Two members using CyberCycles

New Virtual Reality Bike (CyberCycle) Comes to The Garlands

Blog

NEW Virtual Reality Bike Exercises Body, Mind and Competitive Spirit for Garlands Members By Dr. Sandra Sieber We all know that exercising is beneficial. However, thinking and engaging the brain during exercise boosts Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which substantially encourages brain growth. That’s exactly what the Garlands newest piece of “exergaming” equipment delivers! The interactive… Continue Reading New Virtual Reality Bike (CyberCycle) Comes to The Garlands

John and Barbara dancing

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas . . . at The Garlands

Blog, Holiday

Special thanks to Garlands Play Readers, John and Barbara Seaman, Garlands Grandchildren of John and Jackie Matecki and all our Winter Wonderland guests for lending their time and talent to The 2019 Garlands Holiday video.     Set to the following “Garlands-ized” adaptation of The Night Before Christmas, ​the holiday greeting captures the magic of the holidays… Continue Reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas . . . at The Garlands

Nancy K. Wilson

Art Exhibit Features Celebrated Work of Artist and Garlands Member Nancy K. Wilson

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The artwork of lifelong artist and Garlands member Nancy K. Wilson is on display in collections and homes throughout the United States and Asia, but her private pieces will be featured in an exhibit now through December 31, 2019 at The Gallery at The Garlands of Barrington, 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington. The public is invited… Continue Reading Art Exhibit Features Celebrated Work of Artist and Garlands Member Nancy K. Wilson

Karen on bridge

Be FREE

Blog, Members

Karen Stathakis is moving in a healthy direction at a pace of 4,000 steps a day – as tracked by her Fitbit!     Be FREE After years of caregiving, raising two sons, maintaining a home and juggling a career, Garlands member Karen is free at last to pursue her passions and step into the spotlight: on… Continue Reading Be FREE

The Garlands bridge

The Prize for Keeping Barrington Beautiful

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The days grow darker, yet the sun shines brightly on the gardens at The Garlands of Barrington, which was recently honored with a 2019 “Integration of Native Plants” award from The Council of Barrington Garden Clubs.

“We were floored at how beautiful the landscaping is here at The Garlands,” said Maureen Doessel of the Country Home and Garden Club, who visited the campus in August and decided on the spot to nominate The Garlands for recognition.
Continue Reading The Prize for Keeping Barrington Beautiful

Sally and Nancy toasting champaign

Be FAMILY

Blog, Members

“Always my sister, forever my friend.”   Be FAMILY Garlands members and sisters Nancy and Sally grew up side by side on the northwest side of Chicago near the famed Riverview amusement park and Wrigley Field. Nancy, the older by two years, attended Alvernia, an all-girls high school. Sally opted for the co-ed St. Benedicts “because it was more… Continue Reading Be FAMILY

Marlene Peterson painting

Be CREATIVE

Amenities, Blog, Members

Marlene Peterson is a priceless original.   Be CREATIVE When a Garlands friend asked Marlene if she painted, she replied, “I don’t ‘do’ art.” The friend’s response, “How do you know?” sparked Marlene’s curiosity and creativity. Dozens of masterpieces later, Marlene exhibits her work at The Gallery at The Garlands and around town, but her true gift is… Continue Reading Be CREATIVE

Natalie and Fred with Mountains

Be ADVENTUROUS

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The sky is the limit for Fred and Natalie Sponsler.   Be ADVENTUROUS Garlands members American Airlines pilot Fred and tax accountant Natalie were “fixed up” later in life by their fraternity brother teenage sons. Taking a risk on love again, the adventuresome Fred and Natalie began dating. A trained Air Force pilot and owner of his own Cirrus… Continue Reading Be ADVENTUROUS

Gary and Sue Ellen on Ski Lift

Be THRILLING

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Sharing breathtaking views atop a snowy Colorado mountain is a real thrill for Gary and Sue Ellen Griffin.   Be THRILLING Family ski trips that started when their three boys were in grammar school continue today…with the addition of seven grandchildren on the slopes! They’ve been risk-takers and adventurers from the get-go. Sue Ellen took the first… Continue Reading Be THRILLING

Dorothy and Richard on their deck

Be YOURSELF

Blog, Members

His and her offices are the perfect fit for Richard and Dorothy Winsor, two scholars with doctorate degrees in their respective fields.   Be YOURSELF In their Garlands home, each spouse has space – in the home as well as in their relationship – to be him or herself and follow their own individual passions – along… Continue Reading Be YOURSELF

Phyllis Baber

Sixteen Years, WOW!

Blog, Members

As they say, “It’s funny how time flies, especially when you are having fun.”

It is hard to believe that I have lived at The Garlands for 16 years now–I have enjoyed every moment! In fact, this might even sound like an ad for The Garlands, however, I thought that maybe some people might like to learn how an “old timer,” who has lived here nearly from the start, feels about being a Garlands member
Continue Reading Sixteen Years, WOW!

Van Griffen's at dinner

Be GRACIOUS

Blog, Members

The Garlands is home-sweet-home to Dick and Alice Van Egeren.   Be GRACIOUS When these Garlands Members returned to Barrington, where they raised their five children, it was a happy homecoming after 15 golden years in Arizona. Once settled, they welcomed a new four-legged family member, Callie, affectionately known as their “Velcro dog.” Ever perched on a… Continue Reading Be GRACIOUS

Zilowski's in library

Be SMART

Blog, Members

The Zilkowski classroom knows no boundaries.       Be SMART For these Garlands members Red is the color of love and Bob Zilkowski’s beloved alma mater, Indiana University. “I bleed crimson,” says Bob, a Hoosier fan through and through. Bob and Janet met on a blind date at IU, fell in love and married on the beautiful… Continue Reading Be SMART

Sisters having coffee

Be FRIENDS

Blog, Members

Bonnie Gekler is organized, Chris Kotarba is a wee bit loosey-goosey.   Be FRIENDS These Garlands members and lifelong friends are like two distinct peas in the same pod. Whale watching, hiking, retirement parties, a wedding and divorce, a few medical challenges, birthday celebrations―the two pals cruise through life’s ups and downs together. Workmates at First National Bank,… Continue Reading Be FRIENDS

Bonnie Smith smiling drinking coffee

Be THE LIGHT

Blog, Members

Be THE LIGHT Garlands member Bonnie Smith Smiley’s friendliness, outgoing personality, and yes, smile, consistently exceed even the highest of those expectations. Bonnie’s life journey began in California and led her and her husband, Don, to serve in Guam and then return to California, Washington, New York, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and Florida. With their son’s encouragement, they eventually moved… Continue Reading Be THE LIGHT

Joyce Carlson holding The Gazette

Be VALUED

Blog, Members

Be VALUED Joyce Carlson comes from a long line of do-it-yourselfers. An assistant in a third-generation, family-owned paint contracting business, Joyce was a “working mother” long before the term was coined. When the business line rang in her family’s Chicago three-flat, she would whip into multi-tasking mode, corral the three kids and book the next… Continue Reading Be VALUED