We recognized that many people are spending hours a day consuming coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic and it was becoming the root cause of stress for some of our residents. We also understand that we all need connection for our well-being and that the pandemic has presented us with some challenges to maximize our ability to connect with others.
We reached out to Jenny Mitchell, host of Bridging the Social Distance on CFRU 93.3FM radio to see if she would be interested in interviewing our residents to give them an opportunity to share their stories and perspectives on life and times. Jenny shared our excitement about the opportunity and the positive impact our work together could have on Bridging the Social Distance in our village and Guelph community.
Jenny has helped our Village of Riverside Glen feel less isolated and alone, share invaluable #ElderWisdom, learn something new and better know each other. The Village of Riverside Glen is grateful for our relationship with Jenny Mitchell and CFRU.
“…seniors have rich full lives full of stories of perseverance, adventures, travels, love, and family. They’re also no stranger to loss, and are aware of the difficult time we are living through as we move through this pandemic together…by connecting and sharing we are able to share the burden and know we are not alone.... It’s truly beautiful”- Jenny Mitchell
Archive of Episodes:
Apr 5, 2022 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Ted Presant, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Ted's life story covers a huge history of farming in the region. Some of his family members attended Guelph Ontario Agricultural College all the way back in the 1910s. Ted shares the story of his grandfather starting a farm in the Blenheim/Chatham area, the "Heart of the Golden Acres" circa 1913, supported by Ted's dad (who attended the OAC to specialize in Horticulture) and Ted's uncles and Aunts. Born in Chatham in 1930 Ted grew up on that farm too, until the return of his cousins and his older brother from the services. With so many more young men in the family ready to help on the farm, Ted's brother attended the OAC with a focus on poultry, and Ted's father branched out to start a new farm with their family in the Brampton area.
Ted takes us through his education, studying first horticulture, then Field Husbandry, with a focus on crops and soils. Further schooling in Montreal brought geology into the mix, and the next few years saw a marriage, more schooling in Ottawa, and summers spent in New Brunswick , using his knowledge of soils and geology to help locate areas for metal mining. After graduation, he returned to Guelph where he spent much of his career creating soil maps and reports of various locations in Southern Ontario, (he also confirmed that some of the best soil for growing fruits and vegetables - second maybe only to Niagara - is located under the QEW). Ted gives us a glimpse into a fascinating history of farming over the past 100+ years in this region, and we are so appreciative to him and his daughter Wendy taking the time to connect.
Mar 23, 2022 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Alida Zergerius, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Alida is the oldest guest I’ve had so far on this show, and will be 104 on her upcoming birthday this year. She attributes her long life, clear memory, and perseverance through difficult periods of history to her strong faith. She shares incredible stories today - her family living through German-occupied Holland during WWII, surviving off 1 litre of watery soup for her whole family, while pregnant, trying to trade her linens with farmers to supplement their diets with tulip bulbs and sugar beets when they could be found (she gave birth to a 3 pound baby during this time, that thankfully survived). Her husband's family having converted from Judaism to Christianity - which ostracized them from their Jewish community and Synagogue, but also led to the removal of their family's name and address in the books in the Synagogue, ultimately sparing them when the Germans used these books to track down and capture all the Jewish people during their occupation. A similar "lucky" technicality of her husband having Jewish blood, spared him when he was picked up along with many other Dutch men to be sent to work in the dangerous German Factories. She shares the story of her husband's life-long aspirations to become a minister, and his path through the seminary to lead his own church service, and help make possible the family's immigration to Bridgetown Nova Scotia in the 1950s. And her stories of adjusting to life in Nova Scotia are hilarious and endearing, (and include a fish in a well). So many incredible stories that span the past hundred years. Alida's memory is a gift to us, and we are so lucky to get to hear these stories today! Thank you Alida!
Mar 10, 2022 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Sheila Dantzer, a visual artist and resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Today we get an inspiring glimpse into Sheila's path of teaching and painting. Her love of art dates back to childhood, first manifesting in the decorating of all of her school assignments, to later art classes when she was in grade 7 at the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) where her and her fellow students painted on the floors, shown films for inspiration, and led in instruction by members of the Group of Seven, to then attending the "Ontario College of Art". After this first stretch of college she attended teacher's college and she began her lifelong career of teaching. Her first teaching job was in a northern Canadian Cree community, where - she didn't know at the time - her Cree students could attend, and wouldn't be otherwise removed to be taken to Residential Schools. Sheila has always been drawn to the social aspects of new places and new experiences, and making connections with special students, some of her highlights being a focus on working in ESL and Special Education, and teaching at Durham Alternative Secondary school in Oshawa, and her and I discuss the intersection of art, and teaching/connecting, and how one helps the other. During the past twenty years of her living in Guelph, Sheila also became a member of the Guelph Arts Council. Sheila has shared her gifts in many different forms, and has aspirations to find opportunities to paint again at her home at Riverside Glen, and we are sending hopes and wishes for that to come true! Thank you so much to Sheila for connecting with us!
Mar 8, 2022 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Grace Lodder, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Grace is full of incredible stories about history. She also has a heck of a sense of humour. She shares what she loves about Riverside Glen, and what she remembers from her move to Canada.
She also talks about life during WWII, and how difficult it was afterward, when the German’s had taken many of Holland’s resources during their occupation. The Germans made the Dutch men build big dykes so that if the English came with their boats they couldn’t land. It was a scary time for Grace, and the other Dutch residents of Holland - if the Germans apprehended Dutch men, they would take them to Germany to work in their most dangerous factories, and their bomb factories, because they knew the English would come with bombs, and they thought the English might not bomb their factories if they knew they were filled with Dutch workers. Grace's father was one of the Dutch men taken to a factory in Germany, and had to rely on secret methods of communication to escape and hide in order to make it home again.
It's so important to listen to these stories, and try to learn from history, and we appreciate Grace sharing with us today, and for being such a delight to talk to.
Feb 25, 2022 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Jenny Lodder, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Jenny and I had a blast talking to each other, making each other laugh, and sharing our love for traveling across Canada. Jenny talks about raising six kids, and her subsequent 27 grandchildren and more than 60 great-grandchildren. And she takes us on a trip through German-occupied Holland during WWII, describing lying in bed at night hearing the boots of the soldiers out for a walk, and scared because you didn't know what they were about to do. She lived with a crawl-space in her house, there to help her brothers and father "go under" and hide when the soldiers came to the door. And when some of her brothers were captured, she describes her brother, detained to work at a manufacturing plant in Germany, every day writing on a piece of paper "we bend but not break". Today's stories are beautiful, haunting, and important, and help give some perspective of today's struggles, as we're reminded of the difficult periods of history people have managed to overcome. We appreciate Jenny so much for sharing and willing to take us on this journey.
Feb 23, 2022 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interviewed Arlene Mulder, a recent new resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Arlene has come to Riverside Glen, for a new chapter of life learning to live with Parkinsons, after many decades spent living in and raising a family in Limehouse ON. Right out of high school she got to work at Smith and Stone (a factory many people in the area will be familiar with) and worked right up until the birth of the first of her three daughters. She has a fantastic work-ethic, and a determined spirit, recognizing the value of parents' sharing wisdom and guidance, but not pushing their children to make choices (and how "You can't put an old head on young shoulders" She shares the story of how she met her husband (who emigrated to Canada from Holland as a teen) and their hard work to buy their first house in Georgetown, their further work to build a new family home on a one-acre lot in Limehouse, and the many times over the years that the hard work and patience was able to see them reach life-goals, such as getting a cottage up north, and her husband being able to start his own wood-working business a few years before he passed away.
She's also played the piano since she was twelve years old, having gifted her piano to her granddaughter when she moved. In her interview she shared that her current dream was to play the piano at the sermons at Riverside Glen and we found out that she got to do this just a short time later! Truly beautiful. Thank you Arlene for sharing your story!
Feb 9, 2022 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Renee "Mei Fei" Elrick. Mei Fei is a recent new resident at The Village of Riverside Glen, and a long-time Guelphite, both her and husband having worked at the UoG (her husband as a Soil Physicist, and her as a Social Scientist). She shares the story of her many homes in many countries over her life - born in Shanghai China, before moving to California and Northwood North Dakota while her father was working with the Airforce in WWII. From there, she went to the University of Wisconsin for school, where she met her husband, who's career would then take them all around the world for research, including stretches of living in Australia, France, and New Zealand. Her first child was born in Australia, two in Guelph, then one in France and she shares some of the differences at that time in these places, when it came to child birth. She's a fascinating guest with many experiences and we're so glad she connected to share them with us!
Feb 3, 2022 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Joan Skelton-Kurisko, an author living at The Village of Riverside Glen. Joan speaks of the role of writing throughout her life, growing up in Toronto but spending meaningful time on the shores of Lake Simcoe at her family's cottages, when the area was still wild and full of nature. Joan realized she was a Northerner at heart, and after graduating from the University of Toronto, settled in North Western Ontario with her husband and still continues to go back when she can. She speaks of the profound impact Lake Superior has had on her writing, and how she uses writing to try to make anarchy of life. You can find her earliest published work under her married name "Joan Kurisko", and her novels and other published work after that point (including her recent short story "The Bear out there" were published under her maiden name of "Joan Skelton" Thank you so much to Joan for being our guest!
Feb 1, 2022 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Ron Langel, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Ron is a very new arrival to the building, his wife and him moved into two different parts of the building, just before Christmas. He talks a bit about this transition, as well as growing up in Welland, first working in the trades as a woodworker/carpenter, then a police officer, before going to Teacher's College and eventually settling into a decades long career as a high school guidance councillor. Some folks may recognize him from his days at GCVI during the 1960's-1980's. He's had a varied life full of surprising experiences, and it's a fun listen! Thanks Ron for sharing with us a lot of interesting history and perspective!
Jan 18, 2022 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Dorothy Lloyd, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Dorothy and I chat about Dorothy navigating this pandemic while recovering from a stroke, her goal of learning to walk again, and her learning how to knit with one-hand. Dorothy talks about her childhood in England during the war, her move to Guelph as a young married mom with four children, her life-long passion for sports, and some of the journeys these passions have taken her on. She's a true delight and we are sending her strength and well-wishes for a speedy recovery.
Dec 22, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Mary Snyder, a resident in Long-Term-Care at The Village of Riverside Glen . Mary and I have an absolute blast bonding over our shared love of Guelph history
, and being "borderline hippies". Mary and her husband's families go back many many generations in Guelph, all the way back to the Tree-cutter who cut down that very first tree for John Galt. We talk about our city's history new and old, reflecting on the tendencies of history books to track the wealthy and the businessmen, and over-look the tree-cutters and farmers and factory workers. We reflect on the changes of Guelph, and some of the silver-linings that come with changes. And we make each other laugh a lot too. This was a delightful conversation and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Dec 17, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Thelma Barbeau, a recent new resident in Long-Term Care at The Village of Riverside Glen. Thelma is 100 years old and six months, and she seems to remember her whole life. She shares stories of being a young wife with a husband in the war during WWII, the depression, raising a family in the -post war years, and how proud she is of everything her family has accomplished. She's a hard worker too - for 22 years she volunteered helping support people with mental health struggles, and she continues to work, her current focus being on regaining her ability to walk after a recent fall. We appreciate the time Marilyn took to share with us today, and wish her luck and strength as she regains her physical health.
Dec 8, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Marilyn Knipfel, a new resident in Long-Term-Care at The Village of Riverside Glen. There's a perseverance and positive outlook to Marilyn that's likely helping her navigate having moved during a pandemic, and living with a broken back for the past ten years - and from her stories it would seem like it goes all the way back to her childhood, when she was diagnosed with Spinal Meningitis that left her deaf in one ear, and having to re-learn how to walk. Growing up in and around Elmira, Marilyn has raised a wonderful family, worked as a postal worker for over 30 years, worked at the drive-in theatre, and traveled the world. She has lots to be thankful for :) We're so appreciative of her sharing with us, especially having only just moved and still readjusting to her new life at Riverside Glen. Thank you Marilyn!
Dec 1, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Vince Kurtz, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Today's chat is all about farming - born and raised on a farm in Ariss, Vince learned everything he knows about farming from helping out from as early as he can remember pulling weeds, through to growing up and running a farm of his own. As an adult he raised beef and sold cash crops, and today he tells us about what some of that was like, and some of the farming practices they implemented. Thank you Vince for taking the time to share with us!
Nov 24, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Barb, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Barb is sweet and soft-spoken, keeping a busy schedule as she stays open to trying new programs at Riverside Glen, while making the time to stay connected with her children and grandchildren. Barb shares a bit about family life, growing up in Toronto, then moving as a teen to Scarborough, attending the dances, meeting her husband, and going on to raise four children. Thank you Barb for taking the time to connect!
Nov 17, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode, I interview Graham Winter, a recent new-resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Graham was born and raised in Port Credit, has been a Guelphite for 30+ years, and taught high school English in Galt for 30+ years up until his retirement. Born during WWII, with parents that lived and worked through WWI, and older siblings born during the depression, Graham talks about Port Credit during his childhood , and reflects on his parents' and siblings' generation before him, how things changed in education from his own experiences going through school, to his experiences teaching it, and how things have changed again in the time since. Graham and I bond over our shared love of high school English, and shared empathy for a younger generation facing big life choices with fewer clear paths to financial stability. It's an interesting and cathartic conversation and I’m very grateful to Graham for sharing with us!
Nov 10, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Ruth-Ann Robertson, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Ruth-Ann is lovely, a sweet woman with fond memories of her devoted husband. She opens up about struggles in her past, and having undergone shock treatment, which has affected her memory. Despite not being able to recall anecdotes in too much detail, Ruth-Ann welcomed our chat, sharing her love for family and friends, her gratefulness for being safe and supported at Riverside Glen, and the positive feelings she still holds onto through life's challenges. Thank you Ruth-Ann for opening up to us today!
Nov 2, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Gillian Grant, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Gillian shares with us and gives a window into her life, growing up in England, her fun adventures road-tripping with her best friend Ann through Canada and the US, her many wonderful jobs at beautiful hotels in the UK, Canada, and the Bahamas, and just generally having a fun and exciting time with her life. Her health isn't the best in this moment, but she's managing to stay positive through that too. Such delightful stories that we're so thankful to Gillian for sharing! Enjoy!
Oct 27, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Ann Okkema, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Ann shares her story of moving here to Canada at 18 after the War, with her mother and father and seven younger siblings, and her boyfriend (who would become her husband a year into their life in Canada). They worked on farms here but after not too long her husband was able to make his dream of owning a bakery a reality, and they successfully ran a Dutch Bakery in Chatham until retirement. Ann is happy to call Canada her home (even if she wasn't so sure back when she was first facing the move), and we are happy she made the time to share with us.
Oct 21, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview June Campbell, a recent arrival to The Village of Riverside Glen. June was a delight to talk to, and an absolute wealth of knowledge of the history of Newfoundland, dating back before it was part of Canada. June shares stories of being a child during the war, and her father's role during the war as a police captain in St. John's. She reflects on so much history most of us didn't grow up learning, giving insights to an island that thrived with community and barter while having very little money, and being spread over a vast landscape - it's an important piece of our past that many of us don't know about, and we're so thankful to June for sharing with us.
Oct 19, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Susan Ross, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Susan shares her story of growing up with Diabetes - diagnosed at the age of 8, and originally given a life expectancy of 30 years, Susan is now passed 60, has survived cancer, and has continually proven her capacity to defy the odds and keep a positive attitude towards the uncertain times ahead. Thank you Susan for sharing your story!
Oct 6, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Karen Norris and Mandy McEwan - both work as part of "PERT" (the Personal Expression Resource Team) at The Village of Riverside Glen. They
talk about PERT's comprehensive approach to Dementia-care, a holistic approach that incorporates the resident, their family, and the various team members a resident will encounter throughout the day at Riverside Glen, to better understand the resident as their own unique person with individual needs - needs that they may not always have the means of communicating in words. They discuss the shift away from previous cookie-cutter approaches to Dementia care, and the rewards that come from this challenging and nuanced work. An interesting an valuable conversation, and worth a listen!
Sept 24, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Joe Nesbitt, a resident in Long Term Care at The Village of Riverside Glen, and he shares his pride of being a tutor, and a baseball coach, alongside a life of traveling sales and a happy marriage.
Sept 22, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Bob Davis, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen, joined by Bob's son Ian, visiting from Australia. Bob recounts a life spent in metal work and
engineering, starting as a teenager delivering lunches in factories, getting his degree in Metallurgy, and working various rewarding careers, including his decades long role as Head of Physical Resources at the University of Guelph (@uofguelph) Thank you Bob (and Ian) for sharing your story!
Sept 17, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Terri Mazer, a resident in Long-Term Care at the Village of Riverside Glen, and she was joined by Rec-team member Nao. Terri was born in Hamilton, and some of her simplest memories are her fondest, like her weekly coffee meet-ups with her friends where they could catch up and gossip. Terri shared that
she's over a hundred years old, and worked as a Teletypist as a young woman in WWII - a job that was top-secret during the war. It fascinating to hear the details of a job that she wouldn't have been able to describe at the time, receiving a slip of paper from her Superior, and typing messages into the Teletype Machine that would appear on a different machine somewhere else in the world - not privy to what the message meant, nor how it would impact the War that was happening. Terri felt compelled to help the War effort, but was never a fan of the war and wishes we could understand that we are all human, and resist the urge to fight (a sentiment she hopes we are leaning on during this pandemic). Thank you Terri for sharing your story today!
Aug 12, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode, I interview Becca and Tom of CAST Canada. "CAST" - which stands for "Come and Sit Together" is an organization that is brought into spaces to help professionals, corporations and communities better understand the role of trauma and unresolved grief in human suffering and behaviours. They have recently been working with the Village of Riverside Glen and Schlegel Villages to support staff in response to the trauma of this pandemic. Jenny and CAST talk about their practice, and the importance of creating safe and supported spaces for processing heavy feelings, of sitting with grief without trying to "solve it", and they share some of what they have been witnessing as common-themes amongst the experiences of caregivers. They speak to the necessity of remembering to practice self-care and do whatever we can to rejuvenate and recover so we show up in these difficult spaces for the people we love and care for. They also talk about the value of organizations investing in this type of work to support their staff - in times of trauma and loss, but also when we're not in crisis, to try to normalize the act of creating space for big feelings and better prepare us for crisis.
You can learn more about CAST Canada at
Aug 3, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Eileen Merritt, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen . Eileen's led what she proclaims to be a simple life, but it's clear it was full of a long and loving marriage to her husband Ivan, living in Grimsby, Stratford and Stoney Creek, raising their three children and traveling across the country together. She gives us a glimpse into some sweet moments, and we appreciate her sharing her story. Thank you Eileen!
Jul 6, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode, I interview Jean Birkett, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Jean is 98, lived through the depression, WWII, and even a positive Covid diagnosis during
this pandemic. Her father was a prisoner in a Prisoner of War Camp in WWI, and was a guard at one in WWII, and a subsequent illness brought the family to Toronto from Timmins when her father lost his knee. Jean gives us a glimpse into Toronto in these war and post-war years, working at General Electric and Random House, and while this history hasn't always been easy, throughout the loss and hardship she's experienced she understands the role that overcoming hurdles and learning from mistakes has in shaping us, and has felt incredibly supported by her family. She is looking forward to more day trips out into the sunshine, and the arrival of her new teeth so she can finally enjoy hamburger. Thank you Jean for sharing your story!
Jun 25, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Billie Florence, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Billie grew up in Arkell, and at 99 years of age, with an impeccable memory, and a passion for local history, this interview is a vivid and delightful glimpse into the past. Billie shares stories of her childhood popularity (she was the one with the pony), of the trolley rides into town for school, her husband in the service during WWII, family life in downtown Guelph running their own furniture business, while reminiscing about the dances, the old buildings, and lover's lane. So many wonderful memories and we appreciate Billie sharing her story!
Jun 18, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Kelly Kavanagh, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Kelly's a world traveler, starting her adult life in the Northwest Territory then traveling North America, training communities in specialized software. Following that she set out to travel the world. Today Kelly's shares some of her favourites with us. Thank you Kelly for taking the time to connect!
Jun 14, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Freda Reid, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Freda grew up outside Arthur, starting life on a farm, and returned to farming when she got married as an adult
and moved to Hillsburg. Freda talks a bit about farming life, and she also shares about training and working as a nurse, attending the dances, drumming in the high school band, and working as a bookkeeper with her best friend Maureen. And Maureen is a special story herself - they have been friends for decades, and even at Freda's 90 years, Maureen is still by her side, because by beautiful coincidence they are both residents at Riverside Glen. Thank you Freda for sharing your story! Thank you Maureen for making an appearance and being such a wonderful friend!
Jun 8, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Emma Bradley, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Emma is 96 years old, and has memories dating back to when she was a toddler. It's amazing to hear her stories of a childhood in New Brunswick, in a family of eleven children, growing up during WWII. All five of her brothers joined the services, and one ended up in a Prisoner of War Camp in Germany for two years. With three brothers in law also in the services, and her father working in a steel/munitions plant, the war deeply touched her family. Emma shares this, and her path to becoming a teacher, her move to Ontario and some of the stories she remembers from along the way. She's a strong woman too, and recently battled and survived Covid. We are so lucky to have her, and getting to hear stories that are almost 100 years old is such a privilege and we highly recommend you tune in.
Jun 1, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Willy Veerman, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Willy's vivid memory of her childhood in Holland takes us on a beautiful trip today. Willy tells us of life on the farm, the river and the bridge, her four siblings, going to school in wooden shoes...then later her journey to Canada, and having six children of her own. This conversation feels right out of a children's storybook at times, with Willy's incredible descriptions of what she remembers, and with her childhood coinciding with WWII, it's an important history lesson too. Thank you Willy for sharing your story!
May 21, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Doug and Pat Breckon, a couple who reside over at The Village of Riverside Glen. Doug and Pat both spent their whole careers as Front Line workers, as a Police Officer and a Nurse, and endured many stressful, challenging, and rewarding experiences from their work. They share some of those stories today (content warning - Doug worked as a Police-Diver and accident photographer, and Pat worked in Emergency, so some of the stories are a bit intense, due to the line of work). They share stories of work life, as well as their passion for genealogy, and their experience shifting to pandemic/retirement life. We appreciate them sharing with us so much - thank you Doug and Pat!
May 18, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview John Hofstee, a brand new resident at @the The Village of Riverside Glen. We talk about John's transition to Canada from Holland as a teenager, and consequently his transition from high school into the working world. We talk about his transition through careers as he spent years doing distance learning, and we talk about his most recent transition just two weeks ago to living in a retirement facility. He just got through the mandatory isolation period for new residents, and it will be exciting to see how life at Riverside Glen unfolds for him. Thank you John for sharing your story!
May 14, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Gerard Jansen, another brand new resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Gerard tells us of his journey over to Canada from Holland as a young man, finding himself in Guelph to work in the Ward at the Fibre Glass Company. Alongside his hard work was his life's passion for Black Angus Cattle, and caring for his own award-winners. Thank you to Gerard for sharing your story and your passion for the Black Angus! We're sending you well wishes for a smooth transition to Riverside Glen!
May 11, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Rea Gibson, a new resident over at the Village of Riverside Glen. Rea grew up on a farm in Erin township during the depression, later moving to Guelph as a teenager
when his dad became an Auctioneer. After high school he took furniture design at what was known as Ryerson Institute of Technology, which lead to a life of woodworking. His woodworking ventures spanned furniture building (including running his own business), teaching (including building cabins and homes with his students) and wood-shows where he sold his creations and plans. There was always a new and magical place to take his interests, and it was inspiring to hear his story. Thanks Rea for giving us a glimpse into your woodworking journey!
Apr 22, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Roelof Reinders, a brand new resident at The Village of Riverside Glen . Roelof moved to Canada at 21 to start a new life, traveling between farms around Ontario
working odd jobs in farming and construction. Him and his girlfriend had broken up when he moved, but when they rekindled their love and became a "hot item" via letter-mail, he returned to Holland, they were married, and they came back to Canada to start their family. Roelof tells the story of starting his own construction businesses, his many moves over the years, and also recounts his childhood memories during the war, when Germany occupied Holland, and it was regular practice for his family to be hiding their Jewish neighbours in their home, prior to being liberated by Canada. It's a beautiful and powerful story and we appreciate Roelof sharing - we're also sending well-wishes for a happy transition to life at Riverside Glen!
Apr 20, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Betty Pimmett. Betty is a recent addition to The Village of Riverside Glen , having moved in just a few months ago during the pandemic. Today we talk about this s
hift in pace, and her attempts to slow down after a life of working, having started her first job at fifteen to support her family, and working constantly for all the years that have followed, "earning and learning" a self education in banking, bookkeeping, at Guelph Humane Society and more. We also talk about her passion for animals, as well as her luck and perseverance, having overcome many close-call with serious health scares. Jenny and Betty may be kindred spirits in their love of keeping busy, and this conversation provided an incredible window into Betty's wisdom, work ethic, and positive attitude. Such a great conversation - thank you Betty!
Apr 12, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode we see the return of Katherine Finlay at The Village of Riverside Glen. Katherine came on the radio last year to talk about the Java Music Club - today she returns to share her
experiences being diagnosed with (and recovering from) Covid while living at Riverside Glen. This has included struggles - being quarantined, worrying about her diagnosis and the deterioration of her physical health, and the reality of being separated from her husband in Long Term Care for long stretches of time. But it is important to Katherine to share the positives she's experienced too - the incredible resilience, patience, and care her and the residents have received from their PSWs, and the time the isolation has given her to work on her incredible history project: a project documenting people she feels have meaningfully impacted the world. This conversation gives a glimpse into the layers and complexities of emotions some of our seniors are facing, it gives a space for Katherine to grieve, but also to acknowledge and celebrate share and we are so thankful to Katherine for opening up about this difficult topic. Tune in!
Mar 10, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I reconnect with Lloyd Hetherington at The Village of Riverside Glen. Lloyd was Jenny's first pandemic-era guest at Riverside Glen, and he was the person who initiated our collabo
ration with Riverside Glen for this radio/podcast project. When they first connected, Lloyd had only just moved into Riverside Glen. They chat now, after a year of him living there, to talk about his transition, what has changed, what he's learned and experienced, and what he looks forward to in the days ahead. Lloyd is a host of the "Stories from the Green bench, elder wisdom" podcast, a podcast produced through Schlegel Villages. Thank you Lloyd for re-connecting!
Feb 2, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Kaye Brown, a resident at The Village at St. Clair in Windsor ON. Kaye is a recent survivor of Covid - Today Kaye shares what it is like to be sick, and to start to recover. She also shares the very heavy reality of losing a best friend and fellow resident to the same disease at the same time. Kaye, like many others, has been frustrated by the portrayal of Senior-Care-Facilities in the media, and wants to share some of the very positive perspectives on these spaces too. This is an emotional episode, and also a powerful one - it's important to hear these very real experiences, to understand the layers of what people are experiencing. Thank you so much to Kaye to being open to talking about your experience, your loss, and your recovery. We hope folks will take the time to listen!
Jan 29, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Scott Palmer, a resident a The Village of Riverside Glen. We talk about Scott's move within the building during Covid, and life in a retirement facility during a pandemic, and we have an in-depth conversation about Scott's career in the Traffic Department at the City of Guelph. You can learn so much about how the traffic systems work by listening to this interview! Scott provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look and we appreciate him sharing! Tune in!
Jan 27, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Jean McKenzie, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Jean was born in Guelph and has lived here nearly her entire life aside from a small stretch of retirement 
in Kincardine. Much of that time was spent living out in the country, and farm-life has passed down through several generations, still being carried on by her grandchildren. We talk about farm-life throughout these generations, Jean's marriage to someone she first met in grade school, and Jean's 30+ career in Nursing at Guelph General Hospital, and what changed in the profession over that course of time. Thank you so much to Jean for sharing your story!
Jan 6, 2021 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Joyce Auger, a new resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. The past two months have meant a lot of significant changes for Joyce - a move to a
retirement residence, her first time living in Guelph after spending her entire life in Acton, her first time being separated from her husband (who is now in a different facility for Long-Term Care), and it has meant an adjustment to her progressive loss of her vision. Navigating all of that during a pandemic is not easy, but Joyce and her husband have wonderful devoted children who have been making sure both parents are supported, and Joyce is comforted knowing her family is doing okay. Today we talk about these new hurdles, about our thoughts on this pandemic (and a hopeful soon arrival for the vaccine), about some of her experiences living working and raising a family in Acton, and about spending Christmas with her fellow residents at Riverside Glen. We appreciate so much Joyce sharing her story!
Dec 31, 2020 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Wilma Ensing, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Jenny and Wilma talk about her life, her journey over from Holland as a young child, and her transition to life here in Canada including the long, country-walk to school in wooden shoes, and working at her aunt and uncle's Dutch Store. Wilma is strong and she has endured a lot, raising four children as a single mother and working the whole time. Much of that time was very difficult, but her faith and strength got her through it, and she was blessed with an amazing second-husband whom she got to retire and travel with. We appreciate her sharing her story with us.
Dec 29, 2020 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Joyce Sharp, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen retirement residence. So many incredible stories from Joyce today, she tells us of her journey to
Canada, family life with her children and husband in Fergus, working in real estate while her husband did architecture. She speaks openly of her thoughts on this pandemic, and delves into her memories from WWII back in England. This is such an incredible and generous glimpse into Joyce's experiences, and we appreciate her sharing so much! Not to be missed!
Dec 26, 2020 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview John Potter, and his daughter Catherine. John is a WWII veteran who lives at The Village of Riverside Glen. I was lucky enough to speak with him on
Remembrance Day, and today's conversation follows John through his experiences in the war as a Navy wireless operator on the HMCS Regina - a Royal Canadian Navy revised Flower-class corvette which took part in convoy escort duties during the Second World War.
Dec 26, 2020 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview John Van Esch, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. John's history and work experience is so interesting and unique, and subsequently this interview ventures into 
so many fascinating topics not previously explored on this show. Having come to Canada from Holland at the age of 18, John started at Biltmore Hats in Guelph, and went on to become a scientist/chemist, and cheesemaker. We talk about his work at Biltmore, Gay Lea Foods, and the University of Guelph, and his adventures in retirement traveling the world volunteering for Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO), teaching farmers across the globe. So many good stories! In every kind of place! From teaching a farmer who makes 8 bottles of chocolate milk per day in sterilized beer bottles, to homemade mozzarella and pizza making in a Soviet apartment. It's wild. Thank you so much to John for sharing!
Dec 26, 2020 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Ann Weeks, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen Ann moved to Canada about fifty years ago from Ireland. She's a dedicated gardener, and knits, crochets, and does jigsaw and word puzzles to pass the time. Today she shares stories of work-life in Ireland, where she worked in a tobacco factory, and the girls pooled their pennies each week to buy the latest records to listen to together while they worked. And she shares some of the difficult aspects of living in a senior-care facility, including how hard it is to reconcile loss. She feels very well supported and is keeping herself busy and we're grateful to her for connecting with us!
Dec 26, 2020 Bridging The Social Distance | Listen
For this episode I interview Lois Wilson, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Lois is an Ontario resident by birth growing up near Mississauga and Brampton in Churchville. She worked for a time at the Churchville General Store before studying to be a secretary, and later becoming a teacher. Her life has been surrounded by close extended family - growing up her family's farm was right next to the farm of her father's brother and sister, and they all grew apples and shared farm machinery and sold produce at the St. Lawrence Market, and later her strong bond was with her nieces, one of whom encouraged her to choose Guelph for retirement-living. There have been difficult losses, but Lois has lots of awesome family to help get her through this difficult time. Thank you to Lois for sharing your story!
Dec 26, 2020 Bridging The Social Distance Listen
For this episode I interview Madeline Wenman, a resident in Long-Term Care at The Village of Riverside Glen. Madeline was born and raised in Bristol England. At 98 and a quarter years old, she has many stories to share, that span many significant historic events. She worked in nursing her whole adult life, and met her husband (who fought in the war) when she was treating his sister.
She contributed to the war-effort in England, and worked here in Guelph at our hospitals. Fascinating stories. So much to learn from Madeline! Thank you Madeline for sharing your story!
Nov 11, 2020 Bridging The Social Distance Listen
For this episode I interview Alice McNutt, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen . Alice grew up in Nova Scotia (outside of Truro) where she lived one house over from her future her husband, her brother’s best friend, and after they married they moved to Toronto to seek work, and lived there for 60 years. Today Alice and I bond over our love of East Coast, and our love of the trip between Ontario and Nova Scotia, especially taking the small backroads. Alice and I both deeply miss hosting friends in our homes, and Alice shares some insightful advice into learning how to downsize and say goodbye to belongings when the time is right. Thank you so much to Alice for connecting with us!
Nov 11, 2020 Bridging The Social Distance Listen
For this episode I interview Betty Green, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Betty shares wonderful stories, of growing up in Dromore, a town founded by her Grandfather, who started a farm, post office and general store, which her family went on to run afterwards. Betty has endured a lot of loss and hardship at different points in her life, but she has a wonderful extended family that spreads across this area and Owen Sound, and does an amazing job staying connected. She has also maintained a close relationship with her church in Arkell, and faith, community and family are all helping her navigate these pandemic times. Thank you so much to Betty for sharing your story!
Nov 11, 2020 Bridging The Social Distance Listen
For this episode I interview Mike Lesperance, a resident in Long-Term Care at The Village of Riverside Glen. Mike's life has spanned three pretty distinct and different Canadian cities: born and raised in Montreal, Mike moved his family to Mississauga in the 80s following his import-export job, and then moved them family to Fergus, where he went on to own and operate a coffee shop. Today we talk about these three cities' respective night-lives, and Mike's experience navigating living through a pandemic, while balancing Diabetes and Muscular Dystrophy (all while maintaining his sense of humour and love of potato chips). Thank you so much to Mike for sharing your story!
Nov 11, 2020 Bridging The Social Distance Listen
For this episode I interview Eileen Webb, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. We talk about her life - growing up in Burlington when it was just a small town, her family's "Lakeside Dairy", the fun of pouring over the Eaton's Catalogue and gathering around the family radio for the Lone Ranger, and later raising a family on a 100-acre farm in Badenoch (including a period of time with no electricity), and attending the Women's Institute. She has a solid attitude of accepting what life sends her way, and it's helpful for navigating this pandemic too. Thank you Eileen for sharing!
Nov 11, 2020 Bridging The Social Distance Listen
For this episode I interview Kay Mighton, also known as cook book author "Kay Spicer". Kay lives in Long-Term Care at The Village of Riverside Glen, and today we talk all about cooking, the craft of creating cookbooks, and Kay's career and education in cooking. She's a delightful guest, and we hope we get to try her cookies someday!
Nov 11, 2020 Bridging The Social Distance Listen
For this episode I interview David Boyd, a 97 year-old resident in Long-Term Care at The Village of Riverside Glen, and author of "Mighty Mouth's Crap Book". David grew up in Norval Ontario. He shares lots of incredible stories today - he fought in WWII, working in radar, locating safe places for Paratroopers to land. After the war he took a summer job installing radar in ships in Halifax. He had several more jobs before he decided to buy horses - when his father had retired and decided to move to B.C., David drove him and his belongings out in a trailer, and returned with horses, one of which was retired from a Hollywood movie. He's lived quite a life, and the pandemic's been difficult, but David has kept his sense of humour and we appreciate him sharing his stories with us.
Nov 11, 2020 Bridging The Social Distance Listen
For this episode, my guest is Tom Baker, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Tom is an inspiring person to talk to about health, healing, and recovery - he's lived through several bouts of cancer and heart attacks, including one only a few weeks back. And while it's not ideal to have major health scares during a pandemic, he has a sense of humour and disposition to get himself through it, and today he talks about that, and stories from growing up in Toronto and Montreal. At the end of the episode you'll hear two very short "mini-interviews" recorded during a Project Serve workshop, as part of a new series CFRU is developing. Tune in!
Nov 11, 2020 Bridging The Social Distance Listen
For this episode I interview Elizabeth Hurlbut, a resident in Long-Term Care at The Village of Riverside Glen. When quarantine measures hit, Elizabeth - who has several chronic health conditions - had to make the difficult decision to leave her part time job in order to protect her health and the health of her fellow residents. The pause is difficult, and puts the breaks on her hopes of transitioning back to independent living. But it gives her time for her graphic arts, and she's nearly finished her illustrated dictionary of American Sign Language. Elizabeth is good at finding the humour in difficult situations, and knows a heck of a lot about ASL, and both of these come out in our chat today. Thank you Elizabeth for sharing!
October 6, 2020 Bridging The Social Distance Listen
For this episode I interview Jake Klassen, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Jake moved in to Riverside Glen during the pandemic, and because of a subsequent quarantine was stuck in his room for 28 days. So he's very excited to get back outside! Tune in today for his story, of growing up in Dundurn Saskatewan, farming as a conscientious objector during the war, spending his winters building his own farming machinery, and decades later, an inspiring career shift to teaching. Thank you Jake for sharing your story!
September 3, 2020 Bridging The Social Distance Listen
An interview with Frances Hansplant, a resident who lives in Long-Term Care at The Village of riverside Glen. Frances shares stories about her life - her various jobs (including helping with courses hosted on the CBC), her husband John who was an artist, and her travels across this country. There are some tears in this episode, Frances shares some hard memories. It's very beautiful, and I’m thankful to Frances for sharing her story.
August 31, 2020 Bridging The Social Distance Listen
An interview with Christine Hames (a kinesiologist and director of the Program for Active Living at Schlegel Villages) and Ally Haffner (a kinesiologist in Long Term Care at the Village of Riverside Glen) and we discuss “PAL” the Program for Active Living. The PAL team is a unique collaboration between the three disciplines of kinesiology, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. This team conducts assessments in areas of balance, range of motion, mobility, muscle strength and fine motor skills. Based on a holistic approach involving resident and family, an individualized program is developed for each resident to maintain and improve their level of independence.” Today we discuss this program, and navigating physical health and exercise during a pandemic.
August 28, 2020 Bridging The Social Distance Listen
An interview with Mary Parker, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Mary is such a delight, so sweet, so funny, and opens up in the biggest way. Mary was born in Cape Breton, and was fostered to a family to help out at a farm. In later years she gave birth to nine children, aspiring to create the family connection she was missing in her youth. Listeners to this episode should prepare emotionally - Mary shares some heartbreaking realities alongside her happy stories. It means so much to have her honesty and perspective, and it’s worth tearing up for the beauty that is her story!
August 26, 2020 Bridging The Social Distance Listen
An interview with Barbara James, a resident at the Village of Riverside Glen. Barbara is another new resident who moved during this pandemic, arriving straight from a hospital, and subsequently has had a lot of quarantining. And she admits it would be nice to get to meet some people and make some new friends. But despite this, she’s kept a fantastic disposition, and laughs her way through stories of her youth in Vancouver, her children, her love for her late husband, and the love she found for Guelph. Thank you Barbara for sharing your stor
August 21,2020 Bridging The Social Distance Listen
This episode is a very moving conversation with Don at The Village of Riverside Glen. Don and his wife have been married for 68 years, She lives in Long-Term Care, and Don's in retirement, so they haven't been able to be together for long stretches of this pandemic. His wife has been a huge support for him during his life, sticking with him through his struggles with alcoholism - struggles, which, before this interview, he never shared outside of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous).
His wife stayed by his side and with the support of AA he changed from the person that he was, to a person that wanted to help other people, and this is what he’s done over the years. Don shares that when he was drinking he couldn’t see anything, or appreciate anything - when he stopped, he could see the wonders of the world. All of this has given him an incredible perspective to carry through this pandemic and it means so much that he has shared this story with us.
August 19,2020 Bridging The Social Distance Listen
An interview with Glenna Duff, a resident in Long-Term Care at The Village of Riverside Glen. Glenna came to Ontario from Saskatchewan in 1932 with her family when she was three years old, in a Ford Car, with their dog riding on the running board :) She was born in Rockglen Saskatchewan, which is where she got her name. She's anxious to get to spend time out of her room again, to see her family, and to sing with the Glen's "Songbirds" choir. But she's keeping busy with word puzzles, and her time as an Occupational Therapist has given her an extra appreciation for the staff in Long Term Care, and their efforts in keeping everyone safe.
August 18,2020 Bridging The Social Distance 
Listen
An interview with Kim Boyes, Long-Term Care Neighbourhood Coordinator at The Village at University Gates, and Hilda Melbourne, a Housekeeping Aide in the Emma Dementia Care Neighbourhood at The Village of Riverside Glen, who are two of Schlegel Villages' “CONNECT the Dots” Program facilitators and educators. CONNECT The Dots is a program that has been developed to make sure residents in care facilities are receiving individual, person-centred care. It operates with the credo:
KNOW ME- as a unique human being
BE PRESENT- in all communications
WALK IN MY SHOES- try to understand how I feel
EARN TRUST- be clear, genuine & transparent
FOLLOW THROUGH- all the way
Today we talk about this program, and the way it has shaped Hilda and Kim's relationships with the residents they support in their respective facilities, and the value this type of meaningful care can have for anyone, not just seniors retirement residences.
August 17, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance Listen
Interview with Joyce Kelterborn, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Joyce is another senior who moved into the residence during the pandemic - after a stretch of time in the hospital, she faced a health reality that didn't leave remaining at home an option. Joyce shares how hard it is to move into one of these facilities when it isn’t your own choice. Her attitude towards adjusting to retirement living is a philosophy that can be handy to consider during this time of a pandemic as well - "It’s not what you had, it’s not maybe what you want, but it’s what you have to put up with in order to survive." She’s starting to integrate and feel more comfortable, and the supportive staff are a huge help.
August 13, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance Listen
Interview with Nancy Calverley, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen - and Nancy has lots of stories! Born in Scotland, fostered during the war, and surviving several family hardships after moving to Canada as a young married woman, Nancy has strength and perspective - she marvels at how far the medical world has come since her youth, and while she doesn't love being quarantined during this pandemic, she does see it as an opportunity to use technology to learn about other countries and cultures.
August 12, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance Listen
Interview with Pacifico “Puss” Valeriote, a 100 year old resident at The Village of Riverside Glen, born and raised here in Guelph. At 100 years, Pacifico remains a wonderful and charming storyteller - his memory weaves through time, with stories from Alice Street in the Ward, his family’s General Store, and his time in the war, right up to the present where he reflects on the pandemic, and narrates the watching of construction workers in the rain. Pacifico at one point says “I just go with the flow - and sometimes I can’t find flow” - and it’s kind of a perfect metaphor.
August 6, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance Listen
Interview with Yvonne Boyles, another new resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Yvonne, like a lot of the show's recent guests, moved to the village during the pandemic, but not from too far away, just a condo across the road, and before that a whole lifetime spent in Guelph. In fact, Jenny and Yvonne were pretty much neighbours, venturing to a lot of the same places, about fifty years apart. Yvonne shares some moving stories from her past, sharing stories about family life, her cat, and transitioning to living at Riverside Glen.
August 5, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance Listen
Interview with Mary Haggarty and Katherine Finlay at The Village of Riverside Glen about the "Java Music Club" - one of Riverside Glen's signature programs. Mary is the program facilitator of this club at Riverside Glen, and Katherine is a participant, and today they talk about the value this program has, and the infrastructure of support it helps the participants of the club provide for each other as they navigate the very real emotional challenges of transitioning into a senior-care stage of their lives.
July 30, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance Listen
Interview Geoff Royston over at The Village of Riverside Glen. Today Geoff takes us on a trip through his life, his various adventures with airplanes, and his career that spans toolmaking, teaching, and even working on the Avro Arrow. He's a heck of a guy, and at 98 years old there's a lot of wonderful history to share.
July 28, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance Listen
Interview with Wesley Anderson at The Village of Riverside Glen. Wes grew up in Jamaica, and worked as a pharmacist before beginning a career as a teacher here in Canada. We talk about his past, and about this pandemic - about the current challenges around navigating school and remote learning, and our shared desire for a vaccine.
July 24, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance Listen
This episode explores the topic of supporting people living with dementia, and how we can adapt to the additional challenges presented by this global pandemic. For this conversation I interview Heather Luth, Dementia Program specialist for Schlegel Villages, and Tara Rosenow, who is the Neighbourhood Coordinator for the "Emma Neighbourhood" - the memory care wing of The Village of Riverside Glen.
July 23, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance | Listen
Interview with Frances Poirier, another new resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Frances was born and raised in Middleport, went to school in Brantford, and helped out at her family's General Store in Onondaga. Later as she was raising a family, she took over the General Store once more, and she was hard working woman, as the General Store offered a bit of everything - she was the butcher, the grocer, and the gas station attendant.
July 21, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance | Listen
June MacMillan was a teacher in Mount Forest for ten years before switching modes to parenting and working her family’s dairy farm. She had been living in a retirement facility in Maryhill when the pandemic led to that space closing, and June having to re-locate. It’s a special challenge to move during a pandemic, to a new home with so many new people, and especially when meeting those new people is limited in terms of the times and spaces you can do it in, but June has the best attitude - she actively engages in activities and still finds a way to continue her love of walking (while still staying on the premises), and she has set out to learn a new name every day.
July 16, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance | Listen
Jenny interviews Sarah Pottier, Chair of the PSW and Supportive Care Program with Conestoga College, and Hubrecht Quist, Director of Nursing at the Village of Riverside Glen. Talking about the Personal Support Worker Education program at Conestoga, and more specifically the "Living Classroom" - an immersive learning experience where students learn to be PSWs working directly with residents at Riverside Glen.
July 14, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance | Listen
Interview with resident Beth Leach. At age eleven, the war pushed her family out of China, and to the United State's via India, and upon arriving by boat, her and her mother were not initially allowed onto US soil. Despite these set backs, Beth has lived a rich life, traveling and studying around the world.
July 10, 2020
| Bridging the Social Distance | Listen
Interview with Heather Culford, a Guelph resident who's mother resides in the Emma's Neighbourhood at the Village. Talking to Heather for this episode highlights another experience - when a loved one's memory, creates the sense that these visits may not have happened at all. That was a big concern of Heather's, but she is discovering that there's another side to this too - in some cases, memories and realities blend, and they may even feel like they're being visited all the time, by people from throughout their life, not limited by time or space. Some of these seniors remain oblivious to the severity of our global pandemic. It's a complicated and heavy perspective to consider, but there are lots of beautiful and unique aspects within it. Thank you so much to Heather for sharing.
July 9, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance | Listen
An absolutely delightful guest, Tony Ferraro, a resident at The Village of Riverside Glen. Tony's stories of old Guelph go straight to the heart - he came to Canada as an Italian immigrant, lived in the ward, and worked and met his wife at Biltmore Hats. He became the most devoted husband, determined she would never want for anything, even traveling to her area of Riverside Glen when they lived in separate parts of the building, to help her with her meals. Since her recent passing, he's only wore shirts with breast pockets, so he can carry a photo of her at all times. He's such a special fellow.
July 7, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance | Listen
Janet and Larry Hamilton, a couple residing at the Village of Riverside Glen. Being a couple in close quarters in quarantine is bound to test the patience of anyone, but having been together for 58 years, and with experience sharing small spaces on cruise ships when they've traveled the world, these two have things figured out, and are in good spirits. When the quarantine's over they're looking forward to getting to see their family for closer visits, the return of country drives, and a trip to see the final construction of their son's cottage.
July 3, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance | Listen
Interview with Jack Stevenson, a retired cattle farmer. Jack is honestly just the sweetest, and Jenny's insatiable curiosity leads to this being a decidedly informative episode. Jack used to have his own cattle farm, and simultaneously worked with cows at the University of Guelph, and therefore is no stranger to the importance of quarantine to prevent outbreaks. He brings such a good disposition to these trying times, and it was a real treat to talk to him.
July 1, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance | Listen
Marlene Lehman is a bright light in a time of increased isolation. She keeps her eyes and heart open for fellow residents who may need a friendly ear, and despite the time in quarantine, has found a myriad of activities to get her through. When she couldn't attend mass in person, she used the internet to digitally travel to masses around the world. When a museum exhibit about the liberation of Holland that she was planning to contribute to got delayed, she spent more time with the artifacts and the memories, learning things about her father that she hadn't known before.
June 30, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance | Listen
Interview with Brad Lawrence at The Village of Winston Park, and Kadri Phillips at The Village of Riverside Glen, about the past and present of "Pride" at their respective retirement facilities. This was a deeply interesting conversation: on the surface, it may seem like a simple act to hang a rainbow/pride flag in a retirement centre, but in reality Brad set out to start that process in 2017, and has only this year succeeded in raising it. Riverside Glen is following Brad's example, and are having Pride celebrations for the first time just this year.
June 26, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance | Listen
Colleen Fawcett has been working as an RPN at The Village of Riverside Glen for ten years. During that time she's seen many outbreaks and illnesses, but nothing on this scale of a Global Pandemic. There are many challenges: keeping everyone safe and in good spirits, showing positivity to residents while wearing a mask, balancing long work days and added tasks, and especially trying to relay information to loved ones when they're not allowed to visit in person.
June 25, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance | Listen
Joan takes us on a local trip down memory lane. Jenny reached Joan at her home at The Village of Riverside Glen on Joan's 89th birthday, and even though it was Joan's birthday, her story was the gift given to us: born and raised in Guelph, and nostalgic about all things old-Guelph, this interview will go straight to the heart of anyone who loves this city.
June 23 | Bridging the Social Distance | Listen
Jenny interviews Norm Jary, former Mayor of the City of Guelph, and broadcaster for CJOY. At 91 years of age, Norm has done an incredible job keeping himself educated about Covid 19, and is taking every precaution, deeply appreciating the steps Riverside Glen has taken to protect its residents. We talk about this, and about his life - Norm is very proud of holding the longest term of mayor in Guelph's history, and shares several standout highlights from that career, from his marriage, and from his time as a radio broadcaster.
June 18, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance | Listen
Resident Doug A Gilmour has written a book chronicling his life, called "A Successful Life: Overcoming Adversity with Persistence", and based on this interview it sounds like he has done just that. Sometimes going through difficult situations gives you a perspective on what's possible - which is an inspiring concept to lean into during a global pandemic.
June 9, 2020 | Bridging the Social Distance | Listen
Lloyd moved into The Village the day before they went into total quarantine. From the inside, Lloyd has experienced nothing but positivity and support and care from the staff. On his own, prior to the pandemic, taking care of himself had become a struggle, and he feels he is far safer where he is now. Inspired by the stories of his fellow seniors, and the hard work of the front line-essential workers, Lloyd was disheartened that every story he saw of seniors' centres portrayed in the news has been one of fear, illness and isolation.