Artwork from the glass girl cover

Dorothy Winsor Publishes Her 5th Novel – Glass Girl

Blog, Dorothy Winsor, Members

At age 72, Dorothy Winsor moved to The Garlands and took up a second career as a young adult fiction author. To date, she has published six books, including her most recent young adult novel, Glass Girl.

Dorothy’s advice to others who are considering pursuing new dreams in retirement is:

“Don’t doubt yourself! Be brave enough to try new things no matter what your age.”

Glass Girl is (unsurprisingly) about a girl who makes glass . . . but that’s not all! Continue Reading Dorothy Winsor Publishes Her 5th Novel – Glass Girl

Michelle Murphy

ASK THE EXPERT: Michelle Murphy answers questions about moving to The Garlands

Blog

Michelle Murphy, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Garlands of Barrington, knows a thing or two about senior living. And, after dedicating the majority of her career to it, she also understands her clientele.

Our blogger spent a few minutes asking some of the most poignant questions older adults wonder about when they are considering making a move to The Garlands. Here’s what Michelle had to say. Continue Reading ASK THE EXPERT: Michelle Murphy answers questions about moving to The Garlands

Galleria

The Galleria at The Garlands – Coming Soon!

Blog

“The core characteristics of the Arts and Crafts movement are a belief in craftsmanship that stresses the inherent beauty of the material, the importance of nature as inspiration, and the value of simplicity, utility, and beauty.”  “How We Might Live: The Vision of William Morris,” Hornblake Library Exhibit, University of Maryland Garlands guests are consistently… Continue Reading The Galleria at The Garlands – Coming Soon!

You-niquely YOU. Uniquely DeDe

Blog, Members

Long-time Barrington resident, fashion model, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, DeDe Zwilling is uniquely Barrington. It’s only fitting that her home at The Garlands would be uniquely DeDe.  A self-professed 20-year Garlands “tire-kicker,” DeDe and her late husband had their eyes on The Garlands since the pre-construction phase. “I’ve always admired The Garlands beautiful campus and upscale,… Continue Reading You-niquely YOU. Uniquely DeDe

Karen Robinson Jumping into water

Meet Karen Robinson

Blog, Members

It’s just another day in the eclectic life of Garlands member Karen Robinson Fresh off a Lindblad National Geographic snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle-boarding trip to Belize and Guatemala, Karen Robinson proceeded to entertain an audience of 60 friends and neighbors in a Valentine’s Day-themed musical cabaret.  Next, she created a faux iPad out of cardboard and… Continue Reading Meet Karen Robinson

It's a FOUR-PEAT Best Nursing Home US News

It’s a U.S. News and World Report Four-Peat!

Blog

For the fourth year in a row, Prairieview at The Garlands has earned the U.S. News 2022-2023 Best Nursing Homes distinction.   This year Prairieview is among the elite 16% of skilled nursing centers that earned a “High Performing” rating, the highest possible achievement. This rating evaluates the quality of post-acute care for patients recovering from a… Continue Reading It’s a U.S. News and World Report Four-Peat!

STaff member and resident toasting to 20 years

A Celebration of the Past and Toast to the Future

20th Emerald Anniversary, Blog

As The Garlands 20th Anniversary year comes to a close with an epic, Speakeasy-themed celebration (complete with some period costumes and props!), we are reminded of how grateful we are for the opportunity to serve and how excited we are about the future. Looking forward to the next 20 years, The Garlands will continue to… Continue Reading A Celebration of the Past and Toast to the Future

Sarah Parker assists a new member while he unpacks.

Moving Made Easy

Blog

After helping seniors plan their moves for over 20 years, Sarah Parker, Move-in Coordinator at The Garlands, says that “a little professional advice and the appropriate resources can make a big difference in not only selling a home but making the entire process a smooth one.” The Garlands partners with Moving Station, a relocation management… Continue Reading Moving Made Easy

Rosalina

A Career of Caring – Meet Rosalina “Rose”

20th Emerald Anniversary, Blog

The Garlands hires kind, outgoing, and caring personalities, trains for service, and treats their team members as a part of the family. As such, some of The Garlands first dedicated team members remain proud to serve Garlands members today. Rosalina “Rose” Villarama, Prairieview at The Garlands Rose Villarama began caring for residents during the 3rd… Continue Reading A Career of Caring – Meet Rosalina “Rose”

marcy ad snoopy

Good Grief! The Garlands Welcomes its Newest Members . . . Marcie and Woodstock

20th Emerald Anniversary, Blog, Members

Who living at The Garlands doesn’t remember the beloved Peanuts Gang? Created by Charles M. Schulz, the meek, anxious, and innocent Charlie Brown was not the smart kid or the popular one. He was just an average kid who entertained us every Sunday from 1952 to 2000 in the funny papers. As Charlie Brown, his… Continue Reading Good Grief! The Garlands Welcomes its Newest Members . . . Marcie and Woodstock

Marilyn as teacher

School in Now in Session

20th Emerald Anniversary, Blog, Members

Garlands Member Marilyn Helberg skipped the second grade—not as a student, but as an elementary school teacher who taught Kindergarten, first, third, fourth and fifth grades. She also wrote district curriculum and served as principal for ten years. “I loved working in education,” says Marilyn. “Every day was challenging and fun.” Marilyn’s love of learning,… Continue Reading School in Now in Session

Joan at Journey Care

The Garlands Gives Back – Meet Garlands Member Joan King

20th Emerald Anniversary, Blog, Members

Many Garlands members find new purpose as they pursue post-retirement passions on a volunteer basis. Meet some of the Garlands members for whom “giving back” and “paying it forward” are a big part of their inspired and engaging Garlands lifestyle. Meet Garlands Member Joan King When it came time to consider a retirement community, Joan… Continue Reading The Garlands Gives Back – Meet Garlands Member Joan King

Lee Heckmeck with her cat and donation can

The Garlands Gives Back – Meet Garlands Member Lee Heckmeck

20th Emerald Anniversary, Blog, Members

Many Garlands members find new purpose as they pursue post-retirement passions on a volunteer basis. Meet some of the Garlands members for whom “giving back” and “paying it forward” are a big part of their inspired and engaging Garlands lifestyle. Meet Garlands Member Lee Heckmeck When Lee Heckmeck, a retired UPS customer service representative, moved to… Continue Reading The Garlands Gives Back – Meet Garlands Member Lee Heckmeck