The holidays are truly a magical time at The Garlands. Of course, this year, holiday traditions will be modified for all . . . but the pandemic can’t stop the spirit of community, celebration and Garlands generosity! Festive Décor Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, elves transform every Garlands nook and cranny—inside and out—with twinkle lights,… Continue Reading Celebrate! Garlands Holiday Traditions
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
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
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 . . .
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The Garlands COVID-19 task force continues to meet regularly to discuss new federal, state, and local guidelines, our current safety precautions, and lessons to be learned from outbreak areas throughout the U.S. and world. The following are highlights of the current policies put in place at The Garlands as they relate to the pandemic (additional… Continue Reading COVID-19 UPDATED GUIDELINES
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
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
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
Residents of The Garlands of Barrington lined up in their Cubs wear to hear the Cubs’ national anthem singer. Holy Cow! The Cubs resident national anthem singer, John Vincent, knocked it out of the park at The Garlands of Barrington with three live, mini-concerts. John spoke and sang from the heart to honor Garlands members,… Continue Reading Cubs Singer ‘Spreads Some Love’ at The Garlands
Thank you to all the members and family members who “Shared the Love” with Garlands essential workers during these difficult times. We truly appreciated your words, cards, and thoughtful gifts. Please take a moment to listen to this touching tribute to Garlands Essential Workers submitted by Garlands members and family members, compiled by The Garlands… Continue Reading Members and Families Share the Love with Garlands Essential Workers
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