Out and About

Out & About

Stamp Ministry

Since its beginning in 1972, Shell Point’s Stamp Ministry has been dedicated to supporting Publicaciones Alianza, a publication house in Buenos Aires dedicated to writing and publishing Sunday school materials in Spanish. In 2018, the Shell Point Stamp Ministry broke the $1 million mark, and in 2022, raised over $30,000—bringing them that much closer to their new $2 million goal. Because of the ministry, these Sunday school materials are now being distributed in eight Latin American countries, Spain, and the United States, and are used by over 40 Protestant denominations.

People often do a double take when they hear how much the group has raised from used stamps alone. While one used stamp could only be worth about ten cents, tens of thousands of them can start to add up quickly. Additionally, different stamps have different values. One pound of common stamps can sell to wholesalers for anywhere from two to three dollars, but a pound of foreign stamps can go for up to $25. Ben Crump (Junonia), who oversees the finances of the group, suggests that some stamps can even be worth thousands of dollars.

The group remains positive despite being displaced by Hurricane Ian. Previously located in the tunnel on the island, the Stamp Ministry was relocated to the fourth floor of the former Pavilion. “We moved from the tunnel to the penthouse!” says Treva Crump (Junonia), co-coordinator of the Stamp Ministry.

Members have grown quite fond of their new waterfront views, and although they have experienced a reduction in the size of their workspace, Treva reported that the hurricane has not slowed down their efforts in the slightest. The group also provides a great opportunity to socialize.

“It’s more than just stamp collecting,” says resident Nelson

Bond (Periwinkle). With Stamp

Ministry meetings on Tuesdays,

Thursdays, and Fridays there is always an opportunity for members to come together and support a good cause.

Treva Crump (Junonia), Wayne Swanson (Turban), Lois Pedersen (Lakewood), Gayle Richardson (Cellana), Ben Crump (Junonia), Nelson

Bond (Periwinkle), Jean Walsh (Periwinkle), Ellen Govertsen (Junonia),

Sharlene Hayman (Oakmont) Treva Crump (Junonia) Wayne Swanson (Turban)

Jana Stone (Eagles Preserve), Sandra Broad (Nautilus), Edina Lessack (Parkwood)

Jeffrey Jarvis (Macoma) Back (L to R): Judy Koloski (Rosemont), John Kern (Lakewood), Helen Ketteman (Eagles Preseve); Front (L to R): Jeff Jarvis (Macoma), Barbara Dinsmore (Parkwood), Helen Stark (Rosemont), Pat Ostrom (Eagles Preserve), Jana Stone (Eagles Preserve), Edina Lessack (Parkwood), Sandra Broad (Nautilus), Joe Tutton (Eagles Preserve) , Anne Wharton (Arbor), Steve Canton (Harbor Court), Tom Kelly (Nautilus) and Phil Hilton (Springs).

Shell Point Players

More than 200 residents enjoyed an afternoon in Connie Brown Hall, where Shell Point Players brought to life the beloved American holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Directed and produced by Edina Lessack (Parkwood) and Jana Stone (Eagles Preserve), the production included 12 actors, three Foley artists creating sound effects, and a pair of sound and light booth operators. The group finished the year entertaining Assisted Living audiences with performances of “The Housekeeper,” a play adapted by Phil Hilton (Springs). Looking ahead to the new year, Shell Point Players are planning more short one-act plays for Assisted Living residents. They are also planning their next big production on the Connie Brown Hall stage in May. New players are always welcome!

Ed and Sheila Thomson (Lucina) enjoyed and captured December’s “Long Night Moon,” which earned its name from being in view longer than any other full moon of the year. West-facing residences on The Island were able to observe the beautiful illumination of the full moon and its reflection on the water, as well as an astronomical phenomenon known as the lunar occultation of Mars the night prior. On this night, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn were visible in the night sky, and in certain parts of the Americas, Europe, and Northern Africa, the red planet could be seen disappearing behind the nearly full moon for a short period of time.

Long Night Moon