holton, Lee Johns 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.

Don’t miss this year’s Mind,

Body & Spirit Speaker Series

Shell Point Concert & Speaker Series

American Boychoir

Shell Point is pleased to present

The 8th Annual

Cultural Extravaganza Featuring the Fine & Performing Arts musical series, along with the second annual Speaker Series! Ashu

Gontiguglia Brothers Ensemble Galilei

This year’s line up is… diverse and artistically unique!

River City Brass Band

Raleigh Bell Ringers

Violinist Reiko, of the Southwest Florida Symphony

2009 - 2010 SEASON

Fine & Performing Arts Concert Series Ring in the first concert of the season with the Raleigh Hand Bell Choir, an internationally acclaimed hand bell group. Next, the ever-popular American Boychoir is always a favorite, especially this year as they celebrate their seventeenth anniversary season. Enjoy the extensive repertoire from Big Band and Jazz, to Broadway and Hollywood with the River City Brass Band. A special feature to this series will be Ensemble Galilei, a collaboration between National Geographic Society, NPR’s Neal Conan, and Ensemble Galilei. Spectacular photographs, compelling narration and evocative music are brought together for an extraordinary night of entertainment. Rounding out this season will be the acclaimed piano duo, Gontiguglia Brothers.

who is known by critics for his “immaculate technique.” A local favorite from the Southwest Florida Symphony, violinist Reiko, and friends, will take us on a trip around the world. This diverse series will wrap up with accomplished artist, Ashu, who has taken his saxophone all across the United States and Europe.

Southwest Florida Symphony Series Once again Shell Point partners with the local symphony as they host “concerts around the town.” Shell Point will host two evening concerts. Just in time for the holidays will be Handel’s Messiah, presented by the Southwest Florida Symphony Chorus. Later in the spring of 2010, the Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Chorus will present Bach & More.

Concerts & Conversation

Speaker Series Mind, Body & Spirit

This classical series is held in the more intimate setting of the Grand Cypress Room and over the past two seasons has grown in popularity. The line-up for this coming season includes a mother/daughter duo, featuring soprano Svetlana Strezeva and Milana Strezeva at the piano. Following is an upand-coming pianist, Konstantin Soukhoveski,

Last year’s evaluations revealed that residents were eager to continue the speaker series and bring prominent and nationally known speakers to Shell Point. The Academy offers a regular feature entitled, Mind, Body & Spirit, which has proven to be popular. That is exactly our focus for this year’s series. Our first speaker is

National Geographic writer, Dan Buettner. He and his team of researchers traveled across the globe and discovered Blue Zones – which are hot spots of human health and vitality. He will share the secrets that explain extraordinary longevity and habits to put extra years into your life and life into your years. Gary Small, M.D., is a leading expert on memory, aging, and the brain. Dr. Small will share the latest on brain health and how to protect your brain to live better and longer with health, vibrancy, and sharpness. To nurture our spirit, we will host Dr. Harold G. Koenig, Duke Univ. Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and codirector of the Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health. His studies have focused on the connection between spirituality/religion and mental/physical health.

Travel & Adventure Film Mysterious Egypt The majesty of Egypt has long enticed travelers. This travelogue narrated by filmmakers Clint and Sue Denn depicts the mysteries of this cradle of civilization with the Pyramids of Giza, the mysterious Great Sphinx, ancient Thebes, the Valley of the Kings, and more. Watch your mailbox for the Concert Series season brochure!

Max Liberles Enjoys His Second Swing at Tennis B

O C H E L L E

H E R N I AW S K I

, C

O M M U N I C AT I O N S

The towering trophy collection on display in Max Liberles’ living room is a testament to his love of winning at tennis. “It’s my type-A personality,” he said with a smile while proudly sporting his commemorative t-shirt from the 2008 United States Tennis Association (USTA) League National Championships. Max and his fellow teammates from the

Shell Point Life | August 2009

O O R D I N AT O R

Fort Myers Racquet Club Super Senior men’s team traveled to the tournament in Arizona this past April to compete against 16 USTA teams from around the country. The six men from Fort Myers had to play five matches in three days – three very hot days. “It was unbelievably hot in Arizona in April. It’s a different kind of heat. It’s inescapable,” said Max. “And the courts!

The courts were very hard. We are used to playing on clay courts. Surface makes a big difference, especially for super seniors.” After scoring victories against sectional championship teams from Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, they encountered Puerto Rico in the semifinals. The Fort Myers six put up an admirable fight against the Puerto Max’s story continued on page 8

Retirement Takes Jack Dreyer to the Courts B

U L A

WAT

S O N

Jack Dreyer of Oakmont is passionate about tennis. Unlike many tennis enthusiasts who have a lifelong love for the sport, Jack didn’t take to the game until his retirement in 1992. “I was looking for an activity that would keep me active and in shape during retirement.” Jack explained. “So, I attended a oneweek tennis camp in Killington, Vermont. And that Jack’s story continued next page

Shell Point Life | August 2009

Jack Dreyer Continued from page 5 was all it took!” He was hooked and has been playing enthusiastically ever since. In fact, Jack is the volunteer leader of the tennis group at Shell Point. He even won a silver medal in the men’s doubles division during the Shell Point Olympics in 2008.

A Natural Athlete

Jack grew up on Staten Island, New York, and was always sports minded. He played basketball in high school and ran track at Tufts University in Boston while studying psychology and industrial engineering. When Jack finished college, he moved to New Jersey with his wife, Jean. There they enjoyed sailing Hobie Cats with their three children – two sons and a daughter. The whole family enjoyed sailing Hobie Cats so much that when Jack and Jean acquired a summer home at Lake George, NY, they bought a second Hobie to have enough sailing equipment for the entire family. Studying psychology and industrial engineering in college was the precursor to Jack’s career in human resources. He was in the electronics industry for ten years, followed by working for a paper company where he traveled extensively for eighteen years. Jack rounded out his career with ten years in the food industry. He enjoyed his work at Wake Fern Food Corp., a cooperative of owner-operated Shop Rite supermarkets. “The entrepreneurial spirit was both challenging and rewarding,” he recalled. When he retired as vice president of human resources, they asked him to stay on two days a month, which he did for the first year. Eventually, he realized that his life was so full of activities that it was time to completely immerse himself in the retirement lifestyle.

Out of all of the activities Jack is involved in at Shell Point, he says that tennis is his favorite. 6

Shell Point Life | August 2009

Adventures in Retirement

Jack and a guest play in a round robin doubles game at The Woodlands tennis courts.

Jack and Jean spent their first years of retirement in Naples and nourished their love of sailing and kayaking through and around the Everglades. Jack and a friend of his were quite adventurous camping in the Ten Thousand Islands and spending time with true Florida natives – alligators, mosquitoes, snakes, and other nature-dwelling creatures. Jack also continued to play tennis while living in Naples and joined a men’s doubles team at the Marco Island YMCA, which won a 1999 Naples championship and the 2000 state championship. He was even able to convince the YMCA board that the players could raise $230,000 to create five HAR-TRU courts. “We did it. In the year 2000, the money was raised and the courts were built. It was a wonderful accomplishment.” When Jack moved to Shell Point in October of 2000, not only did he continue to play tennis, he took on the role of tennis coordinator and the group has continued to grow every year. Jack coordinates the tennis doubles matches six days a week, for both men and women, at The Woodlands tennis courts with sixty now active new Shell Point players. Matches include men’s, women’s, mixed, and free time. Jack, and a few other Shell Point tennis buffs, also continue to stay at the top of their game by challenging other players at the Sanibel Harbor Resort and Fort Myers Racket Club. Renaissance Man

Like most other residents at Shell Point, however, one activity isn’t nearly enough to stay active. Both Jack and Jean are involved with a wide variety of activities. He is involved in Habitat for Humanity. In fact, Jack was on a steering committee that helped raise funds to build a house in Lehigh Acres. He then joined fifteen others from Shell Point and participated in the construction of the home.

Jack also enjoys gardening, growing basil, broccoli, egg plant, parsley, string beans, and tomatoes, which Jean turns into culinary masterpieces. Jack serves as the president for the Democratic Club at Shell Point. And he is a proctor in the computer lab. If that wasn’t remarkable enough, he also makes beautiful pottery. His very first piece wasn’t a simple bowl; it was a tabletop water fountain! Jack also makes large stained glass pieces in geometric designs for his children’s homes. Jack and Jean’s home is adorned with Jack’s impressive pottery and stained glass, along with Jean’s beautiful paintings. There is certainly no shortage of talent in their household. A magnificent stained glass piece leaning against the wall was waiting for its new home in Vermont with

One of Jack’s hobbies at Shell Point is creating beautiful stained glass.

Jack’s daughter, who has also caught the pottery bug. This piece, like seven others he has created, was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Tree of Life windows from the 1904 Darwin D. Martin House. Jack said, “You know, I enjoy all of the activities at Shell Point, but tennis is my passion. It is a great way to get plenty of exercise and stay in shape.” To join Jack on the courts, look for the tennis schedule in the Weekly Reminder and watch SPTV Channel 11 for updates.

The entire Dreyer family enjoys sailing Hobie Cats. Jack and Jean owned two Hobie Cats at their summer home in Lake George, NY.

Shell Point Life | August 2009

Max Liberles

Continued from page 4

Rican team of 12, but eventually congratulated their opponents on a hard-earned win. In the end Max and his team defeated the Eastern section champions to capture third, an accomplishment to celebrate. Tennis Jock

At 70, Max’s enthusiasm for the sport and his impressive trophy case might lead one to believe that he has been a tennis player for life. However, there is more to the story. The Massachusetts native moved with his family to Quincy, Illinois when he was 12 years old. At

Above: Although Max took time off from tennis while he focused on his career, his trophy case is filled with memorabilia confirming his talent, skill, and unending love for the game.

Above: Max (second from left) made the “starting six” as a sophomore at the University of Chicago. He enjoyed playing on a team at the collegiate level while he pursued a degree in political science.

Shell Point Life | August 2009

Vintage photographs surround Max’s office, offering a panoramic view of his days playing tennis at the University of Chicago. Right: Max (front row, far right) poses proudly with his team.

16, he picked up tennis at Quincy High. “I started playing tennis because I didn’t make the basketball team. I had to play a sport, because the girls all went for the jocks!” he laughed. “That varsity letter meant a whole lot. The funny thing is that I ended up falling in love with the game.” He still has his first racquet, a Don Budge. “I saved up for it by mopping floors at a junk yard and then I broke the thing during a temper tantrum at a QHS tennis match. I kept it as a reminder to never do that again.” When Max attended the University of Chicago, he was devastated to not make the starting six of the tennis team. So, ironically, he ended up playing basketball (the sport he didn’t make in high school) his freshman year of college and dedicated all of his free time to perfecting his tennis game. Tennis success came in his sophomore year at U of C when he made the “starting six.” He continued playing tennis throughout college while pursuing a degree in political science. Finding Love

Upon graduation Max stayed in Chicago and put his degree to work as a public aid welfare worker. Tennis slowly phased out of his life while he focused on his career. And in 1963 he met a woman who took his breath away. Max was working in an experimental public aid office when master’s student Karen Lee Collins, who was assigned to the same office, caught his eye. He was smitten. However, workers and students were forbidden from talking with one another. Perhaps the ban from interaction made the attraction more appealing, especially after Max learned that Karen drove the same exact car that he did - a bright red ’57 Triumph TR3 with a white top. Not long after taking an interest in Karen, Max learned that her car had been stolen. Hoping to win her over, Max formed a one-man search and rescue team, scouring the city for hours at a time, until he finally located the abandoned car on a side street. He notified Karen’s father, they retrieved the car, and Max and Karen were finally allowed to formally meet. The pair began to date, fell in love, and even planned to marry. Their families, on the other hand, had other plans. Due to religious differences and increasing family tension, Max and Karen split and went their separate ways. Fast forward ten years to a picket line that Max was leading at Cook County Hospital. A smile spread across his face,

brightening his eyes, as he recalled, “There I was, helping the union leaders, when I saw her coming across the street. Karen hadn’t changed a bit. She looked the same. She met my eyes as she was crossing the street and stopped dead in her tracks. She was almost hit by a car! When she made it across, we talked, exchanged numbers, and the rest is history.” Max and Karen were married in 1972, with parents from both sides in attendance.

Still Serving

In 2007 Max and Karen moved to Shell Point. Their Eagles Preserve home is adorned with mementos from Max’s professional and tennis careers. Black and white photographs surround his office, offering a

A Wakeup Call

With Karen by his side, Max dedicated his life to working for the union he helped to create for the employees of the Cook County Department of Public Aid, which eventually became known as the Illinois Department of Public Aid. He began as a steward, served as a case work vice president for seven years, and held the title of president for 22 years. And throughout his successful career, his tennis habit had been replaced by another habit – smoking. When Max finally picked up a racquet again at age 48, and hit the courts with his brother, he came to a shock- “What’s important about the game is not winning or losing, ing realization. “My body just but that we are still able to do it at 70,” Max says. couldn’t handle it. Turns out, 26 years of smoking had taken a heavy toll.” panoramic view of Max’s life, from standing His doctor ran some tests that revealed in picket lines and leading marches, to Max had experienced a heart attack in his swinging a racquet and posing proudly with 40s, and that he had some serious blockage. his team. A shoe rack is stacked with close When his doctor scheduled a quadruple to 10 pairs of tennis shoes, aged racquet covbypass surgery, Max went out and bought ers are mounted on the walls, and shiny trothe tennis racquet he had always wanted, “I phies provide colorful accents. Max’s office knew I couldn’t afford it, but I had to have is a clear expression of the pride he feels for something to look forward to.” each chapter of his life. In 1991 Max underwent the risky quadruAll About the Team ple bypass surgery, and came out with a new As he looked back at his many experilease on life. There would be no more smoking, just a renewed addiction to tennis. He ences of playing tennis during his youth and began playing regularly and quickly regained playing tennis as a senior, Max said, “In colhis strength and stamina. “Playing tennis lege it was all about winning, and who was saved my life,” Max reflected. “And it came watching, the athletic history of the school, back easily, easier than riding a bike.” In his meeting alums, nerves, anxiety, and team 60s Max was challenging men just a fraction camaraderie. Now, it’s still about the team. We root for of his age in a 19 and over singles league and in singles tournaments around Florida, each other and want to win. But winning achieving a statewide number one ranking in isn’t everything. What’s important is that we are still able to do it at 70.” his division from 1999 to 2004. Shell Point Life | August 2009

Extreme Makeover SPTV Studio Edition

August marks the one year anniversary when Shell Point Today was taken off air for a month-long hiatus to implement a variety of process improvements. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what happened behind the scenes.

A Look Back at the SPTV Hiatus for Process Improvement

PTV Channel 11 was first introduced to Shell Point in 2005 in response to a growing need for a more immediate and consistent communications outlet. A 30-minute television program was created to allow for daily communication from such areas of the Shell Point organization as Resort Services, The Village Church, Facility Operations, the Shell Point Volunteer program, The Academy, The Legacy Foundation and others. This new show effectively provided timely information regarding menus, activities, Academy classes, special events, and more. Although SPTV was successful in fulfilling its purpose during its early years of operation, the initial launch left many facets of the television operation in need of further development; however, managing, writing, filming, and broadcasting the daily show required constant attention, leaving no time for process improvements. Hiatus Announced

After much deliberation the team decided on the bold approach of taking the show off the air on July 31, 2008 for an entire month to fully concentrate on the planning, development, and implementation of a variety of improvements. “Just as commercial television programs

periodically go on hiatus so that writers and actors can take a break and production companies have time to create new concepts, SPTV took a planned break to provide those same creative opportunities,” said Lynn Schneider, assistant vice president of marketing and communications. “We had a schedule of projects that included reengineering the equipment in the studio, redesigning sets, and revitalizing the format of the show with new graphics and images.” The communications staff identified nine areas to deliver optimum improvements. Each team member was given the opportunity to

The entire communications and marketing team gathers around the new and improved anchor set. Front row left to right: Jared Pike, SPTV supervisor; Claude Emler, advertising and production manager; Rochelle Cherniawski, communications coordinator; Lynn Schneider, asst. v.p. of marketing and communications; Jessica Clark, public relations coordinator; and Dan Philgreen, SPTV technical advisor. Back row left to right: Wendy Iverson, graphic designer; Rich Cerrina, art director; Jason Powers, webmaster; and Zachary Speights, videographer/editor.

Pivotal Moments in the Development of SPTV

Karl and Johanne Glastad provided a significant gift to The Village Church to establish a television ministry at Shell Point. The church and Shell Point joined forces to create the TV studio.

In March 2005 SPTV was launched with Shell Point Today, a daily show which featured a news anchor, video segments filmed on location, and studio interviews conducted by a variety of staff and residents.

Shell Point Life | August 2009

As the show gained in popularity, the SPTV staff continued to grow. The dark “black box” studio was often jokingly referred to as “the bat cave.”

The SPTV studio renovation was implemented in nine stages of process improvement:

• Research & Benchmarking • Branding & Identity • Graphics & Music • Physical Setting & Equipment • Show Format & Content • Administration & Workflow • Staff Training & Development • Resident Volunteer Involvement • Data Management & Archives

2. 4.

3. 5. 8. 7.

develop their leadership skills by being assigned as the leader for one of the nine specific areas of improvement and worked with a committee to analyze areas of opportunity, prioritize needs, and determine the steps to facilitate planned improvements. Research & Benchmarking

The first area tackled was research. A written survey was created and distributed to the entire resident population to gather information regarding satisfaction and measure the effectiveness of each aspect of SPTV. An email survey was sent to the management team and each Shell Point department to gather feedback from employees of the organization. An important component of the research was comparing and contrasting SPTV to local broadcast facilties. The entire communications team participated in benchmarking trips to all four of the major network stations in

SPTV made benchmarking trips to five stations 1. Evening anchors Chris Cifatte and Lois Thome grace a billboard at WINK. 2. Wendy Iverson, Rochelle Cherniawski, Jessica Clark, and Lynn Schneider pose on the FOX4 Morning Blend set. 3. Judy Kenney, vice president and general manager of FOX4, toured the team through the studio. 4. A live news broadcast at ABC7. 5. Terry Brennen, director of community funding at WGCU, discusses branding. 6. and 7. Sheri Coleman, director of TV production services, gives a tour of the WGCU studio. 8. Lindsay Liepman, daytime anchor at WINK. 9. Rich Cerrina and Lynn Schneider discuss content and programming with Darrel Adams, executive news director of Waterman Broadcasting (ABC7, NBC2).

Southwest Florida (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX) and the local PBS affiliate at Florida Gulf Coast University (WGCU). At each station the team toured the studio facilities, met with various staff members, and witnessed live

broadcasts. The tours provided the team with insights into production, equipment options, lighting and sound, and numerous set design ideas for the revamp of the studio. Continued on page 14

A challenging aspect of the original studio was minimal lighting equipment which was focused on the center of the room. That small area had to be constantly reconfigured into various sets.

SPTV began broadcasting Sunday morning services live from The Village Church to assisted living and skilled nursing in June 2005 and the entire community in December 2006.

The SPTV crew has rubbed elbows with national media at numerous events including a visit by presidential candidate, Rudy Giuliani, in January 2008.

Shell Point Life | August 2009

A Look Back at the SPTV Hiatus for Process Improvement (continued)

a fresh look consistent with Art director, Rich the Shell Point lifestyle, and Cerrina, determined gives residents the opportuthat the hiatus offered nity to see more scenes of the perfect opportunity their friends and neighbors.” to reevaluate the Additionally, based on branding and identity The show’s new opening graphic. feedback from the resident of SPTV and he led the survey, the team decided to committee for this area of improvement. “It discontinue the lengthy repetitive “bumpers” was important that we reviewed our brand- that introduced segments such as Happenings ing and identity to ensure that logos, slogans, and Village Church Connections. and all other identifying materials were upPhysical Setting & Equipment to-date and remained consistent with Shell Perhaps the most challenging aspect of Point’s brand identity,” said Cerrina. the hiatus was the task of transforming the Graphics & Music studio from a black room with minimal lightAfter the initial evaluation Cerrina and ing, mismatched furnishings, scattered set his support team presented refreshed logo design pieces, and one area open for filming, options and taglines that more appropriately into a more professional studio space. aligned SPTV with Shell Point’s brand. Estimates from set design companies totaled Once the updated branding and identity more than $100,000, so instead of hiring a were incorporated, the graphics and music for professional set design firm, the team netted SPTV were also refreshed. The original royal substantial cost savings by completing each blue opening sequence featuring beauty shots step of the redesign in-house. of The Island was revitalized to a bright sunUtilizing ideas from their benchmarking rise color scheme that incorporated an trips to network studios, the team took measupdated musical score along with various urements of the space and formulated their video segments filmed throughout the com- own design plan. These rough sketches and munity and all three neighborhoods. measurements were given to webmaster Jason Also, it was decided that the video mon- Powers who input them into his computer to tage in the new opening sequence of the generate a set of scaled drawings. show would be updated on a bi-monthly Once the drawings were complete, black basis. “Although this is a minor change,” tape was layed out on the ground to “test” said Jared Pike, SPTV supervisor, “it ensures camera angles and the proposed floor plan. Branding & Identity

The original editing desks sat side by side and faced a black wall.

Heavy window coverings were removed to increase available space and provide access to window seats.

The aluminum window frames (as seen in the middle photo above) were incorporated into the new set design. Printed foam core panels were inset into the window openings to hide the glass and block out light.

Pivotal Moments in the Development of SPTV

In August 2008 the team began the hiatus with meetings to review all aspects of the SPTV operation, and identified nine specific areas of improvement.

Shell Point Life | August 2009

A written survey was distributed to gauge resident satisfaction and measure the show’s effectiveness and an email survey was sent to the management team and Shell Point departments to gather feedback from employees.

The communications team toured five TV studios in Fort Myers as part of the benchmarking process.

With finalized plans, the studio reconfigura- group worked together with help from tion and set construction could begin. First, friends and family members to paint the stuthe entire studio needed to be stripped down dio and build the sets. Elevated platforms to its core. Window blinds and heavy black were built to create stage areas for each indivelvet curtains were vidual set. Partial “false” removed to increase availwalls were built to separate able space and provide the new set areas and add access to window seats. visual interest. Furniture All the equipment was and set pieces were purinventoried including camchased from local discount eras, microphones, headstores or donated. Each elephones, lights, wires, cords, ment was installed by Equipment was inventoried etc., and then stored in an members of the communiand repaired. easily accessible and organcations team who worked ized fashion. Broken items were sent for on weekends and nights to complete the repair and additional equipment needs, such basic design, construction, and painting of a as lighting, were ordered from discount majority of the sets in just three weeks. equipment providers. In addition to creating All wires were disconpermanent sets, a lighting nected and the editing stagrid was designed to pretions were reconfigured. light each set and addiOriginally the staff faced tional light kits were the back wall of the studio. ordered. When the lighting Now, their desks were kits arrived, the SPTV turned outward to face the crew installed the lights to cleared area that would provide instant lighting for soon house the new sets. each set with the simple Once the wires were reconflick of a switch. nected, they were bundled “By setting up lighting together and ingeniously for each possible shooting stored away from areas of scenario, we are able to Elevated platforms were built foot traffic. have much more control off-site and pieced together Throughout each step over the consistency of the like a puzzle. of the process, members of lighting, not to mention the team strapped on their tool belts and the fact that we save a significant amount of picked up their paint brushes to get the job time on a daily basis,” explained Dan done. Various tools and supplies were Philgreen, SPTV technical advisor. “The brought in from home or borrowed from the days of setting up new lighting for each indiShell Point maintenance department. The vidual shoot are officially over!”

Show Format and Content

As construction continued, the resident survey results were tabulated and reviewed to better understand SPTV viewership and resident recommendations. With a plan for programming, the staff took advantage of the break in broadcasting to record and edit new segments. The team worked together to investigate and test new reporting and editing styles. A new format was created to include two anchors (versus a sole anchor) delivering the daily news at the opening of the show. And to keep it fresh, a team of four men and women began rotating as anchors on a weekly basis. In addition to the changes to the opening news segment, other regular segments were analyzed and improved, such as the daily activities reported by Resort Services. Here again, the single staff member (reading from a teleprompter) was replaced by two individuals who adopted a conversational delivery style. Continued on page 16

Various departments and staff members participated in the restructuring of the daily show and provided support to the initiative. The new Resort Services set is an example of this collaboration.

Elevated platforms were placed into position to form the foundation for the anchor set. Other sets followed.

Planning and design.

Preparing the studio included removing heavy window coverings. Equipment was inventoried and broken items were sent for repair. Shell Point Life | August 2009

Look on the next page for behind-the-scenes information about the features identified with this symbol.

Anchor Set 5

Reel Review Set

Village Church Set Living Room Set The Living Room set is used for interviews in such segments as The Academy and Volunteer Corner.

Connecting people to God and each other is the goal of The Village Church. The Connections set is used for a variety of Village Church stories, news, and interviews.

SPTV is Back and Better Than Ever The new studio was segmented into a variety of sets arranged on raised platforms. Strategically mounted lights illuminate each set.

Book Nook Set

Editing Stations

Hidden Set

Editing desks were separated and redefined into individual workstations. Plywood walls were built and piano hinges were used to provide flexibility.

This set is normally hidden behind three storage cabinets that have been mounted on wheels. The back of the cabinets have been painted green and when rolled out serve as the side walls of the set.

A Look Back at the SPTV Hiatus for Process Improvement (continued)

sshhh... don’t tell To stretch our design dollars the SPTV team got creative in the planning and design of the new studio. Look for these symbols on the previous page to learn some of our design secrets.

1 2

A monthly communications meeting is held to exchange information about upcoming events and activities, plus news from throughout the community. Representatives from each of the departments are invited to attend. L-R: Randy Woods of The Village Church, Gina Banasiak of Human Resources, Inga Bredahl and McKenzie Boren of the King’s Crown, Bev Chandley with Resort Services, and Ted Yeatts from the Country Inn and Suites.

Prior to the hiatus, a great deal of content for the show was derived in a monthly communications meeting attended by representatives from all of the departments at Shell Point. This organization-wide involvement continued to be important to the show’s success as information was exchanged about upcoming events and activities. This group helped brainstorm topics that would be of interest to Shell Point residents and sought additional ways to improve the content of the show. Administration & Workflow

With the responsibility of shooting, editing, and broadcasting a 30-minute TV show each day, the SPTV crew must remain extremely organized. The system of scheduling was reviewed for ease and convenience,

as well as accuracy and consistency. An updated SPTV show schedule was created to plan each daily show and forecast future programming. The new schedule also allowed the team to easily track and search past programs. Staff Training & Development

An important component of improving SPTV was ensuring that the staff was receiving adequate training and opportunities for professional development. A new initiative was launched to hold half-day staff development meetings on a quarterly basis for the whole group. The first of these meetings was held near the end of the hiatus and focused on creativity, morale, job satisfaction, and team building.

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1. Several old film reels and a film projector were donated by a resident. As a non-profit Shell Point received donations from the Lee County Sheriff’s evidence department of confiscated lighting and equipment. Metal grids were purchased at Circuit City’s Going Out of Business Sale. A table donated by a resident was reconfigured into the anchor desk. A carpet remnant was used from The Woodlands Commons. This table is on “permanent loan” from the Welcome Center. Old typewriter donated by resident Books donated by Shell Point Library, The Village Church, and purchased for fifty cents each at thrift stores. This table was destined for a dumpster before we gave it a new home.

10 Styrofoam column salvaged from trash Panels constructed of plywood, con11 nected by piano hinges, and painted

black create the new workstations. Letters purchased at the Dillards 75%-off After Christmas Sale.

Pivotal Moments in the Development of SPTV

Editing desks were separated, repositioned to face the studio, and defined into individual workstations.

Shell Point Life | August 2009

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. The new Resort Services set hides a wardrobe and changing area. No more running down the hall to the restrooms for costume changes.

Job descriptions for the entire communications and marketing department were reviewed and responsibilities were shifted to best utilize the skills and talents of each member of the team, and new job descriptions were written.

accommodate the storage of older files. An archive system was developed and a new DVD storage system now provides additional back-up as well as convenient access for DVD duplication requests. Successful Results

Resident Volunteer Involvement

SPTV always valued resident volunteers for their help in shooting at community events, interviewing, recording voice-overs, studio organization, and much more. With the studio improvements, came the need for additional volunteers and the response was remarkable: resident volunteerism increased by 300% following the hiatus with roles created behind and in front of the cameras.

Data Management & Archives

The constant flow of shooting, editing, and producing a daily TV program leads to a massive amount of raw and edited footage. The studio was filled with shelves and boxes of miscellaneous tapes and DVDs. Plus edited footage was taking up increasing amounts of very limited computerized server space. Prior to the hiatus, each daily show was simply stored in DVD format and organized by date, and all additional footage was discarded to make room for new videos. A review of the existing data management and archiving process revealed the need for improvement. This team established a timeline for housing material on the daily usage server and ordered back-up drives to

5. 6. Resident volunteers and resident stories add a vibrant slice of life to SPTV. 1. Ruth Deuber is the host of What’s Cookin’ which is filmed in her kitchen. 2. Ann Wharton is one of the many onair hosts in the studio. 3. Phil Steen volunteers behind the scenes running a camera. 4. Dan Philgreen of SPTV interviewed a group of residents who flew planes in the military. 5. Nip Wilson shows a picture of the plane he flew in the Korean War. 6. Pel Lynah and Iver Brook chuckle over memories as “Fly Boys.”

Improvements to existing segments plus the variety of new programs have added to the popularity of the show. You never know who you’ll see on SPTV!

Removing the show for an entire month seemed to heighten awareness of the show’s value. Based on the number of written, verbal, telephone, and email responses when the show went back on the air, it was apparent that viewership and support had increased. The show’s value was further increased when the Shell Point webmaster designed a web page to allow for the daily posting of each program. Now, residents can access the daily show when they are out of town to maintain connectivity and continuity. Residents can also share particularly interesting shows with their friends and family living outside the community. “Residents were very patient and understanding as we spent the month incorporating these major improvements,” said Schneider. “When we came back on the air in September, the entire process was significantly enhanced, and we continue to meet on a monthly basis to maintain momentum for ongoing improvements to SPTV.”

See For Yourself

Take a Tour of the SPTV Studio Tuesday, August 4

9:15 am • 10:15 am • 11:15 am 1:15 pm • 2:15 pm

Although residents have the opportunity to view the new and improved SPTV on their television sets at home on a daily basis, many are curious and would like to see and tour the physical studio in person. Resort Services is offering Shell Point residents the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes tour of SPTV. You’ll get to tour the studio, meet the cast and crew, and learn how the daily show is produced. Each tour is limited to groups of 50, and several tours have been scheduled that day. So contact either service desk for more information and to pick up your ticket for one of the tours.

Shell Point Life | August 2009

Executive Shell Point im Ficker, ent, T Vice Presid up cool treats. s e serv

Willie Dema

rest (Coquin

JULY FOURTH Fun, Friends, & Festivities STO PHO

TO S

HUCK

BY VERONICK DURRELL WITH

In honor and celebration of America’s 233rd birthday, Shell Point residents, along with their friends and families, gathered for the annual Ice Cream Social held in The Village Church. What began as a trickle of incoming party-goers, soon transformed into a group of guests taking in the sparkling red, white, and blue décor. The group mingled while enjoying chilly, smooth ice cream, which served as a scrumptious counterbalance to the warm July day. Marguerite Yates (Cellana) said, “I look forward to this event every year!” Jean Peacock (Cellana) added, “It’s fantastic.” Willie Demarest (Coquina) had much to celebrate, as it was also her birthday. Resembling a festive Independence Day package, Willie was adorned with a patriotic Uncle Sam hat, complementing the red and white bows fastened to her shoes. Elaborating on her creative cap, Willie said, “I’ve worn this hat on my birthday every year for fifteen years!” FineMark National Bank and Trust was a behind-the-scenes presence at the event, as they offered a program sponsorship to supply the ice cream.

Shell Point Life | August 2009

WIL

SON

, IN

ASSISTANCE

The Ditchfield Family Singers

TERN

ROL

ELUCIA

“We were pleased to be able to contribute to the event,” said Joe Catti, FineMark Bank President and CEO. “We have really enjoyed getting involved in the community and look forward to building many more lasting relationships.” Following the delicious treat was an uplifting performance by The Ditchfield Family Singers. Taking the audience on a memorable journey through the history of America’s independence, The Ditchfield Family Singers succeeded in reminding everyone of the beauty our heroes have created. They performed classics, such as Glen Miller’s Moonlight Serenade, and honored veterans with the Armed Forces Medley. Their performance was heart-felt and emotional, bringing tears to the eyes of many and warming the hearts of all. Resident Lloyd Salt (Arbor) said, “I really enjoyed the singers, they did a great job.” In the end the festivities were a tremendous hit. The crowd departed with happy grins and elated spirits. It was a delight to celebrate the nation’s day of independence with a sweet treat and lively entertainment on another beautiful day at Shell Point.

Dwight and Betty Anderson (Macoma) Jane Borkowski (Oakmont) and John Littlejohn (Tellidora)

Constance Lindner (Cellana)

The Ditchfield Family Singers took the audience on a memorable journey through the history of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s independence.

Helen Armstrong (Coquina) and Jean Allison (Periwinkle)

The Ditchfield

Family Singers

The Ditchfield Family Singers Village Church Senior Minister, Ken Nesselroade with wife Lorraine

Ted and Jean Pine (Oakmont)

Guests celebrated the day by joining voices for the Star Spangled Banner

Shell Point President, Peter Dys, was on hand for the celebration

Shell Point Life | August 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

urging him to fight to the end as he faced resignation. Behind the image of “Plastic Pat,” as many in the press called her, was a wonderful, loving, and tender mother and wife. Welcome back the dynamic William and Sue Wills as they present portrayals of President Nixon and First Lady Pat Ryan. The lives of the President and First Lady will be dramatically told in this one-hour show.

SPTV Open House

Tuesday, August 4 9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., and 2:15 p.m. SPTV Studio J. Howard Wood Medical Center, 2nd Floor Tour the newly renovated SPTV studio, meet the cast and crew, and see where Shell Point Today is filmed and produced. Space is limited, so contact either service desk today to pick up your ticket.

Presidents and Their First Ladies, Dramatically Speaking

Thursday, August 6 1:00 p.m. Grand Cypress Room/WDL Richard Nixon chased Pat Ryan for over two years before she said “yes” to marriage... a marriage that would last over 50 years. She traveled with her husband during the vice-presidential years, facing danger from unruly crowds in both South and Central America, and she Sue & William Wills as stood by his side Pat and Richard Nixon. 22

Shell Point Life | August 2009

Information Forum — Taking a Closer Look at the 2009 Computer College and School of Technology Classes

Saturday, August 8 10:00 a.m. Grand Cypress Room/WDL In this session of the Information Forum, the Computer College Steering Committee members will provide an overview of the upcoming Fall 2009 Computer College and School of Technology classes, along with a brief discussion of each course offering. Class instructors will be on hand to answer questions pertaining to their particular courses. All are invited to come and learn more about which classes best suit them.

Saturday DVD: Frost/Nixon (2008)

Saturday, August 8 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Grand Cypress Room/WDL From director Ron Howard comes the Academy Award nominated film that is the electrifying, untold story behind one of the most unforgettable moments in history. When disgraced President Nixon agreed to an interview with jet-setting television personality David Frost, he thought he’d found the key to saving his tarnished legacy. But

EVENTS

•

PROGRAMS • PARTIES • MOVIES • OUTINGS • EXCURSIONS

with a name to make and a reputation to overcome, Frost became one of Nixon’s most formidable adversaries and engaged the leader in a charged battle of wits that changed the face of politics forever.

Famous Dave’s BBQ Lunch Outing Monday, August 10 10:15 a.m. Island pickup 10:30 a.m. Woodlands pickup 10:40 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 1:30 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $7.00 (lunch on your own) Famous Dave’s restaurant in Fort Myers serves up award-winning barbecue ribs and hickory-smoked meats in a casual, familyfriendly atmosphere. Famous Dave spent 25 years perfecting America’s favorite styles of barbecue, like hickory-smoked ribs and Georgia chopped pork, slathered with their signature Rich & Sassy BBQ sauce. Their menu also features smokin’ sandwiches, mouthwatering burgers, garden fresh salads, and home-style desserts all served up in a casual, downhome atmosphere.

Wellness Seminar on Healthy Aging Thursday, August 13 1:30 p.m. Grand Cypress Room/WDL This dynamic seminar will provide you with practical tips and guidelines for healthy aging that will help you polish up those golden years. Presented by Lynne Fraser, a senior fitness specialist with a BS in Exercise Physiology, this presentation will give you tools to enhance your quality of life and make your daily activities more enjoyable. Lynne will share tips for healthy eating, along with wellness guidelines and exercises that will give you more energy and help improve your cognitive skills. It is never too late to improve your health and your quality of life. Attend this informative seminar and discover how you can add more life to your years.

Panning for Gems and Fossils — Visit the Newest Attraction at The Shell Factory

Thursday, August 13 8:00 a.m. Island pickup 8:10 a.m. Woodlands pickup 8:20 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 3:00 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $27.00 (lunch including tip, admission, shops, panning for gems, and tours) Wow! What a bang you get for your buck at the Shell factory! For your admission fee you not only have a soup and sandwich lunch included, but you can be a prospector for a day as you pan for gems and fossils in the new Shell Factory sluice. Other recent additions include the aviary expansion in the nature park and the nature park’s baby zebra. The trip will include two tours, the Money Museum and the Natural History Exhibit. There will also be plenty of free time for snooping through the numerous shops and Rosie’s Fudge Kitchen with free fudge samples. Oh, and there are lots of shells there too!

Summer Documentary: The Brain (2008)

Friday, August 14 2:00 p.m. Grand Cypress Room/WDL The Brain is an astonishing voyage into our last biological frontier. Although computers can make calculations in a 100th of a second, and technology can transport us outside the bonds of Earth, only now are we beginning to understand the most complex machine in the universe. Using simple analogies, real-life case studies, and state-of-the-art CGI, this documentary shows how the brain works, explains the frequent battle between instinct and reason, and unravels the mysteries of memory and decision making. It takes a journey inside the mind of a soldier under fire to see how decisions are made in extreme situations. It also examines how an autistic person, like Rain Man, develops remarkable skills. The documentary even takes on the age-old question of what makes one person good and another evil.

Dinner at The Veranda

Monday, August 17 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: $7.00 (dinner on your own) Tried and true, The Veranda is by far one of the most popular restaurants in Fort Myers. Is it the old-fashioned Victorian charm? Maybe it is the incredibly attentive staff. But most likely it could be the fabulous award-winning Southern regional cuisine, prepared with care and perfection. Often named as one of the top restaurants in Fort Myers, The Veranda has been in business for 30 years and offers a truly unique and delightful dining experience. Entrée prices run $27.95 to $40.00.

Jebry and Friends

Tuesday, August 18 7:15 p.m. Church Auditorium/IS All that Jazz! Be enticed with jazz singer Jebry, a.k.a Judy Branch, the one-time Harry James Big Band Singer. She will be accompanied by award-winning musicians. The Naples Daily News states, “She shouts the blues with the best of them and her country singing is as authentic as any singer on the country charts. Obviously, she shines at jazz, with influences that range form Ella Fitzgerald to Anita O’Day.”

Lakes Regional Library Tour

Thursday, August 20 9:00 a.m. Island pickup 9:15 a.m. Woodlands pickup 9:30 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 12:00 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $4.00 Have you ever wondered how library systems really run? Shell Point residents will be treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the state-of-the-art Lakes Regional Library to find out exactly what goes on to make the library system so successful. Public libraries sure have changed in the past few years. The group will really enjoy this tour as they learn about the ins and outs of the Lakes Regional Library and beyond.

Shell Point Life | August 2009

HAPPENINGS PLACES

TO GO,

PEOPLE

MEET, & THINGS

Let’s Go Gulf Coasting — Movies, Shopping, and More

Janina Birtolo – Remember the Ladies

Saturday, August 22 9:30 a.m. Island pickup 9:40 a.m. Woodlands pickup 9:50 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 4:00 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $7.00 (lunch on your own)

Thursday, August 27 3:15 p.m. Social Center/IS This one woman show will definitely entertain. Janino Birtolo portrays Abigail Adams, wife of the second U.S. President, and mother of the sixth. Remember the Ladies captures Abigail’s feistiness, her determination, and the large role she played in shaping the country.

Lee County Mosquito Control Operations Tour Monday, August 24 8:00 a.m. Island pickup 8:10 a.m. Woodlands pickup 8:20 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 1:30 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $7.00 (lunch on your own) Learn how the Mosquito Control operation goes about keeping the mosquito population under control so we can live happily here in Florida. The group will watch a video about mosquito control and then walk across the hanger to see the aircrafts utilized in their operations. There will be substantial walking on gravel to reach the aircraft hanger. To round out the morning, residents will have a bus tour of the industrial site. The group will also stop for lunch at a local moderately priced restaurant.

Gulf Coast Town Center in Estero is an exciting shopper and diner’s paradise. There seems to always be new shops and restaurants opening down at Gulf Coast Town Center. So even if you have been before, you are bound to find some place new. But, if you just want to ride down to take in a movie, you can do that as well. The 16 screen theater is roomy and enjoyable. Just be sure to find a movie that begins shortly after the group arrives at Gulf Coast Town Center and ends in time for you to catch the bus home to Shell Point. All movie selections should have starting times before 1:00 p.m. and ending times by 2:55 p.m., because the bus will arrive for pick up at 3:00 pm. Three days prior to the trip, Bev Chandley will have a list of available movies. Call 454-2239 to find out in advance or view the list which will be available on the bus ride down. Gulf Coast Town Center is an outdoor mall, so be sure to wear clothing and footwear for comfort and weather protection.

Shell Point Life | August 2009

Library Book Talk

Tuesday, August 25 2:15 p.m. Social Center/IS This very stirring and provocative novel about terrorism and torture is the subject of this month’s book talk. Guy McMillian (Oakmont) will be discussing Extreme Measures by popular writer Vince Flynn. Refreshments will be served and all Shell Pointers and their friends are invited to attend.

Ringling Museum in Sarasota Friday, August 28 8:00 a.m. Island pickup 8:10 a.m. Woodlands pickup 8:20 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 5:30 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $27.00 (lunch on your own) Step right up and experience the wonders of the famed John and Mable Ringling Museums and Estate. This is a self-guided day with optional iPod interpretive devices available for those who are interested (not included in fee). Some residents may opt to join other groups on free guided tours. A schedule of the free tours will be available on the bus. Trams will take residents from one attraction to another. Visit the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum and Tibbal’s Learning Center, the Ca d’ Zan Mansion, and of course the visitor center and gift shop. Lunch choices are either casual at the Banyan Café snack bar or finer dining at the full-service Treviso restaurant. This is a full day of fun with substantial walking and standing. The bus ride is approximately two hours with a rest area break each way.

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

Beach Day

Monday, August 31 8:30 a.m. Island pickup 8:40 a.m. Woodlands pickup 8:50 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup 3:00 p.m. Approximate return Cost: $15.00 (ice cream on your own)

It’s beach time again! Beach Day is all about the sand, sun, water, and fun. Come along with your Shell Point friends and neighbors to Delnor-Wiggins State Park beach. A picnic lunch will be provided, but save room for ice cream because we will stop at Royal Scoop creamery on the way home. Don’t forget your towels, sunscreen, lawn chairs, and other favorite beach supplies.

Movie Night: Yentl (1983)

Walking up and down stairs

Walking required

Special event bus will be running

Monday, August 31 7:15 p.m. Social Center/IS The legendary and multi-talented Barbra Streisand shines as producer, co-writer, director, and star of this radiant film about a young woman who risks everything for her insatiable desire to learn. Masquerading as a young man, she enters the Yeshiva to fulfill her unfulfilled desire for knowledge. But in a place where even the strongest mind can be betrayed by the body, how long can she uphold her secret before her new friends - and the young man she’s come to love - discover the shocking truth?

Boating attire

Court Dinners Continue at the Palm Grill The Palm Grill will continue hosting court dinners in August. The menu will include a beverage, salad, your choice of entree — either chicken marsala or boneless short ribs — and dessert for just $15. For more information or to RSVP, please call the Palm Grill at 454-2059. All Court Dinners begin at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, August 4 Coquina Thursday, August 6 Eagles Preserve Tuesday, August 11 Junonia Thursday, August 13 Turban Tuesday, August 18 Lucina Thursday, August 20 Sand Dollar Tuesday, August 25 Sundial Thursday, August 27 Harbor Court

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 (IS) 10:15 Morning Worship 1:15 Mixed Golf League 6:15 Evening Worship

1:00 Mixed Progressive Pairs’ Bridge 1:15 The Rollicking Recorderists 1:30 Stamp Project (Sabal Room/WDL) 3:15 Virtual Tennis 6:45 Hymn Sing (Aug 4)

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

Tuesday 8:00 Women’s Golf League 8:15 Stamp Project (Stamp Room/Tunnel/IS) 9:15 Open Painting Group 10:15 Through the Bible

9:00-12:00 Geraci Travel 9:00 Watercolor Class (Aug 5,12) 9:45 Women’s Bible Study 10:15 Model Yacht Club (Commons Pond/WDL) 1:00 Chess 2:30 Jazz ‘N Stuff 3:00 Bible Study (King’s Crown/IS) 5:45 Village Church Choir Rehearsal 7:15 Prayer & Praise

6:45 Pinochle (Mantee Room/IS) 7:00 Trailblazers Bible Study

Friday 8:00 Intrepid Bike Riders (Aug 14, 28) 8:15 Stamp Project (Stamp Room/ Tunnel/IS) 10:00 Genealogy (Aug 14) 10:15 Inquiring Minds 1:00 Mixed Progressive Bridge 1:15 Quilters 1:15 Table Tennis 1:30 Vespers (Arbor/WDL) 2:00 Diabetes Group Appt (Aug 7) 2:00 Euchre (Sabal Room/WDL) 2:45 Vespers (King’s Crown/IS) 6:45 Game Night

Saturday Thursday 8:00 Men’s Golf League 9:00 Paddlers’ Club (IS) 9:30 Current Events 10:15 Online Investors 1:15 Mah-Jongg (RAC Library/IS) 4:00 Seamstress (Osprey Room/IS)

8:00 Adopt-a-Road (Aug 15) 9:00 Saturday Coffee 9:45 Duplicate Bridge – Supervised Play 10:15 Model Yacht Club (Garden Apt Pond/IS) 1:00 Chess 6:45 Duplicate Bridge

Shell Point Life | August 2009

resident updates To correct a listing in the resident roster, contact Gene McGonigle, Resort Services Coordinator, at 454-2282 or email: genemcgonigle@shellpoint.org

Welcome New Residents Arax Bashian of Sanibel, FL, to 3508 Harbor Court 590-6199 Rev. Clarence R. Brock of Cadiz, KY, to 237 Tellidora 481-4671 Jerome M. & LaMoyne W. Ebner of Mount Pleasant, SC, to 10810 Rosemont Wildey E. & Carolyn L. Johnson of University Park, FL, to 6804 Turban 590-6426 Bruce G. McAbery of Cape Coral, FL, to 9106 Parkwood 549-5232 Dr. Richard B. & Dr. Eleanor J. Pease of Nyack, NY, to 408 Royal Bonnet Natalie L. Petzold of Lawrence, MA, to 12302 Lakewood 277-7835 David E. & Margaret K. Singer of Brooklyn, NY, to 218 Tellidora 481-4179

Elizabeth K. Watt of Naples, FL, to 16119 On Par Blvd. 353-9687 Robert G. & Betty Weiss of Palm Beach Garden, FL, to 16523 On Par Blvd.

Transfer of Apartment Josephine Armstrong of 121 Macoma to Larsen Pavilion - Room 214 Howard Beghtel of 8105 Arbor to Larsen Pavilion Darlene Chamberlain of 625 Coquina to 2616 King’s Crown Margaret Clarke of 2405 Sundial to Larsen Pavilion Dr. Robert & Jeannette Evans of 2901 Lucina to Larsen Pavilion

Loyetta Henry of 4912 Lucina to Pavilion Lawrence Hock of 4902 Lucina to 4711 Junonia Margaret Hunter of 412 Royal Bonnet to Larsen Pavilion Kathleen Katros of 2634 King’s Crown to Larsen Pavilion Rachel Nottelmann of 3706 Junonia to 1611 King’s Crown W. David Rose of 505 Periwinkle to 246 Tellidora Marion Smith of 1052 Cellana to 3637 King’s Crown Charles M. & Jewell P. Whitson of 12104 Lakewood to 1901 Lucina

support groups Cancer Support Program 1-on-1 Mentoring The goal of this resident-led program is to establish group-mentoring connections between newly diagnosed cancer patients and cancer survivors. Contact Barbara Maruchi (Lakewood) at 433-9488. Cancer Support Group Thursday, August 6, at 1:15 p.m. Social Center/ IS All are encouraged to attend the residentled Cancer Support Group. The intent is for a meaningful and uplifting session. Contact Barbara Maruchi (Lakewood) at 433-9488 or Reta Ariss (Turban) at 433-4139. Diabetes Group Appointment Friday, August 7, at 2:00 p.m. Village Church Hospitality Room/IS Both insulin and non-insulin diabetics are encouraged to attend the Diabetes Group Appointment. Each monthly meeting covers a different topic and includes open discussion. Healing Journey Grief Support This group is on break for the summer. The eight-week course brings understanding to the grief process and is led by Dotty

Shell Point Life | August 2009

Morrison (Cellana). Even though this group is on a break, if you feel the need for grief support, please feel free to call the church office at 454-2147 or Dotty Morrison at 337-4015. Masked Marvels Sleep Apnea Group This group brings awareness and support to those dealing with the challenges of Sleep Apnea. Contact Larry Chrouch (Eagles Preserve) at 481-7188. Mended Hearts Support Group for Heart Patients The group is currently on a break. The purpose of this group is networking with others with heart conditions. If you are interested in leading this group, please contact Teri Kollath at 454-2254.

Parkinson’s Support Group Monday, August 3, at 10:15 a.m. Village Church Hospitality Room/IS This group provides support to Parkinson’s patients, as well as their family and friends. For more information, contact Janine Hammond at 454-2186. The Shield Caregivers’ Support Group Thursday, August 27, at 1:45 p.m. Village Church Hospitality Room/IS The resident-led group meets as an informal gathering, offering fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual reliance for all caregivers. For more information, call 482-8633. Trim and Healthy Support Group This group is on break for the summer. All who are interested in controlling their weight or learning more about nutrition are welcome. Contact Pat Webster (Sand Dollar) at 454-2955. Vision Enrichment Group This group is on break for the summer. The purpose of this group is networking and sharing stories and information. For more information, contact Sandee Weber 2252929 or Kristen Judah 454-2134.

King’s Crown celebrated the Fourth of July with sparkers around the fountain. L-R: Sidney Hansen, Adele Nostadt, and Eleanor McDowell.

August Events THE ARBOR Mon ..3 ....Birthday Party w/ Fiddlin Bill (CMR) ........2:30 p.m. Tue......4 ....What’s New in Computers w/Walt Craig (CMR)1:00 p.m. Thu ....6 ....Men’s Pizza & Movie Night (1CK)(1SR)......4:00 p.m. Fri ......7 ....Lunch Outing to Lee Roy Selmon’s Steakhouse w/ King’s Crown (1FL) ..................11:00 a.m. Mon ..10 ....Mid-Day Movie: Gardens of the World— Public & Country Gardens (1SR) .......... 3:00 p.m. Mon ..17 ....Songs to Remember (CMR) ........................3:00 p.m. Wed ..29 ....Ladies’ Pizza & Movie Night (1CK)(1SR) ..4:00 p.m. Thu....20 ....Tune Toppers (CMR) ..................................2:00 p.m. Mon ..24 ....Lunch Outing to Outback Steakhouse w/ King’s Crown (1FL)....................11:00 a.m. Wed ..26 ....Vicki Lei (CMR) ..........................................2:30 p.m. Thu....27 ....Couples’ Date Night (1CK)(1SR) ..............4:00 p.m. Mon ..31 ....Mid-Day Movie: Wonders of Nature (1SR) ........................................1:00/3:00 p.m. Please note the following is offered each week this month: Each Tuesday: Arbor Word Antics w/Larry Vassamillet (1CK) ..............................................10:00 a.m. Each Thursday: DVD Lecture Series: History of Impressionism (1SR) ................................................1:00 p.m.

In Loving Memory Kathleen Brazelton (June 2) Dorothy Wiggins (June 9) William Alquist (June 13) Clyde Anderson (June 15) Charles Eastman (June 15) Mavis Weidman (June 20) William Bezanson (June 22) Merriell Fake (June 28)

LARSEN PAVILION Mon ......3 ........Music Trio (3DR) ................................10:30 a.m. Mon ......3 ........Music w/ Dot (2DR) ............................10:00 a.m. Tue ........4 ........Ruth Rodgers, piano (3DR)..................10:00 a.m. Wed ......5 ........Pet Therapy (3rd/2nd) ..................2:30/3:00 p.m. Thu ......6 ........Birthday Parties (2nd and 3rd) ..............2:30 p.m. Sat ........8 ........Tom Cannon, piano (3DR)....................2:00 p.m. Mon ....10........Music w/ Dot (2DR) ............................10:00 a.m. Tue ......11........Ruth Rodgers, piano (3DR)..................10:00 a.m. Wed......12........Pet Therapy (3rd/2nd)................10:00/10:30 a.m. Thu ......13........Carol Driscoll, keyboards (2DR............10:00 a.m. Thu ......13........Glamour Girl (3DR) ..............................2:30 p.m. Mon ....17........Music Trio (3DR) ................................10:30 a.m. Mon ....17........Music w/ Dot (2DR) ............................10:00 a.m. Tue ......18........Ruth Rodgers, piano (3DR)..................10:00 a.m. Wed......19........Pet Therapy (3rd/2nd) ..................2:30/3:00 p.m. Thu ......20........International Dinner (Main DR) ..........4:00 p.m. Mon ....24........Music w/ Dot (2DR) ............................10:00 p.m. Tue ......25........Ruth Rodgers, piano (3DR)..................10:00 a.m. Wed......26........Pet Therapy (3rd/2nd)................10:00/10:30 a.m. Thu ......27........Glamour Girls (3DR) ............................2:30 p.m. Mon ....31........Music w/ Dot (2DR) ............................10:00 a.m.

KING’S CROWN Sat . . . .1 ........Leslie Gregory, harpist (DR) ..............12:00 p.m. Sun . . . .2 ........National Ice Cream Sandwich Day & Trivia w/ Mary (COM) ..................2:00 p.m. Mon 3 ..........Let’s Play Uno! (COM) ........................1:00 p.m. Wed . . .5 ........Fiddlin’ Bill (COM) ..............................1:00 p.m. Fri . . . . .7 ........Lunch Outing to Lee Roy Selmon’s Steakhouse w/ The Arbor (L)..............................10:45 a.m. Sat . . . .8 ........Tom Cannon, Music (COM) ................1:00 p.m. Mon . . .10 ........Shopping Trip to Wal-Mart (L) ............9:00 a.m. Mon . . .10 ........Bunko & Goodies Night (COM)..........6:30 p.m. Tue . . .11 ........Viva Italian Night Dinner (DR) ..4:00-6:00 p.m. Wed . . .12 ........August Birthday Celebration w/ Vicki Lei (COM) ..........................1:00 p.m. Mon . . .17 ........Dog Days of Summer — Therapy Dog Visit and a Movie: Beethoven (COM) ........1:30 p.m. Mon . . .17 ........Root Beer Floats (COM) ......................1:30 p.m. Fri . . . .21 ........Tribute to Frank Sinatra, music (COM)1:30 p.m. Mon . . .24 ........Lunch Outing to Outback Steakhouse w/ The Arbor (L)..............................10:45 a.m. Thu . . .27 ........Tune Toppers (COM)............................2:00 p.m. Mon . . .31 ........Nat’l Trail Mix Day (DR) ..11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Mon . . .31 ........Movie: Parent Trap (COM) ..................1:30 p.m. Shell Point Life | August 2009

Shell Point Has Some of the

Biggest Losers (in Weight Loss!) B

E S S I C A

L A R K

P U B L I C

R E L AT I O N S

C O O R D I N AT O R

Shell Point recently wrapped up the first annual employee weight-loss program — the Biggest Loser — named after the popular reality television show. The program began on March 30 and occurred over a 12-week period, ending on June 22. More than 100 employees participated in the competition which awarded prizes to the top three teams and to one individual for achieving the greatest percentage of weight loss during the 12 weeks. Throughout the program participants met weekly to officially weigh in with Coach Cristie Smith, a certified personal trainer. She provided start-up packets to everyone at the first weigh in and guidance tips throughout the competition. Some of the participants took advantage of the on-site fitness boot camp that is held The Biggest Loser winning teams were Landscaping in first place, Palm Grill in second place, twice each week, on Mondays and Thursdays and Security in third place. The Biggest Loser winning individual was Renee Bittner. at 4:45 p.m. in the Island Health Club. The L-R: Dennis Gannaway, security supervisor; Dianne Morton, transportation and security mangoal of the class is to increase overall flexibilager; Ed McCoy, landscape crew leader; Doug Sharer, insect pest management specialist; ity and to improve muscle tone through rigSteve Morton, landscape planner; Renee Bittner, manager of the J. Howard Wood medical orous exercise. center; Tom Irwin, Palm Grill manager; and Jeanette Tricoche, dining services. Christie Smith not only leads employee boot camp, but also teaches water aerobics at participated in the program and won the The Woodlands pool and provides one-on- overall individual weight-loss goal, losing one personal training for residents. “Losing 15.8% of her body weight. “This program has been so helpful for me in setweight can be a difficult task ting and reaching goals toward when you are trying to do it living a healthier lifestyle. alone,” said Smith. “Creating Participating in this program the Biggest Loser program has helped me lose weight, helped everyone work together which led to other rewards, to reach goals they set personsuch a having more energy and Employee boot camp classes, open to all Shell ally and as a team.” Point employees, are led by certified personal feeling great,” said Bittner. Participants in the Biggest The winning department trainer Christie Smith. The 45-minute classes Loser weight-loss program teams that made it into the top help employees increase overall flexibility and watched what they ate and utiimprove muscle tone through a variety of rigCoach Smith conducted spots included: Landscaping lized other fitness opportunities, orous exercises. weigh ins to track each in first place with 11.0% total such as discounted gym memparticipant’s progress berships, to help them reach throughout the program. loss, the Palm Grill in second place losing 10.7% total body Life, the Call Center, the Salon, and the their personal and team goals. weight, and Security in third place with Welcome Center. Biggest Losers 7.0% total weight loss. All of the teams had “This employee health and fitness proCombined, the group of 112 participants success, and everyone who participated gram was very rewarding for those who parlost a total of 652 pounds as a team, and 11 should be congratulated and commended for ticipated. Many of the participants were sad individuals lost more than 10% of their body their hard work and determination. to see the competition come to an end, so weight. “It has been so rewarding to see the Additional teams to congratulate include they have decided, as a group, to still work employees go through the process and reach Finance, Human Resources, the Pharmacy, together and support each other in maintheir own goals,” said Smith. Assisted Living, Medicare Billing, the Arbor taining a healthy and active lifestyle,” said Renee Bittner, medical center manager, Kitchen, Information Services, Resident Mary Franklin, resort services manager.

Shell Point Life | August 2009

Why I Believe in Charitable Gift Annuities B

I M

T E P H E N S O N

E X E C U T I V E

D I R E C T O R

O F

H E

E G A C Y

The Desire to Give Some of our earliest memories are not only of receiving, but also of giving gifts to those we love. That desire to give follows us throughout our lives, but as we age the circumstances of life make us more cautious.

A Personal Reflection on Giving A Meaningful Gift:

I remember attending Vacation Bible School as a young child. I am sure I was a handful for the teachers because I was restless, rambunctious, and ornery. More than once I had priCharitable Gift Annuities allow us vate “sessions” with the pastor or to give generously to the causes an adult teacher because I proved we are passionate about without to be more than the teenage volunrisking our financial future. teer teacher could handle. One of my favorite times at VBS was craft time. Craft time gave me a chance to do We have obligations. We have bills to pay. something with my restless hands. The future is unknown, and we do not want I remember being very proud of my to outlive our income. craft one year at VBS because it was a gift to my father. With great care I worked the Sustainable Income clay, painted, and glazed my gift. It was Charitable Gift Annuities allow us to with great joy that I presented that ash- give generously to the causes we are pastray to my father. sionate about without risking our financial

Featured Hair Style: Marge Currin of Periwinkle B

O B Y N

H U R C H

M A N A G E R

Marge has an attractive style with slight weight only in the areas above the cheekbone and temple. Marge has an oval face shape, allowing just about any style shape to be flattering. Marge’s style frames her face nicely with hair that is sleek and falls naturally. Marge has a full bang with bend to the hair consistent through the weighted perimeter. The back of Marge’s style shows off a slender neck with the weight just below the occipital bone, forcing the eye to flow up from the nape. The nape is feminine with an oval shape tapered up to the occip-

O F

T H E

S A L O N

ital bone. The shortest lengths in the nape are tapered with precision for a smooth seamless transition. This style can be wash and go perfect for a busy Shell Point lifestyle, or reinforced with a curling iron for extra pizazz. Marge’s color is her own natural silvery white which is flattering to her skin tone and eye color. Matrix So Silver shampoo has been used to brighten Marge’s hair color and neutralize any unwanted yellow tones. Marge Currin (Periwinkle) sports a cut that complements her oval face shape.

O U N D AT I O N

future. With age-based annuity rates ranging from 5% to 9.5%, the significant income can sustain us throughout our lifetimes. Then upon our passing, the remaining funds are used to accomplish good things through the named charities. Charitable Gift Annuities are irrevocable, and because of that, offer generous tax benefits – both through a charitable deduction for those who itemize, and through partially tax free income. The Legacy Foundation has more information on how charitable gift annuities work and whether they are something you should consider in your charitable planning. Please contact the Legacy Foundation office at 466-8484 if you would like more information. I like Charitable Gift Annuities. They give us an avenue through which to be generous, while carefully protecting our financial future.

AUGUST SUMMER SALON SAVINGS Stop by the Island & Arbor Salons to check out the great sales. Select retail products are 50% off. This is a great opportunity to stock up on some quality hair care products while supplies last! Receive $1 off Matrix So Silver Shampoo! This is a must for men and women with natural grey or white hair. So Silver neutralizes the unwanted yellow tones caused by medication or water sediments and minerals.

Island & Arbor Salon Hours: Mon - Fri: 8-4 Sat: 8-12 (Island Salon only)

For appointments call: 489-8400

Shell Point Life | August 2009

Mural Artist Gives Island Tunnel

a Splash OF COLOR The Tunnel, located on The Island at Shell Point, recently received a splash of color complements of master muralist Frank Rao, who painted a beautiful wide mural, featuring playful manatees and dolphins. Rao has 35 years of experience specializing in hand-painted murals, pictures, faux finishings, ceilings, and custom furniture. He is an award-winning, third generation artist. His father and grandfather were both Italian craftsmen, skilled in painting and sculpting. Rao’s work can be seen throughout the United States and Europe. He has done work for hundreds of private residences

including wellknown celebrities such as singer, Celine Dion and fashion designer, Tommy Hilfiger. His murals have been featured on hundreds of state and governmental buildings, senior living facilities, fine dining restaurants, as well as commercial buildings. Throughout the years Rao has taken his art and murals to a new level. His technique has grown in sophistication, along with his ability to depict any type of scene and style imaginable.

is a non-profit partnership that is dedicated to the lifelong character building of today’s youth and business leaders. Phil Hilton of Rosemont will be displaying his watercolor paintings. “It’s an honor I., SEPT. 4 R F • N W O T N W O to represent Shell Point and D to be involved with a great organization such as the Uncommon Friends,” said Phil about the event. Phil is the author of Shell Point is pleased to Watercolor for Beginning Students and has announce that two of our very own received many art awards. Dorothy Causey of The Arbor will residents will have their artwork on display at The Uncommon Friends Foundation also have some of her art displayed at the located at the Burroughs Home in histori- event. Her medium of choice is oil on cal downtown Fort Myers. The Foundation canvas and she enjoys painting whatever

rtists’ A t n e d i s e Two R on Display k r o W

k l a W t r A

Shell Point Life | August 2009

Muralist Frank Rao painted a fun sea-themed mural in The Tunnel. The colorful mural pays tribute to Shell Point’s beloved manatees and dolphins. The painting now adorns a wall inside The Tunnel, not far from the lagoon where manatees and dolphins are frequently sighted. Frank uses a ladder to get up high to work on a large outdoor mural for All Star Ice Village in Cocoa Beach. The idea was to create the chilly atmosphere of Antarctica.

At Shell Point Rao’s gift from the sea can be viewed by simply taking a stroll through The Tunnel. More of Rao’s work, along with his contact information, can be seen on the artist’s website, www.muralsbyfrank.com.

crosses her mind that day. Dorothy was the 2005 winner of the Angels of the Arts Award for life-time achievement, presented by Alliance of the Arts. She was the second recipient of this award. The first person to receive this award was famed local artist Robert Rauschenberg! Their artwork can be viewed Friday, September 4, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Burroughs Home as part of the monthly Art Walk in Downtown Fort Myers. The Burroughs Home is just one stop along the Art Walk and a trolley is available for the tour. The event is free and parking is available at the Kingston Home. Head downtown to support Phil and Dorothy and enjoy a fabulous evening of art!

Singing a Song

is more than

Join the Village Church Choir or the Shell Point Singers B

A N D Y

O O D S

M I N I S T E R

O F

W O R S H I P

Singing really is more than just a song. Research has proven that singing demonstrates one’s health and wellbeing. The very act of singing has positive effects on the body. According to advocate, Dick Knight, “Singing can reduce stress, relax muscles, improve breathing, increase oxygen supply, protect the upper respiratory

The mental benefits of singing can help enrich your day-to-day life. system, and promote healthy lungs.” It can also lower blood pressure and relieve pain Another undeniable benefit of singing is that it’s just plain fun, and it energizes you too. What other exercise can you do that is more fun than singing your favorite songs? Whether sacred, secular, contemporary or nostalgic, singing a tune really can boost your spirits and bring a smile to your face. At Shell Point there are two distinctly different singing groups — the Shell Point Singers and The Village Church Choir.

A N D

Perfect time to join! New season starting

M U S I C

With the new season about to start this is the perfect time to consider getting involved. Join the Shell Point Singers The Shell Point Singers is the community choir which combines a healthy singing experience with the opportunity for participants to share their time and talents. This season, the Shell Point Singers will present a fall concert featuring light-hearted popular music from the American Songbook. They will also present a Christmas Concert, and Spring Concert featuring the music of Gilbert & Sullivan. The Shell Point Singers will resume their weekly rehearsals on Monday, August 24, at 3:15 p.m. All residents are welcome to join. Register by attending rehearsal in the Choir Room, backstage at The Village Church. There is a $10 registration fee to cover music cost. Join The Village Church Choir The Village Church Choir will resume weekly rehearsals on Wednesday, August 12, at 5:15 p.m. This choir sings the best of tra-

ditional and contemporary sacred music and regularly shares in worship services, holiday services, and participates with guest artists. The two singing groups are This coming season directed by Randy The Village Church Choir Woods, minister will be singing with special of worship and guest writers and arrangers music at The such as, Joel Raney and Village Church. Jane Holstein; Dr. Ron Matthews, conductor/pianist/organist; The National Christian Choir, directed by Dr. Harry Causey; and organist Chelsea Chen. It’s always good to welcome new singers. So do not hesitate, join the Shell Point Singers and/ or The Village Church Choir — and remember, there are so many more benefits to singing, than just singing a song! Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Psalm 100:2

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES PROJECT UPDATE

Floating New Hope Boat Ministry in Vietnam Helps Children and Disadvantaged Picture yourself on a boat trip floating serenely along the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. You observe some of the 100 varieties of water birds, an occasional crocodile, otter, or other wildlife that inhabit the surrounding mangroves. Your guide, the boatman, points out Vietnamese floating households, and markets. Near the town of Kampung Kleang you hear the excited voices of children coming from a floating barge. The boatman draws closer, and you realize the children are in the midst of school lessons.

You have reached the New Hope boat where children gather every Friday to study Christian truths, Vietnamese and English. This ministry works with children and the disadvantaged, and the goal is empowering children, youth, and adults to excel as contributing members of society. Quality education and small-scale business training are bringing the hope of Christ into the lives of those who live with little hope. Rick and Beth Drummond, retired missionaries – settled in the nearby town of Siem Reap, Cambodia, and have been working among the Vietnamese since 2007.

Tonle Sap Lake

Women’s Ministries invites you to Global Outreach Welcome Beth Drummond HEAR AN UPDATE ON PROJECT LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR Wed., August 19 • 10:15 a.m. Village Church Hospitality Room Refreshments will be served.

Shell Point Life | August 2009

Gift

from the Sea

A Beach Vacation to Quaint Captiva Island Taught an Aviator Patience, Faith, and Openness Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s Gift from the Sea, written in 1955, has remained a best-selling classic for more than fifty years. This book compares her stages of life to the seashells she found while vacationing on Captiva Island. An updated version was published in 1975 that included an “afterward” Anne wrote to accompany a magazine article. This “afterward” reflects on the twenty years that passed since the original book was published. The fiftieth anniversary edition, published in 2005, included an introduction by her daughter, Reeve Lindbergh, confirming long-held beliefs that Anne wrote the book on the Island. Reeve wrote, “When my mother was writing the book, she stayed in a little cottage near the beach on Captiva Island.” She added, “Many people have claimed to know which cottage it was and where it stands today, but the Florida friends who originally found the place for her told me years ago that the cottage had been gone, even then, for a long time.” It is commonly believed Anne stayed on or near the stretch of beach that now occupies the Tween Waters Inn. The Inn even named a cottage for Anne and another one for her famous husband, Charles Lindbergh, the pioneer aviator. Comparing A Shell to the Stages of Your Life Gift from the Sea is an insightful look at life, relationships, and the different stages of life universal to both men and women. She begins her self-evaluation journey with an uninhabited CHANNELLED WHELK left on the beach. As she examines the seashell she notes that “One learns first of all in beach living the art of shedding; how little one can get along with, not how much.” She then walks through the process of shedding material things to simplify one’s life. By the close of

this chapter, Anne is comparing the outside of the seashell to her life while preparing to journey inside her thoughts. She continues the inward journey with the MOON SHELL and looks at it as a representation of solitude. Not so much a physical separation from other people, but a deeper spiritual separation and aloneness that humanity often feels, even in the mist of a crowd. The DOUBLE-SUNRISE SHELL is described as fragile perfection that Anne compares to a pure relationship. She goes on to examine relationships and how often they stray from that momentary state of perfection. Simplicity gives way to life’s complexities, roles, and routines. The OYSTER SHELL is used as a representation of the middle marriage years. She writes, “It suggests the struggle of life itself. The oyster has fought to have that place on the rock to which it has fitted itself perfectly and to which it clings tenaciously. So most couples in the growing years of marriage struggle to achieve a place in the world.” To Anne, the ARGONAUTA or PAPER NAUTILUS represents woman’s coming of age or middle age. She examines this shell and sees the freedom, growth, and independence offered to women, both individually and collectively, when reaching this milestone in life. “Can we middle-aged argonauts when we outgrow the oyster bed, look forward to the freedom of the nautilus who has left its shell for the open seas?” For this stage of life, she concludes, “…we have left the well-tracked beaches of proven facts and experiences. We are adventuring in the chartless seas of imagination.”

ANNE MORROW LINDBERGH was the wife of the famous aviator Charles Lindbergh and a respected pilot in her own right. Through her writings, such as the 1955 book Gift from the Sea, she advocated for women to play a more prominent role in the world.

In the closing chapters, Anne examines the seashells she has collected and decides she cannot possibly collect all the shells on the beach. So she chooses the few perfect ones to take back to Connecticut to remind her of the island experience, “The shells will remind me; they must be my island eyes.” She ends the original book with what she has learned, “Simplicity, Solitude, Intermittency… But there are other beaches to explore. There are more shells to find. This is only a beginning.” The “afterword” added in 1975 was appropriately titled, Gift from the Sea Re-Opened. With the grace and style of the earlier chapters, she wrote, “I am astonished that a book of essays, written to work out my own problems, should have spoken to so many other people.” She concludes that a woman must come of age by herself about every twenty years as one stage ends and another begins. “Much of this exploration and new awareness is uncomfortable and painful for both men and women. Growth in awareness has always been painful.” As Anne’s daughter pointed out, “By writing Gift from the Sea, she found a new way to live in the world, for herself and for others.” Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s Gift from the Sea continues to be a gift to all women who need an inspirational moment, a quiet retreat, or peaceful reflection to carry them forward.