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Barrington Senior Living

There is something wonderful about living in Barrington — just ask two long-time residents, Harold Lipofsky and Norval Stephens. Both gentlemen have been very involved in the area and even in “retirement” continue to be active participants in the community they have called home for some time. Both have also chosen to keep Barrington as their home base by selecting a retirement community that is in keeping with their lifestyle.

Lifetime Resident & Local “Celebrity”
Many Barrington residents will recognize the name Harold Lipofsky. A lifetime Barrington resident, he also owned and ran a department store in town which has a history dating back to 1896 as a general store. The family-run business, “Lipofsky’s,” remained popular until a fire claimed the building in 1989.

Harold Lipofsky was born in Barrington and has lived in the community for 85 years. “I remember when there were wood sidewalks here,” he reflects with a chuckle. He is currently a resident at Lake Barrington Woods, a senior lifestyle community, and enjoys the environment there very much. “I have my own apartment, there are nice dining facilities, lots of entertainment and a good staff here,” he says.

Lipofsky is often recognized—both at Lake Barrington Woods and around town. “I know most of the people in Barrington, and they know me,” he says. This “celebrity” status is not just from his department store days, however. Mr. Lipofsky is widely-known in Barrington as someone who has done a great deal of service in the community, and he continues to take an active role in doing so. He was the Commander of V.F.W. Post No. 7706 in Barrington in 1952 and remains active in the organization to this day.

That’s not all however — Lipofsky’s involvement has run deep — both within the community and beyond. He served as a volunteer fireman and was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Barrington. He has been active in supporting the programming for the March Of Dimes, and if that isn’t enough, he has also been a member of the Village Board and was one of the first presidents of the Barrington Association of Commerce. It’s no wonder that so many residents know and respect him; he has been a part of their lives and has served them well in many different ways.

Once A Leader, Always A Leader
Born in Chicago, 78-year-old Norval Stephens has lived in Barrington since 1976 and has just recently moved into The Garlands retirement community with his wife — but that doesn’t mean he has slowed down.

Stephens is still very involved in the Barrington community, serving as President of the Barrington Area Community Foundation and staying active at Barrington Methodist Church with his wife of 56 years, Diane. The foundation has been around since 1988 and has grown continually larger. As Stephens explains, “The foundation asks the question ‘where do you see an unmet need in Barrington?’ and reviews programs that address this issue. Stephens couldn’t be a better person to have at the helm; his extensive leadership experience has prepared him well for it.

Norval Stephens worked in an ad agency for 30 years prior to his retirement in 1986. Not content to rest on his laurels, he began his own consulting firm, and in 1988 became Executive Director of the International Federation of Advertising Agencies (later known as ICOM), in which he would stay involved for the next ten years.

Stephens was also elected to the board of Delta Tau Delta in 1988 — one of the top fraternities in the country. He has remained devoted to the fraternity movement over the years and has even helped lay the groundwork for the relatively new “hazing hotline” that is gaining popularity nationwide. Stephens still does an amazing amount of work for someone who is “retired,” and continues to give back to the residents of Barrington to this day.

These two Barrington residents lead interesting lives. Both are a vibrant part of the community and choose to continue their involvement in causes they hold dear. Norval Stephens and Harold Lipofsky have truly helped redefine what it means to be retired.