#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench

Parenting & Grandparenting Experiences with Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle

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 possess. They describe grandparents as individuals who have lived through real-life situations, setting them apart from simply reading about history in books. They believe that it is crucial for children to have the opportunity to learn from their grandparents and gain insights from their experiences.
Respecting elders is another topic the co-hosts touch upon. They stress the importance of honoring the parenting styles and decisions of the younger generation when becoming a grandparent. They acknowledge that each generation may have different approaches to parenting, emphasizing the need for understanding and support.
Furthermore, the co-hosts delve into the role of love in family relationships. They emphasize the significance of expressing love and support to family members, particularly the younger generations. They encourage listeners to cherish the good times with their loved ones and to always be present and supportive.
Overall, this episode underscores the value of family and the importance of respecting and cherishing elders. It emphasizes the significance of maintaining strong family relationships, learning from the wisdom of grandparents, and expressing love and support to family members.
 
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BONUS | Heather Luth Shares Schlegel Villages’ Approach For Living With Dementia

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 between different generations. She talks about a program she initiated called "Grand Friends," where a local school partners with their retirement home to engage in activities together. Heather also mentions using a puppet named Grandpa Ernie to help children feel comfortable when visiting the seniors.
The hosts and Heather emphasize the importance of intergenerational interactions and how they can enhance the lives of both older adults and younger individuals. They discuss the positive impact of the "Grand Friends" program and the ongoing friendship between the retirement home residents and the grade one class.
We explores the five pillars of the "Living in My Today" program. The first pillar emphasizes supportive approaches to care, recognizing residents as unique individuals with their own strengths and perspectives. The program teaches people how to connect with their loved ones living with dementia and create partnership moments that allow them to remain active in their care.
The second pillar focuses on empowered care partners, acknowledging the importance of family members, team members, volunteers, students, and residents in supporting people living with dementia. The program provides education and opportunities for connection and collaboration to empower these care partners.
The third pillar, thoughtful design, centers around creating an environment that is supportive and accommodating for individuals living with dementia. This includes considering factors such as layout, lighting, and sensory stimulation to enhance the overall experience and well-being of residents.
The fourth pillar, expressive creativity, encourages and celebrates various ways that people can express their creativity. This pillar is described as a fun part of the program, where individuals can engage in different creative activities and express themselves.
Lastly, the fifth pillar, education, is briefly mentioned in the transcript. Although not discussed in detail, it can be inferred that this pillar provides educational resources and information to support individuals and care partners in understanding dementia and its impact on daily life.
Overall, the "Living in My Today" program aims to provide a holistic approach to care for individuals living with dementia, focusing on understanding, empowerment, thoughtful design, creativity, and education.
Learn more about the Living in My Today signature program at https://schlegelvillages.com/signature/living-my-today
 
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Feeling lucky and a passion for flying with Ferg Kyle

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 you get."
Learn how he overcame health challenges to live out his dream, never taking his eye off of his lofty goals including his time as a fighter pilot and then as a commercial pilot for Air Canada.
As a child, the doctor told Ferg's mother that he could expect to live to the age of 28 due to a heart condition.  Now at the age of 93, he considers the luck in his life.
"The doctor told my mom that I could expect to live to age 28 due to a heart condition.  I had a normal life. I should say that I am 93, I call that lucky." - Ferg Kyle
"I was proud to be a member of the Canadian Air Force, and I learned a great deal from veterans of WWII." - Ferg Kyle
"I had what I wanted, got what I wanted, and nobody asked me for a penny." - Ferg Kyle
Ferg flew 10 different aircraft with Air Canada in his career.  He shares his passion for flying as well and also has two sons who are pilots.
“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.” – Dalai Lama XIV
Do you think you can attract luck, or is it something that just happens to you?
"If you behave properly, you have better luck than those who don't." - Ferg Kyle
Ferg's Advice - Get on with things. Don't waste time. And pay attention to what your mother says.
 
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Discovering Ailsa Craig at The Village of Arbour Trails with Ab Moore

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 from various denominations. Ab then joined the board in 1987, helping to secure the sponsorship of the Canadian Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation. 
"It was evident back then that there were many people in retirement that were finding it difficult to find safe and affordable accommodation." - Ab Moore
“I had observed what was going on and felt it was time for me to volunteer. So I joined the board in about 1987.” - Ab Moore
Ailsa Craig is the name of the Independent Living lifestyle option at Schlegel Villages.  Learn about the name and its role at the Village.
"The values that I picked up as a child from my parents and from the religious community in which I grew up, that there is a value in sharing with others." - Ab Moore
"Older adults have so much that we can learn from." - Kathy Buckworth
 
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Living with Dementia and Fighting for a Dignified End with Ron Posno

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 has lived a life of planning, and his story begins with his dream of becoming an Air Force pilot. After meeting his wife Sandy at age 16, Ron pursued his dream and was accepted into a military college. However, Ron realized that marriage and military life were not compatible and so he left the college to become a special needs teacher.
After 62 years of marriage, Ron recounts an incident in 1970 when he was asked to test fly an experimental aircraft. Unfortunately, the plane crashed and Ron suffered a severe injury, losing his left eye and suffering brain damage. He was in a coma for 12 days, and when he emerged, he was diagnosed with MCI, which is often a precursor to dementia.
Ron and Sandy have a plan to fight legislation that does not allow people living with dementia to request MAID, medical assistance in dying. They are looking to the future by setting in motion their own destiny. Ron and Sandy hope to be able to change the law and give people living with dementia the right to choose how they want to live their lives.
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A Mother’s Influence Inspired Diane Dupuy’s Artistic Vision with Famous People Players

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 and Evelyn Brindle welcome Diane Dupuy to share her Story from the Green Bench.
Diane's mother honed in on what she could do and what she was good at rather than what she struggled with.  She excelled in imagination and creativity. 
"My mother built me a puppet theatre when I was a little girl. She told me not to be afraid as the puppets will do the talking for me." - Diane Dupuy
She enjoyed performing closely with her friend at local events, Doug Henning, who went on to become a world-renowned magician.
"As long as your imagination makes the world a better place." - Mary Thornton
"Great spirits always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." -Albert Einstein
In creating the Famous People Players Diane chose the black light technique as no one would see the players, and who they are, so they won't be afraid of them. 
"My mother was my partner, my supporter all the way." -Diane Dupuy
Visit famouspeopleplayers.com to see photos, get tickets, and learn more.Follow on Instagram & Facebook
With the support from Humber Heights resident, Freida Griffiths, educational programs were created as part of the Famous People Players organization. 
"There is so much magic in black light, everything floats, everything defies gravity before your eyes. It’s a live cartoon on stage." - Diane Dupuy
Diane & Mary are recipients of the Order of Canada and many awards and recognitions in their 49 years of work.
Diane and Evelyn share the experience of having fighting cancer.  Hear the wisdom from both of them as they encourage others to keep moving forward and living life to the fullest.
 
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From Engineering to Intellectual Property Law and Beyond with Don Hewson

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 do whatever it is they want to do and get involved in collegial activities - don't be loners - and be sure to excel in mathematics and science courses to open up a world of possibilities!"Don Hewson had a passion for music and engineering, but it wasn't until he was a senior partner at a law firm specializing in Intellectual Property Law that he was able to combine these two passions. He quickly learned the technical aspects of patent law and soon was travelling around the world to represent his clients. He was also able to introduce his wife, Yummy, to a world of travel and music. Through his work, Don was able to unlock the potential of a variety of projects, from the chocolate coating on Chapman's ice cream to the revolutionary device that enabled the fast and efficient formation of poured concrete buildings. Don's career also allowed him to inspire others to pursue their passions, no matter how unconventional.In this episode, you will learn the following:1. How did the invention of a revolutionary concrete forming device revolutionize construction?2. Why is intellectual property law a field that requires a science or engineering background?3. What are the benefits of taking a music course in high school, and how did it influence Don Hewson's career?
 
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Welcoming our new hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle

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 recognize her as the host of the radio show and podcast Go-To Grandma on Zoomer Radio. She’s a mother of four and a grandmother of two, and she has shared her perspective on the art of parenting in six separate books.
Evelyn Brindle is a resident of The Village of Erin Meadows retirement community in Mississauga and she holds a Masters Degree in Journalism. She’s a two-time cancer survivor, a mother, and a grandmother, and her energy and enthusiasm are contagious; many might be surprised to learn that she is in her 85th year, but then that is the point of the #ElderWisdom podcast.   Episode #46 featuring Evelyn.
 
Doug shares about the Pearls of Wisdom feature being added to this year's podcasts.  We invite seniors from around the world to submit their voices and #ElderWisdom with us with the chance to be on the podcast.
Visit ElderWisdom.ca and click on the pearls of wisdom tab.
You will be prompted to share your answer to 3 questions:
Who have you looked up to in your life and what wisdom from them do you keep with you?
What has been an unexpected source of joy for you?
Are there any words of wisdom that you wish to share with the younger generation?
 
As Erin and Doug reflect on being co-hosts, they share the memories and wisdom they take with them.
Erin shares about our guest, Jack Paleczny, and the vulnerability in the chaplaincy work that he experienced. (Go back to listen to episode #36)
Doug will always remember the story of Aunt Reta and her skipping rope. (Listen back to episode #37 to hear more)
 
Thank you Erin & Doug for being such welcoming hosts for our guests in the previous seasons and we look forward to continuing the storytelling into season 5 and on.  Keep up with Erin Davis by subscribing to the Drift with Erin Davis podcast and Gracefully and Frankly podcast.
 
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