6 minute read
Lifelong Learning
Historian and actress Leslie Goddard as former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
Ray and Jacqui Boyce (Rosemont), and Susan Schmitt (Lakewood), enjoying a chat with America’s leading ornithologist David Allen Sibley.
Famous Authors and a First Lady:
The Academy’s Illustrious Guests!
BY ANETTE ISAACS, ACADEMY COORDINATOR
Exciting things keep happening at the Academy of Lifelong Learning here at Shell Point! One example is our robust and fruitful partnership with the Ding Darling Wildlife Society on Sanibel Island. Through this tremendous organization, we had the pleasure of welcoming two famous bird experts to our campus in March.
First, David Allen Sibley—arguably the most renowned ornithologist of our time—filled Connie Brown Hall for his absolute superb talk entitled “What It’s Like to be a Bird.” Later in the month, residents enjoyed Minnesotan Stan Tekiela, who gave us a detailed look at the intricate and ingenious world of bird nests!
The Academy was also delighted to welcome back historian and actress Leslie Goddard, who traveled to Fort Myers all the way from Chicago in order to present two programs celebrating Women’s History Month. The residents first learned about Typhoid Mary and her riveting story; the next morning they were treated to a living history portrayal of former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Aptly dressed in a vintage dress, 1940’s shoes and her signature hat, Leslie embodied the world famous humanitarian perfectly! Drawing from Eleanor’s own letters, diaries, newspaper columns, and other writings, the gifted historian and actress delivered a performance that captured the warm, honest and passionate American First Lady and stateswoman to a T.
These are just a few of the many classes and events that the Academy of Lifelong Learning has in store for you in May and June. Please refer to the current Academy brochure — available at either Concierge Desk — for a complete listing of classes, locations and fees. See you in class!
SECRETS & STORIES OF THE SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE
The Academy is kicking off its new term with an exclusive film gala at Connie Brown Hall! The Historical Village on Sanibel Island has partnered up with the Academy and is proud to introduce a new documentary that will take you on a journey through rarely seen footage of the area’s most recognizable landmarks and its unique and largely unknown history. You will discover the strong connection the lighthouse has to many island institutions, even how it was used for defense in World War II. Join us to learn the "Secrets & Stories of the Sanibel Lighthouse."
SEA TURTLES – MAJESTIC CREATURES OF THE SEA
Tuesday, May 24 at 10 a.m. Grand Cypress/WDL
Master Naturalist Tony Mauriello will be back to talk about Sea Turtles – Majestic Creatures of the Sea. Often considered the most majestic of the turtle family, the sea turtle is a large, ocean-going reptile known for its gentle nature and long lifespan. Swimmers, snorkelers, and divers revel in seeing these stunning creatures glide effortlessly through the sea. Tony will look at all seven species around the world and share their unique adaptations for sea life.
USS HORNET – THE GREY GHOST
The Academy is, of course, also honoring Memorial Day with two moving programs facilitated by resident instructors Dr. Melissa Butler’s (Turban) lecture titled “USS Hornet – The Grey Ghost” offers a virtual tour of the USS Hornet, CV-12, now a museum based in Alameda, CA. Learn about the storied past of this aircraft carrier from WWII combat missions in the Pacific through the recovery of the Apollo 11 and 12 Moon landing capsules.
THE TRUE STORY OF THE LOST SQUADRON
On Memorial Day, Harbor Court resident Bob Cardin (Harbor Court) will share the true story of the Lost Squadron. At the beginning of WWII in Europe, a flight of 6 P-38 fighters and 2 B-17 Bombers ran out of fuel and crash landed on the Greenland Glacier. In 1992, after 50 years of snow accumulation, a team of explorers melted 268 feet into the glacier and recovered a P-38 they dubbed “Glacier Girl.” Learn more about this real-life adventure from Bob, who presents a mind boggling account of his personal involvement with the recovery, restoration and flying of this very historic airplane.
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AT SHELL POINT ACADEMY of LIFELONG LEARNING AT SHELL POINT ACADEMY of LIFELONG LEARNING AT SHELL POINT Lifelong Learning AT SHELL POINT Academy Lifelong Learning of AT SHELL POINT ACADEMY of LIFELONG LEARNINGUpcoming Attractions
Being Better With “Stress”
BY JEFF CORY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LEGACY FOUNDATION AT SHELL POINT
Chronic stress can create chaos in all your body’s systems—mental, emotional and physical. But what if the occasional encounter of heightened stress levels could be used to your advantage? An exciting experience such as a big move, a rare travel opportunity, or a sudden illness naturally gives rise to higher stress levels. However, Super Agers can channel those stressors into motivation, pushing them to reach the end goal successfully.
Super Agers utilize stress to help them be more efficient, driven, and centered on getting things done. In the end, they are far less stressed about petty, insignificant things and are quick to find solutions, consider all their options, pivot if needed, and go another direction entirely. It’s these mature coping skills that enable Super Agers to handle stress with a sense of calm resilience. Because they are able to process life events logically with a nothing-new-under-the-sun perspective, their outlook is generally more relaxed and carefree.
Along with a persistent ability to cope with stress, Super Agers maintain a healthy perception of time. They don’t get lost in regrets of the past or focus on the mistakes they made. Rather, they look forward to the years ahead and resolve to finish well. Want to start relieving stress? There are a few simple habits you can employ:
Being less stressed and more at rest is an amazing perk of aging that no one has told you about. There’s no more fretting over small details or trying to control everyone and everything around you. There’s no more losing sleep over insignificant things, and no more constant cycles of worry that consume your mind.
For Super Agers, chronic stress is a thing of the past, and contentment is their new reality. The normal amounts of stress that life serves are met with calm, clear, and concise patterns of making it work in their favor.
If your finances or estate planning concerns are adding to your stress level, the Legacy Foundation is here for you. Please contact us at 466-8484 for a complimentary confidential appointment. Let’s start today to help you enjoy a more stress-free life.
