Powered by Age Podcast

Our 113th Zoomcast (June 30, 2022); Guest hosted by Jesse Wentzloff. Today’s host, CJSF Public Affairs Coordinator Jesse Wentzloff, invites Nansey Sinclaire to introduce her daughter, Vancouver Island University fine arts student Christine Battye. We watch and discuss a video of the exhibition Art Action Arising, a compilation of works from the Qualicum Beach Art Battle, curated by Christine.Christine tells us about the art battle, the process of creating the exhibit, and her artistic style and creative process. Neall Ryon reads his poem There’s Room Here and complements his reading with a You Tube video of O Canada sung in 11 different languages. We close by discussing how we plan to celebrate Canada Day. Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Our 108th Zoomcast (June 2, 2022); Revisit more of the best moments of the Powered By Age Podcast, featuring some of our favourite guests: Shibani Gokhele, Doretta Lau, and Hassan Aj Konter Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Our 108th Zoomcast (May 26, 2022); Revisit some of the best moments of the Powered By Age Podcast, Featuring Zentangle and the 411 Seniors Centre Ukelele program! Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Our 107th Zoomcast (May 19, 2022); Our host #CharlotteSistaCFerrell introduces Greta de Leon, Executive Director of the American Research Network and co-curator of the new feature exhibition Xicanex at the UBC Museum of Anthropology. Speaking to us from Morelos, Mexico, Greta discusses the importance of this diverse exhibition of Chicano art, poetry and stories by self-identified Chicano artists, and its relationship to migrant workers and indigenous people in B.C. She reads a poem from the exhibition, H is a Word my Tongue Cannot Speak by Anjelica Maria Aguilera, and answers our questions about the show. To find out more, go to xicanxart.com. Contact Greta at gretadeleon@arenet.org Neall Ryon reads his poem The Poet #CharlotteSistaCFerrell reads her poem I’m on Fiyahh Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Our 105th Zoomcast (May 5, 2022); Our host #CharlotteSistaCFerrell welcomes us to CJSF Radio listener appreciation week and announces we will be honoring Mothers Day with special a special presentation and poetry. Regarding Mother’s Day, STAR Elder and story keeper Kendra Crowell shares her perspective on Indigenous People’s world view of the earth as our “mother” and the sacred interconnected nature of life. She describes the powerful roles mothers and grandmothers especially hold among Indigenous people and encourages listeners to attend powwows as a way of gaining a greater understanding. She concludes with an invitation to attend the Trout Lake Pow Wow on Indigenous Day, June 21, 2002. We discuss various Mother’s Day traditions and share a virtual hug with our listeners. Neall Ryon reads two of his poems dedicated to his mother, An Ode to Mary and Ordinary Mary. Dr. Ramona Srinivasen reads a tribute to her mother-in-law, Vasundhara (Athai), and the extensive gifts she passed on to their family. Charlotte reads her acrostic poem Happy Mother’s Day Everyday dedicated to all the mothers involved in this podcast and our listeners. Lesley Hebert reads her poem Magic, dedicated to Mother Earth. We listen to the Lillooet Nation Women’s Warrior Song and Elder Kendra explains the lyrics: I am warrior woman, I am strong, the Goddess lives within. Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Our 103rd Zoomcast (April 21, 2022); Our host #CharlotteSistaCFerrell announces our continued celebration of National Poetry Month and invites Lesley Hebert to read her poem Inner Child. In response, Neall Ryon reads Talk to the Child from his book From the Other Side. Yoshimi reads her poem Blood Lines and tells us about the mentoring she received from the poet who inspired it. Jeannie Kamins shares a poem she wrote to her husband on Valentine’s Day, the poem he wrote in response, and the ceramic memorabilia box she keeps them in. Neall Ryon responds with his poem Intimacy. Charlotte reads her poem Integrals of Life on intimacy with nature. We engage in free ranging discussions about intimacy with self and others and the concept of Intention Healing. Charlotte highlights upcoming PBA sessions and encourages us to record a SPIN - story, poem, interview, or ‘novelty’- item for the PBA website. Contact her at pbaafc@gmail.com. Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Our 102nd Zoomcast (April 14, 2022); Our host #CharlotteSistaCFerrell extends thanks and positive thoughts with her poem, Thank You for Being Wonderfully You, then invites us to continue our celebration of International Poetry Month #SpeakingOfIntimacy, by sharing poems with each other. Dr. Ramona Srinivasen reads her haiku Two Graceful Seagulls. Jeannie Kamins recites Lewis Carroll’s Jabberwocky from memory. Prafulla Vyas reads Stacy Kozawi’s poem The Knitting Club from James Barry’s anthology Themes on the Journey. Lesley Hebert reads her nature-embracing poem Still Life with Tree. Neall Ryon reads his poems The Words I Love and Intimacy. Joel Flynn discusses an idea about doing virtual karaoke sessions for seniors. He thoughts around music and intimacy included sentiments about his father’s song Fiddler’s Green, which you can hear at https://soundcloud.com/podstream/fiddlers-green-doug-flynn-sings-a-song-for-his-sister We discuss the benefits of memorization and the connection between music, language and memory. #CharlotteSistaCFerrell closes today’s podcast with her poem Rebirthing I Worthiness, and encourages everyone to write or share a poem next week. Listeners can email pbaafc@gmail.com to get an invitation. Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Our 101st Zoomcast (April 7, 2022); Our host #CharlotteSistaCFerrell announces that PBA will be celebrating National Poetry Month throughout April and expressing its theme “Speaking of Intimacy,“  and invites us to share images and thoughts about partner, personal, family, community and spiritual intimacy. We discuss the importance of trust for emotional and physical intimacy. Presenting a familiar type of intimacy, #CharlotteSistaCFerrell reads Love Time, Poem Time, for her book Heart Balm - Just For You. Lesley Hebert reads her culinary oriented poem, Love Apples, and Neall Ryon reads his poems Intimacy and In the Stillness, Dr. Ramona Srinivasan reads Dear Lover and Someone from Shilpa Sekha’s book Echoes of Silence. #CharlotteSistaCFerrell plays her spoken word poem, Heart of my Heart - an appeal to a heart that has retreated from intimacy. Available on You Tube, Just for You, Jazzy Spoken Word. We discuss poetry as an act of intimacy with ourselves and Lesley reads A Jug of Wine, A Loaf of Bread and Thou from the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. Neall closes with Rumi’s poem True Love. Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Our 100th Zoomcast (March 30, 2022); #PowereredByAge host #CharlotteSistaCFerrell welcomes us to today’s program celebrating its 100th episode as Canada’s longest running senior-led podcast. Marion Pollack, 411 Sr. Centre’s Board Chair, commends the ways our podcast has helped increase seniors’ comfort with technology and otherwise build an age-friendly world for seniors; she thanks our host, #CharlotteSistaCFerrell for her tireless work and advocacy. Co-host Jesse Wentzloff, Public Affairs and Talk Coordinator for CJSF FM, congratulates us for our community building work, variety of creative expressions and for reaching our the 100th episode. Chris Morrissey of QUIRKE thanks PBA for providing a voice for LGBTQ?+ Elders and welcoming their presentations throughout its 100 episodes. Four members of QUIRKE present special readings: Cynthia Cole reads her poem Card Art. Val Innes reads from QUIRKE’s publication Together We Stand. Ellen reads her poem You’ve Struck a Rock. Pat Hogan reads part of Blame it on the Wimmen, her autobiographical work about lesbian activism. Joel Flynn, owner of Pod-Stream, the original recording site for PBA, describes ways we surmounted some space, time and organizing challenges during our early podcasts. He sings Van Morrison’s Into the Mystic. Jane Belanger, ukulele instructor and Judy Hinds, craft instructor-volunteers at the 411 Sr. Center, present a video about their programmes and sing and play You are My Sunshine. New classes will be announced. Poet, Neall Ryon presenter of the greatest number of poems during PBA, reads his poem I Am the Heart. We end with a flow of greetings and accolades from podcast contributors and attendees, including Wilda Keir, Yoshimi Yokano, Dr. Ramona Srinivasan, Delsa Delgeit, Lesley Hebert, and Juliet Rebello. You can obtain copies of Together We Stand; Queer Elders Speak Out, at the Public Library, or email spuds1536@aol.com. For e-versions of the QUIRKE’S recent zines, contact innes.val@gmail.com Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

S3 E45 - Our 95th Zoomcast (February 24, 2022); Our host #CharlotteSistaCFerrell welcomes us to Canada’s longest running senior led podcast. For this week’s “breaking news”, Maggie Taylor from 411 Senior Centre Income Tax Clinic talks about this free volunteer service. She answers questions and advises seniors to file by the April 30 deadline to ensure continuation of benefits such as SAFER and GIS. Gather all your information slips and phone 604 684 3171 to book an appointment. Listeners outside of Vancouver can get information about free income tax preparation for seniors in other places. To celebrate Neall Ryon’s 82nd  birthday, Dr. Ramona Srinivasen sings Nat King Cole’s’ You Will Never Grow Old and #CharlotteSistaCFerrell engages us in her call and response poem Neall is Always On. Prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Neill Ryon reads his poem Hard Time Done Come, followed by the more positive poems Forgiveness and Siddhartha by the River. Our new podcaster Amandeep Randhawa leads us in a series of yoga exercises and stretches. She offers Zoom classes every day from 8-9 a.m. Pacific Time (11-12 am Toronto time). For more information contact Charlotte Ferrell at pbaafc@gmail.com. #CharlotteSistaCFerrell invites listeners to email her at pbaafc@gmail.com for an invitation to to join our Women’s History Month presentations beginning March 3, as well as our 100th episode celebration at the end of March. Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Our 93rd Zoomcast (February 17, 2022); We recognize Family Day with our stories about our “most memorable” family members. Host #CharlotteSistaCFerrell introduces the presenters for our new definition of “Breaking News”: Beneficial, Reliable, Encouraging, Applicable, Kind, Interesting, Notable, Gems. 411 Senior Services Coordinator Rosemary Collins shares information about the Centre’s Information and Referral Service, outlines types of assistance offered by BC Housing, and discusses the SAFER subsidy and subsidized housing program. She announced that 411’s tax clinic will run March 7 to April 28 to assist seniors with current and past year returns and GST rebates. Next week we will hear more details on ‘getting organized’ for tax preparation. For assistance with government services, housing, or income tax, make an appointment by email contact411@411seniors.bc.ca or phone our human operator at 604 684 8171. Hannah Shin confirms that STAR Institute will attend the Horizons Conference May 26-29 to share findings on seniors and the digital divide. She welcomes listeners to take part in the conference’s three days of workshops being held at SFU (Simon Fraser University) Downtown. Anyone interested can email Hannah at Hannah_shin@sfu.ca or phone her at 604 684-8171. #CharlotteSistaCFerrell recognized Black History Month with inspirational quotes by Olympic gymnast Simone Biles; Actor Chadwick Boseman; and Poet, Langston Hughes about intelligence, beauty and belief. #NeallRyon reads his untitled poem about emancipation and the “virus of peace”. #LesleyHebert continues her poetry readings inspired by Black BC history from Wayde Compton’s 49th Parallel Psalm. Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Our 93rd Zoomcast (February 10, 2022); 411 News and Black History Celebration; Host, #CharlotteSistaCFerrell introduces our special guest presenters with our new ‘beneficial, positive’ “Breaking News” First, Rosemary Collins, 411 Centre’s Information and Referral Services Coordinator, discusses services offered by I & R (Information and Referral). Key issues such as homelessness and loss of the GIS benefit drive 411’s advocacy work. To contact I & R for assistance navigating the complexities of government benefits or to speak with Rosemary, phone 604-684-8171 or email contact411@411seniors.bc.ca . Next, Hannah Shin an embedded researcher for SFUs Science and Technology for Aging Institute currently ‘placed’ at the 411 Centre, announces the Horizon Conference, which aims to strengthen links between academia and the community. It is taking place at SFU Downtown May 26-29, 2022. The 411 Centre and STAR will share knowledge about aging in a digital world. Hannah emphasized that seniors with experience and opinions about resolving the digital divide are encouraged to participate in the Conference. She invited anyone interested to phone her at 604-689-8171 or email hannah.shin@sfu.ca. The conference fee will be paid for participants willing to take part in its workshops. Continuing our celebration of Black History Month, Charlotte invites us to introduce ourselves with sound and movement. She engages us in her original “call and response” poem How Can you Run with the Horses when Running with the Horsemen Tires You Out? Lesley Hebert recognizes Black BC history by reading The Chief Factor and The Commodore from Wayde Compton’s 49th Parallel Psalm. Neall Ryon reads his poem Never Give Up and Charlotte closes with inspirational quotes from Booker T. Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Our 92nd Zoomcast (Febuary 3, 2022); Our host #CharlotteSistaCFerrell introduces Scott Riesterer, Seniors’ Programme Coordinator at Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, who talks about Kits House programs for seniors. Better At Home is a United Way program that helps seniors continue to live independently by providing subsidized light housekeeping, volunteer drivers and grocery shopping. To find a Better at Home service in your area phone 211 or go to https://betterathome.ca/map-search/. Other services for seniors include Heart to Home at https://www.hearttohomemeals.ca/, a non-profit service offering free delivery, and the for-profit meal delivery service Fresh Prep at https://www.freshprep.ca Dr. Ramona Srinivasan sings Young at Heart, a pre-birthday song for Neall Ryon, and Neill reads his new poem Never Give Up. #CharlotteSistaCFerrell begins our celebration of Black History Month with a history of BHM in Canada and some inspirational quotes. She invites us to participate in her call and response poem by Mary McLeod Bethune. Lesley Hebert reads JD from 49th Parallel Psalm, Wayde Compton’s poem about Governor James Douglas, who invited Black Americans to come to BC from California during the Thompson River gold rush. Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Our 91st Zoomcast (January 27, 2022); Our host #CharlotteSistaCFerrell invites 411 Board member Monica Murguia to open today’s session with the Breaking News that the 411 Centre reopens on January 31. Activities include support services information and referral, free internet and phone access. Appointments are recommended. All activities will follow Covid-19 protocols. The centre is at 333 - 330 Terminal, close to Stadium station. Our introduction “prompt” for today is ‘mountains’ and we introduce ourselves by sharing thoughts or memories about mountains. Supporting media promotion of the word, “Listen”, we discuss the importance of greeting people sincerely, making eye contact and waiting to hear people’s response to the greeting, “How are you?” Charlotte highlights the enthusiastic way Gail Harwood participated in our podcasts as a “Peer Leader” from its 2019 launch until her recent passing. Neall Ryon remembers spiritual discussions he held with Gayle with his poems The Monk and The Shadow. We hear The Moment by Margaret Atwood submitted by CJSF Radio Coordinator Robin Eriksson. Charlotte reads two tribute poems, Gail and Bring on the Peacemakers. Closing the tributes, Prafulla Vyas read her poem My Sunset in a Teacup. Gail’s persistence, faith and humor are anchored in our hearts. Gail’s family members notified us they are delighted that Gail’s recordings are available on the SPINs (Stories, Poems, Interviews, and Novelties) section of the poweredbyage.com website. Listeners are encouraged to record SPINs on their phones or in special sessions with our production team. We are especially looking for people to record interviews of other seniors. To record a SPIN, submit ideas for future podcasts or to take part in them, contact Charlotte at pbaafc@gmail.com Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Our 90th Zoomcast (January 20, 2022); To celebrate National Hug Day, founded by Kevin Zaborney in 1986, we introduce ourselves with a word that makes us feel happy and a story about a memorable hug. We experiment with touching hands across our Zoom screens and discuss ways of giving virtual hugs. Johnnie Proby, an international Sound Therapy Practitioner, leads a discussion of the relationship between the vibrations of the singing voice and the seven body chakras. Johnnie and Dr. Ramona Srinivasen lead us in a series of yogic self-hugs. Lesley Hebert tells a heart-warming story about a random act of kindness. Charlotte reads her poem Just for You which was the inspiration for her book Heart Balm~Just for You. Jeannie Kammins, a 411 Sr. Center volunteer, and Board member expresses the “kindness power” of volunteers spending time advocating for equitable housing and internet access for seniors. We comment on ways volunteerism brings happiness to volunteers as well as those they serve and say goodbye by signing off with a happy thought. Charlotte invites listeners to hug someone by interviewing them for the SPIN section of the PBA website. To submit ideas for future programmes or to take part in upcoming podcasts, contact Charlotte at pbaafc@gmail.com or use the contact button at https://www.poweredbyage.com Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Our 89th Zoomcast (January 13, 2022); Host  Charlotte 'SistaC' Ferrell presents today’s theme of Kindness, Compassion and Service and how they connect to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy as a leader. Neall Ryon presents dramatic poems on the theme of kindness: Disorientation by Theoretical Physicist Dr. Katie Mack, followed by his own poems, Its Only a Dollar; The Courage to Fear; and Wholeness. Lesley Hebert accentuates a sense of compassion with her poems Hope, Raccoon, and Inner Child. Charlotte plays an excerpt from Dr. King’s life-assessing sermon, “The Drum Major Instinct,” delivered Feb 4, 1968, two months before his assassination. We reflect on the powerful outcome of his consistent service as a relentless leader in the Civil Rights movement. We discuss kindness as a way of being, springboard for action and a way to heal the trauma of separation. The power of loving oneself and having compassion for others was anchored by listening to a recording of Luther Vandross singing The Impossible Dream. To submit ideas for future programmes or to take part in upcoming podcasts, contact Charlotte at pbaafc@gmail.com or on our website, www.poweredbyage.com Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant;and G & F Financial.

Our 88th Zoomcast (January 6, 2022); Our host, Charlotte 'Sista C' Ferrell, announces that future podcast sessions will begin with breaking news about Covid Omicron restrictions and how the 411 Centre and other senior centres are modifying or ceasing their programs. PBA will help more people learn to use remote communications and increase their comfort in presenting topics or their creative writing. We introduce ourselves by sharing something that the recent heavy snowfall has made us realize. We discuss pills and supplements we use to nurture our immune systems and cautions about overdosing. Joel Flynn invites suggestions for “Threefer” segments – three songs by one artist which form a cohesive narrative or focus on a particular theme. He shared the links to the edited version of last week’s Beatles medley. Per the host’s prompt to write about the coldest day in our memory, Jeannie Kammins reads “January 1977”, a memory of a day out in Saskatoon at 40 below. Chris Morrissey reads “A drop of 70 Degrees” about her return to Prince George, B.C. at Christmas after teaching in a missionary school in tropical Brunei. Lesley Hebert reads her poem Twelfth Night. Charlotte asks us to brainstorm words beginning with Br, Be and Ba which leads to “Brain”, “Belly” and “Back” being identified as topics for future episodes. Dr. Ramona sent a happiness calendar for use in our podcasts and email to homebound participants. Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Our 86th Zoomcast (December 30, 2021); We introduce ourselves by sharing good things we will take with us into the new year. Joel Flynn introduces Chris Schultz from Horizon School of Music who talks about the school’s programmes for adults and at-risk youth. Inspired by the recently released Beatles documentary, Joel sings Let it Be, Here Comes the Sun, and Hey Jude. Neall reads his joyful tribute to his brother, A White Ford Pickup with Texas Plates, Jeannie Kamins reads her poem One Kick at the Can, and Charlotte Ferrell reads her Kwanzaa poem Stepping Through Kwanzaa. We share our intentions for the New Year. Dr. Ramona Srinivasan shares her intention to follow the mantra 'Lokah samasta sukino bhavantu' (May all living beings everywhere be happy and free). Our host #CharlotteSistaCFerrell invites listeners to hear all the issues we covered in 2021 by listening to podcast recordings on You Tube, Spotify, iTunes or our website, poweredbyage.com. Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

(Our 86th Zoomcast December 23, 2021); Our host #CharlotteSistaCFerrell welcomes everyone to our Holiday Cheer podcast and Nansey Sinclair and her daughter Christine share a fun Christmas trivia game. Joel Flynn sings a selection of holiday songs: Dean Martin’s Marshmallow World, It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas, Silver Bells and Let it Snow. Neall Ryon reads his poems: Siddhartha by the River and In the Stillness. Ramona, Leslie and others comment on ways the poems generate positive emotions and self-reflection. In recognition of Kwanzaa, December 26-Jan 1, #CharlotteSistaCFerrell reads a segment of the Annual Message by #KwanzaaFather, Dr. Maulana Karenga, “bringing greetings of celebration, solidarity and continuing struggle for good in the world.” Elizabeth Wu reads To Ann, a poem dedicated to a friend in hospice. Charlotte invites listeners to hear our past episodes and register to join our Zoomcasts at www.poweredbyage.com Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.

Our 85th Zoomcast (December 16, 2021); Host #Charlotte Sista C Ferrell introduces our featured  presenter, Johnnie Proby, a jazz and gospel recording artist, and ‘Sound  Healing Practitioner. She sings Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song,  which generates a discussion about the powerful ways music and other  vocal practices stimulate healing vibrations that regulate stress and  act as a memory trigger for people with memory loss. Our virtual  participants introduce themselves with the name of their favorite song.  Johnnie explains how the words, tone or pace of our favorite songs help  create our Heart song. Dr. Ramona Srinivasen chants the Lotus Sutra and  explains it relaxing effect. Nansey Sinclaire shares how calming her  heart while walking dogs and encountering a bear has lead to the bear  walking past without bothering them. Neall Ryon shares his poem The Yellow Umbrella which  includes the song Sing a Song of Sunshine. You can enjoy more of Neall’s  poems at fromtheotherside.ca Listeners can get in touch with Johnnie at johnnieproby.com, or go to https://experience.heartmath.com/free for free meditations Sponsored by the 411 Seniors Centre Society; The Government of Canada: New Horizons Grant; and G & F Financial.