Su (Susan) Stigney
Director of Programming
A little about your job…
It is a job that is never the same from day to day. The job has a great amount of variety.
The purpose of my job is to help meet the leisure needs of the residents and to assist them to find connection and purpose with our SilverCrest mission of R>E>S>P>E>C>T>!
What sparked your desire to work in a senior living community?
I do not remember what first sparked my desire to start working in senior living, but I do know why I stay. The people, the staff, the mission.
How do you decide which activities and programs to offer?
My formula is: Resident interests/ requests, time of year, availability, as well as trying to balance in the Phases of Wellness.
What are your residents top 3 favorite activities?
Hard for me to pick, so I asked my residents …
- Table Games (Bingo, Cards, Crosswords, Rummikub, etc.).
- BIG Community Events like the outdoor events such as the dog races, concerts, and theme events.
- Class of …/ New Residents Welcome Event to connect new residents with each other and answer questions about the community.
What were your two best attended, most fun events over the past two years?
- ON SITE Billable Events during a time when we were unable to go on an outing to restaurants or other locations (which is one of their favorites things to do), we ordered in, with great interests to do it monthly.
- Our last Elegant Dinner Theme “Mediterranean Cruise “
What is your favorite activity to participate in with residents?
There are so many. Fitness is one of the top ones, but I also love the adventures we have had on outings.
Are there programs the residents lead themselves? If so, what are they?
Absolutely! Different neighborhoods within our community will have different levels on independence abilities. We encourage independent and leadership as residents wish and are able. The following groups that offer the best independent opportunity are table games (like Rummikub, cards, etc.) as well as some worship groups, gentlemen club, puzzle groups, fitness groups, coffee socials, etc.
What sets your programming apart from the competition?
My Team and SilverCrest!
More About Su…
Here are two of my favorite quotes:
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, & Discover!” ~ Mark Twain.
“There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle” ~ Albert Einstein.
Favorite Movie?
Field of Dreams
Favorite Book?
Love reading and read a variety of books, but only one that I go back to on a consistent bases and that is the Bible.
Favorite Sports Team(s)?
To watch Twins baseball or the Olympics. To participate I enjoyed volleyball & softball.
Top 2 favorite bands?
“Mercy ME” best Faith base band, or the bands of the 70’s Bee Gees, Fleetwood Mac, Boston, etc.…
Top travel destination on your list?
Norway, New Zealand, and Ireland.
If you could have a superpower – which one would you choose and why?
Super-Enhanced Senses with ability to turn off or on as needed, and with the ability to replicate what is learned by this power. It would be a great skill to help others for good?.
Tell us one thing about yourself that would surprise your residents?
During my college years I was asked to compete in the Miss Honey Queen contest. I won regional and came in 2nd in the State competition. p.s. My Dad raised bees, so I knew a little about bee, the honey process and honey health benefits.
Do you have a favorite resident memory or story? If so, please share?
After working here so many years, I have many wonderful resident memory / stories. Here are two that come to mind.
- Carol had been a clothing designer (mainly wedding dresses) and pattern maker in her professional life. We arranged a modeling show and brought friends and family in to watch. Carol’s selections were stunning! The joy that was felt by all that afternoon was amazing!
- Throughout the years working with residents and expanding their abilities and interest in Technology has brought me many wonderful memories.
- The first one was in one of my 1st years’ working here, I lead classes for both Independent and our Assisted Living. It was one of the Assisted Living residents who, after the 3rd class, asked her family to buy a desktop computer for her, as soon as possible, as she was having so much fun and felt so connected.
- Around 2015, I had the opportunity to connect with a very driven High School senior that wanted to bring High School students in to mentor seniors on a 1 to 1 technology based on an international program called Cyber Seniors. Blue Cross Blue Shield also partnered with the project and created a documentary.
- During the recent Covid -19 shutdown more seniors wanted to stay connected with loved ones. As I assisted with their technology needs, joys, laughter, and learning was shared as they enhance their skills with their technology of choice. It was heartwarming. Even residents, who thought that they would never need to do a video chat, came to love them.
