The Garlands of Barrington

Welcome to The Phase II Construction Blog!

2020-08-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

For years The Garlands has been known as of the premiere senior retirement communities in the country, a place that truly redefined what active senior living could be. And now we're doing it all over again!

Building on the success that The Garlands and its members have enjoyed, our new Phase II construction aims to provide nothing less then the finest senior living community in the country.

I'll be updating this blog with news of our construction progress, so check back here to watch us grow!

Tom Herb

Welcome to Jack and Rita's Blog!

2020-08-21T14:23:00.000-07:00

We moved from Philadelphia just over a year ago. My wife, Rita and I want to share some experiences of active senior living at The Garlands. It has truly exceeded both of our expectations! We'll be blogging periodically, so stop by often for updates.

Jack Roche

Welcome To My Blog!

2020-08-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

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.

You've Found The Fitness and Activities Blog!

2020-08-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

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!

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2010-06-03T10:26:00.001-07:00

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2010-05-04T09:10:00.001-07:00

Garlands Members Share Testimonials About Our Fitness Program

2010-04-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

Many members are telling me about the changes they see since beginning an exercise program in The Garlands fitness center. I thought it might be fun to share with you what they have to say. Here are just a few of the comments I have received:

"My pants are looser."
"I've had to buy new shirts because the old ones don't fit anymore--I've lost so much weight."
"My doctor was able to take me off of my sugar medication."
"My back feels better."
"I no longer sway from side to side when I walk."
"It makes me feel better mentally."
"My legs feel looser and more relaxed."
"My knees don't bother me when I'm exercising."
"I just feel better overall."

What is really exciting is that these people are not spending long amounts of time exercising. They are simply taking a 30-minute resistance or strength training exercise class two or three times a week in addition to using the NuStep on a regular basis.

The NuStep is a very gentle yet effective piece of aerobic equipment that is fun and easy to use. Many members report how their balance has improved by using the NuStep. I highly recommend it! It's gentle on the knees and gives a cardiovascular workout for the heart while strengthening the arms and legs a bit too.

However, while the NuStep is great for aerobic exercise, it's still necessary to use strength training equipment or bands and balls and do an additional 10-20 minutes resistance training routine to maintain muscle mass and bone density. I am here to help you design and learn your own personalized workout program. So while working on the NuStep is a great start to exercising, ideally we'd like to add in resistance training as well.

Q & A with The Garlands Personal Trainer

2010-04-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

Q: Will I bulk up and develop big muscles that I do not want if I start lifting weights?

A: The answer is no. If you use light weights and high repetition this will not happen. Furthermore, women in particular are not genetically designed to build up big muscles. What you will do is firm and tone muscles, prevent atrophy and decrease risk of osteoporosis.

I also think that taking classes is a great way to build strength, stretch and improve balance.

Phase II Founders Club

2010-03-09T10:48:00.000-08:00

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.

Short Trips From The Garlands

2010-02-26T13:33:00.000-08:00

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.

Weekend in New York City with The Garlands

2010-02-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

Join Jill Lund from The Garlands and Linda Avellon from BACOA for a special theatre weekend in New York City.

Group package includes:
- Roundtrip airfare from Chicago
- Private motor coach transfers
- 3 nights accommodations at the Michaelangelo Hotel
- 2 Broadway theatre performances
- Half-day sightseeing tour of New York
- Daily continental breakfasts, 1 brunch, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- The Garlands and BACOA escorts

To reserve your space contact: Gwen Coles at 847-519-4819 or email her at gwenc@travelexonline.com

For more info on the trip - click here

EXCUSES, EXCUSES, EXCUSES

2010-02-03T13:37:00.000-08:00

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.

Here We GROW Again: Phase II Exterior Nears Completion

2010-02-03T12:53:00.000-08:00

If you've been keeping an eye on the construction project in our backyard, you've seen that the exterior--with the exception of gutters and balconies--is complete. Now that the majority of the exterior envelope as well as the roof assembly, mechanicals, electrical and plumbing rough--in is finished, work on the interior is proceeding right on schedule, including drywall taping and sanding, ceramic tiling and painting.

As you may recall, the building is divided into six vertical sections containing four floors of various-sized units. The first vertical section, at the east end of the building, will be complete in approximately 60 days. Moving east to west, the remaining five vertical sections will be carefully choreographed so work will proceed efficiently floor-by-floor within the subsequent vertical stacks. When blocks of units are completed, a rigorous punch-list process will ensure that the new residences meet the highest standards expected at The Garlands. Meanwhile, since they do not align with the units on the floors below, separate dedicated work crews will be assigned to the 16 penthouse suites. The penthouses have numerous atypical construction conditions related to the sloped roof trusses that create the opportunity for aesthetically striking ceiling conditions within many of the units.

Short Walks from The Garlands

2009-12-23T13:18:00.000-08:00

"How many books do you have to return to the Barrington Library," I asked my wife, Rita
"Five or six."
"Why drive? Let's walk there, it's a beautiful day. I'll help you carry them."

The path starts at the Garlands, rises over a small hill and ends at the library, sign says one seventh of a mile.

"That was easy, the hill was no bother," Rita said.
"You're right. What is that construction going on just beyond the trees?" I asked.
"That's the new hospice center. It's due to open next year."
"I like the idea that they're in our back yard," I replied. "They're a great organization and the building fund is still going on."
"What a splendid day," She said. "Let's walk over the Garlands Bridge to Citizen's Park and check out the tree house, slides and picnic tables. You know the grand children love to play there."
"Great idea, Dear"

One couple played tennis as we passed the courts. The incline to the tree house was busy with families. A group of eight spread out a summer picnic meal on the table at the tree house platform. They talked and laughed loudly.

Rita said, "Jack it's a perfect day to walk through Cuba Marsh. We can go out a half mile using the boardwalks and return."
"Another good idea. Let's do it!"

We enjoyed our walk. The Cuba marsh is extensive and primordial. The birds make nearly all the sounds, but others, especially frogs contribute. The walk starts at a boardwalk over a small part of the marsh ending at a gravel path that leads shortly to the main long boardwalk. We followed that for our half-mile trek.

"We had a good time today. How about walking over to Langendorf Park tomorrow and have a picnic near the great public swimming pool?" I asked.

"Two miles is not far to walk, but the traffic is heavy at the crossing corner. I prefer driving especially because we'll have food and blankets."

Location, location, location. That's part of what we have here at our Active Senior Living community.

Jack Roche

Phase II Update--November '09

2009-12-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

Phase II of The Garlands is making great strides; our latest progress being in Building D, the superstructure of which was completed on schedule in August 2009. And a model unit--showcasing the luxurious living offered by our new residences--is finished and ready for visitors. We hope you can stop by and take a look!

Other progress you'll notice on your visit:

Roof trusses for this project are quite complicated and have been described by many as a most challenging geometric design. But the challenge has been met and these trusses are nearly complete at the west end of the building with the final roofing scheduled for completion by Thanksgiving.

With the completion of the roof trusses, the huge crane seen looming over our site has recently been dismantled and removed as its work is done.

The installation of the trusses and roofing enables the work on the exterior walls to progress. The exterior masonry is now 85% complete with the anticipated completion of all exterior wall masonry is mid November.

The Garlands goes green:

Insulation board is being installed behind the masonry, and when combined with the fiberglass insulation within the walls, we'll get exceptional energy efficiency in the residential units. In addition, the exterior Tyvek wrap system has been designed and installed per DuPont's standards to include special fasteners and flashing around the windows, all done to provide excellent protection against water intrusion through the exterior wall. All told, these will be extremely well made and efficient residences, which are easy on the heating/ cooling bills, as well as friendly to mother nature.

The east half of the building is already weather-tight, allowing the interior to be finished. The mechanical, electrical, HVAC and plumbing tradesmen have already completed their rough-in work in the east half of the building. In this location, drywall is being installed as well as ceramic tile, wood doors, millwork, cabinets, painting and appliances.

The residential units at the east end of the building will start to approach completion by this year's end. This completion sequence will march west through the building throughout the winter months.

At ground level, the building will begin to take it's final form during late Summer of 2010 when driveways will be paved, landscaping installed and construction trailers removed.

The current schedule targets building completion by October 2010--less than one year away!

The Garlands Academy Award Show

2009-11-19T13:12:00.000-08:00

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

P.D.'s Gripe

2009-11-18T13:04:00.000-08:00

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

Lasting Love, An Observation

2009-10-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

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.

Anchors Aweigh!

2009-10-05T06:38:00.000-07:00

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.

Survey Says...

2009-10-05T06:33:00.000-07:00

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."

Exotic Images Brought Home to The Garlands

2009-10-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

"Images from Tibet" features the photography of Brian Ziegler, son of Garlands' member, Gregg Ziegler. For over ten years now Brian has pursued an avocation of photography from his international travels. This exhibit presents works from his trip to Tibet in the fall of 1999. Each image was captured on color negative film, transferred into digital format by scanning, and then printed onto canvas with an inkjet plotter. Join Brian on September 9 to discuss his travels through the lens. "Images of Tibet" Art Reception with pictures.

Right to Left: JoAnn, Gregg, Brain & Lyra (Brian's Daughter) Ziegler.

P.D. Strikes It Rich!

2009-10-02T13:07:00.000-07:00

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!

My Left Paw Meltdown

2009-10-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

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.

Prairieview Ranked Among "America's Best" by US News & World Report

2009-09-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

Prairieview at The Garlands skilled nursing program is one of three in the state and 41 in the country to receive a five-star rating and, subsequently, recognition from US News and World Report as one of "America's Best Nursing Homes" in 2009.

To help consumers find the best choice from among the nation's more than 15,000 nursing homes, US News and World Report ranks nursing homes on a quarterly basis and places the best on its Honor Roll. Prairieview at The Garlands skilled nursing program merited Honor Roll status for 2nd quarter 2009, which means Prairieview achieved a perfect five-star rating from the federal government's Center for Medicare Services (CMS) in each of its three yardsticks: health inspections, nurse staffing and quality measures of individual care.

"To be ranked in the top 41 of 15,000 skilled nursing programs in the nation is a remarkable accomplishment and a true testimony to the quality and value The Garlands offers our residents in the event they should ever need short-term rehabilitative or long-term care," said Thomas S. Herb, President and Chief Executive Officer of Barrington Venture Holding Company LLC, local owners and operators of The Garlands.

Prairieview at The Garlands offers around-the-clock assisted living and skilled nursing services within the context of the Garlands of Barrington, a premier Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) located at 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington, IL. 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 need is an added benefit that is offered exclusively to Garlands members and one to consider when looking into The Garlands lifestyle for yourself or a loved one.

US News and World Report's "America's Best Nursing Home Honor Roll" and the CMS Five-Star quality rating system help consumers, their families and caregivers easily compare nursing homes. 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 US News's Honor Roll visit usnews.com or for information about the CMS ratings visit medicare.gov and select "nursing home compare." For information about The Garlands, please call 847-304-1996 and continue browsing this site.

Gourmet at The Garlands

2009-09-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

Hans and Istvan, The Garlands Gourmets.

"Gourmet food at a retirement community? You gotta be kiddin'!" said my wife, Rita.

"No. I'm not!" I replied. "Istvan Abdai, Director of Food and Beverage, and Hans Ladwein, Executive Chef, have joined culinary forces to create a gourmet night at the Roycroft, our upscale restaurant."

And so off we went . . .

Hans has a reassuring German accent that lends authority to his role as master chef. Istvan prides himself on having studied and mastered the subtle art of matching wine to cuisine, and he describes it in a distinctive Dutch tone, adding to the mystery of the wine.

The Chef's Table was where twenty gathered at the Roycroft about five thirty to begin a gourmet treat. Standing, the members mingled enjoying white and red wines, hors d'oeuvres and excited conversation--an appropriate beginning to the long-awaited evening.

A grand u-shape of tables with white table cloths, scattered flowers, assorted wine glasses and fancy silver cutlery set the mood for "Gourmet." The open end of the u directed us to Hans and Istvan who carefully and knowledgeably prepared us for the meal.

Hans and Istvan detailed the excellence to come: Chilled Swiss Cucumber Soup with a white Riesling Kabinett 2006 from Hirschbach und Sohne— introduced the high level of dining. Then a medley of spring greens, tossed tableside with cider vinegar, olive oil, honey poupon and walnuts. All nursed with a Camelot Chardonnay 2007. Pan-seared Diver scallops (hand picked deep in the ocean) placed over black cappelini in truffle oil and lemon-basil beurre blanc (a rich hot butter sauce with a white wine reduction) announced Hans' five-star ability. Istvan's kept this great food tied-in to the Camelot Chardonnay 2007.

We stopped for an amuse-bouche: a Blood Orange Sorbet, to refresh our
palettes before the main course.

The Marsala glazed lollipop veal chop was set on braised baby leaks. Roasted mushroom potatoes, tomato Florentine and shitake caps blended well with the veal as did the Estancia Central Coast Merlot 2007.

Great restaurants in our "Upscale Senior Living" retirement community demand a great finish to a great meal. Hans hit it on the nose with Cappuccino mousse and chocolate ganache on pomegranate coulis with chocolate and berry garnish.

As we left fully satisfied, I asked, "Are you a convert to exquisite dining here at the Roycroft?"

"I've been converted!" Rita replied, "Can't wait until Hans and Istvan have another 'Gourmet Delight."