#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench

Episode #37 - Reta Baechler is the first centenarian guest to join Erin Davis and Doug Robinson on the green bench-as she shares her many years of wisdom and wit with us.  Aunt Reta as we know her is the Aunt to Ron Schlegel who you heard from in episode 7. A Prestigious Club:The number of centenarians in Canada rose to 12, 822 as of July 1st, 2021. Aunt Reta is the sister to Wilfred Schlegel who is the father of Ron Schlegel.  Five siblings with 3 older brothers and one younger brother and one younger sister, grew up on the farm outside Tavistock, Ontario.   "Every Saturday morning we had to trim the wicks to make sure they would burn evenly." - Reta Baechler A large German presence in Southwestern Ontario - Aunt Reta talks about growing together as a community, speaking Pennsylvanian German and learning English.  Growing to know each other. "I felt so good being at home and having my neighbours around me so there was never a barrier.  We were all like one people." - Reta Baechler Reta shares stories of her family connections with her father Wilfred and with her Grandmother. Jump rope: Aunt Reta loved skipping when she was young. Her brothers made her jump ropes, and she fondly remembers receiving her very first store bought skipping rope. It had wooden handles, and she would skip her way to the barn to do chores, and then all the way home again.  What was the invention that made your life easier?  Reta shares about the light switch being a fantastic invention with electricity.  "I remember when we turned on the light tap for the first time. This is so incredible, all we have to do it push a button and the light will come on." - Reta Baechler A tradition of always having an extra plate set at the dinner table for a guest to join.  Reta remembers a plaque over the table that read “Christ is the head of this home, the unseen guest at every meal, the silent listener to every conversation.” Very important to her, and can picture it to this day. She says it is so important to have faith.  “Well, I woke up again in the same bed I went to sleep in last night. There must still be a plan and a purpose for me today.”  - Reta Baechler “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift- that’s why we call it the present.” – Alice Morse Earle 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 #36 - A conversation that is raw in its emotions, very honest and open with Jack Paleczny of The Village at University Gates in Waterloo. A beautiful example of the connection among us all as he shares his story from the Green Bench. Jack lives at The Village with and cares for his wife Diana Lynn who lives with both dementia and Parkinson's disease. He lives a life of service first as a leader to his community, serving God, serving the people around him, and today, serving up a whole lot of wisdom and perspective. The 12s in Jack's life:12 Years of Education12 Years of Graduate Studies12 Years as a Priest12 Years as a Hospital Chaplain12 Years as a Pastor of the United Church His sister is a nun who just returned back from 12 years in Africa. Learn about the decision Jack made to leave the priesthood and how his mother stood up for him among his 8 siblings. "The big part of chaplaincy training is that although you are grounded in your own faith, you are able to walk with others in their faith." -Jack Paleczny "Chaplaincy is a beautiful experience." -Jack Paleczny "Our higher power is GOOD." - Erin Davis "The meaning/value of life is the very goodness of people and the desire of people to do good." -Jack Paleczny When Jack first got to The Village at University Gates, everybody he met he would ask them their name.  "It was important to greet people by name and to hear their stories at The Village at University Gates." Jack shares his tips to being an effective listener. "If you can stay with the person and ask a question that unfolds their story a little bit more. They feel a connection, a bond, and trust in sharing their story." -Jack Paleczny How do you remember people's names? 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 #35 - An enjoyable conversation about family connectivity, stories from his role as Governor-General, being a grandparent, hockey, and growing up in Northern Ontario. Erin Davis & Doug Robinson are honoured to be joined by The Right Honourable David Johnston, 28th Governor-General of Canada and Chair of the Rideau Hall Foundation on the green bench.  "Who are you anyway?"In a story from Repulse Bay, during a Terry Fox Run, about a young Inuit lad who approached David with this question. "The question, 'Who am I?' Permits you to see yourself through the eyes of others." -The Right Honourable David Johnston Born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, Davis shares stories about playing hockey with the Esposito Brothers and the aspiration of being a professional hockey player. Doug asks, are you a Toronto Maple Leafs or Ottawa Senators suppoter? Answer, "Any Canadian team in the finals." "In Northern Ontario, you learn to skate before you walk." -David Johnston Married to Sharon in 1964, although more years together as David was her first date in high school when she was 13.  Coming up to their 60th anniversary, they plan to gather the 5 daughters and 14 grandchildren to celebrate as a family. Honourary Doctorates for more than 25 Universities and learning institutions, law degrees from Cambridge and Queens University, Officer of the Order of Canada and promoted to Companion (the orders highest level).   Learn about the importance of family connections and human connectivity, something David Johnston & Ron Schlegel have discussed on the #ElderWisdom bench. (Video) "If the day was a little difficult, you come home, join your family and say all is well." -David Johnston "All the important things in life I've learned from my children and now my grandchildren." -David Johnston Hear how David & Sharon received the names: Grandpa Book & Grannie Sunrise What names do you have for your grandparents or how do your grandchildren call you?  Share with us on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag. In the USA, citizens are paid to give blood and charged to receive blood.  A great story in Canada, that Canadians give just to look after their neighbours without needing to know where it is going. "I've changed dramatically 5 times, all to the credit of my daughters." - David Johnston Erin & Doug have been fined for how they addressed David on this episode and invited to donate to the Rideau Hall Foundation.  Hear more about the work of the foundation and some of the initiatives to create a smarter more caring country. Partnership with Mastercard Foundation to fund 10,000 Indigenous young people to become teachers Governor General's Innovation Awards The Queen Elizabeth Scholars Michener Awards to celebrate finalists for public media and journalism Roméo LeBlanc - Caring Canadian Awards for Volunteerism/Sovereign's Medal of Volunteerism The Rideau Hall Foundation is an independent and non-political charitable organization established to mobilize ideas, people, and resources across the country to tap into our national spirit and help realize our shared aspirations. The RHF works closely with the Office of the Governor General and our many partners to connect, honour, and inspire Canadians. Donations can be made to: https://rhf-frh.ca/donate/ 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 #34 - The seeds for Pam Wiebe's work in nursing and quality improvement in long-term care were planted at her grandfather's feet.  She shares her story of changing careers, the joy of being a great-grandparent, and the feeling of family as a team member at Schlegel Villages.  "There's nothing like being a grandparent" - Doug Robinson "I try not to think about getting old and I certainly don't think old." - Pam Wiebe Formerly an accountant, at the age of 46 changed lanes to focus on nursing.  This came from a tragic situation with her mom passing away.  She made the decision, worked and studied hard, and became a nurse in 1999. Pam supports 10 of the Schlegel Villages as a Quality Improvement Specialist.  In her role, she supports the variety of programs to meet the ministry's regulations. How do we mitigate risk and still honour resident choice giving residents a quality of life they deserve? Prior to nursing at Schlegel Villages she worked with Toronto Rehab and talks about a Preceptorship program she was involved in: ASK ME (Attributes Skills & Knowledge for Maximizing Excellence) Hear about Pam's early influences that pointed her down this path as she shares memories of her grandfather and the #ElderWisdom he and his friends offered her as a young girl. A message to those looking at a career in long-term care, "Be brave to take that step to work in long-term care and don't give in to ridicule." - Pam Wiebe "It's never too late to find your passion" - Erin Davis Pope Francis was a bouncer and janitor for a nightclubJulia Child didn't write her first cook book until she was 50Grandma Moses started her painting career at 78 "It's never too late to re-write your ending." - Erin Davis Working or living in a Schlegel Village is being part of a family. Bill, Pam's husband also feels as part of the Schlegel Family and she talks about the strong connections that are made within the organization. Schlegel Villages Team Member Aspiration CULTIVATE THE ULTIMATE TEAM MEMBER EXPERIENCE At Schlegel Villages, we have an amazing culture that stellar team members want to be a part of. We care about our team members as much as we care about our residents. As one family, we learn, grow, and move forward together. We are passionate and find fulfillment in making a difference in people’s lives. Our caring community honours and encourages well-being, and team members are appreciated in personally meaningful ways. Through mentorship, ongoing support, and education we are empowered to go beyond the status quo, and unleash our full potential. “You can be you while being a part of our family.” Learn more about joining our team 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 #33 - Corrine Richard shares her stories from the green bench with Erin Davis & co-host Doug Robinson from her home at Coleman Care Centre in Barrie.  We hear of growing up in Callandar, Ontario, meeting the Dionne Quintuplets at the age of nine, and stories of family relations and working the summer carnival in Wasaga Beach. "It was a crazy proposal, and it was right up my alley." - Corrine Richard In Wasaga Beach at the age of 20 was quite happy working with the carnival and tried traveling with them as well all while raising her son, Chris.  Corrine met her future husband, Leo, during her first summer at the carnival.   "I've been married 62 years, and did 4 years of courting at the carnival every year.  Strolling around the carnival holding hands." -Doug Robinson "Just do your own thing and keep yourself safe." - Corrine Richard Co-host Doug Robinson is a resident of The Village of Sandalwood Park long-term care in Brampton.  Doug was our first guest on the podcast in October 2020 (Listen Here) 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.

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

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 worldand 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.

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 depressionA 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.