Happiest & Healthiest Greendale Podcast

In this episode, the Greendale Public Health Strategist, Megan discusses the concept of 'third places' with the Director of the Greendale Public Library, Brian. They explore the importance of these informal community gathering spots, their characteristics, and how libraries serve as vital third places that foster social interaction and community resilience. The conversation highlights the role of libraries in providing safe spaces during challenging times and encourages listeners to find their own third places for connection and well-being. Welcome to the Library Why Third Places Are Essential to Creating Community Ray Oldenburg 

What do handing out spoons, running a community fun run, and shaping local decisions all have in common? They’re all part of what makes a community truly thrive.In this episode of The Healthiest and Happiest Podcast, host Ashley is joined by Greendale's Village Manager Mike Hawes and super-volunteer Aleks Skibicki for conversation about civic engagement—aka, all the ways we show up for our community.From big-picture planning (like parks and recreation improvements) to everyday moments (like helping at an ice cream social), you’ll hear how getting involved—at any level—can boost your well-being, build meaningful connections, and create memories that last far beyond the moment.Aleks shares why sometimes the best advice is to just “jump in,” Mike explains how community voices shape real decisions, and together they remind us that you don’t need experience—just a willingness to show up (and maybe hand out a few spoons).Whether you’re ready to join a committee, volunteer at an event, or simply stay more informed, this episode will leave you feeling motivated, connected, and maybe even a little braver.Because a healthier, happier community starts with people like you.Community ResourcesOur Community Village Hall Updates: Welcome to Village of Greendale, WI Sign up to receive Village Hall Updates: E-mail Notification List Village Newsletters and Magazines: Welcome to Village of Greendale, WI Village of Greendale Facebook Page: Facebook PublicationsUniversity of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. (n.d.). The power of civic engagement.University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (2024). County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, National Findings Report 2024. 2024 CHRR National Findings Report.pdf Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). Civic participation. Healthy People 2030. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health/literature-summaries/civic-participation Rand Corporation. (2022). Civic engagement and health: Evidence from the United States (RR-3163). https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR3100/RR3163/RAND_RR3163.pdf 

How do you know when it's time to stay home? In this episode of the Healthiest & Happiest podcast, Public Health Nurse Cathy is joined by Greendale Schools' Nurse Practitioner to talk through common symptoms and clear "stay home" guidelines for kids and adults. They discuss fevers, vomiting, and diarrhea, lingering coughs, rashes, and the grey areas families face every day- plus why staying home when needed helps protect not just individuals, but the entire community.DPI_Too_Sick_for_School_flyer.pdfChildhood Communicable Diseases | Wisconsin Department of Health ServicesNurse Practitioner Services | Greendale School DistrictSchool Nurse | Greendale School District

In this episode, the hosts share their personal journeys into public health, highlighting the varied paths that led them to their current roles. They discuss the importance of public health in communities, the role of governmental public health, and the need for community engagement to support well-being. The conversation emphasizes that public health is integral to everyday life and impacts everyone.