New Residents Receive Warm Welcome at Chestnut Square

PICTURED ABOVE: Floor representatives Mary Jane K., Lori P., and Connie F. attend a community mixer. At any age, moving into a new home is an experience that’s usually filled with excitement—and also a fair amount of nerves. What will my new neighbors be like? How long will it take to get settled in? Will I make new friends? With more than two decades of experience, Chestnut Square understands this well and that’s why we place such an emphasis on making sure every new resident receives a comprehensive welcome from the community. Each year, Chestnut Square elects six resident floor representatives to serve as ambassadors of the community, with each covering a different section of the building. "When new residents move in, they receive a tray of freshly baked cookies from the Chestnut Square kitchen, as well as a personal visit from their floor ambassador,” explains Lori P., Chair of the Floor Reps Committee. “We’re here to answer their questions, invite them to join us for lunch or dinner, and introduce them to all the wonderful people in the community. This isn't just on the day they move in...we enjoy staying in regular contact." Chestnut Square also hosts lively floor mixers where residents can get to know their fellow neighbors better. Passing around the microphone is a highlight at these gatherings as residents introduce themselves and share interesting or funny stories based on prompted questions from cards placed on the table. “Every person we’ve encountered—residents and staff alike—has greeted us with open arms,” says Allan and Marilyn T., who moved to Chestnut Square in July. “Thanks to Lori, our floor ambassador Connie, and various other neighbors, we’ve already made a bunch of new friends. And we’re attending a lot of great programs and events each week. When you live in the same house for 54 years and then move, you never quite know what to expect. We’re happy to report that Chestnut Square has felt like home since day one.” To learn more about our community's holistic approach to senior well-being, please call (847) 998-1118 or visit www.chestnutsquare.info

Located in the heart of The Glen, Chestnut Square's beautiful campus is truly a sight to behold in autumn as Mother Nature shows off its incredible colors. This time of year is always extra meaningful for our residents and friends, and we'd love to share it with you as well. In addition to our majestic outdoor scenery, our community enjoys decorating the interior common spaces throughout the year. Many of the residents at Chestnut Square also adorn their apartment doors and ledges with personal touches each season, and everyone brings their own unique style. “Whenever I walk through the community, I stop to admire all the attractive decorations of my neighbors," explains resident Sheila R. "It just puts you in a good mood and makes the community feel extra special. And when I return to my apartment and look out my window, the views of the campus are equally stunning!" Festive gatherings also foster connections in the community. Themed parties, on-site concert events, guest lectures, art classes, crafting sessions, and group outings promote new friendships that last well beyond the autumn months. If you would like to schedule a tour of Chestnut Square at The Glen and experience the beauty and warmth of our community, please call (847) 998-1118 or visit www.chestnutsquare.info

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Buttons (Vince P., owner), Bailey (Nancy Y., owner), Baby Girl (Juanita S., owner), Daisy (Mary Ann C., owner), and Peanut (Janet C., owner). Who doesn’t love Buttons? A small, brown, and stylish Yorkie, Buttons attracts attention wherever he goes, according to his owner and resident Vince P. “Buttons has become an unofficial ambassador of Chestnut Square due to his popularity,” Vince explains. “People of all ages love greeting him, especially during our regular walks on the campus and throughout The Glen.” Buttons is just one of many adorable four-legged friends who calls Chestnut Square their home. “I love that my Labradoodle, Daisy, is able to live with me in the community,” says resident Mary Ann C. “We have lots of space in our apartment.” Juanita S. shared her thoughts as well. “My cat, Baby Girl, always ends up in my lap when I’m home. She’s a very affectionate soul.” Health Benefits The companionship and love provided by a furry friend can foster a sense of purpose. Plus, studies have shown that pet ownership can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and even decrease the risk of heart disease. Caring for a pet also encourages physical activity and routine, as older adults engage in activities like walking, playing, and feeding, all of which promote better physical health and mental stimulation. That being said, it’s essential for seniors to consider factors like their lifestyle, health, and ability to care for an animal before making the decision to bring one into their home. However, simply greeting a pet and their human has benefits, too. “Pets can be a natural ice-breaker for people at Chestnut Square,” says Jamie Wolfe, Director of Life Enrichment. “Even though most of our residents don’t own a dog or cat, many of them still look forward to visiting the residents that do because it’s an instant mood-booster.” To learn more about Chestnut Square's pet-friendly senior living community, please call (847) 998-1118 or visit www.chestnutsquare.info

PICTURED ABOVE: Eric W. enjoys a community outing to the Chicago Botanic Garden. One of the North Shore’s most popular choices for independent senior living, Chestnut Square at The Glen offers all the comforts of home...plus so much more. With a holistic lifestyle that covers physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual well-being, there are countless reasons why our community is special. We think our residents and their families provide the best perspective of all: "Moving to Chestnut Square was one of the best decisions my wife and I ever made...our only regret is that we didn't do this sooner! There's always something new and exciting happening, the food is great, and we've never met a nicer group of people. We’re surrounded by new friends and we look forward to each day here." ~ Don and Mary Jane K. "The day I moved in, three residents knocked on my door, welcomed me and introduced themselves. I immediately felt that I was home. You can be as involved as you want to be. Plus, it has a wonderful chef who prepares the daily meals. There is also a hairdresser, podiatrist, weekly housekeeping, and a chapel with a minister who accommodates different religions. There is a driver who will take you to doctor appointments, restaurants, shopping etc. Everything you need is right here or close by." ~ Esther B. "Chestnut Square is a warm and welcoming community that makes you feel like you belong. I have a spacious apartment, the dining program is superb, and there’s even a private putting green in the gazebo courtyard. Since moving in, I’ve joined the poetry club, discussion groups, and I also love the variety of community outings. Visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden with my neighbors was an experience I’ll always cherish." ~ Eric W. "My parents moved to Chestnut Square in late 2023. The staff and residents have been nothing short of amazing. It’s a real community, not just an apartment, and the availability of entertainment, enrichment, and amenities are simply wonderful. I’m so thankful to have them not only close to me, but also in an environment in which they are happy, thriving, and making so many friends!" ~ Tom E. "My new apartment is a beautiful 1-BR with a den which is the perfect space for me. When I need assistance, the staff goes above and beyond with anything I need. But it is the sense of community that really stands out. I was anxious about moving to a retirement community, but living at Chestnut Square feels like I am at home." ~ Vicki B. "My mother happily lives at Chestnut Square. She has a beautiful floor plan complete with her own kitchen, washer/dryer, and large closets. She was allowed to choose the paint colors, appliance colors, and carpet before she moved in. Her apartment is just the right size for her and it overlooks a beautiful outdoor area with grass, trees, and a gazebo. The staff are all extremely friendly and helpful, the food is excellent, and she participates in many of the programs and events. She has made many new friends, and she is just plain happy! Bravo Chestnut Square!" ~ Joel J. For more information about our community's holistic approach to senior well-being, please call (847) 998-1118 or visit www.chestnutsquare.info

"Prost" from Chestnut Square at The Glen! Getting into the spirit of autumn, our residents and staff gathered for a lively Oktoberfest mixer that included festive music, freshly made Bavarian pretzels, pastry-wrapped Wiener schnitzel, German bratwurst, and assorted beverages. "I was born and raised in Germany, so I couldn't resist wearing my dirndl outfit to the party," said resident Elisabeth T., pictured above left. "Believe it or not, I never attended an Oktoberfest until I got married and moved to the United States. Now, I look forward to it every year, and it's wonderful how Chestnut Square puts together such a great party for the occasion." Jamie Wolfe, Director of Life Enrichment, shared her thoughts as well. "Themed events at Chestnut Square are one of the many reasons why this community is special," she explains. "Our team loves being able to provide memorable experiences like this for our residents. It's rewarding when we see so many smiling faces!" Located in the heart of The Glen, Chestnut Square features spacious 1 and 2-BR floor plans, restaurant-style dining, all-inclusive services and amenities, on-site homecare if ever needed, and a 100% refundable entrance fee To learn more about our extensive calendar of programs and events, please call (847) 998-1118 or visit www.chestnutsquare.info

PICTURED ABOVE: Artist Sylvia Hollman with one of her beautiful oil paintings of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Sylvia Hollman’s lifelong journey as an artist began in elementary school, where she first discovered her love for painting while growing up on Chicago’s north side. “I caught the art bug early,” she says with a smile. “And much to my delight, that passion has only grown over the years.” As Sylvia raised a loving family with her husband, Sidney, she worked in the administrative offices of various healthcare facilities—including 25 years at Lutheran General Hospital. “No matter how busy life got, I made sure I could include my artistic pursuits. I’ve enjoyed working in oils, watercolor, pastels, colored pencils, and even mixed media collages.” Not one to rest on her laurels, Sylvia continued her artistic education at Oakton Community College, and later, at the Chicago Botanic Garden for nine years studying under instructor Marlene Hill Donnelly. At the age of 62, shortly after the passing of her beloved husband, Sylvia embarked on a new academic adventure, earning a Bachelor’s degree from DePaul University and a Master’s degree from Loyola University, each in Liberal Arts. “It’s something I always dreamed of doing, and learning alongside my fellow classmates was a lot of fun.” When Sylvia began to research senior living options, one of her prerequisites was that the community offered a vibrant lifestyle and a diverse calendar of programs and events—with plenty of opportunities for creative expression. “Chestnut Square checked all the boxes,” she recalls. “I moved in two years ago and I absolutely love it here. The new friendships, the book clubs, the fitness classes, and especially the watercolor classes. There’s always something new you can learn, and after 80-plus years, I think I’m finally ready to start doing portraits.” Located in the heart of The Glen, Chestnut Square features spacious 1 and 2-BR floor plans, restaurant-style dining, all-inclusive services and amenities, on-site homecare if ever needed, and a 100% refundable entrance fee. To learn more about Chestnut Square at The Glen, please call (847) 998-1118 or visit www.chestnutsquare.info

PICTURED ABOVE. Top left and right: Bill L. and Vicki B. display some of their recent poems. Bottom: The Chestnut Square Poetry Club meets in our conference room. Anyone can be a poet, says Chestnut Square resident Bill L. And he should know—he spent his career as a fundraiser for various nonprofits but in his free time wrote poetry and more than 30 plays that were produced in the theater. On top of that, he volunteered for years at local prisons teaching poetry classes to inmates. Bill is the enthusiastic leader of our community’s Poetry Club—a group that he founded a few years ago which is now a regular event in Chestnut Square's monthly program calendar. “Open to everyone, it’s a welcoming environment where we read the works of famous authors, and then we each share a recent poem that we’ve written ourselves,” Bill explains. “The discussions are always invigorating.” Residents are encouraged to focus their compositions on any topic they’d like, and if someone happens to be stuck, Bill offers encouragement and the following sage advice. “Poetry is about making sense of the world around us,” he says. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re writing about love, grief, nature, the mystery of existence, or any other topic. The key is to let yourself relax, ignore your self-doubts, and I promise the words will find you.” Inspiration for a poem can come from many places, Bill says. The important thing is to keep an open mind. “Our discussions allow people to uncover new ideas without even realizing it at first,” he continues. “When we read and analyze the works of others, it lights a spark and gives us a new perception of the world.” Vicki B., a regular attendee of the Poetry Club, loves the gatherings. “One day, we might spend half an hour analyzing the various meanings behind one line within a poem, and each person brings a fresh perspective. The magic of poetry is that it can be direct and ambiguous all at the same time, as long as there is an underlying truth.” If you’re struggling with writer’s block, Bill recommends focusing on an emotional memory. “Close your eyes and think back to a time when you experienced a profound emotion—good or bad—and write down as many details from that memory as possible. Sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures. Eventually, you’ll find the starting point of a poem staring right back at you.” To learn more about Chestnut Square's holistic approach to senior well-being, please call (847) 998-1118 or visit www.chestnutsquare.info

Summer is always a magical time at our senior living community, and these past few months did not disappoint. Our annual outdoor concert series, hosted in our beautiful gazebo courtyard, featured lively musical performances as residents, families and friends enjoyed champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. Check out five more of our favorite memories from this summer: 1. To celebrate the arrival of the Paris Olympics, we gathered for a special happy hour featuring festive drinks and appetizers from around the world...with our very own opening ceremony led by CEO Vera Lampe. 2. We held our first-ever community mixer for the pets of Chestnut Square, as residents and staff enjoyed a delightful afternoon on our patio with their four-legged friends. 3. Resident Elliott Rosenberg was honored by the Chicago Cubs and received a standing ovation in front of 35,000 fans for his decorated service piloting a B-24 Liberator over Europe during World War II. To make the occasion even more special, Elliott’s wife, Alice, and much of his extended family joined him at the game. 4. Our wonderful staff were treated to expanded wellness initiatives with an employee appreciation picnic, on-site chair massages, and a fun Zumba class in our Great Room. 5. Chestnut Square's Banana Split Ice Cream Bar, featuring a full lineup of toppings to choose from, was a delicious way to beat the heat while enjoying some great company! To learn more about Chestnut Square's holistic approach to senior well-being, please call (847) 998-1118 or visit www.chestnutsquare.info

PICTURED ABOVE: David and Shirley W. attend one of the many themed dinner events at Chestnut Square. Retirement is often portrayed as a blissful time of relaxation and leisure, but for many seniors, it can also bring a new set of challenges. The transition away from a busy work life can evoke a mix of emotions, including uncertainty, loss of purpose, and isolation. “Years ago, when I was teaching a class to my seminary students, we interviewed various age groups to better understand the gap between what people expected before retirement, and what they ultimately discovered afterward,” explains Chestnut Square resident Shirley W. “We found that the things people were looking forward to the most—having more free time and fewer responsibilities—wound up becoming the things they ultimately found most challenging.” Shirley’s class learned that for seniors especially, filling up each day with purpose and meaning was often a struggle, and those who maintained a meaningful lifestyle were much likelier to report happiness. According to recent medical studies, there is science to back up those observations. "There is growing evidence that having a sense of purpose is linked to better health and well-being in older adults," says Dr. Melanie Chandler of the Mayo Clinic. Likewise, a study conducted by Rush University in Chicago found that higher levels of physical activity were associated with slower cognitive decline and improved health, often delaying or preventing the onset of diseases. When Shirley and her husband, David, entered their retirement years, they initially found it challenging to occupy their days as they had during their professional lives. “We realized that we wanted more structure and activity, and that’s one of the main reasons we decided to move to Chestnut Square." Since becoming residents of the independent living community, the couple have become more engaged and attend various programs each week. David has started attending watercolor painting classes, participates in the poetry club, and attends the nonfiction book club. Shirley enjoys the fiction book club and loves all the guest lectures, discussion groups, and concerts. “We’ve also enjoyed meeting all of our new neighbors here,” says David. “Sharing meals and having interesting conversations with new friends has brought additional meaning to our lives." To learn more about Chestnut Square's holistic approach to senior well-being, please call (847) 998-1118 or visit www.chestnutsquare.info