#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench
Society & Culture
Episode #36 - A conversation that is raw in its emotions, very honest and open with Jack Paleczny of The Village at University Gates in Waterloo. A beautiful example of the connection among us all as he shares his story from the Green Bench.
Jack lives at The Village with and cares for his wife Diana Lynn who lives with both dementia and Parkinson's disease. He lives a life of service first as a leader to his community, serving God, serving the people around him, and today, serving up a whole lot of wisdom and perspective.
The 12s in Jack's life:
12 Years of Education
12 Years of Graduate Studies
12 Years as a Priest
12 Years as a Hospital Chaplain
12 Years as a Pastor of the United Church
His sister is a nun who just returned back from 12 years in Africa.
Learn about the decision Jack made to leave the priesthood and how his mother stood up for him among his 8 siblings.
"The big part of chaplaincy training is that although you are grounded in your own faith, you are able to walk with others in their faith." -Jack Paleczny
"Chaplaincy is a beautiful experience." -Jack Paleczny
"Our higher power is GOOD." - Erin Davis
"The meaning/value of life is the very goodness of people and the desire of people to do good." -Jack Paleczny
When Jack first got to The Village at University Gates, everybody he met he would ask them their name. "It was important to greet people by name and to hear their stories at The Village at University Gates."
Jack shares his tips to being an effective listener.
"If you can stay with the person and ask a question that unfolds their story a little bit more. They feel a connection, a bond, and trust in sharing their story." -Jack Paleczny
How do you remember people's names?
Subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on any network and share your thoughts on social media using the #ElderWisdom tag to help others find us.
----more----
The Green Bench is a symbol of elder wisdom. Physically or virtually, the bench invites us all to sit alongside a senior, share a conversation, or give and offer advice.
It challenges the stigma seniors face; the ageism still so prevalent in society. It reminds us of the wealth of wisdom our elders offer and in doing so, helps restore them to a place of reverence.
"The greatest untapped resource in Canada, if not the world, is the collective wisdom of our elders." -Ron Schlegel
This podcast is brought to you by Schlegel Villages, retirement & long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada.
#ElderWisdom | Stories from the Green Bench is produced by Memory Tree Productions
Learn more about our host, Erin Davis, at erindavis.com
Learn more about #ElderWisdom at elderwisdom.ca
David Boehm - A musician living life to its fullest, technology, connections, and dreaming
Lloyd Hetherington - A life in education, in service, and now our podcast co-host
Judy Stefnitz - A chance for a dance, career in nursing, and parenting with challenges
Doug Reed - Life in media and giving back through the Salvation Army
Dee Preikschas - Dancing with Parkinson‘s and the importance of humour in our day
Ron Schlegel - Family business in Senior Living and more, stories from the Olympics and Innovation
Hank Floyd - A life with no regrets, servant leadership and various workplaces
Barry Hickling - Discrimination through ageism, working with the Ontario Association of Residents‘ Councils and hope for the future
Louise Jolliffe - Women in the workplace, loving the work you do, and a variety of hobbies
Doug Gilmour - A story of a successful life amongst tragedies, overcoming adversity with persistence
Sally Carter - A career educating in food service, traveling, family and relationships
Douglas Robinson - Working in the hospitality industry, a brush with royalty, 60 years married, alzheimers and grief
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Modern West
Voices of Misery Podcast
House of Whimsical Terror
Just Dumb Enough Podcast
Stuff You Should Know
Timcast IRL