In February 1967, my sales representative and I flew to Billings, Montana over the Grand Tetons Range of the Rockies. I saw from the window snow cover below outlining bizarre shadows formed by the high mountains. Small villages, motorways and animal tracks proved there was life below.

We finished our business the next day in Riverton, WY and learned that the airlines cancelled all flights and did not know when they would resume. This caused a serious problem for us, because we had a meeting two days later in L.A.

Reluctantly, we rented an automobile to drive over the southwestern Rocky Mountain Pass to Salt Lake City, Utah to catch a flight to Los Angeles. Radio bulletins about weather conditions sounded optimistic, but snow often closed the pass at the last moment, so it was necessary to drive the 150 miles to the entrance of the highway to confirm that it was open.

The mountains, some four to seven thousand feet high, silenced our radio, however a sign flashed that the road was open and cautioned about danger from snow and poor visibility. We bought food and gas and warily entered the route across the Rockies. Warning signs every few miles and the sun setting behind the mountains heightened our apprehension.

The curves on the highway as it climbed toward the summit caused a bewildering mix of light and darkness. Sometimes the sun broke through the mountain opening then quickly hid from view. The wind and snow slowed us to 10 or 15 miles an hour. The sun blocked by the mountains meant only our headlights illuminated the road. We followed it cautiously because snow had narrowed the driving lane and wind gusts rattled the car. From the passenger side, I saw the mountains fall off abruptly into deep abysses adding to my fear. There was no radio reception just static, so we talked quietly to each other watching the snowfall worsen.

Then a huge form appeared on the highway at the end of a long curve. There the biggest snowplow we ever saw, higher than a one-story building, with enourmous headlights, lit up the road, railings and parts of the mountains. Alone on the highway, we got close behind it for light and safety until it led us up throug the Pass.

Happily, on the western side the sun was shining. The view of Salt Lake City, nestled far down in a lush valley, made it easy to understand why the founders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chose this location for their home.

Our perilous journey across the Rockies ended safely, and we got to the meeing on time.

Labels: active retirement communities, Chicago independent living, chicago retirement community, chicago senior living, Jack and Rita, senior retirement communities, upscale retirement community

We entered Fey's jewelry store in downtown Naperville one Saturday during our anniversary month, May 1982, to search for a ring guard for Rita. Fey's store consisted of one long rectangular room with a single door entrance. Windows on both sides of the entry door showed many offerings of jewelry with price tags conveniently inverted. Inside, showcases lined the sidewalls offering shiny and expensive jewelry, nearly all for women. The far end of the store ended with another jewelry case and a small cash register. Several other women shopped whispering softly because sound reverberated off the hard walls.

Rita examined ring guards and variations checking every detail for flaws, blemishes or other irregularities. Although we whispered, my male voice was easy to hear. The search narrowed to two ring guards adorned with small diamonds. Rita flashed her first choice before me. I saw a band densely covered with countless diamonds.

"Dear," I murmured, "Don't you think all those diamonds are a bit much?" The other clients, astonished, audibly supported Rita's answer.

"Jack, you can never have too many diamonds!"

Murmurs were now chuckles. I whispered to the clerk that I wanted to buy Rita the ring guard and offered my new Master Card for a first time purchase on it. Some women smiled approvingly. The clerk took the card, retired to the back room, then returned and said calmly, "Your card has been rejected."

Everyone heard the owner. Women stared inquisitively, my face reddened. I coundn't understand why it was rejected. A new card unused--declined in front of everybody. I grew tired of the chorus of sighs and offered my trusty American Express Card. Purchase completed. Then we walked slowly out of the store passing the other clients, Rita grinned happily, while I nodded timidly to our newfound friends as we exited.

An episode from the memoirs of John Patrick Roche (Jack)

Labels: active retirement communities, Chicago independent living, chicago senior living, Jack and Rita, upscale retirement living

June 6, 2011, is the 67th anniversary of D-Day. Here is a memoir about September of that year.

German Gun Emplacement
In full uniform, I walked alone, in the hills bordering Cherbourg, France on the harbor side, and found wild vines growing along the roadside. To my delight they were red grape vines. I picked two bunches and ate them slowly. Delicious! Engrossed with the grapes, I walked aimlessly towards the sea again oblivious to the dangers of leftover anti-personnel mines. My contentment was high when I saw a huge fort-like structure which I approached carefully.

It was a re-enforced concrete German defense carved into the side of a high coastal hillside. Two menacing gun barrels pointed out toward the Atlantic. The closer I approached the more debris and destruction I saw. I entered the rear of this enormous structure from the land side. There on the ground were long foot-wide tracks used to transport heavy shells on dollies to the guns now useless. Spent shell casings lay about the area showing the size of the projectiles used. Our captain said that the two coastal guns were six or eight inches in diameter with a range in excess of 6 miles. Several weeks ago, they fired at our ships in the English Channel beyond the harbor entrance.

The small and confining firing room interior for the guns was claustrophobic. How could men live and work in such a closed place? Weapons were first priority--not soldiers. The view from the inside towards the channel and sea was clear and panoramic, even though the sight line was through narrow horizontal slits in the thick concrete. The openings were minimized to prevent incoming shells and small arms fire from entering.

I left sadly thinking that the sound of the wind from the sea, eerily pushing through the slits, seemed to be moaning the recent death and destruction on this devastated hillside.

John Patrick Roche (Jack)
The Garlands of Barrington
May 9, 2011

Labels: chicago senior living, Jack and Rita, senior retirement communities, the garlands upscale retirement community, upscale retirement community, upscale retirement home

The development and operation of Phase II has been a lengthy and complicated process, taking a total of 43,000 man days to complete! Over 5,000 man days were required for drywall. To place concrete required almost 5,000 man days. Masonry (2,300 man days), structural steel (2,400 man days), wall panels (3,700 man days), plumbing (2,000 man days), heating ventilation and air conditioning (2,200 man days), and electrical (3,400 man days) all achieved a significant collaborative effort to complete The Garlands newest addition.

To memorialize the process, meetings to discuss equipment and operations between subcontractors and our plant director were videotaped. A company photographed the entire construction process to provide a pictorial history. Documents such as architectural drawings and specifications, operating and maintenance manuals and guarantees and warranties have been saved and compiled in a vast database.

Today, however, there is only time to look forward as new residents begin to call The Garlands Phase II “home sweet home.”

Labels: active retirement communities, active retirement community, active senior living, Chicago independent living, chicago senior living, Phase II, the garlands, the garlands upscale retirement community

Excuse me, please. I've got a gripe, and I just have to get it off my chest. I hate to complain crack out of the box but maybe after I tell you what the deal is, you'll understand. At least those of you who ever have owned a kitten or a cat will get it.

You see, it's now getting cold outside and frankly I love to curl up in the warmest softest spot available. Well, my caregivers have tagged me with a new name, "Cuddle Puss." Do I look or act like a kitten, cat or a four legged animal that purrs or says "meow?" Please, the next time you see us around, set the guy on the scooter straight. My name is P.D. Perfect Dog. And if you believe that, I'll sell you The Garlands' bridge.

Now on a happier note, have I got news for you! Remember I was planning a play date with Toni, the French poodle. Well, it was perfect with one exception. We met as planned, but who was hiding in the bushes...Toni's old boy friend. But he was so fat, with a belly dragging on the ground, that he was no match for Toni's slim figure and swift graceful pace. Of course, I'm used to running along side my scooter, so we out paced him in no time and enjoyed our day together chasing the squirrels and sniffing out other park smells.

And there's more news since the last time I wrote. Stuffed in our cubby were two letters addressed to me. One from Willie and another from Jewel, Bill Youngberg's family buddy. The sad news is that Jewel thinks I'm not big or strong enough to play with him. He didn't even give me a test run. But I have hopes that Willie will come soon for a romp. No way will any other dog take Toni's place, but because she has been shipped off to boarding school, I'm glad to find another friend.

By the way, Jill, do you suppose I could have my own mail box? I've got two snoopy caregivers, and they read my mail before I get a chance to see it. But then, where would I hide the key? I have a big enough problem remembering where I bury my bones. Looking forward to seeing you in the park before the snow flies.

Love, P.D

Labels: active retirement community, Chicago assisted living, chicago senior living, pd the dog, senior living facility

"Images from Tibet" features the photography of Brian Ziegler, son of Garlands' member, Gregg Ziegler. For over ten years now Brian has pursued an avocation of photography from his international travels. This exhibit presents works from his trip to Tibet in the fall of 1999. Each image was captured on color negative film, transferred into digital format by scanning, and then printed onto canvas with an inkjet plotter. Join Brian on September 9 to discuss his travels through the lens. "Images of Tibet" Art Reception with pictures.

Right to Left: JoAnn, Gregg, Brain & Lyra (Brian's Daughter) Ziegler.

Labels: Chicago estate planning, chicago senior living, Fitness and Activities, upscale retirement home, upscale senior living

Prairieview at The Garlands skilled nursing program is one of three in the state and 41 in the country to receive a five-star rating and, subsequently, recognition from US News and World Report as one of "America's Best Nursing Homes" in 2009.

To help consumers find the best choice from among the nation's more than 15,000 nursing homes, US News and World Report ranks nursing homes on a quarterly basis and places the best on its Honor Roll. Prairieview at The Garlands skilled nursing program merited Honor Roll status for 2nd quarter 2009, which means Prairieview achieved a perfect five-star rating from the federal government's Center for Medicare Services (CMS) in each of its three yardsticks: health inspections, nurse staffing and quality measures of individual care.

"To be ranked in the top 41 of 15,000 skilled nursing programs in the nation is a remarkable accomplishment and a true testimony to the quality and value The Garlands offers our residents in the event they should ever need short-term rehabilitative or long-term care," said Thomas S. Herb, President and Chief Executive Officer of Barrington Venture Holding Company LLC, local owners and operators of The Garlands.

Prairieview at The Garlands offers around-the-clock assisted living and skilled nursing services within the context of the Garlands of Barrington, a premier Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) located at 1000 Garlands Lane, Barrington, IL. Due to state licensing agreements, access to the highly rated skilled nursing program at Prairieview is limited to members who currently live within The Garlands CCRC as independent living or assisted living members. As such, the peace of mind that comes with having access to such top-notch care should it ever be need is an added benefit that is offered exclusively to Garlands members and one to consider when looking into The Garlands lifestyle for yourself or a loved one.

US News and World Report's "America's Best Nursing Home Honor Roll" and the CMS Five-Star quality rating system help consumers, their families and caregivers easily compare nursing homes. The ranking system is important because skilled nursing programs vary in the quality of care and services they provide to their residents. Reviewing health inspection results, staffing data, and quality measure data are three important ways to measure nursing home quality. This information gives consumers a "snap shot" of the care individual nursing homes give.

For more information about US News's Honor Roll visit usnews.com or for information about the CMS ratings visit medicare.gov and select "nursing home compare." For information about The Garlands, please call 847-304-1996 and continue browsing this site.

Labels: Alzheimer's Care, chicago senior living, garlands blogger, Midwest retirement home, US News

Many of our members sell their homes before moving to The Garlands, so we know that prospective members may be thinking about putting their own house on the market right now. Here's a tip we recently came across: list your home with a very exact price--like $472, 775, instead of $475,000. Sound bizarre? Well, a recent Cornell University study found that homes actually sell for more when the list price is exact.

The researchers found that in a sample of 30,000 recently sold homes in New York and Florida, having a terminal zero in the list price lowered the ultimate sales price by .72%. Psychologically, people tend to see numbers that end with zeros as larger than those that don't, hence the marketing gimmick of everything ending in .99 or .95. And a number like $472, 775 will show up in more Internet searches since people often look in ranges that a round number could be left out of.

So if you want it to sell high, make it exact!

Source: The Price is Right by Jan Cullinane

Labels: active senior living, Chicago assisted living, chicago senior living, garlands blogger, senior living facility, upscale retirement home

The Garlands' dining program works like a charm primarily because of its several restaurant options and flexible seating arrangements. Members have great independence to choose when, where and with whom to dine.

The fact is that it is more than an eating plan; it's a "social plus" for the whole community. Most members belong to the plan. The $300 a month for food and drinks is included in the monthly service fee, making it a simple plan that creates great social interaction among the members.

Members call each other to share mealtime together. There is no "picking up the tab" when you invite someone to eat with you--they have their own dining dollars. Members make reservations, when they want to, for a table of two through eight, based on their grouping for the evening. No need for reservations but many choose to do so. The most frequented are the Grill and Winslow restaurants while the Roycroft is our gourmet, special event venue. The Café shop has coffee and tea available during the day and occasional light dinners.

Each member has someone in their household arrange and keep track of dining commitments--a social director. Happy Hours at the Timbers Lounge for the Grill on Mondays and at the Robie Lounge for the Winslow on Wednesdays spur the camaraderie among members before dinner.

We gather, on occasion, at a host's apartment for cocktails, hors-d'oeuvres and great conversation before, and sometimes after dinner. The dining program and happy hours encourage mingling and getting to know each other better.

A fun time is at the end of the month when those who have not spent the entitlement try to cover the minimum. Many buy extra meals for their freezer to eat later. Most of the fun happens when neighbors decide to reach their mark by buying bottles of wine, often happily shared, to help top-off the unspent balance. Our upscale retirement community has a lot going for it, especially the dining program.

Jack Roche

Labels: active retirement communities, active senior living, chicago senior living, Jack and Rita, senior living, senior retirement communities

Easter is a special time for many families the world over, and it's no different for our family here at the Garlands, where celebrations are a big part of active senior living community.

Easter brunch with all the trimmings, including visits with the bunny and an egg hunt in the courtyard, is a time-honored Garlands tradition.


Carl Peterson and Cookie Cooke pose with the Easter bunny before enjoying the Easter brunch.


Marlene Rolecek and grandchildren get ready to hunt for eggs with the Easter bunny.

Labels: active retirement community, chicago senior living, easter, garlands blogger, senior retirement communities, the garlands, upscale senior living

Early on, our crew made the decision to use metal stud partitions that are prefabricated off site. Why? First and foremost, the panels arrive in nearly perfect condition. Producing precisely sized, beautifully square panels like these is very difficult on a work-site, and the time spent reworking them into shape is time we'd rather spend on the building itself. The panels are fabricated on an assembly line in Alpharetta, Georgia that has been designed specifically for our application and then shipped to our site here in Barrington, Illinois. This decision has saved us money and time, allowing us to maintain the brisk construction schedule for this grand addition to our upscale retirement community.

Labels: Chicago assisted living, chicago retirement community, chicago senior living, Phase II, upscale retirement community

Despite the constant barrage of cold weather, construction of the "Phase II" addition to our upscale retirement community continues to progress right on schedule. The crew is currently assembling the superstructure of the new building, which consists of load bearing wall panels, structural steel beams, metal decking and the pouring of concrete floor slabs. Construction on the west wing has began with the framing of the 1st floor, while the central section has now sprouted a 2nd floor, and work on the eastern wing is now all the way up on the 4th floor. We plan to begin putting up roof trusses and installing roof materials in the spring.

With many lower levels now enclosed, construction has sped up considerably--who doesn't like working indoors on days like these? Our tradesmen have completed over half of the suspended plumbing, electrical, and fire protection piping. The large intake/exhaust fans and their related runs of ductwork are now up. The installation of the electrical vault for the new power system is scheduled to begin next week--a critical milestone for all construction projects.

Labels: active senior living, Chicago assisted living, chicago retirement community, chicago senior living, Phase II, upscale retirement community

The men of our upscale retirement community quickly embraced the fitness course set up by our trainer, Sandra Sieber. This New Year they promised themselves to stay in condition during 2009. They flexed their muscles and then followed Sandra as she gently guided them through a systematic exercise of the body.

They raised and lowered legs, bent their ankles and toes, then stretched the knees and thighs, carefully working all their muscles up to and including shoulders and necks--nothing omitted. (The Dry Bones song came to mind: the foot bones connected to the ankle bone...)

Sandra had the men do squats using chair support, if needed. Personal assistance by her helped members occasionally, but generally not required because the careful flexing of body avoided any macho activity. After class, some men used the modern exercise equipment to pursue a circuit: working one machine after the other. Sandra evaluates individual physical needs and limitations and suggests which machines to work and how to operate each safely.

Peeking into the ladies "Cane Do" class led by Jill Lund, Director of Activities the women wore black Top hats, carried a cane and danced to Broadway music. Several Ginger Rogers types in the group kept the action lively. The exercise was fun and not too strenuous. The women talked, more than the men did, about the New Year and resolutions. Their goals--weight loss, tightening of certain muscles, more use of exercise equipment and dieting.

Some ladies at the fitness center follow their own plan. The treadmill, with TV screen and earphone sound, is a favorite. The Power Plate, a vibrating platform, is a well used innovation to alleviate muscle problems.

Members say they feel better after exercise and they look better--active senior living at its finest. The group camaraderie encourages members to participate regularly. And, Sandra is there to help each member improve. Come join a class!

Labels: active senior living, Chicago assisted living, chicago retirement community, chicago senior living, Jack and Rita, upscale retirement community

As one of the premiere active retirement communities in the country, The Garlands has a first rate theater. And now, the wait is over! Director George Flint named the full cast for the play reading of the three-acts play, The Man Who Came to Dinner, written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. Just as on Broadway, many actors and actresses were excited with their parts, while others were disappointed having personally visualized a different choice role. Some did not win a desired spot in the play reading.

George, a former Owner/Director of the Renaissance Theater, San Diego, CA commented to the aspirants at the casting session about the acting profession. Paraphrasing George--one learns quickly the exhilaration and despair of the Theater. Joy comes easily when winning a part, while rejection hurts. It is the way of life in the Theater that must be managed.

The movie, released on New Years Day 1942, starred Monty Woolley, Bette Davis, Ann Sheridan and Jimmy Durante among others. Here is the list of our Thespians selected by George.

Congratulations to all!

Sheridan Whiteside....................Dick Matre
Mr. Stanley.................................Jack Roche
Mrs. Stanley...............................Mary Betz
June Stanley...............................Esther Marshall
Richard Stanley..........................Carl Peterson
John............................................Don Reed
Sarah...........................................Cary Loomis
Miss Preen..................................Carol Holmes
Mrs. Dexter/Mrs. McCutcheon..Betty Guthrie (Both parts)
Maggie.........................................Rita Roche
Bert Jefferson..............................Chuck Allison
Lorraine.......................................Janet Hansen
Dr. Bradley..................................Len Wickland
Harriet.........................................Marilu Matre
Banjo............................................Ron Silver
Beverly Carlton............................George Flint
Westcott.......................................Connie Porth
Expressman.................................Dave Guthrie

Rehearsals will be after winter vacation in March and April.
Opening Night: 7:15 PM Wednesday, April 22, 2009 in the Performing Arts Center.

Break a Leg!

Jack Roche

Labels: active retirement communities, active senior living, Chicago assisted living, chicago retirement community, chicago senior living, Jack and Rita, upscale retirement community

One of our members recalls walking slowly out of the Louvre in Paris in 1973 promising that someday she would learn to paint. Years and many museums later it is still an unfilled promise.

Fast forward to 2006, she relocated to the active senior living facility, The Garlands of Barrington. There, to her joy, the activities department arranged a painting class, in water colors, for beginners. Visions of past self-promises challenged her--she joined the class at once.

Our member's first attempt to create and paint a mushroom was a disaster, in her mind, but others liked it. Now, her family has to decide who gets the mushroom. Her next painting, a pink orchid, was beautiful, and fortunately, the class continued--she kept painting.

The Garlands encouraged an exhibition of the students' art in our gallery outside the Performing Arts Center. Three walls of paintings, from present and prior member painters, hung there. The artists attended, answering questions to other members and guests, while all enjoyed wine and hors d'oeuvres. Some paintings were sold that evening, and our newest artist felt honored when an admirer of her work offered to buy one of her paintings. She declined to sell until her family selects their favorites. Our burgeoning artist is proud for keeping her long-ago promise

The Garlands currently has an oil painting class and next month will offer a drawing class--great chances for those who have "Promises to Keep."

Labels: active retirement communities, active senior living, chicago senior living, Jack and Rita, senior living facility, senior retirement communities, upscale retirement community

November 11th, Veterans Day, Jill Lund, our activities director, gathered veterans and members together for cake and coffee at the café where we talked about the Greatest Generation and then Jill read a moving tribute to our veterans. Many members joined the celebration reliving personal war stories. The lively and fun time pleased everybody.

Others present at the gathering, belonged to The Greatest Generation through deceased spouses. A widow told of the honor her husband, seaman first class, received when his wish to be buried at sea was fulfilled. He sailed during World War II in the United States Navy and earned medals testifying to duty: Asia-Pacific Campaign, World War II, American Campaign and Occupation Services.

His Urn carefully placed aboard the USS McInerney, a Frigate, for commitment to the sea, sailed from Florida to Maine. Far from land, the Commander slowed the vessel in calm wind and seas, and displayed the colors at half mast. All officers and crew participating wore white dress uniforms to share in the Navy tradition of burying their heroes at sea.

Two officers and a chaplain led the solemn ceremony with dignity and respect. The urn was carried aft, and then the Commanding officer of the vessel ordered the remains committed to the sea and wind. Seven crew members formed the firing squad and shot three rounds saluting the deceased, and then taps sounded mournfully--that day was done.

Later, a package arrived containing his folded American flag, seven spent saluting cartridges, a navigation chart indicating the latitude and longitude of burial, and most cherished--a videotape of the ceremony.

Longitude 40° 01.8' N and latitude 69° 42.7' W will forever mark the location in the great North Atlantic Ocean where our member's husband, an American sailor, was committed to the sea.

Jack Roche

Labels: chicago retirement community, chicago senior living, Jack and Rita, senior living, the garlands, Veterns

A slow housing market continues to dominate news headlines. But here at The Garlands we're seeing a different picture than what the real estate news commonly reports.

Regionally, home sales are significantly better than national reports. Plus, the 55+ market is less stagnant than other demographics. Perhaps it is because this generation has realized so much appreciation in their homes over the years. As such, residents are choosing The Garlands at a pace that is greater than last year.

Another reason for this phenomenon is that we make it so easy. We offer several relocation resources--from help selling an existing home to assistance with packing--our expert Residency Counselors have the experience and the programs to help ensure a smooth move.

There has been strong interest in the Phase II Founders Club. The Founders Club offers our members a unique opportunity to take advantage of pre-construction discounts on Phase II units. Founders Club Members also enjoy the benefit of Membership at The Garlands as well as the ability to personalize their new home. Call today to speak with a residency counselor to secure your place in this landmark new addition to our upscale retirement community. Start planning for your future today--the timing couldn't be better!

Labels: active retirement communities, chicago senior living, Phase II, senior retirement communities, upscale retirement community

Things are happening fast with Phase II construction at The Garlands Chicago retirement community. The footings are now in place for the exit stairwells, and we've begun framing out the walls for the stairwells. We're also "going vertical" with our elevator shaft. In order for the elevator to go up 4 stories, it also has to go down an equivalent distance--that's a lot of digging! The elevator footings for the three elevator banks are now in place, and the pistons are being installed.

Labels: active retirement communities, chicago retirement community, chicago senior living, Phase II, senior retirement communities

The Garlands far exceeds other senior retirement communities we visited, with the exception of one community out East. In our minds, The Garlands architecture and common area furnishings offered more of a "resort-style" living vs. the "institutional-look" we found elsewhere. Many of the other communities we visited had six or seven floors and looked more like hotels. They were, frankly, boring.

We also favored The Garlands' choice of restaurants with the flexible seating arrangements and longer eating hours because it gave us the independence to choose when, where and with whom to dine.

Of final importance for Rita were the large windows that brightened The Garlands' spacious apartments in sunshine and rain.

Labels: active retirement communities, chicago retirement community, chicago senior living, Jack and Rita, senior retirement communities