“The core characteristics of the Arts and Crafts movement are a belief in craftsmanship that stresses the inherent beauty of the material, the importance of nature as inspiration, and the value of simplicity, utility, and beauty.” “How We Might Live: The Vision of William Morris,” Hornblake Library Exhibit, University of Maryland Garlands guests are consistently… Continue Reading The Galleria at The Garlands – Coming Soon!
A resource to northwest suburban families, The Garlands is home to many pillars of the community who have lived in the area most their lives. However, a little-known fact is that over fifty percent of Garlands members herald from diverse locations well outside of the immediate northwest suburban area. A quarter of those Garlands members… Continue Reading Destination Garlands
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
1. the vibe Maybe it is the aesthetics and timeless décor, or perhaps it is the people, sense of community, and the culture, but most all agree that there is a comforting home-like, and casually elegant “vibe” that is noticeably unique to The Garlands. “It just feels like home.” – Carol Palmer 2. the people Many… Continue Reading Top 10 Reasons We Chose The Garlands
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
Linda Hughes displays the Chokin artwork she designed and imported from Japan in her two-bedroom home at The Garlands, where she enjoys new friends, attends events, and organizes weekly Bocce Ball games. Struck by lightning, Garlands Member Linda Hughes should have wound up in the hospital . . . or worse. Instead, the shocking experience… Continue Reading An Electrifying Life – Linda Hughes
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
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
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
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
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
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
“I see The MAC as a conduit to open dialog and a forum for cultivating new ideas and inspiring change if change is needed,” says Marilyn Helberg, the current Chairwoman of The Garlands member-run advisory committee. As the Chairwoman, Marilyn meets with management once a month to talk through different programs and items that have… Continue Reading Meet the MAC
When Garlands Charter member, Len Wicklund, a principal with the Chicago architectural firm O’Donnell Wicklund Pigozzi Peterson, looked at the blueprints for The Garlands, he saw character. Twenty years later he recalls, “I knew from the early phases that it was going to be a pleasant place.” “But the landscaping,” he smiles, “now that was… Continue Reading A Matter of Character
Charter Garlands member, Kay Reich, and her late husband, Gil, fell in love at first sight . . . with The Garlands. “We loved it so much, we signed up the first day,” recalls Kay. “The architecture and interior décor had a warmth and simplicity that we felt was very comfortable to live with.” Having… Continue Reading Love at First Sight
Garlands member Darlene Plocinski’s new Limited Edition home features the “best of both worlds” – treasured pieces from prior homes and fresh new selections she chose with her daughter. The Fine Art of Retirement®… The Garlands new Limited Edition, transitional style homes balance up-to-date motifs in a timeless design that offers a seamless backdrop for… Continue Reading Limitless Opportunities with NEW Limited Edition Two-Bedroom Homes
Garlands Travel Club members had the opportunity to admire the work of one of their own while cruising Chicago’s famed architecture. Garlands member, Sally Nutini (pictured above left)and her husband’s construction company, North Products, were behind a significant amount of high-end, custom skylights and doors created and installed in landmark buildings throughout the greater Chicago… Continue Reading Sisters Out on the Town – Travel Club
This fall, The Garlands Play Readers, a troupe of ten-plus thespians, all of whom are over the age of 75 and live at the Barrington retirement community, delighted packed audiences at two performances of their original variety show, “Laugh and Sing.” Filled with songs made famous by the likes of Doris Day, Bing Crosby,… Continue Reading Laughing and Singing with The Garlands Play Readers
One of the most spectacular aspects of retirement is having the time and resources to explore one’s passions. Many Garlands members have mastered this aspect of “the fine art of retirement.” Some are literally studying and producing their own fine art . . . and inspiring Garlands staff to do the same. Their collective works… Continue Reading Mastering The Fine Art of Retirement® at The Garlands
By Garlands member, Bonnie I must say, even during the pandemic, I’m happy at in my Garlands home, and I never get bored. Up at 6:00AM and in bed at 10:00PM—the days FLY BY here at The Garlands. I’ve been able to carry on with a great number of things I’ve always done daily (or… Continue Reading My Garlands Home is My Castle!