As we honour and celebrate the life of Ron Schlegel, we're sharing this conversation again. Ron sat down with us on the Green Bench for Episode 7. Listening back now, it feels like a gift. His voice, his joy and his belief in the wisdom of our elders are all here, and they still guide everything we do.

Episode #7 | A look back, a look ahead and a look inside with Ron Schlegel.

The Green Bench and the Schlegel Villages Wisdom of the Elder signature program both come from Ron's message about the importance of tapping into the wisdom around us.

"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders."

What is wisdom? Ron talks about his father, Wilfred, and the role model he was to Ron and his grandchildren. He also shares what it means to run senior living as a family business, and the roles his sons Jamie, Brad and Rob play.

Learn how the design of Schlegel Villages retirement and long-term care homes in Ontario came to be. Ron wanted each Village to be a social place that gives people purpose and joy. You'll also hear how the Villages got their names.

"It doesn't matter whether one is 35 or 85, we should be enjoying life to the fullest."

Ron gives advice to business leaders, talks about servant leadership and explains why research drives innovation. "It's not what we do, it is what we enable others to do."

A twin mix-up: hear how Ron MacLean mistook Jamie for Brad during an Olympic hockey final, and more stories from the 1992 Olympics.

"Be yourself, be true to yourself, don't try to be something you are not." - Ron Schlegel

Thank you, Ron, for teaching us to sit down, listen and learn from one another.

If this episode means something to you, please share it with someone who knew Ron or who would have enjoyed meeting him. You can also share your memories and thoughts on social media using #ElderWisdom.

The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. In person or online, the bench invites all of us to sit beside a senior, share a conversation, and give or receive advice.

It challenges the stigma seniors face and the ageism that is still so common in society. It reminds us how much wisdom our elders have to offer, and in doing so, it 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 and long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.

In honour of the 10th Anniversary of #ElderWisdom, we’re reflecting back on a deeply moving episode featuring Royal Hamel from The Village of Winston Park in Kitchener — a man whose faith, resilience, and compassion continue to inspire everyone around him.

First introduced during the Schlegel Villages Operational Planning Conference in Niagara Falls (Bonus LIVE Episode), Royal later joined hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle on the Green Bench to share his journey following the sudden onset of paralysis that left him paraplegic.

Despite this life-altering change, Royal speaks with gratitude and hope, grounded in his 50-year ministry as a pastor and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. His reflections shine light on the healing power of presence, storytelling, and community.

Today, Royal continues to minister to others at Winston Park, offering comfort through preaching, Bible studies, prayer, and warm conversation — reminding us that purpose can be lived out in many forms.

“Compassion is something children learn best when they see it modeled.” – Royal Hamel

“When we share our stories, we give others permission to share theirs.” – Royal Hamel

Royal also writes regularly on his blog, touching the lives of many through messages of encouragement and faith.
📘 Read more from Royal: facebook.com/royal.hamel

This encore episode is a testament to resilience, hope, and the human spirit’s remarkable capacity to redefine purpose in the face of challenge.

🎧 Listen back and let Royal’s words remind you of the transformative power of compassion.
Learn more at elderwisdom.ca

As we celebrate 10 years of #ElderWisdom, we’re reflecting back on an extraordinary conversation with Diane Dupuy, founder of the internationally renowned Famous People Players — a groundbreaking black-light theatre company where all performers are developmentally disabled.

Hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle welcomed Diane to the Green Bench to explore the profound bond she shared with her mother, Mary Thornton, who lived to be 103 at The Village of Humber Heights. Mary recognized Diane’s imagination from a young age and nurtured her gifts, encouraging her to create, dream, and express herself through puppetry and performance.

“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

“As long as your imagination makes the world a better place.” – Mary Thornton

Famous People Players is built on this foundation of creativity and compassion. By using black light technique, Diane ensured the focus was always on the art — not the disabilities of her performers — allowing their talent, hard work, and magic to shine.

With support from fellow Humber Heights resident Freida Griffiths, Diane expanded the company’s educational programs, touching countless lives through performance, mentorship, and opportunity.

Diane and Evelyn also share personal reflections on navigating cancer, offering wisdom about resilience, hope, and continuing to move forward even in the hardest moments.

From puppetry to global stages, from mother-daughter creativity to decades-long advocacy, Diane’s story is a testament to imagination, inclusion, and love.

🎧 Listen back and be inspired by Diane’s vision, Mary’s wisdom, and the magic of Famous People Players.
Learn more at: famouspeopleplayers.com
Discover more at: elderwisdom.ca

As we continue our 10th Anniversary reflections, we’re revisiting one of the most joyful, energizing conversations ever shared from the Green Bench.

In Episode #70, hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle welcomed Dr. Sandra Hazelip and Eleanor Hamby, two spirited women who proved that adventure has no age limit. In their eighties, Sandy and Ellie set out on an 80-day journey around the world, conquering seven continents and inspiring millions through their infectious curiosity and love of life.

From piranha fishing in the Amazon to rooftop views of the pyramids in Cairo, to Antarctica, Asia, and beyond, their stories remind us that courage, friendship, and an open heart create the richest memories.

Their message is clear:
🌍 Age is just a number.
💛 Connection is universal.
✨ Adventure is always possible.

Whether you’re a traveller at heart or simply in need of inspiration, Sandy and Ellie ignite a reminder that every day holds the possibility of something remarkable.

Follow their global adventures:
Facebook — Sandy and Ellie
Instagram — @aroundtheworldat80
TikTok — @aroundtheworldat80
YouTube — aroundtheworldat80
Twitter — @aroundtheworldat80
Website — aroundtheworldat80.com

🎧 Listen back and ask yourself: What is YOUR dream travel destination?
Learn more at elderwisdom.ca

As part of our 10th Anniversary reflections, we’re revisiting a powerful and deeply human conversation with Joyce Stankiewicz, formerly of New Hamburg and now a resident of The Village at University Gates in Waterloo.

Hosts Doug Robinson and Erin Davis welcomed Joyce to the Green Bench to share her experience caring for her husband Bill through dementia, her insights on compassion, and the meaningful buddy system that helps new residents feel at home at University Gates.

With wisdom shaped over 70 years of marriage, Joyce speaks candidly about the difficult moments — including the conversation about giving up driving — and the importance of forgiveness, humour, and memories that sustain connection through change.

She also helps listeners understand Nonfluent Variant Primary Progressive Aphasia (nfvPPA), the form of dementia her husband lived with, and gives heartfelt advice to anyone caring for a loved one.

“If you have a problem and cannot find out how to solve it, then get someone to help you solve it.” – Joyce Stankiewicz

“The buddy system connects someone who knows the Village with someone who is just moving in.” – Joyce Stankiewicz

“A comfort to be able to talk about it and to know others share your pain.” – Joyce Stankiewicz

Joyce reminds us that wisdom often comes from empathy, shared experience, and community — values at the core of #ElderWisdom.

🎧 Listen back to Joyce’s moving episode and let her words bring comfort, perspective, and hope.
Learn more at elderwisdom.ca

As part of our 10th Anniversary reflections, we’re revisiting a heartwarming episode with Bob and Emily Leland from The Village at University Gates in Waterloo — two remarkable individuals whose positivity and passion continue to inspire.

Hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle invited Bob and Emily to share their outlooks on life, their love of people, and the joy they find in every day. From laughter and kindness to community and creativity, their conversation reminds us of the power of staying curious and connected.

✨ Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ The Power of Positivity – Bob believes in making people smile every day. His philosophy reminds us that laughter truly is contagious and kindness always matters.
2️⃣ The Joy of Connection – Emily shares her love of being with people and the deep fulfillment found in meaningful relationships.
3️⃣ The Pursuit of Passions – A beautiful reflection of Schlegel Villages’ own Pursuit of Passions initiative, celebrating the hobbies and dreams that bring purpose to life.

“The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders.” – Ron Schlegel

🎧 Listen again and let Bob and Emily’s conversation inspire you to spread positivity, nurture connection, and live your passions.
Learn more and explore the Pursuit of Passions Exhibit at schlegelvillages.com/popxew.
Discover more at elderwisdom.ca

As part of the 10th Anniversary of #ElderWisdom, we’re revisiting a classic conversation that brought plenty of laughs to the Green Bench — this time painted red.

Canadian comedy legend Steve Smith, best known as Red Green, joined hosts Erin Davis and Lloyd Hetherington to share reflections from his remarkable career, his thoughts on aging, and why laughter truly is good medicine.

From duct tape philosophy to goose control projects, Steve reminds us that humour keeps us young — and that the key to life may just be summed up in a single quote from Clint Eastwood:

“I get up every morning and I go out. And I don’t let the old man in.” – Clint Eastwood, shared by Steve Smith

“When you are out of laughter, you are out of hope.” – Steve Smith

As we celebrate 10 years of #ElderWisdom, this encore episode reminds us that laughter, curiosity, and purpose never retire.

🎧 Listen again to the Red Green Bench and rediscover the wisdom in humour.
Learn more at elderwisdom.ca

As part of our 10th Anniversary of #ElderWisdom, we’re revisiting one of our most joyful episodes — a conversation with Patricia and Dennis Bayley from The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby.

In this encore episode, hosts Erin Davis and Lloyd Hetherington share the Green Bench with Patricia and Dennis for a laughter-filled conversation about poetry, chemistry, and a lifetime of travel and discovery.

From their volunteer work in Thailand and First Nations communities to Dennis’s experiment reclaiming his left-handedness and Patricia’s beautiful poetry, their story celebrates curiosity, creativity, and connection at every stage of life.

“If someone says we can’t do something, that is when we start doing it.” – Dennis Bayley

“It’s not only the writing of the poem. It’s holding onto your breath while you think, rhubarb, rhubarb, rhubarb…” – Patricia Bayley

As we reflect on 10 years of #ElderWisdom, we’re reminded by Patricia and Dennis that lifelong learning and laughter are the keys to keeping the spirit young.

🎧 Listen again to their inspiring story and rediscover the joy of connection on the Green Bench.
Learn more at elderwisdom.ca

As we celebrate 10 years of #ElderWisdom, we’re revisiting an inspiring conversation with Ferg Kyle from The Village of Tansley Woods in Burlington.

A lifelong aviator and optimist, Ferg joined hosts Kathy Buckworth and Evelyn Brindle on the Green Bench to share his reflections on luck, determination, and the joy of chasing dreams no matter the obstacles.

Told as a child he might not live past 28 due to a heart condition, Ferg defied every expectation — becoming a fighter pilot, a commercial pilot for Air Canada, and living a rich, fulfilling life into his 90s.

“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

“The harder you work, the luckier you get.” – Gary Player, quoted by Ferg

This encore episode is a reminder that every challenge can be met with courage, and that wisdom often takes flight through perseverance and gratitude.

🎧 Listen again to Ferg’s uplifting story and let his words remind you what it means to truly live a lucky life.
Learn more at elderwisdom.ca

As we celebrate 10 years of #ElderWisdom, we revisit our very first episode with Doug Robinson, a resident of The Village of Sandalwood Park in Brampton.

Doug joined hosts Erin Davis and Lloyd Hetherington on the Green Bench back in 2020 to share stories of life, love, and grief — from his career in the hospitality industry to his brush with royalty, and the deep partnership he shared with his wife of 60 years.

This year, Doug’s journey came full circle as he travelled to the United Kingdom with fellow resident Bob Harrison as part of our 10th Anniversary Green Bench Tour, reconnecting with family roots and sharing wisdom across the ocean.

“We had his and hers gardens to solve arguments on what goes where.” – Doug Robinson

🎧 Listen again to where it all began — and discover how the Green Bench continues to travel, carrying stories of love, laughter, and connection.
Learn more at elderwisdom.ca