#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench

In honour of the 10th Anniversary of #ElderWisdom, we’re reflecting back on a deeply moving episode featuring Royal Hamel from The Village of Winston Park in Kitchener — a man whose faith, resilience, and compassion continue to inspire everyone around him. First introduced during the Schlegel Villages Operational Planning Conference in Niagara Falls (Bonus LIVE Episode), Royal later joined hosts K...

As we celebrate 10 years of #ElderWisdom, we’re reflecting back on an extraordinary conversation with Diane Dupuy , founder of the internationally renowned Famous People Players — a groundbreaking black-light theatre company where all performers are developmentally disabled. Hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle welcomed Diane to the Green Bench to explore the profound bond she shared with her...

As we continue our 10th Anniversary reflections, we’re revisiting one of the most joyful, energizing conversations ever shared from the Green Bench. In Episode #70, hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle welcomed Dr. Sandra Hazelip and Eleanor Hamby , two spirited women who proved that adventure has no age limit. In their eighties, Sandy and Ellie set out on an 80-day journey around the world ,...

As part of our 10th Anniversary reflections, we’re revisiting a powerful and deeply human conversation with Joyce Stankiewicz , formerly of New Hamburg and now a resident of The Village at University Gates in Waterloo. Hosts Doug Robinson and Erin Davis welcomed Joyce to the Green Bench to share her experience caring for her husband Bill through dementia, her insights on compassion, and the meanin...

As part of our 10th Anniversary reflections, we’re revisiting a heartwarming episode with Bob and Emily Leland from The Village at University Gates in Waterloo — two remarkable individuals whose positivity and passion continue to inspire. Hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle invited Bob and Emily to share their outlooks on life, their love of people, and the joy they find in every day. From la...

As part of the 10th Anniversary of #ElderWisdom, we’re revisiting a classic conversation that brought plenty of laughs to the Green Bench — this time painted red. Canadian comedy legend Steve Smith , best known as Red Green , joined hosts Erin Davis and Lloyd Hetherington to share reflections from his remarkable career, his thoughts on aging, and why laughter truly is good medicine. From duct tape...

As part of our 10th Anniversary of #ElderWisdom, we’re revisiting one of our most joyful episodes — a conversation with Patricia and Dennis Bayley from The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby. In this encore episode, hosts Erin Davis and Lloyd Hetherington share the Green Bench with Patricia and Dennis for a laughter-filled conversation about poetry, chemistry, and a lifetime of travel and discover...

As we celebrate 10 years of #ElderWisdom, we’re revisiting an inspiring conversation with Ferg Kyle from The Village of Tansley Woods in Burlington. A lifelong aviator and optimist, Ferg joined hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle on the Green Bench to share his reflections on luck, determination, and the joy of chasing dreams no matter the obstacles. Told as a child he might not live past 28...

As we celebrate 10 years of #ElderWisdom, we revisit our very first episode with Doug Robinson , a resident of The Village of Sandalwood Park in Brampton. Doug joined hosts Erin Davis and Lloyd Hetherington on the Green Bench back in 2020 to share stories of life, love, and grief — from his career in the hospitality industry to his brush with royalty, and the deep partnership he shared with his wi...

In this special five-minute episode, we take a step back to reflect. Gathered from conversations past, this mash-up features voices from our cherished guests—offering their most memorable stories, reflections, and wisdom shared from the Green Bench. These are the words that stuck with us, made us think, and reminded us what matters most. Whether you're new to Stories from the Green Bench or have b...

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...

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 hi...

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 C...

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...

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 maintaini...

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 seve...

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 e...

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 enthusia...

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 ear...

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 h...

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 hus...

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 stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in...

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 embrace...

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 resilien...

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."   Here are three key takeaways from this insightful episode: 1️⃣ Community and Connection: Our guests, Tam and Barb, shared their inspirin...