Backyard OASIS - Older Adults Seeking, Inspiring, Serving

Helen Olson spent her life getting to this place, this place here in western Massachusetts. Hers was a jumbled, uncertain life filled with follies and miseries. Helen talks about her two-part life, first, in California, and then here in rural Massachusetts where she learned to bask in the beauty and serenity of the natural world and find herself. And she reads from her book "Getting to this Place", too.

Hosted and Produced by Denise Schwartz

Produced and Engineered by Alexander Audette in the Multimedia Studios at Greenfield Community College (MA)

On this episode of Backyard Oasis, Dennis Lee talks with Barry Bouthilette about his three careers over 71 years on the planet. Barry was a probation officer in Hampshire County, a Director of Development for the United Way and now is a Health and Wellness Coach. His mission is to inspire people to be fully engaged in a life that really matters.

Hosted and Produced by Dennis Lee

Produced and Engineered by Alexander Audette in the Multimedia Studios at Greenfield Community College in Franklin County, MA

Edited by Nina Bocko

Dance Doctors Emily Fox and Denise Schwartz (they're not real doctors but they are real dancers!) discuss the enormous number of benefits dancing bestows on people of all ages, but especially on older adults: increased energy, balance, flexibility; improved cognitive skills; more social interaction... and more endorphins - the happiness chemicals- pumped into your body! And it's FUN! But think you can't dance? No, no, no...Dance Doc Fox reminds us that if you can count to eight, you can dance!

Hosted and Produced by Denise Schwartz

Produced and Engineered by Alexander Audette in the Multimedia Studios at Greenfield Community College in Franklin County, MA

Edited by Nina Bocko

The Medical Reserve Corps of Franklin County, MA is thrilled to present this special crossover episode of "Prep School: A Readiness Podcast," originally aired on Jan. 5, 2024.

They say every one of us will feel the impact of a dementia diagnosis - our own or that of someone we know and love- at some point in our lives. Public health nurse and dementia specialist Meg Ryan shares her thoughts about how we can prepare ourselves and others for that time and the changes it will bring into our lives.

Hosted and Produced by Denise Schwartz

Produced and Engineered by Alexander Audette in the Multimedia Studios at Greenfield Community College in Franklin County, MA

Edited by Nina Bocko

In this episode of Backyard Oasis, author Ed Orzechowski talks about the conditions and abuses at the Belchertown State School, and tells the story of one resident who got out and went on to a very productive life.

Contributors: Dennis Lee, Denise Schwartz, Ed Orzechowski

Produced and Engineered by Alexander Audette in the multimedia studio at Greenfield Community College in Franklin County, MA

Edited by Nina Bocko

In this episode of Backyard Oasis, Chad Fuller speaks with Al Rimbach about cars through the ages, from their initial invention to the modern electric revolution.Contributors: Chad Fuller, Al RimbachProduced by Alex Audette in the Multimedia Studios at Greenfield Community College

Dennis Lee talks with Bruce Landon a former American Hockey League and Hartford Whalers goalie about his playing career, moving into management, and then writing his autobiography "The Puck Stops Here."

Contributors: Dennis Lee, Bruce Landon

Produced and Engineered by Alexander Audette in the Multimedia Studios at Greenfield Community College

Edited by Nina Bocko

Judy Raper, Associate Dean for Community Engagement at GCC hosts regional hairdresser and mother of two, Jessica Niebala and Indiana native MacKenzie Shanahan, who is employed in the entertainment industry to talk all things Reality TV! Favorite shows, celebs and intergenerational viewing habits are discussed along with perspective on just how real Reality TV is. Don't take this conversation TOO seriously. Just have fun with it. We did.

Produced by Alex Audette at the Greenfield Community College Teaching and Learning Innovation Center

Jessica Niedbala, Mackenzie Shanahan and Judy Raper reunite to discuss all things reality TV! Coming from three different generational perspectives; they share their thoughts on "Summer House", "Big Brother", "The Golden Bachelor", "Paris in Love" and a lot more!

Backyard Oasis Season 1 Episode 6:

In this episode, Dennis Lee talks with musician, poet, and former firefighter Tom Clark (A.K.A. Tommy Twilite) about a life spent split between a career in public service and a passion for creating art. Be sure to like the video, subscribe to the Greenfield Community College YouTube channel, and check back regularly for new episodes of Backyard Oasis, as well as other enriching GCC content.

Links: / tommy.twilite / tommy-twilite

Contributors: Dennis Lee; Tom Clark

Produced by Alex Audette in the Multimedia Studios at Greenfield Community College in Franklin County, MA