Backyard OASIS - Older Adults Seeking, Inspiring, Serving

Generations in Dialogue: A Conversation About What Connects Us Across Age and Experience, with host Denise Schwartz

Community colleges are more than just classrooms; they are hubs where generations collide. In this special episode, host Denise Schwartz speaks with GCC's Associate Dean of Community Engagement Judy Raper and GCC student Carly Mahowald to discuss the social infrastructure that keeps us connected. We’re moving past 'old versus young' headlines to explore how proximity, shared goals, and genuine curiosity can dismantle stereotypes and build a stronger, more resilient community. Photo credit: Denise Schwartz interviewing Judy Raper [Photograph]. (2022, February 25). Retrieved from https://ark.digitalcommonwealth.org/ark:/50959/c534jk588 [https://ark.digitalcommonwealth.org/ark:/50959/c534jk588] Be sure to subscribe to the Greenfield Community College Backyard Oasis Podcasts, and check back regularly for new episodes as well as other enriching GCC content! Hosted by Denise Schwartz Produced by Will Copeland and Alex Audette for Greenfield Community College in Franklin County, MA

AI: It’s Not Too Late To Understand It And How It Affects You! with Host Gloria Ratcliffe

Gloria Ratcliffe, alumnae of Greenfield Community College/MS. Americana Waves podcast and Professor Emerita Anne M. Wiley of Greenfield Community College have a conversation about AI and its impact on you. We discuss the types of AI, how AI works, and some of the concerns how AI has potential harmful social impacts on humans. We also discuss how AI uses data servers that contribute to environmental degradation. Be sure to subscribe to the Greenfield Community College Backyard Oasis Podcasts, and check back regularly for new episodes as well as other enriching GCC content! Hosted by Gloria Ratcliffe Produced by Alex Audette for Greenfield Community College in Franklin County, MA

Writers Read The Stories They Love: Jonathan A. Wright Reads "Half A World Away," with Host Denise Schwartz

"With the innocence of young eyes and with the perspective of a long life well lived, Wright gives us this sweet, loving memoir full of wonder and mystery that is our world." - Ken Burns. filmmaker Jonathan A. Wright takes us around the world in his coming-of-age memoir based on his boyhood diary entries and deep memories of a 9-month journey with his family across the globe in 1962 and 1963. It explores his awakening to privilege and inequity and starts him on his commitment to justice and inclusion. Be sure to subscribe to the Greenfield Community College Backyard Oasis Podcasts, and check back regularly for new episodes as well as other enriching GCC content! Hosted by Denise Schwartz Produced by Alex Audette for Greenfield Community College in Franklin County, MA

84 - Smith College Botanical Garden: A Pioneer Valley Treasure. Hosted by Christine Copeland

Enter Smith College from Elm Street onto College Lane in Northampton and stroll down the hill towards the Mill River on your right. On your left you have arrived: the Botanical Garden of Smith College with outside flower beds, a pond surrounded with diverse wetland plants, and the Victorian style greenhouses of The Lyman Plant Conservatory. Join Anjali D’Souza, Manager of Engagement for the Gardens and longtime docent, Bill Copeland for a conversation with Christine Copeland about how this Northampton treasure grew, what if offers to Smith College students but also young and old alike in the larger Pioneer Valley community and hear about plans for the future. Be sure to subscribe to the Greenfield Community College BackYard Oasis Podcasts, and check back regularly for new episodes as well as other enriching GCC content! Photo credit: Will Copeland Links: https://garden.smith.edu/ [https://garden.smith.edu/] https://garden.smith.edu/news-events/news/angela-dsouza-mat-18-joins-botanic-garden-manager-engagement [https://garden.smith.edu/news-events/news/angela-dsouza-mat-18-joins-botanic-garden-manager-engagement] Hosted by Christine Copeland Produced by Will Copeland for Greenfield Community College in Franklin County, MA

83 - Travel Tips and Tales from someone who's done most of his travel as an older adult. Larry McFarland proves it's never too late to see the world.

Western Massachusetts resident Larry McFarland calls himself a travel enthusiast. And indeed, he has traveled to some thirty countries from the age of 54 to his current age of 70. In this episode, Larry describes his journey, both in mind and miles. He addresses solo vs. group travel, planning a trip, safety and financial considerations, and regales us with a few anecdotes from his jaunts. Speaking of jaunts, you can find Larry’s travel photos and stories at https://Jaunticles.blogspot.com [https://Jaunticles.blogspot.com] Larry also suggests the YouTube channel “Gathering No Moss” for even more travel info for older adults. Photo: Larry McFarland Hosted by Henry Balzarini Produced by Will Copeland in the Multimedia Studios at Greenfield Community College in Franklin County, MA