<![CDATA[Happiest & Healthiest Greendale Podcast]]>A community-centered podcast about public health, everyday well-being, and what really makes a village healthy and happy!

]]>www.greendale.org/publichealthRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:55:56 GMTTue, 10 Mar 2026 19:35:48 GMT60Village of Greendale Public Health Department<p>A community-centered podcast about public health, everyday well-being, and what really makes a village healthy and happy!</p>episodicVillage of Greendale Public Health Departmentgreendalehealth@greendale.orgno<![CDATA[Third Places: Essential to Creating Community]]>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. 

]]>b06b41c1-9fdc-4b8b-bd1d-18fa934e19f6Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:49:19 GMT<p>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. </p><p></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.greendale.org/departments/library/index.php" target="_blank">Welcome to the Library</a> </li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.verywellmind.com/why-third-places-matter-8584788" target="_blank">Why Third Places Are Essential to Creating Community</a> </li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.pps.org/article/roldenburg" target="_blank">Ray Oldenburg</a> </li></ul>no00:26:25Third Places: Essential to Creating Communityfull<![CDATA[Community in Action: Civic Engagement]]>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 Resources

Publications

]]>6282d14d-8c50-4906-9113-1eb848573f66Thu, 19 Mar 2026 21:08:13 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>In this episode of <i>The Healthiest and Happiest Podcast</i>, 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.</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>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).</p><p></p><p>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.</p><p></p><p>Because a healthier, happier community starts with people like you.</p><p></p><p><b>Community Resources</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.greendale.org/our_community/index.php" target="_blank">Our Community </a></li><li>Village Hall Updates: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.greendale.org/government/village_hall_update/index.php" target="_blank">Welcome to Village of Greendale, WI</a> </li><li>Sign up to receive Village Hall Updates: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.greendale.org/e-mail_list/index.php" target="_blank">E-mail Notification List</a> </li><li>Village Newsletters and Magazines: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.greendale.org/government/village_views_newsletter.php" target="_blank">Welcome to Village of Greendale, WI</a> </li><li>Village of Greendale Facebook Page: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/GreendaleVillageHall/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> </li></ul><p></p><p><b>Publications</b></p><ul><li>University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. (n.d.). <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://fcs.mgcafe.uky.edu/sites/fcs.mgcafe.uky.edu/files/The%20Power%20of%20Civic%20Engagement.pdf" target="_blank"><i>The power of civic engagement.</i></a></li><li>University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (2024). County Health Rankings &amp; Roadmaps, National Findings Report 2024. <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/sites/default/files/media/document/2024%20CHRR%20National%20Findings%20Report.pdf" target="_blank">2024 CHRR National Findings Report.pdf</a> </li><li>Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). <i>Civic participation.</i> Healthy People 2030. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health/literature-summaries/civic-participation" target="_blank">https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health/literature-summaries/civic-participation</a> </li></ul><ul><li>Rand Corporation. (2022). <i>Civic engagement and health: Evidence from the United States</i> (RR-3163). <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR3100/RR3163/RAND_RR3163.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR3100/RR3163/RAND_RR3163.pdf</a> </li></ul>no00:25:4413Community in Action: Civic Engagementfull<![CDATA[Too Sick to Go?!: Talking Illness]]>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.pdf

Childhood Communicable Diseases | Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Nurse Practitioner Services | Greendale School District

School Nurse | Greendale School District

]]>0f2c7df0-d6d1-4690-8518-4cc03fd5bf2fTue, 10 Mar 2026 19:53:25 GMT<p><i>How do you know when it's time to stay home? </i>In this episode of the Healthiest &amp; 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.</p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/sspw/pdf/DPI_Too_Sick_for_School_flyer.pdf" target="_blank">DPI_Too_Sick_for_School_flyer.pdf</a></p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/childhood-communicable-diseases.htm" target="_blank">Childhood Communicable Diseases | Wisconsin Department of Health Services</a></p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.greendaleschools.org/o/gsd/page/nurse-practitioner-services" target="_blank">Nurse Practitioner Services | Greendale School District</a></p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.greendaleschools.org/o/gsd/page/school-nurse" target="_blank">School Nurse | Greendale School District</a></p>no00:22:4612Too Sick to Go?!: Talking Illnessfull<![CDATA[Public Health Begins with People: Host Intros]]>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.

]]>b41e103c-0d09-4124-9e39-4153b9a358c5Tue, 10 Mar 2026 19:45:17 GMT<p>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.</p>no00:11:1011Public Health Begins with People: Host Introsfull