Connecting a Community
The beautiful active adult community of Sage Apartments sits nestled up to Highland Creek, providing modern amenities and perks for independent seniors. One of those unofficial but beneficial perks is in the tireless activities and services provided by StoneBridge’s Penny Oliver to the residents.
Two years ago, Penny was placed for a purpose in this sprawling complex, uniting neighbors through potluck dinners, spontaneous gatherings, and constant introductions to each other. If you are a resident and know Penny, your experience at Sage will be enriched in countless ways.
I had the joy of meeting up with Penny in the lovely and inviting lobby at Sage to see and experience firsthand what a day in her life looks like, which included a tour, meeting a number of residents, and witnessing the impact of her service to her neighbors. Everyone we passed in the complex she knew by name, situation, and as the faces brightened upon seeing her, it was clear that she was impacting lives through her love for them and strong faith in God.
Attempts at social gatherings were happening when she moved in, but they were a bit disorganized. With Penny’s hospitality and organization gifts, she has put into place teams, policies, and schedules that benefit the complex as a whole, making events run smoothly. In particular, every other Wednesday night a potluck is offered as an opportunity for neighbors to meet. As she shared this with me, she picked up some beautifully made photo albums on the coffee table. The pages revealed pictures of numerous gatherings and parties featuring residents dressed up for game nights and other holiday galas. They were all captured by a team of residents, encouraged by Penny, to provide these books for tenants to thumb through and reminisce as they relax in the lobby.
Beyond this, Penny is constantly helping anyone who needs a hand. She provides transportation to doctor’s appointments and other outings. In conversation with a new resident, she learned he needed help hanging pictures, and that need didn’t last long! She has ingratiated herself and earned the respect and privilege to help others.
Penny is an artist with a past career of interior design, and this is not wasted. With joy, she explained her most favorite activity on the grounds and how it serves a dual purpose. Often, when new retirees move in, they simply have too many furnishings and are needing to offload items quickly. Word travels fast to call Penny, who will come to the apartment and help the resident decide what needs to go. She goes through the belongings, loads them into her car, and delivers the treasures to our partner ministry, Camino, blessing the neighbor and the ministry. Some of these items are now going to Heal Charlotte. This is creative generosity at its best!
As Penny led me through the complex, her enthusiasm was contagious. We wound our way down the resident hallways, passing an open door. Penny called a name and we were greeted with hugs by Rhonda and her husband and another friend. They invited us in and though we’d just met, I knew I was in the midst of friends because of their connection with Penny. Their love for her was evident and they are just a few of the many who call her friend.
Penny explained that new tenants can go in two directions. The easy route is to move in, greet a few neighbors, then hole up in your space. The alternative is to step out and partake in the activities, and she is there to encourage everyone in that, helping others to form friendships and prevent the isolation that can ensue from option one.
Penny is bold in her faith, but also knows the parameters of how she can share in the facility. Despite someone in the past complaining that there was a prayer before a meal, she has cleverly established a way to have a blessing for the potlucks that is acceptable, calling on a few to say a simple prayer thanking God for the food. She has invited folks to church, the women’s retreat, and other StoneBridge functions, just to name a few ways she shares Christ.
I was refreshed and encouraged in so many ways by Sage Apartments and the creative ways Penny has influenced the residents. StoneBridge, what if we all took this approach to life in our own neighborhoods? Let’s consider Penny’s example and step out on the streets and hallways of our surroundings, loving others as Christ loved the church.
~ Kelly Dockery
