#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench

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 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.

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.

Episode #28 - Erin Davis & Lloyd Hetherington welcome the CEO for the Ontario Long-Term Care Association, Donna Duncan to the green bench.  A passionate conversation about what aged care is, building community, combatting ageism, and reimagining what long-term care can be in the future. Donna first experienced long-term care in the 1980s with her grandmother and then again with her father living with alzheimers in 1999.  She brings a personal view to what it is and what it can be as we look at some of today's challenges in front of us: Staffing challenges Older buildings Higher care needs "We dream of a day that it is okay to go into long-term care, where people aren't frightened, families don't feel guilty, staff take great pride, and they are physical living environments where people want to be." -Donna Duncan "Let's reimagine it (long-term care), let's rebuild it and rethink it with residents, families and staff. Anything is possible, especially if we work together." -Donna Duncan What is a home with dignity and what is a care environment? The pandemic has brought Mental Illness and Long-term Care to the forefront, two topics that Donna has a passion to work with. "Aging is visible and I think it's time we take pride in the aging process and that we don't isolate people as we age." -Donna Duncan "Honesty, integrity, genuine interest in people - we've got to bring these to the forefront and take the lead in sharing these concepts." -Lloyd Hetherington "There has to be so much more WE in this and less compartmentalizing in the whole demographic picture." -Erin Davis What does a community model look like for long-term care? "You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream." -C.S. Lewis   Have a listen to this podcast by OLTCA Coming of Age: Meeting the needs of our ageing population   The pandemic was driving many stories of darkness coming out of long-term care, rather than focussing on the people and their stories. The podcast anchors us in hope and broadens the conversation of what aged care is and what it can be.  Conversations with like minded individuals to build a movement. "Fear of dying is human, but fear of aging is cultural." -Ashton Applewhite "We are in it together. We have a message to get out and the more voices we can find, the better is 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.

Episode #27 - A sudden stroke caused Sheri Noecker to move into The Village at University Gates long-term care in Waterloo. While not being able to move, she was inspired by her friends and the team at the village to build an exercise plan and work with the Program for Active Living team in her determination to move again as she use to.  Hear this inspiring and motivational story as Sheri sits on the green bench with hosts Erin Davis and Lloyd Hetherington. Sheri shares about her life when she experienced a stroke at the age of 51, the wake-up call that motivated her to get better. Although she is unable to remember all the details of the time she shares as others have told her. Today, she is committed to doing exercise every morning.  Inspired by her nephew who experienced a tragic accident at the age of 18 and worked to be able to walk again. "You say you are going to be a motivational speaker, but I want to correct you.  You are a motivational speaker now." -Lloyd Hetherington to Sheri Noecker Sharing supports  she receives from participating in Chair Exercises with Caroline Jordon & Paul Eugene on YouTube The goal of the Michael T. Sharratt Program for Active Living (PAL) is to improve our residents' life quality and maximize independence through individualized exercise programming and a more active lifestyle. Learn more.  Sheri is one of many who receives the support from Kinesiologists, exercise therapists, physiotherapists and more. "The Program for Active Living team has helped me in so many different ways.  Coming to the Village as a full hoyer lift and after two years, I am able to stand without supports." -Sheri Noecker "I did not really care about myself before. Learning what happened to me, I am now fighting for everything I am doing. I am not a person that gives up on anything, and not giving up on myself either." -Sheri Noecker One day, when Sheri is recovered, she plans to go out to be a motivational speaker and supporter.  She would also like to become a PSW and return back to University Gates to work with the team.  Focusing her life on helping others. A stroke is a medical emergency. Learn more from Heart & Stroke Canada.F - Face, is it drooping?A - Arms, can you raise both?S - Speech, is it slurred or jumbled?T - Time, to call 9-1-1 right away? "Blood, sweat and respect.  First two you give, last one you earn." - Dwayne Johnson 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.

Episode #26 - Korleen Schmidt loves to talk about the weather and explain it to those who want to know about it.  She joins hosts Erin Davis & Lloyd Hetherington on the green bench from The Village at University Gates in Waterloo, a widow, mother of 4, grandmother of 11, talks about the full circle of her life, combining her loves of geography and theology.  "If not for the weather, we'd have nothing to talk about." "In her study of theology she's learning and teaching how to go to heaven, and in her study of meteorology she teaches us how the heavens go." -Lloyd Hetherington An elementary school teacher in Toronto A degree from Western in Geography A teaching degree and a masters in theological studies and so much more Pastor Korleen Schmidt - worked 5 years for the United Church in Hanover as the assistant minister.  She grew up in Elmwood, went to a one-room school, and found it to be a great experience.   "Sometimes we listened and sometimes we didn't, you know how that goes with kids." -Korleen Schmidt A decision to move in with (and be adopted by) her aunt & uncle after her parents divorced and she attended the Brantford Collegiate Institute. "I was always open to opportunities.  It could not have been better in every way."  "It's quite an eye opener to be able to look at the vegetation to absorb what's going on.  The snakes, the toads, the fish that we became familiar with in the forest." -Korleen Schmidt What are words of advice your parents gave you when heading out to play? What fascinates you about the weather?  "Changes, constant changes."   "Our weathermen do a fantastic job giving us a good picture of what's expected in the day.  Going into detail that a lot of us just sort of gloss over." -Korleen Schmidt We've been around the world, visiting close to 50 countries.   "Doesn't travel broaden your horizons and your understanding of your fellow human in so many ways." -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.

Episode #25 - Taking you back through the 20th century thanks to Ross C. Morton, 96yo who resides at The Village of Arbour Trails in Guelph and is accompanied by his daughter, Mavis Morton.  Stories of a one-room school house education, the importance of sharing ones history with family, community and today, on this podcast. Ross has written 3 books and shares about his first book written in 1997: The Life And Times Of A One-Room School, a history of the Conway Public School, South Fredericksburgh Township, Ontario, 1875-1966 along with the his memories of his boyhood in the 1930's. "All through my school years, I was never lower in my class than second.  I didn't bother telling them there was never more than 2 in my class all the way through school." - Ross C. Morton Ross reads about his first day at the one room school in September of 1931. Ross, at the age of 17, joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, shares about this time of his life and during the second world war.  He reflects on traveling to Ottawa for his assignment and walking into the Chateau Laurier.  Book #1 - The Life And Times Of A One-Room School (1997)Book #2 - Tales From The Townships (2014)Book #3 - That Reminds Me (2017)Visit rossmorton.ca to learn more. Ross' Daughter, Mavis, joins to share her gratitude for the history being shared through these books.   She shares about a message Lloyd says in episode 19, "precious memories get lost in the dust of time if we are not careful."  "It's so important for Ross to have captured how different his life is and has changed over the years." - Mavis Morton Writing these books was a way to spark memories, spend time, and engage with his wife, who was living with Alzheimers.  A mutual benefit providing purpose and enjoying time together. Interesting to think that Ross was only 10 years old when getting electricity and today is participating in this podcast to capture and share his stories. Here's to the storytellers! 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.

Bonus Episode - Erin Davis & Lloyd Hetherington are joined by Jamie Schlegel, President & CEO, on the green bench for a conversation about the Schlegel Villages organization, the differences between public, for-profit, charitable, and municipal long-term care, and the importance of community building. The Schlegel organization started back in the 1950s by Wilfred & Emma Schlegel, spending their lives in service to people.  Making communities more inclusive, healthier, and allow people to be contributors to their community.   "The Schlegel Villages mission has two fundamental components; creating a caring community with life purpose for each person." -Jamie Schlegel The heart of our mission is to build healthy dynamic communities where everyone feels a part of. "Let's focus on the 10% that isn't going as well as it should and certainly get better at that, but let's also not forget about the 90% that is going well, that we should be acknowledging, building on, and getting even better as a result." -Jamie Schlegel What is the difference between a long-term care home and a retirement home? The for-profit vs not-for-profit conversation has been getting lots of attention lately. Private/for-profit Not-for-profit Charitable Municipalities "Let's just focus on doing the absolute best job we can and that's the best way to influence the system." "The distinctions between private, not-for-profit, charitable, and municipal operators is largely a red herring.  We are talking about distinctions that don't really matter in the end. What matters is the quality of care and the quality of life that is provided within each of these organizations." -Jamie Schlegel "Our team members deserve the credit for making our Villages a success and for bringing our mission to life." -Jamie Schlegel 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.

Episode #24 - Hosts Erin Davis & Lloyd Hetherington are joined on the green bench by the sparkling Betty Anne Millar from Burlington, Ontario.  Fashionable in her only pair of jeans, they chat about her fairytale career in the Shopping Mall industry, dressing to raise your spirits, continuous contributions to her community, and planning for her future including getting her name on the list for a suite at The Village of Tansley Woods Retirement, for when she is ready. Betty Anne Never owned a pair of jeans in her life, however, when shopping in Oakville and saw a fabulous pair of jeans with sequins and lace, and a sale, she decided to purchase them. She wore them when her husband was undergoing major surgery as she wanted to be perky and be dressed perky. "There is so much to be said to be dressing to raise your spirits." - Erin Davis "When you dress well, you feel good." - Betty Anne Millar Betty Anne describes her work as a fairytale career and loved every second in the shopping mall industry. She began as the secretary at the Burlington Mall when it opened in 1968, moved into the role as assistant manager in 1973, was promoted to general manager in 1975, and then to regional manager. She continued to be a mentor to many, training marketing and management prospects. "Get the job done. Plunge in, do it with enthusiasm and conviction." -Lloyd Hetherington "If a woman is intelligent, if she is proficient in her job, if she communicates effectively, if she conducts herself professionally, and if she has the energy and the determination to do the job well that it would be recognized by her associates." - Betty Anne Millar Betty Anne's 4D motto: Dedicated, Determination, Diplomacy & Discipline Continuing to contribute to her community; Bible study course, involved in her church with readings, prayers, visiting the hospital, VP/President of PROBUS Canada, social sponsor of Beta Sigma Phi and so much more including her commitment to the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation in raising funds, a member of the board, and community chairman. A year of writing eulogies pushed Betty Anne to attend conferences about the afterlife, meeting the most brilliant minds in the world, listening to speakers including Dr. Edward Close.  "I have been so incredibly blessed. I have attended 13 conferences dealing with the afterlife. I have met the most brilliant minds in the world." -Betty Anne Millar Betty focusses on planning for her life - in 2013 when The Village of Tansley Woods Retirement opened, she was sure to put her name down for when she needed a place. "The best insurance policy she could have." "It's just such a piece-of-mind to know, that if I needed a place to go, that I already have it organized to move to The Village of Tansley Woods." -Betty Anne Millar If you were to sit on the #ElderWisdom bench with anyone, who would you choose to join for a conversation? 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.

Episode #23 - Joining Erin Davis & Lloyd Hetherington on the green bench is Annie Whittle from The Village of Wentworth Heights in Hamilton. Her story includes a surprising connection with Harry Styles through her passion for Knitting, never allowing boredom to seep in, how to eat a pomegranate along with stories from her childhood. Erin & Lloyd get you hooked to this episode with some puns as they welcome Annie to the bench. Do you have any knitting puns to share? Knitting has been found to contribute to the quality of life Knitting since the age of 4, now at 95 making Harry Styles sweaters for her grandchildren.  Handknitting pieces for department stories, hats, baby sets, bonnets, etc. Read the article about Annie knitting Harry Styles' sweater in The Hamiton Spectator "Just keep busy, whatever you do. Enjoy life." -Annie Whittle Annie moved to Canada in 1946 from England with her husband.  Met him while reboring an engine, full of grease and overalls; a bit of a mess.  She has the gift of making people feel special.  Annie is an unofficial ambassador welcoming new residents into The Village of Wentworth Heights.  "Enjoy things, meet people, and participate." -Annie Whittle "I haven't played canasta since the 40s. Now I love it and we play twice a week." -Annie Whittle “The future lies before you, like a field of fallen snow; Be careful how you tread it, for every step will show.” - Doris A. Wright (shared with Annie and her siblings by her mother) "I'd like a 36 hour day and 10 days a week." -Annie Whittle Daily Mail Survey - What contributes to longevity? 1. Being stubborn2. Keeping busy 3. Positive attitude "Keep ahead of the grim reaper, keep moving, keep busy." -Annie Whittle "The perfect metaphor for what we are doing with the green bench.  You don't want people to feel lonely, you don't want them to feel like strangers. So come and sit here." -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.

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 RossiterSaving 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.