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
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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
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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
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Joe Skalski is a full-time fireman and paramedic, but when he’s not saving lives, he’s making them better at The Garlands. He says, “Being of service fits me.” “The management at The Garlands is very accommodating. They work with my schedule and make it possible for me to do what I do, and they appreciate our talents and… Continue Reading Joe Skalski | Member Services Attendant
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I grew up in a family and culture that taught us to respect our elders, and, at The Garlands, I get to live that every day! My department creates the first impression for The Garlands. We greet guests and members in person and on the phone, and we try to do our best to help them. When we… Continue Reading Sergio Lopez | Member Services Attendant
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For 16 years, almost since opening day, Krystyna has taken great pleasure in serving Garlands members. “It is very fulfilling for me because I love helping people and talking to the members.” While serving breakfast or managing the Café, Krystyna is quick with a kind word and a hug and says, “We become like an extended… Continue Reading Krystyna Weglarz | Hostess/Server
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I love my job! Our members are fantastic. They are so interested in art, education, music, world events, expanding their horizons, challenging their brains, helping others, playing games, visiting together and the list goes on. It’s a joy to work with them! I also really love working with our fellow team members. All our departments care so… Continue Reading Lynn Adams | Director of Activities/Lifestyles
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The art exhibit “Divergent Paths” on display at The Gallery at The Garlands of Barrington July through August 30, 2018 features work by a group of talented women artists and friends who are equally passionate about creating art and supporting each other’s artistic endeavors. The self-named Watercooler Sisters—a result of a happy accident on a restaurant reservation—are showing a… Continue Reading Watercooler Sisters Art Exhibit
DetailsThe Garlands Play Readers, a troupe of 20+ thespians, all of whom are over the age of 75 and live at the Barrington retirement community, act, lip-sync and dance their way through dramas, sketch comedy and one-acts that are performed live in The Garlands’ own 200-seat Performing Arts Center. Continue Reading The Garlands Play Readers Present: A Passion for Story-telling, Entertaining and Good Times
DetailsExplore your artistic side…nurture a green thumb…audition for a leading role. Whatever strikes your fancy, you’ll find the companions, means and freedom to make those dreams a reality at The Garlands. Here you can create a one-of-a-kind lifestyle for a one-of-a-kind you. Continue Reading The Fine Art of Retirement – YOUR Way!
DetailsOver the last 15 years our members have inspired us to set goals, dream bigger and have fun! We have countless examples of members with remarkably inspiring stories about their lives before and since moving to The Garlands—health improved, interests pursued, bucket lists crossed off . . . and the list goes on. “The Inspira philosophy and name are in honor of our members past, present and future and 15 years of inspired living here at The Garlands,” says Lund.
Continue Reading The Garlands Inspira: Cultivate Possibility. Ignite Opportunity. Inspire Amazing.