The musicians

As soon as they moved in to Greenhouse Village Cooperative, music lovers Alice and Lee started a weekly sing-along that is still going strong. They also organized a house band of instrumentalists and singers, the Rebels, that is open to anyone; the group practices daily and gives concerts for Greenhouse Village residents. Lee says: “This place has kept me alive and young and made life worth living.”

The designer and the gardener

Merlin and Jill, a couple with independent interests of their own, each found projects to engage their passions at Greenhouse Village Cooperative.

In retirement, Merlin finally had time to pursue his interests in gardening and landscaping. He became a master gardener and worked part-time as a horticulturalist. When he and Jill moved here, Merlin brought his energy and expertise to the Grounds Committee. The work is sometimes demanding, he says, but, “It is a joy to work alongside other committee members as we strive to make our outside property attractive and healthy.”

Jill, who had long been interested in interior design and architecture, joined Greenhouse Village Cooperative's Interiors Committee. She soon became involved in a major design project with the eight-member group: updating the common areas of the building with a fresh look that reflects the Prairie Style architecture of the building. She also got to know fellow co-op members well as they worked closely together. “It was a true reflection of the collegial atmosphere here at the village,” she says.

The librarian

Mary has been a book lover since childhood, when she “played library” with her dolls. She went on to become a school librarian working with high school and elementary students. Now retired, she is the volunteer Greenhouse Village librarian, sharing her love of reading with adults, making new friends and curating a beautiful library space. “I am so proud to be a member of this vibrant community,” she says.