#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench

Episode #75 - In this special episode, hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle celebrate two years of podcasting together and reflect on the Green Bench initiative. They take a look back at some of the most memorable moments, impactful stories, and inspiring guests who have shared their wisdom over the past two years.

Special guest Ted Hudson, who was involved in the early days of the Green Bench, joins the conversation to discuss...

Episode #74 - Co-hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle welcome Michael Tepsich, a resident of the Village of Erin Meadows, who shares his remarkable life story. Michael, who has been married to his wife Rose for 67 years, reflects on his upbringing in a northern Quebec mining town, where he navigated the challenges of learning multiple languages as the child of immigrants.

Michael discusses his career journey, transitioning fro...

Episode #73 - Kathy Buckworth along with co-host, Evelyn Brindle dive into the life and wisdom of Donna Harrison, a resident of The Village of Sandalwood Park in Brampton.

Donna's story is a heartwarming journey through her early years in Port Credit, where she met her beloved husband, George, and started a family at a young age. She fondly recalls their life together, George's career with Pepsi Cola, and the strong family ties th...

Episode #72 - In this enlightening episode, hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle sit down with Lora Bruyn Martin, the Director of Innovation, Improvement, and Research at Schlegel Villages.

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of innovation in senior living and how it enhances the lives of older adults and their caregivers. Lora shares her passion for working with seniors and discusses the importance of grassroots innov...

Episode #71 - Hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle engage in a heartfelt and enlightening conversation with Sharon Hunwicks, a resident of Erin Mills Lodge Long-Term Care in Mississauga. Sharon shares her personal journey with Parkinson's disease, having been diagnosed at the early age of 43. She discusses the initial denial, the challenges of managing symptoms, and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude despite the...

Episode #70 - In this exciting episode, Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle are joined by two spirited women in their eighties, who embarked on an incredible 80-day journey around the globe. Sharing laughter, stories, and priceless wisdom, Dr. Sandra Hazelip and Eleanor Hamby prove that age is just a number when it comes to exploring the world.

Listen in as they recount their adventures across seven continents, from piranha fishing ...

Episode #69 - In this enlightening episode, hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle welcome Christine Runstedtler, a resident of The Village of Winston Park in Kitchener. Christine shares her incredible travel adventures, from exploring the arts in Java and Bali to her experiences in China and Thailand.

As a former teacher with over 35 years of experience, Christine reflects on the evolution of education, the importance of teachi...

Episode #68 - Hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle had the joy of chatting with the remarkable Lillian Parker, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen in Guelph, who has an extraordinary story to share.

Lillian is a true thrill-seeker. She recently went skydiving and described the experience as "fantastic" and "better than a bird." Even though she broke her ankle upon landing, her enthusiasm for adventure hasn’t dimmed one ...

Episode #67 - Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle had the pleasure of speaking with Murray Woods, a man with a wealth of life experiences and wisdom (Recorded at The Village of Arbour Trails in Guelph). Murray, born in 1932 on a farm in Dufferin County, shared vivid memories from his childhood, including a daring ride on the back of a car at the age of five, which became a defining story of his early years.

Murray's career journey ...

Episode #66 - Hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle delve into the pervasive issue of ageism with renowned author and activist Ashton Applewhite. The discussion opens with personal anecdotes from Kathy and Evelyn, who share their experiences of ageism in professional and personal settings, highlighting its subtle yet impactful presence in everyday interactions, especially in the workplace and healthcare.

Ashton Applewhite, known...

Episode #65 - In this inspiring episode, hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle had the pleasure of speaking with the remarkable Emily Jarratt, who at 99 years old, shared her rich tapestry of life experiences with us.  Emily joins us from The Village of Tansley Woods retirement in Burlington.

Emily, originally from England, moved to Canada in 1952 seeking a better life post-war. She and her husband chose Canada over Australia, ...

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The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the weal...

Episode #64 - Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle had the pleasure of chatting with two very special guests, Shirley, a resident at The Village of Glendale Crossing in London, and Rob Dore, chaplain and baking aficionado of the community.

Shirley shared her journey of moving into the village to avoid the risks of living alone in a townhouse. Known affectionately as "the hugger," Shirley has embraced her new community with open arms...

Episode #63 - In this heartfelt episode of #ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench, Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle had the pleasure of conversing with the inspiring Royal Hamel from The Village of Winston Park in Kitchener. Royal, who we met at the Schlegel Village Operational Planning Conference in Niagara Falls (Bonus LIVE Episode), shared his journey of faith, positivity, and resilience in the face of life-altering para...

An exciting episode for you as hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle had the pleasure of hosting a LIVE recording at the Schlegel Villages Operational Planning Conference in Niagara Falls, where we explored the theme of "People, Care, and Quality."

First to join us on the Green Bench is Ann Baxter: Anne is a resident at The Village of Wentworth Heights in the Egerton neighbourhood, where she has come to value the kindness of th...

Episode #62 - Kathy Buckworth & Evelyn Brindle had the pleasure of sitting down with John Hofstee, a remarkable individual from The Village of Riverside Glen in Guelph with a wealth of wisdom to share.  From tracing his family roots in Holland and beyond to learning and engaging in conversations through Morse code and on the ham radio.

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation with John:

1️⃣ Stay Active and Engaged: Jo...

Episode #61 - Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle welcome two incredible individuals from The Village at University Gates in Waterloo, Bob and Emily Leland, who shared their passions, stories, and wisdom with us.

Here are three key takeaways from this inspiring conversation:

1️⃣ The Power of Positivity: Bob and Emily emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive outlook on life. Bob shared his belief in making people smile and...

Episode #60 - In this episode, Kathy Buckworth & Evelyn Brindle welcome Esther Pulis from The Village of Taunton Mills to the Green Bench to share captivating stories about her life in both Malta and Canada.

Having immigrated from Malta to Canada in 1965, Esther already had some family members residing in Canada. Coming from a large family of six sisters and five brothers, Esther and her sisters carried on the tradition of crea...

Episode #59 - In this episode, Barbara Sackett from The Village of Wentworth Heights in Hamilton shares her wisdom and experiences that are sure to leave you inspired and motivated. Here are three takeaways from her conversation on the Green Bench with hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle.

1️⃣ Confidence is Key: Barbara opens up about her personal journey of building confidence throughout her life. She emphasizes the importance...