shell point life november 2008

November 2008Vol. 3 Issue 11

2 Shell Point Life | November 2008

As Shell Point has continued

to celebrate its 40th anniver-

sary this year we have looked back

at the community’s history with

equal parts of nostalgia and admi-

ration. Some residents have actu-

ally been here long enough to remember

what it was like in the early days, while oth-

ers have only just moved in and are just get-

ting to know what Shell Point is all about.

Our review of the history became especially

meaningful this past month as our country

endured the tumultuous ride of a tumbling

economy. People are looking for certainty in

an uncertain time and times like these un-

derscore the importance of Shell Point’s

strength and stability.

It was purely coincidental that the

theme this month was Generations at Shell

Point; but how fitting to take a closer look at

this topic. The cover of this month’s issue

features one of Norman Rockwell’s most fa-

mous paintings and it takes on a special

meaning as we are reminded to give thanks

to God for his many blessings in spite of

these trying and uncertain times.

In the articleOur Family Treewe

meet a number of people who

chose to move to Shell Point

after seeing the quality of life

that their parents or grandpar-

ents enjoyed.Andwhile “second

generation” families have become almost

commonplace, we have actually had our first

“third generation” residentmove in this year!

Another story in keeping with our

theme is Generations of Change. This two-

page feature gives a thumbnail sketch of the

past two-and-a-half centuries. Meet Amer-

ica’s Generations from the Pilgrims to Gen-

eration Z on pages 18 and 19. And family

ties are explored in several stories including

the story on page 10 about the Creating

Memoirs group that meets here at Shell

Point to help residents in writing their per-

sonal memoirs and the story Surrounded by

Sisters which is about Lakewood resident

John Zimpel who grew up in a family of 11

girls. Read his story on page 21.

Thanks for being part of our extended

Shell Point family. There is room for every-

one at the table.

ON THE COVER

Norman Rockwell’s famous painting “Freedom From Want” was first used on the cover ofThe Saturday Evening Post in 1943. This iconic illustration epitomized the American dreamand family life in the United States.

© 1943 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing Co., Indianapolis, INAll rights reserved. www.curtispublishing.com

Stability and StrengthBy Lynn Schneider, Editor

My! How TimesHave Changed!HERE’S A LOOK BACK AT

HOW MUCH THE WORLD HASCHANGED IN JUST 100 YEARS

In 1908 the average lifeexpectancy was only 47 years.

Only 10% of homes had electricity.Only 14% of the homes had a bathtub.Only 8% of homes had a telephone.

Coffee cost 15¢ a pound.One dozen eggs cost 14¢.There were only 8,000 cars

and only 144 miles of paved roads.The maximum speed was 10 m.p.h.The tallest structure in the world

was the Eiffel Tower.The average wage in 1908 was

22¢ per hour — the average workermade $200 - $400 per year.More than 95% of all births

took place at home.

LIFE IN THE 21ST CENTURYBy the year 2000 the average life

expectancy is 76 years.One dozen eggs costs over two dollars.The tallest skyscraper in the worldis Burj Dubai in Dubai, UAE.

The number of mobile phone usersin the world has exceeded 3.3 billion,or half of the human population.

The average number ofcomputers per household is 1.5.There are now roughly 4 millionmiles of paved roads in America.Segway — the human transporter,a one-person, battery-poweredalternative to the bicycle, debuts.

Ida ButterworthAllan Butterworth

Dorothy ButterworthDr. Bernard King

Doris ButterworthKeith Butterworth

David HowardJanet Howard

Janet Butterworth

Shell Point Life | November 2008 3

OurFamily

Tree

Since Shell Point’s best advertising is word of mouth,it comes as no surprise that, through the past 40 years,satisfied residents have been our number one referral

source for future prospective residents. In fact, not only dothey convince their friends to move to Shell Point, they

also set an example for family members, as well. It is notuncommon to find multiple generations of the same family

who have enjoyed living at Shell Point.

B Y P A U L A W A T S O N


Envisioning Shell PointYou might say that Joyce Seckinger

knew about Shell Point before it even ex-isted. Joyce’s father was Dr. Nathan Bailey

who served as president of The Christianand Missionary Alliance when Shell Pointwas conceived and founded in the 1960s.Dr. Bailey is cited as one of the main vi-

sionaries responsiblefor creating the ShellPoint concept and forproviding tremendoussupport to the fledg-ling retirement com-munity among theC&MA constituency.Joyce remembers hear-ing him coming homeand describing hiswonderful vision forthe community andhis descriptions of theproperty as he fre-quently traveled to thesite throughout itsearly days of construc-tion and development.

When Joyce andher husband DahlSeckinger (a formerC&MApastor and dis-trict superintendent)were ready to retire itwas only natural thatthey choose Shell

Point. As district superintendent, Dahloften traveled with Dr. Bailey to meetingsat Shell Point. Dahl also spent four years aspastor of the Village Church at Shell Point.While at the church, Joyce spent time inChristian education, and they lived in PalmAcres.

Joyce and Dahl moved into the com-munity as residents in March 2007. Thebuilding where Joyce and Dahl currentlylive was under construction when Dr. Baileydied in a tragic car accident in 1969. ButJoyce is comforted with the knowledge thatalthough her father didn’t live long enoughto see the building to completion, sheknows he envisioned the finished projectyears before the construction had evenstarted. Joyce was very close to her father,so living in the community that was her fa-ther’s vision, watching the dream cometrue, and seeing that his vision lives on inShell Point is very special to her.

Joyce says in addition to her father’sShell Point legacy, there are many attributesabout the community that attracted thecouple to move here. The safe environment,the staff’s compassion and friendliness, thesense of excellence, and the superior med-ical care all played a role in their choosing toretire at Shell Point. Another common sen-timent they share with other residents is thefreedom and the sense of relief they have inknowing that their children don’t have totake responsibility for them during their re-tirement years.

Joyce and Dahl Seckinger have fourchildren, twelve grandchildren, and threegreat-grandchildren who visit Shell Pointoften; and Joyce’s sister is also planning tomove to Shell Point Retirement Commu-nity in the future. It’s safe to say this familytradition will live on at Shell Point.Joyce and Dahl Seckinger holding a photo of Joyce’s father,

Dr. Nathan Bailey.

OurFamily Tree

Once someone moves into Shell Point andstarts getting visits from his or her family members, itdoesn’t take long for the entire family to fall in love with thecommunity. Although most parents introduce their chil-dren to Shell Point, there have been some instances wherethe adult children have actually moved into Shell Point firstand then introduced their parents to the community. Wethought it might be fun to meet some of these second andnow, even third, generation families at Shell Point!


A Daily BlessingJust as Joyce’s father inspired

her to come to Shell Point, oneresident received his inspiration through hismother. Dr. James (Jim) Arter was an onlychild, and his mom was a single parent backin the day when that was an uncommon oc-currence and when times were very hard.They lived in poverty, yet God kept Hishand on them. He was in the Army AirCorp from 1943 to 1946 and then went toBrown University and became a chiroprac-tor. He was in chiropractic practice for morethan thirty-eight years and was also a minis-ter for thirty-seven years for many smallchurches – including twenty-two churchesand six denominations.

He met his wife Kitty through the fi-ancée of an Army buddy who asked her tostart writing letters to Jim. After they mar-ried, the couple raised two sons in a smalltown outside of Pittsburgh. His chiropracticoffice was in the basement of his housewhere he and Kitty lived until God openedthe door to build a house on ten acres justoutside of town. This allowed Jim to providefor his mother and step-father by lettingthem live in the house in town, while hecontinued to use the basement as his office.

After his step-father passed away, Jimbegan researching retirement communities

for his mother. Although he had never evenseen Shell Point when he started the appli-cation process for his mother, he stepped outin faith in July 1969 and moved his mother,Martha Zimmerman, into Tellidora, the onlybuilding on the island at that time. Lookingout her window, Martha was thrilled to seethe river and climbing flowers that madeShell Point such a tropical paradise.

In October 1986, Jim and Kitty movedinto their first unit in Tellidora at Shell

Point. Twoyears later,they movedinto a largerTe l l i d o r at w o - b e d -room unitwith a largepicture win-dow thatcaptivatedthe two ofthem withits magnifi-cent view ofthe river.

The couple became very active in the com-munity and served as volunteers at theShell Point Welcome Center for 15 years.Jim enjoyed giving tours of Shell Point as aresident host with Kitty at his side. Jim waspleased to have the two most importantwomen in his life near and his mother,Martha, lived at Shell Point until shepassed away in March 1988.

Jim and Kitty continued to live in Tel-lidora until August 2005 when they becamemembers of the first group of residents tomove into the Arbor assisted living facilitywhere Jim still resides. InMarch 2007, Jim’swife, Kitty, moved into the Larsen Pavilionwhere she currently resides. The couple hasbeen married for more than sixty-two yearsand Jim sums up his life best when he says,“I am blessed everyday.”

Like Mother Like DaughterMarion Kerr is a young 93 years of age

and has been at Shell Point for the past four-teen years. She has three sons scattered aboutin California, Maryland, and Washington,DC; but her one daughter, Bonnie Camp,lives right here at Shell Point. Marion andher husbandweremissionaries for TheChris-tian and Missionary Alliance. They spenttwo years on the China and Tibetan borderand then moved to Thailand for fourteenyears to work with lepers and help build aschool. During the eleven years followingtheir missionary work in Thailand, Marionstayed mostly in the United States while herhusband supervised the region from Japan toAustralia. Their last assignment was inHongKong where Bill traveled in and out ofChina, building bridges of understandingwith the Chinese churches, while Mariontaught English at the Cheung Chau Semi-nary. They returned to the United States for

Continued on page 6

Bonnie Camp and Marion Kerr share a love forthe Lord and enjoy living at Shell Point.

Above: Jim Arter as a young childwith his mother Martha Zimmerman.Right: Jim at his Arbor home inThe Woodlands.


the final time in 1983; and four years beforeMarion came toShell Point, her husband diedof a massive heart attack in Jordan. Aftercoming to Shell Point, Marion volunteeredfor twelve years at LeeMemorial HealthParkin the OB admitting office and also at ThePavilion for many years. Lately, she’s had toscale back on volunteering, but she still re-mains active. She says she is no artist but likesto paint. Her beautiful cards, however, areproof that an artist liveswithin.Marion paintsflowers and then scans them into a computertomake greeting cards. Look for these beauti-ful cards (by Merne) in the gift shop.

When asked to describe the best thingabout Shell Point, she says it allows her tolive independently as long as she can in abeautiful and secure environment. She isalso glad everything is taken care of and herchildren are not responsible for her care.

Marion’s daughter, Bonnie, moved toShell Point in October 2005. Bonnie andher husband, Norm, were missionaries inthe Middle East. They took their first twodaughters, ages two and three, with them toLebanon and gave birth to their thirddaughter in Beirut. They stayed in Lebanonuntil the civil war made it too dangerous tostay in 1971. From Lebanon they moved toJordon and stayed as missionaries there for

ten years. Bonnie and Norm then returnedto the United States and spent twenty yearsof missionary work in the Chicago area withArabic-speaking people.

Following retirement, the couple chosetomove to Shell Point becauseBonnie’smomwas already here; but sadly,Normpassed awaysuddenly before they were able to settle intotheir new life in the community. Bonnie isthankful to be at Shell Point, and it looks likethis missionary has found a new missionfield. She became a chaplain inMarch of thisyear and is currently an assistant chaplain forThe Arbor and Kings Crown.

A Family TraditionReverend Howard Kinsinger was a pas-

tor for forty-three years with The Christianand Missionary Alliance. He and his wife,Eva, started their first church in 1946 withseven people and served in churches inseven states during their ministry.

Since they had spent their life in min-istry, they were not financially prepared forretirement. Eva went to work as a secretaryfor an electric company in their training de-partment so they could retire to Shell Point.She worked at the electric company foreleven years, was the oldest employee there,and learned how to use a computer by tak-ing classes for employees. The couple be-lieves all that hard work was well worth itand they now enjoy a variety of interesting

hobbies in their retirement.

Howard loves to carve. Hemakes an or-nament every year using two knives to whit-tle the wood into shape. In addition toChristmas ornaments, he hasmademany an-imals, including birds and ducks, a woodenstool, and kitchen gadgets. He ages the woodby keeping it outside but out of the rain forone year. This prevents the wood from crack-ing as he carves his beautiful ornaments. Inaddition to carving, Howard learned the artof caning and caned a chair. He also enjoyscrossword puzzles and shared an inside trickfor those that struggle with them – stay withcrossword puzzles by the same publisher andover time the same definitions will appear indifferent puzzles.

Howard and Eva also have beautiful or-chids that even professional gardeners wouldenvy.One such lavender orchid had nineteenblooms. When asked their secret, they bothlaughed, they leave them outside out of directsunshine and rain – that’s it. They both lovethe community environment, natural beauty,and security at Shell Point. The have twosons, one in Missouri and the other in Utah,and one daughter, Judy. Judy followed in herparent’s footsteps to live at Shell Point.

Judy actually moved to Shell Point afew months earlier than she had planned.Three years ago her mom had major heartsurgery, spent six weeks at Shands hospitalin Gainesville, and made a miraculous re-covery. Judy came to Florida to be with hermom and dad during this time, but she alsogot to know the compassion of the ShellPoint residents— a book of emails and wellwishes for Eva documenting her surgery andrecovery, and a welcome home party wasthe frosting on the cake.

Judy worked in elementary schools for atotal of thirty years, working as a teacher forthe first three years then as a librarian. Shesaw a lot of changes during her tenure, in-cluding a library system that went from amanual card file system to computer-basedsystem. Judy enjoyed her life as a librarian,but now she has time for evenmore creativeendeavors.

She takes gorgeous nature photographsaround Shell Point and thenmakes greeting

Our Family TreeContinued from page 5

Reverend Howard Kinsinger and his wife, Eva,are happy their daughter, Judy, decided tomove to Shell Point.


cards to send to family and friends. She alsodoes scissor snipping or Scherenschnitte(share-n-SCHNIT-teh) which means “scis-sor cuts” in German. It is the art form ofpaper cutting or scissor snipping a piece ofpaper into a work of art or intricate design.Her beautiful art work can be found in thegift shop.

Judy also enjoys making homemadeeight-day pickles; and she carries on a tra-dition that her mother, Eva, started in herbuilding of welcoming new residents with ano-bake lemon chiffon pie. The pie is madefrom a family recipe, is easy to make, and isdelicious. As a bonus, each pie includes therecipe… what a great welcome gift!

Sister ActHelen Armstrong and Betty Linsz first

learned about Shell Point when theirmother, Zilpha, broke her hip back in 1970and was brought to Shell Point for rehabil-itation. They both remember that at thattime Shell Point was in the middle ofnowhere down a long dirt road. Betty tried

unsuccessfully to get her dad and mom tomove to Shell Point; and although theynever lived here, Betty remembered thecommunity and the level of excellence thatshe had seen.

Betty and her first husband were mar-ried for forty-three years, and they had threesons together. He passed away in 1987,while they were living in Florida’s PalmCoast area. She was married to her secondhusband, Bill, for nine years. They kneweach other back in school but didn’t date.They eventually got married much later inlife. Betty and Bill moved to Shell Point in

Continued on page 8

Helen Armstrong and Betty Linsz.

Janet Howard BecomesThird Generation Resident

While many residents of ShellPoint have relatives who camebefore them, Janet Howard recently be-came a third generation Shell Point res-ident when she and her husbandmoved into Eagles Preserve ear-lier this year.

Janet Howard’s grand-parents, Allan and Ida But-terworth, were the first inher family to live at ShellPoint. They moved to SandDollar in 1975, when theywere 80; and her grandmothercontinued to live at Shell Pointuntil she was 97.

Janet’s father, Dr. Bernard King,worked for The Christian and Mission-aryAlliance as International Treasurer attheir headquarters in New York and waspart of the team overseeing the ShellPoint Village project. In 1977 he as-sumed leadership of Shell Point Villageat the age of 65 and faced the challengesof bringing the project out of its precari-ous financial situation. Following his re-tirement in 1986, he and his wifeDorothymoved in to the community be-coming the second generation of thatfamily to live here. Dr. King passed awayin 2001, but Dorothy currently resides atthe Larsen Pavilion and just celebratedher 96th birthday. Talk about multi-gen-erations at Shell Point – Janet also hadtwo aunts who lived in the communityas well. Her aunt, Janet Butterworth,lived at Shell Point until 2003 and heraunt, Doris Butterworth, until 2007.

With this many family membersat Shell Point, Janet always knew thiswas the place for her but is amazedhow God opened the door for her tolive here.

She and her first husband, Bill,were missionaries with The ChristianandMissionaryAlliance and spent 40years training leaders for the churchin Indonesia. They lived a very prim-itive lifestyle in the jungles of In-donesia with monkeys and crocodiles

as neighbors and scorpions and snakes asoccasional unwelcome house guests.

Throughout those years, Shell Pointbecame a second home to Janet and Bill

when they would periodically re-turn to the US to live as Mis-sionaries in Residence,sponsored by The VillageChurch. Between 1981 and2002, Janet and Bill lived inPalm Acres on three sepa-rate occasions. In 1997 theylived inCellana onThe Island

and really got a taste of living atShell Point.Bill passed away frompancreatic can-

cer in August 2002. With the support ofShell Point residents, Janet adjusted to avery different life without her husband,Bill. In 2003 she began work at The Vil-lage Church as Minister of Discipleship.She started a bereavement support groupin 2004, where she met her present hus-band, Dr. DavidHoward, who previouslyserved with the Latin America Mission,Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, andwas the International Director of WorldEvangelical Fellowship.

Janet retired in April, and she andDavid moved into Eagles Preserve. Thefamily legacy will continue as Janet’s sis-ter Margaret and her husband plan tomove to Shell Point, as well as one ofJanet’s daughters who already has plansto move to Shell Point in the far future.

David and Janet Howard.


1992, but Bill passed away after battlingAlzheimer’s disease.

Betty is a retired executive secretary andis also the family genealogist. She has manyfamily stories compiled and even wrote abook about her brother Harry, who waskilled in World War II, in order to preservehis memory. She gave copies to family mem-bers, and the book is in World War II ex-hibits across the country. Before her eyesightdeteriorated, Betty volunteered many hoursin the Pavilion’s Alzheimer’s unit. Althoughshe had to give up most of her volunteeringactivities, she still swims everyday. She alsoparticipates in Bible study, the Shell PointRed Hat Society, and occasionally as a sub-stitute volunteer in the train room.

Helen Armstrong is Betty’s older sister.She lived in Mentor, Ohio, with her hus-band Vernon on an 85-acre cattle farm fortwenty years. They were no strangers tohard work and in addition to the farm, Ver-non was a supervisor in a factory and Helenworked in a cafeteria. They were also veryinvolved in 4-H and helped kids as horseadvisors. She has fond memories of the an-nual fair where she would take her ironingboard to the barns and hand the clothes tothe kids right off the ironing board just be-fore their competition time.

Helen says she followed her sister toShell Point knowing the excellent care herhusband would receive and that she wouldbe taken care of after his passing. Theymoved to Shell Point in April 1993. Vernonpassed away just six weeks later. Helenshortly after became involved in the VisionEnrichment Group and still is. She works inthe Train Room and volunteers at theLarsen Pavilion.

These two remarkable women bothsay they are where they should be. Al-though they are in their nineties and bothhave macular degeneration, they continueto live independently. Knowing the side-walks, feeling safe, and being inspired byothers in the community make Shell Pointspecial to each of them. In reality, how-ever, they are two examples of truly inspi-rational women who make Shell Pointspecial.

A Family Adventure

Joseph and DorothyGrapes came to Shell Pointin 2002. During Joe’s work-ing years, this adventurouscouple crisscrossed the coun-try in a small Volkswagencamper on vacations. Hewas also a scoutmaster forsixteen years and he retiredas a New Jersey postmasterin June 1972. They eventu-ally traded the Volkswagencamper in for a travel trailerand found Indian CreekCampground in 1972, wherethey enjoyed tennis, shuffle-board, and fishing everywinter.

This couple was game for anything, andDorothy’s recounts of some of their boatingmishaps are hysterical. One mishap oc-curred when they started out for a canoeride. Dorothy slipped, landed hard at oneend of the canoe, and tossed Joe right intothe water. On another day, they went on afishing trip in a blowup boat.

Joe caught a catfish and tried to getthe hook out by holding the fish againstthe side of the boat. He wondered whythe fish was making a hissing sound untilhe lifted up the fish and discovered itwasn’t the catfish making that sound atall. The fish’s barb had punched a hole inthe boat. Dorothy, a novice swimmer, saidshe was terrified as they took turns hold-ing their fingers over the hole and rowingback to shore.

It was during this twenty-seven year pe-riod of camping fun and frolic that they alsofound and fell in love with Shell Point.While they were at the campground, theyattended concerts and Easter sunrise serv-ices. Joe’s heart problems in 2002 broughtan end to their camping adventures, but atthe same time, it opened the door to theShell Point lifestyle.

Joe and Dorothy have been married foran incredible seventy-three years and havetwo daughters, Barbara and Gayle. Bothdaughters were married to a Larry – insteadof the “other brother Larry” (from the oldBob Newhart show) it was the “other hus-band Larry.”

Gayle and her husband, Larry, often vis-ited Gayle’s parents while they were livingat Indian Creek Campground, and they alsocame to love Shell Point during that time.They too enjoyed fishing and canoeing butleft the blowup boats to her parents!

After Gayle retired as an executive as-sistant of a large trucking company andLarry retired as an interior designer-painter,they moved into her parents’ trailer at In-dian Creek. They had planned to staylonger at Indian Creek, but Gayle sayswhen Larry began having health problems,he took the steps to make sure she was atShell Point and would be taken care of be-fore he passed away.

Sadly, Larry passed away just thirteenmonths after they moved into the commu-nity. Dorothy and Joseph are very glad tohave their daughter living nearby in ShellPoint. Both generations of this kind-hearted family appreciate the safety and se-curity of Shell Point, as well as thecommunity’s resort-like lifestyle.

Gayle is very active at Shell Point andvolunteers at The Village Church; in theStamp Ministry; with the grief supportgroup, Journeys into Healing; and with theWomen’s Global Outreach. She is also theCellana Court representative; and, in herspare time for fun and exercise, she linedances. Gayle enjoys being close to her par-ents and hopes her sister, Barbara, will jointhem someday. Hmm, sounds like the ShellPoint tradition just might also continue inthis family!

Joesph and Dorothy Grapes and Gayle RIchardson.

Our Family TreeContinued from page 7

Extended FamilyAlice Armstrong understands the bene-

fits of being part of an extended family, and itis through her extended family that she andher daughter, Catherine, came to be at ShellPoint. After Alice and Bill Armstrong weremarried many years ago, they had a singlechild, Catherine. Bill passed away at an earlyage, and Alice and Catherine were left alonesince Alice did not have any siblings herself.

Bill’s brother, Dick Armstrong, and hiswife, Miriam, continued to stay in touch withAlice and Catherine and checked on themroutinely to make sure they were doing allright.Alice says since both she and her daugh-ter Catherine are only children, being part ofthe Armstrong family has been a blessing.

They were living in a small apartmentin Boston when Dick invited them to ShellPoint and made their travel arrangementsfor the week of Thanksgiving in 2006. Healso scheduled an interview at theWelcomeCenter during that same week so that theycould learn about living at Shell Point. Fourmonths later, Alice and Catherine moved toShell Point together.

Since Catherine has epilepsy, they areboth grateful for the excellent medical careat Shell Point. Alice also loves the friendli-ness of the other residents and the neigh-borhood atmosphere of the community.Catherine loves being at Shell Point, but shestill misses the autumn colors and thechange of season. She also misses teachingher first and second grade Sunday schoolclass. They stay in contact with their formerchurch, and Alice sends them an extra copy

of Shell Point Life every month so it can beshared among their friends.

A bountiful supply of seashells on theirbalcony table indicates their enjoyment ofthe nearby beaches. They both enjoy thegorgeous view from their balcony, the senseof community, and the safety of Shell Point.Alice says they are very blessed to be atShell Point and they are very grateful toDick Armstrong for bringing them to thisisland paradise.

A Son and His FatherWhile it is very common to find residents

who had parents that lived at Shell Point be-fore them, every once inawhile, the opposite occursand an adult child willmove to the communityfirst and then introducethe parent to Shell Point.Bruce Findley broughthis father to Shell PointRetirement Communityafter he had moved in.

Bruce was introducedto the Shell Point lifestyleby members of the Captiva Chapel by theSea congregation who were living at ShellPoint. He said he was immediately drawn tothe faith-based community and the diversityof those living in Shell Point. According toBruce, “It is a special place where both theresidents and the staff are held to a higherethical standard, and it shows.”

Bruce’s parents had been coming fromWisconsin to Sanibel for thirty-five years, sohe was already familiar with the beautifulsouthwest coast of Florida. At the timeBruce found Shell Point, he was living onhis fifty-four foot boat, traveling back andforth to Wisconsin. It didn’t take long forhim to decide to make Shell Point his home.In November 2002, he signed the contractand moved into Macoma. Once he settledinto Shell Point, he down-sized to a forty-two foot boat, namedWhite Pelican, whichhe just sold last year. In June 2004, Brucemoved into one of Shell Point’s single fam-ily homes located in Palm Acres, and he isstill enjoying the benefits and amenities ofliving in the community.

Meanwhile Bruce’s father, Ralph Find-ley, teased his son by saying that he came to

Shell Point so he would have a place to parkhis boat. At that time, Ralph also had a sea-sonal condominium at Compass Point onSanibel, so the groundwork was already laidwhen Bruce introduced his dad to ShellPoint. Like Bruce, he was immediatelydrawn to this tropical paradise with its manyactivities and community lifestyle. Ralphwas in the first group to move into the newamenity-packed Arbor assisted living facil-ity in September 2005.

He enjoyed his time there tremendouslyand was the “official” paper boy, delivering

papers to all hisneighbors. In2008, Ralphmoved to theLarsen Pavil-ion, where heenjoyed read-ing the Wall

Street Journal every day.Well into his mid-90s,Ralph spent his finaltime near his son here atShell Point, underscor-ing Bruce’s commentthat the Larsen Pavilion

is “the crown jewel of Shell Point – provid-ing life care with a talented and caring staff.”

Multiple GenerationsThere are few places that can offer the

amenities and lifestyle choices that appealto multiple generations. As these and somany other residents have discovered, ShellPoint has captured this unique lifestyle of re-tirement living with a lifecare plan that issecond to none, providing the best optionsfor both parents and their retirement-agechildren, as well as extended family mem-bers of all kinds.

As Shell Point’s first-class lifecare andresort-style lifestyle become well knownthroughout the families of residents who livehere, the community will continue to pros-per and bless future generations.

Editor’s Note: When we began researchingthis article, we discovered numerous family rela-tions and many more have emergedsince this story was written. Tuneinto Shell Point TV-Channel 11 dur-ing the month of November for manyother profiles of “Genera-tions at Shell Point.”

Bruce and his father Ralph Findley.

Catherine and Alice Armstrong.


B Y S U E T A Y L O R

People begin making memories theday they are born. Each day of lifeinvolves creating and recalling memories.Reflecting on past times can conjure mem-ories of pleasure and love and contentment,or tragedy and loss and dissatisfaction.

Memories are significant and make uswho we are. We are affirmed by them, we’rechanged by them, we’re moved to laughterand tears by them, and we’re connected bythem. If our memory begins to fail, wemourn the loss of it. It’s no wonder thatwhile we can, we find ways to memorializeour memories for ourselves and others.

Writing personal memoirs has becomean increasingly popular way for people tocapture their personal memories, and agroup of residents is learning how to capturethe stories of their lives by creatingmemoirs.

Creating Memoirs is a weekly academyclass taught by Phyllis Bailey-Starmer, aprofessor of Miami University of Ohio, whospends her winters in Florida with husbandPeter. Her class encourages students to usewriting to find their own voice.

The class encourages sharing and dis-cussion as a way to recall life stories. Thegroup has become a very close-knit com-munity; and when a memoir is shared, theyshare praise, ask questions, help fill in miss-ing pieces, and discuss suggestions.

Professor Bailey-Starmer explains, “Dur-ing the weekly two-hour class, sharing storiesoften leads to a lot of laughing, hearts being

touched, and a very therapeutic sense ofcommunity and caring as people get to knoweach other through their stories and even thecolloquialisms unique to each of them.”

As they share, they find that thememoirscreated in the class are as unique as the mem-bers. One resident writer has followed hermemories back to family member JeffersonDavis. Another relates the experience of los-ing a home in a fire. One writer organized hermemories around the various houses whereher family lived while her husband changedjobs from one corner of the US to another.

Memoirs Provide an OutletAnneWills, a resident of Tellidora, has

many memories of Shell Point. Her latehusband Tom and their five children vaca-tioned in Florida. Their trips always in-cluded visits to Shell Point to see Anne’sparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Sutton.

In 1991TomandAnne decided tomoveto FortMyers to be even closer to Shell Point.And when Tom passed away two years later,his service was held at Shell Point.

In December of 2006 Anne made ShellPoint her home. Just a month after moving

Class members work on their writing outside of class, then in class take turns reading to the group to sharethe progress of the topic they happen to be exploring at that time. The instructor offers helpful critique andmembers of the class share praise, ask questions, help fill in missing pieces, and discuss suggestions.

emories Live Again inCreative Writing Class Guides Residents in Writing Memoirs


in, she started attending the CreatingMem-oirs class and found the perfect outlet forcapturing her memories.

Anne explains, “I always loved to write,but you don’t often get around to it unlessyou have an incentive. In the class, we’reencouraged to remember that writing is avery personal thing. Everyone has his ownstyle. Some may write memoirs chronolog-ically from birth, while others’ memoirs arecollections of simple experiences and re-membrances. I wanted to have memoirs toshare with my children, so I have begunwriting a letter to each of my five children,including memories that stand out and thatare special to them and that make them soendearing to me. It’s very satisfying when Ishare and read my writing to my childrenabout their parents or grandparents, andthey say, ‘I never knew that!’”

Dr. Emmett Murray (Oakmont), affec-tionately known as Duke, began writing afterhis children encouraged him to write aboutwhat life was like in his hometown of Lima,Ohio. The encouragement paid off as Dukehas already self-published two books of mem-oirs and soldmore than two thousand copies.Duke is currently working on a third bookabout his memories as a country doctor in the50s, 60s, and 70s. He relates, “We certainlycouldn’t do anything fancy like heart surgery,but we could wipe out polio!”

Duke’s son, Robb Murray, sends e-mailupdates to Duke’s loyal fan base who con-

tinue to provide encouragement along hisjourney. His memoirs are shared over radiointerviews, posted podcasts, library book

programs, and more. Dukewill even share his mem-oirs during a world-widestory telling festival, calledTellibration, on Saturday,November 22.

Sharing Your StoryAcademy Manager,

Teri Kollath, wants resi-dents to consider joining amemoir writing class. Inaddition to the CreatingMemoirs course, two newclasses have been added tothe academy roster.

The first class, How toWrite YourMem-oirs on a Computer, is a hands-on workshopled by Lucille Peterson (Lakewood) andMarty Gibson (Lakewood), designed to helpyou write using a helpful technology tool.The second class, facilitated by resident KenMasters (Turban), is designed to help resi-dents create and share memoirs as the groupitself decides. Additionally, the springtrimester will present an opportunity forgrowth in a workshop presented by a nation-ally known memoirs instructor.

Whatever the background, whateverthe memories, writing memoirs is a valuable

experience for both the writer and thereader. Peter Starmer, who often accompa-nies his wife to the memoirs class, relates,“Your imagination could not meet the toneand tenor of what is produced from memo-ries of the past.”

Finding InspirationThe Shell Point gift shop sells books

written by Shell Point residents, includingDuke Murray, and the Shell Point Libraryholds a compilation of class writing foreach trimester, beginning with 2001.Writers have selected their own pieces forinclusion.

As Professor Bailey-Starmer will tellyou, “Journaling is an important element ofthe memoirs class. You’ll never run out ofmaterial to write about this way.”Anne Wills reads from her personal memoir.

Hank Ivory (Periwinkle), Jane Kennedy (Oakmont), Duke Murray (Oakmont), Marty Gibson (Lakewood), Kay Strong (Harbor Court), Pat Webster (SandDollar), Jim Hardy (Sundial) and Barbara Murray (King’s Crown) participate in the Creative Writing class offered through the Academy at Shell Point.

riting personal memoirs has becomean increasingly popular way for people tocapture their personal memories.

Memoirs


As Shell Point Village was struggling under the weightof debt and financial shortfalls in the 1970s, Peter Dyswas working in the field of aging services and thenursing home industry in the Lancaster, Pennsylva-nia, area. His geriatric interest was initiated in under-graduate school and continued through a master’s inthe social work program at West Virginia University,from which he graduated in 1972. Dys presided overthe start-up and administration of the LancasterCounty Office of Aging in 1974. Through his ambi-tious yet conservative management of this agency, itgrew to a staff of more than 60 employees, providingservices to seniors throughout Lancaster with a $3million annual budget.

An active and devoted member of The Christian andMissionary Alliance, Peter Dys had been invited in 1979 to serve on theGeneral Services Advisory Council for the denomination, which at thattime was headed by vice president, Dr. Gordon Cathey. The scope ofthis committee was to review the functions of general services. Dys’ areaof expertise was aging services. In this capacity, he became familiar withthe various Alliance retirement centers and was asked to provide in-ser-vice training to all of the retirement centers at the annual Consultationon Aging meeting.

In 1981 Peter Dys was asked to serve as amember of The Christian and Mission-ary Alliance Foundation Board of Direc-tors for Shell Point Village due to hisbackground within the denomination,his qualifications in the field of geriatricand aging services, and his direct day-to-day operational experience in the indus-try for the aging.

Peter Dys arrived for his first board meet-

ing at Shell Point Village late at night. His first impressionof the community occurred as he drove along Shell PointBoulevard. Before him, set against the darkened sky, wasthe beautifully illuminated cross of The Village Church.This symbol captured his attention and captivated his in-terest as he thought about the spiritual values that un-derscored the community and its service environment.

Dr. Bernard King, Executive Director of Shell Point atthat time, immediately impressedDys as an impassionedleader with an obvious and unconditional commitmentto Shell Point. He was impressed by King’s wisdom andobvious fortitude on what were some severe financialmanagement issues. It was also easy to see that the mem-bers of the board possessed the qualities of character, back-ground, and dedication necessary for the task at hand. It

was evident that financial pressure was present. Facility upgrades andmodifications, and general maintenance, were lacking due to inadequatecapital. There was a serious need for maintenance and upkeep.

Shell Point Village was also in trouble due to its mix of apartments andskilled nursing beds with its aging-in-place population. The boardstrongly supported Dr. King’s suggestion to build an assisted living fa-

cility, which was not only necessary tomaintain industry standards but also tostave off an overuse of Shell Point’s skillednursing facility, The Pavilion.

The development of the assisted living fa-cility provided the tax-exempt, credit-en-hanced financing that would allow ShellPoint to fold in its existing high-interestdebt and eliminate the downward spiral ofself-financing. In addition to the refinanc-ing, other income sources had to be in-creased.

CHAPTER NINE – CONFIDENCE RESTOREDIn last month’s chapter of the Shell Point history, we looked back at the 1970s and the trying

financial times that Shell Point endured through God’s grace. This month we begin a new chapter as we meetthe man who came to Shell Point in the early 1980s and continues to lead Shell Point today.

Peter Dys, President.

THEHISTORY OF SHELL POINT

Original sign to the community on Shell Point Boulevard.


Shell Point’s on-site manage-ment staff was few in num-ber and did not possess thebackground and operatingskills required for a commu-nity of its size and complex-ity. Particularly lacking wasthe emphasis on sales andmarketing, required to fill aconsistently large percentageof apartments which remained vacant.The critical issue to the Village wasthe annual loss of revenue caused by this excessive apartment inventory.At the time more than 40 apartments remained vacant.

Previous efforts to market the Village had been primarily limited to theC&MA denomination and select national markets. The local market inLee County had been left virtually untapped. Also, in keeping with ef-forts to control costs throughout the community, the apartments, whichwere now 10 to 15 years old, were not being renovated before they wereput back on the market for resale.

Minor improvements, such as new paint and carpet, weremade; but over-all, the apartments were showing their age.Money had to be spent to ren-ovate the apartments prior to resale. An apartment renovation programand the systematic upkeep of each residence were begun to allow ShellPoint to become competitive in the lifestyle market of Lee County.Theseefforts, plus an aggressive marketing focus, spurred an increase in sales,with revenue from founder’s fees going from $2.6million in 1984, to $3.6million in 1985, to more than $4 million in 1986, when the apartmentswere finally filled.

With the tax-exempt financing in place and the increase in sales, ShellPoint’s financial future was secured. Dr. King could now contemplate hisretirement, and the board asked Peter Dys to consider accepting the po-sition of administrator of Shell Point Village for one year, under Dr.Bernard King, and then becoming the executive director.

On August 1, 1985, Dr. King warmly welcomed Peter Dys as the newadministrator. Peter Dys’s experience in the dealings of Shell Point Vil-lage, gained during his time spent on the Board of Directors, providedinvaluable background and allowed him to quickly assess the many issuesat hand. Dr. King seemed genuinely relieved to have the new administra-tor on board. As fall approached, he quickly turned a variety of responsi-bilities over to him.

Plans were finalized for the construction of the assisted living facility, withPeterDys assuming the leadership responsibility for the final design and ar-chitectural work of the building which was completed in late fall of 1985.

Dr. King RetiresInNovember 1985Dr. King requested the board’sapproval for early retirement. Dr. King had car-ried an enormous load through many difficultyears and was ready to step aside. He expressedcomplete confidence in Peter Dys and his ability toassume the leadership of the Village; and at theboard’s request, Peter Dys accepted the acceleratedresponsibility of Executive Director and assumedthe position in January 1986.

Peter Dys immediatelyrolled up his sleeves andwent to work.There was agreat deal of work ahead ifimprovements throughoutthe Village were to bemade. Dys quickly setabout putting together anew organizational struc-ture that could handle the

current and future needs of the community. A team of qualified and ex-perienced professionals, with expertise in their individual fields, wasneeded to help guide Shell Point Village into the future. Some strong keystaff members were already present at Shell Point, and Dys chose addi-tional individuals who could bring significant expertise in the areas of res-ident services, health care services, sales and marketing, and financialadministration to the team.

Changes began occurring rapidly throughout the community. On the 75-acre island, there was still property that could be developed.Dys recognizedthe importance ofmaking the best possible use of this acreage in light of thepopulation density allowed by the community’s formal development order,as well as the ambiance and lifestyle desired for the residents.

The newly finished King’sCrownhad established a newstandard of excellence for thecommunity. Soon after itscompletion, the commit-ment to quality health carewas expanded with plans torenovate The Pavilion. Resi-dents of theVillage pulled to-gether like never before toraise funds for the renovation,bringing inmore than $3million.The facility received amuch-needed over-haul to bring it up to the new standard of excellence.

Residents took center stage as feedback programs were implemented. Nu-merous formally structured advisory systems were put into place to es-tablish and maintain communication regarding issues in food service,activities, health care, and a variety of other services.

The late 1980s became a time of physical renewal for the community. In-frastructure throughout the entire community was in dire need of repair,and a series of improvement projects was launched which included almostevery support system within the Village, including roads, bridges, build-

ings, grounds, and more.

Dr. Bernard King.

The Island during the mid-1980s.

King’s Crown assisted living facility.

Bridge repair and constructionof the perimeter sidewalkwere part of the overallimprovements.

Continued next page


A new maintenance building was con-structed to provide space for the reorganizedfacility operations department. This build-ing featured offices, warehouse space, anauto repair center, car wash bay, and workspace.Tennis courts were constructed on theroof of the building.

By the early 1990s the Village had achievedwhat appeared to be a complete metamor-phosis. New residents moving into the com-munity were unaware of themany positive changes that had taken placein just a few short years. Sales were brisk as Shell Point established it-self as a leader in the industry. New programs and innovations were in-troduced. The financial tide had been turned, and Shell Point nowgenerated an annual operating surplus which more than sustained theupkeep, maintenance, and improvements necessary each year. Dysbrought stability to the financial underpinnings of the organizationthrough his ability to organize and control the assets of the Village.

In all, Dys was able to pour almost $60million of income back into thecommunity during the decade between 1986 and 1996 without in-curring any additional debt.

As an indicator of its success, Shell Point applied forand received accreditation by the Continuing CareAccreditation Commission in 1992.This industryendorsement acclaimed Shell Point as a quality re-tirement community with a proven history of ex-cellence. This accreditation is the industry’s most

sought-after recognition of excellence.

The island was growing—booming, in fact. The number of staff in-creased each year, with more than 500 people finding employmentwithin the community. With occupancy rates at an all-time high, theboard decided to take advantage of the island’s approved developmentorder and added an additional 64 units by building Harbor Court.

Trends in the sale of units on the island indicatedthat prospective residents wanted units withgreater square footage. Harbor Court would pro-vide attractive two- and three-bedroom apart-ments with breathtaking views. Harbor Court,designed by the architec-tural firm of Burt HillKosar Rittelmann Associ-ates and constructed byWright Construction, wascompleted in late 1991.

During that time, theoriginal sales and market-ing office, the Welcome Center, was located on a portion of propertynear the boat docks. It was decided that this location would be the bestsite for another new residential building to be called Sundial.

TheWelcome Center was torn down at the end of 1994 to make wayfor the new Sundial building. In 1995 Shell Point began constructionof Sundial, which would utilize a similar open-atrium design first es-

tablished in Harbor Court and feature 40new apartments.The construction of Sun-dial officially utilized the maximum num-ber of residential units, approved for theisland by Lee County. Shell Point hadreached its maximum capacity of inde-pendent and assisted living units on the is-land.

Conservative fiscal requirements were pru-dently established by management, requir-ing that the cost of construction be borne

by money raised in the presale of the residential apartments. No longerwould Shell Point construct a building on borrowed funds at the jeop-ardy of the fiscal security of the residents. This “pay-as-you-go” philos-ophy continued to strengthen Shell Point’s financial stability.

During this time period, several construction projects were taking placesimultaneously. ShellPoint once again brokeground on a new build-ing—a two-story park-ing garage that wouldalso serve as an approvedhurricane shelter for res-idents of the community.Plus, a new WelcomeCenter and guardhousewere built near the en-trance to the community. Additional construction at the entrance ofthe island also included improving the center intersection and roadway.A stately row of palm trees was planted up the center of the boulevardthat leads through the community, creating an attractive landscape fea-ture and a memorable impression for visitors.

The changes to the community were apparent within the C&MA, aswell as the national retirement industry. Throughout the 1990s, nu-merous awards were given to Shell Point in recognition of its achieve-

ment in serving the senior population. Shell Point wasnamed in the “Top 20 Retirement Communities” byNew Choices magazine in 1993. In 1995 ContemporaryLong-Term Care magazine named Shell Point the “BestRetirement Community,” and it was named one of “TheWorld’sMost Beautiful Retirement Communities” by theAssociation of Retirement Resorts International in 1996.In 1997 Shell Point was named one of “The Top Con-

tinuing Care Retirement Communities in the Southeastern UnitedStates” byWhere to Retiremagazine.

In addition to the physical improvements being made throughoutthe community, management assumed the task of improving thequality of resident services. Dys’s steadfast vision for Shell Point—the desire to be the best—created an environment that allowed the

community to flourish.The high quality prevalent in every aspect of theoperation was now apparent and began to attract potential residents.Maximum occupancy rates were achieved and waiting lists filled as in-dividuals expressed an interest inmoving to Shell Point. Shell Point hadachieved maximum capacity and the demand for services and ameni-ties continued to grow. It was during this time that a new opportunityloomed on the horizon.

Sundial featured 40 new apartments on The Island.

Continued from page 13

The Welcome Center.

Construction of Harbor Court.


People are usually surprised to learnthat the age difference between theyoungest and the oldest resident at Shell Pointis often close to fifty years. This is the resultof two main factors; Americans are livinglonger than ever before with the life ex-pectancy in America increasing one yearevery seven years, and many people havechosen to retire earlier than the statisticalaverage, resulting in younger retirees. Com-bine younger retirees with individuals livinglonger, and you get the picture.

This has created an interesting phenome-non in retirement living; intergenerational re-tirees. During the past twenty years, ShellPoint has begun to experience the reality ofmultiple generations of retirees from the samefamily living on the same campus at the sametime. It is becoming increasingly common forfathers andmothers and sons and daughters tobe experiencing retirement simultaneously.

At Shell Point this reality appearedmorethan two decades ago. During the time periodthat he served as the community’s executivedirector, Dr. BernardKing’smother-in-lawwas

residing at Shell Point. Upon his re-tirement, Dr. King moved into ShellPoint as a resident, and the commu-nity became the home to two genera-tions at the same time. In the decadefollowing, this situation occurredagain and again. According to MikeDavis, Director of Sales for the com-munity, “Members of the Shell Pointsales staff have reported a large num-ber of adult children who first learnedof Shell Point through their parents and ob-served first hand the superior lifestyle and life-care the community offered. Based on thesepersonal observations of the positive experi-ences of their parents, these individuals sub-sequently sought information and took upresidency for themselves.”

And these relationships extend beyondparents and their adult children. “Shell Pointhas had numbers of siblings move into thecommunity, as well as many other combina-tions of family relations,” said Davis. “TheShell Point family tree has numerousbranches of extended families, and we just re-cently welcomed our first ‘third generation’resident.”

A more recent and intriguing trend is theolder prospect making an inquiry at the Wel-come Center after learning about Shell Pointthrough the recommendationof an adult sonordaughterwho is a resident. “I realized times haddefinitely changed the first time we had a new

resident move into the community because asonor daughter already livedhere,” remembersDavis with a chuckle. “Maybe I’ve been heretoo long, but in the past twenty-three years ofmy career at Shell Point, it had never occurredtome that wewould reach this point! Now it’salmost commonplace.”

Sales professionals in the retirement in-dustry are increasingly becoming blind to age.

“Age has just become a number on a pieceof paper,” said Davis. “It has no real signifi-cance anymore, and it certainly has nothingto do with the attitudes or expectations of thepeople who want to live here. I think that isone of the reasons that living at Shell Point isso attractive to so many people.”

Sons, daughters, aunts, cousins, grand-parents, fathers, and mothers – they all agree– life at Shell Point is certainly a family affair!

Some of Shell Point’s best sales peopleare its residents, and this was provenagain whenNancy Brown of Turban wrote aletter after the 2008 Shell Point Gala heldin January this year. In her letter, Nancy andher husband Leighton expressed their ap-preciation for the complimentary perform-ance of the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

“Leighton and I loved the AnniversaryGala. We think it was the very best event

we have been to here,” she wrote. “We hadso much fun listening to the music of GlennMiller. We were about six years old whenthe war started but knew all of the music.”

“Leighton’s family has lived in South-west Florida for three generations, and I ar-rived here 50 years ago. We have watchedShell Point change and grow, and it is ab-solutely wonderful today!”

Prior to deciding tomove to Shell Point,the couple decided to take the Shell Pointtour at the suggestion of their son, CharlesBrown, an anesthesiologist at HealthparkMedical Center, who happens to live inPalm Acres right outside the entrance gateto the Island at Shell Point. Charles knew agreat deal about Shell Point, and he knewhis parents would love it once they took atour.

“The next day following the tour, myyounger sister flew down from Charlotte,

North Carolina, to try and stop us,” wroteNancy. “She thought we were too young!But when she saw what Shell Point was re-ally like, she wanted tomove here too!” TheBrowns moved to Shell Point in 2004.

Although Nancy and her husband arehappy they made the right decision, Nancyrelated a story that probably told it all.

“We have some Fort Myers friendswhose mother almost moved into Tellidorain 1968. The family thought it was too riskyto pay $8,000 for a one-bedroom apartment,so she didn’t come. They also thought shemight not live long. At that time she was68. She lived 20 more years!”

Nancy and Leighton have truly recog-nized the value of Shell Point and the life-care plan it provides. They enjoy living intheir home in the Mid-Rises on The Islandand have made a number of friends sincemoving into the community four years ago.

The Browns Discover the True Value of Lifecare

Nancy and Leighton Brown (Turban)

The Sales Team back row: Ted Benjamin, MaureenThompson, Jill Barry Lou Ann Ehlers. Front row:Jan Coay, Mike Davis and Deb Moniz.

A Family AffairResidents Often DiscoverShell Point Through Fam-ily or Friends


The Spirit of theShell PointOlympics

Over 300 athletes have signed upfor 38 competitions and it is timefor the games to get on their way!

Kick off the Week at theOpening CeremonyNovember10th at 2:00 pmThe Opening Ceremony will be held Mon-day, November 10, at 2:00 p.m. at the

Church Auditorium. The entire community is welcome tocome see the presentation of court flags and listen to thepowerful and spirited performance of Japanese TaikoDrummers. Fushu Diakohas been recognized bythe Mayor of Miami andthe Consulate General ofJapan in Ko Kodaira, forcreating a greater under-standing of the Japaneseculture in our commu-nity, and for strengthen-ing the bonds betweenFlorida and Japan.

Olympic Game DaysNovember 11th, 12th, 13th

Throughout November 11-13games will take place in all three ShellPoint neighborhoods. The schedule islisted on the next page. Be sure to hopon the Shell Point Olympic bus that

will travel between venues so you cancheer on your friends. Each venue will have chairs

available for prime viewing.

Closing CeremonyNovember 14th at 2:00 pmOn November 14 athletes will be pre-sented with medals at the Closing Cere-mony at 2:00 p.m. in the ChurchAuditorium. The ceremony will include aweek’s worth of pictures celebrating the efforts of allathletes. The court flag medals will be presented at thistime as well.

Athletes: Pre-ordered T-shirts will be distributed onMonday, November 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. inthe Resident Activity Center. You may still order a com-memorative T-shirt for $10, by calling either Service Desk.

HISTORY OF THE OLYMPICS CLASSAcademy favorite, Professor Adrian Kerr, has created

a class to launch the Shell Point Olympics on the his-tory of the Olympian games in Greece just for us. JoinProfessor Kerr onMonday, November 3, at 2:00 p.m. ashe discusses the first games that took place in 776 BC inthe town of Olympia and have been celebrated every fouryears for the 1200 years since. The lecture will be ex-tensively illustrated with depictions of events and pic-tures of the original site. Sign up is required for thisclass, which you can do at either Service Desk.

SHELL POINT HISTORYWITH PETER DYSJoin Shell Point President Peter Dys for a fitting fi-

nale to our year-long celebration of Shell Point’s 40thanniversary in the Coffee with A Shell Point President.This photographic perspective of the history of the com-munity will be accompanied by Peter’s personal recol-lections as he presents photographs that take you fromempty land to one of the nations’s top life care commu-nities on Friday, November 7, at 10:15 a.m.A ticket isrequired and can be picked up at either Service Desk.

PARKINSON’S PRESENTATIONBring your friends and family to the presentation on

Parkinson’s Genetic Research on Tuesday, November18, at 7:00 p.m. in the Church Auditorium. This pro-gram is open to the public as the Academy spotlights theenvironmental and genetic changes that contribute tothe development of Parkinson’s Disease. AdriannaMar-tinez, RN, BSN, and Clinical Project Manager of theUniversity of Miami Institute for HumanGenomics willpresent state-of-the-art genetic research being done todiscover the genetic factors, as well as environmentalinteraction, that contribute to Parkinson’s disease.

THE LEGACY PRESENTS DAVID JONESHighly regarded economist, educator, and expert on

U.S. financial markets David Jones, President/CEO ofDMJ Advisors, LLC, and Chairman of Investors’ Secu-rity Trust Company will share his views of the currentfinancial crisis in a Legacy Foundation Seminar onWednesday, November 19, at 10:00 a.m. titled TheState of The Economy. Dr. Jones has authored severalbooks including the landmark classic book on FederalReserve policy, Fed Watching and Interest Rate Pro-jections: A Practical Guide.

Please see your fall semester Academy brochure forinformation on these and all Academy presentations.

November Highlights

Don’t miss the Japanese Taiko Drummersperform at the Opening Ceremonies.

2008 Shell Point Olympics November 10-14

Let the Games Begin!

Join in the spirit of the Olympic Games!Come out as a spectator and cheer others on!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

8:00 a.m. Men’s Tennis DoublesWoodlands Tennis Court/WDLDraw for partner

9:00 a.m. Short or Distance WalkStart and Finish Island Park/IS

9:30 a.m. Fishing CompetitionLagoon Seawall/ISMust have own equipment

10:00 a.m. Horse Shoe TossPavilion 3rd Floor Activity Room2nd and 3rd floor residents

10:15 a.m. Billiards – 9-BallResident Activity Center/IS

10:30 a.m. Ring TossPavilion 3rd Floor Activity Room2nd and 3rd floor residents

12:30 p.m. Timed Puzzle ContestArbor 3rd Fl. Discussion/Game Rm.

1:00 p.m. Doubles Table TennisGrand Cypress Room/WDLDraw for Partner

1:00 p.m. Friendly Duplicate BridgeSocial Center/ ISArrive at 12:30, Sign-up with partner

1:15 p.m. Mind OlympicsKing’s Crown Community Room

2:15 p.m. Bocce BallWoodlands Bocce Court

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12

8:00 a.m. Mixed Doubles TennisWoodlands Tennis Court /WDLDraw for partner

9:00 a.m. 5K Bike RaceMeet at Village Church/ISPorte Cochere

10:00 a.m. Word GamesPavilion 3rd Floor Activity Room3rd floor residents

10:15 a.m. Model Sailboat RacingGarden Apartment Pond/IS

11:15 a.m. Wii GolfChurch Hospitality Room/IS

1:00 p.m. ChessResident Activity Center/IS

1:00 p.m. RummikubArbor Community Room

1:00 p.m. Single Table TennisGrand Cypress Room/WDL

1:15 p.m. ShuffleboardIsland Shuffleboard Court/IS

1:30 p.m. Basketball Free ThrowPavilion 2nd Floor Activity Room2nd and 3rd floor residents

2:15 p.m. Wii TennisChurch Hospitality Room/IS

2:15 p.m. Name That Tune ContestKing’s Crown Community Room

3:00 PinochleSabal Room/WDL

3:00 Connect FourPavilion 3rd Floor Activity Room3rd floor residents

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13

8:00 a.m. Ladies’ Doubles TennisWoodlands Tennis Courts/WDLDraw for partner

8:30 a.m. Putt & Chip CompetitionShell Point Golf CourseBring own clubs and balls, or theywill be provided

9:00 a.m. Kayak Endurance RaceKayak Storage/ISMust have own kayak

9:00 a.m. Swimming RelaysWoodlands Swimming Pool/WDLDraw for teams

10:00 a.m. Wii BowlingPavilion 3rd Floor Activity Room3rd floor residents

10:00 a.m. Ramp BowlingPavilion 2nd Floor Activity Room2nd floor residents

10:15 a.m. Tennis Skills ContestWoodlands Tennis Court/WDL

10:15 a.m. Spelling BeeChurch Auditorium/IS

11:15 a.m. Wii BoxingChurch Hospitality Room/IS

1:00 p.m. Mah-JonggSocial Center/IS

1:00 p.m. Memory OlympicsArbor Community Room

1:15 p.m. Scrabble TournamentKing’s Crown Community Room

2:15 p.m. Wii BowlingChurch Hospitality Room/IS

2:30 p.m. Throw for DistancePavilion 2nd Floor Activity Room2nd floor residents

TAKE A LOOK— Of course, you donot want to miss viewing pictures ofyour neighbors during their youngerathletic days. The pictures will be ondisplay in the Resident Activity Cen-ter and The Woodlands Commons.

Pilgrims and PuritansPilgrims and Puritans escaped persecu-

tion from the Church of England by comingto America and birthed a new nation. Therewere some basic differences, however, be-tween the two: the Pilgrims were pragmaticwhile the Puritans were scholars. The Pil-grims focused on the land and carved out set-tlements, while the Puritans formed the firstfree school offered to all children, establishedthe first American college, Harvard, andwrote and published some of the first booksin America. They both played a large part inshaping the moral character of America,while insuring freedom of speech and free-dom of religion.

Our Founding FathersThe American Revo-

lution occurred during thelast half of the 18th cen-tury in which the thirteencolonies of North Americaunited, declared their in-dependence in 1776, stoodup to the tyrannical rule ofBritain, and defended their

fledgling union during the American Rev-olutionary War.

American Industrial RevolutionThe American Industrial Revolution

began just fourteen years after the signing ofthe Declaration of Independence. Eli Whit-ney patented the cotton gin in 1793, givingbirth to manufacturing and factories, creat-ing amajor shift in the lifestyles of theAmer-ican people. It would not be a time withoutwar, however, including theWar of 1812 andthe war with the Cherokee Nation in 1838.While the cotton gin changed a generationduring the time of its invention. The tele-graphwas invented by SamuelMorse in 1837during the Industrial Revolution, but it wascredited with starting the Information Age.

The Civil WarThe Civil War followed the Industrial

Revolution and was a momentous event forthe United States. The outcome was criti-cal to the survival of a united country. Thisgeneration lived through four bloody yearsof war. In the end, President Abe Lincolnunited the country and freed four millionslaves, but his assassination cut short hislegacy.

The Age of InventionFollowing the Civil War,

there was a great age of inven-tors, including Alexander Gra-ham Bell, Thomas Edison,Henry Ford, and the WrightBrothers. With American inge-nuity at its best, these inventors

helped the United States take giant leapsforward to modernization.

The First World WarWorld War I created many elements

found in the 20th Century and also helpedshape the 21st Century. Two super powerswere birthed out of the war – the UnitedStates ofAmerica and the SovietUnion. Theeconomic boom oftheRoaringTwentiesfollowed World WarI, but it was shortlived. On October29, 1929, the stockmarket crashed cre-ating the Great De-pression, whichlasted until the early1940s. This genera-tion was marked by the ravages of human suf-fering, including hunger, depression, and asense of hopelessness. Giving him a landslidevictory in 1932, Franklin Roosevelt’s NewDeal changed the role of government in in-dividual lives, created work relief programs,and implemented banking regulations. TheGreatDepression generation endured somanyhardships the majority became frugal savers,while others worked voraciously to create abetter life.

World War IIWorldWar II gave birth to what is often

referred to as this modern day’s greatest gen-eration. America entered the war on De-cember 7, 1941, when Japan attacked PearlHarbor. The United States mobilized mil-

America’s greatest generations have a common thread running through them.They were all born of suffering, tragedy, or war. From the depths of human despair,the greatest generations pulled themselves up by their bootstraps and left a legacyto the generations that followed.

A Look at America’s Greatest Generations

FDR signing the SocialSecurity Act of 1935.

The signing of theDeclaration of Independence.

The landing of the Pilgrims.


Generations

lions of men for combat and women for civildefense work at home until it ended with thecollapse of Germany May 8, 1945, and thedefeat of JapanAugust 15, 1945. There wereover 400,000American deathsand over seventymillion deaths intotal – a largepart of themcivilian deaths –attributed to thiswar. This genera-tion went intothe largest andmost costly warin history interms of thenumber of countries involved, the resourcesused, and the lives lost. They took the besteconomic, industrial, and scientific abilitiesof the American people into the war andchanged the world forever.

When the war ended, many soldiers leftthe service and went into the private workforce to rebuild America. This generationalso gave birth toAmerica’s middle class andsuburban lifestyle – a direct result of the GIBill, giving veterans educational benefits andlow cost mortgages.

Baby BoomersThe Baby Boomer generation that fol-

lowed was also not spared the tragedy of war,first with the KoreanWar and then the Viet-nam War. This generation was also markedby the counter-culture revolution, the civilrights movement, and the Cold War. Whatsets this generation apart from others is thesheer size of it. Over seventy- sixmillion chil-dren were born from 1946 to1964. It was so large andspanned almost twenty years soit is also often divided into twoparts. The first boomers wereconnected to and affected bythe assassinations of John F.Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, andMartin Luther King, Jr., civilunrest, political unrest, spaceexploration, anti-war protests,riots, and social and drug ex-perimentation. The second halfof the boomers were affected

largely byWatergate, the endof the VietnamWar, the ColdWar, gas shortages with longgas lines, and high inflation.While the first half of thisgeneration was free-spiritedand social, the second halfwas more cynical with a gen-eral distrust of the govern-ment. The Boomers also gavebirth to Generation X (1965-1976) and Generation Y(1977-1998).

Generation XGeneration X has often been referred to

as the ignored generation, living in the shad-ows of the Boomers. They became the first‘“latchkey” kid generation, with single par-ents or working moms. The end of the ColdWorld, Operation Desert Storm, assassina-tion attempts on the Pope and PresidentRonald Reagan, the Challenger Space Shut-tle explosion, the first woman appointed tothe SupremeCourt, the first woman in space,and the advent of the computer age and

technology also marked Generation X. Thisgeneration has a strong sense of independ-ence, adaptability, and are often outspokenor streetwise loners. Sincemany grew up dur-ing a time of layoffs and economic down-turns, a new entrepreneurial spirit emerged,as well as advances in the Internet world, in-cluding Amazon, Google, and YouTube.

Generation YGenerationY is second in

size to the boomers and grewupwith technology imbeddedin its culture and doting par-ents with high expectations.They were affected by bothOperation Desert Storm andthe second Gulf War in Iraqand witnessed the rise of vio-lence and terrorism, includingtheOklahomaCity bombing,World Trade Center bomb-ing, and school shootings.

This generation is more team-oriented andsocially-minded than their predecessors, andmay drastically change the landscape ofAmerica in the future.

The Newest GenerationThe beginning of Generation Z varies

widely with some sources marking it between1995 and 2000. Regardless, this currentgeneration is definitely the Internetgeneration and theNowgenerationreflecting the culture of immediateresponse with the World WideWeb, instant and text messaging,cell phones, and portable mediaplayers. Using 1995 as the be-ginning, the oldest in thisgeneration was six-years-oldon September 11, 2001.This generation is growingup in a time of economicuncertainty, the Iraq war,and terrorism, so only timewill tell what legacy theywill leave behind to fu-ture generations.

The famous photo taken inTimes Square in New York City.

Rosie the Riveter


CHANGEs of CHANGE


Some of you may have forgottenthe rules or perhaps only vote in theGeneral Election every four years and aren’tsure if your voter information is up-to-date.

In my recent experience as a Voter Sys-tem Specialist at our Village Church pollinglocation for Precinct 83 during theAugust Primary, I observed severalvoter situations that causedslow-downs and realized wecould all benefit from review-ing basic rules.

Remember, the goal is toavoid having to come seeme atthe System Specialist desk forspecial assistance and to insteadhead directly to the ballot table,saving you time and increasingthe precinct’s efficiency.

You must have currentphoto and signature identifi-cation. Even if they are on different docu-ments, you must have both. Should you nothave either, you may still vote. We try tonever turn anyone away from this importantright, but you will have to visit me and gothrough a rather lengthy procedure, called aProvisional Ballot. Most people want tovote, but they want to get in and get out; soplease bring your proper identification.Some people only brought their Voter Reg-istration Identification Card (VRIC) to thePrimary. The only thing this card does is in-

dicate your party affiliation and what dis-tricts you are allowed to vote in. You can usethis as proof of signature, but it, alone, willnot allow you to vote.

You can also save time by making sureyour current address is listed on your VRIC.

If it is not, contact the Lee CountyElections Office at (239) 533-6918 between the hours of8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.Monday thru Friday and getit corrected, or you willhave to visit me and fill outa form. If you moved fromindependent living to assisted

living, or even changed apart-ments within your building,that will require that extra tripto see me. These are littlethings, but annoying things.

This year it appears thatmany absentee ballots were sent out, evento those who did not request them. DoNOT throw them away. If you don’t care tovote absentee, please bring your unopenedballot in its envelope to the church and sur-render it. You will still have to make a shortstop at my table to do this, but then you canmove quickly to the ballot table and pro-ceed as usual. If you have been issued an ab-sentee ballot and you don’t surrender it, youdefinitely will be spending time withme fill-ing out a Provisional Ballot and more time

with the Assistant Clerk voting that ballot.If you didn’t vote in August, you may

want to go online to www.leeelections.comto see the new voting machine and how tomark your ballot. Remember, this is goingto be an extremely busy election, and again,you want to get in and get out with as littlehassle as possible.

You can see how many things can turnyour voting experience into a lengthy visitat Precinct 83. Perhaps my “musings” willhelp make your trip to the polls this No-vember a pleasant experience. Our right tovote should never be taken lightly.

Hopefully I won’t see you at my desk!

Voting Tips to Save You TimeB Y N I T A D E W E E S E , P R E C I N C T 8 3 V O T E R S Y S T E M S P E C I A L I S T

Americans have always had the rep-utation of being the most generouspeople when it comes to a need.

Personally, I think Shell Point is theepitomeof thisAmerican trait.Wehavemanyresidents who are well-endowed financiallyandmanywhoarenot.However, financial sta-tus seemed to have made no difference forthose who gave to the 2008 Larsen PavilionAuxiliary Bakeless Bake Sale. Whether yourcontribution was $25 or $1,000, you all gavefreely. For that, we thank you!

You may have readthe article by SherryBrown in the Octoberissue of Shell Point Life. Theitems she discussed thatthe Auxiliary voted to payfor totaled $29,055. Thearticle I wrote for that same issue listed sev-eral of the things our money pays for in ad-dition to these special requests by the LarsenPavilion staff. Then there’s the money wespend for certifications and education for our

nursing staff. Whenyou add it all up, it’samazing we have afund drive only once ayear! We will, ofcourse, accept dona-tions all year long.

Our theme this year was Celebrate theLarsen Pavilion.And youwonderful residentshave done just that!

We’ve almost reached our goal! We’llbe celebrating very soon! Thank you all!

A Time to Celebrate the Larsen PavilionResident Generosity Leads to Bakeless Bake Sale SuccessB Y N I T A D E W E E S E , A U X I L I A R Y P R E S I D E N T

Avoid an Election DaySlow Down

Take action in advance to avoid elec-tion day slow downs, or youwill need to taketime to visit the Voter System SpecialistDesk to address the following scenarios:

• The voter’s current address isn’t in the register.• The voter’s name has changed.• The voter’s name is not in the register.• The voter’s signature doesn’t match register.• The voter’s right to vote is challenged.• The voter does not have proper ID.• The voter requests new Voter ID Card.• The voter requests assistance• The voter wants to remove family member• The voter wants to turn in an Absentee Bal-lot instead of voting in person –not accepted at poll. Must be delivered to LeeCounty Elections Office.

• Voter wants to change party affiliation.*• Voter wants to register to vote.**These actions are not permitted on Election Day.

Bakeless

BakeSale

LARSEN PAVILIONAUXILIARY

Your Voter I.D. Cardis not the Only Item

to Bring with You

During the early decades of thelast century, it was not uncom-mon for a family to have a largenumber of children; and grow-

ing up, resident John Zimpel and his onlybrother Filby found themselves surroundedby sisters.

John is one of eleven children, includ-ing one brother, Filby, and nine sisters. Inbirth order his sisters are Lucille, Beatrice,Leona, Adele, Isabel, Lauretta, Edith, andtwins, Harriet and Henrietta. Lauretta,Edith, and Henrietta are John’s only livingsisters today. He says he occasionally gets tosee Lauretta when she visits her grand-daughter in Sarasota, but Edith and Henri-etta are no longer able to travel.

He is number nine in birth order – be-tween Edith and the twins. Since a coupleof years separate most of the siblings, hischildhood wasn’t filled with all of themgrowing up together in the same house.John says there were usually two to three sis-ters living in the house at the same timeover the span of his childhood.

John was born in McGrath, Minnesota,to John and Minerva Zimpel. His dad was acarpenter, built barns, and traveled by trainhobo style to different job sites. His mother

also worked hard, ran the household, caredfor many of the neighboring families whenthey were in need, grew a large garden, andcanned food from the garden. Their gardenwas a necessity and provided food for thefamily during the Depression. John also re-members growing up without running waterand never having any money.His family was like many otherlarge families that were com-monplace during theDepression.The children often worked onthe family farm and hunted orwent to wherever work could befound to help support the family.

Since his dad was a carpen-ter and the tools were readilyavailable, John started wood-working at a very young age and even madehis own toys and games. He also attended avery small school where he was the captainof all the sports and the class president.John spent a lot of time during his child-hood at the house of his oldest sister Lucillewho worked in the cafeteria of a lumbercompany and was like a second mom tohim. He also spent some of the time atBeatrice’s house during the summers whilehis parents worked.

He says one of the best things abouthaving sisters was that he never had to doany dishes. But an important lesson helearned from both his parents and his oldersisters was to save money. He never got intodebt – a rare concept these days.

His older sisters set an example andwent to work very early in life. John followedin their footsteps and entered into the work-force at a young age as an apprentice forKearney and Trecker, a manufacturing com-pany in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. However,his apprenticeship was interrupted byWorldWar II. He served in the 28th Infantry Divi-sion on the front lines of five European cam-

paigns from 1945 to 1947 andreceived a bronze medal. John re-turned to Kearney and Trecker afterthe war and worked as a facilitiesengineer for forty-two years. One ofthe highlights of his career waswhen he designed a factory in Ken-tucky for the company.

He and his wife, Shirley, haveseven children – five girls and twoboys. Their two sons learned

plenty of lessons of their own from theirfive sisters. John and Shirley moved toFlorida in 1982 and to Lakewood in TheWoodlands at Shell Point in 2002. Youcan tell John still enjoys the fruits of hiswoodcarving talents. There are a varietyof sculptures in his home, including abeautiful carving of a bald eagle. He alsoenjoys participating in the Lakewood res-ident garden and has his own personaltabletop garden.

John Zimpel(Lakewood)

John Zimpel (third from right) was one of eleven children, including one brother,Filby (second from left), and nine sisters. In birth order, his sisters are Lucille, Beatrice,Leona, Adele, Isabel, Lauretta, Edith, and twins, Harriet and Henrietta.

SistersSurrounded

by

This month, Shell Point will host twoprominent concerts. Single tickets areavailable for purchase so treat yourself orgive as a gift to a family member, visitingguest, or friendly neighbor.

The Canadian BrassHaving just celebrated its 35th season, theCanadian Brass has a long history of record-ing classical repertoire. The group’s rootssprang in Toronto, Ontario, in 1970. Since

then, their imagination and con-

summate musicianship eventually elevatedthe art of the brass quintet to what it is today.

They started with the very limited baseof traditional works for brass, but the Cana-dian Brass set out to create their own musi-cal world by transcribing, arranging, andcommissioning more than 200 works.

Millions of viewers have seen CanadianBrass on The Tonight Show, Today, and En-tertainment Tonight. They appeared as questartists onEvening at Popswith JohnWilliamsand the Boston Pops, Beverly Sill’s, MusicAround theWorld, and many PBS specials.

The quintet has developed a uniquecharacter and rapport with audiences thatproved so successful that it is been emulatedby many other ensembles. The WashingtonPost writes, “These are the men who putbrass music on the map.With their unbeat-able blend of virtuosity, spontaneity, andhumor, they brighten the rosters of concerthalls, international festivals and orchestrasaround the world. Canadian brass is theworld’s leading brass ensemble.”

If there is one concert not to missthis year… The Canadian Brass is it!

Concerts &Conversation

Cellist EvanDrachman combines artistictalent with great personal warmth. Born inBoston, Massachusetts, Evan studied at thePeabody Conservatory, the New EnglandConservatory, and the Curtis Institute ofMusic.Mr. Drachman has appeared regularlyas a soloist with orchestras across the UnitedStates, and he played recitals in India, GreatBritain, Sweden, Italy, and Canada.

Pianist, Richard Dowling appears regu-larly across the United States in solo recitalsand concerts with orchestras. He has beenacclaimed by audiences for his elegant andexciting style of playing which earns himfrequent return engagements. He has beenseen on PBS television and heard on theNPR radio program Performance Today.

Only a handful of tickets remain forthis concert, so don’t delay. Purchase yourtickets today.

November Concerts in the News—Big Brass Sounds and Classically Elegant Music

Come to the Shell Point StageB Y D A W N B O R E N , D I R E C T O R O F R E S I D E N T L I F E

FINAL DAYS TO SAVE $50, ACT BY NOV. 12The first Fine and Performing Arts concert is fast approaching. This is the final two weeks to purchase your

series tickets and save $50.00 SO DON’T DELAY… secure your tickets for Canadian Brass, Chanticleer,Butch Thompson, Cherish the Ladies and Peter Richard Conte.

FINAL DAYS TO SAVE $50, ACT BY NOV. 12The first Fine and Performing Arts concert is fast approaching. This is the final two weeks to purchase your

series tickets and save $50.00 SO DON’T DELAY… secure your tickets for Canadian Brass, Chanticleer,Butch Thompson, Cherish the Ladies and Peter Richard Conte.

Cellist and Piano Duo Evan Drachmanwith Richard Dowling will perform on

Thursday, November 20 at theGrand Cypress Room at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are available for $23.

The Canadian Brass will perform onThursday, November 13 in the

Church Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.Tickets are avaliable for $35.


November Dining Events

If you have hada long day anddon’t feel likecooking; why notcall the Palm Grillfor some carry out!We have some-

thing for everyone from New York Strips, heart-healthy Wild Salmon, to good old-fashionedCheeseburgers and French Fries. Everything from themenu is available for carry out. Just call ahead and wewill have it ready for you to pick up. Call 454-2059 tofind out the daily special and to place your order.

The Palm Grill is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to2 p.m. Tuesday thru Saturday. Dinner is served from4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday thru Saturday. Leavethe cooking to us!

Enjoy the Palm Grill To GoB Y T O M I R W I N , W O O D L A N D S D I N I N G M A N A G E R

Holiday dining options at Shell Pointare numerous and sure to meet yourneeds. Thanksgiving Day dining on Thurs-day, November 27, will offer a variety of tra-ditional choices ranging from a bountifulbuffet, full waited service, and even a com-plete home cooked dinner for eight peopleready for you to take home and serve to yourguests.

You can start out the day with a casualbreakfast at the Island Café where you mayorder a complete cooked-to-order breakfasthot off the grill, or choose to relax over a cupof freshly brewed coffee and pastries. And ifyou just want a light lunch instead of the tra-ditional Thanksgiving meal, the Island Caféstaff will be there to serve you from 7 a.m. –2 p.m.

James Beck, Guest Services Manager;Ethel Hubbard, Hospitality Operations Man-ager; and all of the Hospitality Services staffwill have a festive traditional Thanksgivingbuffet menu available for you in the CrystalRoom. The carved-to-order roast turkey withdressing, baked ham, salmon and many otherholiday favorites will be ready and waiting.Other choices include a variety of vegeta-

bles, a very extensive salad bar, and a largeselection of holiday desserts on the dessertbuffet table. The Crystal Room will be openfrom 10 a.m. until 2 p.m..

Seating at the Crystal Room is based onthe availability of tables. Reservations aretaken only for the Social Center and can ac-commodate parties of 6 or more. The samemenu will be available in both locations. Fri-day, November 21st, is the deadline for reser-vations in the Social Center. Call 454-2199or see a dining room hostess to make reserva-tions. The buffet price is $18.95. You may useyour Passport Dining Plan, charge to yourapartment, credit card or pay cash. Pleasenote that the Crystal Room will be closed for din-ner.

For full, waited service in a smaller moreformal setting, you may want to dine at thePalm Grill. Manager Tom Irwin and ChefJoel Bachhuber will be serving Thanksgivingdinner from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Menu op-tions include the traditional turkey dinnerwith all of the trimmings, bacon wrapped filetmignon, clove studded ham or wild Atlanticsalmon. Dinners will include soup or saladand dessert. Prices range from $20.95 to

$24.95. The PalmGrill does not accept reser-vations.

If you would like to have a traditionalThanksgiving meal prepared for you andready to serve in your own home, the CrystalRoom is offering our annual Family Feastmeal for Thanksgiving. The meal is fullycooked and ready for immediate service. Thestandard feast consists of a whole roastedturkey, dressing, whipped potatoes, gravy,cranberry sauce and vegetable for $45.95. Adeluxe feast is also available. It includes apumpkin pie and a dozen dinner rolls in ad-dition to the turkey, dressing and vegetables.The price for the deluxe feast is $49.50. One“Family Feast” will generously serve 8 people.Orders must be placed by Monday, Novem-ber 24, and will be ready for pickup at theCrystal Room on Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving Day Dining HoursIsland Café: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Crystal Room: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Closed for dinner

Palm Grill: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.Promenade Café: Closed

Thanksgiving Dining on Thursday, November 27

Sweets at the Café PromenadeSandwich Shop Now Serving IceCream and CookiesB Y T O M I R W I N , W O O D L A N D S D I N I N G M A N A G E R

If you have already had lunch but arelooking for something sweet, why not stopby the Café Promenade for some icecream or homemade cookies? Served upby Catalina, the Café Promenade featureseight different ice cream flavors— choco-late, vanilla, strawberry, coffee, butterpecan, cookies and cream, chocolate mintand sherbet— plus assorted toppingsserved, which you can have in a cup orcone. We also feature an assortment offreshly baked homemade cookies. The Café Promenade is open from 8:00a.m. until 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tempt your sweet tooth witha quick stop at the Café Promenade!

Men’s BasketballFGCU vs. Ave MariaWednesday, November 55:30 p.m. Island court pickup5:40 p.m. Woodlands pickup5:50 p.m. Eagles Preserve pickup9:30 p.m. Approximate returnCost: $20.00 (snacks on your own)College sports season is here! Join us for thisexhibition game between FGCU andAve Maria. The action will be fast and furi-ous at Alico Arena as these rivals compete

for victory intheir first meet-ing of the2008-2009 sea-son. Collegesports action isfull of surprisesand is always acrowd pleaser.Go Eagles! Or,

if you prefer…Go Ave Maria! Either way,let’s go!

Mac User GroupThursday, November 61:15 p.m.Manatee Room/ISMany of you have made computer generatedpresentations using slides, music, and graphiceffects. The Apple Keynote program is wellsuited to these kinds of programs. AnnHer-mann will demonstrate Keynote versatilitywith a program featuring some of the ShellPoint Habitat Projects. Come and learnabout Keynote and Habitat!

Meet & GreetThursday, November 65:00 – 5:30 p.m.Palm Grill/WDLHosted by Shell Point management, Meet& Greets are a great way to get to knowfriends and neighbors. Enjoy an offering ofhors d’oeuvres while resident pianist Pat

Specht plays.Make plans toenjoy dinnerwith friends atthe Palm Grillafterward.

Craft BazaarFriday, November 710:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.Woodlands Commons/WDLJoin friends and neighbors for this annualevent! There are even more great items toview this year as crafters from all over ShellPoint will be displaying their new, hand-made goods for sale. You won’t want to missseeing, and buying, the amazing offerings.Bring a friend and enjoy lunch at The CaféPromenade or The Palm Grill.

To include a listing for an upcoming event or activity, please contact Mary Franklin, Resort ServicesManager, at 454-2152 or email: [email protected]

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Information Forum Presents:Sanibel to SiberiaMeet Local Sculputer WhoCreated WWII Pilots MemorialSaturday, November 810:00 a.m.Grand Cypress Room/WDLWorld War II history and a local artist’sbronze sculptures are the subject of a shortdocumentary film. From 1942-1945,Alaska played a pivotal role in a top-secretpart of the Lend-Lease Program. In 2006,a monument to commemorate this historic

endeavor was dedi-cated in Fairbanks,Alaska, the point atwhich Americanpilots turned overalmost 8,000 war-planes to Soviet pi-

lots to fly them across Siberia to thewarfronts. Sanibel sculptor R.T. Wallencreated the 10-foot high bronze pilots forthe Alaska-Siberia WWII Memorial inFairbanks. The artist will be on hand to in-troduce the film and provide additionalcomments.

Saturday DVD:Leatherheads (2008)Saturday, November 82:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.Grand Cypress Room/WDLAcademy Award winners George Clooneyand Renée Zellweger team up in this fun-filled comedy setagainst the be-ginnings of pro-fessional football.Dodge Connelly(Clooney), cap-tain of a strug-gling squad of barroom brawlers, has onlyone hope to save his team: recruit college su-perstar Carter Rutherford (John Krasinski,TheOffice). But when a feisty reporter (Zell-weger) starts snooping around, she turns thetwo teammates into instant rivals and kicksoff a wild competition filled with hilariousscrewball antics!

Shell Point OlympicsOpening CeremonyMonday, November 102:00 p.m.Church Auditorium/ISThe entire community is welcometo come see the presentation ofcourt flags and listen to thepowerful and spiritedperformance of JapaneseTaiko Drummers as wecelebrate the kick off of theShell Point Olympics.

Shell PointOlympics

Game Week

Throughout Nov. 11-13 games will takeplace in all three Shell Point neighbor-hoods. See page 18 for your daily Olympicevents schedule. Be sure to hop on theShell Point Olympic bus that will travelbetween venues so you can cheer on yourfriends. Each venue will have chairs avail-able for prime viewing.

Veteran’s Day LunchTuesday, November 1111:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Crystal Dining Room/ISThank a special veteran by taking them tolunch! Enjoy delicious food and great serv-ice in the Crystal Room and welcome backone of Shell Point’s favorite performers.Dan Klimoski will play jazz favorites, patri-otic tunes and requests.

Fall Dance 2008Tuesday, November 117:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.Grand Cypress/WDLCost: $20.00Let’s celebrate autumn and the return offriends and neighbors by dancing the nightaway! The very talented Kelly & Shellywill be filling the room with tunes from the50’s & 60’s, as well as 70’s classic rock,disco, blues, contemporary standards andparty favorites. Bring your special some-one, your neighbor, friend, or come aloneand meet someone new. Light refresh-ments will be served.

Shell Point Photo ClubPhotographic Field Tripto Six Mile CypressSwamp SanctuaryThursday, November 132:15 p.m. Meet at the Manatee Room/IS2:30 p.m. Departure5:00 p.m. Approximate returnVolunteers will provide transportation.Bring your cameraon a two and a halfhour photographicfield trip to beautifulSix Mile CypressSwamp Sanctuaryin Fort Myers. Ex-plore the sanctuaryas you stroll alongthe winding boardwalk. You’ll discoverwild life, ponds, and rest areas to observeand enjoy the thickly-wooded natural area.All residents are welcome. For additionalinformation call George Bail at 936-1865.

Shell Point OlympicsClosing CeremonyFriday, November 142:00 p.m.Church Auditorium/ISThe entire community is in-vited to see the athletes bepresented with medals. Theceremony will include aweek’s worth of pictures cele-brating the efforts of all athletes.The court flag medals will also be presented.

FleamastersSaturday, November 159:00 a.m. Island court pickup9:10 a.m. Woodlands pickup9:20 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup2:30 p.m. Approximate returnCost: $8.00 (lunch on your own)Let’s go shopping! Spend the day at brows-ing at Fleamasters Fleamarket. With over900 stores, there’s plenty to see and do.From paintings to pets to electric bikes,Fleamasters has a million items you won’tfind in ordinary stores. A really great placefor Florida souvenirs, home decor, gifts, an-tiques and collectibles, beachwear, jewelry,fruit, and much more. There are snack barsand coffee shops available for all hungryshoppers. Be prepared for a of-a-kind shop-ping experience.

EVENTS • PROGRAMS •PARTIES • MOVIES • OUTINGS • EXCURSIONS

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Every generation laughsat the old fashions, but followsreligiously the new.

—Henry David Thoreau

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PLACES TO GO, PEOPLE TO MEET, & THINGS TO DO

Lunch & Shopping—Mimi’s Cafe andYou Look MahvalousMonday, November 1710:15 a.m. Island court pickup10:25 a.m. Woodlands pickup10:35 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup2:30 p.m. Approximate returnCost: $20.00 (lunch, beverage, dessert,gratuity, and tax included.)Trendy Mimi’s Café and fashion jewelryboutique You Look Mahvalous haveteamed up to offer a lunch and shopping

outing package forShell Point residents.First head to Mimi’sCafé for lunch whereour meal will includeour choice of one ofthe three entrees, bev-

erage, and Mimi’s signature bread puddingfor dessert. Meal, sales tax, and gratuity areincluded in the registration fee. For menuoptions contact Bev Rademacher, ProgramCoordinator in Resort Services at 454-2239, or come to the Resident ActivitiesCenter. After lunch enjoy a little shoppingat the funky and fabulous You Look Mah-valous. Grab a friend and take advantageof this special two-for-one outing!

Maple Sugar SerenadersMonday, November 173:30 p.m.Grand Cypress Room/WDLThis long-touring husband and wife duetbring their sweet music back to Shell Pointall the way from Putney, Vermont. Theirshow features beautiful singing, and fine in-strumental playing on the fiddle, mandolinand guitar. Expect to hear classics from the

30’s-50’s, lively swing songs,enchanting fiddle tunesfrom the green moun-tains, and a dose ofVermont humor. Pure

100% Vermont MapleSugar will be availablefor sale at the show!

Beach DayTuesday, November 188:30 a.m. Island court pickup8:40 a.m. Woodlands pickup8:50 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup2:00 p.m. Approximate returnCost: $15.00 (includes picniclunch)Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink thewild air. — Ralph Waldo EmersonRelax with us on our monthly beach re-treat to Delnor Wiggens State Park inNaples. Did you know that there is shade atour beach destination? Did you know thereare very nice bathrooms and a rinsingshower station at our beach location? Weset up a lovely picnic lunch and take careof the details while you enjoy your dayamongst friends, shells, sunshine (or shade)and surf. Bring all personal beach supplies.

Beach Cat Lunch Outingto The Green FlashRestaurant on Captiva IslandThursday, November 2010:00 a.m. Board atthe Macoma Dock

2:00 p.m. Approximate returnCost: $39.00 (includes fare and captaingratuity, lunch on your own)Once again we will take off with CaptainsBrian and Jim on the 41-foot long catama-ran to enjoy a fabulous boating excursionwith lunch at a waterfront destination. TheGreen Flash is Captiva Island’s newest wa-terfront restaurant built at the historic lo-

cation known as Timmy’s nook. Comelearn the history of Timmy’s Nook andabout the sunset phenomena known as“the green flash.” Lunch entrée pricesrange between $7.00 and $15.00 and re-cent reviews give this restaurant a definitethumbs up.

Organ Concert with Tom HoehnFriday, November 212:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.Woodlands CommonsOrganist Tom Hoehn returns to ShellPoint for two entertaining performances onour own Allen Theater Organ. Tom is anunusually talented organist. He has playedin baseball parks, large theaters, churchesand choral groups. His concert will delightyou with a mix of show tunes, standardsand semi-classical music. Many times dur-ing a perform-ance, he willturn around tothe audience andask for requests.After getting afew suggestions,he will proceedto weave theminto a five to tenminute medley. Join us for one, or both, ofthese performances—you won’t be disap-pointed!

Visit the Salon for aMary Kay Makeover!Monday, November 24Makeovers by appointmentIsland SalonSign up in the Island Salon for a 1-on-1consultation and makeover with JoanneTarantino, independent beauty consultantfor Mary Kay. Your complimentary con-sultation will last about 1 to 1-1/2 hours.Space is limited so sign up today! Have

your hair styledafter your makeup and you’reready for a nicelunch or a nightout!

HAPPENINGS

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“If you want happiness for alifetime - help the next generation.”

— Chinese Proverb

Movie Night:Romeo and Juliet (1968)Monday, November 247:15 p.m.Manatee Room/ISOur year-long celebration ofShell Point’s 40th Anniversary con-tinues with this Academy Award winnerfor Best Cinematography. Director FrancoZeffirelli’s beloved version of one of themost well-known love stories in the Eng-lish language—RomeoMontague (LeonardWhiting) and Juliet Capulet (OliviaHussey) fall in love against the wishes oftheir feuding families. Driven by their pas-sion, the young lovers defy their destiny

and elope, only to suffer the ultimatetragedy.

Library Book TalkTuesday, November 252:00 p.m.Grand Cypress Room/WDLThe Library Book Talk series is returningto the Social Center on the Island. Dr.Russell May (Junonia) will tell the story ofa medical missionary in Africa. The bookto be discussed was authored by GreggLewis and is entitled, “Miracle at Tenwek:The Life of Dr. Ernie Steury.” Refreshmentswill be served, and the entire communityis welcome.

Mark Your Calendar:

Christmas Tree Lighting andHoliday ConcertTuesday, December 2Festivities begin at 5:45 p.m. atAdministration Courtyard/ISTree Lighting at 6:15 p.m.Concert in Village Church at 7:15 p.m

Holiday Shopping EventMonday, December 81:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.Grand Cypress Room/WDLUSPS on site from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.


Sign-up required for this activity. Call Island(454-2282) or Woodlands (454-2054)

Walkingrequired

Walking up anddown stairs

Boatingattire

Special event buswill be running

Mark Your Calendar

The following activities are planned by a variety of groups. All Shell Point residents are welcome to attend.Check your current Weekly Reminder, or watch SPTV for locations and/or changes.

SUNDAY9:00 Christian Studies (WDL)9:15 Christian Life Studies10:15 Morning Worship1:15 Mixed Golf League3:00 CD Surround (Nov 2, 16)6:15 Evening Service

MONDAY8:45 Lap Robes (Nov 3, 17)9:15 Billiards9:15 Pottery10:15 Virtual Bowling10:30 Disciple Men’s Bible Study12:00 Mah-Jongg (Sabal Rm, WDL)1:15 Table Tennis1:15 Scrabble1:15 Shuffleboard1:15 Tone Chimes2:00 Beading Club7:00 Pinochle7:00 Duplicate Bridge

TUESDAY8:30 Women’s Golf League9:15 Painting Class9:15 Stamp Project (Stamp Rm/IS)10:15 Trim & Healthy12:45 Intro to Duplicate Bridge1:00 Mixed Progressive Pairs’ Bridge

1:30 Stamp Project (Sabal Rm/WDL)1:45 The Rollicking Recorderists6:45 Hymn Sing (Nov 4)

WEDNESDAY7:45 Men’s Bible Study9:00-12:00 Geraci Travel9:15 Model Yacht Club Mtg (Nov 5)9:15 Watercolor Group9:45 Ladies’ Bible Study10:15 Model Yacht Club(Garden Apt Pond)

11:00 Computer Q & A(Nov 26 Sabal Rm/WDL)

11:15 Computer Q & A(Nov 12 Osprey Rm/IS)

1:00 Chess1:15 Table Tennis2:15 Knitter’s Anonymous (Nov 19)2:30 Jazz ‘N Stuff3:00 Bible Study (King’s Crown)5:45 Village Church Choir Rehearsal7:15 Bible Study & Prayer

THURSDAY8:00 Men’s Golf League9:00 Paddler’s Club/IS9:30 Current Events Group10:15 Online Investors (Nov 20)1:15 Mac User (Nov 6)

1:15 Mah-Jongg (Library Lounge, RAC)1:15 SPOT Play Readers (Nov 6, 20)2:15 Handwork Group (Nov 13)2:15 Photo Club (Nov 13)2:15 Computer Club (Nov 20)7:00 Trailblazers Bible Study

FRIDAY8:00 Intrepid Bike Riders (Nov 14, 28)9:15 Stamp Project (Stamp Rm/IS)10:15 Inquiring Minds10:15 Genealogy (Nov 14)1:00 Mixed Progressive Pairs’ Bridge1:15 Quilters1:15 Table Tennis1:30 Vespers (Arbor)2:00 Diabetes Group Appt. (Nov 7)2:45 Vespers (KC)3:15 Great Decisions (Nov 7, 21)6:45 Game Night

SATURDAY8:00 Adopt-a-Road (Nov 15)9:00 Coffee Social9:45 Bridge Supervised Play10:00 Information Forum (Nov 8)10:15 Model Yacht Club

(Garden Apt Pond)1:00 Chess7:00 Duplicate Bridge

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The holiday season is upon us andwe have a wonderful opportunity toshow our appreciate from Shell Point em-ployees. They work hard year-round to makeour lives a little bit easier – and through theEmployee Christmas Fund we can return thefavor, and give a little bit back. It’s a time torecognize not only those whomwe see everyday, but also those who work so diligentlybehind the scenes to help us have a morecomfortable life. Would you like to showyour appreciation?

Several years ago a few residents got to-gether and raised money, mainly by word ofmouth, to give to the employees at Christ-mastime, since there was – and still is – a no-tipping policy. The Residents’ Councilrecognized the potential to increase the giftssignificantly by promoting the programthrough Shell Point Life, SPTV, The WeeklyReminder, and even last minute remindersposted on bulletin boards and in elevators.Christmas Gift boxes are also strategicallyplaced throughout the community to serveas convenient drop boxes for contributions.

Why am I, and my committee members,so enthusiastic about the Employee Christ-mas Fund? Perhaps a couple of personal ex-periences can help explain.

If you were here for Hurri-cane Charley, you had to beimpressed with how many be-

hind-the-scenes employees – those that wenever see otherwise – left their familieshome to fend for themselves so they couldhelp us get to the hurricane shelter andmake us feel as comfortable as possible dur-ing the storm. I was a court representativeat the time, and was responsible for makingsure that residents arrived at the shelter

safely and got settled in. One of our resi-dents was in a wheelchair and had to be onoxygen continuously. I got him down to theOakmont lobby but had trouble getting himon the bus. One of the employees, whom Ihad never seen before, came up and saidwith a kind smile, “Here, let me give you ahand.” Once we got the resident to theshelter, he unexpectedly ran out of oxygenand started to turn blue. Two more employ-ees saw it happen and immediately droppedeverything to get him on a full tank, thussaving his life.

My next story may be a littleless dramatic, but it is also apersonal one: I was returning to

my apartment after a trying bike ride. I washot, tired and couldn’t get my helmet off. Ibecame increasingly frustrated as stuff fellout of my basket while I was trying to openthe screen door and the front door so I couldget myself and my bike inside. Lo and be-hold, one of the staff members came by andsaw me struggling. She was on her way toclean one of the other apartments, saw myfrustration, and without a word, held thedoors open for me, gave me a smile, and wason her way. Now, I doubt that this kind ges-ture was in her job description.

Here is a true story re-lated to me by a certain Carolon the Island:One earlymorn-

ing several months ago, Carol left her apart-ment for five minutes to empty the trash. Inso doing, she left the screen door ajar. Laterthat day she heard a scratching sound com-ing from her bedroom. To Carol’s surprise,an opossum was nursing two of her babiesright under her bed! Apparently, they hadentered her apartment while Carol was tak-

ing out the trash. When Carol dialed 2190,six employees came out immediately andtook care of the problem in the face of a veryangry opossum mother. Now, that is what Icall going out of the way to help a lady indistress – or should I say two ladies in dis-tress!

These stories are just three examples ofwhy I feel passionate about the EmployeeChristmas Fund. Christmas is the perfecttime to express our thanks and help maketheir lives a little happier, as they do for usall year-round.

Last year employees who worked fulltime for the whole year received $435. Theothers received a pro-rated amount, basedon the number of hours worked. We arehoping to top it this year, especially sincethese good folks are faced with the substan-tially higher costs of food and essentials.

On December 1st, volunteers will passout the cash gifts. It is so gratifying to see thesmiling faces and hear their heartfelt thanksas they receive their Christmas gifts.

To assist you in choosing an appropriateamount to contribute, we recently mailedhelpful guidelines. If you did not receivethese items, please contact any one of ourcommittee members: Chuck Durrell at 482-4062, Myrtle Hearn at 699-7684, BettyMueller at 267-6593 or HerbWilcox at 218-3181 .We sincerely hope that each residentfeels as strongly as the committee does aboutgiving generously to the Employee Christ-mas Fund.


Employee Christmas GiftHowCanWe Thank Our Employees For All That They Have Done For Us?

B Y C H U C K D U R R E L L ( O A K M O N T )

The Employee Christmas Fundis an easy way for you to expressyour thankfulness — help maketheir lives a little happier — asthey do for you all year-round.


Tree Lighting andHoliday Concert

The annual Holiday Shopping and TreeLighting event has long been a favorite tra-dition of many Shell Point residents. ResortServices is proud to announce that this year,we have expanded this wonderful programto two afternoons and eveningsdesigned to get you in the Holi-day spirit. This year’s TreeLighting event will take placeon Tuesday, December 2. Theevent will begin at 5:45 p.m.with holiday cookies and punch.Music will be provided by ShellPoint’s own Dan Philgreen(SPTV) in the Amphitheater.

At 6:15, Shell Point’s longest-lived res-ident will arrive to light the giant floatingChristmas tree in the lagoon. Music and re-freshments will be available until 6:45 atwhich time everyone will head over to the

Village Church Auditorium for a specialChristmas concert by the Shell PointSingers beginning at 7:15 p.m.

Annual Holiday Shopping Eventwith On-site Gift Wrap and

Shipping Service!

The Holiday Shopping eventwill be held on in theGrandCypressRoomofTheWoodlands Commonson Monday, December 8 from1:00-6:00 p.m., and this year wehave expanded the event to bringyou more vendors and enhancedservice. After shopping for familyand friends (and don’t forget your-

self), volunteers will be on hand to offergift wrapping. Plus, a U.S.Postal Service MobileRetail Unit willbe on-site from2:00-6:00 p.m.

to ship all of your holiday packages and otheritems! The USPS mobile unit provides all ofthe services of a regular post office includingregistered mail and insurance. They willhave Christmas stamps for sale and can helpyou pack and ship all of yourChristmasmail.This event is designed to be your one-stopholiday shopping and shipping place!We hope you enjoy taking ad-vantage of this new annualtradition.

‘Tis the Season to Deck the HallsAnnual Holiday Events Plannedwith a New Twist

With the holidays approaching theService Desks have compiled a help-ful mailing reference guide with importantdates for your holiday mailing needs. TheService desks post First Class, Priority,Media/Book rate, and Certified mailings.Priority boxes and insulated mail pouchesare available in assorted sizes for your needs.Christmas and Hanukkah stamps are nowavailable at both Service Desks.

The USPS Mobile Retail Unit will beat theWoodlands for the Holiday Shoppingevent on Monday, December 8, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. All residents are invited to takeadvantage of this unique and convenientway to fulfill all your holiday mailing andshipping needs.Remember: Tape the opening of your

package to reinforce all seams with 2′′ widepackaging tape. Cord, string or twine arenot permitted. Place a strip of clear tapeover your label to prevent address fromsmearing. To ensure the safety of mail han-dlers, place tape over envelope staples.

The Shell Point UPS office will expand

their hours for the first two weeks in De-cember to accommodate your holiday ship-ping needs.

Contact Gene McGonigle at the Resi-dent Activity Center Service Desk 454-2282 or Sue Earnhardt at the WoodlandsService Desk 454-2054 with questions.

Last suggested date for mailingInternational airmail ..............December 5Canada/Mexico airmail ........December 11Military APO/FPO zip 093 ......December 4All other APO/FPO zips ......December 11

Easy Postage Reference Guide:1st Class mail .....................42¢ per ounce1st Class mail add’l ounce ..................17¢Canada/Mexico .................72¢ per ounceAll other countries .............................94¢Postcards .............................................27¢

Shell Point Life is published monthly for the resi-dents of Shell Point Retirement Community.

Editor Lynn SchneiderAssistant Editor Rochelle Cherniawski

Art Director Rich CerrinaGraphic Designer Wendy Iverson

ContributorsGene McGonigle, Teri Kollath, Linda Rakos,Robyn Church, Rachael Dula, Carol Cooper,Tom Frackenpohl, Jessica Clark, Mary Franklin,

Bev Rademacher, Ted Yeatts, Linda Hicks,Jason Powers, Chuck Durrell, Sue Taylor,Paula Watson, Phil Steen, Peggy Holton,

Nita DeWeese

Do you have story ideas or photos to share?Contact Rochelle Cherniawski, communica-tions specialist, by calling 239-454-2055 ore-mail: [email protected] submit suggestions in writing to Rochelle

at the Shell Point Welcome Center.

15101 Shell Point Boulevard • Fort Myers, FL 33908(239) 466-1131 • www.shellpoint.org

Shell Point is a non-profit ministry ofThe Christian and Missionary Alliance Foundation, Inc.

Resort Services Guide to Christmas Postage & Mailing


Customer Appreciation Month

Join The Salon asWeCelebrate YOU!B Y R O B Y N C H U R C H , M A N A G E R O F T H E S H E L L P O I N T S A L O N

Instead of the typical salon title, “ABetter You,” this month I would like tosay to all Shell Point that you have made “ABetter Us.” I speak on behalf of all the salonstaff when I say that we have great respectand admiration for all the wonderful peoplewe have come to know here in this beauti-ful community you call home. We trulythank you for the opportunity to care, serveand satisfy YOU.

CustomerAppreciationDuring Novem-

ber, we are celebratingYOU with customerappreciation specials.I am very proud to saythat 99.8% of our cus-tomers surveyed re-sponded with apositive rating regard-ing the salon staff andthe services they pro-vide. The salon staffappreciate and enjoyeach of you! It is notuncommon for me toreceive salon com-ment cards with wordssuch as thankful, superb, delightful, kindand FUN! Believe me; the feeling is mutual.

Quality ProductsYour salons at Shell Point only use high

quality professional products for all services.We never use no-name bargain productsfrom discount suppliers. Quality productsare an important tool in creating quality re-sults! If you prefer a specific product line we

don’t carry – just ask. We do our best to ac-commodate all special requests. Each andevery customer is valued; as is their individ-ual preferences and style.

Anniversary SpecialsNovember is also special as it is our 3rd

anniversary! To celebrate our third year,and show our appreciation we are offering a

number of specials duringNovember.

In addition to thecoupon specials below,everyone is also invited toenter a raffle — with awinner drawn every weekto receive 33% off anysalon service! Our GrandPrize Raffle winner will bedrawn at the end of themonth and will receive agift certificate for $33.The Salons will also havetasty treats all month!

New CustomersAlways WelcomeIf you are not yet a

Salon customer, we inviteyou to stop by and say

“hello.” We would love the opportunity tomeet you! We have something special fornew customers scheduling appointments inNovember!

Consultations are always complimen-tary and we always offer a discount of 20%to our new customers. We even offer a 20%referral discount to your friend if you are re-ferred to us by one of our happy, satisfiedcustomers!

Wear your Olympic T-shirt toyour November appointment

and receive 10% off.(exp. 11/30/08)

45-min. Hot Oil DeepConditioning

Treatment for HealthyShiny Hair – $9.Style not included.

Retail Special:Buy 2 Matrix /Redken

Products – Get theThird FREE

of equal or lesser value.

ChristmasGift Certificates are

now available!Purchases can be made by

phone, or at the HolidayShopping Event December 8th.

What our customershave to say:

“It’s always a pleasure to be inthe inviting and attractive salonthat we are privileged to have

here at Shell Point.Thank you for all you do!”

“I am delighted that we havesuch a great salon that fits all my

needs and then some!”

“I am so thankful the Island Salonis available. The staff is verypleasant and the service is

excellent.”

“I love coming to the Salon –it is fun!”

“Both my husband and I usethe salon and the total environ-ment is wonderful and the

service superb! The relaxed envi-ronment contributes to an enjoy-

able experience.”

“As an employee I appreciatethe convenience and value of theShell Point Salon. It is a great ben-efit to be able to get my hair doneright after work and at such a

reasonable price.”

(exp. 11/30/08)(exp. 11/30/08)

Judy and Eva Kinsinger. After firsttrying other area salons, we agree

that the care and service we receiveright here at Shell Point is…the best.

We like to tell our friends…If yourstyle is not BECOMING; you should

BE COMING to the Shell Point Salon.

Generations at the Salon

Salon Fall SavingsSalon Fall Savings Salon Fall Savings

Salon Fall Savings


September 30, 2008

Dear Fellow Investors and Friends of ADF:

A few weeks ago I wrote about the current financial mar-kets crisis and the fact that ADF has not experienced a sig-nificant negative impact on its key financial measures. This remains true today asour cash flows and liquid reserves for investor withdrawals and loanable funds,our capital ratios, and reserves for possible loan losses remain strong.

As fiduciaries of your investments, we are carefully monitoring developmentsandmaking adjustments as considered necessary tomaintain adequate liquidityand protection for all aspects of our ministry. We will also continue to representyou in fulfilling our purpose by prudently lending to C&MAchurches andmin-istries where lives are being transformed.

I believe it is important for you to know that ADF provides first mortgage loansonly to churches with 20 percent equity and demonstrable cash flow to repay theloan. These policies have served us well over our 30-year history by helping toensure safe, responsible lending. These loans currently comprise a portfolio ofnearly 500 that are spread across the United States (with very few exceptions forloans made directly to the C&MA for overseas projects) and are therefore lesssusceptible to any individual local economy. There are no residential mortgagesand no “sub-prime” (no documents, no money down, no proof of income, etc.)loans.

I also want to reiterate that ADF is not a bank. It is a ministry to Alliance peopleand churches. ADF follows many of the financial industry’s most responsiblepractices and continues to be an excellent choice for preserving principal andproviding consistent income as part of your diversified savings and investmentportfolio.

In these difficult economic times, please be assured of our unwavering commit-ment to keeping ADF strong and to safeguarding your investments while ac-complishing ourmission. Thank you for your continued confidence and ongoingsupport for seeing churches built, lives transformed, and the Kingdom advanced.Your prayers are very much appreciated.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me or one of ourADF teammembers if you havequestions, concerns, or comments. They are encouraged and most welcome.

Sincerely,

Lawrence L. McCooey, CPA, PFS, President

Great GivingThe IRS has Made

a Great GivingOpportunity Available

On Friday, October 3, Congress ap-proved and the President signed legisla-tion that includes the immediate andretroactive extension of the popular Pen-sion Protection Act of 2006 provision,which allows taxpayers over 70 1/2 tomake tax-free distributions from their tra-ditional and Roth IRAs directly to char-ity in 2008 and 2009.

For more information on how to takeadvantage of this tax-wise giving strategy,please contact Timothy Stephenson atThe Legacy Foundation at 466-8484.

P R E S E N T S

The Credit CrisisThe State of the

EconomyWednesday, November 19

10:00 a.m.Grand Cypress Room/WDLS

This past spring, David Jones, Presidentand CEO of DMJ Advisors, LLC and Chair-man of the Board of Investors’ Security TrustCompany Fort Myers, shared his views onthe credit crisis of 2007-2008 and the Fedsreaction to the market.

We are pleased to announce that onceagain David Jones will return onWednesday,November 19, and will present his view ofour current credit crisis andthe outlook that the futureholds for the economy andour money. This is a seminarthat you won’t want to miss.

Please sign up for thisAcademy presentation at either service desk.You can call 454-2282 for the Island or 454-2054 for the Woodlands.

Alliance DevelopmentFund Remains SecureBY T IMOTHY A. STEPHENSON, EXECUT IVE DIRECTOR, THE LEGACY FOUNDAT ION

In these turbulent economic times, I am always happy for good news.The following letter was recently sent to investors and friends of Alliance DevelopmentFund. If you are an ADF investor, you can rejoice. If you would like to know moreabout Alliance Development Fund, please contact me or check out their website atwww.adf-inc.com. The following letter is reproduced with permission from ADF:

David Jones

Two women – their lives began invastly different parts of the world. Onegrew up in Pennsylvania, USA, the other onthe far side of the world in China, Thailandand Vietnam.

The roads they traveled seemed to crossas the one from Asia began her life’s work inurban America – Brooklyn, New York. Theone with hometown American roots beganher life in a third world country – Gabon,Africa.

In the 1970s and early 1980s their livesintersected in an entirely newarea of the world – the MiddleEast – Lebanon and Jordan tobe exact. Together, the womenspent twenty-six years serving asmissionaries with the Christian&Missionary Alliance in the two countries.

One woman was expelled from Jordan

and returned to TheUnited States andtaught for ten years atToccoa Falls Collegeand Alliance Theologi-cal Seminary. The otherwoman returned to TheUnited States for familyreasons and spent thenext twenty years withher husband workingamong Arab peoples in Chicago. In the last

three years their lives haveagain intersected as they areboth currently residents atShell Point.

Women’sMinistries of theVillage Church is excited to

host a panel discussion with these two inter-esting residents, Colleen Shepson (Sundial)

andBonnieCamp (Cellana),who have served in theMid-dle East and now live in thesame community and share aheart for Arab peoples. Wehear about Arabs and Mus-lims in the news almost everyday, and it is not often in apositive light. Colleen andBonnie are able to penetratebeyond the stereotypes and

see the individuals thatGod loves. They haveknown and loved many Arab people andhave insights that can be enlightening foreach of us.

Join us for this discussion onWednesday,November 19, at 10:15 a.m. in the Hospi-tality Room at the Village Church. Refresh-ments will be served and your understandingof Arab peoples will be deepened.


Note: There willbe no Bible studyon 11-4 due toElection Day.

Women’s MinistriesExploring the Experiences of TwoWomen in theMiddle East

While traveling Shell Point Boulevard,you have undoubtedly seen the newaddition just down from the Woodlands.This little structure is the “nature overlook”

located approximately halfway between TheIsland and the Country Inns and Suites. It ispositioned over the water spillway thatleaves the Woodlands wetlands.

The construction of the nature overlookwas made possible through a generous dona-tion from Delores (Dee) and Jerry Horne,residents of Harbor Court. However, gainingnecessary approvals to build the nature over-look along Shell Point Boulevard proved tobe a challenge. The site of the gazebo-likestructure is situated on land that Shell Pointdonated to the state of Florida. It was nosmall task getting the permit-ting approval to build. TheState Parks and RecreationDepartments, the SouthwestFlorida Water Managementand Lee County Departmentof Plans and Construction allhad to sign off before thestructural footers could beplaced. The approval processtook almost two years!

Once the approvals weresigned, and access was granted,the structure took just ninety

days to build. Each singe piece of wood wascustom cut out of rough sawn cedar, whichmakes up the majority of the structure, andserves a dual purpose. Cedar is a deterrent tobugs and it is also a wood weathers well inSouthwest Florida.

The decking is made of a composite ma-terial, helping to maintain the permanenceof the nature overlook. Atop the overlookis a distinctive “red barn” colored, standingseam aluminum roof. The color was chosento help it stand out from the Shell Pointneighborhoods.

The purpose of thenew resting place is to pro-vide shade for folks utiliz-ing the bike path. It is alsoa great place to meditateand enjoy nature. Surpris-ingly, when sitting at thislittle niche on the side ofthe road, one will see a va-riety of water birds and amyriad of fish. Even snookcan be seen feeding underthe mangroves at certaintimes of the tides.

A Nook Overlooking NatureAddition of Gazebo Provides Outdoor RelaxationB Y S C O T T M O O R E , D I R E C T O R O F O P E R A T I O N S

Richard and Suzanne Nelson (Lakewood)enjoy a quiet moment in the nature overlook.

Snowy White Egrets and otherbirds are commonly sighted.

Residents Bonnie Camp andColleen Shepson join to discusstheir experiences living in the

Middle Eastern world.


That is what we have, one lifetime. Itmay be 80 years, or it may be only39, like the French mathematician, physi-cist, psychologist and religious philosopher,Blaise Pascal, who lived during the early1600s. Whatever the length of your life-time, that is your generation.

Although Pascal’s life was short, his ac-complishments were monumental. His ideasconcerning the relationship between be-haviors, perceptions, emotions and thehuman condition appear remarkably accu-rate and insightful, even in our present time.

After a profound spiritual encounter ona cold November night, Pascal was never tobe the same. He jotted down notes about hisexperience and sewed the parchment intothe lining of his coat. He wanted never tobe without it.

Shortly after this “night of fire,” as hecalled it, Pascal began the task of creating amaster apologetic. He began collecting histhoughts on a variety of issues with the in-

tent of creating a documentwhich would challenge hisfriends to reconsider their aban-donment – or nominal adoption– of the Christian faith. Al-though he died before it wascompleted, the collection ofthoughts has been published ina book titled, Pascal’s Pensees, orPascal’s thoughts.

Allow me to share threesamples of Pascal’s thoughts, ofwhich there are hundreds noted in his book.They capture his passion to awaken hisfriends.

Thought #20 – man’s sensitivity totrivia, and his insensitivity to matters ofmajor importance, reveal he has a strangedisorder.

Thought #133 – Being unable to curedeath, misery and ignorance, men have de-cided that in order to be happy, they oughtnot to think about such things.

Thought #414 – Dis-traction is the only thingthat consoles us for our mis-eries. Yet it is itself the great-est of our miseries. For aboveall, it is that which keeps us

from thinking about ourselves and so leadsus imperceptibly to destruction. But for thatwe should be bored and boredom woulddrive us to seek some more reliable meansof escape, but distraction passes our timeand brings us imperceptibly to our death.

My prayer for each of you is that yourlife is not passing in mere distraction. Mayyou find and know the reason for which youwere created. After all, we’ve had more timethan Blaise Pascal.

Just One GenerationPhilosopher Challenges Readers to Reconsider Relationships with ChristianityB Y P A S T O R K E N N E S S E L R O A D E

For Barry Craft and Ben Owens, TheTwo Tenors story began in 1993.While observing two world-renowned artistsperform together usingdrastically different musi-cal styles, Barry had anidea. What about havingtwo singers with differentbackgrounds and styles,one traditional and onenot-so-traditional, per-forming a sacred concerttogether? The Two Tenorsconcerts have proven thattraditional and contempo-rary styles of music can co-exist and presentan inspirational message.

An American trained artist, tenor BarryCraft, has earned the reputation as one of themost sought-after singers of the current gen-eration. His lyric tenor is especially suited tothe very high tessitura found in the Bel Cantooperas of Bellini, Donizetti, and in symphonic

works such as Orff’s Carmina Burana.Barry has sung leading tenor roles with

numerous opera companies and is always in-vited for return engage-ments. He feels at home onboth the recital and sym-phonic stages and has per-formed the entire majororatorio repertoire withmany internationally fa-mous orchestras. Barry per-formed for Her MajestyQueen Elizabeth II of Eng-land and has performed formembers of the Royal Fam-

ily of Japan as well as President Kovac of theSlovak Republic.

Along with Barry Craft comes BenOwens, an extremely versatile artist. He hasa beautiful voice suited to both contempo-rary and traditional singing styles. Barry saysof Ben: “I have heard a lot of young musi-cians on my musical journey. They tend to

be excellent in the studio and then fallapart in front of an audience of any size. Itis the audience that brings out the best inBen. His musical artistry level is far beyondhis actual age.”

BenOwens has toured Japan two times asa member of the Two Tenors concert. Ben is agraduate, with honors, of the University ofNorth Texas with a double major in physicsand mathematics. An accomplished guitarist,he teaches guitar at the LakeCitiesMusic Stu-dio and composes his own songs. Ben is also anaccomplished pianist. He has recorded twoCDs on the Bachman Music Productionslabel. He was born in Longview, Texas.

On Sunday, November 9, at 6:15 p.m.,they will combine their artistry to create anevening highlighted by the uniquely inspi-rational music of Two Tenors. The concertwill be presented at The Village Church;tickets are $10 and are available at thechurch office during regular business hours.For more information call (239)454-2147.

oF

Pascal’s Pensees, captures philo-sophical thoughts by 17th Cen-tury Frenchman, Blaise Pascal.His keen observations of thehuman condition are still relevantin today’s modern society.

Season of Praise Kicks off with Two TenorsSunday, November 9, at 6:15 p.m.

Barry Craft and Ben Owens ofthe Two Tenors. Don’t miss their

inspirational performance.

Born in New York City in 1894, Norman Rockwell alwayswanted to be an artist.At age 14, Rockwell enrolled in art classesat The New York School of Art (formerly The Chase School of Art).Two years later, in 1910, he left high school to study art at The Na-tional Academy of Design. He soon transferred to The Art StudentsLeague, where he studied with Thomas Fogarty andGeorge Bridgman.Fogarty’s instruction in illustration prepared Rockwell for his first com-mercial commissions. From Bridgman, Rockwell learned the technicalskills on which he relied throughout his long career.

Rockwell found success early. He painted his first commission offour Christmas cards before his sixteenth birthday. While still in histeens, he was hired as art director of Boys’ Life, the official publicationof the Boy Scouts of America, and began a successful freelance careerillustrating a variety of young people’s publications.

At age 21, Rockwell’s family moved to New Rochelle, NewYork, a community whose residents included such famous illus-trators as J.C. and Frank Leyendecker and Howard ChandlerChristy. There, Rockwell set up a studio with the cartoonistClyde Forsythe and produced work for such magazines as Life,Literary Digest, andCountry Gentleman. In 1916, the 22-year-oldRockwell painted his first cover for The Saturday Evening Post,the magazine considered by Rockwell to be the “greatest showwindow inAmerica.” Over the next 47 years, another 321 Rock-well covers would appear on the cover of the Post. Also in 1916,Rockwell married Irene O’Connor; they divorced in 1930.

The 1930s and 1940s are generally considered to be themostfruitful decades of Rockwell’s career. In 1930 he married MaryBarstow, a schoolteacher, and the couple had three sons, Jarvis,Thomas, and Peter. The family moved to Arlington, Vermont,in 1939, and Rockwell’s work began to reflect small-townAmer-ican life.

The Four FreedomsIn 1943, inspired by President Franklin Roosevelt’s address

to Congress, Rockwell painted the Four Freedoms paintings.They were reproduced in four consecutive issues ofThe SaturdayEvening Postwith essays by contemporary writers. Rockwell’s in-terpretations of Freedom of Speech, Freedom toWorship, Free-dom from Want, and Freedom from Fear proved to beenormously popular. The works toured the United States in anexhibition that was jointly sponsored by the Post and the U.S.Treasury Department and, through the sale of war bonds, raisedmore than $130 million for the war effort.

Although the Four Freedoms series was a great success, 1943also brought Rockwell an enormous loss. A fire destroyed his Ar-lington studio as well as numerous paintings and his collectionof historical costumes and props.

In 1953, the Rockwell family moved from Arlington, Ver-mont, to Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Six years later, MaryBarstow Rockwell died unexpectedly. In collaboration with hisson Thomas, Rockwell published his autobiography,MyAdven-tures as an Illustrator, in 1960. The Saturday Evening Post carriedexcerpts from the best-selling book in eight consecutive issues,

with Rockwell’s Triple Self-Portrait on the cover of the first.In 1961, Rockwell marriedMolly Punderson, a retired teacher. Two

years later, he ended his 47-year association withThe Saturday EveningPost and began to work for Lookmagazine. During his 10-year associa-tion with Look, Rockwell painted pictures illustrating some of his deep-est concerns and interests, including civil rights, America’s war onpoverty, and the exploration of space.

In 1973, Rockwell established a trust to preserve his artistic legacyby placing his works in the custodianship of the Old Corner HouseStockbridgeHistorical Society, later to becomeNormanRockwellMu-seum in Stockbridge. In 1976, in failing health, Rockwell arranged tohave his studio and its contents added to the trust. In 1977, Rockwellreceived the nation’s highest civilian honor, the PresidentialMedal. In2009, the Museum will celebrate its 40th anniversary.

“Without thinking too much about itin specific terms, I was showing the

America I knew and observed to oth-ers who might not have noticed.”

—NORMAN ROCKWELL

Norman RockwellAmerica’s Favorite Artist

© 1960 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing Co., Indianapolis, INAll rights reserved. www.curtispublishing.com

Article courtesy of the Norman Rockwell Museumwww.nrm.org

shell point life november 2008

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