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
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
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
Globally inspired cuisine prepared by The Garlands Executive Chef Nicola Torres gets a flavor boost from ingredients found in The Garlands very own backyard. Chef Nick’s herb garden, with over a dozen fresh herbs including basil, chives, rosemary, parsley and dill, provides the “secret ingredients” that make his dishes so bright and tasty. “Food simply… Continue Reading Chef’s Not-So-Secret Garden
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
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
Another Perfect Survey for Prairieview Once again, The Prairieview skilled nursing team earned a perfect annual survey from the Illinois Department of Public Health. This rare honor is a true testament to the dedicated staff that provides exceptional care to Garlands Members, if and when they need it the most! Thank you to “Cookies by Victoria”for helping the… Continue Reading Pretty Sweet!
Garlands of Barrington member Carolyn Schweigert Husemoller, 81, knows a thing or two about art. A co-founder of Barrington’s Kaleidoscope School of Fine Art, Carolyn once made the arrangements for the center’s popular gallery shows. She also helped establish Barrington’s renown Art in the Barn juried art show and successful annual fundraiser for Good Shepherd… Continue Reading Three Generations of Art Majors
Nothing like exercise, good friends and a little “shopportunity” to help maintain a positive attitude! Garlands of Barrington members who work out regularly with Inspirational Wellness Director Dr. Sandra Sieber and exercise teacher Bethanie Lochman will tell you that the benefits of exercise class are far greater than physical fitness. Good laughs, a sense of… Continue Reading Forever 21 and “Fancy Pants Friday”
The Garlands Center for the Performing Arts presents… Silver Screen Gold, starring Peter Oprisko. The Garlands Center for the Performing Arts welcomes you to a Dinner and a Show Worthy of an Oscar! Peter Oprisko is an acclaimed concert and recording artist whose romantic baritone, dynamic charisma and fun-filled, audience-pleasing showmanship has made… Continue Reading Peter Oprisko Stars in “Silver Screen Gold”
Introducing New Fitness Coach and Cheerleader The Garlands welcomes Fitness Coordinator Bethanie Lochman to the team! A fitness specialist with more than 18 years of experience, Bethanie was most recently a group fitness instructor and personal trainer at Edward-Elmhurst Hospital Health and Fitness in Naperville, Illinois. “A focus on health and wellness is not just… Continue Reading Introducing New Fitness Coach and Cheerleader
Share the Holiday Spirit at The Garlands of Barrington! Santa’s elves are busy at The Garlands! Please consider joining Garlands members, team members and families in donating winter accessories, a toy or non-perishable food items for people in need. Donations to the following causes are being accepted now through December 9. Collection bins are located… Continue Reading Share the Holiday Spirit at The Garlands of Barrington!
As I thought about what comfort has meant to me, I immediately remembered the soft, brown teddy bear I took to bed with me as a child. Other children have a special “blankie” or a stuffed animal that provides comfort for them. In later years, I experienced the cozy feeling of a warm, puffy comforter on cold winter nights. I must confess there’s even been a slight sense of comfort in eating a piece of the warm peach pie, following a major (or minor) disappointment. I believe that we were created to be comforted in different ways at different times; we’ve probably all developed ways to comfort ourselves. Continue Reading Comfort One Another
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
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
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
From teaching an art class to facilitating a bocce ball tournament to lending an ear, Garlands team members contribute to the community well beyond their day-to-day job responsibilities. The Garlands employees are amazing… Inspire YOUR Amazing with The Garlands
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
Dr. Sieber, is a “change agent extraordinaire.” She is on a personal quest to bring Garlands members the best cutting-edge information as it relates to health and wellness. “It is my life’s passion to inspire and empower others by educating about healthfulness, happiness and feeling well,” she enthuses, ”which is exactly what I get to… Continue Reading Dr. Sandra Sieber | Inspirational Wellness Advisor
Jenny caters to Garlands members’ sweet tooth with irresistible, homemade fruit pies, coconut macadamia cookies and fresh-baked chocolate chip, peanut butter and sugar cookies. But of all the delicious desserts Jenny makes year-round, her crème brûlée takes the cake. Even sweeter than her desserts are the Garlands members themselves, according to Jenny. “They always have… Continue Reading Jenny Pesina | Pastry Cook