Oliver and Barb Mayes near a piano

Moving Made Easy . . . Even in a Pandemic

Blog, Members

Garlands members Oliver and Barb Mayes are no strangers to planning, organizing and multi-tasking. Oliver is a musician and former high school band director turned Vietnam Army pilot turned career United Airlines pilot who, together with his wife, Barb, simultaneously owned, operated and eventually sold a successful H & R Block franchise all while successfully raising two, now adult, children. So, in… Continue Reading Moving Made Easy . . . Even in a Pandemic

The Garlands Gingerbread Village Featured on WGN

Blog, Holiday

Chicago’s Very Own, WGN, featured The Garlands fabulous Gingerbread Village creation live via Zoom in an early morning, festive holiday news segment! “This year, more than ever, I think we all need the extra cheer that The Garlands gingerbread village brings,” says gingerbread maker and Garlands Pastry Chef Julie Swieca-Gannon, who upholds the Garlands time-honored… Continue Reading The Garlands Gingerbread Village Featured on WGN

Rem Stokes dressed as a Christmas elf

Seeking Answers to Life’s Little Questions Leads to Big Existence

Blog, Members

This Christmas, Garlands member Rem Stokes is mailing his family a collection of original essays that he wrote and had FedEx bind instead of the honey-baked hams he usually sends. Rem jokes that he’s the “real ham,” who likes to be the center of attention, but he rightfully deserves to be in the spotlight! Following an illustrious… Continue Reading Seeking Answers to Life’s Little Questions Leads to Big Existence