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 job!
Be YOURSELF
Joyce’s trademark efficiency, keen attention to detail and desire to lend a hand are qualities that make her a valued member of The Garlands community where she has served as the Chairman of the Member Advisory, New Neighbor and Cheer committees. A former Lerner newspaper intern (she says “gopher”), Kindergarten teacher, Cub Scout den mother and church youth leader, Joyce also helps edit The Garlands Gazette, maintain the member photo albums, update the bulletin board and assist with special events
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“I honestly don’t know what I would do without Joyce,” says Lynn Adams, Director of Activities/Lifestyle. “From magically appearing with helpful information at the perfect moment, to quietly taking down decorations and organizing them after an event, Joyce’s unassuming support is always appreciated.”
Joyce’s curious mind and doer’s sensibilities led her to explore every nook and cranny at The Garlands—she has even biked the heated in-door garage in the winter to exercise and investigate. As a result, her input on all-things Garlands – from member communications to renovations – is valued. Fellow members have even asked if she is an employee, which warms her heart!
“I’m delighted to help out in these ways because – this is me!”
Be SOCIAL
After twenty years of volunteering at Good Shepherd Hospital, Joyce recently retired and says, “Life keeps changing.” Now she keeps her fingers busy knitting while chatting with other Garlands stitching friends.
Joyce drops off the ladies’ hand-crafted hats and bibs to a charity on her way to visit family, including her eight grandchildren and fourteen greats, all of whom she adores. Grandma treats the local older kids to special dinners at The Garlands Winslow and Grill, the “littles” to the Garlands Winter Wonderland adventures with Santa and the out-of-towners to beautiful views and overnights at her Garlands home when they visit.
Be SUPPORTED
Needless to say, Joyce loves The Garlands, but, if there is one thing this do-it-yourselfer can’t get accustomed to, it is the notion of being served. Although she admits that having housekeeping services for the first time in her life after cleaning her own previous five-bedroom, 3,500 square foot home is kinda nice, overall she relies on staff very little. She says, “It is still comforting to know they are here if I need them.”
“Once I asked for help hauling a particularly heavy load of groceries, and the bags were up to my apartment before I even got there!” she quips. “They’re Johnny on the spot here!”—just like Joyce.
