SOULcial Salute – August 2025
Steve Chaplin, Van Driver, RidgePointe of Minnetonka, Minnetonka, MN
From Postal Routes to School Buses to Senior Living
When Steve Chaplin’s wife retired from her marketing role at RidgePointe, she mentioned the community was looking for a bus driver. With over 35 years of experience driving routes and interacting with people of all ages, Steve was a perfect fit.
He had spent 35 years delivering mail in Golden Valley and St. Louis Park, then went on to earn his Class B license to drive a school bus for a year. That license turned out to be required—Ridge Pointe’s van is a 21-passenger vehicle, while most communities use 12-passenger vans.
Since 2015, Steve drove twice a week. These days, with two other drivers on staff, Steve is officially “retired,” but still enjoys filling in when they need coverage.
Dedicated to Serving Seniors
Driving is just the beginning. For Steve, it’s all about getting to know the residents and making their day a little brighter. Whether it’s greeting someone with a warm hello, helping with grocery bags, or welcoming a grandchild who’s tagging along, Steve always takes the extra step.
Some residents have even recognized him as their former mail carrier—and they still thank him for going the extra mile back then, too.
Steve sees himself as another set of caring eyes in the RidgePointe community. When he notices someone having difficulty, he makes sure the right people know so they can follow up with support.
It’s All About the Schedule
The bus schedule is more than just a list of rides. It’s a key part of community life.
- Mondays are for retail outings: Walmart, Costco, Mall of America, and more.
- Tuesdays are the van’s day off.
- Wednesdays (mornings) are typically reserved for Trader Joe’s and ALDI.
- Thursdays are for special excursions arranged by the activity director.
Excursions include everything from Mystic Lake Casino and Orchestra Hall to apple orchard tours, fishing trips, visits to churches, and even ghost tours. Occasionally, they travel to destinations outside the Twin Cities, such as Winona.
- Wednesdays (afternoons) and Fridays are set aside for individual medical appointments.
- One Saturday per month offers service just for the ladies.
- Some days are set aside for residents with wheeled walkers—Steve affectionately calls these “Rollator Runs.”
He also volunteers to drive for an occasional special event like one of Choice Connections’ Senior Tours of Homes.
Putting the Fun in Transportation
Even though Ridge Pointe is conveniently located near stores and clinics, each trip takes time. Steve enjoys the challenge of planning the most efficient routes—the van logs around 13,000 to 15,000 miles per year! His real goal, though, is to reduce residents’ wait times between drop-offs and pick-ups.
When there’s extra time, Steve will make little detours—like stopping at the Hopkins Dairy Queen for their famous homemade Dilly Bars. In the fall, he’ll take scenic routes to show off the best autumn colors around Chanhassen for instance.
Of course, there have been a few grocery mishaps over the years! Steve chuckles remembering times like a greasy rotisserie chicken spilling on the bus or a bottle of red wine leaking through a bag, filling the air with noticeable aromas.
The Feeling Is Mutual
The respect between Steve and his riders is unmistakable. In fact, it’s hard to say who enjoys it more.
Residents often say things like:
“I really appreciate the convenience of your rides.”
“I just gave up my car, so you’ll be seeing a lot of me!”
Steve shared, “People are so nice and they are very appreciative of the bus service. There has been a time or two I had to be diplomatic over disagreements, but the positives far outweigh the negatives.” He added, “You need to maintain professional boundaries, but over time, you really get to know and appreciate people. That’s what makes it hard when someone moves away.”
He concluded with a smile:
“This is just a great place to work. It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had.”