Art Linkletter Featured Speaker at Gala
FORT MYERS – On Tuesday, January 13, 2004, Shell Point Retirement Community invited members of the media to witness the kick-off of the largest healthcare renaissance to be undertaken by the community in its 36-year history.
Groundbreaking for The Arbor
At 10:00 a.m. Shell Point VIPs, residents, and local dignitaries attended a formal groundbreaking event for The Arbor, Shell Point’s newest assisted living and medical clinic, to be located in The Woodlands community. The $32 million state-of-the-art facility will be built by Wright Construction and is scheduled for completion in 2006, eventually accommodating up to 164 residents on four floors. The Arbor will include a large central commons building that will contain a dining facility, a library, gathering rooms and medical offices. The residential areas will have social and game rooms, living room areas for casual relaxation, and country kitchens on every floor.
Pavilion Commencement
Dignitaries, residents and VIPs regrouped at 2:00 p.m. to witness the beginning of a new level of excellence in health care, as a major renovation for The Pavilion skilled nursing facility began. The Heart of it All campaign will provide the means to fulfill Shell Point’s ambitious vision for a new Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, a chapel, expanded dining and program facilities, and enhanced living areas within The Pavilion. Buoyed by the hopes and aspirations of a broad-based family of supporters, the Campaign goal is to raise $5 million, to enhance the $9 million investment Shell Point has committed to help achieve the highest level of skilled nursing care possible. The renovation will be conducted by Jorgensen-Spurgeon of Sarasota, a construction company that specializes in health care renovations, and is expected to be completed in 2007.
Medical Center Dedication/Open House
Immediately following the Commencement, a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony announced the opening of the new J. Howard Wood Medical Center. This newly-constructed home to Shell Point’s dedicated team of medical doctors, as well as the Shell Point Pharmacy, is located directly adjacent to The Pavilion, keeping the all-important medical team centered right in the heart of the community. The beautiful two-story building, which has 14,000 square feet of space at a cost of 2.4 million dollars, was constructed by Pinkerton & Laws Construction Company of Orlando, Florida. Tours of the facility were hosted by The Pavilion Auxiliary, a group of volunteer residents who dedicate themselves to improving the quality of life for short and long-term residents of the nursing facility.
The Heart of it All Gala
The exciting climax of the day took place at 7:00 p.m. in The Village Church, as residents and management joined together to celebrate the launch of The Heart of it All Campaign. Harpist Greg Buchanan and soloist Kristin Adams brough inspirational performances. The evening’s special guest speaker was television legend Art Linkletter, who shared warm and witty stories about his life in show business, as well as his personal experiences with healthcare.
Return to 2004 News and Stories.
