becoming bOLDER

In this episode of becoming bOLDER, Melanie Benjamin the Executive Director of The Center talks about her own thought on aging programs offered at The Center, and the importance of raising awareness about loneliness and isolation and creating interventions and programs that lessen this epidemic. We hope you will give it a listen.

In this episode of becoming bOLDER Dan Keenan talks about his career in math and science, his interests in physics, his family, and how life meanders. Don't miss this conversation.

In this episode of becoming bOLDER Bruce Chase talks about being grateful for each day, experimenting and taking risks, building community, believing in things we can't explain with science, living with no regrets, and his interests in technology. You don't want to miss this episode.

In this episode of becoming bOLDER Donna Cloud shares deeply thoughtful and personal stories of both loss and connection. She tells us what she would say to her younger self and speaks about questions she is pondering. Donna wraps up the conversation with a beautiful poem.

Emily Hartka, the Co-Founder and Director of the Charlottesville Ballet; and Kathryn Tokar Conley a Company Artist with the Charlottesville Ballet and CB Moves Coordinator, talk to us programs offered at WCBR as well as free programs offered in the Charlottesville community. They also highlight research that shows how dance enriches lives and makes people healthier - whether you are actively dancing or watching other people dance. Emily and Kathryn also talk about how the Charlottesville Ballet creates a place of belonging for all ages, abilities, body types, and more. Dancing is for everyone!

In this episode of becoming bOLDER, Cherry Bourque talks about her hobbies, her childhood, travel, and being thankful. Cherry also shares her experience as a transplant recipient and how that has influenced her thoughts on the meaning of and purpose in life.

Don't miss this episode of becoming bOLDER with Bobbie Hoskins. She talks about her extremely meaningful teaching career, the various places she and Jim lived, experiencing a stroke, staying positive, taking things one day at a time, and meditation.

Don’t miss this episode of becoming bOLDER with Bob Gowen. He talks about his childhood adventures, working at a lumber camp, being a volunteer fireman, friendship, and being interested and involved. You don’t want to miss this episode.

Allison Agarwal Novak, the current chair of the WCBR Board of Trustees, talks about experiencing profound grief, joy, and the future. She also talks about midlife, blending families, and her volunteer role with WCBR. You don't want to miss this episode.

Marta Keane (pronounced Kane) talks about her work as the CEO of the Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA), her upcoming "reinvention". She also covers ageism and ableism, recovering from a stroke, giving back, and curiosity. You can learn more about services offered by JABA and volunteer opportunities here: https://www.jabacares.org/.

Don't miss this episode of becoming bOLDER with Barbara (Barb/Babs) Wigton. Barb talks about spending time with others, friendship and trying new things. This is our last episode in Season 1. We will be back in September.

Don't miss this episode of becoming bOLDER with Mary Kathryn Hassett. She talks about her family, careers, curiosity, feminism and more.

Don't miss this episode with Sharon Eldridge, WCBR's Evening Shift Housekeeping Supervisor. She talks about her family, life experiences, school, and the people and events that have blessed her. And she also bestows blessings upon listeners of this podcast.

Rick Richmond, an original board member of WCBR, shares the history of WCBR's founding in the 80s. We hope you will tune in to this episode to learn about the purpose, logistics, and mission. Rick also talks about his own aging, retirement from paid work, family and friendships.

You don't want to miss this episode of becoming bOLDER with Steve Brown. He talks about faith and the role it plays in his life and his work for environmental and social justice. 

Tune in to this episode and hear from associate Linda Lewis. She talks about building and being a part of community through her church, her family, and at work. She also opens up about losing her mother as a young child and the impact it made on her and her family.

In this episode we talk with Randy Baskerville about her art, meditation practice, and staying true to herself from childhood until the present time. And it wouldn't be complete without talking about her dog, Scout (and her husband too).

WCBR's becoming bOLDER has a new episode! Today, we are doing something a little different. We are joined by a community leader who certainly influences some of the services that residents, associates, our friends and loved ones receive in the region. Dr. Nancy Littlefield is the President & Chief Executive Officer of Hospice of the Piedmont, joining the team six months ago. Nancy is a fourth-generation nurse and has had a passion for excellence in hospice and end-of-life care throughout her several-decade career. In this episode we talk about living, hospice, end-of-life care, and dying.

Tune in and hear from Jenny Gaden! She shares of her passion for birds, nature, singing, spirituality, family, and more!

In this episode, Dennis Rooker talks about how he focuses on what is most important to him to include family, community, pubic service, and his hobbies. LISTen in (hint)! 

In this episode, Ruth Guirard talks about devotion to her faith, to her family, friends, and health living. Don't miss it!

In this episode, Louise Dudley talks about the twists in her career, trying new fitness routines, being a care partner, family, things she would tell a younger self, and much more. Don't miss it!

In this episode of becoming bOLDER, Mary Buford Hitz talks about writing the stories of her people, her many hobbies, passion for several causes to include the environment, animals, and more. Don't miss it!

In this episode, Mary shares her pursuit of education, passion for volunteering and being involved in the community, and love of family. Mary also lets us in on her interest in antiques, history and the 1853 farmhouse she and Jim renovated.

In this episode, Susan generously talks about love and loss. She reflects on her two wonderful marriages and being a widow. She also expresses her love for her family and her cat Hobo.

In this episode, Nancy shares her proclivity to question, "why." She talks about her passion for education and being open to learning new things - from painting, to botany of wildflowers, and understanding politics of the middle east. Nancy also talks about ageism, being an older woman, and the future.

In this episode, Jim Craig, a centenarian (102), shares his thoughts on family, friends, relationships, meaning, loss, and regrets. Jim also talks about how he takes care of himself - including a bit about his exercise routine. Don't miss this one.

In this episode, we talk with Charlie Stewart a supporter of many worthy causes. He talks about giving back and volunteerism, advocating for those living with dementia, combatting ageism, and the importance of having fun. We hope you enjoy listening!

In this episode thrice "retired" associate Sammy Barnes shares a favorite verse, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" from the Book of John and its meaning to him along with other quotes that have served as guideposts at certain points in life. He also talks about living purposefully, regrets, and relationships.

In this episode of becoming bOLDER, we sit down with Barbara Fontaine. While she is the definition of "hostess with the mostest" (as she is particularly hospitable), there is much more to learn about this engaging guest. Boil some water for tea and tune in!

There is a saying, "God, Family, and Country" meant to express devotion to what many consider the three most important pillars of traditional society. This podcast with Duncan Campbell illustrates how these have been woven through his life over the last eight decades. 

This week we talked to Bob Pate, Professor Emeritus from UVA, who talked about what retirement means or doesn't mean to him. He reflects on his interests, family, faith, those who influenced him, and how we can make a difference in our community today and into the future.

This week we talked to Joan Kammire, a long time Charlottesville resident who served as a social worker and supervisor in the City of Charlottesville Department of Social Services. She talks about the best decision she ever made (hint: it's related to love). She also shares her dedication to lifelong learning and taking on leadership positions.

This week we talked to Dudley Rochester, a nonagenarian who served as a Pulmonologist at universities and hospitals. He talks about the his interests and trying new things, facing fear, and the importance of discussing about end-of-life health care issues. He also shares what he is looking forward to.

This week we talked to Bunny Sheppard, an experienced executive coach, who talked about her passions and the times when she had to change her name in the workplace. She reflects on her career, working with other women, learning new forms of art, how some things have made arcs in her life, and talks about how we can make a difference in our community today and into the future.