Nashville songwriter turns to film and video after the tragic loss of his daughter. Meet John Hamlin who demonstrates how a real-world tragedy can be the catalyst for positive change and new direction at any age. In this podcast he speaks to the searing loss and how, today, his late daughter leaves “breadcrumbs” to help him navigate a new life of advocacy through visual storytelling.
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Celebrate the holidays safely with these tips to stay safe and well
With the holidays on the horizon, many of us are approaching them with far more optimism than last year. It’s important to remember that we are still not out of the woods. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) more than three-quarters of eligible Americans have received at least one dose of the three available COVID-19 vaccines. While the vaccines didn’t roll out in time for last year’s holiday season, they are expected to be the most important factor in safe celebrations this year.
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Squeeze The Day Podcast: Phil Ponder is redefining retirement by advocating for others and capturing our community one brush stroke at a time
Phil Ponder has captured our hearts and our Nashville for the last 50-plus years. He’s perhaps best known for his watercolor renderings of Nashville area skylines and historic buildings. Tune in for some interesting Nashville trivia including the special weather-sensitive letters on the L&C Tower, as well as the “superhero” architect who presented the initial design for the infamous Batman building. Ponder also speaks about longevity and his mother who lived to be 112. His quest to give back to the community, stay active and engaged to Squeeze the Day is inspiring and worth sharing.
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Allyship – a standard to recognize and value all individuals
The Pride festivities are over for this year, but just because we’ve put away our rainbow flags and glitter until next year doesn’t mean those of us in the LGBTQ community have put away who we are. For those of you who consider yourselves allies to the LGBTQ community—or any marginalized community for that matter—you know being an ally is also a full-time job. If you are an ally or want to become one, here are some good tips to practice allyship all year-round.
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Squeeze The Day Podcast with Barry Coggins: singer/songwriter nourishes community by delivering meals (13,000 and counting), kindness, and sometimes a song
For more than 36 years, Barry Coggins has served up food, and sometimes a song or two, to lift-up and nourish older adults in his home communities of Dallas and Nashville. That’s approximately 13,000 meals! Coggins doesn’t know a stranger. As a longtime ally and advocate for others, a friend of the singer/songwriter said, “giving is Barry’s middle name.” Learn more about this man with a heart of gold.
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Nashville Greenways Provide a Fun and Safe Way to Enjoy the Outdoors
In the heat of summer, when it’s too stuffy to stay inside, lots of people like to take advantage of the sunshine and participate in outdoor recreational activities. In addition to being one of the safest ways to enjoy time with your family and friends while still maintaining good social distancing, there are many health benefits to regular exercise and outdoor recreation. One of the quickest and most accessible ways to start up a new outdoor activity is to walk on one of Nashville’s extensive network of greenways.
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Squeeze The Day Podcast with Sarah Martin McConnell: Mom’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s leads Nashville resident to launch nonprofit Music for Seniors to light up lives
“I really believe that all music is therapeutic. I mean, if you think about it, when you're feeling low or anxious, if you turn on your favorite music, it can calm you down or lift your spirits." -Sarah Martin McConnell
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Enjoy summer activities, however, beware of excessive sun and heat exposure
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. However, it’s important to respect the heat and take precautions. Sun and heat exposure can be particularly dangerous for either end of the age spectrum -- children and older adults. In the case of older adults, make sure you, or someone you trust, is checking on older family members and friends who may live alone.
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