Healthiest & Happiest Greendale Podcast

What makes a community safe and welcoming for people who walk and roll? In this episode, Ashley talk with Rachel from MilWALKee Walks about pedestrian safety, Vision Zero, and the role we all play in creating safer streets. We’ll also explore Greendale’s pedestrian safety efforts and how local improvements fit into Milwaukee County’s larger vision for safer communities.

MilWALKee Walks

Milwaukee County DOT Complete Communities- Vision Zero

Greendale Public Health: Pedestrian Safety

How do you handle picky eaters? How many times should you offer a new food? And how can families build healthy eating habits without trying to be perfect?

In Part 2 of this episode of the Healthiest & Happiest Podcast, Public Health Strategist Megan continues her conversation with Registered Dietitian Heather K. about the everyday challenges of family nutrition. They talk about common mistakes families can make, introducing new foods, the “division of responsibility” when it comes to feeding children, building healthy habits, and creating routines that work for your family.

Heather also shares practical tips for navigating picky eating, finding the right approach for your family, and focusing on progress over perfection. Stay tuned until the end for resources Heather recommends for families looking for additional nutrition information and support.

Whether you are a parent, caregiver, or simply looking for realistic ways to support healthy habits at home, this episode offers practical ideas you can put into practice one step at a time.

Life's Essential 8 | American Heart Association

EatingWell: Healthy Recipes, Healthy Eating

Home - SHK

Division of Responsibility | Ellyn Satter Institute

What is for dinner? How do you get kids to try new foods? And how can healthy eating fit into a busy family schedule?

In this episode of the Healthiest & Happiest Podcast, Public Health Strategist Megan sits down with Registered Dietitian Heather K. to talk about family nutrition and building healthy habits that last. They discuss balanced meals, nutrition and mental well-being, supporting bone health during childhood and adolescence, and the connection between gut health and the brain. They also share practical ideas for meal planning, involving kids in food choices, using convenient foods wisely, and making mealtimes more manageable.

Whether you are a parent, caregiver, or simply looking for realistic ways to support your family's health, this episode offers practical tips and ideas for making healthy eating work in everyday life.

A suspicious text. A viral challenge. An AI-generated image that looks real. Navigating today's digital world isn't always easy.

In this episode of the Healthiest & Happiest Podcast, Amanda sits down with IT Director Ryan J. to discuss online safety, social media, scams, AI, and the digital habits shaping our lives. Learn practical tips for protecting privacy, recognizing online risks, and helping young people build the skills they need to navigate technology safely.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or technology user yourself, this episode offers valuable insights for staying safe and connected in an increasingly digital world. 

Links:  

• Common Sense Media – Reviews, parent guides, screen time resources, and internet safety information for families. This was specifically recommended during the episode.  

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Online Safety Resources – Information on scams, privacy, and protecting children online.  

• ConnectSafely – Practical guides for popular apps, social media platforms, and online safety topics. 

• GoGuardian Parent App Information – Information about the parent app that allows families to monitor school-issued devices and set controls at home.  

• Greendale School District Technology Department – Families can contact the district for assistance with GoGuardian Parent and other technology-related questions. 

In this episode, we hear from three Greendale Public Health interns as they reflect on what makes their experience unique in our department. From hands-on opportunities to meaningful mentorship, this conversation highlights the value of learning in a supportive, community-focused environment.

“I think there's that misconception that internships are mainly observation, but here at Greendale I think that's something special that everybody in this department really wants you to thrive and puts you in situations that you might not be able to get in another place if you were to go somewhere else for your internship.” (Intern Episode, 08:47)

Tune in to hear how real-world public health work, guidance from staff, and immersive experiences are shaping the next generation of public health professionals.

In this episode of the Healthiest and Happiest Podcast, Public Health Director Ashley talks with Rod, Director of Public Works for the Village of Greendale, about the essential — and often unseen — work that keeps our drinking water safe. They explore how water moves from its source to residents’ taps, the routine maintenance and testing that protect water quality, and how Greendale’s infrastructure decisions, including never using lead service lines, support community health.  By understanding how our systems work and knowing where to turn with questions or concerns, residents play an important role in helping keep our village healthy and happy. 

Learn More & Helpful Resources: 

Village of Greendale Department of Public Works (DPW): 
Learn more about water utilities, infrastructure projects, maintenance activities, and services provided by DPW. 

•  Department of Public Works 

• 10 Year Roads and Infrastructure Plan 

Report a Water or Infrastructure Concern: 
If you notice a potential issue — such as low water pressure, suspected leaks, or water quality concerns — you can submit an online concern or service request. 

• Public Works- Report a Problem 

Wisconsin DNR – Drinking Water Quality: 
The WI DNR oversees public drinking water systems across the state and provides information on water testing, regulations, and consumer confidence reports. 

• Drinking Water | Wisconsin DNR 

Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Lead Poisoning Prevention: 
Lead hides in more places than you think. You can find it in paint, soil, and even makeup. It's important to understand sources of lead and how to avoid them. Learn more about lead exposure, health impacts, prevention strategies, and resources for families, homeowners, and renters.   

• Lead-Safe Wisconsin: For Families and Caregivers | Wisconsin Department of Health Services 
  

In this episode, the Greendale Public Health Strategist, Megan discusses the concept of 'third places' with the Director of the Greendale Public Library, Brian. They explore the importance of these informal community gathering spots, their characteristics, and how libraries serve as vital third places that foster social interaction and community resilience. The conversation highlights the role of libraries in providing safe spaces during challenging times and encourages listeners to find their own third places for connection and well-being. 

• Welcome to the Library 
• Why Third Places Are Essential to Creating Community 
• Ray Oldenburg 

What do handing out spoons, running a community fun run, and shaping local decisions all have in common? They’re all part of what makes a community truly thrive.

In this episode of The Healthiest and Happiest Podcast, host Ashley is joined by Greendale's Village Manager Mike Hawes and super-volunteer Aleks Skibicki for conversation about civic engagement—aka, all the ways we show up for our community.

From big-picture planning (like parks and recreation improvements) to everyday moments (like helping at an ice cream social), you’ll hear how getting involved—at any level—can boost your well-being, build meaningful connections, and create memories that last far beyond the moment.

Aleks shares why sometimes the best advice is to just “jump in,” Mike explains how community voices shape real decisions, and together they remind us that you don’t need experience—just a willingness to show up (and maybe hand out a few spoons).

Whether you’re ready to join a committee, volunteer at an event, or simply stay more informed, this episode will leave you feeling motivated, connected, and maybe even a little braver.

Because a healthier, happier community starts with people like you.

Community Resources

• Our Community 
• Village Hall Updates: Welcome to Village of Greendale, WI 
• Sign up to receive Village Hall Updates: E-mail Notification List 
• Village Newsletters and Magazines: Welcome to Village of Greendale, WI 
• Village of Greendale Facebook Page: Facebook 

Publications

• University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. (n.d.). The power of civic engagement.
• University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (2024). County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, National Findings Report 2024. 2024 CHRR National Findings Report.pdf 
• Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). Civic participation. Healthy People 2030. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health/literature-summaries/civic-participation 

• Rand Corporation. (2022). Civic engagement and health: Evidence from the United States (RR-3163). https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR3100/RR3163/RAND_RR3163.pdf 

How do you know when it's time to stay home? In this episode of the Healthiest & Happiest podcast, Public Health Nurse Cathy is joined by Greendale Schools' Nurse Practitioner to talk through common symptoms and clear "stay home" guidelines for kids and adults. They discuss fevers, vomiting, and diarrhea, lingering coughs, rashes, and the grey areas families face every day- plus why staying home when needed helps protect not just individuals, but the entire community.

DPI_Too_Sick_for_School_flyer.pdf

Childhood Communicable Diseases | Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Nurse Practitioner Services | Greendale School District

School Nurse | Greendale School District

In this episode, the hosts share their personal journeys into public health, highlighting the varied paths that led them to their current roles. They discuss the importance of public health in communities, the role of governmental public health, and the need for community engagement to support well-being. The conversation emphasizes that public health is integral to everyday life and impacts everyone.