Settling In and Stepping Up: Supporting Sustainability at Monarch Landing

It started with a simple invitation to a committee meeting, but that one gesture quickly pulled Lee Quillinan into the heart of life at Monarch Landing senior living community in Naperville.

Shortly after moving in, Lee found himself attending a meeting of the environmental sustainability sub-committee. By his third visit, he was unexpectedly named chair.

“I told them I couldn’t possibly take it on,” Lee recalled. “I was the newest resident. I didn’t know the building, the staff, or the other residents yet. But at the end of the meeting, they said, ‘Lee, thank you for volunteering to be chair.’ And I’ve been in that role ever since.”

As chair of the sub-committee, Lee now leads a team of residents working alongside plant operations, food and beverage, and other departments to promote environmentally friendly practices. With a guiding motto of Sustain Monarch, the group is focused on simple, effective, and community-specific sustainability efforts.

“We’re not ignoring the broader world,” Lee said. “But we’re concentrating on what we can do right here to make a difference first.”

The committee meets monthly and includes about a dozen residents. They recently welcomed the City of Naperville Sustainability Manager to strengthen ties to the city-wide sustainability effort. They plan to invite speakers from the Naperville Environmental Sustainability Task Force (NEST) to gain information on other sustainability opportunities.

The committee is already working on improving recycling education for the residents. They are also collaborating with plant operations and dining services departments on exploring ways to reduce food waste, composting, EV charging stations and more energy-efficient lighting options.

Lee’s enthusiasm for involvement is nothing new. In fact, it’s one of the reasons he and Shirley were drawn to Monarch Landing in the first place.

Seven months ago, after 46 years in their Naperville home, the Quillinans decided it was time for a change.

“Our house had a lot of stairs, and Shirley was dealing with some physical challenges,” Lee said. “We talked about moving for quite some time. We knew someone who lived here and really liked it—and that planted the seed.”

They toured several senior living communities in the area but kept coming back to Monarch Landing. “The staff and residents were so friendly. The positive atmosphere was obvious,” Lee said. “We knew if we didn’t choose Monarch Landing, we’d regret it.”

They were drawn to practical features like indoor parking and the peace of mind that comes with Life Care. But even more, they found a welcoming, vibrant community where engagement and friendship thrive.

Lee’s calendar quickly filled up. “I’m busier now than when I was a business owner,” he said. “There’s so much to do: performances, events, meetings. And the people are wonderful. We’ve made so many friends.”

Staying active and involved has been a theme throughout Lee’s life. After 22 years with Sears, he took early retirement in 1988 and launched a series of new ventures. He and Shirley ran a man-made marble business, owned the beloved Cock Robin restaurant in Naperville, and later worked as insurance agents, with Shirley managing the office.

Lee also has a deep love for history. He volunteered for many years at Naper Settlement and now serves on its museum board, which oversees operations and programming. “I always loved the behind-the-scenes work in the curatorial department,” he said.

He’s especially pleased that Monarch Landing maintains a connection with Naper Settlement. “Residents visit the museum, we bring in speakers, and Monarch Landing sponsors some of their programs,” he said.

With so many opportunities at his fingertips, Lee said his only challenge is time. “It’s hard to say no,” he admitted. “Everything is so interesting, I don’t want to be spread too thin.”

For Lee and Shirley, Monarch Landing has become more than just a new home. It’s a fresh start filled with energy, purpose, and a community that welcomes every chapter of life.

Monarch Landing

Monarch Landing is a Life Plan Community located on a scenic campus in Naperville, Illinois-named “one of America’s best places to live and retire” by Modern Maturity, and “the best city for early retirement” by Kiplinger. Monarch Landing offers independent living, promoting a vibrant lifestyle for active seniors. The Springs at Monarch Landing offers memory supported assisted living, respite care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing services, thus providing complete continuing care for seniors. Monarch Landing is owned by Senior Care Development and managed by Life Care Services®. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToMonarchLanding.com or www.TheSpringsatMonarchLanding.com.