5 minute read
Lifelong Learning
Fall into the Academy of Lifelong Learning BY AMANDA SPENCER, ACADEMY COORDINATOR
The Academy of Lifelong Learning is a central part of life on the Shell Point campus, and I am honored to be involved with bringing informative and engaging educational content to our residents as the Academy Coordinator. Many of you already know me from my previous role in the fitness department, or through Academy lectures such as Nutrition for Arthritis and Inflammation and Exercise for Better Sleep. But what you may not know
is my educational background in public health and health education. I am a proud graduate of the University of West Florida, where I earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Health degrees. My passion is helping people understand complex health and wellness topics in a way that empowers them to live a healthy, fulfilled life. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to provide history, arts, technology and culture content to the Academy, but also expand on our wellness offerings to provide programs that resonate with all residents.
Looking back on the past few months at the Academy, we enjoyed several fascinating programs together. NBC-2 chief meteorologist Allyson Rae spoke to us about hurricanes in the Connie Brown Hall, where residents learned about hurricane forecasting, the recent history of hurricane activity in our country, and what it really means when we are in “the cone.” She also touched on how to prepare for hurricane season and spoke to how safe the Shell Point campus would be if disaster were to strike. We are truly blessed to be at such a safe and secure location!
We also hopped aboard a yellow submarine and emerged on the other side of the pond to take a look into the history of the Beatles with Dr. Thomas Cimarusti— just in time for the celebration of Paul McCartney’s 80th birthday. Residents learned the backstory of this iconic music group through both lecture and musical performances that were not to be missed. Singing along with some of the Beatles’ greatest hits unearthed wonderful memories, while also allowing us to make new ones with friends at Shell Point!
The Academy also took us to one of the most spectacular countries in South America, Argentina, for a fun-filled day of activities. We started by celebrating the history and culture of Argentina with a presentation from world traveler Dr. John Thomas, who highlighted European influences in the country and the world famous Tango dance. The evening brought music and dance from Dr. Thomas Cimarusti and the Tango Ensemble, where music from the famous composer Astor Piazzolla was performed as the dancers displayed beautiful tango steps in gorgeous Argentine attire. Residents were also surprised with an Argentinean snack of delicious empanadas, which rounded out the magical day of South American splendor.
NBC-2 Chief Meteorologist Allyson Rae educated us about new technology and prepared us for hurricane season.
Professor Thomas Cimarusti took us on a musical journey from the Beatles’ early years through their rise to stardom. Dancers brought the world-famous Tango to life on the Connie Brown Hall stage.
UNCONFINED CREATIVITY: CREATIONS FROM ARTISTS BEHIND BARS WITH ELIEZER YEONG FROM CROSSROADS PRISON MINISTRY
Eliezer Yeong, Coordinator of the Prison Art Project of the Crossroads Prison Ministry, will introduce a collection of 100 pieces created by men and women in prisons from all over the United States. Over 75 incarcerated artists share their stories as they provide insight into their motivations, faith, and life behind bars. This exhibition challenges common perceptions of prisoners and invites one to see the humanity of men and women behind bars. Everyone who attends will be truly amazed at the talent displayed in the artwork, all of which were done within the walls of a prison. Their creativity cannot be confined! Their artwork will be displayed in the Shell Point Gallery of the Tribby Arts Center from Friday, September 9 through Saturday, October 22.
LUNCH AND LEARN “THAT’S AMORE!”: AN AFTERNOON IN NAPLES, ITALY WITH DR. TOM CIMARUSTI
Wednesday, September 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grand Cypress Room at the Woodlands
Take a musical journey as Dr. Tom transports you to the enchanting sounds of Italy, from Neapolitan songs and tarantellas to classic Italian-American hits of Dean Martin and Louis Prima, and the heart-wrenching opera arias of Verdi and Puccini. Don’t forget those singing voices- there will be time for a frolicking rendition of “That’s Amore!”. Shell Point Dining will tantalize our taste buds with Neapolitan classics to complement the musical tour of Naples.
CRYPTOCURRENY 101: WHAT IS IT? WHAT’S BEHIND IT? WHERE’S IT GOING? WITH MARK NEIDS AND ANTHONY CENTRANGELO JR.
Thursday, October 13 at 1 p.m. Grand Cypress Room at the Woodlands
Lately, “Cryptocurrency” is a buzzword. What is this digital or virtual currency? Join Mark Neids and Anthony Cetrangelo Jr. as they discuss the history of cryptocurrency, Blockchain, NFTs, and potential future uses. Our presenters Mark and Anthony work at Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. in Naples, where they are sought-after speakers on business and intellectual property. Mark represents clients in acquisition and protection of copyrights, trademarks, privacy and data security, and provides strategies to manage risk and while ensuring legal compliance. Anthony has been recognized for his work with trusts and estate law, being named one of the “Top Lawyers” in Naples by Naples Illustrated for 2019-2020. You will not want to miss this informative session!
Academy
of Lifelong Learning
AT SHELL POINT
Academy
of Lifelong Learning
AT SHELL POINT
ACADEMY of LIFELONG LEARNING
AT SHELL POINT Upcoming Attractions
ACADEMY of LIFELONG LEARNING
AT SHELL POINT
ACADEMY of LIFELONG LEARNING
AT SHELL POINT
JAZZ DIVAS & LEGENDS: CONCERT AND CONVERSATION WITH AMY SBARRA AND THE SWINGIN’ CLIQUE
Join the Academy for an enthralling night of Concert and Conversation as Amy Sbarra and the Swingin’ Clique perform Jazz Divas & Legends. This concert will feature the works of Sarah Vaughn, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and more. Residents will have the unique opportunity to speak with the artists about their craft and learn more about jazz music.
