Kathy Buckworth & Evelyn Brindle host the Stories from the Green Bench podcast, a virtual place to share, learn, grow, laugh and more in conversations with a variety of guests. 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 wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing ...
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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 …
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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. List…
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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 ex…
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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 tho…
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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…
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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 everyd…
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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 195…
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Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us. ----more---- 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 sti…
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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 a…
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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), share…
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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 …
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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 thre…
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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 mai…
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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 s…
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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 perso…
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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. …
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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 o…
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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 pas…
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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 fro…
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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…
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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 T…
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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…
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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…
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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 histor…
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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 b…
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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 ho…
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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 H…
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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…
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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 …
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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 t…
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Episode #45 - A pleasure to have Shirley Arthur from The Village of Tansley Woods Long Term Care in Burlington join Erin & Doug on the Green Bench to share her #ElderWisdom about public speaking, being in the Salvation Army, and the role of a grandmother. At the age of 14, Shirley joined the Salvation Army in Montreal. Public Speaking came easy for…
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Episode #44 - A lot of road to cover with 92-year-old, Ivan Siriani, from his love of travel and bucket list plans, family trees, and a chaplain chat that brought some peace to his heart. Ivan is joined on the #ElderWisdom bench for a conversation with hosts Erin Davis & Doug Robinson. What is on your bucket list? "My bucket list included a train t…
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Episode #43 - Author of medical-based thriller fiction, an expert on healthcare for an aging population, and former deputy minister of health in long-term care in Ontario, Dr. Bob Bell shares his Story from the Green Bench with Erin Davis and Doug Robinson. During his years at McGill University, Bob crossed paths with our episode #29 guest, Dr. Rea…
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Episode #42 - Deep diving into some fascinating waters with Virginia Barry to talk about sorority and sisterhood, the importance of safety on the water, and her competitive spirit. From The Village of Wentworth Heights in Hamilton, our first debutante on the green bench and a life-long member of a worldwide sorority, Beta Sigma Phi. Joining Beta Si…
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Hildegarde Bolter on resilience in life, leaving her husband, and being a German child in the war
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Episode #41 - Hilda lives at The Village of Wentworth Heights in Hamilton, originally from Germany, joining to share her story from the green bench with Erin Davis & Doug Robinson. Stories of growing up during World War II, moving to Canada, having a son, leaving a challenging marriage, writing a memoir, and her resilience in all aspects of life. "…
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Episode #40 - June Campbell is a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen in Guelph, shares with Erin Davis & Doug Robinson on the green bench. She has lived a life that has not only witnessed history as it happened but in which she even rubbed elbows with Gordon Pinsent with whom she went to school. June was born in St. John's, Newfoundland befor…
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Joyce Stankiewicz on caring for a loved one with dementia and the buddy system at University Gates
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Episode #39 - Formerly of New Hamburg now living at The Village at University Gates in Waterloo. Doug & Erin welcome to the green bench, Joyce Stankiewicz, as they chat about the buddy system, caring for a loved one with dementia, and the importance of forgiveness, humour, and memories. Sharing marriage stories from 70 years with her husband Bill a…
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Episode #38 - Erin Davis & Doug Robinson sit on the virtual green bench with Anna Piccoli and daughter Franca Smith to continue the conversation on our theme of connection, family, and service. Anna lives with her husband of 62 years, Aldo, and her sister Josephine at The Village of Glendale Crossing in London, Ontario. "I love everybody, especiall…
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Episode #37 - Reta Baechler is the first centenarian guest to join Erin Davis and Doug Robinson on the green bench-as she shares her many years of wisdom and wit with us. Aunt Reta as we know her is the Aunt to Ron Schlegel who you heard from in episode 7. A Prestigious Club: The number of centenarians in Canada rose to 12, 822 as of July 1st, 2021…
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Episode #36 - A conversation that is raw in its emotions, very honest and open with Jack Paleczny of The Village at University Gates in Waterloo. A beautiful example of the connection among us all as he shares his story from the Green Bench. Jack lives at The Village with and cares for his wife Diana Lynn who lives with both dementia and Parkinson'…
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Episode #35 - An enjoyable conversation about family connectivity, stories from his role as Governor-General, being a grandparent, hockey, and growing up in Northern Ontario. Erin Davis & Doug Robinson are honoured to be joined by The Right Honourable David Johnston, 28th Governor-General of Canada and Chair of the Rideau Hall Foundation on the gre…
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A part of our Family - Pam Wiebe’s story of changing careers and family culture at Schlegel Village
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Episode #34 - The seeds for Pam Wiebe's work in nursing and quality improvement in long-term care were planted at her grandfather's feet. She shares her story of changing careers, the joy of being a great-grandparent, and the feeling of family as a team member at Schlegel Villages. "There's nothing like being a grandparent" - Doug Robinson "I try n…
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Corrine Richard on meeting the Dionne Quintuplets, working the carnival and family relations
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Episode #33 - Corrine Richard shares her stories from the green bench with Erin Davis & co-host Doug Robinson from her home at Coleman Care Centre in Barrie. We hear of growing up in Callandar, Ontario, meeting the Dionne Quintuplets at the age of nine, and stories of family relations and working the summer carnival in Wasaga Beach. "It was a crazy…
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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 wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a pla…
…
continue reading
Episode #32 - Erin Davis brings us this very special season-ending edition of #ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench. "In more than 30 episodes, we have hit milestones, grown bigger, gone deeper than any one of us could have imagined back when Ron Schlegel gave his blessing to this idea of amplifying the voices and tapping the wisdom of those …
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Episode #31 - Rita Munro joins Erin Davis from The Village of Arbour Trails in Guelph, a place she makes more beautiful simply by being there, sharing her outdoor expertise, and bringing people together to grow gardens and friendships. When Rita moved to the Village, she suggested a need for a garden outside the front of the Village. Pitched the id…
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Felix Rommens - Living with hearing impairment, keeping hands busy with art, and growing up during WW2
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Episode #30 - Felix Rommens is 97 years old. If you are wondering what keeps him young and loving life at The Village of Winston Park in Kitchener, it has to be his art. Erin Davis and guest co-host Doug Reed welcome Felix to the green bench to share in a conversation about his art and about his hearing impairment, which has formed the life is livi…
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Dr. Rea Brown - McGill University student, professor & athlete, remarkable medical career and surgeon during the Montreal massacre
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Episode #29 - Dr. Rea Brown shares his story from the green bench of a career nothing short of remarkable, from growing up with a critically ill brother to finding himself in the world of medicine surrounded by pro athletes and on December 6, 1989, in Montreal saving the lives of several women after the École Polytechnique Tragedy (Montreal Massacr…
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Episode #28 - Erin Davis & Lloyd Hetherington welcome the CEO for the Ontario Long-Term Care Association, Donna Duncan to the green bench. A passionate conversation about what aged care is, building community, combatting ageism, and reimagining what long-term care can be in the future. Donna first experienced long-term care in the 1980s with her gr…
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Sheri Noecker - A story of sudden illness, inspiration after a stroke, and the Program for Active Living
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Episode #27 - A sudden stroke caused Sheri Noecker to move into The Village at University Gates long-term care in Waterloo. While not being able to move, she was inspired by her friends and the team at the village to build an exercise plan and work with the Program for Active Living team in her determination to move again as she use to. Hear this i…
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