#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench

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...

Episode #58 - Hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle welcome social media sensation Bette Reynolds, also known as Granny Reynolds to the Green Bench. Bette shares her journey into the world of social media, which was influenced by her son, Stuart, a.k.a. Brittlestar. With her humor and wisdom, Granny Reynolds has become a favorite among viewers. Tune in to hear Bette's story and enjoy a podcast filled with laughter and insights.

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Episode #57 - Co-hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle explore the significance of family and the importance of showing respect towards elders. They emphasize that family should be cherished above all else, underscoring the value of maintaining strong relationships with our loved ones, especially grandparents.

The co-hosts highlight the wealth of life experiences and wisdom that grandparents possess. They describe grandparents a...

BONUS - In this podcast episode, hosts Kathy Buckworth & Evelyn Brindle introduce Heather Luth, the dementia specialist for Schlegel Villages. They discuss the philosophy and program known as "living in my today," as well as Heather's background and journey to her current position.

Heather shares her experience working with older adults and her passion for creating meaningful connections between different generations. She talks...

Episode #56 - Flying into another great story from the green bench as hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle welcome Ferg Kyle to take a seat.  Ferg joins us from The Village of Tansley Woods in Burlington to talk about his lucky life, overcoming challenges and his passion for flying.

Ferg believes he is a very lucky man. He lives by the quote from Gary Player, “The harder you work, the luckier you get."

Learn how he overcame hea...

Episode #55 - Ab Moore tells his story of how the Schlegel Villages came to Guelph as he sits on the Green Bench with hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle from The Village of Arbour Trails. Through consultation with his family, Ab and his mother looked at retirement homes in the area, eventually settling on a development called Foxwood Place; a 50-unit building built by a group of volunteers from various denominations. Ab then ...

Episode #54 - Ron Posno joins Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle as our guest on the #ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench podcast. Ron has a plan to fight the legislation that does not allow people living with dementia to request medical assistance in dying.  His plans include moving into the currently under construction retirement phase at The Village at Glendale Crossing in London.

Ron has lived a life of planning, and his...

Episode #53 - The story of Diane Dupuy and the Famous People Players, a black light theatre company where all the performers are developmentally disabled. The podcast explores the bond between Diane and her mother, Mary Thornton, who lived to the age of 103 in The Village of Humber Heights, and the wisdom and working relationship they shared for 50 years. Have a listen as hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle welcome Diane Dupuy...

Episode #52 - Don Hewson is an intellectual property lawyer and resident of The Village of Erin Meadows in Mississauga, Canada. He has a background in engineering and has traveled to 87 countries, and is an avid fan of classical music and author Louise Penny.  Unlock the hidden gems of wisdom as hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle chat with Don on the Green Bench. "Encourage your children to do whatever it is they want to do ...

Episode #51 - Sharing our gratitude to Erin Davis & Doug Robinson as they pass the microphones to our new co-hosts Kathy Buckworth & Evelyn Brindle.  Have a listen to the farewells, welcomes, laughter, tears, singing and wealth of #ElderWisdom as we kick off the 5th season and transition of our hosts.

Introductions:

Kathy Buckworth has a long history as a radio personality and listeners will recognize her as the host of the radio...

Episode #50 - Harold Quinn, a resident at The Village of Arbour Trails in Guelph, joins Erin Davis & Doug Robinson to share his story from the Green Bench.  As a person who loves to bring people together, we chat about the importance of community, wisdom, and sharing of stories.

Speaking of the Peer Learning group, an activity group at The Village by the Arboretum community.  Harold was a facilitator, featuring talks from those who...

Episode #49 - Spirituality & Aging in Long-Term Care & Retirement homes can build connection and community.  Erin Davis & Doug Robinson welcome Dr. Jane Kuepfer, PhD, MDiv, RP to the green bench to share about her role as the Schlegel Specialist in Spirituality and Aging, her hopes for the future, how spirituality is embraced and supported in all homes, and why.

What is the difference between spiritual and religious?

"Spirituality ...

Episode #48 - Learn about what the Director of Lifestyle Options role is within the Retirement sections at Schlegel Villages as Erin Davis & Doug Robinson welcome Branka Matijevic to the Green Bench.  Branka is a relationship-builder, and community-builder, proud to support green bench conversations, and a fantastic DLO at The Village of Wentworth Heights in Hamilton.

Helping seniors and their families not only to choose the right ...

Episode #47 - A woman who always has a song in her heart surrounded by music her whole life, Angela Willis joins Erin Davis and Doug Robinson from The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby.  Stories shared about quirky gardening, art, baking, and raising a musical family - with a special tribute from granddaughter and singer, Cadence Grace.

Erin shares a quote from Terry Tempest Williams, “Once upon a time, when women were birds, ther...

Bonus Episode - Erin Davis and Doug Robinson are joined in this special episode with the Ontario Association of Residents' Councils, Melissa McVie, Director of Education and Communications, and Devora Greenspon, LTC Resident and REAL Group Co-Chair.

Barry Hickling was our guest in Episode #5 speaking about ageism, living in long-term care, and his role with the OARC. We encourage you to revisit this conversation.

Devora was encoura...

Episode #46 - Evelyn Brindle lives at The Village of Erin Meadows in Mississauga with her husband David.  A conversation about critical thinking, long-distance relationships, and unexpected travel with Erin Davis & Doug Robinson on the Green Bench.

"If you just stop and talk with somebody. Everybody's got a story.  You don't have to have a movie of the week or a book made about you." - Erin Davis

The Village has a library that is w...