Before she passed away in 2002, Greg Forbes Siegman and his Grandma were best friends. They talked most every day, and he was a regular visitor at her building.
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 :).
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BOOKS
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. Some examples:
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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. Walden Place - an active assisted living community in New York -- ordered copies for its managers.
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.
To get a copy of The Silhouette Man, or to simply learn more about it, go to www.TheSilhouetteMan.com
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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: - Event for staff and for residents at Village on the Green (Florida), event for residents at Amica at Bayview (Toronto), event for residents at Coventry Village (Wisconsin), event for residents at Atria (New York) among others.
- Keynoted 66th UCH Annual Volunteer Banquet. Michelle Obama (in her capacity as a hospital executive) was another speaker. Organizers also ordered a copy of the book for every attendee
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EVENT FEEDBACK
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."
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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 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...he made our residents feel seen."
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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...Grandma taught him well....Thanks again for his story - it was magical."
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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..."
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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."
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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." To ask about booking Greg for an event, email Events@GregForbes.com
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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
"Greg's Grandma is Mama to his Gump." -- Lake Magazine "Grandma plays the role only a grandparent can play - the reality check" -- Senior News
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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...I pray I will be the kind of grandma Greg had!"
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"...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!" Jessica Daily, Activity Director, Walden Place (New York)
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" I loved the book!!!! ... What an amazing woman [the Grandma character is]. 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
"Love, encouragement and advice like [the Grandma character's) is truly priceless. " - Lindsay K. Walls, (formerly of) Nonprofit Management & Leadership Program, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Contact us at Events@GregForbes.com
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