The Heartbeat of The Glenview: How Rachel Ritter Curates a Vibrant Lifestyle for Residents

When Rachel Ritter first walked through the doors of The Glenview, she wasn’t leading concerts, organizing excursions, or planning community-wide celebrations.

She was 15 years old, bussing tables in the dining room.

Today, more than three decades later, Rachel has come full circle as The Glenview’s new Lifestyle Director — a role that perfectly combines her lifelong dedication to the community with her passion for enriching the lives of residents.

Along the way, Rachel earned both a nursing degree and a degree in history, supported in part by a scholarship from The Glenview Scholarship Fund.  She worked at The Glenview throughout college, held numerous leadership roles in Dining Services, and built lasting relationships with residents and team members alike.

Now, she has found what she calls her true calling.

“After 31 years at The Glenview, I’ve discovered that my greatest passion is creating a vibrant lifestyle for our residents,” said Rachel.  “Dining Servies allowed me to create exceptional experiences around the table, but I wanted to contribute even more to daily life here.  My goal is simple: every resident should wake up each morning with something exciting to look forward to.”

That philosophy is reflected in every square of The Glenview’s bustling Activities Calendar.

 

A Calendar Packed with Possibility

Rachel’s vision is ambitious: create enough variety that every resident can find something that sparks joy, curiosity, connection, or purpose.

“It’s my job to bring joy to people’s lives,” said Rachel.  “I take that responsibility very seriously.”

Each month, residents enjoy an extraordinary mix of entertainment, education, wellness, social events, and excursions.

 

Signature Events & Entertainment

Two to three major events each month bring the community together for unforgettable experiences.  From jazz ensembles and classical concerts to vocal performances and thought-provoking lectures by college professors, residents can explore topics ranging from history and philosophy to pop culture and current events.

 

Culinary Experiences

Food lovers eagerly await the monthly cooking demonstrations led by Executive Chef David Chidsey or Pastry Chef Ashley Yedeski.  Residents learn professional techniques, enjoy generous tastings, and occasionally see favorite recipes make their way onto the dining room menu.

The culinary fun continues with themed luncheons and tea parties.  Recent favorites have included French and Asian-inspired lunches, farm-to-table seasonal luncheons, a Southern Tea Party, and a whimsical Mad Hatter Tea complete with imaginative desserts.

“Ashley has a gift for creating memorable pastries,” said Rachel.  “Together, we love finding ways to surprise residents with something delicious and unexpected.”

 

Wellness for the Whole Person

At The Glenview, wellness extends far beyond exercise.

Working alongside Director of Health & Wellness Navigation Kari Bone, Rachel helps create programming that supports all eight Dimensions of Wellness:  physical, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, vocational, health services, and environmental health.

Recent speakers have included cardiologists, dietitians, meditation specialists, IT & fraud advocates, and other experts — all lectures paired with refreshments and opportunities for discussion.

“Our residents are incredibly curious and engaged,” said Kari Bone.  “It’s a pleasure working with Rachel to bring in exceptional speakers on topics that matter most to the quality of life for our seniors.  Lifelong learning is alive and well at The Glenview!”

Residents can also choose from 13 fitness classes every week, including yoga, meditation, cardio exercise, balance training, chair fitness, Tai Chi, and specialized classes led by physical therapy professionals.  For independent workouts, the Fitness Center offers access to state-of-the-art equipment seven days a week.

 

Adventure Awaits in Pelican Bay…

While there is always something exciting happening on campus, Rachel also loves taking residents on the road.  Recent outings have included a Rhythm & Blooms Jazz Concert at the Naples Botanical Garden, rooftop happy hour at The Perry Hotel, and visits to every new exhibition opening at the Artis — Naples Museum.

Rachel also coordinates transportation for residents who are season ticket holders for Naples Players productions and Artis — Naples Masterworks Concerts.

“One of the best parts of my job is helping residents continue exploring the community they love,” said Rachel.  “There’s always another adventure waiting in Pelican Bay.”

 

The Power of Shared Interests

Some of the community’s most beloved activity programs are resident-led.  Book lovers can join either the Fiction Book Club, led by resident Lynn Nolan, or the Non-Fiction Book Club, led by resident Cynthia Bye.  Creative residents can gather for the Social Crafting Bee, where simple projects are paired with cookies, lemonade, and conversation.  The newest project — a handmade greeting card — was suggested and organized by resident Carol Levy.

The Card Room is always a hub of activity at The Glenview.  Card players gather regularly for bridge, Mexican Train, mahjongg, and other favorite games, while movie enthusiasts enjoy Saturday matinees complete with buttered popcorn.

“Rachel has a remarkable talent for turning resident ideas into reality,” said Lynn Nolan, resident and Chair of the Lifestyle Committee.  “She listens, encourages participation, and helps create the sense of community that makes The Glenview so special.  Rachel is much loved by all our residents.”

 

Giving Back Together

Some activities focus on something even bigger than fun.

Through a partnership with Meals for Hope, residents participate in quarterly philanthropy events that help organize and distribute food for local families in need.

“Many residents want hands-on ways to serve others,” Rachel said.  “This program allows them to make a direct impact while working together as a community.”

The Glenview knitting group has found a similarly meaningful mission by connecting with the global non-profit “Knitted Knockers,” where they create soft knitted prostheses for women recovering from breast surgery.

“It’s amazing to watch residents use their talents to comfort someone they’ve never met,” said Rachel.  “The project gives purpose to every stitch.”

 

A Scholarship That Came Full Circle

One activity especially close to Rachel’s heart is the monthly Scholarship Bingo fundraiser.  All proceeds benefit The Glenview Scholarship Fund, which helps employees further their education.

“I was fortunate enough to receive one of those scholarships myself,” said Rachel.  “It changed the course of my life.  Every time we host Scholarship Bingo, I’m reminded of how much this community invests in its people.”

 

Always Looking Ahead

Rachel is already looking to expand the already full Activities Calendar.

A new Dining Out Club is in development, giving residents opportunities to explore local restaurants together.  Rachel is also working with yoga instructor Marjorie to launch a Senior Salsa class and continues partnering with the resident-led Lifestyle Committee to bring new ideas to life.

“The best ideas often come from residents,” said Rachel.  “When people share their passions, we can create even more opportunities for connection and fun.”

Resident Judy Johansen agrees.  “Rachel’s enthusiasm is contagious,” said Judy.  “She creates opportunities for everyone to get involved, make friends, and try something new.  There’s always something exciting on the horizon here.”

For Executive Director Daniel Gomez, Rachel’s impact is impossible to miss.  “Rachel brings tremendous energy, creativity, and heart to everything she does,” said Daniel.  “Her decades of experience at The Glenview, combined with the genuine relationships she’s built with residents, make her truly irreplaceable.  She helps create the culture of joy that defines this community.”

Rachel sums up her vision with characteristic enthusiasm: “I want The Glenview to feel like a cruise ship that never leaves the dock,” she said.  “There should always be great food, lively conversation, and exciting activities waiting around every corner!”

Judging by the packed calendar — and the smiles it creates — Rachel has certainly contributed to making The Glenview a destination of choice for seniors.

We invite you to experience The Glenview personally.  Join us for lunch, tour the community, meet the residents, and see firsthand why so many discerning individuals choose to call it home.

To learn more about our community or schedule a visit, call us at (239) 977-9744 or complete our Contact Us form.