WorldsGreatestGrandma.com

Before she passed away in 2002, Greg Forbes Siegman and his Grandma were best friends. They talked every day, and he was a regular visitor at her building (she lived in a senior community where the staff treated the residents wonderfully!).

In the last decade of her otherwise quiet life,  Greg's Grandma suddenly found herself in the spotlight -- gracing magazines and newspapers like the cover of Senior News and The NonProfit Times and receiving 'fan mail' from the likes of Regis Philbin, Pat Sajak, Alex Trebek, Vanna White and Senator Richard Durbin. A framed copy of the Senior News cover  which she autographed went for $5,000 to a complete stranger (with all proceeds going to charity). 

She really was the Worlds Greatest Grandma -- literally.  Just before she passed away, she was selected as "Worlds Greatest Grandma" by WorldsGreatestGrandma.com (Fun, full disclosure:  Greg acquired the domain before the contest took place and unapologetically named himself the only judge before choosing his own Grandma as the winner :).

The book, THE FIRST THIRTY by Jillip Naysinthe Paxson (and expanded version, The Silhouette Man) tells 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.  It is used by schools, companies and organizations around North America, including those who work with seniors in different capacities. 

For instance, Senior Lifestyle Corporation -- the nation's sixth-largest senior living specialist -- 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 additional copies for staff members in his region as gifts for MLK Day. 

In addition to his events with students and young adults, Greg also continues to speak at events for seniors in places like Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Wisconsin, New York, Canada and/or the people who care for them.  Here's a sample of the feedback from those events:

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. His gracious, sensitive nature and passion for life has made him the person he is today.  Grandma taught him well....Thanks again for his story - it was magical."

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. In the past, translation has been an issue when hosting various speakers. Many times translation becomes tedious and residents lose interest in the topic, however, his simple telling of a great story diminished the necessary ennui of translation, allowing residents to fully appreciate the candid lessons offered. Many times our residents, limited in their English, were able to comprehend his words almost intuitively. He also touched our residents with his heart-felt concern for their lives...he extended to them an understanding that is, unfortunately, rare in today's culture. Many times our seniors are invisible because our youth does not have the time sit and enjoy wisdom's company, but he made our residents feel seen. Thank you."

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."

Beverly Billy, Manager, Volunteer Services, U of C Hospitals: "...Greg's story about [making a difference] 'right outside your window' sparked a fire in my belly about something I've wanted to do for some time now....Last night was great..."

Barry Marder, Grandfather: "I am 78 years old. I have attended a lot of Commencements. That speech was the most meaningful and interesting one I've ever heard." -

Ms. Henry, Grandmother:  "It made me feel good to hear a Commencement Speech that paid tribute to grandparents like me."

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."  

Jody Herr, Illinois:   "Greg truly has a God-given gift of compassion for others, for communicating, and for turning lemons into lemonade...As a practicing Catholic with a deep faith,  a mom, a nurse, a Pilates instructor,  I wear many hats: It's rare that someone can provide me with food for thought, a desire to do better. I want to be to someone what Greg's Grandma was to him!"

Ms. Finger, Missouri, Grandparent:  "I was so impressed with the speech...I felt Greg was speaking directly to my granddaughter. Have not stopped talking about his remarks..."

Barry, Instructor, Confederation College (Canada):  "Greg gave a grounded and realistic profile of some of the 'human' attributes that make great teachers.  He inherited his grandmother’s wisdom. A nice boost in mid-semester."

Adam J. Kaplan. Corporate Operations Manager. Senior Lifestyle Corporation: "It was a pleasure meeting Greg during his presentation to the Senior Lifestyle corporate operations team.  He has a unique perspective on business strategy, management and leadership...and a sincere passion for connecting with the senior demographic.  I know that for me it is especially gratifying to know that a great deal of the inspiration behind his belief system was originated during his visits with his grandmother at her home [which was a Senior Lifestyle community]..."

To book Greg for an event, email Events@GregForbes.com

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Note: Where it indicates a person's title/affiliation above, this is typically a reference to what they indicated they did at the time they provided the quote about the speech and/or book.  For instance, Greg spoke at Boston College in 2004.  If a quote is provided by someone identified as a BC student, this typically means they identified themselves as BC students at the time (2004, in that instance) when they observed the speech/read the book and may or many not hold that position any longer (for instance, in the BC example, they may have graduated by now).

Here's a sample of the feedback about the book:

"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)

"I've really enjoyed reading the book.  The simple lessons were powerful!  I really am blessed by the relationship Greg shared with his Grandma.  I fully understand his sincere love for her...the book was a great read and reminds me to face and answer the simple life lessons on a daily basis." -  CeCe McCALL, NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR COMMUNITY AND JUSTICE OF METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

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

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

"Greg's Grandma plays the role only a grandparent can play - the reality check"  CHICAGOLAND SENIOR NEWS

"As an activity director at a community with seniors, I was drawn to Greg's story through the relationship he had with his grandmother.  Greg's respect for her 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.  Even when nobody else seemed to believe, Greg's Grandma was always there to push him toward  his goals.  Greg's story truly honors the wisdom and life lessons of the older generation in very a unique way!"  - Jessica Daily,  Activity Director, Walden Place (A Senior Lifestyle Community in New York)