Retiring leader lauded for growth at Barrington agency

Joyce Palmquist is winding down her 23-year career at the Barrington Area Council on Aging, where she'll be remembered for leading the nonprofit agency through significant growth as executive director.

Palmquist attended her final annual meeting for the organization last week at Makray Memorial Golf Club in Barrington. Agency board President Richard Resseguie said she will remain until a replacement is hired from a short list of candidates, likely within two months.

"We cannot replace Joyce's (credentials)," Resseguie said. "I mean, she's a licensed professional gerontologist. Those don't come along every day with the drive and the ability to run an organization and grow it like she did. That's irreplaceable."

When Palmquist was hired as executive director in 1995, the Barrington Area Council on Aging had one or two employees, a $140,000 budget and $65,000 in assets. She'll be departing an operation that now has about $1 million in assets, a $600,000 annual budget and a staff of six full- and three part-time employees.

"My hope is that I've laid a foundation and that the next person can take us to the next level, whatever that is," said Palmquist, 64, of Barrington.

Along with leading the organization's growth, Palmquist became known for her work with caregivers through establishment of the "A Day Out" respite program in 2014. It was designed to offer an engaging and social opportunity for those with mild cognitive-related difficulties while providing a much-needed break for caregivers.

Palmquist said the agency must continue exploring new programs and services based on community need. One example is an initiative starting in the fall offering older adults a chance to enroll in up to five Harper College courses that'll be taught at Barrington's White House.

In retirement, Palmquist said she and her husband will stay in Barrington, but plan to do more traveling and continue playing folk music together. Playing as Second Wind at places such as farmers markets in Barrington, Palatine and Buffalo Grove, Palmquist said she'll have more time to book dates.

"It takes kind of a sweat equity to get gigs," she said.

Incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1984, the Barrington Area Council on Aging's services include information on housing options, Meals on Wheels, senior activities and education groups. At least 1,100 annual clients come primarily from Barrington, North Barrington, South Barrington, Lake Barrington, Barrington Hills, Deer Park and Tower Lakes.

Revenue mostly comes from private donors and fundraising events, with the Barrington Area United Way and local government also providing financial assistance.