Veronica Potter is a Marine Veteran and artist who danced her way through life—literally teaching ballroom dancing and performing as a flamenco dancer. So, while most people find it hard to stay put these days, Veronica sees this time as an opportunity to soldier on, go with the flow and create more art. “I’ve made… Continue Reading Art Imitates Life
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An Updated, Timeless Look | Enhanced Functionality And Dreamy CLOSET SPACE! Home improvement activity is trending during the pandemic as homeowners find the time and resources to “nest” while hunkering down. The Garlands design team also seized the opportunity to intentionally re-imagine several new, limited edition homes scheduled to be released to the public by… Continue Reading NEW Garlands LIMITED EDITION Homes
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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
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The Garlands of Barrington is an award-winning LIFE PLAN community for people ages 55 and older that offers an uncompromising lifestyle in a resort-like setting with unprecedented amenities and services. The Garlands unmatched quality, innovative design and world-class lifestyle earn it the highest honors from many top national and international organizations, and most importantly .… Continue Reading Fall In Love With The Garlands
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Welcome to The Garlands of Barrington Life has changed a bit for the time being, but our commitment to our members and team members remains strong! These unprecedented times have necessitated new routines, additional services and extra precautions at our community. However, even while pandemic headlines continue to dominate our nation’s news, a new… Continue Reading Feel Better, Age Better, Live Better at The Garlands
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There’s no doubt about it – Summer 2020 was different . . . to say the least! While COVID definitely put the kibosh on some of The Garlands of Barrington’s summer traditions, other summer favorites flourished, and “new normal” traditions emerged. Here’s what some Garlands members did on their Garlands Summer Staycation . . .
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Garlands member Betty Schmidt, an accomplished artist and the one-time President of Oil Painters of America, accepted an important commission during the COVID-19 quarantine. The project allowed her to focus on the positive and fill her days with something she loves. In addition, Betty checked off a project she’d skirted her entire life: she… Continue Reading COVID Accomplishment: Painting – Betty Schmidt
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Ron and Phyllis have what he calls “a good run” . . . that is to say, Phyllis kept him running since they met as high school freshmen! After 65 years, she is still the love of his life. Ron says, “We came to the Garlands three years ago when I knew Phyllis might… Continue Reading COVID Accomplishment: Gone Fishin’ . . . for Love – Ron and Phyllis Goldenstern!
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One of the maxims Garlands Member Joyce Carlson lives by – pandemic or not—is: “Be grateful for small things, big things, and everything in between. Count your blessings, not your problems.” Upon moving into The Garlands eleven years ago, Joyce thought, “I’m starting a new phase of my life. Now I’ll have time to… Continue Reading COVID Accomplishment: Choosing Gratitude (and Getting the Job Done) – Joyce Carlson
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Garlands Member, Harriet Ahr, chooses to have a wonderful day every day. A key component of her daily attitude adjustment is movement. Harriet walks outdoors and indoors, takes fitness classes, exercises in The Garlands Fitness Center, and works out virtually with The Garlands trainers. She’s at it every day and says that exercise is what… Continue Reading COVID Accomplishment: Choosing a Great Attitude – Harriet Ahr
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Garlands member Barbara Seaman, who, under other circumstances performs with her acting troupe, The Garlands Playreaders, took her show off-stage during the COVID 19. Now she writes haikus in measured syllables to remember good times, cope with the pandemic, and exercise her creativity. Take a peek, count her lined beats, and enjoy her… Continue Reading COVID Accomplishment: Writing Haikus – Barb Seaman
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Garlands gardener Cathy Nardo holds a lemon verbena, “Herb of Enchantment,” that holds a wonderful lemon scent when dried for use in teas, perfumes and other scented products. As much as she enjoys growing herbs, Garlands member Cathy Nardo’s passion really blossoms when talking about herbs. “Every herb has a story!” says Cathy.… Continue Reading Spilling the Tea on Herbs – Cathy Nardo
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With pen in hand, Garlands member, Vivian O’Neill, 93, took a leap of faith during COVID-19 and entered a poetry contest sponsored by Barrington’s White House on the topic of “House and Home.” She hadn’t written poetry before but, in the spirit of ever-growing and learning, she thought “Why not?!” Vivian scored a spot… Continue Reading COVID Accomplishment: Writing – Vivian O’Neill
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Garlands member, Charlie Foos’s grandfather built a workbench to house the magnificent wood-carving tools he curated over a lifetime. Upon his passing, the workbench went to the only family member who showed the slightest interest: high-school student Charlie, whose only qualification was that he had taken a shop class once. The workbench remained untouched… Continue Reading COVID Accomplishment: Charlie Foos – Carving
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On the Need for a Project I am working on the theory that having a project makes people happier. By “project,” I mean something that requires a person to make plans and carry them out. The plans are for something they do freely rather than being assigned or forced to do. I first thought… Continue Reading On the Need for a Project
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Photographic Exhibit at The Gallery at The Garlands Garlands member Bill Lawton got his first camera in junior high, and he hasn’t stopped taking photos since! “There is hardly a day that goes by that I don’t take a photo of something,” says Bill. “If I haven’t taken a picture, it hasn’t been a… Continue Reading Through the Lens of Garlands Member and Professional Photographer Bill Lawton
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A guy like Garlands Member, Sam Jeffers, who, for example, designed warheads for the Pershing II and Trident weapon systems, is unlikely to sit around watching movies all day during a global pandemic. As soon as he saw PPE shortages on the horizon, Sam set about engineering effective, comfortable, cool, and good-looking face masks for… Continue Reading Engineering Peace of Mind
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A Sneak Peek Garlands of Barrington Author, Dorothy Winsor, shared a reading of the first chapter of her soon-to-be-released fourth young adult novel, The Wysman, virtually via Zoom with her friends and peers at The Garlands. The book is about a street kid turned advisor of a king who is determined to hunt down the person… Continue Reading A reading from The Wysman by Dorothy Winsor
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Garlands of Barrington Author, Dorothy Winsor, Publishes Fourth Young Adult Novel Barrington, IL . . . At age 72, Dorothy Winsor moved to The Garlands and took up a second career as an author writing young adult fiction. She has published three books and is releasing a new young adult novel, The Wysman, this… Continue Reading Dorothy Winsor Publishes Her 4th Novel – The Wysman
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The Garlands of Barrington’s New Director of Hospitality A career healthcare and hospitality professional, Nancy served in many seniors housing capacities, including activities, social services, sales, marketing, administration and operations. Prior to The Garlands she oversaw new construction, hiring and leadership training and developed the assisted and independent living side of a family-run, Illinois- based organization… Continue Reading Meet Nancy McCaffrey, The Garlands of Barrington’s New Director of Hospitality
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