Our magazine features campus events, resident stories, and highlights from across our vibrant waterfront community
Fall 2026 Vol. 22 Issue 3
LIVE WELL LONGER A NEW DAY FOR HEALTHSPAN
OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER | JANUARY FALL 2026 Live Well Longer
A Culture of Kindness At Shell Point, kindness is expressed through generous giving, volunteer service, and thoughtful care for others. Residents support fellow residents, employees, and organizations throughout Southwest Florida, while sharing their time and talents across the community. And this year, for the first time, the Legacy Foundation’s Friendship Cup expands beyond the golf course as part of a special week celebrating kindness, friendship, generosity, and connection. Living well starts with the choices you make each day. Whether you participate in Shell Point classes and events or find your own ways to care for your whole self, Vitality, Growth, Belonging, and Stability are the pillars of healthspan that can help you build a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life. Explore Active Aging Week activities, take the Healthspan Challenge, and discover how each dimension of wellness can keep you moving forward with purpose. Faith in Leadership For nearly two decades, Wanda Anderson has helped advance Shell Point’s mission through her service on its volunteer board of directors. During The Village Church’s Fall Missions Focus and an Academy presentation, residents will have the opportunity to learn more about Wanda and the experiences that have shaped her life and work. Connecting her presentations is the belief that guides her leadership: Lasting transformation begins when hearts and minds remain open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
“A joyful heart is good like a medicine.” – Proverbs 17:22
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Shell Point Life is published for the residents of Shell Point Retirement Community. www.shellpoint.org/shellpointlife
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RETIREMENT COMMUNITY ®
13921 Shell Point Plaza • Fort Myers, FL 33908 (239) 466-1131 • www.shellpoint.org Shell Point is a nonprofit ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance Foundation
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LIVE WELL
AT SHELL POINT
Feel better today. Live well longer. OCTOBER IS HEALTHSPAN MONTH HEALTHSPAN CHALLENGE TAKE THE The choices you make every day can support your health, well-being, and longevity. Starting this October, use the Healthspan Challenge Tracker to put all eight dimensions of wellness into practice each week. Get Your Healthspan Tracker Find it on Wellzesta under Documents/Health & Wellness, or ask your Concierge for a copy. Kick Off the Month with Active Aging Week Enjoy a full week of activities from October 5-9, then keep going all month long. Check the calendar on Wellzesta or pick up the Weekly Reminder at your Concierge desk for a full list of activities and events—or find your own ways to support your well-being. Snap & Share Show us your healthspan activities in action! Send a photo to SPTV@shellpoint.org for a chance to win dinner at a Shell Point restaurant. One drawing entry per resident, per week. Photos may be featured on SPTV. Four weeks. Eight dimensions. Small choices that help you live well.
Scan to Learn what healthspan means and how Shell Point is helping residents add more good years to life.
VITALITY GROWTH BELONGING STABILITY
Physical
Intellectual
Social
Environmental
Emotional
Spiritual
Vocational
Financial
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Celebrate Active Aging Week during Shell Point’s Healthspan Month with activities and educational events that help you stay active, engaged, and connected while adding more healthy years to your life. Designated by the International Council on Active Aging, this annual celebration highlights the benefits of active living at every age. Active Aging Week 2026 | OCTOBER 5 – 9
Fitness Roundup 10:30 a.m. | Grand Cypress Room/Woodlands
5 OCTOBER MONDAY
From Brain Fit, Chair Pilates, and Functional Strength, to Strong Bones and Balance, come get a taste of our most popular group exercise classes—all in one fun session! Our fitness instructors will each lead a 10-minute class preview, showcasing the variety available each week at Wright Wellness Center. Sign up on Wellzesta.
Health Matters Symposium 10:30 a.m. | Grand Cypress Room/Woodlands
6 OCTOBER TUESDAY
Join us for a TED Talk-style health symposium as part of Active Aging Week. Sign up on Wellzesta to experience a series of dynamic presentations from Shell Point Medical Center’s Dr. Scott Scoggins, leaders in the field of medicine, and Shell Point healthcare partners.
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Better Together Bingo 2 p.m. | Grand Cypress Room/Woodlands
7 OCTOBER WEDNESDAY
Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, this fun, free event is a great opportunity to play together and meet new people. Supplies and snacks provided. No sign-up required. Health Fair 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Grand Cypress Room/Woodlands Stop by for health screenings, learn more about Shell Point’s programs and services, and connect with community health partners. No sign-up required. Shell Point Behavioral Health and Connections | Shell Point Home Care | Shell Point Home Health | AVOW | Fleet Feet | Functional Pathways | Lee Health Cancer Institute | Lee Health Parkinson’s Program | Lee Heart Health Institute | Medtronic | We Know Veins | Wound Care Longevity Club 10:30 a.m. | Grand Cypress Room/Woodlands Get ready for an engaging and uplifting experience designed to inspire vibrant, purposeful living at every stage of life. Longevity Club is a discussion-based program blending mean- ingful conversations, fresh ideas, and shared inspiration around healthy aging. Each session combines thought-provoking videos with guided discussions and interactive activities that encourage connection, curiosity, and personal growth. It’s a welcoming space to exchange perspectives, learn something new, and enjoy the energy of community. 9 OCTOBER FRIDAY 8 OCTOBER THURSDAY
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Back Nine Karen and Barney Pultz (Sundial) have a standing appointment most mornings, and they rarely let anything get in the way of it. “We wouldn’t even think of getting up in the morning and not going to exercise class,” said Karen. “We try to make sure we never miss it.” As they begin their fifth year at Shell Point, Karen and Barney Pultz show how an active, connected life can strengthen healthspan and create more time for what matters most. Before moving to Shell Point, they both lived an active lifestyle. Barney, a retired Army avi- ator who served for 41 years, once rode about 300 miles a month on a road bike and completed the two-day Bike MS ride from Miami to Key Largo and back eight years running. Karen, a former elementary school teacher, exercised regularly at a local gym to keep in shape. Today, their weekly exercise routine is varied, with advanced balance classes, strength train- ing, spin class, personal training sessions, Pilates, and regular workouts with the fitness center’s Technogym equipment. Karen also walks The Island loop several days a week and takes the stairs in their building almost exclusively. on the
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“ There are many things I couldn’t even begin to do four years ago that I have no trouble with at all now. We’ve gotten four years older, and we can see we’re doing better than ever. ”
Karen said that as she and her group fitness classmates have gotten stronger, instructors have steadily raised the bar with progressively harder challenges. “Our instructor told us if she were teaching 40-year-olds, she’d be teaching this class the same way,” said Karen. Modifications are always offered in class for those just starting their fitness journey, but for the regu- lars, the constant progression is the point. “There are many things I couldn’t even begin to do four years ago that I have no trouble with at all now,” said Barney. “We’ve gotten four years older, and we can see we’re doing better than ever.” Data Driven The progress is more than a feeling. Barney has completed a series of InBody assessments at the Wright Wellness Center to track his body com- position. With each, his BMI decreased while his muscle mass increased. He has been able to decrease some medications, while eliminating others: After 27 years of blood pressure medication, he no longer requires it. Along with exercising and eating mindfully, he credits Dr. Gary Goforth at the Shell Point Medical Center for connecting him with a VA clinical pharmacist program that proved transformative. Karen takes no prescription medications. Her InBody analysis has improved even as her weight has held steady, showing increased mus-
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cle. When she needed a hip replacement, her fitness level made recovery noticeably smoother. “The exercises I did in physical therapy were exercises I had already done in our strength class at Wright Wellness Cen- ter,” she said. “It’s not just ‘you’re looking better, you’ve lost some weight,’” said Barney. “It’s a complete holistic lifestyle change that is having a measured impact. There’s data. You can see the data.” That conditioning pays off when the Pultzes travel. During the cruises they take with friends, Karen and Barney are typical- ly the oldest in the group, yet they are the most active. “We do it all, and we don’t miss anything,” said Karen. After one trip, their travel companions went home and joined gyms. The men challenged each other to fit into their tuxedos for a black-tie cruise, but Barney took it a step further: He wore his Army dress blues. Last spring, the Pultzes’ commitment to staying healthy took an unexpected turn, demonstrating the value of Shell Point’s on-site healthcare. Barney’s plan to renew his FAA medical certificate for a celebra- tory 80th birthday helicopter flight with his grandson was thwarted when a physical revealed he had multiple blockages in his
heart, despite showing no signs or symp- toms. After triple bypass surgery, Barney re- turned to Shell Point and spent over a week at Larsen Health Center to recuperate. “It’s one thing to say it’s nice to have ser- vices here. It’s another thing to need to use them,” said Barney. “Larsen came through with flying colors. The facilities are spotless, the staff coordinated all my care, including occupational and physical therapy, and the communication with my cardiologist was ex- cellent. I felt completely and professionally cared for.” “Our Healthy Living Coordinator kept in touch the whole time, too,” Karen added.
S taying Curious and Connected Without a house and pool to maintain, the Pultzes have more time for the kind of learning they never expected to pursue. Through the Academy of Lifelong Learn- ing, the Pultzes have attended lectures by a Brookings Institution AI expert, a former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, and a senior research scientist specializing in China’s mil- itary development. “These are world-class speakers who are leading edge in their field right now,” said Barney.
“ The exercises I did in physical therapy were exercises I had already done in our strength class at Wright Wellness Center. ”
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Planning Ahead Karen shared that when she and Bar- ney first started considering moving to Shell Point, she resisted. “I really liked my house. I liked my neighborhood. I liked my life,” she said. “And why did I want to move in with all these old people?” Barney, a self-proclaimed fledgling golf- er who plays weekly with friends at the Shell Point Golf Club, added, “I thought of retiring here as just a progression of planning the “back nine”of our lives.” He said he and Karen did their re- search before becoming residents, but after settling in, he started to wonder whether the value was really there. Yet as the months passed, costs they had underestimated as homeowners qui- etly disappeared, and their calendars became full. “People don’t realize how much better their time management can be here,” said Barney. “You can spend your days mowing the lawn, cleaning the garage, worrying about the next roof. Instead, we’re spending our time on things that are really worthwhile.” For the Pultzes, the decision also comes back to their three daughters. With careers and families of their own, the last thing Barney wants is them to face a crisis without a plan in place. Here, the health- care team already knows the Pultzes’ history, Larsen Health Center is on site, and the con- tinuity of care is built in. “Our children are never going to have to call a realtor,” he said. “We are giving them a blessing, a gift, by setting it up so they nev- er have to have that conversation among the three of them.” The life the Pultzes have built at Shell Point extends beyond routine. They are stron- ger, connected to the community, and free to focus on what Karen said matters most: “our health, our family, God, and each other.”
“You can’t really explain it to people who don’t live here. They are still doing chores at home. Here, you have the time and the freedom to explore what you’d like,” said Barney. “Your time is your most valu- able asset.” Group fitness classes at Wright Wellness Center also provide something no assess- ment can measure. “After four years we’re
the broader Fort Myers community through his membership in Fort Myers Rotary South, starting with connecting an ACC football refer- ee from his Rotary club to present at a sold-out Academy class. He also serves on the board of Project Dentists Care, a United Way and Lee County Human and Veteran Services-support- ed nonprofit that provides free dentistry to Lee County residents in need.
friends with everybody in the class, so it’s a social event as well as a fitness event,” said Barney. “Everybody kind of looks out for everybody. I think that’s a pretty strong incentive not to miss.” The same people tend to show up each week, creating both encouragement and ac- countability. If someone misses a class, the group notices. “They’ll ask, what’s wrong? Why weren’t you there?” said Karen. “It’s an extra layer of support.” “You can get lazy when you
“ You can spend your days mowing the lawn, cleaning the garage, worrying about the next roof. Instead, we’re spending our time on things that are really worthwhile. ”
just go by yourself to the gym,” Barney added. “But when you have a friend group there, it makes it much easier to get up and go.” That sense of connection extends be- yond the Wellness Center to their life at Sundial. “People aren’t knocking on your door all the time. But if you need some- thing, they’re there,” said Karen. She is part of Sundial’s social committee that organizes a first-Saturday coffee every month, season- al barbecues, ice cream socials, restaurant outings, and holiday celebrations that have become building traditions. The Pultzes are also active volunteers. Karen is part of the Larsen Healthcare Aux- iliary, and Barney, a member of Shell Point’s Veterans Group, organizes a monthly veterans’ breakfast at King’s Crown. Barney is also work- ing to build bridges between Shell Point and
While Karen and Barney intended to remain active in their church in Fort Myers, they decided to become members of The Village Church after connecting with Pastor Andy Hawkins and his sermons. Now, Kar- en is a Deaconess and plays the handbells, and Barney serves on the Church’s Finance Committee. Barney said retirees have more to offer— and more to gain—when they stay plugged into the world. “People our age are looking for experiences and social connections,” he said. “We don’t want to sit and watch TV. We want to fill our time in ways that are re- ally worthwhile.”
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VOLUNTEER FAIR Volunteering is a great way to share your time and talents, meet new people, stay active and en- gaged, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. This year’s Volunteer Fair features TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27 9 A.M. – 12 P.M. | WOODLANDS COMMONS Discover new Opportunities to Serve, Connect, and Contribute
not only Shell Point volunteer groups, but also local nonprofit organizations, including AVOW, FISH, Heights Elementary, Heights CareerTech Institute, Pace Center for Girls, Dr. Piper Center, Ronald McDonald House, Fort Myers Salvation Army, and Trailways Camps. Representatives will be on site to provide information about their group’s mission, explain the ways to volunteer, and answer your questions. With so many ways to volunteer, there is something for nearly every interest and ability. Come discover an opportunity that allows you to use your skills and experience, or try something completely new!
Savor the
OF HEALTHIER CHOICES Flavor
MONDAY, JANUARY 25 | 2 P.M. GRAND CYPRESS ROOM
Discover practical ways to incorporate healthier choices into your diet to support long-term wellness. Nutrition experts will discuss the connection between food and overall health, and Food for Life instructor Trish Smith will introduce a six-session educational series starting in February. Shell Point’s culinary team will also show- case health-conscious menu options, followed by
a Q&A session and a tasting of delicious, nutrient-dense dishes. Nutrition resources and the Food for Life class registration will be available at the event. Sign-up is required. Check Wellzesta for more details.
FALL MISSIONS FOCUS
The Navigators
The Village Church welcomes The Navigators’ General Counsel and Shell Point Board Member Wanda Anderson as the featured guest for Fall Missions Focus. Through an Academy presentation and programs at the Church, Wanda will share how putting faith into action can change lives today and influence the generations that follow. The Village Church | Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 4 Wanda Anderson
Service to Shell Point Wanda’s connection to Shell Point began even before she joined the board. She spent 15 years as general counsel for The Orchard Foundation, then the financial and charitable services ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance. The organization maintained an office at Shell Point and worked with residents on charitable gift annuities, estate plans, donor-advised funds, and other forms of planned giving. That relationship eventually led former Shell Point President Peter Dys (Estuary) to invite Wanda to join Shell Point’s Board of Directors, where she has served for nearly 20 years. She later joined the Legacy Foundation
Originally from Queens, New York, Wanda Anderson earned a Juris Doctor degree from Regent University School of Law, and her career has included nonprofit governance, risk management, cor- porate law, and executive leadership. Wanda joined The Navigators in 2016, and she now serves as general counsel and senior vice president of Governance, People & Culture. Along with serving on Shell Point’s board, she also shares her expertise with several nonprofit governing boards. Her experience spans church ministry, community develop- ment, and global disciple-making, reflecting her belief that God continues to call people to meaningful work throughout their lives.
Board and has served as its chair for the past four years. Shell Point’s volunteer board members bring a collective faith, knowledge, and ex- perience that reflect our mission. Together, they guide Shell Point’s strategic direction and long-term goals. Wanda shared that over the years, she has watched ideas move from conversation to construction and seen the power of generosity take visible form across our community as goals were achieved. “The greatest thing I’ve experienced while serving on both boards has been see- ing God’s hand at work as He does amazing things through visionary leadership and the generosity of His people,” she said.
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“There is a missional assignment that happens later on in our lives,” she said. “Actually, it never really stops. Seeds are planted in our hearts, and they take root. And then we come alongside that vision and sow it in many different ways—wheth- er it is through our service or our enthusi- asm, in volunteerism or advocacy, or in our financial investment. We can be fruitful and impactful in this later season of life.” Wanda said residents play an active part in moving Shell Point’s vision forward. “They galvanize a vision, they work toward a unified mission, and they come together and make things happen,” she said. “That has been a blessing to me as a board member.” Leadership and Ministry Ministry has also been central to Wanda’s life. She served as co-pastor of Solid Rock Christian Center in Colorado Springs for 19 years with her husband, the Rev. Benjamin Anderson. Married since 1996, they have four daughters and 10 grandchil- dren. Ben is a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, giving Wanda a personal connection to military members, veterans, and their families. During their years at Solid Rock Christian Center, the Andersons looked for practical ways to serve the surrounding neighborhood, an under-resourced area of southeast Colorado Springs. They began with an after-school music and arts program for children whose schools had eliminated arts education because of funding shortages. Later, they organized back-to-school fairs offering backpacks, school supplies, physi- cal examinations, haircuts, food, and other services. Approximately 400 families attended each weekend. Other churches soon began offering similar programs, extending the effort across the city. Repairers of the Breach Over time, Wanda and Ben saw that the neighborhood needed more. Some teachers in the area were living in their vehicles because they could not afford housing. First responders and others serving the commu- nity were also struggling with housing costs. “We looked at the work of the church, we saw the community needs, and we recognized that more needed to be done,” Wanda said.
Wanda traces the foundation of that work to Isaiah 58, which calls God’s people to put faith into action by feeding the hun- gry, sheltering those in need, lifting burdens, and repairing what has been broken. The chapter describes those who answer that call as rebuilders and “repairers of the breach.” That passage helped shape their next steps. After attending a community devel- opment conference in New York to learn how churches and nonprofit organizations could work together to renew underserved neighborhoods, the Andersons became founding board members of Solid Rock Community Development Corporation, a separate nonprofit created to continue the work begun through the church. Its mission addresses housing justice, food security, small-business support, healthy community connections, and generational wealth building in southeast Colorado Springs. The organization purchased two acres from Solid Rock Christian Center and developed a four-story affordable housing community that is now home to 77 families, including teachers, first responders, and oth- er community servants. It also operates a food distribution center serving approximately 3,000 families each month. Partnerships with local farmers help provide fresh produce in an area with few healthy food options, while an aquaponics farm uses tilapia to grow vegetables for the community. Solid Rock Community Development Corporation has since broken ground on another affordable housing development, with plans for approximately 70 additional homes. The organization is also exploring the development of an early childhood learning center.
“My husband and I cast a vision for community revitalization, and with the Lord’s help, others were moved to carry it forward,” Wanda said. “Working with Shell Point helped me understand that when the Lord directs a vision, He provides for it and moves upon the hearts of His people to see it come to fruition.” Generational Impact At The Navigators, Wanda helps lead an international Christian ministry active in more than 120 countries. Founded in 1933, the organization remains centered on its calling: “To know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same.” It carries out that work through Life-to-Life discipleship, a person-by-person approach in which believers pray together, study God’s Word, share life, and equip others to do the same, creating spiritual generations of believers. This model reflects the vision of 2 Tim- othy 2:2: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” The Navigators put it into practice wherever people live, work, worship, and play, reaching college students, urban communities, military members, first responders, missionaries, and people in many other settings. Its Encore Mission gives seasoned Navigator staff members aged 55 and older continued opportunities to serve and share what they have learned. Wanda’s Academy presentation will introduce residents to this work, including The Navigators’ military ministry and the ways older adults continue to serve. Mike Scott (Enclave), who serves as a Resident Advisor on Shell Point’s board,
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FALL MISSIONS FOCUS
considers it a privilege to work with Wanda on both the Shell Point and Legacy Foun- dation boards. He is also a member of the Missions Committee at The Village Church. “Wanda has a remarkable ability to connect vision with action,” Mike said. “She never loses sight of the people whose lives will be touched by her work.” Mike also understands The Navigators’ reach personally. Early in his business career, he encountered their ministry through Bible studies. “I’m telling you, it changed the
trajectory of my spiritual life,” he said. At The Village Church, Wanda plans to draw on biblical stories showing how quiet faithfulness can influence the generations that follow. “Your obedience today impacts the future of others,” said Wanda. That pattern is present in her own life, from the community work in Colorado Springs to her work with The Navigators. Through her service on Shell Point’s board, she also sees it in residents who use what they have learned over a lifetime to invest in others.
Andy Hawkins, Senior Pastor of The Village Church, looks forward to welcoming Wanda as she shares her ministries with our community. “The Navigators has been a life-changing disciple-making ministry for generations, and Wanda is a living representation of how genuine disciples transform people, churches, communities, and the world,” said Pastor Hawkins. “The Village Church and Shell Point are blessed to experience her passion, expertise, and wisdom.” SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 Morning Worship Service When Your Faith Becomes Someone Else’s Future 10 a.m. | The Village Church Evening Worship Service Still Called, Still Chosen, Still Contributing 6 p.m. | The Village Church
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 The Navigators: Over 90 Years of Generational Impact 2 p.m. | Connie Brown Hall In this Academy class, learn about the international ministry of The Navigators, including its work with college students, urban communities, military members, first
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 Coffee & Conversation The Intersection of Ministry and Marketplace Leadership: How Church Ministry Informed Community Revitalization 9 a.m. | The Village Church Enjoy a time of fellowship and light refreshments, followed by an interview with Wanda about how church ministry led to communi- ty development work in Colorado Springs. Sign-up is not required.
responders, missionaries, and seasoned staff serving through its Encore Mission.
Shell Point residents Gary and Merri Lee Hipp (Cameo) offer another direct connection to The Navigators. For 40 years, they have worked in community health, community development, and holistic and spiritual discipleship, including 10 years living in Uganda and continued ministry in Africa, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. In 2007, they merged their organization, Mission Moving Mountains, with The Navigators and created Discipling for Development, an international ministry dedicated to transforming lives in impoverished communities. Gary, a physician, and Merri Lee, who holds a Master of Divinity degree, remain involved in full-time ministry, most recently working in Bolivia. “We’ll keep going as long as the Lord gives us bodies that can travel, energy, and minds that can do the teaching we do,” Gary said. Still Serving with The Navigators
The Hipps first came to know Shell Point through their mentors, Dr. Dan and Miriam Fountain, former residents who served as missionaries in Congo for more than 30 years. After visiting the community for many years, Gary and Merri Lee moved to Shell Point in 2023. Through Discipling for Development, the Hipps have worked with Wanda Anderson on international legal matters. They believe residents will appreciate both Wanda’s depth and her personal perspective. “She has a deep spiritual life,” he said. “And she’s a thoughtful and engaging speaker.”
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PATHWAYS TO BRAIN A PARTNERSHIP WITH UCLA LONGEVITY CENTER A PARTNERSHIP WITH SHELL POINT nnections SHELL POINT nnections
Shell Point Connections provides focused programs and services that support a proactive approach to well-being at every stage of
HEALTH cognitive health that align with Shell Point’s four Pillars of Wellness.
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The terms longevity, healthspan, and wellness have taken root in our everyday language. Now, brain health is becoming an equally important part of the conversation, as we seek not only to add years to life, but to support cognitive health throughout those years. The good news is that many of the lifestyle approaches and habits recommended for a longer, healthier life are the same ones that support brain health. Healthy eating, regular exercise, staying socially engaged, managing stress, and partic- ipating in recommended health screenings are important components of healthspan and can help support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. As we age, many of us notice changes in thinking and memory. But when you notice a change, it is natural to wonder: Is this normal aging, or something more? Advances in cognitive health research, including the development of biomarkers and new treatments for certain forms of Alzheimer’s disease, are changing what we know about identifying and addressing cognitive changes. These developments underscore the value of being proactive—paying attention to changes, discussing concerns with your health care provider, and consid- ering regular cognitive screening. Shell Point’s Healthcare team is prepared to provide screenings, referrals, and support for cognitive concerns. Like most health conditions, early identification of potential concerns allows for a proactive approach to treatment and management, helping individuals maintain the best possible well-being and quality of life. Shell Point Connections brings together a continuum of cognitive health programs and services. Connections began through a relationship with UCLA Longevity Center to bring relevant,
evidence-based cognitive health programs to Shell Point. Over time, the programs and support offered have blossomed through the coordinated approach of passionate staff and volunteers across campus. Connections programs are varied and diverse to the meet unique needs of residents at every stage of cognitive health. The UCLA Memory Training classes are popular with residents seeking tips, tools and strategies to address sometimes annoy- ing common age-related memory changes such as recalling names, remembering to do something in the future, misplacing items and tip of the tongue word finding difficulty. The 4-week Sharper Minds class engages residents of Kings Crown, Springs and Arbor with brain healthy lifestyle education, memory strategies and tools. UCLA Memory Care weekly classes provide engaging, cognitively stimulating content to residents that are experiencing cognitive challenges. Memory Care classes are uniquely adapted for all Shell Point residents. Two innovative technology platforms—Memcara, a music therapy-based app, and iN2L—It’s Never Too Late—offer interactive games, videos, and music to
enrich our cognitive health programs in Assisted Living, Connected Living, and Larsen Health Center. Cognitive health programing also continues to evolve with M.O.R.E., a five-week program focused on evidence-informed, proactive lifestyle approach to living with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Support for those impacted by a diagnosis of dementia and their caregivers are offered through nationally recognized caregiver education classes and Connections Circle Support Groups. Shell Point also participates in a new Medicare GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) program, providing an inter- disciplinary team approach to care of those living with dementia and their caregivers. Whether you are looking to strengthen your brain health, learn strategies to support memory and cognition, or navigate a cognitive change, there is a pathway to support you at Shell Point. Need di- rection to the right path? Contact connections@shellpoint.org or Kayla Sites, Connections Navigator, (239) 415-5619 or Emily Reese, Connections Program Coordinator, (239) 454-2134.
Check Wellzesta for details and registration for upcoming programs. M.O.R.E. Mild Cognitive Impairment Education Thursdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. | The Cove/Estuary Connecting to Cognitive Health and Support Wednesday, October 28 | 1 – 2:30 p.m. | Grand Cypress Room UCLA Memory Training Tuesdays, November 3, 10, 17, 24 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. | The Cove / Estuary Cognivue Screens Wednesday, November 4 | 9 – 1 p.m. | Larsen Education Room A Reset and Renew – Skill Building for Caregiver Resilience Thursdays, November 5 and 12 | 9 – 11:30 a.m. | The Cove / Estuary
Join
Florida Southwestern State College Depart Center Court | 8 a.m. Opening Ceremony and Walk | 8:45 a.m. 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's Saturday, October 24
Us!
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A CULTURE OF KINDNESS How Caring Takes Shape at Shell Point
ployees came together at Florida Gulf Coast University’s inaugural K20 Kindness Without Borders Summit, joining leaders, educators, students, and community partners in explor- ing how kindness can lead to mean- ingful action. That conversation con- tinues on Shell Point’s campus through visits with students from FGCU’s Roots of Compassion and Kindness Center, as res- idents and students listen and learn from one another while building connections across generations. Kindness takes center stage in November, as the Legacy Foundation celebrates Nation- al Kindness Week at Shell Point. Highlights include an inspirational presentation on compassion and the power of one thoughtful act, along with the Third Annual Friendship Cup golf tournament, which honors our Vet- erans and benefits the Friendship Fund that provides confidential financial assistance to residents in need. Together, the events reflect something we all know about our commu- nity: Each and every day, kindness is part of who we are at Shell Point.
From welcoming new residents with open arms to standing by a neighbor through life’s hardest moments, kindness shows up in many ways at Shell Point. Throughout the year, residents display amazing generosity by supporting fundrais- ing initiatives benefiting Larsen Health Cen- ter and the Shell Point Library, and sponsor performances, exhibitions, and improve- ments at Tribby Arts Center. They show their appreciation for employees by contrib- uting to scholarships for staff members and their children, and they support the annual School Supply Fund Drive and the Employ- ee Christmas Gift Fund. This year, residents also gave generously to the Legacy Founda- tion’s Ready. Resilient. Together. campaign
to help fund campus-wide infrastructure enhancements and resiliency features in the new Island Commons, opening in 2027. Volunteer service brings the spirit of care to life across the community, as well. Residents share their time and talents in countless ways around campus, including the Green Trail, the Suzy Q, Larsen Health Center, Tribby Arts Center, Wright Well- ness Center, the gift shop, the library and computer centers, the Community Thrift Store, and many more. Others serve orga- nizations outside our campus, including Trailways Camp, ECHO, F.I.S.H., Sani- bel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, and Caloosa Waterkeeper. Early this summer, residents and em-
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THE LEGACY FOUNDATION INVITES YOU TO A CELEBRATION OF
Presented by
TWO SPECIAL EVENTS. ONE CELEBRATION OF KINDNESS.
THE POWER OF
An uplifting story of resilience and the lasting impact of kindness.
Tuesday, November 10 10-11 a.m. CONNIE BROWN HALL AT THE TRIBBY ARTS CENTER
A day of friendship and fellowship on the golf course while honoring our Veterans. $225 per player Register by October 15, 2026. Friday, November 13 8 a.m. SHELL POINT GOLF CLUB
Dave Clark
Doug Cornfield
This presentation is complimentary. Residents may register through Wellzesta.
In Support of the Friendship Fund & Veterans Activities at Shell Point The Friendship Fund provides confidential financial assistance to eligible Shell Point residents in need.
For golf registration or more details, call (239) 466-8484 or email LegacyInfo@ShellPoint.org.
The Friendship Fund provides confidential financial
Earl Kennedy (Parkwood), John Thomas (Springs), Bob Cardin (Harbor Court), Jay Bubb (Parkwood), Jim Stapleton (Harbor Court)
Shell Point Honors Veterans A MEMORIAL FOR ALL WHO SERVED
As the nation marked its 250th anniversary on the Fourth of July, a new All Veterans Memorial was dedicated at Centennial Park in Fort Myers. Created to honor the service and sacrifice of veter- ans across Southwest Florida, the memorial has a special connection to members of the Shell Point Veterans Group who are living out the group’s guiding principle: Never Stop Serving. For Earl Kennedy (Parkwood), who spent 20 years in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, the dedication marked the com- pletion of a project nearly five years in the making. Earl served as president of All Veterans Memorial, Inc., with Shell Point Veterans Group Coordinators Bob Cardin (Harbor Court) and Jim Stapleton (Harbor Court) joining him on the committee’s board of directors. Jay Bubb (Parkwood) and John Thomas (Springs) also served on the committee. The idea for the memorial grew from the Combat Infantrymen’s Association, a nonprofit founded by World War II veterans in 1985 to assist Combat Infantry
Badge recipients and their families. All Veterans Memorial, Inc. was formed to lead the project. Over the next several years, the commit- tee worked through a dozen versions of the design before settling on the final concept with Tampa-based sculptor Steven Dickey, whose bronze works grace Tribby Arts Center’s outdoor sculpture garden. Fund- raising throughout the local community, including donations from Shell Point residents, helped move the plans forward. “This is a very patriotic community,” Earl said. “Our residents are the greatest when it comes to patriotism.” The approximately 25-foot circular memorial features a granite centerpiece with plaques recognizing Blue Star Families, who have a loved one serving in the military, and Gold Star Families, who have lost a loved one in military service. Six 1,000-pound granite pedestals radiate from the center to honor the branches of the United States mil- itary, while a 400-pound bronze bugler faces the 25-foot flagpole. At the front, a granite Rolling Thunder Chair of Honor represents
prisoners of war and those missing in action. The project brought together the City of Fort Myers, Grace Design Studios, Johnson Engineering, now part of Apex Companies, Steven Dickey, trade partners and community supporters. Suffolk Construction contrib- uted in-kind construction management, design coordination, and permitting services to help bring the vision to life. “As a veteran myself, the All Veterans Memorial holds deep personal meaning,” said City of Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Ander- son. “Our community is proud to recognize and honor those who have served our nation with courage and sacrifice, and this memorial stands as a lasting tribute to their service and a reminder that their commitment to our freedoms will never be forgotten.” Earl and Shell Point Veterans Group members joined veterans, families, and com- munity members for the July 4 dedication. Mayor Anderson served as keynote speaker, while the Mariner High School JROTC presented the colors and raised the American and POW/MIA flags. “It was a beautiful ceremony,” Earl said. “I’ll never forget it.”
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SALUTE TO SERVICE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Academy: Prelude to Armistice Day 3 p.m. | Connie Brown Hall WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Veterans Day Program 11 a.m. | Connie Brown Hall BBQ Lunch Special at Vue 11:30 a.m. | Veterans enjoy an extra 15% discount! America’s Sweethearts Concert 7 p.m. | Connie Brown Hall Free tickets at the Tribby Box Office.
Climbing for a cause
Bill Harkey (Estuary) and John Henshaw (Vista Cay joined Team Sanibel for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation Tower Climb in New York this summer. The pair climbed 104 stories inside One World Trade Center, retracing the path taken by firefighters on September 11, 2001. This year’s 2,226-step climb carried added mean- ing as the 25th anniversary of September 11. The event carried personal significance for John. As head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration at the time, he helped oversee efforts to protect recovery workers at Ground Zero. “The climb reminds us of the courage and sacrifice of our first re- sponders, while giving us a meaningful way to care for their families,” he said. This marked John’s third year participating in the event. Bill, who served in the United States Army for nearly 30 years, said, “For me, the climb was one of the most moving and meaningful things I’ve ever done.” Bill and John were among 15 civic
leaders, first responders, and community members on Team Sanibel. The group ranked third among this year’s fundraising teams, raising more than $69,000 for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s programs serving fallen
first responder families, Gold Star families, and injured veterans.
Bill Harkey (Estuary), John Henshaw (Vista Cay)
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Shell Point residents celebrated the nation’s 250th birthday together this summer, attending special Academy classes, splashing at a patriotic pool party, competing in a cornhole tournament, and getting in their steps during a color walk bursting with red, white, and blue. On Independence Day, the annual Golf Cart and Classic Car Parade rolled through The Island and Palm Acres, to Waterside, Coastal Links, and The Woodlands, followed by a barbecue picnic lunch at Palm Grill. A patriotic concert at The Village Church was capped off with a slice of apple pie. Together, the festivities marked a milestone in American history, while reflecting the sense of belonging that makes Shell Point feel like home. AMERICA 250
Jon High
Eunice Murray (Oakmont), Monica Tison
Dick & Nancy Beatty (Oakmont)
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Front Row: Vicki Bundschu (Lakewood), Kay DuPlantier (Lakewood), Margaret Ruffalo (Lakewood), Mary Puddington (Lakewood) Back Row: George Bundschu (Lakewood), Casey DuPlantier (Lakewood)
Betsy & Joe Goetz (Lakewood)
Beanie Cudahy (The Springs), Andrea Cudahy
Karen Riecks (Eagles Preserve)
Susan Caruso (Junonia), Brenda Brown (Estuary)
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Dave Nixon (Tellidora), David Nelson
Dawn Jones (Eagles Preserve), Carol Brodersen (Enclave)
For more photos, visit ShellPointSocialScene.com
Alice & Ron Wertz (Estuary)
Bud & Beth Haidet (Harbor Court)
Lorraine Amodio (Lucina), Gigi Nussbickel (Sundial)
Joe & Betsy Goetz (Lakewood)
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BY ANNA SMITH, VP MANAGING EXECUTIVE
THE QUIET COMPLEXITY OF MANAGING WEALTH LATER IN LIFE Many people spend years building and organizing their financial lives—often across multiple accounts, institutions, and strategies. Over time, those pieces can become increasingly complex to manage. And at a certain point, the challenge begins to shift. It’s no longer just about performance. It’s about coordination. As wealth grows over time, so does the number of moving pieces:
• Trusts and estate planning structures • Beneficiary designations across different accounts
• Multiple investment and retirement accounts • Required minimum distributions • Tax considerations that change year to year
Each of these may be manageable on its own. But taken together, they can become increasingly difficult to coordinate. When people think about financial risk, they often think about markets. But in this stage of life, complexity itself can become a risk. It can lead to:
• Missed opportunities or overlooked details • Inconsistent decisions across accounts
• Unintended tax consequences • Confusion for family members who may need to step in
Even well-structured plans can become harder to manage without a clear, coordinated approach. At some point, the goal is not to add more, it’s to simplify. That may mean consolidating accounts, aligning strategies, or ensuring that all aspects of your financial life are working together. It may also mean putting the right structure in place so that, over time, management becomes easier for you and for those who may one day assist you. Managing wealth later in life often requires more than just good investment decisions. It requires coordination. Banking, investments, trust and estate planning all intersect. When those pieces are aligned, decisions tend to be clearer and outcomes more predictable. At FineMark, we work with clients to help simplify that complexity, bringing together the different aspects of their financial picture so everything is aligned and easier to manage over time.
If you have any questions, please give us a call or stop by to see us on The Island. We are always happy to help.
Open Monday through Friday • 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
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In the Galleries OPEN TUESDAY – SATURDAY 10 A.M. TO 3 P.M.
Through Friday, October 16 NEW PERSPECTIVES 2 Creative Works by Shell Point Employees The Shell Point Gallery
New Perspectives 2 invites you to explore an inspiring collection of artwork created by Shell Point team members whose talents extend beyond their daily roles. The exhibition includes paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, textiles, glass, and literary works, all demonstrating the vibrant creativity that flourishes within the Shell Point staff community.
Janie Harmon Hibiscus
POSTER POWER Five Years of Tribby Exhibition Designs The Legacy, Overlook, and Corridor 2 Galleries Over Tribby Arts Center’s history, the talented designers of Shell Point’s Marketing team have created signage that has enlivened more than 72 exhibitions. This exhibition presents some 56 posters from the first five years, along with a few iconic objects that have been on display. This is a powerful tour de force of graphic design, as well as a walk down the memory lane of Tribby exhibitions.
POSTERIZED! Works by The Heights Center Art Society Students The Young Artists Gallery This new exhibition by the Art Society students of The Heights Center of Fort Myers displays artwork created by youth aged nine to eleven. Colorful and joyful, the exhibition features the children’s own silhouettes and collage as influenced by the style of artist Piet Mondrian (1872—1944).
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Friday, November 6 – Thursday, December 31 POETS & PAINTERS An Artistic Collaboration The Corridor 2 Gallery
Every year, twenty resident painters and writers of Shell Point participate in a collaboration that encourages creativity. Working as a pair, a writer submits a poem to inspire the partner’s painting, and the painter submits a painting to inspire the partner’s poem. This exhibition will display one paired painting and poem from each team, for a total of 20 works. A booklet documenting the works in the collaboration will be available for review in the exhibition. This exhibition will open along with a reception following a presentation of all works on Friday, November 5 at 7 p.m. in Connie Brown Hall.
Anne Woodruff At Great Uncle Ben’s
The 2026 Legacy Exhibition REFLECTIONS Don Adams | Annie Wainwright | George Waters The Legacy and Overlook Galleries This 2026 Legacy Exhibition honors three Tribby artists: the late Don Adams, Annie Wainwright (Parkwood), and George Waters (Palm Acres). All three were selected for this honor by a committee of their resident peers in recognition of their exceptional artistic skills and outstanding service to the Shell Point arts community. In this exhibition, the section devoted to Don Adams will display his stunning photographs of automobile details and speak to his experience of bicycle history. Annie Wainwright’s work on display demonstrates the wide range of mediums she has mastered. The work of George Waters
George Waters Spirit Animal
pushes the boundaries of traditional photography through a variety of techniques. This is a visually rich exhibition that is not to be missed.
Annie Wainwright Aqua Pirouette
Don Adams Untitled
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