Located in Gretna, NE, SilverRidge Assisted Living and Memory Support Community is locally owned and operated by the Sedlacek family. SilverRidge offers 81 Assisted Living Apartments and 28 Memory Support Apartments for those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Pat Renz, LPN is one of the nurses on staff at SilverRidge.
Tell us a little about your business. – SilverRidge is an assisted living facility that aims at helping residents transition to a new chapter in their lives when they are no longer able to live in their own homes but can consider our facility home.
How did you get started in the business? – In high school I was always interested in becoming a nurse but didn’t have the confidence to try. I was a travel agent for years but when the use of travel sites became readily available, that was enough to convince myself to go back to college.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I came to SilverRidge as a brand new CNA and Med Aide. The nurses encouraged me to learn and supported me when I decided to go back to school. Moreover, they helped me to be able to go to school while continuing to work. It was an honor when my bosses trusted me enough to promote me to the evening shift LPN.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have been married for 16 years. My husband is an Auto Body Technician and has been employed at Huber Chevrolet for 20+ years. We have two grown children and three grandchildren.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I have a beautiful chestnut mare named Annie. I spend my days off riding her and just spending quality time with her. She can always make me smile. My second favorite thing is fishing.
What are you the most proud of? – My children. They have worked hard to be where they are in life with careers and their own families. When the grandkids come in the house and we hear their little voices yell ‘Nana, PaPa’ nothing gets better than that.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Nothing good is ever just given to you; if you want it, go get it.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “It’s Who You Are” from the movie Secretariat (Performed by AJ Michalka).
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – The ability to read minds.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I’d be a veterinarian.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – The Alzheimer’s Association is a big one. It saddens me to watch other peoples’ loved ones change, losing their most cherished memories. I’m also a supporter of the Diabetes Foundation. My father was my rock all my life. To watch diabetes rob him of his health and mobility broke my heart and made me feel helpless.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Anything by Stephen King.
What is your favorite movie? – Dances with Wolves.
What is your favorite TV show? – North Woods Law.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Farmer Browns Steak House in Waterloo, NE.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Clint Eastwood.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Via email at Pat@Silverridge-gretna.com or visit our website at www.silverridge-gretna.com.