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#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench

Schlegel Villages

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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 so, helps restore them to a place of reverence. ”The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders.” -Ron Schlegel Your seat on the green bench is ready and waiting. Hosts 2020-21 - Erin Davis & Lloyd Hetherington 2022 - Erin Davis & Doug Robinson 2023-24 - Kathy Buckworth & Evelyn Brindle
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Top 10 #ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best #ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to #ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite #ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench - Patricia & Dennis Bayley - A pursuit of passions, hobbies, poetry, traveling and laughter
play

06/08/21 • 35 min

Episode #18 - Patricia & Dennis Bayley live and laugh at The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby while sharing about their passions of poetry, chemistry, and traveling. Erin Davis & Lloyd Hetherington are joined on the green bench for some laughter and storytelling.

What are you passionate about? What are your hobbies?

Lloyd's hobby is words: a good pun, a game of scrabble, writing ... words, words, words. His passion is people.

In school, Patricia was not very good at English and Dennis was absolutely terrible at Chemistry - they both grew into those as interests to stick with them their whole life. "If someone says we can't do something, that is when we start doing it." -Dennis Bayley

Patricia's love for poetry began long ago right when she was able to print. Dennis shares his passion for science/chemistry.

"It's all about connection, especially now more than ever." -Erin Davis

Dennis - a left-handed child was hit over the hand in school every time he used his left hand so he became right-handed. After 80 years of using the right hand, Dennis shares about an experiment he did while in lockdown with Dr. Porac at Penn State University. His experiment to draw using his left hand again. Read the blog post here: https://sites.psu.edu/clarep/category/switching-handedness/

Patricia - Enjoys writing poetry with some rhyming, a theme, a beginning, and an end. Listen to the poet, Patricia Bayley read her poems: 'Life Cycle', 'Hope'

Another poem was a feature on CTV National News with Lisa Laflamme - You can find this video posted in the Wisdom Bank at elderwisdom.ca

Hear how Dennis supports Patricia with her poetry writing. "It's not only the writing of the poem. It's holding onto your breath while you think, rhubarb, rhubarb, rhubarb, I'll go back and have another bat at it." - Patricia Bayley

Our guests pull out their passports and share some stories from their travels. Holland, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Antarctica, South America, Brazil. Working in Thailand teaching in 1995 as part of a CESO Project (Canadian Executive Service Organization) as volunteers.

Dennis spearheaded an exchange program with first-nations students as literacy chair for district 707 Rotary Clubs and also working with the Durham Regional School Board. Now at The Village of Taunton Mills to involve all the seniors to provide school supplies and warm garments to send to the Schools in the First-Nations communities.

You get an airline ticket to anywhere in the world...where do you choose to go?
Patricia - England
Dennis - Italy

"I don't believe that vegetables should be put on this earth so I don't eat them." - Dennis Bayley

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 society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com
Learn more about co-host, Lloyd Hetherington
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

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10 Listeners

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#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench - Rita Munro - How does your garden grow? Gardening, Nursing, and Journalism
play

12/07/21 • 30 min

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 idea to Wendy, Director of Lifestyle Options, and everyone came together to make this happen.

Gardening advice from Rita. "Look at the plants/flowers that you really like and research its requirements. It's not rocket science or difficult at all."

"Don't be intimidated by gardening because it not really a difficult thing at all." -Rita Munro

Rita worked in the operating room all of her career, in a high energy tense state all the time. Coming home to her garden, her own little paradise to enjoy and let the tense or emotional feelings fade away.

"Anyone can benefit from time outside; a green pleasant smelling outdoor spot brings solace." -Rita Munro

From Medium.com:
Those who garden regularly have the most benefits from the sensory experience
- Exercise
- Stress reduction
- Decreased risk of dementia
- Good dose of sunshine
- pulling weeds can burn upto 400 calories an hour
- critical thought which keeps you sharp

Featured Poem read by Lloyd Hetherington: God's Garden by Dorothy Gurney

Rita shares about her career as a nurse and how it began in Kingston and enjoyed every moment throughout her life. About her career as a nurse in the operating room, "everything that you are doing is helping someone, there's terrific team spirit, and clear organization." -Rita Munro

"So disappointing that people would use the locations of hospitals to protest trying to undermind this group of people that we need more than ever." -Rita Munro

On journalism, Rita has written a memoire: A snapshot of life in the depression
A story of growing up in the Ottawa valley to share with family

#ElderWisdom

"Patience is so important to going through life." -Rita Munro

"If you can divert your concern into something positive, reaching outside of yourself whenever possible." -Rita Munro

Is there a group you belong to? (Coffee group, Discussion group)

"People don't retire from gardening, they retire to do gardening." - Erin Davis

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 society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com
Learn more about co-host, Lloyd Hetherington
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

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8 Listeners

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#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench - Reflections, gratitude, and tribute to the wisdom of Season 1

Reflections, gratitude, and tribute to the wisdom of Season 1

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench

play

12/21/21 • 35 min

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 most cherished among us, our seniors." - Erin Davis

"The position of co-host has the experience of a lifetime for me. I've grown in many many ways, with friendships, knowledge and a new lease on life." -Lloyd Hetherington

"My favourite part of the podcast is being able to put my headset on and go for a walk with my dad." - Denise Hutchinson

Hear about Erin's favourite episode: #18 with Patricia & Dennis Bayley from The Village of Taunton Mills.

Lloyd shares an episode that resonates with him, it was the story with Sheri Noecker from The Village at University Gates on Episode #27.

What podcast guest's story has resonated with you? Share with us on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag or through our website contact form at elderwisdom.ca

Messages of gratitude for the wisdom and stories shared on these podcasts brought to you by Schlegel Villages team members, podcast production team, and some online reviews.

We love to hear from you whether it is through our social media channels, our website elderwisdom.ca, or in podcast reviews on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or the Goodpods App.

We captured some words of wisdom from Centenarians living at Schlegel Villages. Marie Rosa is 106 years old living at The Village of Humber Heights in Etobicoke with her little sister Virginia who is 100. The question asked is 'What advice or words of wisdom would you give your 20-year-old self?'

104-year-old Bessie shares her words of wisdom from The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby, "Sing more".

Our gratitude:
*Lloyd Hetherington
*The Village Team Members
*Rob Whitehead
*Ted Hudson
*Memory Tree Productions team, Peter Shannon, Melinda Wilson, Karen Kocher
*Our listeners from around the world
and a big thank you to our host, Erin Davis

From all of us at Schlegel Villages and the podcast team, we thank Lloyd Hetherington for his wisdom, stories, and engagement on the green bench. He will be stepping back from the co-host role and will continue to be involved in different ways with the #ElderWisdom campaign.

We will be back in February 2022 with Season 2 and welcoming a new co-host, Doug Robinson, who was our first guest of Season 1 and lives at The Village of Sandalwood Park in Brampton.

"Take the time, relax, unwind your soul and you will find that in every podcast there is a grain of truth just waiting for you to enjoy it and grow with it." -Lloyd Hetherington

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 society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com
Learn more about co-host, Lloyd Hetherington
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

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7 Listeners

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Episode #21 - Steve Smith joins Erin Davis & Lloyd Hetherington to share his wisdom on the green bench, and today we're calling it the 'Red Green Bench'. He shares about his fascinating career as Red Green, stories from beyond the show, laughter, retirement, and a goose control project.

With 15 seasons aired on CBC & PBS and reruns continuing to play today, what are your thoughts about a Red Green Reunion show? "There is a long list of things that will never happen, and it's near the top." -Steve Smith

"If you don't have a Red Green in your family, it's probably you." -Steve Smith

Advice on aging - A story that has stuck in Steve's mind about Toby Keith and Clint Eastwood and this quote to live by; “I get up every morning and I go out. And I don't let the old man in.” -Clint Eastwood

Duct Tape. "Fixing it with duct tape is a glimpse of immortality." - Steve Smith

"Laughter is good medicine and we need all we can get of it." - Lloyd Hetherington

"When you are out of laughter, you are out of hope." -Steve Smith

Hear Steve's answer to this question: Would you rather be handy or humourous?

The experience of listening to stories and comedy on the radio was encouraged at a young age. Have you heard about his Possom Lodge Podcast? A scripted half-hour with all the characters you love.
Find it here: https://www.patreon.com/possumlodge

Career Advice from Steve Smith;
1. It has to be mostly enjoyable
2. It has to be a worthy challenge
3. You have to have a reasonable expectation of success
4. It has to be good for people, not just you

Learn about his latest project: Canada Goose Control - A Goose Repellent Laser (https://www.gc1goosecontrol.com/)

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 society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com
Learn more about co-host, Lloyd Hetherington
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

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6 Listeners

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#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench - Raising a musical family and quirky gardening with Angela Willis

Raising a musical family and quirky gardening with Angela Willis

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench

play

11/01/22 • 29 min

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, there was the simple understanding that to sing at dawn and to sing at dusk was to heal the world through joy. The birds still remember what we have forgotten, that the world is meant to be celebrated.”

Angela and Doug share quirky items that were added to their gardens including a bin for goldfish, a BBQ, a cement mixer, a carousel and more.

"I just planted the flowers in strange things because I liked the look of them." - Angela Willis

Why wouldn't a neighbour take his shoes off? "Because he was afraid I would plant flowers in them."

Angela was the winner of 'Best large garden' in Scugog

"When you get your garden finished and you sit back and look at it, and you say wow, that was worth it." - Angela Willis

"You enjoy the summer twice as much when you have a beautiful garden." - Doug Robinson

Angela has fulfillment in growing her family tree. Growing up with music has been such a joy.

A special message to Angela from granddaughter, Cadence Grace, in thanks for the music.

Music feature: Don't by Cadence Grace

More about Cadence Grace and her music at cadencegrace.com

What advice would you give to someone who wants to bring the benefits of music into their lives.

"Sing! Just keep singing. It makes you feel so good." - Angela Willis

Singing with her husband Jack in the County Town Singers for 20 years. They toured Europe not long after they joined to share music as Canada's Singing Ambassadors. Her favourite venue to sing in was the Catherdral in York, England.

Still 70 members in the County Town Singers in the Durham Region. www.countytownsingers.com

Angela continues to try new things to excel at. She found an art class and decided to start painting in her 50s.

"You can start anything at any age, anytime." - Angela Willis

Angela tried decorating cakes one day. She enjoyed it so much that she made all of her children's wedding cakes. She also loves to bake pies.

She agreed to make a cake to feed 350 people for the 75th anniversary of the cottagers association.

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 society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

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5 Listeners

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#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench - Public Speaking and Being a Grandma with Shirley Arthur

Public Speaking and Being a Grandma with Shirley Arthur

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench

play

10/04/22 • 29 min

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 part of a Trio all over her community

"You can't beat love." - Doug Robinson

Shirley shares about being a hands-on grandma to 5 grandchildren.

"I taught my grandchildren many many things, from the birds and the bees and the flowers and the trees." - Shirley Arthur

"There is no other great love than the love of a grandma." - Shirley Arthur

An honest conversation on the difference between a grandma and a great-grandma.

Shirley was a Girl Guide Captain for 17 years with a favourite camping grounds at a lake in the Laurentians. A great experince in 1943-1952. A lesson to the Girl Guides to "Always be an example."

If you had to stand up and speak for 5 minutes on anything, what would your topic be?

Shirley has shared her advice and wisdom with future PSW team members and students.

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 society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

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5 Listeners

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#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench - ”If I can’t eat it, or read it, I don’t need it!” with Harold Quinn
play

12/13/22 • 35 min

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 live in the community.

Currently watching a course called, 'The Worlds Greatest Geological Wonders' with her peers in a program created to learn together.

“I lived 64 years without a computer, now I can’t live without one” - Harold Quinn

Book and Author recommendations given in this conversation on the green bench as all three enjoy reading. We would love to hear your recommendations, and encourage you to share with us on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag.

Not only an avid reader, Harold has written a memoir for his grandchildren. An idea that came to him as he reflects on not knowing his parents and grandparents stories.

The recreation department at The Village of Arbour Trails does a phenomenal job, there is almost no day in the week where something isn't happening. "There are two types of residents: those who wait to be entertained, and those who make their own entertainment and make things happen." Noticing there was a vacancy on Saturday evening, he bagan the Saturday Night Comedy Hour featuring Carol Burnett, Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Wayne & Shuster, Dean Martin Roasts and more.

"Life without laughs is not life." - Harold Quinn

Doug shares a story about dancing with Carol Burnett during Elizabeth Taylors 50th Birthday party.

"For us now, this is home. When we come home, we come back to Arbour Trails." - Harold Quinn

"Quality of life revolves around still being able to participate in things of interest to you." - Harold Quinn

Thanks for listening to our golden 50th episode of #ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench, we will be back soon with season 5.

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 society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

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4 Listeners

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#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench - Bucket Lists, Family Trees and Moving to Glendale Crossing with Ivan Siriani
play

08/23/22 • 31 min

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 with my son and it was the most wonderful holiday I've ever had." - Doug Robinson

Ivan's bucket list includes a trip to Newfoundland with his daughter. She has always wanted to see icebergs. He also would like to go to visit relatives in British Columbia and Calgary.

Before Ivan's wife moved into long-term care, they enjoyed drives all over in the States and Canada, including a lot of the east coast.

Not a resident yet, but when the new Retirement phase opens at The Village of Glendale Crossing in 2023, Ivan will move in. He has his suite picked out, a two bedroom complex. Family has done cut outs of furniture and created the full layout.

"My only wish is that they could move the date up on the opening of The Village of Glendale Crossing." - Ivan Siriani

Wife Marjorie lives in long-term care at Glendale Crossing. Ivan looks forward to being in the same building and being able to see her more often.

"I saw her and I asked her for a dance. I think I had an hour with her as her guy was getting a little upset, and then we were politely asked to leave the premises." - Ivan Siriani

"Everybody's journey with dementia is so different and we've had the honour of people sharing their stories with us." - Erin Davis

"I find tracing my family tree keeps me going and is so refreshing. An interesting hobby that fills my time with enjoyment." - Ivan Siriani

Ivan put a letter with contact details in a bag at a distant relative's headstone in hopes to connecting with family. He got an email a couple weeks later sharing family information and growing the family tree.

“Some family trees have beautiful leaves, and some have just a bunch of nuts. Remember, it is the nuts that make the tree worth shaking.” – Unknown

"Don't worry if the work is hard and your rewards are few. Remember the mighty oak was once once a nut like you." -Unknown

Learn more about The Village of Glendale Crossing and it's opening in 2023 contact Carole Metron at 519-668-5600 or visit schlegelvillages.com/glendale-crossing-london

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 society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

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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 Massacre). He joins us from his home at The Village of Humber Heights in Etobicoke.

Erin Davis is joined by our guest co-host Doug Reed (Episode # 9) at The Village of Arbour Trails in Guelph while Lloyd takes the rest he needs.

Dr. Brown shares the story about his brother's illness after having pneumonia - learning about a new antibody that was coming available now that the war coming to an end - Penicillin was the drug spoken of which helped him within a week at the Montreal Western Hospital.

"My first successful surgery was on a cob of corn." -Dr. Rea Brown

His education in a one-room school shared stories that encouraged him to read. What is one book that you remember reading while growing up?

1954 - Dr. Brown was accepted into McGill University with the goals of getting a degree and playing football. Drafted by the Tiger-Cats in 1957, but didn't want to play professional football, and decided he wanted to be a doctor. 1958, joined the faculty of medicine students and continued to play football winning the 1960 Churchill Champions. Graduate in 1962 and applied to a training program for surgery and segued into sports medicine and many accolades and awards.

December 6, 1989 - the day of the massacre at École Polytechnique in Montreal, Dr. Rea Brown was present and available to support as the women came in for care. In 1991, the Parliament of Canada declared 6 December to be a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. It is also known as White Ribbon Day.

Doctor for the Montreal Alouettes and shares a couple of stories along with one he recalls with the quarterback, Turner Gill.

Erin Davis asks, 'who was your favourite patient?' Dr. Brown names John Beliveau (Montreal Canadiens from 1950 to 1971) as his favourite patient - hear why at the 24-minute mark

Advice to listeners to have hope: "I HOPE it is going to be better tomorrow." -Dr. Rea Brown

Dr. Brown reflects on funding a residents space on the 18th floor of the Montreal General Hospital called 'The Brown Room'

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 society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com
Learn more about co-host, Lloyd Hetherington
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

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4 Listeners

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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 living today.

Nearly 50% of people 75+ have trouble with their hearing.

"Being deaf, I was kind of a loner. So, in order not to get completely bonkers, I started working with my hands and my mind." - Felix Rommens

Felix was working in Belgium at the highest he was able to go in office work (hating office work), so he decided to move the whole family to Canada at the age of 41. A visit to the employment office on the day he landed and went directly into the building process, building homes, working 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. On the 7th day, he would do work at his own home.

When he retired at 71, he looked forward to the arts and crafts that he enjoyed. "The whole idea about my art is to keep something for tomorrow, so you keep going." - Felix Rommens

"I have only one life and I want to live it to the end." - Felix Rommens finds projects he looks forwards to with art and continues to use his hands as he did when he was 20.

Felix has the use of a woodshop at the Village to keep active in his art but also works in his suite, finding a way to continue working on projects.

"Keep on the positive side, think of all the good things that have happened to you." - Felix Rommens

Felix was captured by the Nazis during World War II, made to work in factories, awaiting liberation after 2 years in Germany, and then ran at the age of 18 on foot to make it home. His father was an officer in the Belgian army, shot at 40, and Felix as a child had to take care of him for the next 15 years due to his injuries.

"There are always two sides on a coin - I only took the good ones." - Felix Rommens

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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 place of reverence.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel

This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com
Learn more about co-host, Lloyd Hetherington
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

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How many episodes does #ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench have?

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench currently has 85 episodes available.

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The podcast is about Society & Culture, Personal Journals, Podcasts and Relationships.

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The episode title 'Patricia & Dennis Bayley - A pursuit of passions, hobbies, poetry, traveling and laughter' is the most popular.

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The average episode length on #ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is 32 minutes.

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Episodes of #ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench are typically released every 14 days.

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The first episode of #ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench was released on Oct 13, 2020.

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Ted Hudson

@tedhudson

Mar 10

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