If you come to TAPS (Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors) any day during one of the many activities, you’d be hard pressed to know right away who Susan is. She goes quietly about her job, and would rather be in the background than out front. That’s why I was pleased when Susan Langstaff agreed to do an interview on this occasion of her retirement from TAPS as a part time staff member.
Moving from Prince George with her husband Don in April 2006 when BC Rail was sold and his job ended, they decided on a change of location. They chose Creston Susan says, because they had visited and enjoyed the valley in the past. She smiles, describing a favourite drive from Salmo and over the pass into Creston, “seeing the widening valley and mountains on either side, it’s like being enveloped in welcoming loving arms.”
One day soon after their move, she was walking her dog in the neighborhood and noticed a lot of activity at some buildings at Nilsson Park, she investigated and learned it was the TAPS program and was invited to come and consider being a volunteer. Two years of helping in the kitchen, mostly doing dishes she says eventually led to a part time job as a bus driver. She and another eventual staff member Nellie took the same retraining course at the College of the Rockies to help those wanting to re-enter the work force. They have been job sharing now for 8 years. Their roles go beyond bus driving including helping the seniors during program activities, assisting where needed and of course with kindness and care as a natural part of their supportive roles.
What is the thing that stands out most from these 10 years as a volunteer and staff? Susan smiles and instantly replies: “the people”. “everyone is different, I love hearing their stories from when they were growing up to what they’ve done in their lives. I have so many memories, I’m sure I’ll be remembering them for a long time. Another thing is that I got to see how people were impacted by a little helping hand or kindness. It means a lot to them. Being supportive in a helping role is a very personal relationship, people say they feel ‘spoiled’ when they are listened to. I get to be the ‘ears’. As a bus driver I have sometimes been surprised by what I hear. I remember one time there was a lady on the bus who was very ladylike and appeared prim and proper. It was on one of our drives around the valley and she told a joke that was, well, risque to say the least. There was a stunned surprise silence on the bus, then I started laughing and so did the whole bus. It’s times like that that I will continue to treasure...the unexpected moments.”
When you think about the past 10 years, what stands out for you or what have you learned? “I think of TAPS as a big family and admire that and love that I’ve been part of it. Everyone helps each other and are supportive and sensitive. Like a family, each person has their own personality, habits, interests, and ups and down times and there’s room for all of it. I’ve learned compassion through witnessing the changes over time that ageing brings and to see how people deal with it and my role is honouring that. They’ve taught me many things (sometimes how to do things that I didn’t think I needed to learn!). I learn something new every day. As a volunteer, then a staff member I’ve been part of a team where everyone gets along and we’ve been encouraged and offered inservice trainings through Valley Community Servies to improve our skills and develop as a team. Without teamwork, this program would not be what it is today, we’ve had so much fun as well as dealing with many emotional times, it’s not an easy thing to leave.”
We wish Susan and her family well and look forward to, as she says, to her return to TAPS as a volunteer. We wil remember you Susan for your gracious and calm demeanor, your skills as a team member and with our seniors, your hard work and cheerful disposition. We’ll picture you and Don in your beautiful gardens.
Moving from Prince George with her husband Don in April 2006 when BC Rail was sold and his job ended, they decided on a change of location. They chose Creston Susan says, because they had visited and enjoyed the valley in the past. She smiles, describing a favourite drive from Salmo and over the pass into Creston, “seeing the widening valley and mountains on either side, it’s like being enveloped in welcoming loving arms.”
One day soon after their move, she was walking her dog in the neighborhood and noticed a lot of activity at some buildings at Nilsson Park, she investigated and learned it was the TAPS program and was invited to come and consider being a volunteer. Two years of helping in the kitchen, mostly doing dishes she says eventually led to a part time job as a bus driver. She and another eventual staff member Nellie took the same retraining course at the College of the Rockies to help those wanting to re-enter the work force. They have been job sharing now for 8 years. Their roles go beyond bus driving including helping the seniors during program activities, assisting where needed and of course with kindness and care as a natural part of their supportive roles.
What is the thing that stands out most from these 10 years as a volunteer and staff? Susan smiles and instantly replies: “the people”. “everyone is different, I love hearing their stories from when they were growing up to what they’ve done in their lives. I have so many memories, I’m sure I’ll be remembering them for a long time. Another thing is that I got to see how people were impacted by a little helping hand or kindness. It means a lot to them. Being supportive in a helping role is a very personal relationship, people say they feel ‘spoiled’ when they are listened to. I get to be the ‘ears’. As a bus driver I have sometimes been surprised by what I hear. I remember one time there was a lady on the bus who was very ladylike and appeared prim and proper. It was on one of our drives around the valley and she told a joke that was, well, risque to say the least. There was a stunned surprise silence on the bus, then I started laughing and so did the whole bus. It’s times like that that I will continue to treasure...the unexpected moments.”
When you think about the past 10 years, what stands out for you or what have you learned? “I think of TAPS as a big family and admire that and love that I’ve been part of it. Everyone helps each other and are supportive and sensitive. Like a family, each person has their own personality, habits, interests, and ups and down times and there’s room for all of it. I’ve learned compassion through witnessing the changes over time that ageing brings and to see how people deal with it and my role is honouring that. They’ve taught me many things (sometimes how to do things that I didn’t think I needed to learn!). I learn something new every day. As a volunteer, then a staff member I’ve been part of a team where everyone gets along and we’ve been encouraged and offered inservice trainings through Valley Community Servies to improve our skills and develop as a team. Without teamwork, this program would not be what it is today, we’ve had so much fun as well as dealing with many emotional times, it’s not an easy thing to leave.”
We wish Susan and her family well and look forward to, as she says, to her return to TAPS as a volunteer. We wil remember you Susan for your gracious and calm demeanor, your skills as a team member and with our seniors, your hard work and cheerful disposition. We’ll picture you and Don in your beautiful gardens.
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