Everyday Joys and Doing Good at the Meadow Ridge Country Store

Two smiling women stand in the doorway of The Country Store at Meadow Ridge, with shelves of gifts and everyday items visible behind them inside the warmly lit shop.

The Meadow Ridge Country Store is a charming, well-stocked on-campus convenience shop designed to make everyday life easier for residents.

A Hub of Joy and Connection

A Meadow Ridge resident wearing a green cardigan sits at a table indoors beside a sign for the Meadow Ridge Country Store, with plants and seating visible in the background, highlighting resident involvement and support of the community fundraiser. — Resident Ginny G., pictured at the Clubs & Committees Fair in the atrium, recruiting interested residents to join the Country Store committee.

Resident Ginny G. has managed the Country Store since 2017. With a career that began as a department store buyer, followed by 40 years in real estate and years as the owner of her own gift shop, Ginny brings a lifetime of experience to her role at the store. Fellow resident and friend, Judi S., joined her in 2020 to help expand and enhance the in-person shopping experience.

Together, they’ve grown the Country Store from a tiny 12×12 convenience stop offering Tylenol, toiletries and Kleenex into a lively hub filled with snacks, gifts, seasonal décor, clothing and quirky treasures.

“It’s become a true social hub,” says Judi. “Located right next to The Bistro, our casual dining venue, people are always stopping by. The store has really become an anchor for the community.”

Resident-Led and Community-Loved

The store is supported by a resident-led committee of 22 volunteers, helping everything run smoothly from staffing the store to creating unique items to sell.

Meadow Ridge’s Executive Director, Chris Barstein, is more than just a leader, he’s also a frequent visitor to the Country Store, where he indulges his love of stylish socks. Ginny shares with a giggle, “Chris Barstein is fabulous! He is so supportive of us! We’re a big supplier of his jazzy sock collection.”

Boosting Well-Being, For Good

From finding a colorful sweater or scarf, a special stuffy for a grandchild’s birthday or playful socks, every purchase makes a difference. Proceeds support the resident-led Meadow Ridge Scholarship Fund, advancing educational journeys and the Benchmark One Company Fund, which assists associates in need.

Four smiling Meadow Ridge associates stand together indoors at a scholarship celebration, wearing name badges and casual attire, representing the impact of Country Store proceeds and resident generosity supporting the Meadow Ridge Scholarship Fund. — Proceeds from Meadow Ridge’s Country Store, along with the generosity of our residents, helped raise over $250,000 in 2025 to support 47 associates and their children through the Meadow Ridge Scholarship Fund.

A Natural Hub for Community

The Meadow Ridge Country Store is open throughout the week, offering residents a welcoming place to stop in, browse and connect. On Sundays from 12–3, the store is especially lively, welcoming families and friends visiting for Executive Chef Tom Villa’s spectacular brunch. These visits turn a simple stop in the store into warm connections, chats with friends, shared stories or a friendly hello to a new neighbor. “We really enjoy seeing the families—grandchildren and great-grandchildren—there is something for everyone,” Ginny shares.

Residents from across the community, including our Memory Care and Assisted Living neighborhoods, enjoy these moments with each other.

A Meadow Ridge resident volunteer wearing a festive red holiday apron and hat smiles while standing in the doorway of the Country Store, with another resident visible inside browsing shelves filled with gifts and merchandise. — Judi S. playfully shows off holiday specials in a festive apron at the Country Store, while Ginny G. looks on, sharing in the joy and community spirit.

The Joy of Life at Meadow Ridge

“It really is a joy,” says Judi, reflecting on the store. “Everyone gets along so well and they just love being here.” With spontaneous delights, shared smiles and the chance to give back, The Country Store turns simple errands into meaningful experiences.

Laurie S., a Meadow Ridge resident volunteer, smiles while standing in the doorway of the Country Store, surrounded by colorful clothing, handbags, plants, and gift items that help keep the store welcoming and well stocked. — Resident Laurie S. helps keep the Country Store at Meadow Ridge welcoming and well stocked, volunteering her time to ensure residents and visitors can always find thoughtful gifts.

What treasures will you discover? Visit Meadow Ridge and explore The Country Store, then stay awhile to enjoy exceptional dining, fun activities and the company of friendly residents.

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