Dorothy and Richard on their deck

Be YOURSELF

His and her offices are the perfect fit for Richard and Dorothy Winsor, two scholars with doctorate degrees in their respective fields.   Be YOURSELF In their Garlands home, each spouse has space – in the home as well as in their relationship – to be him or herself and follow their own individual passions – along… Continue Reading Be YOURSELF

Phyllis Baber

Sixteen Years, WOW!

As they say, “It’s funny how time flies, especially when you are having fun.”

It is hard to believe that I have lived at The Garlands for 16 years now–I have enjoyed every moment! In fact, this might even sound like an ad for The Garlands, however, I thought that maybe some people might like to learn how an “old timer,” who has lived here nearly from the start, feels about being a Garlands member
Continue Reading Sixteen Years, WOW!

Van Griffen's at dinner

Be GRACIOUS

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

Zilowski's in library

Be SMART

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

Sisters having coffee

Be FRIENDS

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

Bonnie Smith smiling drinking coffee

Be THE LIGHT

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

Joyce Carlson holding The Gazette

Be VALUED

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

Cookies by Victoria

Pretty Sweet!

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!

Peter Oprisko

Peter Oprisko Stars in “Silver Screen Gold”

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

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

Share the Holiday Spirit at The Garlands of Barrington!

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!

Karen on bridge

Comfort One Another

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

Volunteer helping with art class

Make a Difference

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