Written by Yana Alderfer, Marketing
Garden Spot Village is a community filled with people of all ages—residents and team members—creating daily opportunities for meaningful intergenerational relationships. As we get older, we’re often asked what advice we’d give the younger generation, or what wisdom we’ve received from those who came before us. But what if we flipped the script as part of a pro-aging revolution that honors every stage of life? What if younger adults also shared their perspective and practical tips with older adults—and we listened with the same respect and curiosity? That’s what this blog is about: highlighting advice that travels both ways across generations, so no matter someone’s age, we can all learn, grow, and thrive together.
FACILITY SERVICES
Mark Lockwood ~ Plumber: From Resident: “Save your pennies for a rainy day.”
DINING SERVICES
Ashley Baker ~ General Dining Manager: From Resident: “Be grateful for even the smallest seemingly small things.”
Jennifer Schneider ~ Central Kitchen: From Resident: “Never go to bed angry with your spouse. Always talk it out before bed and always kiss goodnight.”
Vicki George ~ Catering: From Resident: “You can hate the sin, but not the sinner.”
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)
Preston Hannah ~ IT Specialist: To Resident(s): “If you’re having trouble with your device, unplug first, then plug it back in.”
Nick Garey ~ IT Specialist: To Resident(s): “Turning devices off and on works about 50% of the time.”
Derek Mohler ~ Lead IT Specialist: From Resident: “Stay active!”
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Emma Coward ~ Director of Environmental Services: To Resident(s): “Continue smiling and sharing your stories with those around you. It helps the younger generation know life doesn’t end over inconveniences.”
Mackenzie Gregor ~ Housekeeper: From Resident: “Always keep smiling!”
WELLNESS
Lauren Graber ~ Director of Wellness: From Resident Joyce Urbine: “Don’t wait to take a vacation – use your PTO; Life is short, enjoy it.”
SOCIAL SERVICES
Alexys Kanagy ~ Social Service Advocate: From Resident: “Take your walls down and talk to people.”
VOLUNTEER SERVICES
Jodi Lefever ~ Director of Volunteer Services: From residents Frank & Rose Lippolis: “As you care for aging parents, also take time to make your memories with your family and grandchildren.”
Not advice, funny, said by Resident: “My favorite Christmas lights are the taillights of the kids’ cars pulling out of the driveway.”
MARKETING
Sharon Sparkes ~ Digital Storyteller: From resident Elizabeth Givens: “If you don’t have time to do something well, it’s okay to say no. In fact, it will be better for you and for the project if you’re not distracted.”
Kristy Newborg ~ Sales Associate: From Resident: “The days seem long when you have young children, but they go so fast! Remember the moments in between, and always make time for your spouse.”
Kelly Sweigart ~ Director of Sales: From Resident Charlie Till: Back when I worked for Wellness in High School, he gave me advice that changed my outlook when working with a “difficult” community member; he reminded me that this person lives alone and the time spent with me was possibly their only social interaction all day and while it was “hard” for me, it was a great service to them. It opened my eyes to thinking about what others are going through and how it affects how they are interacting with others and how we all need to be extended grace sometimes.
HUMAN RESOURCES (HR)
Mariah Denlinger ~ Director of Team Member Growth and Development: From Resident Linda Fritz: “Do nice things for people, because it’s the right thing to do.” (Note: Linda welcomes people, cross-stitches, bakes cookies, and always makes Mariah feel seen and important.)
TRELLIS WORKS
Barb Martin ~ Associate Director of Mission Advancement: From Sandy Abnett (from Wisdom Course): “I can’t do it all, I need to ask for help.”
HAIR STUDIO
Courtney Gruber ~ Receptionist: From Resident: “Always enjoy every day. Life is short and you can never get the time back.”
DAYBREAK
Samantha (Sammi) Parry ~ Director of DayBreak: From Resident Carl Drasher: “When in doubt, read the instructions.”
Amber Murray ~ Program Assistant of DayBreak: From Resident: “Don’t be in a hurry to get married; make sure you pick the right one.”
PASTORAL SERVICES
Karyn Nancarvis ~ Chaplain: From Resident: “Live each day to its fullest. You don’t get to do it again.”
From Resident Barb Carter: “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
To Resident(s): “One of the most loving gifts you can give your family is to tell them what mattered most to you. How and what do you want to be remembered?”