University Place Proclamation Honors Sandy Nelson

University Place Mayor Ken Grassi (left) and Sandy Nelson (right)

The City of University Place honored Sandra E. “Sandy” Nelson, Executive Director, Bridgeport Place Retirement and Assisted Living with a Proclamation in recognition of her community leadership and contribution to the quality of life for seniors in University Place – not just those who call Bridgeport Place home – but in the broader local community with her leadership and support of events and activities organized by the University Place Senior Activity Center.  

The "Saturday Senior Soup-tacular" is an example of her community outreach.  

After the operating budget for the UP Senior Center was slashed to only a fraction of what it had been in the past, she came up with the idea of sponsoring a free lunch for seniors on the third Saturday of every month. It has become a popular social event and those who attend say they "wouldn't miss it."

When Mayor Ken Grassi read the Proclamation before the council and citizens last Monday evening, Sandy Nelson spoke briefly and attributed her success to the management team she leads at Bridgeport Place.

Sandy Nelson was named 2012 Administrator of the Year by the Washington State Association of Activity Professionals.  Bridgeport Place (under her leadership) achieved 100% occupancy for the first time ever during 2012. 

Nelson was nominated for the Administrator of the Year award by her management team.  She is beloved by her staff and senior residents.  She is a homeowner and resides in University Place within a mile of the senior living community she serves.

In celebration of the Proclamation, she and her management team from Bridgeport Place gathered at El Toro, in University Place, to mark the occasion.

When she had first learned of the pending Proclamation to honor her, she had quipped, “What next?  A street named after me?!?”  Members of the management team surprised her with their own tribute. They presented her with a customized street sign reading “Sandy Nelson Blvd”.  The sign was created by Judi and DJ Brown, owners of Getting Personal Imprinting.  They are endlessly creative.  If you ever need a trophy or some other type of award (even a custom street sign) they can do it for you in no time.  http://www.gettingpersonalimprinting.com