If you've visited The Garlands lately, you're sure to have noticed all the activity surrounding construction of the second phase of our upscale retirement community--read all about it on the Phase II Construction Blog. As for this blog, I'll be keeping you up to date on the bevy of others exciting aspects of The Garlands. While we are all thrilled about the new buildings, we also have a fully developed and vibrant community that we're eager to share with you.

Labels: Chicago assisted living, chicago retirement community, chicago senior living, From the Executive Director, upscale retirement community

As one of the premiere active retirement communities in the country, it's no wonder that the overwhelming number of Garlands members are aging remarkably well. This is thanks impart (if I do say so myself!) to our highly personalized fitness program. A remarkable 75 percent of Garlands members actively participate in a regular fitness program! As their trainer, I try to tailor a plan to meet each individual resident's needs-something that caters to their likes, personalities and abilities.

We offer something for everyone-from Tai Chi, Body Flow, Body Pump, Walking club, pool aerobics and conditioning classes. Plus our cardio and weight equipment are top notch! This blog will detail all the fun exciting fitness activities going on at The Garlands.

I hope to see you back!

Labels: active retirement communities, active senior living, Chicago estate planning, chicago retirement community, Fitness and Activities

Join The Garlands Phase II Founders Club and enjoy the following benefits:

- 10% pre-opening savings
- An average $96K savings over opening day
- Discount more than compensates for most lowered home values
- Best locations/views
- Best selection

Plus take advantage of The Garlands complimentary "All the Right Moves" home staging and relocation services. Then relax and dream of living your best life at The Garlands.

To learn more about becoming a Founders Club member, call 847-304-1996.

Labels: active retirement communities, Chicago assisted living, Chicago independent living, chicago retirement community, Midwest retirement home, upscale retirement community, upscale senior living

Please forgive me for not writing, because friends should stay in touch, but this has been a wild time. As I get older any change in my routine turns me upside down, and this holiday season had me chasing my elusive tail.

We had things to wrap in noisy paper with ribbons all over the floor. And then there was a fake tree without any real outside smells. Even my play time and walks outside took a back seat to cookie baking, which I hadn't experienced in a long time; actually that wasn't too bad. As the chief floor cleaner-upper, I did a super job licking up all the sweet stuff that fell in my direction.

And of course the freezing nasty weather put me in a funk. The patio snow was so deep even my caregivers felt sorry for me when I reluctantly rang the outside bell. Oh, did I tell you that my caregivers hung a bell on our patio door? All I have to do is hit it with my paw and, boy, do they come fast. But there is one blessing; kudos to the Member Service Staff. They took pity on me and shoveled path after path for my daily "must dos." They are always ready and willing to help all of us. Aren't we lucky!

A cool piece of good news. Megan and Sarah Seibert, my Barrington relatives (also super buddies) have been promised a humongous gift, one like me, and the family search is on. Several shelters have been visited, paper work completed and recommendations checked. They even match the size and dog personality to the adoptive parents. It seems like the process is taking forever; but whatever, big, little, in-between like me, boy or girl, it will be loved. I'm so excited!!

Speaking of a loving family, I have a new friend at the Garlands, Jan Stojack. When we meet on my scooter rides, she is so happy to see me. A treat is always in her kind hand and praise plus oodles of petting are heaped on my furry coat. She also gives me the latest news about another mutual friend, Max Keller, Harry's dog. Then my outside walking companion, Bucky, has been back taking me out if weather permits. How lucky can one get!

Well guess I'd better sign off before this becomes a tome. Happy New Year! Love, P.D.

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

Garlands members enjoy a tour of enchanting Lake Geneva.


Dolores Gray, Delores Lobraico and Betty Catlin enjoy the view from the "Belle."


After a delicious lunch, Lois Haselwood, Florence Wysocki and Cookie Cook listen to the Captain's narration aboard the "Belle."


Members board the bus after a beautiful day.

Labels: chicago retirement community, Fitness and Activities, senior retirement communities, upscale retirement community, upscale senior living

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

By Jon Meacham

With her dramatization of Jon Meacham's widely acclaimed biography of Andrew Jackson, Barbara Rinella presents another astounding portrait of a great American, though our seventh President was a man of contradictions who certainly had his critics!

From very humble log cabin beginnings, a boy whose father died weeks before he was born and who would become an orphan by 14, Andrew Jackson rose to become the first common man to be elected President of the United States. He is said to have defined the modern presidency. What were the hardships that created this tough and fierce backwoodsman who truly earned the nickname, "Old Hickory?" Recognizing that life is never easy, Jackson stated simply, "I was born for a storm." How was his vision for the country formed by battles, disappointments, hardships, losses and victories?

What needs would engulf a person who hungered for family? Will his beautiful wife, Rachel, appear to enlighten us about their exciting love, their improper marriage, her feelings about a husband that is elevated to idolatry as the hero of the Battle of New Orleans and her heartbreaking--literally--treatment by the media? Perhaps it will be the very lovely, strong-willed Emily Donelson, Rachel's niece and wife of Jackson's nephew and ward, who will appear to tell of her aunt's romance and death, which would result in Emily's role as Jackson's White House hostess. Who will come forward to explain the scandal surrounding Margaret Eaton, wife of Jackson's Secretary of War, that brought the destruction of a Presidential Cabinet and ignited the gossip mills of Washington, D.C.?

There are many others who could comment on Jackson's actions and reactions. Native Americans certainly have an opinion on the President who fought for Indian removal, believing it to be necessary and practical. Friends who enjoyed the rewards of Jackson's "spoils system" would probably rave about the perks of patronage and political loyalty. Citizens of South Carolina, so upset by President Jackson's strong federal policies that they worried about losing states' rights, might voice thoughts of nullification and even secession. Will looking at Jackson's image on the $20 bring thoughts of his concerns about the Bank of the United States?

Turbulent times demanded strong leadership and daring decisions. Andrew Jackson, the man of the people, saw America as his family--a union, one and inseparable! He brought a lion's strength and roar! "He dominated the times, and the evidence of his strength and the aura of his authority led some to think of him as the 'Old Lion.' " Please, come meet the American Lion and his friends and family!

Barbara Rinella Luncheon and Dramatic Book Review
Friday, September 25, Doors open at Noon, Lunch at 12:30pm, Performance at 1:30pm, $28 Member Fee, $35 for Public

Labels: chicago retirement community, garlands blogger, retirement community, upscale retirement community

Houses are selling, at a faster rate than any time in the previous 8 years, according to a new report from the Commerce Department, which tracks an 11% rise in home sales through June 2009. Spurred on by bargain prices, great selections, and unprecedented tax incentives, economists are saying that the real estate market may be turning around.

Have you been waiting for a better market to sell your home in anticipation of moving to The Garlands? Well now may be the time. Be sure to take a close look at your local market, but in the meantime, check out this Daily Herald/ Associated Press article about June's housing rally.

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

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 Garlands Sequoia: upscale retirement living just got bigger and better! The Garlands limited edition, single story Sequoia features over 2,000 square feet of the highest quality and maintenance-free villa living...not to mention the service, surroundings and security that only The Garlands can provide.

Deluxe Master Suite

Room enough for the whole family tree, the Sequoia also features a gracious dining room... library/den/study...two-car garage... front porch and back deck...full basement...fireplace...and more!

Gourmet kitchen

Labels: Chicago independent living, chicago retirement community, From the Executive Director, Midwest retirement home, upscale retirement community

Do you have a fear of falling? Do you feel less steady than you used to? Many would say this is just a natural part of getting older, but there's a lot more to it than that.

You've probably heard of the "use it or lose it" principle in regards to health and fitness. It basically states that if you don't get enough physical activity, your heart, bones, and muscles will get weaker. This principle also applies to balance. If you don't regularly put your body in situations where it needs balance, your sense of balance will get worse. You are telling your brain and body, "Balance is not important to me." Your body will adapt to your lifestyle. The brain generally does not see any reason to keep certain capacities adept if those capacities are not being used very much.

After a certain age, many people start to move less and less. This usually happens after retirement. Take a minute and think about how much activity you get on a typical day compared to twenty years ago. Generally, as we get older, activities that involve a lot of movement (like sports, yard work, and playing with kids) are slowly replaced with activities that involve a lot of sitting (like reading, watching TV, playing cards, and going out to eat).

Here's the problem--movement requires balance, sitting does not. The activities you were doing when you were younger were not only keeping your heart, bones, and muscles strong--they were also keeping your balance in good shape. Over the years, as time spent moving decreased and time spent sitting increased, your sense of balance got less "exercise," which allowed it to deteriorate. Now here you are, years later, with a sense of balance that is a shadow of its former self.

The good news is that the "use it or lose it" principle is a two-way street. Everyone knows that you can train your heart and muscles to make them stronger. You can also train your balance as a part of active senior living lifestyle. Stay tuned for Part 2 in the series when we will examine a common ways to help with poor balance.

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

Labels: active senior living, better balance report, Chicago assisted living, chicago retirement community, Fitness and Activities, Midwest retirement home

The Card Players by Paul Cezanne

The Card Players

Thursday afternoons: two o'clock--sacred time for the men at this active retirement community. Usually, fourteen gather before two o'clock to draw for a seat at the different tables. The men chat; little gossip, lots of sports, hints of politics but many "Ifs"--if I'd only caught a club, if I'd held onto my ace, if I'd stayed-in--I'd a won. Maybe! Marvelously, poker focuses on improving short term memory. After every hand, we test each other by asking, who dealt? Six or seven at the table think about it. Eventually a player recalls, and the game goes on. Constant memory exercise.

Good card games have great characters playing. Let's mention some of them: Organizer is first to set up poker-chips for each player. $10 required to play and another $5 in case of a bad-luck day. Lose $15 and you're out. This happens. Chips: blue 50¢, red 25¢ and white 10¢. Small money, lots of fun. Creator's long chamber list of crazy 'Dealers Choice' games maintains our interest. Some players get in a rut dealing the same game over and over again, seldom playing other great games, especially from Creator's list

Avocateur thinks winning is just the luck-of-the-draw and talent is baloney. Studying the case proves talent wins over time. Impatient signals a good hand by asking others to bet quickly--he's never that attentive with a weak hand. Analyzer fingers his cards tenderly, peeks at them repeatedly, verifying their strength before betting and then cajoles all to play properly.

Betting patterns tell stories about players' hands. Dropper quits game after game waiting for good cards. When Dropper, raises or bets--look-out--he's loaded and will take your money. Cautious, on the other hand, is always figuring the odds of winning, like trying for a bridge grand slam. Cautious drops out of some games with a winning hand--his losses are treasured by all.

The subtleties of poker are often spoiled by players dropping out-of-turn because of a poor hand. Bluffer tries now and then to win by bluffing, but is foiled when Impatient throws his hand down, out-of-turn, forcing the weak player before him to call Bluffer just to keep him honest.

Avocateur now respects evidence showing there is more to winning at poker than luck alone. There are regrets that other remarkable players like North Star, (a natural card counter), Accountant, (alertly tracks bets and antes) and Seven (lucky number fan) sat at the second table. Names have been changed to protect the Bluffer. Sharing this active senior life is a special joy for all. Come join us Thursdays.

Jack Roche

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

Members gathered around the concierge desk at the reception center waiting to launch our journey to the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. We received our prepaid Orchestra tickets and invitation to have "Lunch with the Maestro." The Garlands bus arrived about 11 AM driven by one of the Member Services drivers who courteously placed a portable step at the bus door to make it easier for everyone to enter.

Seventeen of us chose seats randomly with spouses or friends. Our driver loudly welcomed seventeen and promised to return seventeen. The early departure time assured the on-time arrival for lunch and the anticipated comments by the Music Director, Robert Hanson, about the scheduled composers.

Off we went on schedule for the forty minutes drive to Elgin. Quick 'how are you' and 'hellos' attuned all for the ride. We settled into our own conversations about family, friends and the performance. Many good comments about the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and its Conductor Robert Hanson could be heard.

The bus pulled in front of the Heritage Ballroom in downtown Elgin, just across from Hemmens Theatre, where our lunch and lecture would be held. A friendly docent led us to a large bright hall with round tables each seating ten. We chose a table close to the front in order to hear the lecture better. Lunch was served promptly, and during desert Music Director and Conductor Hanson talked about the two great composers featured: Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. He related stories about their lives and contrasted their philosophies and composing techniques. His talk was well received.

Most of the Garlands member seats were in row L center, just about perfect. A few of our members had seats in front of us, but the group was together. Musicians arrived, tuned their instruments and arranged their scores for the performance. The Conductor entered quietly to much applause, bowed politely and started the concert: a Tchaikovsky Concerto and a Shostakovich Symphony. Two hours of great music made wondrous our Friday afternoon.

The waiting Member Services driver helped seventeen back to their seats, counting a second time to be sure no one was left behind. Then, we departed for Barrington. All were pleased with the trip, the lunch and lecture, and above all, the quality performance by the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. Our members continued the discourse about the talents of the composers--Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Back to our upscale retirement community just after four, and pleased with our day--nap-time beckoned.

Labels: active retirement communities, chicago retirement community, Jack and Rita, Midwest retirement home, upscale retirement community

Economic uncertainty has left many retirees feeling less secure about their nest eggs. However, most agree that with careful retirement planning, financial security can be attained and maintained. Now is the perfect time to consider an option that pays dividends--The Garlands lifestyle.

Peace of Mind Regardless of The Economy

When so much in the world is uncertain, it is comforting to know that at The Garlands you are part of an active retirement community that offers a fixed rate of return on your investment and a clear and convenient care path in the event of future health care needs. Garlands residents enjoy a consistent return on their upfront investment and predictable costs regardless of the economy. They also appreciate the peace of mind they experience knowing they have access to assisted living and skilled care right on campus should they ever need it.

Assurance in Uncertain Times

Plus, at a time when proceeds from the sale of a home are the primary capital one would use to move to a retirement community, we can help. The Garlands lets you secure your future in one of the few remaining Phase I Garlands residences today while at the same time offering the flexibility you need to secure a buyer for your current home. You can actually move into The Garlands now and extend your entrance fee payments for up to two years while you sell your home. During this time you can establish equity toward your Garlands investment. In addition to this low-risk convenience, we also recognize that preparing for a move of this magnitude takes a significant effort. We can make your life easier. From selling your home, to helping you decide what stays and what goes, to packing...The Garlands will support you every step of the way.

Long-Term Stability

The Garlands lifestyle offers long-term stability and pays the additional dividends of maintenance-free living, reliable personalized service, engaging social and educational pursuits, convenient dining programs, delightful amenities and access to health care support as needed. While we remain sensitive and mindful of our country's financial concerns, we encourage you to maintain a long-term view. Resist putting your retirement living plans on hold...rather, secure your future at The Garlands.

Labels: active retirement communities, active senior living, Chicago estate planning, chicago retirement community, Phase II

In addition to our exciting Phase II construction, Prairieview's memory care program, which typically receives very little public attention, is also growing. What is most important to note about this program is that our members--particularly their caring families--are quite pleased with our specialized memory care services. In fact, The Carroll family, a lovely family of six kids from the northwest suburbs, recently shared their family's story with us as testimony to our program. As Frances, the eldest daughter says,

"Our mother taught all of her kids the fine art of caring. With the help of the people at Prairieview, we are honoring her legacy."

As you read through their family's experience with Alzheimer's Disease, their rationale for choosing Prairieview for assisted living needs and their experiences with the program, we think that, like us, you will be very pleased with the services we offer families who are on this very difficult journey.

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

Early on, our crew made the decision to use metal stud partitions that are prefabricated off site. Why? First and foremost, the panels arrive in nearly perfect condition. Producing precisely sized, beautifully square panels like these is very difficult on a work-site, and the time spent reworking them into shape is time we'd rather spend on the building itself. The panels are fabricated on an assembly line in Alpharetta, Georgia that has been designed specifically for our application and then shipped to our site here in Barrington, Illinois. This decision has saved us money and time, allowing us to maintain the brisk construction schedule for this grand addition to our upscale retirement community.

Labels: Chicago assisted living, chicago retirement community, chicago senior living, Phase II, upscale retirement community

Despite the constant barrage of cold weather, construction of the "Phase II" addition to our upscale retirement community continues to progress right on schedule. The crew is currently assembling the superstructure of the new building, which consists of load bearing wall panels, structural steel beams, metal decking and the pouring of concrete floor slabs. Construction on the west wing has began with the framing of the 1st floor, while the central section has now sprouted a 2nd floor, and work on the eastern wing is now all the way up on the 4th floor. We plan to begin putting up roof trusses and installing roof materials in the spring.

With many lower levels now enclosed, construction has sped up considerably--who doesn't like working indoors on days like these? Our tradesmen have completed over half of the suspended plumbing, electrical, and fire protection piping. The large intake/exhaust fans and their related runs of ductwork are now up. The installation of the electrical vault for the new power system is scheduled to begin next week--a critical milestone for all construction projects.

Labels: active senior living, Chicago assisted living, chicago retirement community, chicago senior living, Phase II, upscale retirement community

I enjoy the walk from my apartment to the other buildings and activity sites of our upscale retirement community: Resource Center, Surround Sound Theater, Performing Arts center, Fitness Center, the bank and gift shop etc. The pleasurable beauty of the Prairie style architecture, and the cool ceiling and door lighting fixtures are never tiring.

I marvel at the information freely given by my neighbors at each door I pass. I use the name plaques to reinforce my memory and visualize those I know. For those I have not yet met, I embed the name in my mind, until I meet that neighbor.

But, my favorite pleasure is stopping to closely look at the Little Shelves outside most doors. Take a look yourself and discover some of the special interests of your neighbor. The Little Shelves reveal a lot. I gaze at shelf photos of members and family--many grandchildren. Some photos of good times, long past, and good times just lived. How nice they look, then, now and during the passage of time.

Squeezed onto these Little Shelves are flowers, real & artificial, highlighting the seasons or special meanings. Many arrangements, carefully designed, are beautiful. One will never go hungry during a stroll around our buildings because members offer a variety of sweets to those passing by: chocolates and hard candy. Like the flowers, the types of candy differ at Easter, Halloween & Christmas.

The souvenirs, on the little shelves, hint at the travels taken or at some special love of the decorator. There are sculptured birds and grand elephants from India. Dolls displayed for beauty or as a reminder, to oneself, of a reassuring security needed long ago.

Yes! There are stories on the Little Shelves, interesting stories worth knowing about. Ask your neighbor tomorrow about their memories resting quietly on their Little Shelves.

Labels: active retirement communities, active senior living, Chicago estate planning, chicago retirement community, Jack and Rita, upscale retirement community

The men of our upscale retirement community quickly embraced the fitness course set up by our trainer, Sandra Sieber. This New Year they promised themselves to stay in condition during 2009. They flexed their muscles and then followed Sandra as she gently guided them through a systematic exercise of the body.

They raised and lowered legs, bent their ankles and toes, then stretched the knees and thighs, carefully working all their muscles up to and including shoulders and necks--nothing omitted. (The Dry Bones song came to mind: the foot bones connected to the ankle bone...)

Sandra had the men do squats using chair support, if needed. Personal assistance by her helped members occasionally, but generally not required because the careful flexing of body avoided any macho activity. After class, some men used the modern exercise equipment to pursue a circuit: working one machine after the other. Sandra evaluates individual physical needs and limitations and suggests which machines to work and how to operate each safely.

Peeking into the ladies "Cane Do" class led by Jill Lund, Director of Activities the women wore black Top hats, carried a cane and danced to Broadway music. Several Ginger Rogers types in the group kept the action lively. The exercise was fun and not too strenuous. The women talked, more than the men did, about the New Year and resolutions. Their goals--weight loss, tightening of certain muscles, more use of exercise equipment and dieting.

Some ladies at the fitness center follow their own plan. The treadmill, with TV screen and earphone sound, is a favorite. The Power Plate, a vibrating platform, is a well used innovation to alleviate muscle problems.

Members say they feel better after exercise and they look better--active senior living at its finest. The group camaraderie encourages members to participate regularly. And, Sandra is there to help each member improve. Come join a class!

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

As one of the premiere active retirement communities in the country, The Garlands has a first rate theater. And now, the wait is over! Director George Flint named the full cast for the play reading of the three-acts play, The Man Who Came to Dinner, written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. Just as on Broadway, many actors and actresses were excited with their parts, while others were disappointed having personally visualized a different choice role. Some did not win a desired spot in the play reading.

George, a former Owner/Director of the Renaissance Theater, San Diego, CA commented to the aspirants at the casting session about the acting profession. Paraphrasing George--one learns quickly the exhilaration and despair of the Theater. Joy comes easily when winning a part, while rejection hurts. It is the way of life in the Theater that must be managed.

The movie, released on New Years Day 1942, starred Monty Woolley, Bette Davis, Ann Sheridan and Jimmy Durante among others. Here is the list of our Thespians selected by George.

Congratulations to all!

Sheridan Whiteside....................Dick Matre
Mr. Stanley.................................Jack Roche
Mrs. Stanley...............................Mary Betz
June Stanley...............................Esther Marshall
Richard Stanley..........................Carl Peterson
John............................................Don Reed
Sarah...........................................Cary Loomis
Miss Preen..................................Carol Holmes
Mrs. Dexter/Mrs. McCutcheon..Betty Guthrie (Both parts)
Maggie.........................................Rita Roche
Bert Jefferson..............................Chuck Allison
Lorraine.......................................Janet Hansen
Dr. Bradley..................................Len Wickland
Harriet.........................................Marilu Matre
Banjo............................................Ron Silver
Beverly Carlton............................George Flint
Westcott.......................................Connie Porth
Expressman.................................Dave Guthrie

Rehearsals will be after winter vacation in March and April.
Opening Night: 7:15 PM Wednesday, April 22, 2009 in the Performing Arts Center.

Break a Leg!

Jack Roche

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

November 11th, Veterans Day, Jill Lund, our activities director, gathered veterans and members together for cake and coffee at the café where we talked about the Greatest Generation and then Jill read a moving tribute to our veterans. Many members joined the celebration reliving personal war stories. The lively and fun time pleased everybody.

Others present at the gathering, belonged to The Greatest Generation through deceased spouses. A widow told of the honor her husband, seaman first class, received when his wish to be buried at sea was fulfilled. He sailed during World War II in the United States Navy and earned medals testifying to duty: Asia-Pacific Campaign, World War II, American Campaign and Occupation Services.

His Urn carefully placed aboard the USS McInerney, a Frigate, for commitment to the sea, sailed from Florida to Maine. Far from land, the Commander slowed the vessel in calm wind and seas, and displayed the colors at half mast. All officers and crew participating wore white dress uniforms to share in the Navy tradition of burying their heroes at sea.

Two officers and a chaplain led the solemn ceremony with dignity and respect. The urn was carried aft, and then the Commanding officer of the vessel ordered the remains committed to the sea and wind. Seven crew members formed the firing squad and shot three rounds saluting the deceased, and then taps sounded mournfully--that day was done.

Later, a package arrived containing his folded American flag, seven spent saluting cartridges, a navigation chart indicating the latitude and longitude of burial, and most cherished--a videotape of the ceremony.

Longitude 40° 01.8' N and latitude 69° 42.7' W will forever mark the location in the great North Atlantic Ocean where our member's husband, an American sailor, was committed to the sea.

Jack Roche

Labels: chicago retirement community, chicago senior living, Jack and Rita, senior living, the garlands, Veterns

Things are happening fast with Phase II construction at The Garlands Chicago retirement community. The footings are now in place for the exit stairwells, and we've begun framing out the walls for the stairwells. We're also "going vertical" with our elevator shaft. In order for the elevator to go up 4 stories, it also has to go down an equivalent distance--that's a lot of digging! The elevator footings for the three elevator banks are now in place, and the pistons are being installed.

Labels: active retirement communities, chicago retirement community, chicago senior living, Phase II, senior retirement communities

The most significant development lately has been the pouring of the first floor in the underground parking garage. Heated, underground parking is a benefit that members of The Garlands really enjoy--each residence comes complete with a designated parking place, just one of a million conveniences that make up The Garlands lifestyle, and what we feel is a part of upscale senior living. Meanwhile, site utilities for storm and sanitary lines, main electrical feed and being installed in the coming weeks.

Labels: Alzheimer's Care, chicago retirement community, Midwest retirement home, Phase II, upscale retirement community, upscale senior living

The Garlands far exceeds other senior retirement communities we visited, with the exception of one community out East. In our minds, The Garlands architecture and common area furnishings offered more of a "resort-style" living vs. the "institutional-look" we found elsewhere. Many of the other communities we visited had six or seven floors and looked more like hotels. They were, frankly, boring.

We also favored The Garlands' choice of restaurants with the flexible seating arrangements and longer eating hours because it gave us the independence to choose when, where and with whom to dine.

Of final importance for Rita were the large windows that brightened The Garlands' spacious apartments in sunshine and rain.

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

Kenneth E. Hurd, the renowned interior designer whose work includes the historic renovation of New York's Waldorf-Astoria and who created the interior design of the Garlands first phase will return for a Phase II Garlands engagement.

With Ken's leadership and vision, our goal is to create the same level of quality, finish and feel people have come to expect of The Garlands. We constantly receive compliments for the casual elegance of our interior design. As one of the preeminent active retirement communities in the country, we feel a responsibility to such high standards, and we're thrilled to have Ken back on board to help!

Labels: active retirement communities, active senior living, Alzheimer's Care, Chicago estate planning, chicago retirement community, Phase II