#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench Schlegel Villages

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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, Kathy Buckworth, at kathybuckworth.com
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca
Learn more about Schlegel Villages at schlegelvillages.com

Episode #64 - Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle had the pleasure of chatting with two very special guests, Shirley, a resident at The Village of Glendale Crossing in London, and Rob Dore, chaplain and baking aficionado of the community.

Shirley shared her journey of moving into the village to avoid the risks of living alone in a townhouse. Known affectionately as ”the hugger,” Shirley has embraced her new community with open arms, literally, offering hugs and peppermints to fellow residents and staff. She actively participates in various activities, including euchre, bingo, and especially Rob’s cooking classes, which she attends without fail.

Rob, on the other hand, brings people together through spiritual programs as well as his love of baking/cooking. He hosts weekly cooking classes where residents can socialize, enjoy fresh treats, and learn about different cuisines from Rob’s travels. From Detroit-style pizza to English flapjacks, Rob’s classes are a hit, drawing in crowds eager to taste his creations and share in the camaraderie.

The conversation also touched on the importance of food in fostering community and how it can evoke memories of travel or childhood. Shirley and Rob both emphasized the significance of staying active and social to avoid the loneliness that can come with age.

Shirley’s advice to anyone considering a move to a Schlegel Village is simple: relax, talk to everyone, and you’ll make many friends. Her approach to life at the village is a testament to the power of community and the joy that can be found in the simple act of giving a hug.




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

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, Kathy Buckworth, at kathybuckworth.com

Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

Learn more about Schlegel Villages at schlegelvillages.com

Episode #63 - In this heartfelt episode of #ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench, Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle had the pleasure of conversing with the inspiring Royal Hamel from The Village of Winston Park in Kitchener. Royal, who we met at the Schlegel Village Operational Planning Conference in Niagara Falls (Bonus LIVE Episode), shared his journey of faith, positivity, and resilience in the face of life-altering paralysis.

Royal recounted the sudden onset of his condition, which left him paraplegic, and the subsequent challenges he faced. Despite the drastic change in his life, Royal’s unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and his 50-year experience as a pastor have been the bedrock of his positive outlook.

Throughout the episode, Royal spoke about the importance of compassion, the power of presence, and the significance of sharing personal experiences. He continues to minister to others at Winston Park long-term care, where he resides, through preaching, Bible studies, and simply being a comforting presence to fellow residents.

Royal also touched upon the importance of modeling compassion to children and the role of faith in fostering a compassionate society. He shared insights from his blog, which has touched the lives of many, and emphasized the importance of gentleness in our interactions with others.

As hosts, Evelyn and Kathy reflected on the wisdom Royal brings to the Green Bench, his ability to connect with others, and the joy he finds in daily interactions. His story is a testament to the power of optimism and the human spirit’s capacity to adapt and find purpose even in the most challenging circumstances.

*Link to Royal’s blog as mentioned in the episode: https://www.facebook.com/royal.hamel


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

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, Kathy Buckworth, at kathybuckworth.com

Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca

Learn more about Schlegel Villages at schlegelvillages.com

An exciting episode for you as hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle had the pleasure of hosting a LIVE recording at the Schlegel Villages Operational Planning Conference in Niagara Falls, where we explored the theme of ”People, Care, and Quality.”

First to join us on the Green Bench is Ann Baxter: Anne is a resident at The Village of Wentworth Heights in the Egerton neighbourhood, where she has come to value the kindness of the team that helps support her, even as her care needs have lessened over time. She values the polite approach of the Village team, and appreciates how everyone takes the time to bring a smile to the faces of all residents, and she has also become a strong support for her fellow residents.

Secondly we invited Tam White and Barb Merkley: Barb first stayed at The Village of Riverside Glen as a temporary measure to convalesce following a medical procedure, and has now lived at The Village of Riverside Glen for nearly eight years. She came to be good friends with Tam when they met at The Center for Innovation’s Ready to Impact Conference in Pittsburg in the summer of 2023. Tam has a long history at Schlegel Villages, first as a Village Team Member before eventually joining the Support Office as a key member of the People Team. Both Barbara and Tam share a combined perspective on how the people who live and work within Schlegel Villages truly do become an extended family.

And third we welcomed Royal Hamel to the green bench: Royal makes his home in Long-term Care at The Village of Winston Park, and he shares his perspective as someone who has faced significant changes in his mobility in recent years. As a retired minister, faith and spirituality are close to Royal’s heart, and this certainly helps shape his world view. For Royal, exceptional support can be found in simple moments in time that connect team members with residents, regardless of the level of care required.

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

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, Kathy Buckworth, at kathybuckworth.com
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca
Learn more about Schlegel Villages at schlegelvillages.com

Episode #62 - Kathy Buckworth & Evelyn Brindle had the pleasure of sitting down with John Hofstee, a remarkable individual from The Village of Riverside Glen in Guelph with a wealth of wisdom to share.  From tracing his family roots in Holland and beyond to learning and engaging in conversations through Morse code and on the ham radio.

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation with John:

1️⃣ Stay Active and Engaged: John emphasized the importance of getting involved and keeping oneself busy, especially in physical activities. He shared his experience of participating in exercise groups and even leading some of them. By joining organizations that align with our goals and allowing ourselves to learn and contribute, we can maintain a sense of purpose and fulfillment throughout our lives.

2️⃣ Embrace Your Hobbies: John’s hobbies, including genealogy, ham radio, and learning Morse code, are a testament to the power of pursuing our passions. He traced back his roots and discovered fascinating stories about his family history. So, whether it’s exploring your ancestry or diving into a new hobby, don’t be afraid to follow your interests and uncover the hidden gems within your own life.

3️⃣ Cherish Family Connections: As Sophocles once said, ”sons are the anchors of a mother’s life.” John beautifully highlighted the significance of family connections and the wisdom passed down through generations. He encouraged us to listen to our parents and grandparents, as their stories and advice will resonate with us in the future. Family ties are precious, and they can provide us with a sense of identity and belonging.

I hope you find these takeaways as inspiring as we did! ✨ If you haven’t already, be sure to listen to the full episode to hear John’s incredible stories and insights firsthand.

Episode #61 - Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle welcome two incredible individuals from The Village at University Gates in Waterloo, Bob and Emily Leland, who shared their passions, stories, and wisdom with us. 🎉

Here are three key takeaways from this inspiring conversation:

1️⃣ The Power of Positivity: Bob and Emily emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive outlook on life. Bob shared his belief in making people smile and laugh every day, reminding us that laughter truly is contagious. Let’s remember to spread positivity and uplift those around us, even through the simplest acts of kindness. 😊

2️⃣ The Joy of Connection: Emily expressed her passion for being with people, whether it’s family, friends, or loved ones. She highlighted the immense joy that comes from sharing moments and creating meaningful connections. Let’s cherish and nurture our relationships, as they bring us immense happiness and fulfillment. 🤗

3️⃣ Pursuit of Passions: The Schlegel Village community has embarked on a wonderful initiative called ”Pursuit of Passion,” which celebrates the stories and passions of their residents. This reminds us to continue seeking and living our own passions, as they bring meaning and purpose to our lives. Let’s explore new interests, pursue our dreams, and find joy in the things that make us come alive. 🌟

See the 2023 Pursuit of Passions Exhibit at https://schlegelvillages.com/popxew

We are incredibly grateful to Bob and Emily for sharing their wisdom and stories with us. 🙏 Their words have touched our hearts and inspired us to embrace positivity, connection, and the pursuit of our passions.

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.