Backyard OASIS - Older Adults Seeking, Inspiring, Serving

Dennis Lee talks with attorney Kathy Townsend about the Family Resolutions Specialty Court, a way to use mediation techniques to help entire families going through a divorce. This approach to getting a divorce uses a whole team of professionals to give families the support they need to make a difficult situation better. Hosted by Dennis Lee Produced by Alex Audette in the Multimedia Studios at Gre...

Jazz guitarist Philip Rowland and Double Bass player Michael Suter talk about what keeps music alive and exciting for them after all these years. They play American Standards at venues throughout the Pioneer Valley and were recently recorded by Greenfield Community Television. In this episode, Christine Copeland asks how music fits into other aspects of their lives and how they communicate musical...

Helen Olson spent her life getting to this place, this place here in western Massachusetts. Hers was a jumbled, uncertain life filled with follies and miseries. Helen talks about her two-part life, first, in California, and then here in rural Massachusetts where she learned to bask in the beauty and serenity of the natural world and find herself. And she reads from her book "Getting to this Place"...

On this episode of Backyard Oasis, Dennis Lee talks with Barry Bouthilette about his three careers over 71 years on the planet. Barry was a probation officer in Hampshire County, a Director of Development for the United Way and now is a Health and Wellness Coach. His mission is to inspire people to be fully engaged in a life that really matters. Contributors: Dennis Lee, Barry Bouthilette Produced...

Dance Doctors Emily Fox and Denise Schwartz (they're not real doctors but they are real dancers!) discuss the enormous number of benefits dancing bestows on people of all ages, but especially on older adults: increased energy, balance, flexibility; improved cognitive skills; more social interaction... and more endorphins - the happiness chemicals- pumped into your body! And it's FUN! But think you...

The Medical Reserve Corps of Franklin County, MA is thrilled to present this special crossover episode of "Prep School: A Readiness Podcast," originally aired on Jan. 5, 2024. They say every one of us will feel the impact of a dementia diagnosis - our own or that of someone we know and love- at some point in our lives. Public health nurse and dementia specialist Meg Ryan shares her thoughts about...

In this episode of Backyard Oasis, author Ed Orzechowski talks about the conditions and abuses at the Belchertown State School, and tells the story of one resident who got out and went on to a very productive life. Contributors: Dennis Lee, Denise Schwartz, Ed Orzechowski Produced by Alex Audette in the multimedia studio at Greenfield Community College in Franklin County, MA Edited by Nina Bocko

In this episode of Backyard Oasis, Chad Fuller speaks with Al Rimbach about cars through the ages, from their initial invention to the modern electric revolution. Contributors: Chad Fuller, Al RimbachProduced by Alex Audette in the Multimedia Studios at Greenfield Community College

Dennis Lee talks with Bruce Landon a former American Hockey League and Hartford Whalers goalie about his playing career, moving into management, and then writing his autobiography "The Puck Stops Here." Contributors: Dennis Lee, Bruce Landon Produced by Alex Audette in the Multimedia Studios at Greenfield Community College Edited by Nina Bocko

Judy Raper, Associate Dean for Community Engagement at GCC hosts regional hairdresser and mother of two, Jessica Niebala and Indiana native MacKenzie Shanahan, who is employed in the entertainment industry to talk all things Reality TV! Favorite shows, celebs and intergenerational viewing habits are discussed along with perspective on just how real Reality TV is. Don't take this conversation TOO s...

Jessica Niedbala, Mackenzie Shanahan and Judy Raper reunite to discuss all things reality TV! Coming from three different generational perspectives; they share their thoughts on "Summer House", "Big Brother", "The Golden Bachelor", "Paris in Love" and a lot more!

Backyard Oasis Season 1 Episode 6: In this episode, Dennis Lee talks with musician, poet, and former firefighter Tom Clark (A.K.A. Tommy Twilite) about a life spent split between a career in public service and a passion for creating art. Be sure to like the video, subscribe to the Greenfield Community College YouTube channel, and check back regularly for new episodes of Backyard Oasis, as well as...

Backyard Oasis Episode 05: The Power Of Love And Music: A Conversation With Nick Kachulis on "Life With Bill" Life With Bill Facebook: / lifewithbill1 ; Nick Kachulis: https://www.nickkachulis.com/life-wit ... “At ninety two my dad came to live with us. I had no idea how it would transform my life.” Writer, storyteller, composer and musician Nick Kachulis tells the story of caring for his dad. htt...

Backyard Oasis Episode 04: Brook Hollow Press and Independent Publishing in Western Massachusetts In this episode, Christine Copeland of the Backyard Oasis podcast team talks to Russell Powell of Brook Hollow Press about the independent publisher's mission and achievements, as well as opportunities for community members to contribute their own creative work. Be sure to like the video, subscribe to...

Backyard Oasis Episode 03: Keys to Combatting Loneliness & Isolation In this podcast Chad Fuller, Backyard Oasis volunteer, and Jessica Gifford, Founder of ProjectConnect, explore the similarities and differences between isolation and loneliness, and discuss strategies for combatting them. Be sure to like the video, subscribe to the Greenfield Community College YouTube channel, and check back...

Four individuals, born in different decades, explore both the blessings and challenges that the evolution in technology has brought about. They also discuss their personal relationships to technology. Be sure to like the video, subscribe to the Greenfield Community College YouTube channel, and check back regularly for new episodes of Backyard Oasis, as well as other enriching GCC content! Links: h...

Backyard Oasis Episode 01: Keep On Churnin'! In this conversation with Pat Sicard of RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), we explore opportunities for volunteering in the Pioneer Valley. Learn how you can get involved, and what steps you need to take on your way to volunteering! Be sure to like the video, subscribe to the Greenfield Community College YouTube channel, and check back regularly f...