Choices Spring 2023

CHOICES

SPRING 2023

LUXURY APARTMENT RESIDENCES, AMENITIES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

NORTHSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD IS A NATURAL CHOICE FOR NEW GLENRIDGE MEMBERS

REDEFINING WHAT IT MEANS TO LIVE WELL: NEW KAMBERG CENTER

WHY CHOOSE

Luxury Apartment Residences, Amenities at Your Fingertips

At The Glenridge, our community culture is built on a positive, stimulating environment that fosters creativity and growth … a pressure-free lifestyle that’s liberating and empowering … and an array of personal choices – beginning with a variety of residences to call “home.”

A New Look for “Choices”

The Glenridge published the first issue of Choices back in 2002. Since then, its pages have told our story as we’ve expanded, evolved, and flourished. This year, as we mark major milestones in the growth of our community, we felt it was the ideal time for our “look” to evolve, as well. So, welcome to Choices — magazinestyle … and enjoy the read!

A Simple Solution

Playing ukelele and painting landscapes. Jewelry-making and woodworking. Gardening and genealogy. For Tom and Valorie Pruitt, moving to The Glenridge has been an exercise in exploration – a chance to pursue additional interests in an engaging, carefree environment.

“My philosophy on life is that I want

to do everything I can in the time I have,” says Tom. “Everything they offer here – the enriched education, the Fitness Center, the pool, the dining, the socializing, the beautiful campus –is even better than we expected. It’s rejuvenating.”

According to Tom, another benefit of moving to The Glenridge was “uncluttering” their lives. “We didn’t fill the new apartment with things we no longer needed. It’s amazing how much better we feel,” he says.

Even with all the upside, the couple acknowledge that preparing for the future involved difficult decisions. “You have to have a plan for what the next

The Pruitts’ spacious apartment offers the perfect launchpad for their lifestyle: less maintenance, more simplicity, and no worries for the future.

chapter is – and hardly anybody does,” Valorie says. “For us, we wanted a community that had independent living, as well as higher levels of care – one-stop shopping!”

Adds Tom: “Here, we’re able to flourish in our later years – so don’t wait until you have a need before you start thinking about your life plan.”

Learning Through Life

A love of learning has been part of Bob Kendal’s life since the beginning –and now at The Glenridge, he’s still seeking out new opportunities to expand his horizons.

“Fundamentally, most of us know that we should actively stimulate our brains as an anti-aging strategy – and curiosity is a big motivator,” he explains. “I want to see more when I look at art … hear more when I go to the orchestra … and understand how a symphony or a painting or a ballet works. The members here at The Glenridge have that same desire for lifelong learning.”

What More Could You Ask For?

When Sallie Vance started looking at communities, one piece of advice stood out to her: “If you can go to The Glenridge, that’s the place to be.” Her interest piqued, she decided to find out what The Glenridge had to offer … and before long, she knew it was exactly what she wanted. “It’s so much friendlier and more social here,” Sallie says. “There’s so much to do –classes, social activities, fitness programs, Sunday services – and on top of that, my beautiful apartment. What more could I ask for?”

A member of the “Green Team,” an environmental group, Sallie especially loves going out for walks around the lush 150-acre campus. “When I was looking at communities, the campus was a very important factor,” she recalls. “I didn’t want to be in a high-rise –

I wanted to be somewhere you can go out and be in nature.”

Whether she’s attending classes at the Academy or welcoming new members as an ambassador, she’s enjoying each day to the fullest: “Since moving in, The Glenridge has been beyond all my expectations. All the options are right here; it’s very stress-free and very reassuring.”

ENHANCING THE GLENRIDGE EXPERIENCE

More Art, Culture, Dining, Fitness – Coming Soon!

At The Glenridge, we’ve always been innovators — and we’re always evolving. And right now, we’re hard at work making the best even better … through a host of updated, expanded, and enhanced amenities on our current campus. Now underway are refurbishments that will make The Glenridge a one-stop cultural experience, featuring inspiring performances, culinary innovation, and visual beauty — including:

• Transforming our Kiltie Café into a casual, pub-style venue for breakfast, lunch and dinner — featuring a bar, exhibition kitchen, indoor and outdoor seating, and options for “quick-grab” and takeout.

One major advantage of living at The Glenridge is the freedom it affords Bob to follow wherever curiosity leads him. When he’s not coordinating discussion groups at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) in downtown Sarasota, he can often be found attending classes at the Glenridge Academy.

“Life here is nothing less than delightful,” he says. “When people say there’s a great community at The Glenridge, they don’t just mean the programs and activities – they mean the whole culture. There’s a lot of social contact – a lot of energy.”

• Modernizing our Performing Arts Center with a stunning new lobby area, including an adjacent Art Gallery featuring the work of both members and visiting artists.

• Adding pickleball and bocce ball courts to our Fitness Center Complex — right next to our HAR-TRU® tennis courts. With everything that’s happening in our community, there has never been a more exciting time to join The Glenridge family as we expand … improve … evolve … and continue to make life better for everyone who lives here.

At The Glenridge, Bob Kendal found the perfect apartment in a community that fosters intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning.

One of Sallie Vance’s favorite things about The Glenridge is its beautiful campus – perfect for spending time outdoors.

Northside Neighborhood

IS A NATURAL CHOICE FOR NEW GLENRIDGE MEMBERS

As members continue to move into their new homes, our Northside Neighborhood is coming to life. Here, you can start the day with a morning coffee on the lanai, watch the birds and wildlife, and then head out the front door for a brisk walk or scenic bike ride around our 150-acre campus. For those who are joining our community, it’s the beginning of a new chapter – and they’ll tell you without hesitation: Northside is everything they hoped it would be. And more!

A Step Ahead

Self-described “early adopters,” Steve and Lynn Blackledge have always kept an eye on the latest developments and trends. That’s why they made it a top priority to prepare for life’s big moves: downsizing their footprint, seeking out new opportunities, and reserving a Northside Club Home at The Glenridge.

“We thought long and hard about when to make the ‘big move,’” says Steve. “We were ready to live somewhere where we no longer had to worry about home ownership – but we still wanted to live in a single-family home.”

When they started researching communities, they found that The Glenridge checked every box. “The members are vibrant – and the neighborly feel is better than we’ve experienced anywhere else we’ve lived,”

says Lynn. “We were also impressed with Northside: the well-planned living spaces, variety of floor plans, natural environment – and, of course, the garage and lanai!”

Most of all, The Glenridge gives the couple the freedom to define the future in their own terms. “If you want to really take control, you need to take control – not your children,” Lynn says. “And that was a big factor in moving here. It’s our decision on what we do.”

A New Adventure

Adventure has been a constant in life for Dick and Sally York. He was a former Navy pilot who flew jets during two tours of duty in Vietnam, and now drives vintage racecars in local Historic Sportscar Racing competitions. She traveled the world as a flight attendant for Pan Am.

Why Do Members Choose Northside?

SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES, LANAIS (AND GARAGES) TOP THE LIST

When Pat Chapman began to plan ahead for the next chapter of her life, she looked at a number of communities, and The Glenridge stood out as the best. “I had my heart set on it — but I wasn’t quite ready yet,” she says.

Then she heard about the Northside Neighborhood. “I liked the idea of having my own home,” she says, “but the garage really made my decision — for me, it was one of the most important things. I can get out of the car, grab my groceries, and bring them

right inside — and I never have to worry about parking. The convenience is so appealing.”

Neighbors Kevin and Lois Lindahl also love all the perks of Northside living. And for them, the peace and quiet — along with the lanai — top the list.

“It’s peaceful and private here — you really have the home to yourself,” Lois says. “Kevin loves his garage and his barbecue, and we have a beautiful lanai right on the water. It’s just lovely to be back with nature in such a picturesque environment.”

From their new neighbors to their new Club Home, Steve and Lynn Blackledge say they’re “continually wowed” by life at The Glenridge.

“It’s Just a Wonderful Place To Call Home”

Since moving to her Northside Club Home, Pat Chapman says she’s “loving life” every day –especially having her own home and garage.

“We’ve always been active people,” says Sally. “So, when we began to plan ahead for the future, we wanted an environment that fit our lifestyle and let us stay active. We needed our space.”

The Glenridge – and Northside in particular – caught their interest early on, offering just the right combination of independence, security and privacy. “We settled on The Glenridge pretty quickly,” Sally says. “The single-family homes and small-neighborhood feeling really appealed to us. It’s tranquil and relaxing here – we’re surrounded by nature, with a lot of bird life and wildlife.”

All in all, the Yorks agree that choosing Northside was the right move. “We wanted to give our kids the gift of not having to worry about us,” says Sally. “And we knew we’d be happier if we made a life for ourselves, instead of leaving it to chance.”

Taking Charge of Tomorrow

As licensed CPAs, Al and Phyllis Wilhelm have always understood the importance of financial preparedness –and the experience of caring for their own older parents taught them the value of being proactive about healthcare, too.

“We learned that if you wait until something happens, you’re at the mercy of what’s available,” says Phyllis. “At The Glenridge, we know that everything is here, in case we ever

“The vision for the Northside Neighborhood is very special — something you won’t find anywhere else. It’s very open, with winding roads, wetlands, greenery, lots of nature. And the homes are beautifully designed with majestic high ceilings, natural light, and open floor plans. It’s just a wonderful place to call home.”

need it – but we can maintain our independent lifestyle, too.”

At Northside, the Wilhelms got three things they really wanted: a single-family home, a big two-car garage for Al, and a lanai for Phyllis. “It has exceeded our expectations – and we have loved it since the day we got here,” she says. “Every afternoon, we sit out on the lanai, look at the lake, and watch for the beautiful blue heron.”

Adds Al: “Northside is very friendly as its own little community … but we are very much integrated into the Glenridge ‘experience’ as a whole. This is fully independent living at its best!”

When Dick and Sally York decided to take charge of their future, they quickly settled on The Glenridge.

Al and Phyllis Wilhelm say that their Northside Club Home has exceeded their expectations.

— Thomas and Shan Di Napoli

Kevin and Lois Lindahl enjoy relaxing, watching nature and enjoying barbecue on their lanai.

REDEFINING WHAT IT MEANS TO

Live Well

The Glenridge’s New Kamberg Center Focuses on Holistic Health and Hospitality

Among the many qualities that define and differentiate The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch is our community’s philosophy: creating a therapeutic environment that positively shapes the lives of the people who live here. The result is a culture where members truly thrive – because they don’t let age define them … they define it.

There’s no better reflection of that approach than the brand-new 8,000+-sq.-ft. Kamberg Center. Inspired by the largest philanthropic gesture in Glenridge history, the Center was made possible by a series of gifts from late member Tina Kamberg.

“The Glenridge has always been a pacesetter,” said CEO Jim Cater.

“From the very beginning, we developed a culture that nourishes the whole person and encourages members to live life to the fullest – and that is especially true of the Kamberg Center. Mrs. Kamberg’s generosity has changed our campus forever by creating a legacy that will help our members flourish for generations to come.”

With striking contemporary architecture, large windows, lots of natural light, high-volume space, and stunning views overlooking the lake, the Kamberg Center was

Reflecting our community’s holistic approach to total well-being, this impressive health and wellness pavilion embraces the Six Keys to Living Well®: physical, mental, spiritual, social, emotional and financial.

The Kamberg Center is a place where everyone feels welcome and anyone, regardless of age, can flourish through engaged, inspired living –adding years to life and life to years.

An Array of Services to Enhance Total Wellbeing

Enhancing mind, body and spirit, the Kamberg Center features an array of services in a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere:

• The Argentini Center for Rehabilitation features state-ofthe-art equipment for rehab after illness, surgery, or injury. This area also includes private rooms for physical therapy and speech therapy, as well as a simulated apartment for occupational therapy.

• Under the direction of a Boardcertified Adult Geriatric Specialist Nurse Practitioner, the Living Well Clinic provides primary healthcare services ranging from routine exams and wellness checks to testing, lab draws, and medication management, among others.

• With high ceilings and expansive windows that let the outside in, The Glen is a multi-purpose

gathering space for entertainment events and fitness/wellness classes, including meditation, yoga and mindfulness, as well as worship services and special speaker events.

• Designed just for Glenridge members who are nonagenarians and up, Club 90 is a spacious, comfortable area with recliners, a card table, books, games, and a large-screen TV – ideal for enjoying exclusive events … or just taking it easy.

• A resource for brain-building tools and activities, the Brain Health studio features a library and reading room, with space for counseling sessions.

• With the goal of providing a warm, welcoming, engaging environment, all events at the Kamberg Center are facilitated by our Cruise Coordinator, who organizes social and wellness programs.

• The Center also accommodates activities, chaplaincy, and mental health/psychosocial counseling.

Envisioned from the beginning as part of The Glenridge’s long-term strategic plan, the Kamberg Center is the latest in a wide array of new enhancements and expansions.

“Everything we’re doing at The Glenridge speaks to the fact that we’re visionary,” adds Cater. “We have always been innovators – and we’re always evolving.”

designed to optimize wellness and make life better for all members.

MORE THAN HEALTHCARE: How the Kamberg Center Adds Life to Years

Avisit to the doctor. A balanced diet. A lifestyle that keeps you physically fit. While these are all the traditional images we associate with health, they’re only one part of the bigger picture — and at The Glenridge, we strive to make sure that our members can not only stay healthy, but flourish as well.

Just ask Deniese Williams, director of the Kamberg Center and the Living Well Clinic, which is housed there. A Board-certified Adult Geriatric Specialist Nurse Practitioner, she’s a firm believer in the importance of a wholeperson view of health — starting with the Six Keys to Living Well®.

“The Kamberg is not just a ‘healthcare center,’” she says. “Yes, it’s a beautiful new building. Yes, we offer clinical services. But more than that, our team is here to help members live healthier, more balanced lives — not only through physical wellness, but through every aspect of well-being.”

That’s where the Six Keys come in. “We believe that when you’re physically healthy, you’re in a better position to feel positive, engaged and socially connected,” explains Deniese. “We also believe the opposite is true: If you’re happy, challenging yourself to grow, and have a strong support network, you’re likely to enjoy better physical health too.”

Above all, says Deniese, the Kamberg Center team is ready to help members live and feel better — whatever that means for them. “We’re here to listen, to support you, and to promote your well-being. That’s why members choose The Glenridge.”