Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Cornwell.
Hi Kimberly, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, tell our readers some of your backstories.
In 2015, my husband, Russ Ritenour, and I decided after many years of testing the water in multiple locations that we would build our “final” house, our dream home in the planned community of Nocatee in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Twenty miles south of Jacksonville and 20 miles north of St Augustine, along the Intercoastal Waterway and 5 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. We were born and raised in Northern Virginia, so this was a significant change for us to consider. It was an exciting year as we worked with an architect to create a dream destination in this resort-like community for our family and friends to visit someday. We closed on our new home in December of 2015, my husband was a remote employee, and he immediately moved to Florida and set up his office. I was not eligible to retire due to my age, even though I had 29 years of service supporting the US Government, so I resigned, and in July 2016, I relocated to FL.
What can I say? I absolutely hated my first year living here in this ‘paradise.’ I was depressed and lonely. My husband traveled for work, and after settling into our house and furnishing it – I had nothing, no friends, no one welcoming me, and, frankly, I had no idea how to make friends. Quite the dilemma. Friends are usually your coworkers, neighbors, schoolmates, parents of your kid’s friends, or even your family. None of these were in my sphere. Knocking on someone’s door, asking them to be your friend – might incite a trip to the psych ward. By happen-chance, Russ took a ride share home from the airport one Friday night with another Nocatee resident. He had explained that his wife was as miserable as I was, so we made a dinner date and realized how much we had in common and enjoyed one another’s company – immediately becoming fast friends. Tracy Tillman and her husband, Harry, continue to be our dear friends even though his job has since relocated them to Maryland.
Tracy & I knew there had to be others like us, transplants, empty-nesters, and those transitioning into their 50’s, singles or couples. Successfully achieved their career goals or reimagined and realigned new life goals. So, we posted on a community social media platform asking if others were struggling in their new environment. Within 3 days, we had 200 more people voicing the same tale and asking the key question how do I make friends?
My goal is simple – provide an opportunity to do just that – make friends! And along the way, learn, laugh and love living here in NE Florida! I am a certified project manager and an engineer, and I knew I could take on this challenge and succeed. And so, this social club was born, “Fifty Shades of Fun”. It is a private social club and is limited to Nocatee residents. This Club is open to those a bit north and south of their mid-century birthday. People who enjoy a variety of pursuits, from casual happy hours to fine dining, themed dinner parties, escape rooms, food tours, art tours, concerts, theater, museums, and movies. As well as boating, walking, kayaking, sports, and travel, frankly anything fun and adventurous I can think of, we’ve all come together to celebrate a healthy, happy, social and active lifestyle in Nocatee!
My demographic is deliberate and met with lots of questions. But, I stand firm that ages 45 up to 64 yrs young it’s the most overlooked age group. Yet, this group sometimes suffers the most angst from an empty nest to multi-generational living to early retirement to a perhaps a significant life transition, where you find “friends” are hard to make! You’re old enough to appreciate how far you’ve come (not interested in going back!); but you’re still in your prime, filled with life, and willing to jumpstart any adventure, try most anything, enjoy friendly competition, socialize, and participate!
This is a 100% grassroots club. There are no dues, and I do not accept any new members outside of our target age demographic and you must reside here in Nocatee. The only rule for continued membership is that you must attend one paid event annually. Over the years, I have purged more than 400 members – whether they have relocated or have found their social life through other means, church or volunteerism, for example. Simply put, they have found their ‘tribe’ and no longer need my club and what it offers. I wish each of them the best and am happy to have crossed paths with them.
Today 5 1/2 years later, membership exceeds 1850 Nocatee neighbors. We’re forging friendships, becoming familiar with our new cities (Jacksonville & St Augustine), bonding through physical and fun activities and social interactions, branching out of our comfort zone, and forming “family” out of friends! Many other groups have spawned from the friendships cultivated by this club – walking groups, game groups, sporting groups, charity groups, and more. This club is a complete cash pass-through. No financial gain – my husband and I, or another couple, Julie and Mike Hughes, pay in advance for all deposits and events. Sometimes we carry $5-8K per month in club expenses. We host events (at least once per month), and we are reimbursed when members attend and purchase a ticket.
A dear friend told me that I had to ‘bloom where I am planted,’ I would like to think that I have done this with grace and a smile and brought together groups of new friends that have become family to one another when they had no one prior.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
Smooth? Like everything – there’s ups and downs. I have had a few challenges over the last 5 1/2 years, including some drama. People are complicated. The mean girls of middle school are still the mean girls in maturity. Sad, but true; and eventually they move on. However, my biggest struggle is keeping to my demographic of 45 up to 64 yrs young. Why? Many hear about what we do, and the fun we have, and they want to be a part of it, too! I can’t blame them, but it’s important to me to honor my commitment to this critical demographic. Sure, I do have some members that “aged” since our start, but each of them have stood with me from the beginning, continuing to welcome neighbors and friends into their circle, and continuing to play an active role.
We’re very fortunate here in NE, FL. There are many 55+ active communities alongside the all-ages Council on Aging, and the YMCA which hosts many active social events to enjoy. And, of course, there’s Nocatee itself, a planned community, unlike anything I had ever experienced. The monthly activities and family fun are remarkable. And while my Facebook page is very interactive, it is private. However, our IG page is open and highlights what events have been held.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I spent 29 years in service to the US Government. I was fortunate to travel the world in support of various programs throughout their project lifecycle, some that I not only formulated but also managed. I was a senior executive officer, a certified project manager, and a senior technical advisor. I also served two years supporting the US Senate – working on two critical bills, both signed into law under President Clinton. Post my resignation and relocation to FL, I established Ritwell Consulting, LLC as an opportunity to consult with companies looking to enhance their work within their existing contracts or bid for contracts the government may request. My husband has since retired and is a member of Ritwell Consulting, LLC, and provides his skills and services to his area of expertise.
What matters most to you?
Both my husband and I saw our parents work tirelessly 6 days a week until they retired, then fall ill, and die. We decided early on that we would commit mentally and financially towards retirement and living our best lives. That is most important to me – not taking one minute of our life together for granted. Bob Merrill had it right, “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kcisthe1.wixsite.com/socialclub
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialclub.fun50/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SocialClub50
