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

Throughout my years as Executive Director at The Garlands, I've enjoyed many conversations with our members. And given the inquisitive nature of our members, I've fielded my share of questions as well. It's very important to me to be available and interactive with our community, because 1) I enjoy it, and 2) that's where I get the best feedback on how to maintain The Garlands high standards and lifestyle.

In addition to impromptu talks, we've set up regular Q&A sessions to discuss dining and activities. In addition to these Q&As on general topics, we look for feedback in our suggestion box, survey members annually and ask for their input/act on their suggestions and host monthly chats with the executive director as well as regular "state of the union" member meetings. Community and lifestyle are what's most important to us at The Garlands, and nobody knows how we're doing better than our members who live it everyday. That's why I like to say, "when you're a member here, you've always got my ear!"

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

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

Well, they've done it again. The Garlands Walking Club, which has already walked to Wisconsin and then Paris, has since accumulated enough exercise miles to virtually walk all the way to Las Vegas.

Take a look at how these walkers and our active retirement community unwinds after a job well done! Obviously a casino party to celebrate their success was in order!

Everyone had a great time--and, remember, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!

Ray Mietz throws the dice during a game of craps with Bill Youngberg as "the dealer."

Wellness Nurse, Paula Irving deals cards for a game of Blackjack.

Fitness Trainer, Sandra Sieber spins the Roulette wheel at the Casino party in the Cafe.

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