Bill Corbett has published a new book for you to color along with your grandchild. It's called COLOR TOGETHER and it's now available on Amazon.

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Are we ever too old to return to something we once loved—or to begin an entirely new chapter of our lives?

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Nancy Hopkins, known to many as The Snake Lady, whose story is a wonderful reminder that our passions don't necessarily disappear when life gets busy. Sometimes they simply wait for us.

Nancy has been a nature lover and avid outdoorswoman throughout her life. In the early 2000s, she developed an environmental education program focused on native New England snakes, sharing with audiences the important—and often misunderstood—role snakes play in our ecosystem.

But life had other plans.

Nancy stepped away from environmental education to focus on raising her children and later spent 20 years working as an optician. Yet her fascination with snakes never disappeared. She always hoped that someday she would return to being a voice for these remarkable creatures.

And she did.

Now, decades later, Nancy has returned to her passion in an entirely new way—as a children's author. Her book, Sassy the Green Tree Boa, allows her to introduce a new generation of children and families to the animals she has spent so much of her life appreciating and defending.

Our conversation originally centered on snakes, children, and helping families overcome their fears of reptiles. But Nancy's personal journey carries another powerful message—especially for those of us in the second half of life.

There doesn't have to be an expiration date on a dream.

Nancy's story reminds us that retirement and our senior years don't have to mean stepping away from meaningful work. They can provide an opportunity to rediscover interests we once put aside, pursue creative dreams, write the book we always wanted to write, volunteer, teach, mentor, or finally explore something we've been thinking about for years.

In this episode, you'll hear Nancy's infectious enthusiasm for snakes, nature, education, and children—and discover what can happen when someone decides that it's not too late to return to what they love.

Whether you're 55, 65, 75, or beyond, perhaps there's something you've been thinking about returning to yourself.

Nancy Hopkins did.

And today, The Snake Lady is back.

Losing patience with aging parents is common, especially as caregiving roles reverse. Stress, old emotional wounds, burnout, and even fear of losing them can lead to moments of anger.

Impact: Harsh words can hurt deeply — causing emotional pain, stress, and weakening trust. Seniors may withdraw or feel more vulnerable.

Regaining Balance: Step back, breathe, and reflect on what triggered you. Practice self-compassion so you can approach the situation without shame.

Making the Repair: Apologize sincerely and acknowledge their dignity. Explain your emotions without making excuses, and reassure them of your care and respect.

Why It Matters: Repair strengthens trust, protects your relationship, and models respect for future generations. It’s not about being perfect but about showing love and integrity, even after a mistake.

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ABOUT THIS EPISODE

I had the opportunity to sit down with Stephen Kaminski, the mobility manager for Region 4 of Connecticut's "The Way to Go" program. Their goal is to promote and coordinate transportation options for people with disabilities, older adults, and Veterans in the state of CT.
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ABOUT THE SHOW MUSIC

You So Zany by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

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ABOUT THE EPISODE GUEST

My guest on this episode was Steven Kaminski, mobility manager for Region 4 of Connecticut.  The Way to Go program is a division of transportation in conjunction with Amplify CT out of Glastonbury CT.  The Way to Go program offers resources to our Older Adult Community, Disabled and our Veteran communities.  In conjunction with the Kennedy Collective and Greater Hartford Transit District, The Way to Go program offers extensive help in connecting people with reliable and affordable transportation. Steven can be reached at 860-267-5439 x 100.

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SHOW TRANSCRIPT

Challenges -In just a few years (2037), our state’s population age 65 or older will increase by 12%. CT Life expectancy at birth is 81 Y.O. (National Average is 79) Access to reliable transportation has become a very pressing issue for many older CT residents.   In some cases, our older populations also have disabilities (Approx 1/3) This current generation (Mostly) has email but are not always as comfortable with the internet and navigating websites. Cost is, in most cases, a determining factor for mobility choices. Navigating public transit is intimidating and often too diicult to access. Some towns are rural and have limited access to medical appointments OR the primary care is in another town hard to access.  Talking points/Solutions Greater Hartford Transit District and CT DOT have taken into consideration the growing age demographic.  With programs like Dial a Ride/Associated often with Town Senior Centers there are some solutions for current and future needs.  

ADA Paratransit-Using a user-friendly online Application, if you have a disability, whether it is temporary or permanent, you can apply for the ADA paratransit status.  This opens several resources that can be free or at a low cost to assist in your mobility needs.  FREEDOM RIDE, M7 Taxi, oer reduced fares. CT DOT sets the rate.  Our Program is available to anyone with a disability and or Veteran status despite their age.   Currently, technology must appeal more to caregivers.  But most services still allow setting up rides via phone calls. Reduced fares for ADA paratransit and services like GO GO Grandparent.  Lyft also has a Price lock for commonly traveled routes. We do have travel training programs through the GHTD and the Kennedy Collective that will “Literally” guide you through every step of your public transit route. Part of any mobility resource identies the “Gaps” and through collaboration and the use of a steering committee, we can strive to create new solutions. Transportation for our Older Adults will be an ongoing need. So, it’s great we have resources in place, but it’s crucial we change with the times. 

Esther Pearl - North Central Region Program Director- Alzheimer’s Association CT Chapter presents "The Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer's."  Esther is a skilled and engaging educator who brings her knowledge and personal experience to help families and caregivers to understand warning signs, detection, and how to move forward in getting a diagnosis and support.

Esther’s entry into the world of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s was, like many others, unexpected, devastating and life changing.  A year after marrying, her husband was diagnosed with Atypical Younger Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, he was only 56.  

Through a random encounter at a health fair, Esther and Mark became involved with the Alzheimer’s Association, CT Chapter.  Support groups, social programs and tearful calls to the Helpline became their lifelines. Because of their somewhat unusual situation in regard to age, work status and retirement planning, they faced additional hurdles in navigating the world of Alzheimer’s.  Esther was soon asked to speak at various events and share their story.  Professionally, she has spent her career educating others in the fields of higher education, employment, financial issues, credit union services and career services.  

In 2017, Esther joined the association as Program Director in order to honor Mark and their joint commitment to fighting Alzheimer’s.  She holds a Master’s of Science in Counseling from Central Connecticut State University and a BS in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.  

The Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association serves the more than 80 thousand people living with Alzheimer's in our state, their caregivers and people concerned about brain health. We offer free education classes, support groups, care consultations and activities for those in the early stages of dementia. We have robust advocacy efforts on both the state and local level, and raise money through events like our Walk to End Alzheimer's in the Fall to help fund research to get closer to new treatments and a cure.
24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900
Website: alz.org/ct
Register for Walk: act.alz.org/connecticut
General email: [email protected]

Esther Pearl - North Central Region Program Director- Alzheimer’s Association CT Chapter presents "The Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer's."  Esther is a skilled and engaging educator who brings her knowledge and personal experience to help families and caregivers to understand warning signs, detection, and how to move forward in getting a diagnosis and support.

Esther’s entry into the world of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s was, like many others, unexpected, devastating and life changing.  A year after marrying, her husband was diagnosed with Atypical Younger Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, he was only 56.  

Through a random encounter at a health fair, Esther and Mark became involved with the Alzheimer’s Association, CT Chapter.  Support groups, social programs and tearful calls to the Helpline became their lifelines. Because of their somewhat unusual situation in regard to age, work status and retirement planning, they faced additional hurdles in navigating the world of Alzheimer’s.  Esther was soon asked to speak at various events and share their story.  Professionally, she has spent her career educating others in the fields of higher education, employment, financial issues, credit union services and career services.  

In 2017, Esther joined the association as Program Director in order to honor Mark and their joint commitment to fighting Alzheimer’s.  She holds a Master’s of Science in Counseling from Central Connecticut State University and a BS in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.  

The Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association serves the more than 80 thousand people living with Alzheimer's in our state, their caregivers and people concerned about brain health. We offer free education classes, support groups, care consultations and activities for those in the early stages of dementia. We have robust advocacy efforts on both the state and local level, and raise money through events like our Walk to End Alzheimer's in the Fall to help fund research to get closer to new treatments and a cure.
24/7 Helpline: 1.800.272.3900
Website: alz.org/ct
Register for Walk: act.alz.org/connecticut
General email: [email protected]

An interview with Honor Flight CT program director, Matt Sparks, a native of Boston Ma who relocated to CT in 2018 from upstate New York . In upstate New York  he was involved with the local honor flight chapter and hoped to do the same in CT. After discovering there was no CT chapter, Matt and his son started the current Honor flight hub and began trips in 2019 . 

An Honor Flight is conducted by non-profit organizations dedicated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials of the respective war they fought in Washington, DC, at no cost to the veterans.

To better accomplish the Honor Flight mission and serve our military veterans of the State of Connecticut, in April of 2019, Honor Flight Connecticut was formed as an official hub of the National Honor Flight Network.  The Honor Flight Connecticut mission is to honor our veterans by transporting them to Washington, DC to visit and reflect at their memorials.  Honor Flight Connecticut proudly joins with 131 other Honor Flight Hubs in 45 other states sharing in that same mission.  

An interview with Honor Flight CT program director, Matt Sparks, a native of Boston Ma who relocated to CT in 2018 from upstate New York . In upstate New York  he was involved with the local honor flight chapter and hoped to do the same in CT. After discovering there was no CT chapter, Matt and his son started the current Honor flight hub and began trips in 2019 . 

An Honor Flight is conducted by non-profit organizations dedicated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials of the respective war they fought in Washington, DC, at no cost to the veterans.

To better accomplish the Honor Flight mission and serve our military veterans of the State of Connecticut, in April of 2019, Honor Flight Connecticut was formed as an official hub of the National Honor Flight Network.  The Honor Flight Connecticut mission is to honor our veterans by transporting them to Washington, DC to visit and reflect at their memorials.  Honor Flight Connecticut proudly joins with 131 other Honor Flight Hubs in 45 other states sharing in that same mission.  

We can learn from the misfortune of others. Listen to actual crimes on this episode, committed by scammers against seniors. The latest is called the GRANDPARENT SCAM in which a scammer pretends to be a grandchild who is in trouble or in jail, pleading to his or her grandparent for financial help.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST
Public Information Officer Mark Cleverdon has been with South Windsor PD for nearly 15 years.  He is a Sergeant, assigned as the Training Coordinator, Field Training and Evaluation Program Coordinator, and Recruiting/Hiring Administrator.  Previously was a member of the regional narcotics task force and a criminal investigator. Officer Cleverdon is happily married to his wife Jennifer and they reside with their two kids, ages 6 and 4. 

WARNING! There are scammers just waiting in the shadows, ready to take advantage of our seniors and rob them blind of their savings and investment. Listen in to this informative interview to learn how you can help your senior be more cautious of the "bad guys" just waiting the shadows on the Internet, telephone and mail.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE'S GUEST
Public Information Officer Mark Cleverdon has been with South Windsor PD for nearly 15 years.  He is a Sergeant, assigned as the Training Coordinator, Field Training and Evaluation Program Coordinator, and Recruiting/Hiring Administrator.  Previously was a member of the regional narcotics task force and a criminal investigator. Officer Cleverdon is happily married to his wife Jennifer and they reside with their two kids, ages 6 and 4. 

An interview with CT teacher and author Dan Blanchard on how grandparents can influence their grand-teens, helping them to develop into responsible and cooperative young adults.

Show Host & Producer Bill Corbett is an award-winning author of numerous books and the manager of a Connecticut Independent Senior Living community. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran with many media projects under his belt on television and radio.

Dan Blanchard the Bestselling and Award-Winning, Author, Speaker, and Educator. TV Host. Two-time Junior Olympian Wrestler and two-time Junior Olympian Wrestling Coach who grew up as a student-athlete. However, Dan admits that as a youth he was more of an athlete than a student.  Dan has now successfully completed fourteen years of college and has earned seven degrees. He teaches Special Education and Social Studies in Connecticut’s largest inner-city high school where he was chosen by the AFT-CT as the face and voice of educational reform and is now on the speaking circuit for them. Dan was with the team that put forth Connecticut’s new Social Studies Frameworks and is also a member of the Special Education Advisory Board to the Connecticut State Department of Education. In addition, Dan is a Teacher Consultant for the University of Connecticut’s Writing Project. Dan is a double veteran of the Army and the Air Force. And there is now a play being written about his life.

Because Dan’s students repeatedly asked him to write a book to tell others what he tells them,  Dan finally listened and has now authored teen leadership books, The Storm: How Young Men Become Good Men, and its sequel, A Sprint to the Top: How to Win the Game of Life. He has also written academic books, parenting books, leadership books, sportsbooks, books on authorpreneurship, and more. Finally, Dan writes a dozen columns on things from leadership, teens, education, special education, and parenting.

As an educator, coach, tutor, author, speaker, life coach, columnist, blogger, parent, and TV Host, Dan feels that it is his duty to positively influence our youth everyone else too every chance that he gets! He lives with his wife, Jennifer, their five children, and the family dog in Connecticut.