Shell Point Life Sep-Oct 2020

Sep/Oct 2020 Vol. 15 Issue 8

Sep/Oct 2020 Vol. 15 Issue 8

POWER

PLAYERS Meet a Few Midwestern Natives Who Share a Common Connection

Enclave Residents Move In Academy Classes Announced

Top Stories September/October

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Fall is generally the season when kids go back to school, the weather starts to cool off, and we begin looking forward to the upcoming holidays. This fall, however, schools have been in a quandary as to whether to send children back into the classroom, the weather is still a bit warm, and we are paying close attention to the national elections. For now, let’s focus on the positive stories that surround us here at Shell Point.

Letters from the Heart

Florida Gulf Coast University has created a program to connect its students to seniors through the (almost) long-lost art of letter writing.

Read how these students are making a difference in the lives of many here at Shell Point in the article on page 20.

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Welcome Enclave Residents

As construction continues in The Enclave, Shell Point is delighted to welcome our first group of residents into the new neighborhood. Several of the total of 35 homes that will make up The Enclave have already been completed and residents began moving in during the month of June.

Learn more on page 8.

Back to School

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Once again, the residents of Shell Point have assembled and distributed school supplies for the children and grandchildren of Shell Point employees. What a blessing this is for these families! This marks the 15th year that the inter generational committee here at Shell Point has provided this service. Special thanks go to David and Carol Krafft of The Estuary for spearheading this effort. Read all about it on page 10.

On The Cover Don Cox (Lakewood) is one of three Shell Point residents profiled in this issue who worked for Caterpiller for many years.

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Shell Point Life | September/October 2020

“In the same way, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE before others, so that they may see your good works AND GIVE GLORY TO your Father who is in heaven.”

– Matthew 5:16

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

Editor Lynn Schneider Creative Director Rich Cerrina Senior Graphic Designer Wendy Iverson Contributors Dawn Boren, Pat Bubb, Robyn Church, Claude Emler, Michelle Emmett, Janine Hammond, Jonathan High, Gabriella Kelly, Ginny MillerPlaza, Steve Morton, Don Pullen, Laura Slack, Jami Smith, Carol Sperlak, Susan Uhleman, Michael Weiss, Peggy Zimmerman 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

13921 Shell Point Plaza • Fort Myers, FL 33908

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

Making a

Difference Mary Hohulin Brings her Energy and Enthusiasm to Feeding the Hungry

BY BARBARA HILL FREEMAN

“Sure, I can do that.” According to Mary Hohulin, (Tellidora) those words have gotten her into trouble time and again. We beg to differ; instead of trouble, they’ve brought her adventure after adventure. She’s never let a desire to stay in her comfort zone stand in the way of her career, volunteer pursuits, challenging activities, or even moving to Shell Point. And, fortunately… so far, so good.

Most recently, Mary has been volunteering up to forty hours a week for the Midwest Food Bank, which contrary to its name, has one of its eleven locations in Fort Myers.

She serves as the organization’s bookkeeper, keeping track of monetary donations, paying the bills, and, lately, gathering and supplying information for county and state grants. Although she started with other tasks, the staff soon asked her to take on more responsibility. “Sure, I can do that,” she told them. And she does.

Aunt Mary

Before moving to Shell Point in 2016, Mary spent most of her life within a 40-mile radius of Peoria, Illinois, where she was born and raised, and nearby Normal, where she attended and taught school. As the seventh of eight children, she is closer in age to many of her 25 nieces and nephews than to her older brothers and sisters.

The family now also includes more than 70 great nieces and nephews and their spouses, and even 35-plus great-greats. They may be spread out geographically and number in the hundreds, but they remain a close-knit crowd and try to stay in touch.

“I’ve never been married, but I’ve always been blessed Continued on next page Shell Point Life | September/October 2020

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE Continued

by a large extended family that’s pretty wonderful,” Mary explains.

To keep up with the family when she began to feel disconnected during the pandemic, Mary started a Facebook group she calls “Visiting Aunt Mary.” She and others in the group, which is large but private, post pictures, family history, and other online content they can all enjoy. “It’s been so cool,” she says.

Following a Dream

In 1961, as a 17-year-old fresh out of high school, Mary got a job at Illinois Bell Telephone as a service representative. She says she can’t imagine why they hired her with no experience. Maybe her can-do attitude was apparent even then. After more than five years there, she spent another couple of years working at the General Motors Acceptance Corporation, processing loan applications.

Neither of those early jobs lived up to her dreams, though. “In my heart, I always wanted to be a teacher,” she explains. She enrolled in Illinois Central College as a part-time student and, after two years there, transferred to Illinois State University as an elementary education major.

Her plan was to become a kindergarten teacher. What she didn’t know then was

that in her 43 years as a teacher, she would never teach a kindergarten class. She came close when student-teaching first graders; but, she says, “I couldn’t make them behave for me because I always thought they were too stinkin’ cute.”

The Fort Myers branch is one of only eleven Midwest Food Bank locations in the world. There are three in Illinois, including both Peoria and Normal; one each in Arizona, Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Indiana; one in Nairobi, Kenya; and one in Haiti.

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“I Like Math”

After receiving her bachelor of science degree in 1971, Mary landed a job teaching fourth grade at Oakdale Grade School in Normal. “There I was,” she says, “a brandnew teacher in a brand-new job, and they asked me, ‘Will you coach cheerleading?’ I told them, ‘Sure, I can do that.’ I had no idea what I was doing, but I did it for four years.”

The next step in her career was a teaching job at “a little bitty country school” in Carlock, Illinois. It was made clear to her that part and parcel of her job as a fifth-grade teacher was coaching girls’ track, basketball, and volleyball. “I had never been to a track meet in my life,” she says. “I knew nothing about coaching any of it.” Nonetheless, she rose to the occasion.

She moved on to 21 years of teaching “mostly math” in Morton, Illinois – 13 of those years teaching eighth-grade math and the other eight teaching several subjects including math to sixth graders. She can’t help chuckling when she recalls, “In Morton, I was asked to coach the pom-pom squad. Of course, I said I could do that, but I

Shell Point Life | September/October 2020

knew even less about that than about cheerleading and track.”

Along the way, she earned a master’s degree. Between 1984 and 1986, she took two courses at night and over the summers to amass enough credits for the degree in math education. It’s no surprise when Mary says, “I like math.”

In 2000, she contacted Illinois Central College to see if they needed substitutes.

Instead, they asked her if she’d be willing to teach a summer course in statistics. “I’d only taught statistics at the junior high level, but naturally I said, ‘Sure, I can do that.’” Two years later, she became a fulltime faculty member, teaching a variety of college math courses including math for elementary school teachers. She held that post until just before she moved to Shell Point.

What Retirement?

When Mary arrived at Shell Point, she was newly retired and felt like a stranger in a strange land. Having grown up in the Apostolic Christian Church in Illinois, she was delighted to find a congregation in Estero and began attending services.

Among the 250 seasonal worshippers at the church are people she’s known for fifty years. “I needed that sense of familiarity, to feel connected,” she explains.

Even so, she still felt she had time on her hands. She was familiar with the Illinois-based Midwest Food Bank, and

“I have my real family, a Shell Point family, a church family, and a Midwest Food Bank family.”

From its location in a large, putty-colored warehouse, Midwest Food Bank serves more than 160 agency partners in 38 counties.

when she learned that there was a branch in Fort Myers, she signed on as a volunteer.

That was in October of 2016. At first, she performed tasks including distributing and inventorying food coming in and going out

of the food bank. She didn’t hesitate when in early 2019 she was asked to take on the vital role of bookkeeper.

The Fort Myers branch is one of only eleven Midwest Food Bank locations in the

world. There are three in Illinois, including both Peoria and Normal; one each in Arizona, Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Indiana; one in Nairobi, Kenya; and one in Haiti. To facilitate wider distribution, the organization sends trucks full of supplies from its central warehouses to numerous remote sites and disaster relief locations.

Because the Midwest Food Bank supplies food pantries and charitable institutions such as the Salvation Army and St. Matthew’s House, rather than individuals, the name doesn’t have the kind of wide recognition enjoyed by other organizations.

However, by receiving and distributing Continued on next page

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE Continued

truckload upon truckload of donated food, it plays an essential role in feeding millions of people who need help.

Why Fort Myers?

Many of the non-profit organization’s leaders, including founder and president, David Kieser, were snowbirds who headed to Southwest Florida from their homes in Illinois for the winter months. They saw a need in the area and began sending a semi-truck full of food each month. Local organizations joined in the effort as partners, and in 2014 the Midwest Food Bank of Florida opened.

From its location in a large, putty-colored warehouse off I-75 in North Fort Myers, Midwest Food Bank serves more than 160 agency partners in 38 counties.

Mary explains that the organization as a whole has more than 32,000 volunteers whose work is the equivalent of 154 full-time employees. With only four fulltime employees, the facility in Fort Myers relies heavily on its cadre of volunteers.

This is the branch for which Mary does all the bookkeeping.

While she’s able to work at home, and often did that during an extended illness, she’s normally on-site as much as four days a week. “I love it. I love the time I spend there,” she says. During the forty-minute

commute across the length and breadth of Fort Myers, she passes the time listening to books or music.

Though modest about her own essential volunteer efforts, Mary is proud of the food bank’s accomplishments. In addition to serving local food pantries and organizations on a regular basis, the Midwest Food Bank plays a leading role in disaster relief. Hurricane Irma tested the Fort Myers branch’s resources more than at any point before, but the food bank came through, providing essential fresh, frozen, canned, and packaged provisions. “We gave out a huge amount of food,” recalls Mary. “People were lined up in trucks, cars, SUVs, one after another. Still, we only scratched the surface.”

Before Mary left teaching at the age of 72, she had no time to volunteer. Once she moved to Florida, she says, “I needed something to do with my time, and I needed something to occupy my mind.

“I needed something to do with my time, and I needed something to occupy my mind. The food bank served that purpose. I feel so glad to be a part of it.”

The food bank served that purpose. I feel so glad to be a part of it.”

Shell Point, Without a Doubt

Ten years ago, Mary vacationed in Fort Myers. “I’d seen the area and had no desire to come back,” she says. “Florida was never in my retirement plans, but God has a tremendous sense of humor.”

Plans change, and for Mary that change began in 2015, during a dinner with longtime friends Dick and Phyllis Hermann in Illinois. At the time, the Hermanns spent much of their time living on their boat, but they told Mary of their plans to leave the nautical life and take up residence at Shell Point. She was intrigued. She was already considering retirement, and the Hermanns’ enthusiasm convinced her that she should take a look at the community.

“I fell in love with the idea,” Mary recalls, “and then when I visited, I fell in love with the place. I felt, this is where God wants me to complete my life.”

She did her due diligence, though, reading about the community online, attending seminars, and visiting again “to see if I really liked it.” When the time was right, she put her name on the list, and soon afterwards she was delighted to receive word that there was a studio apartment for her in Tellidora on The Island. She sold her house in Illinois in Mary didn’t hesitate when in early 2019 she was asked to take on the vital role of bookkeeper.

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Shell Point Life | September/October 2020

August of 2016 and moved to Shell Point two months later.

Fast forward another two months, and Mary learned of a one-bedroom, groundfloor apartment that would soon be available in the same court. She had only to wait for the renovations to be complete before she moved in. She appreciates the extra space, but she also delights in her view of the river and frequent dolphin sightings.

“My whole life, I thought it would be so cool to live on water,” she says. “I thought it was just a dream, but here I am!”

When downsizing in preparation for

her move to Florida, Mary made the decision to bring only her personal items and photographs. She received some valuable advice that helped her deal with the rest; i.e., instead of keeping treasured objects, take photos of them and write down your memories of each one. She did just that.

Then she invited her family and friends to moving “sales” and told them they could take what they wanted, for free.

Mary became very ill a year or so after moving to Florida. Friends at Shell Point helped her through what turned out to be a long ordeal, and she now has a clean bill of health. “I’m blessed,” she says; “I have a real family, a Shell Point family, a church family, and a Midwest Food Bank family.”

In her spare time, and when she can tear herself away from her captivating

view, Mary enjoys playing cards. Before moving to Shell Point, she was told she’d better learn how to play euchre, so she did. And, for good measure, she learned another Shell Point favorite, samba, which she says is like canasta.

“Sure, I can do that,” she told herself. She looks forward to participating in regularly scheduled card games once they resume.

She also bought a piano for her apartment but is quick to point out that she plays only for her own enjoyment.

Her music stand is full of hymn books and classical music. When one of her nieces brought her a stack of classical sheet music from Illinois, she took one look at the complicated pieces she once knew so well and thought, Did I ever play that? Now she’s making time to become reacquainted with the music she loves.

New inspiration struck recently when Mary took a Shell Point Academy course, “Writing Your Spiritual Legacy.” She thoroughly enjoyed the classes, which were taught by Judith Warren. She’s determined to make good use of what she learned and write the story of her own faith journey.

Now there’s only one thing left to say: Sure, she can do that!

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Shell Point Welcomes

Enclave Residents!

The community building makes a beautiful addition to the entrance of the neighborhood.

BY LYNN SCHNEIDER

As construction continues in The Enclave, Shell Point is delighted to welcome our first group of residents into the new neighborhood. Several of the total 35 homes that will make up this new neighborhood have already been completed and residents began moving in during the month of June. Frank and Karen McGlynn moved in on June 11, quickly followed by John and Barb Findley, Richard and Marcia Fenn, Bob and Beth Bauer, Lyn Reeves, Dick and Penny Boehning, Jim and Nancy Walts, and Mike and Marcia Scott.

According to Adam Hinds, vice president of operations, the remaining homes in The Enclave are in various stages of construction, which is progressing on schedule. “We are excited that new residents have begun moving into the neighborhood and we look forward to welcoming more soon,” said Hinds. “As construction continues, two to four homes will be completed each month through January of 2021.”

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Shell Point Life | September/October 2020

Frank and Karen McGlynn moved in on June 11, quickly followed by the rest of the group.

Facing page: Several of the new residents of The Enclave gather on the front porch of the neighborhood’s community building.

(L to R) John and Barb Findley, Jim and Nancy Walts, Frank and Karen McGlynn, Marcia and Richard Fenn, Beth and Bob Bauer, and Lyn Reeves.

Above: The pool area features a separate whirlpool and a large swimming pool with designated lap lanes and recreational seating areas.

Left: The Enclave community building will be available for neighborhood get-togethers, as well as various resident life functions throughout the year such as card and game groups. The interior of the community building features a great room concept with a refined contemporary design with a wood-trimmed coffered ceiling, modern linear chandeliers, dark wood furnishings and a large screen TV. Below: An aerial view (July) shows the progress of this neighborhood, which features old-Florida style architecture set among the fairways and lakes of Shell Point’s championship golf course.

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It’s Time for

Back-to-School Residents Distribute School Supplies to Employees B Y LY N N S C H N E I D E R , D I R E C TO R O F M A R K E T I N G A N D C O M M U N I C AT I O N S

For the past 15 years, the residents of Shell Point Retirement Community in Fort Myers have assembled and distributed school supplies to the children and grandchildren of Shell Point’s employees. Despite the current pandemic, and the uncertainty of what the school year would bring, residents once again provided this generous gift.

This annual event, which began in 2006, was the brainchild of retired school teacher Janet Bendall of Coquina, who was joined by other resident volunteers who formed an Intergenerational Committee and worked as a team on this project. “I am so thrilled to see that this is still going strong,” said Bendall.

Shell Point resident volunteers, David and Carol Krafft of The Estuary, have helped head up the program for the last three or four years. “The employees do so much for us. This is a wonderful way for all of us to show the employees how much we care about them and their families,” said David Krafft. “Shell Point residents donate money toward the purchase of the school supplies and then a team of volunteers assembles the bags, which are distributed to all 10

Dorothy Zablotsky (Oakmont), Alma LaBour (Eagles Preserve), and Meagan Doane Odienne Petit Fort and John Belvy

Carol Cary (Oakmont)

Shell Point Life | September/October 2020

Above: Estuary residents David Krafft, Patricia Fishburne, and Carol Krafft Bottom left: Dieula Blanc and Alma LaBour (Eagles Preserve)

Glenn Gilhooly and Morton Zablotsky (Oakmont)

Patricia Fishburne (The Estuary) and Margaret Byrne

“This is a wonderful way for all of us to show the employees how much we care about them and their families.” — David Krafft (The Estuary) employees who have children or grandchildren in kindergarten through 5th grade.”

This year, 725 bags of school supplies were assembled by dedicated resident volunteers over a three-day period. The red book bags were brimming with 24 essential items including

spiral notebooks, pocket folders, a pencil bag, pencils, pens, colored pencils, erasers, a pencil sharpener, scissors, a ruler, glue sticks and, due to the current pandemic, a face mask.

Shell Point is home to approximately 2,500 residents and employs more than 1,200 employees,” said Jim Clark, direc-

Pedro Santiago Martinez

tor of employee ministry. “We know that residents want to show employees how much they care in a tangible way. These bags provide a helpful back-to-school boost for the children and grandchildren of Shell Point employees. I know the employees who receive them are incredibly grateful.”

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CRAWLING WITH CATERPILLAR Three Midwesterners Satisfied Their Thirst for Travel with the Big CAT

By Verla Wallace and Lynn Schneider

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Shell Point Life | September/October 2020

Don Cox (Lakewood)

Career change experts say the average person changes careers five to seven times before they retire. Today the average employee stays less than five years on a job. There are three Shell Point residents, however, who remarkably break the mold when it comes to longevity with one employer. These men, who didn’t know each other before they moved to Shell Point, worked most of their professional lives for the same company. Their employer? Caterpillar, Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.

Affectionately called CAT (the nickname has been copyrighted), Caterpillar is a 95-year old company with sales last year of $54 billion. Its products are sold and used by customers all over the world.

Richard Hermann, Leo Hojczyk and Don Cox all have the same opinion of their employer. They agree that Caterpillar was a great place to work, loyal to its employees and offered them challenging career assignments. Among the three of them, their jobs with Caterpillar sent them across the United States, Canada, Russia, Brazil, Columbia, Paraguay, Chile, Peru, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, Oman, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, China, Australia, Singapore and Mongolia.

Continued on next page

CRAWLING WITH CATERPILLAR

we arranged a caravan of 25 trucks loaded with parts and specialized Continued technicians who drove from the UAE, through Saudi Arabia, and then into Kuwait.”

In 1994, Dick and his family moved to Moscow, Russia. His job was to grow what used to be a two-person office into an organization of more than 100 people to develop dealers to sell Caterpillar All three of the Shell Point products throughout the former CAT alumni have Midwestern Soviet Union. roots—Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio The kids were off to college by and Pennsylvania—and agree the time Dick and his wife returned there has always been a strong to Peoria, where he helped launch Midwestern feel to Caterpillar’s the award-winning Caterpillar workforce. But, Richard (Dick) University.

Hermann (Turban) wanted to see Within five years, however, the world.

Dick and Phyllis Hermann enjoyed sailing on beautiful they moved back to Russia, living Dick was born in Cleveland, Lake Geneva in Switzerland in the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, Ohio and spent his early years where Dick was District Manager, in Pittsburgh. His family moved east to Connecticut where he attended him and his young family to Geneva, responsible for all of Caterpillar’s business high school and later Amherst College Switzerland, for five years. When they in Eastern Russia and Mongolia. “The in Massachusetts before returning to the moved to Munich, Germany, Dick moved average year-round temperature was 32 Midwest in the mid-1970s. Dick was living into sales and marketing, covering dealers degrees,” Dick says. “Although it was a lot in Peoria, Illinois where he met his future in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. “We colder living in Siberia, Novosibirsk felt wife, Phyllis, through mutual friends. The visited both East and West Berlin in 1988, much friendlier than Moscow. It was a woncouple married in 1977 and had three chil- shortly before the Berlin Wall came down,” derful place to work and live. Mongolia was fascinating, too.” dren: Annalis, Otto and Karl. The family Dick said.

After a second tour at Caterpillar For the next six years, their home was in soon found themselves living and traveling all over the world as Dick’s career with Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from where University in Peoria, this time specializDick traveled regularly to visit dealers in ing in online learning, Dick’s final overseas Caterpillar took off.

He started his career at world head- the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, assignment was based in the Netherlands as quarters in Peoria, Illinois, setting prices Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. “Immediately Caterpillar Work Tools Sales and Marketing for replacement parts. That work took after the first Gulf War, I was in Kuwait Manager for Europe, Africa and the Middle for the oil field fires. East. He retired in 2014.

“Caterpillar was a great employer,” Because of the extent of the damage, the Kuwaiti Dick says. “While I was there, we further government turned to globalized the company’s manufacturing Caterpillar to help with and distribution footprint, and supported the recovery. Within a our customers with the best products and few weeks of liberation, services in the world.”

Dick Hermann

A FRONT SEAT TO HISTORY

Dick and Phyllis take a Sunday Drive in the Dubai desert Dick and Phyllis on safari with their children at Governors Camp in Kenya, Africa

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Shell Point Life | September/October 2020

Dick Hermann (Turban)

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“

THE COMPANY WAS LOYAL TO US. THERE COULDN’T HAVE BEEN A BETTER JOB FOR ME. – LEO HOJCZYK

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CRAWLING WITH CATERPILLAR Continued

Leo Hojczyk

A TRAVEL WISH FULFILLED Leo Hojczyk (Lakewood) was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a young man, Leo got a job working for the Wisconsin State Highway Commission while still a student at Marquette University, where he received a degree in civil engineering. However, Leo soon realized this wasn’t a career path he wanted to follow. He wanted to travel and get into marketing and sales. So he accepted an invitation to interview with Caterpillar in Peoria, Illinois.

When Caterpillar flew him to Peoria on a DC3 plane for a job interview, he was hooked. He says, “I had never flown before, and I thought, ‘I’m really living now.’”

Working for Caterpillar was a family affair. Leo started with the company in 1962, along with his father-in-law, uncle and later a son-in-law, who also joined the CAT fraternity.

Leo met his wife Sally at Caterpillar,

where she worked as a secretary. The couple married in 1964, and they looked forward to an opportunity when they would be able to travel. That desire was answered in a big way. Caterpillar deployed Leo to all ten provinces in Canada. While in Canada, their first daughter, Cindy, was born.

After returning to Peoria, they welcomed their second daughter, Julie, before they were later sent to Geneva, Switzerland, Caterpillar’s headquarters for Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

One of Leo’s main jobs in the early years was working with dealers to teach them techniques for selling their products.

“There was a lot of emphasis on increasing our market share, so the dealers were under pressure to increase their sales effectiveness.”

Leo especially loved the benefits that came from working in sales. Caterpillar was a sponsor of several major sporting events, including motorsports like NASCAR, which enabled Leo to attend important sporting events such as the Super Bowl, the Kentucky Derby and the Indianapolis 500 with Caterpillar dealers and customers as part of his job in sales.

Leo retired after 36 years, but fondly remembers, “I only had one job interview in my life because the company was loyal

to us. There couldn’t have been a better job for me.” He knew his customers liked and respected him because when he retired, he was showered with gifts and going-away parties.

“That really got to me,” Leo says. “I got a lump in my throat because it was clear my customers appreciated the service I had provided and that Caterpillar had taken good care of them.”

Don Cox

HIGH SCHOOL APPRENTICE TO WORLD TRAVELER

Don Cox (Lakewood) was still in high school when Caterpillar first took an interest in him. Don was born and raised in Pekin, Illinois, just a few miles outside the long shadow of the main Caterpillar factory in Peoria. Nearly everyone worked at Caterpillar including Don’s older brother, Harold.

Don followed in his older brother’s footsteps by taking industrial arts classes in high school where he showed an aptiContinued on next page

Leo, Sally, Cindy and Julie riding camels in Tunisia, Africa.

Sally and Leo at the Sydney Opera House.

The Hojczyk family skiing in France.

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Don in front of Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow’s Red Square.

Don, Dixie and their son, Brian at Machu Picchu in the Andes Mountains of Peru.

Don standing in front of the Tiananmen Gate, at the entrance to the Forbidden City in Beijing, China.

CRAWLING WITH CATERPILLAR Continued

tude for working with machinery. Don planned to apply for the four-year journeyman machinist apprenticeship program at Caterpillar. Since Don graduated from high school in three years, instead of the usual four, he was only 17, so he had to wait a few months before he could join the program. Caterpillar let Don hire on after he graduated in June 1951, but he had to wait until January of 1952 before he could join the apprentice program.

“I swept floors for a few months and, when the foreman wasn’t looking, I started running the machines,” he grinned. “That gave me a jump on the other apprentices.”

In addition to his four years of training as a machinist, Don also took an additional year of specialized training.

By then, Don had learned how to operate many of Caterpillar’s specialized machines. “That experience helped me receive numerous promotions over the years.” He traveled around the world 21 times and eventually visited 48 states, all by the age of 25.

As Don was advancing at Caterpillar, he met his future wife, Dixie, who worked in the personnel department. Don and Dixie married in 1959. They were a Caterpillar couple through and through.

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They had their son, Brian, in 1963 and continued living in Peoria as Don worked his way up the corporate ladder. Don says.

“I was willing to work anywhere in the world. I never asked for a promotion and never turned one down. When they came to me with an offer, I took it. However, I could never have taken advantage of all those opportunities without the support and sacrifices of my wonderful wife, Dixie.”

From 1978 to 1980, Don and his family were transferred to Brazil where he worked as a project manager and traveled all over South America. After the family returned to the United States, Don spent the next six years traveling back and forth, mostly to China, where he served as an international manufacturing consultant. Don developed a routine for the fly-arounds. “I’d leave Chicago for London, then Bombay (now Mumbai) and Bangalore, India, China, Indonesia, Hong Kong and then home. I was on the road three to four months at a time.”

“The scariest time for me came in 1986, when other staff members and I were sent to the Moscow office about ten days after the Chernobyl nuclear power

Shell Point Life | September/October 2020

accident. Russia had not yet admitted it was a nuclear disaster—the worst in history,” Don remembers. “About 30 people died immediately, but estimated deaths indirectly tied to the accident for years afterwards could not be verified as it killed thousands and thousands of people over the long-term.”

“We had a small kitchen in the office with a few tables for dining,” Don explained. “I suggested we go to the American Embassy and use a Geiger counter to check the fresh food like cabbage and fruit before we ate it. It turned out I was right. It was definitely radioactive and we didn’t eat it.”

Don is extremely grateful for his 45-year manufacturing career at Caterpillar, which gave him the most unusual and exciting experiences of a lifetime. “They took an interest in a snot-nosed kid before he even graduated from high school,” Don says.

“The time was right. It was just after WWII and the economy was tremendous. The company was growing and treated us right. The color of the company’s logo was ‘Hi-Way Yellow’ and black,” he recalled. “My wife and I used to say we had ‘yellow blood.’”

TRIB NOTES

DRUMS ALONG THE CALOOSAHATCHEE

BY MICHAEL WEISS, FINE & PERFORMING ARTS MANAGER

When Tribby Arts Center opens, in addition to gallery exhibitions, performances and active studios, there will also be hands-on classes. One of the first on the drawing board is a percussion workshop.

About The Workshop

The percussion workshop, which will meet once a week for four weeks, will be fun for novices and insightful for more experienced musicians. Participants will learn how to play hand drums and other percussion instruments, while also learning rhythm patterns, technique, and percussion notation.

“Rhythm is fundamental to all things and the structural foundation for melody and harmony in music. The percussion workshop provides us with an opportunity to learn and play rhythms from around the world, and to play them on easy-tolearn percussion instruments. The fun and joy of playing percussion instruments together in a group is an uplifting experience,” said Warrin Meyers of The Estuary, who has been instrumental in getting the workshop started at Shell Point.

Philharmonic, Jacksonville Symphony, Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Opera, Orlando Philharmonic, The Florida Orchestra, and Palm Beach Opera.

A native of Costa Rica, Isaac moved to the United States at age 16 and attended Interlochen Arts Academy where he began his percussion studies. He completed undergraduate studies at Oberlin Conservatory of Music; received his Master of Music from Boston University where he studied under Tim Genis (principal timpanist with the Boston Symphony, and a leading mallet designer/manufacturer); and received his Performance Diploma from Lynn Conservatory where he was a student of Ted Atkatz (co-founder of the alternative rock band NYCO and former

principle percussionist with the Chicago Symphony).

Isaac has performed under renowned conductors such as Lorin Maazel, Valery Gergiev, Krysztof Penderecki, Donald Runnicles, and Giancarlo Guerrero, and has shared the stage with musicians from the Chicago Symphony, Berlin Philharmonic, and Vienna Philharmonic. In 2015, he made his Carnegie Hall debut as principal timpanist of the International Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. Isaac is a Zildjian Avedis sponsored artist.

How To Register

For more information or to pre-register, please contact Michael Weiss at (239) 2252919 or MichaelWeiss@shellpoint.org.

About The Instructor

The workshop will be led by Isaac Fernández Hernández, percussionist with the Southwest Florida Symphony. Isaac also performs regularly with the Naples Professional musician Isaac Fernández Hernández will lead the percussion workshop at the Tribby Arts Center.

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Letters

Volunteer Coordinator Carol Sperlak

FROM THE HEART

B Y LY N N S C H N E I D E R , D I R E C T O R O F M A R K E T I N G & C O M M U N I C A T I O N S

As the current pandemic forces senior adults across the country, and more specifically at Shell Point, to spend a greater part of their day indoors, a trip to the mailbox has taken on far greater significance. With this in mind, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has created a program to connect its students with seniors through the (almost) long-lost art of letter writing.

FGCU’s mascot is an eagle, so the aptly named program is called Students and Seniors: From Our Nest to Theirs. The concept was the brainchild of Julie Gramazio, who is currently 20

Shell Point Life | September/October 2020

working on her master’s in the English program at FGCU. Julie recognized the threat of isolation that could occur when an individual is home alone, separated from family and friends. Seeing this need among senior adults in Southwest Florida, she also recognized the value that letter writing might bring to the lives of her fellow students who rely almost solely on text messaging and email. “We’ve lost the art of ‘tailored reflecThe concept was the brainchild of Julie Gramazio, who is currently working on her master’s in the English program at FGCU.

97 years young – only kidding about the young. I am a WWII veteran.”

Bob went on to describe his service in the Navy in the South Pacific and his life in Europe during the 1960s where he lived in Paris and London. “So, I have been in many planes,” he continued. He then described his most exciting experience on a plane, which was with his late wife as they were leaving Chicago. She asked Bob if all of the propellers should be turning.

As he wrote in his letter, “I said, yes indeed and looked out the window.

Sure enough, one engine was feathering. Fortunately, the pilot dumped the fuel, leaving just enough to land us safely, and the three engines kept Dr. Fiona Tolhurst, Chair of FGCU’s Department of Language and Literature us in the air.”

Bob concluded his letter to Delaney by writing, “Best wishes to you and expected. I decided to continue even after your generation. You have a lot of work to the course was over. I hope these letters have made this easier for them.” do to make a better world.”

“The very idea that a young female col“I was so surprised to receive a letter back,” said Delaney. “I was looking for a lege student would receive a letter from a way to volunteer during the summer, but World War II veteran shows how this projthis turned out to be so much more than I ect can bridge the gap between the generations,” said Carol.

Dr. Tolhurst agrees, “Students and Seniors is helping FGCU students build relationships with local seniors. It is also helping the students learn about seniors’ hopes for the current generation of university students—all while students are developing their letter-writing skills.

This program is a win for members of both generations.”

“As students of Florida Gulf Coast University, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to engage with senior adults at Shell Point,” said Julie. It is our belief that isolation need not mean separation, and we hope that these letters will act as a bridge that connects students and seniors for many years to come.”

“In addition to writing these letters, we have also started a Facebook group that is open to the public called Students and Seniors: From Bob Savage, a resident of the King’s Crown Our Nest to Theirs. All are welassisted living at Shell Point, was one of the first residents to receive a letter. come to join. It is our hope that this Facebook group will become another FGCU student Delaney Hempfling was excited to way in which students and seniors receive a response to her letter from Bob Savage connect with each other during this and plans to continue her involvement in the program. challenging time.

tion’ in our communication,” said Julie.

Julie took the idea for the letter-writing project to Dr. Fiona Tolhurst, Chair of the Department of Language and Literature who embraced the concept and helped create a formal program that was introduced in several departments as a structured learning module that incorporates a service-learning component. So far, 107 students have participated in the program, generating hundreds of cards and letters. Recently, Carol Sperlak, volunteer coordinator here at Shell Point, received a large delivery of these missives, which she distributed to all three of Shell Point’s assisted living facilities and the skilled nursing center.

“This is such a meaningful program,” said Carol. “I was able to read several of the letters and handmade cards. They are so sweet and encouraging. Many of the students shared how they are feeling during this pandemic and hopefully our residents will do the same by writing a letter back.”

Bob Savage, a resident of the King’s Crown assisted living at Shell Point, was one of the first residents to receive a letter, which was written by FGCU student Delaney Hempfling. Delaney wrote the letter in July, as she was sitting in the Atlanta airport. As she wrote about how her experience flying that day was being affected by the pandemic, she asked the question, “Have you ever been on a plane? If so, what was your best experience flying?”

Bob enjoyed reading Delaney’s letter and responded with a handwritten letter of his own. “What a lovely letter…,” he started. “I am

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Seeing 20/20 in 2020

September Course Schedule J O N AT H A N H I G H , W E L L N E S S A N D E D U C AT I O N M A N A G E R

When we chose this theme for the Academy back in December of 2019, who would have known how relevant and appropriate it would now be. At the time, it was meant to be a short slogan which we would refer to throughout the year. In previous articles, we referenced the theme by identifying our need to stay focused and by viewing things from multiple perspectives, as well as the need to ask ourselves the right questions in order to demonstrate critical thinking when making a decision. Then, the pandemic hit and 2020 has become unclear; forcing us to see things differently.

This Coronavirus certainly has been disruptive causing many of us to wish we could skip the rest of 2020 and just start again in 2021. Even though we may feel that way, it doesn’t work that way. Reflecting upon the last few months, I keep coming back to a question I saw a few weeks ago.

See if this resonates with you as well.

Fall Semester Announcement

How has 2020 impacted you?

Feeling BURIED or PLANTED? For sure there have been times when I felt buried. The sheer volume of information has been overwhelming. Not knowing what is true or which expert to trust has definitely made things unclear.

Realizing that we will continue to deal with this virus in the future, has caused me to shift my attention away from the chaos and instead focus on opportunities that will help me grow and ultimately flourish.

In order to learn these valuable lessons, I must see my current circumstances as fertile ground where new seeds of growth can be planted. For sure, these seeds are small and still in their embryotic state, but the germination process has begun and growth is happening.

How have these last few months impacted you? How will you refocus and finish 2020 “seeing 20/20”?

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The fall brings a fresh start to the Academy of Lifelong Learning at Shell Point. Although there is a need for us to continue our version of “distance learning,” we are excited to share with you what we have planned for September. We made the decision not to do a full three month catalog for the fall semester, but instead to organize the classes and workshops monthto-month.

All of our Academy sessions will be recorded and then aired on SPTV Channel 12. The date and time listed will be the first time that the class is aired. We will continue to rerun many of the programs throughout the week, which will be listed in the Weekly Reminder. We have also created a virtual Community Library on the Shell Point resident website (www.shellpoint.net) where you can log on and access our past Academy programming.

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There are two classes that you will need to register for at The Woodlands or The Island Concierge Desks if you want to participate. See specific details under the course description.

FLL10 – Owl Pellet Dissection Lab To purchase a dissection kit ($12) T301 – Apple iPad Basics on Zoom Limit of 12 students You will not need to register for any of the other classes. If you have questions, please send email to academy@shellpoint.org

For the Love of Learning THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 11:00 A.M. – SPTV CH. 12

FLL01 - Evolution of the French Monarchy (Session 2) – Louis XV and Madame de Pompadour by Nancy Maxwell Succeeding his great grandfather Louis XIV at the age of five, Louis XV enjoyed a long, eventful reign that included an extravagant patronage of the arts and the disaster of the Seven Years War. However, his relationship with the brilliant and dazzling Madame de Pompadour is what perhaps left the greatest mark. This presentation will offer insights into the key events of the reign of Louis XV. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 3:00 P.M. – SPTV CH. 12

FLL02 - Legendary Places – The “Bucket List” (Session 1) by Professor Adrian Kerr, Director of Corporate Training FSW Travel with Professor Kerr to 21 of the most exotic and legendary historical places in the world. How many of these “Legendary Places” are on your bucket list? How many of them have you visited? This, four-part series will proceed in chronological order: Session 1 Great Pyramid, Egypt 2500 BC Stonehenge, England 2300 BC Atlantis, Santorini 1600 BC Persepolis, Iran 500 BC Parthenon, Athens 400 BC WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 11:00 A.M. – SPTV CH. 12

FLL03 - US Constitution: What are We Fighting For? (Session 1) by A. Norton McKnight (Lucina) After completing his service in WWII, this veteran wanted to know more about the U.S. Constitution that he had “sworn to protect” when he enlisted. Based on a thorough investigation, Norton now understands the unique and distinctive qualities of our country’s most important document.

Before they wrote “We the People” they had an idea for which to fight and die for. That idea — “we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal” — what does it mean?

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 3:00 P.M. – SPTV CH. 12

FLL04 - America’s Beethoven by Dr. Tom Cimarusti, Professor of Musicology at Bower School of Music, FGCU Although an American musical voice would not be firmly established until the late 19th century, there were a number of composers who had an enormous influence on musical life in America, including a Bohemian-born businessman who came to be known as the “Beethoven of America.”

Come explore the early history of American concert life as we examine not only the music and life of “America’s Beethoven,” but also the cultural forces that shaped an Anthony Heinrich American musical identity.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 11:00 A.M. – SPTV CH. 12

FLL05 – The Pilgrim’s Way (Session 1) by Dr. Anne-Marie Bouché As the pandemic marches on and we bid a sad farewell to our fantasies of travelling abroad any time soon, Dr. Anne-Marie Bouché, Associate Professor of Art History at Florida Gulf Coast University, invites you to join her on a virtual pilgrimage to three of The Abbey of the most spectacular and culturally Sainte-Foy of Conques rich destinations of the Middle Ages: The Abbey of Sainte-Foy of Conques (France), the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres (Notre-Dame de Chartres, France) and the shrine of Thomas Becket, Christ Church Cathedral, Canterbury (England).

Session 1: The Abbey and Treasury of Sainte-Foy, Conques Lost amidst a secluded valley in the rugged landscape of south-central France, the Romanesque Abbey Church of Conques was the only ecclesiastical foundation in all of France that survived the Revolutionary period and the ravages of the 19th and 20th century demolitions and wars with its artistic heritage and treasury intact.

Session 2 and 3 will be presented by Dr. Bouché in October.

Stonehenge, England

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The Berlin Wall

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 3:00 P.M. – SPTV CH. 12

FLL06 - Legendary Places – The “Bucket List” (Session 2)

by Professor Adrian Kerr The virtual journey continues as Professor Kerr gives key insights into the history and culture of these “Legendary Places.”

Session 2 Petra, Jordan 200 BC Hagia Sophia, Istanbul 30 AD Coliseum, Rome 71 AD Pompeii, Italy 79 AD Ephesus, Turkey 125 AD Teotihuacan, Mexico 400 AD WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 11:00 A.M. – SPTV CH. 12

FLL07 - U.S. Constitution: What are We Fighting For? (Session 2) by A. Norton McKnight (Lucina) Before they wrote “We the People” they had a country to fight and die for. Although ratified in 1788, the original constitution was not complete. Many of our Founding Fathers didn’t believe that it fully protected the basic principles of human liberty. Mr. McKnight will discuss why the addition of the “Bill of Rights” to the U.S. Constitution proved to be a significant and galvanizing influence in our country’s early history.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 11:00 A.M. – SPTV CH. 12

FLL08 - The Rise and Fall of the Berlin Wall

by Anette Isaacs It is hard to believe, but this October, Germany will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Unification; the culmination of a process that started with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Join German historian and ex-Berliner Anette Isaacs, M.A., as she presents an historical and political overview of this painful but also almost miraculous period in Berlin’s captivating history.

Teotihuacan, Mexico

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 3:00 P.M. – SPTV CH. 12

FLL09 - Legendary Places – The “Bucket List” (Session 3) by Professor Adrian Kerr For many, these “Legendary Places” have become part of a bucket list. In session 3, Professor Kerr takes us to four more historical places in the world that have meant so much to him over the years.

Session 3 Borobudur, Java 800 Venice, Italy 1000 Angkor Wat, Cambodia 1100 Alhambra, Spain 1200 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 11:00 A.M. – SPTV CH. 12

FLL10 - J.N. Ding Darling presents Owl Pellet Dissection Lab in your home Join the J.N. Ding Darling Conservation Educator and learn interesting facts about some of Florida’s owls, their habitat, adaptations needed to succeed in their environment, and their role in the food web. If you want, you can participate with your own dissection kit at home! Along with the educator, you will examine, sort, and identify the contents of your owl pellet and draw conclusions based on your own results.

Each kit comes with two real owl pellets, magnifying glass, wood dissection stick and a work mat with a bone sorting chart.

The pellets are dried through a dry-heat sterilization and do not have an odor.

To purchase your own dissection kit, you will need to contact one of the Concierge Desks. Each kit costs $12 and will be charged to your account. The kit will be delivered to you before the lecture on 9/22.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 11:00 A.M. – SPTV CH. 12

FLL11 - U.S. Constitution: What are We Fighting For? (Session 3) by A. Norton McKnight (Lucina) Session 3 What “We the People” did not cover. The sins of being an American - We stole the land from the Native Indians, our country’s wealth was built on the backs of slaves and the inequality of human rights for all.

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 3:00 P.M. – SPTV CH. 12

FLL12 - Musical Settings in Florida by Dr. Tom Cimarusti Although many composers had professions outside of music, the English-born Frederick Delius is arguably the only one who could lay claim to managing an orange plantation in Jacksonville, Florida. Come explore how the sultry heat, the tropical beauty and smells of Jacksonville inspired Delius in creating one of the most popular and endearing orchestral works, “The Florida Suite of 1887”.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 11:00 A.M. – SPTV CH. 12

FLL13 - Evolution of the French Monarchy (Session 3)

by Nancy Maxwell Marie Antoinette may have been extravagant, but she did not cause the revolution! This session will examine the development of the revolution and the unpredictable shifts of power that led to the overthrow of the ancient regime, the execution of the king, and the eventual rise of Napoleon.

Catteleya Orchid and Three Brazilian Hummingbirds

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 11:00 A.M. – SPTV CH. 12

FLL16 - Florida Landscapes of Martin Johnson Heade

by Carol Jonson Martin Johnson Heade was the first important American artist to live permanently in Florida. A member of the 19th century Hudson River School of painters, Heade moved to St. Augustine and began painting luminist works that enticed people to come to Florida; newly opened to them with the construction of railroads and the building of grand hotels built by Heade’s patron, Henry Morrison Flagler.

Carol Jonson is an experienced presenter who offers classes on a wide range of topics. She has previously presented in the Academy on the Gardens of Monet and the works of Vincent Van Gogh.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 11:00 A.M. – SPTV CH. 12

Technology Today & Tomorrow

FLL14 - Ding Darling Film Series – Wings of Life From Disneynature, the studio that brought you “Earth,” “Oceans,” “African Cats,” and “Chimpanzee,” comes a stunning adventure full of intrigue, drama and mesmerizing beauty called the “Wings of Life.” Narrated by Meryl Streep, this intimate and unprecedented look at butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats and flowers is a celebration of life, as a third of the world’s food supply depends on these incredible creatures.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 3:00 P.M. – SPTV CH. 12

FLL15 - Legendary Places – The “Bucket List” (Session 4) by Professor Adrian Kerr Looking to travel abroad...virtually? Join Professor Kerr as he continues his journey to these “Legendary Places.”

Forbidden City, Beijing 1400 Shwedagon, Burma 1400 Samarkand, Uzbekistan 1400 Machu Picchu, Peru 1500 Potala, Tibet 1600 Taj Mahal, India 1600

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 15, 22 (3 SESSIONS) 10:00 A.M. • LIMIT 12 STUDENTS

You will need to register for this class by contacting the Woodlands or the Island Concierge Desks.

T301 - Apple iPad Basics with Bob Jakubiec (This class is offered through a Zoom video call) Join this iPad class via Zoom. A meeting link will be sent to you each week. This course will be an examination of your iPad controls, Notification Center, Control Center, Sidebars and Spotlight.

Topics from customization of your iPad, Apps and how to use them, and others will be covered, along with interesting operations that will help make your iPad more useful to you. Be sure to know your Apple ID and password for the App Store.

Prerequisites: None Requirements: Newer iPad with the latest iOS installed.

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Judy Kinsinger, Sue Stranahan and Dede D’Arcy

Meet This Year’s Employee Christmas Fund Committee B Y LY N N S C H N E I D E R , D I R E C T O R O F M A R K E T I N G A N D C O M M U N I C A T I O N S

Everyone knows the Bible story about the three wise men who followed the star over Bethlehem, but this is a story about three wise women. Allow me to introduce this year’s Employee Christmas Fund Committee (ECFC): Judy Kinsinger of Royal Bonnet, Dede D’Arcy of Eagles Preserve and Sue Stranahan of Coquina.

Each year it can be a bit of a challenge to find a resident who is willing to take on the volunteer role to chair the Employee Christmas Fund Committee. This year, a group of friends agreed to tackle the project as a team.

Judy, Dede and Sue all have the distinction of being second generation Shell Point residents. These women have seen firsthand the many years of caring, serving and sat26

isfying that have been provided by Shell Point employees for their family members first and now for themselves.

Judy Kinsinger An Attitude of Gratitude

Judy’s parents lived in Nautilus for 16 years, so she became very familiar with the community before she moved in herself.

When she was ready to make the move to Shell Point, Judy started out in Tellidora and four years later moved to Royal Bonnet.

She immediately made a number of friends and has been very involved in The Village Church. When Judy was asked to chair the Employee Christmas Fund, she readily agreed, but she wanted perspectives from other people. She invited Dede and Sue to

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“Our employees have gone above and beyond for us, especially this past year to keep us safe and healthy.”

–Judy Kinsinger help her in this endeavor.

“I knew that Dede had already served on this committee before so she would understand the process and Sue is a wise and thoughtful person who works well on a team,” said Judy. “I thought the ‘cord of three’ is not easily broken.’”

When asked why residents should give to the Employee Christmas Fund, Judy said, “I think all of our residents should give. Our employees have gone above and beyond for us, especially this past year to keep us safe and healthy.

They have taken on extra jobs they don’t normally do such as checking in people and taking temperatures.”

“I think this is a very specific way that we can show our gratitude,” she added.

“This gives us the opportunity to share our grateful hearts in a tangible and meaningful way that will help our employees and their families.”

Dede D’Arcy Like Mother, Like Daughter

Dede D’Arcy got to know about Shell Point firsthand when her mother, Geneva Michael moved into the community. “My mother lived in Rosemont for many years and had a number of wonderful friends here,” said Dede. “My husband, Bro, and I knew this would be the best place for us as well so we started off with a unit in Royal Bonnet and then moved into Eagles Preserve in 2017.”

This is actually the second time that Dede has been a member of the committee. “I served previously with Kate Sullivan, but I feel so strongly about it, I agreed to serve again and it has been

“There are so many employees working behind the scenes that we never see.”

–Dede D’Arcy a delight working with Judy and Sue.” “The Employee Christmas Fund is very important,” she continued. “There are so many employees working behind the scenes that we never see. I think more residents should be giving. I am personally a firm believer in the monthly donation – it’s easy to give, you never forget and you don’t miss the money.”

Sue Stranahan Both Sides of the Coin

Sue Stranahan remembers when her mother, Genevieve Stranahan, came to Shell Point and resided in The Pavilion.

However, it was during Sue’s direct involvement at Shell Point for 13 years as the Director of Spiritual Services that she really got to know and understand the community. Working side by side with the employees of The Pavilion and in the assisted living facilities, Sue saw firsthand how hard the staff worked to care for and serve the residents. Following her

retirement, Sue moved into Coquina and enjoys discovering what life is like as a resident at Shell Point. When Judy asked Sue to join the committee, she was happy to do so. “I’ve enjoyed working on this committee with Judy and Dede; I find it very fulfilling,” she said. “I feel this is an important project and I like to give myself to things that are worthwhile.”

Working Hard Behind the Scenes

Shell Point’s valued employees now number over 1,200. Many are visible on a daily basis as they respond to service calls, keep the grounds beautiful, handle medical needs, provide meals, and maintain the buildings in the various neighborhoods. Other employees that residents may never see are hard at work behind the scenes 24/7 to keep Shell Point safe and running smoothly.

“We show our appreciation for employees by how we treat them, chat with them, and encourage them,” said Judy. “This gift is an even more tangible way to express our gratitude for the seen and unseen work that happens throughout the year. It is a tremendous blessing and encouragement for employees to receive this gift. We hope every resident participates this year at whatever level they are able.”

How to Give to the Employee Christmas Fund In early October, every resident will receive a special letter with an enclosed gift envelope for checks made out to Shell Point with “Employee Christmas Fund” in the memo.

If you prefer, an automatic deduction can be set up by the Shell Point Finance Office by emailing chrisferrell@shellpoint.org. Or, you can make a one-time or recurring donation online at www.shellpoint.net.

All gifts must be received by the Finance Department by Wednesday, November 25 to be included in the 2020 gift distribution.

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Out & About Walkin’ on Sunshine Now, more than ever, getting outside into the fresh air and sunshine is imperative to both our physical and mental health. No one sets a better example than these two spotted almost every day walking around the perimeter path of The Island. With the Caloosahatchee River in the background, Dave and Marge Lee are all smiles as they get their walk on!

Roseate Spoonbills

Avian Art

An artful merger occurred when construction of the Tribby Arts Center required the addition of a nearby water retention pond. Soon after the pond was created, it filled with rainwater and began attracting a surprising amount of birds, becoming yet another beautiful water feature on the campus. Among the most exciting new avian guests were the pretty pink Spoonbills that often gathered in the early morning light. Stokes and Pat Fishburne quickly discovered this new avian oasis and combined their passion for birding with their passion for photography with spectacular results.

Female Stilt and Three Chicks

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There’s No Place Like Gnome!

John Beckham

Residents put their searching skills to the test throughout June. Felix, our beloved gnome, hid in a new spot around Shell Point each week. Starting at Friendship Point on The Island, he then made his way to The Cove in The Estuary and then to The Woodlands. His last stop was at the Eagle’s Preserve pool. Residents passed along selfies and were entered into a raffle for a special prize. It was great to see everyone — even their pets — out and about looking for Felix.

Jane Isebrand

Outdoor Fitness Residents enjoy the opportunity to get some fresh air and sunshine while also working on their personal fitness.

Several programs have been reopened using appropriate social distancing measures. Chair exercises are gentle on the joints. Pickleball is always a popular pastime. Residents enjoy gentle stretching.

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Out & About

Michelle Emmett and Jami Smith take a blast from the past.

Carol Sperlak serves up buckets of popcorn and sodas.

Movie Treats!

Each Saturday, Resident Programming provides a movie matinee on Channel 12. The Resident Programming team provided old-fashioned movie treats for the recent showing of Out of Africa.

Resident Jim Boler of Turban picked up his favorite movie snacks at the concession stand.

Page Turners Looking for a good book? Shell Point book lovers will be happy to hear that the Shell Point Library has reopened. Stop by to take your pick from the newest best sellers, large print editions, movie DVDs and music CDs. Far left: Barbara Hardy of Sundial enjoyed a recent visit to the library to see what’s new. Left: Library volunteer Linda Forcey of Parkwood looks forward to helping you find that next great read!

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Prayer Walk For several weeks, Shell Point residents have joined Associate Pastor Don Pullen from The Village Church for a Prayer Walk through the neighborhoods of Shell Point. These walks are scheduled to continue through the month of September. A different neighborhood will be featured each day. The prayer teams spend time walking throughout the neighborhoods, stopping at various places along the way to pray. “This is such an encouragement to our residents who are participating as well as those who live in the neighborhoods,” says Don. “We are very grateful for God’s protection and blessing here at Shell Point.”

A Summer Picnic!

Recently, Richard and Linda Balakier of Parkwood enjoyed an alfresco lunch on The Island. They came prepared for their picnic by bringing their own snack tables. After picking up their meal from The Crystal, the couple sat outside in the shade of the mighty banyan tree as they enjoyed a cool breeze coming in off the river. These days a simple change of scenery can make all the difference!

Set Sail on the Suzy Q! Another popular program that recently reopened is the Suzy Q. Residents are able to sign up for a ride

on the Suzy Q by calling the Island or Woodlands Concierge desks. A limited number of residents are taken on each trip to provide safe social distancing measures.

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Richard and Karen Todd (Cellana)

Let Freedom Ring!

It was a Red, White and Blue Celebration for Independence Day B Y LY N N S C H N E I D E R

This summer, the residents of Shell Point did not let the pandemic get in the way of their celebration of Independence Day on July 4. A bright blue sky and a light breeze off the river created the perfect backdrop for their golf cart parade throughout all five neighborhoods. “Starting on The Island, the golf carts lined up at the entrance to The Village Church before heading out for a lap around the entire Island,� said Jami Smith, events coordinator. The parade stopped at various points along the way and six musicians from the Naples Brass Band piled out to perform an impromptu street-side concert of familiar patriotic tunes. Many residents

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enjoyed the parade from their spots along the winding roadway, while others watched from their balconies and lanais.

After completing the full circle around The Island, the golf carts headed down Shell Point Boulevard through Palm Acres, The Woodlands, Eagles Preserve, The Estuary and finally Waterside. The Naples Brass Band continued to entertain at each stop along the way as residents cheered and waved American flags.

Barbecue Picnic

Following the parade, residents enjoyed a barbecue picnic-to-go prepared by the Continued on next page

Vicki Waterstradt (Cellana) and Jami Smith

Sally and Wendell Leimbach (Junonia)

George Gosko and Joan Smith of Parkwood

Residents of Royal Bonnet wait for the parade to pass.

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John and Lucy Beckham (The Estuary)

John and Janet Bendall (Coquina)

Jim Goodale and Honey Leveen (Sand Dollar)

Karla Pendexter, Betsy Conrad, and Debra LaGorce (The Estuary)

Turban residents enjoy the ride

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Bruce and Cristl Smith (The Estuary)

Joe and Elizabeth Goetz (Lakewood)

Let Freedom Ring!

Above left: (L-R) Tracy Brady, Hugo Rojas and Julie Mohr worked behind the scenes in The Crystal.

Continued from previous page

Above: Grill Master Sean Zembower served up barbecued ribs.

dedicated dining staff of The Crystal. The smell of barbecued ribs sizzling on the grill brought out many residents who picked up the packaged meal, which included an individual rack of ribs, corn on the cob, baked beans, potato salad, cornbread, a beverage of their choice and red white & blue cake for dessert.

“This has been a fantastic day,” said Jason Smith, senior director of amenities for the community. “I am extremely proud of both the Resident Programming department and Dining Services.

All of the staff did a great job to put together a safe event that could still be enjoyed during these times of social distancing.

It was great to see residents having such a good time.”

Carol Sperlak, Volunteer Coordinator

Left: Saul Rodriguez, Joseph Knapp and Rosenda Gonzalez passed out the lunches.

Janice and Jerry Mader of The Estuary

Patriotic enthusiasm

Periwinkle residents

Shell Point Life | September/October 2020

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Grace Groups

Two Mental Health Support Groups with a Biblical Perspective

B Y D O N P U L L E N , A S S O C I AT E PA S T O R , T H E V I L L A G E C H U R C H

Two new mental health support groups will begin in September.

LIVING GRACE is a support group for people living with mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. This group will start meeting via Zoom on Monday, September 14, from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Zoom is a secure platform and the sessions are not recorded. We always remind attendees each time that what is said in the “room” stays in the room. There are 14 weeks of material including managing stressors, cycles and triggers, safe and healthy relationships and stay-

ing resilient. Each week stands alone and does not depend on the material from previous weeks. There is a Bible verse in each chapter and a time for prayer at the end.

FAMILY GRACE is a support group for the spouse or family member of someone with a mental health issue. This group will start meeting via Zoom on Monday, September 14 from 3 pm to 4:15 pm. There are 14 weeks of material including: communication skills, cycles and triggers, boundaries to rebuild, an empowering vs enabling.

If you are interested in finding out more about either of these new support groups, or want to register to join, please call or email Bob Barger at 630-335-4077 or bbarger220@aol.com.

COVID-19 Scams

A Few Things To Know About Avoiding Fraud B Y A N N A S M I T H , F I N E M A R K N AT I O N A L B A N K A N D T R U S T

Scammers are using the COVID-19 pandemic to con people, oftentimes seniors, out of money. And while the reason behind their fraud is new, their tactics are very familiar. Adding to the concern, many seniors are staying isolated right now, not interacting as much with family and friends, so they become easier targets.

During this time of uncertainty, knowing about scams that are happening is a good first step toward preventing them.

Again, some are new and some you have likely seen before.

Posing as Having a Covid Cure Officials have seen an increase in scams related to vaccines, test kits, treatments and air filter systems, claiming to remove COVID-19 from the air. At this time, there is neither a vaccine nor a cure for this virus.

If you receive a phone call, email, text message, or letter with someone trying to sell you any of these items–it’s a scam.

Posing as a Charity Thieves are using COVID for charityrelated scams, when a thief poses as a real charity, or makes up a charity, to get money 36

Your Best Defense

The bottom line is, your best defense is to just say NO and hang up the phone!

from you. Be wary of any organization calling you asking for donations. If you are able to help financially, seek out a charity you have already vetted. Always be cautious if you get a call out of nowhere, asking for money.

Posing as Someone You Know Scammers are using this pandemic to pose as a relative or friend claiming to be ill, stranded in another state or foreign country, or otherwise in trouble, asking you to send money. They may ask you to send cash or buy gift cards quickly and secretly. Before you ever send money, hang up and call that person’s phone number directly to see if the story checks out.

You may also want to call a different friend or relative to verify the caller’s story.

Shell Point Life | September/October 2020

Always Say NO if anyone contacts you and asks for your Social Security number, bank account number, credit card information or driver’s license number.

Always Say NO if anyone contacts you asking for any other personally identifiable information by phone, in person, by text message, or email.

Always Say NO if someone you don’t know contacts you and requests money for charity, services or a cause.

Most importantly, trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. And if you aren’t sure, you can call us at 239-461-5999 for a second opinion. We are here to help.

Pumpkin Spa Recipes For Glowing Skin

BY ROBYN CHURCH, S A LO N & S PA M A N AG E R

The smell of pumpkin taps into our sense of nostalgia bringing back memories of home baking, family time, parties and feasts, as well as other positive memories of fall. So, don’t throw away those Jack-O-Lanterns, treat your skin with a nourishing mask that will give your skin a luminous glow. When fresh pumpkin isn’t available, you can substitute canned pumpkin pie filling to achieve similar results. I hope you enjoy these pumpkin recipes for healthy skin — I know I do!

Autumn-Inspired Pumpkin Mask

Nourishing Pumpkin Scrub

Pumpkin contains vitamins A, C, E and antioxidants, which help fight sun damage and wrinkles. It also has fruit enzymes that help naturally exfoliate dead skin cells. Finally, it contains zinc and potassium to combat redness. Honey locks in moisture to keep your skin plump and glowing. Apple cider vinegar detoxes skin. This mask is power packed and a fun way to have a DIY spa treatment.

A pumpkin body scrub is the perfect gentle all-over exfoliation treatment. The honey moisturizes the skin while the pumpkin’s fruit enzymes and brown sugar gently dissolve dead skin cells leaving your body soft and smooth.

Ingredients: • ½ cup of pumpkin • 1 raw egg • ½ tsp honey • ½ tsp apple cider vinegar

Warning- this mask can be a bit messy.

How to make a Pumpkin Mask 1. Puree the pumpkin in a food processor until smooth 2. Add in egg, honey, and apple cider vinegar and blend 3. Apply the mask to a clean face 4. Let soak in for 20 minutes 5. Rinse and apply your usual skin care products

Ingredients: • ½ cup pureed pumpkin • ½ cup brown sugar • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 1 tbsp honey • 2 drops of vanilla extract

How to make a Pumpkin Scrub 1. Add all the ingredients together and mix in a food processor 2. In the shower or tub, apply the scrub to your skin while gently rubbing to exfoliate dead skin cells 3. Rinse scrub from your body and your skin will instantly feel smoother.

New From Obagi Medical Experience the beauty of increased skin firmness with ELASTIderm Facial Serum from Obagi Medical.

This serum is formulated with a patented key mineral complex with Copper Peptide. This advanced serum helps skin bounce back from the signs of aging, resulting in firmer-looking, more resilient skin. While this serum supports skin elasticity, it also improves

skin firmness and the appearance of crepey skin.

In a 12-week clinical study, 100% of participants reported firmer looking skin. 97% of participants noticed that their skin felt more elastic and resilient, and saw a diminished appearance of crepey skin.

ELASTIderm Facial Serum pairs perfectly with ELASTIderm Eye products.

Fall Special! ELASTIderm Facial Serum $150!

- OR- Purchase ELASTIderm Facial Serum and ELASTIderm Eye Cream and receive ELASTIderm Eye Serum FREE! Offer valid September and October of 2020.

Shell Point Life | September/October 2020

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Community Thrift Store Fashion Show to be Televised B Y LY N N S C H N E I D E R

We may all be spending more time in our comfy, stay-at-home clothes these days, but there is always time for a bit of fashion! The Community Thrift Store will hold its 10th annual fashion show this October, but this year’s show will be televised.

“We always enjoy bringing our unique combination of fun and fashion to the residents, but this year will be a little different, because we won’t be able to gather together in person,” said Erica May, manager of the Community Thrift Store. Instead, the Community Thrift Store has partnered with SPTV to bring the fashion show to residents via television. “This is our 10th year to host the fashion show and we did not want to let the pandemic get in our way,” said Erica.

The Community Thrift Store is in the

process of planning the details for the lively, lighthearted style show and several residents and staff members have been chosen to participate as models.

They are currently pulling the outfits together that each model will be wearing and writing the script for the show.

The show will be filmed by the team from SPTV and will run on Channel 12 at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 22.

To make the experience even more special, the Resident Life team will be providing a special goodie bag of treats for residents to enjoy while they watch the fashion show at home. The treats will be distributed on Tuesday, October 20 from 10 a.m. to noon in both the Island and Woodlands Commons. Additional information will be provided in the Weekly Reminder.

SAVE THE DATE January 12-22, 2021

THINK INSIDE THE BOX B Y D O N P U L L E N , A S S O C I AT E PA S TO R , T H E V I L L AG E C H U R C H

With the holiday season quickly approaching, it’s time to start thinking about how you can fill a shoebox for the Operation Christmas Child, hosted

by The Village Church again this year. Each year, thanks to the support of Shell Point residents, The Village Church contributes hundreds of shoeboxes toward this effort.

A ministry of international relief organization Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child collects gift-filled shoeboxes that are delivered to children who have been affected by war, poverty, natural disasters and other crises in third-world countries. Each one – packed full of fun toys, school supplies and personal hygiene 38

Boxes will be available starting October 21.

items by a family or individual – is sent with prayer that the child who receives it will experience God’s love through their simple gifts.

Are you ready to bless a child at Christmastime? Whether it’s a theme box or a collection of miscellaneous items, you can brighten the faces of countless little boys and girls across the world!

Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes

Shell Point Life | September/October 2020

will be available in The Village Church lobby starting October 21 and should be returned to the church no later than Sunday, November 15. If you are unable to fill a box but still want to participate, you can make a donation to the church designated Operation Christmas Child. If you have any questions, visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ or call the church office at (239) 454-2147.

Built for Endurance

BY REV. ANDREW HAW K I N S , P H . D. , S E N I OR PASTOR, T H E V I LLAG E CH UR C H

Having an older brother has its down side.

My brother was three years older than I. That’s the kind of age difference that leads the younger brother to want to do everything the older brother does. And so I did.

One of the things my older brother did was run long distances – the mile and two mile races in track and field, and he excelled in cross country. So I tried to do the same thing. I started with cross country when I was in ninth grade. By the time I got to tenth grade I realized that the only part about running cross country that I enjoyed was when the race was over! I eventually gave it up. I adopted the mantra, “Anytime I get the urge to go out and run long distances, I lie down until it goes away.”

It turns out that I’m not built for running long distances. I learned that there are two types of muscle fibers: slow-twitch and fast-twitch. Slow-twitch fibers are red in appearance, have a fuller supply of capillaries, and at the cellular level are uniquely suited for aerobic activity. They tend to produce less force for each contraction, and the contraction speed is, well, you guessed it, slow. Fast-twitch fibers are whitish in color, have less blood supply, but contract quickly and generate lots of force.

My brother had an ample supply of slow-twitch fibers. He was built to run

long distances, built for endurance. I, on the other hand, have fast-twitch fibers.

I’m more suited to sprinting, jumping, and activities like basketball. I left cross country behind. No marathons for me.

Some of us do better with endurance than others. At the same time, we all have a long distance race to run. It’s called life.

So when life is hard, and is hard for a long time, whether we are built for endurance or not, we still have to run the race. We have to endure.

The good news is that we have a model, one who shows us the way. He is the one who has gone before us, has endured more than we can imagine, and promises to supply us with the energy that we don’t have in ourselves.

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12.1-2, NKJV) When things closed down back in March, and we knew that we were faced with challenging circumstances, we were willing to be restricted in our contacts with others, and we all buckled down to a new way of life – for what we thought would be a relatively short time. But who dreamed that we would still be social distancing, wearing masks, and avoiding groups six months later? We had to change from sprinting to a marathon. Endurance has become the race.

Whether we are built for endurance or not, endure we must! But God promises that in Jesus we are given the strength we need, all the way to the finish line. “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 4.19, NKJV) We at The Village Church praise God for you as you have already endured so much! May God be glorified in you as you continue to run the race all the way to the finish line!

Guard Your Heart

Special Event on September 16 at 10 a.m. on SPTV-13

Dr. Kathy Thompson

Women’s Connections invites our Shell Point friends and neighbors to a “virtual” morning of encouragement on Wednesday, September 16, airing on SPTV Channel 13 at 10 a.m. Guest speakers, Dr. Kathy Thompson of the Shell Point Medical Center and Roni Icso, vice president of sales and marketing at Shell Point will share how we can “Guard Our Hearts.”

You won’t want to miss hearing their desire to help keep our physical and spiritual hearts healthy. Call the church office (454-2147) if you have any questions.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23

Roni Icso

Shell Point Life | September/October 2020

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Natu re’s Noteb ook

BY STEVE MORTON, DIRECTOR O F L A N D S C A P E O P E R AT I O N S

Raspberry Beret “Ah, no difficulties can ever daunt me,” replied d’Artagnan: “my only fear is, of impossibilities.” I underlined his words in my dog-eared paperback with purpose. As if by drawing a line, I could assume the righteous characteristics of my hero. When becoming a man, could I ever be as fearless, as chivalrous, as loved as he?

D’Artagnan was larger than life, yet he was more than just a character in Dumas’s book. Charles de Batz de Castelmore d’Artagnan was, in fact, a real man who joined real Musketeers.

I climbed the precarious, cobbled steps while clasping a well-worn, iron handrail as defense against calamity. The wind was in from Africa, whispering to me like Sirens.

For my recklessness, the enchantresses lured me with the reward of a spectacular hilltop view. Cresting the last step I drew a sharp, deep breath. Laid out in front of me was a geographical banquet of the blue Mediterranean Riviera, the Côte d’Azur.

Beyond the horizon was Corsica, Napoleon’s birthplace and across the Med’ was the Phoenician city-state of Carthage. I stared in awe at the cradle of humanity.

D’Artagnan was born, circa 1611, in the province of Béarn located in Southwestern France, wedged between the Pyrenees Mountains and the Bay of Biscay in the Celtic Sea. While the Béarn region is famous

for Béarnaise sauce, it is also an indigenous area for many people of the Basque ethnicity. The Basque language is unrelated to all the other languages of Europe and the Basques have been farmers and herders in the region for the last 7,000 years.

Like the other tourists, I scrambled about the maze of this quaint stone village with my camera and guide book. First, find Marc Chagall’s gravesite in the cemetery, check. Next, go to the place de la Grande-Fontaine to see the urn-shaped water fountain, check. I circumnavigated the village footsteps of Jean-Paul Sartre and Ringo Starr. But, the best sights of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, were never even mentioned by travel writer Rick Steves.

The Basque shepherds needed headwear to protect them from the rain, sun, and cool of night. Construction should be simple, with the materials available to them. A circle cut from wool fabric would serve the purpose. The commercial production of Basque-style berets began in the 17th century. By the 1920s, berets were ubiquitous within the French working class and then later adopted by the fashion icons.

Turning away from the cerulean coast, I was dazzled this time with a kaleidoscope of pigments. Like Chagall’s paintings, the colors were vibrant, the scene

surreal, and the shapes were definitely cubist. The angular grey stone structures were built with utility and precision by medieval engineers. They were contrastingly festooned with colors, as if draped in fabric by Christo and Jeanne-Claude.

Magenta, fuchsia and raspberry covered the roofs and flowed over the walls like a liquid rainbow.

On one of the buildings, the Bougainvillea climbed up one side, mounded onto the roof nearest me, then tapered toward a thin covering on the left side. It was as if the building itself was wearing a beret. I laughed out loud at this sight while the Sirens giggled suggestively into my ears of another view and another risky climb.

Like d’Artagnan there is a new kid in town to make his mark at Shell Point. It is a Bougainvillea plant known as ‘Silhouette.’

Growing low and spreading, it is known as a semi-dwarf cultivar. With large, pale lavender bracts and tiny white flowers the color is surprisingly vibrant. At my first sight of the plant last year it was fully capped in flowers.

To find Shell Point’s beret-wearing d’Artagnan, travel by coach to the Waterside neighborhood and look for the most flamboyant flower in sight on the medians. But remember, like Musketeers, ‘Silhouette’ is better in groups. Un pour tous, tous pour un — or — All for One and One for All!