Steve Smith - a fascinating career as Red Green, stories from beyond the show and goose control

07/20/21 • 33 min

6 Listeners

#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench

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

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

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?

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.

Previous Episode

Beth Goodwin - Caring for a loved one living with dementia and being in the moment

1 Recommendations

Episode #20 - Beth Goodwin opens her heart and perhaps your eyes as she discusses being a caregiver to a loved one living with dementia. Beth's husband Ed lives at The Village at University Gates in Waterloo

Offering safety, security, & love; as a primary caregiver, it is a journey you go through with your spouse and it changes every day, you never know what the next day will bring.

Beth always involves Ed in the daily routines, as much as he wanted to be involved. "You need to be with them in that moment, and enjoy that time." -Beth Goodwin

"When we see a label like dementia, that's not the end, it's just the beginning of a new chapter." -Lloyd Hetherington

Upon the move to long-term care, there was the realization and relief that she didn't have to be on as a caregiver 24/7, and appreciated knowing the care and kindness he is receiving at The Village.

"As you become burnt out, your care and service diminishes." -Lloyd Hetherington

Where to go for information:
- Your Family Doctor
- Alzheimer Society
- LHIN/Home and Community Care Support Sevices

"There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers." -Rosalynn Carter

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.

Next Episode

Brendan Rossiter - Dublin to Canada, wisdom about work, kicking habits and being resourceful

2 Recommendations

Episode #22 - Brendan Rossiter chose Canada to move to 52 years ago. He joins us from The Village of Erin Meadows long-term care in Mississauga to share a lifetime of wisdom about work, kicking habits, and being resourceful.

Born in Ireland, Brendan is a natural storyteller, a perfect fit as Erin Davis & Lloyd Hetherington welcome him to the green bench.

"Born in a great country, now living in a great country."

Brendan had his own business as a sewing machine mechanic. He sold, rented, and fixed high-end sewing machines. Often supplying the movie business including Goodwill Hunting.

"I smoked 50 cigarettes a day." Realizing that smoking was the cause of his shortness of breath, he made the decision to quit and hasn't smoked for 43 years. Do you remember how much a pack of cigarettes was in 1978?

Brendan was the youngest of 6 boys and has one younger sister.

He talks about what he would change in his life if he was 21 today. Sharing about going into the trades and having apprenticeships.

"You have to use your head." -Brendan Rossiter
Saving a portion of your income is a great tool to support your future. "Take a look at your finances and control them, don't let them control you." -Lloyd Hetherington

A conversation about living at Erin Meadows and Lloyd at Riverside Glen.

"I like being treated like the president rather than the resident." -Lloyd Hetherington

"There is nothing that comes near this place, the food is excellent, the staff go out of their way." -Brendan Rossiter

"If you have spare time, you must remember that there is always something that you can find to do." -Brendan Rossiter

"The thing about Ireland, we laugh at ourselves and not get upset."

"There's 50% off the Irish that don't drink, the other 50% make up for it."

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.

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