GLN529 Choices Fall2011
Transcript of GLN529 Choices Fall2011
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Inside
2 Masterpiece
2 One-Man Show
4 Performance
7333 Scotland Way
Sarasota, FL 34238
941-552-5369 or
888-999-GLEN (4536)
www.TheGlenridge.com
A Not-For-ProfitCommunity governedby a SarasotaBoard of Directors
Fall 2011ChoicesChoices
For all life can be!
T h e G l e n r i d g e o n P a l m e r R a n c h ®
With maintenance-free
living at The Glenridge, the
Sayers are free to explore
the creative outlets they’ve
always loved – and to find
new ones. Bert enjoys
photography and painting,
recently adding portraiture
to his portfolio. Meanwhile,
Barbara’s passion for music
led her to join the Glenridge
Singers. “It’s a very easy-
going group,” she says.
“We have fun no matter
what we’re doing.”
Musical talent runs in
the Sayer family. Their son,
a music educator, plays the trumpet, while
daughter Cynthia is a world-renowned
4-string banjo player, whose specialty is
early jazz from the ‘20s and ‘30s. She
recently performed at The Glenridge
theater and plans to return in February.
“She got such an enthusiastic response,”
says Barbara. “But that didn’t surprise us.
The people here are so welcoming. We
didn’t know a soul when we moved in,
but we’ve made lots of friends. On many
levels, joining The Glenridge has been a
very good decision for us.”
Perfect HarmonyLike most people who move to
The Glenridge, Karl and Bonnie Ringer
found an array of opportunities for
life enrichment. And, they also found
each other.
Bonnie, a long-time member, enjoyed
performing with The Glenridge Singers.
She’d heard about Karl, a newcomer who
also liked singing. So when she spotted
him one evening at the Thistle Stop lounge,
she invited him to join.
He did. On that note, the two soon
became an item, bonding over their
shared interests and Pennsylvania roots.
“We knew we weren’t getting any younger,
W ith a community model based on
positive aging and a focus on
lifelong learning, wellness, personal
growth and enrichment, The Glenridge on
Palmer Ranch® has elevated “retirement
living” to an art form – providing
opportunities for members to stay connected,
engaged and involved. Members will tell
you that this Life Fulfilling Community®
is not just a spectacularly beautiful
place to live . . . it’s also a way of life,
a philosophy and a completely unique
approach to life’s later years.
Culture and Creativity
For Bert and Barbara Sayer, leading a
fulfilled life is both a science and an art.
Each had a successful career grounded in
the sciences (Bert was a chemical engineer
and Barbara, a nurse).
Their hobbies, on the
other hand, tend toward
more right-brained
pursuits – whether it’s
creating art themselves or
admiring the masterpieces
of others.
As avid theatergoers,
the couple appreciates
Sarasota’s many cultural
offerings, which is one
reason they came to the
area from Long Island,
New York, 11 years ago.
Their move to The
Glenridge this past year
was a proactive decision
to plan ahead for
long-term healthcare.
“We wanted to enjoy
everything the community
has to offer,” Barbara
says. “Right now we’re healthy, but who
knows? That was the point of moving
here – so our children wouldn’t have to
worry about us.”
so we didn’t want to waste time,” Karl
recalls. “I proposed, she said ‘yes’ and
within three weeks, we were married.”
Exactly how that went down is quiteanother story. As a UPS packer was
boxing up china in Bonnie’s apartment,
she showed him her engagement ring,
mentioning that she was getting married.
Adding a whole new meaning to the
mantra “What can brown do for you?”,
the man, who was a notary, offered to
perform the ceremony. Shortly thereafter,
under a tree in the parking lot of a nearby
UPS store, the Ringers said, “I do.”
“It gave everyone something to talk
about,” Karl says.
Now settling into life at The Glenridge,
the newlyweds continue to sing off thesame sheet music – taking courses at the
Academy, working out in the Fitness
Center and gathering with friends at the
Thistle Stop, where their love story began.
Finding each other’s companionship has
enriched their lives and confirmed the
wisdom of moving to the community.
“I don’t know of anywhere else I’d rather
be,” Karl says. “It’s a very positive place –
and the smartest move I ever made. For
more reasons than one!”
The Art of Fine Living
Bert and Barbara Sayer appreciateThe Glenridge’s many cultural offerings.
Music lovers and newlyweds Karl and Bonnie Ringer met at The Glenridge. Both belong to The Glenridge Singers.
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At The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch®, the artsare always “in season.” Here, members
express their lifelong passion through painting,sketching, needlework, photography, music,theater and other art forms . . . weaving a
creative tapestry that makes this Life FulfillingCommunity® truly one of a kind.
“This is who we are,” says Lisa Snyder,
Director of Life Planning. “The arts are anintegral part of our community. From watercolorclasses to theater performances, our membersbubble over with creativity. And we have
outlets for every skill level – from beginnersto seasoned experts.”
The Glenridge Sense of StyleWith that in mind, Glenridge members have
formed an Art & Décor Committee to fosterin-house talent, schedule exhibitions
and incorporate their own sense of
style throughout the community.George Davis, who chairs the
group and is an artist in his ownright, moved to Sarasota
after a successful careerin marketing and
package design in
New York.
At The Glenridge, he continues to practiceneedlepoint, his specialty of 35 years – even
blending the craft with upholstery to createintricately decorated chairs.
George says that one of his committee’s
long-term goals is a “members only” artcollection that will showcase the diverse talentsof the people who live there. “This is our home,
and we all – members and staff alike – want itto look spectacular,” he explains.
“Tropical Cheerfulness”When it comes to a passion for art, George
Davis is in good company. Fellow Glenridge member
Renata Sawyer, a career art teacher whose workhas twice been featured in the Smithsonian’straveling exhibits, is also applying her considerable
skills toward enriching the community.Renata specializes in nature printing, which
involves applying pigment to plant material
and transferring the image to a printable surface.She describes her artistic style as “tropicalcheerfulness,” and her pieces testify to the joie
de vivre experienced by Glenridge members. Her
largest creation, “Florida” – a vibrant, imprintedsilk piece – functions as a stunning focal point inthe lobby. Two other works hang upstairs.
One of the best things about art at The
Glenridge, Renata notes, is that there’s an
opportunity for everyone to participate. “Peopleget a chance to do things they haven’t done
before, and that’s what keeps us going, because it
exercises our brains and it’s fun,” she adds. “Theemphasis here is on development and evolution.”
A microcosm of Sarasooffers its own rich and
“Freedom” by Warren Loranger
Renata Sawyer’s “Florida” is a stunning focal point in The Glenridge lobby.
Masterpiece...
PICTURES AT
AN EXHIBITION.
At The Glenridge, vibrant artwork adorns the walls.
The long-term goal is that theentire collection will compriseworks created exclusively bythe community’s members.
“Hanging Out” by Kay Pezillo
One-Man Show
George Davis, whose specialty is needlepoint, is oneof the many talented artists at The Glenridge.
In many ways during his lifetime, Warren Loranger has been a l iteral one-man show –
a self-made businessman, architectural engineer and entrepreneur whose passion was
starting companies and leading them to success.
Also a philanthropist and art aficionado, Warren completed his first painting in 1965,
“dabbled” in the medium for a few years, and gradually stopped as his life grew busier.
After moving to Florida two decades ago, he took a course at the Venice Arts Center,
where he earned the moniker “the Kool-Aid painter” for his unusual choices of materials.
When he joined The Glenridge, he met Jane Dye, who encouraged him to renew his old
passion and try acrylics for the first time.
So he did – and now he has earned recognition throughout Sarasota for his abstract
paintings, portraits and collages. Warren has also served as a member of the advisory
board of the Ringling College of Art and Design’s Englewood Art Center, which recently
displayed his work in an exhibition titled “Ageless Creativity.”
Some of Warren’s methods are unorthodox, such as applying food coloring with
brushes, credit cards or his fingers. “I don’t start out knowing what I’m going to paint,”
he explains, adding that he credits his dyslexia with enhancing his imagination. “When
you paint abstract art, you paint what comes out of your head.”
One such piece, a watercolor titled “Freedom,” hangs in The Glenridge lobby and
intrigues the eye with its ambiguous subject matter. Some viewers speculate that it’s a
sailboat; others see a bird or fish. Warren doesn’t offer an answer either way, simply
stating that his inspiration included the colors in the lobby and nearby aquarium.
Warren’s newest piece, “Bonsoir Mon Cherie,” features a man and woman socializing
in a bar, setting the perfect atmosphere for the Thistle Stop, a popular place to mingle and
enjoy a drink. “People really like it; they think it’s apropos,” he says. “It does depart from
my usual style, in that it’s much larger and more complex than anything I’ve done before.”
Then again, that’s not a surprise, coming from Warren. “My whole life has been
exploring in one way or another,” he says, “so trying something new in painting is totally
in character for me.”
Member Warren Loranger – who is both an art collector and a painter – recently held a one-man show of his artwork, the first of a planned semi-annual series of one-person shows at The Glenridge. Above, the painting to his left ishis original art; the one behind him is part of his collection.
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Picture PerfectThat message also resonates with Dr. Phil
Nelson, a retired OB-GYN whose passion for
art and photography has spanned his entirelife. After retiring in 2003, he served as aphotographer for Selby Botanical Gardens inSarasota, where he snapped 33,000 photos of
more than 6,500 different plants. Now, 19 of those photos – featuring exquisite shots of orchids and bromeliads – are on display in a
grouping called “Floral Portraits” in theGlenridge mezzanine.
“I’m proud of these pieces and happy to
share them,” he says. “I’ve met a lot of marvelous
artists here whose talents I wasn’t aware of untiltheir pieces were hanging on the walls. It isn’tthe bricks and mortar – it’s the members and
staff who make The Glenridge extraordinary.”
Exploring New MediumsPhyllis Montmeat agrees. “Here at
The Glenridge, I paint more than I everhave!” she says. “I feel encouraged to do it.”
She recently completed a painting in theHawthorne Room, The Glenridge’s formal
dining area. The semi-circular piece, whichhangs above the fireplace, features renderingsof hydrangea, magnolia and morning glory
flowers. Upstairs, three of her watercolorsbeautify the mezzanine and hallway areas.She’s now studying acrylic painting,
continuing to further her skills throughdedicated practice. “We have very high-quality artists here,” Phyllis acknowledges.“I feel very proud and thankful
to be part of it.”
A Wealth of InspirationNearly 25 years after she took her first art
class and began painting, Jane Dye’s enthusiasm
for creating hasn’t lessened one bit. “Art is mypassion,” she says. “I can’t imagine myself without it.” Jane uses several mediums –acrylic, watercolor and collage – but she
consistently finds inspiration in places that areclose to her heart, such as the city of Sarasotaand The Glenridge itself.
The Glenridge is equally happy to show-case her talent, which is why they recentlycommissioned her to create two trios of paintings
for the dining room in The Highlands assisted
living neighborhood. The result is “City of theArts,” two triptychs that evoke the many culturaland recreational facets of life in Sarasota. One
features a view of the bayfront, including sailing,the circus, dancing, film and charming courtyards.The other depicts sundrenched beaches and local
wildlife. Composed of thousands of minutedetails, the paintings take careful observation tofully appreciate – and then it’s clear that they’re
nothing short of stunning.“It’s very gratifying to see my work on
display,” says Jane, who describes her style as“whimsical and contemporary,” adding, “I’ve
never had a chance to do large pieces before, so
being here at The Glenridge has given me anopportunity that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
It’s just a whole new level of growth.”
Catching the LightPersonal and artistic evolution is a recurring
theme at The Glenridge. Grace Greene hasguided many of these transformations herself inthe stained-glass course she’s taught for the past
year and a half. “At first, students are hesitantto work with glass and afraid of breaking it,but it doesn’t take long before they startmastering it, instead of it mastering them,”
she says. “By the end of the sessions, theyhave created their own angels, nightlights,sun-catchers, stars or votive candleholders.”
Grace enjoys sharing her longtime passion –originally sparked by visiting cathedrals duringher European travels – and making new friends
in the process. “My students are very proudof their accomplishments,” she says. “It givesme the opportunity to get to know manywonderful people.”
a, where the arts are celebrated, The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch®
iverse culture in an environment where the creative spirit thrives
“Homage To Leona” by Jane Dye“Looking For Gold”
by Warren Loranger
“Daffodils and Pansies” by Jeanette Jennings
Dr. Phil Nelson’s photos of orchids and bromeliads grace the hallways of The Glenridge.
The Hawthorne Room at The Glenridgefeatures artwork by Phyllis Montmeat.
Photo: Loren Mayo/The Sarasota Observer
Grace Greene, who teaches a stained-glass class at The Glenridge,holds a panel she created for her husband, featuring a mortar and
pestle to commemorate his years in the pharmaceutical industry.
Jane Dye’s “City of the Arts” was commissioned
for The Glenridge art collection.
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7333 Scotland Way
Sarasota, FL 34238
A Not-For-Profit Community
governed by a Sarasota
Board of Directors
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For all life can be!
A jewel…a pièce de résistance…a cultural
treasure…the Glenridge Performing Arts
Center (GPAC) has earned many accolades
during its seven-year history. But one of the most
remarkable aspects of the multi-million-dollar,
260-seat theater is its far-reaching impact on the
Sarasota arts scene.
“We’ve seen a
change from beingthe new kid on the
block to becoming
a force in the
community,” says
Ben Turoff, GPAC
manager. “People
who come for the
first time say, ‘Wow,
this is beautiful. I
had no idea this was
here,’ and they keep
coming back.”
Indeed, the mix of
member performances
and outside shows
has captured the
attention of many.
Some even come to
The Glenridge for a performance and then join
after seeing the wealth of cultural offerings.
“There’s something for everyone here, whether
you like classical music, jazz or live theater,” Ben
says. “We love one-man or one-woman shows
that delve into the lives of celebrated people like
Charles Lindbergh, Harry Truman or Georgia
O’Keeffe.” GPAC also partners with the
Glenridge Academy throughout the year, offering
opportunities for members to study acting and
then take the stage themselves.
“We’ve had a number of people
who never acted in their lives, and they get
involved and find out they enjoy it,” Ben says.
Each performance takes advantage of
state-of-the-art equipment such as a Dolby
surround sound system and Shure wireless
microphones – brands that are highly regarded
in the theater industry.
“People are amazed when they come totheir first show here. They tell me that GPAC
is an intimate ‘Van Wezel,’” says Ben, referring
to the city’s biggest and most well-known
arts venue. “We’re just as well-appointed and
just as able to host incredible performances.
The bonus is that you don’t have to go
downtown and fight the traffic and pay for
parking to see a great show.”
GPAC has hosted a number of prominent
performers and has established partnerships
with many local performing arts groups,
including Sarasota Concert Band, whose
November 19 concert is the first of three
performances
this year.
In addition,
Cynthia Sayer,daughter of
Glenridge
members Bert
and Barbara
Sayer and a
world-renowned
banjo player,
will play a
selection of
jazz and Great
American
songbook tunes
on February 12.
Performance Now in its 7th Year, the GlenridgePerforming Arts Center Continuesto Get Rave Reviews
Maria Wirries, a 14-year-old powerhouse of a singer, thrilled the GPAC audience during arecent concert.
The award-winning “Bowery Boys” have mademany appearances at GPAC. Sarasota’s barbershopensemble, “Chorus of the Keys,” is always very
popular.
Roberta MacDonald, a veteranBroadway actress, performs aone-woman show with help fromRobert Plunket, a Sarasota celebrityknown as “Mr. Chatterbox.”
Members of The Glenridge Harmonaires, directed by AlanCorey, frequently stage rousing performances at GPAC.
• “Holiday Harmonies” with the Chorus of the Keys,December 4, 2 p.m.
• “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry,” a one-man show performed byJack Rabito, January 15, 2 p.m.
• “Music, Magic and Pizzazz” with William Garron andJ.D. Stanton, January 18, 8 p.m.
• Michael Lasser and Friends in concert, January 28, 8 p.m.
For more information, contact GPAC at
941-552-5325.See the full season at www.GPACtix.com
Upcoming Performances