Our daughter Jennifer said to our grandchildren, nine and five, "Buckle up Zachary and Natalie. We're going to Langendorf Park for a picnic and then for a swim in their great pool."

Natalie, using her best fake cry, sobbed,"I want to swim in The Garlands pool. I like it."

Grandma Rita says, “Our pool is closed for repair. You'll like the Park pool, believe me."

"Ready to launch," shouts Zachary. "All seat belts attached."

Ten minutes later, we parked at the Langendorf. The children ran off to the slides and climbing bars while we prepared a summer picnic: hot dogs, bratwurst, soft drinks and desserts. After lunch, the walking trail helped us work off some of the food.

Langendorf has a wading pool and the main pool. The slides and high jumps excited the grandchildren. Zachary and others made several dozen leaps and slides from the highest points. Natalie, not to be out done, climbed nearly to the top. Sun and activity tired us, ending a wonderful day.

Next day, after church on Sunday, we drove north thirty miles to Volo to see the unusual quaking bogs and then on to the Volo Auto Museum. The children found the bogs a fun playground, although not as exciting as the auto museum. Hundreds of old cars, refurbished like new, sat bumper to bumper for easy inspection. Grandpa saw a 1957 Chevrolet Impala just like the one he had owned. Good for Grandpa, but the grandchildren loved the cars from movies like the Scooby Mobile, Nightrider's Kitt, Flintstones car, Batmobile, etc.

Again, the hours evaporated. We must head home. No time to visit our favorite restaurant Le Vichyssois in Lakemoor suggested by Vette Kell or to the Moraine Hills State Park, site of a glacial moraine in McHenry County that Hal Guenther praises. We will have to wait another day to make these short trips with our family.

Later in the week, Rita said to me, "What a great weekend we had with the grandchildren, now, I've set up a double-treat for us."

"Double-treat, what can that be?"

She responds, "Two visits on Wednesday: the Chicago Botanical Gardens and the show at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire."

"Oh, that's too much in one day."

"No. It's easy. We drive East on Lake-Cook Road twenty miles to the gardens, have late lunch, see the exhibits and when ready drive fifteen minutes to the theater for a performance at Marriott's Theater-in-the-Round. It worked out just as she planned a great introduction to Chicago's famous gardens and the Marriott's renowned theater.

Musing a bit about our Senior Living Community and its great location, I remembered that the following Sunday The Garlands courtesy limousine would drive us to the Barrington railroad station to take a train to Chicago for the Sunday matinee of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, an hour ride at no charge for seniors.

Location is a real asset to us here at the Garlands!

See Jack, Rita and the Kids below at the Volo Auto Museum.

Labels: active retirement communities, active retirement community, active senior living, Jack and Rita, senior living, upscale retirement community

It was emotional and exciting. Thirty or more members and staff rallied around Cheryl and Gary Karlin, Producers, to fulfill their idea of an Academy Awards evening. Eight Oscar winning movie scenes, selected by members, filled the program.

George and Vally Flint, former directors and producers of the Garlands Play-Reading Group, flew in from Florida to watch their former actors emote for the new Producers and present the Oscars.

Cocktails and hors-d'oeuvres started at 5 PM in the Robbie Lounge. Actors in dress costumes mingled accepting encouragement and good wishes. The enthusiasm continued to the Winslow for a candlelight dinner then on to the walk down the red carpet with photographers and paparazzi.

Actors, experts in sound and lighting and the back stage crew came together to provide wonderful entertainment. The scene group leaders selected the props, costumes and songs. Our Don Reed and his daughter Sarah Maple created audio/visual background, initiated music and aided voice projection.

The eight Oscar scenes for the evening were Gigi, Casablanca, All About Eve, Rear Window, Stagecoach, An Affair To Remember, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Fiddler On the Roof. Arsenic and Old Lace won the audience vote for best performance. The winning actors: Betty Guthrie, Carol Holmes, George Flint, Vette Kell, Jeanette Hidding and Marilyn Van Huss rushed happily to the stage to receive their Oscars.

We thank Cheryl and Gary Karlin for their creativity, stamina and persistence in fashioning the marvel of our own Academy Award Show. Finally, the Garlands management earned high praise for their positive support making available actors, workers and facilities.

Too many members and staff to name individually, however our active retirement community thanks them all for the joy created. Happily, a video by Jackie Rubashkin of Barrington High School recorded it all.

Jack Roche

Labels: active retirement communities, active retirement community, active senior living, Jack and Rita

Excuse me, please. I've got a gripe, and I just have to get it off my chest. I hate to complain crack out of the box but maybe after I tell you what the deal is, you'll understand. At least those of you who ever have owned a kitten or a cat will get it.

You see, it's now getting cold outside and frankly I love to curl up in the warmest softest spot available. Well, my caregivers have tagged me with a new name, "Cuddle Puss." Do I look or act like a kitten, cat or a four legged animal that purrs or says "meow?" Please, the next time you see us around, set the guy on the scooter straight. My name is P.D. Perfect Dog. And if you believe that, I'll sell you The Garlands' bridge.

Now on a happier note, have I got news for you! Remember I was planning a play date with Toni, the French poodle. Well, it was perfect with one exception. We met as planned, but who was hiding in the bushes...Toni's old boy friend. But he was so fat, with a belly dragging on the ground, that he was no match for Toni's slim figure and swift graceful pace. Of course, I'm used to running along side my scooter, so we out paced him in no time and enjoyed our day together chasing the squirrels and sniffing out other park smells.

And there's more news since the last time I wrote. Stuffed in our cubby were two letters addressed to me. One from Willie and another from Jewel, Bill Youngberg's family buddy. The sad news is that Jewel thinks I'm not big or strong enough to play with him. He didn't even give me a test run. But I have hopes that Willie will come soon for a romp. No way will any other dog take Toni's place, but because she has been shipped off to boarding school, I'm glad to find another friend.

By the way, Jill, do you suppose I could have my own mail box? I've got two snoopy caregivers, and they read my mail before I get a chance to see it. But then, where would I hide the key? I have a big enough problem remembering where I bury my bones. Looking forward to seeing you in the park before the snow flies.

Love, P.D

Labels: active retirement community, Chicago assisted living, chicago senior living, pd the dog, senior living facility

There is a story to be told in my retirement community. It is a story of love. It isn't puppy love, young love or the many-splendored love of years past. It is lasting love: love over time. Not sexual, but simply love of each other as partners.

Care is love. Care of what was, what is and what will come. We walk slower now, can't see as before, and hold hands for warmth and support.

Aging is not uniform or equal. Time takes from each at its will and whim. We pray first for the other partner to stay well then our self.

Our bodies slow differently: Alzheimer's disease steals bit by bit the light of knowledge. Nerve systems weaken and short-circuit. Arteries clog. One partner becomes the light, another helps recognition.

The story is the caregiver. Care given daily, constantly, wearily shows lasting love. "Until death do us part" is recalled while time flows onward. Love becomes duty; honorable, enduring and necessary.

How does one tell the story of lasting love? I tell it by admiring the spouse pushing a wheelchair providing mobility and togetherness, by applauding those who read to the other with dimming sight, and by praising those who explain, interpret and encourage loved ones unable to remember their world.

Any lapses in the past are forgotten with today's love; a lasting love.

Labels: active retirement community, Chicago independent living, Jack and Rita, senior living facility, senior retirement communities, the garlands

We have recently completed our annual member satisfaction survey, and are excited about the results! We are appreciative of our membership's honest feedback and in general, the news is good (actually, great!). Although there is always room for improvement, we are pleased to report that:

• The average score in 99% of the categories rated "Exceeded Expectations"

• The average score for overall satisfaction among Independent Living members was 3.96 on a scale where 3.0 or higher means "exceeds expectations."

Although the numbers are wonderful, I'm most please by the kind comments we received from our residents:

"I never expected service of this caliber."

"The cleanliness of the entire community is outstanding. A tribute to all the staff involved."

"The work done by staff is excellent. I have had nothing but superior work from every single person. I am always greeted with a cheerful voice early in the morning and late at night!"

"We continue to believe that The Garlands is one of the finest CCRCs in the country.
We are very pleased that we made the decision to live here."

"I am proud to tell my friends where I live, and they seem to be impressed. You are doing a wonderful job."

Labels: active retirement communities, active retirement community, Chicago assisted living, Phase II, retirement community

You just won't believe it, because I don't. After sniffing out the entire neighborhood, just maybe I have found a new companion. I can even "humm..." in the rain when told to go outside. Why? Well, I'll put my paw to a pen and tell you all about my good luck!

After my last letter, I received an unbelievable fantastic response. The writer, a poodle named Antoinette, "just call me Toni," enclosed her picture. She looks yummy enough to chew on, and I dream about slobbering her with more kisses than one can count. Actually, her beauty defies description, and I'll even venture to guess that her groomer comes from France!

Not only did she offer T.L.C. for my painful paw, but she is eager for a play date with just the two of us. She even told me that her old boyfriend is past history. How lucky can a guy get?

Her letter has a special hiding place right under my bed, close to my thumping heart. Do you suppose that they have a pacemaker for dogs? Forget e-mail, Twitter, even Facebook. A letter means so much more for you can keep it forever. And this piece of paper will never be chewed up!

There is one problem, however, that I want to share with you. When and if we meet nose-to-nose, will she accept my funny face? To be honest, I lack those pedigree papers that say that your parents came from special families. Mine, however, so I've been told, were so much in love that it didn't matter, even though my Dad was a Shih Tzu and Mom, a Bichon. I guess you might say their blood lines were "black and white" while Toni is as blue as blue can be.

No doubt, Toni's caregiver, C. Peterson, who owns a greeting card company, sent her to a fancy boarding school, while I had only two hours with the "Dog Man" in Arizona, and he didn't teach me anything (so I've been told). In other words, we come from two different worlds. Do you suppose that matters?

And now I am planning our first meeting on the bridge overlooking our garden pond. Let's hope the bleeping bull frog and honking geese won't scare her away. Wish me luck!

Now, please forgive my abrupt departure for breakfast is ready. And guess what I've barked for: a new tasty passion...French toast. Bow wow!

Labels: active retirement communities, active retirement community, Chicago assisted living, pd the dog, upscale retirement community

I can do it!! Yes I can. You see I'm a lefty and this letter will not be perfect because using my right paw isn't the easiest thing to do. But we haven't been in touch for quite a while; thus this attempt.

Why haven't I been more diligent? Well, it's a long story and despite my need to yap out every detail, I'll cut to the chase. I HAD SURGERY. Yup, big time, at least I thought so.

Perhaps some of you saw my bright red bandage that wound around and around my left leg. Their supply of gauze, tape and stretch stuff must have been in mucho supply because it was only the end of my left paw that needed to be protected. Why oh why couldn't they see I'm a big boy and can take care of myself.

Well, back to the surgery. I was poked, prodded, shaved, put to sleep, cut and stitched. I finally woke up in a tiny horrible cage, and I'm not used to a cement floor. Have I got your sympathy? I certainly hope so because don't we all need a dose of TLC at times?

Despite being incapacitated for two weeks, it all turned out for the best, but I drove my family nuts during my recuperation. I couldn't go out for a walk, play with my toys, and jump on the furniture... (don't tell) and have yummy treats. Besides, I had to wear an upside down lampshade at night to keep me from tearing that annoying bandage off. I looked stupid.

But I did get even with my caregivers because they had to stay close to home for fear I would get into trouble, which I've been known to do. Because the doctor's orders had to be carefully followed, I was under their watch 24/7. What a bummer!!

Try as I did, the bandage just didn't come off. But the stitches did; two weeks later. According to the vet, my paw will be back to normal in no time. Until then, more sympathy please.

Love,
P.D.

Labels: active retirement community, Alzheimer's Care, chicago retirement community, pd the dog, senior living facility

Dancing is great for body & soul, and Garlands' members aren't shy about cutting the rug on a regular basis. Staying young at heart is a big part of active senior living, and as such, dancing is a big part of The Garlands Lifestyle. Check out some highlights from our recent Big Band Dance.

Sam and Scootie Jeffers show their footwork on the dance floor.

Members have fun doing the Chicken Dance.

Labels: active retirement communities, active retirement community, Chicago independent living, Fitness and Activities

In part 1 we looked at why balance deteriorates as you age. All too often, as people's balance worsens, they tend to reduce their daily activity level out of a fear of falling. They don't want to do anything that might cause them to fall. However, this only causes more problems. Last time we learned that the activities of your daily life help keep your balance in shape. Therefore, decreasing those activities means that your sense of balance does not get as much use, allowing it to deteriorate further (due to the "use it or lose it" principle).

This can develop into a vicious cycle: Decrease in activity over the years = Balance gets worse = Further decrease in activity out of a fear of falling = Balance gets even worse.

The end result of this cycle is a person who can't walk anywhere without having one hand on something sturdy, like a couch, the wall, a cane, or another person. This is the type of person who will routinely not participate in outings that their family and friends are going on because they think they might fall. Poor balance is now causing a lower quality of life. The problem is, you can't completely quarantine yourself from falling. Even if you don't go out much, and you try to avoid any potentially hazardous situations, life will eventually throw an unexpected scenario at you that will challenge your balance.

If your balance is not used to being challenged, this situation can result in a fall, and it often does. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), for people over sixty-five, falls are the most common cause of injury and the number one reason for admission to the hospital. By now you're probably thinking, "Okay, Mike, I understand that the activities that I used to do were also training my balance, but I can't just go out and start running around like a teenager just so my sense of balance will get some exercise."

You're right. At this point, a lot of those things you used to do might be dangerous for your body. That's why I developed balance exercises, so we could challenge your balance while in a safe environment. That concept is called "Controlled Instability." More on that in Part 4. Stay tuned for Part 3 next month, where we'll discuss traditional senior exercise programs and their impact on balance.

Mike Ross
Author of "The Balance Manual"
balance-exercises.com

Labels: active retirement community, better balance report, Chicago estate planning, Fitness and Activities, Midwest retirement home, senior living, upscale retirement home

Say what you will about the virtues of modern technology, but sometimes a little glimpse at the future is a welcome harbinger of great things to come! So is the case with the new "virtual video" of The Garlands second phase of development. Through the magic of modern technology, what is currently architectural drawings, concrete and steel comes to life in DVD form as a replica of what the Garlands completed campus and new Phase II residences will look like on opening day in 2010. Take a glimpse into the future of our active retirement community and order your complimentary DVD today to pass along to a friend! Call 847-304-1996.

Labels: active retirement community, active senior living, chicago retirement community, garlands blogger, upscale senior living

The Gallery at The Garlands Hosts Grace Community Homeschool Co-op

Thirteen teenage, home-schooled artists from the Grace Community Homeschool Co-op will show their collective work at The Gallery at The Garlands. The show opens on Thursday, June 18, with an artist reception from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and runs through June 24. It is open to the public any day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, please call The Garlands concierge at 847-765-3000.

The young artists made oil and acrylic paintings based on photographs they took of someone else's shoes. Red pumps, combat boots and a baby's first walking shoes are a few of the footwear choices that made it to canvas.

"The students' work is quite exceptional," said Kathleen McCann of Barrington, an accomplished artist who has taught and inspired these students once a week over the past year. The collection of 46 pieces also includes still life, abstract and scenery paintings.

The 13 students are homeschooled in area suburbs such as Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Fox River Grove and South Barrington but meet once a week as part of the co-op. The show at The Gallery at The Garlands is a real a boost for their self-esteem.

"The children get to see the artwork they produced framed and displayed in a fine, high-quality setting," McCann said, adding that they are excited to see how The Garlands residents, and the Barrington-area community will respond to their work.

"I am of the belief that art helps people find themselves, and these kids have grown from their art experience" McCann said.

Labels: active retirement communities, active retirement community, active senior living, garlands blogger

Easter is a special time for many families the world over, and it's no different for our family here at the Garlands, where celebrations are a big part of active senior living community.

Easter brunch with all the trimmings, including visits with the bunny and an egg hunt in the courtyard, is a time-honored Garlands tradition.


Carl Peterson and Cookie Cooke pose with the Easter bunny before enjoying the Easter brunch.


Marlene Rolecek and grandchildren get ready to hunt for eggs with the Easter bunny.

Labels: active retirement community, chicago senior living, easter, garlands blogger, senior retirement communities, the garlands, upscale senior living

Skilled Nursing Program Earns 5-Star Rating

Prairieview at The Garlands skilled nursing program recently earned an overall five-star rating by the federal government's Center for Medicare Services (CMS). Prairieview at The Garlands offers around-the-clock assisted living and skilled nursing services within the context of the Garlands of Barrington's premier Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) located in Barrington, IL.

Prairieview's skilled nursing program is one of the only skilled nursing programs within a 25-mile radius to earn a five-star overall rating and consistently top marks for health inspections, staffing and quality.

"This is a remarkable accomplishment and a true testimony to the quality and
value The Garlands skilled nursing program offers our residents in the event
they should ever need short-term rehabilitative or long-term care services,"
says Thomas S. Herb, President of Barrington Venture Holding Company LLC,
owners and managers of The Garlands.

Due to state licensing agreements, access to the highly rated skilled nursing program at Prairieview is limited to members who currently live within The Garlands CCRC as independent living or assisted living members. As such, the peace of mind that comes with having access to such top-notch care should it ever be needed is an added benefit for Garlands members and one to consider when looking into The Garlands lifestyle for yourself or a loved one.

The CMS Five-Star quality rating system helps consumers, their families and caregivers compare nursing homes more easily. The ranking system is important because skilled nursing programs vary in the quality of care and services they provide to their residents. Reviewing health inspection results, staffing data, and quality measure data are three important ways to measure nursing home quality. This information gives consumers a "snap shot" of the care individual nursing homes give.

For more information about the CMS ratings visit www.medicare.gov and select "nursing home compare."

Labels: active retirement community, Alzheimer's Care, Chicago assisted living, From the Executive Director

A new challenge, from the Lutheran Community, Arlington Heights, to compete playing eight-ball pocket billiards, home and away, was accepted. The new challenge reminded us of their first challenge a year ago. The Garlands had no team when the challenge arrived, but we accepted it at once. Our Director of Activities, Jill Lund, talked up the challenge and convinced eight of our braver men to volunteer for the battle. They practiced on occasion, but not seriously--maybe they were concentrating more on the bus ride and free lunch.

Excitement and optimism was high as the Garlands bus stopped at Lutheran Community. That's when our optimism was shaken because a dozen men greeted us, each wearing a green polo shirt with their team name printed on the front, and most of them carried their own private cue-stick in a dark leather case. These men were like professional billiard players not simple retirees. We lost five games to three there but then they came to the Garlands and destroyed us seven games to one. Later, the code expression W.C. (Who Cares) eased the temporary embarrassment of our team.

History has a way of repeating itself. This year we tried again and proudly went off to battle the Lutherans wearing our new colorful blue monogrammed game-shirts loaned to each Garlands player for the billiard tournament by our activities group. I couldn't tell whether our new flashy shirts impressed our opposition but I can tell you that their private cue sticks still bothered us because they looked so professional. They won at their home again, five games to three--we almost tied four games to four but scratched sinking the eight ball, an automatic loss.

Our active retirement community still doesn’t have an official team, but many of us actually practiced for the return match. Spirited and optimistic, our men could hardly wait for lunch to finish, in order to beat our friendly adversaries. We played 16 games, alas, they won 12 games to four. It was interesting to note that one of our two-man teams won three out of four games and that team practiced regularly. That must be the key--practice. Our billiard team has adopted the Chicago well-known sports lament--Wait 'till next year.

Labels: active retirement communities, active retirement community, active senior living, Chicago assisted living, Jack and Rita, senior retirement communities

Rita and I walked rapidly to the Performing Arts Center (PAC) at the Garlands carrying our scripts of the three-acts play, The Man Who Came to Dinner, written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart in the late 1930s. Garlands member George Flint, a retired surgeon and former owner and director of the Renaissance Theater in San Diego, CA. invited all members to try out for a part in his new play reading.

George aided by his wife, Vally, is the successful team now directing their third play reading for the Garlands. The members in the PAC, when we arrived, talked excitedly about the various characters in this lively comedy--each wondering which part they would get. Viewing the original movie a week earlier helped all to understand the play.

The full room now included members just watching how casting is done professionally. The talents and limitations of many members are well known to George because of prior performances; still all aspirants are welcomed equally. George, starting with the major roles, invites various members to read selected parts and then he encourages others, not selected, to try for any part--and many do.

The readings create much local humor and laughing caused by mistakes: mispronunciation, missing cues, reading someone else's lines... and more. It is great fun and camaraderie. George is very patient and understanding, but does stay on target guiding us to make real the script. After a day of guessing who gets which part, George will announce the chosen cast and rehearsals will begin.

The biased audience of members, relatives and town people will have an exciting time "Opening Night." Stay tuned for unbiased observations! :=)

Jack Roche

Labels: active retirement communities, active retirement community, active senior living, Chicago assisted living, Jack and Rita, senior retirement communities