Homemade treats and joy shared with fellow residents prove generosity never retires
GREENSBURG, Pa. — At 92 years old, Elvin “The Candy Man” Norby has found his sweet spot, not just in candy-making, but in bringing joy to those around him.
A resident of Newhaven Court at Lindwood for two years, Norby has quickly become a beloved figure in the senior living community. Every Monday, with the help of his daughter Karen, he continues a tradition that spans nearly four decades: making homemade candy and sharing it with anyone who wants a piece.
“All the residents look forward to dinner on Monday,” said Noelle Bodenheimer, Community Relations Associate. “He goes table to table offering candy, and it’s something everyone anticipates. Even our community dog, Leo, gets doggie treats from Mr. Norby.”
Norby’s journey as “The Candy Man” began in the mid-1980s, when he was looking for something meaningful to do. What started as a simple idea — to make candy for hospital workers as a thank-you — quickly grew into a passion rooted in generosity.
“I wanted to do something nice for somebody,” Norby said.
He never charged for his candy. Instead, he gave it away in large containers to hospital staff in admissions, outpatient and recovery areas. Word spread, and soon people were calling him for more.
Originally from the Minnesota, Norby moved to Pennsylvania two years ago to be near his daughter. Regardless of where he called home, through the years, Norby maintained a steady routine, often waking early on Wednesdays to make candy before his wife awoke.
“I’d be done before she got up,” he recalled. “It took about two hours to make it and another hour and a half to chill.”
Today, the tradition continues with a slight adjustment. Every Monday at 11 a.m., daughter Karen picks him up and takes him to her home, where they make about six pounds of candy. By 3:30 p.m., Norby is back at Newhaven Court at Lindwood, just in time for dinner. He then makes his weekly walk through the dining room, proudly displaying his “The Candy Man” banner across his walker while sharing his latest batch.
His specialty is a toffee brittle. His special ingredients? Chocolate, sugar, butter and almonds. He also creates a treat he calls “cow pie” using leftover chocolate reserved for “extra special friends.”
“I make it with cashews and marshmallows. Everyone here loves the stuff,” Norby said.
His recipe, passed down from an English teacher who was a friend of his late wife, has been slightly tweaked over the years. One key change came after he noticed his chocolate wasn’t melting quite right. A call to The Hershey Company’s customer support led him to switch to Hershey Symphony bars, a decision he’s stuck with ever since.
Candy-making isn’t just a hobby. It’s a way of connecting with people. “I give it to anyone who wants some,” Norby said. “Even the dentist liked it.”
By his own estimate, he estimates he’s shared more than 2½ tons of candy over the years. But for Norby, it’s never been about the quantity. It’s about the smiles.
“I make special pieces without nuts for friends with allergies,” The Candy Man said. “I don’t remember names, but I remember their smiles. Gotta’ take care of my friends.”
A widower, veteran and retired pricing analyst, Norby also credits Bridges Hospice with helping him maintain the quality of life that allows him to continue doing what he loves.
“He says just because someone is utilizing hospice services doesn’t mean it’s the end,” Bodenheimer said. “Bridges Hospice helps him feel good so he can keep making candy and sharing it.”
And as long as he can, Norby has no plans to stop. “It’s just something I like to do,” he said. “It’s a hobby I never intend to give up.”
At Newhaven Court at Lindwood, Mondays don’t just bring dinner. They bring a reminder that kindness, like candy, is best when shared.
For more information, contact Noelle Bodenheimer, Community Relations Associate, at Newhaven Court at Lindwood, at [email protected] or call 724.853.2505.
