Garlands Member with Parkinson's doing light Poxing

Therapeutic Programming Packs a Punch

Beyond physical fitness and good times, Garlands health and wellness programming offers significant therapeutic value as well. For example, regular Mindful Meditation sessions, led by the Venerable Bhante Sujatha, a Buddhist monk, are a great way to boost mood and practice selfcare, and bi-weekly Exercise for Diabetes classes followed by glucose monitoring help type 1… Continue Reading Therapeutic Programming Packs a Punch

Gary and Paula

Flexibility is the Name of the Game at The Garlands

“Here, truly, one size doesn’t fit all!” – Gary & Paula Garlands members, Gary and Paula, mastered the fine art of personalizing their Garlands home . . . and you can too! Updated Style, Functionality, and Customization Options A variety of floor plans, price points, and the opportunity to customize two-bedroom homes* with kitchen cabinet,… Continue Reading Flexibility is the Name of the Game at The Garlands

Artwork from the glass girl cover

Dorothy Winsor Publishes Her 5th Novel – Glass Girl

At age 72, Dorothy Winsor moved to The Garlands and took up a second career as a young adult fiction author. To date, she has published six books, including her most recent young adult novel, Glass Girl.

Dorothy’s advice to others who are considering pursuing new dreams in retirement is:

“Don’t doubt yourself! Be brave enough to try new things no matter what your age.”

Glass Girl is (unsurprisingly) about a girl who makes glass . . . but that’s not all! Continue Reading Dorothy Winsor Publishes Her 5th Novel – Glass Girl

You-niquely YOU. Uniquely DeDe

Long-time Barrington resident, fashion model, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, DeDe Zwilling is uniquely Barrington. It’s only fitting that her home at The Garlands would be uniquely DeDe.  A self-professed 20-year Garlands “tire-kicker,” DeDe and her late husband had their eyes on The Garlands since the pre-construction phase. “I’ve always admired The Garlands beautiful campus and upscale,… Continue Reading You-niquely YOU. Uniquely DeDe

Karen Robinson Jumping into water

Meet Karen Robinson

It’s just another day in the eclectic life of Garlands member Karen Robinson Fresh off a Lindblad National Geographic snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle-boarding trip to Belize and Guatemala, Karen Robinson proceeded to entertain an audience of 60 friends and neighbors in a Valentine’s Day-themed musical cabaret.  Next, she created a faux iPad out of cardboard and… Continue Reading Meet Karen Robinson

marcy ad snoopy

Good Grief! The Garlands Welcomes its Newest Members . . . Marcie and Woodstock

Who living at The Garlands doesn’t remember the beloved Peanuts Gang? Created by Charles M. Schulz, the meek, anxious, and innocent Charlie Brown was not the smart kid or the popular one. He was just an average kid who entertained us every Sunday from 1952 to 2000 in the funny papers. As Charlie Brown, his… Continue Reading Good Grief! The Garlands Welcomes its Newest Members . . . Marcie and Woodstock

Marilyn as teacher

School in Now in Session

Garlands Member Marilyn Helberg skipped the second grade—not as a student, but as an elementary school teacher who taught Kindergarten, first, third, fourth and fifth grades. She also wrote district curriculum and served as principal for ten years. “I loved working in education,” says Marilyn. “Every day was challenging and fun.” Marilyn’s love of learning,… Continue Reading School in Now in Session

Joan at Journey Care

The Garlands Gives Back – Meet Garlands Member Joan King

Many Garlands members find new purpose as they pursue post-retirement passions on a volunteer basis. Meet some of the Garlands members for whom “giving back” and “paying it forward” are a big part of their inspired and engaging Garlands lifestyle. Meet Garlands Member Joan King When it came time to consider a retirement community, Joan… Continue Reading The Garlands Gives Back – Meet Garlands Member Joan King

Lee Heckmeck with her cat and donation can

The Garlands Gives Back – Meet Garlands Member Lee Heckmeck

Many Garlands members find new purpose as they pursue post-retirement passions on a volunteer basis. Meet some of the Garlands members for whom “giving back” and “paying it forward” are a big part of their inspired and engaging Garlands lifestyle. Meet Garlands Member Lee Heckmeck When Lee Heckmeck, a retired UPS customer service representative, moved to… Continue Reading The Garlands Gives Back – Meet Garlands Member Lee Heckmeck

Lynn Backer giving blood

The Garlands Gives Back – Meet Garlands Member Lynn Backer

Many Garlands members find new purpose as they pursue post-retirement passions on a volunteer basis. Meet some of the Garlands members for whom “giving back” and “paying it forward” are a big part of their inspired and engaging Garlands lifestyle. Meet Garlands Member Lynne Backer “I love helping and doing!” – Lynne Backer, Garlands member… Continue Reading The Garlands Gives Back – Meet Garlands Member Lynn Backer

Gary and Paula

The Garlands 20th Anniversary Special Edition Home checked off all the boxes for Gary and Paula

After retiring from two busy careers and a decade of caring for an aging loved one, the pandemic hit. Gary Couch and Paula Meyers decided to take stock of their lives. “It was like we finally had a minute to breathe and reflect,” said Paula, “and we realized that we had been so busy that… Continue Reading The Garlands 20th Anniversary Special Edition Home checked off all the boxes for Gary and Paula