WorldsGreatestGrandma.com

Before she passed away in 2002, Greg and his Grandma were best friends. They talked most every day, and he was a regular visitor at her building.

As more people began taking notice of Greg's efforts in the community, more and more people also began noticing the extent to which his Grandma influenced those efforts. As a result, in the last decade of her otherwise quiet life, she suddenly found herself in the spotlight -- gracing covers of magazines like Senior News and The NonProfit Times and receiving 'fan mail' from the likes of Regis Philbin, Pat Sajak, Alex Trebek and Vanna White. Along the way, she continued to insist she was no different than the millions of other grandparents who touch the lives of those they love.

BOOKS

The books, The First Thirty by Jillip Naysinthe Paxson and expanded version, The Silhouette Man) tell the story of a young person who wants to change the world -- and the grandparent who changed his. It is based on the real-life relationship between Greg and his Grandma, and the lessons she taught him. Compared in media and/or reviews to stories like Forrest Gump and Tuesdays with Morrie, it is used by schools, companies and organizations around North America, including those who work with seniors in different capacities. Some examples:

In November 2009, The Silhouette Man was recognized in Canada with the Wisdom Speaks honor. Presented by Amica Mature Lifestyles, the honor is given to a book that celebrates the unique wisdom of seniors. Thank you, Amica!

Brentmoor Place - an independent senior living community in St. Louis ordered copies for some staffers and residents - and also ordered copies of the posters based on the book.

Senior Lifestyle Corporation ordered copies for some of its executives. They also booked Greg to speak at an event for some SLC executives. In turn, after reading his copy, one of those executives ordered 50 more copies for staff members in his region as gifts for MLK Day.

To get a copy of The Silhouette Man, or to simply learn more about it, go to www.TheSilhouetteMan.com

EVENTS

In addition to his events with students and young adults, Greg also continues to speak at events for seniors around the US and Canada -- and/or the people who care for them. Here's a sample:

- Events for residents and/or staff (and/or both) for communities in places like Illinois, Florida, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Indiana, North Carolina, Colorado, New York, and Toronto.

- Keynoted annual banquet recognizing people who volunteer and help others. Michelle Obama was another speaker. Organizers also ordered a copy of the book for every attendee

- Served as Keynote Speaker at annual conference for hundreds of professionals who work with and care for seniors.

FEEDBACK: EVENTS FOR SENIORS

Shirley Richardson, Asst. Manager, Brentmoor Place: "...His 'Grandma recollections' pulled at the heart strings of all present in the room. They appreciated his candor and could put themselves in the shoes of Grandma as many had similar experiences with their own children."

Doris Zimmerman, Florida: "I just want to say so much. In a word, terrific! Greg makes a Grandma proud -- and he's not even mine."

Nina Hicok, B'nai B'rith Parkview Apartments (an event for Russian seniors, done with a translator): "Greg is the first speaker we ever hosted who was able to transcend both language and cultural barriers to truly connect with the hearts of our residents, cultivating their laughter, understanding and curiosity. He touched our residents with his heart-felt concern for their lives. He extended an understanding that is, unfortunately, rare in today's culture...he made our residents feel seen."

Maria Charles, The Fountains at Bronson Place: "...a wonderful presentation...The residents and guests seemed to enjoy Greg's story so much! And I appreciated how he related his Grandmother living at a retirement community to our home here. I was amazed that he could tell his story without any notes and that he was able to bring so many feelings interwoven from his life. He has a very natural and at the same time charming style. Thanks so much for coming to visit our community..."

To ask about booking Greg for an event, email Events@GregForbes.com

Lynne Stark, Newport Place (Horizon Bay): "We had Greg speak at our facility, and the residents absolutely loved his presentation, his personality, the way he spoke and delivered his message. One of he residents said that, 'she felt as if he was a friend.' Greg was very easy to schedule, work with and very easy going..."

Jerry Ehrlich, Executive Director, St. Louis Society for the Physically Disabled: "...I experienced his presentation with my 84-year old mom. Afterwards, she and I walked away arm in arm..."

Carol Greenberg, Director of HORIZONS in Florida: "The event was perfect for our members. Greg was kind, considerate, loving and hilarious. In fifteen years here, I've never seen a response like the one I saw today."

Magdalena King, Exec Director, Herb Carroll 55 Plus Centre, Canada: "Phenomenal! Greg's talk was an inspiration and impacted everyone in the room. Didn't deserve anything less than a standing ovation and the seniors gave it to him. Thanks again for his story - it was magical."

FEEDBACK: EVENTS FOR THOSE WHO CARE FOR SENIORS

Christine Erickson, Event Coordinator, LORNA Conference (conference for nurses): “The event was a huge success! I can’t recall any other time when our speaker received a standing ovation at the end. [While planning for the event,] I have rarely had such quick responses from a guest speaker. That was much appreciated. I liked the way he interacted with members of the audience -- made it much more personal.”

Ansley Holt, Executive Director, Village on the Green: "I had many employees come to me and thank me for the session. It was great to hear Greg honor the staff for the outstanding work they do each day for someone's grandmother or grandfather..."

Jim Bryson, Regional Marketing Director, Senior Lifestyle Corp: "Greg's presentation provided wonderful insight into finding value in every day experiences that can impact our work with and for seniors."

BOOK FEEDBACK

"The book makes me look forward to the day my child has a child, so that I can be a grandchild's best friend, too." -- Sue Weiner, Director of Youth & Family Programs, The Jewish Center (Princeton, NJ)

"...a wonderful book that reminds us of the magical things that can happen when spending time with our grandparents." --Allie, New Hampshire

Sharon Giebels, Crystal Cove (Florida): "After more than 2 decades working in retirement communities, I am hooked on...searching out any philosophies that may relate to the position I am blessed to hold. Some books have become invaluable to me because their messages are dear beyond words; and I am inspired anew each time I reread them. The Silhouette Man is in this category. This is a touching tale of dreams coming true, of the magic of a Grandma’s support and love, and a reminder that the world goes on because of interactions between generations which create constancy. I would recommend this book to anyone who has grandparents or who doesn’t, who has dreams or just wishes they did."

Jessica Daily, Activity Director, Walden Place (New York): "Greg's respect for Grandma's words of wisdom and her tough love approach even during the end phase of her life really highlights the value that older adults play in shaping the leaders of our future generation....Greg's story truly honors the wisdom and life lessons of the older generation in a very unique way!"

" I loved the book!!!! ... I hope some day that I can have that kind of positive impact on my grandchildren whenever that day comes..." - Lucy Ruiz, CBS 47 California

"Greg's Grandma is Mama to his Gump." -- Lake Magazine

"Grandma plays the role only a grandparent can play - the reality check" -- Senior News

To order the books for you, your grandhild, your grandparent, your staff or your residents, visit www.TheSilhouetteMan.com

To set up an event with Greg for your staff or residents, email GregsUpdate@gmail.com