UNITY — Residents, staff and board members of Parkview Place took time to show their appreciation with a surprise party for their manager, Paula Sittler, on Jan. 28, celebrating her 10th year at the seniors home.
Known for her warm, friendly smile, Sittler was caught off guard by the surprise party. With residents, friends and family joining for the afternoon’s entertainment, board chairman Tom Stephenson spoke about Sittler’s time at Parkview.
He spoke about the joy, creativity, hard work and dedication that Sittler brings to the role.
“She has this magical way of lifting the spirits of residents and staff alike just by entering a room. She doesn’t just ‘do the job’; she imagines how to make life better for everyone here. Parkview isn’t just a facility; because of your influence, it is a community filled with life and love,” said Stephenson.
Sittler came to Unity just seven months before accepting the role. While working as a substitute teacher at Unity Composite High School and taking on small outdoor odd jobs, it was one of the board members who encouraged the new resident to apply for the position.
Sittler had a steep learning curve once in the position, as she had never worked with seniors before.
“Learning about the seniors’ perspective on daily living was a challenge in the beginning. They definitely have a different outlook and many unique experiences. After 10 years, finding new ways to creatively engage our residents and offering premium service with a non-profit budget are some of the challenges I am met with now,” said Sittler.
Parkview Place has become known for fun and engaging activities under Sittler’s leadership. From unique fundraising ideas, such as the Toilet Fairy, to spirit weeks during the cold months to keep the winter blues at bay, and incorporating her four-legged canine friend Scout into the day-to-day life of the facility, Sittler has encouraged residents to embrace fun and connection.
“The most fun activities are those that pull the residents to the edge of their comfort zone and end in great fits of laughter and applause. When we can host the community and bring friends and family together, it is always rewarding. Pie parties have been a personal favourite,” she laughed.
Over the past decade, some of the traditional managerial tasks have become easier for Sittler.
“We’ve added the activity co-ordinator position, with ladies who have added their own special flair to the role. I’ve also learned a lot about the process of aging and the health-care system, which has been invaluable insight,” added the Parkview manager. She also said past residents had taught her the importance of family.
“When the senses go, and the body fails, family is what keeps you going.”
Sittler’s energy has not gone unnoticed in the community. She was selected as an exemplary citizen at the Unity Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Celebrate Unity event.
“It's impossible to sum up her greatness in a short nomination, but I am certain hundreds in Unity would attest to the value of her work and her continued connection with community, continually seeking new ways to engage Parkview Place residents, making happy and healthy seniors and a more connected community,” said nominator Sherri Solomko.
Parkview Place will also be celebrating 20 years of operation this year. The board is already working on celebration plans, and residents and staff are also looking forward to a planned kitchen renovation this spring. Sittler said she has never been a ‘five-year plan’ kind of person, but added that “as long as I still have the energy and we still have a community of healthy, active independent seniors, then we will be having fun.”
The celebration kicked off with a rendition of Hey Paula, sung by Parkview Place resident Doreen Boser, her daughter Donna Boser-Kelly and accompanied by Melissa Acton. Everyone in attendance was encouraged to leave well-wishes on printed cards featuring photos from throughout the past decade, and the board presented Sittler with a book filled with memories from her time at Parkview Place. With her family by her side, Sittler was moved to tears and filled with gratitude for the recognition and surprise.
