Shell Point Life March 2019

March 2019 Vol. 14 Issue 3

THE DISH:

Dining at The Crystal

IT’S ALL

FUN AND GAMES

Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it.

–Jeremiah 33:6a

A Matter of Perspective

16

Did you know that Shell Point’s resident population represents 47 states and 36 countries? It’s incredible how many varied backgrounds, life experiences and retirement pursuits combine to form the unique culture of Shell Point.

Community-Minded

37

Community culture stayed front and center during the 2019 Shell Point Celebration, found on page 16. More than 1,400 residents gathered to commemorate the successes of the previous year, while looking ahead to Shell Point’s promising future.

More importantly, Shell Point wants to hear from you!

Through an online survey conducted from March 13 to March 29, residents have the opportunity to anonymously share their feedback and perspectives about life at Shell Point. Turn to page 19 to learn more.

News Travels Fast

38

From new bus stop locations to boat dock upgrades near the Suzy Q, there are plenty of updates and news in this issue. Don’t miss the summary of the recent Healthy Living Forum on page 40, which conveyed a vision for healthcare in the coming years.

On the Cover

Lynn Freisner (Parkwood), vice commodore of the model yacht club, put on his game face for the model yacht racing portion of the Shell Point Games, held in January. This community-wide, friendly competition found residents engaged in a variety of sports, games and trivial pursuits, detailed on page 8.

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Shell Point Life | March 2019

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

Director of Marketing & Communications Lynn Schneider Editor Sarah Nadal Creative Director Rich Cerrina Senior Designer Wendy Iverson Contributors Debbie Brewer, Pat Bubb, Robyn Church, Beth Crenshaw, Julie Delabrue, Sue Earnhardt, Claude Emler, Janine Hammond, Andy Hawkins, Tom Irwin, Gary Keating, Gabriella Kelly, Teri Kollath, Marge Lee, Kari Mathein, Ginny Miller-Plaza, Dotty Morrison, Wendy Perera, Don Pullen, Dora Robbins, Emily Rose, Christy Skinner, Laura Slack, Anna Smith, Adam Thompson, Monica Tison, Michelle Tompkins, Dottie Tronnes, Randy Woods Do you have story ideas or photos to share?

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

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

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

Up

FRIDAY, MARCH 8

&

Up Away!

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

General Resident Admission 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

VIP Event for Assisted Living & Pavilion

Tickets are FREE! Stop by

any Concierge Desk to pick up yours!

CHURCH AUDITORIUM AND GROUNDS Parking is unavailable, please use S h e l l P o i n t B u s Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n .

Set out for a day of fun and surprises at the Shell Point Lifestyle Expo!

FRIDAY, MARCH 8 CHURCH AUDITORIUM

Music • Food • Raffle for Door Prizes Free Giveaways • Display Booths • Games and Prizes

Join us for this exciting event, which will celebrate the unique lifestyle at Shell Point!

Join us for this uplifting event, which will celebrate the unique lifestyle at Shell Point! This event will include displays and interactive exhibits of the numerous amenities and services at Shell Point, as well as the more than 100-plus volunteer and activity groups.

Shell Point departments will also be joining in on the fun, sharing information regarding new programs and services

while refreshing your memory of all the great amenities your community has to offer.

An array of delicious snacks and beverages await you as you visit the various dining stations provided by Shell Point’s six restaurants.

Up, Up, and Away is certainly the event everyone will be talking about, so don’t miss it!

Tickets are FREE! Stop by any concierge desk to pick up your free ticket. Don’t miss the fun!

Transportation Arrangements

Due to limited parking on The Island, guests cannot commute to the event using personal vehicles and should make use of Shell Point bus transportation provided.

Shell Point Life | March 2019

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Prose Pro A TRUE

“

“

Whatever our interests are, whatever we want to be creative about, there’s something here for us. We can bloom where we’re planted.

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Shell Point Life | March 2019

— Bob Maxeiner

“S.R.Maxeiner, Jr. spent four decades in the study and practice of surgery in Minnesota; he now lives and writes in Florida.”

So reads the literary bio of Dr. Bob Maxeiner (Macoma), a man of many talents, interests and pursuits. But there is far more to learn about his nine decades on Earth—as a naval officer, as a career surgeon, as a dedicated father and grandfather, as a writer, poet and novelist, and as a lover of bromeliads.

In 1941, Bob was a student at Yale when “the world world fell apart” and World War II began.

He joined the Navy and spent World War II on active duty in medical school, followed by graduate surgical training at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, New York. “The Mayo Clinic is a gift to mankind,” said Bob. “They make money treating people, and they spend money to advance health sciences for everyone.”

Following his time at the Mayo Clinic, Bob served as a Naval medical officer with the United States Marines in Korea. “There was no way I would not stay in the reserves after they gave me my education! A lot of obligations do not have a bottom line,” said Bob. That one statement defines his character and his lifelong journey.

In Bob’s second year of college, he met his future wife, Patricia Mckeon. “I was on my way to a singing lesson; I was a baritone soloist – little competition in those war years. We walked around Lake Harriet the same night, and it took,” he laughed.

“It took us four years to decide we were real, and 66 years more to prove it.”

Tricia was a social worker, while Bob’s work hours as a surgeon were often random and unpredictable. “I was often called into work without notice, so Tricia elected to be a stay-at-home mother for our daughters Madeline, Margaret and Melissa,” explained Bob. “They bear her stamp, as do I! It’s a privilege to be proud of one’s daughters.”

In 1954, Bob began his medical practice with his father, a pioneer surgeon specialist since 1909. As the senior Dr. Maxeiner moved toward retirement, Bob partnered with a friend and founded a group practice: the Surgical Consultants Professional Association. Six

decades later, that Minneapolis group continues to offer many surgical specialists in multiple professional areas.

“It’s a nice feeling for me,” said Bob.

The Next Page

After 33 years of daily surgical hours that Bob characterized as “sometimes brutal,” and too many unpredictable night calls, Bob retired in 1987. He and Tricia fled the Minnesota winter and found a new home on Sanibel Island.

While attending a surgical meeting in New Orleans, Bob heard astonishing reports of the successful transplantation of human organs. It was a story that had to be told.

Bob joined the Island Writers on Sanibel, which is now in its 30th year of weekly meetings. In 2016, Bob published a novel, The Transplant Web, dedicated to people who have signed donor cards. In the same year, he published Wild Asparagus, a collection of short fiction.

Along the way, Bob also worked with the Alliance for the Arts Theater Conspiracy in Fort Myers, wrote eight plays, participated for seven years in Sanibel’s Art-Poem events and filled many odd moments with various kinds of poetry.

“I don’t know where these ideas come from,” shared Bob, “but I’ve learned this about writing: Once you start, don’t let go. It’s like a love affair; if you don’t give it your heart, it fades away.”

Bob enjoys his retirement at Shell Point. “I live in Shell Point’s tiniest apartment, and I love it,” said Bob. “Whatever our interests are, whatever we want to be creative about, there’s something here for us. We can bloom where we’re planted.”

Shell Point Life | March 2019

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Caloosahatchee Regional Park

A Walk on the Wild Side Forty-three members of the Walking Club had an absolutely perfect day for hiking, and greatly enjoyed it – weather was warm, but not hot, there were no biting insects, and the trail was nice and dry.

Caloosahatchee Regional Park is an outdoor adventure-lover’s paradise, with mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, fishing and camping all in a wilderness environment. The park is 768 acres, split in the middle by North River Road, near Alva.

The north side of the park is for mountain bikers and horseback riding, while the south side of the park includes hiking trails, camping, and kayak rentals.

The Walking Club headed to the south part of the park, which has five different trails – handily named as the blue, orange, yellow, brown and green trails that intersect each other. The event organizers mapped out routes, so that all the trails could be covered. At trail intersections, tall colored trail

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Shell Point Life | March 2019

markers helped the group avoid the wrong path. The four-and-a-half mile walkers also experienced other footpaths, especially in the “tents only” walk-in campground area.

Most of the trails took the Walking Club members deep into forested areas where sunlight barely touches the ground, making this a great place to walk even if it’s hot outside. There were many tree roots, and the trail is narrow in spots, but everyone navigated the tripping hazards successfully and it just added to the fun.

Both groups also spent time walking alongside the Caloosahatchee River, with beautiful, awe-inspiring views. Many were amazed at the massive trees believed to be hundreds-of-years-old live oak, along with majestic cypress and sabal palms. This led residents to experience a taste of what the wild Florida wilderness must have been like for the Calusa Indians who settled along here, as well as for later European

B Y J I M P L U M M E R ( PA R K WO O D )

explorers and developers. In fact, the word Caloosahatchee means “River of the Calusa,” and this river was one of their main waterways.

Most of all, there is a quiet, relaxing atmosphere deep in the woods in this park.

If you weren’t able to join the group at the park this time, there will be another opportunity in the future.

Next Walking Group Saturday, March 9 In the meantime, join the Walking Club for a tour of Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) on Saturday, March 9. The group will depart at 8 a.m. from the Island Courtyard for a three- or five-mile hike around the FGCU campus, which features wooded trails, tree-lined boardwalks, and an on-campus lakeside beach. For more information or to sign up, please call Jerry Bishop (Eagles Preserve).

The Quest for Wellness

BY MICHELLE TOMPKINS, WELLNESS MANAGER

Wellness — Webster’s dictionary defines wellness as the “quality or state of being in good health, especially as an actively sought goal.” Wellness at Shell Point is defined through LifeQuest, which encompasses the physical, emotional, community and social, natural environment and spiritual dimensions of wellness where residents are encouraged to take a proactive approach to health, optimism, self-direction, personal choice and self-efficiency.

Whether you participate in one of the more than 40 fitness classes offered, sign up for an off-site field trip, take an Academy class, belong to a Bible study group, attend a concert, visit the salon for a therapeutic massage or enjoy relaxing in one of Shell Point’s many outdoor oases like the beach or Serenity Cove, you are embracing wellness within the community.

The quest for wellness is ongoing and the amenities provided to achieve a healthy and fulfilling experience at Shell Point is neverending. For example, there are two new programs being offered each month which combine wellness and Shell Point’s Healthy Living Health System.

Introduced in January, Walk with the Docs takes place every Friday at 7 a.m. and is led by physicians, APRNs

Shell Point Medical Director Dr. Goforth

The second program, which also began in January, is the Medical Learning Series which takes place on the second Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. in the Social Center. This series will include a variety of medical and healthy living topics that residents will be interested in hearing more about and in most cases, the presentations within this series will be conducted by Medical Center providers.

“Both of these initiatives fulfill the greater vision of our Healthy Living Health System here at Shell Point and allow our residents to build valuable relationships on a personal level with our practitioners,” shared Christy Skinner, Senior Director of Healthcare at Shell Point.

This month, Dr. Goforth will lead the presentation Healthy Living: My Personal Experience. You will be motivated and inspired by hearing Dr. Goforth’s own personal wellness journey. He will share the steps he took to pave the path for his more than 60 pound weight loss as well as nutrition tips and how he has made daily exercise a priority.

For more information about all the Wellness Connection programs this month, see the Happenings section of the magazine. Stay Well!

“The first wealth is health.”

–Ralph Waldo Emerson and Medical Center nurses walking with residents around The Island. “We have been walking one loop around The Island while enjoying some great social conversations and general medical discussions,” said Shell Point Medical Director Dr. Goforth.

Residents and staff meet behind the Medical Center at the bus stop to begin the walk. This is a fantastic way to start the morning and to get to know Shell Point’s providers better.

LifeQuest Discussion Group Spiritual Dimension

Keep an Eye Out! Saturday, March 16 at 10 a.m. • The Grand Cypress Room/WDL Presented by: Sunny Torres, Chaplain God loves to reveal Himself in myriad ways to those who are actively seeking Him. There is a principle in scripture that tells us, “The spiritual does not come first, but the physical and then the spiritual.” God uses the elements that surround us in daily life to deepen our understanding of Him. Those things that

lend themselves to metaphor, illustrations and stories are the components from which He can turn the natural, physical world into a veritable classroom, opening our eyes to spiritual realities. Explore the ways in which we can create a more sensitive “eye” toward the natural world to gain greater insight into the God we love.

Shell Point Life | March 2019

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It’s All Fun

and Games

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

On Monday, January 21, residents and staff gathered in The Village Church to take part in Opening Day of the 2019 Shell Point Games. The fitness team kicked off the event with an upbeat, sports-themed dance routine which got the audience excited. Director of Resident Life Laura Slack and Wellness Manager Michelle Tompkins welcomed everyone and shared their enthusiasm for the week ahead.

The Parade of Flags began as each court, with their uniquely decorated flag, marched to the front of the stage in the order their court was built. Everyone lined up from the very first building, Tellidora, to the newest, most recent addition of Connected Living at The Springs. It was a sight to see as the audience, dressed in their bright teal Shell Point Games T-shirts cheered as their court was announced.

All of the flags were displayed during the week in the Island Commons, where senior management and directors had the opportunity to vote on their favorite flag.

The Shell Point Games began on Monday evening with the first competition, duplicate bridge, and did not end until the last completion, swimming relay, which was held on Friday morn-

ing, due to a rain delay the day prior. The week included a wide variety of games such as pickleball, croquet, shuffleboard, mah jongg and basketball free throw.

Even games that were not as well-known like boggle and quoits were a big hit.

Everyone had a great time; residents in the Larsen Pavilion, all three assisted living buildings and Connected Living at The Springs also enjoyed games of bag toss, golf and bowling.

It was a busy week for residents, which cultivated many new friendships and sense of community pride.

Residents met new neighbors for the first time through the enjoyment of friendly competition and social interaction as participants and spectators.

Closing Ceremony The week concluded on Friday, January 25, at The Village Church as Shell Point resident line dancers took the stage for a

toe-tapping, patriotic number followed by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office presenting the colors.

After the Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the Star Spangled Banner was sung by all, it was time for residents to accept their awards. The court winning first place for their flag was Harbor Court, a colorfully quilted flag depicting the location of their building with a sailboat, palm trees and sea life innately stitched on a beautiful backdrop.

The court with the most points and medals collected was The Estuary, whose residents cheered in excitement when the winner was announced.

Finally, as gold, silver and bronze medals were hung around the necks of the athletes, you could see the pride in the audience and the eyes of those accepting medals. Everyone’s positive, upbeat attitudes brought residents together and made the week of the Shell Point Games a success!

Shell Point Life | March 2019

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Pickleball

•

Wa t e r Vo l l e y b a l l

•

Spelling Bee

•

Ping Pong

•

Shor t / Long Wa lks • Bi l l iards • Mah Jongg • Ten nis • Boc c e • Dup

Competitor Spotlight: Harold Moore When it comes to the Shell Point Games, there are many examples of determination, ingenuity and skill in action. King’s Crown resident Harold Moore is no exception.

One day, before the Shell Point Games began, his family came to visit and found Harold sitting on the floor of his apartment. He was moving the controls of his electric wheelchair from the right side to the left side, because he knew these measures would allow him the best access to play golf, indoor bowling and the bean bag toss. What creativity and grit – not only for himself, but also in support of his King’s Crown team.

The results? Harold won first place in bowling at King’s Crown!

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Shell Point Life | March 2019

Bo ggle • Bowling

•

Quoits • Gol f • Basket bal l Fre e T hrow

•

licate Br idge • Swim m ing Relay • Mo del Yacht Sai l boat Racing

Bakeless

A N N U A L

F U N D R A I S E R

F O R

T H E

Bake Sale

L A R S E N

P A V I L I O N

The Sweetest Bake of Them All

Seeking Your Support for the Larsen Pavilion B Y C AT H Y M I S K E L L ( S A N D D O L L A R )

Before my husband died last October, he lived for four-and-a-half years in the Larsen Pavilion. Because I was there to be with him, I got to experience firsthand the joy, comfort and vitality that his interactions with “the blue coats” of the Pavilion Auxiliary brought to his life. He used to say to me, “When that fellow (or gal) in the blue coat visits me and stays to chat, it makes me feel normal.”

My husband had given up so much by the time he arrived at the Pavilion – homes and cars, snow skis and golf clubs, his memory, his teeth, his mobility. His heart, however, remained 100 percent intact and with it, he was able to connect meaningfully, joyfully with the Auxiliary volunteers who came to visit, to drop off mail or books, or perhaps to bring a beverage; the volunteers who took him outside to breathe fresh air and delight in the dolphins visiting the Island Lagoon; the fellows who routinely serviced his wheelchair; and the volunteers at the Greeter’s Desk who would ask him for help with their crossword puzzles.

As I have mentioned, he would tell me, “They make me feel normal.” He could just as truthfully have said, “They make me feel valuable.”

At the core of the Auxiliary volunteers is their heart, which comforts and heals. Their work is incalculable, so necessary, so life-affirming, so filled with understanding. They do so much and ask for nothing in return.

The good they do has a reach beyond their individual efforts. Using funds raised by their annual Bakeless Bake Sale, and in collaboration with the administration and staff of the Larsen Pavilion, the Auxiliary has purchased for their residents: wheelchairs, flat-screen televisions, newspaper subscriptions, computer work stations with printers, special-care foam chairs and lobby furnishings. Recently, campaign funds were applied toward a renovation of the memory care facilities on the second floor, including tables, chairs and couches for the outdoor garden area.

Bakeless Bake Sale proceeds also fund tuition scholarships for employees.

2019 Bakeless bake sale Benefits Residents and staff

Please Contribute Today Larsen Pavilion Auxiliary 12

Shell Point Life | March 2019

And, using funds raised last year, together with major assistance from an anonymous donor, the Auxiliary made its most thrilling, most eye-popping acquisition ever: a specially-designed bus that holds multiple wheelchairs and ambulatory chairs. The 2019 Ford E-45 bus, which is scheduled for delivery this spring, will regularly take Larsen Pavilion residents for outings and visits to points of interest in the Fort Myers area.

Such is the work of the Larsen Pavilion Auxiliary. It is work not everyone is cut out to do. For people like me who love the Auxiliary but cannot do the work, there is the Bakeless Bake Sale. Our donations help to fuel the fabulous efforts these blue-coated volunteers undertake.

You will soon be receiving a letter asking you to contribute – money, no doughnuts, please. The letter will contain a donation envelope which can be returned via campus mail.

I intend to donate this year. I invite you to join the fun.

Adventures in Learning

of Lifelong Learning At

Examine the World and Gain Understanding

S h e l l

Poi nt

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

In this article, you’ll find a highlight of enriching, educational classes offered by The Academy of Lifelong Learning, many of which are taught by Shell Point’s own resident experts. Pick a favorite, familiar topic or dive into a completely new field of study – the choice is yours!

Coffee with a Neighbor

On Monday, March 18, you’re invited to “travel” From Fort Lauderdale to

Cape Cod Aboard a 36-Foot Schooner (CWN03) with Seth Mendell (Tellidora) as he tells the story of sailing up the Atlantic seaboard from Florida to Massachusetts 57 years ago. He and two others encounter thunderstorms in the Gulf Stream, a gale off Cape Hatteras, fog off Cape May and sharks around Montauk, New York, before arriving in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. He will also talk about their encounter with a United States destroyer and hundreds of dolphins! This talk will be of interest to anyone who has spent time on boats or likes a good story.

Adventure on the high sea! Join Seth Mendell (Tellidora) as he tells the story of sailing up the Atlantic seaboard from Florida to Massachusetts during From Fort Lauderdale to Cape Cod Aboard a 36-Foot Schooner (CWN03).

For the Love of Learning On Tuesday, March 5, animal behavioral specialist Dr. Margaret Duxbury, DVM, DACVB will share a rare opportunity to hear from a woman with a rare specialty. These stories will open your eyes and hearts to what makes animals tick! Join her for Animal Behavior: Stories From An Expert (FLL32).

Kristie Anders, consultant and former Education Director for the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, will share some of her personal experiences during A Layman’s Look At Harmful Algae Blooms (FLL33) on Tuesday, March 12.

In fresh water, blue green algae periodically clog portions of the Caloosahatchee.

Offshore, several types of algae growing on the rocky bottom eventually break off and drift ashore, collectively called red drift algae. Red tide has plagued coastal areas for hundreds of years. Learn the difference, the implications and personal observations of a long-time coastal dweller.

Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night (FLL34), the third in The Academy’s focus on Shakespeare’s comedies this semester, interestingly deals with several important themes: identity, mortality, madness and, of course, love in a variety forms – including the unrequited kind. While the story comes close to abandoning its comedic core as a result of a sequence of unhumorous trends, the ending remains true to its initial purpose. Memorable characters, Continued on next page Shell Point Life | March 2019

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ADVENTURES IN LEARNING Continued from page 13

including Feste and Malvolio, plus clever wordplay, keep things moving along at a rapid pace set in a semi-fictional land called Illyria around the year 1,600.

For more than 10,000 years, the site of Stonehenge has been an important religious and burial location in Southern England. In the last few years, there has been intense archeological investigation into the people who built Stonehenge and the site itself, which has proven to be much larger than originally thought. On Monday, March 18, Professor Adrian Kerr will review the fascinating story of who built Stonehenge, what its purpose was and why it was subsequently completely deserted in The Secrets of Stonehenge: Who Built It, and Why (FLL36).

On two Fridays, March 22 and 29, you can join John Topliff (Turban) for Intro to Self-Publishing (FLL37). After years working in the publishing industry and helping writers self-publish their works, John has self-publishing direction he looks forward to sharing with you. John will encourage you to write and to publish. So, if you are ready to go – or, if you are considering the self-publishing path – these lectures are for you.

Japan: Its History and Legacy (FLL38) is the topic for The Academy’s March Lunch & Learn on Saturday, March 23. As you enjoy an assortment of Japanese foods prepared by Chef John Horner of the Banyan Grille, Professor Adrian Kerr

On Monday, March 18, Professor Adrian Kerr will review the story of who built Stonehenge, what its purpose was and why it was subsequently completely deserted in The Secrets of Stonehenge: Who Built It, and Why (FLL36).

will take you through a history of Japan.

Civilization in Japan started 6,000 years ago, but the earliest pottery only dates from 1,000 BC, when new technologies were introduced from China. Conclude by examining the serious challenges that now face this island nation – such as an earthquake and tsunami in 2011, which caused massive economic dislocations and a serious nuclear power disaster.

Robert Macomber will join students on Tuesday, March 26, for The Insider’s Story: Researching and Writing Honoring The Enemy (FLL39) to celebrate the release of his newest book in the Honor

Series. This is his 14th maritime thriller, and it is set in the period of the SpanishAmerican War, covering from June 1898 to mid-July 1898 and focusing on Tampa, Florida, and Oriente, Cuba. Epic events happened in such a short time! He’ll share tales about the nuances of researching within Cuba, some hilarious and some perilous. Honoring The Enemy is a story of love and of a war which changed the U.S. from a continental country into a global power.

Mass shootings are in the news again, along with renewed calls for greater restrictions on the availability of firearms.

At the same time, the courts have said that an individual’s Second Amendment right to “keep and bear arms” limits how much the government can “control” possession and use of guns. Join The Academy on Wednesday, March 27, for The Second Amendment and Gun Control: The “Right To Bear Arms” in the 21st Century (FLL40) when Jay Kelly Wright (The Estuary) will explore the Supreme Court’s recent decisions interpreting the Second Amendment and what the decisions may mean for the future.

Robert Macomber will join students on Tuesday, March 26, for The Insider’s Story: Researching and Writing Honoring The Enemy (FLL39)

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Shell Point Life | March 2019

Academy On The Go All butterfly enthusiasts would enjoy this educational field trip to The Butterfly Estates (OTG06) on Thursday, March 7. The Florida Native Butterfly Society is dedicated to the protection and preservation of Florida’s native butterfly species. Their Southwest Florida educational facility is providing the appropriate educational programs and involved research projects that are helping butterfly populations flourish throughout the state! You will see a butterfly release on your visit, and take a tour of this interesting and unique facility.

Technology

Generous, talented residents will continue to provide regularly scheduled opportunities for you to learn, experiment and connect on your devices in March. Please

of Lifelong Learning At

S h ell

Poin t

see the Academy brochures for complete descriptions of these free walk-in clinics, as well as additional technology classes.

Apple iPhone & iPad Security: Privacy, Security & Identity Theft (T310) with Bruce Findley (Sundial) will give you a perspective, and many details that you will need to understand in today’s world, held on four Tuesdays beginning March 5.

Megs Singer (Tellidora) provides two Wednesday sessions, on March 6 and 13, where you can learn how to use Facebook as much, or as little as you want, in Apple

iPhone: Facebook Basics (T311).

Apple iPhone & iPad: Three More Important “Native” Apps (T312) with Bruce Findley (Sundial) will introduce you to Safari, Maps and Siri on three consecutive Mondays beginning March 11.

Stay Tuned

More information about each presentation, including any fees, will be found in your Academy brochure. Please be sure to also review the Weekly Reminder, the resident website at www.shellpoint.net and the daily show on Shell Point Television prior to each class you have registered to attend, to be certain there has been no change of venue of cancellation.

Registration takes place at any of the community’s three concierge desks. Please call Academy of Lifelong Learning Manager Teri Kollath at (239) 454-2254, or email terikollath@shellpoint.org with any questions or suggestions. See you in class!

Shell Point Home Care

Let Us Welcome You Home

We are here to help you make a smooth and comfortable transition home.

Call Shell Point Home Care at (239) 454-2242

to four hours of free home care Coming home from a stay services provided by Shell Point at the hospital or at the Home Care’s experienced careLarsen Pavilion can be stressful. givers.

After getting discharged, it “Our goal is to partner with would be easy to accidentally residents, helping them remain as leave personal items behind. healthy and independent as possiBased on the complexity of Home Care ble. There’s no reason to go home your surgery or illness and subManager Sharon alone,” explained Home Care sequent recovery, simple tasks Dobbins Manager Sharon Dobbins. waiting back at home may also “That’s why we felt it was be difficult such as cleaning out a refrigerator or pantry, filling prescrip- important to offer the first four hours tions, taking care of meal preparations to residents at no charge. Every resiand groceries, managing personal care, dent should have the support and assistance they need to get settled at home and perhaps even running errands.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have the after being discharged. Our caregivers assistance of a caregiver to help you will handle the grocery shopping and make a smooth and comfortable transi- prescriptions so that the primary focus remains on healing and recovery.” tion home?

To learn more about the Welcome Shell Point Home Care is here to help. Through the Welcome Home Home program or to make arrangeprogram, any resident returning from ments to receive care services, please the Larsen Pavilion to their indepen- contact Shell Point Home Care by dent living apartment may receive two calling (239) 454-2242.

Shell Point Life | March 2019

15

Writing the

Next Chapter Notes from the 2019 Shell Point Celebration Each year, Shell Point’s annual celebration is an opportunity for the community to gather together to celebrate the unique people, places, programs and projects that comprise this special community. The 2019 Shell Point Celebration, themed Writing the Next Chapter, also emphasized Shell Point’s promising future.

Martin Schappell, who has served as the president of Shell Point for more than two years, shared his reflections on the importance of Shell Point’s mission, saying “Our mission, which is dedicated to the service of God and the care of His people, will be preserved, protected and promoted. Our core beliefs of Life, Love, Integrity and Stewardship remain our foundation. Our culture, reflecting our commitment to care for, serve and satisfy our residents and employees, is immutable.”

“One more constant that I trust our community will live out in the future is the philanthropic heartbeat that was first expressed over 50 years ago with the donation of the land on which we stand,” Martin added.

He also provided a look at Shell Point’s upcoming focus on its healthcare delivery system.

“Improvement will include increased coverage and services in the Medical Center, twice the number of case managers, now called healthy living coordinators … and continue to make great strides in our pursuit of a new 180-bed facility with 164 private rooms,” said Martin.

Another highlight of the event was its musical entertainment. As the house lights dimmed and music swelled to a crescendo, Grammy-nominated pianist and hit songwriter Jim Brickman emerged onstage at The Village Church. Accompanied by 16

Shell Point Life | March 2019

recording artist John Trones, Jim filled two lively performances with anecdotes, bright smiles and familiar tunes.

In addition to inspiring presentations, video and remarkable entertainment, residents also enjoyed a sampling of hors d’oeuvres prepared by the Shell Point dining team. The assortment included a cranberry and brie tart, citrus-shrimp salad, wedge salad with an endive, and a caprese skewer. A plate of delectable desserts was also provided by FineMark National Bank & Trust.

As residents exited The Village Church at the conclusion of the event, each was presented with a special souvenir to commemorate Shell Point’s enduring history: a complimentary copy of the Golden Anniversary Edition of the Shell Point history book, To God Be Entertainers the Glory. This 168-page Jim Brickman and narrative chronicles Shell John Tronnes Point’s journey through the past five decades, authored by Director of Marketing Lynn Schneider.

Residents also received a 2018 Community Report which traces the highlights of the previous year, from programs and construction projects to philanthropy and volunteerism.

According to Jeff Cory, Executive Director of the Legacy Foundation, the positive feedback from residents about the event has been very gratifying.

“Many residents have expressed their enjoyment not only of the entertainment, food and festive atmosphere, but also of the message conveyed during the 2019 Celebration. I think the character and mission of Shell Point were evident throughout the program.”

More than 1,400 smiling faces filled The Village Church during the 2019 Shell Point Celebration, which highlighted the successes of the previous year and looked with great hope toward Shell Point’s promising future.

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Shell Point Hosted Regional Golf Professionals at the 2018 Challenge Cup Shell Point Golf Course recently welcomed a slew of professional players for some friendly, intra-county competition while hosting the 2018 Challenge Cup. The Challenge Cup, which follows a Ryder Cup format, is a 36-hole tournament pitting golf pros from Lee County against their counterparts in Collier County.

Players earned their spots on the county teams based on points earned by scoring well during golf tournaments held during the summer. Ultimately, the Collier pros took home the win; its 12-member team won the best ball format with a score of 9½ to 8½ before dominating the two-person scramble with a score of 12 to 6.

Better luck next year, Lee County!

Want to Swing Like a Pro? Ping Demo day is coming! Stop by Shell Point Golf Club on Friday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to have an exclusive fitting with a Ping specialist and find out which club best fits your game. There are still a few spots available, so don’t miss out!

For more information, contact the Golf Pro Shop at (239) 433-9790.

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

LIVE!

Tribby Arts Center Update Tuesday, March 12 at The Village Church

Be among the first residents at Shell Point to learn what’s planned for the Sculpture Garden of Tribby Arts Center! In this special event, Lucina resident Marge Lee, host of the Shell Point TV segment Art Chat, will interview landscape designer Kevin Mangan, principal and planning & landscape architecture of Stantec Consulting Services Inc., and sculptor Steven Dickey of Steven Dickey Studios.

All are invited to this free event. Arrive at 6:15 p.m. and enjoy light refreshments prior to the program, which will begin promptly at 7 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Legacy Foundation.

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Let Your Voice Be Heard

BY DEB REX, RESIDENT ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

As part of Shell Point’s ongoing commitment to providing its residents with the highest quality Lifestyle with Lifecare, Shell Point has partnered with an independent research firm named Holleran to conduct an online survey for independent living residents.

This online survey will be available for independent living residents to take at shellpoint.net/survey. The link to the survey will only be available on that website during the survey window, from Wednesday, March 13 to Friday, March 29. The survey should take no longer than 20 minutes.

The online survey may be accessed from any computer or device with an internet connection, including personal or community computers, tablets and iPads. Should you desire assistance as you complete this survey, the Island and Woodlands Commons Computer Centers are available for your use from Monday through Friday. Resident volunteers will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to help.

All responses collected will be kept strictly confidential and anonymous.

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

Once the survey period is complete, the data report from Holleran will be reviewed by Shell Point. Next, an action plan will be formulated in response to the feedback provided by residents. Shell Point will both report the significant findings from the survey and inform residents of these post-survey action plans.

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

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Located at the entrance to the community, Waterside is home to the Welcome Center, The Springs assisted living facility, and Connected Living at Shell Point.

Welcome to Waterside A New Neighborhood Takes Shape In January, Shell Point hosted an open house event to commemorate the completion of several projects at the entrance to the community, an area that has been designated as Shell Point’s newest neighborhood, Waterside.

First, guests arrived at The Springs to tour its $28 million, multi-phased renovation. Guests toured each updated area, which included a comprehensive redesign of the building’s exterior façade and interior common spaces, a 5,300-square-foot recreation wing, and a 32,000-square-foot

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Above: Open for business! A ribbon cutting marked the completion of the Welcome Center at Waterside, which houses the Sales and Marketing teams.

The first floor includes a new sample selection area as well as a high-tech, interactive display of the community. The second floor holds the new Marketing offices and the future home of Shell Point Television (SPTV). Left: A 27-unit apartment wing with covered parking was added to the west of the existing Springs building. Other upgrades included a comprehensive redesign of the interiors and exterior, as well as a recreation wing with a multi-purpose community room, billiards and more.

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wing that holds 27 standard living apartments with covered parking.

Connected Living at The Springs also offered residents tours of its 21,000-squarefoot facility, which has 28 apartments and provides care for individuals with early and mid-stage memory care needs. Guests especially enjoyed viewing the model apartment, which demonstrated how this higher level of assisted living memory support has further enhanced Shell Point lifecare continuum.

Residents made their final stop at the

Welcome Center

newly completed Welcome Center, located at the front entrance of Waterside and the community. This two-story building was designed to house the organization’s Sales and Marketing offices, along with the SPTV Studio. Guests marveled at its beautiful design, which provides visitors and prospective residents with an example of the quality and level of excellence that can be found throughout the community’s campus.

In addition, this gracious building provides a backdrop for the Sales team to tell the

Connected Living at The Springs has an interior courtyard for recreation as well as an extensive outdoor gardening and social space, which are both designed to be secure while allowing freedom of movement.

exciting story of what life at Shell Point is all about. Many enjoyed demonstrations of the new technology, added to enhance the “lifestyle discovery experience.” This included a digital topo-table, interactive maps and videos created by the SPTV team that featured aerial footage of the entire community.

Following the open house tour, guests enjoyed refreshments on the Welcome Center patio along with live entertainment provided by SPTV’s own Dan Philgreen.

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& fine ARTS PERFORMING

CO N C ERTS & CONVERSAT ION SE R IE S

The Sanibel Trio Thursday, March 7, at 7 p.m.

Grand Cypress Room at The Woodlands Residents: $25 | General Public: $30 This local trio is comprised of Renata Arado, violinist; Espen Lilleslatten, on viola; and Erik Entwistle, pianist. Erik’s Rhapsody for violin, viola and piano will premiere during this evening concert at Shell Point.

For 13 years, Renata Arado served as principal second violin of Norway’s Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, while her husband Espen Lilleslatten served as concertmaster. Espen is a professor of violin at Louisiana State University. Both teach and perform at the Aspen Music Festival and School in Colorado and perform as a duo, including a recital at Carnegie Hall. Erik Entwistle has been performing and teaching for more than 30 years. His recordings feature the music of Czech composer Bohuslav Martinu.

P ERFO RMI NG ARTS S ERIES

Boilermaker Jazz Band

Benny Goodman: When Swing Was King Thursday, March 14, at 7 p.m.

The Village Church Auditorium Residents: $35 | General Public: $40 Benny Goodman is known as the “King of Swing” for his iconic Big Band recordings of the 1930s and 1940s – instantly recognizable and still popular today. Dubbed by some as “chamber jazz,” his small groups and quartets were societal trailblazers. His hits featured the best musicians of the day, who could 22

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2018-2019

blaze on tunes such as Avalon, After You’ve Gone and Slipped Disc, or delicately deliver lovely numbers such as Body and Soul, Moonglow and Memories of You. The Boilermaker Jazz Band has performed at major venues, including Lincoln Center and the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City and the Edinburgh International Festival in Scotland. During this concert, you’ll enjoy the best of Goodman’s small band classics, big band themes and great tunes made famous by “Goodman’s Gals.”

This acclaimed Boilermaker Jazz Band concert will be led

by Paul Cosentino on clarinet, the band’s full-time leader who founded the group in 1988 at Carnegie Mellon University.

Jennifer McNulty will lend her smooth and sultry vocal stylings to ballads, standards and bubblin’ swing numbers.

SOU T HWE ST FLOR IDA SY M P H O NY S E R I E S

Back-to-Back Bach Thursday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m.

The Village Church Auditorium Tickets: $25 Pianist and arranger Matt Herskowitz will open a new window for experiencing the works of the world’s greatest composer. This performance will reinterpret the music of J.S. Bach from a contemporary perspective, exploring its rich harmonies, fluid counterpoint and rhythmic groove in a multitude of musical styles.

Drawing on his extensive experience in a variety of musical idioms, Matt lends a unique voice to the music while maintaining the compositional integrity of the original, resulting in new settings that feel completely natural, creating a modern vision of Bach’s music – music that is, by its very nature, timeless.

What’s on the Menu?

B Y PA U L T I S O N , D I R E C TO R O F R E S O RT D I N I N G

From top down: The cranberry-apple brie turkey sandwich comes toasted on cranberry walnut bread. During Monday’s Comfort Food themed buffet, diners can customize a bowl of macaroni and cheese with shrimp, diced tomatoes, baby chives and more. This grilled Atlantic salmon is served on a bed of kale, sweet potato and caramelized onion hash.

Following the well-received enhancements made during The Crystal’s recent renovation, the Resort Dining team has been working behind the scenes to revitalize the restaurant’s menu – from reintroducing the Crystal Platter to adding more menu options for a lighter fare as well as bringing back some of residents’ favorite buffet night themes.

“We have been proud to welcome residents back to the famous Crystal restaurant after its renovation. After trying our brand-new, à la carte menu, residents have provided us with great constructive feed- Jason Smith back,” said Jason Smith, senior director of hospitality. “We’re excited to announce some changes based on these suggestions, from our new $10 signature bowls and healthy LifeQuest bowls to updated themed buffet nights and more.”

For starters, the well-loved Crystal Platter is back on the menu for both lunch and dinner, from Monday through Thursday, as well as at lunch on Friday. The platter costs just $11 and includes a beverage and ice cream for dessert. On Sundays, when The Crystal is only open for brunch, an $11 special is available that includes a small waffle, custom-made omelet and a cup of fruit.

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WHAT’S ON THE MENU?

“We have also introduced a new menu option that lets diners purchase just one bowl from any signature bowl station for $10,” said Adam Thompson, dining manager at The Crystal. “It’s perfect if you are looking for a smaller portion size and don’t want the soup, the salad bar or the regular buffet.”

Adam Thompson The Crystal Express is another option for lighter fare, providing one entrée from the buffet along with two sides. This item is only available from the buffet on Monday through Thursday as a to-go order, and costs $11. On Friday night and at Sunday brunch, a $12 Crystal Express is available.

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Dinner Is Served – Buffet Style

Order your favorite entrée off the à la carte menu, or choose a lighter fare by purchasing just one bowl from any signature bowl station for just $10.

Dine in, or take your food to go.

The Crystal Express provides one entrée from the buffet along with two sides. This item is only available from the buffet on Monday through Thursday as a to-go item for just $11.

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Another favorite feature that residents enjoy at The Crystal is the themed dinner buffets that are served from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The theme for each buffet experience varies, rotating based on the day of the week.

On Monday, residents can enjoy traditional comfort foods like mac and cheese, chicken pot pie, lasagna and beef stew. Tuesday brings Asian cuisine to life with beef and broccoli, shrimp lo mein, cashew chicken, egg rolls and more – while Wednesday lets diners decide between pizza or pasta. On Thursday, a carving board buffet will tempt meat lovers with entrees like carved smoked brisket, chicken piccata, haddock and steak Diane. Friday celebrates Shell Point’s tropical, waterfront setting with a seafood buffet that ranges from swordfish and crab cakes to fried shrimp and shrimp cocktail.

Closed on Saturdays, The Crystal will continue to offer its popular Sunday Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Guests are always welcome at The Crystal. However, any non-residents who are not dining as the guest of a resident will pay a $3 surcharge for their buffet. “Put another way, residents and their guests get the best deal out of dining at Shell Point,” said Jason.

“And that’s how it should be.”

Facing page: The Crystal’s Southern pot roast is quintessential comfort food.

A blend of cheese and fire-roasted ingredients make this quesadilla simply delicious. One of The Crystal’s most popular dishes, the island harvest combines sautéed squashes, chick peas, carrots and cherry tomatoes with an arugula pesto and goat cheese.

The Crystal (239) 454-2199 Hours of Operation Lunch Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dinner Monday through Friday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday Brunch 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Closed Saturday

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www.shellpoint.net/events

MARCH LifeQuest Happenings

Six Dimensions: Physical • Emotional • Spiritual • Educational • Community & Social • Natural Environment For questions about upcoming events or activities, please contact the Coastal Commons concierge desk at (239) 225-2900.

If you are unable to attend a program that includes a fee, one week’s notice is required to receive a refund.

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WALK WITH A DOC FRIDAYS, MARCH 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 7 A.M. MEDICAL CENTER BUS STOP/IS

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Lace up your walking shoes and join Shell Point’s physicians in an exhilarating morning walk around The Island.

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

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Join Resort Services for a Farmers Market featuring local vendors with produce, honey, jams, jellies and preserves, as well as homemade soaps, bakery items, jewelry, unique handmade items and much more! Head to Center Court at The Woodlands for the Farmers Market on March 1; beginning March 8, Farmers Market will move to the Island Courtyard on The Island and will remain open ntil 12:30 p.m. You’ll find live music, new vendors and more waiting at this Island location!

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SATURDAY, MARCH 2 • 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M. SUNDAY, MARCH 3 • NOON TO 4 P.M. MONDAY, MARCH 4 • 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. GRAND CYPRESS ROOM/WDL Browse a beautiful display of creative quilts while you enjoy live musical entertainment and a featured display of lovely orchids from the Shell Point Orchid House. A silent auction will be held to purchase two large quilts – one queen-sized and one king-sized – as well as three twin quilts, one throw and several smaller quilted items, crafted

by Shell Point’s own quilters. You will be amazed at the variety of traditional and contemporary quilts on display!

FARMERS MARKET FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 8:30 A.M. TO 11:30 A.M. LOCATION VARIES – SEE DESCRIPTION

2019 SHELL POINT QUILT SHOW

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DOWNTON ABBEY: THE EXHIBITION MONDAY, MARCH 4 5:50 A.M. THE ISLAND 6 A.M. THE WOODLANDS 6:10 A.M. COASTAL LINKS 5 P.M. APPROXIMATE RETURN COST: $150 PER PERSON LOCATION: WEST PALM BEACH The Exhibition, based on the beloved television show, transports you to post-Edwardian England, where the characters and the iconic house comes to life. You’ll be

Wellness Connection

Call concierge desk to sign up. Island: 454-2282, Woodlands: 454-2054, Coastal Links: 225-2900

immersed in the fascinating social history, culture and most memorable moments from the show’s six season run. A specialized lunch at The City Cellar Restaurant is included in the cost of the trip. Don’t miss this full day! This fun trip is non-refundable. Seating is limited, so sign up soon!

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MONDAY, MARCH 4: 5:30–7:30 P.M. TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 19 & 26: 6–8 P.M. SUZY Q BOAT DOCK

ISINGS TRAVEL PROGRAM “EPIC JOURNEY COLLECTION” WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 10:30 A.M. GRAND CYPRESS ROOM/WDL 1:30 P.M. THE COVE/EST 3:30 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS Jeanne Veldman, cruise manager from Isings Travel, would like to invite you to view the upcoming cruises and trips from all around the world that are offered to Shell Point residents. There will be multiple presentations throughout the community to make it convenient for you to attend.

You never know where the road may lead you! No sign-up is required for this event.

Stairs

LIVING WELL WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 1:15 P.M. OSPREY ROOM/IS Whether you’re a health and fitness enthusiast or just beginning your LifeQuest to wellness at Shell Point, everyone is welcome to attend this class. Led by Wellness Manager Michelle Tompkins, Living Well encourages a discussion on topics such as exercise, healthy eating, unique recipes and general wellness. Residents share ideas to create an active discussion. Every month is different; leave with a better understanding of how wellness plays a role in your daily life.

SUZY Q SUNSET CRUISES

Nothing beats a Southwest Florida sunset, especially viewed aboard Shell Point’s own pontoon boat, the Suzy Q. Join Resort Services for this two-hour trip to see what nature has to offer. Residents cost $5, and guests are $10. Call the Island Greeters Desk at (239) 454-2136 to make your reservations. Please note that, due to Daylight Savings time, cruises on March 12, 19 and 26 are held at a later time.

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Walking required

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FISHING CLUB MEETING: CAPTAIN JUSTIN STULLER THURSDAY, MARCH 7 1:30 P.M. THE COVE/EST The Shell Point Fishing Club welcomes any and all residents who love to fish or are looking to learn more about fishing. The Fishing Club is open to all levels of fishing experience. Join the group as guest speaker Captain Justin Stuller discusses the local waters and techniques for catching largemouth bass and peacock bass fish.

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WATER’S EDGE LIVE: THE TROUBLEMAKERS

SHELL POINT WALKING CLUB: FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY

THURSDAY, MARCH 7 5 P.M. TO 7 P.M. FRIENDSHIP POINT/IS

SATURDAY, MARCH 9 8 A.M. ISLAND COURTYARD/IS

The Troublemakers perform a wide variety of music and have great upbeat personalities that will keep the audience entertained for the evening! This is one Water’s Edge concert that you won’t want to miss. The Crystal will offer a wonderful buffet with stuffed chicken, black and blue meatloaf, scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables with rolls and a garden salad, available for purchase for an all-inclusive fee of $12. Grab your dancing shoes and come dance the night away!

If you are physically fit and looking for an adventure, join the Shell Point Walking Club for a three- or five-mile hike on the campus of FGCU. The campus features wooded trails, tree-lined boardwalks and a lakeside beach. Join this group for a morning of fun and fitness. For more information or to sign up, call Jerry Bishop (Eagles Preserve).

UP, UP & AWAY SHELL POINT LIFESTYLE EXPO

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FRIDAY, MARCH 8 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. ALL RESIDENTS 2 P.M. TO 3 P.M. ASSISTED LIVING & PAVILION THE VILLAGE CHURCH/IS

Up

Celebrate the unique lifestyle at Shell Point with displays and interactive exhibits that showcase all the great amenities and services that your community has to offer, including numerous resident-led activity and volunteer groups. You’ll also find helpful information from Shell Point departments about new programs, services and amenities, as well as door prizes, free giveaways, games, delicious snacks and beverages. Tickets are FREE, but are required to attend. Pick up your ticket at any concierge desk today!

&

Up 11 Away!

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SATURDAY AT THE MOVIES: CRAZY RICH ASIANS (PG-13) (2018) SATURDAY, MARCH 9 2 P.M. & 7 P.M. GRAND CYPRESS ROOM/WDL In this romantic comedy, Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) is happy to accompany her longtime boyfriend, Nick (Henry Golding), to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. She is surprised to learn that Nick’s family is extremely wealthy and he’s considered one of the country’s most eligible bachelors.

GREEN TEAM & DING DARLING MOVIE: TAPPED MONDAY, MARCH 11 10 A.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS Join the Green Team as they welcome Ding Darling’s Sierra Hoisington to watch and discuss the documentary Tapped. In this documentary, the audience will examine the role of the bottled water industry and its effects on health, climate change, pollution and reliance on oil.

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PAINTERS GUILD MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 11 2 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS

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This Painter’s Guild member meeting will feature the topic of finding your own voice in your art. Visiting artist Gail Martin, a well-known and distinguished Naples artist, will talk about her pleasures and pitfalls with watercolor painting, using examples of recent work. The series of short presentations on contemporary artists in the world today, and discussion of member art shows, classes and programs will also be featured. All who are interested in art are invited to attend.

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PEWTER MUG NORTH DINNER OUTING MONDAY, MARCH 11 3:30 P.M. THE ISLAND 3:40 P.M. THE WOODLANDS 3:50 P.M. COASTAL LINKS 8:15 P.M. APPROXIMATE RETURN COST: $5 PER PERSON (DINNER ON YOUR OWN) LOCATION: NORTH NAPLES If you have been waiting for that perfect prime rib dinner, your wait is over! Now in a new location, the Pewter Mug specializes in prime rib entrees which are cleverly labeled as the “Prime Minister Cut,” “Big Daddy Cut” and the “Flintstone Cut;” there is a salad room as well. The Pewter Mug has been famous for their prime rib since 1970! Entrees start at $15. An early bird menu will also be available.

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TEDDY ROOSEVELT SHOW TUESDAY, MARCH 12 1 P.M. TO 2:30 P.M. GRAND CYPRESS ROOM/WDL Joe Wiegand is America’s leading reprisor of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States. A political science graduate of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, Joe has performed in all 50 states, internationally, at Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon National Parks, at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge and at the White House. You’re guaranteed inspiration and laughter with America’s “Conservation President.”

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ART CHAT LIVE! SCULPTURE GARDEN PLANNED FOR TRIBBY ARTS CENTER TUESDAY, MARCH 12 6:15 P.M. LIGHT REFRESHMENTS 7 P.M. PROGRAM THE VILLAGE CHURCH Be among the first residents at Shell Point to learn what’s planned for the Sculpture Garden of Tribby Arts Center! Marge Lee (Lucina), host of SPTV segment Art Chat, will interview landscape designer Kevin Mangan of Stantec Consulting Services Inc., and sculptor Steven Dickey of Steven Dickey Studios. All are invited to this free event, which is sponsored by the Legacy Foundation.

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DECREASING INFLAMMATION THROUGH DAILY NUTRITION

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 10 A.M. GRAND CYPRESS ROOM/WDL

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 3 P.M. TO 5 P.M. THE BLEND/WDL Play three rounds of trivia with 25 questions each round during Ultimate Trivia. Come with a team or by yourself to play. No need for pen and paper as Ultimate Trivia is played with your smart phone or tablet; if you don’t have one, one will be provided for you. So come on out and test your knowledge with Ultimate Trivia! Blend will be open with baked goods and beverages available for purchase. See you there!

The food you eat has a direct impact on your cells, from providing nutrients and protecting your body to potentially causing damage. Inflammation is the cause of many chronic diseases and can often be alleviated. Learn about the foods that promote or reduce inflammation with Julie Hill, a registered dietitian with Lee Health.

SHALOM CLUB: GUEST SPEAKER CARLA BENNINGA

ULTIMATE TRIVIA

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MEDICAL LEARNING SESSION: HEALTHY LIVING – MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 11 A.M. OAK ROOM/WDL

THURSDAY, MARCH 14 11:30 A.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS

This newly formed Shell Point resident group brings together Jewish residents and others for social and educational purposes. During this meeting, Carla Benninga (The Arbor) will be speaking about her journey during the Holocaust. Please join the Shalom Club for this time of fellowship.

Dr. Gary Goforth, Shell Point’s Medical Director, has embarked on his own journey of health and wellness. You are invited to join Dr. Goforth in this month’s Medical Learning Session as he shares his personal experience of healthy living over the past year which has resulted in a 65-pound weight loss and much improved cardiovascular health. Light refreshments will be provided.

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ECHO’S GLOBAL FOOD AND FARM FESTIVAL

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SATURDAY, MARCH 16 7:40 A.M. THE ISLAND 7:50 A.M. THE WOODLANDS 8 A.M. COASTAL LINKS 3:30 P.M. APPROXIMATE RETURN COST: $10 PER PERSON (LUNCH ON YOUR OWN) LOCATION: NORTH FORT MYERS For 28 years, ECHO has hosted this Southwest Florida festival that focuses on sustainable living, agriculture and food. Partnering with local organizations and businesses, ECHO’s Global Food and Farm Festival has provided thousands of attendees with the opportunity to taste exotic foods, experience life in a foreign country, explore the Global Farm and learn about food and culture in a new way. There will be food trucks onsite, so bring cash for food purchases.

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ST. PATRICK’S DAY SALE SATURDAY, MARCH 16 9 A.M. TO 4 P.M. COMMUNITY THRIFT STORE Community Thrift Store will hold a St. Patrick’s Day Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 16. Shop a wide selection of merchandise and take 50 percent off storewide.

The store is located at 15501 Old McGregor Blvd., Suite 2, in Fort Myers. For more information, call (239) 225-6529.

SUNDAY MATINEE: A NEW LEAF (1971) SUNDAY, MARCH 17 2 P.M. GRAND CYPRESS ROOM/WDL Walter Matthau and Elaine May star in the romantic comedy A New Leaf. Playboy Henry Graham (Walter Matthau) is desperate to find a way to maintain his lavish lifestyle after losing most of his inheritance. He has just six weeks to find himself a rich bride or lose his property for good. Henry sees an opportunity when he meets Henrietta Lowell (Elaine May), but his plan might not be as easy as he first thought.

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WOODLANDS TRAIL WALK MONDAY, MARCH 18 8 A.M. CENTER COURT/WDL Grab your friends and neighbors and meet Fitness Coordinator Melanie Brod at Center Court as she leads this Trail Walk around the Woodlands neighborhood.

After a brief warm up, you will begin a cardiovascular workout by trekking briskly around the lake with various stops for interval exercises along the way. You won’t want to miss out on this fun, outdoor workout!

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CELTIC RAY LUNCHEON MONDAY, MARCH 18 10:30 A.M. THE ISLAND 10:40 A.M. THE WOODLANDS 10:50 A.M. COASTAL LINKS 2:30 P.M. APPROXIMATE RETURN COST: $4 PER PERSON (LUNCH ON YOUR OWN) LOCATION: PUNTA GORDA

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Join your Shell Point friends and travel north to Punta Gorda to celebrate St Patty’s day in real Irish tradition!

Their menu is made fresh using only natural ingredients.

All food is made to order, and the chef will bring your meal right out to your table. So, wear your green and get ready for the classic Irish cuisine – from bangers to Reubens. Entrees start at $12.

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IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU! CHRONIC DISEASE SELF-MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP TUESDAYS, MARCH 19 & 26 9 A.M. TO 11:30 A.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS The “It’s All About You” program will teach participants the necessary tools to better cope and care after a diagnosis of a chronic health condition. This program, presented by Lee Health, is a six-week workshop offered at no cost, continuing on April 2, 9, 16 and 23. Participants will learn to live with a chronic health condition, master healthier habits, and more easily manage medications.

Anyone with a chronic health condition or cares for a loved one with a chronic health condition may attend.

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FSW STUDENT CONCERT BAND TUESDAY, MARCH 19 5:15 P.M. THE ISLAND 5:25 P.M. THE WOODLANDS 5:35 P.M. COASTAL LINKS 9:30 P.M. APPROXIMATE RETURN COST: $3 PER PERSON LOCATION: FORT MYERS Ready to get your “rah, rah, rah” on? Join your Shell Point friends and neighbors and hit the road to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall to see a performance from Florida Southwestern State College (FSW) student musicians’ concert band! Come show your support for these talented students.

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PROTEIN AND AGE: HOW IMPORTANT IS THIS NUTRIENT? WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 10:15 A.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS Protein is the building block for bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood. It is one of the main macronutrients of a healthy diet, and protein requirements can change with age. How important this macronutrient is and how much should one consume daily is a common question. Registered Dietician Diean Rovenstine will discuss the different types of protein and share tips on how you can ensure you are getting enough to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Wellness Connection

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Call concierge desk to sign up. Island: 454-2282, Woodlands: 454-2054, Coastal Links: 225-2900

PHOTO CLUB MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 2:15 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS

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COMPUTER CLUB MEETING: WINDOWS 10 FEATURES AND TIPS

Mike Peterson from Computer Medics will speak about Windows 10, Microsoft’s latest operating system. Much to people’s surprise, it is easy to use and is feature rich. The Computer Club will go over some of these features and discuss how Windows 10 compares to Windows 7 and 8.

GREEN TEAM MEETING SATURDAY, MARCH 23 2 P.M. OSPREY ROOM/IS The Shell Point Green Team welcomes all residents who want to learn new ways to help improve the environment.

This month, join the Green Team as they will be discussing nontoxic gardening methods and food choices using a plant-based diet. For more information, about the Green Team, please contact Jean Chandler (Harbor Court) at jeanchandler@verizon.net.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21 2:15 P.M. MANATEE ROOM/IS

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Stairs

a slick Broadway gambler. The show’s second romantic storyline involves Nathan Detroit, consummate gambling man and the operator of “The World’s Largest Floating Crap Game,” and Miss Adeline, the main attraction at the Hot Box nightclub. Frank Loesser’s score features classic songs Luck Be a Lady, I’ve Never Been in Love Before, Sue Me, and the iconic title song, Guys and Dolls.

The Photo Challenge topic for March is People. Do you enjoy taking photographs of people in other countries or of your grandchildren sleeping? Do you look for someone caught in an unexpected situation or do you set up models? Each type of photo has its rewards and challenges. To submit a photo for group discussion, call Dotty Morrison at (239) 337-4015 by March 13 for submission information, or just come and enjoy the work of others.

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Walking required

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LET THE SHOWS BEGIN! BROADWAY PALM THEATRE: GUYS AND DOLLS

THE WHIFFENPOOFS OF YALE MONDAY, MARCH 25 1 P.M. TO 2 P.M. THE VILLAGE CHURCH/IS Founded in 1909, The Whiffenpoofs have become one of Yale’s most celebrated traditions. Every year, 14 rising Yale seniors are selected to be in the Whiffenpoofs and take the year off from school to tour and perform. The Whiffenpoofs sing a diverse repertoire of vocal jazz, folk, pop and Broadway hits from across the decades, and perform more than two hundred concerts each year. Don’t miss this free concert!

FRIDAY, MARCH 22 10:30 A.M. THE ISLAND 10:40 A.M. THE WOODLANDS 10:50 A.M. COASTAL LINKS 4 P.M. APPROXIMATE RETURN COST: $70 PER PERSON (LUNCH INCLUDED) Take in the unlikely romance between Miss Sarah Brown, a pure-at-heart urban missionary, and Sky Masterson,

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MONDAY CLASSIC MOVIE: THE QUIET MAN (1952) MONDAY, MARCH 25 6:45 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS

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MONDAY, MARCH 25 7 P.M. GRAND CYPRESS ROOM/WDL Join the Photo Club for a night of celebration, with music and a dessert buffet; put on your party clothes and join your friends and neighbors for this special night to honor the artistry of resident photographers. Tickets are required and all photographers who enter the contest will be given two tickets to the Gala. The remaining seats will be open to residents and will be available at the concierge desks beginning Monday, March 11.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 10:15 A.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS In this presentation, led by Shell Point’s physical therapist Anita Mohoney, you will learn many ways on how energy correlates with exercise. The presentation provides information on where energy comes from, why you may feel you don’t have enough energy, the risks of low energy, how exercise can help improve energy and how your therapy and wellness team can help eliminate those risks.

The Quiet Man is a romantic comedy starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. After accidentally killing an opponent in the ring, boxer Sean Thornton (John Wayne) leaves America and returns to his native Ireland, hoping to buy his family’s homestead and live in peace. There, he falls in love with and marries Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O’Hara), becoming embroiled in a family dispute over property. Will Mary Kate receive her dowry?

PHOTO CLUB AWARDS GALA: SHELL POINT RESIDENT PHOTO CONTEST

EXERCISE FOR ENERGY

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HAWAIIAN LUAU WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 5 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M. COASTAL COMMONS COST: $36 PER PERSON (ALL-INCLUSIVE) Come join Resort Services for an exciting evening starring authentic Hawaiian dancers, a Polynesian buffet featuring delicious foods prepared by the Coastal Commons catering team, and a high-energy, live performance

by Tuika’s Polynesian Island Magic. This will be a truly extraordinary event that you won’t want to miss!

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Wellness Connection

Call concierge desk to sign up. Island: 454-2282, Woodlands: 454-2054, Coastal Links: 225-2900

Walking required

Stairs

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ACTIVE SOCIALIZATION THURSDAY, MARCH 28 11 A.M. GRAND CYPRESS ROOM/WDL

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THURSDAY, MARCH 28 3:45 P.M. THE ISLAND 3:55 P.M. THE WOODLANDS 4:05 P.M. COASTAL LINKS 10:30 P.M. APPROXIMATE RETURN COST: $86 PER PERSON (DINNER INCLUDED AT THE TWISTED VINE)

Residents are encouraged to join Healthy Living Coordinators Meghan Mueller and Alice DiFalco to learn the benefits of active socialization. Meghan and Alice will explore the many benefits associated with an active social life. Did you know that socialization improves mental health, physical health, and spiritual health? Other benefits include a stronger immune system, reduced stress and increased cognitive functioning.

Everyone is encouraged to ask questions or share their experiences at the end of the presentation.

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One of Broadway’s hottest tickets, Million Dollar Quartet is the Tony Award-winning musical sensation inspired by the true story of the famed recording session. Sam Phillips, the “father of rock ‘n’ roll,” brought together icons Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley for one unforgettable night.

This larger-than-life musical event features hit songs such as Blue Suede Shoes, Folsom Prison Blues and Great Balls of Fire. Sit in on the Memphis jam session that changed music forever!

AVIATION CLUB MEETING: AVIATION MEDICINE WITH DR. JAY FLOTTMANN, PHYSICIAN-PILOT THURSDAY, MARCH 28 1:15 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS A pilot’s performance can be greatly affected by medical/physiological factors such as hypoxia, hyperoxia, barotrauma, G-forces caused by rapid acceleration, the effects of high-speed motion in three axes and fatigue. What can pilots do to perhaps prevent an emergency? What is the cause of the recent hypoxia problem that has grounded many military planes? Dr. Flottmann, both a physician and a pilot, will address these issues in an understandable, interesting presentation. He has served as the flight surgeon for The Thunderbirds USAF demo team, is an FAA Medical Examiner and has extensively researched the hypoxia problem, contributing to its solution.

LET THE SHOWS BEGIN! FLORIDA REPERTORY THEATRE: MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

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CONNECTED LIVING FORUM FRIDAY, MARCH 29 2 P.M. GRAND CYPRESS ROOM/WDL The Connected Living Forum is a venue to provide dialogue back and forth about the Connected Living program across the continuum of care, starting with a topic discussion and followed by an ability to share feedback and ask questions. Questions are encouraged and should be directed to connectedlivingforum@shellpoint.org to ensure that these questions will be answered thoroughly at the next forum.

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GRIEFSHARE

Support Groups

THURSDAYS, MARCH 7, 14, 21 & 28 • 1:30 P.M. SABAL ROOM/WDL This is a special weekly seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life after losing a loved one. This group is led by caring people who have experienced grief and want to help you through the difficult days ahead. For more information, call group leaders Jim and Judy Mayer (Junonia) at (239) 454-3139.

HEARING ENRICHMENT

THURSDAYS, MARCH 7, 14, 21 & 28 SABAL ROOM/WDL This is a fellowship of those who share their experience, strength, and hope to solve their common problem and help others recover from alcoholism. This “open” meeting welcomes those who struggle with alcohol issues. For more details, call (239) 275-5111.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 • 1:15 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS Poor hearing can affect many aspects of one’s life. This group seeks to help residents cope with hearing loss, share information, learn about services and products that may help, and offer support to each other. This is a great opportunity to try out the assisted listening devices available in the Social Center.

Friends and family are also encouraged to attend. For more information, call Janine Hammond, manager of healthy living coordinationat (239) 454-2186.

CAREFREE SUPPORT

MEMORY CARE

ALCOHOLIC ANONYMOUS

MONDAY, MARCH 11 • 11:30 A.M. PALM GRILL/WDL This Connected Living group offers caregivers and care partners with dementia an opportunity to build authentic friendships while promoting a culture of wellness, community involvement and a positive life experience for couples. Meetings will be facilitated by Shell Point staff with suggestions from residents for social outings of interest. Please join the group in the Grand Cypress Room for tea and reminiscing! Come take a stroll through memory lane, and share in the love and laughter. For additional information, contact Alice DiFalco, healthy living coordinator, at (239) 433-7939.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT TUESDAYS, MARCH 5 & 19 • 9:15 A.M. MEDICAL CENTER CONFERENCE ROOM/IS These therapeutic groups are aimed at helping residents deal with issues of being a caregiver for someone with a memory disorder, whether the resident is cared for in independent living, assisted living or skilled nursing. Dr. Nancy Spencer facilitates the groups and can be reached at (239) 454-2043. Sign-up is required.

COPD SUPPORT NO MEETING IN MARCH

This group meets quarterly; the next meeting will be in April.

Call Ken Peterson for further information at (239) 482-3779.

DIABETES SUPPORT FRIDAY, MARCH 1 • 1 P.M. • SOCIAL CENTER/IS Both insulin- and noninsulin-dependent diabetics are encouraged to attend this meeting. Each monthly meeting covers a different topic and includes open discussion. For more information, contact Stephanie Devlin, healthy living coordinator, at (239) 454-8246.

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

PARKINSON’S ENRICHMENT MONDAY, MARCH 4 • 10:15 A.M. KING’S CROWN COMMUNITY ROOM/IS This group aims to provide support and educational opportunities to those affected by Parkinson’s disease, such as a patient, caregiver, family member or friend. Meetings include speakers, group discussions and emotional support. For more information, call Janine Hammond, manager of healthy living coordination (formerly manager of resident support services) at (239) 454-2186.

VISION ENRICHMENT TUESDAY, MARCH 12 • 2:15 P.M. SOCIAL CENTER/IS This group provides educational opportunities and support for those individuals dealing with low vision. For additional information, contact Katy Quinones, healthy living coordinator (formerly known as a case manager), at (239) 454-2101.

2019 Shell Point PHOTO CONTEST & SHOW

Calling All Shutterbugs All residents are invited to participate in the 2019 Shell Point Photo Contest. Information sheets for entering are available at any concierge desk. Digital photographs must be uploaded by Saturday, March 9. Call Dotty Morrison at (239) 337-4015 to make an appointment – maybe you will be a ribbon winner!

The 2019 Photo Contest categories are: 1.) People, 2.) Travel, 3.) Still Life, 4.) Birds, 5.) Other Wildlife, 6.) Architecture, 7.) Reflections, 8.) Landscape, and 9.) Botanical – a new category this year for close-ups of a particular plant or flower.

AWARDS GALA MONDAY, MARCH 25

Get Dressed Up for Red Carpet Night!

For the second year in a row, the Shell Point Photo Club invites you to the Photo Contest Gala in big-screen format. It will be an evening of celebration, with music and a dessert buffet, so put on your party clothes and come out for this special night to honor the artistry of resident photographers.

For months, Shell Point photographers have been capturing memories, framing still life, choosing the best angles and traveling to bring you

stunning shots from around the world.

Which photos will stand out this year?

The Photo Contest Gala will be held in the evening on Monday, March 25, in the Grand Cypress Room at The Woodlands at 7 p.m. Tickets are required. All photographers who enter the contest will be given two tickets to the Gala. The remaining seats will be open to any resident and will be available at the concierge desks beginning Monday, March 11.

Getting to the Suzy Q Is an Easy Cruise!

Pavilion resident Jim Kessler once served a volunteer captain on the Suzy Q. Jim expressed his excitement and gratitude at being the very first resident to use the brand-new dock access!

Sailing into the sunset aboard Shell Point’s own pontoon boat, the Suzy Q, has never been easier thanks to a recent upgrade to the nearby boat dock.

It all started with the Pavilion Activities and Resident Life teams.

“We have been working together toward making trips on the Suzy Q more accessible for residents at the Larsen Pavilion and three assisted living buildings,” explained Volunteer Coordinator Dottie Tronnes.

The team identified that the dock stairs leading to the Suzy Q were the biggest obstacle for residents with assistive devices or gait challenges.

“Thanks to Adam Hinds’ team, a new ramp was designed and installed this past winter – just in time for the annual Suzy Q Christmas Caroling Cruises! As a result, these events were well attended by Pavilion and assisted living residents,” said Dottie.

In fact, the Larsen Pavilion had a high enough participation to necessitate a second caroling cruise to accommodate the interest! A third cruise carried a mix of assisted living residents from all three buildings, singing with gusto and spreading cheer around the community.

“Now that the Suzy Q is wheelchair-accessible, we look forward to offering more sunset and nature cruises to this group. And we owe a big thank you to Shell Point, who picked up the tab for the much-improved dock,” said Dottie.

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All Mapped Out

News from the Transportation Team The wheels on the bus go round and round… And at a community Shell Point’s size, keeping track of where and when to find those wheels could be challenging without a little help.

Thankfully, there is a brand-new route schedule that makes it easy to track down transportation within the community.

A copy of this handy guide was recently distributed to all independent living and assisted living resident mailboxes.

Previously, there were multiple schedules that mapped out the community’s different bus routes using a clock diagram.

“It used to be that we only had two bus routes, until the community grew and expanded. We recognized the need for an all-incluDianne Morton sive booklet that helps residents follow the many different routes that are available to serve them,” said Transportation Manager Dianne Morton.

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Shell Point Life | March 2019

booklet includes individual maps of each route, along with times of departure from the bus stops around the community.

“We’ve received a highly positive response from residents about the standardized format,” said Dianne. “It mirrors what you would find when using a city bus system while traveling. It’s also more userfriendly for family or friends that might be visiting the community.”

In addition to streamlining the bus schedule, the transportation team is beginning to use smaller, more efficient vehicles to serve existing routes. “It’s important to ‘rightsize’ the vehicles that transport residents within the community, which also helps conserve gas. We want to be good stewards of our resources,” explained Dianne.

The large passenger buses are kept in reserve for community-wide events with high attendance, such as concerts or the recent Shell Point Celebration. They would also be available if needed for a future weather evacuation, should that become necessary. Copies of the trans-

portation schedule are available at any of Shell Point’s three concierge desks.

Two Is Better Than One Island residents and visitors who want to use Shell Point transportation are accustomed to boarding at a bus stop located in front of the Island Courtyard.

Recently, however, ongoing construction on new outdoor patio seating for The Crystal necessitated temporarily moving the bus stop to The Village Church.

Since then, many residents have expressed their appreciation for a bus stop at the church location, suggesting that Shell Point consider making the change permanent.

As a result, the Transportation team has decided to add The Village Church as a stop along the regular bus route. That means that there are now two conveniently located bus stops on The Island: one at The Village Church, and one that will reopen at the Island Courtyard location once outdoor construction at The Crystal is complete.

Unlock Your Skin’s Potential

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

On March 8 at the Up, Up and Away Shell Point Lifestyle Expo, Tracy Henson, GM Collin educator and aesthetician, will be available to analyze your skin with the use of a skin scanner.

What is a skin scanner? It is a machine that uses black lights or filtered UV lights along with a magnified mirror to view abnormalities. When the system emits light to the skin, the skin cells respond to it differently depending on their chemical makeup. This allows trained aestheticians to determine inflammation, hydration levels and keratinization – or dead surface cells – while making the appropriate recommendations.

Up

&

Up Away!

Visit with a GM Collin expert educator and learn more about your skin at the Lifestyle Expo March 8.

SALON SPECIALS IN MARCH

Massage Therapy Helps to Reduce Stress According to the American Psychological Association, 43 percent of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress.

Meanwhile, 75 to 90 percent of all physician office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints. Plus, stress has been linked to two leading causes of death: heart disease and cancer.

In recent years, Americans have become aware of the importance of health improvement and disease prevention or wellness. The concept of wellness includes the elements of enhanced quality of life such as those found through the dimensions of wellness in Shell Point’s LifeQuest.

There has been much research that validates massage therapy as an important component of a wellness program, reducing stress. This includes increased range of motion and flexibility; reduced feelings of

depression and anxiety; positive effects on the musculoskeletal system; diminished feelings of fatigue; improved sleep quality, circulation and heart rate; and a reduction in pain and muscle tension.

It is logical that if stress is decreased, then wellness will increase. Since it has been proven that massage will decrease stress, why not make massage a part of your wellness plan? If it has been a while since your last massage or you have always wanted to try one, March is a great month to do it!

A Special to Soothe Your Skin Treat the approximately 20 square feet of skin that protect your body with an exfoliating body scrub. This treatment will leave your skin soft and supple to the touch after removing dead surface layers of skin to reveal newer, fresher skin. Not to mention, it feels great!

As an added bonus, this service is combined with a Collagen Eye Treatment to reduce puffiness and darkness under the eye along with fine lines and wrinkles around the eye.

New Skin Service Available Manual microdermabrasion!

Manual microdermabrasion is an effective treatment to exfoliate dead skin cells, promoting rapid skin turnover and collagen stimulation. This add-on service to your favorite facial will kickstart the exfoliating process and reveal your own true natural glow.

10% off a Swedish, therapeutic or deep tissue/sports massage in March DISCOUNT IS NOT VALID ON MASSAGE PACKAGES

Body & Eye Treatment $100

Introductory Special

Add-on manual microdermabrasion to any facial. $15 Shell Point Life | March 2019

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Embracing Healthy Living At Shell Point

Forum Unveils New Collaborative Approach to Staying Healthy and Active Each new year brings an opportunity for reflection. Whether you are in a volunteer leadership role or you just want to be your best, reflection can build self-awareness, efficacy and resilience. If done right, it can also help you establish and achieve more meaningful goals.

Over the last several months, Shell Point’s healthcare team has been doing just that: reflecting on how to ensure that healthcare services are approached as a collaborative effort between staff and residents to encourage a lifestyle that is vibrant and active, at any stage along the continuum of care. A detailed, multi-disciplinary plan for Healthy Living at Shell Point was the focus of the recent Healthy Living Forum held in January.

Led by Senior Director of Healthcare Services Christy Skinner, the forum shared the team’s vision and strategy to provide expanded resources and broad support for healthy living.

She outlined the primary goal for the Healthy Living team at Shell Point: to support each Christy Skinner resident along every step of their healthcare journey, partnering with them as they navigate healthcare decisions that allow them to remain as active as possible, for as long as possible.

“Every day, our team is blessed with the opportunity to touch many of your lives in one way or another, and we are so grateful with the level of trust that has been given to us by each and every one of you in our roles. It is a responsibility we do not take lightly and our teams are bound daily to meeting and exceeding your expectations,” said Christy.

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Shell Point Life | March 2019

Christy noted that many people choose Shell Point for its unparalleled lifestyle. This can include opportunities for spiritual connectivity, meaning and fulfillment. Many enjoy the breathtaking location, active lifestyle and abundance of amenities on the more than 700-acre campus. When deciding on a retirement community, these are often critical to the decision-making process.

Equally important, Christy added, is the community’s ability to provide for future healthcare needs. Prospective residents often consider things such as the continuity of care, depth of medical support, availability of supportive services and the overall health system in place. After all, many want to know they can stay as healthy as long as possible; and when it’s not possible, there should be a supporting structure in place to ensure their care.

A Team in Place At Shell Point, that support is the Healthy Living team. “It is intended to provide an exceptional health system with an infrastructure that allows the team to wrap supportive care and transitional services around residents throughout their journey in the continuum of care,” explained Christy. “While each facet of this continuum is highly specialized, Shell Point’s Healthy Living team, which spans many departments, is committed to working together to not only meet, but to exceed expectations.”

This goal means establishing a strong relationship of trust and understanding from the time of a resident’s arrival at Shell Point. The relationship is reciprocal and is one that the team holds in high regard. It means honest and proactive conversations about each resident’s health

and happiness as the team works toward ensuring residents can utilize every facet of the system to their best advantage. It also means embracing these relationships as a valuable partnership that can unlock the vast array of healthcare resources available. After all, the more the Healthy Living team can get to know residents and their wants, needs and expectations, the better they can care for, serve and satisfy.

Healthy Living can mean many different things, depending on who you ask on any given day. For some, pickleball keeps the body moving and physically active; for others, it is making heart healthy choices while dining out, and yet for others, it is keeping their minds engaged to stave off cognitive decline.

Regardless, many impactful questions and concerns are the same. How do I stay as healthy as I can for as long as I can?

How do I best take care of my significant other to the best of my ability and what is best for them? How do I keep from declining both physical and cognitively? How do I know when I need the next level of services here at Shell Point?

This is why collaboration is so important. “We need to work together even before these questions arise,” explained Christy. “Shell Point’s Healthy Living team is dedicated to providing you with the education, resources, support and services needed to answer these questions – not only in a time of crisis, but also proactively in times when everything is well. We have an amazing opportunity to develop relationships and add abundant value in the times of life where things are okay, a little shaky, or even going well.”

A Look at Case Management Christy introduced members of her

team who shared more detailed information about each of their respective areas of expertise. This included Director of Connected Living Memory Support CJ Gulotta, Homecare Manager Sharon Dobbins, Director of Assisted Living Rita Southern, Pavilion Administrator and Director of Long Term Care Rachel Zellers, and Healthy Living Coordination Manager Janine Hammond.

The team reported on a host of successes that occurred during the previous year, as well as looking ahead to the upcoming year and new developments. For example, Janine Hammond announced some exciting changes that recently occurred in her department. “Last year, our existing team of four case managers worked hard to serve more than 2,400 residents, connecting residents to resources for services, planning for the future, facilitating support groups and communicating with family members about healthcare needs,” explained Janine.

“Due to this ratio of staff to residents, it has been a real challenge to effectively support residents throughout the continuum; these numbers meant we have had to primarily focus on responding to crisis situations, rather than proactively helping residents remain active, and for longer.”

As a result, the case management team decided change was in order.

First, a name change from case management to healthy living coordination accurately represents the shift in focus to proactive, comprehensive planning.

Next, it was time to improve the numbers. “The healthy living coordination team has experienced tremendous growth in 2019 by adding four new associates: Natishia McKown, Channelle Bastardo, Robert Torres and Nola Mokeyane. This expanded team now has 8 healthy living coordinators, a new healthcare moving coordinator position filled by former assisted living staff member Vivian Ciulla, and myself as the healthy living coordination manager,” said Janine.

This will allow the team to spend

more time welcoming new residents, introducing themselves to residents and family members, and making quarterly visits during the first year of residency – all with the goal of strengthening relationships. The team will also conduct annual visits with all residents to develop and maintain relationships and engage in proactive planning.

Meet the Healthy Living Cooridination Team

Proactive Coordination “We want to know who you are and what you need long before the time of crisis; that way, there’s no doubt that we can be there to support you in the way you need best,” said Janine.

For example, the healthy living coordination team plans to offer weekly follow-up for one month after residents are discharged from the hospital or Larsen Pavilion. Additional services are in place through the Home Care team that will ease this transition home, such as the Welcome Home program that is outlined on page 15. Another resource is a recent partnership between Shell Point and Gulf Care Transport that will result in an easy return trip home from any stay in the hospital.

Beyond healthcare provisions, there are many educational opportunities that support Healthy Living at Shell Point, such as quarterly educational classes by healthy living coordinators through the Wellness Connection. Support groups are also facilitated by healthy living coordinators to offer discussion, resources and a caring shoulder as needed.

The bottom line? It’s a new year and a new opportunity to focus on Healthy Living at Shell Point. As new resources or programs become available, residents can learn more by tuning into Shell Point Television (SPTV). The daily show hosts a recurring segment called Medical Minute, featuring Christy Skinner and various Healthy Living team members.

For those who did not attend the Healthy Living Forum but would like to review the presentation, a complete DVD recording can be made available by calling SPTV at (239) 489-8450.

Janine Hammond

Vivian Ciulla

Channelle Bastardo Stephanie Devlin

Alice DiFalco Natishia McKown

Nola Mokeyane Meghan Mueller

Katy Quinones Robert Torres

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Get Expert Advice at Legacy Seminars in March

of Lifelong Learning At

Shell

Poi n t

Making the Most of Your Money: Taking Advantage of the New Rising Interest Rate Environment When looking down the road, there is the distinct prospect of a continuation of rising short term rates with seven-plus years of zero interest rates and the bull market in bonds now clearly in the rear view market. In the past, the Federal Reserve has not always been successful in their attempts to provide economic stability.

Join Paul Weinstein, CFP, and Nadine Wilkes, CFP, of the Weinstein Wilkes Financial Group and independent firm of Raymond James Financial Services Inc., to find out if this time will be different – and if it will impact your portfolio.

Thursday, March 7 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Grand Cypress Room Woodlands

• • • • • •

Inflation versus rising rates – What is the biggest threat?

Investing in a rising interest rate environment What is a bond ladder and how do you build one?

What percentage of your portfolio should be in bonds?

What impact will rising rates have on the stock market?

What changes should you make so your portfolio can rise above rising rates?

Paul Weinstein, CFP

Nadine Wilkes, CFP

Estate Planning Fundamentals for Florida Residents Thursday, March 21 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Grand Cypress Room/WDLS In this informative presentation, estate planning attorney Kevin Kyle will discuss essential estate planning fundamentals for all Florida residents. Get answers to all of your questions about wills, trusts, advance directives and avoiding guardianship. This is a great program for new Florida residents or individuals who have questions regarding their estate plan and Florida laws.

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Kevin Kyle

Time to Review Your Estate Plan Annual Complimentary Wills Clinic on March 27 and 28

B Y J E F F C O R Y, C F P , C H F C , A E P , C T F A , E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R O F T H E L E G A C Y F O U N D A T I O N

As 2019 is in full swing, you may Here are three commonly cited reasons for delaying taking or may not have ditched your New action to update your will—and the responses to each: Year’s resolutions by now. The Legacy icant changes in the law affecting gift 1. Everything my spouse and I Foundation would like to suggest and estate taxes, so additional planning own is in joint tenancy, so we one resolution that does not require options may now be available. really don’t need a will. running shoes or a gym membership: Although your home, automobiles and reviewing your estate plan. It’s time 3. I am just too busy at the present bank accounts may be in joint tenancy, to dust off your estate planning time. I expect to be around there are probably some things that are documents and make sure your plan for a while, so I will do it later. individually owned. Furthermore, a will accurately reflects your current wishes Procrastination when you have no is necessary to dispose of property at the and goals. will leads to state law determining death of the survivor or in the event If you have not looked at your estate the division of your property. both spouses die in a common incident. plan recently, now is a great time to do Procrastination when you have an outso. Estate planning documents, such of-date estate plan could unintentionally 2. We completed an estate as your will, trust, powers of attorney disinherit new family members or result plan with a very good attorney and advanced healthcare directives in inequities that cause dissension. An years ago, and our family are living documents. As such, they up-to-date plan brings peace of mind, circumstances have not need to be reviewed and updated as the honors your values, insures you have changed since then. laws change and as your family, state the proper people in place to help you Even if family circumstances are essenof residence and financial situation during incapacity or death, and frees you tially the same, your assets – including change. Doing so will ensure that your to live fully without a nagging sense that those in retirement funds – have likely plan still satisfies all of your goals. something is undone. changed. Also, there have been signif-

Complimentary Wills Clinic

Space is limited, call 466-8484 to reserve your appointment.

If it has been some time, or your family circumstances have changed since you last reviewed your estate plan, come to the Legacy Foundation’s Annual Complimentary Wills Clinic on Wednesday, March 27 and Thursday, March 28.

Several of Southwest Florida’s leading estate planning attorneys will be onsite to provide a 30-minute complimentary review of your current estate plan.

Participants in the clinic this year include: Grace Gutierrez of Cummings & Lockwood, LLC; Christopher Halkitis of Sheppard, Brett, Stewart, Hersch, Kinsey & Hill, P.A.; David Platt, P.A.; and Kevin Kyle of Green Schoenfeld & Kyle, LLP. Space is limited for the Complimentary Wills Clinic, so please contact the Legacy Foundation at 466-8484 to schedule your appointment today. If you are unable to attend, please contact the Legacy Foundation to schedule a complimentary meeting with Jeff Cory, CFP, CTFA, to review your estate plan.

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Don’t Leave Your Dining Plans To Chance!

St. Patrick’s Day Dining

In honor of the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, several Shell Point restaurants are offering themed dining experiences for residents to enjoy with their guests. Please take careful note of the date for each special meal when making your plans!

PALM GRILL

BANYAN GRILLE

THE CRYSTAL

Saturday, March 16

Saturday, March 16

Monday, March 18

4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Palm Grill will be open for both lunch and dinner on Saturday, March 16, serving its regular menu. For lunch the Palm Grill will feature traditional corned beef and cabbage as its lunch special for $11. This includes a beverage and ice cream. For dinner, you’ll find a delicious Dublin salmon prepared for $18. Please note that the Palm Grill is closed on Sunday, March 17. Please call (239) 454-2059 for more information.

The dining team at the Banyan Grille invites you to join them on Saturday, March 16, for a buffet inspired by St. Patrick’s Day. You’ll find salads and sides – such as green cabbage and Irish soda bread – along with hearty entrées such as carved corned steamship round of beef, Panko Dijon crusted cod and traditional shepherd’s pie.

For dessert, don’t miss the bread pudding and Bailey’s cheesecake! For residents, golf members and guests, the meal costs $17, plus gratuity. Nonresidents will pay $23, plus gratuity. Please call (239) 225-2900 to place a reservation.

The Crystal invites you to enjoy a buffet held in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, which will take place on Monday, March 18 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. For $17, plus gratuity, enjoy all you can eat soup and salad. Buffet entrées include carved corned beef, Irish bangers, shepherd’s pie potato bowl, Irish stew and beer-battered haddock. An assortment of sides includes Irish soda bread and buttered cabbage. Be sure to save room for the dessert buffet!

Lunch: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dinner: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

2019 FineMark Investment Roundtable Series FineMark National Bank & Trust invites you to attend its monthly FineMark Investment Roundtable open-forum discussions about the markets and economy with investment experts. Each session will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Coastal Commons, located in the Coastal Links neighborhood.

These events are free, but seating is limited. Please RSVP to Anna Smith at (239) 461-5930 or asmith@finemarkbank.com.

Each roundtable will be held at 9 a.m. at Coastal Commons on the following dates:

Mark Your Calendars 44

Shell Point Life | March 2019

Thursday, March 21 Thursday, April 18 Thursday, May 16 Thursday, June 20 Thursday July 18

Thursday, August 15 Thursday, September 19 Thursday, October 17 Thursday, November 21 Thursday, December 19

SHELL POINT PRESENTS

2019

Make This the 2019 Healthiest Year of Your Life Yet! Tuesday, March 26 at 7 p.m.

Presented by Dr. Malissa Wood, Massachusetts General Hospital The Legacy Foundation, in conjunction with the Shell Point Wellness Connection, is pleased to present the 2019 Medical Breakthroughs & Discoveries Series, a healthcare speaker series designed to share updates on the latest advances in medical research and healthcare practice. This educational series features prominent local and national experts who will address recent advances in the fields of regenerative medicine, Alzheimer’s disease, nutrition, chronic disease and more.

Clinician, researcher and author Dr. Malissa Wood is devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.

During this presentation, she will cover the positive health benefits of lifestyle approaches that positively impact one’s cardiovascular and overall health. Dr. Wood will also discuss the benefits of exercise toward reducing effects of aging and improving heart health and overall well-being. She will also review helpful

steps for adopting a healthy lifestyle, stress management, and resiliency tips.

About the Presenter Malissa Wood, M.D., completed her undergraduate and medical degrees in the combined biology program offered by the University of Missouri at Kansas City. She completed her internship and residency in medicine at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts in 1990 where she served as chief medical resident. Dr. Wood’s cardiology training was also performed at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. In 1995, she completed an interventional cardiology fellowship at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio.

Dr. Wood joined the staff of Massachusetts General Hospital in 2000.

Today, her clinical activities include codirecting the Women’s Heart Health Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, serving as director of the

Corrigan Fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease in Women and working as an echocardiographer in the cardiac ultrasound laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Dr. Wood is on the leadership council of the American College of Cardiology Women in Cardiology Committee and is the governor-elect for the Massachusetts Chapter of the American College of Cardiology. She has made significant educational contributions to raising awareness about gender differences in cardiovascular disease risk, symptoms and preventive strategies locally, regionally and nationally.

Sign-up is Required All four Medical Breakthroughs & Discoveries presentations are free and open to the public; however, sign-up is required for each program. Shell Point residents may contact the Legacy Foundation office at (239) 466-8484, and the general public may call the event line at (239) 433-7936.

2019

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

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2

Magnolia House of Hope and Light

BY D OT T Y M O R R I S O N (C E L L A N A )

Once complete, Magnolia House of Hope and Light will offer a safe haven for survivors of human trafficking in Southwest Florida. Ana Stevenson, founder and president of Path2Freedom, will return to Shell Point to share her ministry with residents. Her goal is to create a place of hope and healing for survivors of human trafficking.

Magnolia House will provide a safe environment with services for long-term recovery, including schooling and faith-based support. Acreage with a house, barn, swimming pool and paddocks has been purchased and is in the process of being Ana renovated. You will be excited by the progress that Stevenson has been made since Ana’s last visit.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Women’s Connections meeting on Wednesday, March 20, at 10:15 a.m. Please arrive at 10 a.m. for special treats of coffee and donuts. Your heart will be touched in a new way, and donations for Path2Freedom will be accepted.

Spring Sing Join your friends and neighbors at The Village Church on Thursday, April 11, at 7:15 p.m. as the Shell Point Singers present their annual Spring Concert. Enjoy many of your favorite tunes as they celebrate Songs Through the Decades.

Season of Praise Presents

The Indiana Wesleyan University Chorale Wednesday, March 6 at 7:15 p.m. with God as the chorale sings works by The Indiana Wesleyan University the great composers: Mendelssohn, Bach, Chorale, under the direction of Monteverdi and Rachmaninov.

Master Davy , presents the finest The Village Church is delighted to level of performance and ministry in choral make this music ministry a free gift to music. This 80-voice ensemble is decided the Shell Point community; no ticket is by competitive auditions and represents a needed to enjoy this performance. Orchard wide spectrum of majors. The Chorale seeks Alliance is pleased to support The Village to worship the Lord Jesus Christ through Davy Chinn Church and partially sponsor the Season of a diverse repertoire of music, including sacred classics, hymns, spirituals and contemporary Praise concert series. This is just one example of how compositions. This year’s program will celebrate the The Village Church and Orchard Alliance are servattributes of God, blessings from God and eternity ing the Kingdom together.

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Shell Point Life | March 2019

A Time to Die

Fasting for Lent Begins Wednesday, March 6 B Y R E V. A N D R E W H A W K I N S , P H . D . , S E N I O R P A S T O R , T H E V I L L A G E C H U R C H

“A time to die.” A portion of a memorable phrase from Ecclesiastes 3:2.

It reminds us of the season we are about to enter. Ash Wednesday, followed by Lent.

A time of the year when Christians of various traditions think about dying. Not literally dying, but the kind of dying involved in repentance.

The season lasts about six weeks leading up to Good Friday and Easter. It is a time of preparation for Holy Week. We are to remember and contemplate the sacrifice of Jesus, His death on the cross as He paid the penalty for our sin.

The way the season is observed varies from tradition to tradition. Fasting is often involved, sometimes abstaining from certain kinds of meats. Special Lenten devotional prayer and acts of penance are frequently practiced. Usually, adherents give up some luxury to help remind them of Christ’s sacrifice.

I love seasons. That’s one of the things I miss about West Virginia. I love fall in West

Virginia! Cool, crisp mornings, the forests ablaze with color, mists rising off the rivers.

And I love the liturgical seasons as well. Advent and Christmas with all the decorations, celebrations, carols, candlelight. Holy Week and Easter, so central to the events of Christ’s redeeming work, filled with deep meaning and significance for the Christian.

But I admit to having a certain ambivalence about Lent. It’s a season for repentance, “a time to die” to something that we value.

The problem is that repentance is not seasonal. Jesus calls us to repent, period.

Not for six weeks. Not for a period of time.

Just repent. Turn from sin and self to serve the Savior. Twenty-four-seven. Three hundred sixty five days a year. Repentance is never out of season.

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness...” (1 Peter 2:24, ESV) Once we consider the kinds of things to

which we are to die, it becomes clear why repentance is not seasonal: For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. (Colossians 3:3–10, ESV) I do love the Lenten season. But for me, the season lasts all year long. I find myself to be a constantly repenting sinner. But “thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift” (2 Corinthians 9.15) of the saving and forgiving work of Jesus Christ!

Get Crazy for Stamps!

Wednesday, March 13

Ash Wednesday On Wednesday, March 6, Shell Point Director of Spiritual Services Sunny Torres will hold an Ash Wednesday Service in the dining room on the third floor of the Larsen Pavilion at 10 a.m. All are welcome to attend this brief service.

The Stamp Ministry has raised more than $1 million throughout the years, by processing stamps sent from all over the world. Funds from the sale of these stamps have supported many great causes, including the publishing of Sunday School materials and evangelical literature in Argentina.

You are invited to join other like-minded “cutups” for a morning of ministry, which will help the Stamp Ministry volunteers get caught up on a large volume of stamps that have arrived for processing! All you have to do to make a significant impact is to bring your scissors (no running!) and show off your scissor skills for two hours on Wednesday, March 13, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Village Church.

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Nature’s Notebook

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

Maleficent

I gagged, clutched my throat and sprawled onto the floor as if dying from asphyxiation, triggered by the second coat of Aquanet onto her hair.

She gave me a look of exasperation as a mother’s last warning before she snapped into full discipline mode. I quickly dialed back my foolishness, understanding that her preening was a necessary prelude for a trip to the movies; it was one of our favorite things to do together.

The Crest Theater on Gravois Road in south St. Louis was a small neighborhood cinema that projected second run films and children’s animated features. It was a post-war Quonset hut shape with a large marquee that consisted of white lightbulbs and white neon with black lettering. The matinée show was a bargain, and a respite from a six year old’s incessant talking.

Stepping over the velvet rope, we crept up the balcony stairs as if thieves in a grand mansion. Unashamedly, we snatched the center seats of the first row of the upper circle. Exchanging co-conspirator smiles and reveling in our stolen luxury, we sunk into the plush velour thrones with a ransom of popcorn and a flagon of forbidden cola. Although our television at home was still black and white, the opening credits of Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty announced that

it was in glorious Technicolor.

She appeared early in the film, tall, elegant and graceful with chartreuse eyes, and I was mesmerized. That fairy frightened me a little bit, but unlike The Wicked Witch of the West and her scary flying monkeys, I could not look away from Maleficent. Perhaps it was

that duality of good and evil contained within the one; I could not help but sense she still had some good left inside and I wanted so badly to believe in her.

A Golden Beauty

Thomas Jefferson received seeds from his Parisian friend Madame de Tessé in 1809 and germinated them. By March 1811, koelreuteria paniculata was growing at Monticello. This goldenrain tree has since naturalized at Monticello, and Jefferson’s

planting has been acknowledged as the first documented planting of the tree in the United States. Today, you can purchase bare root trees descended from this original planting in the gift shop.

Covered with thousands of yellow, half-inch sized blossoms in the spring, the goldenrain tree is a near-perfect name.

It does seem to rain flowers.

Like Maleficent, the raintree has an elegance that cannot be denied or contained, and like Maleficent, she is a shapeshifter. Just as Maleficent morphed into a dragon to fight Phillip, the goldenrain tree changes its blooms from yellow into a salmon-colored seed pod which appears to be a different colored flower. But, there is also a dark side to this beauty.

The goldenrain tree is considered a Category II invasive species in South Florida, and it is recommended that we no longer plant this tree to protect our natural environment. Only one specimen of our “Maleficent tree” remains at Shell Point. Although she has been uninvited, she will not be ignored.

In late spring, the goldenrain tree across the road from Harbor Court will begin to bloom and, while hidden in obscurity for half of the year, Maleficent now steps out of the shadows. Not content to be a Sleeping Beauty, the goldenrain tree is the good, the bad and the beautiful.