#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 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 hi...

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 siste...

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...

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...

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 po...

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 betwe...

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...

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...

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 ha...

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 an...

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...

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 rec...

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 facilita...

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 spir...

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...

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...

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 th...

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...

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 her, speaks freely from the cuff.  Singing as pa...

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 trip across Canada, Toronto to Vancouver.  I went...

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 Brown through sports and medical school.  Stumble...

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 Sigma Phi at the age of 18 in 1952, she loves the s...

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. "We were 6 years old. They told us that the gas ma...

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 before it was even a part of Canada, learn more by li...