Choices Spring 2024

CHOICES

SPRING 2024

LIVE INSPIRED!

NEW THEATRE DISTRICT

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

DESTINATION DINING: THE KILTIE GRILLE

A MAGNETIC CULTURE: LIVING. GROWING. FLOURISHING!

Live Inspire d!

Purpose. Creativity. Beauty. At The Glenridge, inspiration is more than an idea – it’s a spirit that permeates our entire community and empowers members to live fulfilled, vibrant lives. And as the curtain rises on our brand-new Theatre District, members can explore it all even closer to home.

A longtime New Yorker and cultural arts enthusiast, Anne Garfinkel moved to The Glenridge in 2022 and was quickly impressed with the high caliber of performances and events on campus, noting that the theatre amenities are “top-notch, even by Broadway standards.”

A Bold Debut

When The Glenridge opened its doors back in 2003, it didn’t take long for people to realize that we were doing things differently as the nation’s first Life Fulfilling Community®. And among our array of exceptional amenities and programs, one attraction took center stage: the state-of-the-art Glenridge Performing Arts Center (GPAC).

Sophisticated and intimate, GPAC was “like nothing anyone had seen at a senior living community before,” says Ben Turoff, Director of Member Life. “It wasn’t just a stage and risers, but a fully professional theatre designed for audiences who recognize and appreciate quality.”

Elegant, intimate, and state-ofthe-art, the 260-seat Glenridge Performing Arts Center hosts an array of both professional and member-produced performances year-round, including music, comedy, educational talks and more.

Visitors to the Glenridge Performing Arts Center are greeted by a renovated lobby –and new spaces for dining, socializing, and culture.

Theatregoers soon took note. GPAC became a staple in Sarasota’s vibrant artistic landscape, earning rave reviews from members and visitors alike with each season of entertaining performances and enriching educational events.

Today, the show goes on at our new Theatre District. Building on GPAC’s success and legacy, the beautiful space combines a stunning modernization of the Performing Arts Center area, spacious Art Gallery, and pub-style dining venue.

One-Stop Cultural Destination

“Everyone who visits the Glenridge Performing Arts Center comes away impressed,” says member Alison Snowden, who often volunteers as a GPAC usher with her husband Dewey. “It was remarkable from the beginning, and it just keeps getting better – so, in many ways, it’s like a gateway to our community.”

While GPAC has always been a top attraction, the Theatre District elevates it to an experience. A newly refurbished lobby area, featuring a textural teak entryway, welcomes guests as they arrive –

Everyone who visits the Glenridge Performing Arts Center comes away impressed.

– ALISON SNOWDEN Glenridge Member

and nearby, a host of new amenities offer more opportunities for fun and relaxation.

Have a few minutes before the show? Now, you can explore an ever-changing selection of works at the adjacent Art Gallery, enjoy a cocktail at the bar, or catch up with friends and neighbors. And when the curtain falls, you can sit down to a delicious dinner before you head home.

“Whether it’s music or performance, art brings us together,” says Alison. “So when you go down to see a show at the Theatre District, that’s just one part of the experience – you’re also meeting new people, starting conversations, and exploring everything that’s going on.”

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Ben Turoff knows good entertainment — in fact, it’s in his blood. “My dad directed a couple of Broadway shows, and my mom was in the original cast of South Pacific,” he says. “From an early age I was in shows, designing, painting, building sets — learning, literally, from the ground up.”

To ensure members live fulfilled at The Glenridge, Turoff stays busy creating an engaging ecosystem where there’s always something going on — from Shakespeare seminars, model yacht races and holiday parties to the latest season of performances at GPAC.

“A number of our members were first introduced to The Glenridge simply because they came to see a show at our theatre,” he says. “It extends beyond great entertainment; it’s something that brings people to our community.”

From

Art in Residence

The Art Gallery enjoys top billing among the Theatre District’s new offerings, and for good reason: From the bright, airy interiors to the colorful works on display, the venue invites visitors to explore a world of creativity.

“As someone who loves art, the gallery is absolutely the highlight,” says Dodie Sorensen, a member who consulted with the architects on key aspects of the gallery’s design as the chair of the Art & Décor Committee. “It’s a lovely, adaptable space where we can showcase not only pieces by Florida artists, but also the works of Glenridge members.”

Each factor was carefully considered: Unique arched windows capture natural light, while limiting exposure to UV rays that could potentially harm the art collection. Meanwhile, moveable display walls allow the venue to feature a wide variety of media, including paintings, photography, sculpture, and quilting, to their best effect.

Most of all, Dodie says, the space will add a whole new dimension to The Glenridge’s cultural offerings. “Art can be beautiful to look at, but it’s also thought-provoking – and that’s critical for keeping your mind active as you get older. Surrounding yourself with creativity impacts the human psyche.”

Dodie Sorensen and sister, Alison Snowden, both Glenridge members, share a love of the arts – and they say the new Theatre District is “something truly exceptional.”

photography shows to quilt displays, the Art Gallery features a varied selection of works from members and visiting artists.

Destination Dining

Bold, delicious dishes. Homestyle hospitality. A creative menu of cuisines that span the globe.

The Kiltie Grille serves all of the above, with a side of vibrant Sarasota style.

It’s more than a dining venue: It’s a destination.” That was the vision The Glenridge set out for the newly opened Kiltie Grille … and it shows, in a combination of best-in-class cuisine and creative style that members will notice from the moment they arrive.

Although the Kiltie Grille takes the place of our longstanding Kiltie Café, it’s much more than a simple “refresh.” Convivial and welcoming, the new restaurant features a state-of-the-art exhibition kitchen, full-service bar, and flavor-packed menu –all in a distinctively designed space that evokes good spirits and warmth.

In a city known for its cuisine, the Kiltie Grille was always intended to stand

toe-to-toe with Sarasota’s best – in style, service and quality. As Kelley Hoffman, a senior partner with architecture firm RDG Planning & Design, puts it: “The Kiltie is a match for any of the area’s top restaurants and attractions … and it just happens to be right here on the Glenridge campus.”

A World of Flavor

“The Glenridge is home to members who have lived in almost every part of the world, and we wanted to reflect that variety through food,” said Kevin Morrow, Director of Dining Services. “That brought us to our current vision: pub-style fare with bold tastes and global inspiration.”

The Kiltie Grille’s robust menu combines pub classics like beef brisket nachos with internationally inspired

With booths, bar seating, and a pet-friendly patio, the Kiltie Grille’s flexible layout has options for everyone.

offerings, like South Carolina-style crab cakes and Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches. Diners seeking lighter bites can also choose from an array of salads, appetizers and vegetarian dishes.

But it’s the quality of the food that really sets the Kiltie Grille apart, adds Executive Chef Gerard Jesse: “Everything is made to order, and most of the ingredients – from the smoked meat in your Reuben to the pickled onions in your salad – are prepared in-house by our chefs.”

Because The Kiltie is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, members will also find new offerings throughout the day – an almond croissant with your morning coffee, a glass of wine during happy hour, or a scoop of ice cream after dinner.

designers began developing a concept for the space, they looked for ways to express the restaurant’s unique charm and heritage through an upscale, modern lens.

“It was a fun juxtaposition to take old Scottish motifs – tartans, pub-style detailing, cozy corners – and give them a Sarasota twist,” says Hoffman. “At the Kiltie Grille, you’ll see all those details paired with lighter coastal colors and vibrant, breezy spaces that keep it connected to the wider Florida aesthetic.”

But no matter what you order, you’ll be treated to outstanding service and homestyle hospitality. “When you come to the Kiltie Grille, you’re a guest in our house,” says Morrow. “And we’re here to make you feel at home from the moment you arrive.”

time-tested classics to inspired international

Another challenge was bridging the gap between dining and socializing, while accommodating a variety of preferences. At the bar, solo diners can enjoy a drink while watching TV – or strike up a conversation with someone new.

Meanwhile, private booths, brightly lit window seating, and a pet-friendly patio offer space and flow for larger gatherings.

A Twist on Tradition

As the name suggests, the Kiltie Grille was first envisioned as a playful tribute to the Scottish roots of some of The Glenridge’s early members. When

Best-in-Class

(AND MADE FROM SCRATCH)

F“When you go out for drinks or head downtown for dinner with friends, it’s all about the experience –and that lively, social atmosphere was exactly what we wanted to capture at the Kiltie Grille,” says Hoffman. “There’s a niche for everyone, and that’s by design.”

resh, made in house, and cooked to order,” says Kevin Morrow, who leads the Dining team. “That was the original concept of the Kiltie Grille as a display kitchen — so you can actually see your pizza come out of the oven or watch your prime rib roasting on the spit before you dig in.”

And from the outset, the team spared no effort to design a kitchen that was up to the task:

• A double–stack pizza oven from New York bakes steaming hot pizzas in just three minutes.

• Top-of-the-line smokers prepare smoked meat on site, and a rotisserie slow-roasts whole chicken and prime rib.

• A state-of-the-art nitrogen wine dispensing system keeps wine fresh longer, allowing guests to order a wide selection of quality labels from around the world.

• For grab-and-go and take-out orders, the kitchen is equipped with heaters and coolers that keep food at just the right temperature until it’s time to eat.

” Fresh, made in house, and cooked to order – that was the original concept of the Kiltie Grille.

– KEVIN MORROW Director of Dining Services

Executive Chef Gerard Jesse takes pride in raising the bar for exceptional cuisine at the Kiltie Grille.

Balancing old and new, the Kiltie Grille blends the cozy ambience of a Scottish pub with coastal Sarasota charm.

From

fare, the Kiltie Grille’s chefprepared dishes offer a world of flavor.

A Magnetic Culture

LIVING. GROWING .

Flourishing!

At The Glenridge, we believe that the culture of a community is constantly evolving – fueled by an intangible energy that grows, adjusts, and gets better over time. The result? A unique, pressure-free environment where members can redefine aging … explore new horizons … and prioritize progress and well-being across every facet of life.

So Many Opportunities

Mort and Linda Lichtman left no stone unturned in their search for the perfect community. But after attending lectures, consulting trusted friends and advisors, and researching every detail, they were confident: The Glenridge was the place to be.

A former financial planner, Mort appreciated the peace of mind The Glenridge provided; meanwhile, the beautiful campus and residences struck a chord with Linda, who worked in interior design. “It just clicked for us,” she says. “There are so many choices and opportunities – the enriched education, the dining and socializing, the myriad of physical fitness classes –that sometimes, I feel like there

aren’t enough hours in the week!”

But the biggest benefit of life at The Glenridge is something that’s harder to quantify. “There’s a feeling –a magnetic culture – that you can’t convey in a brochure or on a checklist,” says Linda. “There’s no anxiety or worry at all. The energy and warmth we’ve felt living here are like nowhere else.”

Challenge Yourself to Grow

John and Linda Loewenberg have always stayed one step ahead, throughout his 45-year career in technology and financial management and her tenure as a respected board member and volunteer. And after living on Florida’s east coast for 27 years, they

were ready to explore the next stage of their lives at The Glenridge.

“Successful aging in the right setting is about challenging yourself to grow –mentally and physically,” says John. “Whether you’re taking classes or going to a show, The Glenridge offers everything you need to stay active – and on top of that, you’re surrounded by interesting, caring and social people.”

Since their move, the Loewenbergs have continued to pursue new possibilities alongside an ever-growing circle of new friends: studying international affairs and history, working on physical fitness, and racing model sailboats with the Yacht Club. “Everyone is so positively happy and friendly,”

With its energy, warmth and friendliness,The Glenridge earned high marks from Mort and Linda Lichtman.

In their new Club Home, John and Linda Loewenberg and their two toy poodles enjoy the freedom and flexibility of independent living with access to future long-term care if needed.

Culture

says Linda. “Living here feels like you’re part of a family … and we could not be happier with our new community.”

Live at Your Own Pace

Whether volunteering with troubled youth … or helping her older parents navigate the challenges of healthcare, Midge Reyhons has spent much of her life serving others with a smile. But when she began planning for the years ahead, she knew she didn’t want to leave her future in someone else’s hands.

“Covering all my bases for healthcare and security was extremely important to me, and on all counts, The Glenridge was absolutely excellent,” she says. “And the community is just unbelievable. No matter where you go, you’re surrounded by pleasant, friendly people who really care.”

Since moving in, Midge has found plenty of ways to get involved – from iPhone 101 and cornhole to team trivia

Just the Right Change of Pace

A longtime Sarasota resident with an interest in real estate, Dee Wernick had The Glenridge on her radar even before it opened its doors. But it wasn’t until recently that she found herself looking for a more engaging lifestyle – and decided the community might be just the “change of pace” she needed.

you have a library, a theatre, restaurants, lectures, classes, fitness programming … all of it top-notch.”

competitions at the Thistle Stop –but she also enjoys the freedom to take life at her own pace. “There’s a sense of community, but without any pressure,” she says. “Living here has been simply wonderful.”

“After living alone for a while, I wanted to be somewhere active – so The Glenridge was perfect for me,” she says. “When I moved in, I didn’t know many people here. But as soon as I arrived, I was met with an incredibly warm welcome, and I’ve already got some wonderful close friends.”

Whether she’s going out for dinner with friends, attending classes, or walking her dog Chappie around the 150-acre campus, Dee is finally enjoying the worry-free lifestyle she’s been looking for. “As you get older, you have to keep learning, socializing and getting out into the world,” she says. “This is the best choice I could have made.”

The Next Chapter

After four years living in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Tony Aveni and Dr. Rachel Ben-Avi were ready to make the move back to Sarasota. And as they began exploring the area’s top communities, they came to the same conclusion: “No matter how you looked at it, we couldn’t do better than The Glenridge.”

Both Tony, a former hospital manager and CEO, and Dr. Ben-Avi, a retired Doctor of Psychology, appreciated the community’s high standards for healthcare. “Very few communities have this many levels of care in one place,” says Dr. Ben-Avi. “But on top of that,

And the result, Tony says, is liberating: “Calling it independent living is exactly right. We’ve spent so much of our lives managing houses and properties, but now we don’t have to worry about that. We’re free to choose what we want to do – and The Glenridge has plenty of choices.”

Among the advantages of Tony Aveni and Dr. Rachel Ben-Avi’s Club Home: enough space for their impressive art collection and home library of more than 2,000 books.

With a welcoming, pet-friendly culture and a worry-free lifestyle, The Glenridge was ideal for Dee Wernick and her dog, Chappie.

Whether she’s playing trivia or getting together with friends, Midge Reyhons says life at The Glenridge is all about the possibilities.