Backyard Oasis

When author Stephen Bilias invited Bela Breslau to write a novel with him, a wonderful creative collaboration ensued. Host Denise Schwartz talks with South Deerfield, Massachusetts writers Bela and Stephen about their long-time marriage, their new-ish working relationship, and how writing books together has made their marriage even more meaningful…and fun!

Here's a preview of their in-progress fantasy novel titled “Wu Wei Warrior”: ...

Goodbye, "elderly" and "over the hill"; hello, "wise, active older adult!"

Take a moment to imagine an "elderly" person. Now take that mental picture, rip it out of its cracked, broken, gray frame, and REFRAME it in something big, bold, shiny, and new. With a little consideration, you'll start to see wise, active older adults instead of the "elderly," "over the hill" folks you used to picture. Now that is how you change negative ste...

A terrific program that connects digital natives (young people) to older adults to help them navigate technology and learn how to use their devices has launched at Greenfield Community College! Join Judy Raper, Associate Dean of Community Engagement at GCC, Cyber Senior Coordinator, Donna Dusell and tech mentors/GCC Students, Liv Dow and Jessica Lenihan to learn more!

Hosted by Judy Raper

Featuring Jessica Lenihan, Olivia Dow, and Do...

(Special thanks to the Ohio State University's Age-Friendly Innovation Center for creating the (anti) anti-aging slogan that makes today's episode title!)

Tired of being told you "look good for your age?" Tired of seeing anti-aging product advertisements everywhere? Tired of all the messaging from the media telling us that "youth is better," that if you aren't in your 20s, 30s, or 40s you are over the hill, out of touch, no longer r...

Jazz guitarist Philip Rowland and Double Bass player Michael Suter talk about what keeps music alive and exciting for them after all these years. They play American Standards at venues throughout the Pioneer Valley and were recently recorded by Greenfield Community Television. In this episode, Christine Copeland asks how music fits into other aspects of their lives and how they communicate musically with each other as well as their...

Helen Olson spent her life getting to this place, this place here in western Massachusetts. Hers was a jumbled, uncertain life filled with follies and miseries. Helen talks about her two-part life, first, in California, and then here in rural Massachusetts where she learned to bask in the beauty and serenity of the natural world and find herself. And she reads from her book "Getting to this Place", too.

Hosted by Denise Schwartz

Pro...

On this episode of Backyard Oasis, Dennis Lee talks with Barry Bouthilette about his three careers over 71 years on the planet.  Barry was a probation officer in Hampshire County, a Director of Development for the United Way and now is a Health  and Wellness Coach. His mission is to inspire people to be fully engaged in a life that really matters.

Contributors: Dennis Lee, Barry Bouthilette

Produced by Alex Audette in the M...

Dance Doctors Emily Fox and Denise Schwartz (they're not real doctors but they are real dancers!) discuss the enormous number of benefits dancing bestows on people of all ages, but especially on older adults: increased energy, balance, flexibility; improved cognitive skills; more social interaction... and more endorphins - the happiness chemicals- pumped into your body! And it's FUN! But think you can't dance? No, no, no...Dance Do...

The Medical Reserve Corps of Franklin County, MA is thrilled to present this special crossover episode of "Prep School: A Readiness Podcast," originally aired on Jan. 5, 2024.

They say every one of us will feel the impact of a dementia diagnosis - our own or that of someone we know and love- at some point in our lives. Public health nurse and dementia specialist Meg Ryan shares her thoughts about how we can prepare ourselves and oth...

Judy Raper, Associate Dean for Community Engagement at GCC hosts regional hairdresser and mother of two, Jessica Niebala and Indiana native MacKenzie Shanahan, who is employed in the entertainment industry to talk all things Reality TV! Favorite shows, celebs and intergenerational viewing habits are discussed along with perspective on just how real Reality TV is. Don't take this conversation TOO seriously. Just have fun with it. We...

Backyard Oasis Season 1 Episode 6:

In this episode, Dennis Lee talks with musician, poet, and former firefighter Tom Clark (A.K.A. Tommy Twilite) about a life spent split between a career in public service and a passion for creating art. Be sure to like the video, subscribe to the Greenfield Community College YouTube channel, and check back regularly for new episodes of Backyard Oasis, as well as other enriching GCC content.

Links: /...

Backyard Oasis Episode 05: The Power Of Love And Music: A Conversation With Nick Kachulis on "Life With Bill"

Life With Bill Facebook: / lifewithbill1 ;

Nick Kachulis: https://www.nickkachulis.com/life-wit...

“At ninety two my dad came to live with us. I had no idea how it would transform my life.” Writer, storyteller, composer and musician Nick Kachulis tells the story of caring for his dad. https://www.nickkachulis.com/life-wit... L...

Backyard Oasis Episode 04: Brook Hollow Press and Independent Publishing in Western Massachusetts

In this episode, Christine Copeland of the Backyard Oasis podcast team talks to Russell Powell of Brook Hollow Press about the independent publisher's mission and achievements, as well as opportunities for community members to contribute their own creative work. Be sure to like the video, subscribe to the Greenfield Community College Yo...