Shell Point Life July 2008

July 2008Vol. 3 Issue 7

2 Shell Point Life | July 2008

If there is one thing I

learned growing up in

Texas, it was how to be

neighborly. When I first

moved to Florida, I was

surprised by the blank

looks I would get when I waved at people

driving by. I could tell they were thinking,

“Do I know that woman?” But in Texas

that’s just bein’ friendly.

Well, being here at Shell Point is

just a pleasure because we have some of

the friendliest neighbors in the world right

next door on Sanibel Island. Sanibel is a

beautiful community that still boasts a

quiet, relatively unspoiled environment.

After all these years, the island still doesn’t

have a single traffic light. Granted things

have changed a bit in the past fifty years or

so, but at Sanibel they have changed a bit

more slowly than the rest of the world, and

that’s been a good thing.

This issue of Shell Point Life was

inspired by Sanibel Island. It all started out

when I ran into Charley McCullough at

Shell Point a few months

ago. Charley and his wife,

Ann, were heading up to

the Crystal Room for

lunch and we got to talk-

ing. When Charley men-

tioned that he had a few pictures of Sanibel

from the old days, I asked to see them.

Little did I know that Charley had hun-

dreds— perhaps thousands— of pictures of

Sanibel and they beautifully depicted the

community through nearly half a century!

Well, that got us started. Charley

introduced us to several other couples who

had lived on Sanibel and next thing you

know the stories were just pouring in! This

issue of the magazine ballooned from 28

pages – to 32 pages – to 36 pages – to 40

pages, and I am sure we could have just

kept going if we finally had not come to

our deadline.

So join us as we explore one of the

most interesting communities in Southwest

Florida and meet our wonderful next door

neighbor — Sanibel Island.

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

Editor Lynn SchneiderArt Director Rich Cerrina

Graphic Designer Wendy Iverson

ContributorsGene McGonigle, Teri Kollath,

Linda Rakos, Robyn Church, Rachael Dula,Carol Cooper, Tom Frackenpohl, Jessica Clark,

Rochelle Cherniawski, Mary Franklin,Elizabeth Brown, Ted Yeatts, Linda Hicks,

Jason Powers, Cassy Stranahan, Peggy Holton

15101 Shell Point Boulevard • Fort Myers, FL 33908(239) 466-1131 • www.shellpoint.orgShell Point is a non-profit ministry of

The Christian and Missionary Alliance Foundation, Inc.

ON THE COVERCharley McCullough captured Sanibel the “way it was” in a series of black and whitephotos; several are featured in this issue. In this cover photo Charley poses in front of hisSanibel home, which was built in 1908.

Good Friends and NeighborsBy Lynn Schneider, Editor

At a GlanceHere are a few facts about Sanibel

according to the officialChamber of Commerce website:

Sanibel is roughly 12 miles long

At its widest it’s 3 miles wide

Total acres 11,600

Beach frontage 15 miles

Bike paths 22.6 miles

Elevation 4-13 feet above sea level

Annual Precipitation 42"

Average Temperature 72°

Round-trip toll on Causeway $6

Causeway length 3 miles

Resident population 6,272+

Seasonal population 18,000+

Median housing value $480,000

Dwelling capacity 8,248 units

City of Sanibel founded in 1974

Cars through 1975 Causeway 795,348

Cars through 2007 Causeway 2,918,579

… and for fun perhaps we should addPopulation of mosquitoes unestimated!

Do you have photos to share or story ideas?Contact Rochelle Cherniawski, communica-tions specialist, by calling 239-454-2055 ore-mail: [email protected] you may submit suggestions in writing toLynn Schneider at Shell Point Welcome Center.

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Any history buff knows that Sanibel’s history is certainly an interest-ing story to tell and no one tells it better than the guides atthe Sanibel Historical Museum and Village. The Village features a

grouping of historical homes and buildings preserved from Sanibel’s past. Themain building at the entrance to the Village is the Rutland House which servesas the museum for the complex. Inside the museum are informative displays,depicting the eras of Sanibel’s history.

The Native CalusaSanibel in the 15th Century was the home to the most powerful Indians

in Florida, the Calusas. They traded with the Spanish who explored thecoasts and even converted to Catholicism. They outwitted the Spanishmany times, and it has been told that Ponce de Leon’s attempt to colonizeFlorida’s west coast was thwarted by these fierce tribes. Many legendsabound as to how Sanibel derived its name.Whether it was originally theSpanish words, Pundo de Sanibel, Puerto de S. Nivel or Puerto de Nibel,it later evolved to Sanybel and finally Sanibel.

Florida was later acquired by the British in 1763 and was held until1783 when it was returned to Spain, following the Revolutionary War.During this timemost of theCalusas died fromEuropean diseases.Manyof the Spanish and Indians retreated to the Florida Keys or Cuba.However, as theUnited States became a new nation in the north, newIndian tribes were seeking sanctuary in Spanish Florida. These mixedtribes were called Seminoles.

Many of the residents who move to Shell Point RetirementCommunity are fairly new to this area and are intrigued by thehistory of Shell Point and that of its nearby neighbor, SanibelIsland. With stories about pirates, Indians, settlers, and soldiers,it can sometimes be difficult to separate fact from fiction.

Island ofIntrigue

A Brief History of SanibelS T O R Y B Y G A R Y A N D K A R E N L O D E R H O S E

I L L U S T R A T I O N B Y C A S S Y S T R A N A H A N

Continued next page


Cuba’s InfluenceMany ranchos, made up of groups of pal-

metto houses, existed on Sanibel. Their resi-dents, Cuban fishermen, dried and saltedmullet from as early as the 1600s up until the1900s. By 1821 Florida became a U.S territo-ry and these ranchos were now on foreignland and the Cuban fishermen were consid-ered squatters.

European SettlersThe first European settlers actually came

from a settlement in Key West. In January of1833, about 40 people migrated to the islandwhere palmetto thatch huts were built astemporary housing on the eastern end. Laterwooden homes were erected. These settlersrequested a lighthouse that same year. Itwasn’t until August 20, 1884, that theSanibel Lighthouse became a reality. Soonafter many sports fishermen and tourists wereattracted to the area for its tarpon fishing,hunting and subtropical landscape, which ledto the building of hotels in St. James City onnearby Pine Island and Punta Rassa.

First HomesteadersIn 1888 much of the island was opened

for homesteading. One hundred sixty acrescould be claimed with a requirement to set-tle and cultivate the land for five years.These first homesteaders were farmers whoplanted tomatoes, peppers, and citrus trees.In 1889 there were 21 houses and 40 familieson the island. More farmers,fishermen, tourists, and cit-rus growers followed in 1894to 1896, looking for awarmer climate. Sanibelbecame a well-establishedarea with restaurants, a postoffice, school and church.After the original schoolblew down, a new one wasbuilt for $539 in 1896.

At the end of theSpanish American War andthe beginning of the 20th

Century, tourism on the island flourished.Some of the well-known visitors included thetrio of Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, andHenry Ford. And later the rich and famouscontinued to visit the island, such as theVanderbilts, Astors, President TeddyRoosevelt, Charles and Anne Lindbergh andpoet Edna St. Vincent Millay.

ModernizationSanibel began delivering themail by auto

instead of by horseback, phone lines now con-nected several homes and businesses, and theisland was declared a bird sanctuary in 1913.

In the 1920s the first two BlackAmericanfamilies arrived from Punta Gorda working assharecroppers. Seven more families followed.By 1926 another hurricane destroyed the agri-culture industry, but visitors continued tocome to bird watch, search for shells, as well asenjoy the isolation and tropical beauty of theisland.

Ferry Service BeginsIn 1928 the Kinzie brothers constructed

ferry docks at Sanibel’s east end. This was thebeginning of 35 years of ferry service to andfrom the island. In 1935 Jay Norwood “Ding”

Darling discovered the island onone of his trips. In 1945 the J.N.“Ding” Darling National WildlifeRefuge was set aside consisting ofmore than 6,300 acres of man-grove, bay, and estuary.

World War IIDuring World War II the population on

the island dwindled. The north end of theisland was made into a bombing range andpatrols walked the beaches, searching forenemy ships or submarines.

After the war, people returned to theisland for fishing, shelling, and walking thebeaches. As a result, small motels, shops, andrestaurants were opened up on the island andreal estate began to sell. More ferries wereadded. Visitors would board a ferry in FortMyers and upon arrival stock up at Bailey’sGeneral Store.

After a 1947 hurricane damaged thelighthouse residence, the light keeper wasmoved to FortMyers. The lighthouse quartersbecame the home of the Sanibel NationalWildlife Refuge manager.

Hurricane Donna knocked out power tothe island for several weeks in 1960. Theislanders worked together to take care of eachother and even took turns patrolling the areaby boat to keep out looters while othershelped to clear away debris.

In 1963 the Sanibel Causeway was com-pleted, ending the run of the ferries. Theisland was inundated with a constructionboom, but by 1971 a zoning committee suc-ceeded in restricting building height to 35feet. Conservationists also began preservingwildlife.

In November of 1974, an incorporationreferendum was passed and Sanibel was nowits own city. The first mayor was Porter Goss.

Indeed Sanibel has a fascinating history.Learn more about this unique communitywith a trip to the Sanibel Historical Museumand Village, which is dedicated to the earlypioneer families of the island—or by chattingwith the locals, eating at the restaurants, orby immersing yourself in the natural environ-ment that makes Sanibel such a treasure.

The Rutland House was built in 1913 and serves asthe entrance to the Historical Village. It features amuseum with informative displays.

Dennis Smith of the Sanibel Historical Village andMuseum points out a display in the Calusa Room.

Actual furnishings from the 1900s.

The Old Sanibel Schoolhouse was constructed in 1896 and features theoriginal school bell in the rooftop cupola.

Land was cheap and plentiful back then. An ad in the Fort Myers Pressin August 1896 stated: “Forty acres of splendid vegetable land on

Sanibel Island, near steamboat landing, daily steamers, good location, asplendid bargain at $15 per acre. Suitable for early vegetables of all kinds.”

Shell Point Life | July 2008 5

Sanibel Was Just thePrescription for this Couple

Richard and Joan SmithFor Dr. Richard (Dick) Smith and

his wife, Joan, Sanibel Island turned outto be the best antidote to a busy career inthe medical field.

Dick and Joan met at the University ofMinnesota when both were pursuingdegrees in themedical field, Dick as a physi-cian and Joan as a medical technician.

The couple started a family and had twochildren in quick succession. After Dick’sinternship they moved to St. Cloud,Minnesota, for two years and then theymoved to a small town just north of St.Cloud, named Holdingford.

“This little town was about as close as youcould get to that mythical town of LakeWoebegone that radio host, Garrison Keillor,describes onhisweekly radio program, ‘APrairieHome Companion,’” said Dick. “There wereonly 500 people in the whole town and every-body knew everybody else’s business. I joined apractice with the only other doctor in town. ”

In 1950 Dick and Joanmoved their smallfamily to Madison, Wisconsin, so that Dick

could attend the University of Wisconsin tostudy radiology. During his three-year residen-cy, the couple had one more child, but theyweren’t settled yet, because following his resi-dency, Dick was called into the military afterthe KoreanWar. He moved his family to FortLee, Virginia, where they spent two years asDick ran the X-ray department in the stationhospital.

On the Move AgainJoan was a very good sport and had

become proficient at packing up the family offive because in two years they were on themove again, this time to Cedar Rapids, Iowa,where Dick joined a radiology group in 1955.

It was during their time in CedarRapids that Dick and Joan met acouple who had a place on SanibelIsland. “They were always talkingabout Sanibel and encouraging usto come visit them,” said Dick, “sowe finally did.”Dick and Joan lovedthe island with its unique, laid-backatmosphere.

After four years in CedarRapids, Dick branched out to starthis own practice in California. The

family moved to San Diego, where Dickopened his own radiology practice. The fami-ly enjoyed all of the positive attributes of liv-ing in California, including the mild climateof San Diego, but they didn’t forget that firstvisit to Sanibel Island. Dick and Joan hadstarted participating in “house swapping” forvacations, so a year after their first visit, theyarranged to trade houses with a couple onSanibel for an entire month in 1978.

“We decided on that trip that it would bea good idea to purchase a piece of property onthe island for possible use in the future,” saidDick. “Although this was the late 1970s, Iknew someday I would be retiring and we

Sanibel Residents OftenRetire to Shell Point

IslandHoppers

B Y L Y N N S C H N E I D E R

Shell Point is home to more than 2,100 people, and it is not surprising to

discover how many have moved to Shell Point from nearby Sanibel Island. Here are

just a few of the friendly Sanibel folks who now call Shell Point home.

Continued next page


were already starting to think about where wemight want to live in our retirement.”Eventually the couple built a house on theproperty, and when Dick retired in 1981, theysold their house in SanDiego and purchased acondo there so that they could travel betweenSan Diego and Sanibel throughout the year.The couple finally made Sanibel their full-time home in 1992.

“One of the things we really liked aboutSanibel was the people who lived there werepretty close to our age,” said Dick. “It wasmostly a retired group back-then and youcould get acquainted very easily. Plus thestores were close by and everything was con-venient. There were churches, city facilities,a fantastic library, and many other amenitiesthat made the island truly special.”

“The more we visited Sanibel, the morewe liked it,” said Dick. “Although we stillvisited our friends from time to time back inSan Diego, Sanibel just started to feel morelike home.”

Dick and Joan continued to enjoy playinggolf together and Dick picked up a new pasttime – water color painting, which he says hestill has not mastered after all these years. “Iknow the rudiments to create a pleasingpainting,” said Dick with a laugh, “but know-ing and doing are two different things!”

Next Stop Shell PointIt turned out that Dick and Joan still had

one more move to make: the couple decidedto move to Parkwood in The Woodlands atShell Point in 2005.

“Several people we knew on Sanibel hadmoved to Shell Point and that made us awareof the community,” said Dick. “Everybodythat had anything to do with the communitysaid it was a very nice place, so we decided tocheck it out.”

Some of the same amenities the coupleliked about Sanibel were also available atShell Point, including convenient servicesand amenities that you can reach by a shortwalk or a quick ride in a golf cart. Shell Pointhas a church, health care facilities, wellnesscenters, restaurants, a fantastic library withseveral satellite locations throughout thecommunity, and much more.

Since the couple has family spread out allover the country, including numerous chil-dren, grandchildren and even great-grand-children, they enjoy having them come toFlorida to visit or they hop on a plane andtravel to see them.

“Denver is central to all of us,so we have had several familyreunions there,” said Dick.

Although this couple stilltravels around the country, theirroots are firmly planted in Florida.It was a circuitous route thatbrought themhere, but in the endSanibel andnowShell Pointwerethe perfect prescription for theirretirement!

Two Hobbies Keptthis Couple Busy

Bill and Mary McCoyIn a great marriage the hus-

band and wife are a perfectcompliment to each other andsuch is the case with EarlWilliam (Bill) McCoy and hiswife, Mary.

Not only do they get along well togeth-er and take care of each other, but eventheir hobbies are complementary.

Mary is an amazing self-taught photogra-pher and has spent years shooting spectacularphotographs near the couple’s home on

Sanibel Island. Bill is an avid fisherman andenjoys collecting seashells. His prowess at bothprovided ample photo opportunities for Mary.

So the couple contentedly spent the past25 years – he fishing and shelling, and she cap-turing his accomplishments on film.

The couple wintered onSanibel Island for 25 yearswhile living in Silver Spring,Maryland. Bill worked for theUnited States governmentand Mary raised their two chil-dren, a twin boy and girl.

In 1959 Mary’s brother, RayDewhirst, and his wife (who is also

named Mary) suggested that the two cou-ples travel together to explore an island inFlorida that he had read about in a travelmagazine. The couple came down to findan island that could only be reached by aferry and that was populated with more

mosquitoes than people.“It was very rustic,” said Bill. “As

I recall, there was one church, a shellshop, and thousands of mosquitoes!”

However, the two men discoveredthe fishing was excellent, and afterthat they were hooked. The two cou-ples started coming back to Sanibeltogether almost every year. The mencaught snook, sheepshead, red fish,spotted sea trout, and mangrove snap-pers. Bill and Ray were already avidfishermen, and then Bill also got

interested in shelling.“The quantity and the quality of shells

on the beaches back then were just amaz-ing,” said Bill. “Sometimes I would get up

at 5 o’clock in the morning andtake a flashlight down to the

Island Hoppers continued

Bill and Mary McCoy

Bill’s big catch


beach to go shelling. The tide was right andno one else had been before me to pick upthe treasures,” he said. “But sometimes Iwould see the footprints of someone whohad already beaten me to it!”

As Bill continued to hook fish and findseashells, Mary perfected her skills as aphotographer. She took thousands of pho-tos of every aspect of island life, includingbeautiful nature scenes.

As the couple continued to travelbetween Silver Spring and Sanibel, theymet a number of people on the islands ofCaptiva and Sanibel who moved to ShellPoint. “We started visiting them at ShellPoint for lunch or dinner, and they allseemed to be really happy there,” saidMary. “We began to think that Shell Pointmight be a good place for us to consider forour retirement too.”

In September 2005 Bill and Mary soldtheir home in Silver Spring and moved to

Shell Point Retirement Community. Thecouple lives in a spacious unit in theHarbor Court building on The Island atShell Point, which overlooks two intersect-ing canals and a wild mangrove estuary.“Our view is just amazing,” said Mary.

“We think the good Lord led us here,because we can’t believe our good fortuneto be here,” she said. “We are so thankful.”

Mary continues to enjoy her photogra-phy by participating in the Shell Point andFort Myers Photo Clubs. She has won anumber of prizes in the annual residentphoto contest. Several of her photos haveappeared in Shell Point publications. Billoccasionally drops a line in the water andenjoys time outside in Shell Point’s beauti-ful setting.

Sanibel Set the PerfectStage for Their Retirement

Ruth and Warren DeuberAsk anyone in show business and they

will tell you, “Timing is everything!” Suchis the case with amateur actress and cook,Ruth Deuber, and her husband, Warren,when it came to planning their retirement.

Act OneWarren and Ruth Deuber lived in

Dayton, Ohio, where Warren ran a varietyof businesses and Ruth raised their fourchildren. Although Ruth was a busy moth-er, she still managed to find time to volun-teer with a number of groups in their com-munity.

“I had ‘professional volunteer’ stampedon my forehead, and it hasn’t come offsince!” said Ruth. Among her many volun-teer jobs was working at the local hospital,which actually tried to hire this “get-it-done” gal several times.

Act TwoThe couple heard about an island in

Southwest Florida and after a brief visit tothe secluded area, thought it mightbe a good idea to purchase a pieceof property there. They bought acondominium in 1971 at pre-con-struction prices. Needless to say,this was a good investment at thetime.

Warren sold his businesses in 1982, andthey sold their home in Dayton in 1984and moved to Sanibel to live full-time.During this time in their lives, they contin-ued to volunteer and were active in a widevariety of organizations and projects.

“I know some people have a lot ofinteresting or unusual hobbies,” said Ruth,“but our favorite hobby is volunteering. Wejust enjoy it.”

Because the couple is very sensitive toenvironment and wildlife issues andbecause Sanibel is such a beautiful andunspoiled area, they both volunteered withCROW and the Sanibel-CaptivaConservation Foundation, where Ruth waschairman for four years.

Warren worked with a group, known asthe Hammerheads, which is the volunteergroup that builds things for SCCF, and hewas also a trail guide at the facility. TheHammerheads worked on the HistoricVillage display which features a number ofhistoric buildings from throughout thecommunity that were moved to a single sitefor preservation. Warren replicated thewindows for the historic buildings thatwere moved to the site. Warren also served

as president for twoterms with IWA,Sanibel’s user-ownedwater utility.

Naturally, a nicehome on Sanibelnear one of the mostContinued next page

One of many Sanibel photos taken by Mary

Love Bug! Nieces Katy, Kristan, and Missyenjoyed visiting the island every summer.Warren and Ruth enjoyed hiking the naturetrails. The couple’s condo in Gulf Pines onSanibel.


beautiful beaches in the world was a vaca-tion paradise, and members of the extend-ed Deuber family would visit every chancethey got for holidays, spring breaks, andsummer vacations. Their four childrenbrought their grandchildren and great-grandchildren to Sanibel frequently andthe couple enjoyed the fun family times.

Act ThreeWarren and Ruth lived on Sanibel full-

time for about 24 years. As they started get-ting a bit older, they recognized the effortrequired to maintain a home and decidedthey might want to consider somethingthat would be more convenient for thefuture. Plus, they wanted to ensure thatthey would have adequate health careamenities in the future.

Just as their timing for purchasingproperty on Sanibel was perfect, their tim-ing to sell it was just as good. The coupledecided that they would sell their homeand move to Shell Point RetirementCommunity nearby. They felt they wouldbe able to enjoy the same variety of ameni-ties in a beautiful location; they evenselected a corner unit in Periwinkle whichoffered unrestricted sweeping views of theCaloosahatchee River.

The couple sold their home 18 monthsbefore Hurricane Charley descended uponSouthwest Florida, which caused devastat-ing damage on Sanibel. Their former housewas seriously damaged.

“We couldn’t believe how lucky wewere to have sold before the storm hit,”said Ruth. But that is not the real miracleof their good timing. The couple closed ontheir contract at Shell Point on aWednesday and immediately left on a vaca-tion to Georgia’s Callaway Gardens. Twodays later Warren had a stroke.

Act FourWarren was rushed to a Pine Mountain

Medical Center where they treated him fortwo weeks for the stroke and Endocarditis.He then was flown back to Fort Myers,where he spent a month in The Pavilionfor rehabilitation.

Needless to say, when the couple finallysettled into their new home in Periwinkle, itwas with a great deal of awe and appreciationfor God’s perfect timing in their lives. “Wehave been really blessed,” said Ruth. “We seeHis hand on our lives every step of the way,and we are so thankful.”

Bill and Betty Rememberthe Good Old Days

Bill and Elizabeth PughWilliam (Bill) and Elizabeth (Betty)

Pugh have been coming to Sanibel foryears. In fact, Bill made his first trip to theisland in 1928 as a small boy on a vacationwith his family.

Bill’s family lived in Cincinnati, Ohio,and his mother met a Sanibel resident,named Dr. Louise Perry, on a vacation toa dude ranch in Asheville, North Carolina,one summer. Perry told them all aboutSanibel Island. She admitted thatmany of the residents would travel toNorth Carolina in the summer to getaway from the mosquitoes and theheat, since these were the days beforeair conditioning and mosquito control.

The Pughs decided to check it outfor themselves with that first trip in thespring of 1928. The family enjoyed therustic nature of the island and its trop-ical beauty and began vacationingthere frequently throughout the nexttwo decades. “We would come down inthe spring during my vacations fromschool. My aunt eventually built a lit-tle house, and we stayed there for manyyears.”

Bill jokesthat the earlydays of Sanibelwere quite rus-tic. “Back thenwe had alter-nating cur-rent,” he said.“It alternatedbetween onand off; wealso had whatwe called ‘walking water’ because the waterpressure wasn’t enough to call it running!”

“There was also very little refrigerationin those days,” he added. “The water tastedpretty bad because it came from under-ground wells, and to get milk we wouldhave to add water to a product, calledKLIM, which is milk spelled backward.”

The island also looked a lot differentthen since the water table was much high-er and there were fewer trees. Sanibel wasvery quiet between the 1920s and the1940s and not many things changed. In1940 it started to become a bit more devel-oped and there were some improvements in

the facilities.When Bill finished college at MIT

with a degree in Business Administrationhe went into the family business, PughPrinting. He met and married his wife,Betty, in 1957, who was working at Proctorand Gamble at the time as a computer pro-grammer.

Bill and Betty visited Sanibel frequent-ly through the years and brought theirthree children to the island for family vaca-tions whenever possible. They enjoyedswimming in the Gulf, picking up shells,and fishing.

In thelate 1960s thePugh familysold its print-ing businessand went intothe new field of microcomputers by startinga new company called Microsolutions,based in their home town of Cincinnati.

“The best thing we got out of the com-puter business was three kids with degreesin computer science!” said Bill.

When the Pughs retired from the busi-ness in 1987, they started coming down toSanibel more often and rented for quite a


Betty and Bill, yesterdayand today

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few years at various spots around the island.Later they bought a condo and then ahouse on Sand Castle in a neighborhoodbehind one of the island’s long-standinglandmarks, Dairy Queen.

The Pughs were active members of thecommunity, and Bill enjoyed volunteeringat several organizations, including theChamber of Commerce, Ding Darling andthe Sanibel Captiva ConservationFoundation (SCCF).

When the couple decided it might betime to consider moving to a retirementcommunity that offered additional servicesand amenities, they considered all of theoptions in the area. “Shell Point offered somuch more than anything else,” he said.“None of the others even came close.”

The Pughs live in the Sandpiper build-ing in Eagles Preserve and enjoy their viewof the 18-hole championship golf course,as well as the community’s waterfront loca-tion on the Caloosahatchee River, and itsproximity to Sanibel. Plus, they were sur-prised to find so many other formerSanibel residents that they already knewliving here.

Bill and Betty have many fond memo-ries of their times on Sanibel and the cou-ple still enjoy visiting the island to go tothe beach or eat at one of the restaurants.And Bill always tells his friends who stilllive on the island, “If you are going to finda retirement community and you are fromSanibel, then Shell Point is definitely theplace to come!”

Resident Looks Back onYears in Sanibel Government

Mike KleinNice guy. That’s the description you getfrom people when you ask them to describeMike Klein. Mike is one of those peoplewho always sees the bright side of thingsand the good in others. So it comes as nosurprise to learn that he has had a numberof roles as a leader in various areas of his life— his most interesting one as Mayor ofSanibel Island.

Mike was born and raised in Rochester,New York. He was a bright student whomadefriends easily and did well in his physics andchemistry classes in high school. After gradu-ating from high school, Mike enrolled in theUniversity of Rochester where he majored inphysics. He got a job as a research lab assistantwith Eastman Kodak and worked there everysummer while he was in college.

Mike graduated from college in 1943 andwent right into the United States Army. Hisbasic training was in the heat of the summerat Fort Riley, Kansas. The military transferredMike to the Army Night Vision and Electro-Optics Laboratory in 1944.

“I worked in the lab as a GI on a varietyof military defense projects for the Army, andwhen I finished my military hitch, they hiredme as a civil service government employee inthe same capacity,” said Mike. “I worked onthe development of night vision devices,including the night vision goggles that ourtroops are using now, as well as a multitude ofother optical devices.”

Mike and his wife, Evelyn, enjoyed livingin Springfield, Virginia, just 20 miles south ofWashington. The couple had active careerand social lives and enjoyed traveling. Mikehad always enjoyed the outdoors and the cou-ple went on many hiking and camping trips.

Mike Klein and C.R.O.W. volunteer, Wally Kain,release a Great Blue Heron after rehabilitation.

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The Kleins first heard about SanibelIsland in the early 1960s from a man whoworked with Mike in the lab, so they decidedto check it out.

“Sanibel Islandwasn’t verycommercial at that time,” saidMike. “There was only onerestaurant there, and not manypeople living there at the time,but the beaches were alreadywell-known for excellentshelling.”

The couple started visitingthe island regularly. “We hadnot made up our minds if we wanted to moveto Sanibel permanently for our retirement, sowe bought a lot and decided to wait and see,”he said.

Mike retired from the Electro-OpticsLaboratory after 30 years as the associate direc-tor in 1974. The Klein’s moved to Sanibel in1975 and built a home.

Getting InvolvedMike and Evelyn enjoyed living on

Sanibel, and Mike got involved in a numberof groups, including the wildlife committeeand the vegetation committee. During thenext few years he became very active in serv-ing his community and was encouraged byseveral people to run for City Council. Mikewas elected to theCouncil in 1980 and servedtwo four-year terms between 1980 and 1988.

Members of Sanibel’s City Council arenot paid and serve in a volunteer capacity.

The city is run by a professional city manager,who is hired by the council. The position ofmayor is elected by the City Council to servefor one year as the chairman of the council.Mike served as mayor in 1983 and 1988.

“None of the members of the councilwere trained in government,” said Mike. “Wewere just average citizens who volunteered toserve with the hopes of making our communi-ty a better place to live.”

“We had to listen carefully and get advicefrom anumber of people tomake surewewererepresenting the interests of the people wholived there.”

Mike admits that his years on the councilwere interesting, and he enjoyed participatingin local government.

“Of course, you always had somebody in

the city that was dissatisfied and made it apoint to be at every single meeting and toalways have something to say,” saidMike. “You

had to be patient and listen butoccasionally you had to be firmand ‘gavel’ them down.”

Mike did the things a smalltown mayor is expected to do.“When you are the mayor, yourepresent the city, and you end upgetting your picture in the paper alot of times,” he said.

“I was often asked to presentplaques to various individuals

and had my picture taken a lot. You get usedto it, but you end up get-ting a lot of exposure.”

“Sanibel was veryfriendly and we reallyenjoyed living there,” headded. “Our neighborhoodwas about halfway downthe island, and we livedthere all year round. Thereare only about 6,000 per-manent residents and mostof them know each other.There are another 6,000people who own homesthat they visit for part ofthe year, and when you addthe visitors during season, it goes to about25,000 people on the island. That’s when itgets crowded.”

Mike is proud of the effort that the citycouncil made to remove the non-native melaleuca trees from the island.“The city hired two men to just goaround the island and cut down thetrees and poison the stumps. It took

them several years –maybe six or seven–whenthey cut down the last known melaleuca tree,we had a big celebration!”

Shell Point BeckonedMike and Evelyn knew several people

who had lived on Sanibel and had decided tomove to Shell Point. “We had decided thatwe would move to Shell Point someday,” saidMike. “When Evelyn began to develop osteo-porosis, we knew it was time to take advantageof the services Shell Point could provide.”

The Kleins moved to The Island at ShellPoint in 1998. They chose a large three-bed-room unit in the Nautilus building, overlook-ing the lagoon and the Caloosahatchee River.

When Evelyn passed away in 2001, Mikewas grateful to have so many new friends and

neighbors for support. “This is a great group ofpeople,” he said. “Our court is very friendly,and we help each other out and watch out foreach other.”

Mike’s experience in leadership has beenvery helpful, and he has continued his role asa volunteer leader by serving as a CourtRepresentative on the Resident Council atShell Point for the Nautilus building. “I havebeen doing this for about four or five yearsnow,” he said. Mike employs his gift for diplo-macy and friendly leadership as he helps resi-dents of his building with a variety of smallissues, such as settling small problems withparking spaces, or helping people who are

leaving for the summer bykeeping track of theirmail or other small favorsor projects they haverequested. He also helpsnew residents settle inand adjust to their newhome at Shell Point.

The Nautilus Courtenjoys getting together tosocialize, and they haveget-togethers and partiesevery month. “We have amonthly coffee gatheringthe first Saturday permonth in the courtyard,

and we enjoy refreshments and visiting,”explained Mike. “I make a report about whatwent on at the council meeting that month,and we discuss items of general interest.”

“It’s interesting to be a court rep,” saidMike. “You have the opportunity to stayinvolved and hear about what’s going on, plusit’s an opportunity to help other people.”

When Mike isn’t busy with his role as acourt rep, you’ll probably find him in the pot-tery studio which is located in the CreativityCenter on The Island at Shell Point. Miketook up pottery years agowhenhewas still liv-ing up north and enjoys the opportunity tocreate beautiful works of art. He also helps outin the pottery studio by showing others how touse the tools and equipment.

As for Sanibel, Mike has many fondmemories of his time there and tries to get outthere every couple of months to visit. “I usual-ly check out the beach to see how it’s doing,and I like to go back to my old neighborhoodand visit a few of my neighbors that still livethere.”

When it comes to one of the nicest placesto live, Sanibel Island certainly hasformer Mayor Mike Klein’s vote!


Mike spends almost every morning inthe Pottery Studio at Shell Point.

“We were just average citizens whovolunteered to serve with the hopes of making

our community a better place to live.”


The American flag is asymbol of our freedom, and Shell Point is proud to display theAmerican flagwithpride innumerous locations throughoutour campus.Recently, Shell Point Retirement Community was recognized for itsrespect and dedication to theAmerican Flag by the local chapter of theSons of the American Revolution.Dr. Albert E. Myers, (Junonia) president and genealogist of the

Caloosa Chapter of the national organization, presented Shell PointRetirement Community with a certificate to honor its proud displayof the American Flag. Dr. Myers presented thecertificate to Shell Point President, Peter Dys,recognizing Shell Point for showing respect andhonor for the flag by displaying it 24 hours a day,7 days a week, while properly lighting it at night.“Shell Point takes great pride in displaying our

American Flag and supporting those who havesacrificed so much to ensure the freedoms that wehave in our daily lives,” said Dys. “It is an honor tobe recognized in this fashion.”

Shell Point Employee RecognizedAndrew Learned, a seasonal employee on the

Shell Point golf course, is the youngest memberof the local Sons of the American Revolutionchapter. Andrew was recently recognized as theUniversity of South Florida's Navy ROTC Cadetof the Year. He attends University of Tampa,where he was elected President of StudentGovernment.

Andrew has worked at Shell Point’s golfcourse for the past three summers and during

Christmas break. He is known as “the sand man” who preps sandtraps each morning. After work — if he still has energy — hestays to play a round of golf.

Andrew will graduate next spring from UT with dual majors,Government and World Affairs and Economics. In this fashionhe commutes between campuses, as the NROTC physical trainingand military science classes are held at USF whereas his academic

classes are at UT. He and two others will be first to graduatefrom UT and USF’s NROTC program.

As part of his annual NROTC summer military trainingobligation, Andrew left on June 29 to Singapore, as one of

two cadets selected to participate in an exchange program withSingapore’s Navy, he will be gone the entire month of July andwill return to work the first week of August. He will leave againAugust 22 to greet incoming students at UT.

Following graduation next spring, he will be commissioned asan officer in US Navy, where he will serve a total of 8 years (4years of which must be active duty).

Andrew’s family has been most grateful to Shell Point andMike Mongoven, director of golf, for providing him with a jobwhich has been flexible so that he also can serve our country andattend college.

Dr. Albert Myers presents President Peter Dys with a certificate of recog-nition from the Sons of the American Revolution in honor of Shell Point’sproud display of the American Flag throughout the community.

Flags of Our Fathers

The Sons of the American RevolutionThe national organization, The Sons of the American Revolution was organized on April 30, 1889, the 100th anniversary of the inauguration of George

Washington as the first President of the United States. The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) was conceived as a fraternal and civic society, composed oflineal descendants of the men who wintered at Valley Forge, signed the Declaration of Independence, fought in the battles of the American Revolution, served inthe Continental Congress, or otherwise supported the cause of American Independence. SAR is a non-profit, educational organization that seeks to maintainand extend the institutions of American freedom, an appreciation for true patriotism, a respect for our national symbols, the value of American citizenship,and the unifying force of e pluribus unum that has created, from the people of many nations, one nation and one people.

USF NROTC Pass-In-Review Awards Ceremony.Major General ThomasMoore, Jr., USMC, Chiefof Staff, US CentralCommand (CENTCOM),based at McDill AFB,Tampa, is presentingAndrew with the “MilitaryOrder of the World Wars”Silver Medal.


Although Shell Point is currentlycelebrating the dignity and staturethat comes from 40 years as an organization,members of the operations department makesure that the community doesn’t start “look-ing its age.” That’s why, according to ScottMoore, director of facility operations, on-going renovation is a “continuously occur-ring” process throughout the community.

“We want to make sure that every build-ing on our campus of multiple neighbor-hoods is well maintained,” said Moore.“That’s why we often embark on a renova-tion or renewal of a building or its facilitieswhether it appears to ‘need it or not,’” hesaid. “We don’t want to wait until a problemhas occurred that requires significant repairsto correct. We would rather initiate mainte-nance in an orderly scheduled manner thatallows all of the buildings to continue look-ing their very best.”

With that in mind, the Mid-Rises wererecently treated to an extensive face liftwhich refreshed the appearance of the build-

ings dramatically.Almost 30 years after the Mid-Rises

were added to The Island at Shell Point, thegrouping of three large multi-storied build-ings, overlooking the river, faced a seriouschallenge when Hurricane Charley devas-tated parts of Southwest Florida. After thestorm all three buildings needed new roofs,and more than 150 units had to be restored.

These repairs werequite extensive and neces-sary but not unique sincethe Mid-Rise buildingshave seen other restorativechanges over the years aswell. Due to normal wearand tear, each building hasbeen repainted twice sincethey were completed in1975, and in 2000 the inte-rior hallways were remod-eled with new carpet, wall-paper, lighting and decora-tive trim. In 2003 the

buildings’ main air conditioning systemswere removed when the Mid-Rise buildingswere connected to the central chiller planton property. This year the air-conditioningto the common areas was modified toremove excess humidity in the corridors.

While these changes were necessary andimproved the appearance and operation of

Construction Update: Mid-Rises on The Island at Shell Point

Renewed and Refreshed Mid-RisesOffer Comfortable SettingB Y J E S S I C A C L A R K

New signage and pavers at Turban

Continued on page 29


Sanibel is a treasure chests of shells,waiting for both the avid shell collec-tor and the casual beach visitor. Shelling canbe traced back over a thousand years to theCalusa Indians who collectedWhelk seashellsfor food and then used the empty shells astools. EvenSpanish explorers and early settlersstocked up on seashells. Before the 1928 ferryboat began taking automobiles and peoplefrom Punta Rassa to the Islands, Sanibel wasalready famous for its seashells.

People come from all over the world toenjoy the shell-rich beaches of SouthwestFlorida. What makes Island shelling superioris the east-west orientation of the south endof Sanibel. As a natural land barrier in themist of swift-moving waters, the shells roll

and tumble onto the beaches to wait for thenext admirer.

With an estimated 275 types of shells liv-ing in the surrounding shallow waters andanother 400 to 500 types in the Gulf ofMexico, the beaches are often covered inshells. Thus, shell-seekers find themselves ina constant hunched-over position, common-ly known by the locals as the “Sanibel Stoop.”Although shells are less abundant in thesummermonths, avid shell collectors line thebeaches year round with bags, buckets, hats,nets and pockets, filled with seashells.

AnneMorrowLindberghwrote about theeffect shelling had on her inGift from the Sea,“I couldn’t even walk head up looking out tosea, for fear of missing something precious at

my feet. The collector walks withblinders on; he sees nothing but theprize.” Collectors are still searchingfor the next prize— the whelk, moonshell, coquina, junonia and others.

The Islands are true shell islands.There are so many shells on Sanibelthat when residents dig in their yards,

their shovels produce a combination ofcrushed and whole shells. These shells areimportant to the island’s ecological well-being with the crushed ones acting as glue tokeep the sand intact and the beaches pris-tine. They are so important to the survival ofthe Islands that live shelling is illegal andlimiting the amount of empty shells isencouraged.

As Anne also observed, “One cannotcollect all the beautiful shells on the beach.One can collect only a few, and they aremore beautiful if they are few.”

ShellSeekers

Shellers doing the Sanibel Stoop

Helen Johnson’s love of shells canbe traced back to the famedPass-a-Grille Beach in St. Petersburg,Florida. As a young girl, just 12 years of age,Helen would wander thebeach, picking up beautifulshells along the way. “Shellinghas helped me feel closer toheaven. I don’t keep track ofthe names; I just do it for fun.I love to marvel at God’sbeautiful creations.”

Throughout the years,Helen’s shell collections havebeen transformed into gloriousgifts she shared with friendsand family. One of her cre-ations was an ordinary pictureframe that she transformed intoa masterpiece with a few addi-tions from her shell collection.

Helen’s love for shells continued togrow when she came to Southwest Florida.

Sanibel quickly became her haven for col-lecting beautiful shells of all shapes, sizesand colors. She said that shelling was easi-er years ago when trips to Bunch Beach

and Wiggins Pass wouldleave her knee deep in spec-tacular shells.

Helen found that shellingis “back-breaking work” thathas given her the signature“Sanibel Stoop.” Fortunately,she can enjoy plenty of beauti-ful shells each day, just by tak-ing a look around her home.In fact, she has a cupboard fullof shells.

Although Helen doesn’tgo out shellin’ that much, shestill takes the occasional trip toWiggins Pass on the Shell

Point bus and will always enjoy the experi-ence of feeling God’s presence while shecombs the beach for shells.

Shellin’Helen

Do you know Helen?She sure likes shellin’!

Helen shows off one of hermany finds.

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Eve Haverfield is a woman on a mis-sion – to protect loggerhead sea tur-tles as they nest on Florida’s Gulf Coastbeaches and to ensure the baby sea turtlesmake it safely out to sea once they hatch.Back in the late 1970s, Haverfield beganmonitoring sea turtles on Sanibel Island asa volunteer with Caretta Research, whichhas since been taken over by the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF),and now takes care of all sea turtle surveyingon the island. Although the SCCF’s effortswere successful on the islands, Haverfieldrealized there was no program like it forother Lee County beaches.

“No one was monitoring sea turtleactivity there,” said Haverfield. “There wereno rules regarding lighting, not any protec-tion efforts — nothing. I would receivemany calls about hun-dreds of hatchlings deadon the road or adultloggerhead sea turtlestrapped under cars. Itwas tragic.” In 1989 shefounded Turtle Time,Inc. in an effort to helpprotect this threatenedspecies. Turtle Timemonitors sea turtle activity on Fort MyersBeach, as well as Bunche Beach, BigHickory Island, and Bonita Beach.

Summer is Nesting SeasonEvery year from May through October,

loggerhead turtles leave their feeding areas

which may be hundreds oreven thousands of miles away,to return to their natal beachesand lay their eggs. Each yearthe female turtles return todeposit more than 100 ping-pong-ball sized eggs in neststhat they have dug out in thesand. It is Haverfield’s job,along with her volunteers, topatrol the beaches monitoring thesenesting areas, which are marked offwith yellow tape and signs. The eggshave to be monitored for about twomonths during their incubation time.The team checks the nests, looking forsigns of hatching and they patrol forinappropriate lights that might disori-ent hatchlings as the tiny turtles dig out

of their nests and headout into the Gulf. SeaTurtle Lighting regula-tions state that no lightmay be visible from thebeach. Businesses, resi-dents and guests mustshield or turn off lightsthat would cause thehatchlings to crawl

away from the Gulf and to certain death.These two-inch-long hatchlings do not

stay tiny, growing up to three feet in lengthand weighing up to 400 pounds. For thesemuch larger adult turtles, Haverfield’s teamalso comes to the assistance of injured andsick turtles, while gathering nesting data,

which they submit to theFlorida Wildlife ConservationCommission.

Education Is KeyWhen these knowledgable

turtle “experts” find hatchlingstrapped in a nest, they invitethe public to participate in therelease. Turtle enthusiasts cantrack the progress of the nest-ing on the beaches as well. OnFort Myers Beach alone, 19nests have been laid so far.

You Can Come Home AgainOne of the amazing facts about sea tur-

tles is that the tiny turtles which survive toadulthood, twenty to fifty years later, returnto the same beach where they hatched tolay their own eggs. Having established theorganization in 1989, Haverfield now hasthe knowledge that over the next ten years,she will be witnessing the return of thosefirst surviving females that were assisted byher organization.

It’s Turtle Time!Organization Aids Nesting Sea Turtleson Southwest Florida’s BeachesB Y T R I N A E M L E R

Sea turtlescan grow to400 pounds.

Turtle trailalong thebeach.


RememberingSanibel

THE PHOTOS OF CHARLEY MCCULLOUGHBy Lynn Schneider

Charley McCulloughbecame fascinated withphotography while he wasstill in junior highschool and started takingblack and white picturesof a Sanibel way of lifethat no longer exists.Charley’s photos reveal anisland inhabited by toughindividualists who madetheir way through sheertenacity and a willingnessto put up with ruggedconditions.

Turn this page for a tripback to Sanibel’s past, ascaptured through his lens.

Charley was born inJanuary 1923 and looksback fondly at the years of

his childhood when his family wouldmake the trip to Sanibel to visit hisgrandfather’s house and enjoy weeksof fishing, shelling, and swimming.

“Sanibel was a magical place backthen; it was quiet,” said Charley.

In exchange for a lack of the mod-ern conveniences that the rest of the

country was enjoying, folks onSanibel had the freedom to live asthey wanted with little involve-ment in the rest of the world.

Charley’s photos feature sev-eral of these colorful old-timers.In particular was EsperanzaWoodring who became one ofCharley’s favorite subjects.Esperanza ran the family’s fish-ing business, which specializedin catching mullet and selling itdaily to the nearby Punta GordaFish Company.

Another colorful subject wasa man, called Peg Leg. According

Top: The McCullough “Clubhouse” became the subject of many ofCharley’s photographs.

Middle: The wrap-around porch provided a wonderful place to gatherfor a spectacular Sanibel sunset with expansive views of Tarpon Bay,Captiva Island, and Pine Island.

Bottom: One of the rooms “the way it was” on the second floor of theClubhouse.


to Charley, nobody seemed to knowfor sure how Peg Leg lost his leg, buthe carved the wooden leg himself,using a boat oar.

Charley has thousands of photosthat he took of people who lived onSanibel. “I really enjoy shooting peo-ple,” said Charley. “Everyone shootslandscapes and shells and such whenthey come to Sanibel. I like getting toknow my subject and finding some-thing unique. It’s a real high whenyou press the button, and you knowyou got something special. You justknow that there is magic there.”

The house Charley lives in onSanibel was built by his grandfatherin 1908. The two-story house isbrimming with 100 years worth oftreasures from the past. Much of theoriginal furniture is still therealthough Charley has donated severalitems to the historical buildings ondisplay in the Historical Village onSanibel.

Top: Peg Leg Dugan lived in a stilthouse on Tarpon Bay. He made hiswooden leg from an old boat oar.

Middle left: A man sweeps out hisfish house.

Middle right: Esperanza Woodring,the hard-working neighbor of theMcCulloughs and a frequent sub-ject of Charley’s.

Bottom right : Esperanza feeds thechickens in her “backyard.”

Left : Earl Johnson with net.



Clockwise from top:Harrison Woodring, TarponBay commercial fisherman,1948. The Kinzie ferrieshauled cars and peoplebetween Punta Rassa andSanibel. A young man spear-fishes off a Sanibel dock.Sea grass on beach. Tabletopstill life. A classic view of theSanibel lighthouse.


Let’s face it – when you livein Southwest Florida, you’regoing to have company – and lotsof it! Family and friends are fre-quent visitors to the residents of Shell Point,and this often requires residents of the com-munity to create an itinerary of fun things todo. Of course, Shell Point offers numerousactivities and recreational amenities righthere in our own community for visitors toenjoy, but you may also want to take a shortdrive over the causeway to explore thewealthof interesting and fun opportunities that areavailable on Sanibel Island.

Sanibel boasts beaches that are consid-ered some of the best sea-shelling spots in theworld. It only makes sense that the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, better known asthe Sanibel Shell Museum, is located on theisland. Its collection of over 150,000 shellsfocuses on species from Sanibel’s own pictur-

esque coastline, as well as other SouthwestFlorida beaches and the Gulf of Mexico.Additional exhibits include Fijian cones andcowries, donated by museum supporter, thelate actor Raymond Burr.

The shell museum sits on an eight-acretract of land, donated by John, Francis, andSam Bailey in memory of their parentsFrank P. Bailey and Annie Mead Matthews.Designed byCaptiva Island resident architectGeorge Tuttle, Jr., the museum’s constructionbegan onMay 6, 1994, andwas opened to thepublic in June of 1995. In February 1996marine biologist Dr. Jose H. Leal was namedscientific director. The museum is a referencecenter for national and international stu-dents, scientists, and shell collectors.

The octagonal gallery of themuseum features 34 exhibits,including habitats of Sanibel andCaptiva Islands, a Calusa Indian

display, Florida fossil shells, as well as the usesof shells in art, architecture and history.Visitors can learn about cephalopods, whichinclude squid and nautilus, in addition to ageographical look at worldwide shells. A chil-dren’s learning lab is used by volunteers togive young ones a closer look at live mollusks,such as lightning whelks and queen conchs.There is also an informational video on howto identify shells and protect living mollusks.

The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum isa must see for area residents, as well as visit-ing tourists. Plan on spending 30-45 minutesin the exhibit gallery in order to get themost out of your visit, and then take whatyou have learned with you as you comb thearea beaches for fascinating shells.

Sailors’ Valentines are symmetricalmosaic designs made from veryintricately placed seashells of varying col-ors, arranged inside an octagonal, hinged,wooden box with a glass front 8-15 inchesin diameter. Traditionally displaying a heartor compass rose as its centerpiece,each antique often spells sentimentalmessages such as “Remember Me” or“Forget Me Not” –therefore, thename Sailors’ Valentine.

According to myth, sailors madethe Valentines to pass the time at sea,but historians believe women, prima-

rily from Barbados, created and sold thesouvenirs to whalers as gifts for their lovedones back home.

According to John Fondas in his book,Sailors’ Valentines, the main source of thesegifts was a popular souvenir shop in

Barbados, called the Old Curiosity Shop.This art form nearly died out along

with the whaling industry in the 1880s;however, a recent resurgence of the cre-ative mosaics has caused shell crafters tocontinue the tradition adding their own

styles and techniques.Today these antique Sailors’

Valentines are in demand as rare andunique collectibles. The largest col-lections can be found on the Islandof Nantucket in Massachusetts aswell as The Bailey-Matthews ShellMuseum on Sanibel.

The Bailey-MatthewsShell Museum

Sanibel Shows Off its ShellsB Y K A R E N L O D E R H O S E

The Bailey-MatthewsShell Museum

Sanibel Shows Off its ShellsB Y K A R E N L O D E R H O S E

Museum Features Special Collection of Antique Sailors’ Valentines

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Developing a new community was an arduoustask, and the management of Shell Point Villagefaced numerous challenges during the first decade.Although sales continued to be brisk, it becameapparent that the amount of money available forconstruction was dwindling, and there was still somuch that needed to be done.

Fortunately, Shell Point Village was still ableto rely on the reputation of The Christian andMissionary Alliance. A series of advertisementswas created that featured leaders from the offices ofthe Alliance’s headquarters, which were thenlocated in New York City. These ads showed thatShell Point Village was being backed by a well-

respected denomination with reputable leaderswho would not let the community fail. Theyindicated that Shell Point Village had thestrength, resources, and commitment of theAlliance behind it, and this helped convincemany people that Shell Point Village was still awise investment for both those who chose tomove to the community and those who pur-chased bonds that were being used to raise thefunds, needed for additional construction.

Leadership ChangesIn May 1972 Sam Ferrell stepped down as

executive director and left Shell Point Villageto become the director of extension for theSoutheastern District of The Christian and

Missionary Alliance, based in Orlando. Since the early1960s Reverend Ferrell had played an important part in theearly dreams and development of Shell Point Village, and heserved in a variety of roles throughout that time concludingwith executive director in 1971 and 1972. His enthusiasmand vision were pivotal during the establishment of thecommunity and he was respected and well-loved by manywho lived and worked there. Irv SirLouis, who was servingas the Village administrator at that time, presentedReverend Ferrell with a new automobile as a farewell giftfrom the board and residents of Shell Point Village.

In 1972, following Ferrell’s departure from Shell Point,the board of directors appointed advertising executive VicMaitland, of Vic Maitland & Associates, Inc., to serve as aninterim executive director.

In last month’s chapter of the Shell Point history, we looked at some of the individuals wholed the community in its early days as the infrastructure and construction occurred

throughout the island. This month we look back on the decade of the 1970s.

THE HISTORY OF SHELL POINT

Early brochures depicted a growing community.

CHAPTER SEVENGROWING PAINS

Sam Ferrell


Maitland had been working on an advertising, graphicdesign and image campaign for the community and helpedto provide transitional leadership for approximately threemonths while the board decided what direction to take next.

Tough TimesBy mid-1972 it was obvious that the Village was in

trouble. The infrastructure and numerous capital improve-ments had produced a heavy debt burden which theChristian and Missionary Alliance Foundation financedthrough the sale of certificates of indebtedness to investorsall over the country.

Although the Village’s garden apartments were slowlyfilling up, it became quite obvious that the anticipatedincome generated from these units would not be enough tosupport the debt accumulated through the construction ofShell Point Village’s infrastructure.

One of the reasons that the income was not going to beable to support the expenses was thatthe pricing of the life care servicesbeing sold at Shell Point Village waswell below market rates. The originalconcept for the nonprofit ministrywas that missionaries and pastorswith little or no savings would beable to find a retirement haven intheir old age. The early managementof Shell Point Village had anticipat-ed receiving outside funding in theform of benevolent contributionsfrom The Christian and MissionaryAlliance constituency to provideservices and a home for these individuals.

Irv SirLouis AssignedMembers of the board were worried. Following the end

of Vic Maitland’s brief term, the board asked Irv SirLouis toassume leadership of Shell Point Village. Irv SirLouis had

been working at Shell PointVillage since 1970 as theVillage administrator, servingunder Tom Wilson and thenlater Sam Ferrell. Prior to com-ing to Shell Point, Irv SirLouishad a successful background inbusiness. He owned a privateinsurance business in Akron,Ohio, and had also been ahighly successful store managerin the Woolworth chain.

Irv SirLouis was confront-ed with the fact that the pric-

ing of the services of the Village would not be able to gen-erate the profit margin necessary to make the ventureviable. He took immediate action, restructuring the pricingon all of the units within the community. No longer wouldShell Point Village sell contracts for services at below mar-ket rates and hope that charitable contributions wouldmake up the difference. Shell Point’s new pricing was based

on creating a sound fiscal policy that charged a fair price forservices rendered, thereby allowing the facility much-need-ed funds for maintenance and improvements. However, it

would be several years beforethe results from this solutionwould have a positive effect.So SirLouis continued to seekways to improve Shell PointVillage’s financial future.

Originally, the communi-ty’s development plan calledfor 12 two-story garden apart-ment courts, which wouldencircle the island. He quicklyrealized that there would notbe a sufficient number of apart-ments to make the operation

financially viable. Encouraged by the board of directors, heworked with the original architectural firm to design threeMid-Rise buildings to be located on the northern end of theisland in place of two garden apartment courts that wereoriginally planned – doubling the number of apartments thatwould have occupied that area. In addition, the newlydesigned buildings would not offer studio units and wouldhave a larger mix of two-bedroom units, thus providing addi-tional founder’s fees and maintenance fees.

Irv SirLouis showed good judgment and vastlyimproved the organization’s ability to improve its financialsituation, which proved extremely valuable to Shell PointVillage over the long run. His business experience and intu-itive skills at marketing, plus his flair for knowing people,making sales and determining which margins were suitablefor success, made him invaluable as a leader, and he led theorganization in this capacity for almost three years frommid-1972 to the end of 1974.

However, while the building of the three Mid-Rise unitswas a wise business decision that improved the financial stabil-ity of the Village in future years, it proved detrimental in theshort term. The Mid-Rises were completed in 1975, but it wasseveral years before all of the apartments were occupied. Plus,the expense of this construction created an additional burdenon Shell Point’s already precarious financial situation.

The true cost of building Shell Point Village hadbecome obvious, and it was time to pay.

Irv SirLouis

Original plans called for two garden apartments to be in the spotwhere three Mid-rises were eventually built in the early 1970s.

Mid-Rises: Turban, Lucina and Junonia


Throughout the year residents witha variety of musical backgroundsmeet together with staff to review themyriad details involved in bringing theShell Point concert series to life eachconcert season. Discussion at the advi-sory board meetings runs the gamutfrom reviewing suggestions for performersto brainstorming additional series com-ponents, including special celebrations,greeting and ushering for concerts.

In addition, the residents on the Fine andPerforming Arts advisory board serve as the“face” of the concert series throughout theconcert season as they welcome concert goersto eachperformance. This time in direct con-tact with concert attendees, as well as in dis-cussion with their friends and neighbors, pro-vides important feedback that helps keep uson target to the interests in, and satisfactionwith the selected performers and pieces.

Seeking New FAPA AdvisoryBoard Members

Members of several Shell PointAdvisory Boards, including the Technology,

Academy and the Fine and Performing Artsadvisory board serve for two-year terms.Terms expired June 30. Milena Eskew(Turban), Ken Boyd (Sand Dollar), KetchMorrell (Lakewood), and Paul Peterson(Rosemont) are retiring from The Fineand Performing Arts advisory board—with our thanks and appreciation.

Al Park (Turban), Adrienne Prokop(Sand Dollar), Patricia Specht (Lakewood)are starting their second year of their two-year term on the FAPA advisory board. Ifyour interest in music and the Shell PointConcert Series leads you to consider join-ing them, please contact Teri Kollath at454-2254 to see how you can get involved.

New ConcertSeries Society Forming

We will soon take the participa-tion of Shell Point residents to a newlevel as we create the Concert SeriesSociety, for the purpose of enrichingthe fine and performing arts experi-ence for concert-ticket holders.Just as symphonies have their soci-

eties to increase the connection of thepublic to the music, the Shell Point

Concert Series will soon have a group ded-icated to those same principles. TheConcert Series Society will assist in organ-izing events to recognize our friends of thearts donors. Such activities may includereceptions, special concerts, fund-raisingevents, luncheons, fashion shows, educa-tional workshops and special time withthe artists to help introduce our concertseries to potential donors and to thebroader community.

If music is your passion and you alsohave an interest and experience in fundraising and “fun” raising, contact TeriKollath, Manager of Academy andVolunteer Services.

It’s time to sign up for busservice to the SouthwestFlorida Symphony and Com-munity Concert Series at theBarbara B. Mann PerformingArts Hall. Shell Point onlyprovides this service for theSymphony Series on Saturdayevenings. Your bus passes willbe issued in the fall of 2008.Please be aware that this

sign-up is for transportationonly, and that you must pur-chase concert tickets on yourown by calling the SW Florida

Symphony box office at (239)418-1500 for the SymphonyClassical and Pops Series or bycalling (239) 939-3236 for theCommunity Concert Series.To sign up for transporta-

tion, call either the IslandService Desk at 454-2282 orcall the Woodlands ServiceDesk at 454-2054.

Also, please consider thefollowing information prior tosigning up for transportation:•Walking is involved from the

bus to the building

• There are stairs if your seatsare located on the upperlevels; an elevator is alsoavailable.

• Barbara B. Mann Hall doesnot provide wheelchairs.

Symphony Pops SeriesTransportation Cost: $24.00Saturday, December 6, 2008Saturday, December 20, 2008Saturday, January 10, 2009Saturday, February 7, 2009

Symphony Classical SeriesTransportation Cost: $24.00Saturday, November 22, 2008Saturday, January 24, 2009Saturday, March 7, 2009Saturday, April 4, 2009Community Concert SeriesTransportation Cost: $30.00Tuesday, January 6, 2009Monday, January 12, 2009Friday, January 23, 2009Wednesday, February 4, 2009Saturday, March 7, 2009

Community Concert and SymphonyTransportation for 2008-2009B Y D I A N N E M O R T O N , T R A N S P O R T A T I O N A N D

R E S O U R C E S E R V I C E M A N A G E R

There’s Something New to Celebratewith the Shell Point Concert Series

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

Ketch Morrell, Milena Eskew, Ken Boyd and Paul Petersonhave just completed their two-year FAPA board obligations, andwe thank them for their efforts and support with the last twoShell Point Concert Series. Several positions are now open.

In celebration of the CrystalRoom’s Polynesian Night,the chefs offered guests varia-tions on popular South Pacificcuisine, such as LemonCoconut Soup, Sweet and SourMeatballs, and Mango StuffedChicken. Traditional dishesincluded Ono ribs, grilled MahiMahi and Hawaiian chicken.

While diners filled theirplates, they walked among deco-rations inspired by the lush,tropical islands of Hawaii. TheCrystal was filled with the funand memorable sounds of a tra-ditional luau. The eveningincluded music, socializing, andtropical trivia games.

Even the Crystal’s famouslarge and limitless dessert buffetwas influenced by the theme.The standard offering of cook-

ies and cakes was enhancedwith the addition of HawaiianWedding Cake, which includedtreasures of pineapple, coconutand nuts hidden beneath creamcheese icing.

Many residents stayed afterthe completion of their mealsto relax while sipping on select-ed frozen tropical drinks. Asalways, diners left the Crystalfull and happy!

Tom and Phyllis Lasier

Ginny Barrett

Lakewood Luau

Bob and AlmaJohnson(Rosemont)

Approximately 80 Lakewood residents attended a potluck-styleluau in June. Delicious baby-back ribs were provided by the Palm Grill, as guestsalso enjoyed tropical fruit skewers, jumbo shrimp, Hawaiian bread and tropicalpunch. Special coconut and macadamia nut cookies and coffee ended a lovelyevening, catching up with each other and enjoying the beautiful Hawaiiandecor. They gather many times during the year for fun occasions.

Lou and Helen Gehrig and Anne Hobson

Dayton and LessieSlater (Sand Dollar)

Above: Jeanne Vogel and JuneAnderson of Harbor Court

Above: Jeanne Vogel and JuneAnderson of Harbor Court

Aloha!Lakewood Social Committee OrganizesTropical Hawaiian Luau

Dee Kaiser (Periwinkle), Dorothy Kane(Lucina), Bea Howard (Turban), and MimSargent (Sand Dollar)

Aloha!

Residents arriving to theCrystal were greeted with

a lei and an Aloha!

PolynesianNight


Marjorie Peterson and Pat and Carl Meyer


The Crystal Room staff will becelebrating in the true red, whiteand blue Independence Day tra-dition with an all-American cookout.The good news is that those typical ham-burgers and hot dogs will be available foryou to enjoy in the cool dining comfort ofthe Crystal Room. The buffet menu willalso feature all-American foods, such asbarbecued pork spareribs (without thosemessy bones), beef brisket, corn on thecob, baked beans, watermelon, brown-ies, apple pie and all the cookout fixings.The Crystal Room hours on the 4thof July will be 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.for lunch and 4 – 7 p.m. for dinner.Dick Hamm will be performing from

11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Another option to consider for your

holiday dining is available at theWoodlands Palm Grill. Manager, TomIrwin, and Chef Joel are planning somecookout favorites and will be serving

them from 4 – 8 p.m. Passport din-ing plans may be used here as well.If you are looking for some lighter

fare, try the Island Café. The friendlystaff there cook up hamburgers and hotdogs every day in a very casual andpleasant atmosphere. The Island Café

will be open all day from 7 a.m. until 7p.m. Join us at one of Shell Point’s greatdining venues to celebrate America’sbirthday this 4th of July.

JulyDiningJulyDiningDining

Options forJuly 4th

B Y L I N D A R A K O S ,

A S S T H O S P I T A L I T Y

S E R V I C E S D I R E C T O R

The Atmosphere: Come dine in theelegant yet casual atmosphere of the PalmGrill. It is the perfect place to enjoy a deli-cious meal with your friends while enjoyinga view of the lake.The Fare: Chef Joel and Manager TomIrwin have been drawing rave reviews fromresidents and guests alike. Chef Joel has apassion for innovation in the kitchen thatshines through in every dish. The specialchanges daily, offering a wide variety ofoptions– anything from pot roast, to quiche,to the catch of the day, to a wonderful pastacreation or sandwich.The Bottom Line: If you are lookingfor a bargain, then come into the Palm Grillfor a value-priced lunch. The Blue PlateSpecial is offered for lunch Tuesday throughSaturday for just $7.75. This special includesentrée, beverage, a scoop of ice cream fordessert, and the gratuity.

Hot Deal!

The Place: The Palm GrillThe Hot Deal: A daily lunchtime

special, called the Blue Plate

The Deubers (Periwinkle)and the Smiths (Parkwood)pictured with the Chef.L-R: Dick Smith, RuthDeuber, Chef Joel, WarrenDeuber and Joan Smith

Dr. Richard andNancy Curtin (Palm Acres)

The Palm Grill recentlyserved up many Northernfavorites at NorthernDelights Night – such asPrince Edward Island mus-sels, rich Wisconsin ched-dar cheese soup, Chicagorib-eye steak, NorthAtlantic salmon, WalleyedPike, Minnesota wild rice,and Northern Italian chick-en rigatoni. Dessert was asweet and tart rhubarb-strawberry pie.

NorthernDelights

Dan Philgreen is the managerof SPTV at Shell Point. Inaddition to Dan’s skill as avideographer, he is also avery talented musician andsinger. Dan performed at theNorthern Delights event.

Didyoumiss thecruise toAlaska lastmonth?Or did you go and wish you could go back? Well,

for one night you can feel as if you’re there! Join James Beck, your “cruise director,” at the CrystalRoom on Thursday evening for dinner on the high seas.

The Lido Deck will offer an exciting array of Alaskan favorites, such as oysters on the half-shell, barbecue salmon, and antelope stew with side dishes of Yukon gold potatoes, sweet stickyrice, and spaghetti squash. Follow your first course with delicious entreés from the buffet, andconclude your meal with a sweet treat from the lavish dessert display. Bon Voyage for an excit-ing evening of dining on the S.S. Crystal!


The Liberty Voices—A Slice ofA Cappella Americana

The Liberty Voices have toured thecountry, been featured on nationaltelevision, and sung in numerousparades. They have also performedfor five United States presidents andshowcased at national, as well as atinternational conventions.

“We expect an awesome patrioticcelebration with these world-classsingers,” said TedYeatts, programcoor-dinator.

The Liberty Voices have been reg-ular performers at Disney’s EPCOTCenter and have even been called“America’s premier a cappella styl-ists… and the United States vocalambassadors to the world!”

Get Your TicketsTickets are complimentary to Shell Point residentsand are available at either Service Desk.Guest tickets are $5 each. Doors will open at 2 p.m.;no early birds please. Join us in celebrating ournation’s freedom!

Make Plans

to ComeOut

& Celebrate!

Join your ShellPoint friends andneighbors at theChurch Auditoriumto celebrateIndependenceDay with anold-fashionedice cream social.

Cool treatswill beserved from2 – 3 p.m.

A patrioticconcert by theLiberty Voicesfrom 3 – 4 p.m.

The Liberty Voices

Set Sail to the Crystal Room for

Alaskan Cruise NightThursday, July 24, from 4 - 7 p.m.

Old Fashioned IceCream Social!Friday, July 4 � 2 - 4 p.m.

Old Fashioned IceCream Social!Friday, July 4 � 2 - 4 p.m.


July 4th Lunch at the Crystal Roomwith Keyboardist Dick HammFriday, July 411:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Crystal Dining Room/ISEnjoy a special Independence Day

lunch at the Crystal whileenjoying the patrioticsounds of Dick Hamm.Mr. Hamm is a talentedkeyboardist and vocal-

ist with a large repertoire of sounds toentertain you throughout the meal.

4th of July Celebration andOld Fashioned Ice Cream SocialFriday, July 42:00 – 3:00 p.m. Ice Cream Sundae Bar3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Liberty Voices ConcertChurch Auditorium/ISJoin your Shell Point neighbors and friendsto celebrate Independence Day with anold-fashioned ice cream social. After youenjoy the cool treats, stick around for a

patriotic vocal perform-ance by the LibertyVoices. Tickets are com-

plimentary to residents andavailable at either ServiceDesk. Guest tickets are$5.00 each. See page 25 formore details.

Summer Documentary:A Crude Awakening: The Oil CrashTuesday, July 82:00 p.m.Grand Cypress/WDLJoin your Resort Services host and viewthis documentary, produced by award-win-ning filmmakers Basil Gelpke and RayMcCormack. The film, a Zurich Film Prizewinner, examines the world’s growingdependency on oiland the impendingchaos that’s sure tofollow when theresource is deplet-ed. Straight fromthe headlines, thishot-button topicmay represent theworld’s most direcrisis. Throughexpert interviews, the film spells out instartling detail the challenge we all face.

Bear Rock Café LunchWednesday, July 912:30 p.m. Island court pickup12:40 p.m. Woodlands pickup12:50 p.m. Eagles Preserve pickup4:00 p.m. Approximate returnCost: $5.00 (lunch on your own)Let’s try this new eatery convenientlylocated in a new shopping plaza on Route41 near Wal-Mart. Hearty sandwiches andluscious salads await you! Prices range from$6 to $9.

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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Organ Concert with Karl ColeFriday, July 112:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.Woodlands CommonsWe are pleased to welcome the talentedMr. Cole back to Shell Point! His abilitiesand style are first rate. With over fiftyyears of experience performing on the the-atre organs, we are sure to be entertainedas he performs popular and semi-classicaltunes. Don’t miss this truly great enter-tainer and musician.

Saturday DVD:The Great Debaters (2007)Saturday, July 122:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.Grand Cypress Room/WDL

When African-American poet Mel Tolson(Denzel Washington, who also directs)creates a debate team at historically blackWiley College, he pushes the team to alevel of excellence that allows them tochallenge powerhouse Harvard in 1935.But despite public success, personal clash-es foment as the father (Forest Whitaker)of one of Tolson’s students resents his son’sloyalty to his coach. Denzel Whitaker co-stars in this drama, based on a true story.

Best of EverythingMonday, July 1410:00 a.m. Island court pickup10:10 a.m. Woodlands pickup10:20 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup3:00 p.m. Approximate returnCost: $10.00 (lunch on your own)A virtual shopping paradise! From scarvesto jewelry, they really do have the best ofeverything. After shopping, we’ll delightour taste buds with lunch at RodesSeafood. Their Key Lime Tart is out of thisworld!

Piano Concert with Gail SmithTuesday, July 15 — 3:00 p.m.Grand Cypress Room/WDLWelcome back The First Lady ofPiano- Gail Smith- as she returns toShell Point to present a variety ofpopular and classic piano music. This timeGail will be joined by special guest, CeliaHall. You won’t want to miss these enthu-siastic performers!

Beach DayThursday, July 178:30 a.m. Island court pickup8:40 a.m. Woodlands pickup8:50 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup3:00 p.m. Approximate returnCost: $15.00 (ice cream on your own)Shelling, sunning and swimming are ontoday’s agenda! Bring along your beachgear, and we’ll provide a delightful picniclunch. A special stop at The Royal Scoopfor your favorite ice cream will top off ourafternoon. Isn’t retirement great?

Look Good andFeel Great…with Color!Thursday, July 173:30 p.m.Grand Cypress Room/WDLDid you know thatwhen you wear cer-tain colors you actual-ly appear younger,healthier and moreconfident? It’s true!Grab a friend and joinChristine Sherlock ofImage Matters tolearn what colors are“your” colors. Shopping will be easier andless time-consuming. You’ll end up withfewer clothes hanging in your closet, butyou’ll have more to wear. And, you’ll lookgreat in everything you wear!

High Tea at the RitzFriday, July 1812:30 p.m. Island court pickup12:40 p.m. Woodlands pickup12:50 p.m. Eagles Preserve pickup4:30 p.m. Approximate returnCost: $40.00(includes tea service and gratuities)Ladies and gentleman, you are cordiallyinvited for a special afternoon at the RitzCarlton Beach Resort in Naples. We willtake pleasure in a traditional tea service,including delectable treats, fine teas andsuperb service in the elegant surroundingsof the Lobby Lounge.

Shopping on Sanibel—Periwinkle PlaceSaturday, July 1911:00 a.m. Island court pickup11:10 a.m. Woodlands pickup11:20 a.m. Eagles Preserve pickup3:00 p.m. Approximate returnCost: $7.00 (lunch on your own)Set in a park-like atmosphere, you’ll findall the usual suspects like Chico’s, FreshProduce Clothing, and a few special jewel-ry and gift shops to tickle your fancy. Allof your favorite shops are wrapped intoone at this Sanibel shopping destination.

Library Book TalkTuesday, July 223:00 p.m.Grand Cypress Room/WDLDavid Sagesaer (Arbor) will discussMadeline Albright’s book, Memo to thePresident Elect: “HowWe Can RestoreAmerica’s Reputationand Leadership.” Theentire Shell Pointcommunity is wel-come.

EVENTS • PROGRAMS • PARTIES • MOVIES • OUTINGS • EXCURSIONS

Purchase YourNEW 2008 PhotoDirectory Today!

They are available at either ServiceDesk for just $6. (Must be charged toa resident account.) Island: 454-2282

Woodlands: 454-2054

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Calling All Pet OwnersHave Your Ensured That Your Pet is Taken Care Of?Hurricane season is here. Please call McKenzie Boren at 454-2299 to verifythat your pet’s name is on the Registered Pet List to ensure that your pet willbe taken care of in the event of a hurricane.

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

Walkingrequired

Walking up anddown stairs

Boatingattire

A Midsummer’s Night SingTuesday, July 225:30 p.m. Island court pickup5:40 p.m. Woodlands pickup5:50 p.m. Eagles Preserve pickup9:30 p.m. Approximate returnCost: $6.00This concert at The First PresbyterianChurch in downtown Fort Myers is present-ed by The Galloway Family of Dealerships.The event will feature 90 minutes of songsyou know and love. Featuredwill be the FirstPresbyterian Church Sanctuary Choir,singing friends, musicians and an amazingpiano-organ combination. Please bringalong two or more cans of food to be donat-ed to a local soup kitchen as this is therequested donation for admission.

Cruise to Alaska in the CrystalThursday, July 244:00 – 7:00 p.m.Crystal Dining Room/IS

Did you miss the cruise to Alaska lastmonth? Did you go and wish you could goback? Well, for one night you can feel asif you’re there! The special menu featuresoysters on the half shell, barbecuesalmon, and antelope stew with side dish-es of Yukon gold potatoes, sweet stickyrice, and spaghetti squash. Yum!

Hogfish Grillon the BeachCatFriday, July 2510:00 a.m. Board at Macoma Dock3:00 p.m. Approximate returnCost: $35.00 (lunch on your own)Come along for a requested return trip to thisPine Island eatery. The service is superb andthe seafood is as fresh as it gets. Best of all, wewill journey there by 41 foot power catama-ran. If you haven’t been on theBeachCat yet,come see what you’re missing!

Movie Night:Funny Girl (1968)Monday, July 287:15 p.m.Manatee Room/ISOur year-long celebrationof Shell Point’s 40thAnniversary continues with this musicalfrom Director William Wyler. It tells thestory of legendary Ziegfeld Follies comedi-enne Fanny Brice (Barbra Streisand), whogrew up in theJewish slums ofNew York dream-ing of stardom.When Brice finallyfulfills her dreamand becomes thetoast of Broadway,the resentful reac-tion of her hus-band (Omar Shariff) threatens to destroytheir marriage. The film received eightAcademy Award nominations and earnedStreisand an Oscar for Best Actress.

Dinner at Ellington’sTuesday, July 294:45 p.m. Island court pickup4:55 p.m. Woodlands pickup5:05 p.m. Eagles Preserve pickup9:00 p.m. Approximate returnCost: $12.00 (dinner on your own)An elegant evening, filled with innovativefood and cool jazz, awaits you as we headover the Sanibel Causeway to Ellington’sJazz Restaurant.This is a ShellPoint favorite,especially for thedancing crowd, sosign up early!Entrée choices like Sweet Georgia BrownChops and Ella’s Eggplant Roulade rangein price from $22 – $36.

The Suncoast BrassThursday, July 31 — 6:15 p.m.Amphitheater/ISOur next amphitheater concert will fea-ture the talented Suncoast Brass Band.This five-piece ensemble of professionalmusicians has been entertainingaudiences in SouthwestFlorida for almost 20years! As you enjoy thesights of another sum-mer sunset, they will fillthe amphitheater with thesounds of ragtime, light clas-sics and patriotic marches.Head to the Crystal for dinnerbefore the concert and makethis an evening to remember!

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

Special event buswill be running


Hurricane Seminar Replay DatesSPTV will replay the hurricane shelter seminar on SPTV Channel 12 onTuesday, July 15, and Wednesday, July 16.

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As you are coming in and out of theWoodlands Commons area, attend-ing concerts or Academy classes, you havecertainly been greeted with a new smile.

Sue Earnhardt joined the Resident LifeTeam in January. When the real estateenvironment started to change, Sue startedto look for new opportunities. “Having fre-quently heard so many great things aboutShell Point, I explored the possibilities ofemployment and was fortunate to be hired!”

Sue was born and raised in the smalleastern North Carolina town of RockyMount. In 1985 Sue and her husband,Harold, and two children were relocated toOrlando with Sprint.

While in Orlando, Sue worked in realestate and property management. Then in2003 Sue and her husband were relocatedagain, this time to Fort Myers.

In her free time Sue enjoys readinggood books and magazines, movies, shop-ping, relaxing, long walks at the beach andof course, visiting with family and friends.

Sue is certainly a welcome addition tonot only the Resident Life Team but to theShell Point Community. What does Suelike about Shell Point so far? “It is a won-derful environment for employees and resi-dents alike. I was so impressed from day oneby the warmth and friendliness of both theemployees and residents with such an

apparent team spirit and ‘can do’ attitude. Iam very glad to be here!”

Sue will be focusing on meeting theneeds of the Shell Point residents as theyvisit the Commons, as well as working onspecial projects for the Resident LifeDepartment.

If you have not had a chance to meetSue, stop by the Woodlands Service Deskand introduce yourself!

Meet Sue EarnhardtNew Woodlands Service Desk Coordinator

the Mid-Rise buildings, the most recentchanges to theMid-Rise buildings have beeneven more dramatic.

Not-so-Secret GardenMany residents may remember last sum-

mer when a ribbon cutting ceremonyoccurred to introduce the more than 250residents of the Mid-Risebuildings to their newcourtyard. This courtyardoffers residents the oppor-tunity to relax and enjoythe sights and sounds ofnature.

The new courtyardgarden is anchored onboth ends by cascadingwaterfalls. A serene foun-tain is the focal point of

the garden which features meandering path-ways, shady areas for seating and a beautifulsculpture in the center, all surrounded bybeautiful landscaping.

Since then the construction of the newtrellises that lead from the courtyard to theentrance of each building has been startedand completed. These trellises were con-

structed of alu-minum weighing18,000 poundseach. The massivebeams discouragebirds from roost-ing there and arebuilt in a mannerthat offers shade,while still allow-ing for sufficientand refreshing air

flow. Updated signage was added to theproject in April of 2008, welcoming resi-dents and visitors to the newly remodeledbuildings.

“In addition, the lobby entrance areasin each building are slated to receive newflooring, wainscoting and artistic interiordesign,” said Moore. “The concrete in frontof the parking floor elevator will alsoreceive a coating similar to the one alreadyon the first floor decks to improve itsappearance and seal any small cracks thatmay exist.”

So keep your eyes peeled for the newand exciting changes happening in theMid-Rise buildings and throughout the commu-nity. The operational professionals here atShell Point are constantly working to ensureall residents can enjoy their beautiful sur-roundings in well-maintained facilities.

Mid-RisesContinued from page 12 The new facades update the exteriors of the Mid-Rise

buildings on The Island at Shell Point.

Architectural details enhance the entrances of Lucina, Turban, and Junonia.

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Residents of the King’s Crown enjoythe benefits of loving care and kind-ness each day as members of the staff assistthem through a variety of services, designedto improve their quality of life while alsoprotecting their independence.

Recently, these residents becamethe recipients of another display ofkindness as two separate individualsmade generous gifts to enhance life atKing’s Crown as part of the on-goingrenovation that is currently occurringthroughout the facility.

“We were thrilled to learn of therecent gifts made by these two wonder-ful women,” said Rita Southern, direc-tor of assisted living and resident sup-port services.

Sylvia’s Gift“The first gift we received as part of the

renovation was the generousgift that will provide for thereplacement of all the chairsin the dining room. This giftwas provided by King’s Crownresident Sylvia Crouse for thebenefit of all her fellow resi-dents in the King’s Crown.”

“Sylvia’s gift is a wonder-ful example of how one person can trulymake a difference in helping others aroundthem,” said Southern. “People take thingslike comfortable chairs for granted, but inan assisted living setting, it is somethingthat can really improve comfort andenhance the quality of life for our residents.I was pleased to see that such a practical, yetimportant gift was made, and I know it willbe greatly appreciated by all who dine therein the future.”

Another Special Gift“Another special gift received

by the King’s Crown provided fora beautiful courtyard fountainwhich is now located at theentrance to our building on theground floor,” said Southern.

“Each time a resident or oneof their guests come to our build-ing, they will be greeted by this lovely fea-ture. It is also a pleasant space where King’sCrown residents can go outside to sit andenjoy a time of quiet reflection or just enjoy

being outdoors. This has truly provided ameaningful improvement that will beenjoyed by many people for years to come.”

The courtyard fountain was provided inloving memory of Ronald McIndoe and

others who have faithfully served our nationthrough its Armed Forces. This gift wasprovided by Sara McIndoe and her familyand stands as a lasting legacy.

Sara McIndoe and her husband, Ron,made their lives together in Toledo, Ohio,before coming to Shell Point in 1996.They had a good life together. Ron servedin World War II as a young man and spenthis career with Dana Corporation as chiefengineer of product development. FollowingRon’s passing last October, within Sara’sheart began to grow a desire to sponsor amemorial to Ron’s memory and to othermen and women who sacrificed greatlythrough their service to our country. It is nosmall thing that many have given to pro-vide the lifestyle we enjoy in America.

Sara mentioned her dream one daywhile talking with Timothy Stephenson,executive director of The LegacyFoundation. Soon after the perfect oppor-

tunity arose to fulfill that dream.While at a planning meeting, Mr.Stephenson was informed of a desireto construct a beautiful, peacefulcourtyard and fountain near theentrance to the renovated King’sCrown assisted living facility.

When Mr. Stephenson sharedthis opportunity with Sara she was thrilledwith the prospect of this fitting tribute. Shetook the time to consider the financial com-mitment, talked with her children and took

the time to pray. She sensed it was right andagreed to the commitment. Now that thecourtyard is almost finished, it is obviouslythe right decision.

Sara was honored for her vision and giftat a reception held at King’s Crown onJune 16th. The purpose for the recep-tion was to update the residents ofKing’s Crown on the progress of thecurrent construction. It seemed a nat-ural time to acknowledge Sara’s giftbecause of the beauty of the courtyardthat is already being enjoyed.

Gift Opportunities are AvailableAccording to Tim Stephenson,

executive director of the LegacyFoundation, there are other opportuni-ties for giving in regard to the currentKing’s Crown renovation. “We know of several enhancements

that may not be included in the final con-struction project for the King’s Crown,” saidStephenson. “These are wonderful opportu-nities for people who might like to help.”

The following renovations are antici-pated shortly. Some are about to enter con-struction, others are contingent on obtain-ing funding through gifts.

Anticipated Renovation Costs:4 Courtyard Benches .......... $1,000 eachDining Room ............................$150,000Grand Salon ..............................$200,000Community Room ......................$75,000New Exterior Building Signage ....$20,000

Contingent Projects Based on Funding:Two Whirlpool Baths ........$100,000 each Country Kitchens ....................$5,000,000(This is a proposed major expansion to the building.)

Naming OpportunitiesSeveral of these provide opportunities

for creating a lasting legacy through the nam-ing of the room or feature. If you would likemore information about making a gift or cre-ating a named lasting legacy, please contactRita Southern at King’s Crown or TimothyStephenson at The Legacy Foundation.

As the King’s Crown undergoes signifi-cant renovation, there have been generousgifts to enhance life at King’s Crown and toleave a living legacy.

Kindness & Compassion

Sylvia Crouse

Sara McIndoe

The King’s Crown renovation will improve the services and features of the building.

Gifts to King’s Crown Express


Kindness & Compassion“The King’s Crown renovation is pro-ceeding on schedule as the buildingis given a fresh update from the inside out!”said Rita Southern, director ofassisted living. “Four out of six residential

wings are now complete andthe contractor is doing anexcellent job of keeping thenoise and mess to a minimumwhile bringing us a new designand décor. All of our residentsare very excited about theprogress that has been made insuch a short period of time.”

Each floor features a vari-ety of common spaces thathave been enlarged to accom-modate new furnishings andfeatures. For instance, the residents are alreadyenjoying the newly added billiard room on thewest wing of the second floor. The remainingtwo parlors located on the first floor should befinished by the middle of July. One of these

will be the new theater-style screen-ing room on the north wing of thefirst floor. “This will be a fun feature for

residents who enjoygetting together for popcornand a movie,” said Southern.

Work is also nearingcompletion on the groundfloor, which features a newlyrenovated front door andlobby area. Residents andtheir guests will now enterthrough a spacious entranceinto a grand foyer. Outside isa beautiful new paved court-yard with a sparkling foun-tain and benches that willprovide a quiet spot for relax-ing and visiting with friends.

Activities and programs will soon bereturning to the newly created ground floorCommunity Room by the end of July. Thisroom has been outfitted with new meetingchairs and tables, plus state-of-the-art sound

and A/V systems. The décor has been updat-ed to create a casually elegant room that willbe perfect for gatherings or programs.

“Work will now begin in the core of thebuilding starting with the dining room andthe atrium,” she said. “Although it may takejust a bit longer to do it this way, the con-struction updates in the dining room are alloccurring in the evening so that the residentmeals are not disrupted.”

“The contractor and his team have beenexcellent to work with and our residents arevery excited about the progress that hasbeen made thus far,” she said. “Although wesee more progress every day, we are lookingforward to the bulk of the renovations beingcompleted by Thanksgiving, just in time tocelebrate the holidays in our newly renovat-ed home!”

Dr. Robert Moseley was recognizedon Monday, June 16th, as the 1000thresident to move into King’s Crown. Dr.Moseley was joined by family, friends and theKing’s Crown residents at a surprise celebra-tion that marked this very special milestone.

King’s Crown opened in 1987 andthroughout the past twenty-one years of serv-ing the needs of the assisted living residents,one thousand residents have been proud tocall the building home.

Dr. Moseley was born in Lanchow, China,where his parents served as missionaries forThe Christian Missionary Alliance. Theymoved to the United States around 1948,when Robert was about 26 years old. Hisfather, Thomas Moseley, served as the presi-dent of Nyack College throughout the 1950sand into the 1960s. Robert has always beenvery proud of his father’s work at Nyack and

in China. His mother, Ava, is remembered asa prayer warrior and Dr. Moseley always foundthis title to be especially fitting for her person-ality. Dr. Moseley has his PhD and taught his-tory and sociology at Nyack University andRockland Community College.

Dr. Moseley initially joined the ShellPoint family in November of 2005. The deci-sion to move to assisted living was not a diffi-cult one for Dr. Moseley, as he cites the manyservices offered at King’s Crown. “I was slow-ly but surely being drawn into the idea of liv-ing where there were numerous types of sup-port services, such that we have here at King’sCrown.” Since his move at the end of May,Dr. Moseley has enjoyed most the outstand-ing meals he has been served at King’s Crown.“I am everlastingly surprised that the food issupremely good, not just once or twice, butevery meal. There are two things that are very

important in reaching a level of satisfactionwith life, good food and a satisfactory place tolive. This exceeds my expectations!”

Dr. Moseley has also enjoyed the manynew friendships and acquaintances that hehas made in the few short weeks that he haslived at King’s Crown.

Rita Southern, Dr. Robert Moseley and SteveMinnear pose for a historical photograph asKing’s Crown welcomes its 1,000th resident.

One of six newly renovated par-lors and upgraded lighting.

995, 996, 997, 998, 999…King’s Crown Welcomes 1,000th Resident!

New fountain feature atKing’s Crown

KING’S CROWN


In his recent book, Handoff,Jeff Myers declares that ouryoung people are the hope for thefuture. He challenges his readersto “pass the baton of godly faith-fulness to the next generation.”Many adults have and are takingup that cause. The Christian andMissionary Alliance has sent outthousands of missionaries aroundthe world to reach this generationand the next for Christ and todisciple them into that godlyfaithfulness. But at the same timethe C&MA has recognized theneed to provide education andmentors for the children of thosemissionaries. Over the years,many of those MKs (MissionaryKids) have themselves becomepastors, missionaries and produc-tive Christians.

The “mission” to educate and mentorchildren of missionaries continues at theAlliance Academy in Ecuador. One couple,Bill and Ellen Evans, has served at AllianceAcademy since 1997. Bill wears multiple hats

as band director, high school math and com-puter teacher, and helping with administration.

His wife, Ellen, taught kindergarten forthe first eight years and currently teaches1st grade. Bill and Ellen met at Toccoa Falls

College where they also bothbegan to feel drawn to MK edu-cation. In addition to mission-ary children, The AllianceAcademy, attracts a number ofinternational expatriate familiesso Bill and Ellen have opportu-nities to reach out to these stu-dents and their families as well.They themselves have threechildren: Michelle – 15, Megan– 13 and Jimmy – 9.

On Wednesday, July 16 theentire Evans family will be pro-viding the program at theWomen’s Ministries GlobalOutreach Program at the VillageChurch.

The program will begin at 10:15 a.m.and be in the Hospitality Room. All areinvited to hear this delightful family shareabout their work and experiences at theAlliance Academy in Ecuador.

Women’s Ministries:

Mentoring the Next Generation

At its root benevolence is born out ofa generous heart. However, a thor-ough knowledge of the tax laws and the manyplanning tools and techniques available mayhelp you accomplish more with your philan-thropic dollars than you anticipated.

It is tragic, yet true. People lose tens ofthousands of dollars – often much more,because they do not understand the taxconsequences of good planning. This iseven more tragic when it happens to a per-son who would have preferred to see thatlost asset go to support their favorite chari-ty instead of being collected by the state orthe IRS.

In this forum we will explain optionsyou might not have considered. For exam-ple, an effective charitable gift of appreciat-

ed stock can actually enable you to avoidcapital gains taxes while retaining more foryour children or other beneficiaries than

would have been possible without the char-itable gift. That might sound incredible,but it’s true. You really can have your cakeand eat it, too!

JOIN USPlease consider this a personal invita-

tion to join us for a special presentation at10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, in theGrand Cypress Room/Wdls. This is not afundraising event. You will not be askedfor a single dollar. Rather, this is an educa-tional opportunity designed to help youdiscover options you might not be aware ofand to encourage you by telling you howyou can be used to bless others by planningmore carefully for your future.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONALPRESENTATION

Wednesday, July 1610:00 a.m.

Grand Cypress Room/Woodlands

Making Your PhilanthropicDollars Work For You

You Really Can Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too

The Evans Family will share their work and experiences at the Alliance Academy in Ecuador.Join them Wednesday, July 16 at 10:15 a.m. in the Village Church Hospitality Room.

Ellen and Bill Evans are picturedwith their three children: Megan,Jimmy and Michelle.

Making Your PhilanthropicDollars Work For You

You Really Can Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too


I recently became interested inbeach glass when my niece,Cassy, stayed with me during aninternship she served in the ShellPoint marketing department at thebeginning of the summer. Cassy isan artist and she worked on a vari-ety of art and design projects forShell Point, including several thatwere used in recent editions of ShellPoint Life magazine. In her sparetime, she makes beautiful pieces ofjewelry using pieces of beach glassthat she has picked up from beachesall over the world. One day Cassygave me a lovely necklace with apiece of sea glass suspended on adelicate silver chain; this is a specialgift and I enjoy wearing it.

Cassy shared some informationwith me about beach glass andwhere it comes from. Beach glass(or sea glass) is glass thats found onbeaches along oceans or large lakes thathas been tumbled and smoothed by thewater and sand, creating small pieces ofsmooth, frosted glass. It originates frombottles and jars that are thrown into thewater as litter and become broken up by

the waves and rocks. Green, clear, brown,and amber beach glass is more common,although light blue, yellow and pink canalso be found. Much more rare are grey,purple, bright red, and the black varieties.

Beach glass can also be produced arti-

ficially by using a rock tumbler. Asauthentic sea glass becomes harder andharder to find, artificial sea glass is some-times sold to tourists as authentic. Rocktumbled glass, however, does not possessthe value of beach glass. Long-termexposure to water, rocks and sand createsan etched surface on the glass that can-not be duplicated artificially. Beach glasspurists claim that the term “beach glass”should be reserved for authentic speci-mens, and artificial sea glass should betermed “craft glass.”

God’s discipline in our lives is analo-gous to the action of water, sand, androcks on glass. An ordinary glass bottlewith no apparent value is discarded,thrown overboard, or tossed into thewaves or along the beach. It is picked upby the tide, dashed against the rocksuntil broken into tiny pieces. Then thesand and the water go to work on it,grinding down the sharp edges, massag-

ing the surface, changing the ordinary glassinto a smooth frosted work of art.

Perhaps there are areas in your liferight now in which God is disciplining

you? You may be developing patience asyou wait for an answer to prayer or changein a situation, endurance as you strugglewith a physical issue, trust as you face con-fusion and perplexities about the future, ortolerance and appreciation for irregularpeople in your world who are going againstyour grain.

Whatever the challenge, God createsopportunities of discipline for us so thatdangerous sharp edges can be ground offand a valuable, opaque, frosted finishreplaces the common glitter. Throughadversity we are transformed into a work ofart, reflecting the beauty of His character.

Beautiful Beach GlassTRANSFORMATIONS INTO WORKS OF ARTB Y D R . S U E S T R A N A H A N , P A V I L I O N C H A P L A I N

“Endure hardship as discipline; God istreating you as his children. For what chil-dren are not disciplined by their father?”

Hebrews 12:7, TNI

Dr. Sue Stranahan and her niece Cassy wear necklaces made from sea glass Cassy found alongthe rocky beach shoreline of New Zealand. Cassy was an intern at Shell Point in May and June.


Most of the country enjoys four sea-sons each year: summer, spring,winter, and fall. Here in SouthwestFlorida, we have two — rainy and dry.After coming near the end of the dry sea-son, the effects of this particular dry sea-son have taken a toll on every area of land-scape in our community.

Many people probably wonder how itis that the Shell Point Golf Club staffkeeps the golf course looking great at timesof increased dryness. There are certainpractices and processes that the golf coursemaintenance staff must do each year tomake sure that golfers and nature loversalike will have a beautiful course to playon or visit at Shell Point.

Here is a quick glimpse into how thegolf course handles the dry conditions, aswell as other programs in place, to ensurethat the course looks beautiful year round.

Battling Dry ConditionsIn this current situation some of you

may have noticed some of the effects on thegolf course due to a lack of rain. In timeslike these, the golf maintenance staff mustbe creative with the turf watering sched-ules. The sprinkler system for the golfcourse is controlled by a centralized com-puter which allows the golf maintenancestaff to utilize what we like to call “prescrip-tion irrigation”, prescribing specific amountsof water for specific areas of the golf course.The computer allows the staff to control thewatering by adjusting water amounts to

meet the needs throughout the course dur-ing times like these.

Unfortunately, the recharging of theirrigation lake can not fully keep up withthe demands caused by the recent droughtconditions. But with these circumstancesthe golf course is fairing well. The greensare the most important area of the course,and receive the most attention for watering.Once those needs are met, water is dividedup accordingly throughout the rest of thecourse as evenly as possible.

Aerification ProcessAlleviating com-

paction from cart andfoot traffic, and remov-ing excess dead grassmaterial, or “thatch,”from the course is alsoan important factor tokeep the golf course upto par. To do this, thegolf maintenance staffutilizes an aerificationprocess. This process

removes ½ to ¾ inch cores of soil andthatch, which allows water, air, and nutri-ents from fertilizer to penetrate the soilmore easily.

The first aerification process was per-formed in early May and late June, withseveral more on schedule to be performedin July, August and September. On thedates that the course is closed during thevarious dates that aerification is being per-formed, the crew will also work on otherareas of the course to ensure that playersget the best golf course possible. Duringthe summer months the golf maintenancestaff will continue to perform “culturalpractices”, which may seem to be disrup-tive and messy, yet the more that is accom-plished during the summer, the more itwill ensure healthier turf playing condi-tions for the season.

During this aerification process wewill have a few people operating our largeaerifier on the fairways and roughs. FrankMoran is one of our top equipment opera-tors. He brings numerous years of experi-ence from courses in Ohio where he isoriginally from.

Expanded Driving RangeAlso during the summer will be

expanding the driving range tee toincrease size for more playability. Thisensures a healthier practice surface due tothe fact that hitting stations can bemoved around allowing for improved turfrecovery. So for those of you who enjoypracticing for your game, be sure to visitthe range this season.

Shell Point Golf Course Beautification Project Brings Grass and Greens RenewalB Y M A R K J A C O B S , G O L F C O U R S E S U P E R I N T E N D E N T

Topdressing the Greens.Sand is incorporated in to holes.

Sections of the golf course undergoing theprocess of aerification.


SuperSummerSavings SuperSummerSavings

It’s easy to keep skin healthy if youfollow a few basic rules. First andforemost, avoid excessive exposure to thesun’s rays. A little bit of sun is good for youbecause it createsvitamin D, whichyour body needs.Too much exposureto UVB and UVArays causes skin to acquire a tough, leath-ery appearance. UVB rays are what causesunburn. UVA rays cause a break down inthe elastin and collagen fibers deep in thesecond layer of the skin.

Be sure to wear a sunscreen every day(not just when you go to the beach) withan SPF of 15 or higher that provides pro-tection from both UVA and UVB rays.Reapply the lotion every few hours andavoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4p.m. Some sunblocks may contain ingredi-ents which irritate sensitive skin, but

toxic-free sunscreen is available at mosthealth food stores.

Wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sun-glasses and long-sleeved clothing will also

minimize yourskin’s exposure tothose harmful rays.Love to swim inthe local pool?

Exercise is great for maintaining thathealthy glow, but chlorine strips your skinof its top protective layer. Protect yourselfwith a shielding lotion and shower imme-diately after your swim.

Your body is made up of 75% water soit’s important to keep it well hydrated. Forhydration of the skin, 60-70 ounces ofwater daily is recommended .

On average, our skin cells renew them-selves every three weeks or so, but thisprocess slows as we age. Occasional exfoli-ation (removing the uppermost layer of the

epidermis) followed by a quality moisturizerwill keep your skin looking new and fresh.

One of the best things you can do foryour skin is to get plenty of sleep. To avoidunder-eye circles and sagging, that means8-9 hours per night for most adults. Butdid you know that resting your face on thepillow the same way night after night cancause wrinkle development, called sleeplines, that eventually become etched onthe skin’s surface? Try changing positionsor sleeping on your back.

A healthy diet filled with foods con-taining antioxidants equals well-nourishedskin. Include foods rich in vitamins A, Cand E, such as broccoli and spinach, citrusfruits, melon and tomatoes, almonds andavocado. Avoid refined sugars, but do eatan adequate amount of lean protein.

While excessive alcohol and caffeineconsumption can dehydrate the skin,smoking causes a biochemical change inyour body that accelerates aging. Smokersare more likely to develop wrinkles, as wellas an unhealthy yellowish cast to theircomplexions.

Take care of your skin from the insideout and you will look as young as you feel.

A healthy diet filled with foods containing antioxidantsequals well nourished skin.

Skin Care Sun Protection

B Y B A R B A R A M E Y E R S

SuperSummerSavingsJULY SPECIALS IN THE SALON

Coupon offers are now available in the Salons, so you don’t need to clip them out! Offer expires 8-03-08.

Claim Your Independence from Dry Skin, with a Refreshing One-Hour Facial or Pedicure,

on Special This Month at the Salons.


Have you walked into the ResidentActivity Center to see your neighbordownhill skiing or hula hooping threehoops at a time? The Health Club hasreceived one of the hottest items on themarket – Wii (pronounced “we”) Fit!

Wii Fit is a virtual fitness program, con-nected to a television, designed to get youmoving and to give you a “core” workout.The exercises fall into four fitness categories:Aerobic Exercise, Muscle Conditioning,Yoga Poses, and Balance Games. The WiiFit will certainly be a great addition to the

Health Club. Cheryl Cooper, FitnessCoordinator stated, “Not only does it giveyou a great workout and work on your bal-ance, it puts a smile on your face!”

If you are interested in getting your ownpersonal fitness program going, the Wii is agreat place to start. Not only does it give youstep-by-step direction, it also tracks yourweight, workout time, and body mass index.

Wii orientations will take place in theHealth Club on the Island 1:00 p.m. –2:30 p.m., every Monday and Wednesday,starting July 9 through July 31.

New Virtual Fitness ProgramEnergizes Shell Point

SHELL POINT RESIDENT BOWLS 279!When a new Virtual Bowling activitygroup kicked off in March, TedRobbins of Parkwood was one of the first res-idents to take up the new hobby.

“I remember Ted being a quick learnerthe first time he tried virtual bowling,” saidprogram coordinator, Ted Yeatts.

Like many of the group’s regular atten-dees, Ted has improved weekly and becomea top scorer. But on Monday, May 12th, Tedset a new record that may stand for quite awhile. While playing a game with fellowvirtual bowler Sid Hansen (King’s Crown)Ted bowled a remarkable 279.

A perfect score in bowling is 300—12consecutive strikes. Ted bowled 9 strikesin a row before knocking down nine pinsin the tenth frame. After falling short ofthe perfect game Ted regrouped, picked upthe spare, and then finished the gamewith one more strike. “Many people maynot realize how difficult it is to bowl a 279.I was glad I got to enjoy the moment withMr. Robbins,” Yeatts said.

The Virtual Bowling activity groupmeets for fun and play every Monday morn-ing at 10:15 in the Resident Activity. Allare welcome to join in the fun.

Ted Robbins (Parkwood) enjoys playing Wii Bowling

Barbara Boynton (SandDollar) balances on the WiiFit platform while watchingthe virtual exercise programon the TV screen. Fitnessinstructor, Cheryl Cooperoversees her progress.

Cheryl encourages Val Zipfel(Sand Dollar) as she tries outthe program.

Willie Demarest of Coquina, and Jean Gilman of Cameo try out the new Wii Fit program in the Resident Activity Center on The Island at Shell Point.

When Jo Stark and her latehusband, David, moved toSanibel, they invented a creative artform like no other – the “shelligram,”a unique combination of shells and cal-ligraphy.

Originally, Jo was a school teacher andDavid was with a wholesale hardwarecompany, but an evening class on calligra-phy helped unveil a natural talent forDavid while Jo was a master sheller.Within a year of living on Sanibel, thecouple had combined their talents to cre-ate a remarkable new art form that theydubbed the shelligram. They went on todesign more than 8,000 shelligrams overtwenty-one years.

Jo and David’s shelligrams were foundin fourteen art galleries stretching up theeast coast and ranging in prices up to$5,000. In fact, their works of art are allaround the world, even in Japan and

China. “A large shelligram is on dis-

play in the Shell Point WelcomeCenter and it always captures theattention of visitors who comeinto the building,” said Lynn

Schneider,assistant vice president of marketing andcommunications. “The combination ofshells and calligraphy, as well as the geomet-ric precision in their arrangement is bothbeautiful and fascinating. I will frequentlyfind residents or visitors standing in the hall-way, studying the art. I am always so proud tosay that it was created by a resident.”

Perhaps the most outstanding collectionof shelligrams resides in Jo’s own home inthe Rosemont building in The Woodlandsat Shell Point, where she has a gallery ofover 25 shelligrams proudly displayed.


Jo has numerous samples of David’swork and a vast collection of shells,stored along with the other supplies.

In Words and Shells

Nature’s Love StoryB Y R O C H E L L E C H E R N I A W S K I

Jo’s home is filled with framed shelligrams.

David had a natural talent for calligraphy.

Seeking small shells

�This unique form of arta love story tells,by a writer’s pen

and an artist’s shells.

A Life of AdventureResident Bill Boggess is One Shell of a GuyB Y L Y N N S C H N E I D E R

Bill Boggess is a rough, tough, sea lov-ing adventurer with laughing browneyes, a wide smile, and the permanent tan of aman who has spent years in the sun enjoyingone of his favorite hobbies—collectingseashells from Naples beach, the TenThousand Islands, the Keys, Bahamas, andthroughout the Caribbean and south Atlanticisland beaches.

Bill moved to Shell Point in 2006. Becausehe loves the water, Bill chose a unit overlook-ing the lagoon and river. “My view is spectacu-lar!” he said. “I can see everything — dolphins,tarpon, manatees, eagles, and osprey.”

On DisplayA chance to visit Bill’s home is an adven-

ture in itself because he currently has a largeportion of his seashell collection on display.The quantity of shells is amazing, particularlywhen you realize that he didn’t begin shellinguntil after he retired from his job as a civil engi-neer in 1979 when hewas 52 years old.

“Some called me anuncivil engineer,” hequipped with a chuckle.

In 1984 Bill movedfrom Mission, Kansas toNaples, Florida. He tookup shelling as a hobbyafter he moved toNaples.

“I had always liked the sea,” said Bill. “Istarted going to the beach daily and graduallybegan picking up shells. Of course, I eventual-ly learned not to pick up everything.”

The first shell that really excited Bill wasthe Horse Conch, which also happens to bethe State Shell of Florida. “It always intriguedme,” he said. “I was drawn to anything colorful,like the Olive Shell, the Florida FightingConch, True Tulips, and Alphabet Cones. Andof course, everyone wants a Junonia. It’s a fair-

ly common shell, but it hardly ever makes itonto the beach,” he said.

Some of Bill’s favorite places to go shellingwere Naples beach and the Ten ThousandIslands. “White Horse Key is very exciting,” hesaid. “It’s like a wilderness.”

According to Bill, to find the best shells,you must be inquisitive. Even a little bump inthe sand could turn out to be a nice 12 inchHorse Conch! He says that during low tide orafter a storm is when he reallyfound the most shells, and he sayshe would always see great shellswhile scuba diving like he used todo in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Out to SeaBill’s adventurous side is evi-

dent in the photos that line thewalls of his home. He loved to goboating, scuba diving, takingunderwater video and photo-graphs, traveling locally, and vis-iting the Bahaman out islands.He had a deal with a MiamiBeach live-aboard dive boatowner that if anyone canceled within 24 hoursof a trip, he could hop aboard for half price andhead out to sea for two weeks.

While Bill would scuba dive with sharks,stingrays, and eels, he claims he has always

been cautious and that healways follows the rules. “Ifthey say don’t go there,” hesaid, “I won’t go there!”

“My favorite thingabout shelling was being bythe water and people, andfinding unique shells,” saidBill. “It’s a wonderful worlddown below. It’s always fun

to be shelling or diving with a group of peopleand come together to compare your finds.”

Bill is very knowledgeable about shells andcan describe most of the unique shells that hehas in his collection, which includes manyunusual species. For instance, he has severalAlbinos, two of which are Albino HorseConch Shells – an eleven inch and a five inch.Albino Shells are five times as valuable as oth-ers – and should be considered the most valu-able since they are rarely found. Bill’s collectionincludes 157 species of univalves.

Bill is also intrigued by baby shells whichhe thinks are the most fascinating and beauti-ful. He also loves the orange and yellow lion’spaws. They’re uncommon and harder to find.

Intricate ArrangementsOne thing that also makes Bill’s collection

particularly interesting is the way he has it dis-played. His engineering background helpedhim organize his collection methodically, but a

certain artistic style also comes out. He justwants it to be aesthetically pleasing, and that itis! He uses shelves backed by mirrors on thewalls and he also displays various parts of thecollection on tables, protected by glass. Heshows the largest and smallest of each speciesnext to one another to show the extremes andhe even includes the egg cases. He enjoys cre-ating the intricate geometric displays which arefascinating. “I’m not much of an artist,” saidBill, but I think of this as my creative outlet!”

Bill shelled for 13 years and picked up hislast shell in 1997. “I am completely contentwith my collection.” Today he explores some-thing new —genealogy. “I love searching thearchives from my easy chair and creating web-sites,” he said.

Bill’s life has come full circle. He is sur-rounded by his beautiful shell collection in hishome in Royal Bonnet (a building named aftera seashell) which is located in — where else? —a community calledShell Point!

To view Bill’s shell collection or his scuba diving adventures, visit his websites: http://community.webtv.net/billboggess-seashells/MYSEASHELL http://community.webtv.net/billboggess/SCUBADIVING

Documents

Shell Point Life July 2008