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Stefans likes to get her hands dirty
Jan Stefans is the president of the Lincolnshire Garden Club. | Brian O'Mahoney~for Sun-Times Media
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Updated: December 5, 2012 10:44AM
LINCOLNSHIRE — Jan Stefans knows how to appreciate the simpler things in life — like being outside, enjoying nature and getting your hands dirty from time to time. As president of the Lincolnshire Garden Club, she is able to share that love with others, while making a positive impact on her community.
Q: What inspired you to join the Lincolnshire Garden Club?
A: I joined the garden club after my son was in high school, I had more time and it was time to do something for me.
Q: What got you interested in gardening/flowers?
A: My mom was a big gardener and from the time I was little I always liked to be in the garden with the posies.
Q: How do you feel the Garden Club helps the community?
A: The garden club is philanthropic and since 1958, we have been getting our hands dirty giving back to the community through education, nature protection and beautification. The village has been a huge recipient of our allocations, as well as the library district, Riverside Foundation, the Depke Juvenile Justice Complex, just to name a few.
Q: What are your future goals with the club?
A: Our goals for the club are to continue to educate our members and the community in the areas of gardening, landscape and floral design, and how to better preserve out natural resources. We continue to look for good programing and field trip locations. Our club has a place for everyone to grow.
Q: What is your greatest moment or achievement?
A: I am proudest of our club’s ongoing relationships with the Riverside Foundation, where we garden with the residents, and the Depke Juvenile Justice Center, where we have built a year-long program working with the young adults in the Face-it Program.
Q: Why did you choose Lincolnshire?
A: My husband and I have lived in Lincolnshire for 26 years. We wanted a house that had enough land to support it, and mature trees. In the summer we really live outside as much as possible.
Q: Where are you from originally?
A: I grew up in Oak Park with a lot of mature trees. (It was) a great community to grow up in. (I’m a) big Frank Lloyd Wright fan, (and) his house was across the street from where I went to grade school.
Q: What is your family like?
A: My husband, son, and I are an active family. We enjoy bicycling, walking, movies and reading. My son and I were very active in the (Boy) Scouts, camping and backpacking through his high school years. I, however, am the only member of the family that enjoys weeding!
Q: What about Lincolnshire makes you proud?
A: I am particularly proud of the LcCS (Lincolnshire Community Association) and the impact it has had on the whole community over the years. Our 4th of July two-day celebration is like none other on the North Shore, and is my all-time favorite event. I like Lincolnshire’s small town atmosphere.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in town?
A: Sorry, my favorite restaurant is in Highland Park - Norton’s. Great food and friendly atmosphere.
Q: What are you currently reading?
A: I enjoy reading Luanne Rice, Nicholas Sparks, Lorna Landvick and Kate Jacobs.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: I will watch “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “While You Were Sleeping,” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” anytime they come on T.V.
Q: What is in your iPod?
A: No iPod, can you believe it? I’d rather be outside with my hands in the dirt!
Q: Are you a summer or winter person?
A: I like all seasons, but fall probably is my favorite. Still nice enough to be outside, and the smell of burning leaves reminds me of my youth.
Q: What is your favorite Chicago sports team?
A: Favorite Chicago team, not happening. Stevenson football, now that’s happening!
