Aging Well: Finding Beauty in the Gray

Alice Goldbloom, a longtime Montrealer, has been writing her whole career—mundane government, business, and consulting documents of every kind. In 2020, with a fulfilling career behind her and two children semi-launched into the world, she began writing stories to please herself and share.  She writes about being a first-generation Canadian, the small town in Ontario where she grew up, and her discovery of the story of her parents, who survived the Nazi occupation of Poland on the other side of the Jewish ghetto walls. In 2023, one of her stories was long-listed for the CBC Nonfiction Prize. Alice publishes a weekly Substack newsletter, A Considerable Age https://aconsiderableage.substack.com,  which features personal essays. She has recently began serializing the chapters of her book as well. It’s called Mother Land. https://alicegoldbloom.substack.com/ Support the showHave comments or questions for us? Interested in sharing your story on Aging Well? Please send your information and questions to Hugh via email at willowwaycreations@gmail.com or through any of our social media links on our website, findingbeautyinthegray.com. We’d love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback. Leaving feedback on your podcast host site (Apple, Spotify, etc.) is the single most important and effective way for us to stay viable and to continue to bring you great stories and helpful resources. And if you are enjoying the show and getting value from our topics and guests, we would most welcome your financial support. Producing a quality resource does require appreciable financial investment. Thank you!

Join us as we celebrate Earth Day 2024 with naturalist, entomologist, and trail keeper Kim Hainge. Kim lives on a 36 acre United Plant Savers Sanctuary in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina with her botanist husband, Jim. Here she hosts talks, lead hikes, and in general shares her love of nature with any and everyone she sees.Learn more about Kim by following her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kim.hainge.9 or Instagram #earthday #nature @haingekim. You can also learn more about the United Plant Savers at https://unitedplantsavers.org/ Support the showHave comments or questions for us? Interested in sharing your story on Aging Well? Please send your information and questions to Hugh via email at willowwaycreations@gmail.com or through any of our social media links on our website, findingbeautyinthegray.com. We’d love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback. Leaving feedback on your podcast host site (Apple, Spotify, etc.) is the single most important and effective way for us to stay viable and to continue to bring you great stories and helpful resources. And if you are enjoying the show and getting value from our topics and guests, we would most welcome your financial support. Producing a quality resource does require appreciable financial investment. Thank you!

Jenny Poelman, 66, became a published author for the first time last year. Jenny spent most of her childhood in South Korea with her missionary family. Nowadays, she and her husband, Ken, divide their time between North Carolina and Montana. When not writing, Jenny and Ken can be found fly-fishing, hiking, traveling, and most of all, spending time with the kids and grandkids. Join us as Jenny shares more about her passions and the process of becoming a new author in her 60's. You can also learn more about Jenny at https://www.jennypoelman.com/ Support the showHave comments or questions for us? Interested in sharing your story on Aging Well? Please send your information and questions to Hugh via email at willowwaycreations@gmail.com or through any of our social media links on our website, findingbeautyinthegray.com. We’d love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback. Leaving feedback on your podcast host site (Apple, Spotify, etc.) is the single most important and effective way for us to stay viable and to continue to bring you great stories and helpful resources. And if you are enjoying the show and getting value from our topics and guests, we would most welcome your financial support. Producing a quality resource does require appreciable financial investment. Thank you!

Jonathon Ray made his stage debut as a child at the historic Flat Rock Playhouse in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. He has taught theater and communications courses at several colleges and universities for many years, including Lenoir-Rhyne and Appalachian State. He recently decide to retire, but the theater remains ever-present in his world. Join us for this encore interview with Aging Well's very first guest. Support the showHave comments or questions for us? Interested in sharing your story on Aging Well? Please send your information and questions to Hugh via email at willowwaycreations@gmail.com or through any of our social media links on our website, findingbeautyinthegray.com. We’d love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback. Leaving feedback on your podcast host site (Apple, Spotify, etc.) is the single most important and effective way for us to stay viable and to continue to bring you great stories and helpful resources. And if you are enjoying the show and getting value from our topics and guests, we would most welcome your financial support. Producing a quality resource does require appreciable financial investment. Thank you!

Cheryl Beversdorf brings several of her talents together, along with her passion, to produce and host the AGING MATTERS weekly radio program, podcasts, and television show. Cheryl is a veteran, RN, not-for-profit association executive, and public communications specialist. Her shows feature interviews with experts discussing aging-related subjects, all in pursuit of supporting healthier lives for older adults. Cheryl's shows are a great resource for any and all. Learn more about Cheryl and her good work here: https://www.agingmattersonline.com/ Support the showHave comments or questions for us? Interested in sharing your story on Aging Well? Please send your information and questions to Hugh via email at willowwaycreations@gmail.com or through any of our social media links on our website, findingbeautyinthegray.com. We’d love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback. Leaving feedback on your podcast host site (Apple, Spotify, etc.) is the single most important and effective way for us to stay viable and to continue to bring you great stories and helpful resources. And if you are enjoying the show and getting value from our topics and guests, we would most welcome your financial support. Producing a quality resource does require appreciable financial investment. Thank you!

In picturesque downtown Sylva in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, there is a three generation chocolate-making legacy that is Baxley's Chocolates. The middle tier of this legacy, Steve Baxley, son of Russell, husband of Beth, and father to Lauren, joins us to share more about this family's journey and magical operation. Just in time for Easter! To learn more about Steve and the family business, go to https://baxleyschocolates.com/ Support the showHave comments or questions for us? Interested in sharing your story on Aging Well? Please send your information and questions to Hugh via email at willowwaycreations@gmail.com or through any of our social media links on our website, findingbeautyinthegray.com. We’d love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback. Leaving feedback on your podcast host site (Apple, Spotify, etc.) is the single most important and effective way for us to stay viable and to continue to bring you great stories and helpful resources. And if you are enjoying the show and getting value from our topics and guests, we would most welcome your financial support. Producing a quality resource does require appreciable financial investment. Thank you!

Did you know that March is National Knitting and Crochet month? Across the United States, there are thousands of dedicated Knit Wits-groups of committed volunteers, many of whom are seniors, creating hats, scarves, even toys, to share with infants and children in need in their communities and across the globe. Join us as we welcome Mary Ann Stover and Donna Powers from the Edgemere (Dallas, TX) Knit Wits. They share a bit about themselves and a lot about the good work they and their friends do daily as Knit Wits. To learn more, check out this article: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/edgemere-knit-wits-group-makes-hats-for-infant-cardiology-patients-at-childrens-health/ar-AA1k3LAM Support the showHave comments or questions for us? Interested in sharing your story on Aging Well? Please send your information and questions to Hugh via email at willowwaycreations@gmail.com or through any of our social media links on our website, findingbeautyinthegray.com. We’d love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback. Leaving feedback on your podcast host site (Apple, Spotify, etc.) is the single most important and effective way for us to stay viable and to continue to bring you great stories and helpful resources. And if you are enjoying the show and getting value from our topics and guests, we would most welcome your financial support. Producing a quality resource does require appreciable financial investment. Thank you!

Dr. Connie Zweig is a retired therapist and author. Known as the Shadow Expert, she has written several books on the spiritual path to health and wholeness. In this show, we talk about her book, The Inner Work of Age: Shifting from Role to Soul. Connie has many important insights for all of us as we cross numerous thresholds in the later years. To learn more about Dr. Connie Zweig and her work, go to https://conniezweig.com/ Pleas do join us for this enlightening and uplifting conversation! Support the showHave comments or questions for us? Interested in sharing your story on Aging Well? Please send your information and questions to Hugh via email at willowwaycreations@gmail.com or through any of our social media links on our website, findingbeautyinthegray.com. We’d love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback. Leaving feedback on your podcast host site (Apple, Spotify, etc.) is the single most important and effective way for us to stay viable and to continue to bring you great stories and helpful resources. And if you are enjoying the show and getting value from our topics and guests, we would most welcome your financial support. Producing a quality resource does require appreciable financial investment. Thank you!

Michelle Garren-Flye is the owner of the Next Chapter Books & Art in New Bern, NC. She is a multi-published author of romance, children's books, and poetry. Michelle was named the Heart of the Pamlico Poet Laureate in 2021. She is ever curious, and ever expanding her experimentation with various forms of poetry and other narrative structures. To learn more about Michelle, go to https://michellegflye.com/ Support the showHave comments or questions for us? Interested in sharing your story on Aging Well? Please send your information and questions to Hugh via email at willowwaycreations@gmail.com or through any of our social media links on our website, findingbeautyinthegray.com. We’d love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback. Leaving feedback on your podcast host site (Apple, Spotify, etc.) is the single most important and effective way for us to stay viable and to continue to bring you great stories and helpful resources. And if you are enjoying the show and getting value from our topics and guests, we would most welcome your financial support. Producing a quality resource does require appreciable financial investment. Thank you!

Jennifer Simonic and Masey Kaplan are  the founders of the Loose Ends Project. Both avid knitters, they realized they had a shared experience: Friends would often ask them to finish blankets, sweaters, or other projects left undone by deceased loved ones. They always do so enthusiastically, understanding what it feels like to wear something a loved one has made. They have parlayed this project in a few short years to an international volunteer group of more than 11,000 volunteers. Join us as we hear more about the Loose Ends Project from these special ladies. And check out their website to learn more about how you can be involved.  https://www.looseendsproject.org/ Support the showHave comments or questions for us? Interested in sharing your story on Aging Well? Please send your information and questions to Hugh via email at willowwaycreations@gmail.com or through any of our social media links on our website, findingbeautyinthegray.com. We’d love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback. Leaving feedback on your podcast host site (Apple, Spotify, etc.) is the single most important and effective way for us to stay viable and to continue to bring you great stories and helpful resources. And if you are enjoying the show and getting value from our topics and guests, we would most welcome your financial support. Producing a quality resource does require appreciable financial investment. Thank you!

Two years ago, Gloria and Frank, both retired psychologists, met on Silver Singles (https://www.silversingles.com/), an online dating website for folks 50+. Since their first date, they have been inseparable and decided to share the secrets to finding love with other seniors through their new book, Open to Love: The secrets of senior dating. This practical, witty, fun and serious guide is a must have for any and all single persons in the second half of life. Learn more about Dr.'s Gloria Horsley and Frank Powers at https://www.goldendatingdoctors.com/ Support the showHave comments or questions for us? Interested in sharing your story on Aging Well? Please send your information and questions to Hugh via email at willowwaycreations@gmail.com or through any of our social media links on our website, findingbeautyinthegray.com. We’d love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback. Leaving feedback on your podcast host site (Apple, Spotify, etc.) is the single most important and effective way for us to stay viable and to continue to bring you great stories and helpful resources. And if you are enjoying the show and getting value from our topics and guests, we would most welcome your financial support. Producing a quality resource does require appreciable financial investment. Thank you!

Join us as we welcome Heather Lyons back to the interviewer's chair. Heather and Hugh will reminisce about memorable shows and guests over the past year and Hugh will read more from his latest book Finding Beauty in the Gray: Stories and Verse From the Third Age. Support the showHave comments or questions for us? Interested in sharing your story on Aging Well? Please send your information and questions to Hugh via email at willowwaycreations@gmail.com or through any of our social media links on our website, findingbeautyinthegray.com. We’d love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback. Leaving feedback on your podcast host site (Apple, Spotify, etc.) is the single most important and effective way for us to stay viable and to continue to bring you great stories and helpful resources. And if you are enjoying the show and getting value from our topics and guests, we would most welcome your financial support. Producing a quality resource does require appreciable financial investment. Thank you!

For the past decade, Santa Warren Keyes, Stafford Braxton, and the rest of the folks with santasjustlikeme.com have travelled the Southeast United States, igniting and sharing in the excitement and anticipation of the magic of Christmas to little kids and big kids alike, especially those of color. Their experience has been captured in the award winning documentary American Santa. In this season of acceptance and love, join us for this Christmas message of truth and beauty. Support the showHave comments or questions for us? Interested in sharing your story on Aging Well? Please send your information and questions to Hugh via email at willowwaycreations@gmail.com or through any of our social media links on our website, findingbeautyinthegray.com. We’d love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback. Leaving feedback on your podcast host site (Apple, Spotify, etc.) is the single most important and effective way for us to stay viable and to continue to bring you great stories and helpful resources. And if you are enjoying the show and getting value from our topics and guests, we would most welcome your financial support. Producing a quality resource does require appreciable financial investment. Thank you!

Landis Wade is a recovering trial lawyer turned award winning author turned founder and host of the popular Charlotte Readers Podcast. https://charlottereaderspodcast.com/   His third book, The Christmas Redemption won the Holiday category of the 12th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards. His novel, Deadly Declarations received praise by Kirkus Reviews, BookLife Reviews and Midwest Book Reviews and was named a Finalist in the Thriller/Adventure category of the 2022 International Book Awards. His short work has appeared in many publications. He is a past board member of the Charlotte Writers Club and has been a tireless advocate for established and new writers.  His latest book, a smart, funny mystery co-written with Sarah Archer is Death by Podcasting. Join us to hear more about Landis' passion for the written word and more. Check out his website as well! https://landiswade.com/ Support the showHave comments or questions for us? Interested in sharing your story on Aging Well? Please send your information and questions to Hugh via email at willowwaycreations@gmail.com or through any of our social media links on our website, findingbeautyinthegray.com. We’d love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback. Leaving feedback on your podcast host site (Apple, Spotify, etc.) is the single most important and effective way for us to stay viable and to continue to bring you great stories and helpful resources. And if you are enjoying the show and getting value from our topics and guests, we would most welcome your financial support. Producing a quality resource does require appreciable financial investment. Thank you!

Joanna Eldredge Morrissey is a native of Peterborough, New Hampshire. She migrated west to get degrees in communications and philosophy from Cal State Fullerton. She stayed for a time working at a commercial photo studio and the Corona Public Library before returning to New Hampshire to raise her two daughters and run her family farm. In addition to tending to the farm, its crops and all of its two and four legged inhabitants, Jo is also the official photographer for the MacDowall Artist Residency. https://www.macdowell.org/ This is a magical space of retreat and residence for artists of all ilk to come and create in Peterborough. In 2016, her photographs appeared in a book called Sheds, written by Howard Mansfield. Jo also works freelance and covers many subjects including but not limited to architecture, PR, and events.  Join us to hear more of Jo's life and love in the White Mountains of Western New Hampshire. Support the showHave comments or questions for us? Interested in sharing your story on Aging Well? Please send your information and questions to Hugh via email at willowwaycreations@gmail.com or through any of our social media links on our website, findingbeautyinthegray.com. We’d love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback. Leaving feedback on your podcast host site (Apple, Spotify, etc.) is the single most important and effective way for us to stay viable and to continue to bring you great stories and helpful resources. And if you are enjoying the show and getting value from our topics and guests, we would most welcome your financial support. Producing a quality resource does require appreciable financial investment. Thank you!

Millard and Connie Locklear, husband and wife, are the owners and operators of the New Ground Farm, a 26-acre abundance of heirloom and hybrid crops that follow the traditional farming methods of their Native Lumbee families. They were named Small Farmers of the Year in 2022 by the Cooperative Extension at NC A&T University. Join us as we celebrate the Locklears during Native American Heritage Month.To learn more about the Locklears and their farm go to https://www.nc10percent.com/newgroundfarms or check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/p/New-Ground-Family-Farm-100070184325635/ Support the showHave comments or questions for us? Interested in sharing your story on Aging Well? Please send your information and questions to Hugh via email at willowwaycreations@gmail.com or through any of our social media links on our website, findingbeautyinthegray.com. We’d love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback. Leaving feedback on your podcast host site (Apple, Spotify, etc.) is the single most important and effective way for us to stay viable and to continue to bring you great stories and helpful resources. And if you are enjoying the show and getting value from our topics and guests, we would most welcome your financial support. Producing a quality resource does require appreciable financial investment. Thank you!

For this week's show, we have a special guest host. Heather Lyons, Hugh Willard's partner in love and life takes over the interviewer's headset to talk with Hugh about his long awaited book, Finding Beauty in the Gray: Stories and Verse From the Third Age. They chat about the inspirations for the book, the writing and publishing process and turn an eye towards what's ahead for Hugh and Heather together. The official book release is Tues., Nov 14th. Order you're copy today on Amazon, barnesandnoble.com or directly through Warren Publishing at https://www.warrenpublishing.net/bookstore.html Learn more about Hugh at https://hughwillard.com/ Support the showHave comments or questions for us? Interested in sharing your story on Aging Well? Please send your information and questions to Hugh via email at willowwaycreations@gmail.com or through any of our social media links on our website, findingbeautyinthegray.com. We’d love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback. Leaving feedback on your podcast host site (Apple, Spotify, etc.) is the single most important and effective way for us to stay viable and to continue to bring you great stories and helpful resources. And if you are enjoying the show and getting value from our topics and guests, we would most welcome your financial support. Producing a quality resource does require appreciable financial investment. Thank you!

Dr. Heather Altman has spent the bulk of her career in the non-profit, healthcare, and aging services sectors. She is currently the Executive Director of the Health Sciences Health Innovations Group and the North Carolina Serious Illness Coalition. She is also a Senior Living Specialist with All About Seniors, Inc. As if these were not already a full plate, Heather is also a burgeoning media star with Friday Facts, an online, news style show hosting health care leaders and advocates as well as hosting the WCOM-FM radio show Aging Well Together. Join us to hear Dr. Altman share her passion and good work on behalf of seniors and loved ones in need of community supports.Here are a few healthy aging resources that Dr. Altman highly recommends:Local Senior Centers/County Departments on Aging offer a wealth of services and informationhttp://www.orangecountync.gov/AWT-Show (for the Aging Well Together Show)Longtermcare.gov – great general overview on range of long term services and supportsAARP.org – helpful tips and tools for aging in place and caregiver resourcesncdoi.gov - for help with Medicare-related information in North CarolinaNC Serious Illness Coalition: www.ncsicoalition.orghttps://www.ncsicoalition.org/insights/ (for the Friday Facts programs)All About Seniors (the company I work with for Senior Living Support): www.allaboutseniorsnc.com Support the showHave comments or questions for us? Interested in sharing your story on Aging Well? Please send your information and questions to Hugh via email at willowwaycreations@gmail.com or through any of our social media links on our website, findingbeautyinthegray.com. We’d love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback. Leaving feedback on your podcast host site (Apple, Spotify, etc.) is the single most important and effective way for us to stay viable and to continue to bring you great stories and helpful resources. And if you are enjoying the show and getting value from our topics and guests, we would most welcome your financial support. Producing a quality resource does require appreciable financial investment. Thank you!

Erin Eleuterio is a dedicated health and fitness professional with a commitment to improving the lives of individuals over the age of 50.  She holds a B.S. in Kinesiology and is a certified Functional Aging Specialist. She is also the creator and host of the Second Act Fit Pros podcast.  Please check out her show hosting a range of aging fitness experts. You can learn more about Erin here: https://erineleu.com/ Join us on our own Aging Well: Finding Beauty in the Gray podcast as we hear more about Erin's good work and inspirations. Support the showHave comments or questions for us? Interested in sharing your story on Aging Well? Please send your information and questions to Hugh via email at willowwaycreations@gmail.com or through any of our social media links on our website, findingbeautyinthegray.com. We’d love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback. Leaving feedback on your podcast host site (Apple, Spotify, etc.) is the single most important and effective way for us to stay viable and to continue to bring you great stories and helpful resources. And if you are enjoying the show and getting value from our topics and guests, we would most welcome your financial support. Producing a quality resource does require appreciable financial investment. Thank you!

Brad Campbell retired from a career in advertising in 2018. These days he enjoys storytelling, writing feature articles for Our State magazine, exploring all things nature with his wife Judy, and riding his bike. This last passion included a traumatic accident and remarkable story of recovery and resilience. Join us for this inspiring account of grit, determination, and gratitude. Here are links to Brad's story in Our State magazine and his Moth storytelling account in Asheville: https://www.ourstate.com/life-cycle/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4KXe5Dg4lQ Support the showHave comments or questions for us? Interested in sharing your story on Aging Well? Please send your information and questions to Hugh via email at willowwaycreations@gmail.com or through any of our social media links on our website, findingbeautyinthegray.com. We’d love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback. Leaving feedback on your podcast host site (Apple, Spotify, etc.) is the single most important and effective way for us to stay viable and to continue to bring you great stories and helpful resources. And if you are enjoying the show and getting value from our topics and guests, we would most welcome your financial support. Producing a quality resource does require appreciable financial investment. Thank you!